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PSA – Culture shift critical to ensuring speaking up culture in public service

Source: PSA

The PSA is welcoming the Government’s move to introduce new ‘speaking up’ standards but says more needs to be done to restore the workplace culture across the public service which has been severely damaged by job cuts.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins and Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche have announced new ‘speaking up’ model standards will be introduced across the public service which will set clear expectations for regular communication with complainants, legal support in specific circumstances and stronger pathways for complaints to escalate issues.
“We agree with the Minister that all who suffer sexual harassment in the workplace need to be treated with dignity, and respect, but a much broader culture shift is needed,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“If the Government is really serious about ending harassment, bullying and discrimination then it should be taking a close look at workplace culture.
“Cutting thousands and jobs, increasing workloads, and cutting back workplace flexibility have all contributed to low morale. Public service workers are anxious; they fear for their livelihoods under this government’s cost cutting approach.
“There are significant problems in the wider public sector including at ACC where an independent culture review found low trust in internal complaints processes and that many staff were unaware of the avenues for raising concerns about inappropriate behaviour.
“Public service workers need to be able to speak up with fear of punishment. Their concerns need to be taken seriously, but often environment, culture and processes for this to happen are lacking.
“Leaders need to lead – supporting managers with the right training and education so workers can escalate issues without fear. Right now, the approach is inconsistent across the public sector.
“There needs to be a concerted effort across the public service to improve the approach.
“The PSA wants to work with agencies to ensure policies and practices are robust, fair and include the right to natural justice. We need to get this right.”
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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Social Issues – Poverty crisis leaves people with intellectual disability behind – IHC

Source: IHC

The latest Ministry of Social Development social cohesion report confirms what disability advocates have long warned: poverty is deepening across Aotearoa, and disabled people are hit hardest.

IHC Director of Advocacy Tania Thomas says the situation for people with intellectual disability (PWID) is even more severe – and has been for decades – yet government strategies continue to ignore this crisis.

“Two in five New Zealanders now say they don’t have enough income to meet everyday needs, and the number of people cutting back on food is soaring,” says Tania. “For people with intellectual disability, poverty is not a new reality – it’s a constant one.”

IHC’s data from The Cost of Exclusion report shows that people with intellectual disability are:

Twice as likely to live in hardship up to age 39 and almost three times as likely at ages 40–64 compared to other New Zealanders
Four times more likely to miss meals because they cannot afford meat or a vegetarian equivalent every second day
Three times more likely to cut back on fresh fruit and vegetables due to cost
Twice as likely to put up with being cold because they cannot afford heating
Almost four times more likely to live in a rented home and seven times more likely to spend life in social housing.

Children with intellectual disability face some of the most extreme impacts:

6.5 times more likely to miss school events due to cost
Almost three times more likely to wear clothes or shoes that are worn out or the wrong size because new ones are unaffordable
Twice as likely to lack internet or a computer for homework.

“These are not just numbers – they represent thousands of New Zealanders who have always been left in poverty,” says Tania. “Our statistics go back 10 years, which means this hardship is long-term, structural and remains unaddressed.”

IHC’s feedback on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy asks for the inclusion of  a section on poverty alleviation that is broader than focusing on employment alone.

“Employment is important but when nearly half of disabled people report they cannot meet their daily needs, we need a comprehensive strategy that seeks to address this,” says Tania. “We cannot just tell people to get a job when many cannot access the support they need to work, and when the work available often doesn’t lift them out of poverty.”

IHC is calling for:

A government-led plan to reduce poverty for disabled people, including targeted financial supports
Annual monitoring and public reporting on hardship rates for people with intellectual disability
Integration of poverty reduction into the Disability Strategy alongside employment.

“Poverty for people with intellectual disability is not inevitable – it is a policy failure,” says Tania. “We need urgent action, not another decade of data telling us that disabled people often live in severe poverty.”

