Councils need to follow Govt’s lead on procurement

March 12, 2025

Source: ACT Party

ACT Leader David Seymour is calling on local councils to ditch complex procurement rules, in line with today’s announcement for central government from the Economic Growth Minister.

“MBIE encourages local councils to follow all-of-government practice on procurement, so councils should sit up, take notice, and rapidly implement simplified procurement policies in line with the Government’s moves.

“It’s absurd that councils are forcing traffic management operators and pipeline technicians to explain their commitment to Te Tiriti, or their approach to climate change, or their recycling practices.

“Last year, the Government has scrapped Labour’s race-based procurement targets, but local councils seemed to miss the memo. Many councils continue to interrogate would-be contractors about the ethnicity of their employees, or whether they are Māori-owned.

“When a council considers a contractor, the focus should be on value for money – can they get the job done, at a competitive price.

“Dopey procurement rules add more costs to contracts, and discourage some operators from even trying to bid for contracts. Less competition for council contracts ultimately means higher prices, and higher rates.

“Simplification of council procurement will cut costs, promote competition, and reduce the cost of living.”

ACT’s research team has identified examples of ridiculous procurement rules at local councils across the country. These can be provided to media on request.

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Government plan to scrap the Living Wage for contracts “abhorrent” – E tū

LiveNews Publisher

March 12, 2025

Source: Etu Union

E tū is furious to learn that the Government is proposing to scrap the Living Wage for workers employed by government contractors.

Currently, contractors who deliver cleaning, security, and catering services for government agencies are required to pay at least the Living Wage ($27.80 at present time) to all their workers. In a media release today, Nicola Willis has announced a proposal to scrap that requirement altogether.

E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh says the proposal is cruel.

“It is heartless to consider taking away this important protection for workers, which will categorically mean their lives will become much harder,” Rachel says.

“The affected workers, once celebrated as essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, are employed by contractors to do crucial work keeping our public buildings clean and secure. They are the same workers who are often ignored by governments and exploited by businesses.

“The Living Wage requirement in the procurement rules gives these workers some much-needed reprieve. Our members have reported the huge difference the Living Wage makes in their lives, like allowing them to do the basics – pay the bills, put food on the table, buy clothing for their kids, and spend more time with their families.

“Proposing to end this support for these workers is frankly abhorrent.”

Rachel says the Government’s justification is completely inadequate.

“Nicola Willis says this is to “simplify the process” of procurement for businesses.

“Basic human dignity is not an obstacle to delivering services. Spinning this as some kind of streamlining process is disgusting – in reality, this is a proposal to make cleaners, security guards, and catering staff even poorer so the National-led Government can give more to their rich mates.

“Even more galling is Willis’ claim that this is “part of [their] plan to increase jobs and incomes” – you don’t have to be an economist to understand that you do not increase incomes by cutting them.

“Nicola Willis should face up to affected workers and justify herself to them. Why does she think they shouldn’t be able to put food on the table? Why does she want to make it harder for them to pay for their kids’ school uniforms?

“She will not face the workers. This Government has refused to engage with unions on these issues, so they can keep living in complete ignorance of the damage they are causing.”

Rachel says it’s not too late to change course.

“These changes are now open for public consultation, and if the Government has any regard whatsoever for the essential workers employed by contractors to look after government buildings and provide key services, they will keep the Living Wage requirement in their procurement rules.”

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Release: Govt procurement plan cuts wages and trashes the environment

LiveNews Publisher

March 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The Government’s new procurement rules are a blatant attack on workers and the environment, showing once again that National’s priorities are completely out of touch with everyday Kiwis.

“Nicola Willis is so desperate to have their failing policies work that they are selling working Kiwis and the environment down the river. The Government’s procurement announcement shows their priorities: they want to cut wages while making it easier to ignore environmental standards,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“Labour stands for jobs, health, and homes—that means fair pay, strong public services, and a future where working people aren’t left behind. Removing the living wage requirement just proves National doesn’t care about working Kiwis.

“At a time when we should be tackling climate change, this Government is also choosing to gut basic sustainability measures. The Government should be leading by example, not falling behind the rest of the world,” Barbara Edmonds said.

“No one working full-time should be struggling to put food on the table, but that’s exactly what National is enabling by scrapping living wage requirements. All workers, whether you’re a cleaner, a caterer, or a security guard, deserve better,” Labour workplace relations spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.

