Category: LiveNews

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The ‘sausage sensei’ who says his snags are art

Source: Radio New Zealand

If you’ve ever wanted to craft the perfect sausage, Texan Bill Dumas could make your dreams come true.

Known as the Sausage Sensei, Dumas is on his second visit to New Zealand for two sausage-making workshops.

And while sausages are a beloved barbeque staple in many parts of the world, for Dumas, they’re much, much more.

The sausage sensei’s creations.

Supplied

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/the-sausage-sensei-who-says-his-snags-are-art/

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Road closures following slip, Musselburgh, Dunedin

Source: New Zealand Police

Belmont Lane, Musselburgh, Dunedin, and surrounding roads are closed following a landslip this morning.

Police were notified of the slip around 10.50am. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Police are assisting Fire and Emergency New Zealand with evacuations of nearby residents.

The public is advised to avoid the area.

ENDS

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/road-closures-following-slip-musselburgh-dunedin/

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The truth about energy: Why your 40s feel harder than your 20s, but there may be a lift later on

Source: Radio New Zealand

Some of us remember having more energy in our 20s. We could work late, sleep badly, have a night out, recover quickly and still feel capable the next day. By our 40s, that ease has often gone. Fatigue feels harder to shake. It’s tempting to assume this is simply the ageing process – a one‑way decline.

The truth is that the 40s are often the most exhausting decade, not because we are old, but because several small biological changes converge at exactly the same time that life’s demands often peak. Crucially, and optimistically, there is no reason to assume that energy must continue to decline in the same way into our 60s.

Midlife is often a time of maximum cognitive load.

Unsplash

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/the-truth-about-energy-why-your-40s-feel-harder-than-your-20s-but-there-may-be-a-lift-later-on/

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Foo Fighters returning to rock out in New Zealand at two stadium shows

Source: Radio New Zealand

Foo Fighters have announced two huge stadium shows for New Zealand in January 2027.

They will play in Christchurch on 19 January, before performing at Auckland’s Western Springs Stadium on 22 January.

Hawkins had been a member of the Foo Fighters since 1997. They have become one of rock’s most popular bands, winning 12 Grammy Awards including Best Rock Album four times.

The Foo Fighters – currently made up of Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Pat Smear, Rami Jaffee and Ilan Rubin – have visited New Zealand several times. They were last here in January 2024.

General tickets go on sale 25 February.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/foo-fighters-returning-to-rock-out-in-new-zealand-at-two-stadium-shows/

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Photographer invites you to become part of living archive

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Canterbury photographer, who has a project that turns portraits into time capsules, is inviting new faces into his lens at a Christchurch studio next week.

For more than a decade, Charlie Fox has been creating time-lapse portraits. The full-size versions are a towering 1.2 metres-tall and rendered at a staggering 150 megapixels. The detail, in full on his website, is to the point out that viewers can see skin follicles.

“I encourage people to put their noses up against the paper and just drink in the quality,” Fox told Nights.

“The eyes of the images especially, you can see the reflection of me in the catch light. That’s the level of detail that we’re playing with…

“I think the subjects are very brave to participate because they’re shown in such extreme levels of detail and quality that I haven’t really seen it anywhere else.”

The project, Panochron, began in 2013 and has since captured 30 people, including 12 repeat participants.

Fox hopes to reconnect with his earliest subjects and photograph them again, building what one friend described as a “longitudinal study” of the human face.

Some participants under 18 return annually, which Fox hopes will serve as a mini-movie of their journey into adulthood.

“In life, you have a lot of choice about things, but you don’t have any choice at all about the passage of time, that’s just a steady fact.”

Alongside the portraits, he now records brief interviews, asking subjects what they would say to their younger selves and inviting them to leave a message to be heard in a decade’s time.

“Some really interesting conversations will be had between them with themselves, I think, through this.”

Fox, who has spent 25 years behind the camera, traces his fascination with this portrait style back to a black-and-white 35mm portrait that first captivated him.

“Ever since then, I’ve just been sort of driven to keep capturing images in this style.”

Bookings with Fox for Sunday and Monday are available through the Photosynthesis Studio website.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/photographer-invites-you-to-become-part-of-living-archive/

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Willis calls $9 Auckland crossing toll a ‘completely hypothetical scenario’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Finance Minister Nicola Willis RNZ / Mark Papalii

National’s Nicola Willis says the government has not given any consideration to putting a $9 toll on both the Auckland Harbour Bridge and a new crossing, calling it a “completely hypothetical scenario”.

