A comprehensive local study has found Taitokerau could lead the way in rural climate resilience by building on what is already working, aligning support across agencies and investing in practical, region-specific solutions.
The Climate Resilient Communities Project was initiated by Rural Support Trust Te Tai Tokerau (RSTTT) with a $40,000 grant from the Northland Regional Council Climate Resilient Communities Fund.
The project involved a region-wide survey of 200 respondents, two Māori wananga, 10 workshops, 61 follow up interviews and a sector leadership hui and resulted in a more than 50-page report “Understanding climate impacts and adaptation in rural communities”.
Regional councillor and farmer Geoff Crawford says it found that Northland’s rural communities are already living with the realities of a changing climate with more intense rain events, longer dry spells and shifting seasons testing the resilience of its land, infrastructure and people.
“The report shows extreme weather is already disrupting operations, but most farmers are adapting.” “Confidence is mixed and financial and regulatory pressures remain significant.”
Councillor Crawford says regulation and cost pressures are the most consistently raised barriers, limiting capacity for long term planning.
“Practical adaptation is widespread and largely self-driven, solar, feed planning, diversification, planting and water storage.”
He says wellbeing and community connection are critical resilience factors with high value placed on support from RSTTT, local networks and informal events.
“Peer learning is a major driver of change with farmers wanting to see working examples, hear real stories and learn locally.”
Looking ahead, the report’s authors recommend strengthening locally-led, practical efforts.
“Farmers and growers want hands-on, regionally relevant examples rather than generic advice.”
They also recommend prioritising water resilience.
“Drainage, storage, effluent systems and catchment protection emerged as the strongest shared needs across all data sources.”
The report suggests development of a Northland Water Resilience Programme to expand water storage support, strengthen catchment collaboration and target technical assistance to high-risk landscapes.
It also recommends supporting energy reliability and transition.
“Power outages present operational risks for all sectors, especially dairy and horticulture.”
In the future, it suggests providing independent solar and battery feasibility advice, and exploring cluster or community-scale renewable solutions for remote rural areas.
The study notes regulation and administration load are major barriers to planning for resilience and suggests creation of a Climate Resilience Helpdesk or digital hub offering plain language guidance on rules, templates for compliance tasks and clear links to NRC, RSTTT, Kaipara Moana Remediation and industry support.
It recommends recognising and investing in community wellbeing as core resilience infrastructure and expanding region-specific science and technical expertise.
“Farmers and growers want more applied research and specialist visits tailored to Northland’s climate, soils and crops.
It suggests the establishment of a Northland Resilience Science Hub with NRC, industry partners, NorthTec and researchers to run local trials and provide technical advice on soils, pasture resilience, crop diversification and biodiversity.
In summary, the report concludes by building on what is already working, aligning support across agencies and investing in practical, region-specific solutions “Taitokerau can lead the way in rural climate resilience.”
“This report provides a foundation for that next chapter – turning local insight into coordinated action that strengthens communities, supports whenua and prepares Northland’s rural sector for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”
The Government’sannouncement todayof 378 extra staff to help hospitals cope with winter demand is a drop in the ocean of what patients need, NZNO says.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter says every extra staff member is helpful.
“However, our hospitals are in crisis and barely keeping up with demand before the winter respiratory illnesses hit.
“The capacity for hospitals to meet patient need has been severely depleted after two years of Government cost-cutting and funding to an arbitrary budget.
“We constantly hear from our members that Te Whatu Ora regional health directors are deliberately delaying recruitment and still not giving local managers approval to fill vacancies,” Paul Goulter says.
“These additional staff are a drop in the ocean of what patients need. The 378 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff include medical, nursing, health care assistants, allied health, support and non-clinical roles, but it is unclear how many of those are nurses.
“These additional nurses aren’t going to go far considering anInfometrics report released last yearfound our hospitals were short on average 587 nurses every shift,” he says.
“The same report (page 22) found that nursing staff shortages arethree times as bad in winter. It found between 2022-2024 nursing staffing were about 50,000 FTE hours short in April compared to 150,000 FTE hours short in July.
Paul Goulter says additional short stay beds in the hospitals and for aged residential care are desperately needed.
“NZNO acknowledges the acute need at Middlemore, Waikato, Wellington and Christchurch hospitals. But unfortunately, other hospitals are at capacity even before the winter illness peak,” he says.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong hosted New Zealand Minister of Defence Hon Judith Collins KC MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters MP on 17 March in Canberra for the third Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2). Ministers also met separately for a Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Australian Ministers expressed gratitude for the sympathy shown by the people of New Zealand for the families and friends of the 15 people who tragically lost their lives in the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach and affirmed their commitment to stamping out antisemitism in all of its forms.
Ministers recognised that the trans-Tasman relationship is more important than ever given the fundamental shifts in the global geostrategic environment and the risks posed to our shared national interests. They reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand were fundamentally aligned and rising to the challenge of permanent strategic contest through closer cooperation and major strategic investments by both countries to strengthen the fabric of peace in our region.
Ministers discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and Iran’s long record as a destabilising force and a threat to international peace and security, including through its nuclear program, support for proxy groups, and brutal acts of violence against its own people and beyond its borders. Ministers condemned Iran’s reckless and indiscriminate attacks on countries in the region. Ministers urged the protection of civilian life, resumption of dialogue and diplomacy and adherence to international law.
Our Alliance
Ministers reaffirmed that our Alliance is the foundation of our foreign policy and defence partnership, and is built on trust, shared values and collective security. Our Alliance has a critical role in safeguarding both nations’ security, supporting stability in the Pacific, and advancing a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty is respected. Ministers highlighted the centrality of ANZMIN in setting the Alliance’s direction, and our shared commitment to using the full suite of statecraft tools to respond to intensifying global competition and a deteriorating strategic environment, both individually and together. Ministers welcomed the 75th Anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, which underpins our formal commitments for the Australia-New Zealand Alliance.
Ministers welcomed the “Anzac 2035: Operationalising the Alliance” Joint Statement, issued today by Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Collins KC, which sets out the Defence Ministers’ vision for our defence Alliance over the next ten years. It focuses on enhancing interoperability, including through collaborating on defence industry, preparedness and resilience, combined operations and exercises, and force posture, so we are increasingly ready to combine as an integrated Anzac force to deter, counter and respond to shared threats.
