Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Retail – Egg-citing news; Woolworths NZ achieves 100% cage-free eggs goal

Source: Woolworths NZ

15 October 2025
Woolworths NZ is proud to announce all its eggs on-shelf are now 100% cage-free and that it is also the first national retailer to achieve this milestone.
Woolworths NZ Managing Director Sally Copland says Woolworths NZ’s commitment to animal welfare is a fundamental part of their commitment to the communities they operate within.
“We know our customers trust us to do the right thing and we are incredibly proud to be the first national retailer to have gone completely cage-free with our on-shelf eggs,” she said.
“We appreciate our customers' positive engagement and support throughout this journey which started eight years ago.”
Head of Sustainability for Woolworths NZ Catherine Langabeer says Woolworths will continue to work collaboratively with its egg farmers and suppliers, and that includes a broader ambition that all eggs used as an ingredient in Woolworth’s Own Brand products are also cage-free.
“We remain dedicated to this goal and continue to work closely with our suppliers on transition plans.”
Langabeer said originally Woolworths NZ had set a target deadline of being 100% cage-free by December 2025.
“Having reached our goal for eggs on-shelf three months earlier than we planned shows our genuine commitment to our suppliers and customers, and listening to what is important to them.”
With a 2.5% growth in the total egg market over the past year, Woolworths NZ has also seen a significant growth in its Macro Free Range – with the SPCA blue tick.
“This shows our customers are loving the move away from colony eggs,” Langabeer said.
Better Eggs Chief Executive Officer Gareth van der Heyden says around the world shoppers are increasingly choosing cage-free because they care about where their food comes from and how it’s produced.
“We are proud to supply Woolworths NZ as they move to be 100% cage-free. Doing the right thing by our hens and our customers has always been at the heart of what we do, and it’s inspiring to see Woolworths NZ showing the same commitment through their leadership in this space,” he said.
“We’re also proud to support Woolworths’ efforts to raise the bar for animal welfare and the quality of every egg on shelf.”
For further information on Woolworths NZ’s animal welfare policy click here
About Woolworths New Zealand: Woolworths New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s largest employers with 21,000 team members across over 185 supermarkets, distribution centres, processing plants and support offices. Each week we serve over three million customers and work with hundreds of food producers and suppliers throughout Aotearoa. We’re committed to delivering New Zealand’s best supermarket experiences for customers and team with more value, innovation and accelerated investment in our stores. We’re proud to give back to the communities we live and work in and every year we donate more than $7 million in food, funding and sponsorship to our communities. Woolworths New Zealand is also the franchisor of more than 70 FreshChoice stores, which are locally owned and operated. Woolworths New Zealand is part of Woolworths Group.
Posted on

Energy – WEL Networks Demonstrates the Future of Smart Grid Innovation with Waihi BESS Energy Hub

Source: WEL Networks

WEL Networks has unveiled a new We.EV energy hub in Waihi that incorporates battery storage with a high-capacity Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, capable of fast charging four EVs simultaneously. For users, the experience is seamless as the chargers are equipped with contactless payment terminals and are integrated with the We.EV app.
Co-funded by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the project shows how high-capacity EV charging can be delivered without costly reinforcement. By employing batteries to support a new connection to existing network infrastructure, WEL avoided the need for major network upgrades, creating a faster, lower-cost pathway to support electrification.
The site features:
– Two 180kW EV chargers and four dedicated parks
– A 150kW/300kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
– An advanced energy management system that actively balances charging demand with the needs of the wider energy system.
In addition to supporting the EV chargers, the BESS is also capable of providing fast and sustained instantaneous reserves to Transpower, supporting national grid stability.
“This project is a great example of how we can maximise existing infrastructure to deliver future-ready solutions,” said David Wiles, WEL Networks GM Energy Services. “It’s not just about charging cars – it’s about smarter energy use, better network utilisation, and supporting an affordable transition to a low-emissions future.”
“This project is a strong example of how we can deliver future-focused energy solutions by making smarter use of the infrastructure we already have,” said Richard Briggs, EECA GM Delivery and Partnerships. “It shows what’s possible when innovation, collaboration and practical thinking come together – helping to reduce emissions, support the grid, and make EV charging more accessible for New Zealanders.”
The project is also expected to deliver community benefits, with EV drivers typically spending 20-30 minutes in town during charging sessions, supporting local businesses and hospitality.
WEL acknowledges the support of EECA and the Hauraki District Council, whose collaboration was instrumental in delivering the project.
Posted on

