Category: Politics

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Bringing X-rays and ultrasounds closer to home in Wānaka

Source: New Zealand Government

From today, more people in Wānaka will be able to access routine diagnostic imaging closer to home, with publicly funded X-ray and ultrasound services now available locally, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say.

“Until now, patients in Wānaka who were referred by their GP or primary care provider for a funded X-ray or ultrasound have not been able to receive those services locally,” Mr Brown says.

“That has meant travelling outside of Wānaka for routine diagnostic tests, adding time, cost, and stress for patients and their families.

“From today, GPs and other primary care providers can refer patients for funded imaging right here in Wānaka. This will help people access the tests they need more quickly and begin treatment sooner.”

The new service is expected to provide around 1400 X-rays and 1500 ultrasounds over the next 18 months, significantly expanding access to essential diagnostic testing across the region.

“This expansion has been delivered through outsourcing arrangements that increase local capacity and make better use of available services, ensuring patients can receive timely diagnosis and treatment closer to home.”

Mr Doocey says the new service directly responds to feedback gathered during last year’s 13 Rural Health Roadshows.

“At the Wānaka roadshow, the community made it clear that access to diagnostic tests was a major barrier to care,” Mr Doocey says.

“We’ve listened to that feedback and taken practical action. This is about delivering real improvements that rural communities can see and feel.

“People living in Central Otago deserve timely, quality healthcare close to home. Changes like this reduce unnecessary travel and ensure patients can access reliable services in their own community.

“Where you live shouldn’t determine how quickly you can access the care you need. We are focused on practical solutions that strengthen rural health services and improve access for New Zealanders across the country.”

Note to editors:

  • Patients must be referred through the existing Community Referred Radiology Programme.
  • Urgent imaging will continue to be provided at Dunstan Hospital in Clyde.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/bringing-x-rays-and-ultrasounds-closer-to-home-in-wanaka/

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Health – Aged Care Association Welcomes Nurse Settlement, Calls for Sustainable Funding for Aged Residential Care

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association welcomes the successful ratification of new collective agreements for Public Health and Mental Health nurses employed by Health New Zealand.
“We are pleased for these nurses and acknowledge the important role they play in supporting communities across New Zealand,” says Tracey Martin, Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association.
“At the same time, it is important that Government recognises that aged residential care nurses look after some of the most clinically complex and acute New Zealanders outside of hospital settings. They support residents with high levels of frailty, multiple co-morbidities, advanced dementia, and palliative care needs, and they do so while also supporting families at what is often one of the most distressing times in their lives.”
Aged residential care nurses are a critical part of New Zealand’s health continuum, providing 24/7 clinical care to approximately 40,000 older New Zealanders nationwide.
Ms Martin said that as the primary funder of aged residential care services, Government must ensure that funding settings reflect both the value of the workforce and the full cost of delivering care.
“We support pay recognition for nurses and care staff. However, it is important that workforce-related uplifts are additional to, not instead of, adjustments to the underlying bed-day rate,” she said.
“Many providers are currently operating below the true cost of care. When a general uplift is fully prescribed to wages, it leaves no capacity to address rising food, utilities, insurance, compliance and capital costs. That places ongoing pressure on service sustainability.”
Sustainable aged care funding requires both fair workforce remuneration and realistic contract pricing.
“Aged care is health care. If we are serious about preparing for a future with a significantly increased number of older New Zealanders, funding must reflect the real cost of delivering high-quality, 24-hour clinical care in residential settings.”
The Association is calling on Government to ensure that upcoming annual funding adjustments recognise both workforce requirements and the structural sustainability of the sector.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/health-aged-care-association-welcomes-nurse-settlement-calls-for-sustainable-funding-for-aged-residential-care/

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The Detail: Net fishing is in, then out again

Source: Radio New Zealand

A ring net fishing boat in Northland. Seafood NZ 

National has announced that, if re-elected, it would ban ring-net fishing in some areas of the Hauraki Gulf, but the policy they’ve promised to reverse was their own

The battle has been long – fish versus fishing.

Now, the fight over the future of the Hauraki Gulf has erupted again, this time over politics, promises and what policy critics call a backflip.

Nine months out from the election, the National Party has pledged to ban the controversial practice of ring-netting in 12 high protection zones and to review rules around bottom trawling corridors. Currently, two high-protection zones can be accessed by five commercial fishers.

Announced by conservation minister Tama Potaka, the new policy pushes against a decision his own government made last year and comes as a “confusing” blow to Seafood New Zealand.

“The health of our oceans and the sustainability of our fisheries resources are absolutely critical to us,” Seafood New Zealand chief executive Lisa Futschek tells ‘The Detail’. “Without that, we don’t have businesses, we don’t create jobs and we don’t supply healthy protein to Kiwis,

“We work really hard on these credentials, but the policy reversal… I really do question whether it is about sustainability.”

She says the five fishers allowed to fish in the two high-protection areas “run small family businesses, they have been fishing in the area for decades, it’s really low impact, they have small boats… and their nets are hand set and hauled”.

“It’s hard to argue this is a sustainability measure,” Futschek says. “It’s really unfortunate, because these ring-net fishers were caught in what are now high-protection areas, lines were drawn, their operations weren’t considered and it really is unfair.”

“The exceptions that the government made were just transitions for these guys, so they could adapt their businesses and prepare for some time in the future, when those exceptions were no longer allowed.

“The fact that the National caucus has decided to roll those back early – or certainly they are electioneering on that promise – is really confusing to us, because it isn’t about sustainability and we would like to understand what it is really about.”

Newsroom senior business journalist Andrew Bevin, who is covering the story, tells ‘The Detail’ the policy backflip is a surprise move by the National Party.

“It’s not often you see someone campaigning to undo their own decision as an election policy,” says Bevin, whose story ran under the headline ‘Fisheries emerges as unlikely election battleground’.

“To come out with a fisheries policy nine months before the election tells you that this is something we are going to have a real discussion about this year.”

