Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grants opens for applications

August 21, 2025

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“I am proud to announce that Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grants is open for applications,” says Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.

The grants support historians, researchers and writers who are working on non-fiction projects that will significantly enhance our understanding of New Zealand’s past.

“Like past years, we expect to award 8 to 12 projects funding up to $12,000 each for research and writing costs. Applications are open until the 15th of October 2025.

This year is the last year for the Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grants. The grants were set up in 1989-90 and were established using Lotteries funding of $1 million as seed funding held in trust. “Since the start of the grants, interest rates have declined, and from the early 2000s the Ministry has accessed the funding principal to meet higher and growing demand.

“Investment interest rates have been historically low since 2008, and the interest earned has not been sufficient to meet the demand on the grants.

“Over the last 15 years, the original funding model has become unsustainable. Because alternative methods of funding the grants have not been identified, we have unfortunately now arrived at the end point for Whiria Te Mahara.

“It is fantastic to see the impact these grants have made over their lifetime. Since 1990 the fund has supported over 380 projects, distributing almost $3.7 million. The grants have supported some of New Zealand’s best-known historians and some of our most influential historical works on diverse topics.

“The grants have advanced research, resulted in publications, and had a place in career development of history talent throughout Aotearoa.”

Manatū Taonga will explore options to support Aotearoa New Zealand’s historical community following the conclusion of this fund.

“While it is sad that the grants are coming to an end, I am also excited to see the final projects awarded funding through Whiria Te Mahara.

“Start working on your application and send it in. This is your last opportunity to be part of Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grants’ journey” says Leauanae.

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Farm News – Strong wool – where to next? – Federated Farmers

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers meat & wool chair Richard Dawkins joins other farming and wool industry leaders at strong wool workshops in Otago and Southland next week. Richard writes there’s reason for hope the strong wool industry has turned a corner – but farmers need to get in behind the change-makers.

My earliest memories of wool are of hot summer days after weaning, shearing our mixed-aged and two-tooth mid-micron Corriedale ewes.

The hum of the handpieces, my father and grandfather skirting fleeces at the table, and Marty – our long-time worker – stuffing them into the press.

In the early 1980s, wool contributed 65% of our farm’s sheep income. Wool was king, and sheep were a true dual-purpose animal.

Today, strong wool makes up just 1-2% of gross farm income. It’s become little more than an animal health treatment, rather than a value-adding enterprise.

The national sheep flock is now about one third of what it was at its peak in the 1980s – and our influence in global markets has similarly dwindled.

I don’t want to rehash old grievances, but to comprehend what’s next for us farmers and the wool industry, we must understand how we got here, and what we can improve on.

Synthetic fibres rose in the 1970s, capturing market share with low cost and convenience.

The collapse of the Reserve Price Scheme in 1991 removed the price floor, exposing growers to full competition with synthetics.

Prices fell – and kept falling – as industry failed to adapt. The traditional supply chain couldn’t deliver value to farmers, and relying on bulk commodity demand became folly.

Fragmentation remains one of our biggest weaknesses. From farm to consumer, wool is handled, blended, and traded repeatedly – margins are clipped at every stage, but little is reinvested in building demand or brand.

Most farmers have no idea where their wool

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Fonterra lifts FY25 forecast Farmgate Milk Price and narrows FY26 range

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: Fonterra

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today increased the 2024/25 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price from $10.00 per kgMS to $10.15 per kgMS, with the range narrowing from $9.70 – $10.30 per kgMS to $10.10 – $10.20 per kgMS.

CEO Miles Hurrell says “as we close out the FY25 year, I’m pleased to be in the position to increase the forecast for the 2024/25 season by 15 cents.

“We began the season with a wide forecast range to account for potential volatility in commodity prices and exchange rates resulting from geopolitical dynamics.

“However, Global Dairy Trade prices have remained stable, and when coupled with our well contracted sales book, we have been able to increase our forecast Farmgate Milk Price across the season,” says Mr Hurrell.

Fonterra will confirm the final Farmgate Milk Price for the 2024/25 season alongside its FY25 annual results released in September.

Fonterra has also retained the $10.00 per kgMS forecast for the current 2025/26 season and narrowed the range from $8.00 – $11.00 per kgMS to $9.00 – $11.00 per kgMS.

“Global Dairy Trade prices continue to be strong, supporting the $10.00 per kgMS forecast midpoint for the current season.