Note: the MSD Social Cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand 2024 report can be found here: https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/work-programmes/community/social-cohesion/2024-social-cohesion-indicator-report-final.pdf

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

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Property Market – New rating valuations on the way for Waimakariri District – QV

Source: Quotable Value

Waimakariri District property owners will soon receive new three-yearly rating valuations in the post.
Updated values have been prepared for all 30,369 properties in the district by independent valuers Quotable Value (QV) on behalf of Waimakariri District Council. They reflect the likely price a property would have sold for on 1 June 2025, not including chattels.
Since the district’s last revaluation in 2022, the value of residential housing has decreased by an average of -1.53%. The average house value is now at $746,000, while the corresponding average land value has increased by 1.22% to a new average of $362,000.
“Property values have remained relatively stable in Canterbury and Waimakariri over the past three years and values have generally had minimal changes since the 2022 revaluation,” said Upper South Island Regional Manager, Brendon McCurley.
“Properties that are in good condition and modern dwelling s are seeing more growth than the average property in Waimakariri. Poorly maintained or more dated properties are likely to have seen larger decreases.”
The average capital value of an improved lifestyle property has increased by 0.12% to $1,129,000, while the corresponding land value for a lifestyle property increased by 1.77% to $589,000.
“The overriding lifestyle market has been relatively stable since the 2022 revaluation despite wider volatility throughout New Zealand. Desirable localities within the district have shown a slight increase in values, whereas less desirable localities have seen slight reductions in overall value levels. This has been due to Waimakariri District experiencing only small changes to demand and supply, coupled with relatively affordable value levels in comparison to neighbouring localities.”
Meanwhile, commercial property values have increased by 0.5% and property values in the industrial sector have risen by 9.9% since the district’s last rating valuation in 2022. Commercial and industrial land values have also increased by 5.2% and 10.8% respectively;
The rural property market is generally positive. Properties with proven performance and good infrastructure are transacting quickly and at higher values, driven by increasing commodity prices and a good short-to-medium outlook for dairy and beef production. 
Properties with inferior infrastructure, poorer irrigation and water supply , or limited potential alternative land uses are being discounted accordingly. Harder hill properties that are limited to mainly sheep farming have decreased the most, due to competing forestry land use inflating these values at the 2022 revision, as well as two years of poor commodity prices in the sheep industry.
The value of most dairy and pastoral farms has increased since 2022, with dairy farm values up by 9.5% and pastoral farm values up 1.5%.
On average, forestry properties have experienced the biggest decline, with a -15.1% decrease in value since 2022.
The total rateable value for the district is now $29.533 billion up 1.8%, with the land value of those properties now valued at $15.322 billion.
What are rating valuations?
Rating valuations are usually carried out on all New Zealand properties every three years to help local councils assess rates for the following three-year period. They are not intended to be used for any other purpose, including raising finance with banks or as insurance valuations.
They reflect the likely selling price of a property at the effective revaluation date, which was 1 June 2025, and do not include chattels. Any changes in the market since that time will not be included in the new rating valuations, which often means that a sale price achieved today will be different to the new rating valuation.
Rating valuations are calculated using a highly complex and detailed process that utilises all relevant property sales from the area. A large number of properties will also be physically assessed, particularly those that have been issued building consents in the last three years.
The updated rating valuations are then independently audited by the Office of the Valuer General to ensure they meet rigorous quality standards, before the new rating valuations are confirmed and posted to property owners.
If owners do not agree with their rating valuation, they have a right to object through the objection process before 7 November 2025.
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Save the Children – Adventurers to complete 4,500+km ‘Alpine Odyssey’ across Aotearoa New Zealand this weekend

