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Employment Disputes – New Zealanders warned about escalating NZPFU strike action

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is warning New Zealanders about the increasing threat posed by the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) escalating its industrial relations activity to two one-hour strikes per week. 
Strikes are currently planned between midday-1pm this coming Friday and Monday, with subsequent strike notices in place for 20, 23 and 27 February, and 2 March. 
During the strikes Fire and Emergency will still respond to emergency calls but is warning responses will be delayed in areas covered by professional firefighters as the closest, available volunteers will be responding from their stations. 
“We think striking when both parties are actively involved in facilitation needlessly puts the community at risk,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says. 
“We asked for facilitation as there was a significant gap between what we were offering and the NZPFU’s expectations.
“Our offer at the time amounted to a 6.2 percent average increase over 3 years and compared favourably with equivalent recent public sector agreements, but this was three times less than the NZPFU’s settlement proposal.” 
 Fire and Emergency’s pre-facilitation offer would have taken average senior firefighter salaries from a range of approximately $81,000-$87,000 to $86,000-$93,000 at the end of the period, excluding overtime and allowances, which currently add an average of almost $39,000 to annual remuneration.
Over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent, which is more than 10 percent above the average increase for all workers. 
“We continue to call on the NZPFU to call off its now twice-weekly strikes while the process of facilitation takes place. We remain committed to a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement so we can continue working to keep our communities safe.” 
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Legislation – Still time for NZ First to do the right thing by workers and vote down Fire at Will Bill – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on New Zealand First to stand by New Zealand workers and vote down the most draconian anti-worker legislation since the notorious Employment Contracts Act in 1991.
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill was set to pass today but has now been removed from the Order Paper.
“Now is the time for NZ First to do the right thing and stand by New Zealand workers as this anti-worker bill goes through its final stages in Parliament,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The bill amounts to a radical change to every workplace and fire at will for each worker, it is a recipe for exploitation.
“There is nothing in the Coalition Agreements that would stop NZ First voting against the Bill at the conclusion of the Third Reading expected next week.
“NZ First has talked about being the party of ‘the responsible face of capitalism’. Responsible capitalism means basic protections for workers from unfair treatment which is what personal grievance remedies and contractor protections and are all about.
“The responsible thing to do right now is to vote against this bill which effectively allow employers to fire workers at will.
“NZ First indicated it wanted to make changes to these provisions at the Bill’s committee stages this week, believing they created a power imbalance but chose not to.
“It’s not too late. We urge NZ First to listen to the concerns of unions and workers before this bill becomes law and hands more power to employers to sack workers.
“We have already seen a huge shift in power to businesses. Workers have been penalised by the Government through 90-day trials, the scrapping of pay equity, the suppressing of minimum wage rises, and the axing of Fair Pay Agreements.
“Now is the time for NZ First to support New Zealand workers – the PSA urges NZ First to vote against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill.”
ENDS
Background Employment Relations Amendment Bill
In summary, the changes will:
– mean workers who are legally unfairly dismissed will have no proper remedies if they have contributed to the situation, however minor.
– allow employers to fire at will workers who are unjustifiably dismissed and earn more than $200,000 – they cannot access a personal grievance process for unjustified dismissal.
– remove the provision that automatically enrols new employees in collective agreements for 30 days. This means new workers will risk being exposed to 90-day fire-at-will trials before understanding the protections offered by collective agreements.
– allow employers to deem workers contractors removing their right to holiday and sick pay and means they can be fired at will – the law change written by multi-national ride share company Uber.
Previous statement
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.
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Economy – Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the six months ended 31 December 2025

Source: The New Zealand Treasury

The Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the six months ended 31 December 2025 were released by the Treasury today. The December results are reported against forecasts based on the Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update 2025 (HYEFU 2025), published on 16 December 2025, and the results for the same period for the previous year.

The key fiscal indicators for the six months ended 31 December 2025 were overall favourable compared to the forecast. The Government’s main operating indicator, the operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx), showed a deficit of $5.2 billion. This deficit was $1.6 billion smaller than forecast. Net core Crown debt was lower than forecast by $2.0 billion at $191.4 billion, or 43.5% of GDP.

Core Crown tax revenue, at $60.0 billion, was $0.1 billion (0.2%) higher than forecast.

Core Crown expenses, at $71.4 billion, were $1.0 billion (1.3%) below forecast, reflecting lower spending across a range of functional classifications.

The operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx) was a deficit of $5.2 billion, $1.6 billion less than the forecast deficit. The ACC deficit was close to forecast. As a result, the OBEGAL deficit was $5.5 billion, $1.6 billion lower than the forecast deficit.

The operating balance was a surplus of $4.3 billion compared to a forecast surplus of $0.2 billion. The variance of $4.1 billion is due to a combination of the OBEGAL variance of $1.6 billion noted above, and stronger valuation gains compared to forecast on non-financial instruments ($2.2 billion) and financial instruments ($0.2 billion).

The core Crown residual cash deficit of $10.1 billion was $1.2 billion smaller than forecast, largely owing to lower-than-forecast net core Crown operating cash outflows of $0.6 billion and higher-than-forecast net core Crown capital cash inflows of $0.6 billion.

Net core Crown debt at $191.4 billion (43.5% of GDP) was $2.0 billion lower than forecast. This variance was largely due to the lower-than-forecast core Crown residual cash deficit of $1.2 billion noted above, as well as higher-than-forecast issuances of circulating currency of $0.6 billion.

Gross debt at $219.6 billion (49.9% of GDP) was $3.3 billion below forecast, largely owing to lower-than-forecast issuances of Euro Commercial Paper (ECP) and Treasury bills of $1.9 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.

Net worth attributable to the Crown at $183.7 billion (41.8% of GDP) was $4.2 billion higher than forecast. This favourable variance largely reflects operating balance discussed previously.

  

  Year to date Full Year
December
2025
Actual1
$m		 December
2025
HYEFU 2025
Forecast1
$m		 Variance2
HYEFU 2025
$m		 Variance
HYEFU 2025
%		 June
2026
HYEFU 2025
Forecast3
$m
Core Crown tax revenue 59,993 59,855 138 0.2 124,198
Core Crown revenue 66,083 66,154 (71) (0.1) 136,919
Core Crown expenses 71,399 72,358 959 1.3 149,047
Core Crown residual cash (10,135) (11,345) 1,210 10.7 (14,802)
Net core Crown debt4 191,440 193,439 1,999 1.0 196,987
          as a percentage of GDP 43.5% 44.0%     43.3%
Gross debt 219,607 222,943 3,336 1.5 227,225
          as a percentage of GDP 49.9% 50.7%     50.0%
OBEGAL excluding ACC (OBEGALx) (5,160) (6,755) 1,595 23.6 (13,852)
OBEGAL (5,494) (7,046) 1,552 22.0 (16,934)
Operating balance (excluding minority interests) 4,277 162 4,115 –  (6,547)
Net worth attributable to the Crown 183,659 179,505 4,154 2.3 172,693
          as a percentage of GDP 41.8% 40.8%     38.0%
  1. Using the most recently published GDP (for the year ended 30 September 2025) of $439,709 million (Source: Stats NZ).
  2. Favourable variances against forecast have a positive sign and unfavourable variances against forecast have a negative sign.
  3. Using HYEFU 2025 forecast GDP for the year ending 30 June 2026 of $454,497 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.
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Ready-mixed concrete: December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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Lease agreement for Kawerau site a major step forward for integrated biomass manufacturing facility

Source: Foresta Group Holdings

Message: Plans to build New Zealand’s first integrated biomass manufacturing facility to produce pine-based chemicals and low emissions fossil-free fuel to replace coal, have moved a step closer with the signing of a lease at a site at Kawerau.
ASX-listed Foresta Group Holdings Limited (“FORESTA”) has executed a formal lease with the local Māori land trust Putauaki Trust following satisfaction of the conditions precedent under the previously announced Agreement to Lease for a 9.6 ha site at Kawerau.
The lease will officially commence on 1 March 2026 for an initial term of 30 years with an option to extend the lease for another 20 years.
“This is another important milestone for the company that brings us significantly closer to breaking ground on this project which represents the first step in our vision to establish sustainable, pine chemicals and low-emissions fuel production across New Zealand,” said Foresta Executive Chairman Henry Cheng.
FORESTA’s state-of-the-art integrated biomass manufacturing facility is expected to directly employ more than 70 people as well contributing to employment in the region for businesses supporting the manufacturing facility. FORESTA intends to begin earthworks over the next summer period.
FORESTA's directors, Executive Chairman Henry Cheng and Executive Director Dr Maurizio Fabiani, were present for an official signing ceremony on 9 February 2026 to formally execute the lease together with Putauaki Trust Chairman Tiaki Hunia and CEO John O'Brien.
The signing ceremony was hosted in the Beehive by The Hon. Shane Jones MP – Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Resources and Associate Minister for Energy.
FORESTA is set to revolutionise the energy landscape in New Zealand by manufacturing torrefied wood pellets – an eco-friendly replacement for coal, producing 90% fewer emissions. The innovative manufacturing process also generates renewable pine chemicals, which can substitute petrochemicals derived from fossil fuels in a variety of everyday products, from car tyres to cosmetics. All wood feedstock will be sourced from renewable Forest Stewardship Council-certified forests.
“By processing and adding value to local wood resources, we aim to drive economic growth in the region and contribute to New Zealand's climate emissions targets by providing a renewable energy source that can be used in existing coal boilers,” said Henry Cheng.
“We are proud that our project has received recognition by the New Zealand Government as a project of regional and national importance, allowing us to fast-track resource consents and approvals.”
FORESTA's scalable manufacturing process allows for the establishment of additional facilities close to forests across New Zealand, which have the potential to eliminate the need for coal to be burned domestically and have surplus production available for export to Asia.
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New approach for Carillon at National War Memorial reflects Anzac connection

