|
|
|
|
International migration: January 2026 – Stats NZ information release
Education – Ara celebrates milestone as 900 graduates cross the stage
Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury
Ara Institute of Canterbury has marked a major milestone in its return to independent status, with over 900 graduates filling Ōtautahi’s Wolfbrook Arena in two vibrant Autumn ceremonies on Friday 13 March.
A total of 1800 ākonga (students) were eligible to graduate this year, with half choosing to walk across the stage in front of whānau, friends and staff. The arena was filled twice over with waiata, haka and standing ovations as Ara celebrated its first graduation ceremonies since becoming a standalone polytechnic once again.
Graduates represented a wide range of disciplines – from construction management and engineering to cookery, early childhood education, business and broadcasting. The cohort included 65 postgraduate awardees, 586 bachelor’s degree or graduate diploma recipients, and 1123 graduates completing certificates and diplomas at Levels 4-6.
Associate Director of Māori Success Tate Tiatia opened the ceremony by acknowledging the collective effort behind each and every ākonga’s story.
“Achievement doesn’t come easily. It doesn’t happen in isolation. It takes effort and support. Be proud. You can move forward in confidence to navigate new environments and seek out new horizons,” she said.
One of the most moving moments came as the arena fell silent to honour two deaf graduates. Hands shimmered across the stands in New Zealand Sign Language as Danielle Elliott and Liberty Francis received their New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing.
Elliott said the sense of community had defined her study experience. “Having that connection and family environment was the main thing. We had a great class vibe,” she said.
Mother and son graduates Linda Glasgow ( Diploma in Business – Leadership & Management) and Jack Glasgow ( Diploma in Construction – Quantity Surveying) were delighted to be marking the moment together.
“I wasn't going to do graduation but to be able to do it with Jack is really special,” Linda said.
Jack, on leave from his graduate role with Seipp Construction, said it was “great to see mum's achievements rewarded”.
Bachelor of Applied Science (Nutrition) graduate Lani Pitcher led the morning ceremony.
A previous recipient of Ara’s Eke Panuku Māori – Transformation Award, she will return to Taranaki this weekend to begin a role with Hāto Hone St John.
“I came here as a single mother with a one-year-old son and a big dream. I wasn’t just starting study – I was starting over,” she said.
“I’m grateful to Ara for creating a place that welcomes people from all walks of life, where learners can grow, where doors open, and where we are encouraged to bring our full, authentic selves into our study.”
Ara’s new board chair, Hugh Lindo, said the ceremonies marked a proud moment for the organisation under Chief Executive Darren Mitchell.
“We’re excited to be working with Darren and his team as we plot Ara’s future in a way that ensures we meet the expectations of learners and the industries they will join.
“Our team will be doing all it can to provide the best vocational opportunities to our ākonga and give them the tools they need to be successful in a diverse and ever-changing world.”
Northland News – Strong foundations driving economic growth
Source: Northland Regional Council
Northland is entering a period of significant opportunity as regional partners, iwi, and industry leaders work together to strengthen Taitokerau’s economic future, the chair of the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee says.
Speaking today (subs: Friday 13 March) in Kerikeri at an event held by Ngāti Hine to mark the start of the kiwifruit season, regional councillor Geoff Crawford highlighted Taitokerau’s unique strengths and the energy building across the region.
“Northland is a region with extraordinary potential,” he says. “Our natural beauty, our communities, and our history of resilience and enterprise give us a foundation that many regions would envy.”
“Today’s gathering shows how closely our economic story is tied to the land and the people who care for it.”
Councillor Crawford told those at the gathering that improved infrastructure and connectivity are central to unlocking Northland’s economic potential.
Through the Joint Regional Economic Development Committee – made up of all four Northland councils – work was underway to develop a coordinated Northland Infrastructure Plan.
“Better roads, rail, and port capacity transform how businesses operate here,” he says. “For growers, infrastructure determines how quickly fruit reaches packhouses, how safely workers travel, and how reliably products get to market.”
Projects linked to Northport and the wider Marsden Point area were already opening the door to new logistics, manufacturing, and export opportunities across the region.
He says Northland’s primary industries remain a cornerstone of regional prosperity.
