Category: AM-NC

Posted on

Iran attack sparks warning for KiwiSaver, fuel, inflation

Source: Radio New Zealand

Investors can brace for share market volatility and potentially higher fuel prices. RNZ / Dan Cook

Investors can brace for volatility over the coming days as markets digest the impact and implications of attacks on Iran, as well as potentially higher fuel prices.

“We’re expecting when markets open on Monday there is going to be a bit of volatility,” Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said.

“Usually you see stocks drop so I wouldn’t be surprised if people were looking at some of the investments they mighty have – their KiwiSaver balances… you might see a bit of red ink coming through there.”

He said investors would be wondering what could happen next. “The world is more frightening than it was a couple of days ago. You’re going to see a shift towards less risky assets, that run for safety around gold, probably the Japanese yen, maybe the US dollar.”

Defence stocks could lift.

“The US has just used for the first time one-way effective suicide drones, that’s a piece of kit they hadn’t used before.”

On the domestic market, he said there was not likely to be much impact on individual stocks on the NZ market. “It’s more that you might see a pullback in general on the NZX50.”

Dean Anderson, founder of Kernel, said the key question for markets was what happened next. “We are in the very early stages of this conflict and as is often the case, speculation and incomplete information are driving much of the narrative. Not surprisingly, investors should expect heightened volatility as global markets work through the noise and asses the direction of travel. I expect we will see gold jump.”

Rupert Carlyon, founder of Koura said he was concerned markets would react “strongly”.

“It also doesn’t help that markets are already fearful and volatile. Investors have been nervous for the past 3-6 months due to AI, interest rates and inflation – now they have something real and tangible, thy may react strongly.”

Fuel prices

Olsen said another consideration was fuel prices.

“There’s a pretty strong view that oil prices will spike and show a bit more volatility – although we’ve said that every time there’s been conflict, and it didn’t really happen last time.”

But he said this time could be different for a few reasons. “You’ve seen the head of Iran killed alongside a number of other political and military leaders. It’s very unclear what further retaliation by Iran might look like. Might they strike oil-based facilities? Quite possibly. No one knows what the rule book is now.

“You’ve seen parts of Bahrain, Kuwait struck as well. Normally those actors are not part of it, they haven’t been in the past… those quite well-off countries that are often talking about stability, they’ve driven a lot of their economies through oil and general energy funds. They’re not as safe as they might have originally thought. The fear factor will be running rampant a bit more in the markets heading through tomorrow.”

Insurance rates for travel through the Strait of Hormuz were elevated. “No one really wants to go through and risk their cargo ship or oil tanker being blown up. Given that 20 percent of the world’s energy goes through there, there’s definitely a risk at that point.”

Olsen said some market traders were predicting oil prices could hit US$100 a barrel.

“The two big unknowns at the moment are that one, this isn’t done. The US has made it clear in comments form the US president that this is a week-long bombing mission that will continue.

“With the Iranian supreme leader dead and no clear understanding of command and control in Iran, who’s calling the shots and what they might be wanting to do, everyone’s quite unsure of whether there is further escalation and retaliation.”

Mike Taylor, founder of Pie Funds, said oil prices were his main concern.

“The new conflict raises three potential transmission channels: Energy supply disruption, shipping and insurance risk in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, and a broader risk-off sentiment through oil and inflation expectations.”

He said historically markets would either behave as they did in the 2003 Iraq conflict when prices spiked briefly but supply and shipping continued, and markets recovered quickly – or the 1990 gulf crisis when oil prices rose persistently and shipping was disrupted. That created more market disruption.

“At present we are too early to know which template will dominate.”

He said he would also be watching credit spread behaviour and whether there was any further escalation in the conflict.

What about inflation?

Olsen pointed to the recent Reserve Bank statement which noted geopolitical risk as a factor in tradeable inflation.

“You’ve already got inflation outside the target band. Expectations were that inflationary pressures would continue to soften. If you see a spike and generally higher pressure on oil prices continuing because of this ongoing conflict, that not only raises the cost to households to drive around but it means the cost of transporting everything becomes more expensive which could put further pressure on foods. We’re just a little cautious on the inflationary risk that there might be if oil prices did spike and hold higher. At the moment all of this is a huge if.”

Anderson said the Strait of Hormuz was a critical route particularly for India and China. “Any meaningful disruption to supply could send oil prices higher an din turn more inflation. That said, there are contingency mechanisms and alternative supply responses that could help cushion the impact. Their effectiveness all depends on the duration and scale of the conflict.”

What should investors do?

Olsen said day traders might see an impact on their investments but other people would need to take a longer view.

People should generally be invested in a fund that fits their risk profile, so if they need their money soon, they should not be in a fund that moves a huge amount with market movements.

“Put it this way, I won’t be looking at my KiwiSaver this week,” Olsen said.

Anderson said it was too early to be drawing conclusions. “It’s best to remain informed and for investors to avoid making decisions based on early speculation and noise. Regardless of the political outcome, even a contained conflict is likely to mean an extended period of strain for the region and its people.”

Carlyon said there were reasons for KiwiSaver investors to be excited. “A market downturn makes a great buying opportunity.”

