Category: Radio New Zealand

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Watch: Significant fuel rationing only to be considered in severe crisis

Source: Radio New Zealand

Significant fuel rationing will only come into force if the country moves into the highest “phase” of its fuel response plan, the government says.

Emergency services, hospitals, banks, transport operators and electricity generators were among those who would have prioritised access to fuel if the ongoing crisis worsened.

The National Fuel Plan had four phases – ranging from minor to severe impacts – and phase three and four had been under consultation.

The government on Monday announced the “priority user” approach would only be used in phase four, which is a “major and ongoing fuel supply disruption”.

It was “highly unlikely” the country would ever reach phase three or four, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said.

Fuel access conditions under phase four:

  • Critical users – priority and uncapped access. This includes emergency services, health, schools, courts, money services and lifeline utilities.
  • Food and freight – uncapped access to fuel, subject to demand reduction requirements based on fuel‑saving plans. The government would monitor adherence to fuel-saving plans through spot checks.
  • Commercial and community users – same access as food and freight, but higher savings targets in their fuel-saving plans. This includes businesses and organisations other than food and freight.
  • General public – transaction limits at the pump aimed at reducing overall fuel use by an amount greater than what is expected for other groups.

“In the unlikely event we ever need to move to phase four, it is critical that business and industry have a clear understanding of the objectives and measures, and can put them into action,” said Willis.

“That is why we have taken the time to consult, and the feedback we received has shaped the revised plan. We heard that the earlier proposed approach, particularly around the priority bands, was too complex and needed simplifying.”

A jet fuel plan had also been developed alongside the aviation industry, “recognising that the types of users and demand for jet fuel are different to those for petrol and diesel”, the government announcement said.

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

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Bond actor Pierce Brosnan buys local artwork from fish and chip shop

Source: Radio New Zealand

Hollywood star Pierce Brosnan has bought a Northland artist’s painting after spotting it in a Mangōnui fish and chip shop last week.

The artwork, by Logan White, was on display at Fresh & Tasty Mangōnui, run by his mother, Fiona White. She was stunned to see Brosnan eating their food when she’d popped into the next door hotel to use the bathroom.

“I saw his friend,” Fiona told Morning Report. “I just said to him ‘kia ora’ and he said ‘kia ora’. Then Pierce Brosnan turned around and I went ‘oh my God’.”

She invited him in for photos with the staff. “He goes ‘not a problem’ … he’s so down to Earth, really lovely guy.”

That’s when Brosnan spotted one of Logan’s tūī paintings – one of several his proud mother has on display – and paid $50 above the $350 price. The Irish actor had last week been reportedly spotted at art galleries around the North Island, according to the NZ Herald.

Logan, who struggles with anxiety, couldn’t bring himself to meet the actor.

“I was just at my mum’s house designing Mother’s Day advertising for her and I got a text saying ‘son, come down to the shop, Pierce Brosnan is here!’…

“I’m a ‘90s baby, so straight away I was like, ‘hey, that’s the guy from Mrs. Doubtfire’ that’s the kind of iconic movie that I know him from, as well as James Bond, but that’s the one that’s kind of ingrained in my mind.”

Logan, who began with graffiti and has painted murals across Northland and Auckland as well as for famous figures like Dame Whina Cooper’s granddaughter and Awa of Nesian Mystik, says he’s become obsessed with native birds.

“It’s cool to put a piece of yourself out there for little towns and all the locals love it.

“When I’m painting them, they walk past and say ‘that looks amazing. Thanks for putting beautiful colour in the town’, definitely keeps you going and inspired to do more.”

Although he doesn’t have a photo of himself handing over the painting to Brosnan, his mother got the actor to sign a couple of pieces.

He hopes others won’t let anxiety hold them back from great opportunities.

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Kanaloa Consortium considers bypassing Moana Pasifika owners to deal directly with NZR

Source: Radio New Zealand

Moana Pasifika halfback Augustine Pulu told the reporters in North Harbour last week that if no deal can be made, livelihoods will be be lost. Paul Taylor/ActionPress

Kanaloa Consortium, who are bidding to buy Moana Pasifika’s licence in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, are hoping their case can be given its fair hearing, as uncertainty continues to hover over the club’s future.

