Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand fell -0.2% in December, marking the ninth drop in the past 10 months, according to CoreLogic’s hedonic Home Value Index (HVI).
The national median value now stands at $803,624, which is 3.9% lower than a year ago and equivalent to a drop of around $32,200. New Zealand home values are also still 17.6% below the post-COVID peak, although 16.2% higher than the pre-COVID level from March 2020.
Around the main centres, a slightly more consistent picture is emerging, with Kirikiriroa Hamilton rising by 1.0% in December, Tauranga by 0.4%, Ōtepoti Dunedin 0.3%, and Ōtautahi Christchurch holding steady. But there is still downward pressure in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (-0.4%) and Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington (-0.8%).
CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson said that December’s fall in values at the national level was an apt summary for 2024.
“Since the mini-peak back in February, property values have drifted lower at a modest pace, initially reflecting the high level of mortgage rates, but more recently the weakness of the labour market,” he said.
“December’s mild drop was simply a continuation of that pattern and sums up the market’s soggy performance in 2024.”
He pointed out that there has been a discernible slowdown in the rate of decline in recent months, potentially signalling that the floor for property values could be within reach. “We’re still seeing some sluggish results in Auckland and Wellington, but firmer trends seem to be starting to emerge elsewhere.”
“That would certainly be consistent with the influence of lower mortgage rates, particularly the falls for the internal serviceability test rates at the banks. The popularity of either floating loans or short-term fixes at present is helping those lower rates pass through fairly quickly too.”
“However, job insecurity will still be playing a restraining role, as is the elevated levels of listings available on the market.”
“These ‘conflicting forces’ may remain a key theme for the property market in 2025 as well, with the effects of lower mortgage rates dampened to some extent by a still-sluggish economy and credit restrictions in the form of debt to income ratios.
Index results for December 2024 – national and main centres
From post-COVID peak
From recent cyclical peak
From pre-COVID levels
Median value
Aotearoa New Zealand
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
$1,066,382
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Ōtepoti Dunedin
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Most of Tamaki Makaurau Auckland’s sub-markets saw falls in property values in December, ranging from a modest decline of 0.1% in Manukau, up to 0.5% in Rodney, and a fall of 0.7% apiece in Auckland City and Franklin. However, North Shore ticked up by 0.1% in December and has also seen values rise over a slightly longer horizon since September as well.
Mr Davidson noted: “Abundant supply is still a significant restraint on property values in Auckland, both in terms of existing properties listed for sale, but also the flow of new-build stock being completed. North Shore has been bucking the trend to some extent in recent months, although with affordability still likely to be a challenge for many buyers in that market too, it’s difficult to see a fresh boom kicking off anytime soon.”
From post-COVID peak
From recent cyclical peak
From pre-COVID levels
Median value
$1,231,718
Te Raki Paewhenua North Shore
$1,305,469
Auckland City
$1,141,601
$1,006,960
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
The wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area remained soft in December, with falls in values across the board. The 0.1% decline in Kapiti Coast was modest, but Wellington City (-0.9%) and Lower Hutt (-1.2%) were notably more sluggish.
Commenting on the Wellington market, Mr Davidson said: “It was more of the same in December, with property values generally remaining weak. To some extent, housing affordability has been restored in Wellington off the back of the significant fall in values in the past 2-3 years. As such, the latest declines seem more attributable to public sector cut backs and the negative effect this will be having on economic and housing market sentiment across the wider region.”
From post-COVID peak
From recent cyclical peak
From pre-COVID levels
Median value
Kāpiti Coast
Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt
Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt
Wellington City
Regional results
“It’s early days, but we may now be seeing the influence of lower mortgage rates starting to come through providing a subtle boost to property values around some parts of provincial NZ,” Mr Davidson noted.
“Housing affordability can sometimes be more favourable in these areas too, alongside the solid support provided by farming-based economies, which have been holding up relatively well lately.”
“However, a sudden or strong upturn in property values across large swathes of the country still doesn’t seem particularly likely until the wider weakness of the labour market starts to turn around.”
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 January 2025 – A large number of Chinese women are breaking the glass ceiling to enter professions that were previously dominated by men. The first female pilot recruited by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force in China’s Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region has attracted wide attention.
According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China, the labor force participation rate of Chinese women has risen from 7.5 percent in 1949 to 61.1 percent in 2023. In recent years, a large number of women have played important roles in manufacturing, service, high-tech, and green industries, etc. They not only promote economic development in traditional fields but are also doing “male jobs”, with the number of female pilots, academicians, entrepreneurs, and diplomats on the rise.
