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Source: NZ Department of Conservation

It’s World Ranger Day!

Time to celebrate our crews doing their best to protect nature in Aotearoa. This is a window into conservation field work: selfie-style. 📸

📷1: Taking a break at Ōpoutere Beach after clearing tracks – (L to R) Rebecca, Rachel, Shania
📷2:  Daniel and Chippy setting new trap lines along Hirikimata on Aotea
📷3: Community ranger team (Michelle, Chris and Cat) from the Mahaanui office

World Ranger Day is an opportunity to celebrate rangers who serve on the front lines of conservation worldwide.

Today we recognise the invaluable efforts of those rangers who contribute to protecting nature and our planet day-in, day-out.

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📷1: Self-timer selfie at Ōpoutere Beach aftertrack clearing pine logs – Dan, Rebecca, Rachel, Shania, Hugh, Cole and Ken
📷2:  CITES Officer Sarah inspecting an American Alligator specimen at Auckland International Airport imported from the USA
📷3: Drone selfie of Rachel and Shania transporting plants to Waemaro Wildlife Management Reserve in collaboration with Ngāti Hako, Waikato Regional Council and Fonterra

The role of a ranger can be hard work, it’s not always glamorous and has its challenges, but there is no doubt about the importance of the work of our rangers when it comes to preserving and protecting nature.

Internationally, World Ranger Day commemorates rangers killed or injured in the line of duty, in addition to celebrating the work rangers do around the globe to protect natural treasures and cultural heritage.

📷1: Phillip from Kaimaumau in Te Hiku doing a site visit with the locals
📷2: UBCO Training with Kyle, Doug and Brownie from Te Hiku Kaitaia DOC
📷3: Alyssia and Daniel planting native seedlings to help restore wetlands in Whangapoua, Aotea

Not all of our rangers are field-based, and lots of conservation happens behind a desk, but there’s no doubt that our team in the field have some of the best views and work stories around.

What does a ranger do?

This is a question we get asked a lot. The short answer is: heaps!

📷1: Campbell walking up to the infamous Brewster Hut during Winter to clean the hut and toilet
📷2: Hauraki Heritage and Visitor Team – Rebecca with the Hauraki Tracks Crew
📷3: Cara and Kaitiaki Kiwi planning conservation work with mana whenua on Aotea

The long answer involves managing threats like predators, cutting tracks, managing biosecurity risks, monitoring and reporting on population health, restoration, recreation maintenance, running Visitor Centres, research and development … the list goes on and on.

We have experts in many things: ecosystems, kākāpō, kiwi, weeds, waterways, sharks, bittern, non-vascular plants, bird-banding, endangered orchids, visitor behaviour, surveying, safety, community engagement, backcountry tramping; you name it. The DOC Sounds of Science podcast is a good listen if you’d like to dive deeper into any of these fields.

📷1: Cameron and Kylie cooking up a kai for the kids after planting a reserve in Ahipara
📷2: Campbell and Renee crossing the freezing cold East Matukituki River after spraying Cotoneaster weeds
📷3: Daniel and Chippy putting out biodiversity tracking cards on the pest-free Mokohinau Islands

Working in the field to help nature thrive is often very physically challenging, complex, with sky high stakes. But, on the other hand, our team have ‘office views’ like no where else, and often have seen things or done things that turn their friends and desk-based colleagues green with envy.

Please put your emoji hands together for all of our awesome rangers.👏

They deserve it. 💚

📷1: Bianca, Alaanah, Brownie and Adrienne during UBCO Training at Maitai Bay
📷2: A selfie after an Otago Hector Dolphin Biopsy Survey from left Mike, Tom, Cara and Kristina at Port Chalmers
📷3: Cara and Lizzie and rangers from Karioi Project Jasmine, Terence and Louie carrying out willow control in the Toreparu wetland to enhance matuku habitat

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World Ranger Day 2025

It’s World Ranger Day. A day to celebrate the amazing things that dedicated rangers do across Aotearoa all year round. You can learn more about World Ranger Day on our website.

For more information about becoming a ranger, check out our DOC careers page.

Source: New Zealand Government

More women and families in need of specialist mental health support during and after pregnancy will soon have better access to care, with new investment being directed to Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Mid Central, and the Wellington region. 

Pregnancy and early parenthood can be a challenging time. This funding will mean more women can access the right care when they need it. These services can be life-changing not only for mothers but also for their babies and wider families,” Mr Doocey says.

