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Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: June 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:17:04 +0000

Source: Statistics New Zealand Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: June 2026 quarter – information release 1 July 2026 The household labour force survey estimated working-age population table shows the population benchmarks used to produce household labour force survey estimates for the upcoming labour market statistics release. Visit our website to read the full information ... Read more

Employment indicators: May 2026 – Stats NZ information release

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:17:02 +0000

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Employment indicators: May 2026 – information release

29 June 2026

Employment indicators provide an early indication of changes in the labour market.

Key facts
Changes in the seasonally adjusted filled jobs for the May 2026 month (compared with the April 2026 month) were:

all industries – up 0.3 percent (7,678 jobs) to 2.35 million filled jobs
primary industries – flat (down 25 jobs)
goods-producing industries – up 0.1 percent (602 jobs)
service industries – up 0.4 percent (6,980 jobs).

Visit our website to read the full information release and to download CSV files:

MIL OSI

Annual number of home consents up 19 percent – Building consents issued: May 2026 – Stats NZ news story and information release

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:16:59 +0000

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Annual number of home consents up 19 percent – news story

2 July 2026

There were 39,737 new homes consented in New Zealand in the year ended May 2026, up 19 percent compared with the year ended May 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“The annual increase in new home consents followed declines in May for the last three years, and consent numbers remain below the record peak reached in 2022,” economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.

There were 18,271 stand-alone houses consented in the year ended May 2026, up 17 percent compared with the previous year.

There were 21,466 multi-unit homes consented, up 20 percent over the same period.

Of the multi-unit homes consented in the year ended May 2026, compared with the year ended May 2025, there were:

17,230 townhouses, flats, and units (up 22 percent)
2,554 apartments (up 20 percent)
1,682 retirement village units (up 3.4 percent).

Visit our website to read the full news story and information release and to download CSV files:

MIL OSI

National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): March 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:16:57 +0000

Source: Statistics New Zealand

National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): March 2026 quarter – information release

2 July 2026

We have developed experimental quarterly estimates for institutional sector accounts and balance sheets, to provide more timely data on New Zealand’s economy. We have published these experimental estimates on a quarterly basis since the first release for the March 2021 quarter.

Key facts

Quarterly income and outlay accounts
In the March 2026 quarter, compared with the December 2025 quarter (in seasonally adjusted terms):

household saving increased $610 million to $2.2 billion
household net disposable income rose 2.1 percent ($1.4 billion):
- compensation of employees rose 1.2 percent ($595 million)
- income tax paid by households fell 2.3 percent ($370 million)
- income of self-employed businesses (entrepreneurial income) received by households rose 2.8 percent ($337 million)
- social assistance benefits in cash rose 1.2 percent ($146 million)
- interest received by households fell 6.8 percent ($197 million)
household final consumption expenditure rose 1.2 percent ($742 million)
non-financial business enterprises saving fell $275 million to $6.0 billion
central government saving fell $717 million to -$2.4 billion
interest received by financial business enterprises fell 1.3 percent ($124 million)
interest paid by financial business enterprises fell 3.2 percent ($323 million).

Visit our website to read the full information release and to download CSV files:

MIL OSI

Dwelling and household estimates: June 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 08:01:39 +0000

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Dwelling and household estimates: June 2026 quarter – information release

7 July 2026

National dwelling and household estimates are used for many purposes including planning, policy formation, business decisions, and as ‘bottom lines’ in the calculation of market coverage rates.

Key facts
At 30 June 2026, the estimated number of:

private dwellings is 2,124,800
households is 2,072,000.

Visit our website to read the full information release:

Dwelling and household estimates: June 2026 quarter

MIL OSI

Complaints to Utilities Disputes are up by 62% as more Kiwis seek help

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 04:31:42 +0000

Source: Utilities Disputes

More than 27,000 New Zealanders contacted Utilities Disputes last year for help with electricity, gas, water and telecommunications issues, as complaints reached record levels.

Utilities Disputes’ 2025/26 Annual Report shows formal complaints increased by 62% to 13,554. Despite the sharp rise, 93% of complaints were resolved within 10 days.

The increase continues a longer-term trend, with complaints rising more than 500% over the past five years.

Utilities Disputes Commissioner Neil Mallon says: “the increase in complaints is due to a combination of factors, including tough economic conditions, price increases and a willingness by consumers to take action when you don’t think you’re being treated fairly.”

“While many people see complaints as a negative, we see them as an opportunity to make a difference. With household budgets under pressure and utility costs rising, people are paying much closer attention to their bills and the service they receive. When something doesn’t seem right, we’re here to provide an independent, fair assessment.”

Utilities Disputes provides a free, fast and effective service to help resolve disputes between consumers and utility providers.

“Electricity, gas, telecommunications, or water are essentials we all rely on. It is vital kiwi consumers and providers can access a fair and independent channel to resolve complaints. By resolving disputes quickly and fairly, we help restore a consumer’s trust in their provider and give the provider the opportunity to demonstrate they take their customers’ concerns seriously, says Mr Mallon.”

Utilities Disputes also issued over 4,500 complaint summaries on behalf of utility consumers in the last year. These are short, succinct written accounts of the customer’s complaint and what needs to happen to address it, which lets the provider know what they need to do to get it sorted.

The most common issues raised by consumers involve complaints about a customer service issue (52%) including difficulties in getting through to the provider, as well as failures to act as agreed and poor complaint handling. Billing complaints were the second most common issue, raised in 47% of complaints, with complaints relating to affordability, unclear or disputed bills.

Mr Mallon says complaint data is one of the organisation’s most valuable tools for improving the utility sector.

“Every complaint tells a story. By identifying recurring issues and sharing what we learn with providers and regulators, we help drive improvements that benefit all New Zealand consumers. Resolving systemic issues lifts the level of service we all receive and is good for everyone – consumers and companies alike.”

Find out more about systemic insights here –

https://www.udl.co.nz/en/our-publications-and-schemes/systemic-reports/

Background

Utilities Disputes is a free and independent dispute resolution service resolving consumer complaints about electricity, gas, water, and broadband installation on shared property. It has a simple and clear purpose – to sort complaints between utility providers and consumers through prevention and education. Our mission is to be fast, fair and effective.

