Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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University Research – Hauraki Gulf seabirds face tough time raising chicks – UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

Studies this summer show seabirds in the Hauraki Gulf are struggling to raise chicks, as the impacts of climate change hit.

Lack of food appears to have caused poor chick survival for some seabird species in the Hauraki Gulf this summer.

University of Auckland Associate Professor Brendon Dunphy, research fellow Dr Edin Whitehead and master’s student Isabella Brown have been monitoring the nests of diving petrels and fluttering shearwaters in the gulf since October last year.

The outlook for these seabirds is bleaker than expected, say the researchers from the School of Biological Sciences and Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Society.

Whitehead says there was a 50 percent failure rate in the 13 fluttering shearwater nests she monitored at Tāwharanui, north of Auckland. That failure rate is higher than normal, she says.

Four of the adult shearwaters abandoned their nesting boxes, typically a sign they can’t find enough food to survive and feed their chicks, Whitehead says.

In 2019, fluttering shearwaters in the gulf were foraging and returning to the nest daily, but in December 2025, they were disappearing for as long as 12 days. The adult birds left their nests for so long, Whitehead feared the colony had been wiped out.

“GPS tracking showed they were covering huge distances, making foraging trips as far as North Cape, which is more than 200 kilometres away,” says Whitehead.

The parents usually rotate shifts, with one sitting on the egg, while the other flies out to sea seeking food, then swapping every day or two.

“But if there's not enough food, the parent sitting on the egg might get too hungry to stay and will go to sea to feed too.

“It slows down the development inside the egg, because it’s cooler for longer periods,” says Whitehead.

Fluttering shearwater chicks in the gulf usually hatch between late October and the end of November, but this year hatching didn’t begin until late November. Some shearwaters were sitting on eggs until mid-December, possibly because the eggs had been left to cool more often while the parents searched long distances for food.

“This is unusually late and concerning because it's so different from what's been previously recorded for the species in the Hauraki Gulf,” says Whitehead.

Brown also observed diving petrel chicks hatching up to a month later than usual on Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Lower than average weights were recorded among the 15 diving petrel chicks monitored on Tiritiri.

“They were a lot lighter than normal when they departed, so they had less energy reserves and that could reduce their survival rate,” says Brown.

Dunphy says seabirds are sensitive to changes in the ocean, offering an early warning sign of shifts that will affect other species in the Hauraki Gulf.

“The ocean has absorbed 25 billion Hiroshima bombs worth of energy since the 1960s, but we’re now seeing the point where the ocean can no longer absorb more.

“We’re experiencing frequent marine heatwaves, which have immediate effects on the fish, zooplankton and krill that the diving petrels and fluttering shearwaters feed on.

“When marine heatwaves affect zooplankton, that affects the whole food web above it. We’re seeing the impacts on seabirds, because they are easy to observe, but everything in the gulf will be affected,” he says.

The Hauraki Gulf is a global seabird hotspot, where about 70 species breed and forage. Five species breed nowhere else in the world.

“We’re hoping some species will be able to cope with the higher ocean temperatures, but the ones we’ve looked at, it’s had quite a dramatic impact,” Dunphy says.

“I would like to say we can turn it around, but we’re living with 1.5 degrees of global warming. The goal is to keep it to that, but we’re already starting to overshoot it.”

Whitehead says slashing the amount of fishing in the gulf would help, particularly commercial fishing with purse seine nets that strip life from the sea.

Big boils-ups in the gulf used to occur often, with large fish, such as trevally and kahawai, pushing small fish and zooplankton to the surface, where seabirds could feast.

But these days, boil-ups are reported to have dwindled in size and frequency, making it harder for seabirds to find enough food to feed themselves and growing chicks, Whitehead says.

Dunphy says coastal marine reserves work wonders, but many of the schools of large fish that push prey to the surface are migratory.

In order to protect the migratory fish so vital to seabird survival, marine protection would need to be mobile and seasonal. GPS tracking could indicate where seabirds are feeding and where temporary protection is needed.

