Ngāpuhi ‘insulted’ Te Pāti Māori leadership refusing to participate in hui

Source: Radio New Zealand

Te Pāti Māori MP, Mariameno Kapa-Kingi speaking in the House. VNP / Phil Smith

Ngāpuhi’s general manager says they are insulted Te Pāti Māori leadership is refusing to participate in a hui after expelling its local MP.

A hui is taking place in Kaikohe on Sunday with Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kingi after she and Te Tai Tonga MP Tākutai Ferris were expelled from Te Pāti Māori last week.

Te Pāti Māori said they had been advised by “multiple rangatira of Te Tai Tokerau” not to attend “at this time”.

Te Tumu Whakahaere, or general manager, of Te Rūnanga-ā- iwi o Ngāpuhi Moana Tuwhare told Saturday Morning, there had been a lack of transparency from those opposing Mariameno Kapa-Kingi.

“We don’t know who those people are. We didn’t know who the ones were saying Mariameno is a no-show on the ground up North, which was a complete lie.

“We have seen her turn up time and time again to support kaupapa in Te Tai Tokerau.

“Whichever of these so-called Te Tai Tokerau iwi leaders who have been complaining that she doesn’t show up, I’m not sure who they are or what events they’re talking about. But she’s certainly at Ngāpuhi ones on a regular basis.”

Tuwhare said a change in the party’s leadership was needed to have the iwi’s support moving forward.

“It’s hard to reconcile the fact that they’re called Te Pāti Māori but are refusing to turn up to hui Māori.

“The contradictions are rife at the moment from our perspective, and we were not happy about it, to be frank.”

Tuwhare believed Te Pāti Māori had “some massive problems in the hierarchy.”

“The way that this whole issue has played out has shown that there is a lack of constructive leadership and that some of their processes also look pretty wanting from what we have seen in the written record that has been well and truly out there.”

Tuwhare said she was unsure if the fault lies with the Parliamentary leaders.

“The layers in terms of the decision making here, it seems to have got quite blurred. I just think there needs to be a reset.

“It’ll be for certain people within the party to really state clearly who is responsible for which decisions, and how those decisions have come about.

“From where we are sitting it looks like a shambles.”

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

We’re in Australia, can we come back and get NZ Super? – Ask Susan

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ’s money correspondent Susan Edmunds answers your questions. RNZ

Got questions? RNZ has launched a new podcast, ‘No Stupid Questions‘, with Susan Edmunds.

We’d love to hear more of your questions about money and the economy. You can send through written questions, like these ones, but even better, you can drop us a voice memo to our email questions@rnz.co.nz.

You can also sign up to RNZ’s new money newsletter, ‘Money with Susan Edmunds‘.

My partner and I have been in Australia for a year. We are both 53 and are looking to stay a few years before returning home. Could you please tell me when we need to be back so our New Zealand pension is not affected if that is how it works?

There is a residency requirement to get NZ Super in New Zealand.

People who were born before 30 June, 1959 need to live in New Zealand for 10 years since they were 20, including five after 50, to be able to qualify. Younger people need to live here longer – anyone born after 1 July, 1977, needs to have lived here for 20 years.

But in your situation, your time in Australia may be able to be used to help you meet this test.

New Zealand and Australia have a Social Security Agreement that means that people who have lived in either country can use the residence in each of those to qualify.

Ministry of Social Development general manager international, disability and generational policy Harry Fenton said if someone relied on time spent in Australia to meet the residency requirements, they would not be able to qualify for NZ Super until they reach the age of entitlement for Australian Age Pension, which is age 67.

I am wondering if it is risky to invest a lot of your money with one provider even if it is diversified across funds? With my example, I have my KiwiSaver with Simplicity, and I also hold an investment fund with them. I am thinking of moving more money across to Simplicity, but putting it into different investment funds. But I’m wondering if I should be diversifying my provider, as well as diversifying my investment fund?

Greg Bunkall, data director at Morningstar, said there isn’t much point in a typical investor spreading their investments across different providers.

The funds you are investing in are already well diversified across businesses, sectors, different parts of the world and asset classes.

“In Simplicity’s case, their high growth fund has over 1000 individual investments, highlighting its strong diversification. In all cases, however, investors should seek independent financial advice and have an expert plan out how their investments are aligned to their goals and objectives.”

Ana-Marie Lockyer, chief executive at Pie Funds, said New Zealand’s regulatory framework requires robust governance, independent custody and strong operational controls – so if what you’re worried about is the provider failing, the risk is really low.

