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Local News – Stellar lineup of speakers for Porirua’s BizFest

Source: Porirua City Council

BizFest in Porirua will take place on 1 July – a day that aims to inspire, connect and share business knowledge.
Run jointly by Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and Porirua City Council, BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon celebrates the courage of those who seek new business opportunities, the wisdom of those who navigate uncertain times, and the collective resilience and strength of our people.
1 July will provide opportunities to engage in three key areas over the course of the day, with speakers, panel discussions and other kōrero:
– What’s on the economic horizon for our region and city
– How business leaders are navigating uncertain economic conditions
– Seizing opportunities during times of change and the key ingredients for innovation and success.
Key speakers include Animation Research Ltd’s Ben Taylor, Infometrics chief executive and principal economist Brad Olsen, and software engineer, director of Fibre Fale, Young New Zealander of the year and Porirua’s own Eteroa Lafaele. More will be announced soon.
Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira Pou Ohanga Boyd Scirkovich will open BizFest with an overview of the first Economic Development and Investment Strategy for the Rūnanga.
“We are excited to partner with the Council to bring BizFest to our whānau and community,” he says.
“The event is an opportunity to shine a light on local businesses doing amazing things. We are surrounded by abundant potential here in Porirua and have unique talents within our diverse communities that thrive on the global stage. We hope Bizfest provides the opportunity for people to come together to support each other and explore new areas of collaboration.”
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker, who has a background in business, says the event offers plenty to Porirua employers, business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, new and established businesspeople, and anyone wanting to be inspired.
“This will be an amazing day – what a fantastic opportunity for the business sector, which has experienced challenging times of late, to listen, share and connect,” she says.
“Porirua is a place to do business and that’s highlighted by large and medium-sized businesses establishing themselves here recently, along with our small traders that keep our city humming. Our city is always moving forward and I’m excited about BizFest showing off what we have now, what’s coming, and the innovation we’re seeing.”
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Northland Regional Council media briefs – 12 May 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

FREE CITYLINK WHANGĀREI AND SCHOOL LINK BUSES FOR YOUTH WEEK 19-24 MAY
Northland Regional Council (NRC) is celebrating Youth Week 19-24 May by providing free bus travel in Whangārei for rangatahi (young people) age 12-24.
The free bus travel is available on all CityLink and SchoolLink bus services from Monday 19 to Saturday 24 May 2025.
Young people can download a ticket from the posters around town or online, or pick up a printed ticket at schools, CityLink bus office (Vine Street car park), Youth Space, NRC Water Street reception and Whangārei Library. Show tickets to the driver when boarding the bus.
Terms and conditions apply – ID may be asked for proof of age with ticket and remember to be a respectful passenger when riding the bus and at bus stops around town. Inappropriate behaviour may result in removal of a ticket, once removed the ticket will be invalid.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON NAVIGATION SAFETY BYLAW
Northlanders are being encouraged to have their say on Northland Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw, which sets the rules for keeping people safe on the water.
The council is proposing some changes to get better alignment of rules across regions, incorporate safety improvements, and make the bylaw easier to use.
Some of the proposed changes include a new requirement to carry two forms of communication on a vessel; amending the requirements for wearing a lifejacket; and removing a clause prohibiting wind-powered board sports in the Ruakākā and Waipū estuaries as this is not considered a navigation safety issue.
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Transport – Driver well-being a key issue in survey

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Health, safety and wellbeing are big concerns for the road freight industry, a major survey of the sector has found.
The 2025 National Road Freight Industry Survey of 194 industry participants across 128 road freight businesses was run by Research NZ on behalf of advocacy group Transporting New Zealand. The survey was also promoted by the New Zealand Heavy Haulage Association and Groundspread NZ and represents the most extensive industry snapshot in more than a decade.
A total of 78 per cent of respondents in the survey called for more purpose-designed rest stops for drivers, and 72 per cent said it was important for drivers to have a good work-life balance.
Finding new drivers and an aging workforce were also big issues for the sector. Almost one-half of industry respondents (47 per cent) indicated that “up to 25 per cent” or more would retire or leave the industry in the next five years.
The survey painted a gloomy picture for business at the moment – only 34 per cent of those surveyed expected their financial situation to improve over the next 12 months, and only one in four respondents reported having sustainable operating margins.
Concerns about the state of New Zealand’s roads were nearly universal. The vast majority (93 per cent) agreed that poor road maintenance is putting truck drivers and other road users at risk. A significant number (84 per cent), believed that regional roads and bridges are neglected, and that delays in replacing the Cook Strait ferries pose a major risk (79 per cent).
However, one bright spot in the survey for truck drivers is how the public sees them.
While freight industry people believe the public have a negative perception of professional drivers, that is not the case. A poll of 1000 New Zealanders conducted by Research NZ painted a more favourable picture, with 52 per cent saying they view professional road freight drivers positively; and only 7 per cent expressing a negative view. (Only 20 per cent of industry people had thought the public viewed them positively.)
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Universities – Gowns flying, whānau crying—it must be Te Herenga Waka graduation week

