Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Israel Attacks Flotilla – Israeli forces illegally attack peaceful humanitarian flotilla – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Last night, Israeli forces attacked the peaceful civilian-led Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza.
More than 20 vessels were illegally boarded and harassed in international waters, 600 nautical miles from Gaza, by Israeli forces, who have detained 175 flotilla participants.
Greenpeace, whose ship the Arctic Sunrise is sailing with flotilla, providing technical and operational maritime support, has written to the Foreign Minister Winston Peter this morning, urging him to immediately condemn the attack and demand the immediate release of people abducted by Israeli military last night, including New Zealand citizens.
The governments of Italy and Turkey have already issued formal statements of condemnation regarding the interceptions and detentions.
“Blocking aid and targeting those who attempt to deliver it are violations of international humanitarian law,” says Executive Director of Greenpeace Aotearoa, Russel Norman.
“Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the people of Gaza and with the many brave individuals risking their freedom and safety aboard the flotilla. Humanitarian assistance must be respected and protected at all times and at all costs.
“The New Zealand Government must take concrete and immediate action to help end the genocide being inflicted by Israel on the people of Gaza. We continue to call on the Coalition Government to place immediate sanctions on Israel and take action to uphold international law.”
The Israeli government continues to enforce a full blockade by land and sea of aid and food from international organisations.
Greenpeace Aotearoa also called on the Foreign Minister this morning to demand that UN Member States provide guarantees for the safety of the flotilla in their endeavors to create a humanitarian corridor and take immediate action to support and protect the flotilla vessels currently sailing towards ports in Crete.
The organisation continues to call on the Coalition Government to bring in strong and comprehensive sanctions on Israel, similar to those imposed on Russia.
Posted on

Northland News – Community events focus on coastal hazards and restoration

Source: Northland Regional Council

JOINT RELEASE: NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL, WHANGAREI DISTRICT COUNCIL, FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL
Coastal communities in Whangārei Heads and Doubtless Bay are invited to join the conversation about the coastal issues facing them in two free public events to be held this month.
The events, dubbed ‘Coastal Conversations’, will be held from 5pm to 7:30pm at McLeod Bay Hall in Whangārei Heads on Wednesday 27 May and Taipa Beach Resort on Thursday 28 May.
Coastal Scientist, Jim Dahm, and local presenters will look at how our coastlines are changing, and what we can do to adapt and thrive.
Mr Dahm is one of New Zealand’s leading experts on coastal processes and practical nature-based solutions to adapt to coastal hazards. An applied coastal scientist and practitioner based in Thames, he has been involved in the assessment and management of coastal hazards, including adaptation strategies, coastal restoration, and the design and implementation of nature-based coastal solutions, around the country for over 35 years.
Coastal Conversations events are a chance for people to learn more about coastal erosion and sea-level rise, working with nature to protect our coastlines and beaches, what councils are doing about coastal erosion, and where to go for advice if they are concerned or have questions about coastal issues.
There will be a mixture of formal presentations and a chance to mingle, chat, check out displays, and learn about some of the mahi being championed by local communities to restore the coastal environment.
Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee Chair, Kelly Stratford, says the events are a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, connect with others in the community, and hear from experts in coastal processes and hazards.
“Coastal Conversations brings councils and communities together to share practical information about what’s happening along our coast and what it means locally. It’s about combining expert advice with local knowledge and mātauranga Māori, asking questions, and learning from each other as we navigate the changing taiao, and what comes next,” she says.
The events are free, but registration is encouraged.
To register for the McLeod Bay event, visit www.wdc.govt.nz/events
To register for the Taipa event, visit www.nrc.govt.nz/coastalconvo
Posted on

Climate News – Earth Sciences New Zealand Seasonal Climate Outlook May-July 2026

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Seasonal Climate Outlook for May to July 2026 is attached.
Highlights
-Temperatures are expected to be about average for the time of year, with some areas below average. We’ll need to watch for cold snaps and frosts when high pressure sticks around.
-Overall rainfall is leaning to be potentially lower than normal for most, but it’s likely the impacts of dryness won’t be apparent until later in the season.
-The tropical Pacific continues to progress towards El Niño. There’s about a 65% chance these conditions will form during this period and peak in summer 2026-27. El Niño can have wide impacts (see https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/our-forecasters-winter-2026-may-see-start-formidable-el-nino-event).
Posted on

Health – GenPro launches confidential buy-and-sell service for general practice

Source: GenPro

GenPro has launched a new confidential matching service, Hononga, to support and sustain independent ownership of general practices across New Zealand.

