Source: New Zealand Police
Otara Road, Opotiki, is closed following a serious crash.
At around 7:50am emergency services received reports of the single vehicle crash.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
Updates will be provided proactively.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
To be attributed to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith, Waikato Field Crime Manager:
Police have charged a 20-year-old man with murder following an incident at a house on Bellmont Avenue in Chartwell, Hamilton last night.
Police were called to the property at 6.40pm and located a 31-year-old man deceased.
The alleged offender, who was known to the victim, had fled the scene prior to police arrival.
A search for the alleged offender immediately commenced, including the deployment of Eagle helicopter to Waikato District to assist.
At around 12.20am, the alleged offender stole a car from a motorist at gunpoint. The motorist had stopped to pick up the man, who was hitchhiking on Gordonton Road. Fortunately the motorist was not injured but they were understandably shaken by the incident.
At around 12.40am a police dog unit spotted the stolen car and pursued it north to Ngāruawāhia, where road spikes were deployed. The car came to a stop in Ngāruāwahia and the alleged offender was arrested.
The 20-year-old man has been charged with murder, aggravated robbery and failing to stop for police.
He is expected to appear in Hamilton District Court this morning.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have a visible presence as they respond to a serious firearms incident in Chartwell, Hamilton, this evening.
At 6.40pm, Police were called to a Bellmont Avenue property, where a firearm had been discharged, Inspector Jeff Penno says.
“The alleged offender left the scene and Police, assisted by the Eagle helicopter, are actively searching for him.
“There is a large Police presence in the area and members of the public are urged to call 111 if they see any suspicious activity.”
At this time, no further information is available.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have seized a gun, cash and over half a kilogram of cocaine in an operation targeting drug suppliers in Matamata-Piako today.
Officers found more than half a kilogram of cocaine, a pump action shotgun and $20,000 dollars when they visited properties in Matamata and Cambridge this morning.
“The two warrants executed today are the result of an investigation into the supply of drugs in the area,” says Detective Sergeant Ben Norman.
“Police will remain focused on targeting gang members involved in the distribution of illicit drugs, aiming to remove these harmful drugs from our communities.”
A half-kilo bag and five 1-ounce bags of cocaine were located at a Matamata address, as well as a pump action shotgun. One ounce is 28 grams.
A further 3 ounces of cocaine and $20,000 were seized from a Cambridge address.
“Police simply will not tolerate gangs making money from inflicting misery on our communities.
“They feed people’s addiction, and that in turn fuels crime, with people stealing to feed their habit.
The supply of illegal drugs causes untold harm and we will do everything we can to tackle it.
A 39-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to re-appear in the Hamilton District Court on 28 July, facing drug and firearms charges.
Further charges are being considered for a person found at the Cambridge address.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Crews are making progress on clearance of potentially dangerous rock and other debris from a slope above State Highway 7 that has resulted in recent overnight road closures between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction (including Lewis Pass).
The work has been happening this week – including rock scaling, removal of vegetation and adjustment of the bunding – at the slip site near Roirdan Creek Bridge. Traffic has been restricted to a single lane during the day and there have been delays as required when loose material is dislodged.
SH7 between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction will close again tonight at 7pm out of precaution, and is expected to reopen tomorrow at 8am. Further overnight closures may be required as the work progresses towards reopening of both lanes of traffic at the slip site.
Stay up to date on the status of the highways at our Journey Planner(external link) site.
Work continues on the slope above SH7 near Roirdan Creek Bridge, where recent slips have occurred.
Contractors working for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi are working to clear potentially hazardous material that could fall onto SH7.
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Crews are making progress on clearance of potentially dangerous rock and other debris from a slope above State Highway 7 that has resulted in recent overnight road closures between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction (including Lewis Pass).
The work has been happening this week – including rock scaling, removal of vegetation and adjustment of the bunding – at the slip site near Roirdan Creek Bridge. Traffic has been restricted to a single lane during the day and there have been delays as required when loose material is dislodged.
