Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Consumer New Zealand

22 September 2026

Consumer NZ today delivered its biggest-ever petition to Parliament, with 82,085 people backing its four-point plan to bring down power bills.

“More than 82,000 New Zealanders have sent politicians a message: the electricity market is not working for households, and power prices must come down,” said Consumer chief executive Jon Duffy.

“Power bills have risen about 20% in the past two years. Soaring power prices are untenable. People want change.”

Research from the not-for-profit shows 55% of people say energy issues will influence how they vote at the upcoming election.

“This is an election issue. People are struggling to pay for an essential service while the dominant power companies report record earnings.

“In the past year, one in four households struggled to pay their power bills and more than 30,000 households were disconnected because they could not afford to pay. Against that backdrop, Genesis, Contact, Mercury and Meridian have announced more than $3 billion in annual earnings and close to $1 billion in net profit.”

Consumer’s report Power. At what cost? identified four drivers keeping prices high: the dominance of the big four power companies, a mechanism in the wholesale market where expensive fossil-fuel generation can set the price for cheaper renewable power, inadequate investment in homegrown generation, and the absence of a durable cross-party energy strategy.

“People signed our petition because they backed our practical plan to tackle those problems and bring down power prices,” Duffy said.

Consumer presented the petition to Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones. Energy spokespeople from the other major parties attended the handover.

“We urged every party to commit to fixing the sector and put affordable power ahead of politics and vested interests.

“Today, tens of thousands of people delivered a clear challenge to those seeking their vote: fix the electricity market to bring power prices down.”

About Consumer

Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

22 September 2026

Reserve Bank of New Zealand Board Chair Rodger Finlay has welcomed the findings of the Independent review of Covid-19 monetary policy released today by the Minister of Finance.

“On behalf of the Board, I welcome the findings of the independent review. The Governor and wider Reserve Bank team will carefully consider the review report and use its insights to help inform future practice,” Mr Finlay said.

Reserve Bank Governor Dr Anna Breman said the review's findings would be carefully analysed by officials.

“We will consider the findings of the report, and its insights will contribute to our thinking,” Dr Breman said.

“I am proud to lead an institution that learns from the past in order to benefit New Zealanders.”

The independent review examines decisions made during the three years from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2022. Its findings follow the Reserve Bank's 2022 five-yearly Review and Assessment of the Formulation and Implementation of Monetary Policy (RAFIMP) which considers the period from 2017 to 2022.

Dr Breman said the independent review would help inform future work.

“The Reserve Bank has already undertaken a number of actions in response to lessons from the 2020-2022 period, as detailed in a Bulletin article published in September 2025. The independent review offers additional insights that we will carefully consider alongside this work. Its findings could help inform improvements across the Bank, including initiatives underway to strengthen our modelling infrastructure and work in support of our 2028 advice on the Monetary Policy Committee Remit.”

Source: BusinessNZ

The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) has welcomed agreement by the Australian and New Zealand Governments to implement nine ANZLF member recommendations designed to streamline the trans-Tasman economy.

Moving from concept to implementation, the recommendations focus on removing regulatory barriers, strengthening supply chains, and building joint industrial and defence industry capabilities.

ANZLF Australian Co-Chair John Paitaridis said the agreement marks a significant shift toward practical outcomes.

“Australia and New Zealand have a highly integrated economic relationship, but businesses still encounter unnecessary differences in rules and standards,” Mr Paitaridis said.

“In a more uncertain global environment, having both Governments agree on these priorities allows us to turn shared goals into changes businesses can actually use. Our objective is to ensure the Single Economic Market keeps pace with how our businesses and economies are changing and make an already strong relationship work even better.”

ANZLF New Zealand Co-Chair Greg Lowe emphasised that execution will be the ultimate test.

“Success isn’t agreement on paper, it is fewer barriers, higher productivity, more resilient supply chains, and stronger trans-Tasman capabilities,” Mr Lowe said.

“That is where the ANZLF can add real value. Our members operate across both markets daily. We look forward to working alongside both Governments to identify where changes will make the biggest practical difference and ensure these recommendations deliver real-world momentum and growth.”

