Govt Cuts – Axing of Callaghan Innovation, loss of 500 jobs already makes mockery of latest reform

Source: PSA New science plan exposes chaotic nature of restructuring to date – It’s hard to have confidence in the Government’s latest science strategy when it comes with no promise of new funding or a commitment to retaining the current workforce. The long overdue science reform strategy promises another huge restructure on top of the restructure endured … Read more

Business – Picton Marina receives prestigious Superyacht accreditation

Source: Port Marlborough Port Marlborough and Marlborough Sounds Marinas are proud to announce that Picton Marina has achieved “Superyacht Ready” accreditation and “Gold Anchor” status from the Marina Industry Association (MIA Australia) This accreditation highlights Marlborough Sounds Marinas’ dedication to providing world-class facilities and exceptional service for superyacht guests, captains, and crew, and follows the “International … Read more

ACT welcomes innovation changes to better serve taxpayers and growth

Source: ACT Party ACT is welcoming a renewed economic focus for the science and innovation sector, including the abolition of Callaghan Innovation. “ACT has long advocated for abolishing Callaghan Innovation, which effectively gambled with taxpayer money and was responsible for a litany of failed investments in ventures that delivered little more a than a few … Read more

Dive into the long weekend with Safeswim

Source: Auckland Council Safeswim is ready for a safe and fun summer this long weekend in Auckland. Enjoying the summer with Safeswim: your guide to safe swimming in Auckland As summer continues Auckland’s beaches remain the heartbeat of the season, a haven for picnics, swims, and sun-soaked memories. But as you pack your beach bag … Read more

Southland livestock grazing company fined $48,750 over hundreds of cattle grazing in mud

Source: Ministry for Primary Industries A Southland livestock grazing company has been fined $48,750 for allowing hundreds of cattle to graze in mud. FFPM Grazing Limited earlier pleaded guilty to 4 charges (October 2024) under the Animal Welfare Act following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). They were sentenced in the … Read more

Luxon’s speech an exercise in smoke and mirrors

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU The Prime Minister’s State of the Nation speech is an exercise in smoke and mirrors which deflects from the reality that he has overseen the worst economic growth in 30 years, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff. “Luxon wants to “go for growth” but since he … Read more

State of the Nation 2025

Source: New Zealand Government Ka nui te mihi kia koutou.Kia ora, good morning, talofa, malo e lelei, bula vinaka, da jia hao, namaste, sat sri akal, assalamu alaikum.It’s so great to be here and I’m ready and pumped for 2025.Can I start by acknowledging: Simon Bridges – CEO of the Auckland Business Chamber.Sponsors Kiwibank represented … Read more

Reforms to boost science sector and economy

Source: New Zealand Government Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Judith Collins today announced the largest reset of the New Zealand science system in more than 30 years with reforms which will boost the economy and benefit the sector.“The reforms will maximise the value of the $1.2 billion in government funding that goes into the science … Read more

Invest New Zealand opens doors to the world

Source: New Zealand Government The Government has unveiled a bold new initiative to position New Zealand as a premier destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) that will create higher paying jobs and grow the economy.  “Invest New Zealand will streamline the investment process and provide tailored support to foreign investors, to increase capital investment across … Read more

Economic growth the key to better days ahead

Source: New Zealand Government Turbocharging New Zealand’s economic growth is the key to brighter days ahead for all Kiwis, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says. In the Prime Minister’s State of the Nation Speech in Auckland today, Christopher Luxon laid out the path to the prosperity that will affect all aspects of New Zealanders’ lives. “Right … Read more

Greenpeace – Luxon’s bonfire of natural capital leaves New Zealand poorer

Source: Greenpeace Luxon’s bonfire of natural capital leaves New Zealand poorer Prime Minister Luxon’s plan to burn natural capital in a desperate bid for short term GDP growth will leave us poorer, says Greenpeace. Luxon is due to give his State of the Nation speech today which will once again prioritise the War On Nature. These … Read more

Animal Welfare – SAFE calls for urgent reforms following horrific sheep cruelty footage

Source: SAFE For Animals SAFE is calling for an independent inquiry after evidence of severe violence towards sheep was captured across 34 farms. Workers on New Zealand sheep farms were filmed beating, cutting, and throwing sheep to the ground, with one individual seen stomping on the neck of a sheep. SAFE CEO Debra Ashton says these … Read more

International migration: November 2024 – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand International migration: November 2024 – 23 January 2025 International migration statistics give the latest outcomes-based measure of migration, which includes estimates of migrants entering or leaving New Zealand. Key facts Annual migration Provisional estimates for the November 2024 year compared with the November 2023 year were: migrant arrivals: 158,400 (± 1,100), … Read more

