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Rising food prices hitting New Zealanders while supermarket duopoly not held accountable

Source: Green Party

Rising food prices are hitting New Zealanders in the pocket and driving them to hunger says MP Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

“While the supermarkets have been making $1 million a day in excess profits, food prices have surged 4.5% over the last year. Fruit and vegetables, a core staple, are up a massive 9.4%.”

“The stark contrast is appalling, and these ridiculous prices are not sustainable for New Zealanders who are being strong-armed by a duopoly.”

“Woolworths NZ made $100 million in profit over the past six months while one in three households are experiencing food insecurity, yet the Government is doing nothing to address rising food prices.”

“Can we really trust that the supermarkets won’t exploit the emerging fuel crisis to needlessly increase their prices? Supermarkets must be held accountable.”

“This only has the potential to get worse, unless the Government actually steps up to take on the supermarket duopoly.”

“Consumers have been waiting for structural change for years, yet no government has been willing to take on the duopoly and stop them from price gouging ordinary New Zealanders.”

“While large corporations are generating record profits, thousands of families are forced to make impossible choices about what they can spend their income on.”

“Banning price gouging, taxing excess profits, or breaking up the duopoly are all simple and effective ways to make sure massive corporations stop exploiting New Zealanders, ensuring all of us can afford to have food on the table, a safe place to call home, and live a good life.”

“We can end corporate exploitation of ordinary New Zealanders so that everyone can make ends meet,” says Ricardo.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/rising-food-prices-hitting-new-zealanders-while-supermarket-duopoly-not-held-accountable/

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Shannon Mato wants to play for Kiwi Ferns at Rugby League World Cup

Source: Radio New Zealand

Shannon Mato celebrates a try for the Māori All Stars against the Australian Indigenous All Stars in Sydney, 2025. NRL PHOTOS

The Kiwi Ferns’ stocks have been boosted with Jillaroos’ 10-test cap powerhouse forward Shannon Mato’s availability after her decision change allegiance from Australia to New Zealand.

Mato, 27, wants to play for New Zealand at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

She debuted for Australia at the 2022 World Cup in England and could not represent New Zealand as a result.

But a change this month in rugby league’s international rules allows players from Australia, New Zealand and England to switch to another of those countries to represent their heritage or homeland.

Players can now represent a nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country, nrl.com reported. They can’t though represent more than one nation in a calendar year.

The Whangarei-born player lived in Upper Hutt before moving to Australia at the age of 13.

Mato said the birth of her son Charnze-Pati in October led to her decision.

“I get a bit emotional because my son is half-Samoan, half-Māori and Kiwi, so I want him to represent both of those if he was to grow up and follow that pathway,” she told nrl.com.

She is keen to play for the Kiwi Ferns in the World Cup, which is being held in Australia and Papua New Guinea in October and November.

“If I was given the opportunity I would take it in a heartbeat and I think that is because I am in a different part of my life now.”

Another rule change allows players who represent New Zealand or England and qualify for New South Wales or Queensland to be available for State of Origin.

In the men’s game this has already seen Newcastle Knights and Queensland fullback Kalyn Ponga switch allegiance to New Zealand, enabling his availability for the Kiwis at the World Cup, which will run parallel to the women’s event.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/shannon-mato-wants-to-play-for-kiwi-ferns-at-rugby-league-world-cup/

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Supply chain challenges raised at international ministerial meeting

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay raised the impact of the Middle East conflict on supply chains with fellow members of the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership last night.

“This meeting was an opportunity for New Zealand to discuss the risks of global supply disruption and raise issues like fuel supply chain challenges, with other small and medium trade-dependent countries,” Mr McClay says.

“Measures like export restrictions and stockpiling on a large-scale basis can unnecessarily worsen the economic impacts.

“It is in our mutual interest to ensure that trade lines remain open, including via air and sea freight, to facilitate the flow of fuel and other essential goods.

“We see an opportunity for FIT partners to signal a joint commitment to maintaining open and resilient supply chains, working together to share real-time information and co-ordinating joint responses when supply chains are disrupted.”

The Partnership is a grouping of 16 small and mid-sized trade dependent countries. It issued a declaration on supply chain resilience in November 2025.

New Zealand hosts the next FIT Partnership Ministerial Meeting in Auckland in July 2026.
 
Note for editors: 
The FIT Partnership was established in September 2025. It provides a strategic platform for small and medium-sized economies to work together to shape the future of global trade and investment.

The Partnership brings together Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/supply-chain-challenges-raised-at-international-ministerial-meeting/

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Prime Minister Christopher Luxon refuses to say if he tried to call off Samoa matai ceremony

Source: Radio New Zealand

The furore over Christopher Luxon’s new matai title is refusing to go away, after local media in Samoa reported there was a late night phone call saying he didn’t want to go ahead with it after “too much interference on social media”.

Luxon refused to answer questions about the reports on Tuesday, saying he wanted to move on from the issue.

