PSA condemns Pharmac move to dismantle Te Tiriti policy and Māori protections

September 1, 2025

Source: PSA

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi opposes Pharmac’s in-principle decision to remove its Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy, saying it would be a clear breach of legal obligations, a rollback of Māori protections, and a continuation of structural harm to Māori staff and health equity.

“Pharmac’s decision in principle to completely wipe out its Te Tiriti policy is yet another example of this Government pursuing ideology to the detriment of some of our most disadvantaged communities,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi acting Kaihautū Māori, Marcia Puru, says.

“The Policy gives Pharmac a structure around how it can be an active partner in Te Tiriti. Removing it would make the agency less responsive and accountable to improving Māori health equity.

“It would undermine the Māori experts and voices within Pharmac, clearly telling kaimahi that improving Māori health outcomes is no longer a priority.”

Māori Directorate dismantled

Earlier this year, Pharmac disestablished its entire Māori Directorate, dissolving its internal leadership structure for Māori health equity.

These changes left Māori staff without dedicated leadership, a clear strategy or a culturally safe internal framework.

The in-principal removal of Te Tiriti Policy now compounds this harm effectively wiping out Te Tiriti accountabilities across the organisation.

“This wasn’t just a restructure, it was a dismantling of Māori-decision making power and a silencing of Māori expertise within Pharmac,” Puru says.

The Pharmac Board justified its decision in principle to remove the policy “in light of current Government direction”, citing the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Bill.

Pharmac is a Crown agent and is legally bound to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, give effect to section 7 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, and honour Māori-Crown relationships under the Public Service Act 2022 (ss 14-17).

Removing the Te Tiriti policy without consultation or engagement puts the agency at risk of non-compliance with these statutory obligations.

“It is reckless and pre-emptive to scrap a Māori equity framework while legislation is still under review. Pharmac is sending a dangerous message that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is optional.

“This decision is a dangerous precedent to set for a government agency who has a lot of power over the health of New Zealanders.

“But unfortunately, this is far from the first time this Government has removed specialist teams and told the public service to focus on ‘need, not race’ – a completely false directive that ignores the lived experience of Māori.”

The PSA says that removing Te Tiriti Policy also impacts upon staff. The union’s collective agreement includes cultural safety provisions for kaimahi Māori.

“The removal of Te Tiriti policy would weaken protections and support for Māori staff members. Losing those cultural safety provisions would be an unacceptable, and huge, step down for kaimahi.

“We stand with our Māori members. This is not just about one policy, this is about dismantling the very structures that protect Māori health, rights and leadership. We will not allow Te Tiriti o Waitangi to be undermined by political direction or agency silence.”

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BusinessNZ – Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum to convene in Canberra

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: BusinessNZ

The 16th Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) will be held on Tuesday 2 September and Wednesday 3 September in Canberra, Australia. The ANZLF is a dynamic bilateral platform that unites senior public and private sector Australian and New Zealand leadership to discuss, debate, and provide actionable insights to both governments. It focuses on key policy issues to drive economic growth, and strengthen long-term prosperity, security, and resilience for both nations.

Under the theme “Navigating a turbulent world: Enhancing Trans-Tasman prosperity, security, and resilience,” the two-day forum will hold a welcome reception featuring a session on “Trade in a Fragmenting World: Trans-Tasman Strategy in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape.” Panelists will include Senator Hon Don Farrell, Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Hon Todd McClay, New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment.

The forum aims to address how Australia and New Zealand can navigate rising geopolitical tensions while reinforcing their shared economic cooperation. Discussions will explore how strategic alignment, trade facilitation, and regional engagement can strengthen supply chains, protect market access, and enhance economic resilience.

On Wednesday 3 September, the ANZLF welcomes Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers, New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis, New Zealand Minister for Climate Change Simon Watts, and New Zealand Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The forum will include plenaries on key areas of trans-Tasman cooperation, including:

Aligning for Impact: Productivity, Economic Growth and Trans-Tasman Competitiveness
Integrated Capability: Deepening Trans-Tasman Defence Industry Cooperation
Building a Seamless Trans-Tasman Digital Economy: Strategic Alignment for Regional Competitiveness
Trans-Tasman Climate Cooperation for Economic Growth and Industrial Transformation

The Forum will conclude with the ANZLF Leaders’ Dinner, with the Honourable Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, as the guest of honour.

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Consumer NZ welcomes $2.25 million fine against Jetstar

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Consumer NZ

A fine handed to Jetstar for misleading passengers about their rights is one of the largest penalties issued under New Zealand’s Fair Trading Act.

