Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Free public transport would protect bus drivers and incomes – Workers First Union

Source: Workers First Union

Workers First Union is supporting the call from the Green Party and others to immediately implement a free public transport fares system in response to rising fuel costs and continuing abuse and violence against bus drivers.
Anita Rosentreter, Workers First Deputy Secretary, said free public transport was a long-held goal of the bus drivers’ union but should be prioritised immediately in light of rising fuel prices due to the US/Israeli attacks on Iran. The union is also calling for a substantial increase to the minimum wage in 2027, and for more employers to back workers with living wage pay increases in the meantime.
“With high petrol costs stretching paycheques, now is the time to back a plan for free public transport and better wages,” said Ms Rosentreter.
“People need to get to work without spending a growing portion of their incomes on their cars, and that means both free public transport and ensuring workers are paid enough to actually live.”
“The Government needs to lift the minimum wage significantly to meet these rising costs after offering workers an effective wage cut in 2026, and private employers need to step up on living wages.”
“We also need to conserve fuel as a country – it’s an absolute no-brainer that we should do everything possible to encourage the use of public transport.”
“We’re already hitting a seven-year high for Auckland public transport use, and the Government should commit to free fares as a priority.”
“Not only would it reduce petrol use and increase public transport ridership, but it would significantly contribute to the reduction in assaults and abuse of bus drivers, which continues every day.”
“We know that fare payment and collection is a big contributor to attacks on bus drivers, and drivers are being sent mixed messages about whether to pursue non-payers for their fares.”
“Free fares are the solution to both problems right here and now, but also for the future in promoting public transport use and decarbonising our cities.”
She said the Government’s current 'support package' for families, announced yesterday, would not offer meaningful relief or peace of mind to the vast majority of New Zealand workers.
“It’s a drop in the bucket for working families, and it disadvantages welfare recipients who are actively out and looking for work in an austerity economy that this Government engineered,” said Ms Rosentreter.
“We need real solutions, not band-aids – we can deal with the here-and-now while positioning ourselves well for a better future. They are not mutually exclusive.”
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Health Governance – Māori maternal mental health at greater risk as fuel support package falls short, warns Hine ki te Wheiao

Source: Ki tua o Matariki

At a time when suicide remains the leading cause of maternal death in Aotearoa, Hine ki te Wheiao, a Māori maternal mental health advocacy group, is warning that sustained cost-of-living pressure is likely to further harm the mental health of young parents. The group says this week’s Government fuel cost support package fails to account for the realities facing many low-income whānau and falls short for those most in need of support.
The Government announced an extra $50 a week from 7 April for about 143,000 working families with children through a temporary boost to the In-Work Tax Credit, which excludes many families receiving benefits. The group says the package will increase pressure on māmā already struggling with rising living costs, and that the cost of living crisis cannot be separated from worsening mental health distress, isolation, and suicide risk for young parents.
Katerina Te Tai, member of Hine ki te Wheiao and young māmā, said: “Young māmā trying to upskill themselves, secure and attend job interviews, get their kids to school and improve their mental health costs money. Sometimes it feels like the system asks us to do better, but then puts more barriers like this in front of us.”
Hine ki te Wheiao warns that as we approach Winter months, the impacts of this week’s announcement will be felt quickly by tamariki as transport costs increase to access doctors and emergency care. For some, higher fuel costs will mean skipped appointments, more loneliness and isolation, and more stress at home. For whānau living in cars, fuel is also part of keeping safe and sheltered. The rōpū is especially concerned about what this means for access to healthcare in pregnancy and early parenting.
Aroha Tutaki- Harris, midwife and member of Hine ki te Wheiao, said: “I’m seeing more hapū māmā delay or miss appointments. That can mean missing midwife appointments, scans, GP visits, counselling, or other support because they simply cannot afford to get there. Hapū māmā or parents with young tamariki do not stop needing healthcare just because they are not in paid work.”
Hine ki te Wheiao is calling on the Government to go back to the drawing board and deliver transport support that reflects the realities of all low-income whānau, including young parents receiving benefits.
“The cost of living crisis is the mental health crisis,” Katerina Te Tai says. “If the Government is serious about the wellbeing of all New Zealanders, then people with lived experience of the realities and harms of these policies need to be at the decision-making table.”
The group is calling for fuel and cost of living support to be extended beyond those in paid employment, for benefits to rise in line with the real cost of living, and for greater investment in kaupapa Māori solutions that strengthen whānau wellbeing, connection, and resilience.
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Health Governance – Progress on government’s mental health targets is positive, but challenges remain for young people