Kanaloa’s CEO Tracy Atiga confirmed on Monday there is an opening to get some discussions on the issue with current Moana Pasifika owners Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), which has not shown any interest in supporting Kanaloa’s proposal.

“We have had contact from the Pacific Rugby Players (PRP) association, who have been supportive and I hope that we can start discussion with the stakeholders involved,” she told RNZ Pacific.

“We are happy to hear that PRP have had a look at our proposal and are happy with it.”

Atiga said the PRP has “initiated discussions to get everybody in a room and talk about it”.

She said they are working around a tight dealine, with 15 May being the date given to them by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to send in their proposal to the NZR Board.

Last week, she told RNZ Pacific that PMA chief executive Debbie Sorensen and New Zealand Rugby Players Association’s Rob Nichol were blocking support for the buy-out proposal.

Since then, Sorensen and Nichol have both stated that Kanaloa should send their proposal to NZR.

But Atiga insists they need to get both the organisations’ support as per letter sent to them by NZR, adding they need to look at the books, the financial records of Moana Pasifika, as per any legal business dealings.

Atiga claimed PMA is reluctant to show Kanaloa their books. Kerry Marshall / www.photosport.nz

In an interview with ABC’s Pacific Beat, Atiga claimed PMA is reluctant to show Kanaloa their books.

“No one’s going to come along and buy a franchise if they don’t have an opportunity to go through the books,” she said.

“I think that’s really what it is. We cannot think of any other reason why they have refused to talk to us.

“We need access to their due diligence process so that we can have a look at these books, have a look at how they have operated for the last five years, so that we can actually say, ‘oh, yeah, okay, your model hasn’t worked this way’.

“We feel we can introduce these different things so we can take this forward, because New Zealand Rugby really want someone to come in and buy the franchise as is now on ‘as is level’, the franchise is not sustainable.

“So we need to be able to see exactly what’s been going wrong before anyone even talks about signing over an agreement.”

Direct talks with NZR

Atiga said if PMA and NZRPA still do not want to engage, then Kanaloa will just work directly with NZR and let them decide whether the licence will be given to them or not.

“If the licence is gone, it goes back to New Zealand Rugby, so, let’s just have a direct conversation with New Zealand Rugby,” she said.

“They have given us to the 15th of this month to get as far down the track with PMA and NZRPA as possible, to get their support and to get their agreement to sign the licence over.

She said that is the path Kanaloa is taking right now.

“And as soon as we have that we will put something in. We will present all the evidence where we have shown – that we have tried very hard to engage with these two parties, and then we will leave it in the hands of New Zealand Rugby to make a decision.

“Now, if New Zealand Rugby make a decision and it does not go our way, we would be demanding a written outline as to why, because we know we have already met the criteria in all other areas.”

‘God willing’

Moana Pasifika halfback Augustine Pulu told the reporters in North Harbour last week that if no deal can be made, livelihoods will be be lost.

“That is what really breaks my heart, seeing the young guys breaking down into tears because these are the opportunities that we are not going to get anywhere else,” Pulu said.

“We have got to provide for our families. God willing, that there is another opportunity to carry on.”

Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said he is frustrated at a lack of transparency coming from the top of the organisation.

“We don’t know the facts, until we get the real facts and see what happens, we’re just trying to worry about what we can control,” he said.

“There must be a reason why those things aren’t going through. Everyone is waiting to hear from someone, we’re at the bottom of it, there’s probably reasons for that.”

If no new funder is found Moana Pasifika will be probably playing their last home game at the North Harbour Stadium on 23 May and their last Super Rugby game on 30 May against the Brumbies in Canberra.

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

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Court martial underway after navy officer allegedly threatens to kill interpreter

Source: Radio New Zealand

The court martial is underway at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson

A navy officer charged with threatening to kill an interpreter in Afghanistan has pleaded not guilty.

A court martial is underway at the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland this week after the former interpreter, now a private in the NZ Army, made a complaint about an incident in 2013.

The complainant alleged that the accused, a Lieutenant Commander, threatened to have him blacklisted and killed after he attempted to contact the Minister of Defence about an immigration issue involving his wife.

At the time, the NZDF was pulling out of its base in Bamyan, Afghanistan, and had offered their interpreters permanent residency in New Zealand to protect them against the Taliban.

The complainant had applied for residency as a single man, but got engaged and then married shortly after his immigration interview as part of an arranged marriage.

