Hon Erica Stanford, Minister of Immigration, will deliver the keynote address at New Zealand’s leading immigration industry event, the Annual Immigration Conference, on Friday, 24 October 2025, in Auckland.

Hosted by the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI), the conference brings together government, industry, and policy experts to discuss the critical role of immigration in supporting New Zealand’s economic recovery and long-term growth.

Also speaking at the conference are Phil Twyford, Labour’s spokesperson on immigration, and senior officials from key government agencies involved in immigration policy and operations.

“This year’s conference comes at a pivotal time,” says Simon Laurent, Chair of NZAMI. “New Zealand has experienced a dramatic decline in net migration over the past two years, driven by high citizen departures and fewer migrant arrivals. This has contributed to stagnating retail activity and a slowdown in new housing development.”

The conference will focus on the intersection of immigration policy, demographic trends, and economic performance.

“As the peak industry body in the immigration sector, NZAMI believes a well-functioning immigration system is essential to unlocking the country’s economic potential,” says Laurent.

“Currently, immigration is at historically low levels, limiting both population-driven economic growth and the ability of businesses to access the skills they urgently need.”

Laurent says NZAMI members are eager to hear more from Minister Stanford and policy makers about forthcoming changes to key immigration pathways.

“We acknowledge the Minister’s progress on initiatives such as the new business investor visa and the recent announcement of new trades-focused residence pathways to be released in 2026,” he says.

“However, we believe the excessively high English language requirements, will undermine the Government’s immigration policy objectives. We look forward to discussing suggestions for improvements with Minister Standford at Friday’s conference.”
 
Event Details
What: Annual Immigration Conference
When: Friday, 24 October 2025, 8:30am – 5pm
Where: JW Marriott Hotel, 22 Albert Street, Auckland CBD

As Safer Boating Week 2025 gets underway, a new ambassador for safety will start bobbing in the waves around the country. Introducing “Buoy-Boy” – a floating reminder to recreational craft users to stay safe on the water. Buoy-Boy will be appearing at popular boating spots nationwide, starting this week, and continuing throughout the summer months.

Buoy-Boy’s mission is simple: to encourage recreational craft users to be prepared in case they unexpectedly find themselves in the water. His presence is a light-hearted but important reminder to check lifejackets, monitor marine weather conditions, and carry at least two waterproof forms of communication – such as a beacon (EPIRB), cellphone, or have a marine radio on-board.

The name Buoy-Boy is a playful twist on the maritime term “buoy,” paired with “boy” to give a human touch to the delivery of safety messages. Buoys are familiar to water users and serve a vital role in marking hazards, speed zones, and areas designated for specific activities, such as water skiing.

Matt Wood, Maritime NZ’s Principal Advisor Recreational Craft, says Buoy-Boy’s role is to gently reinforce safety habits as boaties head out for the day.

“While he’s not an official aid to navigation, we hope Buoy-Boy will serve as a friendly prompt to think about safety as recreational craft users are leaving for a day on the water.

“When boaties see Buoy-Boy, it should be their final reminder to ensure they’re wearing a properly fitted lifejacket, have checked the marine weather forecast and are carrying two forms of communication.”

Buoy-Boy will be popping up at some popular recreational boating locations across the country over the next month.

Tragically, an average of 17 people lose their lives each year in incidents involving recreational craft. Research shows that the highest risk occurs within 400 metres of shore – an area where many assume they are safe.

“I want to acknowledge the tragic incident that occurred at Port Waikato over the weekend. While we are not able to talk about what occurred. This is a devastating reminder about the dangers of heading out on the water.

Our thoughts are with those involved and their friends and family,” Matt Wood says.

Maritime NZ wants to thank all the responders who worked to help those involved in this heartbreaking incident.

One craft type identified through our research as having an elevated risk are dinghies.

 “Over the past decade, a quarter of all fatal incidents have involved dinghies, and in most cases, those who died were not wearing lifejackets.”

“People often believe that being close to shore means they are safer than they actually are  – but sadly, that’s not always the case,” Matt Wood says.

Before heading out, every water user should ask themselves; If I end up in the water, how prepared am I?

