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Energy Sector – Meridian and Nova finalise joint venture and financing for Te Rahui solar farm
Source: meridian Energy
29 August 2025 – Meridian Energy Limited (Meridian) and Nova Energy Limited (Nova) have completed agreements to establish a 50-50 joint venture to build and operate the 400MW Te Rahui solar farm at Rangitāiki near Taupō. The joint venture has also secured $300 million in project financing through ANZ for the first 200MW phase of the project.
Project offtake will be shared 50-50 by way of a power purchase agreement with Meridian for 100% of the offtake and a contract for difference with Nova for 50%.
Nova received resource consent for Te Rahui in April 2024. When completed, both phases will produce enough electricity to power around 100,000 homes. First power on phase one is expected in mid-2026, with full power in mid-2027. Neither party has yet received a financial investment decision for stage two (200MW), but both parties are working to progress stage two as soon as possible.
Meridian Chief Executive Mike Roan says the joint venture is a great example of how collaboration can move big projects forward for the benefit of electricity users.
“Te Rahui is a big undertaking and sharing the investment and offtake makes strong commercial sense for both parties, while the project will also benefit home and business customers by further strengthening security of supply.”
“It’s a real win-win and we’re delighted to have this opportunity to partner with Nova on Te Rahui,” says Mike Roan.
Te Rahui, along with four consents secured by Meridian in the past 12 months, shows the company is gathering pace in its goal to commence seven new projects by 2030, with the Harapaki Wind Farm and Ruakākā BESS already delivered. Also consented are a BESS in the Manawatū, a wind farm at Mount Munro in the Wairarapa, a solar farm to sit alongside the BESS at Ruakākā and the re-powering of the Te Rere Hau wind farm. Construction is underway on the Ruakākā Solar Farm and the Mount Munro Wind Farm has progressed to detailed design.
“We are doing our share of the heavy lifting to secure New Zealand’s energy future. Having invested more than $1 billion in the past five years, we have a further $2 billion planned for investment over the next three years. These projects will add over 1,000MW of new capacity, a five percent increase to the electricity system,” says Mike Roan.
“Our contribution to capacity growth goes even further. Through agreements like this one with Nova and the power purchase agreement we have with Harmony Energy / First Renewables for their 150MW Tauhei Solar Farm in the Waikato, Meridian is also supporting other developers.”
“All of the work underway across the sector will help make New Zealand’s electricity system more resilient and affordable. I believe it will also enable future economic prosperity. With one of the most renewable grids in the world, New Zealand can take advantage of the opportunity to create and market more green products internationally.”
Meridian and Nova originally announced their intention to form a joint venture for Te Rahui in December 2024.
The parties have awarded construction and initial operations and maintenance contracts to Beon Energy, who specialise in delivering renewable energy projects and have an extensive track record in Australia and New Zealand.
Universities – Claims on baby food over-egg the pudding – UoA
Source: University of Auckland (UoA)
Baby and toddler foods often feature misleading claims aimed at convincing parents the products are a healthy choice, new research shows.
From images of fruit to claims of being ‘sugar-free’, baby foods often feature misleading claims aimed at convincing parents the products are a healthy choice, new research shows.
The study led by Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, reviewed packaging of more than 200 processed foods for infants and toddlers and found all featured marketing and nutrition claims, which didn’t necessarily stack up when they examined the ingredients. See Nutrition and Dietetics.
“These little packages are cluttered with messages about why you should buy them,” says Dr Sally Mackay, a senior lecturer in population nutrition in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences. “There are so many messages that it’s hard for carers to know what is useful and what is not.”
The average number of claims per package was 7.5, ranging from three to 15. They were mainly ‘free from’ claims, for example, ‘free from additives’, and marketing claims, e.g., ‘for growing kids on the go’.
“This is an overwhelmingly high number of claims. They don’t only try to convince parents these products are a healthy choice, they also try to convey that they are an easy and convenient option that promotes the child’s development,” says Dr Berit Follong, a postdoctoral fellow in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland.
