Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Business – WWNZ annual Supplier Award recipients ‘beyond business as usual’

Source: Woolworths NZ

Hundreds of top suppliers celebrated last night at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for the annual Woolworths NZ Supplier Awards, with the top awards going to suppliers showing consistent leadership and making an impact on sustainability and innovation.
The awards, which recognise partnership, excellence and innovation across the food and grocery industry in Aotearoa New Zealand, are an annual industry highlight acknowledging the hard work that goes into providing the best shopping experience for kiwi customers.
Woolworths NZ Managing Director Sally Copland presented 20 awards to some of New Zealand’s top suppliers, from 54 finalists.
This year, GrapeCo won the Fresh Supreme Supplier of the Year for setting the standard for excellence in fresh produce. GrapeCo is Woolworths NZ’s leading Australian grape supplier, pioneering new grape varietals and leading on sustainability.
Woolworths New Zealand’s Commercial Director, Pieter De Wet, says GrapeCo’s successful reusable crate trial alone removed more than 60 tonnes of packaging from our value chain. “GrapeCo demonstrates a commitment that goes beyond business as usual. It is a true strategic partner with impact and the team is a deserving recipient of our Fresh Supreme Supplier of the Year award.”
The Packaged Supreme Supplier of the Year award went to Mondelēz New Zealand, for its resilience and innovation in delivering growth in a challenging market.
“Mondelēz truly shone this year with outstanding performance and strategic excellence,” says Pieter. “It is a great example of what can be achieved with strong partnerships across our Woolworths NZ network, from Cartology and Everyday Rewards to Replenishment and Retail operations.
“Mondelēz has consistently performed over the past three years, and its long-term leadership makes it a deserving Supreme Award winner.”
Sally says the awards acknowledge the hard work, energy and dedication that all our suppliers put in.
“Strong, collaborative relationships are crucial. Together, we service millions of customers every day across the country and we succeed together when we provide better customer experiences, especially when it comes to helping them manage their household budgets and giving them access to the products they love.”
The full list of winners is below:
Fruit & Vegetable Supplier of the Year GrapeCo Bakery Supplier of the Year Breadcraft Wairarapa (Rebel Bakehouse NZ) Meat & Seafood Supplier of the Year MaxFoods Perishables & Delicatessen Supplier of the Year Fonterra Fresh Account Manager of the Year Darren Lobb – Hellers Grocery Non Food & General Merchandise Supplier of the Year Nestlé Purina (Pet) Pharmacy, Health & Body Supplier of the Year Vitaco Liquor Supplier of the Year Hancocks Grocery – Pantry & Freezer Supplier of the Year Simplot Grocery – Beverages and Impulse Grocery Supplier of the Year Mondelēz New Zealand Packaged Account Manager of the Year Amanda Collier (Suntory Oceania) Customer Insights Driven Supplier of the Year Fonterra Integrated Supply Planner of the Year Taryn Aspeling (Heinz Watties) Sustainability Partner of the Year Essity Australasia Small Supplier of the Year Body Science (BSc) Woolworths Food Company Technical Manager of the Year Harriet Butler (Scalzo) Woolworths Food Company NPD Manager of the Year Elke Hansen (Neat Meat) Woolworths New Zealand Own Brand Product of the Year Woolworths Wakame Seaweed Pork Sausages by Neat Meat Fresh Supreme Supplier of the Year GrapeCo Packaged Supreme Supplier of the Year Mondelēz New Zealand
About Woolworths New Zealand:
Woolworths New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s largest employers with 21,000 team members across over 195 supermarkets, distribution centres, processing plants and support offices. Each week we serve over three million customers and work with hundreds of food producers and suppliers throughout Aotearoa. We’re committed to delivering New Zealand’s best supermarket experiences for customers and team with more value, innovation and accelerated investment in our stores. We’re proud to give back to the communities we live and work in, including through the Woolworths Food for Good Foundation. Every year we donate more than $7 million in food, funding and sponsorship to our communities. Woolworths New Zealand is also the franchisor of more than 70 FreshChoice stores, which are locally owned and operated. Woolworths New Zealand is part of Woolworths Group.
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Save the Children – Aotearoa youth to represent New Zealand at COP30 in Brazil

