NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – Momentum gradually builds in market upturn – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic

    Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand rose by +0.3% in April, continuing the string of modest gains since the start of the year.

    April’s rise on the Cotality hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) took values to $819,096, the highest since June last year ($822,175), but still down by about -16% from the January 2022 peak of $974,045.
    Around the main centres, April was a stronger month for most, with Kirikiriroa Hamilton up by +0.8%, Ōtautahi Christchurch by +0.5%, and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland rising +0.3%. Ōtepoti Dunedin, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, and Tauranga each saw a mild lift of +0.1% in April.
    The hedonic methodology also allows for an analysis by property type, which shows the turning point is now evident for more segments too. Flats (townhouses) have risen by +0.9% nationally since January, standalone houses by +1.0%, and lifestyle properties by a more minor +0.2%.
    Cotality NZ (formerly CoreLogic NZ) Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said that the fourth consecutive rise in property values confirms the upturn is unfolding as expected, though a degree of caution remains warranted.
    “Clearly, lower mortgage rates have been a strong support for property values in recent months, giving more buyers the confidence and ability to enter the market. Perhaps in a slightly perverse way, the recent global uncertainty about tariffs and trade protectionism could also see interest rates fall further.”
    “That said, a fresh boom in property values seems unlikely. For a start, the stock of listings on the market remains high, giving buyers plenty of power when it comes to price negotiations.”
    “Meanwhile, as interest rates for internal serviceability tests at the banks fall to less than 7%, the caps on debt-to-income ratios (DTIs) for mortgage lending are reportedly becoming a bigger consideration for more borrowers.”
    “It’s also worth keeping in mind we had a ‘mini upturn’ in values over the second half of 2023 and first few months of 2024 which then partially reversed out again. This latest emerging phase of growth seems to have stronger fundamentals than the previous one, but even so, a subdued economic backdrop still looms as a restraint.”

    National and Main Centres
     
    Month
    Quarter
    Annual
    From peak
    Median value
    Aotearoa New Zealand
    0.3%
    0.9%
    -2.0%
    -15.9%
    $819,096
    Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
    0.3%
    0.9%
    -3.1%
    -20.7%
    $1,081,729
    Kirikiriroa Hamilton
    0.8%
    2.1%
    1.1%
    -10.0%
    $756,686
    Tauranga
    0.1%
    -0.4%
    -1.8%
    -16.4%
    $904,602
    Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
    0.1%
    0.7%
    -5.8%
    -23.5%
    $811,829
    Ōtautahi Christchurch
    0.5%
    2.1%
    1.9%
    -4.4%
    $678,745
    Ōtepoti Dunedin
    0.1%
    -0.1%
    -0.3%
    -10.1%
    $604,664
    Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
     
    Month
    Quarter
    Annual
    From peak
    Median value
    Rodney
    0.3%
    -0.6%
    -5.2%
    -21.1%
    $1,226,785
    North Shore
    0.4%
    1.0%
    -0.5%
    -16.5%
    $1,313,091
    Waitakere
    0.3%
    0.7%
    -2.3%
    -22.8%
    $938,747
    Auckland City
    0.3%
    1.2%
    -4.2%
    -21.0%
    $1,162,488
    Manukau
    0.0%
    1.2%
    -3.0%
    -21.9%
    $1,020,445
    Papakura
    -0.1%
    0.2%
    -3.3%
    -22.0%
    $843,503
    Franklin
    0.3%
    1.1%
    -1.3%
    -20.5%
    $926,141

    April was generally a month of increases for the various sub-markets across Tāmaki Makaurau, although there were some exceptions. Consistent increases of +0.3% to +0.4% were seen in North Shore, Rodney, Waitakere, Auckland City, and Franklin. Manukau was flat and Papakura edged down by -0.1%.

    Clearer signs of growth are also evident across a broader three-month horizon, with North Shore, Franklin, Manukau, and Auckland City all up by at least +1.0% since January. Rodney is lagging a little, however, down by -0.6%.
    Mr Davidson said, “In any part of the cycle there are different areas that either underperform or outperform, and with buyers still holding the bulk of negotiating power, it’s not all one-way traffic for property values in Auckland. However, the impact of lower mortgage rates does seem to be spreading across the super-city.”

    Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
     
    Month
    Quarter
    Annual
    From peak
    Median value
    Kāpiti Coast
    1.4%
    1.7%
    -2.5%
    -18.5%
    $833,629
    Porirua
    0.0%
    0.2%
    -3.8%
    -22.3%
    $785,714
    Upper Hutt
    0.1%
    -0.5%
    -5.6%
    -23.6%
    $703,101
    Lower Hutt
    0.4%
    1.1%
    -5.5%
    -24.3%
    $696,764
    Wellington City
    0.0%
    0.9%
    -6.4%
    -23.4%
    $910,452
     

    Across the wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area, Kapiti Coast stood out with a +1.4% rise in values in April, while Lower Hutt also recorded a reasonable gain of +0.4%. However, Upper Hutt only edged up by +0.1%, and Porirua and Wellington City itself were stable.

    Kapiti Coast has also shown relative strength over a broader three-month period (+1.7% since January), with Lower Hutt also up by 1.1% in the quarter. Porirua and Upper Hutt have been a little more subdued since January.
    “The large falls in property values around the Wellington area in recent years seem to have come to an end, and significantly improved affordability may be piquing the interest of more buyers. But as with many other parts of the country, available listings remain high, so buyers aren’t in a rush to compete or bid up prices sharply,” said Mr Davidson.
    Regional results
    The emerging upturn in property values can be seen across many of the key provincial markets. Whangarei, Rotorua, and Napier each rose by at least +0.5% in April, with Whanganui and Invercargill both at +0.4%. But Nelson dropped by -0.5%, Hastings was down by -0.6%, and Queenstown -1.0%.
    “In the current environment where listings are higher than normal in many parts of the country and some sectors of the economy are yet to rebound, a bit of variability across the provinces is to be expected. But lower interest rates are a significant support, so the outlook for a modest recovery in values this year is likely to be replicated across regional markets too,” added Mr Davidson.

    Other Main Urban Areas
     
    Month
    Quarter
    Annual
    From peak
    Median value
    Ahuriri Napier
    0.5%
    2.1%
    -0.3%
    -17.0%
    $714,079
    Te Papaioea Palmerston North
    0.1%
    -0.5%
    -2.7%
    -18.5%
    $606,647
    Heretaunga Hastings
    -0.6%
    -0.5%
    -2.3%
    -18.6%
    $725,007
    Whangārei
    0.7%
    1.7%
    -0.9%
    -16.8%
    $748,308
    Whanganui
    0.4%
    1.0%
    0.8%
    -11.9%
    $494,838
    Rotorua
    0.5%
    1.0%
    2.1%
    -10.9%
    $627,344
    Tūranganui-a-Kiwa Gisborne
    -0.2%
    1.3%
    -4.7%
    -17.3%
    $583,194
    Whakatū Nelson
    -0.5%
    -1.1%
    1.1%
    -11.9%
    $736,003
    Ngāmotu New Plymouth
    0.1%
    0.6%
    0.9%
     –
    $711,699
    Waihōpai Invercargill
    0.4%
    1.2%
    2.4%
    -0.9%
    $473,967
    Tāhuna Queenstown
    -1.0%
    -1.5%
    1.3%
    -5.2%
    $1,658,111

    Property market outlook

    Looking ahead, Mr Davidson noted that property values nationally remain on track for a rise of around 5% in 2025, a figure broadly consistent with the recent pace of growth (i.e. just short of 1% in the three months since January).    
                                                
    “That rate of increase looks relatively modest by past standards and given that we’re still about 16% below the record highs from early 2022. Some people may well be disappointed with such an outlook.”
    “But it’s always worth noting there are two sides to the housing market coin, and any aspiring first home buyers, or investors, who are progressing towards saving a deposit will no doubt be pleased with a flatter patch for values.”
    “Of course, there’s now quite a range of lending hurdles which also need to be negotiated, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how the impact of DTIs plays out over the next year or two”, he concluded.

    For more property news and insights, visit www.corelogic.co.nz/news-research.

    Notes:

    The Cotality Hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) is calculated using a hedonic regression methodology that addresses the issue of compositional bias associated with median price and other measures. In simple terms, the index is calculated using recent sales data combined with information about the attributes of individual properties such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, land area and geographical context of the dwelling. 

    By separating each property into its various formational and locational attributes, observed sales values for each property can be distinguished between those attributed to the property’s attributes and those resulting from changes in the underlying residential property market. 
    Additionally, by understanding the value associated with each attribute of a given property, this methodology can be used to estimate the value of dwellings with known characteristics for which there is no recent sales price by observing the characteristics and sales prices of other dwellings which have recently transacted. It then follows that changes in the market value of the entire residential property stock can be accurately tracked through time.