The researchers found that 60 percent* of packaged infant and toddler foods had images of fruit and 40 percent had pictures of vegetables, but many had very small amounts of those products in them. For example, a snack food with ‘purple carrot’ in its name contained a miniscule quantity of purple carrot juice and no actual vegetable.
The study didn’t look at packaging of infant formula.
While three out of five New Zealand infant and toddler foods featured images of fruit on their packaging, most of these contained processed fruit sugars, while one in five contained less than five percent fruit.
“Our findings are important because it’s vital parents have accurate information, so they can make informed choices,” Mackay says.
Follong says product names can mislead about the nutrient content, too.
In more than half of savoury meals, the name did not reflect the descending order of their contents.
“If meat is stated as the first component of the product name, this implies the product is high in iron and protein but often it is low. For example, a product called ‘Organic Beef and Vege Ragout’ contains only ten percent beef, and vegetables are the main ingredient,” Follong says.
In Australia, recent research found only about a quarter of packaged baby and toddler foods met WHO nutritional guidelines. Nonetheless, they featured claims trying to tell carers the foods were a healthy choice.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand is currently considering regulation of these claims, which the researchers support.
“We think these claims are misleading parents who want to do the best for their children,” Mackay says.
They would like to see claims banned on baby and toddler packaged foods and instead only simple, accurate nutritional information to be displayed.
Research has shown visual imagery of fruit or vegetables on children’s snack food products enhance carers’ perceptions of the healthiness of those foods.
“To avoid misleading carers, it is important that food companies’ use of this marketing technique on baby and toddler foods is restricted to instances where whole fruits and vegetables form a substantial part of the product,” the authors say.
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*Rounded to two decimal places
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Local News – Wellington metropolitan councils lodge Water Services Delivery Plan
Source: Porirua City Council
Five councils – Hutt City, Porirua City, Upper Hutt City, Wellington City and Greater Wellington – have today submitted a joint water services delivery plan to the Government.
The Metropolitan Wellington Water Services Delivery Plan (WSDP) is based on establishing a new multi-council-owned water organisation in partnership with Mana whenua iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika. The new organisation, with the interim name Metro Water, is due to take over from Wellington Water Ltd on 1 July 2026.
The plan says that Metro Water will have the resources, independence, and region-wide perspective to effectively manage and improve drinking water, wastewater and stormwater services for current and future communities, rather than being limited by council funding, electoral and decision-making cycles.
The plan meets the requirements of the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy.
The next steps in establishing Metro Water are underway, including finalising key documents such as the councils’ Statement of Expectations for Metro Water and principles for a Customer Charter, and recruiting Establishment Board directors and an interim Chief Executive.
An overview of the Metropolitan Wellington WSDP is available here. The WSDP is available on council websites: https://storage.googleapis.com/pcc-wagtail-media/documents/WSDP_overview_12.08.2025_FINAL.pdf
Northland News – Infringement notice fines to rise from September
Source: Northland Regional Council
Northlanders issued infringement notices for breaching environmental rules will find the experience more costly from early September after central government significantly increased the penalties involved.
Colin Dall, the Northland Regional Council’s Group Manager – Regulatory Services – says the changes take effect on 04 September under the Resource Management (Infringement Offences) Amendment Regulations 2025.
He says previous fines ranged from $300 to a maximum of $1000 but the new penalties range from $600 to maximum of $4000.
“Under the changes, fines are different for individuals and companies, with company fines effectively double that of individuals.”
Mr Dall says the council issued 153 Infringement Notices over the 12 months to June 30, the bulk (85) for discharging a contaminant to land where it may enter water, most of which were dairy effluent-related.
The next most common notices were 16 for discharging a contaminant to land/air (mostly smoke nuisance), 13 for discharging a contaminant to air from an industrial or trade premises (mainly for open burning) and 11 for land use in contravention of a regional rule.