The complainant, whose identity is suppressed, was first to give evidence.

He found out the NZDF was pulling out of Afghanistan in 2012, though the process would take several months and drag into 2013.

“We were offered [either] a large sum of money or the chance to come to New Zealand and become permanent residents, all the interpreters accepted coming to New Zealand,” he said.

“[The reason was] safety. [My worry was] being killed by the Taliban, or other worse things that could happen to me and my family.”

During his interview the interpreter told immigration officials he was single.

A year earlier, he said his mother had pushed for an arranged marriage, but this had fallen through.

But when he told his parents he was moving to New Zealand, they encouraged him to revisit the arranged marriage.

“After my interview, I told [my parents] the good news, my mum told me, ‘hey, if you’re going to leave us why don’t we go and meet her, she’s still single’,” he recounted.

After meeting her in person, they decided to get married.

“My parents and her parents started arranging the wedding, and I came back to my work at Kiwi Base,” he continued.

Kiwi Base was the NZDF’s main operating base in Bamyan.

“I came back and told them I like this lady and I’m going to get married. There was no issues at this point, ‘this is your wedding date, go get married, it should be fine’.”

But after their wedding in March of 2013, the interpreter said the tone changed.

“They denied it, no she can’t [come with me]. There were arguments of, ‘you guys told me it would be fine’. I was upset, destroyed, disappointed,” he said.

“One night when I was going to the bathroom, a soldier stopped me and said ‘hey, I know you’re trying to bring your wife to New Zealand, the Minister of Defence is visiting soon, you could write them a letter’.”

The interpreter said he spent all night writing a letter and printed two copies: One for his commanding officer, and one for the minister.

After giving the letter to his commanding officer, he said he appeared angry.

The interpreter said he was later approached by the accused, who was acting as a delegate to help the interpreters apply for residency in New Zealand.

“He asked what I was going to do, I said I was trying to speak to [the minister].”

“[He said] there was a media presence, and there was an election going on in New Zealand, ‘you’re not allowed to talk to him. If you do that you could lose your job and jeopardise your position to come to New Zealand’.”

“I said ‘what if I resign and then do it?’ That made him more angry, that’s when he threatened me.”

“He said if you try to speak to the Minister of Defence, we will talk to your government to blacklist you and have you killed, and you and your family can’t do anything about it.

“I just burst into tears. Every time I think about it, I see myself from above, standing there crying. He stood there and watched me cry.”

A power outage in Devonport interrupted Monday’s proceedings before the defence could cross-examine the interpreter.

The court martial is expected to last multiple days, and a verdict and any potential sentence would be decided by a panel of three military personnel acting similarly to a jury.

Judge Kevin Riordan warned them not to be swayed by their emotions.

“[This case] may cause you to have an emotional response, but you cannot be emotional. That is not your job. Your duty is to analyse the evidence calmly and clinically.”

Defence lawyer Matthew Hague reiterated that the panel must maintain an open mind until all the evidence had been presented.

“It’s not the court’s job to solve a mystery. If you are unsure of anything, then the benefit of that doubt must go to [the accused],” he said.

“You will initially hear from witnesses called by the prosecutor, and this is evidence only from one side, and that side’s purpose is to prove the charges. Some of the evidence is disputed, and you’ll hear from defence witnesses who will tell you something different.”

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Coalition parties ramp up criticism of media

Source: Radio New Zealand

National, ACT and New Zealand First make up the coalition government. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Analysis – The relationship between politicians and the media is symbiotic, but it’s increasingly coming under pressure as political parties turn to other platforms, and evade traditional newsrooms, to speak direct to voters.

The three parties making up the coalition – National, ACT and New Zealand First – have ramped up their commentary and criticism of the media this term, whilst also jostling for political differentiation in the lead-up to the election.

RNZ has taken a look at the swipes and threats over the past term.

‘I suspect that he won’t be answering the call at RNZ for much longer’ – David Seymour

Last month, ACT leader David Seymour, who is a shareholding minister for both RNZ and TVNZ, lashed out at both organisations and their management teams during an interview on The Platform.

He suggested changes were coming for RNZ’s leadership and appeared to single out chief executive Paul Thompson, without naming him.

“Look, that guy’s got an awful lot to answer for, and I suspect that he won’t be answering the call at RNZ for much longer.”