Brown says a diving petrel fledging rescued on Waiheke Island this summer weighed about 90 grams, when it should have weighed 140.

“The people at Waiheke Native Bird Rescue said they could feel its ribs. It was just wasted away,” she says.

Dunphy says “eco-grief” affects the seabird researchers.

“Our job is to study the effects of climate change on seabirds, but that doesn’t make it easier,” says Whitehead.

Dunphy says he had imagined climate change might have impacted heavily on the gulf by the end of his career, but it has struck earlier.

“We're transitioning to a different Hauraki Gulf, a certain amount of change is going to be inevitable.

“But we can make the gulf as naturally resilient as it would be without the other human impacts, like sedimentation, pollution and overfishing,” he says.

The seabird monitoring was carried out with Catalyst funding from the Royal Society Te Apārangi and the support of the George Mason Centre for the Natural Environment.

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Culture and Heritage – New Zealand creatives embrace digital tools

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

New research shows that seven out of 10 creators use digital tools for creative or cultural practices. Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae says the research shows that creatives are already well on their way to exploring these technologies. 
“The main benefits they noted were improved efficiency and helping to generate new ideas,” he says. The 2025 survey is the first time questions have been asked about creatives use of digital tools. 
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage's latest Cultural Participation Survey also shows that 65 percent of New Zealand creatives are now using generative artificial intelligence (AI). Nearly half use these tools to support or refine their ideas, one in three to produce art and creative work, and 14 percent to share their creations with a wider audience. 
However, for creators who do not use digital tools in their practice, more than a third reported a lack of technological skills or knowledge was a barrier. 
“This shows that creatives may need support to further develop their technical skills,” Leauanae says. 
Manatū Taonga is working with MBIE to support the creative and cultural sectors’ uptake of new technology, including responsible use and development of AI and accessibility technology. 
The work is part of Amplify, a national strategy that shows how government will help create an environment in which New Zealand’s creative and cultural sectors can flourish over the next five years. 
The findings reflect the Ministry’s recent Long-Term Insights Briefing Culture in the Digital Age, which highlights the innovative ways creatives are using digital technology, along with future risks and opportunities for the cultural and creative workforce. 
About the survey 
The Cultural Participation Survey, which began in 2020 and is undertaken by Verian, surveyed 2,000 adults aged 18-years-old and over from around the country in September and October 2025. 
The survey monitors cultural participation rates in arts, heritage, and media activities over time. 
Manatū Taonga will use the findings to better understand cultural participation to inform its priorities, investments, and strategies. 
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World Vision – AFGHAN CHILDREN FACE HUNGER CRISIS AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT CUTS FOOD SUPPLY AND INCOME