SH7 between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction will close again tonight at 7pm out of precaution, and is expected to reopen tomorrow at 8am. Further overnight closures may be required as the work progresses towards reopening of both lanes of traffic at the slip site.
Stay up to date on the status of the highways at our Journey Planner(external link) site.
Work continues on the slope above SH7 near Roirdan Creek Bridge, where recent slips have occurred.
Contractors working for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi are working to clear potentially hazardous material that could fall onto SH7.
Source: New Zealand Police
The intersection of Willoughby Street and Mill Street is closed following a serious crash.
At around 3:30pm emergency services received reports of a two-vehicle crash.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area.
Updates will be provided proactively.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee today announced further steps in the Government’s overhaul of the AML/CFT regime, strengthening efforts to combat serious financial crime.
“This Government is serious about targeting criminals, not tying up legitimate businesses in unnecessary red tape,” Mrs McKee says.
“Cabinet has agreed to introduce a bill to strengthen enforcement powers for Police and regulators to crack down on those involved in money laundering.
“It will also establish a new financial sanctions supervisory regime and initiate engagement on a sustainable levy to fund AML/CFT system improvements.
“The new approach will deliver more clarity and consistency for businesses while maintaining a strong focus on preventing criminal misuse of the financial system.
“An upper limit will be set on how much cash can be transferred internationally ($5,000 per transfer), reducing the ability of the criminal organisation to move its funds offshore.
“We will also make it more difficult for criminals to convert cash to high-risk assets such as crypto currencies by banning crypto ATMs.
“We will also enable the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to order banks and other businesses subject to the AML/CFT Act to provide ongoing relevant information on persons of interest. The FIU will also be able to order the production of important contextual information other businesses on the financial activities of persons of interest. This will enable the more effective development of the financial intelligence needed to bring the criminals to justice.
“Since 2019, the global financial and regulatory landscape has shifted significantly. We need a smarter, more agile AML/CFT system – one that targets criminals ability to launder money, while enabling New Zealand businesses to operate efficiently and competitively.
“Already, progress is being made. Two amendment bills currently before Parliament will remove some of the most burdensome compliance requirements, delivering practical relief for businesses by the end of the year.
“I have also this week announced plans to remove address verification requirements for many lower-risk customers and relax due diligence requirements for lower-risk trusts.
“This means businesses can focus their time and resources where the real risks lie, rather than being stuck chasing paperwork from low-risk clients.
“These are the types of issues businesses have raised with us, and we’re acting. This is not about dropping standards, it’s about applying them intelligently.
“We want New Zealand to be one of the easiest places in the world to do legitimate business and one of the hardest for criminals to hide. By cutting unnecessary red tape, we’re giving honest businesses room to grow, while sharpening our focus on serious threats,” Mrs McKee says.
Targeted consultation with industry and stakeholders will begin shortly to inform the new national strategy and levy framework.
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee today announced further steps in the Government’s overhaul of the AML/CFT regime, strengthening efforts to combat serious financial crime.
“This Government is serious about targeting criminals, not tying up legitimate businesses in unnecessary red tape,” Mrs McKee says.
“Cabinet has agreed to introduce a bill to strengthen enforcement powers for Police and regulators to crack down on those involved in money laundering.
“It will also establish a new financial sanctions supervisory regime and initiate engagement on a sustainable levy to fund AML/CFT system improvements.
“The new approach will deliver more clarity and consistency for businesses while maintaining a strong focus on preventing criminal misuse of the financial system.
“An upper limit will be set on how much cash can be transferred internationally ($5,000 per transfer), reducing the ability of the criminal organisation to move its funds offshore.
“We will also make it more difficult for criminals to convert cash to high-risk assets such as crypto currencies by banning crypto ATMs.
“We will also enable the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) to order banks and other businesses subject to the AML/CFT Act to provide ongoing relevant information on persons of interest. The FIU will also be able to order the production of important contextual information other businesses on the financial activities of persons of interest. This will enable the more effective development of the financial intelligence needed to bring the criminals to justice.
“Since 2019, the global financial and regulatory landscape has shifted significantly. We need a smarter, more agile AML/CFT system – one that targets criminals ability to launder money, while enabling New Zealand businesses to operate efficiently and competitively.