    The detailed ‘frequently asked questions’ and methodological information can be found at:https://www.corelogic.co.nz/our-data/hedonic-index

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reserve Bank Publishes Response to Deposit Taker Core Standards Consultation

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    1 May 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has today published its response to submissions on three of the four core standards that set the prudential requirements deposit takers will need to meet in order to be licensed under the Deposit Takers Act 2023 (DTA).

    Jess Rowe, Director Prudential Policy, says the response covers liquidity, disclosure, and Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS) related requirements.  

    “The DTA standards give us a significant opportunity to create a coherent, modern and proportionate prudential framework,” Ms Rowe says.  

    “The three core standards covered in this release ensure deposit takers can manage their liquidity, provide timely prudential disclosures to the market, and meet data and disclosure requirements for the DCS.”

    Public consultation on the proposed core standards generated 26 submissions from banks, non-bank deposit takers and industry groups.

    “In response to comprehensive submissions and engagement from industry, we’re making changes to further support a proportionate approach, reduce compliance costs, and improve regulatory efficiency,” says Ms Rowe.  

    “This shows our focus remains on ensuring prudent management of risk, in a manner that also supports an efficient, competitive and inclusive financial system.”  

    Read the response document
     

    Response to capital standard to be published later

    A fourth standard, the capital standard, was also included in the core standard consultation.  This standard generated a significant number of submissions.  To ensure we address these submissions, and the matters raised at the Finance and Expenditure Committee inquiry into banking competition, we have announced a more comprehensive review of key aspects of our deposit takers capital settings.  The response to submissions on this standard will, therefore, not be published at this time.  

    Deposit Takers Act background

    The Deposit Takers Act 2023 (DTA) modernises our regulatory framework to help ensure the safety and soundness of deposit takers and support a stable financial system that New Zealanders can trust.  

    Once the DTA is fully in force (expected to be in 2028), the Reserve Bank will begin regulating and supervising credit unions, building societies and finance companies (known as non-bank deposit takers or NBDTs), together with banks, under a single, consistent, and proportionate framework.  

    The Act also introduces a new Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS), effective from 1 July 2025.

    The Reserve Bank ran a consultation on the four core standards from May to July 2024 and on the nine non-core standards from August to November 2024.

    More information

    Deposit Takers Act : https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=e438a4a08b&e=f3c68946f8

    Implementation timeline : https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f89e60d59f&e=f3c68946f8

    Proportionality Framework : https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=2a63751296&e=f3c68946f8

    Depositor Compensation Scheme : https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=80b599c069&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – RBNZ research investigates why the ‘natural interest rate’ has fallen in New Zealand over recent decades

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    1 May 2025 – The fall in New Zealand’s natural interest rate has been driven mainly by declining labour productivity growth and a lower natural interest rate globally, a Reserve Bank of New Zealand Discussion Paper finds.

    Pushing in the other direction, high population growth and increasing labour force participation among older households have kept the natural interest rate higher than otherwise.

    This ‘natural rate of interest’ is closely related to the ‘neutral rate of interest’ and is an important benchmark for monetary policymakers when considering the level of the Official Cash Rate.

    The decline in the natural interest rate among advanced economies has been widely studied. New research from the RBNZ explores the factors that have contributed to this decline in New Zealand over time.

    To better understand the natural interest rate, the authors build a model capturing how households’ savings decisions change over their lifetimes. The model also accounts for the impact of changes in New Zealand demographics and government debt levels, as well as global trends.

    A key driver of the decline in New Zealand’s natural interest rate is labour productivity growth, which fell in New Zealand after the Global Financial Crisis.

    As captured in the model, people tend to save more as productivity growth falls, because they don’t expect incomes to rise as much in future. In turn, more savings in New Zealand flow through to a lower natural interest rate.

    The natural interest rate across many advanced economies has fallen in recent decades, with the world natural rate falling about 1.5 percentage points in the post-GFC period. With New Zealand integrated into global financial markets, this lower world natural interest rate has flowed through into a lower natural interest rate in New Zealand.

    The impact of these drivers has been partially offset by higher population growth and increasing labour force participation among older households. This is because households who expect to work for longer tend to save less for retirement. Higher population growth means more younger households in the population, who tend to save less than older households. Lower domestic savings means a higher natural rate of interest.

    Understanding the drivers of changes in the natural interest rate is important for central banks and helps inform expectations on where the natural rate will move in future.

    “If the natural and neutral rates of interest remain low, this would suggest an ongoing need for alternative monetary policy tools when encountering the effective lower bound (close to zero interest rates) on central bank policy rates,” the authors say.  

    The model developed in this research has a wide range of potential extensions which future work may explore. These extensions could include modelling different types of households in more detail or introducing a risk premium between the return to safe and risky assets.

    More information

    Read the Discussion Paper: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=03b47f37a3&e=f3c68946f8

    Authors: Robert Kirkby, Trent Lockyer, Andrew Coleman

    Definition of natural rate of interest: The long-run return to capital. The level of the natural rate of interest reflects the underlying balance between the amount of savings (from households or overseas investors) and demand for capital (from businesses and the government).
    Definition of neutral interest rate: The nominal neutral interest rate is the level of the Official Cash Rate consistent with inflation being sustainably at target and the economy running at its potential output. When the OCR is above neutral, monetary policy restrains demand and inflation pressures. Below neutral, it is stimulatory. The level of neutral interest rates shapes expectations of where the OCR is likely to settle in the long run, in the absence of future shocks.
    RBNZ’s Additional Monetary Policy toolkit: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=562a64b2ba&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Inaccurate 1News reporting on football violence breached broadcasting standards, rules BSA

    Broadcasting Standards Authority

    New Zealand’s Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) has upheld complaints about two 1News reports relating to violence around a football match in Amsterdam between local team Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv.

    The authority found an item on “antisemitic violence” surrounding the match, and another on heightened security in Paris the following week, breached the accuracy standard.

    In a majority decision, the BSA upheld a complaint from John Minto on behalf of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) about reporting on TVNZ’s 6pm 1News bulletin on 9 November 2024.

    This comprised a trailer reporting “antisemitic violence”, an introduction by the presenter with “disturbing” footage of violence against Israeli fans described by Amsterdam’s mayor as “an explosion of antisemitism”, and a pre-recorded BBC item.

    TVNZ upheld one aspect of this complaint over mischaracterised footage in the trailer and introduction. This was originally reported as showing Israeli fans being attacked, but later corrected by Reuters and other outlets as showing Israeli fans chasing and attacking a Dutch man.

    “The footage contributed to a materially misleading impression created by TVNZ’s framing of the events, with an emphasis on antisemitic violence against Israeli fans without acknowledging the role of the Maccabi fans in the violence – despite that being previously reported elsewhere,” the BSA found.

    A majority of the authority found TVNZ did not make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy.

    It considered the background to the events was highly sensitive and more care should have been taken to not overstate or adopt, without question, the antisemitic angle.

    The minority considered it was reasonable for TVNZ to rely on Reuters, the BBC and Dutch officials’ description of the violence as “antisemitic”, in a story developing overseas in which not all facts were clear at the time of broadcast.

    The authority considered TVNZ should have issued a correction when it became aware of the error with the footage. It therefore found the action taken was insufficient, but considered publication of the BSA’s decision to be an adequate remedy in the circumstances.


    Western media’s embarrassing failures on Amsterdam violence.    Video: AJ’s The Listening Post

    In a separate decision, the authority upheld two complaints about a brief 1News item on 15 November 2024 reporting on heightened security in Paris in the week following the violence.

    The item reported: “Thousands of police are on the streets of Paris over fears of antisemitic attacks . . . That’s after 60 people were arrested in Amsterdam last week when supporters of a Tel Aviv football team were pursued and beaten by pro-Palestinian protesters.”

    TVNZ upheld both complaints under the accuracy standard on the basis the item “lacked the nuance” of earlier reporting on Amsterdam, by omitting to mention the role of the Maccabi fans in the lead-up to the violence.

    The authority agreed with this finding but determined TVNZ took insufficient action to remedy the breach.

    “The broadcaster accepted more care should have been taken, but did not appear to have taken any action in response, or made any public acknowledgement of the inaccuracy,” the BSA said.

    The authority found the framing and focus careless, noting “the role of both sides in the violence had been extensively reported” by the time of the 15 November broadcast. TVNZ had also aired the mischaracterised footage again, not realising Reuters had issued a correction several days earlier.

    As TVNZ was not monitoring the Reuters fact-check site, the correction only came to light when the complaints were being investigated.

    Other standards raised in the three complaints were not breached or did not apply, the authority found.