The Samoan Observer reported on Tuesday morning Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt said he’d received a phone call at about 3am from Samoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs CEO, informing him Luxon didn’t want to proceed with the bestowal of the title Tuisinavemaulumoto’otua.

Prime Minster Christopher Luxon attends a ceremony in Apia to bestow a matai title. RNZ / Giles Dexter

The report stated Schmidt was told Luxon had decided not to go ahead because of “too much interference on social media”. It also said there were discussions that continued into the night, and early Monday morning before the ceremony eventually proceeded.

Schmidt had said he’d told those involved that Samoa had prepared for the ceremony and that he’d urged Luxon not to be concerned about online criticism.

It comes after Luxon’s office denied reports that he requested to be given a matai title ahead of his visit to Samoa.

Samoa’s government had to clarify on Monday morning that neither Luxon nor his representatives had requested he be given an honour, shortly before the presentation.

Luxon’s since said it was a “miscommunication” and both he and the Samoan prime minister had moved on.

Asked on Tuesday about the Samoan Observer report, Luxon wouldn’t say if a phone call had taken place, instead saying he had “nothing further to add”.

Christopher Luxon attends a gift giving ceremony in Samoa, where he received a portrait painted by a local Methodist college. RNZ / Giles Dexter

“The prime minister issued a statement yesterday,” said Luxon, “I’m going to leave it there”.

“Again, I’m sorry guys, I’m just not going there.”

Asked if it had damaged trust between the two nations, Luxon said a very good relationship had been established through this visit, calling it a very successful trip.

Luxon said there’d been conversations around health, education and the border, and good connections made between the counterparts and cabinet ministers.

Luxon rejected the notion there was “confusion”, saying in the conversations that had occurred, “we’ve moved our conversation to things that actually matter for the Samoan people”.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/prime-minister-christopher-luxon-refuses-to-say-if-he-tried-to-call-off-samoa-matai-ceremony/

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Who is Khaby Lame – the world’s most followed TikToker?

Source: Radio New Zealand

His name is Khabane Lame, but he is known worldwide as Khaby Lame. Born in Dakar, Senegal, he is the most followed content creator on TikTok.

He became famous for video clips in which he reacts to absurd “life hack” videos with a blank, slightly annoyed face, showing the hack wasn’t needed.

At the time of writing he has over 160 million followers: a world record achieved without uttering a single word. In January he sold his brand rights for nearly US$1 billion.

Khaby Lame attending the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating.

AFP/DIA DIPASUPIL

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/who-is-khaby-lame-the-worlds-most-followed-tiktoker/

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Review: Project Hail Mary is a Ryan Gosling-powered hope rocket

Source: Radio New Zealand

As Project Hail Mary‘s amnesiac hero problem-solves his way around the spaceship he’s woken up on alone, he asks: “Am I smart?”

It’s a bold question to put in the air at the start of a film that fuses a silly, human-alien buddy comedy and a deeply earnest tale about how science and cooperation may yet save humanity.

And while the answer is that this sci-fi spectacular is perhaps a smidgen goofier than it is clever, it’s also charming, looks stellar, and is non-stop ride fuelled by a message of hope and powered by a star.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/review-project-hail-mary-is-a-ryan-gosling-powered-hope-rocket/

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Mudfish pulls off last-minute upset to claim Fish of the Year 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Northland mudfish with a ruler for scale. DOC

A deeply unglamorous and rarely seen creature that spends most of its life in mud has pulled off a last-minute upset by winning the title of Fish of the Year.

The Northland mudfish was not even in the top ten at the competition’s halfway point, but surged ahead in the final 24 hours – bumping the longfin eel, or tuna kūwharuwharu, out of the top spot.

Just under 6000 people around the country voted in the contest, which is organised annually by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.

Trust founder Samara Nicholas said the humble, secretive Northland mudfish – which was found only in a few wetlands around Kaikohe and Lake Ōmāpere – benefited from strong campaigns by the regional council and a local radio station.

“Even the Northland Rugby Union claimed they may actually change the Northland Taniwha name to the Northland Mudfish,” she said.

“I think people just got really fascinated by the fact that it’s so rare, it’s highly threatened. Not a lot is known about it. And it’s just was just so quirky that it seemed to capture the imagination of people.”

The secretive, wetland-dwelling Northland mudfish has been named Fish of the Year 2026. Supplied / Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust

Until the late surge by the mudfish, the longfin eel, the seahorse and the whale shark – the world’s biggest fish – appeared to be top contenders.

“It was just the buzz and the sheer amount of people getting behind the mudfish. And that’s what we want to do. We want this competition to create friendly competition between different organisations campaigning for their fish. The campaign went crazy in those last 24 hours, and the mudfish completely took it out.”

New Zealanders’ love of the underdog was also a likely factor.

Nicholas said the purpose of the competition was to shine a spotlight on creatures that were usually “out of sight, out of mind” – as was the case with many of New Zealand’s native fish.

