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DoC’s Kākāpo livstream attracts international attention

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rakiura a female kākāpō is being livestreamed from her nest. SCREENSHOT

A Department of Conservation (DoC) livestream of a nesting Kākāpo on a remote island off the coast of the South Island, has attracted international attention.

Through a hidden camera, viewers can watch Rakiura as she raises her chick, who looks more like a sentient ball of fluff than a bird, at this stage.

In the comments of the YouTube livestream, watchers announce they’re tuning in from places including Argentina, The United States and The Netherlands.

“She’s a star,” one commenter said, “I love to come here and watch Rakiura and her chick for a while every day it is so special,” another wrote.

More than 100 people are tuning in to the livestream at any given time.

The livestream is beamed across the world from a arge cavity beneath a rātā tree on Whenua Hou/Codfish Island.

Twenty-four-year-old Rakiura even laid an egg on the livestream back in January and was now raising her chick for the world to see.

According to DoC, there were only 236 Kākāpo left in the world, and as they were only in Aotearoa, many people would never see one in real life.

A Kākāpo with her chick. (File photo) JAKE OSBORNE

This was the first breeding season for Kākāpo since 2022, it said.

Kākāpō only breed every two to four years and this year’s season could the best yet following a bumper mast, or mass fruiting of rimu berries.

During this breeding season, Rakiura had laid three eggs – but only two of these went on to hatch. One of the chicks was transferred to a foster mum while the second, Nora-A2 2026, is still in the nest with her mum.

DoC said Rakiura had nine living descendants across six breeding seasons and also had many “grandchicks”.

The Kākāpo cam helped scientists learn about nesting behaviour along with letting people around the world watch without disturbing the birds, it said, and helped build support for protecting the species.

On its website, DoC urged people to share the video with friends and family because “the more people who care, the better the future for kākāpō”.

This year’s live stream set up involved four solar panels, 26kg of batteries, 300m of cable, satellite internet, routers, voltage converters and more.

The Kākāpo livestream could be viewed here.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/docs-kakapo-livstream-attracts-international-attention/

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Funding change will ensure more consistent emergency care for New Zealanders

Source: PHARMAC

A simple change in how ambulance medicines are funded is set to create more consistent emergency care.

Pharmac is proposing changes to the Pharmaceutical Schedule to support the Government’s decision to shift responsibility for funding ambulance medicines from Health New Zealand and ACC to Pharmac.

With Pharmac already funding community and hospital medicines, this proposal would see Pharmac funding most medicines used by publicly funded health services.

Pharmac’s Director Strategy, Policy and Performance Michael Johnson said it made sense for Pharmac to take over responsibility for funding ambulance medicines.

“The vast majority of medicines used across the public health system are already funded by Pharmac; therefore, it makes sense for us to take over the funding of ambulance medicines as well.

“Not only will this ensure more consistent treatment between ambulance services and hospitals, it will also ensure the best prices for medicines used by ambulance services.

Johnson said the funding change wouldn’t mean any changes to the care provided by ambulance services but could mean long-term benefits for providers and the health system.

“These changes support seamless care for people transferred by ambulance to public hospitals, with both hospitals and ambulances able to access the same medicines, through the same agency, at the best price.”

“We also plan to work with ambulance service providers to establish regular communication and clear guidance to support individual funding requests for new medicines and better understand the ambulance-unique working environment.”

Public consultation on the proposal is open from 12 March and closes at 5pm 2 April 2026. You can email your feedback to consult@pharmac.govt.nz or use the online form.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/funding-change-will-ensure-more-consistent-emergency-care-for-new-zealanders/

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Wellington Phoenix women lock in foreign attacking duo for another season

Source: Radio New Zealand

Makala Woods (middle) celebrates her goal with Brooke Nunn (left) and Lucia de Leon. www.photosport.nz

English forward Brooke Nunn and American striker Makala Woods have become the first import players to re-sign with the Wellington Phoenix in the five year history of the women’s team.

The Phoenix women are having their best season so far and currently sit fourth on the A-League ladder.

Now two of the side’s leading attacking threats have both recommitted to the club for the 2026-27 A-League season.

