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First Responders – Fire at Darfield contained

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The large vegetation fire at Darfield is now contained.
The fire started just before 10am and destroyed three structures. 
It was contained around 12.45pm, with the one helicopter now released and downscaling of ground crews taking place.
It will take some time for the fire to be fully extinguished, with a 20-tonne digger being brought in to help with that process.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand would like to thank the public for their patience while crews have been fighting the fire.
This will be the final written update on this fire today unless there are significant developments.
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Universities – Paracetamol common source of accidental overdoses – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Many New Zealanders take paracetamol outside the recommended dose and aren't aware of its high potential for toxicity.

Many New Zealanders take more paracetamol than recommended, because they perceive it is safe, when in fact it is a leading cause of acute liver failure, new research shows.
 
Despite its wide availability, little has been known about the New Zealand public’s understanding of paracetamol’s safe use, so researchers from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland studied New Zealanders’ attitudes to paracetamol and practices. See New Zealand Journal of Primary Health Care. (ref. https://connectsci.au/hc/article/doi/10.1071/HC25060/230062/Paracetamol-associated-knowledge-attitudes-and?searchresult=1 )
 
“People think it's safe, which it is, if you take it at the right dose; but, because of the way it's broken down by the body, when you take more than the recommended dose, the liver gets overwhelmed and can be damaged,” says Dr Samantha Marsh, a senior research fellow in the Department of General Practice and Primary Care at the University of Auckland.
 
The study revealed significant gaps in understanding, particularly in identifying paracetamol-containing products and adhering to dosing guidelines.
 
The recommended dosage is two tablets every four hours up to a limit of eight tablets per day.
 
However, misuse is common with a third of New Zealanders commonly taking more than two tablets at once and 11 percent exceeding the daily limit, the study finds.
 
“People say, ‘I take more than two tablets, because I am a big person,’ but it doesn’t work like that,” Marsh says.
 
The study was based on an online survey of almost two-thousand people who broadly represented the makeup of the New Zealand population.
 
Two-thirds of respondents (70 percent) agreed that paracetamol was a very safe drug and almost as many (65 percent) thought that you can buy paracetamol from the supermarket because it is safe.
 
Many people (32 percent) will ask their doctor for a paracetamol prescription, even when they went for something else.
 
A similar proportion (27 percent) have asked for a paracetamol prescription then shared it with friends and family.
 
Another finding was that around half of respondents struggle to identify paracetamol in common cold and flu products, like Lemsip or Coldral, which could mean many more people are taking more paracetamol than they should, but they aren’t even aware of it
 
Marsh would like to see stickers on the front of such products with a warning – “Do not take with paracetamol” or “contains paracetamol”.
 
There was strong support for greater regulation.
 
While most considered it safe, more than half (55 percent) thought there should be restrictions on how much you can buy at once. A third thought there should be restriction on where you can buy it.
 
Regulation has had mixed success overseas, Marsh says. “There needs to be more research to ascertain what the best way to regulate is,” she says.
 
A particularly at-risk group is children, according to data from the National Poisons Centre.

About 60 percent to 65 percent of calls to the New Zealand National Poisons Centre relate to children under five. Paracetamol is the most common substance involved in poisoning in this age group.
The New Zealand National Poisons Centre receives about 1000 calls a year about paracetamol poisonings. About half of these calls involve children helping themselves to medication.

Marsh says parents need to keep track of how much paracetamol, often as Pamol, they have given their children, for example by writing it down where the other parent can see.
 
With measles cases on the rise in New Zealand, many parents may reach for paracetamol to ease fever and discomfort.
 
“It’s important to remember that paracetamol is safe only when used at the correct dose – even a small error can cause harm,” Marsh says.
 
“When a child is very unwell, it’s easy for tired or stressed parents to lose track of doses, particularly in the middle of the night, so keeping a written record can help prevent harm.”
 
Two-thirds of people said their doctors and pharmacists had never spoken to them about the dangers of taking too much paracetamol.
 
There needs to be an education campaign on when and how to take paracetamol, Marsh says.
 
“When you get paracetamol from either the doctor or a pharmacist, they should always remind you that you must take it according to the package.”
 

