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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/19/current-account-deficit-4-6-billion-for-the-december-2025-quarter-balance-of-payments-and-international-investment-position-december-2025-quarter-stats-nz-news-story-and-informat/
Education delegation heads to Australia for maths engagements
Source: New Zealand Government
Education Minister Erica Stanford is heading to Australia with an education delegation of 15 principals and deputy principals to attend the Maths Fact Fluency Masterclass and Explicit Mathematics Conference.
“Raising student achievement and closing the equity gap are at the heart of our education reforms, and teaching maths brilliantly is absolutely central to that,” Ms Stanford says.
“Our engagements in New South Wales are set to provide valuable opportunities to learn from what Australia is doing well so that we can provide an even stronger maths offering for our children.
“Like New Zealand, the majority of schools in New South Wales are working to implement explicit mathematics instruction. During the visit, our delegation will hear from Australian experts and practitioners who have been leading that work. Topics include:
- Understanding the Australian journey toward structured/explicit mathematics instruction
- Exploring impacts from both school and system perspectives
- Gaining insight into effective implementation across system, school and classroom levels
- Learning from the real-world effects of significant shifts in mathematics instruction
- Understanding how staff, families and wider communities have been engaged
- Learning about the challenges encountered and lessons learned
- Receiving practical guidance for those at the beginning of the journey
“We will also be sharing our Government’s plan to lift achievement and close the equity gap in New Zealand. I look forward to sharing experiences and ideas,” Ms Stanford says.
“When we began our education reforms, we promised to follow the research and evidence on how children learn best, so that we could give them the world-leading education they deserve.
“I look forward to hearing from overseas professionals as we strengthen education ties and continue our job to provide the best education for Kiwis.”
Minister Stanford travels to New South Wales on Wednesday 18 March and returns to New Zealand on Saturday 21 March.
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/education-delegation-heads-to-australia-for-maths-engagements/
Takapuna golfers may get 12 holes: ‘It just gives us a more meaningful round of golf’
Source: Radio New Zealand
The council is pushing ahead with plans to reduce the Takapuna Gold Course to nine holes. Nick Monro
Hopes of retaining an 18-hole golf course in Takapuna have been sunk – but 12 holes could still be on the cards for the golfers.
Auckland Council is turning half of the existing 18-hole golf course at AF Thomas Park into a floodwater catchment, aimed at mitigating the city’s increasing flood risks.
The Wairau area on Auckland’s North Shore has been hit hard by floods, and the council has said its decision was about “saving lives, protecting homes and businesses, and strengthening the city against flood risk”.
But thousands of people have signed a petition to keep the 18 holes on the course – with supporters including Hall of Fame golfer Dame Lydia Ko.
The council decided last year to push ahead with plans to reduce the course to nine holes.
But Takapuna Golf Course is taking another swing at the proposal, and has come up with a plan to give the council the area it needs for the wetland, while squeezing 12 holes into the remaining space.
Takapuna Golf Course head greens keeper Stephen Dowd told Checkpoint the three extra holes would make a big difference, and followed moves in Europe and the United States towards 12-hole golf.
“It just gives us a more meaningful round of golf. We can play two sixes, which you can associate with playing two nines, and it can be more like a normal round of golf, rather than just playing nine holes, and it lets us operate pretty much as we are now. We can sell an extra tee-off time in the morning for a couple of hours, so people can play the other six.
“It just lets us operate and then we can continue to provide more affordable golf to as many Kiwis as we can, and get more people on the course.”
Head greens keeper Stephen Dowd. Takapuna Golf Club
Dowd said the golf course had not yet seen the council’s full proposal, but they were confident they could make the 12 holes work.
“We just have to come up with our own plan. They’ve seen our plan and we believe some of them actually like it.
“We anticipate the wetland will take up around a third of the course. So we need about 22 hectares of the rest of the course.”
He said they were working with a designer and were trying to accommodate other peoples wishes that they wanted extra recreation on the course.
“If we want more land, it won’t be very much more, only two or three more hectares.”
The local community board will discuss the new proposal at a meeting next week.
While the golfers had fought to keep the 18 holes, Dowd said they had accepted that the course needed to change.
“Obviously, the flooding was a massive issue and that was last year’s fight, we made the decision last year that we needed to start working with the council.
“And we think this is a good plan that accomplishes all their goals, while leaving meaningful golf on Takapuna Golf Course for our 100,00 users we get every year.”
