Category: DJF

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Economy – RBNZ Governor discusses impact of Middle East conflict on NZ economy

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ)

24 March 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) is well positioned to handle the challenges to our price stability and financial stability mandates caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Governor Anna Breman says in a speech published today.

“We are likely to see higher headline inflation over the near term, and somewhat weaker growth momentum,” Governor Breman says.

In the speech, Global shockwaves to Kiwi shores: The impact of the Iran conflict on New Zealand, Governor Breman acknowledged the uncertainty and hardship that many households and firms are experiencing at this difficult time.

“There is a risk that global financial stability risks could emerge and affect the cost and availability of funding for New Zealand banks. However, recent stress testing suggests that banks are resilient with strong capital and liquidity buffers, and are well-placed to weather severe geopolitical shocks.”

Governor Breman also set out the framework that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will use to assess the appropriate monetary policy response to the effects of the conflict in the Middle East on New Zealand’s economy.

“Getting this judgement right is key to avoiding reacting too early to near-term inflation pressures that monetary policy can do little about – or reacting too late if above-target inflation becomes embedded in the economy,” Governor Breman says.

“Most importantly, monetary policy can and should ensure that a temporary inflation spike does not turn into enduring inflationary pressures. The Committee will be vigilant to this risk.

“The best contribution that monetary policy can make to the wellbeing of New Zealanders is to deliver low and stable inflation over the medium term.”

More information

Download the speech – Global shockwaves to Kiwi shores: The impact of the Iran conflict on New Zealand: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=71bf51470e&e=f3c68946f8
April 2026 Monetary Policy Review and OCR: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=5a0b9e5b9e&e=f3c68946f8

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/economy-rbnz-governor-discusses-impact-of-middle-east-conflict-on-nz-economy/

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Landlords and tenants to be better off under more effective regulation

Source: New Zealand Government

Landlords and tenants will be better off with effective regulation of residential property managers and organisations under a new Government-backed framework, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says.

Under the proposed regime landlords and tenants will be able to check if a residential property manager and organisation is registered. There will be a clear pathway to raise complaints, so that property managers can be held accountable if something goes wrong.

“The changes are designed to improve consistency and accountability across the rental sector, while keeping compliance simple and practical.

“A well-functioning rental market depends on trust. Landlords need confidence their funds and assets are being managed properly, and tenants need to know they can rely on their residential property manager to act lawfully.”

The proposed regime will introduce a public register of residential property managers and organisations, alongside clear standards for financial management, conduct and training.

“I have heard concerns from across the sector about poor practices and mishandling of funds. These changes put in place the basic safeguards people expect, including stronger protections for client money and a clear way to raise complaints.”

The regime includes a dedicated Residential Property Managers Regulatory Authority and an independent Residential Property Managers Disciplinary Tribunal to support transparent, consistent handling of complaints.

The framework will:

  • establish a registration system for residential property managers and organisations
  • introduce minimum eligibility, training and experience requirements, that would be set out in secondary legislation
  • set clear requirements for renewals, suspensions, expiries and cancellations of registration
  • require all client funds to be held separately from business accounts, and
  • create a formal complaints and disciplinary process

“Many in the sector support a light-touch model that lifts standards without overburdening the industry. This strikes that balance.”

Strengthening the performance of the rental sector is part of the Government’s wider focus on housing stability and economic growth.

“When the system works well, it delivers better outcomes for tenants, greater certainty for landlords, and a more stable housing market overall.”

Work is underway to progress these proposals into legislation, with further detail to be released in due course.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/landlords-and-tenants-to-be-better-off-under-more-effective-regulation/

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Applications close for Molesworth farm operation

Source: New Zealand Government

The application period has closed for operators seeking to run commercial farming at Molesworth Recreation Reserve, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“Rangitahi/Molesworth is New Zealand’s largest farm, with a long history of high-country farming alongside significant conservation, cultural and recreation values.”

The Department of Conservation has received five applications through the competitive process.

