Category: New Zealand

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Fonterra provides Farmgate Milk Price and earnings update

 Source: Fonterra

  • Fonterra expecting to distribute Mainland Group earnings as special Mainland dividend
  • Fonterra confirms FY26 forecast earnings guidance from continuing operations
  • Fonterra lifts 2025/26 season forecast Farmgate Milk Price midpoint from $9.00 per kgMS to $9.50 per kgMS

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today lifted its forecast Farmgate Milk Price for the 2025/26 season and narrowed its forecast range.
 
The midpoint has increased from $9.00 per kgMS to $9.50 per kgMS, with the forecast range lifting and narrowing from $8.50-$9.50 per kgMS to $9.20-$9.80 per kgMS.
 
CEO Miles Hurrell says the Co-op has been able to make these changes based on recent improvements in global commodity prices combined with Fonterra’s well contracted sales book.
 
“As we have seen, global dairy prices have been volatile across the season. Following the declines at the end of 2025, prices have lifted in the last four Global Dairy Trade events.
 
“Global milk production remains above seasonal norms, meaning the risk of further volatility in pricing remains. As such, we continue to take a balanced approach with our Farmgate Milk Price forecast.
 
“Our team is focused on enhancing returns for farmer shareholders through the Farmgate Milk Price and earnings, by delivering on our strategy,” says Mr Hurrell.
 
Update on Mainland Group earnings
 
Fonterra is today advising that it intends to pay out 100% of underlying earnings generated by Mainland Group during FY26 while still under Fonterra ownership.
 
The earnings will be distributed through a special Mainland dividend payment to shareholders and unit holders following the completion of the sale to Lactalis.
 
“We are currently finalising our interim accounts and can indicate that we expect the special Mainland dividend to be in the range of 14-18 cents per share, which reflects the operating performance of the Mainland business during the first half of this year driven by ongoing cost management and favourable input commodity prices.
 
“This remains subject to the settlement date of the transaction and the finalisation of our financial statements and audit process.
 
“Fonterra’s FY26 forecast earnings guidance from continuing operations remains unchanged at 45-65 cents per share. It is intended that Fonterra’s dividend policy will be applied to these continuing earnings.  
 
“Our interim dividend from continuing operations will be confirmed when we release our FY26 interim results and an update on the special Mainland dividend will be given at this time,” says Mr Hurrell.
 
As previously indicated, Fonterra expects the transaction to be complete in the first quarter of the 2026 calendar year, subject to separation of the businesses from Fonterra and remaining regulatory approvals being received.
 
About Fonterra  
 
Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer, foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities byDoing Good Together.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/fonterra-provides-farmgate-milk-price-and-earnings-update/

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Fire Safety – Central Otago moving to a Prohibited Fire Season

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a Prohibited Fire Season in Central Otago beginning at 8am this Saturday, 21 February, banning all outdoor fires until further notice.
District Manager Craig Gold says the ban may come as a surprise to many because of a slow start to summer and Central Otago not experiencing its usual long hot summer days.
“However, it’s been quite deceptive. Our grasslands are now very dry, and the fire risk has been slowly but steadily increasing – notably in Cromwell, Lauder, Clyde and Butchers Dam.
“We have reached the threshold where we need to declare a Prohibited Fire Season,” Craig Gold says.
“While several large, permitted burns have been successfully carried out over the last couple of months, it’s no longer safe to do so, and we appreciate the support of the farming community, in particular, in recognising that,” he says.
Central Otago is predominantly a grassland area with a lot of fuel for potentially disastrous fires that would be extremely difficult to control.
“We want people to be very vigilant,” Craig Gold says.
“A ban on all outdoor fires will reduce the number of callouts and allow Fire and Emergency crews to manage other fires that may occur.”
Anyone wanting to know if they are in the fire ban area, or just not sure, can input their address into Fire and Emergency’s www.checkitsalright website for specific information on their property and location.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/fire-safety-central-otago-moving-to-a-prohibited-fire-season/

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South Korea: Life sentence for Ex-President Yoon a significant step towards accountability

Source: Amnesty Internatonal

Responding to today’s guilty verdict and life sentence for former South Korean President Yoon for the imposition of martial law in December 2024, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said:

“Today’s verdict and sentence is an important step towards accountability which demonstrates that no one is above the law in South Korea, including a former president.

“This ruling holds Yoon accountable for the unlawful imposition of martial law in December 2024, which lacked proper legal justification under both domestic and international law and placed fundamental rights at risk.

“South Korea’s independent courts and citizen resistance have shown how the rule of law and strong institutional checks can effectively counter authoritarian practices. This decision must now be followed by comprehensive measures to ensure such violations never happen again.”

