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Energy Sector – NZ energy professional selected for World Energy Council delegation

Source: BusinessNZ

New Zealand energy professional Esther Tomkinson has been selected to join the World Energy Council’s Future Energy Leaders Programme.
Esther Tomkinson is a Sustainability and Strategy Analyst at Mercury Energy and Co-Chair of the Young Energy Professionals Network of the BusinessNZ Energy Council.
The Future Energy Leaders Programme is a global network of young energy professionals who contribute to national, regional, and international activities aimed at solving the world’s most pressing energy and sustainability challenges.
Tina Schirr Executive Director of the BusinessNZ Energy Council said, “We are incredibly proud of Esther Tomkinson’s selection for the Future Energy Leaders Programme. Her dedication to sustainability and the local Future Energy Leaders Programme – YEPN – will be extremely valuable to the global and New Zealand energy community. This recognition also highlights the exceptional talent we have in New Zealand’s energy sector.”
The first opportunity to convene with future energy leaders from across the globe will be at the World Energy Week in Panama from 6-9 October 2025, followed by the World Energy Congress in Saudi Arabia from 26-29 October 2026.
Schirr says, “This year, 25 young energy professionals from 21 countries will join the Future Energy Leaders Programme, including Esther Tomkinson, the only New Zealand delegate.
“At the same time, we farewell two outstanding Kiwis from the Future Energy Leaders Programme, Emily Hilton, the HSEQ Manager at Hiringa Energy, and Mark Todoroff, Business Development Director at Yes Energy.”
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.
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Fire Safety – All of Hawke’s Bay now in open fire season

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand will revoke the restricted fire season in all of Hawke’s Bay at 12pm (midday) on Monday 28 April, until further notice.
This means permits approved by Fire and Emergency are no longer needed for open air fires across the whole district.
The areas this change applies to are: Esk-Tutaekuri, Ahuriri-Heretaunga, Tukituki West, Tukituki East, Southern Hawkes Bay Coast, Pōrangahau, Pahiatua, Eketāhuna, and Tararua East, West, Central and South.
Wairoa Coastal, Wairoa Inland, and Te Haroto areas are already in an open fire season.
Hawke’s Bay District Manager Glen Varcoe says due to the cooler autumn weather, the fire risk in the district has now reduced.
“I’d like to thank the people of Hawke’s Bay for their vigilance during the fire season, and for applying for fire permits properly while outdoor fires were restricted over summer,” he says.
“Although much of our district is still dry, the damper conditions have helped our firefighters to extinguish the smaller vegetation fires we’re still getting.
“We’ve had five fires in the last 10 days, so please continue to keep your fires small, stay with them, and ensure they are fully out over the following days and weeks.
“We do still ask people to take care when lighting any fires. Always check the requirements for your location on checkitsalright.nz, and check out the great safety advice before you light your fire.”
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UNERASED: The Palestine Experience — A New Exhibition Opening in Auckland

Source: The Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand – The Palestine Forum of New Zealand is proud to announce the opening of UNERASED: The Palestine Experience, an evocative and timely exhibition centering Palestinian stories of memory, resilience, and cultural identity.

The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM at 250 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, and runs until May 17, 2025.

UNERASED brings together visual art, photography, soundscapes, and personal testimonies to offer visitors an immersive experience of Palestinian history and contemporary life. It shines a light on narratives too often silenced, while celebrating the enduring spirit and culture of the Palestinian people.

“This exhibition is not just about memory—it’s about dignity, survival, and the refusal to be erased,” says Maher Nazzal, organiser and spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand. “It invites all New Zealanders to bear witness, reflect, and stand in solidarity.”

The exhibition is open to the public with free entry. Schools, community groups, and organisations are warmly encouraged to arrange visits. Guided tours and discussions are available upon request.

