Economy – New Monetary Policy Committee member appointed – Reserve Bank

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September 18, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ)

18 September 2025 – A new member of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Hayley Gourley has been appointed by the Minister of Finance Nicola Willis on the recommendation of the RBNZ Board.

The MPC is responsible for the monetary policy decisions needed to support price stability.

Agribusiness executive Hayley Gourley starts a four-year term on 1 October, replacing Professor Bob Buckle who retires from the MPC at the end of September 2025. Hayley Gourley will take part in the October Monetary Policy Review.

“We are delighted to welcome Hayley to the MPC. She is a highly qualified candidate with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience from an extensive career in corporate, rural and financial services sectors to join the MPC and assist in its decision-making,” RBNZ Board Deputy Chair Rodger Finlay says.

“Her business experience at both board and executive management positions in some of New Zealand’s leading agribusinesses will add a fresh perspective to Committee discussions.”

Hayley also has a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Agricultural Economics from the University of London/ Imperial College and attended the London Business School under the Rabobank senior leadership programme. She has a Bachelor of Applied Economics, Agricultural Economics, from Massey University.

“We look forward to working with Hayley soon,” Governor and MPC Chair Christian Hawkesby says.

“The MPC remains laser-focussed on its job to control inflation and Hayley will play an important part in our discussions.”

“I’d also like to thank Professor Buckle for his significant service on the Monetary Policy Committee for many years, at an especially turbulent time during Covid-19,” Mr Hawkesby says.

“Bob is the sole remaining inaugural external member of the MPC, starting in 2019, when the Committee was first formed.”

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Advocacy – UN Commission’s genocide finding renews PSNA calls for the government to end military support for Israel

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September 18, 2025

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Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Australia (PSNA)

PSNA is renewing demands that New Zealand end its military support for Israel in response to today’s findings by an independent UN commission that Israel is conducting genocide in Gaza.

As well as demanding Israel cease its mass killing and mass starvation in Gaza, the commission is also appealing to governments to “employ all means reasonably available to them” to “cease the transfer of arms and other equipment or items” which could be used by Israel to continue the genocide.

“The government says it has no direct evidence and goes out of its way to avoid finding any” says PSNA Co-Chair Maher Nazzal. “Such ducking and diving fools no one. It’s an embarrassment”

For decades, Rakon has supplied crystal oscillators to the US for guided munitions, which end up killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure in Gaza.

“Why is it so hard for the government to suspend these exports while it conducts an investigation?”

Rocket Lab is launching satellites from its Mahia base for Black Sky Technology, which provides quality images to the Israeli Defence Force in its bombing of occupied Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

“Why is our Minister of Defence refusing to even ask Rocket Lab or Black Sky about this aid to genocide?”

“Why are these launches not suspended while the government investigates?”

“Meanwhile, every day our GCSB spies are passing over surveillance information to the US, which shares this with Israel. Why is there no investigation into this by the government?”

It seems currying favour with the US and its genocidal sidekick Israel trumps our loyalty to international law and our responsibilities under the genocide convention.

“Our government is part of the western disease – complicity with genocide”

This UN confirmation of genocide should be the wake-up call the government needs to support international law without fear or favour.

Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair PSNA

Appendix: Part of the recommendations of the UN independent Commission includes:
The Commission recommends that all Member States:
(a) Employ all means reasonably available to them to prevent the commission of genocide in the Gaza Strip;
(b) Cease the transfer of arms and other equipment or items, including jet fuel, to the State of Israel or third States where there is reason to suspect their use in military operations that have involved or could involve the commission of genocide;
(c) Ensure individuals and corporations in their territories and within their jurisdiction are not involved in the commission of genocide, aiding and assisting the commission of genocide or incitement to commit genocide and investigate and prosecute those who may be implicated in these crimes under international law;
(d) Facilitate the investigations and domestic proceedings and take action (including imposing sanctions) against the State of Israel and against individuals or corporations that are involved in or facilitating the commission of genocide or incitement to commit genocide;
(e) Cooperate with the investigation of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

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Advocacy – Appeal for New Zealand to demand International Humanitarian Law protection for Gaza-bound aid flotilla

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September 18, 2025

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Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

Late this afternoon PSNA sent this self-explanatory letter to the Prime Minister.

