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PSA seek investigation from Independent Police Conduct Authority of Police Mental health withdrawal policy following incident

Source: PSA

The PSA has laid an official complaint with the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) after Police failed to assist mental health workers who were assaulted by a distressed patient.
Three emergency calls to Police in 90 minutes by a mental health worker went unanswered on 21 November 2025.
“The PSA laid a complaint with the IPCA about this serious incident and have called for wider concerns with the Police withdrawal from mental health support to be investigated,” said Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
“We are concerned that the Police Mental Health Change Response Programme is setting a precedent where Police are wiping their hands of callouts relating to mental health, even in emergencies, and so we’re asking the IPCA as part of our complaint to review all Police procedures around mental health callouts.
“The IPCA are the right body to investigate this important matter since Police, Health NZ and the Government have all overseen the Police withdrawing from mental health call out work. The independence of the IPCA is needed now.”
The mental health worker contacted Police for support through the emergency line and identified themselves as a mental health worker, but no assistance ever arrived.
Fitzsimons says the incident is exactly what mental health workers had feared since the announcement of the Police’s Mental Response Health Change Programme a year ago.
“Staff feedback to Health New Zealand and the Police was very clear: more mental health workers will be subjected to violence as a result of these changes. A PSA survey of mental health staff at the time revealed that 91 per cent of workers believed the changes would increase safety risks for them.
“Every mental health worker should be safe at work and be able to get support from the Police when they deem it necessary.”
Prior to the Mental Health Change Programme, mental health workers had a direct line to Police for emergency situations. They were also able to request Police assistance ahead of time for transporting patients in crisis or those known to become aggressive.
The Police Mental Health Response Change Programme is currently in its third phase of four, with the final phase slated to start next year.
The PSA has received an acknowledgement of the complaint from the IPCA and the Police.
Other PSA comments on the Mental Health Response Change Programme:
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Health Sector – Not so festive for ED nurses, survey reveals – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

A  recent NZNO survey of emergency department nurses working over the Christmas/New Year period has revealed the vast majority were subjected to abuse over the festive season. (ref. https://www.nzno.org.nz/Portals/0/Files/2026/Data_All_260111-(1)-(003).pdf?ver=tfsFDJ2K6COSzxcvTQd9oA%3d%3d )
NZNO College of Emergency Nurses spokesperson Natasha Hemopo says 84% of survey respondents reported dealing with unacceptable behaviour. Shouting and swearing was the most common (94%), followed by physical aggression (39%) and threats (35%).
“There is a chronic shortage of health workers at Te Whatu Ora which is contributing to increased wait times in Emergency Departments (EDs), causing frustration for patients and their worried whānau, and compromising the quality of patient care.
“Nurses constantly raise concerns about the link between patients’ frustrations which lead to abusive behaviour and short staffing in EDs. This survey further highlights the correlation between under-staffing and unsafe staffing.”
Natasha Hemopo says at least 55% of respondents said their ED was understaffed at the time of the incident.
Health care workers are five times more likely to be assaulted on the job than other workers, she says.
“Hospital environments can be stressful. People are there because they are sick or injured. Nurses do an amazing job, but there are never enough of them.
“Other factors that can fuel frustration and anxiety include being in pain, systemic racism, alcohol and drugs.”
Some 77% of those who experienced unacceptable behaviour reported feeling threatened while 82% reported being verbally assaulted and 18% physically assaulted.
Among those physically assaulted, the most common injuries were bruising and sprains/strains. Some 56% reported the incident, but only 34% of those reports were formal reports through the reporting system Datix.
“Concerningly, the main reasons for not reporting incidents were lack of confidence in the system or lack of time.
Patients need nurses to have safe staffing levels, not the Government’s artificial target of having 95% of patients admitted, discharged or transferred from an ED within six hours.
“The ED target doesn't change the reality of under-resourced EDs for patients or for nurses.
“Improving conditions by providing 24/7 specifically trained security in all emergency departments to protect patients and enable staff to do their jobs safely would also be a huge step in encouraging a new generation of recruits to become emergency nurses. Safe staffing and hiring graduates are key claims by NZNO members in their stalled Collective Agreement negotiations,” Natasha Hemopo says. 
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University Research – New Zealand’s first lung cancer organoid bank – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

The first lung cancer organoid bank in New Zealand is being created at the University of Auckland.

Dr Hossein Jahedi is leading a multidisciplinary team, which aims to grow tumour samples from patients with advanced lung cancer into tiny organoids – 3D mini-tumours that mimic the original cancer.