Partnering in the Pacific
Ministers recognised the peace, stability and prosperity of all countries and territories in the Pacific are interconnected. They reaffirmed their commitment to working in partnership with fellow Pacific countries and to supporting Pacific‑led regional architecture, with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) at the heart of Pacific regionalism. Ministers committed to support Palau’s hosting of the PIF Leaders’ Meeting in 2026 and welcomed New Zealand’s hosting in 2027.
As fellow founding members of the PIF, Ministers recognised Australia and New Zealand’s roles in contributing to a stronger Pacific family, upholding common values and norms. They underscored the importance of supporting the PIF Chair and the principle of engaging on issues through talanoa. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Pacific’s priorities set out in Pacific Leaders’ 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and its Implementation Plan, as well as to the Blue Pacific being an Ocean of Peace. They called on the international community to engage in the Pacific in ways that respect and strengthen regional norms and institutions, and respond to Pacific-led approaches to peace and security.
Ministers highlighted the Revitalised Pacific Leaders’ Gender Equality Declaration to accelerate gender equality and social inclusion in the Pacific and noted the growing challenge of maintaining hard‑won gains and sustaining momentum, including in addressing gender-based violence. Ministers agreed that continued, appropriately supported and well‑coordinated efforts on gender equality, social inclusion and human rights will help achieve the vision for a resilient, peaceful, prosperous and stable Pacific Region.
Ministers emphasised that climate change remains the single greatest threat to Pacific countries. COP31 presents an opportunity to deliver genuine progress towards keeping warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. This comes at a critical time in this decisive decade for climate action. Ministers noted Australia and New Zealand would continue supporting Pacific priorities and amplifying Pacific voices globally, including to enhance access to climate finance, and elevate the ocean-climate nexus. They reaffirmed the Pacific Pre-COP and Special Leaders’ event to be held in Fiji and Tuvalu in October 2026 as cornerstone opportunities to support these priorities. Ministers reiterated support for the Pacific Resilience Facility as a Pacific-led solution with global benefit as a model, to which Australia and New Zealand had pledged significant contributions, and encouraged further pledges at the special climate finance session for small island developing states at COP31.
Ministers acknowledged the impact of transnational organised crime on Australia, New Zealand and throughout our Pacific neighbourhood, and agreed that combatting transnational organised crime, including drug trafficking to and through the Pacific, is a shared challenge and an urgent priority. Ministers committed to using defence and foreign affairs resources, where appropriate, to support efforts to combat transnational organised crime. Ministers acknowledged the call from PIF Leaders for a coordinated regional response to transnational organised crime and agreed to work with Pacific partners to develop collective approaches, including for consideration at the Transnational Crime Summit to be held in Fiji in May 2026.
Ministers acknowledged the value of our close coordination to maintain shared awareness of our maritime areas of interest and counter the risks posed both by concerning military vessel activity and the shipment of illicit drugs by sea.
Ministersreaffirmed their enduring commitment to cooperating closely to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the Pacific and to support Pacific-led responses in that regard. They commended the rapid establishment of the Pacific Response Group (PRG) through the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM), as a regional asset to strengthen Pacific‑led responses to Pacific humanitarian and disaster response events and welcomed New Zealand’s forthcoming leadership as the host of the PRG headquartersafter Australia.Ministers welcomed SPDMM’s direction to explore expanding the mandate of the PRG to cover wider Pacific security threats. They noted regional efforts to enhance Pacific-led responses to regional security challenges including through the scoping of a SPDMM Status of Forces Agreement, the Regional Operations Deployment Framework being scoped by the Joint Heads of Pacific Security and efforts to better coordinate regional defence and security architecture.
Ministers welcomed the Political Declaration between New Zealand and Niue of 2025 and acknowledged New Zealand’s special constitutional relationships with the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, which are part of the Realm of New Zealand. They recognised New Zealand’s responsibility for the defence and security of the Realm and the benefits that these relationships bring to New Zealand and to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.
Ministers welcomed the signing of the historic Pukpuk Treaty between Papua New Guinea and Australia and the new Alliance in the region. They welcomed negotiations to finalise the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu and to elevate the Australia–Fiji Vuvale Partnership and the intention to establish the Kaume‘a ‘Ofi Partnership Agreement with Tonga.
These partnerships reflect a firm commitment to ensuring that the Pacific is in the driving seat to shape its futureand that we are supporting each other in shared interests and challenges.
Collaborating to address global challenges
Ministers reaffirmed their enduring commitment to multilateralism and international law and to supporting UN and regional institutions. Challenges to the rules-based multilateral system called for strong partnerships in our region and beyond. Ministers agreed on the need for bold and effective reforms to achieve a UN system capable of better delivering on its core mandates. Ministers welcomed the adoption of a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, setting out practical actions for stronger accountability, safer access, and better protection for aid workers everywhere. They affirmed the need for deeper bilateral engagement and with regional partners to support the full implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including promoting women’s full, equal, safe and meaningful participation and leadership across all levels of conflict prevention, and regional peace and security. Ministers announced their support for Australia’s and New Zealand’s respective United Nations Security Council candidacies in 2029-2030 and 2039-2040.
Ministers discussed economic security and the importance of maintaining open and connected supply chains to facilitate the flow of fuels and goods. Respect for the commitments we and our trading partners have made underpins our prosperity and resilience, and that of our region. Both countries remain committed to working together and with other trade partners to ensure that trade continues to flow unimpeded.
Ministers committed to uphold and promote the Antarctic Treaty System rules and norms that keep this part of our region peaceful and free from conflict, cooperative and protected, and dedicated to scientific research. They agreed officials would strengthen cooperation through an annual strategic dialogue.
Ministers reaffirmed their support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture, and highlighted ASEAN’s central role in shaping a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. As Comprehensive Strategic Partners of ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand reiterated their commitment to building upon longstanding ties with our region by deepening economic engagement. Ministers welcomed progress implementingInvested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040and New Zealand’sincreased focus on Southeast Asia as part of its Foreign Policy Reset. Ministers committed to continue working together on shared priorities under regional free trade agreements.
Ministers emphasised the need for strategic competition to be managed responsibly and welcomed continued dialogue between the United States and China. They acknowledged our collective agency and shared responsibility for the stability of our region. They reaffirmed the need to promote open channels of communication, transparency and practical measures to reduce the risks of misunderstanding, miscalculation, escalation and conflict.
