Would you like to be a tree when you die? Or would you like to be an AI chatbot hologram?
There is a widening spectrum for how to dispose of our bodies after we die and how we will be grieved and remembered. Dr Hannah Gould, a death expert and Australian academic, recently wrote the book How to Die in the 21st Century.
In it, she covers everything from the greenest way to go to whether AI chatbots can really help with grief, exploring these subjects from a philosophical and practical perspective with a dose of humour.
Gould recently took questions from RNZ’s Nine to Noon listeners and host Kathryn Ryan.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Five years afterWho’s Eating NZ, this series revisits where our food goes – but this time through the lens of Kiwi breakfast, lunch and dinner staples. We track how much of what we produce is eaten here, and who has a seat at our global table during meal times. Today, it’s lunch time.
New Zealand certainly does enjoy an abundance of apples.
We grow so many that almost nine out of 10 are sold overseas, fresh and processed.
The bumper crop is no accident. There has been a concerted push to grow the apple export industry with the development and marketing of new varieties. Royal gala and Braeburn apples have been joined by Jazz, Envy and Rockit.
Back in 2012, the industry set a goal of reaching $1 billion in exports by 2022. At that time, exports were sitting at $340 million. The target was missed in 2022, but exceeded in 2025 when exports of $1.26b were achieved.
New challenges come with that success though. Horticulture company T&G won a court order in China, forcing orchards in China to rip out illegally grown knock-offs of its Envy variety.
China clearly has developed a taste for our apples – it was our biggest apple buyer in 2025, followed by Taiwan, Vietnam and India.
For local apple buyers, prices fluctuate through the year, with the highest prices occurring in January. In 2007, 1kg of apples cost $3.89. In January 2025 a kilogram of apples cost $6.15.
The humble avocado might be one of the most controversial foods around. Along with being blamed for creating a generation of renters, its notoriously slippery stone has meant millions in ACC payouts for ‘avocado hand’ injuries, and telling someone they “have the avocados” can spark a language debate.
As well as being keen consumers, New Zealand makes a solid contribution to the global supply of avocados. More than 4700 hectares of the country is planted in avocados, with most concentrated in the Far North and Bay of Plenty.
About 50 percent of what was grown locally last year remained in the country, the rest heading offshore.
Australia is the biggest buyer, purchasing about a third of our exports in 2025, down from a peak of 90 percent in 2020. Far smaller quantities are bought by South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Export earnings have fallen from a 2020 high of $177m to $102m, as New Zealand competes with other global growers, such as Peru, which had a bumper crop in 2025.
New Zealand Avocado chief executive Brad Siebert said countries such as Mexico, Peru, Columbia and South Africa are producing more avocados, which leads to volatile prices. Demand globally is increasing, but at a slow, sometimes uneven pace.
Domestic prices rise and fall annually, often peaking in May. The highest price per kg of $28.67 was in May 2019.
Seafood might be hard to miss in an office lunchroom, but in the data it disappears. It is incredibly hard to put a figure on how much commercially caught seafood ends up in our lunchboxes compared to what’s exported.
The industry body Seafood NZ said there’s been no need to collect domestic information and this position hasn’t changed since RNZ examined seafood exports in 2020.
It is possible to take some stabs at the number. Previously published figures include 90 percent, 77 percent, and numbers previously on Seafood New Zealand’s website say approximately 450,000 tonnes of seafood is caught each year, with 276,901 tonnes exported.
This comes out at about 63 percent – but working on caught weight versus exported weight is not accurate. Fish is gutted and often filleted before export, so it is impossible to match the caught weight up with export data. Sanford’s 2025 annual report says about 82 percent of its sale value is from exports.
Where our seafood goes has shifted over time. In the 1990s, Japan, Australia and the United States were the biggest buyers of our seafood, but by 2011 China emerged as the top buyer. Its spending peaked in 2022 at $709m but by 2025 dropped to $594m.
Seafood exports earned $2b in 2024 and 2025. The biggest single export earner was live rock lobster – China bought $290m worth of them.
Crayfish might not be on everyone’s lunch menu, but rock lobster has been New Zealand seafood’s biggest export earner since 2017 with around 2500 tonnes exported each year, earning between $266m and $392m. Export volumes hit a record 2700 tonnes in 2025.
Despite high-profile controversy about global beverage giants bottling our water, exported New Zealand water actually represents a small proportion compared to what’s sold locally.
An exact figure for local sales is hard to come by, but 2018 information published on the Ministry for the Environment’s website suggests only 17 percent is exported.
Bottling companies pay resource consent fees, but do not pay for the water itself. This can mean they pay less for water than residential rate payers.
In 2020 China was the biggest buyer, but since 2022 the US has taken top position.
Despite abundant water here, Kiwis still pay for water from other countries. In 2025 more than 3 million litres was imported, including 1m litres from Italy and nearly 300,000 litres from Fiji.
Stay tuned for Friday’s story, where we take a look at who we’re sharing our dinner with and dive into beef, sheep, onion and wine exports.
Where the data came from
Apples: New Zealand Apple and Pears and StatsNZ trade data items with a harmonised system description containing “Fruit, edible; apples”.
Avocados: New Zealand Avocado and StatsNZ trade data items with a harmonised system description containing “Fruit, edible; avocados, fresh”.
Seafood: Various sources and StatsNZ trade data for items with a harmonised system code between 301910000 to 308909000.
Water: Ministry for the Environment and StatsNZ trade data items with the following harmonised system descriptions: “Waters; mineral and aerated, including natural or artificial, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), other than in metal containers”, Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow, other than in metal containers” , “Waters; mineral and aerated, including natural or artificial, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), in metal containers”, “Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow, in metal aerosol containers, not containing chlorofluorocarbons” , “Waters; other than mineral and aerated, (not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter nor flavoured), ice and snow, in metal containers, not aerosol”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
It’s hard to believe that Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, our largest, busiest and most densely populated city in New Zealand hosts one of the most abundant and diverse marine parks in the world.
Our treasured Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, New Zealand’s only national park of the sea, is 1.2 million hectares and includes more than 200 islands and islets, including 47 pest-free islands where numerous endangered species can survive and thrive. On top of this, there is now 19 new protection areas – two marine reserve extensions, 12 new high protection areas, and five new seafloor protection areas in the Gulf.
Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland from the harbour. : DOC
Getting out on the water it didn’t take long to realise that lots of people have a strong connection to the marine park. It wasn’t just rec fishers out mid-week enjoying a spot of fishing, I saw boaties sailing and exploring the Gulf as well as plenty of visitors heading out to the islands, connecting with the wildlife that calls the Hauraki Gulf home.
As a new DOC staff member in an office role, and someone who’s lived in Auckland most of my life without even realising the marine park existed, it’s been pretty special getting out to see what Tāmaki Makaurau’s greatest backyards is actually like.
Out there, the city fades away surprisingly quickly. You’re surrounded by islands, seabirds wheeling overhead, and a sense that there’s a whole other world beneath the surface.
That connection to the ocean is exactly what Seaweek celebrates – the idea that people, wildlife and the environment are all linked. And it’s also what the new marine protections for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park aim to support for years to come.
The Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-Toi is one of Aotearoa’s most loved marine environments. It’s home to an incredible variety of marine life and habitats – from rocky reefs and kelp forests to seagrass meadows and shellfish beds.