“While becoming a parent is often a time of great joy, it can also bring real challenges for some. This funding will enable those who need extra support, whether they are facing mental health challenges during pregnancy or postpartum, to access the care they need.

“It will also provide support for those experiencing distress following birth trauma or stillbirth.

“The additional $4.9 million announced today targets four regions identified as having lower levels of investment in maternal mental health. This new funding will help ensure more equitable access across the country.

“The investment will create more clinical and non-clinical roles within community-based specialist infant and maternal mental health services. It will also fund intensive home-based care packages for those with higher needs. Evidence shows these measures make a significant difference for pregnant women, mothers, their babies, and families.

“We’re turning the corner on reducing wait times and increasing the workforce. Recent data shows Health New Zealand’s frontline mental health workforce has grown around 10% since we came into Government and over 80% of people are being seen within three weeks for specialist services.

“When someone reaches out for help whether it’s you, your child, a friend or family member this Government is committed to ensuring support is available. Today’s announcement will continue with the progress being made in ensuring that support is there.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is consulting on proposed changes to health and safety regulations to better support innovation in New Zealand’s science and technology sector.  

“As part of the wider health and safety reforms, we’re clearing the way for scientific progress by reducing complexity and making it easier to understand what’s required,” says Ms van Velden.   

“We’ve heard that the current regulations don’t match what university laboratories do, creating unnecessary compliance challenges. Researchers and innovators need a system that supports their work, not one that stands in the way.”  

I am proposing a change that aims to match hazardous substances requirements for university laboratories as well as science and technology laboratories with their actual risk.  

Current regulations require flammable substance laboratories to be on the ground floor. However, universities often place them on upper levels to improve fire safety and security, keeping evacuation routes clear and limiting access to hazardous materials. This approach, supported by Fire and Emergency New Zealand, does not align with how the regulations are currently written.  

“I’m developing these changes to ensure they are practical and effectively support New Zealand’s science and technology sector. This includes assessing whether the current laboratory design and hazardous substances storage requirements work for their laboratories.  

“We’ll be consulting directly with the university laboratories and science and technology laboratories. I intend to complete these changes by mid-2026.”  

Another key change already being consulted on aims to remove regulatory barriers to the development and use of hydrogen technologies.  

“We’re planning to update the rules to support the safe development and use of hydrogen technologiesin a way that’s flexible, future-proofed, and internationally aligned.”  

Officials have already conducted targeted consultation, and now we’re opening it more widely to ensure all interested stakeholders have the opportunity to share their feedback. 

Because the current safety requirements were not developed with hydrogen in mind, they are now preventing the safe development and use of hydrogen technologies.   

Key changes being consulted on include:  

Enabling the use of hydrogen storage containers that are already in common use overseas. 
Establishing safety requirements for cryogenic liquid hydrogen. 
Introducing safety requirements for hydrogen filling stations and dispensers.  

“Hydrogen technologies could transform sectors from transport to manufacturing, and these changes will help unlock that potential by removing regulatory barriers.”  

These changes support the Government’s 2024 Hydrogen Action Plan by creating an enabling regulatory environment for hydrogen development while maintaining safety. The changes are expected to be completed by mid-2026.  

“Once agreed, these updates will remove unnecessary complexity and ensure the regulatory system better supports scientific research and emerging technologies,” says Ms van Velden.   

“These changes will save time and costs for businesses and workers as we cut red tape to make it easier to do business. When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

Introduction

It is my pleasure to welcome you, in my capacity as Minister for Resources and Regional Development, to the launch of From the Ground Up: a draft strategy to unlock New Zealand’s geothermal potential.

Our geothermal resources present significant opportunities for each of your portfolios, and I have valued your contributions and commitment to this work.

Thank you to our generous hosts, the New Zealand Geothermal Assossiation. I commend you on this year’s Geothermal Week event and the theme of global opportunity is fitting given what I want to discuss today. 

Also with us today are the Mayors of Rotorua and Taupō, Tania Tapsell and David Trewavas, as well as experts and leaders representing a spectrum of interests. Welcome and thank you for being here.

A legacy at the forefront of harnessing geothermal resources

Our unique geographical position perched on an active boundary between the Indo-Australian and Pacific tectonic plates has bestowed us with a world-class geothermal resource – and we boast a long history of utilising it as an abundant heat and energy source.

Our tīpuna who settled in the central North Island used geothermal waters for heating, cooking and healing.

