NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Projects backed by the Regional Infrastructure Fund are creating resilient communities and local employment opportunities, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say.

“Regional New Zealand powers the country and it’s essential the regions are supported to grow and prosper. The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) does just that. Through application criteria that focus on infrastructure, important work such as flood resilience, water storage, and energy are being funded to protect and improve the lives of Kiwis all over the country,” Mr Jones says.

Since the $1.2 billion RIF opened for applications mid last year, announced projects are projected to provide employment for more than 1750 fulltime workers during construction alone. Most of these will be drawn from the regions in which the projects are based.

“RIF applicants are expected to prioritise New Zealanders in their workforce planning, reflecting a ‘locals first’ approach to employment. This ensures local communities benefit directly from the opportunities these projects create,” Ms Upston says.

“Because RIF investments focus on infrastructure, they’re creating jobs in construction and related trades during the build phase of these projects. Post-construction these projects will offer employment opportunities in areas such as agriculture, horticulture and processing.”

For example, eight Southland projects supported by $38.31 million in RIF funding are generating jobs across construction, engineering, and project management during the build phase. The Rakiura renewable energy project, SpaceOps Satellite Station, Ocean Beach aquaculture and five flood resilience projects are projected to provide employment for 180 FTE during construction. 

Once complete, further employment opportunities will be created in areas such as renewable energy, satellite operations, and aquaculture through these projects – Rakiura renewable energy, SpaceOps Satellite Station and Ocean Beach Aquaculture Centre of Excellence.

As of 30 September 2025, government funding of more than $862m has been committed for RIF projects, of which $355.6m has been approved and announced. More project approvals are in the pipeline.

“The RIF is gathering momentum in regional New Zealand and delivering well-planned, resilient and enabling infrastructure that will support economic growth, create jobs and make a real difference to our regions,” Mr Jones says.

Editors’ note:

• The Regional Infrastructure Fund is a capital fund which opened on 1 July 2024 with the primary purpose of accelerating infrastructure projects, particularly with a focus on water storage, energy, Māori economic development, enabling growth, and resilience.
• The employment projections are based on estimates provided by each project’s applicants when applying for funding. These may vary from actual FTE figures, which RIF recipients report back to MBIE on a monthly basis.
• Committed RIF funding includes approved funding and funding ring-fenced for specific purposes but yet to be approved for release.

More information about the RIF can be found on the Grow Regions website

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Aoraki Salmon topped a distinguished field of finalists to win the Primary Sector Award at the 2025 New Zealand Food Awards in Palmerston North last night (Thursday 16 October) for their cold smoked salmon – blackcurrant with Kāmahi honey.

Aoraki’s cold smoked salmon product is a result of a unique curing process using all New Zealand-made ingredients that achieves flavour infusion and food safety – without heat treatment – expanding the boundaries of the cold smoking science.

“Blackcurrant with Kāmahi honey cold smoked salmon hits the sweet spot of quality, sustainability, and innovative problem-solving to produce a smoked product without heat treatment,” says Vincent Arbuckle, deputy director-general of New Zealand Food Safety.

Mr Arbuckle said the range and calibre of entries in the Primary Sector category this year reflects New Zealand’s thriving food and fibre sector and its constant innovation.

The other finalists were Airborne Honey (Mānuka honey MGO 300+), Gut Comfort (Prebiotic kiwifruit powder), Kiwi Sorbet (Red & Green), Mitchells Nutrition (Beef tallow), and Mīti (Smokey kānuka and honey beef bites).

“The finalists all showcase the strong commitment to quality without compromising on safety that underpins New Zealand’s food production sector,” Mr Arbuckle said. “These values continue to drive innovation and excellence across the industry.”

The New Zealand Food Awards are held annually by Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University to celebrate food and beverage excellence and innovation in Aotearoa.

New Zealand Food Awards

New Zealand Food Safety has been involved with the awards for more than 20 years, and has been a sponsor since 2008.

Fonterra Co-operative’s Easy Bakery Cream took out the 2025 Supreme Award.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz 

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328. 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  17 October 2025

And the data shows kiwi, our national bird, is falling victim to uncontrolled dogs at a concerning rate.

Hayden Loper, DOC Principal Investigation Officer, says a report compiled by DOC’s National Compliance Team shows there were 75 recorded incidents of dogs attacking, killing, or harassing seals or sea lions between 9 September 2020 and 12 August 2025.