And Labour says any such move would have to be “thought through very carefully” given the cost of living.

The Infrastructure Commission this week suggested twin $9 tolls as way of funding a tunnel or a second bridge across Waitematā Harbour.

In response, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said any new crossing would be tolled, but the government was still seeking advice regarding the existing bridge.

Speaking on Morning Report‘s political panel, Willis played down the $9 figure.

“I just want to be really clear that that is a completely hypothetical scenario in the Infrastructure Commission’s plan. It’s not something that the government has given consideration to.”

Willis said both National and Labour faced a challenge in paying for the “essential” multi-billion dollar project as no funding had been put aside.

“How do you pay for it? And what the experts and advisers always say is, you should make sure that the users of roads are contributing the cost to them.

“And actually, that’s a road that would have so many vehicle movements a day that actually a toll to help pay for it would mean you could deliver it sooner.”

Labour’s deputy Carmel Sepuloni said her party was “not completely opposed” to the notion of tolling but said they needed to be “thought through very carefully”.

“For someone like me who doesn’t go over the the Harbour Bridge very often, and perhaps is in a better position to be able to pay the $9, it’s not a big deal, but for someone who’s travelling over that bridge every day and going to work and perhaps not on the highest income, that becomes quite a big deal.”

Sepuloni said the government needed to think about ways to ensure any tolls were affordable given the pressures of the cost of living.

“We need to make sure that any measure, including tolls, are fair and equitable.”

Willis said both political parties had made decisions in recent years to keep petrol taxes a bit lower, meaning that road funding had had to be topped up from general taxation.

But she said that also raised questions of fairness: “we used to have the concept that those who use the roads pay for them”.

Greater Auckland editor Matt Lowrie had told Morning Report that the estimated revenue from the toll is between $7 and $9 billion, while the projected costs of the crossing could exceed $20b.

He said while a second crossing is needed to provide more capacity, other payment options could be considered.

Lowrie agreed that tolling both crossings was necessary because just tolling the new one meant people would simply continue using the existing bridge, however he suggested a lower toll be implemented to see the impact of it.

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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/2026/02/18/willis-calls-9-auckland-crossing-toll-a-completely-hypothetical-scenario/

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EMA – Employment Law Changes Bring Certainty for Employers and Contractors

Source: EMA

Yesterday’s third reading of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill gives employers long-sought clarity on defining the status of contractors in the workplace, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).
The EMA’s Head of Advocacy, Alan McDonald, said that wish for clarity predates the recent Uber court decision and gives employers a four-gateway test that they can apply in determining the status of contractors. In addition, for those working on contracts the new legislation clarifies what they can do within their contract, including the ability to work for other clients.
“The Bill also reverses an unpopular measure imposed by the previous government requiring employers to sign up new employees to union-based collectives and to provide information to new employees about joining unions,” says McDonald.
“In a time of declining union membership, this was seen by many of our employers as a ploy to help unions shore up their memberships, especially when employees then had to choose to opt out of that union membership after 30 days.
“The change to remediation measures is another positive for employers. The idea that reinstatement should be the first priority for remediation – if a hearing in the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) finds in favour of the employee – was anathema to many employers and had been imposed on them by the previous Employment Relations Amendment Bill.
“Generally, if the case has reached the authority, the relationship between the employer and employee is irretrievably broken – and expecting that employee to be amicably re-integrated into the workforce is unrealistic. It’s telling that of all the cases that went before the ERA, only about half a dozen employees were reinstated. They are the anomalies, not the norm.
“It also seems logical that employees who contribute to their own dismissal should have that behaviour taken into account when they later raise claims against the employer. It was counterintuitive that such behaviour was sometimes disregarded by the authority when awards for unjustified dismissal were made.”
“The other major change is that employees earning more than $200,000 will no longer be able to bring an unjustified dismissal claim.
“That threshold has risen from the previous $180,000, and it’s important to remember that it applies only to unjustified dismissal claims. The grounds for any other type of claim remain unchanged.
“These changes will help rebalance some of the current inequities facing employers,” says McDonald.
In today’s competitive and challenging workplace, employers need confidence and certainty that their employment relations practices are correct and within the law.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/ema-employment-law-changes-bring-certainty-for-employers-and-contractors/

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First Home Loan scheme gets another option

Source: Radio New Zealand

The loan underwritten by Kainga Ora. RNZ

ASB has joined the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan scheme, which allows borrowers to buy a house with a deposit of only 5 percent.