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

The iconic Carillon bells have not sounded out across Pukeahu National War Memorial Park since 2020, due to earthquake strengthening to the carillon tower. Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has revealed a new approach to ensure visitors hear the instrument played again soon.
“Earthquake strengthening work at the National War Memorial is progressing well and we are planning to reopen before Anzac Day 2026,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
“We’ve been able to draw upon the expertise of carillonists from the Carillon Society of Australia as we plan for future recitals – a fitting connection as we approach Anzac Day.
“Last year, I decided the Ministry would look at new ways to secure more sustainable services for playing the Carillon. Australia provides a useful model. There are more than 20 carillonists in Australia who share the workload between three carillons in Canberra, Sydney, and Bathurst.
“Our plan is to develop local talent and capability over time, so there is a pipeline of future musicians that can play one of the world’s largest instruments, and a taonga of remembrance in the heart of our capital.
“The National War Memorial Carillon is a key part of commemorations at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. We look forward to sharing the schedule for regular recitals once it’s finalised.”
Leauanae acknowledged the long-term service of recently retired National Carillonist Timothy Hurd QSM.
“Timothy has been an important part of Pukeahu National War Memorial Park for more than four decades. We thank him for his dedication and wish him the best for the future,” says Leauanae.
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BusinessNZ – Amid tough energy decisions, LNG plan has potential

Source: BusinessNZ

The Government’s announcement that it will proceed with the procurement of an LNG terminal has the potential to lower the extreme electricity prices NZ experiences in a dry year when the lakes are low, the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) says.
Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says the economic analysis indicates a net benefit to all electricity consumers, including industrial and commercial energy users.
“BEC supports steps made to increase security of supply, and the greater energy security provided by adding another fuel source to the mix is welcome. But it is regrettable that this decision has had to have been made.
“There are no easy choices to get through the energy transition from declining natural gas supplies to renewables. In the current context, LNG appears to have been the necessary course of action.
“As everyone is finding out the hard way, energy is not 'a nice to have' but a critical service that enables economic activity and social wellbeing. Without reliable and affordable energy, growth and investment stall.”
Beard says the risk of de-industrialisation in New Zealand is real without policy certainty and strategic direction required to unlock investment in new supply. 
“A comprehensive energy strategy is essential to give the sector clarity and ensure long-term affordability and reliability.
“BEC has long called for such a strategy, one with bi-partisan support. We cannot lurch from pillar to post on the future of energy, with every change of Government. Energy is a fundamental need for a functioning economy and healthy society, and we need to plan for a successful supply of energy with a regulatory environment that gives predictability and encourages investment.
“We look forward to the Government releasing more information as the procurement process moves forward.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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NZ’s biggest triathlon festival toasts 20 years – Challenge Wānaka

Source: Challenge Wānaka

Next week’s anticipated Challenge Wānaka marks 20 years of New Zealand’s largest triathlon festival, which has attracted more than 25,000 athletes and injected more than $54 million into the local economy over the past two decades.

Part of the global Challenge Family – which runs middle and long-distance triathlon races in more than 30 countries – the Challenge Wānaka Half has been a cornerstone of NZ’s triathlon scene since 2007. It is regarded as a stepping stone for talented young age-group triathletes hoping to qualify for pinnacle world championship events and turn pro. It’s also a key event for the Wānaka community, providing an annual economic boost for the tourism town.

