Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Property Market – NZ housing market remains subdued as affordability drives regional divide – Cotality

Source: Cotality

The latest update of Cotality’s Mapping the Market interactive tool, which provides suburb-level property insights across the country, shows 56% of suburbs recorded either stable or rising standalone house values over the three months to June.

However, while values remain broadly flat at a national level, Southland and West Coast housing markets dominated the list of the country’s strongest performers, accounting for 21 of the top 25 suburbs where house values have risen by at least 10% over the past year.

Nationally the median value of a standalone house fell 0.1% over the quarter and remains 17% below the peak to $834,199 (versus the overall median of $808,187).
Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said buyers remained in control of pricing negotiations after weaker than expected sales activity across the first 4-5 months of the year and elevated listings.
“It’s always difficult to cast a wide net across the various trends at a suburb level and come to a clear conclusion about just one or two key drivers,” he said.
“However, in many of those stronger performing suburbs, the two most likely factors for the double-digit growth are their affordability relative to the rest of the country and robust farming sector which is supporting cash flow and confidence.”

Affordable regional markets lead the way

Among the strongest performers for standalone houses over the past year were Lorneville in Invercargill, Wallacetown in Southland District, Ngahere in Grey District and Te Anau in Southland District, all recording annual growth of more than 14%.
Mr Davidson said affordability and local economic conditions were likely playing an important role in supporting demand across those markets.
“Many of the best performing suburbs are relatively affordable compared with larger urban centres, and their resistance to softer economic and overall market conditions could well be due to first home buyer activity and smaller-scale investors,” he said.
“We also know that areas linked to communities where there’s robust farming activity and strong regional economies have also generally been holding up well.”

Auckland encounters ongoing headwinds

While many regional markets have bucked the national trend, Auckland suburbs feature prominently among the country’s weakest performing areas.
For standalone houses, Wesley in Auckland City recorded an annual decline of 7.8%, while Wiri in Manukau fell 7.4% and Glen Innes declined 6.9%.
Mr Davidson said Auckland’s key restraints for values include a strong new supply pipeline and cautious buyer sentiment.
“Auckland experienced one of the strongest upswings during the pandemic period, which pushed values to very elevated levels and created significant affordability challenges for many buyers,” he said.
“Values for all property types across the city are now about 23% below their January 2022 peak of $1.36 million, but they remain above their pre-pandemic levels.”

Mixed results of townhouse values

For townhouses and flats, 52% of suburbs recorded either stable or rising values over the three months to June, an unchanged proportion from March.
Eleven suburbs recorded annual townhouse value growth of at least 10%, including Matua in Tauranga, Katikati in Western Bay of Plenty, Putaruru in South Waikato, Fernhill in Queenstown and Alexandra in Central Otago.
However, several suburbs also recorded annual declines of 10% or more, including Bader in Hamilton, Weymouth in Manukau and Auckland Central.
Mr Davidson said supply dynamics were a significant factor in the performance of townhouse markets across the country.
“In some locations, particularly where there has been a significant pipeline of new development, buyers are being presented with an array of choice which has placed ongoing restraint on values,” he said.
“Conversely in other area where there are more affordable price points and stronger local demand, the performance has been stronger, and in some cases positive, as there’s less stock and competition.”
“That being said, contrary to some perceptions out there, townhouses aren’t generally seeing their values underperform other property types.”

Wide ranging performances across NZ suburbs

Auckland still dominates the list of suburbs with the highest median values for houses, including $3.03m in Herne Bay, $2.87m in Saint Marys Bay, and $2.43m in Parnell. 
Kelvin Heights makes an appearance for Queenstown, at $2.48m
At the other end of the spectrum, eight suburbs recorded median house values below $300,000, including Ikamatua in Buller, Clinton in Clutha and Waiouru in Ruapehu.
Auckland continues to account for the country’s highest townhouse values, with Stonefields leading the way at $1.29 million, ahead of Campbells Bay ($1.21 million) and Castor Bay ($1.17 million).
Outlook clouded by economic uncertainty

Mr Davidson said the outlook for the housing market remains closely tied to the wider economy and the path of interest rates, with the battle to contain inflation likely to influence market activity over the coming months.

