Category: CTF

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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.

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/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/

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Tauranga School went in lockdown after reports of an armed person

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police say they’re continuing to make enquiries. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

A Tauranga school was put into lockdown this morning after reports of someone with a weapon.

Police were called to Cameron Road at about 8.50am.

“A nearby school was advised to be placed into a lockdown, however this has since been stood down,” Police said.

“The person alleged to have a weapon was located, where Police found a knife in their possession, and taken into custody.”

Police say they’re continuing to make enquiries.

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/tauranga-school-went-in-lockdown-after-reports-of-an-armed-person/

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COVID-19 and long COVID 2024/25: New Zealand Health Survey

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

This page presents a summary of data from questions about COVID-19 and long COVID added to the New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) in 2024/25. These questions asked adults aged 15 years and over if they had ever had a COVID-19 infection, and if they experienced any prolonged symptoms following that infection.

On this page

    …

Key findings

How to interpret the results

All data is self-reported

It is important to note that, as is the case for most survey data, the questions asked relied on respondents reporting their own experiences. This can lead to under or over-reporting, which can differ by demographic group. For example, individuals who had asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 and were unaware of the infection would likely not report ever having a COVID-19 infection. Some individuals may also have feelings of stigma around COVID-19 and are therefore less likely to report ever having an infection.

We recommend being mindful of this and exercising caution when interpreting the results, particularly for Pacific peoples.

In addition, there is currently no internationally agreed definition or diagnostic test for long COVID. Individuals’ responses will reflect their understanding of the symptoms that can be associated with long COVID, such as fatigue, poor concentration or memory, shortness of breath and loss of taste or smell. These symptoms can also be caused by, or affected by, other factors.

Finding more information

Information on the survey questions and indicator definitions used in this report, as well as information on survey methodology, technical information and a link to the questionnaire are available at the end of the page.

More information about prolonged symptoms attributable to infection with COVID-19 is available in the following evidence brief: Prolonged Symptoms Attributable to Infection with COVID-19. 

Read patient information about COVID-19 and long COVID on Health New Zealand’s website. 

Results

Nearly 4 out of 5 adults reported ever having COVID-19

New data from the 2024/25 NZHS shows that nearly 4 out of 5 (77.7%) adults reported ever having COVID-19, reflecting over 3.3 million people. 75.9% of all adults reported having a positive RAT or PCR test, while 1.8% of all adults said they believed they had had COVID-19 but did not get a positive test.

Women (79.8%) reported higher rates of ever having COVID-19 than men (75.5%). Rates were lower among Pacific adults (71.5%), Asian adults (71.2%), adults living in the most deprived neighbourhoods (70.7%), disabled adults (68.5%), and adults aged 65-years-and-over (64.4%).

About 1 in 11 of all adults reported ever having long COVID symptoms

Respondents who reported ever having COVID-19 were asked if they had experienced any symptoms lasting three months or longer that they did not have prior to having COVID-19, and were not explained by a different diagnosis. This was referred to as long COVID in the questionnaire.

Among the total population, about 1 in 11 adults (9.2% or 401,000 people) reported ever having long COVID symptoms. This represents 11.9% of adults who reported ever having COVID-19.

Further breakdowns about demographic groups ever having long COVID symptoms are available in the downloadable dataset below.

Women, Māori, and disabled adults were more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms

Women were more likely than men to report ever having COVID-19 and were also more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms. Among those who reported ever having COVID-19, about 1 in 7 women (14.9%) reported ever having long COVID symptoms, compared to about 1 in 12 men (8.5%).

This difference between men and women reflects different outcomes by age group. As shown in Figure 1 below, women under the age of 65 who reported ever having COVID-19 were more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms than men of the same age group.

Figure 1: Prevalence of reporting ever having long COVID symptoms among individuals who had ever had COVID-19, by gender and broad age group, 2024/25

Use arrow keys to navigate the key indicator items.

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Download


Download dataset


(csv, 173 bytes)

Māori adults were more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms after having COVID-19 compared to non-Māori adults. Among those who reported ever having COVID-19, approximately 1 in 6 Māori adults (15.5%) reported ever having long COVID symptoms, compared to approximately 1 in 9 non-Māori adults (11.3%).