The Takapuna Golf Course. Nick Monro
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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/takapuna-golfers-may-get-12-holes-it-just-gives-us-a-more-meaningful-round-of-golf/
Chris Hipkins says he considered his future in politics after ex-wife’s claims
Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Mark Papalii
New Zealand First’s leader Winston Peters says he’s not interested in weighing in on the personal relationship of Labour’s leader Chris Hipkins.
He’s issued a statement, however, clarifying that Mr Hipkins’ ex-wife Jade Paul does not work for his party or have any affiliation or role with it.
“We are not interested in a politician’s current personal relationship issues and won’t be commenting at all on the matter – apart from the fact that there are lies now being spread including that the person involved works for New Zealand First – this is false.
“This person does not work for New Zealand First nor has any affiliation or role with New Zealand First. They worked for a short period of time in an office then left amicably for another role around a year ago.”
It was understood Paul worked as a ministerial advisor for Cabinet minister Casey Costello.
Earlier on Wednesday, Hipkins said he did consider his future in politics after his ex-wife levelled claims at him on social media, but he remains “absolutely committed” to staying on.
Hipkins appeared on a suite of morning media shows – including Morning Report – where he again flatly denied all the claims, but said he would not be litigating them in public for the sake of his children.
The claims are not criminal and relate to a lack of support for his ex-wife Jade Paul during and after their relationship.
Speaking on Morning Report, Hipkins acknowledged he had considered stepping down, noting the impact on his family.
“It would be untrue to say that those thoughts hadn’t crossed my mind in the last 48 hours, but everybody in their lives at some point goes through rough patches, and you just have to keep getting out of bed every day.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins. RNZ / Mark Papalii
“I love my job and and I’m absolutely committed to continuing to do it.”
Later on Wednesday outside Parliament, Hipkins told reporters people should not read “too much” into his comments, insisting he was “not going anywhere”.
“I’m passionate about my job, I’m passionate about New Zealand. I’m passionate about many, many things that I care deeply about. But these things have a big impact on the people who I care a lot about.”
On Morning Report, Hipkins said the public debate was “very unfair” on his children, partner and parents – “you do pause and think about that” – but he had received a lot of support over the past day or two.
“Our marriage broke up. That was a traumatic thing. You know, clearly, there are always going to be lots of regrets in a situation like that.
“Many, many people have contacted me in the last 24 hours to indicate that they’ve been through a relationship break-up that has been difficult. I think people will understand that litigating those things through the public is in no one’s best interest.”
Hipkins confirmed he had sought legal advice about the further publication of his ex-wife’s allegations by others, as well as the addition of other “completely unsubstantiated things”.
“The online world is a bit of a sewer pit, and it seems that no one has any hesitation in adding to that,” he said.
“Social media certainly has emboldened a lot of people, and, you know, we have a virtual vigilante approach on social media that anybody in a public profile role now has to contend with. I don’t think that’s been healthy for democracy.”
Paul’s initial post was published on her private Facebook page on Sunday evening, but screenshots were quickly circulated online.
Paul later removed the post, but told RNZ she stood by the comments.
Since then, false rumours have circulated online that Paul works for New Zealand First. In a statement on Facebook on Wednesday, leader Winston Peters said that claim was not true.
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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/chris-hipkins-says-he-considered-his-future-in-politics-after-ex-wifes-claims/
Relief for parents and students as Ministry of Education pauses school bus reviews
Source: Radio New Zealand
Toby Williams
- Ministry of Education pauses reviews and changes to rural school bus routes.
- Officials to review policy and consult with schools and communities.
- Changes already brought in won’t be reversed.
Rural families worried about whether their children are still eligible for government-funded buses to school can for now breathe a sigh of relief.
The Ministry of Education confirmed it’s pushed pause on reviews into compliance with rules such as attending the closest high school while it reviews its transport assistance policy.
It’s a welcome decision for regions where changes were due to soon take hold, but has left those already affected feeling frustrated.
Grateful for pause
Tairāwhiti farmer Toby Williams’ two sons attend Gisborne Boys’ High School.
Changes to take effect in the Gisborne region from the second term of the school year are now on hold.
But before the ministry backdown this week, Williams was worried about how his boys and dozens of other teens in the area would get to school from next term. They were ruled ineligible for ministry-funded services to Boys’ High.
Tairāwhiti farmer Toby Williams. RNZ / Jimmy Ellingham
“We’re really grateful to the ministry for pausing these changes for us and giving us that bit of extra time to work with them and the schools and the transport providers to be able to provide some routes that work for the community, but also work in terms of being cost efficient and affordable for the government.”
