Te Pāti Māori welcomes the resignation of Richard Prebble from the Waitangi Tribunal. His appointment in October 2024 was a disgrace- another example of this government undermining Te Tiriti o Waitangi by appointing a former ACT leader who has spent his career attacking Māori rights.
“Regardless of the reason for his exit, Prebble was never fit to sit on the Waitangi Tribunal. His record speaks for itself- decades of bigotry and opposition to Māori self-determination,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi.
“Prebble thinks that Hobson’s pledge has more mana than the Māori text of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, he apparently did not read any tribunal reports until after he was appointed, and he was surprised to find out that Māori did not cede sovereignty.
“His resignation was inevitable- he was always going to leave because he lacked the values and commitment necessary to serve effectively in this position.”
“This was clearly a political stunt, driven by the ACT Party, so they can tell all their followers that the Waitangi Tribunal has gone ‘woke’,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
“The Waitangi Tribunal was created to investigate breaches of Te Tiriti and uphold Māori justice. Yet this government installed someone who was a key architect of Rogernomics—the policies that sold off our whenua, slashed Māori jobs, and entrenched poverty in our communities. His appointment was an insult, and his departure is overdue.
“His resignation presents an opportunity. The Crown must do the right thing and appoint more Māori to the Tribunal. This is not a space for stale old politicians who have worked against Māori—it is for those steeped in tikanga, whakapapa, and a lifelong commitment to Te Tiriti justice,” said Ngarewa-Packer.
Four people are up for sentencing before the courts, with multiple others facing a range of charges following a drug operation in Selwyn.
The operation was a targeted drug operation that ran from June 2024 to December 2024.
In that time, Rolleston Police executed multiple search warrants across the region in relation to serious drug offending.
In total, 13 people were arrested for a variety of drug dealing and cultivation related offences.
From those executed warrants, Police seized over $22,000 in cash and various quantities of drugs with a combined street value of over $38,000. Drugs seized included cannabis, methamphetamine, MDMA and cocaine.
A total of 120 charges were laid throughout the duration of the operation.
Police remain committed to holding these offenders to account and ensuring these harmful products are not getting through to the community.
Two men aged 29 and 28 will be sentenced on 7 March.
A 63-year-old man will be sentenced on 11 March, and a 33-year-old is due for sentencing on 11 April.
All four men will appear in the Christchurch District Court.
February was warm and dry for most regions, according to the February 2025 Climate Summary issued by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).
Temperatures were above average or well above average for most regions of the country, while rainfall was below normal or well below normal in almost all regions of the country.
At the end of February, soil moisture levels were lower than normal for most of the North Island, parts of the West Coast, inland northern Canterbury, coastal parts of the South Island from Dunedin to Invercargill, and Stewart Island.
February 2025 was characterised by above normal mean sea level pressure (MSLP) over and to the south of Aotearoa New Zealand. This led to extended periods of settled weather throughout the country.
NIWA’s February 2025 Climate Summary shows that sunshine was abundant for wide swathes of the country. Queenstown and Hokitika observed their sunniest February on record, with 275 hours and 278 hours of sunshine, respectively. A further 12 locations observed near-record high sunshine hour totals from as far north as Kaitaia to as far south as Dunedin.
Further highlights include the highest temperature of 33.0°C, observed at Kawerau on 4 February and Clyde on 15 February, while the lowest temperature was 2.1°C, observed at Manapouri on 3 February.
Of the six main centres in February 2025, Auckland was the warmest, driest and sunniest, Dunedin was the coolest, Tauranga was the wettest, and Christchurch was the least sunny.
The sunniest four locations so far in 2025 are Taranaki (621 hours), West Coast (606 hours), Mackenzie Basin (584 hours), and Central Otago (582 hours).
The New Zealand summer was milder overall, and dry for many parts of the country, according to the Summer 2024-25 Seasonal Climate Summary issued by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).
Summer temperatures were above average or well above average for northern, western and southern parts of the South Island, and many central, western, and northern parts of the North Island. Rainfall was below normal or well below normal for northern, central, and western parts of the North Island, as well as for western, inland, and southern parts of the South Island.
Rainfall was above normal or well above normal for some eastern parts of Canterbury, northern Hawke’s Bay, and Gisborne.
At the end of summer, soil moisture levels were lower than normal for most of the North Island, parts of the West Coast, inland northern Canterbury, coastal parts of the South Island from Dunedin to Invercargill, and Stewart Island, according to the NIWA summary.
The highest temperature was 34.8°C, observed at Kawerau on 29 December, while the lowest temperature was -0.4°C, observed at North Canterbury’s Waipara River North Branch on 25 January. The highest 1-day rainfall was 154 mm, recorded near Greymouth, on 15 December, with the highest wind gust 196 km/h, observed at Manawatu-Wanganui Tararua district’s Cape Turnagain on 5 December.
The sunniest four locations so far in 2025 are Taranaki (621 hours), West Coast (606 hours), Mackenzie Basin (584 hours), and Central Otago (582 hours).Of the six main centres in summer 2024-25, Auckland was the warmest, Hamilton was the driest, Tauranga was the sunniest and wettest, Dunedin was the coolest, and Christchurch was the least sunny.