Source: Save the Children

Four young leaders from Aotearoa New Zealand with travel to Belém, Brazil this month to represent Save the Children New Zealand at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).
The delegation, led by Save the Children New Zealand’s Youth Engagement Coordinator, Vira Paky, will bring Pacific and Aotearoa youth voices to one of the world's largest climate gatherings in Belém, the gateway to the Amazon. 
The youth representatives, Toa Sifia Fonoti, Dylan Chand, Faiasea Ah Chee, and Destiny Harris, each bring unique perspectives and experience in climate action, education, advocacy, and community leadership.
– Toa Sifia Fonoti, 19, a Samoan youth, currently studying at Auckland University of Technology for a Bachelor of Primary Education and 2024 Generation Hope Ambassador, is passionate about empowering tamariki and rangatahi to share their stories and protect their lands and oceans.
– Dylan Chand, 22 , an Engineering and Computer Science student at the University of Auckland, is the founder and Executive Director of the Youth Climate Collective, a youth-led organisation driving action on climate change through innovation and collaboration.
– Faiesea Ah Chee, 23, from the villages of Fa’a’ala Palauli and Gaga’ifomauga Sasina in Savai’i, Samoa, studies Education at the University of Auckland and works with the Pacific Climate Warriors to elevate Pacific voices in global climate discussions.
– Destiny Harris, 22, a rangatahi Māori from Tāmaki Makaurau is dedicated to reconnecting people to te taiao through kaupapa rooted in whakapapa, community wellbeing, and kaitiakitanga.
– Vira Paky, Save the Children New Zealand's youth engagement coordinator and an award-winning, first-generation Congolese-Kiwi advocate with a passion for youth leadership, development, engagement and participation. Vira is dedicated to amplifying diverse youth voices across national and international platforms.
The group will take part in several key events at COP30, including:
– From Aotearoa to the World: Youth Insights for a Climate-Just Future (18 November) – SCNZ and the Youth Climate Collective will showcase Aotearoa Youth COP 2025 and its youth-led recommendations to government at the Child and Youth Pavilion.
– A Whole Different Story: A Youth Manifesto for a New Climate Future (17 November) – Faiasea will help lead a creative storytelling workshop translating youth experiences into a shared call to action.
– Climate Justice for a More Equal and Sustainable Future (17 November) – Destiny will join a panel highlighting the links between children’s rights, gender equality, and climate justice.
“It’s a huge honour to represent Aotearoa and the Pacific at COP30,” says Toa Sifia Fonoti. 
“As young people, we carry the stories of our families and communities who are already living with the impacts of climate change. This is our chance to show the world that rangatahi and Pacific youth have the courage and knowledge to lead.”
Heather Campbell, Chief Executive of Save the Children New Zealand, says the youth delegation reflects the power of intergenerational leadership. 
“These young people are extraordinary. They’re thinkers, doers, and storytellers who remind us that tackling the climate crisis means listening to children and youth, especially those from the Pacific who are on the frontlines and already experiencing the worst impacts. Their voices bring hope, urgency, and vision to COP30.”
The delegation will share daily stories, photos, and reflections from COP30 across Save the Children New Zealand’s digital channels, highlighting the leadership of Aotearoa and Pacific youth on the world stage.
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.
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Aviation – CAA approves electric aircraft for demonstration flights in NZ

Source: Civil Aviation Authority – CAA

The shift towards electric aircraft is no longer a distant idea, it’s here and reshaping how we think about regulation and innovation in aviation.  

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recently approved a zero-emission experimental aircraft for demonstration flights in New Zealand, ahead of the commercial aircraft’s planned arrival in 2027.

Developed in the USA by BETA Technologies and operated in partnership with Air New Zealand, the CX300 Technical Demonstrator (TD) was officially launched at Hamilton Airport today.

While it’s not the first electric aircraft in the country, it’s the first one aiming to show how electric aircraft can be used for commercial cargo flights. And it’s a reality in New Zealand thanks to the shared efforts between BETA Technologies, Air New Zealand, and the CAA.

CAA Deputy Chief Executive of Aviation Safety Oversight, Catherine MacGowan, says this is an opportunity to see how well New Zealand’s aviation system can accommodate sustainable aviation.

“Over the next four months we have a unique opportunity to understand how New Zealand’s rules and infrastructure can support this new generation of aircraft.

“We’re proud to work alongside industry and innovators to help them achieve their goals, while making sure the aircraft and its operation meets appropriate safety standards,” said Ms. MacGowan.

“The CAA’s approval of the CX300 TD follows 15 months of work to understand the aircraft and gain assurance from BETA Technologies that it can be safely demonstrated in New Zealand, under specific conditions.”