Key facts

Utilities Disputes is a free service for consumers

27,045 Kiwis contacted us to access our services

4,536 complaint summaries produced and sent to providers on behalf of customers

62% increase in the number of complaints compared to the previous financial year

13,554 complaints (8,536 in 2024-2025) which is 55 (rounded) per working day

Most common complaint involves a customer service issue at 52%

Second most common at 47% is billing

Many complaints have multiple issues eg: billing and customer service

MIL OSI

ChildFund NZ – Fatal floods hit Rohingya refugee camps just weeks after fires

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:22:57 +0000

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Disaster has become a cycle that children living in the world’s largest refugee camps cannot escape,” says ChildFund CEO Josie Pagani.

Just weeks after a devastating fire destroyed vital food-growing gardens in Cox’s Bazar, deadly monsoon rains have hit.

Nine people are dead, including one child killed in a landslide. More are injured, nearly 400 have been forced from their homes, and almost 800 shelters are damaged or destroyed.

“Heavy rain is not just bad weather for these children. It can mean landslides, destroyed make-shift homes, disrupted learning, and serious risks to safety.”

Two hundred and fifty millimeters of rain fell in a single day.

“An already vulnerable population will struggle to cope without support.

Ten years ago they had to flee violence in Myanmar, leaving their country and their homes behind. Now they face flooded shelters, damaged facilities, and the threat of more rain.

Children need safe places to learn, recover and be protected. Learning Centres, Early Childhood Education Centres, Women and Girls Safe Spaces – the very facilities set up to give these children some stability are among those now flooded.”

Heavy rainfall means the risk of landslides and flash flooding remains high, and forecasters are warning there is more to come. The priority is to keep children away from hazardous areas, support families who have been displaced, and protect essential services.

“Our partners on the ground have activated emergency response teams. But the scale of what’s needed will only grow if this rain continues.”

ChildFund New Zealand has a long-standing emergency appeal supporting Rohingya refugee children and families living in Cox’s Bazar, where more than 1.1 million people remain displaced.

“These children are facing crisis after crisis with nowhere else to go. They need the world to keep paying attention” says Josie Pagani.

ChildFund New Zealand’s Child Refugee Crisis Appeal remains open to those who wish to support children and communities facing ongoing displacement and repeated disasters.

MIL OSI

Sudan: More than 5,500 children displaced by escalating violence in El Obeid in past two weeks

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 02:16:48 +0000

Source: Save the Children

More than 5,500 children are among the 11,000 people newly displaced in the wake of escalating violence in and around the city of El Obeid in North Kordofan, Sudan, with thousands more at risk, Save the Children said [1].

The latest displacement in over three years of war comes amid intensified hostilities around the city, with the UN warning that up to 500,000 civilians are at risk of being targeted in large-scale atrocities and could be displaced if the situation escalates.

This warning follows increased drone strikes that have killed civilians and destroyed civilian infrastructure, resulting in severe fuel and water shortages, while siege-like conditions in the city have left thousands of people trapped and cut off from basic services.

Humanitarian access to El Obeid, a critical commercial and humanitarian hub for the region, is becoming increasingly constrained, with several major access routes into the city disrupted or closed, Save the Children said.

At the same time, the onset of the rainy season and an ongoing cholera outbreak in Kordofan with over 300 cases, confirmed by the State Ministry of Health, is creating further risks for children who are unable to access healthcare. New displacement into already overcrowded camps is increasing the likelihood of the outbreak worsening.

As families arrive in displacement sites and into local communities, they face increasingly difficult living conditions. Many are struggling to access adequate shelter, clean water, healthcare and education services, while overcrowding is placing additional pressure on already limited resources.

Emad-, who lives with his children, wife and members of his extended family in El Obeid, witnessed the latest drone attacks. He told Save the Children: “Throughout June, the situation in El Obeid was extremely challenging, drones rained heavily in and around the city. About 11 fuel stations were hit, along with fuel tankers coming to El Obeid. Additionally, tankers sitting idle inside the city were also hit including water tankers. There seems to be a systemized targeting that directly affected the economic situation, causing price hikes and water shortages, where two jerrycans now go for almost 6,000 Sudanese pounds ($10).”

Save the Children is particularly concerned about the growing psychological toll on children, many of whom have witnessed violence, lost loved ones, or been forced to flee multiple times in the past three years.

Sudan is home to the world’s largest displacement crisis with about 14 million people or a quarter of the population, forced to flee their homes.

Francesco Lanino, Deputy Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, said:

“For children, displacement is far more than the loss of a home. It often means losing access to school, healthcare, clean water and the support networks that help them feel safe and protected. Many have already been displaced multiple times, and without urgent action to protect civilians, maintain humanitarian access and prevent further violence, thousands of children could be forced to flee while facing increasing risks to their safety, health and wellbeing.”

Across Sudan, children continue to bear the brunt of the conflict. Children under 18 make up about 55% of the country’s displaced population, highlighting the disproportionate impact of violence and displacement on children’s safety, wellbeing and future.

Save the Children continues to operate in and around El Obeid, providing health, nutrition, water, sanitation, education and child protection services despite growing access challenges.

Save the Children is calling for the protection of civilians, safe and sustained humanitarian access, and increased support for displaced children and families in North Kordofan and across Sudan. Without urgent action, needs are expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks, placing thousands more at risk.

Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and provides programming for children and families affected by conflict, displacement, extreme poverty and hunger.

Notes:

[1] According to data from Save the Children teams in El Obeid, Sudan.

-Name changed to protect identities.

About Save the Children NZ:

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

MIL OSI

China Tests Missile in South Pacific – Peace Action Wellington says No missile launches wanted in the Pacific

LiveNews Publisher — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 00:11:39 +0000

Source: Peace Action Wellington

The Chinese government test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a submarine that landed in the South Pacific Ocean Nuclear-Free Zone.

“Peace Action Wellington universally condemns all nations using the Pacific for weapons testing and deployments. This includes the United States, Australia and New Zealand along with China and all others that are militarising the region,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“Pacific peoples have been very clear that they do not want a war in the region, and they do not want weapons testing in the Pacific. The US has tested at least 10 ICBMs in the Pacific since 2022, most of them landing in Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The government of Kiribati has been vocally opposed to these US missile launches into the Pacific.

“The New Zealand government did not condemn any of the US launches.”

“Just last week, the NZDF tested its own guided missile capability from the P8 Poseidon as part of US military training around Guam. The people of Guam have been very clear that they don’t want their homelands turned into a giant US military base and weapons testing zone.”

