CTU calls on PM to sack Brooke van Velden

August 22, 2025

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Prime Minister to remove Brooke van Velden as Minister of Employment Relations and Safety, following her recent comments that politicise the Employment Relations Authority and breach the Cabinet Manual.

The NZCTU will also lodge a complaint with the Attorney General on the grounds that the Minister has commented on judicial matters and not exercised appropriate judgement.

“We are calling on the Prime Minister to show leadership by removing Brooke van Velden as Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“In my 10 years as CTU President I have never had to take the drastic step to call for the removal of a Minister for Workplace Relations.

“Before van Velden was appointed as the Minister, we always had constructive working relationships with labour ministers, including under National-led governments, as they understood the importance of the portfolio, including the independence of the Employment Relations Authority.

“It is of the upmost importance that ministers respect the independence of judicial bodies and not politicise them by saying they expect members they’ve appointed to deliver outcomes that suit their political agenda.

“It is deeply concerning that the Minister has told media that she stands by her comments, after the PSA called for a retraction. It is now clear that the Prime Minister must step in and take action to uphold ministerial standards in his cabinet.

“These comments represent the kind of political interference in judicial processes that undermine the rule of law and have no place in a democracy.

“Since she was appointed as Minister, van Velden has implemented constant policy attacks on workers’ rights and unions. There is no ability for workers and the public to have confidence in her as the Minister. It’s time for her to go,” said Wagstaff.

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Funding approved to four-lane busiest section of Hawke’s Bay Expressway

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Transport Minister Chris Bishop has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board’s endorsement of the investment case for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, with construction starting in November on this crucial Road of National Significance (RoNS).

The Board has endorsed the investment case and approved more than $600m to four-lane the most congested part of the Expressway, between Links Road/Pākōwhai Road and Taradale Road roundabouts, including a new grade separated interchange at the Links Road/Pākōwhai Road roundabout.

“The Hawke’s Bay Expressway is one of 17 RoNS being progressed by this Coalition Government. The NZTA Board’s endorsement of the investment case, and approval of construction funding for four-laning of the most congested section, demonstrates our focus to streamline business cases, prioritise economic growth, and get spades in the ground on projects,” Mr Bishop says.

“Hawke’s Bay is home to about 166,000 people and that is expected to increase to 202,000 by 2048, with most of that growth in Napier and Hastings. Upgrading the existing Expressway in a staged and affordable way will ensure we can deliver benefits sooner by alleviating congestion currently being experienced by road users, improve safety, reliability, and resilience, and accommodate future growth.

The investment case for Hawke’s Bay Expressway corridor includes:

7km of four-laning between Links Road/Pākōwhai Road and Taradale Road.
a duplicate two-lane overpass at Meeanee Road.
a duplicate two-lane overpass at Kennedy Road.
a duplicate two-lane bridge over Tutaekuri River.
a four-lane grade separated interchange at Links Road/Pākōwhai Road.

“The decision to fund and undertake early ground improvement and design work late last year in advance of the investment case, including raising the land either side of the Kennedy Road overpass with repurposed, safe Cyclone Gabrielle silt, has proven its value. After waiting 12 months for that soil to compact, it has allowed NZTA to realise benefits of the project earlier than initially programmed and ensures the team can hit the ground running and start construction as early as November this year.

“Contracts to deliver the road and bridge packages of work for the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project will be confirmed through a procurement panel that was established late last year. This process will commence at the end of August, with contracts awarded by October.

“Four-laning is expected to start in November 2025 and be completed in early 2028. Design work for the grade separated interchange at Links Road/Pākōwhai Road will take place next year, with construction expected to begin in late 2027 and be completed in late 2029.

“Once completed, the interchange will ultimately provide road users and freight with almost 12km of free-flowing, uninterrupted travel, and a more reliable connection to Hawke’s Bay Airport and the port in Napier.

“The investment case has shown it represents a strong case for investment with up to 39 per cent improvement in travel times, up to 36 per cent improvement in travel time reliability, up to seven fewer deaths and serious injury crashes, and twice the resilience to flood closure. The Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) is a range of 2.3-2.8 (exclusive of wider economic benefits).

