Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

A new strategy for the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme will guide the presentation of New Zealand culture overseas.

With seven new projects funded, and a total of $1.6 million invested in international opportunities, the programme’s 2026-2029 strategy aims to foster bilateral cooperation, attract foreign investment, and increase cultural exports.

Dancers, filmmakers, writers, performing and visual artists are amongst the groups presenting work across the US, India, Canada, the UK and Europe over coming months – with 10 New Zealand artists travelling to France next week for La Biennale de Lyon.

Stephanie Post of the Office for Contemporary Art Aotearoa, which has supported the artists to Lyon, says the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme has helped extend the impact of this important presentation.

“This is an exceptional moment of international attention for New Zealand artists and their work, with 10 artists invited to participate in one of Europe’s most significant contemporary art events. The support of the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme enables us to deepen that presence.

“Rangi Kipa has been supported to spend ten days carving in Lyon alongside a major presentation of his work, while a John Miller photograph will be shown at billboard scale and specialist books about Aotearoa art will be in the bookshop – all of this means we're been able to provide audiences with greater access to the histories, ideas and practices that sit behind the work of artists from Aotearoa,” says Post.

The Performing Arts Network New Zealand (PANNZ) has been supported to take 10 performers to the Edinburgh Festival in 2027. Having just wrapped up at the 2026 festival, PANNZ Chief Executive Officer, Louise Gallagher, says building on the valuable connections made there will help the 2027 season.

“It’s been an exciting time working alongside New Zealand Story and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to establish what a 2027 season of New Zealand in Edinburgh could look like; we’re focused on building long-term, sustainable infrastructure to better support our artists on the ground next year and into the future. Through the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme, we’ll be able to take this work further in 2027, contributing to a season showcasing 10 high-quality New Zealand works.

“We’re thrilled to be creating further international pathways and partnerships for the sector by bringing the performing arts of Aotearoa to new audiences and raising our profile internationally,” says Gallagher.

Established in 2004, the Cultural Diplomacy International Programme is steered by a group of cross-government partners that includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Education New Zealand, Te Puni Kōkiri, Tourism New Zealand, New Zealand Story and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, who also administers the programme.

Ministry for Culture and Heritage’s Deputy Secretary Development and Investment, Glenis Philip-Barbara, says the ongoing role of cultural diplomacy is important for New Zealand’s visibility and reputation globally.

“Our distinct contemporary culture is known around the world, and plays a significant part in strengthening international relationships, supporting our economic goals, and maintaining our presence in overseas regions and countries; this programme gives creative practitioners the chance to build connections and careers in much larger markets – and the opportunity to share their artistic excellence in some of the world’s most prestigious venues.”

The seven New Zealand projects being supported are:

• Hunt for the Wilderpeople tenth anniversary tour of the UK and US.
• Chelsea Winstanley’s documentary TOITŪ: Visual Sovereignty UK and Europe tour.
• Ten New Zealand visual artists participating in the 18th Lyon Art Biennale in France.
• The New Zealand Dance company tour to India, Canada, and the US.
• The Performing Arts Network New Zealand (PANNZ) showcase of New Zealand performers at Edinburgh Festival 2027.
• The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s staging of Macbeth in New York.
• New Zealand’s Guest of Honour initiative at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

Source: Save the Children

KATHMANDU, 9 September 2026 – About 540 children have been separated from their parents or are unaccompanied two weeks since Nepal's devastating flash floods, according to an initial assessment, Save the Children said.

As needs for family tracing and reunification grow, a rapid assessment by the National Child Rights Council and child protection experts, including Save the Children, found that 1,233 children are living in holding centres as of 4 September. Of these, 102 are unaccompanied – meaning they do not have a parent or relative with them – and 439 are separated from their parents and being cared for by relatives. [1].

Based on the preliminary number of children that schools and families have not been able to contact, about 630 children remain missing in Rasuwa and Nuwakot, according to the assessment. More than 1,300 people have died and about 5,000 are missing, according to the government. [2].

Some schools closed by the floods in Nepal are starting to reopen today with children returning to classes in Bidur – but only for children who are enrolled in education in the municipality. Children who have moved into temporary shelters in Bidur from other municipalities after being forced to leave their destroyed or damaged homes are not currently able to attend classes.

The wall of water that triggered flash floods on 26 August cut off communities in minutes, breaking bridges and destroying roads, and making rescue by helicopter the only way to safety for many people.

Some children were taken to different locations or temporary shelters from their families – many were at school or travelling to classes when the flood waters struck. Others may have lost one or both parents as villages were swept away.

Unaccompanied or separated children have become scattered across the flood-affected areas, with more than 3,600 people living in displacement sites.

Bishal-, 33, was working away from home when the flood tore through his village, destroying his home. With people moving from shelter to shelter, he had to search for days to find his family.

Bishal- said:

“For three days, I did not know where my family was, and that was the hardest moment of my life. The flood took away our home and shop, and my children were scared and quiet afterwards.”

Save the Children is providing psychosocial support for children, including for those who are without parents or legal guardians.

In one of the tented child-friendly safe spaces, a group of young children play with a toy kitchen, meticulously placing tiny chairs around a table. Next door, children practice writing English in Save the Children’s temporary learning centre.

“Children are looking after children,” said Jhan Kumari Neupane, a psychosocial counsellor working in the safe spaces. “Young children have no idea that their parents might not return, while older children are trying to be resilient but are experiencing nightmares, anxiety and fear.”

Tara Chettry, Country Director, Save the Children in Nepal said:

“Every separated and unaccompanied child is a protection emergency. Family tracing, reunification and support for family-based care in the aftermath of a disaster on this scale is a huge challenge but a critical priority. It must be done quickly but systematically and safely by local authorities to ensure that children are protected at every step of the process.

“Unaccompanied and separated children living in communal shelters are at risk of violence, exploitation and abuse including trafficking. Save the Children and partners are supporting police at checkpoints to prevent trafficking and the illicit transport of children.

“This is still the emergency phase, and needs are overwhelming. There are simply not enough trained professionals to support the thousands of children who have lost so much.”

For children who tragically cannot be reunited with their parents, Save the Children recommends kinship and family-based care, and is supporting authorities to ensure appropriate interim and alternative care arrangements for children who are unaccompanied.

Save the Children is calling for all children to be able to return to education as soon as possible, including those living in temporary shelters and those not able to go back to destroyed or damaged schools.

Save the Children has so far reached more than 6,100 people, including over 2,220 children, with emergency assistance and support.

The humanitarian and child rights organisation has set up child-friendly and temporary learning spaces, providing children with a safe place to play and learn. In partnership with the Transcultural Psychosocial Organisation (TPO), we are expanding the number of counsellors who can support children. We are also continuing to deliver aid as response teams reach more areas with items including household and cooking kits and mosquito nets.

Save the Children has worked in Nepal since 1976. The organisation runs programmes spanning child protection, child rights governance, education, climate change, gender equality, health and nutrition and child poverty.

New Zealanders wanting to donate to Save the Children's response in Nepal can do so here: https://nepal-flood.savethechildren.org.nz/.

References:

[1] The rapid assessment in 30 out of 39 holding centres was led by the National Child Rights Council with support from Save the Children and other child protection partners. Data as of 4 September 2026.

[2] Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 7 September https://mofa.gov.np/content/1879/daily-update-07-september-bhote-koshi-flood/

About Save the Children NZ:

Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace says that the Government has forsaken rural New Zealanders , as new maps of nitrate contamination from Environment Canterbury reconfirm that people living in regions like Ashburton are exposed to unsafe levels of nitrate in their drinking water.

Greenpeace Programme Director Niamh O’Flynn says, “A year ago, Environment Canterbury declared a nitrate emergency – becoming the first regional council to recognise the dramatic, escalating crisis threatening rural drinking water in Aotearoa. Now, new maps produced by the council again confirm what we’ve known for a while: this crisis isn’t going away.”

Strikingly, the map shows that a significant number of locations around the Ashburton District have tested above the New Zealand legal limit for nitrate contamination in drinking water.

“It is the responsibility of local and central government to protect the health of people in rural communities,” says O’Flynn.

“But the coalition Government has blocked regional councils like Environment Canterbury from regulating the dairy industry to stop it poisoning the drinking water of many people in Canterbury. They’ve prioritised corporate profits over the safety of rural New Zealanders and their right to safe drinking water.

“Nitrate contamination, caused by the oversized dairy herd and the overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, is putting the health of rural families at risk. At levels lower than New Zealand’s current health limit, it’s been linked to an increased risk of cancer and preterm birth, and at the current health limit of 11.3mg/L, it can cause Blue Baby Syndrome.

“Thirty years ago, New Zealanders could take the kids down to the river for a swim, and safely drink the water coming out of their kitchen tap. But over the last few decades, dairy farming has rapidly industrialised, becoming New Zealand’s biggest polluter, and now many people can no longer safely do those things.”

O’Flynn says, “Any Government that is serious about protecting rural people needs to stop nitrate pollution at the source. That means phasing out the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser on farms, and reducing stocking rates, to limit the amount of nitrate ending up in groundwater.”

In June, the Danish Government announced that it would change the law and reduce the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water to 1.3mg/L, following an independent scientific review into the health risks of nitrate. Greenpeace is calling for New Zealand to do the same, with almost 30,000 people adding their names to a petition in support of a lower nitrate limit.

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Tamariki are paying the price for the decisions leaders are making to prioritise the profits of the food industry over cost-effective healthy food policies, say researchers.

A new benchmarking report finds the coalition government has made virtually no progress on food policies that would reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and obesity among many benefits.

“Our panel of experts found very little has changed to policies that support tamariki to have healthy childhoods and fulfilling lives,” says lead author Dr Sally Mackay from Health Coalition Aotearoa and the University of Auckland.

The food policy benchmarking was carried out by large expert panels prior to elections in 2020 and 2023, with little progress made.

This is despite about 15 percent of years of life annually lost to disability or death in Aotearoa being attributable to obesity and unhealthy diets.

The expert panel used a formal evaluation tool, developed at the University of Auckland and used globally, to assess policies.

One of the worst areas for a lack of progress is junk-food marketing to children.

“I'm really concerned about the amount of marketing that children are exposed to throughout their day,” says Dr Kelly Garton, Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland senior researcher and Health Coalition Aotearoa food spokesperson.

“Studies from the University of Otago, where kids wear cameras throughout the day, found children see 68 unhealthy food ads a day compared with 26 healthy food ads.

This is just one of the policy areas where the panel of around 40 food researchers found little or no progress since the last election.

Meanwhile, new research finds 80 percent of New Zealanders, across the political spectrum, believe politicians should do more to create healthy food environments. See NZMJ, 28 August 2026.

“People across Aotearoa have voiced their concern. But unfortunately, it seems that private corporate interests being promoted within the Beehive are influencing policies in ways that are not in the best interests of the people and do not reflect what they want either,” Garton says.

The top policy recommendations from the panel of food researchers were:

• commitment to, and expansion of, the healthy school lunch programme
• restricting children's exposure to food marketing
• a sugary drinks levy
• food composition targets, for measures like lowering salt and sugar
• healthy school food policies.

Most of these actions were proposed in 2020 and again in 2023.

The panel is also calling for a new national nutrition survey to inform policy-makers on what Kiwis are currently eating, and for the government to make a more nutritious version of Ka Ora, Ka Ako, Healthy School Lunches, permanently funded, particularly as increasing numbers of children experience material hardship.

Current and future Governments have the ability to level the equity gap for the one in five households with children where food sometimes or often runs out, Health Coalition Aotearoa food spokesperson Sande Mareroa-Gates says.

“Food policies are a powerful tool for improving wellbeing and advancing health equity for all,” Mareroa-Gates says.

“Under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tino rangatiratanga is the right to self-determination,” she says.

“Whānau not only want to know about the evidence-based food policies in this new report on ‘Food environments in Aotearoa’, it is their right to know.

Health disparities in the likes of diabetes, obesity and cancer, are structural symptoms of food and economic insecurity, says Mareroa-Gates.

“Having access to kai that feeds our minds, nurtures our wairua and is equitable for all. Low-income whānau would prefer the option of affordable healthy kai for their whānau, but their income doesn’t allow them the luxury.

“There is a misconception that whānau who live day-to-day are unable to understand policies. When support is provided, they are actually a lot more articulate and thoughtful about this subject than we give them credit for,” Mareroa-Gates says.

Health Coalition Aotearoa encourages voters to vote for healthy and affordable kai and the policies that underpin better health.

• Read a PHCC Briefing on the Food Environments Policy Index 2026.
• Read a summary of the report: HCA-Food-EPI-2026-FINAL.pdf

Source: ASB Bank Limited

• National house prices remain around 15% below late 2021 peaks, and roughly 30% lower after adjusting for inflation.
• ASB expects a more moderate, income-led recovery, with 2021 nominal house price peaks unlikely to be reached again until late 2029.
• The outlook has implications for household spending, inflation pressure and the OCR.

New Zealanders waiting for house prices to bounce back to 2021 highs may need to be patient, with new ASB analysis pointing to a more measured recovery led by household incomes rather than the borrowing-led booms of the past.

ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith says the market has reset sharply since its 2021 peak, with national house prices still around 15% lower in nominal terms and roughly 30% lower after inflation.

“While affordability has improved, the market just hasn’t taken off,” says Mr Smith. “Buyers have more time and choice than they did during the last upswing, while sellers may need to keep expectations realistic. We aren’t forecasting a return to the rapid capital gains of the past decade.”

As well as some cyclical factors that have weighed on New Zealand house prices, ASB’s ‘NZ House Price Outlook’ report identifies three structural forces that are likely to promote a more balanced housing market: a potential end to trend declines in mortgage interest rates; demographic trends that are expected to moderate future population growth; and the jump in multi-unit dwelling supply that is giving buyers more options, particularly through townhouses, apartments and retirement village units.

“This is good news for first-home buyers, who made up 29% of the market in July*, and those trading up, but it also means sellers should be prepared for a more balanced market,” says Mr Smith. “House prices will still rise, but we expect the recovery to be more measured, more income-led and ultimately more sustainable.”

ASB expects national house prices to be broadly unchanged over 2026, rise around 3.5% in 2027, then grow more in line with household incomes. On that track, late 2021 nominal price peaks may not be reached again until around late 2029.

The outlook differs by region. Auckland and Wellington have seen larger falls since the peak, while Christchurch has been more resilient, helped by a stronger regional economy and internal migration.

The analysis also points to a changing link between housing and the broader economy, with house prices and household spending more likely to be driven by income growth than by rapid wealth gains from rising property values.

“An income-led upswing should reduce the risk of economic overheating and support a more balanced expansion which could in turn see a more gradual monetary policy tightening by the RBNZ,” says Mr Smith. “But there is still uncertainty. If the housing market surprises on the upside, the OCR could need to move above our current 3.25% peak view in 2027.”

ASB will watch the labour market, migration, credit growth, construction costs, regulatory settings and rents for signs the housing market is either gaining momentum or remaining subdued.

* Cotality Monthly Housing Chart Pack – August 2026

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

9 September 2026

PSNA says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is derelict in its duties if it can't identify and ban products from illegal Israeli settlements on the Occupied West Bank.

This follows announcements by the UK, France and Canada that they would ban imports of products which originated from the settlements.

MFAT is reported to have stated a ban 'would be complex and require a full policy process' and so New Zealand couldn't do it, at least until after the elections.

PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi says Palestinian support groups had been urging the government to identify imports from the Occupied Palestinian Territory for more than 20 years, on the basis that settlement goods were falsely labelled as 'Product of Israel.'

“Then in July 2024, the International Court of Justice ruled that UN members must 'distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967', as means of ending the occupation.”

“That's plenty of time for MFAT to work out how to deliver a trade ban.”

Tamimi says there is ample precedent for import bans.

“The sanctions New Zealand imposes on Russia include oil, gas, coal and gold. Other Russian imports are prohibitively tariffed.”

“There were comprehensive import bans on apartheid South Africa.”

“So statements, like those made by ACT Leader David Seymour, that New Zealand is 'a trading nation – we don't generally use trade bans to make political points', is quite untrue.”

Tamimi says the MFAT was also falsely claiming that New Zealand was sending a clear signal to Israel that New Zealand condemned settler violence, and the Israeli government must control it, and it must not expand settlements.

“The government has banned a small bunch of rabid settlers from entering New Zealand, along with two ministers.”

“But it also sent a clear message at the same time, in June last year, by stating that that it was just two ministers, and the ban was specifically not 'designed to sanction the wider Israeli government'.”

“Yes, the message is clear to Israel – the New Zealand criticism is meaningless hot air.”

Source: Te Mātāwai

9 September 2026 – Rotorua is inviting locals and visitors to make te reo Māori part of everyday life for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, 14 to 20 September 2026, and beyond.

Led by Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (Māori Language Commission) and Te Mātāwai, Te Reo Towns encourages towns and cities of all sizes to showcase te reo Māori in the places we live, work, and connect every day.

Te Mātāwai Co-Chair and Poutaki of Te Pae Motuhake o Te Arawa Waka, Ruakiri Fairhall says Rotorua is a proud Tāone Reo Māori and became the first bilingual town in Aotearoa in 2017.

“Te reo Māori flourishes when it is spoken in our homes, workplaces, schools and communities. We want Te Wiki o te Reo Māori to bring more reo Māori to our eyes, ears, and hearts, but the real success comes when people continue using it long after the week has ended.

“Through everyday interactions, we're helping create a Hawaiki Mokopuna future where our tamariki inherit a living, thriving language. Kia Pūhaorangi anō te reo,” Ruakiri says.

A morning coffee could be your first reo opportunity from 7am to 8.30am at Rumaki Café. As part of Kawhe Kōrero, enjoy a $2 coffee, learn everyday reo Māori phrases, play games and immerse yourself in a te reo Māori-speaking environment. Kai will also be available to purchase for those wanting to stay a little longer and continue the kōrero.

Step into the history of Rotorua with Kōrero Hītori, a series of guided sessions throughout the week. Explore Te Koura Māwhitiwhiti on Monday from 10am to 11am, Ōhinemutu on Wednesday, and Te Whakarewarewa on Friday from 9am to 10am. Participants will hear local stories, learn the correct pronunciation of place names, and deepen their understanding of the cultural significance of these iconic locations.

Move your tinana and exercise your reo at Kaupapa Whakapakari, held at the Village Green from 12pm to 1pm on Tuesday and Thursday. This is a combination of fitness ā-tinana (for the body) and ā-reo (for the language), incorporating te reo Māori instructions and vocabulary related to health, exercise and wellbeing.

Whānau and manuhiri of all ages can head to The Arts Village from 10.30am to 11.30am, Tuesday to Friday, where there will be a range of family-friendly activities including tākaro, tītī tōrea, tī rākau and more. Open to everyone, these interactive sessions offer a fun and engaging way to connect with te reo Māori through play and shared learning.

The celebrations continue Thursday evening with Te Pō Mākete in Rotorua's city centre. From 5pm onwards, local artists and emerging talent will take to the stage to celebrate Māori performing arts, music and language. Enjoy free kai from the Rumaki team while getting amongst the fun.

To find an interactive map, download logos and to get full event details visit www.reomaori.co.nz/rotorua.

Notes

Te Mātāwai leads Māori language revitalisation, empowering iwi Māori to restore te reo as a nurturing first language within homes and communities. You can read more here: Te Mātāwai.

Pānui pāpāho – 9 o Hepetema 2026

E pōwhiri ana a Rotorua ki te hapori whānui me ngā manuhiri kia tukua te reo Māori kia rere mō Te Wiki o te Reo Maori, mai i te 14 ki te 20 o Hepetema 2026, ka mutu mō ngā rā kei tua.

Nā Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (te kōmihana mō te reo Māori) me Te Mātāwai i kōkiri i tēnei kaupapa, a Te Reo Towns i ngā tāone ki te whakatairanga i te reo Māori ki ngā kāinga, ngā wāhi mahi, me ngā tūwahi e huihui ai ngā tāngata i ia rā, i ia rā.

Hei tā te Hoa-Toihau o Te Mātāwai me te Poutaki o Te Pae Motuhake o Te Arawa Waka a Ruakiri Fairhall, e whakahī ana a Rotorua ki tō rātou Tāone Reo Māori, waihoki i whakanuia tō rātau tāone hei tāone reo rua a koia te tuatahi o Aotearoa. I whakaarahia hai tāone reo rua.

“Ka Pūhaorangi te reo Māori ki te kōrerotia te reo ki nga kāinga, ngā wāhi mahi, ngā kura me ngā hapori. E hiahia ana mātau o Te Arawa Wakakia whānui ake te rongo o te reo Māori i ngā taringa me ngā ngākau, kia kitea, engari ko te aupiki nui katoa ko te kōrero tonu me te whakamahi tonu o te reo Māori hei ngā rā kei tua rā o te mutunga o tēnei wiki.

“Mā roto mai i ngā momo tūmahi o ia rā, o ia rā, e tautoko ana mātou ki te waihanga i te anamata, e heke ai he reo ora, he reo taurikura hoki ki ngā tamariki, ki ngā mokopuna, ki te hapori whānui. Kia Pūhaorangi anō te reo,” te kōrero a Ruakiri.

He Kawhe Kōrero ia ata, ia ata, hei tūmahi reo Māori tuatahi mai i te 7 ki te 8:30 i te ata ki Rūmaki Café. Ka $2 te utu ki te hoko kawhe, hei reira ako ai i ngā kīanga reo Māori, ka tākaro kēmū, ā ka rumakina e te taiao kōrero reo Māori. He kai hoki hei hoko mō te hunga e pīrangi ana ki te noho atu me te kōrero tonu.

Hīkoia ngā hītori o Rotorua ki Kōrero Hītori, he terenga kaihautū ka tū i ētahi ata o te wiki nei. Ki Te Koura Māwhitiwhiti hai te Mane mai i te 10 ki te 11, ki Ōhinemutu hai te Wenerei mai i te 9 ki te 10, a ki Te Whakarewarewa hai te Paraire mai i te 9 ki te 10. Ka rongo ngā kaiuru i ngā kōrero o te hāpori, ka ako hoki me pēhea te whakahua tika i ngā ingoa, waihoki te hiranga ahurea o ēnei tūwāhi motuhake.

Korikori tō tinana, ka whakamātau ai i tō reo ki te Kaupapa Whakapakari, ka tū ki Village Green mai i te 12-1 i te ahiahi hai te Tūrei me te Tāite. He hanumitanga tēnei o te kori ā-tinana me te kori ā-reo hoki, mā te ranu i ngā tohutohu korikori i te reo Māori me ngā kupu e hāngai ana ki te hauora, ngā nekehanga me te oranga hoki. Mā Te Papatākaro o Te Arawa ēnei tūmahi whakapakari e whakahaere.

Ka tūhera ki ngā whānau me ngā manuhiri, Shaka te pakeke, ki te haere ki The Arts Village mai i te 10:30 karaka ki te 11:30 karaka i te ata o te Tūrei ki te Paraire, ki reira kite ai i ngā momo tūmahi pai mō te whānau pēnei i te kēmū Tākaro, te tītī tōrea, te tī rākau, aha atu, aha atu. E wātea ana ki te katoa, ko ēnei momo terenga tūmahi he huarahi e rongo ai i te wairua ngahau me te tūhono ki te reo Māori mā roto i te tākaro me te wānanga.

Ka haere tonu ngā kaupapa whakanui hai te ahiahi o te Tāite i Te Pō Mākete ki te pokapū o te tāone o Rotorua. Mai i te 5 karaka i te pō, takatū ai nga kaiwaiata me ngā korokoro tuī o te hapori ki te atamira ki te whakanui i ngā Toi Whakaari Māori, Tāonga Pūoro, me te reo. Piri atu ki te kai (kore utu) nō te tīmā o Rūmaki i a koutou ka toro atu ki ngā mahi ngahau.

Ki te kite i te mapi tūmahi, ki te tikiake i ngā tohu me te pānui i ngā taipitopito katoa mō te kaupapa, tirohia ki www.reomaori.co.nz/rotorua.

He pānui ki te ringa takatā:

E whai ana Te Mātāwai ki te hanga tikanga ka whakaāhei i te whānau, te hapū, te iwi me ngā hapori ki te mahi i tā rātou e whakapono ana me mahi e āta whakahokia ai te reo Māori hei reo ūkaipō mō te kāinga. Pānuitia i konei: Te Mātāwai.

Source: Kiwis Against Seabed Mining

9 SEPTEMBER 2026

Political support for a ban on seabed mining in Aotearoa is gaining momentum ahead of the election, with Labour now joining Te Pāti Māori, the Greens and Opportunity supporting a ban, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM) said today.

After writing to all political parties asking if they support a ban, this week KASM received the confirmation in a response from Labour’s oceans and fisheries spokesperson Rachel Boyack this week, who stated: “Labour supports a ban on seabed mining in Aotearoa.”

“This is a significant breakthrough after so many years of resistance by iwi, hapū and coastal communities; it’s extremely welcome news for everyone who has worked to protect our moana from seabed mining,” says KASM Chairperson Cindy Baxter.

“For more than a decade we have all fought off the seabed miners; we’ve stood together in Taranaki, and the Chatham Islands, backed by people across the motu who have given their time, expertise and support. This brings the lasting protection we have fought for a step closer.”

KASM acknowledges the longstanding leadership of Te Pāti Māori and the Greens in advocating for a ban, and welcomes the growing political agreement.

Labour says it will amend the necessary legislation and associated regulations, including the Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act. It also commits to amending the replacements to the Resource Management Act and fast-track legislation to strengthen environmental protection.

Unfortunately Labour’s position excludes sand dredging, which KASM notes is a disappointing policy given the threats to areas like Bream Bay, currently going through a Fast Track application.

The announcement comes after more than a decade of repeated battles over Australian-owned Trans-Tasman Resources’ failed applications to mine the South Taranaki seabed, and an EPA refusal for consent to wannabe deep seabed phosphate miner Chatham Rock Phosphate. Both companies are waiting in the wings to get their projects across the line.

“We shouldn’t have to keep winning the same fight,” says Baxter.

“Communities have repeatedly defended the moana through hearings and courts, all the way to the Supreme Court, and even the Fast Track said no. Yet each victory has been followed by the prospect of another application or another process. That takes an enormous toll on the people doing the defending.”

“A legislated ban would give communities lasting protection and certainty. Labour’s commitment is an important step, and the next task is to turn that support into law.”

KASM is calling on parties supporting a ban to set out a clear legislative timetable and explain how their proposals would address existing permits and future applications. KASM has heard back from ACT that they do not support a ban, but there has been no reply from National or New Zealand First.

“Our moana sustains wildlife, livelihoods and relationships that reach across generations. This coming election is an opportunity to secure its protection for the generations to come. We urge all political parties to support a ban on seabed mining.”

Notes

Labour’s confirmation was provided to KASM by Rachel Boyack, its oceans and fisheries spokesperson. Its statement explicitly excludes “sand dredging.”

Trans Tasman Resources

• In 2014 The Environmental Protection Authority refused Trans Tasman Resources first application for a discharge consent to mine the South Taranaki Bight for ironsands.
• After the company reapplied and gained approval in 2017, KASM – with a raft of other opponents – successfully challenged that decision in the High Court, and went to successfully defend the outcome through the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
• In February 2026, the Fast Track panel published a recommendation to decline consent, but TTR withdrew its application before the very strong 486-page decision could be confirmed. The official project record still allows for the company to reapply and the company is telling shareholders it is waiting for the right policy environment.

Chatham Rock Phosphate

• In 2015 the EPA refused Chatham Rock Phosphate’s application for a discharge consent to mine phosphate off the deep seabed near the Chatham Rise.
• The company is now attempting to re-list on the NZX and has new financial backing from global critical minerals company Wetstone.
• CRP is on the “waiting list” for fast track applications.

Source: Property Brokers

Property Brokers has been named a Consumer NZ People’s Choice winner for Real Estate in 2026, adding another major customer satisfaction award to an already remarkable year for the proudly New Zealand-owned real estate company.

The Consumer NZ People’s Choice award recognises businesses that stand out for customer satisfaction, based on the experiences and opinions of New Zealand consumers.

For Property Brokers, the recognition is particularly significant because it comes directly from the people who have experienced the service firsthand.

And it follows another major customer endorsement earlier this year, when Property Brokers was named Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers – Real Estate Agents for the third consecutive year.

For Managing Director Guy Mordaunt, receiving recognition from two independent consumer organisations reinforces what Property Brokers has always believed – great real estate ultimately comes down to the experience you deliver for people.

“There are plenty of awards in real estate, but the ones that mean the most to us are the ones decided by our customers,” says Mordaunt.

“To receive Consumer NZ’s People’s Choice recognition in the same year that we were named Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers for the third year running is incredibly special.”

“These aren’t awards decided by an industry judging itself. They reflect the experiences of everyday New Zealanders who have bought and sold property, and that makes them hugely meaningful to our entire team.”

Consumer NZ’s 2026 real estate research asked more than 3,000 New Zealanders about their experiences buying and selling property.

Agencies were assessed across the areas that most impact the customer experience, including overall satisfaction, professionalism, honest and ethical conduct, responsiveness, property and market knowledge, explanation of the sales process, transparency around fees, and the ease of settlement.

Property Brokers was recognised as one of Consumer NZ’s People’s Choice winners after performing strongly across the measures assessed.

For Mordaunt, the result reflects the importance of getting the fundamentals right.

“People want an agent they can trust, someone who communicates, knows their market, gives them straight advice and is absolutely committed to achieving the best result,” says Mordaunt.

“Those things sound simple, but delivering them consistently across thousands of transactions takes an exceptional team.”

“This award belongs to our people. From our sales consultants and property managers through to our administrators, marketing, digital, training and support teams, everyone has a part to play in delivering the experience our customers ultimately judge us on.”

The Consumer NZ recognition follows Property Brokers’ third consecutive Canstar customer satisfaction win in July.

Canstar’s Most Satisfied Customers Award is also based on independent research with New Zealand buyers and sellers, measuring the customer experience across areas including communication and advice, professionalism, problem resolution, contract handling and overall satisfaction.

Winning both awards provides powerful independent validation of Property Brokers’ approach.

“One award is fantastic. To have two independent organisations tell us that New Zealand consumers rate the Property Brokers experience so highly gives us enormous confidence that we’re getting the important things right,” says Mordaunt.

“But we also see it as a challenge. Recognition like this raises the bar. Our job now is to keep improving and make sure every customer gets an experience worthy of those awards.”

The latest recognition comes as Property Brokers celebrates its 40th year in business.

From humble beginnings in Palmerston North in 1986, Property Brokers has grown to become one of New Zealand’s largest family-owned real estate companies, with a network stretching across provincial New Zealand.

Despite that growth, the philosophy at the heart of the business has remained remarkably simple: put people first and work together to get the best possible result.

Property Brokers’ True Team approach means customers aren't simply engaging one salesperson. They have the strength of a wider local and national team working behind them, supported by specialist expertise, technology, marketing and an extensive network of buyers.

It is an approach Mordaunt believes continues to differentiate Property Brokers.

“We’ve never wanted to be a collection of individuals who happen to share the same logo,” he says.

“We believe the best outcomes come from people working together. When someone chooses Property Brokers, our whole team is behind them. That has been part of who we are for 40 years, and it will continue to be.”

As Property Brokers celebrates its Consumer NZ People’s Choice win alongside three consecutive Canstar customer satisfaction awards, the message from New Zealand consumers is one the company is immensely proud to receive.

“At the end of the day, our customers decide whether we’re doing a good job,” says Mordaunt.

“To have Kiwis recognise our people and our service like this is something we’ll never take for granted. We’re incredibly proud – and even more determined to keep earning it.”

About Consumer NZ People’s Choice:

Consumer NZ’s People’s Choice awards recognise products and services that stand out for customer satisfaction. Awards are based on customer satisfaction surveys conducted with Consumer members or a representative sample of the New Zealand population.

About Canstar:

Canstar is an independent research and ratings agency. Its Most Satisfied Customers Awards recognise organisations delivering outstanding customer experiences based on consumer research.