Finance – ASB lowers variable rates for personal, business and rural customers

February 19, 2025

Source: ASB

ASB is dropping variable interest rates across personal, business and rural lending by 0.50%, passing on today’s Official Cash Rate (OCR) cut in full.

ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says, “In the past six months, we’ve reduced our variable rates by nearly 2%, and we’re pleased to be passing on today’s OCR cut to all customers who hold a floating loan with us. We dropped rates on a number of our fixed home loan terms last week and we have highly competitive rates on the six, 12- and 18-month terms which are currently the most popular amongst our customers.”

The OCR decrease is also being reflected in some of ASB’s savings rates. Savings On Call will move to 1.15% while ASB’s youth account, Headstart and its bonus saver account Savings Plus will both shift to 3.15%.

“An easing interest rate cycle can mean different things for home or business owners and savers. Our teams are here to support any customers who want to discuss their options.”

Home Loan*	Current Rates	New Rates	Rate Change
Housing Variable	7.39%	6.89%	– 0.50%
Orbit Variable	7.49%	6.99%	– 0.50%
Back My Build	4.94%	4.44%	– 0.50%

Note – Back My Build applications are no longer open to new customers.

*These changes are effective from Friday 21^st February 2025 for new lending customers, and Friday 28^th February 2025 for existing lending customers.

Business Loan*	Current Rates	New Rates	Rate Change
Business and Rural Floating Base Rate	5.69%	5.19%	– 0.50%
Business Base Rate	12.52%	12.02%	– 0.50%
Rural Base Rate	9.76%	9.26%	– 0.50%
Corporate Indicator Rate	6.93%	6.43%	– 0.50%
Special Purpose Base Rate	5.50%	5.00%	-0.50%

* These changes are effective from Thursday 27^th February 2025 for both new and existing customers.

Savings	Band	Current Rates	New Rates	Rate Change
Savings On Call & ASB Cash Fund	All Balances	1.65%	1.15%	– 0.50%
Savings Plus	No Bonus	1.20%	0.70%	– 0.50%
	Partial Bonus	1.30%	0.80%	– 0.50%
	Full Bonus	3.65%	3.15%	– 0.50%
Headstart	All Balances	3.65%	3.15%	– 0.50%

*These changes are effective from Friday 28th February 2025 for new and existing customers

ASB has practical information for customers on the current interest rate environment available on its website as well support to help customers take control of their financial wellbeing and achieve their goals at its Financial Wellbeing Hub: https://www.asb.co.nz/banking-with-asb/financial-wellbeing.html

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Health Crisis – New crisis working group a sign of desperation by Health Minister – PSA

LiveNews Publisher

February 19, 2025

Source: PSA

The Government’s setting up of a crisis health working group won’t help a failing health system unless increased investment is urgently made.

The so-called health assurance unit will operate within Te Kawa Mataao Public Service Commission.

“This is a crisis of the Government’s own making and the unit is another sign of desperation,” said PSA acting national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.

“The PSA says the answer is simple. Stop the cuts, lift the hiring freeze and fund health properly.

“The health system is being starved of funds by a Government which has chosen saving dollars over saving lives, tax cuts over a properly funded health system.

“That’s why the PSA has filed urgent legal proceedings with the Employment Relations Authority to stop the planned cuts.

“This all comes on top of three high profile resignations including the Health NZ CEO and Director General of Health.

“It’s time for action, not a working group, before frontline health services are further eroded and patients suffer.”

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The Collective Officially Opens Inaugural Flagship in Tokyo to Reimagine Luxury Coworking

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February 19, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

Owned and operated by JustCo, the 24,000 sqft space blends refined hospitality, experience and design inspired by the rhythm of Tokyo Station

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 February 2025 – The Collective opens its inaugural flagship at GranTokyo South Tower, presenting a new era of inspired workspace for discerning professionals. Owned and operated by JustCo, Asia’s leading flexible workspace solutions provider, the new luxury coworking space reimagines the workplace as a sanctuary for great minds to converge, through a blend of distinct design, refined hospitality and lifestyle experiences that are shaped by its prestigious locale in one of Asia’s leading business capitals.

Grand Lounge of The Collective at GranTokyo South Tower

Set on the threshold to global opportunity, The Collective is situated in one of Tokyo’s most prestigious Grade A buildings overlooking the Marunouchi district – home to leading Japanese and global corporations. The 24,000 sqft location provides a seamless connection to Tokyo Station, with effortless access to Narita and Haneda Airports that unlock a world of limitless business potential in Japan and beyond.