Climate – New research to understand the impact of marine heatwaves on fisheries

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

A new report has outlined the likelihood of gradual long-term warming of the waters around New Zealand, and an increase in short-term heat events, under different greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
New Zealand’s ocean temperatures are rising and marine heatwaves – periods of unusually warm ocean temperatures which persist for five or more days – are becoming more frequent and severe, with implications for fisheries and marine ecosystems. 
The report by Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA) was completed on behalf of Fisheries New Zealand to analyse the regional impacts of long-term warming and temperature extremes on fish species around New Zealand.
Earth Sciences NZ physical oceanographer Dr Erik Behrens says along with the warming of the oceans, marine heatwaves are projected to increase.
“Seas are projected to get hottest around the North Island, and to become longer and more frequent around the South Island. This is in addition to the continued, slower, general warming of New Zealand’s waters,” said Dr Behrens.
Average sea surface temperatures around New Zealand have warmed between 0.2 to 0.3 degrees Celsius per decade from 1982 to 2022. Meanwhile, over those last 40 years, seafloor temperatures have warmed by about 0.1 degrees Celsius per decade.
The warming trends in coastal waters off eastern New Zealand are particularly pronounced, along with offshore waters in the Tasman Sea, and east of New Zealand over the Chatham Rise. 
The report provides maps of past coastal and ocean temperatures for both shallow and deep waters, as well as projections for future temperatures for all regions.
Dr Behrens says marine heatwaves could double in their intensity by the end of the century in high emissions scenarios compared to what we experience today.
“Some recent marine heatwaves have already exceeded historic baseline temperatures by 5 degrees Celsius. So, by the end of the century these could be exceeded by 10 degrees Celsius. Scientists worldwide are working to better understand the effects of marine heatwaves and warming ocean temperatures on the marine environment to prepare for the future,” he said.
Earth Sciences NZ Principal Scientist Dr Matt Dunn says further investigation is required to determine exactly how these changes will affect fisheries and fish species.
“We now know which regions are most likely to experience marine heatwaves and have an understanding of the fish and fisheries that may be impacted. However, further data is needed to confidently predict how the ecosystems will respond, and what specific threats or opportunities ocean warming may bring. Nevertheless, this study represents an important step toward building climate-aware and resilient fisheries for New Zealand,” said Dr Dunn.
Fisheries New Zealand’s Director Science & Information Simon Lawrence says the distribution of some species is changing, and this is expected to continue as our oceans get warmer.
“This research provides another piece in the climate change puzzle that will not only help inform fisheries management, but it also provides vital information for New Zealand’s fishing industry to be adaptable and more resilient to the changes warmer oceans bring,” said Mr Lawrence.
To support a more climate-aware and resilient fisheries, a team led by Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Dr Behrens has secured new funding from the MBIE Endeavour Fund to develop multi-month forecasts for marine heatwaves. 
The project aims to provide an early warning system that will help marine industries, iwi, and regulators to anticipate and prepare for the impacts of approaching heatwaves in their planning and decision-making. 
Posted on

