Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Northland News – Total Mobility Scheme changes – Supporting our communities through change

Source: Northland Regional Council

Residents in Whangārei and the Far North who use the Total Mobility (TM) scheme need to be aware that there are changes coming to the service.
The government has introduced updates to how the Total Mobility scheme is funded and delivered across the country. The changes are being implemented nationwide to support the long-term sustainability of the programme.
These changes will result in some adjustments to fares and subsidies and will apply from Wednesday 01 July 2026.
The subsidy available to service users is changing nationally, from 75% to 65%, and there are some changes to capped fares. This will mean a small increased cost for most journeys, though longer trips may cost more.
There are no changes to day-to-day use of the service. The booking process, use of Total Mobility cards and taxi operators all remain the same.
All registered Total Mobility clients in Whangārei and the Far North will have received, or will receive, a letter or email informing them of the changes. This communication will clearly outline what is changing and how individual journeys will be impacted.
Northland Regional Council (NRC) member Joe Carr, Chair of the Regional Transport Committee, encourages clients, whānau and caregivers to take the time to read this information carefully.
“We understand that changes can be unsettling, especially for those who depend on the scheme for everyday activities such as medical appointments, shopping, and social connections and that any additional financial burden may be difficult.”
Councillor Carr says if clients have any questions, concerns, or need help understanding how these changes affect them, they should contact the NRC Transport team directly on 0800 002 004.
“Staff are available to provide guidance and answer any queries, ensuring people feel supported throughout the transition and can continue to access essential services and stay connected to their communities.”
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Awards – Two wins at Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards

Source: Northland Regional Council

A project to relocate the heart of flood-prone Whirinaki and a manager acknowledged for outstanding leadership and commitment to strengthening iwi and hapū partnerships in local government have been recognised at the Taituarā Local Government Excellence Awards
Northland Regional Council and Te Hikutū hapū won the Eagle Technology Award for Excellence in Community Engagement for their Whirinaki Managed Retreat project.
Using mātauranga Māori and the PARA (prevent, avoid, retreat, accommodate) framework, the Whirinaki community determined relocation was the safest long-term option for around 80 homes in the flood-prone South Hokianga valley.
The multimillion-dollar Whirinaki masterplan would enable whānau to move to elevated papakāinga, restoring the floodplain and creating new opportunities, while demonstrating shared leadership and Te Tiriti partnership.
Judges said the powerful partnership put community leadership at the heart of climate adaptation planning, creating a model that empowers people to shape decisions about their future while strengthening connections to whenua and culture.
The judges described the project as one of the exemplars from this year's field of entries, recognising its community-led approach and strong partnership model.
Meanwhile, Auriole Ruka, the council’s Pou Manawhakahaere – Group Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, was also recognised at the awards, receiving the inaugural Hononga Indigenous Overseas Manager Exchange to Victoria, Australia.
Offered for the first time this year with support from Hononga Consulting, this new exchange has been created to support and celebrate tangata whenua Māori working in local government.
It provides a unique opportunity for Indigenous local government leaders to connect, learn and share experiences with First Nations local government leaders in Victoria, Australia.
Auriole was recognised for her outstanding leadership and commitment to strengthening iwi and hapū partnerships in local government, as well as her wider contributions to her community and the sector.
The judges were particularly impressed by Auriole's vision for the exchange, noting her focus on building enduring relationships between Māori and Indigenous Australian leaders while strengthening collective responsibility for change and Indigenous leadership.
The Taituarā awards event was held in Wellington yesterday. (subs: Thursday 18 June)
Northland Regional Council Chair Pita Tipene today acknowledged both the Whirinaki project and Auriole Ruka for their respective wins.
“These recognitions reflect the strength of the relationships behind the mahi.”
“The Whirinaki project shows what can be achieved when communities, hapū and local government work together with a shared commitment to future generations.”
“Auriole's award acknowledges her dedication to strengthening partnerships with iwi and hapū and helping create genuine opportunities for Māori participation and leadership.”
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Ministerial Overreach – Minister guts Nursing Council board with no focus on patient safety – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Minister of Health Simeon Brown has gutted the Nursing Council in a ministerial overreach which fails to focus on patient safety and gets ahead of his own deregulation process, NZNO says.
The Nursing Council board consists of up to 14 members and is a mixture of Ministerial appointees and members elected by nurses.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says Simeon Brown has replaced eight existing members, four last September and four in February.
“The chair and three board members who wanted to stay on have been replaced by the Minister. Two members did not seek reappointment. NZNO is also aware that two internationally qualified nurses have resigned in protest.
“Simeon Brown’s appointments have taken the number of nurses on the board from seven down to four.
“When almost half our nursing workforce – 43% – are internationally qualified, it is vital they are represented on the board.
“Nurses are the greatest advocates patients have. They understand their patients’ needs more than any other workforce as they work most often and most closely with them.
“Despite his constant rhetoric that he is putting patients first, Simeon Brown has made no attempt to ensure patient needs are the focus of a nurse-strong Council board,” Kerri Nuku says.
The changes at the Council come as the Government is preparing to give greater ministerial powers to direct responsible regulators through changes to the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act.
“Simeon Brown is getting ahead of his own process by choosing to put fewer nurses on the board.
“The Minister has form here after he admitted making unprecedented and sweeping changes to the Medical Council because he believed members were ‘pursuing an ideological agenda and becoming distracted from its core responsibilities’,” Kerri Nuku says. 
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Research – Global clinical trial reveals safest, most effective antibiotics for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections

Source: Aotearoa Clinical Trials

Aotearoa New Zealand researchers and clinicians have contributed to a major international clinical trial that is set to change how Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections are treated worldwide. Teams across nine New Zealand sites, including Aotearoa Clinical Trials (ACTT) site at Middlemore Hospital, were part of the global SNAP Trial, which has identified safer and equally effective antibiotic options for this life-threatening condition.
This landmark clinical trial has identified the optimal antibiotics for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus or ‘golden staph’) bloodstream infections, a breakthrough that is set to reshape treatment for the life-threatening condition. The SNAP Trial found that the standard antibiotic, flucloxacillin, should no longer be the drug of choice to treat the infection, revealing that cefazolin and benzylpenicillin offer safer and equally effective alternatives to patients.
S. aureus is a leading cause of deadly bloodstream infections, responsible for an estimated 300,000 fatalities worldwide each year. Rates of S. aureus bloodstream infections in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) are amongst the highest in the world, particularly amongst Māori and Pacific people. While effective antibiotic treatments exist, there has been no clear consensus about which antibiotic is associated with the best outcomes for patients.
The Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform Trial (SNAP Trial), led by researchers at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) and the University of Newcastle, is the largest international clinical trial ever conducted for S. aureus infections involving more than 150 hospitals across more than 14 countries, including nine adult and paediatric sites in Aotearoa New Zealand. The multi-centre trial rapidly evaluates different antibiotics and treatment strategies to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes.
S. aureus infections cause over one million deaths per year. The most serious form of S. aureus infections is when it enters the bloodstream, with a mortality rate of 15 to 25 per cent. While there are effective antibiotics to treat the bloodstream infections, uncertainty has remained over which treatments lead to the best patient outcomes. Findings from the SNAP Trial, published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) and The Lancet, challenge the long-held assumption that flucloxacillin should remain the default treatment and provide important new evidence to guide treatment strategy.
The NEJM study – Comparing cefazolin and flucloxacillin In the study published in the NEJM, researchers compared antibiotics used to treat methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections. They found that cefazolin is at least as effective as flucloxacillin, but associated with fewer side effects and a lower risk of kidney injury.
The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Professor Steven Tong, an Infectious Diseases Physician at the Doherty Institute in Australia and global co-lead investigator of the SNAP Trial, said the results provide clear evidence that cefazolin should be considered the first-line option to treat MSSA bloodstream infections.
“In the treatment of MSSA infections, there is an 89 per cent probability that cefazolin is associated with lower mortality,” said Professor Tong.
“Patients treated with cefazolin fare better, with fewer deaths within 90 days (15 per cent compared to 17 per cent for those who received flucloxacillin). Cefazolin was also associated with fewer cases of acute kidney injury, at 14 per cent, compared to 20 per cent with flucloxacillin.
“The results are sufficiently compelling that I immediately made the switch in my own clinical practice.”
The Lancet study – Comparing benzylpenicillin and flucloxacillin
In the paper published in The Lancet, the study evaluated whether benzylpenicillin could be used to treat penicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (PSSA) infections where laboratory testing confirmed the susceptibility to penicillin.
Professor Todd Lee, a Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre and Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine Physician at the McGill University Health Centre in Canada and co-lead investigator of both studies, said benzylpenicillin was as effective as flucloxacillin and likely safer.
“Patients treated with benzylpenicillin experienced less kidney damage, with mortality also lower at 14 per cent compared with 22 per cent in the flucloxacillin group,” said Dr Lee.
A shift away from flucloxacillin
Researchers said these results mark a turning point in the treatment of MSSA and PSSA bloodstream infections, signalling a shift in clinical practice.
Penicillin was once widely used to treat Staphylococcus aureus, but antibiotic resistance of S. aureus led clinicians to adopt flucloxacillin as the standard treatment for MSSA and PSSA infections.
