Health Minister Simeon Brown has today written to Health New Zealand and the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) calling on both parties to urgently enter binding arbitration.
This action follows the collective agreement expiring 12 months ago, with mediation, facilitated bargaining, and an Employment Relations Authority recommendation failing to resolve the dispute.
Most importantly, strike action continues to disrupt care for thousands of patients, with ASMS this week rejecting the latest offer and immediately balloting to strike, instead of returning to the negotiating table. A further strike later this month could impact care for thousands more patients.
The Government’s focus remains on ensuring New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare.
Both parties have been asked to confirm their agreement to arbitration by Friday 4:00 PM.
To help ensure properly funded public, health and community services the Government needs to aggressively ensure large international corporations pay their fair share of tax in New Zealand, the PSA says.
A report issued today, commissioned byTax Justice Aotearoaand theBetter Taxes for a Better Future campaign, shows that some of the richestmulti-national technologycorporations – like Facebook, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services – are paying minimal tax on the billions of revenue they generate in New Zealand. It also highlights how the Government is not taking opportunities to ensure these companies pay more in tax.
“New Zealand is missing out on more than $100 million in tax revenue from multi-national corporations each year that could be used to fund vital public services like hospitals and border security, says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons
“By not enforcing fair taxes for international tech companies the Government is choosing to place an unfair burden on working people to fund public services.
“The recent legislation ending 33 pay equity claims of underpaid, mainly female workers to raise $12 billion in revenue to shore up the Government’s Budget is a dramatic example of how women are being targeted by the Government while large corporates are exempted from paying their fair share,” Fitzsimons says.
“At the same time the Government has chosen to fund $3 billion in tax breaks for landlords and $300 million for tobacco companies, while cutting funding for public, health and community services.
The report Big Tech Little Tax details the ways international tech corporations pay minimal tax on billions of dollars of revenue. They do this by moving the bulk of their revenue to their parent companies in low tax countries, which leaves them little taxable income in New Zealand.
“More importantly the report highlights the opportunity for the Government to take action to increase the tax these companies pay in New Zealand, rather than continually slashing funding for public, health and community services,” Fitzsimons says.
“The Government seems reluctant to tackle taxing the tech corporates, partially out of fear of US retaliation. However, the report identifies other measures the Government could take that are already allowed for in current legislation and international agreements.
“What is needed is the political will to take the fight to these large corporations, which is what is already happening in Australia,” Fitzsimons says.
One initiative identified in the report, which is already allowed in the New Zealand -United States agreement on double taxation is to enforce a 5% withholding tax rate the royalties the tech corporation pay to their parent companies. This move would raise $130 million that could be used to pay for over 10,000 extra elective surgeries each year or build 1,400 social housing units, Fitzsimons says.
Zero Waste Aotearoa will celebrate 25 years of building a waste free future at the Zero Waste Aotearoa National Hui from 8-10 September. The event will be hosted at the University of Auckland/Te Taumata Rau o Tāmaki Makaurau featuring a range of fantastic speakers.
“From the movement’s early voices to those meeting the challenges of today, this hui will bring together the people and organisations committed to a future where all people and things are valued, and nothing goes to waste,” said Dorte Wray, General Manager, Zero Waste Aotearoa.
The goal of zero waste is to minimise and ultimately eliminate waste by:
Preventing the creation of waste by using better designs and systems
Using tools to ensure those who create waste take responsibility for it
Repurposing, reusing and repairing materials
Recycling and composting.
“Here in Aotearoa NZ, zero waste is built upon the foundations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We see partnership with Tangata Whenua as essential to maximising just and enduring outcomes.”
“We have the solutions right now. Our members have been making zero waste a reality in communities across the country for decades. Places like Xtreme Zero Waste in Raglan/Whaingaroa and Wastebusters in Wānaka are leading the way by diverting 70-80% of the materials that come to them away from landfill.”
“Anyone who has been to one of these places knows how great they are. Zero waste is a real win-win for the economy and environment. Community Resource Recovery Centres are creating sustainable, dignified employment while reducing climate emissions and keeping valuable resources in use.”