“This ratcheting up of military training and weapons testing and training in the Pacific must stop. It is imperative that the great Pacific ocean, Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa, become totally weapons-free, not just nuclear weapons-free zone. Instead of training and preparing for war, we need all hands on deck to de-escalate this dangerous military contest.”

“A war with China in the Pacific would be a disaster not just for everyone in Aotearoa NZ, but for the entire globe. The New Zealand government’s decisions to pull closer to the US, including weapons testing and training in the Pacific, seriously threatens a principled, independent and nuclear-free foreign policy.”

MIL OSI

Health and Taxes – Cutting tobacco excise tax wrongfooted, say researchers

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:53:15 +0000

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Tinkering with excise tax is foolhardy and would jeopardise public health, say leading tobacco researchers, concerned at Associate Health Minister Casey Costello’s move to review the levy.

Costello told Newstalk ZB she has put forward a paper to Cabinet proposing a review of tobacco excise tax, raising concerns she will push to reduce that tariff.

“Research tells us that, for people quitting smoking, price remains a key reason why they want to become smokefree,” says Professor Chris Bullen, tobacco researcher at the University of Auckland and co-chair of Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Smokefree Expert Advisory Group.

“For young people, the high cost of smoking is a strong deterrent to experimentation and helps us maintain low smoking prevalence among adolescents.”

Costello told Newstalk ZB that the problem with illegal tobacco trade in Australia was to do with reduced access to legal tobacco.

“They [Australia] taxed well higher than we are [sic], and anything that was less harmful, they made prescription only,” Costello said.

“So we end up with a double-whammy, which is why they have seen the massive loss in excise [tax] that they had, and the criminal market that they’ve got.”

Against industry pressure, the Australian Government proceeded with annual tobacco excise increases of five percent between 2023 and 2025, arguing that maintaining high tobacco prices remained an important public health measure. See aph.gov.au.

Reducing tobacco tax in New Zealand would play into the hands of the tobacco industry, say the HCA researchers, plus it is a battle no government can win.

Illegal tobacco products are cheap to produce and extremely profitable, says Professor Janet Hoek, co-director of the ASPIRE Aotearoa Research Centre at the University of Otago, Wellington, and spokesperson for Health Coalition Aotearoa’s Smokefree Expert Advisory Group.

“Illicit traders can easily outmatch any excise tax reductions and ensure illicit tobacco remains cheaper than legally sold tobacco,” Hoek says.

“Does the Government really want to preside over an unholy bidding war that could place millions of dollars in excise tax revenue at risk?” Hoek asks.

Cutting tobacco tax just plays into the hands of the tobacco industry, she says.

“Instead, we need better resourcing for Customs, Police and the Ministry of Health taskforce to undertake more sophisticated border surveillance and better detect and penalise illegal sales.

“A comprehensive retailer licensing system, along with strong enforcement and significant penalties, should be urgent priorities for any government concerned about controlling the illicit tobacco trade,” says Hoek.

“But, more fundamentally, if the number of people who smoke can be dramatically reduced through evidence-based support to quit, reducing the number of retail outlets, and regulating the addictiveness of tobacco, then demand for illicit tobacco will also decline.”

Australia ‘completely different’

The situation in Australia is completely different, says tobacco researcher and head of public health at Flinders University Dr Richard Edwards.

“Australia has a major illicit tobacco problem because of a combination of factors including the involvement of organised criminals and the existence of numerous local tobacconist shops that have been willing or coerced into selling illicit tobacco,” Edwards says.

“Most of all, the growth of the illicit market has been due to the failure of governments to take robust enforcement action in a timely fashion.

“New Zealand has the opportunity to do that now.”

MIL OSI

First baby born by C-section at new Save the Children hospital in world’s largest refugee camp

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:53:02 +0000

Source: Save the Children

The first baby born by caesarean section (C-section) was safely delivered at a new Save the Children hospital in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, at a time when global aid cuts are putting essential services at risk in the world’s largest refugee settlement.

The new Maternal and Child Hospital opened earlier this year and is the first facility to specialise in maternal and neonatal health in the Rohingya camps, where an overall reduction in donor funding has led to the closure of some health centres and learning facilities.

Health workers at the hospital realised the need for the C-section and safely delivered the baby last month after the baby’s mother, Shirin-, who has three other children, experienced prolonged labour with reduced amniotic fluid causing an irregular heartbeat for her baby and rising blood pressure.

Golam Mostofa, Cox’s Bazar Area Director, Save the Children International, said:

“Every birth is a moment for celebration but this birth in particular deserves a moment because our teams were able to support the mother throughout a delivery that came with complications.

“We opened this hospital to bring specialised care closer to those who need it the most and to ensure mothers feel safe and supported. Hopefully this will be the first of many successful deliveries that reinforce our commitment to strengthen healthcare for mothers and babies in Cox’s Bazar.”

The hospital, which has 59 beds, offers services including emergency newborn care and stabilization, antenatal care, nutrition support and services for gender-based violence survivors.

It is designed to care for both Rohingya refugee and women from host communities in Cox’s Bazar, where access to specialized healthcare is limited and maternal and newborn mortality rates remain high.

Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh is home to the world’s largest refugee camp and hosts over one million Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar, with more than half being children.

Some Rohingya women experience high-risk pregnancies in the camps because of poor nutrition, limited pre-natal healthcare access, and underlying health conditions as well as other factors including the distance to and the cost involved in getting to a health facility.

Shirin-, the mother, said:

“The doctors and nurses took such great care of me that I felt safe throughout the procedure. The doctors also spoke to my family so they would understand why the surgery was necessary. The hospital is so clean, and they maintain hygiene well.”

Save the Children has been working in Cox’s Bazar since 2012 and significantly increased its activities following the 2017 exodus of refugees to Bangladesh, with programmes in education, health and nutrition, food, water, shelter, and child protection services.

The New Zealand Government has been supporting Save the Children health facilities inside the camps through the New Zealand Disaster Response Partnership since 2018, while a generous legacy gift from a New Zealander is also supporting the new hospital’s specialist treatment services.

-Name changed to protect anonymity.

About Save the Children NZ:

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

MIL OSI

Health Sector – GenPro says patient fees still likely to rise despite Government funding package

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:46:58 +0000

Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) is warning that some general practices are still likely to increase patient fees this year, despite Government claims that fees have effectively been frozen.

GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers said the suggestion that practices would not be increasing fees did not reflect the financial reality facing many providers.

“The story is that no one will put their fees up this year. Well, they might.”

Dr Chambers said Health New Zealand entered this year’s funding negotiations with the clear objective of avoiding increases in standard consultation fees, and the additional investment in general practice was both significant and welcome.

“It has certainly eased financial pressure for many practices, but it has not removed it.”

The greatest pressure to increase standard consultation fees would come from practices that had lost funding under the Government’s revised capitation formula.

“Many of those practices are receiving transitional funding over the next four years to soften the impact of the new funding model. That funding helps, but for some practices it’s simply not enough to allow them to keep fees unchanged.

“Those practices have a legitimate case for increasing patient fees because they have not been fully compensated for the reduction in funding. At GenPro, we’re aware of a significant number of practices intending to apply for approval to increase their fees.”

Dr Chambers said another group of practices had not qualified for transitional funding but remained financially worse off under the new funding arrangements.

“These practices are also disadvantaged. If they can demonstrate that maintaining current fees would threaten the long-term sustainability of their services, they have legitimate grounds for a fee increase.”

He said there would not be a one-size-fits-all outcome. “Some practices will be able to hold their fees, while others simply cannot. It depends on their patient population, staffing costs, the range of services they provide, and their overall financial position.”

Greater pressure next year
Dr Chambers said the design of the transitional funding package meant fee pressure was likely to intensify next year.

“Some practices may defer fee increases this year because transitional funding provides temporary support, but that assistance reduces over time. Unless funding arrangements change next year, there is every prospect of larger fee increases in 2027.”

ACC and urgent care also under pressure
Dr Chambers said ACC consultations and urgent care services also remained under significant financial pressure because they were not part of the recent funding boost.

“ACC consultations account for about 10 percent of appointments in a typical general practice, but ACC has not increased its contribution to reflect the rising cost of providing those services.
ractices will need to consider whether current ACC fees remain sustainable.”

He said providers of contracted urgent care services faced similar challenges.

“The increases in funding for contracted urgent care services over recent years have been well below the increase in the cost of providing care during evenings, weekends and public holidays. It is likely some providers will need to increase urgent care charges.”

Dr Chambers said any fee increases reflected the genuine cost of delivering healthcare rather than an attempt to increase profits.

“General practices are doing everything they can to keep healthcare affordable and accessible. Where fees do increase, it will be because practices have little alternative if they are to continue providing high-quality care for their communities.”

GenPro members own and operate general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit www.genpro.org.nz

MIL OSI

First Responders – Driver rescued from floodwaters

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:46:53 +0000

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Specialist Water Rescue Teams have rescued a person from a vehicle trapped in floodwaters near Mt Lyford this morning, supported by members of the Waiau Volunteer Fire Brigade.

The incident was reported shortly after 3am and the occupant of the vehicle was rescued about 7am.

The Specialist Water Rescue Team members are now responding to an incident on the Inland Kaikoura Road, where two vehicles were reported to have crashed about 6.40am.

The two specialist teams are firefighters from Canterbury who are trained in water response. They were pre-deployed to Kaikoura yesterday afternoon in anticipation of the forecast heavy rainfall. They will be working in support of the volunteer firefighters from Kaikoura and surrounding brigades.

Fire and Emergency asks people to prioritise their safety and stay off roads that are affected by flooding or slips. Driving through flood waters is dangerous and puts lives at risk – not just for the driver and passengers, but for the first responders who are called to rescue them.

MIL OSI

ASB backs Kiwi sport through new NZOC and Athletics New Zealand partnerships

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:46:50 +0000

Source: ASB

ASB is teaming up with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) and Athletics New Zealand to help more Kiwi participate in sport, supporting their progress and performance from grassroots programmes to the world stage.

ASB has signed partnerships with the NZOC and Athletics New Zealand for seven and five years respectively, with funding to cover direct support for the New Zealand Team to pinnacle events and a school education programme for NZOC, and two major youth development programmes for Athletics New Zealand.

ASB Executive General Manager Business Banking Ben Speedy says sport has a powerful way of bringing New Zealanders together, whether cheering on tamariki from the sidelines or watching our best athletes take on the world.

“ASB’s NZOC partnership will support our top athletes as they compete internationally and inspire the next generation, while the Athletics NZ partnership will help grow nationwide programmes for kids across all ages that build movement skills and confidence. We look forward to bringing these partnerships to life and encouraging more Kiwi to get active.”

With the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games only weeks away, Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand Olympic Committee Nicki Nicol said she is proud to welcome ASB to the NZOC’s Premium Partner whānau. The long-term commitment from ASB will see this support for the New Zealand Team athletes extend beyond the LA28 Olympic Summer Games through to the ‘home Games’ in Brisbane 2032.

“The New Zealand Team has a unique ability to bring New Zealanders together through moments of pride, ambition and achievement. Working alongside ASB creates opportunities to extend that impact beyond the field of play and into communities across the country,” said Nicol. A key focus of the partnership will be ASB’s support of the NZOC Olympic Education Programme and give students the opportunity to hear directly from New Zealand Team athletes about goal setting, preparation and perseverance.

Cam Mitchell, Chief Executive of Athletics New Zealand, says ASB’s support comes at a pivotal time for the sport and will help Athletics NZ reach more tamariki and rangatahi across the country.

“There’s huge momentum behind our sport, and ASB’s support of our ASB Get Set Go, and ASB Run Jump Throw programmes will help get even more Kiwi kids involved with athletics. We’re supporting them to develop fundamental movement skills for life. It’s about turning their energy into opportunity, building confidence and giving more Kiwi the chance to give sport a go.”

MIL OSI

University Research – AI drives experts from online community – UoA study

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:46:47 +0000

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

The rise of generative AI is causing some expert contributors to leave the online communities they helped build, according to University of Auckland research.

When AI can instantly generate expert-looking answers, people who have spent years developing specialist knowledge may feel their contributions are no longer valued or recognised, says Business School researcher Dr Kenny Ching.

Analysing activity on Stack Overflow, the world’s largest online community for software developers, Ching found respected, high-reputation users started withdrawing from the platform at accelerated rates in 2022, when generative AI tools became more widely available.

“As AI-generated content becomes more common, people might feel their expertise and effort no longer stand out or are valued. Some stop contributing altogether.”