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/iran-attack-sparks-warning-for-kiwisaver-fuel-inflation/

Posted on

Fatal crash – State Highway 1, Taihape

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died in a crash on State Highway 1, Taihape, to the north of Spooners Hill yesterday morning.

Police were advised at 7.25am that a car had gone off the road and into Hautapu River.

On arrival, the car was located submerged in the river, with significant damage from the crash.

The car was able to be removed from the river yesterday afternoon and Police have since confirmed the deceased driver was the sole occupant.

Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/fatal-crash-state-highway-1-taihape/

Posted on

Live: Israel says its airforce strikes Iran again, Iran continues to retaliate

Source: Radio New Zealand

Residents watch from the roofs of their houses as plumes of smoke rise following reported explosions in Tehran AFP / ATTA KENARE

Follow the latest with our live blog above

Israel has begun a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targetting the Iranian leadership, its air defences and its ballistic missile capabilities.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attacks on Saturday, which US President Donald Trump said were aimed at overturning Tehran’s government.

The strikes have killed hundreds of people in Iran, according to Iranian state media.

Iran has launched retaliatory missile strikes against American military bases across the Middle East, as well as Israel.

New Zealanders in Dubai say they are trapped in the country, with the airport shut down.

Follow the latest with our live blog at the top of the page

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/live-israel-says-its-airforce-strikes-iran-again-iran-continues-to-retaliate/

Posted on

Mental Health Nurses & Assistants, and Public Health Nurses ratify new collective agreement – PSA

Source: PSA

More than 3,500 Mental Health Nurses, Public Health Nurses and Mental Health Assistants who are members of the PSA have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective agreement with Te Whatu Ora Health NZ.
The agreement was reached after eighteen months of bargaining involving 32 days of bargaining and mediation, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The new collective is a testament to the resolve and resilience of members in the face of an unnecessarily protracted bargaining process and unrealistic initial offers,” Fitzsimons said.
“To break the impasse these workers went on strike during the Mega Strike on 23 October 2025 as well as a further strike in November. This settlement is a result of these workers standing together to take collective action.”
Workers will receive a pay increase of 2.5 per cent in year one from December 2025 and a further 2 per cent from December 2026. The agreement also includes an $800 lump sum payment for staff, in recognition of the length of time it took to conclude bargaining.
The new collective started to address workers’ concerns about safe staffing levels, staff shortages and slow recruitment for vacancies.
Mental Health Nurses, Public Health Nurses, and Mental Health Assistants deliver essential care to New Zealanders every day, working in highly stressful environments. This settlement recognises the value of their work and the role they play keeping a health system, which is under significant strain, functioning as well as it does.”
“This ratification result is a step forward but major problems remain in our health system caused by the Government imposing job losses on Health New Zealand and failing to fund our health system properly,” Fitzsimons said.
“All political parties must commit to a properly funded public health system that ensures safe staffing levels, and delivers quality care for all New Zealanders, as well as pay equity for under-valued health workers,” Fitzsimons said.
This is the second significant health collective agreement that was settled last week, after the Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical covering over 12,000 allied health workers was ratified on Tuesday (Feb 24).
Voting is shortly to be held on a third health Collective for policy, advisory, knowledge and specialist workers.
The PSA represents more than 26,000 workers employed by Health NZ.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, public health and community groups.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/mental-health-nurses-assistants-and-public-health-nurses-ratify-new-collective-agreement-psa/

Posted on

Tech – Not all experiences equal when it comes to the Internet

Source: InternetNZ

Most of us are online, a lot – but not all of us are having the same experience, new research from InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa shows.
Internet Insights is an annual survey commissioned by InternetNZ that acts as a pulse check on Aotearoa New Zealand’s Internet use and community.
The 2025 survey showed Māori, Pacific peoples and people with disabilities have different perceptions of and experiences of online life.
Respondents with a disability or an impairment were significantly more likely to have experienced online harm or harassment – 27 percent compared to the average of 15 percent. Māori were also more likely than average to have experienced online harm or harassment, at 20 percent.
Pacific peoples answering the survey were significantly more concerned than other ethnicities about online harm issues, including cyberbullying, the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messages and as a forum for hate speech.
InternetNZ chief executive Vivien Maidaborn said whether it’s online or offline, people’s experiences of the online world vary hugely.
“This is just a snapshot of Internet experiences in Aotearoa, but it very likely reflects the lived experiences of Māori, Pacific peoples and people with a disability. The Internet often mirrors society, which unfortunately means discrimination is as present online as it is offline.”
Pacific peoples and people with disabilities were also more likely to hold concerns about limited Internet access for those in low socio-economic groups, the cost of the Internet and access in remote areas.
“This concern bears out in other data too,” says Maidaborn. “We know around 400,000 households lack meaningful digital access, and the barrier is often the cost of devices and connections. There’s still quite significant digital inequity in this country, despite the ever-growing influence the digital world has on our lives.”
Forty-four percent of those surveyed felt they had some awareness and understanding of the digital divide. One in four New Zealanders believe that central government should have primary responsibility for ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can participate fully online, though one in five believe it’s a shared responsibility between government and community.
“Our vision at InternetNZ is for an Internet that benefits all New Zealanders. This report shows again that we still have some way to go and that it will take multiple stakeholders across government and community to achieve this.”
Key findings from Internet Insights 2025:
  • 15 percent say they have experienced online harm or harassment – New Zealanders with a disability or impairment (27 percent compared to the average of 15 percent) and Māori (20 percent) are more likely to have experienced online harm or harassment.
  • Māori (64%) and Pacific peoples (80%) are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messaging. The average across all ethnicities was 61 percent.
  • 44 percent of respondents had some awareness and understanding of the digital divide. The perceived barriers to digital participation were primarily the cost of Internet connections and data, and the costs of devices.
  • One in four New Zealanders believes the central government should have primary responsibility for ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can participate fully online. One in five say it’s a shared responsibility across multiple groups.
  • 21 percent are not confident they could get support for a digital task.
Additional data about the digital divide can be found on the Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa website. InternetNZ is proud to be a member of the coalition.
About the research
Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.
The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns.
Previous research reports can be found on the InternetNZ website.
About InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa is the home and guardian of the .nz domain. We’re not government-funded – we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation that operates .nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders, reinvesting domain revenue back into the community. We provide grants, help to fund other organisations, and advocate for an accessible and safe Internet that benefits everyone in Aotearoa.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/tech-not-all-experiences-equal-when-it-comes-to-the-internet/