Nunn has already matched her four goals and three assists from her championship winning season with Central Coast Mariners in 15 matches for the Phoenix, while Woods has five assists and four goals for the club in just seven appearances since arriving in Wellington at the turn of the year as an injury replacement.

The club already has nine women’s players on its books for next season.

Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said the club was committed to investing in players who were invested in the team and said the pair had a high ceiling.

“What we’re seeing from Brooke and Makala now is only just the start, and I think that’s what excites me the most,” Priestman said.

“We’ve also secured two big personalities, with massive hunger and desire, that are a big part of the culture of this team.

“Brooke’s unique. She has an ability to get at players one-vs-one. Her dribbling ability is exceptional and in this league that really shines through, not to mention her ability to assist with some great crosses.

“And Makala’s a dynamic forward who has many strings to her bow. She’s not just a forward that can finish, that certainly helps, but she’s quick, she’s powerful and she loves to defend too.”

Nunn, 33, said it was an easy decision to sign a new contract.

“I didn’t realise I could fall in love with a club, a country and a culture so much,” Nunn said.

“I feel like we’ve been creating so many beautiful, historic moments at the Phoenix and I want to continue contributing to being part of the success of this team and really showing the world what this club’s about.”

The Arsenal academy product said she had been able to express herself at the Phoenix and Priestman had put a lot of trust in her.

Woods, 23, said she had had developed a close connection to the Phoenix in a short period of time.

“I’ve never felt so passionate about a group of girls and an organisation,” Woods said.

“We’re achieving a lot of firsts, we’re paving the way for something really great and it’s an honour to wear the Phoenix on your chest.”

Woods’ sole focus for the remainder of the season was to win.

“I want to do something cool that’s never been done before here. I want to be a part of something that’s so special and that’s all I’m trying to do.”

Woods and Nunn will be in action for the Wellington Phoenix on Saturday evening when the women host Brisbane Roar in Wellington.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/12/wellington-phoenix-women-lock-in-foreign-attacking-duo-for-another-season/

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My flight has 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-has-been-cancelled-what-are-my-rights/

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Common sense proposal will benefit patients and save money

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will shift responsibility for funding ambulance medicines from Health New Zealand (HNZ) and ACC to Pharmac because it will improve medicine procurement processes, and save the health system money, Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown say.

Consultation is now open on proposed changes to support the shift in responsibility. 

“This proposal means no matter where a patient is located, their ambulance and hospital will have access to the same emergency medicines they need, and Pharmac can get those medicines cheaper,” Mr Seymour says.

“Currently HNZ and ACC fund ambulance services, individual ambulance providers then purchase the medicines they need to treat their patients. This leads to some ambulance providers funding certain medicines which their local hospital does not, and vice versa. Patients need access to high quality continuous care, no matter where they are located. 

“This will benefit patients. It will improve the continuity of care provided to patients by ensuring ambulance providers and hospital staff have access to the same medicines.

“Pharmac’s proposal will also create a single nationally consistent list of medicines funded for use by emergency ambulance service providers. This helps ambulance providers, regardless of their location, to understand what is funded. 

“When it comes to medicine procurement, Pharmac are the experts. Transferring responsibility to Pharmac means we can get the best deals for medicines. Pharmac can leverage supply chains, utilise buying power, and take a more coordinated approach to funding medicines used in emergency care. 

“This proposal will also realise savings. Pharmac can utilise existing national agreements, including access to the best prices, reduced duplication of procurement activity, and the supply protections built into Pharmac’s commercial arrangements. 

“When you spend better you can afford more. These savings mean Pharmac could fund some emergency medicines that ambulance services haven’t previously been able to afford.”

Mr Brown says patients should be able to access the emergency treatment they need regardless of where they live.

“This change will help ensure patients transferred by ambulance to public hospitals have access to the same medicines, supporting better continuity of care between ambulance crews and hospital teams.

“Funding ambulance medicines through Pharmac, alongside the medicines it already manages for the health system, should also save time and resources for providers, making it easier for them to focus on frontline care.