More detailed information is available at the full Summer 2024-25 Seasonal Climate Summary available at NIWA’s website:Seasonal | NIWA
The Summer summary is attached as a Word and pdf file, with images available within it for download and use.
The Summer summary is attached as a pdf file, with images available within it for download and use.
Increased production and higher export prices mean that New Zealand dairy farmers will play a big role in New Zealand’s economic recovery Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said in a speech at an Environmental Diary Leaders conference in Wellington today.
“Dairy exports are forecast to grow by around $4.5 billion this year meaning more money in the pockets of Kiwi farmers and more jobs in rural New Zealand,” Mr McClay says.
“The strong performance of our dairy farmers is welcome news for the economy as the government continues to lower inflation through careful spending meaning reducing interest rates and by delivering fewer and less costly regulations.
Milk production for the last season was up 4 per cent on the previous year, marking the highest level in a decade. December alone saw the strongest output in four years, meaning consumers around the world can enjoy more of the world’s highest quality and safest environmentally friendly grass fed dairy.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy with food and fibre exports bringing in over $10,600 for every Kiwi, with dairy exports alone contributed $4,700 per person. The dairy industry also employs over 54,000 people,” Mr McClay says.
“The Government is committed to meeting our environmental and climate change obligations, but we will do this without closing down farms or sending jobs and production overseas.
“The primary sector is fundamental to achieving our ambitious goal of doubling exports by value in ten years and the coalition government is backing farmers to be world best.
“With strong production already in the vat, feed crops coming in, and consumers eager for our products, the sector is well positioned to turbo charge the economy and deliver for every New Zealander,” Mr McClay says.
The Manurewa Local Board is developing its first Pan-Pacific strategy in Aotearoa New Zealand to amplify Pasifika voices in local decision-making.
A recent community workshop brought leaders and residents together to develop a strategy that will help guide how the board engages with Pasifika communities. The plan will then be presented in June.
Akerei Maresala-Thomson, an Auckland Council partner and facilitator of the workshop at Manurewa Library, described it as a listening session.
“A lot of work has gone into reaching this stage, with investment from both past and present board members. This will be the first Pasifika strategy for the board-a win for our community.”
The strategy aims to amplify Pacific voices in local decision-making, promote cultural recognition, improve access to services, and encourage Pasifika participation in governance.
Maresala-Thomson facilitated a similar workshop in 2019, laying the groundwork for this initiative.
The strategy, expected to be presented in June, will be informed by feedback from the workshop and an online community survey.
According to the 2023 Census, Pasifika make up nearly 40 percent of Manurewa’s approximately 39,450 residents. The consultation process involved gathering demographic information and identifying key priorities for the community.
“There was a diverse mix of expertise and perspectives in the room,” said Maresala-Thomson. “Some smaller Pasifika communities weren’t represented, and our youth were largely absent.
Notes from the workshop will help shape the final draft of the Pan-Pacific strategy, set for presentation in June. Image: LDR/Mary Afemata
“However, many contributed via the online survey, which helped guide our discussions.”
The local board wants a Pan-Pacific approach — not just input from the larger island groups but representation from all the diverse Pacific communities, he said.
“More often than not, and this is no fault of our own, our Samoan, Cook Island, and Tongan communities naturally make up the larger share of our population.
“But they wanted to make sure we also reached our smaller community groups, like our Niuean, Tuvaluan, Solomon Islands, and even Rotuman communities.”
The group received great representation from the Tuvaluan, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Niuean communities, in addition to the larger, traditional networks from Samoan and Tongan communities, he said.
‘Great networking opportunity’ One attendee, Kate*, who asked not to be identified, said she joined the workshop to understand how local boards align with Pasifika priorities.
“It was a great networking opportunity, but ultimately, I wanted to know how I can best support the community,” she said. “The issues raised today aren’t new. We’ve been talking about them for years.”
Kate believes many Pasifika families struggle to engage with local government because they don’t see the impact of their input.
“There’s access to these spaces, but people don’t know where to go or why it matters. We need better ways to bring the conversation into people’s homes,” she said.
Engaging Pasifika youth was another key discussion point.
“There are youth in different spaces, and we need to find the champions — whether through youth councils, community groups, or other networks-who can help share the message among their peers.”
Community educator Kathleen Guttenbeil-Vatuvei . . . “When you hear ‘strategy,’ you want to be involved in shaping solutions.” Image: Facebook/TP/LDR
Kathleen Guttenbeil-Vatuvei, a community educator and financial mentor at Vaiola Pacific Island Budgeting Service Trust, said she attended the event to ensure financial capability was part of the discussion.
“When you hear ‘strategy,’ you want to be involved in shaping solutions,” she said. “What is the local board going to do about these issues? Are they listening? How do we fit into this strategy, and do we have a voice?”
She stressed the importance of youth involvement.
“Youth should be equally represented. But sometimes, they feel intimidated around elders or community leaders. It’s important to create spaces where they feel comfortable contributing.”
Angela Dalton, Councillor for Manurewa-Papakura and former chair of the local board, received a message from Maresala-Thomson thanking her for initiating the strategy years ago.
“I always felt we weren’t turning words into tangible outcomes for Pasifika,” Dalton said.