Posted on

Tech – New Zealanders online as much as ever – but not loving it

Source: InternetNZ

New Zealanders are still spending hours of their personal time online each day, despite a steady decline in positive sentiment about the Internet, new research shows.
The latest Internet Insights, annual research commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa, reveals that nearly half (47 percent) of New Zealanders spend four or more hours a day on the Internet.
Less than three-quarters (72 percent) of Internet users feel the positives of the Internet outweigh its negatives. This figure has been in steady decline since 2019, when 90 percent felt there were more positives than negatives.
Fewer people think the Internet has a positive impact on cultural beliefs and values now too – 32 percent think it has a positive impact, down five percentage points in two years.
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa chief executive Vivien Maidaborn says the research shows the increasingly complex relationship people have with the Internet.
“Love it or hate it, we’re all using the Internet a great deal in our work and personal lives. It’s become so integral to our day-to-day, I think most of us would struggle to get by without it. But that doesn’t mean it’s something we enjoy engaging with, and this complexity is increasing year on year.”
New Zealanders are concerned about a broad range of Internet issues, the research shows.
Seventy-one percent are extremely or very concerned about young children being able to access inappropriate content, 65 percent are concerned about the security of their personal data, and 64 percent are concerned about misinformation.
“This is the first time we have seen misinformation in the top three concerns,” says Maidaborn. “It shows increasing awareness of the critical eye and media literacy needed as an Internet user, which is a good thing, but it likely also reflects the increasing amount of misinformation online, including this new wave of unidentifiable AI-generated misinformation.”
Key Internet Insights 2025 findings:
  • 47 percent of respondents spend four or more hours of their personal time a day on the Internet.
  • Internet users primarily spend this time on social media, emails and streaming TV & music.
  • Key concerns for Internet users are:
    • 71 percent are concerned about young children being able to access inappropriate content.
    • 65 percent are concerned about the security of their personal data.
    • 64 percent are concerned about misinformation.
  • Some groups are more concerned about specific aspects of the Internet:
    • 70% of Maori are extremely or very concerned about identity theft
    • 87% of Pacific peoples are extremely or very concerned about young children accessing inappropriate content online.
    • Māori (64%) and Pacific peoples (80%) are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messaging.
    • 48% of people aged 30-49 are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being distracting or a waste of time.
    • 76% of people aged 70+ are extremely or very concerned about the security of personal data.
  • Less than a third of respondents say they know where to report concerning, harmful or dangerous content.
About the research
Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.
The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns.
Previous research reports can be found on the InternetNZ website.
About InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa is the home and guardian of the .nz domain. We’re not government-funded – we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation that operates .nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders, reinvesting domain revenue back into the community. We provide grants, help to fund other organisations, and advocate for an accessible and safe Internet that benefits everyone in Aotearoa.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/tech-new-zealanders-online-as-much-as-ever-but-not-loving-it/