“Already, progress is being made. Two amendment bills currently before Parliament will remove some of the most burdensome compliance requirements, delivering practical relief for businesses by the end of the year.
“I have also this week announced plans to remove address verification requirements for many lower-risk customers and relax due diligence requirements for lower-risk trusts.
“This means businesses can focus their time and resources where the real risks lie, rather than being stuck chasing paperwork from low-risk clients.
“These are the types of issues businesses have raised with us, and we’re acting. This is not about dropping standards, it’s about applying them intelligently.
“We want New Zealand to be one of the easiest places in the world to do legitimate business and one of the hardest for criminals to hide. By cutting unnecessary red tape, we’re giving honest businesses room to grow, while sharpening our focus on serious threats,” Mrs McKee says.
Targeted consultation with industry and stakeholders will begin shortly to inform the new national strategy and levy framework.
Source: New Zealand Police
A three-vehicle-collision is causing delays for southbound traffic on SH1 at Tristram Ave.
A car towing a caravan is blocking one of two access lanes onto the motorway.
Emergency services are onsite and working to move the vehicles.
Motorists are advised to take an alternative route.
ENDS
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
A three-vehicle-collision is causing delays for southbound traffic on SH1 at Tristram Ave.
A car towing a caravan is blocking one of two access lanes onto the motorway.
Emergency services are onsite and working to move the vehicles.
Motorists are advised to take an alternative route.
ENDS
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s responsible fiscal management has supported the Reserve Bank to keep the Official Cash Rate low, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand today announced it would keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 3.25 per cent while continuing to foreshadow further reductions in the OCR.
“There has been a 2.25 percentage point reduction in the Official Cash Rate since August last year – easing the cost of borrowing and delivering much needed cost of living relief for many New Zealand households,” Nicola Willis says.
“While many Kiwis are already experiencing lower mortgage repayments off the back of previous OCR reductions, more will benefit when they re-fix their mortgage this year, meaning the positive effects of previous rate drops will continue to flow-through our economy over the coming months.
“Lower interest rates free-up household budgets for spending elsewhere and they ease the path for those wishing to enter the housing market. They also provide relief to interest-rate sensitive sectors of the economy, including building and construction, with lower interest rates often providing a kick-start for big new projects.
“Despite global uncertainty, the Government is continuing to drive New Zealand’s economic recovery forward. Our careful stewardship of the Government books and our ongoing efforts to reduce costly laws and regulations mean inflation and interest rates can stay lower than would otherwise be the case.
“Gone are the days of reckless economic management fueling the flames of inflation and interest rates – New Zealand now has steady hands at the wheel, and a Government that is determined to keep our economic fundamentals in good order.”
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s responsible fiscal management has supported the Reserve Bank to keep the Official Cash Rate low, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand today announced it would keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 3.25 per cent while continuing to foreshadow further reductions in the OCR.
“There has been a 2.25 percentage point reduction in the Official Cash Rate since August last year – easing the cost of borrowing and delivering much needed cost of living relief for many New Zealand households,” Nicola Willis says.
“While many Kiwis are already experiencing lower mortgage repayments off the back of previous OCR reductions, more will benefit when they re-fix their mortgage this year, meaning the positive effects of previous rate drops will continue to flow-through our economy over the coming months.
“Lower interest rates free-up household budgets for spending elsewhere and they ease the path for those wishing to enter the housing market. They also provide relief to interest-rate sensitive sectors of the economy, including building and construction, with lower interest rates often providing a kick-start for big new projects.
“Despite global uncertainty, the Government is continuing to drive New Zealand’s economic recovery forward. Our careful stewardship of the Government books and our ongoing efforts to reduce costly laws and regulations mean inflation and interest rates can stay lower than would otherwise be the case.
“Gone are the days of reckless economic management fueling the flames of inflation and interest rates – New Zealand now has steady hands at the wheel, and a Government that is determined to keep our economic fundamentals in good order.”
