First Fast-track project approved

By

-

August 21, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have welcomed news that the first Fast-track project has received consent, less than seven months since the one-stop approvals shop opened for business.

The Port of Auckland wharf expansion project has today received its approval from an expert panel set up under the Fast-track Approvals Act. The approved works include a new reinforced concrete-piled wharf at the Bledisloe Terminal, an extension to the Fergusson North Berth, a cruise passenger terminal, and other upgrades.

The project is expected to begin construction next month, creating jobs and boosting New Zealand’s economy

“The Fast-track Approvals Act, part of the coalition agreement between National and NZ First, was signed into law just before Christmas and opened for project applications on 7 February this year. The Act helps cut through the tangle of red and green tape and the jumble of approvals processes that has, until now, held New Zealand back from much-needed economic growth,” Mr Bishop says

“The Fast-track Approvals Act contains a list of 149 projects which, since 7 February, have been able to apply to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for consideration by an expert panel. The expert panels consider each application, decide whether or not each project receives approval, and attach any necessary conditions to those approvals.

“The Bledisloe North Wharf extensions will enable larger cruise ships to berth, and increase New Zealand’s importing and exporting capacity,” Mr Bishop says.

“The project will deliver lasting economic benefits by boosting the efficiency of a critical part of Auckland’s economy and supporting long-term growth,” Mr Bishop says.

The application was assessed and approved with conditions by an independent expert panel. This decision comes 66 working days after the expert panel was convened to consider the substantive application.

Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said he was looking forward to more projects reaching the approval stage, with many more in the pipeline.

“I am working closely with Minister Bishop to consider what tweaks to the legislation can be made to make this process even more efficient and get these projects approved and under way.”

For more information about the project: Bledisloe North Wharf and Fergusson North Berth Extension | Fast-track website

Note to Editor: Current Fast-track project statuses

Expert panels are currently considering:

Delmore (residential)
Maitahi Village (residential)
Milldale (residential development)
Tekapo Power Scheme (power scheme consent renewal)
Waihi North (mining extension)
Drury Metropolitan centre
Sunfield (residential development)
Rangitoopuni (residential and retirement units)
Ryans Road (industrial subdivision).
Drury Quarry

Expert panels have been appointed for, and will shortly begin considering:

Stella Passage (wharf extension and related work)
Taranaki VTM (seabed mining)
King’s Quarry extension

MIL OSI

Confirmation of fatality, name release, Mahana

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 21, 2025

0

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm that a man died in Nelson Hospital yesterday [20 August] following a crash last week.

The crash on 13 August was on the Coastal Highway, Mahana.

The man was 71-year-old Richard Marris from Nelson.

Police extend our condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Northland Regional Council news briefs – 21 August 2025

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 21, 2025

0

Source: Northland Regional Council

RELEASE OF THE STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT (COASTAL) 2024 REPORT

Our coast is woven into Northlanders’ identity, wellbeing, and history. The health of the moana reflects the health of its people.

Coastal environments are under increasing pressure from land use, marine activities, climate change, and biosecurity threats.

Northland Regional Council’s newly released State of the Environment (Coastal) 2024 report draws on extensive NRC work, including regulatory, scientific, biodiversity, and biosecurity monitoring, to assess these impacts. It also challenges us to rethink what “normal” means in an environment being impacted by climate change.

Our communities are taking action alongside NRC by fencing waterways, monitoring fauna and flora, planting natives on our dunes and protecting marine reserves. Working together is essential, to ensure the actions we take today leave a healthier coastal legacy for future generations.

Read the full NRC report to understand the health status of our coast, what’s happening, what’s being done, and how we can all help protect it.

ELECTRIFY TE TAITOKERAU LAUNCHES IN NORTHLAND

Electrification advocacy group Electrify Te Taitokerau launched on Wednesday 13 August to a full house at McKay Stadium in Whangārei. Affiliated with charity Rewiring Aotearoa, Electrify Te Taitokerau aims to help accelerate the transition to cheaper, cleaner, locally-made, reliable and renewable energy through advocacy and education.

The free launch event featured speakers Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey, and Glenn Sutherland of energy retailer Nau Ma Rā.

MIL OSI

Performing Arts – Rare chance to hear chamber music gem

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 21, 2025

0

Source: Aroha String Quartet

Audiences in Wellington, the Kapiti Coast and the Manawatū will get the opportunity to hear a live performance of a rarely performed gem of the chamber music repertoire in concerts in September.

The members of the Wellington-based Aroha String Quartet will be joined by fri

MIL OSI

Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grants opens for applications

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 21, 2025

0

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.

MIL OSI

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

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 21, 2025

0

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

MIL OSI

Fonterra lifts FY25 forecast Farmgate Milk Price and narrows FY26 range

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 21, 2025

0

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

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 21, 2025

0

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.

MIL OSI

Term two attendance higher than pre-covid

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 21, 2025

0

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

MIL OSI

Police acknowledge IPCA findings into unjustified use of force

By

LiveNews Publisher

-

August 21, 2025

0

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

MIL OSI