Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

The Coalition Government must urgently adopt new recommendations from the Waitangi Tribunal which has found significant parts of the disability system prejudice tāngata whaikaha Māori (Māori with disabilities), NZNO says.

The Tribunal yesterday released Hauwhaikaha – the Disability System Report and its response to Wai 2713, the Māori Nurses Claim brought by Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku and honorary member Hineraumoa Te Apatu on behalf of Te Rūnanga o Aotearoa.

It found that tāngata whaikaha Māori receive culturally unsafe services that do not adequately respond to them as both Māori and disabled.

Kerri Nuku says the report found significant parts of the disability system continue to prejudice tāngata whaikaha Māori and fail to adequately provide for tino rangatiratanga, partnership, equity, culturally appropriate care and Māori participation in decision making.

“This is a damning indictment on the Crown which has seen clinical competency prioritised over cultural competency and that attendance at occasional cultural competency training does not necessarily translate into culturally safe practice,” she says.

“The tribunal found several breaches concerning claims related to three specific groups: Tāngata Turi (Māori deaf community), Kāpō Māori (blind or visually impaired), and those with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Kerri Nuku says the Government must urgently adopt the Tribunal’s recommendations relating to Wai 2713:

• Viable, co-designed Māori-Crown partnership arrangements, including formal Māori involvement in the design and delivery of the disability system;
• Stronger Māori participation in governance, co-governance and co-management;
• Stronger monitoring and accountability for cultural safety and cultural competency;
• Public monitoring of inequitable outcomes for tāngata whaikaha Māori;
• Explicit incorporation of te Tiriti and equity obligations into Crown service contracts; and
• Replacement of the former Te Aka Whai Ora monitoring function, including monitoring of health services delivered in prisons.

“The Coalition Government has a track record of dismissing cultural safety as ideology, but this report shows that such attitudes harm tāngata whaikaha Māori,” Kerri Nuku says.

Source: Cotality NZ

NZ property values edged lower in August, extending a period of subdued market conditions across much of the country. Cotality NZ's latest Home Value Index (HVI) showed national values fell by -0.4% over the month, marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline.

Despite the renewed softness, annual value changes remain relatively mild. The national median property value stood at $797,944 in August, down just -1.0% from $805,799 a year ago.

Across the main centres, Ōtautahi Christchurch was the only market to record growth in August, rising a modest 0.1%. Elsewhere, values dipped by -0.1% in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, -0.2% in Ōtepoti Dunedin, -0.4% in Tauranga, -0.5% in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and -0.6% in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson, said the latest results reflect a housing market characterised by caution rather than distress.

“Economic uncertainty, rising mortgage rates and a high level of properties available for sale are giving buyers little reason to rush,” Mr Davidson said.

“At the same time, sellers generally aren't under significant pressure. Labour market conditions have softened, but widespread job losses haven't emerged, allowing many vendors to remain patient and hold relatively firm on pricing.”

“The result is a market where sales activity has gradually slowed through 2026 and property values have continued to drift lower. Most of the heavy price correction occurred in 2022 and 2023, but conditions have remained subdued since then.”

“Adding to the uncertainty are global geopolitical tensions, the Reserve Bank's move towards a neutral cash rate setting, and the lead-up to November's general election, particularly for investors facing questions about future tax policy.”

“Overall, the housing market remains in a holding pattern. There's no sign of a sharp downturn, but equally there's no obvious catalyst for stronger growth in the near term. For first home buyers, however, current conditions continue to present opportunities.”

Index results for August 2026	Change in dwelling values
	Month	Quarter	Annual	From peak	Median value
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland	-0.5%	-1.7%	-2.6%	-24.5%	$1,022,687
Kirikiriroa Hamilton	-0.1%	0.0%	0.1%	-12.8%	$724,244
Tauranga	-0.4%	-0.6%	2.2%	-14.6%	$941,658
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*	-0.6%	-2.2%	-2.7%	-27.2%	$751,281
Ōtautahi Christchurch	0.1%	0.2%	3.7%	-1.3%	$706,203
Ōtepoti Dunedin	-0.2%	-0.3%	2.6%	-9.7%	$625,880
Aotearoa New Zealand	-0.4%	-1.3%	-1.0%	-18.2%	$797,944

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

There were widespread drops in values across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s sub-markets in August, with only Franklin holding steady. Elsewhere, Papakura edged down by -0.1% and Waitakere saw a -0.2% drop, but Manukau fell by -0.4%, Auckland City by -0.5%, and Rodney and North Shore at -0.6% apiece.

