NZ Engine

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is calling on the Prime Minister to stand up for workers’ rights for once and rule out reducing sick leave entitlements.

“This Government for the wealthy keeps finding new ways of eviscerating workers’ rights and tilting power to employers,” says the Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono.

“Our economy is built upon the backs of our workers, so to erode their rights to sick leave is nothing short of an attack on the morale and productivity of our workforce. 

“The Government is making a habit of revealing such changes at the start of Winter when seasonal illnesses, flu and Covid are placing many families under strain.

“Women workers in particular will be disproportionately affected by this cruel policy as they tend to take more sick leave because of childcare responsibilities. For the Government to be considering reducing sick leave is another way to attack women workers following its Pay Equity bombshell.

“The fact that the Prime Minister hasn’t ruled out halving the number of sick days for part-time workers speaks to a pattern of decision-making of a Government that doesn’t listen to, nor care about, workers.

“The Coalition has unapologetically pushed its anti-worker agenda this term – gutting the Pay Equity process, scrapping fair pay agreements, reinstating 90-day trials, and changing the law so that Uber and other gig work platforms can keep their workers from getting their entitlements in already precarious job arrangements. 

“More must be done to support our workers. The Green Party campaigned on five weeks of annual leave for everyone so that people have more time to connect with their whānau, communities, and things that matter to them. 

“The Green Party will keep fighting for everyone in Aotearoa to have access to strong rights, secure work, and decent pay, to ensure workers can thrive,” says Teanau Tuiono. 

Source: New Zealand Government

New parents can expect more support to take time away from work to care for their children from 1 July, with an increase to the maximum weekly rate of paid parental leave up from $754.87 to $788.66 per week, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today.
“It is important to me that families receive the support they need to give their child the best start in life, and having those first weeks together is critical,” says Ms van Velden. 
The minimum parental leave payment rate for self-employed parents will increase this year from $231.50 to $235 gross per week to reflect the minimum wage increase on 1 April this year. 
Eligible parents can receive payments for up to 26 weeks.
“Congratulations to all the new parents starting an exciting chapter of their lives. This will look different for different families, so whether you have just given birth, adopted, or had a child born through surrogacy, the scheme is there to support you and your family.”
“The scheme also applies to Kiwis who have experienced miscarriage or still birth, and to women who have acted as surrogates, which can be difficult both emotionally and physically. Women in those situations can access paid parental leave to take time away from work to recover.”
“I acknowledge it continues to be tough for families right now. Paid parental leave is one way the Government can help ease the pressure of cost of living for families when they are away from work caring for children,” says Ms van Velden.
The Employment New Zealand website has the most up-to-date information about parental leave, including eligibility, payments and returning to work.
Notes for editor: 
The increase to paid parental leave rates is a legislated annual increase under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987.
Under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987, eligible parents are entitled to payments equal to their normal pay up to the current maximum rate. The maximum rate is adjusted annually to account for any increase in average weekly earnings.
The minimum rate for self-employed parents is equivalent to 10 hours worked per week at the adult minimum wage, which is now $23.50 per hour.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Construction has begun on a new Commercial Vehicle Safety Centre (CVSC) on State Highway 59 between the Mackays Crossing and Paekākāriki interchanges.

View larger map

Jetesh Bhula, Regional Manager Infrastructure delivery, says it is one of 12 sites being built on high-volume freight routes around the country and will be critical for improving road safety.

“Crashes involving heavy vehicles can and do have devastating consequences. Ensuring trucks and truckies are complying with heavy vehicle rules is about keeping the public safe, but also about keeping freight operators safe too.”

“Since 2013 there has been a 40 percent increase in fatal and serious injury crashes involving heavy vehicles compared to an increase of 16 percent for all road crashes. CVSCs are a critical tool to help fix this,” Mr Bhula says.

When it opens in mid-2026, the centre will work with Police to target non-compliant heavy vehicles and direct them into the CVSC for inspection.

Mr Bhula says it ensures all operators are following the rules.

“Those that do not follow the rules undercut and disadvantage responsible operators. CVSCs, like the one planned for Mackays Crossing, ensure there is a level playing field for everyone in the freight and trucking industry.

“They also help us measure risk. The data collected from enforcement helps identify problem areas and lets us know where we need to help the industry make improvements,” Mr Bhula says.

The CVSC will use advanced roadside technology to screen passing vehicles. Technology used includes in-road weigh-in-motion scales, automatic number plate recognition cameras, and electronic signs. It will screen and collect truck and operator information to monitor behaviour 24/7.

The CVSC centre is being built by Downer and has an approximate construction cost of $6.5 million.