Opening Night Details:
Date: Friday, May 2, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Venue: 250 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011

Exhibition Dates: May 3 – 17, 2025
Opening Hours: 12 PM – 7 PM

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Insurance Council – 20% of Kiwis switch insurance providers

Source: Insurance Council of NZ

One in five New Zealanders have switched insurance providers in the last two years, according to a new survey.
Commissioned by the Insurance Council of New Zealand Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ), the survey found 20% of respondents had switched providers in the past couple of years, rising to 34% in the last five years. That compares with 32% who reported they had never switched.
About 21% of those surveyed will routinely shop around when their cover comes up for renewal, compared to 25% who never shop around.
“The survey shows that a relatively low number of New Zealanders consider switching their insurance provider,” ICNZ chief executive Kris Faafoi said.
“We know this is a difficult time for New Zealanders dealing with the cost-of-living and we would encourage people to check out their insurance options.
“Insurance premiums have been affected by a number of factors, some of which are out of our control such as the rising cost of extreme weather events and taxes and levies. Some of those pressures are easing and we are seeing that flow through into premium levels.”
Younger people are more likely to have recently switched, while older people were less likely. Those who have switched in the last 2-5 years were more likely to have been Wellington residents and those on a household income of between $50,000-$100,000.
Over half of those insured have been in contact with their insurance provider about their cover over the past two years, outside of making a claim. Some 16 percent had never contacted their insurer.
“Insurers are looking at ways to help their customers manage their cover to protect themselves as cost effectively as possible and keep insurance affordable and assessable. That includes considering their excess levels or other policy settings. People should take the opportunity to contact their insurer and see what’s available,” Kris Faafoi said.
“People should also consider shopping around and see what deals are out there. The survey indicates only a fifth routinely shop around compared with a quarter than never do.”
Some 41% of respondents said they regularly read their policy wording when updating their insurance. Some 8% never read the policy wording.
“We are encouraged by the number of people reading their policy wording and we’d like to see that rise further. It’s important to know that you are adequately covered and also to know what is not included in your coverage. For example, most house insurance only covers sudden damage, not gradual damage. If you are unsure at all, contact your insurance provider for advice.
“Kiwi’s value the protection that insurance offers to keep themselves and their property safe when the unexpected happens and that’s reflected in the comparatively high level of coverage in New Zealand compared with other countries.
“Keeping in touch with your insurance provider and checking your options regularly can help ensure you have the right level of insurance and piece of mind,” Kris Faafoi said.
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First Responders – Auckland Hillside Road recycling plant fire update #4

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire crews are today back working at the large fire which started at a recycling plant on Hillside Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland around 5.30pm last night.
Assistant Commander James Hall say three fire trucks and two ladder trucks are working with two diggers to open up the structure to fully extinguish the fire.
“While there are small flare ups, there is no significant smoke and the lithium-ion batteries involved in the fire are no longer a hazard,” he says.
“The emergency message alert advising people to stay inside was lifted during the night.
“Crews continue to monitor the fire and an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is underway.
“Crews are expected to remain at the scene until later this afternoon.”
This is the final update.
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ANZAC Day – Governor-General’s Anzac Day Dawn Service Address