“It’s encouraging to see a solid level of interest in managing such a large and complex operation.”

Applications will now be assessed against set criteria, with a preferred operator expected to be identified by the end of May.

“Assessment will consider experience, capability and resources, alongside how biodiversity and heritage values will be protected, cultural values upheld, and public access maintained.”

Once a preferred operator is identified, they will be invited to apply for a concession, which will be publicly notified.

The current lease with Pāmu Farms of New Zealand expires on 30 June 2026. Work is underway to ensure continuity of operations during the transition period.

Further information is available on the Department of Conservation website.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/applications-close-for-molesworth-farm-operation/

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Arrest in Operation Aurora

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie:

Police executing search warrants have arrested one person from a religious organisation that has a presence in New Zealand, Australia, Samoa and Fiji.

A 45-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court today charged with unlawful sexual connection, indecent assault, strangulation and rape.

Today’s arrest follows a number of allegations, and partner agencies are supporting those that have come forward.

It is possible there may be other allegations that we are not yet aware of, and I strongly encourage any survivor to speak with us, should they wish to. Your voice matters, and you will be treated with respect.

Our staff who work in this space are specially trained, and any reports will be made in confidence, and we will provide wrap-around support.

Please make a report by calling Police on 105 or using our online service. Click ‘Make a report’.

Please reference Operation Aurora or use file number 260319/8197.

Police will not be making further comment as the matter is before the Court.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/arrest-in-operation-aurora/

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Government’s fossil fuel relief package fails to meet the crisis

Source: Green Party

The Green Party says the Government’s fossil fuel crisis relief package leaves too many New Zealanders behind. 

“The Luxon Government has turned its back on hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, asking them to foot the bill for Trump’s war on Iran,” said Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson. 

Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says, “The Government’s narrow tweaks to tax credits leaves behind the tens of thousands of people their economic plan has pushed out of work, only to then punish with new obligations and sanctions. 

“So much for planning for the ‘worst case scenario.’ There is no plan to support people onto public transport and reduce fuel demand, no plan to prevent corporations price gouging while families cut back on groceries. 

“Perhaps worse, Luxon has doubled down on his commitment to burn billions of taxpayer dollars on infrastructure that fosters more fossil-fuel dependency and vulnerability, like the LNG import facility and Roads of National Significance. 

“The Greens proposed a sensible plan for free public transport, direct relief for everyone earning under the median income, increased mileage for care workers, more school bus services and a windfall profits tax.” 

“Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis have made the decision to allow the same people they’ve made poorer through their economic decisions to carry the disproportionate cost of this fossil fuel crisis.” 

Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson said the Government’s package fails to help those hardest hit by the fuel crisis. 

“The Government showed today it is not prepared to match the scale of what people are facing and the crisis New Zealanders are dealing with.” 

“This package does nothing for beneficiaries and their children, retirees, or unpaid carers, who are all left out entirely.” 

“Caregiving is work. Raising children is work. Looking after a parent or a loved one is work. These people are facing rising costs making it more difficult to care for their loved ones. This package does not count any of it.” 

“This is a crisis and the Government’s response will do nothing for most New Zealanders. The situation demands far more than what was announced today.” 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/governments-fossil-fuel-relief-package-fails-to-meet-the-crisis/

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‘I got goosebumps’ – Te reo Māori song in new Ryan Gosling blockbuster

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Hollywood film starring Ryan Gosling is drawing attention for featuring the track ‘Pō Atarau‘, believed to be a 1992 recording by Turakina Māori Girls’ College Choir.

Project Hail Mary, about a science teacher on a lone mission to save the Earth, topped the New Zealand box office on its opening weekend – the biggest of the year so far, according to Numero.

Aynsley Broom, a Samoan US-based content creator who reacts to film, TV and books, told RNZ she felt the words were familiar while watching, though was unsure at first because te reo Māori is rarely heard in blockbuster films.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/i-got-goosebumps-te-reo-maori-song-in-new-ryan-gosling-blockbuster/

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Watch live: $50 a week for some families as fuel crisis relief package unveiled

Source: Radio New Zealand

People struggling with fuel costs will be eligible for an extra $50 a week – if they qualify for the in-work tax credit.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced the support package at Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

It would be available from April 7 and eligibility would be expanded to an estimated 14,000 families.

