Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Matariki weekend forecast mixed for star-gazing across New Zealand

Source: NIWA

New Zealanders hoping to see the Matariki stars over the long weekend will have mixed conditions, with the best viewing likely on Friday and Saturday in many areas, according to NIWA’s 2025 Matariki cloud cover forecast.
With the Matariki star cluster visible on New Zealand's eastern horizon just before the rising of the sun, NIWA's forecast for each region covers the pre-dawn period 3am to 6am.
Eastern regions such as Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, and the lower North Island, along with parts of the upper and eastern South Island, can expect clearer skies for Matariki celebrations, says NIWA meteorologist and forecaster Chris Brandolino.
“Stargazers can check NIWA’s cloud cover forecast for the best viewing conditions in their region Matariki Viewing Conditions on Vimeo, which is updated at 3:30pm each day for the following morning.”
2025 Matariki Forecast for the hours between 3:00 am to 6:00 am
Upper North Island (including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Coromandel Peninsula)
  • Early Friday morning: Mostly cloudy with showers possible. Showers most likely over Northland and the Coromandel. Temperatures ranging from 11-13° in Whangārei and Auckland, to 7-9°C for the interior Waikato (e.g., Hamilton).
  • Early Saturday morning: Variable cloud cover, i.e., at times partly cloudy, other times mostly cloudy. Threat for scattered showers, mainly for the Auckland and Waikato regions. Best chances for ideal viewing conditions likely over eastern Northland and the Coromandel. Temperatures ranging from 10-12° in Whangārei and Auckland, to 7-9°C for the interior Waikato (e.g., Hamilton),
East Coast (including Gisborne, Napier, Wairarapa)
  • Early Friday morning: Cloud cover looks to gradual thin in the lead up to sunrise. A few showers possible, especially Tairāwhiti/Gisborne. Temperatures ranging from 6-9°C.
  • Early Saturday morning: Partly cloudy, with overall for most, favourable viewing conditions likely. Temperatures ranging from 8-11°C.
Western North Island (including New Plymouth, Whanganui)
  • Early Friday morning: Cloud will likely have the upper-hand. Threat for a few showers. Temperature between 9-11°C.
  • Early Saturday morning: Cloud will likely have the upper-hand. Threat for a few showers. Temperature between 6-8°C.
Lower North Island (including Wellington)
  • Early Friday morning: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperature between 10-11°C.
  • Early Saturday morning: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperature between 7-9°C.
Upper South Island (including Nelson, Blenheim)
  • Early Friday morning: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Temperature between 5-7°C.
  • Early Saturday morning: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperature between 3-5°C.
Eastern South Island (including Christchurch, Timaru)
  • Early Friday morning: Generally ideal viewing conditions with clear to partly cloudy skies. Temperature from 8-10°C.
  • Early Saturday morning: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Temperature from 6-8°C.
West Coast (including Greymouth, Hokitika)
  • Early Friday morning: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Showers are likely to be around. Breezy, with a temperature around 8-9°C.
  • Early Saturday morning: Ideal conditions likely Hokitika/southwards, with more cloud likely farther north. Temperatures around 4-6°C.
Lakes Region (including Queenstown, Wanaka)
  • Early Friday morning: Cloud is likely to have the upper-hand for most locations. Showers are likely to be around. Breezy with a temperature around 5-6°C.
  • Early Saturday morning: Variable cloud cover, so viewing conditions are likely to range. Temperature around 4-5°C.
Lower South Island (including Dunedin, Invercargill)
  • Early Friday morning: Cloud is likely to have the upper-hand for Southland areas (e.g., Invercargill/Gore) with showers around. Eastern Otago and Dunedin is more likely to have less cloud and favourable viewing conditions. Breezy, with a temperature between 8-10°C
  • Early Saturday morning: Cloud is likely to have the upper-hand with less than ideal viewing conditions. Threat for a shower or two. Temperature between 8-10°C.
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Economic growth still in the hole dug in 2024 – CTU Economist

Source: NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi

Data released by Stats NZ today shows that the economy grew on a quarterly basis by 0.8% but fell on an annual basis by 1.1% said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Economist Craig Renney. “This is positive data for the first quarter of this year, but the fact that the economy is about the same size it was in March 2023 tells you that essentially we have had almost zero economic growth (0.3%) over the past two years.”

