NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Planning for the intended ending of greyhound racing in New Zealand is moving forward with animal welfare paramount while also managing the uncertainty for those in the industry, Racing Minister Winston Peters says.

“We welcome the interim report by the Ministerial Advisory Committee appointed to help plan the intended transition away from greyhound racing in New Zealand.

“This report sets out a way forward including plans for rehoming the greyhounds currently involved in the sport,” Mr Peters says. 

In December the Minister announced the Government’s intention to end greyhound racing in New Zealand. An Advisory Committee was appointed to look at the process in detail and make recommendations for how the industry should be wound down. 

The Committee has been working with representatives of the greyhound racing sector, rehoming agencies, animal welfare groups and government agencies to find practical solutions. 

The report considers the planning that is underway for the rehoming of dogs, while always recognising this will continue after the intended end of racing on 31 July 2026.  The committee says the current rehoming programme will require reorganization and expansion to achieve finding safe homes for the estimated 1500 dogs remaining when racing is due to end. 

The Committee also acknowledges the concern of owners and trainers about the financial liability of feeding and caring for dogs once racing ceases. Support is being considered.

The Committee’s recommendations will be considered by Cabinet before any decisions are taken.

“We are fully aware of the impact that ending greyhound racing would have on those involved in the industry, and appreciate the feedback owners, trainers and other stakeholders have given the committee. 

“That is why it is important that we consider everything carefully.

“The intention is to introduce legislation and members of the industry, and the wider public will get the chance to make submissions to the select committee as part of the process.” 

The decision to end greyhound racing in New Zealand was made following ongoing concerns about animal welfare and three reviews into the industry which recommended significant change.

“The imperative to see this through continues with 15 racing greyhounds having to be euthanized so far this season and nearly a further 200 dogs suffering serious injuries keeping them out of racing for weeks and months,” Mr Peters says.

Source: New Zealand Government

A new medical school will be established at the University of Waikato as part of the Government’s plan to build a stronger health workforce, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti say.

“Cabinet has approved the business case for the new school, which will have a strong focus on primary care and rural health,” Mr Brown says.

“With $82.85 million in Government funding and over $150 million from the University, supported by philanthropic investment, this is a substantial commitment to education and regional development in the Waikato.

“Today’s decision will enable the University of Waikato to begin construction on new teaching facilities later this year and start planning for clinical placements, while giving more students the opportunity to study medicine in New Zealand.”

The school will offer a graduate-entry programme, providing a flexible new pathway into medicine that helps attract a broader range of students and build a stronger, more diverse workforce.

“It’s an innovative model that supports our focus on strengthening primary care, making it easier for people to see their doctor – helping Kiwis stay well and out of hospital.

“It also builds on the University’s recent additions of nursing, pharmacy, and midwifery programmes, demonstrating a strong and growing commitment to developing New Zealand’s health workforce.”

A full cost-benefit analysis was presented to Cabinet before any proposal was finalised, as part of the National – ACT coalition agreement.

Mr Brown says the school builds on the Government’s record investment in the health system and workforce.

“Today’s announcement adds 120 doctor training places each year, starting in 2028 – a significant boost to our long-term pipeline of homegrown medical workforce.

“This is on top of the 100 additional medical training places that are being added over the term of this Government across the University of Auckland and University of Otago.”

Dr Reti says the decision represents a significant step forward for both the University of Waikato and the wider region.

“This is a major milestone for the University and a real boost for tertiary education in the Waikato. 

“It strengthens the University’s position as a leader in education, training, and research, and creates new academic and economic opportunities for Hamilton, the Waikato, and rural communities.

“By expanding access to medical training, we’re creating new opportunities for students from across the region and beyond, while also helping to future-proof the local workforce.

“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative this Government wants to see from our universities – investing in regional growth, building local capability, and delivering on the needs of rural communities.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour has today announced more clear expectations for Pharmac to innovate and optimise to further build on expectations set last year; to deliver the medicines and medical technology that Kiwis need. 

“Increasing medicines access is one of my greatest priorities. For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour says.  

