Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Banking and Finance – ASB cuts mortgage rates further

Source: ASB

ASB has today reduced six of its fixed home lending rates, including a market-leading 18-month term.

ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says “These rate reductions will be welcome news to the thousands of households looking to refix their mortgages or begin their home ownership journey.”

ASB also reduced its term deposit rates.

All rate decreases are effective Tuesday 21st October.

 

  Fixed home lending term

Previous rate

New rate

Rate decrease

6-month

4.95%

4.85%

-10 bps

1-year

4.49%

4.49%

N/C

18-month

4.49%

4.45%

-4 bps

2-year

4.65%

4.49%

-16 bps

3-year

4.94%

4.79%

-15 bps

4-year

5.19%

5.09%

-10 bps

5-year

5.39%

5.15%

-24 bps

 

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Transporting New Zealand calls for bipartisan commitment on Roads of National Significance programme

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand is welcoming progress on the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) Programme, but says that a bipartisan commitment is needed to avoid the risk of costly cancellations and further disruptions to the infrastructure pipeline.
The Minister of Transport announced today that the NZTA Board has now endorsed investment cases for all of the RoNS, including Sections 2 and 3 of the Northland Expressway, the East West Link, Hamilton Southern Links, Petone to Grenada and Cross Valley Link, SH1 Wellington Improvements including a new Mt Victoria tunnel, and the Hope Bypass. This involves $1.2 billion of combined funding to move the RoNS to the next phase of development.   
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih said that improved roading connections were good news for safety, productivity, and improving New Zealand’s lagging economic growth.
“When people and freight are moving efficiently, that’s good news for the entire country. You can see this in the close correlation between heavy traffic movement and GDP growth.”
Heading into an election year, Kalasih is calling on all political parties to support the infrastructure pipeline by maintaining the projects identified in the National Land Transport Programme 2024-2027, including Roads of National and Regional Significance.
“These are not projects that can be delivered within a couple of election cycles. They require consistency across successive governments if they are to be delivered affordably and without delay. A politically-driven cancellation or winding-back of this infrastructure programme would be a nightmare for road users, local communities, and the national economy.” says Kalasih.
“I’m optimistic that we can get buy-in on a bipartisan infrastructure pledge. Senior government ministers have highlighted the value of bipartisan commitments, and opposition spokespeople have indicated they don’t want to see projects cancelled.”
Transporting New Zealand’s five proposed bipartisan transport pledges:
  • 1. Support the infrastructure pipeline by maintaining the projects identified in the National Land Transport Programme 2024-2027, including Roads of National and Regional Significance.
  • 2. Maintain road maintenance and economic growth as strategic priorities in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport.
  • 3. Back low-emission and high-productivity vehicles through continued land transport rule reform and pricing incentives.
  • 4. Follow through on road revenue reform, including the transition to Road User Charges for all vehicles from 2027 (at the earliest).
  • 5. Support sustainable transport funding through tolling and greater use of public-private partnerships. 
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Energy Sector – Rising Power Bills Driving Demand for Hot Water Heat Pumps

Source: Ecobulb

Consumers are responding to soaring electricity prices by turning to modern energy-efficient technologies, says energy efficiency expert Dr Chris Mardon, Managing Director of Christchurch-based company Ecobulb.

According to Statistics New Zealand, electricity costs rose by 11% in the year to September, the steepest annual increase since 1989.

“These increases are significant, and more are expected as Transpower and lines companies continue to invest heavily in upgrading the electricity network,” says Dr Mardon. “As a result we’re seeing a surge in interest from households wanting to take control of their energy use.”

Dr Mardon says the Canterbury Home Show over the weekend saw a marked uptick in inquiries from people keen to cut their electricity and gas bills using modern, efficient technology.

“One of the most common questions we received was how much a household could save by replacing traditional hot water cylinders with high-performance hot water heat pumps,” he says. “The answer is – a lot.”

Hot water heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it, making them significantly more efficient than conventional electric elements. “They can reduce energy use by up to 75% for water heating,” says Dr Mardon. “That translates into thousands of dollars in savings over the life of the system, with many households able to recover the extra upfront cost in just a few years.”

Ecobulb received 60 inquiries about hot water heat pumps at the home show, triple the number of inquiries at a similar sized Canterbury home show in August.