Source: Save the Children

Twenty-five fields skied and more than 4500km cycled or hiked across Aotearoa New Zealand over 95 days, adventurers Huw Kingston and Laurence Mote will complete their Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa at Christchurch’s Sumner Beach on Sunday 28 September.
The pair began their ambitious human powered journey across New Zealand on June 25 in an effort to raise $75,000 to fund climate-resilient classrooms in Vanuatu for children who have had their schooling impacted by continuous cyclones and last year’s earthquake.
Dubbed ‘Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa’, the pair set off from Cape Reinga at the top of the North Island, skiing at all 25 ski fields across the country, and travelling by bike and foot in between. The original route had them finishing in Bluff a week earlier but due to weather and snow availability, they changed their plans, adding several hundred kilometres and additional days.
Christchurch locals and supporters wanting to see the pair complete their epic journey can join them on Sumner Beach, Laurence’s home suburb, from 3pm on Sunday.
“What a beautiful adventure,” says Huw Kingston, whose original ‘Alpine Odyssey’ in Australia in 2022 raised more than $75,000 for an indigenous literacy initiative.
“But so much more than that, being able to support children impacted by repeated climate-related emergencies, such as back-to-back cyclones, has been a huge part of keeping Laurence and I going on the days that felt immensely gruelling.
“With only a couple of days until this journey finishes, I can start to reflect just a little on the 4500km we've travelled over the past 95 days. From a ski perspective it has been a challenging winter for some of the 25 ski fields we've visited, where crumbs not loaves have been delivered. But we've been nourished throughout by the magnificent landscapes of Aotearoa and the warmth and hospitality we've received.”
For former New Zealand representative cyclist Laurence Mote, who was left legally blind and still experiencing fatigue and other symptoms after an anaphylactic shock from a bee sting 10 years ago nearly killed him, the journey has been immensely challenging.
“Are we nearly there yet? This is the question I’ve had on repeat for many days now, but Sumner Beach beckons,” he says.
“We’re suddenly at the end of our journey, so I should be feeling shattered, but instead am itching for a powder ski day tomorrow, and treasuring the support and camaraderie of the mountain culture.
“We’ve started talking about Winter 2026 already. Such is the optimism of a skier. But it feels somehow shortsighted at the same time. My measure of climate change is my sporting enjoyment, while for children going to school in tents in Vanuatu, their everyday lives are affected by climate change.”
To date, the pair have raised close to $50,000 towards their goal which will support the innovative pilot project with Save the Children in Vanuatu. The forward-thinking classroom design – adapted from shipping containers – takes into consideration multiple facets of sustainability, such as locally sourced and sustainable building materials, improved natural light and ventilation, and renewable energy for lights and fans. Further fundraising activities are planned until December.
Save the Children New Zealand CEO Heather Campbell, who will be at the official end on Sumner Beach, says the pair are an inspiration.
“I’ve had the privilege of sharing a little of their journey in Wellington and Queenstown and am excited to see them ride their final few hundred metres. Huw and Laurence have not only raised a significant amount of money to support our climate resilient classroom project in Vanuatu, but have also raised awareness of one of the greatest issues facing children, the climate crisis. As the climate crisis escalates, our Pacific neighbours are disproportionately affected – and children are always the most vulnerable.”
Supporters wanting to contribute to the pair’s fundraising efforts can do so here: Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa Save the Children. 
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in more than 100 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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Awards – Jamie-Lee Rahiri wins L’Oréal–UNESCO science award – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Championing Māori health equity and cultural safety in surgery has seen Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri named 2025 L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellow.

A strong focus on health equity and cultural safety in surgery has seen Dr Jamie-Lee Rahiri (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) named the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellow for Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025.

Rahiri has had a stellar rise as an early-career clinical researcher at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, focused on understanding and addressing health inequities among Māori.

Currently a third-year general surgery trainee at North Shore Hospital, the senior research fellow has been recognised for improving surgical care for Māori patients and inspiring the next generation of wāhine Māori into surgery.

“My research seeks to embed equity, and improve the cultural safety and effectiveness of surgical care pathways in Aotearoa,” Rahiri says.

Earlier, Rahiri worked with South Auckland communities to improve outcomes for Māori patients after bariatric surgery.

Now, training to become a surgeon herself, is another way of leading culturally safe surgical care for whānau Māori.

“One of the projects that I'm leading right now, that's quite exciting, is centred on weight-loss outcomes after surgery. This is an area in Aotearoa, unfortunately, that is still growing in the sense that it urgently needs compassion, surgical excellence and equity embedded within its delivery,” says Rahiri.

Rahiri is the only New Zealander and one of four across Australasia to win the regional section of the prestigious international awards.

The win comes hot on the tail of her winning the John Corboy Medal, the highest honour for a surgical trainee from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Rahiri’s PhD, Exploring Māori Experiences of Bariatric Surgery, uses a kaupapa Māori approach to redesign surgical pathways, ensuring care is equitable and culturally safe.

In 2024, she won an early career excellence award from the University of Auckland.

