NZ Engine

Category: MIL-OSI

  • Release; Budget should not be paid for by working women

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government must do three things in Budget 2025 if it is genuinely going to turn things around for New Zealanders.

    “First, it will need to properly fund our frontline public services,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

    “Second, it will need to provide a credible answer to how the Government is going to fund all of its promises, and that should not be at the expense of working women.

    “Third, they need to show they have a plan to invest in our future. To rebuild our ageing schools, hospitals, public homes and infrastructure. To create jobs, upskill our workers, and raise wages and living standards.

    “Because fundamentally, good economic management is about people. Shifting numbers around on a page while making life harder for everyday working Kiwis is not a sign of success.

    “Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis say there is no alternative. But there is always an alternative – choosing billions in tax breaks for landlords and tobacco companies are not the choices Labour would have made.

    “Borrowing $12 billion for tax cuts while cutting jobs, cutting investment, and cutting hope for future generations are not choices Labour would make.

    “A good, responsible manager of New Zealand’s economy would not fund their Budget by cutting women’s pay,” Chris Hipkins said.

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  • Tupu Accelerator continues to nurture seeds of Māori startup economy

    Source: Tapuwae Roa

    Tapuwae Roa has welcomed ten Māori-founded startups into the 2025 Tupu Accelerator cohort, continuing its mission to grow the Māori startup ecosystem in Aotearoa.
    Delivered in partnership with Sprout Agritech and co-funded by Callaghan Innovation, the eight-week programme now enters its second year and continues its mission to provide intensive support to early-stage Māori founders.
    Participants will work with experienced coaches to refine their business models, strengthen operational capability, and prepare for investment, and present at a capstone showcase in June.
    Recent research commissioned by Tapuwae Roa found that just 5% of Aotearoa’s 2400 startups have Māori founders. The findings also highlighted key challenges for Māori founders, including limited access to investment, capability-building opportunities, and a lack of cohesive support networks.
    Tupu aims to address these gaps by providing a kaupapa-Māori approach to business support, with structured guidance, grounded mentorship, and a platform to scale.
    For BEINGS founder Léon Bristow (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manu), joining the cohort is an opportunity to grow alongside others who share a values-based approach to business.
    “I’m genuinely moved to have been selected for this year’s Tupu Accelerator programme. Coming from an industry with only 4% Māori, I look forward to being supported by others who see pakihi through a similar lens. This experience will not only benefit my own professional and personal growth, but hopefully other Māori that I hope to influence and inspire,” says Bristow.
    Lui Hellesoe (Tūhoe), founder of KiwiData, says Tupu provides the structure and support to grow a business grounded in kaupapa Māori.
    “Getting into the Tupu Accelerator is a big step for me and for KiwiData. I built this company to solve real problems that Māori and Pacific businesses face when it comes to AI. This opportunity gives me the support and backing to grow something that reflects who we are and how we work. It means I can build with purpose, stay grounded in our values, and scale a business that creates space for our people in the future of tech.”
    The 2025 Tupu Accelerator Showcase will be held on 26 June 2025 at the Auckland Art Gallery. Earlybird tickets are on sale now for $110 +GST: https://tupu2025.lilregie.com
    TUPU ACCELERATOR 2025 COHORT:
    • Green Waste Products NZ: Koro Carman (Ngāpuhi) & Simon Tanner
    • Girl Native: Rawinia Rimene (Whakatōhea)
    • BEINGS: Léon Bristow (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Manu)
    • Performnz IQ: Pele Aumua (Ngāi Tahu/Kāi Tahu) & Maraki Aumua (Ngāi Tahu/Kāi Tahu)
    • Makachilli: Hira Nathan (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga)
    • KiwiData: Lui Hellesoe (Tūhoe)
    • Aro: Tina Wickliffe (Ngāti Porou)
    • Mauriora Kombucha: Tamara Kirwan (Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Julian Kirwan (Ngāti Tūwharetoa) & Keela Atkinson (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga)
    • Plunge Lab: Oliver George (Tūhourangi) & Teancum Kahaki (Ngāti Porou)
    • Takesfour: Jenny Steward (Ngāti Maniapoto) & Renee McCallum (Ngāti Pikiao/Te Arawa) 