These habitats support the species many people care about when they head out on the water. Fish like snapper, kahawai and trevally are a big part of the Gulf’s fishing culture. Divers and snorkellers get to explore underwater forests of kelp and rocky reefs teeming with life.
But like many places around the world, the Gulf has been under pressure.
Sediment washing into the sea, pollution, habitat loss and fishing pressure over many years have taken a toll on parts of the marine environment. Some shellfish beds have declined, seagrass meadows have shrunk, and in some places kelp forests have been replaced by “kina barrens” where sea urchins dominate and not much else grows.
When habitats struggle, the species that rely on them struggle too.
That’s why there’s been a big push in recent years to revitalise the Gulf.
The new network includes 19 marine protection areas spread across the Gulf. These include marine reserve extensions, high protection areas and seafloor protection areas. Together they represent the biggest increase in marine protection in Aotearoa in more than a decade.
These areas were chosen because they protect important habitats and ecosystems – places that are especially rich in marine life, rare, or particularly important for the health of the wider Gulf.
Some areas protect rocky reefs that support thriving underwater communities. Others protect seafloor habitats like seagrass meadows or shellfish beds that act as nurseries for young fish.
Protecting these places helps rebuild the foundations of the Gulf’s marine ecosystem.
What the new protections mean
The different protection areas each play a role in helping marine life recover.
Marine reserves offer the highest level of protection. No fishing or removal of marine life is allowed, but people can still visit, snorkel, dive or explore the area. These reserves often become incredible underwater hotspots where marine life can thrive.
High protection areas are designed to give ecosystems a chance to bounce back. Fishing and the removal of natural materials are mostly prohibited, though authorised customary fishing by tangata whenua can continue.
Seafloor protection areas focus on protecting sensitive habitats on the seabed. Activities that damage the seafloor, like bottom trawling or dredging, are restricted, while low-impact activities like line fishing, diving and spearfishing can still happen.
Importantly, most of the Hauraki Gulf is still open to recreational fishing. The aim isn’t to shut people out, but to protect key parts of the ecosystem so the Gulf stays healthy into the future.
Why marine protection helps
Marine protection is one of the most effective tools we have to help ocean ecosystems recover.
In protected areas, fish often grow bigger, populations increase and ecosystems become more balanced. Over time, some of those fish move into nearby areas where fishing is allowed – something often called the “spillover effect”.
Healthy habitats also play a huge role in supporting fish populations. Seagrass meadows and shellfish reefs, for example, act like underwater nurseries where young fish can grow before heading out into deeper waters.
Looking after these habitats helps ensure the Gulf continues to support the marine life – and fishing experiences – that people value.
The new protections are just one piece of a much bigger effort to revitalise the Hauraki Gulf.
Restoring the Gulf also means tackling the pressures that come from land, such as sediment runoff and pollution, as well as restoring habitats like mussel reefs and improving fisheries management.
Tangata whenua have played an important role in shaping the protections and continue their role as kaitiaki of the Gulf, bringing generations of knowledge and care for this special place.
DOC rangers will also be working on the water and with local communities to help people understand the new protections and where they apply.
Revitalising the Gulf will take time, but every step helps move things in the right direction.
Staying connected to the ocean
Spending time out on the water really drove home just how important the Hauraki Gulf is to so many people.
For some it’s about fishing with mates or family. For others it’s sailing between islands, exploring a new beach, or diving beneath the surface to see what’s there.
These experiences shape the way we connect with the ocean.
By protecting important parts of the Gulf, we’re helping make sure those experiences are still possible for future generations – so kids growing up in Tāmaki Makaurau and visitors from all over New Zealand and the world can discover the amazing marine life beneath the waves just like people do today.
Seaweek is a great reminder that everything is connected – the land, the sea, wildlife and people.
The new marine protections in the Hauraki Gulf are all about strengthening those connections and helping this incredible ocean backyard thrive for years to come.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – The Town Planning Board (TPB) will hold a hearing tomorrow for public representations on the new Ngau Tam Mei (NTM) Outline Zoning Plan. The traditional farming landscape in NTM has existed for over a hundred years. This rural township has also preserved the industry of ornamental fish aquaculture (particularly koi), an industry that has almost disappeared in Hong Kong. In terms of ecology, NTM is closely linked with the Deep Bay wetlands and the future Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, and supports Eurasian Otter and many wetland birds. In view of these, the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects (HKILA) and World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong (WWF) are proposing four enhancement recommendations, which aims to conserve traditional cultural and historic heritage, build public spaces that can be used by both human and wildlife under the “single site, multiple use” model, and transform NTM into an iconic town of rural ecotourism in the Northern Metropolis.
When proposingthese enhancement recommendations, HKILA and WWF aim to:
Create a people-oriented livable city
Achieve a future in which people live in harmony with nature
Promote urban-rural integration
Enhance biodiversity
Adopt Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the development
Details of the four enhancement recommendations are as follows:
Retain the existing koi fish farming ponds (approximately 7 hectares) east of the NTM UniTown, and transform them into a thematic Koi Park, creating public open space while conserving wetland habitats for various wildlife, preserving Hong Kong’s ornamental fish aquaculture industry, and also promoting innovative themed rural tourism.
Preserve the existing agricultural land and fishponds located within the proposed station plaza and riverside park areas as far as possible, and redevelop them into a Lotus Pond Park (approximately 12 hectares) featuring the characteristic Jiangnan waterscape style. This would provide an open wetland landscape for the city centre, enhance ecological functions, and create a distinctive attraction of local thematic immersive tourism.
Taking the opportunity to revitalise the main NTM river channel and construct a multifunctional blue-green corridor, the artificial channel should be ecologically restored. The existing fishponds and agricultural land within the proposed blue-green corridor (approximately 6 ha) should be preserved to enhance ecological value but also increase landscape diversity. These fishponds and agricultural land could further serve purposes such as flood storage and leisure farming.
At Yau Pok Road, the NTM river channel should be modified to divert part of the river flow into the wetland area between Fairview Park and Palm Springs, which falls under the future Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park. Additionally, the associated “Recreation” zone along Yau Pok Road and the river channel should be rezoned to “Open Space” to serve as an extension of the NTM blue-green corridor to improve ecological connectivity. Furthermore, the permitted building heights for the “Residential (Group A) 2” sites in Areas 4A and 4B should be reduced, adopting a stepped building profile on the side facing the river channel to minimise impacts on birds.
Mr. Paul Chan, President of HKILA, pointed out that: “Through close collaboration between HKILA and WWF, our joint recommendations for Ngau Tam Mei bring together landscape and ecological considerations, aligning with Greater Bay Area strategies such as ecological priority and green development. Transforming existing koi farms and other habitats into thematic parks and blue-green corridors will foster urban-rural integration, promote innovative ecotourism, and build a high-quality, healthy, and biodiverse community that balances growth with diversified landscape.”
Dr. Bosco Chan, Director, Conservation of WWF, shared that “The rural landscapes and traditional cultural heritage of Ngau Tam Mei represent a unique opportunity to integrate nature-based solutions into the Northern Metropolis. Our joint recommendations leverage the existing wildlife habitats and thematic local industries to preserve biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and develop innovative rural tourism. Ultimately, our aim is to create shared spaces where people and wildlife can thrive together, not just in Ngau Tam Mei but also across the Northern Metropolis.”