“I was determined to build strong relationships to ensure we deliver projects that meet the needs of our growing Pasifika population.”
Auckland Council partner and facilitator Akerei Maresala-Thomson . . . facilitating a discussion on strengthening the relationship between the Manurewa Local Board and Pasifika communities. Image: LDR/Mary Afemata
Feedback will shape final draft Feedback will shape the final draft of the strategy. A subcommittee will refine the document before it is presented to the Manurewa Local Board.
The goal is to align its implementation with the 2025-2026 Local Board Plan, ensuring Pasifika priorities are embedded in decision-making.
A steering committee will oversee the project, ensuring it reflects the aspirations of Manurewa’s Pasifika communities and fosters meaningful engagement with local government.
Maresala-Thomson said: “What we get from today, from your feedback, which has been amazing, this will help to draft the strategic plan specifically for Pacific and Manurewa.”
Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air. Asia Pacific Report is a community member of the LDR project.
05 March 2025 – Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Adrian Orr has resigned and will finish in the role on 31 March.
Mr Orr, who was first appointed as Governor in March 2018, says it has been a privilege to lead an institution that plays a critical role in the economic wellbeing and prosperity of all New Zealanders.
“Over the last seven years we’ve significantly built our capability and capacity so we can respond to an increasing complex and challenging global environment. We’ve made considerable progress in our approach to monetary and financial policy, alongside driving much-needed maturity uplifts in our balance sheet capital, digital, data and technology.”
“We’ve advanced many major, multi-year programmes, to modernise and strengthen the RBNZ and the New Zealand financial system and led the implementation of strategies related to the Future of Money and Cash, Future of Payment and Settlements, Financial Inclusion, Climate Change, and Māori Access to Capital,” Mr Orr says.
“I’m incredibly proud of the RBNZ’s people, our work and the impact of our mahi on all New Zealanders,” Mr Orr says.
“I leave the role with consumer price inflation at target, and an economy in a cyclical recovery following the long period of COVID-related disruption. The financial system remains sound. However, there is much work left to do on the major multi-year strategies RBNZ is following. Ongoing focus and funding will be critical to these projects’ success.”
RBNZ Board Chair Professor Neil Quigley thanked Mr Orr for his leadership and commitment to the central bank. “Adrian has been critical to leading the institutional reforms needed to implement the new Reserve Bank Act, Deposit Takers Act, and Depositor Compensation Scheme. In particular, Adrian has demonstrated resilience and fidelity to the Bank in operationalising the changes in governance and decision-making that followed from the creation of a Monetary Policy Committee with external members from 2019 and the Reserve Bank Act coming into force in July 2022.”
“He has also driven a significant uplift in leadership and capability across the Bank, and modernised its culture to reflect contemporary New Zealand society,” Professor Quigley says.
Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby will be Acting Governor until 31 March. From 1 April the Minister of Finance, on recommendation from the RBNZ Board, will appoint a temporary Governor for a period of up to six months. Mr Hawkesby will also chair the Monetary Policy Committee.
Under the Reserve Bank Act the Minister of Finance can appoint temporary Governor for a period of up to six months, following a recommendation from the RBNZ Board.
State Highway 2 is currently closed between Carterton and Clareville due to a crash earlier this morning.
The crash involving a car and a power pole near the intersection of Andersons Line, was reported shortly after 9am this morning.
Lines company contractors are on site and local road detours are available.
Southbound traffic should use Somerset Road, turn right onto Carters Line, then right again onto Park Road, back to SH2. The reverse applies for northbound traffic.
Drivers should follow the directions of emergency services and contractors at the scene and can expect travel delays until the site is cleared later today. Please allow extra time for your journeys.
Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the Journey Planner website:
State Highway 2 (SH2) Hewletts Road in Mount Maunganui will be looking fresh by early April, after NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) completes the resurfacing of key intersections.
This includes new asphalt layers and new road markings for the Tōtara Street, Waimarie Street and Jean Batten Drive intersections and the Golf Road roundabout,” says Bay of Plenty System Manager, Sandra King.
“A smoother road will make the trip safer and more enjoyable for the thousands of people who travel through this part of SH2 every day, heading to the Mount and Pāpāmoa, delivering freight to the Port and as part of their daily commute to and from work,” says Ms King.
Work gets underway on Sunday 16 March for 2 weeks, with crews on site between 8pm and 5am, Sunday to Thursday nights. During these hours there will be lane closures, some full closures and detours in place. No work will take place on Friday or Saturday nights.
Ms King acknowledges that this type of work can be disruptive.
“Closing the road at times provides the safest working environment for our crews, which allows them to work effectively and efficiently. NZTA thanks road users for their patience while we carry out this work.”
While other work was completed on SH2 Hewletts Road early in 2024, the intersections were always programmed to be resurfaced in the 2024/2025 maintenance programme.
Schedule of work
Phase 1: Tōtara Street intersection
Sunday 16 and Monday 17 March
The intersection of Tōtara Street and SH2 Hewletts Road will be closed to enable resurfacing to take place, there will be a detour via Hewletts Road, Newton Street, left on to Hull Road and back on to Tōtara Street and in reverse if travelling from Tōtara Street. On Hewletts Road there will be a lane closure with a temporary speed limit in place within the worksite.
