Environment – EPA approves new crop protection tool

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February 24, 2025

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a new insecticide to control pests on key crops such as beets for livestock, and brassicas.

Bayer New Zealand applied to import or manufacture Sivanto Prime, an insecticide containing 200 g/L of flupyradifurone, a chemical new to New Zealand.

Bayer says Sivanto Prime has a new way of working that targets sucking pests such as aphids, nysius fly and springtails, providing growers with an alternative to older, broad-spectrum insecticides.

“This decision will help farmers protect crops that are essential to New Zealand’s primary sector,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, EPA Hazardous Substances Applications Manager.

Insect pests can cause significant damage to feed crops, making them less palatable to stock and reducing yields.

Bayer says Sivanto Prime may be considered compatible with newer, lighter-touch farming practices because it works in a more targeted way.

The decision to approve Sivanto Prime was made following a rigorous assessment and consultation process, says Dr Fleury.

“As this product contains an active ingredient that is new to New Zealand, we assessed the scientific data and evidence, as well as economic and local information, to help enable new chemistry while continuing to protect people’s health and our unique environment.”

Flupyradifurone is approved for use in other countries, including Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, and the United States of America.

The substance can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, and users must comply with specific controls.

As an agricultural compound, Sivanto Prime must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before it can be used in New Zealand.

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UNICEF – Three years on: One in five children in Ukraine has lost a relative or friend since the escalation of war

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February 24, 2025

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Source: UNICEF Aotearoa NZ

One in five children in Ukraine has reported losing a close relative or friend since the escalation of war three years ago, according to survey data released by UNICEF.

“For far too long, death and destruction have remained a constant in the lives of children in Ukraine,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

“This level of violence causes immense fear and suffering and disrupts every aspect of a child’s life.”

Ukraine’s third year of full-scale war was even deadlier for children than the preceding year. The number of child casualties in 2024 rose by more than 50 per cent compared to 2023. More than 2,520 children have been killed or injured since February 2022. The true number is likely far higher, as these figures account only for child casualties verified by the UN.

More than 1,600 education facilities and nearly 790 health facilities have been verified as damaged or destroyed over the past three years. The war has left children and teenagers facing profound loss and deprivation, affecting their development and well-being, at critical stages in their lives.

Experiences during the first three years of life influence children’s lifelong health and learning. Yet three-year-olds in Ukraine have only known war. Parents report feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, impacting family life. The essential services that young children and their parents rely on have also been disrupted by the war.

Adolescence is also a particularly challenging time for children in Ukraine. Almost one-third of teenagers reported feeling so sad or hopeless that they stopped doing their usual activities. These sentiments are more common among girls. Mental health challenges for children and young people in Ukraine are worsening due to isolation. Many children consistently spend hours sheltering in basements, missing opportunities to socialize and learn. Nearly 40 per cent of children study only online or through a mixture of in-person and remote classes. The impact on learning has been profound with an average educational loss of two years in reading and one year in maths.

UNICEF works with partners across Ukraine to provide critical lifesaving support including access to health care, safe water, cash assistance, education and child protection services to children across frontline areas. Together, we repair and rehabilitate water and sanitation networks and ensure families with children have access to fuel and clothing to keep them warm during the harsh winters. At the same time, UNICEF works with the Government and partners to support recovery and long-term development, and foster social cohesion, through strengthening systems that serve children and their families. This includes ensuring that child and social protection, health and education systems can provide timely and quality essential support, care and opportunities to children.

There are currently 6.86 million Ukrainian refugees registered globally, almost one million of whom are living in Poland. For refugee children, access to school remains a challenge with half of school-age children in refugee-hosting countries not enrolled in national education systems, impacting their opportunity to learn and interact with their peers, as well as to develop essential skills that will be critical to the recovery of Ukraine.

UNICEF continues to work with governments, municipalities and local partners to strengthen systems that provide refugee children with quality education, health care and protection services.

“Children must always be protected from the impacts of war in accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law,” said Russell.

“More than anything, children in Ukraine need sustained peace, and the chance to realize their full potential.”

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Business – Successful Māori business accelerator returns for second year

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February 24, 2025

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Source: Tapuwae Roa

Building on its successful debut in 2024, Tapuwae Roa announced today the return of the Tupu Accelerator, an eight-week programme designed to propel Māori-founded startups toward substantial and sustainable success.

Developed in partnership with Sprout Agritech and co-funded by Callaghan Innovation, this year’s programme will welcome ten teams of aspiring Māori entrepreneurs from across Aotearoa, equipping them with the essential tools, mentorship, and resources needed to achieve global growth.

“Last year, we were blown away by the calibre and passion of our inaugural Tupu cohort, who demonstrated tremendous growth and have since shown progress like international expansion and raising capital,” says Te Pūoho Kātene, Kaihautū (Chief Executive) of Tapuwae Roa.

Feedback from last year’s participants echoed the programme’s transformative effect, with many founders crediting the programme as being instrumental in advancing their ventures.

“This is just the beginning of my journey, but the lessons and insights I have gained during this course have accelerated this start-up process in a way I could not have imagined. I’m now more focused and clearer about the vision,” says 2024 Tupu Accelerator participant and founder of Bhone Beauty, Renei Kingi.

Facilitated by experienced business coaches Saara Tawha and Brittany Teei (founder of KidsCoin), the accelerator focuses on key development areas for startup success, including customer validation, analysing markets, intellectual property protection, and navigating the process of raising capital.

“Tupu Accelerator is designed not just to educate, but to transform and support, building strong bonds between founders who can learn and grow together within and after the programme,” says Kātene.

Featuring a hybrid blend of in-person wānanga, guest speakers, online sessions, and personalised coaching, Tupu equips founders with the necessary skills to elevate their businesses from local operations to internationally competitive markets. Participating startups are also eligible to receive up to $5,000 in contributions towards professional services targeting crucial development areas for their business.

“Our people are deeply entrepreneurial, and by providing them with the tools and insights necessary to excel beyond our shores, Tupu aims to launch Māori innovation into the heart of global markets.

“We look forward to supporting a new cohort of brilliant startups to reach their entrepreneurial potential as they drive innovation and excellence within the Māori economy.”

Applications are now open and close on 20 March 2025. For more information or to apply, visit www.tupu.org.nz.

ABOUT TUPU ACCELERATOR

Delivered by Tapuwae Roa in partnership with Sprout Agritech and co-funded by Callaghan Innovation, Tupu is an eight-week kaupapa-Māori business growth programme to accelerate Māori start-ups towards sustainable success, equipping founders with the essential tools, mentorship, and resources to achieve global success.

2024 COHORT PROFILES

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

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February 24, 2025

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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

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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

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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:

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Future blooms bright for rare tree daisy

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February 24, 2025

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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

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76 gang patches seized by Police under new law

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February 24, 2025

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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.”

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Police put pressure on gangs

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February 24, 2025

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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

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

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February 24, 2025

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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.

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

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February 24, 2025

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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).

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