HKILA and WWF will attend the public hearing held by the TPB on 6 March to brief the TPB members on our recommendations. HKILA and WWF hope that the TPB and the relevant government departments would consider and adopt our proposal, creating a quality, healthy and green Northern Metropolis. HKILA and WWF also hope that the Government will maintain the dialogue with relevant stakeholders on the development and planning of the Northern Metropolis to achieve a win-win situation.
Hot and windy weather has raised the fire risk in the Queenstown Lakes District to extreme, prompting Fire and Emergency New Zealand to suspend all fire permits in its Lakes Zone for the next three days.
District Commander Craig Gold says that any outdoor fire would cause an unacceptable risk to the community, firefighters and the environment.
“We have reached a critical point in the fire season, and safety is our top priority. With risk levels now exceeding safe operating limits for land management or recreational fires, we are suspending all active permits to protect our communities and our environment.”
The Lakes zone is already in a Restricted Fire Season, so the suspension of existing fire permits means that no outdoor fires can be lit from 8am tomorrow (Friday 6 March) until 9pm on Sunday (9 March).
People carrying out activities that can generate sparks, such as grinding or welding, should take extra care to do this well away from vegetation. Mowing, harvesting and similar activities should be done in the early morning or evening.
Last week Police said we’d be taking action on the illegal sale of nitrous oxide in our communities and this week we are seeing results.
“Many districts, including Eastern, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Central, and Bay of Plenty had already begun working with retailers to ensure they knew the laws around the sale of nitrous oxide,” says Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny.
“One retailer has shown complete disregard for the law and has persisted in selling this substance for recreational use. That retailer has now been charged under the Psychoactive Substances Act.”
District Commander Superintendent Will Loughrin said this result will be great for the Rotorua community.
“We took a planned prevention approach and this shows if retailers ignore us, we will follow through with enforcement action.
“We have taken more than 300 cannisters out of circulation. That will mean reduced harm for our young people, and also less danger on the road because of it.
“Our beat team had engaged with the retailer several times, yet he refused to heed our warnings. So now he will face the consequences, which is a criminal charge of selling or suppling a non-approved psychoactive product which carries a fine of up to $500,000 or a maximum term of two year’s imprisonment,” says Superintendent Loughrin.
The man will appear in the Rotorua District Court tomorrow.
“This is the first prosecution of a retailer in our district and I hope that any other retailer selling nitrous oxide for recreational use will note this and think again.”
Assistant Commissioner Tusha Penny says she is disappointed some retailers are choosing to snub the law despite engagement by Police.
“However, I am pleased to see this great effort by our staff and this demonstrates that we will use enforcement if people break the law.”
Police urge anybody who is aware of a retailer selling nitrous oxide for recreational use to contact Police on 105 or call CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 to report it.
If people see discarded cannisters in public they should contact their local council for advice about safe disposal, as these cannisters can explode if not emptied and disposed of properly as a hazardous substance.
Notes to media
Next week Police will be able to provide an update on numbers of letters delivered to retailers by Police around the country.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Can Giois Ho Chi Minh City’s coastal district,a threshold where a metropolis of more than 10 million people meets the vast ecological reserve of mangrove forests and the open sea. Such geography cannot be replicated. Now, at this rare intersection of city and biosphere, Vinhomes Green Paradise is steadily transforming vision into reality, shaping a new coastal urban paradigm for the next generation.
Among hundreds of candidates from across the globe, Vinhomes Green Paradise has emerged as the first official participant in the global campaign New7Wonders’ “7 Wonders of Future Cities”. It signals that on the southern edge of Ho Chi Minh City, in Can Gio’s coastal expanse, a new urban thesis is being tested – one in which development is calibrated not by vertical ambition alone, but by the durability of its quality of life.
“Vinhomes Green Paradise is a truly compelling model for the concept of a ‘future city,’” said Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders and President of the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign. “Here, the benchmark of progress is measured in the quality of living across generations.”
That future is now materializing at pace. Construction advances with uncommon velocity. Infrastructure grids are being laid with the discipline of long-term urban choreography. At the center of this unfolding ecosystem lies a 50-meter-wide artery known as the “Future Boulevard” – planned as the district’s commercial spine and among the earliest components to be completed and activated.
To acquire a Boulevard Prime townhouse along this axis is, by many measures, to participate in the district’s economic overture before the crescendo. Can Gio is envisioned as a tourism capital welcoming up to 40 million visitors annually. As infrastructure scales and connectivity deepens, the pricing paradigm is expected to reset accordingly. Early ownership, therefore, is a position in an emerging consumption corridor.
The Irreplicable Value of a “Rare Axis”
In urban economics, frontage along a primary commercial axis carries a structural premium. In Can Gio, this logic is rendered tangible along the 50-meter Future Boulevard, the first commercial lifeline of Vinhomes Green Paradise.
Each segment of the street is anchored to a destination of international scale: a six-star luxury resort; the 5,000-seat Blue Waves Theater; the global entertainment complex VinWonders; a Safari park; the 24/7 retail and leisure hub Cosmo Bay; Landmark Harbour international marina; twin 18-hole golf courses; and a five-star Vinmec International Hospital.
According to development plans, these flagship amenities are slated for substantial completion by the third quarter of 2027. Once synchronized in operation, the boulevard will transcend its infrastructural role. It will function as a sustained “consumption corridor” – channeling a stable, continuous stream of visitors past the doors of Boulevard Prime properties.
The anticipated clientele arrives for resort stays, theatrical performances, golf tournaments, wellness programs, global events – activities that imply longer dwell times and elevated discretionary spending. The rhythm of commerce here is not circumscribed by office hours. It extends day and night, across all seasons.
Such an environment is naturally suited to structured, premium service models: fine-dining establishments; curated boutiques; concept stores; flagship showrooms; spa and wellness centers; branded hospitality hybrids. The boulevard’s design, retail interlaced with major attractions, ensures that each property benefits not from a single demand stream, but from layered and overlapping consumer flows.
This “amenity-adjacent” architecture confers resilience. When consumption is underwritten by an entire ecosystem rather than a solitary anchor, volatility is diffused. As the district matures and visitor patterns stabilize, assets positioned along the core axis are likely to see their competitive advantages sharpen.
It is this structural clarity, of connectivity, scarcity and projected demand, that positions Boulevard Prime as a focal point for international capital seeking long-horizon growth in Southeast Asia’s evolving urban markets.
Securing Capital Costs, Anticipating the Cycle
Urban planners often note that the intrinsic value of commercial property along a central axis derives from infrastructural singularity. A city may expand outward, layering additional amenities and residential clusters, but it rarely replicates its primary connective spine. Once established, such axes become enduring frameworks around which value consolidates.
In Can Gio, the 50-meter Future Boulevard is the sole route designed to link, directly and comprehensively, the district’s full spectrum of large-scale amenities. The supply of Boulevard Prime townhouses along this stretch is, by definition, finite. As the urban organism reaches operational maturity, that scarcity is expected to become increasingly pronounced.
If rarity underwrites long-term value, timing determines margin. At the present juncture, while the boulevard is advancing toward completion, pricing does not yet fully encode the district’s projected consumption capacity. Early investors retain latitude in site selection and stand to capture the repricing that typically accompanies infrastructural activation.