With a maximum length of 15cm, the Northland mudfish was the smallest winner to date. It was also the first freshwater fish to take out the title, and so obscure it was only discovered in 1998.

Map showing the distribution of Northland mudfish. Supplied / Earth Sciences NZ

Its unique talents included the ability to survive droughts by burying itself in mud and breathing through its skin, Nicholas said.

That skill helped mudfish survive when a fire ripped through 15ha of conservation land next to Kerikeri airport in 2010.

However, the main threat to the survival of the Northland mudfish – and the four other species of mudfish around the motu – was the destruction of wetlands.

“We’ve drained around 90 percent of our wetlands in the last 150 years, and that has had a disastrous impact on our native galaxiids, including mudfish,” Nicholas said.

“We urgently need to protect and restore wetlands and riparian areas across the country to give freshwater fish, like the Northland mudfish, a fighting chance.”

It was the fifth time Mountains to Sea had run the Fish of the Year competition.

Last year’s winner was the bizarre, and aptly named, blobfish.

The Northland mudfish is sometimes also called the burgundy mudfish because of the colouring around its gills and belly.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/mudfish-pulls-off-last-minute-upset-to-claim-fish-of-the-year-2026/

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ERO’s school reports strengthened and improved

Source: New Zealand Government

Parents will soon benefit from clearer, more useful information on how their child’s school is performing through an overhaul to ERO’s school reports, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“Parents, teachers and school boards want to celebrate the successes of their local schools and need to clearly understand any areas for improvement. To date, reports on school performance through ERO have not sufficiently focussed on the details most relevant to parents and have been dense and complicated to read and understand.

“As Minister, I’ve heard this from parents and know that too often, key challenges facing our schools, or the successes they’re achieving haven’t been evidenced through ERO’s reporting. I am pleased to be releasing a new, simplified report that is focussed on student achievement, progress and engagement and co-designed with parents to ensure fit-for-purpose reports help families to feel informed and support schools to respond. 

“From Term 2, parents can expect more detail on almost twice as many topics. Reports will have clear measurements and strong, visual, easy-to-understand overviews of performance and the value that schools are adding for students.

“The new reports will recognise successes as well and provide a roadmap for improvement. They focus on the key changes that will make the most difference for students.

“ERO has engaged with schools across the country and hosted parent focus groups to gather valuable feedback, and this is apparent in the new parent focus throughout the reports.”

Ms Stanford says the new ERO reports will join the Government’s wider initiatives to lift student achievement and do the basics brilliantly including the introduction of twice yearly assessments in reading, writing and maths for Year 3–8 students, the introduction of the Phonics Check, the Year 2 maths check, and updated student reports.

“The Government’s education reforms have put educational achievement back at the centre of our education system.

“The results for children are beginning to show, and we’re ensuring parents can see exactly where their child is excelling and needing help, so that they can go with them on that journey and help them achieve their potential.

“The Government is committed to ensuring parents have detailed information to be involved in their child’s education, including through updated assessments, clear curriculum outlines, and better reporting.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/eros-school-reports-strengthened-and-improved/

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Retired Supreme Court judge to lead government inquiry into Tauranga landslides

Source: Radio New Zealand

The slip at Mauao, Mount Maunganui as seen from the air. Screengrab / Amy Till

Retired Supreme Court judge Sir Mark O’Regan will lead the government’s inquiry into the Tauranga landslides which killed eight people.

The terms of reference, released on Tuesday, task him with investigating how the landslides occurred and whether relevant agencies took appropriate steps to manage any risk.

That includes whether they missed any opportunities to warn or evacuate people.

Investigators will consider evidence including what agencies already knew about the risk of landslides, as well as the weather forecasts, storm alerts, and any warnings from the public.

The inquiry has no power to determine criminal or disciplinary liability, but can make “findings of fault”.

The government said it does not expect the inquiry to hold public hearings and can seek evidence from overseas, but without travelling itself.

In a statement, the responsible minister Chris Penk said the government recognised the significant public concern surrounding the tragic events and the importance for the families and wider community of determining exactly what happened.

“Those responsible for the Inquiry will be required to communicate with the families of the victims about its progress. It is my expectation that this engagement will be conducted with respect and sensitivity, and that the work will proceed as efficiently as possible,” Penk said.

Sir Mark will be assisted by a former public sector boss Helen Anderson and lawyer Steve Symon.

They will start considering evidence at the end of the month, to report back with recommendations by early December.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/retired-supreme-court-judge-to-lead-government-inquiry-into-tauranga-landslides/

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My Food Bag on track for profit growth

Source: Radio New Zealand

My Food Bag is forecasting its full-year net profit will be between $6.4 million and $6.8 million

Strong sales in the second half of the year have helped put My Food Bag on track to deliver year-on-year profit growth.

The NZX-listed company is forecasting its full-year net profit will be between $6.4 million and $6.8 million, up from $6.3 million in the 2025 financial year.