A taonga for Māori, waiwhatu (geothermal) also carries significance as the meeting place between the physical and spiritual worlds.

The Pink and White Terraces were New Zealand’s largest attraction before the Mount Tarawera eruption, enticing many to make the long journey to bathe in the waters. Spa baths were established in the Rotorua area from about 1870 fed by natural springs and shallow wells and playing a major role in healing injured soldiers returning from war.

The international effort to generate electricity from geothermal steam began well over a hundred years ago with the earliest experiments carried out at Larderello in Italy, where the world’s first geothermal power station was opened in 1913. 

New Zealand army engineers serving in Italy during WW2 were sent to inspect the station but when they arrived in June 1944 it had been destroyed by retreating German forces. When they visited again in 1948, the power station had been rebuilt and was producing over 140 megawatts of electricity. 

Back home, we were grappling with the second dry year in a row and hydro-electric dams weren’t able to meet energy demand. It was quickly becoming apparent that we needed another source of power, independent of imported oil. 

In 1949 exploratory drilling began at Wairākei, just north of where I am speaking to you today. Explorations were fruitful, and the power station was built between 1958 and 1963. It was only the second in the world, and the first to attempt to harness wet steam. 

Further geothermal capacity was added in the 1980s with power stations constructed at Ōhākī and Kawerau, and by the early 2000s, New Zealand had seven geothermal power stations – six in the Taupō Volcanic Zone, and one at Ngāwhā in Northland. Geothermal provided about 7 per cent of our total electricity.

Our engineers invented a steam–water separator and had to pioneer ways of overcoming numerous challenges, and it was because of their hard work that New Zealand expertise became highly sought-after by countries interested in developing their own resources.

This is a legacy that every Kiwi can be proud of. 

A vital and valued sector – but potential left on the table

Today, geothermal accounts for just under 20 per cent of our electricity generation. We are the fifth largest generator of geothermal in the world. Unlike hydro, wind or solar power, it isn’t reliant on the weather, and provides a clean, consistent and resilient power source. 

Beyond electricity generation, direct geothermal energy is an enabler of industrial, commercial and agricultural activity. Currently there is over seven petajoules in direct geothermal heat use in pulp and papermaking, wood processing, dairy manufacturing and greenhouses each year.

Notably, as a key contributor to the Māori economy, geothermal resources support the economic aspirations of iwi, hapu and ahu whenua trusts providing opportunities for innovation and powering diverse investment portfolios.

Geothermal aquaculture is one such investment and demonstrates the versatile applications of the resource.

The Huka Prawn Park, now owned by Te Kiri o Moehau Partnership, is the only geothermally heated prawn farm in the world, warmed by discharged water from the Wairakei power station.
Ngāti Tuwharetoa Geothermal Assets is the the largest direct heat supplier in the world for geothermal steam.
The Tūaropaki Trust with their Mokai Geothermal Power Station and other direct heat use ventures, including a hydrogen production pilot plant using geothermal energy; dairy processing facility utilising geothermal heat; and covered crop operation using the Mokai geothermal resource.

Our geothermal resources have bolstered our national science and innovation capabilities. We are renowned globally for our deep knowledge in geothermal energy, technology, exploration and modelling. In turn, this has strengthened our international relationships and trade as we support other nations to develop their resources.

Finally, we can’t forget the value of geothermal in attracting visitors to our shores. 27 per cent of international tourists visited a geothermal attraction in 2024. Rotorua stands out as a shining example – its tourism industry has been built on the back of this natural resource, creating jobs, attracting visitors, and showcasing Māori culture.

There is no doubt that geothermal is an integral part of New Zealand’s energy landscape and identity – but I will put to you that some of the most exciting chapters of our geothermal story are still ahead. 

With a solid foundation in place, we’ve proven what’s possible.

This Government has not shied away from the fact that New Zealand has an energy shortage, and our security and resilience is at risk because of it. Our electricity demand is expected to rise by 68 per cent over the next 25 years. Significant growth in renewable generation such as solar, wind and hydro will do the heavy lifting but these sources will always be constrained by the weather. 

Our industries are suffering and shuttering, especially in the face on constrained natural gas supply and our transition to a low emission future. We need proven, scaleable solutions to meet our energy needs to prevent further erosion.

We are laser focused on resurrecting our economy. Economic growth is key to raising living standards, creating higher-paying jobs, and delivering the vital infrastructure and public services New Zealanders want and deserve.