Ministers reiterated concerns about the intensification of destabilising activities and instances of unsafe and unprofessional behaviour by China in the South China Sea. They reiterated all countries must adhere to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. They recalled the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and binding on the parties. Ministers affirmed their shared commitment to promoting regional stability and security and to working with partners to build capability and strengthen interoperability, including through Multilateral Maritime Cooperation Activities. They also reiterated their concern about the situation in the East China Sea and unsafe and unprofessional conduct in the sea and air.
Ministers reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposing any unilateral action to change the status quo and encouraging dialogue rather than resorting to coercion or the use of force. They also reiterated their will to continue deepening relations with Taiwan in the economic, trade, and cultural fields as well as enhancing development coordination in the Pacific.
Ministers reiterated their grave concerns about human rights violations in Xinjiang. They expressed deep concerns about the erosion of religious, cultural, educational and linguistic rights and freedoms in Tibet. They shared deep concern over the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, including the actions of Hong Kong authorities in targeting pro-democracy activists both within Hong Kong and overseas.
Ministers reiterated continued investment in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). The FPDA remained an indispensable anchor for regional security as the only multilateral security arrangement of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Ministers reaffirmed the importance of our relationships with global security partners, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), including through cooperation as Indo-Pacific partners of NATO. Ministers agreed that the Five Eyes partnership remained vital to our shared security architecture.
Ministers unequivocally condemned Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. They condemned the ongoing deployment of troops and transfer of military material from the DPRK to Russia, which supports the continued conflict. As active participants of the Coalition of the Willing discussions, Ministers welcomed the efforts of the United States of America, European countries and others aimed at ending the war, in line with international law. Ministers again urge Russia to end its war of aggression and engage in good faith with Ukraine on a ceasefire and peace deal. Ministers called on all those with influence on Russia, particularly China, to exert it now to end the war.
Ministers urged all parties to uphold the terms of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflictand agreed Australia and New Zealand, together with our partners, would continue to do what we can to contribute to a just and enduring two-state solution. Ministers expressed deep concern over Israel’s actions that undermine the path to peace, including the expansion of settlements and control over the West Bank, increasing settler violence against Palestinians, and restrictions on INGOs that impede their humanitarian operations.
Ministers strongly condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and its malicious cyber activities used to evade sanctions and fund these programs, and urged compliance with UNSC resolutions.
Ministers reiterated their grave concerns about the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and the military regime’s airstrikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Ministers noted that recent elections did not meet the conditions of a free, fair and inclusive process. Ministers reiterated their calls for a cessation of violence, the release of those unjustly detained, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and inclusive dialogue. Ministers confirmed their countries stand ready to support genuine efforts to alleviate humanitarian suffering, improve economic and social conditions and advance a sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Ministers reaffirmed their full support for ASEAN’s central role in resolving the crisis and called again for the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.
New Zealand looks forward to hosting the next ANZMIN 2+2 in 2027.
The Government has ringfenced $50 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for the development of geothermal projects, Regional Development and Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
“Early-stage geothermal exploration involves high upfront costs. Targeted government investment will help de-risk exploration and get more projects off the ground,” Mr Jones says.
“Given the scale of opportunity, it makes sense to ringfence $50m to help de-risk and ensure geothermal projects are well-positioned to lift productivity and strengthen regional resilience,” Mr Jones says.
In New Zealand, geothermal energy accounts for about 20 percent of our electricity supply. Geothermal heat can also have direct industrial and commercial uses such as in timber or milk drying, heating glasshouses for horticulture, or water for prawn farms. It’s also used to heat buildings and water in hospitals, homes and tourist spas.
Three projects have so far been successful in seeking funding, totalling $23m, from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF).
“Through this ringfenced funding, two $10m loans have been granted to two projects – the Taumanu and Kopura geothermal projects near Rotomā and Kawerau,” Mr Jones says.
The projects involve early work needed to potentially unlock two new geothermal power stations for electricity generation. It includes underground surveys and the exploration well-drilling and testing necessary to confirm the geothermal resource.
The funding for the Taumanu and Kopura Projects will be delivered through joint ventures between renewable energy company Eastland Generation and local Māori land trusts.
“These are early-stage projects that, if successful, have the potential to develop additional renewable, reliable, low-emissions, home‑grown energy, while helping boost Māori economic development, jobs, and long‑term regional growth and resilience,” Mr Jones says.
Around 140 jobs are expected during construction, with up to 20 permanent roles once the power stations are operating and opportunities for local suppliers.
A third project, in the Bay of Plenty, has received a $3m grant. The Whakatāne Geothermal Temperature Gradient Well Programme is a project run by the University of Auckland through the Geothermal Institute. It plans to drill three exploratory wells in Whakatāne to provide data that will reduce geological uncertainty and enable future development of renewable heat supply for industrial and community users in the eastern Bay of Plenty.
Relevant projects which meet the criteria and have already applied to the RIF will be considered for the ring-fenced funding. Applications for new projects will also be accepted for consideration.
Successful projects will be announced when they have been evaluated and ministers have made decisions.
Today’s funding announcements follow on from the $60m ringfenced for supercritical geothermal announced in November 2024.
The Government has unveiled its strategy to harness the tremendous power of its geothermal resources and double its energy use by 2040, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
From the Ground Up was launched by Mr Jones in Rotorua today, at an event attended by industry, stakeholders and media. The document sets out a practical plan to boost investment in the sector, build regional resilience and economic growth.
“Geothermal has been used for generations to power our regions and industries. This strategy provides momentum by clearing barriers, speeding up development, giving investors confidence and giving developers a green light to get on with it,” Mr Jones says.
The strategy lays out actions to modernise outdated regulatory settings, improve access to geothermal data, reduce early-stage risk for developers and support the growth of both traditional geothermal power and lower‑temperature geoheat applications.
“The strategy also lays a pathway for New Zealand to lead the world in next-generation geothermal technologies, including supercritical/superhot geothermal projects.” Mr Jones says.
“From Ngāwhā, Kawerau, Taupō and beyond, geothermal is already powering industry, tourism and local jobs while contributing around 18 percent of the electricity to the national grid.
“With the right settings, geothermal can do even more through attracting investment, enabling new technologies and giving Māori landowners and regional businesses real opportunities to create value from the resources beneath their feet.” Mr Jones says
Following consultation on a draft, the strategy has been strengthened to better reflect the cultural and economic importance of geothermal resources to tāngata whenua and commits to ongoing partnerships in development, protection and economic participation.