“Deaths of seals and sea lions have occurred in every year, with a noticeable spike in 2024,” Hayden says. “August is the most common month for attacks on seal and sea lions, as it aligns with breeding season.”

DOC’s data release on dog attack incidents coincides with a case which culminated this week. On Thursday, a man appeared for sentencing in Nelson District Court on two charges relating to an incident in September 2024, when his two dogs attacked a fur seal on Kina Beach near Motueka. He was fined $2,000 and his dogs were ordered to be destroyed.

Hayden says the reported incidents of dogs attacking wildlife don’t end with seals and sea lions. Penguins and kiwi also feature prominently in the five-year statistics – in the same five-year period, there were 96 incidents of other protected species falling victim to dogs.

“It’s the owner’s responsibility to keep their dog under control,” Hayden says. “It is not just untrained or aggressive dogs that kill protected wildlife – even small, usually docile pets or well-trained hunting dogs can and do cause serious injury or death when not controlled.”

Under the Dog Control Act, it is a serious offence to own a dog which attacks protected wildlife. The maximum penalty for owning a dog that attacks and kills protected wildlife is three years in prison, or a $20,000 fine. The dog will almost always be destroyed.

“DOC will investigate all reported incidents of dogs attacking or harassing wildlife,” Hayden says. “The best way the public can help us with this is by reporting any incident involving a dog attacking wildlife, and calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).”

DOC’s data categorises the interactions between dogs and seals/sea lions according to severity. Although harassment is the most common type of incident, attacks and injuries have increased in recent years.

Every person, business, and community has a role in protecting and restoring nature – particularly our vulnerable protected species. Once our unique species are gone from here, they’re gone from everywhere.

Dog owners can have their animals trained to avoid protected native birds, such as kiwi or penguins, and Hayden encourages people to be proactive and get their dogs trained.

”We need dog owners who are out naturing to demonstrate responsibility for their animals, and ensure they keep them away from protected native species. It’s best to get them trained and not need it, than skip the training and have an incident.”

More information

• In the five years between 9 September 2020 and 12 August, DOC recorded 75 incidents of dogs attacking, killing or harassing seals or sea lions – both of which are protected species.
• The eastern region of the North Island had the most incidents (17), followed by the southern part of the South Island (16) and the lower North Island (13).
• We also compiled data on reported incidents of dogs attacking, killing or harassing protected birds over the same period. Kiwi (27) and little blue penguin (36) were heavily over-represented in the 96 reported incidents.
• In Northland, dog attacks on kiwi are particularly concerning and happening with regularity – due to roaming domesticated dogs. In Bay of Islands, 19 kiwi have been killed by dogs from 1 Jan 2025 to 16 September.
• There is a clear upward trend in the number of incidents involving dogs and penguins – climbing from six in 2021, to more than 20 already in 2025.

Full report from DOC’s National Compliance Team

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police have arrested and charged a man today, in relation to the disappearance of Jason Butler four years ago.

On Wednesday 27 October 2021 Jason was reported missing to Police, after not being seen since Saturday 23 October 2021.

Extensive searches took place in and around the Ōmāio area, including along the Haparapara River and bush areas, but sadly Jason has not been found.

Today, a series of search warrants have been executed in Ōpōtiki and Ōmāio, as a result a 57-year-old man has been arrested.

Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Wilson says this has been a long and extensive investigation.

“I want to acknowledge the whānau of Jason. This week is the four-year anniversary of his disappearance, and I know they are still feeling his loss deeply. While I know we haven’t been able to bring Jason home,  I hope this gives them some kind of closure,” he says.

“I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of all those involved in the investigation over the last four years.

“Including those involved in the initial Search and Rescue operations. Efforts have not gone unnoticed,” Detective Senior Sergeant Wilson says.

The 57-year-old has been charged with manslaughter. He is due to appear in Whakatane District Court today where the Crown will be opposing bail.

As this matter is now before the courts, Police will not be able to comment further.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Northland Police can now confirm two people have died following this morning’s crash on SH1, Brynderwyn, Northland.

Just after 3am Police received a report of the crash between a truck and vehicle.

Sadly, the two occupants in the car were pronounced deceased at the scene.

The truck driver sustained minor injuries.

The road will be closed intermittently as the Serious Crash Unit continues to work at the scene.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and take an alternative route if possible.

