Source: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission
The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga, has revealed its first look at how New Zealand needs to invest to get the roads, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure we will rely on to live and thrive over the next 30 years.
The Commission’s draft National Infrastructure Plan looks at the infrastructure New Zealand already has and how factors like an ageing population and climate change will drive future demands. It shows what we should be spending and makes recommendations for how we can get better results from this investment.
Te Waihanga CE Geoff Cooper says that compared to other high-income countries, New Zealand already sp
Northland News – 3.54% rates rise adopted
Source: Northland Regional Council
Northland Regional Council rates will rise 3.54 percent for the 2025/26 financial year – considerably less than a 5.79% increase previously forecast – under an Annual Plan adopted by councillors recently.
Council Chair Geoff Crawford says the increase – which accounts to an increase of $19.19c per rates bill on average over the next year – was originally forecast to be more than two percent higher under the council’s Long Term Plan 2024-2034 (LTP).
However, due to a combination of factors including efficiencies, savings and surpluses available to offset spending and funding shortfalls, councillors were pleased to be able to approve a lower rates rise.
“We know that many people are finding things difficult financially in the current climate and have worked hard to keep our rates increase as low as possible.”
Chair Crawford says the following changes are included in the Annual Plan:
- Covering reduced cruise ship income ($491,961)
- Funding for Gold Clam response ($500,000)
- Covering reduced rent gains ($143,250)
- Covering increased inflation ($420,000) of operational expenditure
- Funding for Sea Cleaners and Native Bird Recovery Centre ($30,000)
“The combined changes, made up of both spending and funding shortfalls, comprised a total of $1,585,211 of operational spend to overall rates take for the 2025/25 financial year.”
“However, this is offset, and rates reduced further, by around $2.3M of funding made up of previous LTP initiatives that are now redundant, budgetary reserves including surplus savings from the previous year, and unallocated funding.”
Environment – Damning new groundwater figures reveal growing drinking water crisis – Greenpeace
Source: Greenpeace
New data published yesterday by StatsNZ shows about half of groundwater monitoring sites had contamination that exceeded maximum health limits for New Zealand at least once between April 2019 and March 2024.
Over that period, 45.1% of sites exceeded the maximum acceptable level for E. coli, and 12.4% for nitrate – a contaminant linked to cancer and preterm births.
The alarming figures have been revealed less than a month after the Luxon Government released proposals to further weaken freshwater protections.
Greenpeace freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says the proposals show the Government is knowingly sacrificing the health of rural communities to appease corporate dairy and Federated Farmers.
“While he should be ensuring that everyone has access to clean drinking water and swimmable rivers, Luxon has instead proposed scrapping the cap on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. This rule exists to prevent further nitrate contamination and protect people’s health.”
“His Government also wants to prioritise corporate uses of water over safe drinking water and healthy rivers.”
“The Government’s job is to safeguard public health – not bankroll big dairy.”
A cap on the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser was introduced in 2021, which was set at 190 kg/hectare. As part of the National Direction proposals for freshwater, the Luxon Government has proposed repealing this cap, along with other changes that weaken environmental protections and benefit irrigation companies and intensive dairy. Consultation on the proposals are open until 27 July 2025.
The current maximum allowable value (MAV) for nitrate is 11.3 mg/L, which was set in the 1950s to avoid blue baby syndrome. But this standard has been criticised by health scientists for being woefully out of date, because it doesn’t take into account newer health science that finds health risks like preterm birth and cancer at much lower levels.
“We’ve already seen the influence the agriculture lobby has had over the rollback of freshwater protections last year, and this data published yesterday demonstrates the consequences.”
“The science is clear, and the stakes are high. Luxon needs to decide if he’s governing for people – or polluters.”
Indonesia: Police must release 75 people arrested in discriminatory raid on ‘gay party’ – Amnesty International
Source: Amnesty International
Responding to the arrest of 75 people in a raid on a gathering described by police as a “gay party” in the Indonesian city of Bogor, near the capital city of Jakarta, Amnesty International Indonesia’s Deputy Director Wirya Adiwena said:
“This discriminatory raid on a privately rented villa is a blatant violation of human rights and privacy that exemplifies the hostile environment for LGBTI people in Indonesia. This gathering violated no law and posed no threat.