    The BSA did not consider an order was warranted over the item on November 15 – deciding publication of the decision was sufficient to publicly acknowledge and correct the breach, censure the broadcaster and give guidance to TVNZ and other broadcasters.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment – Auckland theatre nurses to strike tomorrow – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Te Toka Tumai Auckland Te Whatu Ora theatre nurses will strike for two hours tomorrow over attempts by Health New Zealand not to pay them appropriately for involuntary overtime.
    The 370 perioperative (which includes preoperative, theatre and postoperative) nurses are members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki O Aotearoa (NZNO) working at Auckland City Hospital, Starship Hospital and Greenlane Hospital.
    NZNO delegate and perioperative nurse Alissa Baker says nurses are standing up against involuntary overtime. This stand is part of the current collective agreement bargaining between NZNO and Te Whatu Ora.
    “Nurses should be paid appropriately for the work we are doing, and that does not include forced overtime as the Te Whatu Ora proposal seeks to enforce,” Alissa Baker says.
    NZNO chief executive Paul Goulter says it is appropriate the perioperative nurses are striking on May Day.
    “May Day is a day for workers and unions around the world to celebrate workers’ rights and the union movement. It is timely that our perioperative nurses are making a stand for fair pay on May Day.
    “The Government continues to chronically under-resource health, is increasing the privatisation of health services and fails to address the crisis in primary and aged residential care. This is another insult to other nurses and health care workers around the country.
    “This year NZNO members will join their fellow union members around the country at Fight Back for Health and Fight Back Together events,” Paul Goulter says.
    Notes:
    – Striking perioperative nurses will join senior doctors and cross-union members for the May Day Fight Back for Heath event outside the front of Auckland City Hospital from 9am to 1pm tomorrow (Thursday 1 May)
    – NZNO perioperative members from Auckland City Hospital, Starship Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre will strike between 9am-11am.
    – NZNO perioperative members working in Post Anaesthesia Care Units on level 4, 8 and 9 at Auckland City Hospital, Starship Hospital and Greenlane Clinical Centre will strike between 11.30am-1.30pm.
    – Information about Fight Back for Health events can be found here: https://maranga-mai.nzno.org.nz/fight_back_for_health
    – Information about Fight Back Together can be found here: https://www.together.org.nz/may_day_hui

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media – PSNA complaint about TVNZ reporting upheld by the Broadcasting Standards Authority

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    It was good to see this PSNA complaint against TVNZ reporting upheld by the Broadcasting Standards Authority. (ref. https://www.bsa.govt.nz/decisions/all-decisions/minto-and-television-new-zealand-ltd-2025-002-29-april-2025/ )

    TVNZ showed film which they claimed was of “anti-semitic violence” by Dutch football fans attacking Israeli football fans on the streets of Amsterdam last November. TVNZ described the scenes as disturbing.

    The film actually showed the opposite – violent attacks on Dutch fans by Israeli hooligans who had engaged in racist “Death to Arabs” chants and attacks on Palestinians and Palestinian flags prior to the game.

    We pointed out the error quickly but TVNZ refused to issue an apology and said it didn’t really matter because the mayor of Amsterdam had said there were anti-semitic attacks so the TVNZ mistake was minor.

    Imagine if the situation had been reversed. TVNZ would have bent over backwards to issue grovelling apologies to the pro-Israel lobby.

    TVNZ’s reporting over the past 18 months has been relentlessly pro-Israel. They have centred Israeli narratives, Israeli excuses, Israeli explanations, Israeli propaganda points and Israeli spokespeople. Palestinian voices have been sidelined and given rudimentary coverage if at all.

    John Minto
    Co-National Chair
    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Retirement of Aratere Highlights Urgent Need for New Cook Strait Ferries

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Transporting New Zealand CEO Dom Kalasih says KiwiRail’s announcement today that the Interislander ferry Aratere will be retired later this year is appreciated by his members in so far as it gives some certainty on what’s happening.
    The withdrawal of the Aratere means there will be just four ferries being operated by the Interislander and Bluebridge companies for nearly four years, until the new vessels are scheduled to go into service in December 2029.
    “It is a concern that the decaying wharf has reached such a point that the Aratere can no longer be used.
    “Given the earlier debate around rail-enabled versus rail capable it is also interesting that it appears that freight movements between the islands will manage for at least the next four years without a rail enabled vessel,” Kalasih says.
    “Our road freight operators will do their best to adapt to the challenges of having one fewer ferry, but there are times when getting space on board is going to be tight.”
    “Planned maintenance, or unexpected breakdowns which could happen as these ships near the end of their service lives, could put real pressure on capacity for freight,” Kalasih says.
    “While we appreciate the early notice, the reality is that time has run out for any further delays in securing new ferries.
    “This also highlight the problems associated with rail-enabled ferries requiring specialist facilities.”
    He says it is vital that Rail Minister Winston Peters gets the new ferries on the water as quickly as possible.
    “December 2029 is looking a long way away now. The transport sector wants resilience and regular sailings. Anything else is just not good enough for the country.”
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pocket Maps

    Source: Walking Access New Zealand

    Pocket Maps is a mobile mapping app for the outdoors. Find out what publicly accessible areas are local to you and explore somewhere new.

    Download now

    Download Pocket Maps via the Apple App Store for iOS or Google Play Store for Android.

    What is Pocket Maps? 

    Pocket Maps allows you to view public access areas and conservation land all across Aotearoa – right from your device, anytime and anywhere. Maps can be viewed online with a Wi-Fi connection or downloaded to be viewed offline.

    How does it work?

    Pocket Maps lets you search your exact location by region and through the map layers, understand what type of access land you are currently on or looking to walk, hunt, fish or mountain bike across. 

    The maps are split into regions and available to be downloaded to use offline.  

    App features include:

    • Publicly accessible areas in Aotearoa, shown by type
    • Range of map layers for outdoor recreation
    • Ability to generate elevation profiles
    • Get coordinates and share
    • Selection of high quality basemaps
    • Offline topographic maps for each region
    • Find your location
    • Draw and measure routes

    Pocket Maps was developed by Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa | Outdoor Access Commission, in partnership with our GIS technology partner, Eagle Technology.

    Pocket Maps Topographic

    Learn about the new topographic default basemap: Pocket Maps Topographic.

    Now available for online and offline use. 

    Get help

    Pocket Maps help guide

    Disclaimer

    This app is not a substitute for a GPS unit and should be used in conjunction with one if going outdoors. 

    Please read our data disclaimer before using the app. 

    Privacy policy

    Read the latest version of the Pocket Maps privacy policy.

    Changelog

    See a full summary of the latest changes to Pocket Maps in our changelog.

    Feedback

    If you have questions or want to provide feedback, get in touch with the Pocket Maps team at: 

    GIS@herengaanuku.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Regional field advisors

    Source: Walking Access New Zealand

    Senitra Nathan-Marsh

    senitra.nathan-marsh@herengaanuku.govt.nz

    027 229 1285

    Senitra considers herself a “fruitsalad” being a descendent of many iwi from Te-Ika-a-Māui and Rarotonga, however, she considers her ukaipō beneath her maunga Koro Ruapehu.

    For the majority of her life, Senitra ventured between Tokoroa and Central Hawkes Bay, between her kui and koro. Throughout her upbringing, Senitra absorbed the Mātauranga of her koroua and embraced their old values and ways.

    Senitra’s career has traversed many landscapes, starting from (the fun stuff) scaling her own maunga, Koro Ruapehu, tracking and catching manu on her whenua, and mahi the ngahere back home.

    Since her “good old ranger days,” she has worked for local regulatory bodies such as district councils, DOCs, and post-settlement governance entities. Her “niche” is navigating governmental and regulatory processes, as she likes to ” geek out ” about legislation.

    Senitra created her business, Uehā Environmental, to continue to be of service to our communities whilst also completing her Masters in Māori and Indigenous Leadership, focusing rangatiratanga (self-determination and leadership) when receiving taonga from Tangaroa (whale strandings)

    She currently fulfils a role of passion as a kaimanaaki (helper) alongside mana moana (people of the sea), mana whenua (people of the land), DOC and Massey University for when taonga strand, and considers her happy place alongside Ikanui (whales and dolphins), activating and supporting kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga.

    You will often see Senitra with her four-legged buddy Tex (included in the picture), exploring along rivers and in outdoor recreational areas.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: One year from extinction day: Minister urged to act

    Source: ACT Party

    “We are now less than one year away from a potential mass extinction event for small incorporated societies across New Zealand,” warns ACT MP Laura McClure, who has a bill in Parliament’s ballot to address the issue.

    With the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 set to require all existing societies to re-register under a new regime by April next year, McClure is raising the alarm again that it will impose unsustainable costs on many grassroots small societies.

    RNZ has reported that around 18,000 incorporated societies are yet to re-register under the new legislation.

    “Small societies are telling me that they lack the expertise to deal with the upcoming regime’s unworkable rules. Stamp collecting groups and running clubs can’t necessarily afford the thousands of dollars in financial and legal advice to stay above board,” says McClure.

    “These are not large societies. These are local clubs and community associations that have operated successfully, providing valuable services to the community, and now they face the real risk of folding entirely.