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

With over 2,600 graduates, two parades, and eight ceremonies, this May graduation will fill Wellington’s streets with cloaked and capped graduates.

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s graduates will honour the community that saw them through and the connections they have made, as they cross the stage.

Among those crossing the stage this graduation will be Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, our first Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Pasifika), who is being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature, after leaving her position at the start of this year.

The inaugural recipients of our Master of Criminology, as well as an early graduate of the Bachelor of Global Studies, will also be graduating in the May ceremonies.

Parades on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May will see graduates walk from the Government Buildings to Queens Wharf Square, before our ceremonies are held at Michael Fowler Centre.

“This is a time to recognise academic achievement, but also to acknowledge the perseverance and resilience it has taken our graduates to achieve their goals.

“We are in a time of global change, but our graduates have developed values and relationships that will sustain them throughout their lives,” says Chancellor Alan Judge, who will preside over graduation for the first time in his new role.

“To our graduates—our future leaders and innovators, I look forward to walking alongside as you lead us into the future with creativity, empathy, and determination,” says Mr Judge.

The University will award PhDs to 50 graduates at the May ceremony. These graduates have added significantly to research in their fields, across the sciences, social sciences, arts, and beyond.

Vice-Chancellor Nic Smith says this cohort of graduates deserve every moment of praise for their incredible accomplishments.

“Our graduates are wonderful ambassadors for the remarkable work taking place at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington. The impact of our university on society is significant, and we are proud to see our graduates take their skills, connections, and commitment to community into the public, creative, and commercial sectors that underpin our society.

“I look forward to witnessing the contributions they will make as they join our global network of 150,000 alumni. Congratulations to all our graduates — we celebrate your achievements and look forward to your future successes.”

About Graduation

Graduation ceremonies 

Monday 12 May 

Pasifika Celebration, 5.30 pm, The Hub


Tuesday 13 May 

Ceremony 1 – 9.30 am, Michael Fowler Centre

 

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

 

Ceremony 2 – 3 pm, Michael Fowler Centre

 

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Faculty of Education

 

Parade 1 – 1 pm, Old Government Buildings – Queen’s Wharf Square

Students from Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, Architecture and Design Innovation, and Health

 

Wednesday 14 May 

Ceremony 3 – 9.30 am, Michael Fowler Centre

 

Faculty of Architecture and Design Innovation

Faculty of Health

 

Ceremony 4 – 3 pm, Michael Fowler Centre

 

Faculty of Engineering 

Faculty of Science

 

 

Thursday 15 May 

Ceremony 5 – 9.30 am, Michael Fowler Centre

 

Wellington School of Business and Government

 

Ceremony 6 – 3 pm, Michael Fowler Centre

 

Faculty of Law 

Wellington School of Business and Government

 

Parade 2 – 1 pm, Old Government Buildings – Queen’s Wharf Square

Students from Faculties of Law, Science, Engineering, and the Wellington School of Business and Government

 


Friday 16 May—Te Hui Whakapūmau

Ceremony 1 – 9.30 am, Te Herenga Waka Marae

 

Wellington Faculty of Education

Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

 

Ceremony 2 – 2 pm, Te Herenga Waka Marae

 

All other faculties 

 

 