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Following the release of the Government’s latest targets data this morning, Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is renewing its calls for increased urgency to improve access to services for young people.
“While we are encouraged by workforce growth and acknowledge the Government’s progress to improve access overall, there remains a long way to go when it comes to young people,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Director of Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership Sonya Russell.
“When young people need support, we must make sure they get the help they need before distress becomes overwhelming.
“We know that timely care is critical as the effects of mental distress can follow them through their lives, sometimes causing devastating effects for them and their whānau down the track.
“Our current data shows that across Aotearoa New Zealand, those under the age of 18 faced longer wait times than other age groups, and experienced higher rates of declined referrals. For 19-24 years olds, access continued to decrease.
“What is equally concerning is that young people are reporting higher levels of psychological distress.
“We are also seeing considerable regional variation by anyone seeking support, and this is taking too long to address. No matter where you live, you should have equitable access to services.
“Today, we are again calling for renewed efforts to improve access for rangatahi and young people. This must be a priority, with targeted action and sustained leadership embedded to ensure lasting, meaningful change,” says Ms Russell.
The Commission has recommended that Health NZ take action to improve access to specialist mental health and addiction services for young people, including youth-specific crisis responses, streamlined pathways into care as well as an increased range of effective acute community options tailored for young people.
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Politics – Federated Farmers propose major shake-up of local government

Source: Federated Farmers

New Zealand’s local government structure has become an increasingly messy patchwork, and Federated Farmers says it’s time to clean it up.
“The way councils are currently organised is a major factor in how effectively they serve their communities,” Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says.
“The number and type of councils – and the logic behind their boundaries – can really make or break their ability to deliver quality services at a reasonable cost.
“With dedicated water organisations being formed because of three waters reform, things are even more complicated and messy and the structure is failing ratepayers.
“We think the time is ripe to streamline and modernise the sector.”
Federated Farmers has just laid out its blueprint for local government reform in a white paper.
“Preserving a strong local say on council matters while driving better efficiency is at the heart of our proposal.
“Our model will likely also halve the current number of councils.”
Late last year the Government proposed abolishing the country’s 11 regional councils.
Mayors would take over the work of regional councillors and be tasked with putting together reorganisation plans in each region.
Federated Farmers, which has a long history of engaging with councils on rates, infrastructure investment and district plan red tape, stepped up with a simpler and less disruptive way forward, Faulkner says.
“City and provincial areas have different priorities, infrastructure and land use.
“We’re saying the most effective way to streamline local government is by separating provincial governance from governance of urban areas with populations of around 50,000-plus.”
The country already has six unitary authorities, which perform the functions of both district or city and regional councils.
“We’d like to see that model expanded across New Zealand,” Faulkner says.
Under Federated Farmers’ proposal, councils would take on responsibilities currently held by regional councils, which would no longer exist as separate entities.
Many district councils would amalgamate but to maintain strong local input, a second tier of properly empowered community boards and catchment committees could help bring decision-making closer to residents and draw on local knowledge.
“Councils consolidated along regional and city lines would be better able to focus on local, place-based decisions.
“It would also simplify relationships with central government on issues like roading, public transport, environmental management, and emergency management.”
Attracting and retaining high-quality elected councillors and paid council staff can be challenging under current settings, especially for smaller councils.
“We think the increased scale and clearer core responsibilities with our model could help tackle this.”
Faulkner says environmental and natural hazard workloads benefit from scale, with unitary authorities better able to plan and deliver flood management, drainage, and environmental infrastructure more consistently.
“Exposure to climate-driven extreme weather highlights the fragility of the current system,” she says.
The provincial/city-separated unitary council structure also makes sense in terms of geography, predominant land use, and the types of services residents and businesses want.
“It fits well with the ‘communities of interest’ concept that drives Local Government Commission (LGC) reorganisation decisions.
“Instead of substantial upheaval, re-writing legislation, and mayors taking over regional council responsibilities during a lengthy transition, our approach fits with the LGC’s existing way of managing and investigating amalgamations,” Faulkner says.
“During that tried and tested process, issues such as the service relationships between metropolitan and provincial councils, treatment of debt and assets, and crossover matters can be addressed.”
Fewer, more logically aligned councils would also make government co-funding arrangements for roads, bridges, public transport and urban growth simpler, with lower compliance costs.
City and regional deals with central government could be easily negotiated.
With new water organisations taking over storm, drinking and wastewater services, many district councils are left with local roads as their only major infrastructure task.
“That’s risky. Councils will have fewer cost centres to allocate overheads, and balance sheet downsizing as water assets are taken out may cause other disruptions,” Faulkner says.
“There’s a clear case for consolidation to achieve economies of scale and prevent local roads from deteriorating.”
Federated Farmers’ white paper also suggests shifting compliance and enforcement, and state-of-the-environment monitoring, from councils to government or centralised science and regulatory agencies.
“That would ensure consistency, objectivity and efficiency,” Faulkner says.
“Regulatory enforcement should not be political once policy is set.
“Its role is to enforce the rules and standards fairly, consistently and predictably.”
While the debate may unsettle current councils, Faulkner is struck by the broad agreement that reorganisation is now essential.  
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Fire Safety – Restricted fire season for Manawatū-Whanganui coastal zone