“The Zero Waste Hui provides a space for cementing relationships and strong connections across the zero waste sector. We enjoy a great relationship with Auckland Council who are committed to a zero waste approach to reducing waste to landfill and addressing climate change and it’s great to have them as sponsors for the hui.”
The Zero Waste Aotearoa Hui is a great place for attendees to participate in collective action, inspiration and learning. The first two days are a mix of keynote speakers, panels and workshops. On the third day, attendees tour different zero waste projects around the city for a close up view of the waste minimisation work happening.
People are being reminded that if they want to have their say on proposed tolling for Canterbury’s new Belfast to Pegasus Motorway and Woodend Bypass (B2P), they need to do so before the opportunity closes in a few days.
The proposal is for two tolling points (or gantries) to be introduced as part of the Roads of National Significance project, each charging $1.25 per passing light vehicle, and $2.50 for heavy vehicles.
When built, the B2P project will provide a 10km four-lane motorway extension north of Christchurch and a bypass that reduces the heavy traffic burden on State Highway 1 through the town of Woodend. The proposed tolling is aimed at striking a balance between helping pay for much-needed infrastructure and minimising impacts on local communities.
The Government Policy Statement on land transport 2024 requires New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to consider tolling for all new Roads of National Significance. The investment case for the B2P project confirmed tolling was possible and the revenue would support the construction, maintenance and operation of the road.
“We’ve had a good amount of public feedback already, with well in excess of 3000 submissions,” says NZTA System Design Regional Manager, Richard Osborne.
“If you haven’t already had your say, and want to be heard on this tolling proposal, then you will need to make your submission by 5pm on Tuesday 9 September.”
Following public feedback on the tolling proposal and analysis of that feedback, a final tolling recommendation will go to the NZTA Board at the end of October. A proposal will then go to the Minister of Transport, with a final decision on tolling resting with Cabinet on the advice of the Minister.
Police investigating an aggravated robbery in Panmure are appealing for the public’s assistance in identifying the person pictured in these CCTV images.
Just before 1.30am on Tuesday 12 August, this masked offender entered an eatery on Jellicoe Road armed with a hammer.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves, Auckland City CIB, says the offender threatened a worker behind the counter with the hammer before taking the till.
“The offender has then fled in a stolen vehicle.
“We would like to identify this individual, and I’m asking anyone who knows who they are to get in touch.”
The offender is wearing a grey vest with a black hoody underneath, with the ‘Hoodrich’ brand in white on the hood.
“Someone knows who this is and we are urging them to speak to us,” Detective Senior Sergeant Greaves says.
Anyone who recognises this man or who has information about this incident is asked to contact Police.
A project that looks to harness the potential of supercritical geothermal energy is amongst 19 ambitious science programmes the Government is backing, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones announced today.
“The Endeavour Fund backs bold ideas with the potential to strengthen our economy, drive innovation, and deliver benefits for New Zealanders” Dr Reti says.
“The DeepHeat project by the New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited (formerly GNS) will receive $10 million from the Endeavour Fund. Starting from 1 October, it will see over 20 leading global geothermal experts explore the significant energy potential of the Central Taupo Volcanic Zone.”
“Geothermal is a next-generation energy source and this project has the potential to be globally groundbreaking and strengthen New Zealand’s future prosperity. This research will provide critical insight into the exploration of supercritical geothermal energy the Government is funding through the Regional Infrastructure Fund,” Mr Jones says.
“As New Zealand’s electricity demand continues to grow, so will our dependence on new energy sources. Geothermal fields aren’t impacted by the weather like other renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, and wind, representing an important opportunity for our energy security.”
“This programme is part of more than $183 million in funding we’re investing in projects that have the potential to shape New Zealand’s future – from space technologies to healthcare, artificial intelligence, and clean energy,” Dr Reti says.
