Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Aussies lead the way in tourism growth

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed official stats out today showing continued growth in New Zealand’s overseas visitor numbers, with Australian tourists continuing to lead the way.

“Visitor arrivals from Australia reached 1.48 million in the September 2025 year, up from 1.33 million the year before,” Louise Upston says.

“That’s great news – an increase of 153,500, or 12 per cent, compared with the September 2024 year.

“For September years, 2025 was the second highest for the number of visitor arrivals from Australia after 2019, reflecting an increase in trans-Tasman flights, and the success of Tourism New Zealand’s Everyone Must Go campaign.

“Australians have well and truly grabbed that opportunity, and everyone has come.

“Overall, today’s data from Stats NZ shows New Zealand welcomed 248,600 international visitors in September 2025, an increase of 21,700 from September 2024. 

“This exciting increase reflects our Government’s efforts to attract more international visitors and get New Zealand’s tourism industry humming again.

The biggest changes were in arrivals for the year were:

  • Australia (up 153,000 to 1.48 million)
  • United States (up 21,000 to 381,000)
  • United Kingdom (up 20,000 to 190,000)
  • Japan (up 10,000 to 74,000)

Chinese numbers remained relatively steady at 246,100 for the period, compared to 245,800 previously.

“As well as today’s improved statistics, we’re seeing also international arrivals to Queenstown and Christchurch being the highest on record for this time of year,” Louise Upston says. 

“Accommodation in Auckland will be at full occupancy next week and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has estimated that Auckland will be at 80-85 per cent occupancy over the summer period.

“These are all promising signs and reflect the hard work the Government and the sector have been putting in together.

“We started off the year with a Tourism Boost package, developed in partnership with industry to support an immediate growth in visitor numbers. 

“We’ve continued that teamwork through September’s $70 million events and tourism investment package, alongside last week’s announcement that we are welcoming the Michelin Guide to these shores. 

“This is all part of the Government’s plan to double the value of international tourism by 2034. A thriving tourism sector is key to our economic success, and one I’m fully committed to.”

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Question Time directs rare query to non-ministerial MP

Source: Radio New Zealand

VNP/Louis Collins

The first task for MPs when the House meets at 2pm on a sitting day is an hour-long barrage of questions at the government in what is usually a lively exchange, but on Thursday’s Question Time had an extra question directed at an MP outside of the executive.

Up to 12 questions can be asked of ministers, and they must be lodged in the morning to give the minister some time to form a response. The purpose is for MPs to put ministers in the hot seat and compel them to defend their actions and policies in a public space.

Common template questions include asking ministers whether they “stand by all their statements and actions”, or “what reports/announcements they have seen or made”.

The first question is typically from the opposition in an attempt to conceal their line of questioning and test the minister’s ability to answer on the spot. The other type is usually from an MP in a government party, and gives a minister a chance to speak positively about their work – colloquially referred to as a “patsy” question because they’re easier to answer.

But Question Time isn’t limited to just quizzing ministers. Any MP can be asked a question as long as it is related to their responsibilities, and this week’s Question Time involved a question to a chairperson of a select committee.

Questions to a chairperson of a select committee must relate to a matter before the committee and a process or procedure for which the chairperson has responsibility.

Labour MP Rachel Brooking put forward a question to the chairperson of the Environment Committee, National MP Catherine Wedd, on the how much time the public would have to submit on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill.

“Why did an advertisement go out in her name allowing only 11 days for submissions on the Fast-track Approvals Amendment Bill when there was no instruction from the House for a report deadline under six months?” Brooking asked.

Wedd said the shorter time was in line with the rules of Parliament (outlined in standing orders and the guidebook to how Parliament works, Parliamentary Practice in New Zealand) and the government’s timeline to pass the bill by the end of the year.

“As the chair of the Environment Committee, I agree, as does the majority of the committee; therefore, as per Standing Order 198, I set out a timetable to ensure this expectation is met,” she said.

Questions can also be asked of MPs but again must be related to their responsibilities as a member of Parliament. An unlimited number of questions can be logged to MPs, which once resulted in an attempt to delay progress in the House by logging 700 questions in one day (98 were accepted but only seven were answered, because the MP in question wasn’t there).

Questions are published at about 11:30am on sitting days and transcribed answers can be found on Parliament’s website.

To listen to The House‘s programme in full, click the link near the top of the page.

RNZ’s The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament’s Office of the Clerk.