Source: World Vision

World Vision is warning of a rapidly worsening hunger crisis in Afghanistan after Iran halted food exports due to the escalating conflict across the Middle East.
Afghanistan is heavily reliant on both Iran and Pakistan  for food imports, but trade with its neighbours has now largely dried up following a significant escalation in hostilities over the border region with Pakistan, and amid widening conflict across the Middle East and Gulf region.
Afghanistan imports 80% of its market needs, and Iran is typically the largest supplier of these vital food and agricultural products.
These food shortages, combined with price spikes and the forced return of nearly two million Afghans from Iran over the past year are conspiring to create a massive hunger and economic crisis for a country where nearly four million children [i] are already acutely malnourished.
New Research by World Vision and research agency Samuel Hall reveals that lost income from families who were living in Iran or Pakistan is also pushing thousands of Afghans into deep debt.
The Compounding Returns report surveyed more than 400 families in Herat, Faryab and Kabul and found that lost remittances (money sent home by family members working abroad)causes not just a temporary income gap, but a rapid and multifaceted shock.
It reveals that:
  • 65%  of households depended on remittances for more than three quarters of their income, leaving them highly exposed when those transfers end.
  • 94%  reported an immediate loss of income, often within days of a family member’s deportation.
  • 97%  fell into debt to pay for food, healthcare, rent and other basic needs.
  • One  in five children has been forced out of school because families can no longer afford fees, supplies or transport, or because children must now contribute to household income.
World Vision National Director, Thamindri De Silva, says the impact has been devastating .
“Remittances from Iran were the economic backbone for many families and when that backbone is removed overnight, the shock travels quickly from income to food, from food to debt, and from debt to children’s wellbeing.
“To prevent a deepening child protection crisis, we must stabilise communities early and protect children before harmful coping becomes irreversible.”
Samuel Hall CEO, Nassim Majidi says external support is vital to help families weather the economic storm brought about through the loss of income from Iran and Pakistan.
“Our research found a clear pathway: deportation cuts off remittances, income collapses, debt rises, and households are pushed into harmful coping strategies that undermine children’s education, health, and safety. With almost no external support reaching most affected families, the priority must be a sequenced response – stabilise families, protect children, and support recovery through realistic, market-linked livelihoods.
Zuleika, a 23-year-old woman from Ghor says the impact has been devastating.
“Since my father was deported, we have faced serious economic problems. The first change was a lack of food. Two of my brothers were in grade eight and we had to withdraw them from school. They now work for a soup seller.
“We continue to reduce our expenses. If we cannot buy gas in the future, we may have to burn old clothes to keep warm. There is no support from the community and little assistance.”
The report warns that if deportations continue while humanitarian funding declines, the risks to children will intensify.
World Vision is calling for greater support for Afghanistan to provide livelihood support and maintain community resilience.
World Vision has been working in Afghanistan for nearly 25 years providing food, clean water, child and maternal health services, child protection programmes, and education support.
To help support World Vision’s work in Afghanistan, please donate here: https://www.worldvision.org.nz/give-now/childhood-rescue/afghanistan/
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Environment – EPA continues positive trend for hazardous substances decisions

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) maintained the upward trend for hazardous substances decisions in the second quarter of the 2025-26 year.
Dr Lauren Fleury, Manager Hazardous Substances Applications, says the EPA continues to use rapid assessment pathways where possible. Of the 16 approved applications in the second quarter, 13 were decided by rapid assessment.
“This reflects our commitment to assessing applications based on the risks posed and the priority we’re giving to reducing the queue of applications.
“It also reflects the development of our new staff who have been supported in their training by more experienced team members. In time, this will mean more resources are available for complex applications and operational improvements,” she says.
A total of 37 hazardous substances applications have been approved in the first half of the 2025-26 year.
Dr Lauren Fleury say, “We acknowledge concerns about the number of applications awaiting assessment and we are committed to keep improving our performance in this area.
“Our new hazardous substances quarterly reports are providing a clearer picture of trends and our performance.”
The latest hazardous substances quarterly report shows the queue of applications fell to 84, down 12.5 percent from 96 on 1 July 2025. This is the lowest number of applications in the queue since early 2022. In the second quarter, we approved two higher-complexity applications- one for an agricultural herbicide containing a new active ingredient and one for a non-agricultural insecticide.
In this period, 15 containment applications were decided, up from six in the first quarter, consistent with seasonal trends in previous years. Performance for containment application assessments continues to be well within the statutory timeframes.
Dr Fleury says, “the report also makes clearer the complex Category B and Category C applications that are currently progressing through their assessments, acknowledging this is the area of highest interest for many stakeholders.”
Strengthening relationships with industry
The EPA continued senior-level engagement with the Sector Leaders Forum as part of progressing the recommendations from the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review, as well as numerous operational level engagements to better understand the challenges and opportunities of stakeholders.
Dr Fleury says, “the EPA is further engaging with industry to explore ways to prioritise assessment of substances with the highest potential to improve economic or environmental outcomes.”
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Health – Drug Foundation welcomes substance harm action plan

Source: NZ Drug Foundation

The NZ Drug Foundation is welcoming a new substance harm action plan that it says has many interventions the sector has long called for.

