Category: DJF

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Greenpeace – Luxon’s climate policies leave Kiwis hurting as petrol hits $3 a litre

Source: Greenpeace

As petrol prices climb to around $3 a litre, Greenpeace is pointing to a series of Government decisions that have left Kiwis hit harder by the oil price spike.
“The Luxon Government has spent the last two years dismantling policies that were helping wean New Zealanders off expensive imported oil,” says Gen Toop, Senior Campaigner at Greenpeace Aotearoa.
“Instead of helping households escape volatile and expensive petrol prices, they have crashed the EV market, slashed public transport funding and are spending billions on new roads.
“These decisions are making the climate crisis, and the cost of living crisis worse.”
Greenpeace points to a number of decisions that it says have increased New Zealand’s dependence on imported fossil fuels including:
“This Government is effectively turning New Zealand into a dumping ground for the world’s dirtiest, most oil-hungry cars while other countries rapidly switch to EVs,” Toop says.
“At the same time they are slashing public and active transport options which forces more people into cars leaving them facing more pain at the pump when petrol prices spike.
“This latest plan to build a multi-billion dollar LNG import terminal is ludicrous. Importing and burning another volatile fossil fuel is the last thing our climate, and power bills need. Especially when we have all the wind, sun and renewable energy potential we need right here at home.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/greenpeace-luxons-climate-policies-leave-kiwis-hurting-as-petrol-hits-3-a-litre/

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Man arrested over Whangārei firearms incident

Source: New Zealand Police

A man will face court today following a firearms incident at a Morningside property last week.

Whangārei CIB have been investigating the isolated incident which allegedly occurred on 3 March.

Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says the following day, it was reported to Police a firearm had been allegedly discharged at the property.

“Enquiries were carried out, which resulted in the search of a motor vehicle and the recovery of the firearm used,” he says.

“Police also established a woman presented at hospital with a serious injury to her foot, which required surgery.”

Over the past week, enquiries have been ongoing to locate the alleged offender.

Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says Police checked a Raumanga address on Wednesday afternoon.

“Our staff were supported by the Offender Prevention Team (OPT) and located a person of interest.”

The 30-year-old man was arrested and has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm and driving while disqualified.

He will appear in the Whangārei District Court today.

“It’s a great outcome for the community that the man is now in custody and the firearm is also out of circulation,” Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.

A second man, aged 35, is also before the Whangārei District Court after allegedly being found in possession of a firearm and being an accessory after the fact.

The man was arrested on Thursday as part of enquiries into the original incident in Morningside.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/man-arrested-over-whangarei-firearms-incident/

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Retirement Com – New guides give schools clear pathway for implementing financial education

Source: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

 

Schools and financial education providers now have access to new Financial Education Implementation Guides, giving them practical support to plan and deliver high-quality financial education as it becomes compulsory in the curriculum. 

 

With 70% of New Zealanders agreeing school is a good place for young people to learn about money, the two guides, developed by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Education and financial education providers, provide a clear roadmap for what to teach, when to teach it, and how learning builds from Years 0 to 13.

 

Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says the guides remove complexity and provide practical support for schools as financial education is mandated. “The Government’s decision to make financial education compulsory is an excellent step forward to increase New Zealanders’ financial capability.” 

 

“For financial education providers and funders, both current and potential future ones, these guides offer something they’ve long asked for, a shared framework, clear curriculum expectations, and visibility for programmes that meet the standard. These guides bring everyone onto the same page.”  

 

The release of the guides follows last year’s announcement that financial education will become compulsory within the national curriculum, including through the social sciences learning area, which is currently out for consultation. Financial mathematics is also explicitly included in the updated Mathematics & Statistics learning area. The guides provide practical support for schools as financial education becomes an increasingly important part of the curriculum.

 

“Every young person in New Zealand deserves to leave school with the skills and confidence to manage their money. These guides are about clarity and confidence. They show schools what good financial education looks like, how learning builds over time, how to work effectively with external providers, and how to plan programmes that are age appropriate and curriculum aligned,” Deputy Secretary for Te Poutāhū at the Ministry of Education, Pauline Cleaver says. 

 

The Retirement Commission has also released new maths resources as part of its Sorted in Schools programme, that apply the guides’ best practice principles and align with the Mathematics & Statistics curriculum, showing how financial education can strengthen learning across subjects.

 

The Financial Education Implementation Guides are available at: Financial Education Implementation Guides

 

Notes

Current providers who are part of the financial education providers’ advisory group include ASB, Banqer (supported by Kiwibank), BNZ, Life Education Trust, Money Time, SaVy, Westpac, and Young Enterprise Trust. Assistance will also be offered by the financial advice community. There will be opportunities for new providers as gaps are identified. Schools can choose which provider or providers they want to work with. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/retirement-com-new-guides-give-schools-clear-pathway-for-implementing-financial-education/

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Local News – Porirua keeping tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of the city

Source: Porirua City Council

A report to Porirua City Council’s Te Puna Kōrero Committee has highlighted Council’s commitment to the city’s younger residents.

Council has had “tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of the city” as a strategic priority since 2018, and in 2024 adopted a refreshed Tamariki and Rangatahi Strategy. Last week’s report outlined the ways Council is meeting the five focus areas in that strategy, and a roadmap for future action.
It highlights a number of initiatives already making a positive impact in Porirua, including:

  • Careers Expo – an annual event connecting rangatahi with local employers, training providers, and career pathways to prepare them for a thriving future Mahi Rangatahi programme:
  • Council’s inhouse work experience programme for rangatahi, offering mentorship and skill-building opportunities
  • Young Peoples Fund – empowering youth to lead their own projects, with funding for community initiatives designed and delivered by young people
  • Mau Te Rongo – navigators employed to maintain a safe and engaging presence at Porirua railway station and other locations across the city
  • Mana Taiohi and Inside Out training for staff – equipping Council and partner organisations with tools and professional development to better meet the diverse needs of our
  • youth.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker welcomed the report.
“We’re committed to putting our tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything we do. This report is a testament to our city’s vision – where every child and young person feels valued, listened to, and empowered to shape their future.
“Our youth have told us what matters most to them, and we’ve listened. By working together as a community, we are creating pathways for success and wellbeing for all Porirua’s young people.”
The full meeting agenda, including the report, can be viewed online at www.poriruacity.govt.nz/meetings

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/local-news-porirua-keeping-tamariki-and-rangatahi-at-the-heart-of-the-city/

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Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation board chair reappointed

Source: New Zealand Government

John Williamson has been reappointed as Chair of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

The Board manages the investment of government contributions to the NZ Super Fund and administers the Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund.