Projects funded in the 2025 round include:
New climate technology to monitor the upper atmosphere and improve extreme weather forecasting.(University of Otago)
AI-powered marine planning to support offshore wind energy.(Earth Sciences New Zealand)
Rapid, low-cost diagnostics for early detection of diseases like Alzheimer’s.(University of Canterbury)
Reducing spat losses to grow NZ’s Greenshell mussel sector.(University of Auckland)
Dr Reti says the projects show the power of science to deliver practical solutions.
“Past projects have led to world-first health technologies, advanced clean energy solutions, and innovations that strengthen our primary industries. The programmes announced today will continue that track record – creating new knowledge, growing the economy, and building a more resilient future.
“It’s also great to see many projects with a clear path to commercialisation, which means more ideas making it out of the lab and into the real world.”
Fence hoppers trying to escape proved no barrier for Police, who arrested two men this morning for burglary.
At around 3.12am, Police received a report of two men allegedly carrying out a burglary at a yard in Ōtāhuhu.
“The men were allegedly rummaging through cars and an office located on the property,” Counties Manukau West Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Steve Albrey says.
“We soon had a unit on scene who observed the men leaving the office.”
The arrival of Police prompted the two men to flee.
“Both offenders were seen jumping over fences and responding staff put cordons in place.”
A dog unit was deployed in the area and soon picked up a scent.
“We soon tracked two men who were hiding behind a nearby recreation centre,” Senior Sergeant Albrey says.
Both men were taken into custody.
A 51-year-old man has been charged with burglary and possession of cocaine.
Senior Sergeant Albrey says enquiries continue into the second man arrested at the time.
“We acknowledge the victim who was able to quickly report what was occurring at his business, so we could get Police on scene.
“Police will continue to deploy a range of resources and tactics to respond to this sort of offending so that we can hold offending to account.”
The man arrested will appear in the Manukau District Court today.
Details of a dramatic scaffolding collapse onto a busy Auckland road have been revealed for the first time by WorkSafe New Zealand, as its court case against the company responsible draws to a close.
The nine-metre-high scaffold was for townhouses being built on the boundary of the Ellerslie Racecourse. The structure fell into the path of cars along Remuera’s Peach Parade on a windy day in January 2024. A witness described it “start to curl like a wave” before coming down onto the road. Three workers were nearby at the time, and drivers were left traumatised from swerving to avoid injury or death.
The scaffolding collapsed onto Remuera’s busy Peach Parade in January 2024.
A WorkSafe investigation found the scaffold was effectively free-standing and lacked the minimum safety features to anchor it. For example, it was not tied down, nor was there bracing (known as rakers) used to increase the base width for stability. However, CCTV footage showed workers installing rakers onto the collapsed structure after the incident.
Kylin Scaffolding Limited did not carry out a risk assessment for the scaffolding along the roadside, nor for installing the scaffolding without rakers. The company has now been sentenced, after pleading guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
“Our official guidelines are clear that rakers, ties, and risk assessments are essential, not optional. Construction scaffolding design is complex, and you are gambling with lives if you cut corners,” says WorkSafe’s northern regional manager, Brad Duggan.
At the time of the collapse, Kylin Scaffolding Limited’s operations manager was qualified to design, construct, alter and dismantle the scaffold. The company could not explain the safety shortcomings to WorkSafe investigators.
“It is extremely disappointing that Kylin Scaffolding Limited failed to ensure that this structure was safe, and followed industry standards and guidance,” says Brad Duggan.
“How this collapse did not end in tragedy is nothing short of miraculous. This was a seriously deficient set up, and a blatant risk to public safety. Businesses must manage their health and safety risks and where they do not, WorkSafe will take action.”
WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and workers to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. Our good practice guidelines for scaffolding have practical advice on the safe design, construction, use, and maintenance of scaffolding. These guidelines are widely used in the construction industry to help meet their obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015.
Kylin Scaffolding Limited was sentenced at Auckland District Court on 3 September 2025.
The court ordered reparations of $8,500 to be paid.
Kylin Scaffolding was charged under sections 48(1) and (2)(c) and 36(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of other persons is not put at risk from work carried out as part of the conduct of the business or undertaking, namely designing and erecting scaffolding at Peach Parade, Remuera, Auckland, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed other persons to risk of death or serious injury.