GenPro’s Deputy Chair, Dr Stephanie Taylor, says the service is designed to help GPs buy into or grow their ownership.

“It also supports existing owners to exit or reduce their involvement without having to sell to large corporate groups or primary health organisations,” she says.

“Independent ownership helps to keep doctors embedded in their communities over the long term and supports continuity of care,” says Dr Taylor.

“Hononga will help ensure community-based practices remain locally owned and sustainable into the future.”

Hononga—te reo Māori for ‘connection’ or ‘link’—comes at a time when increasing numbers of practices are being sold to large privately-owned or publicly-listed corporate entities. Dr Taylor estimates that around one in five general practices are now corporately owned, a significant rise in recent years.

“Practice owners considering selling can feel their only option is a corporate buyer,” she says. “Hononga creates a pathway to connect with like-minded GPs who want to invest in an independent practice in a local community.”
Dr Taylor says the service offers a confidential alternative to traditional sales methods such as advertising in industry publications.

“Advertising a sale can be challenging, particularly in smaller communities where owners may wish to avoid uncertainty for patients and staff. Hononga allows for discreet, structured engagement.”

Hononga has already generated strong interest. Eight sellers—primarily planning retirement or reduced working hours—and five buyers, including those seeking to expand, have registered already.

“While no transactions have yet been completed, the service is already providing valuable insights into market demand and the needs of both buyers and sellers,” says Dr Taylor.
GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

Posted on

May Day: Union warns against fuel crisis opportunism by employers

Source: Workers First Union

Workers First Union members, who are attending May Day events around the country today, are warning that employers and Government are seeking to exploit the fuel crisis caused by the US-Israeli attacks on Iran to promote austerity and attacks on workers’ rights.
Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary, said Aotearoa New Zealand would suffer in the long term if employers and Government used the cost of living crisis to “get rid” of workers and push for lower wages and worse employment conditions during collective bargaining.
“What we’re seeing in workplaces is that employers have been emboldened by the right-wing coalition and are bargaining with austerity and wage depression in mind,” said Mr Maga.
“Workers are dealing with the existing cost of living crisis while struggling to pay their fuel bills just to get to their jobs, and employers are milking the geopolitical issues for all they’re worth.”
“The solution to the crisis and the growing exodus of workers to Australia is higher wages and better working conditions, not austerity and more Government attacks on our rights at work.”
Elizabeth Hadfield, a senior operator at an Auckland distribution centre, will be speaking at the South Auckland May Day event today. She said workers needed more than the “bare minimum” that companies offered based on the Government’s guidelines.
“If a company gives the minimum to workers, they should expect the minimum in return,” said Ms Hadfield. “A good employer listens to workers, understands when they’re struggling, and helps them.”
“We work to live, not live to work. We don’t want to grind our lives away and still struggle to feed our families with the twenty dollars that’s left over after paying your bills.”
“I’ve been in jobs where I cried and cried, tried to work harder, expecting the minimum and just about coping with it. But it’s not right, and not everyone can do that. Companies need you as much as you need them – there is no company without their workers.”
“I go to May Day because it’s about time that workers understood their worth and felt encouraged to know they aren’t the only ones in this situation. Community matters, and we are powerful together – we can be heard.”
Posted on

Property Market – The mini-upturn may not last long – Cotality

Source: Cotality

Property values across Aotearoa New Zealand edged up by 0.1% in April, the third monthly rise in a row, despite a soft start to the year for sales volumes and the breakout of the Iran conflict.

Cotality NZ’s latest Home Value Index (HVI) shows the national median value in April of $809,101 was 0.6% higher than three months ago in January, albeit still 16.8% below the peak from January 2022 ($972,643).

Across the main centres, Ōtepoti Dunedin rose by 0.8% in April, with Ōtautahi Christchurch and Tauranga both seeing a 0.4% increase, while Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s figure was 0.3%. Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland both remained more sluggish, with minor -0.1% falls.

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson said that April’s small lift in national property values comes as a slight surprise, but also that it’s very modest in the context of the weakness over the past four years or so.