Williams’ 17-year-old son Tristin was stressed about passing his driving test, in case he had to get himself and younger brother Jackson into town, 30 minutes away, each day for class.
Williams wonders why rules most people didn’t know about were suddenly being enforced after being overlooked for so long.
“This bus has run for 40 years and must have been through multiple iterations of reviews. There were 50 kids on the bus.
“It was funny how the bus suddenly needed such drastic changes in our region. Parents were left a bit dumbfounded by the whole thing.”
Changes won’t be reversed
The ministry reviewed more than 250 routes, out of about 1400, throughout the country.
Although it’s paused making new changes, it won’t undo those it’s already made, it confirmed to RNZ on Wednesday.
In Manawatū, Nikita Walker helped organise a user-pays service for children from the towns of Rongotea and Tangimoana to get to school in Palmerston North.
The ministry said a school in Foxton is closer, so it will only put on buses there despite previously funding students on the Palmerston North service for decades.
Nikita Walker, pictured with her daughter Jasmine, says parents are finding a user-pays bus service tough to fund. RNZ/Jimmy Ellingham
“It’s just hugely disappointing. There are a lot of us who are really in hard times, financially, and we’re all struggling to be able to afford these term passes.”
The user-pays service cost more than $500 a term, she said.
“There has been a drop off in numbers due to the prices. Some people were able to just manage to get by with doing a few concession cards to get on the bus, however, long term it’s just not doable.”
Becs Barr’s petrol bill has tripled to more than $300 a week this year now she has to drive her son Murphy to and from school in Palmerston North from their Horowhenua home.
She’s also unhappy changes already implemented will stay.
“I find that quite bizarre. It should be the same for everybody. All our children should get to school.
“It seems crazy that there are decisions they’ve made for term two that they’re going to put a hold on, but they can’t reverse decisions for term one.”
Becs Barr says all children should be treated equally, so changes already made should be reversed. Becs Barr
Thorough review needed – principal
The ministry has said reviews were a routine, ongoing part of its work, but now said it was reviewing its transport assistance policy so changes were “lasting and reflect up to date policy settings”.
“Education minister Erica Stanford has been discussing current transport settings with the ministry for some time and, based on our advice, agreed last week to initiate a policy review,” said James Meffan, the ministry’s group manager for school transport.
“We’ll work with schools, communities and transport providers, and we’ll keep people updated on next steps.”
Gisborne Boys’ High School headmaster Tom Cairns said the ministry needed to come up with something that worked in the regions.
“I think the policy certainly needs to be reviewed and I think it needs to be far more comprehensive than the current review, which was, ‘We’ve got a policy from 1908. We have to enact it.’
“There needs to be some community consultation for it to be purposeful and there was none of that.”
He said schools were just told what was happening for the now-paused changes to the Gisborne region, with no chance to have a say.
“I believe there needs to be a thorough look at it. The untidy bits based around arbitrary geographic locations of schools need to be done away with.”
About 300 students at Palmerston North Boys’ High School are affected by bus eligibility changes brought in this term.
Rector David Bovey said some were finding it hard to get to school.
“The fact that they’ve stopped to have a look at it now is possible, of course, but I’m hoping that will be expanded to looking at the areas where the changes have already been made.”
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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/relief-for-parents-and-students-as-ministry-of-education-pauses-school-bus-reviews/
Marlborough District Council wants region’s current environment plan preserved
Source: Radio New Zealand
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor. RNZ / Tracy Neal
The Marlborough District Council wants the government to protect the region’s current environment plan, saying new planning and environmental laws threaten to blow up a decade of hard work.
Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor told the Environment Select Committee the region’s geography and climate were distinct and maintaining its environment plan would provide certainty to its primary producers.
The Select Committee heard submissions on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill – which would together replace the Resource Management Act – on Wednesday.
“I’m calling on MPs to protect Marlborough’s status as its own planning region and to safeguard our new planning framework – both are critical to the region’s economy and long-term sustainability,” Taylor said.
The Marlborough District Council is a unitary authority, a single local government body that combines the responsibilities of both a regional council and a territorial authority, which means it manages both local services and regional resource management for the entire Marlborough region.
Taylor said the council managed those functions across more than one million hectares of land and one of New Zealand’s most intricate coastlines.
“Our geography, climate and the industries we support are distinct. Parliament has recognised these differences in previous reform processes – I am asking the Select Committee to confirm that Marlborough remains a separate planning region,” she said.
