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Earth Sciences NZ and SPREP Formalise Partnership for Pacific Climate and Environmental Resilience

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Earth Sciences New Zealand and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), marking a significant milestone in their decades-long collaboration on environmental science and resilience in the Pacific.
This first formal agreement between the two organisations establishes a framework for deeper cooperation in climate science and resilience, ecosystem protection, environmental monitoring, and integration of Indigenous knowledge in natural resource management-all areas central to the region’s priorities and future under Pacific Island Forum Leaders’ 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The MOU enables joint planning and execution of projects, capacity-building initiatives, and shared research efforts that will support sustainable development and environmental resilience across Pacific Island countries and territories.
SPREP Director General Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra welcomed the agreement, noting that “This recommitment of our existing partnership, which has stood the test of time and covers the whole area of the work that SPREP does, has untapped potential which will allow us to venture into newer areas of joint work. The timing is perfect for both institutions, seeing SPREP has established the new Climate Science and Information Programme, whilst Earth Sciences New Zealand has gone through a restructure – strategic moves which strengthen confidence among our partners and the countries we serve. “
“Formalising our partnership with SPREP allows us to better align our strengths and resources to meet the urgent environmental challenges facing the Pacific,” said Connon Andrews, Manager of the Pacific Centre at Earth Sciences NZ. “Together, we can deliver more coordinated, impactful science and services to support Pacific communities.”
The MOU outlines mechanisms for joint work planning, regular strategic meetings, and collaboration across a wide range of activity areas, including regional initiatives such as the Weather Ready Pacific programme, the Pacific Climate Change Science and Services Research Roadmap, and the Pacific Islands Regional Climate Centre Network, and the Pacific Regional Invasive Species Management Support Service.
The MOU will guide collaboration over the next five years, with a shared commitment to integrity, sustainability, and the values of both organisations.
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Reasonable confidence despite uncertainty – BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

Future investment intentions indicate a reasonable level of business confidence, BusinessNZ says.
BusinessNZ’s 2025 Business Sentiment Survey shows uncertainty is a key challenge for businesses, but also shows companies planning more investment than last year.
The survey of 130 businesses shows 68% intend to authorise the same or more capital expenditure as last year compared with 61% in 2024; and fewer expect to invest less (25%) compared with 2024 (33%).
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said investment intentions were a good indicator of business confidence and the 2025 results pointed to gradual improvement in the economy.
Asked about their top concerns affecting business confidence, the largest number cited uncertainty stemming from reversals of government policies following elections. This differs from the top concerns in 2024, which were interest rates and profitability challenges.
Companies involved in exporting were asked about their level of confidence in being able to export at the same rate as in recent years in the light of recent US tariff decisions. 73% were confident or neutral, while 27% said they were not confident.
The survey also indicated business views on the level of corporate tax, relevant skill levels of employees, ease of recruitment, and quality of roading for business needs.
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Business Canterbury releases Council Candidate To-Do-List

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury has today released a to-do-list for incoming councillors across the region, as voting papers start getting delivered and returned for this year’s Local Government elections.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “Canterbury is at a pivotal time in its growth story.”
“Sustaining our success as a region will take bold and coordinated leadership from our local councils.
“At present, and as a general rule, businesses view their councils as passive at best at championing growth. The prevailing sentiment is often that councils are not necessarily doing anything wrong, but not really ‘out there gunning for businesses’ to succeed either.
“Our to-do-list sets out some of the steps council candidates should think about as they close out the campaign period – and take into the job when those who are successful take their places at council tables across the region.
We are asking candidates to:
– Invest ahead of demand
– Back innovation
– Advance our competitive advantage in affordable housing and lifestyle
– Demand more from procurement
– Get rates under control
– Spend where the impact is greatest first
– Review levels of asset ownership
– Speed up consenting
Plus, more in the document linked below.
“The business community want councils to focus on the basics and ensuring that every dollar spent in their operating and capital budgets deliver real, tangible value, with resources directed toward the areas of highest growth impact first.
“It is consistent, sustainable growth that delivers strong community outcomes across the region, and councils have a significant role to play in enabling it.
“It is also clear that businesses want to see councils sharpening up internally. This means operating efficiently, streamlining processes, and removing unnecessary bureaucracy that slows progress and hampers business confidence.
“We need all councils to take up the role of being a champion for growth seriously, rather than seeing their role as enforcers. Some of our councils are already a long way toward making this a default mindset, and the resulting uplift in business confidence and investment speaks for itself.”
The document and to-do-list can be found on Business Canterbury’s website.
Separate to Local Government Elections, Business Canterbury has been leading a piece of work over the last year with the Canterbury Mayoral Forum to create a ‘Canterbury Ambition’ for the region which ensures we have a collective private sector led ambition that is enabled by local government. Those selected at the next local government elections will play a crucial role in realising this ambition and ensuring we keep the momentum we have as a region right now. We are looking forward to announcing further details of this work in the coming months.
About Business Canterbury
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.
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Education – Southern Cross and Ara launch major support package for nursing students

