Category: CTF

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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.

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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/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/

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Have women quit cutting their hair short when they get older?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rebecca Wadey can’t imagine ever cutting her hair.

The Auckland-based writer and former editor of online magazine Ensemble will turn 50 this year. Her hair, which she describes as “big, curly and coarse”, reaches well below her shoulders “to my elbows if I straighten it”.

When she surfs, it blinds her; if it gets wet after in the late afternoon, it won’t dry overnight. “It’s a pain in the arse,” she admits.

Rebecca Wadey’s wild and unruly hair.

Supplied

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/have-women-quit-cutting-their-hair-short-when-they-get-older/

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At the Oscars after-party, the fashion was sexy, strange and sensual

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Oscars red carpet is typically viewed as the apex of awards season dressing. What the stars wear to the Dolby Theater is the culmination of months of business negotiations between talent agencies, stylists and fashion houses, generating millions of views for brands and, when successful, can cement an actor’s relevancy in a fast-moving industry.

Once the Academy Awards wrapped up on Sunday evening, stars poured into the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (where the famed Vanity Fair after-party moved to this year for the first time), several wearing clothes that were sexy, strange and practically R-rated.

It was like a fashion watershed. If the Oscars delivered variations of “tradwife” dressing — think Old Hollywood glamour, with enough embroidered flowers to fill a meadow and dramatic, full silhouettes of a bygone era — then the after-party hinged on 21st century sex appeal.

Mikey Madison attends the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.

NEILSON BARNARD

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/at-the-oscars-after-party-the-fashion-was-sexy-strange-and-sensual/

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Overhaul of ERO school reports announced

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Education Review Office says it is introducing new, simpler reports about schools next month.

It says from term two ERO reports will include a summary that gives families an at-a-glance understanding of the performance of their children’s school.

The office says the new reports will have more focus on children’s progress to show how well schools are improving their pupils’ achievement.

They will also include a visual representation of how each schools is performing across a number of areas.

Education Minister Erica Stanford is in Auckland where she is announcing the overhaul.

ERO chief review officer Ruth Shinoda said the new reports would lift education standards by providing parents with clear, useful and accessible information about schools.

“Crucially, they are more sharply focused on the things that make the biggest difference to learner success and wellbeing – including attendance, progress, achievement and assessment.

“Parents and whānau will be able to clearly see what’s working well in a school, and what needs attention – and they will be able to see the clear pathway for schools to follow to lift student outcomes.

“Equally, the reports are a critical document for school leaders – so they know what to focus on to lift student success,” Shinoda said.

Shinoda said the they would provide a roadmap for improvement to enable schools to make changes and get support they need, and would also celebrate progress schools had made.

“Ultimately these changes will drive improvement for education for every learner in New Zealand,” she said.

Education Minister Erica Stanford is announcing the overhaul. Watch live at the top of the page.

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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/overhaul-of-ero-school-reports-announced/

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Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga

Source: New Zealand Government

Cabinet has agreed the Terms of Reference and membership for a Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga, Emergency Management and Recovery Associate Minister Chris Penk has announced. 

“Eight people died in the devastating events of 22 January 2026 – two when a landslide struck a property in Pāpāmoa’s Welcome Bay Road and six several hours later when a section of Mauao collapsed on to the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park,” Mr Penk says.  

“These events have caused profound grief. For the families and loved ones of those who died, the loss has been devastating. That pain has been shared by the wider Tauranga community and by people throughout New Zealand.  

“The Government recognises the significant public concern regarding these tragic events and acknowledges the importance for both the families and the wider community of determining exactly what happened.  

“The Inquiry will establish how the fatal landslides occurred, report on whether relevant agencies took appropriate steps to manage any apparent risk in the period immediately prior to the two fatal landslides – including steps to warn and evacuate people likely to be affected by the landslides – and identify any lessons that can be applied to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in future.” 