The loan is underwritten by Kāinga Ora, so borrowers are usually able to access the same interest rates as buyers with 20 percent deposit.

Previously it had only been available through Westpac, Kiwibank, The Co-Operative Bank, SBS, Unity, Nelson Building Society and NZHL.

ASB executive general manager personal banking Adam Boyd said home ownership was a “cornerstone of financial wellbeing and security for many New Zealanders”.

“This loan helps to get more people into their own homes without the challenge of saving a large deposit while managing everyday expenses, like rent.”

He said people using the scheme could also be eligible for ASB’s cash back offer.

Glen McLeod, head of Link Advisory, said it added another lending option for people thinking about buying a first home.

“The underlying criteria and approval process remain the same, as Kāinga Ora is still the gatekeeper for applications. More lender choice is positive, but the practical impact will depend on each client’s situation and how they meet Kāinga Ora’s existing requirements.”

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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/2026/02/18/first-home-loan-scheme-gets-another-option/

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Man’s body found in Tauranga park, homicide probe launched

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said the man’s body was discovered in a secluded area of Wharepai Domain on Saturday. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

A homicide investigation has been launched after a man’s body was found in Wharepai Domain, Tauranga.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, said the man’s body was discovered in a secluded area of the domain at about 2pm on Saturday 14 February.

“A post-mortem on Monday established the victim’s death is suspicious and we are now working to establish what happened and identify who was involved.

“An examination of the scene has now been completed”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Flowerdew-Brown said police would like to speak with anyone who has information that could help the investigation.

“We ask people to contact us if they saw unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain prior to 2pm on Saturday.”

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, or by calling 105.

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/2026/02/18/mans-body-found-in-tauranga-park-homicide-probe-launched/

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Former prison guard’s appeal against murder conviction, sentencing to be heard in November

Source: Radio New Zealand

David Benbow was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum non parole period of 17 years after a jury found him guilty of murder.

A former prison guard who murdered his childhood friend will have his appeal against conviction and sentence heard later this year.

David Benbow was sentenced in 2024 to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years after a jury found him guilty of murdering Michael McGrath.

McGrath was last seen alive in May 2017. Two years later, Benbow was charged with his murder – accused of fatally shooting his childhood friend.

Neither the gun, nor McGrath’s body, have been found despite extensive searches.

After his first trial, the jury was unable to reach a verdict. At his second trial, he was found guilty of murder.

The Court of Appeal confirmed to RNZ a hearing date for Benbow’s appeal on conviction and sentence had been set for November 9 and 10.

McGrath’s brother, Simon McGrath, told RNZ Benbow continued to show a “disturbing lack of empathy and remorse despite the clinically clear weight of evidence against him that has resulted in his unanimous murder conviction”.

At sentencing, Justice Jonathan Eaton described the murder as an execution style killing.

He said the high level of planning, including the fact that McGrath’s body has never been found, added to the length of the sentence.

Michael McGrath was last seen alive in May 2017. NZ Police

During the Christchurch High Court trial, the prosecution said that Benbow killed McGrath after learning that he was in a relationship with Benbow’s ex-partner of 17 years, Joanne Green.

McGrath’s mother, Adrienne McGrath, said she could not believe her son would never come home again.

In her victim impact statement, she said she still laid in bed some nights and hoped her son would come knocking at her window.

“I’ll never forget that first night when I realised that Michael was missing. That memory will haunt me forever.

“I still experience the pain of losing him every day, especially when I see or hear things that remind me of him.”

McGrath’s brother Simon, speaking after the guilty verdict, said the family still wanted to know where his brother’s body was.

Simon said he hoped the government considered legislative changes to stop killers who do not co-operate with police being eligible for parole.

“I believe New Zealand needs to strengthen the law to follow … what’s in many Australian states – no body, no parole.”

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/2026/02/18/former-prison-guards-appeal-against-murder-conviction-sentencing-to-be-heard-in-november/

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Housing Market – Subdued start to 2026 as NZ housing market begins rebuilding confidence – Cotality

Source: Cotality

New Zealand’s property market has started 2026 in a subdued fashion with little movement in prices and lower sales transactions despite improved affordability, more favourable mortgage rates and a gradually strengthening economy.

