NZ Engine

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  13 May 2025

The small brown ducks found only in Aotearoa New Zealand previously became extinct in the South Island due to the combined impacts of predators, habitat loss and other threats.

Since 2009, captive-reared pāteke have been reintroduced to the area around the Milford Track – one of only two restored populations in the South Island.

Department of Conservation Biodiversity Ranger Louise McLaughlin and team celebrated the success by releasing 40 more captive-reared pāteke in the Arthur Valley to join their thriving friends in early May.

Louise says with support from Air New Zealand and iwi, DOC staff release and monitor pāteke with specialised transmitters.

“We’re not just throwing them out there and hoping for the best, we’re tracking their survival, and learning, always learning.

“With high rainfall and risk of floods, this can be a tough location for pāteke, but their biggest threat remains their vulnerability to introduced predators. They just don’t have a ‘fight back’ mechanism at all, they’re sitting ducks.

“Fortunately, we’ve seen incredible survival rates following 1080 predator control operations. This year we’ve had more than 86% survival. In the years when we don’t have 1080 operations, survival can drop to as low as 16%.”

With more pāteke dabbling in the rivers, visitors to the Milford Track are more likely to spot this unique duck in the future.

Every year 25 million native birds are killed by invasive predators. DOC’s National Predator Control Programme protects threatened native species by regularly suppressing introduced predators across large forest areas on public conservation land.

In the Arthur and Clinton valleys DOC uses aerially applied biodegradable 1080 to target rats, possums and stoats, supported by traps along the valley floor to target stoats in between 1080 operation years. The frequency of 1080 operations is dependent on predator numbers, and the most recent operation was in 2024.

“It’s so wonderful doing the monitoring after we’ve had a 1080 operation. There is more life in the forest, there are more nests, more fledglings, and it’s not just pāteke, it’s benefiting all our native forest animals,” says Louise.

With predators controlled, pāteke have a chance to build their resilience to natural threats.

“We’re finding that the longer they survive out there, the better they get at putting their nests in smart locations above the floodline. The population is becoming more savvy, more fit for this location.”

The recent pāteke release has been made possible by Auckland Zoo, Ōtorohanga Kiwi House, Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery, Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre, Staglands Wildlife Reserve, Natureland Wildlife Trust, Orana Wildlife Park, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Kiwi Park, and The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, with the support of Air New Zealand.

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Source: Peace Action Wellington

13 May 2025 – The US military has indicated it wants to increase the number of space launches from Rocket Lab’s launchpad on the Mahia Peninsula including launching satellites involved in nuclear command-control-and-comms. 

“This raises serious questions about compliance with New Zealand’s Nuclear Free legislation,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“We have been very concerned that the national security assessments by MBIE of Rocket Lab launches are insufficient. In particular, US military launches that are ‘classified’ means that New Zealand officials have very little knowledge about the military capabilities and targets of these satellites.”

“The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment who oversee space launches specifically state that ‘payloads that contribute to nuclear weapons programmes or capabilities” are expressly prohibited. Yet without the actual access to classified information from the US we have incomplete information about what these satellites do.”

“Moreover the integration and consolidation of command systems means that satellites may serve multiple outcomes including the operation of nuclear weapons. The US’s Joint All-Domain Command and Control or CJADC2 is the concept that the Department of Defense has developed to connect sensors from all branches of the armed forces into a unified network powered by artificial intelligence.”

“Mahia has become a de facto outpost of the US military where it can do what it wants, when it wants with very little real oversight and no concern for the implications of that for New Zealand independence as a nation. ”

“The threat of nuclear war is at the highest level it has been at in 40 years. New Zealanders rejected nuclear weapons two generations ago, we should not give up our principled stand under any circumstances, but particularly not by stealth under the cover of US ‘classified’ programmes.” 

Notes

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council) is joining the art world in paying its respects to Fred Graham (Ngaati Koroki Kahukura), ONZM, Art Foundation Icon.

Graham has passed away at the age of 96 but his legacy lives on, and for Aucklanders that is in the extensive public artworks that are part of the council’s enduring collection. 