An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the crash.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Government

Kiwi kids will be able to learn cycling safety skills, alongside more bike tracks being built in schools, thanks to new funding for the Bikes In Schools programme, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

The Government has confirmed that the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) will provide up to $3.5 million in new funding so the Bikes in Schools programme continues, ensuring many primary and intermediate students will have access to bikes and tracks in their schools.

“Bikes in Schools, first funded under the previous National government, is a great programme that provides an opportunity for our primary and intermediate school kids to learn the basics of how to ride a bike safely. 

“Bike riding is a really useful skill for life, and we want to make sure Kiwi kids get the chance to learn how to ride safely from a young age. Jumping on a bike is a great way to get around, keep fit, or just have fun with your mates and family.”

The Bikes in Schools programme, supported through the Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust (BONZCT), helps schools build their own tracks, provide bikes and helmets for students, and enables kids to learn and practice their safe biking skills during the school day and outside of school hours.

“The programme gives kids the chance to build confidence, stay active, and pick up key skills in a safe school setting before they head out onto the road. Learning about helmets and doing regular bike checks also means they’re set up with the knowledge they need to ride safely,” Mr Bishop says.

“Since 2010, more than 400 schools have got on board with Bikes in Schools, helping thousands of kids to learn and practice safe biking skills. I want to thank Paul McArdle and the team at the BONZCT for pushing this work forward, and the many teachers and parents who make it possible.

“NZTA has confirmed up to $3.5 million from the National Road Safety Promotion Programme to keep Bikes in Schools running through to June 2027, with future funding to be considered in the next National Land Transport Programme.

“It was great to be at Wilford School in Petone today to open their new bike track. Seeing the impact this programme has on students and the wider community shows exactly why it matters, and I’m looking forward to seeing it continue.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  17 October 2025

Iti – the Hungry Fairy Tern, written by Monique Rowe, illustrated by Rebecca Gibbs, and published by Duck Creek Press in collaboration with the New Zealand Fairy Tern Charitable Trust (NZFTCT), will be launched on 23 October at 5:30 pm at Bennetts in Mangawhai.

Every purchase of Iti – the Hungry Fairy Tern not only helps raise awareness but also supports ongoing efforts to save the tara iti.

Based on a true story, this heartwarming tale celebrates courage, survival, and the extraordinary efforts of conservationists working to protect one of New Zealand’s most endangered birds. Perfect for young readers, Iti – the Hungry Fairy Tern inspires love for wildlife and reminds us of the importance of kaitiakitanga – guardianship of our natural world.

Set on a blustery morning where the Te Ārai Stream meets the roaring sea, Iti – the Hungry Fairy Tern tells the story of a tiny tara iti chick named Iti, who wakes up hungry and alone. With his parents missing and no food in sight, Iti bravely ventures beyond his nest for the first time in search of something to eat.

DOC Ranger Shelley Ogle with the book | Image: DOC

Along the way, he meets helpful birds like the tōrea (oystercatcher) and tūturiwhatu (dotterel), but their food isn’t quite right for a tara iti like him. Just when things look bleak, a kind ranger named Shelley steps in to help. With patience and creativity, she teaches Iti how to fish on his own – using shallow pools, live fish, and plenty of encouragement.

With fewer than 40 tara iti left in the wild, these tiny seabirds are critically endangered. Their survival depends on the care and collaboration of DOC, iwi, volunteers, local communities and our tara iti strategic partner Auckland Zoo.

DOC’s Shelley Ogle, who also features in the book, says “This story really captures what naturing is all about- noticing nature, caring for it, and being part of its story. It’s a lovely way to help tamariki see how special tara iti are, and how every little thing we do can make a difference.”

How to get the book

• Come along to the launch: 23 October, 5:30 pm, Bennetts, 52 Moir St, Mangawhai
• Pre-order or purchase online: www.monrowebooks.com

By picking up a copy, families will enjoy a heartwarming story while helping raise awareness for the protection of tara iti and their fragile coastal homes. DOC is a partner in the development of this book.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s relentless focus on driving efficiencies and value for money in school property has freed up $100 million to reinvest into more new, safe, warm and dry classrooms.

“We’re building school property better so more schools, communities and children benefit sooner. We’ve halved the cost of delivering new classrooms from $1.2 million to $620,000 by focusing on offsite manufacturing, modular classrooms, repeatable designs, simple and standard solutions,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  

Prioritising these solutions has helped to free up $100 million to reinvest in other rapidly growing areas. It will deliver a new school and another 82 new classrooms across the country, including Learning Support classrooms that are more specialised and multipurpose spaces.