It also marks a significant milestone for emerging aviation technologies in New Zealand.

“Innovation moves quickly, and regulation must keep up. Approving the CX300 TD is the beginning of a journey to make sure New Zealand is ready for emerging technologies. We’re using this proof-of-concept aircraft to help set some of the foundations for future operators who will navigate the regulatory process.”

In 2023, the CAA launched a Reduced and Zero Emissions Project (RZEP), which helps potential operators identify the regulatory pathways for introducing zero emission aircraft.

“Emerging aviation technologies don’t always fit into existing Civil Aviation Rules,” said Ms. MacGowan.

“Our job is to facilitate a clear pathway to help operators safely integrate these technologies into New Zealand’s unique aviation system.”

Notes

For more information about the CX300 TD and its operations, contact BETA Technologies and/or Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand is undertaking their own internal project, ‘Mission Next Gen Aircraft’, to introduce the CX300 TD. This is in parallel with the CAA’s RZEP for which Air New Zealand are also a stakeholder. If other operators emerge in the reduced/zero emissions space, they will also be included in the CAA’s RZEP.

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Greenpeace Statement – Fast-Track Amendment Bill a Savage Escalation in Government’s War on Nature

Source: Greenpeace

The Fast-Track Amendment Bill passed its first reading in parliament today, prompting fierce condemnation from Greenpeace, who have branded it a “savage escalation of the Luxon Government’s war on nature”.
The Bill proposes changes to the controversial Fast-Track Approvals Act. It would force panels to make decisions on projects within just 60 working days – regardless of complexity or environmental risk – and further narrows public participation and environmental oversight.
“The Fast-Track Amendment Bill is a savage escalation of the Luxon Government’s war on nature and risks causing irreversible damage to Aotearoa’s oceans, rivers, forests, and wildlife,” says Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop.
“It is absurd, and dangerous, to expect these panels to make sound decisions on massive, high-risk projects, like mines on conservation land, in just 60 working days.
“This bill makes it clear that the Luxon Government is on a reckless rampage that risks turning Aotearoa into an industrial wasteland to be used and abused by foreign mining giants.”
The original Fast-Track Act already allows corporations to bypass several key environmental laws including the Resource Management Act, Conservation Act, Wildlife Act, and others to gain consent for projects, such as mining, dams, and waste incinerators.
The amendment Bill would give Ministers the ability to issue Government Policy Statements about the benefits of fast track projects that panels must consider, as well as gives corporate applicants the power to complain about the ‘suitability’ of panel members.
It also further narrows the ability of panels to invite expert groups and communities to be heard in the consent process and takes away the right to appeal to the High Court on points of law from environmental organisations.
“The Fast-Track Act was already the most brutal attack on nature and democracy seen in a generation. These amendments gut what little environmental protections remain, ” says Toop.
“The purpose of these amendments is to help profiteering corporations get ecologically reckless projects over the line, like Trans Tasman Resource’s seabed mine off the coast of Taranaki. “
Fast-Track projects have already triggered fierce backlash, with tens of thousands marching against the law and communities opposing local developments across the country. Greenpeace is vowing to continue fighting alongside local communities against the war on nature.
“Every corporation seeking consent through the fast track process should expect resistance. New Zealanders are already standing up to these fast-track projects – and we won’t stop because defending nature is part of who we are in Aotearoa,” says Toop.
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Advocacy – Police anti-democratic overreach targets protesters outside National MP offices – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

 

PSNA is accusing Christchurch police of overreach and committing a chilling breach of the right to protest, by issuing trespass notices on people protesting National Party MPs’ complicity in Israel’s genocide.

 

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has asked the Independent Police Conduct Authority for an urgent investigation.

 

Last Thursday, PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says he was one of around 20 people protesting outside the Clyde Road office of National MP Hamish Campbell at the Fendalton Mall.

 

“No-one asked us to leave. After a couple of hours two police arrived and asked people to move from outside the office and onto the footpath, which the group did immediately.”

 

“Later, police drove past the protest group twice taking film on a mobile phone.”

“In the following days police have visited several of our homes to deliver ‘trespass notices’ (see attached notice) on behalf of the owners of the shopping centre.”

“We presume this was under an instruction from Campbell himself, or from a National Party official.  We have no idea.  We weren’t told anything.  There’s just an ‘Occupier” name on the notice.’