The agreement builds on the 2025 and 2026 Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meetings, where Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Christopher Luxon tasked the ANZLF to develop proposals and subsequently welcomed its plan to strengthen trans-Tasman economic security and the business environment.

The Prime Ministers recognised the ANZLF’s role in bringing the trans-Tasman business community together and confirmed government agencies will continue engaging with the ANZLF, drawing on further recommendations to implement practical measures that ease the costs of doing business and support growth.

About the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum:

The ANZLF brings together senior business and government leaders to deepen the trans-Tasman relationship and drive mutual economic prosperity.

Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

• Three out of four workers fear move risks their safety
• MSD confirms reduction of three guards to two at 20 centres
• Another Ashburton is waiting to happen

The Ministry of Social Development is pressing ahead with cutting security guards at service centres, just weeks after three-quarters of frontline workers told MSD directly that doing so would put them at greater risk.

The PSA’s survey of members at impacted centres found 74% did not support cutting guard numbers from three to two. MSD has now told staff it is proceeding regardless, only trimming the original list from 22 sites to 20 (see impacted centres below).

“It beggar’s belief that MSD can so wilfully ignore the genuine concerns of workers who said loud and clear the move threatens their health and safety,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“This is irresponsible. All MSD has done is shave two centres from the list of impacted centres. That is not genuine, good faith consultation. It’s a token gesture.

“The tragedy at Ashburton is never far from workers' minds. We warned in August it was a case of not if, but when another violent incident happens. Nothing MSD has done since changes that.”

Receptionist Peggy Noble and case worker Leigh Cleveland were shot dead 12 years ago. Peggy Noble's partner, Don Campbel has criticised the plan to cut guards.

He told 1News earlier this month: “It's a stupid idea really. They just should leave it the way it is. It's obviously worked.”

“He is right, now more than ever, workers need to be supported,” said Fitzsimons.

“The Government's policies are putting more people under more pressure. The traffic light system and harsher sanctions, on top of rising unemployment and the cost-of-living crisis, mean people walking into MSD offices are under more stress than ever.”

The new two guard model that is being introduced to 40 service centres is fundamentally flawed.

“MSD staff told us plainly what a two-guard model means in practice – one guard on the door while the other is on a break, no one free to scan the room, and no cover at all for lunchtime seminars that need staff present.

“One worker called it ‘a kick in the guts.’ Another told us simply: ‘I don’t feel safe.’”

“Workers are telling us the exact opposite of what MSD claims. Workers report a noticeable rise in aggression, more lockdowns, and more aggressive clients over the past year or two – yet MSD is relying on its data to claim that incidents have gone down to justify cutting the very staff who keep people safe.

“Frontline workers say incidents are being defused by security guards before they ever need to be logged, so if MSD is using its own incident data to justify these cuts, that data is flawed. There needs to be a proper, independent review of that reporting system before any changes go ahead – MSD has ignored that too.

“MSD should not need a coroner's report to tell it what its own staff have already told it. We are calling on MSD to reverse this decision, keep three guards at every service centre, and properly fund the safety of the people who work there and the New Zealanders who rely on them.”

Impacted service centres

Flaxmere and Kamo have been removed from the original list of 22 centres. The first t0 centres have reduced security guards from 27 October, the next 10 from 23 November.

• Dargaville
• Huntly
• Johnsonville
• Kāpiti
• Kawakawa
• Kawerau
• Kerikeri
• Morrinsville
• Motueka
• Mount Maunganui
• Ōpōtiki
• Paeroa
• Richmond
• Ruatoria
• Te Awamutu
• Te Puke
• Tokoroa

Previous statements

• 5 August — Not if, but when: Staff fear violence at MSD offices with proposed reduction of security
• 11 February — MSD plan to cut security guards risks repeating mistakes of the past

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.

Source: Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign

In an open letter released today, fifteen members of the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign coalition are calling out both the National and Labour parties for their irresponsible positioning on tax, and for failing to engage honestly with the public about the revenue challenges we face, in the lead up to the 2026 General Election.

