Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
We are asking the public for feedback on a proposal that banks must provide a minimum level of cash services so people, businesses, and community groups can withdraw cash, deposit cash, and get change free-of-charge close to where they live.
Source: Radio New Zealand
Harvest of Posy apples is under at Mr Apple’s Meeanee orchard near Napier. SUPPLIED/Mr Apple
Strong sales of premium apple varieties into Asia and the Middle East has led Scales Corporation to report a massive jump in profit.
The company’s net profit for the 2025 financial year was $117.7 million – a 137 percent lift on the year before.
Revenue was $899.9 million, up 54 percent on 2024.
The company’s horticulture division, Mr Apple, produced an underlying result of $65.2 million up 73 percent on the year before.
Managing director Andy Borland said horticulture delivered an outstanding result driven by increased apple export volumes and average prices.
“Mr Apple’s own-grown export volume was 21 percent up on last year, with our strategically important markets of Asia and Middle East comprising 84 percent of total fruit sold.
“Premium volumes accounted for approximately 74 percent of total export sale volumes, with significant growth in Dazzle and Posy as well as Red Sports varieties. We estimate that Premium apple varieties will account for around 80 percent of export volumes by 2027.”
Last year Scales also bought 240 hectares of apple orchards from Hawke’s Bay company Bostock.
Borland said the acquisition was a key component of this result, allowing it to fast-track its long-term strategy of investing in apple varieties targeted to the Asia and Middle East markets.
He said the company’s juice business, Profuit delivered another exceptional performance underpinned by strong sales prices in export markets.
Scales pet food business saw increased sales to South East Asia and The United States – the underlying result lifted 33 percent to $73.9 million.
It’s logistics arm which provides international freight services delivered another record underlying result of $7.6 million, an increase of 10 percent.
Borland noted logistics processed a significant increase in volumes due to strong volumes from the dairy sector and a positive cherry season, providing an extremely robust result for the division. It also benefited from strong apple volumes.
The outlook for the year ahead remains positive.
Company chair Mike Petersen said In FY2026, global proteins is expected to perform strongly and continue to realise the benefits of its increased investments.
“Mr Apple has commenced picking and packing for the 2026 apple season, with a crop of around 3.5 million TCEs forecast. Pricing is expected to be favourable.
“Logistics is expected to contribute positively and has seen continued strong air freight demand in the year to date,” he said.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
Finance Minister Nicola Willis. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has dismissed claims the coalition’s pay equity changes amount to an abuse of power as “hyperbole”.
An unofficial select committee run by 10 former MPs from across the political spectrum has condemned the changes, arguing the government had violated the rule of law in retrospectively cancelling existing rights and remedies.
The law cancelled 33 claims from female-dominated workforces which sought to prove they were underpaid in comparison to similar male-dominated industries, and raised the threshold for future claims.
Willis went head to head with Labour’s Tangi Utikere on Morning Report’s weekly political panel this morning.
Labour’s Tangi Utikere. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Asked how the criticism “flagrant and significant abuse of power” sat with her, Willis said it was “hyperbole”.
“The legislation passed with a majority of support from Parliament and the reason it did is that there was agreement across the three parties of government that pay equity [is] important, we need to continue it in New Zealand, but the scheme that had been designed by Labour had gotten out of control, had become far too expensive, so we tightened up the scheme.
“That has resulted in $10.8 billion which was made available in last year’s budget, being invested in additional help for children with education needs and the health system and the police system and critical frontline services.”
Utikere pushed back.
“This is not hyperbole and I’ll tell you what, Nicola is right about one thing when she says this is how the parliament works; it works this way under the current government in not having a select committee process and ramming things through all stages under urgency in an attempt to avoid clear scrutiny at all costs.
“To hear that the minister responsible is simply not going to bother reading the report is hugely disrespectful to the many, many, many women who are directly impacted by this terrible decision that this government has taken.”
Pushed on how Labour would pay for the pay equity scheme, foregoing the roughly $10b in savings, Utikere did not address the question.