The findings support moving away from flucloxacillin as the default treatment for MSSA and PSSA infections, given safer and equally effective alternatives are available.
Professor Joshua Davis, an Infectious Diseases Physician at the University of Newcastle and the Hunter Medical Research Institute in Australia, and global co-lead investigator of the SNAP Trial, said some strains are once again susceptible to penicillin, renewing interest in carefully reintroducing older antibiotics.
“These findings show clinicians can confidently use penicillin susceptibility results to guide treatment where laboratory testing is available,” said Professor Davis.
Lyn Whiteway, a sepsis survivor and consumer representative on both trials, welcomed the findings.
“The SNAP Trial shows what is possible when patients are truly at the centre of research. These findings will save lives and spare people from unnecessary harm,” said Ms Whiteway.
Translating the findings Researchers say the next challenge will be translating the findings into routine clinical practice.
While cefazolin availability may need to increase in some countries, researchers say implementation will ultimately depend on hospitals, laboratories and guideline groups incorporating the findings into clinical care.
“This is the largest trial ever conducted on staphylococcal bloodstream infections. It brought together countries from all over the world to answer important questions and improve care for millions of people,” added Professor Lee.
“Trials generate the evidence, but the next step is making sure that evidence changes practice.”
Dr Genevieve Walls, an Infectious Diseases physician at Middlemore Hospital, Aotearoa New Zealand lead for SNAP, and investigator working with Aotearoa Clinical Trials “These results are particularly important for Aotearoa New Zealand because of our extremely high rates of S. aureus bloodstream infection. It would not have been possible without the generosity of the patients who agreed to participate, and the hard work of clinical and research teams around the country. These results illustrate the power of collaborative research in answering clinical questions that are important for New Zealanders.”
Notes
§ The SNAP Trial is a major Australia-led global clinical study investigating the most effective treatments for Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections across all age groups.
§ This trial is the world’s largest study ever undertaken to improve treatment for Staphylococcus aureus infections.
§ So far in the over-arching SNAP Trial, participants have been enrolled in Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The trial will continue testing new approaches to improve outcomes for patients facing this serious infection.Peer-reviewed paper: The Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform (SNAP) Trial Group. Cefazolin for Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) (2026). DOI: http://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2506905
Peer-reviewed paper: The Staphylococcus aureus Network Adaptive Platform (SNAP) Trial Group. Benzylpenicillin versus flucloxacillin or cloxacillin for the treatment of penicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SNAP): an international, multicentre, open-label, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial. The Lancet 2026; published online June 17. https://doi.org/S0140-6736(26)00761-0
Funding: This study was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) in Australia; the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Accelerating Clinical Trials Consortium Canada (ACTAEC); the University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht and ZonMW in the Netherlands; the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) and the Starship Foundation in New Zealand; the National Healthcare Group Fund and National Medical Research Council (NMRC) in Singapore; the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK; and the Paterson Family Foundation supported activities in South Africa.
Collaboration: This study was led by researchers at the Doherty Institute (a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital) and the University of Newcastle through the SNAP Trial. It is the result of an international consortium with the Doherty Institute (Australia), Aotearoa Clinical Trials (New Zealand), the European Clinical Research Alliance on Infectious Diseases (ECRAID Netherlands), the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute, Canada), University College London Innovative Clinical Trials Unit (UK), The University Medical Center Utrecht (Netherlands), the Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU, South Africa), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH, Singapore), and Rambam Health Corporation, The Sheba Fund for Health Services and Research and Beilinson Hospital (Israel).
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Health – ProCare supports next generation of Māori and Pacific doctors in general practice

