Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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First Responders – Tongariro fire update #7

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire crews have fully contained the fire at Tongariro National Park.
The containment line was completed this afternoon.
One crew will remain to monitor the fire overnight, while a drone crew will conduct a flight to check for deep-seated hotspots.
Incident Controller Renee Potae praised the efforts of everyone involved today.
“It’s been a big effort from everyone involved.
“We will still have a presence tomorrow, with three ground crews, one tanker and one helicopter at the fireground.
“We’ll work through tomorrow with the aim of handing the incident to the Department of Conservation on Thursday.”
This will be the final update on the fire tonight unless there are any significant developments. 
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Legislation – Simpler Rules, Lower Costs and Faster Progress Promised in Planning Rules Overhaul – Business Canterbury

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury has welcomed today’s announcement on Resource Management Act (RMA) reform, describing it as a step toward reducing the costs, delays, complexity and frustrations that have long impacted Canterbury businesses trying to grow.

Business Canterbury chief executive, Leeann Watson says, “The changes should mean real progress on the measures that matter most to businesses – making the planning system more efficient, reducing costs, and providing more consistency without losing sight of environmental protections.”

“For decades, the inconsistent and sometimes unclear interpretation of resource management rules has created uncertainty and inefficiency for business and investors, without necessarily driving proportionate outcomes for the environment.

“At the end of the day, we are a country and region made up of small, agile businesses which want to grow and do the best for their people and the environment – we just need regulation that keeps up and enables rather than hinders.

“We should not have businesses operating in an environment where consenting is described as the black hole phase of a project. The hope is that the proposals outlined today will turn that around – and we believe better structures particularly around standardisation and proportionality will help.

“Rising energy costs have been a particular concern for businesses recently, with restrictive planning rules getting in the way of investment and progress on this critical infrastructure – something a growing Canterbury needs.

“We do acknowledge the challenge ahead for local government. There’s a lot for councils to work through at pace, alongside other reform facing local government, and that needs to be balanced with their focus on core service delivery which will be important as the economy starts to gather steam going into next year.”

ENDS

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

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China NZ Relations – China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand Hosts "Vision 2026" Gala, Strengthening Economic Ties

Source: China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand (CCCNZ)

The China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand (CCCNZ) successfully hosted its annual “Vision 2026” gala in Auckland, bringing together over 300 distinguished guests from the governments and business communities of both New Zealand and China. The event, one of the most significant gatherings for Sino-NZ trade in 2025, focused on charting the future of bilateral economic cooperation.

The forum and gala, held on Friday, were attended by a host of high-profile dignitaries, underscoring the importance of the relationship. Keynote speakers included New Zealand’s Minister of Finance, Hon Nicola Willis; Minister for Trade and Investment, Hon Todd McClay; and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to New Zealand, His Excellency Wang Xiaolong. Also in attendance were Leader of the Opposition Chris Hipkins, National MP Nancy Lu, Consul General of China in Auckland Chen Shijie, and Consul General in Christchurch He Ying.

Speakers at the event praised the long-standing and robust bilateral relationship between the two nations. They highlighted significant opportunities for growth in key sectors such as food and agriculture, education, technology, green energy, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.

 

In his address, Ambassador Wang Xiaolong noted the positive momentum in bilateral exchanges, stating that the renewed cooperation presents fresh opportunities for businesses in both countries to enhance communication, deepen mutual trust, and achieve shared prosperity.

 

The Vision 2026 forum featured in-depth discussions on industry trends and strategic partnerships. Experts from leading research institutions and corporations in New Zealand and Australia shared valuable insights on topics including New Zealand’s future infrastructure needs, the transformative impact of AI on business, and cross-border investment opportunities.

 

An AI technology showcase was another highlight of the afternoon session, featuring a live demonstration of the advanced robotic dog developed by Unitree Robotics, which captured the audience’s attention and reflected the growing intersection of innovation and trade between the two nations.

During the afternoon forum, a special prize draw celebrated the launch of China Eastern Airlines’ new international route connecting China, New Zealand, and Argentina. One lucky participant won a round-trip ticket from Auckland to Buenos Aires, generously sponsored by China Eastern Airlines.

 

Continuing its annual tradition of community giving, the CCCNZ hosted a charity auction during the evening gala. The auction featured a range of items—from fine art and collectibles to exclusive travel experiences—and successfully raised NZ$56,000. The proceeds will be donated to Disability Sport Auckland, which supports athletes with disabilities, and the CatWalk Trust, a foundation dedicated to funding research for spinal cord injuries. The successful auction reflects the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to social responsibility and giving back to the local community.

 

Warren Hu, President of the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand, reaffirmed the organisation's core mission in his speech. “The Chamber's purpose is to help New Zealand businesses thrive and succeed, while simultaneously creating greater value for the China-New Zealand partnership,” he stated.

 

Mr Hu emphasised that in the face of a changing global landscape and the rise of the digital economy, it was more important than ever for New Zealand businesses to connect with China's market and supply chains. He assured members that the Chamber would continue to act as a vital bridge, providing essential information, resources, and support.