John Williamson’s reappointment – for a further two years from October 1 this year – reflects his strong board leadership, Nicola Willis says.

“It also maintains stability and continuity during the pre-election period and beyond, particularly as five of the seven board members are in their first term.

“Mr Williamson brings extensive experience in senior leadership, private equity, and governance, including eight years as managing director of former NZX-listed Hellaby Holdings Ltd. He has held diverse governance roles and legal expertise in competition and Māori resource law.

“This reappointment underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring the Guardians continue to deliver robust investment performance and fulfil their mandate to grow New Zealand’s sovereign wealth funds for future generations.”

Mr Williamson has been a board member since 2016, and Chair since March 2024.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/guardians-of-new-zealand-superannuation-board-chair-reappointed/

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NRL: NZ Warriors v Canberra Raiders – what you need to know

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rival halves Tanah Boyd and Ethan Strange will square off, when the Warriors face the Raiders. RNZ/Photosport

NRL: NZ Warriors v Canberra Raiders

Kickoff 8pm, Friday, 13 March

Go Media Stadium, Auckland

Live blog updates on RNZ website

Canberra Raiders will arrive at Mt Smart this week with an even bigger chip on their shoulders than usual.

The ‘Green Machine’ finished top of the NRL table last year, but were bundled out of the championship race with back-to-back defeats in the playoffs.

They start the new season with a renewed determination to go one better in 2026 and NZ Warriors present a stiff early challenge to those aspirations.

With this fixture, the Warriors will have played the Raiders more times than any other NRL team over their history.

Here’s what you need to know about how they shape up:

History

Over 54 previous meetings, Canberra hold a 29-25 head-to-head advantage against the Warriors.

The count is tied 5-5 over the past 10 encounters, dating back to 2021, but the Raiders have won the last three, including both meetings last season, when they finished atop the table.

On a May night when the Warriors were without both co-captains James Fisher-Harris and Mitch Barnett, Canberra prevailed 16-10 at Go Media Stadium.

The home side led 8-0 early and 10-8 with a Luke Metcalf penalty after halftime, but Raiders half Jamal Fogarty scored a try and converted for the gamewinning points in the 64th.

Before that, the Raiders accounted for the Warriors 30-8 in their Las Vegas season-opener, a result that had many picking the Warriors for the wooden spoon.

The Warriors reflect on their 2025 defeat to Canberra at Go Media Stadium. Brett Phibbs/Photosport

The biggest win in the rivalry came in 2000, when Canberra prevailed 56-12 at home, with Laurie Daley, Brett Mullins and Lesley Vainikolo each scoring a try double.

The Warriors’ biggest margin was their 54-12 win at Eden Park, when Shaun Johnson and Manu Vatuvei scored doubles, and Johnson was a perfect 9/9 from the tee.

Form

Both teams opened the 2026 NRL season with wins, but in very different circumstances.

The Warriors flicked the switch midway through the first half, scoring 22 straight points to grab control of their contest against Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart.

While the Roosters scored back-to-back tries in the second half and seemed to have snatched momentum back, the home side held them out for the next 20 minutes, before sealing a 42-18 victory with late tries to Chanel Harris-Tavita and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.

Meanwhile, Canberra needed a Golden Point field goal from Ethan Sanders to overcome Manly Sea Eagles 29-28 in Sydney, after falling 14-0 in the opening 20 minutes.

Marata Niukore nears a return to play from the Warriors reserves. Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Both teams were among the competition leaders in set completion last season – the Warriors had 81 percent and Raiders 80 percent. Both were right on those numbers in their season-openers.

Teams

Warriors: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Ali Leiataua, 4. Adam Pompey, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. James Fisher-Harris, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Kurt Capewell, 12. Jacob Laban, 13. Erin Clark

Interchange: 14. Sam Healey, 15. Demitric Vaimauga, 16. Leka Halasima, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 18. Taine Tuaupiki, 20. Morgan Gannon

Reserves: 21. Alofiana Khan-Pereira, 22. Marata Niukore, 23. Eddie Ieremia-Toeava

Coach Andrew Webster has been able to field the same line-up as last week, but second-rower Marata Niukore nears a return from calf injury, with his addition to the extend reserves.

Barnett is still at least a week away from selection, after rehabbing his ACL knee injury from last season, while halfback Luke Metcalf is apparently ahead of schedule for his return from the same injury, now projected for round seven or eight.

Raiders: 1. Kaeo Weekes, 2. Savelio Tamale, 3. Simi Sasagi, 4. Seb Kris, 5. Xavier Savage, 6. Ethan Strange, 7. Ethan Sanders, 8. Morgan Smithies, 9. Tom Starling, 10. Joseph Tapine, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Noah Martin, 13. Corey Horsburgh

Interchange: 14. Jayden Brailey, 15. Zac Hosking, 16. Ata Mariota, 17. Matt Timoko, 18. Daine Laurie, 19 Joe Roddy

Reserves: 20. Owen Pattie, 21. Jed Stuart, 22. Chevy Stewart

Veteran front-rower Josh Papalii drops out of last week’s team with concussion, replaced by Englishman Morgan Smithies.