Complementing locational advantage is a financing structure engineered to minimize capital risk. The program “Buy a Vinhomes Home – No Worries About Interest Rates” offers 0% interest support for 36 months, followed by a capped maximum rate of 9% per annum for the subsequent 24 months. In effect, investors can model capital costs across a five-year horizon with unusual clarity.
This structure is calibrated to an entire economic cycle. Rather than remaining exposed to market rate volatility, investors can establish predictable cash-flow projections from the outset. In a climate where interest rates exhibit upward pressure and liquidity discipline tempers expansion plans, such insulation functions as a financial shield.
Long-term fixed-rate commitments of this duration are not commonplace in the current market. They presuppose balance-sheet strength and a willingness on the part of the developer to absorb rate risk alongside buyers. For investors, particularly those navigating cross-border allocations, this arrangement reduces friction at the point of entry and fortifies holding strategy during the formative years of the district’s growth.
A City Measured in Generations
What distinguishes Vinhomes Green Paradise is not a singular building or amenity, but its integrative thesis. It proposes that tourism, culture, healthcare, recreation and commerce need not exist as disjointed clusters. When orchestrated deliberately, they can reinforce one another, creating both a lifestyle destination and a durable economic engine.
In that sense, the project’s participation in the New7Wonders campaign reads less as accolade and more as validation of intent. The aspiration is to cultivate a city where daily life, for residents, entrepreneurs and visitors alike, unfolds within a coherent, future-oriented framework.
If cities of the past were defined by fortifications or factories, and the cities of the 20th century by skylines, the cities of the future may well be judged by their capacity to harmonize infrastructure with human experience. In Can Gio, that experiment is already underway – not as speculation, but as construction steel rising against the coastal horizon.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hunting in Fiordland National Park. Photo: George Ledgard.
Hunting is part of New Zealand’s outdoor heritage. For many people, it’s how they were first introduced to the bush. Early starts, learning to read the land and weather, the thrill of the chase, spending time with friends and family, passing knowledge down through generations, and enjoying the harvest.
Hunting also offers something more. It’s a way to connect with nature, to understand the places we care about, and to play a part in protecting them for the future.
Seeing the forest up close
When you’re hunting, you see animal sign, hear birdsong, and notice where the good feed and habitat is, or isn’t. This is naturing. Many hunters can tell which areas are recovering, and which are under pressure from browsing wild animals like deer and goats. Hunters’ observations often match what monitoring shows: where browsing is high, the forest is less diverse and preferred plants struggle to regenerate; where deer numbers are lower, those same plants recover 1–3. Hunters also see that reflected in the condition of the animals they harvest, animals are in better condition in when numbers are low.
That observation is one reason many hunters value healthy ecosystems and support conservation outcomes. Across the country, hunters already give back in practical ways by trapping predators, maintaining huts, reporting wild animal sightings, and contributing to local conservation projects.
For many, hunting is both recreation and stewardship.
Introduced wild animals such as deer, pigs, tahr, and goats are becoming more widespread and abundant across New Zealand. When numbers are high, they browse heavily on seedlings and understory plants. Over time, this can change forest structure and reduce the ability of native plants to regenerate and replenish the canopy. This then puts pressure on the habitats our native species depend on.
Recreational hunters help reduce numbers across many parts of the country. More than 7 million hectares of public conservation land is available for hunting, and hunter effort plays a part in managing wild animal numbers across this wider landscape.
But there’s an important reality to be clear about. Recreational hunting on its own isn’t enough to reduce animal numbers to levels that protect forest health in many areas. Research and expert commentary in New Zealand indicate relying on recreational hunting alone, without additional targeted control, often isn’t sufficient to reduce animals to low numbers that allow species preferred by introduced wild deer and goats to regenerate in our forests. It’s not a criticism of hunters. It reflects the scale of the ecological challenge.
In our own monitoring, sites with high deer numbers, like Ruahine Forest Park, show clear signs of browsing pressure on key plant species.
Why DOC needs to do intensive, targeted management
Some populations of introduced wild animals, particularly wild deer, are breeding faster than they’re being hunted. Current estimates suggest there are over 1 million wild deer in New Zealand. With a reproductive rate of around 20-30%, that means more than 300,000 new wild deer are added to the population each year. It takes a coordinated effort to keep numbers at levels that protect forest health. In many areas, the annual offtake needed just to stop populations growing is beyond what recreational hunting can achieve on its own. That’s why collective, targeted work is needed in high priority places to make a difference.
Red deer. Photo: John Neilsen.
DOC focuses intensive management on around 1.4 million hectares of high-priority conservation land, where biodiversity values are highest. Including, about 1.2 million hectares where the aim is to reduce browsing pressure from wild goats at priority sites.
Healthy forests aren’t just about trees. They provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and other native species. Every plant and animal plays a role in keeping ecosystems balanced and more resilient to changing conditions, including climate change. When introduced wild animals browse heavily, key plants struggle to survive, and the animals that depend on them are affected. Protecting biodiversity ensures these ecosystems can continue to function, thrive, and be enjoyed by future generations.
In these areas, the level of control needed is beyond what recreational hunting alone can usually achieve. That’s why New Zealand needs to use a mix of tools, selected to suit the location, terrain, and ecological values involved:
Professional ground hunting – trained teams targeting specific populations in specific areas
Aerial control – necessary in remote and rugged areas
Exclusion fencing – to protect sensitive ecological sites
Management hunts – community-led management hunting projects that contribute to the overall effort to manage animals
Commercial Wild Animal Recovery Operations (WARO) – as part of wider management and a contribution to reducing numbers
Recreational hunting – as part of wider management and a contribution to reducing numbers
All of these tools are used together where and when they’re needed. No single approach will work everywhere.
We need to use a mosaic approach, applying different tools in different places in a coordinated manner. In some areas, sustained and intensive work is required over many years to reduce browsing pressure to levels that allow high priority forests to recover. In some locations, management may include fencing to protect sensitive ecological or land-use values by keeping animals out. In other areas, recreational hunting, or commercial recovery can contribute to reducing numbers across the wider landscape.
Animal exclosure plot in Ruahine Forest Park showing the effect of browsing. Photo: DOC.
DOC ranger hunting. Photo: Karl Drury
Working together for healthy forests
The message is straightforward: hunters are part of the solution and so is targeted DOC management. Protecting New Zealand’s landscapes requires a mix of approaches informed by monitoring and science. Many of DOC’s efforts also involve iwi and hapū, hunters, and local communities working together to get better outcomes for biodiversity.
For example, in Molesworth’s ecologically sensitive Turk’s Head area, we teamed up with volunteers from the Marlborough NZ Deerstalkers Association to give wild goat control a real lift. With us providing coordination, some helicopter support and ammunition, the wide-open country became the perfect place for recreational hunters to make a meaningful contribution. In just a few days, volunteers removed more than 1,000 goats, and our DOC team followed soon after also removing over 1000. Working side by side in the right terrain, this combined effort made a noticeable dent in goat numbers and is part of ongoing work aiming to ease pressure on the rare plants and fragile landscapes that make Molesworth so special.
Lake McRae, Turk’s Head, Molesworth. Photo: DOC.