Disabled adults were also more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms after having COVID-19 compared to non-disabled adults. Among those who reported ever having COVID-19, approximately 1 in 4 disabled adults (22.8%) reported ever having long COVID symptoms, compared to approximately 1 in 9 non-disabled adults (11.0%).

These figures only show associations between long COVID and disability rather than cause-and-effect relationships, and other factors may contribute to the differences. We cannot determine from the NZHS data alone whether the individual was disabled prior to developing long COVID or if their long COVID symptoms have resulted in a disability.

Approximately 185,000 adults were experiencing long COVID symptoms in 2024/25

Approximately 185,000 adults (4.3%) reported currently experiencing long COVID symptoms at the time they were interviewed in 2024/25. This reflects approximately 117,000 women (5.3%) and 67,000 men (3.1%).

Further breakdowns about demographic groups currently experiencing long COVID symptoms at the time of the 2024/25 survey are available in the downloadable dataset below. 

Among those who reported ever having long COVID symptoms, approximately half (48.5%) were still experiencing symptoms at the time they were interviewed in 2024/25.

Download the data

The downloadable dataset below contains aggregated data by gender, age, ethnic group, neighbourhood deprivation, disability status and health region. It also contains 95% confidence intervals and adjusted rate ratios.





COVID data table

(
xlsx,
61.2 KB
)

Methodology and data notes

Questions used in this analysis

Please see the Questionnaires and Content Guide 2024/25 for the full questionnaire text.

Have you ever had COVID-19?

1. Yes, I had a positive RAT or PCR test

2. Yes, I believe I have had it but I didn’t get a positive test

3. No, I don’t think I’ve had COVID-19

.K Don’t know

.R Refused

Long-COVID is when symptoms that start during or after a COVID-19 infection continue for 3 months or longer and are not explained by a different diagnosis. The symptoms can change over time.

Did you have any symptoms lasting 3 months or longer that you did not have prior to having COVID-19?

1. Yes

2. No

.K Don’t know

.R Refused

Do you still have long-COVID symptoms?

1. Yes

2. No

.K Don’t know

.R Refused

Indicator definitions

These indicators reflect respondents’ self-reported experience. For more information see: All data is self-reported.

Ever had COVID-19 with a positive RAT or PCR test, among all adults (15+ years).

Believed they had COVID-19 but didn’t get a positive test, among all adults (15+ years).

Ever had COVID-19 (confirmed or suspected), among all adults (15+ years).

Ever had long COVID symptoms (ie, symptoms lasting three months or longer that they did not have prior to having COVID-19), among all adults (15+ years).

Ever had long COVID symptoms, among adults (15+ years) who ever had COVID-19.

Currently have long COVID symptoms, among all adults (15+ years).

Currently have long COVID symptoms, among adults (15+ years) who ever had long COVID symptoms.

Use of statistical significance

This page primarily focuses on differences that are statistically significant. However, it is important to note that for smaller population groups, such as Pacific peoples, larger differences between estimates are required to reach statistical significance.

For more information on the survey methodology and questions

Data for the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey was collected between July 2024 and July 2025. Questions on COVID-19 and long COVID were asked of adults aged 15 years and over, with a sample size of 9,253 adults.

Please see the Methodology Report 2024/25 for full details on survey design, sampling and weighting, fieldwork procedures, and confidence intervals.

Please see the Questionnaires and Content Guide 2024/25 for the full questionnaire text.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/17/covid-19-and-long-covid-2024-25-new-zealand-health-survey/

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What one changing suburb tells us

Source: Radio New Zealand

Residents of Blockhouse Bay in southwestern Auckland were dismayed to learn early last year that their local Woolworths supermarket was earmarked to close.

While the Donovan Street store wasn’t the largest supermarket in the area, many living nearby treated it as an extension of their household refrigerators, popping down to the neighbourhood hub on a near-daily basis to pick up grocery supplies.

Rumours started circulating that a large chemist chain had taken over the lease or, worse still, that the 2,200-square-metre site had been sold to developers who wanted to build a block of apartments on it.