 

“I have never experienced police behaviour like this” says Minto. “In my experience, which many would say is rather considerable, I’ve seen police action against groups sitting in MPs’ offices, or move on protesters when they had blocked an entranceway or had impeded passersby, or refused to move when asked.  But on this occasion none of this happened”

 

“The Fendalton locals we talked to were strongly in support of the protest. Many of them said they were revolted at Israel’s genocidal attacks on Palestinians and the cowardice of the National Government to take any position against it,” Minto says.

 

“In two hours of positive interactions, only a single local told us to “buggar off”.

 

“The public show they are with us, but the police are doing their best to close us down.”

 

“Even the police sergeant and constable who handed me the trespass notice on my doorstep agreed they had better things to do.”

 

Sara Campbell who was at the protest posted her outrage on her FB page:

 

Absolutely outraged I asked the officers… “What is becoming of our country?” “Why are police resources, including surveillance, being used in this way?” “This is shocking”.

 

“The Prime Minister recently said that facing up to protests was a valid part of political life.  A legitimate location of that must be an electorate office.  We are protesting about complicity in genocide.  Our right to publicly criticise that complicity is vital.”

 

“If anonymous complainants can ban any protests in their vicinity, by issuing trespass notices, then the right to free speech is abolished in this country.”

 

“There is a Bill of Rights Act which is meant to protect that right.  That protection is under threat.”

 

We want to know:

 

  • What evidence of lawbreaking or wrongdoing did the police have which justified the issuing of trespass notices?
  • What legal basis was used to identify those in the protest group as somehow in breach of the law?
  • Why have the police taken on the role of agents for the National Party (and the business owner) in closing down the right to protest outside an MP’s office?
  • Under what legal justification did the police take video on the protest and then use it to identify individuals for issuing trespass notices against?
  • Do the local MP and the Prime Minister approve of this abuse of police power?

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Education – Ara Trades tutor Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury is proud to announce that Richard Hope, Senior Academic Staff Member in automotive Ttrades, has been named the 2025 Te Tohu Kaiako o Te Tau a Te Pirimia | Prime Minister’s Tertiary Educator of the Year at the prestigious Ako Aotearoa Te Whatu Kairangi Awards in Wellington on 5 November.
“This is the pinnacle of tertiary teaching awards in New Zealand,” said Ara Executive Director Darren Mitchell. “Richard has made us all extremely proud today.”
Hope received the honour for his exceptional contribution to vocational education and his innovative, inclusive approach to teaching automotive engineering. His work demonstrates a deep commitment to learner success, particularly for those facing barriers to education.
Te Whatu Kairangi Awards panel chair Derek McCormack said: “Richard's profile was simply outstanding, he thoroughly deservers the Prime Minister's Educator of The Year award.
“Comments from his colleagues, along with his students’ results and feedback, all speak to how dedicated he is to learner success.”
Hope was typically humble when asked for his reaction at the gala event in Wellington saying: “I just really enjoy doing my job, so this is the biggest honour and it's totally unexpected,” he said.
Today, however he was still trying to make sense of it all. “I woke up this morning and had to ask my wife did that really happen? It's very surreal!”
After 25 years as an automotive mechanic, Hope transitioned into tertiary teaching in 2019. Since then, he has transformed his classroom into a supportive and empowering learning environment for ākonga of all backgrounds and abilities. His initiatives include:
  • Initiated the translation of automotive engineering course material into te reo Māori
  • Created online resources to support deaf learners
  • Introduced professional conversations as an assessment method for Trades learners
The Te Whatu Kairangi Awards citation noted “Richard’s teaching practice reflects what it truly means to be a kaiako who is invested in the outcomes of their learners”.
In addition to the Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year Award, he also received a General Individual Award under the category of ‘Achieving diversity and inclusion for improving outcomes for Māori learners; Pacific learners; neurodiverse learners; and/or learners with disabilities.’
Mitchell congratulated Hope on this outstanding achievement, acknowledging the transformative impact his teaching has had on learners.
“Richard’s vision and determination for inclusive education is inspiring. He’s shown what’s possible when opportunities are created for every learner to thrive,” he said.
“His work is a true celebration of Ara’s values and our commitment to equity and excellence. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact Richard is making on learners and the learning environment at Ara.”
Hope said he was humbled by the accolade: “For me, teaching is about giving every ākonga the chance to succeed and feel valued. Seeing them grow in confidence and capability is the greatest reward – it reminds me why I do what I do every day.”
“I’d also like to acknowledge the whole team at Ara. Developing ākonga who are empowered and engaged takes many hands. We all play our part ensuring we help build resilient people who’ll flourish in society today, and in the future.”
Watch Richard Hope talk about his approach to teaching here: Richard Hope » Ako Aotearoa Video
Ako Aotearoa has managed the Te Whatu Kairangi Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards on behalf of the Ministry of Education since 2007
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Precious Land – Historic South Island station hits the global market