He says National has opted to campaign for this new policy, because the current situation is “just so unpopular”.

“It’s become a poster child of what has been seen as an anti-environmental agenda from the coalition and this perceived favouring of industry over fishing rights for the public – recreational fishermen, who are cut out of these high protection areas.”

Environmental groups, scientists and recreational fishers have long been vocal that the Gulf is under pressure like never before.

They point to declining biodiversity, stressed fish stocks and seabeds scarred by trawling, but Futschek argues that commercial fishers are being unfairly painted as ocean villains when, in their view, they’re among the most regulated fishers in the world.

“To say that the commercial fishing industry is responsible for the decline in biodiversity and ecosystems in the Gulf is simply wrong,” she says. “Putting the blame at our feet is completely unfair and I reject that.”

She says quotas, monitoring and strict rules already govern what they can catch – and further bans could cripple businesses, coastal jobs and food supply chains.

She believes the current setup works.

“New Zealand can be hugely proud of a quota-management system that has seen our stocks revive, has seen us fishing sustainably, has seen us the envy of the world, really, in terms of the way we manage our fishery.”

She says the seafood industry is adapting – trialling new gear, reducing seabed impact, investing in sustainability – but trust, she admits, is harder to rebuild than a fish stock.

That may be the real battle here. Not just fish versus fishing – but credibility versus suspicion.

Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/the-detail-net-fishing-is-in-then-out-again/

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PSA nurses vote to accept settlement

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the successful ratification of two new collective agreements for members of the Public Service Association (PSA), covering Public Health Nurses and Mental Health Nurses in Auckland and the Rest of New Zealand.

“I am pleased for the approximately 3500 nurses employed by Health New Zealand who will benefit from these agreements. These nurses play a critical role in delivering public health services and supporting people with mental health needs in communities across the country,” Mr Brown says.

The 24-month agreements provide around 3500 nurses with a 2.5 per cent salary increase in year one and a 2 per cent increase in year two. Nurses will also receive a one-off lump sum payment of $800, and Enrolled Nurses will receive a $2,000 flat-rate increase on the top step of their pay scale.

The agreements include an increase to the professional development allowance for Nurse Practitioners, supporting ongoing training and career progression. There is also a commitment to recruit more than 550 additional nursing positions in this financial year to strengthen frontline services.

“Nurses are at the heart of our health system. They make a real difference for patients and families every day, often in complex and challenging environments. I want to thank them for the dedication and professionalism they bring to their work, and for always putting patients at the centre of what they do.”

This ratification follows the recent approval of collective agreements for APEX pharmacy members, APEX psychologists, PSA Allied Public Health, Scientific and Technical members, and APEX dietitians.

“I want to acknowledge Health New Zealand and the unions for their constructive engagement in reaching these agreements, which provide certainty for staff and help ensure New Zealanders can continue to receive the care they need.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/psa-nurses-vote-to-accept-settlement/

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AI scribe now in every emergency department

Source: New Zealand Government

Every emergency department in the country now has access to an artificial intelligence scribe tool, marking a major milestone in reducing administrative burden and freeing up frontline clinicians to focus more on patient care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“AI scribe technology is now live in all emergency departments across New Zealand, with the rapid rollout to 1250 ED doctors and frontline staff complete – 250 more than originally announced following a successful pilot last year,” Mr Brown says.

“This places New Zealand among the fastest health systems in the world to move from pilot to nationwide frontline AI use in emergency departments, helping clinicians spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork.”

Results from the initial pilot highlighted the practical impact of the technology. Doctors using the AI tool were able to see, on average, one additional patient per shift as a result of time saved on documentation.

“That means faster care for patients and shorter waiting times in our emergency departments, while also reducing pressure and cognitive load on busy clinicians.”

Early feedback from the nationwide rollout has also been encouraging.

“After one month of use at Middlemore Emergency Department, 80 per cent of surveyed staff said the AI scribe improved productivity or efficiency, and 84 per cent said it had a positive impact on their overall experience and wellbeing during a shift.”

Following strong interest from clinicians, Health New Zealand is now progressing approval of more than 1000 additional licences, predominantly for use by mental health teams.

Mr Brown says delivering modern digital tools that make a real difference for patients and staff is a priority for the Government. 

“AI will never replace clinical skill or judgement, but it will play an increasingly important role in supporting frontline healthcare staff and helping patients access care faster and more efficiently, now and into the future.

“We will continue investing in digital technology that puts patients at the centre of the healthcare system, improving access to care, and delivering better health outcomes for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/ai-scribe-now-in-every-emergency-department/

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Christopher Luxon won’t say if NZ supports US strikes on Iran

Source: Radio New Zealand

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has told Morning Report the Iranian regime is an evil one and has been a destabilising force in the Middle East.

But he would not be drawn on whether the government supports the strikes by the United States and Israel against Tehran.

Asked by presenter Corin Dann whether New Zealand supported the attacks on Iran, Luxon said it condemned the Iranian regime as evil and as having claimed countless lives.

“We understand fully why the Americans and the Israelis have undertaken the independent action that they’ve taken.

“Our position is the same as the Australian position.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday the government supported the United States acting to stop Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Pressed on whether the strikes were legally right, Luxon said it would be up to the US and Israel to explain the legal basis for their attacks the attack.

Former Prime Minister Helen Cark has called the government’s stance a disgrace and says New Zealand should support a rules-based international order.

Luxon said what was disgraceful was the repressive Iranian regime which had killed thousands of its own people who had taken to the streets calling for freedoms.

“Iran has been a destabilising force. It has supported armed proxies throughout the region. It has seen tens of thousands of people murdered by own government, who were asking for freedom and rights.”

In a statement on Sunday, Luxon and Foreign Affairs Minister and Winston Peters said New Zealand had consistently condemned Iran’s nuclear programme and its “destabilising activities” in the region and “acknolwedged” the strikes.