Phase 2: Waimarie Street intersection and between Waimarie Road to Hocking Street
Tuesday 18 March to Sunday 23 March (no work Friday or Saturday nights)
The Waimarie Street intersection is being resurfacing, both exits either side of Hewletts Road into Waimarie Street will be closed during this time. There will be a lane closure with a temporary speed limit in place within the worksite.
Phase 3: Jean Batten Drive intersection and between Maru Street to Waitomo Service Station
Monday 24 March to Wednesday 26 March
The Maru Street intersection on the northern side is being resurfaced, during this time the entry into Maru Street will be closed. Hewletts Road is also being resurfaced between Maru Street and the Waitomo Service Station, there will be a lane closure with a temporary speed limit in place within the worksite.
Phase 4: Golf Road roundabout
Sunday 30 and Monday 31 March
The Golf Road roundabout will be closed at night to enable resurfacing to take place. The road will be closed between Tui Street and Golf Road roundabout with a detour via Maunganui Road, Tweed Street, Oceanbeach Road and back to Golf Road. If travelling along Hewletts Road, the flyover towards Pāpāmoa will be open. Travel towards Mount Maunganui beyond Tōtara Street will be via Newton Street and Hull Road.
Police have taken another firearm out of the community after a traffic stop early this morning.
Just before 2.30am, a frontline Police unit stopped a vehicle on Carbine Road in Mt Wellington.
“The vehicle was sought by Police and as staff were speaking with the driver, they noticed a baseball bat in footwell of the car,” Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, of Auckland City East’s Area Prevention Manager says.
“A further search of the vehicle was invoked and uncovered a sawn-off shot gun in the vehicle’s backseat.”
Attending staff also located ammunition for the firearm.
Police have since towed the vehicle and the driver was arrested.
A 27-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court next week on a raft of charges.
Inspector Dolheguy says: “It’s a great result from the nightshift Public Safety Team in taking another firearm out of the community and its potential use for future offending.”
A forestry subcontractor was failed by poor risk management from the two businesses above him, both of which have been sentenced for their inaction.
39-year-old Misha Tremel was killed while manually felling trees on a small block at Clevedon in June 2022. The qualified tree feller had been brought in by Turoa Logging Limited, which was harvesting 7,800 tonnes of pine on behalf of the forest managers Pulley Contracting Limited.
The trees being manually cut by Mr Tremel were windthrown, meaning they had been bent and damaged by wind. WorkSafe and the forestry industry strongly recommend that such trees are harvested using machines.
WorkSafe’s investigation found Turoa Logging had not properly reassessed its harvesting plan after nearby trees were cut by machinery and had not ensured safe felling practices were followed. Pulley Contracting did not do enough to identify the ongoing risks to workers and should have been auditing Turoa Logging more thoroughly.
“Businesses must manage their risks and cannot contract their way out of responsibility. Contractors on smaller sites like this are owed the same level of care as those in large-scale operations,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Paul West.
Mr Tremel was a much-loved husband and father who was originally from Ukraine. His death continues to be a shattering loss for his young family to process.
“Businesses must consult, cooperate and coordinate as part of a contracting chain. WorkSafe recommends health and safety is always built into contract management,” says Paul West.
Forestry had the highest fatality rate of any sector in 2024, with 16.58 deaths per 100,000 workers. Under its new strategy, WorkSafe is turning about 15 percent of its targeted frontline activity to the forestry sector because of the high rate of harm, particularly for Maōri.
WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action.
Turoa Logging Limited and Pulley Contracting Limited were sentenced at Manukau District Court on 4 March 2025.
Both companies were ordered to pay a combined total of $335,680 in fines and reparation
Both companies were charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015:
Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers were at work in the business or undertaking, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed workers to a risk of death or serious injury.
The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.
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“Regulatory bodies in the health sector are using the Treaty to justify putting ideology ahead of patient wellbeing and validated science,” says ACT Health spokesperson Todd Stephenson.
Pharmacy:
“ACT has been approached by pharmacists alarmed by the Pharmacy Council’s new competence standards which require frontline pharmacists to give effect to Te Tiriti at all levels, prioritise Māori voices, be familiar with Māori health models and be ‘confident to perform waiata tautoko’ (Māori songs).
“All of these unscientific requirements will only serve to distract from the best interests of individual patients, while making it harder for New Zealand to attract and retain talent from overseas.
“The good news is that the Minister responsible for Pharmac is David Seymour. David is now actively recruiting for free-thinking new members of the Pharmacy Council.”
Midwifery:
The Midwifery Council’s competency standards embed ‘the principles of self-determination, equity, and partnership as a foundation of midwifery practice’. Midwives are told to ‘strive to mitigate systemic discrimination and prejudices’. They are told to ‘value diversity of knowledge and perspectives of physiological processes’.
“The responsibility of a midwife should be to the best interests of the mother and their baby – not to Treaty ideology or non-scientific ideas about pregnancy,” says Mr Stephenson. “A Treaty focus in midwifery inevitably detracts from a midwife’s core duties, while also making it harder to attract and train wonderful midwives from overseas.