Mr Dall says under the new regime individuals breaching the rules will see the penalties for a land use contravention go from $300 to $1500.
“Discharge to air (including burning fines) contraventions will go from $300 to $600, discharge of contaminants to water (or where likely to get to water) will go from $750 to $1500 and discharge from industrial or trade premises will go from $1000 to $2000.”
Penalties for contravening an Abatement Notice will increase from $750 to $2000.
“For companies the penalties have increased much more steeply.”
“Land use contravention will go from $300 to $3000, discharge of contaminants to water (or where likely to get to water) from $750 to $3000 and discharge from industrial or trade premises will increase from $1000 to $4000.”
For companies contravening an Abatement Notice the penalty goes from $750 to $4000.
Those burning on an industrial or trade premise where it is non-compliant will face a $2000 penalty.
“These new penalties are the first time the fines have been increased since early 2000.”
“We encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with the appropriate information before undertaking activities that could lead to potential breaches of our rules and regulations.”
Mr Dall says people can contact the council for advice on (0800) 002 004 if they had any doubts about an activity they were about to undertake.
Alternatively, people can visit the council’s website: www.nrc.govt.nz/newregionalplan
Advocacy – Auckland Harbour Bridge ‘March for Humanity’ Demands NZ Sanction Israel
Source: Aotearoa for Palestine
Tens of thousands are expected to gather for the ‘March for Humanity’ across the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Saturday 13 September, to demand the New Zealand Government sanction Israel for the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The march is organised by Aotearoa for Palestine, a coalition of Palestinians and tangata whenua.
“The genocide in Gaza is undeniable. Forced starvation is being used as a weapon of war, along with mass killing, and the destruction of Gaza’s health system,” said group spokesperson, Nadine Mortaja. “New Zealand has a moral and legal obligation to act, and must sanction Israel now,” Mortaja added.
The planned demonstration follows similar anti-genocide marches over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Brisbane’s Victoria Bridge in August, each attracting 50-100 thousand protestors.
Last year, tens of thousands crossed the Auckland Harbour Bridge for the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti. “The Auckland Harbour Bridge is a site of great significance to the Māori sovereignty movement,” said the group’s Māori spokesperson, Dr Arama Rata. “It has carried generations of Indigenous struggle across the Waitematā Harbour, from The Land March led by Whina Cooper in 1975, to the Foreshore and Seabed Hīkoi in 2004, to last year’s Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti where Palestinians stood with us in unwavering support, recognising the inseparability of our resistance against colonialism.”
In addition to their key demand for NZ to sanction Israel, organisers of the march are calling for an immediate unconditional ceasefire; and an immediate end to the blockade and reinstatement of UNRWA to allow life-saving aid to safely enter Gaza.
“When we cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, we march not just as Palestinians and our supporters, but as human beings demanding an end to genocide,” Mortaja said. “Our voices will echo the global call for justice in Palestine, and we call on all people of conscience in Aotearoa New Zealand to join us on this peaceful March for Humanity.”
Event Details:
What: March for Humanity
When: 9:30 AM, Saturday, 13 September 2025
Where: Assemble at Stafford Park, march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, concluding at Victoria Park.
Health – Changes to alcohol laws put profit over people
Source: Hapai Te Hauora
Hāpai Te Hauora is strongly opposing the Government’s announcement to weaken already unacceptable alcohol laws, calling the move a disgrace that hands more power to the alcohol industry at the expense of whānau.
“This move is a disgrace. Communities are already sick of the harm caused by the alcohol industry, and loosening the laws shifts even more power away from them. For decades, alcohol has been given a free ride in Aotearoa – promoted widely, advertised during prime time, and sold on almost every corner, despite the overwhelming evidence of the harm it causes. These measures will only ensure that continues,” says Jason Alexander, Chief Operating Officer of Hāpai Te Hauora.