Rahiri is the founder of Te Piringa Kōtuku – a Kaupapa Māori Surgical and Primary Health Research Institute and a pioneer of initiatives including Te Poka Pū – National Māori Surgical Interest Group to support and advance Māori into surgery.

“This Fellowship is not just recognition of my work – it acknowledges the communities, mentors, and whānau who have shaped me,” says Rahiri. “As a doctor, researcher, and mother of three daughters, I want my girls to know they can stand tall in any space they choose. And it reminds me that the work to transform surgery for Aotearoa is only just beginning.”

The L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Fellowship programme, now in its eighteenth year in Australia and New Zealand, champions equality and visibility of women in STEMM. Each Fellow receives $25,000 to further their research, with flexibility to use the funding in ways that matter most to them.

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences deputy dean Professor Matire Harwood, who received the same fellowship in 2017, says she’s over the moon that Jamie-Lee has received the award, which will help her continue to create meaningful medical outcomes for Māori.

“She’s an amazing researcher and clinician who always gives to her community, as well as an amazing mum and partner,” Harwood says.

Alex Davison, chief executive officer at L’Oréal Australia & New Zealand, says:

“This Fellowship is more than an award; it’s an intergenerational commitment to help women overcome systemic barriers, build leadership skills, and inspire the next generation of scientists.

“With the recent international expansion of Foundation L’Oréal’s For Girls in Science programme and the rollout of UNESCO’s ‘Imagine a World with More Women in Science’ campaign, we’re seeing increased global demand for initiatives that elevate female voices in science.

“This is echoed through government policy. These programmes work together, recognising young girls inspired by science today who become the Fellows of tomorrow, and we are proud to echo these sentiments through our For Women in Science programme.”

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Subnational population projections: 2023(base)–2053 – Stats NZ information release


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Economic snapshot: June 2025 quarter – Stats NZ news story


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Amnesty International – $9000 youth award available for best human rights idea

Source: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

25 September 2025 – The Gary Ware Legacy Award is a funding programme from Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, designed to empower young people with a passion for protecting and promoting human rights. The award has been offered annually since 2020 and is available for people under the age of 25 in Aotearoa New Zealand. Applications are currently open at amnesty.org.nz/award, with a deadline of 31 October.
The award is given to a person or group with passion, an idea and a plan for changing the world for the better. Previous winners have used the money to make a documentary about human trafficking in Aotearoa, support young people across the country who have refugee backgrounds, run an art exhibition about the displacement of Banaban communities for phosphate mining, help Uyghur people who have fled to Türkiye, and more.
Gary Ware was a passionate human rights advocate who inspired generations of young people to get involved in the work of Amnesty International during his lifetime. As a real lover of music, he organised concerts and events to raise money and awareness for human rights over the years, as well as serving multiple terms on the Amnesty International Board. The Ware family has gifted this award as a beautiful lasting legacy of Gary’s life.
Gary’s granddaughter Neve Kortegast said, “This legacy award is really special to me, as my grandfather was a passionate activist with a big heart. I’m really excited to be on the judging panel this year and to see the creativity, passion and ideas of Aotearoa’s rangatahi.
“Gary, or Grand Gary as he was known to me, was a man who was incredibly dedicated to his community, the environment and world in whatever way he could be. He took pride in empowering others and supporting them to make a positive difference. This award serves as a piece of the everlasting and impacting legacy he left behind with us. I hope the winners of this award will feel the love and support of Gary and go on to make a positive impact of their own.”
Joshua Taefu, 20, is a Board Member of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. He said, “Youth are stakeholders of tomorrow, but can make just as big a difference today. The world needs young voices, passion and ideas more than ever.
“You don’t have to be a human rights expert to apply for the Gary Ware Legacy Award. Everyone has the ability to make a difference. We're looking for people who want to use their unique passions, perspectives, and experiences to help others.
“Change can come from anywhere, but has to start somewhere. This award is not only a kickstart to the new ideas and initiatives that can make a difference, but an investment into the next generation of change-makers, activists and leaders.”

