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New Leadership Network Members to Grow New Zealand’s Success in Asia – Asia NZ Foundation

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono will welcome 41 new members into its Leadership Network this October.
The Foundation’s Leadership Network is a platform for graduate and early-to-mid career New Zealanders to develop leadership skills, expand their knowledge of Asia and build valuable links across the Asia region.
Each year the Foundation receives hundreds of applications from aspiring network members spanning a wide range of backgrounds and sectors. While their experiences vary, each new member shares a commitment to strengthening New Zealand’s connections with Asia.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Leadership Network has grown to include more than 500 members.
The Foundation’s Chief Executive Suzannah Jessep says the high volume of applications reflects the growing interest among young New Zealanders in learning about and connecting to Asia. Recent Foundation research supports this. Close to three quarters of New Zealanders under 30 years old say they consider Asia to be important to New Zealand’s future.
“The calibre of this year’s intake reflects the diversity, talent and drive we need to grow and deepen New Zealand’s connections with the fast-growing Asia region,” Suzannah says.
“As well as professional development, the network helps to grow a community of leaders who understand Asia’s significance to us as a country and to their field of work.”
She adds that the network plays a key role in preparing New Zealanders to engage confidently with a rapidly changing region.
“We have seen members of the network go on to achieve extraordinary things, from becoming Chief Executives and Cabinet Ministers to winning international accolades and founding successful start-ups.”
Ben Fraser, part of the 2025 intake, is a sheep and beef farmer from the central North Island and co-owner of an environmental management company. He says building strong relationships with Asia is essential to New Zealand’s future success.
“Asia’s relationship with New Zealand is vital, though it’s not always openly discussed,” he says.
“Beyond the importance of trade and economics, there is huge value in recognising the cultures, communities and perspectives that shape Asia and how those, in turn, influence our own society and decision making.”
Climate strategist Pok Wei Heng sees joining the Leadership Network as an opportunity to connect with peers, draw on his experiences in Singapore and Malaysia, and foster dialogue on climate resilience between Asia and New Zealand.
“What drew me to the network was the opportunity to be with a community curious about the potential of Asia,” he says.
Filmmaker Joyce Wong says she was motivated to apply after hearing about the incredible experiences of close friends already involved in the network.
“They spoke about the value of connecting with people across diverse industries, which can be difficult once you’re fully immersed in professional life.”
“As a young leader working in film, I’m passionate about amplifying diverse voices and perspectives, and I see a strong alignment of values within this leadership community.”
The new Leadership Network members will be formally inducted in Auckland on 4 October 2025.
About the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono
Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia insights and experiences. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia, by providing research, insights and targeted opportunities to grow their knowledge, connections and experiences across the Asia region. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports. 
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PSA takes legal action to protect support workers in South Canterbury

Source: PSA

Legal action is underway to protect the pay and conditions of 18 support workers in South Canterbury who have had to transfer to a new employer.
The PSA has filed urgent legal action with the Employment Relations Authority seeking a determination that 18 Timaru based care and support workers can seamlessly transfer to the new employer, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), retaining all current terms and conditions including leave entitlements.
The action is against both RDNS and Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora.
RDNS is taking over the contract from Forward Care Home Health on 1 October. The contract is managed by Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora to provide essential care to elderly and other people with health and mobility issues.
“The process of transferring over has been flawed from the get-go, workers have suffered unnecessary stress which could have been avoided if the law had been followed from the start,” said Fleur Fitzsimons National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The law is crystal clear. These workers fall within the definition of ‘vulnerable workers’ under Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act. This means the transfer should be seamless, workers should retain all terms and conditions.
“What RDNS is doing, with Te Whatu Ora’s agreement, is completely out of step with other similar transfers of contracts. All transfers in the Home and Community Support sector across the country over the years have treated the workers as if Part 6a applies and have transferred to the incoming employer on their same terms and conditions.
“Royal District Nursing has not agreed to transfer these workers their leave provisions. This means that those employees will not have an annual leave entitlement, when they start at RDNS and uncertain sick leave entitlements, and may not be able to use their annual leave for another 12 months.”
Care and support worker Miriam Patterson has worked for Forward Care for six years, supporting up to 15 clients a day with housework, bathing, meal preparation and other duties.
“This has been really stressful and confusing when me and my colleagues expected an easy transfer to our new employer. I’m really worried that my accrued leave will be paid out, rather than using it as I expected. Nothing should change as I am still doing the same job with the same people just with a new employer so it just seems unfair to make me wait 12 months before I can take leave again.”
“This whole situation is unfair,” said Fitzsimons. “Te Whatu Ora should not have allowed this uncertainty to happen – it has breached its own good faith obligations under the Employment Relations Act.”
The Code of Good Faith for the Public Health Sector in the Act provides that workers are entitled to be employed by any new employer on the same terms and conditions.
The PSA filed its application with the Employment Relations Authority yesterday.
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 organisation concerned by findings linking gas stoves to childhood asthma cases

