Child Fund – Over 12.7m people now need humanitarian support in Ukraine
Source: ChildFund New Zealand
NZ-AU: Paladin Announces A$300 Million Fully Underwritten Equity Raising to Advance the PLS Project
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)
Not for release to US newswire services or distribution in the United States
PERTH, Australia, Sept. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Paladin Energy Ltd (ASX:PDN, TSX:PDN, OTCQX:PALAF) (Paladin or the Company) announces it has launched a fully underwritten equity raising, comprising (i) an A$231 million ASX institutional placement of new Paladin fully paid ordinary shares (Shares) (ASX Placement), (ii) a Canadian “bought deal” private placement to raise C$30 million (~A$33 million) pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (as defined herein) (TSX Bought Deal), and (iii) a fully underwritten sale of ~A$36 million of existing Shares issued and subsequently acquired as a result of the acquisition of Fission Uranium Corp. (Fission) (Treasury Share Sale), to raise a total amount of A$300 million (together, the Offer).1
Additionally, Paladin intends to invite Eligible Shareholders (as defined herein) to participate in a non-underwritten Share Purchase Plan to acquire Shares at the same price as the ASX Placement and Treasury Share Sale to raise up to a further A$20 million (before costs) (SPP).
Proceeds from the equity raising will primarily be used to advance the development of the Patterson Lake South project (PLS Project) towards a Final Investment Decision (FID).
Highlights
- A fully underwritten equity raising to raise A$300 million (before costs), comprising:
- A fully underwritten ASX Placement to raise A$231 million (before costs)
- A fully underwritten TSX Bought Deal to raise ~A$33 million (C$30 million) (before costs)
- A fully underwritten Treasury Share Sale at the Offer Price (as defined herein) to raise a further ~A$36 million (before costs)
- Opportunity for Eligible Shareholders with registered addresses in Australia and New Zealand to participate via a non-underwritten SPP to raise up to a further A$20 million (before costs)
- All Shares under the ASX Placement and SPP will be issued at a fixed price of A$7.25 per new Share (Offer Price) and the Shares the subject of the Treasury Share Sale will be sold at the Offer Price
- Shares issued under the TSX Bought Deal will be issued at a fixed price of C$6.66 per new Share, being the approximate C$ equivalent of the Offer Price based on current exchange rates.1
- The Offer Price of A$7.25 per Share represents an 8.0% discount to the last close of A$7.88 on the ASX on 15 September 2025 and an 8.1% discount to the 5-day volume weighted average price (VWAP) of A$7.89 on the ASX as at 15 September 2025
- Equity raising proceeds will be used to advance the following near-term priorities:
- Completion of the PLS Project Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) work during 2026
- Important detailed design work ahead of PLS Project FID and construction. Detailed design drawings and materials are required for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) approvals
- Early site works and ordering of long-lead items required pre-construction
- General and administration costs to support permitting approvals, Indigenous Nations and community engagement and expansion of the Paladin Canada team
- Infill and exploration drilling planned during FY2026 at the PLS Project and the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM)
- Provide balance sheet flexibility to conduct further exploration at the PLS Project
- General working capital while ramping up the LHM into full mining and processing plant operations by FY2027
- The equity raising positions Paladin with the balance sheet flexibility to progress the PLS Project alongside the ongoing ramp up of the LHM, which is on track to be completed by the end of FY2026 with full mining and processing plant operations planned for FY2027
Paul Hemburrow, Paladin Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, commented:
“Today’s equity raising will allow Paladin to swiftly progress our strategy for delivering long-term value from our asset portfolio to shareholders. The funds secured give us balance sheet flexibility to advance the PLS Project through to FID while simultaneously completing the ramp-up of operations at the LHM.
With the PLS Project recently reconfirmed as a world-class uranium development asset that is underpinned by robust technical fundamentals and compelling economics, I believe we are well-positioned to capitalise on the strong outlook for the uranium market in the next decade and beyond.
The equity raising allows our team to steadily progress work in a range of critical areas, including engineering, permitting, early site works and long lead item procurement, in order to keep on track for our targeted first uranium production at the PLS Project by 2031.”
