BusinessNZ strongly backs Animal and Plant Health NZ’s call for a sensible and modern approvals process for innovative plant and animal products, to unlock greater economic potential for the primary sector and boost economic growth.
Chief Executive Katherine Rich says our current system is too slow, too costly and uncertain.
“Some multinational firms find great difficulty launching in New Zealand because we’ve made bringing innovation here cost and time-prohibitive.
“It should not take an application more than four years to get approval – particularly products or treatments which have been safely on the market elsewhere for a decade.
“Whether it be the approval of innovative new products through the Environmental Protection Authority or new pharmaceuticals and medical devices through Medsafe, New Zealand needs effective approval processes for launching innovation here which is not cost-prohibitive and many years long.
“New Zealand needs to be an attractive place to launch new products for innovation. We must have an effective and efficient approvals process.”
Rich says BusinessNZ gladly joined businesses and organisations in co-signing a letter to Ministers, calling for positive change.
“We also support the Ministry for Regulation’s review of the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory approval process, and BusinessNZ expects to hear more in the coming weeks after findings are presented to Cabinet.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
The National Government’s big talk on combatting the exploitation of migrant workers has been exposed as a sham today.
“Hardly a week goes by without shocking new cases of migrant workers being exploited by unscrupulous employers. It beggars belief the Government only prosecuted four cases in the courts over one year,” Labour immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford said.
MPs were told in select committee today that there were 3,925 reports of exploitation called in by the public, and 812 investigations – however only four prosecutions.
“It is simply not good enough that all these reports and investigations resulted in only four prosecutions. The Government should be throwing the book at employers who are treating vulnerable migrant workers shamefully and putting New Zealand’s international reputation at risk,” Phil Twyford said.
“The public is tired of seeing cases of migrant workers arriving in New Zealand to find the job they were promised doesn’t exist, or cases of under-payment of wages, sub-standard accommodation, and other scams.
“Erica Stanford talked a big game on migrant worker exploitation while in Opposition. Since becoming Minister she has cut by half the amount of time an exploited migrant worker can get a temporary visa to allow them to find another job, get justice at the employment tribunal or get another visa.
“Now it turns out the compliance response to dodgy employers ripping off migrant workers is on a go-slow as well. It’s time Erica Stanford followed the advice in her own press releases and cracked down on the exploitation of migrant workers,” Phil Twyford said.
Palmerston North Police have made arrests following three violent incidents across the city this month.
In the last few weeks, Police have arrested three men aged 22 to 26 following two serious assaults at two bars, and a violent incident outside a petrol station.
In the early hours of New Years Day, Police responded to a bar on Rangitikei Street, following reports of an assault where one person received serious injuries.
The victim has since been discharged from hospital.
A 24-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Palmerston North District Court on 4 March, on a charge of wounding with intent to injure.
Then, on Monday 27 January, Police responded to a bar on Main Street around 11.30pm where one person received serious injuries consistent with a stab wound.
The victim is expected to be discharged from hospital today.
A 26-year-old man appeared in Palmerston North District Court this week on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is due to reappear in court on 10 March.
In a third, separate incident, on 10 January two men received injuries following an incident where one of the men was struck by a vehicle on Ferguson Street, and another person received injuries consistent with stab wounds.
They have both been discharged from hospital.
A 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before the Palmerston North District Court on 4 March on charges including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon, and assault with a blunt instrument.
It has been pleasing to be able to hold people account for these violent actions, and Police will continue to work hard to keep our community safe.
New data shows vast variations in property prices within main centres
30 January 2025 – New data from realestate.co.nz highlights striking million-dollar price gaps between the highest and lowest-priced suburbs across New Zealand’s main centres1. Auckland City saw the most dramatic contrast, with a $3.61 million gap in 2024 between Herne Bay’s average asking price of $4.32 million and Auckland Central’s $704,067. Wellington and Christchurch also saw price differences exceeding $1 million between their highest and lowest-priced suburbs last year.
The district-level data reflects the annual average asking prices of suburbs with 10 or more new listings in 2024, highlighting the varied dynamics of the property market.
“These price variations across our main centres reveal how individual neighbourhoods within the same district can command dramatically different price points,” said Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz.
“What’s also interesting is the lifestyle factors commanding premium prices differ from place to place, creating diverse opportunities across the motu.”