“GDP per capita ($52,872) is now lower than it was in March 2022 ($53,100). It took another fall on an annual basis of 2.4%. There were falls in 11 of the 16 sectors of the economy annually – led by construction (-9.3%), wholesale trade (-3.6%) , and business services (-2%). Both goods producing industries and service industries saw contraction this year.”

“The data shows that workers incomes aren’t keeping up with profits. Stats NZ shows that compensation of employees rose 1.5% this quarter before inflation. Gross operating surplus and gross mixed incomes (a broad measure of profit) rose 2%. Employee compensation was revised down in the December quarter to -0.2%.”

“The lack of business confidence in the economy is present in the business investment data. Business investment fell this year. Non-residential building investment fell 2.9%. Transport equipment purchases fell 6%. Households are feeling it to, with purchase of durable goods being lower than they were in December 2023,” Renney said.

“This data shows us how far we fell over the past year in economic terms. The growth in GDP this quarter is welcome – but the economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth.”

“It’s time for the Government to realise that its economic growth plan isn’t working. There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers this year. 48% of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. One quarter of data shouldn’t blind the government of the need for change.”

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Universities – Aotearoa to host world-leading conference on women’s entrepreneurship – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

A major international conference in Auckland is putting the spotlight on how to better support female founders and highlighting wāhine Māori perspectives on entrepreneurship.
What do female entrepreneurs really want and why is the system still stacked against them? These are a couple of the big questions due to be tackled at the world's leading research conference on women's entrepreneurship held in Aotearoa New Zealand for the first time ever this year.

The Diana International Research Conference from 1-4 July, brings together top researchers and industry experts from around the world to tackle funding inequities, structural barriers and discuss the future of women-led enterprise, with a spotlight on te ao Māori perspectives.

“This is the only conference that focuses solely on women's entrepreneurship research, and it's an opportunity to garner insights from interested attendees, researchers and founders,” says Professor Chris Woods, the Business School's Theresa Gattung Chair for Women in Entrepreneurship, and Diana Conference co-chair.

“We'll be asking: What do women entrepreneurs want? How do we bridge the gap between academic research and industry, and how can we tackle the barriers women face when building businesses?”

Hosted by the Business School's Aotearoa Centre for Enterprising Women, the conference includes keynote talks, academic sessions, and a public-facing Impact Day on Friday 4 July, a one-day forum featuring panels on capital access, wāhine Māori leadership, and entrepreneurial futures.

The day opens with 'A boomer, Gen X, millennial and Gen Z walk into a panel': Mana wāhine across the generations'.

Business School senior lecturer Dr Kiri Dell (Ngāti Porou) says the panel will spotlight the unique strengths wāhine Māori bring to entrepreneurship. The kōrero will also explore te ao Māori concepts of sovereignty and entrepreneurship.

“It's about being role models, sharing networks and giving each other emotional support, challenging mainstream models of the 'hyper solo, winner takes all' entrepreneur model,” says Dell. “We'll discuss what values-led approaches, honouring both the past and the present, can look like.”

Next up, 'The Supply and Demand Challenge: Getting More Capital to Women-Led Businesses' panel will discuss why women still receive just 2 percent of global venture capital investment, with insights from venture capital, angel investment, and female founders actively raising capital.

In the final session, business leader, author, philanthropist and investor Dame Theresa Gattung joins Darsel Keane (Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship), Sophie Bradley (co-CEO, Girls Mean Business), and research fellow Dr Amanda Elam (co-founder, Galaxy Diagnostics) to explore what the future holds for wāhine entrepreneurs in Aotearoa and beyond.