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

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Xero boosts profit, predicts future growth

Source: Radio New Zealand

Accounting software company Xero has had a significant increase in profit on the back of increased users and revenue.

Key numbers for the six months ended September compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $134.8m vs $95.1m
  • Revenue $1.19b vs $996m
  • Subscribers 4.59m vs 4.19m
  • No dividend

The Wellington-based but Australian-listed company reported increased earnings from individual subscribers, while it moved to build on its acquisition of US payments company Melio.

Chief executive Sukhinder Singh Cassidy said the company had looked to improve revenue generation despite a slowing in subscriber growth.

“Xero’s H1 FY26 results reinforce our ability to deliver as we continue to do what we said we would do, in line with our strategy.

“We have continued to deliver above ‘rule of 40’ outcomes and generate significant cash, underpinned by our disciplined allocation of capital.”

Sukhinder Singh Cassidy. Supplied/Xero

The “rule of 40” is an industry benchmark which combines revenue growth and its profit margin and should be at least 40 percent. It is regarded as an indication of a software-as-a-service company’s financial health.

Xero’s measure increased to 44.5 percent from 43.9 percent a year ago.

Singh Cassidy said the acquisition of US accounting platform Melio Payments would be a significant driver of future growth.

“The acquisition is a significant milestone, creating opportunities to accelerate growth and long-term value. “

She said Xero was also looking to its AI-powered JAX product, which she dubbed a financial superagent that would automate core accounting tasks while bringing efficiencies.

“We see generative AI technology as a significant opportunity to create more value for both our customers and internally at Xero.”

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

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Hastings hosts Aotearoa’s national Māori language festival Toitū te Reo

Source: Radio New Zealand

Thousands of te reo learners are gathering in Hastings for the second year Aotearoa’s national Māori language festival Toitū te Reo which is taking place on Thursday and Friday. RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Thousands of te reo learners are gathering the Hawke’s Bay for the second year Aotearoa’s national Māori language festival Toitū te Reo.

Described as a two-day “celebration, inspiration, education, and activation of the language and culture”, it is hosted in Heretaunga Hastings on Thursday and Friday.

The audience has the chance to hear from those still learning te reo, such as broadcasters Mike McRoberts and Moana Maniapoto while rubbing shoulders with long-time advocates such as Sir Timoti Karetu.

The festival is divided into two zones, Rangimamao which is entirely in te reo Māori and Pūmotomoto which is entirely in English.

RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Part of Hastings Street North is also cordoned of for kai stalls, Māori businesses and musical performances.

Festival founder and director Dr Jeremy Tātere MacLeod said it was pleasing to see people enjoying themselves and hearing the language being used.

Having two zones is to make this a welcoming space so people can participate regardless of the level of language, because even non-speakers play a huge part in championing the language, he said.

“The future of the language rests with everyone regardless of your level of proficiency and language champions come in all shapes and sizes and some of those people that championed the language back in the initial stages of the renaissance in the 70s weren’t speakers of the language but they were prepared to die for the language.”

MacLeod said one of the themes of Toitū te Reo was “te Tiro Whakaroto what can we do?”

“Toitū te Reo is about what we can do. And what we can do is look to ourselves, we can be resolute, we can be steadfast and we can put a stake in the ground and have an unwavering commitment to the language regardless of policy, rhetoric, social media, newspapers, because like anything the tide will ebb and flow.”

Leon Blake is leading one of the sessions at Toitū te Reo. RNZ / Pokere Paewai

Te reo advocate Leon Blake was leading a session on the evergreen topic of the A and O categories of te reo, two small letters that can be a big hoha for learners.

“E rongo ana e rere haere ana i waenganui i te iwi kua tae mai nei, no reira kua tino koa kua tino tau hoki te mauri.”

I’m hearing the language flow freely among all the people who have arrived today, so I’m feeling very happy and settled.

Part of Hastings Street North is also cordoned of for kai stalls, Māori businesses and musical performances. RNZ / Pokere Paewai

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

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Auckland FC owner Bill Foley sells stake in Scottish Premier League club

Source: Radio New Zealand

Texas billionaire Bill Foley who is bank rolling the new Auckland A League club. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

Auckland FC owner Bill Foley has sold his interest in Scottish football club Hibernian.

The Scottish Premier League side has confirmed that majority shareholder Bydand Sports LLC has completed the acquisition of Black Knight Football Club’s shares.

Hibs chairperson Ian Gordon said in a statement: “Over the last few months, we have had detailed conversations with the Black Knight Football Club group regarding Hibernian FC.