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is concerned by new research showing that household gas stoves may be contributing to thousands of childhood asthma cases every year.
A new report, commissioned by Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), reveals that more than 3,200 new childhood asthma cases each year in New Zealand – and hundreds of respiratory hospitalisations – could be linked to exposure to indoor air pollutants.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the findings reinforce the Foundation’s concern about indoor air quality and its impact on children’s respiratory health.
“Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in New Zealand children, affecting 1 in 8 kids and leading to 360,000 lost school days each year.
“We know that indoor air pollution can trigger new cases or worsen existing symptoms, so it’s concerning to see research linking household appliances like gas stoves, wood burners, and unflued gas heaters to respiratory conditions such as asthma.”
Some people cooking on gas hobs don’t open a window or use an extractor fan, which can increase exposure to these gases, she says.
“This serves as a timely reminder to use good ventilation, especially if someone in the household has a respiratory condition.”
The Foundation has long advocated for better indoor air quality, as without proper ventilation, pollutants can get trapped inside.
This year, a report from Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) – which the Foundation is the New Zealand advocate for – identified indoor air pollution as a major risk factor for asthma.
For years, the Foundation has been calling for a ban on unflued gas heaters in New Zealand as they lack proper ventilation systems, leading to the build-up of poisonous gases in homes.
The heaters have been banned in Canada, some US States and parts of Australia due to health and safety concerns.
Protecting children from indoor pollution is critical to managing asthma risk, Ms Harding says.
“This research should serve as a wake-up call to ensure homes are safe and healthy places to live for children with asthma.”
The Foundation urges New Zealand households to ensure they have good ventilation when cooking and heating the home.
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Civil Defence – Digital billboards to deliver weather warning information during emergencies

Source: NEMA

 

Thanks to a joint initiative between NEMA and MetService, digital billboards across New Zealand will now display MetService’s real-time warning information during severe weather events.

Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) screens will act as an important addition to the country’s existing emergency communications channels.

 

New Zealanders already receive information about severe weather warnings through MetService’s app and website and through radio, TV and social media. Large-format digital billboards are now another way to get that messaging across to the general public.

 

When an area is under MetService Red or Orange Severe Weather Warnings for heavy rain or strong winds, digital billboards will display that a warning is in effect, alongside safety messaging from NEMA. The information is kept up to date through a live data feed that is checked every hour.

 

“MetService is committed to ensuring people receive timely and accurate weather warnings and this partnership is an exciting step to encourage people’s weather preparedness,” said Kathryn Blackmore Sales Manager at MetService.

 

“The digital billboards will help increase people’s awareness of our severe weather warnings and the messaging from NEMA means people have the information they need to stay safe.” 

 

The system’s design ensures warnings are displayed only where relevant. They can be targeted to a specific geographical area, similar to an Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA), which allows NEMA to display crucial safety information to areas forecast to be impacted.

 

“This technology helps spread vital safety information once we see a severe weather event start to develop,” said John Price, Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management at NEMA. 

 

“The speed at which the messaging gets delivered to those who need it is such a huge factor for us funding this work – it’s yet another channel we can utilise to help us improve situational awareness and public safety.”

 

This work has been a collaboration between NEMA, MetService, New Zealand Digital Billboard network LUMO, their development partner, Latch, VML – a behaviour change agency, and Perion – a programmatic DOOH tech platform. 