“The Indonesian authorities must end these hate-based and humiliating raids. No one should be subjected to arrest, intimidation or public shaming because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
“The police must immediately release all those arrested. Indonesia’s government must also take urgent steps to ensure accountability for human rights violations committed by the police, and work toward creating an environment where LGBTI individuals and their allies can live free from fear and harassment.”
Background
Police in the city of Bogor confirmed on Monday night that they had conducted a raid on a gathering, described as a “gay party,” at a villa in the Puncak area on Sunday 22 June, arresting 75 individuals (74 men, 1 woman).
The local police chief said the raid was carried out following reports from the public regarding “gay activities” at the location. The police claimed to have secured a number of pieces of evidence, among them sex toys, four condoms and a sword used for a dance performance.
All participants were taken to the Bogor Police Headquarters where they were subjected to further examination, including health checks and HIV tests. As of Tuesday afternoon (24 June) the police have not named any of the people arrested.
This is the latest such raid on so-called “gay sex parties” in Indonesia. Police detained nine people following a raid on a “gay sex party” at a hotel in South Jakarta on 24 May, while 56 individuals were detained for participating in “a gay party” in a raid on a different hotel in South Jakarta on 1 February.
Those arrested in raids could face prison terms of up to 15 years for breaching Indonesia’s Pornography Law.
The Pornography Law defines pornography broadly, encompassing material that contravenes norms of community morality. Ambiguously worded laws on pornography are often exploited to deliberately target LGBTI people, denying them the basic right to privacy and the right to enter into consensual relationships.
Ideology and Politics – Food quality and safety will suffer if meat inspection service is privatised as Govt proposes – PSA
Source: PSA
The Government wants to privatise its high-quality meat inspection service ignoring the impact it will have on food quality and safety in announcements being made to meat inspectors.
The Ministry for Primary Industries is proposing to allow meat processing companies to carry out more of their own meat inspection work with reduced oversight from AsureQuality, the Government’s meat inspection service. AsureQuality employs some 650 meat inspectors who carry out meat inspection on 27 million animals at 65 meat processing facilities every year.
Hundreds of highly qualified and experienced AsureQuality meat inspectors could face the axe, with many forced to transfer to the private sector with lower wages and poorer conditions.
“This is all about privatising a trusted and valuable service which ensures New Zealand consumers can buy safe, high-quality meat with confidence,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The work of meat inspectors ensures that disease and defects in products are identified and that meat is fit for human consumption.
“Independent meat inspectors are more rigorous because they have no vested interest in the end product and will not cut corners to increase company profits. Our overseas markets and consumers here at home will miss out if we lose the independence of our meat inspection services.
“This is just more of the same deregulation agenda we are seeing across health and other parts of the public service.
“History tells us who wins from deregulation, business. This proposal is all about boosting the profits of meat companies while dismantling a proven, efficient and independent government owned service that keeps New Zealanders safe from diseased and contaminated meat.
“Meat inspectors also play a critical role in underpinning New Zealand’s global reputation for excellence in all we export.
“Why put all that at risk?
“The Government's priorities are again clear – it scrapped pay equity, making underpaid women pay for tax cuts for business in the Budget and it's doing the same here, forcing meat inspectors to take a cut in wages to boost the bottom line of meat companies.
“This government has no shame in its reckless pursuit of ideology over the consequences for New Zealanders as we again fail to learn the lessons from the past.”
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.
Awards – Federated Farmers emerging and seasoned leaders honoured at 2025 PINZ Awards
Source: Federated Farmers
A young Federated Farmers leader building her expertise advocating for the sector, and a man who became a master at it, are among those recognised in the 2025 Primary Industries New Zealand Awards.
Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty sharefarmer chair Bridie Virbickas was presented with the Emerging Leader Award, and the late Chris Allen was posthumously named Rural Hero, at the seventh annual awards ceremony in Christchurch tonight.
With an audience of more than 400 keen to celebrate the best and brightest across New Zealand’s primary industries, the awards night is a highlight of the Rabobank-sponsored two-day Primary Industries New Zealand (PINZ) Summit.
Awards judges said Virbickas is making a strong mark in the dairy sector – managing 850 cows while leading beyond the farm gate.
As an elected Feds sharefarmer leader, Virbickas supports fellow farmers through advocacy, dispute resolution, and practical workshops.