Revenue is tipped to grow 4.9 percent on the previous year, with the level of retained customers in the meal kit business up year-on-year, according to chief executive Mark Winter.

“We’ve prioritised providing our customers with greater flexibility, offering the more convenience and reiterating the value of our offering,” he said.

Winter says the meal kit business has expanded in the past year to target more health-conscious customers, and now offers a high protein option, a diabetes plan and meals tailored to those taking weight loss drugs.

My Food Bag chief executive Mark Winter. Supplied

Rising cost of ingredients a headwind

Ingredient price inflation is still a challenge for My Food Bag, said Winter, with food prices generally up 4.5 percent in the year to February, according to Stats NZ.

But Winter said the company has managed to improve its gross margin for the second half, compared to the prior year.

“We’ve always prioritised what we can do internally to take unnecessary cost out that the customer doesn’t value and that includes at assembly sites around productivity.”

“We invested a substantial amount of money a couple of years ago in implementing light automation, so initiatives like that have allowed us to partially offset the food price inflation costs that we’re seeing come through.”

With the Middle East conflict generating an uncertain outlook for inflation, Winter said the company is keeping a close eye on developments and staying in contact with suppliers.

The company expects to release its confirmed full-year results in May.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/my-food-bag-on-track-for-profit-growth/

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New rating system for schools unveiled as ERO reports overhauled

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Education Review Office is introducing a colour-coded, four-point scale for rating schools’ performance.

It said the new system would apply to ERO review reports for schools visited from term two and would be easier for families to understand.

The new-look reports would rate schools’ as excelling, doing well, working towards or requiring improvement across 14 areas with colour coding of dark green, light green, orange, and red.

The reports would start with a “snapshot” table showing the number of areas in which each school was excelling, doing well, working towards, or required improvement.

They would then provide an overview of the school’s ratings in 14 areas including student achievement, student progress, teaching, reading and writing, maths and attendance.

ERO said the new reports would be easier for families to understand.

The new-look ERO report, Education Review Office

ERO last changed the way it reported on schools at the end of 2024 when it introduced short descriptions of performance in areas including how well learners were succeeding and the quality of teaching.

It also introduced brief outlines of schools’ performance in reading, writing, maths and attendance.

England’s school reviewer, Ofsted, recently introduced a colour-coded, five-point scale for schools’ performance in areas including attendance, behavour, acheivement, and personal development.

The scale was exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, and urgent improvement with colour-coding ranging from blue, through green to orange and red.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said the new reports would provide parents with clearer, more useful information.

“To date, reports on school performance through ERO have not sufficiently focused on the details most relevant to parents and have been dense and complicated to read and understand,” she said.

RNZ / Nick Monro

Stanford said the reports would provide more detail on twice as many topics.

“The new reports will recognise successes as well and provide a roadmap for improvement. They focus on the key changes that will make the most difference for students,” she said.

Stanford said the reports would help the Education Ministry target support to the schools that needed it.

“Overall this is really about good data and making sure that we are targeting resource to the areas we need it the most so we can raise achievement standards across the board,” she said.

She said the review office had not changed how it reviewed schools, just how it reported its findings.

Chief review officer Ruth Shinoda said parents did not understand some of the language ERO used.

“Sometimes words are clear to us but not clear to schools and parents,” she said.

“For example, the word ’embedding’, which is one of our judgements – it means a lot to us in education, parents have no idea what this word means so we’ve changed it to ‘doing well’.”

Shinoda said a focus on progress would celebrate the difference schools made in challenging circumstances.

She said the reports would show how many areas a school was excelling in, how many areas it was good at, and how many it needed to improve.

They would also provide more clarity about what schools needed to do next.

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/2026/03/17/new-rating-system-for-schools-unveiled-as-ero-reports-overhauled/

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Environment – Have your say on three internationally restricted chemicals – EPA

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions on plans to restrict three Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) recently added to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.  
Aotearoa New Zealand has signed this international environmental agreement, so must stop or limit producing, using, importing, and exporting POPs listed under the Stockholm Convention.
The EPA is proposing to restrict the following three chemicals – and products containing them – by either banning or limiting their use:
  • Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide used as a broad-spectrum insecticide in a range of agricultural crops and for biosecurity purposes. The EPA has recently completed a reassessment of this substance.
  • MCCPs are widely used as plasticisers in PVC, additives in metalworking fluids, and in paints, sealants, and adhesives.
  • LC-PFCAs are a group of long-chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), used in a range of applications including in medical and laboratory devices, photo-imaging, food contact materials, paints and surface coatings, fire-fighting foams, textiles and apparel, personal care products, and cleaning agents.
Dr Peter Dawson, Principal Scientist Hazardous Substances, says these POPs are harmful chemicals that do not easily break down and can be transported long distances in the environment. They can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time, and some have been linked to serious health effects.
“Restricting the use of these substances is the right thing to do, it will protect people and the environment by reducing exposure to these harmful chemicals.
“It also ensures New Zealand fulfils our important obligations under the Stockholm Convention.
“The purpose of publicly consulting on the proposed restrictions for these chemicals is to better understand how these changes will impact New Zealand. Feedback will help us determine which exemptions are essential while ensuring we continue protecting people and the environment.”
The listings of the three persistent organic pollutants under the Stockholm Convention take effect on 16 December 2026.
The public consultation runs from 17 March – 17 April 2026.  