Kelsang Pedron, a woman of the post-2000 generation, i.e., youths born from 2000 to 2009 in China, is the first female pilot from Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region recruited by the PLA Air Force. She has had a dream of “flying into the blue sky” since childhood. In Kelsang Pedron’s eyes, gender is no longer an obstacle on the road for women to pursue dreams. She went through the same rigorous selection and training as her male classmates before becoming a qualified fighter pilot.
“I had undergone an entire selection process and procedures to get this far, and I was determined to excel and not to be eliminated, so I studied very hard,” she said.
Kelsang Pedron has successfully completed a single test flight for a fighter aircraft, delivering excellent results in this stage of training. She said that flying has become a goal from merely a passion at the very beginning.
“I should train hard to become a fighter pilot to protect the blue skies of our motherland,” said Kelsang Pedron.
At present, there are more and more female college graduates like Kelsang Pedron. For their diverse employment needs, the Chinese government has also put forward many support measures. In September 2024, the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council unveiled a set of guidelines to promote high-quality and sufficient employment by implementing the employment-first strategy, which proposed to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of women in employment and entrepreneurship, career development, skills training, occupational health, and safety, etc., and build a birth friendly employment environment.
Hashtag: #ChinaNewsService
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Biosecurity New Zealand has now placed legal controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in Papatoetoe, says Biosecurity New Zealand Commissioner North Mike Inglis.
The move follows the detection of a single male Oriental fruit fly in a surveillance trap in the area. To date, no other flies have been found in surveillance traps.
“We need community help to make sure we successfully find and eradicate any further fruit flies that may be present in the area,” says Mr Inglis.
Biosecurity New Zealand staff are busy in the area today laying more traps and giving out information to households.
“There have been 12 previous fruit fly incursions in New Zealand, which we have successfully eradicated so we have a very strong and detailed operational plans to guide our work.”
“The rules now in place prohibit moving fruit and vegetables out of a specified controlled area around where the fruit fly was found.
“You can find a detailed map of the controlled area and a full description of the boundaries and rules in place here:
The controlled area has two zones – A and B. Zone A is a 200m zone, with a 198 properties. Zone B covers a 1500 metre area, with 5,470 properties.
Zone A
No whole fresh fruit and vegetables, except for leafy vegetables and soil free root vegetables, can be moved outside Zone A. This applies to all produce, regardless of whether it was bought or grown.
Zone B
All fruit and vegetables grown within Zone B cannot be moved out of the controlled area.
“These legal controls are an important precaution while we investigate whether there are any further fruit flies present in the area,” Mr Inglis says.
“Should there be any more flies out there, this will help prevent their spread out of the area.
“We are working closely with our Government Industry Agreement partners in the horticultural industry. We all appreciate this will be inconvenient for the many people living in and around the controlled area, but following these directions is a critical precaution to protect our horticultural industries, home gardens and our New Zealand way of life.
“It is likely the restrictions will be in place for at least two weeks.”
Signs will also be put in place notifying people of the restrictions and marking the controlled area boundaries.
To report suspected finds of fruit fly, call MPI’s Pest and Diseases Hotline on 0800 80 99 66.
Detail about the controlled area
Zone A
No fruit and vegetables (other than leafy or soil free root vegetables and cooked, processed, preserved, dried, frozen and canned fruit) can be moved from Zone A of the controlled area.
Compost and green waste from gardens also cannot be moved out of this zone.
Residents in Zone A are asked to avoid composting fruit and vegetables. To dispose of fruit and vegetable waste, use a sink waste disposal unit if available, or bins provided by Biosecurity New Zealand. These bins will be delivered shortly, and residents advised of their location.
Zone B
No fruit and vegetables grown in the Zone B can be moved out of the controlled area. You are free to move commercially purchased fruit and vegetables (e.g. fruit and vegetables brought at the supermarket) out of the area. Home grown produce waste and garden waste needs to be disposed of in Biosecurity New Zealand bins.
Israeli airstrikes have killed about 80 people, including an estimated 38 children [1] in Gaza in the first few days of the new year, Save the Children said.
Meanwhile, the UNreportsthat children are dying due to lack of protection from the cold winter temperatures while Israeli authoritiesblock aidincluding tents, clothing and bedding from entering the Strip.
Alexandra Saieh, Global Head of Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy at Save the Children,said:
“Children in Gaza have entered the new year in the deadliest place on Earth, stuck in a terrifying time loop of relentless war, fuelled by international arms supplies and inaction.
“This time last year we thought things in Gaza couldn’t possibly get any worse – but they did, and they continue to. As we enter 2025, we are seeing history not only repeat itself but reach new depths, with children who have been bombed, starved and continuously forced from their homes over 15 months – increasingly vulnerable to the ongoing impacts of this relentless war – now facing freezing temperatures.
