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Have benefit sanctions actually worked?

Source: Radio New Zealand

The government introduced a traffic light system alongside financial and non-financial sanctions for beneficiaries who did not meet their obligations. RNZ / Quin Tauetau

Benefit sanctions have not worked – probably largely because there are not enough jobs for beneficiaries to move into, one economist says.

Rob Heyes, principal consultant at Infometrics, has looked at the experience of benefit sanctions introduced in 2024.

The government introduced a traffic light system alongside financial and non-financial sanctions for beneficiaries who did not meet their obligations.

It affects people on JobSeeker Support or Sole Parent Support who have work obligations, like being prepared for work, and taking part in Work and Income assessments, or social obligations such as caring for children.

If beneficiaries do not meet their obligations without good reason, they are moved to “orange” in the system. If they do not then get back on track within five days, they are shifted to “red”, at which point their benefit can be stopped or reduced.

Non-financial sanctions include such things as going on a course, keeping a record of job searches, having some of their benefit put on a payment card or being sent on community work experience.

“The new, tougher policy towards beneficiaries has certainly increased the number of benefit sanctions. In the September 2024 quarter, just over 14,400 sanctions were imposed on beneficiaries compared with just under 10,400 in the June quarter and just 7500 in the March quarter. Bear in mind that the traffic light system was introduced in August 2024 – halfway through the September quarter,” Heyes said.

The number had since declined to 12,900 in the September quarter last year. That was still double the number of sanctions over the three years before the new system was introduced.

But Heyes said only 1 percent of total beneficiaries were in the red zone, and another 1 percent at orange. That had been consistent, he said.

“If you look at the proportion of beneficiaries that are either orange or red, it’s tiny and that’s not a measure of the effectiveness of the policy … it’s a relatively small number of people who are under sanctions. So, the effectiveness of sanctions in getting people into work is always going to be small.”

He said in the 15 months to 25 September, about two-thirds of sanctions were because people had not attended Work and Income appointments or appointments with another service provider, or because they were not preparing for work. A relatively small number were for people not participating in work, he said.

Three-quarters of those sanctioned had their benefit reduced.

But people aged 15 to 24 were over-represented, making up 46 percent of all sanctions despite being only 19 percent of beneficiaries.

Men were also more likely to be sanctioned, at 68 percent of sanctions and 45 percent of beneficiaries. Māori and Pacific people were also more frequently sanctioned.

“Young people, Māori, and Pacific people are already over-represented in beneficiary statistics, which alone makes them more likely to receive sanctions. Being over-represented in sanctions statistics is a double whammy,” Heyes said.

“I wouldn’t want to suggest Work and Income are targeting men and young people more than other groups… working through all of this, the conclusion I came to was that I do hope that certainly before the policy was implemented and maybe afterwards as well, that ministers or officials are sitting down and having conversations with Work and Income staff.

“If I was the minister, I’d be wanting to talk to people who are the other side of the glass in Work and Income, talking to beneficiaries and have that on the ground understanding of how it works and how these sanctions work. The quantitative analysis is all well and good, but talking about people’s lived experience and you need that kind of information, I think, to really understand the nuance of that policy.”

He said the government expected the sanctions to push people into work but jobs were scarce and there were concerns people could end up pushed into poor-quality work or out of the system and into worse poverty.

He said the Ministry of Social Development could not give data about people coming off sanctions and finding work because it could not link the sanction and the job.

“If it is difficult to track someone who enters work, it will be even harder to track other outcomes. If people sink further into poverty and more vulnerable circumstances, they are more likely to fall through the cracks and therefore not show up in any datasets.”

He said it was not the best time to have implemented this sort of policy.

“There simply aren’t a great deal of jobs for people to go into.

“When jobs start to appear, then it might be more effective. But as I say, the numbers that have been sanctioned are so small you probably wouldn’t see a big difference.”

The government set a target of 50,000 fewer people on JobSeeker Support by 2030, Heyes noted.

“Using the December 2023 quarter as its base, that’s a fall from 190,000 to 140,000. When the traffic light policy was introduced in the September 2024 quarter, the number of Jobseeker Support recipients had risen to just under 205,000 and by the September 2025 quarter, the number had risen again to 218,000.”

He said it could be argued that JobSeeker numbers would be even higher without sanctions “but that’s a hard sell when job vacancies are so scarce. I think it works best when the labour market is creating lots of jobs. You’ve got to strike a balance between pushing people too hard and not pushing them hard enough”.