Panel MC and conference co-host Dr Janine Swail, a senior lecturer at the Business School, says it's a privilege to host a conference that spans academic research, PhD students, practitioners and community voices.

“This is the only global conference that bridges academic research with real world insights and perspectives, with a dedicated focus on women's entrepreneurship, and it's happening here in Tāmaki Makaurau.”
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GDP increases 0.8 percent in the March 2025 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Gross domestic product: March 2025 quarter

GDP increases 0.8 percent in the March 2025 quarter – media release

19 June 2025

New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.8 percent in the March 2025 quarter, following a 0.5 percent increase in the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

Activity increased in the March 2025 quarter across all three high-level industry groups: primary industries, goods-producing industries, and services industries.

“At a more detailed industry level, nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing,” economic growth spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said.

The rise in manufacturing was led by an increase in the production of machinery and equipment. This was reflected in increases for components of both investment and exports associated with this type of manufacturing output.

Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

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Economy – RBNZ Bulletin: Reflections on 35 Years of Flexible Inflation Targeting – Lessons from the RBNZ Research Conference

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

19 June 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua hosted a research conference on 6-7 March 2025 commemorating “35 Years of Flexible Inflation Targeting – Challenges and Opportunities”.

This Bulletin summarises the key themes and insights that emerged during the conference.

The conference marked a significant historical milestone. Reflecting on the decades leading to inflation targeting, Governor Christian Hawkesby described how New Zealand experienced high and volatile inflation when monetary policy was set under the direction of the Government, not an independent central bank.

Reforms undertaken from 1988 set out, in the words of the then Minister of Finance, Roger Douglas, to “ensure that future politicians don't interfere with the primary objective of the Reserve Bank”.

In March 1990, when the Minister of Finance and the Reserve Bank Governor signed the first Policy Targets Agreement (PTA), the Reserve Bank of New Zealand became the first central bank to have a numerical target for inflation specified in its monetary policy mandate. (ref. https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f7a74960f1&e=f3c68946f8 )

Against this backdrop, 35 years after the first PTA, the research conference aimed to understand the inflation targeting experience across central banks, the challenges, and the opportunities to refine monetary policy frameworks and strategies in the post-pandemic world.
 
Read the Bulletin: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=78cd896bea&e=f3c68946f8

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Health – Integration of Māori healing and mainstream healthcare delivers social impact