NZ Kiwis centre Matt Timoko played for the Raiders reserves last week, as he works his way back from a foot injury. He is named on the interchange, but don’t be surprised if he gets promoted into the starting line-up.

Ethan Sanders (right) celebrates his winning field goal against Manly. Izhar Khan/Getty Images

Player to watch

With Fogarty moving on to Manly – and almost guiding his new team home over his old one – Stuart has turned to youngster Ethan Sanders as his successor and he came up trumps with his heroics last week.

“He had more pressure on him tonight than any other player on the field,” Stuart observed afterwards. “I thought his game was very mature, well beyond the amount of games he’s played.”

Sanders may be the real deal or teams may simply work out how to nullify him, as they gather more scouting footage of him. Webster and assistant Stacey Jones will have done their homework.

Kiwi player to watch

Hardman Joseph Tapine has taken over leadership of the ‘Green Machine and has the ability to intimidate opposition with his physical approach to the game.

Kiwi Joseph Tapine will spearhead the Raiders’ physical approach. PhotoSport / Brett Phibbs

“He offloads the ball and carries it strong,” Webster said. “He’s a great player and we’ve definitely got to stop guys like him, but there’s a fair few of them – he’s not alone.”

Last time these teams met, Tapine was twice placed on report for dangerous tackles, but somehow avoided the sin bin or suspension. The Warriors must find a way to counter him without losing

their discipline, and the head-to-head between Tapine and James Fisher-Harris will be huge.

What they said

“I think the scoreline flattered us, the video backed it up and the stats backed it up. The way we want to play just wasn’t there in our DNA, but we iced some opportunities and we locked more threatening.”

Warriors coach Andrew Webster on last week’s 42-18 win over the Roosters

“Happens to us a lot.”

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart laments a lopsided penalty count that had his team down early against Manly.

What will happen

The Warriors will continue their solid start to the season with a narrow victory and you can bet it will be the ref’s fault.

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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/2026/03/12/nrl-nz-warriors-v-canberra-raiders-what-you-need-to-know/

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Kalyn Ponga switches rugby league allegiances to represent New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Kalyn Ponga said he was “immensely proud” of his Māori heritage. Chris Hyde

Newcastle Knights fullback and Queensland Origin rep Kalyn Ponga says he is “immensely proud” of his Māori heritage, as he switches rugby league allegiances from Australia to New Zealand.

The International Rugby League Board (IRL) has confirmed it has unanimously approved Ponga’s application to switch eligibility, making the 27-year-old available to play for the Kiwis at this year’s Rugby League World Cup.

It follows a change in eligibility rules making players representing New Zealand or England, who qualify for NSW or Queensland, available for State of Origin selection. A change in allegiance to New Zealand would previously have meant Ponga, who has played for Queensland 10 times, was inelligible for Origin.

In his application to the IRL, Ponga said while he was grateful for the opportunity to represent Australia at a young age, his heart was with New Zealand.

“My connection to New Zealand runs deep through every generation of my family,” he wrote.

“My father, Andre Ponga, was born in Palmerston North, and my mother, Adine Ponga, was born in Wellington. All four of my grandparents were also born in New Zealand.

“My roots, my whakapapa, and my identity are firmly grounded in this country and its people.”

Ponga said he was “immensely proud” of his Māori heritage.

“That pride has only grown stronger with each passing year. I have had the privilege of representing the Māori All Stars on three occasions, and those experiences have only deepened my connection to New Zealand rugby league and to the broader Māori community,” he wrote.

Ponga’s only appearances for Australia, he wrote, were in the Junior Kangaroos and the Rugby League World 9s, in 2019.

“These were appearances I am grateful for; however, upon reflection, they do not reflect where my heart, my heritage, and my deepest sense of belonging truly lie.”

Kalyn Ponga playing for Queensland in 2018. Photosport

The 2023 Dally M Medallist was born in Western Australia to New Zealand parents, spending time growing up in New Zealand before moving to Queensland.

Ponga, who is of Māori descent, has played for the New Zealand Māori but was not previously eligible to represent the Kiwis. He has never played for the Kangaroos.

In his application, Ponga said he was “committed to contributing at the highest level of the game and representing New Zealand with the saine pride, passion, and dedication I bring to every aspect of my career”.

In 2025, the IRL ruled that Gold Coast Titan AJ Brimson – who also represented Australia in the World Cup 9s in 2019 – could switch allegiances to represent England. He went on to take part in the 2025 Ashes Series against Australia.

In its ruling, the IRL Board said it felt Ponga was being “unfairly restricted” as players who had opted to represent a country at the 9s World Cup had done so based on a different set of circumstances to players who elect for a country through a 13-a-side Senior International Match (SIM).

“While SIMs are continuously played, international 9s competitions are not.”

IRL chair Troy Grant said he was “honoured” to inform Ponga of the decision to approve his application to be eligible for New Zealand.

“The strength of international rugby league is the passion of the players to represent their nations and families, and the aim of the international eligibility rules is to ensure that the best players play for nations that they are eligible to represent.”

New Zealand Rugby League GM of Football and High Performance Motu Tony said the decision reflects Ponga’s “strong desire to represent his whanau and whakapapa on the international stage”.

“Kalyn is a highly talented player and a great addition to our existing player pool, and we’re thrilled he’s chosen to align his international future with the Kiwis.”

Tony said like all players, Ponga will go through the “usual selection process”.

“But we’re excited to potentially see him in the Kiwis jersey as we build towards the World Cup.”

Ponga joins James Fisher-Harris, Leo Thompson and Dylan Brown among other high-profile Kiwis in selection consideration.

Ponga playing for the Maori All-Stars against the Indigenous All Stars Photosport

‘Rugby league has changed’

The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) announced the changes to selection rules in March, paving the way for Australian-born Kiwis to play in the series.