Source: Government House

MEDIA RELEASE – EMBARGOED until 6.15am FRIDAY 25 April
The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO
Governor-General of New Zealand
Anzac Day Dawn Service Address 2025
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Takiri ko te ata, haehaetia te pō
E koro mā i te pō!
Nga Toa a Tūmatauenga!
Ngā Toa a Ranginui
Ngā toa a Tangaroa
Hoki wairua mai, ki runga i ō koutou marae
Ki o koutou maunga karangaranga.
E okioki mai nā i nga taumata, nga kahurangi
Tirohia mai ra ki ō koutou uri
E hāpai nei i ngā kupu ōhākī
Tangihia, mihia nga aitua
Huihuia mai ki tēnei marae
Te hunga ora
Tēnā koutou
Tēnā koutou
Tēnā tātou katoa
I specifically acknowledge:
The Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister
Brad Williams, Consul General for the Commonwealth of Australia
Air Vice Marshal Darryn Webb, Chief of Air Force
His Worship Wayne Brown, Mayor of Auckland
Frédéric Leturque, Mayor of Arras, France
Sir Wayne Shelford, National President of the RNZRSA
Sir Graham Lowe, Patron of the Auckland RSA
Graham Gibson, President of the Auckland RSA
Brad Hodgson, Auckland RSA
Dr David Reeves, Chief Executive of the Auckland War Memorial Museum
Mr Keutekarakia Mataroa, Dean of the Auckland Consular Corps
A special welcome to people who have served – or are currently serving in our Defence Force.
This Anzac Day marks 110 years since the Gallipoli landings by soldiers in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – the ANZACS. It signalled the beginning of a campaign that was to take the lives of so many of our young men – and would devastate the communities they left behind at home. One year later, in 1916, grieving New Zealanders gathered to express their sorrow at the first Anzac Day commemoration.
Today, in our towns, cities and hamlets across the length and breadth of Aotearoa – your comrades have gathered in the chill light of dawn, alongside their families and communities, to commemorate Anzac Day.
This morning, your thoughts may be turning to your experience of military service – and to those who are missing from among your ranks.
It’s an honour to join you and the people of Tamaki Makaurau Auckland, at our nation’s preeminent site of remembrance – to show our aroha and respect for the many hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders in our history who have answered the call to arms – and to express our deep sorrow for those who never returned from the field of battle, or who subsequently died of their wounds.
This year we mark another significant anniversary in our nation’s military history. Eighty years ago, after nearly six long years, the Second World War finally came to an end. An astonishing 140,000 New Zealanders had served in the European, North African and the Pacific theatres of war, and almost 12,000 lost their lives as a result of their war service. Around one third of those casualties were from Auckland.
Once again, our families and communities experienced the terrible pain of sacrifice and loss, and the impacts of that trauma lingered for generations.
Eighty years ago, New Zealanders also played a role in establishing the United Nations, which many people fervently hoped would ensure that the horrors of the First and Second World Wars could never be repeated.
In the years since, conflict on that scale has indeed been avoided, but securing peaceful resolution to geopolitical tensions has remained elusive.
New Zealand has regularly been called upon to support our allies – from the Korean War in the 1950s – through to the conflict in Afghanistan in the 2000s. Our service personnel have also served in many peace-keeping operations around the globe, and frequently assist people in need in the aftermath of natural disasters – both here in Aotearoa, and in the Pacific.
To those of you who are currently serving in our Defence Force, I sincerely thank you, on behalf of your fellow citizens. We recognise that your lives, and the lives of your families are affected by the demands of military service – and we salute your courage and readiness to serve in support of collective security efforts with our allies.
This Anzac Day – when we reflect on the sobering realities of war, and the current state of the world, we see the ideals embodied in the United Nations being routinely ignored, and coercive power being used to threaten human rights and the territorial sovereignty of others.
In these volatile and uncertain times – New Zealand continues to subscribe to the ideal of peaceful resolution of geopolitical tensions – while also acknowledging the role our nation’s defence personnel have played – and will continue to play in defending freedom, justice and the rule of law.
In this way, they contribute to efforts to maintain and extend the blessings of peace, security and stability in the world.
On this Anzac Day, and the Anzac Days to come, we remain committed to honour their service.
Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou.
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First Responders – Auckland Hillside Road recycling plant fire update #2

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have contained a large fire in an Auckland recycling plant to the building. 
The officer in charge, Assistant Commander Barry Thomas says crews are now continuing to work on extinguishing the fire within the building.
“Sixteen fire trucks, four ladder trucks, four specialist appliances and twelve support vehicles  from across Auckland and from Hamilton, plus around 90 personnel are responding.” he says.
“There are lithium-ion batteries in the fire inside the plant and the fire continues to produce toxic smoke. 
“We sent out an emergency message alert around six thirty this evening with instructions for nearby public,” Barry Thomas says.
“We continue to urge people living nearby to stay inside and keep their windows closed. There is no immediate need to evacuate unless advised to do so.
“Roads remain closed in the area. Please stay away so our crews can get on with the job of extinguishing the fire.” 
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First Responders – Large fire at recycling plant in Wairau Valley Auckland

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a well involved fire at a recycling plant on Hillside Road in Wairau Valley Auckland at 17.24 this evening.
It is understood there are batteries on fire inside the factory and the fire is producing large amounts of smoke..
The fire is now at Alert Level 5. Multiple fire crews from across Auckland are responding.
We ask people in the area to stay inside and close windows due to the smoke. There is no immediate need to evacuate unless advised to do so.
Roads have been closed in the area. Please stay away so our crews can get on with the job of extinguishing the fire.  
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Weather News – Chilly Dawn Service but warm air brings rain through weekend – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 April – Most of the country is in for a dry but cool ANZAC Day dawn service with MetService forecasts looking more favourable for outdoors activities around the South Island while warm, humid air brings rain in from the Far North over the weekend.

Cloudier skies and spells of rain are expected for Northland on ANZAC day, however, temperatures for the Dawn Service are likely to hold around the mid-teens. Working our way down the country, hugging the eastern coast of the North Island is where a risk of passing showers exist for Dawn Services so bring a raincoat. Moving away from those areas it will be chilly temperatures that people need to prepare for with 2°C forecast for Taupō, Masterton and Alexandra.