    “I have lodged a member’s bill that would define small societies, and effectively carve them out from the most onerous new liabilities and financial reporting requirements. This week I have written to the new Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister to urge that he either implement my suggested changes to legislation, or defer the looming compliance deadline.

    “It is not too late to act, but the clock is ticking.”

    Laura McClure’s Incorporated Societies (Small Societies) Amendment Bill can be found here.

    Her letter to the Minister can be found here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Future of the Aratere

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister for Rail Winston Peters says the decision by the KiwiRail board to retire the Aratere from service is about the next 60 years of rail on the Cook Strait. Ferry Holdings supports this decision. 

    “We will not waste one tax dollar on shuffling infrastructure to keep the vessel in service for the sake of it or add any infrastructure risk to our objective of completion in 2029.  That would have cost $120 million.

    “Building marine infrastructure while ferries are berthing there can’t be done.

    “The Aratere berth in Wellington requires work to be done on it, saving the taxpayer considerable money compared to iReX’s brand new infrastructure,” Mr Peters says.

    The Aratere berth in Picton will be demolished and a new, double lane linkspan will be built in its place to serve road and rail for the next 60 years.

    “Under iReX, a whole temporary operation was to be built at taxpayers’ expense only to knock it down when permanent infrastructure was built, plus ‘Taj Mahal’ terminal buildings and expensive works across the wider yards in Wellington and Picton. That is not good use of funds, and we are getting the taxpayer a superior deal. 

    “KiwiRail has briefed us on their plans to serve the market in the interim. Goods will still get from A to B by shifting freight on to the Kaitaki and Kaiārahi, making use of coastal shipping for some heavy freight such as grain, and adapting their rail and ferry schedules to best suit the market. 

    “Passengers will still have capacity, and we may see some evening sailings being busier than normal around Christmas and Easter. 

    “We know that job losses are hard. KiwiRail advise us that voluntary redundancy will be offered across the wider Interislander team, and they will be seeking redeployment opportunities where possible,” Mr Peters says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Whānau Ora reset to support vulnerable whānau

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is backing four new community-based Whānau Ora commissioning agencies to ensure whānau with significant needs continue to benefit from the best possible support services.

    Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka today announced the following agencies will take-over the commissioning of services from July 2025:

    • National Hauora Coalition, Te Tiratū and Ngaa Pou Hauora o Taamaki Makaurau Consortium operating as Rangitāmiro, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the North Island, north of Taupō.
    • Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the North Island, south of Taupō.
    • Te Tauraki Limited, a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the South Island.
    • The Cause Collective, operating as The Tātou Collective, which will commission Whānau Ora services for Pasifika families across Aotearoa. 

    “These agencies will ensure Whānau Ora care and support continues for thousands of whānau across the country whether it’s help accessing better healthcare, improving home budgeting to help ease the cost of living, or getting on top of household maintenance.

    “Since Whānau Ora was launched in 2010, the model has grown to provide a strong foundation to now further improve services. National backed the development of Whānau Ora in last year’s Budget with a $182 million investment.

    “Te Puni Kōkiri has carefully selected these agencies to deliver on the Government’s focus on providing better public services. The agencies will:

    • Introduce greater participation from local communities in decision-making.
    • Expand the reach of Whānau Ora to engage with more whānau most in need across Aotearoa New Zealand.
    • Gather data to strengthen evidence of positive outcomes for whānau and targeted support for whānau in greatest need.
    • Invest in the workforce to develop the capability and retention of Navigator kaimahi working with whānau.

    “I also welcome the recent Court of Appeal decision – Te Pou Matakana Limited v Secretary for Māori Development and others 2025 – which cleared the way for this progress,” Mr Potaka says.

    “The case unsuccessfully challenged aspects of the procurement process – it wasted time and created uncertainty for whānau and service providers. The delay means that the move to new commissioning agencies will be more complex than necessary but, with the Court’s decision now made, we can move forward with certainty.

    “I’d like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing commissioning agencies: Te Pou Matakana, Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, and Pasifika Futures for their mahi over the past decade to implement the important kaupapa of Whānau Ora,” Mr Potaka says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Patient care still at risk from Govt’s deep cuts to health IT workers – PSA

    Source: PSA

    The Government is deliberately ignoring risks to patient safety and the security of sensitive information as it green lights damaging cuts to specialist IT health workers.
    Health NZ Te Whatu Ora today confirmed deep cuts to the Data and Digital team, with impacted staff informed of their roles being disestablished and redeployment opportunities in the new structure.
    “These cuts are dangerous – they threaten patient care and ignore the risks of sensitive patient information falling prey to cyber-attacks,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    PSA legal action over the original restructure resulted in 175 roles being added back into the Data and Digital team, but there will still be a much smaller team with 758 vacant roles being disestablished.
    “The cuts just go too deep and too wide if the Government expects to deliver the timely and quality patient care it’s promising New Zealanders.
    “IT workers play a vital role in building a modern, secure and effective health system – ensuring clinicians can access patient records 24/7, maintaining ageing legacy systems, and integrating new nationwide IT systems.
    “Now more than ever, Te Whatu Ora should be retaining a much larger workforce of highly skilled data and digital experts, but it’s bowing to pressure from the Government to slash numbers with little regard to consequences.
    “We are seeing this reckless approach throughout the public sector and the price will be paid in the degrading of services New Zealanders need.
    “The PSA remains deeply concerned that sensitive patient information will be at greater risk from cyber security breaches because of these cuts. We urge the Privacy Commissioner to reconsider his refusal to investigate these changes before they are set in concrete.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand: New Independent Information and Debate Platform PodTalk.Live calls for Foundation Members

    Source: NewzEngine.com

    After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people in New Zealand to register as foundation members. Foundation members are free to join the post and podcast social platform.

    The Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.

    Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”

    Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).

    MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.

    And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.

    About PodTalk.Live:

    PodTalk.live was designed to be an alternative platform to other social media platforms. PodTalk has all the functions that most social media platforms have but has placed the user-experience at the centre of its backend design and engineering.

    PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.

    “We ourselves became annoyed at how social media giants use algorithms to drive what content their users see and experience. And, we also were appalled at how some social media companies trade user data, and were unresponsive to user-concerns” Selwyn Manning said.

    “So we decided to create a platform that focuses on ‘discussion and debate’ communities, and we have engineered PodTalk to ensure the content that users see is what they choose – rather than some obscure algorithm making that decision for them.

    “PodTalk.live is independent from other social media platforms, and at best will become an alternative choice for people who seek a community where they are the centre of a platform’s core purpose.

    “And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.

    PodTalk.live provides:

    • user profiles with full interactivities with other users and friends
    • user created groups, posts, video, images, polls, and file sharing
    • private and secure one-on-one (and group) messages
    • availability of all the above for entry users with a free membership
    • premium membership for podcasters and event publishers requiring easy to use podcast publication and syndication services
    • next-level community engagement tools that users all on the one platform.

    In addition, PodTalk.live will host:

    • Live audio and video webcasts with special guests and member talkback events
    • premium video and audio podcasts (on-demand and live)
    • premium posts on big issues from prominent writers
    • featured documentaries on interesting and important topics.

    Security Safety Moderation:

    Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.

    “With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn Manning said.

    “Along with a strong focus on security, and guidance on how to remain anonymous when necessary, we have built robust member-moderation into the core of PodTalk to ensure users are in control of their experience.”

    “PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.

    And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.

    To do so, simply go to: https://PodTalk.Live and register. Once on the platform, members can familiarise themselves with what PodTalk.Live has to offer, and begin to create their own online community experience.

    “We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.

    The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.

    PodTalk.live is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.

    Register free as a founder. Check out the platform. See you there…

    – Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Awakino, Waitomo District

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following an earlier crash on State Highway 3 at Awakino, in the Waitomo District.

    The two vehicle crash happened at around 9:50am.

    State Highway 3 at Awakino remains closed.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Chris Swasbrook appointed as Chair of Te Papa

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Chris Swasbrook has been appointed as Chair of the Te Papa Board says Chris Bishop, Acting Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.

    “Chris Swasbrook is a prominent New Zealand investor with more than 25 years’ experience working in finance. He has an extensive resume in executive and governance roles in many large-scale New Zealand businesses and organisations,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Born in Auckland, he has been a long-time supporter of local business and arts communities. Chris is Chair of the Auckland Future Fund and an Inaugural Member and current Chair of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Advisory Committee – roles which have shown his commitment to thriving arts infrastructure in New Zealand.

    “Chris will bring valuable commercial, financial and investment governance experience to Te Papa. His strategic insights and international perspective will undoubtedly prove valuable to our national museum.

    “I would like to thank Jackie Lloyd who has stepped up as acting Chair following the departure of Hon Dame Fran Wilde. Both Jackie and Dame Fran have made immense contributions to the leadership of Te Papa which have enhanced the museum’s standing on the world stage.”