Different treatments can be tested on the organoids, providing information on how that specific type of tumour is likely to respond to those treatments, says Jahedi, whose research has been funded by the Li Family Trust and the University’s Centre for Cancer Research – Te Aka Mātauranga Matepukupuku.

“The question the organoids will help answer is ‘does this medicine work for this patient?’

“It’s a personalised medicine approach that could help give patients the best chance,” says Jahedi.

Treatment costs could be reduced by offering the most effective treatments, while patients could also be spared the side effects caused by trying multiple treatments, he says.

Generally, organoids can be grown and several drugs can be tested on them within about two weeks.

Before an organoid is grown, patients must consent to donating a tumour sample from surgery or a biopsy.

“We take that tissue into the lab, gently break it into cell clusters, mix it with a special matrix that’s a bit like jelly, and cover it with a nutrient-rich liquid that helps the cancer cells grow.

“Over days to weeks, the clusters of cells will organise themselves into tumour organoids.”

Typically, each tumour sample provides dozens of organoids, which are about the size of a grain of sand, Jahedi says.

The organoids can also be used for early experiments testing new cancer treatments, before trials in animals or people.

“Organoids are one of the models that most closely resemble the cancer in humans, so they allow us to understand the behaviours of the cancer.

“They will probably reduce the need for animals in trials of new treatments, but they probably won’t ever replace them.”

The effects of new treatments on other systems in the body can be seen in animals, but cannot be observed within organoids, he says.

The lung cancer organoid project was inspired by a library of breast cancer organoids that has been developed by Dr Emma Nolan at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland since 2022.

“Lung cancer is the biggest cancer killer in New Zealand – that’s why we wanted to focus on it.

“Māori and Pacific people are about three times more likely to die of lung cancer than people of other ethnicities in New Zealand.”

The project aims to grow organoids that will offer insights into lung cancers in Māori and Pacific patients, who are currently under-represented in research, he says.

Jahedi is working with Māori and Pacific health organisations to develop culturally safe protocols for how tissue is collected, stored, used, and governed.

He aims to grow 10 to 20 lung cancer organoids from different patients over the next 18 months.

Eventually, a bigger lung cancer organoid biobank could be used by doctors and researchers throughout New Zealand.

The organoids can be cryopreserved – frozen in liquid nitrogen – then activated again when needed.

“Cancer causes so much suffering for patients and their families and it can be difficult for the doctors and nurses caring for them, too.

“This seems like a good way to try to help people in a way that could have a direct impact,” Jahedi says.

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Research – Construction cost growth rises alongside activity – Cotality

Source: Cotality

Construction costs recorded their largest quarterly increase in over a year during the three months to December, as early signs of a sector recovery begin to emerge.

The latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) shows residential building costs increased by 0.9% in the three months to December. (ref. https://www.cotality.com/nz/resources/downloads/cordell-construction-cost-index-ccci )

While this represents the largest quarterly rise since Q3 2024 (1.1%), the figure remains slightly below the long-term average of 1.0%.

On the back of this quarterly lift, the annual pace of growth rose to 2.3% from 2.0% in the third quarter last year. That’s still well below the long-term average, which has been an annual growth rate of 4.1% since late 2012.
Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said while construction costs continue to increase, the pace of growth remains contained.
“We are certainly not seeing the extreme inflation experienced in the post-COVID phase, when the CCCI annual growth rate peaked at more than 10% in late 2022. During that period, there were supply chain issues for key materials such as plasterboard and rising wages also drove up costs significantly*.

“However, although they’re not rising to any huge degree at present, costs haven’t seen significant falls either. Following the previous growth phase, the overall level of cost to build a new dwelling remains elevated even though the growth rate has cooled,” he said.

A turnaround in dwelling approvals

Recently, the 12-month rolling total for the number of new dwelling consents has started to rise again, reaching more than 35,500 in October.

Mr Davidson said this marks a turnaround following the period of stagnation (albeit at a high level) observed throughout late 2024 and the first half of 2025.

“After peaking at more than 51,000 in the 12 months to May 2022, the number of new dwellings consented dropped to a low point between 33,500 and 34,000. We are now seeing a recovery that aligns with anecdotal evidence that builders are becoming busier again.

“This shift reflects lower mortgage rates and increased ability for households to finance projects or buy off-the-plan. The loan-to-value ratio and debt-to-income ratio rules both offer exemptions for new builds, providing a further tailwind for the sector,” he noted.

Construction sector positioned for recovery in 2026

Looking ahead, the construction sector is set to expand again in 2026, and Mr Davidson said the previous downturn has allowed building costs to flatten after a period of strong increases.  

