Business – Successful Māori business accelerator returns for second year

Finance – ASB lowers fixed mortgage rates for fourth time this year, including a 4.99% offer

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February 24, 2025

Source: ASB

ASB has today reduced a number of its fixed home lending rates, marking the fourth round of fixed rate decreases so far in 2025.

ASB’s 2-year mortgage rate drops 30 basis points to a joint-market leading 4.99%*, while its 1-year rate drops 24 basis points to 5.25%. ASB’s has also lowered its 3-year rate to 5.35%.

ASB’s Executive General Manager Adam Boyd says “We are serious about giving our home loan customers and first home buyers interest rate relief, and that commitment should be evident in our consistent rate drops across January and February. Today’s fixed rate decreases will appeal to a broad range of Kiwi, with our sub-5 mortgage rate offering a strong medium-term option for people looking for added certainty.”

ASB also lowered some of its term deposit rates by between 5 and 25 basis points.

*As at 5.00pm, Friday 21st February 2025

Fixed home lending term	Previous rate	New rate	Rate decrease
1-year	5.49%	5.25%	– 24 bps
2-year	5.29%	4.99%	– 30 bps
3-year	5.59%	5.35%	– 24 bps

Retail activity up in the December 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Retail trade survey: December 2024 quarter

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February 24, 2025

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Retail activity up in the December 2024 quarter – 24 February 2025 – The total volume of retail sales in New Zealand increased by 0.9 percent in the December 2024 quarter compared with the September 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. Figures are adjusted for price inflation and seasonal effects.

“In the December quarter we saw a modest increase in retail activity, with growth across most industries,” economic indicators spokesperson Michael Heslop said.

Ten of the 15 retail industries had higher retail sales volumes in the December 2024 quarter, compared with the September 2024 quarter, after adjusting for price and seasonal effects.

Files:

Future blooms bright for rare tree daisy

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February 24, 2025

Source: Department of Conservation

Date: 24 February 2025

The seedlings are the product of a growing partnership between the Department of Conservation and the Department of Corrections.

Commonly known as Gardner’s tree daisy, Olearia gardneri is found in the southern half of the North Island. The small tree is dependent on conservation efforts as its seeds fail to germinate in dense introduced grasses.

Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Lois Allison-Cooper says Olearia gardneri is unique to New Zealand.

“It’s one of our few native deciduous trees, so it looks dead in winter then revives in the warmer weather with small leaves and white flowers.”

“We collected seed from a known population in Paengaroa Scenic Reserve near Taihape – it seems to like shrubby forest edges and semi-permanent pools of water.”

Department of Corrections Horticulture Instructor Murray Nielson says the nursery programme isn’t just benefiting the environment.

“Prisoners working in the nursery are trained to level 2 horticulture, which provides them with skills and qualifications that prepare them for employment upon release. Equally importantly, they relax into the team and the environment. It’s an excellent setting for learning and rehabilitation.”

“The team here take pride in contributing to the conservation outcomes of an incredibly rare tree.”

Lois says the seedlings will remain at the nursery until large enough to survive in the wild, where they’ll grow to be up to 3 metres tall.

“The seedlings will give the wild population a real boost, we’re fortunate to have this relationship with Corrections.”

Olearia gardneri is threatened by habitat loss, animal browsing, introduced weeds, and a lack of seedling recruitment.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

76 gang patches seized by Police under new law

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February 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

In the three months since the Government’s new gang laws came into effect Police have seized 76 patches, 67 firearms, and laid 337 charges for insignia breaches.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell, and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith say that Police have done an outstanding job of enforcing the new laws and holding gang members to account for the misery they inflict on other Kiwis.

“We all know how a gang member earns their patch. Before the changes, gang members felt empowered and used their patches to intimidate law-abiding New Zealanders. Since the Gangs Act came into effect, we have seen patches disappear from our streets,” Mr Mitchell says.

“We passed these laws to improve public safety, and they have done exactly that. We have seen a 52 per cent increase in firearms seizures when compared to the same period last year. I commend Police for the good work they are doing.”

“These new laws have given Police additional tools to go after gang members that intimidate New Zealanders and create new victims,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“We make no apologies for getting tough on gangs. This legislation is meant to be uncomfortable. If you don’t like it, don’t break the law, it’s that simple. Gang members want all the rights of being a New Zealander, but accept none of the responsibilities.

“This is an essential part of ensuring there are 20,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime by 2029 alongside a 15 per cent reduction in serious repeat youth offending.”

Police put pressure on gangs

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February 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police have filed over 3000 charges against gang members since the introduction of the Gangs Act in late November.

Between 21 November 2024 and 19 February 2025, Police filed 337 charges for insignia breaches and 3037 charges for other offending including serious violence, drugs, and firearms.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the charges are a result of targeted enforcement action against those causing fear and harm in our communities.

“Our expectations around this legislation have been clear from the very beginning — if you wear a gang patch in public, or display a sign or symbol associated with a gang, you can expect Police attention — and these numbers demonstrate that.