    Media contact: Mikaela Bossley Clark: +64 21 275 0454

    Biography:

    Chris Swasbrook has more than 25 years’ experience in stockbroking and funds management. He is currently Managing Director of Elevation Capital and Co-Founder and Director of NZX-listed New Zealand Rural Land Company. He is also Chair of the Auckland Future Fund, Executive Chair of McCashin’s Brewery, a board member of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) and member of the NZX Listing Sub-Committee.

    Mr Swasbrook is also an Inaugural Member and current Chair of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki Advisory Committee.

    He was previously a partner at Goldman Sachs, JBWere, and was Chair of Allied Farmers, Chair of Bethunes Investments, Director of NZX-listed Mowbray Collectables, Director of Ruapehu Alpine Lifts and Director of NZX-listed Satara Co-Operative Group.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Severe Weather brings a suite of warnings for both Islands – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Wednesday 30th – Friday 2 May – Stormy conditions starting to impact New Zealand today will bring strong damaging winds, heavy rain and choppy seas over the next few days to various parts of the country. MetService has issued numerous Severe Weather Warnings and Watches.
     
    North Island
     
    Widespread rain is currently affecting many parts of the North Island, with some areas experiencing heavy downpours. These conditions are forecast to become more persistent and spread further across the island by this afternoon (Wednesday).
     
    •  A Orange Heavy Rain Warning is in place east of Bay of Plenty, from 10am today valid until 3pm tomorrow.
    •  Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Bay of Plenty and Southern Wairarapa until Wednesday evening. Wellington is also on Watch from 6pm Wednesday until 3pm Friday.
    •  Strong to gale-force winds are expected along the Wairarapa and Wellington coastlines, generating rough seas and wave heights of up to 7 metres on Thursday afternoon and a Heavy Swell Warning has been issued.
    •  Strong Wind Watch for Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, and north of Hamilton in Waikato, from 7am to noon Thursday.
     
    Conditions in Wellington over the next day and a half will be something to keep a close eye on, as a combination of wet weather, very strong southerly winds, and large waves are expected.
     
    The winds are of particular interest. While Wellingtonians are no strangers to blustery days, this event stands out due to the unusually strong southerlies, with gusts of 130 km/h possible. This means that trees and structures that may be accustomed to very strong winds from the north may be more vulnerable to strong winds from the south, making them more prone to damage. These winds will also be whipping up large waves, which may impact travel along coastal roads on Thursday.
     
    South Island
     
    •  An Orange Heavy Rain Warning for the Kaikōura Coast and ranges plus areas of Canterbury north of Timaru, easing from 6pm Thursday.
    •  Orange Road Snowfall Warnings for Porters, Arthur’s, Lewis and Lindis Pass are in force into Thursday.
    •  An Orange Heavy Snow Warning for Canterbury High Country, south of the Rangitata River, in place from 9pm tonight (Wednesday) through to 9am on Thursday.
    •  Yellow Strong Wind Watches for Buller, Grey, Westland, Nelson Lakes Districts (from noon today), and the Marlborough Sounds (from 6pm today through Thursday afternoon).
     
    The South Island is currently experiencing cloudy and wet conditions, with more rain forecast through to Thursday.  For the eastern South Island, this could be a significant weather event, with large amounts of rainfall expected between today and Friday. For regions under Orange Heavy Rain Warnings, possible impacts include areas of flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions.
     
    MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube says, With the hazardous weather conditions approaching, we strongly encourage all New Zealanders to stay informed by regularly checking the MetService app or website, as well as updates from local Civil Defence and council channels.”
     
    Friday looks to be a better day, with rain easing in most areas across the country. However, eastern parts of the North Island and the north-eastern South Island may still experience heavy rain and strong winds.
     
    The good news is that by Saturday, more settled conditions are expected to return to most regions, although some areas may still see isolated showers.

    Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at http://bit.ly/metservicenz  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: On ‘moral panic’ and the courage to speak – the West’s silence on Gaza

    Palestinians do not have the luxury to allow Western moral panic to have its say or impact. Not caving in to this panic is one small, but important, step in building a global Palestine network that is urgently needed, writes Dr Ilan Pappé

    ANALYSIS: By Ilan Pappé

    Responses in the Western world to the genocide in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank raise a troubling question: why is the official West, and official Western Europe in particular, so indifferent to Palestinian suffering?

    Why is the Democratic Party in the US complicit, directly and indirectly, in sustaining the daily inhumanity in Palestine — a complicity so visible that it probably was one reason they lost the election, as the Arab American and progressive vote in key states could, and justifiably so, not forgive the Biden administration for its part in the genocide in the Gaza Strip?

    This is a pertinent question, given that we are dealing with a televised genocide that has now been renewed on the ground. It is different from previous periods in which Western indifference and complicity were displayed, either during the Nakba or the long years of occupation since 1967.

    During the Nakba and up to 1967, it was not easy to get hold of information, and the oppression after 1967 was mostly incremental, and, as such, was ignored by the Western media and politics, which refused to acknowledge its cumulative effect on the Palestinians.

    But these last 18 months are very different. Ignoring the genocide in the Gaza Strip and the ethnic cleansing in the West Bank can only be described as intentional and not due to ignorance.

    Both the Israelis’ actions and the discourse that accompanies them are too visible to be ignored, unless politicians, academics, and journalists choose to do so.

    This kind of ignorance is, first and foremost, the result of successful Israeli lobbying that thrived on the fertile ground of an European guilt complex, racism and Islamophobia. In the case of the US, it is also the outcome of many years of an effective and ruthless lobbying machine that very few in academia, media, and, in particular, politics, dare to disobey.

    The moral panic phenomenon
    This phenomenon is known in recent scholarship as moral panic, very characteristic of the more conscientious sections of Western societies: intellectuals, journalists, and artists.

    Moral panic is a situation in which a person is afraid of adhering to his or her own moral convictions because this would demand some courage that might have consequences. We are not always tested in situations that require courage, or at least integrity. When it does happen, it is in situations where morality is not an abstract idea, but a call for action.

    This is why so many Germans were silent when Jews were sent to extermination camps, and this is why white Americans stood by when African Americans were lynched or, earlier on, enslaved and abused.

    What is the price that leading Western journalists, veteran politicians, tenured professors, or chief executives of well-known companies would have to pay if they were to blame Israel for committing a genocide in the Gaza Strip?

    It seems they are worried about two possible outcomes. The first is being condemned as antisemites or Holocaust deniers. Secondly, they fear an honest response would trigger a discussion that would include the complicity of their country, or Europe, or the West in general, in enabling the genocide and all the criminal policies against the Palestinians that preceded it.

    This moral panic leads to some astonishing phenomena. In general, it transforms educated, highly articulate and knowledgeable people into total imbeciles when they talk about Palestine.

    It disallows the more perceptive and thoughtful members of the security services from examining Israeli demands to include all Palestinian resistance on a terrorist list, and it dehumanises Palestinian victims in the mainstream media.

    Lack of compassion
    The lack of compassion and basic solidarity with the victims of genocide was exposed by the double standards shown by mainstream media in the West, and, in particular, by the more established newspapers in the US, such as The New York Times and The Washington Post.

    When the editor of The Palestine Chronicle, Dr Ramzy Baroud, lost 56 members of his family — killed by the Israeli genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip — not one of his colleagues in American journalism bothered to talk to him or show any interest in hearing about this atrocity.

    On the other hand, a fabricated Israeli allegation of a connection between the Chronicle and a family, in whose block of flats hostages were held, triggered huge interest by these outlets.

    This imbalance in humanity and solidarity is just one example of the distortions that accompanies moral panic. I have little doubt that the actions against Palestinian or pro-Palestinian students in the US, or against known activists in Britain and France, as well as the arrest of the editor of the Electronic Intifada, Ali Abunimah, in Switzerland, are all manifestations of this distorted moral behaviour.

    A similar case unfolded just recently in Australia. Mary Kostakidis, a famous Australian journalist and former prime-time weeknight SBS World News Australia presenter, has been taken to the federal court over her — one should say quite tame — reporting on the situation in the Gaza Strip.

    The very fact that the court has not dismissed this allegation upon its arrival shows you how deeply rooted moral panic is in the Global North.

    But there is another side to it. Thankfully, there is a much larger group of people who are not afraid of taking the risks involved in clearly stating their support for the Palestinians, and who do show this solidarity while knowing it may lead to suspension, deportation, or even jail time. They are not easily found among the mainstream academia, media, or politics, but they are the authentic voice of their societies in many parts of the Western world.

    The Palestinians do not have the luxury of allowing Western moral panic to have its say or impact. Not caving in to this panic is one small but important step in building a global Palestine network that is urgently needed — firstly, to stop the destruction of Palestine and its people, and second, to create the conditions for a decolonised and liberated Palestine in the future.

