The law change means ACC claimants will incur debts for supplementary supports they sought while waiting on an outcome with the Accident Compensation Corporation.
The coalition has passed legislation to legalise long-standing MSD policy of clawing back welfare payments from ACC claimants.
The law change – passed after the High Court ruled the policy illegal – means ACC claimants, including sexual abuse survivors, state abuse survivors and those with birth injuries, will incur debts for supplementary supports they sought while waiting on an outcome with the Accident Compensation Corporation.
Advocates have already launched a petition to change the legislation to “ensure equity, fairness and also remove the retrospective elements inserted by the Amendment Bill.”
The legislation passed yesterday afternoon with support from National, ACT and New Zealand First.
Labour – which withdrew its support for the bill after Select Committee stage, voted against it with the Greens, Te Pāti Māori and independent MPs Mariameno Kapa-Kingi and Tākuta Ferris.
Third reading
Minister for Social Development Louise Upston wasn’t there for the final reading of the legislation.
Standing in her place, National’s James Meager told the House the High Court ruling meant those who received backdated ACC payments were better off than those who received the same payments at the time they requested it.
“These decisions highlight inconsistencies between legislation and long-standing policy but they do not reflect the principles of a targeted welfare system that provides assistance based on need.
“They also create inequities across ACC recipients in the welfare system.”
Labour’s Willie Jackson – who had called for changes such as a carve out for state abuse survivors – said the Minister had made a “real attempt” to find bipartisan buy-in for the bill but parties could not find a way through.
“It’s with disappointment we were unable to find a way through…we had a couple of meetings with the Minister, we put up some options in terms of where we should go, particularly with some of the people who were being hurt by this bill.
“She was particularly sympathetic to some of the examples that we were given but it seems that her officials find it all just too impossible, I’m not sure why they find it so impossible sometimes to actually worth things through, given these were officials who have worked with both National and Labour governments through the years.
The Greens’ Ricardo Menéndez March said the bill was a joke.
“How can this be a bill about fairness and equity when it entrenches a practice that puts some of our most injured and traumatised people in large debts?
“This government may be making it legal but it does not make it right.”
ACT’s Parmjeet Parmar said it was good the bill was being rushed through.
“It’s a very important issue. We have to. Otherwise we will not be doing justice to those who are going to be affected.”
New Zealand First’s David Wilson said the bill was not easy but his party supported MSD having discretion “to look at these cases”.
“It would be fair to say that our party has wrestled with some of the issues here, quite a lot.”
“We want to ensure that any complainants to ACC are not unfairly disadvantaged.”
Te Pāti Māori’s Orrini Kaipara said the bill would deepen hardship for survivors of sexual abuse, state abuse and those who suffer most.
“It represents a profound breach of justice, fairness and the Crown’s obligations to protect the wellbeing of whānau under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.”
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
Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Infinix is cementing its status within the premium smartphone segment in a bold new way with NOTE 60 Ultra, its landmark flagship debuting in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress 2026.
Infinix NOTE 60 Ultra Design by Pininfarina
Co-developed with Italian automotive and design legend Pininfarina, NOTE 60 Ultra’s design is driven by an emotion-led aesthetic inspired by super cars. Beneath its bold design lies a fully realized flagship experience, integrating breakthrough in-house innovations with best-in-class partner technologies. A professional-grade 200MP ultra-high-definition imaging system, built-in multi-country satellite communication connectivity, and immersive audio precision-tuned by SOUND BY JBL come together to challenge expectations in the premium segment.
Supercar Design DNA in a Flagship, Shaped by Pininfarina
In the premium segment, the design language is a device’s opening statement. A user’s perception at first glance is shaped by aesthetics, long before a single specification is considered.
Drawing inspiration from the aerodynamic philosophy and pioneering spirit of high-performance sports cars, Infinix, in partnership with Pininfarina, takes a radical departure in sculpting a flagship. What stands out immediately is what’s missing: the camera bump. As premium handsets adopt larger sensors, they often sacrifice form with increasingly protruding camera modules.
True to the sports car heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra introduces a fully integrated, single-body rear: the Aluminum Unibody Design. At the heart of this craftsmanship is the World’s 1st Uni-Chassis Cam Module, formed a single, continuous sheet of CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS VICTUS that virtually conceals the presence of the camera. Much like a supercar sculpted for low-drag, the rear design maintains a smooth, uninterrupted silhouette. This also ensures a natural in-hand feel and unobtrusively slips into any pocket, while reinforcing the phone’s durability and structural integrity.
Paying homage to Italian cultural and racing heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra arrives in four striking colorways: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver. Each hue draws inspiration from the most iconic scenes and legends of Italy’s motorsport and cultural history, capturing the spirit of speed, lifestyle, and emotional beauty.
Just as a supercar announces its ignition through sound and light, NOTE 60 Ultra mirrors the ritual. A Floating Taillight signature spans the rear, illuminating as the device powers on. And as a final nod to automotive heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra features an Active Matrix Display reminiscent of a supercar dashboard at startup. Concealed within the rear surface, the hidden display lights up to reveal notifications, expressive icons, or a pixel-style virtual companion.
Dual Flagship Cameras for Detail, Zoom, and True-to-Life Imaging
Although discreet at first glance, Infinix makes no concessions on camera performance and earmarks a new era for Infinix’s imaging capability. Delivering performance on par with industry-leading standards, Infinix’s Dual Flagship Imaging Architecture marks several brand-first breakthroughs and improvements across three dimensions, reinforcing its position as a signature offering.
Under the hood, it’s clear that NOTE 60 Ultra refuses to settle for less. Discreetly integrated within the Uni-Chassis Cam Module is a powerful triple-camera array. Anchored by a next-generation 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor, NOTE 60 Ultra delivers ultra-high-definition clarity. And ensuring flagship-grade versatility across focal lengths, the phone is complemented by a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 periscope telephoto lens and a 112° ultra-wide lens.
However, hardware alone does not define the full experience. For the first time, Infinix supports the XDR display standard with Ultra HDR Capture. Powered by a proprietary XDR Image Engine, Infinix’s advanced system delivers a superior dynamic range, ideal for true-to-life photos of bright lights at night or breathtaking sunset scenes.
The result is exceptional resolution that sets a higher bar for precise framing in daylight or after dark, while faithfully preserving details often lost in standard photography. Whether exploring daytime cityscapes or distant horizons, NOTE 60 Ultra excels with its advanced optical‑to‑digital zoom performance. Crisp, detailed shots are captured across a versatile zoom range, from a 2× optical crop and native 3.5× optical zoom to a 7× lossless digital zoom, extending up to 100× for extreme distances.
Expansive Satellite Calling and Messaging Coverage
Beyond what meets the eye, NOTE 60 Ultra carries a more subtle capability designed to accompany the user’s ambition, as far as and wherever the road leads. NOTE 60 Ultra is the first¹ to introduce dual-way satellite calling with expansive global coverage across a far greater number of countries¹. Powered by two-way messaging and calling beyond traditional terrestrial networks, NOTE 60 Ultra offers an added peace of mind whether navigating remote terrain beyond cellular coverage or facing large-scale network disruptions. The device bridges regional connectivity gaps to maintain communication and enables emergency location sharing when it matters most.
Ultra-Fast, Enduring Functionalities for an All-Around Flagship Experience
NOTE 60 Ultra combines category-leading performance and enduring power to support multi-sensory entertainment without interruption. Complementing this, its latest user experience delivers forward-looking innovations and AI-driven optimizations, making it more accessible and seamless for everyday use.
