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Economy – RBNZ opens consultation on draft changes to insurance prudential legislation

 Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) – Te Pūtea Matua

15 April 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) – Te Pūtea Matua has opened consultation on an exposure draft of a Bill that amends the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010 (IPSA).

“We're seeking technical feedback on the Bill to help ensure the changes work in practice and deliver the policy decisions made by Cabinet last year,” says Jess Rowe, Director of Prudential Policy.
 
“It will also help us identify and avoid unintended consequences and regulatory gaps.

“Insurance plays a key role in many of New Zealanders' biggest financial decisions. That's why a sound and efficient insurance sector matters to everyone, and New Zealanders need to have confidence in the sector,” says Ms Rowe.

The Bill is intended to modernise insurance regulation in New Zealand and bring it closer to international practice.

The draft Bill seeks to enhance how the RBNZ regulates insurers, including a move to a clearer and more transparent rules-based approach by expanding the range of standards that the RBNZ issues, helping keep the sector sound – now and into the future.

“The Bill will support the Reserve Bank to be a more transparent, risk-based, and proactive regulator.

“A strong regulatory environment must be both sound and efficient. The Bill introduces a proportionality principle into IPSA, requiring us to publish a framework showing how regulation is tailored to the size and nature of different insurers. This complements existing Reserve Bank obligations, including considering the impact of our decisions on competition in the insurance sector,” she says.

Consultation is open for an extended period of 12 weeks, closing on 7 July. The Bill is expected to be introduced to the House of Representatives in 2027.

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Transporting New Zealand calls for urgent repairs on Tiniroto Road, Gisborne

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight association Transporting New Zealand is calling for Gisborne District Council to urgently repair Tiniroto Road between Gisborne and Wairoa, warning its deteriorating condition is creating serious safety risks and costs for freight operators and other road users.
Transporting New Zealand Membership Manager Lindsay Calvi-Freeman says members have raised concerns about extensive potholing, surface failure, and damage to vehicles.
“Our members and their customers are paying the price every day. Trucks are being damaged, costs are rising, and drivers are being put into stressful situations,” says Calvi-Freeman.
“A local member has told me that that as well as the extra wear and tear on the trucks, it’s taking a real toll on their drivers’ mental health.”
“Tiniroto Road carries heavy traffic including logging trucks, trucks carrying aggregate from the quarry, and livestock trucks. It is a key freight route that is simply not being maintained to the standard required.”
“Our members are dealing with around 50 kilometres of road that is absolutely riddled with potholes. For a route carrying this level of traffic, it is hard to understand how it has been allowed to get to this point.”
“It isn’t just freight operators being impacted – Tiniroto Community Association have also been pointing out how dangerous the road condition is for the local community.”
One Transporting New Zealand member alone makes approximately 60 trips on the road each day, highlighting the scale of use and impact.
Tiniroto Road is also the only viable alternative route between Gisborne and Wairoa when State Highway 2 is closed.
“During the recent cyclone event, authorities had to close Tiniroto Road to stop it being used as a detour. That highlights how serious the situation has become.”
Calvi-Freeman says the issue highlights the need to ensure Road User Charges are being effectively invested in maintaining regional roads.
Transporting New Zealand has written to local members of parliament Dana Kirkpatrick and Katie Nimon, requesting their support in advocating for repairs and improvements.
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LINZ staff pay the price as agency agrees with Minister to do ‘less with less’

