Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Dairy Sector – Fonterra provides FY26 Q1 business update

Source: Fonterra

 
  • Total Group profit after tax: $278 million, up $15 million 
  • Continuing operations profit after tax: $158 million, down $10 million 
  • FY26 forecast earnings for continuing operations: 45-65 cents per share 
  • 2025/26 forecast Farmgate Milk Price: $9.00 – $10.00 per kgMS, with midpoint of $9.50 per kgMS. 
 

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today provided its FY26 Q1 business update, which shows the year is off to a solid start and the Co-op remains firmly focused on strategic delivery.
 
CEO Miles Hurrell says Fonterra’s Total Group earnings for Q1 are in line with this time last year, noting the higher global commodity prices in the period compared to last season. 
 
“Our Total Group profit after tax for Q1 is $278 million, up $15 million, and is equivalent to 17 cents per share.
 
“When excluding the costs associated with the Consumer divestment, Fonterra’s normalised earnings per share are 18 cents, up slightly on last year.
 
“Continuing operations delivered a profit after tax of $158 million, equivalent to 9 cents per share, slightly down on the same period last year reflecting differences in sales phasing.  
 
“We maintain our full year earnings range for continuing operations of 45-65 cents per share,” says Mr Hurrell.
 
Fonterra continues to make good progress on implementing its strategy.  
 
“In October, farmer shareholders voted to approve the divestment of Mainland Group to Lactalis for $4.22 billion. This is a significant milestone and we’ve received a strong mandate from farmer shareholders on our strategy to grow value as a global B2B dairy provider,” says Mr Hurrell.  
 
“We are firmly focused on delivering the commitments we’ve made, not least our target to lift earnings back to FY25 levels by FY28, offsetting the impact of the divestment of Mainland Group.  
 
“To support this goal, we are progressing with plans to invest up to $1 billion over the next three to four years in projects to generate further value and drive operational efficiencies.  
 

Progress includes: 
 
  • In September, announcing a $75 million expansion of butter production at our Clandeboye site to help meet growing global demand and improve our product mix. 
  • In November, our new Enterprise Resource Planning system went live at the first location and is on track to go live at the next locations during Q2.   
  • Construction is nearing completion on the $75 million investment in our Studholme protein hub, with the first products expected in early 2026. 
  • Construction continues on the $150 million investment in a new UHT cream plant at Edendale, which is expected to be complete in the second half of 2026. 
 

“We look forward to sharing further progress updates during the year,” says Mr Hurrell.
 
Forecast Farmgate Milk Price
 
Last week, Fonterra revised its forecast Farmgate Milk Price range for the season from $9.00 – $11.00 per kgMS to $9.00 – $10.00 per kgMS, with a new midpoint of $9.50 per kgMS.
 
This is off the back of strong global milk collections putting downward pressure on commodity prices, with the Co-op revising its forecast collections for the season from 1,525 million kgMS to 1,545 million kgMS.  
 
Update on divestment completion and capital return
 
With farmer shareholders approving the Mainland Group divestment, the next steps are securing the regulatory approvals required and separating the Mainland Group business from Fonterra.
 
Some of the regulatory approvals required have been obtained, including approval from the Overseas Investment Office in New Zealand which Lactalis confirmed they have received this week. Other regulatory approvals are still pending.
 
Subject to these steps being achieved, Fonterra continues to expect the transaction to complete in the first half of the 2026 calendar year.
 
As previously shared, Fonterra is targeting a tax-free capital return of $2 per share to shareholders and unit holders, equivalent to around $3.2 billion, once the sale is complete.
 
Another shareholder vote will be required for the payment of the capital return, which will be implemented by way of a Court approved scheme of arrangement under Part 15 of the Companies Act 1993.
 
Fonterra expects that the shareholder vote on the capital return will occur on 19 February 2026 and the notice of meeting to be issued by the end of January 2026.  
 
Holding the shareholder vote early in 2026 will enable the Co-op to return capital to shareholders and unit holders as soon as possible after the transaction is complete.  
 
If the capital return is approved by shareholders, Fonterra will then seek final Court approval to undertake the return of capital subject to the sale completing.
 
About Fonterra  
Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer, foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities by Doing Good Together.  