“During those discussions it became clear there are philosophical differences in our visions for the club. We mutually agreed this decision was best for both organisations.”

Foley, who owns English Premier League side Bournemouth, bought a 25 percent stake in Hibernian in early 2024.

Many Hibs supporters had become concerned that Hibernian FC would become a feeder club for Bournemouth, which Foley bought in 2022.

The 80-year-old billionaire has not attended a Hibs game.

Foley is the chairperson and chief executive of Black Knight Sports and Entertainment group, which also owns the Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL club.

In 2023 the Australian Professional Leagues awarded a licence to Foley’s group with Auckland FC entering the A-League in 2024.

All Whites keeper Alex Paulsen was signed by Bournemouth from the Wellington Phoenix in June 2024 and then went out on loan to Auckland FC for the 2024-25 A-League season.

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

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Bill to expand Road User Charges introduced

Source: Radio New Zealand

The shift from a system of matching odometer readings to paper labels on the windscreen, towards using subscriptions through private companies. RNZ

A bill to make road tolling easier and shift Road User Charges (RUCs) towards a digital tracking system has been introduced to Parliament.

In a statement, Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill‘s changes to road tolling would enable drivers to be charged for driving on new, better roads where there was an alternative.

“Tolling helps us bring forward investment and build the roads New Zealand needs sooner,” he said.

“Corridor tolling… allows tolling on parts of an existing road where users receive clear, demonstrable benefits from a new project in the same corridor.

“The bill also introduces new tools to manage diversion from toll roads, including the ability to restrict heavy vehicles from using unsuitable alternative routes.”

Councils would be able to use the money to help maintain the alternative routes, and costs would be tagged to inflation.

The changes to RUCs shift from a system of matching odometer readings to paper labels on the windscreen, towards using subscriptions through private companies.

Bishop said the digital devices used to track distance travelled would future-proof the system “and separates New Zealand Transport Agency’s regulatory role from its retail role so third-party providers compete on a level playing field”.

“These changes are the first step towards replacing petrol tax with RUC for light petrol vehicles. We’ll assess the improved system in 2027 before deciding on next steps for transitioning the remaining 3.5 million vehicles.”

Chris Bishop. RNZ / Nick Monro

The minister’s statement also confirmed a procurement process via the government tendering service GETS would be undertaken later this month “to test options with potential market providers on the design of new third-party RUC payment services”.

The government last March expanded the distance-based RUC charging system from applying to diesel and heavy vehicles, to also include light electric vehicles.

EVs had been exempt from the scheme since 2009, but multiple governments had proposed bringing in the charges for EVs once they accounted for 2 percent of vehicles on the roads.

EV owners pay the same $76 per 1000km rate as diesel vehicle owners, while plug-in hybrid owners pay $38. The money raised goes towards the National Land Transport Fund.

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

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New IP rules to boost research commercialisation

Source: New Zealand Government

A new national intellectual property (IP) policy will give New Zealand researchers more control over their inventions and greater opportunities to turn world-class ideas into commercial success, Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Dr Shane Reti announced today.

“New rules for managing intellectual property will ensure our brightest minds are incentivised and supported to turn ideas into impact,” says Dr Reti. 

“This approach will foster and drive more innovation so Kiwi-made discoveries reach New Zealanders and the world faster, improving lives, creating jobs and driving economic growth.”

Under the policy:

  • University researchers will have the first right to commercialise their inventions.
  • Researchers can commercialise independently or work with their university for support.
  • Where universities help, their equity stake in any spin-out company in exchange for a standard level of support will be capped at around five to ten per cent, ensuring inventors retain the majority of benefits.
  • Public research organisations will continue to have the first right to take discoveries to market, but if they choose not to, they must give the inventors the opportunity to take the lead themselves.

“Whether it’s developing new medicines, climate solutions or high-tech industries, this policy puts our world-class scientists in the driver’s seat,” Dr Reti says. 

“By giving researchers more control and clearer rewards, we’re turning great ideas into jobs, industries, and solutions for global challenges.”

Currently, each university and research organisation manages IP differently, and institutions often claim ownership of discoveries made by their researchers. This can limit inventors’ ability to commercialise their work and drive growth.

Dr Reti says the national policy will replace this patchwork system with clear, fair rules that reward inventors directly and encourage more commercialisation.

“We’re removing the handbrake on innovation. This policy creates the right incentives for researchers to take their ideas to market with the confidence that they’ll share directly in the benefits.”