Letter sent to Prime Minister

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Prime Minister

Parliament Buildings

Wellington.

Kia ora Mr Luxon,

Appeal for New Zealand to demand International Humanitarian Law protection for Gaza-bound aid flotilla

An international flotilla of ships and boats is sailing towards Gaza loaded with humanitarian relief supplies for the beleaguered Palestinians living there and suffering from Israeli-perpetrated mass killing and mass starvation of the population.

The people on the flotilla represent the very best of human values and are standing up for humanity when many governments, including our own, are failing to uphold these values.

We are requesting our government inform Israel that Aotearoa New Zealand expects them to facilitate the entry of this humanitarian convoy so it can deliver the desperately needed food, water and medical supplies.

Already 16 other countries have made this request of Israel to respect International Humanitarian Law. These countries are: Türkiye, Qatar, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, and Spain.

We want New Zealand to join this call.

Unfortunately, In the past Israel has attacked and boarded vessels bringing aid to Gaza, killing many people and illegally detaining others. Israel has already launched at least two drone attacks on vessels which are part of this flotilla.

There are three New Zealanders aboard this international flotilla and we want our government to stand up for them and for all the internationals taking part in this mercy-mission to Gaza.

Please respond urgently to this appeal.

We look forward to hearing from you shortly.

Ngā mihi.

Nā,

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA.

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Health and Employment – Health New Zealand offers pay cuts amid workforce crisis

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September 18, 2025

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

To be attributed to ASMS Executive Director Sarah Dalton:

Health New Zealand failed to resolve its long-running pay dispute with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists by failing to turn up with any meaningful improvement on its offer.

ASMS made it clear that the strike notice would not be lifted unless there was a sufficient movement on the initial pay offer. This did not occur.

The offer still represents a real pay cut for our senior medical workforce at a time when recruitment and retention is critical.

Health New Zealand, on arriving at bargaining, was unable to give accurate financial costings about its offer, there were errors in the position it tabled, which it was meant to update before bargaining resumed today. It did not do so.

Health NZ refuses to recognise a full year of delay to the bargaining process due to its inability to come to the table with a pay offer. Its bargaining team was not assembled until after the collective agreement expired and the first offer was not made until April 2025.

ASMS is still in bargaining. ASMS offered to meet again before strike day to make more progress. Health NZ has not taken up this offer.

ASMS members are not walking away from patients, they simply know it is critical to have a pay offer that it is competitive and continues to attract the medical workforce to New Zealand.

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First Responders – 25 new career firefighters join the Fire and Emergency New Zealand team

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September 18, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand welcomed 25 new career firefighters at a graduation ceremony in Rotorua today.

Whānau and friends gathered at Fire and Emergency’s National Training Centre (NTC) to watch their loved ones demonstrate the skills learnt during the 12-week recruit course.

These skills include fighting fires, extricating trapped people from vehicles, managing hazardous substances, and search and rescue.

Emerson Coe, 33, was awarded most outstanding recruit.

Emerson has a background in youth mental health and youth justice work and now as a career firefighter will be based in Nelson.

“I have dreamed of being a firefighter since I was a kid, and it felt like the right time to pursue the dream.

“I can’t wait to get back to my station, get to know my watch and do my best to serve the community and be a role model for the next generation who see this as a career path,” he says.

Graduating alongside Emerson is Sophie Mahuru, 23, who comes from a family of firefighters.

“I grew up seeing the pride and meaning in the role and always knew it was something I wanted to follow.”

She says her favourite part of the course was the two weeks of Breathing Apparatus (BA) training.

“I enjoyed learning everything from commissioning a set, through to search and rescue, and then putting it all together.

“It’s a firefighter’s bread and butter.”

Sophie says she would encourage anyone who was considering firefighting as a career to put their name forward.

“The training is challenging but really rewarding, and you’ll grow so much along the way.

“If you enjoy working as part of a team and want a career that’s meaningful and exciting, it’s one of the best choices you can make.”

Sophie will be based in Auckland.

Stafford Hector left a career in financial services to finally pursue his dream of being a firefighter.

