New Zealand Flag to fly at half-mast to mark the funeral of former Prime Minister Rt Hon Jim Bolger

October 22, 2025

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

As a mark of mourning and respect, the New Zealand Flag is to be flown at half-mast on all Government and public buildings on Thursday 23 October 2025 to mark the funeral of former Prime Minister the Right Honourable Jim Bolger.

This instruction applies to all Government Departments, buildings and naval vessels which have flag poles and normally fly the New Zealand Flag. The Flag should be returned to full mast at the close of business hours on 23 October 2025.

The flag is half-masted by first raising it to the top of the mast and then immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. The half-mast position will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagpole. The flag must be lowered to a position recognisably “half-mast” to avoid the appearance of a flag which has accidentally fallen away from the top of the flagpole. As a guide, the flag should be more than its own depth from the top of the flagpole.

At the end of the day, the flag should be raised again to the top of the flagpole before being fully lowered. More information about half-masting the flag is on the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage website: Display rules for the New Zealand flag.

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Outgoing Electricity Authority Chair thanked

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October 22, 2025
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Source: New Zealand Government

Electricity Authority Chair Anna Kominik has announced her resignation, Energy Minister Simon Watts says.

“I want to acknowledge the work Ms Kominik has led over her tenure and thank her for her contribution. As chair, Ms Kominik has led significant reforms in the electricity sector and I am confident they will build a more secure and affordable electricity market for consumers,” Mr Watts says.

The timing of Ms Kominik’s decision was linked to another professional opportunity, and because the time is right following the Frontier Economics Review of Electricity Market Performance. She will remain as chair until a replacement is appointed.

Prior to leaving, Ms Kominik will commence a Board-led organisational review of the Authority.

“Following the Frontier report, the Government has signalled a commitment to strengthen the Authority’s enforcement capacity and analytical capability. The Electricity Authority Board will commission the report and will work with Government on the recommendations early in 2026,” Mr Watts says.

“The purpose of the review is to ensure the regulator is able to deliver on its widened pro-competitive mandate, while at the same time being anchored in consumer benefit and public value.”

The current Authority vacancies will be publicly advertised on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website Current board vacancies | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

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Strike action – expect delays

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October 22, 2025
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Source: New Zealand Police

Police are aware of strike action planned in central Auckland tomorrow, which is expected to cause significant disruption on the roads.

The rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square, and will include a march down Queen Street to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid Queen Street and the surrounding areas if possible.

Plan ahead and allow extra time.

Public transport users should check Auckland Transport’s website for information on changes to services.

Police are working closely with event organisers to ensure the safety of all participants and the wider public.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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First ever reduction of harm in state care residences

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October 22, 2025
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Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Children Karen Chhour has today announced the achievement of a reduction of harm in state care residences, the first reduction of its kind in New Zealand’s history.

“I am grateful to be able to confirm the first ever reduction of harm within Youth Justice and Care and Protection residences, a 14% decrease since 2024, this latest data shows our focus and hard work is getting results.

It is tragic that any harm occurs, but we have made a number of investments and changes to practice to get meaningful reductions to harm. We are fixing what matters.

There has been a significant programme of change across all of our residences and we believe that our strengthened systems and clear focus on safety supports the reduction of harm in residences.

I made improving safety in residences one of my key priorities for Oranga Tamariki when I first became Minister for Children, and Oranga Tamariki have stepped up to this challenge.

They have implemented improved and greater training, enhanced recruitment, and strengthened leadership.

Training initiatives include frontline leadership training being rolled out across secure residences to ensure teams have the support and specialist knowledge needed to reduce harm.

They also include better induction programmes for staff have also been introduced in our youth justice residences, which has a strong focus safety, including proactive behaviour management.

We’re also investing in a number of safety and quality improvements to the facilities at youth justice residences. We have introduced a practice of only using see-through bags in these residences so that the contents can be observed, this supports safety by preventing unauthorised or potentially harmful items being brought in, even inadvertently.