Since my last letter of expectations Pharmac has:

• Improved overall consultation
• Added additional consultation to the annual tender process
• Changed funding criteria based on public feedback, such as the decision to fund two types of oestradiol patches
• Appointed Natalie McMurtry as the incoming Chief Executive to cement positive change, and continue to move towards a more transparent, inclusive, and people-focused organisation
• Conducted, and published a report on, the Consumer Engagement Workshop to help reset the Patient-Pharmac relationship
• Appointed a Consumer Working Group to help reset the Patient-Pharmac relationship
• Funded access to 66 additional medicines using the Government’s $604 million budget boost over four years which will benefit over 200,000 New Zealanders

“This is a good start. My letter of expectations for this year makes it very clear that there is still more work to be done. I expect this positive culture shift to continue,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Pharmac must modernise, or it will fall behind. It needs to adopt faster, smarter processes and explore the use of AI to lift performance.”

My expectations for this year are that Pharmac should: 

• Explore how it can optimise medicines assessment and procurement processes to make them more efficient
• Explore ways to utilise AI to make their processes more efficient
• Consider the fiscal impacts to the government of funding medicines and medical devices, including costs of societal impacts of funding or not funding a medicine or medical device
• Be more proactive in engaging with stakeholders
• Look for new and additional funding opportunities for medicines and medical devices
• Publish measurable performance metrics and timely decisions to increase transparency
• Continue to involve patients early in the process and engage with them meaningfully

“We’re committed to ensuring that the regulatory system for pharmaceuticals is not unreasonably holding back access. It will lead to more Kiwis being able to access the medicines they need to live a fulfilling life,” Mr Seymour says. 

“I am looking forward to continuing to work with Pharmac as we continue to ensure Kiwis get timely access to medicines and medical devices.”

Source: PHARMAC

Patient advocate, Dr Malcolm Mulholland, has been appointed Chair of the new Consumer and Patient Working Group that will help Pharmac reset how it works with consumers.

Pharmac has committed to a 12-month reset programme to become a more outward-focussed and transparent organisation. This is in response to multiple external reviews over the last few years which sought transformational change in Pharmac.

The new working group, made up of the consumer and patient community, will decide what Pharmac focuses on for the reset programme, taking a hands-on role in the delivery of the work to ensure it reflects consumers’ needs, values, and perspectives. 

Acting Pharmac Chief Executive, Brendan Boyle, said Dr Mulholland was selected by the patient advocacy community to lead the group, and brings a lot of mana to the role. 

“We are grateful that Malcolm, and the other nine members of the working group, have offered to partner with us to help us get the Pharmac reset work right.”

Dr Mulholland said, “We’ve waited a long time for this opportunity.  The work that Pharmac does is vitally important for the health of patients and their families, and this is why getting Pharmac to work as well as it can, will be the focus of the working group.”

The working group had their first meeting on Monday 21 July at the Pharmac offices in Wellington. They finalised the group’s terms of reference, confirmed the approach for the reset programme, and agreed the first set of actions to focus on.  

The consumer and patient working group members are:

• Dr Malcolm Mulholland MNZM – Patient Voice Aotearoa
• Libby Burgess MNZM – Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition
• Tim Edmonds – Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ 
• Chris Higgins – Rare Disorders NZ 
• Francesca Holloway – Arthritis NZ 
• Trent Lash – Heartbeats Charitable Trust
• Gerard Rushton – The Meningitis Foundation 
• Rachel Smalley MNZM – The Medicine Gap
• Tracy Tierney – Epilepsy NZ
• Deon York – Haemophilia NZ

Source: Maritime New Zealand

A strong reminder has been sent to a stevedoring company and others in the industry after a stevedore was badly injured while unloading cargo.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A major roading project at Rolleston, near Christchurch, has reached a fresh milestone with a call going out for a contractor to carry out physical work on Stage 1 of the project.

The State Highway 1 Rolleston Access Improvements project – a Road of Regional Significance – will provide transport improvements through Rolleston that mean better connections for people and businesses.

“Rolleston is at the heart of the Selwyn District, which has been the fastest growing district in New Zealand, which makes these transport improvements all the more important,” says regional manager for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Sean Walsh.

Stage 1 involves a new roundabout at the Dunns Crossing and Walkers Road intersection with State Highway 1 that will make it easier and safer to enter and exit Rolleston and the industrial area from the south. This will provide efficiencies for freight as they will have a less congested connection into the industrial area.

The project team has completed design, property acquisition and consenting to enable construction on Stage 1 to start in October this year (once a contractor has been appointed), with planned completion in December next year.

Stage 2 includes a flyover connecting Rolleston township with business/industrial areas, improved safety at high-risk highway intersections, the removal of the two signalised intersections on SH1 (Hoskyns Rd and Rolleston Drive North), the extension of the two southbound lanes on the motorway to just south of the proposed bridge at Rolleston, a southbound service lane to access businesses and Rolleston town centre, and major safety improvements and upgrades to the rail level crossing at Hoskyns Rd.