 

At the time of writing, more than 500 digital out-of-home screens in cities, towns, service stations and retail centres across the country can display this messaging, thanks to other New Zealand-owned DOOH networks taking part in this initiative. Alongside LUMO, Go Media, VAST, Hyper and Market Media have joined forces to create a unified national framework for showcasing public safety information.

 

“With climate change contributing to more frequent and severe weather events, expanding the reach and visibility of warnings is essential. By making use of a channel already embedded in public spaces, this initiative helps to ensure that when it matters most, New Zealanders see the warnings they need to heed,” John Price says.

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Aviation Sector – CAA welcomes three new Board members

Source: New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority

The Associate Minister of Transport, James Meager, today announced three new Civil Aviation Authority Board members.

CAA Board Chair, Mark Darrow, says the new appointments bring in the right skills at the right time.

“I’m pleased to be welcoming individuals who will strengthen the Board’s aviation experience and add exceptional commercial expertise in digital transformation, finance and audit, and change management.

“CAA has been through a major reset over the last year, and we have a clear vision and mandate to further improve the performance and efficiency of the organisation.”

Mike Schubert and Peter O’Regan have been appointed on a three-year term, starting 8 October 2025 and ending 30 September 2028.

Mel Templeton has also been appointed as a new board member on a three-year term, starting 26 May 2026 and ending 30 April 2029. Until then, Mel will be an external Chair to the new CAA Business Transformation Working Group. Mel will provide governance oversight and guidance to CAA’s ambitious programme of work.

This work includes a first principles funding review, planning a major rules modernisation programme, and working through a business transformation plan, which aims to create technology-based efficiency and performance improvements specifically targeted at certification processing times.

“There’s plenty to do, but with a new Board, a new Director, and a refreshed Executive Leadership Team we have fresh energy and focus.

“I look forward to working with my new Board colleagues. Aviation is an incredible sector to be involved with, full of passionate and dedicated people,” Darrow said.

“I would like to personally thank Jill Hatchwell who recently retired from the Board, and acknowledge Charles Spillane, who will retire in May 2026, for their considerable commitment and services to the Board and aviation safety and security.”

Mike Schubert

Mike is a highly experienced Director and Chair with governance and executive roles across professional services, health, primary industries, and technology sectors. He is a qualified Accountant, former PwC partner, and former CEO of law firm Minter Ellison Rudd Watts. He is currently a Director of several Boards across the banking, insurance and health care sectors.

Peter O’Regan

Peter has extensive aviation industry experience across technical, operational, and senior management roles in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the Middle East. He has led organisations through significant change, applying risk assessments and utilising data analytics. His background spans airlines, air traffic control, aviation and regulatory compliance.

Melanie (Mel) Templeton

Mel has over 20 years’ experience in technology, marketing, and financial services, with a strong focus on digital transformation. She is an Independent Director with TSB Bank Ltd, Motor Trade Finance (MTF) Ltd, Booster Investment Management Ltd and Xerra Ltd. As a member of Inland Revenue’s Risk and Assurance Committee, she helped implement large scale technology solutions during a period of change. She currently chairs digital transformation committees across several organisations.

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Legislation – Privacy Amendment Act passes

Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

The Privacy Commissioner says the Privacy Amendment Act, which has just become law, will increase transparency and help New Zealanders to better exercise their privacy rights.
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says that the important change in the Privacy Amendment Act is the addition of new Information Privacy Principle 3A (IPP3A).
Agencies already have to inform people when they collect their personal information from them, under IPP 3. Under new IPP3A, if an agency (business or organisation) collects an individual’s personal information from someone other than the person themselves (i.e. indirectly), then that agency is required to tell the person, unless an exception applies.
If an agency has collected personal information indirectly, IPP3A requires them to take reasonable steps to make sure that the person concerned is told:
– that the information has been collected
– the purpose of the collection
– the intended recipients of the information
– the name and address of the agency that is collecting the information and the agency that holds the information
– whether the collection is authorised or required by law and which particular law
– their right to access and correct their information.
IPP3A will come into force on 1 May 2026, and all organisations will need to have their systems in place to comply with the new requirements by then. There are a range of practical exceptions that will help agencies to apply the new IPP 3A in their context.
Earlier this year OPC consulted on draft guidance for organisations about the requirements of IPP3A. We will be publishing this guidance  later this year.
OPC is also reviewing the Codes of Practice issued under the Privacy Act to determine whether any amendments are required to incorporate IPP3A.
“Telling people when you’re collecting information about them supports open and transparent collection practices and helps people better understand where and how their information is being used,” says Mr Webster.
“The passing of the Privacy Amendment Act helps support that transparency for New Zealanders. This reform helps keep our privacy law in line with other countries like Australia, the UK and Europe. There are other pressing privacy reforms that I will continue to advocate for with the government of the day.”
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Appointments – Reserve Bank NZ Board welcomes new Governor and extension of current Governor’s term