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The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has now awarded a contract to deliver the first phase of the State Highway 29 (SH29) Tauriko West Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement set to begin construction in October this year, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Since endorsing the SH29 Tauriko West investment case in April, and a phased delivery approach, I’m pleased to see NZTA is continuing to work hard on this important project to improve safety, resilience, and freight efficiency along SH29, a critical corridor within the Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga triangle,” Mr Bishop says.
“These improvements are part of the now $7 billion of already confirmed Government-funded projects around New Zealand expected to begin construction before Christmas, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to deliver a strong pipeline of projects to support jobs and growth.
“With $92 million set aside to deliver the project, a $42 million construction contract for the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement has been awarded by NZTA to HEB Construction Limited, with site works starting in September, followed by construction starting in October 2025. This work includes realigning SH29 with the new bridge and making minor improvements to the SH29/Ōmanawa Road intersection.
“A standardised ‘off the shelf’ bridge design is being used that will improve delivery timeframes. The design will also accommodate a 1-in-100-year flood, enable future overweight freight loads getting to and from the Port of Tauranga, and be placed on an alignment that fits the future design of Tauriko West.
“NZTA is also in the process of awarding a contract to support phase two of the project. This includes completing route protection and consenting for a new four-lane SH29 from Redwood Interchange to Takitimu North Link interchange and upgrades to SH29A from Takitimu Drive Toll Road to Barkes Corner.
“Identifying the land needed and gaining consents for future phases will give landowners and the community certainty of the route and protects it from being built out in upcoming development of the area. It also ensures NZTA is ready and able to move forward when further funding for design and construction is available.
“Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty are growing fast and the SH29 Tauriko West project will support the potential development of 30,000 new houses in the Western Corridor by 2063, support the Tauriko Business Estate extension, as well as improve travel time reliability by 40 per cent, and reduce deaths and serious injuries by 50 per cent.
“Awarding the construction contract for the Ōmanawa Bridge is a major step forward in delivering a safer, more resilient SH29, and I look forward to construction getting underway in October this year.”
The Government is proposing to strengthen deportation settings and immigration compliance to help grow integrity and trust in New Zealand’s immigration system.
“We know most people comply with their visa conditions and New Zealand laws while they are here. For those who do not, it’s important we have the right tools in place. We are proposing changes to the Immigration Act to ensure the immigration system is more robust and responsive so it can act more decisively when serious breaches occur,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.
The Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Amendment Bill will strengthen the tools available to respond to serious immigration breaches. The changes will clarify and tighten the rules around deportation liability, including:
Expanding deportation liability for up to 20 years to cover residence class visa holders who commit serious criminal offences.
Ensuring the provision of false or misleading information can trigger deportation liability.
Clarifying that historic crimes, including those committed before arriving in New Zealand, can lead to deportation liability.
Expanding the definition of when a visa is considered to have been granted in error. This means people who were granted a visa by mistake will no longer benefit from it and may be liable for deportation.
Enabling deportation liability notices to be issued electronically if a physical address cannot be located.
Expanding the ability for immigration officers to request identity-based information from an individual when there is good cause to suspect they may be in breach of their visa conditions or potentially liable for deportation. This will mean quicker identification of people who are non-compliant.
“These changes address gaps in the current compliance framework. For example, current rules mean that people who have committed serious crimes cannot be liable for deportation if they have held a residence class visa for more than 10 years. We’re fixing that.
“Where migrants don’t follow the conditions of their visa, I’ve made it clear to Immigration NZ compliance and enforcement actions are a priority. In the last financial year, 1,259 unlawful people were deported by INZ, self-deported or voluntarily departed New Zealand, an increase of 352 from the previous financial year.
The Bill will also increase the penalties for migrant exploitation, increasing the maximum penalty for migrant exploitation from seven to 10 years’ imprisonment.
“Migrant exploitation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This change recognises the seriousness of this crime and builds on a suite of changes made by this Government to reduce the opportunity for exploitation and stamp it out when it occurs,” Ms Stanford says.
Further details on the Bill will be released later this year.