Crafted for Purpose and Distinction

Inspired by the iconic Tokyo Station, The Collective is a tribute to the elegance and warmth of a luxury voyage. Members are greeted with a welcoming atmosphere of sleek modern interiors and refined furnishing reminiscent of a first-class cabin, where every space is meticulously designed by an in-house team of experts to elevate productivity and comfort at each turn.

A professional oasis in the destination of global enterprise, panoramic views overlooking the capital’s business district are complemented by lush greenery and natural light to foster creativity, tranquility and a sense of connection. Every workstation showcases a harmonious blend of design and support with the Herman Miller Aeron Chair, alongside Benel adjustable desks that advocate for wellbeing. An array of meeting rooms offers versatile spaces and state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities for like-minded leaders to converge.

The Collective also offers bespoke solutions to meet every professional need – from private suites with indulgent personal workspaces and 24/7 secured access, to larger enterprise suites that provide tailored workspace design and furnishing, with luxury fitting and exclusive entrance features.

Refined Hospitality, Peerless In Every Way

Guided by a singular purpose to deliver an unparallelled level of service and experience, The Collective provides thoughtfully curated amenities and hospitality-inspired experiences to ensure members feel at home. Discerning professionals can look forward to a transformative luxury coworking experience, characterised by exceptional service and immersive wellness experiences.

Morning rituals at The Collective commence with delighting epicurean senses through a daily gourmet breakfast paired with freshly brewed drip coffee. Available throughout the day, an array of refreshments is meticulously selected to elevate the everyday work experience: relish in a cup of coffee grounded with Kyoto-originated % Arabica beans and take a chance to unwind in the onsite TWG Tea Bar. On Fridays, members are invited to the lounge to connect with other leaders for the convivial Aperitif Hour with handcrafted cocktail creations by the in-house mixologist.

Abundant wellness and recreational spaces aim to empower great minds to fulfil their potential. For example, the Wellness Sanctuary offers a curated space intended for those restful respites in between work, allowing the mind to relax through the deep engagement of five senses. Members can also unwind with a line of rejuvenating aromatherapy amenities by luxury skincare brand AESOP, selected to soothe the senses and inspire peak performance.

The Collective is located at GranTokyo South Tower. Learn more here.

https://www.justcoglobal.com/
https://www.instagram.com/justcoglobal/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/@JustCoJapan

Hashtag: #JustCo

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Real change boosts farmer confidence, but Paris commitments still cause concern

LiveNews Publisher

February 19, 2025

Source: ACT Party

ACT Agriculture spokesperson Mark Cameron is welcoming Federated Farmers’ latest Farm Confidence Survey, which shows farmer confidence has jumped to a 10-year high, but says there is more work to be done – including resolving challenges posed by our climate commitments.

“Finally, we’ve got a Government committed to letting farmers farm, and it’s clear the real change ACT is resonating with rural New Zealand.

“We’ve reined in waste and refocused the Reserve Bank on tackling inflation to bring interest rates down. We’ve kept agriculture out of the Emissions Trading Scheme and axed Labour’s anti-farmer policies including the ute tax and new resource management regime,” says Mr Cameron.

“The progress is good, but farmers still deserve better. More work is underway to cut rural red tape, such as the repeal and replacement of the RMA that puts property rights first, so farmers can farm without having to worry about vacuous concepts like the mana and mauri of the water. The work I’m leading on the rural banking inquiry will ascertain exactly why farmers are getting a raw deal and how much woke banking practices have to do with it.

“The Farm Confidence Survey shows climate policy has farmers increasingly on edge. This reflects what farmers are telling me. The Paris Agreement requires us to sign up to increasing costly targets, prime rural land gets covered in pine trees, farmers get lumped with new bills and red tape.

“People need to eat, they need their baby formula, and if we shut down efficient Kiwi farms, that production will just be shifted offshore to countries that are less efficient. How’s that good for the environment? It’s a nonsense.

“Rural New Zealand deserves an honest conversation about what these targets mean, how much they’ll cost, and the implications if we were to consider withdrawing. Resolving these questions would do a great deal to lift confidence higher.”

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Students get up close with Bugatti classics at EIT | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

LiveNews Publisher

February 19, 2025

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

46 seconds ago

Aspiring automotive professionals at EIT had a unique opportunity to witness history in motion as three Bugatti classics made their way onto the Hawke’s Bay campus.