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

24 September 2025 – The RBNZ Board has welcomed the appointment of a new Governor following a robust and extensive recruitment process.

The Minister of Finance announced Dr Anna Breman as Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for a five-year term from 1 December 2025.

RBNZ Governor Christian Hawkesby will remain in the Governor role until then.

RBNZ Board Deputy Chair Rodger Finlay says Dr Breman's appointment follows a robust recruitment process in which 300 individuals were identified, contacted or interviewed.

“The Board was pleased with the quality candidates who were attracted to the role, indicating the RBNZ's strong reputation domestically and internationally.”

Mr Finlay says the Board was thrilled to have nominated Dr Breman, who possesses leadership skills across the broad spectrum of central bank activities: “Anna's experience spans central banking, academia and financial markets. She has strong technical knowledge within monetary policy, financial stability and payments systems after several years at the Executive Board at the Riksbank and an extensive international experience.”

Christian Hawkesby's term as Governor will be extended until November 30, and he will support a smooth transition to Dr Breman when she takes the role of Governor from December 1. He will then depart from RBNZ.

“The Board is grateful for Christian's ongoing leadership and commitment to RBNZ. We are very fortunate to have had him step into the role of Governor during a transformative time for RBNZ. We respect his decision to resign from RBNZ when the new Governor is in post and thank him for his continued commitment to RBNZ's people and its important work.”

Mr Hawkesby says it is important to provide space for the new Governor to succeed, and his key priority will be a smooth handover to new Governor.

“I am fully committed to supporting Anna and leading the RBNZ through this remaining period – including completing our organisational changes, concluding the Capital Review of the deposit taking sector, chairing the MPC, delivering the Financial Stability Report, leading our remaining parliamentary hearings, and supporting the morale of our staff through a period of significant change.”

Mr Hawkesby thanked the Board for its support over the past six and half years at the RBNZ, first as Assistant Governor, then as Deputy Governor, and most recently as Governor under section 96 of the RBNZ Act.

More information:

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Scam victim numbers down, but losses up, reports Banking Ombudsman

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme helped more than 5,800 bank customers and facilitated compensation or refunds totalling more than $2 million according to its latest annual report. The most common complaints were about personal transaction accounts, property lending and credit cards.
Complaints and disputes were up 4 per cent and 7 per cent respectively. Despite this, the scheme exceeded its timeliness targets and maintained high satisfaction among users (more than 80 per cent).
Financial hardship complaints rose 55 per cent, according to the report. Most involved vehicle and home loans and KiwiSaver withdrawals. Service-related complaints rose 11 per cent. Poor communication was a recurring issue in many of these complaints.
Scam-related complaints fell 17 per cent to 694 cases, but the average reported loss increased 10 per cent to $88,000 this year – up from $80,000 in 2023-24.
Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden said the drop in scam cases reflected recent initiatives by banks to tackle scams. However, she cautioned against any suggestion that scammers were on the ropes.
“Scams remain a serious concern, especially given their increasing sophistication and impact,” said Ms Sladden. “We are pleased to be part of the new Anti-Scam Alliance, and we continue to push for stronger industry codes and coordinated action to protect consumers.”
The scheme underwent an independent review during the year, which concluded the Banking Ombudsman Scheme is “a modern ombudsman scheme that makes a valued and credible contribution to a fair banking sector”. The reviewer made 11 recommendations, all of which have been implemented.
The annual report also announced the retirement of the chair of the scheme’s board, Miriam Dean, who has held the position for 12 years. She will be replaced in January by Michael Heron, a well-known KC and former Solicitor General with expertise in commercial law, dispute resolution and governance.
Ms Dean said Mr Heron’s skills and experience, particularly in online dispute resolution, made him an ideal candidate to take over the role.
Ms Dean said the scheme would remain a trusted voice in helping customers when things go wrong.
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Advocacy – Israeli minister would embarrass NZ government with an official ‘thank you’ visit – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

PSNA says a proposed ‘thank you visit’ by Israel’s deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel would be embarrassing for the New Zealand government and expose it as a collaborator with Israeli genocide in Gaza.

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co chair, John Minto says he expects the New Zealand government will find some excuse to avoid having Haskel in New Zealand. 

 

Haskel, in an interview with genocide denier Sean Plunket on his radio show The Platform last month said she’d like to visit New Zealand in October saying “We want to thank the New Zealand government for its support over the last two years.”

 

Minto says the last thing Winston Peters would want the public of New Zealand to hear, is a high-level representative of the State of Israel coming here to praise him for his support for genocide and ethnic cleansing.

 

“Not because the praise would be false, but because it would be true.”

 

 “For two years now, our government has bucked public opinion, and it’s refused to sanction Israel, or take any measures to hold Israel to account, for its mass bombing and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.”

 

“Instead, Winston Peters has provided political cover to genocide and ethnic cleansing, by amplifying Israeli propaganda and dismissing the desperate appeals from Palestinians, the United Nations and a whole range of international human rights groups.”

 

 “The damage to this country’s standing in the international community is incalculable.”

 

 “His predecessor National led government, of John Key, rebuked Israel for far less serious infractions of international law in 2010 and 2014.”

 

“Over previous decades, New Zealand would have spoken out strongly and taken a principled position. But now we have become the unprincipled runt among countries we like to compare ourselves with, and tried to make it all go away with the public by saying the issue is too complicated or we need more facts.”

 

“With our reputation goes our potential trading opportunities among the vast majority of countries in the world who recognise Palestine and stand with the Palestinians.”

 

Haskel’s proposed visit would be added to her tour to Fiji and Papua New Guinea both of which voted with a Pasifika bloc last year. to join with Israel and the US at the United Nations, against a ruling by the International Court of Justice.

 

Minto points to the fact that Fiji opened its new embassy in Jerusalem last week. 

 

“This is an extremely partisan and hostile act.  Fiji and PNG have joined only four other countries in the entire world to locate in Jerusalem to try to legitimise the illegal occupation of East Jerusalem.”

 

“It looks like Israel’s minister will still bully her way into Fiji and PNG, but my pick will be that Winston Peters will be too busy when Haskel plans to gatecrash the Beehive.”

 

“It’s a shame.  We’d be delighted to deliver a very strong demonstration to confront the representative of the worst atrocity of the 21st Century.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Business Central welcomes Holidays Act reform

Source: Business Central

Business Central welcomes the Government’s decision to replace the Holidays Act with a new Employment Leave Act next year.
Business Central Acting Chief Executive Amanda Wood says it’s a long-awaited move that will bring much-needed clarity and simplicity to leave entitlements, and it is positive that the planned new legislation will contain the policy recommendations of Business Central members.
“The shift to an hours-based approach for calculating leave is particularly welcome, as it addresses one of the most persistent pain points for businesses,” Ms Wood says.
Other changes in the new legislation will include leave entitlements required to be proportionate to hours worked, access to leave entitlements from the first day of employment, increased leave compensation payments for casual employees, more flexibility to cash up annual leave, and requirements for employers to provide explicit pay statements.
“These changes will help create a more predictable and user-friendly system that benefits both employers and employees,” Ms Wood says.
“It’s a positive step toward modernising workplace legislation and supporting business confidence, and we look forward to engaging further on these changes.”
Notes: 
  • Business Central is part of the BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, representing and providing services to thousands of  businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
  • Business Central is the home of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and represents members in the regions of Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Wider Wellington &  Nelson.