Politics – Seymour is rage-baiting on Paris Agreement – Luxon mustn’t bite – Greenpeace

September 3, 2025

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace agrees with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon that pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement would be the “fastest, quickest” way to “punish farmers” – and is warning him not to weaken New Zealand’s methane target for the very same reason.

“Luxon is right: backing down on climate commitments would hammer New Zealand’s international credibility, our trade relationships, and the future of our farming sector,” says Greenpeace campaigner Amanda Larsson.

“That’s also exactly what will happen if Luxon caves and reduces New Zealand’s methane target. Seymour is rage-baiting the extremist edge of the farming community to grab headlines – Luxon mustn’t bite.”

Luxon today signalled that a decision on the methane target is imminent. The announcement is hotly anticipated after it made global headlines earlier this year. Dozens of leading scientists published an open letter on the front page of the Financial Times, urging him not to weaken the target but to strengthen it in line with advice from the independent Climate Change Commission.

Methane makes up nearly a third of global warming and is over 80 times more powerful than CO₂ in the short term. Slashing methane, particularly from livestock, is seen by scientists as the fastest way to slow warming in our lifetimes – a vital “emergency brake”.

Larsson added: “Luxon is right to call Seymour out – the majority of farmers, agribusiness leaders and companies know that ditching Paris is a disastrous idea. But Luxon needs to do more than just call out a cynical extremist. The same arguments he’s made in defence of Paris apply to the methane target.

“If the methane target is weakened, Fonterra will struggle to meet the climate commitments their biggest customers – like Nestlé – require. Our exports are already at risk as global markets demand food with lower climate and environmental footprints.”

Weakening methane action would also conflict with international climate law and trade agreements, and could carry legal consequences under the recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion and clauses in New Zealand’s trade deals with the EU and UK.

Greenpeace says a strong methane target is not only vital for climate action but also for driving the innovation needed to open New Zealand up to premium export markets.

Larsson says “Strong regulation must be paired with government support to help farmers transition to ecological practices that restore rivers, clean up drinking water and protect biodiversity – while meeting customer expectations.”

“David Seymour is playing a very cynical and self-serving game. True leadership requires the Government to be the torchbearer for a long-term vision for our primary sector – one that’s good for farmers, the economy, and future generations.”

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Science – NZ waters teeming with undiscovered seaweed species, scientist says

LiveNews Publisher

September 3, 2025

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Scientists believe they’re only seeing a snapshot of what could be living in our subantarctic islands and deep waters.

This comes after Earth Sciences New Zealand researcher, Dr Roberta D’Archino, discovered a dozen new native red seaweed in just one family of red algae, and described four new genera – the level above species.

“Aotearoa is extremely diverse, stretching from the subtropical waters of the Rangitāhua/Kermadec Islands to the colder waters of the subantarctic islands. Lots of these locations, particularly the subantarctic islands, are only rarely and opportunistically explored, meaning we don’t have many samples of the seaweed and invertebrates that live in the coastal water there,” said Dr D’Archino.

Seaweed provides essential habitat for fisheries and plays a vital role in carbon capture – assisting the oceans to produce about 50% of the Earth’s oxygen.

Dr D’Archino has been studying New Zealand seaweed for 20 years, collecting and identifying specimens to fill knowledge gaps and document the native flora.

So far, she has described 27 new species and 13 new genera.

“The process of describing new species of macroalgae takes significant work to ensure the specimen hasn’t already been named elsewhere. This includes comparing morphology with other known species, which relies on having fertile samples, extensive knowledge, and undertaking DNA analysis,” said Dr D’Archino.

This is made even more difficult when there are so few samples with reproductive structures needed to formally describe new genera.

One of the new seaweeds that Dr D’Archino described, came from just a single collection made by European explorers in the 19th century at the Auckland Islands and identified as Callophyllis ornata.

It puzzled her for years.

“A box full of specimens in the herbarium Te Papa included red foliose algae collected in the subantarctic islands tentatively identified as C. ornata, but were morphologically different one to another, suggesting it included more species unknown to science.

“There was a lot of detective work to link recent collections with the specimen collected in 1842; I had to borrow a little fragment of the holotype stored in the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris (France), and compare it to specimens collected recently. It took years, but I eventually I concluded that it belongs to an endemic new genus, Motumaha and I was able to describe other two genera, Alseida and Thetisia, from the mystery box,” said Dr D’Archino.