Posted on

Tech – Social media still has an Internet stronghold, new research finds

Source: InternetNZ

New Zealanders are spending slightly less time on social media, but still a considerable amount of time each day, new research from InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa shows.
The 2025 data for Internet Insights, an annual survey commissioned by InternetNZ released today, shows we spend an average of three hours of our personal time each day on the Internet.
For close to half of people (46 percent), social media is one of their top three uses of their time. This is closely followed by emails (45 percent) and streaming (41 percent). The number of people who cited social media as one of their top three uses has dropped slightly, down two percentage points since 2023.
Under-30s were the most likely to list social media in their top uses (60 percent of 18-29 year olds, compared to 46 percent across all demographics).
While TikTok is a daily habit for fewer compared to other social media platforms – only 15 percent use it once a day or more – its users are more likely to be younger and to spend considerable time on it each day. TikTok’s New Zealand users spend an average of one hour and 42 minutes a day on the platform, amounting to more than one working day per week.
Facebook is similarly time-consuming – its New Zealand users spend an average of one hour and 24 minutes a day on it. Additionally, 58 percent of Facebook users say they use it daily.
Meta’s Messenger also tops in messaging apps: it’s used at least once daily by nearly half of New Zealanders (47 percent). Whatsapp is used daily by a quarter of New Zealanders.
Despite these statistics, four in 10 New Zealanders (42 percent) are extremely or very concerned that the Internet is distracting and a waste of time. Pacific peoples are most likely to agree with this statement, at 64 percent compared to the average of 42 percent. People aged 30-49 are the next most likely to think so, at 48 percent.
InternetNZ chief executive Vivien Maidaborn says this year’s data reflects what most of us intuitively know.
“We’re spending a lot of time on the Internet, and on social media in particular, I don’t think that’s a surprise to anyone.
“But I think it does qualify what we’ve said for a long time, that it’s important that we’re all participating in conversations about how it’s shaped and how it should, and shouldn’t, shape our lives.
“This is particularly important when considering the power held by global social media platforms. New Zealand needs to consider, as a society, what our expectations on platforms operating in our jurisdiction should be, given the massive role they play in our lives.”
Key Internet Insights 2025 findings:
  • New Zealanders say most of their personal time online is spent on social media – 46 percent say this is one of their top three uses, though this is down by two percentage points from 2023.
  • Facebook remains the most frequently used social media channels, 58 percent of respondents use Facebook daily; and Messenger the most frequently used messaging app, 47 percent use Messenger daily.
  • TikTok and Facebook are the most time-consuming platforms. Facebook’s users spend an average of 1 hour 24m a day on the platform, and TikTok’s users spend an average of 1 hour 42m.
  • Percentage of people who are on this social media platform once a day or more: Facebook: 58% say once a day or more often; Instagram: 31%; TikTok: 15%; Reddit: 7%; LinkedIn: 6%; X (formerly Twitter): 6%; Wechat, Discord, Threads, Telegram, Bluesky & Mastodon all had percentages of 5% or less. 
    • Percentage of people who say they use this messaging platform once a day or more: Messenger: 47% say once a day or more often; WhatsApp: 25%; Snapchat: 12%. 
    • Younger people, Māori and Asian peoples are more likely to use TikTok – 42% of 18-29 year olds use it once a day or more compared to the average of 15%; and 21% of Māori and 20% or Asian peoples compared to the average of 15%.
  • Young people (18-29) are the highest users of Instagram too, at 56% compared to the average of 31%. Instagram users are also more likely to be women.
  • Asian peoples are the highest users of Whatsapp (55% compared to the average of 25%).
About the research
Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.
The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns. 
Previous research reports can be found on the InternetNZ website.
About InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa is the home and guardian of the .nz domain. We’re not government-funded – we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation that operates .nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders, reinvesting domain revenue back into the community. We provide grants, help to fund other organisations, and advocate for an accessible and safe Internet that benefits everyone in Aotearoa.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/tech-social-media-still-has-an-internet-stronghold-new-research-finds/

Posted on

Golf: Kiwi Daniel Hillier wins 105th New Zealand Open

Source: Radio New Zealand

Daniel Hillier celebrates his win at the New Zealand Open. Chris Symes / www.photosport.nz

Kiwi golfer Daniel Hillier has won the NZ Open for the first time, finishing two shots clear of Australian Lucas Herbert.

The 27-year-old Wellingtonian handled gusty and cool conditions at Arrowtown’s Millbrook Resort, near Queenstown, to secure the title.

Hillier sets up for a putt at the Millbrook Resort. www.photosport.nz

Hillier led by one shot heading into Sunday’s final round, finishing at 22-under par for the tournament.

He takes home prize money of NZ$360,000 and becomes the first New Zealander since Michael Hendry in 2017 to lift the silverware.

Hillier said winning the New Zealand Open capped an incredible week of celebration.

“Oh, mate, that is the second best day of my life behind my wedding last week,” he told SkySport.

“It’s a lot more stressful coming down the stretch there, but this has just been the absolute best week of my life.

“To break the Kiwi drought is pretty special and to do it in front of my family, all my friends, my wife.

“I’ve been dreaming this for a long time and I knew I had the game to do it.

“It was a matter of not getting ahead of myself and I’m pretty proud.”

LIV golfer Herbert was second at 20-under. New Zealand’s Kerry Mountcastle finished in a tie for third, with Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura, on 17-under.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/golf-kiwi-daniel-hillier-wins-105th-new-zealand-open/

Posted on

Property Market – Strongest February in over a decade signals property market momentum

Source: Brainchild for RealEstate.co.nz

  • Nationally, listings rose 7.8% year-on-year while total stock grew just 1.8%, indicating homes are selling through rather than accumulating
  • Over 12,200 new listings hit the market in February 2026, more than in any other month of February since 2013
  • Southland records all-time average asking price high of $584,768

The property market is showing signs of turning, according to new data from realestate.co.nz.