“Removing the living wage requirement proves National doesn’t care about the people who keep our schools, hospitals, and public buildings running. That’s not ‘growth,’ it’s a slap in the face to working Kiwis,” Jan Tinetti said.

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Update in Grey Lynn appeal

LiveNews Publisher

March 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police can provide an update in the investigation into an indecent assault aboard a bus in Grey Lynn this morning.

We acknowledge the public for a very swift response to our appeal this afternoon.

Police have received further information which is assisting Auckland City Crime Squad’s enquiries.

Police are no longer seeking information on this man’s identity.

We would encourage anyone else who witnessed this morning’s incident to contact us to assist with enquiries.

You can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250312/9531.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Survey results show continued high levels of trust and confidence in Police

LiveNews Publisher

March 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

New Zealand Police is pleased to see an increase in trust and confidence in the latest results from the Police component of the annual Ministry of Justice New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey (NZCVS).

The Police Module, which measures the public’s perceptions, experiences, and views about New Zealand Police, saw public trust and confidence in Police rise from 67% to 69% between October 2023 and October 2024.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Pannett says building and maintaining high trust and confidence within our communities is a priority for New Zealand Police, and it is encouraging to see the numbers trending in the right direction.

Some of the other highlights from the Police Module findings include:

83% of the public believe New Zealand Police conduct their duties professionally
74% of respondents said they were either satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received when they contacted Police
The proportion of people with no trust and confidence in Police dropped from 3% to 2% – the lowest it has been since the creation of the Police Module.

“These numbers are the direct result of the hard work our staff put in everyday when dealing with victims of crime,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Pannett says.

“They are dedicated and committed to preventing, investigating, and resolving crime across the country.

“While these results are encouraging, we know there is more work to do.

“We would like to see these numbers continue to increase as we want to have the trust and confidence of all New Zealanders.

“This survey has also given us sufficient data to assess areas where we need to continue to improve.

“One such area is looking at our visibility and deployment, with 58% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that we have a suitable presence in their community. We would like to see that number increase.

“Police are continuing to work hard to recruit an additional 500 officers as part of the Government’s commitment to increase overall officer numbers, and these additional staff will make a difference in deterring crime, enforcing the law, and increasing feelings of public safety.

“We have extremely high standards for our organisation and every one of the 15,000 people in it.

“Overall, our other trust and confidence performance indicators within the Police Module saw positive movement in areas of Police focus, such as response to serious crimes.”

The NZCVS and Police Module provide a credible source of information that can shape and direct future decisions within New Zealand Police, with the intention of building greater trust and confidence in communities.

The NZCVS was introduced in 2018 and aims to survey 7000 New Zealanders. The total number of responses for this round was 7705.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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INVESTMENT SUMMIT: Next steps to increase investment

LiveNews Publisher

March 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has decided on the next steps to establish Invest New Zealand (Invest NZ) including its scope and mandate to drive a significant increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to New Zealand, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay announced today.

“Cabinet has directed Invest NZ to provide the certainty international investors need and accelerate international investment into New Zealand to turbo charge growth, and create jobs,” Mr McClay says.

“To deliver economic growth through high-value investment, Invest NZ will be mandated to leverage New Zealand’s competitive advantage, and attract investment to boost businesses and industry.

“Invest NZ will be a one stop shop and a problem solver. If it’s good for New Zealand, and good for New Zealander’s, we will be saying yes to investment.”

Core responsibilities include:

Attracting FDI to drive economic growth, create high-paying jobs, and enhance New Zealand’s global competitiveness.
Encouraging multinational corporations (MNCs) to establish operations and conduct research and development (R&D) in New Zealand.
Streamlining investor engagement, to help businesses navigate regulatory and commercial landscapes while working closely with existing infrastructure investment bodies, such as National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited (NIFF).
Facilitating collaboration between global investors, multinational corporations, New Zealand businesses, and research institutions.
Providing expert insights to support government policy decisions that enhance New Zealand’s investment climate.

“To deliver these outcomes for the business community, Invest NZ will require a strong performance and renumeration system that recognises achievement,” Mr McClay says.

“We will look to attract the best and brightest from New Zealand and around the world, borrowing the skills, experience, and contacts from the private sector.