“The latest CCCI figures remain relatively controlled, although as the industry starts to recover more clearly in 2026, construction cost growth could pick up again. However, a spike similar to the post-COVID phase remains unlikely,” he concluded.

* The CCCI is comprised of around 50% materials, 40% wages, and 10% for other charges such as professional fees.

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New home consents rise, led by multi-unit homes – Building consents issued: November 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

New home consents rise, led by multi-unit homes – news story

 

14 January 2026

There were 35,969 new homes consented in Aotearoa New Zealand in the year ended November 2025, up 7.0 percent compared with the year ended November 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“In the year to November 2025 multi-unit homes drove the increase in new homes consented,” economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said. “That’s reflected in the number of townhouses, flats, and units being consented.”

Of the multi-unit homes consented in the year ended November 2025, compared with the year ended November 2024, there were:

  • 15,643 townhouses, flats, and units (up 9.6 percent)
  • 2,647 apartments (up 49 percent)
  • 1,291 retirement village units (down 26 percent).

Visit our website to read the full news story and information release and to download CSV files:

 

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Employment indicators: November 2025 – Stats NZ information release

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Employment indicators: November 2025 – information release

14 January 2026

Employment indicators provide an early indication of changes in the labour market.

Key facts
Changes in the seasonally adjusted filled jobs for the November 2025 month (compared with the October 2025 month) were:

  • all industries – up 0.3 percent (6,569 jobs) to 2.35 million filled jobs
  • primary industries – up 0.8 percent (890 jobs)
  • goods-producing industries – up 0.1 percent (490 jobs)
  • service industries – up 0.2 percent (4,124 jobs).

Visit our website to read the full information release and to download CSV files:

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Events – Firefighters put skills to the test at UFBA Waterway Challenge in Havelock North

Source: United Fire Brigades' Association

The skill, speed and teamwork of some of New Zealand’s volunteer firefighters will be on full display when the UFBA North Island Waterway Challenge 2026 comes to the Village Green in Havelock North on Saturday 17 January 2026.
Hosted by the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA), the North Island Waterway Challenge brings together volunteer and career firefighters from across the region to compete in a fast-paced, highly technical firefighting competition. The event is free to attend and promises an exciting day out for the whole community.
The UFBA Waterway Challenge tests the real-world skills firefighters rely on every day – including hose handling, pump operation, teamwork, communication and precision under pressure. Crews race against the clock to complete a demanding course that simulates emergency response scenarios, giving spectators a rare behind-the-scenes look at the professionalism and training required to do the job safely and effectively.
UFBA President, Lesina Walden, says the event is about more than competition.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to see just how skilled our firefighters are. The challenge reflects the training and teamwork that firefighters use when responding to emergencies, particularly building and vegetation fires, in our communities.
It’s also a great chance to celebrate the dedication of these community firefighters.”
Teams from volunteer brigades all over the North Island, including the Havelock North Volunteer Fire Brigade, will be competing – giving the Hawke’s Bay community the chance to cheer on their own firefighters as they go head-to-head with their peers.
The Village Green setting provides an ideal venue, allowing spectators to get close to the action in a safe and family-friendly environment. Organisers encourage locals to bring friends and whānau along, enjoy the atmosphere, and support the firefighters who serve their community.
Event details:
What: UFBA North Island Waterway Challenge 2026
When: Saturday 17 January 2026
Where: Village Green, Havelock North
Cost: Free entry
About the UFBA – for over 140 years the United Fire Brigades’ Association has been the leading association representing firefighters in New Zealand. Today our services support around 14,000 firefighters throughout the fire and emergency services sector by providing advocacy, skills-based challenges, workshops and service honours.
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Fire Safety – Restricted fire season for Bay of Plenty

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving Bay of Plenty to a restricted fire season at 5pm on Tuesday 13 January, until further notice.
A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light an open-air fire.
Announcing the fire season change, Community Risk Manager Luke Burgess says the recent warm and dry weather means the fire risk across the region has increased.
“In these conditions fire will travel fast and will be difficult for our crews to extinguish.
“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.”
The public can apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz
Luke Burgess says that although some isolated rain is forecast, it will be predominantly dry, hot and windy which increases the fire danger.
“We are asking the public to take extra care during these conditions.”
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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Economy – Reserve Bank appointments to Financial Policy Committee

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

13 January 2026 – Following an open recruitment process, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) Board has appointed Ms Heidi Richards and Professor Prasanna Gai as external members of the Financial Policy Committee (FPC).

The FPC is a new committee of the RBNZ Board, which will make key policy decisions relating to financial stability, including setting the prudential requirements for financial institutions regulated by the RBNZ, and making macro-prudential policy decisions such as Debt-to-Income and Loan-to-Value ratios for lending.