Source: New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty

Strong global enquiry is anticipated in the sale of one of New Zealand’s finest high-country stations, which featured in the New York Times this week.
Mt Algidus Station in Canterbury is now for sale on the open market and is expected to be one of the South Island’s highest sales this year. The property is being marketed domestically and internationally via an advertising campaign in the New York Times, one of the world’s most influential newspapers.

Listed by New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty agents Matt Finnigan and Russell Reddell, the extraordinary 22,120 ha station is an iconic slice of the South Island, with a rich history that dates back to 1861.

Finnigan says the station is often referred to an island in the alps, due to its isolated location in the Southern Alps at the confluence of the Wilberforce, Rakaia and Mathias rivers.

“This majestic property is not only a large-scale and successful farming operation, it is an ultra-private alpine retreat in a spectacular high-country setting,” he says. “It’s the ultimate legacy property – a pristine part of NZ to be passed from generation to generation.”

The ecological and environmental attributes of Mt Algidus Station are phenomenal; it comprises 65km of river frontage, hundreds of hectares of native bush, spring-fed wetlands and waterways, and many hectares of pure, remote wilderness, serviced by backcountry huts.

The exquisite owners’ residence, Mt Algidus Station Manor, is a luxurious interpretation of Normandy’s manor houses, designed by NZ architect Charlie Nott. Built in 2010, the hand-cut Hinuera natural stone home features four spacious double bedrooms, each with its own ensuite and walk-in-wardrobe. The kitchen comprises opulent marble benchtops, while other assets of the home include multiple living areas, a library, drawing room, office, pool cabana, and a two-bedroom flat.

“This home was built to perfection, with the highest-quality design and materials used for every detail,” says Reddell. “It is a wonderful, private home base and somewhere to enjoy true solitude after a day working or exploring the exceptional wilderness of the station. This is a place where recreational attributes such as flyfishing for salmon and brown trout, hunting for wild red deer and chamois, and horse riding along the trails and river flats, are all in your own backyard.”

The separate Farmhouse serves as elegant guest accommodation, with three double bedrooms, living and dining areas, as well as an out-house bedroom and standalone bedsit. Other dwellings and infrastructure on the station include a woolshed and sheep yards, the old shearers’ quarters, and various modern dwellings for permanent and temporary staff.

Mt Algidus Station was made famous by the memories written by celebrated author Mona Anderson MBE, who moved to the station in the 1940s and lived there for 33 years, documenting her life on the farm and writing the best-selling books A River Rules My Life and The Good Logs of Algidus. It was also once inhabited by prominent Canterbury politician William Rolleston.

“It’s a very special, highly regarded property and we are expecting a high level of interest,” Finnigan adds.

Mt Algidus Station will be sold via deadline sale at 4pm, March 11, 2026.

About New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty                  
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty is a specialist agency that focuses on the sale of premium property through quality marketing and global networking. Founded in 2005 by Mark Harris and Julian Brown, the NZ branch of the global company has 28 offices nationwide – Northland, Auckland Britomart, Auckland North Shore, Auckland Remuera, Auckland South East, Waiheke Island, Hamilton, Cambridge, Rotorua, Taupō, Napier, Ahuriri, Havelock North, Palmerston North, Masterton, Greytown, Kapiti, Wellington, Hutt Valley, Nelson, Marlborough, Wānaka, Arrowtown and its head office in Queenstown. It is part of Sotheby’s International Realty – the world’s leading luxury real estate company – with a global network of approximately 1,110 offices and more than 26,100 affiliated independent sales associates throughout 84 countries and territories. It is through this unparalleled luxury network that NZSIR is able to access and market properties on an international level. In 2022/2023 NZSIR was named Best International Real Estate Agency Asia Pacific (5-20 offices) at the International Property Awards and also won Best Property Agency/Consultancy New Zealand at the 2025 International Property Awards for the Asia Pacific region.     
www.nzsothebysrealty.com  
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Property Market – 10 things to know about mortgage lending right now – Cotality

Source: Cotality

Analysis from Kelvin Davidson, Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist

As interest rates begin to ease and housing market activity picks up, mortgage lending is following suit. But beyond the headline figures, the Reserve Bank’s detailed monthly lending data reveals a more nuanced picture of how borrowers and lenders are responding to shifting conditions. This Property Pulse explores 10 key insights shaping the mortgage market right now – from the rise in refinancing to the growing appetite for short-term fixed rates.