“Based on past experience, we expect around two-thirds of those inquiries to convert into installations — so around 40 new systems from one weekend,” says Dr Mardon. “That’s promising, but with over two million households in New Zealand, we’ve only scratched the surface.”

Dr Mardon says while rising power prices are prompting more people to consider energy-efficient options, further support is needed to accelerate adoption. “We’d like to see greater investment in programmes like Warmer Kiwi Homes, which could subsidise hot water heat pumps. We also support the introduction of a Ratings Assistance Scheme to help homeowners better understand and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.”

He adds that broadening access to efficient technologies like hot water heat pumps would reduce emissions, modernise New Zealand’s residential energy systems, and lower long-term costs for Kiwi households.

“Hot water heat pumps are one of the most efficient solutions available for residential and commercial water heating,” says Dr Mardon. “They’re good for the environment—and even better for the power bill.”

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PSA backs plan to stop state asset sales

Source: PSA

The Public Service Association is backing Labour's Future Fund plan, saying it will protect state-owned assets from privatisation and ensure the wealth they generate stays in New Zealand for the benefit of all Kiwis.
“This is exactly the kind of long-term thinking New Zealand desperately needs after the many short-sighted decisions by the current Government,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The PSA has always been clear on opposing asset sales. We played a leading role in public opposition to the damaging privatisation agenda of the 1980s and we’ve been proven right.
“Ring-fencing our state-owned assets from privatisation means keeping them in public hands where they belong – generating wealth for New Zealanders, not offshore investors.
“We've seen what happens when governments sell off public assets – the profits flow from the taxpayer to investors and New Zealanders pay higher prices and get worse service.
“National’s sale of electricity generators is a case in point – latest inflation figures out today show power prices spiking over 11% in the last year, the highest rise since 1989.
“The PSA calls on all other political parties to draw a line in the sand once and for all and commit to no more state asset sales.”
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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Altruism – Kiwis donated an estimated 58,000kgs of clothing in just one day: The results are in from this year’s Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive

Source: Acumen


Kiwis united in a nationwide show of generosity across the weekend, donating an estimated 58,000kgs (a 16% increase from 2024) of clothing in six hours through this year’s Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive on Saturday 18th October. 

 

The Clothing Drive made it easy for New Zealanders to donate high-quality clothing directly from their doorsteps via the Uber and Uber Eats apps, using Uber Courier to deliver their donations to the Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive free of charge. 

 

Both Uber and New Zealand Red Cross were thrilled with the outpouring of support, with over 4,600 Uber Courier trips booked throughout the day for the drive, and amazing donations collected, including select pieces by New Zealand music icon, Stan Walker.

 

Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber Australia and New Zealand, says, “We’ve been so inspired by the generosity shown by Kiwis across the country. A huge thank you to everyone who donated and to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s drive possible. So many people took the time to clear out their wardrobes and give their pre-loved clothing a second life through our annual clothing drive. It’s a great reminder that small actions can make a big difference. We’re proud to partner with New Zealand Red Cross to make giving easier and support the vital work they do in communities throughout Aotearoa and beyond.”

 

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to donate their pre-loved clothing as part of the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive. Proceeds from the sale of your clothing in our Red Cross Shops go towards fulfilling our mission – to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and enhancing community resilience. Your generosity will help us make a real difference here, across the Pacific and around the world”, says Talei Kitchingman, Director of Retail, New Zealand Red Cross. 

 

The donated clothing is now being sorted and sold in New Zealand Red Cross Shops around the country, with funds raised from the sales going directly towards supporting vital services and programmes in New Zealand and abroad.

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Health – ProCare supports clinician-led ownership with sale of Mt Smart Medical

Source: ProCare

ProCare is pleased to announce the sale of Mt Smart Medical Centre, one of its Elevate programme practices, marking a significant milestone in its strategy to support clinician and industry-led ownership pathways.

The practice, located in Auckland, settled on Friday 17 October, and has been purchased by Harpreet Kaur, a highly respected clinician with a strong commitment to patient care and community wellbeing. Harpreet brings a wealth of clinical experience and a passion for making a difference in primary care, making her an ideal fit to lead Mt Smart into its next chapter.