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Legislation – Retirement Commission welcomes reform of Retirement Villages Act

Source: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission welcomes the Government’s decision to progress long-awaited reforms to the Retirement Villages Act 2003, following five years of sector review, public consultation, and advocacy for improved protections for residents.
Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says, “This is a landmark moment for older New Zealanders and their families. The Retirement Commission has worked for many years to highlight the need for fairer, clearer, and more balanced rules in retirement villages.
“We are pleased to see the Government’s commitment to modernise the Act and rebalance the rights of residents and operators.”
The Retirement Commissioner first prompted calls for a review of the legislation following the release of a white paper published in 2020 and again in 2021 with the response to submissions it received. 
The then Associate Minister of Housing and Ministry of Housing and Urban Development accepted the recommendation that a full review was necessary and overdue. The Ministry subsequently issued a discussion paper in 2023, which received more than 11,000 submissions.

A broad package of reforms is proposed, addressing three priority areas for residents:  moving-in, living-in and moving out phases at retirement villages.

Moving in

Improve transparency and disclosure: Legal documents will be made more user-friendly and accessible. Operators must publish current disclosure statements online and strengthen obligations to ensure information is not misleading or deceptive.

Unfair contract terms: New regulations will prohibit certain terms in occupation right agreements, protecting residents from unfair contractual practices.

Living in

Chattels and fixtures: Operators will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of operator-owned chattels and fixtures, providing residents with certainty and fairness.
Dispute resolution: A new, independent, and user-friendly dispute resolution scheme will be established, to simplify and streamline disputes processes.

Moving out

Fairer exit process: Operators will be required to repay residents’ net termination proceeds within a 12-month statutory timeframe, with interest payable after six months. An application scheme will allow early release of funds for residents with specific needs, such as moving into aged care.
Weekly fees and deductions: will stop accruing immediately after a resident vacates their unit, aligning with best practice and ensuring fairness.

“Ultimately, these reforms are about ensuring dignity, fairness, and peace of mind for those choosing retirement village living,” says the Retirement Commissioner.

“The changes reflect the voices of residents, the commitment of operators, and years of collaborative work. We look forward to seeing a retirement village sector that continues to thrive, innovate, and put people first.”

The Retirement Commission will continue to work with the Government, Ministry and sector stakeholders to promote awareness of the changes and support residents through the transition. Financial exit changes will not be retrospective. The application scheme, interest payments, and mandatory repayment timeframe will only apply to ORAs signed one year after the new Act is passed.

The proposed Retirement Villages Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced by July 2026, with further opportunities for public input at select committee stage.

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NZ Super Fund – STAKEHOLDER UPDATE DECEMBER 2025 Portfolio Update

Source: New Zealand Super Fund

Portfolio Update – The value of the NZ Super Fund increased by $4.8 billion during the first four months of the current financial year, with NAV of $89.9 billion at 31 October.

This was largely due to the continuing strong performance of global equity markets.

This period also includes a tax payment in July of $1.55 billion.

Strong performance against key best-practice benchmark

The Guardians has again secured a five star rating for Policy, Governance and Strategy as measured against the UN-backed Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI), scoring 96/100 in the latest annual assessment of our performance.

The PRI assessment is an important performance benchmark and best practice standard for the Guardians. A four-star or better rating for Policy, Governance and Strategy is one of the four key measures of best practice that is in our Statement of Intent and reported on in our Annual Report.

The principles cover incorporating ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making; active ownership, including voting and engagement; encouraging investee companies to improve how they manage and report on ESG risks and opportunities; collaborating with other local and international investors to deliver better sustainability outcomes; and transparent reporting.

As well as maintaining a top rating for Policy, Governance and Strategy, the Guardians posted improved scores for passively-managed and actively-managed listed equities.

Head of Sustainable Investment Anne-Maree O'Connor said that improvement was driven in large part by a new formal Sustainable Investment rating process applied to external managers that enabled clearer reporting to the Guardians' Board and investment committee.

“Listed equities remain far and away our largest asset class, so any improvement we make in that part of the business is significant for the portfolio as a whole,” said Anne-Maree.

Guardians' 2025 PRI Assessment Outcome

Policy, governance and strategy: Five stars – 96% (unchanged from last year)
Listed equity, passive: Five stars – 91% (up from four stars 77%)
Listed equity, active: Five stars – 91% (up from four stars 77%)
Confidence building measures: Four stars – 70% (up from 3 stars 64%)

The PRI summary assessment report can be found here: https://nzsuperfund.cmail19.com/t/d-l-gtteil-hujkdust-h/

Timberlands sprouts new growth

As of 28 November, Kaingaroa Timberlands has become Kaingaroa Tipu. The name change, unveiled at the opening of a new 145-hectare tree nursery at Rerewhakaaitu, not only unites Kaingaroa Timberlands, Timberlands, and Forest Genetics under one cohesive brand, it also reflects the company’s intent to grow better wood products, better jobs, and a better environment, every day.

As a significant shareholder, the Guardians supports the underlying kaupapa, as summed up at the launch of the new identity by KT CEO Ryan Cavanaugh: “It’s a promise to our iwi partners, our contractors and our customers that we are here to grow with purpose, together”.

Learn more about the business, its people and its plans at Kaingaroa Tipu’s website: https://nzsuperfund.cmail19.com/t/d-l-gtteil-hujkdust-m/

Ground broken at Beachlands

Prime Minister and local MP Christopher Luxon and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown last month joined representatives of the Guardians and other investors in Beachlands South Limited Partnership to mark the commencement of site works in preparation for the development of a new coastal community in Auckland’s Beachlands.

The new community will complement and extend the existing Beachlands township and include schools and commercial opportunities, as well as a new village centre and a broad range of housing choices.

A full account of the opening ceremony can be found here: https://nzsuperfund.cmail19.com/t/d-l-gtteil-hujkdust-c/

To learn more about the proposed development, and the long-term vision of how it will enhance the natural environment, support the local community, and contribute to the wider Auckland region, visit the Beachlands South website: https://nzsuperfund.cmail19.com/t/d-l-gtteil-hujkdust-q/

Taranaki Offshore Partnership

Taranaki Offshore Partnership (TOP) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NZX-listed energy company Genesis Energy to investigate the commercial viability of offshore wind in New Zealand and explore potential joint ventures and offtake arrangements.

TOP Business Development Manager Giacomo Caleffi said the MoU was a first step towards a possible long-term commercial relationship.

“Genesis is interested in exploring new options for renewable generation and understands how the New Zealand electricity market works: we are interested in exploring the potential for offtake agreements with energy retailers and other large energy users,” Mr Caleffi said.

Genesis Chief Operating Officer Tracey Hickman said she is looking forward to working with TOP to assess how offshore wind could contribute to New Zealand’s future energy mix.

“This partnership aligns with our focus on developing new renewable generation options and supporting the country’s transition to a low-carbon energy future. With our long-standing involvement in the Kupe Joint Venture, which is located close to TOP’s proposed offshore wind site, and our capability to firm renewable supply and enter long-term offtake agreements, there is a strong strategic fit.”

Mr Caleffi said the MoU was not the first collaboration between TOP and Genesis Energy, with one of TOP’s windspeed monitors being mounted on the Kupe gas platform.

“The data it is supplying will complement our own Floating LiDAR data, which confirms the exceptional quality and consistency of the wind in this area makes South Taranaki one of the best sites that we have encountered anywhere in the world.”

In October, TOP was among submitters who presented to an Environmental Protection Authority expert panel considering Trans-Tasman Resources’ fast-track application to develop a seabed mining operation in the South Taranaki Bight.

TOP’s submissions can be read in full on their website: https://nzsuperfund.cmail19.com/t/d-l-gtteil-hujkdust-a/

New people in place

Newly-appointed Board member Andrew Wilson and General Manager, People & Culture Leona Cheffins completed their respective induction sessions in mid-November, just ahead of the annual Board Strategy Day.

Andrew's appointment means the Board again has a full complement of seven members, while Leona's appointment completes the refreshed leadership team line-up.

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Economy – Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the four months ended 31 October 2025 – NZ Treasury

Source: New Zealand Treasury

The Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the four months ended 31 October 2025 were released by the Treasury today.  The October results are reported against forecasts based on the Budget Economic and Fiscal Update 2025 (BEFU 2025), published on 22 May 2025, and the results for the same period for the previous year.

The key fiscal indicators for the four months ended 31 October 2025 were mixed compared to forecast, continuing the trends from the previous month’s results. The Government’s main operating indicator, the operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx), showed a deficit of $4.9 billion. This deficit was $0.7 billion larger than forecast. Whereas net core Crown debt was lower than forecast by $4.5 billion at $186.5 billion, or 42.8% of GDP.

Core Crown tax revenue, at $39.5 billion, was $0.6 billion (1.5%) lower than forecast. The largest variances related to corporate tax and other individuals’ tax at $0.3 billion (7.1%) and $0.2 billion (7.0%) lower than forecast respectively.

Core Crown expenses, at $48.5 billion, were relatively close to forecast.

The operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx) was a deficit of $4.9 billion, $0.7 billion more than the forecast deficit. When including the revenue and expenses of ACC, the OBEGAL deficit was $5.2 billion, $0.4 billion higher than the forecast deficit.

The operating balance was a surplus of $0.9 billion compared to a forecast deficit of $2.8 billion. The unfavourable variance in OBEGAL mentioned above was more than offset by favourable valuation movements, particularly on financial instruments. Net gains on financial instruments were $6.5 billion stronger than forecast, although this was partially offset by net losses on non-financial instruments of $2.3 billion.

The core Crown residual cash deficit of $3.7 billion was $0.8 billion smaller than forecast. While personnel and operating payments were larger than forecast, this was more than offset by net capital cashflows which were lower than forecast largely owing to timing factors affecting advances and investments with other government entities.

Net core Crown debt at $186.5 billion (42.8% of GDP) was $4.5 billion lower than forecast. The variance was driven by the combination of the favourable variance in net core Crown debt at 30 June 2025 which resulted in a better starting position for the current year, along with the lower than forecast residual cash deficit during the year, as mentioned above.

Gross debt at $215.9 billion (49.5% of GDP) was $11.7 billion lower than forecast, similarly with net core Crown debt, the majority of this variance comes from a more favourable starting position. The remaining variance predominately relates to lower than forecast issuances of Euro Commercial Paper and Treasury bills.

Net worth at $190.0 billion (43.6% of GDP) was $9.8 billion higher than forecast. In addition to the favourable operating balance variance discussed above, the better net worth starting position from the 30 June 2025 year results also contributed.

                  

  Year to date Full Year
October
2025
Actual1
$m		 October
2025
BEFU 2025
Forecast1
$m		 Variance2
BEFU 2025
$m		 Variance
BEFU 2025
%		 June
2026
BEFU 2025
Forecast3
$m
Core Crown tax revenue 39,513 40,133 (620) (1.5) 125,044
Core Crown revenue 43,866 44,694 (828) (1.9) 139,726
Core Crown expenses 48,470 48,272 (198) (0.4) 150,349
Core Crown residual cash (3,710) (4,512) 802 17.8 (14,533)
Net core Crown debt4 186,546 191,039 4,493 2.4 200,188
          as a percentage of GDP 42.8% 43.8%     43.9%
Gross debt 215,908 227,650 11,742 5.2 238,816
          as a percentage of GDP 49.5% 52.2%     52.3%
OBEGAL excluding ACC (OBEGALx) (4,944) (4,239) (705) (16.6) (12,075)
OBEGAL (5,186) (4,747) (439) (9.2) (15,602)
Operating balance (excluding minority interests) 866 (2,827) 3,693 130.6 (9,884)
Net worth 189,996 180,246 9,750 5.4 173,224
          as a percentage of GDP 43.6% 41.3%     37.9%
  1. Using the most recently published GDP (for the year ended 30 June 2025) of $436,103 million (Source: Stats NZ).
  2. Favourable variances against forecast have a positive sign and unfavourable variances against forecast have a negative sign.
  3. Using BEFU 2025 forecast GDP for the year ending 30 June 2025 of $456,464 million (Source: The Treasury).
  4. Net core Crown debt excludes the NZS Fund and core Crown advances. Net core Crown debt may fluctuate during the year largely reflecting the timing of tax receipts.
For more, see: https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/month-end/interim-financial-statements-government-new-zealand-four-months-ended-31-october-2025
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Economy – RBNZ Stats Alert: Updated weights for Trade-Weighted Index

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ)

3 December 2025 – The annual re-weighting of the Trade-Weighted Index (TWI) takes effect on Thursday 4 December 2025.

The TWI is a weighted average of the New Zealand dollar against the currencies of New Zealand's major trading partners. There are 17 currencies included in the TWI basket. The weights are calculated using a fully bilateral trade-weighted methodology. The weight for each currency is based on each country's direct bilateral trade in goods and services with New Zealand, for the year ended June.