Get outdoors. Go hunting. Make sure you have a permit. Enjoy the places you care about and be part of looking after them, so nature and everything that depends on it can thrive. And if every hunter knocks over just a few extra animals while they’re out, maybe one for the freezer and one for the forest, it can help reduce numbers across the wider landscape.
1. Nugent, G., Forsyth, D. M., Smith-Flueck, J.-A. M. & Latham, A. D. M. Non-Native Deer: Origins, Status, Impacts, and Management. in Deer of the World: Ecology, Conservation and Management (eds Melletti, M. & Focardi, S.) 887–912 (Springer Nature Switzerland, Cham, 2025). doi:10.1007/978-3-031-17756-9_60.
2. Tanentzap, A. J. et al. Landscape‐level vegetation recovery from herbivory: progress after four decades of invasive red deer control. (2009).
3. Nugent, G., Fraser, W. & Sweetapple, P. Top down or bottom up? Comparing the impacts of introduced arboreal possums and ‘terrestrial’ ruminants on native forests in New Zealand. Biological Conservation 99, 65–79 (2001).
4. Allen, K. et al. Long‐term exclusion of invasive ungulates alters tree recruitment and functional traits but not total forest carbon. Ecological Applications 33, e2836 (2023).
5. Latham, A. D. M. & Nugent, G. Introduction, impacts, and management of non-native deer and other hunted ungulates in New Zealand. Journal of Japan Deer Studies 2017, 41–57 (2017).
6. Fraser, W. The Effect of Recreational Hunters on Deer Populations in Pureora Conservation Park. Science for Conservation 38 (1996).
7. Nugent, G. & Choquenot, D. Comparing cost-effectiveness of commercial harvesting, state-funded culling, and recreational deer hunting in New Zealand. Wildlife Society Bulletin 32, 481–492 (2004).
8. Fraser, K. W. Status and Conservation Role of Recreational Hunting on Conservation Land.
9. Forsyth, D. M., Allen, R. B., Marburg, A. E., MacKenzie, D. I. & Douglas, M. J. Population dynamics and resource use of red deer after release from harvesting in New Zealand. New Zealand journal of ecology 277–287 (2010).
Coromandel has traditionally been deer-free and is not a recreational deer hunting area. However, aerial surveillance conducted by DOC in 2025 revealed a deer herd – prompting a new work programme to remove the animals from the southern tract of the Coromandel Forest Park.
DOC’s Hauraki-Waikato-Taranaki Regional Director Tinaka Mearns says the surveillance confirmed a staff suspicion deer were in the forest park – and acting decisively to remove them is essential.
“Deer damage native forests by feeding on forest plants, trees, and seedlings. This has a flow on impact to resilience of the forest and land stability.”
“For some time, DOC and its partners have strived to keep Coromandel deer-free. We aim to maintain the wild-deer-free area to reduce pressure on native plants and habitats.”
In Coromandel, deer presence is a particular concern as the animals are a suspected vector for kauri disease. Coromandel has thousands of taonga kauri, and the disease is already present in some locations – so stopping its spread is vital.
Work to remove the deer will start this month, with communication to adjacent landowners, Tinaka says.
“For wild deer management operations to be effective we need to work across both public and private land.
“Landowners will be notified prior to the start of hunting operations. We’ll also ensure we obtain a written permission from landowners to carry out our deer management operations on their properties.
The first phase of work will include further surveillance work by experienced contract hunters.
“The surveillance will determine the presence and distribution of the deer, and will be followed by targeted hunting to remove the animals.”
Landowners can help by immediately reporting any fallow and red deer they encounter on their properties as soon as possible so we can arrange for a quick hunter response.
People going about usual activities such as farming or pig hunting can also shoot any deer they see in Coromandel Forest Park or on adjacent land (with permission), if safe to do so. DOC would welcome information on these types of deer encounters or removal.
The general public and visitors naturing in the forest park can help by reporting deer sightings in the southern area of the Coromandel Forest Park to 0800 DOC HOT.
The work starting this month will also ascertain if the deer have established a breeding population, and what ongoing resource will be needed for eradication.
“With the ongoing commitment of resource, and the support of landowners and the wider public, we believe we can remove this deer herd from Coromandel,” Tinaka says.
“This work is important to prevent long-term ecological damage and reduce future management costs to keep Coromandel deer-free.”
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – The “Hong Kong Smart Design Awards” has officially been renamed “Smart Design Global” (SDG), marking a new start to Hong Kong’s annual flagship design event as it enters its fifteenth year running. The name change signifies the convergence of local design talents, with the competition serving as a gateway to the world. Organised by the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the program has been instrumental in taking Hong Kong’s original design global since its inception in 2012.
This year’s rebranding represents a strategic transformation to further establish a holistic design ecosystem, with the goal to shape creativity as a new economic driver for Hong Kong. SDG will implement an incentive scheme which merges creativity with business to help winners connect with international markets. The program will consist of two key phases: the “Smart Design Global Awards 2026” competition, followed by a series of overseas trade shows.
Upgraded Perks: Shortlisted Participants to Secure Exhibition Spots
This year’s “Smart Design Global” comes with an upgraded suite of rewards for participants, and particularly those who qualify for the Corporate Group in order to reward SMEs and local designers that invest in creativity. All shortlisted participants will be allocated a dedicated display space at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, where they can showcase their competition entries and other company products. This provides a comprehensive platform for participants to interact with thousands of international buyers, boosting brand exposure and fostering collaboration. The final judging will also take place on the first day of the Gifts & Premium Fair, allowing participants to present their design concepts directly to the jury panel. This face-to-face interaction enables contestants to gather professional feedback and gain deeper insights into their product’s strengths and weaknesses.
Furthermore, award winners will be given the opportunity to take their winning products abroad for touring exhibitions. By taking part in major global trade shows, homegrown designs will shine on an international stage. The SDG Awards also offers a prototype subsidy, which grants crucial early-stage funding to help top winners transform innovative concepts into market-ready products for the world, maximizing value for all participants who enter.
Four Categories: Showcasing Hong Kong’s Unique Charm
“Smart Design Global Awards 2026” is now open for application. This edition focuses not only on the aesthetic appeal of products, but also the market potential, calling for entries from innovative products across four categories:
Live: Designs that elevate living spaces and personal style, such as distinctive furniture and home décor.
Dine: Kitchen innovations, tableware, and dining decorations that redefine culinary aesthetics and experience.
Gift: Exquisite, personalized gifts designed to create lasting memories, including festive products, personal collectibles, and corporate gifts.
Play: Nostalgic recreational items or educational games with pedagogical design, such as figures, STEM games, and cross-generational collectibles.
Seize the final chance to showcase unique designs to the world. For detailed information on entry requirements, judging criteria, and registration for “Smart Design Global Awards 2026”, please visit the official website: https://www.sdawards.org.hk.
Smart Design Global 2026 Submission Details
Corporate Group
Application Deadline:
10 March 2026 (Tues)
Application Fee:
HK$600 per product category
Exhibition Fee*:
HK$3,500 per product category
Conceptual Group
Application Deadline:
10 March 2026 (Tues)
Application Fee:
HK$300 per product category (Waived for students)
Exhibition Fee*:
Waived
* Shortlisted entries will enjoy an HK$600 registration fee waiver, bringing the actual exhibition fee to HK$2,900. **For details, please visit the Smart Design Global website: https://www.sdawards.org.hk
Tomorrow will mark four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“That’s longer than the duration of their war against the Nazis,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund New Zealand.