“I understand Health Minister Simeon Brown has put out a call for nominations for new members of the Midwifery Council. That is good news.”
Psychology:
“Meanwhile in psychology, the New Zealand Psychologists’ Board is introducing a new Code of Ethics to embed Treaty principles and matauranga Māori into psychological practice. Psychologists who’ve tried to have a say on the Code have been sidelined. Psychologists are instructed to challenge colonisation and respond to patients’ colour, race, sexuality, and socio-economic status.
“In other words, the best interests of patients will be sidelined in favour of ideology, and psychologists are told to see patients as members of identity groups, rather than as individuals with complex personal experiences.”
Nursing:
“Nurses have told me they are considering leaving New Zealand in response to new standards of competence, or ‘pou’, requiring nurses to use te reo and tikanga, describe the impact of colonisation, and advocate for cultural and spiritual health.
“Once upon a time, being a nurse was a matter of having the right skills and a kind heart. Now we are asking nurses to have the ‘correct’ views on the Treaty of Waitangi and to make assumptions about patients’ needs based on their ethnicity.”
Chinese medicine:
“In 2021 Labour set up the Chinese Medicine Council to regulate traditional Chinese medicine. The Council requires Chinese practitioners to honour the history of Māori as tangata whenua, challenge the bias of their colleagues, enact the principles of Te Tiriti, and embed ‘bicultural principles’.
“Bicultural principles! It begs the question, which two cultures are recognised under this state-mandated bicultural worldview? How are Chinese acupuncturists and herbalists meant to fit in? It’s absurd.”
Conclusion:
“Kiwis engaging with the health system deserve confidence that they will be treated first and foremost as humans, with individual needs that will be met based on validated science, not ideology.
“ACT is optimistic that in Simeon Brown, we have a Minister with the guts to get the Treaty ideology and wokeism out of the health system and restore focus to the needs of the patient.
“In the meantime, ACT is calling on political parties who share our concerns to support the Treaty Principles Bill. The Bill defines the Treaty principles in line with what was actually written in 1840, including the promise of the same rights and duties for all New Zealanders.”
Police is seeking witnesses to a series of scrub fires across Port Waikato and Tuakau this year.
Counties Manukau South CIB are investigating seven fires that have been deemed suspicious.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor says this series fires first began in January this year.
“Police are working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand to understand the scope of the series of fires,” he says.
“We will consider all investigative opportunities to hold those responsible to account.
“At this stage we are keeping an open mind as to whether these fires are linked or not.”
There were five suspicious fires that occurred in February alone.
Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says it is fortunate there have been no injuries or loss of life as a result.
No arrests have been made at this stage of the investigation.
“The dry weather, and at times proximity to the Port Waikato township, causes significant concern and risk for the township,” Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says.
Police urge anyone with information about those involved, or who have witnessed suspicious activity surround the time fires occurred, to report this.
You can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250227/2905.
“If you see any suspicious activity occurring, please call Police on 111,” Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says.
Fires under investigation:
– 11 January – 9 February – 17 February – 26 February – 27 February – 27 February – 4 March
Keeping yourself safe:
Fire and Emergency’s Counties Manukau Community Risk Manager Thomas Harre says there are some simple steps people can take to keep themselves, and their homes, safe from wildfire.
“Things like keeping your grass short, keeping gutters clear and removing highly flammable plants from around your property can help.
“Longer term, planting low flammability plans before next summer reduces your risk.”
For more information on low flammability plants and advice on when wildfire threatens, people can visit this link.
Thomas Harre encourages anyone with information to come forward to help the Police investigation.
“These fires are causing a lot of anxiety in the community, so we want them to stop.
“Our fire brigades have had to spend a lot of time responding to these fires, and that has put pressure on them if there are other incidents to attend to in the area.
“Most of the crews have been volunteers, so this means time away from family or from their place of work to fight these fires.”
A new private sector-led initiative is aiming to boost the number of multi-million-dollar power deals in New Zealand’s corporate sector, increasing clean energy capacity, and enhancing energy security.
The collaboration between the BusinessNZ Energy Council, Sustainable Business Council, EVAmarketplace, the Employers and Manufacturers Association, and DLA Piper is raising industry awareness of the potential of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in New Zealand and exploring new tools to support uptake.
PPA agreements involve pre-purchasing power over a 10-20 year-period by medium to large energy users, including manufacturers, commercial buildings and others.
Tina Schirr, Executive Director at the BusinessNZ Energy Council, says the agreements make new generation more commercially viable by incentivising the development of new renewable projects and will help give certainty to business customers.
“Aside from security of supply, businesses are also looking to reduce their carbon footprint to help meet demand from their customers and meet 2030 targets,” said Schirr.
“Significant reductions in costs are possible too – but you have to ride out the ups and the downs.”
The market has been on the rise in Europe for some time with deal count peaking at 272 published PPAs in 2024, representing a 65% increase from 2022.
Tom Metcalfe, a senior lawyer in DLA Piper’s international renewables practice, offered insights on growth in the European market at a recent industry meeting. Hosted by the Employers and Manufacturers Association, the workshop was attended by more than 100 participants from across the energy sector.