Over the past quarter, the falls across each of these sub-markets have typically ranged from around -1.0% to -2.0% or more, while the annual changes are -2.5% or more in Manukau, Waitakere, and Auckland City. Meanwhile, each area remains at least -20% below its previous peak.

“The buyer-friendly conditions in Auckland’s residential property market remained firmly in place in August. Affordability has improved and the continued pipeline of new housing supply suggests it could stay that way for some time yet,” Mr Davidson said.

“The super-city also seems to be lacking a bit of economic confidence right now, which will be weighing on housing activity and prices. While this won’t be welcomed by existing property owners or vendors, it’s good news for first home buyers, who remain active across Auckland.”

	Change in dwelling values
	Month	Quarter	Annual	From peak	Median value
Rodney	-0.6%	-1.4%	-1.7%	-22.2%	$1,170,381
Te Raki Paewhenua North Shore	-0.6%	-2.4%	-1.5%	-20.5%	$1,243,669
Waitakere	-0.2%	-1.3%	-2.9%	-26.3%	$899,601
Auckland City	-0.5%	-2.1%	-3.5%	-25.8%	$1,075,817
Manukau	-0.4%	-1.3%	-2.5%	-25.8%	$949,400
Papakura	-0.1%	-0.7%	-1.8%	-24.5%	$805,198
Franklin	0.0%	-0.1%	-0.6%	-22.4%	$917,698
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland	-0.5%	-1.7%	-2.6%	-24.5%	$1,022,687

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Each sub-market across the wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area saw a decline in property values in August, ranging from -0.4% in Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt, and -0.5% in Wellington City, down to -1.0% in Porirua.

Over a 12-month horizon, the drop in Kāpiti Coast (-0.6%) has been fairly modest, but Porirua has fallen more than -3.0% and Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt has seen a -4.0% decline in that period.

From the peaks, it’s disappointing news for many property owners in Wellington, with falls ranging from -22.9% in Kāpiti Coast to -28.4% in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.

Mr Davidson noted, “Wellington has had its share of naysayers recently and it’s certainly true there are some economic challenges alongside a subdued housing market.”

“But many buyers are still voting with their feet and taking a stake in the Wellington market – recently first home buyers in particular have been strong, accounting for 35-40% of activity across the wider area.”

	Change in dwelling values
	Month	Quarter	Annual	From peak	Median value
Kāpiti Coast	-0.6%	-1.4%	-0.6%	-22.9%	$787,194
Porirua	-1.0%	-2.3%	-3.2%	-25.4%	$726,717
Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt	-0.4%	-1.7%	-2.3%	-26.4%	$693,421
Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt	-0.6%	-1.6%	-4.0%	-28.4%	$661,033
Wellington City	-0.5%	-2.5%	-2.2%	-27.2%	$823,734
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington	-0.6%	-2.2%	-2.7%	-27.2%	$751,281

Regional results

Outside the main centres, there was also a subdued tone to the property value figures in August. Tāhuna Queenstown held steady, but there were falls in many other areas.

Waihōpai Invercargill and Ahuriri Napier edged down by -0.2% apiece in August, while Whanganui saw a -0.8% fall, Ngāmotu New Plymouth at -0.9%, and Tairāwhiti Gisborne dropped by -1.1%.

Looking over a longer 12-month horizon, Waihōpai Invercargill and Tāhuna Queenstown have shown increases, but the rest of these main urban areas have dropped.

“Many of our regional towns and cities are seeing decent economic growth on the back of tourism and farming, with spillover support for housing markets too.”

“However, even these stronger areas still face the same higher interest rates and election-related uncertainty, especially for property investors.”

“In other words, nowhere is totally immune to challenges at the moment, and we’ve seen that in a generally subdued set of data for housing values in August.”