The region’s combined environment plan provided a stable and well-understood framework for the region’s industries – including viticulture, aquaculture, forestry, farming and tourism – should be deemed fully operative until 2033, Taylor said.
She asked for the select committee to include a provision in Schedule 1 of the Planning Bill to deem the Marlborough Environment Plan fully operative for a defined period or, alternatively, to have the ability to apply for a longer transition during which the plan would continue to apply.
“The Marlborough Environment Plan is the product of more than a decade of work with extensive involvement from iwi, industry and the community and an investment of around $10 million,” Taylor said.
“Industry partners have invested millions more. It’s a sophisticated and newly-settled planning framework that gives confidence to businesses and enables long-term investment decisions.”
Nearly 90 percent of New Zealand’s wine exports were produced in Marlborough and the plan’s rules about water use ensured the viticulture industry was viable.
“Our growers and commercial lenders rely on the stability of the current plan. Requiring us to unravel this new framework now would be unnecessarily destabilising,” she said.
“With proposed rates capping, councils face real limits on funding new planning processes. Marlborough ratepayers should not be asked to repeat a process they have just completed.”
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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/marlborough-district-council-wants-regions-current-environment-plan-preserved/
Nationwide outage hit 2degrees mobile customers
Source: Radio New Zealand
It is not known how many customers were impacted. RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The nationwide outage that affected some 2degrees mobile customers, preventing them from making or receiving calls, has been resolved.
The company confirmed the outage in a network status update on its website at 3.12pm on Wednesday.
A few hours later, 2degrees said mobile calling, SMS, and data services had been restored and were operating as normal.
“A small number of customers may continue to see issues with the data clock or the 2degrees mobile app, which our teams are actively investigating.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience.”
It is not known how many customers were impacted.
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Biggest bank raises interest rates
Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
ANZ is the latest bank to increase interest rates.
It is increasing its 18-month to five-year rates by 20 basis points, and its one-year rate by 10 basis points.
Its six-month special rate remains at 4.49 percent.
It is also increasing the rates it pays on term deposits by between 15 basis points and 40 basis points.
The three-year rate is now 4.4 percent, which the bank said was an 18-month high.
ANZ managing director for personal banking Grant Knuckey said it was a response to rising wholesale interest rates.
“Since the fixed rate changes we made in February, wholesale rates have continued to rise across all terms.”
Knuckey said customers were still seeing the benefit of earlier cuts to interest rates.
“Seventy-eight percent of ANZ’s fixed home loans are now on rates below 5 percent, a significant shift from the end of 2024 when fewer than 10 percent of loans were on rates below 5 percent.”
Economists and forecasters have been split on the likely outlook for rates.
While tension in the Middle East is likely to be a damper on the economy, it is also expected to fuel inflation.
Earlier, Squirrel chief executive David Cunningham said there could be merit in fixing for six months, on the assumption that the economy would be weak enough that the official cash rate was unlikely to rise in that time.
But Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said two-year rates were offering good levels of certainty at reasonable prices.
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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/biggest-bank-raises-interest-rates/
‘I wouldn’t even know where to go’ – former US marine facing deportation to NZ
Source: Radio New Zealand
Paul Canton. Supplied
A NZ-born man who is facing deportation from the US – after living there for more than half his life and serving in the US Marine Corps – says he has no links to New Zealand and “no connection to that way of life”.
Paul Canton was a Marine for seven years and has built a life in Florida, where his children have grown up.
But after 36 years living in the US, a judge has denied his bid to stay – because he has never had US citizenship.
Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, he first visited the US as an exchange student and enlisted in the Marines in the early 1990s.
“I feel like I’m fully bonded to it, I mean I love this country. It’s a way of life that is so unique and so beautiful,” he said.
“When I joined the military, to me that was one of the best times. Everyone who was serving with us, we all loved the country.”
Canton was born in a decade that automatically means he has birthright citizenship in New Zealand. He is in his 50s and that applies to anyone born in Aotearoa before 2006.
His Australian citizenship was revoked when he joined the US marines. At the time military service did not require recruits to be permanent residents.
Paul Canton during his service in the US Marine Corp. Military.com/Facebook/Supplied
Canton said he was promised US citizenship if he served and was discharged honourably, which he did in 1998.
It was only when renewing his drivers licence years later that he discovered that had not happened.
“The first time I found out I figured somebody failed to do the paperwork so I just [thought] okay I’ll just go down and fill out a few forms and we’ll be done.”
