Two iconic hotels among Council’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant recipients

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January 21, 2025

Source: Auckland Council

Two long-standing hospitality venues, at opposite ends of Auckland, will get some help to future-proof through Auckland Council’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant. The Puhoi Hotel and the Kentish Hotel were among 21 applicants from across the region allocated a share of $530,000 from the grant. Both hotels are scheduled as historic heritage places under the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The Regional Historic Heritage Grants Programme aims to incentivise best practice and encourage community involvement in the care of regionally significant historic heritage places. It is focussed on funding projects that benefit historic heritage places and outcomes that are relevant to all of Auckland.

Allocations for this financial year’s Regional Historic Heritage Grant were approved by Auckland Council’s General Manager Planning and Resource Consents, John Duguid.

The Puhoi Hotel complex in Auckland’s north was allocated $50,000 and the Kentish Hotel in Waiuku, in the south, was awarded $48,435.

“It’s essential that historic heritage places are preserved so they can be enjoyed by Aucklanders now, and for years to come,” says Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the council’s Community Committee.

“These taonga give a window into the past of Tāmaki Makaurau and preserving them is crucial for the region’s identity.

“The Regional Historic Heritage Grant enables these historically significant taonga to be improved and future-proofed.

“This round we allocated funds to 21 applicants from a total of 35 applications. We thank all those who gave their time and effort to apply.”

The Puhoi Hotel pictured in the 1987.

Puhoi Hotel

The Puhoi Hotel was established by John Schollum, a Bohemian migrant who arrived in Puhoi in 1863. The first version of the hotel was built in 1876 and Schollum gained his liquor licence that year. The hotel had accommodation for both patrons and their horses. The current Puhoi Hotel was built in 1901, replacing the earlier 1876 building.

Pūhoi is a small rural town, located in a valley, approximately 43 kilometres north of Auckland city. The town developed near the Pūhoi River (along Pūhoi Road) following the arrival of Bohemian settlers in the 1860s and 1870s.

The hotel is recorded as standing out as a local landmark due to its height and picturesque appearance.

The $50,000 funding will go towards repairing the damaged verandah structure, and repainting the exterior and roof.

Bernie McCallion, owner of the Puhoi Hotel thanked Auckland Council for the funds.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Auckland Council for approving our grant application.

“This funding will make a significant difference in enabling us to bring The Puhoi Pub, Hotel and Stables back to life.

“We appreciate the council’s support and commitment to help the hub of Puhoi be used to its full extent and allowing the verandah to be safe and secure for tourists and the community.

The Kentish Hotel, Waiuku, 1877.

Kentish Hotel

The Kentish Hotel was built in 1852 by Edward Constable who emigrated from Maidstone, Kent in England. Constable was granted a liquor licence on 10 January 1853. The same licence still continues today and the hotel lays claim to the longest continuous liquor licence in New Zealand. The hotel’s close relationship to the Waiuku wharf was key to its early success and it is a rare example of a large wooden colonial building. The hotel is associated with notable political figures Sir George Grey, Richard John Seddon and Sir Joseph Ward. Māori Kings Pōtatau Te Wherowhero and Tāwhiao held meetings there and it was the venue for sittings of the Native Land Court.

The $48,435 will be used for repairing the hotel’s exterior decks and repair and weather-proof the windows.

Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2023/2024 recipients
Place	Approved grant allocation ($)
Berrisville Flats, Anzac Ave, Central Auckland	50,000
Church of Ascension (former), Point Chevalier	15,670
George Courts Department Store (former), Karangahape Rd	50,000
Greenhithe School building (former), Greenhithe	7,931
Gravestone at St Stephens Church, Parnell	1,300
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Silverdale	50,000
Kentish Hotel, Waiuku	48,435
King’s Theatre (former), Newton	50,000
Kohekohe Presbyterian Church (former),Waiuku	7,000
Lake House, Takapuna	13,100
Mission Hall, Glenfield	5,490
New Zealand Guardian Trust, Queen St, Central Auckland	2,000
Northcote Point Senior Citizens Association, Northcote	25,000
Onehunga Primary School, Onehunga	28,900
Puhoi Hotel complex, Puhoi	50,000
Railway worker’s residence, Henderson	8,376
St Mark’s Church, Remuera	43,100
St Sepulchre Church (former), Mt Eden	10,000
Takapuna Library (former), Takapuna	35,000
Theosophical Society Hall, Queen St, Central Auckland	25,000
Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse	3,565

Applicants for the Regional Historic Heritage Grant 2024/2025 will open in the second half of 2025. More information will be posted on the Auckland Council website at a later date.