“Children are less able to regulate their body temperatures than adults, so heat loss occurs at a faster rate, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures weakens children’s immune systems. With children already at a great risk of malnutrition and illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia, the very cold temperatures can bring a deadly combination.
“Over the past 15 months, parties to the conflict and the international community have failed to implement the immediate, definitive ceasefire that is desperately needed, and international governments have failed to halt the transfer of weapons, parts and ammunition or take sufficient measures to end children’s suffering. In 2025, children in Gaza need, deserve, and have a right to better.”
Save the Children and its partners have reached over 1 million people in Gaza across 50 locations, with vital supplies including drinking water, food, hygiene products, mattresses, blankets, learning materials, toys, and games. We have also been providing cash assistance, Child Friendly Spaces, health programming including in acute malnutrition and mental health support, and more. In the past few months, we have provided thousands of winter kits including mattresses , blankets, tarpaulins and other shelter items to help families protect themselves from the harsh winter elements.
[1] This estimate is calculated from a report from the Gaza Ministry of Health on 1 January reporting that 12 people had been killed in 48 hours; and from the Gaza Media Office on 2 January saying at least 71 people had been killed in 24 hours. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 47% of Gaza’s population are children. 47% of 80 is 37.59.
Please attribute to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer:
Whangārei Police are appealing for information following a suspicious fire at a Tikipunga property on 2 January.
At around 5.30am that day, a member of the public driving down Kiripaka Road came across a vehicle on fire on the front lawn of a residential property.
The member of the public alerted the occupants of the house, and assisted them with moving another vehicle to ensure that did not also catch fire.
Police would like to speak to this member of the public, and any other potential witnesses who may have seen or heard something suspicious in Kiripaka Road around the time of the fire.
If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote file number 250102/5758.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
BAODING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 January 2025 – 28th December, 2024, at the prestigious LIWA Hero Festival in the Middle East, GWM’s TANK 500 Hi4 Z edition lead the charge and made a bold and unforgettable entrance, capturing the attention of off-road enthusiasts and global fans alike. Through an exciting series of events, numbers of renowned KOLs and influencers as they embark on a journey with the GWM off-road family, showcasing the brand’s unmatched off-road capabilities and celebrating its groundbreaking Hi4-Z technology. This experience transcends mere driving—it’s a testament to China’s leadership in off-road innovation, creating a new standard in the global off-road community.
GWM’s Hi4 Off-Road Family Takes Over LIWA: A Journey Through Adventure and Innovation
In the golden sands of the Liwa Desert, where the dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, the 2024 Liwa Hero Festival became the stage for Great Wall Motor (GWM) to redefine off-road excellence. With the TANK 500 leading the charge, GWM once again demonstrated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation, proving that Chinese engineering is a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
This year’s festival brought together off-road enthusiasts, automotive experts, and influencers from across the globe. Amid the desert’s demanding terrain, the TANK 500 emerged as a star, showcasing its advanced Hi4-Z hybrid platform and delivering an awe-inspiring performance that sparked global conversations across social media.
The Liwa Desert: A Test of True Off-Road Prowess
The Liwa Desert, nestled in the UAE, is home to some of the world’s most challenging off-road terrains. Renowned for its towering sand dunes like the iconic Moreeb Dune, also known as the “Tall Hill,” this desert offers a unique blend of natural beauty and extreme difficulty. Moreeb Dune rises to over 300 meters, with a slope gradient exceeding 50 degrees, making it a true test of any vehicle’s capability. Other formidable challenges include: Sabkha (Salt Flats): These deceptive, flat surfaces demand high traction control and stability due to their soft, shifting layers. Slip Faces: Sudden drops and steep inclines require precise torque distribution and power management. Deep Sand Traps: These stretches test a vehicle’s ability to maintain momentum without losing traction. Each of these features makes the Liwa Desert an unforgiving environment, ideal for proving the mettle of GWM’s off-road vehicles.
The TANK 500 turned heads at the festival, not only for its commanding design but also for its revolutionary Hi4-Z hybrid platform, which has redefined what an off-road vehicle can achieve. As the first platform of its kind, Hi4-Z combines raw power with cutting-edge hybrid efficiency, tailored specifically for extreme conditions.
Moreeb Dune, one of the most famous and steepest dunes in the Liwa Desert, rises at an almost vertical angle of 50 degrees. It’s here that the TANK 500’s Hi4-Z system truly shines, effortlessly climbing steep inclines and tackling the toughest sand conditions with its strong torque and power output. The Hi4-Z system delivers a combined power output of 715 kW, allowing the TANK 500 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. This power, paired with a 3-speed DHT transmission, ensures seamless gear shifts and optimal performance across various terrains.
