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Climate – Fifth-Warmest Autumn on Record Brings Wet Weather to the South Island – Seasonal Climate Summary – NIWA

Source: NIWA

Autumn 2025 was New Zealand’s fifth-warmest on record, with nationwide average temperatures above the long-term seasonal average for almost all the country, according to NIWA’s latest seasonal climate summary. 
Almost all regions experienced above-average temperatures, driven by more frequent northeasterly winds and persistently high-pressure systems. 
It was a warm autumn, wet for eastern and northern parts of the South Island, says NIWA Climate Scientist Gregor Macara . 
The data shows it was a wetter-than-usual autumn for eastern and northern parts of the South Island, while Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, and western Bay of Plenty also saw above normal rainfall. 
Meanwhile, areas such as Dunedin, Whanganui, and Hawke’s Bay remained drier than usual over the three month period, March to May. 
Two major weather events marked the autumn season: heavy flooding in Canterbury at the end of April, which prompted a state of emergency in multiple districts, and ex-tropical cyclone Tam, which impacted the North Island in mid-April. 
Extreme conditions included a high of 33.6°C in Timaru, a low of -5.0°C in Manapouri and Tūrangi, and the highest 1-day rainfall of 290 mm, recorded at Tākaka on 3 April. 
Among the main centres, Auckland was the warmest, Tauranga the sunniest and wettest, and Dunedin the driest and least sunny. More detailed information, including records and local data, is available at https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/seasonal 
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Youth Take Root: A Rocha Aotearoa environmental organisations aim to plant 1,500 trees to support World Vision 40 Hour Challenge

Source: World Vision 

 

AUCKLAND / CHRISTCHURCH, NZ – A Rocha Aotearoa is undertaking a massive tree planting drive in Auckland and Christchurch on Saturday, 14 June to seed more than 1,500 trees to support this year’s World Vision 40 Hour Challenge.

 

The Christian environmental organisation will gather Youth Groups from across the country to roll up their sleeves and plant native trees to raise funds to support the one in six children in the Pacific who face severe food insecurity due to climate change. 

 

James Beck from A Rocha Aotearoa says, “By partnering with World Vision, we’re giving young people an opportunity to plant hope – quite literally – by restoring native bush and improving biodiversity. The climate crisis can feel overwhelming – but small, local actions really do add up. This is about more than planting trees – it’s about planting seeds of justice, hope, and resilience.”

 

In Auckland, the teams of young people will gather to plant at Unsworth Reserve in Unsworth Heights to restore the ecological balance of the reserve, contributing to a healthier urban environment.  They will have support from World Vision, the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network, and local churches.

 

In Christchurch, youth will gather at South Shore Spit Reserve—an internationally significant ecological site—to help regenerate native vegetation and protect habitats for migratory birds. The project will be run in collaboration with the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust, Christchurch City Council, and forms part of A Rocha’s Good News Project, which equips young people to care for creation as an expression of their faith.

 

World Vision Associate National Director TJ Grant says the organisation values partnerships with organisations like A Rocha.

 

He says through activities, like planting native trees and raising funds for communities affected by climate change, the partnership demonstrates that local action can have a global impact. It’s a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together.

 

“These tree planting events are a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together. We know that climate change isn’t just a distant issue—it’s something we can respond to in our own communities and on behalf of our neighbours across the Pacific. Whether you're planting trees, taking on a personal 40 Hour Challenge, or donating, every action counts.”

 

Youth groups interested in participating in either of the events can register online through A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand. To learn more about the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, visit worldvision.org.nz/40hour.

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PSA – Petition launched to save Rauaroha – Segar House psychotherapy service

Source: PSA

The PSA is launching a petition today in partnership with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists in support of continued funding for a specialist mental health facility serving patients with complex needs.
Rauaroha – Segar House received notice in May that Te Whatu Ora is considering its disestablishment, 50 years after it was first opened in Auckland.
Designed expressly to meet complex needs, the care at Segar House is multi-disciplinary, with a psychiatrist, psychologists, psychotherapists and an art therapist on staff.
“We’re devastated, gutted really, that the Government is looking at cutting Segar House,” an anonymous clinician who works at the centre said.
“The people we work with have highly complex health histories, with more than one diagnosed issue, as well as horrific early trauma. They can only come to us when they’ve already exhausted all other options – we are the last in the line for them.
“Without us, frankly, we’d already have lost these clients to suicide.”
The wrap-around service provided by Segar House puts an emphasis on relationships and group social interactions to build confidence and ensure graduating clients can live full, social lives in the community.
The proposal put forward by Te Toka Tumai, the Central Auckland arm of Te Whatu Ora, argued that the service was under-utilised, and that its resources were better used elsewhere.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says the under-utilisation was down to overly restrictive referring rules that meant clients had to exhaust every other option for care, even if their condition otherwise met criteria.
“The clinicians who work at Segar House are in the unusual position for New Zealand in that they’d like to care for more patients, not less.
“After continued pressure from staff, the centre ran a trial last year where they dropped certain referral rules, and unsurprisingly, received more clients who were a good fit for their service.
“The under-utilisation of Segar House has been entirely created by Te Toka Tumai, who have then turned around and blamed the facility for it.
“Cutting this highly specialist, completely unique service that has helped so many people makes zero sense. Surely the answer here would be to retain the service and change the referral rules, rather than cut it altogether.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health, and community groups.
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Local News – New library for Cannons Creek gets go-ahead – Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