The three rare vehicles, this year’s featured French marque, travelled from around the country for the Art Deco Festival.

EIT students Tu Hawkins (left), Nathan Tobeck and Jennifer Rainham (right) with EIT Automotive Tutor Brett Cranswick and Greg McDell of Classics Museum in Hamilton.

EIT Automotive Tutor Brett Cranswick said the visit was a great learning opportunity for students.

“For our automotive students, opportunities like this are incredibly inspiring. Some already have a keen interest in classic cars, and experiences like this help reinforce their passion for the industry.”

A few years ago, about 200 hot rods visited the campus in a similar event, also organised by Brett.

Greg McDell of Classics Museum in Hamilton showing EIT students Tu Hawkins (left), Nathan Tobeck and Jennifer Rainham (right) a 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux.

Among last Wednesday’s display was a 1937 Bugatti Type 57 Ventoux, which had finished being fully restored just five days prior by Greg McDell of Classics Museum in Hamilton.

“It is cool seeing young people interested in old cars. It is a dying trade, but there is a market out there,” McDell said.

Also on display was a Bugatti Type 37A, owned by Louise Russell and Michael Pidgeon, whose father restored it in the late 1980s.

Students had the opportunity to speak with the owners and Hawke’s Bay Vintage Car Club Art Deco Festival spokesman Steve Donovan, who also toured the EIT facilities.

Steve mentioned how impressed the car owners were with the facilities, and said they need to bring the Hawke’s Bay Vintage Car Club for a visit one day.

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Ahuwhenua Trophy award finalists

LiveNews Publisher

February 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Agriculture Minister, Todd McClay and Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka today congratulated the finalists for this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy, celebrating excellence in Māori sheep and beef farming.

The two finalists for 2025 are Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust and Tawapata South Māori Incorporation Onenui Station.

“The Ahuwhenua Trophy is a prestigious award celebrating the vital role Māori sheep and beef farmers play in New Zealand’s economy,” Mr McClay says.

“This year’s finalists exemplify excellence in agribusiness, driving growth in our food and fibre sector while creating jobs in rural communities.

“Māori agribusiness remains a key part of our rural economy, with sheep and beef operations alone employing over 10,000 Māori across the value chain.”

“Their hard work will help achieve the Government’s ambitious goal of doubling New Zealand’s exports by value in 10 years, while meeting the global demand for high-quality, safe and sustainable food and fibre products,” Mr McClay says.

Mr Potaka says the Ahuwhenua Trophy recognises excellence in farming know-how, as well as the wider role that Māori intergenerational farming entities play in our regional communities and in protecting the environment.

“Māori agribusiness provides employment and vital reinvestment back into marae, papakāinga, kura and education scholarships.

“The prosperity and wellbeing farming generates for Iwi and Māori across the motu has far reaching impacts. I tautoko the outstanding work these finalists are doing.”

Each Ahuwhenua Trophy finalist will host a field day to demonstrate their farming operations. These field days and a second round of judging will determine the overall winner. The winner will be announced on 6 June in Palmerston North.

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Watercare cements foundation for Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades

LiveNews Publisher

February 19, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Watercare has finished cementing the concrete foundations and plinths to support the state-of-the-art upgrades at the Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Made from reinforced concrete, the nine plinths were installed on top of 99,000 litres of concrete that was poured one week earlier.

Each of the plinths will support a tank that will play a crucial role in the treatment plant’s $38.3 million upgrade.

The upgrade will allow the plant to meet stricter resource consent requirements and to better cope with peak flows during wet weather.

Once the upgrades are finished, six of the nine plinths will hold two Membrane-Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) tanks, two aerobic tanks and two anoxic tanks.

The other three plinths will support future tanks that can be installed later to enable future population growth in the area.

The upgrades are on track to be completed by the middle of next year.

Watercare head of wastewater Jonathan Piggot says having MABR tanks and Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology integrated into the treatment process will result in cleaner water being discharged into the Hōteo River and surrounding environment.

“The MBR and MABR technology are very efficient in removing organic matter and nutrients.

“This is largely thanks to microorganisms (bugs) which work on our behalf; we just create the right conditions for them.

Watercare cements the concrete foundations and plinths to support the state-of-the-art upgrades at the Wellsford Wastewater Treatment Plant.

“Any pathogens that pass through the membranes face ultraviolet disinfection, ensuring high-quality wastewater discharge.”

