Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Greenpeace warns of NZ bowing to US mining bullying

Source: Greenpeace

News that the NZ government is in talks with the Trump administration on a critical minerals deal is drawing fierce criticism from Greenpeace Aotearoa, who warn of unchecked environmental destruction, Te Tiriti violations, and Aotearoa becoming a pawn in the US’s quest for further geopolitical control.
The confirmation that NZ is in discussions with the US comes just weeks after Trump issued a proclamation that “foreign trading partners” who did not sign deals on critical minerals supply could face trade penalties.
Russel Norman, Executive Director of Greenpeace Aotearoa says New Zealand must resist being pushed into a deal that will expedite environmental destruction in Aotearoa.
“The Trump administration is showing absolute disregard for everything other than their own agenda and greed. Pacific Peoples and over 40 nations have rejected the idea of mining the ocean, but here’s the US issuing ultimatums trying to force the start of this industry.
“Clearly, the will of Indigenous Peoples and Pacific nations do not matter in the Trump administration’s resource and power grab.”
Trump’s push for a critical minerals deal is just the latest in a series of moves to expedite mining the ocean.
Last year, the President signed an executive order to accelerate the exploitation of seabed minerals. Since then, the US has also signed deals with the Cook Islands for mining exploration and sent an expedition vessel to the region. They are also forging ahead with plans to open up US Pacific territories such as American Samoa to mining.
“The US is pressuring every nation they can, including us here in Aotearoa, to bend to their will. But resistance to mining the seafloor here and around the Pacific is strong. People are coming together to fight for a future where the ocean is protected, not pillaged to line Global North pockets.”
Norman warns that NZ is being used as a pawn in Trump’s game.
“New Zealand must not be responsible for helping open up Pandora’s Box on seabed mining. The ocean is too precious to mine, the people of this region depending on its health and integrity for survival.”
At home, Luxon’s government has been heavily criticised since 2023 for trying to Fast Track mining projects across Aotearoa, including a controversial seabed mine proposed for Taranaki. There, ‘critical mineral’ vanadium – described on Trump’s list – is thought to be in large supply.
“Who is this seabed mine for?” says Norman.
“Iwi in Taranaki have repeatedly rejected plans by Trans Tasman Resources to open this destructive seabed mine in their waters. They have said no, as have the rest of the community, local councils, the courts, and the fishing industry.
“Now we hear that the NZ government is in closed room conversations with Trump to supply minerals – some of which are found at this site. Is the NZ government going to allow the waters of the west coast to be trashed, fish stocks impacted, Indigenous Rights violated – to fuel the US’s dreams?
“What happens here in the waters of Aotearoa should not be dictated by the US, not when tangata whenua and the communities who will be most affected have rejected the project time and time again.”
A week ago, the US took another step to make it easier for deep sea mining companies to exploit the ocean – combining exploratory and commercial applications into a single process, also reducing environmental reviews. The following day, The Metals Company USA applied for a consolidated permit to explore and mine the Pacific. 
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RBNZ calls on deposit takers to enhance risk management practices

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

4 February 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's latest thematic review on deposit takers' risk management practices stresses the need for continuous improvement to ensure risk management remains relevant, effective and aligned with good practice.

“Effective risk management enables deposit takers to identify and mitigate risks proactively, reducing the likelihood of failures and building resilience in the financial system. This makes risk management central to our mandate of protecting and promoting financial stability,” says Director of Financial System Assessment Kerry Watt.

The review found that risk management practices were largely proportionate to the deposit takers' size and complexity. While most entities are already investing in enhancing their risk management practices, the review found that more needs to be done to uplift capability to meet the Reserve Bank's expectations.

“Sound risk management requires forward looking and adaptive practices underpinned by strong governance and risk culture. This enables firms to effectively manage known and emerging risks in a changing economic environment,” says Mr Watt.

All deposit takers are expected to consider the findings and recommendations outlined in the report and take appropriate actions. The Reserve Bank will be following up with firms on how they compare with the findings from the review as part of ongoing supervisory monitoring.

The review focused on three fundamental pillars of sound risk management: the Risk Management Framework, governance and oversight, and the risk management function. It covered nine deposit takers of varying sizes and business models, with the objective of strengthening sector capability by sharing good practices and identifying areas for improvement.

Insights from this review will inform the Reserve Bank's upcoming guidance supporting the risk management standard under the Deposit Takers Act 2023.

The next thematic review will focus on risk management in the general insurance sector.

More information

Thematic review on risk management:
https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=d88a57ea39&e=f3c68946f8

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Research – From overqualified to invisible: The challenges of hiring in today’s market – Robert Half

Source: Robert Half

  • 98% of Kiwi employers report difficulty identifying standout candidates in today's job market.
  • 93% say they've seen an increase in overqualified applicants in the past year.
  • Automated screening tools missing strong candidates (37%), high volume of applications (36%), and assessing AI-generated CVs (36%) are the biggest challenges for employers to identify standout candidates.
  • Employers say strong interpersonal or soft skills (34%), clear communication in application material (31%), and demonstrated, relevant experience tailored to the role (31%) are key to rising above the crowd.