She said there could be benefits to having one provider, too. “Diversifying across asset classes and investment strategies is essential, but diversifying across providers is not typically necessary, provided the chosen manager has strong governance, independent oversight, and a well-designed investment process.”

I would like to caution people against direct debit payments through their bank accounts. Once you set up a direct debit, the recipient has control of what they take from your account – for ever. You have to go through hoops to avoid this and still it seems they have a lifelong access to your account once a direct debit has been arranged.

The Banking Ombudsman has a guide on its website to direct debits.

It notes that a direct debit is not the same as an automatic payment, which is an instruction from you to your bank to make a regular payment of a fixed amount from your account to someone else’s, either for a specified period or indefinitely.

“A direct debit allows the direct debit initiator to submit a specific amount to be debited from your account on each occasion. The amount can be different each time, and this is why some people find it a handy way to pay the likes of telephone and power bills, which vary from month to month.”

It says you should be able to cancel the direct debit at any time.

“The bank must cancel the direct debit when you tell it to do so, but it will also ask you to notify the direct debit initiator. This is a precaution to prevent the initiator unintentionally continuing to send direct debit instructions to your bank.

“If you cancel a direct debit authority but keep using the initiator’s services, you will have to pay in some other way. Direct debits are merely a method of collecting payments. Banks are not responsible for the underlying contract between you and the initiator.”

Deputy banking ombudsman Sarah Parker said open banking should give customers more options, including full control of the timing of the payment.

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

Teen who died in Far North 4WD crash on Tokerau Beach named

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tokerau Beach on the Karikari Peninsula where Sam Herdman died in a 4WD crash on 14 November. Supplied / Alina Jones

The teenager who died in a crash on a Far North Beach a week ago has been named as Samuel James Herdman.

Police released the boy’s name on Saturday morning.

A spokesperson said the crash involving a 4WD on Tokerau Beach, on the Karikari Peninsula, was reported to police just before 7.30pm on 14 November.

Fire and Emergency NZ said at the time crews had to work to free one person from the wreck.

Sam, 17, of Pukenui, died at the scene.

The Houhora Big Game and Sports Fishing Club posted a heartfelt tribute to Sam on Facebook three days later.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of valued club member and local, Samuel Herdman,” the post read.

“Sam was an avid hunter gatherer, with fishing running through his veins. He landed some impressive fish through the weigh station over the years, such as a 131.2kg striped marlin when he was just 12 1/2 years-old.

“Sam, your enthusiasm for the sport will inspire many future generations of young anglers, for many years to come.”

A funeral notice on behalf of the Herdman and Gbric families said Sam was the loved son of Jason and Sharlene and treasured older brother of Isabella.

The family acknowledged the first responders and the Watson family for their care on the beach that day.

Two other people who were injured in the crash were taken to hospital in what was at the time understood to be critical and moderate conditions.

One was airlifted to Starship Hospital in Auckland, and the other transported to Kaitaia Hospital.

Both had now been discharged from hospital, the spokesperson said.

“Police extend our sympathies to Samuel’s friends and loved ones for their loss.”

Through the police Sam’s family had asked for privacy as they grieved his death.

Police were now conducting enquiries on behalf of the Coroner.

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Country Life: Breeding the kiwifruit of the future

Source: Radio New Zealand

Research technologist, Megan Wood, in the sensory lab where she analyses kiwifruit bred at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre RNZ/Sally Round

Thousands and thousands of kiwifruit pass between the gloved fingers of research technologist Megan Wood, and she reaches for them just as a consumer might.

“Essentially, I just feel them, and I think I would eat that one.

“We’ve been doing it for years, so my best guess is usually pretty good.”

She’s a dab hand at analysing the fruit inside and out, working in the sensory lab at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre (KBC) in Te Puke where the focus is on developing the kiwifruit of the future.

But that first gut feel is followed by a thorough analysis of every bit of the fruit, followed by taste tests and off-site examinations for nutritional benefits.

Probing a sample for firmness in the sensory lab RNZ/Sally Round

A kiwifruit may have too big a knobbly bit on its bottom – “We have had people in the past crack a tooth on it”; and cavities – “If the cavity is too big, too many critters will live in there, and we can’t export it.”

Then there are other features like shape, colour and sugar levels to grade and record.

Established in 2021, the KBC’s Te Puke site is the headquarters for growing and testing new kiwifruit cultivars.

Kiwifruit is New Zealand’s largest horticultural export, worth $3.9 billion in the year ended June 2025, following 2024’s record crop.

The Kiwifruit Breeding Centre is careful to maintain security around its trials RNZ/Sally Round

KBC – which also has trial orchards in Kerikeri, Motueka, Gisborne and Italy – is a joint venture between Zespri and Plant and Food Research, now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute.