Petrol prices in some locations have reached $4 a litre for premium, while diesel is up more than $1 a litre in the past month, Gaspy data shows.

About 20 percent of the world’s supply usually transits through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has cut off in retaliation over the US-Israel attack.

RNZ will be streaming the announcement from 12.30pm and blogging the updates as they happen. Refresh the page if you cannot see the video at the top of this 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/2026/03/24/watch-live-50-a-week-for-some-families-as-fuel-crisis-relief-package-unveiled/

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One dead, three injured after overnight crash in Palmerston North

Source: Radio New Zealand

One person died and three were injured after the crash. Supplied / St John

One person has died and three others are injured following a three-vehicle crash in Palmerston North overnight.

Emergency services were called to the crash on Tremaine Avenue, near Malden Street, about 2.30am.

It involved two cars, one of which caught fire, and a utility vehicle.

The crash also caused power to be cut to multiple addresses.

The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination.

Police are appealing for more information and would like to hear from anyone who may have captured CCTV prior to the crash.

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/2026/03/24/one-dead-three-injured-after-overnight-crash-in-palmerston-north/

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First kaupapa Māori centre for those living with dementia to open in Waikato

Source: Radio New Zealand

The kaumātua involved in the kaupapa at Te Whare Mahara on 21 Ridout Street, Maeroa, Hamilton. Supplied

The first kaupapa Māori centre for those living with dementia will soon open in Waikato.

Around 4500 Māori are currently living with mate wareware, but that number is expected to almost triple – to 12,000 – by 2050.

Research has found that Māori also develop it around a decade earlier than Pākehā.

The Selwyn Foundation has teamed up with Te Kōhao Health to open the Te Whare Mahara wellness centre in Hamilton.

It will be situated in the suburb of Maeroa, where mana whenua, Ngāti Mahunga, led a turning of the sod ceremony on Tuesday.

The site on Ridout Street will be renovated with support from The Selwyn Foundation.

It will open once consent and refurbishment work is completed.

The respite service will integrate te reo Māori, tikanga, and mātauranga Māori into care.

Te Kōhao Health’s managing director, Lady Tureiti Moxon. Supplied/Sarah Sparks

Te Kōhao Health’s managing director, Lady Tureiti Moxon, said it wanted to make kaumātua feel at home, rather than being in a hospital.

“They don’t want to go to a clinical space, or place – they want to go to a house, a home.”

Te Whare Mahara will operate as a day care for kaumātua, as whānau often wanted them to still live at home, Moxon said.

“Whānau often look after their own. They carry that responsibility with love, but it can also be exhausting.

“This kaupapa is about finally giving whānau a break during the day.

“A chance to replenish themselves so they can continue caring for their loved ones.”

Te Whare Mahara is the first of several that The Selwyn Foundation have planned to open – designed with Māori, for Māori.

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/2026/03/24/first-kaupapa-maori-centre-for-those-living-with-dementia-to-open-in-waikato/

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Fatal crash, Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died and three others are injured following a three-vehicle crash in Palmerston North overnight.

Emergency services were called to the crash on Tremaine Avenue, near Malden Street, about 2.30am. It involved two cars, one of which caught fire, and a utility vehicle.

Sadly, one person died at the scene. Another has serious injuries and two others have been treated for minor injuries.

The crash also caused power to be cut to multiple addresses.

The Serious Crash Unit has carried out a scene examination and enquiries into the cause are ongoing. The reopened about 7am.

Appeal for information:

Senior Sergeant Christine Pinfold from the Central District Command Centre said Police would like to hear from anyone who captured CCTV prior to the crash.

“We believe the vehicles were travelling south on Tremaine Avenue, towards Malden Street when the crash occurred.

