AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for March 30, 2026 – Full Text
Fisheries Bill enters murky waters
March 30, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
Fisheries Minister Shane Jones was initially unapologetic about the plan, but after advice from his leader and the Prime Minister, the controversial clause is gone. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
There has been a U-turn on the most controversial part of the sweeping new Fisheries Bill, but keeping undersized catches wasn’t the only fishhook in the legislation.
It was the great catch that wasn’t.
Fisheries Minister Shane Jones was forced to throw his controversial fishing clause back into the sea last week, following protests and backlash – now his “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of New Zealand’s fishing rules is set Shane to be scrutinised in parliament with its first reading.
The government is proposing sweeping changes to the Fisheries Act, aimed at making the industry more efficient, more profitable, and quicker to respond to changes in fish stocks.
But after pressure from environmental groups and recreational fishers, Fisheries Minister Jones pulled back on his contentious plan to scrap most minimum size limits for commercial fishers, effectively allowing them to land and sell baby fish, including snapper and tarakihi.
He was initially unapologetic about the plan, but after advice from his leader and the prime minister – it’s up for debate who gave it first – he pulled a late pivot last week, and the clause is gone.
“It’s quite a big development really,” says RNZ producer and reporter Ross McNaughton, who has covered the many twists and turns of the bill.
“I think it [the bill] definitely does have the potential to bite the Matua on the bum, because it is riling up a lot of people.”
Today, The Detail looks at the “complex, dense” bill, which is shaping up to be a hot political topic in an election year.
“It’s so hard to sum up because it’s such a big bill,” McNaughton says. “There is the setting of catch limits now for up to five years, there are restrictions on cameras and the fines, and even the restrictions on whether or not people can challenge these in court.
“So, there is just so much in there, it’s such a massive bill, and very hard to pin down in a headline. I guess you could say it’s very very murky waters.”
The Fisheries Minister insists the changes will cut red tape and unlock growth in a billion-dollar export sector.
But critics say it risks doing the opposite – weakening environmental protections and handing more power to big fishing interests.
Concerns are also mounting around transparency, with the proposed tweaks to on-board camera rules raising alarms about public oversight.
Recreational fishers and environmental groups warn the reforms could put pressure on already-stretched fish stocks – and limit access for everyday kiwis.
But then supporters argue the current system is outdated and slow – and say smarter, more responsive rules are long overdue.
The bill is expected to face intense scrutiny as it heads through Parliament, with the future of New Zealand’s fisheries hanging in the balance.
“The timing isn’t great, given this is an election year, and this is starting to gather a lot of political heat,” McNaughton says.
“It’s an incredibly complex issue, with passionate people on either side.”
At its core, the debate cuts to a familiar tension in New Zealand: how to protect a loved finite natural resource while supporting an industry that’s vital to regional economies.
The government maintains the reforms are about modernising an outdated system – making it more efficient, more responsive, and much better aligned with real-world fishing practices.
Now, as the bill edges closer to its next stage, many in this ocean-loving country will be watching closely.
“It is intrinsically New Zealand,” says McNaughton. “And that’s why it’s such a hot topic”.
Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.
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– 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.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
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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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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
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Fuel crisis: ‘Business as usual’, Luxon says but some industries are struggling
March 30, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
Christopher Luxon said he was leaving it to fuel importers and distributors to organise how to allocate fuel. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The Prime Minister says there will be “some form of disruption to fuel at some point in time”, but for now it’s “business as usual”.
Speaking to Morning Report on the unfolding fuel crisis, Christopher Luxon 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.
“Keep working, keep the kids in school, doing all that stuff. Please don’t think ‘it’s Covid 2.0, I’m making sourdough at home again’.”
Luxon said he had received assurances from Korean President Lee Jae Myung that New Zealand will receive all of the fuel it ordered last year.
“All of the refineries in the different countries which we source our oil from are hussling in the world looking for alternatives. Some are getting some success, some are not.”
The government’s utmost priority was ensuring that the country had fuel – even if that meant fuel suppliers paying additional Iranian tolls, he said.
“We are as well prepared as any country that I’ve talked to, but … we’re thinking about days ahead.”
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.”
‘A price shock crisis’
Rural fuel distributor Fern Energy says with allocation rules as they are, it is needing to prioritise some of its fuel deliveries based on need.
The most up-to-date figures showed that there was 18.1 days of diesel in the country, with a further 28.3 days worth on ships bound for New Zealand, but an update is due to be released Monday.
Fern Energy chief executive Chris Gourley told Morning Report people were trying to beat the price by filling up early, and in some cases by hoarding, which was creating demand spikes in certain regions that could not be met because of new allocation rules.