1. New mortgage lending is gaining momentum
Activity across house purchases, loan top-ups and bank switching (commonly referred to as refinancing) has increased year-on-year in 24 of the past 26 months, highlighting a sustained uplift in borrower confidence and market engagement.

2. The system is growing, too
The total value of outstanding home loans – known in the industry as ‘system growth’ – has climbed to $385 billion, up 5.6% over the past year. That marks the fastest annual increase since August 2022, when growth hit 5.7%. The rise reflects a sustained period where new lending and interest charges have outpaced repayments, contributing to a steady build-up in mortgage debt.
3. Short term rates remain in favour
Nearly 30% of new loans this year have been on floating rates – a notable jump from the more typical 20% seen in previous years. Fixing for six to 12 months has also gained traction, accounting for around half of new lending in recent months. While longer-term fixed rates are more popular than they were in late 2024, their share remains modest at 28% in August, down from around 50% a year earlier. The trend reflects a clear borrower strategy: staying flexible to capitalise on falling interest rates.

4. Looser LVRs could benefit investors the most
In September, just 13% of lending to owner-occupiers was written at a high loan-to-value ratio (less than a 20% deposit), well below the official 20% cap and even the banks’ likely internal limit of 15%. For investors, the figure was even lower – only 0.5% of loans were written with less than a 30% deposit, underscoring the tighter credit conditions this group continues to face. The upcoming loosening of LVR restrictions from 1 December could provide some relief, particularly for investors, while also opening the door wider for first home buyers seeking pre-approvals.

5. First home buyers are leading low-deposit lending
In September, a record 51% of first home buyers secured a mortgage with less than a 20% deposit. This group now accounts for around 75 to 80% of all low-deposit lending to owner-occupiers, underscoring their growing presence in the market. With LVR restrictions set to ease from 1 December, first home buyers could find it even easier to access finance in the months ahead.

6. Interest-only lending remains contained
In September, 16% of new owner-occupier loans and 36% of investor loans were interest-only. While these figures may raise eyebrows, they remain well below previous peaks of 30% and 50% respectively. The data suggests interest-only lending is not being used at scale to manage repayment stress but rather reflects a measured approach by borrowers and lenders alike.

7. DTIs could shape lending policy in 2026
In September, 8% of first home buyers took out loans with a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio above six, while 11% of investor loans exceeded a DTI of seven. Both figures remain well below the Reserve Bank’s 20% cap, but the investor share is now at a near three-year high. As internal serviceability test rates continue to ease, DTIs are likely to become a more prominent consideration for both lenders and borrowers – particularly investors – in the year ahead.

8. Many borrowers are set to benefit from lower rates
Around 12% of existing home loans are currently on floating rates, while a further 33% are fixed but due to reprice by March. While some of these borrowers are already on competitive rates, many are likely to see a meaningful reduction in repayments as they roll onto lower rates – a shift that’s steadily feeding through to household budgets and the broader housing market.

9. Refinancing remains a key driver of activity
Borrowers continue to switch lenders at near-record levels, drawn by competitive cashback offers and the flexibility of today’s short-term loan structures. With nearly one in three new loans on floating rates and many fixed terms nearing expiry, the window for refinancing is likely to stay open – and active – for some time yet.

10. Repayment stress appears to have peaked at low levels
The share of non-performing loans – those more than 90 days overdue or already impaired – has edged down to 0.6%, after peaking at 0.7% earlier this year. That’s still well below the levels seen during the Global Financial Crisis, when the rate was roughly double. Banks have also begun trimming their bad debt provisions, suggesting confidence that the worst of the stress cycle may be behind us.

Looking ahead, the momentum in mortgage lending is likely to continue building. With interest rates easing, housing activity lifting, and policy settings becoming more supportive, conditions are aligning for a further rise in new lending volumes. First home buyers and investors alike are well-positioned to take advantage of the shifting landscape, while lenders prepare for a busier year ahead.