Background

Seoul Central District Court today handed down a life sentence to former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol after finding him guilty of leading an insurrection over his declaration of martial law. Yoon is expected to appeal. The ruling follows prosecutors’ call for the death penalty in this case in January 2026. This case is among eight criminal trials with Yoon as the defendant.

On 3 December 2024, former President Yoon declared martial law in a late-night address broadcast live on TV. The move was met with mass protests, and lawmakers forced their way into the National Assembly to vote to lift the martial law order within hours. Yoon was subsequently impeached and removed from office in a separate case by the Constitutional Court.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/south-korea-life-sentence-for-ex-president-yoon-a-significant-step-towards-accountability/

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Charter schools strengthen Crown-Tūhoe relationship

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced Te Kura Awhitu, sponsored by the Tūhoe Charitable Trust, will open by Term 2 2026 as a charter school. 

“Every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow in ways which are more specific to their needs. Today’s announcement demonstrates the innovation enabled by the charter school model,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Tūhoe and the Crown stood apart for generations. Today’s announcement delivers on an important commitment to investigate a charter school for Tūhoe based learning that was made in 2013 as part of the reset of the Crown-Tūhoe relationship.

“Te Kura Awhitu will prepare its students for modern life from traditional roots. Autonomy is important to Tūhoe, and the charter school model enables this. It means Tūhoe can embed their tikanga, language, values, environment, and cultural identity into the curriculum. This marks a significant step forward in the Crown-Tūhoe relationship.  

“The school will offer a full Māori immersion education. The curriculum is based on the philosophy and guiding principles drawn from the Te Urewera environment. 

“The school will have the use of Te Urewera as a classroom, to learn practically about natural sciences, biodiversity, and geography in a way that incorporates Tūhoe traditions and knowledge: learning about environmental change, waterways management and whakapapa. 

“NCEA achievement standards will be used for learning. Natural science learning will be taught against achievement standards in biology, environmental studies or agriculture. A learning module on water restoration, for example, may earn credits in sustainability, science and history,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Charter schools show education can be different if we let communities bring their ideas to the table.

“These schools have more flexibility in return for strictly measured results.

“The charter school equation is: the same funding as state schools, plus greater flexibility plus stricter accountability for results, equals student success.

“There are more ideas in the communities of New Zealand than there are in the Government. That’s why we open ideas to the wider community, then apply strict performance standards to the best ones.

“It will join the charter schools announced in the last year which will open in 2026. This takes the total number of charter schools to 19. We expect more new charter schools to be announced before the end of the year, along with the first state schools to convert.

“I want to thank the Charter School Agency and Authorisation Board for the work they have done getting charters open. They considered 52 applicants for new charter schools. They tell me this round the choices were very difficult.

“This is just the beginning. I hope to see many more new charter schools opening, and state and state-integrated schools converting to become charter schools.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/charter-schools-strengthen-crown-tuhoe-relationship/

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Largest ever reduction in District Court criminal backlog

Source: New Zealand Government

Courts Minister Nicole McKee is welcoming the largest ever reduction in the District Court’s criminal backlog, with a 22 percent drop over the past year – the equivalent of 1,562 fewer cases waiting to be heard.

“The Government’s focus on fixing what matters is working for victims,” says Mrs McKee.

In December 2024 there were 7,133 cases in the backlog. By December 2025, that number had fallen to 5,571.

“This means at least 1562 fewer victims waiting for their day in court to see justice delivered,” says Mrs McKee.

“The turnaround reflects a whole-of-justice-sector effort, including collaboration between the judiciary, court staff, the legal profession, and agencies such as police and corrections.

“I want to thank everyone across the sector who has worked hard to achieve this result. Their focus on timeliness is making a tangible difference for victims and communities.

“The improvement demonstrates the continuing impact of the justice sector’s timeliness initiatives, first introduced in the Auckland metro courts and now reflected in national performance.

“Key improvements include changes led by the judiciary to rostering and scheduling, which have enabled judicial resources to be prioritised to District Court locations with the largest backlogs. We are also seeing better trial preparedness by parties and fewer unnecessary adjournments.

“Additionally, we have strengthened performance reporting and sharpened our focus on timely justice across the criminal jurisdiction.

“There is still more work to do, but this result shows the approach is working. We are focused on practical changes that make a real difference for victims.

“The Family Court backlog has also improved, with a 9 percent decrease in the same period, equivalent to around 850 applications.

“Upcoming legislative reform will further support faster justice, including expanding the powers and number of Community Magistrates, encouraging greater use of remote participation in court, and improving jury selection processes.