    TE ARA TAKATŪ: PATHWAYS FOR MĀORI ENTREPRENUERSHIP RESEARCH REPORT Te Ara Takatū explores Aotearoa New Zealand’s venture capital ecosystem and provides supportive advice and insights to Rakahinonga Māori (Māori entrepreneurs) to become ‘investment ready’, navigate their pathways, and become more successful in the early stages of startup growth. As a joint research endeavour by Tapuwae Roa and PWC New Zealand, with support from New Zealand Trade & Enterprise, this report seeks to provide the playbook for Māori startups on the path to gaining investment. Read the full report here: https://www.tapuwaeroa.org/te-ara-takatu/

  • Emerging tech entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia to visit New Zealand this month

    Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

    Ten emerging tech entrepreneurs from Southeast Asia will visit New Zealand from 18-25 May to meet with leading innovators and businesses and attend a number of tech events.
    Their visit is part of the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI), managed by the Asia New Zealand Foundation on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
    The initiative facilitates trade and builds networks and connections between entrepreneurs and business leaders in Southeast Asia and in New Zealand.
    The delegation represents a diverse mix of cutting-edge sectors, including med-tech, AI, digital mobility and eCommerce. Fam Alonto, a participant from the Philippines and founding partner of Embiggen Group, says:
    “I believe innovation happens through meaningful relationships and open collaboration. The YBLI programme is a great chance to connect, learn and build partnerships across ASEAN and New Zealand. For me, this visit is about more than business-it’s about building relationships that spark real ideas.”
    Dr Elaine Chan, co-founder and CEO of Vidanex, Malaysia, adds:
    “As a medtech entrepreneur based in Kuala Lumpur, I’m looking forward to meeting other innovators from Southeast Asia [on the delegation] and learning about New Zealand’s health tech scene. This visit is a great chance to learn from each other and explore ways we might work together in the future.”
    During their week-long programme, the group will meet with New Zealand companies such as Sharesies, Partlyand Outset Ventures, and engage with startup and innovation communities in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
    The visit will conclude with the NZ Hi-Tech Awards gala dinner, one of New Zealand’s premier events celebrating innovation and technological excellence.
    Asia New Zealand Foundation Chief Executive, Suzannah Jessep, said the visit reflects the best of how the YBLI programme is evolving – bringing in dynamic, cutting-edge innovators to brainstorm and share ideas with their New Zealand-based counterparts.
    “To date, we have worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and seen many partnerships and ideas flourish. Southeast Asia is a region of growing importance for New Zealand. Through initiatives like YBLI, and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, we’re helping to lay the groundwork for future partnerships and cross-border collaboration.”
    Since its inception in 2011, the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative has facilitated visits for more than 130 ASEAN entrepreneurs to New Zealand and supported over 80 New Zealand entrepreneurs in exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia. In total, the YBLI Network numbers over 270 entrepreneurs.                               
    For more information, contact: Taniya Scott, director communications and media | Asia New Zealand Foundation | email: tscott@asianz.org.nz
    Meet the 2025 ASEAN YBLI Tech delegation:
    • Anugrah Nurrewa – Founder and CEO, Komuto (Indonesia): Delivering real-time urban mobility solutions for public transport.
    • Dr Darren Gouk – Founder, AOne (Malaysia): Providing management software for over 2,000 education centres in Southeast Asia.
    • Dr Elaine Chan – Co-founder and CEO, Vidanex (Malaysia): Using AI and digital pathology to improve cancer diagnostics. [Available for interview]
    • Ella Trinh – Co-founder and COO, Vulcan Augmetics (Vietnam): Developing affordable prosthetics and wearable tech for amputees in emerging markets and conflict zones.
    • Fam Alonto – Founding Partner, Embiggen Group (Philippines): Driving digital transformation and inclusive growth in Southeast Asia. [Available for interview]
    • Nelson Shih – Co-founder and COO, Oakra (Thailand): Enabling Southeast Asian manufacturers to scale eCommerce through logistics and analytics.
    • Nik Muhammad Amin – Founder and CEO, Moovby (Malaysia): A peer-to-peer car-sharing platform transforming urban mobility. [Available for interview]
    • Tan Sukhonpanich – Chief Product Officer, FutureSkill (Thailand): Advancing tech-driven workforce learning and upskilling.
    • Thang Pham – Founder and CEO, Mamibabi (Vietnam): AI-powered parenting app for pregnancy and childcare support.
    • Dr Yen Nguyen – Chief Business Officer, Quickom (Vietnam): Working at the intersection of education, innovation and social impact. [Available for interview]
    About the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono
    Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia insights and experiences. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia, by providing research, insights and targeted opportunities to grow their knowledge, connections and experiences across the Asia region. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports. 