“We have seen volatility in energy prices lead to a sharpened focus on energy procurement strategies and the potential benefits of price hedges in the European market. There is clearly potential for New Zealand too against a backdrop of high wholesale power prices,” said Metcalfe.
“Another important part of the PPA market is the sale and purchase of environmental attribute certificates. So having a robust system for the transfer of traceable certificates is key.”
Mark Williamson, Partner at DLA Piper in New Zealand, highlighted additional drivers for the growing momentum of PPAs globally.
“Regulatory incentives, and corporate sustainability commitments have also contributed to the uptake in Europe,” said Williamson.
“These agreements are proving to be a key mechanism for unlocking large-scale renewable energy projects, and a vital part of achieving the Government’s goal to double New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation.”
Antonia Burbidge, Head of Climate and Nature at the Sustainable Business Council, said there are some successful local examples of large-scale, long-term deals currently in play domestically.
“Lodestone Energy for example, has been a market leader,” said Burbidge.
“It is fantastic to see information sharing happening related to process, for example, the need for early engagement with lenders. In other cases, it’s what you can expect in terms of outcomes such as reporting or helping achieve Scope 1, 2, and even Scope 3 emissions targets – which has been tricky territory for many.”
Off the back of the industry workshop new resources including a legal template are underway to support market delivery.
“Our next step is a standardised corporate PPA template to simplify the process and reduce legal costs – a common barrier to entry. This is expected to increase market liquidity, and could significantly benefit New Zealand’s economy,” said Schirr.
Airways will today commence consultation with its stakeholders, customers and the wider industry on its pricing for the next three- yearly cycle running from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028.
In announcing the consultation commencement, Airways acknowledges the challenging times the aviation industry is facing, with an inflationary environment coupled with a soft growth outlook and supply chain challenges.
Airways Chief Executive, James Young says Airways remains committed to delivering a safe and resilient network for the future while carefully navigating the level of investment required to sustain this.
“Where possible, Airways has sought to offset the impact of cost inflation through careful management of our operating cost base and prioritisation of our capital programme. However, to sustain the current service provision and investment in the future, price increases are required,” Mr Young says.
Airways is proposing an average annual price increase of 7.7% for airline customers to ensure the continued delivery of safe and efficient services, while also undertaking a range of projects to enhance system resilience and support future service delivery. This translates to a per seat increase of between 79 cents and $2.80 for commercial flights, depending on the aircraft capacity. Following consultation, there may be further revision of volume forecasts and prices.
For General Aviation services, Airways is proposing a 6.8% price increase for FY26 and a cumulative 10.5% price over the FY26-28 period. This increase reflects our underlying costs.
“Ongoing investment in our people and critical infrastructure, and advancing our future service initiatives is paramount to ensuring we can continue to meet the expectations of our customers, today and tomorrow,” Mr Young says.
Consultation submissions are due by 2 April. They will then be posted on Airways’ website for customers, stakeholders and the industry to review and submit cross-submissions on. Cross-submissions close on 16 April. More information is available athttps://www.airways.co.nz/airspace-users/industry-consultation/
The National Government needs to publicly condemn Israel’s cutting off of aid supplies to the war-ravaged people of Gaza.
Israel has cut off aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas into accepting a change in the ceasefire agreement that would allow for hostages to be released without an Israeli troop withdrawal. Aid agencies have confirmed that while thousands of trucks have entered the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire was agreed in January, none have entered since Sunday.
“The deliberate starvation of a people is a crime against humanity, and a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. The Government should condemn Israel’s move and call for the immediate resumption of aid shipments into Gaza,” Labour associate foreign affairs spokesperson Phil Twyford said.
“Ninety percent of Gazans have been displaced from their homes, and the economy destroyed. They are completely dependent on humanitarian aid for survival at this point.
“It is horrific for Israel to cut off those supplies as a way of applying pressure so they can change the ceasefire agreement. The Government must find its voice and condemn this outrage,” Phil Twyford said.
Home Nominations open for NZDF leadership programmes
We are working with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to manage the nominations and selection process for Public Service spaces on the NZDF leadership development programmes.
Nominations for round 7 programmes open 3 March and close 18 April 2025.
Public Services spaces available
12 Public Service spaces across 3 cohorts of the Lead Systems Leadership Programme.
8 Public Service spaces across 2 cohorts of the Lead Capability Leadership Programme.
4 Public Service spaces on 1 cohort of the Lead Integrated Capability Leadership Programme.
The first part of Te Whau Pathway is on track to be completed in 2026, with half of the Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai Reserve section in Te Atatū finished in late February – a major milestone for the project.
Councillor Shane Henderson has been involved in this partnership project with Te Whau Coastal Pathway Environment Trust since it began in 2014. He says the halfway point is an important target to reach.
“I’m elated that the construction of Te Whau Pathway is making steady progress and the first major section is expected to be finished early next year.
“It’s impressive to see the boardwalk connecting the cycleway and Horowai Reserve taking shape.
“Once this section of the pathway is complete it will benefit the West Auckland community.”
Te Whau Pathway taking shape.
Last year we outlined how a major piece of machinery Te Kōwhai Nui, or the Big Yellow, was used to mitigate the environmental impact of the pathway’s construction over the Whau River.