“Delivering the largest ever reduction in the criminal backlog is a significant milestone, but the real measure of success is what it means for victims.

“For victims, delays can mean prolonged stress, uncertainty, and trauma. Fixing what matters means reducing that wait and restoring confidence that the system will respond promptly when harm is done.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/largest-ever-reduction-in-district-court-criminal-backlog/

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Three men arrested after several hurt in gang-related robbery in Christchurch

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Keiller MacDuff

Three men have been arrested after four people were injured during a gang-related robbery at a home in Christchurch.

Emergency services were called to an address on Hoani Street in Northcote at about 9.30pm on Wednesday.

Police cars, vans and mobile units crowded into the quiet Papanui street. Armed scene guards stood at the first of several cordoned areas, with a large tent visible beyond several strings of police tape.

One person was in a critical condition, and another suffered serious injuries. The two other people were in a moderate condition.

Detective Inspector Nicola Reeves said the robbery was a gang-related incident and was targeted towards parties at this address. Police also believed a gun was shot during the robbery.

RNZ understood the incident was believed to involve members of rival gangs Black Power and Mongrel Mob.

Superintendent Tony Hill said in an update on Friday morning that three men had been arrested.

The men, aged 19, 31 and 40, have been charged with aggravated wounding and aggravated robbery. Two of the men are due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today, and the 40-year-old is due to appear in Dunedin.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident, Hill said.

“This was a coordinated effort focused on one clear outcome: holding those responsible to account and protecting our community,” Hill said.

“We will not tolerate this type of offending. If you choose to commit serious violence, we will act swiftly.

“Incidents like this understandably concern people. Please be reassured this was a contained incident, and there is no ongoing risk.”

He said residents can expect to see police at the Hoani Street address again on Friday as a scene examination continues.

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/three-men-arrested-after-several-hurt-in-gang-related-robbery-in-christchurch/

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Writing an adoption memoir helped Sue Watson find Cynthia

Source: Radio New Zealand

“I just want to smell you. You’re so beautiful,” were the first words Sue Watson heard when she met her birth mother ‘Lizzy’.

Watson had always known she was adopted. She grew up as part of a happy family in West Auckland.

It wasn’t until she was in her 20s, in the 1980s, that she got a letter from her birth mother asking to meet, she told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

Sue Watson with her son Max, lake Taupo.

Sue Watson

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/writing-an-adoption-memoir-helped-sue-watson-find-cynthia/

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Higher KiwiSaver contributions may mean lower pay rises

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ

You might be going to get a bigger contribution to your KiwiSaver this year – but will it be at the expense of your pay rise?

The first step in the increase in KiwiSaver contribution rates takes effect on April 1, for people who do not opt out.

The default rate rises to 3.5 percent from both employer and employee – so many employers will be contributing an amount equal to an additional 0.5 percent of their wage bill from that date.

This only applies for employers who have structured KiwiSaver contributions in the traditional way, where an employee contribution is matched by an employer contribution on top of their pay. People who are paid by total remuneration will have to cover the full increase themselves.

When the change was announced, Treasury said it expected 80 percent of the employer cost to be met by lower than expected pay rises.

Kelly Eckhold, chief economist at Westpac, said it was likely that all else being equal, pay rises this year would be lower.

“In the end, employers will pay a total level of remuneration in line with prevailing supply and demand trends in the market. Changing the allocation of what employees do with that remuneration is not likely to change that assessment. Having said this it will be impossible to know the counterfactual as we can only observe what employees are paid as opposed to what they might have been paid.”

Catherine Beard, director for advocacy at Business NZ, said businesses had to consider the total cost of employing someone.

“ACC charges, potentially fringe benefit tax, you’re going to have training costs, you might have uniforms… as someone who is hiring you think about what is the total cost to me and my business. So over time, any cost of employment does end up being factored into how much it costs to hire someone… superannuation KiwiSaver will be part of it.”

Apparel sector retailers example of hard times

Carolyn Young, chief executive of Retail NZ, said it was still a tough environment for retailers.

“Consider a retailer in maybe the apparel sector. They’ve been heavily hit over the last 12 months.

“Last year apparel monthly sales were down 5 percent in January, 9.1 percent in February, down 8.5 percent in March, down 7.8 percent in April, down 4.4 percent in May, down 1 percent in June… the whole year was really tough.

“They’re really running by the skin of their teeth – there’s no fat in the business… we do know that increasing KiwiSaver … is a place where as a country we need to head.

“The real difficulty is, it’s so challenging right now for retail to navigate increasing costs.”

She said until the economy clearly improved, the contribution increase was likely to mean smaller pay rises.