 

An organisation with more than 150 member companies, the CCCNZ played a crucial role in fostering collaboration throughout 2025, contributing to initiatives such as NZ Chinese Language Week, corporate training, and facilitating participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE).

 

The success of “Vision 2026” signalled a new phase of commercial and diplomatic cooperation, with the CCCNZ poised to continue driving deeper partnerships and advancing the China-New Zealand relationship to new heights.

 

 

About the China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand (CCCNZ):

 

The China Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and facilitating trade and investment between China and New Zealand. It provides a platform for its members to connect, share information, and explore business opportunities, thereby strengthening the economic ties between the two countries.

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Employment Law – PSA welcomes significant Supreme Court win for family carers

Source: PSA

The Supreme Court decision to recognise two parent carers of disabled adults as employees is a significant and important win for family members looking after loved ones who need full time care the, PSA says.
A Supreme Court decision today found that two parents caring for adults – Peter Humphreys who cares for his adult daughter Sian and Christine Fleming who cares for her adult son Justin – were engaged as home workers by the State. As home workers, they were entitled to the rights of employees including the right of the minimum wage and holiday pay.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says the decision recognises the important work of family carers that ensures their disabled loved ones can live rich and meaningful lives.
“The decision ensures the rights family carers as employees of the State are recognised. It also upholds the dignity of the vital work they do and ensures their efforts are seen and valued.
“The next steps are for Ministry of Social Development to engage with the PSA about these workers’ entitlement to the MSD collective agreement.
“As a society we owe homecare workers an incalculable debt. This decision, which comes after six years of struggle for the families though the court system goes some way to ensuring we honour that debt,” Fitzsimons says.
The PSA represents care and support workers and family carers.
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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Employment Law – Statement of Peter Humphreys on Today’s Supreme Court Decision

Source: PSA

Today’s Supreme Court decision means a great deal to me and my whānau. The care I provide for my daughter is not only an act of love, but it is also skilled, demanding work that deserves to be recognised and fairly rewarded. This work goes beyond love alone. It involves dedication, knowledge and responsibility that meets the same standards expected in professional care settings.
This case was never just about me or my whānau. It was taken on behalf of thousands of families who deliver complex care at home so disabled people can live full and meaningful lives in their communities.
Caring for my daughter is the most important role I will ever have, but it also replaces services the Government would otherwise need to provide. This judgment makes it clear that when the Government relies on family carers to carry out this work it must also respect our rights as workers, with fair pay, proper protections, and dignity.
This decision has been a long time in the making. It has taken more than six years of going through the court system to reach this point – a process that was exhausting, stressful, and often disheartening. No family should have to endure such a lengthy legal battle just to have their work recognised and respected.
For too long many carers have felt invisible and undervalued. I hope that this decision gives them confidence to speak up, and that it drives real, lasting change in how disability support is funded and delivered across Aotearoa. No one should have to fight in court simply to be treated decently.
It is also vital that parents and family carers join a union, so they have the same backing and protection as other workers. Having collective support makes a significant difference when it comes to workplace issues such as pay, training, and fair treatment.
I want to thank my daughter, my whānau, and our wider disability community for standing alongside us throughout this journey. I wish to especially thank my lawyer, Peter Cranney, whose dedication and belief in my case made this outcome possible. This win belongs to all of us who have persevered despite a system that too often made things harder instead of easier.
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Legislation – A blueprint for more pollution and environmental harm – Greenpeace reaction to new Resource Management bills

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace says the Government's rewrite of New Zealand's core environmental laws includes an outrageous new idea, whereby companies will be able to claim financial compensation when councils introduce rules to limit pollution or protect the environment.
The proposal, called “regulatory takings” was announced as part of the Government’s plan to replace the Resource Management Act with a Natural Environment Bill and a Planning Bill.
Greenpeace campaigner Genevieve Toop says: “New Zealanders should never be expected to pay financial compensation to the very companies causing damage to their communities.
“Under this plan, New Zealanders would have to pay companies causing environmental harm to get them to stop. It flips the entire principle that polluters should pay on its head.
“In practice, this means that if regions like Gisborne want stronger rules to stop forestry slash destroying homes and rivers, ratepayers would likely be forced to pay offshore forestry companies 'compensation’. It’s absurd,” Toop said
With the Government planning to cap council rates, Greenpeace is warning that most councils will be financially unable to introduce new protections – effectively blocking locally specific regulations to prevent environmental degradation, such as the nitrate contamination crisis.
The new bills also propose raising the threshold for what is considered environmental harm, restricting public notification of consents, and requiring submitters to reside in the relevant area, a move that would effectively shut national environmental NGOs out of the process.
“Land, water and wildlife are already under significant stress. We’ve got a nitrate contamination crisis in Canterbury, slash and erosion in Tairāwhiti, and native wildlife on the brink of extinction,” says Toop.
“New Zealand urgently needs stronger environmental protections but what the government announced today is a blueprint for more pollution and more environmental damage.
“These reforms prioritise corporate property rights above the health of nature, lower the bar so companies can cause more harm and squeeze environmental groups out of the process.”
Greenpeace is calling on the Government to completely remove all regulatory takings provisions from the RM replacement bills. Over the coming weeks, Greenpeace will be analysing both Bills and producing a full submission to the select committee.
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Climate – Warmest spring and November on record – Earth Sciences

