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International migration: April 2026 – Stats NZ information release
International travel: April 2026 – Stats NZ information release
A Human Rights Issue? Clinicians gagged over proposed changes to diabetes medicines
Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists
Health NZ is silencing cardiologists by denying them the right to object to the removal of ethnicity-based criteria for diabetes medications.
Pharmac is proposing to remove equity-based access for Māori and Pasifika for type 2 diabetes medicines empagliflozin, dulaglutide and liraglutide.
Health NZ told a national cardiology group they can file a submission on the changes, but cannot object to the removal of ethnicity-based eligibility criteria, as reported by RNZ. [link:
Executive director for the Association for Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) Sarah Dalton says this is gagging doctors in favour of “political whimsy”.
“This is yet another thinly veiled attempt by the Government to erode equity in our health system and ignore the evidence,” she says.
“Specialists know that Māori and Pasifika people are most impacted by type-2 diabetes and comorbid conditions.
“Removing ethnicity-based criteria will deny care to thousands of people who need it most.
“Evidence overwhelmingly supports equity-based access. Refusing to listen to doctors won’t make the evidence go away, it will simply make people sicker and cause preventable harm,” Dalton says.
Notes: ASMS has made a submission on the proposed changes. You can read it here: https://asms.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ASMS-to-Pharmac-T2D-SA-consult-Jun-26.pdf
Employment Matters – Te Puni Kōkiri backdown on restructure a huge win for PSA
Source: PSA
Māori development agency Te Puni Kōkiri has backed down on its latest restructure, in response to the filing of legal proceedings by the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
While there will be minor changes to position descriptions and reporting lines, no workers at Te Puni Kōkiri will lose their jobs. The original proposal would have seen 27 kaimahi lose their jobs.
“We are thrilled for workers at Te Puni Kōkiri who are no longer facing the prospect of job losses and the hardships of unemployment,” said PSA Te Kaihautū Māori Jack McDonald.
“This is a significant victory for our PSA members at Te Puni Kōkiri and shows the power we have as union members when we take collective action.
“We filed legal action in the Employment Relations Authority because Te Puni Kōkiri did not comply with the consultation clause of the collective agreement.
“Our focus throughout this process has been to protect the jobs and livelihoods of our members and as such we have withdrawn the legal proceedings.
“This outcome sends a strong message to other agencies which is that they must uphold the rights of workers and comply with its obligations under collective agreements.
“Given ongoing budget cuts, there will no doubt be further restructuring across the public service. We will do everything we can to protect the livelihoods of public servants and their whānau.
“Māori public servants are being targeted by this Government – kaupapa Māori and Te Tiriti-focused roles and teams across agencies are being decimated. We are doing everything we can to resist this racist agenda in support of the workers who get up every day to keep this country running.
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.
Defence News – RNZAF P-8A Poseidon spots missing vessels for two successful Pacific rescues
Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon has successfully located eight people on two missing boats in the Pacific.
The aircraft was flying to Fiji to refuel, while en route to a Kiribati search and rescue earlier this week, when Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre asked them to conduct the additional search for a small craft in Fijian waters.
On discovering the vessel, the aircraft crew passed on its location and the Republic of Fiji Navy Ship (RFNS) Savenaca was able to rescue five people on board.
Acting Air Component Commander Group Captain Brett Clayton says the quick response to the diversion request and successful rescue was a credit to the aircraft crew, the RFNS Savenaca ship’s company and Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre.
“Thanks to the professionalism and readiness of the personnel involved in the air, on the sea and on land, the sailors on this vessel will make it home to their families.”
The P-8A Poseidon and crew resumed the search for the missing small Kiribati boat, with three on board, which they were able to locate.
The fishers had got into trouble with an engine issue on Wednesday.
Tourism pioneer AJ Hackett Bungy NZ prepares to launch new world-first experience
Source: Scope Communications
Tourism pioneer AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand is set to launch the world’s highest lift-and-descent ride at Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower this month.
SkyRide is a new 192-metre high vertical adventure experience that lifts customers up the outside of the Sky Tower before delivering a high-speed, controlled descent back to ground level. The lift portion of the experience sees customers ascend at approximately six metres per second – faster than the tower’s internal lifts – reaching the observation deck in about 90 seconds.
The introduction of a new multi-mode ride system – designed in-house by AJHBNZ’s experienced design team in partnership with specialist engineers – means that the existing SkyJump is also in line for a significant upgrade. The multi-mode system now offers customers a range of ways to experience a heart-pumping descent from NZ’s tallest building:
SkyRide: From ground-level at the corner of Auckland’s Victoria and Federal Streets, customers are lifted to the top of the tower before experiencing an exhilarating vertical drop ride, 192m high. This will become the world’s highest lift-and-descent ride and can be experienced as a single or tandem option.
SkyJump: Starting at 192m, riders are suspended in a sitting position off the edge of the Sky Tower before being released in a controlled descent at speeds up to 100km/h down to ground level. SkyJump can now be experienced as a single or tandem ride.
The new experiences will complement the existing SkyWalk – AJHBNZ’s hugely popular walk around the outer edge of the Sky Tower, 192m above ground.