More Information

• From 2012 to 2021, heavy goods vehicles were involved in 20.5 percent of all fatality crashes. CVSCs are an important tool to address this and deliver a safer transport system.
• Approximately 30,000 vehicles travel on the adjacent section of SH1 daily. Of these, around five percent are heavy vehicles.
• It is estimated  that the CVSC will process  around 11 vehicles during morning peak traffic (8–9am) and seven  during evening peak traffic (5–6pm)
• Because the CVSC will be located off the state highway, the bulk of its construction will not affect traffic.
• Weigh-in motion systems planned for SH59 and SH1 will require traffic management when they are installed. Details on this work will be shared when its timing is confirmed.

Useful Links

• CVSC construction updates
• The Commercial Vehicle Safety Programme (CVSP)
• Safer heavy vehicles = safer journeys for everyone (video)

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Environment Canterbury © 2025
Retrieved: 11:29am, Mon 16 Jun 2025
ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/north-canterbury-community-vehicle-trust-celebrates-new-garage/

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  16 June 2025

The western-most of three mountain ranges in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, Kaitake is the focus for a joint predator control programme involving the Department of Conservation (DOC), Taranaki Maunga Project, iwi and other community collaborators.

DOC Biodiversity Ranger Brandon Kingi says a comparison of images captured by the trail cameras dotted across the Kaitake shows a dramatic decrease in predators like possums, stoats and feral cats – and a notable increase in protected native species like kiwi, which have been successfully reintroduced to the area.

“We’ve seen a big fall in the number of feral cats caught on our cameras, which shows the 1080 operation has effectively controlled them,” says Brandon.

“Immediately after the operation in November last year, the number of cats detected dropped almost overnight — from about 95 per cent of the cameras showing feral cats, to about 1 per cent.

“There was a similar result for stoats — they were seen on our cameras before the operation, then they had almost vanished when we checked the cameras afterwards.”

The predator control methods used at Kaitake also include bait stations and leg-hold possum traps.

Brandon says keeping predator numbers down requires hard physical labour, carried out by staff from DOC and Taranaki Maunga Project, as well as volunteers and paid staff from iwi and community groups.

“The community collaborators contributing to Kaitake working to protect biodiversity on the maunga have also helped control rats and mustelids.”

Brandon says the successful measured reduction of predators at Kaitake demonstrates how a trapping network extends the benefits from aerial operations by reducing predator reinvasion. There are also anecdotal observations of more birdlife across the range and a healthier forest.

“The camera data is another tangible measure that the hard work by kaimahi and volunteers removing predators and reintroducing kiwi is paying off,” says Sean Zieltjes, Taranaki Maunga Project Pou Whakahaere Taurua/Co-Project Director.

“It shows the power of community involvement to really make a difference in driving biodiversity improvements.

“Kaitake didn’t have a particular focus for Taranaki Mounga Project when we started nearly a decade ago but then the community support changed that. Relationships fostered with Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri, the Kaitake Conservation Ranges Trust, schools, landowners, and other groups and agencies, have snowballed into achieving much more than we could ever have done working separately.”

Organisations contributing to predator control and species protection at Kaitake are Kaitake Conservation Ranges Trust, Ngā Mahanga a Tāiri hapu, environmental educators Te Ara Taio, and numerous schools. Taranaki Kiwi Trust, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Save the Kiwi have all contributed to the return of kiwi to the maunga.

Invasive species are putting immense pressure on New Zealand’s ecosystems. Aotearoa has one of the highest rates of threatened species in the world – 4,000. Once our unique native species are gone, they are gone for good. The results at Kaitake demonstrate a small but important success in protecting native species.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the oestradiol patch funding decision is an example of Pharmac’s new patient-centric approach.

From December 2025 Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches, Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan. 

“Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch. They heard very clearly that the TDP Mylan brand of patch did not work for everyone, and that people wanted options,” Mr Seymour says.  

“I’m pleased to see Pharmac’s responsiveness to the voices of patients by funding both brands. This decision reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centric approach.

“The community let Pharmac know that they weren’t consulted enough on the original decision. Pharmac has learnt from this, and has added an additional consultation step to its annual tender process to seek feedback when considering a medicine brand change. This patient-centric approach was taken in today’s funding decision. 

“Pharmac worked and engaged with people who use oestradiol patches, menopause specialists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, advocacy groups and petition founders in making the decision to fund both brands of patches. 

“People should have the opportunity to share what the impact of brand changes would be for them, and what support would be required if there was a change to their current medicine.

“Last year I outlined in my letter of expectations that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people living with an illness, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines, this is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement.

“I expect all key groups to be involved in changes to funded medicine brands through the annual tender. This approach ensures stakeholder engagement while managing financial and operational impacts.

The annual tender process is a key mechanism for Pharmac to manage pharmaceutical expenditure at a relatively low transactional cost. Once a year Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main suppliers of certain medicines. This process can realise between $30 million and $50 million savings per year to spend on new treatments.

“The redirection of Pharmac remains positive and continues towards a more adaptable and patient-centred approach to funding medicines,” says Mr Seymour.

