Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Appeal for information: stolen metal letters at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, Wellington

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has found that elements of the French Memorial and park signage at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park have been stolen over the holiday break. 
Thieves have targeted metal signage, comprising individual letters and full text phrases, from the French Memorial and main park. The French Memorial is a gift from France to New Zealand and is testimony to the friendship forged between our two countries since the First World War.
The forced removal of these metal letters has resulted in considerable damage at Pukeahu, our national place of remembrance.
“Places like Pukeahu are sacred, they exist to honour the memory of those who served, and those who lost their lives protecting nations and people so that we might have an opportunity to live in peace,” says Glenis Philip-Barbara Pou Mataaho o Te Hua Deputy Secretary Delivery and Investment.
“To steal from and vandalise such a place is unacceptable, we are bitterly disappointed that someone has gone to some effort to steal from the fallen.”
The French Embassy in New Zealand shares its deepest regret and condemns this act of vandalism on Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, which undermines the memory of the New Zealand soldiers who fell in France for our freedom. We thank New Zealand’s authorities for their investigations and the preparatory work that will lead to repair this important monument for our common heritage.
The Ministry is appealing for information about the stolen letters and damage. If you or anyone you know have any information you believe could be helpful to the police who are investigating this matter, or know of the location of the letters, please contact the Wellington Police – quote reference number O-2380388N. The Ministry believes these incidents happened between 24 December 2025 and 5 January 2026.
“We have informed the French Embassy and other stakeholders and will keep them updated. The Ministry will start to consider the reparatory works to the memorial and signage, but we encourage anyone who can help locating the lettering to contact the Police,” says Philip-Barbara. 
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Govt. must accept blame for ManageMyHealth breach as it ignored funding crisis for Privacy Commissioner – PSA

Source: PSA

  • Chickens come home to roost as Govt. turned blind eye to privacy threats
The Government pushed ahead with cuts to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner despite being warned the agency lacked the resources to protect New Zealanders from growing privacy threats.
Now with the ManageMyHealth breach exposing the health data of 127,000 New Zealanders, the Government must take responsibility for the consequences of its reckless funding decisions.
The Privacy Commissioner provides a critical safeguard and education function around data breaches. It told the incoming Government in no uncertain terms in late 2023 it had 'insufficient funding' to meet the challenges of rising complaints from individuals and organisations (see p5 of Briefing to Incoming Minister 4 December 2023).
He told the new Minister 'While we respond effectively to address the privacy concerns these organisations create, our current resourcing limits our ability to uplift privacy capability and understanding across the economy'.
“The Government was explicitly warned – it knew the Privacy Commissioner was already stretched thin, yet it still forced through a 6.5 percent funding cut to pay for tax cuts for landlords,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
The warning was repeated in its latest Annual Report, with the Office saying funding had fallen in real terms and was below the level needed to meet its increased responsibilities as complaints continued to increase sharply (see p14).
“Cuts have consequences – we're seeing that across the public sector.
“In this case the cut was imposed on an agency that was already at breaking point. The Government must accept some of the blame for the ManageMyHealth breach as it prioritised tax breaks for landlords ahead of properly resourcing the agency at the frontline of protecting New Zealanders' private health and other sensitive information.
“The Commissioner's own website today warns that 'There is high demand right now for our services. We're working hard, but there might be delays in progressing your complaint or enquiry.' That's the reality of an agency pushed beyond its limits and starved of the funding it needs to do its job.
“The Office can't provide the specialist advice agencies need to protect data because of funding cuts. They can't educate organisations about their privacy obligations. They can't investigate complaints in a timely way.
“It goes deeper than that too. The Privacy Commissioner has been crystal clear in briefings to the Government and their last three Annual Reports that a review of the Privacy Act is urgent.
“Our legal framework hasn't caught up with AI, biometrics and new risks to children's privacy from social media. This work is now critical.
“The Government needs to stop burying its head in the sand. It must apologise for these reckless cuts, restore funding immediately, and commit to a comprehensive review of the Privacy Act.
“Otherwise we'll see more breaches like ManageMyHealth. The Government can't keep cutting agencies to the bone and then act surprised when things go wrong. New Zealanders deserve better.”
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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Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: December 2025 quarter – information release
9 January 2025

The household labour force survey estimated working-age population table shows the population benchmarks used to produce household labour force survey estimates for the upcoming labour market statistics release.