The new multi-mode system will be certified and inspected by WorkSafe under the Amusement Device Regulations for New Zealand, and over the coming days, passers-by will see more testing of the rides beforeAJHBNZ opens SkyRide officially on Friday, June 26.
AJHBNZ co-founder and managing director Henry van Asch says SkyRide reflects the company’s continued focus on pushing boundaries while making iconic structures more engaging for visitors.
“SkyRide is a world-first for the height it reaches and continues our mission to redefine what’s possible in vertical adventure experiences,” he explains. “It offers a completely new way for locals and visitors to experience Auckland’s most recognisable landmark.”
Designed to appeal to a wide range of adventurers, SkyRide is expected to attract Aucklanders looking for a new challenge, domestic visitors, and international tourists seeking a standout urban adventure. The experience further strengthens Auckland’s position as a must‑visit destination for adventure tourism.
About AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
Ever since it was launched with a buzz by AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch back in 1988, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has been in the business of fuelling people with courage and adrenaline. The world’s first commercial bungy operation opened at the Kawarau Bridge in November 1988 and AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has remained committed to levelling up the exhilaration across Aotearoa, with bungy, zipride, swing, catapult, SkyWalk, SkyJump and bridge climb across Queenstown, Taupō and Auckland.
Arts Grants – $25,000 CLNZ NZSA Writers’ Award 2026 OPENS
Source: CLNZ | NZSA
The CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award of $25,000 is one of the highest value non-fiction prizes in New Zealand literature and it is now open for applications.
He $25,000 te nui o te Karāti Kaituhi o te CLNZ me te NZSA, te karāti mātua mo ngā pakimaero-pono o ngā momo-tuhinga o Aotearoa. Ka taea e ngā Kaituhi te tuku tono mō tēnei karāti.
- Awards $25,000 cash grant to a New Zealand writer
- Assists with research and associated costs
- Is one of the highest value prizes awarded for non-fiction in New Zealand
- Is open now for entries.
The award was established to provide financial support for writers wishing to devote time to a specific project, and to cover reasonable research expenses relating to it. Writers with work in a broad range of non-fiction genres, including educational works, can apply.
In 2025 the CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award was won by Vincent O’Malley for a project about Māori land loss since 1840.
O’Malley says he had a clear idea of the kind of book he wanted to write but was unsure how he could make it a reality without funding.
“Receiving the CLNZ/NZSA Writers’ Award meant I could launch headlong into the work, and it’s all come together from there,” he says.
The book is now expected to be published by Bridget Williams Books next year and O’Malley says everyone is very excited about the shape the work is taking.
“None of it would have been possible without the Writers’ Award,” he says.
Throughout its history the CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award has supported the creation of many outstanding books by local authors, including:
- Rebecca Macfie's Helen Kelly: Her Life (Awa Press), a biography of one of New Zealand’s political legends
- Nic Low's Uprising: Walking the Southern Alps of New Zealand (Text)
- Nick Bollinger's Ockham award-winning book Jumping Sundays: The Rise and Fall of the Counterculture in Aotearoa / New Zealand (AUP)
- Iona Winter’s creative non-fiction project, A counter of moons (Steele Roberts)
- Jade Kake’s Rewi: Āta haere, kia tere (Massey University Press), a tribute to the late architect Rewi Thompson.
Want to Apply?
First: Read the CLNZ | NZSA Writers’ Award Guidelines: https://us.list-manage.com/1BYM8Iov0Nq?e=466373ae7c&c2id=0262e346be96b3cfb3b6ac8cf3509050
Then: Fill in the CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award Application Form: https://us.list-manage.com/xgsXanm2AvM?e=466373ae7c&c2id=0262e346be96b3cfb3b6ac8cf3509050
All non-fiction writers are encouraged to consider applying for the award and applications across the full range of non-fiction genres are welcome. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. It is the clear intention of the CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award that a book will be published as a result of being a recipient of the award.
Applications must be completed online by 4pm on Friday 17 July 2026.
Unsuccessful applicants will be advised before recipients are announced. Successful recipients will be contacted directly, and we will also publish the announcement on the CLNZ and NZSA websites and via social media.
The CLNZ | NZSA Writers’ Award is made possible through Copyright Licensing New Zealand’s Cultural Fund. The Cultural Fund’s objectives are to protect writers and publishers’ ability to earn revenue from their works; support the creation and production of new works and assist the commercial success of New Zealand works; and grow the number of works created and skills in the industry.
NZSA is proud to be administering the awards in 2026.
Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) plays a key role in making creative rights valuable assets for all New Zealanders, be they rightsholders like authors, publishers and artists, or users such as educators, students and businesses. CLNZ provides licences to help make copying, scanning and sharing printed works easy and legal.
New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) was established in 1934 and is the principal organisation representing writers’ interests in NZ. A national office oversees 8 branches and hubs, administers prizes and awards, runs professional development programmes, advocates for the sector and to raise the visibility of NZ writers and NZ writing. It works in partnership with Ngā Kaituhi Māori and its developing Youth writer’s network.