“We ask that people with CCTV in the area please review it and contact us if they have video showing two vehicles travelling down the avenue just before 2.30am.”

Anyone with CCTV showing the vehicles is asked to make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260324/3928.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/fatal-crash-tremaine-avenue-palmerston-north/

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State Highway 1, Towai closed following fire

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1 in Towai has been closed in both directions following a vehicle fire.

Emergency services are responding to the fire, which was reported to Police at about 11.55am.

Motorists are being advised all lanes travelling north and south have been closed and to expect delays.

People are also advised to avoid the area until the scene is cleared.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/state-highway-1-towai-closed-following-fire/

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Watch live: Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman warns of higher inflation, lower growth

Source: Radio New Zealand

  • RBNZ governor says NZ is likely to see higher short-term inflation
  • Rates could rise if there are effects on medium-term inflation or inflation expectations
  • Economic growth likely to be dampened

The Reserve Bank governor is warning of higher inflation and weaker economic growth due to the Middle East crisis.

The Israel and United States-led war against Iran has sent global energy prices soaring due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and attacks on key energy infrastructure in the Gulf.

Economists had already warned of the inflationary impact facing the New Zealand economy.

In speech notes published on Tuesday, Reserve Bank (RBNZ) governor Dr Anna Breman echoed that sentiment.

“We are likely to see higher headline inflation over the near term, and somewhat weaker growth momentum,” Breman said.

Annual inflation was at 3.1 percent in the December quarter, above the RBNZ’s 1-3 percent target band.

The remarks come two weeks ahead of the RBNZ’s next monetary policy decision, where the Official Cash Rate is expected to remain on hold.

“A short-lived disruption and a temporary increase in petrol prices can – and should – be looked through from a monetary policy perspective if it is unlikely to have an impact on medium-term inflation outcomes,” Breman said.

“For this type of disruption, we would likely see higher inflation over the next few quarters, along with squeezed real incomes and demand.”

She said the peak impact of monetary policy on inflation took about six to nine quarters.

“So, tightening monetary policy in response to a short-lived disruption would only dampen growth without materially improving near-term inflation outcomes,” Breman said.

“If there are effects on medium-term inflation or inflation expectations, the appropriate policy response could be to increase interest rates to prevent these second round effects.”

Breman said “it is critical” for monetary policy to be forward-looking and focused on medium-term inflation pressures.

She said global supply chains were feeling the effects of the conflict, and it “will take time for the full effects of this shock on the global economy to play out”.

“We should try to avoid reacting too early to near-term inflation pressures that monetary policy can do little about – or reacting too late if above-target inflation becomes embedded in the economy.”

High near-term inflation, weaker growth

Breman said the higher short-term inflation spike would primarily be driven by higher petrol and diesel prices, which made up about 4 percent of the Consumer Price Index.

Higher fertiliser prices were another factor, and she believed it could take up to nine months to fully pass through to supermarket prices.

“Autumn fertiliser requirements are already on-hand in New Zealand, and fertiliser imports usually decrease over the winter months,” Dr Breman said.

“We expect fertiliser use to pick up for spring planting, which is when we may see more direct impacts on farms.”

Breman said the conflict meant New Zealand’s economic growth momentum would be “somewhat weaker” than the RBNZ’s previous assessments.

The bank’s February Monetary Policy Statement published forecasts of GDP growth of 1.1 percent in the March quarter, and 0.5 percent in the June quarter.

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/2026/03/24/watch-live-reserve-bank-governor-anna-breman-warns-of-higher-inflation-lower-growth/

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Auckland Council’s new advisory panels appointed

Source: Auckland Council

More than 100 members of Auckland’s advisory panels this week officially start an important role to enhance Auckland Council’s democratic structure.

Mayor Wayne Brown welcomed new and returning panel members onboard at a ceremony on 23 March, inviting them to help shape the direction of Auckland’s growth over the next three years and ensure it responds to the needs of all communities.

“Panels provide an opportunity for groups that make up Auckland’s diverse communities, to have a voice. There was a 35 per cent increase in the number of applicants for the advisory panels this term, which underpins the important role they play in our democracy,” says Mayor Brown.

“The access we will get to feedback from panels, about what they and their communities think, will build a more inclusive city.”

Since the council amalgamated in 2010, panel members have supported the Mayor, elected members and staff with feedback on regional strategy, policy decisions and provided valuable insight so that important perspectives are not overlooked.

Newly appointed Chief Liaison Councillor for the advisory panels, Dr Sarah Paterson-Hamlin, says exciting opportunities lie ahead with such a diverse range of talent and experience ready to share their views.

“These panel members represent an incredible wealth of expertise and lived experience of Tāmaki Makaurau from perspectives that otherwise may struggle to be heard,” says Cr Paterson-Hamlin.

“This is a group of high-achieving and extremely well-qualified advisors. They represent the length and breadth of the region as well as passion and knowledge for the sectors they will be advising on. Their insight will be of great value to the staff and elected members of Auckland Council as we consider big decisions for the future of our amazing city, ensuring all kinds of ways of being in this city are heard and included.”

All 57 returning and 63 new panel members will meet regularly throughout the year to consider projects, policies and decisions the city is facing, with the draft annual plan first on their list.

Barry de Geest, interim chair of the Disability Advisory Panel in his second term, says a willingness within the council and from the Mayor to listen to panel feedback is what makes the relationship effective.

“It makes a real difference when this work is genuinely valued,” Mr de Geest says.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenges ahead and the opportunity to keep making a difference. It’s always valuable working alongside council staff and having them actively seek our perspectives on how decisions impact disabled people. That collaboration matters.”

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/auckland-councils-new-advisory-panels-appointed/

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Fuel prices to stay high for at least 100 days, officials tell Labour

Source: Radio New Zealand

Labour leader Chris Hipkins. RNZ / Mark Papalii

It will be 100 days of hiked up fuel prices at the pump even if the conflict in the Middle East was to end today, according to government officials.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins and finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds were briefed by officials from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the mega-ministry, MBIE, on Tuesday morning.

“They indicated to us they’re expecting, and the government is expecting this to go on for months … that the escalated price in fuel is going to go on for months,” Hipkins told media on his way to caucus.

The officials were asked to brief the Opposition and gave a number of 100 days when asked how long the pain at the pump would continue beyond the conflict ending.

Hipkins said there were a number of questions officials were unable to answer.

“They weren’t able to tell us anything about the changes in fuel specifications that they agreed to yesterday, they couldn’t tell us what that actually means in practice, they weren’t able to tell us how much storage there might be available, they weren’t able to tell us what might trigger an increase in the government’s alert level framework,” he said.

“We’re very much relying on publicly available information.”

Hipkins used that as his defence for not having an alternative plan for what Labour would do to help New Zealanders feeling the pinch, if it were in government.

He ruled out any wage subsidy support for employees but has indicated Labour would go further than the government in other support.

However, when pressed on what that means he was unwilling to give details.

The Prime Minister and Finance Minister Nicola Willis are due to announce a “temporary, timely, and targeted” support package at Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.

Later this week Willis is expected to give an update on the national fuel plan and what the various alert levels would practically mean for New Zealanders.

*RNZ will be streaming the fuel support announcement from 12.30pm and blogging the updates as they happen.

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/2026/03/24/fuel-prices-to-stay-high-for-at-least-100-days-officials-tell-labour/

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Live: Government’s fuel crisis relief package unveiled

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Finance Minister Nicola Willis are set to reveal the details of a support package aimed at helping Kiwis through the ongoing fuel cost crisis.

Willis has hinted it would be targeted towards low- and middle-income families.

There has been speculation it will involve adjustments to Working for Families, including the In-Work and Independent Earner tax credits.

Petrol prices in some locations have reached $4 a litre for premium, while diesel is up more than $1 a litre in the past month, Gaspy data shows.