  • Health – Signs of Progress in Tobacco Control Sector: New Bill and Council Action Offer Hope

    Source: Hapai Te Hauora

    Amid recent setbacks in New Zealand’s Smokefree efforts, two new developments bring fresh momentum to tobacco harm reduction that have renewed hope in our goals for a healthier Aotearoa.
    Health spokesperson Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall has launched the Tobacco Transparency Bill, aimed at stopping tobacco industry lobbying in health policy. “Around the world, tobacco companies have a long history of influencing and weakening health policies to better suit their bottom line. This Bill will address those influences and help us protect people’s health…,” said Dr Verrall.[1]
    This Bill follows growing calls for stronger lobbying regulations in New Zealand politics. There is a pressing need for greater transparency and accountability, especially among those whose decisions directly impact public health outcomes. If passed, the Tobacco Transparency Bill would help the government understand its duties under international law and could lead to stronger rules around emerging nicotine products.
    Similarly, Far North District Council votes to develop a Smokefree/Vapefree policy for public spaces. The council’s decision follows a new study linking vaping to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), adding urgency to calls for regulation.[2]
    These developments offer timely encouragement for Smokefree and Vapefree advocates across Aotearoa as we mark World Smokefree May. Jasmine Graham, National Tobacco Control Manager at Hāpai te Hauora says, “While major challenges remain, these steps offer hope that momentum toward a healthier, smokefree Aotearoa is not lost.” 

  • Politics and Education – Maths Support Funding a Mixed Bag say Principals

    Source: NZ Principals Federation

    “All new funding for curriculum is welcome funding,” said Leanne Otene, President of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF), in response to the Minister of Education’s announcement to fund the mathematics curriculum an additional $100m over four years.
    The funding is intended for early intervention – $4million for maths checks at year 2 – $56 million for 143 full time maths intervention teachers for targeted support for years 0 – 6 students, and $40million for small group tutoring for up to 34,000 year 7 – 8 students.
    On the year 2 maths check Otene said, “Our teachers already know the curriculum expectations at year 2, and teachers know which students are not meeting those expectations,” she said. 
    “There is much research evidence to show that compulsory testing in primary school leads to negative unintended consequences which are not helpful,” said Otene.
    “What we need is additional support to help develop positive attitudes to maths, and build confidence in our young students,” she said, “and $4 million won’t be enough to do that.
    “The $56 million for 143 new full time maths intervention teachers for our year 0-6 children would be very helpful,” said Otene, ” and if the Minister can find and appoint those teachers full time, that could make a difference,’ she said. 
    “The remaining $40million for small group tutoring for year 7-8 students not yet meeting the curriculum expectations, is great, but it would be helpful to first see the outcome of the pilot study currently underway with these students,” she said, “before committing to a particular course of action.”
    “The Minister has been clear that the maths intervention money is to target tier 2 support  – targeted class intervention, rather than our most vulnerable students requiring tier 3 support,” said Otene. 
    “We trust that the Minister is saving her biggest learning support funding boost for Budget Day,” she said. 

  • Appointments – GUARDIANS APPOINTS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

    Source: New Zealand Super Fund

    The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, manager of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, has appointed Paula Steed to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer.

    Ms Steed, who joined the Guardians in 2021, is currently the Guardians’ General Manager, Technology. She was previously General Manager Strategy and Shared Services and was Acting CEO between December 2023 and April 2024.