It’s led by chief executive Matt Glenn.

“We’re sort of the grease in the wheels between the researchers in the laboratory and Zespri, who are the commercialisation partner, and that’s really why we set up the joint venture as well, because we can focus really on deploying the technology, implementing it, and then driving it through to a commercial outcome.”

And that process is a lengthy one – it can take up to 25 years from the initial idea to actual fruit on the shelf.

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Glenn said they start with a “concept” requested by Zespri and from there develop “elite parents” from raw germplasm originating in Sichuan, China, a process which takes four or five years.

It takes another five years for seedlings to grow and produce the required fruit at KBC’s orchards around the country.

“Out of those 30 or 40,000 that we plant as seedlings every year, there’s probably about two or 300 that go into the next stage, which is the clonal commercial testing.”

That can take another five years.

Scientist and breeding co-ordinator Amar Nath in one of the trial orchards at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre RNZ/Sally Round

“After 15 years, we might go back to Zespri and say, ‘hey, do you remember 15 years ago you said you’d like a kiwifruit that look like this? Well, we think here are some candidates’, and we present them to the Zespri board, and they go … ‘they look pretty good, we think we’d like to have a bet on those’, because it’s quite a big bet they’re making at that stage.”

They then put them into the hands of the growers and grow them at hectare scale, before getting the fruit to market and saying “yeah, that’s a winner, we’re going to commercialise it”.

The Te Puke headquarters has 40 hectares of trial orchards as well as laboratories and a cool store which tests the harvested fruit’s resilience at the handling and storage stage.

The KBC’s cool store where kiwifruit are graded and chilled. RNZ/Sally Round

Breeding for a future climate

Aside from improvements to existing varieties, KBC is also developing cultivars which will be able to cope with the changing climate, and its 30ha orchard in Kerikeri in Northland is an important testing ground, Glenn told Country Life.

“The modelling that we’re seeing is telling us that the climate in the Bay of Plenty, where 80 percent of kiwifruit are grown, will be like Northland by about 2050, 2060.

“We have put [the cultivars] under that pressure, that evolutionary pressure, effectively of warmer, wetter temperatures than we get down here in the Bay … so by the time the Bay looks like that we know that we will have cultivars that will work successfully down here.”

Increasing intense weather events are also considered in the breeding programme, with a trial orchard in Italy which is breeding new root stocks to deal with very wet heavy soils.

“At the same time, we’re going to have areas, that are going to have soils that are salinating, or soils that are very dry, so we’ve actually got to be looking at every extreme in just about everything that we do.”

Tom Paterson tastes another kiwifruit sample in the interests of research at the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre RNZ/Sally Round

Glenn said successful fruit pass tests in three different areas – they have all the things a consumer wants, good yield and resilience for the grower and are supply chain ready.

“We’ve got to make sure that the fruit don’t have spikes on them that so they [don’t] puncture other fruit as they go through the process, got to make sure that they’re really hardy, so you can pick them while they’re quite firm, but then they’ll go through the supply chain really well.

“If any one of those three things is missing, the likelihood is that the fruit won’t be successful.”

Glenn said they were also working on developing a green kiwifruit “that may not need some of the chemical inputs that the farmers use traditionally”.

Speeding up the process

Artificial intelligence and precision breeding, also known as gene editing, could help speed up the lengthy process, Glenn said.

AI will help in decision-making with the large amount of data they collect but “you’ve still got to ground truth all the things that you do, so you’ve got to put seeds in the ground and grow them, and look at the fruit, and look at multiple fruit, and see if that’s really going to be sustainable”.

Kiwifruit samples from a particular vine ready for analysis RNZ/Sally Round

“What we’re particularly interested in is the precision breeding. Some people call it gene editing, but we call it precision breeding, where you’re making really small base pair level changes.

“You’re not introducing any DNA, and you might be just up-regulating or down-regulating particular genes within the genome, so what you’re doing is you’re maximising the potential of the genetics that are already in the plant.”

But he said they can’t use the technology, being used in contained greenhouses and labs at the moment, until there’s a change in legislation.

“We just think we need to be a bit more sophisticated than we’ve been over the last 30 years of having a really blunt legal instrument to deal with new technologies that are going to really help us advance the industry.”

Learn more:

  • Find out more about the Kiwifruit Breeding Centre here

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Traffic chaos expected on Auckand Harbour Bridge due to One Ocean protest convoy

Source: Radio New Zealand

Ben Chissell, organiser of the One Ocean Protest in Auckland on 22 November 2025, fishing on the Hauraki Gulf, with his family. supplied

A convoy of recreational fishers is expected to delay traffic as it makes its way across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, along Tamaki Drive and onto Mission Bay on Saturday morning.