New classrooms:

• Ashburton Netherby School – 2 classrooms
• Cashmere High School – 14 classrooms
• Cosgrove School – 4 classrooms
• Kerikeri High School – 4 classrooms
• Kerikeri Primary School – 4 classrooms  
• Papakura Intermediate – 6 classrooms  
• Papatoetoe High School – 12 classrooms  
• Shirley Primary School – 2 classrooms
• Warkworth School – 6 classrooms
• Whangaparoa College – 6 classrooms
• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kaikohe – 4 classrooms
• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Taumarunui – 4 classrooms
• Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Hiringa – 4 classrooms

New learning support classrooms:

• Cambridge Middle School – 1 satellite classroom for Northern Health School
• Eight satellite classrooms for Kimi Ora Specialist School – 2 at Fergusson Intermediate, 2 at Te Aro School, 2 at Wilford School and a further 2 at a secondary school in Hutt Valley
• Mt Richmond School – refurbishing the space for 45 students
• Oromahoe School – 1 satellite classroom for Blomfield Specialist School

New School:

• Ring-fenced funding for a new Year 1 to 8 primary school in Pokēno.

“This investment is on top of the $713 million we’ve invested into school infrastructure since Budget 25. All of New Zealand’s almost 2,500 state and state-integrated schools will benefit.”

It includes $300 million for repairing and upgrading 33 schools across the country, $255 million for internal and external improvements at 934 isolated, small and rural schools, $100 million over five years additional funding for urgent and essential infrastructure work for all schools and $58 million for operating maintenance work at all state and state-integrated schools.

“Our drive for efficiency and good value for money is delivering more classrooms across the country. We will continue to deliver school infrastructure better, and we’re backing our teachers and learners with the support they need to succeed,” Ms Stanford says.
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Chalmers Street, Avondale is closed following a crash this morning.

Police were called at 8.20am following reports of a collison between a vehicle and a train.

There are no reports of injuries.

Chalmers Street is closed while emergency services clear the scene.

The Auckland Railway Operations Centre has confirmed all rail services on the Western Line north of Avondale have been suspended until further notice. 

Police and Railway Operations are undertaking enquiries to establish how the crash has occurred.

ENDS.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

[Speech delivered to the ASEAN – NZ Business Council, at 7:35am, Auckland Business Chamber]

Good morning. 

Simon Bridges, Chief Executive of the Auckland Business Chamber; Kathleen Morrison, Chair of the ASEAN–NZ Business Council; Ambassadors and High Commissioners; distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. 

It is a pleasure to be with you at this early hour. Foreign policy may not seem like breakfast fare. Yet it shapes the deals you strike, the people you employ, the stability your businesses depend on, and the markets you seek to grow. 

Why a Foreign Policy Reset? 

Last year, Cabinet approved a reset of New Zealand’s foreign policy. It requires us to focus harder, move faster, and lift our ambition with our key partners in Southeast Asia. 

Why a reset? Because the world has changed – and because drifting is not a strategy, however much our predecessor treated it like one. 

The global outlook is worsening. Ukraine remains under illegal assault. For two years, the Middle East has been beset by conflict and humanitarian crisis. The rules, institutions, and norms that steadied the post-war order are now seriously strained. In too many places, power is replacing principle. 

A generation ago, the picture looked different. Trade liberalisation was advancing. Democracy was on the march. Multilateralism was effective and widely respected. Today, uncertainty is the operating environment. The system is under pressure, and geography offers no protection. 

That is why foreign policy matters to every New Zealander. It is not an abstract exercise in Wellington. It is the framework that underpins our export earnings, secures our supply chains, and gives businesses the certainty to invest for the long-term. It sets the rules for our vast Exclusive Economic Zone, safeguards Antarctica as a place of peace and science, and establishes how nations should act in the new frontiers of cyberspace and outer space – where rules are still being written. 

It is also central to our security. UN Charter principles recognise our sovereignty, and respect for them underpins regional stability. Partnerships with trusted countries help us stop illicit drugs at the border, disrupt terrorist threats, and protect New Zealanders in times of crisis. And foreign policy expands opportunity – through tourism, education, and the chance for young New Zealanders to work abroad, gain skills, and bring them home. 

The reset is defined by its realism, delivery and national interest. Realism takes the world as it is; delivery comes through practical diplomacy and clear priorities; with a clear-eyed focus on advancing New Zealand’s security and prosperity. For a small state, rules matter – without them, size decides. 

