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

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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

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September 3, 2025

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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

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September 3, 2025

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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

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September 3, 2025

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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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Media Advisory: 83 new police officers on their way to districts

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September 3, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Media are invited to the 387 Jude Simpson MNZM recruit wing graduation.

What: Graduation of the New Zealand Police 387 Recruit Wing.

Who: For families and friends to celebrate with the newly attested police officers.

Why: Completion and graduation from their initial training course.

Where: Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua.

When: Thursday 4 September at 2pm – media will need to be in place by 1.45pm.

How: RSVP the Police Media Centre if you’re attending: media@police.govt.nz

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers will attend the ceremony along with a delegation from Victoria Police, Australia.

Also attending will be members of the Police executive and Wing Patron, Jude Simpson MNZM.

The ceremony will include a minute’s silence in honour of Victoria Police officers, Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, who were killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah, Victoria on 26 August, 2025.

Commissioner Chambers: “It is important to mark the service Neal and Vadim gave to their communities, organisation and country. I have also spoken to Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush on behalf of our New Zealand Police to acknowledge the loss and will attend the funerals of the two fallen officers in the next few days on behalf of all New Zealand Police staff.

“NZ Police works closely with Victoria Police and our Australian colleagues are here on a pre-arranged visit to look at the technology and tools we provide to our New Zealand Police officers to help them in their work.”

The 387 Wing Patron:

Jude Simpson is a family harm education and training specialist. She is passionate about empowering victims of family harm to live their life to their full potential.

Jude has been working for the past 11 years at the Royal New Zealand Police College as the lead Family Harm Facilitator. She designed, developed and delivers training for recruits on family harm from the perspectives of a victim and a perpetrator. Alongside other family harm training, this gives recruits a full view of family harm and how to respond to it with empathy and understanding.

Jude has also worked for Presbyterian Support Northern as a Family Violence Advocate and while in this role designed, developed and delivered a programme for the Department of Corrections focusing on low-risk women offenders. The objective of the programme was to build self esteem and empower and support the women into work or training.

Over the years, Jude has become a skilled presenter and facilitator, and she has spoken at many conferences as the keynote speaker.

Jude was the lead female spokesperson for the “It’s not ok” national campaign for several years and helped raise awareness of family harm and the needs of victims. She was the project lead on Mangere College becoming the first school in the country to be an “It’s not ok” school.

In 2018 Jude was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her contribution and work relating to family harm.

Born and raised in Taranaki, Jude now lives in Tauranga. She is the mother of four, a grandmother and great grandmother.

More details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation on Thursday and a follow up Ten One story will be published later next month.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Rotorua Police target illegal trail bike riders

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September 3, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant John Stapleford, Rotorua Road Policing Coordinator:

One person has pleaded guilty to driving in a dangerous manner after Rotorua Police investigated illegal motorbike anti-social road users.

Police received reports of a man riding a trail bike dangerously through Rotorua suburbs. He was identified through CCTV and arrested in Fordlands on 29 August, now granted bail after pleading guilty to the charge.

The man, aged 20, is due to re-appear in the Rotorua District Court on 31 October 2025.

Anti-social road users disrupt the peace of the community, cause damage to roads and are dangerous to all traffic.

Police want to stop dangerous behaviour on and off streets.

If you drive recklessly, you should expect Police to take action to keep neighbourhoods and others on the road safe.

All Bay of Plenty Police across the district strongly encourage anyone in the community who witnesses anti-social road user behaviour to report it immediately to 111.

You can make a report after the fact through our 105 service.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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From laptop to tidepool: Always be Naturing with new ways to safeguard marine life

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September 3, 2025

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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

DOC is calling on New Zealanders to “Always be Naturing” with two powerful new citizen science tools that make marine conservation easy, wherever you are.

SeaSpotter and Spyfish Aotearoa apps are fun, simple ways to turn everyday moments, whether at the beach, in the office, or at home, into action for nature.

Department of Conservation Marine Technical Advisor Hannah Hendriks says everyone can contribute. “From identifying fish at your desk, to snapping photos of seals on the beach or spotting Māui dolphins while you surf, you can be taking action for nature. It’s about finding those small moments in daily life to connect with and care for the environment.”

Citizen science app SeaSpotter makes it easy to upload photos and videos of marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals. Sightings contribute to an open-source platform directly supporting research and conservation efforts for marine mammals.

The application was developed by conservation technology not-for-profit MAUI63, with DOC, WWF-New Zealand, MPI, and others.

Co-Founder and CEO of MAUI63 Charitable Trust, Tane van der Boon, says the trust is passionate about using technology to help everyone better understand and protect marine animals.