He says he was especially inspired to make the change after moving to New Zealand from South Africa.

“I have always had a deep need to help others and how better to do so than being the best I can be on someone’s worst day.”

Stafford says training over the last three months has been incredible.

“The team spirit and true camaraderie has been great, whether it’s the easy times, the study, or some of the really tough physical tests and challenges we need to face.”

He encourages anyone, no matter their age, to take the leap.

“Don’t let age hold you back. Fire and Emergency values life experience just as much as physical ability.

“If you’ve got the drive to serve your community, work as part of a high performing tight team and keep learning every day, you’re never too old to start the journey.”

Stafford will be based in St Heliers.

Congratulations to all the graduates and nau mai ki te whānau – welcome to the family.

Locations of deployment:

Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland: 11

Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington: 6

Whakatū | Nelson: 1

Kawerau | Bay of Plenty: 2

Tairawhiti | Gisborne: 3

Te Matau-a-Māui | Hawkes Bay: 1

Ōtepoti | Dunedin: 1.

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First Responders – Southbridge Canterbury vegetation fire update 3

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September 18, 2025

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Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The large vegetation fire which has been burning at Southbridge in Selwyn, Canterbury since yesterday afternoon is now contained.

Incident Controller Lou Ander says most firefighting crews have been stood down with some heavy machinery work continuing to turn over remaining hotspots.

‘All roads are now open again, and I expect to be able to hand back the fireground to the landowner this afternoon,’ he says.

‘There’ll be some smoke visible from the fireground as remaining hotspots are extinguished over the next few days. This is expected.’

Lou Ander says the cause of the fire won’t be known until the investigation underway is completed.

This will be the last update for this fire unless there is a significant development.

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Economy – Action needed as GDP falls faster and further than expected – NZCTU

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September 18, 2025

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Source: NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney is saying that new GDP data released by Statistics New Zealand demonstrates the scale of the problems in the economy, and the desperate need for economic policy change.

“The economy fell 0.9% last quarter. The Reserve Bank forecast a 0.3% fall, and the Treasury had previously forecast a 0.7% increase. Together with recent poor labour market data, it’s clear that the government’s approach is not working,” said Renney.

“GDP fell in 10 out of 16 industry sectors. Manufacturing fell 3.5% in just three months, and mining was down 4.1%. Retail trade fell, and financial services fell. Business services fell. Healthcare and social assistance fell. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing fell.

“Across the past 15 months, the economy has been in decline for 9 of them. This isn’t due to one-off factors such as tariffs – this is an economy with no plan and no direction.

“Quarterly GDP per capita fell back into the red again and is now lower than it was in 2021, even after adjusting for inflation. Business investment fell in plant, machinery, and transport equipment. Residential construction fell 1.9% this quarter. The indicators that might support growth in the future are falling.

“We have consistently called for the government to change track on the economy. For action on rising unemployment. For action on investment in crumbling public services.

“This latest GDP data confirms the Government’s approach has failed. This should be a wake-up call that tax cuts and public service cuts aren’t delivering the economy that New Zealanders deserve or need,” said Renney.

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Govt’s working from home crackdown exposed as solution looking for a problem – PSA

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September 18, 2025

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Source: PSA

New data shows flexible work was never the issue the Government claimed

Today’s data from the Public Service Commission exposes the Government’s working from home directive as a manufactured crisis designed to distract from the real impact of public sector cuts on Wellington and communities across New Zealand.

“The Government made a huge song and dance about public servants supposedly not turning up to work, but the data shows this was never a real problem,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

The PSA’s position is that workers should be entitled to flexible work arrangements – which suit their individual circumstances unless there is a good business reason not to. Working from home and flexible work are generally a win-win for employers and employees.

“The figures show the Government’s headline grabbing crackdown on flexible work was just a stunt to appeal to Wellington businesses – working from home was never the crisis the Government claimed it was. The majority of public servants don’t even work from home regularly.

“This directive was all about finding a scapegoat for the economic damage the Government’s own cuts have caused to Wellington’s CBD and local businesses.

“Rather than acknowledge that sacking thousands of public servants would hurt the capital’s economy, they chose to blame workers for an imaginary problem.