So it was with some relief that locals learned the lease had been taken over by grocery chain Golden Apple, with plans to open a fully functional Asian supermarket in August this year.

Blockhouse Bay’s iconic Armanasco homestead was built in 1890 by Stefano Armanasco, an Italian who came to New Zealand in 1885 and bought several parcels of land in the area. RNZ / Yiting Lin

But the recent tenancy changes at the heart of the village in this quiet residential Auckland suburb represent more than just a straight retail swap from a mainstream supermarket giant to an emerging rival.

It mirrors Auckland’s wider demographic changes as an increasing number of residents claim Asian heritage.

‘Little sleepy village’

Eileen Rusden was born in Blockhouse Bay almost a century ago, living there with her parents until she was about 20 years old.

When the 93-year-old first started school in 1939, she recalled the area being a “little sleepy village”.

“When I was here, there were probably only about five shops in the village,” she said.

Eileen Rusden was born in Blockhouse Bay almost a century ago. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Rusden said her school classmates were overwhelmingly English-speaking, most of them being children of European settlers who had arrived in New Zealand in the 1920s.

She recalls Blockhouse Bay being a happy place to grow up.

However, she noticed the suburb beginning to change after she married and moved away in 1953.

“That was when the housing started after World War II,” Rusden said. “The big farms and large sections were developed, and I missed all of that. That was when the village got more shops.”

By the time she returned to Blockhouse Bay in 2001, it looked little like the suburb she had once known.

But as more families have moved in, new businesses opened and the area continued to grow, Rusden said she had come to value the suburb’s diversity.

“I think it’s marvellous,” she said. “You go into all the shops now and you get such a lovely welcome.”

The number of Asian families living in Blockhouse Bay had grown steadily over the past three decades. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Mary Marshall, president of the Blockhouse Bay Historical Society, was born and raised in Blockhouse Bay.

The 70-year-old has watched the suburb change over the decades.

Marshall’s parents were British immigrants who arrived in New Zealand in 1949 after World War II and settled in the suburb soon after.

“Blockhouse Bay was a very different place at that time,” Marshall said.

In pre-European times, the headland at Blockhouse Bay Beach was the site of a Māori pā.

Indeed, the rocky outcrop still known as Te Whau Point and is regarded as an important archaeological site today.

“It had become very much a place in the early half of the century where people would come for picnics,” Marshall said.

“They’d go down to the beach. Companies would hold their summer picnics there and do everything.”

Mary Marshall, president of the Blockhouse Bay Historical Society RNZ / Yiting Lin

Marshall’s parents ran a dairy in the area, one of the few businesses at the time.

After World War II, more houses went up and the local shopping strip began to expand, she said.

However, Marshall said most dramatic demographic shift occurred after Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China when a wave of migration from Asia changed the character of the suburb.

“You had all the British people coming through, obviously,” she said. “A lot of Chinese people immigrated to New Zealand, and the population changed tremendously then.”

A growing Asian population

Stats New Zealand’s 2023 Census showed that 3426 households resided in Blockhouse Bay.

The suburb’s estimated population in 2025 was 14,650.

The headland at Blockhouse Bay Beach was once the site of a Māori pā. Known as Te Whau Point, it remains an important archaeological site. RNZ / Yiting Lin

By ethnicity, 55.8 percent of Blockhouse Bay residents claimed Asian heritage.

Of those, 28 percent identified as Indian and 16.5 percent as Chinese.

European residents made up 33.5 percent of the local population, Pacific 10.9 percent and Māori 6.1 percent.

The figures sit within a broader shift across Auckland, where the proportion of individuals claiming Asian heritage is projected to make up 44 percent of the city’s population by 2043.

Krystene Vickers, a committee member of the Blockhouse Bay Historical Society who also lives in the suburb, said the local grocery store had always been the beating heart of the community.

Vickers, 63, said the first grocery store in Blockhouse Bay opened in 1949, when the local Winchcombe family converted its shop into a Four Square self-service store.

It remained the village’s main grocery destination until 1973, when Foodtown, a much larger supermarket chain, opened on the same site that will eventually be occupied by Golden Apple.