Players were previously required to be eligible to represent Australia or a tier two nation as defined by International Rugby League.

The updated rules removed this restriction, allowing players who who meet the traditional State of Origin criteria and represent tier one nations to be eligible.

The criteria is a player must have been born in New South Wales or Queensland, resided in New South Wales or Queensland prior to their 13th birthday, or their father played State of Origin.

At the time of the announcement, ARLC chairman Peter V’landys said the changes were a necessary and logical evolution for the game in 2026.

“Rugby league has changed, the international game has grown, and our rules need to reflect that. If a player is eligible to play State of Origin, it makes no sense to exclude them simply because they’ve represented New Zealand or England at test level.”

He said State of Origin is about where you were from and what state you were eligible for – not which country you represent internationally.

“If you’re eligible, you should be able to play for your state. Over 45 years, State of Origin has developed into something special, and we want the best players playing if they’re eligible. The commission has a responsibility to grow both the international game and State of Origin, and this change strengthens both.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/12/kalyn-ponga-switches-rugby-league-allegiances-to-represent-new-zealand/

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My flight as been cancelled: What are my rights?

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Patrice Allen

Air New Zealand is warning 44,000 passengers will be affected by cancellations over the coming months – so what are your rights if you’re one of them?

Air New Zealand chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar told Morning Report between now and the end of April, early May the airline will cancel around 1100 flights.

The airline is facing massive cost pressures, with the conflict in the Middle East increasing the price of jet fuel.

On the No Stupid Questions podcast this week, we talked to Consumer NZ spokesperson Jessica Walker about travellers’ rights if their travel is cancelled.

She said the first thing people potentially affected should do was to check whether their airline or travel agent.

“The most important thing you can do if you’re due to travel is just keep looking at the airline’s website.

“Make sure that you’re registered, maybe on their app or that they’ve got up-to-date contact details for you… it might be that you look like you’re all set to fly …and then you find out with a few hours’ notice that actually that’s not going to be the case.

“So, knowing what’s happening is really important.”

From there, people could work out their rights, she said.

RNZ/ Samuel Rillstone

Generally, if flights are cancelled because of conflict – for example where war closes an airspace – then airlines are not required to offer passengers a refund.

But Walker said when a flight was cancelled because of the surge in fuel prices, it could be argued that was not a direct result of war.

She said Consumer’s legal team said that fuel price volatility was likely to be viewed as a business cost that could have been hedged and not an unavoidable operational disruption.

“It’s great to see that people are being rebooked, but there are going to be people for whom rebooking doesn’t work. Our stance is they should be able to get their money back and any additional costs should be reimbursed as well.”

That could be to the limits in the Civil Aviation Act, which allow people to claim the lesser of up to 10 times the cost of the ticket for the actual cost of the delay.

But in cases where flights were cancelled directly because of the conflict, that would not apply.

Jessica Walker. Supplied / Consumer NZ

Travel insurance might not help. Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman Karen Stevens said policies would generally not cover in situations where travel was disrupted due to war. It would also not help when people had changed their minds.

“When it comes to travel insurance, claims arising from war hostilities or military actions, so exactly what’s happening here, often the policy is going to have exclusions in place so that you don’t have coverage for anything,” Walker said.

“We have been told that there are cases where there is some cover available, but that would be for claims that are not related to the conflict itself. So for example, say you’ve got travel insurance and you’re to get sick while you’re away, or your bag gets stolen while you’re at the railway station for example, then providing those losses are not related to the conflict, then some policies will still cover you for that.”

Walker also warned people to take care with accepting credits for travel they could not use. Airlines have already announced fare increases.

“It is highly unlikely that flight prices are going to go down. So if you’re getting credited for a flight that you decide not to take or could you get to that destination for the same price? It’s looking unlikely, especially with what’s happening with fuel prices… there are already reports of tickets absolutely skyrocketing.

“So I’d say that’s something for people to just keep in mind that with those credits, it’s not going to be a great situation for a lot of people looking to get to the same destination in the future.”

‘Pragmatic response’

David Coombes, CEO of House of Travel, said Air NZ’s decision was “a pragmatic response to the reality of the conflict in the Middle East and the restricted flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz”.

“We’ve seen the price of jet fuel double because a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas is currently restricted at the source. When an airline’s main operational cost increases that quickly, it forces an adjustment to keep the network functioning.

“However, this is a pressure airlines the world over have navigated during difficult historical events in the past, and I would say the industry is very resilient and can often stabilise quickly.

“Our immediate priority is on our customers and the 44,000 New Zealanders whose travel plans will be impacted. It’s in times of global disruption like this that the value of working with a travel professional really comes into its own.

“I ask for your patience as our travel consultants work alongside our partners to support Kiwi travellers across the country to get everyone where they need to be.”

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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/2026/03/12/my-flight-as-been-cancelled-what-are-my-rights/

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Economy – RBNZ working with industry to improve access to basic transaction services

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

12 March 2026 – Last year the Council of Financial Regulators (CoFR) consulted the public on whether New Zealanders should have the right to access a basic transaction account if they want one.

50 submissions were received and 22 community groups, financial institutions, fintechs, and support services were directly engaged, with 98% of submitters stating that action is needed to improve access to transaction accounts.

Acting Assistant Governor Financial Stability, Angus McGregor, says that the consultation clearly highlighted the challenges some groups face in accessing the basic banking services necessary to meet their everyday financial needs.

“This consultation process has allowed us to gather a wide range of perspectives, take on board industry feedback, and find pragmatic solutions.” Mr McGregor says.

“We received constructive input from the banking sector, and a willingness to work with us to solve this issue through a collaborative approach.”

The RBNZ is developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support this approach to addressing financial exclusion.