“The Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 (GPS) requires NZTA to consider tolling for all new RoNS. For the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, tolling has not been pursued as current legislation does not allow tolling across a route where only part of the corridor is being delivered as new infrastructure.

“Future investment beyond the most congested part of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway will be assessed against need, benefits, prioritisation, and funding availability. NZTA expects to begin work in mid-2026 on a Hawke’s Bay System Plan, pending approval of funding, which will take a long-term strategic look at the transport system, including future growth and development. This will help shape a pipeline of future regional transport projects, including consideration of further sections of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway.

“Our Government is committed to delivering a strong pipeline of projects to support jobs and growth. Today’s announcement of more than $600 million of investment in the Hawke’s Bay Expressway project is in addition to the $6 billion of already confirmed Government-funded projects around New Zealand expected to begin construction before Christmas.

“I want to thank local MPs Katie Nimon and Catherine Wedd for their strong advocacy. I look forward to NZTA confirming the successful contractors who will deliver this crucial project for the Hawke’s Bay in the coming weeks and being on site later this year to turn the first sod as construction gets underway.”

Notes to editor:

The funding approved by the NZTA Board for the most congested part of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway, between Links Road/Pākōwhai Road and Taradale Road roundabouts, includes contingency allowances. To protect the sensitivity of commercial negotiations, more specific figures will be confirmed once contracts are signed by NZTA in the coming months.
The project will be delivering a total of 7km of four-laning – 6.5km from Taradale Road to Links/Pakowhai Road, and 500m south of Links/Pakowhai road (as part of new interchange).
The approximately 12km of uninterrupted travel, provided through the new grade separated interchange, will run from Taradale Road to Evenden Road.

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Report backs better banking competition

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has welcomed the release of the Finance and Expenditure Committee (FEC) Inquiry into banking competition today.

The inquiry examines banking competition with a focus on business and rural banking, as well as lending to Māori entities.

This work will support the Government’s continuing efforts to improve competition in the banking sector, aimed at ensuring there are more effective and efficient services for Kiwis.

“Since the Commerce Commission’s 2024 market study into personal banking services, the Government has made significant progress in creating better banking for Kiwis and communities.

“This includes open banking, competition in prudential policy decision-making, and giving Kiwibank scope to raise capital to become a disruptive competitor.

“Additionally, we look forward to the outcome of the Reserve Bank’s review of key capital settings for deposit takers. We want to see settings that preserve financial stability while encouraging investment, job creation and income growth.”

This review is due to be completed by end of 2025.

The FEC Inquiry received submissions from 148 submitters and public hearings were held between October 2024 and April 2025, including with the four largest banks.

Nicola Willis thanked the Committee for its work on the report.

The Government will review the report and its recommendations and will provide a response with proposed action items by November 2025.

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Section of SH16 closed, Grafton

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Motorists are being asked to avoid the Auckland city bound link of the North-Western motorway.

A section of SH16 has been closed citybound to the Port and emergency services at the scene.

A person has died and the link to the Port has been closed.

The Serious Crash Unit is at the scene and diversions may be in place for some time.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

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New members for New Zealand Tourism Board

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston today announced the appointment of five new members – and one reappointment – to the New Zealand Tourism Board.

“I’m pleased to welcome Chris Roberts, Jane Patterson, Jonathan Cameron, Piers Bebbington and Kevin Malloy to the Board,” Louise Upston says.

“They each bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will strengthen the Board’s efforts to market New Zealand as a visitor destination, maximising the long-term economic benefits to this beautiful country.

“I’m also delighted to reappoint Jacqui Walshe for a further two-year term.”

The New Zealand Tourism Board oversees Tourism New Zealand.

“The Board’s work is critical as we drive up international visitor numbers to New Zealand,” Louise Upston says.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export and a key part of our plan to grow the economy.”

Chris Roberts, Kevin Malloy and Jacqui Walshe have been appointed for two-year terms. Jane Patterson, Jonathan Cameron and Piers Bebbington have been appointed for three-year terms.

“I’d like to acknowledge outgoing members Steve Chadwick, Jan Hunt, Colleen Neville, Amanda Butler and Kauahi Ngapora for their services to the Board,” Louise Upston says.