Foodtown operated in Blockhouse Bay during the 1980s and ’90s. Supplied / Sarah Trott

In a detail she described a fitting, Vickers said Foodtown’s rise also had connections to Auckland’s Chinese community.

Tom Ah Chee, an entrepreneur of Chinese descent from a successful family of produce merchants, helped establish the Foodtown chain across Auckland with several business partners.

Foodtown’s impact on Blockhouse Bay extended beyond being a place to shop.

Even after Blockhouse Bay Foodtown became a Countdown store in 2011, Vickers said the old name never quite disappeared.

“What’s funny is even with the rebranding over the years, staff pretty much remained the same,” she said.

“Our children grew up knowing them and often the kids worked stocking shelves … so it was very much part of the community as well.

“We never stopped calling it Foodtown,” she said.

Krystene Vickers holds a historic photograph of the yacht club house at Blockhouse Bay Beach. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Vickers agreed that Blockhouse Bay had been demographically diverse for several decades.

“Since I arrived [in 1989], that’s diversified out to much more encompass people from India, Pakistan, the Middle East, China and [South] Korea,” she said.

“It’s lovely. It’s just built this whole layer upon layer of culture and history that everyone brings.”

That diversity is now clearly visible in Blockhouse Bay’s town centre, where the mix of shopfronts reflects the suburb’s changing communities.

Blockhouse Bay Primary School was originally built in 1909. Although later relocated and modified, the original rooms are still in use today. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Stats New Zealand’s business data shows 1271 business locations in Blockhouse Bay in 2025.

Trevor Andrews, chairman of the Blockhouse Bay Business Association, said the local business landscape had shifted over time, expanding from an overwhelmingly European focus to include more Asian-run businesses, which he said had helped strengthen the community.

“It makes the community – the business community – a very vibrant community of different nationalities and different people,” Andrews said.

“Each business owner brings in its own different types of customers as well,” he said.

“We do get a lot of variety of people – a lot of different faces – coming to Blockhouse Bay.”

Shirley Browne, owner of Shirley’s in Blockhouse Bay RNZ / Yiting Lin

‘Feeling of belonging’

Shirley Browne, who has run a fashion store bearing her given name in Blockhouse Bay for more than three decades, said she had long been drawn to the suburb’s unique and calm character, even though she lived in nearby Titirangi.

Browne said she had built a loyal customer base over the years, and that getting to know newer Asian customers had also been rewarding.

“Some of the Asian people are a little bit more reserved perhaps,” she said.

“But in time they’ll smile and give you a wave and eventually come into the shop. So that’s been rewarding.”

Trevor Andrews (left) and Olwyn Andrews say the local business landscape has become more diverse, benefiting the wider community. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Olwyn Andrews, owner of Floriculture, has run her business in Blockhouse Bay village for more than five years.

The flower shop owner said the local commercial mix had shifted from retail toward more service-based businesses.

At the same time, changes in the suburb’s population have altered the rhythm of her work.

“We’re seeing a much broader demographic of people, and a lot of younger families moving in,” she said. “We’ve really watched our customer base change, and it’s been a good change.

“It’s good to learn about new cultures and their different preferences, including what they like and dislike in flowers.”

The original Blockhouse Bay Yacht Club on Te Whau Point, Blockhouse Bay Beach, in 1956. Supplied / Blockhouse Bay Historical Society Bill Glen Collection

Kevin He, branch manager at Ray White Blockhouse Bay, lived in the suburb for about 15 years before moving elsewhere.

He said the number of Asian families living in Blockhouse Bay had grown steadily since 2015.

“Our customer base is quite broad,” he said. “In terms of ethnicity, roughly 70 percent are of Asian descent, including Koreans, Chinese and Indians. Relatively speaking, about 30 percent are Chinese and 40 percent are Indian.”

Kevin He says the number of Asian families in Blockhouse Bay has grown steadily since 2015. RNZ / Yiting Lin

He said many new migrants chose Blockhouse Bay as a place to settle because the community offered a sense of belonging.

“You have the feeling of belonging here,” he said.