Work continues on design, property acquisition and consenting for Stage 2, with an anticipated construction start date of October 2026.

Last week NZTA issued a Request for Tenders for the Stage 1 physical works contract for the construction of a roundabout at the SH1/ Dunns Crossing Rd/Walkers Rd intersection, realignment and widening of the SH1, Dunns Crossing Rd, and Walkers Rd carriageways; efficiency improvements at the Weedons interchange and the construction of a new – and the removal of the existing – rail level crossing on Walkers Rd.

“The work will mean some disruption, but of course we will be doing everything we can to minimise that disruption for road users and the adjacent community,” Mr Walsh says.

“It’s a positive sign to see progress on projects like this one, adding to a series of projects already underway or in planning on the state highway corridor between Timaru and Lyttelton ports. These include a second Ashburton bridge and the upgrade of SH76/Brougham Street which was formally launched last week.”

The full Rolleston access improvements project is estimated for completion in late 2028, at a current estimated cost of between $180 to $200 million, including contingencies.

SH1 Rolleston access improvements

Later this month, the project team will be out and about in Rolleston to chat with people about the project.

These drop-in sessions will be a great chance to ask questions, view plans, and learn more about what’s coming. The drop-in sessions are as follows:

• Selwyn Sports Centre 70 Broadlands Drive | Saturday 26 July, 10.30am-12.30pm
• Te Ara Ātea 56 Tennyson Street | Thursday 31 July, 2.30-5.30pm
• West Rolleston School 327 Dunns Crossing Road | Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 August, 2.30-3.30pm both days.

Source: NZCTU

Data released by Statistics New Zealand today shows that the cost-of-living crisis is getting worse as inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index rose annually to 2.7%, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney.

“This marks the third straight quarter in which annual inflation has increased, up from 2.2% in December 2024. A key reason why inflation didn’t break out of the 1-3% target barrier is that petrol pricing was down. Excluding petrol, annual inflation was 3.2%,” said Renney.

“The data shows that prices rose most in areas that are particularly hard to manage for middle- and low-income groups. Household energy rose 9.1%, with gas prices rising 15.4%. Dairy and eggs rose 9.9%. Dwelling and contents insurance rose 10%. Rates are up 12.2%.

“This increase is likely to put further pressure on households, particularly those on the minimum wage – who received a pay rise of just 1.5% in April. When last measured, 48% of workers got a pay rise less than 2%, while 59% got a pay rise less of than 3%. It is these workers who are paying the price of the cost-of-living crisis.

“The Government has made a mess of the economy. Rents are still rising faster than general inflation, despite billions in tax breaks. Food pricing is rising at 4.2% despite the governments claims to be focused on supermarket competition. Workers are paying the price for the Government’s inaction.

“The economy is stumbling and is likely heading back to negative growth, and the Government has consistently cut investment. Trade tariffs and uncertainty are likely to add further concerns to growth. The cost of tertiary education rose significantly due to the removal of first year free – making it harder to access skills training during rising unemployment,” said Renney.

Source: New Zealand Government

New data released today shows inflation remains under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

Stats NZ released the Consumers Price Index today, showing inflation increased slightly to 2.7 per cent in the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter, remaining in the Reserve Bank’s target range.

“It’s the fourth consecutive quarter inflation has remained within the target range – a stark contrast to under the previous government, where inflation raged on unchecked, reaching 7.3 per cent in 2022,” Nicola Willis says.

“New Zealanders can be assured it now has a Government that is paying attention to forces that affect their cost of living.

“It’s pleasing to see non-tradeables inflation – which paints a picture of domestic demand and supply conditions – continues to fall.

“However, the effect of council rates on inflation is a concern.”

Stats NZ noted the largest single contributor to annual inflation was local authority rates and payments, which rose 12.2 per cent in the year.

“That’s why this Government has also been clear in its call to councils to focus on the basics and keep rates under control. We look forward to councils taking heed of this and playing their role as stewards of ratepayers’ money better in the future.

“External pressures on inflation remain, and we must remain cautious – it’s a reminder that the economic recovery is not to be taken for granted.

“That’s why this Government is focused on economic growth, because that is New Zealand’s pathway to more jobs, higher incomes and the money to pay for schools, hospitals and safer communities.”