Under the MoU, participating financial entities will commit to provide access to all New Zealand consumers unless they have a compelling reason for declining to provide a basic transaction product. Public sector agencies will commit to clarifying regulatory requirements, co-ordinating efforts, and highlighting best practices that can be adopted to support financial inclusion.

The MoU will provide flexibility for participating entities to develop their own solutions to promote inclusion, while ensuring progress can be monitored through regular reporting.
This work aims to bring financial inclusion in New Zealand in line with other developed countries such as Canada, the UK, France, Denmark and Sweden.

The RBNZ will be leading co-ordination of the MoU, with support from the Financial Markets Authority, the Banking Ombudsmen, the Retirement Commission, the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Department of Corrections.

“This work directly supports our statutory purpose of enabling economic wellbeing and prosperity for all New Zealanders, and aligns with recommendations in the Commerce Commission’s Market Study into Personal Banking Services.” Mr McGregor says.

It is anticipated that the MoU will come into effect later this year.

More information:

Read the CoFR Consultation Summary on Access to Basic Transaction Accounts: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=1545100f1e&e=f3c68946f8

Background information:

Issues Paper on Access to Basic Transaction Accounts – This Issues Paper builds on Recommendation 14 from the Commerce Commission Market Study into personal banking services, for the banking industry to collaborate to make basic transaction accounts widely available found here: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=86d03f3ba9&e=f3c68946f8
Financial Inclusion Indicators Base Set Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=1f879f66b8&e=f3c68946f8
First Steps to Financial Inclusion Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=d70d87a7b2&e=f3c68946f8
CoFR – CoFR represents five agencies: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the Financial Markets Authority, the Commerce Commission, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Treasury. Financial Inclusion is one of five priorities for CoFR. The CoFR Financial Inclusion Community also included Te Ara Ahunga Ora The Retirement Commission and the Ministry for Social Development as observer agencies. More information on CoFR’s financial inclusion work can be found here: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=2fa26e3350&e=f3c68946f8

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/economy-rbnz-working-with-industry-to-improve-access-to-basic-transaction-services/

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PM to visit Samoa and Tonga

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will depart for Samoa and Tonga on Sunday, reinforcing New Zealand’s commitment to two of the closest members of our Pacific family.

“Both countries are integral to who we are as a nation. With more than 300,000 Samoan and Tongan New Zealanders, the family connection is woven into the fabric of our society,” Mr Luxon says.

The visit marks New Zealand’s first comprehensive engagement with the new governments in both countries, with the Prime Minister looking forward to his meetings with the new leaders and their Cabinets in each capital.

“Through our longstanding ties, we have built enormous trust between our nations. I’m looking forward to hearing my new colleagues’ points of view, and then agreeing how we can work together to build communities that are more prosperous and safer from threats like drugs.”

The visit also represents an opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy of the connections between our countries, whether that’s sport, music or business. The Prime Minister will be joined by senior business leaders and community members, led by Savae Sir Michael Jones and Rachel Afeaki.

The Prime Minister will also be joined by Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti, Police Minister Mark Mitchell (in Samoa), Tim van de Molen MP, Jenny Salesa MP and Teanau Tuiono MP.  

The delegation departs Auckland on Sunday 15 March and returns on Wednesday 18 March.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/pm-to-visit-samoa-and-tonga/

Posted on

Police presence in Rotorua and Ōpōtiki for gang tangi

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander:

Police will have a visible presence across Rotorua tomorrow and Saturday as a gang tangi travels from Rotorua to Ōpōtiki.

A large number of gang members and associates are expected to be in town for the tangi from many parts of the country.

Police will have additional resources available to provide support to staff and to provide a respectful and safe space for whānau and friends to grieve peacefully.

Police have conveyed our lawful expectations to local gang leaders, including around the wearing or displaying of gang insignia in a public place, which Police will act upon.

Our focus is on the safety of everyone. We will not tolerate behaviour that aims to threaten or intimidate, and officers will be working to reduce disruption to the public.

Police will have additional patrols in place Friday and Saturday, and will follow up on reports of illegal activity.

We urge anyone who is witnessing illegal behaviour to call 111 immediately. Other reports can be made via 105.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/police-presence-in-rotorua-and-opotiki-for-gang-tangi/

Posted on

Pharmac widening access to a treatment for people with a rare blood cancer

Source: PHARMAC

People in New Zealand living with a type of blood cancer, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), will benefit from wider access to the medicine brentuximab vedotin, from 1 April 2026.

This change comes after Pharmac consulted on a proposal for brentuximab vedotin to be used as a first-line treatment option in people newly diagnosed with sALCL.

“This will mean people could receive brentuximab vedotin as a first treatment option, instead of waiting until other options have been tried,” says Pharmac’s Manager of Pharmaceutical Funding, Claire Pouwels. “Around 12 people are expected to benefit in the first year, with around 60 people benefitting over the next 5 years.”

Brentuximab vedotin is currently funded only for people whose lymphoma has returned or has not responded to earlier treatment. Using brentuximab vedotin earlier is expected to support better outcomes for people with sALCL, who often face poor survival rates and significant health needs.

“Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare form of cancer that is often diagnosed in people under 55,” says Pouwels. “Making this treatment available earlier has the potential to improve both survival and quality of life.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/pharmac-widening-access-to-a-treatment-for-people-with-a-rare-blood-cancer/

Posted on

Further improvements to Pacific visitor visa settings

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford have announced further changes to visitor visa settings for Pacific people, making it more affordable for Pacific visitors to travel to New Zealand. 

“From 1 June this year, the total cost of applying for a visitor visa for Pacific nationals will drop from $216 to $161, for a 12-month period, as part of New Zealand’s ongoing work to deepen Pacific connections,” Mr Peters says.

“This is a practical update to visitor visa settings that reduces cost, supports easier travel and helps strengthen the relationships that matter most.”

“These updates build on earlier improvements, such as longer visa durations – from one year to two years with multiple entries – along with reduced processing times, new escalation processes to support urgent travel, and the current visa‑free trial for Pacific travellers coming from Australia,” Ms Stanford says.

