Energy sector – Conference to tackle energy hardship and build resilience returns for 3rd year

September 1, 2025

Source: Ara Ake

The Energy Resilience and Affordability Conference will return on 8-9 October 2025 at the Harbourside Function Centre, Wellington, bringing together leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy, community and research sectors.

The two-day event will focus on addressing energy hardship while highlighting innovative, community-led energy solutions already making a difference on the ground.

“Energy resilience is a national priority, and one that’s central to Ara Ake. We’re pleased to return to Wellington with this important conference,” says Jonathan Young, Ara Ake Head of Industry and Government Engagement.

This year’s conference theme explores how regional projects, partnerships, and innovations can deliver sustainable, community-led energy solutions and promote energy affordability across New Zealand.

“Rising energy costs and poor-quality housing are challenges many New Zealanders face, affecting their physical and mental health as well as financial stability. We want to provide an opportunity for experts in the community, energy, research, and Government sectors to develop partnerships that can deliver large-scale programmes that supports local energy resilience and eliminates energy hardship,” says Gareth Cartwright, Community Energy Network Executive Officer.

Keynote and speakers

The conference features a keynote address from Dr Amanda Cahill, founder and CEO of The Next Economy. With more than two decades of experience in economic development, public health, gender equality, and climate adaptation across Australia, Asia and the Pacific, Dr Cahill is an influential voice on regional energy transitions.

Other speakers include:

Cameron Bagrie, Economist
Luke Blincoe, CEO, Supa Energy
Marcos Pelenur, CE, EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority)
Mike Casey, CEO, Rewiring Aotearoa
Sarah Gillies, Chief Executive, Electricity Authority

“The conference aims to build a shared understanding of how regional and community energy frameworks can support an affordable, fair transition for whānau facing energy hardship, while fostering collaboration between energy providers and community groups for better outcomes,” says Paul Scouller, WISE Charitable Trust General Manager.

The conference is sponsored by Powerco, Nova Energy, Daikin, EECA, and the Electricity Authority, and co-hosted by Ara Ake, WISE Charitable Trust and Community Energy Network.

Formerly called the Reducing Energy Hardship Conference, the 2-day event attracts around 200 attendees. This year, a free 3-hour workshop will be offered on the day prior to the conference and will cover the basics of the energy sector. The workshop is available to book when registering for tickets, but numbers are limited.

Details: 8-9 October 2025 (pre-workshop on 7 October from 1pm-4pm) Harbourside Function Centre Wellington

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Construction Sector – QVCostbuilder: Construction cost growth slows to 1.2% annually — lowest in years

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

The cost of building a home remains relatively stable, giving builders and developers greater certainty on price.

In QV CostBuilder’s latest quarterly update for August, approximately 11,700 new material and labour prices were applied to its database of more than 60,000 rates across Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

The average cost of constructing a standard one- or two-storey 150–230m² home in these centres rose just 0.2% over the past three months, following a 0.3% rise in the first half of 2025 and is in sharp contrast to the 44% increases seen between 2020 and 2024.

“Construction cost inflation has remained very subdued this quarter, with annual growth continuing to ease, down slightly to 1.2%, compared to 1.3% last quarter,” says QV CostBuilder quantity surveyor Martin Bisset.

The most notable price movements this quarter were Grade 500 reinforcing rods, up nearly 14%, and with the 16mm reinforcing rods up more than 30% in both Wellington and Dunedin. Other main contributors to the overall cost changes in Q3 were reinforcing mesh, fill material, and insulation,” he said.

Recent regulatory reforms may impact building costs in the medium term including the overhaul of building consents, the shift to proportionate liability, and the new rules on overseas products under the Building Product Specifications (BPS).

While these changes are intended to improve efficiency, competition, and supply resilience, the new overseas product rules aren’t expected to materially affect costs within the next six months. “Their success will depend on how well they are implemented and adopted across the industry. QV CostBuilder will track these materials alongside current ones if we can obtain rates from our suppliers,” he said.