Paracetamol fact sheet: https://healthify.nz/assets/Brochures/paracetamol-english-factsheet.pdf

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Politics and Education – School boards question removal of Te Tiriti clause

Source: Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa (NZSTA)

Te Whakarōpūtanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa – New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) President Meredith Kennett, speaking on the behalf of the Association’s membership arm, says removing the Te Tiriti o Waitangi clause from the s127 of the Education and Training Act 2020 undermines the legal and practical standing of school boards as Crown entities and risks damaging wider social cohesion, to no clear benefit.
Ms Kennett says boards have a clear legal and moral duty to understand and give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“As Crown entities, school boards absolutely have a responsibility to understand and give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Ms Kennett said.
“The suggestion that this clause makes no difference simply isn’t true. It has been the reason many board members came to fully understand their responsibilities as Crown representatives and, in turn, why many schools adjusted policies and procedures to better reflect the needs of whānau Māori and all New Zealanders.”
Ms Kennett also challenges Minister Stanford's characterisation of school board members as “volunteers” this morning in an interview.
“Board members are elected directors there to do a job,” she said.
“They are entrusted with significant legal responsibilities, representing both their local community and the Crown in the governance of their schools.”
She said the Treaty clause had been a practical and unifying influence in schools, not a divisive one.
“It causes no harm to have it there, but causes plenty of harm, including to social cohesion, by removing it,” Ms Kennett said.
Ms Kennett said boards striving to meet their paramount objectives, particularly around student achievement and wellbeing, must understand the whole child, and that inherently includes an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“To understand attendance and achievement statistics for rangatahi Māori, you have to understand our history – and that includes Te Tiriti,” she said.
“That understanding leads to more practical, effective, and inclusive school policies.”
Ms Kennett also expressed concern about the legislative process surrounding the proposed removal.
“There was no official notification that the Government intended to remove this clause,” she said.
“Introducing such a significant change at the Committee of the Whole House stage, without consultation, is deeply questionable.”
Ms Kennett says according to media reporting, the Ministry of Education did not issue any advice recommending removal of the clause and urges the Government to reconsider.
“Boards are doing the hard work of understanding their communities and improving outcomes for all students,” Ms Kennett said.
“This clause has supported that work, not hindered it.”
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Announcement of EPA Chief Executive’s resignation

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Board Chair, Barry O’Neil, has today announced the resignation of Dr Allan Freeth.
Dr Freeth has informed the Board of his intention to step down from his role as Chief Executive on 30 June 2026.
Barry O’Neil says this timing coincides with the end of the financial year, with Dr Freeth serving the EPA as its Chief Executive for over 10 years.
“Allan has led the EPA with vision and energy and has been instrumental in growing the EPA from its early phase as a developing regulator to one now respected by the environmental sector.
“Allan led the EPA through the COVID period and has overseen the expansion of the EPA’s remit, including the recent establishment of the Fast-track function.
“The Board would like to thank Allan for his significant contribution to the EPA to date and wishes him all the very best for his future endeavours.”
The Board will begin the process for identifying a new Chief Executive shortly, with a view to confirming a replacement prior to Allan’s departure.
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Business – Skytree Announces Market Entry in New Zealand, Bringing Pioneering Carbon Capture Technology to Support Climate Goals

Source: Skytree

AMSTERDAM, November 4, 2025 – Skytree, a pioneer in direct air capture (DAC) technology, announces its official market entry into New Zealand. The launch, coinciding with the EU-NZ Business Summit, marks a significant step in the nation's journey towards a circular economy and reinforces the growing partnership between the Netherlands and New Zealand on sustainable innovation.

At the inaugural EUNZ Business Summit in Auckland, Skytree’s VP Carbon Solutions, Camille Hanna, joined the panel discussion on Clean Tech innovation, presenting the company's pioneering carbon capture technology to New Zealand’s political and business leaders. The discussion highlighted the specific opportunities for applying this technology within the country's vital horticulture sector.

Following the panel discussion, New Zealand’s Minister of Energy, Hon. Simon Watts, acknowledged the significance of the technology in his address: “There are some really exciting opportunities, like the work Camille Hanna highlighted around CO₂ capture for the Horticulture space. New Zealand is a big player in horticulture, and this is definitely a challenge and opportunity that we face.”

Joint collaboration on green growth and decarbonization across oceans

Skytree’s arrival directly supports the recently signed Joint Cooperation Statement between Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, which highlights a shared commitment to green growth and decarbonization. By deploying its advanced DAC technology, Skytree will provide local industries with a reliable source of circular carbon dioxide (CO₂), helping to reduce emissions and build a foundation for the sustainable fuels and chemicals of the future.

“We have received an incredibly warm welcome, and we are thrilled to begin this journey in New Zealand. We chose New Zealand for its ambitious climate targets and the clear opportunity for our technology to make a significant impact across multiple sectors. This is a partnership in the truest sense—we are here to innovate with local industries, create new jobs in cleantech, and support New Zealand's transition to a circular economy.”