“Last season, the region’s kiwifruit sector earned a record $80 million in orchard gate returns from 700 hectares of production, and early forecasts suggest another strong year ahead.”
Councillor Crawford says more than 1500 people currently work in Northland’s horticultural sector, with half of those jobs in the Far North.
“There is huge potential for agriculture, horticulture, and forestry to move further up the value chain.” “By embracing processing, technology, and sustainability, we create higher-value products and more skilled jobs right here in Northland.”
He says the region is expanding beyond traditional summer tourism, with Northland Inc, the region’s tourism organisation, facilitating several initiatives.
“Eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and marine tourism create year-round employment while protecting the natural environment that makes Northland special.”
Meanwhile, Cr Crawford emphasises that long-term prosperity depends on investing in people, skills, and partnerships.
“Economic opportunity grows when local people have access to education, training, and pathways into meaningful careers,” he says. “Collaboration between iwi, business, government, and education providers ensures that development benefits stay within our communities.”
He highlights the strength of the Māori economy as a defining feature of Northland’s future and says Ngāti Hine’s leadership is a clear example of innovation happening on the ground.
Its recognition as a finalist for the Ahuwhenua Trophy – following Whangaroa Ngaiotonga Trust’s win in 2025 – demonstrates the impact of Māori-led ventures. (The trophy acknowledges and celebrates Māori business excellence in New Zealand's pastoral and horticultural sectors.)
“These successes show what is possible when cultural values, industry expertise, and regional ambition come together.”
Councillor Crawford says ultimately regional development is about people and communities.
“Prosperity means young people can build careers without leaving home, families can thrive, and communities feel optimistic about the future.”
He acknowledges the work of Pukerau Orchard and Ngāti Hine as examples of regional strength in action.
“This whenua, the mahi invested in it, and the vision guiding it show how Māori enterprise is creating pathways for prosperity – not just for today’s workforce, but for generations to come.”
Energy – GasNZ reassures customers that “gas decline” stories are not about LPG supply
Source: GasNZ
Despite the diminishing supplies of natural gas in New Zealand, there is no shortage of LPG, GasNZ says.
Chief executive Jeffrey Clarke says most of the news about declining ‘gas’ production in New Zealand is actually about ‘natural gas’, and is not relevant to ‘LPG gas’ users.
“LPG supplies are not declining like natural gas is,” he says.
There are 300,000 customers of LPG in New Zealand – including all South Island ‘gas’ consumers – who don’t have to worry about the decline in natural gas affecting them.
People sometimes ask how they can be sure whether their gas is LPG or natural gas, Clarke says.
“It’s pretty simple – if your gas comes in a cylinder or tank, then it is LPG.
“If you are a South Islander, then your gas is LPG – because there is no natural gas supply in the South Island.
“And if your gas is piped to your home or business in the North Island, then it is probably natural gas.”
Clarke says that if you are in any doubt, just check with your retailer.
And what despite the war in the Middle East – LPG suppliers in New Zealand say that they have plenty of stock, he says.
“Most of New Zealand’s LPG comes from Australia and USA, with some produced here domestically.
“None of the LPG New Zealand imports is shipped through the Middle East.”
BusinessNZ – Gas report highlights urgency of securing NZ’s energy transition
Source: BusinessNZ
The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) welcomes new analysis providing greater transparency on the future of New Zealand’s natural gas sector, saying it reinforces the scale and urgency of the supply challenge facing the economy.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says a new report commissioned by natural gas industry body Gas Industry Co confirms that New Zealand faces a rapid and unprecedented decline in domestic gas supply.
“BEC has been raising concerns about declining natural gas availability since its Gas Users Forum last year, warning of the risks to businesses and the wider economy if supply continues to fall without credible alternatives.
“Evidence of the strain is already emerging. This latest report notes that high gas prices and supply uncertainty are forcing some users to cut production, raise prices or close operations. These trends were also identified in BEC’s gas users survey last year. Introducing LNG imports from 2028 could materially ease the pressure.”
Rich says a pathway combining local gas with LNG imports would support a smoother transition, giving the energy sector time to build additional renewable generation and network capacity, while allowing consumers and businesses to move away from gas at a manageable pace.
“But even with LNG imports, without viable transition pathways for businesses, reductions on that scale risk economic contraction, job losses and business closures.
