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Porirua man granted Supported Living Payment after ongoing battle

Source: Radio New Zealand

MSD confirmed it reversed the original decision, after RNZ brought the case to its attention. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

A Porirua family is frustrated and angry that it took months of back and forth with Work and Income – and a call to the media – to get an unwell man the benefit he’s entitled to.

The Ministry of Social Development apologised for initially denying the man the Supported Living Payment, despite a doctor’s certificate proving he was unfit to work.

The u-turn came after contact from RNZ.

The man’s daughter said it should not have taken advice from someone in the know – and media attention – to get a fair result in a complex system.

She was concerned for other families without that access.

The 61-year-old, who RNZ agreed not to name, was made redundant from his factory job in August, but was already struggling to work, due to complications from diabetes.

His daughter said they made an appointment with Work and Income in September, and were told he wasn’t eligible for the Supported Living Payment or the accommodation supplement, and that he should apply for the Jobseeker benefit.

He was granted $145 a week and it was tough to make ends meet, she said.

In November, the doctor told him he shouldn’t be looking for work. RNZ saw his medical certificate, which said he had “no current capacity to work”.

After seeking advice from a friend who knows the system well, they applied for the Supported Living Payment – a benefit for people with a health condition.

“They declined it,” the man’s daughter said. “They didn’t give us any written decision, it was when we called two weeks after the application and we were told over the phone that it’s been declined.”

Stressed, frustrated and disappointed, she again sought advice from her friend, who encouraged her to formally appeal the decision.

They did and waited two weeks, before making another call – only to be told the appeal was declined and the man needed to re-apply for the Jobseeker benefit.

“Dad was trying to tell them there’s no point going on Jobseeker, because he’s not seeking a job,” she said. “They kept saying, ‘Oh, your last payment will be on the 19th of March … and then your payments will stop’.”

They were never given a reason why, she said. The family was overwhelmed and had a “massive” falling out.

“My dad got frustrated and then my sister got frustrated, and then everyone’s so stressed.

“My sister wanted to give up because … she felt like, ‘Oh, there’s no point fighting dad’s case, because they’re not going to accept [it]’.”

The family contacted RNZ and asked MSD about their situation.

A few days later, MSD called the man and told him his appeal was accepted, and he would receive a $331 weekly Supported Living Payment and be backpaid.

MSD confirmed it reversed the original decision, after RNZ brought the case to its attention.

MSD ‘deeply sorry’

Regional commissioner Gagau Annandale-Stone planned to apologise to the family in person, saying the ministry was “deeply sorry”.

“We have looked into [his] situation and sincerely regret that we made an incorrect decision,” she said. “This error occurred because we did not fully consider all of the evidence he had provided.”

MSD had contacted the man to apologise “for the mistake, the quality of our communication, the time it has taken to resolve this matter, and the distress this has caused him and his family”, she said.

“Our staff aim to provide a consistent and professional standard of service at all times, and work hard every day to assist people who are seeking support. We acknowledge that we did not get it right in this case.”

The man was incredibly relieved it was sorted.

“I was very frustrated and angry,” he said. “All my family was angry with me, they were affected because of my case.

“I used to push my kids to ring up the social welfare.”

He was relaxed and happy now, he said.

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

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/porirua-man-granted-supported-living-payment-after-ongoing-battle/

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Weather: More heavy rain, strong wind to sweep in from the north

Source: Radio New Zealand

The front is expected to bring “wet and windy weather whizzing through” some places, MetService said, but could also affect areas outside the yellow watch zone. Supplied/ MetService

After last week’s battering more bad weather on the way and the Far North council is warning people to be extremely careful as the area is already saturated, while a MetService yellow heavy rain watch has been issued for Auckland, Waikato, Taupō and Taumaranui.

The new weather front sweeping in from the north is expected to bring strong rain and winds to exposed places from Sunday night into Monday morning, with thunderstorms possible.

Downpours for Auckland, Waikato, Taupō and Taumaranui could reach up to 35 mm/h, from 1am Monday, MetService forecasters said.

“In areas outside the Watch, even though rainfall isn’t expected to reach warning amounts there could still be impacts from brief bursts of very heavy rain and strong wind gusts on already saturated ground – now’s the time to clear the drains and gutters and secure anything that could fly away or fall over,” they said.

Warning for saturated Far North

The incoming system will likely clear away quickly, but the ground is already saturated and more vulnerable than usual, the Far North District Council (FNDC) said.

People should stay away from existing landslides and slips, and keep away from waterways and steep slopes.

Flooding and heavy rains caused havoc in Northland this week, including badly damaging many roads, but more rain is on the way. NZTA

Far North residents experiencing weather related issues could continue to report them to the council on 0800 920 029. The helpline “operates around the clock: If you can’t get through, please leave a message with your name and contact number. We will call you back,” FNDC said, but also added the reminder that threats to life or to property should always be reported immediately to 111.

People in the affected areas should stay up to date with the latest information from MetService and NZTA as the situation changes, they said.

RNZ is New Zealand’s statutory civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster, providing vital information and updates as they come to hand. All frequencies can be found 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/2026/03/30/weather-more-heavy-rain-strong-wind-to-sweep-in-from-the-north/

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Pāpāmoa East Interchange to open by Easter

Source: New Zealand Government

A major new interchange in Pāpāmoa East is now complete and will open to traffic in time for Easter, improving access to the Tauranga Eastern Link and supporting thousands of new homes, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. 

“The new interchange provides a direct connection between Pāpāmoa East and the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, making it easier for people to get where they need to go,” Mr Bishop says.

“It provides an essential connection to support development in Golden Sands, Wairākei and Te Tumu, where the population is expected to reach 40,000 residents by 2043.

“This is a major milestone for the region, unlocking land for thousands of new homes and providing the transport capacity to support local jobs and businesses.

“It will reduce congestion on local roads, improve travel times, and strengthen the wider network by providing a second route in and out of Pāpāmoa East.

“By improving access to the motorway and easing pressure on residential streets, we’re making daily travel safer for locals and more efficient for freight and commuters.

“Construction began in April 2022. The eastbound off-ramp opened early in August 2025, and the interchange will fully open to traffic in time for Easter. 

“The $98 million project has been co-funded by the National Land Transport Fund and future Tauranga City Council development contributions, supported by a 10-year interest-free Housing Infrastructure Fund loan.

“It’s a value-for-money investment that supports growth where it’s happening and ensures those who benefit contribute to the cost.

“Thank you to Tauranga City Council, NZTA, iwi partners, developers, and the community for working together to deliver this project. I also want to acknowledge Tom Rutherford for his continued advocacy and for representing the Government at this morning’s celebration to mark the completion of the interchange.”

Notes to editor: 

  • The project has been delivered by Tauranga City Council, with design by Bloxam Burnett & Olliver (BBO) and construction by HEB Construction Ltd.
  • The NLTF paid 51% of the total project cost, and Tauranga City Council paid 49%. 

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/papamoa-east-interchange-to-open-by-easter/

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Why do men sexually harass women at work? Science offers two explanations – but only one of them holds up

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cordelia Fine, Professor, History & Philosophy of Science program, School of Historical & Philosophical Studies, The University of Melbourne

What causes workplace sexual harassment? How can we continue to better understand it? And what can be done to prevent it?

Successful answers to questions like these need a good scientific explanation. But which explanation should we draw on?

Two very different explanations circulate among social scientists. In new research, we compared how the two stack up – and found one of them was a clear winner.

Evolved sexual tendencies or maintaining gender hierarchies?

On one view, sexual harassment – as the name implies – is all about sexuality. According to the evolutionary psychology research program, men and women have evolved different psychological mechanisms to solve the different challenges they faced to successfully reproduce back in the Pleistocene epoch.

For men, these adaptive mechanisms include a greater interest in casual sex, and a tendency to mistakenly conclude that women are sexually interested in them. Women, in contrast, evolved to be more sensitive to potential threats to their sexual autonomy – and therefore perceive men’s advances as harassing.

But for social science scholars informed by the gender hierarchy – the idea that men hold more power and status than women – sexual harassment is “an expression of workplace sexism, not sexuality or sexual desire”. It is a mechanism for preserving work roles as masculine terrain, and pushing back against threats to men’s higher status within a workplace.

These two accounts offer very different ways of explaining workplace sexual harassment. So how do we go about deciding which one to draw on?

It might be tempting to think one scientific view is preferred over another for political reasons: he likes the evolutionary psychology account because he is a misogynist; or she likes the gender hierarchy account because she is blinded by her feminist ideology.

Putting explanations to the test

These accusations don’t get us very far. Fortunately, the philosophy of science gives us three well-established criteria for what makes for a good scientific explanation.

These three criteria flow from thinking about what scientific explanations are for.

The intrinsic value of explanations is that they provide understanding. We understand something better when we have identified its causes.

When it comes to sexual harassment, ideally the causes we identify will explain a broad range of sexual harassment phenomena. Sexual harassment is not just the “powerful man exploits attractive female subordinate” scenario that tends to get the most press attention.

Scientific explanations also have instrumental value. The causal explanations scientists produce can be used to generate new predictions that can be tested in future research. In other words, a good scientific explanation is also fruitful.

Scientists’ causal explanations can also be used to identify factors that can be manipulated or controlled. This gives society potential interventions to shape outcomes we care about, such as reducing workplace sexual harassment.

Two explanations, head to head

In our recently published research, we used these three criteria for a good scientific explanation to compare the evolutionary psychology and gender hierarchy maintenance accounts of workplace sexual harassment. So what did we find?

First, we found that the gender hierarchy maintenance explanation was clearly superior when it came to identifying causes that make sense of a broad range of workplace sexual harassment phenomena.

Evolutionary psychology makes sense of sexual coercion and some forms of unwanted sexual attention, to be sure. But research shows these kinds of behaviours almost invariably go hand-in-hand with sexist jokes, crude sexual remarks and sexually degrading imagery, such as porn.

None of these behaviours are plausibly about trying to gain sexual favours, even though some are sexual in nature. These behaviours are called “gender harassment” –which is the most common form of sexual harassment.

Unlike evolutionary psychology, gender hierarchy maintenance can explain all three forms of harassment. Demands for sexual favours, sexist remarks and requests for note-taking can all be understood as behaviours that reinforce traditional gender roles and confer greater status and authority to men.

Second, we found that both explanations have given rise to fruitful research programs that generate and test predictions. However, evolutionary psychology faces a challenge here.

The theory’s core prediction is that ancestral men who misperceived sexual interest in women tended to enjoy greater reproductive success, which is impossible to test. It is also plausible that sex pests would have faced disadvantages within close-knit communities. Without a time machine, this prediction can never be tested.

Third, we found the gender hierarchy maintenance explanation has the edge when it comes to identifying effective interventions. Flattening organisational hierarchies, and loosening the link between status and masculinity, are potential ways to change things.

Evolutionary psychology points instead to interventions such as educating men about what counts as sexual harassment. However, evidence suggests this kind of training is not effective. And, of course, the only way to really change people’s evolved adaptive mechanisms would be to change their brains and genes – which we can’t do.

Gender hierarchy maintenance is a better explanation

Our research points to the value of understanding workplace sexual harassment through the lens of gender hierarchy maintenance. This offers hope for the future of workplace culture: it suggests men are not essentially predisposed to be sexual harassers, with little that can be done to alter their evolved natures.

Instead, sexual harassment is best understood as a consequence of our current social and cultural environment. And this is something we can shape to facilitate a better and safer future at work.

– ref. Why do men sexually harass women at work? Science offers two explanations – but only one of them holds up – https://theconversation.com/why-do-men-sexually-harass-women-at-work-science-offers-two-explanations-but-only-one-of-them-holds-up-278894

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/03/30/why-do-men-sexually-harass-women-at-work-science-offers-two-explanations-but-only-one-of-them-holds-up-278894/

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War could add an extra 5% to prices in Australia – but there’s one sector that shields the economy

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By George Verikios, Adjunct Professor of Economics, Griffith University

A drawn-out war in the Middle East could add an extra 5% to existing inflation in Australia, our new modelling shows.

We looked at the likely impacts of two different scenarios: a moderate disruption with the war ending in mid-April, and a drawn-out war ending by September.

We found higher fuel costs would affect freight, food production and manufacturing – pushing up costs for all kinds of goods, from steak to steel. At the same time, economic growth is likely to slow.

If both pressures persist, Australia faces the risk of a painful combination known as “stagflation”: rising prices and a slowing economy.

But if there’s any silver lining in our new modelling, it’s that Australia would fare better than some of its nearest neighbours, including Singapore, Thailand, Japan and South Korea.

Two different futures

To analyse where things might be headed, we used an advanced economic modelling tool called the Global Trade Analysis Project model. This model is widely used in international trade and energy policy research.

It allows us to trace how an oil price shock spreads through trade, production costs, industry output and household spending across the global economy.

Our moderate scenario assumes a disruption lasting six weeks in total – meaning it’s over by mid-April – with the Brent crude oil price settling at around US$90–$100 (A$130–$145). This is in line with other baseline modelling by insurance firm Allianz, where a ceasefire is negotiated.

Our severe scenario assumes the conflict goes on for six months in total, ending by around September, with the price of Brent crude at US$100–$150 (A$145–$218).

Inflation was at 3.7% over the 12 months to February – before the war broke out.

However, our modelling doesn’t predict total inflation in April and September – only the extra inflation caused.

Just a short blip

Under the moderate scenario, Australia’s economy experiences relatively minor effects. Gross domestic product (GDP) would be lower by about 0.02% and consumer prices would rise by 0.6% on top of existing inflation.

The impact would be largely concentrated in the energy sector. Most industries would take a small hit, as the costs of their inputs rise marginally. At the same time, however, Australia’s oil and gas extraction would be likely to expand, as higher global prices make domestic production more profitable.