Source: ProCare

Outstanding Māori and Pacific medical students have been recognised through ProCare’s scholarship programme for achieving top marks in the GP pathway of Auckland University’s Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

 

The awards come as general practice continues to face pressures across Aotearoa, alongside a need for care that better reflects the communities it serves.

 

Bindi Norwell, CEO at ProCare says supporting the next generation of GPs is critical to the future of primary care.

 

“General practice is under pressure so supporting our future workforce is one of the most important things we can do for the future of care. This scholarship is about backing them early — giving them the support and space to focus on their training, their wellbeing, and the communities they want to serve.”

 

“It’s the same approach we take with the practices we support. When you back the people delivering care, it has a ripple effect for patients, whānau and communities,” she continues.

 

This year’s recipients are Laura Barr as the top Māori GP (Te Ātiawa and Ngāpuhi, a previous nurse graduate) and Claudia Bloy as the top Pacific GP (Cook Islands, a previous biomed graduate). The ProCare Scholarship for medical students, established in 2003, is awarded annually to the top-performing fifth-year students in the programme.

 

Barr says her clinical placements have strengthened her interest in general practice, particularly the opportunity to build long-term relationships and support whānau over time.

 

“What stands out to me about general practice is the ability to build ongoing relationships and support people across their health journey.”

 

Bloy received the Fuimaono Ben Taufua Award for the top GP, which also recognises a Pacific medical student who demonstrates a strong commitment to Pacific health and community, and reflects the legacy of an influential Pacific health leader.

 

She is passionate about giving back and hopes to return to the Cook Islands later in her career to practise medicine.

 

“To other Pacific students, I’d say stay connected to your ‘why’ and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Medicine is a community, and this journey is a marathon, not a sprint.”

 

Norwell said initiatives like the scholarship play an important role in building a workforce that is both sustainable and culturally connected.

 

“These students represent the future of primary care. By supporting them early in their careers, we’re helping grow a workforce that can better meet the needs of our communities now and into the future.”


About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. 

 

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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Events – Planting day one of a number of Matariki activities in Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