Dr D’Archino believes there could be still hundreds of species of native seaweed alone that are yet to be described, especially from remote places as the subantarctic islands and the mesophotic zone, a habitat still poorly known. Some of the taxa discovered were collected at about 100 m depth.

“The fact that we discover new species from a few opportunistic collections hints that we’ve only scratched the surface of finding out what’s living in our oceans. It would be amazing to do a targeted expedition to these places to find what else out there – there’s still so much to be discovered.

“If we don’t know what there is, how do we know what to protect from environmental degradation, climate change, and biosecurity threats? And given how important these organisms are, it seems like these are knowledge gaps we should be filling,” said Dr D’Archino.

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DCANZ welcomes streamlined export regulations

LiveNews Publisher

September 3, 2025

Source: Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) says the New Zealand economy will benefit from today’s announced streamlining of regulatory approaches for dairy exports.

The Government announced the removal of a requirement that dairy exporters must obtain gazetted exemptions for their products from domestic compositional standards when selling to countries with different standards.

It is estimated that exporters could have missed out on millions of dollars in export earnings over recent years because of the requirement.

Chairman Guy Roper says the change will make it easier for companies to export new, high-value, and innovative dairy products.

“This is great news for the New Zealand economy at a time when every export dollar from every market matters.

“DCANZ is not aware of any other country requiring its dairy exporters to obtain gazetted exemptions from domestic compositional standards when they are not appropriate for the export market. These applications have often taken months to process, slowing the time to market for new products.

“The requirement to apply for compositional exemptions has put our exporters at a disadvantage to their overseas competitors when responding to international customer requirements.

“The changes will remove a long-standing and self-inflicted barrier to growing the value of New Zealand’s dairy exports at a time when our economy needs every export dollar it can get”

Every country’s food regulators determine the appropriate product standards for food sold in their market and they do that by taking into account the needs of their domestic populations and factors such as geographically differing nutrient availability across all food sources.

“A good example of this is that Europe has set higher ranges for vitamin D in formulated foods than New Zealand does, reflecting that our northern hemisphere counterparts receive less vitamin D from other sources, such as sunlight.

“Meanwhile, New Zealand’s requirements for selenium levels in formulated foods are higher than other countries, reflecting the low levels we have in our soils and therefore in our other food sources.”

The requirement for compositional exemptions has been in place since 2005 despite there being a legal requirement under the Animal Products Act (1999) for dairy exporters to ensure their products are safe and conform to the requirements of their intended market.

“Dairy exporters have been seeking this change for some years. In 2020 we identified it as a regulatory change that would support export value growth, and the need for the requirement has been consistently questioned since its introduction.

“We are pleased the Government has removed this unnecessary and costly second-guessing of other countries’ regulatory competence,” Mr Roper says.

Having a streamlined and less duplicative regulatory approach around this is exactly the type of red-tape reduction needed to support export growth.”

Dairy exports account for one in every four dollars New Zealand earns from all goods and services trade.

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Next Auckland recruit wing confirmed for February

LiveNews Publisher

September 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers has announced a new recruit wing will be starting at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus on 9 February next year.

This will be the second group of recruits that will use the new facilities leased from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University.

On 1 July we officially opened the RNZPC Auckland Campus, and we are already seeing the benefits from this facility for both senior courses and recruit training.

“There has been a lot of interest in another recruit wing in Auckland, so I’m pleased to announce this great news.

“Wing 390 is about halfway through their training now and the feedback we have had from them has been incredibly positive about their experience.

“I’ve visited them on a few occasions and have been very proud of the quality of training that is being delivered to a high standard.

“I know having the training delivered in Auckland was a real drawcard for many of those recruits.

“Being away from home for 20 weeks to attend recruit training in Porirua can be difficult for some, especially for those who are joining a bit later in life that have families.

“This is an opportunity for anyone who has always dreamed of becoming a police officer but the logistics of training in Porirua meant it wasn’t possible.

“It’s great to see our candidate pool opening for these exceptional people by providing this second opportunity in Auckland.

“Tāmaki Makaurau and Northland are priority areas for recruitment. The RNZPC Auckland Campus is supporting our efforts to grow our workforce in those areas.

“This opportunity is also open to those whose personal circumstances mean that training in Porirua wouldn’t be possible, like applicants who have family support in Auckland.”

The wing starting in Auckland in February, Wing 397, will follow the same format as the current Auckland Wing. There are residential spots available for those who live further away from the campus, while those who live nearby will be able to live at home. The bulk of the course will be in Auckland with recruits travelling to the RNZPC in Porirua for elements we cannot deliver in Auckland.