Taryn Crewe, General Manager Parks and Community Facilities says the project team continues to tread carefully over the whenua and awa.
“A fundamental consideration of Te Whau Pathway project is limiting the impact on the environment and keeping sustainability at front of mind.
“One example is re-using the aggregate from a temporary haulage road made to construct the pathway between the Northwestern Cycleway and Bridge Avenue, on another council infrastructure project at Long Bay Regional Park. As well as being a sustainable use of resources, reusing these materials also saves ratepayers money.
“Once complete the pathway will allow for cycling and walkway – modes of transport with basically zero carbon footprint.”
A shared use pathway connection between the Northwestern Cycleway and Horowai Reserve is on track for completion in 2026.
Construction on Te Whau Pathway restarted in December 2023 and the Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai Reserve section in Te Atatū is on track for completion in 2026. It creates a shared use pathway connection between the Northwestern Cycleway and Horowai Reserve (Roberts Field).
Te Whau Pathway is a partnership between Auckland Transport (AT), Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Kawerau ā Maki, the Whau and Henderson-Massey local boards, the government as a major funder, and Auckland Council delivering the construction working closely with Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust.
Te Whau Pathway follows a traditional Māori taonga waka (portage). Fully delivered, all sections of the proposed pathway will connect Manukau Harbour at Green Bay to the Waitematā Harbour at Te Atatū Peninsula.
Roadworks to increase the resilience and safety of SH8 between Cromwell and Clyde are due to start next week (10 March), says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The works will result in delays for road users in both directions, as intermittent traffic stops will be in operation for up to eight weeks along the Cromwell Gorge slopes and benches*, just north of Clyde.
Crews will work to clear debris from the benches and assess stability at the Clyde end of the Cromwell Gorge, says NZTA Project Manager John O’Neill.
“While we appreciate delays are frustrating this is an essential piece of work which will improve the resilience, as well as the safety of the network, with debris removed from above road level. We ask road users for patience and understanding.”
Works will run from Monday, 10 March to Friday, 16 May, 8am to 5pm each weekday.
Traffic will be held in both directions intermittently as required. Drivers need to build in delays of up to 15 minutes for the next two months, weekdays.
Cromwell Gorge slopes and benches.
For all travel updates, roadworks and road closures please visit: NZTA Journey Planner
Background on the Cromwell Gorge slopes and benches
The benches on SH8 in the Cromwell Gorge, are 2km north of Clyde. They have been in existence for around 40 years and were constructed upslope as part of the development of SH8 during the creation of Lake Dunstan and the Clyde Hydro Dam.
Crews with abseilers will be using mechanical methods to remove any unstable rock, with drilling and blasting if required when there is no traffic underneath the benches.
The installation of stormwater pipes, signage, footpaths and landscaping is in the works as Te Ara Tutohu: Waitara to Bell Block project on State Highway 3 progresses to the next stage.
Next week, from 11 March, crews will start on the next stage of works, which will see the southbound lane of the Waitara Road roundabout constructed.
Work just completed has seen workers relocate underground services and complete pavement and stormwater work on Raleigh Street (between SH3 and Tate Road).
Access to all businesses and residential properties in the area will be maintained during this next stage of works.
Traffic management
From 8pm 11 March to 5.30am 12 March, the SH3/Waitara Road intersection will be reduced to one lane to allow crews to move the temporary central barrier currently in place, complete temporary line marking, and reinstall the flexible hit sticks in preparation for the latest stage of work to start. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place at the intersection during this work. Delays of up to 5 minutes are possible.
From 12 March to mid-April, SH3 through the Waitara Road intersection will be open to southbound traffic only. Northbound traffic will be detoured on to Raleigh Street and the newly constructed section of Tate Road, which connects directly to SH3. This detour will add less than 5 minutes to travel times.
Due to the limited amount of space available on the road, there will be no space to safely turn right into Raleigh Street from the southbound lane of SH3.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is working with the contractor to ensure construction of the roundabout causes as little disruption as possible.
Waitara Road access
From 12-19 March, both lanes of Waitara Road will be open however motorists turning on to SH3 from Waitara Road will only be able to travel south towards New Plymouth. Motorists who want to travel north will be detoured along Richmond Road where they will be able to turn right and head north at the SH3/Richmond Road intersection. The detour is expected to add up to 5 minutes to travel times.
From 19 March to mid-April, access to SH3 from Waitara Road will be closed while crews complete work in the southbound lane between Raleigh Street and Waitara Road. Access for motorists turning into Waitara Road from the southbound lane of SH3 will remain open. Motorists on Waitara Road who need to access SH3 will be detoured along Richmond Road.
From 12 March to mid-April, northbound traffic on SH3 will need to use the Richmond Road detour to access Waitara Road.
Future work
Planning is underway for sections of SH3 either side of the Waitara Road intersection to be rebuilt and for some line marking and rumble strips to be installed near the Princess Street roundabout. We will provide updates on these once details are confirmed.
The New Zealand Super Fund has marked its 20-year relationship with private equity investment manager Direct Capital with a commitment to invest $50 million in its latest fund, Direct Capital VII LP (DCVII).
This commitment will take the Super Fund’s total exposure to Direct Capital (including undrawn commitments) to just over $330 million, equivalent to some four percent of the Super Fund’s net asset value.