The One Ocean protest, co-organised by fishing enthusiast Ben Chissell, targets aspects of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Act and other proposed fishing reforms.

The law, which came into effect in October, created a group of new marine protected zones while also allowing exclusive use of two highly protected areas by commercial ring-net fishing operators.

Chissell earlier said the protest was not against commercial fishing but his position was that if the Hauraki Gulf was so badly depleted that areas needed to be shut off, then no-one should fish them.

He said protesters would come from all over to join the convoy on its 30km journey from the Albany Park n Ride departing at 8.30am.

“We’ve got people coming from Kaitaia, Ahipara, Tauranga, Whitianga, Waikato, all over the show. We’ve got guys putting their boats on trailers, getting on the ferry from Waiheke and Great Barrier and coming over.

“So it’s going to be a lot bigger than I guess even when we initially hoped.”

A spokesperson for the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) told the NZ Herald the protest could cause congestion across the city.

The convoy would enter State Highway 1 via the Oteha Valley Road on-ramp and head toward the Port via SH16 and then to Kohimarama Road via Tamaki Drive.

There would be a police presence at the Albany Park ‘n’ Ride and police would escort the protest along the route while parking wardens were in place to manage the roll out, according to protest information.

There should be no “boat riding”, organisers said and banners and flags must be secured.

“This is a peaceful protest, and our goal is a safe and successful event. Please use common sense, look out for one another, and remember, we’re all in this together,” the One Ocean website said.

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The Ashes cricket: Australia v England first test, day one

Source: Radio New Zealand

Australia’s Mitchell Starc celebrates his fifth wicket on day 1 of the first Ashes cricket Test match between Australia and England at Perth Stadium. AFP / Saeed Khan

By Martin Parry, AFP

Nineteen wickets fell on an opening day of carnage in the first Ashes Test on Friday, with England’s fearsome attack led by skipper Ben Stokes bowling them into a position of strength after Australia dismissed the tourists for 172.

A rampaging Mitchell Starc took 7-58 to put England on the back foot after Stokes won the toss on a fine day at a packed Perth Stadium and chose to bat.

Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46) offered the only resistance as they crumbled after lunch.

But England’s elite fast bowlers, led by an exceptional Stokes with 5-23, fought back to reduce the hosts to 123-9 at stumps, trailing by 49.

Nathan Lyon was on three with Brendan Doggett yet to score.

“What a day,” England bowler Brydon Carse, who took two wickets including Steve Smith, told broadcasters.

“I think everyone that’s come today has got their time’s worth — 19 wickets.

“Fantastic last session from everyone to put us in a strong position heading into tomorrow.”

In a brutal introduction to Test cricket, opener Jake Weatherald went for a second-ball duck, left on the floor by a Jofra Archer bullet and given out lbw.

Marnus Labuschagne fended off 41 balls for nine before he too succumbed to the sheer speed of Archer, bowled by a fuller delivery.

And when Smith fell for 17 to Carse in the next over, caught by Brook at slip, it was game on.

Usman Khawaja, who was feeling stiff so did not open, came in at four but lasted just six balls, blown away by a Carse bouncer that took a nick to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, leaving Australia reeling at 31-4.

Cameron Green (24), Travis Head (21), Alex Carey (26) and Starc (12) all got starts, but in a reflection of the depth of England’s pace stocks, Stokes removed them when he brought himself on.

“He’s amazing. His character, his resilience is everything this team strives to be,” Carse said of the skipper.

“A game-changing spell from him in that session.”

Starc pounces

Starc had bagged three wickets in an intimidating opening spell, including Joe Root for a duck, before returning to send Stokes packing in his first over after the lunch break, then mopping up.

All five previous Tests at the Perth venue have been won by the side batting first, but England did their best to challenge that, getting off to a horror start.

Veteran strike weapon Starc delivered as he has so many times before, enticing a thick edge from Zak Crawley on his sixth ball that Khawaja did well to collect low at slip, the opener gone for nought.

Starc has now taken a wicket in the first over of an innings 24 times.

At the other end Ben Duckett settled his nerves with a textbook drive off Scott Boland to bank the first four of the series.

But just as he was getting going, Starc pounced again, trapping him lbw for 21 to leave England tottering on 33-2.

That brought Root to the crease in his latest campaign for an elusive first century in Australia.

He only lasted seven balls, edging a seaming delivery into the safe hands of Labuschagne at third slip.

Pope survived the furnace and was composed before Green came on and he was out lbw, leaving the visitors on 105-4 at lunch.