“We are committed to ensuring New Zealanders can access the care they need when they need it. This change will support more consistent treatment across the country so people can access the same emergency medicines regardless of their location or emergency care provider.”

Consultation on the proposal opens on Thursday March 12 and closes at 5pm on Thursday April 2. If the proposal is finalised the changes will be implemented from Wednesday July 1, 2026. Have your say here: Consultation: Updating the pharmaceutical schedule for ambulance medicines

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/common-sense-proposal-will-benefit-patients-and-save-money/

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Growing the frontline workforce in Wairoa

Source: New Zealand Government

A Rural Training Hub to grow the frontline rural health workforce will be established in the Wairoa District, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey announced today.

“This second Rural Training Hub shows the Government’s commitment to fixing the basics and building the future for the one in five New Zealanders who live in rural communities. Kiwis should have access to timely, quality care, wherever they live,” Mr Doocey says.

“Rural Training Hubs are designed to deliver exactly that. They aim to attract and retain frontline health workers in rural communities by coordinating clinical placements, training pathways, and pastoral support. This will make it easier for doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals to live, work, and train locally.

“To bring healthcare closer to home, we also need to bring health worker education closer to home,” Mr Doocey says.

The Wairoa District Hub is the second of four hubs being rolled out nationally, following the first in South Taranaki. It will be co-designed with local communities, iwi, and health providers.

“One of the ways we can lift barriers to getting frontline workers settled in our rural communities is ensuring people feel connected to where they live. These coordinators will help people settle into life in Wairoa, whether that’s finding housing or helping find employment.”

Each hub will have a dedicated programme lead responsible for facilitating connections between local health services, universities, and training providers so students and staff can learn and work in the community.

The Hubs build on the work already underway to grow the rural health workforce. This includes the new medical school at the University of Waikato and the Rural Medical Immersion Programme, which places fifth-year medical students at local rural GP practices.

“These Hubs help ensure rural New Zealanders have access to timely, quality, and reliable care close to home.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/growing-the-frontline-workforce-in-wairoa/

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Ombudsman’s office publishes OIA and LGOIMA complaints information for July to December 2025

Source: Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman has published its half-yearly data on Official Information Act (OIA) and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) complaints.
The data covers the number of complaints received under each Act from 1 July to 31 December 2025 as well as the number of complaints completed by the Ombudsman during this period.
The number of complaints about the way government agencies handle OIA requests has continued to rise year on year. In the most recent six-month period, there was an increase of 173 complaints compared to the previous half year (1,198 complaints, up from 1,025 in the previous half year).
The top three types of OIA complaints related to refusals in full (322, up from 260), delays in making a decision (280, up from 210), and partial refusals (247, down from 258).
Of the total received, 953 were from individuals (up from 794), 121 from media (up from 113), 55 from companies, associations, incorporated societies or collectives (up from 54).
There were 322 complaints made under the LGOIMA, up from the previous six-monthly period when 251 complaints were received.
Of the 322 LGOIMA complaints received, 290 were from individuals (up from 209), 19 from the media (up from 14), and 12 from companies, associations, incorporated societies or collectives (down from 20).
The top four types of LGOIMA complaints were refusals in full (87, up from 66), refusals in part (87, up from 52), inadequate or incomplete responses (53, up from 47), and delays in making decisions (49, down from 53).
Complaints data (1 July – 31 December 2025)
Complaints received
Complaint type Individual Media Other Total received LGOIMA 290 19 13 322 OIA 953 121 124 1,198
LGOIMA or OIA complaints received may also be from: political party research units; trade unions; special interest groups, companies, associations, incorporated societies, Members of Parliament, etc. These are categorised as ‘Other’ in this table. See this half year data set for more detail.
Reasons for complaints
Complaint type Delay in decision Refusal in full Refusal in part Incomplete/ inadequate response Extension Other LGOIMA 49 87 87 53 15 31 OIA 280 322 247 102 71 176
The ‘Other’ category may include complaints about decisions to make information available subject to a charge; the manner or form in which information was released; alleged delay in releasing information; extensions of the time limit to making decisions on requests; refusal – statement of reasons; refusal – internal rules and guidelines; refusal – personal information about body corporate. See this half year data set for more detail.
Complaints completed
Complaint type Individual Media Other Total completed LGOIMA 333 28 29 390 OIA 1,253 151 156 1,560
About the data
The data released by the Ombudsman concerns both OIA and LGOIMA complaints received and completed from 1 July to 31 December 2025. It includes information on the number of complaints received by Minister or agency, the nature of the complaint and type of complainant (media, private individual, etc). For the complaints completed, the data also includes the outcome of the complaint.
The data does not enable a direct comparison between agencies, as complaints data on its own does not give the full picture. The number of complaints received by the Ombudsman may be a very small proportion of the total number of OIA or LGOIMA requests received by an agency.
Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission publishes its own data on OIA requests received by agencies and their response times on the same day as the Ombudsman publishes.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/ombudsmans-office-publishes-oia-and-lgoima-complaints-information-for-july-to-december-2025/