Seymour went on to say that the government was replacing RNZ’s board with the aim of changing the organisation’s management and direction.

Seymour also accused TVNZ of being “politically motivated”.

David Seymour. RNZ / Mark Papalii

He later rejected any suggestion his comments had stepped outside the bounds of the law.

At the time, commentators said he’d gone too far.

Last year, Seymour said funding cuts to RNZ’s budget would have sent “a message” to the state broadcaster about its journalism.

Seymour has repeatedly criticised media coverage during this term and regularly posts footage of media stand ups online under the title David vs The Media. Recent videos are named: ‘The Ayatollah doesn’t care about your soap opera’, ‘The Greens defended WHAT?’ and ‘MAIKI SHERMAN BOMBSHELL’.

Seymour argues his clips are “changing the media”, as he considers the shorter clips used in reporting unfair.

He’s not the only politician utilising social media in this way.

A social media complaint and an apology

In late February this year, Police Minister Mark Mitchell posted on social media complaining about a 1News story showing gang members narrowly outnumbered police officers.

The report aired the same day the latest Crime and Victims survey reported 49,000 fewer victims of violent crime in the year to October 2025 than two years previously.

Mark Mitchell. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Mitchell said it was “absolutely unbelievable” 1News engaged in unbalanced journalism by running a story about gang membership with none of the context “around the outstanding work our Police are doing in cracking down on gangs in New Zealand”.

Justice and Broadcasting Minister Paul Goldsmith said it was “very frustrating” the story “completely ignored those figures.” He said that was “sometimes how the media works in this country.”

Five days later, 1News ran a second story which reported on the crime statistics that the government had announced the previous week.

Newsroom covered the issue with the headline ‘Govt gets its wish from 1News – a headline on fewer crime victims’.

Goldsmith then confirmed he’d spoken to the 1News journalist after the first story aired.

“Just like I often do when I’m not happy with a story, I ring the journalist and give them the benefit of my opinions.”

Mitchell said after he put up his post, he had received a call from a “senior” TVNZ person to apologise, but he had not contacted anyone at TVNZ.

Goldsmith later confirmed he also had a “very short” call from the chair of TVNZ’s board, Andrew Barclay, “on a range of matters”, and the story came up in passing, “but I hadn’t raised the issue”.

Threats to public funding

Last year. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters took aim at former Morning Report host Corin Dann during an interview about the party’s proposal to define “woman” in law.

Towards the end of the interview, Peters also threatened to “cut” RNZ’s funding.

“The fact is, you’re paid for by the taxpayer and sooner or later we’re going to cut that water off too, because you’re an abuse on the taxpayer.”

Winston Peters. RNZ / Mark Papalii

At the time, Labour leader Chris Hipkins said it was unacceptable for a minister to threaten an independent media organisation’s funding because he objected to how he was being interviewed.

ACT leader David Seymour downplayed Peters’ remarks, pointing out the NZ First leader alone does not have the power to defund RNZ – that lies with Cabinet.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he would not intervene, and put it down to a “rather Winston way of communicating with media”.

It’s not the first time Peters has made comments about changes to public broadcasting. He also implied a desire for a “better” show during an interview with Jack Tame on the publicly funded Q+A during the 2023 election.

“You’ve made a case for us to make sure we get the broadcasting portfolio after this election,” he said towards the end of the interview.

“Is that a threat, Mr Peters?” Tame replied.

Jack Tame. Supplied / TVNZ

“That’s not a threat – it’s a promise that you’re going to have an operation that’s much more improved than it is now.”

BSA no more

Last week the government announced it planned to scrap the Broadcasting Standards Authority, with the minister-in-charge, Paul Goldsmith, telling RNZ it would “set the sector free”.

The decision came after the BSA faced backlash from government ministers following a decision to begin regulating podcasts and online media.

Paul Goldsmith. RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

At the time, Peters accused the BSA of “Soviet-era Stasi” censorship, and said it was “blatant overreach” and “highly concerning”.

The ACT Party had also said it was time for the BSA to go, and its MP Laura McClure submitted a members’ bill that looked to abolish it.

In response to the news, McClure said it was “absolutely fantastic news for freedom of speech in New Zealand”.