Brook hit Scott Boland for a six in the first over after the break before Starc again worked his magic, taking out Stokes’s stumps with an inswinger when the captain was on six.

A fearless Brook raced to his 14th Test half-century before feathering a short ball to Carey, earning Doggett his maiden Test wicket on debut.

Starc removed Gus Atkinson cheaply to give him the 17th five-wicket haul of his career and with Doggett they ruthlessly cleaned up the tail.

– AFP

See how the game unfolded in our liveblog:

Team lists

Australia: 1 Jake Weatherald, 2 Usman Khawaja, 3 Marnus Labuschagne, 4 Steven Smith (capt), 5 Travis Head, 6 Cameron Green, 7 Alex Carey (wk), 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Nathan Lyon, 10 Scott Boland, 11 Brendan Doggett.

England: 1 Zak Crawley, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Ollie Pope, 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Ben Stokes (capt), 7 Jamie Smith (wk), 8 Brydon Carse, 9 Gus Atkinson, 10 Mark Wood, 11 Jofra Archer.

Australia’s Mitchell Starc celebrates his fifth wicket on day 1 of the first Ashes cricket Test match between Australia and England at Perth Stadium. AFP / Saeed Khan

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What you need to know about new parking fees at New Zealand tourist destinations

Source: Radio New Zealand

Parking at Aoraki/Mount Cook will cost $5 an hour from December, along with two other tourist destinations. SUPPLIED / DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION

Explainer – Rolling up to some of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions will soon become a little more expensive, as parking fees begin at some of Aotearoa’s hot spots in December.

It’s starting as a trial run at three popular Department of Conservation (DOC) sites but if it’s successful it could expand further.

Here’s what you’ll pay and where it will take effect.

Where are parking fees being launched?

Parking fees are set to begin at Aoraki/Mount Cook, Punakaiki/Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef/Wairau in December.

It’s a pilot programme expected to last until June 2026.

“We expect a final date to be announced at the end of the month (November) following the install and testing on paid parking equipment,” Department of Conservation director of heritage and visitors Catherine Wilson said.

How much will parking cost?

Parking will be $5 per hour.

The first 20 minutes will be free to allow for drop-offs and pick-ups or people staying for a brief time.

For Aoraki Mt Cook there will be a daily rate of $25 per day, while at Franz Josef and Punakaiki there will be a daily rate of $20.

Commercial tourism operators who hold a valid concession will be granted a parking fee exemption during the pilot.

Will even locals have to pay to park?

Yes, but local district residents can get a reduced lower-cost annual pass.

There will be annual passes for locals – $10 per year per vehicle – which allows for unlimited access. For Franz Jozef and Punakaiki, Buller, Grey and Westland districts residents will be eligible, while for Aoraki Mt Cook it’s those living within the Mackenzie District.

Regular visitors to the regions who aren’t residents of those districts can also get an annual pass for $60 a year.

Wilson said free parking for locals was one of the options considered, but, “In the end, the cost of the local permit is set low to acknowledge the special relationship residents have with their whenua.”

The parking strategy was adopted after considering information from stakeholders, public submissions, market research and evaluating more than 40 car parks around the world, including 16 in New Zealand.

“The market research helped us understand typical rates and fee structures for paid parking at similar sites, and one finding was that the average hourly charge for car parking internationally is NZ$6.40 per hour,” DOC said in its analysis.

The group Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) consulted on the proposal.

“TIA supports user charges where they directly contribute to maintaining and improving infrastructure, but only when they are fair and enhance the visitor experience,” its chief executive Rebecca Ingram said.

Ingram said the TIA would “welcome the introduction of low-cost annual passes for New Zealand residents, which ensures Kiwis can continue to access public conservation spaces affordably”.

While the fees may surprise some, they aren’t the first parking fees for popular attractions. Milford Sound has charged $10 an hour for some of its parking lots since 2019, operated by Milford Sound Tourism.

Milford Sound has charged for some parking since 2019. MSeses / Creative Commons

What happens if you don’t pay?

There won’t be any towing or wheel clamps used, according to DOC’s engagement report.

Cameras will record the entry and exit of vehicles and their registration information.

Parking fees will be enforced by outside company Stellar Projects, who are installing the paid parking hardware.

But considering many tourists will be from overseas, how exactly will breach notices be enforced?

Wilson said that DOC plans to make the parking process easy and understandable.

“The primary goal is to make parking payment as simple and accessible as possible for visitors, which will minimise the need for issuing breach notices. Measures in place include offering multiple payment options where feasible, providing clear and obvious signage, and using universal, icon-based messaging with large touch screens on the parking machines.”