As the convoy ventures through the desert, deep sand pits, sand dune valleys, and rapid dune crossings test both the vehicles’ capabilities and the drivers’ skills. The TANK 500, with its advanced suspension system and Hi4-Z hybrid system, absorbs the shock of the deep sand valleys, providing a smooth and stable ride even in the most unpredictable conditions. The Hi4-Z platform’s torque distribution between the electric and combustion engines ensures that no terrain is too difficult to navigate. With a pure electric range of 200+ km, the TANK 500 offers an eco-friendly yet powerful solution for extended adventures. Its fast-charging capability adds 120 km of range in just 15 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime during long off-road expeditions.
Next, the spotlight shifts to the Moresha Dune Challenge, where the TANK 500 leads the pack, charging ahead with its striking red exterior. As it takes on the famous dunes, KOLs drove TANK 500s to take on some of the most challenging off-road conditions. The TANK 500’s remarkable performance is on full display, easily outpacing other vehicles, thanks to the TANK 500’s body-on-frame body structure and high-strength chassis, as they were critical in tackling steep inclines and uneven surfaces, providing unmatched durability and stability in the harsh desert environment. Meanwhile, a high-density 234 Wh/kg lithium-ion battery, the Hi4-Z platform supports superior energy efficiency and discharge power, outperforming other plug-in hybrid vehicles in its class.
Celebrating the Off-Road Family: A Festival of Innovation and Unity
The Liwa Hero Festival also provided a platform to showcase GWM’s full range of off-road vehicles, including the TANK 300, HAVAL H9, and POER series. Each model highlighted GWM’s commitment to creating vehicles that cater to diverse off-road needs, from family-friendly adventures to professional-grade challenges.
One of the event’s most anticipated moments is the User Gala, where key GWM executives, take the stage to discuss the brand’s achievements and future. As the leaders highlight the impact of GWM’s off-road family and the success of the TANK 500, KOLs share their thoughts, recapping the most memorable moments of the event.
The festival kicked off with a comprehensive exhibition of GWM’s off-road family. Influencers and KOLs provided real-time reviews, delving into the design, performance, and technological advancements of the TANK 500 and its siblings. Attendees also had the chance to interact with GWM’s technical experts, gaining insights into the mechanics behind the Hi4-Z and Hi4-T platforms.
Over 28 GWM vehicles formed a convoy, parading through the dunes and creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. The convoy’s finale featured the vehicles forming the GWM logo, symbolizing unity and innovation—a moment that quickly went viral online. The highlight of the festival saw the TANK 500 take on the legendary Moresha Dune. With its iconic red finish, the vehicle led the pack, climbing the steep incline effortlessly, thanks to its exceptional torque and power distribution. This feat solidified the TANK 500’s reputation as a true off-road champion. GWM invited enthusiasts and vehicle owners to share their personal off-road stories, creating a sense of community and global connection. Their tales, combined with live demonstrations, showcased the TANK 500’s versatility in real-world scenarios. The festival concluded with a vibrant gala, featuring local music, cuisine, and a campfire gathering. GWM executives emphasized the company’s vision for global collaboration and cultural exchange, ensuring that the TANK 500 represents not just technology but also a bridge between diverse communities.
The success of the TANK 500 at the Liwa Hero Festival marks a turning point in how Chinese vehicles are perceived globally. GWM is not merely exporting products; it is sharing a vision of off-road culture that resonates with enthusiasts worldwide.
From the deserts of the Middle East to the rugged trails of Australia and the forests of North America, GWM is integrating localized insights into its vehicle designs. This global approach ensures that each model meets the unique demands of its market while preserving its core identity as a high-performance off-road machine. As GWM continues to innovate, the TANK 500 and the Hi4-Z platform represent only the beginning of a broader strategy to lead the global off-road market. By embracing a philosophy of long-termism and professional dedication, GWM is setting new standards for hybrid technology, sustainability, and user experience.
What’s Next for GWM?
– Diverse Powertrain Options: Expanding the Hi4-Z platform to include more solutions in the Hi4 Tech Family, catering to a wide range of user preferences and environmental needs.
– Global Expansion: Establishing localized manufacturing and service centers, ensuring that GWM’s vehicles and expertise are accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.
– Community Building: Strengthening the bond between GWM and its users through immersive experiences like the Liwa Hero Festival, fostering a global community of off-road enthusiasts.