The government’s Action Plan to Prevent and Reduce Substance Harm 2026 – 2029 was announced by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey this morning. (ref. https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/action-plan-to-prevent-and-reduce-substance-harm-2026-2029 )

Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says the plan has a strong focus on early intervention and peer-based support.

“We’re delighted to see some of the cost-effective, commonsense solutions we’ve long called for set out in the government’s action plan,” she says.

“Many of the new actions in this plan came directly from a summit we convened with the addictions and harm reduction sector last year. It’s a real credit to Minister Doocey and the Ministry of Health that they’ve taken what came out of the summit seriously, consulted further with the sector, and put many of the solutions we’ve all called for into a clear roadmap.”

The plan includes a range of new actions and initiatives, including:

  • Establishing a community-based peer follow-up service for people who’ve been discharged after a non-fatal overdose or other drug harm event
  • Improving access to overdose reversal medication and overdose prevention training
  • Investing in community-based mutual aid and peer-led services
  • Expansion of the Pregnancy and Parenting Service to support women and whānau with substance use issues
  • Support to grow the skills and expertise of the addictions and harm reduction workforce.

Helm says the interventions will save lives and save the health system money.

“One of the biggest predictors of a fatal overdose is having had a non-fatal overdose previously, so the peer follow-up service for people who’ve been hospitalised after a drug harm event is an absolute no-brainer,” she says. “Glasgow runs a similar service that has seen great success. I have no doubt it will save lives here.”

“We’re also really pleased to see more investment in community-based mutual aid and peer support groups, which will increase the options for people with addiction issues to get accessible support early,” Helm says. “These groups provide spaces for people experiencing problems to support each other to make changes. For many people this approach can be an effective way to prevent more serious harms that would cost the health system much more down the track.”

“It’s also great to see an emphasis on overdose prevention, including improving access to overdose reversal medication, information and training. We’ve been calling for action on this for a very long time.”

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Greenpeace hold ‘nitrate emergency’ demonstration outside Environment Southland meeting

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace activists are demonstrating outside Environment Southland today, handing out copies of a recent report on Southland groundwater to force councillors to confront the realities of nitrate contamination in the region. Greenpeace says that high levels of nitrate in drinking water in the region warrant immediate action to protect the health of the community.
Environment Southland’s ‘Nitrogen Contamination in Southland Groundwater’ report, published in January 2026, showed that nitrate in Southland’s groundwater and drinking water supplies was ‘both regionally widespread and locally severe in multiple locations.’
Greenpeace Aotearoa agriculture campaigner Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says, “The alarm bells are ringing. There is a nitrate emergency in Southland and it’s time for the regional council to take action.
“The report is explicit. There is widespread nitrate contamination throughout the region, and no one who has read the report could deny that Southland is experiencing a nitrate emergency. And yet Environment Southland has done nothing. It would seem some councillors either haven’t read the report, or they’re in denial about the findings.”
“The main cause of this crisis is cow urine and synthetic nitrogen fertiliser from the intensive dairy industry. A number of councillors have a clear connection with Fonterra or fertiliser companies, which means that these councillors have vested interests in turning a blind eye to the nitrate crisis polluting their constituents’ drinking water.”
A third of the Environment Southland councillors declared pecuniary interests in either Fonterra, or fertiliser companies Ballance and Ravensdown.
Environment Southland’s report states that there may be more than 15,000 Southlanders at risk of exposure to high concentrations of nitrate in drinking water.
Drinking water nitrate has been linked to several health risks, including bowel cancer, preterm birth, and Blue Baby syndrome. Recent research also indicates a correlation between high levels of nitrate in drinking water and an increased risk of dementia.
Deighton O’Flynn says, “No one should have to worry that the water from their kitchen tap could be making them sick, and yet for many people here in Southland, that is their reality.
“People’s health should be prioritised ahead of political interests and dirty dairy profits. It’s time for the council to take action and protect their communities from intensive dairy’s nitrate pollution.”
Last year, Environment Canterbury became the first council in Aotearoa to declare a nitrate emergency, following widespread concern from Cantabrians over the safety of their drinking water.
“Declaring a nitrate emergency is just the start, but it is an indication that the council is taking this seriously,” says Deighton-O’Flynn.
“Ultimately, Environment Canterbury and Environment Southland both need to take action to stop the pollution at its source. That means reducing dairy herd sizes, and ending synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use.”
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Property Market – Home values still holding steady for now – QV

Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

Residential property values have remained virtually flat over summer.