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand


Seasonal Climate Summaries for spring and November Highlights:
–  The nationwide average temperature for spring was 13.5°C. This was 1.3°C above the 1991-2020 spring average
– The nationwide average temperature for November was 15.9°C. This is 2.2°C above the 1991-2020 November average
– A Sudden Stratospheric Warming in September led to extremely active weather patterns in spring
– La Niña was officially declared in October.
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Legislation – Fewer Consents, Faster Approvals: Property Council Supports Major Planning Reforms

Source: Property Council New Zealand

Property Council New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s announcement of an accelerated resource management reform programme, describing the direction of travel as “very positive” for development, investment, and economic productivity.

Chief Executive Leonie Freeman says the introduction of two new Bills before the end of 2025 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to simplify the planning system and support New Zealand’s growth.

 

“Going from more than 100 plans down to just 17 is hugely significant,” says Freeman. “A clearer, more consistent planning framework means many land uses will no longer require consents, saving time, reducing cost, and giving the development and investment community much-needed certainty.”

 

Freeman says the Property Council particularly welcomes:

  • A much higher threshold for what is considered ‘regulated’, including reduced consideration of visual amenity, private views and subjective character assessments.
  • National standards on zones and common activities, which will improve consistency and reduce red tape across the country.
  • A new Planning Tribunal to resolve simple disputes quickly and cost-effectively.
  • Greater emphasis on property rights, which she says “will help reduce unnecessary litigation and delays in development approvals.”

 

“These changes reflect a strong commitment to creating a planning system that is consistent, predictable and focused on enabling development,” Freeman says. “The new system has the potential to unlock significant development capacity and drive better outcomes for both the industry and our communities.”

 

However, Freeman says ongoing checks will be required to ensure the system delivers as intended.

 

“We do have some reservations about the stability of national policy direction over time. Future Ministerial changes could have major impacts on planning approvals, so durability and cross-party alignment will be important.”

 

“Ultimately, it will be the detail and how it is implemented that matters. We look forward to working constructively with the Government as the Bills progress and ensuring the system is workable, balanced, and fit for purpose.”

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First Responders – Tongariro fire update #6

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire crews have made good progress in containing the fire in the Tongariro National Park.
Thirty firefighters on the ground have been blacking out a 15m containment line along the southern flank of the fire today, while two helicopters are working from the air. The fire is now 80 percent contained.
Following a reconnaissance flight, the size of the fire has been updated to 296 hectares with an 8.4km perimeter.
Incident Controller Renee Potae says it has been a big effort today to get on top of the fire.
“The mahi everyone has put in has been immense.
“We still have work to do this afternoon as we aim to get the fire fully contained, but I want to praise everyone for the effort they have put in today, including the two Department of Conservation crews we’ve had working alongside us.”
Renee Potae says while fire activity has been minimal today, crews would remain vigilant.
“We’ve got a drone team coming in who will fly the fireground tonight to help identify any deep-seated hotspots, while we will have one crew monitoring the fireground overnight.”
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Union campaign secures ACC backdown on working from home cut – PSA

Source: PSA

ACC has scrapped controversial proposals to force staff into the office three days a week, up from two, following legal action, a complaint to the Commerce Commission by the PSA and strong feedback from workers.
“This is a clear victory for workers at ACC and for common sense, working from home is a win-win for workers and employers,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Our union delegates were instrumental in making sure ACC understood the depth of feeling. This win belongs to them and all the ACC staff who spoke up.
“ACC tried to impose this change without consultation, breaking promises made to many staff who were recruited on the basis of working from home three days a week.
“When ACC finally agreed to pause the change and consult staff on the same proposal, 80% of staff opposed the change citing impacts on well-being and work-life balance. We are pleased that ACC listened – that's what should happen when workers make their voices heard.
The PSA had challenged the original decision at the Employment Relations Authority and had sought a Commerce Commission investigation into whether the policy breached the Fair Trading Act, given job advertisements had promised three days working from home. Those actions will now be withdrawn following ACC’s change of heart.
“All this could have been avoided if ACC had just listened to what the recent culture review showed about staff morale and consulted from the get-go.
“We hope this decision today marks the beginning of a more constructive relationship between ACC and its workforce, where staff are respected and consulted before major changes are imposed.
“This victory sends a strong message to all workers in New Zealand. When workers through their union organise and stand firm, we win. This is crystal clear proof of that.”
The PSA will now work with ACC to settle its collective agreement which is currently in facilitation at the Employment Relations Authority.
Previous PSA statements:
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.