    Guardians CEO Jo Townsend says that the new role will be responsible for the Guardians’ technology, corporate strategy and shared services functions.

    “Combining these business units will help break down operational silos and create a clearer line of sight between our strategic priorities and their execution,” Ms Townsend said.

    “Paula’s skill set makes her the ideal person to take on this role.”

    Ms Townsend said it was important the Guardians continued to focus on efficiency and scalability, given the NZ Super Fund’s value is projected to double over the next 10 or so years.

    Before joining the Guardians, Ms Steed had a 25-year career in financial services and banking, including various executive finance and general management roles with AMP, ANZ and ASB.

  • Rare duck on the comeback near Milford Track

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  13 May 2025

    The small brown ducks found only in Aotearoa New Zealand previously became extinct in the South Island due to the combined impacts of predators, habitat loss and other threats.

    Since 2009, captive-reared pāteke have been reintroduced to the area around the Milford Track – one of only two restored populations in the South Island.

    Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Louise McLaughlin and team celebrated the success by releasing 40 more captive-reared pāteke in the Arthur Valley to join their thriving friends in early May.

    Louise says with support from Air New Zealand and iwi, DOC staff release and monitor pāteke with specialised transmitters.

    “We’re not just throwing them out there and hoping for the best, we’re tracking their survival, and learning, always learning.

    “With high rainfall and risk of floods, this can be a tough location for pāteke, but their biggest threat remains their vulnerability to introduced predators. They just don’t have a ‘fight back’ mechanism at all, they’re sitting ducks.

    “Fortunately, we’ve seen incredible survival rates following 1080 predator control operations. This year we’ve had more than 86% survival. In the years when we don’t have 1080 operations, survival can drop to as low as 16%.”

    With more pāteke dabbling in the rivers, visitors to the Milford Track are more likely to spot this unique duck in the future.

    Every year 25 million native birds are killed by invasive predators. DOC’s National Predator Control Programme protects threatened native species by regularly suppressing introduced predators across large forest areas on public conservation land.

    In the Arthur and Clinton valleys DOC uses aerially applied biodegradable 1080 to target rats, possums and stoats, supported by traps along the valley floor to target stoats in between 1080 operation years. The frequency of 1080 operations is dependent on predator numbers, and the most recent operation was in 2024.

    “It’s so wonderful doing the monitoring after we’ve had a 1080 operation. There is more life in the forest, there are more nests, more fledglings, and it’s not just pāteke, it’s benefiting all our native forest animals,” says Louise.

    With predators controlled, pāteke have a chance to build their resilience to natural threats.

    “We’re finding that the longer they survive out there, the better they get at putting their nests in smart locations above the floodline. The population is becoming more savvy, more fit for this location.”

    The recent pāteke release has been made possible by Auckland Zoo, Ōtorohanga Kiwi House, Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, Staglands Wildlife Reserve, Natureland Wildlife Trust, Orana Wildlife Park, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Kiwi Park, and The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, with the support of Air New Zealand.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

  • Peace Action Wellington Statement – Mahia: now a US nuclear base?

    Source: Peace Action Wellington

    13 May 2025 – The US military has indicated it wants to increase the number of space launches from Rocket Lab’s launchpad on the Mahia Peninsula including launching satellites involved in nuclear command-control-and-comms. 

    “This raises serious questions about compliance with New Zealand’s Nuclear Free legislation,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

    “We have been very concerned that the national security assessments by MBIE of Rocket Lab launches are insufficient. In particular, US military launches that are ‘classified’ means that New Zealand officials have very little knowledge about the military capabilities and targets of these satellites.”

    “The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment who oversee space launches specifically state that ‘payloads that contribute to nuclear weapons programmes or capabilities” are expressly prohibited. Yet without the actual access to classified information from the US we have incomplete information about what these satellites do.”

    “Moreover the integration and consolidation of command systems means that satellites may serve multiple outcomes including the operation of nuclear weapons. The US’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control or CJADC2 is the concept that the Department of Defense has developed to connect sensors from all branches of the armed forces into a unified network powered by artificial intelligence.”