“Iran has, for decades, defied the will and expectations of the international community. The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people. The Iranian regime has long since lost that support,” they said.

Helen Clark at Chris Hipkins’ state of the nation speech last week. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

“In this context, we acknowledge that the actions taken overnight by the US and Israel were designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.”

Luxon and Peters condemned in the “strongest terms Iran’s indiscriminate retaliatory attacks” on neighbouring states.

The statement also said “we call for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law.”

Clark told Morning Report said the statement was a disgrace.

“What was wrong with it was it didn’t call out the illegal strike against Iran in the middle of diplomatic negotiations “which were going quite well and further talks were scheduled”.

“The whole point of international law is to put rules around when force is legitimate,” she said.

“A strike is justified if there is an imminent threat of attack, which clearly there was not.”

She said the initial strikes by the US and Israel violated international law.

“The New Zealand government seems only interested in the Iranian retaliation and not looking at the reason for the retaliation, which was the attack by the United States and Israel,” she said.

“I think it’s consistent with a steady drift in New Zealand foreign policy to realign strongly with the United States, which at this particular time seems even more questionable as a strategy.”

“We’re not putting a stake in the ground in defence of the international rule of law.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/christopher-luxon-wont-say-if-nz-supports-us-strikes-on-iran/

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Labour still ahead on cost of living, neck and neck with National on economy – Ipsos survey

Source: Radio New Zealand

Labour is seen as most capable on three of the top five issues, and equal with National on a fourth. File photo. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Labour remains ahead on most of the key issues in the latest Ipsos Issues Monitor, but National has improved its ratings on the economy and the cost of living.

The rating of the government’s overall performance has also rebounded from its record low in the previous survey.

The quarterly survey asks a thousand New Zealanders what they think are the three most important issues facing the country, and the political parties they believe are most capable of handling them.

Labour is seen as most capable on three of the top five issues, and equal with National on a fourth.

In total, Labour leads in 14 of the top 20 issues.

Respondents believed Labour had the best handle on inflation/the cost of living, healthcare, and housing.

National is still seen as most capable on law and order.

While Labour overtook National on the economy in the previous survey, the parties are now neck and neck.

IPSOS Issues Monitor

In the rest of the top 20, Labour is also ahead on unemployment, poverty/inequality, drug/alcohol abuse, petrol prices/fuel, education, immigration, household debt/personal debt, race relations/racism, transport/public transport/infrastructure, taxation, and population/overpopulation.

National is seen as most capable on defence/foreign affairs/terrorism, the Greens are ahead on climate change and environmental pollution/water concerns, and Te Pāti Māori is seen as most capable of handling issues facing Māori.

IPSOS Issues Monitor

The cost of living and inflation remains New Zealanders’ number one concern, with 59 percent of people identifying it as a key issue, down from 61 percent in the previous survey.

35 percent of people believe Labour is the best party at handling the issue, a slight dip of one percentage point.

National has risen to 28 percent, up from 24 percent.

IPSOS Issues Monitor

Healthcare is still the second most important issue, but decreasing again on previous surveys, with Labour on 37 percent.

National is on 25 percent, closing the gap from 19 points in the previous survey to 12.

On the economy, both Labour and National are on 32 percent.

Petrol prices has entered the top 10 issues, while immigration has risen four places to joint 11th.

Despite the country being affected by devastating weather events over the summer, there was no increase on climate change as an issue.

Overall, the government’s performance was rated 4.2, up from a record low of 3.9 in the previous survey.

This brings the government back to the same rating as the February 2025 and August 2025 surveys, though still not as high as the 4.7 it rated in October 2024, and well off the survey’s record high of 7.6, which the Labour-led coalition reached in May 2020.

IPSOS Issues Monitor

The study was conducted using online research panels between 11 and 18 February 2026, with 1,000 New Zealanders aged 18 and older asked what the top three issues were facing the country today. Quotas were set to ensure representativeness.

The total New Zealand results have a credibility interval of +/-3.5 percentage points.

See the full survey here.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/02/labour-still-ahead-on-cost-of-living-neck-and-neck-with-national-on-economy-ipsos-survey/

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Mental Health Nurses & Assistants, and Public Health Nurses ratify new collective agreement – PSA

Source: PSA

More than 3,500 Mental Health Nurses, Public Health Nurses and Mental Health Assistants who are members of the PSA have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective agreement with Te Whatu Ora Health NZ.
The agreement was reached after eighteen months of bargaining involving 32 days of bargaining and mediation, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The new collective is a testament to the resolve and resilience of members in the face of an unnecessarily protracted bargaining process and unrealistic initial offers,” Fitzsimons said.
“To break the impasse these workers went on strike during the Mega Strike on 23 October 2025 as well as a further strike in November. This settlement is a result of these workers standing together to take collective action.”
Workers will receive a pay increase of 2.5 per cent in year one from December 2025 and a further 2 per cent from December 2026. The agreement also includes an $800 lump sum payment for staff, in recognition of the length of time it took to conclude bargaining.
The new collective started to address workers’ concerns about safe staffing levels, staff shortages and slow recruitment for vacancies.
Mental Health Nurses, Public Health Nurses, and Mental Health Assistants deliver essential care to New Zealanders every day, working in highly stressful environments. This settlement recognises the value of their work and the role they play keeping a health system, which is under significant strain, functioning as well as it does.”
“This ratification result is a step forward but major problems remain in our health system caused by the Government imposing job losses on Health New Zealand and failing to fund our health system properly,” Fitzsimons said.
“All political parties must commit to a properly funded public health system that ensures safe staffing levels, and delivers quality care for all New Zealanders, as well as pay equity for under-valued health workers,” Fitzsimons said.
This is the second significant health collective agreement that was settled last week, after the Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical covering over 12,000 allied health workers was ratified on Tuesday (Feb 24).
Voting is shortly to be held on a third health Collective for policy, advisory, knowledge and specialist workers.
The PSA represents more than 26,000 workers employed by Health NZ.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, public health and community groups.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/mental-health-nurses-assistants-and-public-health-nurses-ratify-new-collective-agreement-psa/