New listings surged 7.8% year-on-year in February to 12,252, the highest level for February since 2013, while total housing stock rose by just 1.8%. The slower growth in overall stock compared to new listings suggests properties are being sold through rather than accumulating.

Month to date, the number residential property seekers on realestate.co.nz are also up year-on-year, pointing to increased buyer confidence. Sales data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) also supports a moving market, with the strongest sales to start to a year since the 2022 market peak*.

Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, says February’s figures show sellers aren’t sitting on the sidelines anymore.

“When new listings rise faster than total stock, it tells us homes are being sold through rather than sitting on the market. That’s an early sign that activity is lifting and sellers are feeling more confident about listing. It’s early days, the OCR didn’t change last week, and we need to remember it’s an election year, but we are seeing momentum, which is what we had hoped to see in 2026.”

Contributing to the surge in new listings were four regions which recorded year-on-year growth of more than 20%:

  • Central North Island recorded a 25.0% year-on-year increase to 160 new listings
  • Taranaki experienced a 22.3% year-on-year increase to 280 new listings
  • Marlborough recorded a 21.1% year-on-year increase to 15 new listings
  • Manawatu/Whanganui reported a 20.9% year-on-year increase to 549 new listings.

Southland was the only region to record a double-digit year-on-year decline in February, down 13.9% to 217 new listings.

What’s happening to average asking prices in the regions?
The national average asking price remained steady in February, up just 1.4% year-on-year to $861,180. However, more movement was felt in the regions.

Southland recorded a new all-time average asking price high of $584,768, a 10.6% increase on February 2025. It was one of four regions to record a February high: Central North Island saw the biggest year-on-year increase, up 15.3% to $868,057; Central Otago/Lakes District was up 12.1% year-on-year to $1,613,298, and Canterbury, despite only increasing its average asking price by 3% year-on-year, recorded a February high of $738,385.

Northland’s average asking price dropped out of the $800k bracket for the first time since June 2025, to $799,879. While Waikato tipped back into the $800,000 bracket for the first time in a year, increasing a marginal 0.8% year-on-year.

Wood says price stability at a national level provides reassurance, but the regional variation shows signs of renewed confidence around the country.

“Areas like Southland and Central North Island, which have recorded all time February and overall highs, contrast with Northland, which has declined. Movement like this reinforces the notion that property is a local market.

Do current stock levels point to market activity?
National stock levels rose a modest 1.8% year-on-year to 36,357 in February 2026. However, stock is not increasing at the same pace as new listings, suggesting properties are being sold through rather than accumulating, and signalling strengthening market activity. Although not an all-time high, the last time total stock was over 36,000 in the month of February was in 2015.

Of our 19 regions, 13 saw single-digit growth, with Northland recording the largest year-on-year increase of 9.1%. No region recorded double-digit stock level growth.

However, three regions recorded double-digit, year-on-year stock declines in February:

Southland’s stock levels fell 21.4% to 522 (compared to 664 in February 2025). It is the region with the largest year-on-year drop for the eighth consecutive month.
Central Otago/Lakes District recorded a 15.6% year-on-year decline with 862 properties compared to the 1022 listed in February 2025.
Otago’s stock levels also fell 11.5% to 1041, down from 1176 in February 2026.

Wood says February’s data points to a market beginning to shift.

“If this continues, we could see conditions become more competitive.  Confidence is rebuilding gradually, and while external factors like interest rates and the election will influence sentiment, we can expect to see more activity in the market throughout the year.”

About realestate.co.nz | New Zealand’s Best Small Workplace (2025)

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. In 2025, realestate.co.nz was crowned Best Small/Micro Workplace in New Zealand by Great Place to Work.

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.

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 listings are 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.

Stock is 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 adjustment is 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 mean is 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.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/property-market-strongest-february-in-over-a-decade-signals-property-market-momentum/

Posted on

Motorsport: Kiwi Scott McLaughlin on pole for Indycar’s St Petersburg Grand Prix

Source: Radio New Zealand

Scott McLaughlin celebrates his IndyCar pole position at St Petersburg. Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire

Kiwi Scott McLaughlin has grabbed pole position for the IndyCar St Petersburg Grand Prix in Florida on Monday NZT.

After a horror 2025 campaign that saw him finish 10th in the standings, with no race wins and just one pole, McLaughlin was quickest around the 2.9km street circuit, clocking 1m 00.5426s to edge Swede Marcus Ericsson (1m 00.5621), who will join him on the front row for the main race.

“Raul [Prados], my new engineer, gave me a great car, but we have a lot of experience here with a great car, as well,” McLaughlin said.

“Just really pumped. Everybody knows the slog we went through last year, so to start on this note is fantastic.

“Bloody good, bloody good.”

The three-time Australian Supercars champion had shown good form throughout the weekend, finishing fastest in the first practice session (1m 01.1020s) and seventh in practice two (1m 01.7921s).

After putting his car into a wall during practice, Kiwi veteran Sir Scott Dixon (1m 01.2109s) will start 16th on the starting grid, while countryman Marcus Armstrong starts seventh, recording 1m 00.7820s in qualifying.