“We need to understand which claims have been paid out already, which new claims have started, but let’s have no doubt about this, Labour is absolutely committed to paying women what they deserve, unlike the current government.”
Willis said it was “typical” from Labour.
“Make the promise with no idea how to pay for it and actually, we know from history how Labour would pay for it. They would borrow more and they would tax more.
“The challenge that we have with that is that that is exactly the wrong recipe for our economy right now, simply borrowing and adding to the national debt, which they more than doubled last time they were in office, simply taxing New Zealanders more, destroying their disposable income, is not a way to solve problems.”
On the coalition’s introduction of ‘move-on’ orders for homeless people, Utikere said it was a “short term band aid” solution.
“[This] government has gutted public housing. Our focus is simple, on building more homes and making housing more affordable. And if you sort out those issues, then move on orders effectively become redundant.”
He did not say Labour would commit to scrapping the move-on orders.
Willis said the coalition had built more new state homes this term than the last government had in a “previously comparable period”.
“I don’t accept the case that this government isn’t working really hard on social housing for vulnerable communities. We are, this is an ‘and’ issue.
“It’s saying, do that support but also, if there are people who continue to disrupt the peace of others, who terrorise retail shops to the extent that some have closed down here in Auckland because it’s not safe for their staff, then actually there needs to be a social response to that.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
New Zealand’s Scott Base in Antarctica, in 2023. Antactica NZ/ Anthony Powell
Antarctica New Zealand is on the hunt for 40 people willing to brave the sub-zero temperatures and work in one of the most remote places on Earth.
The organisation is looking for everything from medics to chefs, electricians and engineers for its next summer and winter seasons at Scott Base.
Antarctica NZ chief executive and scientific advisor Professor Jordy Hendrikx told Morning Report it’s not necessary to have been to Antarctica,
“Basically, we are running a small town down there. We have to manage our own water, we have to manage our own power, manage our own sewage and also all the food and all the services will be provided to support science,” he said.
“Any of those support roles are really critical for us to ensure that we can be successful with our mission down in Antarctica.”
Hendrikx said the majority of roles are for the ‘summer season’, which runs in Antarctica from September through to February. During summer in Antarctica, the sun doesn’t set.
About 12 staff stay all through winter until October, which is a 13-month season at Scott Base.
The positions are in hot demand, as going to Antarctica, for many people, is a bucket-list opportunity.
Hendrikx said successful applicants will have specific qualifications and a good, can-do attitude.
“We need that real can-do attitude and a willingness to be part of a family, and to work down there and to live down there as part of a really tight community,” he said.
“It’s more than a job.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: Radio New Zealand
LDR
Auckland Transport is warning passengers to expect delays and cancellations after a situation with trespassers near The Strand.
A travel alert issued this morning says passengers should check live departures and on platform information displays for more information.
Police and Auckland Transport have been approached for comment.
More to come…
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand is applying further sanctions on Iran, placing travel bans on members of the Iranian regime involved in the violent suppression of protests, Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced.
“It has been horrifying to witness the brutal killing of thousands of protestors in Iran,” Mr Peters says.
“Iranians have the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and access to information. Those rights have been ruthlessly violated.”
The travel bans will target 40 individuals who have perpetrated human rights abuses in Iran, including Minister of the Interior Eskandar Momeni, Minister of Intelligence Esmail Khatib, and Prosecutor-General Mohammad Movahedi-Azad. It will also include members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
New Zealand joins Australia, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada and the United States in taking this action.
The travel bans will also apply to three Iranian individuals implicated in Iran’s malign activity abroad.
“Iran’s destabilising activities are totally outside the norms of acceptable state behaviour,” Mr Peters says.
The individuals affected by travel bans will not be allowed to enter or transit New Zealand.
“Today’s actions send a clear message that those who act with callous disregard for human life are not welcome here.
“New Zealand will continue to act deliberately and alongside partners when we see actions that undermine international law and regional stability,” Mr Peters says.