“This is a landmark case. A $2.25 million penalty sends a clear message that airlines cannot mislead passengers and expect to get away with it,” says Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy.

The fine follows a Commerce Commission investigation triggered by numerous complaints, including one put forward by Consumer in October 2022. Jetstar admitted to multiple breaches of the Fair Trading Act after misleading passengers about what they were entitled to when flights were delayed or cancelled for reasons within the airline’s control.

According to the commission, Jetstar misled tens of thousands of consumers about their rights to compensation under the Civil Aviation Act 2023 and their rights to make a claim in the first place.

“This wasn’t just poor service. These were embedded practices that left people out of pocket when the law actually offered them protection,” says Duffy. “Passengers often didn’t know their rights and were actively misled by this conduct.”

Under the Civil Aviation Act, travellers have clear rights when delays or cancellations are within an airline’s control. But currently, airlines are not required to tell passengers about those entitlements. Consumer has long called for this to change.

We met with associate transport minister James Meager last month and urged him to recommend regulations that would require airlines to communicate passengers’ rights clearly. He could do this easily and quickly under existing powers in the Civil Aviation Act.

“We need rules that protect travellers and ensure fair treatment. Without that, airlines profit from passengers’ confusion. There should be no place for that kind of behaviour in a competitive aviation market,” says Duffy.

We acknowledge Jetstar has improved its service since the complaint was filed. The airline has engaged with Consumer and the Commerce Commission, sought advice on complaints, improved communication with passengers and committed to putting things right for affected passengers. As a result, we have noticed a significant reduction in the number of complaints we receive about Jetstar.

“Jetstar has made changes and, in doing so, has shown that, when held accountable, airlines can lift their game. This outcome sets a higher standard for the whole industry and reinforces the fact that doing right by passengers is good for business,” says Duffy.

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Energy sector – Conference to tackle energy hardship and build resilience returns for 3rd year

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Ara Ake

The Energy Resilience and Affordability Conference will return on 8-9 October 2025 at the Harbourside Function Centre, Wellington, bringing together leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy, community and research sectors.

The two-day event will focus on addressing energy hardship while highlighting innovative, community-led energy solutions already making a difference on the ground.

“Energy resilience is a national priority, and one that’s central to Ara Ake. We’re pleased to return to Wellington with this important conference,” says Jonathan Young, Ara Ake Head of Industry and Government Engagement.

This year’s conference theme explores how regional projects, partnerships, and innovations can deliver sustainable, community-led energy solutions and promote energy affordability across New Zealand.

“Rising energy costs and poor-quality housing are challenges many New Zealanders face, affecting their physical and mental health as well as financial stability. We want to provide an opportunity for experts in the community, energy, research, and Government sectors to develop partnerships that can deliver large-scale programmes that supports local energy resilience and eliminates energy hardship,” says Gareth Cartwright, Community Energy Network Executive Officer.

Keynote and speakers

The conference features a keynote address from Dr Amanda Cahill, founder and CEO of The Next Economy. With more than two decades of experience in economic development, public health, gender equality, and climate adaptation across Australia, Asia and the Pacific, Dr Cahill is an influential voice on regional energy transitions.

Other speakers include:

Cameron Bagrie, Economist
Luke Blincoe, CEO, Supa Energy
Marcos Pelenur, CE, EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority)
Mike Casey, CEO, Rewiring Aotearoa
Sarah Gillies, Chief Executive, Electricity Authority

“The conference aims to build a shared understanding of how regional and community energy frameworks can support an affordable, fair transition for whānau facing energy hardship, while fostering collaboration between energy providers and community groups for better outcomes,” says Paul Scouller, WISE Charitable Trust General Manager.

The conference is sponsored by Powerco, Nova Energy, Daikin, EECA, and the Electricity Authority, and co-hosted by Ara Ake, WISE Charitable Trust and Community Energy Network.

Formerly called the Reducing Energy Hardship Conference, the 2-day event attracts around 200 attendees. This year, a free 3-hour workshop will be offered on the day prior to the conference and will cover the basics of the energy sector. The workshop is available to book when registering for tickets, but numbers are limited.

Details: 8-9 October 2025 (pre-workshop on 7 October from 1pm-4pm) Harbourside Function Centre Wellington

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Construction Sector – QVCostbuilder: Construction cost growth slows to 1.2% annually — lowest in years

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

The cost of building a home remains relatively stable, giving builders and developers greater certainty on price.

In QV CostBuilder’s latest quarterly update for August, approximately 11,700 new material and labour prices were applied to its database of more than 60,000 rates across Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin.