“However, it’s still early in the season and the risk of volatility remains, which is reflected in the wide forecast range,” says Mr Hurrell.

The Co-op’s FY25 forecast earnings of 65-75 cents per share remain unchanged.MIL OSI

Results – Kiwibank announces FY25 results

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: Kiwibank

FY25 financial highlights:

Net profit after tax of $191 million for the 12 months to 30 June 2025, down 5% on the prior financial year.
Strong balance sheet growth was offset by a lower Net Interest Margin in a challenging economic environment.

Above market lending and deposit growth as more Kiwi choose Kiwibank:

Lending growth of $3.3 billion, growing total lending by 10% to $35.8 billion.
Home lending grew $2.3 billion. This included helping 9,018 Kiwi get on the ladder and 5,752 Kiwi into homes with a better deal through refinancing.
Business lending grew by $1 billion.
Kiwibank’s deposit book grew 8% to $30.3 billion.

Chief Executive commentary:

Kiwibank Chief Executive Steve Jurkovich said:

“While conditions remained challenging across sectors, our strategy is about staying optimistic, consistently being open for business and supporting customers – not just in the good times, but especially in the tougher times. That’s exactly what we’ve done.

“In FY25, we delivered strong underlying growth in the highly competitive home lending and deposit markets. Business banking was a standout in a subdued market and a clear signal of our commitment to backing Kiwi businesses through uncertain times.

“At the same time, we continued building the Kiwibank of the future by investing to be more adaptable and customer focused. Over the past 12 months, we delivered key advancements including enhanced fraud protection, faster lending decisions for small businesses, and piloted our first product on a new core banking platform.

“We believe strongly in technology to deliver convenience for customers, but recognise that being face to face with your banker in moments that matter is still highly valued by customers. That is why we continue to have the largest physical banking network in the country with ongoing investment in our branch network, including moving into New Zealand’s busiest mall in Newmarket (Auckland) and committing to Northland with plans for a new Kerikeri branch and a refurbishment of Whangārei Central to deliver faster, more convenient service.”

FY25 non-financial highlights:

“In FY25, we reshaped our credit card offering to deliver greater value to more Kiwi, moving away from exclusive rewards and introducing benefits like enhanced travel insurance and features that reflect what customers value today.

“We also challenged the status quo with initiatives that unlock opportunity, including funding for entrepreneurs (StartUp+) and removing fees for standard open banking API requests. Kiwibank was among the first to roll out Confirmation of Payee, helping protect customers from fraud and scams.

“More Kiwi are choosing Kiwibank for fairness and trust. We climbed 10 places in the Kantar Corporate Reputation Index, now ranked 10th, and we are the only bank in the top 15 as we continue to live up to our Purpose of Kiwi making Kiwi better off.”

Capital to support Kiwibank’s growth:

“Over the past five years, Kiwibank has doubled its balance sheet, and we’re aiming to do it again. Cabinet’s approval for our parent company Kiwi Group Capital (KGC) to explore a capital raise of up to $500 million is designed to accelerate our growth and strengthen our competitive edge. But this is about more than scale, it’s about delivering better outcomes for all New Zealanders, whether they bank with us or not.”

Outlook:

Mr Jurkovich said the Reserve Bank’s decision to cut the OCR this week is positive for homeowners and businesses. “It is a strong signal of further easing ahead, aimed at supporting households and businesses amid a slowing economy. While global and domestic challenges remain, this sets the stage for a more resilient and confident recovery.”

About Kiwibank

Kiwibank is a Purpose-led organisation that has modern, Kiwi values at heart and keeps Kiwi money where it belongs – right here in New Zealand. As a Kiwi bank, with more than a million customers, our trusted experts are focused on supporting Kiwi with their home ownership aspirations and backing local business ambitions, so together we can thrive here in Aotearoa and on the world stage. Kiwibank is the #1 bank in Kantar’s 2024 Corporate Reputation Index and the only bank in the top 15. To find out more about Kiwibank visit www.kiwibank.co.nz.

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Term two attendance higher than pre-covid

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Every term since Term 1 2024 has record higher attendance than the same term the year before. It’s a good run, thanks to the students who are showing up more often, Associate Education Minister David Seymour says.

In Term 2 this year, 58.4 per cent of students attended school regularly, an increase of 5.0 percentage points from 53.4 per cent in Term 2 last year, and an increase of 11.4 percentage points on Term 2 of 2023.