The community is warmly invited to a planting day at Bothamley Park next month, along with a number of activities in the city, to celebrate Matariki.
The planting event, from 10am-12.30pm on Saturday 18 July, will put 1800 plants in the ground as part of the ongoing programme to protect Te Awarua o Porirua Harbour.
Matariki is about remembering those who have passed, celebrating the present, and planning for the future. Harvesting, restoration and environmental stewardship are important tenets of Matariki and Council’s riparian streamside management programme, which began in 2022, has the goal of putting more than 6 million plants on the 588km of streams that run into the harbour until 2041.
Planting around the city’s waterways improves freshwater quality and the mauri of streams and the harbour, and events like on the one on 18 July are great to engage our community, Mayor Anita Baker says.
“A planting day builds connections between neighbours, groups and the wider Porirua community,” she says.
Mountains to Sea Wellington, Predator Free Porirua, and Ngahere Korowai will have stalls to let the community know about the mahi they are doing in the region. A free sausage sizzle will keep our planters going.
Te Awa Taiao Cadets will tend to the newly planted trees, plant new ones if required, and clear away pest species. Running for two years, the cadet programme has seen them become guardians of Bothamley Park, learning vital skills that will serve them in future career pursuits.
Anyone can come down to participate at Bothamley Park, but we ask that you register at streamside.planting@poriruacity.govt.nz. On the day, meet at Bothamley Park’s Champion St entrance and please wear gumboots and appropriate clothing.
Postponement day if the weather is bad is Sunday 19 July.
Other Matariki events in Porirua (all free) are:
  • Matariki craft session at the City Centre Library, Thursday 9 July, 4-5.15pm
  • Ka kaa te rama (light walk) around the Wi Neera Drive-Porirua harbourside from 5pm on Thursday 9 July
  • Light display on Porirua harbourside (Pirate’s Cove to Pak’n Save), 9-12 July, 5.30-9.30pm
  •  Honouring the remembrance star Pōhutukawa at Pātaka Art + Museum, Friday 10 July
  • Weaving wall at Kai Tahi (20 Parumoana St), 4-19 July.
All information on these events can be found by going to our website and searching ‘Matariki in Porirua’.
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ADVISORY: MARCH FOR PEACE (AUCKLAND) – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Tomorrow, Aucklanders will gather at Aotea Square for the March for Peace, a major public mobilisation calling on the Coalition Government to prioritise people and the planet over escalating international conflicts.
Hosted jointly by Anti-War Aotearoa (AWA) and Greenpeace Aotearoa, the hīkoi will demand a fully independent foreign policy grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, diplomacy, and international law. The march is a public response to what organisers call a dangerous shift in domestic priorities and escalating imperial aggression.
Spokespeople from both Greenpeace Aotearoa and Anti-War Aotearoa will be available for interviews on the ground.
WHEN:
Tomorrow – Saturday, 20 June 2026
12:00 PM (Noon) NZST
WHERE:
Starting at Aotea Square, Auckland, and marching down Queen Street.
SPOKESPEOPLE:
  • Gabriella Brayne, Spokesperson, Anti-War Aotearoa
  • Niamh O'Flynn, Programme Director, Greenpeace Aotearoa.
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Child deaths in conflict surge by a third amid rise of tech-driven warfare – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