“Geothermal has always been a taonga for Māori. This strategy respects that history while opening the door to shared prosperity and long-term regional benefits.
“This strategy is about action through unlocking investment, supporting innovation, and building a stronger, more resilient energy system. We’re backing geothermal to help power New Zealand’s next chapter of growth.”
Rising food prices are hitting New Zealanders in the pocket and driving them to hunger says MP Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
“While the supermarkets have been making $1 million a day in excess profits, food prices have surged 4.5% over the last year. Fruit and vegetables, a core staple, are up a massive 9.4%.”
“The stark contrast is appalling, and these ridiculous prices are not sustainable for New Zealanders who are being strong-armed by a duopoly.”
“Woolworths NZ made $100 million in profit over the past six months while one in three households are experiencing food insecurity, yet the Government is doing nothing to address rising food prices.”
“Can we really trust that the supermarkets won’t exploit the emerging fuel crisis to needlessly increase their prices? Supermarkets must be held accountable.”
“This only has the potential to get worse, unless the Government actually steps up to take on the supermarket duopoly.”
“Consumers have been waiting for structural change for years, yet no government has been willing to take on the duopoly and stop them from price gouging ordinary New Zealanders.”
“While large corporations are generating record profits, thousands of families are forced to make impossible choices about what they can spend their income on.”
“Banning price gouging, taxing excess profits, or breaking up the duopoly are all simple and effective ways to make sure massive corporations stop exploiting New Zealanders, ensuring all of us can afford to have food on the table, a safe place to call home, and live a good life.”
“We can end corporate exploitation of ordinary New Zealanders so that everyone can make ends meet,” says Ricardo.
His name is Khabane Lame, but he is known worldwide as Khaby Lame. Born in Dakar, Senegal, he is the most followed content creator on TikTok.
He became famous for video clips in which he reacts to absurd “life hack” videos with a blank, slightly annoyed face, showing the hack wasn’t needed.
At the time of writing he has over 160 million followers: a world record achieved without uttering a single word. In January he sold his brand rights for nearly US$1 billion.
Khaby Lame attending the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating.
As Project Hail Mary‘s amnesiac hero problem-solves his way around the spaceship he’s woken up on alone, he asks: “Am I smart?”
It’s a bold question to put in the air at the start of a film that fuses a silly, human-alien buddy comedy and a deeply earnest tale about how science and cooperation may yet save humanity.
And while the answer is that this sci-fi spectacular is perhaps a smidgen goofier than it is clever, it’s also charming, looks stellar, and is non-stop ride fuelled by a message of hope and powered by a star.
This video is hosted on Youtube.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
A deeply unglamorous and rarely seen creature that spends most of its life in mud has pulled off a last-minute upset by winning the title of Fish of the Year.
The Northland mudfish was not even in the top ten at the competition’s halfway point, but surged ahead in the final 24 hours – bumping the longfin eel, or tuna kūwharuwharu, out of the top spot.
Just under 6000 people around the country voted in the contest, which is organised annually by Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust.
Trust founder Samara Nicholas said the humble, secretive Northland mudfish – which was found only in a few wetlands around Kaikohe and Lake Ōmāpere – benefited from strong campaigns by the regional council and a local radio station.
“Even the Northland Rugby Union claimed they may actually change the Northland Taniwha name to the Northland Mudfish,” she said.
“I think people just got really fascinated by the fact that it’s so rare, it’s highly threatened. Not a lot is known about it. And it’s just was just so quirky that it seemed to capture the imagination of people.”
The secretive, wetland-dwelling Northland mudfish has been named Fish of the Year 2026.Supplied / Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust
Until the late surge by the mudfish, the longfin eel, the seahorse and the whale shark – the world’s biggest fish – appeared to be top contenders.
“It was just the buzz and the sheer amount of people getting behind the mudfish. And that’s what we want to do. We want this competition to create friendly competition between different organisations campaigning for their fish. The campaign went crazy in those last 24 hours, and the mudfish completely took it out.”
New Zealanders’ love of the underdog was also a likely factor.
Nicholas said the purpose of the competition was to shine a spotlight on creatures that were usually “out of sight, out of mind” – as was the case with many of New Zealand’s native fish.
With a maximum length of 15cm, the Northland mudfish was the smallest winner to date. It was also the first freshwater fish to take out the title, and so obscure it was only discovered in 1998.
Map showing the distribution of Northland mudfish.Supplied / Earth Sciences NZ
Its unique talents included the ability to survive droughts by burying itself in mud and breathing through its skin, Nicholas said.
That skill helped mudfish survive when a fire ripped through 15ha of conservation land next to Kerikeri airport in 2010.
However, the main threat to the survival of the Northland mudfish – and the four other species of mudfish around the motu – was the destruction of wetlands.
“We’ve drained around 90 percent of our wetlands in the last 150 years, and that has had a disastrous impact on our native galaxiids, including mudfish,” Nicholas said.
“We urgently need to protect and restore wetlands and riparian areas across the country to give freshwater fish, like the Northland mudfish, a fighting chance.”
It was the fifth time Mountains to Sea had run the Fish of the Year competition.
Parents will soon benefit from clearer, more useful information on how their child’s school is performing through an overhaul to ERO’s school reports, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
“Parents, teachers and school boards want to celebrate the successes of their local schools and need to clearly understand any areas for improvement. To date, reports on school performance through ERO have not sufficiently focussed on the details most relevant to parents and have been dense and complicated to read and understand.
“As Minister, I’ve heard this from parents and know that too often, key challenges facing our schools, or the successes they’re achieving haven’t been evidenced through ERO’s reporting. I am pleased to be releasing a new, simplified report that is focussed on student achievement, progress and engagement and co-designed with parents to ensure fit-for-purpose reports help families to feel informed and support schools to respond.
“From Term 2, parents can expect more detail on almost twice as many topics. Reports will have clear measurements and strong, visual, easy-to-understand overviews of performance and the value that schools are adding for students.
“The new reports will recognise successes as well and provide a roadmap for improvement. They focus on the key changes that will make the most difference for students.
“ERO has engaged with schools across the country and hosted parent focus groups to gather valuable feedback, and this is apparent in the new parent focus throughout the reports.”
Ms Stanford says the new ERO reports will join the Government’s wider initiatives to lift student achievement and do the basics brilliantly including the introduction of twice yearly assessments in reading, writing and maths for Year 3–8 students, the introduction of the Phonics Check, the Year 2 maths check, and updated student reports.
“The Government’s education reforms have put educational achievement back at the centre of our education system.
“The results for children are beginning to show, and we’re ensuring parents can see exactly where their child is excelling and needing help, so that they can go with them on that journey and help them achieve their potential.
“The Government is committed to ensuring parents have detailed information to be involved in their child’s education, including through updated assessments, clear curriculum outlines, and better reporting.”
The Aged Care Association says today’s announcement of additional funding to increase hospital capacity highlights the essential role aged residential care providers play in supporting New Zealand’s health system.
The Government has announced a$25 million winter packageaimed at boosting hospital capacity, including additional staffing, beds, and the use ofup to 567 short-term residential care placementsto help patients leave hospital sooner and recover before returning home.
Chief Executive Tracey Martin said aged residential care providers stand ready to support the initiative, but success will depend on how the programme is implemented.
“Every day aged residential care providers help relieve pressure on hospitals by caring for older New Zealanders who no longer require acute hospital treatment but cannot safely return home,” Martin said.
“The reality is that aged residential care has become an essential extension of the hospital system. Without it, hospital beds would quickly become blocked and emergency departments would struggle to move patients through the system.”
Martin said the sector welcomes recognition that residential care can play an important role in supporting hospital capacity but noted that facilities across the country are already operating atvery high occupancy levels.
“That means any additional short-term placements will need to be carefully managed to ensure facilities can safely accommodate these residents without compromising care for those already living in our homes.”
She said transitional or step-down care from hospital can be very effective, but it often involves residents who still havesignificant health needs and clinical complexity.
“These individuals are often leaving hospital with ongoing care requirements and need additional support while they recover before returning home.”
“For this initiative to work well, the funding arrangements must properly cover the additional costs associated with short-term care, including staffing, clinical oversight, and the additional coordination required.”
Martin also said facilities must be able to access thealigned health services residents will need during recoverywithout those costs falling back on providers.
“Residents in these short-term placements will often still require access to services such as physiotherapy, nursing support, medication management and other community health services,” she said.
“It is important that residential care providers are not expected to absorb the cost of services that sit within the wider health system.”
Martin said the announcement also highlighted how critical the aged care sector has become to the functioning of the broader health system.
“Our members already care for thousands of older New Zealanders with increasingly complex health needs every day,” she said.
“If the aged residential care sector was not here, the question would have to be asked – where would these people go? The hospital system simply would not have the capacity to absorb that demand.”
“With the right funding and coordination, residential care can provide a safe step-down environment that helps people recover while freeing up hospital beds for those who need acute care.”
The Government’s announcement of extra staff and beds for winter cannot be taken seriously from a Minister whose policies have driven Health NZ into a staffing crisis, the PSA says.
“This is a drop in the bucket. Hospitals are already carrying significant vacancies and recruitment is too slow to fill them,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Minister Brown cannot claim to be preparing hospitals for winter while his Government has spent the past two years imposing cuts and job losses right across Health NZ. You cannot gut the workforce and then paper over the damage with a press release.
“New Zealand’s hospitals were already under severe pressure, with 600 nurses short per shift, before this Government began its cuts programme.
“Remember the Government spent $58 million getting rid of 2800 health workers over the past two years, critical workers across the public health system keeping vital services like IT operating.
“Today’s announcement is more a band aid on a weeping sore the Government created.
“The Government has set up our health system to fail. In December it ordered Health NZ to find another $510 million in savings, cuts that will fall on the very services and workforce expected to carry New Zealanders through the winter flu season.
“New Zealanders deserve honest leadership on health, not announcements designed to distract from a record of relentless underfunding. Our members are working harder than ever to keep the system going despite the Government’s short-sighted decisions. They deserve better than spin.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahiis Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) is calling for a review of the employment disputes resolution system and especially the conduct and regulation of employment advocates, following a survey of more than 300 of its members.
Employers pointed to an escalating number of disputes, rising costs, longer case durations, and increasingly adversarial behaviour by employment advocates as growing issues within the system.
EMA Head of Advocacy and Strategy Alan McDonald says the findings show a system “under increasing strain”.
“Employers are telling us the process has become overly complex and burdensome,” he says.
“Disputes are taking longer to resolve and costing far more than they used to. Even when businesses do everything right, many feel pressured to settle early because the cost of defending a claim can be higher than the actual claim.”
Respondents highlighted the growing influence of unregulated advocates, particularly those operating on ‘no-win, no-fee’ models, citing aggressive or unprofessional behaviour, process delays, inflated settlement demands, high fees for low-quality work, and advice that fuels unnecessary escalation.
“We heard employers describe some advocates as ‘cowboys’ or ‘ambulance chasers’ – strong language that reflects genuine frustration,” says McDonald.
“The common theme is a lack of professional standards. Anyone can call themselves an employment advocate, charge whatever they like, and face no consequences for unethical behaviour.”
Employers also reported that advocates’ fees increasingly become the driving factor in settlement negotiations, with some representatives pushing for their own costs to be covered before meaningfully representing the employee’s interests.
The emergence of AI-generated correspondence – described by some employers as lengthy, inaccurate, or contextually misleading – is also contributing to delays and rising expectations.
The survey drew more than 150 responses in the first few hours and 316 responses overall, indicating strong concern among employers about how the system is operating in practice.
“The speed and volume of the responses show we really hit a raw nerve for employers,” says McDonald.
The EMA is sharing the findings with MBIE, and joining a number of organisations urging the government to review the disputes mediation process and introduce appropriate regulation of employment advocates.
“We want to see accountability for advocates. Employees deserve competent, ethical support, and employers deserve a fair, efficient system they can have confidence in. This shouldn’t be the Wild West,” says McDonald.
The EMA is calling for clear standards that would help protect both employees and employers, reduce unnecessary escalation, and restore trust in a system that many believe is no longer working as intended.
“This survey shows the pressure points clearly. If we don’t act now, the costs, delays and adversarial behaviour will only get worse,” says McDonald. “Regulation of employment advocates is the logical place to start.”
Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington posts major rise in international student enrolments and strong growth in arts, politics, and teaching, as well as higher numbers of Māori and Pasifika students.