The Cotality NZ February Monthly Housing Chart Pack shows national median property values fell a modest -0.3% over the three months to January, taking values 17.5% below the 2022 peak. Auckland and Wellington continued to underperform, while markets such as Dunedin and Invercargill were more resilient in January. Parts of Canterbury also remain relatively stronger than elsewhere.

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the flat performance in property values may disappoint some vendors, but it offers improved opportunities for buyers.

“The predictability of current conditions is reassuring for buyers, who are continuing to adjust to the recent experience of stable prices and lower mortgage rates,” Mr Davidson said.

“With affordability gradually improving and employment conditions set to strengthen slowly this year, there’s a growing sense of cautious optimism, even if the recovery will be measured rather than sharp. Debt to income ratio caps remain important to watch.”
Cotality data shows first home buyers’ market share dipped in January from 28.3% in Q4 to 26.2%, however Mr Davidson said the number of deals occurring remained strong. “This was a slightly smaller share of a bigger pie.”
 
Mortgaged multiple property owners, including ‘Mum and Dad’ investors, were also a steady influence in the market likely due to lower interest rates and reduced cashflow top-ups on rental properties.

Softer sales in January likely a blip in upwards trend

January sales volumes, measured across both private deals and real estate agents, were -10.7% below the same month in 2025, marking only the third fall in the past 33 months.
Mr Davidson was unconcerned about the sluggish start to the year, because there’s a suspicion that some deals may have been rushed through into December (which saw strong growth), artificially subduing the figures for January.
“If you take December and January together, the upwards trend remained in place. We’d expect to see more sales growth activity in 2026 on the back of reduced mortgage rates and a recovering economy,” he said.
“Our Buyer Classification data also showed hints of more activity from relocating owner-occupiers, or movers. It’s early days and not a trend yet. But a slowly recovering economy could lift movers’ confidence to trade up, reinforcing the prospect of more housing activity this year.”

Rents reset after years of growth

New Zealand’s rental market has softened as net migration has fallen sharply and the number of properties available to rent remains elevated. With rents already stretched relative to incomes and wage growth easing, Mr Davidson said there is limited scope for further increases and that recent falls, while rare, reflect a reset after a period of very strong growth.

The MBIE bonds data shows in the three months to December the median national rent was 0.8% lower than the same period a year earlier. Wellington recorded one of the most significant changes in median rent, down about 10% to $582 a week. Hamilton and Tauranga have also recorded declines, while Auckland has edged slightly lower. Christchurch and Dunedin have held up better with modest growth recorded.
“Rents rose quickly when migration was surging and supply was tight. Now there are more listings, population growth has slowed, and tenants simply don’t have the capacity to keep absorbing large increases,” he said.
“It’s hard to see a sharp rebound from here. The more likely path is a period of flat or only very modest growth while the market adjusts.”

Confidence slowly rebuilding

As lower mortgage rates and improved affordability begin to provide some confidence for both buyers and sellers, Mr Davidson said it was likely behaviour would shift, activity would improve and 2026 would be a year of gradual growth for sales and prices.
“Affordability has improved to its best position in several years, mortgage rates have eased, and listings are gradually drifting lower. Those factors combined are helping to steady the market and should support a lift in sales activity through 2026,” he said.
“Other considerations include borrowers who are rolling off higher fixed rates onto cheaper loans, which will help free up cashflow for some households and should the labour market slowly gather steam as expected, that sets the scene for modest price growth rather than a sharp rebound.”
The Cotality NZ Monthly Housing Chart Pack, February 2025 provides the latest breakdown of sales, listings, mortgage lending activity, buyer classification, property values, rental trends, and economic indicators.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/housing-market-subdued-start-to-2026-as-nz-housing-market-begins-rebuilding-confidence-cotality/

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Employment Research – Strategic hiring, rising pay pressures and a borderless workforce – Robert Walters

Source: Robert Walters

Robert Walters identifies New Zealand’s key labour and salary trends for 2026

Auckland, New Zealand, 18th Feb 2026 - 2026 will be a year of strategic hiring, increased pressure on salaries, and rising workforce mobility across New Zealand, according to new research from global talent solutions partner Robert Walters.  