Australia’s terms of trade – the ratio of how much it gets paid for its exports to how much it pays for its imports – would actually improve by about 1%. This reflects its role as an energy exporter. But the benefits would largely go to the resource sector, not to households facing higher costs.

A drawn-out war

Our severe scenario is where the numbers become alarming. GDP would contract by 0.16%, roughly eight times the moderate impact. Consumer prices would surge by 5.1% by around September this year.

The impacts in different sectors show a clear transmission chain from oil shock to other disruption.

Energy-intensive industries would be hit first: output from Australian refineries would shrink by 25%, as input costs surge. Steel and metal production would fall by 15%, and chemicals production by nearly 14%.

Rising fuel costs would then feed into freight, with the transport sector’s costs jumping 7.7%. This would impact everything that travels by truck, rail or ship.

Agriculture and food production – industries at the heart of the Australian economy – would likely absorb the shock next.

Australia’s meat and livestock production could fall nearly 7.6%, and processed food by 4.4%. At the same time, the total production cost would go up by 3–5%. Those higher costs would mostly be passed on to consumers.

The only sector that would be likely to expand is natural gas extraction itself, but its gains are concentrated in a narrow slice of the economy and workforce.

Australia’s neighbours fare worse

Australia’s GDP impact, while significant at home, is considerably smaller than that of some of its import-dependent Asian neighbours.

Under the severe scenario, our modelling estimates Singapore’s GDP takes a 4.7% hit. South Korea’s GDP is 4.4% lower, Thailand’s is 3.3% and Japan’s is 2% – all higher than Australia’s 0.16% reduction.

The pattern is clear: the greater an economy’s dependence on imported oil, particularly from the Middle East, and the less it produces domestically, the larger the hit.

Australia sits somewhere in the middle. Its energy exports (particularly liquefied natural gas) partially shield it from the shock. But it’s still exposed through depleted capacity to refine oil.

Australia only has two oil refineries left, both on government subsidies (which have now been extended to 2030).

The ‘stagflation’ trap

History shows countries need to be very careful in responding to an oil shock. Japan’s response to the 1970s crisis is a textbook case of what can go wrong.

Japan’s interest rates were already too low before the crisis, with inflation exceeding 10% by mid-1973. When oil prices spiked later that year, Japan had already raised rates, but only slowly.

By spring of 1974, inflation was up near 25%, triggering a prolonged period of “stagflation”.

Something similar could happen today, if governments respond by subsidising fuel or lowering interest rates.

Australia faces this dilemma now, and there’s no easy solution. With inflation already at almost 4%, and interest rates at 4.1%, the Reserve Bank of Australia is already fighting inflation.

Lowering interest rates could embed consumer expectations that prices will keep rising. But keeping rates higher worsens the cost-of-living squeeze and slows the economy.

Responding to this crisis is a delicate balancing act. William West/Getty

Where to from here?

Two priorities should guide Australia’s response.

First, consumer relief must be targeted, not universal.

Cutting the fuel excise, as Australia did after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to lower the cost of fuel for consumers, is politically attractive. But it risks making inflation worse.

Means-tested support for vulnerable households, which could be partly funded by a windfall tax on gas profits, would be more equitable and cause less market distortion.

Second, this crisis strengthens the case for electrifying our economy faster and investing in renewables. Renewables and storage already contribute more than 50% of supply on Australia’s main electricity grid.

Every dollar invested in domestic renewable capacity permanently reduces Australia’s exposure to the next oil shock.

Thanks to Anda Nugroho for his contribution to this article.

– ref. War could add an extra 5% to prices in Australia – but there’s one sector that shields the economy – https://theconversation.com/war-could-add-an-extra-5-to-prices-in-australia-but-theres-one-sector-that-shields-the-economy-279328

Evening Report: https://eveningreport.nz/2026/03/30/war-could-add-an-extra-5-to-prices-in-australia-but-theres-one-sector-that-shields-the-economy-279328/

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Fuel crisis: Rural distributors forced to prioritse as certain ports introduce allocation rules

Source: Radio New Zealand

The most up-to-date figures showed that there was 18.1 days of diesel in the country, with a further 28.3 days worth on ships bound for New Zealand. 123RF

A rural fuel distributor says strict allocation rules at certain ports mean it is needing to prioritise distribution to those who need it most.

The most up-to-date figures showed that there was 18.1 days of diesel in the country, with a further 28.3 days worth on ships bound for New Zealand, but an update is due to be released Monday.

Fern Energy chief executive Chris Gourley told Morning Report people were trying to beat the price by filling up early, and in some cases by hoarding, which was creating demand spikes in certain regions that could not be met because of new allocation rules.

“Importers have said to us that in some ports, they are managing that fuel to make sure it lasts until that next boat comes in, and they’re giving us strict … seven-day allocations.”

He emphasised it was not a problem of supply, but increased demand.

These allocation rules meant that sometimes there was not enough fuel where it was needed, and distributors were forced to bring it in from other regions, which slowed it down, he said.

They were also prioritising deliveries based on need, which was especially important at this critical part of the farming season, Gourley said.

“They are harvesting, they are working through that final stages as they work towards winter … so we are trying to prioritise based on that need, and trying to get to those customers before it becomes dire and they lose their crops.”

Federated Farmers spokesperson David Birkett previously told RNZ up to 95 percent of farming machinery used the fuel.

The hops season had just finished, so recently they had been prioritising that industry, Gourley said.

It was also the middle of the grape harvest season, and there was a huge amount of food in the ground that needed to come out, he added.

The forestry industry was also struggling, but that was more about cost and less about fuel demand, he said.

“Some of them are actually saying ‘do you know what? We’re going to just pull up and stop working until this settles down’.”

It would be “useful” for the government to start telling certain ports how to allocate their fuel, he said.

“(In) three or four weeks when the supply issue settles, it could be too late for some farmers … There could be some need immediately, if it’s possible, to improve allocations for distributors like Fern, so we can get on and get fuel to farmers quicker.”

He was confident that there would not be any issues around supply to the country, but reiterated that allocation was a concern

“Supply isn’t going to be an issue for New Zealand. Sustained high prices is what we’ve got to focus on next.

“The crisis is a price shock crisis.”

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/2026/03/30/fuel-crisis-rural-distributors-forced-to-prioritse-as-certain-ports-introduce-allocation-rules/

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Fatal crash, Belfast

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has since died following a crash in Belfast, Christchurch last week.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash on Main North Road just after 1.30pm on Thursday 26 March.

Five people were transported to hospital by ambulance with injuries ranging from moderate to serious.

Sadly, one person died in hospital last night.

Another person remains in hospital in a stable condition, while the other three people were discharged at an earlier date.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/fatal-crash-belfast/

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From BestStart to KiwiSaver: Changes that might affect your wallet on 1 April

Source: Radio New Zealand

KiwiSaver contributions from employers and employees will increase. RNZ / Quin Tauetau

1 April is approaching – a day on which a host of rule changes take effect.

This year, some additional shifts can make a big difference to your bank balance, pay and retirement savings.

Here are some that you need to know about.

KiwiSaver contribution rates

From 1 April, the default contribution rate for KiwiSaver will lift from 3 percent to 3.5 percent for both employers and employees.

This will happen automatically, unless you have applied for a temporary reduction to stay at 3 percent. An ASB survey showed that 15 percent of recipients said they planned to do so.

KiwiSaver contributions for under 18s

People aged 16-17 will be paid employer contributions, as long as they are contributing themselves.

The government has made contributions to 16-17-year-old contributing KiwiSaver members since mid last year.

Unsplash – Towfiqu Barbhuiya

Benefit rates

Benefit rates will rise in line with inflation, which means a lift of 3.11 percent.

JobSeeker for a single person over 25 will increase from $361.32 to $372.55 a week, after tax.

RNZ

Sole parent support lifts from $505.80 to $521.52.

Super rates

NZ Super increases from $1076 for a single person living alone per fortnight to $1110.30, based on changes in average wages, as well as general inflation.

Minimum wage

The minimum wage rate will increase from $23.50 an hour to $23.95. The training and starting-out minimum wages rise to $19.16 per hour, 80 percent of the adult minimum wage.

In-work tax credit

From 1 April, the in-work tax credit – part of the Working for Families scheme – will increase by $50 a week for those who qualify, as part of the government’s efforts to offset the impact of fuel price rises.

ACC earners’ levy

The ACC earners’ levy will increase from 1.67 percent to 1.75 percent per $100 earned for any pay runs after 1 April.

Residential solar

A new exemption takes effect from 1 April that means power generated by rooftop solar systems and sold back into the grid is exempt from tax. This also means customers cannot claim any tax deductions from cost of that activity.

BestStart payments

Families with babies born on or after 1 April will only receive BestStart payments, if their household income is low enough to make them eligible.

These are payments designed to support families in the early years of a child’s life.

The weekly payment of $77 will be reduced, when a household earns more than $79,000.

For children born before that date, the full Best Start payment is paid until they turn 1, no matter the household income.

Low-user tariff changes

The government will still phase out the low-user power scheme, which allowed households to pay a lower daily fixed charge and higher prices per kilowatt hour for the energy used.

There have ben concerns that the scheme is not well targeted and sometimes helps higher-income earners, while large low-income families pay comparatively more.

This phase-out process started in 2021. From 1 April, the maximum low-fixed charge will be $1.80 a day, up from $1.50 last year.

The regulations will be removed entirely from next April.

Power bills

1 April is often a day that power companies increase their prices. Lines charges are lifting, which help drive some of the rise.

123RF

Tax rules for digital nomads

People visiting New Zealand while working for themselves or for a foreign employer will have a new tax exemption. They can be in the country for up to nine months, before triggering the need to consider New Zealand tax residency issues.

Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker said that assumed they did not acquire a permanent place of abode while living here.

New options for calculating tax on employee share schemes

Unlisted companies that offer staff shares will receive new options deferring employees’ tax obligations until a later date.

This helps to avoid a situation where employees might end up with a tax liability, without the funds to pay it.

A new rule will also allow employers to pay tax on employee benefits through the fringe benefit tax regime, rather than PAYE.

Information sharing agreements

Inland Revenue will be able to share data with other government agencies under the direction of a ministerial agreement.

RNZ

Walker said information-sharing agreements were already in place, but this could make the process faster.

Shared information could be for things like determining eligibility for government assistance, the investigation of crime or removing the financial benefit of crime, she said.

Crypto-asset reporting framework

Crypto asset service providers must collect and report information about their users.

Inland Revenue said that would mean reporting on things like exchanges between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies, exchanges between different crypto assets and transfers of relevant crypto assets.

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/from-beststart-to-kiwisaver-changes-that-might-affect-your-wallet-on-1-april/

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New Lower Hutt motorway plan leaves residents feeling like ‘sitting ducks’

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lower Hutt residents have been left feeling like “sitting ducks” as a proposed motorway threatens to cut through their neighbourhood.

A preferred route for the new four-lane route linking Lower Hutt and Porirua, has been approved by NZTA Waka Kotahi.

At peak times, the Petone to Granada road will shave off up to 23 minutes of travel time between Lower Hutt and Porirua.

The project, which is currently slated to cost more than $2 billion, is designed to better connect the Lower Hutt to State Highways 1 and 2, ease congestion and increase the road network’s resilience to accidents and natural disasters.

While some residents back the plan, it has left others feeling scared and angry, with claims it has already affected a house sale in the area.

Hector Street in Petone. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Living in the project’s shadow

Lisa’s family have for 20 years lived in their century-old home on Hector Street in Petone.

They are among those the NZTA has sent a letter saying the Government may need to acquire their property.

She said she “felt a little bit angry, a little bit apprehensive” at the news.

She went to the NZTA’s community information sessions to learn more.

But as the project is still in the early planning stages with many details to be confirmed, she has been unable to get as clear answers as she wants.

Lisa said her family were left feeling like “sitting ducks” as they wait for further developments.

“But what if we want to move or what if we want to do other things?”

She worries about the options that will be available to her family amidst the uncertainty.

“Obviously, they were like, we’ll offer compensation and stuff like that, but it’s not always guaranteed that compensation will be enough to buy the same value of house in a different area.”

She understands the need for the road.

“I think the commute is awful. The road is being built [with] good intentions.”

But Lisa wonders if building the road is the right choice given the cost of living and fuel crisis, and the impact on the environment,

Her ecological concerns have been echoed by many residents who question why the road’s design had been chosen over other options when it has the “greatest impact” on the environment according to the project’s investment case.

The route curves around Percy reserve and below the Korokoro hills before potentially cutting through Gilberd Bush Reserve and Seton Nossiter Park to reach Grenada.

Officials chose the design as it was less steep and provided the best value for money.

NZTA is currently conducting ecological surveys and geological investigations.

One property owner, who RNZ has agreed not to name, said the project was already affecting him.

After putting his house for sale, a neighbour called his estate agent to let him know the street would be next to the off-ramp for the proposed road.

“So received kind of a slightly disappointing e-mail from the agent saying, ‘obviously this sort of complicates the sale’,” he said.

The buyers who had been interested in his house pulled out because of this.

“It just puts us in a really awkward situation due to the uncertainty.”

He renovated the property for months and is now unsure whether he’ll be able to recoup the costs on top of the estate agent and photographer fees to prepare for the sale.

“I was disappointed that NZTA were not more proactive in engaging with the community.

“They’re focused more on the people who are directly impacted, but there was no communication with those who are kind of adjacent.”

He is concerned that his status as an “adjacent” – someone whose house will not be acquired but who will be impacted by the project – might limit his right to compensation and how much his feedback on the project will be considered.

Michelle Stronach-Marsh is a resident of Riddlers’ Crescent, a street filled with historic homes which was originally in the path of the road.