As I’ve already discussed, our geothermal resources are synonymous with regional development, tourism and Māori development – all drivers for economic growth. The strategic growth of this resource across different applications will have crosscutting benefits. 

So, what’s holding us back from geothermal being the answer to all our problems?

Let’s start with our lack of exploration data. Beyond the Crown’s exploration campaign between the 1950s and 1980s, there is very little centralised data for a potential entrant to get started with. Much of our existing field knowledge is fragmented and sits in isolation, making it hard for smaller players and tāngata whenua to assess viability. It also means we are limited in our ability to map and progress bigger picture development within wider geothermal systems. This hampers our potential.

A lack of investment is another limitation. An exploration well can set you back $10 million to $15 million. Installed geothermal generation is some of the cheapest power in New Zealand – but getting there is not. These investments are costly and can take time. Ensuring landowners have access to up-to-date information to guide investment decision-making, and Māori and entrant investors have access to the right capabilities is vital.

How we regulate geothermal development is clunky and out of date with how a modern geothermal sector operates. We have work to do to ensure we have a fit-for-purpose regime for the future. In saying this, I want to reassure my whanaunga from up the road, this does not mean allowing power stations near Pōhutu and other protected fields – I am committed to conserving these taonga for generations to come. 

When we talk about what is holding us back, above all else, I say that we have lacked ambition and a holistic, cohesive plan for how we utilise our geothermal resources in our energy mix and beyond. And that ends today. 

A cohesive strategy with no shortage of ambition

This Government refuses to let our geothermal potential languish.

Today I am launching a draft strategy that provides the vision to position New Zealand as global leader in sustainable geothermal development, delivering innovation, resilience and inclusive growth for future generations.

Through this strategy, we are:

Extending New Zealand’s position as a world leader in geothermal innovation.
Accelerating energy resilience through increased electricity generation and harnessing geothermal heat to support New Zealand’s energy transition. We will double geothermal energy use by 2040, and
Strengthening regional economies by advancing geothermal development in collaboration with tāngata whenua, and unlock industrial growth, tourism and trade to support New Zealand’s goal of doubling exports.

We are proposing a significant work programme to deliver on these goals. Actions in the year ahead include establishing a baseline of publicly available data, exploring options to deliver a geothermal centre of excellence to encourage collaboration and research, and ensuring new planning and environmental legislation enables sustainable use of our geothermal resources.

A new horizon – exploring supercritical 

I also want to touch on what will be a new horizon for our geothermal sector – supercritical.

The energy generated from supercritical geothermal technology could be up to three times greater than current geothermal energy and our investment in exploring this new horizon could help secure New Zealand’s future energy needs.

The Government has ring-fenced $60 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to find out how we can extract this super energy from the earth. 

Some $5 million of that funding has been drawn down for work on the detailed design and cost to drill the first of three exploratory deep wells in the Taupō Volcanic Zone.

This is a great place to drill for supercritical energy because large sources of geothermal heat exist at shallow depths and Earth’s crust is much thinner.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment and Earth Sciences New Zealand, formally GNS Science, are working closely with two major geothermal electricity generation providers, Mercury and Contact, as well as continuing to tap into the latest international research and collaboration opportunities.

We are in discussions with local iwi and hapū about partnering on the first well site and have made good progress on locking down a location. I look forward to sharing more on this soon.

Once a site is confirmed, work will ramp up on the technical design of the well and while there is a significant amount of detailed work to progress, I expect we will start drilling for supercritical energy in 2026. 

Our next steps

Consultation on the draft strategy is now open.

Those that are here today representing the sector, iwi and enabling disciplines are well placed to provide insights and ensure the final strategy unlocks a better future.

A plan of this scale can only be progressed in partnership. I am looking at you as our partners to help us get this right.

Visit MBIE’s website or get a copy of the draft strategy when you leave here today, for details on how to have your say. 

Conclusion

The opportunities in front of us are limitless and with advancing science, we can lead the world once again in sustainable geothermal development, and on the potential of supercritical geothermal.

Source: New Zealand Government

Doubling the production of geothermal energy by 2040 for electricity generation and direct heat applications is part of an ambitious plan to harness the vast potential of New Zealand’s geothermal resources, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

From the Ground Up – a draft strategy to unlock New Zealand’s geothermal potential, launched for consultation by Mr Jones in Taupō today, seeks to position the country as a global leader in sustainable geothermal development while delivering innovation, resilience and growth.

“Our history of utilising geothermal resources is extensive. Our tīpuna in the central North Island used geothermal waters for heating, cooking and therapeutic purposes, and later settlers enjoyed the healing benefits of our thermal springs,” Mr Jones says.

“New Zealand was at the forefront of global utilisation of geothermal energy for electricity generation, and today the sector is a vital contributor to our economy as part of our energy sector, tourism and beyond. 

“Our unique geographic position on the boundary of both the Australian and Pacific tectonic plates, coupled with the Earth’s thin crust along that rift, gives us a significant geological advantage in expanding the use of this abundant natural resource. 

“This strategy aims to build on the great work already under way and provide a clear direction for future endeavours.”

In addition to energy outcomes, the draft strategy aims to extend New Zealand’s position as a world leader in geothermal innovation and strengthen regional economies and the Māori economy. It will advance geothermal development and will help unlock industrial growth, tourism and trade to support the country’s goal of doubling exports.

“The Coalition Government is not prepared to leave potential on the table as we strengthen our economy, and as we grapple with energy security and affordability challenges,” Mr Jones says. 

“I see potential for our geothermal sector to expand and diversify into areas such as the extraction of minerals from geothermal fluid, the development of globally sought-after innovation and science, and more use of direct geothermal energy to power industrial, commercial and agricultural applications.

“We are proposing some key actions that address the challenges the sector faces when it comes to growth such as improving access to geothermal data and insights, ensuring our regulatory settings are fit for purpose, advancing knowledge and uptake of geothermal technologies, and driving science, research and innovation, including our investment to unlock supercritical geothermal technology.

“Consultation closes on 12 September 2025, and I encourage anyone with an interest to have their say. I am excited to start this conversation about how we work together to remove barriers and support innovation to ensure we remain global leaders in this field.”

For more information on the draft strategy and making a submission, visit https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultation-on-a-draft-geothermal-strategy-for-new-zealand

Source: New Zealand Government

Safety improvements will begin soon on State Highway 2 (SH2) at the Moonshine Hill Road intersection at Riverstone Terraces in Upper Hutt, including intersection upgrades and a speed limit review, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“In the last five years there have been 65 crashes at this intersection. One was fatal, and five caused serious injuries. It’s clear we need to make this dangerous intersection safer,” Mr Bishop says.

“The upgrades at this intersection will include installing traffic lights to make turning into and out of Moonshine Hill Road safer, with the design closely mirroring the layout of the existing Whakatiki Street intersection to the north. Additional signage and line markings will also improve safety for cyclists.

“To ensure a consistent approach to the speed limit between intersections, and the narrow, curved bridge between them, NZTA will also consult on the speed limit along this section of road.

“From 1 August through to 12 September, NZTA will consult the public to understand their views on the proposed 80km/h speed limit through the SH2 Moonshine Hill Road intersection at Riverstone Terraces to north of the Whakatiki Street intersection in both directions.

“Once consultation is completed, and impacts of a lower speed limit are assessed, a recommendation will be put to the Director of Land Transport to consider. Until that process is complete and any speed limit change announced, the current 100 km/h speed limit remains in place.

“Construction of the intersection upgrades is scheduled to start in October and is expected to be finished by the end of this year. 

“I want to thank the local Hutt community for their advocacy for making this intersection safer, and to NZTA for bringing these important improvements forward in their planning. 

“I look forward to seeing the safety upgrades completed later this year.”

Notes to Editor:

The signalised intersection being delivered at SH2 and Moonshine Hill Road will not impact southbound SH2 traffic passing the intersection or northbound traffic turning left onto Moonshine Hill Road. The intersection will also not have any raised safety platforms
Because changing a speed limit is a legal process, a speed limit review is required under the Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024. This process requires public consultation, as well as estimates for implementation costs, safety impacts, and travel time impacts.
The Rule sets out how speed limits on New Zealand roads will be managed in a way that supports economic growth, boosts productivity, and enables people to get to where they are going efficiently and safely. 
The Rule supports a targeted approach to speed management by focusing future speed reviews on areas of high safety concern, supporting NZ Police to meet speed-related enforcement targets and using variable speed limits outside schools. It also standardises road classes and their speed limits, specifying speed limit ranges for each road type.

 

 

 

 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  30 July 2025

It sits in a stunning location and is a two to three hour walk from the state highway through Arthurs Pass. Department of Conservation North Canterbury Senior Ranger Gavin (Gav) Collis knew it would be a perfect hut for a family’s first tramp.