“They also paint a picture of other very serious offending committed by those in or connected to gangs, including possession of illicit drugs and unlawful firearms and violence.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Commissioner Chambers are today visiting the Gang Disruption Unit in Counties Manukau to celebrate the success of Operation Nickel – a nationally-led plan to support all Police staff with the new enforcement powers.

Operation Nickel ran from 21 November 2024 to 31 January 2025.

“Police around the country have done an outstanding job from planning right through to implementation on the frontline,” Commissioner Chambers says.

“Nationwide, we continue to see generally high levels of compliance with the Act.

“In the months before the legislation came into effect, Police met with gangs to ensure they were clear on our enforcement approach and to encourage them to make good choices.

“The high level of compliance we’re seeing now reflects the fact most gangs have exercised good judgement. We acknowledge and continue to encourage that.

“It’s a positive start, and my staff continue to follow up reported breaches, either at the time of the offence or at a later date.

“The policing of gangs is and will remain an all-of-Police priority.”

As announced last year, the work of Operation Cobalt will be continued through District staff including Gang Disruption Units and coordinated by the National Gang Unit.

Operation Cobalt ran across all 12 Police districts for two and a half years. In that time, 107,073 charges were filed.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and successes of all those staff involved in Operation Cobalt over the past two and a half years, from national coordinators to frontline teams that have made a real impact in combatting gang-related crime,” Commissioner Chambers says.

“It’s pleasing to see the NGU, and District Gang Disruption Units up and running, assisting with search warrants, investigations and helping apprehend priority offenders.

“Police will take every opportunity to enforce the law. The pressure on gang members is not going away.”

POLICING GANGS – BY THE NUMBERS

Op Nickel/Gangs Act (21 November 2024 – 19 February 2025):

76 patches seized
316 additional insignia items seized
337 insignia breach charges under Gangs Act
3037 other charges against gang members (including drugs, firearms, serious violence)
67 firearms seized from gang members

Note: No dispersal notices, non-consorting charges or prohibition orders have been issued.

Operation Cobalt (June 2022 – December 2024):

1,954 search warrants
1,069 warrantless searches
107,073 charges filed
143,610 IONs issued (traffic-related offending)
757 firearms seized

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

New Zealand stands with Ukraine, three years after illegal Russian invasion

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February 24, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

As the world marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced additional sanctions on Russian entities and support for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.

“Russia’s illegal invasion has brought three years of devastation to Ukraine’s people, environment, and infrastructure,” Mr Peters says.

“These additional sanctions target 52 individuals and entities involved in Russia’s military-industrial complex, its energy sector, North Korea’s support to Russia’s war effort, and the forced relocation or re-education of Ukrainian children.”

Mr Peters announced a further $3 million contribution to the World Bank-administered Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund.

“The Fund supports the Government of Ukraine to maintain services, conduct relief efforts, and plan and implement recovery, reconstruction and reforms,” Mr Peters says.

Since the Russia Sanctions Act entered into force in March 2022, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 1,800 individuals and entities, along with a range of trade measures.

More information about sanctions, travel bans, and export controls against Russia, as well as diplomatic, military and economic support to Ukraine, can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website here.

Public Service – Oranga Tamariki workers strike over insulting pay offer, unmanageable workloads – PSA

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February 24, 2025

Source: PSA

Strike to begin 28 February with two hour full labour withdrawal 7 March

PSA members at Oranga Tamariki are taking strike action over an insulting pay offer and a refusal to address the concerns of workers over unsafe and unmanageable workloads.

“Enough is enough – Oranga Tamariki is effectively offering a real pay cut and failing to ensure workloads are reasonably sized and well managed,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, Assistant Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

The strike covers around 2,800 workers including social workers, supervisors, staff in care and protection and youth justice residences, family group conference workers and admin support staff.

“It’s insulting to workers who are doing vital work for the agency supporting at risk tamariki and rangatahi at a time of rising stress for many families.”

In bargaining for a new collective agreement Oranga Tamariki has offered small lump sum payments and no salary increases and provided no solutions to the long standing and growing workload management issues which have only been aggravated by last year’s big job cuts.

“The workers care deeply about the children they support, but they are left with no choice. The pressure on staff to keep working after hours, such as with emergency care placements for children overnight in motels or offices, is unacceptable.

“Workers are sending a strong message to the Government that it must make a fair offer, and develop a fair workload management system or more staff will face burn out.

“Decades of reviews and inquiries at Oranga Tamariki have consistently identified high staff workloads as a barrier to good outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. Without progress, we will see more skilled people leave Oranga Tamariki – how can that be good for the children in the agency’s care?

[See attached stories from workers about the stress they are enduring]

“The latest child poverty statistics this week show no change in the number of children living in material hardship. We know poverty creates stress for families. This is the time when the Government should be investing in the services Oranga Tamariki provides, and doing all it can to support and retain workers.

“Instead it has gutted Oranga Tamariki, forced it to shed over 400 workers, increased workloads, cut contracts for many community service providers and now is turning a blind eye to the pay and conditions of so many of its own workers.

“This risks creating lasting damage to the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau of New Zealand who need Oranga Tamariki’s support.”