When children and young people have experienced harm in a residence, there is planning for immediate safety, a medical response is provided when needed, and the Police are involved when required.

This work aligns with, and was very much inspired by, the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in State Care, particularly the heartfelt words of survivors who wanted us to ensure their experiences weren’t repeated. We have listened, and we thank you for speaking up.

We have refocused the children’s system on what matters – the safety and wellbeing of children, whether in the community or residences – and the results are clear,” says Minister Chhour.

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Aviation Appointments – New Board Chair and Deputy Chair announced for Airways NZ

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October 22, 2025
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Source: Airways New Zealand

Airways New Zealand today welcomed the appointment of Darin Cusack as the new Chair of the Airways Board and Danny Tuato’o as the new Deputy Chair, effective from 31 October 2025.

Darin is currently Deputy Chair of the Airways Board and brings extensive experience in aviation, transport and tourism. He has held chief executive and senior executive roles across airport, air navigation, aviation security and airline organisations throughout New Zealand and the Pacific region. Darin joined the Airways Board in April 2018 and will play a key role in guiding Airways as it continues to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable air traffic management services for New Zealand.

As a result of Darin’s appointment, Danny Tuato’o will step into the Deputy Board position. Danny joined the Airways Board in July 2023 and brings strong legal, leadership and governance expertise.

New Board Chair Darin Cusack says: “I look forward to ensuring Airways continues to perform strongly by delivering safe, efficient and resilient air traffic services across our vast 30 million square kilometres of controlled airspace, while understanding and adapting to the diverse needs of those who use New Zealand’s airspace”.

Airways’ Chief Executive James Young says the appointment comes at a pivotal time for the air navigation services provider, as it looks to the future and prepares to meet the opportunities and challenges facing New Zealand’s aviation system.

“We congratulate both Darin and Danny on their respective appointments as Board Chair and Deputy Chair. The Board and Airways has benefited greatly from Darin’s broad aviation industry expertise and existing understanding of Airways, combined with Danny’s strong legal, governance and leadership experience.

“These skills, along with the continuity of having existing Board members appointed to these positions, will be invaluable as we build on the work already underway and continue delivering against our strategic priorities for building the future of New Zealand’s aviation system.”

The Board and Executive wish to acknowledge and thank Denise Church QSO for her outstanding leadership as Chair over the past seven years, including through the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Denise’s leadership during this period provided strength, clarity and stability at a time of unprecedented challenge,” Mr Young says. “Her steady guidance and focus on our people and strategic priorities have strengthened Airways’ foundations and ensured we are well positioned to deliver on our strategy for the future.”

“Under Denise’s stewardship, Airways undertook a significant reset of our strategy, reaffirming our commitment to our people, safety, innovation, and sustainability. This work has set a clear direction for the Airways and has set the company us up for long-term success in an evolving aviation landscape.

Denise Church QSO says: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of Airways. I am proud of the progress we have made together and confident that the organisation is well placed to continue delivering on its strategy and meeting the challenges ahead.”

In addition, Board member Mark Hutchinson will step down on 30 October at the conclusion of his term. The Board and Executive thank Mark for his strong contributions during his time on the Board, particularly regarding organisational culture and leadership.

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Fire Safety – Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire and weather updates

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October 22, 2025
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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Kaikoura fires

Eleven crews, including heavy machinery and dangerous tree fellers, are working across a large area of Kaikoura Flats to continue active firefighting and strengthen containment lines around each of the Kaikoura fires before the wind is due to pick up this afternoon.

There have been two helicopters assisting with ground crews.

State Highway 1 is open to all road traffic with speed restrictions in place from the Northern end of Kaikoura to Ward.

The railway line is now open and operational for all train movements.

Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says people in the Kaikoura Flats area who haven’t been evacuated must remain vigilant of any spot fires and dial 111 immediately if they see any.