“We’ve now seen property values edge higher for three months in a row, despite the sluggish start in 2026 for sales volumes, listings still elevated, the Iran conflict emerging, mortgage rates gradually rising, and economic indicators worsening.”

“Given all of that, it’s quite surprising property values have crept up on average.  Although that being said, it’s not universal in every area, with key centres such as Auckland and Wellington still looking pretty soft.”

“In addition, we’ve been here before, with small upturns at the start of both 2024 and 2025 eventually going into reverse.”

“With Iran-related uncertainty currently very high, it would hardly be a surprise to see that pattern repeat in the next 3-6 months either.”

“The bottom line is that the housing market broadly remains in a holding pattern, with buyers enjoying current conditions – or at least those that are secure in their jobs.”

“We all have to wait and see how the Iran situation evolves and make the best decisions as we go. But in an environment where an OCR rise seems likely sooner rather than later, although the economy is also turning, it’s difficult to envisage anything other than another sluggish year for the housing market in 2026.”

Index results for April 2026
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
-0.1%
0.2%
-3.0%
-22.9%
$1,049,650
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
0.3%
1.1%
-1.5%
-12.0%
$740,213
Tauranga
0.4%
0.7%
2.0%
-14.5%
$932,335
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*
-0.1%
0.0%
-1.1%
-25.0%
$780,504
Ōtautahi Christchurch
0.4%
1.7%
3.0%
-1.6%
$706,245
Ōtepoti Dunedin
0.8%
2.2%
3.1%
-8.8%
$633,632
Aotearoa New Zealand
0.1%
0.6%
-0.8%
-16.8%
$809,101

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Once again Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s broadly flat result overall in April reflected variability beneath the surface. Papakura and North Shore both edged up by 0.1%, while Rodney and Manukau were flat. But Franklin dipped by -0.1%, Auckland City by -0.2%, and Waitakere by -0.4%.

Waitakere and Franklin have also been weaker over the three-month period since January (down by -0.9% and -0.8% respectively), while Rodney has been stable, and each of the other sub-markets have risen by 0.4% to 0.6%.

Mr Davidson said, “there have been hints that property values in some parts of Auckland may have started to turn a corner in the first few months of 2026.”

“But the data remains patchy, and the bigger picture is that values across the board are still lower than a year ago, with only North Shore’s decline from the peak currently sitting at less than 20%.”

“The improvement in Auckland’s housing affordability may set the scene for a pick-up in value growth in the medium-term. But for now, it remains a purchaser’s market, and first home buyers alongside smaller investors continue to enjoy conditions.”

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Variability in property values was also on show in the wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area in April, with Kāpiti Coast edging up by 0.1% and Porirua holding steady. But Wellington City dipped slightly, as did Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt (-0.2%) and Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt (-0.3%).

Mirroring the trend in Auckland, Wellington has shown some hints of growth to start the year, but values remain lower than 12 months ago and significantly below the peak.

Mr Davidson noted, “Wellington is still among the weakest areas of the country in terms of property value falls in the past four to five years, which is benefitting purchasers right now. In particular, first home buyers are running at market shares greater than 35%.”

“This apparent window of opportunity may not be there forever, but with economic and election uncertainty looking likely to linger for a while yet, Wellington’s property values may not move much this year at least.”


 
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Kāpiti Coast
0.1%
1.3%
-2.3%
-22.0%
$788,483
Porirua
0.0%
1.0%
-2.0%
-23.6%
$777,311
Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt
-0.3%
-0.3%
-1.1%
-24.6%
$717,832
Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt
-0.2%
-0.6%
-2.8%
-26.8%
$659,051
Wellington City
-0.1%
0.0%
-0.2%
-24.6%
$876,178
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
-0.1%
0.0%
-1.1%
-25.0%
$780,504

Regional results

April’s data showed a soft result for Heretaunga Hastings (down by -1.0%), while Ngāmotu New Plymouth had a subtle -0.1% fall. Meanwhile, the remaining main urban areas saw values rise in April, ranging between 0.2% to 0.6%, while Whangārei was a little stronger again at 0.9%.

Most of these key areas outside the main centres have also seen values rise from a year ago, although Heretaunga Hastings and Ngāmotu New Plymouth have remained a little more sluggish – and all apart from Invercargill are still below past peaks (albeit by less than 2% in Tāhuna Queenstown).

