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Businesses slam Xero compensation process as complex, frustrating

Source: Radio New Zealand

Some Xero users say a cumbersome compensation process has compounded frustration following last week’s platform disruptions.

A day after it announced record revenues, Xero is facing ongoing fallout from a week-long disruption to its accounting platform that was only fully resolved on Monday.

Some users have described the company’s compensation process as overly complex and frustrating.

Affected customers have received emails offering credits and inviting them to submit compensation claims, but several users told RNZ the process was onerous to the point of not being worth the time involved.

Brisbane-based company director James Hita and Hamilton business owner Hilke Giles said they were directed to a generic online support page that did not include a clear option to request a credit.

Users are required to submit supporting documentation for each claim, and Hita said the promised five-hour response time for queries elapsed without a reply.

He described the process as “a Band-aid on a stab wound”.

Giles said she could not understand why, as a business recovering from the disruptions, customers were required to start from scratch explaining issues on a page that “doesn’t even include ‘request a credit’ as an option”.

Xero chief executive Sukhinder Singh Cassidy Supplied/Xero

On Thursday, Hita finally received an email from Xero confirming a one-week credit would be applied to his subscription as a result of the outage.

However, Giles questioned why credits had not been automatically applied to affected accounts.

“Why couldn’t they provide a simple solution, like crediting customers for the subscription fees during the disruptions, instead of making them jump through time-consuming hoops?” she said.

Some users also expressed concern the disruption could delay tax returns, risking penalties.

New Zealand’s Inland Revenue and the Australian Taxation Office confirmed Xero had contacted them about the issue.

Both agencies said taxpayers and agents affected by the outage should contact them directly if needed, with requests to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Xero responds

RNZ sought comment from Xero, which provided the following statement:

“As our CEO Sukhinder Singh Cassidy shared, some customers recently experienced intermittent disruptions accessing Xero due to a combination of platform issues and the third-party services we rely on. We sincerely apologise to affected customers for the impact this had.

“Affected subscription owners have been sent a link to apply for a credit, which Xero will review and process.

“For our accounting and bookkeeping partners who own multiple subscriptions within their practice, they can log a single credit request for all affected subscriptions with only one entry.

“We have deployed fixes and our services are currently restored. Our engineering teams continue to work round the clock to monitor and resolve any further impact to our services

“We remain dedicated to providing the reliable service our partners and small business customers expect from us.”

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

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Ngāti Ruanui demands apology for ‘shameful’ Shane Jones comments

Source: Radio New Zealand

Resources Minister Shane Jones. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Ngāti Ruanui is demanding an apology from Resources Minister Shane Jones for suggesting the iwi lacks intelligence during a Parliament debate this week.

Its tumu whakahaere (leader), Haimona Maruera Jnr said Jones’ comments were “shameful” and “an attack on the mana of our entire iwi”.

Jones was thrown out of the House on Wednesday after taking jabs at Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and the iwi.

He was arguing that some “luddites” and “troublemakers” did not see the importance or economic value in mining for critical minerals.

Ngarewa-Packer interrupted Jones to point out he’d “failed” after a mining company withdrew its fast-track application to mine the Taranaki seabed. Ngāti Ruanui had opposed the application.

Jones said it was important that the $1.4 billion sector be enabled to grow.

“Whether it’s through the fast-track legislation … and I accept … that in some areas, the growth in intellect and the growth in intelligence will take a lot longer, and I fear that the longest period of time it will take will be around Ngāti Ruanui and Taranaki.”

Ngarewa-Packer labelled Jones “insecure” because “that little iwi took you on and won” in their battle against mining the Taranaki seabed.

After more back and forth between the pair, the Speaker Gerry Brownlee told Jones to “haere rā … off you go”, and he left the House.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Ruanui Trust said on Friday it had lodged a formal complaint with Brownlee and wanted Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro to encourage the minister to apologise.