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/16/environment-have-your-say-on-three-internationally-restricted-chemicals-epa/

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Kiribati ministerial delegation visits EIT to explore RSE training opportunities

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 minutes ago

A ministerial delegation from Kiribati has visited EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus to learn about the institute’s national training programme supporting workers in New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.

The delegation, led by Kiribati’s Minister for Employment and Human Resources Hon Auria Kitina, met with EIT staff involved in the programme during a visit on Friday (March 13).

A ministerial delegation from Kiribati, led by Minister for Employment and Human Resources Hon Auria Kitina, visited EIT.

The visit, coordinated by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, focused on labour mobility and opportunities for Kiribati workers participating in the RSE scheme.

It was the first time a Kiribati ministerial delegation had visited EIT. Since the programme, known as NOA – Village of Learning, was launched in June last year, a ministerial delegation from Papua New Guinea has also visited, along with liaison officers from other Pacific countries.

EIT holds the national contract to deliver training to RSE workers across New Zealand, providing practical courses designed to build skills that workers can take back to their home countries.

EIT RSE National Operations Manager Meriama Taufale said it was a privilege to host the delegation and share how the programme supports both New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries and Pacific communities.

“It was a privilege and an honour to host a ministerial delegation from one of our Pacific partners and for them to see first-hand the opportunities available through the NOA programme,” Meriama said.

“The RSE scheme is hugely important to New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries, and it also creates real economic benefits for Pacific countries through the opportunities workers have while they are here, and the skills they take home with them.”

Secretary Terengaiti Awerika, on behalf of Kiribati’s Minister for Employment and Human Resources Hon Auria Kitina, said the visit provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen connections between EIT and the Kiribati Institute of Technology.

“It was a privilege for the Minister and the delegation to meet with EIT staff and learn more about the NOA training programme and how it is tailored to the needs of Kiribati workers.”

“The skills workers gain while in New Zealand are valuable not only for their jobs here but also when they return home, where they can create opportunities for themselves and their families.”

A cohort of Kiribati RSE workers have recently arrived in New Zealand ahead of the harvest season, and Meriama said they will have the opportunity to take part in the programme while they are in the country for nine months.

Since June last year, nearly 1,500 RSE workers have taken part in EIT training programmes delivered across key horticulture regions, from Central Otago to Northland.

Meriama said the programme is designed to ensure workers gain practical skills that can support them long after their time in New Zealand.

“It’s about setting workers up for long-term success when they return home. We are conscious of keeping it simple but doing it well.

“The biggest thing is being able to deliver the training within a country context, meaning it is delivered in the language workers can understand and use to contextualise the learning.”

Courses include practical skills such as concreting, small engine maintenance, financial literacy and small business training.

Meriama said feedback from both workers and employers had been very positive as the programme expanded across the country.

EIT Chief Executive Lucy Laitinen said Noa highlights the importance of partnerships between education, industry and Pacific nations.

“Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti sit at the heart of New Zealand’s horticulture sector, and the RSE scheme plays a vital role in supporting growers in those regions, and around the country. At EIT, we’re proud to deliver training that supports the industry while helping workers

build skills they can take back to their families and communities.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/kiribati-ministerial-delegation-visits-eit-to-explore-rse-training-opportunities/

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Health – Hospital Capacity Boost Highlights Critical Role of Aged Care Sector