Region	Change in dwelling values
	Month	Quarter	Annual	From peak	Median value
Heretaunga Hastings	-0.7%	-1.8%	-4.4%	-20.8%	$688,852
Whangārei	-0.4%	-1.7%	-1.5%	-20.3%	$718,147
Te Papaioea Palmerston North	-0.7%	-1.8%	-0.6%	-19.8%	$593,782
Ahuriri Napier	-0.2%	-0.7%	-1.0%	-19.5%	$691,124
Tairāwhiti Gisborne	-1.1%	-2.1%	-0.9%	-17.5%	$592,898
Whakatū Nelson	-0.3%	-1.3%	-2.9%	-15.4%	$698,109
Whanganui	-0.8%	-3.4%	-2.1%	-14.6%	$478,825
Rotorua	-0.4%	-1.7%	-0.5%	-12.8%	$638,980
Ngāmotu New Plymouth	-0.9%	-2.3%	-2.4%	-8.6%	$682,696
Tāhuna Queenstown	0.0%	-0.6%	2.4%	-3.5%	$1,775,145
Waihōpai Invercargill	-0.2%	0.0%	6.5%	-0.2%	$525,100

Property market outlook

With property values nationally still down by around 18% from the peak and ‘only’ up by 15% or so compared to March 2020 (pre-COVID), a range of housing affordability measures have now returned to their long-term averages if not a bit lower/better.

However, as Mr Davidson noted, “housing still isn’t cheap as such and the improvement in affordability doesn’t necessarily mean values are suddenly set to increase sharply again – especially with mortgage rates rising and the economy subdued.”

“To be fair, with housing now more in reach for a wider range of people – witness the recent strength of first home buyer activity – the risks of further significant falls in prices have lessened.”

“But until the labour market and job security improve more emphatically, which may not be until we’re well into 2027, consistent growth in house prices seems a low probability.”

“The upcoming election is an added layer of uncertainty. History certainly suggests that sales activity slows down in the preceding few months, which will be worth watching again this time as we move through September and October. But the evidence of a clear price impact from an election, either up or down, is murkier.”

“All in all, the housing market remains in a ‘holding pattern’, which seems set to last into next year as well,” Mr Davidson concluded.

Note to Editors:

The Cotality Hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) is calculated using a hedonic regression methodology that addresses the issue of compositional bias associated with median price and other measures. In simple terms, the index is calculated using recent sales data combined with information about the attributes of individual properties such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, land area and geographical context of the dwelling. By separating each property into its various formational and locational attributes, observed sales values for each property can be distinguished between those attributed to the property’s attributes and those resulting from changes in the underlying residential property market. Additionally, by understanding the value associated with each attribute of a given property, this methodology can be used to estimate the value of dwellings with known characteristics for which there is no recent sales price by observing the characteristics and sales prices of other dwellings which have recently transacted. It then follows that changes in the market value of the entire residential property stock can be accurately tracked through time.

The detailed ‘frequently asked questions’ and methodological information can be found at: https://www.cotality.com/nz/our-data/indices

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

• A week on, search and rescue operations and humanitarian aid efforts are a desperate race against time
• Almost 4,000 people are missing, and some 50,000 people urgently need access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene
• Nepal produces just 0.1% of global emissions, yet communities are paying a devastating price as climate risks grow

The catastrophic floods in Nepal are a stark warning of what a hotter world will mean for communities on the climate frontline and why governments and donors must invest now in climate resilience, adaptation and disaster preparedness, rather than waiting for the next disaster to strike, Oxfam has warned.

A week after the devastating floods, rescuers are still scrambling to reach people cut off by destroyed roads, bridges and landslides. Oxfam and local partners are racing to deliver life-saving assistance, but the scale of the destruction is making access to some of the worst-affected areas, particularly Rasuwa, increasingly difficult.

“Nepal contributes just 0.1% of global emissions, yet our communities are paying a devastating price as climate risks grow,” said Santosh Pandey, Oxfam in Nepal’s Humanitarian and Disaster Risk Management Lead.

