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Governance – Joint committee will help public access to Waitākere, Outdoor Access Commission says

Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission

Auckland councillors’ proposal for tangata whenua to be part of a committee overseeing the Waitākere Ranges will support public access to the area, according to Herenga ā Nuku, the Outdoor Access Commission.
“Based on our expertise negotiating public outdoor access, we believe the joint committee proposed in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement can play a vital coordination and communication role in shaping long-term public access in the area”, Herenga ā Nuku acting chief executive Phil Culling says.
The background to the comment is that in 2008, the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act said the nationally significant area required protection. This would involve a Deed of Acknowledgement that the Auckland Council, the Crown and nominated iwi would enter into.
Under the proposal, a joint committee would be created with equal representation from Auckland Council, the Crown, represented by the Department of Conservation, and tangata whenua – specifically, Te Kawerau ā Maki. Ngāti Whātua is also named in the Act as tangata whenua. Their ability to be part of the Deed will be kept open and discussions are ongoing.
The proposed Deed applies only to public land owned or managed by the Crown or the council within the heritage area. It does not apply to private land or water and will not replace existing governance structures.
Aucklanders need sustainable public access to the Waitākere Ranges, and that requires a strong framework for authentic dialogue, Culling says.
“It is the largest publicly accessible outdoor space near New Zealand’s biggest city. Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, believes that achieving free, certain, enduring, and practical outdoor public access relies on talking and listening to each other in an ongoing dialogue.”
Many community groups and individuals currently struggle to understand who is managing outdoor public access in the Waitākere Ranges, Culling adds.
“The joint committee could create and implement a long-term strategic plan for the Heritage Area. But, more importantly, it would have the authority and respect to coordinate all the people with an interest in the Waitākere Ranges, improve communication, and increase collaboration.”
“We also support the joint committee’s advocacy role, championing the Waitākere Ranges and raising awareness of their national significance and their significance for tangata whenua. This shared understanding is key to providing long-term recreation and public access.”
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Health – Government focus on physician associates a distraction from real issues

Source: GenPro

New workforce regulations in the future are a distraction from what’s needed now to fix the crisis in primary healthcare, says the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).

“Planned regulation of small numbers of physician associates is welcome but will do absolutely nothing for reducing waiting times for people wanting to see a GP this week,” said Dr Angus Chambers, Chair of GenPro.

“Physician associates can be valued health workers, and we congratulate them on gaining recognition of their skills and service, but they’ll be first to agree they’re not a substitute in a face-to-face consultation with a family doctor.

“Packing these regulations with other minor changes to prescribing rights to suggest that the government is demonstrating a commitment to providing high quality care.is misleading.

“The biggest change the government can make to improve health care is to immediately invest in general practice to retain the GPs we have now and to make it more attractive for GPs to come to New Zealand. And it needs to overhaul the out-of-date funding model which is driving general practices out of business or restrict hours and service,” Dr Chambers says.

“A better funding model which reflected actual health needs of people, and true costs of running a general practice, in 2025 would be more effective at cutting waiting times and taking pressure off emergency departments.

“GenPro appreciates that government finances are restricted but general practice receives just five percent of the $30 billion health budget, which is significantly less than in other developed countries.

“Meanwhile GenPro is surprised that the government signed off on a new regulated profession in the midst  of a consultation on whether it would be a good idea.

“Clearly the Ministry of Health’s Putting Patients First: Modernising health workforce regulation risks being seen as a Clayton’s consultation. GenPro will present its views but decisions taken in recent days suggest that the government has already made up its mind on what the future workforce looks like, packaging it as a panacea, and releasing it on a slow news day, when it is actually just tinkering around the edges and avoiding the big calls which need to be made.”

“It is ironic that the Ministry wants to put patients first, but the Minister doesn’t want to wait to hear from them,” Dr Chambers says.

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz

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Business – Fonterra plans to close Canpac site

Source: Fonterra

Fonterra has today announced that it plans to close its canning and packaging facility in Hamilton at the end of July.

The closure of the Canpac site, which blends and packages milk powders, follows the Co-operative’s decision to focus on higher value ingredients such as advanced proteins and medical nutrition.

Fonterra’s Chief Operating Officer, Anna Palairet, says low product volumes and increasing complexities in production has created challenging economic conditions for the facility.

“It’s been a tough day for all the team at the site. Making decisions like this is never easy.

“Our strategy is about creating end-to-end value and growing total returns for our farmer shareholders. We believe the best way to achieve this is to focus on our strengths and scale in ingredients and foodservice, and we are prioritising our investment on the parts of our operations that are better suited to this.”

“We are committed to supporting our employees as we work through the next steps,” says Ms Palairet.