Capital city contrasts
In Wellington, a $1.14 million price gap separated the central city’s average asking price of $629,130 from coastal Seatoun’s $1.77 million.
“Wellington’s central city offers a markedly different price point to its premium suburbs,” noted Williams. “The relative affordability of CBD living, influenced by apartment options, opens up opportunities for buyers.”
Views command premium in Garden City
Christchurch’s Port Hills continued to attract premium prices, with Kennedys Bush averaging $1.98 million for its elevated views over the Canterbury Plains. The established suburb of Fendalton came in a close second with an average asking price of $1.77 million. In contrast, the eastern suburb of Wainoni recorded the city’s lowest average at $490,787, representing a $1.49 million gap between the highest- and lowest-priced areas.
‘‘View’ is one of the most searched terms on realestate.co.nz, and Kennedys Bush has this in spades. Who could blame those in Christchurch wanting to enjoy a panoramic view of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains,” said Williams.
Northern appeal in Hamilton
Hamilton’s price variations spanned just over half a million ($531,197). The sought-after northern suburb of Flagstaff was the highest-priced suburb at $1.09 million, while the southern suburb of Bader was the lowest at $561,783.
“As part of the Golden Triangle, Hamilton’s northern suburbs are popular with those drawn to the lifestyle benefits of a regional city while maintaining easy access to Auckland,” said Williams.
¹District-level data – Auckland City District, Wellington City District, Christchurch City District and Hamilton City District. Based on suburbs with 10 or more listings in 2024.
We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.
Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.
Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.
Want more property insights?
Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.
Sold properties: Switch your search to sold to see the last 12 months of sales and prices.
Valuations: Get a gauge on property prices by browsing sold residential properties, with the latest sale prices and an estimated value in the current market.
Glossary of terms:
Average asking price (AAP)is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.
New listingsare a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for sale on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. The site reflects 97% of all properties listed through licensed real estate agents and major developers in New Zealand. This description gives a representative view of the New Zealand property market.
Stockis the total number of residential dwellings that are for sale on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.
Rate of sale is a measure of how long it would take, theoretically, to sell the current stock at current average rates of sale if no new properties were to be listed for sale. It provides a measure of the rate of turnover in the market.
Seasonal adjustmentis a method realestate.co.nz uses to represent better the core underlying trend of the property market in New Zealand. This is done using methodology from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.
Truncated meanis the method realestate.co.nz uses to supply statistically relevant asking prices. The top and bottom 10% of listings in each area are removed before the average is calculated to prevent exceptional listings from providing false impressions.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2025 – This week, China and the world are celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Wood Snake. According to Chinese tradition, the snake represents intelligence and transformation, often symbolizing mystery and wisdom. Wood adds the qualities of growth and flexibility. An analysis provided by global broker Octa highlights how these attributes align with current trends in the cryptocurrency market. Perfect timing! Today, these qualities are more relevant than ever to the cryptocurrency market.
In 2025, popular cryptocurrencies show different dynamics: Bitcoin is up 8%, Ethereum is down 6% as of 27 January 2025, despite uncertain regulatory developments. U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order significantly revamping the national cryptocurrency policy. The order established a dedicated cryptocurrency working group to propose new regulations, safeguarded banking services for crypto companies, and prohibited the creation of a competing U.S. central bank digital currency. Additionally, it repealed burdensome accounting guidelines that had previously stifled digital asset adoption—a notable victory for the crypto industry. However, some investors remain sceptical, showing limited enthusiasm despite these advancements. The cryptocurrency market is seeing a sharp decline on Monday, 27 January, with Bitcoin dropping below $100,000 to an 11-day low. This downturn is largely driven by a significant selloff in the technology sector, which has sparked a broader risk-off sentiment among investors. As cryptocurrencies are often considered high-risk assets, this shift in market mood has weighed heavily on their performance.
Additionally, caution surrounding the Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting is adding to the pressure. Investors anxiously await decisions on interest rates, with concerns that the Fed may keep rates elevated for a prolonged period. This uncertainty about monetary policy has heightened market unease, further contributing to the decline in cryptocurrency valuations.
ETHUSD, 1-week timeframe chart
Therefore, the snake pattern and consolidation of ETHUSD that has formed in recent months may be replaced by a sharp move, after the adoption of new regulations or clear signals on the Fed Funds rate.
