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Govt needs to buy carbon credits or come clean on emissions commitment – opposition

Source: Radio New Zealand

Green Party climate change spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick told RNZ it was “wishful thinking” that New Zealand could remain committed to Paris without buying carbon credits. RNZ / Mark Papalii

There is no way New Zealand can honour the Paris Agreement without buying offshore credits and the government needs to be upfront about that, the opposition says.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis cast fresh doubt on whether New Zealand will pay for the offshore carbon credits it currently needs to meet its 2030 promise to halve greenhouse gas emissions.

She also backed away from a full commitment to meeting that goal, known as a ‘nationally determined contribution’, saying the government was making “best endeavours”.

The most recent analysis from the Ministry for the Environment shows that, even with domestic climate change policies, New Zealand will still miss the 2030 target by 84 million tonnes (Mt) of emissions – a whole year’s worth.

The analysis does not include the effect of more recent changes to climate policies, including weakening New Zealand’s methane target, ditching plans to price agricultural emissions, and easing clean car standards.

Speaking to reporters after a finance select committee hearing, Willis said former climate minister James Shaw had signed New Zealand up to an “extravagant” nationally determined contribution and had not put money aside to pay for it.

Asked if the government would pay for offshore credits if its domestic efforts were not enough to meet that contribution, Willis said it was not in New Zealand’s best interests “to send cheques for billions of dollars offshore”.

“New Zealanders who are struggling to put food on the table are not going to thank us for having a performative awards ceremony after we write billion dollar cheques to other countries to meet a Paris target that James Shaw set. No, that’s not our priority.”

However, she acknowledged that the country had a commitment “and we are making our best efforts to realise that commitment”.

Willis’s comments follow similar dismissals from Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay earlier this year.

They are out of step with unequivocal commitments to the Paris Agreement target from both the Prime Minister and Climate Change Minister Simon Watts.

Ahead of the COP climate summit last month, Watts told RNZ that the priority was reducing domestic emissions, “but we are also exploring all available options to meet our [2030] commitment”.

“We are making progress on making sure we have the structures and relationships in place to access offshore mitigation, if needed in the future,” he said.

“New Zealand is exploring collaboration options with several countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, the Philippines, Singapore and others.”

However, he confirmed there was no “current” plan to buy offshore credits.

Green Party climate change spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick, who was in the select committee hearing, told RNZ afterwards it was “wishful thinking” that New Zealand could remain committed to Paris without buying carbon credits.

“We are potentially on the hook for tens of billions of dollars, and all [Willis] can say is we’re not going to to send those tens of billions of dollars offshore, which then begs the question of how we’re going to meet our [commitment] as the government is domestically shredding climate action here at home,” Swarbrick said.

“The maths do not maths.”

Senior ministers, including the Prime Minister, had publicly committed to New Zealand’s targets, she said.

“You cannot have it both ways.”

Despite Willis and McClay’s comments that New Zealand would not be buying offshore credits, the government’s actions suggested differently.

“You simultaneously have a situation where the minister of climate change is then signing MOUs with other jurisdictions to enable … that offshore mitigation to occur,” she said.

“All signs point to the government knowing and actually actively taking steps to implement and to pay other countries for offshore mitigation, yet [they’re] not being upfront and transparent with New Zealanders about what that liability will look like.”

Asked why the previous government had not financially committed to paying for overseas credits, Swarbrick said she had pushed former finance minister Grant Roberston and Treasury on that “all of last term”.

“James Shaw also pushed on that during his tenure.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Unlocking Growth Through Investment

Source: New Zealand Government

Good afternoon, I am pleased to be among so many of New Zealand’s business leaders – people who are driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of our economy.

Can I acknowledge Simon Bridges, Chief Executive of the Auckland Business Chamber and Rob Morrison, Chair of InvestNZ.

As the Minister for Trade and Investment, I want to talk about a powerful driver of economic growth: Foreign Direct Investment, and the bold new steps the Government is taking to unlock the full potential of greater investment into New Zealand.

 

Why Foreign Investment Matters

Trade is one of New Zealand’s great economic success stories. 