To support continuity, current Lead GP Dr Samuel Fuimano will remain with the practice. His ongoing presence complements Harpreet’s leadership, ensuring trusted clinical governance and continuity of care that the community and practice team value deeply.

This sale reflects ProCare’s ongoing commitment to its Elevate programme, which was established to strengthen general practice sustainability and support ownership opportunities for clinicians and industry professionals.

Bindi Norwell, Group Chief Executive at ProCare says: “We’re incredibly proud of what the Elevate programme has achieved so far. The sale of Mt Smart Medical Centre is a great example of how we’re enabling passionate, skilled clinicians to step into ownership roles. Harpreet’s leadership will bring fresh energy to the practice, and we’re confident she will continue to deliver high-quality care to the community.”

ProCare will continue to support Mt Smart Medical Centre through the transition period, with Harpreet remaining part of the ProCare PHO Network, ensuring continuity of care and access to ongoing support.

New owner, Harpreet Kaur says: “I’m honoured to take on the ownership of Mt Smart Medical Centre. I look forward to building on the strong foundation and serving our patients with compassion and excellence to provide person-centred health services.”

We warmly welcome Harpreet to her new role and look forward to an exciting new chapter for Mt Smart Medical Centre.

As ProCare looks ahead, it remains open to further Elevate practice sales where they align with the long-term goals of its strategy – ensuring that general practice remains in the hands of those who are connected to the communities they serve.

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. 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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Weather News – Significant weather systems set to impact the country – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd October

  • Severe Weather Warnings for northwest winds and rain to start the week
  • Another, more intense, system due on Thursday
  • 30°C forecast in Hastings on Thursday after a run of warmer than average temperatures.

A slew of warnings and watches are in place as we start the working week, but this is a precursor for a potentially more impactful weather event on Thursday.

MetService is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds for much of the South Island and Central New Zealand on Monday and Tuesday, with morning thunderstorms and hail possible on Tuesday.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley details “Northwesterly wind gusts will rise to 130 km/h in exposed places about some regions. Peak rain rates of 20 to 30 mm/h are also expected about the Southern Alps and Westland Ranges. There will be decent spillover rain east of the main divide.”

See image below for watches & warnings at issued time. See http://bit.ly/AllWarnings for up-to-date details.

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Entries Now Open for the NZ Compare Awards 2025

Source: NZ Compare

Celebrating Excellence, Innovation, and Impact Across New Zealand
Entries and public voting is now officially open for the NZ Compare Awards 2025 (https://awards.nzcompare.com/), recognising and celebrating the very best of New Zealand’s broadband, power and mobile industries. The annual awards, now a key event in the business calendar, shine a spotlight on companies, teams, and individuals who are driving excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction across Aotearoa.
This year’s awards continue to expand beyond the utilities sectors, inviting businesses, community organisations, and individuals from all industries to showcase their achievements within the hugely popular Making a Difference award.
Making a Difference Award – Open to All Sectors
A special highlight of the 2025 awards is the return of the Making a Difference Award, which recognises initiatives that create positive social, environmental, or community impact.
Unlike the other categories, this award is open to any organisation, business, or individual, regardless of sector. Whether it’s improving sustainability, supporting local communities, or driving inclusivity and wellbeing, this category celebrates those who are making meaningful change in New Zealand.
Previous finalists and winners of the Making a Difference award include Lodestone Energy, Canteen Aotearoa, Jobs for Mums and Digital Future Aotearoa.
Introducing New Judges for 2025
The NZ Compare Awards 2025 judging panel once again brings together a respected mix of industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders. Many previous judges are returning for 2025, these include respected technology journalist Bill Bennett and Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ – the Technology Users Association of NZ.
Bringing a global perspective to the awards, and new to the judging panel this year is Elysa Fenenbock, an internationally experienced innovation strategist and educator at Stanford University, and the second Edmund Hillary Fellow (https://www.ehf.org/) to join the judging team alongside Matthew Jackson, Commercial Director of Alimentary Systems. The remaining returning judges are as follows; Anna Carrick (GM of Data Services at Bluecurrent), Phil Campbell (Executive Director UBS), Nicole Crump (Growth Specialist Zib Digital), Jess Henderson (MD at Movinghub), Bronwyn Scott (Kaupapa Lead at DECA) and Alex Grace (CTO) & Gavin Male (CEO) of NZ Compare.
An exceptional collection of individuals who represent excellence in customer service, digital innovation, and sustainability leadership.
Public Voting Open Now for People’s Choice Awards
There is, once again, three People’s Choice Awards at the NZ Compare Awards 2025. Broadband, Power and Mobile. These awards celebrate the brands that New Zealanders love the most and give customers the power to recognise and reward their favourite service providers across broadband, energy and mobile services. Open to all companies in New Zealand, the People’s Choice Awards shine a light on the businesses that deliver outstanding value, service, and satisfaction – as voted by real Kiwis. Voting is open now at https://awards.nzcompare.com/ and closes 27th November 2025.
Celebrating Achievement Across New Zealand
The NZ Compare Awards continue to grow in scale and impact, offering a platform for businesses to be recognised for their hard work and to inspire others to raise the bar across their industries.
Entries are now open, and organisations are encouraged to submit their nominations early to secure their place in this year’s competition.
For more information or to enter the NZ Compare Awards 2025, visit: https://awards.nzcompare.com/
About the NZ Compare Awards
The NZ Compare Awards are an annual celebration of excellence across New Zealand’s broadband, power, and mobile industries. The awards recognise organisations and individuals who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding value, customer service, innovation, and positive impact for Kiwi consumers.
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Stop with the politics and threats – PSA responds to Judith Collins ‘open letter’