“We will shortly commence the process to recruit a highly skilled investment specialist with international experience as the Chief Executive, and are working toward the establishment of an executive board.

“By attracting global companies we can grow the economy, provide more opportunities and create more jobs,” Mr McClay says.

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Permanent works underway to repair an underslip at Devil’s Corner on SH2

LiveNews Publisher

March 12, 2025

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

More than 500 truckloads of earth have been removed from the largest recovery site at Devil’s Elbow, as work onsite progresses.

This recovery site, known as Devil’s Corner, on State Highway 2 north of Napier, is the final project underway in the 5km Devil’s Elbow area, following extensive damage caused to the road during Cyclone Gabrielle.

A 40 metre long and 10 metre high slip closed the southbound lane and work is underway to repair this large and challenging underslip.

Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance crews, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), are working with local contractors to restore access through the site.

It’s one of the last single lane stretches remaining between Napier and Wairoa.

Crews have completed the 120m long temporary works which will support the state highway and hillside before permanent works are undertaken. This work involved drilling 633 nails through over 4km of drilling and excavating 500 truckloads of material.

TREC project manager Richard Bayley says this is the largest, and last recovery project in the Devil’s Elbow section.

“This is a complex site where access to the bottom of the gorge has proved extremely challenging due to the constraints of the site. The team has done a great job with stabilising and supporting the road and hillside ready for the next stage of works.”

The next stage, the permanent works, started last week. Construction will involve piling and soil anchoring in readiness for a new 12 metre high retaining wall.

There will be 32 nine metre long piles to support the wall and 57 fifteen metre long soil anchors to strengthen it. More than 5,500m3 of aggregate will be used to construct the retaining wall.

“This site has been down to one lane since the underslip damaged the highway but the majority of the construction is off the road, which helps to keep traffic moving through. Once this site is complete later this year, the whole 5km section of Devil’s Elbow will be restored back to two lanes”, says Mr Bayley.

This timelapse video shows this first stage of works which started in November 2024 and finished last week:

[embedded content]

Work continues at three other sites in the upper section at Devil’s Elbow – Projects H, J and R (see map below) and short-term work (approximately 4 weeks) will be undertaken at night at Project O from April.

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EIT student’s passion for wine takes her to Italy on Bragato Exchange | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

LiveNews Publisher

March 12, 2025

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

6 minutes ago

Elise Williams love for wine science is taking her beyond the vineyards of Hawke’s Bay and into the heart of Italy, thanks to the prestigious Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship.

The 23-year-old is in her final year of the Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science at EIT and found out about her selection for the scholarship following an intensive application and interview process.

EIT Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science student Elise Williams has been awarded the prestigious Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange Scholarship.

“It’s hard to put into words exactly what this means to me,” she says. “This will be my first time travelling overseas, so the opportunity to experience a new culture while learning about wine is incredible. I just couldn’t pass up the chance to go to Italy and be immersed in the industry there.”

Her curiosity in wine initially developed from an unexpected place—a wine tasting experience during a superyacht crewing course in Nelson.

“I quickly realised that boats weren’t for me—seasickness is no fun! But that tasting stuck with me. When I moved to Hawke’s Bay, I saw an opportunity to explore the wine industry, and I haven’t looked back since.”

Originally from Wellington, Elise moved to Hawke’s Bay with her mum after the Covid-19 pandemic. With her grandmother living in the region, she had always considered it her ‘second home’.

In 2021, she completed the NZ Certificate in Cellar Operations (Level 3) at EIT, which set the foundation for her journey into the wine industry, leading her to pursue further studies.

“I kind of fell into this industry, but once I started working my first harvest, I knew this was what I wanted to do. The work is constantly changing, and you’re always problem-solving. It’s so rewarding.”

Throughout her time at EIT, Elise says she has gained valuable hands-on experience, including working vintages in wineries and obtaining her forklift licence.

“Getting my forklift licence was really useful,” she said. “I was also lucky to work for a winery that gave me a lot of training, which not every student gets.”

Her skills were put to good use in 2023 when Cyclone Gabrielle hit the region. With winery work on hold due to the devastation, Elise stepped up as a volunteer, using her forklift licence to assist at the showgrounds, moving pallets of supplies to help those in need.

“It was something I felt needed to be done. People needed supplies, and I could do my part to help keep things moving. It was incredible to see the community come together.”