The TANK 500’s triumphant performance at the Liwa Hero Festival is more than just a milestone for GWM; it’s a call to action for off-road enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re scaling dunes, navigating forests, or embarking on urban adventures, GWM invites you to be part of a journey where innovation meets passion and where every terrain is a new opportunity to push boundaries.
Stay connected with GWM for more updates on its groundbreaking vehicles and initiatives. Together, we’re not just driving change—we’re redefining the future of off-roading.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 January 2025 – The Malaysia Global Business Forum (MGBF) has opened individual membership in time for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, with the objective of bringing a suite of strategic solutions to a broader membership base. This was only previously available to the corporate sponsors and supporters of the high-profile advocacy platform.
In this exciting move, timed to be part of the deeper focus on ASEAN in Malaysia, individual business people can now leverage the access and advocacy efforts of MGBF. The first 118 members will also be known as founding members. These members will receive priority access to meetings and events along with an exclusive MGBF merchandise.
The companies, trade associations and governments will still be able to engage with the MGBF on a project-by-project basis or by sponsoring a dedicated event, research project or engagement programme. This approach will ensure that the objective of each corporate sponsor is met and that the MGBF is part of a sustainable future.
Nordin Abdullah, Founding Chairman of MGBF, said, “We have seen many chambers of commerce and business councils struggle over the past few years with issues around membership renewal. It is not something we want our members to face, so we have created a lifetime membership programme for individuals. This allows individual business people and those in the corporate sector to have access to the membership benefits and have a sense of loyalty.”
MGBF empowers stakeholders at the intersection of international and Malaysian business. Through government relations, business intelligence, advocacy, media engagement, market research, networking, advisory and business matching, MGBF delivers results for individuals, corporations, trade and business associations, and national and state governments.
“This comes at an important time with Malaysia taking on the chairmanship of ASEAN. The country will see a host of high-level political visits that will be accompanied by business leaders and government officials. Business people need to be kept abreast of these developments at the ASEAN level and the other bilateral and multilateral developments which impact their business and supply chains,” continued Nordin who is a frequent speaker in international business events.
The Malaysia Global Business Forum advocates for successful outcomes for its members while providing a powerful platform to communicate with stakeholders in government, community and the broader business community. This together with an attention to detail ensures that members will see the MGBF as part of its “suite of strategic solutions” in the dynamic business environment that is Malaysia and ASEAN.
“We will take a strategic view of the various states in Malaysia. Businesses need access to the high-level decision makers in the various states. At the same time, state governments are looking to energise their business ecosystem and attract real investors to set up operations. This is a critical gap that the Malaysia Global Business Forum will endeavour to address for its members,” concluded Nordin who is also a regular commentator in the media.
The next event will be the MGBF Roundtable that will focus on the emerging area of “Corporate Community Involvement in Sports”. The goal of the roundtable is to understand the gaps in the corporate-community ecosystem and how involvement in sports by the corporate sector will create value in terms of community engagement, communication, stakeholder management and meeting corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. To sign up for this engaging event visit https://www.linkedin.com/events/mgbfroundtable-corporatecommuni7279369593976975360/.
The Malaysia Global Business Forum lifetime membership fee is RM500 plus SST for Malaysian residents and USD150 for international members. To sign up, follow this link: https://forms.gle/zquSwAXGWukZWNAw6
For more information about the Malaysia Global Business Forum, visit www.MalaysiaGlobalBusinessForum.com.
Hashtag: #MalaysiaGlobalBusinessForum
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Auckland healthcare workers, along with members of the local community, gathered for a silent vigil in solidarity with the victims of the recent attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.
On December 27th, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) carried out another devastating assault on a hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, bombing and burning the facility, before forcibly evacuating patients, healthcare workers, and families seeking refuge. Among those abducted during the attack were 240 individuals, including the hospital’s director, Dr. Hussan Abu Safiya. Dr. Abu Safiya’s unwavering commitment to his community has drawn international attention to the critical role healthcare professionals play during times of war and the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
The attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital is being denounced as a war crime under international law, with global calls for accountability and justice.
Dr. Abdallah Gouda, a Palestinian orthopaedic surgeon whose family was displaced to Gaza City’s Rafah camp in 1948, will also be present at the vigil. Dr. Gouda, who immigrated to Aotearoa with his family in 2011, will stand in solidarity with healthcare workers and the Palestinian people, as well as to raise awareness about the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.
This peaceful vigil honored the victims of the Kamal Adwan Hospital attack and to stand with all healthcare professionals working under the most dire and dangerous conditions.
DETAILS of Vigil: Date: Friday, 3 January 2025 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Auckland Hospital, along Park Road, Grafton.