Michelle Stronach-Marsh. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

She’s glad the path has changed but remains deeply worried about the road’s impact on the wider community.

“We have a lovely community of vibrant people from all walks of life and we’re able to walk everywhere. And I think for me it would see what is a tight-knit community being pulled apart for a road.

“I just can’t understand why we would just keep building roads when we should be looking at making our community more resilient through other means.”

A vital piece of infrastructure

Those in favour of the road argue that major infrastructure project will inevitably affect some some residents – but the benefits to the wider community outweigh these costs.

Mike Fisher, the former chair of the Petone community board, wants to see the project go ahead. “It’s a key missing piece in the region’s roading network.”

Mike Fisher. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

He is hopeful that if the project is submitted for fast track approval it will speed up the delivery of much-needed infrastructure.

“We’ve talked about it for years and years and years and it just keeps getting put off, but it’s not going to get any cheaper.

“So, I think it’s very timely and let’s get going – let’s get the bulldozers out.”

NZTA says it working to inform residents

NZTA said in a statement that it recognised that people living near a planned project might experience impacts from the construction and operation of a new road.

“Our direct, one‑to‑one engagement is focused on landowners whose properties may be required for a project, as these owners have specific legal rights and processes that apply to them.

“At the early stages of planning, that group is typically limited to properties within a proposed alignment where land may need to be acquired.

It said it was getting information out to the community, including those whose properties would be end up being adjacent to the potential motorway.

“While these properties are not classed as ‘directly affected’ for land acquisition purposes, they are not ignored.

“NZTA keeps the wider community informed through updates on project websites, newsletters, community information sessions and dedicated project inboxes, and we respond to the enquiries that we receive.”

Chris Bishop, who is the MP for Hutt South, spoke to RNZ but only in his capacity as Minister of Transport.

He said the “potential for disruption to residents and businesses from infrastructure projects large or small is always front of mind for delivery organisations”.

“Whilst this preferred option [for the Petone to Grenada Road] does not remove all the impacts on residents, it does reduce them appropriately in a cost effective and efficient manner.

“At the referral stage [of a Fast Track application], comments will be invited from various people including relevant local authorities. Through these comments, the Minister for Infrastructure, as decision maker, can gain a good understanding of the project, including from a local perspective, helping to inform the minister’s decision-making on a referral application.”

LDR / supplied / NZTA

LDR / supplied / NZTA

LDR / supplied / NZTA

LDR / supplied / NZTA

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EIT Tairāwhiti Business student’s persistence pays off with scholarship

March 29, 2026

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

30 seconds ago

Anna-Marie Robison (Ngāti Porou) is in the final year of her Bachelor of Business Studies after returning to study last year, having first completed a New Zealand Diploma in Business in 2014.

She has also just been awarded the Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust Scholarship.

“It’s more than just the financial support,” she says of the scholarship. “Getting it represents self-belief. I’ve been through so much that I didn’t think I would get it, but it shows me the value of persistence and gives me confidence to keep moving forward.”

Anna-Marie Robison (Ngāti Porou) is in her final year of the Bachelor of Business Studies, and has been awarded the Te Waiu o Aotearoa Trust Scholarship.

Anna-Marie first began studying at EIT in 2013, completing her diploma while her father, John, was also studying a farming course.

“He ended up passing away that year. After I completed the diploma in 2014, I needed to take some time away, so I stepped back from study.”

In the years that followed, she worked in a range of community roles before spending five years as the primary caregiver for her grandmother, Josephine, from 2018 to 2023.

After a conversation with her mother, Lizz, the 32-year-old decided she was ready to return to study.

Thanks to cross-credits from her earlier diploma, Anna-Marie was able to enter directly into the second year of the Bachelor of Business Studies, with graduation set for next year.

“I was kind of worried I wouldn’t be able to keep up because I know things would have changed between the last time I studied and this time. But I thought no, I’ll come back and I’ll finish what I started.”

The year has not been without its challenges, but Anna-Marie credits the support of her immediate whānau and EIT’s teaching staff with keeping her motivated.

“The tutors are committed to their students. They’re passionate about what they’re teaching, so it’s really enjoyable studying at EIT.”
Business runs in Anna-Marie’s family. Her mother completed her own Bachelor of Business Studies at EIT, and her youngest sister, Aria, is now in her first year of the same programme.

Her motivation to study business stems from being raised in a family dedicated to service; her grandparents Tom and Josephine are Pastors, and she has long understood the impact of helping others. This influence was further reinforced during COVID-19, when her grandfather and mother founded Gisborne’s only Men’s shelter.

“From a very young age, I’ve been surrounded by community support and helping people who are facing challenges or going through a hard time.”

After graduating, she hopes to continue this “family legacy”.

“I aspire to one day build my own business – one that makes a meaningful difference by supporting and uplifting others.”

EIT Senior Lecturer Russell Booth says Anna-Marie is one of those people who always offers encouragement and support in not only her words but definitely her actions.

“Her role in the community is one about making a difference through these actions, so for her to be recognised through this scholarship is incredible. It shows clearly that others have the belief and faith in her to make that difference.

“At EIT, we are very proud of Anna-Marie and her achievements not only with winning this scholarship but also how she conducts herself on a daily basis with whānau and in the community.”

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Wairoa trades student builds foundation at EIT

March 29, 2026

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 days ago

A Wairoa teenager who completed two carpentry courses at EIT has landed his first job in the trade just months after finishing his studies.

Toby Colquhoun (Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Kahungunu) completed the NZ Certificate in Building, Construction and Allied Trades Skills at Level 2 and Level 3 in Wairoa last year.

He says the programme gave him the foundation he needed to step into the industry.

“I wanted to get into carpentry, so it was good to have some courses under my belt to go forward in my career.”

He is now working for PGC Constructors and is currently completing a job on a subdivision.

Toby finished high school at Wairoa College in 2024, before starting study at EIT last year. He was drawn to EIT’s Wairoa-based programme because it meant he could study close to home.

“It was good to just travel 10 minutes to where my course was.”

Now 19, Toby says one of the highlights of the course was the hands-on learning environment.

“It was quite hands-on and fun. We got to use a range of tools like nail guns, drills and saws, which is helping me in my job now.”

He said having access to experienced tutors was key to building his confidence with more advanced equipment.

“Some of the tools you need proper guidance for, so having a good tutor made a big difference.”

Now just a month into his role, Toby says he is enjoying the work and gaining valuable on-site experience.

Looking ahead, he hopes to complete a carpentry apprenticeship and eventually start his own business.

“I really want to finish a carpentry apprenticeship and start my own business in carpentry, or maybe concrete.”

For others considering a similar path, Toby’s advice is straightforward.

“If you have no experience and you want to get into carpentry or a trade, I think it would be a good thing to take a fresh step into one of EIT’s courses.”

Todd Rogers, Head of School Trades and Technology, says it is great to see their graduates pathway into employment.

“The carpentry programmes delivered in Wairoa are an excellent connection point for EIT and our regional communities.”

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Strong demand for businesses to buy, but some sellers holding back

March 30, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Bigger investors are looking for businesses that would be managed by someone else and return an annual profit of a least a million dollars. RNZ/Calvin Samuel

Demand for businesses to buy remains high, with ABC Business Sales seeing a 28 percent increase in sales over the past year to a record of more than 500 deals done.

“While fewer businesses came up for sale, [there is] a clear sign that demand is now outstripping supply,” ABC managing director Chris Small said, adding that more than 27,800 potential buyers expressed interest in businesses advertised for sale over the past year.

He said there were currently 39 confidentiality agreements signed per sale listing, compared to 15 per sale listing three years ago.

“Right now, good businesses that are well prepared are getting strong interest, because there are more buyers than sellers.”

He said some would-be sellers were holding back, concerned about selling into current market conditions, but that was not always a good strategy.

“Interest rates move, banks tighten lending or buyer confidence drops, and the value they were hoping to achieve isn’t there anymore.”

Small said one of the biggest lessons from 40 years in the industry and more than 10,000 sales was that selling a business was rarely just a financial decision – three factors needed to align to achieve a good sale.

“It’s got to work for you personally,” he said. “You want your financials to be at their strongest and you want the market to be at their strongest.

“Conversely to that, if you haven’t had a great year of trading, ultimately, you would be better off waiting, building your profit up and then coming to market, when you’ve got those numbers in a stronger position.”

He said more buyers were looking to buy themselves a job, with a business that could return an annual income of between $200,000-300,000 for one working owner.

“The trend certainly is more people looking… to be in charge of their own destiny and creating their own wealth by being their own boss,” Small said.

“I think it’s just become a bit of a more of a trend over the last 2-3 years.”

He said bigger investors were looking for a business that would be managed by someone else and return an annual profit of a least a million dollars.

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Government calls for regulatory feedback to boost fuel resilience

March 29, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Regulation Minister David Seymour is urging businesses, fuel users, freight operators, and the wider public to report any regulatory barriers that might be hindering our response to global fuel uncertainty. 

Submissions should be made to the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline (the Tipline). Submissions can be made here.

“New Zealand’s fuel supply is stable. We’re focussed on keeping it that way. This Government has responded well to the potential of conflict in the Middle East leading to shortages,” Mr Seymour says. 

“We can’t control what happens in the Middle East. We can control how we get fuel flowing through New Zealand pumps. If red tape is getting in the way of that goal, we want to hear it.” 

Earlier this week the Government set out updates to the National Fuel Plan to make sure New Zealand is prepared if international disruption puts pressure on fuel supply. 

“The Government’s first responsibility is to keep the economy moving and ensure essential services, freight, and families aren’t disrupted any more than necessary,” Mr Seymour says. 

“While the Government’s response has been strong, we don’t want a repeat of the Covid-19 lockdowns, and we don’t want to miss something which could lead to negative effects down the line. That’s why we want to hear from people affected by edicts from Wellington; what regulatory barriers do you see getting in the way of fuel supply?

“This Government listens to the people in tough times. Taiwan took a similar approach during the COVID outbreak. Through public feedback they were able to develop tools that improved their response. 

“In a disruption every unnecessary delay matters. If there are regulations that make it harder to import, store, distribute, or use fuel efficiently, they need to be identified now. Not when the pressure is at its peak.

“Examples of things which people might submit to the Tipline are regulations that could be reviewed, suspended, simplified, or better coordinated to support New Zealand’s fuel resilience. This could include barriers affecting fuel transport, storage, distribution, local delivery, freight movements, business operations, or the ability of firms to adapt quickly to changing supply conditions. 

“Not all issues identified will fall within the scope of regulation. Where submissions are non-regulatory they will be referred to the appropriate authority or organisation best placed to address them.

“The Tipline has already fixed many things that matter to Kiwis. It’s fixed dumb rules to allow Kiwis to build sheds on their property, allow home based baking businesses to get on with business, and got rid of draconian rules preventing medical conferences taking place in New Zealand. 

“We are particularly interested in hearing from businesses on the front line. Fuel companies, freight operators, contractors, primary producers, retailers, and others whose day-to-day experience tells them where the bottlenecks are.”

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Business – Manufacturing job losses highlight urgent need to back NZ made

March 27, 2026

Source: Buy NZ Made

The closure of the McCain processing plant and today’s announcement of 300 job losses at Wattie’s underscore the mounting pressure facing New Zealand’s manufacturing sector, Buy NZ Made says.
Executive Director Dane Ambler says today is a stark reminder that local producers are operating in an increasingly difficult environment with rising costs, weakening demand, and growing international competition placing sustained strain on businesses and jobs.
“A recent Buy NZ Made survey reveals the depth of the challenge. Almost half of respondents (46%) report rising operational costs, while more than a third (39%) say slow demand is impacting their performance. Together, these pressures are creating a perfect storm for local manufacturers, many of whom are already operating on tight margins.
“Behind every announcement like this are hundreds of families and communities impacted. These are not isolated events, they reflect broader structural challenges facing New Zealand manufacturing.
Ambler says now is the time for both Government and consumers to step up support for locally made products.
“We need stronger, more deliberate backing of New Zealand made goods and services. That includes government procurement policies that prioritise local suppliers, targeted support to ease compliance and cost pressures, and a clear strategy to strengthen domestic production.”
While supporting local is critical, the current economic climate is also shaping consumer behaviour.
“We know Kiwis want to buy local, but the reality is that times are still tough. Cost of living pressures mean many households are pulling back on spending, which is flowing directly through to reduced demand for locally made goods.”
Buy NZ Made is calling for a coordinated response that recognises both sides of the equation; supporting producers while acknowledging the financial constraints facing consumers.
“New Zealand manufacturing plays a vital role in our economy, from regional employment to supply chain resilience. If we don’t act now, we risk seeing more closures, more job losses, and a further erosion of our local capability.”
“This is about backing ourselves as a country. Supporting NZ made means supporting jobs, communities, and our economic independence.”

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Consumer NZ upset at possible end of surcharge ban

March 26, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson introduced legislation last year to ban in-store card surcharges. 123RF

Consumer NZ says it is disappointed by news the government may not progress its plan to ban credit card surcharges.

The ACT Party and Retail NZ have both said the proposed ban on surcharges for contactless and credit card payments was dead, although the minister responsible told RNZ it was still being worked on.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson (National) introduced legislation last year to ban in-store card surcharges, so shoppers would not be penalised for their choice of payment. The ban was expected to be in place by May.

But ACT leader David Seymour said it would not happen.

“Nobody likes the fees, and like many costs everyone wishes they would just go away,” he posted on Facebook.

“When the payWave surcharge ban was announced, small businesses up and down the country pointed out they wouldn’t go away. Motels, cafes, retailers, they all pointed out they’d eat the fee.

“They might be able to reclaim some of it by putting up the price of what they sell. Sometimes businesses find they just can’t raise prices but, if they did, they would effectively be making customers who paid cash or eftpos fund the payWave costs of others.