“It’s definitely a tricky time and definitely a space where employers will have to navigate their budgets really carefully around how they can recognise and reward staff alongside other increases that have been put in place.”

Craig Renney, who is Council of Trade Unions chief economist and policy director and also a Labour candidate in the upcoming election, said it was likely to mean that more low-income people opted out of KiwiSaver. “If you’re struggling with the cost of living, 1 percent on your salary is quite a lot.”

He said a better solution would be an Australia-style system where it was up to the employer to cover the cost of superannuation savings and employees who did not take it up missed out, rather than receiving it in their pay packets.

Meanwhile, a survey by ANZ showed a third of KiwiSaver members intended to stick with the new 3.5 percent default rate when it took effect. Another 21 percent would contirbute more if their employer matched it.

Only 10 percent intended to request a temporary reduction.

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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/2026/02/20/higher-kiwisaver-contributions-may-mean-lower-pay-rises/

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Police seek help as 5-year-old boy found dead in water

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police are continuing to appeal to the public for information as they investigate the “water-related” death of a five-year-old boy in Napier.

The boy went missing around the Westshore area on Thursday, 5 February, between 6pm and 8.30pm.

He was found dead in the water off the Esplanade at Westshore, at around 1.30am on Friday, 6 February.

Police said they want to hear from anyone who saw an unattended child.

“We are particularly seeking a group of four people, who were riding bikes and walking, near the corner of Fenwick Street and Fergusson Avenue at approximately 7.30pm,” Detective Sergeant Kate Hyde said.

“If this was you, or if you have any information that could assist us in our investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105, and use the reference number 260206/9567.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/police-seek-help-as-5-year-old-boy-found-dead-in-water/

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Liam Lawson completes Formula 1 preparation with top 10 finish

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand F1 driver Liam Lawson. ERIC ALONSO / AFP

New Zealand driver Liam Lawson has completed his official testing ahead of the new Formula 1 season.

Lawson spent the first few hours of his final Bahrain pre-season test in the garage before his Racing Bulls team was able to get their new 2026 car out on the track.

He then managed to get through 106 laps, the fourth most of the day.

The 24-year-old was 10th fastest, 1.7 seconds behind the quickest, Kimi Antonelli in a Mercedes.

In last week’s first testing session, Lawson [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/586732/issues-for-liam-lawson-at-f1-testing-something-i-haven-t-mastered-yet admitted to some struggles in the new specification car, but this week did say that he was more comfortable and happy with the progress they were making.

The McLaren of Oscar Piastri was second quickest, followed by Max Verstappen, who got through the most laps today with 139.

New Zealand F1 driver Liam Lawson during testing in Bahrain, 2026. ALBERTO VIMERCATI / AFP

Lawson’s team-mate Arvid Lindblad will have use of the car on the third and final day of testing in Bahrain.

Aston Martin and new team Cadillac struggled with pace today.

There are significant changes in 2026 with the cars smaller and lighter and no longer running DRS, while half of their power is now electrically generated.

The first round of the 2026 championships is in Australia on 8 March.

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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/2026/02/20/liam-lawson-completes-formula-1-preparation-with-top-10-finish/

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Arrests made, Northcote incident

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Superintendent Tony Hill, Canterbury District Commander:

Three men have been arrested in relation to the serious incident at a Hoani Street, Northcote property on Wednesday night that left four people injured.

The men, aged 19, 31 and 40, have been charged with aggravated wounding and aggravated robbery.

Two are due to appear in the Christchurch District Court today, and the 40-year-old is due to appear in Dunedin.

Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the incident.

This was a coordinated effort focused on one clear outcome: holding those responsible to account and protecting our community.

We will not tolerate this type of offending. If you choose to commit serious violence, we will act swiftly.

Incidents like this understandably concern people. Please be reassured this was a contained incident, and there is no ongoing risk.

Residents can expect to see Police at the Hoani Street address again today as our scene examination continues.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/arrests-made-northcote-incident/

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Back off the tools – man arrested in Hamilton

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Sergeant Mike Palmer, Waikato Police:

A man’s been arrested in Hamilton in relation to a series of burglaries of tools worth more than $40,000.

The 36-year-old is due in Hamilton District Court today on three charges of burglary. Additional charges are being considered.

The burglaries, targeting tools in the industrial Te Rapa area of Hamilton, were reported on 2, 4, and 13 February.

The arrest follows investigation by the Waikato Tactical Crime Unit. The tools were valued at more than $44,000. Some of the tools were on-sold, and Police are working to recover them so we can get them back to their rightful owner.

Police recommend businesses consider crime prevention methods to reduce the risk of burglary.