Its tumu whakahaere, Haimona Maruera Jnr said Jones’ comments were “shameful” and “an attack on the mana of our entire iwi”.

“This is not the first time the Minister has made disparaging comments referencing Ngāti Ruanui in the New Zealand Parliament,” he said.

“When a minister of the crown uses the debating chamber to insult a Treaty Partner, and does so while hiding behind legal immunity, the relationship risks being fundamentally fractured.”

Maruera Jnr said Jones had attacked the iwi because it holds a different view on mining, which showed “a shocking display of arrogance”.

The comments were an affront to the Ngāti Ruanui Claims Settlement Act which was built on a foundation of mutual respect and a formal Crown apology, he said.

Jones, the Speaker’s office, and the Governor-General’s office have been approached for comment.

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

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Heavy traffic and delays as crash blocks Auckland’s Pakuranga Road

Source: Radio New Zealand

File pic. RNZ

One person has been injured after a crash between a vehicle and a motorbike on Pakuranga Road in East Auckland.

Emergency services were notified of the crash between a vehicle and motorbike at about 10.15am on Friday.

Traffic is heavy in both directions.

One lane in each direction has been blocked while emergency services respond.

Motorists are being advised to expect delays or take an alternative route.

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

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Price of fuel surges by 13% in April

Source: Radio New Zealand

Quin Tauetau

The price of fuel and transport has skyrocketed while food costs have held steady, in a partial inflation survey.

Stats NZ says petrol prices surged nearly 13 percent last month compared to the month before, and diesel was up close to 37 percent because of the Middle East conflict.

Airfares were between 4 and 6 percent higher.

However, food prices were flat for the month.

Annual food inflation was 2.6 percent.

Electricity prices were the other significant price rise, gaining more than 2 percent.

The items represent about half the consumer price index and back forecasts of an inflation spike caused by the conflict.

More to come…

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

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James Ehnes has more awards than any classical musician ever

Source: Radio New Zealand

Brandon, a place in Manitoba Canada, is so proud of world-renowned violinist James Ehnes, it’s naming a street after him.

“It’s pretty surreal. Of course, I mean, my old high school buddies and I have been making a lot of jokes about it naturally. But in seriousness, it’s a tremendous honour”, Ehnes told RNZ’s Sunday Morning.

The street is right across from the university where his father taught trumpet and the local auditorium where his mother was the chair of the board for years.

This video is hosted on Youtube.

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

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The 2 metre-tall, 600kg letters brightening up central Auckland

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Calvin Samuel

A new Auckland sign has been unveiled this morning at the base of the Sky Tower.

Each letter of the gold-wrapped aluminium sign, paid for by SkyCity, is two metres tall, and the installation is 10 metres long.

Each of the eight letters weighs approximately 600kg.

RNZ / Calvin Samuel

The sign will also light up at night.

SkyCity’s creative studio head and project lead Joshua Smith said it was about time Auckland had its own sign.

RNZ / Calvin Samuel

“Taupō has one, Wellington’s got one, so we [SkyCity] thought, ‘Let’s build a big Auckland sign that people can stop and engage with it, and take photos. It can be a meeting place’.

“We just thought it was a cool opportunity to do something fun.”

RNZ / Calvin Samuel

For its unveiling, each of the letters has been wrapped with a design chosen by either the Auckland Blues, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Auckland Pride, a local artist or a member of the public, which will be removed after three weeks.

RNZ / Calvin Samuel

“We ran a competition for public submissions for artwork to go on the front of each letter and we also worked with some community partners.

RNZ / Calvin Samuel

“For the reveal, we have these beautiful decals on the front of each letter that people can come down and have a look at.”

He said SkyCity had plans to decorate the letters for special events.

RNZ / Calvin Samuel

SkyCity would not confirm how much the sign cost, but Smith said it was less than similar signs of the same size.