“Both of the major parties, one of which will lead the next government, are running campaigns that perpetuate negative attitudes towards tax, at a time when we desperately need to raise more revenue to fund the things we need to live good lives – like safe staffing in our hospitals, building more public housing, and tackling our infrastructure deficit,” said Kate Stone, Better Taxes campaign manager.

“The National Party is campaigning on having “no new taxes”. The Labour Party has committed to a Capital Gains Tax limited to investment property, but is now buying into National's anti-tax messaging by trying to minimise it in the public conversation and refusing to commit to any other tax changes.”

“This positioning is irresponsible given the fiscal challenges, outlined by the Treasury and IRD, that are posed by an aging population, increasing health expenditure and the need to respond to climate change and associated extreme weather events.”

“And it is out of step with where the public is at. Polling shows people support increased spending on public services and a recent poll indicates that two thirds would be willing to pay more tax for better healthcare,” said Stone.

“We cannot cut, cut, cut our way out of this situation – the organisations that have signed on to this letter already see the impact of the current underinvestment in public services on our communities.”

“We need to grow tax revenue, but that does not mean taxing ordinary, hard working whānau more. Relative to most countries we like to compare ourselves with we're a low tax country, they collect more revenue and have better public services than we do. But our tax system is unbalanced and not every part of society is contributing its fair share: working whānau pay income tax and GST, but we do not tax wealth and capital gains in any meaningful way. That needs to change if we're going to gather the revenue we need, and gather it more fairly,” said Stone.

Comment from NZ Nurses Organisation

“Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa The New Zealand Nurses Organisation, supports the open letter challenging the major political parties' positions on tax during the election campaign. Chronic underfunding of the health system has caused nationwide staffing shortages, ageing facilities, and an inability to meet community need — resulting in avoidable harm and death. Last financial year, hospitals ran a $1 billion deficit just trying to stand still, while the wider health system deficit is estimated at $4-5 billion in immediate unmet need. Meeting current demand and building a health system fit for the future will require all political parties to commit to tax reform so that every New Zealander has access to high-quality public health care.” NZNO President, Anne Daniels.

Comment from Child Poverty Action Group

“Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) exists to advocate for policies that reduce and ultimately eliminate child poverty and we wholeheartedly support the Better Taxes Coalition open letter. It is very clear to us that New Zealand needs sufficient and sustainable public revenue to meet our obligations under the Child Poverty Reduction Act – now and in the future.”

“We see every day the consequences of underinvestment for children and their families: rising material hardship, inadequate incomes, housing stress, unequal access to health and educational opportunities. These are imposing significant costs on our kids, our communities and the wider economy. Child poverty alone is estimated to cost New Zealand billions of dollars annually.”

“We, too, are calling on Labour and National to have an honest public conversation about how New Zealand will fund the commitments needed to meet the Child Poverty Reduction Act targets, to reduce child poverty, and address the long-term social and fiscal challenges.”

Lyn Amos, Kaiwhakahaere Mātua – Executive Officer, Child Poverty Action Group.

Read the open letter.

The Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign is a coalition of over 20 organisations led by Tax Justice Aotearoa.

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono

22 September 2026

A group of New Zealand entrepreneurs is heading to one of Asia's largest health and beauty trade expos this week.

The visit is part of the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI), delivered by the Asia New Zealand Foundation in partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The beauty expo, Cosmobeaute Malaysia, will kick off in Kuala Lumpur from September 29 until October 1, hosting 400 exhibitors from 11 different markets including China, Korea and Japan.

The visit aims to give the entrepreneurs travelling product ideas and potential partnership opportunities in a rapidly growing industry. Worldwide consumer spending on wellness increased by 35 percent from 2019 to 2024, and the global wellness economy is projected to reach NZ$17.1trillion by 2029.

Of that, Malaysia's personal care and beauty sector was valued at NZ$20.6 billion in 2024.

Rawinia Rimene, founder of Girl Native Skincare, is joining the delegation after recently attending VivaTech in Paris, where she successfully secured new business partnerships.

After making connections in Europe, Rimene is looking forward to building relationships “closer to home” in Malaysia and says face-to-face is best.

“It’s very important to be on the ground, in person. You get a better understanding of each other, especially when there are different cultures and languages.”

Rimene is a trailblazer in Māori health and beauty, founding her company after rongoā Māori practices successfully treated her daughter’s skin condition. For Rimene, the opportunity to take her business overseas is also about showing her daughter what is possible.

Rosie Woodhams, who leads marketing and branding for BeauEver, is excited to learn from other businesses that have built from the ground up.

“For me, this opportunity is huge; I haven't done anything like this before… I haven't been to Malaysia before for work, so I'm looking forward to having exposure to the way they do things.

As well as the expo, the Foundation – led by our experienced entrepreneurship manager Lingy Au – will be taking the delegates on site visits and to meetings with leading businesses while in Kuala Lumpur.

Asia New Zealand Foundation director of business and entrepreneurship Tim McCready says the trip will “compress a year of market research into one week”.

“Delegates will meet distributors face-to-face and see what's on trend, what’s selling on shelf and at what price point. This delegation will open doors that would otherwise take years to knock on.”

McCready also believes New Zealand has a lot to offer to Malaysia, and more broadly Asia's health and beauty market.

“New Zealand has a great story to tell; provenance, natural ingredients and traceability are all things that consumers pay attention to and pay a premium for.”

Asia New Zealand Foundation chief executive Suzannah Jessep says experiences like this are important for building New Zealand’s long-term business capability in Asia.

“Southeast Asia is an increasingly important part of New Zealand’s economic future, and making the most of those opportunities requires people who understand the region, have trusted relationships and are confident operating there,” Jessep says.

“YBLI gives emerging New Zealand business leaders that first-hand experience, building knowledge and connections that can benefit not only their own businesses, but the wider networks they are part of.”

The ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI), formed in 2011, has facilitated visits for more than 130 ASEAN entrepreneurs to New Zealand and supported over 80 New Zealand entrepreneurs in exploring opportunities in Southeast Asia. In total, the YBLI Network numbers over 270 entrepreneurs.

Participants of the delegation

• Melitta Adam, Melitta Skin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
• Julia Juhasz, No Bad Days Skincare, Founder
• Emma Michelsen, Aggie New Zealand Limited, Founder
• Scott Glacken, Noody Ltd, Cofounder
• Rawinia Rimene, Girl Native, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
• Kimberly Tait, Hinu Ora, Founder
• Amelia Jory, Dulesè, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
• Shaleah Lawrence, Earthwoven, Founder and Director
• Rosie Woodhams, BeauEver, Brand and Marketing Manager
• Madeleine Patel, Delightable, Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer

About the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono

Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is a leading provider of Asia insights and experiences in New Zealand. 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 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.

About the ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative

The ASEAN Young Business Leaders Initiative (YBLI) is a key part of the New Zealand Government’s ASEAN strategy. The aim of the programme is to facilitate trade and build connections between business leaders and entrepreneurs in New Zealand and Southeast Asia. This is achieved through short, targeted visits to New Zealand and Southeast Asia for ASEAN entrepreneurs and Kiwi entrepreneurs respectively.

Source: deVere Group

September 21 2026

Bitcoin's bulls are back in charge, predicts the CEO of deVere Group, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organisations, as the digital asset pushes past $85,000 and tests its highest level since January.

The bullish prediction from Nigel Green comes as US spot Bitcoin exchange traded funds attract fresh billions.

Inflows have totalled about $3.8 billion across three straight weeks, the strongest run of 2026, with $731 million landing on 3 September alone, the biggest single day since January. August brought in $3.52 billion, the best month in almost a year.

He says: “The market's momentum has flipped, and this time there's serious institutional money behind it.

“Billions are flowing into regulated Bitcoin products week after week. It's patient capital that plans to stay, a very different animal from the leveraged speculation that fuelled past rallies.”

Bitcoin has surged roughly 40% off its recent low, according to market analysts.

Even after outflows the week before, another $433 million arrived on 18 September. On chain data shows buyers absorbing every wave of profit taking. The pattern has repeated for weeks: sellers appear, buyers step in, and the price holds its ground.

The strength is broad. Digital asset funds took in $660 million on 18 September alone, with Ether and Solana products also drawing money, and the total crypto market is now valued at about $2.81 trillion.

“When Bitcoin leads and the rest follow, it's a sign that risk appetite is coming back into the whole digital asset space,” explains the deVere CEO.

“Institutions tend to start with Bitcoin because it's the most established and the most liquid. Once they're comfortable, the flows spread. We're seeing the early stages of that now.”

The deVere CEO says the driving force is, arguably, a loss of faith in paper money.

“Investors are worried about the value of currencies,” says Nigel Green.

“Debt keeps piling up, governments keep borrowing, and central banks are stuck between inflation and growth. Against that backdrop, Bitcoin's fixed supply of 21 million coins looks very different.”

Analysts describe the move as the return of the “dollar debasement trade”, after an expansion of the US Treasury's buyback program lifted Bitcoin and gold together.

The paths have since split. Gold has slipped about 6.6% over the past month while Bitcoin climbs.

The rally is also defying a hostile backdrop. The Federal Reserve has just raised rates for the first time in three years, US inflation is running near 3.4%, and the 10 year Treasury yield sits at about 4.96%. Assets that pay no income usually struggle in that climate.

“Rate hikes and Treasury yields near 5% would normally sap appetite for anything that doesn't pay a yield,” notes the chief executive.

“Bitcoin's pushing higher regardless. When an asset shrugs off headwinds like that, the underlying demand is strong. Volatility will always be part of the deal and pullbacks will come, but the direction of travel has changed.”

Bitcoin funds now hold more than $102 billion, a sliver of the assets managed across global portfolios. Even modest shifts in allocation carry outsized weight when the starting point is that small.

Regulation is adding fuel. Reports point to progress on US crypto legislation, and clear rules matter most to the large allocators, pension schemes and wealth managers that have stayed on the sidelines.

He concludes: “Once big allocators see rules they can work with, the next wave of demand could dwarf this one.

“The crypto winter looks to be ending. Every dip that gets bought strengthens the case that the floor has moved higher.

“Bitcoin is a permanent fixture in the global portfolio conversation, and the bulls know it.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Source: Gibbston Valley

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa has been crowned New Zealand's Best Resort Spa for the seventh consecutive year at the prestigious World Spa Awards announced today.

The award recognises excellence in spa and wellness tourism globally, and the win reinforces Gibbston Valley's position as one of the country’s leading luxury wellness destinations.

Gibbston Valley head of hospitality Ashling Swirtz says the award recognises the unique offering of the spa and its ability to meet the needs of today’s traveller looking for opportunities to slow down and recharge.

“Guests are increasingly looking for restorative, experience-led travel, somewhere they can genuinely recharge. Our response has been to place a much stronger focus on personalisation so we can understand what each guest needs from their time with us.”

Swirtz says the spa’s vineyard setting has also shaped its treatment menu, including the use of the TheraVine range, which draws on grapevine-derived ingredients for anti-ageing benefits.

“We’re in a vineyard, so it makes sense that our spa experience reflects our location,” she says.

Located within the larger Gibbston Valley estate just 20 minutes from Queenstown, Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers face and body treatments inspired by its vineyard surroundings.

Swirtz says guest expectations have evolved significantly over the past several years.

“We've placed a strong emphasis on creating warmer, more personalised experiences for every guest. And being a vineyard and wine destination gives us a point of difference that guests simply can't experience elsewhere.”

The latest accolade follows a string of successes for Gibbston Valley. In October last year, the lodge was awarded a Michelin Key, one of only 19 properties in New Zealand to receive the international honour. The property retained its Michelin Key in the recently announced 2026 Michelin Guide hotel selection.

According to Swirtz, the wins highlight the strength of Gibbston Valley's integrated luxury offering.

“The Michelin Key and now our seventh World Spa Award reflect our commitment to getting the small details right while also delivering the bigger picture. We want every stay to feel seamless, thoughtful and genuinely special.”

“The wellness industry is constantly evolving, and our team is committed to ongoing learning, introducing relevant new experiences while ensuring they remain authentic to who we are.”

For more information, visit Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa.

About Gibbston Valley

Gibbston Valley is Queenstown’s leading wine and experience destination. The award-winning Gibbston Valley Wines is a premium organic wine brand, and its Cellar Door and Wine Cave are among the Southern Lakes’ top visitor experiences. The Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers luxury accommodation and a renowned day spa, named ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa’ for six consecutive years. The soon-to-open Gibbston Valley Golf Course and Clubhouse will further enhance the curated wine and hospitality destination, set in the heart of the beautiful Gibbston Valley. Gibbston Valley

Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

The Prime Minister was right to be surprised by claims public servants are getting 10% pay rises – because they aren't. Official figures show public service pay rose just 1.3 percent in the year to June, while prices rose 4.1 percent.

Christopher Luxon was caught out on Newstalk ZB this morning when Mike Hosking put the SEEK Advertised Salary Index to him, showing government advertised salaries up 10 percent in the past year.

“We're surprised too. If public service workers had a 10 percent rise in the past year, they wouldn't be going on strike,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“Ten thousand workers from MBIE, MSD, DIA and other agencies walked off the job on 9 September because the Government's offers are well below the rate of inflation. Workers at Corrections have also rejected their pay offer. A 10 percent rise would more than fix that. It just isn't real.”

SEEK measures what employers advertise for new roles, not what public servants are actually paid. It doesn't publish the data behind its index, so nobody can say what is driving the number. It could well be advertised jobs for senior managers and specialists.

“This data tells you nothing about the pay packets of the people who process benefits, support exporters and keep civil defence running.”

The official data does. The Labour Cost Index analysis from the Public Service Commission shows:

• Public service pay rose 1.3 percent in the year to June 2026
• Public sector pay rose 1.7 percent
• Private sector pay rose 2.0 percent

Even SEEK's own figures show advertised pay across all jobs rising 2.6 percent, well short of inflation. Wellington, where much of the public service is based, had the weakest annual growth of any region.

Motu Economic and Public Policy Research reported in July that public sector base salaries are on average 4 percent lower than comparable private sector jobs. The gap widens when total remuneration is counted, particularly for men and for larger roles.

“What's telling is the Prime Minister's first reaction: that a rise like that ‘shouldn't be happening’. Workers going backwards on their pay deserve better than a government whose instinct is that public service pay rises are a problem,” said Fitzsimons.

“And with the PM promising ‘radical structural change’ for the public sector if elected to a second term, these workers can see what is coming: more cuts, more pressure, and pay that doesn't keep up with the cost of living.

“Public servants are doing it tough. It's time the Government did the right thing and paid them fairly.”

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.

Source: Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa

Coming soon to a mailbox near you! Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa has tested mailing out at-home HPV test kits over recent months and is now ready to make it more widely available.

Chief executive Jackie Edmond says we have been trialling an at-home HPV test for some months with people who are eligible for free cervical screening. From today (Monday 21 September), we’re expanding the service, including for people who will need to pay for the service.

“We’ve been working with an Auckland laboratory to offer a new at-home HPV test where people can ask to have the HPV test delivered to their home, or wherever else they get their mail. Since launch in March this year and with no promotion, we’ve mailed out more than 590 at-home HPV tests,” Ms Edmond says.

Initially the at-home HPV test was available only to people who met certain criteria. However, Ms Edmond says Sexual Wellbeing is excited to expand access to the service.

“As the country’s largest single cervical screening organisation, we’re delighted to promote this service more broadly, bringing the opportunity to test close to home for so many people.”

The at-home HPV test is available for most people with a cervix who are eligible for publicly funded healthcare in Aotearoa. The test will be free for people who are eligible for free cervical screening. Otherwise, it will cost $35.

The at-home HPV test is available to people who:

• Are having their first cervical screen, or
• Have had cervical screening before, with normal results, or
• Have tested positive for HPV or abnormal cells before, and have been told they can return to normal screening

For people who have tested positive for HPV or abnormal cells before, and haven’t had a negative test since, it’s best to get a cervical sample instead.

“People now are really confident and competent with these kinds of self-tests – you could think of this as a COVID test for your cervix. The time is right to make it even easier for people to get the test that could save their lives,” Ms Edmond says.