Quality CCTV, alarm systems, engraving tools and accurately recording serial numbers helps Police in investigating burglaries in the unfortunate event they occur.

Tools can be expensive and hard to replace. To reunite stolen tools with their rightful owner we need to identify unique features, so we encourage businesses and tradies to take the time engraving their tools and recording serial numbers.

If you are aware of, or come across, tools that may have been stolen please let Police know via our 105 service.  Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or https://crimestoppers-nz.org/

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/back-off-the-tools-man-arrested-in-hamilton/

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Update: Further appeal for information following water related death, Napier

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Sergeant Kate Hyde:

Napier Police investigating the water-related death of a five-year-old boy in Westshore, Napier, are asking for anyone who saw the boy on Thursday 5 February.

The boy went missing sometime between the hours of 6 and 8.30pm on the night of Thursday 5 February. He was sadly located deceased in the water, by emergency services, at 1.30am on Friday 6 February.

Police would like to thank those who have come forward with information and CCTV so far but are re-appealing for anyone who saw an unattended child on that Thursday night.

We are particularly seeking a group of four people, who were riding bikes and walking, near the corner of Fenwick Street and Fergusson Avenue at approximately 7.30pm.

If this was you, or if you have any information that could assist us in our investigation, please contact us online at 105.police.govt.nz, or call 105, and use the reference number 260206/9567.

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

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/update-further-appeal-for-information-following-water-related-death-napier/

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18-year-old Kishan Patel fatally crushed by car while changing oil, coroner finds

Source: Radio New Zealand

A friend found 18-year-old Kishan Patel with his car on top of him. 123rf

A coroner says the accidental death of a teenager while repairing his car highlights the risks associated with undertaking vehicle maintenance beneath a raised vehicle without appropriate safety precautions.

Eighteen-year-old Kishan Atit Patel went to his neighbour’s home on 25 September 2025 to borrow a jack and other tools to change the oil in his car.

“It appears that Kishan was accustomed to repairing his own car,” Coroner Ian Telford said in his report.

“The neighbour advises that he also provided advice about the appropriate equipment required to jack the vehicle safely before Kishan left.”

Patel was found later that afternoon by a friend who had gone around to see him after not being able to contact him on his cellphone.

“He found Kishan under the car, with the car on top of him,” the report said.

“After jacking the car up, he raised the alarm, although he was relatively certain that Kishan had died. Nevertheless, resuscitation was started until the ambulance staff arrived and took over.”

Telford said Police, who also attended the death, reported that the trolley jack had been positioned beneath the front bumper of the vehicle.

“Photographs show that the bumper buckled under the weight of the car, which caused the vehicle to become unstable and fall onto Kishan,” Telford said.

Police advised the coroner that there were no suspicious or untoward circumstances surrounding the death.

Telford agreed with the opinion of the pathologist that performed the post-mortem that Patel’s death was caused by blunt force injuries of the head and torso

He found the death to be accidental and said it highlighted the “well-recognised risks” associated with undertaking vehicle maintenance beneath a raised vehicle without appropriate safety precautions.

“Trolley jacks are designed for lifting vehicles only at manufacturer-specified jacking points and are not intended to support a vehicle’s weight without additional, stable supports. Incorrect placement or reliance on a jack alone may result in instability and sudden collapse, as occurred in this tragic case,” he said.

“The Motor Industry Training Organisation advises that vehicles must be supported by properly rated stands before any work is undertaken beneath them and that people should never work under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack.”

Telford said the death underscored the importance of using appropriate, purpose-designed equipment, following manufacturer instructions, and ensuring vehicles were adequately supported before any person positioned themselves underneath.

In concluding the inquiry, Telford also offered his condolences to Patel’s family and friends.

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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/2026/02/20/18-year-old-kishan-patel-fatally-crushed-by-car-while-changing-oil-coroner-finds/

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More than half of police force considering quitting – union survey

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Police Association survey of almost 6000 officers put the quit figure at 57 percent.

Police bosses say a survey showing almost 60 percent of officers have considered quitting in the last year is not a pressure point that can be used in pay negotiations.

A Police Association survey of almost 6000 officers put the quit figure at 57 percent and said big factors were insufficient pay and strain on the job.

But police headquarters said attrition was running at a low 4.5-5 percent, frontline numbers had just hit an all-time high and they had some officers rejoining having earlier been lured to Australia.

“I understand the job of our frontline teams is as dynamic and complex as it is, that gives our people pause for thought on certain days,” said chief people officer Leigh MacDonald.

“But … we don’t necessarily see it as a result of them leaving the organisation.”

Asked if the 57 percent figure was worrying, he said, “Yeah, absolutely.