“I think that JobSeekers do have obligations, they’re effectively earning a wage from the taxpayers. There are obligations and there’s not a sanction at the moment in New Zealand for not getting into work. It’s about looking for work. I’m reasonably comfortable with it.”

But he said it was worth considering whether financial sanctions were necessary when non-financial sanctions were available.

“You’ve got major charities like the Salvation Army saying people are coming to us who’ve had their benefits cut … that’s not really helping anyone.”

Social Development Minister Louise Upston has been approached for comment.

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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/2026/02/27/have-benefit-sanctions-actually-worked/

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Better outcomes for New Zealanders on ACC

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is delivering its strongest rehabilitation performance in over a decade and getting New Zealanders back to work and independence faster, Minister for ACC Scott Simpson says.

“For too long, New Zealanders have been languishing on ACC and not getting the support they need. That is teachers, nurses and farmers that are stuck on the scheme and not able to get back to doing what they love.”

That is why ACC were asked to improve their performance in a recent Letter of Expectations, and put rehabilitation back at the heart of what they do. 

In response, the board produced a Turnaround Plan to return the organisation to its best ever performance. 

“I was pleased to see the Turnaround Plan built around the priorities set out in the Letter of Expectations: putting clients first with care that supports lasting recovery, helping New Zealanders return to work and independence, and resetting ACC by getting the organisation back to basics.” 

Today, the first signs of progress were published in ACC’s first public-facing monthly turnaround report. The report shows the growth rate of the Long-Term Claims Pool has reduced to 1.8 percent – the first time since 2014 it has been less than 2%.

“When National left office in 2017, growth in the long-term claims pool was 3 percent and trending downward. Under Labour, this increased to more than 14 percent, equating to almost 200 additional people each month spending over a year on the scheme.

“That level of growth was unacceptable, which is why we have taken action to improve performance and support better outcomes for claimants.”

The January Turnaround Plan report also shows return-to-work rates lifted across all timeframes, with more clients regaining independence sooner.

“Faster rehabilitation means injured people are returning to work faster, supporting their families and being active in their communities,” Mr Simpson says.

The first report shows a huge performance improvement for ACC, but more importantly, better results for injured New Zealanders.   

“There’s plenty more work ahead. But today’s results are a strong indication New Zealanders will get the support they’d expect from ACC when they need it most.

“It’s just one way this Government is fixing the basics and building the future.” 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/better-outcomes-for-new-zealanders-on-acc/

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Commercial discipline pays off at KiwiRail

Source: New Zealand Government

KiwiRail continues to lift its performance in line with our long-term performance expectations, Rail Minister Winston Peters said today.

“We make no apologies for bothering to fix New Zealand’s rail system after decades of mismanagement and malaise, and we are seeing the benefit of the taxpayer’s investment,” Mr Peters says.

“The half-year result of a $73.4 million operating surplus and a 7 percent lift in volumes is evidence that our no-nonsense commercial discipline is paying off, and is a credit to the hardworking ops, track gangs, crews and wider team at KiwiRail.

“Schedule reliability drives customers and volumes and the steady improvement in reliability is thanks to the firm focus on this metric by every worker combined with vastly better locomotives, shunts, wagons and carriages funded when we were last responsible for rail.

“New Zealand’s freight rolling stock will shortly be the youngest in the world – brand new wagons have rolled off the assembly line in the rebuilt Dunedin Hillside Workshops, yard operations have benefited from new shunts, and soon the old South Island locomotive fleet will be entirely replaced by state-of-the-art Stadler locomotives.

“The network is also improving because we changed the law in 2020 to fund rail like we fund roads, but with an emphasis on maintaining infrastructure better and replacing old assets. The two major storms in the last month saw just one washout, whereas a decade ago it was normal to have days of shutdowns to fix slips, washouts and clear floodwaters.

“The Infrastructure Commission recommended last week that 60 cents of every infrastructure dollar go to maintenance and renewals, but we already do that in rail and the ten-year forecasts show this will rise to 75 cents.

“Interislander has also performed well, with 100 percent reliability over the busiest Christmas and New Year period while moving more than 52,000 passengers and 14,000 vehicles to cap off the half-year.