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Energy Sector – Green light for Huntly reserve supports secure energy future

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes the Commerce Commission’s decision to approve an agreement between Genesis Energy, Contact Energy, Meridian Energy and Mercury to keep an essential backup option at Huntly Power Station available for the next decade.
The agreement, known as the Strategic Energy Reserve Huntly Firming Option, will help make sure New Zealand has enough electricity during dry periods or when renewable generation from wind and solar is low. The arrangement runs until the end of 2035 and gives the energy sector confidence to plan ahead for future winters.
Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the decision strikes the right balance between competition, reliability and affordability.
“This is a smart and practical outcome for Kiwi homeowners and businesses. The Commerce Commission has formalised what everyone already knew – that keeping Huntly’s backup generation available will make the system more reliable and keep downward pressure on prices relative to its absence, especially when hydro lakes are low, the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing,” Carnegie says.
“Huntly has long been New Zealand’s electricity security blanket. Its multi-fuel setup, running on natural gas or coal, gives the system resilience and flexibility, with potential to move to lower-carbon fuels like biomass over time. Keeping that capability in place means the grid can call on proven backup.”
“As we move to more renewable energy, we still need backup generation that can step in when needed. This authorisation means the Huntly plant can provide that cover rather than being shut down, which would make the system more vulnerable when support is needed most.”
Carnegie says the approval also reflects a positive, co-operative effort by the generators involved.
“It’s great to see the industry working together to find long-term, practical solutions. When companies work together on issues like this, everyone benefits. This decision shows that collective effort across the sector can keep the lights on.” Carnegie says.
Carnegie says it is also encouraging that Genesis intends to make similar backup options available for smaller retailers, large energy users and other market participants.
“Giving more players access to backup generation will help spread the benefits of reliability more widely and make the electricity market more resilient overall,” Carnegie says.
Energy Resources Aotearoa supports practical policies that encourage investment in both renewable generation and reliable backup sources.
“New Zealand’s energy system needs both renewable generation and firming working together. Keeping options like Huntly available while we build more wind, geothermal and solar, and we look for more natural gas, helps manage risk and ensures reliability as we move toward a lower emissions future,” Carnegie says.
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Renewable Energy – WEL Innovation Hub Unlocks Smarter Solar for Waikato

Source: WEL Networks

WEL Networks has launched a new Innovation Hub designed to fast-track the integration of solar and battery systems into the Waikato network – making renewable connections smarter, faster and more flexible.
The Hub enables real-world testing of inverter and battery technologies under live network conditions, supporting the Common Smart Inverter Profile – Australia (CSIP-AUS) protocol. This standard, based on the IEEE2030.5, allows secure two-way communication between smart devices and the electricity network. This is critical for visibility, control and stability as solar uptake grows.
By partnering with leading inverter manufacturers, WEL is building local capability to test compliance, performance and remote management functions. The Hub’s modular setup allows engineers to quickly switch configurations without rewiring, streamlining the testing process and accelerating innovation.
The goal is to move beyond fixed export limits and unlock dynamic operating envelopes – giving compliant solar and battery systems the ability to export more energy when the network can support it. This approach maximises customer benefits without requiring costly infrastructure upgrades.
“Instead of designing for worst-case scenarios, we’re enabling best-case outcomes,” WEL Networks GM Asset Management Kerry Green says. “Dynamic hosting capacity means more solar, more flexibility and more value for customers.”
The Hub also supports emergency backstop functionality, allowing utilities to temporarily reduce solar exports during periods of grid oversupply. This capability is already mandated in parts of Australia and is key to maintaining grid stability as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) grow.
WEL is currently testing remote integration and plans to link the platform with its network constraint engine – supporting a range of future use cases, from automated DER management to smarter grid planning.
This initiative builds on WEL’s broader programme to prepare the network for high levels of distributed energy. In recent weeks, WEL launched New Zealand’s first instant solar approval platform, enabling most home-scale systems to be approved within minutes. Alongside community battery trials in Raglan and EV charging pilots, the Innovation Hub reflects WEL’s commitment to enabling choice, encouraging innovation and delivering long-term benefits for Waikato communities.
Innovation in Action:
– Tests 12 inverters and six battery systems under live network conditions
– Supports CSIP-AUS protocol and dynamic export limits
– Enables remote DER management and emergency backstop functions
– Builds local expertise and accelerates renewable integration.