9 July 2025 – The Monetary Policy Committee today agreed to hold the Official Cash Rate at 3.25 percent.
Annual consumers price inflation will likely increase towards the top of the Monetary Policy Committee’s 1 to 3 percent target band over mid-2025. However, with spare productive capacity in the economy and declining domestic inflation pressures, headline inflation is expected to remain in the band and return to around 2 percent by early 2026.
Elevated export prices and lower interest rates are supporting a recovery in the New Zealand economy. However, heightened global policy uncertainty and tariffs are expected to reduce global economic growth. This will likely slow the pace of New Zealand’s economic recovery, reducing inflation pressures.
The economic outlook remains highly uncertain. Further data on the speed of New Zealand’s economic recovery, the persistence of inflation, and the impacts of tariffs will influence the future path of the Official Cash Rate.
If medium-term inflation pressures continue to ease as projected, the Committee expects to lower the Official Cash Rate further.
Read the full statement and Record of meeting:
https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=0fcc1c096a&e=f3c68946f8
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to improve access to asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025.
“For the first time, Pharmac has its own Minister. Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines – this is committed to in the Act-National Coalition Agreement,” Mr Seymour says.
“Since then, the culture shift at Pharmac has been positive. It has moved towards a more adaptable and people-centered approach to funding medicines. My expectation is that this will continue.”
Following a consultation period Pharmac has made decisions to:
“From 1 August 2025 people will be able to get three-months supply of some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers all at once. Pharmac will also fund some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), meaning doctors and nurses can keep some in their clinic for emergency use, teaching, and demonstrations,” Mr Seymour says.
“For the over 120,000 Kiwis using this type of inhaler the changes mean less visits to the pharmacy for resupply, better asthma management, and an extra option for supply in emergencies.
“Doctors and nurses will also be able to keep Mirena and Jaydess IUDs in their clinic and will be able to place them in the same appointment. Pharmac will fund these on a PSO to enable this.
“Current settings mean women need to get a prescription from their doctor or nurse, pick their IUD up from a pharmacy, and then bring it back to the clinic to be placed. Pharmac estimates over 21,000 women to benefit from these changes in just the first year of funding.
“People told Pharmac that these changes will make a real difference. They will make it easier for people with asthma to get the inhalers they need and improve access to long-acting contraceptives like Mirena and Jaydess. They make sense for people.
“People should have the opportunity to share what the impact of changes would be for them.
“The Government is doing its part. Last year we allocated Pharmac its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, and a $604 million uplift to give Pharmac the financial support it needs to carry out its functions – negotiating the best medical deals for New Zealanders.”
Source: PHARMAC
Pharmac is making changes to improve access to some asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025.
“We’re making it easier for people to get the medicines they need, when and where they need them,” says Pharmac’s Acting Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin. “These changes will help over 140,000 New Zealanders in the first year alone.”
From 1 August 2025, people using some strengths of budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will be able to receive three-months supply all at once, reducing the need for multiple pharmacy visits.
Some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will also be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO). This means doctors and nurses will be able to keep it in their clinic for emergency use, teaching and demonstrations. They will also be able to give it to people if accessing a pharmacy isn’t practical.
“These changes mean people can keep inhalers where they need them most – at home, work, or school – and learn how to use them correctly with support from their health care provider.
“People have told us these changes will make a real difference,” says Martin. “That they support better asthma management and align with updated clinical guidelines.”
Pharmac is also changing how IUDs and contraceptive implants are supplied. From Friday 1 August 2025, Mirena and Jaydess IUDs will be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), allowing doctors and nurses to provide them directly during appointments.
Pharmac is also increasing the number of Jadelle contraceptive implants available on PSO, reducing the number of stock orders clinics need to make, helping to save time – especially those with high patient volumes.
“These changes will improve access for over 21,000 people in the first year and align IUD access with other long-acting contraceptives,” says Martin. “People have told us that it will remove barriers, reduce delays, and allow for timelier and efficient care.”
Source: PHARMAC
Pharmac is making changes to improve access to some asthma inhalers and long-acting contraceptives from 1 August 2025.