“The backward step of reducing flexible work arrangements, even slightly, flies in the face of international evidence about productivity and employee wellbeing.

“Flexible work helps retain talented staff, improves work-life balance, and often increases productivity – exactly what the 2025 Public Service Census found, with 49% of managers saying staff working from home either increased productivity or had no impact. It’s certainly not a negative as the Government tried to make out.

“The Government claims to be concerned about raising productivity, but clearly in the public sector this doesn’t suit a government which is determined to keep disrespecting public service workers and eroding their rights.

“That’s why the PSA is challenging this directive at the Employment Relations Authority – because good employers recognise that flexible work arrangements benefit both workers and the organisations they serve.

“New Zealanders deserve a public service that can attract and retain the best people to deliver the services they rely on. Attacking flexible work practices that help achieve this goal is just another example of this Government’s misplaced priorities.”

Previous statements

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Weather News – Wind and rain for start of school holidays – MetService

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September 18, 2025

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Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 18 September – Monday 22 September

The front which brought wet and windy conditions to many overnight will move across the North Island today while a cool, showery southwest flow becomes established over the rest of the country.

“The southwest flow over Aotearoa eases tomorrow as a ridge of high pressure moves across the country from the west, with the South Island in particular enjoying a welcome reprieve from the wild weather of the past few days,” explained MetService meteorologist Ciaran Doolin. Friday night is expected to be unseasonably chilly for many North Island locations due to the cooler air mass and the settled conditions expected with the ridge.

“However, the reprieve for the South Island doesn’t last long as a strengthening northerly flow builds over the country on Saturday ahead of another front approaching from the Tasman Sea,” Doolin said. The front moves up the South Island on Sunday, bringing extensive rain with heavy falls in the west, before becoming stationary over the central part of the country into the coming working week.

The North Island, on the other hand, should experience mostly fine conditions through the weekend. The upside for South Islanders is that temperatures will be fairly warm by September standards for eastern places courtesy of the warming of the northerly air as it descends the eastern side of the Southern Alps.

Early on Monday morning a partial solar eclipse will be visible in Aotearoa, with the southeastern South Island looking like the best spot to catch a glimpse.

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Awards – realestate.co.nz named the best small/micro workplace in New Zealand

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September 18, 2025

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Source: Brainchild PR

realestate.co.nz has been crowned the number one small/micro workplace in New Zealand, according to Great Place to Work.
The organisation has been recognised as setting the standard for workplace culture and employee experience in Aotearoa.

Earlier this year, realestate.co.nz achieved the official Great Place To Work Certification™ and has now gone one step further, earning a coveted place on the “best” list, recognising 20 organisations that are setting the benchmark for exceptional workplace culture and employee experience across the nation.

Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, says the company’s success is underpinned by its people-first culture and commitment to care.

“We are focused on building a company where people feel their work is truly valued and where they can bring their full selves to work every day.

“Our core values—excellence, growth, and care—underpin everything we do. Care, in particular, has been a cornerstone of this business well before my time as CEO, but over the past six years has become the linchpin of everything we do. I see it in action daily—both in the decisions our leadership team makes and in the way our people support one another.”

Some of the things that make realestate.co.nz a great place to work include:

Ten additional days of leave per year for people to use as they wish – whether it be ‘life admin’, extra rest, or to spend time with loved ones.
Fully subsidised health insurance to support physical and mental wellbeing – a cornerstone of the company’s values.
Individual learning and development budgets empower people to pursue growth opportunities, attend conferences, or upskill in areas that matter to them.
An annual $20,000 scholarship to support advanced study, work-related passion projects, or transformative development experiences. It’s a way of investing in the team’s big ideas and bold ambitions.
Team connection opportunities, including exciting company-wide events every quarter.

This year’s Best Workplaces™ assessment represents the voices of thousands of New Zealand employees across all sectors and organisation sizes.

Each company earned its place on the list following a rigorous assessment of confidential employee feedback and a detailed analysis of organisational culture. This data-driven approach ensures the companies recognised are genuinely committed to creating workplaces where people thrive and performance follows.

About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, we have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust.

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