—Camille Hanna (VP Carbon Solutions at Skytree)

A commitment to New Zealand's green transition

The decision to launch in New Zealand was driven by the country's strong commitment to combating climate change, its proactive stance on adopting clean technologies, and abundant geothermal resources. Skytree will focus on fostering deep collaboration with the local workforce and native communities, ensuring that its investment creates lasting economic activity and supports a just transition.

Skytree's expansion was facilitated by the support of the Dutch embassy, which played a key role in aligning the launch with the bilateral objectives of both nations. The project exemplifies the type of international cooperation needed to accelerate the global CO₂ transition.

**Header Photo: Panel on Powering Change – Clean Tech and Renewable Innovation; Speakers: Camille Hanna (Skytree), Mark Hoskins (Fabrum), Reuben Tucker (Westpac New Zealand), Facilitator: Tara Druce, Trade Commissioner, New Zealand Trade and Entreprise

About Skytree

Skytree engineers the CO₂ transition by developing Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology that captures CO₂ from the air and repurposes it for good: whether carbon is reused across different industries or stored permanently.

With over a decade of innovation rooted in the European Space Agency (ESA), Skytree's patented DAC technology transforms atmospheric CO₂ into a valuable resource: powering applications like renewable fuels and chemicals, greenhouses, beverage carbonation and water treatment.

Skytree’s modular DAC machines and unique DAC Park architecture allow companies to deploy in any climate, at scale – offering a bankable path to carbon capture and accelerating the transition to a circular CO₂ economy.

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Health – Call for National Mental Health Crisis System

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, is calling for a cohesive national mental health crisis response system by June 2027.
“A highly effective crisis response system is at the heart of mental health and addiction services. When people are in crisis it is often where the system either supports someone or fails them. It’s that important.”
“We need to build a system that supports people when and where they need it. The current system doesn’t always work well for Māori, young people or those living rurally in particular,” said Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive of Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission.
The latest report of the Commission, “Urupare mōrearea: Crisis responses monitoring report”, has found that crisis response services are fragmented and difficult to navigate.
“The findings in the report are clear. We need national consistency to ensure everyone in New Zealand can access the support they need at a time of crisis. There are around 100 people every day who access crisis mental health services.”
“Right now, some districts have a range of crisis services; while others have very limited options, especially after hours. In some districts there are co-response teams delivering health-led crisis support, a crisis café, peers in ED and after hours 0800 crisis line, whereas in some areas, options are limited.”
The report also highlights responses that are already working and new initiatives are underway in parts of the country that could be scaled up nationwide. From peer support to kaupapa Māori services, publicly funded services across the country are already demonstrating what good crisis responses looks like.
“Change is already happening in pockets across Aotearoa New Zealand. This is very positive. The challenge now is to connect those services into a cohesive national system that serves those who need it,” continued Orsborn.
The Commission reviewed a five-year period from January 2020 to December 2024 drawing on quantitative and qualitative data, and building on a scan of international approaches.
Shorter term actions are also called for by 30 June 2026, including ensuring 24/7 phone-based crisis support and consistent pathways are also prioritised.
Te Hiringa Mahara stress a strong role for a lived experience workforce, and real choices of safe and welcoming services that are culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and uphold human rights wherever people live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The report recommendations come as a national conference on mental health, “Hauora hinengaro: He ara tūroa: Mental Health: An enduring pathway”, opens in Auckland on Wednesday 5 November. The forum, co-hosted by Te Hiringa Mahara and Australian based The Mental Health Services Learning Network, will be opened by Minister Doocey, with mental health experts from New Zealand, Australia and Canada speaking.
Selected Statistics
  • Around 35,000 people accessed crisis services in 2024 (approximately 700 per week).
  • Just over half (51.7 per cent) of people accessed support through crisis phone lines.
  • For Māori and rangatahi and youth, a higher proportion of calls are high urgency compared with non-Māori and those aged over 24 years.
  • Over 30% of crisis activities are people under 25, Mental Health After Hours (MHAH) service currently provides acute tele-triage support to 16 districts (of 20). Within these 16 districts, some divert their crisis phone lines to MHAH only after hours, and others have their crisis lines diverted 24/7.
  • Co-response teams are available in 6 districts (Waitematā, Waikato, Taranaki, Wellington, Canterbury, Dunedin), with a further 10 to be place by 2029.
The full report is available online: www.mhwc.govt.nz/crisis-responses
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Employment – Allied health workers ballot to strike after mediation fails to deliver better deal – PSA