“We need your help to keep on top any new fires that might start as the wind picks up this afternoon through until tomorrow.

“In addition, we are asking every landowner, agricultural contractor, forestry manager and lifestyle block owner to help us avoid any more fires starting, and please check any old burn piles to ensure they are fully extinguished.”

A total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks comes into force in Marlborough, Canterbury and Mid South Canterbury from noon today because of the extreme fire risk caused by the next wave of the severe gales forecast to hit the South Island.

Winds are forecast to exceed 100km/hr in many places, with high temperatures and low humidity. Talking points

Fire investigators have arrived on site, but have yet to determine a cause of the fires.

Hawke’s Bay fires

Firefighters remain active at three fires in Hawke’s Bay.

The largest of the fires is the Sale Yard Bridge fire at approximately 245 hectares.

Weather conditions have currently forced air operation to be suspended.

The fires at Bush Road and Schaeffer Road are approximately five and 10 hectares respectively.

Both fires are unable to be fought from the air due to high winds. Ground crews are working at both to ensure the fires are contained.

Ken Cooper says today is an important day to get on top of these fires.

“With the wind picking up again tomorrow, we know we have to make the most of today.

“I would like to reiterate to everyone the message of checking your previous outdoor fires ahead of tomorrow to ensure they are fully extinguished and to light no new outdoor fires.”

There is a large amount of smoke in the area, so the nearby residents, particularly those in Porangahau, are advised to keep windows and doors closed and avoid going into the smoke where possible.

Those impacted by the smoke can call their GP or HealthLine on 0800 611 116.

Evacuations are not anticipated on Wednesday, but people in the area should remain prepared with a go-bag in case conditions change.

Hawke’s Bay now has a total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks in place until 8am on 27 October.

Ken Cooper says Fire and Emergency is concerned about the fire risk on the east coast of both islands as high winds combine with warm temperatures and low humidity, creating very high fire risk.

“We’re asking people to not light any new outdoor fires until after Labour Day, and to keep checking on their previous burns to ensure they are fully extinguished and not at risk of reignition.

“In these conditions, it will be very difficult for us to control any fires that get out of control.

A ban on all open air fires and fireworks is in place in the following Fire and Emergency Districts from midday today until 8am on Monday 27 October:

Hawke’s Bay

Wellington, including Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa

Marlborough

Canterbury

Mid South Canterbury

The community can help by refraining from letting off fireworks as part of Diwali celebrations while the fireworks ban is in place. People planning outdoor activities over the long weekend should remember that all campfires and bonfires are also prohibited, Ken Cooper says.

Preparation for Thursday

MetService have issued many severe weather warnings for wind and rain across the South Island and much of the North Island.

In preparation for this, people can take the following precautions:

Bring inside or tie down anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds, such as outdoor furniture.

If you have a trampoline, turn it upsidedown to minimise surface area exposed to win.

Remove any debris or loose items from around your property. Branches and firewood may become missiles in strong winds.

During and after the storm, the following precauations should be taken:

Treat all fallen power lines as live.

If the power goes off at your property, turn off all appliances including cookers and heaters so that when power comes back on there will be no risk from unattended cooking, items left close to heaters etc.

Use torches rather than candles if possible. If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave a candle burning in an empty room.

If you are using camp cookers or alternative forms of heating, always make sure they are on a stable surface. Do not use outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside.

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Weather News – MetService issues Red Warning for Canterbury and Wellington

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October 22, 2025
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Source: MetService

Covering period of Wednesday 22nd – Thursday 23rd October
At 9:59am MetService escalated the Severe Weather Warnings in Canterbury, including Christchurch, Wellington, and South Wairarapa to Red Warnings for Damaging Winds in consultation with the respective regional councils.

All MetService warnings have the potential for impacts, but Red Warnings are reserved for the most extreme weather events where significant impact and disruption is expected.