“We don’t have enough resources to do all the work required on these huts, so we asked the Backcountry Trust to put it on their list. They have an army of volunteers who love to work on these projects, so away we went,” he says.

“It was a massive job, bigger than anyone first thought, but the result is a dream make-over for Anti Crow Hut which now boasts a log burner, new windows, a new roof, handmade furniture inside, a new deck and new sleeping quarters with space for six to eight people.

“This is the perfect place for a first family tramp, a relatively easy and short walk up a flat valley.”

Gav says it will be on the booking system from this Friday 1 August 2025 so people can be guaranteed a bed. 

“We really want to encourage families to take their kids into nature so they can experience this very special place.

“What we’ve heard from families, inexperienced trampers and many others is they want to know everyone has a bunk before they head out. It’s about encouraging all New Zealanders to get out into nature and building up skills and confidence in the outdoors.

“We’re anticipating the hut will be popular and recommend people get in quick to bag their preferred dates.

“What we have here doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. This hut is close to Christchurch and for city people who want to try tramping, what a great way to take that first step,” Gav says.

Ollie Clifton from the Back Country Trust (BCT) says it was a very special project to work on.

“We knew we were up for a major renovation, but we got a surprise at how bad it was. Luckily, we have fantastic volunteers, builders and painters and others who loved the idea of working up here on the Anti Crow.

“We really like giving something back. It ticks lots of boxes for us in terms of community service and knowing that we are creating something for people to enjoy for decades to come.”

Anti Crow and BCT-manged Brass Monkey Hut are two renovated huts recently added to the booking system.

DOC Heritage and Visitors Director Catherine Wilson says it’s important to provide a mix of bookable and non-bookable huts across Aotearoa.

“DOC provides over 900 huts across the country, around 60 of these are available for people to book online in advance of their trip.

The booking system supports high hut fee payment compliance (generating revenue to help keep these facilities into the future) and is a useful tool for managing overcrowding and visitor risks, says Catherine.

“For example, rangers urgently requested Kirtle Burn Hut in Central Otago be made bookable prior to deep winter. They were seeing a growing trend of trampers turning up to find the hut well over capacity, forcing them to head elsewhere to find accommodation late in the day and often in the snow.

“Some huts are made bookable at the request of groups managing these like BCT or the NZ Alpine club.”

Catherine says, besides Anti Crow, there are some great accessible huts for families and others to visit, even over winter, and she encourages people to make the most of these.

“These huts are a fantastic opportunity to take time out in nature with friends and family. It’s essential to jump on DOC’s website to choose the right trip for your skills and abilities, and check conditions before heading out.”

“It’s easy to cancel or change a booking if conditions aren’t right.”

Easy access bookable huts

The table below provides first hut options for inexperienced trampers or family groups looking to book an outdoor adventure. Visit DOC’s website to find out more about what to pack and how to be a low impact hut user.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is fulfilling a significant commitment to vulnerable Kiwi kids, with the appointment of Dr Ang Jury, ONZM as Chair of the new Board for the Independent Children’s Monitor.

The Monitor is one of three statutory bodies having oversight of the Oranga Tamariki system, along with the Children’s Commissioner and the Ombudsman.

“This marks a significant step for vulnerable children,” Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. 

“The legislative changes I have taken through Parliament this year have enabled this appointment, reflecting commitments in the National-ACT coalition agreement to create a truly independent monitoring and oversight agency for Oranga Tamariki.

“As current chief executive of Women’s Refuge, Dr Jury is an outstanding appointee and will serve a five-year term. She brings expertise in the wider social and Oranga Tamariki sectors. 

“Her commitment and senior leadership experience will support the successful establishment of the new Board from 1 August 2025.”

Dr Jury’s role with Women’s Refuge is expected to conclude by the end of the year. 

Other Board members will be appointed in due course.

The Monitor’s current Chief Executive, Arran Jones, will remain in his role from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026 to oversee and support the organisation’s transition.

Source: New Zealand Government

Kiwibank has been given the green light to compete more vigorously with the big four Australian-owned banks that dominate the New Zealand banking sector.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced today that, following a market testing process, Cabinet had approved Kiwibank’s parent company raising up to $500 million of capital to fund the bank’s growth.

