Better help for high support needs young people

November 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

More services, made possible thanks to increased funding achieved under this government, have had a positive impact on the lives of high support needs young people and their families.

Minister for Children Karen Chhour has confirmed that over the past year, Oranga Tamariki supported an extra 59 placements for children and young people with high support needs, including disability, across 11 accredited community care providers.

“The services provided to these young people include everyday support with routines like sleeping, eating, personal carers, communication, access to school and learning, and communication with peers, whānau, and community inclusion.

They also include everyday activities, like attendance at sports and other extracurricular activities, and wider family contact are also included and are of huge benefit for these young people.

These service providers utilise trauma/healing informed care and many provide specialist disability related support, which may include visual timetables, social stories, and communication tools, to help the young person manage and avoid triggers.”

Oranga Tamariki received $99.784 million over four years to fund services for children and young people with high support needs, including disability, through Budget 2024.

“This funding has ensured that they and their families are able to receive the right support at the right time. It is just one example of my commitment to fixing what matters for these young people and their families,” says Minister Chhour.

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New Zealand antibiotic sales for plants and animals continue downward trend

LiveNews Publisher

November 5, 2025

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand is making progress in the fight against anti-microbial resistance, with sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics falling for the seventh consecutive year, says New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

“Antibiotics are essential for the treatment of bacterial infections in humans, animals and plants. If they are not used carefully, and in the prescribed amounts, we run the risk that bacteria will develop resistance to the drugs, which could have devastating effects on our health and economy.”

The latest antibiotics sales figures for plants and animals, released today in New Zealand Food Safety’s annual Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis report, are a clear sign that antibiotics are being more carefully used, Mr Arbuckle says.

New Zealand Food Safety’s annual Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis report [PDF, 1.1 MB]

“The falling sales are a result of a concerted effort by veterinarians, farmers, industry and New Zealand Food Safety to ensure these life-saving medicines are used appropriately so they work as intended.”

The report evaluated 18 classes of antibiotics sold during 2024 for use for farm animals, pets, and horticulture.

“Since a 2017 peak of 71,361kg, total antibiotic sales have dropped to 37,858kg in 2024. That’s an impressive 47% decrease,” says Mr Arbuckle. “Additionally, results show a 4% drop since 2023.”

As part of ongoing work to ensure the continued effectiveness of antibiotics, New Zealand Food Safety is reviewing the regulatory oversight of antibiotics used on plants and animals.

“This extensive piece of work, which involves reassessing and reclassifying hundreds of antibiotic products, has been divided into 4 tranches. Tranche one has been completed with tranche 2 in progress.”

You can read about the tranche one results here:

Tranche One Changes to Cephalosporin, Macrolide, and Penicillin-Based Veterinary Medicines Post-Reassessment [PDF, 462 KB]

“We also work closely with the Ministry of Health and international regulators in an effort to manage AMR,” says Mr Arbuckle.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Find out more

Read more about the New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan which has been jointly developed by Ministry of Health, New Zealand Food Safety and representatives from across the human health, animal health and agriculture sectors.

New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan – Ministry of Health

New Zealand Food Safety published the New Zealand Plant and Animal Sectors’ AMR Implementation Plan last year to underpin the national initiative.

New Zealand Plant and Animal Sectors’ AMR Implementation Plan [PDF, 552 KB]

Total antibiotic sales quantities by class in kg – Infographic [PNG, 32 KB]

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Health – Upper Hutt a Canary in the Coal Mine for General Practice, says GenPro

LiveNews Publisher

November 5, 2025

Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

The collapse of after-hours and emergency care in Upper Hutt is a warning sign for the rest of New Zealand unless the underlying problems facing general practice are urgently addressed, says the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).

“The situation in Upper Hutt as reported by media is the canary in the coal mine for general practice,” says Dr Angus Chambers, Chair of GenPro. The Lower North Island city of 47,500 people currently has no hospital, no urgent or after-hours medical service, and a severe shortage of GPs.

Residents are forced to travel to already overcrowded emergency departments in Lower Hutt for even basic treatments.

“Upper Hutt residents are bearing the brunt of a national healthcare crisis,” Dr Chambers says. “The same lack of access to urgent and after-hours care is now emerging across New Zealand.”

Daytime GP appointments are increasingly difficult to secure, pushing up demand for urgent care. Yet providing urgent and after-hours services is becoming financially and operationally unsustainable due to:

Unsociable working hours and difficulty attracting staff;
Ongoing GP shortages and burnout;
Competition from heavily subsidised telehealth providers.