MIL OSI

Electronic card transactions: December 2024 – Stats NZ media and information release

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January 21, 2025

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Source: Statistics New Zealand

Electronic card transactions: December 2024 – 21 January 2025 – The electronic card transactions (ECT) series cover debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. The series can be used to indicate changes in consumer spending and economic activity.

Key facts

All figures are seasonally adjusted unless otherwise specified.

Values are at the national level and are not adjusted for price changes.

December 2024 month

Changes in the value of electronic card transactions for the December 2024 month (compared with November 2024) were:

spending in the retail industries increased 2.0 percent ($130 million)
spending in the core retail industries increased 1.8 percent ($103 million).

Files:

MIL OSI

Employment Trends – New year, more money: what workers want from their job in 2025

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January 21, 2025

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Source: Robert Half

More money (62%), flexible work hours (36%) and more benefits (36%) are the top three things Kiwi workers want to get from their job in 2025
32% of employees want more pay above anything else from their job this year
87% of employees are concerned about inflation outpacing salary increases in 2025.

Auckland, 21 January 2025 – A pay rise is what workers overwhelmingly want to get from their job in 2025 but they are concerned about inflation outpacing salary increases, new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds.

More pay is the primary objective for about a third (32%) of New Zealand workers to get from their job in 2025. However, the proportion rises to almost two-thirds (62%) of workers when asked to rank their top three preferences. Flexible work hours (36%) and more benefits (36%) are workers’ second and third priorities respectively.

What workers want in 2025

When asked about what they want to get from their job in 2025, Kiwi workers have made it clear that more pay is at the top of their 2025 wish list. While some are keen to receive increased flexibility or a promotion, which can potentially bolster their remuneration package, perks and career development opportunities rank well below the preference for greater financial compensation.

What workers want in 2025	% of employees to rate it as a top 3 preference	% of workers to list it as their top want for 2025	The generation that wants it most
More pay	62%	32%	Millennials (63%) and Baby Boomers (63%)
Flexible work hours	36%	12%	Gen Z (45%)
More benefits	36%	10%	Millennials (40%)
A promotion	32%	10%	Gen Z (42%)
More recognition	25%	6%	Gen Z (31%)
More professional development and training	31%	10%	Gen X (37%)
More responsibilities	15%	4%	Baby Boomers (18%)
More remote working options	22%	6%	Baby Boomers (27%)
Better corporate culture	18%	6%	Baby Boomers (23%)
A mentor/career coach	14%	4%	Millennials (16%)

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 500 full-time office workers in New Zealand.

“Given the current inflationary environment and rising living costs, employees are understandably seeking strong financial security and comprehensive benefits,” says Megan Alexander, Managing Director at Robert Half. “Money still talks, but flexible work hours, professional development and other benefits have become more commonplace as pay alternatives in the modern workplace.

“When it comes down to it, employees want to feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. Competitive pay and benefits are a tangible way for organisations to demonstrate that they are committed to the welfare of their staff.”

Workers worried inflation will outpace salary rises

There is a deeper motive behind Kiwi workers wanting more pay in 2025. The majority (87%) of employees are concerned about inflation outpacing salary increases this year, with Gen X the most concerned (94%) and Gen Z (82%) the least concerned.

“Kiwi workers aren’t just looking for a pay bump, they’re seeking financial security. With inflation biting, employees want to ensure their pay is not going ‘backwards’. Businesses need to demonstrate a genuine understanding of their employees’ financial realities and offer a compensation package that is a true reflection of their skills and experience as they progress in their role. Ignoring salary concerns could lead to increased employee dissatisfaction and higher turnover rates,” concluded Alexander.

Tips for employers when pay requests cannot be offered

Consider options

Even if you can’t match requested salaries dollar-for-dollar, look for other areas of value. Focus on those areas that employees value, too. This could include increased flexibility, professional development opportunities or enhanced recognition programs. Exploring creative solutions and demonstrating your commitment to employee wellbeing will stand you in good stead among your workforce.

Open and honest communication is key

Be transparent with your employees about the company’s financial situation and/or other reasons why the pay rise will not be rewarded. Open and honest communication is crucial.

Invest in employees where possible

There are many cost-effective ways to invest in employees’ growth and development, such as providing employees with a mentor or secondment placements. Providing opportunities for upskilling and career advancement can also increase employee loyalty and engagement, even if immediate salary increases aren’t feasible.