The Inquiry will be led by the Honourable Sir Mark O’Regan, a retired Supreme Court Judge and a former President of the Court of Appeal. He will be supported by Dr Helen Anderson and Steve Symon. 

Dr Anderson was the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology for six years (2004-2010), prior to which she was the Chief Science Adviser. She has chaired and contributed to many reviews of technical issues such as the failure of Statistics House in the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake and the Christchurch CBD collapse in 2011. 

Steve Symon brings additional legal expertise to the Inquiry. He was recently the Chair of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Transnational, Serious, Organised Crime. His experience includes serving as a lead lawyer for WorkSafe New Zealand during the legal proceedings following the 2019 Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption. 

“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,” Mr Penk says. 

The Inquiry will begin considering evidence and information on 30 March and be required to deliver a final report with recommendations by 3 December 2026.  

Notes to editor:  

  • Attached: Terms of Reference – Government Inquiry into the Fatal Landslides in Tauranga. 

 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/17/inquiry-into-the-fatal-landslides-in-tauranga/

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Education – ERO issuing new school reports from Term 2, focused on providing clarity for parents to understand their school performance

Source: Education Review Office

The Education Review Office (ERO) is overhauling their school review reports to better enable parents and whānau to understand school performance and engage in their child’s learning.
ERO Chief Review Officer Ruth Shinoda said the new reports will lift standards of education by providing parents with clear, useful and accessible information about schools in the areas that matter most to their child’s education.
“We wanted to make sure that parents and whānau can easily understand our reports, so they are empowered to ask good questions, make good choices, and get involved in their child’s education,” says Ms Shinoda.
“We talked to parents all over the country, and they told us that our reports needed to change – that they need better, clearer information about school quality. We heard them and have overhauled our school reports, making them much easier to understand. Crucially, they are more sharply focused on the things that make the biggest difference to learner success and wellbeing – including attendance, progress, achievement and assessment.”
The new reports also have an increased focus on progress – celebrating where schools are doing well in lifting student outcomes.
“Parents and whānau will be able to clearly see what’s working well in a school, and what needs attention – and they will be able to see the clear pathway for schools to follow to lift student outcomes. Equally, the reports are a critical document for school leaders – so they know what to focus on to lift student success,” says Ms Shinoda.
Alongside an easy-to-understand picture of how well the school is doing for parents, the new reports provide a clear roadmap for improvement focusing on the key things that will make the most difference for students. This will enable schools to make changes and get the support they need in a transparent way. The reports will also celebrate progress schools have made.
“Every day, our specialist reviewers are in schools across the country, evaluating school performance and providing guidance on improving schooling practices – focusing on what makes a school great for students,” says Ms Shinoda.
“Ultimately these changes will drive improvement for education for every learner in New Zealand. They will enable parents and whānau to engage more effectively in their child’s education and be informed on how well their school is doing. They will also support schools with clear actions for every school, so that school leaders can pay attention to shifting what matters most.”
ERO reviewers will begin using the new report format for all schools – primary, intermediate and secondary – in Term 2 this year.
Notes
  • ERO is the New Zealand government’s external evaluation agency for the education system. ERO carries out independent, in-depth reviews of different aspects of New Zealand’s schools, early learning services, and Kaupapa Māori education settings.
  • ERO reports on schools approximately every three to four years. In 2024/25, ERO reported on 745 schools and kura (30% of all schools and kura).
  • The new report has three parts: a full report, with judgements on 14 domains (or 16, if the school has bilingual Māori provision) and recommended next steps so schools know exactly what to work on; a summary overview, providing parents and whānau with an “at a glance” understanding of school’s performance; and a visual snapshot of the school’s quality across domains.
  • ERO’s reports are written following a formal ERO review, which includes visits to the school. Reports are published on ERO’s website for parents, whānau and the community to access. The new reports have been developed through extensive feedback from school leaders, parents and whānau, helping shape the final format.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/education-ero-issuing-new-school-reports-from-term-2-focused-on-providing-clarity-for-parents-to-understand-their-school-performance/

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Pharmac seeks feedback to make access to medicines clearer and simpler for people with exceptional clinical circumstances

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac is reviewing its Exceptional Circumstances Framework (the Framework) after people told us it is hard to understand and needs to work better.