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Tech – Not all experiences equal when it comes to the Internet

Source: InternetNZ

Most of us are online, a lot – but not all of us are having the same experience, new research from InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa shows.
Internet Insights is an annual survey commissioned by InternetNZ that acts as a pulse check on Aotearoa New Zealand’s Internet use and community.
The 2025 survey showed Māori, Pacific peoples and people with disabilities have different perceptions of and experiences of online life.
Respondents with a disability or an impairment were significantly more likely to have experienced online harm or harassment – 27 percent compared to the average of 15 percent. Māori were also more likely than average to have experienced online harm or harassment, at 20 percent.
Pacific peoples answering the survey were significantly more concerned than other ethnicities about online harm issues, including cyberbullying, the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messages and as a forum for hate speech.
InternetNZ chief executive Vivien Maidaborn said whether it’s online or offline, people’s experiences of the online world vary hugely.
“This is just a snapshot of Internet experiences in Aotearoa, but it very likely reflects the lived experiences of Māori, Pacific peoples and people with a disability. The Internet often mirrors society, which unfortunately means discrimination is as present online as it is offline.”
Pacific peoples and people with disabilities were also more likely to hold concerns about limited Internet access for those in low socio-economic groups, the cost of the Internet and access in remote areas.
“This concern bears out in other data too,” says Maidaborn. “We know around 400,000 households lack meaningful digital access, and the barrier is often the cost of devices and connections. There’s still quite significant digital inequity in this country, despite the ever-growing influence the digital world has on our lives.”
Forty-four percent of those surveyed felt they had some awareness and understanding of the digital divide. One in four New Zealanders believe that central government should have primary responsibility for ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can participate fully online, though one in five believe it’s a shared responsibility between government and community.
“Our vision at InternetNZ is for an Internet that benefits all New Zealanders. This report shows again that we still have some way to go and that it will take multiple stakeholders across government and community to achieve this.”
Key findings from Internet Insights 2025:
  • 15 percent say they have experienced online harm or harassment – New Zealanders with a disability or impairment (27 percent compared to the average of 15 percent) and Māori (20 percent) are more likely to have experienced online harm or harassment.
  • Māori (64%) and Pacific peoples (80%) are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messaging. The average across all ethnicities was 61 percent.
  • 44 percent of respondents had some awareness and understanding of the digital divide. The perceived barriers to digital participation were primarily the cost of Internet connections and data, and the costs of devices.
  • One in four New Zealanders believes the central government should have primary responsibility for ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can participate fully online. One in five say it’s a shared responsibility across multiple groups.
  • 21 percent are not confident they could get support for a digital task.
Additional data about the digital divide can be found on the Digital Equity Coalition Aotearoa website. InternetNZ is proud to be a member of the coalition.
About the research
Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.
The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns.
Previous research reports can be found on the InternetNZ website.
About InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa is the home and guardian of the .nz domain. We’re not government-funded – we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation that operates .nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders, reinvesting domain revenue back into the community. We provide grants, help to fund other organisations, and advocate for an accessible and safe Internet that benefits everyone in Aotearoa.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/tech-not-all-experiences-equal-when-it-comes-to-the-internet/

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Tech – New Zealanders online as much as ever – but not loving it

Source: InternetNZ

New Zealanders are still spending hours of their personal time online each day, despite a steady decline in positive sentiment about the Internet, new research shows.
The latest Internet Insights, annual research commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa, reveals that nearly half (47 percent) of New Zealanders spend four or more hours a day on the Internet.
Less than three-quarters (72 percent) of Internet users feel the positives of the Internet outweigh its negatives. This figure has been in steady decline since 2019, when 90 percent felt there were more positives than negatives.
Fewer people think the Internet has a positive impact on cultural beliefs and values now too – 32 percent think it has a positive impact, down five percentage points in two years.
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa chief executive Vivien Maidaborn says the research shows the increasingly complex relationship people have with the Internet.
“Love it or hate it, we’re all using the Internet a great deal in our work and personal lives. It’s become so integral to our day-to-day, I think most of us would struggle to get by without it. But that doesn’t mean it’s something we enjoy engaging with, and this complexity is increasing year on year.”
New Zealanders are concerned about a broad range of Internet issues, the research shows.
Seventy-one percent are extremely or very concerned about young children being able to access inappropriate content, 65 percent are concerned about the security of their personal data, and 64 percent are concerned about misinformation.
“This is the first time we have seen misinformation in the top three concerns,” says Maidaborn. “It shows increasing awareness of the critical eye and media literacy needed as an Internet user, which is a good thing, but it likely also reflects the increasing amount of misinformation online, including this new wave of unidentifiable AI-generated misinformation.”
Key Internet Insights 2025 findings:
  • 47 percent of respondents spend four or more hours of their personal time a day on the Internet.
  • Internet users primarily spend this time on social media, emails and streaming TV & music.
  • Key concerns for Internet users are:
    • 71 percent are concerned about young children being able to access inappropriate content.
    • 65 percent are concerned about the security of their personal data.
    • 64 percent are concerned about misinformation.
  • Some groups are more concerned about specific aspects of the Internet:
    • 70% of Maori are extremely or very concerned about identity theft
    • 87% of Pacific peoples are extremely or very concerned about young children accessing inappropriate content online.
    • Māori (64%) and Pacific peoples (80%) are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messaging.
    • 48% of people aged 30-49 are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being distracting or a waste of time.
    • 76% of people aged 70+ are extremely or very concerned about the security of personal data.
  • Less than a third of respondents say they know where to report concerning, harmful or dangerous content.
About the research
Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.
The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns.
Previous research reports can be found on the InternetNZ website.
About InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa is the home and guardian of the .nz domain. We’re not government-funded – we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation that operates .nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders, reinvesting domain revenue back into the community. We provide grants, help to fund other organisations, and advocate for an accessible and safe Internet that benefits everyone in Aotearoa.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/02/tech-new-zealanders-online-as-much-as-ever-but-not-loving-it/

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Property Market – Strongest February in over a decade signals property market momentum

Source: Brainchild for RealEstate.co.nz

  • Nationally, listings rose 7.8% year-on-year while total stock grew just 1.8%, indicating homes are selling through rather than accumulating
  • Over 12,200 new listings hit the market in February 2026, more than in any other month of February since 2013
  • Southland records all-time average asking price high of $584,768

The property market is showing signs of turning, according to new data from realestate.co.nz.