Auckland, 4 February 2026 – A surge in job applications is offering employers more choice on paper, but in reality, standout talent is getting harder to find. New independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half reveals that 98% of Kiwi employers face challenges in distinguishing exceptional talent in the current competitive hiring market.

With today's latest unemployment rate sitting at 5.4%1 and Seek job ad applications up 19.6%2 YoY, the employment market appears to be softening, yet competition for top roles remains high.

Why more applications don't always mean stronger candidates

A surge in job applications, driven in part by economic caution and shifting career priorities, has brought with it an unexpected challenge. In the past 12 months, 93% of employers have seen a rise in candidates applying for roles they are overqualified for.

Technology hiring managers (96%) have seen the highest number of overqualified applicants, compared to 90% in finance and accounting.

“We're seeing a growing number of professionals applying for roles beneath their experience level, particularly in sectors like technology and finance. While it might seem like a bonus to hire someone overqualified, it can be a double-edged sword. If the position doesn't fully leverage their skillset, it may lead to disengagement, lower morale and, ultimately, higher turnover,” says Ronil Singh, Director at Robert Half.

What's getting in the way of standout candidates

When asked about the biggest obstacles to identifying top applicants, employers cited several key issues:

 

Challenge 

% of employers 

Automated screening tools missing strong candidates 

37% 

High volume of applications makes it difficult to review thoroughly 

36% 

AI-generated CVs make it difficult to accurately assess candidate quality 

36% 

Limited visibility into soft skills or cultural fit 

34% 

Generic CVs and cover letters that don't highlight unique strengths 

34% 

Difficulty assessing long-term potential or commitment 

34% 

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 250 employers in New Zealand. 

Here's what gets noticed by employers 

In a competitive jobs market, the top qualities that help candidates cut through the volume, according to hiring managers: 

 

  • 34% say strong interpersonal or soft skills 
  • 31% say demonstrated, relevant experience tailored to the role 
  • 31% say clear and concise communication in CV and cover letter 
  • 30% say demonstrated understanding of the company or industry 
  • 29% say professional presentation and attention to detail 
  • 28% say referrals or internal recommendations 
  • 26% say evidence of adaptability or problem-solving skills 
  • 26% say strong alignment with company values or culture 

 

“Hiring managers are contending with an influx of applications, and many are finding it challenging to identify the right fit for their open roles. With advances in technology prone to error, along with uniform formatting and templated language driven by the rise of AI-generated content, distinguishing candidates and accurately assessing their true skills and suitability has become increasingly difficult. 

“With high application volumes and AI-generated content flooding recruitment pipelines, employers are placing greater emphasis on proven role-specific experience and soft skills, which are almost equally as important in today's market. Candidates who clearly articulate these qualities are more likely to stand out in an otherwise crowded and uniform talent pool,” concludes Singh.

1 Stats NZ, Labour market statistics: December 2025 quarter 

2 SEEK Job Ad Postings – 12-months to Nov 2025 (vs 12-months to Nov 2024) 

Notes

About the research 

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in October 2025 by an independent research company of 250 finance, accounting, and IT and technology hiring managers. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed, and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.  

 

About Robert Half 

Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland. More information on roberthalf.com/nz. 

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Waitangi – Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi Brings 17-Member Indigenous Hawaiian Delegation to Waitangi in Solidarity with Māori

Source: Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi

Waitangi, Aotearoa – Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi, a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) initiative for self-determination and self-governance formed in 1987, has sent a 17-member Indigenous Hawaiian delegation to Waitangi, Aotearoa to stand in solidarity with the Māori people in defense of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  The delegation is present to stand alongside Māori leadership, strengthen international solidarity, and affirm the deep genealogical and oceanic ties shared by Indigenous peoples of Moana Nui a Kanaloa.

On February 3, members of the delegation participated in a pōwhiri with iwi taketake at Te Tii Waitangi Marae, marking a formal welcome and the beginning of their engagement alongside Māori communities and leaders.

Members of the delegation will be speaking at the Political Forum tent on February 5 at 4:00 p.m., participating in the dawn ceremony on February 6, and marching alongside their whānau in support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The delegation has issued a formal Statement of Solidarity calling on the international community to pay close attention to developments in Aotearoa, as political actions continue to seek to weaken and reinterpret Te Tiriti and undermine Māori rangatiratanga.