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Employment – Fire and Emergency and FECA reach agreement strengthening leadership and community outcomes

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand welcomes the successful ratification of the collective employment agreement with Fire and Emergency Commanders Association (FECA) covering operational firefighting management, District Commanders and Assistant District Commanders, and senior specialist positions.
The collective employment agreement was ratified by FECA members on 2 March 2026, following 14 days of negotiations and an Offer to Settle made on 23 February 2026.
Fire and Emergency Chief Executive Kerry Gregory said the agreement reflects a mature and constructive relationship between the two organisations.
‘This agreement is about strengthening leadership across Fire and Emergency so we can deliver the best possible outcomes for our communities,’ Kerry Gregory said.
‘Securing a new agreement is critical to our leadership capability, operational stability, and our ability to deliver on our strategic direction and organisational change objectives. Just as importantly, it ensures our frontline leaders are aligned, supported, and empowered to perform at their best.
‘It is an important milestone to have this contract settled, as it builds on the progress we made last September when we signed a Strategic Relationship Agreement with the UFBA, who represent more than 650 volunteer brigades across the country.’
FECA President Geoff Purcell said the agreement recognises the vital role Fire and Emergency’s operational leaders play across Aotearoa New Zealand.
‘Our members command, lead, manage and support paid and volunteer firefighters across the motu. This agreement acknowledges their professionalism, their national responsibilities, and their commitment to serving communities,’ Geoff Purcell said.
‘We’re particularly pleased to see the Strategic Relationship Panel formalised, providing a structured and collaborative forum where operational leaders can work closely with Fire and Emergency on issues that matter most.’
The agreement also confirms FECA’s support for Fire and Emergency’s key leadership and cultural change initiatives reinforcing constructive, sustainable relationships with volunteers.
Kerry Gregory said the settlement enables the organisation to focus squarely on its core mission.
‘We acknowledge and thank FECA for their constructive approach to reaching a settlement. With this agreement in place, we can concentrate on what matters most, strengthening how we protect people, the environment, and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.’

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/employment-fire-and-emergency-and-feca-reach-agreement-strengthening-leadership-and-community-outcomes/

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Property Market – NZ housing affordability improves to near decade-best levels – Cotality

Source: Cotality

Housing affordability across New Zealand has improved to its most favourable level in almost a decade, as lower property values, rising wages and easing mortgage rates continue to reduce pressure on buyers.