Foster a supportive work environment

Intangible benefits can be beneficial in retaining top talent. Employees may find it difficult to leave a positive and supportive work environment, even if they do not receive the tangible benefits they want. Foster a culture of recognition, appreciation and work-life balance, and create a workplace that is enjoyable.

Notes

About the research

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in November 2024 by an independent research company among 500 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management and trends in the workplace.

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland. More information on roberthalf.com/nz

MIL OSI

The Regulatory Standards Bill

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January 21, 2025

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Source: ACT Party

The Haps

Sold out. Normally we’d be spruiking tickets for ACT’s State of the Nation event this Friday, but it sold out last week. Free Press will be reporting on the event next Monday.

The Regulatory Standards Bill

Over the summer the left have have got themselves into a lather about the Regulatory Standards Bill. As hard left Auckland Law Professor Jane Kelsey helpfully explained, the Bill is “basically about the protection of private property and wealth” (she meant this as a criticism).

The Herald helpfully ran an excellent column about the Bill by David Seymour on Friday. We thought it was worth reprinting here.

In a nutshell: If red tape is holding us back, because politicians find regulating politically rewarding, then we need to make regulating less rewarding for politicians with more sunlight on their activities. That is how the Regulatory Standards Bill will help New Zealand get its mojo back.

Sometimes New Zealand is all milk and honey. Other times you can sense widespread frustration that things could be better.

Our country is in one of those times where we need to choose how we proceed.

We cannot change our size, or the impact of the world’s largest economies. We can’t change our underlying history or culture, and we cannot quickly change our levels of education. What we can change is our policies.

As 1970s Labour Prime Minister Norman Kirk is often quoted, people everywhere need “someone to love, somewhere to live, somewhere to work, and something to hope for”. It is still good advice for the success of any country.

I believe people are leaving because they feel let down. They’ve done their homework, got the grades, worked hard and saved money. And yet, life remains harder here than other places they could be.

Bad regulation is at the heart of this. Make no mistake, in a country where you’re free to do as you please unless there’s a law against it, every extra law is a restriction on your basic freedoms, and I hear about it in nearly every field.

There are builders who’ll tell you it takes longer to get permission than to build something. One person recently wrote to me saying, “The thing that I have learned is that everything that we want to do is not trusted by the council, yet everything that the council does we are supposed to trust”. No wonder we are short of affordable housing.

New Zealand has lost a fortune to earthquake regulations in the past decade, because politicians thought, or should I say felt, more restrictions were the right thing to do after the Canterbury quakes.

And yet, fewer than 500 people have died from earthquakes in the history of our country. That’s about as many as die from cancer every three weeks, but we can’t afford all the drugs they need. Hmmm.

It will help us get our mojo back as a country, because we’ll be able to spend more time doing useful work, and less time complying with the powers that be for little reason.

It goes on, people in finance face endless red tape thought to prevent them from giving out loans to people who cannot repay them. Somewhere the regulators missed that the whole point of the finance industry is not to lose money by giving loans people cannot repay.

Educators say they only want to help children grow to their potential but spend far too much time on bureaucracy. Generations of politicians and bureaucrats with little understanding of their work felt making another rule was the right thing to do, and workers face the accumulation of their efforts.

Bad regulation doesn’t just add cost to the things we do, it stops us doing things we’d otherwise do.

Whole projects don’t happen because they’re just too hard. Property developers have told me they turn down proposals to build more homes after adding up the regulatory costs, and a shortage of housing is one of our biggest national problems.

It’s not just the workplace and the housing market that are affected by overregulation, it’s our culture.

At the school where Sir Edmund Hillary learned to climb, the climbing walls have health and safety notices saying “do not climb”. Much loved community events such as parades cannot go ahead thanks to the absurd cost of planning something that never caused a problem before.

Into all this comes the Regulatory Standards Bill.

It requires politicians and officials to ask and answer certain questions before they place restrictions on citizens’ freedoms. What problem are we trying to solve? What are the costs and benefits? Who pays the costs and gets the benefits? What restrictions are being placed on the use and exchange of private property?

The law doesn’t stop politicians or their officials making bad laws. They can still make rules that don’t solve any obvious problem, whose costs exceed their benefits, whose costs fall unfairly on some at the expense of others, and that destroy people’s right to property.

They can do all of that, but the Regulatory Standards Bill makes it transparent that they’re doing it. It makes it easier for voters to identify those responsible for making bad rules. Over time, it will improve the quality of rules we all have to live under by changing how politicians behave.

