Aviation – Airways commences consultation on pricing for next three-year cycle

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March 5, 2025

Source: Airways NZ

Airways will today commence consultation with its stakeholders, customers and the wider industry on its pricing for the next three- yearly cycle running from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028.

In announcing the consultation commencement, Airways acknowledges the challenging times the aviation industry is facing, with an inflationary environment coupled with a soft growth outlook and supply chain challenges.

Airways Chief Executive, James Young says Airways remains committed to delivering a safe and resilient network for the future while carefully navigating the level of investment required to sustain this.

“Where possible, Airways has sought to offset the impact of cost inflation through careful management of our operating cost base and prioritisation of our capital programme. However, to sustain the current service provision and investment in the future, price increases are required,” Mr Young says.

Airways is proposing an average annual price increase of 7.7% for airline customers to ensure the continued delivery of safe and efficient services, while also undertaking a range of projects to enhance system resilience and support future service delivery. This translates to a per seat increase of between 79 cents and $2.80 for commercial flights, depending on the aircraft capacity. Following consultation, there may be further revision of volume forecasts and prices.

For General Aviation services, Airways is proposing a 6.8% price increase for FY26 and a cumulative 10.5% price over the FY26-28 period. This increase reflects our underlying costs.

“Ongoing investment in our people and critical infrastructure, and advancing our future service initiatives is paramount to ensuring we can continue to meet the expectations of our customers, today and tomorrow,” Mr Young says.

Consultation submissions are due by 2 April. They will then be posted on Airways’ website for customers, stakeholders and the industry to review and submit cross-submissions on. Cross-submissions close on 16 April. More information is available at https://www.airways.co.nz/airspace-users/industry-consultation/

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Energy – Private sector joins up to unlock new, large scale clean energy generation

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March 5, 2025

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Source: BusinessNZ

A new private sector-led initiative is aiming to boost the number of multi-million-dollar power deals in New Zealand’s corporate sector, increasing clean energy capacity, and enhancing energy security.

The collaboration between the BusinessNZ Energy Council, Sustainable Business Council, EVAmarketplace, the Employers and Manufacturers Association, and DLA Piper is raising industry awareness of the potential of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) in New Zealand and exploring new tools to support uptake.

PPA agreements involve pre-purchasing power over a 10-20 year-period by medium to large energy users, including manufacturers, commercial buildings and others.

Tina Schirr, Executive Director at the BusinessNZ Energy Council, says the agreements make new generation more commercially viable by incentivising the development of new renewable projects and will help give certainty to business customers.

“Aside from security of supply, businesses are also looking to reduce their carbon footprint to help meet demand from their customers and meet 2030 targets,” said Schirr.

“Significant reductions in costs are possible too – but you have to ride out the ups and the downs.”

The market has been on the rise in Europe for some time with deal count peaking at 272 published PPAs in 2024, representing a 65% increase from 2022.

Tom Metcalfe, a senior lawyer in DLA Piper’s international renewables practice, offered insights on growth in the European market at a recent industry meeting. Hosted by the Employers and Manufacturers Association, the workshop was attended by more than 100 participants from across the energy sector.

“We have seen volatility in energy prices lead to a sharpened focus on energy procurement strategies and the potential benefits of price hedges in the European market. There is clearly potential for New Zealand too against a backdrop of high wholesale power prices,” said Metcalfe.

“Another important part of the PPA market is the sale and purchase of environmental attribute certificates. So having a robust system for the transfer of traceable certificates is key.”

Mark Williamson, Partner at DLA Piper in New Zealand, highlighted additional drivers for the growing momentum of PPAs globally.

“Regulatory incentives, and corporate sustainability commitments have also contributed to the uptake in Europe,” said Williamson.

“These agreements are proving to be a key mechanism for unlocking large-scale renewable energy projects, and a vital part of achieving the Government’s goal to double New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation.”

Antonia Burbidge, Head of Climate and Nature at the Sustainable Business Council, said there are some successful local examples of large-scale, long-term deals currently in play domestically.

“Lodestone Energy for example, has been a market leader,” said Burbidge.

“It is fantastic to see information sharing happening related to process, for example, the need for early engagement with lenders. In other cases, it’s what you can expect in terms of outcomes such as reporting or helping achieve Scope 1, 2, and even Scope 3 emissions targets – which has been tricky territory for many.”