“Freight is a tough business, but with a firm focus on reliability, cost control, a strategy set years ago with a healthy dose of experience and commonsense, the hard work does pay off.

“We extend our thanks to Chair Suzanne Tindal and her entire team,” Mr Peters says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/commercial-discipline-pays-off-at-kiwirail/

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Health Policy – Election year puts rare disorders care under spotlight as families wait for action

Source: Rare Disorders NZ (RDNZ)

As an election year gets underway, pressure is mounting on political parties to explain how they will act on rare disorders care.

Rare Disease Day tomorrow marks the start of Rare Disorders Month and 583 days since the Government agreed to New Zealand’s first Rare Disorders Strategy. While a recent hui between Health Minister Simeon Brown, implementation agencies and stakeholders has been welcomed as a positive step by Rare Disorders NZ (RDNZ), formal implementation has yet to begin.

RDNZ says the delay of nearly two years continues to affect an estimated 300,000 New Zealanders living with a rare disorder, many of which start in childhood and are lifelong.

RDNZ Chief Executive, Chris Higgins, says the organisation has written to all political parties seeking clear commitments for how they would act on priorities important to the rare disorder community. These include early and accurate diagnosis, planned clinical care pathways, access to medicines, disability and social supports, workforce development, research and national data collection.

“Implementing the Rare Disorders Strategy is an important first step to progress improvements on many of these issues. Election year presents an opportunity for all parties to show how they would turn the Strategy into action for New Zealanders living with rare disorders and their families,” Higgins says.

For families, the consequences of delay in diagnosis could be life changing.

Sophia Ama was three days old when her mother Brooke Ama noticed her becoming grey, floppy and refusing to feed.

“She was quivering and I knew something was seriously wrong,” Brooke says.

Sophia was urgently transferred to Starship’s paediatric intensive care unit, where she was placed on life support and dialysis before being diagnosed with a rare metabolic genetic condition, Propionic Acidemia. Doctors told her parents that if treatment did not start that night, there was only a five percent chance she would survive.

“Early diagnosis gave Sophia a chance. Without it, she wouldn’t be here,” Brooke says.

Chris Higgins says, unlike Sophia, over half of New Zealanders with rare disorders wait more than a year for diagnosis.

“Each year during Rare Disorders Month in March we have seen the wider community show up for Rare, supporting one another. The question now is whether the current and successive governments will do the same and implement the changes that would improve diagnosis and other outcomes,” Higgins says.

Tomorrow night, 49 landmarks across the country will light up for Rare as the community gets ready for a month of activity to raise awareness.

Rare Disorders NZ is a charitable organisation that is currently the only source of support, data and advocacy for the 300,000 New Zealanders living with a rare condition.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/health-policy-election-year-puts-rare-disorders-care-under-spotlight-as-families-wait-for-action/

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Flexi Fund opens for social & affordable housing

Source: New Zealand Government

Applications have opened for the first round of the Government’s Flexible Fund, paving the way for up to 770 new social homes and affordable rentals for New Zealanders in high housing need, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.

“Our Government believes in social housing. For families and individuals who are struggling to find a stable, secure place to live, we’re focused on turning housing need into real homes,” Mr Bishop says.

“Last year we established the Flexible Fund to replace the confusing patchwork of social and affordable housing programmes with a single, contestable fund focused on delivering the right homes, in the right places for the people who need them most. 

“The new system uses detailed data and local insights to identify where housing need is highest and which types of homes are required. This allows providers to bring forward solutions that best meet local demand. Instead of forcing good ideas into rigid categories, we can support interventions that target need and offer strong value for money.

“Opening the Flexible Fund for applications today marks the next phase of our targeted investment in social housing and affordable rentals.

“Affordable rentals allow people to pay less than the market rent in a region. They are a missing link in the social housing system. There should be an intermediate option between traditional social housing, where people usually pay 25 per cent of their income, and market rentals.

“That targeted investment is underpinned by our Housing Investment Plan, released last year, which provides a clear blueprint for where funding will go and how it will achieve the greatest impact. The Flexible Fund is a key part of making sure that happens.

“The focus is on value for money, strong housing delivery partners, and ensuring public investment provides homes for as many people as possible.

“The Flexible Fund will support delivery in priority locations including the Far North, South Auckland, Eastern Bay of Plenty, Gisborne–Tairāwhiti, Hastings, and key main centres such as Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch.