New listings surged 7.8% year-on-year in February to 12,252, the highest level for February since 2013, while total housing stock rose by just 1.8%. The slower growth in overall stock compared to new listings suggests properties are being sold through rather than accumulating.

Month to date, the number residential property seekers on realestate.co.nz are also up year-on-year, pointing to increased buyer confidence. Sales data from the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) also supports a moving market, with the strongest sales to start to a year since the 2022 market peak*.

Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, says February’s figures show sellers aren’t sitting on the sidelines anymore.

“When new listings rise faster than total stock, it tells us homes are being sold through rather than sitting on the market. That’s an early sign that activity is lifting and sellers are feeling more confident about listing. It’s early days, the OCR didn’t change last week, and we need to remember it’s an election year, but we are seeing momentum, which is what we had hoped to see in 2026.”

Contributing to the surge in new listings were four regions which recorded year-on-year growth of more than 20%:

  • Central North Island recorded a 25.0% year-on-year increase to 160 new listings
  • Taranaki experienced a 22.3% year-on-year increase to 280 new listings
  • Marlborough recorded a 21.1% year-on-year increase to 15 new listings
  • Manawatu/Whanganui reported a 20.9% year-on-year increase to 549 new listings.

Southland was the only region to record a double-digit year-on-year decline in February, down 13.9% to 217 new listings.

What’s happening to average asking prices in the regions?
The national average asking price remained steady in February, up just 1.4% year-on-year to $861,180. However, more movement was felt in the regions.

Southland recorded a new all-time average asking price high of $584,768, a 10.6% increase on February 2025. It was one of four regions to record a February high: Central North Island saw the biggest year-on-year increase, up 15.3% to $868,057; Central Otago/Lakes District was up 12.1% year-on-year to $1,613,298, and Canterbury, despite only increasing its average asking price by 3% year-on-year, recorded a February high of $738,385.

Northland’s average asking price dropped out of the $800k bracket for the first time since June 2025, to $799,879. While Waikato tipped back into the $800,000 bracket for the first time in a year, increasing a marginal 0.8% year-on-year.

Wood says price stability at a national level provides reassurance, but the regional variation shows signs of renewed confidence around the country.

“Areas like Southland and Central North Island, which have recorded all time February and overall highs, contrast with Northland, which has declined. Movement like this reinforces the notion that property is a local market.

Do current stock levels point to market activity?
National stock levels rose a modest 1.8% year-on-year to 36,357 in February 2026. However, stock is not increasing at the same pace as new listings, suggesting properties are being sold through rather than accumulating, and signalling strengthening market activity. Although not an all-time high, the last time total stock was over 36,000 in the month of February was in 2015.

Of our 19 regions, 13 saw single-digit growth, with Northland recording the largest year-on-year increase of 9.1%. No region recorded double-digit stock level growth.

However, three regions recorded double-digit, year-on-year stock declines in February:

Southland’s stock levels fell 21.4% to 522 (compared to 664 in February 2025). It is the region with the largest year-on-year drop for the eighth consecutive month.
Central Otago/Lakes District recorded a 15.6% year-on-year decline with 862 properties compared to the 1022 listed in February 2025.
Otago’s stock levels also fell 11.5% to 1041, down from 1176 in February 2026.

Wood says February’s data points to a market beginning to shift.

“If this continues, we could see conditions become more competitive.  Confidence is rebuilding gradually, and while external factors like interest rates and the election will influence sentiment, we can expect to see more activity in the market throughout the year.”

About realestate.co.nz | New Zealand’s Best Small Workplace (2025)

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry. In 2025, realestate.co.nz was crowned Best Small/Micro Workplace in New Zealand by Great Place to Work.

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.

Want more property insights?

Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.
Sold properties: Switch your search to sold to see the last 12 months of sales and prices.
Valuations: Get a gauge on property prices by browsing sold residential properties, with the latest sale prices and an estimated value in the current market.

Glossary of terms:

Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.

New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for sale on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. The site reflects 97% of all properties listed through licensed real estate agents and major developers in New Zealand. This description gives a representative view of the New Zealand property market.

Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for sale on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.

Rate of sale is a measure of how long it would take, theoretically, to sell the current stock at current average rates of sale if no new properties were to be listed for sale. It provides a measure of the rate of turnover in the market.

Seasonal adjustment is a method realestate.co.nz uses to represent better the core underlying trend of the property market in New Zealand. This is done using methodology from the New Zealand Institute of

Economic Research.

Truncated mean is the method realestate.co.nz uses to supply statistically relevant asking prices. The top and bottom 10% of listings in each area are removed before the average is calculated to prevent exceptional listings from providing false impressions.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/property-market-strongest-february-in-over-a-decade-signals-property-market-momentum/

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Advocacy – Peace Vigil – No NZ support for US/Israeli war on Iran

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Date: Sunday 1 March 2026 – Peace Action Wellington is calling a peace vigil on Monday, 2 March at 5:30pm meeting at the Cenotaph on the corner of Lambton Quay and Bowen Street. All people who oppose war are welcome.

Peace Action Wellington condemns the illegal war launched by the US and Israel. There is no justification for so-called “pre-emptive” war. This is an aggressive war: there was no threat to the US or Israel. There is no material difference between this and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The crimes of the Iranian government against its own people are enormous, including the slaughter of thousands of its young people, but that provides no basis for war. Moreover, this is not even the justification the US and Israel have given for their war and will simply result in the killing of more ordinary Iranian people.

