Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Consumers price index: March 2025 quarter missing vehicle relicensing fee increase – We have identified that vehicle relicensing fee increases were not captured in the consumers price index (CPI) March 2025 quarter, released on 17 April 2025.

The CPI March 2025 headline figure will not be updated. CPI data published on 17 April remains the official measure of inflation. We will capture the impact of the vehicle relicensing fee increase and incorporate this in the CPI June 2025 quarter release.

Background 

On 1 January 2025, vehicle relicensing fees increased by $25. While these prices were collected by Stats NZ, the increases were not included in our CPI calculations.

We have investigated the impact of this. Had the increase been captured, the CPI all groups inflation would have increased by an additional 0.1 percentage points, as shown in the table below.

Next steps 

We will capture the impact of the vehicle relicensing fee increase and incorporate this in the CPI June 2025 quarter release. This is our standard approach for data updates to the CPI. We have confirmed with key customers that this is their preferred approach. CPI is widely used for contract indexation which is why it is not changed after publication.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

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Source: ASB

ASB will support customers affected by extreme weather events impacting the South Island and lower North Island, with tailored packages including suspension of home loan repayments and emergency overdraft facilities available for personal, business and rural customers.

ASB Executive General Manager for Personal Banking Adam Boyd says ASB’s team is available to help any customers who require financial assistance or support.

“We know this may be a stressful time and our thoughts are with those impacted by the extreme weather. Our teams are on standby to talk through relief options for customers that have damage to their homes, properties or businesses and need support. We are here to help.”

Emergency assistance can be offered to personal, farming and business customers on a case-by-case basis, including:

• Option to suspend home loan principal repayments for up to three months
• Immediate consideration of requests for emergency credit card limit increases and overdraft facilities
• Tailored solutions for eligible ASB business and rural customers including access to working capital of up to $100,000.

Personal customers needing support should call our contact centre on 0800 803 804. Alternatively, customers can email hardship@asb.co.nz.  Affected ASB business and rural customers should speak to their relationship manager or call 0800 272 287.  

Further detail on available support is available at Extreme weather support l ASB.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey is pleased to be in Wairoa today as part of the Rural Health Roadshow across the country.
“I was pleased to begin the roadshow in Levin recently where I had the opportunity to hear from the local community and people working in rural health about their access to health care, what’s working well and what’s not. I look forward to continuing momentum by hearing from those living in Wairoa today,” Mr Doocey says.
“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health and mental health outcomes, particularly for the one in five living in our rural communities.
“The Rural Health Strategy was published in 2023 and sets the direction for improving the health of people who live in rural communities. I now want to hear today from the public and those working in rural health in Wairoa on how well the strategy is being implemented.
“As Minister for Mental Health, I also committed to sustainably fund the Mana Ake school-based mental wellbeing programme to ensure its roll out to all of Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti’s primary and intermediate schools, including those in Wairoa.
“Early intervention and prevention are one of my priorities. I’ve committed to it in my mental health targets as we know it’s one of the best ways to increase access and encourage better mental wellbeing for young New Zealanders, both rural and urban.
“I have been heartened to hear positive feedback so far on the roadshow from many people who appreciate the opportunity for the voices of our rural communities to be heard.” 
Note for editors:

Join your local community roadshow event to ensure your voice is heard. To register, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website
The remaining Rural Health Roadshow locations and dates:

Wairoa – 1 May
Wānaka – 1 July
Oamaru – 2 July
Hanmer Springs – 7 July
Gore – 8 July
Tūrangi – 6 August
Kaitaia – 7 August
Hāwera – 23 September
Te Kuiti – 24 September
Greymouth – 30 September
Thames – 1 October