“We’re super excited about SeaSpotter and how it will turn everyday kiwis into citizen scientists.”

Tane says the app gives the community a chance to get involved.

“Collecting data will help scientists and researchers track and protect marine mammals like the threatened southern right whale. The more people involved, the better the data and the greater impact it will have.’’

Marine mammals in New Zealand waters range from permanent residents, like Hector’s and Māui dolphins, to migratory visitors that travel thousands of kilometres to feed or breed here.

Hannah says New Zealanders have the opportunity to make their beach culture count for nature. “We love to visit the coast – and we have the privilege of sharing it with dolphins, whales, and seals in their natural environments,” says Hannah.

“Every sighting helps us better understand where rare species live and how to protect them. With 695 billion reasons to care, SeaSpotter turns everyday encounters into conservation action.”

For days when the coast is a wistful memory, the Spyfish Aotearoa project is designed to bring marine life into offices, homes, and classrooms.

Launched in partnership with Wildlife.AI via the Zooniverse platform, Spyfish Aotearoa invites people to watch short clips of underwater footage from New Zealand marine reserves and identify fish species. Outputs contribute directly to real scientific research – helping scientists focus their time on trend analysis and conservation planning.

“Spending five minutes of a meeting counting fish together is a calming, collaborative activity which just happens to help nature. You don’t need to be a scientist. You just need a few minutes, a screen, and some curiosity and it’s surprisingly relaxing,” says Dr. Monique Ladds, DOC Marine Ecosystems Senior Technical Advisor.

Both apps are part of a growing movement to use citizen science for marine protection. Whether in the office or out on the water, Hannah says there’s a role for everyone in caring for the oceans.

“But when thousands of people take small actions – from logging a dolphin sighting, to identifying a blue cod on screen, we create a powerful wave of support for the future of our marine ecosystems, “says Hannah.

“Always be Naturing is about exactly that: making nature part of everyday life, and taking those small, meaningful actions that add up to big change.”

Get involved

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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New Zealand Eating Issues and Eating Disorders Strategy

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September 3, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

3 September 2025

The Eating Issues and Eating Disorders Strategy moves New Zealand towards a full continuum of treatment and support, including a greater focus on prevention, access to early intervention and specialist community supports, and a more inclusive approach to family, whānau and carer involvement and support.

The Strategy provides the overall strategic approach and covers:

our understanding of eating disorders in New Zealand
research evidence, feedback from targeted engagement, and prevalence and service use data
current investment and activities underway
an action-oriented roadmap outlining an initial set of actions across the first 6 to 18 months, alongside future opportunities over the next 5+ years.

Implementing the Strategy will shift New Zealand towards a vision where:

People and their families, whānau and carers are able to access treatment and supports that respond to their unique needs and contexts and are fully included in their own recovery and that of their family and whānau.

Specialist eating disorders workforces, health workforces, and other relevant workforces are trained to confidently understand and respond effectively to eating issues and eating disorders.

There is an eating disorders system of care across the full continuum of treatment and support spanning early intervention through to specialist community and inpatient services. This includes prevention and public health promotion initiatives to minimise and prevent the risk factors associated with developing eating issues and eating disorders.

To support the implementation of the Strategy, Health New Zealand is increasing investment in the eating disorders continuum by over $4 million each year. This will bring the total investment in eating disorders services to over $23 million per year. This new funding package includes ongoing investment to:

roll out peer support to all regional eating disorders services
create sustainable, community-based support for families, whānau and carers
increase the capacity of specialist eating disorders services
expand prevention and early intervention support.

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Rail ferries enter final procurement stage

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September 3, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Ferry Holdings has secured the preferred supplier of two new ferries to serve passengers, road and rail for the next 30 years, Rail Minister Winston Peters announced today.

“Nobody can accuse us of a lack of pace when Ferry Holdings is delivering a multi-year procurement process within 9 months,” Mr Peters says.

“Ferry Holdings has conducted wide market engagement, led a closed tender process with six shipyards, and has now signed a letter of intent with the preferred ship builder to start the final stage of technical negotiations.

“The letter of intent is a key milestone in any procurement process as it means the two parties are on the same page for the deal and can now iron out the technical points before signing later this year.

“The shipbuilder and Ferry Holdings have agreed a fixed price, completion in 2029, and full delivery of our ship specification for 200-metre-long ferries with road and rail decks, room for 1,500 passengers each, and an extraordinary 2.4 kilometres on each ferry of lanes for trucks, cars and 40 rail wagons.

“The shipyard will be named once the contracts are signed, and we thank the other five shipyards for their competitive engagement throughout this process.