In previous years, the winners have received up to $4500. But this year, in honour of Amnesty International’s 60 th anniversary of human rights work in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Ware family are offering $9000. The award is facilitated by the Acorn Foundation.
Individuals or teams can apply through the Amnesty International website ( amnesty.org.nz/award) using three different methods – written, video or visual/slides. The winner will be announced on International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
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First Responders – Large vegetation fires in Canterbury last week caused by strong winds that fanned embers from burn piles

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking the public to be vigilant after embers from burn piles caused large vegetation fires last week.

Fire and Emergency Community Risk Manager Dean Harker says investigations into two vegetation fires, which broke out last Wednesday at Southbridge and Springfield, are now complete.

“The fires were caused when embers from burn piles were whipped up and spread by the strong winds,” he says.

The fires burnt through 42 hectares, and one destroyed two utility sheds.

“In windy conditions embers from burn piles can travel up to 200 metres.

“That is why it is so important to check the forecast a week before your planned burn. If you’re in any doubt, then hold off.

“It’s also important to make sure you have suitable means to contain and extinguish the fire if needed, for example a water hose, water sprayer, shovel and dirt to smother, or a mechanical digger on site.”

Dean says old fires which haven’t been fully extinguished can also reignite and escape.

“If you’ve been burning vegetation any time over the last few months or so, it’s important to check the fire is completely extinguished.

“If there’s hot ash, and it’s safe to do so, dig into it, spread it out and pour water over it.”

Always go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires or undertaking activities that could cause sparks.
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Appointments – New leadership for Gibbston Valley Wines

Source: Gibbston Valley Wines

Gibbston Valley Wines has today announced the departure of its long-standing Chief Executive Officer, Greg Hunt.

After two decades with the leading wine brand, restaurant, luxury lodge and spa owned by Phil Griffith and family, Hunt has concluded his role at Gibbston Valley to spend more time with family, following the arrival of his first grandchild.

“I have been at Gibbston Valley Wines for over 20 years, working on various projects,” Hunt says. “That’s a lot of driving over the Crown Range, from Wānaka – something that I will not miss. I have very much enjoyed my time at Gibbston Valley and working closely with Phil and the Griffith family. I look forward to watching the progress at Gibbston Valley Wines, as well as on the Station, and wish them all the best.”

Hunt was involved with establishing the Summer Concert Series with Greenstone Entertainment, delivery of the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, and the initial vision of the Gibbston Valley Resort project, which includes the luxury residential neighbourhoods, and the soon-to-be-opened Gibbston Valley Golf Course and Clubhouse.

The family-owned wine brand has gone from strength to strength over the years, winning many accolades. The Gibbston Valley Winery won ‘Riedel Vineyard of the Year’ in the 2023 Aotearoa NZ Organic Wine Awards, and more recently, the World Spa Awards have recognised Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa as ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa’ for the sixth consecutive year.

Cristina Griffith – who had been serving as Gibbston Valley’s Chief Financial Officer since 2022 following her time with public accounting firm PwC – has stepped up to serve as Managing Director across all Gibbston Valley entities.
 
“Greg has been an integral part of the success and growth of Gibbston Valley over the past 20 years, and we would like to thank him for his true passion and dedication,” she says. “While they’re certainly big shoes to fill, I am excited to lead the business into its next chapter – one that honours our legacy while embracing innovation, sustainability and continued excellence in everything we do.”
 
As Phil’s daughter, Cristina is well accustomed to the inner workings of the highly successful family business, as is her brother, Alex Griffith, who has been serving as a director of the company for the past 10 years, following his time living in Queenstown and working with the Gibbston Valley marketing team.
 
Together, they represent the next generation of leadership, and the continuation of the Griffith family’s long-term commitment to stewardship of the land, celebration of the wine, and the curation of experiences in the Gibbston Valley.

About Gibbston Valley
Gibbston Valley is Queenstown’s leading wine and experience destination. The award-winning Gibbston Valley Wines is a premium organic wine brand, and its Cellar Door and Wine Cave are among the Southern Lakes’ top visitor experiences. The Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers luxury accommodation and a renowned day spa, named ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa’ for six consecutive years. The soon-to-open Gibbston Valley Golf Course and Clubhouse will further enhance the curated wine and hospitality destination, set in the heart of the beautiful Gibbston Valley.  www.gibbstonvalley.com