The number of children killed in conflict soared to at least 6,266 in 2025, up about 34% from 2024, with the increased use of high-tech explosive weapons driving the trend, said Save the Children [1].
The latest United Nations Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict showed a record 24,174 children had their rights violated in conflict last year, the highest number since the protection of Children in Armed Conflict (CAAC) mandate was established 30 years ago [2]. These numbers represent the tip of the iceberg for grave violations against children, as most attacks on children go unverified, said Save the Children.
The number of children maimed in conflict rose by nearly 10% to 7,958 in 2025, continuing a steady trend of increasing child casualties in conflict since 2020 [3].
Many of these deaths and injuries are linked to unmanned aerial systems, drone-enabled and remotely operated attacks, and AI-supported target selection, all of which pose grave new risks to children’s lives and safety in conflict zones, said Save the Children. Once exclusive to advanced militaries, drones are now cheap, commercially available, and deployable by any armed actor, making them the small arms of this era.
Notably, for the first time since the establishment of the CAAC mandate, government forces were the main perpetrators of grave violations against children. Governments around the world are not only failing to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children in conflict zones, they are doing so with near-total impunity, said Save the Children.
The highest numbers of grave violations were verified in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel (12,445), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (4,114) and Nigeria (2,560).
According to the UN report, the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel saw the sharpest rise in violations verified in 2025, up over 45% from 2024 [2]. Of these, 9,465 violations were attributed to Israeli armed and security forces who were responsible for the highest number of verified violations globally in 2025. The violations perpetrated by the Israeli armed and security forces include 5,946 incidents of denial of humanitarian access, 2,760 cases of maiming, and 828 attacks on schools and hospitals.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, cases of children killed or maimed in conflict more than doubled from 438 in 2024 to 918 children in 2025 and cases of sexual violence nearly doubled from 358 to 592 children in 2025. This reflected a deteriorating security situation in a country battling multiple humanitarian crises.
Inger Ashing, Save the Children International CEO, said:
“Wars are being waged in a fundamentally different way to 30 years ago when the CAAC mandate was established. Around the world, Save the Children is watching drone strikes hit the places children gather: kindergartens, schools, hospitals, maternity wards, markets, and displacement camps. Children’s smaller bodies, developing organs, and lower harm thresholds mean they are disproportionately killed and maimed by these weapons, and the psychological toll of living under constant drone threat compound that harm for years after the attack.
“More damning still is the fact that for the first time in 30 years, government forces were the main perpetrators of grave violations against children. No longer can shadowy ‘armed groups’ be scapegoated for the killing and maiming of children in war. It’s governments making the choices they know will cost children their lives – with a complete disdain and disregard for international law.
“We know that drones and other tech-enabled weapons can be deployed covertly, across borders, and without combatants present, making attribution and accountability exceptionally difficult-compounding the ongoing erosion of norms designed to protect civilians.
“With States responsible for much of this harm, it is for States to act and stop the bloodshed of children. Governments must uphold the rules that govern conflict, especially when it comes to protecting children, who are always the most vulnerable. There is both a legal obligation and a moral duty to speak out against those who harm children in war. And just as importantly, there is a responsibility to invest in the programmes that protect them, care for them, and help them rebuild their lives. Because ultimately, the future of millions of children depends on the choices we make today-and on whether we act with urgency and resolve.”
NOTES:
[1] According to the United Nations Annual Report of the Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict , killing and maiming increased from 11,967 children in the 2025 report to 14,224 in the 2026 report (+18.9%). The 2026 report singles out killing and maiming as having surged by 34% and 10% respectively, with harm linked to airstrikes, artillery, explosive remnants of war and explosive-armed drones.
[2] The six grave violations against children: the UN Security Council has identified six grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict: killing and maiming of children; recruitment or use of children in armed forces and groups; rape and other forms of sexual violence against children; abduction of children; attacks against schools and hospitals; and denial of humanitarian access to children.
[3] A 9.1% increase, from 7,291 in 2024 to 7,958 in 2025.
[4] In Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, there were 12,445 verified violations in 2025, up from 8,554 in 2024 (+45.5%).
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Awards – Celebrating Excellence in Ethical & Impact Investing: Winners of the 2026 Awards

Source: Mindful Money

The sixth annual Ethical and Impact Investment Awards were held in Auckland on 18th June, presented by the charity, Mindful Money. These awards showed strong commitment to shifting investment towards positive real world outcomes, a theme of the awards and preceding conference.

These awards come at a time of political challenges to the approach of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) investing in the US. However, there are also strong commitments to sustainable investing in other markets globally. This reflects growing financial risks from climate and environmental impacts, as well as massive opportunities from the rapid shift towards sustainability and the climate transition. These awards are more relevant than ever. 

Mindful Money’s Founder and Co-CEO, Barry Coates commented: “These awards celebrate innovation and excellence in ethical and impact investing. They set a high bar for the sector and have become the standard for excellence in ethical and impact investing. We encourage others in the investment sector to respond to public demand and move further and faster towards high standards of sustainable investment.”

Mindful Money’s Co-CEO, Kate Vennell added: “Transitioning towards net zero and a more sustainable economy will need capital to be re-directed from harm to positive outcomes, such as clean energy, human health and community housing. These awards show the investors that are leading the way.”