Source: PSA

Are Ministers now directing headcount targets? PSA calls for transparency
Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) admits service levels will fall in some areas as it embarks on a major head count reduction programme – today confirming 15 roles going in the first phase.
LINZ has agreed with its Minister in its performance plan to cut its workforce by 2 per cent over each of the next three years, meaning between 40 and 50 roles will be gone in total by 2028. It aims to reduce staff numbers to 800 by June this year.
The first phase confirmed to staff today sees 15 roles cut impacting jobs in ministerial and government services, business management services, and the team that maintains the digital backbone that keeps LINZ's technology systems working together.
“This is what managed decline of a key public service agency looks like, and the Minister is happy to see that happen regardless of the work that needs doing or the impact on services New Zealanders rely on,” said Duane Leo, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“We fear this is the thin end of the wedge – is the Government now happy for agencies to offer up specific headcount targets to meet its spending cuts or is it now actually directing headcount reductions? The PSA calls on the Prime Minister to be upfront with New Zealanders.”
LINZ management has told its workforce that to ‘ meet staff reduction expectations, LINZ will need to do less with less. We will need to stop or reduce service levels in some areas.’
“LINZ is responsible for critical functions that underpin property rights, land titles, overseas investment decisions, Crown land management and maritime safety. Cutting the people who do this work has real consequences.
“The agency's own staff have warned that the cuts create single points of failure, risk non-compliance with statutory obligations, and will lead to delays and errors.
“That's not efficiency, that's degradation of public services by design.”
The PSA's submission on the first phase of the restructure raised serious concerns about the impact on service delivery, including the risk of missed statutory deadlines for Official Information Act responses, ministerial briefings and select committee processes.
“Workers are exhausted by constant restructuring. Many have been through previous rounds of change and are now being told their roles are at risk again. The human cost of this relentless cost-cutting is enormous,” Leo said.
“These are dedicated public servants being told to look for work in a tough job market, at a time of rising costs impacting budgets, and impacting their ability to pay the rent or mortgage.
“This is just the same plan we have seen across the public service – a hollowing out the agencies New Zealanders depend on regardless of the challenges we face as a country.
“The PSA strongly opposes these cuts and will be demanding LINZ do all it can to redeploy impacted workers to other positions.”
Background
LINZ is New Zealand's lead agency for property and location information, Crown property and managing overseas investment. It manages land titles, the cadastre (official record of land boundary surveys), geodetic and hydrographic systems, and nearly three million hectares of Crown land.
In its performance plan for the Lands Information Minister, LINZ agreed to a 2 per cent staff reduction year on year for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Phase one of the restructure impacts four areas: Digital Delivery (Digital Specialist roles reduced from 3 to 1), Ministerial and Government Services (2 roles disestablished), Delivery Capability (Data and Business Analyst roles reduced from 5 to 3, Solution Delivery Specialist roles reduced from 3 to 2). Three Enterprise Architecture roles are also being cut. This team is responsible for maintaining LINZ's critical technology systems, including the Landonline property rights platform used for every land transaction in New Zealand.
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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Health – Public input critical as new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy released

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

A once-in-a-decade Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy has been released for public consultation, and Te Hiringa Mahara is calling on New Zealanders to help shape the final document.
The strategy will set the direction for mental health and wellbeing across Aotearoa for more than a decade, making public involvement essential.
“This strategy will guide priorities and actions through to 2036, so it is imperative it reflects the realities and needs of those it is intended to serve,” says Te Hiringa Mahara CEO, Karen Orsborn.
“We and others have long called for a dedicated strategy, and it is positive to see this taken forward. However, for it to be truly effective, it must be shaped by the voices of people with lived experience and their whānau.
“While the strategy clearly acknowledges the inequitable outcomes experienced by Māori and outlines improved outcomes in its long-term vision, we want to see targeted, measurable actions to deliver meaningful change.
“Te Hiringa Mahara is calling for the inclusion of specific effort directed to improving outcomes for populations with the highest need through effective, accessible solutions that are designed both with and for those communities.
“We also need to see stronger action to address the underlying drivers of mental distress, particularly for young people, where demand and unmet need continue to grow.
To support meaningful engagement, Te Hiringa Mahara has released advice to help New Zealanders make submissions on the draft strategy and use their voices and lived experience to help shape this document.
“We strongly encourage everyone, particularly those with lived experience of mental distress, to have their say. Public input will be critical to make sure the final strategy can deliver the change we urgently need to see,” says Ms Orsborn.
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Fire Safety – Fire ban lifted in parts of Otago