Impressively, Infinix debuted the Proprietary Battery Self-Healing Technology. Despite featuring a massive 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery within a slim, lightweight frame, NOTE 60 Ultra is engineered to restore up to 1%² of battery health every 200 charge cycles. Complementing this breakthrough, NOTE 60 Ultra supports wired 100W All-Around Fast Charge and 50W wireless charging, achieving a full charge from 1% to 100%² in only 48 minutes through a wired connection.
Even with a massive battery, Infinix pulls out all the stops to optimize for both speed and energy management. Featuring a 4nm all-big-core MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset together with Infinix’s self-developed performance engine, NOTE 60 Ultra achieves up to 25%² faster multitasking, accelerated app responsiveness, and sustained smoothness.
NOTE 60 Ultra excels in its class with a captivating, 1.5K Ultra HDR cinematic display. Delivering fluid 144Hz responsiveness and exceptional 4500-nit peak brightness, visuals remain vibrant across most lighting conditions. Even in motion, intelligent predictive stabilization minimizes motion sickness, whether watching a film or playing games from within a car. And just as a high-performance vehicle demands calibrated acoustics, NOTE 60 Ultra doesn’t settle for less. It delivers high-fidelity audio through a stereo system with SOUND BY JBL, completing a truly compelling entertainment experience.
The NOTE 60 Ultra’s optimized performance enables its intelligent AI features to run fluidly and efficiently with minimal battery drain. Its integrated AI ecosystem focuses on practical daily-enhancing functions, including real-time vitals tracking via Advanced Health Monitor, personalized file organization and an adaptive AI-powered knowledge base, all evolving with user preferences. These AI capabilities are seamlessly woven into GlowSpace, a new interface debuting on XOS 16.³ Powered by Android 16, GlowSpace introduces a fully reimagined UI centered on fluid motion and luminous details that animate with every interaction.
Through co-engineering with leading technology and innovation partners, Infinix has aligned NOTE 60 Ultra around a unified vision of excellence. The outcome is a benchmark-setting flagship defined not by spectacle, but by deeply integrated and purposeful engineering, inside-out.
Product availability
NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a promise of 3 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.
NOTE 60 Ultra is available in four colors: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver.
It will be available in two variants: 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, with built-in eSIM⁴.
NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a deluxe gift box with automotive-inspired display stand design. A Supercar-Inspired MagCharge Base in Zinc Alloy, a Kevlar-Pattern MagPad, a Custom Kevlar MagCase, and a Track-Edition SIM Ejector Pin are included in the gift box.
Disclaimer
¹As of launch, this device is the first commercially available smartphone to support two‑way satellite calling across multiple countries. Feature availability, supported regions and coverage are subject to local certification, network deployment and market conditions.
²All data comes from Infinix laboratories. The testing data may vary slightly between different test versions and testing environments.
³The specific XOS upgrade plan for each model will be announced separately. Please note that availability of this upgrade may be limited in certain countries.
⁴eSIM availability is carrier and region-dependent; it may not be supported in all countries.
Hashtag: #Infinix
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Environmental-economic accounts: Data to 2024 – information release
5 March 2026
Environmental-economic accounts show how our environment contributes to our economy, the impacts of economic activity on our environment, and how we respond to environmental issues.
Stats NZ’s environmental-economic accounts show the interactions between the environment and the economy to provide a clearer understanding of environmental-economic pressures, dependencies, trade-offs, and impacts. It is done within the United Nations’ System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework, which specifies how environmental data can be integrated coherently with economic data from the System of National Accounts.
All accounts are expressed in current prices for the year ended March.
Key facts
In the year ended March 2024:
total environmental taxes were $6.0 billion, most of which were transport (50.4 percent) and energy (44.9 percent) taxes. From 2023 to 2024, environmental taxes increased 14.3 percent ($748 million).
the marine economy contributed $5.2 billion to New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP). This was an increase of 7.4 percent compared with 2023. The contribution of the marine economy to GDP in 2024 was 1.2 percent.
the total asset value of renewable energy was $11.9 billion. Hydro generation made up 67.8 percent of total asset value, followed by geothermal (20.2 percent).
central and local government expenditure on environmental protection (on a final consumption basis) increased 9.8 percent ($277 million) to total $3.1 billion. Local government contributed 66.9 percent ($2.1 billion) to this total, and central government contributed 33.1 percent ($1.0 billion).
Visit our website to read the full information release and to download CSV files:
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Sea urchin spines are not only for defence—they also act as natural sensors. A research team led by Prof. WANG Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with scholars from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) and Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), has discovered the mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines, originating in their gradient porous structure, that allows the spines to instantly detect water flow. Using 3D printing, the team has replicated this structure and developed a bionic metamaterial sensor, which holds promise for breakthroughs in sensing technology. This innovation will drive the advancement of deep-sea technology such as marine monitoring and underwater infrastructure management, and can be extended to other emerging fields like brain-computer interfacing and aerospace.
A research team led by Prof. Wang Zuankai, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Dean of Graduate School, Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of PolyU, has discovered the mechanoelectrical perception in sea urchin spines. It originates in the spines’ gradient porous structure that generates electrical signals when water flows through it. The team used 3D printing technology to replicate the structure and develop a novel bionic metamaterial sensor.
The research team found that, in the long-spined sea urchin (Diadema setosum), when a seawater droplet strikes the tip of a spine, the spine rotates rapidly within a second. Electrical measurements revealed that the droplet simulation produced a voltage of about 100 millivolts inside the spine; when the spine is immersed in water, water flow stimulation triggers a voltage of several tens of millivolts. This mechanoelectrical perception was observed even in dead spines, indicating that the mechanism is unrelated to biological cells.
This response originates from the stereom structure of the spine—the porous internal skeleton composed of pores with varying sizes and distributions. These pores exhibit a gradual gradient along the spine from the base to the tip: larger pores and lower solid density at the base, and smaller pores and higher solid density at the tip, forming a bicontinuous gradient porous structure. As water flows through the porous structure, solid-liquid interfacial interaction occurs and the flow exerts shear force on the electric double layer, inducing the separation and redistribution of interfacial charge, which generates a voltage difference. The gradient structure intensifies the interaction between water flow and pore surfaces, resulting in a stronger voltage difference and enhancing the spine’s sensing capabilities.
Inspired by these findings, the researchers used vat photopolymerisation 3D printing to create artificial samples from polymer and ceramic materials that resemble the spine’s stereom. Experiments showed that the spine-mimicking design produce a voltage output about three times higher and an amplitude about eight times greater than non-gradient designs under water flow stimulation, demonstrating that the key to the mechanoelectrical perception lies in the structure rather than the material. They also constructed a bionic 3D metamaterial mechanoreceptor that is designed in a 3 × 3 array with each unit made of gradient porous material. This mechanoreceptor can record electrical signals in real time underwater and precisely locate the position of water flow impact, without the need for additional electricity.
The research team points out that the gradient porous structure in sea urchin spines enhances signal transmission, thereby improving the precision and sensitivity of the mechanoreceptor. By replicating this structure in different materials, it is possible to extend its application beyond water flow sensing to various types of signals, including those measuring pressure, vibration and electromagnetic waves. This will inspire sensing technologies in multiple fields, such as in relation to its use in brain-computer interfaces to enhance the sensing of brainwaves and neural signals, with tremendous application potential.