About 20 percent of the world’s supply usually transits through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has cut off in retaliation over the US-Israel attack.

RNZ will be streaming the announcement from 12.30pm and blogging the updates as they happen. Refresh the page if you cannot see the video at the top of this 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/2026/03/24/live-governments-fuel-crisis-relief-package-unveiled/

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ACT Party deputy and minister Brooke van Velden retires from politics

Source: Radio New Zealand

Brooke van Velden. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

ACT Party MP and minister Brooke van Velden has announced she won’t be seeking re-election in November.

She currently holds the seat of Tamaki, which she won in 2023.

More to come…

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/2026/03/24/act-party-deputy-and-minister-brooke-van-velden-retires-from-politics/

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Two days of sailing cancelled for one Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry amid technical fault

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Bluebridge ferry Connemara. RNZ / Bill Hickman

Bluebridge has cancelled a further two days’ worth of sailings for one of its Cook Strait ferries due to a technical fault.

The fault on the Connemara was found on Saturday and stopped sailing for the weekend.

The company has now cancelled the ship’s trips between Wellington and Picton on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Bluebridge website said safety was its highest priority.

“As a result, unfortunately the following sailings are cancelled while the ship awaits regulatory requirements to resume sailing.”

The cancelled sailings on Tuesday are Picton-Wellington 2pm and Wellington-Picton 8.30pm, and on Wednesday, Picton-Wellington 2.30am, and Wellington-Picton 8.15am.

Customers are being told by email and text messages but BlueBridge said there were limited re-booking options.

“Standby lists across subsequent sailings will be operating from each port, for affected customers to be added to,” Bluebridge said.

Sailings from the same ferry were also cancelled earlier this month because of a technical fault.

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/2026/03/24/two-days-of-sailing-cancelled-for-one-bluebridge-cook-strait-ferry-amid-technical-fault/

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Air New Zealand cancels four return flights to Samoa as airlines call for clarity

Source: Radio New Zealand

Airlines are comfortable there is currently a sufficient fuel supply, Board of Airline Representatives chief executive Cath O’Brien says. Supplied/ Air NZ

Air New Zealand says four return flights to Samoa for April and May have been cancelled because of rising fuel costs.

The cancellations are part of scheduled changes that the airline had announced at the start of this month.

Air New Zealand said it had nine services to Samoa each week and described the change as “minimal”.

It said like other airlines it was dealing with unprecedented volatility with jet fuel prices due to the conflict in the Middle East and was adjusting schedules to manage the impact.

Air New Zealand earlier said that it would cancel around 1100 flights from early March through until early May, but that most passengers would be moved to flights on the same day.

‘We might need to be careful with that jet fuel’ as supplies reduce

Airlines are pleading for assurance from the government, as the supply of jet fuel could be limited due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Board of Airline Representatives chief executive Cath O’Brien told Morning Report that New Zealand is a known as a “fuel risk destination”.

New Zealand had a history of experiencing issues with jet fuel allocation, she said.

“We saw that in 2017. We had the pipeline rupture. We saw it in 2022 and 2023 when we had insufficient jet fuel imported into the country.”

She was concerned that there had been no information, as suppliers could give 12 hours notice of rationing but airlines could not respond in the same way as usual because if there was limited jet fuel in New Zealand, the same would apply elsewhere.

“If we knew how a scarce resource of jet fuel might be managed, then we would be able to say how airlines might respond and whether that jet fuel is allocated more or less to long haul, or short haul, or freighters, or licensed flights, or regional services.

“At the moment, we’re kind of operating in this dearth of information.”

However, O’Brien said airlines were comfortable that there was currently a sufficient fuel supply, and could continue their usual operations.

“If we get to a point, as we have in the past in New Zealand, where jet fuel is 10 days away from arriving and we have a limited amount to get us through, then we might need to be careful with that jet fuel that we have as we wait for the next shipment.

“I think that’s increasingly likely as an outcome of the conflict up in the Middle East … so we need to know how we will manage that delay.”