“Recent Mapping the Market results highlight how varied conditions are around the country at present, and that variability could become even more pronounced if economic uncertainty persists,” he said.
“Higher mortgage rates and a weaker economy tend to place a greater emphasis on affordability, which is one reason we've seen some lower-priced markets perform better than others.”
He said elevated listings and subdued sales volumes were likely to remain key features of the market in the months ahead, helping to explain why some suburbs were outperforming and others had softened.
“Buyers generally still have a reasonable amount of choice, and that means some markets are finding it harder to generate price growth than others,” he said.
“The next three to six months are likely to bring more of the same patterns we've seen at a suburb level, with affordability remaining a key driver of demand and property values generally tracking sideways at a national level.”
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Business financial data: March 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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Business employment data: March 2026 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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Business Canterbury – South Island steps forward with business focused election conference.

Source: Business Canterbury

The South Island is stepping forward with confidence this election year, bringing together business and political leaders for what is shaping up to be the largest pre-election gathering of its kind in the region.

Business Canterbury, alongside Chambers of Commerce and industry associations, have this week announced they are holding an inaugural South Island Election Conference. This major pre-election event is designed to showcase the region’s momentum and help shape its future.

Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “With senior political leaders taking the stage, and a strong cross-section of business covering the South Island in attendance, the conference will send a clear signal that the South Island is ready to play an even bigger role in New Zealand’s economic growth story as we move forward.”

“The timing for this conference is deliberate. Right now, the South Island has strong economic growth and is full of opportunity, and we’re seeing real momentum across a range of sectors.

“This is about setting the South Island up for the future by ensuring the opportunities are well known across political parties and that we continue to see investment ahead of demand in our growing South Island economy, amplifying it and making sure it’s front and centre as political parties set their priorities for the election campaign and future Governments.

From food and fibre exports to renewable energy, tourism and advanced manufacturing, the South Island is entering a period of real economic strength. Its geography and scale, long seen as challenges, are increasingly being recognised as competitive advantages that position the region to drive growth and continue to increase the economic contribution to New Zealand.

Watson says the conference is about exploring the levers to unlock that potential.

“We know the South Island already makes a significant contribution to the national economy, but we also know there’s headroom to do more. With the right policy settings, investment and focus, this is a region that can help lift New Zealand’s overall economic performance.

Designed to provide business across the South Island a platform to have these conversations, the conference will create a direct line between those driving the region’s economy and those seeking to shape it. Political leaders from across the spectrum will take part, including addresses from both the National and Labour Party leaders, alongside focused conversations on the issues that matter most to the regions of the South Island.

Those discussions will span the economic agenda including productivity, innovation and tax settings as well as workforce challenges such as immigration, education, health and safety, and industrial relations. A dedicated South Island infrastructure debate will also bring into focus one of the most important enablers of growth.

Watson says the emphasis is on constructive, forward-looking engagement.

“This is about having practical, grounded conversations about how we continue to support the growth across the South Island. We want to hear directly from political leaders about how they see the South Island’s role in the economy, and how they intend to support the opportunities that exist here.

An important feature of the conference is the level of alignment behind it, with Chambers of Commerce and industry associations from across the South Island working together in a coordinated effort to elevate the region’s voice.

Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Sharon Fifield says, “The collaboration reflects growing confidence across the South Island.

“Across the South Island, we’re seeing businesses that are ambitious, outward-looking and ready to grow.

“This conference is an opportunity to bring that collective energy together and ensure decision-makers understand both the scale of opportunity and what’s needed to unlock it.”

Business South Chief Executive, Mike Collins says, “It is a chance to highlight the strengths that set the region apart. The South Island’s economy is diverse, resilient and deeply connected to local and global markets.