That the US and Israel started the war when discussions and negotiations were ongoing shows there is no good faith on their part – just a determination to install a regime that is friendly to their interests.

It is imperative that the New Zealand government is clear that it does not support this war. No NZDF or intelligence assistance should be given to the US or Israel. It is likely that the NZ Navy frigate Te Kaha is in the region, along with troops deployed to missions around the Middle East. All of these forces should be withdrawn, along with all GCSB intelligence analysts based with US forces.

Already hundreds of people have been murdered from US bombs inside Iran including a school full of children. Regime change by the US will cause untold suffering to the Iranian people and has every likelihood of escalating to a world war, pulling in the Russians and Chinese on the side of the Iranian government.

Peace Action Wellington strongly supports the right of the people inside Iran to free themselves from their own government. We do not support foreign interference in the politics of Iran or any state. The US and UK have a long history of intervention in Iran – and this war must be viewed within the context of that existing history.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/advocacy-peace-vigil-no-nz-support-for-us-israeli-war-on-iran/

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Watch: Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Iran strikes

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Foreign Affairs minister says New Zealand was not given any advance notice of the attack on Iran, and has again urged New Zealanders to leave if it is safe to do so.

The United States and Israel launched a major attack on Iran, with US President Donald Trump claiming the attack killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

At this stage, the United Nations were unable to confirm the Ayatollah’s death.

The New Zealand government said the US and Israel’s actions were “designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security,” and condemnded Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.

It also called for a “resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law,” urging the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution that “returns Iran to the community of nations.”

Speaking at the Defence Force base at Auckland’s Whenuapai on Sunday, Winston Peters said all sorts of people would want to “pontificate” on the attack, but the rule of law needed to be enforced.

Winston Peters speaking at the Whenuapai Airbase. RNZ/Paris Ibell

“Iran has been a promoter of terrorism in countless theatres for decades now. That’s not an excuse for what you’ve seen. But it is an explanation,” he said.

It was “premature” to talk about what New Zealand would do if things escalated, Peters said.

“Let’s see what we’re dealing with. We’re doing our best to talk to our international partners and other collaborators around the world.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade had told New Zealanders in the region to shelter in place, and to follow the advice of local authorities and register on SafeTravel.

Peters said there were around 34 to 38 New Zealanders registered in Iran, but there would be “many more.”

The government has long told New Zealanders in Iran to leave, a message Peters reiterated if people were able to do so.

“It will be very difficult in the risky cities. But if you’re out in the countryside and can get away, give it a go. Otherwise, try and say safe, stay inside, and we’ll see how things develop. But it’s very, very difficult for us, this far away from personal circumstances to tell people what to do,” he said.

“Mind you, we’ve been telling them for weeks to get ready, just in case this happened. Maybe next time, listen to the government of New Zealand, who does care what their future might be.”

A repatriation flight was possible, “if it comes to that,” but it was too risky at the moment.

“We’ll do our best that we can, but we are a long, long way from this conflict. Way out in the south west Pacific. Let’s not get too rushed trying to be involved here.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/watch-foreign-minister-winston-peters-on-iran-strikes/

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KiwiSaver breakthrough for young farmers – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is celebrating a major win for young farmers, with the Government finally allowing them to use their KiwiSaver funds to buy their first home or farm.
“Young Kiwi farmers have been incredibly frustrated that they haven’t been able to access their KiwiSaver to help get a foot on the property ladder,” Federated Farmers dairy chair Karl Dean says.
“This change announced by the Government today – removing those barriers – is a huge step forward for the next generation of farmers.
“We’re immensely proud to have led the charge on this issue, advocating for a change to the KiwiSaver rules for three long years.”
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced today that they will be making a technical change to the KiwiSaver Act.
It means farm staff in service tenancies (living on farm) will soon be able to use KiwiSaver to purchase a house without immediately moving in.
“Until now, you could only use your KiwiSaver to purchase a house you’ll live in,” Dean says.
“That’s unfair because farm staff, along with the likes of rural teachers and rural police, haven’t been able to get on the property ladder, all because they live remotely and in employer-provided accommodation.
“They’ve been denied the same opportunity as their urban counterparts.
“This change means young rural workers can finally access their savings to secure financial security and begin building equity, even if they keep living in accommodation provided by their employer.
“It’s a massive result and I know there’ll be many young farmers out there celebrating right now.”
The Government’s changes will also allow first-time farm buyers to use their KiwiSaver balances when buying through a commercial entity they majority own, provided it will be their principal place of residence.
Dean says the impact of this can’t be overstated, highlighting the challenges young farmers face in buying a farm.
“So many young farmers have worked hard to save a decent deposit but just aren’t able to get the bank’s backing to invest in their first farm.
“Letting those farmers use their KiwiSaver will be an enormous help in pulling together a larger deposit.
“It will put them in a stronger financial position with their initial equity, but they’ll also have less debt – which means they’d be paying less interest too.
“All of that gives our next generation of farmers a better chance of building wealth and putting themselves in a good position come retirement.”
Getting the KiwiSaver rules amended has been a key priority for Federated Farmers, forming part of its 12-point policy agenda for the incoming Government back in 2023.
The National Party committed to making the change, announcing so on the eve of the 2023 election.
“It’s taken them a long time to deliver on that promise, and we’ve made sure to keep reminding them about it,” Dean says.
“We’re grateful the Government has finally come through for farmers.”
One young farmer celebrating the news is Waikato sharemilker Danielle Hovmand, who has challenged the Government several times to deliver on its 2023 campaign commitment.
“Talking with young farmers across the country, their most-asked question is: ‘When are we going to be able to use our KiwiSaver to better ourselves now, rather than having to wait until we retire – just because we’re farmers’.
“I’m very pleased to hear the Government are finally changing the rules to make that possible.
“Many young people’s goal is to buy their first home and get on the property ladder, so it’s refreshing to see farmers will be able achieve this too.”
Hovmand says this will open doors for young farmers to use their hard-earned savings towards something that can have a huge impact on their financial position.
“Hopefully, in years to come we’ll see the flow-on effects of more young people being able to purchase their own herds and then achieving farm ownership earlier.
“I think this will have a huge impact on farmers across the country and will continue to help strengthen the agriculture industry for many years to come.”
Legislation giving effect to the changes will be introduced to Parliament in the middle of the year. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/kiwisaver-breakthrough-for-young-farmers-federated-farmers/

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Unilateral attack on Iran must be condemned

Source: Green Party

“Trump and Netanyahu’s unilateral attack on Iran must be condemned as an illegal and unprovoked act against the people of the region and any genuine pathway to peace” Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson says.