Ms Richards is a former senior prudential regulator and internationally respected regulatory, risk and compliance leader with experience across private industry, government and not-for-profit sectors in the US, Australia and international policy-making organisations. Ms Richards has a deep understanding of prudential regulation.

Professor Gai is Professor of Macroeconomics and Head of the Departments of Economics, Accounting & Finance, and Property at the University of Auckland. Professor Gai is a leader in the fields of financial stability and monetary policy. He has published extensively on macroprudential policy and systemic risk. Professor Gai served on the Board of the Financial Markets Authority from 2018 until his resignation on 31 December 2025.

“I am pleased with the appointments to the FPC that we are announcing today, and welcome Ms Richards and Professor Gai to the FPC,” said RBNZ Board Chair Rodger Finlay.

“The FPC's work will be crucial to promoting New Zealand's financial stability and the wealth of experience of all the FPC members will enhance and bring focus to RBNZ's financial policymaking.

“I would also like to express my gratitude to all those who expressed their interest in serving as external members of the FPC. Ms Richards and Professor Gai were selected from a strong field of candidates.”

Ms Richards has been appointed for a four-year term from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029.

Professor Gai has been appointed for a three-year term from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028. In addition to serving on the FPC, Professor Gai will continue his service on the Monetary Policy Committee.

The other members of the FPC are Governor Anna Breman and the following RBNZ non-executive Board members – Byron Pepper (who will chair the FPC), Grant Spencer, and Philip Vermeulen. Rodger Finlay will also serve on the FPC by virtue of his position as RBNZ Board Chair.  

The RBNZ Board has agreed a Charter for the FPC, setting out the operational framework for the FPC to ensure its proper management and functioning. The FPC Charter includes the terms of reference for the FPC.

The first meeting of the FPC is scheduled for late February 2026.

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Fire Safety – Fire bans and restrictions across the Top of the South

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Bans and restrictions on outdoor fires will come into force across most of Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman tomorrow morning.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is introducing the measures in response to the increasing risk of wildfire. District Manager Grant Haywood says the top of the south is experiencing high fire danger due to the hot and dry weather and has asked the whole community to do their bit to prevent fires.
“Fires will start and spread very easily and will be more challenging for our firefighters to contain and put out in these conditions,” he says. “If anyone sees signs of smoke, please call 111 immediately.”
Permits that have already been issued for open fires in parts of Marlborough that are currently under a Restricted Fire Season will be suspended when the Prohibited season comes into effect there.
Most of Nelson-Tasman and the rest of Marlborough will be covered by Restricted Fire Seasons, so fire permits will be required for almost all outdoor fires. Extreme care must be taken with fires in any areas where fires are still allowed. Go to www.checkitsalright.nz to see what conditions apply to any particular location.
Farmers, orchardists, contractors and forestry managers are being reminded to check the sites of any old fires to make sure they are fully extinguished – raking them out and wetting them down if there is any sign of heat.
Holidaymakers and locals alike also have a part to play in preventing fires, Grant Haywood says.
“Yesterday’s fire in the dunes at Tahunanui Beach showed just how quickly a fire can take hold, and how much damage it can cause. 97 percent of wildfires in New Zealand are caused by humans, and it only takes one spark.”
Activities like welding and grinding should not be carried out near dry vegetation. Even parking a car in long grass can cause a fire if the hot exhaust comes into contact with long grass.
From 8am tomorrow, open fires will be banned in the areas covered by a Prohibited Fire Season. There are some exceptions for cultural cooking fires but the ban includes fireworks. Permits will be required for all open fires in the areas covered by a Restricted Fire Season, including camp fires and bonfires, with some exceptions for cultural cooking fires.
The following fire season changes will come into effect at 8am tomorrow (Wednesday 14 January) until further notice:
Marlborough:
– A Prohibited Fire Season in the Marlborough South zone. This takes in all the land south of the Wairau River including the flat land from the eastern side of SH1 between Tuamarina and Raringi, except the Royal New Zealand Airforce land at Woodbourne.
– A Restricted Fire Season in the Marlborough North Zone, which covers the rest of Marlborough north of the Wairau River.
Nelson and Tasman
– A Restricted Fire Season for the Coastal, Waimea and Nelson North zones. This takes in of the City of Nelson, Richmond, Brightwater, Mapua, Motueka and stretches across to the Mount Arthur range in the west.
Most of the rest of the Tasman District is already in a Restricted Fire Season, which will remain in force, so most of the Top of the South will be covered by restrictions and bans.
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for full details of the fire season status and what activities are restricted or banned.