“I thank them for their significant contributions and look forward to working with our new members as they begin their terms.”

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Advocacy – Palestine Forum of New Zealand Welcomes New Zealand’s Call for Media Access to Gaza, But Demands More

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses its strong support for the New Zealand government’s decision to join 26 other nations in urging Israel to allow “immediate and independent” foreign media access to the Gaza Strip. This welcome move marks a critical step toward transparency amidst an escalating humanitarian catastrophe.

However, we assert that this response, while necessary, does not go far enough. Here’s why:

Access Doesn’t Guarantee Safety or Comprehensiveness
Israel administers media access to Gaza via tightly controlled IDF-escorted embeds, with restrictive oversight of content and movement. This limits journalists’ ability to report freely and accurately, distorting public understanding of the true humanitarian crisis.

Journalists Are Being Targeted, Silenced, Killed
In Gaza, nearly 200 journalists and media workers have been killed 179 by Israeli forces since the war began, making it the deadliest conflict for the press in CPJ’s 30+-year history. Al Jazeera journalists, including Ismail al-Ghoul, Rami al-Refee, and Anas al-Sharif, were recently killed or explicitly targeted. We condemn these heinous violations of press freedom and human life.

Local Journalists Face Systemic Barriers and Risks
Palestinian journalists in Gaza and the West Bank endure harassment, arrests, and equipment confiscation. In the West Bank, detentions, including administrative detention and physical assaults, are rising sharply, revealing a broader intent to suppress critical voices.

Global Appeals Demand Unfettered Access and Journalist Protection
Global press freedom organisations RSF, CPJ, IPI, media collectives, and over 200 news outlets have issued urgent appeals for unrestricted access to Gaza and full protection of journalists. Reporters Without Borders, IPI, and the Committee.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand Calls On:

The New Zealand Government to:

Press for truly independent, unfettered access for foreign journalists, not just escorted embeds.
Support robust safeguards for journalists operating in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Back international investigations into attacks on media personnel and support accountability through institutions like the ICC.

All Governments and Human Rights Bodies to:

Continue to advocate for journalist safety and freedom, recognising access to the press as a fundamental human right and a crucial component of humanitarian transparency.
Mobilise diplomatic pressure to end the media embargo and protect journalistic integrity.

________________________________
About Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand is a civil society organisation dedicated to promoting justice, human rights, and peace for the Palestinian people. Through public advocacy, community engagement, and education, we work to amplify Palestinian voices and advance accountability under international law. Our mission is grounded in Aotearoa New Zealand’s values of fairness, compassion, and solidarity with oppressed peoples.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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Emergency services receive cellular location capability boost

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s emergency services are getting digital technology that will rapidly speed up the process for locating people at risk, say Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Associate Health Minister Casey Costello.

The new technology, the Device Location Information (DLI) service, can be used by emergency services to locate the mobile phone of a person who has not called 111 themselves but there are grave fears for their health or safety.

“When every second counts, having access to real time digital technology is a game changer for our emergency services, and for public safety,” Mr Mitchell says.

“This will be a very useful tool for search and rescue operations, for example when someone is reported missing in the bush. Provided they’re carrying a mobile device that’s switched on and connected to a cellular network, emergency services can use the DLI service to get immediate access to information about the area they are in and send help.”

Associate Minister of Health Casey Costello says the new system will also assist people experiencing health emergencies.

“This service can also help if a call is transferred to an emergency service from another operator. For example, if someone on the phone to Healthline falls unconscious and the call drops, then the Device Location Information service can locate the mobile device they were calling from and send this information to ambulance teams,” Ms Costello says.

“Our emergency services do a great job, handling over two million calls for help each year. This new capability will help them find people more quickly when speed is of the essence,” says Mr Mitchell.

The new streamlined capability is a significant improvement on the current process which requires manual requests to be made to mobile network operators and relies on them having people on call 24/7 to assist.

Device Location Information can be used by Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Wellington Free Ambulance, Police, and Hato Hone St John. Maritime New Zealand and New Zealand Search and Rescue can request Device Location Information through Police.

In line with the Telecommunications Information Privacy Code, rigorous processes are in place to ensure this new tool is used appropriately and transparently. This includes a two-step process to authorise use of the DLI service and transparently reporting on when and why it has been used.