The Framework is used when a person’s clinical situation is unusual or complex and existing funded medicines or standard funding rules are not suitable. In these cases, Pharmac can consider funding a medicine for an individual through pathways such as the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA) or Special Authority waivers.

“Most medicines are funded for groups of people, but sometimes someone’s medical situation doesn’t fit the standard pathway,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin. “This framework exists to make sure people with exceptional clinical needs can still be considered for access to funded treatment options.”

Pharmac says it has heard from patients, their families, clinicians, and others that the current process can be difficult to understand and navigate. Feedback has highlighted confusion about when it applies, what counts as ‘exceptional’, how decisions are made, and how outcomes are communicated.

“The framework is doing an important job, but people have told us it isn’t always clear or easy to use,” Martin says. “We want to make it easier to understand, faster to use, and more transparent, to make sure it works better for the people who rely on it.”

The review will look at the framework’s principles, criteria, and decision‑making processes, and will take a two‑stage approach, beginning with feedback on the current Framework with release of a discussion document, and followed by a second consultation later in the year on possible changes.

“Nothing will change before the review is complete, the application process will continue as usual, and new applications are still welcome,” Martin says. “Anyone who already has funding through this framework will keep their current approval.”

More information about the review and how to provide feedback is available on Pharmac’s website.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/pharmac-seeks-feedback-to-make-access-to-medicines-clearer-and-simpler-for-people-with-exceptional-clinical-circumstances/

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Wattie’s NZ’s proposed cuts ‘a really big blow’ to seed, arable growers

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Wattie’s factory in Christchurch. Nathan McKinnon / RNZ

Wattie’s New Zealand’s proposal to stop producing frozen vegetables is expected to impact the country’s already-hurting vegetable growers and seed producers.

The seed industry was taking stock of what last week’s announcement by one of the country’s largest food producers, would mean for growers.

A well-known packet of Wattie’s frozen mixed vegetables of peas, carrots and corn for example, perhaps no more under new proposals.

Phased closures were also being proposed at its food factories in Auckland, Dunedin, Christchurch and its packing facility in Hastings.

Around 350 mostly full-time roles would be impacted, including vegetable growers – around 220 of them in Canterbury alone.

Heinz Wattie’s previously said the decision was not taken lightly, but was a necessary step to position the company for the future.

Industry group Seed and Grain New Zealand chief executive, Sarah Clark said if Wattie’s stopped contracting vegetables from the region, farmers would lose income from both the crop and the seed.

“The Wattie’s proposal is a really big blow for the arable sector as a whole,” she said.

“Several of our members supply pea seeds for sowing to Wattie’s, so the direct impact to our members, the seed companies, of their proposal is that there’ll be less demand for pea seed, and that in turn means fewer contracts for the farmers, the people who are growing those pea seed crops.”

Clark said the decision was “probably a kick in the guts” for growers, after such a tough season marred by wet weather causing root disease.

She said this was worsened by the rapidly increasing cost of fuel and fertiliser, due to the war in the Middle East.

“The sector’s having a tough time anyway.”

Clark said there were other pea varieties farmers could incorporate into their crop rotation to plug the pea gap.

“Farmers will be hit with a difficult decision about how they maintain their other crop rotations, without either the fresh pea crop that they had growing peas for Wattie’s or the crop of peas for seed production.

“So yeah, it’s a bit of a double whammy for the farmers, unfortunately.”

Heinz Wattie’s previously said the decision was not taken lightly, but was a necessary. 123rf

Growers facing uncertainty

Key vegetable growing region Canterbury was also a seed powerhouse, producing more than half the world’s supply of hybrid radish and 40 percent of the global carrot seed supply, exporting to more than 60 countries.

Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Kate Scott said growers supplying Wattie’s now faced a great deal of uncertainty.

“This is tough news for the New Zealand vegetable sector and for the consumers who rely on locally grown and processed food,” she said.

“While we recognise this is a decision made within a global business, the consequences are very real here at home.”

Scott said growers could not keep producing crops without reliable markets for them, which over time would result in fewer vegetables being grown and processed in New Zealand.

“That would be a concerning direction for New Zealand. In a world where supply chains are increasingly disrupted and freight costs fluctuate; it makes sense to maintain strong domestic food production.”

Consultation on Wattie’s proposals will close next Wednesday on March 25th.

New proposals follow earlier cuts to crops

The company owned by American food giant Kraft Heinz decided to slash some of its crop intake following a review last year, impacting canned peach production, and corn, beetroot, tomatoes.

Wattie’s New Zealand corn from Hawke’s Bay. RNZ/Monique Steele

In recent years, the company made complaints about reports of cheaper imports being dumped into the New Zealand market to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

MBIE carried out a number of investigations over the past decade into dumping claims of various products, including peach products from countries like Greece, Spain, South Africa and China, and potato fries.

Investigations could result in duties being applied, which happened for preserved peaches from Spain in 2022 and canned peaches from Greece in 2021, among others.

Owner Kraft Heinz also recently rolled back earlier proposals to split up the business, which it told RNZ in September was unrelated to the decision to reduce peach production.

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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/watties-nzs-proposed-cuts-a-really-big-blow-to-seed-arable-growers/

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NZ, Samoa vow to combat flow of drugs through Pacific ‘super highway’

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand and Samoa have vowed to do more to combat the flow of drugs through the Pacific, which prime minister Christopher Luxon says has become a “super highway”.

Luxon and his Samoan counterpart La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt have signed memorandums of understanding for Police and Customs to work together and share more information.

The agreement would see dedicated New Zealand Police officers embedded in Samoa.

Both Luxon and La’auli were under no illusions as to the challenges the Pacific faced.

Prime minister Christopher Luxon in Samoa. RNZ / Giles Dexter

“We have recognised that border risk … the fast paced problem of illegal drugs crossing our borders is on the rise,” La’aulialemalietoa said.

“We’re up against it. We’re up against crime families in South America that are doing extraordinary things now to send drugs into our region,” Luxon said.

“And actually, the border and the security is the Pacific. It’s not just the New Zealand border alone as well. So it’s very important that we work together.”

Later, Luxon watched a demonstration of a drug seizure by two detector dogs donated by New Zealand, as part of the Pacific Drug Detector Dog Programme.

A combined effort to combat transnational crime is something Luxon would be bringing with him to Tonga on Tuesday afternoon, as he flew in for a meeting with prime minister Lord Fatefehi Fakafanua.

But Luxon said he was also keen to talk energy security, and was preparing to discuss how officials could work together in that space as well.

It was likely the calls for visa waivers will follow Luxon to Nuku’alofa.

La’aulialemalietoa, community leaders, and Samoan media had all lobbied for Pacific visitors to be treated the same as those from 60 other countries, and be given visas on arrival.

But Luxon appeared unlikely to budge, for now.

“You see what happens around the world when immigration gets out of control, and it’s not legal and it’s not managed. We have, very much, a risk-based approach to it all. We’re trying to liberalise what we can do in the Pacific, and we’ll continue to look at it.”

Luxon would also be keen to put the matter of his matai title behind him as he left Samoa, after the Samoan government admitted neither Luxon nor any of his representatives had requested it.

Luxon said it was a “miscommunication”, and he had moved on, but would not say if Samoa’s government had apologised.

At a gala dinner on Monday evening, La’aulialemalietoa said the controversy was “nonsense” and advised Luxon to ignore it.

“Do not worry about the nonsense on Facebook. Let the village of Apia sort it out, and handle it with respect,” he said.

“It is normal for us here.”