Prof. Wang Zuankai said, “Compared to traditional mechanoreceptors, our design excels in manufacturability, structural design flexibility, material versatility, geometric and performance control, and real-time underwater self-sensing. Leveraging gradients of porous materials and 3D printing technologies, we aspire to produce more nature-inspired metamaterial sensors with a range of materials, pore sizes and surface features that support potential applications in many fields.”
At the forefront of nature-inspired science and engineering research, Prof. Wang’s team has also invented various new materials, including lotus leaf-inspired self-cleaning surfaces capable of rapid water repellency, Araucaria leaves-inspired surfaces that enable self-propelled liquid transport, and anti-icing structures that achieve spontaneous ejection of freezing droplets by replicating the biological mechanism of spore shooting in fungi. He envisions that their research will open up new avenues for the development of nature-inspired materials.
“For natural porous materials, mechanical properties such as strength may not be the primary function, but rather a by-product of complex biomineralisation. Uncovering previously unknown mechanisms that lie beyond a material’s traditionally recognised function helps us to more comprehensively understand and fully utilise these natural resources. This is crucial for advancing biomimetic research,” he added.
This joint research was co-led by Prof. LU Jian from CityU, and Prof. YAN Chunze and Prof. SU Bin from HUST. The study findings have been published in the international journal Nature.
Property values across Aotearoa New Zealand increased by 0.2% in February. That remains a modest rise, but still the strongest since October last year, and more than reversing January’s small -0.1% drop.
Cotality NZ’s latest Home Value Index (HVI) also shows that the national median value in February of $806,697 was -1.2% lower than a year ago and still down by -17.3% from the peak in early 2022 – which was $975,540.
Trends across the main centres were more consistent in February. Kirikiriroa Hamilton and Ōtepoti Dunedin saw the strongest rises, both at 0.9%, while the rest of the main centres saw a lift in values in the 0.4%-0.6% range, except Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s was more modest (0.1%).
Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson said that February’s slightly stronger results were potentially a sign of things to come, but that it’s still early days.
“With sales activity trending upwards for some time now, mortgage rates down, and the economy showing signs of a pick-up, a re-emergence of modest gains in property values this year would not be a surprise.”
“The labour market probably holds the key, and most forecasts suggest that employment has already troughed, with the unemployment rate set to fall from now on.”
“That being said, a modest lift in national property values in a single month in February is nothing to get carried away about.”
“Given the cautious attitude that still prevails among both buyers and sellers, we’d need to see at least two to three more monthly increases before calling it a trend.”
“Moreover, even if that upswing does begin in earnest this year, values are still down more than 17% from their peak, with conditions remaining pretty favourable for first home buyers and those investors looking to start or expand a portfolio. On the flipside, many vendors will be getting prices below what they expected a few years ago.”
“The election campaign in 2026 and any discussion around property policies is yet to kick into full swing and that will certainly be a key focus in upcoming months. At this stage, the Middle East geopolitics may not influence the NZ housing outlook too much, but that’s obviously a watching brief.”
Index results for February 2026
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
0.1%
-0.8%
-3.2%
-23.2%
$1,040,913
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
0.9%
0.5%
-1.2%
-12.2%
$711,669
Tauranga
0.5%
0.6%
1.1%
-14.9%
$930,470
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*
0.4%
0.2%
-1.4%
-24.8%
$777,690
Ōtautahi Christchurch
0.6%
0.9%
2.8%
-2.7%
$701,152
Ōtepoti Dunedin
0.9%
1.3%
0.9%
-10.0%
$619,067
Aotearoa New Zealand
0.2%
-0.1%
-1.2%
-17.3%
$806,697
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland was still a bit softer than many other parts of the country in February, but even so, all sub-markets were flat or slightly higher.
Rodney, Waitakere, and Auckland City avoided falls, while there were minor 0.1% lifts in North Shore, Manukau, and Franklin – with Papakura up by 0.2%. That small rise in Papakura was enough to make it the only sub-market in Auckland where values are slightly higher (0.3%) than three months ago in November.
Mr Davidson said, “it’s still very early days and a softer month or two at some stage in the near term could never be ruled out. That being said, Auckland’s housing affordability has improved significantly in recent years as values have dropped, alongside the favourable combination of lower mortgage rates and higher household incomes.”
“In other words, with affordability conditions better, and as listing numbers continue to fall, a modest lift in Auckland property values over the medium term wouldn’t be a surprise. It’s too early to say if February marks the start of that shift, but no doubt there’ll be many people watching very closely in our largest centre.”
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Rodney
0.0%
-0.4%
-2.0%
-21.0%
$1,194,695
Te Raki Paewhenua North Shore
0.1%
-0.2%
-0.8%
-17.9%
$1,283,944
Waitakere
0.0%
-0.8%
-2.5%
-24.6%
$917,487
Auckland City
0.0%
-1.4%
-4.5%
-24.8%
$1,104,846
Manukau
0.1%
-0.8%
-3.9%
-25.0%
$967,728
Papakura
0.2%
0.3%
-3.3%
-23.9%
$812,347
Franklin
0.1%
-0.4%
-2.9%
-22.8%
$918,325
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
0.1%
-0.8%
-3.2%
-23.2%
$1,040,913
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
The wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area remained patchy in February, with Porirua down by -0.3%, and both Kāpiti Coast and Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt seeing a minor -0.1% fall.
By contrast, Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt was stable, and Wellington City itself (the largest market in this region) saw a solid 0.8% rise in values. That saw the quarterly change for Wellington City come in at 1.1%, and values are now only slightly down (-0.3%) from a year ago.
Mr Davidson noted, “economic and political uncertainty still seems to be lingering around Wellington, which is weighing on the property market. As the election becomes a stronger focus in the coming months, this situation may not change too much.”
“Still, Wellington City property values recorded a strong lift in February. It’s still early to call it a new trend, but better affordability conditions for buyers might set the stage for growth in the medium term.”
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Kāpiti Coast
-0.1%
-0.1%
-3.5%
-23.0%
$787,008
Porirua
-0.3%
-1.4%
-3.4%
-24.8%
$719,858
Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt
-0.1%
-0.2%
-1.8%
-24.9%
$708,605
Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt
0.0%
-1.0%
-2.6%
-26.7%
$663,635
Wellington City
0.8%
1.1%
-0.3%
-24.1%
$875,710
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
0.4%
0.2%
-1.4%
-24.8%
$777,690
Regional results
Outside the main centres, property values strengthened in February, apart from minor -0.1% dips in Rotorua and Ngāmotu New Plymouth, alongside a flat result in Te Papaioea Palmerston North.
Elsewhere among the next tier of markets, there were more notable lifts in values in Tairāwhiti Gisborne (0.9%), Waihōpai Invercargill (1.1%), and Whanganui (1.2%).
“Alongside Ashburton, Timaru, Gore, and Southland District, Invercargill is the other part of the country where property values are at a new peak.
Affordability will be a factor in these areas, but the shape of the economy – with the primary sector performing well at present – will also be playing a role in supporting property values,” Davidson noted.