“Charities like ChildFund have remained working in the country and the region since the start, through our local partners. We could not support the children we do, without the generosity of Kiwis who have kept supporting us since the war started.”
The latest statistics are shocking:
4.6 million children entering their fourth consecutive year of disrupted schooling
10% of school and educational facilities damaged (1,700 facilities)
2,859,000 children displaced; one third of Ukraine’s child population
62.89% of these displaced children are now refugees
Bombs have killed or injured more than 3,200 children since February 2022.
2025 saw a 10% increase over the year prior for child casualties
Nearly 200 medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged in 2025 alone.
Through its partner,We World,ChildFund New Zealand has also helped support 7,334 people (adults and children) across Ukraine with mental and psychosocial health sessions. Safe centres for children have been set up in protected and underground spaces, offering educational, psychosocial and recreational activities.
This winter, temperatures have already dropped to -20 degrees Celsius. The renewed attacks on energy infrastructure mean widespread blackouts, and no reliable access to heating and water.
“Ukrainian children and their families need us more than ever.”
The Government is investing $3.5 million in the restoration of 3000-plus hectares of Tongariro National Park destroyed by two major fires last year, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.
“Tongariro is a Dual World Heritage site, a taonga, and a cornerstone of the Ruapehu District economy. The fires have damaged biodiversity, disrupted recreation, and affected the livelihoods of families and businesses across Ruapehu District,” Mr Potaka says.
“That is why we are investing $3.5m from the International Visitor Levy (IVL) over five years to fund weed control, pest management and biodiversity monitoring.
“The IVL ensures visitor revenue goes back into maintaining and improving the places that support local jobs, businesses and communities.”
Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro is working alongside DOC to deliver Maunga Ora, a restoration plan based on science, tikanga and mātauranga Māori.
“Recovery is already visible, with native plants pushing through the charred ground. But without sustained weed control and pest management, including managing deer, that regeneration will be at risk,” Mr Potaka says.
“I want to acknowledge the commitment of Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro, DOC staff and the wider Ruapehu community who have been working on the ground since the fires. Their partnership is critical to restoring the mauri of this sacred landscape.
“The investment restores ecological resilience while backing the regional economy and people who depend on it.
“Tongariro is our taonga and restoring its mauri is essential. That’s why the Government is working to secure its long-term future.”
Maritime NZ featured in the lead story on Seven Sharp on Wednesday, 4 February.
The story examined the rapid emergence of new recreational water craft and the safety risks that can arise as technology and usage patterns evolve.
The segment focused on how innovative designs – particularly faster, quieter and more powerful craft – are changing the way New Zealanders interact on shared waterways, and why safety messaging must evolve alongside them.
Supported by wing foil instructor Simon Croft and eFoil expert Greg Wright, the story opened with a review of the technology, followed by on-water demonstrations.
Matt Wood, Maritime NZ’s Principal Advisor Recreational Craft, was interviewed as part of the story, providing Maritime NZ’s perspective on the practical risks associated with these new craft.
Matt highlighted that while innovation can deliver environmental and performance benefits, it can also introduce unfamiliar handling characteristics, higher speeds, and reduced visibility or audibility to other water users. These factors can increase the likelihood of incidents, particularly when operators are inexperienced or unaware of how their craft behaves in different conditions.
The story reinforced core safety messages: understanding your craft, wearing lifejackets, maintaining situational awareness, and respecting other users on busy waterways. With swimmers, paddleboarders, paddle craft and powered vessels often sharing the same spaces, the consequences of misjudgement or lack of knowledge can be serious.
The segment also emphasised that most incidents are preventable through preparation, education and responsible decision‑making.
Hamish Kerr celebrates winning the Men’s High Jump final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.www.photosport.nz
Hamish Kerr has claimed New Zealand’s highest sporting honour at the 63rd Halberg Awards in Auckland, after achieving heights in his career that no other Kiwi high jumper has reached.
Kerr has won the Supreme Halberg Award, capping off an extraordinary 2025 in which he dominated on the world stage.
Kerr – who also secured the Sportsman of the Year title earlier in the evening – won gold at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.
His maiden triumph in Tokyo completed the final piece of Kerr’s collection of global titles. He is now the reigning world champion, Olympic champion (Paris 2024), and Diamond League champion (2025) – an unprecedented achievement by a New Zealand high jumper.
Kerr, who also won last year’s Halberg Sportsman of the Year, took the title ahead of athletics team-mate Geordie Beamish; Freeski Big Air World Champion Luca Harrington; footballer Chris Wood and golfer Ryan Fox.
Kerr’s athletics coach James Sandilands, who guided the 29-year-old through one of the best seasons of his career, was named Coach of the Year – his first win in the category.
Snowboard star Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, who is currently competing at her third Winter Olympics, was named Sportswoman of the Year.
Sadowski-Synnott won a third snowboard slopestyle world title in 2025, and got the accolade ahead of a field including global champions across cycling – Sammie Maxwell and Niamh Fisher-Black; tennis – Erin Routliffe, and rugby – Jorja Miller.
New Zealand snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott.JAMIE SQUIRE / AFP
The Black Ferns Sevens were crowned the Team of the Year after another dominant 2024-25 HSBC SVNS World Series and the SVNS World Championship.
Their unmatched global success stood-out in an impressive line-up of team finalists including Auckland FC; world champion men’s rowing pair Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch; the men’s team pursuit track cycling squad; the New Zealand Kiwis and the New Zealand Black Sox.
Sam Ruthe unsurprisingly beat out the other finalists in the Emerging Talent category after making history in 2025 by becoming the youngest person ever to run a sub-four-minute mile.
Paralympic sprint star Danielle Aitchison was awarded the Para Athlete/Para Team of the Year Award, for her impressive results on the track at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships. Other finalists included fellow Para athletics team mate Lisa Adams, Para track cyclists Nicole Murray and Devon Briggs and Para swimmer Cameron Leslie.
International sport administrator and leader Katie Sadleir received the Sport New Zealand Leadership Award, recognising her influential contributions to global sport and her long-standing dedication to athlete well-being and equity.
The Black Ferns Sevens continue to dominate.Jayne Russell / PHOTOSPORT
Kat Mueller was honoured with the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, for her significant work championing inclusive sport and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities across Aotearoa.
Two new inductees to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame were also celebrated. Dame Valerie Adams and Richie McCaw were formally welcomed into the prestigious group, recognising their contributions, achievements, and lasting impact on New Zealand sport.
Nitrous oxide is used recreationally for a high that can cause serious side effects. File photo.AFP / BENJAMIN POLGE
The mother of a man who still has nerve damage more than a year after huffing nitrous oxide – and is no longer unable to work in construction – wants tougher regulation around nangs.
Health and community leaders are concerned about a surge in huffing – including in Hawke’s Bay, where hundreds of kilos of large discarded canisters have been collected. Two cases of nerve damage in the region have also been linked to huffing nitrous oxide recently.
The gas has legitimate medical and catering uses, but is also used recreationally for a high that can cause serious side effects.
While it is illegal to sell nitrous oxide for huffing, a Checkpoint investigation found stores are selling large canisters of the gas that are the equivalent of hundreds of hits – with virtually no questions asked.
The New Zealand Drug Foundation has said recreational drug users often inhale it for a short-lived high.
However, the availability of thermos-sized canisters of the gas have community leaders and doctors seriously concerned about the safety and health risks linked to consuming large quantities of the gas.
One mother – who does not want to be named – says her son was buying large quantities of the gas and thought he could manage his doses.
But she told Checkpoint that things got serious when he started losing his balance.
“It was almost like he was drunk and couldn’t hold his balance, and his legs were like jelly.”
She said it was not constant, but there were times when he could not use a knife and fork.
“He just couldn’t grip it correctly, and was really struggling.
“He said he couldn’t feel his feet or his fingers, so they were completely numb and he had no sensation in his feet.”
She eventually took him to hospital after hearing him “crash” in their home at Christmas 2024.
“I was devastated. We just didn’t know what was wrong…and we just took him to hospital,” she said.
The woman says her son continues to suffer nerve damage, and that he had been purchasing the large canister products “regularly” from dairies when he became ill.
“I don’t know how much he was using, but I think to get into the state that he was, it was extreme,” she said.
“I was shocked that he just bought it from the local dairy.”
When she took him to hospital in late 2024, he ended up being admitted for an eight-day stay.
“He said he couldn’t feel his feet and his fingers, so they were completely numb and he had no sensation in his feet.
“It was almost like he was drunk and couldn’t hold his balance and…his legs kind of were jelly. But that wasn’t constant.
“And the real challenging time was when he couldn’t use a knife and fork, like he just couldn’t hold it, grip it correctly and… was just really struggling.”
The woman shared her story with Checkpoint because she wanted people to understand how dangerous nitrous oxide was, and that it was easily accessible – despite requirements under the Psychoactive Substances Act.
She said the ongoing impacts on her son, who previously worked in the construction industry, had been particularly heartbreaking.
“The thing is…my son was trying to be a responsible user and had looked into the adverse effects of using this drug and saw that it depleted vitamin B12, so he was taking B12.
“But it obviously was not enough.”
She said it took about 10 hours for doctors at the hospital to establish her son’s symptoms were a result of nerve damage from low levels of vitamin B12 and nitrous oxide use.
More than a year later, he continued to have problems and had not been able to return to his work in the construction industry.
“He obviously can use a knife and fork and things more easily now…but I feel like he hasn’t got 100 percent sensation back in his feet,” she said.
“I know nerves do take a long time to heal and grow back, but we’re talking about 15 months since he was hospitalised.”
She said she was so angry by what happened to her son, and that there was no information out there about how to deal with it.
“It’s just horrifying, I just can’t believe it’s happening still. The minister needs to stop it being sold through dairies for a start. It’s just crazy and there needs to be some regulation around it.”
Health Minister Simeon Brown previously said the government took nitrous oxide misuse “very seriously”.
He highlighted tougher enforcement measures around sale of the gas, which were introduced last year.
“These changes were designed to provide greater clarity for retailers and enforcement agencies, and to ensure there are appropriate consequences when the law is not followed,” he said in a statement.
“I have requested advice on how effective these changes have been, including whether the penalties are adequate, to ensure we can keep New Zealanders safe.”
For anyone affected by issues discussed in this story, free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor. Or call 0800 Lifeline or text HELP to 4357.
MetService has already issued orange warnings for the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, and Gisborne/Tairawhiti. Heavy rain is expected across many parts of the North Island.
Kahori Nakagawa, Acting Operations Manager Hawke’s Bay, says it’s important for visitors to check DOC’s website for any current warnings and updates, and stay away from campsites, tracks, or huts near areas with a high slip risk.
“MetService is forecasting intense rainfall over the weekend, which could affect tracks, campsites, and access roads,” says Kahori.
“We’re asking people to think carefully before heading out, and to be prepared to change their plans if needed.
“The last thing we want is people getting hurt or stuck.”
Once the extreme weather has passed, DOC staff will carry out assessments on sites and determine when huts, campsites, and tracks can be reopened to the public.
“If you’re in an affected area and planning a trip this weekend, please take care and put safety first.
“Naturing is about connecting with the outdoors, but that connection also means respecting nature’s power and knowing when to pause or change plans.”
All potential visitors should check the DOC website for the latest alerts before setting out. Checking websites for NZTA and local councils can also help visitors glean information about important travel and recreation aspects like road closures access or water restrictions.
Business Canterbury formally launched the Canterbury Ambition last night at its annual Back to Business event, a sold-out gathering held at the region’s brand-new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre.
Business Canterbury’s Chief Executive Leeann Watson says, “Canterbury is ready to lead, and we’re not waiting for government to tell us what our future should look like. The Ambition is a shared vision – led by the private sector and supported by local government – which seeks to lock in the confidence and momentum we’re seeing across our region right now.”
“Through conversations with both local government and business leaders, we quickly reached a consensus that the connection between our environment, innovative spirit, and affordable housing and lifestyle is what sets us apart and should underpin our growth story moving forward.”
“Announcing this piece of work in a room full of bold thinkers and doers felt incredibly fitting. The energy in the room spoke to the ambition and optimism building across Canterbury. We are delighted to have this work now live, and we’re looking forward to progressing it alongside the businesses and leaders who helped shape it.”
Where we are today is just the starting point for significant work ahead — creating a tangible roadmap and shared work across both the public and private sectors.
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.
Northcote is rapidly transforming – and with nearly 890 new homes already completed, another 300 under construction and more planned, improved community facilities are essential. To support this growing neighbourhood and create better spaces for people to connect, a new multi-purpose community hub will begin next month on the site of the existing library.
A new community hub for a growing community
The new facility will bring together the library and key community services Hearts & Minds,North Art,Citizens Advice Bureau, andPlunket – into one modern, flexible space.
Kate Cumberpatch, Priority Location Direction, at the Auckland Urban Development Office, says, “The heritage-listed library building will be upgraded and complemented by a new contemporary wing, offering shared spaces, community rooms for hire and an enlarged front plaza. It’s going to be a modern vibrant, welcoming space for the community to come together and enjoy.”
“At the back, a covered veranda will connect to the neighbouring Puāwai Cadness Reserve, which is also being upgraded, to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience for visitors.”
A revitalised Puāwai Cadness Reserve
When finished, the reserve will offer new recreational spaces and improved amenities. Kate says, “We’re excited for the community to be getting an improved community hub and a dramatically enhanced reserve. A new basketball court, a large lawn area with a pavilion, children’s play spaces, toilets, and generous new planting will create a more attractive usable and greener environment.”
Improving stormwater and building resilience
Stormwater management will also be significantly upgraded. Kate says, “The new hub, reserve upgrade and final section of Te Ara Awataha, Northcote’s new greenway, will improve drainage to further mitigate the long-standing flooding issues in the area, while delivering valuable environmental, community and health benefits.”
Temporary Library and Services During Construction
To prepare for construction, Northcote Library will close from Monday 16 February and reopen on Monday 2 March 2026 at a temporary hub at 1 Ernie Mays Street. Hearts & Minds, NorthArt, Citizens Advice Bureau, and Plunket will be there too until the new hub and reserve opens at the end of 2027.