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Invercargill’s Clifton industrial area will get a new, safer and more efficient access point from next week.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises the new access off the Elles Road roundabout, across the recently upgraded KiwiRail level crossing, will be available from Monday 28 July. It will be the key route to the Invercargill City Council (ICC) Pound, ICC Wastewater Treatment Plant and Freight Haulage.

“The existing access via Lake Street, about 300 metres south of the Elles Road roundabout will be closed,” says Jason Forbes, Senior Project Manager for NZTA in Southland.

The additional access takes the Elles Road roundabout to four legs (as seen in the aerial map below).

Mr Forbes says there will be signs advising of the closure of Lake St ahead of 28 July and people should find the new, wider route preferable to Lake St.

“Lake St is attracting increasing numbers of large trucks and with further developments in this area now underway, this traffic growth means this intersection is no longer fit for purpose,” Mr Forbes says.

“The new access off the Elles Road roundabout will have new bells and barrier arms to protect road users at the rail line, there will also be a separated cycle path adjacent to the new road which will have automatic gates at the rail crossing to protect cyclists and pedestrians.”

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Work begins soon on a major flood resilience project – Hakanui Straight (formerly Nesbitt’s Dip) – on State Highway 2 near Te Karaka.

The upgrade will see an 850 metres long flood-prone section of the highway raised by 3 metres, new drainage installed, the main culvert for Hakanui Stream replaced and safety barriers installed. 

The work is being delivered by Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) and local contractor crews, and is one of two projects which have been added to the recovery programme funded by savings found from other projects. The second project will involve flood resilience on SH35 at Rototahe.

TREC project manager Richard Bayley says the work will keep communities connected and freight moving and ensure a stronger, safer and more reliable route.

Mr Bayley says in the past this stretch of road had to close during heavy weather events because the area is prone to flooding.

“These closures create disruption for communities and the flow of freight, as well as causing safety risks for emergency services.

“To reduce the risk of future flooding, we’re raising the highway and upgrading drainage, making it stronger, safer, and more reliable for everyday travel and emergency response.

“The Hakanui Straight project spans a vital link for freight between the Bay of Plenty and the East Coast, and ensuring its resilience is essential for businesses, residents, and regional connectivity,” says Mr Bayley.

The improvements being made are particularly significant for Te Karaka residents, who faced severe flooding during Cyclone Gabrielle when water breached the stopbanks of the Waipaoa River. In the early hours of 14 February 2023, around 500 residents evacuated to surrounding hills, watching as the floodwaters overtook their homes, workplaces, and marae. 

Kaitiaki of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Pimia Wehi, says working with TREC throughout the design process has been crucial in ensuring the upgrade meets the community’s needs. 

“This is a huge step forward for Te Karaka, Puha, and Whatatutu. The devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle is still fresh in our minds as families lost their homes, businesses were destroyed, and many of us were stranded without communication for more than a day,” says Pimia Wehi. 

“Seeing this work begin is a relief. It means our people will have better access to emergency routes and won’t have to face being completely cut off again.” 

Mr Bayley says early enabling work, such as the site office establishment, fencing and services relocation, is expected to begin this week, weather permitting.

“Road users aren’t likely to notice too much activity until the physical work begins, which is expected next month.

“At that stage, short traffic delays are expected while crews carry out the upgrades. Traffic will be managed by closing the road shoulder during early works, followed by one lane closures with stop/go to maintain two-way traffic during major works with reduced speed limits along the work site.

“Please drive to the conditions and be aware of the increased truck movements and trucks crossing the road.”

About the name Hakanui Straight

The project name is ‘Hakanui Straight’ but was formerly Nesbitt’s Dip. This is a change requested by hapū and Iwi representatives as the name reflects the area’s cultural and historical significance. The Hakanui Stream was important for local food gathering, mahinga kai, and as a travel route for waka.

With the road being elevated to ensure safer and quicker evacuations during floods, ‘Straight’ (rather than ‘Dip’), embodies strength, directness, and a clear path forward.

What’s changing at Hakanui Straight?

• An 850-metre section of SH2 will be raised by approximately three metres to reduce flood risks and keep the road open in severe weather. 
• The Hakanui Stream culvert will be upgraded with a larger, 1.8-metre-diameter structure to handle higher water volumes, prevent highway flooding and allow safe fish passage to protect local aquatic life.

For more updates, visit the SH2 Tairāwhiti recovery project page