AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for March 31, 2026 – Full Text
Fuel industry welcomes government’s moves to increase capacity, says it won’t help overnight
March 31, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
Waitomo fuel chief executive Simon Parham. Supplied / Waitomo
Fuel industry leaders are welcoming the government’s moves to increase fuel capacity, but say while it will help with long-term concerns price spikes are a bigger worry.
With the fuel crisis in its fifth week, the government is moving to shore up storage as an insurance policy in case of supply line failures by announcing plans to access more supply as well as getting more storage tanks into service.
“While fuel importers do continue to indicate confidence in near-future orders and while they are already exploring alternatives to Asia as a source of fuel supply, we believe that some residual risk remains,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis said.
She said Cabinet had agreed to explore additional options to guard against the risk of disrupted fuel supply, and was now “actively seeking proposals for New Zealand refined fuel imports on arrangements that would support additional purchase of stocks through to June”.
The government was assessing a series of unsolicited proposals from businesses to help increase supply, including to trade New Zealand’s access to fuel types the country was unable to use – like crude oil, which would need to be refined – for types it could.
On the fuel storage front, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones confirmed officials were exploring two proposals, including to get some of the unused storage capacity at Marsden Point operating again after the former refinery was downsized to an import-only terminal.
Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones (L) and Finance Minister Nicola Willis give an update on the fuel situation on 27 March. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Waitomo fuel chief executive Simon Parham told RNZ more storage would help in the long-term, but would not bring prices down.
“Through the April, May and even into the June window, stock seems to be on the water, there’s been no cargoes cancelled and no ships turned around, so supply looks like it’s steady but it seems to me they want that little extra insurance.
“Looking at extra storage options in New Zealand is also the right thing to do but we’ve just all got to be realistic that that will come at a cost and someone’s got to pay for it.
“Extra storage here, it won’t help with the cost, it just gives us that little bit more resilience in the long term should these supply shocks happen again.”
Automobile Association fuel spokesperson Terry Collins said more capacity would take time and money to build, and ensuring consistent supply needed to be the priority, with the main risks closely linked to what happens in Iran.
“Channel infrastructure, which was a part of the old refinery, has got additional storage, they’ve offered it to the government, but there’s a lag between getting it ready and the immediacy of what’s happening internationally.
“What we could see, possibly, is in a very short period of time spikes and pressure on fuel [prices] coming in here that we do not have time to address by building or refurbishing storage.
“Really it’s about can we get enough to keep what we’ve got going, now.”
He said the threat of further escalation was making markets nervous.
Automobile Association fuel spokesperson Terry Collins said more capacity would take time and money to build. RNZ / Paris Ibell
Hoarding leading to shortages
The government again repeated its warning that “minor hoarding” was leading to shortages at service stations in some regions, including Ōpōtiki, Southland and Nelson.
AA’s Terry Collins said fear of losing out was part of the problem.
“Because of their fear, they think about ‘oh, I’m in an area this could happen’ and by their actions it makes it a self-perpetuating action.”
Waitomo’s Simon Parham said suppliers were doing their best.
“We’re always managing our forecasts, one month, two months, even six months out … that’s what we do day in, day out to make sure products get to service stations,” he said.
“We have seen that increase in demand, admittedly it’s starting to taper off a bit now because that demand has been pulled forward and we’re starting to see a lag – and also prices doing what price does when it gets too high, it causes demand destruction.
“There’s plenty of product there, but it’s not always in the places where you need it.”
He said the most useful regulations for the government to cut would be around heavy-vehicle permits.
“You have to apply on an individual truck and an individual route basis, and what that means is it’s admin-heavy, it takes two to three weeks to get this all approved, and so it really reduces your flexibility in the system.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
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Fuel industry welcomes government’s moves to increase capacity, say it won’t help overnight
March 31, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
Waitomo fuel chief executive Simon Parham. Supplied / Waitomo
Fuel industry leaders are welcoming the government’s moves to increase fuel capacity, but say while it will help with long-term concerns price spikes are a bigger worry.
With the fuel crisis in its fifth week, the government is moving to shore up storage as an insurance policy in case of supply line failures by announcing plans to access more supply as well as getting more storage tanks into service.