Best Integration of Positive Outcomes

This is a new award, reflecting the exciting opportunities for mainstream investment providers to contribute to social and environmental solutions. In recent years, there has been an increased allocation towards positive real world outcomes from mainstream KiwiSaver and managed funds.

Generate was Highly Commended for their pioneering work in investing KiwiSaver and managed funds into opportunities in affordable housing and venture capital.

Pathfinder was the inaugural award winner. Their strategy integrates investments for positive outcomes across their investment portfolios. They have made innovative and impactful investments into a range of private companies delivering positive outcomes.

Best New Ethical and Impact Investment fund 2026

This is always an exciting award category, highlighting the funds that are bringing new ideas and options to the New Zealand investment scene. 

Te Piringa and Home Capital Partners were Highly Commended. Support for community housing partnerships is at the core of the fund – providing partners with access to capital that will support growth in social and affordable housing provision. 

Climate Venture Capital Fund 2 was the winner of this award. Starting a follow-on fund for climate solutions is a challenge and there are important innovations in this second fund. They make a strong contribution in supporting investee companies to commercialise global-scale climate solutions and building climate investing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Best Ethical or Impact Overseas Fund
This award is open to overseas investment funds that are actively marketed in New Zealand. The judges were looking for overall excellence in all aspects of funds management.

Pella Global Generations PIE Fund was Highly Commended for a sound ethical investment framework, including strong engagements with investee companies to raise their standards.

Australian Ethical Emerging Companies Fund was the award winner. Their Ethical Charter, applied across all fund holdings, is effective in avoiding investment in harmful activities and integrating positive outcomes investing. They have a comprehensive stewardship approach, with strong research, escalation pathways and divestment triggers. 

Best Media Reporting on Ethical Investment
This category is for the best journalism about ethical or impact investment. The judges were looking for high standards of journalism, attuned to the interests of their audiences. 

Frances Cook was Highly Commended and congratulated by the judges for her podcast and multimedia interviewing skills and insights. Her stories are compelling.

 

Susan Edmunds won the award for her ability to make stories interesting and relevant, reaching RNZ audiences far beyond those interested in finance. Her reporting has provided ways for large audiences to find out more and take action.

Best Ethical Financial Adviser
Financial advisers have an important role in providing informed, independent and appropriate advice on ethical and impact investment. They provide New Zealand investors with financial advice that reflects their values and financial aspirations, and those of their family.

Dr. Rodger Spiller of Money Matters was Highly Commended. Rodger is a thought leader for ethical and impact investing, through the delivery of research papers for the sector and high quality resources for clients.

Carey Church of Moneyworks was the winner of the award. Carey combines a strong client-centred approach with deep research into investment options to meet clients’ needs. Ethical issues are integrated throughout her practice and in her work across the financial advice sector.

Best Ethical or Impact Asset Owner

This new award category recognises the crucial role played by the institutions that hold capital for investment, including trusts and foundations, charities, faith-based organisations, financial institutions and family offices. They are the ones who set the mandate for investing and the ethical and impact investment policies.

Clare Foundation was Highly Commended for their innovative approach, focused on investments that generate positive outcomes.

BayTrust was the award winner. They have built an impact-oriented investment approach, benefiting the communities in the Bay of Plenty and beyond. They have forged strong partnerships with local partners, iwi and communities in projects such as the Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Trust and Taumata Hauha. They are showing leadership in investing community capital for good.

Best Impact Investor

This award is for funds that intentionally invest for positive impact as well as financial return. This is a growing and important part of the investment sector, in New Zealand and internationally. Unusually, the judges decided to give a joint award to two impactful and exciting investment funds.

Climate Venture Capital Fund, joint winner, has built impressive momentum from their first fund into their growth-oriented follow-on fund. They have built a diverse base of investors, including philanthropists, KiwiSaver and institutional investment, private investors and AIP visa migrants. Their investments are providing well-documented impacts in terms of emissions reductions and avoidance, with opportunities to scale globally.