That was about a decade ago, and Canton soon found out it was not that straightforward to fix, despite being married to an American citizen – his wife passed away three years ago.
He then hired a lawyer and spent years trying to navigate the immigration system. In February after many lost appeals, a judge denied citizenship.
Canton said he has no links to New Zealand – his family moved to Australia about 50 years ago, when he was five years old.
“I have no connection to that way of life, I wouldn’t even know where to go or what to do and it’s so unique to live here in America. It’s a wonderful place to raise your kids.”
Attorney Elizabeth Ricci has represented him pro-bono for six years and said it was a complicated case.
Canton had voted, believing he was a US citizen, and that was now a barrier to citizenship.
“He was honourably discharged, he did four years active, four years reserve, believed himself to be a US citizen so he registered to vote and voted,” Ricci said.
“The rule about voting [and citizenship] changed in 1996 and if you voted or registered to vote after that rule changed, there’s now no waiver available for you to be eligible for you to naturalise, ever.”
Canton’s eligibility to gain US citizenship through the marines was linked to when he served. He had enlisted in 1991 just weeks before the Persian Gulf conflict ended.
Ricci said because his active service began after the conflict had ended, he was denied citizenship based on his military experience.
“The rule is that if you served during that period you could go from undocumented to citizen, so clearly enough people were serving in our military undocumented that they had to even make that rule. But the rule only applied for active duty.”
Ricci said they were now hoping for political intervention.
“We now need a special Bill through Congress or for the President to do something. He [Canton] has written several letters to both [then president Joe] Biden and [President Donald] Trump asking for intervention and has gotten no response.”
Ricci said he could be served with a notice to appear at Immigration Court in Orlando with a hearing weeks, months or years away, due to millions of backlogged cases.
The Department of Internal Affairs confirmed anyone born in New Zealand before the start of 2006 automatically is a New Zealand citizen.
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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/i-wouldnt-even-know-where-to-go-former-us-marine-facing-deportation-to-nz/
New Zealand & Ireland collaborate on farm emissions
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand’s Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Ireland’s Minister of State Noel Grealish have signed a joint ministerial statement for advancing their partnership on agricultural climate research in Wellington today.
“New Zealand and Ireland will continue to advance vital research to support the development of tools to give farmers options to tackle agricultural greenhouse gas emissions without reducing production,” Minister McClay says.
It follows a successful Joint Research Initiative (JRI) pilot launched in 2022 with $34.5 million jointly invested to boost climate change research and science capability.
Minister of State Noel Grealish visited several of the 11 projects underway during his time in New Zealand and says they have helped accelerate understanding of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
“Agriculture is at the heart of the Irish and New Zealand economies, and we share the common goal of lowering emissions in pasture-based farming, while supporting farmers to produce more.
“During my visit to New Zealand, I was delighted to meet with Minister Todd McClay and agree to the second phase of the JRI that will drive meaningful reductions in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.”
New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries and Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine will now identify further projects to progress.
Separately, Ministers also launched the new 2026-2030 Strategic Plan for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA).
It has four priorities: advance scientific research, strengthen capacity and knowledge sharing, build effective collaboration and partnerships, and leverage financial and other resources.
Note to editors:
The GRA aims to deepen and broaden research efforts in cropping, livestock, and paddy rice. It brings together researchers from around the globe to collaborate on science and breakthrough solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/new-zealand-ireland-collaborate-on-farm-emissions/
Police seek help solving violent Wellington robbery
Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Patrice Allen
Police are asking for the public’s help identifying two men who seriously assaulted a person during a robbery in Brooklyn, Wellington on Tuesday afternoon.
The victim was hospitalised with multiple injuries during the attack, on Ohiro Road around 5.40pm.
The men also stole the victim’s phone.
Police asked anyone with information to come forward.
You can call 105 or use the police website to report information, or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/police-seek-help-solving-violent-wellington-robbery/
McClay to lead cross-party delegation to WTO negotiation
Source: New Zealand Government
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay travels to Cameroon this weekend for the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), where he will again serve as a Vice Chair of the negotiations.
“As a small, export driven economy, New Zealand depends on predictable and rules based global trade. The WTO is an important part of this system,” Mr McClay says.
“Faced with growing global economic and geo-political disruption, rising protectionism, and concerns about global supply chain resilience, there’s recognition among WTO members of the need for a modern, effective organisation that’s geared to support trade in today’s world.”
As Vice Chair of the conference, Mr McClay has a key role in facilitating those discussions.