Off the back of the industry workshop new resources including a legal template are underway to support market delivery.

“Our next step is a standardised corporate PPA template to simplify the process and reduce legal costs – a common barrier to entry. This is expected to increase market liquidity, and could significantly benefit New Zealand’s economy,” said Schirr.

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Release: Labour calls on Govt to condemn Israel’s aid blockade

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March 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The National Government needs to publicly condemn Israel’s cutting off of aid supplies to the war-ravaged people of Gaza.

Israel has cut off aid to Gaza to pressure Hamas into accepting a change in the ceasefire agreement that would allow for hostages to be released without an Israeli troop withdrawal. Aid agencies have confirmed that while thousands of trucks have entered the Gaza Strip since the ceasefire was agreed in January, none have entered since Sunday.

“The deliberate starvation of a people is a crime against humanity, and a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. The Government should condemn Israel’s move and call for the immediate resumption of aid shipments into Gaza,” Labour associate foreign affairs spokesperson Phil Twyford said.

“Ninety percent of Gazans have been displaced from their homes, and the economy destroyed. They are completely dependent on humanitarian aid for survival at this point.

“It is horrific for Israel to cut off those supplies as a way of applying pressure so they can change the ceasefire agreement. The Government must find its voice and condemn this outrage,” Phil Twyford said.

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Te Whau Pathway: Photos show construction progress as milestone reached

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March 5, 2025

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Source: Auckland Council

The first part of Te Whau Pathway is on track to be completed in 2026, with half of the Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai Reserve section in Te Atatū finished in late February – a major milestone for the project.

Councillor Shane Henderson has been involved in this partnership project with Te Whau Coastal Pathway Environment Trust since it began in 2014. He says the halfway point is an important target to reach.

“I’m elated that the construction of Te Whau Pathway is making steady progress and the first major section is expected to be finished early next year.

“It’s impressive to see the boardwalk connecting the cycleway and Horowai Reserve taking shape.

“Once this section of the pathway is complete it will benefit the West Auckland community.”

Te Whau Pathway taking shape.

Last year we outlined how a major piece of machinery Te Kōwhai Nui, or the Big Yellow, was used to mitigate the environmental impact of the pathway’s construction over the Whau River.

Taryn Crewe, General Manager Parks and Community Facilities says the project team continues to tread carefully over the whenua and awa.

“A fundamental consideration of Te Whau Pathway project is limiting the impact on the environment and keeping sustainability at front of mind.

“One example is re-using the aggregate from a temporary haulage road made to construct the pathway between the Northwestern Cycleway and Bridge Avenue, on another council infrastructure project at Long Bay Regional Park. As well as being a sustainable use of resources, reusing these materials also saves ratepayers money.

“Once complete the pathway will allow for cycling and walkway – modes of transport with basically zero carbon footprint.”

A shared use pathway connection between the Northwestern Cycleway and Horowai Reserve is on track for completion in 2026.

Construction on Te Whau Pathway restarted in December 2023 and the Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai Reserve section in Te Atatū is on track for completion in 2026. It creates a shared use pathway connection between the Northwestern Cycleway and Horowai Reserve (Roberts Field).

Te Whau Pathway is a partnership between Auckland Transport (AT), Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Kawerau ā Maki, the Whau and Henderson-Massey local boards, the government as a major funder, and Auckland Council delivering the construction working closely with Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust.

Te Whau Pathway follows a traditional Māori taonga waka (portage). Fully delivered, all sections of the proposed pathway will connect Manukau Harbour at Green Bay to the Waitematā Harbour at Te Atatū Peninsula.

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Waitara Road roundabout construction progresses

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March 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The installation of stormwater pipes, signage, footpaths and landscaping is in the works as Te Ara Tutohu: Waitara to Bell Block project on State Highway 3 progresses to the next stage.

Next week, from 11 March, crews will start on the next stage of works, which will see the southbound lane of the Waitara Road roundabout constructed.

Work just completed has seen workers relocate underground services and complete pavement and stormwater work on Raleigh Street (between SH3 and Tate Road).

Access to all businesses and residential properties in the area will be maintained during this next stage of works.