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

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First Kiwi Space Activators announced

Source: New Zealand Government

Space Minister Chris Penk today announced the first recipients of the Kiwi Space Activator, a pilot programme helping to move novel space technology from the lab to the skies.

“Dawn Aerospace, the University of Canterbury and the University of Auckland have been awarded a total of $1.48 million in round one for their exciting and sophisticated projects,” Mr Penk says.

“These projects address real-world challenges identified by government agencies, and boost New Zealand’s reputation as a hub for space innovation.

“The University of Auckland project also includes a school payload, which provides an excellent opportunity to engage our next generation of space innovators.

“The Kiwi Space Activator is reducing barriers for Kiwi organisations to test new space technologies, including in orbit. 

“This pilot is a stepping stone, allowing us to develop New Zealand’s space capabilities and support innovative projects that could contribute to a national space mission in the years ahead.”

Successful round one recipients and their funding allocations are:

Dawn Aerospace for their Hōpara project to build and fly a small satellite, $600,000 
University of Canterbury for their demonstration of biological microgravity experimentation on a spaceplane, $600,000
University of Auckland for their CubeSat TPA-2 hosting a group of curated New Zealand payloads, $283,827

“Due to the high calibre of applications, the total funding available across rounds one and two has increased from $1.8 million to $2.08 million,” Mr Penk says.

“I encourage Kiwi organisations to apply for round two so we can continue to build the future of New Zealand’s space industry.”

Applications are currently open for round two and close at 11:59pm on 25 May 2026.

Information about the round one recipients, selection panel, and criteria is available on the MBIE website.

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Ngauranga to Petone Shared Path (Te Ara Tupua) opens

Source: New Zealand Government

The Ngauraunga to Petone Shared Path (Te Ara Tupua) officially opens to the public tomorrow, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.  

“For people in Wellington and Lower Hutt, the opening of this path has been a long-awaited milestone,” Mr Bishop says.

“Construction on this path began in 2022, following site investigations, community engagement, design and consenting that took place from 2013.”

“The Te Ara Tupua project protects State Highway 2 and the Hutt Valley rail network from the impacts of severe weather — while providing a safe, walking and cycling connection that will be well utilised for years to come.

“This new 4.5 kilometre-long, 5-metre-wide shared path is built on a foundation of extensive resilience works and coastal improvements. This includes 0.8 hectares of reclaimed land, 2.7 kilometres of sloping coastal defences, more than 6,000 interlocking concrete blocks, and six vertical seawalls to strengthen the shoreline.

“Parts of this coastline have been damaged by severe weather in the past, most recently in 2013 when land under the rail line was washed out. This resulted in millions of dollars in recovery work and days of travel disruption for commuters. 

“The new shared path will prevent this from happening and has already demonstrated how it protects critical infrastructure in recent wet weather.

“The new coastal path also provides an important lifeline connection for emergency services, should the highway ever be blocked after an earthquake or heavy rain.

“Previously, there was no safe walking and cycling route between Wellington and Lower Hutt. The new shared path provides more ways for people to move around our region, with over 2,100 trips on bikes, 360 walking or running trips, and around 290 trips on e-scooters or similar devices on the path each weekday expected by 2032 compared to approximately 450 daily trips estimated before the project got underway. 

“As this project comes to an end, I want to thank the public for their patience, and the contractors who’ve worked hard to get this project completed.”

Notes to editor: 

  • NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has worked on the project in partnership with an alliance that included Downer, HEB Construction, and Tonkin+Taylor. It has also worked in close partnership with mana whenua, whose connection to the land and waterways has helped shape both the design and construction of the route.
  • The total cost to deliver the Ngauranga to Petone section of Te Ara Tupua is $348.7 million. This cost is split between the Crown ($80m), NZTA ($261.7m), Wellington City Council ($5m) and Greater Wellington Regional Council ($2m).
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Warehouse Group blames flat quarter on fuel crisis

Source: Radio New Zealand

Total sales at retail stores the ‘Red Sheds’, Stationery and Noel Leeming were flat at $700.8 million. SUPPLIED

The Warehouse Group’s third-quarter retail sales were down 1.4 percent on the year earlier, amid ongoing tough economic conditions.