Victoria University has recorded a substantial 50 percent increase in international students enrolled to start, signalling strong global interest in studying in the capital.
The latest numbers, released today, show a surge of young, ambitious learners choosing Wellington as the place they want to study, grow, and build their futures.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith said the data underscores Vic Uni’s global reputation and distinctive Wellington identity: “The latest figures demonstrate our desirability among international learners. The diversity of countries represented in our enrolments shows our widespread appeal right now—and reinforces Wellington’s reputation as a vibrant, globally connected capital,” he said.
“Alongside the rise in international students, the University is also seeing strong growth in arts, politics, the environment, and teaching—an encouraging sign of renewed student engagement with culture, society, and civic leadership. Our campuses are positively humming with students.”
The data shows rising enrolments of Māori and Pasifika students (up 5 percent and 8 percent respectively)—reinforcing Victoria University’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community.
The upward trajectory of enrolments challenges recent rhetoric about Wellington and shows young people continue to value the city’s creativity, opportunities, and sense of belonging.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) Dr Logan Bannister said the results reflect both the hard work of staff and the attractiveness of Wellington as a destination: “Our team has put in a huge effort to grow international enrolments, and it’s paying off. We’re seeing students from all over the world choosing Victoria University of Wellington because they want to experience everything Wellington has to offer. It’s an exciting moment for our campus community.”
Halls of residence trends show strong demand for independent-living options, driven largely by the growth in international learners.
Chief Operating Officer Tina Wakefield said the University’s residential options continue to evolve alongside student needs: “Living in a hall of residence provides an incredible start to university life. Your hall becomes your home—and with it comes a family. It’s where life-long friendships and memories are made. To meet growing demand, especially for independent-living options, we’ve opened a new hall every year for the past three years, adding almost 450 beds for our students.”
Highlights from the 2026 data census (as at 9 March 2026)
· Commencing full-fee enrolments are up 50 percent on 2025, with 973 international students scheduled to start, up from 650. Our students come from 114 countries around the world, with the United States being the most common country of origin this year. China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam complete the top five.
· Our total number of students has already reached 18,759, representing three years of consistent growth. In fact, our student population now corresponds to almost ten percent of the capital city’s population.
· Independent living in our halls of residence is up 7 percent, with 56 additional beds filled for a total of 857 beds. Halls of residence had a total headcount of 2,582, a slight drop of 1 percent on 2025, which notably was likely a result of Wellington school-leavers choosing to stay at home to save on living costs.
· Students starting a Major in Politics accounted for a 30 percent rise on 2025 numbers (169 enrolled students up from 130) and the new Bachelor of Politics has launched to meet strong demand, with 79 people already enrolled in the first year. The BPol is currently the only one in New Zealand.
· Māori student enrolments are up 5 percent for a total of 2,263 students, and there an extra 99 Pasifika students enrolled, for a total of 1,410 (an 8 percent increase).
· Graduate Diplomas in Teaching (Primary and Secondary) are both up, gaining percentage increases of 21 percent and 15 percent respectively.
· New enrolments in the Bachelor of Midwifery are up significantly, with 108 new students (up 27 percent)—a standout growth area this year.
· Enrolments at the Faculty of Law are up 12 percent in commencing students, for a total of 562, following its latest accolade as the number one place to study law in New Zealand according to the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) 2026 Rankings by subject.
· Bachelor of Environment and Society continues its strong trajectory in its second year, with enrolments up by 214 percent (66 compared to 21 last year).
· Bachelor of Music enrolments are up 17 percent, including strong growth in Popular Music (97 percent).
Young workers wearing Christopher Luxon masks will line State Highway 1 in Kilbirnie, Wellington on Wednesday morning to protest the Prime Minister dragging his feet on modern slavery legislation, despite saying in 2022 that it is something he would march in the streets for.
The protest is being held by PSA Youth, the youth network of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Modern slavery is a massive issue not just overseas but on our shores,” said PSA Youth Network Organiser Susannah Rendall. “Thousands of New Zealanders, including many young people, are currently facing severe exploitation.”
“We are falling behind the rest of the world in fighting modern slavery. We need to see an enforceable national framework to prevent modern slavery, make businesses more accountable for how they address modern slavery, and improve the system for identifying, protecting, and supporting victims.”
The masks are to call out Luxon specifically, who told RNZ in 2022 that that modern slavery was something for which he would “march on the streets” adding, “that’s something I think we could do a better job of and have modern slavery legislation.”
“Not only has Luxon failed to live up to his word and march on the streets for this issue,” said Rendall, “He has also failed to make modern slavery legislation a priority for his government. He has relied on a members’ bill instead of a government bill, and that members’ bill is languishing at number 10 on the order paper, which means it’s unlikely to be considered before the election.”
“We’re calling his bluff. He needs to stand by his word, bring it to the top of the agenda and make it a government bill.”
What: Protesting inaction on Modern Slavery Bill
When: 9:15am, Wednesday 18 March
Where: Kilbirnie, Wellington – marching from the Brentwood Hotel (16 Kemp Street) to the Zephyrometer (corner of Evans Bay Parade and State Highway 1), then spreading out on the side of State Highway 1.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahiis Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
The Education Review Office (ERO) is overhauling their school review reports to better enable parents and whānau to understand school performance and engage in their child’s learning.
ERO Chief Review Officer Ruth Shinoda said the new reports will lift standards of education by providing parents with clear, useful and accessible information about schools in the areas that matter most to their child’s education.
“We wanted to make sure that parents and whānau can easily understand our reports, so they are empowered to ask good questions, make good choices, and get involved in their child’s education,” says Ms Shinoda.
“We talked to parents all over the country, and they told us that our reports needed to change – that they need better, clearer information about school quality. We heard them and have overhauled our school reports, making them much easier to understand. Crucially, they are more sharply focused on the things that make the biggest difference to learner success and wellbeing – including attendance, progress, achievement and assessment.”
The new reports also have an increased focus on progress – celebrating where schools are doing well in lifting student outcomes.
“Parents and whānau will be able to clearly see what’s working well in a school, and what needs attention – and they will be able to see the clear pathway for schools to follow to lift student outcomes. Equally, the reports are a critical document for school leaders – so they know what to focus on to lift student success,” says Ms Shinoda.
Alongside an easy-to-understand picture of how well the school is doing for parents, the new reports provide a clear roadmap for improvement focusing on the key things that will make the most difference for students. This will enable schools to make changes and get the support they need in a transparent way. The reports will also celebrate progress schools have made.