Source: PSA

More than 11,500 Allied Health workers will today begin voting to work to rule and for a four-hour strike on 28 November after mediation with Health NZ yesterday failed to make progress on a fair pay offer and safe staffing levels.
The work to rule in the week before and after the planned strike means they would not do unpaid overtime and would take their lunch and tea breaks.
“We had hoped that mediation would result in a better offer for allied, technical and scientific and public health workers in hospitals all over New Zealand but sadly insufficient progress was made,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Health workers are reluctant to take more strike action, but Health NZ Te Whatu Ora has once again failed to recognise the immense pressure health workers are under and the struggle they face with the cost of living.”
Allied Health workers cover over 60 professions that help keep the public health service functioning including social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, scientists, anaesthetic technicians, Māori health specialists, clinical support workers and health assistants
“These are critical health workers who work long hours and often have to do unpaid overtime to ensure New Zealanders get the health care they need.
“They have been bargaining since June and went on strike on October 23 and attended mediation yesterday hoping it would bring Health NZ back to the table with an improved offer. While Health NZ did offer to shorten the term to expire on 31 October 2027 rather than the original expiry of 31 December 2027 the pay increases would be delayed until the date of settlement.
Today's mediation shows workers’ concerns are again falling on deaf ears.
“The pay offer on the table still does not keep pace with inflation and means workers are effectively taking a pay cut. Meanwhile, there are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need,” said Fitzsimons.
“If Health NZ continues to undervalue these workers, we'll keep losing them to Australia where the health system respects what they do.
“We urge Health NZ to come back to bargaining with an offer that reflects the value of these workers and addresses the staffing crisis that is compromising patient care across the country.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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ASB – Kashin money boxes return to celebrate 150 years of ASB setting up tamariki for a more resilient future

Source: ASB

ASB is bringing back New Zealand’s most beloved elephant, launching a limited-edition Kashin money box to celebrate 150 years of helping Kiwi kids with their finances.

ASB Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt says the bank has a long history of commitment to financial education and wellbeing. Tools like Kashin, alongside ASB’s digital banking features and educational programmes help start crucial conversations with children about finances.  

“We know the importance of good money habits, and Kashin has encouraged generations of Kiwi kids to learn these skills. The more that whānau can have these conversations and help kids understand concepts like budgeting and saving, the more confident they’ll be in making good financial decisions that will set them up for life.

“It’s not just about young people. We’re investing heavily in financial wellbeing tools for customers of all ages with ASB MoneySpace, offering people practical ways to improve their financial insights and planning. We’ve seen first-hand the impact this can have on outcomes.”

This commitment to comprehensive financial support across all of life’s stages isn’t new to ASB, it’s built on over a century of experience. The Kids Penny Bank Account was launched in 1876, school banking began in 1926, the Kashin money box was created in 1964, and the GetWise education in schools programme was launched in 2010.

“Our GetWise programme has reached more than 1.3 million children across 1,800 schools. In 2023 we expanded this with the introduction of our Tikitiki o Pūtea education programme grounded in Kaupapa Māori and delivered exclusively in te reo Māori for kura because we’re committed to giving every young person the financial tools to succeed.

“We believe financial confidence should start from a young age and we’re pleased to see financial literacy becoming part of the school curriculum. GetWise is fully booked through 2025 and demand from schools wanting to book the programme has increased by 60% since the Government’s announcement.”

Kashin brings years of wisdom about the importance of starting small, thinking long-term, and making smart choices with money. Not bad for an elephant who fits on a bedroom shelf.

The limited edition money box is available now to customers aged up to 17 opening an ASB Headstart account, while stocks last.

About GetWise

GetWise lessons are designed to complement the New Zealand school curriculum and are created in collaboration with experts in primary education. Independent, trained facilitators deliver the interactive workshops to students in years three to eight, integrating cutting edge augmented reality content, and a free online learning platform for year seven and eight students.

Teachers are also given access to resource packs to help them provide ongoing financial literacy lessons in the classroom, at their own pace.

Primary and intermediate schools can sign up to the ASB GetWise financial literacy programme by visiting getwise.co.nz, calling 0508 GetWise

For more information please visit asb.co.nz/GetWise.

Timeline

1876 – ASB launches kids Penny Bank Account  

1926 – ASB brings banking to the classroom with the introduction of school banking  

1964 – Our advertising symbol becomes an elephant called Kashin  

1972 – The ‘real’ Kashin arrives at Auckland Zoo  

2010 – Students GetWise with the launch of ASB’s financial literacy programme  

2015 – Kashin goes digital with the Clever Kash money box  

2025 – ASB celebrates 150 years of helping kids with money with a new Kashin money box.

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Media release – Public consultation opens on design of the next census


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September home consents climb as trend turns – Building consents issued: September 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release


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