“We are developing world-class police officers and growing our frontline police presence. The number of officers on our frontline continues to trend upward,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers says.

“If you live in Auckland or Northland and you’ve been holding off in the hopes of another Auckland wing, apply now.”

If you are ready to start your training for one of the most rewarding careers there is, visit newcops.govt.nz to apply.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Correction: Further arrests made in relation to murder of Zain Taikato Fox

LiveNews Publisher

September 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

An earlier release contained an incorrect date in relation to the death of Zain Takato Fox.

The correct date that Zain Taikato Fox died was 26 July.

We sincerely apologise for this error.

We ask media to please update any stories to reflect the correct date.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Continuing to support New Zealanders into work

LiveNews Publisher

September 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says a continuation of a series of regional employment events reinforces a cross-sector commitment to get Kiwis into jobs, boost employment and grow the economy.

Minister Upston and officials met with representatives of around 36 employers and other stakeholders in Hamilton, reinforcing job opportunities across the Waikato region.

“It was great to attend this event, acknowledge the commitment of MSD and recognise the partnership with local employers,” Louise Upston says.

“That’s because this Government is focused on a Going for Growth strategy which includes a key emphasis on developing the talent of our people.

“These events reinforce that. They’re about people, about maximising the potential of Kiwis, about raising their earning potential while also ensuring businesses can access the people they need to help them compete globally and grow.

“The Government has an ambitious target to reduce the number of people on the Jobseeker Benefit by 50,000 by 2030. MSD and employers are key to this.

“We know we can’t do it alone, and need support from the community, employers and training organisations to achieve this goal.

“To continue discussions about how we can work together to achieve the Jobseeker reduction target, MSD will host a number of events to bring together employers, providers and community organisations.

“The focus for the Waikato Supporting New Zealanders Into Work event was ensuring employers and partners are motivated to invest in the good of their communities by training or employing MSD clients, and that they know how MSDs products and services can support them.

“It provided a great opportunity for local employers and organisations to discuss how we can all work together to understand workforce needs and address workforce challenges.”

“I want to acknowledge the work of MSD staff in getting people into jobs, with work exits up 11 per cent on the same time a year ago – in Hamilton alone, work exits were up 23% in July 2025 compared to July 2024. As we saw in Hamilton last night, MSD are doing a great job engaging proactively with both Jobseekers and with employers.

“We know the faster we can help beneficiaries – especially young people – find sustainable employment, the better the outcomes for them, their families, our communities, and our economy.

“That’s why we’ve introduced more early intervention through a phone-based employment case management service which includes up to 10,000 clients in this service, more regular work seminars, and a traffic light system to help them stay on track with their obligations.

“The new Relocate for Work Support payment will also make it easier for people to move to take up sustainable employment.

“All of these initiatives are helping on the frontline, and that matters because ‘work’ is about more than money. It also gives people a sense of purpose, independence, connectedness – leading to a better future and helping families break out of the cycle of inter-generational welfare dependence.”

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Longstanding partnership drives strategic transformation at NZ’s second-oldest charity

LiveNews Publisher

September 3, 2025

Source: Rata Foundation

Home & Family, New Zealand’s second-oldest charity, has been using evidence and data to transform how it delivers services to vulnerable children and their whānau across Canterbury.

The organisation, established in 1898 as the Society for the Protection of Women and Children, provides early intervention and wrap-around support to pēpi, tamariki, rangatahi and their parents/caregivers and whānau, and operates across multiple sectors including family violence prevention, parenting support, youth mentoring, therapy services and work with the New Zealand Family Courts.

Chief Executive Val Carter says that taking a deep dive into their data has been pivotal in gaining insights and strengthening the organisation’s impact within the community. “The Good Measure reports allow you to really look at your data and understand where you best add impact. It was a great opportunity for us to evaluate what we did, how we did it and what benefit and impact it made within the community.”

The organisation’s initial Good Measure report in 2022 focused on their parenting services at the time. “The social return on investment that came out of our first Good Measure report showed that for every dollar invested in Home & Family’s programmes, the community benefited by $2.40. This was a really positive outcome, but it also gave us the opportunity to think about what we were delivering and how we delivered it. This resulted in significant changes to the way that we deliver services, particularly parenting services, to our community.”

In 2023, the organisation implemented SafeCare, a structured early intervention parenting programme originating in the United States. Home & Family is currently the only provider of this programme in New Zealand.