But others have criticised it, with media professor and Better Public Media spokesperson Peter Thompson saying it was a “momentous” move and called it “politically expedient” and “democratically indefensible”.

A high-profile resignation

TVNZ political editor Maiki Sherman’s resignation on Friday came after a period of scrutiny over an incident that occurred more than a year ago.

Sherman had used a homophobic slur against Stuff journalist Lloyd Burr, in response to “deeply personal and inappropriate remarks” she said. She apologised at the time and informed her manager.

Maiki Sherman. Aotearoa Media Collective

The resignation also came after a five-day suspension from parliament due to breaching parliamentary rules by pursuing an interview with National’s chief whip Stuart Smith, during a period of scrutiny on Luxon’s leadership.

National’s campaign chair Simeon Brown had complained about TVNZ’s pursuit of Smith, and he publicised his complaint on social media.

Luxon subsequently cancelled his weekly slot on TVNZ’s Breakfast with co-host Tova O’Brien, who had left the prime minister red-faced in several of his regular interviews.

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Watch live: Government to detail updates to national fuel plan

Source: Radio New Zealand

Significant fuel rationing will only come into force if the country moves into the highest “phase” of its fuel response plan, the government says.

Emergency services, hospitals, banks, transport operators and electricity generators were among those who would have prioritised access to fuel if the ongoing crisis worsened.

The National Fuel Plan had four phases – ranging from minor to severe impacts – and phase three and four had been under consultation.

The government on Monday announced the “priority user” approach would only be used in phase four, which is a “major and ongoing fuel supply disruption”.

It was “highly unlikely” the country would ever reach phase three or four, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said.

Fuel access conditions under phase four:

  • Critical users – priority and uncapped access. This includes emergency services, health, schools, courts, money services and lifeline utilities.
  • Food and freight – uncapped access to fuel, subject to demand reduction requirements based on fuel‑saving plans. The government would monitor adherence to fuel-saving plans through spot checks.
  • Commercial and community users – same access as food and freight, but higher savings targets in their fuel-saving plans. This includes businesses and organisations other than food and freight.
  • General public – transaction limits at the pump aimed at reducing overall fuel use by an amount greater than what is expected for other groups.

“In the unlikely event we ever need to move to phase four, it is critical that business and industry have a clear understanding of the objectives and measures, and can put them into action,” said Willis.

“That is why we have taken the time to consult, and the feedback we received has shaped the revised plan. We heard that the earlier proposed approach, particularly around the priority bands, was too complex and needed simplifying.”

A jet fuel plan had also been developed alongside the aviation industry, “recognising that the types of users and demand for jet fuel are different to those for petrol and diesel”, the government announcement said.

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‘Reckless actions’: Man arrested after police pursuit in Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

A dramatic car chase saw patrol cars and the Eagle helicopter tail a stolen car through Auckland city streets.

At least eight police cars were seen at the corner of Victoria Street and Nelson Street in the middle of the city where a man was seen being arrested.

An RNZ reporter at the scene watched as police ushered the man into the back of a police car.

Police at the scene of the arrest. RNZ / Finn Blackwell

Further up the road, police could be seen examining a dented car stopped just ahead of officers.

In a statement, police said officers saw a vehicle with no number plates driving through Ponsonby at about 12.25pm.

Acting Inspector Matt Limrick said police cars signalled for the vehicle to stop, but it didn’t – continuing along Great North Road.

The vehicle was alleged to have recently been stolen, Limrick said.

The Eagle helicopter was able to monitor the vehicle as it continued travelling through Mount Albert and Grey Lynn.

“A police pursuit was initiated given the driver’s reckless actions, including excessive speed and driving on the wrong side of the road on multiple occasions.”

Supplied

Limrick said the vehicle was spiked, but continued before coming to a stop in traffic on Nelson Street.

“Police were able to block the vehicle in and two people were quickly taken into custody without incident.

“It’s extremely lucky that the dangerous behaviour of these people didn’t result in anyone suffering serious injuries.”

Police said two people have been taken into custody and are considering charges.

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After brave comeback, Black Fern Awhina Tangen-Wainohu forced to retire with neck injury

Source: Radio New Zealand

Awhina Tangen-Wainohu of New Zealand in action during the 2021 World Cup. PHOTOSPORT

Black Ferns prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu has announced her retirement from international rugby due to a career-ending neck injury.