Visit Statistics New Zealand website to read the full information release:

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Weather News – Temperatures set to soar for the weekend – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 8 – Monday 12 January – Temperatures across the country are forecast to be much warmer than your average summer’s day this weekend, as the remnants of the Australian heatwave cross the Tasman Sea. Eastern areas will see the highest daytime temperatures, particularly around Hawke’s Bay where thermometers could see upwards of 35°C on both Saturday and Sunday.
 
An area of high pressure is driving westerly winds over the Tasman, picking up moisture along the way and delivering that hot, moist air direct to our doorsteps. A Heavy Rain Watch is currently in place from this afternoon (Thursday) until Friday morning for Fiordland and is expected to be the first of more Severe Weather Watches and Warnings to come for this weekend for not only Heavy Rain but Strong Winds too.
 
Heat Alerts have also been issued ahead of the weekend: Whakatāne, Napier, Hastings, Motueka, Blenheim, and Kaikōura have all met their thresholds for the alerts for Friday. However, the heat ramps up on Saturday and Sunday, with forecasts indicating 35 to 37°C around Hawke’s Bay; 30 to 31°C in Northland; 28 to 31°C for North Canterbury and Marlborough.

MetService meteorologist Clare O’Connor details, “Some January temperature records are expected to tumble over the weekend, which highlights the extremes we could reach. Thankfully we aren’t receiving the full brunt of the Australian heat – which saw some cities reach 40 to 45°C – but these are still high temperatures for New Zealand and planning accordingly is crucial.”
 
For the South Island, heat is not the only extreme in the forecast. The West Coast and Fiordland are expected to see warning amounts of rainfall through Saturday and Sunday, and strong winds cross the Southern Alps, affecting Otago and Canterbury, adding to the heat in the east. The strong winds also reach the lower North Island.

O’Connor advises, “The hottest temperatures coincide with the strongest winds in the east due to the Foehn Effect, and extra care should be taken in places with increased risk of wildfires around any activity that could produce sparks. A return to more standard weather is forecast for the coming week, so it’s better to wait a couple of days than to take the risk.”

The Foehn Effect describes how warm, moist air dries out and warms up as it crosses a mountain barrier, a common occurrence over the Southern Alps and the eastern ranges of the North Island.

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Climate – Earth Sciences NZ Jan-Mar 2026 climate outlook & December climate summary

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

What's ahead weather-wise for the next 3 months?
In short, we’re looking at above average temperatures for the north and west of the North Island, above average rainfall for the north and east of the North Island, and below average rainfall for the west of the South Island. And warmer than average sea surface temperatures mean we’re more likely to have warmer nights.
Full details in the first attachment. The second summarises the unsettled December, with temperatures ranging from 35.6°C at Kawerau to 0.1°C at Pukāki, and parts of the country having more than 149% of average rainfall and others only 50-79%.
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Fire Safety – Extreme caution needed in many districts as fire risk spikes over coming days

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The strike date in the original media release was incorrect. Please use the version below.
After a wet holiday period for many of us, summer has finally returned to Aotearoa New Zealand.
While this may seem like good news, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Deputy Chief Executive Prevention, Nick Pyatt says it also poses an increased fire risk.
“This weekend, many parts of the country will be experiencing elevated fire danger conditions, with temperatures expected to surpass 30 degrees in some locations, wind gusts of 30km/h at times, and low humidity.”
“These conditions are what we call a perfect storm for wildfire risk.”
The risk will be highest in the Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti, and Northland districts.
Nick Pyatt is urging people in these areas to take extra care this weekend.
“97 percent of wildfires in Aotearoa New Zealand are caused by people. We can’t control the fire risk, but we can control our actions.”
Nick Pyatt says the public should visit www.checkitsalright.nz to see if there are any restrictions on lighting open-air fires in their area, and for safety advice.
“If your weekend plans include any activities involving an outdoor fire or spark/heat generating activities such as using power tools and mowing the lawn, we’re asking you to consider postponing these activities.”
“Physically check any burn piles from the last few weeks are fully extinguished. If in doubt put more water on it to make sure it’s fully extinguished ahead of these extreme conditions.”
“In these conditions, all it takes is one spark or ember to start a wildfire that will get out of control quickly and be very difficult for our crews to control.”
“If you’re still writing your New Year’s resolutions, consider adding ‘be fire safe this summer’ to that list.”
Fire and Emergency also reminds the public that members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) will undertake a one-hour strike on Friday 9 January.
From 12-1pm tomorrow volunteers will respond to incidents in cities and towns served by paid firefighters, and there will be delays.
Fire and Emergency urges the NZPFU to call off its strike given heightened fire risks and the fact both parties are due to meet for facilitation later this month.
You can stay updated on this weekend’s weather conditions and seek safety advice on www.checkitsalright.nz
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Fire Safety – Restricted fire season for the Wairarapa