It does that by requiring a rigorous statement setting out how a rule will meet the standards, or why it is being passed despite not meeting them.

People affected by bad laws will be able to appeal to a Regulatory Standards Board, made up of people who understand regulatory economics. That board will be able to make non-binding declarations on whether the law was made well, further turning up the heat on bad lawmaking.

It will help us get our mojo back as a country, because we’ll be able to spend more time doing useful work, and less time complying with the powers that be for little reason.

We’ll see more homes, more jobs, more community, and more hope – Kirk’s prescription for a better country.

MIL OSI

Plan ahead for daytime closures on SH2 Waioeka Gorge next month

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January 21, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Road users are advised to plan ahead for a series of daytime closures on State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Waioeka Gorge from Tuesday 11 February.

The road will be closed from Kerei Street, Matawai, and Warrington Road, Ōpōtiki, between the hours of 10am and 6pm from Tuesday 11 February to Friday 14 February enabling contractors to safely replace the road surface at 2 corners within the Waioeka Gorge with asphalt.

On Monday 10 February, the road will be open with stop/go and a reduced speed limit in place between 8am and 5pm allowing crews to dig up the existing road in preparation for the asphalt layer. 

Bay of Plenty System Manager Sandra King says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) recognises the significance of SH2 through the Waioeka Gorge, particularly for Gisborne and the surrounding Tairāwhiti region. 

“This section of SH2 has a critical function with no convenient detour route. It’s the key connection for Gisborne and the surrounding Tairāwhiti region to the Bay of Plenty and beyond. 

“We understand this work will cause inconvenience, and we don’t take planning road closures lightly. In this instance, by closing the Waioeka Gorge for 8 hours a day, we’re able to complete this essential work more efficiently and safely, improving safety and resilience through the area.

“Our state highway network is key to New Zealanders’ ability to travel throughout the country, and this work is necessary to ensure the road is safe and accessible for everyone who travels on it.

“The road width through the Gorge is narrow, and the confined space makes it challenging to allow road users past the machinery needed to complete the road works. The safety of road users, the community and our teams is incredibly important to us. 

“Careful consideration has been made in determining the timing for this work and the impacts to freight, industry, tourism and the wider community. This work needs to be completed this summer, under the right temperature and dry weather conditions. If not, ongoing maintenance work will be needed, resulting in more significant disruption.” 

Ms King says NZTA is making the most of the closures by getting all scheduled Gorge works for this construction season completed at the same time. This includes other pavement repairs, clearing drains and sign repairs.

“The Bay of Plenty/Tairāwhiti regions are seeing a significant portion of the increase in investment in state highway maintenance and resilience.

“The summer renewal season is one of the most disruptive in recent memory due to the volume of rebuilding taking place. To complete the work within the available time, traffic management such as full or partial road closures are being used to enable work to be completed more efficiently.”

Ms King advises those looking to travel through the Gorge before or after the closure times will need to plan ahead as well.

“It’s nearly a 30-minute drive from Ōpōtiki to the closure site and approximately 35 minutes from Matawai. We encourage people to factor this in when looking to get through before or after the closure times as there will be no openings once it’s closed,” Ms King says.

Access for emergency services will be maintained throughout the works.

As this work is weather dependent, NZTA has scheduled 3 contingency days between Monday 17 to Wednesday 19 February. Road users are advised to check the NZTA Journey Planner on the day of travel for up-to-date information about the closures. 

Journey Planner(external link)

This work forms part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund. 

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience and understanding as we undertake these important works.

Date/Time	Road status
Monday 10 February	OPEN, stop/go 8am – 5pm
Tuesday 11 February	Closed between 10am – 6pm
Wednesday 12 February	Closed between 10am – 6pm
Thursday 13 February	Closed between 10am – 6pm
Friday 14 February	Closed between 10am – 6pm
Saturday 15 February	OPEN
Sunday 16 February	OPEN
Monday 17 February	Contingency day. If needed, closed between 10am – 6pm
Tuesday 18 February	Contingency day. If needed, closed between 10am – 6pm
Wednesday 19 February	Contingency day. If needed, closed between 10am – 6pm

MIL OSI

Te Matawai – Investment round opens to boost te reo Māori resurgence

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January 21, 2025

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Source: Te Matawai

Te Mātāwai is kicking off the new year with the opening of applications for the 2025-2026 Investment Round.