“Providing urgent care has become unviable for many clinics,” says Dr Chambers. “At the heart of the problem is a funding model that simply doesn’t reflect the real cost of running general practice and after-hours services.”

He warns that too few doctors are choosing to train or stay in general practice. Many are retiring early or moving overseas, leading to closures and cutbacks nationwide — as seen in Upper Hutt in 2022 when the local after-hours clinic shut its doors.

Dr Chambers acknowledges recent steps by the Government, including increased patient subsidies, modernising the funding model, and new funding for urgent and after-hours services.

“These are positive moves,” he says, “but they’re not enough to reverse years of underinvestment. Without bold, sustained action, we’ll see more communities facing the same crisis as Upper Hutt.”

“Telehealth is part of the solution, but not a panacea,” Dr Chambers notes. “Patients overwhelmingly prefer face-to-face consultations — and for many conditions, especially involving young children, that’s what provides the safest and most effective care.”

GenPro is urging the Government to increase funding for both accident-related care under ACC and general health care under Te Whatu Ora, ensuring it reflects the true costs of running modern general practices and urgent care.

“Adequate, sustainable funding will help retain and attract the GPs New Zealand desperately needs,” says Dr Chambers. “If we don’t act now, Upper Hutt won’t be the last community to have restricted local health care.”

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First dialysis unit opens in Blenheim

LiveNews Publisher

November 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

People in Marlborough no longer need to make the long journey to Nelson for dialysis, with the opening of the region’s new dialysis unit in Blenheim, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The opening of this unit is the result of years of dedication and advocacy from the Marlborough community,” Mr Brown says.

“This new dialysis unit in Blenheim is a great example of what can be achieved when local voices, iwi, and health providers work together to deliver patient-centred care. It’s about designing services with communities, not just for them, ensuring local perspectives are embedded in how care is delivered.”

Marlborough Primary Health has led the development of the unit in collaboration with Health New Zealand.

“Until now, Marlborough patients needing dialysis have had to travel to Nelson Hospital three times a week – a two-hour journey each way.

“This new four-chair facility will operate three days per week initially, with capacity to expand as demand grows. It’s designed for clinically stable patients and brings together wraparound services such as podiatry and social work.

“This will be life-changing for many people. It brings care closer to home, supports families, and ensures people can receive treatment in an environment that reflects their needs and their community.”

The facility also reflects outstanding community generosity, with funding support from the Care Foundation, the Marlborough Hospital Equipment Trust, and contributions from the Rātā Foundation, Churchill Trust, Lotteries, and the Marlborough District Council.

Mr Brown also acknowledged the strong advocacy of Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith in championing the project.

“With an ageing population and rising rates of chronic kidney disease, locally led, collaborative models like this are vital to ensuring services remain accessible and close to home.

“This is a great day for Marlborough – one that celebrates community determination and ensures patients can receive the care they need, right here at home in Blenheim.”

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Full steam ahead for chip sealing work in the top of the South

LiveNews Publisher

November 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The state highway summer maintenance season is picking up the pace in the top of the South Island, and road users can expect to see multiple chip sealing sites in the lead-up to Christmas.

It is essential to ensure the region’s highways are kept safe and resilient for road users.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington/Top of the South, says after the recent spate of wet weather, the focus is on getting as much road resurfacing completed before Christmas and the busier holiday season.

“We know drivers commonly ask why there are more road works at this time of the year. The simple answer is permanent repairs need good weather to be effective and can’t be done during the wet and cold winter months.”

Mr Owen appreciates that road works cause delays and frustration for drivers, and that there is a lot of work underway in the region.

“It is a busy time. Not only do we have chip sealing underway, but we are also doing road rebuilds, recovery work following the recent weather events, and resilience improvements aimed at protecting critical transport links in the long term.”

“We are trying to minimise the impact of these works as much as possible. But, as the saying goes, you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs; road works do affect traffic,” Mr Owen says.

He says it is a significant investment in infrastructure and helps keep our highways safe./p>

“All road users benefit from this work. The work we do now helps prevent costlier and more disruptive repairs in the future.”