“The Flexible Fund is part of a wider push to boost social housing and get better results from every dollar spent. Through Budgets 2024 and 2025 we are already delivering more than 2,000 additional homes, including more one-bedroom and accessible homes where they are needed most. We have sharply reduced the number of families stuck in emergency housing motels, and Kāinga Ora is focused on renewing and maintaining its existing stock as part of its turnaround plan.

“At the same time, we are fixing the wider housing system through our Going for Housing Growth reforms so the market can build more homes overall. The Flexible Fund ensures that alongside those system changes, we are continuing to invest in targeted support for New Zealanders who need it most.”

“The Flexible Fund will support social housing and affordable rentals delivered by community housing providers, iwi Māori providers and other capable organisations. Applicants will need to demonstrate delivery capability, financial strength, alignment with local housing need, and value for money,” says Mr Potaka. 

“This is about disciplined investment. We want warm, dry, safe homes that meet local need and can be delivered on time and within budget. 

“For many whānau, housing security is the foundation for better health, education and employment outcomes. Iwi providers are often best placed to respond to that need because they understand their communities and the pressures they face. The Flexible Fund gives them a clear pathway to partner with the Government to deliver warm, safe homes that support long-term stability for whānau.

“Stage one applications open today and close on 24 April 2026.”

Note to editor:

Further details are available on the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development website www.hud.govt.nz and on Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS).

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/flexi-fund-opens-for-social-affordable-housing/

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Consumer confidence drops again after four-year high

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Consumer confidence has dropped back from last month’s four-year high.

February’s ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence index is well down from last month’s 107 points, but still remains in positive territory at 100 points. Anything under 100 is considered negative.

  • Consumer Confidence falls to 100.1 points from 107.2 points in January
  • A net negative 4 percent of households think it is a good time to make a major purchase
  • Wellingtonians the most negative
  • A net 20 percent expect to be better off this time next year, down from last month’s net 29 percent.

Confidence fell sharply in Wellington and Auckland and the mood has turned negative when it comes to feeling like it’s a good time to buy a major household item, though the reading was still well above last year’s levels.

ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner said consumer confidence gave up much of its recent gains, with higher fixed mortgage rates and stubborn inflation weighing on sentiment.

“In a long-term historical comparison consumer confidence remains subdued, but one month of retracing a particularly sharp gain doesn’t mean the trend has changed,” she said.

“Recoveries seldom happen in a straight line and the upward trend across many of these indicators remains intact.

“While there is still residual support coming through from past monetary easing, stagnant house price momentum, a loose labour market, and lingering cost-of-living pressures mean it’s still tough going out there for many households.”

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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/2026/02/27/consumer-confidence-drops-again-after-four-year-high/

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Newly formed Bioeconomy Science Institute to cut 134 jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Quin Tauetau

The government’s Bioeconomy Science Institute will cut 134 jobs less than a year after it was formed.

That comes on top of 152 jobs cut when the institute was set up as a merger of AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion into a single organisation.

The institute. formed in July and had a workforce of 2300.

The jobs being cut include 86 science roles and 48 professional services roles such as finance and administration.

Public Service Association (PSA) union national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons, said the government was wasting the talent of scientists who could drive economic growth.

Bioeconomy Science Institute chief executiver Mark Piper. (File photo) SUPPLIED/PLANT & FOOD RESEARCH

“This is just more of the same from a government determined to shed talented people across the public sector regardless of the consequences.”

Fitzsimons said cuts would set the organisation up for failure.

“New Zealand deserves and needs this organisation to contribute to economic growth innovation, and our response to climate change.”

Fitzsimons said the cuts would also not help New Zealand’s productivity.

“The government’s own science system advisory group had warned them that the lack of investment in science, innovation and technology is playing a role in our sluggish productivity.”

The downsizing came after cuts to other crown research institutes, and the disbanding of callaghan innovation.

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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/2026/02/27/newly-formed-bioeconomy-science-institute-to-cut-134-jobs/

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Security – ASB warning customers of bank impersonation scam

Source: ASB

ASB is alerting customers to an increase in fraudulent activity involving scammers making cold calls and pretending to be bank staff.

Scammers are contacting people by phone, claiming to be from the bank’s fraud team and saying there is suspicious activity on the customer’s account. They then ask the customer for personal and banking details including login details, dates of birth and access codes, in order to access their account.