In the words of his whaanau – words that are being echoed around the world – “Fred Graham was a revered Maaori sculptor, educator, athlete, and artist who has journeyed beyond the veil. His artistry embodied the strength and depth of Maaori storytelling, carrying the whakapapa, traditions, and wairua of his iwi, Ngaati Koroki Kahukura.”

A tribute from Fred Graham’s whaanau:

Frederick John Graham 1 September 1928 – 9 May 2025
He Pou Whakarauora i te Ao Toi Maaori

Kua rere atu taku manu ki ngaa rangi tuuhaahaa, ki te tihi o Maungatautari, ki Taupiri anoo hoki.

I te atapoo o te Paraire, i moe ngaa karu o te ringatoi Maaori whakaihuwaka, te kaiako, te kaipara, te ringa whao, te kaiwhakairo i te kupu, o Fred Graham CNZM, he uri o Ngaati Koroki Kahukura.

Mai i ngā tohu whakairo nunui pēnei i a Kaitiaki i Pukekawa ki Taamaki Makaurau me Justice i te Kooti Matua ki te pokapuu o Taamaki, i ruku hohonu a Graham ki ngā kaupapa o te manaaki, o te tika, o te maaramatanga hoki. Naana ngaa maatauranga tuku iho i whiriwhiria ki te ao hou. Ka kite i ana whakaaro rangatira i ana mahinga toi.

He kaiako ia hei tauira ki ngaa rangatira o āpōpō i ngaa mahinga toi Maaori. I tīmata toona haerenga ki Ardmore Teachers’ Training College, kaatahi ka huri te aronga ki Te Tai Tokerau hei tautoko i ngaa kaiako Maaori, wheeraa i a Katerina Mataira, i a Rau Hotere hoki. He tangata whakapau kaha i te toituutanga o te ao toi Maaori i Aotearoa.

Ehake i te mea he ringatoi anahe, he Maaori All Black hoki a Graham i toona waa. I taakaro raaua ko tana hoa pūmau, a Bishop Muru Walters. Noo raatou te kaha ki te whakatairanga i te mana o te Maaori i ngaa tuumomo waahanga, mai i te haakinakina ki te wairua, tae atu ki te ao toi.

I teeraa tau, i kite ana mahi i te Venice Biennale, ko Whiti Te Raa (1966) teetehi e whakaatu ana i te haka a Te Rauparaha i roto i te whakairo toi. Ko taua whakaaturanga he tohu nui moo te toi Maaori ki te ao whaanui, e whakaū ana i a Graham hei rangatira i roto i te ao toi Maaori.

I whakawhiwhia e Graham te tohu Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM), hei whakamaanawa i toona koha nui ki te ao toi Maaori, me aana mahi whakakaha i te whakaaturanga o te toi i Aotearoa.

I noho a Fred i Waiuku. Kei taua takiwaa aana mahi toi tūmatanui e rua. Ko tana tohu whakairo tuatahi, ko Birds Soar, he tohu rino e waru mita te rahi, hei whakamaharatanga ki te 50 tau o Glenbrook mill. He tohu teenei moo ngaa whakatupuranga katoa.

Ko Waiuku Sculpture, he tohu whakairo rino i whakarewahia i te tau 2024, e whakaatu ana i ngā kōrero o ngā iwi o te rohe, me te hono atu ki te whakapapa o Waiuku.

Ahakoa toona kaumaatuatanga, i noho ia hei tohunga whakairo. I mahia tonutia e ia te toi, i hoahoa tonu ia i tana taapaetanga moo te Erebus Memorial, he tohu whakamaumahara i toona aroha moo te koorero tuku iho maa te toi.

He hoa rangatira, he matua, he koroheke ia. Ko toona whaanau te tuuaapapa o toona ao, te aronga o toona auahatanga. Ka mau tonu toona aroha, toona manaakitanga i roto i ngaa whakatupuranga kei te heke mai.

