Stats NZ information release: International migration: January 2025

Stats NZ information release: International travel: January 2025

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March 13, 2025

Source: Statistics New Zealand

International travel: January 2025 – 13 March 2025 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

Key facts

Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors
Overseas visitor arrivals were 370,200 in January 2025, an increase of 43,800 from January 2024. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

Australia (up 22,800)
China (up 15,200)
United Kingdom (up 3,300)
Taiwan (up 3,200)
Korea (up 1,600)
Germany (up 1,400)
United States (up 1,300)
Hong Kong (up 1,200)
New Caledonia (down 1,300).

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Universities – University of Auckland performs strongly in QS 2025 Subject Rankings – UoA

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March 13, 2025

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland continues to demonstrate its academic excellence with a strong performance across a broad range of disciplines in the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings by Subject released on 12 March.

This year, the University of Auckland has five subjects in the Top 50 and an impressive 27 subjects in the Top 100, marking an increase of two subjects in the Top 100 compared to 2024.

Among the Top 50 subjects, the University has achieved notable success in Sports-related subjects and Archaeology, which are now ranked 24th and 27th, respectively. Education, regularly in the top 50, once again performs strongly, ranking =34.

This achievement highlights the University’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and its potential to break those subjects and others into the Top 20 in the near future through targeted support and strategic initiatives.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater expressed pride in the University’s achievements, stating, “Our performance in the QS 2025 Subject Rankings demonstrates the dedication and hard work of our staff as well as the receptiveness of their students to be taught in innovative ways.

“And with the opening of our new Hiwa Recreation Centre, we are confident that our Sports-related Subjects will continue to climb the rankings, reflecting our commitment to providing world-class education and recreation facilities for students.”

The University has also improved its standing in four of the five broad subject areas, maintaining its position in the 92nd percentile and above in all areas. The strongest performances were seen in the Arts and Humanities along with Social Sciences and Management, where the University has outperformed its peers, including moving ahead of Monash University in Arts and Humanities.

The Vice-Chancellor added, “Our strong performance in Arts and Humanities is particularly noteworthy given the current challenges in research funding. This underscores our resilience and the high calibre of our academic community.”

In 2025, the University has two new subjects in the Top 100: Mathematics, and Theology, Divinity & Religious Studies, and is newly ranked in Classics and Art History.

Looking ahead, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the University’s commitment to preparing students for the future workplace.

“We are dedicated to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our focus on innovative teaching and learning, combined with our strong research capabilities, ensures that our graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the future.”

See the subjects in the top 100 at this link: http://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2025/03/12/University-of-Auckland-2025-QS-subject-rankings.html

Aviation – Fly More, Fly Smart: CAA urges pilots not to ‘wing it’

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March 13, 2025

Source: New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority

Published date: 10 March 2025 – Wellington, New Zealand – The thrill of free flight is unparalleled—the wind, the lift, the pure freedom. But even the most experienced pilots know that every flight demands smart decision-making. Following a recent rise in hang gliding, paragliding, and speed wing incidents—including a recent speed wing fatality—the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is urging pilots to sharpen their situational awareness and decision-making before, during, and after each flight.

The CAA, in partnership with the New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (NZHGPA), is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that free flight remains safe and sustainable. The CAA’s goal is not to restrict adventure, but to empower pilots to continue flying with reduced risk.

“Great pilots aren’t just risk-takers—they’re risk managers,” says Nick Taber, CEO of NZHGPA. “The best flights are the result of smart preparation and solid decision-making. Our aim is to help pilots fly more and fly longer by making safety second nature.”

“Every successful flight starts with thoughtful planning,” says NZHGPA CEO Nick Taber. “Be the bird but also be the pilot. Use the NZHGPA checklist— ‘My Environment, My Plan, Myself’—before you take off. Whether soaring coastal cliffs or carving through mountains, your last flight is only as good as the decisions you make in the moment.”

Think first, fly longer

The New Zealand Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (NZHGPA) has launched a National Safety Campaign ‘Don’t Wing it” that highlights how smart choices on the ground lead to safer, more enjoyable flying days.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is supporting the initiative, encouraging pilots to view safety as an essential part of extending their flying careers, not as a limitation.

Key safety takeaways from the campaign include:

Pre-flight readiness: Ensure your gear is appropriate for your skill level and thoroughly check that all equipment—glider, harness, lines—is in top condition. A small issue on the ground can become a major problem in the air.