“Importers have said to us that in some ports, they are managing that fuel to make sure it lasts until that next boat comes in, and they’re giving us strict … seven-day allocations.”
He emphasised it was not a problem of supply, but increased demand.
These allocation rules meant that sometimes there was not enough fuel where it was needed, and distributors were forced to bring it in from other regions, which slowed it down, he said.
They were also prioritising deliveries based on need, which was especially important at this critical part of the farming season, Gourley said.
“They are harvesting, they are working through that final stages as they work towards winter … so we are trying to prioritise based on that need, and trying to get to those customers before it becomes dire and they lose their crops.”
Federated Farmers spokesperson David Birkett previously told RNZ up to 95 percent of farming machinery used the fuel.
The hops season had just finished, so recently they had been prioritising that industry, Gourley said.
It was also the middle of the grape harvest season, and there was a huge amount of food in the ground that needed to come out, he added.
The most up-to-date figures showed that there was 18.1 days of diesel in the country, with a further 28.3 days worth on ships bound for New Zealand. 123RF
The forestry industry was also struggling, but that was more about cost and less about fuel demand, he said.
“Some of them are actually saying ‘do you know what? We’re going to just pull up and stop working until this settles down’.”
It would be “useful” for the government to start telling certain ports how to allocate their fuel, he said.
“(In) three or four weeks when the supply issue settles, it could be too late for some farmers … There could be some need immediately, if it’s possible, to improve allocations for distributors like Fern, so we can get on and get fuel to farmers quicker.”
He was confident that there would not be any issues around supply to the country, but reiterated that allocation was a concern
“Supply isn’t going to be an issue for New Zealand. Sustained high prices is what we’ve got to focus on next.
“The crisis is a price shock crisis.”
‘Financial pressure’
Meanwhile, companion driver service Driving Miss Daisy had so far chosen to absorb the rising cost of fuel.
This was because a large number of its customers were elderly or disabled – people on generally on fixed incomes, it said.
General manager Andrew Kirkpatrick told Morning Report over the last four to five weeks, their fuel expenditure was up 30 to 35 percent.
It was getting “harder and harder” to afford this additional cost, he said.
“Transferring our pain to our clients is something we want to avoid if we can.”
It would be helpful for the government to provide financial assistance to those people on fixed incomes, who might not be able to afford their service if they had to increase prices, Kirkpatrick said.
“For many of our clients we are an essential service, not a luxury. And for those clients, they don’t necessarily have practical alternatives.
“For them to be able to continue to remain engaged in the community, to get to their medical appointments, to do their shopping or their rehabilitation, whatever it might be. If they are asked to pay that additional costs it will put financial pressure on them.”
The company hoped it would be an essential service as it was during the pandemic, so that if the country is forced to allocate fuel or subsidies are needed, its clients won’t be disadvantaged.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
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From BestStart to KiwiSaver: Changes that might affect your wallet on 1 April
March 30, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
KiwiSaver contributions from employers and employees will increase. RNZ / Quin Tauetau
1 April is approaching – a day on which a host of rule changes take effect.
This year, some additional shifts can make a big difference to your bank balance, pay and retirement savings.
Here are some that you need to know about.
KiwiSaver contribution rates
From 1 April, the default contribution rate for KiwiSaver will lift from 3 percent to 3.5 percent for both employers and employees.
This will happen automatically, unless you have applied for a temporary reduction to stay at 3 percent. An ASB survey showed that 15 percent of recipients said they planned to do so.
KiwiSaver contributions for under 18s
People aged 16-17 will be paid employer contributions, as long as they are contributing themselves.
The government has made contributions to 16-17-year-old contributing KiwiSaver members since mid last year.
Unsplash – Towfiqu Barbhuiya
Benefit rates
Benefit rates will rise in line with inflation, which means a lift of 3.11 percent.
JobSeeker for a single person over 25 will increase from $361.32 to $372.55 a week, after tax.
RNZ
Sole parent support lifts from $505.80 to $521.52.
Super rates
NZ Super increases from $1076 for a single person living alone per fortnight to $1110.30, based on changes in average wages, as well as general inflation.
Minimum wage
The minimum wage rate will increase from $23.50 an hour to $23.95. The training and starting-out minimum wages rise to $19.16 per hour, 80 percent of the adult minimum wage.
In-work tax credit
From 1 April, the in-work tax credit – part of the Working for Families scheme – will increase by $50 a week for those who qualify, as part of the government’s efforts to offset the impact of fuel price rises.
ACC earners’ levy
The ACC earners’ levy will increase from 1.67 percent to 1.75 percent per $100 earned for any pay runs after 1 April.