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The 123 Youth Members of Parliament and 20 Youth Press Gallery members officially announced for 2025 represent the best of New Zealand, Youth Minister James Meager says.
“Our Youth MPs come from a wide range of backgrounds, and each have their own unique story, bringing diverse points of view to Parliament and a fresh way of looking at the biggest challenges we face,” Mr Meager says.
“Youth MPs will now engage with other young people in their community to gather their ideas and bring those views to Parliament, while Youth Press Gallery members will be drawing attention to the issues the Youth MPs are working on and helping generate interest around what happens.
“They will then take part in the Youth Parliament on 1 – 2 July in the Parliamentary precinct in Wellington, experiencing first-hand what it’s like to be at the highest decision-making table in the country.”
Among the 123 Youth MPs selected by MPs to participate this year are Maevi Fleming (17) from Roncalli College in Timaru who has been nominated by Mr Meager as his own Rangitata Youth MP.
Mr Meager says Maevi was someone who grew up in a similar background as he did, and who is now an advocate for a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Other talented young people taking part include Abby Plom (17) from Auckland, selected by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and representing Botany.
Through her roles as School Student Representative and Chairperson of the Howick Youth Council, Abby says she’s realised how important it is for youth to be represented and heard, and how much work still needs to be done to create a fairer, more inclusive community.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins has chosen Ryan Grant-Derepa (17) from Upper Hutt as his Remutaka Youth MP.
Ryan wants to advocate for better pathways into employment so every young person, no matter their background, has the chance to build a future they can be proud of.
Youth Parliament also has its own Youth Press Gallery. Korus MacDonald (16) from Havelock North is the youngest Youth Press Gallery member selected for 2025.
Korus says the role of the Press Gallery within our democratic Parliament is a key interest of his, and he’s excited for the insights and learning experiences this opportunity will bring.
“Young people are our future, and it is fantastic we have youth who are passionate about causes that affect us all, both in and out of politics – and who have an interest in working to help make a difference. I encourage them to give their absolute best in every area,” Mr Meager says.
“I also want to acknowledge the members of the Multi-Party Reference Group in Parliament who’ve supported me in guiding Youth Parliament 2025, as well as the work of the previous Minister for Youth Matt Doocey for his advocacy in continuing Youth Parliament this year. I can’t wait to see what our young people deliver at Youth Parliament 2025.”

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

New data released today shows steady improvements in childhood immunisation rates across the country, highlighting the Government’s commitment to ensuring every child gets the best start in life, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Improving childhood immunisation rates is a priority for our Government. The latest quarterly figures show immunisation coverage has improved across nearly all age milestones, with particularly strong gains at six, 12, and 24 months,” Mr Brown says.
“Overall, 24-month coverage for the second quarter of 2024/25 is up 2.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter. It’s encouraging to see our targeted approach, made possible by our Government’s record $16.68 billion health investment over three Budgets, is delivering real results.
“We’re seeing some standout improvements across the country. In Tairāwhiti, coverage at 24 months is up 12.7 per cent. The West Coast also saw a 12.7 per cent increase, with Taranaki up 5.4 per cent and Auckland up 4.5 per cent.”
The improvements reflect the Government’s health targets in action, which is focussing the health system on improving outcomes for Kiwis.
“Our Government is focused on delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders. By investing in community-based services and growing our frontline workforce, we are enabling our health system to protect our most vulnerable.
“These results are a step in the right direction, and our focus remains on meeting our target of 95 per cent of children being fully vaccinated by 24 months of age.”

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Trade, Investment and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has wrapped up a successful programme hosting Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng Abdulrahman A. AlFadley, in Auckland this week for the 9th New Zealand–Saudi Arabia Joint Ministerial Commission.
“This visit builds on growing momentum in our trade relationship with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region following the conclusion of the New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement,” Mr McClay said.
“With Saudi Arabia being our largest export market in the Gulf and the GCC trade deal soon to be signed, we’re opening new doors for Kiwi exporters —particularly in agriculture, agri-tech, food innovation and fintech.”
The delegation of 37 Saudi officials and business leaders engaged in a packed programme, highlighting New Zealand’s strengths across food security, innovation, and primary production.
Businesses and organisations visited included:

Auckland Business Chamber
Vessev (Electric hydrofoil vessel)
Westbury Stud Farm
University of Auckland (Space Institute and satellite testing)
Moana Seafood
Fonterra  
The FoodBowl-NZ Food Innovation Auckland

“From dairy and seafood to clean tech and research partnerships, the opportunities for collaboration are real and growing. The GCC trade agreement will deliver duty-free access for 99% of our exports over time and ensure New Zealand businesses are well-positioned in one of the world’s most dynamic regions,” Mr McClay says.
“The Government is focused on unlocking export growth and backing New Zealand’s exporters to succeed globally.”