“By coming together in this way, we’re sending a strong, positive signal about the role this region can play in driving New Zealand’s future prosperity.”

As the election campaign gathers pace, Business Canterbury says the conference is about ensuring the South Island’s opportunity story is both heard clearly and enabled through future investment and policy that will drive innovation, productivity and growth.

“This isn’t about competing with other regions, we simply want to be able to contribute more. The South Island has a huge amount to offer, and this is our moment to bring that into focus and help shape what comes next.”

Note: The Chambers and organisations supporting the South Island Election Conference are:

  • Business South
  • Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce
  • Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce
  • South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce
  • Southland Chamber of Commerce
  • Wanaka Business Chamber
  • Marlborough Chamber of Commerce
  • Family Business Association
  • Hospitality NZ
  • Infrastructure NZ.

Business Canterbury is proudly partnering with the Christchurch International Airport, Scenic Hotel Group, Wynn Williams and the New Zealand Herald to deliver this event.

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

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Government Cuts – Govt cuts come for Māori, Pasifika, disability roles at ACC – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government is continuing its crusade against public services by and for Māori, with ACC proposing to cut its Māori and Equity team by more than half.
The proposal, which would disestablish the entire team of 24 and establish 10 roles, would also cut specific capability for Pasifika and people with disabilities.
Jack McDonald, Te Kaihautū Māori for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, said the proposal would take ACC backwards.
“ACC set up this team in 2023 because the data shows it needs to do more to deliver for Māori, Pasifika and people with disabilities – they are the people who will be worse off because of the Government’s cost-cutting drive. Cutting this team and diluting its responsibilities is the opposite of progress.”
The role of the team is to clarify accountability and weave Māori capability and support for Māori, Pasifika and people with disabilities across ACC.
“This proposed change will also hurt the Crown’s ability to meet its Te Tiriti obligations,” said McDonald. “This Government has slashed Māori and Te Tiriti focused roles, teams, and programmes across public services, while undermining the role of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.”
The PSA represents over 1,400 members at ACC and will be making a submission opposing the proposal.
Some examples of Government cuts to Māori capability
Removing references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in 19 laws: Removing Te Tiriti principles will do lasting damage to public services
StatsNZ disestablish its Tangata Tiriti Learning Capability Team: Statistics NZ proposes axing Māori Learning Capability team in latest cull
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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Federated Farmers backs ACT visa proposal

Source: Federated Farmers

ACT's proposed Rural Workforce Visa would make New Zealand more attractive to migrant workers and help address persistent labour shortages on farms, Federated Farmers says.
“Farmers have been crying out for a more practical immigration system, and ACT's proposed approach is a big step in the right direction,” Federated Farmers immigration spokesperson Karl Dean says.
“This proposed visa would provide a clear pathway to residence, which would help make New Zealand a lot more appealing to migrant workers.
“The fact is that a lot of migrants have been heading to other markets like Canada or Australia, which offer an easier pathway.
“It’s an issue Federated Farmers has been speaking up about for a long time now, so it’s good to see it being addressed.
“This is exactly the sort of policy we want to see from political parties – ideas that tackle real problems and deliver real benefits for rural New Zealand and the ag sector.”
Dean says Kiwi farmers have faced ongoing difficulties securing a reliable pipeline of yearlong workers.
“Too often we have farm employers in desperate need of staff but unable to find them, particularly during the busiest times of year, like calving.
“If we can make it easier for migrant workers to come here – and stay here – that’s going to take so much pressure off farmers.”
Dean says ACT needs to clarify whether there would be a cool-down period in the new system, where the worker must go back to their home country between reapplication for the visa.
“It will take two three-year terms to qualify for the cumulative six years for the residency pathway, so we need to know if workers need to go home in the middle.
“That detail will matter for both employers and workers planning long-term.”
Dean says it’s promising that, while these roles would need to be advertised to Kiwis every three years, they could easily be renewed to fill workforce shortages.
He adds that it’s promising to see the visa would be exempt from the infrastructure levy that ACT proposed in May.
“However, as we said in May, we still strongly oppose that $6 per day infrastructure surcharge that ACT is proposing for seasonal visas,” Dean says.
“It would amount to a $2200 employer tax for farmers. We don’t need new taxes – what we need is less government spending.
“I urge the ACT party to rule that infrastructure surcharge out entirely.” 
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Care experienced advocates say rangatahi Māori can’t wait for the system to catch up following new report