Programme Manager Hamish Mepham says the initiative represents a shift from a generic social work approach to targeted, evidence-based interventions. “The development of SafeCare was informed by how the Good Measure report demonstrated our impact with the community. We wanted something to be effective but have some really good research evidence behind it to say why it was effective.”

SafeCare uses a skill-based curriculum that builds on the knowledge, experience and existing strengths of a parent/caregiver. Through initial baseline assessments, a parent’s initial skill set is identified, with this information used to inform how to deliver the training in remaining sessions. SafeCare participant Josh says: “The SafeCare programme’s taught me a lot. I think I’ve come a long way from what I did know to now. Without Hamish being in the picture when he came in, I don’t think I would be where I am now. I don’t think I would probably still have my boys.”

A follow-up Good Measure assessment conducted in 2024 revealed the programme’s significant long-term benefits, particularly for children. Ms Carter says: “For us, the most interesting and motivating figure was that the social value for children who participated in our SafeCare programme was over $17,000 over their lifetime. This represents the long-term benefits that targeted, evidence-based early intervention can provide – not just immediate support, but lasting positive outcomes that follow children into adulthood.

“We work with about 900 to 1,000 people impacted by family violence, and when we talk about one person, it’s also all of the extended whānau that sit behind that one referral.”

The transformation has been supported through a long-standing partnership with Rātā Foundation, spanning over 20 years, with the Good Measure reports undertaken through the Strengthening the Sector Programme. “Rātā invited us initially to undergo the Good Measure report so we could review what we were doing, if it was working and what could be done to improve our support. Rātā has been a core catalyst into us being able to be more effective with what we do. It is that real trusting relationship that we’ve been able to build and maintain over the years that has been so vital for our organisation.”

Rātā Foundation Head of Community Investment Kate Sclater says: “At Rātā, we value our relationship with Home & Family who have a solid foundation of social impact in the Canterbury region. This partnership is based on the strong alignment of a shared vision to empower families and whānau to thrive, and a shared commitment to continually strive to learn and evolve, to improve outcomes for future generations. For us success is when organisations take learning and use it to improve programmes and services for the people they support.”

Recently Home & Family moved into a new facility in Opawa, bringing all operations under one roof for the first time, including the team of 20 to 25 permanent staff and volunteers. The building includes Kōmanawa, meaning ‘Oasis’, a dedicated client space designed specifically for children and their whānau. “Kōmanawa is our client space and it’s going to be set up really to be child friendly. The majority of the clients who will be using the space will be children and their whānau, so we’ve wanted to make it as welcoming as possible.

“Next for Home & Family is really settling into our new space and building on the opportunities that we’ve been able to enjoy through our partnership with Rātā to really strive to provide the best possible service for our community.”

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Statistics NZ proposes axing Māori Learning Capability team in latest cull – PSA

LiveNews Publisher

September 3, 2025

Source: PSA

Statistics New Zealand has proposed today to disestablish its Tangata Tiriti Learning Capability Team alongside further reductions to its People and Culture team.

PSA Kaihautū Māori Marcia Puru strongly opposes the move, saying it’s a blatant attack on Māori – Māori kaimahi, te Reo Māori, and Tiriti development at Stats NZ, but it also removes sector-leading professional development opportunities for all staff.

“This proposal is yet another example of the austerity-driven, anti-diversity political environment this Government has pushed so hard for. It doesn’t need to give directives – it’s very clear to agencies that any public services that focus on Māori are not welcome.”

Puru says that Stats NZ will be failing on its legislative functions such as quarterly reporting on the Te Ture Mo te reo Māori (Māori Language Act).

“My main concern is how Stats NZ will continue to meet its obligations as a Tiriti partner. To keep up with these legislative functions, Stats NZ will need to hire external evaluators – which will no doubt cost them more in the long run. In short, these cuts are regressive and short-sighted.”

The Tangata Tiriti team will lose six roles, with three staff merging with the larger People & Culture team. The People & Culture team itself will be reduced by two roles.

These cuts to the team come despite Stats NZ running a $2M budget surplus last year.

“A recent internal review of the Tangata Tiriti Learning and Capability team said it has delivered outstanding outcomes. Stats NZ says in its own proposal document that the Tangata Tiriti team have delivered important work. There’s a lot in there insinuating their work is expensive, but no cost analysis was actually completed for the review, or for the document.

“Why not keep these highly valuable workers right where they are, so that they can continue to help upskill their coworkers in te ao Māori?

“The answer, as usual, is a falsely restrained balance sheet. The Government would have the money to pay public service workers if they hadn’t given their landlord mates billions.”