“Nepal’s devastating floods should be a wake-up call for governments and donors. We cannot keep waiting for disasters to happen. In a burning world, climate shocks will become more frequent here and communities need the resources to prepare, adapt and become more resilient before the next disaster strikes.”

The Government of Nepal estimates that 10,000 households – around 50,000 people – require immediate access to clean water, toilets and hygiene, with thousands more in need of shelter and food.

Oxfam launched an emergency response a day after the floods struck. It is working with local authorities and partners in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading to reach some of the worst-affected communities.

The major flash flood on 26 August was triggered by a massive glacier collapse and ice-rock avalanche that blocked the Lhende Khola, 20km north of the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint. At least 1,000 people have been killed and 3,916 remain unaccounted for, while more than 50,000 people have been displaced or temporarily moved from their homes.

Nepal is highly exposed to floods, landslides and earthquakes. Climate change is adding further pressure through rapidly changing glaciers, snow and water systems and increasingly unpredictable extreme weather. The Himalayan region also faces growing risks from glacial floods in the years ahead.

Oxfam said far more investment is needed in climate adaptation, early warning systems, disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure, particularly in countries that have contributed little to global emissions.

“The lesson from Nepal is clear: resilience saves lives,” said Pandey. “If we only fund the response after a disaster, we will always be one step behind. Communities need sustained investment to prepare for the shocks we know are coming.”

“But for now our focus must be on action – we are in a race against time to save lives and support everyone affected.”

He added: “We know that shelter, food and emergency hygiene kits are desperately needed. We are doing everything possible to reach the affected populations, but against such immense need, our contribution feels overwhelmingly small.”

Oxfam has deployed 200 hygiene kits and 1,000 water purification tablets to Rasuwa and distributed water, sanitation and hygiene and food assistance in other affected communities.

It is also preparing to scale up its response over the next six months, aiming to reach 2,000 households – around 10,000 people – with life-saving assistance including WASH, shelter, protection and cash support.

But Oxfam warns that emergency relief alone will not protect Nepal from the next shock.

“Nepal needs international solidarity now, but it also needs investment for the future,” said Pandey. “Climate action must become a priority, not an afterthought.”

Notes

• Oxfam has worked in Nepal since the 1980s, alongside communities and local partners to tackle inequality and deliver humanitarian and development programmes. Its work is grounded in strengthening civic space and supporting people to challenge the injustices that keep them in poverty, led by a feminist approach rooted in the Global South. Oxfam in Nepal works across three connected areas: climate and water, gender justice, and humanitarian response and disaster risk management.

• Oxfam is working closely with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), the Social Welfare Council and District Administration Offices to deliver relief materials to affected communities.  

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace says the Government has poured fuel on the growing backlash over its Conservation Amendment Bill, with a revised version of the Bill retaining controversial changes to the very purpose of New Zealand’s conservation law.

The new Bill just released by the Environment Select Committee retains clause 6ea, dubbed the “Shane Jones Clause”, which rewrites the purpose of the Conservation Act by requiring DOC to enable commercial activities on public conservation land “to the greatest extent practicable”.

Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop says the Government is attacking the fundamental principle that conservation land exists to be protected, not exploited.

“The Government has just confirmed it still plans to open up protected public conservation land to private commercial exploitation. Mines, private resorts, dams, shopping complexes – all on land and waters that are supposed to be protected for nature to thrive and the public to enjoy.

“People would not accept the Government selling off public conservation land, so instead it is trying to strip away the very protections that make it conservation land in the first place.”

“This is a cynical and underhanded move. You cannot rewrite the law to enable corporations to exploit conservation land ‘to the greatest extent practicable’ and still claim it is protected. And if protection is no longer the purpose, it is no longer conservation land in any meaningful sense,” says Toop.

“I don’t believe for a second that people will accept a future where public conservation land in Aotearoa no longer means land protected for nature and the public. These are places that are deeply cherished by our people and that previous generations chose to protect, not exploit.”

The Conservation Amendment Bill originally proposed making it easier to sell or exchange around five million hectares of public conservation land. Following a massive public backlash to the Bill, the Government committed to removing those specific provisions.