Details of the ASX Placement
The fully underwritten ASX Placement seeks to raise approximately A$231 million (before costs) at the Offer Price of A$7.25 per Share, which represents a:
- 8.0% discount to the last closing price of Paladin Shares on the ASX of A$7.88 per Share on 15 September 2025 (being the last day on which Paladin Shares traded prior to announcing the equity raising); and
- 8.1% discount to the 5-day VWAP on the ASX of A$7.89, as at 15 September 2025.
Approximately 31.9 million Shares will be issued under the ASX Placement pursuant to the Company’s available placement capacity under ASX Listing Rule 7.1. Accordingly, no shareholder approval is required for the ASX Placement. New Shares will rank pari passu with existing fully paid ordinary shares in Paladin.
Details of the TSX Bought Deal
Paladin has entered into an agreement with Canaccord Genuity Corp. (Canaccord Genuity), pursuant to which Canaccord Genuity has agreed to purchase, on a “bought deal” private placement basis, 4,504,505 Shares at a price of C$6.66 per Share for gross proceeds of C$30 million (~A$33 million).1
The Shares under the TSX Bought Deal are being offered in Canada by way of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption in all of the provinces of Canada (excluding Quebec) and by way of private placement in the United States and offshore jurisdictions in accordance with applicable laws. The Shares issued pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada. For further information please see below under “Notes – Canada – TSX Bought Deal”.
The new Shares the subject of the TSX Bought Deal will be issued under the Company’s existing placement capacity under ASX Listing Rule 7.1. Accordingly, no shareholder approval is required for the TSX Bought Deal. New Shares will rank pari passu with existing fully paid ordinary shares in Paladin.
Details of the Treasury Share Sale
The Company also announces in conjunction with the ASX Placement and TSX Bought Deal, the fully underwritten sale of 4,959,416 Shares held by Paladin’s wholly-owned subsidiary Paladin Canada Inc. (formerly Fission Uranium Corp.) (Treasury Shares) at the Offer Price to raise a further ~A$36 million (before costs).
Paladin acquired 100% of Fission pursuant to a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act in late 2024 (Fission Acquisition). The Treasury Shares were originally issued to Fission pursuant to orders made by the Supreme Court of British Columbia to facilitate the vesting and exercise of outstanding Fission options in connection with the Fission Acquisition. In accordance with section 259D of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act), Paladin is required to sell the Treasury Shares within 12 months of completing the Fission Acquisition. Treasury Shares sold pursuant to the Treasury Share Sale rank pari passu with existing fully paid ordinary Shares in Paladin.
Details of the Share Purchase Plan (SPP)
Eligible shareholders, being those Paladin shareholders with a registered address in Australia or New Zealand and who are outside the United States, that held Paladin Shares as at 7.00pm (Sydney time) on 15 September 2025 (Eligible Shareholders) will be invited to participate in the SPP. Eligible Shareholders will have the opportunity to apply for up to A$30,000 worth of new Shares without incurring any brokerage or transaction costs. The SPP will be conducted at the Offer Price of A$7.25. The SPP is targeted to raise up to A$20 million (before costs) and is not underwritten.
Paladin reserves the right (in its absolute discretion) to scale back applications under the SPP if demand exceeds A$20 million, raise a higher amount or close the SPP at an earlier date. New Shares issued under the SPP will rank equally with existing fully paid ordinary Shares in Paladin from the date of issue. The SPP offer booklet, containing further details on the SPP, is expected to be released on the ASX and made available to Eligible Shareholders on or around 25 September 2025. The SPP is subject to the terms and conditions set out in the SPP offer booklet.
Advisers
Macquarie Capital (Australia) Limited and Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited are acting as Joint Lead Managers, Joint Underwriters and Joint Bookrunners to the ASX Placement and Treasury Share Sale. Canaccord Genuity Corp. is acting as sole Underwriter and Bookrunner to the TSX Bought Deal. Corrs Chambers Westgarth is acting as Australian legal adviser and Fasken Martineau DuMoullin LLP is acting as Canadian legal adviser to Paladin in connection with the equity raising.