“Every day, our specialist reviewers are in schools across the country, evaluating school performance and providing guidance on improving schooling practices – focusing on what makes a school great for students,” says Ms Shinoda.
“Ultimately these changes will drive improvement for education for every learner in New Zealand. They will enable parents and whānau to engage more effectively in their child’s education and be informed on how well their school is doing. They will also support schools with clear actions for every school, so that school leaders can pay attention to shifting what matters most.”
ERO reviewers will begin using the new report format for all schools – primary, intermediate and secondary – in Term 2 this year.
Notes
ERO is the New Zealand government’s external evaluation agency for the education system. ERO carries out independent, in-depth reviews of different aspects of New Zealand’s schools, early learning services, and Kaupapa Māori education settings.
ERO reports on schools approximately every three to four years. In 2024/25, ERO reported on 745 schools and kura (30% of all schools and kura).
The new report has three parts: a full report, with judgements on 14 domains (or 16, if the school has bilingual Māori provision) and recommended next steps so schools know exactly what to work on; a summary overview, providing parents and whānau with an “at a glance” understanding of school’s performance; and a visual snapshot of the school’s quality across domains.
ERO’s reports are written following a formal ERO review, which includes visits to the school. Reports are published on ERO’s website for parents, whānau and the community to access. The new reports have been developed through extensive feedback from school leaders, parents and whānau, helping shape the final format.
Pharmac is reviewing its Exceptional Circumstances Framework (the Framework) after people told us it is hard to understand and needs to work better.
The Framework is used when a person’s clinical situation is unusual or complex and existing funded medicines or standard funding rules are not suitable. In these cases, Pharmac can consider funding a medicine for an individual through pathways such as the Named Patient Pharmaceutical Assessment (NPPA) or Special Authority waivers.
“Most medicines are funded for groups of people, but sometimes someone’s medical situation doesn’t fit the standard pathway,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin. “This framework exists to make sure people with exceptional clinical needs can still be considered for access to funded treatment options.”
Pharmac says it has heard from patients, their families, clinicians, and others that the current process can be difficult to understand and navigate. Feedback has highlighted confusion about when it applies, what counts as ‘exceptional’, how decisions are made, and how outcomes are communicated.
“The framework is doing an important job, but people have told us it isn’t always clear or easy to use,” Martin says. “We want to make it easier to understand, faster to use, and more transparent, to make sure it works better for the people who rely on it.”
The review will look at the framework’s principles, criteria, and decision‑making processes, and will take a two‑stage approach, beginning with feedback on the current Framework with release of a discussion document, and followed by a second consultation later in the year on possible changes.
“Nothing will change before the review is complete, the application process will continue as usual, and new applications are still welcome,” Martin says. “Anyone who already has funding through this framework will keep their current approval.”
More information about the review and how to provide feedback is available on Pharmac’s website.
We are interested in how the framework works in practice, whether it aligns with our statutory objectives and priorities, and whether it supports fair access to medicines for people whose clinical needs cannot be met through the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
We also want to understand any gaps, barriers, or unintended consequences you may have experienced, as well as your ideas for improving clarity, transparency, and consistency in decision‑making.
This page presents a summary of data from questions about COVID-19 and long COVID added to the New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) in 2024/25. These questions asked adults aged 15 years and over if they had ever had a COVID-19 infection, and if they experienced any prolonged symptoms following that infection.
It is important to note that, as is the case for most survey data, the questions asked relied on respondents reporting their own experiences. This can lead to under or over-reporting, which can differ by demographic group. For example, individuals who had asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 and were unaware of the infection would likely not report ever having a COVID-19 infection. Some individuals may also have feelings of stigma around COVID-19 and are therefore less likely to report ever having an infection.
We recommend being mindful of this and exercising caution when interpreting the results, particularly for Pacific peoples.
In addition, there is currently no internationally agreed definition or diagnostic test for long COVID. Individuals’ responses will reflect their understanding of the symptoms that can be associated with long COVID, such as fatigue, poor concentration or memory, shortness of breath and loss of taste or smell. These symptoms can also be caused by, or affected by, other factors.
Finding more information
Information on the survey questions and indicator definitions used in this report, as well as information on survey methodology, technical information and a link to the questionnaire are available at the end of the page.
Nearly 4 out of 5 adults reported ever having COVID-19
New data from the 2024/25 NZHS shows that nearly 4 out of 5 (77.7%) adults reported ever having COVID-19, reflecting over 3.3 million people. 75.9% of all adults reported having a positive RAT or PCR test, while 1.8% of all adults said they believed they had had COVID-19 but did not get a positive test.
Women (79.8%) reported higher rates of ever having COVID-19 than men (75.5%). Rates were lower among Pacific adults (71.5%), Asian adults (71.2%), adults living in the most deprived neighbourhoods (70.7%), disabled adults (68.5%), and adults aged 65-years-and-over (64.4%).
About 1 in 11 of all adults reported ever having long COVID symptoms
Respondents who reported ever having COVID-19 were asked if they had experienced any symptoms lasting three months or longer that they did not have prior to having COVID-19, and were not explained by a different diagnosis. This was referred to as long COVID in the questionnaire.
Among the total population, about 1 in 11 adults (9.2% or 401,000 people) reported ever having long COVID symptoms. This represents 11.9% of adults who reported ever having COVID-19.
Further breakdowns about demographic groups ever having long COVID symptoms are available in the downloadable dataset below.
Women, Māori, and disabled adults were more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms
Women were more likely than men to report ever having COVID-19 and were also more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms. Among those who reported ever having COVID-19, about 1 in 7 women (14.9%) reported ever having long COVID symptoms, compared to about 1 in 12 men (8.5%).
This difference between men and women reflects different outcomes by age group. As shown in Figure 1 below, women under the age of 65 who reported ever having COVID-19 were more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms than men of the same age group.
Figure 1: Prevalence of reporting ever having long COVID symptoms among individuals who had ever had COVID-19, by gender and broad age group, 2024/25
Use arrow keys to navigate the key indicator items.
Māori adults were more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms after having COVID-19 compared to non-Māori adults. Among those who reported ever having COVID-19, approximately 1 in 6 Māori adults (15.5%) reported ever having long COVID symptoms, compared to approximately 1 in 9 non-Māori adults (11.3%).