Region
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Whangārei
0.1%
-0.9%
-1.7%
-19.6%
$717,833
Heretaunga Hastings
0.2%
-1.8%
-1.2%
-18.5%
$712,171
Ahuriri Napier
0.4%
0.4%
-0.3%
-18.2%
$703,516
Te Papaioea Palmerston North
0.0%
0.3%
0.6%
-18.1%
$607,217
Tairāwhiti Gisborne
0.9%
1.1%
4.3%
-13.9%
$623,830
Whakatū Nelson
0.2%
-0.4%
-2.2%
-13.9%
$718,436
Rotorua
-0.1%
0.0%
-0.2%
-12.6%
$629,451
Whanganui
1.2%
1.3%
2.5%
-9.9%
$521,106
Ngāmotu New Plymouth
-0.1%
-0.4%
-0.8%
-6.2%
$701,113
Tāhuna Queenstown
0.1%
0.3%
0.0%
-4.0%
$1,526,975
Waihōpai Invercargill
1.1%
1.9%
6.1%
At peak
$515,067
Property market outlook
Mr Davidson noted that the latest, cautious Monetary Policy Statement and recent cuts to longer-term mortgage rates by some banks could be buoying borrowers.
“Anyone with large debts will no doubt be pleased to see the Reserve Bank pushing back slightly on the suggestion that the OCR could rise sooner rather than later.”
“However, borrowing decisions are nevertheless still changing. As people anticipate a tightening cycle at some stage, there’s now 30% of existing loans fixed and not due to reprice for not at least a year, the highest share since February 2024.”
Looking ahead, property market activity levels should continue to increase this year, potentially bringing down the stock of listings on the market to some extent, and creating a bit more upwards pressure on house prices.
However, Mr Davidson also noted that “lending restrictions, particularly the debt-to-income ratios remain a guardrail in the background.”
“In addition, the physical stock of dwellings has recently risen relative to our population, which is an additional restraint on property value growth.”
“All in all, although the so-called animal spirits in the housing market have the potential to re-emerge at any stage and with little warning, a balanced view at present is for only modest growth in values this year,” Mr Davidson concluded.
The Cotality Hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) is calculated using a hedonic regression methodology that addresses the issue of compositional bias associated with median price and other measures. In simple terms, the index is calculated using recent sales data combined with information about the attributes of individual properties such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, land area and geographical context of the dwelling. By separating each property into its various formational and locational attributes, observed sales values for each property can be distinguished between those attributed to the property’s attributes and those resulting from changes in the underlying residential property market. Additionally, by understanding the value associated with each attribute of a given property, this methodology can be used to estimate the value of dwellings with known characteristics for which there is no recent sales price by observing the characteristics and sales prices of other dwellings which have recently transacted. It then follows that changes in the market value of the entire residential property stock can be accurately tracked through time.
The Gloriavale compound on the West Coast.RNZ / Jean Edwards
Senior government minister Louise Upston says she did not see anything on a visit to Gloriavale that caused concern about children’s safety at the West Coast Christian community.
The Social Development Minister visited Gloriavale on 30 January where she met Overseeing Shepherd Stephen Standfast, senior leaders and other Gloriavale members.
Photos of the visit seen by RNZ show Upston speaking to parents, holding a baby, visiting a family home and touring the school art room.
Former Gloriavale member Virginia Courage has criticised the visit, saying the minister would not have seen the reality of life at the sect and should meet leavers rather than community leaders.
On Thursday Upston said the visit was important because she was responsible for an Abuse in Care Royal Commission recommendation the government take all practicable steps to ensure the ongoing safety of children, young people and adults at Gloriavale.
“I thought it was really important for me to be able to meet the key leaders, to be able to see for myself, and to ensure that I was well-informed,” she said.
Asked if she thought Gloriavale children were safe, Upston said “there was nothing that I saw that led me to think they weren’t”.
“What we’re working on is a community plan. I have to give them the benefit of the doubt and I am at this stage confident that they are engaged in the process, that they are working with the government agencies on the ground, that they’re working on an outcomes plan. That is very much anchored around the safety and care of children,” she said.
Social Development Minister Louise Upston visited Gloriavale on 30 January.RNZ / Mark Papalii
Government agencies were at Gloriavale working with the community on a regular basis, Upston said.
“Clearly there have been issues in the past. We are focussed now on the safety of children. There was nothing that I saw that led me to be concerned about it but regular contact with agencies on the ground will continue to happen and, because we are now looking at it as a group of agencies collectively, if there was anything that happened we would get to see it and know about it quickly,” she said.
Upston said she met a large group of Gloriavale leaders and attended a community gathering with a question-and-answer session.
“Then I did a walk-around like I usually do, I just wander off and go and talk to whoever I want to talk to and that’s exactly what I did,” she said.
Gloriavale’s leaders were concerned about education and schooling but Upston told them decisions about Gloriavale Christian School were a matter for the Secretary for Education.
The minister was unable to meet leavers in Wellington on a previous occasion but said she was happy to do so in future.
“I’ve said I’m happy to and the ball is in their court so when they’re back in Wellington, happy to catch up,” she said.
Upston was accompanied by National’s West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh, Ministry of Education deputy secretary Geoff Short and Regional Public Service Commissioner Craig Churchill.
Pugh said she had nothing further to add to the minister’s comments, except to say that she was there as the electorate MP to support Upston’s visit.
RNZ has approached Short and Churchill for comment.
Courage earlier told RNZ the minister should not have gone to Gloriavale.
“What she’s seeing is not reality, it’s crafted, it’s practised. Them going there and not being informed, not knowing what they’re dealing with, not having talked to leavers, not having gotten facts about the level of harm, really all you’re doing is giving Gloriavale air-time,” she said.
Upston would have met members hand-picked by Gloriavale’s leadership, Courage said.
“I’m highly, highly suspicious that this was just a PR event to make it look like they care. ‘We’ve been there and visited’ – and you didn’t see any abuse that day so it’s all okay? Of course you didn’t see any abuse, you were talking to the people who do the abusing,” she said.
“It actually upsets me to think that she went there and talked to the leadership. It’s the leadership who are responsible for the teachings that this community is suppressed and dominated by.”
Countless visits from police, politicians and government departments had failed to expose wrong-doing at Gloriavale, Courage said.
“None of them figured out what was going on, it had to be from ex-members going to court and proving it in court without a shadow of doubt the level of abuse, neglect, coercion, manipulation, deception even. You cannot go and visit Gloriavale and know what it’s about. You do not see the real thing,” she said.
Former Overseeing Shepherd Howard Temple was initially sentenced to two years and two months’ jail for indecently assaulting young women and girls, but that sentence was reduced to 11 months home detention.Tim Brown / RNZ
The High Court quashed Temple’s jail sentence on Tuesday following an appeal. The 85-year-old will instead serve 11 months’ home detention at a property in Greymouth.
A Gloriavale spokesperson said the minister came to see the community first-hand and meet a cross-section of members including the school board, mothers, managers and leaders.
It was a short visit including a brief inspection of the school, main building and accommodation, and a meeting with a homeschooling family, the spokesperson said.
The minister and senior leaders discussed “concerns about the registration of the school, success of our policies regarding abuse and continuing plans to support leavers”, they said.
Standfast took on the role of Overseeing Shepherd last December following the resignation of Howard Temple, who was sentenced to two years and two months’ jail for indecently assaulting young women and girls over 20 years.
The High Court quashed Temple’s jail sentence on Tuesday following an appeal. The 85-year-old will instead serve 11 months’ home detention at a property in Greymouth.
Last December the Ministry of Education announced it was cancelling Gloriavale Christian School’s registration because of safety concerns but the private school remains open pending a High Court judicial review.
Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian – formerly known as Neville Cooper – was sentenced to five years in prison in December 1995 on three charges of indecent assault.
The Abuse in Care inquiry found the Overseeing Shepherd and senior leaders at fault for allowing physical and sexual abuse at the community, failing to prevent abuse and protect survivors and inappropriately handling perpetrators, allowing them to remain in the community and continue their abuse.
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
This new addition reflects the company’s dedication to supporting the growing demands for logistics and warehousing services in the country
The warehouse is a part of strategic growth plans to significantly expand its warehousing footprint and service offering in the country
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Leading global logistics service provider Rhenus Group has officially opened a new warehouse in Philippines’ Paranaque, Metro Manila. This marks the company’s effort to expand its presence as a leading logistics player in the Philippines, with plans to add more warehousing space in the near future.
The warehouse is strategically located in NCR, close to major business districts and offers excellent access to major transport routes via direct access from SLEX Sucat. The brand new 7,320 sqm multi-user warehouse facility features a very high ceiling of around 20m with full insulation. It has the highest level of structural integrity and meets very high safety and security standards. Some of the features include Optical Beam Smoke Detectors, Sprinklers, mechanical cross ventilation system, fully enclosed gated compound, 24×7 security guards, full CCTV coverage with 60 days video retention, intruder alarm system, etc.
With a focus on sustainability, the warehouse utilizes LED lighting, solar panel provision, and a skylight to harness natural light, in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. The warehouse is in the process of obtaining ISO certifications in Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems.
The new warehouse expands the footprint of seven existing facilities across Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, strengthening nationwide coverage and smooth integration with global supply chains.
“Rhenus offers 4 million m² of storage across 180 locations in 21 countries, providing tailored contract logistics solutions. The new warehouse will enhance our logistics network in the APAC region, enabling us to deliver more efficient and sustainable logistics operations for our customers. We are committed to optimizing supply chains and meeting diverse client needs,” said Marcus Fornell, Regional Head of Rhenus APAC Warehousing Solutions.
Rhenus in the Philippines
The freight and logistics market size in the Philippines is estimated at USD 16.20 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 21.60 billion by 2031[1].
“Rhenus Philippines will continue to strengthen our position further in the market. With the opening of this new warehouse, we are moving forward with our plan to continue to invest in modern and state-of-the-art facilities. This allows us to expand our footprint and product portfolio to serve our customers’ requirements with the highest level of efficiency, safety, security, and compliance,” said Deepak Sharma, Managing Director of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Philippines.
Rhenus Philippines has strong expertise in chemical warehousing, consumer goods, machinery and industrial logistics. Together with its freight forwarding entity, it offers a wide range of comprehensive services to customers, including warehousing and distribution solutions, domestic inter-island shipping, customs brokerage, project logistics, as well as air, ocean, and road freight.
More information on Rhenus Philippines is available at:
https://www.rhenus.group/ph/
Details of the new warehouse:
Address: Emilia St., San Isidro, Paranaque City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Contact: +632 8424 8097
Hashtag: #Rhenus
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Government today passed legislation entrenching nearly 40,000 people, including many sexual abuse and abuse in state care survivors in debt.
Pushing survivors of sexual abuse, survivors of abuse in care and injured people into debt is cruel and inhumane,” said Green Party spokesperson for social development Ricardo Menéndez March.
“The Government had every opportunity to not entrench an unlawful policy that has harmed survivors of abuse. They were asked to exempt them, but today they refused.
“Just over a year ago, the Government stood in Parliament and apologised to survivors of abuse in state care. Today they passed a law that will continue to harm many of those same survivors. That is a betrayal.
“The High Court ruled that what MSD was doing was wrong. Instead of accepting that ruling, the Government rushed through retrospective legislation to override it, ignoring the warnings of lawyers, health professionals, and community organisations.
“These are not people who were ‘double-dipping.’ They are members of our community who relied on welfare support in good faith while waiting months or years for ACC to accept their claims. The system failed them, and now the Government is punishing them for it.
“Survivors of sexual abuse and survivors of abuse in care often have to go through long, retraumatising processes to access support from ACC while on welfare.
“The delays they face only add to the debt that is slapped on them once they finally receive support for rehabilitation. This is opposite to the claims from the Government that this bill is about equity.
“The Greens voted against this bill because we refuse to be part of a Parliament that punishes people for being injured, for being poor, or for surviving abuse,” said Menéndez March.
The Education and Workforce Select Committee has reported back on its inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online saying the current law is not adequate. It makes a range of recommendations including:
Strengthen liability for online harm, e.g. for platform design, such as use of algorithms and infinite scroll features
Establish an independent national regulator for online safety – the report states that effective regulatory change cannot be accomplished without an empowered regulator
Regulate algorithmic recommendation systems
Mandate algorithm transparency
“The Committee’s report strongly affirms that online harm is an urgent issue, that legal safeguards are needed targeting platform accountability and transparency, and the need for an independent regulator.
“The rise of the internet has opened up incredible possibilities. However, without proper regulations, we’ve witnessed the growth of digital platforms that can create harmful online environments impacting all of society, not just young people. From death threats, revenge porn, live-streamed terrorism, to complex financial scams, the harm is profound. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
“The Committee’s report is clear, we can better protect all New Zealanders through such measures as transparency and accountability, overseen by an independent regulator.
“Search engines and social media platforms have been designed to promote content that drives engagement, regardless of its harmful effects. Therefore we would also like to see a duty of care introduced where companies must actively assess and mitigate risks with the aim of making online platforms safer by design. An approach countries like Australia and the UK, and the European Union are already doing,” says Anjum Rahman from the Tāhono Trust.
“We know the Government is considering the issue of online harm, but it shouldn’t only focus on a social media ban for young people. While this was one of the Committee’s recommendations, the report was clear more is needed. Banning social media for young people doesn’t address the root causes of harm and places the burden of safety on young people and parents while allowing platforms to continue operating predatory business models. In addition, we’re very concerned that such a policy would mean people have to give away identity data, including biometrics. This in turn raises serious privacy questions about what happens with this data.
“Any plan that solely puts the burden on parents and young people while leaving the toxic architecture of these platforms untouched, will have failed so many New Zealanders,” says Lisa Woods from Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand.
Notably, the InternetNZ Insights Report explored people’s thoughts about AI – a feature of many online platforms. It was reported that 68% of people are concerned that AI is being used to produce harmful content with 65% concerned it’s being used for malicious purposes. 64% think there is insufficient regulation and law governing the development of AI.
“We need to create proper safeguards – pragmatic and effective law that upholds human rights, including free speech. Importantly in doing so the Government must keep at the forefront its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and work with Māori to develop appropriate regulation,” says Woods.
After 15 years in motion, the Ngāti Pāoa Treaty settlement came into effect yesterday, marking a significant milestone for the Auckland iwi and for Tāmaki Makaurau as a whole.
The settlement includes a Crown apology, cultural recognition measures, financial redress of $23.5 million, and the return of a number of culturally significant sites across the Auckland region.
Ngāti Pāoa’s interests extend along the western shores of Tīkapa Moana / the Hauraki Gulf and the eastern parts of Auckland, from Te Aroha to Warkworth, including Waiheke Island and across to the Coromandel Peninsula.
The Ngāti Pāoa settlement is the first historical Te Tiriti o Waitangi / Treaty of Waitangi settlement made in Auckland since 2018. It forms a part of a wider programme of settlements across Tāmaki Makaurau, both completed and still to come.