It is a major engine for economic growth for this country. We are a globally significant exporter of primary produce. And we have built a comprehensive network of high-quality free trade and other agreements with countries and economic blocs. 

This network of trade agreements helps make New Zealand an attractive destination for investment. Because producing goods in New Zealand provides almost unrivalled access to major overseas markets free of tariffs.

Yet while international trade is New Zealand’s strength, international investment is not.

As a percentage of GDP, New Zealand’s stock of Foreign Direct Investment, or FDI, amounts to 37% of GDP.

That compares to an OECD average of 53% of GDP.

Annual net inflows of FDI are 1.4% of GDP. 

These figures put New Zealand in 27th and 31st place respectively out of 38 OECD countries.

For outwards FDI to other countries, New Zealand is 34th.

Chronically low levels of overseas investment have starved this country of capital for infrastructure and business. Quite simply, we need more capital.

Because surrounding our workers with more capital lifts productivity and wages.

Because lifting investment in small and medium businesses to expand production and adopt new technologies increases exports.

And because having multinational companies choose to put their headquarters in New Zealand, as they have in Ireland and many other small countries, increases prosperity.

New Zealand only has half the capital per hour worked as Australia and the United States, and 60 per cent less than Denmark. New Zealand’s low capital intensity helps explain why our productivity consistently lags other OECD countries.

While New Zealand has overachieved in trade, we lag other countries when it comes to investment.

History tells us this is not about size. When small countries adopt sound policies or change to more business-friendly regimes, foreign investment can pour in.

Here are three examples:

Starting in the early 1990s, Estonia lifted annual net flows of FDI from 5% of GDP to a high of 21% of GDP in 2005. Recent net FDI flows for Estonia remain high, averaging 8% of GDP over the past five years.

That compares to less than 2% for New Zealand over the same period.

Since 1993, Estonia’s stock of overseas investment relative to GDP increased about 8 times while real GDP per capita increased 11 times.

Over that same period, the Czech Republic increased its stock of FDI relative to GDP by 6 times and per capita GDP 8 times.

And between 1970 and 2023, Chile lifted its stock of FDI relative to GDP by around 16 times while per-capita GDP went up 14 times.

Of course, these countries achieved these remarkable results by moving from oppressive to business-friendly regimes. But what these examples show is that good policy is more important for investment than the size of a country or even its location.

Our Government is serious about attracting more overseas investment to New Zealand, and we are putting policies and structures in place to do this.

That’s why this Government established the first Minister for Trade and Investment.

That’s why this Government has made trade and investment one of its five pillars in our Going for Growth strategy.

That’s why this Government established InvestNZ.

Because if New Zealand is to attract more business investment from overseas, we need a clear plan and a dedicated agency to get out there and put this country on the radars of investors.

 

Driving more investment into New Zealand

As I said, this Government is serious about lifting investment into New Zealand and we have already made a series of changes to achieve this:

Our reforms to streamline the Active Investor Plus visa went live in April this year and have been highly successful with application rates increasing more than 10-fold.
Our changes to the Overseas Investment Act will streamline approvals for low-risk investments and introduce a single national interest test.
The Investment Boost Tax Incentive, announced in this year’s Budget, allows businesses to deduct 20% of the upfront cost of productive assets immediately. This deduction is open to any business and has already had a significant impact on investment.
And in April this year we made significant changes to Foreign Investment Fund rules so eligible investors –particularly new migrants and returning New Zealanders – will be able to use a new taxation method that taxes realised returns rather than estimated gains.
More high-growth businesses scaling globally;
More jobs and skills for New Zealanders;
More innovation commercialised; and, ultimately
A stronger, more resilient economy.
Rob Morrison as Chair, an investment banker and corporate leader with a distinguished international career in finance, governance, and sustainability
Carmel Fisher as Deputy Chair, who is a seasoned investment professional with over thirty years’ experience in New Zealand’s investment industry.
David Tapsell, a respected legal and governance professional with a career spanning law, Māori economic development, and corporate leadership.
Richard Hedley, an experienced private markets investor and non-executive director with over 25 years’ experience in global investment markets.
Mary MacLeod, a seasoned financial services executive with over two decades of international experience in investment banking and corporate strategy.
Ross George,  a private equity leader with more than three decades’ experience supporting New Zealand businesses and institutional investors.
Private infrastructure;
Renewable Energy;
Data Infrastructure;
Digitisation and Artificial Intelligence;
Technology, which includes AgTech, MedTech, SpaceTech and FinTech; and
Advanced manufacturing and processing facilities.
Innovative food production;
Wood processing; and
Tourism.