Work locations between now and Christmas	Timing
SH60, near Smalls Creek, Golden Bay	Monday, 10 November, to Thursday, 13 November, 7 am to 5 pm. Stop/go traffic management
SH60 near Pigville Road, Golden Bay	Tuesday, 11 November, to Friday 14 November, 7 am to 5 pm. Stop/go traffic management.
SH6 near Mangles Valley Road, Murchison	Wednesday, 12 November, to Friday, 14 November, 7 am to 5 pm. Stop/go traffic management.
SH6 Wakapuaka (The Glen), Nelson	Thursday, 13 November, to Tuesday, 18 November, 7 am to 5pm. Stop/go traffic management (no work on Saturday, 15 November and Sunday, 16 November).
SH6 near the Matakitaki River, Murchison	Thursday, 13 November, to Monday, 17 November, 7 am to 5 pm. Stop/go traffic management (no work on Saturday, 15 November and Sunday, 16 November).
SH65 Shenandoah	Friday, 14 November, to Tuesday 18 November, 7am to 5pm. Stop/go traffic management (no work on Saturday, 15 November and Sunday, 16 November).
SH60 High Street, Motueka between: Old Wharf Road and Whakarewa Street Greenwood Street and Fearon Street	Monday, 17 November, to Friday 28 November, 9:30 am to 5 pm (no work on Saturday 22 or Sunday 23 November). During this time, the southbound lane will be closed. Southbound road users travelling towards Mapua, will need to detour via Staples Street, Thorp Street and Old Wharf Road. SH60 High Street will remain open for northbound road users travelling towards Riwaka.
SH1 Wairau Road Picton, south of Angle Street	Friday, 21 November, 6 pm to 6 am. Stop/go traffic management.
SH1 Koromiko between Para Road and Speeds Road	Friday, 21 November to Thursday 27 November, 6 pm to 6 am. Stop/go traffic management.
SH1 between Picton and Tuamarina	Monday, 24 November, to Friday, 28 November, 6 pm to 6 am. Stop/go traffic management.
SH1 Tuamarina	Thursday, 27 November and Friday, 28 November, 6 pm to 6 am. Stop/go traffic management.
SH1, south of the Wairau River Bridge	Friday, 28 November, 6 pm to 6 am. Stop/go traffic management.
SH1, south of Seddon	Monday, December 1 to Friday, 5 December, 7 am to 6 pm. Stop/go traffic management.

Programme Update:

In Nelson/Tasman, all chip sealing sites will be completed before Christmas. Drivers can expect to see work on State Highway 60 in Motueka, State Highway 60 in Golden Bay and State Highway 6 near Murchison.

In Marlborough, crews will be active on State Highway 1 from November until Christmas. They will then be at various sites on State Highway 6 in February 2026 including around Okaramio, Havelock, Canvastown, Pelorus and Rai Valley, as well as State Highway 1 in Riverlands and State Highway 63 near St Arnaud.

Road users travelling to the West Coast and further south over summer can also expect to come upon chip seal operations during their journeys.

Stop/go controls will be in place while chip seal work is underway. Temporary speed limits will apply day and night and remain in place until the new surface beds in. Crews will then sweep the new surface before re-applying road markings.

Mr Owen says 30 km/h limits are in place for good reason.

“If people drive too fast, they will damage the road surface, meaning the work has to be redone – creating even more travel delays. Stone chips can also flick up and damage other vehicles.”

“Sticking to the posted speed limit also helps to keep everyone, including our road workers, safe,” Mr Owen says.

Summer Maintenance Season – Tips and Advice:

Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance, resilience and recovery works are happening around the region.
We recommend allowing an extra 40 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast and an extra 15 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim due to work on these state highway corridors.
We recommend allowing an extra 40 minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where road works are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.
State Highway Summer Maintenance – Top of the South Island(external link)
State Highway maintenance – Frequently Asked Questions(external link)
Tips for driving through worksites (video)(external link)

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SH28 Harwoods Road to close as roundabout construction progresses near Tīrau

LiveNews Publisher

November 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 28-Harwoods Road will be closed for approximately 5 weeks while work continues on a roundabout at the SH28/State Highway 5 intersection east of Tīrau.

The roundabout has been under construction since August this year and the upcoming closure is necessary to safely complete the next phase of work and to keep the project on track.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Darryl Coalter says that work has been progressing well and that people can expect to be using the new roundabout in March next year.

“To get this completed safely and on time we need to close the SH28-Harwoods Road part of the worksite for 5 weeks.”

”During the closure there will be no access into or out of Harwoods Road at the SH5 intersection, apart from emergency vehicles and a school van. SH5 traffic will continue to flow through the worksite under the current speed restrictions.

“The closure will affect interregional traffic and SH28 is a well-used freight route. That traffic will be detoured along State Highway 27 and State Highway 29. Travel times are about the same” Mr Coalter says.