Indicative Equity Raising Timetable
An indicative timetable of the key dates in relation to the equity raising is detailed below.
Event | Time (AEST) / Date |
ASX Placement, TSX Bought Deal and Treasury Share Sale | |
ASX Trading halt | 16 September 2025 |
Launch of Offer, ASX release of Investor Presentation, dissemination and filing of News Release, filing of Canadian Offering Document on SEDAR+ and Company website | 16 September 2025 |
Announcement of completion of ASX Placement, Treasury Share Sale and TSX Bought Deal | 16 September 2025 |
ASX Trading halt lifted and announcement of completion of ASX Placement, Treasury Share Sale and TSX Bought Deal | 17 September 2025 |
Settlement of new Shares under ASX Placement, TSX Bought Deal and Treasury Share Sale | 22 September 2025 |
Allotment of new Shares under ASX Placement and TSX Bought Deal | 23 September 2025 |
Share Purchase Plan | |
Record date for eligibility to participate in SPP | 7.00pm, 15 September 2025 |
Despatch SPP offer documents and SPP offer opens | 25 September 2025 |
SPP closing date | 9 October 2025 |
Announcement of SPP participation and results, and allotment of new Shares | 16 October 2025 |
The above timetable is indicative only and subject to variation. The Company reserves the right to alter the timetable at its discretion and without notice, subject to the ASX Listing Rules, the Corporations Act, the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and other applicable laws. All times reference to Sydney, Australia time unless denoted otherwise.
Additional Information
Additional information in relation to the ASX Placement, the Treasury Share Sale, the SPP and Paladin can be found in the investor presentation (Investor Presentation) released to the ASX simultaneously with this announcement, which contains important information, including sources and uses of funds, key risks and foreign selling restrictions with respect to the Offer. The Investor Presentation can also be accessed on the Company’s website at www.paladinenergy.com.au.
Investor Conference Call
The Company will hold a conference call on 16 September 2025, at 11:00am AEST (15 September 2025, at 9pm EDT). To participate in the live teleconference, please register at the link below:
https://s1.c-conf.com/diamondpass/10050229-hg6t5w.html
Please note it is recommended to log on at least five minutes before the scheduled commencement of time to ensure you are registered in time for the start of the call.
A recording of the call will be available on Paladin’s website shortly after its conclusion.
This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Paladin Energy Ltd.
For further information contact:
Notes
- Assumes a 0.9186 AUD:CAD exchange rate.
Forward-looking statements
This document contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Australian securities laws and “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively referred to in this document as forward-looking statements). All statements in this document, other than statements of historical or present facts, are forward-looking statements and generally may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “likely”, “propose”, “will”, “intend”, “should”, “could”, “may”, “believe”, “forecast”, “estimate”, “target”, “outlook”, “guidance” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the completion of the Front-End Engineering and Design; continued development of the PLS Project; expected design improvements and enhancements for the PLS Project; permitting approvals and community engagement; advancement of the PLS Project through to FID; delivery of the first uranium production from the PLS Project; development and ramp-up of operations at the LHM; LHM guidance for FY2026; the equity raising; closing of the equity raising, the anticipated closing date of the equity raising; the intended use of proceeds of the equity raising; and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX.
Forward-looking statements involve subjective judgment and analysis and are subject to significant uncertainties, risks and contingencies including those risk factors associated with the mining industry, many of which are outside the control of, change without notice, and may be unknown to Paladin. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to liabilities inherent in mine development and production, geological, mining and processing technical problems, the inability to obtain any additional mine licences, permits and other regulatory approvals required in connection with mining and third party processing operations, competition for amongst other things, capital, acquisition of reserves, undeveloped lands and skilled personnel, incorrect assessments of the value of acquisitions, changes in commodity prices and exchange rates, currency and interest fluctuations, various events which could disrupt operations and/or the transportation of mineral products, including labour stoppages and severe weather conditions, the demand for and availability of transportation services, the ability to secure adequate financing and management’s ability to anticipate and manage the foregoing factors and risks. Readers are also referred to the risks and uncertainties referred to in the Company’s “2025 Annual Report” and in Paladin’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended June 30, 2025, each released on 28 August 2025, and in Paladin’s Annual Information Form for the year ended June 30, 2025 released on 12 September 2025, each of which is available to view at paladinenergy.com.au and on www.sedarplus.ca.