Watercare capital delivery general manager Suzanne Lucas says the layout of the upgraded plant utilises modular design principles, where each part will be built separately and joined together at the treatment plant.

“Opting for a modular design for the upgrade allows us to incorporate existing infrastructure into the new build, reducing construction time and cost.

“It also provides greater flexibility to scale up and update technology to meet future needs and accommodate population growth.”

Lucas says over March the MABR tanks will be lifted into position and the work for installing the supporting and mechanical electricals will get underway on site.

“Over the next couple of months, we’ll also have crews on site installing a new inlet pump station, a new dosing area, control building and new outfall pipeline.

“Traffic management will be in place approximately 300 metres on either side of the entrance on State Highway 1, around 2.5km outside of Wellsford, to allow for the high number of trucks and vehicles that will be coming in and out of the site.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we work to increase the plant’s capacity and ensure its long-term sustainability.”

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Fund to better recognise and support survivors

LiveNews Publisher

February 19, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is continuing to respond to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care by establishing a fund to honour those who died in care and are buried in unmarked graves, and strengthen survivor-led initiatives that support those in need.

“The $2 million dual purpose fund will be available for local authorities to care and memorialise unmarked graves associated with psychiatric and psychopaedic sites. The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found there are at least 4,000 unmarked graves in Auckland, Waikato, Nelson, Rangitikei, Horowhenua, Porirua, Otago, Westland and Canterbury.

“Authorities with sites in those areas can apply for funding to memorialise those who are buried, in ways their communities deem appropriate,” Lead Coordination Minister Erica Stanford says.

The fund will also support initiatives by non-governmental organisations and community groups to deliver effective support and services to survivors of abuse in care.

“This includes educational workshops, initiatives to promote awareness and prevention of abuse in care, navigation support, and individual and collective advocacy for survivors,” Ms Stanford says.

The fund is administered by Community Operations Hāpai Hapori in partnership with the Crown Response Office (CRO).

“We respect and recognise the significance of these sites, and the work that has gone on locally to ensure they can endure. It’s important survivors are enabled to identify the supports and solutions that are meaningful to them. The fund will be non-contestable, meaning all applicants that meet the criteria will receive funding of up to $50,000 per application,” says Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector Louise Upston.

Notes to editors

The fund responds to recommendations 5, 19 and 20 of Whanaketia.

Applications can be submitted at www.communitymatters.govt.nz

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Health – Patients, clinicians to pay price for Te Whatu Ora digital services cuts – RACS

LiveNews Publisher

February 19, 2025

Source: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

Te Whare Piki Ora o Māhutonga – the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) – says proposed cuts to Te Whatu Ora’s digital services were made with reference to financial considerations, not clinical ones.

It argues any projected cost savings don’t factor in the potential impact on clinical staff, clinical standards and patient safety and wellbeing.

“These proposed changes may seem like a simple money saver, but we haven’t seen any analysis that weighs the expected cost savings against the risks to patient outcomes,” says Dr Ros Pochin, Chair of the RACS Aotearoa New Zealand National Committee.

She says the current state of the IT systems hospital clinicians rely on are “not what you would hope for from a modern healthcare system”.

“We need systems that talk to each other across hospitals and regions; reliable technology and uninterrupted remote access, especially for the smaller rural and regional centres; and a support team with the capacity to help when there are issues or outages. I can’t see how the proposals allow for these much-needed upgrades. In fact, they’ll likely make matters worse. The loser is always the patient and the clinicians trying to do their best for them.”

The Digital Services Consultation Document proposes significant changes to Te Whatu Ora’s digital infrastructure, including the termination or deferral of 136 digital projects and a near 50% reductions in digital services staff. The changes aim to address financial deficits but raise concerns regarding their potential impact on clinical standards, patient safety, and the overall effectiveness of the healthcare system.

“These drastic changes, focused almost exclusively on cost-saving measures, have been made without consulting those who are most affected – the frontline medical professionals who deliver care,” says Dr Pochin.

“This is a strategic shift being pushed through without the necessary evidence or clinical scrutiny. While it may offer short-term savings, the long-term performance and human cost could be profound.”

RACS, which is committed to equitable, quality healthcare, is voicing its strong objections to these changes, which threaten to destabilise an already fragile health workforce and undermine the safety and efficacy of patient care. It is calling for an immediate suspension of the current decision-making process and urges Te Whatu Ora to engage in a thorough, evidence-based consultation with clinical professionals

As Aotearoa New Zealand navigates its future healthcare needs, RACS remains committed to advocating for the changes that will best serve the health and wellbeing of all communities, and is ready to work alongside Te Whatu Ora and other stakeholders to shape a better, safer, and more equitable system for the country.