“This latest escalation in aggression is part of a decades’ long pattern of behaviour of the US dragging the region into more wars, violence, and bloodshed. 

“The wider region has immediately been drawn into this violence, with hundreds reported dead in only a single day. The idea that it’s okay to bomb other countries because you don’t like their leader is reprehensible. 

“The Prime Minister Luxon’s failure to condemn Trump’s illegal actions again demonstrates his lack of leadership or moral courage, and willingness to act against New Zealander’s values.  

“New Zealander’s deserve better than this. Our voice is powerful on the international stage. The Green Party urges Luxon’s Government to condemn illegal warmongering, and unreservedly advocate for diplomacy, international law, and peace for the Iranian people.” 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/unilateral-attack-on-iran-must-be-condemned/

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Watch live: Foreign Minister Winston Peters to speak to media on Iran strikes

Source: Radio New Zealand

Foreign Minister Winston Peters spoke to media about the unfolding conflict in Iran.

Peters was at Auckland’s Whenuapai Airbase on Sunday morning.

It comes after a US-Israeli attack on Iran which US President Donald Trump had indicated was aimed at overturning Tehran’s government.

The attack had killed more than 200 people, according to Iranian state media.

Israel sources confirmed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes.

Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes against American military bases across the Middle East, as well as Israel.

Peters said it was premature to come to any conclusion on the attacks.

“Iran has been a promoter of terrorism in countless theatres for decades now. That’s not an excuse for what we’ve seen, but it is an explanation.”

Peters said New Zealand was not given notice in advance of the attacks.

He said there were between 34-38 New Zealanders registered in Iran, and if it came to it there would be repatriation flights

The New Zealand government released a joint statement on Iran from Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Peters earlier on Sunday morning.

It said New Zealand has “consistently condemned Iran’s nuclear programme its destabilising activities in the region and elsewhere, and its repression of its own people.”

The government also condemned Iran’s strikes on surrounding nations.

It said New Zealand Embassies in the region are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide support to New Zealanders

“We call for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law – and we urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution that returns Iran to the community of nations.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises New Zealanders in the region to shelter in place. The government said New Zealanders should follow the advice of local authorities and register on SafeTravel.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/01/watch-live-foreign-minister-winston-peters-to-speak-to-media-on-iran-strikes/

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KiwiSaver adjustment to help rural workers

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is removing the barriers that prevent many farm and other rural workers from using their KiwiSaver accounts to buy their first homes, Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson announced today.

Since 2010, Kiwis have been able to withdraw from their KiwiSaver accounts to assist with the purchase of a first home so long as they live in the homes they buy.

“However, workers in service tenancies, such as farm workers, rural teachers, country cops, and defence personnel, have effectively been locked out of first home withdrawal because their jobs require them to live in employer-provided housing,” Nicola Willis says. 

“That’s not fair, so we’re making a technical change to the KiwiSaver Act to ensure workers in service tenancies aren’t denied the opportunity to put a foot on the property ladder.   

“The change will allow service tenancy workers to use their KiwiSaver for a first home purchase without having to live in it.”

Scott Simpson says the Act will also be changed to allow first-time farm buyers to put their KiwiSaver balances towards the purchase of a farm through a commercial entity they majority own, where it will be their principal place of residence.

KiwiSaver rules currently allow the purchase of a farm under a KiwiSaver member’s name (so long as they intend to live on it) – however, in practice, most farms are purchased through a company or trust.

“This reflects the commercial reality of modern farm ownership,” Mr Simpson says.

“Most farms are purchased through companies or trusts. Until now, that has prevented aspiring farmers from accessing KiwiSaver in the same way as someone buying a house in town.”

“The reforms deliver on the Government’s commitment to back rural New Zealand and remove unnecessary barriers.

“These are targeted, practical changes that maintain KiwiSaver’s core purpose while making the scheme fairer for rural communities,” Mr Simpson says.

Legislation giving effect to the changes will be introduced to Parliament in the middle of the year. The changes were sparked by a Member’s Bill in the name of Rangitīkei MP Suze Redmayne.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/kiwisaver-adjustment-to-help-rural-workers/

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NZ Government Statement on Iran

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has consistently condemned Iran’s nuclear programme, its destabilising activities in the region and elsewhere, and its repression of its own people. 

Iran has, for decades, defied the will and expectations of the international community. The legitimacy of a government rests on the support of its people. The Iranian regime has long since lost that support.

In this context, we acknowledge that the actions taken overnight by the US and Israel were designed to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.  

We condemn in the strongest terms Iran’s indiscriminate retaliatory attacks on Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.  We cannot risk further regional escalation, and civilian life must be protected.   

We join the international community in hoping this crisis ends as quickly as possible.

We call for a resumption of negotiations and adherence to international law – and we urge the Iranian leadership to seek a negotiated solution that returns Iran to the community of nations. 

Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the conflict, and to the New Zealand families who are understandably worried about their loved ones in the region. 

We recognise too the courage of the Iranian people who have taken to the streets in recent weeks to demand change, only to be met by violence and murder.  The Iranian people must be allowed to determine their future.