Although as at the date of this document, Paladin believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements due to a range of factors including (without limitation) fluctuations in commodity prices and exchange rates, exploitation and exploration successes, environmental, permitting and development issues, political risks including the impact of political instability on economic activity and uranium supply and demand, Indigenous Nations engagement, climate risk, operating hazards, natural disasters, severe storms and other adverse weather conditions, shortages of skilled labour and construction materials, equipment and supplies, regulatory concerns, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions and risk factors associated with the uranium industry generally. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate.
Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and should rely on their own independent enquiries, investigations and advice regarding information contained in this document. Any reliance by a reader on the information contained in this document is wholly at the reader’s own risk. The Joint Lead Managers disclaim any liability arising from reliance on these forward-looking statements regardless of changes in circumstances. Recipients are cautioned against placing undue reliance on such projections without conducting their own due diligence with appropriate professional support. The forward-looking statements in this document relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made. Paladin does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No representation, warranty, guarantee or assurance (express or implied) is made, or will be made, that any forward-looking statements will be achieved or will prove to be correct. Except for statutory liability which cannot be excluded, Paladin, its officers, employees and advisers expressly disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the material contained in this document and exclude all liability whatsoever (including negligence) for any loss or damage which may be suffered by any person as a consequence of any information in this document or any error or omission therefrom. Except as required by law or regulation, Paladin accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in this document or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information. Nothing in this document will, under any circumstances, create an implication that there has been no change in the affairs of Paladin since the date of this document. To the extent any forward-looking statement in this document constitutes “future-oriented financial information” or “financial outlooks” within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, such information is provided to demonstrate Paladin’s internal projections and to help readers understand Paladin’s expected financial results. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for any other purpose and readers should not place undue reliance on such information. Future-oriented financial information and financial outlooks, as with forward-looking statements generally, are, without limitation, based on the assumptions, and subject to the risks and uncertainties, described above.
Not an offer of securities
This announcement has been prepared for publication in Australia and Canada and may not be released to US newswire services or distributed in the United States. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Any securities described in this announcement have not been, and will not be, registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (US Securities Act) and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in the United States except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act and applicable US state securities laws.
Canada – TSX Bought Deal
Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions (NI 45-106), the new Shares issuable pursuant to the TSX Bought Deal will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in all of the provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 – Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption). Such new Shares are expected to be immediately freely tradeable in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation if sold to purchasers resident in Canada. The new Shares may also be sold in offshore jurisdictions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to one or more exemptions from the registration requirements of the US Securities Act.
There is an offering document (the Offering Document) related to the TSX Bought Deal that can be accessed under the Company’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company’s website at www.paladinenergy.com.au. Prospective investors should read the Offering Document before making an investment decision.
The TSX Bought Deal is scheduled to close on September 22, 2025, or such other date as the Company and Canaccord Genuity may agree. It is expected that the ASX Placement and Treasury Share Sale will close contemporaneously with or shortly prior to the closing of the TSX Bought Deal. Closing of the TSX Bought Deal is conditional on the closing of the ASX Placement and Treasury Share Sale. Completion of the Offer is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX.
– Published by The MIL Network
Government restores real consequences for crime
Source: New Zealand Government
Today the Government’s sentencing reforms take effect, restoring real consequences for crime, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Communities and hardworking New Zealanders should not be made to live and work in fear of criminals who clearly have a flagrant disregard for the law, corrections officers and the general public.
“We know that undue leniency has resulted in a loss of public confidence in sentencing, and our justice system as a whole. We had developed a culture of excuses.