“None of those solutions are fair, so ACT’s Dr Parmjeet Parmar put up a simple suggestion to improve the policy. Let businesses charge payWave fees if they offer a free alternative. That way people who want the convenience can pay for it, and those that don’t can avoid the fees.

“The proposal is now stopped, because we listened to the people affected. It could come back in the future, the way Parmjeet has suggested, but not in a way that puts costs on small businesses or other customers.”

Consumer NZ spokesperson Jessica Walker said the organisation was disappointed.

“Our research has found support for a ban is getting stronger – our nationally representative surveying in January found that almost three in five people supported a ban on card payment surcharges, with only 15 percent of people opposing a ban.

“While we understand concerns that some businesses will be forced to raise prices to make up for the cost of the ban, it’s important to remember that interchange fees were reduced late last year. It was estimated that businesses would save around $90 million a year – we remain concerned that those savings will not be passed on to consumers.”

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Jollibee Advances to Top 5 in Global Brand Strength Rankings, Signaling Continued Momentum

March 27, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – Jollibee, the flagship brand of the Jollibee Group, has been ranked the fifth-strongest restaurant brand worldwide in the Brand Finance Restaurants 25 2026 report, reinforcing the brand’s growing global competitiveness and resonance across markets.

The 2026 ranking marks a significant rise from ninth place in 2025, reflecting a measurable strengthening of Jollibee’s global brand equity. Its Brand Strength Index (BSI) improved to 87.9/100 from 83.9 the previous year—one of the most notable gains among ranked restaurant brands—indicating increased consumer familiarity, preference, and advocacy across both established and emerging markets.

In the same report, Brand Finance also noted that Jollibee remains the Philippines’ sole representative among the world’s 25 most valuable restaurant brands, and the only Philippine and Southeast Asian brand included in the global ranking.

Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and Chief Executive Officer of the Jollibee Group, said the recognition underscores the brand’s rising global competitiveness and equity.

“Being ranked among the world’s strongest restaurant brands by Brand Finance signals that Jollibee is winning in superior taste and strengthening consumer preference across markets. It reflects the trust we have built, the disciplined execution of our teams, and the growing power of our brand as we continue to deliver joyful experiences to customers worldwide,” Tanmantiong said.

Strengthened global equity

Brand Finance reported that Jollibee’s brand value rose by 32% to USD 3.3 billion in 2026, placing it 18th among the world’s 25 most valuable restaurant brands. As part of its brand strength assessment, Brand Finance cited Jollibee’s AAA brand strength rating, reflecting strong customer trust, emotional connection, and price acceptance in its home market and other key markets, including Singapore and Vietnam.

The year-on-year improvement in brand strength signals that Jollibee is not only expanding its footprint but also deepening its ability to influence customer choice—an important driver of long-term earnings quality, pricing resilience, and franchise attractiveness. This progression positions the brand alongside more established global players in terms of consumer affinity, despite differences in scale.

Brand Finance noted that as the only Philippine and Southeast Asian brand in the global ranking, Jollibee’s performance underscores the ability of home-grown brands to compete internationally through disciplined execution while sustaining strong brand equity and expectations for future earnings. Its continued expansion across Asia, North America, and the Middle East has strengthened long-term growth visibility while preserving brand leadership in its core market.

“We remain focused on building scalable operating systems, reinforcing brand fundamentals, and delivering consistent, superior taste across markets. With disciplined expansion, we are positioning our brands to grow sustainably, compete globally, and create long-term value for our stakeholders, including investors and franchise partners,” Tanmantiong added.

Jollibee’s growing global recognition is reinforced by recent accolades across key international markets. In the United States, the brand was named among the best fast-food fried chicken chains by USA Today, while Eater spotlighted it as a must-visit destination for its iconic Chickenjoy and distinctly Filipino flavors. The brand has also earned recognition in Hong Kong and Singapore, and in Kuwait, where Jollibee was ranked among the top 10 brands for best customer service—underscoring its growing consumer preference and consistent delivery of superior taste and joyful service across markets.

Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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SetupHK Launches Free Corporate Tax Diagnosis Service — Limited to 20 Slots — Helping Hong Kong SMEs Navigate Tax Filing Season

March 27, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – Professional accounting services firm SetupHK(朗峰會計) today announced the immediate launch of its “One-Hour Free Corporate Tax Diagnosis” service, designed exclusively for Hong Kong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Available to the first 20 applicants only, the service covers account health assessment, tax filing arrangement clarification, and tax risk analysis. Appointments are now open via WhatsApp.

The service launches in alignment with Hong Kong’s annual tax filing season, during which the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) begins issuing Profits Tax returns to businesses from April onwards. SetupHK stated that the initiative aims to help SME owners gain a clear picture of their financial records before formally engaging tax filing services, reducing the risk of missed deadlines and unnecessary tax complications.

Service Details

The free corporate tax diagnosis is conducted on a one-to-one basis by SetupHK’s professional advisors. Each session runs approximately one hour and covers three key areas:

Account Health Assessment — A review of the completeness and accuracy of the company’s existing financial records, identifying potential issues that require attention.

Tax Filing Arrangement Clarification — Based on the company’s structure and financial year-end, advisors will outline the required filing steps and timeline.

Tax Risk Analysis — A preliminary identification of tax-related risks, including late submission exposure, discrepancies in financial records, and common filing errors.

Availability is strictly limited to the first 20 applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. To book an appointment: WhatsApp 852-9248-5734.

Background

Under the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Ordinance, limited companies are required to submit an annual Profits Tax return (BIR51) together with audited financial statements prepared by a certified public accountant. Late submission may result in a fine of up to HK$10,000 plus a penalty of three times the tax assessed. Based on SetupHK’s experience serving SMEs, a significant number of business owners do not begin preparing their financial records until after receiving their tax return, leaving insufficient time to complete the mandatory audit process before the filing deadline.

Marx Chan, Director of SetupHK, commented: “Many business owners have little visibility into the actual state of their company’s accounts. By the time they receive their tax return and realise there are problems, they are already under pressure. The purpose of this free diagnosis is to give owners a clear picture of where they stand — what needs to be done and how much time they have — so they can respond with confidence rather than scramble at the last minute.”

Hashtag: #SetupHK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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Fatal crush exposes risks of unplanned work

March 28, 2026

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

WorkSafe New Zealand is cautioning small businesses to plan high‑risk, ad-hoc work, after a man was crushed to death while moving heavy machinery on the job.

Mitchell Pool was part of a team moving a 1.84‑tonne press brake into a workshop at Peter Gray Engineering in Ōtorohanga in December 2023. The business, which carries out engineering and fabrication for the dairy sector, has recently been sentenced for its work health and safety failures.

The work area had not been fully prepared for the move, which meant the press brake could not be shifted by a forklift. Instead, moving skates, a stacker, and a farm jack were used. During the move, one of the skates caught in a crack in the concrete floor, causing the machine to become unstable, fall, and fatally crush 31‑year‑old Mr Pool.

WorkSafe’s investigation found the job was poorly planned, with no task‑specific risk assessment, unclear load limits, unsuitable equipment, and workers exposed to crush risks.

WorkSafe says the tragedy highlights a risk seen too often in small workplaces: jobs that fall outside day‑to‑day routines are tackled without enough planning, the right equipment, or clear safety controls.

“Small businesses often rely on experience and problem‑solving on the job. But when heavy machinery is involved, improvising can have fatal consequences,” says WorkSafe’s central regional manager, Nigel Formosa.

“Experience does not replace planning. Even skilled workers can be put at serious risk if the job hasn’t been properly thought through.”

WorkSafe says the case offers clear, practical lessons for small businesses across all sectors.

“This case shows why small businesses need to treat non‑routine work as high risk. Know the load, use equipment that’s fit for purpose, set the job up so safer methods can be used, stop and reassess when things change, and keep people well clear of crush zones,” says Nigel Formosa.

WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses and workers to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe. When they do not, we will take action. Manufacturing is one of New Zealand’s most dangerous sectors, which is why it’s a strategic focus for WorkSafe.

Background:

  • Peter Gray Engineering was sentenced on 19 February 2026 in Te Kuiti District Court.
  • Judge Matenga ordered reparations of $140,000.04 and imposed a fine of $9,000.
  • Peter Gray Engineering was charged under sections 36(1)(a) and 48(1) and (2)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
    • Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, including Mitchell Robert Thomas Pool, while at work in the business or undertaking, namely moving a press brake into a workshop, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed the workers to a risk of death or serious injury arising from manually handling heavy plant.

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Why economists are ‘very worried’ about what lies ahead

March 28, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Economists are warning about possible stagflation. RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

New Zealand could be facing into a period of stagflation, economists are warning.

Stagflation describes a situation in which an economy experiences the unpleasant combination of high inflation, high unemployment and stagnant economic growth.

This could happen as a result of the Iran war because higher fuel prices are expected to create higher inflation, while the impact of those cost increases and the wider confidence blow could slow economic growth.

Mike Jones, chief economist at BNZ, said it was a “stagflationary-type shock” because it had hurt growth prospects and put pressure on people’s disposable incomes and business margins at the same time as it pushed up inflation.

“We’re also vulnerable given the economy going into this was only starting to find its feet,” he said.

“There are some buffers out there – most notably elevated commodity export prices and a falling NZ dollar – but it’s unlikely they will be enough to prevent a decent hit to the economy. I think, at this stage, it’s more a case of the recovery being disrupted or paused for a quarter or two, rather than being curtailed. So weaker growth but still growth.

“But there are still many scenarios in play. Much hangs on how long the conflict goes on for.”

Gareth Kiernan, chief forecaster at Infometrics, said stagflation was discussed as a prospect three or four years ago but did not happen.

“It was inflation followed by ‘we need a recession to rein that back in’.

“I feel like this time is a little bit different because it’s a supply shock that is, one, pushing up prices and, two, going to negatively impact growth.”

He said businesses had told him they had to pass on cost increases.

“I’m not talking about transport businesses putting up their prices. I’m talking about everybody who is using the transport services then being forced to put up their prices, because we’ve had an economy where for the last three years, it’s gone sideways. And people have been trimming and trimming, and there’s nothing left to trim.”

He said while the Reserve Bank expected fewer price increases to be passed on because there was less demand, that was not the full picture.

“Sure, there’s no demand, but you’re going to put your prices up rather than simply just go to the wall because you don’t have any money left.”

He said even if the situation were resolved immediately, there would be another up to four months of flow-on effects.

“Who knows where oil prices would settle… you wouldn’t expect them to probably go back to US$70 a barrel… there’s got to be more risk associated with that. But the longer it stretches on, the bigger the impact is in terms of just delaying or preventing the economic recovery.

“It’s almost a bit of a repeat of 2025 where we had the tariff situation hit us and knock confidence and therefore knock growth. And this is looking like the same again, except probably worse, to be fair.”

But Westpac’s chief economist Kelly Eckhold said he still expected some growth in the economy this year – although there was the potential for that to change.

“In the forecast update that we put out a couple of days ago, that assumed that things were going to get better within a month. If that doesn’t happen then things get darker quite quickly. Confidence levels about forecasts are quite low right now because there’s a lot of things we don’t know.

“You can’t discount the possibility [of less economic growth]. The only thing is that we are coming from a starting point where we were expecting a pretty solid year. So we’ve got further to fall before you get into that genuinely negative growth environment that we experienced back in 2024.”

The big concern was how long the conflict lasted, he said.

“We have to keep in mind that significant damage has already been done and it won’t be fixed quickly. There may also be risk premia built into concerns about fuel availability, prices… I’m very worried. I think this is a very, very serious situation.”

He said the lower exchange rate would make the price of imported goods higher, and make travel overseas more expensive for New Zealanders. But it was a positive for exporters.

“Nobody in New Zealand can protect us from the loss of standard of living that has come from this shock. The government can’t buy our way out of this. They can smooth the edges off for the most vulnerable. But in the end, it’s just a cost that is going to sheet home to us.

“The way out of this is by having the external sector ultimately be able to export our way out of this. And a lower exchange rate is part of the adjustment that facilitates that to occur.”

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AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for March 30, 2026 – Full Text

AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for March 30, 2026 – Full Text

Fisheries Bill enters murky waters

March 30, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones was initially unapologetic about the plan, but after advice from his leader and the Prime Minister, the controversial clause is gone. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

There has been a U-turn on the most controversial part of the sweeping new Fisheries Bill, but keeping undersized catches wasn’t the only fishhook in the legislation.

It was the great catch that wasn’t.

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones was forced to throw his controversial fishing clause back into the sea last week, following protests and backlash – now his “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of New Zealand’s fishing rules is set Shane to be scrutinised in parliament with its first reading.

The government is proposing sweeping changes to the Fisheries Act, aimed at making the industry more efficient, more profitable, and quicker to respond to changes in fish stocks.

But after pressure from environmental groups and recreational fishers, Fisheries Minister Jones pulled back on his contentious plan to scrap most minimum size limits for commercial fishers, effectively allowing them to land and sell baby fish, including snapper and tarakihi.

He was initially unapologetic about the plan, but after advice from his leader and the prime minister – it’s up for debate who gave it first – he pulled a late pivot last week, and the clause is gone.

“It’s quite a big development really,” says RNZ producer and reporter Ross McNaughton, who has covered the many twists and turns of the bill.

“I think it [the bill] definitely does have the potential to bite the Matua on the bum, because it is riling up a lot of people.”

Today, The Detail looks at the “complex, dense” bill, which is shaping up to be a hot political topic in an election year.

“It’s so hard to sum up because it’s such a big bill,” McNaughton says. “There is the setting of catch limits now for up to five years, there are restrictions on cameras and the fines, and even the restrictions on whether or not people can challenge these in court.