McLaughlin has won pole position on two previous occasions at St Petersburg, winning in 2022 and finishing fourth last year.

The 290km race begins at 6am Monday NZT.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/motorsport-kiwi-scott-mclaughlin-on-pole-for-indycars-st-petersburg-grand-prix/

Posted on

Iran strikes: ‘We don’t know when we can leave’ – Kiwi restaurateurs trapped in Dubai

Source: Radio New Zealand

Restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat are in Dubai on business. File photo. Babiche Martens

A prominent Auckland couple is trapped in Dubai after airspace closures and reported strikes across the city.

Restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat are in Dubai on business, and were due to fly out on Monday to begin a culinary tour in India.

Chand Sahrawat said they received a text alert just after midnight and heard explosions soon afterwards.

“We heard a couple of booms,” she said.

“And we’ve just woken up to news that the airport has been hit and the Burj Al Arab has also been hit.”

Sid Sahrawat said one hotel in the city had reportedly taken a hit earlier, which he described as “scary”.

The couple said roads were noticeably quieter after the alerts went out, with many people staying indoors as a precaution.

“It just feels very surreal and unreal,” Chand Sahrawat said.

“We’ve never been in a situation where a country has had to lock down because of a war.”

She said they had registered their details on the New Zealand government’s SafeTravel website, but had not had direct contact from officials.

It was difficult to access reliable information as English-language local news coverage was limited and they had been relying on international outlets and online reports.

All airspace across parts of the Middle East has been disrupted amid escalating regional tensions.

Chand Sahrawat said the closure of Dubai Airport was particularly worrying.

“It’s one thing to close airspace for protective reasons,” she said.

“But to actually hit the airport is scary. We don’t know when we can leave.”

The couple’s children were in New Zealand. Chand Sahrawat said explaining the situation to them had been difficult.

For now, they plan to remain where they are until flights resume, as neighbouring countries have also been affected by airspace closures.

“It just feels like a different world.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/iran-strikes-we-dont-know-when-we-can-leave-kiwi-restaurateurs-trapped-in-dubai/

Posted on

Fatality after crash, Middlemarch

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash in Dunedin on 18 February.

Emergency services were called to a two vehicle crash on State Highway 87 at around 2.15pm.

One person was transported to hospital in a critical condition, however they have now passed away from their injuries.

Police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/fatality-after-crash-middlemarch/

Posted on

What is duty sex and how do you stop having it?

Source: Radio New Zealand

It’s the end of a long, exhausting day and you’ve finally crawled into bed.

Rest is imminent.

But your partner is in the mood.

Understanding what is getting in the way of you wanting or enjoying sex is helpful to reflect on.

Unsplash

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/what-is-duty-sex-and-how-do-you-stop-having-it/

Posted on

How March Madness may make your Monday morning commute longer

Source: Radio New Zealand

March heralds the busiest traffic patterns of the year in many big cities. RNZ / Lucy Xia

Explainer – If your Monday morning commute feels a little madder than usual this week, it’s not just you.

The peak transport season known as ‘March Madness’ kicks off around the country, with the University of Auckland starting its new year on 2 March and many others following suit.

“More people use Auckland’s transport network from February until early April than at any other time of year,” Auckland Transport (AT) group manager of public transport operations Rachel Cara said.

Why exactly is March Madness a thing?

It may be a couple months into the new year, but between the confluence of universities, schools and the last stragglers from holiday getaways all returning, it always puts a strain on transport systems.

“It’s basically the highest level of transport demand that exists,” director of transport advocacy website Greater Auckland Matt Lowrie told Nine to Noon recently.

“One of the things that happens is that we get lulled into a false sense of security of how easy it is when the traffic is low and during those school holidays.”

In Auckland, AT predicts more than 2 million passenger journeys each week – with buses, trains and ferries making 13,500 trips a day.

Cara said that Auckland’s “network will be the busiest on weekdays during peak times, between 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm, with Wednesdays generally the busiest weekday.”

Discounted fares for Auckland university students have also been increased this year.

“We do anticipate higher spikes during March after tertiary concessions recently changed from being 25 percent to 40 percent,” Cara said. “We’ve already seen a 25 percent uplift in trips compared to same time last year, and this is likely to rise as university students come back.”

Lowrie said “we’ve often forgotten how bad it was at this time last year because even throughout after April when March Madness normally runs through to about Easter, it does drop off for sort of the rest of the year”.

RNZ / Rayssa Almeida

Does it happen everywhere or just in lucky old Auckland?

It’s definitely not just a JAFA thing, and is seen around the country – especially in areas with universities.

“We would definitely say March Madness is a phenomenon also experienced across Otago,” said Otago Regional Council implementation lead for transport Julian Phillips.

“Each February and March, public transport networks in Dunedin and Queenstown experience significant seasonal variations in demand at peak times.”

Like everywhere else, school, university study and returns from summer leave add up to put pressure on networks, he said.

“Travel patterns, particularly for school students, also take a few weeks to settle as families establish new routines.”