“Their results are consistent with our own feedback … It is something that we’ve been focused on for quite some time, particularly the context of, you know, the wellness and looking after our frontline people.”

The survey that heard from 5800 officers was a regular one done heading into pay negotiations, but MacDonald did not think it was a point of pressure the association could use.

However, the association’s president Steve Watt said its members were saying “they’re under-appreciated, they’re under-supported, they’re over-stretched, they’re underpaid”.

“It’s disappointing to hear the police refer to attrition being at 4.5 percent. We agree with that attrition rate. However, what we’re concerned about is why there are so many officers that are considering leaving the job,” Watt told RNZ.

“This shouldn’t be ignored. It needs to be listened to and understood, and then actions put in place to try and turn that tide around.”

Police Association president Steve Watt. RNZ/ Phil Pennington

The association online newsletter said just over 57 percent of respondents said understaffing had affected them over the past year, around “operational capacity strain, continued staffing gaps, stressful workloads and diminished quality of service”.

Watt said in the newsletter that police had spent more than twice as much on recruitment marketing last year as the previous year but that could not solve the problems, such as of the Far North having to keep on tapping Whangārei to plug chronic staffing gaps.

But MacDonald said, “Actually, we’ve done very, very well in our recruitment.”

The frontline hit a record 10,496 when new graduates went on the beat this month, and would add another 300 later in the year. Police had been told by the government to hit 10,700 by November last year but undershot.

MacDonald said the Police Commissioner was investing heavily on improving staff welfare. The volume of people accessing tools and wellness advisors was stable, he added.

Police trusted the pay bargaining process, he said.

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://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/20/more-than-half-of-police-force-considering-quitting-union-survey/

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MSD claw backs will ‘financially cripple’ state abuse survivors, advocate says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Minister for Social Development Louise Upston. RNZ / Mark Papalii

A state abuse survivor is sickened she may have to repay welfare supports that kept her afloat while she was waiting for ACC compensation.

It comes as a lawyer and researcher flags his concerns the government is not meeting its own standards set in the Regulatory Standards Act.

The coalition, with Labour’s support, is changing the law so the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) can legally claw back payments once someone has been backpaid for an ACC claim.

The government has made the case the amendment will clarify the law and uphold fairness, ensuring people were not double-dipping on different supports for the same time period.

Survivor Victoria Bruce had since contacted RNZ to express her shock she and other survivors would be caught up in this change.

Bruce was currently applying for ACC’s Loss of Potential Earnings (LOPE) payments – weekly compensation payments available to anyone unable to work due to a mental injury arising from childhood sexual abuse.

The solo parent said she had also, over the years, claimed supplementary welfare supports from MSD like accommodation supplements and the winter energy payment.

“It isn’t about double dipping, not at all. Hardship support keeps you afloat when you’re struggling, but compensation recognises permanent injury and lost earning capacity.

“They essentially serve two different purposes, and treating them as interchangeable turns this concept of redress, of compensation, into an accounting exercise instead of real, genuine restoration.”

The minister in charge Louise Upston had made it clear that historic claims payments were unaffected by this change.

But Bruce said many survivors like herself would still find themselves in debt once MSD clawed back welfare payments when they had been paid out by ACC.

“It will be an absolute shock. I travelled to Wellington with my daughter, stood shoulder to shoulder in the government public apology and I did feel hopeful,” she said.

“I did feel that it was a turning point, that it was an apology, an attempt to set things straight and so in good faith, I engaged with the processes.

“I came forward, I lodged my historic claim with MSD, as I was requested to. I engaged with ACC, as suggested. I’ve been very open about how this abuse in care as a young child affected me and I feel I’ve engaged in full good faith.”

Bruce said it was a “disbelief” that the government would be pushing through legislation that was going to “damage” people.

“Not only damage people, but financially cripple people who are already emotionally crippled. It’s pretty sickening.”

Upston’s office said the minister expected MSD would continue to engage constructively with clients around their individual circumstances and explain the next steps and any obligations.

‘The government is not meeting its own standards’ – lawyer

Lawyer and researcher Warren Forster. RNZ / Ian Telfer

Lawyer and researcher Warren Forster said the coalition’s approach to the law change, prompted by a signficant High Court decision, was problematic.

Late last year, Justice Grice ruled MSD could not require people to pay back welfare supports once they had been back-dated compensation from ACC.

“They’re basically saying, we’re going to have retrospective legislation; we don’t like what the court did so we’re just going to insert this really complicated bit of law that no one can actually understand, and the effect of that’s going to be we get to ignore the court decision.”

Forster said he also had concerns the government’s law change would not meet its own standards of good law making, set out in the Regulatory Standards Act.