    “Mahia has become a de facto outpost of the US military where it can do what it wants, when it wants with very little real oversight and no concern for the implications of that for New Zealand independence as a nation. ”

    “The threat of nuclear war is at the highest level it has been at in 40 years. New Zealanders rejected nuclear weapons two generations ago, we should not give up our principled stand under any circumstances, but particularly not by stealth under the cover of US ‘classified’ programmes.” 

    Notes

  • The art world pays respects to celebrated artist Fred Graham

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council) is joining the art world in paying its respects to Fred Graham (Ngaati Koroki Kahukura), ONZM, Art Foundation Icon.

    Graham has passed away at the age of 96 but his legacy lives on, and for Aucklanders that is in the extensive public artworks that are part of the council’s enduring collection. 

    In the words of his whaanau – words that are being echoed around the world – “Fred Graham was a revered Maaori sculptor, educator, athlete, and artist who has journeyed beyond the veil. His artistry embodied the strength and depth of Maaori storytelling, carrying the whakapapa, traditions, and wairua of his iwi, Ngaati Koroki Kahukura.”

    A tribute from Fred Graham’s whaanau:

    Frederick John Graham 1 September 1928 – 9 May 2025
    He Pou Whakarauora i te Ao Toi Maaori

    Kua rere atu taku manu ki ngaa rangi tuuhaahaa, ki te tihi o Maungatautari, ki Taupiri anoo hoki.

    I te atapoo o te Paraire, i moe ngaa karu o te ringatoi Maaori whakaihuwaka, te kaiako, te kaipara, te ringa whao, te kaiwhakairo i te kupu, o Fred Graham CNZM, he uri o Ngaati Koroki Kahukura.

    Mai i ngā tohu whakairo nunui pēnei i a Kaitiaki i Pukekawa ki Taamaki Makaurau me Justice i te Kooti Matua ki te pokapuu o Taamaki, i ruku hohonu a Graham ki ngā kaupapa o te manaaki, o te tika, o te maaramatanga hoki. Naana ngaa maatauranga tuku iho i whiriwhiria ki te ao hou. Ka kite i ana whakaaro rangatira i ana mahinga toi.

    He kaiako ia hei tauira ki ngaa rangatira o āpōpō i ngaa mahinga toi Maaori. I tīmata toona haerenga ki Ardmore Teachers’ Training College, kaatahi ka huri te aronga ki Te Tai Tokerau hei tautoko i ngaa kaiako Maaori, wheeraa i a Katerina Mataira, i a Rau Hotere hoki. He tangata whakapau kaha i te toituutanga o te ao toi Maaori i Aotearoa.

    Ehake i te mea he ringatoi anahe, he Maaori All Black hoki a Graham i toona waa. I taakaro raaua ko tana hoa pūmau, a Bishop Muru Walters. Noo raatou te kaha ki te whakatairanga i te mana o te Maaori i ngaa tuumomo waahanga, mai i te haakinakina ki te wairua, tae atu ki te ao toi.

    I teeraa tau, i kite ana mahi i te Venice Biennale, ko Whiti Te Raa (1966) teetehi e whakaatu ana i te haka a Te Rauparaha i roto i te whakairo toi. Ko taua whakaaturanga he tohu nui moo te toi Maaori ki te ao whaanui, e whakaū ana i a Graham hei rangatira i roto i te ao toi Maaori.

    I whakawhiwhia e Graham te tohu Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), hei whakamaanawa i toona koha nui ki te ao toi Maaori, me aana mahi whakakaha i te whakaaturanga o te toi i Aotearoa.

    I noho a Fred i Waiuku. Kei taua takiwaa aana mahi toi tūmatanui e rua. Ko tana tohu whakairo tuatahi, ko Birds Soar, he tohu rino e waru mita te rahi, hei whakamaharatanga ki te 50 tau o Glenbrook mill. He tohu teenei moo ngaa whakatupuranga katoa.

    Ko Waiuku Sculpture, he tohu whakairo rino i whakarewahia i te tau 2024, e whakaatu ana i ngā kōrero o ngā iwi o te rohe, me te hono atu ki te whakapapa o Waiuku.