The average cost of constructing a standard one- or two-storey 150–230m² home in these centres rose just 0.2% over the past three months, following a 0.3% rise in the first half of 2025 and is in sharp contrast to the 44% increases seen between 2020 and 2024.

“Construction cost inflation has remained very subdued this quarter, with annual growth continuing to ease, down slightly to 1.2%, compared to 1.3% last quarter,” says QV CostBuilder quantity surveyor Martin Bisset.

The most notable price movements this quarter were Grade 500 reinforcing rods, up nearly 14%, and with the 16mm reinforcing rods up more than 30% in both Wellington and Dunedin. Other main contributors to the overall cost changes in Q3 were reinforcing mesh, fill material, and insulation,” he said.

Recent regulatory reforms may impact building costs in the medium term including the overhaul of building consents, the shift to proportionate liability, and the new rules on overseas products under the Building Product Specifications (BPS).

While these changes are intended to improve efficiency, competition, and supply resilience, the new overseas product rules aren’t expected to materially affect costs within the next six months. “Their success will depend on how well they are implemented and adopted across the industry. QV CostBuilder will track these materials alongside current ones if we can obtain rates from our suppliers,” he said.

More efficient consent processes should mean quicker approvals and earlier start dates, reducing upfront costs, though not the overall cost of a build. However, Bisset said, “Proportionate liability is harder to assess until details are finalised. If warranties are required, those costs will likely be passed on to developers and homeowners, and history tells us there can be challenges—for example, councils often carried the burden of leaky building claims when builders were no longer in business.”

Looking ahead, Bisset says many firms remain under financial strain, with conditions still subdued in the short term.

“The industry is waiting for the economy to improve before committing to new projects. Government moves to amend the RMA, open the door to overseas materials, and streamline consents are helpful, but restarting stalled projects would also provide much-needed confidence.”

“From 2026, stronger growth is expected as major transport, health, and education projects ramp up. For now, cost growth remains in check, providing welcome stability after several turbulent years.”

In the meantime, costs for non-residential buildings (excluding educational buildings) also rose modestly by 0.2% this quarter, with an annual cost increase of 1.0%. “Bear in mind that all of these figures are averages and the true cost of construction will always depend on the level of finishes, internal layout, and all manner of other elements,” Mr. Bisset added.

QV CostBuilder is New Zealand’s most comprehensive subscription-based building cost platform. In this update, more than 11,700 current material prices were applied to its database of more than 60,000 rates, generating about 14,900 changes to the data across six centres.

Powered by state-owned enterprise Quotable Value, QV CostBuilder’s comprehensive database covers everything from the building costs per square metre for banks, schools, and office buildings, to the approximate cost per sheet of GIB and more than 8,000 other items. It also includes labour rates, labour constants, and much more.

Visit QV CostBuilder at costbuilder.qv.co.nz.

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Universities – Pacific children’s wellbeing expert appointed new Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika) – Vic

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Emma Dunlop-Bennett as Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika).

Dr Dunlop-Bennett, of Samoan (Sā Petāia, Sā Te’o, Sā Atoā) and Māori (Ngāti Maniapoto) descent, is a former New Zealand High Commissioner to South Africa and other African countries. Prior to becoming the AVC (Pasifika), she worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where she held leadership roles in strategic policy and climate change. She joins Te Herenga Waka on Monday 1 September after 25 years working in foreign policy, diplomacy, and community development. A pōhiri and ‘ava ceremony will be held in the coming weeks to formally welcome Emma into her new role.

Dr Dunlop-Bennett’s PhD research was on Samoan perspectives on child wellbeing. It was the first research in New Zealand that positioned Pasifika children as experts on their wellbeing and created a space—grounded in Pacific research methods—for them and their parents to share their knowledge. She also holds a Master of Philosophy majoring in International Development, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography.

“My vision for Tangata Moana is simply this: that they recognise the brilliance within them and harness this to succeed,” she says. “I joined Te Herenga Waka because I firmly believe that this is the place where Tangata Moana can soar.”

With several family members as alumni or current students, Dr Dunlop-Bennett has strong connections to the University, and to tertiary education in Aotearoa. Her mother, Tagaloatele Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, was the inaugural director of Te Herenga Waka’s Va’aomanu Pasifika in 2006 and received a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2019. All four of her sisters graduated from the University, as well as her eldest daughter Elena Bennett. Her second daughter Grace Bennett is currently completing her undergraduate degree, and her niece, Emele-Moa Makisi Setefano works at the University.