“This deal builds on more than six decades of Interislander serving New Zealand on the Cook Strait and readies the Strait for another 30 years of service.

“In a few short months we will show the taxpayer exactly how we have saved them billions by returning to the no-nonsense ferry replacement solution that was supposed to happen in 2020 but was so wantonly disregarded between 2021 and 2023.

“In Tasmania, two ferries arrived with nowhere to berth and had we followed the previous Government’s mismanaged course we would have spent $4 billion to have exactly the same outcome – but thankfully commonsense is at the helm again,” Mr Peters says.

Design and delivery of ships

On 31 March 2025, Cabinet agreed to the core ship specification for two new rail ferries to be procured by Ferry Holdings Limited.

Following detailed preparations and engagement with shipyards through an expressions-of-interest process, the procurement process for the two new ferries formally commenced, with the six short-listed shipyards being visited by Ferry Holdings and their key advisors.

The Request for Information phase with the shortlisted shipyards was completed in June and resulted in 229 information requests received and processed by Ferry Holdings. This process enabled Ferry Holdings to clarify important technical matters with the shipyards before receiving their proposals. The resulting proposals from the shipyards were evaluated by a team of advisors and Ferry Holdings to determine which yard would best deliver to our requirements.

The signing of the Letter of Intent signals the commencement of negotiations between Ferry Holdings and the shipyard for the design, construction, and delivery of the two new ferries.

Ferry Specifications

The new ferries will be designed to safely transport passengers, cars, trucks and rail wagons across the Cook Strait. The new vessels will work to minimise carbon emissions and will have an expected life of 30 years.

Ship dimensions: 200 metres long and 28 metres wide.

Capacity: 1530 passengers and 70 crew, drive-on and off capability for 2,400 lane metres for cars, trucks and 40 rail wagons. 

Power and propulsion: Diesel-electric hybrid with batteries and azimuth thrusters’ propulsion (360-degree directional rotating) to support the vessels’ manoeuvrability in the Tory Channel, whilst docking, and operating at 20 knots. 

Environmental impact: Designed to minimise carbon emissions and environment impact. 

Ship redundancy: Designed to meet safe return to port requirements and will be fitted with system redundancies to ensure the required operational reliability in the event of equipment failure.

Safety: Fit for purpose safety features and designs for the vessel to safely operate in the Cook Strait.

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Improved support for disabled New Zealanders

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September 3, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Disabled people, their families and carers will gain choice and control around flexible funding when improvements to the disability support system are rolled out from early next year.

“The disability community has made it clear they want the freedom to make their own decisions on what supports and services they need,” Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says.

“We’ve taken that feedback on board. We know some difficult decisions had to be made in 2024 to limit ongoing acceleration of costs. Since then, we have done more work to make sure disabled people, their families and carers have a system they can trust and is easy to use.

“Last year’s Independent Review found disability support services had unsustainable spending increases, lack of clear criteria for access to flexible funding, and an inequitable and unfair postcode lottery for disabled people around the country.

“Underlying all these were long-standing issues that had not been tackled over time.

“Since then, our Government has made real progress in stabilising services, with this year’s Budget funding $1 billion over four years towards meeting the increasing costs of disability support services, including $240 million for residential care.

“Now we can confirm the next phase, giving disabled people and their families and carers more clarity, certainty and choice.

“My absolute priority is to ensure the disability support system is more consistent, transparent, sustainable and fair.”

The changes announced today will only apply to disability support services and funding allocated by Needs Assessment Service Coordination organisations (NASCs). The changes do not include supports and funding allocated by Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites, as further consideration would be needed for there to be any changes to the current EGL operating model.

To ensure the coordination of supports is consistent across the country, there will be a single assessment process and allocation used by all NASCs.
NASCs will develop personalised support plans.
Families and carers will be considered as part of the assessment where their needs are relevant to the care of the disabled disability support user.
The purchasing guidelines, including March 2024 amendments to them, will no longer apply.
Flexible funding users will have more choice and control but will need to keep their spending within their budget
People can seek a reassessment if their circumstances have changed, but otherwise will not receive more funding if they use up their budget early.

“The improvements have been informed by what more than 1,800 disabled people, their families and carers told DSS they wanted in nationwide community consultation this year,” Louise Upston says.

“We know about 38,500 people already use flexible funding, with more than 90 per cent of them accessing it through a NASC.

“While it will take time to implement the new system, these changes are significant for disabled people, families and carers.

“They build on improvements already made to stabilise the disability support system while longer-term work is done to strengthen it to reflect the Enabling Good Lives vision and principles,” Louise Upston says.

The website www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz has more information on the changes and will be updated regularly.

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