“Allowing Kiwibank to raise up to an additional $500 million is the first step towards giving Kiwibank access to the capital it needs to truly compete with the big four Aussie banks while retaining its intrinsic New Zealand identity. 

“The Commerce Commission reported last year that New Zealand’s four largest banks did not face strong competition when providing personal banking services. 

“Advice to the Government is that an additional $500 million of capital could support up to $4 billion of business lending or $10 billion of home lending. 

“To assess interest in Kiwibank, Kiwi Group Capital (KGC) engaged with New Zealand KiwiSaver funds, investment institutions and professional investor groups including Māori institutions. 

“KGC has advised there is sufficient interest from professional New Zealand investors groups to proceed.”

Nicola Willis says a future government may choose to publicly list Kiwibank on the stock market, but that won’t occur without an electoral mandate. 

Irrespective of any future decisions, the Government has approved measures to safeguard the bank’s New Zealand identity. 

ese measures include maintaining at least 51 per cent government ownership of KGC for the foreseeable future and, through a Kiwi Share to be held by the Crown, requiring, among other measures:

• a majority of the directors of KGC to be normally resident in New Zealand; and
• Kiwibank maintaining its principal place of business in New Zealand.

KGC has until 30 June 2026 to complete a capital raise, subject to final approval of terms and conditions from shareholding Ministers.

Source: New Zealand Government

Boy racers will face serious consequences for anti-social and intimidating driving under tough new laws, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.

“New Zealanders are sick of seeing boy racers and dirt bike riders putting everyone around them at risk,” Mr Bishop says.

“This Government is serious about cracking down on unruly and dangerous driving and restoring safety to our roads.

“We’re taking action by bringing in much tougher penalties for idiots who use our streets as racetracks, putting others at risk. If they want to drive dangerously, they will face serious consequences – and they won’t like them,” Mr Bishop says. 

“This is a clear message to those who think they can get away with dangerous and disruptive behaviour on our roads. We’re backing Police with the tools they need to act, and we’re backing communities who’ve had enough.”

The Anti-Social Road Use Legislation Amendment Bill has been introduced to Parliament and it is expected to receive its first reading in August. 

The new offences and penalties will include:

• establishing a presumptive sentence of vehicle destruction or forfeiture for those that flee Police, participate in street racing, burnouts, intimidating convoys and vehicle owners who fail to identify offending drivers – this means in most cases judges will be required to seize and either sell or destroy the vehicle
• giving Police more powers to manage illegal vehicle gatherings by closing roads or public areas, including issuing infringements of $1000 for those who fail to leave areas when directed to by Police
• increasing the infringement fee for making excessive noise from or within a vehicle from $50 to $300.

Minister Mitchell says the Bill will enable Police to continue hitting these events hard. 

“Police are already doing an outstanding job of enforcing the law. We have seen substantive responses to these illegal gatherings, including arrests, checkpoints, and other tactics to shut these events down. These gatherings are dangerous to the participants, to bystanders, and to the public. This bill will support Police to continue cracking down with a raft of additional powers. 

“Boy racers only care about one thing – their car. Once they realise they’re not getting it back, they’ll think twice about fleeing Police or driving dangerously.”  

After its first reading, the Bill will go through a four month Select Committee process including public consultation.

Notes to the editor:

• Anti-social road users are those who flee Police, or participate in unauthorised street racing, burnouts, intimidating convoys, disorderly dirt bike gatherings, or siren battles.
• The Bill establishes the following exceptions for vehicle forfeiture or destruction if:
  • The offender is not the owner (this exception does not apply to the offence for owners who fail to provide information about a driver to Police).
  • It would be manifestly unjust.
  • It would cause extreme hardship to the offender, or undue hardship to any other person.
• The Government will expand the existing offence for a vehicle owner not immediately providing information about a driver who used that vehicle to flee Police to now:
  • apply to those participating in street racing, loss of traction (burnouts), and intimidating convoys,
  • ensure courts order the vehicle destroyed or forfeited unless it would be manifestly unjust, or cause extreme hardship to the offender or undue hardship to any other person, and
  • allow courts to issue a fine not exceeding $10,000.
• Additional powers for Police to manage illegal vehicle gatherings are to:
  • expand the existing road closure power to include all public and private areas accessible to the public by vehicle (e.g. parks and car parks), and

establish an offence for a person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a direction to leave or not enter a closed area, and establish an associated penalty of a $1,000 infringement fee and a maximum $3,000 court fine. This includes bystanders.