More efficient consent processes should mean quicker approvals and earlier start dates, reducing upfront costs, though not the overall cost of a build. However, Bisset said, “Proportionate liability is harder to assess until details are finalised. If warranties are required, those costs will likely be passed on to developers and homeowners, and history tells us there can be challenges—for example, councils often carried the burden of leaky building claims when builders were no longer in business.”

Looking ahead, Bisset says many firms remain under financial strain, with conditions still subdued in the short term.

“The industry is waiting for the economy to improve before committing to new projects. Government moves to amend the RMA, open the door to overseas materials, and streamline consents are helpful, but restarting stalled projects would also provide much-needed confidence.”

“From 2026, stronger growth is expected as major transport, health, and education projects ramp up. For now, cost growth remains in check, providing welcome stability after several turbulent years.”

In the meantime, costs for non-residential buildings (excluding educational buildings) also rose modestly by 0.2% this quarter, with an annual cost increase of 1.0%. “Bear in mind that all of these figures are averages and the true cost of construction will always depend on the level of finishes, internal layout, and all manner of other elements,” Mr. Bisset added.

QV CostBuilder is New Zealand’s most comprehensive subscription-based building cost platform. In this update, more than 11,700 current material prices were applied to its database of more than 60,000 rates, generating about 14,900 changes to the data across six centres.

Powered by state-owned enterprise Quotable Value, QV CostBuilder’s comprehensive database covers everything from the building costs per square metre for banks, schools, and office buildings, to the approximate cost per sheet of GIB and more than 8,000 other items. It also includes labour rates, labour constants, and much more.

Visit QV CostBuilder at costbuilder.qv.co.nz.

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Universities – Pacific children’s wellbeing expert appointed new Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) – Vic

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett as Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika).

Dr Dunlop-Bennett, of Samoan (Sā Petāia, Sā Te’o, Sā Atoā) and Māori (Ngāti Maniapoto) descent, is a former New Zealand High Commissioner to South Africa and other African countries. Prior to becoming the AVC (Pasifika), she worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where she held leadership roles in strategic policy and climate change. She joins Te Herenga Waka on Monday 1 September after 25 years working in foreign policy, diplomacy, and community development. A pōhiri and ‘ava ceremony will be held in the coming weeks to formally welcome Emma into her new role.

Dr Dunlop-Bennett’s PhD research was on Samoan perspectives on child wellbeing. It was the first research in New Zealand that positioned Pasifika children as experts on their wellbeing and created a space—grounded in Pacific research methods—for them and their parents to share their knowledge. She also holds a Master of Philosophy majoring in International Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography.

“My vision for Tangata Moana is simply this: that they recognise the brilliance within them and harness this to succeed,” she says. “I joined Te Herenga Waka because I firmly believe that this is the place where Tangata Moana can soar.”

With several family members as alumni or current students, Dr Dunlop-Bennett has strong connections to the University, and to tertiary education in Aotearoa. Her mother, Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, was the inaugural director of Te Herenga Waka’s Va’aomanu Pasifika in 2006 and received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019. All four of her sisters graduated from the University, as well as her eldest daughter Elena Bennett. Her second daughter Grace Bennett is currently completing her undergraduate degree, and her niece, Emele-Moa Makisi Setefano works at the University.

“Success is not only possible—it is inevitable when Tangata Moana are empowered and supported. I’ve spent much of my career working alongside Pacific communities—both here and across the region—where I’ve seen the power of education to transform lives and open up new futures.”

She has extensive experience leading projects and policy work throughout the Pacific and is looking forward to bringing her connections and wealth of experience to support and promote Pasifika education and research at the University. Dr Dunlop-Bennett was raised in Samoa, in the village of Tanugamanono, and has worked in Fiji and Vanuatu.

The AVC (Pasifika) is part of the Provost’s team and Provost, Professor Bryony James, is delighted to welcome Emma to the ‘aiga’. She says, “We are all looking forward to working with Emma and excited to have such an accomplished Pacific woman joining the team.

“With Emma’s leadership we will be able to build on the remarkable legacy of Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban as we ensure Te Herenga Waka is a welcoming and aspirational home for Pacific staff and students.”