Mr McClay will be joined by Labour Party Trade and Export Growth spokesperson Damien O’Connor as part of New Zealand’s delegation.
“New Zealand will push for outcomes that maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the WTO which continues to have a critical oversight role for the vast majority of global trade,” Mr McClay says.
Trade ministers and representatives from the 166 WTO member economies attend the Ministerial Conference, the WTO’s highest decision-making body, which meets every two years.
They will also address e-commerce, agriculture reform, and harmful fisheries subsidies during the conference which runs from 26-29 March.
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/mcclay-to-lead-cross-party-delegation-to-wto-negotiation/
Checkpoint live: Promoters accused of holding government to ransom over big events
Source: Radio New Zealand
Robbie Williams Tim Kildeborg Jensen / Ritzau Scanpix / AFP
There are allegations of corporate concert welfare and promoters holding the government to ransom over funding for big events while home grown talent is left out.
Some promoters are not in tune with the government helping fund pop star Robbie Williams’ tour to New Zealand.
The money came out of its Major Events and Tourism package, a $70 million fund aimed at stimulating economic activity around entertainment events.
$40 million of that money is to secure large-scale international events.
But how much it paid to get Robbie Williams to New Zealand for two shows – one in Auckland the other in Christchurch – is being kept secret.
The government says its commercially sensitive.
It also contributed undisclosed amounts to other gigs including Linkin Park and Wellington’s Ultra music festival – that includes major international DJ’s.
One promoter has told Checkpoint the government is being taken for a ride by big players.
Meanwhile Splore Festival producer Fred Kublikowski applied for event funding, but was declined.
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LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/18/checkpoint-live-promoters-accused-of-holding-government-to-ransom-over-big-events/
Ara hub celebrates 10 years of airport jobs
Source: New Zealand Government
Minister of Social Development and Employment Louise Upston is marking 10 years of the Ara Jobs and Skills Hub, which trains and connects people to jobs across the Auckland Airport precinct.
In the past decade:
- Over 1,440 people have been supported into jobs
- More than 1,700 young people supported through training pathways
- 3,600 learners gained skills and training opportunities
The Ministry of Social Development has partnered with Ara Jobs Skills Hub for the whole 10 years, helping co-ordinate recruitment and training needs for the 800 businesses employing 25,000 people within the Auckland Airport precinct.
Louise Upston says it is a worthy milestone to celebrate.
“The Ara Jobs and Skills Hub facilitates workforce planning, recruitment, and training for this nationally-significant group of businesses spanning aviation, construction, logistics and other service sectors like tourism, retail, accommodation and hospitality.
“The scale of these workforce needs demand a unique platform for long-term planning and coordination.
“It makes sense that the Ministry of Social Development is a key partner given it has the biggest talent pool of people to draw from and MSD’s longstanding relationship with Ara has provided a seamless pathway for job seekers into airport-based jobs.”
Louise Upston says it’s great to see positive signals for renewed infrastructure developments at the Auckland Airport precinct and MSD will continue to support training and recruiting for workforce needs.
“Getting people into jobs is a key focus of our government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future. Work will always be the best way for New Zealanders to support their families and get ahead in life. That is why I am committed to reaching our target of 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030.”
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/ara-hub-celebrates-10-years-of-airport-jobs/
Tell the coppers about copper crime
Source: New Zealand Police
Please attribute to Constable Craig Colyer, Southern District Field Intelligence Officer:
Southern District Police investigating multiple cases of copper thefts are asking the public for information to track down those responsible.
Over the past month, the value of scrap copper has increased, and so have the reports of copper theft.
These have included copper cylinders being targeted, copper wire being burnt off and stripped, and copper being taken from buildings and power companies.
Police are asking anyone with information about copper crimes, or of scrap copper that may come from suspicious origins, to contact Police immediately.
Police remind you that it is a crime to receive stolen goods.
You can provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police are also asking residents to be vigilant around their properties and to secure any items that may include copper.
If you are the victim of a burglary, please report the matter to Police.
You may not be the only victim in your area and every little bit of information you have may assist in the arrests of those responsible.
To report burglaries and thefts, contact Police. If it’s happening now, call 111, for any non-urgent incidents, call 105 or make a report online by clicking ‘Make a report’.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/tell-the-coppers-about-copper-crime/
Police seek helping solving violent Wellington robbery
Source: Radio New Zealand
RNZ / Patrice Allen
Police are asking for the public’s help identifying two men who seriously assaulted a person during a robbery in Brooklyn, Wellington on Tuesday afternoon.