About the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 7000 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates. RACS also supports healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region and is a substantial funder of surgical research. There are nine surgical specialties in Australasia being: Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology and Vascular Surgery. www.surgeons.org

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Health and Business – The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners Partners with Tribal to Transform Learner Management

LiveNews Publisher

February 19, 2025

Source: Tribal Group

Wellington, February 5, 2025 – Tribal Group, a leading provider of education technology, is delighted to announce its partnership with The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College). Following an extensive evaluation process, the College has selected Tribal’s ebs learner management system to assist the transformation of their learner experience and streamline operations as part of Te Kāpehu Whetū, their programme for mapping operational needs and identifying suitable tools.

The College identified the need for a more robust, future-proofed system following their commitment to delivering seamless training experiences to support the next generation of specialist general practitioners and rural hospital doctors.

Toby Beaglehole, College Chief Executive says, “The change in our system was essential to accommodate our organisation’s growth and future needs. Te Kāpehu Whetū represents our continuous improvement approach to finding the right tools that align with our processes and support our vision for the future.”

A Rigorous Selection Process

The College’s search for a new solution began in 2022. After conducting desktop research and gathering recommendations from other organisations in the New Zealand tertiary education and membership sectors, Tribal ebs emerged as an option due to its intuitive functionality and deep integration capability.

“We needed a solution that was not only advanced in its core capabilities but also came from a provider deeply embedded in the education sector. Tribal stood out not just for its extensive experience but for its ability to future-proof our organisation through ongoing R&D and sector insights,” said Mr Beaglehole.

The partnership will see Tribal ebs become the central system supporting the College’s learner journeys, from application through their training and into Fellowship, while integrating seamlessly with their other systems.

Delivering Modern, Learner-Centric Solutions

The learner and staff portals within Tribal ebs were major factors in the College’s decision, offering intuitive user experiences with powerful behind-the-scenes functionality. The system will also automate many of the College’s operational processes.

Steve Exley, Tribal’s General Manager in New Zealand, added, “We are proud to partner with the College and support their journey towards a more robust system that enhances their operations and the services they provide. This collaboration signifies the strength of Tribal ebs in the tertiary education sector, particularly here in Aotearoa New Zealand.”

A Broader Impact on the Tertiary Education and EdTech Sectors

This collaboration highlights the increasing need for future-ready solutions within the tertiary education sector. The College’s adoption of Tribal ebs not only showcases the adaptability of the platform but also underscores Tribal’s deep commitment to addressing the diverse needs of education organisations, particularly in New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

The partnership also celebrates Tribal’s launch of advisory services in APAC, reinforcing its presence and expertise in education technology throughout the region.

“This partnership with Tribal enables us to leverage new technology to enhance our educational infrastructure. By integrating Tribal ebs, we are laying the groundwork for a future-ready institution that aligns with our strategic goals to nurture new generations of specialist GPs and rural hospital doctors,” concludes Mr Beaglehole.

Mark Pickett, CEO of Tribal Group, remarked, “Our collaboration with the College reaffirms Tribal Group’s commitment to delivering solutions that address the intricate needs of educational institutions. By providing a comprehensive and adaptable learner management system, we are committed to fostering innovation and operational excellence within the College, ensuring they remain at the forefront of medical education.”

Next Steps for the Partnership

The College has already initiated workshops with Tribal’s implementation team, and the first project milestone—go-live for applications for the 2026 intake of general practice and rural hospital trainees—is set for March 2025.

About Tribal

Tribal Group plc is global leader in education technology, offering solutions that empower institutions to improve efficiency, innovate processes, and enhance the learner experience. Working with Higher Education, Further and Tertiary Education, schools, Government and State bodies, training providers and employers, in over 55 countries; Tribal Group’s mission is to empower the world of education with products and services that underpin learner success.

About The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners

The Royal New Zealand College Of General Practitioners is New Zealand’s largest medical college with a membership of over 6,000 GPs, rural hospital doctors, and registrars. The College sets standards for general practice in New Zealand, providing research, assessment, ongoing education, advocacy and support for general practitioners and general practice. They advocate for equity, access, and sustainable healthcare and believe fundamentally that regardless of who or where they are, every New Zealander should have access to their own GP.

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