A new library to be built in Cannons Creek in Porirua in the next two years is being hailed by the Mayor and city councillors as a facility current and future generations will be proud to call their own.
The new building, to be placed on Bedford Reserve, near Cannons Creek Pool, will cost $4 million. Funding comes from already existing budgets within Council’s 2024-34 Long-term Plan.
A report to Council’s Te Puna Kōrero meeting on Thursday outlined safety concerns about the current library, which is located alongside other shops, including instances where staff have had to secure the building due to disorder happening outside.
The Cannons Creek Library, established in 1985 after taking over a former draper’s shop, is “difficult to secure safely”, the report says. Despite this, it is a vibrant community space that has school visits and has become a thriving after-school spot, has a public computer hub and is a drop-in place for people to connect and relax. It also has a NZ Post box.
The report also notes the ageing 1960s building has a leaky roof, limited natural light and heating, inadequate staff areas and not enough seating or study space. The building next door is potentially earthquake-prone and a seismic assessment of the library building is due in September this year.
Mayor Anita Baker said a new library was critical for the suburb and will create a better environment for library staff and visitors.
“We’ve had unsafe actions out on the street that have come into the library itself,” she said.
“This is overdue for our community and something our people have wanted for a long time.”
Cr Geoff Hayward said this was not just about upgrading a building, but “preparing a waka for the journey ahead”.
“This is a gift, a vessel of learning, open to all,” he said.
“This community that has been waiting patiently for a facility that reflects its wairua, its mana and future. A new library is saying ‘Cannons Creek matters’.”
The library will be built with modular technology, meaning it will constructed in a factory and transported to the site, and can be added to or enlarged in the future if required. It will also have new computers for the public to use.
Originally, $20 million was set aside for a community hub in Cannons Creek in the 2018-38 Long-term Plan, but agreeing to the $4 million proposal and bringing the project forward was supported by Mayor Baker and councillors.
The community will be consulted during the design stage of the project.
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Federated Farmers – Fish & Game advocacy function under review

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers says proposed changes to Fish & Game are a step in the right direction, but concerns remain about the organisation’s ability to engage in highly political advocacy.
“Farmers have been very clear with Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager about our concerns and frustrations with Fish & Game,” says Federated Farmers hunting spokesperson Richard McIntyre.
“There is certainly some merit in what the Minister is proposing with these reforms in terms of modernising, professionalising and centralising many of Fish & Game’s functions.
“Some of these changes are long overdue and will go a long way in improving the performance and efficiency of the organisation – and that needs to be acknowledged.
“We’re also welcoming a review of Fish & Game’s advocacy function, something Federated Farmers have been vocal in calling for, but we have serious concerns changes won’t go far enough.”
The proposed reforms will mean the New Zealand Fish & Game Council will be able to set a direction that is binding on regional Fish & Game Councils regarding advocacy.
Regional Fish and Game Councils will only be able to take court action in relation to advocacy if explicitly approved by the New Zealand Fish & Game Council or the Minister.
“The devil is going to be in the detail when these changes are made, but Federated Farmers will be watching the Minister’s moves very closely to make sure he delivers,” McIntyre says.
“In practice, what farmers really want to know is whether Fish & Game will still be able to block practical, common-sense actions like removing gravel from rivers when it’s needed.
“We also want to have confidence they will no longer be able to run highly political anti-farming campaigns or waste everyone’s time with expensive and unnecessary court cases.”
While proposed changes are definitely a step in the right direction, Federated Farmers are questioning whether it’s appropriate for Fish & Game to play any role in political advocacy.
“Our argument is that Fish & Game are a statutory body who collect compulsory licence fees from hunters and fishers,” says Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick.
“If you want to hunt or fish you have to pay Fish & Game their fee. You don’t get a choice, but then they take that money and use it to attack farmers or push their personal policy agendas.
“They shouldn’t be able to charge those compulsory fees and then use them to behave like an environmental activist group, particularly when their advocacy doesn’t align with the views of most hunters and fishers.
“I think most people would agree that far too much money has been wasted on highly political advocacy and litigious court cases that have little benefit for sports fish or game birds.
“The Minister needs to make sure he gets these reforms right. He needs to get Fish & Game out of political advocacy and refocus them on their core business.”
Federated Farmers will continue to engage constructively with the Government throughout the select committee process to ensure farmers concerns are adequately addressed. 
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Climate – Warm May Caps Off a Sunny Autumn for Much of New Zealand – NIWA – New Zealand Climate Summary: May 2025