Hāpai has consistently heard from whānau about the toll of alcohol harm. During Wai July – our first year running this kaupapa encouraging Tāne Māori and their whānau to swap waipiro for wai – more than 600 people registered with Hāpai, and thousands more engaged with the kaupapa online. The overwhelming response showed a clear desire among whānau to turn away from the normalisation of alcohol and reclaim healthier, alcohol-free whānau and communities.
“Just weeks after thousands of whānau followed the Wai July movement the Government’s response is to loosen alcohol laws that already cause irreversible and intergenerational damage to our whānau. It’s more than a slap in the face – it's a gross injustice. Whānau are showing they want change, and instead of backing them, the Government is backing the industry once again,” says Jessikha Makoare, General Manager of Public Health at Hāpai Te Hauora.
Makoare notes that the Minister herself had previously signalled support for reducing alcohol sale hours, pointing to the link with crime reduction data. “Now she’s changed her mind. This is a clear example of how alcohol lobbying has shifted the dial. Once again, it’s profit over people,” she says.
Recent independent polling commissioned by the Health Coalition Aotearoa shows New Zealanders back stronger action to prevent alcohol harm. Eighty percent support banning alcohol advertising children are exposed to, seventy-one percent believe the alcohol industry should not be involved in government policymaking, and more than eighty percent back restrictions on online alcohol delivery and limiting outlet density in local neighbourhoods.
“The public want stronger protections, not weaker ones. Weakening the law now just shows the Government is listening to the alcohol lobby, not our communities,” says Alexander.
Whānau deserve better. Weakening these laws will only deepen harm and shows, once again, that this Government is ignoring evidence, ignoring the voices of health experts and communities, and choosing to serve the alcohol lobby instead of the people of Aotearoa.
Local News – Lower Hutt Hits Native Tree Target, Thanks to a City-Wide Effort
Source: Hutt City Council
Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry has delivered on his pledge to plant a native tree or plant for every resident in the city.
Today Mayor Barry planted the 114,000th tree – a Kōwhai in Riddiford Gardens – to mark the significant milestone for Mouri Tupu Planting for the Future.
“I’m really proud we’ve achieved this city-wide goal before the end of this triennium. None of it would have been possible without the community, who embraced the project and put in the work,” Barry said.
He said schools and kindergartens stood out in particular.
“Seeing our youngest residents take part in planting has been a real highlight.”
Mouri Tupu has been so successful that it will exceed its target through a mix of council projects, community partnerships, and public giveaways.
This will see around 46,000 plants in parks and reserves, nearly 29,000 delivered through major projects like Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness, Motutawa Avalon Skate Park and Tupua Horo Nuku, a further 31,500 distributed to 14 community groups, and 6,000 gifted to more than 1,100 households during weekend giveaways.
Over 30 schools and kindergartens received around 6,000 plants through the Enviroschools programme, and approximately 1,100 new citizens received plants at recent ceremonies.
Mouri is the life force or energy present in everything, while Tupu refers to the early stages of the plant life cycle.
Barry hoped the campaign would inspire people to continue planting more trees and plants and serve as a reminder of the importance of looking after the environment.
“Trees are our environment’s lungs, and by doing more planting we can mitigate our city emissions and enhance our places and spaces.
“By planting these trees and other plants, we will leave a greener legacy for our tamariki and mokopuna and will help teach the value of protecting and enhancing our environment.”
He acknowledged the efforts of council staff, community groups, mana whenua partners, schools, volunteers and every local who picked up a spade.
Government Cuts – Department of Internal Affairs job cuts will mean more violent extremism and child exploitation – PSA
Source: PSA
Job cuts to the Digital Safety team at the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) confirmed yesterday will see more violent extremism and child exploitation online.
A change decision announced yesterday will see a net loss of 60 jobs, with another 66 fixed-term roles to close.
“These cuts mean more child exploitation and violent extremism: it’s that simple. These cuts are dangerous and irresponsible and will do harm,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
“The latest cuts come on top of heavy job losses over the past few years. These teams have been reduced so much that it is impossible to expect the same output of them.