The escalation to a Red Warning comes as impacts were already felt on Tuesday with the first of two significant weather systems anticipated this week, with Thursday looking more intense and more widespread.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “Thursday has a similar but stronger flavour. While some areas may have escaped the impacts earlier in the week, Thursday’s winds are expected to be more widespread and could affect places that don’t often see strong winds.”

These destructive winds can cause threat to life from flying items and falling trees, widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply. Northwesterly wind speeds of 150 km/h are possible for exposed parts of Canterbury High Country, 140 km/h for Wellington and Wairarapa, and 130 km/h for the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.

“The public are advised to take the opportunity today (Wednesday) to prepare for the significant and damaging winds on Thursday. Secure any loose items, make sure batteries are charged. Once it kicks off on Thursday, stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid unnecessary travel. Be ready for power and communication outages,” Makgabutlane advises.

“A Red Warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People should also be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services.”

This is the fourth round of Red Warnings MetService has issued this year, and it’s the 19th Red Warning weather event since the highest alert level was introduced back in May 2019.

It’s not just Canterbury and Wellington which are lined up for severe weather. Orange Strong Wind Warnings are in place for the rest of the South Island, including Marlborough and the Kaikōura Coast, which have a high chance of upgrade to Red. The West Coast Region, as well as Tasman and Nelson are under Yellow Watches.

Additionally, heavy rain spreads up the South Island, including places that were impacted on Tuesday. Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in place for the ranges of Westland, the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers, as well as Fiordland. Further impacts such as slips, surface flooding, difficult driving conditions and travel disruptions are likely. This time around, the rain will move through quicker but will also be more intense and rivers are likely to respond faster than on Tuesday. Coastal Westland, Grey, Buller, Tasman, Nelson and the Nelson Lakes National Park are all under a Watch for Heavy Rain.

In the North Island, Orange Wind Warnings are in place for the remainder of Wairarapa and the Tararua District. Hawke’s Bay is under a Yellow Watch as northwest winds may approach severe gale on Thursday, along with the dry conditions and warm temperatures. The Tararua Range is also under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning. Details about all of these are illustrated in more detail on our webpage; https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

Once Thursday is done, many people will be looking ahead to Labour Day weekend. For those traveling, be aware that Monday sees another potentially disruptive weather system which may impact travel.

Keep up to date with weather and warnings via metservice.com or our free MetService weather app.

MetService also now provides push notifications for Red Severe Weather Warnings via our app. More information can be found here about enabling them: https://about.metservice.com/nz-weather-app-push-notifications

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Fire Safety – Ban on open fires and fireworks in Wellington and Hawke’s Bay regions

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October 22, 2025
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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Wellington and Hawke’s Bay Districts have enforced a total ban on outdoor fires and fireworks from midday today until 8am on Monday 27 October.

It comes as winds are forecast to exceed 100km/hr in many places, with high temperatures and low humidity creating very high fire risk conditions.

Hawke’s Bay has already seen significant fires from the windy conditions on Tuesday, while firefighters were stretched across the Wellington region, including the Wairarapa and Kapiti Coast, responding to weather-related callouts.

The prohibition means no new outdoor fires can be lit. People must also check their previous burns for signs of reignition.

Hawke’s Bay Community Risk Manager Nigel Hall says they need the public’s help to ease the load on their firefighters.

“Anyone who has had an outdoor fire since the beginning of September is asked to go and check today that it is completely out,” he says.

“If you see any sign of heat or smoke, please act immediately to fully wet down the site. If this is not possible, call 111 so that firefighters can assist.”

Wellington Community Risk Manager Phil Soal says the community can also help by refraining from letting off fireworks as part of Diwali celebrations while the fireworks ban is in place.

“People planning outdoor activities over the long weekend should remember that all campfires and bonfires are also prohibited,” he says.

The prohibitions are in addition to the ones in place in Marlborough, Canterbury and Mid-South Canterbury for the same time period.

