Annual number of home consents down 7.4 percent – Stats NZ media and information release: Building consents issued: February 2025

Source: Statistics New Zealand Annual number of home consents down 7.4 percent – 2 April 2025 – There were 33,595 new homes consented in Aotearoa New Zealand in the year ended February 2025, down 7.4 percent compared with the year ended February 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. “The annual number of … Read more

Release: Labour supports Willie Apiata’s selfless act

Source: New Zealand Labour Party Willie Apiata’s decision to hand over his Victoria Cross to the Minister for Veterans is a powerful and selfless act, made on behalf of all those who have served our country. “Willie Apiata’s powerful gesture speaks for so many who served,” Labour veterans’ affairs spokesperson Greg O’Connor said. “As someone … Read more

Overnight shift of SH1 northbound traffic

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency As part of the State Highway 1 Papakura to Drury project, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises the two northbound lanes on SH1 between Drury Interchange and the BP motorway service centre will be shifted westward overnight on Sunday 6 April, weather permitting. A full motorway closure in both … Read more

Investing in injury prevention in the manufacturing sector

Source: New Zealand Government ACC’s investment in New Zealand’s crucial manufacturing sector is a significant step to help reduce injuries, keep workers safe, and support economic growth, say ACC Minister Scott Simpson and Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk.“My top priority with ACC is to address its declining performance and ensure the scheme remains … Read more

Health and safety governance and management change coming

Source: New Zealand Government The Government has agreed to clarify the distinction between governance and operational management health and safety responsibilities to reduce directors’ fear and risks of overcompliance, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today.   The Government is delivering on an ACT-National Coalition Agreement to reform New Zealand’s health and safety … Read more

Police comment on preliminary findings of internal district review

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Attributable to Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables: Police have released the preliminary findings of an internal district review into the events surrounding the misidentification of a young person in Waikato, who was then placed in Waikato Hospital care, on 9 March 2025. Waikato Police staff had sought to confirm the … Read more

Greenpeace bringing free drinking water nitrate testing to Ashburton District this weekend

Source: Greenpeace Greenpeace Aotearoa will be offering its free drinking water testing service in Ashburton and Methven this Friday and Sunday. This is the first time the organisation’s water testing programme has returned to the Ashburton area since 2023, when 77% of samples had elevated levels of nitrate. Greenpeace campaigner Will Appelbe says, “Everybody, no matter … Read more

Defence News – RNZRSA supports Willie Apiata VC’s stand to drive change to Veterans’ Support Act

Source: Royal New Zealand RSA   The Royal New Zealand RSA fully supports the stand taken by Willie Apiata VC to drive change to the Veterans’ Support Act.   The Minister has stated that the Government has a legal and moral obligation to look after those it sends into harm’s way while acknowledging a gap … Read more

Fire Safety – Outdoor fire restrictions lifted in Taranaki

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand Fire and Emergency New Zealand has eased the restrictions on open air fires in Taranaki from 8am on Wednesday 2 April, until further notice. The district has moved to an open fire season, which means permits are no longer needed to light outdoor fires. District Manager David Utumapu says if … Read more

ChildFund Brings Clean Water to Thousands in Remote Solomon Islands

Source: ChildFund New Zealand ChildFund New Zealand CEO and team met with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of Solomon Islands, community leaders, and the Premier of the Provincial government of Temotu the Honourable Stanley Tehi, to design the next phase of clean water and nutrition projects funded by the New Zealander public and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and … Read more

BusinessNZ – Clear responsibilities for health and safety

Source: BusinessNZ Proposed law changes will bring clarity to the health and safety responsibilities of directors and managers, BusinessNZ says. Changes announced today indicate that the routine management of health and safety in the workplace will in future rest solely with managers, not directors. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says this clarity will be welcomed. “Focusing … Read more

Export Sector – Entries open for 2025 Hawke’s Bay Export Awards

Source: Business Central The ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards are returning in 2025 to recognise the successes of local businesses on the world stage. Now in its 11 th year, the Export Awards is a celebration of outstanding exporters in the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne region and their contribution to the wider economy. Details of … Read more

Advocates – Disappointing Environment Court decision fails Rotokākahi, but protectors vow to continue fight

Source: Rotokākahi Protectors Protectors of Rotokākahi are disappointed that the Environment Court today released their decision dismissing attempts to stop the Rotorua Lakes Council constructing a sewerage pipeline right next to Rotokākahi. “The Environment Court, which is tasked with preserving the environment, has completely failed in its obligation to assist us in protecting the Rotokākahi … Read more

EMA – Clarity over governance and management will improve health and safety outcomes

Source: EMA Changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act remove confusion over the respective roles of managers and directors, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA). This confusion has resulted in duplication of responsibilities and over-compliance by some companies, which has cost them time and money without reducing critical risks. “Managers are best placed … Read more