    Ahakoa toona kaumaatuatanga, i noho ia hei tohunga whakairo. I mahia tonutia e ia te toi, i hoahoa tonu ia i tana taapaetanga moo te Erebus Memorial, he tohu whakamaumahara i toona aroha moo te koorero tuku iho maa te toi.

    He hoa rangatira, he matua, he koroheke ia. Ko toona whaanau te tuuaapapa o toona ao, te aronga o toona auahatanga. Ka mau tonu toona aroha, toona manaakitanga i roto i ngaa whakatupuranga kei te heke mai.

    He kaikookiri ia i te ao toi Maaori, he tauira ki ngaa ringatoi e tupu ana, he kaihaapai i ngaa tirohanga o te Maaori. Ka mau tonu te mana o aana mahi hei whakaawe, hei whakanui, hei whakatauira moo te hunga toi e whai mai nei.

    Haere whakangaro atu raa e te rangatira.  E tiu, e topa. Pai Maarire.

    Fred Graham at centre – pictured in Waiuku

    Frederick John Graham 1 September 1928 – 9 May 2025
    A Guardian of Maaori Art and Legacy

    A majestic bird has journeyed to the heights of the sacred mountains of Maungatautari and Taupiri.

    Fred Graham, a revered Maaori sculptor, educator, athlete, and artist, has journeyed beyond the veil. His artistry embodied the strength and depth of Maaori storytelling, carrying the whakapapa, traditions, and wairua of his iwi, Ngaati Koroki Kahukura.

    Through iconic works such as Kaitiaki in Pukekawa / Auckland Domain and Justice at the High Court, Graham explored themes of guardianship, justice, and enlightenment. He bridged ancestral knowledge with contemporary expression, ensuring Maaori identity and legacy lived on through his sculptural forms.

    Beyond his artistic contributions, Graham was a dedicated educator, shaping the future of Maaori art through his teaching career. His journey began at Ardmore Teachers’ Training College, where he was encouraged to specialise in art education, before moving north to work with Maaori students in Te Tai Tokerau. His commitment to fostering creativity among rangatahi ensured that Maaori perspectives remained central to Aotearoa’s evolving artistic landscape.

    Te Waka Taumata o Horotiu (Resting Waka), 2008, Fred Graham. Corner Queen Street and Swanson Street.

    Graham was also a Maaori All Black, playing alongside his lifelong friend Bishop Muru Walters. Their bond extended beyond the rugby field, as both men became champions of Maaori art, education, and leadership. Their shared journey reflected a deep commitment to uplifting Maaori voices across multiple spheres, from sport to spirituality to artistic expression.

    His influence extended beyond Aotearoa, with his works exhibited internationally, including at the prestigious Venice Biennale. His piece Whiti Te Raa (1966), which portrays figures in motion inspired by the haka of Te Rauparaha, was showcased as part of the Biennale Arte 2024. This exhibition marked a significant moment for Maaori art on the global stage, reinforcing Graham’s role as a pioneer in contemporary indigenous sculpture.

    In recognition of his immense contributions to Maaori art, Graham was recently named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Honours. This prestigious accolade acknowledged his lifelong dedication to elevating Maaori artistry and ensuring its place within Aotearoa’s cultural fabric.

    In 2024 Fred Graham unveiled a gift to his hometown of Waiuku, described as “an expression of his aroha and whakawhetai.”

    Fred spent his final years in Waiuku, where he left an indelible mark on the town through two significant public artworks. His Waiuku Sculpture, a stainless-steel piece unveiled in 2024, acknowledges local iwi histories and honours the whakapapa of the region.

    His second piece, Birds Soar, an eight-metre steel sculpture commemorating the 50th anniversary of NZ Steel’s Glenbrook mill, symbolises the past, present, and future generations connected to the industry. A tohunga whakairo to the end, he remained deeply engaged in his craft, continuing to shape spaces with his vision and artistic integrity. Even in his last days, he was designing a submission for the Erebus Memorial, a testament to his lifelong devotion to storytelling through form.