“While fuel importers do continue to indicate confidence in near-future orders and while they are already exploring alternatives to Asia as a source of fuel supply, we believe that some residual risk remains,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis said.
She said Cabinet had agreed to explore additional options to guard against the risk of disrupted fuel supply, and was now “actively seeking proposals for New Zealand refined fuel imports on arrangements that would support additional purchase of stocks through to June”.
The government was assessing a series of unsolicited proposals from businesses to help increase supply, including to trade New Zealand’s access to fuel types the country was unable to use – like crude oil, which would need to be refined – for types it could.
On the fuel storage front, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones confirmed officials were exploring two proposals, including to get some of the unused storage capacity at Marsden Point operating again after the former refinery was downsized to an import-only terminal.
Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones (L) and Finance Minister Nicola Willis give an update on the fuel situation on 27 March. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Waitomo fuel chief executive Simon Parham told RNZ more storage would help in the long-term, but would not bring prices down.
“Through the April, May and even into the June window, stock seems to be on the water, there’s been no cargoes cancelled and no ships turned around, so supply looks like it’s steady but it seems to me they want that little extra insurance.
“Looking at extra storage options in New Zealand is also the right thing to do but we’ve just all got to be realistic that that will come at a cost and someone’s got to pay for it.
“Extra storage here, it won’t help with the cost, it just gives us that little bit more resilience in the long term should these supply shocks happen again.”
Automobile Association fuel spokesperson Terry Collins said more capacity would take time and money to build, and ensuring consistent supply needed to be the priority, with the main risks closely linked to what happens in Iran.
“Channel infrastructure, which was a part of the old refinery, has got additional storage, they’ve offered it to the government, but there’s a lag between getting it ready and the immediacy of what’s happening internationally.
“What we could see, possibly, is in a very short period of time spikes and pressure on fuel [prices] coming in here that we do not have time to address by building or refurbishing storage.
“Really it’s about can we get enough to keep what we’ve got going, now.”
He said the threat of further escalation was making markets nervous.
Automobile Association fuel spokesperson Terry Collins said more capacity would take time and money to build. RNZ / Paris Ibell
Hoarding leading to shortages
The government again repeated its warning that “minor hoarding” was leading to shortages at service stations in some regions, including Ōpōtiki, Southland and Nelson.
AA’s Terry Collins said fear of losing out was part of the problem.
“Because of their fear, they think about ‘oh, I’m in an area this could happen’ and by their actions it makes it a self-perpetuating action.”
Waitomo’s Simon Parham said suppliers were doing their best.
“We’re always managing our forecasts, one month, two months, even six months out … that’s what we do day in, day out to make sure products get to service stations,” he said.
“We have seen that increase in demand, admittedly it’s starting to taper off a bit now because that demand has been pulled forward and we’re starting to see a lag – and also prices doing what price does when it gets too high, it causes demand destruction.
“There’s plenty of product there, but it’s not always in the places where you need it.”
He said the most useful regulations for the government to cut would be around heavy-vehicle permits.
“You have to apply on an individual truck and an individual route basis, and what that means is it’s admin-heavy, it takes two to three weeks to get this all approved, and so it really reduces your flexibility in the system.”
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
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Watch: PM Christopher Luxon gives updates on fuel response plan
March 30, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
New Zealand’s fuel stocks remain strong, says the prime minister, but Cabinet has today discussed the option of pursuing further commercial opportunities to add to current supplies.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is giving an update on the national fuel plan during an post-Cabinet media conference along side Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones.
Luxon opened today’s briefing by saying the New Zealand government was still “gravely concerned” by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Every day New Zealanders are waking up to news of developments in the Middle East, but what we are yet to see is a move towards a negotiated settlement and solution.
“The longer it goes on, the more the impact, whether that’s the human toll in the Middle East, and also the economic pain and suffering being caused around the world.”
He said the government’s first priority in the situation was maintaining fuel supply.
“That’s mission critical to protecting our economy. Without supply, there are serious impacts to jobs and incomes.”
Today’s briefing after the weekly cabinet meeting follows the latest data released from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) showing total fuel stocks in the country have increased since the last update on Wednesday.