 

Introducing Invest New Zealand

Our next step to drive more investment into New Zealand is to establish InvestNZ.

InvestNZ marks a step-change in how we attract and facilitate foreign investment to this country. 

When we came into government, we moved quickly to design InvestNZ. We announced it in January this year. We passed legislation in June. InvestNZ began operations four days later on 1 July.

Its purpose is simple: get more investment into New Zealand. We will measure the success of InvestNZ by its ability to increase investment into New Zealand: 

InvestNZ is not a government department, purposely. It is a Crown entity, and will employ a small group of highly skilled specialists with the international connections to get the attention of institutional investors and high net worth individuals overseas.

Their job will be to get out there, find global opportunities, build relationships with international investors, and ultimately see those efforts crystallise in the form of new investment into New Zealand. 

InvestNZ is not an investment subsidy scheme. It will promote New Zealand to investors, then onboard those investors into New Zealand with tailored local support to help investors navigate regulations and make new connections here.

InvestNZ is based on successful models overseas, particularly the IDA, Ireland’s highly successful FDI agency.

 

Board announcement

I am pleased to announce the appointment of the inaugural board for InvestNZ.

The new board marks a shift from the establishment board to a permanent governance structure. Permanent board members are: 

I am absolutely delighted that this high-powered group of individuals has agreed to join the board of InvestNZ. I am confident they will deliver the leadership needed to get results for New Zealand.

I also welcome the board’s announcement yesterday that they have appointed InvestNZ’s first Chief Executive, Robert Wall. Robert is an accomplished leader in investment and an outstanding appointment.

He has more than 20 years of experience in infrastructure and private markets. He was Senior Principal of Infrastructure at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, a Partner at Hermes Infrastructure, and most recently the Head of Sustainable Private Infrastructure at Lazard Asset Management.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the establishment board members Charles Finny and Catherine Savage for their service during the early stages of InvestNZ.

I also want to thank the members of the wider Ministerial Reference Group – Justin Murray, Jonty Edgar, and Matt Whineray, alongside Rob and Catherine, for their advice. Their deep expertise in global investment and governance was invaluable. Their engagement provided a solid foundation to establish InvestNZ and shape the direction of this new entity.

Can I also acknowledge the tireless efforts of officials in New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

 

Further details on InvestNZ 

I want to talk about how InvestNZ will work in practice, and why we have decided to take a different approach.

If we’re going to get more investment, we need a clear plan that targets efforts in certain areas.

In its first Statement of Intent, the InvestNZ Board has identified six target areas with the strong potential for growth:

In scale terms, InvestNZ will target investments in the range of $100M to $1 billion.

However, where opportunities for smaller-scale investments in the range of, say, $20 million which can be quickly realised and scaled then I anticipate InvestNZ will grab those opportunities.

InvestNZ will also act as a bridge for local investors, connecting domestic capital with high-value investment opportunities through the AIP scheme.

Finally, InvestNZ will advise the government on policy and regulatory settings to support New Zealand as a globally competitive place to invest. InvestNZ will become a knowledge hub, using its front-line experience working with actual and potential investors into New Zealand to help inform future policy changes to further lift investment.

I believe InvestNZ is a step-change for investment into New Zealand.

 

Launch of new prospectuses

Today, I am launching three new prospectuses by InvestNZ.

The prospectuses cover:

The purpose of these prospectuses is to draw investors’ attention to opportunities in areas where New Zealand has a competitive edge and a compelling growth story.

In each of these areas, New Zealand is an established leader and has the opportunity to shift from volume to value and adopt new technologies.

 

Conclusion

To conclude, for years investment into New Zealand has been harder than it should be. We’ve heard the feedback, and we get it.