“Preparation is the key to staying safe.

“We want recreational craft users to be sure before they leave the shore; this means they will enjoy their time on the water and most importantly come home safely,” Matt Wood says.

Key Statistics:

Over the past decade, more than 170 lives have been lost in incidents involving recreational craft. A quarter of these involved dinghies.
As a craft type, dinghies have the second highest number of fatalities connected to them as a craft type. Sitting just behind powerboats.
Nearly all single-occupancy dinghy fatalities involved men.
Mature males are at greatest risk, with the average age being 56.
Between 1 January and 19 October 2025, there have been 15 recreational craft accidents resulting in 16 deaths.
Just under half of dinghy-related fatalities involved people falling overboard from vessels that remained afloat.
70% of these fatalities occurred within one nautical mile of shore, and 40% within 400 metres – despite many believing the greatest danger lies in open water.

• 94% of Kiwi workers say they receive perks and benefits from their employer 

• 76% plan to ask for additional perks and benefits 

• An agreed bonus (19%), a remote working option (16%), and flexible working arrangements (16%) are the three benefits employees plan to ask for in 2025 

Auckland, 20 October 2025 – New Zealand employees consider perks and benefits as an important part of their remuneration package, to the extent that most (76%) are planning to negotiate for enhanced offerings as part of their employment discussions, new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds. 

The Robert Half Salary Guide reveals almost all (94%) workers say they are provided with an array of perks and benefits from their employer. 

 Current worker benefits snapshot 

According to Kiwi workers, their employers are most likely to offer a range of flexible work arrangements and discounts to encourage better work-life balance and an enhanced lifestyle. 

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 500 full-time office workers in New Zealand. 

“With many companies focused on cost management, they may not be in a position to award pay rises or higher starting salaries amid economic uncertainty,” says Megan Alexander, Managing Director at Robert Half. “While salary remains the main incentive of a remuneration package, businesses recognise the power of benefits to land, motivate, engage and keep their top performers.” 

What's on workers' wish lists 

More than three in four (76%) Kiwi workers plan to ask for the following benefits they don't already have: 

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 500 full-time office workers in New Zealand. 

“Kiwis are voicing what they want from their employer, with many asking for stronger financial rewards as well as lifestyle benefits, such as flexibility. Ignoring these requests can drive workers to competitors who better meet their needs. To secure and retain talent, companies should strategically align their benefit offerings with what they know employees are seeking, and where full alignment is not possible, focus on open communication, transparency and alternative incentives that reinforce commitment and trust. 

“A company's perks and benefits structure reflects its wider corporate culture. Innovative and comprehensive packages not only help employee attraction and retention, but they can also support a long-term talent pipeline and help build staff engagement overall,” concludes Alexander. 

Notes

About the research 

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in November 2024 by an independent research company among 500 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, and IT and technology. 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 

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

As nationwide protests against Israeli genocide continue this weekend into the third year, PSNA is demanding Foreign Minister Winston Peters condemn Israeli torture of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti and Israel’s failure to abide by the terms of the ceasefire.

PSNA’s Co-chair, John Minto, says Barghouti is Palestine’s equivalent to South African anti-apartheid leader, Nelson Mandela.

“Israel has held him in prison since 2002.  He is revered as the most likely Palestinian to lead Palestinians out of occupation and apartheid.  Though not affiliated to Hamas, he was top of their list of prisoners for Israel to release.”

“Israel refused.  Instead, his jailers have kicked him unconscious and smashed his ribs.”

Minto says this is the clearest message to the world that Israel has no interest in allowing anybody like Nelson Mandela to ever emerge as a Palestinian leader to bring real peace and justice.

“Peters should be condemning this torture in the strongest terms.”

“He loudly complained that the protest movement in this country didn’t congratulate Trump with his plan to outsource the occupation of Gaza to Tony Blair, Egyptian secret police and Turkish soldiers.”

“But now, when Israel continues to kill Palestinians in Gaza every day, Peters is silent. Israeli snipers shot 35 Palestinians dead last Friday alone.  Israel has also activated its al-Qaeda gangster gangs in Gaza to try to start of civil war.”