“Success is not only possible—it is inevitable when Tangata Moana are empowered and supported. I’ve spent much of my career working alongside Pacific communities—both here and across the region—where I’ve seen the power of education to transform lives and open up new futures.”

She has extensive experience leading projects and policy work throughout the Pacific and is looking forward to bringing her connections and wealth of experience to support and promote Pasifika education and research at the University. Dr Dunlop-Bennett was raised in Samoa, in the village of Tanugamanono, and has worked in Fiji and Vanuatu.

The AVC (Pasifika) is part of the Provost’s team and Provost, Professor Bryony James, is delighted to welcome Emma to the ‘aiga’. She says, “We are all looking forward to working with Emma and excited to have such an accomplished Pacific woman joining the team.

“With Emma’s leadership we will be able to build on the remarkable legacy of Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban as we ensure Te Herenga Waka is a welcoming and aspirational home for Pacific staff and students.”

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Culture and Heritage – Merchant Navy Day 2025 to honour hospital ships and historic milestones

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Merchant Navy Day will be marked by a national commemoration on Wednesday 3 September at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington.

“Please join us to mark this Merchant Navy Day at Pukeahu, and remember the efforts and people of what is regarded as the ‘fourth service’ alongside the army, navy and air forces,” says Kartini Havell, Acting Deputy Secretary Delivery & Investment at Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“Merchant Navy Day honours the thousands of civilian seafarers who served aboard merchant vessels during wartime, delivering troops, supplies and medical aid across perilous seas. Merchant Navy Day is observed on 3 September to mark the sinking of the first British merchant ship in 1939, just hours after the Second World War began.

“The Merchant Navy has a critical place in our service history. Merchant vessels and the many New Zealanders who served on them played an essential role in the Battle of the Atlantic, one of the longest and most dangerous campaigns of the Second World War.

“The commemoration will recognise the vital role of hospital ships, such as the Maheno in the First World War and the Maunganui in the Second World War, which carried wounded service personnel to safety under dangerous wartime conditions. The hospital ships and their crews’ humanitarian service saved countless lives.

“This year’s ceremony will acknowledge several significant anniversaries, including 110 years since the Maheno served off the coast of Gallipoli, and 80 years since the end of the Second World War.

“Merchant Navy Day provides an opportunity for New Zealanders to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who served at sea, and those who said goodbye to those they loved. Nau mai ki Pukeahu, please join us for this important commemoration,” Havell says.

About the event:

People wishing to attend this year’s commemoration are asked to arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park by 10.45am for an 11.00am start.

Please note that the Carillon Tower is currently closed for seismic strengthening. The Hall of Memories was strengthened in 2015 and is safe to enter.

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Health and Law – Vaping law breaches fuel Foundation’s training rollout

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

Just two weeks into the new vaping laws, 125 complaints poured in – and dozens of retailers were caught breaking the rules.

Information released to the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ shows that between 17 and 30 June 2025, Health NZ received 125 complaints and carried out 607 compliance visits. Of those visits, 37 uncovered “clear and obvious breaches” of the law, while a further 42 found “minor compliance issues”, ranging from advertising and vape visibility to non-compliant devices and even sales to underage customers.

Asthma and Respiratory Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says this shows how deeply the problem runs.

“Retailers had months to prepare, yet 125 complaints came in just two weeks.
“It appears that non-compliance is widespread – and, in many cases, deliberate.”

Despite these breaches, Health NZ were unable to provide details on the outcome of these complaints as “this is not currently required to be reported”.

However, the agency says a new national system to “enable greater reporting and monitoring of trends” is expected in mid-2026.

Ms Harding says it is unacceptable that the public has no way of knowing whether those caught breaking the rules are being penalised.

“If breaches are found, penalties should follow immediately – and that money should go straight back into education and quit-vaping programmes.”

So, with enforcement lagging and youth exposure continuing, the Foundation has moved to strengthen prevention through its new community Train-the-Trainer programme.

The initiative equips educators, youth workers and whānau advocates with the tools to teach rangatahi about the harms of vaping.

Foundation Community Liaison Officer Sharon Pihema, who has run the Foundation’s vaping workshops in schools for years, is leading the rollout.

“Compliance visits and fines only go so far.

“Real change happens when rangatahi hear the facts from people in their community they know and trust – that’s what this training is about.”

The first certified trainer, Thomasina Samuels of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tamawhariua, says the programme gave her both urgency and confidence.

As a mother of six and a nana to four mokopuna, she says the mahi is personal.

“I want my tamariki and mokopuna to be well informed about the dangers of vape use – the addiction, the mental health connection, and how those barriers can hold back their goals.”