If tourists are using a rental car and get a breach notice, Stellar can follow up with the rental company, she said.

“In terms of rental cars, standard car rental agreements typically enable the rental business to directly charge a driver’s credit card for parking, toll roads, petrol top-up and other miscellaneous items.

“Additionally, Stellar does have relationships and agreed methodology with some rental providers to collect breach fees.”

Franz Josef is one of the areas in the pilot programme. RNZ / Tess Brunton

How much will this new parking programme cost?

DOC has said the pilot programme will cost an estimated $3.8 million, funded from the International Tourism Levy.

But it also said the expected revenue over the pilot period from December to June 2026 would be approximately $1.5 million.

Wilson said there is some cost outlay involved in starting up the plan.

“There are several one-off costs: some investment is going into the carparks themselves and some investment has gone into developing processes and installing the hardware required. These are all initial one-off cost that won’t be ongoing.”

She said that if paid parking continues after the trial run, the plan would quickly pay for its start-up costs.

“Just under half of the $3.8 million sum is expected to be collected during the 7-month pilot. If the recommendation from the pilot is to continue with paid parking in certain sites, we expect the initial outlay to be easily made back in another year.”

What will the money be used for?

Although some have called for the funds to be used exclusively for the areas covered by the parking fees, they’ll be used throughout the wider conservation network.

“Biodiversity and visitor network projects exist throughout the country, and DOC will use this revenue where it is most needed,” DOC said in its feedback report.

Hasn’t the Department of Conservation had a lot of funding cuts lately?

Yes. As part of the government’s cost cutting directive, DOC was asked to find savings of 6.5 percent – $31.3 million per year.

The agency has also reported a shortfall in funding to maintain its tracks and huts throughout the visitors network.

There have also been dozens of job cuts at the agency.

At the same time, the government has pledged to boost events and tourism with an investment of about $70m.

The government also plans to unleash growth on conservation land, including opening up more concessions.

The Pancake Rocks walkway at Dolomite Point, Punakaiki. Greymouth Star / Brendon McMahon

What do people think of the fees?

DOC heard from more than 150 submitters during a public engagement process, with the biggest concerns being that locals, volunteers and school groups shouldn’t have to pay for parking, and that the area eligible for local permits should be expanded to the entire West Coast.

At the moment, the area eligible for permits will be restricted to the local districts, however.

At Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, café owner Grant Parrett has protested that the parking charges will penalise locals and are essentially an unlawful fee to enter a national park.

“I suppose $5 an hour is not very much, but any paid parking is still enough to put the casual visitors off stopping and that will hurt local businesses.

“New Zealanders don’t like paying for parking,” Parrett said.

The locals will be allowed to park free of charge for 20 minutes, however.

“I think the majority of the (public) submissions would have come from Punakaiki,” Wilson has said.

“We understand that people might feel aggrieved – no one likes paying for parking – but we’re trying to work out how to run DOC facilities that are costing us increasingly more.”

Tourism operators say the parking costs should not be a major barrier.

“While operators are mindful of cumulative visitor costs, based on comparable international-visitor park-fee proposals (e.g., US$25/day), we believe the proposed charge is unlikely to be a major barrier to most international tourists,” the tourism group TIA’s Ingram said.

“The pilot is an opportunity to test how this goes, and we look forward to working with DOC on the insights it provides and any future changes.”

Other fees are in place or coming for foreign tourists. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Aren’t foreign visitors going to be charged additional fees to visit some places, too?

Yes, but that’s likely a year or two in the future.

The government has announced it is planning to introduce new foreign visitor charges at Milford Sound, Aoraki Mount Cook, Mautohe Cathedral Cove and Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

Foreign visitor fees are already common in many countries.

“I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free,” Conservation Minister Tama Potaka said, calling it “only fair” that foreign visitors make an additional payment.

The earliest visitor fees would be introduced is summer 2027, a spokesperson for Potaka’s office has previously told RNZ.

In the announcement, a fee figure of between $20 to $40 was given.

“Access charging for international visitors is approximately two years away as legislation is yet to be drafted,” Wilson said.

Parking and access fees could be combined eventually, she said.

“There will be further engagement with stakeholders on access charging during that time, including the combination of international visitor entry fees and charging for car parks in certain sites.”

Parking fees and foreign visitor fees aren’t the only charges going up for tourists.

The International Tourism Levy the government charges to most overseas tourists was raised last year from $35 to $100.

The Tourism Industry Association spoke out against that rise at the time, warning it could “create a significant barrier” and lead to fewer tourist arrivals.