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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/nz-samoa-vow-to-combat-flow-of-drugs-through-pacific-super-highway/

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Research – 58% of Kiwi professionals are relocating this year – and for 65% of them, Australia is the first choice

Source: Robert Walters

Auckland, New Zealand – 17th March 2026 – Professional mobility across New Zealand is strengthening, with new research from Robert Walters revealing that 58% of New Zealand professionals are open to relocating for work in the next 12 months. As skills shortages intensify and career expectations rise, movement across the Tasman is accelerating: 65% of New Zealanders would relocate to Australia as their first choice.

The findings form part of the Robert Walters 2026 Salary Guide, which surveyed more than 5,500 professionals across Australia and New Zealand.

Career and financial motivations dominate relocation decisions

Relocation, once associated primarily with lifestyle change, is now increasingly a strategic career move.

The top reasons New Zealand professionals are considering relocating include:

  • Higher salaries: 71%
  • Stronger career prospects: 65%
  • Improved lifestyle: 53%
  • Better work-life balance: 37%
  • Lower cost of living: 38% 

Relocation appetite is particularly strong among mid-career professionals seeking accelerated progression, with shorter average tenure (2–3 years) driving more frequent movement across industries and regions.

Shay Peters, CEO of Robert Walters Australia and New Zealand, said the data reflects a shift in professional decision‑making.

“These numbers highlight a clear shift in the mindset of Australian professionals. Relocation is no longer just about lifestyle, it’s increasingly a strategic career decision. Professionals are prioritising stronger career pathways – it’s evident that talent is actively looking for roles that accelerate their growth. Organisations that can offer opportunities, both domestically and overseas, will be best positioned to attract and retain talent.”

Skills shortages heighten mobility as employers brace for movement

New Zealand employers are already feeling the pressure, with 81% reporting skills shortages and 78% planning to hire in 2026.

At the same time, 43% expect to lose staff to relocation, and a further 18% believe relocation among their teams is likely in the coming year.

This mobility is reshaping workforce planning, particularly in major centres where competition for specialist talent – finance, technology, engineering, and compliance – is intensifying.

Employer challenges are compounded by a growing preference for clear growth pathways and stronger leadership, with work-life balance (64%), salary (62%), and positive culture (45%) now the top priorities for New Zealand talent.

Implications for employers in a cross‑Tasman talent marketplace

With two‑thirds of New Zealand professionals open to relocation, and Australia the preferred destination, employers are under increasing pressure to reinforce their retention strategies.

Robert Walters data shows that while salary remains a major driver, New Zealand workers place significant value on:

  • Work-life balance (64%)
  • Competitive salary & benefits (62%)
  • Positive company culture (45%)
  • Career development opportunities (34%)
  • Supportive leadership (37%) 

For employers, the implications are clear: competitive pay alone is no longer enough to retain talent in a high‑mobility market.

Peters said employers must act decisively to remain competitive.

“If mobility is increasing, retention becomes a value proposition question. Employees are telling us very clearly what matters – competitive pay, genuine flexibility and strong culture. Employers that fail to respond to those expectations will see talent move. Those that align their workforce strategy accordingly will hold a significant competitive advantage.”

About the Salary Guide
The Robert Walters 2026 Salary Guide provides a comprehensive overview of hiring intentions, salary trends, skills shortages, and workforce mobility across Australia and New Zealand. With insights from more than 5,500 respondents, the guide shows how organisations and professionals are navigating a labour market shaped by cost‑of‑living pressures, technology adoption, and growing mobility.

About Robert Walters
With more than 3,100 people in 30 countries, Robert Walters delivers recruitment consultancy, staffing, recruitment process outsourcing and managed services globally. From traditional recruitment and staffing to end‑to‑end talent solutions, our consultants match highly skilled people to permanent, contract and interim roles across all professional disciplines.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/16/research-58-of-kiwi-professionals-are-relocating-this-year-and-for-65-of-them-australia-is-the-first-choice/