Disabled adults were also more likely to report ever having long COVID symptoms after having COVID-19 compared to non-disabled adults. Among those who reported ever having COVID-19, approximately 1 in 4 disabled adults (22.8%) reported ever having long COVID symptoms, compared to approximately 1 in 9 non-disabled adults (11.0%).
These figures only show associations between long COVID and disability rather than cause-and-effect relationships, and other factors may contribute to the differences. We cannot determine from the NZHS data alone whether the individual was disabled prior to developing long COVID or if their long COVID symptoms have resulted in a disability.
Approximately 185,000 adults were experiencing long COVID symptoms in 2024/25
Approximately 185,000 adults (4.3%) reported currently experiencing long COVID symptoms at the time they were interviewed in 2024/25. This reflects approximately 117,000 women (5.3%) and 67,000 men (3.1%).
Further breakdowns about demographic groups currently experiencing long COVID symptoms at the time of the 2024/25 survey are available in the downloadable dataset below.
Among those who reported ever having long COVID symptoms, approximately half (48.5%) were still experiencing symptoms at the time they were interviewed in 2024/25.
Download the data
The downloadable dataset below contains aggregated data by gender, age, ethnic group, neighbourhood deprivation, disability status and health region. It also contains 95% confidence intervals and adjusted rate ratios.
2. Yes, I believe I have had it but I didn’t get a positive test
3. No, I don’t think I’ve had COVID-19
.K Don’t know
.R Refused
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remove
A1.41 – Asked of respondents who answered 1 or 2 to question A1.40
Long-COVID is when symptoms that start during or after a COVID-19 infection continue for 3 months or longer and are not explained by a different diagnosis. The symptoms can change over time.
Did you have any symptoms lasting 3 months or longer that you did not have prior to having COVID-19?
1. Yes
2. No
.K Don’t know
.R Refused
add
remove
A1.43 – Asked of respondents who answered 1 or 2 to question A1.40 and 1 to question A1.41
Do you still have long-COVID symptoms?
1. Yes
2. No
.K Don’t know
.R Refused
Indicator definitions
These indicators reflect respondents’ self-reported experience. For more information see: All data is self-reported.
add
remove
Ever had COVID-19 – confirmed
Ever had COVID-19 with a positive RAT or PCR test, among all adults (15+ years).
add
remove
Ever had COVID-19 – suspected
Believed they had COVID-19 but didn’t get a positive test, among all adults (15+ years).
add
remove
Ever had COVID-19 – total
Ever had COVID-19 (confirmed or suspected), among all adults (15+ years).
add
remove
Ever had long COVID symptoms
Ever had long COVID symptoms (ie, symptoms lasting three months or longer that they did not have prior to having COVID-19), among all adults (15+ years).
add
remove
Ever had long COVID symptoms among ever had COVID-19
Ever had long COVID symptoms, among adults (15+ years) who ever had COVID-19.
add
remove
Currently have long COVID symptoms
Currently have long COVID symptoms, among all adults (15+ years).
add
remove
Currently have long COVID symptoms among ever had long COVID symptoms
Currently have long COVID symptoms, among adults (15+ years) who ever had long COVID symptoms.
Use of statistical significance
This page primarily focuses on differences that are statistically significant. However, it is important to note that for smaller population groups, such as Pacific peoples, larger differences between estimates are required to reach statistical significance.
For more information on the survey methodology and questions
Data for the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey was collected between July 2024 and July 2025. Questions on COVID-19 and long COVID were asked of adults aged 15 years and over, with a sample size of 9,253 adults.
Please see the Methodology Report 2024/25 for full details on survey design, sampling and weighting, fieldwork procedures, and confidence intervals.
Health New Zealand will invest an additional $25 million to boost hospital capacity, increase staffing, and prepare the health system for higher demand over the busy winter months, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
The investment will deliver:
Up to an additional 378 full-time equivalent staff across the country to support meeting winter demands in our hospitals.
71 extra winter hospital beds across key hospitals.
Up to 567 short stay beds through aged residential care facilities to help free up hospital capacity and reduce bed block.
Expansion of Hospital in the Home services to support earlier discharge from hospital.
“Emergency department presentations continue to rise alongside population growth and an ageing population, placing hospitals under increasing pressure during the winter months, and creating sustained demand across emergency departments and other health services nationwide,” Mr Brown says.
“Despite these challenges, Health New Zealand has seen emergency department performance improve since the reintroduction of the Government’s health targets, with more patients now being seen sooner, reversing several years of declining performance.”
“While hospitals undertake seasonal planning each year as part of normal operations, winter demand still places significant pressure on services and frontline staff. That’s why strengthening capacity early, ahead of the winter months, is critical to ensuring patients receive timely care.
“In my Letter of Expectation to the Health New Zealand Board last November, I made it clear that I expected a plan to prepare our hospitals for winter to be in place early. This gives New Zealanders confidence that the system is getting ready to support them heading into winter.”
The Board endorsed the plan on 3 March, with implementation now underway nationwide. It provides a coordinated national approach to manage increased winter demand and support frontline teams.
The plan focuses on four key priorities:
Prevention: More vaccination opportunities, clearer winter wellness information, targeted support for older people and those at higher risk, earlier access to antivirals, stronger vaccination support in aged care, and easier access to multiple vaccinations in a single visit.
Strengthening primary care: Expanded telehealth services, expansion of urgent and after hours care clinic hours, and working with pharmacies to treat more minor conditions.
Improving flow through emergency departments and hospitals: Additional staff and beds to manage higher demand, seasonal winter wards at Middlemore, Waikato, Wellington and Christchurch hospitals, faster diagnostic testing and imaging, and systems to help clinicians respond more quickly to critical results.
Supporting timely discharge from hospital: Expanded hospital‑in‑the‑home services, additional transitional and aged residential care beds, increased allied health support for patients returning home, and improved weekend discharge processes.
Mr Brown says every winter brings added pressure on hospitals, with performance against the shorter stays in ED health target historically lower during the winter months.
“Hospitals will still face high levels of demand this winter. But by planning early, expanding capacity, and supporting our frontline teams, we are giving them the tools, resources, and flexibility they need to better manage pressure, reduce delays, and deliver care for New Zealanders.
“I want to thank everyone working across the health system in advance. We know winter will be busy, and this investment is about supporting you to keep patients at the centre of our health system.”