But the revised Bill retains the purpose change, which applies to the whole conservation estate, including National Parks. It retains controversial changes to Treaty provisions, visitor amenity areas and concession rules as well as proposals to concentrate power with the Minister.

Toop says, “Let’s be very clear: the Conservation Amendment Bill is unsalvageable. From start to finish, this Bill is rotten to its core. It must be thrown out.”

“More than 90,000 submissions have been made against this Bill and thousands are expected to march down Queen Street against it in two weeks. The public continues to make its opposition clear. It is time the Government listened and abandoned the Bill altogether.

“Nobody wants to show up to their favourite conservation park to go hunting, camping, tramping, or fishing and discover that it has been fenced off and turned into a private resort, open-cast mine, or commercial development.”

Toop says the coalition Government should remember what happened the last time the Beehive tried to open up conservation land to exploitation.

“In 2010, the John Key Government tried to open some of our most treasured conservation land to mining. It became a major political battleground – and the Government lost. Tens of thousands of New Zealanders took to the streets and forced it to back down.

“This Government has made a huge political gamble by repeatedly putting public conservation land in the firing line in an election year. It has badly underestimated how deeply people from all walks of life love these places – and how fiercely they are prepared to defend them.”

Greenpeace, Forest and Bird and more than 30 other organisations are calling on people to join them to march against the bill on September the 19th in Auckland. 

Source: Fish and Game NZ

Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game have secured $36,000 in Game Bird Habitat Trust funding to help landowners across the regions create more than 12 hectares of valuable wetland habitat.

Five wetland projects in the Wellington/Taranaki Fish & Game regions have been awarded funding this year, supporting landowners in Wairarapa, Manawatū and Taranaki to create and enhance wetland environments on their properties.

The successful projects include:

• $16,000 towards a 4.3ha wetland in lower Wairarapa.
• $11,000 for two Wairarapa projects covering a combined 1.5ha.
• $5000 for a 2.2ha project in eastern Wairarapa.
• $4000 for two projects in Manawatū covering just under 1ha.
• $5000 for a 0.6ha wetland near Stratford.
• $3900 for a project in Marton covering 2.6ha.

Together, the projects will create or enhance more than 12ha of wetland habitat, demonstrating how funding generated through game bird hunting is being reinvested into conservation.

The funding comes through the NZ Game Bird Habitat Trust, which supports the creation, restoration and protection of habitat for game birds and other wetland wildlife. The Trust is funded through the Game Bird Habitat Stamp programme, with money generated by the sale of game bird hunting licences helping deliver practical, on-the-ground wetland conservation projects throughout the country.

Wellington/Taranaki Fish & Game manager Phil Teal says staff enjoy working closely with farmers and other landowners to identify opportunities for wetland creation and restoration.

“This can involve turning marginal or difficult-to-farm areas into valuable environmental assets that benefit both the property and the wider landscape.

“Hunters are not just users of the environment – they are also helping to fund its protection and restoration,” he says.

“These projects are a great example of Fish & Game, landowners and hunters working together to create lasting environmental benefits.”

Wetlands are among New Zealand’s most threatened environments. While these projects will provide important habitat for game birds, the benefits extend well beyond hunting.

Wetlands provide food, shelter and breeding habitat for a wide range of native birds, fish, insects and other wildlife. Wetland plants and shallow-water environments support diverse ecosystems, while wetlands can also help improve water quality by filtering sediment and nutrients before reaching rivers and streams.

Wetlands can also store water, slow the movement of floodwaters and add biodiversity and resilience to working rural landscapes.

For Fish & Game and landowners, creating wetlands on marginal areas of rural properties is a win-win.

“Creating habitat for game birds also creates opportunities for native flora and fauna,” Mr Teal says. “A well-designed wetland can become a thriving ecosystem, benefiting wildlife, improving the surrounding environment and becoming a valuable aesthetic feature of a working farm.”

The projects also demonstrate that wetlands do not need to be vast to make a difference. While the largest successful project covers 4.3ha, smaller wetlands can provide valuable habitat and, collectively, contribute to healthier and more diverse landscapes and waterways.

For the landowners involved, the funding will help turn suitable areas of their properties into living ecosystems that will continue to provide benefits for years to come.