“This Government promised to restore real consequences for crime. That’s exactly what we’re delivering. It’s part of our plan to restore law and order, which we know is working.
“This is a significant milestone in this Government’s mission to restore law and order. It signals to victims that they deserve justice, and that they are our priority.”
The reforms strengthen the criminal justice system by:
- Capping the sentence discounts that judges can apply at 40 per cent when considering mitigating factors unless it would result in manifestly unjust sentencing outcomes.
- Preventing repeat discounts for youth and remorse. Lenient sentences are failing to deter offenders who continue to rely on their youth or expressions of remorse without making serious efforts to reform their behaviour.
- Responding to serious retail crime by introducing a new aggravating factor to address offences against sole charge workers and those whose home and business are interconnected, as committed to in the National-Act coalition agreement.
- Encouraging the use of cumulative sentencing for offences committed while on bail, in custody, or on parole to denounce behaviour that indicates a disregard for the criminal justice system, as committed to in the National-New Zealand First coalition agreement.
- Implementing a sliding scale for early guilty pleas with a maximum sentence discount of 25 per cent, reducing to a maximum of 5 per cent for a guilty plea entered during the trial. This will prevent undue discounts for late-stage guilty pleas and avoid unnecessary trials that are costly and stressful for victims.
- Amending the principles of sentencing to include requirement to take into account any information provided to the court about victims’ interests, as committed to in both coalition agreements.
Two aggravating factors are also included.
These respond to:
- Adults who exploit children and young people by aiding or abetting them to offend;
- Offenders who glorify their criminal activities by livestreaming or posting them online.
Ambitious new Aviation Action Plan takes flight
Source: New Zealand Government
An ambitious new Aviation Action Plan has been released, containing 25 actions to grow and future-proof the aviation sector, ensuring it continues to deliver for all New Zealanders.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager launched the plan, led by industry through the Interim Aviation Council in partnership with government, while speaking at the Aviation Industry Association Conference in Wellington this morning.
“Aviation is vital to New Zealand’s economic prosperity and our way of life. The Aviation Action Plan outlines a strategic programme of work to ensure the sector continues to support trade, tourism, regional connectivity and economic growth across the country”, Mr Meager says.
“This action plan is a first for New Zealand and represents a major sector milestone. It’s a practical roadmap that tackles challenges facing aviation, including the need to embrace growth and innovation, and build a skilled and sustainable workforce.”
Key actions from the Aviation Action Plan include:
· Promote growth and innovation by reworking specific civil aviation rules, including in emerging technologies like drones and uncrewed aircraft, improving the pace of regulatory decision-making, reducing certification wait times, and automating routine tasks.
· Developing a programme of work to tackle workforce issues, including by updating the pilot and engineer training pipelines, promoting aviation careers, and progressing international mutual recognition of licences where appropriate.
· Making RNZAF Base Ohakea available as an alternative runway for wide body aircraft on a permanent basis.
· Strengthening passengers’ consumer rights and improving accessibility for disabled travellers.
· Securing vulnerable regional routes by supporting small airlines through concessionary loans and providing investment for interlining arrangements.
“We’ve already made progress on several actions, including targeted investment in regional routes through $30 million in loans from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. We have also commenced the system-wide first principles funding review of the Civil Aviation Authority, which is another recommendation,” Mr Meager says.
“This plan includes long-term steps to continue building momentum, including confirmation we will establish the Aviation Council as a permanent body. I’d like to thank the Interim Aviation Council for its leadership and expertise, and I look forward to working with the new permanent Council.
Environment – “Tough on crime” Government lets repeat pesticide offenders off the hook
Source: Greenpeace
Earth Sciences NZ and SPREP Formalise Partnership for Pacific Climate and Environmental Resilience
Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand
Summer forecast: trillions of seeds and rat plagues
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
By Janel Hull
This summer, we expect the South Island to experience the biggest beech forest mast in seven years where trillions of seeds blanket forest floors. Beech masts provide a bounty of food but unfortunately also trigger a dangerous ripple effect for native species.