Our latest Quotable Value (QV) House Price Index shows the average residential home value increased nationally by just 0.2% in the three months to the end of February 2026, with the national average now sitting at $909,139.

That figure is 0.4% lower than the same time last year but 21.5% higher than in March 2020.

QV spokesperson Simon Petersen said this had been one of the housing market’s flattest summers in terms of home value growth – even more so than the 0.5% average increase over the same period last year.

“Residential property values have remained largely static this quarter, and yet the housing market has continued to tick along with activity remaining relatively robust in many parts of the country,” he said.

Across New Zealand’s main urban areas, Dunedin stood out as the most notable exception to the broader flat quarterly trend. The southern city’s average home value increased by 2.6% over the summer to $652,147, which is 1.0% higher than the same time last year.

Home values increased by almost as much on average in Timaru (2.1%), while Invercargill (1.8%) and Christchurch (1.1%) recorded more modest gains.

“It’s interesting to note the relative strength of property values across much of the South Island compared with the North Island. Of the larger urban areas we monitor on the mainland, only Nelson recorded a small reduction this quarter,” Mr Petersen said.

In the North Island, Auckland’s average home value dipped by 0.3% this quarter to $1,197,960, which is now 3.8% lower than it was one year ago. Wellington city’s average home value decreased by 0.4% to $908,230, leaving it 5.1% lower year-on-year.

“The housing market remains in a state of ‘steady as she goes’ for now. Listing levels and buyer demand are relatively well balanced, helping to keep property values broadly stable for the time being,” Mr Petersen said.

“But optimism seems to be growing as we start to see early signs that the wider economy may be picking up again. This will inevitably have implications for the housing market in the year ahead, as interest rates, employment trends and overall economic conditions continue to shape housing market activity.

“At the same time, global uncertainty and geopolitical tensions mean the outlook remains somewhat murky right now, particularly when it comes to interest rates and inflation. The next month or so should paint a clearer picture of what we can expect in 2026.”
Download a high resolution version of the latest QV value map here.
Northland

Home values remain largely static across the wider Northland region this quarter.

According to the latest QV House Price Index, the average home value decreased by 0.2% across the region throughout the three months to the end of February 2026, with home values in the Far North District (-1.9%) dragging that average down.

Whangarei (0.2%) recorded little to no growth on average, while Kaipara’s home values increased by an average of 2.2%.

Auckland

Home values have remained virtually motionless in Auckland this quarter.

Only Rodney (0.7%) and Papakura (0.4%) recorded modest growth, while Franklin (-0.8%), Manukau (-0.1%), Auckland City (-0.3%), Waitakere (-0.7%) and the North Shore (-0.6%) recorded modest reductions.

Local QV property consultant Matt Hogan said residential property values across the Auckland region were holding relatively steady with just a 0.3% drop overall across the three months to the end of February 2026.

“Sub-area performance was mixed but strong levels of housing stock are still on the market, with good buyer choice and solid buyer activity seen,” he said.

“Good quality and well-presented properties are enjoying high demand, with some strong sale prices being shown. Agents have noted high interest levels at open homes and are generally positive about the market direction.”

On an annualised basis, home values across the wider Auckland region are 3.8% lower on average than the same time last year.

Bay of Plenty

Home values have grown by an average of 0.7% across the wider Bay of Plenty region in the February quarter.

In Tauranga, the average home value is now $1,036,968, up 1.0% this quarter. That figure is 1.6% higher than the same time last year.

Meanwhile, Rotorua experienced a small 0.9% decline in average home value. At $674,733, the average home locally is now worth just 0.5% more than the same time last year.