“Together, these changes make it easier and cheaper for Pacific visitors to come to New Zealand, while ensuring the system remains clear, predictable and secure.  The Government will review the impacts in a year’s time, before deciding what happens next.”

Further details on eligibility and timing will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit Immigration New Zealand’s website:  www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/visitor-visa-fees-temporarily-reduced-for-pacific-nationals/ 

Media contacts: 

Mr Peters: John Tulloch +64 21 868 943

Ms Stanford: Michael van der Kwast +64 21 875 347

Notes to editor:

This change applies to people visiting from American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
As part of the Realm of New Zealand, people from the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau do not need visas to travel to New Zealand. Neither do citizens and permanent residents from Australia, given the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.
People from New Caledonia and French Polynesia are French citizens and already eligible for visa-free travel. While people from Pitcairn Islands may be eligible for the reduced fee, as British citizens they are also already eligible for visa-free travel.
Visitor visas for Pacific Islands Forum nationals moved to a 24‑month multi‑entry default from 6 July 2025.
A 12‑month trial, from 3 November 2025, allows Pacific passport holders travelling from Australia on a valid Australian visa to enter New Zealand visa‑free with an NZeTA for visits of up to three months.

These changes follow two earlier updates announced in April 2025:

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/further-improvements-to-pacific-visitor-visa-settings/

Posted on

Moa Point Crown Review Team appointed

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has appointed the Crown Review Team which will give Wellingtonians clarity about what went wrong at Moa Point wastewater treatment plant, Local Government Minister Simon Watts says.

Former Watercare chief executive and current chair of the Water Services Authority Raveen Jaduram will lead the team. He will be joined by experienced lawyers Helen Atkins and Michael Weatherall, and senior infrastructure engineer Garry Macdonald.

“Wellingtonians deserve clear answers about what led to the catastrophic failure at Moa Point and the assurance that it will not happen again,” Mr Watts says.

“The review team’s work will provide that certainty by investigating what led to the failure and what must change to prevent it from happening again.

“It has been appointed to both Wellington City Council and to Wellington Water Ltd in a parallel process to ensure we have a comprehensive and coordinated investigation. While they are required to operate under two terms of references, they will function as a unified team to avoid duplication and deliver clear answers about what happened.”

The Crown Review Team’s term runs until 31 August 2026, and it will produce a final report before then.

“We expect to receive an interim report before Wellington’s water assets – including the Moa Point plant – are due to transfer to the new council water organisation Tiaki Wai Limited on 1 July,” Mr Watts says.

Following consideration of the final report, Mr Watts will report back to Cabinet on any recommendations from the investigations. 

“I am mindful that the Review Team’s work is likely to coincide with the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s (GWRC) own investigation as the environmental regulator under the Resource Management Act,” Mr Watts says.

“It is my expectation that the Crown Review Team’s activity will not constrain the local authority’s regulatory activity.  

“My intention is to publicly release the findings as soon as possible while managing any risk of prejudicing the investigation or any enforcement action by Greater Wellington Regional Council or any commercial or legal action or claims.”

Links to the Terms of Reference:

Wellington City Council Terms of Reference: https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2026-go1237  
Wellington Water Terms of Reference: https://gazette.govt.nz/notice/id/2026-go1238/  

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/moa-point-crown-review-team-appointed/

Posted on

Proposed spawning area closure to orange roughy fishing in the East and South Chatham Rise (ORH 3B) from 1 June 2026

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

Fisheries New Zealand is consulting on options for closures to commercial fishing for orange roughy in the spawning areas of the East and South Chatham Rise part of ORH 3B under section 11 of the Fisheries Act 1996.

We welcome your feedback on the proposed options and any alternatives. Your feedback will be incorporated into our final advice to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries and will help to inform their decisions on any changes.  

This consultation opened on 11 March and we are accepting submissions until 5pm on 10 April 2026. 

Consultation document

Review of proposed spawning area closure to orange roughy fishing in East and South Chatham Rise (ORH 3B) from 1 June 2026 [PDF, 1.7 MB]

Related information

This review follows engagement in 2025 on setting the Total Allowable Catch (TAC), the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC), and non-regulated sub-area catch limits for ORH 3B for the 2025–26 fishing year. 

Review of sustainability measures for orange roughy (ORH 3B) and blue mackerel (EMA 1) – 2025 October round

Background to the proposed changes

The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries agreed to decrease the ORH 3B TACC from 4,752 to 2,321 tonnes for the 2025–26 fishing year. As part of of this, the non-regulatory sub-area catch limit for the East and South Chatham Rise was reduced to 324 tonnes to allow the stock to rebuild.

To support the rebuild, the minister agreed that the reduced TACC would be supported by the closure of orange roughy spawning areas. This is based on recent research that indicates fishing activity may disrupt spawning aggregations and influence spawning success. 

Making your submission

Email your feedback by 5pm on 10 April 2026 to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

While we prefer email, you can post written submissions to:

Orange roughy spawning area closure submission 
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

What to include

Make sure you tell us in your submission:

  • the title of the consultation document
  • your name and title 
  • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it)
  • your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email). 

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/proposed-spawning-area-closure-to-orange-roughy-fishing-in-the-east-and-south-chatham-rise-orh-3b-from-1-june-2026/

Posted on

Proposed temporary pāua closure at Tauroa Peninsula, Northland

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

The Roma Marae, Ahipara Marae, hapū, and community members have requested a 2-year pāua closure of this area under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996.

Consultation opened on 10 March and submissions close at 5pm on Friday 24 April 2026. 

The proposed closure area

The proposed closure area starts near Te Huahua/Iron Gate on Tauroa Peninsula, west of Ahipara, and follows the coastline to near the Hunahuna Stream. It extends from the mean high-water mark to about 2 km offshore and covers approximately 32.4 square kilometres.