The victim was hospitalised with multiple injuries during the attack, on Ohiro Road around 5.40pm.
The men also stole the victim’s phone.
Police asked anyone with information to come forward.
You can call 105 or use the police website to report information, or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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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/2026/03/18/police-seek-helping-solving-violent-wellington-robbery/
This World Water Day: Clean Water Is More Than Survival — It’s a Pathway to Women’s Empowerment – World Vision
Source: World Vision
- A quarter of the world’s population don’t have access to safe drinking water
- Women and girls are especially impacted, with some walking up to 15 kilometres for water
- World Vision aims to reach 30 million people with clean water by 2030.
This World Water Day, World Vision New Zealand is putting the spotlight on the global water crisis as a quarter of the world’s population still cannot access safe drinking water.
More than 2 billion people globally lack access to safe drinking water, with women and girls bearing the greatest burden. In some communities, women walk up to 15 kilometres a day to collect water — a task that can consume hours and limit their opportunities for education, work and participation in community life.
World Vision New Zealand International Partnerships Director Stephen Court says it is unacceptable that so many people are still denied access to such a basic human right.
“It’s unacceptable that in 2026 a quarter of the world’s population still doesn’t have access to safe drinking water. Clean water is a basic human right, yet millions of families are forced to live without it.
Without safe water, disease spreads, children miss school, and women are prevented from participating fully in work and community life. It traps families in a cycle of poverty that should no longer exist.”
New World Vision research in Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, finds that combining water access with behaviour change and economic empowerment activities can create lasting impact.
This family-centred approach integrates water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services with financial literacy training, savings groups, livelihood support, and engagement around social norms.
Court says when this approach is adopted women report higher personal income and household savings, greater participation in financial decisions, increased confidence, and stronger leadership within their communities.
He highlights the changes seen in Rumate, Kenya, where women once walked up to four hours a day to collect water, often returning with only a fraction of what their families needed.
After a borehole was installed in the community, women no longer had to spend hours collecting water and instead had time to pursue income-generating activities. Many formed savings groups, which enabled them to start small businesses and invest in their families.
“Access to safe water didn’t just meet a basic need — it unlocked opportunity,” says Court.
“When safe water is close to home, women gain something incredibly valuable: time. That time can be used to earn an income, participate in community life and invest in their families’ futures.”
The impact extends far beyond individual households.
“In many communities, the time women and girls spend collecting water goes unseen and undervalued. When safe water is accessible, women gain time, income opportunities and a stronger voice in their households and communities.
World Vision reaches one new person with clean water every 10 seconds, and we are aiming to reach 30 million people with clean water between 2023 and 2030.”
Court says this World Water Day, the message is clear: “Safe water is about far more than survival. It is the foundation for dignity, equality, and opportunity. When women gain access to clean water, they gain time, income, and influence — and entire communities thrive.”
New Zealanders who want to help ensure children have access to safe drinking water can support World Vision through its Gift Catalogue, which includes the option to provide clean water for a child: https://www.worldvision.org.nz/give-now/smiles-gift/#/product/smiles-clean-water-for-a-child
Notes
Key stats and findings can be found in the Beyond Access research.
Video from Rumate, Kenya:
How women transformed their village - here
About World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/this-world-water-day-clean-water-is-more-than-survival-its-a-pathway-to-womens-empowerment-world-vision/
Nationwide outage impacting 2degrees mobile customers
Source: Radio New Zealand
It is not known how many customers are impacted. RNZ / Nate McKinnon
A nationwide outage is affecting some 2degrees mobile customers, preventing them from making or receiving calls.
The company confirmed the outage, which is listed as ‘under repair’ in a network status update on its website at 3.12pm on Wednesday.
“We know some 2degrees customers are having difficulties making calls on their mobiles. We’re sorry for the hassle and rest assured our technicians are working hard to fix this for you.”
It is not known how many customers are impacted.
More to come.
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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/2026/03/18/nationwide-outage-impacting-2degrees-mobile-customers/
‘One of the most dated GDP report cards in recent memory’
Source: Radio New Zealand
NZ’s GDP rose about 0.3 percent in the three months to December, compared to the Reserve Bank’s February forecast of 0.5 percent. RNZ
- Economic growth estimated at 0.3 percent in three months ended December, annual growth 1.5 percent
- Primary sector, tourism industries the best; manufacturing flat, construction weak.