Electronic card transactions: September 2025 – Stats NZ information release


This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com


Unsubscribe

Posted on

Transport – North Island talent take home prestigious awards

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Outstanding contributions to the road freight sector were recognised at Transporting New Zealand’s 2025 North Island Road Freight Industry Awards over the weekend in Napier.
The awards, hosted by Transporting New Zealand, celebrate individuals and organisations who drive excellence in the sector – not just on the road but also behind the scenes in workshops, boardrooms, dispatch centres, training yards and rural communities all over Aotearoa.
Greg Pert of Tranzliquid took home the Supreme Contribution to Road Freight Award, sponsored by VTNZ, which recognises a lifetime of service, sector leadership and impact.
Greg Pert has long been a respected leader in the transport sector, previously serving as Chair of the Road Transport Forum and on the board of Transporting New Zealand. Under his leadership, Tranzliquid has introduced new standards for vehicle efficiency and championed driver training and cadetship pathways.
Foodstuffs North Island won the EROAD Outstanding Contribution to Health and Safety Award for embedding safety into every aspect of its operations. Through the mandatory use of Guardian by Seeing Machines and a suite of advanced vehicle safety systems, they’ve achieved major reductions in fatigue and distraction-related incidents.
Taylah Penn of Sharp as Linehaul is this year’s North Island EROAD Young Driver – a class 5 driver and emerging leader at just 20 years old. Taylah has demonstrated technical excellence, dedication, versatility, and strong team values, making her an inspiring example of the next generation driving the industry forward.
The Women in Road Freight Transport Award went to Hayley Alexander, CEO of Alexander Group. Alexander has spent more than 20 years championing diversity, professionalism, and innovation in road transport. Hayley’s progressive vision, mentoring of young professionals, and tireless advocacy for women in transport make her an influential leader.
KAM Transport were awarded the Fruehauf Outstanding Contribution to Innovation Award for their commitment to reducing the company’s environmental impact.
Clive Taylor Haulage earned the MITO Outstanding Contribution to Training Award under the leadership of Tania and Sooty Breach. Their workplace is one where training and development are part of everyday operations. This focus on learning, pride, and retention exemplifies a business that trains to retain.
Dom Kalasih, the chief executive for Transporting New Zealand, said it was heartening to see the range of skilled nominees and winners honoured at the Awards.
“This is a challenging time for many businesses. The number and quality of nominees for these awards show how talented and resilient the freight sector is, and the amount of hard work that’s going on to raise industry standards.” 
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. 
Posted on

Finance – Too many first home buyers are missing out on entering the market – FAMNZ

Source: Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ)

The Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ) says while data from the New Zealand Banking Association (NZBA) showed that first-time buyers accounted for a quarter of all new home loans in the first half of this year, it should have been higher.

FAMNZ managing director Peter White AM said with falling interest rates and lower house prices, this is the best time to enter the property market.

However he said too many younger people falsely believe they can’t qualify for a home loan, and others give up after being refused a loan by a major bank.

“There are far too many naysayers who preach doom and gloom and they are in fact destroying dreams,” Mr White said.

“Mortgage advisers deal with consumers every week who don’t believe they can qualify for a loan or refinance, only to find they can,” he said.

“They just haven’t received the right advice.”

He said consumers should remember that banks can only offer their own products and each has different lending criteria, “so if you are rejected by a bank, it’s not necessarily the end of the road and it doesn’t always mean you can’t afford it.”

His advice to first home buyers – even before they apply for a loan – is to reach out to a mortgage adviser and learn about the process and the options available.

“Everyone is in a different place in life, and each borrower has different needs.

“If you walk into a bank branch and they can’t help you because their product isn’t suitable, they aren’t going to send you to the lender down the road even if they know that lender can help you.

“Whereas a mortgage adviser has so many options like second-tier banks and non-bank lenders, and is obligated to help you find the product most suitable to your specific needs.”

Mr White said these are the reasons more Kiwis are turning to mortgage advisers than ever before.

“It is frustrating for many who are paying rent when they realise they could pay the same or less for a mortgage, yet they think they can’t qualify.

“Of course not everyone can, but it’s worth exploring options.”