    Dr Ilan Pappé is an Israeli historian, political scientist, and former politician. He is a professor with the College of Social Sciences and International Studies at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, director of the university’s European Centre for Palestine Studies, and co-director of the Exeter Centre for Ethno-Political Studies. This article is republished from The Palestine Chronicle, 19 April 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Further appeal in relation to missing man Jarrod Kingi

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    The search for missing 44-year-old Jarrod Kingi continues today, with Police searching areas surrounding the Whangamatā Harbour.

    Sergeant Will Hamilton says a search around the area was conducted yesterday with the assistance from surf lifeguards from Whangamatā Surf Life Saving Club.

    “Today, Police will be using a vessel to continue to search for Jarrod in the Whangamatā Harbour area.

    Jarrod was last seen on Friday 25 April, about 11.15pm, where he left an address on Tobie Place in Whangamatā.

    “We continue to be in contact with Jarrod’s family, and support is being provided to them at what is an understandably difficult time.”

    Vessels in the Whangamatā Harbour area are encouraged to keep watch for any items of interest in the search for Jarrod.

    Owners of vessels in the area are also urged to check both inside their vessels, and any snag points surrounding their vessels.

    “We continue to appeal for information from the public, especially those who frequent the beaches or live close to the water,” says Sergeant Hamilton.

    Anyone with information regarding Jarrod’s whereabouts is urged to contacted Police.

    Please contact us at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 250428/6425.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Construction to start on new average speed safety cameras in Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will begin construction of a new pair of average speed safety cameras to improve safety on Pine Valley Road, in Dairy Flat Auckland, from next week.

    NZTA Auckland and Northland Director of Regional Relationships, Steve Mutton, says the safety cameras aim to significantly reduce the number of people traveling over the speed limit on this road and lessen the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash.

    “The types of crashes that happen and are likely to happen on this stretch of road, the volume of traffic, and driver behaviour all tell us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on Pine Valley Road. We also know that risk can be significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit. By installing safety cameras here we can encourage just that.

    “In June 2024 we ran a speed survey on this stretch of road that showed around 74 percent of drivers were speeding. Despite the 80 km/h speed limit, the average speed vehicles were travelling was almost 90 km/h. 

    “There were three crashes between 2018 and 2023 that resulted in people receiving serious, and potentially life changing, injuries.”

    One camera will be installed near the Kahikatea Flat Road intersection and the other near the Pine Valley Road roundabout. 

    When installed, the two cameras will work together, measuring the average speed drivers travel between them. Drivers will only be ticketed if their average travel speed over the entire distance between the two cameras is over the limit – they aren’t ‘pinged’ by a single camera or at a single point where they are over the speed limit.

    “We know that average speed safety cameras are more effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries than the traditional speed cameras we’ve had in New Zealand. We expect they will reduce deaths and serious injuries by around 48 percent,” says Mr Mutton.

    “Safety cameras will reduce speeding, ensuring that if crashes do happen, the people involved are far more likely to walk away unharmed.” 

    Initial construction works will include installing an underground power supply, completing foundation works and installing a metal barrier that will protect maintenance workers and any vehicle that leaves the road in a crash.  

    The poles and cameras will not be installed until later this year. Before the cameras begin operating ‘Average speed camera area’ signs will be installed, giving drivers a reminder to check their speed and slow down if needed.

    NZTA is expecting to begin operating its first average speed safety cameras at Matakana Road, Warkworth, later this year, and will progressively bring other average speed safety cameras online in the following months. 

    Find out more about NZTA’s safety camera work.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Deputy Prime Minister to visit New Caledonia

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to New Caledonia later this week.

    “This visit comes at an important moment in New Caledonia’s history and reinforces New Zealand’s commitment to being a constructive partner in the region for both New Caledonia and France,” Mr Peters says. 

     

    Mr Peters will meet the French Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, and the President of the Government of New Caledonia, Alcide Ponga. 

     

    “We are looking forward to meeting the new leadership of the Government of New Caledonia and continuing New Zealand’s warm and long-standing relationship with France.

     

    “New Zealand wants to listen, learn and support New Caledonia’s pathway forward as a neighbour and fellow member of the Pacific Islands Forum.” 

     

    Mr Peters will also visit the Pacific Community (SPC), a leading science and technical agency in the Pacific, and meet with Director-General Dr Stuart Minchin. 

     

    This will be Mr Peters’ third visit to New Caledonia, following previous visits in 2018 and 2024. 

     

    Mr Peters departs New Zealand on Thursday 1 May and returns on Friday 2 May. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two to appear in court following a building fire, Frankton

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Sergeant Matt Lee:

    Hamilton Police have arrested and charged two people following a fire at a workshop in Frankton last month.

    Police were called to the fire on Ellis Street at around 11.20am on Monday 10 March 2025.

    After an investigation into the fire, Police this morning arrested a 46-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman.

    The pair are due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Tuesday 6 May 2025, charged with arson.

    We would like to acknowledge and thank the members of the public who provided information that assisted in our investigation.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Insurance Sector – ICNZ Annual Review 2024 released

    Source: Insurance Council of NZ

    The Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ) has released its annual review for 2024.
    “2024 has been an important year for insurance even as New Zealand experienced fewer major events, ” ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi said.
    “The cost of living remains top of mind for New Zealanders. Following the impact of the extreme North Island weather events, there are signs premiums are stabilising as some pressures such as global reinsurance rates and inflation have been easing. Insurers are continuing to look at ways to help their customers manage their own cover as cost-effectively as possible.
    “The long overdue Contracts of Insurance Bill was passed in November and will make insurance legislation fit for purpose in a modern world. The new law strikes a balance of consumers having much clearer rights at critical times and allows the fundamentals of insurers to be maintained.
    “While 2024 has been relatively calm for major events In New Zealand, the opportunities and challenges for the insurance industry mirror those for New Zealand – how we collectively manage the risks from a changing climate and protect Kiwis against unexpected events.
    “We are committed to leading and elevating the conversation on identifying and reducing risk to safeguard our communities and ensure insurance is affordable and accessible.
    “By prioritising and embedding resilience in decision making processes and making sure we don’t build in dumb places while also investing in adaptation, New Zealand can reduce natural hazard risks and protect the wellbeing of our communities.
    “There will be some complex and difficult conversations ahead and it will require a collaborative approach led by government to protect our communities from the impact of climate change.
    “The insurance sector supports the Government’s pledge to introduce legislation on climate adaptation this year. We are committed to working in partnership with government and other groups to find solutions to ensure better outcomes for Kiwis.
    By reducing the insurance protection gap we can keep communities safe, reduce the costs to taxpayers and ratepayers, and maintain insurance capacity and affordability,” Kris Faafoi said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment – Home Support Workers to strike over poor pay, ‘broken’ system – PSA

    Source: PSA

    Nearly 1000 support workers from one of the country’s largest home support companies are walking off the job tomorrow to protest chronically low pay and a recent attempt by their employer to claw back staff conditions.
    Access Community Health support workers will strike from 12-2pm on Thursday, 1 May – International Workers’ Day – the same day as senior doctors and Auckland City Hospital’s perioperative nurses will also walk off the job.
    “For the first time in nearly 20 years, our members have overwhelmingly voted to take strike action,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi assistant secretary Melissa Woolley says.
    “Despite receiving increased public funding, Access Community Health have put up an insulting offer: no pay increase, introducing 90-day trials, reducing sick days, and taking away qualifications pay steps undermining the integrity of the 2017 care and support worker pay equity settlement.”
    Most workers are on minimum wage or slightly above, but none have received a pay increase for nearly two years.
    The strike follows a two-hour stop-work meeting undertaken by workers on 15 April.
    “Home support workers are an incredibly dedicated group of people – it takes a lot for them to walk off the job,” Woolley says.
    “But they recognise that the incredible strain on health workers is not acceptable or sustainable – as do New Zealand’s senior doctors and nurses, who are also striking tomorrow.
    “The fact that Access workers are all taking industrial action tomorrow alongside senior doctors and perioperative nurses really highlights how broken the system is.”
    An anonymous Access Community Health worker says that their work is hugely under-valued.
    “We are paid minimum wage to deliver essential care, 24/7 and 365 days a year. Our phones are always ringing because our employer cannot attract and retain staff at their current pay rates.
    “The sad thing is that while we are burnt out, we know that if we don’t provide the care then no-one will. At the end of the day, our clients are the ones that miss out.”
    Support workers play an essential role within healthcare, providing in-home care for everyone from the elderly to those with mobility issues or recovering from surgery.
    Their duties include using hoist equipment to lift clients, managing hygiene, administering medication, personal cares and liaising with other healthcare professionals on any changes in their clients.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Community support for Auckland’s Annual Plan

    Source: Auckland Council

    Aucklanders have had their say on the 2025/2026 Annual Plan, with more than 13,000 pieces of feedback received during the recent consultation, and council hearing from individual Aucklanders, groups and organisations.