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving the Otago Central, Naseby and Lakes zones into a restricted fire season as of 8am on Wednesday 15 April, until further notice.
During a restricted fire season, anyone wanting to light an outdoor fire must first obtain a fire permit from Fire and Emergency.
The following special risk zones will remain in a prohibited fire season:
– Queenstown
– Lake Wānaka islands
– Lake Wakatipu islands
– Mt Iron and Albert Town reserve.
The section 52 prohibition of fireworks in Upper Waitaki, Central and Lakes fire zones will also be revoked at 8am on Wednesday 15 April, until further notice.
Fireworks will remain prohibited in the following special risk zones:
– Queenstown
– Lake Wānaka islands
– Lake Wakatipu islands
– Mt Iron and Albert Town reserve
– Glendhu Bluffs
– Naseby
– Lake Ōhau.
Otago District Commander, Deane Chalmers, says recent cooler weather has reduced the fire risk.
“South-westerly weather and shorter days mean the vegetation around the district is no longer as dry.
“Fires are less likely to start and will not spread as quickly in these conditions.
“But fires can start in Otago at any time of the year, which is why people must apply for a fire permit at www.checkitsalright.nz,” Deane Chalmers says.
“This website will also tell you whether the conditions are safe and provide safety tips for your burn.”
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International travel: February 2026 – Stats NZ information release

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International migration: February 2026 – Stats NZ information release

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Advocacy – Auckland council votes to investigate sanctioning Israel for war crimes – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

 

PSNA has congratulated Auckland City Councillors who voted this morning to investigate supporting sanctions against Israel for war crimes.

 

The Auckland Council Policy, Planning and Development Committee has just voted 14 to 2 to request a staff report by July on sanctioning companies on the UN’s Human Rights Council who are complicit with Israel’s illegal occupation and settlement of the Palestinian Territory.

 

“Israel has been stealing Palestinian land and moving Israeli settlers onto the land in defiance of international law”, says PSNA Co-Chair Maher Nazzal. 

 

“The local Palestinian community and our supporters sincerely thank the Auckland councillors who today have voted for steps to refuse to procure goods or services from any of the companies involved in building and maintaining these settlements.” 

 

“Auckland ratepayers deserve to know their rates are not being used to support Israeli war crimes, as designated by the UN General Assembly, Security Council, international conventions and the International Court of Justice.

 

Councillor Julie Fairey moved the resolution and rejected the arguments of councillors who opposed it, on the grounds that the Council should ‘stick to its knitting’, by stating decisions should be made so that ‘the needles and the wool do not have blood on them.

 

Councillor Maurice Williamson voted against the resolution.  But as a cabinet minister of the Key/English government at the time, he stated he had supported New Zealand co-sponsorship of the UN Security Resolution 2334 in 2016, calling Israeli settlements ‘a flagrant breach of international law’.

 

Williamson then went on to attack the UN Human Rights Council, falsely claiming it is chaired by Iran, when in fact the UNHRC’s President is from Indonesia.

Nazzal says, “Already six different local bodies have taken this step – it’s good to see Auckland following along the same path.”

 

Environment Canterbury (March 2024)

Christchurch City Council (October 2024)

Nelson City Council (December 2024)

Wellington City Council (August 2025)

Environment Southland (September 2025)

Palmerston North City Council (September 2025)

 

The United Nations Human Rights Commission has produced a list of 156 companies involved in illegal settlement activities; the database is here in a pdf: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session60/advance-version/a-hrc-60-19-aev.pdf

 

Maher Nazzal

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Anzac Day 2026: Recognising all who have served, past and present

