Business – Open Country Acquires Miraka

September 1, 2025

Source: Open Country

Open Country announced it has finalised a deal to acquire 100% of Miraka Limited (Miraka).

Open Country CEO Mark de Lautour said the opportunity to purchase Miraka happened quickly and made sense for the business.

“We have admired the Miraka location and milk supply network for a long period given it sits nicely between our Whanganui and Waikato operations. While we are still completing our recent Mataura Valley Milk acquisition, we were immediately interested when the opportunity came along to look at Miraka.

“We really believe that our 100% NZ-owned company culture, strong customer relationships and scale makes this a good, strategic fit. The shareholders of both Miraka and Open Country believe the deal provides clear benefits for the combined business.”

Open Country currently operates four dairy ingredient manufacturing sites around New Zealand, located in Horotiu, Waharoa, Whanganui and Awarua. It will soon add a fifth site, Mataura Valley Milk near Gore, once its conditional acquisition agreement with current shareholders is finalised.

De Lautour said the acquisition of Miraka bolsters Open Country’s footprint across the Central North Island.

“If you look at where our plants are based, we already have a very strong presence in northern Waikato and Taranaki/Manawatu. Adding Miraka, which is geographically located in the middle of these two areas, gives us a solid footprint into the southern Waikato.

“Over time, the ideal geographic position of Miraka means Open Country can optimise our milk collection across the wider region. Our increased scale throughout the Central North Island allows us to realise some important efficiencies.”

Founded in 2010, Miraka became operational with its first batch of milk powder exports in August 2011 and has grown its production to around 300 million litres of milk per year.

Miraka will continue to operate under its current name and brand in the market, and all milk supply contracts remain in place.

“Even though the Miraka team will operate under its own brand, we will work hard to ensure their suppliers and staff feel a part of the wider Open Country team.”

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Police and athletes mark countdown to Special Olympics National Summer Games

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

At sunrise this morning, Special Olympics athletes and members from New Zealand Police lit the Flame of Hope at the Bridge of Remembrance in Christchurch. The event took place to mark the 100-day countdown to the National Summer Special Olympics Games to be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December.

The Flame of Hope will now traverse the country in collaboration with Police during the traditional Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to get local communities excited about the games. The Torch Run is the traditional lead-in event for every National Summer Games around the world, where local police officers and local athletes carry the Flame of Hope through their cities to raise awareness for the games and allow the community to show their support.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner, so we hope Christchurch is ready for the biggest party of the year,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey.
The National Summer Games is the four-yearly pinnacle event for over 1200 Special Olympics athletes with an intellectual disability, representing 42 clubs, and competing in 10 sports and six venues across the city, supported by over 500 coaches and thousands of families and supporters.

Scholey encourages Christchurch people to get involved in the games and not to miss one of the most exciting and unique sports events in the country.

“The National Summer Games are unlike any other event, from the opening ceremony at Wolfbrook Arena on December 10 until the Closing Ceremony Disco, which is the highlight for most athletes, so we hope people will come along to experience unforgettable memories and support our athletes,” says the chief executive.

Scholey says Christchurch is clearly embracing the games as over 600 volunteers have already signed up to help the athletes compete and move around the city.
“That is one of the biggest responses we have ever had, so anyone who wants to get involved should not wait too long to sign up as a volunteer.”

“Inspector Rupert Friend from New Zealand Police says “We are proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement here. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges. We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes.
The LETR is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics. We encourage all kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.”

The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run starts in Northland on October 4 and travels all the way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start.

“We can’t wait for all the teams to arrive in our city, and show off our fantastic new sports venues,” says Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger.
The Special Olympics athletes will be the first athletes to enjoy the brand-new Parakiore complex that will host the swimming and basketball competitions. “We have been working closely with Special Olympics New Zealand and we are confident this event will be a huge success,” says Mayor Mauger.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Contact for New Zealand Police: Inspector Rupert Friend phone 0211911263.

Contact for Special Olympics: media manager Coen Lammers on 021-730239 or coen@lammers.co.nz

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Update: Body located near Fitzroy Beach

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have identified the male who was located deceased on the shoreline at Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth this morning.

We send our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Police are providing ongoing support.

We would like to thank the members of the public who provided information to Police.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the death are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Pharmac confirms continued access to Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine

LiveNews Publisher

September 1, 2025

Source: PHARMAC

1 September 2025

Media release Medicines COVID-19

Pharmac has secured a new supply agreement with Pfizer to continue funding the Comirnaty brand of COVID-19 vaccine.

This means Comirnaty will remain the main funded vaccine in New Zealand from 1 February 2026 through to at least 30 September 2027, with options to extend until 2029.

The vaccine will continue to be available in a range of doses for infants, children, and adults. A new prefilled syringe for adults will also be introduced, making it easier for health professionals to administer the vaccine. This decision follows a competitive procurement process and advice from the Immunisation Advisory Committee.

“We’re pleased to confirm ongoing access to Comirnaty for New Zealanders,” says Director Pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin. “The introduction of prefilled syringes will help streamline the vaccination process and support our health workforce.”

Pharmac has updated its proposal after listening to feedback from clinicians and the public.

“In June, we invited people to share their views and received nearly 2,100 responses. We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute – your insights help shape our decisions,” says Martin.

Pharmac received a wide range of views about the COVID-19 vaccine during consultation, both supporting and disagreeing with the use of vaccines, which it has shared with respective agencies such as the Ministry of Health. The Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine, funded by Pharmac, has been approved by Medsafe as meeting New Zealand and international standards of safety and effectiveness.

Some people supported securing a future vaccine supply and introducing prefilled syringes. Others requested private access for those not currently eligible, and some highlighted the need for updated variant or combination vaccines.

Views on eligibility varied, some advocated for broader access for children under 12, while others preferred a more targeted approach. In response, Pharmac has made important changes to ensure more people who are at most need of protection can access it:

Children under 12 who are severely immunocompromised or at high risk of serious illness will now be eligible for extra doses every 6 or 12 months respectively.
Children and young adults aged 12–29 who are severely immunocompromised or at high risk of serious illness will be able to receive updated vaccines every 6 months.

“People wanted to make sure those who need the vaccines the most could access it,” says Martin. “These changes reflect our commitment to protecting those most at risk.”

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

LiveNews Publisher

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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