Each year, Te Mātāwai invite kāinga, hapori and iwi from around Aotearoa to apply for investment for kaupapa that revitalise te reo Māori such as kura reo, classes, wānanga, language planning or reo resources.

Tumu Whakarae, Poia Rewi, says the ever-growing hunger and passion for reo Māori revitalisation is reflected in the annual increase in registrations and applications.

“Last year, we received a record number of 543 applications, more than double the amount received in 2022 which was 251. The investment team anticipates a further increase this year.”

This year, Te Mātāwai are focusing on the importance of Kaitono (applicants) aligning their projects to the Investment Plan priorities and criteria of their respective Kāhui (regional and sector-based clusters).

“We’ve been pushing out a suite of investment-related social media content, so our Kaitono have the information they need to submit a good quality application for projects that increase reo use,” Poia says.

Since the last Investment Round, we have published our Statement of Intent 2024-2027 that outlines our focus on two key priorities for reo revitalisation: Tukuihotanga (deliberate intergenerational transmission) and Hononga Hapori Reo (connected Māori language communities). Kāhui Investment Plans have been updated to support these priorities.

“We all know that intergenerational transmission and connected Māori language communities are key to whānau restoring te reo within our homes and communities. Our 2040 vision is Hawaiki Mokopuna, representing a time and place where te reo Māori is safe and intergenerational transmission is uninterrupted,” says Poia.

Whānau, hapū and iwi who wish to apply for investment to support their reo Māori projects have until 31 January to register. Applications close on Friday 28 February. You must register to apply for investment.

1.Te Mātāwai is an independent entity, working in partnership with the Crown to lead Māori language revitalisation for iwi Māori as Kaitiaki of the Māori language. Te Mātāwai was established by Te Ture mō te Reo Māori (Māori Language Act 2016).

MIL OSI

Release: Cabinet reshuffle a futile exercise from failing government

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January 21, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Labour Party

National’s Cabinet reshuffle is a futile attempt to turn around a failing government.

“This reshuffle is just rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic. The Government is failing miserably at managing health, economy, race relations, climate – you name it. A reshuffle isn’t going to change that,” Labour leader Chris Hipkins said.

“If anything, putting Simeon Brown in as health minister is another blow to New Zealand’s faith in their health system,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

“Replacing Dr Shane Reti as health minister after only one year shows what a mess they’ve made of the health system.

“Dr Reti is a decent man who never stood a chance because of the budget he was given. Recruitment freezes, cuts to frontlines services and other budget cuts have left New Zealanders with little trust that they will get the care they need.

“It’s only going to get worse under Simeon Brown, who will have to demonstrate he cares about people and not just roads. He’ll have to prove to New Zealanders his purpose is to improve equitable access to health services for everyone, not to cut the health service back to bare bones,” Ayesha Verrall said.

Chris Hipkins said, “Giving Nicola Willis a new portfolio of ‘economic growth’ begs the question of why she hasn’t been focussed on that all along. What Minister of Finance doesn’t focus on economic growth?

“Appointing the most junior minister in the Government as Minister for the South Island, who doesn’t even sit around the Cabinet table, once again shows the utter contempt this government has for the mainland.

“National’s reshuffle demonstrates what New Zealanders already know – that Christopher Luxon’s inexperience and inept leadership are taking New Zealand backwards,” said Chris Hipkins.

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MIL OSI

Plan ahead for daytime closures on SH2 Waioweka Gorge next month

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January 21, 2025

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Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Road users are advised to plan ahead for a series of daytime closures on State Highway 2 (SH2) through the Waioweka Gorge from Tuesday 11 February.

The road will be closed from Kerei Street, Matawai, and Warrington Road, Ōpōtiki, between the hours of 10am and 6pm from Tuesday 11 February to Friday 14 February enabling contractors to safely replace the road surface at 2 corners within the Waioweka Gorge with asphalt.

On Monday 10 February, the road will be open with stop/go and a reduced speed limit in place between 8am and 5pm allowing crews to dig up the existing road in preparation for the asphalt layer. 

Bay of Plenty System Manager Sandra King says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) recognises the significance of SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge, particularly for Gisborne and the surrounding Tairāwhiti region. 

“This section of SH2 has a critical function with no convenient detour route. It’s the key connection for Gisborne and the surrounding Tairāwhiti region to the Bay of Plenty and beyond. 

“We understand this work will cause inconvenience, and we don’t take planning road closures lightly. In this instance, by closing the Waioweka Gorge for 8 hours a day, we’re able to complete this essential work more efficiently and safely, improving safety and resilience through the area.