“This is the first time that any term’s attendance has been higher than the same term pre covid,” Mr Seymour says.

“Every region has recorded an increase in attendance. Taranaki, Whanganui, and Manawatū in the central North Island for recorded the biggest improvement, of 7.2 percentage points over the same term last year.

“There is also improvement at the other end of the scale. Chronic absence has declined from 9.6 per cent last year and 12.5 per cent in the same term in 2023 to 9.3 per cent this year. Often children with complex needs are chronically absent, and it’s great to see these figures continue to improve.

“We’re not complacent, though, we’ve got to do more. For example, phases of our attendance action plan are soon to come into force. It will be mandatory for schools to have their own attendance management plan, aligned with the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) in place by Term 1 of 2026.

“Prosecution is also a reality for parents who refuse to send their children to school and ignore supports to ensure their children are in class and learning. The Ministry of Education is proactively contacting attendance service providers and schools to ensure parents in this category are referred to the Ministry.”

Prosecution will only occur the most serious of cases, where all other options have been exhausted and parents / guardians are wilfully not engaging. Students and families’ personal circumstances will be taken into account when the prosecution decision is taken.

“At the start of next year frontline attendance services will be more accountable, better at effectively managing cases, and data driven in their responses. To achieve this, they will soon have access to a new case management system and better data monitoring, and their contracts will be more closely monitored,” Mr Seymour says.

Budget 2025 included a $140 million package to improve attendance over the next four years.

“Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive educational outcomes. Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves,” Mr Seymour says.

Attendance data can be found here Attendance | Education Counts

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Police acknowledge IPCA findings into unjustified use of force

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority over the use of force on a person in the Auckland Custody Unit.

On 18 January 2023, Police arrested a man for breaching bail and took him to the custody unit.

While there he was transferred to another cell where two officers have attempted to restrain him on the floor.

He has subsequently fallen and landed on his head and the IPCA has carried out an investigation after the man complained about his treatment.

Police began an investigation after being advised of the complaint.

The Authority found that Police lawfully arrested Mr X for breaching his bail, but the use of force at the custody unit was unjustified.

The investigation also concluded that the standard of care provided to Mr X while in custody fell below acceptable levels.

Police acknowledge these findings.

Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Sunny Patel says Police have a general duty of care to all people in custody.

Both officers were charged with common assault following the Police investigation, however the matter was later dismissed in the Auckland District Court in late 2024.

“We have since commenced an employment process with those staff members, which remains ongoing.

“Police manage a large number of people in our custody without incident every year, and we continue to take learnings from every interaction.”

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Recovery work underway in the Top of the South Island

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Residents and road users across the top of the South Island can expect to see a hive of activity on state highways as recovery works in the region step up a gear.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says the public will see more road works on the network.

“We’ve had time to assess the damage and are working through plans for permanent repairs. As these are finalised, work will be implemented.”

“It means drivers will see more road works in the months leading up to Christmas and they’ll need to be ready for them, and the potential travel delays they will bring,” Mr Owen says.

Marlborough

Mr Owen says, compared to Nelson/Tasman, the state highways in Marlborough stood up well were less affected by the bad weather and flooding of June and July – particularly in areas where resilience projects had previously been completed.

“In Marlborough, early works have already begun and will be part of regular state highway summer maintenance season. Starting next week, contractors will be working to fix flood damage on State Highway 63. This includes road scouring at Waihopai, near Guernsey Road.”

“Construction work at Andersons Bridge continues too. We expect the new bridge will be finished and the state highway fully reopened by mid to late October, weather permitting,” Mr Owen says.

The current road diversion and traffic management will remain in place at Andersons Bridge while the project is ongoing.

Nelson/Tasman

Mr Owen says work is also underway in the Nelson and Tasman regions.

“Engineers are assessing multiple sites on State Highway 6 south of Belgrove. This includes rock armouring and barrier work where the Motupiko River has caused damage at Kohatu and near the North Road intersection.”

“Repairs are also planned for two washout sites on State Highway 6 between Kawatiri Junction and Glenhope, and road damage at Coal Creek just south of Owen River,” Mr Owen says.

He says support will also be provided for the removal of storm fallen trees on forestry land near Spooners Saddle. More details on this and its impact on State Highway 6 will be shared once plans are confirmed.