Posted on

Science funding change raises fresh concerns about jobs and research independence – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government’s decision to consolidate science research funding into a new body – Research Funding New Zealand – raises serious questions about job security and the future independence of research funding decisions.
The Government today announced the shift of the Endeavour, Marsden and Strategic Science Investment Funds into Research Funding NZ, along with health research funding shifting from the Health Research Council. But there is no new funding.
“After hundreds of science and research jobs were lost and the impending closure of Callaghan Innovation, workers in the science and research system are facing yet another major restructure with no guarantee of job security,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
The PSA is particularly concerned about staff at the Royal Society Te Apārangi, which currently administers the Marsden Fund independently from government.
“The Royal Society has provided crucial independence in research funding decisions for 30 years, keeping them at arm's length from political interference.
“We're also concerned about the future of blue skies research, which is essential to a healthy science and research system, and has already been hammered by cuts to the Marsden Fund and the axing of all humanities and social sciences funding last year.
“How do we understand an ageing population, or the impacts of new technologies without research in humanities and social sciences? These disciplines are fundamental to addressing complex challenges facing New Zealand.
“Countries that perform well economically invest in fundamental research across all disciplines. You can't just pick winners and expect innovation to flourish.
“The Minister says the funding system will be independent, but consolidating research funding under a single board to be administered through MBIE raises real questions about whether funding decisions will be based on research excellence or political priorities.
“This Government has forced many scientists offshore, gutted research institutions, and now announces another restructure. How will today's announcement help attract our best and brightest scientists and researchers back to the science system or back to New Zealand after they have been burnt already by changes made by the Government?
“You can't restructure your way to excellence. You need sustained funding, job security for researchers, and the freedom to pursue the fundamental research that drives real innovation.”
Previous statement re Marsden Fund
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.
Posted on

Local Elections – Rural voices lead the way in council elections

Source: Federated Farmers

Farmer voices will be heard loud and clear in council chambers over the next three years, with nearly 70 candidates linked to Federated Farmers elected.
“In the lead-up to this election, Federated Farmers urged rural people to get involved in local decision-making – both by standing as candidates and by voting,” Feds local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says.
“The response on both fronts has been really heartening.
“I congratulate all who put their names forward. We look forward to continuing to constructively engage on matters affecting rural communities.”
While this year’s local government elections have seen the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with only 32.65% of eligible voters bothering to have their say, the response in provincial and rural New Zealand was significantly better.
The rural turnout was 43.6%, and in provincial cities it was 38.3% – both eclipsing the 28.8% who cast a vote in metro areas.
“Perhaps this shows that rural and provincial residents better understand how decisions by local authorities – on things like roading, water infrastructure, district planning rules – affect their daily lives,” Faulkner says.
“A major part of Federated Farmers’ work is advocating to district and regional councils for a focus on core infrastructure, reining in rates rises, fairer cost-sharing, and common-sense planning rules.
“We urged candidates with a strong understanding of rural and farming needs to fight for election.
“They did just that – and clearly plenty of voters appreciated their policies and skillset.”
Based on preliminary election results, there are 10 current or former Federated Farmers provincial presidents among the 69 successful candidates linked to Feds.
They are: Will Foley (Mayor, Central Hawke’s Bay District), Andrew McGiven (Matamata Piako District), Luke Pepper (Ruapehu District), Jamie Falloon (Masterton District), Keith Holmes (Waikato Regional Council), Geoff Young and David Rose (Environment Southland), Ben Fraser and Sally Dryland (Horizons Regional Council), John Blackwell (Northland Regional Council).
Posted on

Sport – Brodie Kane returns to Wānaka to inspire women into endurance sport

Source: Scope Communications

Media personality and multisport athlete Brodie Kane will return to the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half in February 2026, joining Olympic gold medallist Emma Twigg and fitness trainer Caroline Patterson in the team event.

Kane will swim the 1.9km leg of the iconic middle-distance triathlon, with Twigg taking on the 90km bike and Patterson, described by her team mates as a “demon in running shoes”, will do the 21.1km run. With all three having busy lives outside of sport, Kane says their team reflects the spirit of the event; strong, supportive and inspiring.

“I’ve had a huge year of racing, so this time I need the moral support and fun of being in a team,” says Kane. “And the event was so much fun last time I did it – such great vibes – I couldn’t say no.”

Challenge Wānaka is calling on more women to enter the 2026 event, with a focus on growing female participation through its partnership with Kane, who believes women often underestimate their strength and hopes her involvement will help others take the leap.

“Women are classic overthinkers, we catastrophise and doubt ourselves all the time,” she says. “But the joy it brings me when I see women overcome those thoughts is absolutely priceless. You will never regret giving something like this a go.”

Challenge Wānaka Event Director Jane Sharman says Kane’s involvement is a huge boost for the event and its wider mission.