ASB Acting Chief Operating Officer Gerard Graham says the bank is taking the scam activity seriously and acting quickly to warn customers.

“These scammers are persistent. They’re also highly sophisticated and so come across as credible when trying to convince customers to hand over their online banking credentials.

“If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you are unsure, ask for a Caller Check. This allows us to send a secure message directly to your ASB Mobile Banking App so you can verify you are speaking with us before sharing any information. If in doubt, hang up and call us back on one of our publicly listed numbers.

“Regardless of where you bank, protecting yourself from scams starts with staying informed.”

Mr Graham says customers should be aware that while ASB’s fraud team may on occasion call customers to verify unusual transactions, the bank will never:

  • Ask for banking passwords, PINs, or any codes the bank sends to your phone
  • Ask for a full credit card number, especially not the CVC
  • Ask customers to purchase gift cards, set up cryptocurrency accounts, or transfer funds to keep their money safe
  • Ask customers to download software or for remote access to their device
  • Send verification emails. Any verification from ASB will come through ASB’s Mobile Banking App.

ASB is urging any customer who believes their account may have been compromised to contact the bank immediately on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or +64 9 303 0332 if calling from overseas, or to visit their local branch.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/security-asb-warning-customers-of-bank-impersonation-scam/

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Government Cuts – Govt. science jobs exodus ramps up – 134 jobs going at new bioeconomy institute – PSA

Source: PSA

The Bioeconomy Science Institute, in existence less than a year, is shedding 134 jobs in the latest blow to the science workforce already gutted by hundreds of jobs losses since the Government began overhauling science and research agencies.
The Bioeconomy Science Institute (BSI) announced today that a voluntary redundancy process had resulted in 134 staff members agreeing to leave, representing around 6% of its workforce of 2,300.
BSI was formed last July from the merger of AgResearch, Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Plant & Food Research and Scion.
“This is just more of the same from a government determined to shed talented people across the public sector regardless of the consequences,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“BSI was set up to promote innovation in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture, biotechnology – how can it do this with a smaller workforce?
“Voluntary redundancy is preferable to forced dismissals but make no mistake, every expert who takes a package and heads overseas is a loss New Zealand will feel for years to come.”
BSI’s downsizing comes on top of three of the agencies (AgResearch, Scion and Landcare) axing 152 roles in an earlier restructure. With the disbanding of Callaghan Innovation and cuts to other Crown Research Institutes, the Government has shed more than 600 scientists and researchers on top of many other experts.
“This is another black mark on the Government’s record on science. Remember Science Minister Shane Reti’s bold promise in May 2025 announcing the reforms.
‘These reforms are about unlocking the full potential of science to deliver stronger economic growth and greater resilience for New Zealand. We’re not wasting a moment.’
“Such hollow words Dr Reti. Your government is wasting the tremendous talents of so many, paying lip service to the real potential of the science sector to drive economic growth and prepare us for the challenges we face from AI and other new technologies through to climate change.
“All the Government is doing is shifting the deck chairs with no increase in funding.
“It’s ignored the repeated warnings from its own Science System Advisory Group, a warning the group made explicit in its final report last October, stating that ‘the lack of adequate investment in science, innovation and technology has played a significant role in our sluggish productivity’.
“Come November the PSA will be reminding voters of the choice the Coalition Government political parties made to prioritise tax cuts over a science sector equipped to drive our future prosperity.”
Previous statement
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.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/26/government-cuts-govt-science-jobs-exodus-ramps-up-134-jobs-going-at-new-bioeconomy-institute-psa/

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PSA and NZNO to host pay equity rally at Parliament