    This continues a trend of increased engagement with Auckland Council plans in recent years, with the latest feedback coming from a wide range of Aucklanders by age, ethnic group and parts of the region.

    The consultation, held in March, invited all Aucklanders to share their views on Auckland Council’s proposed Annual Plan 2025/2026.

    The draft plan focuses on delivering the second year of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034 and included an opportunity to consider the funding of events and destination marketing, and the priorities of local boards.

    The feedback shows support for the overall plan, including the bed night visitor levy concept and extending the refuse targeted rate to Franklin and Rodney areas. Feedback on each local board’s priorities will also be shared with those boards.

    Mayor Wayne Brown said submissions showed a majority support for the overall direction of the council’s annual plan.

    “This tells me that we’re on track with delivering what we said we would in the LTP. We are investing in every area we said we would while keeping rates as low as possible. In fact, the lowest for any metropolitan city in New Zealand.”

    Overall, the Annual Plan 2025-2026 consultation showed – of those individuals who addressed the plan overall – that 27 per cent support all of the proposed plan; 45 per cent support most of the plan; 15 per cent did not support most of it; 7 per cent do not support any of the plan and 6 per cent don’t know.

    A possible bed night visitor levy to help fund destination marketing and events was supported by 60 per cent of individuals who responded on the issue; 27 per cent did not support it; and 13 per cent submitted ‘other’ or ‘don’t know’.

    The majority of organisations and Māori which responded on the bed night visitor levy also supported it.

    Budget Committee chair Greg Sayers says it is great to see such a wide range of Aucklanders getting involved in giving feedback.

    “It’s positive to see Aucklanders taking the time to read our plans and give feedback on the aspects that are important to them. That can now be included in the decision-making process,” said Mr Sayers.

    “The feedback is a good representation of our communities – participation was spread across our local board areas and demographics, such as age and ethnicity.

    “While the Annual Plan 2025/2026 is all about delivering on the second year of our long-term plan, with no significant changes to investment or services, we wanted to check in with all Aucklanders to ensure the plan and priorities are on the right track.

    “We had 13,000 pieces of feedback, which is our second highest for an annual plan and the highest ever for the first year after a long-term plan. It’s the equivalent population of Oamaru or Te Awamutu having their say.”

    General feedback provided

    Many Aucklanders also took the opportunity to provide general feedback on other issues on their minds.

    Extending the refuse targeted rate to Franklin and Rodney saw 57 per cent of individuals who responded on this issue supporting it, 21 per cent not in support and 22 per cent submitting ‘other’ or don’t know.  The rate funds waste collection in most local boards.

    Many individual submitters in support of the overall plan offered additional feedback. Of those, 24 per cent of those individuals who submitted in favour of the overall plan and provided a comment cited the need for improved public transport and its funding; 19 per cent shared concerns on rates increases; and another 19 per cent highlighted the need to invest in core infrastructure.

    Organisations emphasised fairer community funding (including support for the fairer funding model for local boards and concerns about its redistributive effects), investment in infrastructure, and suggested greater community involvement in planning for the annual plan.

    So what’s in the proposed annual plan?

    The plan sets out the council’s proposed services and investments for the 2025/2026 year and how Auckland Council intends to pay for these, including a 5.8 per cent rates increase for the average value residential property, which is in line with the long-term plan.

    Feedback was also sought on major events and destination marketing for the region. To help cover a shortfall in funding that was outlined in the long-term plan, the council has been seeking a bed night visitor levy.  The levy would meet the shortfall and fund even more destination management, marketing and major events activities in Auckland.

    A fairer funding approach will begin to be phased in for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 to enable local boards to better respond to their communities, by addressing funding imbalances between the 21 local boards. Each local board’s priorities for the year were included in the Consultation Document.

    Proposed changes to targeted rates, fees and charges were set out in the consultation. This included extending the targeted rate for refuse to Franklin and Rodney. There are also some changes for fees relating to additional council services, such as dog adoption, cemetery and cremation, and bach fees.

    Information on the Annual Plan 2025/2026 is available at akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan.

    The council’s Budget Committee and Governing Body will consider the Annual Plan in May and June, with the plan to be implemented for the financial year beginning July 1.

    Consultation feedback

    Summary of statistics:

    • 13,016 pieces of feedback:
      • 3001 at in-person events
      • 222 organisations
      • 13 mana whenua
      • 9 other Maori entities.
    • 9006 individual responses on the overall plan:
      • 27% support all of the proposed plan
      • 45% support most of the plan
      • 15% do not support most of the plan
      • 7% don’t support any of the plan
      • 6% don’t know.
    • 131 organisation responses on the overall plan:
      • 15% support all of the proposed plan
      • 66% support most of the plan
      • 12% do not support most of the plan
      • 2% don’t support any of the plan
      • 5% don’t know.
    • 13 mana whenua responses on the overall plan:
      • 2 support all of the proposed plan
      • 3 support most of the plan
      • 2 did not support most of the plan
      • 6 did not provide a clear stance on the plan overall.
    • 9 Maori organisations’ responses on the overall plan:
    • 6 support all of the proposed plan
    • 3 support most of the plan
    • 3 did not provide a clear stance on the plan overall.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Voting ban “undermines democratic principles” says justice group

    Source: People Against Prisons Aotearoa

    The Government has announced the total disenfranchisement of people incarcerated in New Zealand prisons. This replaces a partial ban, and will see all prisoners prevented from participating in elections. The move violates a 2018 Supreme Court ruling that stripping prisoners of the right to vote violated the Bill of Rights. People Against Prisons Aotearoa spokesperson and University of Auckland criminologist Dr. Emmy Rākete says the ban is undemocratic.

    “The right to vote is the basis of democratic government. Legitimate governments cannot arbitrarily remove people from the pool that elects them. If the Government strips New Zealanders of the right to vote, it is attacking the democratic principles it claims to be founded on.”

    “The Supreme Court has already ruled that banning prisoners from voting is unlawful. The Government is spitting on the rule of law.”

    Corrections data show that the prison population is currently more than 50% Māori.

    “Aotearoa has been subjected to months of racist meltdowns from Government ministers over hysterical claims that co-governance or abiding by Te Tiriti unfairly favours Māori. Now, on a whim, those same teary-eyed ministers will arbitrarily ban thousands of primarily Māori people from participating in their precious democratic institutions.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appointments – Banking Ombudsman Scheme gets three new directors

    Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

    The Banking Ombudsman Scheme is adding another director to its board and at the same time replacing two departing directors.
    Hon Heather Roy will become the board’s second independent director – along with chair Miriam Dean – following the recommendation of a recent review to add a sixth member to help ensure continued confidence in the impartiality of the scheme. The scheme’s constitution was amended late last year to enable the establishment of the new role.
    Simultaneously, Professor Jodi Gardner is replacing Kenina Court as one the board’s two consumer representatives, while Westpac Chief Executive Catherine McGrath takes over from ANZ Chief Executive Antonia Watson as one of the board’s two banking representatives.
    Ms Roy has been a professional director since leaving Parliament, where she served as Minister of Consumer Affairs in 2011. She was chair of Utilities Disputes Ltd until 2024.
    Professor Gardner is the Brian Coote Chair in Private Law at the Auckland Faculty of Law and her research focuses on the relationship between private law and social policy. She previously worked as a consumer advocate and a community lawyer specialising in consumer protection.
    Ms McGrath has more than 25 years’ experience in financial services.
    Ms Dean said the new additions would bring a wealth of expertise in governance, consumer rights, frontline banking and legal scholarship to the board’s decision-making.
    “The sector faces a variety of challenges, scam prevention, responding to financial hardship, access to services, open banking and new technology, and I am confident the new line-up will help the scheme contribute to resolving these challenges.”
    She said the three new members would start their duties at the next board meeting this month.
    About the scheme
    We offer a free and independent dispute resolution service. We look into complaints by customers about their banks. Sometimes we make formal decisions, but often we facilitate outcomes agreeable to the customer and the bank. We also offer information and guidance on banking matters.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace slams deep sea mining application as a ‘total disregard for international law’