Luxon said he could assure New Zealanders the country was in a good position, with “healthy stocks” of fuel, and the fuel companies had made changes ot their allocations to support demand over the coming weeks, including through Easter and the upcoming school holidays.
He said this meant New Zealand remained in phase one of its fuel response plan.
“But we are continuing to prepare for a move to phase 2 if we need to.”
He said the Cabinet today discussed the option of pursuing further commercial opportunities to add to the current level of fuel security.
“Obviously any option we pursue has to be affordable, practical and timely, but officials are pursuing options with urgency.”
Willis said the government was now actively seeking proposals for New Zealand-refined fuel imports on arrangements that would support additional purchase of stocks through to June.
“The proposals would involve the government working with industry partners to deliver additional fuel from offshore to manage the risk of a shortage of supply. An insurance policy, if you will.”
She said the government had already been approached by some parties with unsolicited proposals to increase supply, commercial assessment of those proposals was now being urgently carried out.
She said this could see additional supplies for New Zealand stored offshore.
On Friday last week, the government gave more detail on updates to its 2024 fuel plan.
That laid out what would trigger a change from the current phase 1, to higher phases; more specifics about what each phase would mean, and how different sectors would be prioritised for fuel if it came to that.
The government has continued to emphasise New Zealand does not face supply shortages.
However, prices have continued to be high – with data from price monitoring app Gaspy showing a 90-cent increase for Unleaded 91 and a 158-cent increase for diesel in the past 28 days.
Luxon told Morning Report on Monday said as long as phases one and two of the national fuel plan are effective, people won’t have to worry about phases three and four.
“At this point in time we’ve had no indication that our fuel importers who we talk to daily, multiple times a day, have had any cancellation of their forward orders,” Luxon said.
He said the government’s utmost priority was ensuring that the country had fuel – even if that meant fuel suppliers paying additional Iranian tolls.
Luxon said he was leaving it to fuel importers and distributors to organise how to allocate fuel.
“There needs to be a reworking of the allocations which is what the importers and the distributors need to work out this week, and it’s up to them to do so.”
Latest figures from MBIE show total national fuel stocks have increased since the last update with movements remaining within expectations. Stocks continue to be robust across petrol, diesel and jet fuel.
Overall, New Zealand has 59.3 days of petrol, 54.5 days of diesel and 50.4 days of jet fuel available. This is as of 11.59pm 25 March.
This fuel is either in New Zealand, within our Exclusive Economic Zone (New Zealand waters) – which includes ships with fuel unloading, ships at berth yet to unload, and ships moving between ports – or on water outside the EEZ up to 3 weeks away.
There is currently no indication of fuel supply disruption, and fuel continues to flow normally into New Zealand.
Supply chain data from US investment bank JP Morgan earlier reported the last shipments of fuel from Gulf Oil are likely to arrive in New Zealand on 20 April.
Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold told Monday’s Morning Report the government would be wise to start prioritising diesel allocation now, and that the situation is only getting worse.
He expected 91 to cost an average of $3.70 per litre by the end of the week.
“New Zealand is at the long end, at the end of a very long supply chain, and basically mid-April is looking like when it lines up for when there will be challenges here.
“Diesel that we burn now could be diesel that we need in three or four weeks.
“You can get on the bus, you can drive your EV to work, but in the end, if we want a farmer to be getting our food off the land, then he needs that diesel.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
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Media – Iwi radio network challenges crippling cuts to funding
March 30, 2026
29 Māehe | March 2026 – The national Māori radio network is contemplating litigation if the Crown follows through on drastic cost cuts to iwi stations.
In an unprecedented move, Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori o Aotearoa has presented an ultimatum to the Government – engage and negotiate a resolution to avoid legal action.
Chair Peter-Lucas Jones (Ngāti Kahu, Te Rārawa, Ngāi Takoto, Te Aupōuri) – who is also chief executive of far North iwi broadcaster Te Hiku Media – says Māori radio is a right under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, not a government handout.
Peter-Lucas Jones says recent and proposed actions targeting iwi stations, implemented primarily through Te Māngai Pāho (TMP), disregards the treaty and exposes the Crown to credible legal risk.