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving the Wairarapa to a restricted fire season at 8am on Friday 9 January, until further notice.
A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light an open-air fire.
The restricted fire season will cover Inland Northern, Inland Central, South Wairarapa and the Western Ranges.
Announcing the fire season change, Community Risk Manager Phil Soal says the recent warm and dry weather means the fire risk across the region has increased.
“In these conditions fire will travel fast and will be difficult for our crews to extinguish.
“Having a restricted fire season gives us greater control of who can burn and when, and we can provide direct fire safety advice to those completing burns.”
The public can apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz
Phil Soal says weather is forecast to be very hot and windy over the weekend, which again increases the fire danger.
“With temperatures expected to increase this weekend we are asking the public to take extra care.”
For fire safety tips and more information about the activities you can and can’t do in a restricted fire season, go to www.checkitsalright.nz
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Climate News – Earth Sciences NZ 2025 climate summary

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

2025 was New Zealand’s 4th-warmest year on record, based on Earth Sciences New Zealand’s seven station series which begins in 1909. 
Annual temperatures were above average (0.51-1.20°C above the annual average) for most of the country, with well above average temperatures (>1.20°C above average) for parts of Northland and the Bay of Plenty.
Rainfall was above normal (120-149% of the annual normal) for northern parts of Marlborough and Tasman, Nelson, Banks Peninsula, southern parts of the Mackenzie Basin, and Taupō. Rainfall was below normal (50-79% of the annual normal) for Hawke’s Bay and much of the Wairarapa.
The highest air temperature of the year was 35.6°C recorded at Kawerau on 7 December, and the lowest was -12.9°C recorded at Mt Cook Airport on 8 June.
Taranaki wins the sunshine crown, with 2743 hours of sunshine recorded at New Plymouth, beating the wider Nelson area, Marlborough and Bay of Plenty.
Of the six main centres in 2025, Auckland was the warmest, Tauranga was the sunniest and wettest, Christchurch was the equal-coolest, and Dunedin was the driest, equal-coolest, and least sunny.
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Property Market – New data reveals the most expensive place in the country to rent

Source: RealEstate.co.nz

  • National average weekly rent drops 2.4% to $626 per week
  • Number of new rental listings climbs almost 20% year-on-year to over 5,000 properties
  • Wellington has 91.5% increase in stock with 925 available rental properties.

Central Otago Lakes District is the most expensive place to rent in New Zealand, by more than $200, reveals the latest data from realestate.co.nz.

The region’s average rental price hit an all-time high of $891 per week in December 2025, 11.8% more than in December 2024, making the region over $200 more expensive to rent than anywhere else in the country, including Auckland. The national average rental price in December 2025 was $626/week.

Central North Island recorded the next highest increase in average weekly rental prices, up 6.2% year-on-year to $597.

However, renters elsewhere around the country had something of a reprieve. The national average rental price fell 2.4% year-on-year to $626 in December 2025. Regionally, 13 of the 19 regions saw average asking prices decline compared to December 2024, with rents dropping the most in:

  • Coromandel, down 41.0% to $539/week
  • Wellington, down 8.4% to $663/week
  • Hawke’s Bay, down 7.5% to $614/week.

Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz says, New Zealand’s rental landscape is starting to show a clearer split between premium lifestyle markets and the rest of the country.