“The decisions to fund Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan, and to improve consultation criteria on the annual tender process follows the Pharmac Consumer Engagement Workshop Report, and my letter of expectations, are positive steps towards a system which works for the people it serves.”

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches – Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan – from 1 December 2025.

People will be able to use either brand of patch, subject to availability. From this date, the other currently funded brands of oestradiol patches will no longer be funded.

“We know how important it is for people to have access to the treatment that works best for them,” says Pharmac’s Manager of Pharmaceutical Funding, Adrienne Martin. “We’ve heard very clearly from many people, that while different brands of patches should work the same, this is not everyone’s experience.

“That’s why we’re funding two brands – so that people can access the oestradiol patches they need, depending on availability.”

Earlier this year, Pharmac asked for feedback on a proposal to fund both the Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan brands of oestradiol patches. More than 1,100 people responded to the consultation.

“Most people supported the proposal, especially the continued funding of Estradot. Some people expressed concerns about also funding the Estradiol TDP Mylan brand, while others wanted more brands funded alongside Estradot.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences with menopause and using oestradiol patches,” says Martin. “Your feedback has had a real impact on this decision.”

Pharmac has secured as much Estradot as the supplier can provide. However, global supply issues remain. Demand for oestradiol patches has increased significantly in New Zealand and internationally, and the manufacturer of Estradot has not been able to produce enough to meet this growing demand.

“There may still be times when Estradot isn’t available for everyone who needs it,” says Martin. “That’s why having another funded brand available is so important.”

To help manage supply, both brands will continue to have a ‘2 patch per week’ limit on each strength. People will also continue to receive one month’s supply at a time from their pharmacy.

We heard from people who wanted us to remove the patch limit and change the dispensing rules,” says Martin. “We acknowledge how frustrating these limits are for people but changing or removing them would put pressure on demand, which would increase the risk of these patches not being available.

“We will review the patch limit and dispensing rules in 12 months depending on the supply outlook.”

Pharmac will continue to monitor supply and work to ensure people can access the treatments they need.

Source: Auckland Council

Emily Trent is Head of Arts and Culture at Auckland Council so she knows why a city needs art, and how art contributes to the quality of our regenerating midtown.

The Auckland Council group is reinventing midtown, ensuring it’s ready to serve the city well ahead of the City Rail Link opening in 2026.

Projects include:

• Te Hā Noa – Victoria Street linear park (Albert Street to Elliott Street) – first section complete – story and timelapse; second section complete – story and timelapse.
• Federal Street upgrade, extension of the shared path laneway circuit – complete. Artwork Lost & Found by Joe Sheehan
• Queen Street – upgrade complete – story and timelapse
• Myers Park – upgrade and artwork Waimahara by Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Manu) is complete – story and video
• Wellesley Street bus interchange – Auckland Transport’s works are in progress

Against a backdrop of the city’s magnificent, multi-sensory artwork Waimahara in Myers Park, we ask Emily why art is important in any urban regeneration, and in this regeneration in particular.

This Q&A is part of an occasional series shining light on the regeneration of midtown and some of the people who are playing a part in it. The Auckland Council group announced an investment of $155 million in multiple projects to regenerate midtown in September 2021. Many are delivered already.

Our Q&A with Emily Trent:

Why does a city need public art?

Art is the way a city tells its story. Art defines who we are in the world. It delights and surprises. And right now Auckland’s midtown is a living example of that.

How is art playing a part in the midtown regeneration?

Anywhere in the world, art is central to a city’s regeneration.

In Myers Park, which is part of midtown, people can come and enjoy Waimahara, an extraordinary immersive public artwork by mana whenua artist Graham Tipene in collaboration with a group of composers and creatives.

Can you tell us about Waimahara?

Waimahara is a celebration of te ao Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau, and it invites us to remember water. It references Te Waihorotiu stream, which flows beneath Queen Street and has its source here in Myers Park.

Within Waimahara, we see references to water. We hear immersive elements such as birdsong, taonga pūoro (traditional musical instruments), and we see references to taiao (nature) like kauri and hīnaki (fish trap) forms.

Are there other forms of expression?

Within this space, there’s art all around. There’s art in the planting, there’s art in the boardwalk, there’s art in the stairway by Tessa Harris. And art is in the cultural identity and the story we tell through this built environment.

Public art, and the arts, culture and creativity, are the thread that connects us as humans. It can bring joy and play. It can make a place safe and liveable. It invites you to linger, to be inspired and to find joy just around the corner.

How does Auckland Council’s public art collection take shape?

Auckland Council partners with artists and creatives to bring public art to the Auckland region. The Auckland Council Regional Art Collection has over 400 artworks all across the region that bring joy and creativity.

What other art can people see in this area?

In addition to Waimahara, we have Lost & Found in Federal Street by Joe Sheehan.