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Culture and Heritage – Merchant Navy Day 2025 to honour hospital ships and historic milestones

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Merchant Navy Day will be marked by a national commemoration on Wednesday 3 September at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.

“Please join us to mark this Merchant Navy Day at Pukeahu, and remember the efforts and people of what is regarded as the ‘fourth service’ alongside the army, navy and air forces,” says Kartini Havell, Acting Deputy Secretary Delivery & Investment at Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“Merchant Navy Day honours the thousands of civilian seafarers who served aboard merchant vessels during wartime, delivering troops, supplies and medical aid across perilous seas. Merchant Navy Day is observed on 3 September to mark the sinking of the first British merchant ship in 1939, just hours after the Second World War began.

“The Merchant Navy has a critical place in our service history. Merchant vessels and the many New Zealanders who served on them played an essential role in the Battle of the Atlantic, one of the longest and most dangerous campaigns of the Second World War.

“The commemoration will recognise the vital role of hospital ships, such as the Maheno in the First World War and the Maunganui in the Second World War, which carried wounded service personnel to safety under dangerous wartime conditions. The hospital ships and their crews’ humanitarian service saved countless lives.

“This year’s ceremony will acknowledge several significant anniversaries, including 110 years since the Maheno served off the coast of Gallipoli, and 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

“Merchant Navy Day provides an opportunity for New Zealanders to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served at sea, and those who said goodbye to those they loved. Nau mai ki Pukeahu, please join us for this important commemoration,” Havell says.

About the event:

People wishing to attend this year’s commemoration are asked to arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park by 10.45am for an 11.00am start.

Please note that the Carillon Tower is currently closed for seismic strengthening. The Hall of Memories was strengthened in 2015 and is safe to enter.

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Health and Law – Vaping law breaches fuel Foundation’s training rollout

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

Just two weeks into the new vaping laws, 125 complaints poured in – and dozens of retailers were caught breaking the rules.

Information released to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ shows that between 17 and 30 June 2025, Health NZ received 125 complaints and carried out 607 compliance visits. Of those visits, 37 uncovered “clear and obvious breaches” of the law, while a further 42 found “minor compliance issues”, ranging from advertising and vape visibility to non-compliant devices and even sales to underage customers.

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says this shows how deeply the problem runs.

“Retailers had months to prepare, yet 125 complaints came in just two weeks.
“It appears that non-compliance is widespread – and, in many cases, deliberate.”

Despite these breaches, Health NZ were unable to provide details on the outcome of these complaints as “this is not currently required to be reported”.

However, the agency says a new national system to “enable greater reporting and monitoring of trends” is expected in mid-2026.

Ms Harding says it is unacceptable that the public has no way of knowing whether those caught breaking the rules are being penalised.

“If breaches are found, penalties should follow immediately – and that money should go straight back into education and quit-vaping programmes.”

So, with enforcement lagging and youth exposure continuing, the Foundation has moved to strengthen prevention through its new community Train-the-Trainer programme.

The initiative equips educators, youth workers and whānau advocates with the tools to teach rangatahi about the harms of vaping.

Foundation Community Liaison Officer Sharon Pihema, who has run the Foundation’s vaping workshops in schools for years, is leading the rollout.

“Compliance visits and fines only go so far.

“Real change happens when rangatahi hear the facts from people in their community they know and trust – that’s what this training is about.”

The first certified trainer, Thomasina Samuels of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua, says the programme gave her both urgency and confidence.

As a mother of six and a nana to four mokopuna, she says the mahi is personal.

“I want my tamariki and mokopuna to be well informed about the dangers of vape use – the addiction, the mental health connection, and how those barriers can hold back their goals.”

Samuels says her hope is for a ripple effect.

“If just one person takes this information back to their circle of friends, and one more does the same, then the message spreads. That’s how we protect rangatahi.”

Ms Pihema says that scaling the programme is vital.

“The more Foundation-certified Train-the-Trainers we have around the motu, the stronger the prevention network becomes.”

Ms Harding says this is another example of how the Foundation doesn’t just advocate for change, it comes up with solutions.