Source: NIWA

Last month brought warmer-than-average temperatures to most of the country, marking it as New Zealand’s 10th-warmest May on record, according to NIWA’s latest climate summary for May 2025.
Inland and southern parts of the South Island experienced particularly warm conditions, with some areas recording temperatures more than 1.5°C above average.
Rainfall varied across New Zealand, with eastern and southern regions experiencing below-normal rainfall and sunny skies for May, and Lake Tekapo recording its sunniest May since records began in 1928. In contrast, parts of the upper South Island and central North Island were wetter than usual.
Extreme weather events included a high of 24.2°C in Gisborne and Christchurch, a low of -5.0°C in Manapouri and Tūrangi, and a wind gust reaching 200 km/h at Cape Turnagain.
Tauranga topped sunshine and rainfall among main centres, while Auckland was the warmest, Dunedin the driest and least sunny, and Christchurch was the coolest. The three sunniest locations in 2025 so far are Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, and Auckland.
There is more detailed information at the full Monthly Climate Summary, available at https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/monthly
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Energy Sector – Past Policy Choices Coming Home to Roost

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

For yet another year, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) data published today shows that estimates for New Zealand’s gas reserves are rapidly declining.
There has been a 27 per cent year-on-year reduction in natural gas reserves, dropping to 948 petajoules from 1,300 in 2024, which was 20 per cent down on the previous year. Production is now forecast below 100 PJ by 2026, rather than 2029, as previously forecast.
Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the $200 million Crown co-investment in new domestic gas projects, the removal of the 2018 exploration ban, and changes proposed through the Crown Minerals Amendment Bill are all great signs that the Government is working hard to turn the corner on the deindustrialisation of the New Zealand economy.
“We acknowledge the Government is moving to support the strong potential of our domestic gas supply. But only time will tell if this will be enough.”
Carnegie says the ongoing challenges with gas supply underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to secure energy stability and support New Zealand’s economic resilience.
“We know there are still prospective fields out there – now we need to see the right conditions continue so that we can unlock the supply.
Kiwi businesses are doing it tough as gas supply becomes further constrained. We desperately need more natural gas in the market to ensure electricity is available to keep the lights on and our export economy thriving.”
Currently, we’re witnessing the consequences of a shrinking domestic gas supply: higher prices, the use of imported coal, and uncertainty for industrial users, Carnegie says. 
“Natural gas plays a critical role in supporting renewables, powering industry, and keeping energy affordable and reliable.
Gas production projects underpin everything from electricity to industrial manufacturing. If we don’t continue to work hard on securing more domestic gas for New Zealand, we risk higher prices, more imported coal use, and further instability.”
If New Zealand can get this right, the benefits are enormous: jobs, royalties, export earnings, and the confidence of regional businesses to expand, knowing they have secure and affordable energy for the future.
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Local News – Porirua backs regional approach to water services delivery

Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua City Council’s Te Puna Kōrero committee has endorsed a joint regional approach for water services delivery.
As part of the Local Water Done Well reform, the Government has mandated that councils must review how water services are delivered.
Te Puna Kōrero met this morning to deliberate and made a recommendation to Council, after consulting on two options for a future water services delivery model – a new water services organisation, or a modified version of the status quo.
They voted unanimously to recommend that Council should jointly establish and co-own a new water organisation with Upper Hutt City Council, Hutt City Council, Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council.
Under this model, a multi-council-owned water organisation will take ownership of public water assets. The alternative was a modified version of the current Wellington Water model, where councils retain ownership while Wellington Water manages water services.
That recommendation will need to be endorsed at the full Council meeting on 26 June.
All five councils are independently making decisions by the end of June on how to proceed.
Officers will then develop a joint Water Services Delivery Plan and foundation documents for the new organisation, which must be lodged with the Department of Internal Affairs by 3 September 2025.
The intention is that Council will transfer its assets, debt, liabilities and services in relation to drinking water, wastewater and stormwater to the new organisation by1 July 2026.
In making today’s decision, the committee unanimously supported an amendment from Councillor Geoff Hayward, setting out the principles Porirua City wants reflected in the new organisation’s foundation documents.
These include recognising water as a public good, safeguarding households from disconnection, value for money, fair pricing, supporting local employment, and upholding Te Mana o te Wai.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said like many parts of the country, Porirua’s water networks faced significant challenges.
“We have old pipes that cause water leaks, contribute to water shortages and are a main contributor to pollution in the harbour.
“While we’ve poured all the money we can into funding water assets, we simply can’t address these challenges on our own. Doing nothing is not an option, and we believe the new model is the best way forward for Porirua.”
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Local News – Porirua City Council makes budget decisions