Her winemaking achievements have also been impressive. In 2023, she was awarded the Richard Vuletich Memorial Trophy and received a silver medal for her Chardonnay at the EIT Wine Show.

“That was a really special moment. Making my own wine and seeing it recognised reinforced that I was on the right path. Wine is such an incredible mix of art and science, and that’s what makes it so exciting.”

As part of the Wine-Searcher Bragato Exchange, Elise will be hosted by Padua University and welcomed by Italian wine families who have previously participated in the programme. She will gain insights into Italy’s wine industry, meet key figures in the field, and explore some of the country’s most prestigious wineries.

“I’m so excited to meet people who are passionate about wine and see how things are done in a different part of the world. I want to take in as much as I can and bring that knowledge back with me.”

Upon her return to New Zealand in August, Elise will host an Italian scholar in Hawke’s Bay before travelling to Christchurch, where they will attend New Zealand Winegrower events together.

Looking ahead, Elise envisions a future in winemaking, with aspirations of working her way up to an assistant winemaker and, eventually, a head winemaker role.

“The wine industry is so dynamic; no two days are the same. I love the problem-solving and hands-on aspects of it,” she says. “I’ll start off with more vintage experiences and hopefully work my way up to assistant winemaker and beyond.”

Reflecting on her journey so far, Elise expressed immense gratitude for the opportunities she has had.

“I’m so thankful to the people who have organised this exchange and to EIT for providing such a strong foundation. I can’t wait to take this next step. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time, and now it’s actually happening. It still feels a little unreal!”

Head of School Viticulture and Wine Science Sue Blackmore said they are excited that this exchange will continue to provide EIT graduates with a unique life changing opportunity.

“The exchange enables the building of invaluable connections, as well as the opportunity to be hosted by the University of Padua and by ex-exchange scholars in different parts of Italy. We are extremely thankful to our long-term sponsors and the main sponsor, Wine-Searcher, who are ensuring the longevity of this valuable exchange that commemorates its founder, Kevyn Moore.”

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New procurement rules hurt low-income workers

LiveNews Publisher

March 12, 2025

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

New draft government procurement guidelines will remove living wage protections for thousands of low-paid workers in Aotearoa New Zealand, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff.

“The Minister of Finance Nicola Willis has proposed a new rule saying that the Living Wage no longer needs to be paid in cleaning, catering, and security guard services that are procured by government. These workers now face the potential of significant pay cuts,” said Wagstaff.

“During a cost-of-living crisis, government should be lifting people’s wages and ensuring everyone has good jobs, but instead they are reducing the quality of life for thousands of New Zealand workers.

“The Living Wage is an important protection for workers, and its level is set by independent experts who look at the real cost of living for families. Taking this protection away won’t lead to better contracts or better services, it will only lead to higher profits for companies and a more exploited workforce.

“Nicola Willis claims that this protection will be replaced by a new ‘economic benefit rule’. There is nothing in that rule about wages, terms and conditions, worker protection, or income security. For this government, economic benefit clearly doesn’t mean any benefit for workers or their families.

“This is about to trying to lift the profits of companies at the expense of working people. It’s the same logic that brought back 90-day trials, removed Fair Pay Agreements, reduced sick leave, and cut the minimum wage in real terms.

“The NZCTU condemns these changes, which will worsen the material living standards for thousands of workers,” said Wagstaff.

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Procurement proposals pose risk to people and planet

LiveNews Publisher

March 12, 2025

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is concerned by the impact the Government’s proposed changes to procurement processes could have on people and planet.

“These proposals are nothing more than an attempt to weaken workers’ rights and erode environmental protections,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.

“Instead of undermining the accountability and responsibility Government agencies have to our people and Papatūānuku, we should be empowering our workers and protecting our environment from exploitation.

“This government’s idea of creating value is zero-sum, short-term, and extractive – with no sense of real long-term responsibility.

“Kicking electric vehicles in the Government fleet to the curb in the middle of a climate crisis and eroding the responsibility of agencies to support a living wage in times of rising poverty, does not make any logical sense.

“These proposals lower our standards to the floor. This speaks to the broader agenda of this Government and the legacy it will leave behind, a legacy of persistently punching down on workers while fuelling the already raging climate crisis fire.

“We can do better, we deserve better, and we are looking forward to showcasing what better could look like with our Green Budget in May,” says Marama Davidson.

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