Waikato

Residential property values have decreased by an average of 0.6% across the wider Waikato region this quarter.

The average value in Hamilton also decreased by 0.6% to $787,511 in the February quarter, compared to a 0.4% increase in the three months to the end of January. That figure is now 0.1% lower than the same time last year.

Meanwhile, values in the districts of Waitomo and Matamata-Piako performed better than the regional average this quarter, rising by 3.7% and 2.2% respectively. South Waikato (1.2%) and Waikato District (1.3%) also experienced modest gains.

Hawke's Bay

Home values did little better than break even across Hawke’s Bay this quarter.

The QV House Price Index for February 2026 shows homes in the region increased in value by an average of 0.6% this quarter. They are now worth just 0.9% more on average than the same time one year ago.

Napier performed slightly better than average this quarter. Its average home value increased by 1.3% to $759,123. Hastings’ average home value saw no movement at all, neither up nor down, at $779,008.

Taranaki

Home value movements proved to be a bit of a mixed bag in the Taranaki region this summer.

The average home value has remained largely stable in New Plymouth this quarter, decreasing by just 0.2% to $719,102. That figure is now 0.9% lower than at the end of February last year.

Meanwhile, the average home value has proven more volatile this quarter in South Taranaki and Stratford, partly due to the comparatively small sample size of sales data, rising and falling by 4% and 3.4% respectively.

Manawatu

The average property value in Palmerston North is virtually the same at the time of writing as it was a year ago.

That is despite a small 0.4% increase over the three months to the end of February, and a 0.8% increase throughout the three months to the end of January. The average home is now worth $637,870.

In his most recent report to local real estate agents, QV property consultant Jason Hockly said residential property values had shown little movement overall in the last two-and-a-half years.

“The price point bracket of $550,000-$650,000 has overall performed strongly so far in 2026, buoyed by first-home buyers. It has been rough for the $1-$1.25m price bracket overall. Large homes greater than 30 years old with little modernisation continue to show low demand,” he said.  

Wellington

There has been minimal home value movement across the wider Wellington region this summer.

The latest QV House Price Index for February 2026 shows home values have been all-but static over the three months to the end of February 2026, rising just 0.1% across the wider region to reach a new regional average of $809,491.

That’s an even smaller increase than the 0.2% increase recorded throughout the three months to the end of January, and the 0.5% decrease recorded throughout the three months to the end of December last year.

Hutt City (1.3%) saw more growth than the other local council areas, with Kapiti (1.1%) and Upper Hutt (0.7%) not far behind. Porirua (-0.8%) and Wellington City (-0.4%) both recorded small decreases in average home value.

On an annualised basis, the average home value in the Wellington region is now 3.7% less than the same time last year.

Nelson/Tasman/Marlborough

Home values remained relatively steady across the top of the South Island this quarter.

The average home value grew by just 0.8% and 1.2% across Tasman and Marlborough this quarter respectively. The average home is now worth $830,617 in the former, and $700,296 in the latter.

Meanwhile, the average home value in Nelson reduced by 1.8% to $777,407. That figure is now 2% lower than the same time last year and 16.7% higher than in March 2020.

QV Nelson/Marlborough manager Craig Russell said slow economic recovery and the high cost of living continued to impact market confidence in the region.

“Stock levels across Nelson and Tasman are at their highest levels for a year and continue to climb. A number of these properties have been on the market for an extended period and require realistic pricing if they are to sell,” he said.

“Most of the buyer activity is in the $500,000-$800,000 price bracket, which is predominantly the first-home buyer market, with most buyers looking for tidy modern homes as opposed to properties in need of significant renovations.”

West Coast

Home values across the wider West Coast region have reduced by 1.6% over the three months to the end of February 2026, according to our latest QV House Price Index. The average home value is now $442,874, which is 6.2% higher than the same time last year.

Of the three districts that make up the West Coast region, Westland District recorded an average increase for the three-month period of 1.8% and an average value of $490,788 – up 8% from 12 months ago.