Weather mastery: Stay ahead of changing conditions by understanding the sky. Familiarize yourself with valley winds, mountain rotors, and shifting sea breezes. If conditions take you by surprise, don’t push your limits—set up for a safe landing.

Know your limits (and respect them): Free flight is about progression, not proving a point. If you’re a newer pilot, acknowledge what you have yet to learn. Experienced pilots should avoid letting overconfidence override good judgment.

Terrain awareness: The air may be invisible, but it’s shaped by the landscape. Stay clear of leeside turbulence, rotor zones, and confined spaces. Flying too close to terrain in strong conditions is a risk not worth taking.

The buddy system: Flying solo doesn’t mean going it alone. Always communicate your flight plan to someone, fly with others when possible, and don’t hesitate to call out unsafe situations. A good pilot looks out for others, not just themselves.

More safe flights, fewer close calls

“Avoidable accidents take pilots out of the sky,” says CAA Deputy Chief Executive Dean Winter, “If you love flying, protecting yourself means protecting your ability to keep doing what you love. The best pilots aren’t just skilled—they’re smart about their choices.”

The CAA and NZHGPA are working together to support safety initiatives, ensuring that free flight remains a safe, accessible, and sustainable pursuit for all.

For more information on safety resources, visit our website section on Safety: https://govt.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f87e4df3e4e99e9d7eb7b4c7e&id=4b82a53c1d&e=f0dc75bbf6

Or click to see the campaign material: Fly like a Bird, Think like a Pilot: https://govt.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=f87e4df3e4e99e9d7eb7b4c7e&id=fd1e235054&e=f0dc75bbf6

University Research – Brains of rugby players aid groundbreaking research – UoA

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March 13, 2025

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

A breakthrough in understanding chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease linked to repeated head blows, has been made at the University of Auckland.

Neuroscientists at the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research examined brain tissue, primarily from former rugby players, that was donated to the Neurological Foundation New Zealand Human Brain Bank, the Australia Sports Brain Bank, and the Boston UNITE Brain Bank.

Their study, published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica, sheds new light on how specific cells respond to damage from repeated head knocks.

Senior author Dr Helen Murray says the new research paves the way for a deeper understanding of the causes of CTE and for developing future treatments.

“It also brings us a step closer to being able to diagnose CTE in living people,” Murray says.

Research into CTE is a relatively new science. The major hallmark of the disease is the accumulation of tau proteins in the brain, which can only be confirmed after death.

Tau is a normal protein found in the brain; however, in CTE brains, tau ‘tangles’ in a specific region. Tau tangles impair the brain’s ability to function normally and are also found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Beyond the buildup of tau, the research team discovered that astrocytes – support cells in the brain – seem to play a pivotal role.

“Many of these astrocytes appeared to be responding to leaky blood vessels and trying to protect the brain from further damage. This discovery points to inflammation and vascular health as promising areas for future therapeutic strategies,” Murray says.

The vascular inflammation pattern was observed in CTE cases from all three brain banks, suggesting it is a consistent feature of the disease. With advances in MRI technology, this finding could potentially aid in diagnosing CTE in living people.

Murray says the findings underscore the importance of examining the broader network of cellular changes that might influence the disease, as well the well-known tau tangles

“Overall, the study provides a more comprehensive picture of how the brain’s support cells may contribute to – or help counteract – the damage in CTE,” she says.

Stop/Go on SH49 Tangiwai for urgent rail maintenance from this weekend

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March 13, 2025

Journey Planner(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

13 March 2025 9:53 am | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi

Road users on State Highway 49 (SH49), northwest of Waiouru, should prepare for delays over 2 weekends this month, while KiwiRail undertakes urgent maintenance on the Tangiwai Rail Crossing.

To enable KiwiRail to undertake this work safely, SH49 will be down to 1 lane under stop/go traffic management at the Tangiwai Crossing this weekend, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 March, and again on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 March (weather dependent).

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) thanks Kiwirail for postponing this work to avoid causing road users additional delays while SH49 is part of the alternative route for the Desert Road closure.

Road users will be back on SH1 between Rangipō and Waiouru (including the Desert Road) when the road opens from 1pm this Friday 14 March, ahead of the Tangiwai works.

Use our Journey Planner before you leave to plan your travel.