“So, there is just so much in there, it’s such a massive bill, and very hard to pin down in a headline. I guess you could say it’s very very murky waters.”

The Fisheries Minister insists the changes will cut red tape and unlock growth in a billion-dollar export sector.

But critics say it risks doing the opposite – weakening environmental protections and handing more power to big fishing interests.

Concerns are also mounting around transparency, with the proposed tweaks to on-board camera rules raising alarms about public oversight.

Recreational fishers and environmental groups warn the reforms could put pressure on already-stretched fish stocks – and limit access for everyday kiwis.

But then supporters argue the current system is outdated and slow – and say smarter, more responsive rules are long overdue.

The bill is expected to face intense scrutiny as it heads through Parliament, with the future of New Zealand’s fisheries hanging in the balance.

“The timing isn’t great, given this is an election year, and this is starting to gather a lot of political heat,” McNaughton says.

“It’s an incredibly complex issue, with passionate people on either side.”

At its core, the debate cuts to a familiar tension in New Zealand: how to protect a loved finite natural resource while supporting an industry that’s vital to regional economies.

The government maintains the reforms are about modernising an outdated system – making it more efficient, more responsive, and much better aligned with real-world fishing practices.

Now, as the bill edges closer to its next stage, many in this ocean-loving country will be watching closely.

“It is intrinsically New Zealand,” says McNaughton. “And that’s why it’s such a hot topic”.

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Government calls for regulatory feedback to boost fuel resilience

March 29, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Regulation Minister David Seymour is urging businesses, fuel users, freight operators, and the wider public to report any regulatory barriers that might be hindering our response to global fuel uncertainty. 

Submissions should be made to the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline (the Tipline). Submissions can be made here.

“New Zealand’s fuel supply is stable. We’re focussed on keeping it that way. This Government has responded well to the potential of conflict in the Middle East leading to shortages,” Mr Seymour says. 

“We can’t control what happens in the Middle East. We can control how we get fuel flowing through New Zealand pumps. If red tape is getting in the way of that goal, we want to hear it.” 

Earlier this week the Government set out updates to the National Fuel Plan to make sure New Zealand is prepared if international disruption puts pressure on fuel supply. 

“The Government’s first responsibility is to keep the economy moving and ensure essential services, freight, and families aren’t disrupted any more than necessary,” Mr Seymour says. 

“While the Government’s response has been strong, we don’t want a repeat of the Covid-19 lockdowns, and we don’t want to miss something which could lead to negative effects down the line. That’s why we want to hear from people affected by edicts from Wellington; what regulatory barriers do you see getting in the way of fuel supply?

“This Government listens to the people in tough times. Taiwan took a similar approach during the COVID outbreak. Through public feedback they were able to develop tools that improved their response. 

“In a disruption every unnecessary delay matters. If there are regulations that make it harder to import, store, distribute, or use fuel efficiently, they need to be identified now. Not when the pressure is at its peak.

“Examples of things which people might submit to the Tipline are regulations that could be reviewed, suspended, simplified, or better coordinated to support New Zealand’s fuel resilience. This could include barriers affecting fuel transport, storage, distribution, local delivery, freight movements, business operations, or the ability of firms to adapt quickly to changing supply conditions. 

“Not all issues identified will fall within the scope of regulation. Where submissions are non-regulatory they will be referred to the appropriate authority or organisation best placed to address them.

“The Tipline has already fixed many things that matter to Kiwis. It’s fixed dumb rules to allow Kiwis to build sheds on their property, allow home based baking businesses to get on with business, and got rid of draconian rules preventing medical conferences taking place in New Zealand. 

“We are particularly interested in hearing from businesses on the front line. Fuel companies, freight operators, contractors, primary producers, retailers, and others whose day-to-day experience tells them where the bottlenecks are.”

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Ministry seeks regulatory feedback on fuel plan to avoid red tape ‘getting in the way’

March 29, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand is currently at phase one and the government has said for now there is sufficient supply and no need for stockpiling. Nick Monro

Regulatory feedback is being called for as the government looks to tackle global fuel uncertainty.

The government laid out its response plan to the rising fuel costs triggered by the conflict in the Middle East following the US-Israel attacks on Iran one month ago.

The National Fuel Plan mimics the Covid response in that it has four phases, each outlining measures that would be taken if the situation gets progressively worse.

New Zealand is currently at phase one and the government has said for now there is sufficient supply and no need for stockpiling.

The Ministry for Regulation is now urging businesses, fuel users, freight operators, and the wider public to report any barriers that could stand in the way of the government’s response.

The ministry’s main job is to ensure quality across regulatory systems and encouraging productivity.

Regulation Minister David Seymour said the ministry was interested in hearing from businesses on the front line including fuel companies, freight operators, contractors, primary producers and retailers.

“We can’t control what happens in the Middle East. We can control how we get fuel flowing through New Zealand pumps. If red tape is getting in the way of that goal, we want to hear it.”

Regulation Minister David Seymour RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Seymour said the government was trying to avoid a “repeat of the Covid-19 lockdowns”.

“We don’t want to miss something which could lead to negative effects down the line.

“That’s why we want to hear from people affected by edicts from Wellington; what regulatory barriers do you see getting in the way of fuel supply?”

Examples of submissions that could be made included barriers affecting fuel transport, storage, distribution, local delivery, freight movements, business operations, or the ability of firms to adapt quickly to changing supply conditions.

“In a disruption every unnecessary delay matters. If there are regulations that make it harder to import, store, distribute, or use fuel efficiently, they need to be identified now. Not when the pressure is at its peak,” Seymour said.

Submissions can be made to the Ministry for Regulation’s Red Tape Tipline.

The price of 91 and diesel fuel in most parts of the country was well past $3 per litre with some stations running dry especially on discount days.

Motor Trade Association spokesperson Simon Bradwell recently said there were concerns over the increasing possibility of people driving off without paying for fuel.

He said businesses were doing what they can to keep prices down as it was also in their best interest.

The government also announced earlier this week almost 150,000 families with children will receive an extra $50 a week to help with the rising cost of fuel.

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1 April boost for superannuitants, families and other Kiwis

March 29, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Superannuitants, working families, students and beneficiaries are among the New Zealanders who will receive additional support from 1 April, as conflict in the Middle East continues to impact Kiwi wallets, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“The global fuel-price surge is hitting hard at home, causing a cost-of-living headache for many New Zealanders. While the Government can’t afford to ease all the pain, we are determined to keep progressing sensible, measured changes that provide some relief. 

On 1 April this week, policy changes and annual adjustments will increase financial support for more than a million New Zealanders. 

  • Around 960,000 Kiwis receiving NZ Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension will get increased payments. NZ Superannuation for a married couple who both qualify will lift more than $50 to $1,708 a fortnight, an increase of over $180 since the 2023 election.
  • Around 280,000 low-to-middle-income families will receive an increase in the family tax credit. Eligible families with one child will receive an extra $400 a year, rising to $720 for families with two children and $1,050 with three.
  • As announced last week, an increase to the in-work tax credit will result in 143,000 working families receiving a further $50 boost per week for up to a year, as part of the Government’s temporary, targeted support to help with fuel costs. A further 14,000 families will receive up to $50 per week.
  • In addition, Budget 2025 changes to the Working for Families abatement threshold come into effect from 1 April, and will support around 142,000 families with a boost of $14 per fortnight on average.
  • Around 52,000 students will receive additional assistance. A single person over 24 receiving the Student Allowance will gain an additional $22 a fortnight.
  • Over 435,000 working age beneficiaries will get increased support. A single person over 25 years old on Jobseeker Support will receive an additional $22 a fortnight. A couple with children will receive an additional $40 a fortnight (on top of the family tax credit increase).

“These changes from 1 April build on existing cost-of-living support.

“Over 86,000 families have received the FamilyBoost childcare tax credit and FamilyBoost will continue to support eligible low-to-middle-income families with up to $120 per week towards their childcare costs.

“And tax relief delivered in July 2024 will continue to benefit around 1.9 million households by $60 a week on average.

“The Government is acutely conscious that the conflict in the Middle East is causing pain for Kiwis at the pump, and is leading to increased costs for businesses, goods and services across our economy.  We have been upfront in acknowledging that the fall-out from these global events is likely to drive New Zealand’s inflation rate higher and our growth rate lower than previously forecast.

“We know that responding with large, untargeted government spending programmes could make things worse for Kiwis by adding even more pressure to inflation and debt. We are making careful choices in order to protect New Zealand’s economic future. 

Nicola Willis says that April 1 also marks the start of changes to KiwiSaver to support Kiwis to save more for their first home and retirement.

“Default employee and employer contribution rates will increase from 3 per cent to 3.5 per cent. This means Kiwis who choose to contribute more will be matched by their employers and able to grow their savings further.

“We recognise that many Kiwis will not feel able to make that choice right now. We have safeguarded their flexibility by ensuring KiwiSavers will be able to opt back down to the current 3 per cent contribution rate, if they choose.

“These KiwiSaver changes are all about lifting savings and helping Kiwis become more financially secure in the longer run,” Nicola Willis says. 

“Every choice we make now carries longer-term consequences. The Government will continue to be disciplined with every decision we make.

“While we can’t control global oil prices or overseas conflicts, we can take steps to ease the pressure on working families with targeted, responsible support.

“Sticking to our careful economic plan is how we can best get New Zealand and New Zealanders through this latest global shock while protecting New Zealand’s future.”

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Government confirms next steps on new senior secondary qualification

March 26, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has taken the first major step in rebuilding New Zealand’s senior secondary qualifications system, with Cabinet agreeing to the structure of a new qualification system to replace NCEA following consultation, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.   

“This is the first of two major milestones that make up a carefully sequenced set of decisions to design a modern qualification system. Our new qualification will be a credible measure of student progress and achievement against the curriculum that parents, employers and universities can trust. 

“Curriculum sets out the knowledge and skills students should learn. Qualifications should accurately recognise that learning. When those two things aren’t aligned, students are the ones who miss out.  

“The changes are being developed alongside the Government’s new knowledge-rich national senior secondary curriculum so that what students learn and how they are assessed are properly aligned. 

“We are ambitious for young New Zealanders and believe they deserve a qualification system built on high expectations that is internationally comparable. 

“The shortfalls of NCEA are well socialised and longstanding. NCEA has become increasingly fragmented, difficult to understand, and too easy to game. Too often students have been able to gain piecemeal credits without developing the knowledge and skills they need to succeed beyond school. 

“The 2024 ERO report on NCEA level 1 found three in five teachers and almost half of leaders reported NCEA Level 1 is an unreliable measure of students’ knowledge and skills. 

“We asked teachers, parents and the community what they thought about replacing NCEA and, with more than 10,000 people having their say, there was strong support for structural change to the qualifications, particularly around NCEA Level 1.   

“So we are building a new system that is clearer, more consistent across schools and internationally comparable so that when a student earns a qualification it genuinely signals they are ready for the next step and reflects what they know and can do. 

“Cabinet has agreed an initial package outlining the structural components of our new secondary qualification system. These include: 

  • Replacing NCEA with a new secondary qualifications system with two levels over two years at Years 12 and 13. 
  • Introducing subject-based assessment for Years 12 and 13, ensuring students are assessed on whole curriculum subjects.  
  • Integrating industry-led subjects into the senior curriculum, providing a single qualification pathway.  
  • Removing NCEA Level 1 and replacing it with deeper, curriculum-driven learning in Year 11. This will better prepare students for the qualification in Years 12 and 13.  
  • Introducing a Foundational Award recognising students’ achievement in literacy and numeracy at a Year 11 curriculum level. 
  • A requirement that all Year 11 students study English | Te Reo Rangatira and Mathematics | Pāngarau from 2028.  

“Students will be able to sit the Foundational Award when they demonstrate the required literacy and numeracy capability, typically at Year 11 level. 

“The Foundational Award is designed as a stepping stone into senior secondary qualifications. The basics matter. This award is a strong indicator of readiness to engage with the Year 12 and Year 13 qualification and basic competency in reading, writing and maths. 

Next steps 

“This is the first tranche in the design of the new qualification system. By taking decisions in two tranches, we have the time to engage with the sector and undertake detailed design work with the new Technical Advisory Group, on the more technical aspects of the proposal. 

Tranche two includes achievement requirements for Year 12 and 13, information about grading, the balance of internal versus and external assessments, weighting of exams, moderation, comparability, and complex decisions.

“These questions are interlinked and complex.   

“It is important to get the balance right to be aspirational for all students, while making sure we are setting them up for success.  

“Also, during the consultation process, it was suggested it be made compulsory for schools and kura to require Year 11 students to take Science | Pūtaiao. I will be seeking further advice on this.”  

The new system will be phased in: 

  • 2026: Finalise senior secondary curriculum and develop assessment exemplars. Finalise qualification design.
  • 2027: Preparatory year of assessment and PLD.
  • 2028: NCEA Level 1 removed, Year 11 curriculum only, Foundational Award introduced.
  • 2029: New Year 12 qualification and curriculum starts.
  • 2030: New Year 13 qualification and curriculum starts. 

“No student will need to switch between NCEA and the new qualifications system during their schooling.  The first students to participate are the current Year 9 cohort. 

“It’s important that we get the reform of secondary school qualifications right, so we will continue to engage with the sector to ensure we achieve the best outcomes for teachers and students.  

“I expect to take advice on these technical design decisions before Budget,” says Ms Stanford.  

Curriculum and Assessment Roadshow  

To further support schools as these reforms progress, there will be a national curriculum and assessment roadshow for secondary school leaders in June this year.

“The roadshow will help schools prepare for the new subject-based qualification structure and the knowledge rich curriculum. 

“These events will support leaders to understand the changes, build capability, and share implementation approaches across the country,” says Ms Stanford.