Source: VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai

VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai says a new report highlighting the ongoing overrepresentation of tamariki and rangatahi Māori throughout the Oranga Tamariki system should be a catalyst for urgent action rather than further discussion.

The report, Outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the Oranga Tamariki system 2024/25, released today by Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children's Monitor, found tamariki and rangatahi Māori remain disproportionately represented at every stage of the system and are more likely to experience poorer outcomes than both non-Māori and Māori who have never been involved with Oranga Tamariki.

VOYCE Chief Executive Tracie Shipton says the findings are deeply concerning but not surprising.

“The reality is that tamariki Māori are disproportionately represented across the entire Oranga Tamariki system, and the disparity becomes even more pronounced the deeper into the system they go.”

“What this report shows is that too many tamariki Māori are not receiving the right support at the earliest opportunity. When concerns are identified, the response needs to be swift, effective and centred on the needs of the child and their whānau. Right now, that is not consistently happening.”

The report found many tamariki and rangatahi Māori experience multiple reports of concern before receiving the support they need, with one quarter having 10 or more previous reports of concern.

Shipton says the findings reinforce what young people with care experience have been saying for years.

“We know what works. Young people, whānau, iwi and community organisations have been telling us for a long time that earlier intervention, stronger relationships and culturally grounded support make a difference.”

“It is heartening to see the report highlight successful iwi-led initiatives and local prototypes that are achieving positive outcomes. There are great things happening in pockets across the country.”

Shipton says the challenge now is ensuring these approaches aren’t treated as exceptions.

“They need to be systematically supported, resourced and replicated so that all tamariki and rangatahi can benefit, regardless of where they live.”

Care experienced rangatahi Kat Wright is shocked but not surprised by the statistics out of the report.

“Imagine my daughter crying for me 10 times and no one listening. I don’t want kids in care to feel like a statistic – they are extremely important. How much better could the statistics be if Māori got the support they need.”

As a young Māori wahine she says it’s incredibly powerful to be raised in Māori spaces.

“The most connected I felt was at a group home because the caregiver was Māori and I didn't feel alone. She was the only caregiver that had higher expectations of me as a Māori. When Oranga Tamariki asked me what I wanted, I said I wanted to stay where I felt most connected. They didn’t listen and moved me anyway.”

Moving forward, Shipton says there is no shortage of evidence about the changes required.

“The solutions are known. What young people need now is urgency of action.”

“Tamariki are growing up in this system today. They do not have the luxury of waiting for the wheels of bureaucracy to catch up. Every year that passes without meaningful change is another year where children miss out on the support, stability and opportunities they deserve.”

VOYCE is now calling on decision-makers to accelerate the extra investment from this year’s budget into Oranga Tamariki, strengthen iwi and community-led responses, and ensure the voices of tamariki and rangatahi remain at the centre of reforms.

“When young people tell us what they need, we need to listen and act. The cost of delay is being paid by children right now.”

ABOUT VOYCE:

We are VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai, which stands for Voices of the Young and Care Experienced – Listen to me. Established in 2017, we are an independent charity organisation that helps to advocate for the approximately 6000 children with care experience (children in foster or whanau care) in New Zealand.

We exist to amplify the voices of these children and ensure that they are heard – so as to positively influence their individual care and to collectively affect change in the wider care system. VOYCE was co-designed by children with care experience for children with care experience.

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One quarter of young Māori with reports of concern about their safety had 10 or more previous reports

Source: Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor

 

A report released by Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor today found tamariki and rangatahi Māori (Māori children and young people) continue to have unmet care and protection needs which contribute to their overrepresentation in the oranga tamariki system.

 

Outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the oranga tamariki system 2024/25 is the second annual report on the performance of the oranga tamariki system. While most Māori have no involvement with Oranga Tamariki, data in this report shows that despite being only one quarter (27 percent) of the youth population, tamariki and rangatahi Māori are over-represented in every part of the oranga tamariki system.

  • 57 percent of reports of concern were for tamariki and rangatahi Māori.
  • 68 percent of tamariki and rangatahi in care are Māori.
  • 59 percent of police proceedings against those aged 10–18 were for tamariki and rangatahi Māori.

·         80 percent of tamariki and rangatahi in youth justice custody are Māori.

 

Most tamariki and rangatahi Māori who had a report of concern made about their safety or wellbeing in the last year had a previous report of concern made – one quarter had 10 or more. Critical and very urgent reports of concern for tamariki and rangatahi Māori also have less timely responses from Oranga Tamariki.

 

“If the front door to the child protection system was working as needed, the right support would be provided at the earliest opportunity. There would be a reduction in renotifications, and tamariki Māori would not unnecessarily escalate through the care and youth justice system because of unmet need,” Aroturuki Tamariki Chief Executive Arran Jones said.

 

“The consequence of unmet care and protection needs is evident in the data about rangatahi Māori in youth justice. We found:

  • 95 percent of rangatahi Māori involved in youth justice had a report of concern made about their safety or wellbeing when they were younger
  • half had more than 10 reports of concern made about their safety or wellbeing
  • more than half had never even had a care and protection family group conference – fundamental to putting a plan in place to address the safety or wellbeing concerns.

 

“A lot of resource – and attention – goes into dealing with the offending behaviour. A greater focus on addressing care and protection needs earlier may reduce the need for youth justice responses in the future,” says Mr Jones.

 

If in care, tamariki and rangatahi Māori are more likely to be in care longer than non-Māori and less likely to be visited regularly by their social worker.

 

The outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori known to Oranga Tamariki are worse on almost every measure than Māori not known to Oranga Tamariki – and worse than non-Māori who are. The report looks across school attendance, health, employment, holding a driver licence and using emergency housing. Māori who have never been involved with Oranga Tamariki hold a driver licence at about the same rate as non-Māori, yet inside the oranga tamariki system they do not.

 

“The solutions to closing these gaps have been talked about for decades. These include an investment approach, commissioning models that allow for greater flexibility, and iwi, Māori and community-led solutions where government takes a supporting rather than leading role.

 

“Our report profiles iwi-led initiatives that are showing success. These local partnerships with Oranga Tamariki show the way forward. However, faster change is needed if we are to see a reduction in disparities and in intergenerational involvement in the oranga tamariki system for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau,” Mr Jones said.

 

Read the report online at aroturuki.govt.nz/reports/outcomes-24-25

 

Notes:

Aroturuki Tamariki | Independent Children’s Monitor monitors compliance with the Oranga Tamariki Act and the associated regulations, including the National Care Standards. It also looks at how the wider system is supporting tamariki and rangatahi under the Oversight of Oranga Tamariki System Act. Aroturuki Tamariki works closely with its partners in the oversight system, Mana Mokopuna – Children’s Commissioner, and the Office of the Ombudsman.

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Save the Children – Israeli authorities closing crossings into Gaza puts essential supplies for children under threat once again

Source: Save the Children

Israeli authorities announced yesterday that they are closing border crossings into the Gaza Strip, including Kerem Shalam and Rafah, until further notice. This politicisation of aid once again puts food, clean water and emergency life-saving supplies including medical and shelter items needed to keep one million children and their families alive out of reach, Save the Children said. 
Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, said: 
“Aid is not a political tool and should not be weaponised in this way. The survival and needs of children in Gaza should not have to answer to airstrikes elsewhere. 
“For nearly three years, Gaza has been pummelled so hard by Israeli airstrikes that nothing can grow there and people have been reliant on the already small amount of aid crossing the border – aid that was never enough and is now totally out of reach. 
“Children in Gaza depend on crossings for food, clean water, medicine, fuel, shelter materials and the supplies needed to keep hospitals, water systems and other essential services running. All of this is now under threat. 
“Children in Gaza have already been starved by design. They should not now be denied water, medicine, shelter and the other essentials needed to survive. The Israeli authorities must re-open these crossings immediately, lift the siege and facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid at scale.
“Meanwhile, we are pleading with the international community to put pressure on the Government of Israel. Palestinian children and their families in Gaza have had their rights eroded again and again – rights that are protected under international law. The international community may have taken its eyes off Gaza, but history will have its eyes on you.”
Save the Children has worked in the occupied Palestinian territory since 1953, with a permanent presence since 1973. We work with partners to help provide quality education, protection for children, early childhood development support, and employment opportunities for young people. 
In 2025, Save the Children provided lifesaving support to over 1.8 million people across Gaza, including over 950,000 children. This includes providing support to nearly 800,000 people, including over 380,000 children 9 who have received a wide range of services. 
As of 5 May, we’re directly and through partners running two health clinics in Gaza, 15 nutrition points, water and sanitation services (8 hygiene promotion sites, 59 water trucking sites, 49 sanitation facilities, and 39 solid waste management points), child protection programmes including mental health support and case management at 21 sites, education in 63 temporary learning spaces, and cash transfer programmes to support families whose livelihoods have been decimated. 
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New Zealand’s firefighters demonstrate life-saving extraction skills in Feilding

Source: United Fire Brigades' Association

More than 110 firefighters from across New Zealand will converge on Feilding this week to demonstrate the life-saving skills used to rescue people trapped in some of the country's most devastating road crashes.
With 2026 already recording 152 fatal road crashes, firefighters continue to be among the first emergency responders arriving at serious crash scenes throughout Aotearoa.
From 11-13 June, competitors will take part in the UFBA Road Crash Rescue Challenge, tackling realistic, high-pressure rescue scenarios designed to mirror the complex incidents they face on New Zealand roads every day.
Vehicles overturned, patients trapped, unstable hazards, limited time and critical injuries – these are the situations firefighters train for, where every decision can mean the difference between life and death.
The challenge sees teams working against the clock to safely assess, stabilise and extricate live “patients” from wrecked vehicles using specialist rescue equipment, including the well-known “Jaws of Life”.
While the competition environment is controlled, the skills on display are identical to those used at real crash scenes across New Zealand.
“People often think firefighters fight fires, but today they respond to just as many medical emergencies and road crashes,” said UFBA President, Lesina Walden.
“These rescues demand technical expertise, teamwork, calm decision-making and compassion under immense pressure. This challenge helps ensure our firefighters are ready when New Zealanders need them most.”
The event also offers a rare opportunity for the public to witness the reality of modern firefighting up close, including realistic casualty simulations created by professional moulage artists and demonstrations of cutting-edge rescue technology.
Location: Manfeild Park Stadium, 59 South Street, Feilding Date/Times: Thursday 11 June: 9am to 5pm Friday 12 June: 9am to 5pm Saturday 13 June: 9am to 3pm 
– Live rescue challenges and dramatic extraction scenarios
– Firefighters, competitors and officials for interviews
– Behind-the-scenes access to casualty simulation and moulage artists
– Specialist rescue equipment demonstrations, including hydraulic cutting tools
– Content and interviews linked to National Volunteer Week (14-20 June 2026)
The prizegiving will be held on Saturday evening, this is a private function.
About the UFBA – for over 140 years the United Fire Brigades’ Association has been the leading association representing firefighters in New Zealand. Today our services support c.14,000 firefighters throughout the fire and emergency services sector by providing advocacy, skills-based challenges, workshops, and service honours.
For more information visit www.ufba.org.nz