Wellington also has a busy month ahead.

“We expect patronage to lift on Metlink buses, trains, and ferries during March,” Metlink senior manager of operations Paul Tawharu said.

Wellington reached 2.6 million bus boardings in March 2025, he said.

State Highway 16 full of slow moving morning traffic as the sun rises. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

How do transport agencies prepare for it?

Auckland has added larger buses on 37 popular routes, an additional eight school bus services for Term 1, and has “banker” buses ready to deploy as needed.

Higher load services include the NX1 on the Northern Busway, which offers 3300 seats per hour capacity during peak time.

In Otago, “we are closely monitoring services, adjusting vehicle allocations where possible, and prioritising high-demand routes to support customers,” said Phillips.

“We appreciate passengers’ patience during this peak period and remain focused on getting everyone to their destinations safely and on time.”

The long-awaited $5.5 billion Auckand City Rail Link (CRL), the country’s most expensive transport infrastructure, is expected to open later this year, and AT is gearing up for it.

“With new trains arriving ahead of CRL we are now operating over 40 peak trips, including school trips with six-car trains,” Cara said.

However, the rail network is still expected to face some periodic shutdowns as CRL work and testing continues this year.

“These will be limited to weekends and public holidays as much as possible, however we are asking Aucklanders to be prepared for longer closures in the April school holidays,” Auckland Transport director of public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten told RNZ.

Once the CRL is fully up to speed, she said it will make a difference for March Madness and madness all the rest of the year.

“It is expected to lead to less congestion on our roads, than if it had not been built, based on analysis at the business case stage.”

The CRL will allow easier access by train and improved connections, van der Putten said.

“This will benefit those who do need to drive by reducing congestion, delays and wear and tear.

“The reason we invest in better public transport is to attract more choice users – this frees roads up to be used by people who genuinely need them.”

Public transport use can decrease road traffic. Photo/Auckland Transport

Is there any way I can avoid all this traffic madness?

If you’re driving, take the extra volumes into account.

“Plan ahead and allow extra time,” Cara said.

In Auckland, the AT Journey Planner app can help plan your trip. Other local apps or Google and Apple maps can also be useful.

“If possible, car-pool with family, friends or colleagues so you can travel on T2 and T3 lanes to reduce journey times and help disperse traffic,” she said.

In Wellington, Tawharu said public transport can ease the pain.

“We encourage our region’s commuters to reduce congestion and transport emissions by leaving their cars at home and catching Metlink services.”

Greater Wellington also has an annual Movin’ March programme, in partnership with local councils and primary schools, celebrating the benefits of walking, scooting and biking to school.

With packed buses and trains, Cara said being considerate will go a long way – and don’t forget to tag on and off with your payment or AT HOP card.

“Please be patient. You may need to wait for the next bus on our high frequency corridors.

“If standing on a busy bus or train carriage, move down as far as possible, filling every seat to create as much room as possible for more people to get on board. Do not leave belongings on the seat next to you and move down in buses and train carriages to create space for others.”

It’s not required, but it doesn’t hurt to thank the driver too as you leave. After all, for them, March Madness can often feel like it runs the whole year long.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/how-march-madness-may-make-your-monday-morning-commute-longer/

Posted on

Search on for fisherman swept away near Piha

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lifeguards, Coastguard and police have been searching for a fisherman missing from rocks at Union Bay on Auckland’s west coast. Supplied/ Auckland Council

A search is underway for a man swept off rocks south of Auckland’s Piha.

The man was fishing at Karekare’s Union Bay when he was swept away, a police spokesperson said.

The incident was reported about 10.15am on Sunday, and searchers were sent from police, Coastguard and Surf Lifesaving.

But by 1.45pm the man had not been found, the spokesperson said.

Surf Lifesaving New Zealand (SLSNZ) said the man was washed away at Farley Point: “A witness to the incident raised the alarm with surf lifeguards from Karekare Surf Life Saving Club.”

Lifeguards searched the area between Karekare Beach and Mercer Bay using four rescue watercraft/jetskis and an inflatable rescue boat, while the Piha search and rescue squad was also sent. However lifeguards had been stood down at 1pm, SLSNZ said.

Further searches were expected to be carried out at low tide.

It comes after the body of a kayaker was found in Auckland’s Waiwera on Sunday.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/search-on-for-fisherman-swept-away-near-piha/

Posted on

Hurricanes lose first-five for rest of Super Rugby campaign

Source: Radio New Zealand

Brett Cameron, while playing for the Hurricanes in 2024. Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz

The Hurricanes have lost one of their lynchpins for the rest of the Super Rugby season.

First-five Brett Cameron is due to undergo surgery after sustaining a significant knee injury during last week’s match against Moana Pasifika.

“It’s obviously hugely disappointing to lose one of our best players in game one, especially given it comes after an ACL injury on his other knee,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.

“We’re here to support and help him through it, initially with the surgery and then with the rehab.

“We know it’s a tough road ahead, but we also know that he’s up for it and we’re up for it to support and rehab him so he can get back to playing as soon as possible.