From 1 July 2026, the new national IP management policy will apply to most research projects funded through the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio.

“Our goal is simple. To make it easier for great Kiwi research to become great Kiwi products. This new IP policy is about making smart choices for a better tomorrow – unlocking the full potential of our research talent to deliver jobs, growth, and solutions for the challenges ahead,” Dr Reti says.

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Tongariro National Park fire pānui #2

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  13 November 2025

Further good news from the fire ground: no new fire activity was identified yesterday by ground crews and drone surveys.

With more precise mapping we now have updated figures revealing fire has affected 2,935 ha of Tongariro National Park. This is over varied terrain including, sub-alpine scrub, alpine scrub, wetlands, frost flats and pockets of kaikawaka forest.

Following the smooth transition of fire management from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to the Department of Conservation, the situation will continue to be managed by the local DOC office, with out-of-town DOC firefighter crews heading home. The local office will continue to ensure appropriate fire containment and safety assessments occur as they start to look towards recovery and restoration of the impacted area.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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Infratil posts $2 billion first-half revenue

Source: Radio New Zealand

Infratil chief executive Jason Boyes. Supplied

Infrastructure investor Infratil has reported a strong first-half net profit, with revenue up more than a third to $2 billion.

It said underlying profit rose 7 percent, despite New Zealand’s economy remaining relatively subdued throughout the period ended in September.

Key numbers for the six months ended September compared with a year ago:

  • Net profit $631.5m* vs net loss $206.4m**
  • Revenue $1.993b vs $1.482b
  • Underlying profit $662.4m vs $68.8m
  • Total debt $2.62b vs $2.19b as at 31 March
  • Total asset value $19b versus $18.3b
  • Interim dividend 7.25 cents a share vs unchanged
  • *Reflected sale of Manawa Energy resulting net surplus of $606m
  • **Net loss reflected a number of one-time costs and a revaluation gain in the year earlier.

Infratil chief executive Jason Boyes said profit growth was largely driven by United States-based Longroad Energy, Australasia’s CDC data centre business, while capital expenses fell $52m to $1.14b on the year earlier.

“Digital and renewable energy thematics are stronger than ever, with CDC and Longroad building strong earnings momentum on the back of new waves of demand,” Boyes said.

“CDC has recently announced 140 megawatts of contracts and Longroad Energy reached financial close for 925MW of new projects.

“Gurīn Energy in Asia is another investment poised for growth and we’re always scanning for other attractive new growth sectors.”

He said the company was about 58 percent on its way to meeting its $1b divestment target, with sale agreements in place for RetireAustralia, Fortysouth and a legacy property asset. A strategic review of Qscan is also underway.

“Our focus is on simplifying our current portfolio and reinvesting in areas with strong thematic drivers, to position Infratil for continued growth and shareholder returns.”

New Zealand business performance

Despite the weak New Zealand economy, Boyes said Infratil’s New Zealand businesses had been largely resilient.

Wellington Airport reported 4 percent growth in underlying profit with international passengers numbers up 7 percent, while domestic passenger numbers fell 5 percent.

Telecommunications company One NZ, which accounted for about 58 percent of underlying profit, saw revenue rise by $14 million on the year earlier.

“Revenues have lifted through a mix of pricing and service initiatives, including the One Wallet loyalty programme and SpaceX text services – with more than 6 million texts now sent via the exclusive satellite service.”

The RHCNZ Medical Imaging business saw a pick-up in scans, though underlying profit fell on lower margins and cost inflation. However, Boyes said the outlook was more positive for the second half.

“This includes creating a standalone teleradiology service provider that will include staff and assets from Infratil’s Australian diagnostic imaging investment, Qscan, ” he said, adding its Qscan’s underlying profit rose 11 percent, with a positive mix of imaging demand and pricing changes.

Boyes said the company was poised for long-term growth, with its increased investment in Contact Energy expected to generate financial flexibility for the firm.

Underlying profit guidance for the full year ending in March was between $1b and $1.05b on a like-for-like basis, or between $960m to $1b following the sale of RetireAustralia and Fortysouth.

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

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Road blocked, Culverden Road/SH7, Culverden

Source: New Zealand Police

Culverden Road/State Highway 7, Culverden, Hurunui, is blocked due to a serious crash this afternoon.

Police were called to the single-vehicle crash, between Long Plantation Road and School Road, around 12pm.

Initial indicators are that there are critical injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised, and the road is expected to remain blocked for some time while emergency services work at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

ENDS