New Zealanders have paid the price for limiting overseas investment.

InvestNZ is now five months into its mission to deliver a world-class experience for investors who want to invest in Kiwi businesses.

This dedicated agency sends a signal that New Zealand is open for business and we are committed to competing globally for new business in this country.

InvestNZ is a partnership between government and investors. Government cannot do this alone. Together, we can build a better investment ecosystem – one that showcases the best New Zealand can offer to the world.

I look forward to working with you as New Zealand takes our investment story to the world. 

Thank you.

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New board appointed for Invest New Zealand

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay today announced inaugural board appointments for Invest New Zealand, the country’s newly established investment promotion agency.

“Invest New Zealand will be key to attracting high-quality foreign investment that drives innovation, economic growth, and creates jobs. This board brings deep domestic and international sector knowledge, governance experience, and a commitment to New Zealand’s future,” Mr McClay says.

Established in July 2025, Invest New Zealand works with multinational corporations and foreign investors to bring people, businesses, skills, and capital to New Zealand. It also engages with investors applying for an Active Investor Plus Visa.

The board will be chaired by Rob Morrison, with Carmel Fisher as deputy chair and David Tapsell, Richard Hedley, Mary MacLeod and Ross George as its members.

“I thank the establishment board members, Charles Finny and Catherine Savage, for their service during this important establishment phase and wish them well in their future endeavours,” Mr McClay says.

“I am confident the new board will deliver strong leadership and attract the investment New Zealand needs.

“Growing capital means growing production, jobs and the economy.”

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Investment agency focus set to seek growth & opportunity

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has today set the scope of the country’s investment agency, Invest New Zealand, announcing strategic growth areas and launching three investment prospectuses.

“New Zealand has underachieved in attracting foreign investment, and this dedicated agency is key to us achieving more. More capital means stronger business, more jobs and a growing economy,” Mr McClay says.

New Zealand’s stock of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounts to 37% of GDP compared to an OECD average of 53%. Annual net inflows of FDI are 1.4% of GDP, placing New Zealand 31st out of 38 OECD countries.

InvestNZ will target investments in the range of $100 million to $1 billion as well as projects from $20 million that have the ability to scale. It will act as a bridge for local investors, connecting domestic business with high-value investment opportunities, and ensuring the Active Investor Plus scheme delivers for the New Zealand economy.

“The agency will also advise the government on policy and regulatory settings to support New Zealand as a globally competitive place to invest,” Mr McClay says.

InvestNZ will prioritise six new strategic growth areas:

  • Private infrastructure,
  • Renewable energy
  • Data infrastructure
  • Digitisation and Artificial Intelligence
  • Technology including AgTech, MedTech, and SpaceTech
  • Advanced manufacturing and processing facilities

Speaking to a business audience hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber, Mr McClay launched three investment prospectuses supporting strong regional sectors of the economy: Tourism; Wood Processing; and Innovative Food Production.

“These are sectors where New Zealand has a competitive edge and a compelling growth story. 

“The prospectuses are demonstrating to the world’s investors we are open for business, ready to scale up and take advantage of new opportunities.”

The prospectuses are available on the InvestNZ website via: https://www.nzte.govt.nz/page/wood-processing

https://www.nzte.govt.nz/page/tourism

https://www.nzte.govt.nz/page/food-and-beverage

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Ministry signals another boot camp could be around the corner for young offenders

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

The Children’s Ministry has signalled it may run another boot camp for young offenders before a law change kicks in next year.

Legislation is before Parliament to give judges the sentencing option of a military-style academy for the first time for repeat serious offenders.

The first pilot boot camp last year was with volunteers.

Reviews have found it had some success, but could have been better.

The academies occupied a large part of Oranga Tamariki’s appearance at a scrutiny week committee hearing at Parliament on Tuesday.

The ministry’s national operations manager, Janet Mays, told MPs they were planning now so they could run the next one “as soon as practical” because the camps were an important therapeutic option.

“We are giving some thought to perhaps another programme in advance of the legislation next year, if that timing were to fall into place,” Mays said.

Training was now going on with that in mind.