NZ Compare – Is this the easiest household bill to cut before the winter bills kick in?
Source: NZ Compare
Site visitor traffic on Broadband Compare (https://www.broadbandcompare.co.nz/) surged nearly three times (174.3% growth week on week) following recent price rise announcements from major NZ telcos.
– Kiwi consumers could save between $100 to $400 a year by reviewing their broadband plan.
– Switching broadband providers is one of the quickest ways to reduce an ongoing household bill.
“With fuel prices sky high, power bills increasing over winter and grocery prices still climbing, switching broadband provider is one of the easiest ways Kiwis can reduce household expenses.”
That's the message from NZ Compare (https://www.nzcompare.com/) as a growing number of broadband providers announce price increases across New Zealand.
Recent announcements from Spark (https://www.spark.co.nz/online/legal/price-increase) will see some customers paying between $2 and $13 more per month depending on their plan, while budget brand Skinny has also confirmed a $3 monthly increase for many customers.
According to NZ Compare CEO Gavin Male, many households are unaware that they may be paying significantly more than necessary for their broadband connection, but he is heartened to see some Kiwis doing something about it. Website traffic on Broadband Compare (https://www.broadbandcompare.co.nz/) jumped 174.3% over the last couple of days following the price increase announcements.
“Broadband is one of those bills that people often set and forget. The reality is that the largest providers are frequently among the most expensive in the market, and many customers could save substantial amounts simply by shopping around and switching providers.”
Male says switching fibre broadband providers today is far easier than many consumers realise.
“People still remember the early days of fibre installs when a technician needed to visit the property, cables were installed and the process could be disruptive. That's simply not the case when you're switching from one fibre provider to another.”
“In most cases there are no technician visits required, no changes to equipment inside the home, and little to no downtime during the changeover. The new provider handles the transfer process and customers are more often than not, connected seamlessly.”
NZ Compare (https://www.nzcompare.com/) estimates that households can save anywhere from $100 to $400 per year by moving to a more competitively priced broadband provider, or changing their plan to a slower speed, which is more suitable for their needs.
“At a time when families are feeling pressure from rising grocery bills, higher electricity costs and increased fuel prices, an extra few hundred dollars a year can make a real difference to the household budget.”
Male says consumers should also carefully review any recent email notifications from their current provider.
“If your broadband provider has increased prices since you signed up, they've changed the terms under which you originally agreed to the service. In many cases customers are able to leave without paying early termination fees or penalties because the provider has varied the agreement.”
“Consumers shouldn't assume they're trapped. If you've received a price rise notice, it's worth checking your provider's terms and exploring what's available elsewhere.”
NZ Compare is encouraging Kiwis to spend just a few minutes reviewing their broadband bill and comparing plans.
“Broadband is now an essential household service, but that doesn't mean you should accept paying more than necessary. Comparing providers takes only a few minutes and switching is often surprisingly simple.”
“With so many household costs increasing, broadband is one area where consumers still have real power to vote with their feet. If customers don't shop around, providers have little incentive to keep prices competitive. The good news is that changing providers has never been easier.”
About NZ Compare:
NZ Compare ( www.nzcompare.com) operates a suite of comparison websites to help Kiwis make a fully informed choice on all their purchases, covering everything from Broadband to Power, Mobile phones to dishwashers. NZ Compare sites are free to use and are visited by over 300,000 Kiwis every month.
Advocacy – PSNA takes police failure to prosecute tyre-slasher to the IPCA
Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa yesterday complained to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, (IPCA).
PSNA has requested the agency investigate a second police decision not to prosecute a pro-Israeli supporter for slashing two tyres on a Palestine supporter’s car in Raglan in mid-April.
The Police Commissioner Richard Chambers last week agreed to have police look at an initial decision, according to PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi.
“But yesterday’s response, was that the police were sticking to their original decision not to prosecute the Auckland businessman, despite the man admitting he did slash the tyres.”
“All that was going to happen, was that he would appear before a local diversion committee. This for an act that could have easily led to the driver having an accident with tragic consequences.”
“We are shocked at this. If the situation were reversed, and a pro-Israel supporter had their tyres slashed, the police, the news media and politicians would all be in a frenzy claiming it as a violent, antisemitic attack which endangered Jewish lives.”
“The police pattern we see is to quickly prosecute Palestine protesters, but a great reluctance to prosecute the increasing frequent angry Israel supporters, or when they do, to under-resource the prosecution case.”
Tamimi said the double standard was exemplified by the case of five Palestine supporters charged by police for wilful damage last year.
“They were putting small stickers on the window of a central city business. It was the mildest of gestures against a genocide. But here an Israeli supporter slashes tyres and gets a free pass”
“We have been deeply concerned about the obvious pro-Israeli, anti-Palestinian bias at some, though fortunately not all, police levels,” Tamimi says.
“We met with senior police in Wellington earlier this year to get police to take this seriously and they assured us there was no bias”
“Now they tell us it is ‘not in the public interest’ to charge the tyre slasher. That doesn’t make sense because the price of that decision is to undermine public confidence in the police to do their job without fear or favour.”
Rinad Tamimi
National Spokesperson PSNA