Awards – Southland Documenting Our Heritage Winners Announced

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March 13, 2025

Source: Heritage New Zealand

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga announces the winners of their Documenting our Heritage ǀ Southland photo competition.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga partnered with the Invercargill City Libraries & Archive, to collect refreshed images of places on the New Zealand Heritage List Rārangi Kōrero in the region.

The winner of the adult category, Heather Cooper, took a stunning shot of the concrete footbridge in Otepuni Gardens. The winner of the youth category, Jacob Wilkinson-Hall, contributed a photo of Anderson House, designed by Cecil Wood.

Otago Southland Area Manager for Pouhere Taonga, Sarah Gallagher is thrilled with the quality of the entries this year. “It is gratifying to see beautiful images of historic places in Southland. Heritage places adapt and change in use over time, so new photos are key to capturing the journey of these significant places.”

“Many thanks to all the entrants who took time to explore Rārangi Kōrero and then get out into their community with their cameras; I was particularly pleased to receive entries by young people this year.”

Competition judge Rodney Adamson enjoyed looking over the entries. “I found it very interesting to see how other people photograph buildings and structures, and how they get the best angle to show off the main features and reveal how the building interacts with its environment. The winning image was taken at an angle not often seen, with all the main elements of the structure taken into consideration.”

All the photos are on digital display at the Civic Theatre and Invercargill City Library during Southland Heritage Month. In addition to being added to Rārangi Kōrero online, Invercargill Archives will add the digital images to their collection.

ABOUT HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND POUHERE TAONGA

Tairangahia a tua whakarere; Tātakihia ngā reanga o āmuri ake nei | Honouring the past; Inspiring the future.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is the leading national historic heritage agency for Aotearoa New Zealand, operating as an autonomous Crown Entity. Our mission is to identify, protect, and promote heritage – Kia mōhiotia atu, kia tiakina, kia hāpaingia ā tātau taonga tuku iho.

We actively engage with communities, foster partnerships, and provide valuable resources to support those who are passionate about exploring, learning, and connecting with our rich cultural heritage. For more information, please visit our website at www.heritage.org.nz

Culture and Heritage – Creative and cultural strategy receives hundreds of submissions

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March 13, 2025

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Feedback on the Government’s draft creative and cultural strategy shows support for a cohesive approach that boosts economic and social benefits for New Zealanders, says Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, Secretary for Culture and Heritage at Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

“Thank you to the hundreds of people that gave us feedback on Amplify: A Creative and Cultural Strategy for New Zealand,” says Leauanae.

“We received many innovative ideas and constructive feedback on the strategy.

“Overall, there is broad support for a national strategy to provide clarity of government’s role and a long-term plan for growing the sector’s contributions to New Zealand.

“People were broadly supportive of more New Zealanders engaging with arts, increasing the economic contribution of the creative industries, and ways to raise the income for creative professionals. We also heard that the proposed actions within the strategy needed to align better with what the strategy aimed to achieve.

“Submitters made it clear the strategy should balance global recognition with the needs of domestic audiences and creative practitioners.

“Feedback reflected the broader benefits of arts and culture to the lives of New Zealanders, and the intrinsic value of the arts to our quality of life. These are important drivers of the strategy.

“Feedback was also supportive of cross-government action across a range of government portfolios, such as regional development and education.

“We’ll be taking this feedback into account as we progress the strategy, with the aim to make it available this year,” Leauanae says.

Northland News – Changes to tsunami evacuation maps for Northland

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March 13, 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

Northland’s tsunami evacuation maps have been updated with more accurate modelling and information. These new maps better reflect how tsunamis are expected to behave as they travel across the ocean and reach our coastline.

The evacuation zones have also been simplified to make them easier to understand, Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management(NCDEM) Group Chair, Kelly Stratford, encourages Northlanders to view the updated evacuation maps at www.nrc.govt.nz/evacuationzones to see if they live, work, or play in a tsunami evacuation zone and plan or revise their quickest route to safety.

“The new modelling shows that the areas at risk from damaging tsunami may be affected differently from previous models. In many cases, the potential effects may not reach as far inland as previously expected,” says Stratford.

“The new tsunami wave modelling is based on the latest data, scientific evidence, and modelling technology. This method is now the standard and used in other regions in New Zealand and around the world. The goal is for this information to enable Northlanders to understand the risk to their property and community so they can plan accordingly,” she adds.