“As tough as it is, we have amazing medics, a great facility and we know how to rehab players really well, so we’ll get on with that once the surgery has been done,” Laidlaw said.

Cameron has been a Hurricanes player since 2023, after being at the Crusaders between 2017 and 2020.

He played one test for the All Blacks in 2018.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/hurricanes-lose-first-five-for-rest-of-super-rugby-campaign/

Posted on

How To Dad’s Jordan Watson: ‘Cheap and cheerful is what’s worked for me’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Back in 2015, wearing stubbies and a bush shirt, Jordan Watson (Tainui) made a joke video for a friend from work who was about to become a father.

Two years later, he went full-time making social media videos as How To DAD. Keeping it real and ignoring the Instagram fashion for “everything so polished and shot in 4K with amazing drones and colour grading” has been key to Watson’s success on social media, he says.

“The cheap and cheerful is what’s worked for me, and that’s how we just keep it … I just wake up, and if I have a funny idea while I’m in the shower or making breakfast, I’ll write it down, I’ll shoot it and post it,” Watson tells RNZ’s Music 101.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/how-to-dads-jordan-watson-cheap-and-cheerful-is-whats-worked-for-me/

Posted on

Live: Wellington Phoenix v Sydney FC at Sky Stadium – A League

Source: Radio New Zealand

Photosport

The Wellington Phoenix host Sydney FC in their first A-League match coach Giancarlo Italiano sensationally quit after a 5-0 defeat to rivals Auckland FC.

Chris Greenacre steps into the role as the 11th-placed Phoenix play third-ranked Sydney at Sky Stadium in Wellington.

Kickoff is at 3pm.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/live-wellington-phoenix-v-sydney-fc-at-sky-stadium-a-league/

Posted on

Operation Chrome takes the shine off dangerous driving

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police arrested drivers, impounded vehicles and issued infringement notices over the weekend as they moved to detect, deter and disrupt anti‑social road user activity.

With several large events drawing crowds to Christchurch, including Electric Avenue and a popular motorsport Chrome Expression Session for car enthusiasts, Police were prepared for the influx of visitors and acted early to keep roads and people safe.

Sergeant Ben Rutherford said the Operation Chrome team included bailiffs and was deliberately proactive. Broadly speaking his team was pleased with the weekend.

“We know unroadworthy vehicles and risky behaviour often go hand in hand with potential disruption and harm,” he said. “By taking illegally modified vehicles and dangerous behaviour off the road early we reduced the chance of trouble.” 

He said the significant number of people leaving Hagley Park after the music festival added to the road policing workload. 

“With more than forty thousand people spilling onto the streets, we worked hard to keep the city safe. 

“One example from Friday night was a guy who did a wheelie off a red light past a crowd of people. 

“Stunts can go badly wrong with disastrous consequences, especially right in the middle of a crowd. 

“That motorbike was taken off the road immediately.” 

Over the weekend Police monitored traffic circulating throughout Christchurch and ran multiple checkpoints targeting unsafe vehicles, licence breaches and alcohol‑related offending. 

On Saturday night, more than 300 cars gathered in Northwood for a pre‑planned ‘cruise’ planned by Chrome Event organisers. 

“Despite slowing traffic flow the drivers were generally well behaved and it was great to see the vehicles on display,” Sergeant Rutherford said. 

The convoy travelled to Halswell with a brief stop in Ferrymead. 

“The organisers were excellent. Their communication helped ensure everything stayed lawful and disruption was kept to a minimum.” 

However, Sergeant Rutherford said Police still had to step in at times. 

“As the weekend wore on, there were groups who needed reminding that dangerous vehicles and behaviour won’t be tolerated. We broke up gatherings, removed unsafe vehicles, issued infringements and intervened early. 

“Police frequently see how tragedies can play out so we’re equipped and trained to manage safety risks, and we try to prevent something terrible happening. 

“We don’t tolerate excessive noise, disruption, intimidation, street racing or unnecessary speed on our roads. 

“It’s simple, we just want a fun and safe weekend for Christchurch visitors and residents.”

Provisional summary from the operation: 

  • Twelve vehicles taken off our roads.
  • Six drivers gave excess breath‑alcohol readings. 
  • Vehicle compliance: eight vehicles were green‑stickered as unsafe.
  • Issued over 200 infringement notices.

Police thank all those who reported concerns and encourage anyone with information on illegal or unsafe activity to make a report through the 105 service.

If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Note for media:

Additional B-roll footage is available below.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Team

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/operation-chrome-takes-the-shine-off-dangerous-driving/

Posted on

Lanes cleared after serious crash blocked Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway

Source: Radio New Zealand

Emergency services workers at the scene of a serious crash that blocked traffic on Auckland’s North Western Motorway on Sunday. RNZ

Lanes on Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway have now reopened following a serious crash.

An RNZ reporter said one car was wrecked in the Sunday morning crash, and by 11.30am traffic was built up as far as Hobsonville Rd.

Police said one person was seriously injured in the two-vehicle collision and two lanes had been closed.

By 2pm, all lanes had reopened.

RNZ

RNZ

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/lanes-cleared-after-serious-crash-blocked-aucklands-northwestern-motorway/