The latest Cotality NZ Housing Affordability Report for Q4 2025 shows the national value-to-income ratio fell to 7.2, the lowest level since a brief period in 2019 and before that 2016.
Although still slightly above the long-term average of 6.8, the figure represents a marked improvement from the stretched affordability conditions seen during the post-COVID housing boom.
Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said affordability has improved materially over the past three to four years as several market forces moved in the same direction.
“Lower property values, rising incomes and falling mortgage rates have all helped ease the pressure on buyers,” Mr Davidson said.
“Housing certainly isn’t cheap, but for those trying to buy their first home or upgrade, we’re currently seeing the best conditions in several years and a level of affordability that is much closer to the country’s historic norms.”
Mortgage costs return to more typical levels
Mortgage servicing costs have seen the most notable improvement with repayments accounting for 42% of gross median household income, in line with the long-term average.
Mr Davidson noted it’s been almost five years since mortgage servicing hit a peak of 56% recorded in early 2022 and again in late 2023.
“Servicing a relatively new mortgage is also back to around its normal levels and is much improved from the situation a few years ago,” he said.
“Mortgage affordability isn’t easy, but in the current lower interest rate environment it may not be the significant handbrake on medium-term house price growth that it was a few years ago.”
Deposit hurdle easing but still significant
Although saving a deposit has improved compared with recent years, it remains one of the largest barriers to the housing market for aspiring buyers.
The years required to save a 20% deposit has fallen to 9.6, down almost four years from a peak of 13.4 during the post-COVID housing surge.
Mr Davidson said while this figure remains above the long-term average of around nine years, the reduction highlights the positive impact of lower property values and stronger incomes.
“There’s no suggestion the market is affordable as it remains slightly more challenging than ‘normal’ however it has been on an improving trend in recent quarters and is certainly more favourable than the previous post-COVID boom period,” he said.
“Saving for a deposit is just one factor in measuring housing affordability and it currently takes four years less save a deposit than it might have done at the market’s peak. In addition, let’s not forget that a lot of first home buyers don’t actually need a 20% deposit anyway, with many taking advantage of the banks’ LVR allowances.”
Main centres show varying improvements
Affordability across the main centres showed a mixed picture in the December quarter, reflecting differences in how property values have adjusted since the market peak.
Tauranga remains the least affordable of the major centres, with a value-to-income ratio of 8.5 in Q4 2025. Although that figure has eased from its peak of 11.9 in 2021, affordability in the city remains stretched compared with most other main centres.
Auckland has seen one of the more notable improvements with the city’s value-to-income ratio at 7.5, slightly below its long-term average of 7.7, indicating housing costs are closer to typical levels than they have been in recent years.
Wellington is currently the most affordable of the main centres on this measure, with a ratio of 6.4, broadly in line with its long-term average.
Mr Davidson said the recent underperformance of property values in Auckland and Wellington had played an important role in restoring affordability in those markets.
“That adjustment has taken some of the heat out of markets that had previously become extremely stretched,” he said.
Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin have seen less improvement in affordability, as property values in those markets have remained more resilient and have shown modest growth in recent months.
Rental affordability still stretched
While affordability for buyers has improved, rental costs remain elevated. Rents currently absorb 27.9% of gross household income nationally, down slightly from a peak of 28.5%, but still above the long-term average of 25.8%.
Recent easing in rents in Auckland and Wellington has brought those markets closer to their long-term norms. However, Mr Davidson noted most other parts of the country continue to record relatively high rent-to-income ratios.
“Rental affordability remains stretched in a number of regions, and some tenants are likely to earn less than the median used in these measures,” he said.
“That means the real financial pressure for some households is likely to be greater than the headline figures suggest. When rents are already taking up a large share of income, there’s naturally less scope for further increases.”
Outlook cautious despite improving affordability
Improving affordability may reduce one of the key constraints on housing market activity this year, although other factors will continue to influence property values.
Mr Davidson said the outlook for the labour market, alongside lending restrictions such as the debt-to-income ratio rules, would continue to shape housing demand. Over the longer term, sustained improvements in affordability will require an increase to housing supply.
“Affordability may act less as a handbrake on property value growth than it has in recent years,” he said.
“But there are still limits on how far prices can rise in the near term. A lasting improvement in housing affordability ultimately requires more homes to be built, not just in absolute terms, but also relative to demand. The good news is that the Government is already pushing very hard on this lever.”

Note:

The Cotality NZ Housing Affordability Report measures housing affordability using the ratio of property values to household incomes, the share of income required to service a typical mortgage, the number of years needed to save a 20% deposit, and the proportion of income required to pay rent. The analysis draws on Cotality’s hedonic Home Value Index (HVI), income data from Infometrics, mortgage rates from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, and rental data from MBIE tenancy bond figures.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/property-market-nz-housing-affordability-improves-to-near-decade-best-levels-cotality/

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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.

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

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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

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