Traffic management

From 8pm 11 March to 5.30am 12 March, the SH3/Waitara Road intersection will be reduced to one lane to allow crews to move the temporary central barrier currently in place, complete temporary line marking, and reinstall the flexible hit sticks in preparation for the latest stage of work to start. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place at the intersection during this work. Delays of up to 5 minutes are possible.
From 12 March to mid-April, SH3 through the Waitara Road intersection will be open to southbound traffic only. Northbound traffic will be detoured on to Raleigh Street and the newly constructed section of Tate Road, which connects directly to SH3. This detour will add less than 5 minutes to travel times.

Due to the limited amount of space available on the road, there will be no space to safely turn right into Raleigh Street from the southbound lane of SH3.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is working with the contractor to ensure construction of the roundabout causes as little disruption as possible.

Waitara Road access

From 12-19 March, both lanes of Waitara Road will be open however motorists turning on to SH3 from Waitara Road will only be able to travel south towards New Plymouth. Motorists who want to travel north will be detoured along Richmond Road where they will be able to turn right and head north at the SH3/Richmond Road intersection. The detour is expected to add up to 5 minutes to travel times.
From 19 March to mid-April, access to SH3 from Waitara Road will be closed while crews complete work in the southbound lane between Raleigh Street and Waitara Road. Access for motorists turning into Waitara Road from the southbound lane of SH3 will remain open. Motorists on Waitara Road who need to access SH3 will be detoured along Richmond Road.
From 12 March to mid-April, northbound traffic on SH3 will need to use the Richmond Road detour to access Waitara Road.

Future work

Planning is underway for sections of SH3 either side of the Waitara Road intersection to be rebuilt and for some line marking and rumble strips to be installed near the Princess Street roundabout. We will provide updates on these once details are confirmed.

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Resilience works SH8 the Cromwell Gorge – 15-minute delays

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March 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Roadworks to increase the resilience and safety of SH8 between Cromwell and Clyde are due to start next week (10 March), says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

The works will result in delays for road users in both directions, as intermittent traffic stops will be in operation for up to eight weeks along the Cromwell Gorge slopes and benches*, just north of Clyde.

Crews will work to clear debris from the benches and assess stability at the Clyde end of the Cromwell Gorge, says NZTA Project Manager John O’Neill.

“While we appreciate delays are frustrating this is an essential piece of work which will improve the resilience, as well as the safety of the network, with debris removed from above road level. We ask road users for patience and understanding.”

Works will run from Monday, 10 March to Friday, 16 May, 8am to 5pm each weekday.

Traffic will be held in both directions intermittently as required. Drivers need to build in delays of up to 15 minutes for the next two months, weekdays.

Cromwell Gorge slopes and benches.

For all travel updates, roadworks and road closures please visit: NZTA Journey Planner

Journey Planner(external link)

Background on the Cromwell Gorge slopes and benches

The benches on SH8 in the Cromwell Gorge, are 2km north of Clyde. They have been in existence for around 40 years and were constructed upslope as part of the development of SH8 during the creation of Lake Dunstan and the Clyde Hydro Dam.

Crews with abseilers will be using mechanical methods to remove any unstable rock, with drilling and blasting if required when there is no traffic underneath the benches.

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State Highway 2 blocked, Clareville

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March 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 2 in Clareville is blocked after a vehicle hit a power pole, resulting in the pole and lines coming down across the road just north of Carterton.

It happened about 9:15am, and fortunately no one was significantly injured.

There are diversions in place off the highway and these are likely to remain in place until the afternoon.

ENDS

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Boost for Rotorua’s youth mental health services

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March 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says funding from the Mental Health Innovation Fund will support an additional 560 young people in Rotorua to get mental health and addiction support and help provide a range of courses and workshops focused on upskilling people in the community to better support youth.
“Mental health and wellbeing is a prominent issue for many young people across the country, and we’re committed to helping young Kiwis get the support, they need, when they need it,’ Mr Doocey says.
“I’m pleased that this new funding for the Rotorua Community Youth Centre Trust will enable them to expand their team and scale up the valuable work it does to support young people and help them reach their full potential.
“The Trust provides free, youth-centred primary health, mental health, and social services to young people.
“The Trust is the sixth successful recipient of the first round of the Fund, with Youthline, the Sir John Kirwan Foundation, MATES in Construction, the Mental Health Foundation and Wellington City Mission already announced, I intend to announce other successful providers in the coming weeks.
“The Mental Health Innovation Fund was set up to provide $10 million over two years to support non-government organisations (NGOs) and community providers with extra funding to scale-up existing time-limited projects or initiatives that aim to improve mental health and addiction outcomes in New Zealand.
“This fund is part of the Government’s commitment to investing in grassroots initiatives through non-governmental and community organisations that deliver mental health and addiction support.
“I expect the next round of funding for the Innovation Fund will open in about the middle of this year, which will be another opportunity for organisations to seek additional funding,” Mr Doocey says.