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“Scrim” reflects on decades of protecting nature

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 01 September 2025

“A good pair of boots, a chainsaw, a rifle, and a reliable truck.”

DOC has launched its Always Be Naturing campaign during Conservation Week. Nature is at the heart of who we are as New Zealanders – it shapes our identity, wellbeing, economy and future. But nature is in trouble, and the challenge is growing.

Scrim was inspired to get into conservation after an Honorary Forest Service Ranger visited his school when he was a teenager “lucky enough to be growing up in Golden Bay, doing nature study on the beach”. Now into his late 60s, he’s a familiar face to Maniapoto residents, having spent several decades living and working in Te Kuiti.

The ranger’s visit to Scrim’s school was profound. He remembers the ranger’s grim story of eating kākāpō during the Great Depression, and the famous parrots’ gradual disappearance.

“That really struck me – something like extinction of a species, which I’d always seen as being in the past, could happen in our lifetimes, and surprisingly quickly.”

Initially a “woodsman” with the Forest Service – “learning some skills in an environment I liked” – Scrim joined DOC when it was formed in 1987. He has been with the department ever since, in many different roles including many initial years in wild animal control (with a team based in Te Kuiti), and more latterly in operations management and relationship-focussed positions.

“I saw a Department of Conservation as quite a logical step forward for New Zealand society. To me, it was an opportunity,” he says. “It brought real strength to what had been quite a fragmented conservation sector.”

Through his long service, he’s met several Conservation Ministers and numerous Directors-General, and he points to his former colleague John Gaukrodger as a particularly strong influence.

He’s also been fortunate to work in several different parts of the country, including several stints on Raoul Island where his initial contribution was controlling goats – leading to significant subsequent biodiversity improvements there.

The wild animal control work would often mean long days, overnighting in huts in the bush, and putting the body and mind to the test. He doesn’t miss it but says he’s glad he had those challenging and authentic professional conservation experiences.

“You do have some wonderful experiences in the bush, and hunting is the tool that gets you there,” he says.

Work to protect kokakō and Mahoenui giant wētā was part of his Scrim’s initial biodiversity experience – and those efforts continue today in DOC’s Maniapoto district. The long-term kokakō work, which began in the 1980s, is a particular highlight for him, helping pull the species back from the brink of extinction.

Looking ahead, Scrim says the greatest challenge he sees for conservation is climate change. He anticipates significant resource will be needed to address the impact of warming planet and what that will mean for species and habitats. He sees great opportunities for “bright young people” to get involved in conservation through the advances of technology.

As he heads toward retirement, Ray says much has changed in the conservation sector – in particular digital technology and the importance of GPS systems, and the relationships with iwi and communities – but those old-school tools of “boots, chainsaw, rifle and truck” are still vital.

“In some ways, the more things change, the more they stay the same!”

Every person, business and community has a role in protecting and restoring nature. Whether it’s picking up rubbish on your beach walk, cleaning your boat to stop invasive species, setting a predator trap in your back garden, or donating to a conservation project via the New Zealand Nature Fund, there’s something everyone can do to help.

Background information

Always Be Naturing campaign

DOC is proud to lead efforts to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique and precious natural environment.

Nature here is extraordinary, but some places and species are under pressure. Through education, advocacy, and action, DOC works with communities, businesses, iwi, and government to make a real difference – because together we can achieve more.

The Always Be Naturing campaign celebrates New Zealanders’ love of nature and encourages everyone to get involved. From fun, engaging content to attention-grabbing billboards, the campaign highlights that caring for our environment is a shared responsibility and that every action counts.

DOC is one of many organisations helping to protect our natural world, and the collective effort of all New Zealanders ensures nature can thrive for generations to come.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Appeal for information after body located near Fitzroy Beach

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for information that could help identify a person located deceased on the shoreline at Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth this morning.

The deceased man is thought to be in his 50s, and was located at around 6:50am. He is described as being a thin build with a white beard, and was wearing a high-vis shirt and black sweatpants.

Residents around Fitzroy Beach may notice an increased Police presence, while enquiries continue.