The proposed area excludes approximately 1.8 square kilometres of fishery waters at the sandy beach near Hukatere Stream.

Request for closure 

Application letter [PDF, 1.7 MB]

Proposed Te Tauroa pāua closure map [PDF, 449 KB]

Related document 

Pāua working roopu 2025 report [PDF, 353 KB]

Making your submission 

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 24 April 2026. 

Email your submission to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz 

While we prefer email, you can post your submission to:

Spatial Allocations
Fisheries New Zealand 
PO Box 2526 
Wellington 6140. 

Public notice 

A public notice about the call for submissions is scheduled to appear in the Northland Age and Northern Advocate on 10 March 2026. 

Related information

Section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 allows the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to temporarily close an area, or temporarily restrict or prohibit the use of any fishing method in respect of an area, if satisfied that the closure, restriction, or prohibition will recognise and provide for the use and management practices of tangata whenua in the exercise of non-commercial fishing rights.

Find out more about temporary closures

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/proposed-temporary-paua-closure-at-tauroa-peninsula-northland/

Posted on

Consultation on Organics Standard Notice – Tranche 3

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

This is the third and final consultation in this round

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has begun work to develop notice content to supplement both the Organic Products and Production Regulations, and the Organic Standards Regulations.  

We are consulting about the content of the organic supplementary notices in 3 stages (tranches). The first 2 consultations have closed.

  • Tranche 1: technical content to supplement the Organic Standards Regulations.
  • Tranche 2: requirements for recognised entities, including recognition, accreditation, verification, quality management systems, competencies and record keeping, to supplement both sets of regulations.  
  • Tranche 3 (this consultation): requirements for organic management plans and requirements for application for export certification.

Previous consultations

Tranche 1

Tranche 2

Future consultations

The following notices are expected to be consulted on in the coming months:

  • inputs and trade-name products
  • organic management plans
  • export requirements.

Have your say 

We are seeking your input on the proposed notice for technical information for operators and recognised entities. 

The Tranche 3 notice sets out the notice content for procedures that are required in the Organic Management Plan. These requirements are in addition to the regulations, which also cover procedures to be set in the Organic Management Plan. Subclause 10 in Schedule 3 of the Organic Products and Production Regulations states what processes and procedures are expected, so in the Tranche 3 Notice are specific procedures which aren’t already covered in the regulations. 

Note: MPI is developing an Organic Management Plan template which can be adopted by operators. This will be consulted on later in the year (2026) to prepare operators for transitioning into the Organic Products and Production (OPP) Act system. This template will cover all of the detail that needs to be included in an Organic Management Plan. 

Topics covered in this third tranche of notice content include: 

​​Organic Management Plan requirements​:

  • key tasks [OPP Sched 3 cl 3(b)]
  • defining boundaries and layouts [OPP Sched 3 cl 5]
  • details of operator activities: producers and processors [OPP Sched 3 cl 4]
  • details of operator activities: service providers [OPP Sched 3 cl 4]
  • general procedures [OPP Sched 3 cls 10 and 11]
  • ingredients of processed products [OS Reg 143]
  • assessment of imported products [OPP 121 and 122]
  • corrective actions when breach of relevant export requirements [OPP Sched 3 cl 10(2)(b) and (c)].

Export: application requirements:

  • official assurance application [OPP 124]
  • statement of compliance application [OPP 125].

Consultation document

Draft Standard Notice – Tranche 3 [PDF, 365 KB]

Making your submission 

We welcome submissions on the proposals contained in the consultation document. Your feedback helps to ensure that the requirements set out in this third tranche of notice content are accurate and reflective of how organic operations operate. MPI will consider all feedback provided and review how your feedback can be integrated into the final notice.

Submissions sent by email or post will be accepted until 5pm on 31 March 2026. 

Email ​organicsconsultation@mpi.govt.nz​ 

Or post to:      

New Zealand Food Safety
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140.

Make sure you also include in your submission:

  • the title of the consultation document 
  • your name and title  
  • your organisation’s name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it) 
  • your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/consultation-on-organics-standard-notice-tranche-3/

Posted on

Proposed temporary fisheries closure at Moeraki, Otago

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Have your say

Te Rūnanga o Moeraki has requested a temporary closure of fisheries waters near Moeraki, Otago. The requested closure would prohibit the taking of all shellfish, including crustaceans, for 2 years, under section 186B of the Fisheries Act 1996.

The request is intended to temporarily stop fishing pressure on the shellfish fisheries, and in particular on tuaki (cockles), to give populations an opportunity to rebuild. 

Fisheries New Zealand invites written submissions from anyone who has an interest in the fish stock concerned or in the effects of fishing in the area concerned.

This consultation opened on 4 March and we are accepting submissions until 5pm on 20 April 2026.

Request for the closure from Te Rūnanga o Moeraki

Covering letter [PDF, 427 KB]

Closure application from Te Rūnanga o Moeraki [PDF, 286 KB]

The proposed closure area

The area of the proposed Moeraki temporary closure covers about 1.3 square kilometres and includes the fisheries waters out to 500 m offshore, starting near the northern end of the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki Walk and extending southwards along Moeraki Beach to the headland at the eastern edge of Onekakara Bay. 

Map of the proposed Moeraki temporary closure [PDF, 529 KB]

Making your submission

The closing date for submissions is 5pm on Monday 20 April 2026.

Email your submission to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

While we prefer email, you can post your submission to:

Spatial Allocations
Fisheries Management
Fisheries New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140.

Public notice

A public notice about the call for submissions is scheduled to appear in the Otago Daily Times on Wednesday 4 March 2026.

