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Advocacy – Statement from the Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand notes with deep appreciation the public statement issued today by ninety‑five New Zealand lawyers urging the Government to adopt a stronger stance on Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

We stand in solidarity with these respected members of the legal profession who, in highlighting international law, human rights, and the principles underpinning New Zealand’s foreign policy, are calling for moral and political leadership from our nation.

Their call comes at a critical juncture: New Zealand’s vote at the UN in support of the resolution recommending Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories was a step in the right direction. However, it must now be followed by coherent action—politically, diplomatically, and legally—consistent with our international obligations scoop.co.nz+12scoop.co.nz+12scoop.co.nz+12.

We concur with the lawyers’ analysis:

  • That Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land violates international law.

  • That increasing violence and civilian suffering, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, demand concrete responses.

  • That New Zealand’s standing as a principled actor in world affairs calls for both clear condemnation of abuses and active support for measures that uphold international law, including:

    • Support for ICC proceedings and arrest warrants for war crimes suspects;

    • The use of targeted sanctions;

    • Suspension of government contracts and investment ties with entities complicit in occupation;

    • Advocacy for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and humanitarian visas for Palestinians fleeing conflict.

As legal voices within our own legal fraternity have acknowledged, our Government holds not only a right but a duty to lead—ahead of electoral cycles—by placing human rights and international justice at the heart of its foreign policy.

We call on the Government to honour these principles by engaging thoughtfully with the lawyers' briefing, committing publicly to concrete measures, and joining the global community in holding violators of international law to account.

Today’s call by our country’s legal community is both timely and courageous. We affirm their voices. And we renew our call for New Zealand to do the same.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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Culture – Honouring service and sacrifice: 75th Anniversary of the Korean War

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, a pivotal moment in global history and a significant chapter in New Zealand’s military heritage. A national commemorative service will be held at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington on Wednesday 25 June 2025 from 11am.
“The 25th of June is a day where people can take the opportunity to honour and reflect on the courage and sacrifice of New Zealanders who served in the Korean War,” said Stacey Richardson, Director Office of the Secretary at Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
The commemoration is held on the anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War on 25 June 1950 when communist North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea.
“New Zealand was one of the first nations to respond to the United Nations Security Council’s call for military assistance following the invasion of South Korea in June 1950.
“Over 6,000 New Zealanders served during the Korean War. Around 4,700 New Zealand Army personnel served in Kayforce, with about 1300 others on Royal New Zealand Navy frigates.
“The ramifications of this war were felt across the world and in Aotearoa. Forty-five New Zealanders lost their lives, and many more were wounded or affected by the conflict”.
“Our national commemorations provide a space for individual and collective reflection. They bring together veterans, service personnel, communities and members of the public to honour together and reflect on the enduring legacy of war.
“As we reflect, we can also look forward. We acknowledge the enduring bonds forged between Aotearoa and the Republic of Korea, which have shaped the strong partnership our nations enjoy today,” said Richardson.
Veterans, their whānau, and members of the public are warmly invited to attend the national commemoration. Anyone who would like to attend should arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park at 10.45am for an 11.00am start.
For more information about the Korean War and New Zealand’s involvement, visit Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage’s website:  www.mch.govt.nz/news/time-remember-korean-war-commemoration
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Health – Primary care funding must be passed on to nurses

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Increases in primary care funding must be passed onto nurses to fix chronic staff shortages so New Zealanders can get in to see their doctors, the Nurses Organisation Tōputanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.
The Government funds GP clinics based on the number of enrolled patients they have, regardless of the services they receive, through what’s called the capitation system.
NZNO College of Primary Care Nurses chair Tracey Morgan says a capitation increase of 4% last year was widely condemned as forcing general practices to hike their fees.
Capitation funding for this year is set to increase to 9.13% conditional on general practices agreeing to limit any fee rises to 3%, according to documents leaked to NZ Doctor. The cost-pressure uplift for those who don’t limit their fee rises will be an increase of 6.43%.
Nurses are urging primary care employers to pass this funding increase onto them via their wages, Tracey Morgan says.
“This will help stem the flow of nurses out of primary care and into hospitals.
“A skilled nursing workforce is desperately needed to keep care in the community, ease pressure on hospital emergency departments and prevent long term conditions worsening.
“During collective agreement bargaining last year, primary care nurses were 16-18% behind their hospital-based colleagues in pay. The employers told the union that if the money was available, they would willingly pass it on to nurses.”
Primary care nurses will receive a 3% increase in July through their collective agreement which also gave them a further 5% on ratification earlier this year, Tracey Morgan says.
“However, this will still have them 10% behind hospital nurses with the same qualifications.
“The Government claims it is focused on shorter wait times for New Zealanders to get in to see their doctor. The ability to recruit and retain primary health nurses is vital to achieving this,” Tracey Morgan says.
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First Responders – Victoria Park New World Fire Update #5