Samuels says her hope is for a ripple effect.

“If just one person takes this information back to their circle of friends, and one more does the same, then the message spreads. That’s how we protect rangatahi.”

Ms Pihema says that scaling the programme is vital.

“The more Foundation-certified Train-the-Trainers we have around the motu, the stronger the prevention network becomes.”

Ms Harding says this is another example of how the Foundation doesn’t just advocate for change, it comes up with solutions.

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“Scrim” reflects on decades of protecting nature

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date: 01 September 2025

“A good pair of boots, a chainsaw, a rifle, and a reliable truck.”

DOC has launched its Always Be Naturing campaign during Conservation Week. Nature is at the heart of who we are as New Zealanders – it shapes our identity, wellbeing, economy and future. But nature is in trouble, and the challenge is growing.

Scrim was inspired to get into conservation after an Honorary Forest Service Ranger visited his school when he was a teenager “lucky enough to be growing up in Golden Bay, doing nature study on the beach”. Now into his late 60s, he’s a familiar face to Maniapoto residents, having spent several decades living and working in Te Kuiti.

The ranger’s visit to Scrim’s school was profound. He remembers the ranger’s grim story of eating kākāpō during the Great Depression, and the famous parrots’ gradual disappearance.

“That really struck me – something like extinction of a species, which I’d always seen as being in the past, could happen in our lifetimes, and surprisingly quickly.”

Initially a “woodsman” with the Forest Service – “learning some skills in an environment I liked” – Scrim joined DOC when it was formed in 1987. He has been with the department ever since, in many different roles including many initial years in wild animal control (with a team based in Te Kuiti), and more latterly in operations management and relationship-focussed positions.

“I saw a Department of Conservation as quite a logical step forward for New Zealand society. To me, it was an opportunity,” he says. “It brought real strength to what had been quite a fragmented conservation sector.”

Through his long service, he’s met several Conservation Ministers and numerous Directors-General, and he points to his former colleague John Gaukrodger as a particularly strong influence.

He’s also been fortunate to work in several different parts of the country, including several stints on Raoul Island where his initial contribution was controlling goats – leading to significant subsequent biodiversity improvements there.

The wild animal control work would often mean long days, overnighting in huts in the bush, and putting the body and mind to the test. He doesn’t miss it but says he’s glad he had those challenging and authentic professional conservation experiences.

“You do have some wonderful experiences in the bush, and hunting is the tool that gets you there,” he says.

Work to protect kokakō and Mahoenui giant wētā was part of his Scrim’s initial biodiversity experience – and those efforts continue today in DOC’s Maniapoto district. The long-term kokakō work, which began in the 1980s, is a particular highlight for him, helping pull the species back from the brink of extinction.

Looking ahead, Scrim says the greatest challenge he sees for conservation is climate change. He anticipates significant resource will be needed to address the impact of warming planet and what that will mean for species and habitats. He sees great opportunities for “bright young people” to get involved in conservation through the advances of technology.

As he heads toward retirement, Ray says much has changed in the conservation sector – in particular digital technology and the importance of GPS systems, and the relationships with iwi and communities – but those old-school tools of “boots, chainsaw, rifle and truck” are still vital.

“In some ways, the more things change, the more they stay the same!”

Every person, business and community has a role in protecting and restoring nature. Whether it’s picking up rubbish on your beach walk, cleaning your boat to stop invasive species, setting a predator trap in your back garden, or donating to a conservation project via the New Zealand Nature Fund, there’s something everyone can do to help.

Background information

Always Be Naturing campaign

DOC is proud to lead efforts to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique and precious natural environment.

Nature here is extraordinary, but some places and species are under pressure. Through education, advocacy, and action, DOC works with communities, businesses, iwi, and government to make a real difference – because together we can achieve more.

The Always Be Naturing campaign celebrates New Zealanders’ love of nature and encourages everyone to get involved. From fun, engaging content to attention-grabbing billboards, the campaign highlights that caring for our environment is a shared responsibility and that every action counts.

DOC is one of many organisations helping to protect our natural world, and the collective effort of all New Zealanders ensures nature can thrive for generations to come.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Appeal for information after body located near Fitzroy Beach

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for information that could help identify a person located deceased on the shoreline at Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth this morning.

The deceased man is thought to be in his 50s, and was located at around 6:50am. He is described as being a thin build with a white beard, and was wearing a high-vis shirt and black sweatpants.

Residents around Fitzroy Beach may notice an increased Police presence, while enquiries continue.

If anyone has information that could assist Police, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online, and reference event number P063666583.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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