He kaikookiri ia i te ao toi Maaori, he tauira ki ngaa ringatoi e tupu ana, he kaihaapai i ngaa tirohanga o te Maaori. Ka mau tonu te mana o aana mahi hei whakaawe, hei whakanui, hei whakatauira moo te hunga toi e whai mai nei.

Haere whakangaro atu raa e te rangatira.  E tiu, e topa. Pai Maarire.

Fred Graham at centre – pictured in Waiuku

Frederick John Graham 1 September 1928 – 9 May 2025
A Guardian of Maaori Art and Legacy

A majestic bird has journeyed to the heights of the sacred mountains of Maungatautari and Taupiri.

Fred Graham, a revered Maaori sculptor, educator, athlete, and artist, has journeyed beyond the veil. His artistry embodied the strength and depth of Maaori storytelling, carrying the whakapapa, traditions, and wairua of his iwi, Ngaati Koroki Kahukura.

Through iconic works such as Kaitiaki in Pukekawa / Auckland Domain and Justice at the High Court, Graham explored themes of guardianship, justice, and enlightenment. He bridged ancestral knowledge with contemporary expression, ensuring Maaori identity and legacy lived on through his sculptural forms.

Beyond his artistic contributions, Graham was a dedicated educator, shaping the future of Maaori art through his teaching career. His journey began at Ardmore Teachers’ Training College, where he was encouraged to specialise in art education, before moving north to work with Maaori students in Te Tai Tokerau. His commitment to fostering creativity among rangatahi ensured that Maaori perspectives remained central to Aotearoa’s evolving artistic landscape.

Te Waka Taumata o Horotiu (Resting Waka), 2008, Fred Graham. Corner Queen Street and Swanson Street.

Graham was also a Maaori All Black, playing alongside his lifelong friend Bishop Muru Walters. Their bond extended beyond the rugby field, as both men became champions of Maaori art, education, and leadership. Their shared journey reflected a deep commitment to uplifting Maaori voices across multiple spheres, from sport to spirituality to artistic expression.

His influence extended beyond Aotearoa, with his works exhibited internationally, including at the prestigious Venice Biennale. His piece Whiti Te Raa (1966), which portrays figures in motion inspired by the haka of Te Rauparaha, was showcased as part of the Biennale Arte 2024. This exhibition marked a significant moment for Maaori art on the global stage, reinforcing Graham’s role as a pioneer in contemporary indigenous sculpture.

In recognition of his immense contributions to Maaori art, Graham was recently named a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Honours. This prestigious accolade acknowledged his lifelong dedication to elevating Maaori artistry and ensuring its place within Aotearoa’s cultural fabric.

In 2024 Fred Graham unveiled a gift to his hometown of Waiuku, described as “an expression of his aroha and whakawhetai.”

Fred spent his final years in Waiuku, where he left an indelible mark on the town through two significant public artworks. His Waiuku Sculpture, a stainless-steel piece unveiled in 2024, acknowledges local iwi histories and honours the whakapapa of the region.

His second piece, Birds Soar, an eight-metre steel sculpture commemorating the 50th anniversary of NZ Steel’s Glenbrook mill, symbolises the past, present, and future generations connected to the industry. A tohunga whakairo to the end, he remained deeply engaged in his craft, continuing to shape spaces with his vision and artistic integrity. Even in his last days, he was designing a submission for the Erebus Memorial, a testament to his lifelong devotion to storytelling through form.

The Web (2014) – swapping silk for steel, this spiderweb delights visitors to the Threatened Native Plants Garden at Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa.

But above all, Fred was a devoted husband, father, and Granddad. He cherished his whaanau, who were the foundation of his life and inspiration for his creative journey. His love and guidance will endure through the generations he nurtured, shaping not only his art but also the lives of those who walked alongside him.

As a staunch advocate for Maaori art, he nurtured emerging artists, championed indigenous perspectives, and paved the way for future generations. His life’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of Maaori creativity, ensuring his influence will continue to shape and inspire.

Fred Graham’s public art 

View more of the treasured public artworks in Auckland Council’s collection by Fred Graham, located across Tāmaki Makaurau.