“It seems fairly clear that good growth lately in export industries, including agriculture and tourism, has been a factor behind higher levels of economic confidence and property market resilience in many regional areas.”

“But higher fuel and fertiliser prices are nevertheless squeezing profit margins and could start to take the shine off those regional economies as the next few months unfold. Given that, a re-emergence of some patchier property value figures could also be seen.”



 Region
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Heretaunga Hastings
-1.0%
-0.8%
-1.4%
-19.6%
$710,458
Ahuriri Napier
0.2%
-0.1%
-0.3%
-18.4%
$703,442
Te Papaioea Palmerston North
0.2%
-0.5%
1.3%
-18.2%
$605,835
Whangārei
0.9%
2.7%
0.4%
-17.5%
$731,430
Tairāwhiti Gisborne
0.6%
1.9%
4.0%
-13.4%
$606,102
Whakatū Nelson
0.2%
0.7%
-0.4%
-13.3%
$737,586
Rotorua
0.3%
0.0%
-0.2%
-12.1%
$640,221
Whanganui
0.2%
-0.3%
1.1%
-10.7%
$507,039
Ngāmotu New Plymouth
-0.1%
-0.1%
-1.4%
-6.4%
$696,367
Tāhuna Queenstown
0.4%
1.5%
3.3%
-1.9%
$1,577,842
Waihōpai Invercargill
0.5%
1.3%
5.8%
At peak
$521,702

Property market outlook

Looking ahead, Mr Davidson noted that the incoming inflation data and how the Reserve Bank perceives those figures will be all-important. Of course, the economy itself matters a lot, but the RBNZ’s sole target is keeping inflation low and stable.

“As the Bank has reiterated many times, they aren’t able to do much about the first-round inflation effects of higher fuel prices, while there are also limits to their control over subsequent higher transport charges through the supply chain.”

“But they’re watching closely for any signs of second-round price effects from the Iran conflict such as higher wage demands or raised inflation expectations. There’s even now a growing view that they may want to get ahead of the curve with an OCR rise as soon as July.”

“Either way, it would not be a surprise to see mortgage rates slowly heading upwards, and recent, modest house price increases flattening off or even going into reverse.”

“That won’t be good news for some, but first home buyers would be pleased. Investors looking to expand a portfolio may be looking at buying opportunities, but there are also some would-be rental purchasers sitting on the sidelines as they wait to see the result of November’s election and how property taxes might look thereafter.”

“All in all, the housing market has lifted a little to start the year, but winter could easily see a sideways or downwards trajectory for prices,” Mr Davidson concluded.

For more property news and insights, visit www.cotality.com/nz/insights

Notes:
The Cotality Hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) is calculated using a hedonic regression methodology that addresses the issue of compositional bias associated with median price and other measures. In simple terms, the index is calculated using recent sales data combined with information about the attributes of individual properties such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, land area and geographical context of the dwelling. By separating each property into its various formational and locational attributes, observed sales values for each property can be distinguished between those attributed to the property’s attributes and those resulting from changes in the underlying residential property market. Additionally, by understanding the value associated with each attribute of a given property, this methodology can be used to estimate the value of dwellings with known characteristics for which there is no recent sales price by observing the characteristics and sales prices of other dwellings which have recently transacted. It then follows that changes in the market value of the entire residential property stock can be accurately tracked through time.

The detailed ‘frequently asked questions’ and methodological information can be found at: https://www.cotality.com/nz/our-data/indices

Posted on

Master Plumbers welcomes new lead-free tapware rules for the public health benefits