Tech and Business – HCLSoftware Names Tech Data as New Distributor in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Indonesia

Source: HCLSoftware SINGAPORE – HCLSoftware, a leading global provider of software solutions, announced today the appointment of Tech Data as its new distributor for Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Indonesia. Effective April 1, Tech Data will distribute HCLSoftware’s comprehensive suite of products, including solutions for digital workplace transformation, enterprise security, and AI-driven innovation, to channel partners … Read more

The Henderson Art Garden Is Now Open to Public

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2025 – Henderson Land Development Company Limited (“Henderson Land” or “the Group”) (Stock code: 12) actively supports and promotes the development of the arts in Hong Kong. By curating diverse artistic experiences, the Group strives to delight and inspire art lovers and … Read more

Lifestyle – MPs Lead by Example as Fit 4 Office Challenge Wraps Up

Source: Exercise NZ As the Fit 4 Office (F4O) Challenge concludes, Exercise New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) congratulates all participating Members of Parliament for prioritising movement, proving that even the busiest schedules can accommodate physical activity. Over the past three weeks, 11 MPs from across the political spectrum tracked their activity using Myzone heart rate monitors, demonstrating … Read more

Ascott powers up loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards, with enhanced member features to treble membership by 2028

Source: Media Outreach Refreshes user interface and boosts personalisation on ASR mobile app to enhance ease of use Expands booking capabilities of GenAI-powered chatbot on discoversasr.com to make online direct bookings more seamless Develops predictive AI travel recommendation engine for ASR members to simplify travel planning process Elevates perks for ASR members to gain exclusive … Read more

Record-breaking Global Participation: Final Call to Join the TERA-Award by 9 April

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2025 – The 4th TERA-Award Smart Energy Innovation Competition, organised by The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) and empowered by Full Vision Capital, already attracted participation from a record-breaking 62 countries and regions, surpassing the 59 countries and regions … Read more

Man arrested following incident in Epuni, Lower Hutt

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Attributable to Wellington District Commander, Superintendent Corrie Parnell One person has been taken into custody following an earlier incident in Epuni, Lower Hutt. At about 5:25pm, Police were called to Trinity Ave after receiving a report of suspicious behaviour. A responding Police unit observed a vehicle of interest leaving … Read more

JINGDONG Logistics Expands Middle East Presence with 5 Warehouses, Offering Premium Services Across MENA Markets

Source: Media Outreach RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2025 – Recently, at JINGDONG Logistics’ warehouse in Riyadh, goods were being efficiently processed, destined not only for Middle East countries but also for parts of North Africa. Currently, JINGDONG Logistics operates five warehouses in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia Warehouse … Read more

Update: Police investigating Roseneath deaths

Source: New Zealand Police (National News) Attribute to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan: The bodies of two people who were located deceased in a residential address in Roseneath overnight have been removed from the property. Two post-mortem examinations are expected to take place tomorrow. The Roseneath community can expect to see a continued Police presence in … Read more

VT Markets Releases Q2 Report On U.S. Dollar Dominance Shift as Central Bank Diverge

Source: Media Outreach HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2025 – Leading global financial services provider VT Markets today releases its Q2 report, highlighting the season’s key market developments and potential implications for the currency markets. The Federal Reserve Remains CautiousDriven by divergent monetary policies between the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) … Read more

Prudential partners Thomson Medical Centre to offer more healthcare options and convenience for customers

Source: Media Outreach SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2025 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) and Thomson Medical Centre (TMC) have signed a partnership agreement to enhance the healthcare experience for customers. With effect from 1 April 2025, Prudential Singapore’s Integrated Shield Plan (IP) customers will have access to more specialist doctors from TMC. … Read more

Oxford Terrace, Epuni closed

Source: New Zealand Police (District News) Oxford Terrace, Epuni is closed near Brees Street while Police respond to an incident. The road is expected to be closed for some time. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area. There is no ongoing threat to public safety. ENDS Issued by Police Media Centre MIL … Read more

Plain Language Act Repeal Bill passes first reading

Source: New Zealand Government Legislation to repeal the Plain Language Act, which is a waste of time and money, has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Public Service Minister Judith Collins says. “The Act, implemented by the previous government, compelled public service agencies to appoint designated ‘plain language officers’ and implement specific activities,” Ms … Read more

Government seeks to simplify Fringe Benefit Tax rules

Source: New Zealand Government Inland Revenue is launching public consultation on proposals to make the Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) rules easier and to reduce compliance costs for taxpayers, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. FBT is a tax payable when the following benefits are supplied to employees or shareholder-employees: low interest/interest-free loans free, subsidised, or discounted goods … Read more