“All of Harwoods Road will remain open except for the 600m section between Tapapa Road and SH5. Local roads will all remain open, but we ask people to plan alternative routes to access their homes, farms and businesses during this closure period.”

Road closure details:

Where: SH28-Harwoods Road at the SH5 intersection.
When: 6am Thursday 13 November to approximately Wednesday 17 December 2025.
Detour: SH27 and SH29. Local roads will remain open, but with no access from the worksite. Emergency services and the local school van will be provided with access through the worksite.

Corridor works:

The roundabout project is part of the wider safety improvements being made along SH5 between Tīrau and Tārukenga, on the Rotorua side of the Mamaku Range.

The improvements include:

SH5/SH28-Harwoods Road roundabout. Under construction, completion expected in March 2026.
Shoulder widening and wide centrelines:
- Whites Road to Waimakariri Road: In construction, completion expected next month.
- Waimakariri Road to Harwoods Road: Construction likely spring 2026, depending on funding being confirmed.
SH5/SH28-Whites Road roundabout: Completing detailed design works. Construction when funding confirmed.
SH1 Tirau to SH5/SH28-Whites Rd intersection: Detailed design underway for shoulder widening and wide centrelines. Construction when funding confirmed.

For more project information, visit:

SH5 Tīrau to Tārukenga safety improvements

View larger version of the detour map [PDF, 277 KB]

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Economy – Financial stability risks remain heightened – Reserve Bank of NZ

LiveNews Publisher

November 5, 2025

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

5 November 2025 – “Financial stability risks remain higher than in recent years”, says Reserve Bank Governor Christian Hawkesby in releasing the Financial Stability Report this morning.

Fragmentation of global trade and finance, and ongoing uncertainty continue to present risks. Elevated global equity valuations, in areas such as tech stocks, and growing government debt levels in many advanced economies are also vulnerabilities. As a small open economy, New Zealand would be exposed to any impacts on global economic activity or volatility in financial markets.

“Underperformance in parts of the New Zealand economy such as retail and hospitality is creating challenging conditions for households and businesses. Loan defaults have picked up, although they remain low compared to during the Global Financial Crisis. Lower interest rates and high commodity prices are supporting some sectors, including agriculture,” explains Mr Hawkesby.

Banks remain well placed to manage the current uncertainty. Strong lending standards, including loan-to-value limits, have helped to restrict the amount of high-risk lending in the system. As demonstrated by our recent stress test, capital buffers would allow banks to cope with a significant worsening of the economy, while continuing to provide credit to support any recovery.

“To promote a resilient financial system that balances stability and depositor protection with competition and efficiency, we are currently assessing feedback on proposals for key capital settings and getting input from international experts. We intend to announce a decision in December.

“We are also closely monitoring impacts from the introduction of the Depositor Compensation Scheme in July. Some non-bank deposit takers have seen deposit inflows as customers spread their money to maximise coverage and returns,” Mr Hawkesby said.

In the insurance sector, property insurers have benefited from relatively few significant claims events and improved conditions in global reinsurance markets.

Health insurers, however, are facing significant growth in claims costs. This is resulting in operating losses and driving up customer premiums, as insurers look to restore margins.

“Results from our 2024 Cyber Capability survey show that regulated entities report they are generally aligned to our guidance on cyber resilience. However, there is room for improvement, with cyber and operational risks remaining focus areas of our supervisory work,” Mr Hawkesby said.

More information

November 2025 Financial Stability Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=a359d486cc&e=f3c68946f8

Reserve Bank to ease LVR restrictions: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=aeb7f765d7&e=f3c68946f8

See our recent bulletin outlining findings from our 2025 Bank Stress Test: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=b8c8906040&e=f3c68946f8

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Delivering a better mental health crisis response

LiveNews Publisher

November 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has today announced the government is delivering more frontline workers and establishing new services for people in need of a better crisis response.

“When someone takes the brave step of reaching out, I want that support to be there,” Mr Doocey says.

“Today I’m announcing a $61.6 million funding boost to deliver a better crisis response:

Crisis assessment teams – 40 additional frontline clinical staff for crisis assessment and treatment teams nationwide.
Peer-led acute alternatives – two new 10-bed peer-led acute alternative services to reduce inpatient ward admissions.
Peer support in emergency departments – three more EDs will receive peer support workers, on top of the eight already launched.
Crisis Recovery Cafés – two new cafés, bringing the total to eight across the country.

“We don’t want people in distress waiting long periods of time for a crisis assessment. With 40 extra clinical staff, more New Zealanders will get faster access to crisis support.