Within Fred Graham’s impressive body of work of over 70 years, manu have been a recurring theme, and his works stand and cast a long and rich shadow across Aotearoa and Tāmaki Makaurau, from Waiuku to the city centre.  

Manurewa (2007) – as if in flight and with a wingspan of six metres, this majestic Fred Graham sculpture soars above Mission Bay.

Two of Fred Graham’s public artworks – located in Auckland’s city centre – are placed at the junction of Shortland and Queen Streets. These works mark the original foreshore and former waka landing area before this area was reclaimed. 

Kaitiaki II, 2009, Fred Graham. Outside BNZ, 80 Queen Street.

Tūrama Kāhu Kōrako inspired by Fred Graham. Photo credit: Bryan Lowe

Kāhu Kōrako is a term for an older kāhu / hawk / New Zealand harrier whose plumage has lost the dark colouring of youth and whose feathers are pale, white or grey. 

The plumage of Kāhu Kōrako is compared by Māori orators with the grey hair of elders, and when coupled with the veneration that ngāi Māori hold for kuia, koroua and kaumātua, the term Kāhu Kōrako becomes a metaphor for an elderly person of mana, whose wisdom and grace will assist your passage wherever you travel within the hem of their korowai (cloak). This Matariki season people will look up and they might notice the bird’s head looks to the south-west – towards Waiuku – acknowledging where Fred Graham and his wife Norma raised their whānau.

Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

Lower home values and easing interest rates are creating a rare opportunity for first-home buyers to enter the New Zealand housing market, particularly in hard to access main centres like Auckland and Wellington.

Our latest QV House Price Index shows home values rose 0.10% in the three months to April to a new national average value of $914,504, which is -1.33% lower than the same time last year.

Across New Zealand’s main urban areas: the Auckland region continues to soften, with home values down 2.89% year on year, and 0.08% over the past 3-months; the Wellington region dropped 4.11% year on year, and 0.50% over the quarter to April; Dunedin was down 0.04% year on year and -0.73% over the past three months; while Christchurch bucked the trend, rising 1.35% year on year and 0.88% in the April quarter; as did Hamilton up 0.36% year on year and 0.12% over the past 3-months.
 
QV Operations Manager James Wilson said while headline values remain soft, early signs suggest a shift in sentiment, with some main urban centres showing a positive monthly trend.

“After five years of significant volatility, the market appears to have stabilised,” he said. “We’re not seeing big swings anymore—home values are holding steady as we head into winter.”

“Although interest rates are trending down, demand is tempered by cautious buyer sentiment and a large supply of properties. Still, signs of a turnaround are emerging, especially in the main centres.”

“For first home buyers, particularly in parts of Auckland where standalone homes are now selling in the $700,000s in some areas—something we didn’t see a year ago—now is the time to act,” said Mr Wilson.

“Investors remain more active than first home buyers, taking advantage of lower competition compared to previous peaks. However, many are still taking a ‘wait and see’ approach.”

Northland

Northland home values have experienced modest recovery momentum rising 1.30% in the three months to April 2025. Whangarei was the top performer in the region with values up 3.19%; value growth in the Far North slowed to just 0.17%; while the Kaipara District was down -2.05% over 3 months, reversing the gains it made earlier in the year.

The annual trend remains negative at -2.79%, but growth signs suggest renewed buyer activity, particularly in Whangarei among investors and first home buyers. The average home value across the region now sits at $731,090, up from $721,626 in January.

Auckland

Across the Auckland region values are down -0.08% over the past three months and 2.89% year on year. The current average value is now $1,244,996.

Manukau (0.53%), Papakura (0.40%) and Franklin (0.81%) all posted 3-month gains, while in the local council areas previously known as Auckland City values softened (-0.28%); North Shore was down the most (-1.19%); Waitakere also dipped (-0.33%); and Rodney (-0.06%) also eased slightly over the same period.

Local QV registered valuer, Hugh Robson said, “Overall, market conditions remain similar to three months ago, we continue to see the strongest demand from first home buyers who are often purchasing more affordable townhouse developments.”