The statement raises serious concern that recent government actions and political rhetoric have misrepresented efforts to address structural discrimination as “racial privilege,” and have enabled legislative initiatives seeking to radically redefine the meaning of Te Tiriti—triggering widespread national protests, multiple claims before the Waitangi Tribunal, judicial review proceedings, and large nationwide hui of Māori leaders.

“The world should know what is happening in Aotearoa. As Kanaka Maoli, we know what it means to have our lands, waters, and political future decided without us,” said Healani Sonoda-Pale, spokesperson for Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi. “We came to Waitangi so the world can see that Māori are not standing alone—and that Indigenous peoples across the Pacific are watching, standing together, and demanding that Te Tiriti o Waitangi be fully honored. Our struggles are connected, and our collective liberation as Indigenous peoples of Oceania are bound to one another.”

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Unemployment rises – but hiring rebound may not be far behind, says EMA

Source: EMA

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) says the rise in unemployment to 5.4% in the December quarter, announced today, is disappointing but not unexpected.
Alan McDonald, Head of Advocacy at the EMA, says that unemployment is a lagging indicator and a raft of forward measures point to improving hiring conditions through 2026.
“We had hoped it would bottom out at 5.3%, even though some projections have it going to 5.5% by later this year,” says McDonald.
“Nevertheless, in recent months we’ve seen confidence, forward orders and activity firm up. Unemployment always lags the real economy and we’re confident we’ll see hiring pick up as 2026 progresses.
“Employers will wait to see those positives reflected in their own pipelines, and then they will resource up. Today’s increase in unemployment, while disappointing, is not inconsistent with that pattern of late-cycle labour market adjustment.”
Recent activity data backs this narrative. December readings showed manufacturing at a three-year high, with the BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) at 56.1. The services sector is also back into expansion, with the Performance of Services Index (PSI) at 51.5. Both indices show signs of momentum that typically flow into hiring following a lag.
“We’re also still hearing about skills mismatches, especially for entry-level roles after the COVID schooling disruptions. That makes work-ready skills and targeted training a priority so people can step into the jobs that are emerging.”
Migration dynamics remain a swing factor, with the net migration gain slowing to 11,900 in the year to October, adding to the importance of training and retention strategies for local firms.
Alan McDonald says “Today’s numbers aren’t good news for those affected – but they’re not the end of the story. The message from the wider data is that demand is rebuilding, and when firms have confidence in their forward orders, they’ll start hiring. Our focus is helping EMA members bridge the skills gap – so more Kiwis can get back to work as opportunities open up.”      
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Auckland leads rise in new homes consented – Building consents issued: December 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release

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Northland News – Wool in, weeds out!

Source: Northland Regional Council

An innovative and sustainable method is being trialled in Taitokerau to suppress Egeria densa an invasive oxygen weed found in Rotokawau on the Poutō Peninsula.
The Northland Regional Council’s Biodiversity, Biosecurity Marine, and Maritime teams collaborated towards the end of 2025 to lay wool matting on 412m square metres of the lake floor with support from local commercial divers.
The New Zealand grown wool which resembles a carpet underlay, offers a non-toxic and cost-effective solution for the NRC.
Northland Regional Council Biodiversity Manager Lisa Forester says until now the lake had been hand-weeded by divers – a process which is painstakingly slow, labour-intensive and costly.
“Using a natural fibre such as wool matting will allow native plants to easily recolonise while acting as a weed suppressant, preventing the oxygen weed from pushing through and hopefully eradicating the pest plant over time.”
Kaipara constituency councillor John Blackwell says ecological monitoring including weed surveillance on dune lakes’ is part of the Northland Regional Council Biodiversity team’s everyday mahi.
“We are looking forward to the results of this experiment as Rotokawau is one of the 12 lakes ranked as ‘outstanding’ in Te Taitokerau. This particular lake supports threatened underwater plant species and kākahi (freshwater mussels), as well as 14 other threatened species, but is also impacted by the invasive oxygen weed, Egeria densa.”
“If we don’t act now the oxygen weed will eventually fill the lake, smothering native plants in the process and degrading the water quality.”
The Biodiversity team will revisit the lake in late summer to check on the wool matting and continue weed checks twice a year.
With summer underway it is important to use the ‘Check, Clean and Dry’ method when visiting any Te Taitokerau lakes or waterways.
Always check your gear, clean and then fully dry your gear, before moving between waterways. This is especially important now that the invasive freshwater clam has arrived in New Zealand.
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Calling rangatahi changemakers: Applications now open for Save the Children’s 2026 Youth Ambassador programme