Worryingly, says Ching, the people most likely to withdraw are often knowledgeable and capable contributors.

“They aren’t leaving because they can’t compete with the technology; they’re leaving because their hard-earned expertise is no longer distinct from a chatbot’s answer.”

Ching says although his research focuses on Stack Overflow, similar scenarios are likely playing out in other areas.

“This isn’t just about coding platforms. I argue this exact same dynamic is discouraging genuine effort in classrooms, corporate workplaces, and scientific communities. The long-term risk is that by crushing the incentive to show genuine effort, AI might actually truncate the formation of future human expertise.”

Created in 2008, Stack Overflow is a question-and-answer site mainly for computer programmers. People can vote questions and answers up or down, similar to Reddit.

Users of the website, which has around 23 million registered accounts, can earn reputation points for well-informed answers and valued contributions.

For example, a person with 10,000 reputation points has provided answers that the developer community repeatedly judged to be accurate, helpful, and well-explained.

Ching analysed 24,304 contributors over 17 months.

He found that following 2022, which saw the widespread availability of generative AI tools, including the launch of ChatGPT, the rate at which higher-reputation users left the platform sped up over time – steadily closing the gap with less established contributors, who tended to leave first, but whose departures didn’t speed up in the same way.

AI, says Ching, can make expert and non-expert contributions look increasingly similar, reducing the visibility and value of genuine expertise.

He calls this ‘signal compression’.

“On Stack Overflow, the withdrawal of genuine contributors is real, measurable, and accelerating, and the most affected are often those whose authentic expertise is most valuable and hardest to replace.

“If everybody can create a good quality response or output using AI, some people may think, ‘Why should I make an effort to share my expertise and participate?’”

His study argues that people with ‘high ability,’ who have typically invested most in their knowledge, face the sharpest devaluation of that investment as a result of AI, and they eventually stop participating and leave the platform.

Read Dr Kenny Ching’s working paper, When Effort Stops Signalling: AI, Signal Compression, and the Withdrawal of Authentic Performance.

MIL OSI

Politics – Greenpeace says Greens’ policy announcement a win for fresh water and oceans, but Labour must follow

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 05:26:36 +0000

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa is welcoming the announcement from the Green Party that, if elected, they will phase out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, reduce the size of the dairy herd and lower the legal limit for nitrate contamination.

However, Greenpeace Freshwater Campaigner Will Appelbe warns that this is not the end of the road for water protections.

“We welcome the announcement from the Greens that they will implement common-sense bottom lines for freshwater management and tackle the source of the pollution – the intensive dairy industry. But more needs to be done,” says Appelbe.

“Places like Canterbury and Southland are experiencing a nitrate crisis. Rural drinking water is being poisoned by fertiliser runoff and cow urine. And we need action now.

“The dairy boom in those regions occurred over a relatively short space of time. We know we can change land use practices quickly, which those communities dealing with nitrate contamination desperately need.”

Greenpeace is also welcoming commitments to protect more of the ocean surrounding Aotearoa, including phasing out destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling on seamounts.

Oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper says: “Protecting vulnerable habitats from bottom trawling is urgent,so it’s good to see it recognised in the Greens’ policy. We would like to see a timeline for this as it’s imperative bottom trawling is banned on seamounts by the end of 2027. Every year of delay is just furthering ocean depletion.”

Greenpeace is calling on the Labour Party to adopt the policies.

Appelbe says, “It’s time for Hipkins to copy the Greens’ homework, and take action to stop dairy pollution. There is no time to lose, and peoples’ lives depend on it.”

Nitrate contamination in drinking water has been linked to several health risks, including bowel cancer and preterm birth. A 2022 study revealed that up to 100 cases of bowel cancer and 40 deaths every year could be caused by exposure to nitrate contamination in drinking water.

Hooper says, “New Zealand has fallen far behind other parts of the world when it comes to looking after the diverse ocean that surrounds us. We are hopeful that strong policy to protect it from destructive fishing techniques will give the ocean we all love a real shot at recovery. “

MIL OSI

ChildFund and rugby – a global partnership targeting 500,000 children

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:56:39 +0000

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

ChildFund is proud to be the global social impact partner for World Rugby, via its partner, ChildFund Rugby. This gives ChildFund designated rights across Rugby World Cup 2027 and Rugby World Cup 2029.

“ChildFund donors across New Zealand, and our staff in New Zealand and the Pacific were thrilled to see the ChildFund brand at the All Blacks game on Saturday” says CEO of ChildFund New Zealand, Josie Pagani.

“This is a multi-year partnership that uses the values embedded in rugby to promote leadership and career pathways for children in some of the poorest communities across the globe,” says Josie Pagani.

ChildFund Rugby is led by ChildFund Australia on behalf of the ChildFund Alliance; a global network of ten organisations, including New Zealand, that reaches about 36 million children in more than 60 countries.

It works across major tournaments and through local Rugby Unions and clubs around the world, to translate rugby values into life-changing outcomes for children and young people in vulnerable communities.

This programme aims to reach and empower 500,000 young people worldwide by 2030.

“Values like integrity, passion, teamwork, discipline and respect define the game and are also the qualities of leadership in any area of life.

“Through rugby-based programmes, like Pass it Back, and Grassroots to Global, children and teenagers across the world and in our own region of the Pacific, learn essential life skills, like decision-making, and how to manage emotions. Their confidence grows, and they are supported to access education and employment,” says Josie Pagani.

Ambassadors from around the world support the initiative – from DJ Forbes, Rikki Swannell, and Mere Baker in New Zealand to USA superstar Ilona Maher.

“It’s not just about the game – it’s about confidence, courage, and trying new things”, said DJ Forbes.

“Evidence shows that this not only improves schoolwork but also sets these kids up for life in the workforce, even leadership roles in community or business.”

Grassroot to Global also expanded the number of young women in community coaching as part of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025’s goal of reducing the gender gap in rugby.

“This is just one of the ways ChildFund works across sectors, with businesses, sporting institutions and governments, to give children the best opportunities in life, no matter where they are born,” says Josie Pagani.

Find out more:

– Video: ChildFund Rugby – World Rugby’s Global Social Impact Partner – YouTube

MIL OSI

Animal Welfare – More Than 181,000 Animals Lost Their Lives Through New Zealand’s Research, Testing and Teaching System in 2025

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:22:57 +0000

Source: Beyond Animal Research

More Than 181,000 Animals Lost Their Lives Through New Zealand’s Research, Testing and Teaching System in 2025

New Government statistics released today by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) show that 274,985 animals were used in research, testing and teaching (RTT) in New Zealand during 2025.

The figures also reveal that 181,043 animals ultimately lost their lives because of the research, testing and teaching system. This includes 99,711 animals killed during or for research, testing and teaching, and a further 81,332 animals bred for research but never used before being killed as “excess” animals.

Beyond Animal Research (BAR), a New Zealand charity dedicated to working with the science community to replace harmful animal use with modern scientific methods, says the figures highlight the need to accelerate New Zealand’s transition towards animal-free science.

“While the total number of animals used has decreased compared with 2024, these figures show that more than 181,000 animals still lost their lives because of New Zealand’s research, testing and teaching system,” says Tara Jackson, Co-Founder of Beyond Animal Research.

“Almost half of these animals were never used in any scientific procedure. They were bred for the research, testing and teaching system, but were ultimately killed as excess.

This is a profound waste of sentient lives, and one that deserves far greater public attention.”

The five most commonly used species in 2025 were cattle (69,579), sheep (58,016), fish (56,506), mice (45,553) and fowls/chickens (10,730).

The species most commonly killed during or for research, testing and teaching were mice (43,334), fish (34,302), fowls/chickens (9,227), rats (6,270) and sheep (1,897).

BAR emphasises that the annual statistics require careful interpretation. Not every animal included in the figures undergoes invasive procedures or experiences significant suffering, and annual totals naturally fluctuate because some long-term projects are only reported when they conclude.

“Looking at one year’s statistics in isolation doesn’t tell the full story,” says Jackson.

“But what these figures do tell us is that New Zealand continues to rely on the harmful animals in research, testing and teaching, despite rapid advances in animal-free technologies around the world.”

Jackson says New Zealand now needs a coordinated strategy to accelerate the uptake of these approaches.

“The tools to transition exist. The alternatives are improving. The science is evolving. What we need now is to remove long-standing barriers across institutions, regulators and government so New Zealand can accelerate the uptake of modern, animal-free methods wherever they can replace harmful animal use.”

“Working with the science community and not against, BAR believes that real progress comes from trust, collaboration and transparency. By working together, as a science alliance for animals, Aotearoa New Zealand has the opportunity to become a global leader in scientific innovation that no longer involves animal suffering.”

About Beyond Animal Research:

BAR is a science alliance for animals working with progressive scientists, institutes and organisations from the animal science and research community in NZ and beyond.
Our science advisors are highly respected figures in the international scientific community, recognising BAR as a revolutionary charity – the first of its kind, created to unite for animals and scientific progress.
Together, we believe in an Aotearoa, New Zealand that leads the world in the ethical use of animals for science.

The full report from MPI can be found here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/animal-welfare/animals-research-testing-teaching/statistics-on-the-use-of-animals-in-research-testing-and-teaching

A summary of the key statistics from 2025 can be found on the latest Blog from BAR: https://www.beyondanimalresearch.org.nz/post/nz-government-releases-2025-animal-use-statistics

MIL OSI

Politics – Federated Farmers says Greens freshwater plan is bad policy and bad science

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 02:22:54 +0000

Source: Federated Farmers

The Green Party is putting politics ahead of practicality and science with its freshwater policy, Federated Farmers freshwater spokesperson Mark Hooper says.

“The Greens’ plan to phase out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser would significantly hike the cost of food for Kiwi families.

“It’s a completely mad idea.

“It’s estimated global food production would fall by about 50% without modern fertilisers. With over 60% of New Zealand’s exports coming from agriculture, taking fertiliser off farmers would be economic suicide,” Hooper says.

Multiple surveys show the cost of living is the number one issue for New Zealanders, and if our farmers and growers can’t use synthetic fertilisers to grow grass for livestock, and vegetables for human consumption, higher food prices in supermarkets are inevitable.

“In a 2024 study, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research found that putting the squeeze on farmers’ use of nitrogen via proposed tougher regulation could send the price of broccoli as high as $9 a head.

“The Greens are putting ideology ahead of common sense with this kind of daft idea,” Hooper says.

Another plank of party’s policy announced today, based off its own interpretation of overseas research, is a call for lowering nitrate limits for drinking water.

“This is a steal from the Greenpeace playbook and is counter to advice from the Ministry of Health, Bowel Cancer NZ and the World Health Organisation.

“Federated Farmers has said time and again that when it comes to what chemicals are safe, what causes cancer, what medicines are safe, decisions need to be made through science-technical processes, not political announcements.

“If the Ministry of Health changes its advice on the link between nitrates and cancer, then of course we would welcome any change in drinking water standards,” Hooper says.

“The Green Party making such an announcement without that health advice risks simply creating confusion and panic in rural communities.”

Hooper says farmers are working hard to lift water quality and further lighten their environmental footprint. In the interests of Kiwi families any new freshwater policy needs to be based off sound scientific evidence or risks simply creating economic pain and pushing up the price of food for no good reason.

MIL OSI

Education – Iwi-led programme reshapes the future of nursing

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 01:08:01 +0000

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

A powerful story of aspiration, identity, and community is reshaping the future of nursing in Aotearoa. At its heart is an innovative programme that shows what’s possible when learning is grounded in kaupapa Māori and shaped by iwi, for iwi.

Led by Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa and delivered in partnership with Whitireia and WelTec, the Bachelor of Nursing Māori ‘Matariki’ programme is strengthening whānau, building community capability, and redefining what success in education can look like.

Grounded in culture, connection, and manaakitanga, the programme was developed to help address the underrepresentation of Māori in nursing and to support the growth of confident, capable practitioners who remain closely connected to their communities. As the first ‘Matariki’ cohort prepares to graduate, the impact is clear – seen in the journeys of ākonga like Horowai Moeahu (Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa).

For Horowai, nursing is about honouring her whakapapa, caring for her whānau, and serving her community. A mother of four, she is now in her final year of the Bachelor of Nursing Māori ‘Matariki’. “I wasn’t even sure I had the qualifications to become a nurse,” she says. “But here I am, almost a graduate.”

Horowai’s journey began through her work with Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa, starting as a kaiawhina at a COVID-19 vaccination centre. She later supported whānau at drive-through clinics at Te Whiti Park and worked as a kaiārahi in Tamariki Ora. “I loved helping and educating whānau Māori in their health journeys and protecting them against illness,” she says. “That’s what inspired me to take this opportunity.”

Guided by Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Tapuhi, the Bachelor of Nursing Māori ‘Matariki’ combines marae-based wānanga, whānau-centred learning, and strong connections to whenua and whakapapa. The wānanga learning in Waiwhetū has been especially meaningful for Horowai.

“I didn’t stay at high school long and struggled in a classroom,” she says. “But studying on my whenua puts me at ease. If I feel overwhelmed, I can look to my awa, walk, see my maunga, or go to the marae. That helps me reset.” Clinical placements – especially in a hospital ward – have further shaped her path. “That’s when it hit me, I won’t be a student much longer. I’ll be a registered Māori nurse caring for patients.”

With graduation approaching in September, Horowai has clear goals. In the short term, she plans to gain hospital experience while continuing to give back to Te Āti Awa communities, including through Tamariki Ora. Longer term, she hopes to become a nurse practitioner and return to Taranaki. “I’d love to open a nursing-led medical centre for our Māori people, staffed by Māori nurses and doctors.”

As Horowai prepares to enter the workforce, her journey shows what’s possible when education is delivered by, with, and for Māori – connected to identity, strengthened by whānau, and driven by purpose.

MIL OSI

Health – Next steps for mental health law will be crucial

LiveNews Publisher — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 01:07:58 +0000

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Next steps for mental health law will be crucial

The final reading of the Mental Health Bill on Saturday 4 July marks a significant step forward to embedding a modern, human rights framework in our mental health and addiction system.

“This updated law provides greater human rights protection for people receiving compulsory care,” said Sonya Russell, Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership.

“Importantly, through implementation of the law we expect to see a reduction in the use of coercive practices and support for better outcomes for people and those who support them.”

“We are pleased to see that people under 18 cannot be held in seclusion under this new legislation.”

“There are some areas where the law has not gone as far as we recommended. We will continue to advocate strongly for the elimination of seclusion for adults and the reduction and eventual phasing out of community compulsory treatment orders that remain sanctioned under the law.”

“With the date for the law to commence set on 1 July 2028, a year later than initially proposed, implementation must be properly resourced to enable practice change on the ground to be accelerated. This work will require increased investment in alternative approaches to care and workforce development and training.”

“People directly impacted by this law must have the opportunity to be involved in next steps. This includes Māori, lived experience, and priority population groups, such as Pacific people and disabled people.[AS1] “

“We acknowledge the journey to get here and everyone who has contributed to these changes to mental health law envisioned in the Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry report He Ara Oranga published eight years ago.” [SY2]

“We will continue to monitor the mental health and addiction system to make sure everyday practices are changing in line with the intent of the new law,” said Sonya Russell.

MIL OSI

Woolworths introduces popular Disney OOSHIES™ collectibles

LiveNews Publisher — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 23:22:55 +0000

Source: Woolworths New Zealand

6 July 2026: The hugely popular Disney OOSHIES collectibles are coming to Woolworths New Zealand for the first time, allowing customers to collect iconic characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars during their weekly grocery shop.

Disney OOSHIES will also be available through FreshChoice and MILKRUN, providing more opportunities for fans to collect their favourite characters.

Starting July 13 until August 23, customers can collect one of 40 unique Disney OOSHIES for every $30 spent, while stock lasts.

This year’s range celebrates the 10th anniversary of OOSHIES collectible pencil toppers and some of the most anticipated cinematic releases of the year, featuring characters from Disney’s Moana live action, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Woolworths General Manager Brand and Marketing Abbe Hale says the collectibles range is highly anticipated. “We know our customers love Disney and we’re thrilled to launch OOSHIES in New Zealand for the first time with a whole set of characters ready for customers to collect, and bring a little extra joy to their everyday routine.”

Pallavi Gaur, Executive Director, Brand Commercialisation at Disney Consumer Products Australia and New Zealand, said:

“We’re delighted to bring Disney OOSHIES to Woolworths NZ. These much-loved collectibles bring joy to families and fans of all ages across Australia and New Zealand. This year’s collection marks the 10th anniversary of OOSHIES and celebrates the incredible 2026 blockbuster slate of storytelling from across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.

“With more ways for consumers to collect the new range through Woolworths, FreshChoice and MILKRUN, we’re excited to see how OOSHIES will make each shop a little more magical.”

The Disney OOSHIES range is made from 97% recycled materials and customers can also choose to return any unused OOSHIES from the new range to Woolworths stores for recycling until 13th September, 2026.

Customers can also pick up a bonus OOSHIE when purchasing participating products in a $30 shop. Participating products will change weekly. Look out for the Bonus Ooshie lozenge when shopping in-store or online.

A special Collector Case will be available at Woolworths and Fresh Choice stores for $12. This includes a board game and two exclusive glow in the dark Disney OOSHIES to help shoppers kickstart their collection.

For more information and terms and conditions visit woolworths.co.nz/Disney-Ooshies

MIL OSI

Property Market – Affordability trumps climate risk as buyers drive greater value resilience in flood-prone properties – Cotality

LiveNews Publisher — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 22:26:39 +0000

Source: Vitality

New analysis from Cotality has revealed a striking affordability paradox within New Zealand’s housing market.

Despite a recent and unprecedented surge in the severity and cost of extreme weather events, buyers are increasingly overlooking long-term flood hazards in favour of lower entry prices, causing flood-affected properties to outgrow the broader market in value.

Cotality New Zealand Chief Data Officer Craig Dargusch explained that while buyers face undeniable climate risk, immediate financial pressures are dictating purchase decisions.

“Our data shows that flood-affected properties trade at an initial discount, but the market is buying them anyway and growing their value faster than the rest,” Mr Dargusch said.

“Affordability wins today, but risk shapes tomorrow.”

“Buyers are actively accepting known flood exposure in exchange for a lower price point, which inadvertently accelerates the rate of value growth in these vulnerable zones.”

The research utilises Cotality’s advanced property-level pricing model, customised with granular flood-extent flags and 500-metre buffer rings to isolate the precise impact of climate hazards on property values.

The local dynamics: Auckland vs Hawke’s Bay

In Auckland, where the median dwelling value sits at $1.05M, purchasing a home in a flood-susceptible pocket of a suburb like Mount Albert offers an upfront discount of $70k to $100k.