Around 120 people currently work at the site. The Co-op will now work through a consultation process including exploring potential redeployment opportunities before operations are planned to come to an end on 31 July 2025.

The site currently packs up to 4000 metric ton of powders per year, less than one per cent of the Co-op’s total product volume.

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Education and Experience – Local student interns welcomed at Porirua City

Source: Porirua City Council

A group of young people from Porirua colleges are getting a taste of the workplace this term as part of the Mahi Rangatahi programme run by Porirua City.
Now in its fourth year, the Mahi Rangatahi programme provides real-world work experience for young people in Porirua, including developing a CV, applying for a job, having an interview – as well as the hands-on experience of their chosen role.
With term 2 beginning this week, a group of 12 students from three Porirua schools were welcomed by their new mentors.
More schools are now involved with the programme, with a student from Te Kura Māori o Porirua joining Mahi Rangatahi for the first time. Students from Mana and Aotea colleges are also getting a taste of the workplace.
This year’s group of students are experiencing work in a range of teams at Council, including Emergency Management, Communications & Marketing, Arena Fitness, Pātaka Art + Museum, Economic Development, Strategic Partnerships, and Business Technology Support.
Mahi Rangatahi was introduced as a pilot programme in 2022 following feedback to Council from local schools on what would be most beneficial to help their students understand different career pathway options.
“The programme develops each year as we receive feedback from the students about what they’ve thought of their experience working at Council,” says Porirua Mayor Anita Baker.
“It’s more than just work experience – the students go through an interview process and after their internship wraps up, their manager provides them with a reference to help them into future roles.”
For students or others thinking about potential career pathways, the Porirua Careers Expo is back for 2025, this year happening on Tuesday 13 May, 9.30am-4.30pm at Te Rauparaha Arena.
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Government Cuts – Cuts to public services will be opposed: austerity does not work – PSA

Source: PSA

Finance Minister Nicola Willis today has made it clear that austerity is on the horizon for health and other public services with little new money being made available in next month’s Budget.
In today’s pre-Budget speech the Finance Minister announced that the operating allowance, which funds new operating spending, will be halved to $1.3 billion.
“This is an irresponsible recipe for failure in health and public services which are already in desperate need of additional investment after reckless cuts and the failure to invest,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Budget 2025 should be about investing in the services New Zealanders need, particularly health with rising costs of care and an ageing population.
“But this government remains hell bent on its reckless ideological crusade to downsize our public health system regardless of the consequences.
“It made a clear choice in last year’s Budget to cut taxes and now the chickens are coming home to roost with the Government’s finances more constrained than they should be.
“Nicola Willis talks about ‘limited fiscal means’ forcing cuts to the operating allowance – well, she is the author of those, and it is a choice that she made.
“The PSA will strongly resist any further threats to the jobs of public service or health workers.”
“This is a recipe for austerity which history tells us does not work, it just creates more misery, and New Zealanders will pay that price from this approach.
“Budget 2025 will be a sad indictment of the Government’s economic management.”
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Northland Regional Council News 29/04/25

Source: Northland Regional Council

Climate Resilient Communities Fund open for applications
Northland Regional Council is inviting applications to the Climate Resilient Communities Fund.
The fund aims to build community resilience to the effects of climate change by focusing on local needs and community-led solutions. Council has $600,000 to invest in projects that meet the funding criteria, and eligible groups can apply for between $5,000 and $40,000 plus GST.
Applications must be for projects in Te Taitokerau and from a legal community entity, such as hapū or iwi groups, community or neighbourhood groups, education providers, social enterprises and not-for-profit businesses.
The fund will support projects focusing on: Food resilience (Te Kai); Water resilience (Te Wai); Energy resilience (Te Ngao); Nature-based resilience (Te Taiao); Planning for resilience (Ngā mahi Whakamahere).
Applications close 3 June 2025.
Free open day event at award-winning, sustainable Northland farm
Anyone interested in sustainable farming is invited to attend the Rob and Mandy Pye – Mangere Falls Farm, Ballance Farm Northland Regional Supreme Winner Open Day in Kōkopu (Whangarei) on May 7.
The special free event hosted by New Zealand Farm Environmental Trust will include an overview from Rob and Mandy Pye about striking a balance between profitability, environmental stewardship and farm efficiency, a farm tour, presentations from Alison Whiteford (B+LNZ), Northland Regional Council, Kaipara Moana Remediation and Silver Fern Farms, followed by lunch.
Anyone wishing to attend must ensure all vehicles and footwear are clean (to comply with biosecurity requirements), with 4WDs required to take part in the farm tour (carpooling is recommended where possible).
The event will be held from 10am and finish with a lunch at 1pm at Mangere Falls Farm, 638 Knight Road, Kōkopu, Whangarei. 
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Government Cuts – Govt spending decision signals crisis and cuts – CTU

Source: CTU

The decision to nearly halve the amount of new investment being made in the next Budget signals that this Government doesn’t care about the users of public services, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney.