Yesterday’s date also carried historical significance. On 4 March 1840, several Ngāti Pāoa rangatira signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Karaka Bay in Tāmaki Makaurau. The settlement coming into effect on the same date echoes that earlier moment when Ngāti Pāoa first entered into the Treaty relationship with the Crown.
The Ngāti Pāoa Claims Settlement Act 2025 gives effect to the Deed of Settlement signed in 2021. The legislation, which received Royal Assent in November last year, settles historical Treaty claims arising from Crown actions prior to 21 September 1992.
Working together into the future
Auckland Council welcomes the settlement legislation coming into effect.
“The settlement of historical grievances is an important step for Ngāti Pāoa and for the region. It supports the growth and development of Ngāti Pāoa and strengthens our ongoing relationship with the iwi and our work together across Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Nicholas Turoa, Tumuaki Huanga Māori / Director Māori Outcomes.
A joint management arrangement is already in place at Ōmaru (formerly Point England Reserve), supporting shared stewardship of a public reserve while maintaining access for the wider community.
Mayor Wayne Brown has written to Ngāti Pāoa to acknowledge the settlement being finalised and to affirm the council’s commitment to continue working together on future aspirations.
“I congratulate Ngāti Pāoa on the passing of its Treaty settlement. It is a significant milestone, and I acknowledge the decades of perseverance it has taken to get here. This milestone has taken a collective effort by the iwi. As a council, we have valued our long-standing relationship with Ngāti Pāoa and look forward to working together on our shared priorities,” says Mayor Brown.
Historical context
The agreed historical account records extensive land alienation through early Crown purchasing practices in Auckland, and the operation of native land laws in the 19th century.
In one example, land in Kohimarama purchased by the Crown in 1841 for £100 and goods was later subdivided and sold for significantly higher amounts, with no reserves set aside for Ngāti Pāoa despite assurances that they would share in the benefits of settlement. Over time, Crown purchasing practices and forced public works takings resulted in the alienation of much Ngāti Pāoa land, leaving the iwi largely landless in the wider Tāmaki area.
The settlement formally acknowledges these historical grievances.
Sites returned and recognised
Twelve sites of cultural significance have been vested in Ngāti Pāoa, including land at Ōmaru, Waiheke Island and other parts of the region.
At Ōmaru, near Glen Innes, the Treaty settlement enables Ngāti Pāoa to establish a marae at Pāoa Whanake and papakāinga housing at Hine-nui-o-te-paua, overlooking the Tāmaki River and Tīkapa Moana / the Hauraki Gulf.
Other redress includes statutory acknowledgements on sites and areas of significance to the iwi, and the recognition of Ngāti Pāoa associations with maunga and places across Tāmaki Makaurau and the Hauraki Gulf.
Several Crown protected areas will also adopt Māori or dual-language names, including in Pūkorokoro / Miranda and Te Haupa Island (Saddle Island).
Together, this settlement redress supports iwi development and formally recognises the enduring connections of mana whenua to place, to landscape, and to the history of this region.
Legislation to support a more efficient census and provide timelier data for New Zealand has passed its first reading today, Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith say.
“The Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill will move New Zealand from the traditional five-yearly, survey-led census to a more efficient annual approach that draws on existing government data, supported by a smaller annual survey and targeted data collection, to better meet the country’s needs,” Dr Reti says.
“Rising costs, declining response rates, and disruptions from events such as natural disasters have shown the traditional approach is no longer sustainable.
“Accurate population data is essential for planning hospitals, schools, transport, and other core services. The census remains critical to understanding who we are as a nation and to providing the data needed to fix the basics and build the future.”
The Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill confirms the first annual census will take place in 2030 and requires Stats NZ to publish census data every year thereafter, providing government, businesses, and communities with more timely and useful information.
It also sets requirements for public consultation on census content, including harder-to-reach groups, and establishes review processes to support the new approach.
“In light of these changes, we’re also progressing legislation which alters the timing of electoral boundary reviews,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“Reviews currently take place following every census, however, to do so every year is not necessary.
“Therefore, from 2030 they’ll now be required to take place after every second general election. This will ensure reviews remain regular and on a predictable basis, to ensure electorates reflect population changes.”
Respondents aged 18-35 record the highest score at 59.8 out of 100, falling to 57.7 among those aged 50-60
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Financial confidence and preparedness are highest among younger adults in Asia and decrease in later life stages, according to new research by Prudential plc (“Prudential”), the leading Asia and Africa insurer. Results show that respondents aged 18-35 score 59.8 out of 100 in financial wellbeing, compared with 58.2 for those between the ages of 36-49 and 57.7 among those aged 50-60.
The findings form the basis for Prudential’s inaugural Financial Wellbeing Index, a regional barometer of how people in Asia are managing their finances today and how ready they feel for tomorrow. Measured from four dimensions – present financial security, future financial security, present financial freedom and future financial freedom – it combines attitudes, behaviours and expectations into a single score to indicate level of wellbeing.
Opportunity to Strengthen Financial Wellbeing
Despite nearly half of all respondents (46 per cent) rating their financial wellbeing as good or above, the index this year records an overall score of 58.9, pointing to a broad-based opportunity to strengthen confidence and preparedness.
While those aged 18-35 express stronger optimism towards their financial future, concerns around job stability and family health remain prominent. In contrast, respondents aged 50-60 are most concerned about their physical health deteriorating and rising costs of necessities such as food, clothing, power and transport, reflecting the financial and health‑related pressures that tend to intensify later in life.
From Coping Today to Confidence Tomorrow
The research also reveals a disconnect between day‑to‑day stability and long‑term financial freedom, defined as the level of preparedness for meeting financial goals. While people feel relatively secure in the present (61.7), their confidence in future financial freedom is significantly lower (55.2), suggesting that many are managing in the short term but do not feel fully equipped to sustain choices and absorb financial shocks over the longer run.
Notably, only one in three respondents (34 per cent) say they do not need to keep earning in their retirement years. Fewer than half (47 per cent) feel secure when thinking about their financial future, while only 45 per cent believe they could handle a major unexpected expense. This gap continues to widen across later life stages, highlighting the importance of early financial preparation, ongoing education and long-term planning in achieving financial freedom and sustained wellbeing.
Market Differences and Challenge in Access
Across the region, Vietnam records the highest overall financial wellbeing score at 65.1, supported by the highest number of respondents (66 per cent) who strongly or slightly agree they have access to financial services and products that enable long-term financial planning. Indonesia (62.0) and Thailand (60.4) follow closely, with respondents in both markets also reporting among the highest levels of financial knowledge, access to services and planning for long‑term success. On the other hand, those in Hong Kong, which scores the lowest for financial wellbeing at 52.5, are the least satisfied with their access.
Overall, access to financial solutions remains limited: only 18 per cent strongly agree they have what they need to achieve financial success – a disparity that amplifies the challenge of building optimal financial wellbeing and can compound over time.
Bridging the Gap
Angel Ng, Regional CEO,Greater China; Group Customer, Wealth and Product, Prudential plc, said: “Longer lifespans across Asia are transforming expectations around financial wellbeing. Customers today are looking beyond financial products – they want confidence, clarity, and a partner who would guide them towards a future that they can genuinely look forward to. At Prudential, we believe financial planning is not just about preparing for later years; it is about enabling wellbeing at every stage of life. We are committed to empowering our customers and communities with the knowledge, advice and protection to help them build resilience early, safeguard what matters through life’s transitions, and enjoy healthy, fulfilling and financially confident longevity.”