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association says today’s announcement of additional funding to increase hospital capacity highlights the essential role aged residential care providers play in supporting New Zealand’s health system.
The Government has announced a $25 million winter package aimed at boosting hospital capacity, including additional staffing, beds, and the use of up to 567 short-term residential care placements to help patients leave hospital sooner and recover before returning home.
Chief Executive Tracey Martin said aged residential care providers stand ready to support the initiative, but success will depend on how the programme is implemented.
“Every day aged residential care providers help relieve pressure on hospitals by caring for older New Zealanders who no longer require acute hospital treatment but cannot safely return home,” Martin said.
“The reality is that aged residential care has become an essential extension of the hospital system. Without it, hospital beds would quickly become blocked and emergency departments would struggle to move patients through the system.”
Martin said the sector welcomes recognition that residential care can play an important role in supporting hospital capacity but noted that facilities across the country are already operating at very high occupancy levels.
“That means any additional short-term placements will need to be carefully managed to ensure facilities can safely accommodate these residents without compromising care for those already living in our homes.”
She said transitional or step-down care from hospital can be very effective, but it often involves residents who still have significant health needs and clinical complexity.
“These individuals are often leaving hospital with ongoing care requirements and need additional support while they recover before returning home.”
“For this initiative to work well, the funding arrangements must properly cover the additional costs associated with short-term care, including staffing, clinical oversight, and the additional coordination required.”
Martin also said facilities must be able to access the aligned health services residents will need during recovery without those costs falling back on providers.
“Residents in these short-term placements will often still require access to services such as physiotherapy, nursing support, medication management and other community health services,” she said.
“It is important that residential care providers are not expected to absorb the cost of services that sit within the wider health system.”
Martin said the announcement also highlighted how critical the aged care sector has become to the functioning of the broader health system.
“Our members already care for thousands of older New Zealanders with increasingly complex health needs every day,” she said.
“If the aged residential care sector was not here, the question would have to be asked – where would these people go? The hospital system simply would not have the capacity to absorb that demand.”
“With the right funding and coordination, residential care can provide a safe step-down environment that helps people recover while freeing up hospital beds for those who need acute care.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/health-hospital-capacity-boost-highlights-critical-role-of-aged-care-sector/

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Health and Politics – Minister’s winter spin can’t mask Health NZ’s staffing crisis – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government’s announcement of extra staff and beds for winter cannot be taken seriously from a Minister whose policies have driven Health NZ into a staffing crisis, the PSA says.
“This is a drop in the bucket. Hospitals are already carrying significant vacancies and recruitment is too slow to fill them,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Minister Brown cannot claim to be preparing hospitals for winter while his Government has spent the past two years imposing cuts and job losses right across Health NZ. You cannot gut the workforce and then paper over the damage with a press release.
“New Zealand’s hospitals were already under severe pressure, with 600 nurses short per shift, before this Government began its cuts programme.
“Remember the Government spent $58 million getting rid of 2800 health workers over the past two years, critical workers across the public health system keeping vital services like IT operating.
“Today’s announcement is more a band aid on a weeping sore the Government created.
“The Government has set up our health system to fail. In December it ordered Health NZ to find another $510 million in savings, cuts that will fall on the very services and workforce expected to carry New Zealanders through the winter flu season.
“New Zealanders deserve honest leadership on health, not announcements designed to distract from a record of relentless underfunding. Our members are working harder than ever to keep the system going despite the Government’s short-sighted decisions. They deserve better than spin.”
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, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/health-and-politics-ministers-winter-spin-cant-mask-health-nzs-staffing-crisis-psa/

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EMA – Employers call for regulation of employment advocates as dispute resolution system falters

Source: EMA

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) is calling for a review of the employment disputes resolution system and especially the conduct and regulation of employment advocates, following a survey of more than 300 of its members.
Employers pointed to an escalating number of disputes, rising costs, longer case durations, and increasingly adversarial behaviour by employment advocates as growing issues within the system.
EMA Head of Advocacy and Strategy Alan McDonald says the findings show a system “under increasing strain”.
“Employers are telling us the process has become overly complex and burdensome,” he says.
“Disputes are taking longer to resolve and costing far more than they used to. Even when businesses do everything right, many feel pressured to settle early because the cost of defending a claim can be higher than the actual claim.”
Unregulated employment advocates labelled ‘ambulance chasers’
Respondents highlighted the growing influence of unregulated advocates, particularly those operating on ‘no-win, no-fee’ models, citing aggressive or unprofessional behaviour, process delays, inflated settlement demands, high fees for low-quality work, and advice that fuels unnecessary escalation.
“We heard employers describe some advocates as ‘cowboys’ or ‘ambulance chasers’ – strong language that reflects genuine frustration,” says McDonald.
“The common theme is a lack of professional standards. Anyone can call themselves an employment advocate, charge whatever they like, and face no consequences for unethical behaviour.”
Employers also reported that advocates’ fees increasingly become the driving factor in settlement negotiations, with some representatives pushing for their own costs to be covered before meaningfully representing the employee’s interests.
The emergence of AI-generated correspondence – described by some employers as lengthy, inaccurate, or contextually misleading – is also contributing to delays and rising expectations.
The survey drew more than 150 responses in the first few hours and 316 responses overall, indicating strong concern among employers about how the system is operating in practice.
“The speed and volume of the responses show we really hit a raw nerve for employers,” says McDonald.
The EMA is sharing the findings with MBIE, and joining a number of organisations urging the government to review the disputes mediation process and introduce appropriate regulation of employment advocates.
“We want to see accountability for advocates. Employees deserve competent, ethical support, and employers deserve a fair, efficient system they can have confidence in. This shouldn’t be the Wild West,” says McDonald.
The EMA is calling for clear standards that would help protect both employees and employers, reduce unnecessary escalation, and restore trust in a system that many believe is no longer working as intended.
“This survey shows the pressure points clearly. If we don’t act now, the costs, delays and adversarial behaviour will only get worse,” says McDonald. “Regulation of employment advocates is the logical place to start.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/ema-employers-call-for-regulation-of-employment-advocates-as-dispute-resolution-system-falters/

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Tertiary Education – International student numbers surge at Vic Uni

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington posts major rise in international student enrolments and strong growth in arts, politics, and teaching, as well as higher numbers of Māori and Pasifika students.