“$1.3bn in operating allowance isn’t enough to pay for cost pressures in health alone ($1.55bn). There is no money for cost pressures in education and other public services, or proposed defence spending. This is a Budget that will be built on cuts to essential services,” said Renney.

“The fact that this announcement has come only three weeks away from Budget suggests that there is no agreement around the cabinet table about what government should be doing.

“We now know that we are looking at a Budget where departments will be asked to make further rounds of deep cuts – just after cuts at Budget 2024.

“The Minister of Finance is blaming borrowing for the need to make cuts. At the last Budget the government borrowed $12bn to pay for tax giveaways, including to landlords and tobacco companies.

“This decision to cut investment is a choice. When child poverty rises, as it currently is, it’s a choice to not increase support. When we can’t support people losing their job, that’s a choice. This Government’s choices are now very clear.

“We implore the Government to rethink this decision. It doesn’t help solve the public investment gap that already exists. It doesn’t help tackle unmet need in health and education. It’s time for a better approach, and to rebuild our public services,” said Renney.

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Greenpeace – Luxon’s war on nature opens gate for more dairy conversion

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa is calling out the Luxon Government for “leaving the gate wide open” to more dairy conversion with no plan to protect fresh water from pollution.
Temporary rules that restricted the conversion of farmland to intensive dairy were in place until 1 January this year, to allow time for Regional Councils to implement the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. This was effectively a stop-gap to prevent further degradation of lakes, rivers and drinking water.
However, the Luxon Government repealed many of those intended protections last year, blocked Regional Councils from implementing their own freshwater plans, and allowed the dairy conversion restrictions to be lifted without replacing them. BussinessDesk has reported that Environment Canterbury has approved several dairy farm conversions this year.
Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “Everyone, no matter where they live, should be able to drink the water from their kitchen tap without getting sick. But this basic right is under threat by an already oversized intensive dairy industry that’s set to expand further.”
“They were happy to delay freshwater plans for Regional Councils, and repeal the few freshwater protections we had, but did not extend the stop-gap on dairy conversions. Now that dairy conversions have started up again, we have to ask how many more communities have to have unsafe drinking water before intensive dairy is reigned in?”
Nearly half of New Zealand’s rivers are now unsafe for swimming, and 20% of the population could be drinking water contaminated with unsafe levels of nitrate. Emerging evidence shows that drinking water nitrate levels from 1mg/L are associated with a higher risk of some health conditions, including colo-rectal cancer. The largest contributor to nitrate contamination is cow urine and the overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser in the intensive dairy industry.
At water testing events run by Greenpeace in the Ashburton District last month, almost half of all bore water samples tested were above 5 mg/L of nitrate, a level linked to an increased risk of preterm birth. Several Canterbury town supplies are close to or exceed this level, including Darfield, Hinds, and the Oxford Rural 1 supply. The New Zealand College of Midwives recommends that pregnant people consider avoiding water above 5 mg/L for nitrate.
“We’ve already seen what dairy expansion does – unswimmable rivers and water that’s unsafe to drink. It’s now up to Regional Councils to step up and protect drinking water, lakes and rivers. And if they’re unwilling, for candidates to step up at the Local Body Elections this year to get the job done.”
“Environment Canterbury must halt any dairy conversion or intensification applications, at a bare minimum, and swiftly take action to protect the health of people and fresh water from dairy pollution.”
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Brisbane’s Olympic Boom: Why Thousands of Kiwis Are Making the Move to the Sunshine State

Source: Robert Walters

  • Migration Surge: 42% of New Zealanders are planning to move to Australia, with Brisbane a top destination. 
  • Key Motivators for Relocation: Better salaries (48%), improved job prospects (22%), and more affordable living (13%). 
  • Brisbane’s Growth: The city was voted Australia’s happiest city in 2024 and is already one of the fastest-growing urban centres in the country. 
  • Queensland’s Competitive Advantage: More affordable living compared to Sydney and Melbourne, making it attractive for skilled workers. 
  • Business Recruitment Efforts: Companies are accelerating hiring and offering competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and flexible work policies to attract talent. 
  • Economic Transformation: The 2032 Olympics are positioning Brisbane as a major employment hub. 

With the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Brisbane is gearing up for an economic and employment surge that’s already attracting thousands of skilled workers – including a growing number of New Zealanders.