Details of strike action

A variety of actions will be taken by PSA members. Some actions include members working in essential services; care and protection residences, youth justice residences, residential homes, and the national contact centre (their actions begin 7 March). There will be a total withdrawal of labour across the agency for two hours from 3pm Friday 7 March.

The actions begin at 5pm on Friday 28 February and end on Friday 18 April. They include:

-A ban on all work that is not paid work, including only working standard hours of work and taking all rest and meal breaks.

-A ban on using all work-related systems and software outside of paid work, including online case recording systems.

-A ban on working paid overtime; and a ban on working overtime for TOIL.

-A ban on working double shifts.

-A ban on being on-call and working call-back (after-hours duties).

Housing Market Confidence – ASB Housing Confidence Survey: Optimism persists, but momentum slows

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February 24, 2025

Source: ASB

Number of New Zealanders expecting house prices to increase continues to rise – a net 33 percent compared to 24 percent in the previous quarter, with Aucklanders most confident.
Slight drop in proportion of Kiwi expecting interest rates to fall, from net 57 to net 51 percent, reflecting some concerns.
Nationwide, a net 23 percent of respondents think it’s a good time to buy a house, although confidence wavers in Auckland.

ASB’s latest Housing Confidence Survey out today reveals while New Zealanders on average remain optimistic about the housing market, momentum is yet to pick up.

Across all regions, Kiwi are confident house prices will continue to increase this quarter, with Aucklanders remaining the most confident, but Canterbury showing the highest rise in confidence over the quarter (net 38%, up from 25% in Q3 2024).

The survey (which predates the RBNZ’s February OCR cut) showed a slight drop in number of respondents who are expecting interest rates to lower (a decrease to net 51 percent, down from a record 57 percent in the previous quarter). Cantabrians replaced Aucklanders as most optimistic this time around.

ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says “These results align with expectations for a slower pace of OCR cuts for the rest of 2025. Inflation is back under control, and the RBNZ has already cut the OCR considerably. There may also be some concern about the inflationary impacts of Trump’s re-election in the US.”

Buyer sentiment also inches up, with a net 23 percent of those surveyed believing it’s a good time to buy, compared to 20 percent last quarter. The North Island (excluding Auckland) and Canterbury lead the way as most confident at net 24 percent.

In contrast to the nation-wide uplift in confidence levels, the number of Aucklanders who think it’s a good time to buy slightly fell from a net 24 to 23 percent.

“For those considering buying a home, there is a bit of a sweet spot at the moment with interest rates continuing to fall, high levels of supply and subdued house prices.

Even though Kiwi are optimistic about house prices going up and are increasingly confident this is a good time to buy – we are yet to see much shift in housing market momentum, so it’s not necessarily translating into increased activity.

This is also reflected in the latest data from REINZ which shows a surge in new inventory of homes on the market, while sales continue to decline,” says Tuffley.

The ASB Housing Confidence Survey canvasses thousands of Kiwi across the country each quarter on their view of the housing market and future expectations.

Government Cuts – CPAG urges Government to reverse ‘funded to fail’ school lunch cuts

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February 23, 2025

Source: Child Poverty Action Group

The Child Poverty Action Group has today told the Government that reversing cuts to school lunches is an achievable way to address rising child poverty levels in New Zealand.

Official statistics released last week showed an extra 36,600 children are likely to be living in material hardship compared to two years ago.

Speaking to Guyon Espiner on TVNZ’s Q+A on Sunday, CPAG Executive Officer Sarita Divis said she was heartened to hear the Minister of Child Poverty Reduction Louise Upston mention the healthy school lunches programme as a key commitment of this government in tackling child poverty.

This year the Government scrapped the previous model of healthy school lunches, many of which created jobs in local communities. Instead, it switched to a for-profit model delivered under an $85 million annual contract with the School Lunch Collective, a partnership between Compass Group NZ, Libelle Group and Gilmours.

The new lunch programme has a budget of $3 per meal, about $5 cheaper than the previous model.

“One in four children do not have enough food. That could be that they don’t have breakfast and dinner so we need to make sure that the lunch that they receive is nutritious, healthy and delicious so that they do get those educational benefits and those health benefits.”

The new model has been beset by problems, with late deliveries, culturally insensitive food, and a largely repetitive, unappetising menu with questionable nutrition value since its implementation at the start of the school year.

“Education is one of the key ways to break the cycle of poverty.”

Ka Ora, Ka Ako only provides for about 40 percent of NZ children living in food poverty and there was a strong argument to not only reverse the cuts, but increase the number of children who receive the meals, Ms Divis said.

“When you do proactive policies like this it can make a difference,” Ms Divis said.

“Reverse those cuts. We think that is really achievable for the government.”

Ms Divis said CPAG was disappointed the Government’s Budget policy statement in December – which gives an early indication about priorities in May’s Budget – had no mention of child poverty.

Under the Child Poverty Reduction Act (2018), the Government is legally required to address child poverty rates in the Budget with specific policies.

Last year, CPAG along with Health Coalition Aotearoa and the NZEI Te Riu Roa, campaigned to stop cuts to the programme with 26,000 people signing a petition to save school lunches.