The Tangata Tiriti team drive internal programmes to improve Stats NZ’s knowledge and capability to work within te ao Māori.

“Instead of having a team of in-house experts who have built up relationships within the organisation, Stats NZ is planning on reducing its focus on te ao Māori within growing the workforce and will be scaling back teaching te reo, using a combination of inhouse and outsourced expertise.

“This is a retrograde step that will hinder Stats NZ’s ability to engage effectively with Māori, the exact opposite of what the agency needs after they failed to engage with tangata whenua for the 2018 Census.”

This restructure is the sixth Stats NZ has undergone since the National-led Government came into power in 2023, cutting staff in December 2023, September 2024, twice in October 2024, December 2024, and now September 2025.

Other PSA statements on Stats NZ:

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Green Light Economy: Chamber Unveils Vision for Wellington’s Future – Chamber of Commerce

LiveNews Publisher

September 3, 2025

Source: Wellington Chamber of Commerce

“We are proud to present this report for Wellington as we head into the mayoralty race for 2025” said Greg Pollock, Chair of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

“Wellington has all the right ingredients to thrive, from world-class science and technology to a vibrant creative sector. But we’re not yet capitalizing on that potential. This blueprint sets out a bold vision to reduce pressure on businesses, align our strengths, and supercharge the capital’s economy.”

The Chamber is calling for a review on commercial rates, regulatory simplification, and targeted investment in innovation and housing. The report also proposes the re-establishment of a revised Business Advisory Council to ensure private sector input into economic development decisions.

The Chamber has been consulting widely with business leaders and members on the recommendations, which are backed by expert research from Infometrics and Allen + Clarke. These are aimed at helping to grow a city where startups, small businesses and communities flourish, supported by strong collaboration between local and central Government and the private sector.

The report identifies four key pillars to drive transformation:

Reform for Growth – The business community is ready to collaborate to make Wellington a more business-friendly city.
Innovation Capital – Investing in innovation hubs and infrastructure to grow Wellington’s business innovation ecosystem.
Creative Launchpad – Supporting Wellington’s world-class creative industries with space, career pathways, and international branding.
Liveable City – Wellington is a vibrant, sustainable city, which needs to attract and retain talent.

“This report reflects the voices of over 1,000 members across the Wellington region,” said Amanda Wood, Acting CEO of the Wellington Chamber.

“Despite their resilience, many businesses feel undervalued and underrepresented. We believe a stronger partnership between Council, central Government, and business is essential to unlock Wellington’s full potential.

“The opportunity for growth is enormous, and the next Council term must set a better course for Wellington.

“We hope that with a new term, a revised focus on the future in partnership with the private sector can take hold to truly capitalise on everything Wellington has to offer.”

The Chamber invites stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to engage with the report and join the conversation about Wellington’s next chapter.

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce represents 1000 members across the Wellington region providing advice, training, support, and advocates for policies that reflect the interests of the business community.

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Big win for food exporters as red tape slashed

LiveNews Publisher

September 3, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

“Hundreds of food exporters will benefit from a common-sense cut to red tape, making it easier to deliver safe New Zealand food to more markets,” says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard.

From 25 September 2025, food exporters will no longer need to apply for special exemptions from New Zealand rules if their products meet the requirements of the importing country.

“This simple change means that as long as exporters comply with the rules of the country they’re sending food to, they won’t need MPI’s approval to get around New Zealand’s composition or labelling requirements,” says Mr Hoggard.

“Previously, exemptions had to be applied for product by product – an onerous process that drove up costs, created delays, and sometimes meant missed opportunities.

“The dairy sector, for example, has pointed out that composition requirements for dairy products vary significantly between countries, as their citizens often have different diets and get their nutrition in different ways.

“The new rules cut paperwork and compliance costs, give exporters more certainty, and allow them to manage their own compliance with overseas markets.

“Exporters have been clear that the old system held back trade and innovation. Cabinet has now delivered a streamlined approach that makes exporting easier and more efficient.”

The changes include a one-year transition period where exporters can choose either the existing exemptions or the new pathway. MPI has today published guidance to help businesses adjust.

“This is just the start. I’ve asked officials to prioritise additional work on dietary supplements, and we are working on extending the new approach to all foods. This staged rollout balances cutting red tape with maintaining food safety and consumer trust,” says Mr Hoggard.

The new guidance on the Ministry for Primary Industries Website can be found here: mpi.govt.nz/export/food/exempting-food-exports-from-new-zealand-requirements/

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