The findings come from its latest Salary Guide, launching today, which surveyed over 2,300 white-collar New Zealand professionals across 12 different industries.  

Shay Peters, CEO, Robert Walters Australia & New Zealand: ”The New Zealand labour market is showing a renewed sense of optimism, but caution remains. Businesses are hiring again, skills shortages persist, and employees are carefully weighing where they work, what they earn, and whether to relocate. This combination is reshaping the workforce: organisations face pressure to attract and retain talent, address capability gaps, and balance pay with cost-of-living concerns, while employees are increasingly strategic about career moves and mobility. How companies respond now will have a direct impact on productivity, growth, and their ability to secure and retain the talent they need for success in the future.” 

Key labour market trends  

Hiring rebounds, but jobseekers remain cautious after 2025 turmoil

Market confidence is gradual but strengthening, with 76% of New Zealand businesses planning to hire in 2026, up from 66% in 2025. 

Hiring demand varies regionally. Canterbury leads hiring intent at 78%, followed by Auckland (75%) and Wellington (72%). 

Despite this uplift in business confidence, employee mobility has cooled. 53% of New Zealand professionals are considering a role change this year, down from 63% in 2025, suggesting a more cautious workforce. 

Shay comments: ”Hiring intent has increased since last year, signalling that businesses are ready to move forward. However, employees are taking a more considered approach. From conversations we’ve been having with job seekers, we know the unstable condition of the 2025 labour market is making people concerned about job prospects in 2026. Economic uncertainty over the past year has made many professionals very risk-aware. The labour market is gradually rebalancing, rather than surging.” 

Salary growth remains modest as cost-of-living pressures persist

In 2025, 57% of New Zealand professionals received a pay rise, although most increases fell within the modest 2.5%-5% range, limiting their real impact. 

67% of New Zealand businesses intend to offer salary increases in 2026, while 56% of professionals expect one. 

42% of employees feel underpaid, but 83% of employers believe salaries are keeping pace with the cost of living, highlighting a perception gap. 

Salary dissatisfaction varies regionally. In Canterbury, 46% of professionals do not believe their salary matches the cost of living. In Auckland this stands at 42%, and in Wellington 39%. 

Shay comments: ”As businesses come out of last year’s restructures, organisations have an opportunity to reassess remuneration. Where salary increases are not feasible, employers must focus on career progression, flexibility, and skills development. It’s no secret the movement of New Zealand talent to Australia is well underway. Dissatisfaction around pay is a high retention risk, especially as overseas markets actively target New Zealand talent.” 

Skills shortages squeeze productivity across key sectors

Skills shortages remain critical, with 81% of New Zealand employers experiencing gaps over the past year. 

Regional pressure varies, with 52% of Auckland employers reporting shortages, followed by Wellington (49%) and Canterbury (39%). 

The most acute gaps are in industry-specific expertise (52%), digital and technology capability (37%), and leadership skills (31%) - these areas closely linked to productivity and organisational performance. 

Hiring challenges are compounded by unsuitable applicants (62%) and a lack of formal qualifications (53%). 

 Shay comments: ”Skills shortages are a severe productivity issue. When capability gaps persist, delivery slows and growth opportunities are missed. 

New Zealand organisations must take a long-term view, investing in leadership development, digital capability, and structured workforce planning. Skills gaps directly impact productivity and growth, and with more talent continuing to move to Australia, this challenge will intensify unless decisive action is taken now. Waiting for the market to correct itself is no longer a viable strategy in a competitive global talent landscape.” 

AI adoption accelerates, but concerns remain

AI integration is gaining momentum. 86% of New Zealand businesses are actively promoting AI, and 70% of employers say AI skills are important. 

Adoption at employee level is already high, with 69% using AI in their roles. However, 51% express concern about AI’s future impact on their job.

Shay comments: ”New Zealand businesses are embracing AI at pace, but adoption must be matched with transparency and training. The fact that over half of employees are concerned about AI’s future impact highlights the importance of clear communication and structured upskilling. 

At the speed AI is developing, it’s critical that soft skills like leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving are not lost but actively encouraged alongside new technology. 

Done right, AI can increase efficiency, boost productivity, and complement human talent, supporting the goals outlined in New Zealand’s 2025 AI Strategy for a productive, future-ready workforce.” 

Rising relocation trends are creating a borderless workforce

Mobility remains a defining feature of the New Zealand workforce. 58% of professionals are open to relocating for work. 