Source: Porirua City Council

After listening to feedback from residents Porirua City Council has made changes to next year’s budget, including not increasing paid parking charges in the city or Cannons Creek pool entry fees.
The Council’s Te Puna Kōrero committee met this morning to deliberate on the Annual Plan, which sets the city’s budget for the coming financial year.
When preparing the draft Annual Plan, the starting point for this year’s rates increases had increased from the planned 10 per cent to 15 per cent, due to cost pressures.
Council acknowledged this wasn’t sustainable for households and businesses, so took a hard look at internal operations to find cost savings. This process brought the new starting point for the average rates increase down to 6.75 per cent.
Council consulted on five options, which if adopted would decrease the rates increase even further. A total of 343 submissions were received, with a mix of opinions on the items on the table.
Committee Chair Councillor Ross Leggett thanked everyone who made submissions and shared their thoughts.
“Your feedback is shown in this paper and we do read and appreciate all of it,” he said.
Of the options consulted on, the committee voted to discontinue the Chamber of Commerce grant and increase Council’s building consent hourly rate.
They voted against increasing the paid parking hourly rate, putting up Cannons Creek Pool entry fees, and discontinuing the Event Investment Programme.
With these changes, the average rates increase for residential properties for the 2025/26 year will be 6.39 per cent, subject to confirmation by the full Council on 26 June.
Mayor Anita Baker said everything possible was done to keep rates increases as low as possible.
“Nobody wants the big increases we saw last year and we know the community is struggling. The organisation has done a deep dive internally and made significant cuts that got us to a lower starting point than planned.
“In terms of the further cuts we could have made, we asked for feedback and we’ve listened to our people. That’s why we are not supporting some of the ideas that were on the table.”
Councillors spoke about the community benefits of swimming pools, the life that events bring to the city, and the need to support local businesses through keeping parking charges as they are. 
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Weather News – Brace for the cold: a wintry weekend in store – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 5 – Monday 9 June
After a night of wild weather, MetService is forecasting on-and-off showers on Thursday, before a cold cup of winter is served across the country from Friday into the weekend.

What's happened and updates:
• Between Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning several areas experienced brief but intense periods of rain
• Taupō was just 0.2 mm shy of their wettest June day at 61.2 mm of rain from 9am Wednesday to 9am Thursday
• The band of heavy rain and downpours that lashed the country overnight has now shifted east away from New Zealand
• Scattered showers are expected today – and even sunny spells for some
• However, the West Coast of the South Island remains unsettled, with rain and a chance of thunderstorms forecast for later today

Parts of inland Canterbury woke up to a snowy scene on Thursday morning, but there’s more to come. Snow is set to return on Friday and Saturday to Southland, Otago, Canterbury and Marlborough. Heavy Snow Watches and Warnings have been issued, with the largest accumulations expected above 400 metres. However, flurries are possible down to around 200 to 300 metres including in Queenstown. Several Road Snowfall Warnings are also in place.

“The snow may affect travel and could have an impact on rural communities and farmers,” says MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane. “It’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time and allow extra time if you have to head out on the roads.”

Elsewhere, the weekend brings a mix of showers and drier spells, and windy conditions in Westland where there is a Watch for Strong Winds in place. But it’s the cold that most people will be feeling.

“Firewood, warm drinks, and plenty of extra layers will go a long way, I would imagine!” Makgabutlane says.

Temperatures across the South Island are forecast to peak in the low to mid-single digits during the day, with overnight lows well below freezing. Wānaka stands out, with a daytime high of just 2°C and a chilly low of -6°C. The North Island will be feeling the cold too, with a sharp drop in temperatures over the next couple of days. Napier sees a warm 22°C today but will struggle to 13°C on Friday. Waiouru is only expected to reach 4°C this weekend, with highs of 10°C in Palmerston North and 13°C in Auckland.