However, on a year-earlier, like-for-like basis, total sales at retail stores the ‘Red Sheds’, Stationery and Noel Leeming were flat at $700.8 million for the period ended 4 May.

Group gross profit margin rose 50 basis points in the third quarter over the year earlier, and were up 10 basis points on the year to date, with growth in Stationery and Noel Leeming partially offset by a drop in Red Sheds.

Third-quarter sales by brand:

  • The Warehouse Red Sheds fell 2.5 percent to $405.3m, down 0.8 percent on same store sales.
  • Warehouse Stationery were down 2.9 percent to $57.1m, up 3.1 percent on same store sales.
  • Noel Leeming sales up 0.7 percent to $236.6m, up 1.1 percent on same store sales

    • Group chief executive Mark Stirton said it was a stable result in an increasingly tough climate.

    “As fuel prices rose, we saw customers become more conscious of travel, making fewer shopping trips but buying more when they visited our stores,” Stirton said.

    Group foot traffic declined 1.8 percent during the quarter, though average customer basket size increased 2.7 percent.

    Group online sales rose 5.4 percent, representing 6.8 percent of total 3qtr sales – an increase from 6.4 percent the year earlier. Noel Leeming stores saw particularly strong online growth.

    Stirton said Noel Leeming will return to Auckland’s city centre this summer with the opening of a new flagship store at 192 Queen Street, after its previous Queen Street store closed in 2021.

    Noel Leeming will return to Auckland’s city centre this summer. Screenshot / Google Maps

    Noel Leeming chief executive Jason Bell said the new store reflected the growing importance of experience-led retail.

    “We’re bringing Noel Leeming back to the city centre with a store designed to offer something different for customers,” he said.

    “Alongside the latest technology, the Queen Street store will feature a more modern design and interactive product demos, gaming events and expert service, creating an exciting experience for customers.”

    The store’s opening was expected to coincide with the launch of the City Rail Link and Te Waihorotiu station, expected this year.

    Outlook

    Stirton said trading conditions were expected to remain challenging, with inflationary pressures, global instability and an uncertain domestic economy continuing to affect consumers and businesses.

    “We’re doing everything we can to balance providing everyday value for customers while managing the impact of higher costs on our business,” he said.

    “In this environment, our priority is to stay focused on what we can control.”

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

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Meridian Energy to build large solar farm near Palmerston North

Source: Radio New Zealand

The solar farm will be in Bunnythorpe. (File photo) Unsplash

Meridian Energy has won consent to build a large solar farm near Palmerston North.

The 120 megawatt solar farm in Bunnythorpe would be alongside an already consented battery energy storage system.

The solar farm would have about 250,000 solar panels, and Meridian said it could produce up to 225 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, enough to power around 30,000 average homes.

The project was still subject to a final investment decision by Meridian’s board, expected in the fourth quarter of 2027.

“Solar energy is playing an increasingly important role in New Zealand’s electricity generation, and we’re excited to bring this to Manawatū,” Meridian’s general manager of development, Guy Waipara said.

Bunnythorpe Energy Park was part of $3 billion in investment on the cards by Meridian through to 2030, with the company (and their rivals) pursuing an aggressive strategy to build new renewable generation.

Meridian said the Manawatū project would create more than 100 local construction jobs, and up to $50m of local spending throughout construction.

The site would span 280 hectares between Ashhurst and Stoney Creek Roads, adjacent to Transpower’s Bunnythorpe substation.

Meridian was expecting to make final investment decisions on its Mt Munro wind farm in northern Wairarapa in late 2026, and its Te Rere Hau wind farm near Palmerston North in early 2027.

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