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury has secured a significant share of a nationwide nursing education investment, with more than $218,000 in support earmarked for ākonga (students) through a new partnership with Southern Cross Health Trust.
Dr Michael Shone, Dean of Faculty – Health, Science and Sustainability at Ara, said the initiative was a transformative moment for nursing education in Canterbury.
“This is a game-changer – not just for the scholarship recipients, but for every Bachelor of Nursing ākonga walking through our doors next year. Southern Cross Health Trust’s investment will ease financial pressure, boost wellbeing and help set them up for success. We’re deeply grateful for their commitment to our learners and our community,” he said.
Nine Ara Bachelor of Nursing students will receive Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships worth up to $30,740 each – injecting $92,200 directly into students’ hands in 2026.
Each scholarship package includes up to $5,000 per year toward fees, $500 per week during placements, a $500 annual wellbeing allowance, and $240 for their final Nursing Council exam.
Beyond financial support, recipients will gain priority clinical placements in Southern Cross hospitals, access to mentorships with experienced nurses and opportunities for part-time roles and extension learning.
Southern Cross Health Trust is also funding a comprehensive student support package for Ara’s entire bachelor nursing cohort, including a $300 voucher for uniforms and shoes for first-year students (valued at $126,000) and a starter kit for students featuring a branded nurses watch, tote bag, pen and notebook (valued at $24,000).
Together, these initiatives represent a $218,220 investment in the future of nursing in Canterbury.
Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Monica Goldwater said the programme reflected the organisation’s ongoing commitment to New Zealand’s nurses.
“We know that highly skilled, supported nurses are at the heart of great healthcare,” she said. “Through these scholarships, we’re investing in the ongoing education and development of our nurses, and in doing so, we’re helping ensure New Zealanders can continue to access exceptional care now and into the future.”
The Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme was first launched in partnership with Auckland University of Technology (AUT) in 2025. Now in its second year, the programme has expanded to include six tertiary providers across Aotearoa, with more than 50 scholarships to be awarded in 2026.
Ara’s allocation – nine scholarships and support for more than 800 students – represents one of the largest regional investments in the programme to date.
All first year Bachelor of Nursing Students at AUT, University of Waikato, Western Institute of Technology, Whitireia – WelTec, Ara, and Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) will also receive a $300 uniform and shoe voucher and, where access to vaccines is not already provided, be eligible for a funded flu vaccine courtesy of Southern Cross wellness partners.
In total, Southern Cross Health Trust is investing more than $1 million into supporting New Zealand nursing students in 2026.
Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Cross Healthcare CEO Chris White said the organisation was proud to be growing its investment in the Nursing Scholarship Programme.
“Increasing the number of scholarships and geographical spread of the programme reflects our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future nursing workforce.”
Applications for the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships open Monday 15 September. Find out more at: https://www.ara.ac.nz/southern-cross
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Weather News – Brief reprieve before winds ramp up midweek – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 15th – Friday 19th September – After a weekend of intense winds across Aotearoa New Zealand, MetService is forecasting brighter skies and warmer temperatures for the early part of this week. The reprieve will be short-lived, however, with winds strengthening and wet weather spreading across the country from Wednesday.

Monday and Tuesday bring a marked east–west contrast across the country. In western areas, a quick check of the rain radar before heading out could prove useful as a few showers are possible, with heavier bursts in western parts of Te Waipounamu/South Island.

Meanwhile, the east will see a different story, with sunnier skies and temperatures several degrees above average for the time of year.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “Only a few days ago, parts of Hawke’s Bay struggled to reach double-digit daytime temperatures. Over the next couple of days, highs in the 20s will be common across eastern areas of the country. Even Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington is set for a warm spring day on Tuesday.”

From Wednesday the weather begins to shift as northwesterly winds pick up over the Te Waipounamu/South Island and the lower parts of Te Ika-a-Māui/North Island. A Strong Wind Watch is in place for all of Canterbury for Wednesday.

“Those unsettled northwesterlies will give the second half of the week a very spring-like feel. Keep an eye on MetService channels for any updated severe weather information in the coming days,” Makgabutlane advises.

Along with the strengthening winds, a rain band will move across Te Waipounamu/South Island on Wednesday, reaching Te Ika-a-Māui/North Island on Thursday. A Watch for Heavy Rain is in place for the ranges of Westland, as well as the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers on Wednesday. Even once the main band of rain has passed, showers will linger before clearing by the end of Friday, while temperatures dip back to the low to mid-teens for most.