Interest varies regionally. In Auckland, 64% would consider relocating, compared with 53% in Wellington and 51% in Canterbury. 

Australia is the most attractive destination, with 65% naming it as their top choice. Domestically, 54% would consider relocating within New Zealand. Internationally, 23% would consider moving to the UK and 21% to Europe. 

The primary drivers of relocation are higher salaries (71%), better job opportunities (65%), lifestyle changes (53%), and cost of living (38%). 

Interest in Australians relocating to New Zealand has increased this year to 17% (up from 2% in 2025). 

Shay comments: ”The strength of interest in Australia underscores how interconnected the two labour markets have become. For many professionals, relocation is no longer aspirational, it is a strategic financial and career decision. 

New Zealand employers must recognise that they are competing not just locally, but internationally. Organisations that create compelling career pathways, competitive remuneration and flexible work models will be better positioned to retain talent in an increasingly borderless market.” 

About the Salary Guide: The Robert Walters 2026 Salary Guide provides a comprehensive overview of hiring intentions, salary trends, skills shortages, and workforce mobility across New Zealand. With insights from over 2,300 respondents, the guide highlights how businesses and employees are navigating an evolving labour market shaped by cost-of-living pressures, technological adoption, and mobility opportunities.

About Robert Walters:  

With more than 3,100 people in 30 countries, Robert Walters delivers recruitment consultancy, staffing, recruitment process outsourcing and managed services across the globe. From traditional recruitment and staffing to end-to-end talent management, our consultants are experts at matching highly skilled people to permanent, contract and interim roles across all professional disciplines. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/employment-research-strategic-hiring-rising-pay-pressures-and-a-borderless-workforce-robert-walters/

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BusinessNZ – Better employment law will support job growth

Source: BusinessNZ

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill will help restore balance, certainty and common sense to New Zealand’s employment framework, BusinessNZ says.
Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says the Bill, which passed its third reading last night, addresses real-world issues facing employers and workers, and supports a more flexible and confident economy.
“Clear and workable employment settings are essential to business confidence and job growth. The amendments address areas of employment law which have been caught up in recent debate – including the status of contractors in platform-based work arrangements.
“For example, recent court cases have found that four Uber drivers are in-fact full time employees – due to their individual circumstances. The issue is platform work opportunities like the ones we have now wouldn’t have come about if the platform operators were made to shoulder all the costs and commitments associated with full time employment.
“If we want to keep new enterprise and the ensuing benefits consumers enjoy, we must make sure the model can continue to work. We hope the Government has done enough with this legislation to make it clear to the courts and potential claimants that they can’t keep trying to break the model.”
The Bill also amends situations where workers dismissed for serious misconduct have up until now been able to receive financial compensation through the personal grievance process.
“Most New Zealanders understand that serious wrongdoing at work comes with consequences. Removing automatic financial rewards, for instance by penalising the employer for small procedural errors, restores fairness and reinforces accountability.
“Overall, The Bill moves employment law closer to the realities of modern work, while maintaining core protections. This is something BusinessNZ has been advocating for, for a long time. These changes will reduce administrative requirements and provide greater flexibility for employers and employees when agreeing employment terms.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/businessnz-better-employment-law-will-support-job-growth/

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Home Finance – ASB announces Kāinga Ora First Home Loan offering to help Kiwi into their first home

Source: ASB

ASB Bank will now offer the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan, marking another step in the bank’s commitment to making home ownership accessible for more New Zealanders.

The First Home Loan is designed for people who can afford regular mortgage repayments but are finding it difficult to save a 20% deposit. Instead of the standard deposit, eligible buyers can purchase their first home with just 5%, with the loan underwritten by Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities.

ASB Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says “Home ownership is a cornerstone of financial wellbeing and security for many New Zealanders. This loan helps to get more people into their own homes without the challenge of saving a large deposit while managing everyday expenses, like rent.”

“By offering the First Home Loan, we’re helping to break down one of the biggest barriers to homeownership and opening doors for more New Zealanders to create their future and put down roots in their communities.”

“We’re committed to walking alongside our customers through one of the biggest financial decisions they’ll make. As well as the Kainga Ora First Home Loan, we have a team of trained specialist lenders to help customers on their journey,” says Adam Boyd.  