“Brodie brings energy, authenticity and a real passion for empowering women,” says Sharman. “She’s relatable, she’s inspiring, and she’s not afraid to talk about the tough stuff – from body confidence to imposter syndrome. We’re thrilled to have her on board.”

“Women are often juggling so much – careers, kids, commitments – and that can make training for an event feel overwhelming. Taking on Challenge Wānaka as a team not only makes the event more achievable, but also brings an extra element of fun to the experience.”

Held along the shores of Lake Wānaka and surrounding river tracks and trails, Challenge Wānaka is often described as New Zealand’s ultimate destination race, combining world-class racing with the beauty of the lakeside town.

“It’s genuinely an event for everyone,” says Kane. “You get to start on the same start line as elite athletes and share the course with people from all walks of life. And also, Wānaka! It’s ridiculously beautiful – the whole weekend will be epic.”

Kane is also encouraging others to seize the opportunity to enter Challenge Wānaka and begin planning an unforgettable summer race weekend in one of New Zealand’s most spectacular destinations. With event registrations now open, there is also the opportunity to win a Challenge Wānaka weekend experience through the ‘Ultimate Wānaka Race Weekend’ giveaway, which includes race entry, accommodation for two and a range of Wānaka experiences to make the most of your “race-cation.”

The Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half and Garth Barfoot Aquabike take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with the junior, intermediate, and senior schools events taking place on Thursday, February 19, and Friday, February 20. The triathlon includes a 1.9km swim in Lake Wānaka, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run with entries open to Individuals and teams.

Entry to the Ultimate Wānaka Race Weekend Giveaway is now open, here. Entries close November 15.
https://challenge-wanaka.com/enter-giveaway/
 
About Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka
The Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka is one of the world’s most scenic triathlon festivals, held annually in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Lakes region. Featuring a range of events including the flagship middle-distance triathlon, multisport races, and AquaBike, the festival welcomes athletes of all levels. Operated by the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust, a charitable organisation committed to community wellbeing, the event supports youth, adaptive athletes, and local charities through inclusive sport and recreation initiatives. In 2026, the Challenge Wānaka Festival event will mark its 20th year, taking place from February 19 – February 21.  Registrations at www.challenge-wanaka.com.

Posted on

Economy – NZ Reserve Bank to ease LVR restrictions

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

14 October 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand intends to ease mortgage loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions from 1 December 2025.

“Over the past year, we have reviewed our approach to setting LVR restrictions,” explains Acting Assistant Governor Financial Stability, Angus McGregor.

“We concluded that the introduction of debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions last year means LVR settings can be less restrictive on average. This includes looser default settings that we expect will be in place most of the time, except for when risks are particularly elevated,” Mr McGregor said.  

DTI restrictions help to underpin borrower resilience by acting as a guardrail for risky lending. They can help contain the severity and consequences of housing market corrections.

 “Easier LVR settings will give banks more flexibility to lend, improving market efficiency and access to credit, particularly for first home buyers.

Now is an appropriate time to move to the new default settings. House prices are within our range of sustainable estimates. Growth in mortgage lending remains moderate and the share of high-risk lending is low,” said Mr McGregor.  
LVR settings will ease with effect from 1 December:

For owner occupiers, the limit on the share of new lending allowed with an LVR above 80% will increase to 25% (up from 20%).
For investors, the limit on the share of new lending allowed with an LVR above 70% will increase to 10% (up from 5%).

RBNZ will consult with banks on changes to their Conditions of Registration over the next two weeks.

“We have also reviewed our DTI restrictions and decided to keep settings unchanged. They remain calibrated to limit high-risk lending in housing upswings and periods of low interest rates, without the need for adjustment,” said Mr McGregor.

Responsibility for reviewing LVR and DTI settings will sit with the new Financial Policy Committee from next year. The Committee will review settings at least annually and can adjust if risks become elevated.
 
More information:

Our approach to macroprudential policy through the cycle – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=0d186b542d&e=f3c68946f8
Reserve Bank establishes new Financial Policy Committee: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=041b69fc59&e=f3c68946f8