Source: PSA

Workers belonging to the Public Service Association and New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation alongside public supporters will rally in support of pay equity at Parliament this Monday.
Care and support worker Kate Halsall is bringing along a trolley of groceries to symbolise the earnings she is missing out on every week. On average, care and support workers have been missing out on $145.85 every week since their pay equity claim was cancelled.
“Groceries, warrants of fitness, absolutely everything is going up except my pay packet,” she says.
“I hear from my coworkers that everyone is constantly juggling their budgets. If there’s even one unexpected little hiccup, our whole budgets are blown. We do important, life-saving work – it’s so wrong that we’re not valued for the work we do.”
“Women have not forgotten the betrayal of the National-led Government when, under the cover of darkness, they cancelled pay equity claims and gutted the Equal Pay Act,” PSA National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
“As we saw in the People’s Select Committee report this week, the changes to pay equity that this Government made last year were an abhorrent abuse of power. New Zealanders value women’s work, and believe everyone in female-dominated sectors deserve to be paid fairly.
“This rally is part of a whole week of action in support of working women in the lead-up to International Women’s Day on 8 March.”
NZNO spokesperson and aged care health care assistant Lisa Marriner had her pay equity claim cancelled last year.
“It’s taken for granted that women in female-dominated sectors such as care and support are paid much less than men in other sectors,” she says.
“We are acutely aware we are undervalued compared to men. We know our value and how important our work is but it’s more than that. It’s actually not fair that a man with similar skills and experience to us in a male-dominated sector is paid much more than us because someone, somewhere decided their work is worth more than ours.
“That’s why we must keep speaking out. For ourselves, our colleagues, our daughters and our nieces.”
Rally details
What: Rally in support of pay equity and working women.
When: 12:00-12:30pm, Monday 2 March.
Where: Parliament Lawn.
Confirmed MPs in attendance include Labour MP Jan Tinetti.
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/2026/02/27/psa-and-nzno-to-host-pay-equity-rally-at-parliament/

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Visually impaired Kiwis have lower life expectancy and make less money, research finds

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lead researcher Cain Richardson said the difference in life expectancy was stark. 123rf

New research has found blind or visually impaired New Zealanders die 9 years earlier on average, and make significantly less money.

The report by Blind and Low Vision NZ used anonymised data from StatsNZ to compare the experience of people with visual impairments to other groups.

Lead researcher Cain Richardson told Nine to Noon the difference in life expectancy was stark.

The average age of death for severely visually impaired people was 71, compared to the wider average of 80.

“The stories I’ve heard from a lot of my blind colleagues and friends is anecdotal stories of blind people living shorter lives from things such as, if you have advanced bowel cancer and you don’t have eyesight you’re not going to be able to see blood in your stool, so you’re not going to be picking it up until advanced stages of the disease,” he said.

“It was interesting taking anecdotal stories like that and being able to confirm it through a median age of death.”

Richardson said working-age blind people also made significantly less money than the broader population.

“60 percent of the severely visually impaired population have a calendar year income between 20 and 40,000 dollars a year, which is reflective of what you would receive on the benefit, and then that’s going to have snowball effects onto the rest of your life course outcomes,” he explained.

“What it does capture is the true cost of blindness, in the sense your poverty limits your agency and the ability to make choices to effect your other life course outcomes.”

Andrea Midgen, the CEO of Blind and Low Vision NZ, said the report provided empirical evidence to back the organisation’s campaigning.

“Without this data we can’t make strong evidence-based decisions or advise the government effectively, it really tells us where support is most needed,” she said.

“There’s a lot of policy changes we would like to promote. Particularly at the moment it’s about employment and things like accessibility.”

“There are perceptions out there that people from our community can’t do a job like anybody else, and the lack of awareness and education in this space is a really serious issue.”

Midgen said future studies would hone in on specific issues impacting the blind community.

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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/2026/02/27/visually-impaired-kiwis-have-lower-life-expectancy-and-make-less-money-research-finds/

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Summerset reports record underlying profit, lower net profit on valuations

Source: Radio New Zealand

Summerset chief executive Scott Scoullar said the company’s strategy continued to deliver results. Google Maps

Retirement village operator Summerset has posted a record underlying profit, although weaker property values weighed on its bottom line.

Key numbers for the year ended 31 December compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $259.7m v $332m
  • Revenue $361.8m v $319.9m
  • Underlying profit $234.2m v $206.4m
  • Final dividend 13.2 cents per share

Summerset chief executive Scott Scoullar said the company’s strategy continued to deliver results, with underlying profit growth, strong sales and the company meeting its build targets.

“We’ve continued to achieve despite another year where the business environment and property market has been subdued,” he said.

The company sold a record 1560 homes during the year – 805 new sales and 755 resales, with a focus on selling down stock at two major developments: Summerset Boulcott in Lower Hutt and Summerset St Johns in Auckland.

Both were among the company’s top‑performing new‑sales villages.

“Boulcott and St Johns are unique villages for us, due to the land and style of build we delivered large numbers of new homes at once,” he said.