“We’re making it easier for people to get the medicines they need, when and where they need them,” says Pharmac’s Acting Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin. “These changes will help over 140,000 New Zealanders in the first year alone.”
From 1 August 2025, people using some strengths of budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will be able to receive three-months supply all at once, reducing the need for multiple pharmacy visits.
Some budesonide with eformoterol inhalers will also be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO). This means doctors and nurses will be able to keep it in their clinic for emergency use, teaching and demonstrations. They will also be able to give it to people if accessing a pharmacy isn’t practical.
“These changes mean people can keep inhalers where they need them most – at home, work, or school – and learn how to use them correctly with support from their health care provider.
“People have told us these changes will make a real difference,” says Martin. “That they support better asthma management and align with updated clinical guidelines.”
Pharmac is also changing how IUDs and contraceptive implants are supplied. From Friday 1 August 2025, Mirena and Jaydess IUDs will be available on a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), allowing doctors and nurses to provide them directly during appointments.
Pharmac is also increasing the number of Jadelle contraceptive implants available on PSO, reducing the number of stock orders clinics need to make, helping to save time – especially those with high patient volumes.
“These changes will improve access for over 21,000 people in the first year and align IUD access with other long-acting contraceptives,” says Martin. “People have told us that it will remove barriers, reduce delays, and allow for timelier and efficient care.”
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has activated an Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG) in response to flooding in the Tasman and Marlborough districts.
“Enhanced Task Force Green funding builds on the Government’s commitment to support those impacted by this event,” Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston says.
“The recent flooding has been a significant and adverse event damaging farms, homes, roads and bridges.
“The ETFG programme puts job seekers to work where they will be of most help to the farmers and growers cleaning up their properties. This may include clearing debris, clearing fence lines and repairing buildings and waterways.
“It also provides support to enable public assets such as community halls and gardens, playgrounds and public spaces to be returned to the same condition they were prior to the event.
“Across the affected areas, damage assessments are being carried out. The Ministry of Social Development will work with agencies to make sure Enhanced Task Force Green assistance is provided as soon as possible to farmers and growers in need of this support.
“We know these are resilient communities which are pulling together to help each other. ETFG is designed to support those efforts and to lend a hand.”
Farmers and growers can self-register for clean-up help by contacting the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Local job seekers available to help with the clean-up effort can register their interest by emailing totsemploymentteam@msd.govt.nz or contacting Work and Income on 0800 559 009.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has activated an Enhanced Task Force Green (ETFG) in response to flooding in the Tasman and Marlborough districts.
“Enhanced Task Force Green funding builds on the Government’s commitment to support those impacted by this event,” Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston says.
“The recent flooding has been a significant and adverse event damaging farms, homes, roads and bridges.
“The ETFG programme puts job seekers to work where they will be of most help to the farmers and growers cleaning up their properties. This may include clearing debris, clearing fence lines and repairing buildings and waterways.
“It also provides support to enable public assets such as community halls and gardens, playgrounds and public spaces to be returned to the same condition they were prior to the event.
“Across the affected areas, damage assessments are being carried out. The Ministry of Social Development will work with agencies to make sure Enhanced Task Force Green assistance is provided as soon as possible to farmers and growers in need of this support.
“We know these are resilient communities which are pulling together to help each other. ETFG is designed to support those efforts and to lend a hand.”
Farmers and growers can self-register for clean-up help by contacting the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Local job seekers available to help with the clean-up effort can register their interest by emailing totsemploymentteam@msd.govt.nz or contacting Work and Income on 0800 559 009.
The latest data from realestate.co.nz shows average rental prices are on the decline in the majority of regions across New Zealand. The national average rental price was $636 in June this year, down 2.7% from $653 in June 2024.
Renters in the capital had the greatest respite: Wellington’s average rental price dropped by a hefty 10.9% to $625 per week compared to $701 per week at the same time last year. Those renting property in Hawke’s Bay also experienced a greater than average drop in rental prices, down 6.6% from $677 in June 2024 to $632 this year.
Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says declining rental prices in a tough economic climate is welcome news for renters. “We know that any reduced cost, no matter how big or small, does make a difference for many household budgets.
Southern surge: average weekly rental prices increase in three key regions
There’s no such respite for renters in the south. West Coast’s average weekly rental price of $433 is 9.1% higher than the same time last year ($396). The average weekly rental price in Otago has also increased, from $571 in June 2024 to $616 in June 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.0%.
Southland’s average weekly rent of $489 in June was the region’s highest on record, 6.1% more than June 2024 ($461). It’s a continuing trend for the Southland property market, which also set an all-time asking price high for the second month in a row in the June 2025 New Zealand Property Market (ref. https://news.realestate.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-property-market-2025-june )
Williams says Southland’s performance has been an intriguing one to follow. “The region is certainly bucking the trend, for both home buyers and renters. It will be interesting to see what Southland’s property market does over the coming months as we move into spring.”
Lift in listings: tenants continue to be able to take their pick
The positive news continues for renters, with 15.3% more new listings coming onto the market than a year ago. Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington are the top three regions with the greatest year-on-year increase in new listings, reporting 96.0%, 84.9% and 82.2% respectively.
Wellington’s 82.2% increase saw the number of new listings rise from 276 in June 2024 to 503 in June 2025; Waikato also saw a significant increase, rising from 479 in June 2024 to 647 in June 2025.
“Greater choice in the market is also keeping prices honest,” says Williams. “And, with the Healthy Homes deadline having now passed, renters should be assured that a new listing should also be Healthy-Homes compliant.”
About realestate.co.nz
We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.
Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.
Glossary of terms:
The average weekly rental rate is an indication of current market sentiment. It is calculated by taking the asking rental rate of every residential property listed during that month and dividing it by the total number of rental properties. The average is a truncated mean.
New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for rent on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. Listings on the site include rental properties listed by Property Managers and private landlords and provide a representative view of the New Zealand rental property market.
Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for rent on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.
The latest data from realestate.co.nz shows average rental prices are on the decline in the majority of regions across New Zealand. The national average rental price was $636 in June this year, down 2.7% from $653 in June 2024.
Renters in the capital had the greatest respite: Wellington’s average rental price dropped by a hefty 10.9% to $625 per week compared to $701 per week at the same time last year. Those renting property in Hawke’s Bay also experienced a greater than average drop in rental prices, down 6.6% from $677 in June 2024 to $632 this year.
Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says declining rental prices in a tough economic climate is welcome news for renters. “We know that any reduced cost, no matter how big or small, does make a difference for many household budgets.
Southern surge: average weekly rental prices increase in three key regions
There’s no such respite for renters in the south. West Coast’s average weekly rental price of $433 is 9.1% higher than the same time last year ($396). The average weekly rental price in Otago has also increased, from $571 in June 2024 to $616 in June 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.0%.
Southland’s average weekly rent of $489 in June was the region’s highest on record, 6.1% more than June 2024 ($461). It’s a continuing trend for the Southland property market, which also set an all-time asking price high for the second month in a row in the June 2025 New Zealand Property Market (ref. https://news.realestate.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-property-market-2025-june )
Williams says Southland’s performance has been an intriguing one to follow. “The region is certainly bucking the trend, for both home buyers and renters. It will be interesting to see what Southland’s property market does over the coming months as we move into spring.”
Lift in listings: tenants continue to be able to take their pick
The positive news continues for renters, with 15.3% more new listings coming onto the market than a year ago. Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington are the top three regions with the greatest year-on-year increase in new listings, reporting 96.0%, 84.9% and 82.2% respectively.
Wellington’s 82.2% increase saw the number of new listings rise from 276 in June 2024 to 503 in June 2025; Waikato also saw a significant increase, rising from 479 in June 2024 to 647 in June 2025.
“Greater choice in the market is also keeping prices honest,” says Williams. “And, with the Healthy Homes deadline having now passed, renters should be assured that a new listing should also be Healthy-Homes compliant.”
About realestate.co.nz
We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.
Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.