“Central Otago/Lakes District continues to sit in a league of its own, driven by strong demand and a limited pool of rentals which is pushing prices to record highs. We’ve seen this week that first-home buyers made up 19% of all property purchases in Queenstown last year. When weekly rental prices start closing in on mortgage repayments, it’s no surprise that renters are making the leap into home ownership and our data shows that shift is well underway.”

Is there respite for renters in 2026?

The rental market continues to be awash with properties with the number of new rental listings increasing 19.8% in December 2025 to 5,349, compared to 4,464 in December 2024.

Wairarapa saw the biggest increase year-on-year, with new listings up 142.9% to 51. Nelson & Bays followed with new listings up 92.6% to 52 and Hawke’s Bay, up 88.5% with 98 new listings in December 2025, compared to December 2024.

Williams says the lift in new rental listings gives renters more choice and potentially more negotiating power in the year ahead.

“A nearly 20 percent increase in new listings certainly provides more choice for renters, and in some regions, like Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay, that choice has doubled. With stock building and competition among landlords rising, renters will continue to find themselves in a stronger position to negotiate on price or lease terms in 2026.”

Strong stock levels give renters breathing room

Stock levels have increased significantly in parts of the motu as well. Total stock (7,577) was 15.9% more than in December 2024. Hawke’s Bay recorded a 151.2% increase in stock in December 2025 with 108 properties available for rent.

Wellington’s stock levels are also up, with a 91.5% year-on-year increase to 925 properties. Wairarapa, Nelson & Bays, and Gisborne all reported year-on-year increases over 80%, with 82.9% (75 properties), 88.5% (49 properties), and 82.8% (53 properties) respectively.

Williams says the data shows the country is entering 2026 with a rental market that looks very different depending on where you live.

“The continual abundance of rental stock is giving renters breathing room but places like Central Otago/Lakes District remind us that lifestyle markets operate differently. The big question for 2026 is whether the rental supply nationally translates into lasting affordability or whether the regional rental divide grows.”

About realestate.co.nz | New Zealand’s Best Small Workplace (2025)

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996.  

Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry. In 2025, realestate.co.nz was crowned Best Small/Micro Workplace in New Zealand by Great Place to Work.

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.    

Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.  

Want more property insights?  

Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time.  
Sold properties: Switch your search to sold to see the latest sale prices and an estimated value in the current market.  

Glossary of terms:

The average weekly rental rate is an indication of current market sentiment. It is calculated by taking the asking rental rate of every residential property listed during that month and dividing it by the total number of rental properties. The average is a truncated mean.

New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for rent on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. Listings on the site include rental properties listed by Property Managers and private landlords and provide a representative view of the New Zealand rental property market.

Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for rent on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.

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Events – 4,500+ Individuals to Race at Biggest Waka Ama Nationals To Date

Source: Waka Ama

Karāpiro is set to host the largest event it’s ever seen, the 2026 Waka Ama Sprint Nationals, with 800 more paddlers than last year, being a first in the sport’s history and one of the biggest national sporting events in Aotearoa New Zealand.

From 11–17 January 2026 upwards of 4,500 participants will be racing, with ages ranging from 5 years old to 85+. Organised by Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ (WAANZ) and supported by mana whenua Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā, this year is also a qualifying event for the 2026 International Va’a Federation World Sprint Championships in Singapore this coming August.

WAANZ has announced a new partnership with House of Travel Events, who will provide athletes qualifying for the World Championships with their international travel needs. While new partnerships are underway, those existing continue to grow with major partner ACC hosting the whānau zone at the 2026 event.

“This year’s Nationals are a milestone for waka ama. To see an increase in paddlers from 2025, with our rangatahi numbers on the rise, it shows just how powerful this sport has become for whānau and communities across Aotearoa,” says WAANZ Chief Executive Lara Collins.

As part of the weeks activities, in partnership with Waikato River Authority there will be excursions available throughout the week for those interested in visiting Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, to learn about the protection of taonga species and traditions with Moa.
In addition there will be a release of elvers (baby eels) on Monday 12th January as part of the event.

Taitamariki races with nearly 900 tamariki under the age 10, will begin racing on Sunday 11 January, closing up with the premier women's 500m final on Saturday the 17th of January.

Thousands of supporters are anticipated to attend, where 2025 saw more than 10,000 spectators arrive to the lakeside during the week's competition.