Are more places going to get parking fees?

Once the trial is completed in July, DOC will make a decision as to whether or not to continue and expand paid parking to other sites.

“This is standard practice at many national parks overseas,” Wilson has said about parking fees.

“Most international visitors accept this as a necessary contribution to support the amazing nature they come to New Zealand to enjoy.”

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

NZTA postpones Transmission Gully roadworks after major congestion

Source: Radio New Zealand

Contractors backfilling concrete next to the southbound lane after drainage has been installed. Supplied / NZTA

NZTA has postponed a road closure planned for this weekend on Transmission Gully after major congestion.

It originally said lane closures would be in place this weekend both north and southbound, but had now pushed back the southbound closure by one week to Friday, November 28 until 4.30am Monday, December 1.

“We are working through the key causes of last weekend’s problems so that we can make improvements,” Mark Owen, NZTA’s regional manager for the Lower North Island/Top of the South.

“We realise the congestion on Sunday afternoon and evening caused lengthy delays and frustration for drivers. We apologise for the inconvenience caused.”

Owen said while the work NZTA had planned this summer would cause some disruption and delays, it wanted to minimise that as much as possible.

He said revised plans were being developed and the public would be updated soon on expected improvements to reduce congestion and delays on the State Highway 59 detour route.

“Works continue throughout the summer period, so people must prepare for delays to travel in the upcoming months. Currently, there are lane closures in place in both northbound and southbound directions, and these will be in place 24/7 until mid-February, weather permitting,” he said.

Owen said NZTA wanted to return the road to full operation as soon as it could.

“This is so it is ready for expected peak traffic volumes immediately before Christmas,” he said.

There would be no planned roadworks along Transmission Gully during the Christmas and New Year period and the road would be fully open during this time.

Why are the closures needed?

NZTA said to improve the road surface and safety for road users, drainage works were being done to permanently fix water issues on three sections of Transmission Gully where potholes had been prevalent.

It said during the week, contractors were trenching alongside lanes to install underground drainage pipework.

However, the more significant works, where underground pipework was installed across the width of the road, required road closures.

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Taranaki environmental and conservation work recognised

Source: Radio New Zealand

Vinnie Jackson. Supplied / TRC

Young trappers helping preserve biodiversity, a charity diverting hundreds of tonnes of waste from landfill and farmers leading the way with freshwater mahi and protecting ecosystems are among the winners of the 2025 Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards.

Eight winners and six highly commended recipients have been recognised for their inspirational efforts across the region.

Council chair Craig Williamson said they were leading by example in improving freshwater and indigenous biodiversity, cutting carbon emissions and inspiring a new generation of young environmental leaders.

“The scope of their work is remarkable and every recipient deserves our recognition and thanks. The 14 award winners are walking the walk when it comes to protecting our environment and it’s very pleasing to see they range in age from 12 to 75, showing how every generation is doing their bit.”

The winners in the seven categories were:

Environmental action in the community

Tupu a Nuku. Supplied / TRC

Tupu ā Nuku – for its mahi building conservation pathways for rangatahi in Taranaki.

The work is restoring landscapes and strengthening iwi-led environmental work.

Delivered by Ngāti Maru, Tupu ā Nuku creates pathways into conservation work, seeding a future workforce committed to protecting the environment.

The mahi includes native tree planting, goat control, predator monitoring, eco-sourcing and seed collection and the release of kiwi.

The judges said Tupu ā Nuku exemplified excellence in hands-on, culturally grounded conservation education and the programme would have inter-generational impacts.

Employment advisor (pastoral care) Tumu Taituarā, Jayden Waiwiri, said: “It’s a huge honour to receive the award from Taranaki Regional Council which acknowledges some of the hard mahi that we do.”

Environmental leadership in farming

Sophie (L) and Nick Brown with their family. Supplied / TRC

Nick and Sophie Brown – for integrating environmental best practice into their farm business.

They have a TRC Comprehensive Farm Plan and understand the importance of protecting soil and water quality. They have created a pole nursery, fenced and planted a wetland and left many steep areas to revert to native scrub.

The judges hailed the Browns’ exemplary commitment to environmental stewardship over a long period of time.

“We were honoured that the council picked us. We’ve been very fortunate to work with a number of great land management officers over the last 10 years we’ve lived here. I’ve really, really enjoyed working with the council to implement some really neat stuff on the farm which has made a difference,” says Nick.

Youth environmental leader (joint winners)

Jahn Voschezang. Supplied / TRC

Vinnie Jackson – for his work leading Inglewood Primary School’s trapping team – the ‘Assassin’s Squad’ – and his efforts to trap possums on his family’s farm.