“Annual growth remains in decline at -2.89%, pointing to a patchy recovery across the super city. In areas where supply levels are beginning to be absorbed and owner occupier interest remains stronger, we are starting to see some early positive signals,” he said.

Bay of Plenty

Home values were down in Tauranga -0.23% over the past three months. The city’s average home value $1,014,726, which is -1.48% less than the same time last year.

Meanwhile, the Bay of Plenty region saw values rise slightly by 0.28% over the past 3-months but were down -1.30% year on year. Kawerau values saw the greatest increase, jumping 7.16% over the quarter to April and 1.59% year on year. Western Bay of Plenty district also saw values rise 2.96% over the past three months; Gisborne was also up 2.78%; as was Rotorua up 0.14%; while Opotiki values dropped -2.21%.  

Waikato

The latest QV House Price Index shows Hamilton’s average home value is now $792,221, rising 0.12% over the past three months and 0.36% year on year.

Local QV registered valuer Marshall Wu said, “While we are seeing demand levels beginning to return in mid-price brackets where investor and first home buyers competition meet, a significant volume of unsold inventory continues to linger on the market. So, although April’s upturn in Hamilton’s home values is a positive sign, it remains premature to declare a market recovery,” he said.

The Waikato region demonstrated slight improvement in the April quarter with a 3-month gain of 0.60% and 0.03% year on year. The average home value across the region now stands at $817,310. Waitomo District surged 5.41% over the past 3 months, making it the standout performer.

Taranaki

Home values in New Plymouth have risen 1.24% over the past three months and are 1.27% higher than the same time last year. The average home value is now $729,739. Meanwhile, the average home value in South Taranaki dipped 0.64% over the quarter to April to $443,886 while Stratford values also dipped 1.35% over the past three months and the average home there is worth $478,051.

QV property consultant, Danny Grace said “New Plymouth district is more stable with improved levels of activity and interest over the recent months, with more interest from buyers and agents feeling more confident. Stratford and South Taranaki are also stabilising, but not to the same level as New Plymouth. The quarterly gain in New Plymouth of 1.24% shows improved sentiment fueled mostly by the strength of first home buyer demand.”

Hawke’s Bay

Napier City home values rose 0.97% over the past 3 months and were up 0.15% in the year to April. The average value in the city is now $760,444. Hastings values were also up 0.29% over the past three months but were down 2.24% year on year.

The average value in Hastings is now $773,595. Wairoa saw values rise 2.21% in the three months to April and 9.83% year on year to a new average value of $414,919. While it was a different story in the Central Hawke’s Bay District, which saw the greatest decrease down -4.25% over 3 months and -7.02% year on year with an average value of $540,303.

Palmerston North

Home values in Palmerston North dipped 0.68% over the past three months to a new average value of $634,094 which is 1.61% lower than this time last year.

QV registered valuer, Olivia Betts said, “We are currently seeing increased sales activity however prices remain stable. Homes with older, outdated features are struggling to attract buyers and are often listed on the market for longer periods. In contrast, there’s been a growing demand for homes recently renovated, reflecting a preference for modern amenities, according to industry experts.”

Wellington

Residential property values have continued their downward trend most parts of Wellington this quarter. The latest QV House Price Index shows the region’s average home value decreased by 0.50% to $837,745 throughout the quarter to April and is 4.11% lower than the same time last year.

Upper Hutt bucked the trend this quarter with average growth of 0.69%. While, Wellington City (-0.69%), Kapiti Coast (-0.01%), Hutt City (-0.47%) and Porirua (-0.21%) all recorded small average home value losses.
 
QV senior consultant, David Cornford said, “Stock levels remain at elevated levels and accordingly we have seen a slight overall softening in values in recent months in the region.”

“There is adequate market activity, however the volume of stock on the market is making conditions challenging for vendors in some cases,” he said.

“Buyers have plenty of options currently and are not afraid to walk away from a property. Economic and employment uncertainty continues and we are seeing this reflected in a relatively soft market where buyers are taking a cautious approach.”