Victoria University has recorded a substantial 50 percent increase in international students enrolled to start, signalling strong global interest in studying in the capital.

The latest numbers, released today, show a surge of young, ambitious learners choosing Wellington as the place they want to study, grow, and build their futures.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith said the data underscores Vic Uni’s global reputation and distinctive Wellington identity: “The latest figures demonstrate our desirability among international learners. The diversity of countries represented in our enrolments shows our widespread appeal right now—and reinforces Wellington’s reputation as a vibrant, globally connected capital,” he said.

“Alongside the rise in international students, the University is also seeing strong growth in arts, politics, the environment, and teaching—an encouraging sign of renewed student engagement with culture, society, and civic leadership. Our campuses are positively humming with students.”

The data shows rising enrolments of Māori and Pasifika students (up 5 percent and 8 percent respectively)—reinforcing Victoria University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community.

The upward trajectory of enrolments challenges recent rhetoric about Wellington and shows young people continue to value the city’s creativity, opportunities, and sense of belonging.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Dr Logan Bannister said the results reflect both the hard work of staff and the attractiveness of Wellington as a destination: “Our team has put in a huge effort to grow international enrolments, and it’s paying off. We’re seeing students from all over the world choosing Victoria University of Wellington because they want to experience everything Wellington has to offer. It’s an exciting moment for our campus community.”

Halls of residence trends show strong demand for independent-living options, driven largely by the growth in international learners.

Chief Operating Officer Tina Wakefield said the University’s residential options continue to evolve alongside student needs: “Living in a hall of residence provides an incredible start to university life. Your hall becomes your home—and with it comes a family. It’s where life-long friendships and memories are made. To meet growing demand, especially for independent-living options, we’ve opened a new hall every year for the past three years, adding almost 450 beds for our students.”

Highlights from the 2026 data census (as at 9 March 2026)

·         Commencing full-fee enrolments are up 50 percent on 2025, with 973 international students scheduled to start, up from 650. Our students come from 114 countries around the world, with the United States being the most common country of origin this year. China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam complete the top five.

·         Our total number of students has already reached 18,759, representing three years of consistent growth. In fact, our student population now corresponds to almost ten percent of the capital city’s population.

·         Independent living in our halls of residence is up 7 percent, with 56 additional beds filled for a total of 857 beds. Halls of residence had a total headcount of 2,582, a slight drop of 1 percent on 2025, which notably was likely a result of Wellington school-leavers choosing to stay at home to save on living costs.

·         Students starting a Major in Politics accounted for a 30 percent rise on 2025 numbers (169 enrolled students up from 130) and the new Bachelor of Politics has launched to meet strong demand, with 79 people already enrolled in the first year. The BPol is currently the only one in New Zealand.

·         Māori student enrolments are up 5 percent for a total of 2,263 students, and there an extra 99 Pasifika students enrolled, for a total of 1,410 (an 8 percent increase).

·         Graduate Diplomas in Teaching (Primary and Secondary) are both up, gaining percentage increases of 21 percent and 15 percent respectively.

·         New enrolments in the Bachelor of Midwifery are up significantly, with 108 new students (up 27 percent)—a standout growth area this year.

·         Enrolments at the Faculty of Law are up 12 percent in commencing students, for a total of 562, following its latest accolade as the number one place to study law in New Zealand according to the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 Rankings by subject.

·         Bachelor of Environment and Society continues its strong trajectory in its second year, with enrolments up by 214 percent (66 compared to 21 last year).

·         Bachelor of Music enrolments are up 17 percent, including strong growth in Popular Music (97 percent).

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/tertiary-education-international-student-numbers-surge-at-vic-uni/

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Politics and Employment – Young workers with Christopher Luxon masks take to the streets like he said he would – PSA