Earlier, when asked by Labour MP Willow-Jean Prime if March was when the next camp would run, Children’s Minister Karen Chhour said no date had been set.

Chief social worker Nicolette Dickson said it was possible they would run another programme in a youth justice residence ahead of and to prepare for the legislative changes. That related not just to military-style academies, but allowed the likes of extended residential orders and extended supervision orders in the community.

“This is more than just testing the single order in the proposed legislation, it’s testing our entire approach to some of the different orders in front of us as well.”

Prime said she would use the word “experimenting” in place of “testing”, and asked if the next one would need volunteers if the law had not been changed, and if this was the best use of $30 million in Budget 2025.

Dickson said the pilot review had led to wider changes such as more programmes in all residences, more therapeutic work and a current review of healthcare in them all.

“They haven’t been in place and we have to build them,” she said

Mays said they were learning from the pilot to make the next camp a “more tailored” response, and in addition a new whānau programme would run alongside the camp.

Earlier, Chhour said six young people from the first boot camp, some of whom reoffended, were now out in the community and had not reoffended.

It also made a difference to the boys’ whānau.

“There were 29 siblings of these young people. And we’ve got in front of those 29 siblings, their whānau, their parents, and supported them in what they need so they don’t go down that same pathway, because there is that risk,” Chhour told the Social Services and Community committee.

Greens MP Kahurangi Carter asked if the ministry had analysed if boot camps had better outcomes than community initiatives, such as one that was cut at a marae that lost a million dollars of OT funding.

Earlier, she had questioned whether cuts in community funding by the ministry of $160m last year were linked to a 44 percent rise in ‘reports of concern’ to OT. Chhour rejected this, saying it reflected other government agencies making more reports than before to OT about children.

Chief executive Andrew Bridgman responded to Carter that there was a whole range of programmes and it was difficult to make comparisons.

Dickson said it was not a case of either/or but of “and and and”. The military-style academies worked for “some” young people but were only a part of offerings.

Mays said she would not work in any programme that abused young people.

“The term boot camp is extremely emotive… the programme we are offering these young people could not be further removed from things that we read about in the Royal Commission into abuse in care.”

Thebig rise in reports of concern to almost 100,000 in 2024-25 sparked questions from Labour MP Helen White about whether the goalposts had been moved, and concern that a target of intervening in urgent cases within 24 hours was not being met.

White said a constituent had told her about reporting on a girl hung out of a window by her mother that was not treated as urgent, and that there was way less transparency around less urgent case numbers.

Chhour said there was no evidence of reports being put into non-urgent categories when they should not be.

She added a trial was running for non-urgent cases to be sent to community partners for follow-up rather than by the ministry.

“It might not be high need now but if it’s ignored it will be high need.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Rhys Jones appointed chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council

Source: New Zealand Government

Lieutenant General Rhys Jones has been appointed chair of the National War Memorial Advisory Council, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“Mr Jones brings considerable military, commemoration, and governance experience to the Council. 

“He had a 35-year career in the New Zealand Defence Force, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant General as Chief of Defence Force. He has since held various leadership and governance roles with the Great War Exhibition, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and the Board of the Australasian Fire Authorities Council. He is currently Chair of the Royal New Zealand and Returned Services Association.

“I would like to thank departing Chair Fiona Cassidy for her service and dedication to the National War Memorial Advisory Council over the last 16 years.”

Mr Jones has been appointed until 30 November 2028.

Staff Sergeant Tina Grant DSD and Colonel (Retired) Roger Howard have been reappointed as members of the Council. Ms Grant has been reappointed until 30 September 2028 and Mr Howard until 30 November 2026.

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Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman appears before Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Supplied

  • New RBNZ Governor has an assured first public outing
  • Anna Breman repeats a laser focus on low and stable inflation
  • Wants greater transparency on rate decision making, communication
  • RBNZ has a strong global reputation

Greater transparency and a focus on low and stable inflation were the key messages from the Reserve Bank’s new governor, Anna Breman, in a confident and comfortable first public appearance.

She appeared before Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure select committee, alongside the newly appointed chair Roger Finlay, for the annual review of the central bank’s performance.