Grey District recorded an average decline of 1.8% for the three-month period and an average value of $465,549, which is 4.1% higher than it was 12 months ago.
The Buller District recorded a decrease for the three-month period of 4.1% on average and an average value of $376,553 – up 8.2% from 12 months ago.

Local QV registered valuer Rod Thornton said the index indicated a general slowing of growth, despite markets remaining active.

“These statistics should be interpreted with some care, as sales volumes tend to be lower in regions like the West Coast, as they were over the Christmas period, and there is a wide mix of housing types, locations, price points and value drivers which can cause figures to fluctuate,” he said.

“A case in point is the Buller District, which to the end of January 2026 recorded a three-month reduction of 9.2%. That has turned around now, following a 4.6% increase in February alone.”

Canterbury

Residential property values in Canterbury recorded only modest growth this summer overall.

The Garden City’s average home value grew by 1.1% to $795,556 throughout the three months to the end of February. Homes here are now worth 3.3% more on average than the same time last year.

Home values in Waimakariri (1.9%) increased by more than average this quarter, while Hurunui (-0.4%) and Selwyn (-0.1%) both recorded modest reductions.

“Christchurch city has remained steady this quarter with good activity in all residential classes,” said local QV registered valuer Michael Tohill.

“Likewise, the Selwyn market remains busy with a large number of new builds in Lincoln, Rolleston and Darfield. The market for lifestyle and new-build properties in Waimakariri has also been busy with good sales turnover.”

Meanwhile, average home values have lifted in Mackenzie (3.1%), Timaru (2.1%) and Ashburton (0.4%) throughout the three months to the end of February 2026.

Otago

Home values have grown more in Dunedin than in any other city this summer.

The average home in the southern city is now worth $652,147, up 2.6% for the February quarter and up 1% annually. That compares to a national average of 0.2% growth for the quarter and a small deficit of 0.4% annually.

Home values in Queenstown also increased by 0.2% this quarter. Its average residential property is now worth $1,919,519, which is 5.4% higher than the same time last year.

Southland

Property values in Invercargill outperformed the national average this summer.

The average home value increased by 1.8% to $537,167 throughout the three months of summer. Homes here are now worth 7.4% more on average than at the same time last year.

Average home values in Gore and Southland are also 7.2% and 7.5% higher annually respectively.

You can check value changes over time in your region with QV’s interactive map on www.qv.co.nz/price-index/

The QV HPI uses a rolling three month collection of sales data, based on sales agreement date. This has always been the case and ensures a large sample of sales data is used to measure value change over time. Having agent and non-agent sales included in the index provides a comprehensive measure of property value change over the longer term.
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Annual food prices increase 4.5 percent – Stats NZ news story and information release

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Error notification: Food price index (FPI) for January 2026 – Stats NZ news story

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From Gloriavale to KiwiSaver: human rights abuses in plain sight – Mindful Money

Source: Mindful Money, Barry Coates

KiwiSaver investors increasingly exposed to companies linked to human rights abuses

New analysis shows KiwiSaver investments in companies linked to human rights concerns have surged, despite human rights violations remaining the top ethical priority for New Zealand investors.

KiwiSaver investments in companies identified as contributing to human rights harms have increased sharply. Over the past six months alone, investments in these companies rose 43 percent, reaching more than $3.5 billion. This has been fuelled by both an increase in the number of companies identified as violating human rights, as well as increased investment in those companies.

Yet public surveys conducted over the past six years consistently show that avoiding human rights abuses is the number one concern for KiwiSaver members in New Zealand when deciding where their retirement savings should be invested.

“These findings highlight a growing gap between what New Zealanders want from their investments in terms of human rights, and where their money is actually going,” said Barry Coates, founder of Mindful Money.

“New Zealanders consistently say they do not want their retirement savings linked to labour exploitation, abuses of children, gender discrimination, harm to vulnerable communities or companies contributing to conflict. Yet billions of dollars are still invested in companies connected to these risks.”

There is also increasing public awareness of the human impact of labour exploitation within New Zealand. A new podcast from Mindful Money interviews Pearl Valor, who speaks about her labour experiences growing up in the Gloriavale Christian Community.  Together with Brian Henry, Barrister for Pearl Valor and Founder of Always-Ethical – AE KiwiSaver Plan.

“People need to understand that exploitation can be hidden in plain sight,” says Valor. “When communities or companies operate without accountability, the people inside them can lose their freedom, their wages and their voice.”

Greater awareness is the first step toward protecting human rights. The Modern Slavery Bill introduced to New Zealand Parliament in February 2026 marks significant progress towards more ethical supply chains, and addressing the issues of slave and forced labour in Aotearoa.

Coates says investors have a powerful role to play.

“KiwiSaver providers need stronger policies to screen out companies linked to serious human rights harms. New Zealanders deserve confidence that their retirement savings are not contributing to exploitation or conflict.”

Human rights concerns increasingly relate to harmful corporate practices rather than harmful products themselves. While fund providers screen out issues like tobacco and gambling, few have active screens to avoid investing in harmful behaviour like human rights violations.

“My aspiration is that current members of Gloriavale, now equipped with access to news and the internet, will be empowered to acquire financial literacy and independence, and become aware of beneficial resources such as KiwiSaver.” Says Pearl” says Pearl

“I will always be grateful to Brian for his commitment to justice for those leaving the Gloriavale Community. Through this work, I and many others have been able to step into a freer world that we were never allowed to see. Modern-day slavery is real and it exists in New Zealand today. Brian is helping expose this injustice and is standing up for those who were denied their freedom, their wages, and their voice.” Says Pearl

In recent years, attention has increasingly focused on the activities of major technology companies, particularly around surveillance, social media harms and their use in conflict situations. Companies identified as raising human rights concerns include Meta, Tesla, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Palantir Technologies.

Concerns have also grown over investments in companies linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the West Bank and Ukraine.

Despite concerns from members of the public, KiwiSaver investments in companies providing weapons, surveillance technology or other support linked to these conflicts increased 14 percent between March and September 2025, reaching $856 million.

Companies receiving increased investment during this period include IBM, Booking Holdings, Palantir Technologies, Motorola Solutions and Caterpillar.

“Where money flows, systems follow. Ethical investment redirects capital away from modern slavery and toward dignity, transparency, and fair work.” says Brian

“These are major global corporations, and New Zealand investors have only a small share of their capital,” Coates said. “It is unlikely that fund managers sending letters or voting a few shares will change their practices. If companies are linked to human rights violations, fund providers should respect the wishes of their clients and avoid investing in them.”

Mindful Money identifies companies associated with human rights concerns on its website, including those linked to Palestinian human rights issues, which are marked with an OPT symbol so KiwiSaver members can see whether their funds are invested in them.

Mindful Money is calling on KiwiSaver providers to strengthen their human rights screening and divest from companies associated with human rights violations.

People power

Members of the public can easily see what their fund is investing in by going to the Mindful Money website www.mindfulmoney.nz. Mindful Money is a charity and provides transparency to KiwiSaver and retail funds investors.

“All investment decisions for the AE KiwiSaver Plan are undertaken in-house, reflecting Brian Henry’s ethical management approach and his ongoing commitment to justice, which is currently demonstrated through his involvement in the Gloriavale case.” says Sandra Clark (CEO)

Members of the public can check what is in their fund using the free Fund Checker.

Notes:

Mindful Money publishes the methodology for companies that have a record of breaching internationally-agreed human rights norms. Methodology here.

https://mindfulmoney.nz/learn/how-does-mindful-money-identify-companies-who-have-breached-human-rights/

Human rights violations are shown in the categories of breaches of labour rights; war and conflict; corruption and breaches of business ethics; public health and safety; and other violations including privacy and indigenous peoples’ rights.

Link to YouTube Gloriavale interview

https://youtu.be/b12McipxAZA?si=7tVIaqY2lBfOaqcL