Source: PSA

Young workers wearing Christopher Luxon masks will line State Highway 1 in Kilbirnie, Wellington on Wednesday morning to protest the Prime Minister dragging his feet on modern slavery legislation, despite saying in 2022 that it is something he would march in the streets for.
The protest is being held by PSA Youth, the youth network of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Modern slavery is a massive issue not just overseas but on our shores,” said PSA Youth Network Organiser Susannah Rendall. “Thousands of New Zealanders, including many young people, are currently facing severe exploitation.”
“We are falling behind the rest of the world in fighting modern slavery. We need to see an enforceable national framework to prevent modern slavery, make businesses more accountable for how they address modern slavery, and improve the system for identifying, protecting, and supporting victims.”
The masks are to call out Luxon specifically, who told RNZ in 2022 that that modern slavery was something for which he would “march on the streets” adding, “that’s something I think we could do a better job of and have modern slavery legislation.”
“Not only has Luxon failed to live up to his word and march on the streets for this issue,” said Rendall, “He has also failed to make modern slavery legislation a priority for his government. He has relied on a members’ bill instead of a government bill, and that members’ bill is languishing at number 10 on the order paper, which means it’s unlikely to be considered before the election.”
“We’re calling his bluff. He needs to stand by his word, bring it to the top of the agenda and make it a government bill.”
What: Protesting inaction on Modern Slavery Bill
When: 9:15am, Wednesday 18 March
Where: Kilbirnie, Wellington – marching from the Brentwood Hotel (16 Kemp Street) to the Zephyrometer (corner of Evans Bay Parade and State Highway 1), then spreading out on the side of State Highway 1.
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, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/politics-and-employment-young-workers-with-christopher-luxon-masks-take-to-the-streets-like-he-said-he-would-psa/

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Simon Kneebone joins Black Ferns coaching team

Source: Radio New Zealand

Simon Kneebone has been appointed a Black Ferns assistant coach, focusing on set pieces. SUPPLIED

The Black Ferns have a new assistant coach who will focus on their set piece.

Simon Kneebone completes the coaching group, joining head coach Whitney Hansen, and assistants Tony Christie (attack) and Riki Flutey (defence).

Christie and Flutey had been assistants during Allan Bunting’s reign, which ended when the Black Ferns finished third at last year’s World Cup.

Kneebone has come through the ranks in women’s rugby coaching and helped Canterbury win back-to-back Farah Palmer Cup titles in 2018-19 as their forwards coach.

After returning to the Canterbury team in 2024, he was appointed assistant coach for Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki and assistant coach for the Black Ferns XV.

“Coaching in the women’s space is incredibly rewarding, I love how motivated the players are for growth both on and off the field, and supporting them as they chase greatness. The Black Ferns are a special team with a proud history and I’m excited to contribute to the success of our players as they reach their highest potential,” Kneebone said in a statement.

Hansen, who was appointed head coach at the end of last year, said Kneebone would bring much to the Black Ferns’ set piece.

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Simon’s coaching journey throughout the ranks and his knowledge around set piece is outstanding. His understanding of the style we want to play combined with his passion for skill development will be invaluable to this group in bringing out the best of our players, experienced and new.

“His ability to build trust will be critical to enhancing our environment alongside our other coaches and management. I believe we’ve got the best people in place,” Hansen said.

Jenelle Strickland will continue her role as Black Ferns team manager.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/simon-kneebone-joins-black-ferns-coaching-team/

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Mince records biggest annual increase since data began

Source: Radio New Zealand

The average price of a kilogram of beef mince was now $4.60 more than the same time in 2025. RNZ / Vinay Ranchhod

Food prices were up 4.5 percent in the year to February, and mince has recorded the biggest annual increase since data began.

Meat, poultry and fish led the increases, up 7.5 percent annually.

Fruit and vegetables lifted by 9.4 percent.

Sirloin steak was up 21.5 percent annually and even beef mince was up 23.2 percent, to an average $24.46 a kilogram.

Chocolate was up 20.3 percent annually.

Stats NZ’s price and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said the average price of a kilogram of beef mince was now $4.60 more than the same time in 2025.

“This is the largest annual price increase in beef mince prices since the series began in June 2006.”

Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod said export beef prices were up, which was being reflected in local prices.

Westpac is expecting beef prices to move higher still through this year, as global supply remains tight.

BNZ chief economist Mike Jones said international meat prices were at record levels. “Driven in particularly by a real tightening in the US market. US cattle numbers are at the lowest level since 1951, so they are short of beef and that is pushing the global price up. We’re now seeing that reflected more in the retail prices that we pay,”

He said it was hard on households who might have relied on mince to be a cheaper staple.

“If you look at the food price index, you’ve got much higher mince and meat prices, you’ve got bread, veggies all going up in some cases in double digits.

“And we’re starting down some big increase in petrol prices as well, so it is very much concentrated in some of those essential categories so it’s going to be particularly tough going for households that never got much relief from the cost of living. We’re going to have to have a pretty hard look at some of our forecasts for things like consumer spending over the rest of the year.”

Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said the increases were concentrated in red meat, rather than chicken or pork.

“The price at the sale yards for beef has gone up 71 percent since March 2024. Lamb is up 85 percent and that’s driven by strong demand out of China and the US. At the same time, global supply coming out of New Zealand and Australia is quite weak as well.”

Some things did get cheaper – olive oil was down 22.1 percent over a year and potato crisps down 3.2 percent.

Growden said chocolate biscuits also fell in price.

Food prices are expected to increase in the coming months as disruption in the Middle East pushes up oil prices.

Kiernan earlier told RNZ that sectors such as fishing were particularly exposed to increases in oil prices.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/mince-records-biggest-annual-increase-since-data-began/