“This is a reminder that every game bird licence contributes to more than the opportunity to hunt – it helps support the protection and creation of habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife across New Zealand,” says Mr Teal.

WHAT IS FISH & GAME?

Fish & Game manage trout, salmon and game birds to provide healthy recreation for Kiwis.

We work to protect the environment that anglers and hunters have enjoyed as a tradition for over 150 years.

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

WELLINGTON, 2 September 2026 – The Asia New Zealand Foundation's Asia Media Centre has selected RNZ investigative reporter Anusha Bradley as this year's Jefferson Fellow, one of the most prestigious international journalism fellowships available to Asia-Pacific reporters.

Bradley was chosen from a highly competitive field of applicants for a project the Asia Media Centre says closely matches this year's fellowship focus: the societal and economic impact of artificial intelligence across the region.

The Jefferson Fellowship is a three-week reporting and study tour delivered by the East-West Centre in partnership with the Asia Media Centre, which covers all associated costs. This year's programme, “New Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence: Navigating AI's Impacts on Societies and Economic Security in the Asia-Pacific Region,” runs from 25 October to 12 November 2026 and takes fellows to Honolulu, Tokyo and Seoul, with visits to hospitals, laboratories, AI-driven manufacturing plants, chipmakers and AI-enabled farms.

Asia Media Centre Manager Graeme Acton says the AMC is proud to be working with the Hawaii-based East West Centre on the Fellowship. “The Jefferson has always been an attractive and useful opportunity for Kiwi journalists looking to spread their wings and learn a bit more about the region”, he says. “Anusha Bradley is one of the best in the business in New Zealand right now”.

During the fellowship, Bradley will report on four interlinked threads: AI's role in healthcare and agriculture; algorithmic decision-making and accountability in the public sector; indigenous data sovereignty, drawing on Aotearoa's position as an international leader in Māori data sovereignty; and AI's growing role in Asia-Pacific defence and security. She plans to bring the reporting home as a series of in-depth stories for RNZ, alongside a paper examining New Zealand's “light-touch” approach to AI regulation.

“AI is changing the world,” Bradley said. “Helping the public understand these changes, clearly and honestly, feels like one of the more important things journalism can do right now.”

Bradley is an award-winning reporter with RNZ's In Depth team, where she covers health, disability, social justice and the intersection of policy and politics. She was named Reporter of the Year at the 2025 Voyager Media Awards, won the Health Journalism Award in 2022, and was a finalist for Best Investigative Reporting at the 2025 New York Festivals Radio Awards.

The Asia Media Centre is part of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, and partners with the East-West Centre to deliver the Jefferson Fellowship each year, connecting New Zealand journalists with a global cohort of Asia-Pacific reporters and bringing sharper, better-informed coverage of the region back home.

Source: World Vision New Zealand

World Vision warns that children separated from family in the aftermath of Nepal’s devastating flash floods are at risk of trafficking and exploitation.

The child-focused aid agency says many children are living in evacuation centres and temporary shelters, unsure whether relatives are alive or when they may be able to return home.

World Vision New Zealand National Director TJ Grant says with so many separated children sheltering it’s vital to have robust family tracing and child protection measures in place.

“Children who have survived the floods and who are separated from family are very vulnerable right now. We need robust child protection and family reunification systems in place to ensure that children are not separated again, or worse trafficked and exploited. Every reunification must put a child’s safety first and we must focus on restoring and strengthening local child protection systems.”

In partnership with government authorities, World Vision is mobilising protection teams, along with providing emergency food, shelter kits, safe drinking water, and hygiene and dignity kits for women and girls.

The flash floods have killed more than 1,000 people, with 4,000 still missing. It’s estimated that a further 50,000 people have been impacted, including 17,000 children. Some communities are still isolated due to washed out roads and bridges.

World Vision Nepal National Director, Roslyn Gabriel, says it’s vital to meet immediate physical needs while restoring safety and stability.

“Children have survived a terrifying disaster, and they need to know who they can trust, where they will sleep and whether they will see their families again. Our focus is on reaching the families most in need while ensuring that displaced and separated children are protected throughout the relief and recovery process,” she says.