“There’s a good mix of weather this week and plenty of opportunities to practise weather terms in Te Reo Māori during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week),” Makgabutlane adds.
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Agriculture News – New bovine TB movement control area urgently created – OSPRI

Source: OSPRI New Zealand

New livestock movement restrictions are being introduced in a part of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock.
The new ‘movement control area’ covers Tarras, Lindis Valley, the upper Manuherekia and the top end of Ida Valley. It comes into effect on October 1.
Disease eradication agency OSPRI has sent advice on the new movement controls to all farms or lifestyle blocks with deer or cattle in the affected area, about 110 properties.
Being in a movement control area means all cattle and deer over three months old must be TB tested within 60 days of being moved. Only animals going directly to slaughter do not require a test.
Otago’s OSPRI farmer committee chair, Vanessa Hore, is encouraging all farmers to take the time to read the information provided and understand the risks.
“I know some farmers will find it challenging operating their businesses under these conditions, but most of us are familiar with farming in a Movement Control Area.
“There is nothing simple about fighting bovine TB, and the possums that carry it; so we have to do, what we have to do.
“Restricting movement of animals in this area is a precautionary measure, we need to limit the potential opportunities for the disease to spread to other areas,” Vanessa says.
There are 15 herds infected with bovine TB in New Zealand, a third of these are in the Otago region, where the disease is known to be circulating in wildlife. 
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Advocacy – Crucial cabinet decision on Gaza on Mon day must follow ‘public mandate’ – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

PSNA anticipates Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, will get instructions to increase pressure on Israel at cabinet on Monday.


The United Nations General Assembly High Level Leaders Debate starts in New York next Tuesday.

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-Chair, John Minto says the government has to have listened to the voice of the people who marched for sanctions against Israel, in Auckland (on Saturday).

 

“With only limited time to organize, and disruption caused by having to change from the route over the Harbour Bridge at the last moment, 25,000 turned out to object to the government’s passive, and effectively pro-Israel, policies.”

 

“It’s a turn-out that’s been building, now rapidly, in our protests around the country over the past two years”

 

“New Zealanders are nearly two to one in favour of sanctions against Israel. Support for accountabilities will have increased significantly since then as Israel’s depravity and cruelty has shown no bounds”

 

Minto says Peters will be attending potentially one of the most important debates in United Nations history next week.

 

“The General Assembly has already begun, and on Friday, New Zealand voted along with 141 other countries, for a state of Palestine to be created through Israeli withdrawal from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

 

“There were only ten votes against, predictably the US and Israel, but a concerning five Pasifika states voted against Palestine as well.”

 

“Israel has already made it clear that it has no intention to permit a Palestinian state to emerge, nor compromise its apartheid system, by allowing equal democratic rights to Palestinians who live under its control and inside its present borders.”

 

Minto says in announcing its position on Palestine, the government will be sensitive to its reputation in Arab countries.

 

“Israel has just bombed Qatar, to kill off the prospect of a Hamas agreement on hostage releases.  Qatar is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which is led by Saudi Arabia.”

 

“Peters’ cabinet colleague, Todd McClay is in Saudi Arabia this week to talk trade.  McClay will not be wanting to explain to the Saudis, face to face, why Peters was in New York at the same time telling the world about Israel’s so called right to defend itself.”

 

“So far, the UN emphasis has been on two-state outcomes, and how to get rid of Hamas.”

 

“But the world debate is moving strongly to sanctions. 

 

“Now is the time to move past idle rhetoric, and deliver sanctions, which are the only persuasion Israel will concede to.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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2025 balance of payments and national accounts: Data sources and methods – Stats NZ methods paper

2025 balance of payments and national accounts: Data sources and methods

15 September 2025

This page explains the revisions to the data sources and methods that will be included in the balance of payments and the revised series that will be inputs into the annual national accounts releases for 2025.

We make revisions annually, in line with international best practice, to ensure the statistics continue to reflect our changing world.

Regular annual revisions include:

  • updates to international trade
  • updates reflecting tax returns
  • updates to Quarterly International Investment Survey
  • seasonal adjustment.

Visit our website to read this methods paper:

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Gross domestic product updates for the June 2025 quarter – Stats NZ methods paper

Gross domestic product – updates for the June 2025 quarter – methods paper

15 September 2025

This page summarises updates for Gross domestic product: June 2025 quarter, published on 18 September 2025.

Correction to central government expenditure
We’ve corrected the ‘social assistance benefits in kind’ component of central government final consumption expenditure and incorporated additional annual data. This has resulted in updates to data mainly from the June 2023 quarter onwards and impacts the expenditure measure of GDP.

Further updates to ‘social assistance benefits in kind’ are possible in Gross domestic product: September 2025 quarter on 18 December 2025 due to incorporating updated annual data. Any future updates are likely to be small.

Visit our website to read this methods paper:

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Banking – Bay of Plenty leads, Auckland shows signs of recovery in ASB’s latest Regional Economic Scoreboard

Source: ASB

 

  • Bay of Plenty tops ASB’s Regional Economic Scoreboard for the first time in nearly a decade.
  • Signs of growth and improved confidence shift Auckland into top half of Scoreboard.
  • Strong commodity prices lift Southland into second place.

 

Bay of Plenty has soared up the rankings to claim the top spot in ASB’s Regional Economic Scoreboard for the June 2025 quarter. The region’s strong performance was driven by a standout kiwifruit season, resilient employment growth, and rising consumer confidence.

Southland and Otago rounded out the top three spots, continuing the South Island’s economic dominance over the past year. Meanwhile, Wellington fell to the bottom of the rankings, weighed down by weak consumer sentiment and ongoing public sector restructuring.

The Scoreboard ranks New Zealand’s 16 regions across key indicators including employment, retail trade, house prices, and consumer confidence. This quarter’s results show rural regions outperforming urban centres, with commodity prices and primary sector strength driving momentum.

“It’s fair to say kiwifruit has brought home the trophy,” says ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley. “A strong season has boosted incomes in the Bay, supporting improvements across employment, retail, and housing.”

“The Bay’s labour market has shown impressive resilience, even as nationwide conditions remain subdued. With employment growth holding steady and optimism rising, the Bay is set for continued momentum.”

Regional highlights

  • Bay of Plenty has New Zealand’s highest consumer sentiment, solid employment growth (up 3.2%, ranked second), and strong house sales (up 25.8%), despite a slight dip in construction activity.
  • Southland jumped from eighth to second place this quarter, buoyed by strong commodity prices and a resilient housing market, with house prices rising 3.4% and sales up 32%.
  • Otago maintained third place, supported by tourism and retail strength, though construction and housing indicators softened.
  • Auckland climbed five places to rank fifth, showing signs of recovery across retail and improving consumer sentiment.
  • Wellington dropped to last with house prices falling 3.3% and consumer confidence low.

“Auckland showed promising signs of life in the June quarter,” says Nick. “Strong population growth and more confident consumers helped lift activity across housing, retail and construction, pushing the City of Sails up five places to rank fifth.”

“While there’s pockets of pain, particularly around employment and house sales, the region is beginning to show the resilience we expect from the country’s largest economic centre.”

National trends

  • Retail trade volumes rose 0.5% quarter-on-quarter, with annual growth at 2.3%.
  • House sales increased 3.5% quarter-on-quarter, though selling times remain longer than pre-COVID norms.
  • Export volumes declined 3.7% over the quarter, reflecting global headwinds and the impact of new US tariffs on NZ goods.
  • Net migration continued to ease, with inflows at their lowest since November 2022.

“We’re seeing small pockets of warmth in what’s otherwise an economically chilly quarter,” says Nick. “Retail spending is holding up, and consumer confidence is showing signs of life. That’s encouraging as we head into the second half of the year.”

While inflation edged up to 2.7% and unemployment rose to 5.2%, ASB notes signs of resilience in household spending and sentiment.

Looking ahead

“The new 15% US tariffs imposed on NZ goods are expected to weigh slightly on the country’s economic recovery, but the full impact remains to be watched. Meanwhile, with a further 25bp cut to the OCR in August and an additional 50bp signalled by the RBNZ, we expect improvements are on the horizon, even if the pace is slower than initially projected.”

The full ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard, along with other recent ASB reports covering a range of commentary, can be accessed at our ASB Economic Insights page: https://www.asb.co.nz/documents/economic-insights.html

Latest ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard

 

Q2 2025 

Q1 2025 

Bay of Plenty 

1 

10 = 

Southland 

2 

8 

Otago 

3 

3 

Canterbury 

4 

1 

Auckland 

5 

10 = 

Waikato 

6 

5 

West Coast 

7 

2 

Nelson 

8 

6 

Marlborough 

9 

4 

Tasman 

10 

8 

Manawatu-Whanganui 

11 

7 

Gisborne 

12 = 

16 

Hawke’s Bay 

12 = 

14 

Northland 

14 

13 

Taranaki 

15 

12 

Wellington 

16 

15 

 

About the ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard

The NZ Regional Economic Scoreboard takes the latest quarterly regional statistics and ranks the economic performance of New Zealand's 16 Regional Council areas. The fastest growing regions gain the highest ratings, and a good performance by the national economy raises the ratings of all regions. Ratings are updated every three months, and are based on 8 measures, including population, employment, retail trade, house prices, house sales, construction, consumer confidence, and new car registration.