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Move on orders: Protesters hold overnight vigil in Wellington cathedral

March 29, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

About 250 people are at an overnight vigil at Wellington’s St Paul Cathedral to protest the government’s plan to introduce move-on orders. RNZ / Russell Palmer

Dozens of people are hunkering down overnight at Wellington’s St Paul Cathedral to protest move-on orders.

About 250 people and 50 volunteers are at the vigil, organised by eight churches and other community groups.

Families with children will head home after speeches and music tonight, while others are expecting to stay for breakfast.

About 250 people are at an overnight vigil at Wellington’s St Paul Cathedral to protest the government’s plan to introduce move-on orders. RNZ / Russell Palmer

They oppose the move-on orders the government plans to introduce, which would allow police to issue notices to those sleeping rough requiring them to move to another location.

Those who refuse could face a $2000 fine or up to three months in prison.

About 250 people are at an overnight vigil at Wellington’s St Paul Cathedral to protest the government’s plan to introduce move-on orders. RNZ / Russell Palmer

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Storm News – Awanui scheme handles twice the volume of infamous 1958 flood

March 27, 2026

Source: Northland Regional Council

The Far North’s upgraded Awanui flood scheme has successfully handled a record amount of floodwater – almost twice that of an infamous 1958 event that saw floodwaters more than a metre deep inundate Kaitaia township.
Northland Regional Councillor Joe Carr, who chairs the Awanui River Working Group and is deputy chair of the council’s Infrastructure Committee, says provisional hydrology figures from this week’s deluge showed a record up to 410 cubic metres of floodwaters were flowing down the Awanui River every second.
That compared to a figure of 220 cubic metres a second during the catastrophic 1958 flood and 258 cubic metres in a more recent, July 2007 event that had caused a lot of flooding and evacuations.
Councillor Carr says while there had been some overtopping of stopbanks this week – mainly in areas of the scheme that had yet-to-be, or were being upgraded – much of Kaitaia had escaped serious damage despite the vast and unprecedented flood flows.
“There was some costly flooding and associated evacuations as stopbanks did overtop both upstream and downstream of SH1 Bridge Waikuruki and in the lower Whangatane Spillway, all of which are works in progress, but overall the $15 million-plus, multi-year scheme upgrade performed very well.”
While some had overtopped, all of the stopbanks had remained intact and the scheme had also protected the Claud Switzer Residential Care home, a major concern in previous flooding events given the complex nature any evacuation there would require.
Councillor Carr says the NRC had assumed responsibility for the scheme 20 years ago and work on the upgrade had begun in earnest with the adoption of the council’s Long Term Plan in 2018.
Work that had been carried out to date included 6km of stopbanks, 5km of benching, 2.2km of spillways, 1.2km of scour protection, 200 metres of timber floodwalls, 750,000 cubic metres of earthworks, 15,000 cubic metres of rock stabilisation, the replacement or upgrading of 24 floodgates and the installation of an extra span at the Quarry Rd bridge.
Much of that work was specifically designed to protect Kaitaia township and another $2.5 million work is already underway or planned for the next two years to remove scheme weak points.
Fellow regional councillor Colin ‘Toss’ Kitchen, who chairs the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Committee (CDEM), says it is not an exaggeration to say the upgrade had potentially saved lives – and many millions in damages – during this week’s torrential rain.
“This was an extraordinary event with very intense hourly rainfall which tested the scheme to it limits.”
Both councillors say the scheme would not be the success it was without the work and support of many people.
They included landowners – some of whom had allowed the council to set back stopbanks on their land without compensation – previous and current councillors, the many members of the Awanui River Management Liaison Group (including tāngata whenua partners) and some dedicated council staff and contractors.
Councillor Carr says there had also been some very generous funding from Central Government in recent years.
“Late last year we (NRC) publicly thanked the Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones for his role in facilitating $11.1M of central government support for the project, which has significantly reduced the amount the local community has had to pay directly.”
The two councillors say the Awanui upgrade is an example of the benefits of central and regional government and communities working together for the greater good.
Councillor Carr says the council’s rivers staff would over the coming weeks analyse a mountain of data captured during this week’s rainfall.
This would be used to improve future scheme upgrade work and ensure any lessons learned were factored in to make the scheme the most resilient it could be. Lessons learned would also help Civil Defence in its work in future.
Meanwhile, Cr Kitchen also acknowledged the wider community, kaitiaki on the ground, local marae and emergency services for the “amazing work they have collectively been doing to keep themselves and others safe during the weather event”. 

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Live: Restrict, ration or advise? Nicola Willis to outline national fuel plan details

March 27, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow live updates in our blog above.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones are set to explain the triggers that would prompt fuel restrictions, rationing or guidance.

Willis assured voters in her answers to questions in the House on Thursday that “we will not be changing the fuel response overnight”.

She and Jones are due to hold a media conference at midday.

“We will also provide more information about the criteria we will use to assess when a change in the response phase is required,” Willis said.

“This would include changes like the amount of fuel in the country,” she said.

Willis also told MPs in the House that the government’s goal was to “avoid ever getting to response phase three or four”.

“These are envisaged in the national fuel plan as the point at which prioritisation of fuel would be required.

“Our goal is to be doing enough to source the supply of fuel internationally that that does not become necessary, and by taking sufficient actions in response phases one and two, that we wouldn’t reach phase three and four,” she said.

Willis also doesn’t expect the government would need to be “skipping through the response phases” of the alert level framework.

Petrol, diesel, and jet fuel would be able to be treated at different alert levels under the framework.

Follow the livestream and updates in our blog at the top of this page.

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60,000 children admitted to hospital with preventable diseases each year, Cure Kids warns

March 28, 2026

Source: Radio New Zealand

Cure Kids chief executive Frances Soutter. RNZ / Pretoria Gordon

Cure Kids warns 60,000 children in New Zealand each year are admitted to hospital with a preventable disease.

It is calling for the government to take action, following the release of the fifth State of Child Health report on Friday.

The report found the hospitalisation rate for children with respiratory conditions had increased by 60 percent since 2000.

“These are not rare or unavoidable illnesses,” Cure Kids chief executive Frances Soutter said. “They are, in many cases, preventable and our youngest children are carrying the greatest burden.”

Soutter said those under the age of one accounted for half the children in hospital for a respiratory condition.

The report called for a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus or RSV to be funded.

Auckland University professor of paediatrics and emergency medicine Stuart Dalziel said RSV was the leading cause of bronchiolitis, which hospitalised one in 12 children per year.

Nirsevimab would prevent that, Dalziel said.

Auckland University professor of paediatrics and emergency medicine Stuart Dalziel. RNZ / Pretoria Gordon

The report also called for the influenza vaccine to be funded for children under five.

“We know that young children have the highest hospitalisation rates for flu and it plays a major role in spreading it within communities,” Soutter said. “This is a really practical, really cost-effective step that would protect our children and those around them.”

Tamariki Māori and Pacific children were disproportionately affected in every health concern.

While the hospitalisation rate for those with rheumatic fever or heart disease had returned to the same level as before the pandemic, Pacific children were 43 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with the disease than other children.

University of Auckland researcher, associate professor Anneka Anderson. RNZ / Pretoria Gordon

University of Auckland researcher and associate professor Anneka Anderson said that rate could be reduced by more than 85 percent, if the inequities were eliminated.

“Rheumatic fever is one of our country’s most glaring health inequities, and the extreme disparities we see in hospitalisation rates for our tamariki Māori and Pacific children, compared to non-Māori, non-Pacific children, are unacceptable in a country with the resources Aotearoa has,” she said.

“With co-ordinated prevention strategies and sustained investment in research, this disease is entirely preventable.”

Health Minister Simeon Brown told RNZ that the government was focused on prevention, as well as improving the health of children and young people.

“Making sure children can access timely, quality healthcare close to home is a fundamental part of that.

“That is why we are so focused on ensuring families can see a doctor when they need to, including through free GP appointments for children aged 13 and under.”

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Opening remarks – Otago Tourism Policy School

March 26, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Tēnā koutou katoa. Good afternoon, everyone. 

Thank you, Mayor John Glover, for your opening remarks, and thank you Associate Professor Susan Houge Mackenzie for convening this important event.

It’s a pleasure to be at the 2026 Otago Tourism Policy School here in Queenstown.

Queenstown captures so much of what makes New Zealand distinctive as a destination – our landscapes, our hospitality and our appetite for innovation. 

It’s an ideal place to come together for an important event on the annual tourism calendar.

When I spoke at this event last year, I announced Round Two of the Regional Events Promotion Fund. This Fund was designed to grow visitation beyond the main centres and outside peak season.

12 months on, I’m delighted to report that across two rounds, the Fund has supported more than 280 regional events. That announcement was the beginning of what has been an exciting year for tourism and hospitality.

Overall, tourism growth has been really encouraging over the past 12 months and we’re looking forward to that continuing. 

I now want to briefly address a topic which I know is top of mind for many in the sector – the current conflict in Iran. 

I’m being kept closely informed through the work of the Government’s Ministerial oversight group and by advice from agency officials. 

I can assure you that along with my Ministerial colleagues, I’m carefully monitoring the situation. This includes for the tourism portfolio and also for wider cost of living implications for New Zealanders.

During the ongoing situation, other flight routes, including those through the Americas and different parts of Asia, do continue to be available and visitors continue to come to New Zealand.

Additionally, and as we know the Middle East is a critical aviation hub, it’s been encouraging to see a resumption of flights on the route, with ultra-long haul routes like Auckland prioritised.

My priorities

The theme of this year’s Otago Tourism Policy School: What should tourism look like in 2050? aligns well with my own priorities.

In June last year, I launched the Tourism Growth Roadmap with two clear priorities: 

One:  growing international tourism – by increasing visitor numbers in the short term and doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034. Tourism is our second‑largest export, contributing 7.7 per cent of GDP. 

Growth in this sector is central to the Government’s wider economic objectives. It means more spending in our regions, bookings in our hotels, full tables in our cafes and restaurants and more jobs created. 

Two:  growing the number of New Zealanders working in tourism and hospitality. The latest Tourism Satellite Account shows one in nine jobs are now supported by tourism and hospitality – a clear signal of the sector’s importance to employment and regional prosperity.

Delivering on these priorities requires partnership across central government, industry, local government, iwi and communities to ensure growth delivers value for visitors and residents alike.

Since launching the Roadmap, we’ve focused on boosting demand, while also undertaking a review of the tourism system to understand where supply‑side constraints and opportunities lie. This Review has been shaped by extensive engagement with the sector, including many of you here today.

So, this year’s theme What should tourism look like in 2050?  absolutely aligns with this work. 

It challenges us all to think long‑term, towards a system that can sustain growth over decades. 

Achievements since launching the Roadmap – boosting demand

International arrivals are now at around 90 per cent of 2019 levels[1] and latest data from the Tourism Satellite Account shows total tourism expenditure at $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025. 

We’ve also made progress on removing barriers to travel, further boosting visitation. Since the introduction of the visa‑free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers via Australia in November, nearly 59,000 requests have been approved, with more than 47,000 arrivals already recorded. 

Major Events and Tourism Package

In September, our Government launched the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, designed to drive economic growth and boost international visitor numbers.

This includes the $40 million Events Attraction Package to secure high‑impact events for New Zealand.

As a result, we’re now welcoming global events such as Robbie Williams, Linkin Park, the FIFA World Series, the World Surf League Championship Tour and Ultra Music Festival– with more to come.

We’ve also been working hard to deliver the Events Boost Fund, which has so far supported 34 new and existing events nationwide. 

We’ve continued investing in initiatives to drive outcomes in our regions. 

Round Two of the Regional Tourism Boost has now delivered nearly $10 million to campaigns across New Zealand. Collectively, the nine funded campaigns will attract global visitors, including from Australia, China, Canada and the United States.

The Boost provides a great example of the benefits to be realised when tourism and hospitality collaborate at scale. 

Hospitality is a huge contributor to our economy and workforce, helping drive over $9 billion in GDP and employing people across the country. 

As we attract more international visitors, the flow-on benefits for our hospitality sector become immediate and significant, as well as for our wider economy.

And of course we can’t forget the recent opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre. What a wait it’s been but an enormous milestone and the benefits for New Zealand will be profound. 

2026 Hospitality Summit

Earlier this month, I hosted the 2026 Hospitality Summit, which brought hospitality associations and businesses together to engage with government and refresh shared priorities for the sector.

Recent progress made demonstrates the positive impacts on economic growth when government, business and communities work together. 

Michelin Guide 

A key recommendation from the 2024 Summit had been to bring the Michelin Guide to New Zealand, and that dream is now a reality. The inaugural Guide will be released in June, covering Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

This is a truly significant opportunity to celebrate our top talent and draw even more international visitors to our shores, further lifting hospitality activity and spending. 

Tourism New Zealand will leverage this with an increased focus on food and beverage in its marketing.

Achievements – Supply-side 

Our Government is committed to economic growth, and tourism is central to that mission.

New Zealand has significant capacity to support further tourism growth, but we know capacity isn’t evenly distributed. 

Growth must be managed in ways which protect destinations and the unique visitor experience they curate.

That’s why I’m taking a balanced approach – continuing to invest in demand-side initiatives which boost visitor numbers, while also stepping up investment in the supply side of the sector. 

This year, IVL investment is looking to prioritise 60 per cent towards demand initiatives and 40 per cent towards supply. 

I look forward to sharing my 2026/27 IVL investment plan in the coming months.

New Zealand Cycle Trails Investment

Investment in our cycle trails continues to deliver really strong returns. 

Over the past year, I’ve announced four investments in cycle trail upgrades through the Major Events and Tourism package. 

This includes $2 million to extend the Dunedin Tunnels Trail and attract more people through the beautiful Otago region we’re enjoying today.