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Protect the Tribunal, Protect the Treaty: Oppose the Government’s Review of the Waitangi Tribunal – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government’s proposed review of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975 is a clear attempt to undermine the Tribunal’s independence and diminish Māori rangatiratanga, the PSA says.
Janice Panoho, Kaihautū Māori of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, rejects Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka’s claim that the review is intended to “refocus” the Tribunal to its original intent.
“Māori and Treaty partners across the motu see this move for what it is: a political attempt to weaken one of the few institutions that holds the Crown accountable to its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Panoho says.
“For nearly 50 years, the Waitangi Tribunal has played a vital role in advancing justice for Māori. It has provided a platform for Māori voices, upheld the mana of Te Tiriti, and made recommendations that have shaped the very foundations of the Māori-Crown relationship,” Panoho says.
“This review is not about efficiency or clarity, it is about control. It is a clear attempt to undermine the Tribunal’s independence and diminish Māori rangatiratanga.
“The proposal to limit the Tribunal’s scope and reframe its inquiries according to a political agenda, as outlined in the coalition agreement between National and New Zealand First, is deeply concerning. Rather than strengthening the Tribunal, the review threatens to erase decades of progress toward honouring Te Tiriti and addressing the injustices faced by generations of whānau, hapū, and iwi.
“The so called Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG), despite including a handful of Māori members, lacks transparency and accountability. It is not representative of the whānau, hapū, and iwi who have engaged with the Tribunal for decades. The rushed timeline for engagement and legislation adds to the concerns.
“This review occurs at a time when Māori communities are already experiencing the impacts of cost-cutting measures across Te Arawhiti, Te Aka Whai Ora, and other kaupapa Māori initiatives. The cumulative effect is a sustained attack on Māori rights, institutions, and leadership.
The PSA and Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina, which represents the PSA’s 11,000 members who identify as Māori, strongly oppose the move and call on the Government to:
  • Halt the review of the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975
immediately.
  • Uphold the integrity and independence of the
Waitangi Tribunal.
  • Honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi in both word and
  • Engage meaningfully with Māori, not after
decisions are made, but before.
“The future of the Waitangi Tribunal is not just a Māori issue, it is a matter of national integrity, justice, and honouring our founding covenant,” Panoho says.
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Education – New leadership for school boards association

Source: Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa (NZSTA)

Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa – New Zealand School Boards Association (formerly NZSTA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Meredith Kennett as Interim President, following the recent departure of long-serving President Lorraine Kerr MZNM.
Lorraine recently departed NZSBA after some 19 years as President and after an even longer period of involvement in the organisation since becoming a school board member in 1989.
NZSBA and its members wish her the very best for the future.
Meredith, who is in her second term on the organisation’s National Board, will lead it through to the next board and president elections in 2026.
Meredith brings a wealth of experience in leadership, communication, and governance. She has spent most of her career in professional learning & development and human resources, working as a consultant to a wide range of government agencies, schools and private organisations.
She joined the Hobsonville Point Schools board in 2014 and became a member of the Whangārei Girls’ High School board in 2021. Meredith was first elected to the National Board of NZSBA in 2020 and, in 2022, became a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.
On being appointed Interim President, Meredith says she is “incredibly proud and humbled” to be entrusted by her fellow National Board members to lead the organisation forward. She looks forward to being a “fresh set of eyes” and helping the organisation grasp the significant opportunities for it that lie ahead.
NZSBA warmly welcomes Meredith into the role and look forward to her leadership as we continue to grow and evolve to meet the needs of school boards throughout Aotearoa.
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Arrests and impounds following tangi in Gisborne

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have made several arrests and impounded vehicles following a gang tangi in Gisborne, attended by up to 400 gang members and associates.

The significant operation saw local Police supported by staff from neighbouring Districts including the Police Eagle helicopter, Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk said.

“Our focus today was the safety of the Gisborne community and those attending the tangi. In the lead up to today’s event, Police have been engaging with the family of the deceased, and gang leaders, who have passed on the message that we would be highly visible and enforcing the law.

“It’s disappointing to see some people choosing to break the law, but that number is small compared to how many people were attending the tangi. A big part of that can be put down to the engagement we’ve had with gang leaders and the responsibility that they took for regulating the behaviour of their members.”

At least four individuals were arrested or summonsed for public display of gang insignia and will appear in court in the coming days.

One motorbike rider failed to stop twice for Police following a sustained loss of traction. The bike was recovered and has been impounded for six months. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the rider.

Another three vehicles have been impounded for 28 days, two for dangerous driving, and one for driving while suspended.