Food is abundant Rat and stoat populations boom Predators devastate precious native birds, bats, and insects.
Predator plague cycle:
Without expanded predator control, the consequences can be devastating. We’ve seen local extinctions before – like the loss of the last mohua population in Mount Stokes following a beech mast without adequate predator control.
But there’s also hope. Predator control helps nature bounce back with native bird and bat numbers increasing.
Our National Predator Control Programme is stepping up with an expanded predator control programme. Thanks to a funding boost from the International Visitor Levy, we’re able to carry out 15 predator control operations this year at high priority sites across about 650,000ha of South Island beech forests. Priority sites for predator control included Kahurangi, Mount Aspiring, Arthur’s Pass, and Fiordland national parks. We’re planning a second round of predator control work in these forests from late 2026.
Our two-round approach to beech masts targets predators before seeding this year and after seed is gone from late 2026. This approach is backed by strong science and results because it targets predators when food is scarce and they’re more likely to eat toxic bait.
The outcomes of our predator control speak for themselves. In the Landsborough Valley, over 20 years of sustained predator control has led to native bird populations more than doubling. Populations of rare birds like kākā and mohua are also on the rise.
Landsborough Valley:
Our National Predator Control Programme’s work is critical. It’s about preventing extinctions and giving our wildlife a fighting chance to recover and thrive – especially during a major beech mast.
You can also do your bit ‘naturing’ by trapping in your backyards, joining a local predator free group or donating as we work towards the Predator Free 2050 goal.
Share this:
DOC ramps up pest control ahead of major mast
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 16 September 2025
The predicted beech mast will drop trillions of seeds, fuelling a surge in rodents then stoats – with potentially devastating impacts on native birds, bats, snails and other species.
DOC National Predator Control Programme Manager Peter Morton says it’s expected to be the biggest beech mast in seven years with seeding most likely in western areas from Kahurangi at the top of the South Island to Fiordland.
“We are planning a bigger predator control programme than usual over the next two years to protect our most vulnerable native species like mohua, rock wren and pekapeka from beech-seed fuelled plagues of rats and stoats.
“Operations will be focused on the best surviving populations of endangered wildlife in Kahurangi, Mt Aspiring, Arthur’s Pass and Fiordland national parks.
“We know if we do nothing, native species will be decimated. Some of our last surviving mohua populations are hanging on by a thread and there’s a risk with a surge in predators we could lose them,” says Peter.
Mohua/yellowhead are helpless when rats invade the tree holes where they nest and roost. A rat plague during a beech mast in 1999 wiped out the last population of mohua in the northern South Island at Mt Stokes.
“Our monitoring shows that carefully timed aerial 1080 operations prevent large spikes in predator numbers, enabling birds and bats to survive and breed successfully.
“Controlling predators is one of the most important actions we can take to protect nature. People can do their bit of ‘naturing’ by setting traps in their backyards, joining a local trapping group or donating, as we work towards New Zealand’s Predator Free 2050 goal,” says Peter.
Beech mast response operations will be focussed in two rounds – later this year before seed falls in autumn and from late 2026, once seed has been eaten or germinated. This avoids times when beech seed carpets the forest floor and rodents are less likely to eat toxic bait. Monitoring through a smaller beech mast in 2023 showed this timing led to the most effective control of predators and best outcomes for native wildlife.
Planning is underway for 15 predator control operations over 650,000 ha at priority South Island sites from spring to early summer in 2025. This is in addition to DOC’s regular programme over another 150,000 ha. DOC is consulting with iwi and hapū, stakeholders and local communities about all proposed operations.
The predator control programme for the second part of the beech mast response in 2026 and early 2027 will be determined by rat and stoat monitoring results from the sites DOC is protecting. If rodent numbers do not reach anticipated damaging levels in some areas, the programme will be scaled back.
DOC has received $6.5 million from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy for its expanded programme to tackle invasive predators.
DOC uses climate modelling to predict beech masts a year in advance, and satellite imagery to monitor beech forest flowering across New Zealand. Profuse red flowering of beech trees this summer will be the first sign that the beech mast has started.