She’s also a founding trustee of AgRecovery, helping reduce farm waste nationwide, and leads on-farm restoration projects with schools and councils – demonstrating her commitment to both sustainability and community.
The Rural Hero Award is always another standout at PINZ, and it was awarded this year to former Federated Farmers national board member Chris Allen, who died in an accident on his Ashburton farm late last year.
It’s been said that every New Zealand farming family is in his debt for his years of championing rural causes.
The judges acknowledged Allen’s “collaborative nature, persistence and practicality, which meant as a Federated Farmers leader his advocacy on freshwater, environmental and biodiversity issues was compelling and effective.
“A top farmer in his own right, he led with humour and knowledge.”
Meanwhile, Southland farmer and NZ Pork chair Eric Roy was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Primary Industries Award.
Roy’s production, leadership, advocacy and political service to primary industries and rural communities in New Zealand and the wider Pacific spans nearly 60 years.
His work for Young Farmers culminated in his election as world president, and the six-term Member of Parliament has also excelled in roles with Federated Farmers, Pāmu, the Meat & Wool Board and a host of community and charity initiatives.
“Few can match his contribution – Eric Roy is a truly exceptional New Zealander,” the judging panel said.
A Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) initiative to help farmers get the most out of their combine harvesters earned FAR the Technology Innovation Award.
The results of workshops and follow-up one-on-one sessions were spectacular, with improvements in harvest efficiency, productivity, sustainability and profitability.
Farmers reported increases in yields of between 20% and 50%, with one participant describing the initiatives as “the best use of levies ever”.
The Team and Collaboration Award went to Fonterra, LIC, Ballance and Ravensdown for their open data sharing ecosystem.
Built on key principles of recognising the data belongs to farmers, keeping data secure and letting farmers choose who they share it with, the initiative has saved farmers an estimated 250,000 hours of admin time so far.
Dr Robyn Dyne has won the Primary Industries Champion Award for her research into nitrate leaching and emissions, which has directly informed national mitigation strategies.
She’s helped build uptake of sustainable land-use change and, as a principal scientist, advisor, and board member, has helped keep farmers, scientists, and policymakers working together.
Food, Beverage and Fibre Producer Award winners Chia Sisters use New Zealand fruit and ingredients like kawakawa alongside chia seeds in their health food drinks.
Judges noted their sustainability commitments and innovation through the supply chain, including pioneering pressed juice in returnable kegs, and supporting growers by making use of hail-damaged fruit.
PacificVet Ltd and co-founder Dr Kent Keitemeyer won the Guardianship and Conservation/Kaitiakitanga Award.
Judges were impressed that the company donated its specialist services to support the Department of Conservation to vaccinate New Zealand’s critically endangered bird species, such as teal and kakapo.
Their efforts have been pivotal to the preservation of our native birdlife and will help protect our gene pools for future generations.
Marine Environment – Threatened whale species in the Pacific found in areas targeted by The Metals Company for deep sea mining, scientists warn
Source: Greenpeace
A scientific survey of two areas targeted by The Metals Company for deep sea mining in the Pacific Ocean has confirmed the presence of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales, which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The news comes as world governments are preparing to meet once again at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), where the call for a moratorium on deep sea mining keeps growing.
The survey published today in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science was conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories from Greenpeace International’s ship, Arctic Sunrise. Researchers studied two exploration blocks held by The Metals Company in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (known as NORI-d and TOML-e) [1] [2]
Dr Kirsten Young, Lead Study Author, University of Exeter, says, “We already knew that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is home to at least 20 species of cetaceans, but we’ve now demonstrated the presence of some of these species in two areas specifically earmarked for deep sea mining by The Metals Company.”
Following President Trump's approval of a deep sea mining Executive Order in April 2025, The Metals Company applied to the US government to give TMC unilateral permission to commercially mine the international seabed in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. According to reports, this application covers the NORI-d area. This move bypasses and undermines the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator for deep sea mining, which continues to prohibit commercial mining activities, and has been met with strong criticism from governments around the world.
Scientists have previously warned of “long-lasting, irreversible” impacts of deep sea mining on the region. Cetaceans are known to be impacted by noise pollution caused by humans, and could be impacted by the significant noise expected to be created by deep sea mining operations. These operations would also generate sediment plumes, which could further impact cetacean populations by disrupting deep ocean food systems.
Dr Kirsten Young continued, “While more research is needed to build a complete picture of the impact of the noise and sediment plumes on cetaceans, it’s clear that deep sea mining operations will negatively impact ocean ecosystems in areas far out to sea where monitoring is particularly challenging.”
The survey provides a 13-day snapshot of cetacean activity in these two deep sea mining exploration areas. Using hydrophones, the research team confirmed 74 acoustic detections of cetaceans. This included a sperm whale, Risso’s dolphins and common dolphins.
Louisa Casson, Greenpeace International senior campaigner, says, “The confirmed presence of cetaceans, including threatened sperm whales, in areas that The Metals Company is targeting for deep sea mining is yet another clear warning that this dangerous industry must never be allowed to begin commercial operations. The only sensible course of action for governments at next month's International Seabed Authority meeting is to prioritise agreeing on a global moratorium.”
Greenpeace Aotearoa deep sea mining campaigner Juressa Lee adds, “This study again highlights why deep sea mining in the Pacific must be stopped before it gets a chance to start. Deep sea mining is just the latest colonial, extractive industry that will destroy the ocean that Indigenous Pacific Peoples depend upon for their livelihoods and to which they have close relational and ancestral ties. Pacific communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis that they have done nothing to create. They should not be sacrificed by the false solutions being peddled by wannabe deep sea miners who will wreck their homes and livelihoods, and compromise their traditional food source.”
Calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining grew at the recent UN Ocean Conference, with four new countries joining the group supporting a moratorium, bringing the total to 37. The UN Secretary General also issued a strong call to stop this dangerous industry. Momentum against deep sea mining will now be carried forward at the July ISA meetings.
Notes:
[1] Threatened cetaceans in a potential deep seabed mining region, Clarion Clipperton Zone, Eastern Pacific: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1511075/abstra
[2] This study in the Pacific is mirrored by another recent piece of research in the Arctic by Greenpeace Nordic and Greenpeace Germany. Researchers found cetaceans, including deep-diving and noise-sensitive sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales, in an area earmarked for future mining. If the Norwegian government proceeds with deep sea mining in the area, noise and other forms of pollution risk severe consequences. Greenpeace Nordic researchers are in the Arctic right now further documenting the presence of cetaceans in the area to expose the risks of deep sea mining and to champion the protection of the Arctic’s vulnerable marine life.
Government Cuts – Another 46 jobs to go at DIA with a further 14 under threat – PSA
Source: PSA
The Department of Internal Affairs has told staff today that it is axing another 46 jobs, which the PSA says which will ramp up workload on remaining staff and put New Zealanders at risk.
The changes confirmed to staff at briefings today will see many roles merged, such as the Manager Digital Violent Extremism being merged with a Manager Digital Messaging and Systems, says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
“Expecting one manager to do the work of two, especially at a time when the risk of violent extremism is escalating, is dangerous and makes no sense,” Fitzsimons says.
The changes will also see Personal Assistants become responsible for two General Managers instead of one.
“Reducing Personal Assistants is a false economy that will see senior managers spending more time doing administrative work, rather than the work they were employed to do. At the same time, it increases the likelihood of the Personal Assistants facing burn out from unreasonably increased workloads.
“Personal Assistants do the type of vital support role performed predominantly by women that are dismissed by the Government but are the glue that hold organisations together,” Fitzsimons says.
The changes follow proposals put forward for consultation in March, which aimed to save approximately $8 million a year to meet Government savings targets. They followed a wave of restructuring last year which saw, among many changes, the loss of key staff keeping children safe from online harm, and those stopping scams and international crime syndicates engaging in money laundering.
As well as the 46 roles confirmed to today, another 69 fixed term roles were not renewed and the DIA is reconsulting on changes that may see another net reduction of 14 roles.
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, and community groups.
Local News – Community meeting to address future of Macetown road – Queenstown
Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission
Saving a high-country road, cherished for its history, views and the access it provides to a special area, is the mission of a public meeting next month.
Arrowtown will host a crucial public meeting on 7 July, where residents, outdoor recreationalists, 4WD enthusiasts and other interested groups will gather to discuss the future of Macetown Road.
The Mahu Whenua Access Advisory Group, which includes representation from Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, has been working for the past 14 months to develop a managed access system to preserve the road for future generations.
Due to its ongoing deterioration, the road urgently needs a new management system, the group says. An unmanaged and unmanageable number of drivers are detracting from the iconic experience of 4WDers, mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders.
Informally, Queenstown Lakes District Council has undertaken maintenance and repaired slips on the road in the past, but can no longer do so.
“Without intervention, the road’s condition will worsen, and no one is available to repair it. We need to take proactive steps to prevent that from happening,” says Herenga ā Nuku Queenstown Lakes and Southland Regional Field Advisor Richard Ryall.
The proposed system includes installing a squeeze barrier for cyclists and walkers alongside a locked vehicle gate. A fee-based online permit system will provide the code to unlock the gate for motorcycles and 4WD vehicles.
“This system will not only help monitor the number of vehicles using the road and its seasonal patterns, but it also facilitates implementing caps on vehicle numbers during peak times. Our goal is to extend the life of this important track, which officially isn’t classified as a road,” Ryall says.
Ryall emphasises the significance of Macetown Road, noting that losing access would be a blow to the 4WD community and other groups nationwide.
“If we lose access irretrievably it will be a loss of national significance,” he says.
“There’s a deep emotional value attached to this road, as reflected in the stories shared by the community.”
At the meeting, the steering committee will explain its plans and engage with the local community.
The Mahu Whenua Access Advisory Group has received some financial support and is awaiting responses to additional funding applications. With the support of the Shotover Four Wheel Drive Club and other outdoor recreation bodies, the project has gained momentum as the community rallies to safeguard their access to this cherished landmark.
Herenga ā Nuku is working with the local council, Department of Conservation, Land Information NZ, Soho Properties and QEIINZ to develop an enduring legal access easement over the land.
Ryall noted, “The terrain, multiple river crossings, and complex legal framework can make this a daunting task, but we are committed to seeing this project through.”
Ryall is encouraging residents of Arrowtown and the surrounding areas to attend the meeting and participate in the discussions about the road’s future. “We want the community to help us ensure Macetown Road remains accessible for years to come.”
Meeting details
Date: 7 July 2025
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Venue: Arrowtown Rugby Clubrooms
Join us on 7 July to learn more about this important initiative and share your voice!
The Advisory Group would like to acknowledge the generous support for the project from Community Trust South, Central Lakes Trust, New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association (and affiliated South Island Clubs), ACL Communications Ltd, Scope Surveying Ltd and Queenstown Lions Club.
Māori Organisations Condemn Destiny Church’s Attacks on Faith-based Communities
Source: Toitū Te Tiriti and Kaiāwhina Aotearoa
Toitū Te Tiriti and Kaiāwhina Aotearoa unequivocally condemn the abhorrent actions of Destiny Church targeting faith communities in Tāmaki Makaurau on Saturday, 21 June.
“This was not a protest. It was a calculated media stunt that caused harm to many communities across Aotearoa,” stated Arama Rata, spokesperson for Kaiāwhina – a group that provides community care at protests in Tāmaki Makaurau.
On Saturday afternoon, Destiny Church members marched down Queen Street, led by Brian Tamaki. During the march, Destiny affiliates desecrated flags representing Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, Palestinian and Rainbow communities, while spouting hateful rhetoric and performing haka.
Spokesperson for Toitū Te Tiriti Eru Kapa-Kingi criticised the action stating “this action was not rooted in our tikanga,” as, “haka should not be misused to disrespect and attack others – all peoples have mana and tapu.”
“The leaders of Destiny should be ashamed in using whānau who are still finding themselves to push their own hate politics” Eru also said.
Public displays of vitriol are known to create the conditions for physical violence. The Royal Commission into the March 15 terror attacks warned explicitly about this trajectory. “When communities are openly targeted in this way in our streets, it demands our immediate action,” Rata stated.
She continued, “We reject the actions of Destiny Church. They do not represent Māori. Brian Tamaki’s stated goal to rule New Zealand as the head of Christian nationalist state is fundamentally opposed to our Māori liberation movement, and should not be tolerated.”
Kapa-Kingi concluded, “During the Hīkoi Mō Te Tiriti, we were honoured to march side by side with Tangata Tiriti of all faiths who came to show their support for Māori and to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. To our whānau who are Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Palestinian, Rainbow and Takatāpui, we see you and commit to standing by you against violence.”