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Two crews of firefighters remain at the Victoria Park New World supermarket in Auckland, following yesterday’s fire, and the section of Victoria St between College Hill and Franklin Rd is still closed.
The fire was extinguished last night and the firefighters are monitoring hotspots, Incident Controller Phil Larcombe says. Further assessment and observations will be made after daybreak, using an aerial appliance.
The property is extensively damaged, and fire investigators have returned today to continue working to establish the origin and cause of the fire.
Phil Larcombe says that Fire and Emergency expects to maintain a presence at the scene for most of today.
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Universities and Trade – Strengthening ties to China during Prime Minister’s trade delegation

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

Launching new study abroad and research collaboration partnerships with top Chinese universities and research institutes is the focus of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s involvement in the Prime Minister’s trade delegation to China.  

Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith is delighted to be participating in this visit to China to formalise these arrangements which offer exciting opportunities to future students interested in coming to study in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as forge new research collaborations.  

These partnerships include a major research partnership with Shanghai’s prestigious Fudan University, focused on public health, biotechnology, and climate science, as well as articulation and study abroad agreements with one of China’s largest universities, Zhengzhou University.    

This visit provides an important opportunity for Victoria University of Wellington to position itself as a top choice for students to consider when looking at studying overseas, says Professor Smith.    

“We are committed to deepening our partnerships with China’s leading institutions—united by a shared ambition to blend academic excellence with global citizenship.  

“Together, we are preparing the next generation to lead with knowledge, empathy, and purpose.”  

“Being part of this delegation reflects New Zealand’s recognition of universities as engines of innovation, diplomacy, and enduring global relationships. It is a privilege to represent our sector and reinforce education’s vital role in connecting nations.”  

Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon says New Zealand’s education sector is globally respected for its quality, innovation, and commitment to partnership.  

“Our universities, including Victoria University of Wellington, play a key role in fostering long-term academic and research collaborations with countries like China. These connections not only support student mobility and world-class research but also strengthen the broader relationship between our two countries.”  

Victoria University of Wellington already maintains deep connections and a broad reach across China through longstanding research partnerships, student mobility programmes, and alumni networks.  

The University first signed an agreement with Xiamen University in the 1980s, and its Confucius Institute was opened by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to New Zealand in 2010. It is a founding partner of the New Zealand Centre at Peking University and hosts the pre-eminent New Zealand Contemporary Chinese Research Centre.

In 2023, Victoria University of Wellington welcomed its first cohort of students enrolled at a Joint Institute through a partnership with China’s largest university—Zhengzhou University, a globally ranked university with around 73,000 students.   

Professor Smith says universities play a crucial role in international dialogue as the world faces increasingly complex challenges.  

“In a world facing complex, interconnected challenges—from climate change to public health—our researchers are advancing global solutions. This delegation is a powerful opportunity to showcase how collaboration across borders strengthens those efforts.”

“At Victoria University of Wellington, we see education not simply as a journey, but as a launchpad—for discovery, for leadership, and for impact. We are proud to support the aspirations of students who will shape the future of our world.”  

The University will also be launching the Kitea Impact Programme—a leadership development initiative for future global changemakers—and a work integrated learning programme which provides students with hands-on experience in real-world projects while offering New Zealand businesses deeper insights into the Chinese market and access to top talent.  

Professor Smith will participate in official events and meetings in Beijing and Shanghai and will reinforce Victoria University of Wellington’s commitment to China by signing partnership agreements with a number of prestigious Chinese universities.  

About the partnerships  

  • Research collaboration with Fudan University, Shanghai—one of China’s most prestigious and research-intensive universities—in the areas of public health, biotechnology, and climate science.   
  • Student mobility agreements with Communication University of Zhejiang, Hangzhou—one of the two leading universities in China specialising in cultivating professionals for China’s media and broadcast industries. Students will be provided a pathway into Victoria University of Wellington’s Master’s degrees in Computer Science, and Intercultural Communication and Applied Translation.   
  • Research collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences—a leading research centre in Beijing in the fields of philosophy and social sciences. The research collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington’s New Zealand Contemporary China Research Centre focuses on climate change, diaspora studies, and modern Chinese history.   
  • Student mobility agreements with Yantai University, a comprehensive university in Shandong with more than 29,000 students, which will see students transfer to complete a Victoria University of Wellington Bachelor degree in Language Sciences.   
  • Study abroad agreement with Zhengzhou University in Henan. With around 73,000 students, it is the largest university in China. The agreement will allow students from ZZU to study at VUW for one or two trimesters.
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Quarterly current account deficit $5.5 billion – Stats NZ media and information release: Balance of payments and international investment position: March 2025 quarter

Quarterly current account deficit $5.5 billion – media release

18 June 2025

New Zealand’s seasonally adjusted current account deficit narrowed by $53 million to $5.5 billion in the March 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“The value of New Zealand goods exports increased in the March 2025 quarter. However, rising export values were partly offset by increases in goods imports,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

“The March 2025 quarter current account deficit is very similar to the December 2024 quarter.”

The value of services New Zealand imported from the rest of the world increased, while the value of services exported decreased in the March 2025 quarter.

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

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Modernising New Zealand’s data system – Stats NZ media release

Modernising New Zealand’s data system – media release

18 June 2025

Wide-ranging improvements to the data system will modernise and future-proof how New Zealand’s economic and population statistics are produced.

Minister of Statistics Hon Dr Shane Reti announced today sweeping changes that will see Stats NZ moving in a bold, future-focused direction to provide more timely and relevant data.

“People’s information needs are changing and today’s announcements ensure we keep delivering data that improves lives today and for generations to come,” Acting Stats NZ Chief Executive and Government Statistician Mary Craig said.

The changes include moving to an admin-data-first census and publishing a monthly consumers price index (CPI), as well as a programme of work to meet new international standards for macroeconomic statistics.

Visit our website to read this news story:

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Awards – Canterbury’s top young chefs crowned in new competition at Ara

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

New culinary talent has been on show in Ōtautahi, with 36 young chefs vying for top honours in the inaugural Waitaha Canterbury Young Chef Championships at Ara Institute of Canterbury.
The Waitaha Canterbury Young Chef of the Year went to Clover Lippe, a promising young chef from Te Pae | Christchurch Convention Centre. Young Pastry Chef of the Year went to Ellouise Day who is completing her Diploma in Cookery (Advanced Patisserie) at Ara while working as Senior Chef de Partie and Pastry Chef at OGB restaurant.
Both won a standout prize pack, and a coveted spot alongside their employers on a high-profile city billboard.
Lippe had trained hard to refine her two-course menu of Lumina lamb loin, fondant potato, celeriac puree and charred brussels sprouts with pickled carrot followed by a Barker's blackcurrant semifreddo with white chocolate vanilla cremeaux, vanilla sable and crumb and blackcurrant coulis.
Executive chef at Te Pae, Des Davis, who attended the prizegiving, said her efforts had paid off.
“We’re thrilled for Clover but also so pleased to see a competition like this available for young chefs,” he said. “It offers a different kind of challenge from service and is an excellent way to extend their skills. A competition like this has been missing and we’re glad to see it.”
The industry-supported event held in Ara’s commercial training kitchens on Monday 16 June featured three categories:
  • Young Chef of the Year, sponsored by Catering Hardware
  • Young Pastry Chef of the Year, sponsored by Silikomart
  • Trainee Chef of the Year, sponsored by Akaroa Salmon
Competitors came from leading kitchens including Kokomo, The George, OGB, Earl Bistro, Sudima Airport Hotel, The Montreal Bar and Restaurant, Atawhai Café and Curators House. Each worked with premium sponsored ingredients while showcasing their individual style.
Head judge, Alliance Meat brand ambassador Darren Wright, said the competition tested not only the flavour and presentation of each dish, but also the chefs’ kitchen practices and professionalism.
Young Pastry Chef winner Ellouise Day said she was delighted to take the win. Her layered walnut and maple syrup layered dessert with spiced apple compote, chocolate and walnut crumb, apple cider gel and chocolate ganache impressed the judges for its flavour and finesse.
In the Trainee Chef division, an impressive 20 emerging young chefs competed in two heats. Participants were from high schools including Kaiapoi, Riccarton, Haeata, Hurunui, Shirley Boys’, Papanui and Lincoln. Many are dual enrolled at Ara or studying with ServiceIQ.
The trainees were tasked with creating a pan-seared Akaroa salmon fillet and a warm salad of prawns, potato, chorizo and spinach, complemented by smoked paprika mayonnaise, lemon dressing and herb garnish.
Gabriel Flower, from Sudima Airport Hotel took out the category’s top prize. His executive chef, Ara alumnus Dean Ding, said the new competition will play a crucial role in nurturing new culinary talent. “It’s time for new growth in our industry, and this competition will encourage young chefs to find their own passion for cooking. That’s what it’s all about.”
Ara Department of Hospitality and Service Industries tutor Mark Sycamore said the event was set to become a firm fixture on Christchurch’s culinary calendar.
“The fact they’ve signed up shows these young chefs are serious about their futures and willing to put themselves on the line. As a chef, they’re the people you want on your team,” he said.
He praised the support from sponsors, which included a chocolate masterclass from Nel Vicencio at Mind Your Temper, an Alliance-sponsored “meet the farmer” experience, and premium product offerings.
“Everyone has gone home with world-class equipment from Silikomart and a haul of other goodies. The backing has been phenomenal.”
While these young chefs are still savouring their taste of success, Ara is already looking ahead to welcoming new contenders keen to etch their own names on a culinary championship trophy next year.
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Advocacy – 95 New Zealand Lawyers Call for Stronger Govt Stance on Israel Amidst Rising Tensions in Middle East

Source: Max Harris
Ninety-five New Zealand lawyers – including 9 King’s Counsel – have signed a letter to the Prime Minister and other ministers urging the Government to consider a stronger stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The letter has been sent amidst rising tensions in the region, following Israel’s surprise attacks on Iran, and Iran’s attacks on Israel in response.
The letter’s signatories come from all levels of seniority in the legal community including senior barristers, law firm partners, legal academics, and in-house lawyers.
The letter cites UN sources that document the steadily deteriorating plight of civilians in Gaza, featuring escalating levels of bombardment, forced displacement, blockades of aid and deliberate targeting of hospitals, aid workers and journalists, and notes key responses to date.

In September last year New Zealand voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling upon all UN Member States to comply with their obligations under international law and take concrete steps to address Israel’s ongoing presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. At the time, New Zealand noted it expected Israel to take meaningful steps towards compliance with international law including withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The letter comments that Israel has done nothing of the sort.

The letter goes on to point out that in May this year Independent UN Experts demanded immediate international intervention to “end the violence or bear witness to the annihilation of the Palestinian population in Gaza.” UN experts have observed the occurrence of over 52,535 deaths, of which 70 percent continue to be women and children. The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher has called for a response “as humanitarians” urging “Humanity, the law and reason must prevail”.
The letter urges the Government to consider a stronger response including to condemn Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, to review immediately all diplomatic and political and economic ties with Israel, and to go further in imposing sanctions after New Zealand imposed sanctions on two extremist Israeli politicians.
One of the letter’s signatories, barrister Max Harris, says: “This letter reflects rising concern among the general community about Israel’s breaches of international law.”
“The Government has tried to highlight red lines for Israel, but these have been repeatedly crossed, and it’s time that the Government considers doing more, in line with international law,” adds Harris.
Aedeen Boadita-Cormican, another barrister who has signed the letter, says: “The Government could do more to follow through on how it has voted at the United Nations and what it has said internationally.”
“This letter shows the depth of concern in the legal community about Israel’s actions,” adds Boadita-Cormican.
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First Responders – New World Victoria Park fire update #4

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The New World Victoria Park fire is now contained, but Incident Controller Shaun Thornton says operations will continue overnight to extinguish it.
“Crews have been able to access inside the building, which has helped us get the fire contained,” he says.
There are 15 trucks and support vehicles. Two of those are aerials, with the Hamilton aerial now returning to its station in Hamilton.
The smoke has reduced considerably, and the Stay Inside Emergency Mobile Alert has been lifted.
“Road closures remain in place, please continue to avoid the area,” Shaun Thornton says.
“We are making progress removing cars from the carpark. If customers have a car in the New World carpark they are advised to see the Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel at the cordon at the bottom end of Franklin Rd who are coordinating the retrieval of vehicles.”
This will be the final update for the night unless there is a significant development.