On only her second day in the job she was not in a position to comment on what Labour’s finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds called a “tumultuous year”, in which former governor Adrian Orr abruptly resigned, the stand-in governor Christian Hawkesby resigned when he failed to get the top job, and the RBNZ board chair Neil Quigley resigned for handling of the aftermath of Orr’s departure.

Breman essentially reprised her comments when she was unveiled as the new governor in October.

“Key focus for the bank under my leadership will be to stay laser focused on our core mandate, and that is low and stable inflation, stable financial system, and a safe and efficient payments system, and importantly that means ensuring cash is available to all New Zealanders.”

“As we head in 2026 transparency and accountability and clear communication will be our focus to maintain trust and credibility with New Zealanders.”

How the rate committee voted

Breman said she would discuss with members of the rate setting Monetary Policy Committee the prospect of publicly revealing individual voting decisions.

However, the Labour Party MPs suggested having various views of the seven members of the committee made public might be confusing, and leave members open to lobbying.

“It is imperative to have a good discussion, that people are allowed diversity of thought, it’s not just they are allowed it but should be encouraged,” Breman said, adding whatever approach was taken would be based on what was good and appropriate for New Zealand.

RBNZ governor Anna Breman. RNZ / Mark Papalii

She said that could also include in the economic forecasting ahead of decisions, with people being asked to take contrary views to test all options.

Asked about her view on the bond buying policy the RBNZ adopted to pump $53 billion into the economy during the pandemic, she said it was a mechanism that had been used by other central banks around the world at the time.

“This is an unusual monetary policy tool, you want to keep it in the overall toolbox , being very mindful of having the OCR (official cash rate) as your primary monetary policy instrument.”

Meanwhile, RBNZ officials said the recent restructuring to meet its reduced budget resulted in 68 redundancies at a cost of $2.6m.

Chairman Finlay said the RBNZ would soon release its decisions on the amount of capital banks should hold.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Christina Barton and Jamie Tuuta appointed to Te Papa Board

Source: New Zealand Government

Christina Barton and Jamie Tuuta have been appointed to the Te Papa Board, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“Together Ms Barton and Mr Tuuta bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge.

“Ms Barton (MNZM, DLitt) is a respected art historian, writer, curator, and educator. She was Director of Adam Art Gallery at Victoria University of Wellington, and has held curatorial positions at Christchurch Art Gallery, Auckland Art Gallery, and Te Papa. 

“Mr Tuuta is an experienced professional director and respected Māori leader who has held governance positions over the past 20 years in the areas of iwi development, agribusiness, fishing sector, investment, health, housing, Māori development, tourism, philanthropy, and education.

“David Wilks has also been reappointed for a further term ending 30 November 2028. 

“I’d like to thank outgoing board members Jackie Lloyd and Tama Waipara for their contribution to Te Papa’s governance.”

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Man accused of murdering Gurjit Singh ‘lied to police and left evidence at scene’, Crown alleges

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rajinder has been accused of murdering Gurjit Singh in Dunedin in January last year. RNZ

The man accused of murdering Dunedin’s Gurjit Singh lied to police and left DNA evidence at the scene, the Crown has alleged.

The man, known only as Rajinder, is on trial at the High Court for murdering Singh, who was found dead on the lawn of his home in January last year after being stabbed more than 40 times.

Rajinder’s defence lawyer maintained his client had no reason to kill Singh and there was no animosity between the men.

In closing arguments, prosecutor Richard Smith said the jury could not be left with any uncertainty about his guilt.

He said a forensic expert had testified that blood samples taken in and around Singh’s home were 500,000 million times more likely to be Rajinder’s than a random person.

“His blood and hair in the scene. His hair in the victim’s hands, his injury and the thumb of the glove left at the scene. Him buying a murder kit. Him saying he didn’t even know where the victim lived yet here he is searching out a route to the victim’s house on the night of the murder,” he said.

“Apply your common sense, it’s not rocket science.”

Rajinder lied to police about how he cut his hand, changing his story from a chainsaw accident to a bike crash, Smith said.