Any cutbacks will only lead to the demise of Māori radio.
“This issue is not about resisting change,” he explains. “Iwi radio stations have themselves funded transitions to digital platforms and new media without Crown support.
“The issue is whether the Crown can, through an intermediary, dismantle a treaty remedy without Māori consent.”
He whakapapa
Through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, Ngā Tamatoa, Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau i te Reo Māori and the New Zealand Māori Council among others took a range of cases concerning Māori language and broadcasting to the Waitangi Tribunal, High Court, Court of Appeal and Privy Council.
The turning point came in 1987 when te reo Māori was recognised as an official language by the Māori Language Act, opening the door for dedicated iwi radio pūtea.
New Zealand On Air funded the first wave of Māori radio stations until TMP was established under the Broadcasting Amendment Act 1993, giving life to the Waitangi Tribunal assertion that te reo Māori is a taonga requiring active protection by the Crown under the treaty.
Since then, TMP has included funding for iwi radio as well as news and current affairs in its strategies to revitalise and grow te reo Māori.
Ngā take
The iwi radio network has been grappling with a wide range of issues:
Rapidly changing audience expectation and emerging technologies:
Ability and agility of the Māori media sector to adapt to changing audience demands and technology – relating to inflexible legislation, funding, workforce development and impetus for change.
Numerous siloed media outlets:
Each doing their own thing for its own primarily Māori audience share – impacts on audience reach, quality and range of content. Money invested across the sector is not being maximised.
Low budget programming and low audience share:
Media outlets are spread too thinly across dispersed audiences. Inequitable funding of Māori media vis-a-vis public media.
Iwi reo differentiation and low audience share:
Recognising iwi dialectical differences and desire for iwi to be able to engage with their own members, in the face of the cost of delivering relevant programming to a small audience share.
Preservation and access:
Fragmented holdings; lack of funding for active preservation/holding; and different holding, access and use arrangements.
Workforce development:
Inadequate investment in workforce development affecting the ability to grow and retain a skilled workforce.
Media lifelines:
Support for iwi media in communicating with Māori and other communities during times of emergency.
Limited commercial advertising markets:
Collective advertising through a Māori-owned agency is barely viable. Advertising inconsistent with kaupapa Māori values such as fast food is rejected.
More recently, iwi radio stations have become aware of the following Crown actions and intentions:
Baseline funding reductions:
Stations have been advised of potential cuts of 25 to 30 per cent to baseline funding for 2026/27. They say any reduction threatens the survivability of iwi radio stations.
Reduction of contestable programming funding:
A separate contestable programming fund — relied upon disproportionately by high-performing stations — is also under threat. According to iwi radio owners, this wil penalise excellence and accelerate collapse among the strongest broadcasters.
Regional news hubs:
Regional news hubs were initiated by Te Māngai Pāho but there was no formal consultation with iwi radio owners. Māori radio was invited to apply for hub funding but were not co-designers of the model. Key features of the model include editorial control resting with the hub, not iwi radio; stations expected to support hub operations; and geographic grouping that does not reflect iwi philosophy, tikanga or operating models.
Hui ā rāngai pāpāho
TMP has been consulting with Māori media including the network’s 20 stations over how it will collectively manage the loss of $16 million in time limited funding from 1 July.
While 2026/27 appropriations will not be confirmed until the Budget announcement in late May, TMP released a discussion document earlier this year outlining five scenarios and potential impacts in anticipation of losing 25 per cent of its total budget.
In its stakeholder pānui last week, TMP Kaihautū Larry Parr thanked everyone who had made submissions to date.
“At this stage, while we are still gathering sector feedback, we anticipate a transition year that maintains the status quo as much as possible while allowing us to prepare and undertake the work necessary.
“The strongest outcomes of our strategy will be what we can collectively achieve for te reo Māori.”
Board members and kaimahi at TMP will share their updated strategic approach during an in person and online consultation wānanga in Tāmaki Makaurau on 21 April.
After Budget 2026, future funding priorities will be approved by the Board and a Statement of Performance Expectations published.