Eligible customers who have been contributing to KiwiSaver for at least three years may also be able to withdraw their savings to put towards their home purchase and will be eligible for ASB’s First Home Buyer cashback offer.

For more information about ASB’s First Home Loan offering and full eligibility criteria, visit here: https://www.asb.co.nz/home-loans-mortgages/buying-first-home/first-home-loan.html

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/home-finance-asb-announces-kainga-ora-first-home-loan-offering-to-help-kiwi-into-their-first-home/

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Five young people arrested after Napier aggravated robbery

Source: Radio New Zealand

On Monday, Police were notified of an aggravated robbery at a commercial premises on Charles Street RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

Five young people have been arrested and charged after an aggravated robbery in Westshore, Napier.

They are due to appear in Napier Youth Court on Wednesday, jointly charged with aggravated robbery and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Further charges have not been ruled out.

On Monday 16 February, Police were notified of an aggravated robbery at a commercial premises on Charles Street about 4.40pm.

Police said three people allegedly entered and stole a number of items before fleeing in a vehicle containing two others and all had taken steps to conceal their identities.

“No injuries were reported however the owner of the premises is understandably shaken.

The vehicle was later located abandoned on Alexander Avenue, and has been seized for a forensic examination.”

Following enquiries into the incident, including information provided by members of the public, police said they identified five alleged offenders.

Following a search on Tuesday evening at a Napier address four alleged offenders were taken into custody.

During the search, police said they also located evidence relating to the aggravated robbery including clothing worn by the alleged offenders.

The fifth alleged offender was located and taken into custody not long after.

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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/2026/02/18/five-young-people-arrested-after-napier-aggravated-robbery/

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Taking cash off criminals to protect New Zealanders

Source: New Zealand Government

Money seized from criminals will once again be redirected to protecting New Zealanders, with a new funding round for the Proceeds of Crime Fund opening on 30 March 2026, says Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee.

“We are taking money off criminals and using it to fix what matters for victims by reducing violent crime,” says Mrs McKee.

“Following its refocus last year, the Fund now supports tightly targeted initiatives that directly contribute to the Government’s goal of reducing the number of victims of violent crime.

“We want high-impact proposals that make a measurable difference to reducing violent crime and keeping New Zealanders safe. 

“This includes initiatives that stop lower-level offending before it turns violent, and initiatives that go after organised criminals by breaking the gang business model that profits from violence and misery.”

“Government agencies are invited to apply using the updated funding proposal template and are encouraged to partner with community organisations to deliver outcome-focused programmes.

“Under Labour, money taken from gangs was funnelled back into a programme delivered by a life member of the very gang fuelling New Zealand’s meth problem. We put an end to that. 

“New Zealanders expect that when assets are seized from organised crime, that money goes toward preventing more victims and that’s exactly what we are doing.

“We have already funded a range of initiatives to improve public safety. This includes practical safety improvements in Auckland’s CBD, such as better lighting, expanded CCTV coverage, and additional security patrols.

“We have also supported community-led initiatives such as the Meke Academy, which works with young people at high risk of serious offending in Hawke’s Bay to reduce offending, cut drug use, and help young people gain qualifications and improve literacy and numeracy skills.”

The 2026 funding round will run from 30 March to 29 May. Approved initiatives must meet strict criteria and will be short-term investments of up to three years.

Information on how to apply can be found on the Ministry of Justice website

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/taking-cash-off-criminals-to-protect-new-zealanders/

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Reminder: don’t spray detergent on an oil spill

Source: Maritime New Zealand

We’ve recently become aware of an incident where detergent was sprayed on an oil spill, so we’d like to share a reminder about the rules for using ‘oil spill control agents’ or OSCAs.

Dispersants can help reduce the amount of spilled oil reaching the shore, but we need to be sure that they are used in the right way.

Maritime NZ has strict rules on the use of dispersants and other OSCAs that make it illegal to spray anything like detergent on an oil spill. The rules require OSCAs to be approved by Maritime NZ and require appropriate authorisation from an On-Scene Commander before they can be used in a response, which is determined on a case-by-case basis.
 
Please report any oil spills to your local council, and remember not to spray anything on an oil spill without appropriate authorisation. You may use sorbent pads or put a sorbent boom around the oil spill if practicable.

Get more information

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/reminder-dont-spray-detergent-on-an-oil-spill/

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Weekly reports to the Minister for Mental Health

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

The Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora provides a weekly report to the Minister for Mental Health containing regular updates on the Ministry’s Mental Health work programme and other key information.  The published weekly reports do not necessarily reflect the current status of the content.