Despite the smaller footprint, library services and operating hours will remain the same and car parking will continue to be available on the corner of Ernie Mays Street and College Road. Northcote Library Manager Lucia Mataia says, “We’ll prioritise our most popular and interesting items on shelves. And thanks to our free request and collection service, customers will still have full access to the entire Auckland Libraries network.”
Part of Northcote’s wider 10-year transformation
The new community hub is a key milestone in Auckland Council’s major long-term redevelopment of Northcote’s town centre. Over the next few years, community facilities will be upgraded, followed by the staged modernisation of the shopping precinct.
Ernie Mays Street will be extended from 2027 to become the new main street, and there will be a larger supermarket, new shops and eateries, offices, homes, car parking, and a new town square – creating a vibrant heart for the local community.
Find out more on the AUDO website.
The Auckland Urban Development Office leads Auckland Council’s urban transformation projects – working with mana whenua, developers, and the community to create vibrant, future-ready neighbourhoods.
A Checkpoint investigation has revealed how easy it is to get potentially dangerous nitrous oxide or nangs in large quantities from dairies, vape stores and convenience stores.
The gas has legitimate medical uses and is also used in catering to whip cream, however it is illegal to supply, possess or use the gas recreationally.
Checkpoint visited 16 stores across three areas in Auckland and found at least half were willing to sell canisters of the gas in a range of sizes with virtually no checks.
One vape store sold 1.1L and 3.3L canisters of the gas, for $50 and $150 respectively. It also offered a “combo” price of $170 for the pair.
At another dairy visited by Checkpoint, the shop keeper had a range of products available to buy – from packs of the small, silver tubes of nitrous oxide to the larger, thermos-sized 1.1L canister. The shop-keeper also said the 1.1L was the most popular size.
Several dairies offered packs of the silver tubes, with prices ranging from $10 for the 10-pack to about $60 for a 50-pack.
The gas was also available to purchase on its own, without cream dispensers. Only one dairy clarified verbally that the canisters were only to be “used for baking”.
Nitrous oxide products available to purchase one of the stores visited by Checkpoint in Auckland.RNZ / Teuila Fuatai
Doctors and community leaders have been particularly concerned about the availability of the thermos-sized 1.1L and 3.3L canisters.
Dr Nicholas Jones is the medical officer of health in Hawke’s Bay, where two cases of nerve damage have recently been linked to huffing of nitrous oxide.
At a recent community meeting on the issue, he said people were alarmed to hear that recycling services in the region were collecting around 300kg of empty canisters a fortnight.
That does suggest “there’s quite a significant amount of this being used”, he said.
Large canisters of nitrous oxide can be easily purchased.Supplied
While nitrous oxide has traditionally been viewed at the lower end of the harm-spectrum for psychoactive substances, Jones highlighted the potential risks around large amounts of the gas being accessible and available.
“What seems to have changed recently is the availability of these large canisters, you know, up to 3.3L of gas, whereas in the past people may have used the small silver canisters about, I think it’s about 8 grams or something, a relatively low amount.”
“You’re able to then actually access 3.3L, you could be using it for a prolonged period of time over a long period of time.”
That increased risks significantly, he said.
Dr Nicholas Jones.RNZ / Anusha Bradley
“Although it’s not known for being a drug that causes, you know, psychological dependence, obviously the longer you use it and the more you use it, the higher the risk of, you know, becoming dependent on it.
“With chronic use you can start developing nerve damage associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.”
He suspected this could become more common, especially as people may not understand the risks of nitrous oxide-use.
“One of the problems is that people may be ringing up with concerns, health concerns, but not necessarily identifying the fact that they’re associated with, you know, the use of nitrous oxide.”
Checkpoint also spoke to a woman whose adult child became a heavy user of nitrous oxide last year.
The woman asked to remain anonymous but wanted to share her family’s experience in the hope more could be done to prevent abuse of the substance.
She said her daughter became hooked the gas and was using the large, thermos-sized canisters.
It caused physical problems for her daughter like anaemia, numbness in the her fingers and toes, and issues with bumping into things, she said.
Her daughter also ended up in hospital because of nerve damage, and the addiction had severe mental health impacts and led to self-harm.
The woman said the family found the gas was being purchased from a vape store.
When they went in to see what checks were in place, they found customers were asked to write down their name and the intended use for their purchase on a piece of paper.
She said people had written down names like “John Smith” and that they wanted the gas for a “21st birthday cake”
The woman said police investigated the store, which was eventually closed down. However, she remained concerned about the availability of the gas, and pointed out the closed-vape shop was simply one outlet selling nitrous-oxide products.
She also said her daughter had recovered after quitting “cold turkey” and getting help. The family now want the government to be more proactive and shut down illegal sales.
For anyone affected by issues discussed in this story, free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor. Or call 0800 Lifeline or text HELP to 4357.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has welcomed the passing of the first reading of the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, which will reform New Zealand’s work health and safety law and regulations.
“The changes in this Bill will make it easier to run a business in New Zealand by increasing certainty and removing fear, helping to ease costs of compliance and improve safety outcomes,” says Ms van Velden.
The Bill addresses concerns businesses had in two key ways. First, by increasing available guidance and support through a strengthening of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) giving businesses access to guidance that is tailored to their own industries and easier to keep up to date than regulations.
“ACOPs will now act as ‘safe harbours’ for compliance, meaning that if a business complies with their sector’s ACOP, they have done enough to meet their health and safety requirements.
“Secondly, the Bill will clarify WorkSafe’s functions.
“A major theme in the feedback we received from businesses was that they don’t know what they need to do to manage their risks and meet their obligations. I also heard concerns about a lack of guidance, regulations not keeping pace with best practice, and uncertainty about WorkSafe’s approach as the regulator arising due to inconsistency and heavy-handedness in punishment.
“This all results in a feeling of fear and uncertainty that leads businesses to take unnecessary actions to protect themselves, creating more costs to the business without actually making workers any safer.
“The Bill will require WorkSafe to move from an approach of expecting everyone to address every possible risk, towards one in which WorkSafe provides guidance on the critical risks a workplace must address to meet their obligations under the Act.
“I expect this will significantly help businesses to understand their responsibilities and give clarity about the actions they should take to protect their workers,” says Ms van Velden.
“This new focus will make WorkSafe a more consistent and helpful agency, so that businesses can get the support they need to keep workers safe, without wasting resources on external consultants or excessive paperwork compliance.
“I’m looking forward to hearing feedback, particularly around whether these changes are clear and workable, once the Bill opens for submissions at select committee.
“Today is a win for practical, common-sense changes that will set businesses up for success in keeping people safe,” says Ms van Velden.
Note to Editors:
Other changes include:
Creating a carve-out for small, low-risk businesses from general Health and Safety at Work Act requirements. These businesses will only have to manage critical risks and provide basic facilities to ensure worker welfare.
Clarifying what a director’s health and safety due diligence duty involves and where it stops.
Many directors think they need to do more than they should, and directors and management are also duplicating work. This change clarifies that the day-to-day management of health and safety risks is to be left to managers so directors can focus on governance.
Clarifying that businesses do not owe health and safety duties to individuals engaging in recreational activities on their land, unless the business has work happening on the same part of the land at the same time.
This will ensure that landowners will not be responsible if someone is injured on their land while doing recreational activities and that health and safety responsibilities will lie squarely on the organisation running the activities.