Ngā mahi e whai ake nei
In a briefing paper tabled with the Prime Minister and key Cabinet ministers, Te Whareruruhau is lobbying for:
Direct Crown engagement with iwi owners, independent of TMP
Negotiations to confirm sufficient baseline funding per station
An increase of at least $82,000 per station to allow for inflation since there has been no adjustment since 2022
A working group set up to determine how to fund the transition to digital platforms to ensure the Government meets its treaty obligation – up until now, iwi radio have been funding their own transition to digital and new media without Crown support
An opportunity to work with the Government to ensure important messages – from immunisation to road safety – reach their audiences.
Iwi radio owners have requested face-to-face hui with TMP to enable a ‘co-designed solution’.
Peter-Lucas Jones says a resourced, co-designed work programme needs to scope out the iwi radio treaty remedy and how it should be reconfigured, with the agreement and active participation of Māori radio.
“We have lodged a request for this work as it is necessary given the current uncertainty within TMP regarding iwi radio treaty rights and the obligations to actively uphold them.
“It also means Te Whakaruruhau is able to equitably participate.”
An inaugural Board member of TMP who played a key role in the establishment of iwi radio, lawyer Annette Sykes, along with Matthew Smith KC, have been retained by Te Whakaruruhau as its senior legal advisors.
He kōrero o te Karauna
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka provided a written response to Te Whakaruruhau’s briefing paper on behalf of the Government in February.
Potaka acknowledged the key role that iwi radio continues to play in reflecting local mita (dialects), stories and cultural identity as well as a trusted form of communication for local communities.
He also recognised that the Crown has a duty under the treaty to actively protect te reo Māori as a taonga.
While unable to discuss Budget 2026, his expectation was that entities manage operations within baselines and seek opportunities for greater value-for-money.
“Te Māngai Pāho is an autonomous Crown entity and make their own decisions about how they use funding provided by the Crown. Those decisions must clearly achieve their statutory purpose to promote Māori language and culture.
“The Crown does not have an obligation to consult Māori separately on Te Māngai Pāho’s proposals and cannot direct Te Māngai Pāho on whom to consult with or how to consult, as this is an operational decision for Te Māngai Pāho.
“The Crown’s role is to set the level of funding for Māori media entities like Te Māngai Pāho.”
Peter-Lucas Jones says iwi stations unanimously agreed at a special general meeting that they would not accept any decrease in funding and would consider legal action in response to any cutbacks.
The New Zealand Māori Council, Ngā Kaiwhakapūmau o te Reo Māori and the Iwi Chairs Forum have also pledged their unanimous support.
“Decisions taken by TMP that materially affect iwi radio funding, structure or autonomy remain Crown actions for treaty purposes.
“The Crown cannot discharge its Treaty obligations by delegation and then rely on that delegation to insulate itself from responsibility.”
RUKU is a new current affairs series in production by Te Noni Ltd with funding from Te Māngai Pāho.
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Watch: PM Christopher Luxon on the latest in the fuel crisis
March 30, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is giving an update on the national fuel plan during an post-Cabinet media conference along side Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones.
The briefing after the weekly cabinet meeting follows the latest data released from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) showing total fuel stocks in the country have increased since the last update on Wednesday.
On Friday last week, the government gave more detail on updates to its 2024 fuel plan.
That laid out what would trigger a change from the current phase 1, to higher phases; more specifics about what each phase would mean, and how different sectors would be prioritised for fuel if it came to that.
The government has continued to emphasise New Zealand does not face supply shortages.
However, prices have continued to be high – with data from price monitoring app Gaspy showing a 90-cent increase for Unleaded 91 and a 158-cent increase for diesel in the past 28 days.
Luxon told Morning Report on Monday said as long as phases one and two of the national fuel plan are effective, people won’t have to worry about phases three and four.
“At this point in time we’ve had no indication that our fuel importers who we talk to daily, multiple times a day, have had any cancellation of their forward orders,” Luxon said.
He said the government’s utmost priority was ensuring that the country had fuel – even if that meant fuel suppliers paying additional Iranian tolls.
Luxon said he was leaving it to fuel importers and distributors to organise how to allocate fuel.