New Zealand has previously announced three tranches of travel bans on 55 individuals responsible for human rights violations in Iran. New Zealand has also imposed sanctions on 29 Iranian individuals and 19 Iranian entities who have provided support to Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine.
The list of banned individuals is on the MFAT website.
Source: New Zealand Government
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomed new data that provides fresh insights into how and why New Zealanders travel domestically.
Data released in February comes from the first wave of the new Domestic Visitor Survey, which measures insights into peak and off‑peak domestic tourism in New Zealand.
“This new survey provides valuable insights into New Zealanders’ domestic travel intentions, behaviours, and experiences,” Louise Upston says.
“Three in five New Zealanders took an overnight trip in the six months to October 2025, and nearly half took a day trip. That’s incredibly useful information for understanding where and how people are choosing to travel.
“Domestic tourism contributes around 60 percent of total New Zealand tourism expenditure and is essential to many of our regional economies. Insights from this survey will help the tourism industry plan with greater confidence and respond to changing travel patterns across the country.”
This first Domestic Visitor Survey was conducted in October and November 2025, capturing data on domestic travel over the previous six months and intentions to travel domestically over the next six months.
“These insights build on the volumes and flow data released late last year, to help understand how people move around New Zealand and support local planning and investment,” Louise Upston says.
“Delivering this data within six months ensures the sector has timely, practical insights to support planning and respond to emerging travel trends.
Other key findings include:
Main reasons for past travel were to visit family and friends and to relax and unwind.
Trip satisfaction was high, with most travellers satisfied or very satisfied.
Over three-quarters intended to take an overnight trip in the following six months; over half intended to take a day trip.
Key barriers to planned travel were cost and weather conditions.
Planning relied mainly on destination websites, online resources, and recommendations from friends and family.
“We’re already seeing a positive resurgence of international visitors coming to our shores post covid. These new insights will help the industry to maximise our tourism offerings for domestic travellers, encouraging kiwis to explore more of their backyard,” Louise Upston says.
“As the country’s second-highest export earner, tourism and hospitality has a key role in New Zealand’s economic growth. As a Government, we are committed to ensuring a thriving tourism industry in New Zealand.”
The survey is undertaken by Verian on behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. Key results and interactive charts can be found on the Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre.
The next data release from the Domestic Visitor Survey is planned for September 2026 and will cover data collected in the April 2026 survey.
Editor’s note:
The first Domestic Visitor Survey took place in October and November 2025, with a sample of 2,581 New Zealanders aged 15+. The survey uses an online panel survey, with demographic quotas on age by gender, region, and ethnicity.
As with all sample surveys, there are limitations related to coverage and non-response that cannot be fully corrected. To help reduce these limitations, the survey is carefully sampled, with survey results weighted to 2023 Census demographics to ensure representativeness of the adult population.
Source: New Zealand Government
Education Minister Erica Stanford has welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations to renew the Primary Principals’ (NZEI Te Riu Roa) Collective Agreement. On 24 February, a ballot with members of the NZEI returned a majority vote to ratify the PPCA settlement, which covers around 1,300 primary principals.
“Primary principals play a key role in our schools and in the teaching workforce. They are dedicated and passionate about lifting educational achievement, and their leadership must be recognised during this important reform programme,” Ms Stanford says.
“Principals lead schools through major sector reforms and deliver on educational priorities, while playing an important role in their local communities. Their leadership is valued.”
Under the settlement terms, primary principals receive a cumulative 2.5 percent immediately, plus 2.1 percent in 12 months. The settlement introduces a $15,000 Curriculum Change Allowance paid over the term of the agreement to recognise their work to lead the implementation programme.
The Leadership in Literacy and Numeracy base payment will additionally increase to $10,000 per year over the term of the agreement, as well as other increases and new allowances.
“The settlement delivers meaningful improvements to primary principal pay and conditions. It reflects shared priorities, with a firm commitment to leading implementation of the new curriculum and lifting educational outcomes for our students.”