If anyone has information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online, and reference event number P063666583.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Government backing vital regional connectivity

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government will support at risk regional air routes with up to $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for small passenger airlines, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Associate Transport Minister James Meager say.

“Reliable air services are critical for the economic and social wellbeing of regional New Zealand. They enable access to healthcare, education, business, and whānau, particularly in areas where other transport options are limited,” Mr Jones says.

“Small regional carriers are under pressure from rising costs, limited access to capital, and ongoing post-COVID disruptions. Without this support, some communities risk losing vital air links and potential regional development,” Mr Jones says.

Mr Meager says the support is not a bailout, with funding coming in the form of concessionary loans.

“The aim is to stabilise the sector and support regional routes in the short to medium term. This is not intended to meet all the airlines’ capital needs but to provide targeted relief for such things as aircraft leasing, maintenance and debt refinancing.”

Cabinet has also approved funding for what could be a game-changing development for small regional carriers – digital upgrades that integrate regional transport bookings with the platforms of major carriers.

Known as ‘interlining’, the upgrades will enable passengers to book a single itinerary and flights on different airlines, including the major carriers.

“Streamlining bookings and baggage-handling between the smaller carriers and the bigger players in the aviation sector will makes it much easier for the travelling public to plan and book their preferred routes in one go,” Mr Meager says.

“Without intervention, our regional airlines face further service cuts or a complete withdrawal from routes, as we’ve seen in some regions around the country. Once fleet capacity is lost, recovery is difficult and costly. We’re acting now because a combination of factors, including the ongoing after-effects of the pandemic on air services, are placing exceptional pressures on the sector at present,” Mr Jones says.

“This Government is committed to ensuring that all regions, not just the main urban centres, remain connected and included in the national economy. This is a one-off, modest but meaningful intervention that will help prevent further service loss and protect regional connectivity.

The loans will be administered through Kānoa Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. Applications will open shortly on the Grow Regions website at www.growregions.govt.nz.

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Watercare investment to upgrade infrastructure and create jobs

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Watercare’s $500 million investment to upgrade and replace aging infrastructure will deliver improved water services and more jobs for Aucklanders, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

“The Government knows that decades of underinvestment in water services have created an unavoidable cost for everyday Kiwis. That’s why the Watercare Charter was developed last year by the Government in collaboration with Auckland Council to ensure water services remain affordable for Aucklanders. The Charter will save households nearly $900 million over four years while also guaranteeing improved service quality and record infrastructure investment.”

Watercare will invest $500 million into upgrading Auckland’s ageing water infrastructure over the next 18 months as part of its renewals work programme. A third of the funds are allocated to upgrading treatment plants and the remainder dedicated to renewing pipes and other assets.

“Today’s announcement is a 44 percent increase in investments into upgrading Auckland’s ageing water infrastructure when compared to the spend in the 18-month period ending 30 June 2025. It shows how Watercare, Auckland Council, and the Government are working together to accelerate investment in Auckland’s water infrastructure,” Mr Watts says.

“This arrangement gives Watercare additional finance for investment in Auckland’s water infrastructure while keeping water charges lower than previously forecasted. It will mean Aucklanders can keep more money in their household budgets, allowing them to spend on other essential expenses such as groceries and healthcare.

“I’m pleased to see that my conversations with Watercare, combined with the recent introduction of economic regulation, are positively impacting the level of infrastructure investment in Auckland. This is a good outcome that will support growth through increased job activity and resilient infrastructure.

“While much of the work will be delivered by Watercare’s existing contractors, the project will put $75 million worth of contracts for water and wastewater pipe replacements out to public tender before Christmas. This will allow small businesses to compete for the work, alongside Watercare’s pre-approved suppliers.

“The project reflects our shared commitment to faster delivery, stronger regional economies, and improved water services for Aucklanders. I look forward to further positive developments as we continue to monitor Watercare’s ongoing performance.”

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Name release: Fatal crash, Ngararatunua

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Ngararatunua, Northland on 22 August.

He was Don Craig Tataurangi, 36, of Whangārei.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are continuing.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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