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving the Manawatū-Whanganui coastal zone into a restricted fire season at 8am today, Wednesday 25 March, until further notice.
Levin, Foxton, Sanson and Bulls are excluded as they fall within inland zones.
A restricted fire season means a permit is required from Fire and Emergency to light an open-air fire.
Announcing the change, Acting Community Risk Manager Barry Madgwick says the coastal zone has been subject to a long dry spell in recent months.
“These conditions mean the fire risk is increased,” he says.
“The coastal zone has forestry plantations, scrub, pasture grassland, tussock and marram grasses – all of which are fuel for serious fires. We are now starting to see an increasing number of fires getting out of control, which can happen at this time of year.
“Having a restricted fire season gives us greater control of who can burn and when, and we can provide direct fire safety advice to those completing burns.”
“We are asking the public to take extra care during these conditions.
“The rest of the Manawatū-Whanganui district is also dry and further restrictions may follow if the current conditions continue,” Barry Madgwick says.
The public can apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz
For fire safety tips and more information about the activities you can and can’t do in a restricted fire season, go to www.checkitsalright.nz.
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Southland leads regional GDP increase in year to March 2025 – Regional gross domestic product: Year ended March 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release

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Property Market – NZ property market stabilising as more suburbs record price gains – Cotality

Source: Cotality

Property values in more than half of New Zealand suburbs have stabilised or risen in the past three months, suggesting the country’s housing market is gradually finding its footing after several subdued years.

The latest update of Cotality’s Mapping the Market interactive tool, which provides suburb-level property insights across the country, shows 56% of suburbs recorded either stable or rising standalone house values over the three months to March. That is up from 44% three months earlier, indicating a modest strengthening in market conditions.

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the figures show the national market may appear subdued on the surface, noting results were more nuanced as more suburbs stabilised or recorded modest gains.

“At a high level, the NZ property market has been trending sideways in recent months,” he said.

“Sales activity has been lifting for some time now, but elevated listings are still keeping pricing power largely with buyers, which is why overall value growth has remained fairly subdued.”

“But suburb-level figures show that the cautious attitude does not apply everywhere.”

Rural regions showing resilience

Some of the strongest value gains have emerged in regional areas with 30 suburbs recording house value growth of at least 3%, with many located in Southland, Otago and the West Coast.