Te Pae ki te Rangi, Soul Capital, joint winner, is innovating in its approach, with investments ranging from flaxroots initiatives in te Tai Tokerau to rapidly growing global companies. Soul Capital brings academic rigour and strong values, along with clear financial aims. They have a clear articulation of impact, linked to the focus of the founders, and a robust theory of change.

Best Ethical Investment Provider (sponsored by Public Trust)

The award has been expanded this year, so that it covers both KiwiSaver and managed funds. Despite a turbulent market, these funds have continued to grow into a significant pool of domestic capital. now totalling over $230 billion.

Pathfinder won this year’s award. Pathfinder is continuing to innovate and provide leadership in the ethical investment sector. They have increased their investment in positive outcomes and made a commitment to the Net Zero Asset Manager Initiative for climate action. Ethical values are core to their strategy and investments.

David Callanan, Public Trust Corporate Trustee Services GM, says he’s proud the organisation is returning as principal sponsor of the main awards for the third year in a row, plus sponsor of the Best Ethical Investment Provider award. As the supervisor for 14 KiwiSaver schemes, Public Trust plays a significant role in investment fund oversight.

Callanan says: “Ethical and impact investing is evolving quickly, driven by New Zealanders who want their money invested in line with their values. Investors are asking better questions about where their money goes, and they expect greater transparency, accountability and choice. That is a positive shift for the sector, because credible ethical investment claims help build confidence, lift standards, and support better outcomes for investors and the communities they care about. The Mindful Money Awards play an important role in recognising that leadership and helping investors see who is setting the standard.”

 

Jono Broome, Morningstar Sustainalytics commented: “The Aotearoa sustainable fund market has continued to stand out from other markets around the world with consistent and impressive demand. Net positive inflows have been recorded in every quarter of the past four years across managed funds and ETFs. Morningstar Sustainalytics is pleased to support Mindful Money in the annual fund awards to acknowledge the best of New Zealand's ethical funds in 2026.” 

Notes:

The keynote speaker for the awards event, held at the Maritime Room, Princes Wharf, Auckland, was Jono Ridler, endurance swimmer, ocean advocate, and co-founder of the Swim4TheOcean initiative. The awards MC was Jesse Mulligan, well-known as a leading radio presenter on RNZ, writer, comedian, restaurant critic and media personality.

Prior to the awards ceremony, Mindful Money’s conference started with Barry Coates announcing two major developments. Mindful Money has launched a transparency tool in Australia, providing free information to Australians on where their super funds are invested. Mindful Money will also launch a new website tool providing Kiwis with information on the degree to which their KiwiSaver and managed funds are invested in companies that generate positive outcomes. 

This issue of positive outcomes was the focus of the first panel, facilitated by Kate Vennell, with panelists: James Palmer, Community Finance; Yasmin Winchester, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare; and Gary Holden, Lodestone Energy.

The second panel focused on political issues that should be discussed in the forthcoming election. The panel was facilitated by Bridget Coates, with panelists: Mike Casey Re-Wiring Aotearoa; Nicola Toki, formerly Forest & Bird; Fraser Whineray; and Helen Robinson, Auckland City Mission.

Facilitated roundtables with the audience identified key initiatives to move forward on positive outcomes and election priorities.

Photos from the conference and awards ceremony can be found here:  https://alishalovrich.smugmug.com/2026/2026-Mindful-Money-Awards-/n-chjc22

Sponsors:

Sponsors for the conference were: lead sponsor Morningstar Sustainalytics; sponsorship contributions from Australian Ethical, First Sentier, Generate and Trust Investments Management; and community support from Foundation North.

Mindful Money has secured generous support for the awards ceremony from: lead sponsors Public Trust and Morningstar Sustainalytics; silver sponsor New Zealand Super Fund; sponsorship contributions from Always Ethical and Generate; and community support from Foundation North.

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