“They can’t have it both ways. If they want to have a set of standards about making law they can but they need to follow them.

“It’s completely inconsistent to say there’s one set of rules when we’re making law that we like and there’s another set of laws when we’re making laws that we don’t like so there needs to be consistency here and we have a very vulnerable group of people.”

He added the change was also unfair.

“Everyone who’s in this position has a disability and they’ve been denied ACC help for a long period of time, months, years, decades, and they’re not in a position where they can fight against MSD or ACC,” he said.

“They’re stuck in a system and they’re not getting rehabilitation that they actually would have been entitled to, they’re not getting the help that they should have got from ACC, and when it comes time to try and fix this what they’re saying now is, well, actually, we’re going to claw back everything we can.

“The law doesn’t actually say you have to pay that out of someone’s entitlement. If ACC wants to repay MSD, it can, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of the person who’s injured and has been stuck in that system, fighting.”

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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/2026/02/20/msd-claw-backs-will-financially-cripple-state-abuse-survivors-advocate-says/

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Banks Peninsula locals frustrated by flood clean-up response from authorities

Source: Radio New Zealand

Community-led cleanups are continuing in flood-damaged Banks Peninsula, but nagging frustration remains over the response from local authorities.

The peninsula was still under a state of emergency as efforts to restore access to isolated properties continued, almost 72 hours after the region was hammered by a merciless storm.

Although State Highway 75 had reopened and telecommunications restored, some properties remained cut off with multiple local roads still blocked.

The Christchurch City Council’s response teams were using helicopters to get into areas inaccessible by road.

A total of seven local roads remained shut with another eight roads restricted to residents and emergency services.

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

Helicopters could be regularly seen and heard over Okuti Valley on Thursday.

Meanwhile, business owners previously cut off were getting on with the recovery, helped by overdue sunshine and 28 degree temperatures.

Little River Campground owner Marcus Puentener said this week’s flooding was the worst he had seen in 30 years.

Two days earlier he awoke to the nearby Okuti River pouring through the campground, washing away an on-site bridge and leaving a trail of debris.

Puentener said a task-force of volunteers would help with the clean up in the coming days.

Little River Campground owner Marcus Puentener. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

“We’ve got our services up and running again. We’ve got toilets, showers and kitchen area all usable, so we are open,” he said.

“However the drive into the camp is a bit rough. We’re mainly looking at ground works at the moment, clearing the river, putting shingle down on the drive to make it a little bit safer for people to drive in.”

Assistance with the clean up was needed with the campground on Okuti Valley Road due to host multiple events, including a wedding in two weeks.

Although community support for affected property owners remained a prominent feature, the response from authorities had room for improvement, Puentener said.

Damage in Little River. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

“People have got water, people have got food, that’s the main thing. But people are trapped in their properties,” he said.

“This is where it gets slightly frustrating. We’ve had a lot of clip boards and not many foot soldiers on the ground. The clipboard-to-digger ratio is all wrong.”

The resilience of Okuti Valley locals had been bolstered by a community-led emergency radio network to communicate during emergencies when power, internet and cell coverage was down.

Okuki Valley Rd resident Rennie Davidson said the nearby community hall stored essential supplies, including a generator, batteries, gas canisters, a cooker and first aid kits.

Rennie Davidson. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

“Some of the older people in the community find the ability to communicate really reassuring, that we are working as a community and we are,” he said.

“We’ve just been organising water for someone’s toilet that can’t flush. There’s a whole heap of stuff that we can do which doesn’t cost a lot of money, but supports people that otherwise might be struggling.”

The network was self-organised into eight “clusters”, arranged by location.

The community was still largely reliant upon Civil Defence during significant weather events, Davidson said.

Dave Harvey, who lived on State Highway 75 in Coopland east of Little River, admitted he was one of “the lucky ones”.

Apart from a snapped tree that protruded over his next door’s neighbours section, he mostly evaded the brunt of the deluge.

“We had a bit of inundation in the shed. Other than that this whole valley survived pretty well. Obviously I’m devastated for the neighbours further down the river who have been gravely impacted.”

Council local controller Anne Columbus said roading crews had been prioritising known communities to restore roading access to those affected.

“With the reinstatement of communication channels on the Peninsula [on Thursday], we are now starting to form a clearer picture about the damage to properties and infrastructure,” she said.

“The assessment of damage will continue over the next few days as our ground crews gain access to affected areas.”

Two rubbish skips had arrived in Little River, which residents could use to dispose any flood-damaged waste.

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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/2026/02/19/banks-peninsula-locals-frustrated-by-flood-clean-up-response-from-authorities/

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Emergency services at scene of reported chemical leak at Alliance Group’s Levin plant

Source: Radio New Zealand

Firefighters are at the scene. (File photo) RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The number of patients being treated at an industrial site in Levin has risen to 22.