Several people were also seen leaning out of the windows of vehicles. Police are aware of their identities and will be following up with them.

“While the tangi may have finished, our work to enforce the law has not.

“Additional Police will be working through the night across Gisborne, carrying out reassurance patrols in the community and monitoring driving behaviour on our roads,” Inspector Kirk said.

Police encourage anyone who witnessed illegal or intimidating behaviour around the tangi to make a report online or call 105. Please reference the file number 250511/1622.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Stats NZ information release: Ready-mixed concrete: March 2025 quarter

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Ready-mixed concrete: March 2025 quarter – 12 May 2025 – Ready-mixed concrete statistics provide an indicator of construction activity.

Key facts

  • In the March 2025 quarter, the actual volume of ready-mixed concrete produced was 854,509 cubic metres, down 1.5 percent compared with the March 2024 quarter.
  • In the year ended March 2025, 3.8 million cubic metres of ready-mixed concrete was produced, down 5.4 percent compared with the year ended March 2024.
  • In seasonally adjusted terms, the volume of ready-mixed concrete rose 1.4 percent in the March 2025 quarter, following a 4.6 percent fall in the December 2024 quarter.

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Electricity and gas to be included in the monthly selected price indexes – Stats NZ media release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Electricity and gas to be included in the monthly selected price indexes – 12 May 2025 – Stats NZ will begin publishing indexes for electricity and gas as part of the monthly selected price indexes (SPI).

The April 2025 SPI, scheduled for release on 15 May 2025, will be the first to include the indexes, which will be part of the housing and household utilities group.

General manager and macroeconomic spokesperson Jason Attewell said this is the next step in Stats NZ’s continued commitment to improving and modernising the economic data it produces.  

“The cost of electricity and gas prices are important to New Zealanders, especially as we head into winter. Adding these components to our monthly release now will provide decision makers and the public more timely information about energy costs,” Attewell said.

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Wapiti Herd of Special Interest process begins

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager will consider formally designating wapiti deer as a Herd of Special Interest (HOSI) in Fiordland National Park, which could cover more than 190,000 hectares. It is the second HOSI to be considered this year, following launch of the sika deer HOSI process in April.

“The wapiti HOSI represent an opportunity for economic growth in regional New Zealand. Better, healthier deer herds provide opportunities for domestic and international visitors to hunt the only free-range wapiti herd outside of North America,” Mr Meager says.

“The wapiti HOSI builds on existing community efforts of the hunter-led Fiordland Wapiti Foundation to manage the deer population for hunting and conservation purposes. The Foundation have been successfully managing populations in the Fiordland National Park for years, and this HOSI will give certainty and support to continue their work for years to come. 

“Not only do they undertake regular culling and manage the popular wapiti ballot, they maintain tracks and huts, and carry out thousands of hours of trapping to better protect vulnerable native species like whio/blue duck. A successful HOSI will improve herd and trophy health, better manage the impact of valued and other introduced species and continue to improve conservation outcomes such as improved biodiversity and protection for native flora and fauna.”

The next phase will involve targeted engagement with iwi/hapū and stakeholders – including Forest and Bird, the Ministry for Primary Industries, the Game Animal Council, the Conservation Authority, relevant regional councils, and conservation boards.

The Department of Conservation will publicly notify a draft herd management plan after engagement with key parties is complete. This is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2025.

To support the wapiti HOSI, the Government will also introduce a bill to Parliament to clarify the designation of HOSI in national parks, through a small amendment to the Game Animal Council Act 2013. The bill will clarify that HOSI can be established in national parks as was originally intended and clarify the existing legislation.

“The legislation for HOSI needs to be clear and unambiguous,” Mr Meager says.

“The National Parks Act’s requirement to ‘exterminate’ introduced animals as far as possible is clearly at odds with the purpose of designating a HOSI, which is to manage game animals for hunting and conservation outcomes.

“The GAC Act always intended for HOSI to be allowed in national parks, and by introducing this bill, we aim to provide clarity for all involved. The legislation will retain the requirements for HOSI to be consistent with New Zealand’s wider conservation framework, including the preservation of indigenous habitats and natural features.”

“The public will have the opportunity to submit on the bill at the select committee stage and I look forward to hearing more about how we can improve conservation outcomes through hunting.”