This price variance has driven more intense demand among budget-conscious buyers.

Consequently, cumulative house value growth in Auckland’s impacted zones reached 18.4% since 2020, leaving nearby comparable buffer zones behind at 13.0%.

A similar pattern emerged in Hawke’s Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle. While the disaster generated a devastating $14.5B economic impact and displaced more than 10,000 people nationally, the local shock was heavily felt in the regional property market, triggering a 10% to 15% median rent spike in Hawke’s Bay due to a sharp 30% contraction in local rental listings.

Post-Gabrielle, impacted properties in Hawke’s Bay outperformed surrounding areas by up to 5 percentage points. While that gap has since narrowed, impacted zones retain a higher cumulative growth rate since 2020 at 24.3%, compared to 22.7% for properties situated within a 500-metre buffer ring.

Mr Dargusch noted that smaller regional markets demonstrate a slightly less pronounced divergence than metro areas.

“With median values in Napier and Hastings sitting well below Auckland at $703k and $710k respectively, buyers have a different starting point,” Mr Dargusch said.

“Furthermore, in a tighter-knit regional market, local buyers often possess sharper, localised knowledge of exactly which streets flood, allowing them to price risk more precisely.”

National trends and shifting credit realities

Nationally, the trend remains highly consistent, displaying the sharpest divergence at the geographical and statistical extremes. Properties designated with a Cotality FloodScore of 5 (Very High risk) recorded a 26.1% increase in total growth change since January 2020. Conversely, properties classified with a score of 0 (No risk) saw total growth of a more modest 19.8% over the same period.

However, Cotality warns that this divergence in long-term growth faces an impending friction point as insurance providers refine their property-by-property asset risk profiling.

“While the consumer market is currently absorbing these properties, the credit lens is evolving rapidly,” Mr Dargusch warned.

“Insurance availability is becoming the de facto pricing mechanism for climate risk at the property level. Because insurance is a non-negotiable prerequisite for mortgage lending, any future retreat by insurers means no loan and no liquidity.”

“Lenders inherit what insurers leave behind, leading to uncollateralised exposure if an industry-wide cliff edge is not avoided through collaboration and cross-sector alignment.”

Mr Dargusch closed by noting that Cotality would continue to support the entire property ecosystem, connecting data and climate hazard analytics across credit, valuation, and lending workflows to help build a more resilient society.

MIL OSI

Minerals Council – Critical minerals boost welcomed

LiveNews Publisher — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 22:23:10 +0000

Source: New Zealand Minerals Council

Government support for our emerging critical minerals industry is important, says New Zealand Minerals Council chief executive Josie Vidal.

Today the Government announced Regional Infrastructure Fund support of $50 million to two mineral sands companies on the West Coast.

“With all the misinformation around mining we have seen in recent weeks, it is good to have a reality check and see support for this highly productive, high wage industry,” Vidal says.

“It makes total sense to extract as much as we can out of our resources before they leave our shores, so funding for processing critical minerals is a no brainer. It creates more jobs in regional New Zealand and boosts our export earnings.

“It is imperative the Government continues to support this valuable industry and that facts, evidence, and science guide decisions about mining. We risk being left behind the rest of the world if we do not have an enabling environment for mining projects that will only go ahead if they meet the many stringent requirements laid out in our laws.

“New Zealanders want all the benefits of mined minerals, that is, energy, technology, homes, offices, transport, food production, refrigeration, healthcare, etc. and the best scenario is us being able to mine, process, and even manufacture here.

“The world is hungry for critical minerals and demand outstrips supply, which makes the mining industry a strong contributor to our economy. Mined minerals are in practically everything we use, every minute of every day.

“Minerals export earnings in 2025 were $2.4 billion, up 60 percent since 2023.

“Mining in New Zealand is regulated with high standards of environmental protection and worker health and safety.

“It is one of the most productive sectors with $458,952 the value of the amount produced per full time worker compared with $174,045 across the whole economy.

“Wages are good, with a mean of $125,630 compared to $82,500 across the whole economy.”

MIL OSI

ExportNZ – Finalists Announced for the 2026 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards

LiveNews Publisher — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 22:23:08 +0000

Source: Business Central

ExportNZ is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards.

The awards recognise the businesses and individuals driving export success from the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Tairawhiti regions, showcasing the innovation, ambition, and global impact emerging from the area.

Judged by a panel of experienced export specialists, this year’s finalists represent a diverse mix of industries, from advanced manufacturing and engineering to forest products, tourism, technology, and food production.

ExportNZ Regional Manager, Amanda Liddle said the quality of entries reflects the strength and diversity of Hawke’s Bay’s export sector.

“Hawke’s Bay has long been recognised for its food and fibre exports, but this year’s finalists show just how broad and sophisticated the region’s export capability has become. These businesses prove that world-class innovation can be built and scaled from Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.”

ASB’s Head of International Trade, Mike Atkins said the finalists are a fantastic demonstration of the entrepreneurial spirit that underpins New Zealand’s export economy.

“Each of these businesses has identified opportunities beyond our shores and built strategies to pursue them. Their success contributes not only to their own growth, but to the strength and prosperity of the wider region. We are proud to support and celebrate their achievements.”

This year’s finalists are:

ContainerCo Best Emerging Business

– Transport Wash Systems

– Sequence Computational Engineering

– OakeNZ

– Ivory Cliffs Estate

T&G Global Best Established Business

– ABB

– Pan Pac Forest Products

ZIWI Excellence in Innovation

– Ross AI

– Transport Wash Systems

– GreenCollar

– Mindfull Spaces

Other categories to be announced at the Awards Ceremony include:

-NZME Service to Export

-Napier Port Unsung Heroes

-ASB Exporter of the Year

The winners will be announced at the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards Dinner on 6 August at the Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre, bringing together exporters, business leaders, and supporters from across the region to celebrate Hawke’s Bay’s export success.

The evening will recognise not only outstanding business performance, but also the contribution exporters make to the regional and national economy through innovation, investment, and job creation.

Tickets for the event go on sale today.

About the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards

Now in its twelfth year, the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards recognise and celebrate the contribution exporters make to the regional and national economy.

Supported by Business Central NZ, the Awards highlight the ambition, capability, and global impact of businesses operating within the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Tairawhiti regions.

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