Challenge Wānaka event director Jane Sharman says that while road bikes, wetsuits and race tech have vastly improved over the past two decades, the pulling power of the event for triathletes and spectators remains the same.

“As we reflect on 20 years, it’s very exciting to see how far the festival has come and everything our athletes have achieved,” she says. “Challenge Wānaka has played a part in launching some incredible pro athletes and international racing careers. But it’s also a fantastic grassroots event where anyone can take part, in the most beautiful corner of the world.

“Of course, the youth events have long been a highlight and some of our pro athletes who started out racing in Challenge Wānaka are now watching their own children participate, so it’s very special for them.”

One of those athletes is two-time Challenge Wānaka winner and former Team NZ cyclor Dougal Allan, who will be cheering on his own children, Flynn and Matilda, at the Challenge Wānaka triathlon festival next week. Some 2100 kids will be taking part in the festival this year, from age two and up.

“Competing in and eventually winning Challenge Wānaka in 2016 and 2017 launched my profile into the world of international triathlon,” he says. “Challenge Wānaka was always known as one of the toughest and most honest long-distance triathlon events in the world and winning it was a huge badge of honour. It also led to being invited to race the famous Challenge Roth event in 2017 in Germany, which remains one of the biggest racing experiences of my life.

“Whether it is an athlete’s ambition to race pro or not, Challenge Wānaka offers the opportunity to be part of a very professionally organised event that offers so much across the weekend, from the event village to the crowd support. It is a truly internationally recognised event that’s made very accessible to domestic athletes. While these days I’m no longer competing, it’s great to be coaching some of those athletes lining up for next weekend’s race.”

The event welcomes athletes from all over NZ and the world every year, and some from closer to home, too. Wānaka GP Dr Andrew McLeod has participated in every Challenge Wānaka race since its inception.

“I don’t remember much of that first race in 2007 but I clearly remember crossing the line, already analysing what I’d done wrong, what I’d somehow done right, and how I’d do it better next time,” he recalls. “Twenty years on – and after races across NZ, Australia, North America and Europe – I’m still learning.

“Along the way my wife Karen and I have been to amazing places, met wonderful people, and so often heard the words: ‘You’re from Wānaka? I’ve always wanted to do that event.’ Being part of something that inspires that reaction is pretty special, and it’s probably why I keep coming back.”

This year’s Challenge Wānaka brings together more than 850 athletes competing in the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half, including 376 athletes in the individual half event. The anticipated professional field features Mike Phillips, Frederic Funk, Jack Moody, Tamara Jewett, Rebecca Clarke, Gabrielle Lumkes, and Lucy Byram. More than 155 teams are also entered, with 18 teams vying for the Gallagher Insurance Corporate Trophy, while friends and family team up for a fun day of swim, bike, and run. Media personality Brodie Kane will take on the 1.9km swim as part of a relay team.  

The 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half is also an opportunity for age-group athletes to claim a National Title and qualify to wear the silver fern at the 2026 World Championships, as part of the Tri NZ Suzuki Series.

“This year’s event is set to be extra special to celebrate 20 years of Challenge Wānaka,” Sharman says. “This festival has always been about more than racing; it’s about community, resilience and the shared excitement of pushing boundaries in one of the world’s most scenic locations. We’re incredibly proud of the athletes, volunteers and supporters who return year after year to help make Challenge Wānaka a standout on the world triathlon stage.”
 
About Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka
The Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka is one of the world’s most scenic triathlon festivals, held annually in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Lakes region. Featuring a range of events, including the flagship middle-distance triathlon, multisport races, and AquaBike, the festival welcomes athletes of all levels. Operated by the Challenge Wānaka Sports Trust, a charitable organisation committed to community wellbeing, the event supports youth, adaptive athletes, and local charities through inclusive sport and recreation initiatives. In 2026, the Challenge Wānaka Festival event will mark its 20th year, taking place from February 19 – February 21. Registrations at  www.challenge-wanaka.com

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Tax Reform – State of the Nation report shows persistent inequality, requires rebalancing of tax system – Better Taxes

Source: Better Taxes

The State of the Nation report released today by Better Taxes Coalition member, The Salvation Army, shows persistent inequality across most measures, from child poverty and food insecurity, to unemployment and housing affordability.

The Better Taxes campaign endorses the remarks of Dr Bonnie Robinson, Salvation Army Director Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, at the launch that something significant is required to address inequality and poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand:

“Rebalancing our tax system to gather more revenue from those who can most afford to contribute, and to fund the things that will improve living standards for everyone in Aotearoa is critical to shifting the dial on the shocking picture painted by the Salvation Army report,” said Glenn Barclay, spokesperson for the Better Taxes campaign.

The report lays bare numerous areas where we need to do more to support the most vulnerable in our communities:

  • Child poverty rates have increased and the number of children in material hardship in 2024 was higher than the in 2018 (baseline measure).
  • Numbers receiving welfare assistance rose over the last year, but restricted access to hardship support meant there was less support for households at this time of greater need.
  • Food insecurity remained high in 2025. Salvation Army food assistance through food parcels increased with some 90,000 food parcels distributed, 7 percent higher than in 2024 and almost 50 percent more than in 2019 pre-Covid-19. 
  • Although household living cost increases eased over the last year, this was uneven and lower-income households still faced higher household costs increases compared to high earners.
  • Public housing units increased, but new-builds are poised to fall off the cliff. While homelessness continued to rise and thousands remain on public housing lists, some specialised housing services for people facing homelessness actually reduced over the course of 2025.
  • The data shows that structural settings continue to produce inequitable outcomes for tangata whenua and vulnerable communities.

“These are the kinds of pressures that are driving the fiscal challenges that the Treasury and Inland Revenue have identified in a number of recent reports. In order to address these pressures and enable everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand to live good lives we need to gather more revenue”, said Barclay.

The Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign is a coalition of over 20 organisations led by Tax Justice Aotearoa.

We believe that tax reform is the only solution to the current challenges facing Aotearoa NZ.  We need the tax system to:

  • be transparent
  • raise more revenue to enable us address the challenges we face
  • make sure people who have more to contribute make that contribution: that we gather more revenue from wealth, gains from wealth, all forms of income, and corporates
  • make greater use of fair taxes to promote good health and environmental health
  • address the tax impact on the least well off in our society.
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Universities – Transformational gift to support natural environmental research at Victoria University

Source: Victoria University of Wellington, Te Wāhanga a Manaia – Faculty of Science and Engineering

Te Wāhanga a Manaia—Faculty of Science and Engineering is celebrating a remarkable $5 million gift from the George Mason Charitable Trust to support multidisciplinary research into the natural environment.

Dr George Mason ONZM, who passed away in 2024, was an accomplished research scientist who generously supported environmental research throughout his lifetime. Through his Trust, he donated millions of dollars to scholarships, education, and postgraduate research across Aotearoa, significantly advancing our nation's collective expertise in the natural and environmental sciences.

The gift will be used to support postgraduate students and researchers who are conducting solutions-focused research that advances conservation, restoration, and sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Professor Nicola Nelson, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, says the Faculty is truly grateful for the generous gift, which will be an opportunity to deepen and broaden the impact of their research.

“Dr Mason's gift is transformative. His investment in the future of human knowledge is a profound act of belief in the power and potential of scientific research here at Te Herenga Waka.

“We are deeply grateful to the trustees of the George Mason Charitable Trust, who have ensured Dr Mason's vision of supporting research within the natural environment is realised far into the future.”

The gift agreement was signed at a ceremony held earlier today in the Victoria Room and attended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith, Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Chair John McCay, and the trustees of the George Mason Charitable Trust.

Te Herenga Waka Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Smith says Dr Mason's gift will have a lasting impact on the University's research capacity.

“Dr Mason's lifelong goal to restore and protect the environment will be significantly advanced through the meaningful research his gift will enable.

“His legacy will live on through the ambitious research projects this gift will support, the solutions our researchers will develop as a result, and the influence their groundbreaking work will have on our society.”

Professor of Marine Biology James Bell, who led a research group that was generously supported by Dr Mason, says this funding had a transformative impact on the reach and scope of their work.

“Past funding from the George Mason Trust unlocked an amazing opportunity to develop an exciting new area of research focused on deep water or so-called mesophotic reefs. We were able to purchase remotely operated vehicles and fund student scholarships that supported the discovery of never-before observed marine communities and understand their significance to Aotearoa New Zealand.

“This new gift will ensure that George's legacy of generosity and support for conservation and scientific advancement lives on through numerous research projects across many disciplines. We will continue to be inspired by George's passion for solutions-focused science that will ultimately benefit people and the planet.”