Residential solar
A new exemption takes effect from 1 April that means power generated by rooftop solar systems and sold back into the grid is exempt from tax. This also means customers cannot claim any tax deductions from cost of that activity.
BestStart payments
Families with babies born on or after 1 April will only receive BestStart payments, if their household income is low enough to make them eligible.
These are payments designed to support families in the early years of a child’s life.
The weekly payment of $77 will be reduced, when a household earns more than $79,000.
For children born before that date, the full Best Start payment is paid until they turn 1, no matter the household income.
Low-user tariff changes
The government will still phase out the low-user power scheme, which allowed households to pay a lower daily fixed charge and higher prices per kilowatt hour for the energy used.
There have ben concerns that the scheme is not well targeted and sometimes helps higher-income earners, while large low-income families pay comparatively more.
This phase-out process started in 2021. From 1 April, the maximum low-fixed charge will be $1.80 a day, up from $1.50 last year.
The regulations will be removed entirely from next April.
Power bills
1 April is often a day that power companies increase their prices. Lines charges are lifting, which help drive some of the rise.
123RF
Tax rules for digital nomads
People visiting New Zealand while working for themselves or for a foreign employer will have a new tax exemption. They can be in the country for up to nine months, before triggering the need to consider New Zealand tax residency issues.
Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker said that assumed they did not acquire a permanent place of abode while living here.
New options for calculating tax on employee share schemes
Unlisted companies that offer staff shares will receive new options deferring employees’ tax obligations until a later date.
This helps to avoid a situation where employees might end up with a tax liability, without the funds to pay it.
A new rule will also allow employers to pay tax on employee benefits through the fringe benefit tax regime, rather than PAYE.
Information sharing agreements
Inland Revenue will be able to share data with other government agencies under the direction of a ministerial agreement.
RNZ
Walker said information-sharing agreements were already in place, but this could make the process faster.
Shared information could be for things like determining eligibility for government assistance, the investigation of crime or removing the financial benefit of crime, she said.
Crypto-asset reporting framework
Crypto asset service providers must collect and report information about their users.
Inland Revenue said that would mean reporting on things like exchanges between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies, exchanges between different crypto assets and transfers of relevant crypto assets.
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Agricultural pilots increase farmer fees to cover rising fuel, fertiliser costs
March 30, 2026
Source: Radio New Zealand
A fixed-wing aircraft is used to drop fertiliser on a field. New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association
Rising fuel and fertiliser costs due to the war in Iran are hitting agricultural aviators are farmers during one of the busiest times of year for applying fertiliser.
Autumn usually sees a flurry of fertiliser jobs for agricultural pilots, as applications could help pastures recover from dry summers and prepare for the cooler months to come.
Global prices for urea, ammonia and nitrogen-based fertilisers soared in the weeks following the beginning of the war in Iran in late-February, as many of the ingredients derived from the Middle East.
However, potash and phosphate fertiliser prices and supply were expected to remain relatively stable through autumn in New Zealand, major player Ravensdown told RNZ in early March.
Agricultural Aviators’ Association executive officer, Tony Michelle said concerns over fertiliser pricing and supply would likely come later in the year.
But he said for fuel, the soaring costs came at the busiest time of year.
Agricultural pilots could use thousands of litres of fuel each week, especially during peak times, he said.
“Everybody’s a bit nervous,” Michelle said.
“In terms of the medium term, our biggest concern is that this is a critical time of year for ag operators and for farmers, in terms of fertiliser application in particular.”
He said most operators were now charging more to cover the cost increases.
“Pricing’s through the roof, and just like everybody in the community, we’re facing significant increases in fuel pricing, which operators have to be able to pass on to the end user. And most operators are doing that through either a fuel surcharge or increasing the hourly rates.
“It’s never an easy conversation.”
Michelle said he hoped agricultural aviators would be included as an essential service to primary production industries in the government’s traffic-light alert system for managing fuel supply risks.
“We had to battle to be seen as an essential service during Covid, and we don’t want to see that happen again,” he said.
“This is an animal welfare issue and government needs to keep that front of mind.”
Further details updated in the National Fuel Plan announced on Friday showed in a phase 3 scenario, if supply were to tighten, the government would work to ensure fuel got to where it was most needed, including for hospitals, fire services and food supply chains.
It said the government may consider introducing purchasing limits based on priority bands, with band B being economically-important services like food supply and primary production during time-critical periods.
Michelle said the agricultural aviation sector had come off the back of a significant downturn with improved positivity recently, but confidence was being dampened now.
“Well, I think regardless of when they smoke the peace pipe, the ongoing effects will continue for quite some time.”
Michelle said aviation was under significant cost pressures, already facing major import issues for parts and engines.
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