Tangen-Wainohu played 10 tests for New Zealand, and was a member of the 2021 World Cup winning squad.

Named in the Black Ferns squad earlier this year, she was ruled out of game one following an aggravation of a previous neck injury.

“Sometimes the game you love doesn’t love you back. My neck scans have shown that staying in the game could cost more than the game gives. So I have to hang the boots up, but I am grateful my tinana [body] is still in one piece,” Tangen-Wainohu wrote on social media.

Tangen-Wainohu made a remarkable return to the black jersey in 2025 after stepping away from the game for two years due to her neck.

She quietly returned to the Blues, helping her team win both the Super Rugby Aupiki title and the inaugural Women’s Super Rugby Champions final.

Awhina with her son Hipirini in 2022. Supplied / Rachael Whareaitu

Tangen-Wainohu came off the bench in their 38-12 win over Australia in Newcastle last year, her first international since the World Cup.

A mother to her son Hipirini, he was her biggest motivator in her comeback journey.

She previously played for Chiefs Manawa in Super Rugby Aupiki as well as Waikato and Hawke’s Bay in the Farah Palmer Cup.

Black Ferns Head Coach Whitney Hansen said Awhina will always be part of the team.

“Awhina is a talented front-rower who has consistently shown what’s possible through resilience and determination. She’s been instrumental in helping us shape this new era of Black Ferns. She has approached an incredibly tough decision with mana and optimism; we thank her for everything she has given to this team, and we know she will continue to contribute to the legacy of our people. For that, we are grateful.”

Tangen-Wainohu said she was ‘forever grateful’ to the game.

“Ngā mihi rugby, for a life I never imagined, for everything you gave to my whānau and I. To every team, coach, kaiako, and teammate, you shaped this journey.”

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Four arrests, 53 infringement notices after large bike event in West Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

The group of riders went from Henderson to New Lynn on Sunday. (File photo)

Four people have been arrested and 53 infringement notices were issued by police following a large-scale bike event in West Auckland on Sunday.

The event, which police said had been advertised on social media, was attended by approximately 120 bicycle riders.

The group travelled from Henderson to New Lynn, Acting Inspector Damian Albert, the Waitematā Road Policing Manager said, starting at 11am and finishing at 2pm.

“We had units monitoring the behaviour of the riders to be able to take appropriate enforcement action against those who chose not to follow road safety rules or engaged in any other anti-social behaviour along the way.”

Albert said police monitoring the event were disappointed a potion of the group failed to comply with road safety messaging and legislation.

“These riders showed a complete disregard for others on the road, and we will continue to hold them to account and impound their bikes.

“Police attempted to keep disruption for commuters to a minimum and hope that police enforcement action today sends a strong message about the seriousness of road safety.”

Albert said anyone who saw driving or riding that was of concern should call police immediately on 111.

Information could also be provided by calling 105 if it was after the fact or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Employers’ groups and unions divided over the merits of scrapping third-year fees-free

Source: Radio New Zealand

The government has announced that it will scrap the third-year fees-free tertiary scheme. RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The government’s proposal to scrap the third-year fees-free tertiary scheme and redirect some of the funds towards trades training is being welcomed by business leaders.

However, the Council of Trade Unions argues the move is the wrong thing to do and will only exacerbate skill shortages in sectors like nursing, that need graduates with three years of training.

The government forecast in last year’s budget that spending on the scheme, while low to begin with, would rise to around by $170 million a year by 2029.

It argues the scheme hasn’t worked to boost tertiary study uptake by lower-income New Zealanders as planned.

The Employers and Manufacturers Association head of advocacy Alan McDonald said his organisation had always felt there was an imbalance between academic and trades funding.

“It looks fairly clear-cut the academic side of it hasn’t worked and there is no spare money, so reallocating it is a good thing,” he said.

He said he hoped some of the money reallocated could go to help fund industries and trades that are not currently covered by existing apprenticeship funding, such as refridgeration and heating engineers.

However, the Council of Trade Unions president Sandra Grey said cutting the scheme was not the right thing to do, as it would make skill shortages in areas like nursing and education worse.

“When you are looking at three years of debt to say become a nurse or teacher, you might think again and you might go actually I’m going to do a lower qualification so I can get into the workforce, so I can start earning and not have that really big student debt,” Grey said.

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