Source: Save the Children

Save the Children is calling on passionate rangatahi to apply for Generation Hope New Zealand, a youth leadership programme empowering young people aged 14 to 18 to speak up, take action, and champion children’s rights in Aotearoa and beyond.
With young people facing increasing social, climate, and economic challenges, there has never been a more important time to invest in youth leadership. Generation Hope Youth Ambassadors are supported to turn their ideas into action, from leading workshops and speaking at events to advocating for change and engaging directly with decision-makers.
“Generation Hope gives rangatahi the confidence, skills, and support to use their voices in meaningful ways,” says Save the Children New Zealand’s Advocacy and Research Director Jacqui Southey.
“This year’s General Election presents an important opportunity to empower children and young people to speak up on the issues that affect their lives and be part of shaping the future they want to see.”
Through Generation Hope, youth ambassadors take part in leadership and advocacy training and gain real-world experience creating change. In previous years, ambassadors have hosted youth-led events and panel discussions, met with political leaders, and shared children’s messages on issues such as climate action and wellbeing at Parliament. Several alumni have gone on to establish youth councils and lead initiatives in their own communities.
“Generation Hope helped me realise that my voice could create change, especially when working alongside other passionate young people,” says Generation Hope alumna Sonya-Alice. “It gave me the confidence to speak up and take action on the issues I care about.”
Another former ambassador, Kereama, encourages young people to take the leap. “If you’re even thinking about applying, do it. You don’t need to have everything figured out. This programme helps you grow into the leader you already are.”
Applications for the 2026 Generation Hope Youth Ambassador programme are open from today until 27 February 2026.
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in more than 110 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.
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Transporting New Zealand praises driver licensing changes

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight association Transporting New Zealand is backing the Government’s changes to the driver licensing scheme, saying the changes will help get more New Zealanders travelling safely on the road.
Transporting New Zealand Head of Policy & Advocacy Billy Clemens says that removing the second practical driving test will put New Zealand in line with other comparable countries, and that there was no substantive research establishing that the second test improved safety outcomes.
The changes will be accompanied by additional safety measures, including a longer learner license period for under 25s, an extended restricted license period for drivers who get demerits, expansion of the zero-alcohol rule, and stronger oversight of training providers.
Clemens says that engagement with the driver licensing system has been declining, with serious consequences for the entire country.
“There are over one million eligible New Zealanders currently without a full driver license, a situation that has been worsening since the early 2000s. Not having a full license can be a serious obstacle to employment, and accessing essential services like groceries and healthcare.”
“With the road freight workforce rapidly aging, we are also keen to ensure there is another generation of potential commercial drivers able to help keep New Zealand moving.” 
“Research from NZTA and WSP found that anxiety, cost and access were all key reasons for not gaining a full license. Removing the second practical driving test will remove a barrier to progression, and the $80 reduction in licensing costs will help with affordability.”
“This combination of changes will help ensure that people are progressing through the driver licensing system, rather than idling on a learner or restricted license.”
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand 
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country. Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion. 
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Weather News – A cold and wet Tuesday, but sunshine coming – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 2nd – Thursday 5th February
 
January 2026 saw sweltering heat early in the month with intense rain to follow. Some long-standing records were broken:

Tauranga Airport Wettest Day (9am to 9am) with 274.0mm on 21st Jan.*
Timaru Airport Wettest January with 135.7mm.
Tauranga Airport Wettest January with 408.9mm.
Kerikeri Airport Warmest January Day (9am to 9am) 32.7°C on 11th Jan.
Whitianga Airport Wettest Day (9am to 9am) 247.6mm on 21st Jan.

Records began in 1910 for Tauranga, 1956 for Timaru, 1978 for Kerikeri and 1987 for Whitianga.

Today (Monday), the upper South Island celebrates Nelson Anniversary Day. While cloud and rain move in from the west, many have had a fine morning in the east. The remainder of the day will be dry for Marlborough. It’s a different story for the rest of the country.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley adds “There’s a soupy mess of humid air covering much of the North Island today, and a low-pressure system moving in from the Tasman Sea. Rain is trekking up the South Island today, getting heavier about central New Zealand tomorrow as the low crosses over. There is even the possibility of snow above 1,200 meters about Canterbury from Tuesday afternoon.”

MetService has a Heavy Rain Watch about the Westland ranges south of Fox Glacier until this evening. Tomorrow there is a Heavy Rain Watch for Marlborough south of Seddon, and Canterbury north of the Rangitata River, which has a high chance of being upgraded to an Orange Rain Warning.  In addition, there is a Strong Wind Watch for southeasterlies about Fiordland, Westland and Grey District.

MetService has heat alerts for Napier and Hastings today, which are expected to reach 32°C and 33°C respectively. Much of the North Island has a muggy night ahead. Napier has an overnight minimum temperature of 23°C, and Auckland will only drop to 21°C.

On Tuesday, the maximum temperature for Canterbury will be in the early hours of the morning. Christchurch will drop to a chilly 12°C for most of the day.

* Tauranga experienced a wetter 24-hour period between 17th and 18th May 2005; however, this rainfall was spread across two official reporting days, as daily rainfall is measured from 9am to 9am for climatological records.