“There needs to be a reworking of the allocations which is what the importers and the distributors need to work out this week, and it’s up to them to do so.”
Latest figures from MBIE show total national fuel stocks have increased since the last update with movements remaining within expectations. Stocks continue to be robust across petrol, diesel and jet fuel.
Overall, New Zealand has 59.3 days of petrol, 54.5 days of diesel and 50.4 days of jet fuel available. This is as of 11.59pm 25 March.
This fuel is either in New Zealand, within our Exclusive Economic Zone (New Zealand waters) – which includes ships with fuel unloading, ships at berth yet to unload, and ships moving between ports – or on water outside the EEZ up to 3 weeks away.
There is currently no indication of fuel supply disruption, and fuel continues to flow normally into New Zealand.
Supply chain data from US investment bank JP Morgan earlier reported the last shipments of fuel from Gulf Oil are likely to arrive in New Zealand on 20 April.
Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold told Monday’s Morning Report the government would be wise to start prioritising diesel allocation now, and that the situation is only getting worse.
He expected 91 to cost an average of $3.70 per litre by the end of the week.
“New Zealand is at the long end, at the end of a very long supply chain, and basically mid-April is looking like when it lines up for when there will be challenges here.
“Diesel that we burn now could be diesel that we need in three or four weeks.
“You can get on the bus, you can drive your EV to work, but in the end, if we want a farmer to be getting our food off the land, then he needs that diesel.”
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
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Can emissions shrink while the economy grows?
March 31, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
(File photo) Unsplash
A new report suggests it might be possible for New Zealand’s economy to still grow and reduce emissions at the same time.
Many have thought it can’t be done, but the Sustainable Business Council has been on a mission to prove otherwise.
The membership organisation released research which had shown moving to a low emissions economy, instead of relying only on the carbon price pathway, could help to increase GDP by $22 billion by 2035 and $33 billion by 2050. By 2035, emissions could have reduced by 6 percent a year and 22 percent by 2050.
The council’s chief executive Mike Burrell said the growth numbers rely on developing a holistic system, something that was already happening in small like-minded economies like the Netherlands, Denmark and Singapore.
“If you’ve got stable and enduring policies, if you’ve got abundant renewable energy, if you accelerate your innovation and your productivity, and you’ve got a credible carbon price, these things act together,” he said.
“They reduce costs, they lift efficiency, they strengthen your long run competitiveness, and importantly, act as a system, not a series of independent policy levers.”
Burrell said examples of good policy already exist in the way we manage other economic levers and they don’t require all sides of politics to agree on everything.
“If you think about something for example, the superannuation fund or independent monetary policy that came as a result of leadership by the government of the day,” he said.
“The government of the day said ‘we’re going to take a medium term view and we’re going to set this out,’ and subsequent governments went, ‘hey, do you know what that was? A great idea that’s really good for New Zealand’s growth. Let’s stick with that.’”
Burrell said the current oil shock had once again exposed the New Zealand economy’s weaknesses and a consistent policy approach is more important than ever.
“What we’re saying is here’s an opportunity to make New Zealand’s economy more resilient, for us to have the ability to drive our economy where we’ve got more control over over the kind of energy we produce.
“The idea of being more affluent isn’t to be prosperous for prosperity sake, it allows you more choices.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
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Government subsidies not enough to cover student numbers, universities say
March 31, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
Universities say government subsidies aren’t enough to cover all of their students. RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Universities have revealed they are missing out on millions of dollars in government subsidies because there is not enough money to cover all of their students.
Seven universities told RNZ they collectively carried several thousand un-subsidised domestic students last year and expected more of the same this year.
The students paid fees but the universities missed out on government contributions starting at $7287 per student in the cheapest undergraduate courses.
It happened because the government did not provide the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) with enough funding for all enrolments in 2025 or 2026 – a situation expected to repeat in 2027.
Auckland, AUT, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Lincoln and Canterbury told RNZ they had unfunded domestic students last year and/or this year.
In addition Lincoln and AUT said TEC reduced their funding allocation this year though AUT said that was partly because its 2025 funding was increased to meet high demand.
Auckland said 1662 or five percent of its 31,302 domestic EFTS (equivalent full-time students) last year were not subsidised though the commission topped up its funding in some areas.
It said it was too early to provide numbers for this year.
Victoria University said two percent or nearly 300 of its domestic EFTS were unfunded last year and it could not comment on this year’s position yet.
Victoria University said two percent or nearly 300 of its domestic EFTS were unfunded last year. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Waikato University said it exceeded its agreed 2025 funding allocation of $100 million by 7.3 percent, meaning its 9222 domestic EFTS included several-hundred who would otherwise have attracted $7.3m in government funding.
It said this year its funding cap for domestic students was set at 110 percent and it was negotiating with the commission to exceed that.
Massey University said 92 of its 12,760 domestic EFTS last year were not funded because the university exceeded its allocation.
It said it was expecting to enrol 13,195 domestic EFTS this year with about 260 unfunded.
Canterbury University said it absorbed the cost of some unsubsidised students in 2025, but was still finalising the final figures and it was too early to confirm 2026.
Lincoln said it had 165 unfunded EFTS last year and expected 42 this year.
AUT said it exceeded its agreed enrolments by seven percent last year and 3.7 percent of its 16,723 domestic EFTS in 2025 were unfunded.
The university said it reduced new enrolments but had applied to again enrol up to 107 percent this year.
“In early 2026, AUT applied to TEC to enrol up to 107 percent – largely to accommodate ongoing growth in pipeline (Years 2-4) for students we already have an existing commitment to,” it said.
“It is in New Zealand’s interest that they graduate. Improved retention, a measure of student success, has been a key performance measure for all TEOs [tertiary education organisations], but there is currently not sufficient funding to support the increase in returning EFTS, along with levels of demand from new entrants.”
Otago University said all of its 2025 domestic EFTS were funded and this year it was experiencing 4.3 percent growth.
“We will not know how many, if any, unfunded EFTS we will carry until we have had further discussions with the TEC,” it said.
Otago’s director of strategy, analytics and reporting David Thomson said this year’s significant growth was “highly probable and predictable”.
He said the 2025 Year 13 school leaver cohort was significantly larger than in 2024 or any other recent year; academic achievement across universities had improved resulting in improved retention; and relatively high unemployment typically caused higher levels of progression to tertiary study, and higher retention.
Otago University said it was experiencing 4.3 percent growth. RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Lincoln larger than ever
Lincoln University vice-chancellor Grant Edwards told RNZ the university had a record number of students.
“We currently have about three-and-a-half-thousand full-time equivalent students here in New Zealand of domestic and international students and we also operate transnational education on joint programmes, which will be approaching about 400 offshore full-time equivalent students as well,” he said.
“That’s a head count of about five-and-a-half-thousand students at this point in time, which is the largest the university has ever been in its history.”
Despite the growth, Edwards said Lincoln needed to make staff cuts because of “very strong signals” that domestic student funding was likely to be constrained in future.
He said TEC had indicated the university could lose funding for courses that were not priority areas.
Edwards would not say what those areas were or how much funding might be cut.
Meanwhile, he said Lincoln enrolled un-subsidised students last year and this year.
He said the numbers were significant enough for the university to try to focus enrolments into areas that were government priorities.
He said Lincoln was fortunate because its core focus of land-based subjects aligned well with the government’s priorities.
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New Zealand loses 41,000 jobs in two years as government offers no plan
March 30, 2026
Source: NZCTU
New Zealand has 41,465 fewer filled jobs compared with two years ago, with Stats NZ data confirming a sustained decline in employment that the Government has failed to address, says NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey.
“This data shows what so many people are already feeling. Life is hard for those looking for work. We have had sustained job losses since the last election, yet the Government appears to have no plan to help people who are out of work,” adds Grey.
The data reveals widespread job losses across industries and regions:
- Manufacturing has lost 10,000 workers over the past two years.
- Construction has shed 19,300 workers since the election.
- Young people have been hit especially hard, with 38,900 fewer 15- to 24-year-olds in filled jobs over the past two years.
- Male employment has also declined sharply, with 30,000 fewer filled jobs for men in just two years.
“The picture looks the same no matter where you look. Auckland has lost 21,000 filled jobs in two years. Northland, Waikato, Gisborne, and Hawke’s Bay have all gone backwards. This isn’t an isolated problem – it’s happening right across the country,” says Grey.
Workers who do have jobs are also falling behind. Earnings have grown by less than inflation, meaning real wages continue to decline. Working Kiwis are working harder and earning less in real terms.
“This data is from February this year – it doesn’t yet account for the latest economic headwinds from the oil crisis and global uncertainty. Data from March onwards is likely to show conditions getting tougher. The Government’s only plan right now is more cuts and hoping the conflict in the Middle East resolves itself. New Zealand deserves a better plan than this,” says Grey.
“Working people cannot afford to wait while the Government pins its hopes on external forces beyond its control. We need investment in jobs, support for affected sectors, and a commitment to ensuring workers share in any economic recovery,” says Grey.
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New Zealand scores a premier football line up
March 30, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Football fans will get the chance to see global stars in action at home this year, as New Zealand confirms the ‘International Football Festival,’ with support from the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package.
Today’s opening announcement around the tour showcases Tottenham Hotspur taking on Auckland FC on Sunday 26 July at Eden Park.
“It’s fantastic to welcome a top team like Spurs to New Zealand, giving football fans the chance to see them in action thanks to the Government’s investment into attracting showstopper events,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
The Eden Park clash will be the first time an English top-flight men’s club has played in New Zealand since 2014.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for fans and helps build the momentum of football in New Zealand as our most popular team participation sport,” Louise Upston says.
“The inaugural New Zealand International Football Festival will bring world-class football directly to fans across New Zealand.
“The excitement doesn’t stop with the Eden Park clash being announced today: fans can also look forward to a full week of immersive football experiences, including a confirmed Spurs Open Training session, and a variety of additional events designed to bring the global game to life.
“Today’s announcement is also a win for our tourism industry – we expect international visitors following the beautiful game to stay on and explore the many attractions our beautiful country has to offer.
“A showcase like this gives New Zealand an economic boost by supporting hospitality and tourism businesses, creating more jobs and strengthening our economy.
“Given the international appeal of premier league football, there’ll also be a global broadcast in place, showcasing New Zealand as a world-class destination for sport, culture and entertainment,” Louise Upston says.
Notes to Editor
- The Events Attraction Package is part of a wider $70 million Major Events and Tourism package announced by the Government in September 2025.
- Individual funding amounts for each event will not be disclosed for commercial reasons.
- The total funding amount for all events supported by the Events Attraction Package will be released once all events are announced.
- Tickets for the Spurs – Auckland game will start at $19 for children and $39 for adults and will be on sale from 7 April.
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Fuel crisis: Auckland mayor says government should promote public transport over driving
March 30, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
Wayne Brown said getting people out of their cars would help reduce congestion in busy metropolitan centres like Auckland. RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown says those struggling with soaring petrol prices should be taking public transport, not getting an extra $50 a week.
Almost 150,000 workers with children are set to receive financial support as part of the government’s fuel crisis package.
But Brown believes the government should put that money towards promoting public transport.
“There’s a crisis at the moment with fuel. It’s a golden opportunity in one form or another to encourage more use of public transport.
“$50 isn’t going to buy them [workers] enough petrol or diesel to go in every day [of the work week]. This shows you how expensive it is to drive your car into the city, it’s slow, it’s annoying.
“Catching the bus for $50 a week is bloody cheap. We should be advertising that. That’s where they should put some money.”
Aucklanders pay a maximum of $50 a week for buses and trains. Brown suggested the government could lower the Auckland Transport HOP card fare cap to $40 while petrol prices are high.
“Subsidising it a bit more would’ve been a better spend, and it would’ve been cheaper and got a better result.”
He said that getting people out of their cars would also help reduce congestion in busy metropolitan centres like Auckland.
“To pay people to carry on doing exactly what they did before, when we know it’s not a good idea to have everyone driving into the city, strikes me as dumb, really.”
He said Time of Use Charging to get people off motorways during peak hours would be a reality for motorists in the city very soon.
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