Among the strongest performers were Karitane in Dunedin and Blackball in Grey District, which each saw house values rise by more than 6%, while Mataura in Gore recorded growth of more than 4%.

Mr Davidson said relatively better affordability and the strength of the farming sector at a regional level had likely supported housing demand in those regions.

“Some of the more affordable regional markets linked to strong rural economies have been holding up well,” he said.

“That combination of lower price points and stable local economic conditions can provide a bit more resilience when the broader market is subdued.”

Patchy results across cities
While some regional areas have shown resilience, conditions in some other markets remain mixed.

Suburbs such as Crofton Downs and Kelburn in Wellington recorded house value growth of 3 – 4% in the March quarter, while Stillwater in Auckland and Aranui in Christchurch both rose by almost 2%.

However, declines were also recorded elsewhere across the country. For example, Little Wanganui in Buller fell by around 6%, while Wellsford in Auckland’s Rodney district dropped by almost 3.5%.

Mr Davidson said the suburb-level data highlights the uneven nature of the housing market at present.

“When you drill down to suburb-level data, conditions become much more varied. Some areas are already seeing values stabilise or edge higher, while others remain softer depending on local economic conditions, supply levels and affordability,” he said.

Townhouse markets remain softer

For townhouses and flats, 53% of suburbs recorded stable or rising values over the three months to March, indicating slightly weaker conditions than the standalone housing market.

A total of 45 suburbs recorded townhouse value increases of at least 3%, with 10 suburbs rising by 5% or more, including Tauranga South, Belleknowes in Dunedin, and Oamaru.

However, several areas also recorded declines, including Wesley and Goodwood Heights in Auckland, which both saw values fall by more than 3%.

Mr Davidson said the pipeline of new housing supply is still putting some downward pressure on prices in certain areas, such as Auckland, where there’s been a significant pipeline of fresh townhouses completed.

Wide price differences across NZ suburbs

Among standalone houses, Herne Bay in Auckland remains the country’s most expensive suburb, with a median house value of around $2.99 million, followed by Saint Marys Bay at $2.86 million.

At the other end of the spectrum, several suburbs have median house values below $300,000, including Patea in South Taranaki, Blackball in Grey District, and Clinton in Clutha.

Mr Davidson said Mapping the Market helps reveal the diversity of housing markets across the country.

“The suburb-level data highlights just how different local housing markets can be,” he said.

“Even within the same region, property values and trends can vary quite significantly depending on local supply, demand and economic conditions.”

Outlook points to modest growth

Mr Davidson said NZ’s housing market is positioned for modest value growth through 2026, adding that the General Election, debt-to-income lending restrictions and global economic risks would remain important factors to watch.

“Affordability has improved compared with the peak of the market, mortgage rates have stabilised and listings appear to be easing slightly,” he said.

“Those factors should support some gradual value growth this year, but buyers and sellers remain cautious, so the prospect of a boom looks unlikely.”

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Legislation – Rally Against the Health & Safety at Work Amendment Bill – PSA

Source: PSA

Pike River family members Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse will join other speakers at a rally opposing the Government’s proposed changes to health and safety laws being held at Parliament tomorrow (Wednesday 25 March).
The two campaigners will join workers who are opposed to the Bill at the rally, after they have submitted to the select committee.
“The presence of Anna and Sonya will be a poignant reminder that everyone deserves to come home from work safely,” says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Duane Leo, who is also speaking at the rally after making a submission to the select committee.
The rally is being organised by the PSA on behalf of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and affiliated unions.
“The Government is pushing a bill that will water down employers’ obligations, put workers at risk push the burden of workplace injuries onto workers, their whānau, ACC and the health system,” Leo says.
“The Bill would give employers with 20 or fewer workers huge exemptions to their health and safety responsibilities.
“Smaller employers wouldn’t have to protect their workers from things like trips and falls, exposure to infection, bullying, and workplace stress.
“The bill would also allow industries to develop their own health and safety codes of practice that could reduce employers’ health and safety obligations.
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions President, who is speaking at the rally Sandra Grey says: “We want worker health and safety to be a priority in businesses of all sizes and we are particularly concerned that this legislation gives smaller businesses a free pass.”
Speakers
As well as Sonya, Anna, Duane and Sandra the rally will be addressed by opposition MPs.
Visual elements
The rally will feature a large yellow “Accidents Ahead” banner:
Details
When 1pm-1.50pm, Wednesday 25 March
Where: Parliament Lawn.
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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Te Awa Lakes welcomes IFF funding to unlock 1500-house development in Hamilton