Background information
Beech forests naturally mast or seed every 2-6 years. Typically, this occurs on a local or regional scale in response to local climatic conditions. The last big mast was in 2019 when beech forests and tussock grasslands across Aotearoa seeded in a ‘mega mast’. A smaller mast occurred in parts of the South Island in 2023.
DOC controls predators on a sustained, rotational basis to protect more than 67 forest sites across the country over about 1.8 million ha or 20% of public conservation land.
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
Contact
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
Going For Growth: Competition Reform
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is beefing up the Commerce Act for the first time in nearly 20 years to provide greater protection to the public and more certainty for business, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson say.
“These changes provide more certainty and reliability for businesses, and are what this Government was elected to deliver,” Nicola Willis says.
“Competition is a key driver of growth, innovation and productivity. Consumers and businesses thrive when markets are open and fair. But our current settings are outdated, lack clarity and have led to some of our most important markets being dominated by only a handful of players.”
Key changes include:
- Stopping unfair tactics like creeping acquisitions and predatory pricing so genuine competitors can thrive.
- Clearer merger rules to give businesses certainty while keeping markets fair.
- A stronger, better-structured Commerce Commission meaning faster, more transparent decisions.
- Streamlined approval for beneficial collaboration making it easier for businesses to work together where it helps the public.
- Allowing businesses to voluntarily undertake to limit market power as part of merger applications.
“As part of the changes, the Commerce Commission will be strengthened to ensure it can continue to be an effective agency and is fit for purpose for the additional powers it has been given,” Scott Simpson says.
“An independent review found the Commerce Commission has outgrown its current structure, with the board handling both governance and regulatory decisions. By separating these functions, the Commission will be able to deliver better outcomes for consumers.
“Competition is needed. However, there is sometimes a benefit to having competitors collaborate where there are public benefits, and no harm is done to competition. The proposed changes will streamline approval for collaboration between businesses.
“The Commerce Commission will gain stronger tools, including the ability to pause or ‘call in’ risky mergers before they are completed. This targeted power ensures problematic deals can be properly assessed.
“The Commission will also be able to accept commitments from businesses – known as behavioural undertakings – to help resolve competition concerns arising from a proposed merger. Alongside this, clearer statutory timeframes will support more timely and transparent decisions.
These changes will ensure the merger regime is fit for purpose, making it easier to identify and stop deals that could harm competition.
“Importantly, these changes lift the bar on which mergers can proceed. This will prevent dominant firms entrenching their power and give businesses and consumers more choice, sharper prices and fairer markets.”
The changes are reflected in amendments to the Commerce Act that will be introduced to Parliament before Christmas and passed by mid-2026.
Nicola Willis also released an update today on the Government’s Going For Growth work programme. The Competitive Business Settings update sets out how the Government is making it easier for businesses to operate and grow so they can create more jobs and lift Kiwi incomes.
Immigration Minister travels to US to meet investors and boost economic growth
Source: New Zealand Government
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford will head to the United States this week to lead a delegation of immigration and investment private sector participants to promote our Active Investor Plus visa, with events hosted by Invest NZ who have organised the delegation.
“Since our changes were implemented on 1 April, the Active investor Plus visa has generated significant new proposed investment in New Zealand of over $1 billion, with US investors submitting the most applications.
“Heading to the US will provide an opportunity to meet with potential investors who want to know more about what New Zealand has to offer.
“We’ve said that New Zealand is open for business, and investor migrants are clearly attracted to our growing reputation as a safe, pro-business, high-potential economy.
“Attracting investment to New Zealand is crucial to boosting economic growth. It will also support our businesses to expand, hire and grow – and that means more opportunities for New Zealanders.
“It’s fantastic to see this response so far. We welcome investors’ capital, knowledge, contribution to New Zealand’s economic growth, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with them.”
The delegation will travel to meet potential investors in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco at events hosted by Invest NZ.
Minister Stanford will travel to the United States on 15 September and return on 21 September.