For more information on the DLI service: About the DLI Service | NGCC

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Serious crash, SH16, Whenuapai

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

A truck crash is causing delays on the North-Western Motorway near Whenuapai this morning.

The sole truck involved has collided with a barrier on westbound lanes on SH16, at around 8.40am, before the Brigham Creek Road roundabout.

The truck driver is currently in a critical condition. Emergency services are still tending to the driver at the scene.

Currently westbound traffic is being diverted off the motorway at the Hobsonville Road offramp.

The crash has left debris on opposite lanes, and traffic heading towards the city on SH16 is also being impacted.

Police advise there are heavy delays around the Brigham Creek Road intersection.

Please use an alternative route if at all possible.

The Serious Crash Unit and Commercial Vehicle Safety Team have been advised.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Section of SH16 being closed

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are advising that a section of the North-Western Motorway is being closed following an earlier truck crash.

SH16 is being closed in both directions between Hobsonville and Brigham Creek Roads.

Significant delays are expected while the truck is removed and debris cleared.

Diversions are in place. Please allow additional time to reach your destination today.

Police appreciate your understanding.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Consultation opens today – proposed speed limit changes in Waikato

LiveNews Publisher

August 22, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Speed limits on some parts of various Waikato state highways are being reviewed and public consultation opens today, running through to 3 October 2025.

Under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024 (the Rule), NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is proposing changes to speed limits on some sections of state highway. Speed management reviews must take into consideration safety, technical, cost benefit and other data, alongside community feedback, including through a formal public consultation, to determine speed limits are changed.

Changing speed limits is a legal process. The Rule allows NZTA to set speed limits for roads under its control where there is alignment with the intent and requirements of the Rule and there is strong community support and funding is available.

Strong feedback from various communities has been received by NZTA that these sections of state highway would benefit from operating at a lower speed limit. The sections of state highway now open for consultation are:

SH25 Coromandel Peninsula in Kūaotunu and Wharekaho and between Thames and Tararu
SH2 in Waihī and Karangahake
SH27 and SH29 for the introduction of 2 Variable Speed Limit (VSL) signs outside 2 marae
SH21 / Raynes Road intersection for the introduction of an Intersection Speed Zone (ISZ) near Hamilton Airport.

Location	Road classification	Approx length (km)	Existing speed limit (km/h)	Proposed speed limit (km/h)
SH2 Karangahake towards Waikino, from about 1km east of Albert Street to about 1.7km past School Road towards Waikino	Mountainous or hill corridor	2.8	80	60
SH2 Waihī (Parry Palm Avenue), from near the intersection of SH2/Martin Road/Baber Street to near Orchard Road	Urban connector	1.8	70	60
SH2 Waihī (Parry Palm Avenue), from near Orchard Road to near Dean Crescent	Urban connector	1.8	100	100
SH25 Kūaotunu (western approach) from about 200m south of Hilldale Crescent, past the boat ramp to just before Kawhero Drive	Urban connector	1.2	70	50
SH25 Kūaotunu (eastern approach) from about 150m past Blackjack Road to 120m past Cemetery Road	Urban connector (peri urban)	1.1	70	50
SH25 Wharekaho (southern approach) from near Leah Road, Wharekaho to near Harbour Lights Terrace	Urban connector	1.0	80	50
SH25 Thames to Tararu from north of Burke Street, Thames to north of Ash Street, Tararu.	Urban connector	1.8	70	50
VSL outside Marae on SH29		Length (km)	Existing speed limit	Proposed speed limit
SH27 Raungaiti Marae, includes side roads Kutia Road and Gillet Road. The marae has an existing right turn bay	Rural connector	0.4	100	100 / 60 VSL
SH29 Ūkaipō Marae	Interregional connector	0.3	100	100 / 60 VSL
ISZ near Hamilton Airport		Length (km)	Existing speed limit	Proposed speed limit
SH21 (Airport Road)/ Raynes Road Intersection speed zone (ISZ)	Rural connector	0.5	100	100/60 ISZ

More information, including maps and the consultation survey, can be found at: www.nzta.govt.nz/waikatospeed

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