“There is no ceasefire.  If Peters is to atone for his completely mistaken optimism about Trump’s peace plan, then he ought to be hauling in the Israeli ambassador today for an official rebuke and then send the ambassador packing.”

“Peters has been quick to impose sanctions on Iran.  But, as usual, no action on Israel.”

John Minto

Co-Chair

Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

Fresh from an outstanding season with the Black Ferns Sevens and the excitement of the 2025 Rugby World Cup, Theresa Setefano was humbled to receive Sportswoman of the Year and Most Meritorious Performance at the University of Auckland’s Blues Awards.

Setefano’s sporting success meant pivoting away from her Medical School studies after she was first contracted to the New Zealand Sevens in 2016, and named in the New Zealand Women’s Rugby World Cup squad the following year.

Having just returned from the United Kingdom back into the fold of family life with husband Ryan and fur baby Buzzy, a Pointer cross, her sights are set on completing a Bachelor of Health Science degree. The midfielder is just four papers away from graduating.
 
“It’s an honour,” she says of receiving the Blues Awards on 3 October. “Because I’ve been studying for so long, I thought the University would be getting sick of me,” she laughs and recalled swapping degrees as her rugby career took off. “I was very surprised.”

Setefano’s recent Rugby World Cup campaign in England was a rollercoaster.
“We didn’t come away with what we wanted, but we were grateful to play for bronze and w
in. That was special,” she reflects. “Sport teaches you it doesn't always go your way…  it's not always gold medals and championships.

“But the saying, you learn more from your losses than your wins is 100 percent true. We learned a lot about the team and also about ourselves too,” she says emphasising a mindset on growth, not perfection.

“Every time the outcome doesn’t go your way, it’s the perspective that gets you through. It’s about resilience and remembering why you started. We are more than just rugby players.”
Her values of ‘family, love and faith’ have helped maintain the balance of competing in sport at the highest level while undertaking university studies.

“I’ve always wanted to change the statistics for Pacific health. I’ve seen older generations pass away earlier than other ethnicities. Through health science, I’ve learned how much influence your environment has on your well-being.

“Going to the doctor isn’t going to fix everything. Health is bigger than physical—it’s mental, spiritual, social. Models like Fonofale and Te Whare Tapa Whā really embody that.”

Setefano wants to use her experience and platform to inspire Pacific communities:
“Just because the stats show Pacific life expectancy is low, doesn’t mean that’s how it has to be. It’s about empowering our community that change is possible. There are barriers, financial and environmental, but we can find ways through.

“I want to share my journey as an athlete and show that behaviours and mindset affect health. It doesn’t mean everyone has to train like me—but small changes matter. I want Pacific people to know that better health is possible.”

She wants to tap into the natural resource of Pacific peoples — community.
“Pacific people are community-based. We love doing things together and that’s a strength we can use to change the narrative around health.”

For Setefano, rugby, study and service are all connected by one thread:
“Family and love. That’s why I do, what I do. My parents, grandparents, and the University have shaped me. Rugby has given me perspective. Now I want to give back.”

“My goal and my why in everything I do, is to always lead with love wherever we go. That comes from our upbringing, our culture, being Pacific, being Sāmoan women, being women of faith and everything we do, we always lead with love.”

Setefano acknowledged that some things were ‘easier said than done’ when it came to walking the talk.
“I can only control what I can control, so I always endeavour to lead with love, to spread joy wherever I go, and really just inspire and empower young people, to be their true selves.

“For me it comes from my faith. I know that God has a plan for me, that he's in control and so when I do get lost, or when I find it hard in certain situations, I turn to him.
“That’s what really helps me get through the hard times, as well as my family and my husband; they’re my anchors and so I just know everything will actually be okay.”

Reflecting on her journey, Setefano says rugby has built a strong foundation:
“I have learnt so much playing rugby—it has provided me with a lot of perspective and a lot of experiences. And also my upbringing, my parents, my grandparents—they have instilled in me strong values.
“The University has provided the education that I’m very passionate about, and all of that has gotten me to where I am today.”