Related information

Section 186B of the Fisheries Act 1996 allows the Director-General of the Ministry for Primary Industries to temporarily close an area, or temporarily restrict or prohibit the use of any fishing method in respect of an area, if satisfied that the closure, restriction, or prohibition is likely to assist in recognising and providing for the use and management practices of tangata whenua in the exercise of non-commercial fishing rights.

Find out more about temporary closures

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/proposed-temporary-fisheries-closure-at-moeraki-otago/

Posted on

Application for a mātaitai reserve, at Guards Bay and Anakoha Bay, Marlborough Sounds

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Your views sought

Ngāti Kuia has applied for a mātaitai reserve covering the waters of Guards Bay in the outer Marlborough Sounds. The proposed area includes all South Island fisheries waters lying between Forsyth Island (Te Paruparu) and Alligator Head with an offshore boundary north of Titi Island and including Anakoha Bay and Titirangi Bay. 

Ngāti Kuia and Fisheries New Zealand invite submissions on the proposal and will hold a local community meeting to discuss the application.

This is the first of 2 consultations to be held about the application.

What area is being proposed?

The proposed area includes approximately 56.6 square kilometres of South Island fisheries waters within the following lines: 

  1. starting at a point on the mean high-water mark at Culdaff Point at 40°56.387’S and 174°04.834’E; then
  2. proceeding in a straight line in an easterly direction for approximately 4km to a point offshore at 40°56.189’S and 174°07.696’E; then
  3. proceeding in a straight line in a south-easterly direction for approximately 2.4km to a point offshore at 40°56.824’S and 174°09.202’E; then
  4. proceeding in a straight line in a southerly direction for approximately 2.4km to a point on the mean high-water mark located approximately 250m east of Alligator Head at 40°58.096’S and 174°09.573’E; then
  5. following the mean high-water mark in a generally south-westerly direction to a point on the south side of Allen Strait/Guard Pass at 40°59.780’S and 174°03.923’E; then
  6. proceeding in straight line in a north-westerly direction for 284m to a point on the mean high-water mark on the north side of Allen Strait/Guard Pass at 40°59.682’S and 174°03.767’E; then
  7. proceeding in a generally northerly direction along the mean high-water mark to the starting point. 

Consultation documents

Map of the proposed mātaitai reserve [PDF, 1.5 MB]

Application for proposed mātaitai reserve [PDF, 13 MB]

Making your submission

The local community are invited to make a written submission on the application. Submissions close at 5pm on Monday 20 April 2026.

Email your submission to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

While we prefer email, you can post your submission to:

Fisheries management – Spatial Allocations
Fisheries New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140.

Public notices about this consultation

Public notices calling for submissions are scheduled to appear in Nelson Mail and Marlborough Express on Monday 2 March 2026 and Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Public meeting planned

A meeting with the local community will be held to discuss the application. A further notice will be published in both the Nelson Mail and Marlborough Express, and on this website, advertising the time, date and venue for this meeting.

A second consultation is planned

After the local community consultation period has closed, Fisheries New Zealand will hold a second consultation. This will invite written submissions from people who take fish, aquatic life, or seaweed or own quota, and whose ability to take fish, aquatic life, or seaweed or whose ownership interest in quota may be affected by the proposed mātaitai reserve.

The second consultation will be advertised in the same newspapers and on this website.

About mātaitai reserves

A mātaitai reserve is an identified traditional fishing ground where tangata whenua have a special relationship. Mātaitai reserves are limited to fisheries waters and do not include any land area. Mātaitai reserves do not change any existing arrangements for access to private land.

Mātaitai reserves do not affect private landowners’ land titles or their ability to exercise resource consents for such things as taking water or extracting gravel or sand. Resource consents are managed under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Find out more about mātaitai reserves

Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations 1999 – NZ Legislation

Recreational fishing

Mātaitai reserves do not change the recreational fishing rules. However, the tangata tiaki/kaitiaki for a mātaitai reserve may propose changes to the rules at a later date. These are called mātaitai reserve bylaws. Any proposed bylaws will be consulted on separately with the public and relevant stakeholders. They need to be approved by the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries.

Commercial fishing

Commercial fishing is generally prohibited in a mātaitai reserve, and the applicants have not sought any conditions to enable specified commercial fishing activities to continue in the area if it becomes a mātaitai reserve.

Submissions are public information

Note that all, part, or a summary of your submission may be published on this website. Most often this happens when we issue a document that reviews the submissions received.

People can also ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we must make the content of submissions available unless we have good reason for withholding it. Those reasons are detailed in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.

If you think there are grounds to withhold specific information from publication, make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include that it discloses commercially sensitive or personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may direct us to release it.

Official Information Act 1982 – NZ Legislation

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/application-for-a-mataitai-reserve-at-guards-bay-and-anakoha-bay-marlborough-sounds/

Posted on

Ghiotti brand Chorizo Velita recalled due to incorrect date mark

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is supporting Granarolo New Zealand Limited in its recall of Ghiotti brand Chorizo Velita (150g) due to the product being labelled with the incorrect date mark.

“The concern is that this chorizo has been mislabelled with the incorrect date mark. The affected product is labelled Best Before 21/05/2026. The correct date mark should be Use By 21/02/2026. This is important because use-by dates indicate when the product is no longer safe to eat,” says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle.

“This product should not be eaten. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw them out.”

The affected batch of Ghiotti brand Chorizo Velita (150g) is sold at retailers throughout New Zealand.

Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product.

If you have eaten any of these products and are concerned for your health, contact your health professional, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.

The products were imported from Spain and labelled in New Zealand. The products have not been re-exported. They have been removed from stores.

“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with Granarolo New Zealand Limited to understand how the how the date mark labelling error occurred and prevent its recurrence,” says Mr Arbuckle.

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the New Zealand Food Safety food recall page. 

Ghiotti brand Chorizo Velita

Read more on our website about how to read food labels.

How to read food labels  

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/ghiotti-brand-chorizo-velita-recalled-due-to-incorrect-date-mark/