International travel: November 2024 – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand International travel: November 2024 – 23 January 2025 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand. Key facts Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors Overseas visitor arrivals were 321,200 in November 2024, an increase of 17,800 from … Read more

BusinessNZ – Saying ‘yes’ to investment and growth

Source: BusinessNZ The Prime Minister’s state of the nation address has correctly identified many key issues holding back economic growth, BusinessNZ says. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says businesses around the country would agree that NZ for too long has been saying ‘no’ to investment and development. “The result has been economic contraction and GDP growth … Read more

Name release: Fatal crash Albury

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Police can now release the name of the man who died in a single-vehicle crash near Albury, Mackenzie, on Thursday 19 December. He was Cale Tompkins Tairua, 18, of Albury. Police extend our sympathies to his loved ones at this difficult time. ENDS Issued by Police Media Centre MIL … Read more

Appeal for information following fatal crash, Nelson

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Nelson Police investigating a crash on the Coastal Highway earlier this month would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash. At around 3:10pm on Tuesday 7 January, emergency services responded to a two-vehicle crash near the O’Conner Creek Bridge. One person was seriously injured in the crash, … Read more

Govt’s sanctions regime fails us all

Source: Green Party The Government’s newly released data paints a damning picture: the sanctions regime targeting beneficiaries is an abject failure.  “Benefit sanctions deprive people of the means to survive and there is no evidence they support people into paid employment,” says the Green Party’s Social Development and Employment spokesperson, Ricardo Menéndez March. “This is … Read more

Name release, Fatal Crash, Egmont Road

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Police can now confirm the name of the man who died in a two-vehicle crash on Egmont Road, New Plymouth, Tuesday 21 January. He was 50-year-old Brien David Vincent Mace of New Plymouth. Police extend our condolences to his family and loved ones at this time. Enquiries into the … Read more

Rat found on Ulva Island triggers response

Source: Department of Conservation Date:  23 January 2025 Ulva Island is a nature sanctuary in Paterson Inlet, 780 metres from Stewart Island/Rakiura. It is popular with visitors who come to experience the thriving wildlife. It first achieved predator-free status in 1997 and has become a sanctuary for many native species, including Stewart Island brown kiwi/tokoeka, kākā, … Read more

Runaway spending growth checked

Source: New Zealand Government The latest set of accounts show the Government has successfully checked the runaway growth of public spending, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “In the previous government’s final five months in office, public spending was almost 10 per cent higher than for the same period the previous year.  “That is completely unsustainable … Read more

Welfare that Works making a difference

Source: New Zealand Government The Government’s welfare reforms are delivering results with the number of people moving off benefits into work increasing year-on-year for six straight months. “There are positive signs that our welfare reset and the return consequences for job seekers who don’t fulfil their obligations to prepare for or find a job is … Read more

Heading out of town for Auckland Anniversary weekend? Plan ahead

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency With a mixed bag of weather forecast for Auckland and Northland this Auckland Anniversary weekend NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is encouraging people to plan ahead to get the most out of their holiday weekends. NZTA has updated its Holiday Journeys interactive travel planner for Auckland Anniversary weekend. The … Read more

Economy – Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the five months ended 30 November 2024

Source: The Treasury The interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the five months ended 30 November 2024 were released by the Treasury today. The November results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2024 (HYEFU 2024), published on 17 December 2024, and the results for the … Read more

Economy – NZ Treasury – New paper on how the tax and transfer system affects financial incentives to work

Source: The Treasury This Analytical Note examines how New Zealand’s tax and transfer system affects financial incentives to work, using Effective Marginal Tax Rates (EMTRs) as the main measure. EMTRs show how much of each additional dollar earned is lost through taxes and benefit reductions. High EMTRs are an unavoidable feature of any targeted welfare system … Read more

One lands in court following string of driving mishaps

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) The driver of a stolen vehicle who allegedly ran a red light and fled from Police will front court today. At about 2.20am, officers observed a Toyota Hilux Surf travelling at speed on Ronwood Avenue, Manukau, where it allegedly failed to stop at a red light. Counties Manukau South … Read more

Work to repair and restore our Hawke’s Bay’s state highway network back in full swing

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency If you’re travelling the Hawke’s Bay state highway network, you can expect to see a renewed level of activity from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi and Transport Rebuild East Coast crews for 2025. Crews are back at work repairing and renewing state highways to ensure more efficient travel and safer, … Read more