With support from the kura, the Year 7 pupil started a student team to set traps around the school’s bush learning area. He has also been a junior ambassador at the Rotokare Scenic Reserve where he learnt a lot about the bush and how important it is to eradicate pests for our native birds.

The judges were impressed with Vinnie’s dedication to improving native habitats.

“It’s great to see him grow and do a lot for conservation and the farm. We are really proud of him,” said mum Michelle Jackson.

Jahn Voschezang – for his outstanding mahi at two schools trapping predators across more than 21 hectares of bush to protect indigenous biodiversity.

He was helping to bring back native birds, lizards and flora and had plans to extend his trapping efforts.

Mum Michelle Voschezang said: “We’re very proud that he won this award. It kind of solidifies all the work that he’s done and celebrates all his work.”

Environmental leadership in climate action

WISE Charitable Trust. Supplied / TRC

WISE Charitable Trust – for its mahi at The Junction Zero Waste Hub diverting hundreds of tonnes of waste from landfill.

The charity’s Reuse Shop has been visited by more than 140,000 people in just four years.

WISE also worked with the Waitara community and government providers to recruit people and provide long-term meaningful employment.

“This means so much to us and we’re super stoked,” said general manager Paul Scouller.

Environmental action in biodiversity

The Newton family, from left – Ed, Stephen and Helen. Supplied / TRC

The Newton family – for their work protecting more than 160 hectares of indigenous ecosystems in Urenui.

Stephen, Helen and Ed have worked closely with the council on setting up four Key Native Ecosystems on their farm. Their work includes excluding stock, restoration planting, pest control and invasive weed control.

The judges praised the Newtons for their unwavering commitment to environmental preservation over a long period of time and the wide scope of their work, which is improving native habitats on the property.

“For me, it’s a big sense of pride. I’m grateful for the recognition for the family and my brother Stephen’s efforts,” said Ed.

Environmental action in water quality improvement

Awatuna Catchment Group. Supplied / TRC

Awatuna Catchment Group – as the first Taranaki Catchment Communities group to start freshwater mahi, they provided the blueprint for all the other groups in the region-wide initiative.

The judges were impressed by the breadth of the group’s work to understand water quality and efforts to unite its community toward the cause of enhancing water quality.

They’ve also undertaken fish passage assessment training with NIWA, recognising the importance of native fauna to maintaining ecosystems and freshwater quality.

Group co-ordinator Nicola Bryant said: “Winning the award means a lot to us as a group. It celebrates the work that we’ve done and it’s really great to see that our work hasn’t gone unnoticed.”

Environmental action in education

Te Ara Taiao. Supplied / TRC

Te Ara Taiao – This collaboration between hapū, the Department of Conservation and Sustainable Taranaki works with 14 schools around the region.

The judges were impressed with the exemplary work with tamariki and rangatahi which demonstrated how meaningful partnerships between hapū, schools and conservation organisations could nurture the next generation of environmental kaitiaki.

The group’s work included kiwi releases, plantings on dunes, beach clean-ups and students had built seven shadehouses at schools, using them to grow native plants from eco-sourced seeds.

“We are humbled by this. This award reflects on all of those people that have contributed to our young people and the aspiration that we can improve the Taiao,” said Kairuruku (education co-ordinator) Jane Bowden-Dobson.

Highly commended recipients

Environmental action in education

Stratford Community Childcare Centre – for its mahi helping tamariki learn about and care for the environment.

Peter McNamara – for his environmental mahi in Stratford. Peter’s work with schools, community groups and others is changing attitudes to waste and sustainability.

Youth environmental leader

Western Institute of Technology student Joshua Judson – for his conservation work across Taranaki.

Nathan Hills – for his conservation and environmental work across Taranaki.

Environmental action in biodiversity

Murray Dixon – for his mahi trapping predators in Ahititi near Tongapōrutu.

Environmental leadership in farming

Faull Farms – for the family’s sustainable land management work and environmental responsibility.

Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards have been running since 1993 and a total of 394 groups, individuals, charities, farmers, large, small and medium businesses, schools and kindergartens, and iwi and hapū had been recognised.

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

Country Life: Farmer flying high with agri drone venture

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mitchel Hoare of King Country Ag Drones RNZ/Sally Round

Mitchel Hoare is pretty busy these days, with not only a 500-hectare farm to run and shares in a native plant nursery, but a new agricultural drone venture.

He and fellow farmer Andrew Blackmore set up King Country Ag Drones about six months ago.

They saw a gap in the market, bought some “state of the art equipment”, and “between the two of us, in our spare time, we’re giving this a crack”.

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