“People in crisis shouldn’t be waiting too long for an inpatient bed. Peer-led acute alternative services provide more choice for people experiencing mental health issues, and get people seen quicker.

“We’re already hearing great feedback about peer support workers in emergency departments. Rolling out peer support workers in more EDs will result in a better crisis response and more people being better supported.

“I’m determined to grow the peer support workforce. Crisis Recovery Cafes offer a peer-led, non-clinical space where people in distress can go to get support.

“Today’s announcement builds on Budget 2025, which invests $28 million to roll out 10 mental health co-response teams across the country to respond to 111 mental distress calls and adds additional crisis helpline capacity.

“We’ve already implemented a 60-minute handover from the Police to emergency department workers for people arriving in distress to an ED.

“When someone takes the brave step to reach out, whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member we’re committed to ensuring the right support is always there to answer that call. This package goes a long way in making sure that’s possible.”

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Full farm-to-forest conversion limits now in place

LiveNews Publisher

November 5, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Legislation to protect productive farmland by limiting farm-to-forest conversions is now in place, marking a campaign promise fulfilled, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay says.

The Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading Scheme – Forestry Conversion) Amendment Act came into effect on 31 October 2025 and forest owners will notice these changes in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) system from this week.

“Through this Act the Government delivered on protecting food production, supporting rural communities, and ensuring foresters can continue to invest with confidence,” Mr McClay says.

The legislation restricts exotic forests from entering the ETS on Land Use Capability (LUC) class 1-6 land – New Zealand’s most productive soils – with certain exceptions, including for Māori-owned land and erosion-prone areas.

Farmers will retain flexibility to plant some land should they choose.

Transitional exemptions from the restrictions are available for those who can demonstrate both a clear interest in the land and a qualifying forestry investment made between 1 January 2021 and 4 December 2024.

“Farming and forestry are both important to our regional economies and communities and this Government is supporting both sectors to create jobs and grow exports,” Mr McClay says.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has worked to keep the sector well informed, including running webinars to explain the new restrictions. Its website has been updated to include the changes and guidance documents.

Dedicated MPI staff will continue to provide specific support.

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Inquiry Confirms Maritime Union Warnings on Manahau

LiveNews Publisher

November 5, 2025

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) says the findings from an official inquiry on the Manahau barge grounding obtained by media show the vessel was unsuitable for conditions and have absolved crew that were blamed for the grounding.

A Maritime New Zealand investigation summary obtained by media confirms MUNZ’s claims from the outset of the 2024 incident at Westport.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the union and its members are not surprised by the findings.

“MUNZ stated from day one that the Manahau was an inappropriate, underpowered vessel for the rugged West Coast,” says Mr. Findlay.

He says WMS previously attempted to “throw the crew under the bus,” by releasing its own in-house report to blame the crew for the grounding.

However, according to documents obtained by the media, it has been found WMS failed to document and implement a safe system of work for anchoring, particularly in adverse conditions.

WMS also failed to follow safe operational procedures when adverse weather conditions prevented safe access to Westport, and it failed to consult, co-operate with, and co-ordinate safe operating procedures with StarHigh Asia Pacific PTE Ltd, the company it contracted to manage the vessel’s safety management system.

WMS claim to be concerned for ‘its people’ had no credibility at this point, says Mr. Findlay.

“They have tried to weasel their way out of responsibility all the way.”

He says it is “bizarre” WMS had apparently accepted the formal warning from Maritime NZ but was continuing to refer to its own in-house report which contradicts the official findings.

“There are only two reports that count – the report from Maritime New Zealand and the forthcoming report from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). These are independent and credible authorities.”

The Manahau was a foreign-flagged vessel, operated by a foreign crew who were denied access to union support in the immediate aftermath of the grounding, and who were repatriated as soon as possible by their employers.

Mr Findlay says at a time of high unemployment for skilled New Zealand workers, WMS were seeking to use foreign crews and foreign-flagged vessels that are not fit for purpose.

“A qualified New Zealand crew would have understood the treacherous conditions of the West Coast.”

MUNZ says the required outcome is for Maritime NZ to insist the company finds a suitable, safe new vessel for any future West Coast operations, operating under a New Zealand flag.

That vessel must be crewed by a New Zealand crew.

Mr Findlay says MUNZ would be happy to assist WMS to find a qualified New Zealand crew that were paid at New Zealand market rates once they source an appropriate new vessel.

“We are only a phone call away.”

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