“Selling these down has been a priority this year and we’re pleased to see both villages performing well.”

Sales of care suites also boosted results, with care operating profit rising to $18.8 million, up from $2.7m the previous year.

Summerset delivered 637 homes in New Zealand and 56 in Australia, in line with guidance, and was currently building on 22 sites in both countries.

Progress in Australia

Scoullar said the company continued its measured and deliberate growth plan in Australia and was now gaining momentum.

“We delivered our first village centre building at Cranbourne North in Victoria, marking a key milestone as we prepare to deliver aged care for the first time in Australia.”

It was building two villages in Victoria state and seeking planning permission for a third.

Summerset did not provide earnings guidance for 2026, but Scoullar remained optimistic about demand in both markets.

“Even in constrained trading conditions we have continued to see extremely high demand, record sales numbers and have continued to deliver on our expected build rate in both Australia and New Zealand.”

He said the company had continued to reduce debt and intended to keep strengthening its balance sheet in the coming year.

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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/2026/02/27/summerset-reports-record-underlying-profit-lower-net-profit-on-valuations/

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Cannons Creek assault, arrest made

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Kāpiti Mana Area Commander, Inspector Renée Perkins: 

Police investigating an assault in Cannons Creek last week, have arrested and charged a man.

On Friday 20 February, Police were called to Dido Place after reports of a firearm being discharged. One person was transported to hospital with moderate injuries.

Following enquiries, Police arrested a 22-year-old man yesterday in relation to the incident.

The man is due to appear in Porirua District Court today, charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm with a firearm, and unlawfully possessing a firearm.

Police would like to reassure the public that they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/cannons-creek-assault-arrest-made/

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Road blocked, Willis Street, Wellington

Source: New Zealand Police

Willis Street, Wellington, is blocked around the Lambton Quay and Mercer Street areas following a crash this morning.

Police were notified of the crash, involving a bus and a pedestrian, around 10am.

Initial indicators are that the pedestrian has moderate injuries.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible, and expect delays.

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/road-blocked-willis-street-wellington/

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Wellington public transport fares set to increase from May

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Fare prices on Wellington’s trains, ferries and buses will be increased by more than 3 percent in May.

The decision comes as Metlink revealed contactless payments for adults on their services would go live on 12 April.

The public transport provider would also start to phase out cash payments over the next year.

In December, RNZ reported that people would be able to pay for public transport using their phones, smart watches and debit cards in the first half of this year.

Greater Wellington Regional Council transport committee chairperson Ros Connelly said the decision to increase fares by 3.1 percent was carefully considered.

“We know the cost of living is challenging for many households, but we must ensure our fare revenue is sufficient to meet our funding and revenue targets set by NZTA as well as maintain the services people rely on every day.”

From 15 May, the cost of a three‑zone trip will increase by 14 cents, bringing the peak adult Snapper fare to $4.67 for those travelling to the CBD from Miramar or Karori.

For Wairarapa passengers travelling by train from Masterton to Wellington, the fare will rise by 56 cents to $18.50 at peak times.

The discounts for off-peak fares on buses and trains would also decrease from 30 percent to 20 percent.

Metlink senior manager of strategy and investments, Tim Shackleton, said they needed to address a projected revenue shortfall expected to be $3 million for the current financial year.

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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/2026/02/27/wellington-public-transport-fares-set-to-increase-from-may/

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Motatapu track rerouted to avoid slow moving slip

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  27 February 2026

The track, a historic route linking Wānaka and Arrowtown and crossing private land, is part of the Te Araroa Trail and is popular with hikers and trail runners.

DOC Operations Manager Charlie Sklenar says a recent routine assessment of the 400 m slip, between Highland Creek Hut and Roses Hut, found it was at risk of becoming larger during storm events.

We’ve been monitoring the slow-moving slip for a number of years. Safety is our highest priority, so when a recent reassessment found it was at risk of further movement, potentially damaging the track, we made the call to close this section and reroute it to a safer location, Charlie says.

DOC staff had been working with the landowner to identify a new path, and a team of rangers was deployed to the remote spot to complete the work last week.

The track was rerouted 350 m, across 180 m of elevation. Marker posts have been moved to the new section, vegetation planted across old entrance points, and directional signs at each end of the re-route are in place to ensure users can easily follow the new route.