Source: Rata Foundation

Te Arateatea Trust is successfully bridging traditional Māori healing practices with mainstream healthcare, offering an inclusive, holistic health service, particularly for expectant and new mothers.
The organisation operates Te Ara Teatea, a Whare Hauora (health clinic) established in response to community needs, with an additional focus on training practitioners in rongoā Māori, the traditional Māori system of healing. Rongoā Māori is a holistic approach that interconnects physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, along with rongoā rākau (herbal remedies), mirimiri and romiromi (physical therapies), and spiritual healing practices.
Trust Founder Ruatau Perez [Ngāi Tuhoe, Ngāpuhi] says this integration offers a more complete approach to wellbeing, addressing the whole person rather than just physical symptoms. “It's quite empowering seeing how the two modalities are slowly coming together – the traditional and the mainstream way of health. When you support the spiritual health, the mental and the psychological health as well as the physical, and understand the interconnected relationship between people and the natural environment, it’s really empowering.”
Based in Woolston, Ōtautahi, the organisation provides services ranging from injury rehabilitation to Corrections work, and support for fertility and pregnancy, including vulnerable young women who might not otherwise engage in ante- and post-natal care. A key component is their Oriori mentoring programme, which supports young mothers and their pēpi while training community members and staff in traditional practices.
Danielle O'Halloran-Thyne, who received mentoring through the Oriori programme to specialise as a hapūtanga (pregnancy) practitioner in rongoā Māori, says the programme creates a safe learning environment for practitioners. “Our services aim to provide one of the alternatives that complements other forms of healthcare that can really uplift the mana of the wahine and allow them to feel that it is a time of empowerment for them, not just a hard time. The resurgence of rongoā Māori and the acknowledgement that yes it does assist, that's a game changer for access to rongoā Māori, so that people can feel it's normal. What Te Arateatea is holding for us as practitioners is a really safe space to learn and grow and be part of that resurgence.”
Juliette, who has been with the hapūtanga (pregnancy) programme for three years, says the clinic offers a warm, welcoming healing environment. “They helped me through the pregnancy side of things – the joys that come up through pregnancy but also the emotional side. It has helped a lot of us accept what happened because it is out of your control and sometimes it's hard to acknowledge those things. It has helped me to see the journey in a positive light. It’s such a good, calm space. I recommend it to everyone.”
This integration of traditional practices with modern healthcare addresses various needs identified in the Waitangi Tribunal Hauora report, including isolation, lack of family support, and poverty. With funding from Rātā and other partners, these services are available at no cost to mothers who may not be able to access support during pregnancy and after birth, removing financial barriers.
“The funding from Rātā has really been incredible in helping us to really get it out into the community so that people can access these services that they may not otherwise have been able to access,” says Ruatau. “It's great to see the benefits of these two approaches working together to provide better care for our whānau.”
Te Arateatea Trust is supported through Rātā Foundation’s Strategic Health Pou (funding priority), which aims to remove barriers to mental health support and enable access to diverse support options, including rongoā and innovative locally based solutions.
Rātā Chief Executive Leighton Evans says the key focus of this funding area is to ensure people in need get the right support when they need it. “We want individuals, families and whānau to thrive so they can participate positively in the community. A key part of this is being able to access support and services in a way that is comfortable and familiar, and aligned with community, culture and identity.
“Providing support to organisations such as Te Arateatea Trust enables them to focus on their effectiveness and extend the impact they have in communities of need. Their focus on training the next generation of healers, and preserving traditional healing knowledge, also aligns with our focus on helping organisations to grow their capacity for intergenerational benefit.”
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Sustainable Business – 17th Climate Change & Business Conference: Where Ambition Meets Action

Source: Sustainable Business Council

Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier Climate Change and Business Conference returns in 2025, bringing together global and local leaders to accelerate climate action and business innovation.
The conference is taking place on 8-9 September at the Viaduct Events Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This year’s theme Ambition. Accountability. Action. promises to inspire and challenge business to take meaningful steps toward addressing the impacts of climate change.
Chief Executive of the Sustainable Business Council (SBC), Mike Burrell, says this year’s conference theme is timely and critical, given the increasingly complex geopolitical environment businesses are navigating.
“Forward thinking businesses recognise the focus on climate action must remain. The science has never been more urgent or clear – we must continue to pursue better business for a better world, and this year’s conference reflects the need for that ambition to now meet action.”
The two day-event will offer a unique opportunity to learn from global and domestic leaders and changemakers across business, government, iwi, media and civil society, who are turning climate strategies into solutions and real-world impact.
The 2025 international speaking line-up includes:
– Hon. Ralph Regenvanu, MP: Vanuatu’s Minister for Climate Change Adaptation, Energy, Environment, Meteorology, Geo-Hazards and Disaster Management.
– Prof. Elizabeth Robinson: Acting Dean of the London School of Economics’ Global School of Sustainability.
– Lord Adair Turner: Chair of the Energy Transitions Commission (a global coalition of companies, NGOs and experts working to achieve a net zero economy by 2040).
Environmental Defence Society (EDS) Chief Executive Gary Taylor says, “The conference brings together visionaries and leaders in the climate space at a time when serious engagement is needed more urgently than ever, given the profound changes taking place globally.”
“This event is about having challenging conversations, tackling the gnarliest of climate issues facing our country, and driving real and meaningful change.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in more than 30 different plenary, workshops and breakout sessions, all designed to equip business leaders with the tools and insights needed to lead out on climate.
Genesis CEO and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) Steering Group Convenor Malcolm Johns says, “As business leaders we are facing a variety of pressures and shifting geopolitical dynamics, but it is imperative that we stay the course, remain focused and maintain our momentum on climate action.”
“This conference underscores the continuing role business has to play in this journey, and provides a critical platform for leaders to connect, innovate and lead the charge toward securing a resilient net-zero economy.”
Delivered in partnership between the Environmental Defence Society (EDS), the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC), the Climate Change and Business Conference is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading and longest running climate and business event.
More than 650 people attended the 2024 event in person and online.
The 2025 event is supported by Foundation Sponsors Westpac NZ and Beca.
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Advocacy – The Israeli Assault Against Iran… Playing with Fire