Gabriel says as children and families grapple with the devastation left behind by the floods, the impact on children’s wellbeing will endure long after the waters recede.

She says sudden displacement, the loss of homes, schools and communities, and separation from caregivers can leave children facing profound fear, uncertainty and distress.

Gabriel says education must be recognised as an urgent humanitarian priority because schools help to provide a vital source of stability, learning and support.

In the coming weeks, World Vision plans to provide child-friendly spaces, temporary learning centres, livelihood programmes, and repair community water systems.

New Zealanders wanting to support children and families affected by the flash floods in northern Nepal can give here: www.worldvision.org.nz/Nepal-floods  

Source: Real Estate Authority

3 September 2026

In a decision released on 14 August 2026 the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal found One Up Realty Limited (the Agency) guilty of misconduct under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 for breaches of real estate trust account audit regulations between the financial years ending 31 March 2018 through to 2024.
The Tribunal censured the Agency and ordered it to pay a fine of $18,000. The Agency's company officer was ordered to undertake further training and education on trust accounts.

Facts
Under the Real Estate Agents (Audit) Regulations 2009https://www.legislation.govt.nz/secondary-legislation/pco-drafted/2009/279/en/latest/#DLM2393208 (Audit Regulations), all real estate agencies in New Zealand must ensure any money received in respect of a real estate transaction is deposited in a designated trust account, and every agency must keep trust account records in a manner that enables them to be properly audited.
On 24 August 2017, the Agency opened a Trust Account. In accordance with the Audit Regulations, the Agency was required to appoint an auditor, however it did not do so until 29 August 2023. Throughout this time, the Trust Account was operational, received funds relating to 275 transactions and was not audited at the times and in the manner prescribed by the Act and Audit Regulations. During this time REA engaged with the Agency reminding it of its trust account obligations.The Agency admitted that its conduct constituted a reckless contravention of the Act and Audit Regulations and pleaded guilty to the charge.
Reports prepared by the Agency's auditor retrospectively for the 2018 to 2024 financial years did not identify any irregularities in the handling of trust monies.

The Tribunal decision
In its decision the Tribunal noted that “the Agency was reminded by the [Real Estate Authority] of its obligations to comply with the Audit Regulations and the Act on multiple occasions”, and outlined a series of notifications of requirements, requests for explanation, and referrals to compliance information from the Real Estate Authority to the Agency.
In determining the penalty the Tribunal concluded that the fine ordered against the Agency must be placed at the higher level of the available penalty for misconduct, and noted “[b]reaching the Audit Regulations must be regarded as serious. …However, we take into account that the Agency admitted liability and cooperated with the Authority at an early stage.”

REA Chief Executive Belinda Moffat says that this case highlights the critical importance of compliance with the trust account audit regulations by real estate agencies.
“Real estate agencies handle significant client and customer funds in relation to property transactions. Trust account obligations exist for the protection of consumers, and their funds. If trust accounts are not managed correctly, this could result in financial loss to consumers, reputational damage to the agency, and loss of trust and confidence in the industry as a whole.

Agencies need to have good systems for dealing with client and customer money. They also need sound procedures for oversight of the handling of money and trust accounts. Appointing a qualified auditor is a legal requirement under the Audit Regulations and a key part of the independent oversight required.
As the conduct regulator of the real estate profession, REA seeks to educate and assist agencies to meet their obligations in operating trust accounts. However where we identify reckless, wilful or ongoing non-compliance REA will take stronger regulatory action.
The Tribunal's decision reminds agencies that failure to comply with the provisions of the Audit Regulations in relation to trust accounts is a serious breach with potentially significant consequences including consumer harm. Agencies' systems and practices must be fully compliant and company officers are responsible and accountable for ensuring that they remain so.”