Each year, more than two million people use the Great Rides, contributing an estimated $1.28 billion to regional economies. 

This is exactly the kind of infrastructure we need — supporting both domestic and international growth and enhancing visitor experience.

Tourism System Review

Alongside these investments, I’ve been undertaking a Tourism System Review. I’d like to thank those of you who’ve provided valuable input into this review so far and shared ideas about how we deliver on the objectives of the Tourism Growth Roadmap.

I’ve heard the message from the sector loud and clear: the status quo won’t support long‑term, sustainable growth. Three themes have come through strongly. 

First, clear national leadership.

Our system is fragmented with overlapping roles, multiple funding mechanisms and limited coordination beyond international marketing. This weakens our ability to deliver value and compete as a destination at an international scale.

Tourism presents significant opportunities for New Zealand, but I can see that without a more coordinated and forward-looking system, our full potential won’t be realised.

Second, a more streamlined regional model.

There is an opportunity to achieve greater coordination while retaining strong local voices. Better regional scale can support dispersal, manage seasonality, and lift value per visitor – while still recognising that many core functions must remain at place.

Initiatives like the Regional Tourism Boost are a great example of the benefits to can be realised when we collaborate at scale. I’m open to suggestions on how we can support regions to continue to collaborate to maximise outcomes for communities and visitors. 

While efficiencies can be gained, many of the key functions in our tourism system are, and must continue to be, delivered at place.

Local government’s role in placemaking remains essential. Events, museums and galleries, public spaces and visitor infrastructure are foundational to tourism. 

I’ve had some questions from councils about what the Government’s reforms to focus councils on core services and keep rates increases under control mean for their role in tourism. 

Councils absolutely have a role in ensuring our cities, towns and districts are great places to visit, and that tourism and hospitality businesses can thrive as a result. 

The local government reforms don’t change councils’ important role in that.

To meet our long-term growth objectives, it’s essential any changes to the tourism system ensures local government investment in tourism is maintained into the future. 

There’s no replacement for local insights, expertise and passion. This is precisely what makes our tourism offering distinct and valued, and this must be honoured as we consider our next steps.

Third, sustainable, long-term investment to support a growing tourism sector. 

This isn’t just about public investment, but creating the right settings and providing confidence for private investors.

Short‑term, reactive funding makes it difficult to align activity to long‑term priorities. 

We need greater certainty – for both public and private investment – and a system reflecting tourism’s status as a strategic national asset

From Roadmap to system reform:  Tourism Policy Statement 

Everything I’ve spoken about today – boosting demand, strengthening supply, investing in regions and reviewing the tourism system – has been deliberate and sequenced.

The Tourism Growth Roadmap was about stabilising and growing the sector after a period of disruption. Our demand investments focued on recovery and momentum, and our supply‑side shift has been about supporting capacity, quality and resilience.

The Tourism System Review has tested whether the way our system is structured is fit for the future. That work now brings us to the next step.

Following the Tourism System Review, I’m progressing a Tourism Policy Statement for New Zealand. This is the key announcement I want to leave with you today.

The Tourism Policy Statement will not be a reset, and it is not a stand‑alone document.

It is the next phase of the work underway, translating the Roadmap and the Review into a clear, enduring framework for how tourism is governed, coordinated and invested in over the long-term.

At its core, the Tourism Policy Statement will do three things

First, it will set a clear national direction for tourism. 

It will articulate tourism’s role as a strategic national asset and provide a shared narrative for government, local authorities, iwi and industry about what success looks like – not just in terms of volume, but in value, resilience and community benefit.

Second, it will provide clarity on roles, coordination and investment, both now and in the future

It will respond directly to what we heard through the Tourism System Review about fragmentation, duplication and short‑term funding. The Policy Statement will signal where leadership sits, how coordination should improve across the system, and where public investment (including the IVL) can best unlock long‑term value.

Third, it will give confidence to regions and industry.

By setting out priorities and expectations, the Policy Statement will provide a stronger basis for local government, regional entities and the private sector to plan, invest and collaborate with greater certainty.

This is about moving from a system evolving over time to one that is designed deliberately. This will support growth, protect place and deliver value for both visitors and New Zealanders.

I expect to release the Tourism Policy Statement in Q2 this year. In the meantime, I encourage you to continue engaging through your industry and professional associations. The quality of the thinking in this room is exactly what will strengthen this next phase.

Closing

As a Government, we know the strength of our tourism industry is clear for all to see – and the sector is certainly a key part of National’s plan to fix the basics and build the future. 

Under our watch, New Zealand is open for business and international visitors are returning.

While tourism has always been one of New Zealand’s strengths, its future success will not be accidental.

It will depend on clear choices about how we grow, where we invest and how we organise ourselves as a system. It will recognise tourism not just as a set of markets, but as something that shapes places, communities and livelihoods across the country

Over the past year, our focus has been on rebuilding momentum and restoring confidence. 

The work now underway is about ensuring that growth is intentional, coordinated and sustainable. 

Our next steps must be about designing a system supporting growth, protecting place, and delivering value for both visitors and New Zealander

Thank you for the opportunity to share some of these next steps with you today. I look forward to your questions and to continuing this conversation together.

** Published at approx. 5pm 26 March 2026, subject to check against delivery.

MIL OSI

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LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/30/am-edition-top-10-politics-articles-on-livenews-co-nz-for-march-30-2026-full-text/

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New Poll Shows More than 8 Out of 10 People Support Bringing Dental into Public Healthcare System

Source: ActionStation

A new poll shows a strong majority of people in New Zealand support bringing dental care into the public healthcare system, with that strong support existing across the political spectrum.

A Talbot Mills poll of over 1000 New Zealand adults showed 83% of people answered yes to the question, “Do you support dental care being brought into the public healthcare system?”

88% of Labour voters supported the move, alongside 78% of National voters. Women (87%) were more likely to support the move than men (79%).

“This poll is the latest in a series of developments showing growing public momentum behind plugging the gap in our healthcare system that leaves out dental care,” says Hana Pilkinton-Ching, campaigner for Dental for All, which commissioned the poll. (ref. https://www.dentalforall.nz/ )

“Dental is carved out of our public healthcare system because some dentists lobbied in 1938 to keep dental out,” adds Pilkinton-Ching, “but more and more people in New Zealand recognise that our mouths are part of our bodies, oral health is health, and it makes no sense for our healthcare system to keep excluding dental.”

At present, dental is free for under-18s, but is largely privatised for adults. A $1000 grant for essential dental care is available from Work & Income, though that grant is means-tested.

The same poll also tested support for dental care being free, with similarly strong results. 80% of people polled – including 76% of National voters and 87% of Labour voters (as well as 85% of Green voters and 79% of ACT voters) – supported free dental care for adults.

“A 2023 poll showed that 74% of people supported free dental,” observes Harriet Wild, Policy & Research Director at the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, the union representing senior dentists and doctors.

“This poll shows public support continues to build to bring dental into our public healthcare system,” adds Wild. “It makes human sense, it makes economic sense, and this polling confirms that the move would be an incredibly popular one among the wider voting public.”

A recent Dental for All report, completed by FrankAdvice, showed that keeping dental out of the public healthcare system is costing New Zealand $2.5 billion in lost productivity per year and $3.1 billion per year in reduced quality of life. Estimates of the cost of bringing dental into the public healthcare system generally range between $1 billion and $2 billion annually. (ref. https://www.dentalforall.nz/s/FrankAdvice_report_for_Dental_for_All_Coalition.pdf )

Dental for All will shortly release, later in April 2026, a costed plan for an integrated oral health service for children and adults.

Notes:

Polling conducted by Talbot Mills Research surveyed 1060 individuals (using nationally representative respondents 18 years and over).

The maximum sampling error is 3.1%. Fieldwork was conducted between 12 and 24 March 2026.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/30/new-poll-shows-more-than-8-out-of-10-people-support-bringing-dental-into-public-healthcare-system/

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Free dental care receives widespread support in new survey

Source: Radio New Zealand

In findings released on Monday, 83 percent of participants said they supported the move. Thibaut Durand / Hans Lucas via AFP

There is escalating support for dental care to be absorbed by New Zealand’s public health system and to be made free for adults, new research shows.

More than 1000 New Zealanders took part in a recent Talbot Mills Research survey, commissioned by advocacy group Dental For All.

Participants were asked whether they supported dental care being brought into the public healthcare system.

In findings released on Monday, 83 percent of participants said they supported the move.

Twelve percent opposed the move and 5 percent were unsure.

The report said the move was endorsed across the political spectrum, including 88 percent of Labour-voting participants supporting the move, alongside 78 percent of National-voting counterparts.

There was a similar level of support among other political allegiances (NZ First and Greens 82 percent, ACT 85 percent, Te Pāti Māori 80 percent).

Women (87 percent) were more likely to support a move than men (79 percent), the report said.

Dental for All campaigner Hana Pilkinton-Ching said the poll showed growing public momentum behind plugging the gap in the healthcare system that leaves out dental care.

“Dental is carved out of our public healthcare system because some dentists lobbied in 1938 to keep dental out,” she said.

“But more and more people in New Zealand recognise that our mouths are part of our bodies, oral health is health, and it makes no sense for our healthcare system to keep excluding dental.”

Dental care is free for children and teenagers under 18, but it is largely privatised for adults.

Essential dental care was subsidised for people on a low income or benefit. through Work and Income.

Ministry of Social Development data shows that in the March quarter of last year, just less than 30,000 dental grants were issued, worth a total of $22.2 million.

The survey also asked participants whether dental care should be free for adults, with 80 percent supportive and 15 percent opposed.

This included Labour voters 87 percent, Greens 85 percent, NZ First 81 percent, ACT 79 percent, National 76 percent and Te Pāti Māori 72 percent.

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists’ policy research director Harriet Wild said a 2023 poll showed that 74 percent of people supported free dental care.

“This poll shows public support continues to build to bring dental into our public healthcare system,” she said.

“It makes human sense, it makes economic sense, and this polling confirms that the move would be an incredibly popular one among the wider voting public.”

A Frank Advice report released in late-2024 showed keeping dental out of the public healthcare system was costing the country $2.5 billion in lost productivity each year and $3.1b each year in reduced quality of life.

Dental for All was due to release a cost plan for an integrated oral health service for children and adults next month.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/30/free-dental-care-receives-widespread-support-in-new-survey/

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‘Very pleased’: Luck goes Lawson’s way as he scores more F1 points

Source: Radio New Zealand

Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team MARCEL VAN DORST / AFP

Smiles again for Liam Lawson as some luck went his way in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Lawson finished in the points for the third straight race after grabbing ninth position at Suzuka.

The 24-year-old had front wing issues which prevented him from getting through to Q3 on Saturday, but a good launch from the grid in the race had him up two places to 12th at the first corner.

From there he was helped by the safety car for Oliver Bearman’s crash and jumped into the points and was able to hold off Estaban Ocon for the rest of the race.

From 14th on the grid to P9, Lawson was the biggest mover of the day.

“I’m very pleased with today. From where we started and the doubts we had from yesterday’s issues, the team did a great job rebalancing the car, which led to a strong race,” Lawson said afterwards.

“We were also a bit fortunate with the Safety Car, which helped us move into the points. Without that, it would have been difficult to finish where we did, so it’s good to come away with something.

Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls at the 2026 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix. Eric Alonso / PHOTOSPORT

“That’s three point-scoring finishes in the last two races, which is a nice bit of momentum heading into the break. I’ll spend time training and with the team to reflect on the past month before Miami, as we keep working to improve.”

Lawson is 10th in the standings with 10 points as the drivers enjoy an extended break following the cancellation of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix because of the war in Iran. The next race is Miami on 3 May.

His team-mate Arvid Linblad suffered because of the safety car after pitting just before and finished 14th.

Racing Bulls team principal Alan Permane was happy with the points but admits more work is needed.

“We’re looking forward to a break now with some good upgrades to the car planned for Miami. Liam and Arvid will do a mix of training and simulator work in preparation for the upcoming races, but importantly some well-deserved rest as well.”

The safety car also helped decide the podium with Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli benefiting to win his second straight race. Oscar Piastri, who lead at the first corner, suffered and finished second with Charles Leclerc in a Ferrari third.

Mercedes F1 driver Kimi Antonelli. FLORENT GOODEN / PHOTOSPORT

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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/2026/03/30/very-pleased-luck-goes-lawsons-way-as-he-scores-more-f1-points/

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Football: All Whites seeking statement result in World Cup build up

Source: Radio New Zealand

Marko Stamenic leads the All Whites on to Eden Park during the Fifa Series. Shane Wenzlick / Photosport.nz

A “flat” performance in front of their home fans and eight games since a win is not a cause for concern leading into the Football World Cup, according to former All White and current assistant coach Simon Elliott.

On the back of two years of “progression”, Elliott is confident the All Whites are on the right track.

The broad principles of how they want to play are locked in and Elliott believes the focus will sharpen once the team arrives at the world’s most watched sporting event.

“What I think you’ll see is once the World Cup gets close, you’ll see a change. I think you’ll see a focus. I think you’ll see an elevation of everything we’re doing.”

Players and coaches were disappointed with Friday’s 2-0 loss to Finland in Auckland in the first of two games as part of a home send-off.

“You have to take it with a little bit of grain of salt. We did enough good things where we can be encouraged, but we weren’t where we wanted to be and we were short in key moments on and off the ball.

“We need to improve, but again, I think we’re a little bit closer than maybe some folks realise.”

The team will likely now need to make history if they are to leave fans with a real sense of confidence in their chances of getting out of their group for the first time at the World Cup.

The All Whites have never beaten a team from South America and Monday’s clash against Chile in the Fifa Series will be a test of tactics and mentality.