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace has slammed an announcement by The Metals Company to submit the first application to commercially mine the seabed.
    Greenpeace International Senior campaigner Louisa Casson said: “The first application to commercially mine the seabed will be remembered as an act of total disregard for international law and scientific consensus.
    “This unilateral US effort to carve up the Pacific Ocean already faces fierce international opposition. Governments around the world must now step up to defend international rules and cooperation against rogue deep sea mining.
    “Leaders will be meeting at the UN Oceans Conference in Nice in June where they must speak with one voice in support of a moratorium on this reckless industry.”
    Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Juressa Lee said: “The disastrous effects of deep sea mining recognise no international borders in the ocean. This will be another case of short-term profits for a very few, from the Global North, with the Pacific bearing the destructive impacts for generations to come.”
    The Metals Company announcement follows President Donald Trump’s Executive Order fast-tracking deep sea mining in US and international waters, which Greenpeace says threatens Pacific sovereignty.
    Trump’s action bypasses the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body which protects the deep sea and decides whether deep sea mining can take place in international waters.
    Lee adds: “The Metals Company and Donald Trump are wilfully ignoring the rules-based international order and the science that deep sea mining will wreak havoc on the oceans.
    “Pacific Peoples have deep cultural ties to the ocean, and we regard ‘home’ as more ocean than land. Our ancestors were wayfarers and ocean custodians who have traversed the Pacific and protected our livelihoods for future generations. This is the Indigenous knowledge we should be led by, to safeguard our planet and our environment. Deep sea mining is not the answer to the green transition away from carbon-based fossil fuels – it’s another false solution.”
    Donald Trump’s order follows negotiations in March at the ISA, at which governments refused to give wannabe miners The Metals Company a clear pathway to an approved mining application via the ISA.
    32 countries around the world publicly support a moratorium on deep sea mining. Millions of people have spoken out against this dangerous emerging industry.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consumer NZ is seeking nominations for businesses that are the worst of the worst

    Source: Consumer NZ

    The Yeah, Nah Awards spotlight businesses that have excelled at letting consumers down. It’s accepting public nominations until 30 June.

    Acting head of research and advocacy, Jessica Walker, says the Yeah, Nah Awards Are about recognising the worst products and services in Aotearoa and putting pressure on poor-performing brands and companies to lift their game.

    “Been ripped off, lied to or burned by a business? We want to hear about it,” says Walker.

    “The Yeah, Nah Awards give people a chance to get those grievances off their chests and, more importantly, demand that businesses pull their socks up by calling them out for their bad behaviour.”

    Walker reflects on last year’s awards, noting the ‘winners’ received awards across a wide range of issues, like shrinkflation, greenwashing and overpriced products that underwhelm.  

    “New Zealand consumers put up with a lot,” she says.

    This year, the Consumer NZ team has noticed an increase in issues like dodgy sales strategies and manipulative marketing ploys.  

    “It seems everyone has experienced the frustration of signing up to a free trial only to be stuck with a subscription they don’t know how to cancel.”

    Walker warns of ‘mistake’ marketing, too.

    “That’s where a company’s social media account makes an announcement that, for example, they’re going into liquidation or their number-one-selling product is being discontinued. Then, after their customers rush to stock up, they find out it was a hoax.

    “That’s not on. That’s the kind of cooked behavior the Yeah, Nahs is here to call out.”

    Who was bad enough to win last year?  

    “Last year, Pam’s Value cream style corn won the Less Isn’t More Award for containing less than half corn. We get complaints about shrinkflation all the time – it really grinds peoples’ gears.”

    The advocacy organisation presented the Polished Turd Award to two brands of dog poo bags for their misleading claims about being compostable and “a more sustainable alternative”. Consumer’s investigation found it’s much more likely that the doggy doo and these bags are headed straight for landfill – rather than peoples’ backyard compost bins.

    Air New Zealand won the Taken for a Ride Award for cashing in on demand during the school holidays.

    “After analysing over 600 flights across an 18-week period, we found Air New Zealand’s flight prices go up significantly more compared with Qantas at times of peak demand. We think our national carrier could be giving families a better deal over the school break.”

    One model of Bosch heat-pump dryer received the Avoid at all Costs Award from Consumer’s test team.  

    “Our test team slapped this dryer with a ‘do not buy’ label for creating an appliance that takes more than double the time to dry a load than other cheaper driers.”

    Across the 178 businesses Consumer looked at over the last year, Westpac’s life insurance customers had the lowest level of satisfaction.

    “Westpac’s life insurance customers expressed a 33% customer dissatisfaction rate, which works out at one in three customers reporting experiencing a terrible time. As a result, Westpac won the Grave Disappointment Award.”

    Dob in products and services that have let you down by June 30!

    Walker is keen to remind New Zealanders that the Yeah, Nahs are about complaining, yes, but they’re also about demanding better too.

    “We’re not out here trying to ruffle feathers for the sake of it. Our members get trusted, independent advice about the best in class – from recommended products to top-performing services.

    “Ultimately, you deserve to get good, fair, honest value from the things you spend your money on – whether you’re buying the essentials or the nice-to-haves. And that’s what the Yeah, Nahs, and Consumer NZ, are all about.”

    Walker says her team will be accepting nominations from the public via Consumer’s website until Monday 30 June: https://consumernz.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fhjijlk-ijjdkdttjk-n/

    “You might have a real bee in your bonnet about your favourite brand of oats having recently shrunk in size. Or it could be that online subscription you’ve been trying to cancel for months now.

    “Whatever bewildering, baffling, doozy of a time you’ve had, tell us, and our team of experts and investigators will determine which nominees are worthy of the most quintessentially New Zealand expression of dissatisfaction: a Yeah, Nah.”  

    Winners will be announced in November 2025.

     

    Notes

    A team of Consumer investigators will determine which nominees are bad enough to be good contenders based on the awards’ judging criteria.  

    To be a contender for a Yeah, Nah Award, a product, business or service must meet one or more of the following criteria:  

    Failing a standard
    Stinging customers with hidden charges
    Using false claims or broken promises
    Selling products or services that aren’t up to scratch or good value for money
    Using unclear messaging that causes consumer confusion, frustration or just plain outrage.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reawakening Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park

    Source: Auckland Council

    From late April to December 2025, parts of Hayman Park in Manukau will be temporarily closed for work to further enhance its green spaces.

    This will finish the full upgrade of the park and go well with the much-loved playground, which was upgraded in 2023.

    Upgraded Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park playground, completed in 2023. Image: Eke Panuku.

    Once a thriving wetland that filtered water before it reached Waipuhinui (Puhinui Stream), and the Manukau Harbour, Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park was a vital hub for native fish, birds, insects, and plants.

    Working alongside Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngaati Tamaoho, and Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, Auckland Council’s Healthy Waters and flood resilience teams, the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board and Eke Panuku Development Auckland are bringing this natural taonga (treasure) back to life. Rejuvenating the land and its ecosystems, preserving it as a thriving, living space for future generations.

    The Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park Wetland project is a part of the Puhinui Regeneration Strategy, this project is led by Eke Panuku and proudly supported by the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.

    Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli says, “This incredible project, over a decade in the making, would not be possible without the hard work of our Mana Whenua, Eke Panuku, Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience, the design team, and the wider Auckland Council whānau. A special thanks to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board for their ongoing advocacy and leadership. As we restore the land to its original wetland form, we ask for the community’s patience and understanding. Some areas of the park will be closed, so please respect the barriers for safety during this important work.”

    Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park Repo (wetlands) project will rejuvenate the land and its ecosystems – keeping Manukau’s green heart healthy for future generations. Image: Eke Panuku.

    Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia adds, “Currently there is a stagnant dead pond located on the park. It serves no purpose. Under this project, the wetlands will be revived, and we hope a habitat for our flora and fauna to live and thrive in. This is whakaoranga – bringing back to life.”

    A whakaawatea karakia (blessing) in action. Image: Eke Panuku.

    Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park holds deep cultural significance, particularly for local iwi Te Ākitai o Waiohua, Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua, and Ngaati Tamaoho.

    A stunning shot of the whakaawatea karakia (blessing). Image: Eke Panuku.

    Richard Davison, Priority Location Director at Eke Panuku says “This project has been a long time in the making, and it’s incredibly special to see it come to life. Hayman Park has always been the green jewel at the heart of Manukau, and now we’re helping it shine even brighter.”

    From the park to the Auckland Botanic Gardens and beyond, new walking and cycling connections are being strengthened, along with deeper ties to nature.

    Artist impression of the revived wetlands at Manu-kau Noa Iho. Image: Eke Panuku.

    Why does this work need to be done?

    Manu-kau Noa Iho / Hayman Park’s stormwater ponds were originally built in 1975 as part of the former Manukau City Council’s development of the city centre.

    Over time, issues with sediment build-up, bank stability and litter have begun to cause problems with the ponds. It was agreed that a natural treatment process in the form of a wetland and installing a litter-capturing device would deliver the most effective solution for a cleaner, healthier environment.

    What features are planned?

    • A new repo (wetland) filled with native planting and rich in wildlife habitat that will improve water quality before it flows into Te Puhinui and the Manukau Harbour

    • Replacing the existing ornamental pond with a new grass area for people to rest, enjoy or that can be activated through small events

    • Build wider footpaths, boardwalks, and viewing platforms to help people reconnect with nature.

    These features will help to clean stormwater before it flows into the Puhinui Stream and Manukau Harbour.

    A nice view of the park featuring a calm pond area. Image: Eke Panuku.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –