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This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com
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Subnational population projections: 2023(base)–2053 – Stats NZ information release
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This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com
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Amnesty International – $9000 youth award available for best human rights idea
Source: AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
25 September 2025 – The Gary Ware Legacy Award is a funding programme from Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, designed to empower young people with a passion for protecting and promoting human rights. The award has been offered annually since 2020 and is available for people under the age of 25 in Aotearoa New Zealand. Applications are currently open at amnesty.org.nz/award, with a deadline of 31 October.
The award is given to a person or group with passion, an idea and a plan for changing the world for the better. Previous winners have used the money to make a documentary about human trafficking in Aotearoa, support young people across the country who have refugee backgrounds, run an art exhibition about the displacement of Banaban communities for phosphate mining, help Uyghur people who have fled to Türkiye, and more.
Gary Ware was a passionate human rights advocate who inspired generations of young people to get involved in the work of Amnesty International during his lifetime. As a real lover of music, he organised concerts and events to raise money and awareness for human rights over the years, as well as serving multiple terms on the Amnesty International Board. The Ware family has gifted this award as a beautiful lasting legacy of Gary’s life.
Gary’s granddaughter Neve Kortegast said, “This legacy award is really special to me, as my grandfather was a passionate activist with a big heart. I’m really excited to be on the judging panel this year and to see the creativity, passion and ideas of Aotearoa’s rangatahi.
“Gary, or Grand Gary as he was known to me, was a man who was incredibly dedicated to his community, the environment and world in whatever way he could be. He took pride in empowering others and supporting them to make a positive difference. This award serves as a piece of the everlasting and impacting legacy he left behind with us. I hope the winners of this award will feel the love and support of Gary and go on to make a positive impact of their own.”
Joshua Taefu, 20, is a Board Member of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand. He said, “Youth are stakeholders of tomorrow, but can make just as big a difference today. The world needs young voices, passion and ideas more than ever.
“You don’t have to be a human rights expert to apply for the Gary Ware Legacy Award. Everyone has the ability to make a difference. We're looking for people who want to use their unique passions, perspectives, and experiences to help others.
“Change can come from anywhere, but has to start somewhere. This award is not only a kickstart to the new ideas and initiatives that can make a difference, but an investment into the next generation of change-makers, activists and leaders.”
In previous years, the winners have received up to $4500. But this year, in honour of Amnesty International’s 60 th anniversary of human rights work in Aotearoa New Zealand, the Ware family are offering $9000. The award is facilitated by the Acorn Foundation.
Individuals or teams can apply through the Amnesty International website ( amnesty.org.nz/award) using three different methods – written, video or visual/slides. The winner will be announced on International Human Rights Day on 10 December.
First Responders – Large vegetation fires in Canterbury last week caused by strong winds that fanned embers from burn piles
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking the public to be vigilant after embers from burn piles caused large vegetation fires last week.
Fire and Emergency Community Risk Manager Dean Harker says investigations into two vegetation fires, which broke out last Wednesday at Southbridge and Springfield, are now complete.
“The fires were caused when embers from burn piles were whipped up and spread by the strong winds,” he says.
The fires burnt through 42 hectares, and one destroyed two utility sheds.
“In windy conditions embers from burn piles can travel up to 200 metres.
“That is why it is so important to check the forecast a week before your planned burn. If you’re in any doubt, then hold off.
“It’s also important to make sure you have suitable means to contain and extinguish the fire if needed, for example a water hose, water sprayer, shovel and dirt to smother, or a mechanical digger on site.”
Dean says old fires which haven’t been fully extinguished can also reignite and escape.
“If you’ve been burning vegetation any time over the last few months or so, it’s important to check the fire is completely extinguished.
“If there’s hot ash, and it’s safe to do so, dig into it, spread it out and pour water over it.”
Always go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires or undertaking activities that could cause sparks.
Appointments – New leadership for Gibbston Valley Wines
Source: Gibbston Valley Wines
Gibbston Valley Wines has today announced the departure of its long-standing Chief Executive Officer, Greg Hunt.
After two decades with the leading wine brand, restaurant, luxury lodge and spa owned by Phil Griffith and family, Hunt has concluded his role at Gibbston Valley to spend more time with family, following the arrival of his first grandchild.
“I have been at Gibbston Valley Wines for over 20 years, working on various projects,” Hunt says. “That’s a lot of driving over the Crown Range, from Wānaka – something that I will not miss. I have very much enjoyed my time at Gibbston Valley and working closely with Phil and the Griffith family. I look forward to watching the progress at Gibbston Valley Wines, as well as on the Station, and wish them all the best.”
Hunt was involved with establishing the Summer Concert Series with Greenstone Entertainment, delivery of the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, and the initial vision of the Gibbston Valley Resort project, which includes the luxury residential neighbourhoods, and the soon-to-be-opened Gibbston Valley Golf Course and Clubhouse.
The family-owned wine brand has gone from strength to strength over the years, winning many accolades. The Gibbston Valley Winery won ‘Riedel Vineyard of the Year’ in the 2023 Aotearoa NZ Organic Wine Awards, and more recently, the World Spa Awards have recognised Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa as ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa’ for the sixth consecutive year.
Cristina Griffith – who had been serving as Gibbston Valley’s Chief Financial Officer since 2022 following her time with public accounting firm PwC – has stepped up to serve as Managing Director across all Gibbston Valley entities.
“Greg has been an integral part of the success and growth of Gibbston Valley over the past 20 years, and we would like to thank him for his true passion and dedication,” she says. “While they’re certainly big shoes to fill, I am excited to lead the business into its next chapter – one that honours our legacy while embracing innovation, sustainability and continued excellence in everything we do.”
As Phil’s daughter, Cristina is well accustomed to the inner workings of the highly successful family business, as is her brother, Alex Griffith, who has been serving as a director of the company for the past 10 years, following his time living in Queenstown and working with the Gibbston Valley marketing team.
Together, they represent the next generation of leadership, and the continuation of the Griffith family’s long-term commitment to stewardship of the land, celebration of the wine, and the curation of experiences in the Gibbston Valley.
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. www.gibbstonvalley.com
Greenpeace – Luxon Govt joins Trump’s Climate Stupidity Club – Russel Norman
Source: Greenpeace
The announcement today that the Luxon Government is opening up all of New Zealand to oil and gas exploration shows that the Government has joined Trump’s Climate Stupidity Club.
Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Russel Norman says, “We have just seen Donald Trump embarrass himself at the United Nations by claiming that climate change is not real, while the world watched with a mixture of ridicule and horror. With this decision on oil and gas exploration, Shane Jones and Christopher Luxon have signed up to Trump’s Climate Stupidity Club.
“Well I’ve got news for Shane Jones: climate change is real, paracetamol does not cause autism, fossil fuels need to be phased out, and renewables are much cheaper than fossil fuels. Jones might worship Trump’s inane ramblings but New Zealand needs to base its energy policy on reality, not MAGA dogma.
“In the midst of a wave of deindustrialisation, resulting from a failure to develop a proper energy strategy, the Government is playing Trumpian culture wars by blowing the horn of fossil fuels that will never solve our energy challenges.
“Fossil fuels are a climate disaster, and require massive taxpayer-funded subsidies. The Government spent $300 million cleaning up the Tui oil field, and has offered up another $200 million for gas exploration.
“Its time to bring back the Gas Transition Plan and the NZ Battery Project that Luxon abandoned in 2023,” says Norman. “It’s time to dump Trans Tasman Resources’ seabed mining project, which has seen two international offshore wind generation companies leave New Zealand. It’s time to embrace a rapid rollout of solar, storage and energy efficiency.
“To bring back oil exploration now is like trying to bring back the fax machine. Fossil fuels are outdated, expensive, and are driving climate chaos. The Government should be building clean, affordable renewable energy, not dragging us backwards.”
“Gas is already the most expensive form of electricity generation,” says Norman. “This is a giant leap backwards that will cost households and the climate dearly.”
“Shane Jones and Christopher Luxon can try to lure Big Oil back – but people power kicked every single international oil giant exploring for new oil and gas out before, and we will do it again. We will defend nature.”
More than thirty thousand people have signed a Greenpeace open letter pledging to resist the oil and gas industry should they return to explore for new oil and gas in New Zealand.
Environment – Real solutions NOT toxic pollution: Day of action against incinerators
Source: Zero Waste Aotearoa
Zero Waste Aotearoa will call on the Ministry for the Environment to embrace real solutions to waste and climate change, not toxic pollution from incineration as part of an international day of action on Tuesday 30 September.
“We have to create the kind of future we want right now, where we redesign, reuse, and repair items, and recycle and compost – not burn valuable resources and pollute the environment,” said Dorte Wray, general manager of Zero Waste Aotearoa.
“Attacks on the Waste Minimisation Fund at both central and local government level have been noticed. These are unacceptable. These funds must be used for waste minimisation at the top of the zero waste hierarchy (Reduce, Reuse, Repair) not for underwriting dodgy waste-to-energy schemes that do not address the sources of waste.”
The day of action includes two events.
Outside Ministry for the Environment
We will be showcasing real solutions outside the Ministry for the Environment at 8 Willis Street, Wellington, at 12 noon on Tuesday, 30 September. We will be showing what solutions can deliver meaningful impacts for waste and climate change while also providing employment and strengthening community resilience.
Online Webinar
We will be hosting an online webinar to discuss waste-to-energy incineration and the alternatives we have available right now on Tuesday, 30 September 7:30pm on zoom.
Speakers are
Dale-Maree Morgan, Waipā District Council Māori Ward Councillor, will talk about the Te Awamutu incinerator, the community opposition, the Board of Inquiry hearing and the outcome
Sue Coutts, Zero Waste Aotearoa, will discuss new waste-to-energy technologies and practices we are hearing about (like feeding hard-to-recycle plastics into the cement kiln) and why these are not real solutions
Giulio Laura, Site Manager at Tāmaki Zero Waste Hub, will speak about the work that Tāmaki Zero Waste is doing, about how to conceptualise waste differently and how to move beyond throwing things away.
The webinar is free and open to the public. Registration is essential: https://tinyurl.com/ynbmjt6c
The events are part of a global day of action organised by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), an umbrella organisation representing communities across the globe committed to a world where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped.
Weather News – Showers, westerlies, and kōwhai in bloom – MetService
Source: MetService
Covering period of Thursday 25th – Monday 29th September – The first week of the spring school holidays comes to an end and showers continue as fast-moving fronts pass over today (Thursday) and Friday.
These fronts build a line of heavy showers, with the risk of thunderstorms for the South Island, and hail about Canterbury and North Otago today. Snow is also expected to affect some mountain roads.
MetService has issued Strong Wind Watches for the following areas on Friday, where localised gusts of 100km/h are also possible:
Canterbury High Country about and north of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
Grey District, and Westland District north of the Glaciers.
Wellington and Wairarapa.
MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley details “During spring, fronts line up like waves in the sea. There will be blustery northwesterly winds and decent showers, especially for western parts, as each one rolls through. As winds strengthen, the swell will also pick up, so keep a close eye on the marine forecast if you’re looking to take the boat out.”
On Saturday the All Blacks face Australia at Eden Park for the first Bledisloe Cup test. While it looks like a sunny morning, fans might want to keep a raincoat on hand for the line of showers that will move across Auckland during the afternoon and evening, with possible thunderstorms and strong wind gusts.
On Sunday the clocks spring forward for Daylight Saving, and another burst of rain with strong northwesterly winds moves over the South Island.
Michael continues “Sunday looks to be a great set up for warmer temperatures in eastern regions thanks to the Foehn effect. This happens when rain falls on the West Coast and Southern Alps, it releases heat, the warm dry air then descends on the Canterbury Plains. This Foehn wind mirrors what occurs in the Alps of Europe.”
Christchurch and Kaikōura are forecast to have a maximum temperature of 21°C on Sunday. Napier and Hastings are expected to get to 24 °C.
There is a glimmer of hope for parents hoping to send the kids outside early next week as the weather settles briefly under a ridge of high pressure.
First Responders – Saving lives this Daylight Saving – check you have working smoke alarms in the right places
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
When the clocks spring forward this weekend make that a reminder to check your smoke alarms are working and in the right places.
“Working smoke alarms give you the best chance to survive a fire,” Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Community Education Manager Tom Ronaldson says.
“Fire moves fast. You have less than three minutes before a fire is unsurvivable,” he says.
“When you are sleeping, you are unable to smell smoke. Working smoke alarms will wake you and allow you to get out and stay out.”
Last year 17 people tragically lost their lives in house fires, the highest number since 2014.
In many of these incidents there were smoke alarms in the home, but they were either not working or not in the right places.
“We’re asking you to make sure you have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room and hallway,” Tom says.
“This will give you the earliest possible warning of a fire and ensure you and your whānau are able to get out.
“It is important you test your smoke alarms regularly and give them a clean with the vacuum cleaner or duster. To test smoke alarms, push the button and wait till you hear the beep.
“If your smoke alarms don’t beep, replace them straight away.”
Tom Ronaldson says while you are checking your smoke alarms this weekend, take a few minutes to talk to your household about your three-step escape plan.
“To create a three-step escape plan, check you have working smoke alarms in the right places, identify your first and second escape routes from each room and agree on a safe meeting place,” he says.
“To create a three-step escape plan, check you have working smoke alarms in the right places, identify your first and second escape routes from each room and agree on a safe meeting place,” he says.
“Practicing your three-step escape plan is a great way to entertain your tamariki these school holidays, and to make sure they know how to get out in an emergency.”
It’s also a good time to check in on vulnerable whānau, friends or neighbours. People over sixty were the largest group represented in last year’s fatal fires.
“Ensure they have working smoke alarms and can get out of their home safely in a fire,” Tom Ronaldson says.
“Ensure they have working smoke alarms and can get out of their home safely in a fire,” Tom Ronaldson says.
For more information head to www.fireandemergency.nz/home-fire-safety.
Health Policy – Dental Roadshow Finds "Neglected" Under-18s Service, "Nationwide Crisis" in Oral Health
Source: Dental for All
A national roadshow on access to dental care sets off on its final trip next week – and has confirmed longstanding concerns about barriers to dental care across the country.
Advocacy group Dental for All – backed by dentists, oral health therapists, unions, and frontline service providers – begins a final roadshow through the South Island on Saturday 27 September.
The roadshow has visited 18 towns or centres as part of a journey that has gone so far from the Far North to the East Coast, and from Wellington to Rotorua.
The third and final leg of the roadshow will visit at least 8 further towns and centres from Invercargill to Nelson, meaning the roadshow will have visited at least 26 towns and cities, across some 35 events. Events have included free dental days, community discussions, and marae and school visits.
A strong theme of the roadshow has been an under-resourced under-18s dental service, for which there appears to be little government planning or accountability.
“We have heard story after story about the under-18s service being neglected, particularly in smaller centres, where in some cases we're hearing mobile dental vans haven't visited for years,” says Hana Pilkinton-Ching, Dental for All campaigner and spokesperson. “Making dental truly public – building an integrated child, adolescent, and adult community dental service – would improve planning and accountability for the under 18s service, and mean the government has to square up to the fact that oral health is part of general health, and needs urgent attention.”
Across the country, community members have spoken about painful attempts to extract their own teeth because of cost barriers – a cost barrier that the most recent New Zealand Health Survey stops almost half of all New Zealanders from accessing the dental care that they need.
“It's alarming how often we have heard of people being left to pursue DIY dentistry, because of the prohibitive cost barrier,” says Pilkinton-Ching. “The need is enormous, and the Government knows it, so the longer the Government chooses not to act on dental, the more the Government is condoning the significant suffering people are going through across the country when it comes to oral health.”
Dental for All is calling for the government to implement free, universal dental, delivered consistently with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
When New Zealand's public healthcare system was established in 1938, some dentists lobbied for the exclusion of dental from the service, though dental care for under-18s is free. That exclusion of dental continues to today.
Research commissioned by Dental for All shows the cost of universal dental, at $1-2bn, is less than what the current exclusion of dental from the public system is costing society, with FrankAdvice research showing that the current approach to dental is costing the country $2.5bn in lost productivity and $3.1bn in reduced quality of life.
In the Far North and on the East Coast local providers have told Dental for All that they are seeking to establish accessible local oral health services because the need is urgent – but there is little or no government support for those measures.
“Local communities and health providers, especially Māori health providers, are seeing the problems in oral health and acting on them by trying to set up local accessible dental services,” says Pilkinton-Ching. “But it shouldn't be down to local providers to fundraise or volunteer time – this is a nationwide crisis that demands a nationwide solution.”
Major Dental for All community discussions will be held in Dunedin on the evening of Monday 29 September and Christchurch on the evening of Wednesday 1 October, with the roadshow closing with an event in Nelson on the evening of Monday 6 October.
Note
– Hana Pilkinton-Ching and Kayli Taylor are available for interviews. Hana can be contacted on 027 253 4641, and Max Harris can be contacted on 022 426 8939 on background or to arrange interviews.
– Details of many of the remaining Dental for All community events can be found online here: https://our.actionstation.org.nz/calendars/dental-for-all-roadshow
– In the 2024 NZ Health Survey, 45% of New Zealand adults reported unmet dental need due to cost: https://www.health.govt.nz/publications/annual-update-of-key-results-202324-new-zealand-health-survey
– Details of the cost of excluding dental from the public healthcare system in terms of lost productivity ($2.5bn) and reduced quality of life ($3.1bn) can be found in this FrankAdvice report at p 4: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6716db8303911558a264ceeb/t/6893fb04bd24865e5efa7e1f/1754528521108/FrankAdvice_report_for_Dental_for_All_Coalition.pdf