Why Southeast Asia? 

Southeast Asia is central to our foreign policy reset because it is central to New Zealand’s future. 

Collectively, Southeast Asia is New Zealand’s fourth-largest trading partner. Last year we exported over $10 billion in goods and services to the region. Nearly 10,000 students from Southeast Asia studied here, contributing around half a billion dollars to our economy. ASEAN countries held NZ$18 billion of investment in New Zealand. And the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area entered into force in April 2025, modernising rules to grow those flows. 

But the case for Southeast Asia is not just today’s trade ledger – important as it is. It is the trajectory. This is one of the world’s most dynamic regions, where demographics, urbanisation, and rising middle classes are reshaping demand. Economies are investing in digital infrastructure, advanced manufacturing, agri-food systems, and the energy transition – areas where New Zealand is competitive, and where your businesses can find new customers, partners, and investment. 

For New Zealand firms, Southeast Asia is not just a destination – it is a growth multiplier. 

Security matters just as much as economics. Transnational crime, irregular migration, and radicalisation in the region can have a direct impact on New Zealand. Through close cooperation with our law enforcement partners in Southeast Asia, the New Zealand Customs Service intercepted 1.8 tonnes of illicit drugs last year – preventing $1.4 billion of harm here in New Zealand. That is what practical cooperation looks like – quiet work, real results. 

Defence partnerships strengthen our resilience and underpin regional stability. Our Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines, signed in April 2025, enhances the New Zealand Defence Force’s ability to train and operate with a key partner – building interoperability, lifting capability, and improving crisis response from humanitarian relief to maritime security. Our emergency-management partnerships reduce natural-hazard risk, protect communities, and keep economies running. 

Our International Development Cooperation also supports the step-up. It advances shared priorities – renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, public-sector capability – and creates opportunities for New Zealand expertise. Scholarships bring outstanding students here; technical assistance and joint projects open doors to future commercial partnerships; and climate cooperation links our science and private sector to the region’s green-economy transition. 

In short: Southeast Asia advances New Zealand’s prosperity, security, and resilience. It aligns with our Government’s “Going for Growth” agenda – doubling export value, attracting investment, tackling non-tariff barriers, and lifting innovation. And it is a region where New Zealand is respected as a principled, practical, and reliable partner. 

What have we achieved so far? 

Since the reset, we have lifted our tempo and our ambition. We have undertaken 38 Prime Ministerial and Ministerial visits to Southeast Asia. These visits are not symbolic gestures. They are the hard yards of statecraft – building trust, unlocking market access, advancing security cooperation, and deepening people-to-people links. The return visits to New Zealand, and the growing flow of delegations and officials in both directions, confirm that the region welcomes a stronger New Zealand presence. 

We’d like to highlight three tangible outcomes of this step-up. 

First: Viet Nam. Marking 50 years, we elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – a serious, practical commitment to do more together. Prime Ministers have set a NZ$5 billion two-way trade target by the end of 2026; Climate Change Ministers signed a new arrangement; and officials are finalising a 2025–2030 Plan of Action including pillars in climate, science and technology, and defence, oceans and security. With growth around six per cent and a path to high-income status, Viet Nam has momentum – and New Zealand will be a reliable partner on that journey. 

Second: Singapore. Marking 60 years, Prime Ministers Wong and Luxon launched our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last Friday – lifting cooperation across trade and the economy, defence and security, science and innovation, people links, and resilient supply chains. Singapore is our largest Southeast Asian trading partner and a critical hub for Kiwi firms, with exports already above NZ$2.5 billion. The point is simple: two small states using trust, foresight, and the rule of law to set standards, connect supply chains, and create opportunity – by being reliable, creative, and prepared to do the work. 

Third: ASEAN. Marking 50 years of ASEAN–New Zealand dialogue, we are deepening the partnership at pace. In July in Kuala Lumpur, Foreign Ministers endorsed a Leaders’ Joint Vision Statement and tasked a new ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action – practical steps to support a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. We acknowledge Viet Nam as our ASEAN Country Coordinator and Malaysia’s effective Chairmanship. ASEAN’s weight will grow as Timor-Leste joins. Later this month in Kuala Lumpur, the Prime Minister will attend the Commemorative Leaders’ Summit at which we expect to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN under four pillars – Peace, People, Prosperity, and Planet – a clear signal that New Zealand will match words with action. 