- Figures are expected to confirm economy was turning corner
- Historic numbers have been rendered almost irrelevant by Middle East conflict
- The conflict at best will slow recovery, at worst derail it
- RBNZ faces a dilemma – support growth or fight inflation
The economy is expected to have shown improving growth at the end of last year, in a set of historic numbers rendered almost irrelevant by the Middle East conflict.
Economists expect gross domestic product (GDP) – a broad measure of economic growth – rose around 0.3 percent in the three months ended December, compared to the Reserve Bank’s February forecast of 0.5 percent. The annual rate is forecast to have risen to 1.5 percent.
Kiwibank economist Sabrina Delgado said the numbers would be stale.
“To be honest, it’s probably going to be one of the most dated GDP report cards in recent memory.”
She said the growth numbers were always delayed, but the escalating conflict in the Middle East, and the impact of rising prices, supply chain disruptions and the like had changed the picture entirely.
For the record, the numbers are expected to show the primary sector and tourism related industries doing well, manufacturing broadly flat, and construction weak.
“It was another quarter of strong visitor arrivals with plenty of indicators pointing to a lift in transport, arts and recreation, and retail trade and accommodation,” Delgado said.
That was then, this is now
ASB senior economist Kim Mundy said the data would confirm the economic direction of travel, although growth was not as vigorous as the previous quarter’s 1.1 percent. The per capita growth measure was expected to be positive for the second quarter in a row, reflecting better household finances.
But the conflict has changed that.
“The economic consequences for New Zealand from the war depend on how long it lasts, but so far, the risks to economic growth are firmly skewed to the downside,” she said.
The risks were clearly being driven by the surge in oil prices, which have already driven pump prices and would flow through to the price of other goods and services, giving an inevitable lift to inflation.
Treasury has forecast a worst case scenario of inflation hitting 3.7 percent this year if the conflict persists, a forecast some see as too conservative.
The inflation spike and softening economic performance give the Reserve Bank (RBNZ) a dilemma – to tackle inflation, implying interest rises or to support the economy with “accommodative” interest rates.
Economists do not expect the RBNZ to have any kneekerk rate reaction to the price spikes at its 8 April statement, and ANZ senior economist Matthew Gault said a softish GDP number might have the central bank seeing more slack in the economy, and therefore more capacity to absorb price rises.
“However, we wouldn’t want to overplay this given the uncertain outlook, and also recalling that annual inflation at 3.1 percent isn’t coming from an entirely comfortable starting point.”
Delgado said it was not just the inflation spike, but the impact on sentiment and demand.
“It’s yet another wave of uncertainty for Kiwi households and businesses. And there is a real risk that it derails our recovery in the same way Trump’s liberation day tariffs did last 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/2026/03/18/one-of-the-most-dated-gdp-report-cards-in-recent-memory/
Government introduces legislation to reaffirm Police tools to prevent, disrupt, and address crime
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has introduced a Bill to amend the Policing Act 2008, reaffirming Police’s ability to record images and sounds in public places, and some private places, as well as expanding temporary area closure powers.
Following the decision of the Supreme Court in the Tamiefuna case, Police’s ability to record images and sounds in public places, and collect personal information for lawful purposes, including intelligence was constrained.
“This created uncertainty and made the collection of evidence, and therefore the prosecution of criminals, much harder” says Police Minister Mark Mitchell.
“The government has introduced a bill to reaffirm the prior common law position, making it clear that Police can collect and use images in public places, and some private places, for lawful policing purposes. This includes intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and other policing functions.
“These changes will enable that and strengthen Police’s ability to detect and prevent crime, and hold offenders accountable for their offending. Ultimately it will help Police keep Kiwis safe.”
The Government is also expanding Police’s existing temporary road closure powers to cover a broader range of areas, such as parks, reserves, beaches, and carparks.
The changes will give Police new tools to manage non-compliance with temporary closures, including the ability to direct people to leave a closed area, stop vehicles, obtain identifying particulars for the purpose of issuing infringements, and arrest without warrant those who fail to comply.
The new powers will also leverage existing powers that are being progressed through the Antisocial Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill, led by Minister Chris Bishop.
“These new powers will provide clarity and consistency for frontline Police, ensuring they have the necessary tools to support the Governments Law and Order agenda,” Mr Mitchell says. “They will be useful tools to help Police respond to incidents like street racing and dirt bike riding in public parks.”
LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/18/government-introduces-legislation-to-reaffirm-police-tools-to-prevent-disrupt-and-address-crime/