However, Mrs Stratford still encourages all Northlanders to be prepared for the risk when they are near the coast. “Even though the effects might not reach as far inland, the coastal risk for the region remains high. So, those in coastal communities or anyone enjoying the beaches and marine areas of Taitokerau need to remain prepared for the risk of tsunami.”

Due to its unique geography, the Northland region is considered to have one of the highest vulnerabilities to tsunami hazards in the country. Because of this, Northland was one of the first regions to implement a three-zone tsunami evacuation plan, with tsunami inundation maps and models over 10 years ago.

This project also complements the recent upgrade of the Northland tsunami siren network. Although some areas are now less at risk of tsunami inundation, the new sirens still cover important at-risk coastal regions. “Even though the effects might not reach as far inland in some places, the coastal risk still remains high, and those in tsunami evacuation zones are still at risk. Therefore, it’s crucial to have good sound coverage in these areas. The new siren placement ensures that not only the new evacuation zone is covered, but people near the zone or moving towards it can also hear the warnings and stay away from the coast and potentially affected areas,” says Mrs Stratford.

“Investing in both this improved modelling and advanced warning systems like the newly updated tsunami sirens, are all part of our comprehensive approach to tsunami preparedness in Northland” says Mrs Stratford.

Mrs Stratford also highlights that the new maps are simpler to understand. “The new maps will also be easier to understand, moving from a three-colour system to a single colour system. The new maps replace all the colours of the rainbow on the previous maps with one zone colour, blue. This means, if your home, workplace, school, marae, or somewhere you visit regularly is in the blue zone, in a tsunami, get out of the area. Head inland or to higher ground.”

The single evacuation zone is coloured blue to symbolise where water could reach in a tsunami.

-BLUE means GO – In a tsunami warning, get out of the blue. Knowing your evacuation zone in advance is really important so you can plan and understand your evacuation route.

-If an earthquake is Long or Strong: Get Gone. Don’t wait for an official warning to evacuate. Head to higher ground or further inland.

Official warnings

Official tsunami warnings are published on the National Emergency Management Agency’s website and social media pages. The warnings will also be shared on the Civil Defence Northland Facebook page and may also be broadcast on radio, television and news media, over tsunami sirens and through other local procedures (e.g. emergency services vehicles with PA systems, or telephone trees). An emergency mobile alert (message to your mobile phone) may also be issued in the event of a dangerous tsunami threat.

What are the natural warning signs for a tsunami?

If you are near a shore and experience any of the following, take action. Do not wait for official warnings.

-Feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand or a long earthquake that lasts more than a minute

-See a sudden rise or fall in sea level

-Hear loud or unusual noises from the sea

Tsunami signboards at beaches and waterways around Northland will also be updated with the new maps over the next few months.

Business – Canterbury Businesses Show Resilience Amid Rising Global Concerns

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March 13, 2025

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury’s latest quarterly business survey reveals a complex economic landscape for local business, with international trade and geopolitical risks emerging as significant concerns while, at the same time, businesses are demonstrating growing confidence in their ability to manage disruption.

Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson says, “It’s particularly significant, although probably not surprising, that international trade and geopolitical risks have shot up to the 6th spot among local business concerns. These issues have not been major concerns in previous surveys.

“Canterbury businesses have weathered a lot in recent years, and that experience has built a remarkable capacity for adaptation and forward planning, which will help respond to the current global environment and navigate ongoing change and disruption.

The confidence in businesses’ own ability to manage disruption has seen its largest increase since we started tracking this in July 2022, with 80% reporting feeling confident.

“This reflects a stronger sense of resilience and being able to respond in a way that will set them up for the future. Businesses are still navigating change but doing it with a mindset that has moved from reacting to anticipating.”

“The survey also indicates that earning expectations for the next 12 months remain stable at relatively high levels with 58% reporting feeling optimistic about their financial position.

“However, that’s not to say pressure points have eased. Consumer confidence and demand persist as major obstacles. They are proving to be particularly stubborn, with more than half of respondents identifying them as key concerns – a 17% increase in the proportion of respondents citing them as a top issue compared to last quarter.

“Although the recent 50-basis-point OCR cut is a welcome move that could help ease these pressures, its full impact will take time to filter through.

“In the meantime, productivity and growth constraints, followed by inflationary pressures and interest rates, remain among the top three biggest concerns for businesses. These long-standing challenges require our economy to be back in growth mode, which is taking much longer than anticipated.”

About Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business support agency in the South Island and advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.