And we are not stopping there. In 2026 we will upgrade our relationships with Thailand and the Philippines. With Malaysia and Indonesia, we are exploring the best way to elevate our partnerships in the years ahead. Each upgrade is a political commitment backed by work plans, sector priorities, and measurable outcomes. Each one deepens our ties, creates opportunities for our businesses, and strengthens New Zealand’s position in a region that matters to us. 

How have we resourced this step-up? 

Words are not enough. So we have acted. 

We have added 22 new roles focused on Southeast Asia – new diplomats at our posts in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Viet Nam, Indonesia, and the Philippines; new primary industry experts to advance market access, food safety, and agriculture cooperation; and new Business Development Managers in Singapore and the Philippines to help firms land deals, navigate regulations, and follow through after trade missions. NZTE support for New Zealand companies in the region is now better aligned with business interests and in step with other key markets. 

Budget 2025 funded the Government’s priorities to double export value and deepen relationships in Asia – lifting engagement with priority Southeast Asian partners; tackling non-tariff barriers; and implementing, leveraging, and expanding existing trade agreements. This is practical work – market access, standards, certification, digital trade, and services commitments – so Kiwi exporters and investors can compete on a level playing field. 

MFAT has also established the Southeast Asia Growth Fund – $12 million over four years – to support targeted, cross-government activity. It ensures we can back the best ideas, at the right time, with the right partners. And we are increasing funding for ASEAN initiatives under our next Plan of Action (2026–2030), giving us the means as well as the mandate. 

Tourism New Zealand has received an extra $6 million for international market development in emerging markets in South and Southeast Asia –expected to generate around $60 million in additional visitor spending. 

Implementation: the year ahead 

Delivery is the test. Our focus is threefold: 

First, we will turn upgraded agreements into results and deeper capital flows. Through AANZFTA and new CSPs with Viet Nam, Singapore and soon ASEAN, we will cut behind-the-border barriers, open digital trade and services, and help Kiwi firms plug into regional value chains and scale. We will also lift two-way investment – quality capital into renewables, infrastructure, logistics and high-value manufacturing here; and into Kiwi firms expanding across Southeast Asia – under stable rules and clear, cooperative regulation. 

Second, we will keep building the people-to-people fabric that sustains a long partnership. Scholarships bring the region’s best students to New Zealand. Alumni networks, internships, and exchanges turn one-off experiences into life-long ties. Tourism and air connectivity bind our societies together. And our diaspora communities – New Zealanders with roots in Southeast Asia – are bridges of trust and practical know-how. We will invest further in those links. 

Third, we will deepen security cooperation – maritime domain awareness, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, emergency management – anchored in international law and regional priorities. Our Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with the Philippines shows how we lift capability together. Training with ASEAN partners at institutions like the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation builds networks that keep our communities safer. And our support for the rules-based order – the UN Charter and United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea – is not rhetoric; it is how small states protect their rights and resolve disputes peacefully. 

That is the plan: trade and investment; people and skills; security and resilience – delivered through disciplined diplomacy and clear outcomes. 

Closing reflections 

Let us end where we began: with the logic of our foreign policy reset. 

Our approach rests on three foundations. First, a realism that is underpinned by prudence. In an unsettled world, prudence is not passivity; it is judgment – knowing when to speak, how to speak, and when to hold our counsel. 

Second, a conviction that diplomacy is the indispensable tool of a small state. Talking with each other – rather than at each other – is the lifeblood of international order. Understanding may not always produce agreement, but it creates opportunity. From diplomacy comes compromise; from compromise, the building blocks of peace. 

Third, an unshakeable belief that small states matter, and that all states are equal in dignity and voice. That is not sentiment; it is the principle that protects us all. 

It is fitting, then, to recall the 1967 Bangkok Declaration that founded ASEAN: the “collective will … to secure for their peoples and for posterity the blessings of peace, freedom and prosperity.” Peace, freedom, prosperity – those three words still map the horizon for our region, and they map New Zealand’s ambition as well. 

The world we face is demanding, but also full of opportunity. We have many friends, but no one owes New Zealand a living. We must chart our course, assert our priorities, and cultivate our partnerships. We must be present, reliable, and useful. 

That is how we deliver a more secure, more prosperous New Zealand – and a better environment for your businesses to thrive. 

That is the promise of the foreign policy reset – a sharper focus, a faster tempo, and a clearer link between what we do abroad and what that delivers at home. And that is the task we will carry forward: to deliver security and prosperity for all New Zealanders, now and for generations to come. 

Thank you.