Hashtag: #Octa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2025 – Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) and cement manufacturers with fully support to Saraburi Province, government agencies, private sectors, and civil society to present the one-year anniversary of progress of SARABURI SANDBOX, Thailand’s first low-carbon city. The initiative is set to advance efforts in clean energy transition, green industry, and value creation for carbon with support from all stakeholders and international cooperation, advanced technologies, and green financing.
SARABURI SANDBOX is an area-based collaborative effort, driven by the Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP) approach, comprising three key stakeholders: Saraburi Province, TCMA, and FTI Saraburi Provincial Chapter. Led by the Governor of Saraburi Province and supported by domestic and international partners, aiming at transforming Saraburi into a low-carbon city by fostering collaboration among the government sector, the private sector, civil society, and related industries for various pilot projects of CO2 reduction.
A year of action since the joint declaration of commitment on August 15, 2023, the tangible and significant progress has been made across five key focus areas: 1) clean energy transition, 2) green industry promotion, 3) waste to value, 4) low-carbon agriculture, and 5) green space expansion. The project still continues with collaborative effort of all sectors, including to seek additional green funding to achieve a target reduction of 5 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2027.
Mr. Bancha Chaowarin, Governor of Saraburi Province emphasized the collaborative approach, outlining four key working principles: 1) immediate action, 2) trial-and-error, flexibility and adaptability, 3) respectful dialogue and consensus-building, and 4) maintaining a positive working atmosphere. The Saraburi Governor affirmed Saraburi’s readiness to serve as a lab city for new technologies and innovations, with the goal of replicating successful models across other provinces, leading to tangible greenhouse gas reduction outcomes, and spreading economic and social benefits to the locals of Saraburi. The Saraburi Governor stressed that the next phase requires continued cooperation, particularly policy support from the government to achieve the Thailand Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) goals.
Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) and Vice Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries stated that TCMA, as a representative of Thailand’s leading cement manufacturers and a key manufacturing sector in Saraburi, TCMA plays a pivotal role in this project, is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in alignment with the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap. TCMA’s contributions to building Saraburi as the first low-carbon city of Thailand include optimizing cement production processes, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and seeking green fund and opportunities for international cooperation.
Over the past year, the cement industry has made significant contributions to the SARABURI SANDBOX across several areas: 1)Industrial Process and Product Use (IPPU): research and development of clinker substitution, leveraging nanotechnology to enhance cement properties. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for knowledge development, machinery upgrades, investment incentives, and regulatory adjustments to promote the adoption of hydraulic cement-a low carbon cement. These actions can contribute CO2 reduction by over 1 million tons in 2023-2024. 2)Green and Smart Mining: efficient resource utilization, coupled with sustainable land rehabilitation to benefit local communities and the environment. 3) Clean Energy Transition: implementation of waste heat recovery (WHR) systems, increased use of renewable energy sources such as solar power, and adoption of biomass and refuse derived fuel (RDF) to replace coal through the co-processing in cement kilns. These measures are expected to cut carbon emissions by approximately 9-12 million tons per year and mitigate PM 2.5 pollution from agricultural burning, while generating additional income for farmers and promoting efficient waste management to zero landfill. 4) Carbon Value Creation: researching carbon utilization methods, including CO2-to-Methanol. Notably, SARABURI SANDBOX has become the first industrial cluster in Thailand accepted into the Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative of the World Economic Forum.
Dr. Chana Poomee highlighted that while significant progress has been made, achieving the goal of establishing a low-carbon city requires innovative approaches, strong leadership across sectors, strong local administration, and substantial international support. Moving forward, increased collaboration with organizations such as the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the German International Cooperation Organization (GIZ), and other global entities will be crucial in supporting energy transition and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) efforts. Dr. Chana emphasized the need for government policies to provide essential support, including knowledge sharing, technological integration, and funding to facilitate meaningful change.
***********************************************
The “SARABURI SANDBOX: Joining Forces to Create Thailand’s First Low-Carbon City” event was held on January 22, 2025, the Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy (NKRAFA), Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province. The event aimed to raise public awareness, extract key lessons from the past year, and brainstorming to gather input from various sectors to shape the future strategies of SARABURI SANDBOX. More than 700 participants from different sectors attended the event.
Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)
The increasing number of general practices closing their books to new patients is no surprise to the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).
New research from Victoria University of Wellington, published in the Journal of Primary Health Care, found that more general practices than ever are closing their books, with 36 percent of the country’s GPs turning away new patients last year.
GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers says GenPro has been warning for years that patients are facing restricted access due to full or partial closing of books to new enrolments, reduction in services such as cancelling after-hours services, or practices closing.
“One of the key reasons that general practices are turning away new patients is that government funding for general practice has not kept pace in real terms with the cost of running a general practice, the ageing population, and the changing health needs of New Zealanders,” Dr Chambers says.
“The funding shortfall creates these and other downstream problems which make a bad situation worse. We are seeing insufficient training of new doctors, GPs leaving New Zealand, and more demand on already squeezed emergency departments.”
Dr Chambers is encouraging people who can’t enrol, especially in worst hit areas such as Northland, the central and lower North Island, and Canterbury, to approach their local Member of Parliament.
“MPs must urge the new Health Minister to support a complete overhaul of the arcane funding and regulated pricing model imposed on general practice, a model which is driving general practices to the wall. The current model is more than two decades old and no longer fit for purpose.
“Changing the Minister won’t make much difference unless there is meaningful action such as theming this year’s Budget as a Health Budget to reverse the dangerous decline in primary healthcare availability,” Dr Chambers says.
GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit www.genpro.org.nz
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2025 – The EM DISTRICT Bangkok is thrilled to announce an extraordinary Chinese New Year celebration in honor of the Golden Year of Friendship between Thailand and China. This milestone marks 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations, blending cultural traditions with modern attractions. The auspicious festivities, attended by H.E. Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Kingdom of Thailand, alongside Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Mr, Varawut Silpa-archa – Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol – Minister of Culture Ms. Teerarat Samrejvanich – Deputy Interior Minister, Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt – Governor of Bangkok, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool – Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand and The Mall Group’s top management led by Ms. Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group, will take place from January 20th to February 28th, 2025, across the vibrant EM DISTRICT, including Emporium, Emquartier, and Emsphere.
From January 22 to February 23, EM DISTRICT will be transformed into a whimsical panda wonderland with the installation of 3,000 adorable panda sculptures. Enhancing the experience, a lively Panda Flash Troop will perform twice daily from January 27th to January 29th, adding an extra touch of excitement and joy for families and visitors of all ages. On the 26th – 27th of January there will be a Panda Culture truck that will showcase Panda ecosystem for all to see as it cruises throughout the city of Bangkok starting from Asoke intersection to the Grand Palace and back to EM DISTRICT.
Food lovers will be treated to a culinary adventure at the Chinese Boulevard Street Food and Tea House Market, hosted at Emquartier. This market will feature 30 carefully curated vendors offering an array of authentic Chinese dishes, traditional teas, and irresistible snacks, promising a feast for the senses.
At Emsphere’s Em Market Hall, the Panda Exhibition Showcase and Café will provide a platform to explore and shop for top-selling Chinese products. Running from January 22nd to February 25th, this unique showcase brings the best of China’s craftsmanship and innovation directly to Bangkok, offering visitors a chance to discover exclusive items and cultural treasures.
A Grand Golden Dragon Theme Across EM DISTRICT in this celebration of the Year of the Golden Dragon, all three EM DISTRICT malls will feature stunning golden dragon designs, symbolizing prosperity, strength, and good fortune. These intricate and immersive decorations aim to captivate visitors and create a festive ambiance that resonates with the spirit of Chinese New Year.
The EM DISTRICT Bangkok invites everyone to be part of this historic celebration which will include Chinese face changing shows, concerts, lion blessing troop to commemorate five decades of Thai-Chinese friendship through vibrant festivities, iconic installations, and cultural showcases. Don’t miss this unforgettable event that bridges cultures and communities in the heart of Bangkok.
Hashtag: #EMDISTRICT
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
A man has been arrested following an assault at a Palmerston North Park this afternoon, Wednesday 29 January.
About 1pm, Police responded to a park on Dogwood Way following reports one person had received injuries consistent with a stab wound following an unprovoked assault.
One person was transported to Palmerston North Hospital in a serious condition where they are receiving medical treatment.
Police would like to thank the members of the public who were delayed while Police responded to the incident.
A 25-year-old man is due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court tomorrow, Thursday 29 January, on charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
This was a callous and unprovoked attack which we will not tolerate in our community.
If you witness any unlawful activity, please contact Police on 111 if it is happening now or 105 either online or over the phone if it is after the fact.