The new weights will be applied from tomorrow, 4 December. The historical calculations of the TWI are not backdated with the new weights. The current TWI weights and those that will apply for the next 12 months are:

Currency Symbol Old weight New weight
Chinese yuan CNY 0.2174 0.2149
Australian dollar AUD 0.1840 0.1779
United States dollar USD 0.1562 0.1621
Euro zone euro EUR 0.0917 0.0922
Singapore dollar SGD 0.0570 0.0592
South Korean won KRW 0.0506 0.0482
Japanese yen JPY 0.0551 0.0472
United Kingdom pound GBP 0.0388 0.0395
Thai baht THB 0.0257 0.0245
Malaysian ringgit MYR 0.0243 0.0240
Indonesian rupiah IDR 0.0173 0.0206
Indian rupee INR 0.0169 0.0197
Taiwanese dollar TWD 0.0166 0.0168
Vietnamese dong VND 0.0154 0.0169
Canadian dollar CAD 0.0141 0.0157
Hong Kong dollar HKD 0.0107 0.0114
Philippines peso PHP 0.0082 0.0090
Scaling factor   77.1340 77.3320

Technical information about the TWI is available on the TWI weights table: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=01eab072bc&e=f3c68946f8
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Tourism – NZSki signs partnership with Sunac-BonSki to connect New Zealand with China’s fastest-growing ski market

Source: NZSki

NZSki has signed a strategic partnership with Sunac-BonSki, marking one of the most significant international agreements in New Zealand’s ski industry.

The deal opens direct access to China’s rapidly expanding snow sports market and strengthens NZSki’s position as a global leader in alpine experiences.
 
China is now one of the fastest-growing ski markets globally. During the 2024–2025 season, the country recorded 26.05 million skier visits, up 12.9 percent year-on-year, and 13.55 million active skiers, an increase of 5.86 percent. Indoor skiing is driving this growth, with 66 indoor resorts generating 5.63 million skier visits in one season, including the world’s five largest by snow area.
 
The market is shifting from beginner experiences to destination skiing, with high-spending destination skiers representing just 4 percent of resorts but contributing 28.64 percent of total skier visits — a core demographic for NZSki.
 
The signing took place at the newly opened Shenzhen BonSki, currently the world’s largest indoor ski resort. The venue covers 100,000 square metres, receives 3,000–5,000 visitors per day and is projected to welcome 1.0-1.5 million visitors annually, with 30 percent coming from Hong Kong. Its intermediate and advanced slopes have already received FIS certification, and a World Cup event is planned for next year.
 
Under the theme, Across the Equator, Wonders Begin, the partnership will focus on joint product development and promotion, including youth ski training programmes and off-season holiday packages that link year-round indoor skiing with natural alpine terrain in New Zealand. The agreement also includes plans to introduce the internationally recognised NZSIA certification system and New Zealand terrain park design standards to China, alongside a bilateral ski coach exchange programme aimed at lifting instruction quality and service experience across both destinations.
 
NZSki general manager operations James Urquhart says the partnership represents a major opportunity for the industry.

“This marks more than a business partnership – it is a shared commitment to shaping the future of snow sports. NZSki and Sunac-BonSki are united by passion and a belief in the industry we love. We look forward to unlocking new opportunities for skiers in both nations.”
 
NZSki operates The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt, ski areas renowned for premium terrain and natural snow conditions. Sunac-BonSki runs 11 large-scale indoor snow resorts across major Chinese cities, delivering year-round skiing experiences and supporting pathways from youth training to public recreation and competition.
 
“The partnership combines New Zealand’s natural snow resources and global certification systems with China’s nationwide indoor ski network and growing skier base. It will create accessible pathways for Chinese skiers to experience world-class training and alpine environments in New Zealand, while expanding NZSki’s global reach,” Urquhart adds.
 
About NZSki
NZSki is one of New Zealand’s leading snow sports operators, owning and managing The Remarkables, Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt ski areas. Known for exceptional natural snow conditions, premium terrain and world-class facilities, NZSki plays a key role in the development of snow sports in New Zealand and is a core certification base for the New Zealand Snowsports Instructors Alliance (NZSIA/SBINZ).
 
About Sunac-BonSki
Sunac-BonSki is China’s leading indoor snow sports operator, delivering year-round skiing experiences across 11 large-scale venues in major cities. Its resorts include some of the world’s largest indoor ski facilities by snow area and support a full pathway from beginner lessons to advanced training, competitions and membership services. Sunac-BonSki is part of Sunac China Holdings, a diversified group with interests in property, culture and tourism.

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Transport operators should prepare for random roadside drug testing

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is recommending transport operators prepare for random roadside drug testing, which is being gradually being rolled out across New Zealand from mid-December.
A recent amendment to the Land Transport Act gives Police similar powers to random breath tests, by requiring drivers to undergo a saliva test to check for the presence of four illicit drugs.
If two saliva test are positive (a fail), the driver is prohibited from driving for 12 hours and a sample is sent to a lab for analysis. If those results show an impairing level of drugs, then the driver will receive a minimum of a $200 fine and 50 demerits. Refusal to undertake the test incurs a $400 fine and 75 demerits, as does the presence of two or more drugs.
The four drugs being screened in the roadside saliva test are THC (cannabis), methamphetamine (meth), MDMA (ecstasy) and cocaine.
“Transporting New Zealand supports the introduction of roadside drug, which has been running in other countries including Australia,” says Policy & Advocacy Advisor Mark Stockdale.
“Crash data shows that around 30 percent of all road deaths in New Zealand involve the consumption of an impairing drug, which is on a par with drink driving. Evidence from Victoria, Australia shows their roadside drug testing regime saves more than 30 lives and almost 80 serious injuries every year.”
Transporting New Zealand says the Police expect about 12 percent of all roadside drug tests to be a positive result (fail).
Stockdale advises transport operators to ensure they have up-to-date drug and alcohol policies, including random workplace substance testing, and to have honest conversations with any staff that may have a substance problem.
“We want road freight businesses to be proactive, rather than risk a driver being stood down at the roadside and putting other road users at risk.”
Stockdale also recommends that transport operators update their employment agreements and policies, to require drivers to disclose any private offending (drug driving infringements occurring in personal vehicles outside of work hours).
“If you employ a truck driver who has failed or refused a random roadside drug test, in their own time and vehicle, it's important to be notified of that.”
  • A recording of a webinar covering this topic, hosted by Transporting New Zealand and the Bus & Coach Association, can be viewed on our website.
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.
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Statement – Response from Andrew Coster to IPCA report on Police handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming

Source: Andrew Coster

As reflected in the recently released public statement from Sir Brian Roche, Public Service Commissioner, I have decided to resign from my role as Secretary of Social Investment and Chief Executive of the Social Investment Agency, effective from 3 December 2025.

This decision is a result of my acceptance of full responsibility for the shortcomings identified in the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s review of the handling of complaints against Jevon McSkimming during my tenure as Commissioner of Police.

I regret the impact on the young woman at the centre of this matter and sincerely apologise to her for the distress caused.

I accept that I was too ready to trust and accept at face value Deputy Commissioner McSkimming’s disclosure and explanations to me. I should have been faster and more thorough in looking into the matter.

I acknowledge that I should have more fully investigated the allegations when they were brought to my attention, rather than assuming that their previous disclosure to senior Police staff a few years earlier would have resulted in an investigation if necessary.

It is clear that Police’s handling of the whole matter was lacking and that I was ultimately responsible for those matters. It was sobering to read of a number of missed opportunities which should have proceeded differently and more appropriately.

I welcome Sir Brian’s acknowledgement that the report made no finding of corruption or cover-up, nor did the IPCA find any evidence of any actions involving officers consciously doing the wrong thing or setting out to undermine the integrity of the organisation.

I made decisions honestly. I acted in good faith. I sought to take all important factors into account with the information I had at the time. While it is not possible to alter past events, I am prepared to take responsibility – I got this wrong.

I want to apologise to all members of the NZ Police. They work hard every day to keep our communities safe. I know they have been adversely affected by these events.

This has been a very challenging time for my family and me – the support we have received has been deeply appreciated. I have devoted my professional life to the service of others – it is my intention to do so again at some point in the future.

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Environment – Maraekakaho Quarry application granted consent – EPA

Source: Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

An independent panel has reconsidered an application to establish and operate a quarry in Maraekakaho, Hawke’s Bay, and granted consent.
The trustees of the RW and MC Gale Family Trust applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020.
On 5 August 2024 the Maraekakaho Quarry project was granted consent by an independent panel. Te Taiwhenua O Heretaunga subsequently appealed the panel’s decision to the High Court.
On 22 August 2025, the High Court released its decision requiring the panel to be reconvened to reconsider the application. Read the High Court decision here: High Court decision (PDF, 282KB)
Once reconvened, the panel took 51 working days to reconsider the application and grant consent. The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.
Notes
  • Information about the Maraekakaho Quarry project and the initial decision is available here: Maraekakaho Quarry | EPA
  • Appeals can only be made on questions of law, not on the merits of the decision.
  • More information about the appeal process is available here: Overview: Consenting under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 | EPA
  • The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provided procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appointed.
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Health and Tech – Whakarongorau celebrates major evolution in mental health support with AI concierge platform

Source: Whakarongorau Aotearoa

Whakarongorau has received match funding from the Government’s Mental Health Innovation Fund to develop an innovative AI concierge triage and navigation platform – a digital front door designed to improve access to mental health and addictions support in Aotearoa.
This initiative, announced at Digital Health Week in Christchurch by Minister for Mental Health Hon. Matt Doocey, promises to transform how New Zealanders access mental health services – making support easier to find, faster to reach, and more equitable for all.
The new platform will act as a digital front door, enabling people to connect through multiple digital and voice channels, from wherever they are and be guided across a full spectrum of mental health care options – ranging from immediate support to long-term therapeutic services, peer support, virtual consults, and in-person services.
This will enable early intervention and help prevent issues from escalating. Users will be able to see what support is available locally and, in many cases, book directly, removing barriers that have long stood in the way of timely care.
For example, a 16-year-old in rural Whanganui could text or call to complete an AI triage assessment for urgency. They could then be offered an immediate virtual peer-support chat, schedule a video consultation with a clinician who speaks Te Reo, and receive text reminders – all within 24 hours.
“This is such an important step forward for accessible and equitable mental health support in Aotearoa,” says Glynis Sandland, Chief Executive of Whakarongorau. “We know there is significant unmet need, and that mental health needs are becoming more complex. This platform will help us meet some of that need while freeing up our kaimahi / staff to focus on what they do best – complex care and human connection.”
“We are pleased to partner with Valentia Technologies and Spark Health to bring this vision to life,” adds Sandland “Together, we are making it easier for people to find the help they need, when and where they need it most.”
A three-month co-design phase will ensure the platform is shaped by the voices and experiences of tāngata whai ora, clinical leads, Iwi Māori, Pacific communities, disabled people, rural communities, youth, those with lived experience, and by the mental health sector. This collaborative approach will embed the values of manaakitanga, equity, choice, and culturally safe practice into the service, while also supporting responsible AI use, data sovereignty, and clinical safety.
Whakarongorau is committed to upholding the highest standards of privacy and data security. All data collected, used, or shared by the platform will strictly adhere to Health NZ privacy and security requirements. Oversight by a Clinical Governance Committee and ongoing quality checks will ensure the platform remains safe and effective. Importantly, users will always know when they are interacting with AI and can choose to opt out at any time. The platform will never make clinical decisions – those will always be made by qualified professionals.
About Whakarongorau Aotearoa // New Zealand Telehealth Services
Whakarongorau Aotearoa is New Zealand's national telehealth service provider, and leading triage, prevention, and wellbeing provider. Whakarongorau operates Healthline, 1737 need to talk? and other essential free, 24/7, health, mental health, and wellbeing support services. We connect the people of New Zealand with healthcare professionals, providing clinical advice, support, and information when and where it's needed most.