Glossary of terms:
The average weekly rental rate is an indication of current market sentiment. It is calculated by taking the asking rental rate of every residential property listed during that month and dividing it by the total number of rental properties. The average is a truncated mean.
New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for rent on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. Listings on the site include rental properties listed by Property Managers and private landlords and provide a representative view of the New Zealand rental property market.
Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for rent on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.
Key facts
Key facts
Re: RBNZ interest rate decision – “Based on public commentary it does appear that the RBNZ will leave the OCR at 3.25 per cent, however we believe that a rate drop of .25 per cent now, and a similar decrease in August will benefit consumers. Ideally we’d like to see a cash rate of 3 per cent sooner rather than later.
An interest rate reduction will bring immediate cost of living relief to Kiwis during these globally uncertain times of tariffs, global inflation and trade tensions, added to rising food costs and reports of increases in future inflation data and unemployment figures.
Finance and mortgage advisers are reporting that affordability still remains a significant challenge for homebuyers, particularly those trying to enter the market for the first time, while investors are not widely back in the market as yet. So every small rate drop helps.
Currently the mortgage market is in a transitional phase, with rates easing and house values rebounding slowly. Advisers are receiving many questions around the loan structure, particularly fixed v variable or a split home loan.
Our advice to consumers looking to purchase or refinance – irrespective of today’s OCR decision – is to consult a mortgage adviser first to discuss your individual circumstances. While the rate is very important, it is not the only factor to consider. You must look at what is best for your individual circumstances, and this is what your mortgage adviser can do. Banks are unable to do this as they are in the business of selling their products.
Mortgage advisers also have access to specialist and non-bank lenders who can provide flexibility to those who need it, particularly those with unique borrowing circumstances or who are self-employed.”
Re: RBNZ interest rate decision – “Based on public commentary it does appear that the RBNZ will leave the OCR at 3.25 per cent, however we believe that a rate drop of .25 per cent now, and a similar decrease in August will benefit consumers. Ideally we’d like to see a cash rate of 3 per cent sooner rather than later.
An interest rate reduction will bring immediate cost of living relief to Kiwis during these globally uncertain times of tariffs, global inflation and trade tensions, added to rising food costs and reports of increases in future inflation data and unemployment figures.
Finance and mortgage advisers are reporting that affordability still remains a significant challenge for homebuyers, particularly those trying to enter the market for the first time, while investors are not widely back in the market as yet. So every small rate drop helps.
Currently the mortgage market is in a transitional phase, with rates easing and house values rebounding slowly. Advisers are receiving many questions around the loan structure, particularly fixed v variable or a split home loan.
Our advice to consumers looking to purchase or refinance – irrespective of today’s OCR decision – is to consult a mortgage adviser first to discuss your individual circumstances. While the rate is very important, it is not the only factor to consider. You must look at what is best for your individual circumstances, and this is what your mortgage adviser can do. Banks are unable to do this as they are in the business of selling their products.
Mortgage advisers also have access to specialist and non-bank lenders who can provide flexibility to those who need it, particularly those with unique borrowing circumstances or who are self-employed.”
Source: NZCTU
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is concerned that the artificial intelligence (AI) “strategy” document released today by the Government ignores impacts on working people and replicates the corporate hype of Microsoft and other tech giants.
“It is crucial that no workers are left behind as AI usage increases, and so it is deeply concerning that workers are absent from the document released by the Government today,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.
“AI technologies do provide opportunities for improving productivity and the quality of service. But this will only happen if workers are actively engaged on the implementation and governance of these technologies.
“Workers also need to be properly trained on how to use AI safely and productively, but the strategy released today fails to set out a coherent plan for achieving this.
“Some workers, particularly in clerical and administrative roles, are at a high risk of being displaced by AI. We need to deliver a just transition for any workers negatively affected by AI by supporting them to retrain and find good work.
“The strategy also skates over the very real risks that AI technologies pose for workers. This includes the severe health and safety risks associated with AI surveillance systems, productivity monitoring, and automated management.
“The “light touch” approach proposed by the Government will do nothing to protect New Zealand workers from the serious risks posed by AI,” said Wagstaff.