Aimed at addressing gaps in financial education and laying the foundation for wellbeing, Cha-Ching, the award-winning financial literacy programme by Prudence Foundation, the community investment arm of Prudential plc, has reached over 4 million students and teachers in classrooms across Asia and Africa. The Cha-Ching curriculum, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, helps children aged 7-12 build essential financial literacy skills. A new digital-first financial literacy programme for adults is also under development, designed to support participants on their pathway to financial security and freedom.
As individuals and families in Asia continue to navigate their financial futures, Prudential will continue to broaden access to protection through sustainable, inclusive offerings that promote greater resilience and build lasting confidence across life stages.
Find out more about the index in our insight article.
Hashtag: #Prudential
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of a fatal fire overnight in Ōtāhuhu.
Emergency services responded to the fire at a garage at a house on Tamaki Avenue, at around 9pm on 4 March.
Sadly, one person was located deceased inside the property.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, Counties Manukau West CIB says: “A scene examination has been carried out today alongside a fire investigator.
“At the same time, we are continuing to work through our formal identification procedures, with a post-mortem examination also set to take place tomorrow.
“Given these enquiries remain in the early stages we are continuing to treat the circumstances as unexplained.”
Police will look to issue a further update as enquiries progress.
Hot and windy weather has raised the fire risk in the Queenstown Lakes District to extreme, prompting Fire and Emergency New Zealand to suspend all fire permits in its Lakes Zone for the next three days.
District Commander Craig Gold says that any outdoor fire would cause an unacceptable risk to the community, firefighters and the environment.
“We have reached a critical point in the fire season, and safety is our top priority. With risk levels now exceeding safe operating limits for land management or recreational fires, we are suspending all active permits to protect our communities and our environment.”
The Lakes zone is already in a Restricted Fire Season, so the suspension of existing fire permits means that no outdoor fires can be lit from 8am tomorrow (Friday 6 March) until 9pm on Sunday (9 March).
People carrying out activities that can generate sparks, such as grinding or welding, should take extra care to do this well away from vegetation. Mowing, harvesting and similar activities should be done in the early morning or evening.
More than 100,000 plants will go in the ground in Porirua this year as the city’s streamside planting programme to restore Te Awarua o Porirua Harbour shows no sign of slowing down.
The streamside planting programme, which launched in 2022, is a transformational project to create thriving habitats and improve the water quality of Porirua’s waterways and, ultimately, the harbour. Council is working in partnership with Ngāti Toa and collaborating with the regional council, Mountains to Sea, community groups, and supporting thousands of students across schools to take up the cause.
In 2026, there is $900,000 in funding – half from Ministry for the Environment and half from Porirua City Council – to restore habitat along our waterways, including putting 108,000 plants in the ground between May and October. This funding also ensures the continued maintenance and health of our previous years’ plantings to guarantee long-term project success.
Planting will take place in Horokiwi, Pāuatahanui, Taupō swamp, eastern Porirua and Rangituhi.
Council’s Manager Urban Ecology, Daniela Baggio, says working with the community to care for nature and carry out planting is extremely satisfying.
“It’s going to be a busy winter for our Parks team and we are always looking to build on the previous years’ engagement,” she says.
“Schools and communities are really committed and engaged in the programme and I’m certain we will get willing volunteers out there, often on wet days, getting their hands in the ground as we look to improve the health of the harbour, which is one of our key priorities as a Council.”
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says planting around Porirua’s streams and waterways was a huge boost for the harbour.
“We know what planting is needed and we’re making a huge effort each winter to make this happen. Our ongoing commitment to catchment restoration is part of the Porirua Harbour Accord, which was signed just over a year ago, uniting key partners to restore the ecological, cultural and environmental integrity of this precious taonga for Porirua.”
Other key focus areas of the Accord include improving water quality, restoring biodiversity, integrating sustainable water management with urban development, and addressing climate change impacts. Signed on 6 February, 2025, it is an agreement between Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Porirua City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington City Council and Wellington Water Ltd and other partners passionate about the harbour’s future.
Planting days and opportunities for the public to participate will be advertised on Council’s website and social media as they’re confirmed closer to May.
Streamside planting stats from 2025:
170,200 plants in the ground
1377 volunteer hours at three community days in Cannons Creek, Papakōwhai and Bothamley Park
53 schools (1564 students) attend 10 planting days
32.9 hectares of riparian and erosion prone land planted
Toitū Envirocare has launched a new national campaign built on a clear and commercial premise: Climate Action = Smart Business.
Aimed squarely at CEOs, directors and senior decision-makers, the campaign makes a direct case to New Zealand organisations that credible climate action is a driver of resilience, efficiency, market access and long-term value.
With more than 900 certified clients across Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally, Toitū is using the campaign to showcase organisations that have embedded emissions measurement and reduction into core strategy and are seeing measurable business outcomes as a result.
Featured organisations in the campaign include:
WM New Zealand: “Our partnership with Toitū Envirocare has helped us translate sustainability commitments into measurable business outcomes. Being featured in this campaign celebrates that journey,” says Sustainability and Communications Manager, Andrea Svendsen
Toyota New Zealand: “Sustainability is central to how we operate and innovate. As a valued partner of ours, Toitū Envirocare helps us verify our emission reduction targets to ensure we stay on track to creating a more sustainable future for New Zealand,” says Susanne Hardy, Assistant Vice President Marketing, Sustainability and Technology.
Silver Fern Farms: “We intentionally chose to position climate innovation as a core pillar of our Sustainability Action Plan, and this investment is paying off – delivering what our customers need and unlocking real operational efficiencies. Our partnership with Toitū Envirocare since 2018 has been fundamental in building the transparency, trust and rigour to turn ambition into action, and we are proud to share that in this new campaign.” says Chief Sustainability and Risk Officer, Kate Beddoe.
Each represents a different sector of the economy, but the same underlying principle: disciplined climate action strengthens commercial performance.
“Climate leadership is no longer optional for businesses that want to compete in domestic and export markets,” said Aisha Daji Punga, CEO of Toitū Envirocare. “Our clients are demonstrating that when emissions management is embedded properly, it drives operational discipline, risk reduction and stronger stakeholder confidence. That’s smart business.”
The campaign positions Toitū not as a marketing badge, but as a strategic partner helping organisations:
Measure and verify emissions with credibility
Set science-aligned reduction targets
Strengthen procurement and supply chain positioning
Meet growing investor, regulator and customer expectations
Turn climate commitments into measurable business impact.
The multi-city rollout across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch is supported by digital and targeted media designed to reach senior leaders where strategic decisions are made. However, the primary objective is engagement rather than visibility.
“Our focus is high-quality B2B conversations,” said Marnie Pitcher, General Manager of Marketing and Impact at Toitū. “Boards and executive teams are asking sharper questions about risk, resilience and competitiveness. This campaign answers that directly: credible climate action strengthens your business.”
As regulatory scrutiny, investor expectations and supply chain requirements continue to tighten globally, Toitū’s message is straightforward: organisations that act early and systematically will be better positioned than those that treat climate as a compliance afterthought.
For organisations evaluating their climate strategy in 2026, the question is no longer whether to act but how to act in a way that delivers measurable commercial return.