Through the rest of Friday the risk of rain drifts southward and by midday Saturday rain looks likely for areas north of Taupō. The wet weather is linked to an area of warm, humid air so the potential for heavy falls will accompany the rain.

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris states, “One area of concern this weekend will be Northland and Auckland, which may see another wet weekend. There is a lot of uncertainty around this weather system and how much rain it may bring so it’s advised to keep up with the latest forecasts.”

This rain may mean a wet pitch but will hopefully not dampen the Auckland FC supporter’s mood for the match on Sunday evening.

South of Taupō, areas of the North Island look to stay dry until the second half of Saturday but by keeping up with the latest forecasts you may still find a time to get out and about without rain on Sunday too.

Generally, the South Island is where the weather is most settled this weekend. After a run of quite gloomy days in Christchurch, where our airport station only detected 7.8 hours of sunshine over 10 days (between Monday 14 and Wednesday 23), they can look forward to a few sunny afternoons for the long weekend with temperatures even climbing into the 20s on Sunday. Match conditions look great for the Warriors game on Friday evening, wrap up warm though as the temperature will plummet once the sun goes down.

Some showers will be sprinkled down the West Coast, maybe a little more widespread on Sunday. People heading out into the hills around Nelson and Tasman will need to keep an eye on the forecast as there’s the possibility of rain setting in on Saturday.

“While some areas will need to keep the raincoats on hand, many parts of the country can look forward to some moments of sunshine. Make sure to keep up with the latest MetService forecast over the long weekend,” Lewis concludes.

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Govt News – Minister listens to industry on training

Source: MinEx, Health and Safety in NZ Extractives

Vocational Education Minister Penny Simmonds has been praised for having listened to industry voices and giving them the lead on work-based training.
MinEx, the national Health and Safety Council for the extractives sector, was among a number of industry bodies which feared the Government would dominate its new industry skills boards (ISBs) in organising industry training and let polytechs do most of the delivery.
MinEx CEO, Wayne Scott, says Ms Simmonds deserves real credit for her announcement today that industries will get more control over how they train people.
“We were concerned departmental officials wanted the new ISBs to coordinate industry training and polytechnics to deliver much of it.
“We asked for it to be work-based, led and owned by industries like ours which are really connected to their trainees and the skills they need to develop.”
He says the new ISBs that set training standards, endorse programmes and moderate assessments are welcomed and necessary so long as industry representatives dominate board positions.
“That’s what the Minister seems to be saying.”
“For too long under successive Governments, the needs of industry have been ignored, and officials who thought they knew better have decided what training was needed by workplaces.
“This saw some private organisations precluded from providing training with particular impacts on smaller and more remote employers who wanted to upskill their staff on-site or nearby.”
Wayne Scott says Cabinet has listened to industry and Ms Simmonds deserves particular credit, given she was a polytech CEO before entering Parliament in 2023.
Ms Simmonds says the Government is making changes to work-based learning so industries have more influence over how they train apprentices and trainees.
She says industry representatives made it clear that the current work-based learning model is not delivering because it has become overly centralised through Te Pūkenga, the national network for polytechnics.
“As a result, the training of apprentices and other workers is often disconnected from the realities of the jobs they are working towards. “
“Beginning next year, the Government will introduce a new, independent and industry-led model for work-based learning.
“This means vocational education and training providers will be able to manage all aspects of an apprenticeship or traineeship at an industry level, rather than taking direction from a centralised behemoth.
“This is great for learners because it makes their learning more relevant to their employment, and it is beneficial to businesses who will gain access to more capable workers to boost their productivity and deliver economic growth.
“Public and industry consultation clearly showed that this model was the preferred option, and this Government is proud to deliver the changes that we called for,” Ms Simmonds says.
From 1 January 2026:
– New ISBs will be set up to set training standards, endorse programmes and moderate assessments.
– Apprentices and trainees currently with Te Pūkenga will move to the ISBs for up to two years.
– New students will enrol directly with new work-based learning private providers, polytechnics, or wānanga.
– ISBs will be able to enrol new learners until other providers are set up to deliver work-based learning.
“So, if you’re a learner or an employer – keep going. Your qualifications are essential, and your training is valuable. There will be no disruption, your training stays on track,” Ms Simmonds says.