“I thank the Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche for seeing these negotiations through to a successful conclusion. The settlement represents a positive outcome for primary principals covered by the agreement.”
Full details of the Primary Principals’ Collective Agreement (PPCA) settlement can be found here: https://workforce.education.govt.nz/principals-and-schools/collective-agreement-negotiations
Source: Radio New Zealand
The crash on Mountain Road in Lepperton was reported at 8.45am on Wednesday. Google Maps
Emergency services are at the scene of a crash between a car and a train in New Plymouth.
The crash on Mountain Road in Lepperton was reported at 8.45am on Wednesday.
Police said initial indications are that two people have been seriously injured.
The road does not appear to be blocked, police added.
The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is continuing its work to fix the basics of New Zealand’s transport system, with public consultation opening today on two packages of practical rule changes to make everyday travel safer and cut red tape for truck operators, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
“For most New Zealanders, transport rules are not something they think about until they run into them,” Mr Bishop says.
“It might be a parent unsure whether their 10-year-old is allowed to ride their bike on the footpath, a driver not clear how much space to give a cyclist, an e-scooter rider not sure if they can use the cycle lane, a bus stuck waiting to pull back into traffic, or a truck operator tied up in paperwork just to move an empty trailer between depots.
“We are fixing the basics by making sure the rules are clear, practical, and reflect how people actually use our roads every day. This is about safer school rides, smoother bus trips, clearer guidance for drivers, and fewer compliance headaches for truck operators.
“This is technical work, but it matters in the real world. It affects how parents teach their kids to ride bikes safely, how drivers pass cyclists or horses on rural roads, how buses pull out in traffic, and how truckies get freight from A to B.”
The first package of proposals focuses on lane use and everyday road rules, aiming to make them clearer and safer for drivers, cyclists, bus users and pedestrians.
“We are seeking feedback on five practical proposals to improve the safe and efficient use of lanes and better align the rules with how people already travel,” Mr Bishop says.
Proposals include:
“Many children already ride on footpaths, although the current rule does not allow them to. Bringing the law into line with reality, with appropriate guidance and expectations around responsible riding, will help families make safer choices,” Mr Bishop says.
“I acknowledge some pedestrians, including older people and members of the disability community, may have concerns. Education and clear guidance will be important, and parents and caregivers will need to ensure children ride at safe speeds and give way to pedestrians.”
The second package focuses on heavy vehicles.
“Freight keeps our economy moving, and truck drivers are the backbone of our supply chains. We have heard clearly from operators that some of the current rules create unnecessary delays and costs without improving safety,” Mr Bishop says.
Under the proposals:
“These are practical, commonsense changes. They give operators more certainty to get on with their work, reduce compliance headaches, and support the transition to low-emissions vehicles, all while keeping safety front and centre.
“These two packages of proposals are just part of the wider Land Transport Rules Reform programme.
“Last year we reduced the frequency for vintage vehicles and private motorhomes needing to get a Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness, and in recent months we’ve consulted the public on also reducing WOF/COF frequency for light vehicles, simplifying heavy vehicle permitting, and potential safety requirements for vehicles entering the fleet. We’ll have more to say on those proposals soon.
“There’s still a lot more work to do on modernising New Zealand’s Land Transport Rules. We hear the freight and heavy vehicle sectors loud and clear when they tell us there are more changes they’d like to see, and policy work is underway to carefully consider those ideas.
“These changes are just a first step in commonsense reforms across New Zealand’s transport system. The Ministry of Transport and NZTA will build on the momentum of the programme by considering further reforms to Land Transport Rules, informed by issues that have been raised by industry and the public. There is also research underway to inform future work to enable more productive vehicles.
“We encourage parents, cyclists, bus users, disability advocates, truck drivers, transport operators, councils and everyday road users to have their say on the current proposals. Good rules are built on commonsense feedback from people who live by them.”
Notes to editors
Submissions can be made via the NZTA: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/laneuse, https://www.nzta.govt.nz/hvp-phase-2