Spurce: Te Awa Lakes

Te Awa Lakes has welcomed Government’s use of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act 2020 (IFF) to unlock 1500 houses in northern Hamilton’s largest greenfield development.

The IFF transaction, facilitated by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Limited (NIFF), will provide $50 million of funding toward delivery of bulk infrastructure such as upgrade of roads, stormwater lake and outlets and other key bulk infrastructure to be delivered by the developer.

This funding is one of the first of its kind to support unlocking greenfield developments for housing, and is in line with the Government’s 3 pillars of “Going for Housing Growth.”

Te Awa Lakes is a fully master planned development that falls within the Future Proof Strategy Northwest Priority Development Area of the high-growth urban area of Hamilton. With an average annual population growth of 2%, demand for new dwellings and amenities is projected to increase by around 56% out to 2050, equating to a demand for an estimated 61,285 dwellings across the sub region.

Richard Coventry, Managing Partner of the Te Awa Lakes JV says, “The IFF funding tool is a game changer for Te Awa Lakes and the northern growth node of the region, as without this tool the infrastructure delivery would be fully reliant on direct developer funding, which is too slow and cannot keep pace with the demand for the region.

“We fully anticipate that this funding tool will not only accelerate the construction of housing for early stages of Te Awa Lakes, but it will also unlock other developable land in the northern node and gateway of the region.”

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Politics – Workers will never forget van Velden’s damaging legacy – PSA

Source: PSA
Workers feel no joy in Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden resigning from Parliament at this year’s election – her tenure marks the end of one of the most destructive tenures in the history of New Zealand workplace relations.
“It is hard to think of an individual who has done more damage to workers in the modern era,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“She destroyed pay equity, stripped away freedom from unfair dismissal, and exploited the vulnerability of contractors including Uber drivers. She handed employers more power than they had ever hoped for – and that harm will be felt for years to come by women denied the pay they deserve, workers dismissed without remedy, and contractors left without protection.
“Today she had the gall to say she was ‘proud’ of all the decisions she made in government. How out of touch with the lived reality of the workers' lives she damaged is that? They are less secure and many will earn less because of her decisions.
“This is a Minister who delivered to ACT’s business mates, but her relentless attack on workers’ rights did not happen alone. National and New Zealand First were right there, alongside ACT enabling every one of the attacks.
“These were not accidents or oversights – they were deliberate choices that make the lives of New Zealand workers worse every single day.
“The Coalition Government is still pursuing cuts to sick leave, annual leave and health and safety protections in the workplace. Van Velden is still the Minister till election day so the fight is not over.
“At this year’s election, on 7 November, this Government’s record on workers will be front and centre – specifically how National, NZ First and ACT, have enabled the biggest attack on workers and their families in a generation.
“The damage is real, it is ongoing, and we will be asking voters to kick them out. That would be a fitting parting gift from workers to Brooke van Velden.”
ENDS
Van Velden’s legacy
  • Cancelled pay equity for more than 150,000 women workers
  • Made it harder to bring pay equity claims in future
  • Axed Fair Pay Agreements
  • Reinstated 90-day fire at will trials
  • Made it easier to fire workers at will by weakening personal grievance rules
  • Suppressed minimum wage increases
  • Appointed more business aligned members to the Employment Relations Authority
  • Delivered employer contracts for Uber
  • Proposing to cut back sick leave and annual leave for part-time workers
  • Proposing to make workplaces less safe.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.