Full Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal decision:
2026-NZREADT-40-Complaints-Assessment-Committee-2302-v-One-Up-Realty-Ltd-14-August-2026.pdfhttps://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Decisions/2026-NZREADT-40-Complaints-Assessment-Committee-2302-v-One-Up-Realty-Ltd-14-August-2026.pdf

About REA

The Real Estate Authority (REA) is the independent government agency that regulates the conduct of licensed real estate professionals in New Zealand. We license people and companies working in real estate, provide oversight of the code of conduct, oversee the complaints and disciplinary process for poor conduct by licensees, provide education and guidance to licensees to assist them to meet their regulatory obligations, and provide information to consumers about the real estate transaction process. REA is governed by a Board. The Chair is Denese Bates KC. REA Chief Executive is Belinda Moffat.
People who have concerns about the conduct of a real estate professional can contact the Real Estate Authority (REA) – visit rea.govt.nzhttps://www.rea.govt.nz/ or call 0800 367 732. Consumers seeking independent information about buying and selling property can visit REA's consumer website settled.govt.nzhttp://www.settled.govt.nz.

Source: ASB Bank

Thursday 3 September 2026

In response to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's move to increase the Official Cash Rate from 2.50% to 2.75%, ASB is increasing its variable home loan rates by 25 basis points. ASB is also increasing the interest rates on its Savings Plus product by 25 basis points, and its Headstart savings product by 10 basis points.

ASB Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says rising interest rates can be challenging for some homeowners and buyers.

“Recent data shows most of our customers are managing well, with 45% of our home lending book ahead on repayments by a month or more. However, we recognise not everyone is in the same position.

“Our teams are ready to support customers who may need extra help and can work with them to explore options that suit their circumstances. Reaching out early gives us the best opportunity to find a solution together.

“We also encourage customers to regularly review their savings arrangements. We offer a range of savings products, including bonus saver accounts and competitive term deposits, which may help customers make the most of their savings.”

Home Loan	Current Rates	New Rates	Rate Change
Housing Variable	6.04%	6.29%	+ 0.25%
Orbit Variable	6.14%	6.39%	+ 0.25%

ASB's new variable home loan rates are effective from Wednesday 9 September for new customers, and from Thursday 10 September for existing customers.

Savings	Band	Current Rates	New Rates	Rate Change
Savings Plus**		1.80%	2.05 %	+ 0.25%
Headstart*	All Balances	1.95%	2.05%	+ 0.10%

*This change is effective from Thursday 10 September.
**This change is effective from Thursday 1 October.

ASB has practical information for customers on the current interest rate environment available on its websitehttps://www.asb.co.nz/home-loans-mortgages/preparing-for-rising-interest-rates.html as well support to help customers take control of their financial wellbeing and achieve their goals at its Financial Wellbeing Hubhttps://www.asb.co.nz/banking-with-asb/financial-wellbeing.html.

Source: Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman has released its findings of an investigation into the Official Information Act practices and capabilities of five government agencies.

The agencies reviewed were the Ministry for Regulation, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Primary Industries, Inland Revenue and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Assistant Ombudsman Proactive and Preventive Monitoring and Interventions, Zoey Henley, says the investigation looked at two key areas to determine how each agency worked to meet the requirements of the OIA. They were leadership and culture, and performance monitoring and learning.

“We did not identify any conduct that was wrong, unreasonable or contrary to law so there were no formal recommendations. We did find some good practices, as well as opportunities for improvement.

“Staff across most agencies spoke positively about their agencies’ OIA leadership and culture, with many highlighting their senior leaders’ commitment to promoting transparency.

“The agencies were generally responsive to our suggested actions. Some agencies implemented a number of improvements before the investigation was finalised.

“However, we did feel that at one agency, an aversion to risk was emphasised on occasion over the importance of the timely release of information.

“As with all practice investigations, all of the agencies have been encouraged to provide clear, visible, and regular statements to staff about the importance of the OIA and to make sure their OIA team is well-resourced.”

All agencies received action points to strengthen their leaders’ OIA oversight including record-keeping and applying the right grounds for withholding information. They were also asked to consider developing formal agreements with Ministers’ offices on handling departmental OIA requests.

The agencies were selected because they represented a cross section of the public sector and included a new agency and a crown entity.

The latest investigation is part of the Ombudsman’s ongoing programme of investigations into public sector official information practices.

Read the 5 reports:

• Civil Aviation Authority
• Inland Revenue
• Ministry for the Environment
• Ministry for Primary Industries
• Ministry for Regulation