We’ve got new works coming to Victoria Street. And we’ve got murals. The regeneration of midtown is providing amazing opportunities for new works and also to refresh existing works.

What about the City Rail Link stations?

Next year Aucklanders will be able to step into the City Rail Link stations. These stations provide an amazing canvas for public art. We’ll be able to see our cultural identity expressed through art in the stations.

Is this, in effect, a free, all-weather, outdoor art gallery?

Our city’s expression is visible in the built environment through public art. It can delight us, it can connect us, and it can provide an opportunity for discussion and consideration. It’s accessible to everyone. Art tells the story of our place in the world.

[embedded content]

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

The work of honorary fishery officers (HFOs) is crucial for protecting our shared fisheries resources and this week they’re among the many volunteers being recognised during National Volunteer Week.

National Volunteer Week – Tūao Aotearoa Volunteering NZ

HFOs support Fisheries New Zealand fishery officers by carrying out around 40% of recreational compliance work throughout the country.

“This year’s theme: Whiria te tangata – weaving the people together celebrates how volunteers make their mark throughout communities. We have around 180 HFOs patrolling throughout the country and it’s working together that makes the difference on the coasts and on the water.

“Our HFOs give up their time to provide education and advice on rules, while keeping a close eye on fishing activities in the name of sustainability into the future,” says Fisheries New Zealand director fisheries compliance, Steve Ham.

HFOs were first introduced in Auckland in 1967 as a way for people in the community to help get involved in protecting local fisheries from overfishing.

“They’re an important part of our work to maintain sustainability for New Zealand’s recreational fishers. In one recent example we got a call on our 0800 4 POACHER hotline from an off-duty Manukau HFO, who reported seeing people gathering cockles from the closed Eastern Beach in Auckland.

“Fishery officers were able to locate the people and found they had 1,348 cockles and will likely face prosecution, thanks to the work of an HFO.”

Following another call on the Poacher hotline – patrolling Manukau HFOs working in the Kawakawa Bay area responded to the report of people gathering oysters at Waitawa Regional Park. The HFOs inspected the boot of a car and the 2 people in the car were found to have 1,442 oysters and will likely also face prosecution.

“If your lines are tight while fishing during National Volunteer Week, it might be because of the tireless voluntary work of our HFO network throughout the country who play their part in keeping fisheries sustainable. They’re invaluable people and one of the reasons the recreational fishing compliance rate sits at 94% across the country.

“A big part of what they do is talk to people, answer questions, and explain the rules. If you’re new to fishing and come in contact with an HFO, don’t be shy, they’re there to help.”

HFOs contribute a minimum of 100 hours voluntary work a year to looking after recreational fishing areas. They’re put through intensive training, wear a uniform, and have a warrant under the Fisheries Act.

“HFOs are front and centre on New Zealand’s coastlines, conducting between 11,000 and 14,000 inspections annually in recent years.”

One of the best things all recreational fishers can do to understand the rules in their area is download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app before heading out,” says Steve Ham.

NZ Fishing Rules mobile app

If you have questions about becoming an HFO, email HFO@mpi.govt.nz

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

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

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council’s Regional Waterway Protection Fund (RWPF) and Making Space for Rural Water Fund are now open for applications, offering up to $800,000 in grants to rural landowners committed to improving freshwater quality and restoring biodiversity across the region.

Applications are open from 16 June to 27 July 2025.

Now in its 10th year, the RWPF supports fencing and native planting projects that protect waterways from livestock, reduce sediment runoff, and enhance aquatic ecosystems.

The fund operates on a 50/50 partnership model, with Auckland Council providing financial support, restoration plans and technical advice, and landowners contributing cash or in-kind labour.

This year, priority areas include the Papakura Stream, Matakana River, Ōrere River, Āwhitu Catchment, and Aotea / Great Barrier Island. Grants will also be available through the Making Space for Water Fund, designed to complement these efforts.

Tom Mansell, Auckland Council’s Head of Sustainable Partnerships, says the fund continues to deliver real change.

“Improving rural water quality is one of the most meaningful actions we can take to protect our environment. It benefits not only the land and water but the communities that depend on them,” says Mr Mansell.

The projects, funded through the RWPF, are a long-term investment in the health of our ecosystems. These initiatives are a powerful example of how collaboration between landowners, council and community can restore balance to our natural landscapes.

Projects eligible for funding include:

• stock-exclusion fencing
• riparian planting using eco-sourced natives
• fish passage improvements
• alternative water supplies for livestock.

Applications will be assessed on environmental outcomes, project feasibility, community involvement, and alignment with iwi and hapū values.

RWPF and Making Space for Rural Water funded projects are already reshaping rural Auckland—restoring wetlands, protecting native species, and building stronger connections between people and place.

For more information and to apply, read more on the main Auckland Council website.