View larger map [PDF, 1.2 MB]

State Highway 60 and the Tākaka Hill is also a major focus. Mr Owen says work here is already underway.

“There are six separate sites on the hill that need urgent attention. Crews are already stabilising the Cooks underslip with deep drilling ahead of the installation of piles and a permanent fix.”

“For the Goodall’s Straight, Riders, and Drummond’s slip sites, detailed investigations and assessments are underway. Meanwhile, Trough Corner, because of its proximity to the Drummond’s slip, will be prioritised for resilience improvements,” Mr Owen says.

View larger map [PDF, 599 KB]

Mr Owen signals there is a lot of work to do on the Tākaka Hill and drivers can expect to see work continue into the New Year.

“Our contractors will be working on these sites simultaneously. This reduces the overall length of time the hill will be affected.”

“We’re anticipating that even with all the sites operating at the same time, drivers should only experience 15-minute delays when travelling over the Tākaka Hill,” Mr Owen says.

Meanwhile, in Nelson, he says planning continues for a long-term solution for debris fall affecting the cliff on State Highway 6 Rocks Road.

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EIT confirms restructure as institute prepares for independence

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 hours ago

The Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) has confirmed the outcome of its change process, with restructure decisions now finalised following consultation with staff.

The changes will result in a net reduction of 40 full-time equivalent (FTE) roles across both academic and non-academic areas.

EIT Operations Lead Glen Harkness says the decisions were not taken lightly.

“This change process was necessary to ensure EIT can stand tall once again as a fully independent institution from 1 January next year. The new structure and ways of working position us well to meet the evolving needs of our learners and the communities we serve.”

The consultation process drew more than 350 submissions from staff, which Glen described as constructive and insightful.

“The level of engagement from our kaimahi reflects their deep commitment to EIT and our students. Their feedback helped shape the final decisions and demonstrated the passion and dedication that define our institution.”

The restructure follows an internal review earlier this year, which assessed opportunities for change across programmes, property, and people. The review was informed by a report commissioned from PwC in late 2024, as part of a nationwide directive from the Tertiary Education Commission for each polytechnic to identify pathways to financial sustainability. These reports are being released by Te Pūkenga this month.

Glen said financial modelling in 2024 had been particularly challenging due to the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle. However, EIT’s quicker-than-expected return to near-normal operations by the end of last year helped inform the scale of savings required.

“Some recommendations from the PwC report were adopted, others revised, and in some cases, alternative solutions were identified to achieve the necessary savings. Our response considered regional and community needs, as well as the structures required to re-establish EIT as an independent institution.”

EIT has worked to minimise the impact on programmes, with all affected ākonga able to complete their qualifications.

In July, Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds announced EIT was one of ten Te Pūkenga business divisions approved to stand independently from January 2026. This decision was based on EIT’s progress toward its savings targets.

“While change is ahead, our goal is to honour the legacy built over the past 50 years and ensure EIT remains financially viable, academically rigorous, and deeply connected to industry and community,” Glen said.

The coming months will focus on transitioning to independence and implementing the new structure and ways of working.

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Unions celebrate new pay transparency law

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is celebrating the passage of Labour MP Camilla Belich’s Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill into law. The Bill will protect working people who want to discuss or disclose their pay.

“This Bill represents a significant step towards pay transparency for workers. We are thrilled that is has been supported across the House and will now become law,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

“Illegal and unfair pay gaps are a huge problem in this country. This is in part because employers have imposed a culture of secrecy around pay. Often workers have had no way of finding out if they are being paid what they’re worth.

“Pay secrecy has shielded unfair and unlawful practices that should be brought to light.

“Workers have a right to discuss their own pay rates with whoever they please. Their pay is their own business. Bosses should not be able to impose secrecy over personal information.

“Unions have been campaigning for pay transparency because it is a step towards a culture of openness in workplaces. It will help address persistent pay gaps.

“At a time when working people are facing relentless attacks, it’s great that we can take a moment to celebrate a win,” said Ansell-Bridges.

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Maketu Road has reopened

LiveNews Publisher

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Maketu Road has reopened after it was closed in relation to a pre-planned search warrant this morning.

The public can expect an increased Police presence in Maketu this morning as enquiries continue.

There is not believed to be any risk to public safety, however residents can expect to see some staff armed as a precaution.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Team.

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