    The Web (2014) – swapping silk for steel, this spiderweb delights visitors to the Threatened Native Plants Garden at Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa.

    But above all, Fred was a devoted husband, father, and Granddad. He cherished his whaanau, who were the foundation of his life and inspiration for his creative journey. His love and guidance will endure through the generations he nurtured, shaping not only his art but also the lives of those who walked alongside him.

    As a staunch advocate for Maaori art, he nurtured emerging artists, championed indigenous perspectives, and paved the way for future generations. His life’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of Maaori creativity, ensuring his influence will continue to shape and inspire.

    Fred Graham’s public art 

    View more of the treasured public artworks in Auckland Council’s collection by Fred Graham, located across Tāmaki Makaurau.

    Within Fred Graham’s impressive body of work of over 70 years, manu have been a recurring theme, and his works stand and cast a long and rich shadow across Aotearoa and Tāmaki Makaurau, from Waiuku to the city centre.  

    Manurewa (2007) – as if in flight and with a wingspan of six metres, this majestic Fred Graham sculpture soars above Mission Bay.

    Two of Fred Graham’s public artworks – located in Auckland’s city centre – are placed at the junction of Shortland and Queen Streets. These works mark the original foreshore and former waka landing area before this area was reclaimed. 

    Kaitiaki II, 2009, Fred Graham. Outside BNZ, 80 Queen Street.

    Tūrama Kāhu Kōrako inspired by Fred Graham. Photo credit: Bryan Lowe

    Kāhu Kōrako is a term for an older kāhu / hawk / New Zealand harrier whose plumage has lost the dark colouring of youth and whose feathers are pale, white or grey. 

    The plumage of Kāhu Kōrako is compared by Māori orators with the grey hair of elders, and when coupled with the veneration that ngāi Māori hold for kuia, koroua and kaumātua, the term Kāhu Kōrako becomes a metaphor for an elderly person of mana, whose wisdom and grace will assist your passage wherever you travel within the hem of their korowai (cloak). This Matariki season people will look up and they might notice the bird’s head looks to the south-west – towards Waiuku – acknowledging where Fred Graham and his wife Norma raised their whānau.

  • Working from home dispute in mediation today – will Govt support women on this?

    Source: PSA
    The PSA is urging the Government to pull back from restricting flexible work practices in the public service, including working from home when mediation begins today.
    The PSA filed action with the Employment Relations Authority last December to stop the Government from restricting flexible workplace practices, which disproportionately impacts women who make up 62% of public service workers.
    “The Government has heard the loud outrage of women over its shocking destruction of the pay equity framework – it needs to listen now and stop further attacking women in the workplace,” said Fleur Fitzsimons National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “We are hoping to settle this dispute in mediation.”
    “Women need flexible work to help them manage caring responsibilities whānau and be more productive. It’s a win win.
    “What the Government is proposing is effectively ripping up the Gender Pay Principles, which was an agreement to end discrimination based on gender and normalise flexible work practices.
    “Flexible work is the backbone of employment agreements in modern workplaces and the Government must not undermine this.
    “These are binding on the Government and are included in collective agreements so the Government can’t turn around and shift the goalposts.
    “This is exactly what it is doing with the pay equity overhaul, upending a system that was working to lift the pay of women in female-dominated occupations.
    “The Government needs to learn the lesson from last week, hear the voice of women, and come to the party and resolve this if it wants to avoid litigation before the Authority.”
    Background
    In 2018 the PSA entered in into an agreement – the Gender Pay Principles, following legal action in the Employment Court to establish principles governing work performed by women in accordance with the Equal Pay Act 1972. The follow up agreement, Flexible Work by Default, gave effect to these principles and was signed by the PSA, CTU, the State Services Commission (as it then was) and the Ministry for Women in 2020.
    The Gender Pay Principles guide all government work on gender pay with the aim of ending discrimination based on gender, and closing the gender pay gap. They require senior leaders to eliminate gender inequalities, require agencies to apply specific resourcing to ensure Māori women are not discriminated against and work with unions to ensure equitable practices are sustained.