Smith said the wound was instead consistent with a sharp object like a knife or glass, not the sharp rock Rajinder claimed was to blame when he tried to pop a wheelie on his bike and the front tyre came off.

A doctor had raised serious doubts about the wound, saying there was no grazing, no bruising and no abrasions from an apparent fall onto gravel, he said.

Smith said Rajinder again lied to the police when he was asked about other injuries and did not refer to “impressive bruising” on his abdomen and bruising on his hip.

The violent attack happened shortly before Singh’s wife was due to arrive from India to live with him – the same woman who rejected a proposal from Rajinder.

Smith said that rejection, as well as Singh rejecting Rajinder’s plan to marry his sister, was motive for murder.

Smith described the attack as brutal and violent, saying the person who committed the murder knew him and was determined to kill him, chasing him out of his own home.

Rajinder bought gloves from Bunnings and a knife and neck gaiter from Hunting and Fishing the day before the murder but did not tell police during his interview, he said.

Smith said the thumb of the glove was found at the scene, where it appeared to have been detached during the attack.

He said Rajinder also lied when he told police that he did not know when Singh lived, despite searching multiple times for the man’s address on his phone about a month before the attack and again that night.

The search included plotting out directions to Singh’s house that went along back roads where he would be less likely to be seen, he said.

Rajinder told police that he always took his wife to Mosgiel for driving lessons but Smith said her phone only showed her going there on the day before and on the day of Singh’s death.

Instead of a late driving lesson, the Crown suggested he went there to create an alibi or dispose of evidence after murdering Gurjit Singh.

The defence would deliver its closing remarks on Tuesday afternoon.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Principal of school at centre of mouldy school lunch fiasco hurt by David Seymour’s comments

Source: Radio New Zealand

The school recalled the lunches, but some had already been eaten by students. Supplied

The principal of a school which served up a contaminated meal from the government’s free school lunches programmes says she’s hurt by David Seymour’s comments against her.

The School Lunch Collective told RNZ it was investigating a “food quality issue” after mouldy mince was served up to students at Haeata Community Campus on Monday.

The Collective represents Compass Group, which was contracted to provide government-funded lunches for the Christchurch school.

David Seymour, who is the Associate Education Minister, spoke to First Up about the lunches on Tuesday morning, and accused the school’s principal Peggy Burrows, of being a “media frequent flyer”.

“It will be investigated but I also note this particular principal is a frequent flyer in the media complaining about quite a range of government policies… I think people need that context.”

In response, Burrows said she refused to get involved in a public stoush but added: “I am an educationist, not a politician. I am here to advocate for this community”.

“I must admit I was a little bit hurt to be described in that matter from a person who holds a significant portfolio in education and is, at the moment, the deputy prime minister,” she said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever met Mr Seymour personally or had a conversation with him.”

Haeata Community Campus cafe staff member Elise Darbyshire (left) and principal Peggy Burrows (right). ADAM BURNS / RNZ

MPI involved

The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI), confirmed it would carry out checks of lunches at the school on Tuesday.

Food safety said it was working with the Ministry of Education and the National Public Health Service to establish the facts.

It said there was no evidence of any wider food safety issue at this stage.

Child unwell

The mother of a girl who ate one of the mouldy lunches said shew as “appalled” by the situation and her daughter was now unwell.

Rebecca Mckenzie, told Morning Report, her 12-year-old daughter Aurora, ate one of the meals on Monday and was now unwell.

“She is not looking good at the moment. She has a very queasy tummy and a temperature of 39, looking really quite sick, I’ll be ringing my doctor once it’s open.”

Mckenzie said her daughter had eaten just over half of the meal before throwing it out.

“She said her one didn’t look mouldy but it tasted very disgusting. She said it looked very undercooked which is quite normal with what they get served there.

“We rely on these meals and to have this is absolutely appalling, but unfortunately David Seymour wanted to cut the budget back and give us these not so nice meals.”

Earlier this year, the principal of the Christchurch school asked to get out of a contract with Compass Group following several weeks of problems and “disappointing” service, but this was denied by the government.

Compass Group was not included on a list of providers chosen by the government to provide school lunches in 2026.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand