Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Storm News – Awanui scheme handles twice the volume of infamous 1958 flood

Source: Northland Regional Council

The Far North’s upgraded Awanui flood scheme has successfully handled a record amount of floodwater – almost twice that of an infamous 1958 event that saw floodwaters more than a metre deep inundate Kaitaia township.
Northland Regional Councillor Joe Carr, who chairs the Awanui River Working Group and is deputy chair of the council’s Infrastructure Committee, says provisional hydrology figures from this week’s deluge showed a record up to 410 cubic metres of floodwaters were flowing down the Awanui River every second.
That compared to a figure of 220 cubic metres a second during the catastrophic 1958 flood and 258 cubic metres in a more recent, July 2007 event that had caused a lot of flooding and evacuations.
Councillor Carr says while there had been some overtopping of stopbanks this week – mainly in areas of the scheme that had yet-to-be, or were being upgraded – much of Kaitaia had escaped serious damage despite the vast and unprecedented flood flows.
“There was some costly flooding and associated evacuations as stopbanks did overtop both upstream and downstream of SH1 Bridge Waikuruki and in the lower Whangatane Spillway, all of which are works in progress, but overall the $15 million-plus, multi-year scheme upgrade performed very well.”
While some had overtopped, all of the stopbanks had remained intact and the scheme had also protected the Claud Switzer Residential Care home, a major concern in previous flooding events given the complex nature any evacuation there would require.
Councillor Carr says the NRC had assumed responsibility for the scheme 20 years ago and work on the upgrade had begun in earnest with the adoption of the council’s Long Term Plan in 2018.
Work that had been carried out to date included 6km of stopbanks, 5km of benching, 2.2km of spillways, 1.2km of scour protection, 200 metres of timber floodwalls, 750,000 cubic metres of earthworks, 15,000 cubic metres of rock stabilisation, the replacement or upgrading of 24 floodgates and the installation of an extra span at the Quarry Rd bridge.
Much of that work was specifically designed to protect Kaitaia township and another $2.5 million work is already underway or planned for the next two years to remove scheme weak points.
Fellow regional councillor Colin ‘Toss’ Kitchen, who chairs the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Committee (CDEM), says it is not an exaggeration to say the upgrade had potentially saved lives – and many millions in damages – during this week’s torrential rain.
“This was an extraordinary event with very intense hourly rainfall which tested the scheme to it limits.”
Both councillors say the scheme would not be the success it was without the work and support of many people.
They included landowners – some of whom had allowed the council to set back stopbanks on their land without compensation – previous and current councillors, the many members of the Awanui River Management Liaison Group (including tāngata whenua partners) and some dedicated council staff and contractors.
Councillor Carr says there had also been some very generous funding from Central Government in recent years.
“Late last year we (NRC) publicly thanked the Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones for his role in facilitating $11.1M of central government support for the project, which has significantly reduced the amount the local community has had to pay directly.”
The two councillors say the Awanui upgrade is an example of the benefits of central and regional government and communities working together for the greater good.
Councillor Carr says the council’s rivers staff would over the coming weeks analyse a mountain of data captured during this week’s rainfall.
This would be used to improve future scheme upgrade work and ensure any lessons learned were factored in to make the scheme the most resilient it could be. Lessons learned would also help Civil Defence in its work in future.
Meanwhile, Cr Kitchen also acknowledged the wider community, kaitiaki on the ground, local marae and emergency services for the “amazing work they have collectively been doing to keep themselves and others safe during the weather event”. 
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Health – Leading respiratory charity calls for urgent action on child respiratory health following stark new report

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

The Government must urgently fund RSV protection, expand free flu vaccinations, and tackle unhealthy housing, as record numbers of children are being hospitalised with respiratory illness, a leading respiratory charity warns.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is backing calls in the newly released Cure Kids 2026 State of Child Health Report, which shows hospitalisation rates for acute respiratory conditions in children and adolescents have increased by 60% over the past 25 years.
Respiratory conditions now account for one in five hospitalisations among children and adolescents in Aotearoa New Zealand, rising to more than one in three for infants under one year old.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the figures should force immediate action.
“More children are ending up in hospital struggling to breathe, and we know much of this is preventable.
“That should be unacceptable to any government.”
Funding has already been pulled back for flu vaccines for some of our most at-risk children and communities, while access to new RSV protections has been delayed, Ms Harding says.
“This report shows the real-world impact of those decisions.”
The Government needs to urgently fund nirsevimab (a monoclonal antibody against RSV), fund free flu vaccinations, and provide sustained investment in warm, dry, and affordable housing, she says.
“If we are serious about child wellbeing in Aotearoa, then preventing respiratory illness must be treated as a national priority.
“If nothing changes, we will keep seeing the same children come through hospital doors, with Māori, Pacific, and low-income families bearing the heaviest burden.”
Foundation Medical Director and respiratory physician Professor Bob Hancox says the report shows that children in Aotearoa are suffering from a huge burden of unnecessary respiratory disease.
“The 60% increase in hospitalisations and the stark differences in hospitalisation rates between children from different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds demonstrate that most of these are preventable.
“Things that could be done immediately to reduce respiratory disease are funding of Nirsevimab for infants and flu vaccines for all children under 5,” Professor Hancox says.
“In the longer term, our society needs to address ethic and socioeconomic inequalities, improve access to primary care, and make sure that all tamariki enjoy the health benefits of warm and dry housing.”
Nirsevimab has been shown to reduce rates of RSV internationally and is currently under consideration by Medsafe and Pharmac, he says.
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Healthcare and Politics – Show us the money – home support workers can’t afford to wait

Source: PSA

Home support workers are calling on the Government to stop talking and start acting after Finance Minister Nicola Willis signalled it was considering extra funding for essential services hit by rising petrol prices.
The Finance Minister today said Health Minister Simeon Brown was looking at helping the 23,000 essential home support workers, whose mileage allowance has been frozen for four years.
“This is urgent. If the Government wants to keep home support services running at this time of crisis, the answer is simple: fund these workers properly and quickly,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Considering is not good enough. These workers have been underpaid and undervalued for years. They have already been hit hard by the Government’s decision to cancel pay equity claims covering the sector, depriving them of a significant pay rise.
“They cannot afford to wait while Ministers mull over temporary fixes when the cost of fuel has rocketed and many are filling up twice a week.”
Home support workers provide essential services to help the elderly, disabled and injured live independently at home.
“These workers drive their own cars to reach their clients and can no longer absorb these rising costs – they’re already earning too little.”
The PSA represents thousands of home support workers – they are overwhelmingly women, many work part-time and many do not have dependents so missed out on the changes to Working Families announced this week.
“The Government wants a pat on the back for ‘looking into’ a temporary fuel subsidy. Actually, these workers deserve permanent, and urgent concrete action, not a band aid.”
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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Business – Heinz Wattie’s Confirms Changes to Operations in New Zealand

Source: Heinz Wattie's

Heinz Wattie's has today advised its people that it will proceed with plans to close manufacturing sites in Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland, as well as the frozen packing lines in Hastings. This will see a discontinuation of its frozen vegetables, coffee and dips businesses.

The announcement follows a formal consultation process, with the company seeking feedback from its people and representatives on the proposed changes, including the category exits associated with these sites.

Heinz Wattie's Managing Director, Andrew Donegan, says the decision is necessary to strengthen the business so it can continue to manufacture and sell products in New Zealand.

“We appreciated the open and thoughtful dialogue during the consultation process. After careful consideration and analysis of proposed suggestions, we have reached the conclusion that closing these sites and exiting these categories is the only way forward for the long-term viability of the business.  While change is needed, this is an incredibly difficult time for our employees and business,” says Donegan.  

Today's announcement will result in the loss of approximately 300 roles across impacted sites which includes some commercial roles. With site closures phased over the course of the year, final numbers will not be known for some time as redeployment opportunities continue to be explored.  

“The majority of those impacted are long-term experienced and skilled employees who would be sought-after candidates for many employers”, Donegan said.  

“Our focus is on supporting those who are affected with redundancy packages, employee counselling, career transition services and redeployment where possible,” says Donegan.

In Hastings, almost 50 people from the frozen packing lines will be redeployed, with some of those being retrained.  This means that they will stay with the business.

Wattie's will remain an employer of more than 1,200 people in New Zealand. Its Hawke's Bay sites will continue to manufacture more than 800 SKUs and sell products across 11 categories, including frozen meals and canned fruits and vegetables. Exports will continue to Australia, Japan, the Pacific Islands and other markets around the world.

Partnerships with growers for key crops such as tomatoes, peaches, corn and beetroot will continue, ensuring Wattie's remains a staple in New Zealand households.

ABOUT HEINZ WATTIE'S

A subsidiary of The Kraft Heinz Company, Heinz Wattie's is a major food producer with a proud New Zealand heritage. Founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, Wattie's is home to the nation's favourite tomato sauce, baked beans, spaghetti and a wide range of fruit and vegetable products and meals enjoyed by millions of Kiwis up and down the country. Learn more about New Zealand's best-loved food brand, by visiting www.watties.co.nz

NOTES

Rationale for change

  • The decision was driven by an extensive review of the New Zealand business and not made with reference to any broader company matters. 
  • It reflects challenging economic conditions currently facing New Zealand, particularly the manufacturing sector. Inflation in relation to raw materials, energy and logistics costs along with decreased sales volumes were the key drivers
  • Wattie's has not been able to pass on all the input costs to consumers, particularly in the current climate with the prevalence of cheaper product choices.  
  • This has meant that these categories and sites have consistently been in a loss-making position over the last few years.
  • The categories which the company will exit are frozen vegetables, Gregg's coffee and dips and pates.   

Details of impacted sites

The La Bonne Cuisine factory in Auckland will close.
Wattie's frozen vegetable factory in Christchurch will close
Gregg's coffee factory in Dunedin will close
The timing of the closures will likely be announced at the end of April.

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Storm News – Insurance sector calls for faster action on resilience as risks intensify

Source: Insurance Council of NZ

The Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ) has released its 2025 Annual Review, highlighting the growing urgency of reducing risk from natural hazards to protect communities and keep insurance accessible.
“Recent severe weather events are a reminder of the damage, disruption and devastation to life, property and communities,” ICNZ Chief Executive Kris Faafoi said.
“Insurance plays a critical role in helping New Zealanders get back on their feet after disasters. However, we all know it’s better for New Zealand to work collectively to act before disaster strikes, rather than pick up the pieces afterwards.
“Reducing risk upfront through smarter planning, resilient infrastructure and better information is essential if we are to protect communities and sustain access to insurance over the long term.
“The Government’s National Adaptation Framework is a vital first step. Now it’s time to move the dial from good intentions to real action.”
The Annual Review details ICNZ’s engagement throughout 2025 on major policy reforms affecting the sector, including work with central and councils on the National Adaptation Framework, resource management and building system reforms, and emergency management settings.
ICNZ made a record number of submissions during the year and strengthened its engagement with councils, recognising the increasingly important role local decision-making plays in managing flood and other natural hazard risks.
With 2026 an election year, Mr Faafoi said maintaining momentum on adaptation and building an enduring cross-party consensus would be critical.
“New Zealand is at a pivotal point. The direction is increasingly clear, but delivery now matters. Communities facing repeated flooding or storm damage cannot afford delay.”
The Review also highlights a major strategic investment by ICNZ in shared data capability, with the development of Te Pou Inihua, a new industry data platform designed to improve understanding of risk, support evidence-based policy, and strengthen public confidence in the insurance system.
“Better data means better decisions,” Mr Faafoi said.
“Te Pou Inihua will provide a trusted, aggregated view of insurance insights to inform government, communities and the sector as we navigate increasingly complex risks.”
The Annual Review reflects a year of significant change for ICNZ, including a refreshed strategy, deeper collaboration with global reinsurers, and a continued focus on fairness, transparency and consumer trust through the Fair Insurance Code.
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Legal Appointments – David Campbell is President of the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa

Source: Law Society

Legal Appointments – David Campbell has today, 27 March, begun his term as President of the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa.
Mr Campbell was confirmed as the Law Society’s 34th President following a Council meeting in November last year and succeeds Frazer Barton. A partner at Dentons, he has been involved with the Law Society since 2014 and served as Vice President since 2022.
“This is a pivotal governance role for an organisation that not only regulates nearly 18,000 lawyers but also is the nationwide membership body for the legal profession, advocates for the rule of law and access to justice, and contributes to the health of our democracy,” Mr Campbell said.
“In 2025 the Law Society made more than 150 formal law reform submissions across all areas of law, addressing bills before select committee as well as consultations from public service departments and the judiciary.”
As President, Mr Campbell is a leading voice for New Zealand’s legal profession and is available to speak with media on issues including:
– Law reform, access to justice and the Courts
– Lawyer wellbeing and the future of legal practice
We can also help you with expert Law Society spokespeople on proposed law changes and legal issues (including legal aid and the rule of law in New Zealand), subject to availability. 
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Save the Children – One in five children in Lebanon forced from their homes in one month

Source: Save the Children

One in every five children in Lebanon has been forced to flee their home in just one month as conflict in Lebanon and the Middle East and region triggers a mass wave of displacement, Save the Children’s Chief Executive Officer Inger Ashing said today.
During a visit to Beirut on Thursday, Ms Ashing met some displaced children and families and heard how the situation was rapidly reaching a breaking point with families forced to leave everything behind and many relying wholly on humanitarian aid after years of crisis.
More than 1.2 million people – a fifth of the population – have been displaced in Lebanon since 2 March due to Israeli airstrikes and forced displacement orders including 350,000 children. More than 1,000 people have been killed, including more than 120 children with a further 380 or more children injured.
Ms Ashing said children were bearing the brunt of the crisis, abruptly losing access to the safety of their homes, their schools, their friends and access to healthcare and other essential services. Many are frightened and facing severe emotional distress.
“No child should have to run for their life in the middle of the night. Yet in Lebanon today, it’s happening to family after family – children fleeing, terrified,” said Ms Ashing.
“Lebanon’s children are being pushed past their limits. They are exhausted, traumatised, and losing the very foundations of childhood. The world cannot look away – we need action, and we need it now.”
Across Lebanon, people – many displaced for the second time in two years – are now staying with friends and relatives, while some have no choice but to sleep on the streets or are crowding into some of about 660 collective shelters, including about 470 schools turned into temporary housing.
While visiting Beirut, Ms Ashing met 20-year-old Wafaa- who described the fear of leaving home in eastern Lebanon with her four family members as explosions echoed in the distance following a displacement order.
“I want to achieve my dreams. I want to live in Lebanon and grow up like all children and young people around the world without war.” Wafaa- told her.
Many families fled their homes with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Some children arrived at shelters clutching a single treasured item: a worn teddy bear, a school backpack, even a family pet – symbols of the lives they were forced to leave behind.
One mother living in a shelter with her four children after fleeing their home three weeks ago said her children were struggling to cope and their contact with other children was critical.
Save the Children staff have set up child activities in some of the shelters, with many children drawing pictures of houses, trees and flowers from their villages and telling staff they want to home. Some older children are playing football or basketball to pass the time.
“Every aspect of their lives has changed – even their education. There’s no longer a sense of structure or routine. But here, even for a short time, they find moments of joy with the other children, and through these activities they receive much-needed psychological and emotional support,” she told Ms Ashing in the shelter.
This escalation has forced many children out of school for the 6 th year in a row. Some children have been displaced back to the same schools where they sheltered during the 2024 escalation. Few have access to online learning.
“This is not just a displacement crisis – this is a childhood crisis,” said Ms Ashing. “Classrooms should be filled with learning not used as sanctuaries from airstrikes. We urgently need increased funding and immediate action to ensure they are protected, supported, and given a real chance to recover.”
Save the Children is also providing emergency supplies in Lebanon including food, water, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support to children and their families. However, the organisation has warned that needs are rapidly outpacing available resources.
Save the Children is calling for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, especially children, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected areas, and increased international funding to meet the growing needs of displaced families.
Save the Children has worked in Lebanon since 1953. Since October 2023, we have scaled up our response in Lebanon, supporting displaced Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian children, and families.
NOTES
  • Children under 18 make up 31% of the population, according to the same UN source above, so about 1.8 million children. 
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Storm News – Northland Civil Defence morning update 27/03 7 AM

Source: Northland Regional Council

Teams from councils, contractors, and power networks are out this morning assessing damage across the region.
In the meantime, all Northland agencies and emergency services are urging the public to limit travel, take extreme care on the roads, and avoid driving through floodwaters. Emergency services continued to carry out rescues from vehicles trapped in floodwaters throughout yesterday evening.
In Kaitāia, emergency services assisted with the evacuation of residents overnight after some homes began experiencing flooding or were at risk of flooding from the Awanui River. The main area affected covered roughly three streets at the northern end of Kaitāia.
Around 40 people were provided accommodation at Kaitāia College overnight. Assessment teams will be out this morning checking the evacuated areas and river conditions to confirm when it’s safe for residents to return, with the aim of getting people back home as soon as possible.
River levels on the Awanui and surrounding waterways have now receded and are currently sitting below warning thresholds.
The MetService heavy rain warning for Northland was lifted at 4am this morning (Friday). However, the region’s roading network, along with parts of the electricity network, has been significantly impacted. The majority of rivers across Northland have now peaked and are receding.
Rainfall totals from 4pm Wednesday to 4am this morning show the highest accumulations at Waimamaku at Wekaweka Road in Waima (275mm), the upper Ngunguru River at Dugmores Rock (245mm), and Whakapara at Puhipuhi (239.5mm). Notably, both the highest and lowest rainfall figures were recorded on Northland’s west coast, with lower totals at the Awaroa at Wallace Road in Ruawai (68.5mm) and the Kaipara Harbour at Pouto Point (22.5mm).
Emergency services across the region have worked tirelessly throughout this event, and we extend our thanks for their ongoing efforts to keep communities safe.
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Storm News – ASB ready to support customers affected by severe weather

Source: ASB

ASB is offering support options for customers who are impacted by severe weather in the North Island.

Targeted support for personal, farming and business customers will be offered on a case-by-case basis, with options including:

  • Deferring home loan repayments for up to three months or interest only for three months.
  • Immediate consideration of requests for emergency credit card limit increases.
  • Tailored solutions for eligible ASB business and rural customers including access to working capital of up to $100,000.

ASB Executive General Manager for Personal Banking Adam Boyd says the bank is ready to support customers.

“Severe weather events like this can put pressure on households, businesses, and farms. We want our customers to know they don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re asking affected customers to get in touch so we can find a solution that works for them.”

Some Advice Centres (branches) have temporary changes to their opening hours. Customers are advised to checkASB’s branch locator tool for their nearest branch and opening hours.

To discuss support options, personal customers should call ASB's contact centre on 0800 803 804. Alternatively, customers can email hardship@asb.co.nz.  Affected ASB business and rural customers should speak to their relationship manager or call 0800 272 287.

Further detail on ASB’s extreme weather support is available here: https://www.asb.co.nz/page/extreme-weather-support.html

More information and full terms, fees and charges can be found on ASB's website.

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Research – Cost of living dominates Kiwis’ concerns – but sustainability still shapes trust, choices and expectations of business

Source: Sustainable Business Council

The cost of living continues to emerge as New Zealanders’ top concern – yet sustainability continues to play a decisive role in how people judge businesses, according to new research released today.
The Better Futures 2026 report, now in its 17 th year and produced in partnership between the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and global insights organisation Kantar, reveals that while climate and environmental issues are competing for attention in an increasingly crowded landscape of crises, expectations of business leadership on sustainability remain high, and unmet.
Nearly nine in ten New Zealanders (87%) say businesses should take responsibility for their environmental and social impacts. However, 69% believe businesses are still not doing enough, and 60% say the way companies talk about sustainability is confusing.
Jason Cate, Kantar’s Sustainable Transformation Practice Lead, says this year’s results reflect a moment of tension, rather than disengagement.
“New Zealanders are continuing to navigate acute pressures, cost of living crises, housing affordability, healthcare access, and social harm – all of which understandably dominate people’s immediate attention,” Mr Cate says.
“But that doesn’t mean sustainability has disappeared. As people’s understanding of sustainability matures, what we are seeing is a recalibration, with more scepticism, less patience for vague messaging, and a much stronger focus on whether businesses’ actions genuinely minimise harm and make a difference.”
The research shows environmental concerns remain prominent, with pollution of waterways, microplastics and extreme weather events among the top environmental issues. Extreme weather in particular has surged back up the public agenda following several devastating events over summer.
Despite sustainability receiving a smaller ‘share of voice’ in the media, the report finds it continues to influence consumer behaviour, driving both product adoption (74%) and rejection (53%), underlining its ongoing commercial relevance for businesses.
SBC’s Director of Programmes Jay Crangle says the results send a clear signal to business leaders.
“This report cuts through the noise and shows that sustainability still matters to New Zealanders and they’re looking for action.”
“People are less interested in what businesses say, and much more interested in what they do. Clear action, visible impact, and honest communication about progress, trade-offs and challenges are now critical for organisations.”
Generational differences add complexity
For the first time this year’s report explores generational trends in more depth. While social concerns vary sharply by age, the results reveal remarkable consistency across generations when it comes to environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
However, younger New Zealanders – particularly Gen Z and Millennials – show lower overall commitment to sustainability when feelings and behaviours are combined, despite expressing strong concern. The insights reveal financial pressure, competing priorities and distrust in institutions are key barriers.
“Younger generations care deeply, but they are also stretched and sceptical,” says Mr Cate.
“They’re more likely to question whether individual effort is enough, and whether businesses and systems are doing their fair share.”
“These insights show that sustainability is becoming a more mature, but also more complex space. Businesses must choose their areas of impact wisely.”
The challenge – and opportunity – for business
The Better Futures 2026 report finds that boards and executives globally continue to see sustainability as strategically important, yet New Zealanders still rate many of the country’s largest businesses as average or underperforming on environmental and social action.
Ms Crangle says that gap represents a critical opportunity for business leaders.
“This isn’t about abandoning sustainability because of complex competing priorities,” she says.
“It’s about doubling down on credible action that connects to people’s real concerns – affordability, resilience, and fairness – and proving that businesses can be part of the solution.”
The Better Futures 2026 report is based on a nationally representative survey of more than 1,000 New Zealanders, alongside international benchmarking and longitudinal analysis.
The 2026 top five concerns for New Zealanders compared with 2025 ranking are as follows:
1. The cost of living (unchanged)
2. Protection of children from mental, physical and sexual abuse (3rd)
3. Not having access to good, affordable healthcare (2nd)
4. Violence in society (5th)
5. Availability of affordable housing (9th)
The top five environmental concerns for New Zealanders compared with 2025 ranking are as follows:
1. Pollution of lakes, rivers, and seas (unchanged)
2. Microplastics in the environment and food sources (3rd)
3. Extreme weather events (flooding, fires, drought) (9th)
4. Loss of biodiversity on land and in marine environments (8th)
5. The impact of climate change (unchanged )
Margin of error ±5% points at the 95% confidence level.
This is the 17th year Kantar has been monitoring the issues New Zealanders care most deeply about.