Source: PSA

Public Service Minister Judith Collins needs to stop with the political games and get back to the bargaining table with a fair offer for health workers striking on Thursday for safe staffing and decent pay.
The Minister's open letter blaming unions completely misses the point – the public understands why health workers are taking action and backs them in their fight for fair pay and recognition of the vital work they do, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Health workers are striking because after months of negotiation, the Government has failed to offer fair pay or address the chronic understaffing crisis putting them and patients at risk.
“These are nurses, allied health workers and other critical support staff who keep our health system running 24/7 and now work double shifts to cover vacancies because of the Government's underfunding.
“It’s a problem of their own making and now the Government is blaming unions and making reckless threats to change the law and take away workers’ fundamental right to strike.
“None of this is helpful and just distracts from the real issue – this government's political choice to underfund our health system while handing out tax breaks to landlords and tobacco companies.
“Health funding is a political choice. Listening to workers is a political choice. This government is making the wrong choices.
“It needs to stop the threats, stop the blame game, and start taking responsibility for the health staffing crisis it has created through short-sighted funding cuts.
“Health workers don't want to strike – they want fair pay and safe working conditions so they can get back to caring for patients. The ball is in the Government's court.”
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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Advocacy – Judith Collins dog-whistles to her small choir to drown out Palestine – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

PSNA says Minister of Defence Judith Collins’ open-letter attack on teachers, for daring to raise Palestine in their discussions with the government, says more about her own prejudices than teacher priorities.

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-chair Maher Nazzal says teachers, who have devoted their lives to educating children here, would be appalled at the wholesale slaughter of Palestinian school children in Gaza.

“Teachers who are committed to the education and development of the next generation of our country would feel a special affinity with the children of another nation, who are being killed by Israeli bombing in their tens of thousands, see all their schools destroyed, and who will suffer the consequences of two years of malnutrition for the rest of their lives.”

Nazzal says, only two months ago, Collins was on television, standing next to a damaged residential building in Kiev, condemning Russia for attacks which had killed Ukrainian children.

“But not a critical word of Israel from her, or her cabinet colleagues, despite Israel just now resuming its mass bombing in Gaza.”

“Ukrainian, Palestinian and New Zealand school children all deserve protection and we should expect our government to speak up loudly in their defence, without having to have a teachers’ union raise government inaction on Gaza with them.”

“But even after 24 months of genocide, Collins won’t find the words to express New Zealand’s horror at the indiscriminate killing of school children in Gaza.  But she’s in her element dog-whistling to her small choir in the pro-Israel lobby.”

“Collins has already been referred to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, for complicity in Israel’s genocide by facilitating the supply of military technology for Israeli use.”

“It’s more than time for Luxon to pull back his Israeli fanatic colleagues and uphold an ethical rule-based policy, and not default to blind prejudices.”

Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA