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Health and Employment – Review highlights under-staffing at Nelson Hospital – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

A review of Nelson Hospital has confirmed concerns that staff shortages are increasing wait times and delaying people getting the care they need, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) says.
The Nelson Marlborough Clinical Quality and Systems Review carried out by Te Whatu Ora was released this afternoon and has found serious issues with the management and development of the nursing workforce at Nelson Hospital.
NZNO delegate Marijke Cooper says the findings of this review go to the heart of concerns nurses are striking over next week.
“Te Whatu Ora is failing to resource safe staffing levels and are delaying hiring more staff because of issues with their recruitment process.
“This is having a real impact on patients because they are unable to get First Specialist Assessments. We saw in media last week concerns over ghost First Specialist Assessments at Nelson,” she says.
The review also found Nelson Hospital needs to do more to upskill their nurses.
“Requests from nursing staff to upskill are being frequently turned down. The hiring of high-calibre nursing staff is being limited because of an inflexible approach to part-time work.
“Nelson is also underinvesting in advanced nurse practice roles compared to other parts of New Zealand.
“Te Whatu Ora needs to commit to building a sustainable and high-skilled home-grown nursing workforce by upskilling nurses and hiring graduate nurses.”
Marijke Cooper says NZNO is concerned that despite the review raising concerns about poor communication practices at Nelson Hospital, none of our delegates are aware of any staff being consulted on it.
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Health – Nelson Hospital review fails to hold leadership to account – ASMS says

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

The review of Nelson Hospital released by Health New Zealand today is little more than a ‘plan to make a plan’ the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says.
The review just restates well-established problems with leadership and severe understaffing at Nelson Hospital which are causing delayed care for hundreds of patients.
The Nelson Review was commissioned after Senior Medical Officers spoke to media in March about the poor working conditions. Doctors, fed up with inaction, described massive wait times for first specialist appointments, and repeated refusals from leadership to address staffing shortages across many departments.
This prompted Health New Zealand’s chief clinical officer Richard Sullivan to commission a review. He said, “I would hope we will have some answers within weeks.”
“Four months later and all we have is a a plan to make a plan,” ASMS executive director Sarah Dalton says.”
Doctors, nurses and patients want solutions to these ongoing problems, not a bland description of known issues leadership should have addressed years ago.
“The review lacks timeframes, holds no leaders to account for these failures. Just last month Nelson Hospital was again in the news for booking “ghost clinics” in what appears to be an attempt to game the system in regard to first specialists’ appointments numbers.
“There is a worrying trend of poor management and poor leadership at Nelson Hospital which the review fails to address.”ASMS is disappointed there has been little engagement with hospital staff – and no consultation as to the review’s findings and recommendations. 
“We understand regional deputy chief executive Martin Keogh and National Chief Clinical Officer Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard presented the report to just a handful of senior staff and gave other staff just 24 hours’ notice to a 30-minute briefing.
“This is a wasted opportunity to make positive change.”Dalton says the real finding from the review is that the issues at Nelson are present in other hospitals around the motu.
“The review uses comparative data that paints the dire picture of medical staffing gaps in similar sized hospitals across the country too. This aligns with our own findings. 
We simply need more doctors,” she says.
“Short staffing and increased acute patient demand, coupled with a lack of accountability from our health leaders that allow hospitals to be so poorly staffed has bred a culture of getting by instead of getting ahead.”

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Asia Pacific – Sixth Street Welcomes Stuart Wrigley to Expand Firm’s Presence in Asia Pacific

Source: Sixth Street

Establishes new Singapore office to deepen local relationships and expand investment capabilities

SAN FRANCISCO & SINGAPORE – Sixth Street, a leading global investment firm, today announced the appointment of Stuart Wrigley as Partner, Head of Sixth Street Asia Pacific and Head of Capital Formation and Strategy International. Wrigley will also lead the firm's new Singapore office, which is expected to open in October 2025.

In this newly created role, Wrigley will be responsible for leading the expansion of Sixth Street's client franchise across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. His mandate will focus on deepening relationships with existing investors, while leading new capital formation activity, strategic partnerships and the expansion of the firm's investment capabilities in Asia Pacific. Sixth Street has built a longstanding track record in Asia Pacific, having invested in the region for more than a decade, including AirTrunk and ESR Group Limited.

“Stuart brings the depth of experience and expertise to accelerate our activity internationally,” said Sixth Street Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Alan Waxman. “We've developed a close relationship with Stuart over the course of two decades. In that time, he has demonstrated his strength as a business builder and clear alignment with our values of entrepreneurship, integrity and teamwork. We believe that the unconstrained and thematic nature of our investment platform is well positioned to deliver investment excellence and serve our investors in these strategic regions. We are committed to Asia Pacific and look forward to further expanding our presence through the opening of our new office in Singapore.”

Wrigley joins Sixth Street following a 24-year tenure at Goldman Sachs, where he most recently served as Head of Client Solutions Group in Asia Pacific for Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM). In this role, he supported GSAM's expansion across Asia Pacific and led a team focused on developing tailored investment strategies for institutional and wealth management clients in the region.

“I have been consistently impressed with Sixth Street's culture, team and success in building a truly differentiated global investment firm,” added Stuart Wrigley, Partner, Head of Sixth Street Asia Pacific and Head of Capital Formation and Strategy International at Sixth Street. “Having spent 18 years in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, I believe that Sixth Street's flexible, long-term capital has a unique opportunity to further support great companies in these regions and, most importantly, serve our investors.”

About Sixth Street

Sixth Street is a global investment firm with over $115 billion in assets under management and committed capital. The firm uses its long-term flexible capital, data-enabled capabilities, and “One Team” culture to develop themes and offer solutions to companies across all stages of growth. Founded in 2009, Sixth Street has more than 650 team members including over 280 investment professionals around the world. For more information, visit www.sixthstreet.com, and follow Sixth Street on LinkedIn.

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Employment and Politics – 90,000 strong pay equity petition delivered to MPs – CTU

Source: NZCTU

Women representing the more than 300,000 workers in female-dominated industries affected by the Government’s gutting of Aotearoa New Zealand’s pay equity system have today delivered a petition of 93,924 people to opposition MPs at Parliament.

“The Government has made it virtually impossible for people in female-dominated industries to be paid fairly, but this petition shows that women will not be deterred in our fight to achieve pay equity for all,” said PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.

“The workers who are affected by the cancellation of claims keep this country running with the essential work they do to support education, health, families and communities,” said Fitzsimons.

“Overnight the Government reversed decades of progress to correct pay rates for women, but we are heartened that tens of thousands of New Zealanders are supporting us,” said secondary school teacher and PPTA Executive Member Clare Preston.

“We are demanding that the Government undo the Equal Pay Act changes, reverse the claim cancellations, and deliver pay equity for all workers,” said Preston. 

“The pay equity changes were a huge slap in the face for women and have a massive impact on the families and communities we care for, but we will continue to rise up,” said care and support worker and E tū delegate Jo-Chanelle Pouwhare.

“We will not stop fighting until the Government listens to us,” said Pouwhare.

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Environment – EPA approves new fruit fungicide