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Time of use charging Bill passes first reading

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March 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

A Bill to reduce travel times, increase efficiency, and help boost economic growth and productivity on our busiest roads has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“Being stuck in traffic is a waste of time and money. In any given peak hour traffic jam there are people stressed about running late for work, parents trying to get the kids to school on time, couriers and truckies getting frustrated as their runs get further and further behind time, and tradies losing money because they can’t get to as many jobs on time,” Mr Bishop says.

“Congestion is a tax on time and productivity, and New Zealanders are very over having to pay it.

“A report released by Auckland Council today shows that by 2026, traffic congestion will cost Auckland $2.6 billion per year, and that Aucklanders already sit in traffic for 29 million hours per year, which averages out to 17 lost and wasted hours per Aucklander.

“Frankly, no-one running a business or juggling work and family can afford to lose 17 hours of potentially productive time.

“Modelling shows that successful time of use charging – charging motorists to travel on certain roads at peak times – will encourage people to change the time or mode of travel, and could reduce congestion by up to 8-12 per cent at peak times.

“Successive governments and a select committee inquiry in 2021 have all agreed that time of use charging is something we need to do to reduce congestion. This Government is getting on with it.
“The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill will enable the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and local authorities to develop charging schemes for our most congested roads.
“The Bill requires NZTA to lead the design of schemes in partnership with local councils to ensure motorists benefit from the design of the schemes across their region’s roading network.
“By enabling local solutions within a nationally consistent framework, we are tackling network productivity head-on while enhancing economic productivity and quality of life for all New Zealanders.
“The legislation is not about raising revenue but maximising the efficiency of the roading network. Any revenue that is collected will first be used to pay for the scheme’s costs and then reinvested to improve transport in the region.
“While time of use schemes will help manage congestion and increase productivity in our cities, it is not a standalone solution. The Government will continue to prioritise investment in growing and maintaining our transport network, including through the Roads of National Significance and Regional Significance, and major public transport projects, to enable Kiwis and freight get to where they need to go, quickly and safely.”
Enabling time of use schemes is a commitment under the National-ACT Coalition Agreement, and the first reading of the Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill was an action in the Government’s 2025 Quarter 1 Action Plan.
The Bill will be referred to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee where the public will have an opportunity to make submissions. The Government intends to pass the legislation before the end of 2025.

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School property back on track

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March 5, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has taken decisive action to address the inequitable state of school property to ensure better outcomes for all students.
“It is crucial that the school property portfolio is managed effectively so students can continue to benefit from safe, warm, and dry learning environments,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“After a Ministerial Inquiry found the Ministry’s School Property function unfit for purpose, the Government is delivering improved efficiency and performance by prioritising warm, safe, and dry learning environments, maintaining existing school assets, and accelerating cost-effective new builds using standard designs and offsite manufacturing.”
Since the release of the Inquiry there has been:

A 35 percent increase in the number of standard or repeatable designed buildings delivered.
A 28 percent reduction in the average cost of each classroom, from $1.2m to $0.87m.
A 34 percent increase in funding for school maintenance.

The Ministry has also increased the number of new classrooms it delivered in 2024 by 140 when compared to 2023.
“One example was Wellington Girls’ College, where 14 classrooms over four, two-storey modulars were delivered in just 12 weeks at a cost of around $550,000 per classroom. This represented a 35% saving on the current value for money cost per classroom.”
Jerome Sheppard has been appointed Chief Executive of School Property as part of the phased approach to address the recommendations of the report.
“Mr Sheppard brings expertise in delivering infrastructure to have responsibility for all operational aspects of school property, and I look forward to working with him to ensure we can achieve better outcomes for all schools.”
The decisions on the final form of the Ministry’s School Property function will be made later this year.
“This Government is committed to delivering a world leading education in classrooms that give Kiwi kids the best chance to succeed so they can grow up and live the lives they want,” Ms Stanford says.

Notes for editor:
The Report of the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property: Microsoft Word – Report of the Ministerial Inquiry into School Property – Final draft.docx

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