In addition to the weekly reports published below, we also publish briefings and advice to the Minister for Mental Health, Minister of Health and Associate Ministers of Health, as well Cabinet material, including briefings to Ministers. These can be found on the Information releases page.

Some parts of this information release would not be appropriate to release and, if requested, would be withheld under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act). Where this is the case, the relevant sections of the Act that would apply have been identified. Where information has been withheld, no public interest has been identified that would outweigh the reasons for withholding it.

Key redaction codes:

  • S 9(2)(a) to protect the privacy of natural persons.
  • S 9(2)(g)(i) to maintain the effective conduct of public affairs through the free and frank expression of opinions by or between or to Ministers and officers and employees of any public service agency.
  • S 6(a) as its release would likely prejudice the international relations of the Government of New Zealand.
  • S 9(2)(b)(ii) where its release would likely unreasonably prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied the information.
  • S 9(2)(c) to avoid prejudice to measures to protect the health or safety of the public.
  • S 9(2)(h) to maintain legal professional privilege.
  • S 9(2)(j) to enable a Minister or any public service agency to carry on negotiations without prejudice or disadvantage (including commercial and industrial negotiations).
  • S 9(2)(f)(iv) to maintain the constitutional conventions that protect the confidentiality of advice tendered by Ministers and officials.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/18/weekly-reports-to-the-minister-for-mental-health/

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Contractors want the government to hurry up with new road rules for agricultural machinery

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Rural contractors say new road rules for agricultural machinery are nowhere to be seen, and in the meantime contractors are still being stung with fines.

To operate tractors or heavy machinery like harvesters on roads, drivers must get a permit. But the rules are “outdated” and not keeping up with new technology, critics say.

Rural Contractors NZ chief executive Andrew Olsen said often new machinery and tractors being imported were already overweight and oversized.

“They arrive and contractors already can’t drive them on roads – that’s before they’ve even added tools or equipment to the back.”

Last year the government said it would address the issue.

The Ministry of Transport said it was working on a range of reforms to land transport rules for heavy vehicles – but the timing for new rules for agricultural vehicles was not clear.

“The review of weight limits is a longer-term piece of work to review the vehicle dimension and mass (VDAM) rule,” Olsen said.

“This rule sets out the maximum permitted weight, width and length for vehicles operated on New Zealand’s roads – including heavy agricultural vehicles. We recognise that the VDAM rule has not kept pace with developments in the industry, such as performance improvements in modern vehicles.”

Because this work required significant research and analysis, the timing of any changes had not yet been confirmed, a ministry spokesperson said.

Olsen said that was frustrating, and feared changes could be years away.

“We believe this should be a priority – it’s about managing those oversized vehicles on the road and determining not that they are safe, but that they are roadworthy and able to meet the standard without needing to necessarily add a whole lot of complexity around obtaining a piece of paper to do so.

“This is a productivity issue. It’s very complicated to get an overweight permit – there’s a few ways to do it, but none of them are simple.”

Olsen respected it would not be a straightforward or quick process to develop new rules, but he just wanted them to get underway.

“We don’t have a lot of time because these machines are on the road now, and we need to find a common sense and pragmatic solution to this sooner rather than later. “

He said since the government signalled change, fines issued had reduced – but he was not sure if that was because regulators were being more lenient or if contractors were working harder to get permits.

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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/2026/02/18/contractors-want-the-government-to-hurry-up-with-new-road-rules-for-agricultural-machinery/

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Homicide inquiry launched into man’s death

Source: New Zealand Police

The death of a man in Tauranga on Saturday is now being treated as a homicide.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown, Western Bay of Plenty Area Investigations Manager, says the man’s body was discovered in a secluded area of Wharepai Domain about 2pm on Saturday 14 February.

“A post-mortem on Monday established the victim’s death is suspicious and we are now working to establish what happened and identify who was involved.

“An examination of the scene has now been completed”.

Detective Senior Sergeant Flowerdew-Brown said Police would like to speak with anyone who has information that could help the investigation.

“We ask people to contact us if they saw unusual or suspicious behaviour around the Wharepai Domain prior to 2pm on Saturday.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260214/8937.

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

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/18/homicide-inquiry-launched-into-mans-death/