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a fungicide with a new active ingredient that controls blackspot and powdery mildew on apples and pears, and Botrytis on grapes.
UPL New Zealand Limited applied to import or manufacture Rhapsody, a fungicide containing 218 g/L ipflufenoquin, a chemical new to New Zealand.
UPL says Rhapsody gives growers an alternative to other products that may be becoming less effective due to increasing resistance, gives another option for late season use, and is lower risk to human health.
“This approval means growers will have access to an innovative tool with a new mode of action, helping protect crops vital to New Zealand’s primary sector,” says Dr Lauren Fleury, EPA Hazardous Substances Applications Manager.
The apple industry contributed almost $2 billion to the New Zealand economy last year, and the wine export value reached approximately $2.4 billion.
The decision to approve Rhapsody was made following a rigorous assessment and consultation process, says Dr Fleury.
“As this product contains an active ingredient that is new to New Zealand, we assessed the scientific data and evidence, as well as economic and local information, to enable access to new chemistry while continuing to protect people’s health and our unique environment.”
Ipflufenoquin has been approved in other countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan and the USA.
This decision is the latest for the EPA, which has reduced the queue of hazardous substance release applications by almost 21 percent since 1 July 2024. The EPA has set ambitious assessment targets for the coming year, including increasing the number of assessments for substances containing new active ingredients.
“We understand the importance of timely access to new products. Continuing to reduce the queue and assess new active ingredients is a top priority for us.”
The substance can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, and users must comply with specific controls.
As an agricultural compound, Rhapsody must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before it can be used in New Zealand.
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Heritage NZ – Altared States concert series coming up at Old St Paul’s

Source: Heritage New Zealand

Wellington’s iconic Old St Paul’s (OSP) is partnering with Pyramid Club to present Altared States – a transcendent new series of concerts featuring electronic music by some of Wellington’s leading artists.
Inspired by Brian Sweeney’s New York-founded Ambient Church, Altared States promises an immersive sonic experience that invites audiences to explore sound in a deeply personal and transformative way.
Set within the chancel of the venue’s altar, the historic building – cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga – will host a series of 60-minute immersive sound experiences, with each artist redefining ritual in a contemporary light.
The four Friday night concerts will feature different artists beginning with Ludus on August 1, followed by Stephen Gallagher with David Long and Jules Desmond (August 8); Oghum (August 15); and Dream Chambers (August 22).
Altared States marks a milestone in the property’s story according to Old St Paul’s Event Coordinator Jane Nye.
“We’re weaving OSP’s heritage with the progressive energy of Pōneke’s Pyramid Club together with leading producers and composers to create an event that reflects both venerable architecture and iconography, as well as contemporary vision,” she says.
Versatility is one of OSP’s outstanding virtues, according to Jane, where events range from funeral services, weddings and incredible drag shows through to film and photography shoots, themed Gothic film nights, and now electronic music.
“The Altared States series reaffirms that Old St Paul’s isn’t stuck in history – it’s defined by ongoing rejuvenation,” she says.
“I want to surprise audiences with versatile programming that breaks down stereotypes about what’s ‘appropriate’ in a heritage building – especially one with so many pews!”
For more information about Altared States including artists, concert times and tickets: www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/96944/Altared-States-Electronic-Soundscapes-In-A-Divine-Place.utr
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Defence News – US and NZ Army leaders strengthen strategic partnership

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commanding General, General Ronald P. Clark, met this week with New Zealand Chief of Army, Major General Rose King, to reaffirm the strong and enduring military relationship between the two nations and advance efforts to bolster security cooperation, readiness, and interoperability across the Indo-Pacific region.

Over the course of the senior leaders’ and their delegations meeting in Wellington, as well as a visit to the NZ Army’s training and cultural home in Waiouru, the deepening defence relationship was reflected between both countries, rooted in shared democratic values and more than a century of military cooperation dating back to the First World War.

“Our armies have stood side by side in every major conflict of the past century,” said General Clark. “Today, that legacy continues as we build the integrated landpower network required to meet today’s challenges and preserve peace in the Indo-Pacific.”

Their meeting underscored not only the historical depth of the US–New Zealand Army partnership, but also the shared commitment to preparing their forces for the challenges of a rapidly evolving regional security environment.

“New Zealand values its close and enduring relationship with the US Army,” said Major General Rose King. “Our cooperation is not just historical – it’s operational, forward-looking, and grounded in trust. Together, we are preparing our forces to meet shared challenges across the region with agility, adaptability and purpose.”

Discussions focused on building further interoperability, advancing combined readiness initiatives, and the US Army’s recent transformation efforts. The leaders emphasised the critical role both armies play in shaping a free and open Indo-Pacific, especially as the region faces evolving threats and strategic competition.

The meeting occurred as both nations’ armies participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia, where close to 700 New Zealand Defence Force troops trained alongside US, Australian, and other allied forces. The exercise demonstrated growing interoperability across air, land, maritime, cyber, and space domains.

Major General King highlighted New Zealand’s commitment to maintaining a modern, combat-ready force capable of deploying globally and regionally. The New Zealand Army – 4,200 active and 2,000 reserve soldiers strong – regularly integrates seamlessly with allied partners across combined missions and operations, supports United Nations peacekeeping operations and delivers humanitarian assistance across the Pacific when called upon.

“We know that we can’t contribute mass and scale, but we pride ourselves on the quality of our soldiers and our leaders, who regularly deploy to, and add significant value to multinational deployments and operations,” Major General King said. “To that end, it’s been great to be able to share some insight with General Clark and his team around how we go about training our people.”

As part of its publicly announced modernisation efforts through the New Zealand Government’s Defence Capability Plan, the New Zealand Army is pursuing upgrades to its Javelin anti-tank missile system, investing in a Network Enabled Army to improve its digital communications and command-and-control interoperability, and planning the replacement of aging vehicle fleets to enhance mobility and sustainment in the field.

“New Zealand is a stalwart partner in the Pacific,” said General Clark. “Whether in exercises like Talisman Sabre or standing shoulder to shoulder in peacekeeping operations, our soldiers share trust built on action, not just words.”

This sentiment was echoed by Major General King, who emphasised the operational value of combined training and the practical steps both armies are taking to improve regional preparedness.

“Participating in Talisman Sabre alongside US and Australian forces showcases our commitment to operational readiness and deepening interoperability,” said Major General King. “These exercises strengthen our collective capability to respond quickly and effectively in the region—whether in conflict, crisis, or humanitarian need.”

Both generals acknowledged the strategic importance of the Pacific Islands region and affirmed their role in promoting regional security, development, and sovereignty.

This visit underscored the enduring strength of the US–New Zealand partnership – one forged in the trenches of the First World War, battle-tested in the Pacific during the Second World War, and reaffirmed today through shared purpose and mutual respect.

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Federated Farmers Statement on Greenpeace

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers Statement: Greenpeace vandals must lose charitable status

Federated Farmers is renewing its call for Greenpeace to be stripped of its charitable status immediately, following the extreme activist group’s latest illegal publicity stunt.

“Greenpeace need to be held accountable for their repeated illegal activity and the spread of harmful misinformation,” Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick says.

“How can they be recognised as a charity when they’re breaking all kinds of laws trespassing on private property, vandalising public property, and intimidating the community?

“Last night’s vandalism of the world-famous trout statue in Gore reinforces why these activists need to lose their status as a charity. I think it’s a total abuse of charitable status.”

Herrick says Greenpeace’s vandalism of the statue and welcome sign is a shameless attempt to divide the small rural community and spread anti-farming propaganda.

“These activists are total cowards who are slinking around in the shadows vandalising property under the cover of darkness,” Herrick says.

“There’s a reason they’ve done this at night. They knew it was dodgy behaviour – and that they’d never get away with it in Gore during daylight hours.

“We’re a tight-knit community down here in Southland. Farming plays a huge role in not only our local economy, but in our social fabric too.

“There’s no way we’re going to put up with this nonsense. Greenpeace should hang their heads in shame.”

In April, Federated Farmers called for the Government to immediately strip Greenpeace of its charitable status after the group’s illegal occupation of Port Taranaki.

Charitable status in New Zealand is intended to support organisations that advance public benefit through education, relief of poverty, and other recognised charitable purposes.

Under the Charities Act, organisations must operate for the public good and not primarily serve political or advocacy purposes.

Herrick says he sees Greenpeace’s ongoing illegal activity as clear evidence that it no longer meets these criteria for charitable status.

“There are plenty of amazing, honest charities doing fantastic work out there – but Greenpeace is not one of them.

“It’s become little more than an extreme activist group that’s disrupting legitimate businesses and spreading harmful misinformation – repeatedly and deliberately.”

Federated Farmers lodged a formal complaint with Charities Services in April, requesting a formal inquiry into Greenpeace’s conduct and eligibility for charitable status.

A copy was also sent to Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Hon Louise Upston and Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Brooke van Velden.

The complaint focuses on Greenpeace’s repeated involvement in premeditated unlawful protest activity.

That includes the 2024 protest at Fonterra’s Te Rapa dairy factory where seven individuals were arrested, and last year’s occupation of Straterra's Wellington office, where five were arrested during a staged lockdown.

“We urge Charities Services to act decisively on our existing complaint and strip Greenpeace of its charitable status quickly,” Herrick says.

“I can’t see any way they meet the requirements for registration under the Charities Act 2005.

“Hardworking Kiwi taxpayers should not be forced to subsidise their illegal attacks and extremist political agendas through tax breaks for their donors.

“Law-breaking groups cannot hide behind charitable privileges while threatening livelihoods with misinformation about farming.”

Herrick says it’s not just Greenpeace that needs to be held accountable for how it’s operating as a charity.

“I think Charities Services and the Government need to be held accountable too and answer some tough, but fair, questions about how this rort of the rules is being allowed to continue.

“There is absolutely no way Greenpeace should be allowed to constantly break the law and still be recognised as a charity.”
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Local News – Volunteers celebrated at Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards – Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council 

Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) was crowned supreme Porirua winners at the 2025 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards last night.
The event, held at Pātaka Art + Museum, highlighted outstanding volunteers and organisations making a difference in Porirua with their dedication and passion.
Category winners were:
Education and Child/Youth Development – 41 (City of Porirua) Squadron Air Training Corp (runner-up Holy Family Parish Youth Ministry)
Health and Wellbeing – Foundation for Equity and Research NZ (runner-up Waitangirua Market)
Arts and Culture – Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) (runner-up Malaga Sā)
Sport and Leisure – Plimmerton Boating Club (runner-up Porirua City Aquatics Learn to Swim programme)
Heritage and Environment – Whitireia Park Restoration Group (runner-up Tū Matau Ora)
Rising Star – Heavy Hitterz (runner-up O Le Nu’u Trust)
Supreme Award – Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub)
Ahu Charitable Trust (Pukerua Bay Hub) was established in 2017 by locals wanting to bring the community together to share skills and build resilience. Last winter, their innovative ‘Pop-Up Parlour’ transformed St Marks Church into a central hub with 48 diverse events held over a five-week period.
Porirua City Council’s General Manager Community & Partnerships, Reuben Friend, said the awards are a chance to show off how diverse groups are making our a better place for us to live.
“Everyone nominated demonstrates their love for Porirua and its people through their ongoing commitment – they show innovation, effectiveness, perseverance, impact and activity within our communities,” he said.
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Porirua over the previous 12 months.
“These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community. Congratulations to all nominees and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year.”
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Trade – NZ-UAE trade deal a boost to export and investment – ExportNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

ExportNZ welcomes news of the United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill passing into law last night, saying it marks the next step forward in seeing the Agreement between New Zealand and UAE provide a boost to exporters.
Executive Director Joshua Tan says recent engagements with exporters nationwide proves there is plenty of interest from businesses to explore opportunities in the UAE.
“The UAE is a fast-moving, high-value market with demand for exactly the kinds of quality, sustainable, and trusted products and services New Zealand is known for.
“We not only see opportunities for exporting products and services to the UAE, but also fostering investment opportunities in New Zealand. We are excited about the potential for growth in the New Zealand-Emirati economic relationship.
“ExportNZ acknowledges the hard work of our government officials and the Minister for Trade & Investment for moving quickly to conclude and pass this high-quality agreement. We look forward to notification of when the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will come into force for exporters to begin leveraging.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.