“In some areas, you might feel, ‘Oh, this place doesn’t have any Asian faces,’ and you might feel a bit lonely. But when you come to this area, you feel welcomed.”

Bharat Patel and his wife have run Domain Dairy for about 20 years in Blockhouse Bay.

The shop, built around 1927 by a landowner named Fowler, was the third in the area.

Patel said the dairy had been sustained by strong support from the local community.

“A lot of people from Asia are coming, Indians and Chinese too,” Patel said. “Some Pākehā have moved away. Still, people are good here. Pākehā customers support the dairy a lot.”

Bharat Patel and his wife have run Domain Dairy in Blockhouse Bay for about 20 years. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Although the dairy had changed hands many times, Patel said its place in the suburb’s collective memory had remained intact.

“Sometimes Pākehā people come here to visit and say, ‘When we were kids, we used to buy from this dairy,’” he said.

Patel is considering retiring next year.

But after roughly 35 years in New Zealand, he was proud to be carrying forward a business that had nearly 100 years of history.

Sailing boats are assembled at Blockhouse Bay Beach for race day in 1957. Supplied / Blockhouse Bay Historical Society Bill Glen Collection

Eleena Kujur, manager of Indian restaurant Ricksha, said she had found Blockhouse Bay a safe and welcoming place to live and work.

As a migrant, she said her relationship with customers often felt less like a transaction and more like friendship.

“We haven’t had any customers who don’t treat us like family,” she said. “They don’t even call the restaurant number. They call us directly and ask, ‘Can you book our table?’”

Eleena Kujur has found Blockhouse Bay a welcoming place to live and work. RNZ / Yiting Lin

‘It makes us richer’

After more than 13 years in the florist industry, including running flower shops in various parts of Auckland, Andrews said the changes in Blockhouse Bay reflected Auckland’s broader evolution as a more diverse city.

“I do think Auckland has become more diverse,” she said. “I’ve seen the change since I was a teenager at Lynfield College to where I am now.

“I do think it’s a good change. We learn so much from other people, from other cultures, from other walks of life. It makes us richer to have those experiences.”

Almost 56 percent of Blockhouse Bay residents claim Asian heritage. RNZ / Yiting Lin

Marshall agreed, saying the demographic changes were not confined to Blockhouse Bay but were visible across the country.

“New Zealand has been a land where immigrants came,” she said.

“Here have always been different waves of migrants that changed the ethnicity of the place and the diversity.

“All of those different groups of ethnicities brought new things with them.

“That’s what I think is fantastic about those changes and the diversity that comes through happening all over Auckland, all over New Zealand.”

Businesses in Blockhouse Bay have become more diversified over the years. RNZ / Yiting Lin

– 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/what-one-changing-suburb-tells-us/

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Why Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn skipped the ceremony

Source: Radio New Zealand

Film star Sean Penn stepped out of a train carriage in central Kyiv on Monday, thousands of miles away from the glitz of Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre where he had failed to turn up to receive his third acting Oscar hours earlier.

Penn, 65, won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his role in the political thriller One Battle After Another but skipped the ceremony to travel to meet Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in the war-battered capital.

Ukraine’s state railway operator posted a short video clip of Penn getting out of the train in the morning, saying it had kept his trip a secret until the very last moment.

“Now we can say it officially: Sean Penn chose Ukraine over the Oscars!” it said on its Facebook page.

Zelensky posted a picture of him meeting the actor in the presidential office in Kyiv’s barricaded government quarters.

The photo showed the black-clad president talking to Penn who was wearing a t-shirt and jeans. There were no immediate details on their conversation.

“Sean, thanks to you, we know what a true friend of Ukraine is,” Zelensky wrote on the Telegram app.

“You have stood with Ukraine since the first day of the full-scale war. This is still true today,” Zelensky added.

Penn, a long-time advocate for Ukraine, has visited the country several times during the four-year war with Russia.

He filmed a documentary about Russia’s invasion that premiered in February 2023.

Penn also lent Zelensky, a former comedian and actor, one of his other Oscars in 2022.

– 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/why-oscar-winning-actor-sean-penn-skipped-the-ceremony/