The occasion of playing at home and wanting to impress enough to book a place in the World Cup squad were some potential reasons coach Darren Bazeley floated for why the New Zealanders “didn’t look like ourselves” on Friday.

All Whites coach Darren Bazeley and assistant Simon Elliott. PHOTOSPORT

“Pressure’s going to be there whether we’re playing here or away or at the World Cup or not. That’s just part of the gig,” Elliott said.

“If we’re not used to it, then we need to get used to it because it will go up from here.

“That being said, I think most of the players where they’re playing, they’re pretty used to some kind of scrutiny, some kind of pressure.”

The World Cup is 73 days away and following the Chile match the players will return to their club environments before linking up with the national team for warm up games ahead of their opening World Cup game on 16 June (NZT).

“I think this group has shown that they’ve got a lot of potential, I think we are improving.

“It’s not linear, there’s going to be moments where we get it wrong and then we have a responsibility to have robust conversations to get it as good as we possibly can before we go into the June camp.

“So I would say we’re heading in the right direction.”

Slovakia’s Zdenko Strba and Simon Elliott during All Whites versus Slovakia at 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa. Andrew Cornaga / PHOTOSPORT

Elliott was there when the All Whites were last at the World Cup in 2010.

Leading into the tournament in South Africa, the All Whites then ranked 78th in the world upset the world number 15 Serbia in a friendly in Austria.

“The Serbia game was an important marker for that group.

“Good performance, could have gone either way, but we got the result, gave the group belief and built momentum.

“You’re always looking for things like that, the signs here are positive that one of those is coming. You never quite know when. We’ll keep working at it.”

The last home game before the World Cup against a side ranked 31 places higher than New Zealand would be as good a time as any to start building the winning momentum.

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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/2026/03/30/football-all-whites-seeking-statement-result-in-world-cup-build-up/

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Latest gauge of the country’s fuel supplies to be released today

Source: Radio New Zealand

The most recent figures showed there was 18.1 days of diesel with 28.3 days on the way. RNZ / Unsplash

The latest gauge of the country’s fuel supplies will be released on Monday, and farmers will be among those taking a keen interest.

The figures available now – showing what fuel there is and the ships on their way with more – were released on Thursday and show up until Sunday 22 March.

They revealed 24.5 days of petrol in the country, with another 24.2 on the way.

There was 20.1 days of jet fuel with 33.3 days on the way, and 18.1 days of diesel with 28.3 days on the way.

It was the diesel stocks that farmers said they would be keeping an eye on.

Federated Farmers spokesman David Birkett said up to 95 percent of farming machinery used the fuel.

“I guess what we’re looking for is at least maintaining that level, if we can hold it at those sorts of levels that would be really good to see,” he told RNZ.

“But the likelihood that it will reduce a little but more is probably quite significant as well.”

Birkett said there was a challenge in making sure land workers used only the diesel they need.

He said farmers were already limiting their use of diesel, both because of how much it costs and to conserve it.

“Even on the farm there are some activities that can be delayed or put back so it’s about making sure essential work is being done in these types of circumstances,” he said.

“It [diesel] does the heavy lifting essentially, all our transportation combines and tractors and trucks so it really is the backbone of the New Zealand economy these days.

Birkett said it was prudent for farmers to save what diesel they could early.

“Saving a few litres here and there now might make us in a better position than a months time or even two months time when things potentially good be better or they could be tighter, so it’s a bit like anything, a bit of savings earlier can quite often put you in a better position later,” Birkett said.

One grape harvester who was part-way through the harvest told RNZ last week that their supplier had already signalled tightening supplies.

They were grappling with staggering price rises the likes of which had never been seen before, he said.

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

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NZ First announces former mayor as West Coast candidate

Source: Radio New Zealand

Buller’s Jamie Cleine will run for election for NZ First, the party has announced. RNZ / Nate McKinnon

New Zealand First has revealed former Buller mayor Jamie Cleine will stand for the party in the West Coast-Tasman electorate, in November’s general election.

Cleine lost the mayoralty in the October local elections after six years in the job, during which he led work on a plan to relocate Westport over decades, in the face of climate change.

  • Ratepayers rout mayors who imposed big rises

    • He has been a dairy and livestock farmer for 26 years.

    The candidate announcement comes alongside a policy announcement NZ First wants half of the royalties from mining returned to the region it was mined from, through targeted investment, including in local infrastructure and housing.

    This would come alongside revised rules for where mining can occur, longer-term mining permits, and investment in geological surveying technology.

    Meanwhile, they would also curb the ability of the Department of Conservation to intervene by prioritising protection for areas of high conservation only, and “streamlining” timeframes for the agency, with the proviso of ensuring protection for “genuinely endangered species”.

    This would be achieved through changes to the Conservation and Wildlife Acts.

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Fisheries Bill enters murky waters

Source: Radio New Zealand

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones was initially unapologetic about the plan, but after advice from his leader and the Prime Minister, the controversial clause is gone. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

There has been a U-turn on the most controversial part of the sweeping new Fisheries Bill, but keeping undersized catches wasn’t the only fishhook in the legislation.

It was the great catch that wasn’t.

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones was forced to throw his controversial fishing clause back into the sea last week, following protests and backlash – now his “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of New Zealand’s fishing rules is set Shane to be scrutinised in parliament with its first reading.

The government is proposing sweeping changes to the Fisheries Act, aimed at making the industry more efficient, more profitable, and quicker to respond to changes in fish stocks.

But after pressure from environmental groups and recreational fishers, Fisheries Minister Jones pulled back on his contentious plan to scrap most minimum size limits for commercial fishers, effectively allowing them to land and sell baby fish, including snapper and tarakihi.

He was initially unapologetic about the plan, but after advice from his leader and the prime minister – it’s up for debate who gave it first – he pulled a late pivot last week, and the clause is gone.

“It’s quite a big development really,” says RNZ producer and reporter Ross McNaughton, who has covered the many twists and turns of the bill.

“I think it [the bill] definitely does have the potential to bite the Matua on the bum, because it is riling up a lot of people.”

Today, The Detail looks at the “complex, dense” bill, which is shaping up to be a hot political topic in an election year.

“It’s so hard to sum up because it’s such a big bill,” McNaughton says. “There is the setting of catch limits now for up to five years, there are restrictions on cameras and the fines, and even the restrictions on whether or not people can challenge these in court.

“So, there is just so much in there, it’s such a massive bill, and very hard to pin down in a headline. I guess you could say it’s very very murky waters.”

The Fisheries Minister insists the changes will cut red tape and unlock growth in a billion-dollar export sector.

But critics say it risks doing the opposite – weakening environmental protections and handing more power to big fishing interests.

Concerns are also mounting around transparency, with the proposed tweaks to on-board camera rules raising alarms about public oversight.

Recreational fishers and environmental groups warn the reforms could put pressure on already-stretched fish stocks – and limit access for everyday kiwis.

But then supporters argue the current system is outdated and slow – and say smarter, more responsive rules are long overdue.

The bill is expected to face intense scrutiny as it heads through Parliament, with the future of New Zealand’s fisheries hanging in the balance.

“The timing isn’t great, given this is an election year, and this is starting to gather a lot of political heat,” McNaughton says.

“It’s an incredibly complex issue, with passionate people on either side.”

At its core, the debate cuts to a familiar tension in New Zealand: how to protect a loved finite natural resource while supporting an industry that’s vital to regional economies.

The government maintains the reforms are about modernising an outdated system – making it more efficient, more responsive, and much better aligned with real-world fishing practices.

Now, as the bill edges closer to its next stage, many in this ocean-loving country will be watching closely.

“It is intrinsically New Zealand,” says McNaughton. “And that’s why it’s such a hot topic”.

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

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Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward councillor Christine Fletcher promises probe into unruly party

Source: Radio New Zealand

Christine Fletcher was contacted by fearful local residents. RNZ / Finn Blackwell

A councillor for the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert is asking the council’s chief executive to investigate, after an out-of-control party of teens left several injured.

Teenagers ran for their lives, when trouble broke out on Phyllis Street on Friday night.

Two people were hurt, after a vehicle drove toward partygoers, while another two were injured in wider disorder.

Neighbours said the home was listed on short-stay accommodation sites and had been used for parties before.

One neighbour said locals had raised the problem with local MPs and other authorities, but nothing had changed.

Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward councillor and former Auckland Mayor Christine Fletcher told RNZ the unrest could not happen again.

“It’s completely unacceptable,” she said. “While, at the moment, the matter sits with police, we have to – within council – look at those areas for which we’re responsible,” she said.

“Infringements, noise infringements, whether it’s the sale of alcohol… we need to actually do a check to see what complaints have been lodged over this past year, because we cannot see a repeat of that just terrible behaviour.”

Fletcher said the incident was significant and had to be taken seriously.

“Let’s leave it with police at the moment, but know that there will be an investigation going on behind the scenes.”

Fletcher said she had been contacted by two residents with young families, wondering what on earth had happened.

“We’re not living in a warzone and we do not need to see this type of behaviour. We need to get to the bottom of it and understand how this has been allowed to happen.”

Local Anna McKessar earlier told RNZ she was putting her children to bed just before 10pm, when a group of screaming teens came running towards her home.

“I was really worried about the young people that I could see, and whether they were trying to get away and whether they were safe.”

She said a few hundred people were gathered there, before violence spilt out onto the road.

“They shouldn’t have been having this ruckus party,” she said.

Another Phyllis Street resident, who did not want to be named, said she was woken by the sounds of the “violent” altercation.

“There was so many people out there screaming and shouting at each other, and they were kicking the gates and fences of random houses down Phyllis Street. It sounded like people were getting really hurt.”

Police said they wanted to hear from anyone with footage from the event or who had not yet spoken with them.

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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/2026/03/30/albert-eden-puketapapa-ward-councillor-christine-fletcher-promises-probe-into-unruly-party/

Posted on

Money: How long are KiwiSaver members waiting for withdrawals?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rising cost of living is forcing many to withdrawal from KiwiSaver early. LDR / Alka Prasad

Some KiwiSaver members are waiting months for their hardship withdrawal applications to be processed, as providers struggle with the volume.

Withdrawals from the scheme for financial hardship reasons have increased significantly in recent years.

In February, 4750 people withdrew money because of hardship, up from 4130 in February 2025, but some members have complained about how long the process can take.

Some on social media have said they applied last month and still not had a response.

RNZ surveyed providers to ask how long they typically took.

The country’s biggest provider, ANZ, said it could take up to 20 working days.

“To work within this timeline, we do require the information requested,” a spokesperson said. “It may take longer, if there are public holidays or we need to ask for more information.”

On average, its processing time was within 20 days, even though applications were up 10 percent year-on-year.

Fisher Funds said generally guided clients to allow up to 30 working days for the whole process.

“That’s probably a fair indication of where we are at the moment. November and December were particularly busy, which we expected, and this continues with new challenges hitting the family budget.

“The biggest thing people can do to help is to be thorough in sending through all their supporting documents, as this can really help speed up the first part of the process.”

Koura KiwiSaver founder Rupert Carlyon said his team would typically respond within 2-3 days of receiving an application.

“The biggest issue is the back and forth with clients,” he said. “The problem is that we often need to go back multiple times with clients, which extends out the time frames.

“The applications are not easy and we need a huge amount of information, which is what typically takes the time.”

ASB said its timeframe was for processing within 15 days from when the full application was made.

“We understand delays can happen sometimes and this can add to an already stressful time. The most common reason for delays is due to customers providing incomplete information at the time of submitting their application, so we encourage our KiwiSaver customers who are considering making a hardship withdrawal request to ensure they are providing the most up-to-date and complete set of information and evidence possible.

“Our team can support them with this.”

Milford Asset Management did not want to comment.

DebtFix founder Christine Liggins – who helps several providers, including Milford, with their hardship applications – said applications were usually turned around in a couple of days, when all the information was provided.

Pie Funds chief executive Ana-Marie Lockyer advised people to allow up to 10 working days for a hardship application to be assessed from the point the information was provided.

“In most cases at the moment, applications are being processed within around five working days. Where delays do occur, they are typically due to incomplete information.

“Hardship applications require detailed supporting documentation to ensure the request meets regulatory requirements and sometimes clients need additional time to gather that information.

“We understand these situations can be stressful, so there is a strong focus on processing applications as quickly as possible, once everything needed has been provided.”

SBS Wealth said applications were generally paid out within 15 working days. Westpac said it took eight days to begin an application review.

“The timeline for reviews can vary, from a few days to a few weeks,” Kernel founder Dean Anderson said. “The delays are often due to gathering enough information from the client upfront in order to make an assessment.

“As an industry, we would love to see the centralisation of hardship assessments – ideally handled within WINZ. This would avoid inconsistent decisions and KiwiSaver members trying to shop around for an outcome.

“It would also ensure there is direct wider support, providing full wraparound to the individual to help them with potentially other more accessible avenues for financial support.”

While providers initially assess the application, the final decision is made by the scheme’s supervisor.

One provider, Public Trust, said people understandably wanted fast responses, when they were financially stressed.

“The application process can take time, because of the strict KiwiSaver rules in place and the continued high number of withdrawals providers are managing. We work closely with providers and know they’re working hard to reduce turnaround times.

“As supervisor, we’re involved at the end of the assessment process and, once applications reach us, we return a decision to the provider within a few days.”

ASB said it was worth considering whether a withdrawal was appropriate.

“We understand many Kiwis may be doing it tough at the moment and that applying for a KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal can play a part in managing a challenging financial situation. However, this should only be explored once other options have been weighed up.

“An early withdrawal can have a significant impact on the total KiwiSaver balance a customer will have available to them once they reach retirement. We encourage any customer who’s concerned about their financial situation to get in touch with us early, so we can explore all options with them.”

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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/2026/03/30/money-how-long-are-kiwisaver-members-waiting-for-withdrawals/