New Zealand Embassies in the region are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to provide support to New Zealanders.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises New Zealanders in the region to shelter in place.  New Zealanders should follow the advice of local authorities and register on SafeTravel. 

New Zealanders requiring urgent consular assistance should call the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/01/nz-government-statement-on-iran/

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The Detail: Home for granny, headache for homeowner

Source: Radio New Zealand

Experts say that the real rule change is simply that when things go wrong, the burden of responsibility will be on the homeowner, not the council. 123rf

Rule changes for putting a granny flat on your section cut very little red tape, but move questions of liability from councils to homeowners

No garage conversions, no house extensions, no old materials or relocated cottages, no DIY practitioners, no mezzanine floors and no accessible showers.

And no building consent needed.

The government’s new rules for building a granny flat, or ‘minor standalone dwelling’, on your own property cut through one layer of paperwork and will likely save plans from being clogged up at council level, but they’re still complex, full of restrictions and just as expensive as they always were.

The real change these rules bring, say experts, is that when things go wrong, they shift the burden of responsibility from the council to homeowners.

Karel Boakes is the president of the Building Officials Institute of New Zealand, an organisation with around 1200 members who deal with building surveying, controls and regulations in both the private sector and in councils.

From what she’s seen in the month or so since the law came in, there’s been no rush to build these standalone dwellings – she says licensed building practitioners appear to be wary of shouldering the burden of responsibility for any failures.

“They’re concerned,” she says.

“They’re concerned for the homeowners and potentially the risks that they might be taking on if they choose to follow this route.”

“Obviously they’re not against efficiencies where they can be made. That’s common sense and we’re all on board with that. But we’re also trying to weigh up the level of risk that people could be exposed to if buildings are built in a way that’s not compliant or in a way that [poses problems] financially with insurance or what have you.”

Boakes says officials want to make sure people go into these processes with their eyes wide open, understanding the risks.

“There’s definitely a shift of liability.”

Before the regulation changed there was a level of surety in council checks, but we saw from the leaky building crisis that meant that councils were often the “last man standing” – the only organisation still around answering questions of liability when builders and developers went bust. Now the responsibility for any issues down the line falls on the homeowner, and those licensed building practitioners who supervised the job.

The only council responsibility comes right at the start of an application for a standalone dwelling when it issues a PIM – a Project Information Memorandum – which details information about the land or the project that they need to take account of, such as unstable land or flood plains.

“The council won’t be taking any liability any more in terms of assessing, or checking, or inspecting,” says Boakes.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has put out comprehensive information about the processes involved.

It says the granny flats building consent exemption allows small standalone dwellings of up to 70 square metres to be built without a building consent, if it has a simple design and meets the building code; homeowners notify the council before they start building and when they’re finished; the work is carried out or supervised by licensed building professionals; and all the exemption conditions are met.

You can download the seven forms required from the site, read the three checklists, five step-by-step guides and five fact sheets, and there are links to 12 professional groups that might be involved.

So there’s no excuse for winging it.

Bill McKay, a senior lecturer at the School of Architecture and Planning, University of Auckland, tells The Detail that when the rules came out, he was taken aback by the level of requirements – “all the things that you do and have to worry about”.

“One of the questions I’m mostly commonly asked is, ‘can I build it myself?’

“Short answer – absolutely not,” he says.

He says not having to get a building consent will save time, with the council unable to put off its issuing of a PIM. But a building consent is one thing – “you’ll still need building advice from someone who can draw up plans for you and that sort of thing. We might still need a resource consent, and this is a pitfall for lots of people.

“You can’t build just anywhere you want in your back yard. We have certain rules about minimum permeable and impermeable area so that rainfall will soak away, which is all good. And we have distances that we have to keep from neighbours … all that sort of thing as well.

“I think a lot of people will just sort of leap into it without doing their homework first and doing it properly, and that could get them in trouble from various angles.”

Then there’s the sting at the end – while it varies throughout the country, most councils will charge a development fee, and in some places that could be around $25,000. Your rates will go up too, having added another bathroom and more square metres to your estate.

Meanwhile McKay has picked out an aspect of the regulations he calls ‘ironic’ – even if your little house is for granny, you can’t have a recessed shower, where you could wheel in or get in without tripping over if you were unstable on your feet.

“The reason for that is, they haven’t developed a class of LBP who can do that.”

That means the supervisory aspect of the project couldn’t be met – so accessible showers are on the no-go list.

Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.

You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/28/the-detail-home-for-granny-headache-for-homeowner/

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Expanded NICU to support more babies in Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Government

A $13.9 million investment to upgrade and expand the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Christchurch Women’s Hospital will provide a significant boost to neonatal care services for families across Canterbury and the wider region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Every New Zealander deserves access to timely, quality healthcare, and that starts with supporting our most vulnerable patients – our newborns,” Mr Brown says.

“Christchurch’s NICU services have been under increasing pressure in recent years, with demand for care often exceeding available capacity. 

“This investment will reconfigure the existing space to increase the number of neonatal cots from 44 to 54, meaning more babies will be able to receive the specialised care they need close to home.

“In addition to increasing capacity, the upgrade will enhance infection prevention measures, a vital part of protecting newborns and giving families peace of mind. The redesign will also ensure the facility meets the latest fire and safety standards, creating a safer, more modern environment for both patients and staff.”

Preparations for the upgrade are already underway, with careful planning to ensure all NICU services continue operating safely on the hospital campus during construction. Work is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to take around nine months, with the upgraded unit expected to be fully operational in early 2027.

“Improving New Zealand’s health infrastructure is a top priority for the Government, and this investment will make a real difference for families across Canterbury. More cots, better facilities, and stronger infection control measures mean that newborns get the care they need when they need it most.

“Our health system must keep pace with the growing needs of our communities, and projects like this show our commitment to supporting families and delivering timely, quality care for all New Zealanders” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/28/expanded-nicu-to-support-more-babies-in-christchurch/