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Israeli assault launched against Iran shortly before dawn on Friday, 13/6/2025, targeted three levels:

First: The military command-and-control system, including senior army and Revolutionary Guard leadership;

Second: The core infrastructure of Iran’s nuclear program—particularly nuclear stations and reactors, as well as missile and drone launch bases;

Third: The qualitative level, represented by senior nuclear scientists involved in Iran’s nuclear project. This multi-phase assault—carried out in five waves at the time of writing—sought to deliver a severe preemptive strike against the nuclear program, disrupt command and control systems, and disable key elements of Iran’s deterrent capability. With the confirmed assassination of Iran’s Chief of Staff, the head of the Revolutionary Guard, several top-tier military and Guard commanders, along with a number of nuclear scientists, and with direct damage inflicted on the targeted nuclear reactors, Israel began celebrating its achievement, even as anticipation mounted over Iran’s potential response. This article, written just hours after the attack, offers only a preliminary reading of the assault.

Netanyahu, who named this assault Operation Rising Lion, described it as a pivotal moment in Israel’s conflict history and a necessary measure to confront the “existential” threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program and to secure Israel’s safety. He obtained unanimous approval from the security cabinet for the attack. Israeli sources justified the offensive by stating that intelligence had recently detected an acceleration in Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons capabilities, claiming Iran was nearing the “point of no return.” Reports by international inspectors also indicated that Iran possesses enough material to produce 9 nuclear bombs, an assertion Netanyahu emphasized in his speech.

The Israeli aggression aligns with Netanyahu’s long-term security vision, which ext

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Polls – Betrayal of women over pay equity laid bare in Budget poll – time to reverse decision – PSA

Source: PSA

A Budget poll lays bare how deeply unpopular the Government’s decision to scrap pay equity rules under urgency has become.
The Post/Freshwater Strategy Poll today shows many New Zealanders oppose the Government axing pay equity claims and making it harder to push for new claims – nearly four out of ten opposed the decision and just over four out of ten said the move damaged their confidence in the Government’s commitment to gender equality.
“The Government decided to scrap pay equity for women to pay for tax cuts for business in this year’s budget – New Zealanders are seeing that plain and simple and they don’t like it,” said Fleur Fitzsimons National Secretary Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“This was wage theft and no amount of spin by the Government has convinced many New Zealanders who see the move done under urgency for what is – a betrayal that impacts wives, mothers, daughters and their families.
“It was morally wrong to cancel women’s claims for pay equity without telling New Zealanders during the election or even in government, and without a democratic select committee process, but it’s not too late for the Government to do the right thing by women.
“This outrageous decision will keep damaging the Government – the PSA calls on the Government to settle the 33 claims it scrapped and restore the pay equity process.
“That will help over 150,000 women get the wage increase they need and deserve and many New Zealanders clearly agree.
“Pay equity is also critical to help many deal with the cost of living which still worries New Zealanders. The poll shows a majority don’t think the Budget will help reduce pressures on the household budget from rising prices.
“What’s more nearly two thirds worry the Government’s spending cuts will damage the public services they rely on. This is what the PSA warned all along.
“The poll should be a wake-up call. New Zealanders are clearly telling the Government it is taking the country in the wrong direction, and is failing women and households. Restoring pay equity and public services would be a start.”
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.