“Judging by the amount of foot traffic while staff were undertaking the work, it won’t be long before this new section is well and truly worn in,” says Charlie.

“It’s great to have the new route in place for people out naturing in this iconic Central Otago spot.”

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/27/motatapu-track-rerouted-to-avoid-slow-moving-slip/

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Port of Tauranga delivers $70.2 million half-year profit

Source: Radio New Zealand

Port of Tauranga. RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Higher cargo volumes driven by a rebound in imports have delivered a strong half-year profit for the country’s biggest port.

Key numbers for the six months ended December compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $70.2 million vs $60.2m
  • Revenue $244m vs $225m
  • Cargo vols 12.6m tonnes vs 12.4m tonnes
  • Forecast FY underlying profit between $142m-152m vs actual 2025 $126m
  • Interim dividend 8 cents per share vs 7 cps

Port of Tauranga chairperson Julia Hoare said the result had been achieved through operational efficiency and control of costs, as a rise in imports made up for a dip in export trade.

“Export volumes were affected by subdued export log demand and a later-than-usual start to the dairy export season, this was offset by strong import demand and improved performance across our subsidiary and joint venture businesses.”

Cargo volumes rose just over 1 percent, with the number of containers handled up nearly 3 percent.

Export volumes were down slightly because of a late start to the dairy season and lower logs exports, but the improving economy drove an increase in imports.

The port’s various subsidiaries including interests in the Timaru Port, Northport, inland cargo handling hubs and logistics, increased their contributions by more than a quarter to $6.2m.

Chief executive Leonard Sampson said the port was putting much effort into improving its resilience and efficiency.

“We are investing in capacity, improving productivity and service delivery to our customers, as well as expanding our network to prepare for future growth.”

That included faster handling of containers, automating some functions, along with ordering equipment and tugs, and dredging the harbour to handle bigger ships in the future.

The port expected a continuation of the first half’s momentum into the rest of the year.

“The later start to the dairy export season, combined with a strong kiwifruit export season from March, is expected to support continued strong volumes in the second half of the financial year.”

Meanwhile, the company has been fast tracked for a consent hearing for a new container berth and is waiting for a hearing.

Sampson said the port was into its seventh year in the planning process to get the Stella Passage project approved and the delay has forced the port to turn away shipping services which would have saved businesses tens of millions of dollars.

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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/2026/02/27/port-of-tauranga-delivers-70-2-million-half-year-profit/

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Young Dunedin band opening for the Foo Fighters: ‘It’s insane’

Source: Radio New Zealand

The guitarist of a young Dunedin band says there was a lot of skepticism when they were handpicked to open for international rock stars Foo Fighters’ when they visit New Zealand next summer.

SEEK HELP! guitarist Lucy Hughes says it was “pretty insane to be honest”.

“When I contacted the band about it no one believed me at first, until two days later when the gig was announced,” Hughes says.

Foo Fighters have announced two huge stadium shows for New Zealand in January 2027.

Supplied

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/27/young-dunedin-band-opening-for-the-foo-fighters-its-insane/

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Search for man missing in Manawatū River pulled back

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Manawatū River. (File photo) 123RF

A large search operation for a man missing in the Manawatū River has been scaled back.

Police were called to a report of personal items abandoned in a suspicious manner on Albert St on Tuesday when officers spotted a man in the water.

They asked him to come back to land but he disappeared under.

A search has been ongoing since, and Palmerston North area prevention manager, inspector Phil Ward, said there had been extensive searches of the river, through to the Foxton Estuary and surrounding area.

Police would continue to conduct drone sweeps of areas of interest and patrols along Foxton Beach, Ward said.

Ward said police wanted to thank everyone involved in the search operation including Land Search and Rescue, Police Search and Rescue, Palmerston North Swiftwater Rescue, regional response teams, and Coastguard Manawatū.

“Police are continuing to provide support to the family of the man.”

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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/2026/02/27/search-for-man-missing-in-manawatu-river-pulled-back/

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Weather: Severe thunderstorms may hit parts of North Island

Source: Radio New Zealand

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for parts of the central North Island for Friday afternoon and evening.

The yellow alert covers Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Taihape.

MetService says there is a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms with localised rainfall of up to 40 millimetres an hour.

It could cause flooding in low lying areas, and slips.

Drivers should take care.

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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/2026/02/27/weather-severe-thunderstorms-may-hit-parts-of-north-island/