Recent research from global recruitment firm Robert Walters reveals that 42% of New Zealanders are considering relocating to Australia in the next 12 months, with Brisbane emerging as a top destination over traditional hotspots like Sydney and Melbourne due to more affordable living.

With tens of thousands of jobs expected to be created in the lead-up to the Games, Kiwis looking for better salaries, career opportunities, and a lower cost of living are increasingly turning their sights to Queensland’s capital.

Why Kiwis Are Choosing Brisbane

New Zealanders have long been drawn to Australia for work, but the 2032 Olympics are accelerating this trend. Brisbane offers key advantages over other major cities, including:

Job Creation: The Games are expected to generate over 91,600 jobs across construction, infrastructure, tourism, hospitality, and event management.

Higher Salaries: Better pay remains the number one reason for relocation, with 48% of job seekers prioritising increased earnings when considering a move.

Affordable Living: Brisbane’s cost of living is significantly lower than in Sydney or Melbourne, making it an attractive choice for professionals and families heading to Australia.

Lifestyle Benefits: Voted Australia’s happiest city in 2024, Brisbane offers great weather, outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community.

Brisbane’s Growing Appeal for Kiwi Talent

According to Robert Walters, businesses across Queensland are ramping up hiring efforts, offering competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and flexible work policies to secure top talent.  

Jane Lowney, Senior Director at Robert Walters Queensland, says, “Brisbane is at the centre of a once-in-a-generation economic transformation. We’re already seeing a surge in demand for skilled workers, and this is just the beginning. Now is the perfect time for New Zealand professionals to consider making the move.”

New Zealand is currently experiencing record-high migration departures, with Stats NZ reporting 122,800 departures in the year to January 2025 – the highest annual figure on record. While Kiwis have traditionally favoured Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane is now emerging as a strong alternative due to its job opportunities and affordability.

Whilst there has historically been a trend of New Zealanders moving to Australia, they have often favoured cities like Sydney and Melbourne. However, Robert Walters has observed an increasing number opting for Brisbane.  

“We’re seeing more Kiwis than usual seeking work specifically in Brisbane and we do have the jobs for them due to the Olympics. The cost of living and amount of job opportunities is a big pull for them.” Lowney added.  

How to Make the Move

For New Zealanders considering relocation, now is the time to explore opportunities in Brisbane. With increasing demand for skilled workers, businesses are actively seeking talent from across the Tasman and are offering relocation incentives to attract the right candidates.

“The 2032 Olympics are a game-changer for Brisbane’s job market,” says Lowney. “For Kiwis thinking about moving, this presents a rare chance to secure career growth in a thriving, dynamic city.”

With Queensland’s economy set to soar, Brisbane is positioning itself as the ultimate destination for professionals looking to advance their careers while enjoying an enviable lifestyle. You can utilise recruitment companies to make the move.  

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BusinessNZ – Regulatory roadblock to be removed

Source: BusinessNZ

Swift action to remove a regulatory roadblock in the way of medical innovation, global events and tourism has been applauded by BusinessNZ.
A ‘nonsensical’ ruling by Medsafe effectively prevents major international medical conferences from being held in New Zealand because displaying new products or sharing the latest research with medics in trade shows is deemed to be “advertising” and therefore prohibited – but now the Government intends to fix the regulations concerned to allow these major global conferences to come here.
The announced changes means more global organisations can consider New Zealand as a conference destination, and our tourism sector will benefit from the flow on effect of post-conference travel.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says it’s a good example of the Government taking action to remove regulatory barriers to economic growth.
“New Zealand has been locked out of the multi-billion-dollar global medical conference market because Medsafe’s stance prohibits the trade shows and expos that are usually a valuable part of global medical conferences.
“But the economics of running a large international conference often depend on there being a major expo or trade show associated with the event, where companies can share information about their latest products and medical research.
“Medsafe’s ruling makes it uneconomic for large medical conferences to be held here, meaning multi-million-dollar lost opportunities for New Zealand and our medics have to travel to conferences outside of New Zealand to hear about the latest drugs, devices and procedures.
“Over the years many professional associations and medical organisations with annual conferences on a global circuit have wanted to come to New Zealand, but have had to rule out coming here because of the financial hit of not being able to hold a world-class trade show to support their event.
“New Zealand’s unique stance is nonsensical. Sharing information and new research with medical experts in a closed setting is in no way unsafe. We know of no other country that has taken the same stance, but we do know this is why New Zealand conference centres and our local economy regularly lose out to Australia when global conference circuits rotate to the Southern Hemisphere.
“It’s excellent news that the Government plans to fix the regulations to make clear that global medical conferences are welcome in New Zealand.
“New Zealand stands to gain an estimated $90 million in revenue over the next few years with the dismantling of this roadblock to economic growth.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.