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NZ Super Fund – Guardians releases 2025 Annual Report

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October 22, 2025
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Source: New Zealand Super Fund

The release of the Guardians’ Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2025 is an opportunity to review the events of the past 12 months and to consider what we have done and continue to do to prepare for the years ahead.

Future focused is one of the Guardians’ enduring organisational values. During the past 12 months, we have put a lot of work into assessing our structures, our policies, and our processes to ensure they are appropriate for our current requirements and well-suited to the challenges and opportunities that will come our way as the Fund continues to grow.

Visible outcomes of this work include the appointment of Paula Steed as the Fund’s first Chief Operating Officer, and the appointment of two co-Chief Investment Officers, Brad Dunstan and Will Goodwin. In the Investment section of this year’s report, Brad and Will talk about the reasons behind this change and how they see it benefiting the Fund’s future growth and development.

It is a challenge to make the case for change in an organisation that is performing as well as the Guardians has been.

For the year to 30 June, the Fund generated a pre-tax return of 11.84 percent after costs, beating our two key benchmarks, the 90-Day Treasury bill rate (a proxy for the government’s cost of capital) and the return for the Reference Portfolio (a notional portfolio of passive investments suited to the Fund’s risk profile).

Over the past 20 years, the Fund has generated annualised returns of 9.92 percent per annum: in dollar terms, it has during that time earned $56.87 billion more than the return on 90-Day Treasury bills and $19.89 billion more than would have been generated by the Reference Portfolio.

These are excellent results, and the Fund continues to be recognised by many as one of the world’s best. However, the world of investing is constantly changing: we need to anticipate what is coming our way and be willing to adapt accordingly, rather than waiting and reacting to change after the fact.

Treasury currently forecasts that the Fund will double in size within the next 15 years: we need to ensure we can scale up our operations efficiently and effectively.

Focusing on the future is part and parcel of being a long-term investor, and essential if we are to properly meet our mandate.

Long-term sustainable investment also entails considering the impact of our activities on the environment and on society. A sustainable investment approach to managing the Fund aligns with our intergenerational mandate.

For the first time, this year’s Annual Report includes the value of our impact investments – at 30 June, they made up approximately 3.2 percent of assets under management, or $2.7 billion.

A lot of work has gone into developing the processes necessary for us to properly integrate impact investment across our opportunity set. As this work continues, we hope to grow the proportion of investments that satisfy our investment criteria and also deliver a positive, measurable, social or environmental impact.

More information on our approach to sustainable investment can be found in our 2025 Climate Change Report and 2025 Stewardship Report, both of which are now available on our website: https://www.nzsuperfund.nz/publications/annual-reports/

This has been my first full year as Guardians CEO. I am very proud to be part of this highly successful organisation and confident we remain focused on achieving our purpose, Sustainable investment delivering strong returns to all New Zealanders.

Jo Townsend
CEO, Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation

The Guardians’ 2025 Annual Report, along with this year’s Climate Change and Stewardship Reports, is available here: https://www.nzsuperfund.nz/publications/annual-reports/

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Update: Bucklands Beach fatal fire

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October 22, 2025
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Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua, Counties Manukau CIB:

Police investigating the fatal fire at Bucklands Beach are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a distinctive container we believe may help us with our enquiries.

At 2.30am on Thursday 2 October Emergency Services responded to the house fire on Murvale Drive.

Police have confirmed it is being treated as a double homicide and are calling for the public’s assistance in identifying those responsible for the fire.

The pictured 10 litre container, whilst not the exact one, is similar in size and appearance to what Police have discovered at the scene.

This container is how Police believe the accelerant that started the fire was brought to the property.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw a person or persons in possession of similar containers on the night of 1 October or the morning of 2 October.

Again, no detail is too small or irrelevant.

The online portal for Operation Town is here: https://town.nc3.govt.nz/(link is external).

Anyone can visit the link and upload footage for Police to review.

Alternatively, anyone with information can contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 251002/9501.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

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