Tasman-Nelson-Marlborough

These three regions fared relatively well in April, with Nelson City and Tasman District recording 3-month growth of 1.21% and 2.16%, respectively. Marlborough posted a slight increase of 0.82% over the 3 months to April. The average value in Nelson is now $799,144, Tasman is $829,427, and Marlborough is $703,836.

QV Property Consultant, Craig Russel said “In the Tasman and Nelson markets, demand for homes within the $500,000 to $800,000 price range is still strong, with multiple offers being a common occurrence.”

“Pricing remains a key determinate, with accurate pricing required to avoid properties languishing on the market for an extended period, and with multiple price reductions.”

“Although we have seen modest growth over recent months we are still facing economic headwinds, and with the quieter winter period approaching, it is likely that values will remain flat over the next few months.”

West Coast

Our QV House Price Index for the April brought mixed results for the region with values down 2.60% over the past three months, indicating recent volatility. However, annual growth remains at 1.87% higher than the same time last year.

Average home values in Westland rose 0.27% to $471,390 this quarter. While they decreased by 3.80% to $375,858 in Buller and by 3.55% to $445,433 in Grey.

Canterbury

The Christchurch city average home value rose slightly by 0.88% in the past three months to April to $776,636 and are now 1.35% higher than a year ago.

Meanwhile home values in Hurunui rose 0.76% in the past three months to $645,875 but were down 0.89% year on year. While Waimakariri rose 0.52% over the past quarter to an $721,149 which is 0.47% higher than they were a year ago.

QV registered valuer Olivia Brownie said, “In the three months to April we’ve seen more positive market movement for Christchurch City and the neighbouring districts. We have seen slightly more activity over the previous month which can be attributed to some more affordability and a slight reduction in the cost of borrowing.”

“The market is currently seeing a balance in supply and demand, with buyers having a good range of options and sellers not expecting immediate price increases. Well-presented and located homes are transacting with buyers having the option to leave less appealing stock to the side or negotiating on price. Overall the market movement is minimal and we are seeing a somewhat steady property market.”

Dunedin

Our QV House Price Index for April 2025 shows values dipped slightly in Dunedin City overall by an average of -0.73% over the past quarter, with Dunedin’s average home value now $646,378, which is just 0.04% lower than the same time last year. Dunedin’s central suburbs saw the greatest quarterly increase up 1.40%.

QV Property Consultant Robin Graham said, “Listing levels in Dunedin remain high when compared to the same period last year, with downsizing activity occurring within the owner occupier market. Demand levels remain firm for Mosgiel, followed by Maori Hill and Saint Clair, however agents continue to report that heightened levels of supply, mean vendor price points need to be realistic.”

“Overall property values in the region are flatlining, with only minor growth in isolated areas and softening sentiment in Dunedin among first home buyers and investors when compared to earlier in the year.”

Queenstown

Residential property values are continuing their slight downward trend across the Queenstown Lakes District in this quarter.

Our QV House Price Index for April 2025 shows the average home value reduced by 0.43% over the past three months to $1,818,422. Home values in Queenstown are now -0.45% lower on average than at the same time last year.

Southland

Invercargill values rose 0.21% over the past three months to top half a million with an average value of $501,322, which is 4.01% higher than the same time last year.

While in Gore, values increased 3.15% over the quarter to $418,768 which is 0.22% higher than a year ago. And in Southland values rose were up 1.88% over the past three months to $535,303 which is 6.56% higher than a year ago.

QV registered valuer Andrew Ronald said the region’s affordability and consistent performance underpin buyer interest. We are still experiencing strong demand from first home buyers seeking entry level properties, typically under $500,000.

“Investor activity continues to increase, although not in any significant levels yet. There is still limited demand for upper price bracket properties,” he said.

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 2 near Takapau this morning, which has closed the State Highway.

The two vehicle crash was reported to Police just before 7.30am.

Initial indications are there are serious injuries.

Motorists are advised there are diversions in place via Fraser Road and Marahakeke Road.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

ENDS