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

New Zealanders will gather across the country on 25 April to mark Anzac Day 2026, coming together in remembrance of all those who have served the nation in times of war, conflict, and peace support operations.
This year’s Anzac Day holds particular significance following the modernisation of the Anzac Day Act, which affirms that Anzac Day commemorates all who have served New Zealand, including service beyond traditionally defined wars to encompass warlike conflicts, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations.
Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae says Anzac Day 2026 reflects an inclusive and evolving understanding of service and remembrance.
“Anzac Day remains one of the most significant days in our national calendar. It is a time when we honour all those who have served – those who did not return, those who carried their experiences home, and those who continue to serve today.
“I encourage people to attend their local services around Aotearoa New Zealand. For those in Te Whanganui-a-tara Wellington, join us at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park for the dawn service at 6am and the national commemoration service at 11am.”
Anzac Day 2026 also marks a moment of renewal at Pukeahu. For the first time since 2020, the National War Memorial Carillon will ring out again – with the bells tolled during the dawn and national commemoration services and a 30-minute carillon recital after each service.
“It will be very special to hear the voices of the fallen echo through the Carillon bells once again at Pukeahu. For generations, their sound has helped anchor remembrance for communities across Wellington and the country. Hearing them again this Anzac Day reconnects us with a powerful tradition,” says Leauanae.
TVNZ 1 and RNZ National will broadcast Anzac Day services.
Social media updates and live coverage will ensure everyone can connect with the day. For further details, logistics, and updates, please visit: https://www.mch.govt.nz/events https://www.facebook.com/manatutaonga/ https://www.instagram.com/manatutaonga/
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Health – Telehealth Failing to Meet Expectations, Not Reducing Pressure on Emergency Departments – GenPro

Source: General Practice Owners’ Association (GenPro)

Telehealth is falling far short of expectations, with fewer patients using the service than predicted—and it’s not easing pressure on New Zealand’s emergency departments, says Dr Angus Chambers, Chair of the General Practice Owners’ Association (GenPro).

“The government should redirect its $165 million investment in telehealth to what patients actually want: accessible, face-to-face care in their communities. Additional funding support would also help general practices keep fee increases to a minimum this year,” says Dr Chambers.

When the Government launched 24/7 telehealth services in mid-2025, it promised a convenient alternative for lower-acuity care and a way to reduce demand on emergency departments. But the latest figures reveal the initiative is struggling to deliver.

A Government business case projected 410,000 subsidised telehealth consultations annually, yet only 60,600 consultations were delivered between May 2025 and mid-January 2026.

Meanwhile, emergency department demand continues to rise. Between October and December 2025, 340,967 patients attended EDs, compared with 332,110 in the same period in 2024, despite a slight increase in throughput.

“Telehealth was meant to ease pressure on our Emergency Departments. Clearly it isn’t achieving that,” Chambers says.

“Patients are still presenting to emergency departments in large numbers. The service is nowhere near as popular as predicted, and it’s therefore not achieving its core objective.”

Chambers says the reasons are clear. “A GenPro survey of 1,798 patients found that 87 percent prefer in-person consultations with their regular GP. People want continuity, trust, and face-to-face care. Telehealth is largely a second-best option for most patients.”

Compounding the issue, telehealth is mostly being used by urban, employed, young adults – people least likely to present at emergency departments. This limit’s the service’s ability to reduce ED demand.

“These figures expose fundamental flaws in the telehealth policy,” Chambers says.

“This was a significant public investment, yet it is not delivering value where it is most needed. Uptake is low, it is not evidence-based, and it’s failing to support the health system as intended.”

Ahead of the 2026 Budget, GenPro is urging the government to redirect funding into strengthening community-based general practice.

“At a time when GPs are under enormous pressure, investing in in-person care would improve access, support continuity, and help reduce cost pressures on patients—while more directly addressing the drivers of emergency department demand,” Chambers says.

“Telehealth can play a role in healthcare, but it should complement—not replace—traditional general practice.”