Direct Capital is New Zealand’s largest Private Capital investor. Over more than 30 years, Direct Capital has raised over $2.2 billion to invest in successful private companies.
DCVII was raised during November and December 2024, raising $525m to invest in medium-sized New Zealand and Australian businesses looking for capital to fund growth or to support a change in ownership.
The Super Fund’s Head of External Investments and Partnerships, Del Hart, said Direct Capital had a strong track record of financial performance and a well-deserved reputation for creating value in its investee companies.
“Direct Capital gives us a way to invest in local businesses that helps those companies to grow and develop, generates good returns for our portfolio, and contributes to New Zealand’s GDP.”
At the end of the 2024 financial year, the Super Fund had $8.4 billion invested in New Zealand assets, some 11 percent of its total investments by value.
This included a 42 percent stake in Kaingaroa Timberlands, the Super Fund’s largest single investment, significant investments in agriculture and horticulture, as well as shareholdings in NZX-listed companies through various mandates and in private companies via funds such as those managed by Direct Capital.
State Highway 2 in Clareville is blocked after a vehicle hit a power pole, resulting in the pole and lines coming down across the road just north of Carterton.
It happened about 9:15am, and fortunately no one was significantly injured.
There are diversions in place off the highway and these are likely to remain in place until the afternoon.
The Government has taken decisive action to address the inequitable state of school property to ensure better outcomes for all students. “It is crucial that the school property portfolio is managed effectively so students can continue to benefit from safe, warm, and dry learning environments,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says. “After a Ministerial Inquiry found the Ministry’s School Property function unfit for purpose, the Government is delivering improved efficiency and performance by prioritising warm, safe, and dry learning environments, maintaining existing school assets, and accelerating cost-effective new builds using standard designs and offsite manufacturing.” Since the release of the Inquiry there has been:
A 35 percent increase in the number of standard or repeatable designed buildings delivered. A 28 percent reduction in the average cost of each classroom, from $1.2m to $0.87m. A 34 percent increase in funding for school maintenance.
The Ministry has also increased the number of new classrooms it delivered in 2024 by 140 when compared to 2023. “One example was Wellington Girls’ College, where 14 classrooms over four, two-storey modulars were delivered in just 12 weeks at a cost of around $550,000 per classroom. This represented a 35% saving on the current value for money cost per classroom.” Jerome Sheppard has been appointed Chief Executive of School Property as part of the phased approach to address the recommendations of the report. “Mr Sheppard brings expertise in delivering infrastructure to have responsibility for all operational aspects of school property, and I look forward to working with him to ensure we can achieve better outcomes for all schools.” The decisions on the final form of the Ministry’s School Property function will be made later this year. “This Government is committed to delivering a world leading education in classrooms that give Kiwi kids the best chance to succeed so they can grow up and live the lives they want,” Ms Stanford says.
Notes for editor: The Report of the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property: Microsoft Word – Report of the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property – Final draft.docx
A Bill to reduce travel times, increase efficiency, and help boost economic growth and productivity on our busiest roads has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. “Being stuck in traffic is a waste of time and money. In any given peak hour traffic jam there are people stressed about running late for work, parents trying to get the kids to school on time, couriers and truckies getting frustrated as their runs get further and further behind time, and tradies losing money because they can’t get to as many jobs on time,” Mr Bishop says.
“Congestion is a tax on time and productivity, and New Zealanders are very over having to pay it.
“A report released by Auckland Council today shows that by 2026, traffic congestion will cost Auckland $2.6 billion per year, and that Aucklanders already sit in traffic for 29 million hours per year, which averages out to 17 lost and wasted hours per Aucklander.
“Frankly, no-one running a business or juggling work and family can afford to lose 17 hours of potentially productive time.
“Modelling shows that successful time of use charging – charging motorists to travel on certain roads at peak times – will encourage people to change the time or mode of travel, and could reduce congestion by up to 8-12 per cent at peak times.
“Successive governments and a select committee inquiry in 2021 have all agreed that time of use charging is something we need to do to reduce congestion. This Government is getting on with it. “The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill will enable the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and local authorities to develop charging schemes for our most congested roads. “The Bill requires NZTA to lead the design of schemes in partnership with local councils to ensure motorists benefit from the design of the schemes across their region’s roading network. “By enabling local solutions within a nationally consistent framework, we are tackling network productivity head-on while enhancing economic productivity and quality of life for all New Zealanders. “The legislation is not about raising revenue but maximising the efficiency of the roading network. Any revenue that is collected will first be used to pay for the scheme’s costs and then reinvested to improve transport in the region. “While time of use schemes will help manage congestion and increase productivity in our cities, it is not a standalone solution. The Government will continue to prioritise investment in growing and maintaining our transport network, including through the Roads of National Significance and Regional Significance, and major public transport projects, to enable Kiwis and freight get to where they need to go, quickly and safely.” Enabling time of use schemes is a commitment under the National-ACT Coalition Agreement, and the first reading of the Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill was an action in the Government’s 2025 Quarter 1 Action Plan. The Bill will be referred to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee where the public will have an opportunity to make submissions. The Government intends to pass the legislation before the end of 2025.