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

New Zealanders can now have greater confidence that the tapware they buy is ‘lead-free’.
From the end of today ( 1 May 2026), all new tapware installed in Kiwi homes must contain no more than 0.25% lead-legally defined as ‘lead-free’. The previous limit was 4.5%.
Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace says the new lead-free rules bring New Zealand in line with the US and align with tightening regulations in Europe. Australia is also transitioning to lead-free plumbing products from the 2 May deadline.
“This is a significant public health benefit and comes after eight years of lobbying for change.
“In 2018, we commissioned independent testing of five taps sold in New Zealand, which found one product purchased online from an overseas retailer to have lead levels 70 percent higher than the acceptable limit,” says Mr Wallace.
A subsequent 2020 Massey University study also found a tap bought online to have lead concentrations 7.5 times higher than the limit.
He says Consumer NZ raised similar concerns in its 2025 test of budget tapware, which showed one kitchen tap from an online retailer to be well over acceptable lead levels.
“There is no safe level of exposure to lead, and babies and toddlers are at most risk from permanent harm, particularly to the brain and nervous system,” says Mr Wallace.
“Until now, the only safety prevention measure has been a recommendation on your water rates bill to flush a cup of water from your tap each morning to remove any metals that might have dissolved in the plumbing fittings overnight. That simply isn’t enough.
“New Zealand took lead out of paint in the 1980s and petrol in the 1990s-and Master Plumbers is extremely pleased to see it finally being taken out of plumbing products.”
Plumbers carry the liability for making sure that the tapware they install is lead-free.
Consumers are being advised to make sure any plumbing fixtures they purchase, including tapware, carry lead-free marking on the product or packaging.
“Master Plumbers has developed a lead-free mark under its Master Plumbers Recommended product scheme for reputable suppliers,” says Mr Wallace.
“Consumers can also look for manufacturers’ own labelling or the WaterMark Lead Free mark.”
He says Master Plumbers is now calling for a third-party verification scheme in New Zealand, similar to the mandatory Australian WaterMark programme.
“This would ensure all tapware sold in New Zealand is independently tested and certified.”
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 19 Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
About Masterlink:
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
About NZ Plumber:
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand's plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.
Posted on

Monthly consumers price index – updates on progress

Posted on

Appointments – Asia NZ Foundation welcomes four new trustees to its board

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono welcomes the appointment of four new trustees to its Board.
Established by the New Zealand Government in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation is the country’s leading authority on Asia. The Foundation provides experiences and insights that help New Zealanders to build their knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage effectively in the region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters has appointed Brahma Sharma, Frances Valintine CNZM, Kenneth Leong, and Tracey Epps to the Foundation’s Board. Their three-year terms commence on 1 May 2026.
The new trustees join Hone McGregor, who has been elevated to Chair, Professor David Capie, John Boswell ONZM DSD, and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bede Corry (ex officio member), completing the eight-member Board.
The Foundation acknowledges the significant contribution of outgoing trustees Dame Fran Wilde DNZM QSO, Carol Cheng, Tina Porou MNZM, and Mitchell Pham ONZM, and thanks them for their service.
Outgoing Foundation Chair, Dame Fran Wilde, says the new trustees bring a valuable mix of expertise, experience, and networks that will strengthen the Foundation’s work and support New Zealand’s engagement with Asia.
“The Foundation is essential in supporting New Zealand’s growing relationships with Asian countries. It plays a role that official agencies just can’t do and has helped many hundreds of people from all sectors to experience Asia for themselves and form enduring relationships. It has been a great privilege to chair this critical organisation,” she said.
The Asia New Zealand Foundation’s work spans more than 20 countries across Asia and is delivered through a range of core programmes, including arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy, and sports. The Foundation is guided by its Board of Trustees and supported by a network of Honorary Advisers in New Zealand and across Asia.
More about the Foundation: www.asianz.org.nz
Posted on

Heritage NZ – Listening Sessions at Old St Paul’s set to shake up lunchtime

Source: Heritage New Zealand

Lunchtime in central Wellington is about to get a shake-up courtesy of Old St Paul’s and NZ Music Month Te Marama Puoro o Aotearoa.
Throughout May, Old St Paul’s will celebrate NZ Music Month with a series of lunchtime listening sessions featuring selected 2026 Aotearoa Music Award-nominated albums played in full.
The series ties in with the theme of this year’s NZ Music Month – Our Sounds, Our Spaces – which is aimed at highlighting unique, local and historic venues across Aotearoa. The nationwide theme is designed to celebrate local music and the spaces that sustain it, including heritage sites, community halls, and live music venues.
“What better way to experience some of New Zealand’s finest contemporary music than in this beautiful historic setting, cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga,” says Old St Paul’s Event Coordinator, Jane Nye.
“Audiences can enjoy the ambience of this very special Gothic Revival building as well as its near-perfect acoustics.”
The listening series will be held twice weekly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from midday, with entry by koha.
“These albums deserve to be experienced as complete works, heard from start to finish in the unique surroundings of Old St Paul’s,” says Jane.
Visitors are welcome to drop in for part or all of each session. For upcoming albums, follow Old St Paul’s social media channels for the latest schedule.