About Toitū Envirocare
Toitū Envirocare works with more than 900 organisations across New Zealand and internationally to measure, manage and reduce climate and environmental impact through internationally recognised certification programmes. As a government-owned, independent, ISO- and JAS-ANZ-accredited, science-led authority, Toitū provide services that translate climate ambition into measurable impact.
Note:
The Silver Fern Farms element of the campaign will roll out later in March. First up will be Toyota and Waste Management.
• The new five-storey, 27,400 square metre automotive centre will bolster ComfortDelGro Engineering’s (CDGE) EV capabilities to meet the demands of an increasingly electrified vehicle population, aligning with the nation’s push toward electrification.
• With increased operational capacity and enhanced EV capabilities, CDGE will be better equipped to handle EV services, from EV maintenance and charging to high-voltage battery and system diagnosis and repair.
• Through the CDGE Academy, now also operating at the centre, CDGE is actively upskilling its technicians to become the next generation of EV specialists.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited (SGX:C52) (“ComfortDelGro”, “the Group”) today announced the official opening of one of Singapore’s largest integrated automotive engineering centres at 320 Ubi Road 3. Operated by its wholly owned subsidiary, ComfortDelGro Engineering (CDGE), the new
five-storey facility supports CDGE’s full suite of automotive solutions while significantly expanding capacity for electric vehicle (EV) capabilities, from EV maintenance and charging to high-voltage battery and system diagnosis and repair.
Wide shot of ComfortDelGro’s new automotive centre
With 43 percent of new car registrations in Singapore now electric, the automotive centre is strategically positioned to support the evolving needs of electric mobility today and in the years ahead.
The upgraded automotive centre also houses the ComfortDelGro Engineering Academy. The Academy supports broader industry development by providing LTA’s National Electric Vehicle Specialist Safety programmes for technicians interested in the sector, equipping them with future-ready skills to navigate EV
transition in Singapore.
Ang Soo Hock, Chief Executive Officer of ComfortDelGro Engineering, said: “Electric mobility is reshaping the transport landscape, and the new automotive centre enables us to respond with the right tools, skills, and technology under one roof. As we build on our strong engineering DNA with future-ready capabilities, we are well-placed to support the Group and the nation in the journey towards a more sustainable future.”
Spanning over 27,400 square metres, the facility houses over 260 vehicle bays, 58 EV charging points, and battery storage rooms, significantly expanding CDGE’s operational capacity. With EV-ready facilities, the centre strengthens the Group’s readiness to support the evolution of our fleet mix and adapt to changing
technologies.
The automotive centre has commenced operations, with a progressive ramp-up of specialised services scheduled through the second quarter of 2026. Members of the public and fleet partners are welcome to visit the facility starting today.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Stareep, a technology company focused on smart sleep solutions, is exhibiting its S3 Pro AI Intelligent Mattress at the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF). The company’s exhibition space saw high foot traffic and generated a strong initial reception from attendees and industry professionals during the first day of the event.
Stareep at MIFF 2026
The S3 Pro AI Intelligent Mattress represents Stareep’s current integration of artificial intelligence with sleep hardware. Recognized with the 2026 TWICE Picks Award and the 2026 BIG Innovation Award, the mattress functions as a “personal sleep doctor,” engineered to dynamically respond to user sleep states.
Key features of the S3 Pro include:
AdvancedMulti-ModalSensors: In a tropical climate where temperature and humidity fluctuations often cause tossing and turning, advanced sensors accurately capture and measure continuous physiological data and micro-movements with precision.
Precise AIAnalysis andDecision-Making: Algorithmic processing interprets sensor data to determine the necessary physical adjustments for optimal spinal alignment and pressure relief.
ProactiveAdjustment: Moving beyond passive data tracking, the product features 16-zone smart adjustment, actively altering mattress contours and support levels in real time.
“I’m actually a very restless sleeper,” shared a regional furniture distributor attending MIFF 2026. “When I lay on the S3 Pro, every time I shifted position, the mattress subtly adjusted underneath me.”
Allen Cai, Founder of Stareep, explained the vision behind the AI mattress: “Our objective is to redefine the baseline standards for smart sleep. We integrate electric drive systems, AI algorithms, and multi-modal perception to form a closed loop of sleep technology and continuously serve global sleep health with cutting-edge innovation.”
Young Pacific people will have the opportunity to enter New Zealand’s growing $750 million gaming sector through Game On, a programme to support them into the industry, Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti says.
“Game On will support up to 57 Pacific youth to turn their interest in gaming into real employment opportunities in an industry facing ongoing skill shortages,” says Dr Reti. “It will open doors and create long term opportunities for our Pacific communities.”
Game On is delivered in partnership with NGO The Cause Collective, MSD’s Tupu Toa, industry leader PikPok and the New Zealand Game Developers Association.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples will be the key funder, investing $1 million over four years, matched by industry partners.
“Young Pacific people bring creativity, fresh perspectives and strong collaborative strengths to industries like gaming and technology,” Dr Reti says.
Through school outreach, studio visits, mentoring and internships, Game On will support Pacific learners explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers in real studio environments.
Dr Reti says: “Game On builds on the Ministry’s wider work to improve Pacific outcomes in STEM – another way the Government is fixing the basics and building the future.
“Game On extends the reach of the Toloa programme and gives studios access to diverse Pacific talent.”
The first cohort will begin their training in July 2026.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Southco has introduced a new heavy-duty rotary latch solution designed with dual triggers. This latest R4-50 Rotary Latches engineered to secure the reliability and robust for the heavy-duty equipment in challenging environments.
R4-50 Dual Actuator Rotary Latch
The new R4-50 Rotary Latch provides the heavy-duty performance that modern machinery demands, to tackles vibrations, safety-risking accidental releases, and complex access delays in rough environments.
Engineered for demanding conditions, the R4-50 delivers:
Independent interior and exterior actuation – making it easier and safer to enter and exit equipment cabs.
A pre-loaded interior hand lever – purpose-built for high-impact environments, reducing noise and vibration while ensuring smoother, more reliable operation.
Accidental actuation prevention – minimizing unintended movement to keep operators secure and equipment protected.
Flexible release options – including remote actuator connection via cable or rod, or direct push release, to meet different cab design needs.
Southco’s R4 Rotary Latch series is highly durable, and is available in a variety of configurations that meet customer needs with little to no modification, including compact mechanical and electromechanical designs made of durable materials suitable for any environment. R4-50 Rotary Latches with Dual Triggers are compliant with FMVSS 206 impact standards, IP65 dust and water intrusion standards, EN 45545-3 fire protection standards, as well as applicable vibration standards.
As a heavy-duty upgrade to Southco’s trusted R4 Rotary Latch line, the R4-50 with Dual Triggers combines operator safety, rugged durability, and simplified access in one cost-effective system. The latch is also compatible with Southco AC actuators, offering OEMs a low-investment, high-value option for enhancing their cab entry solutions. Global Product Manager Cynthia Bart adds, “The new R4-50 Rotary Latch with Dual Triggers offers a complete, highly versatile cab door entry system for use in heavy-duty construction and agricultural vehicles. The latches are compatible with Southco AC Actuators, allowing designers to quickly and affordably upgrade their existing designs.”
For more information about the functionality of R4-50 Rotary Latches, please visit southco.com or email the 24/7 customer service department at info@southco.com
Hashtag: #Southco
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.