Some of the critical workers affected is the Digital Safety team, who monitor online extremism and work with other agencies to shut down emerging threats.
“The Digital Safety team has been so understaffed that they have not been able to proactively scan for emerging threats and trends in violent extremism for the past 18 months. This scanning is crucial for early threat detection and informing law enforcement. Without it, the team are operating reactively, which increases risks to public safety.
“The loss of this expertise is hugely damaging for New Zealand, these experts are world-renowned.
“Digital Safety work with domestic and international agencies to prevent online harm in relation to child sexual exploitation and violent extremist content. This team needs more investment, not less, as extremists are becoming more sophisticated every day.
“These workers say that the persistent reductions to their team over the years has led not only to increased pressure on them but a degradation of the critical function they carry out.
“We urge the DIA to listen to their own staff and put in place the right resources to protect New Zealanders from predators and bad actors online.”
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.
Universities – Pacific elders missing out on health support services – UoA
Source: University of Auckland (UoA)
Older Pacific Island people receive significantly less funded community support services than European New Zealanders, a problem being investigated by University of Auckland senior lecturer in psychiatry Dr Etuini Ma’u.
The Health Research Council has granted $1.2 million to Ma’u to examine why Pacific elders are missing out on community services – and the impacts on their wellbeing.
Ma’u, who also works as a psychiatrist caring for older people in Waikato, says Pacific people are less likely to receive an interRAI (International Resident Assessment Instrument) health assessment than Pakeha New Zealanders.
This assessment is used to gauge older people’s physical and mental health needs, if they have symptoms of dementia, whether they need extra support to stay in their home, and if they might need residential care.
The researchers will analyse data from three Pacific health service providers in Auckland, Waikato and Christchurch to see how many Pacific people aged 60 and over currently receive the interRAI assessment and can therefore access the support services they need.
“We don’t know what the level of unmet need is, so we want to find out who we are missing,” says Ma’u, a Tongan New Zealander.
Pacific elders with dementia are three times less likely to go into residential care than European New Zealanders, he says.
Among those remaining in the community, only 33 percent of Pacific people diagnosed with dementia through one specialist memory service have ever used community services they were eligible for.
“Pacific people tend to have more health conditions and a higher burden of disease, so you would expect Pacific elders to have more support needs, not less.
“We’re obviously missing a big chunk of the people and that’s the driver of this research,” the 45-year-old says.
The study will assess 400 Pacific elders who have never had an interRAI assessment to see what services they are potentially missing out on. They will be referred to services they are eligible for and followed up to see what supports they end up using and how this influences their health a year later.
The research team will examine why Pacific elders who receive an interRAI assessment and are offered health and support services often don’t use those services. The range of services includes everything from funding family members or support workers to provide personal care, to day programmes offering therapeutic activities and social contact.
During the three-year project, Waikato University Associate Professor Sione Vaka will arrange several talanoa, or gatherings, for 20 Pacific elders and their caregivers to provide more in-depth views on the interRAI assessment, support services and how services could be improved.
“We want to understand the barriers in the current system, not just to receiving an assessment, but why there’s reluctance to use the services on offer, why they’re not seen as appropriate,” Ma’u says.
The researchers will also look at whether receiving the assessment and using services affects how many GP and hospital visits are made by Pacific elders.
“People who don’t get the assessment or access services are likely to have a lower quality of life, because they’re not receiving as much social interaction or the supports that would keep them at home for longer,” Ma’u says.
If Pacific elders are not using support services, the family often takes on a bigger caregiving load, he says.
“The burden of unpaid caregiving by family members of older Pacific people is massive.
“Carers might have to leave the workforce or take time off work to care for a loved one, but it’s not just financial, there’s also an emotional and physical toll.
“Carers tend to neglect their own health because of what’s happening, so they have poorer mental and physical health,” he says.