Hato Hone St John ambulance, police and Fire and Emergency were called to Hamaria Road at around 6:30pm, after a chemical incident.

Firefighters set up decontamination gear at Alliance Group’s meat processing plant after reports of a gas leak.

Five ambulances, three rapid response units, two operations managers and a St John Major Incident Support Team were called to the scene.

A fire crew from Otaki has also been called in to help Levin firefighters and a specialist fire unit arrived from Palmerston North.

A spokesperson for Alliance Group confirmed processing at the plant had suspended after a chemical incident at the site led to a “gas reaction”.

St John says while it’s not yet know whether any of the patients is badly injured, no one has been taken to hospital yet and no further ambulances have been requested.

Police have cordoned off the area.

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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/2026/02/19/emergency-services-at-scene-of-reported-chemical-leak-at-alliance-groups-levin-plant/

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Lower Hutt man ‘left with nothing’ after large slip hits family home

Source: Radio New Zealand

A Lower Hutt man whose family was forced to flee their home when a large slip fell away from beneath the building says they will be “left with nothing”.

Aaron Pahl said time appeared to go into slow motion when a 10 by 30 square metre expanse of his back yard slid away on Monday – leaving the deck and the rear foundation hanging exposed.

“I was outside and I heard it start cracking, like all the trees just start cracking and crunching. So I pretty much screamed out to my kids ‘get your arses up here now!’ and I watched the whole thing just slide down the bank,” Pahl said.

Pahl said nearly 16 years of saving and hard work had gone down the drain as he, his partner and three children salvaged what they could from the building and sought advice as to what options they had following the slip.

“I don’t see a light. I don’t know, I honestly don’t know. I wouldn’t wish this on anybody man. It’s just like another test, I guess, but it’s not one that I was in any shape or form prepared for,” Pahl said.

The view from Stokes Valley painter Aaron Pahl’s house after a slip left the house uninhabitable on Monday morning. Supplied

The family’s home was issued with a dangerous building notice following the slip.

Pahl said he’d been told re-stabilising his property with retaining walls could take years but demolishing the home would exhaust practically all of his insurance for property.

“The reimbursement from my insurance company would be enough to cover the remainder of my mortgage and then the demolishing fee.

“I was talking to one of the engineers and he’s like ‘if they were to demolish it you’re looking at a couple of hundred thousand dollars. There wouldn’t be much left from that’.

Stokes Valley painter Aaron Pahl says he shouted to his children to get to safety when a large slip fell away from the base of his home – leaving the house uninhabitable -on Monday morning. SUPPLIED

“I’ve worked for the last 16 years to provide this for my family. To get to where I am today and I’m literally going to walk away with nothing. It’s just painful,” Pahl said.

Pahl said his insurance company had agreed to provide just under $12,000 in an accommodation supplement but the money was only likely to house his family for the next three or four months.

Until they could find a place the family of five – with two pets – were staying at Pahl’s father in law’s three bedroom home in Featherston.

Pahl said he was hugely grateful but the small space and extra distance to work and his children’s schools were adding to the family’s burdens.

“It’s added three hours plus a day just to get the kids to school and get myself to work and get my wife to work and it’s breaking man. The two younger one’s are sharing a double bed. They had their own rooms and stuff at home and they’ve just been crammed into a room and ‘that’s where you sleep’,” Pahl said.

He said he’d barely slept since the slip and – while he had some friends he could talk to – the events of the last week were weighing heavily on his shoulders.

“I work for myself and I’ve not been able to work since this happened because I’ve had so much to deal with and [I’m] just watching everything just crumble.

“I’ve got some really good friends and they’re always there to lend and ear. But I still feel like this is my problem and I’ve got to deal with it. I’ve always been that type that is like ‘you carry the shit that’s on your shoulders mate’. I’m tradesman that’s what we do,” he said

Pahl said the family had started a give-a-little page under the heading Help Support Our Family After Stokes Valley Landslide.

“I didn’t want to at first. I didn’t want to ask but, it’s like, if we don’t we’re absolutely screwed. They always say it’s going to get worse before it gets any better but I don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel,” Pahl said.

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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/2026/02/19/lower-hutt-man-left-with-nothing-after-large-slip-hits-family-home/

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Strategic hiring, rising pay pressures and a borderless workforce

Source: Robert Walters

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

Auckland, New Zealand, 19th 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, 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.” 

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.” 

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.” 

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/2026/02/19/strategic-hiring-rising-pay-pressures-and-a-borderless-workforce/