Meanwhile, regional airlines are warning key air links are under growing pressure due to the rising fuel prices and operating costs.

Originair is poised to scrap its Wellington to Westport route, while Air Chathams has introduced a $20 fuel surcharge per ticket.

Barrier Air chief executive Grant Bacon said fuel price rises so far equated to about $15 extra per person on an average Wellington to Tākaka Golden Bay Air flight.

Reuters reports that jet fuel prices have soared from US$85-90 per barrel to US$150-200 per barrel in recent days leading to a number of airlines including Air New Zealand increasing fuel surcharges.

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/2026/03/24/air-new-zealand-cancels-four-return-flights-to-samoa-as-airlines-call-for-clarity/

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Farmer who ‘charged’ council officer fined $35,000 for effluent discharges

Source: Radio New Zealand

James Langton was fined $35,000 when he appeared for sentencing at New Plymouth District Court. Supplied / Ministry of Justice

An Ōpunake farmer who charged at a regional council staff member inspecting problems at his property has been told the courts will “not tolerate threats or intimidation” of people doing their jobs.

James Langton was fined $35,000 after pleading guilty to two charges of discharging untreated dairy effluent when he appeared for sentencing at New Plymouth District Court.

An inspection of Langton’s property on 9 October could not be completed when the dairy farmer became aggressive to staff and, on 12 October, he charged at a council officer and police had to intervene.

“This court will not tolerate threats or intimidation of council officers who are doing their job,” wrote Judge Jeff Smith in his decision which noted police were present.

Langton, who no longer operated the farm, was denied a 5 percent discount for personal remorse or otherwise good conduct due to the ‘regrettable’ charging of the council officer.

Council staff were investigating the discharge of untreated dairy effluent onto land and groundwater at the 40ha farm on Ihaia Road which could have contaminated groundwater and the Hihiwera Stream.

That visit followed seven earlier non-compliance notices from 2009 to 2022, five of which were related to effluent on the site.

Judge Smith said it was a ‘miracle’ the effluent in the 2025 incident had not made it to water after the inspection found effluent was being discharged directly from pipes rather than an irrigator and a broken outlet pipe was also discharging directly onto land.

The January sentencing was discussed at a Taranaki Regional Council Operations and Regulatory Committee on Tuesday.

The council’s compliance manager, Jared Glasgow, told the committee the decision to discard the remorse discount and the substantial fine showed the severity of the incident.

“We were appalled by the actions of the farmer. There is no place for intimidation or threats to our staff who are out in the community working to safeguard our environment,” Glasgow said.

“While we work really well with the vast majority of farmers, we hope the outcome of this case will act as a reminder that our staff are people and should be treated accordingly. Our staff are doing fantastic work and deserve to be treated with respect.

“This case is also a reminder of the importance of following resource consents and ensuring dairy effluent is disposed of correctly with zero chance of it entering waterways or groundwater.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/farmer-who-charged-council-officer-fined-35000-for-effluent-discharges/

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Easy ways to avoid oil discharges

Source: Maritime New Zealand

Vessels can discharge oily water that causes harm to the oceans and rivers we depend on for our livelihoods and wellbeing.

New Zealand’s latest state of the environment report – Our environment 2025 – outlines how our marine and freshwater environments are being affected by pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. So, please take responsibility for minimising pollution from your vessels.

Even clean bilges can contain oily water mixtures. By taking simple steps, we can protect our precious marine and freshwater environments by minimising any oil being discharged overboard:

  • maintain your engine to minimise leaks, and have a drip pan to catch any drips
  • use sorbent pads in your bilge to protect the environment by ensuring any surface oil is ‘mopped up’ (when no longer usable, take sorbents ashore to be disposed of responsibly)
  • install a float switch in a position where it can automatically stop discharge before any floating oil can be sucked up by a bilge pump.

It doesn’t take much to help keep our waters clean.

Find out more about the state of our marine and freshwater environments

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/24/easy-ways-to-avoid-oil-discharges/