“Ensuring New Zealand has a realistic transition pathway is critical. Businesses need time, certainty and workable alternatives if they are to adapt while continuing to invest, produce and employ New Zealanders.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
Events – 24 hours to go: Hamilton gears up as Jim Beam Homegrown prepares to burst into song
Source: Brainchild for Jim Beam Homegrown
“Climb over your mates if you have to but don’t miss out on tickets for Jim Beam Homegrown in Hamilton this weekend.”
That’s the message from local businessman, entrepreneur, hotelier and ultimate Jim Beam Homegrown fan Pienaar Piso as the Festival enters its final hours before gates open on Saturday.
In just over 24 hours’ time, one of Aotearoa’s most iconic music festivals will return to Hamilton for the first time after 18 years on Wellington’s waterfront, transforming Claudelands Oval in Kirikiriroa into a full-scale Kiwi music playground.
And Hamiltonians are ready!
“We have been counting down to this since the day it was announced,” says Vanessa Williams, General Manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association. “Events like this bring incredible energy into the city. It is not just about the festival itself, it is about people exploring Hamilton, discovering new places and supporting local businesses along the way. We want every visitor to feel like a local while they are here.”
Jim Beam Homegrown CEO and managing director Andrew Tuck says the festival site has shifted into full festival mode.
“This is the moment where everything comes together,” says Tuck. “The stages are built, the sound systems are firing up and crews are moving at full pace to get every last detail locked in. You can feel the buzz building already. The artists are arriving, the city is humming and the stage is set for an epic celebration of Kiwi music.”
Over the past three weeks, hundreds of crew members, technicians and suppliers have been working around the clock transforming Claudelands Oval into a multi-stage festival destination.
Wherever possible, local Waikato suppliers have been part of the build — from scaffolding and staging to fencing, electricians, lighting, security and food vendors.
“It’s been incredible to see the scale of work going into bringing this event to life,” says Tuck. “We’ve had a huge response from the Waikato community and a lot of local businesses have played a role in getting us to this point.”
While the festival marks a return to its regional roots, the Hamilton event is arriving bigger than ever.
Two additional stages have been added this year, expanding the range of music and experiences for festival goers. The inaugural Precision Live Dance Stage will also add a new dimension, with some of Aotearoa’s best street and break dancers battling it out throughout the day.
With the schedule confirmed, the site nearly show-ready, and the final sound checks underway, the countdown is almost complete.
“Right now it’s all about the final touches,” says Tuck. “Tomorrow the gates open and Hamilton becomes the home of Kiwi music.”
Brainchild on behalf of homegrown.net.nz
About Jim Beam Homegrown
Jim Beam Homegrown is New Zealand's largest Kiwi-only music festival, celebrating the best of Aotearoa's musical talent. Established in 2008 in Hamilton, initially as X*Air, an extreme sports festival, Jim Beam Homegrown showcases a wide range of genres, including rock, funk, pop, reggae, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Tickets to the inaugural Hamilton event can be found at www.homegrown.net.nz
Candidates – Green Party selects Asher Wilson-Goldman as candidate for Kapiti
Source: Asher Wilson-Goldman
The Green Party has selected Waikanae resident Asher Wilson-Goldman as their candidate for the new Kapiti electorate at this year’s general election.
“I can’t wait to share the Greens’ positive vision for Aotearoa with Kapiti residents,” said Asher Wilson-Goldman.
“For too many people in our electorate, it’s harder now than it was three years ago to put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads.
“The Greens have a plan to see nature thrive, and for everyone to have what they need to live a good life.
“I’ve helped lead some of the public sector’s largest pieces of work, so I understand the power of the public sector to improve lives, when we have a Government that supports them to do it.
“Locally I’ve volunteered my time helping to set up Predator Free Kāpiti Coast, sorting through donations to the Kāpiti Foodbank, and advising Council on improving walking, cycling and horse riding access for recreation and transport.
“I’m a relentless advocate for Kāpiti every chance I get, and I’d love to take my voice to Parliament to fight for better healthcare, better housing and real action on climate change.
“By giving your party vote to the Greens this November, you’ll be part of our movement for stronger communities and a healthy planet,” said Asher Wilson-Goldman.
Govt Cuts – Risks to patients of health IT cuts laid bare in explosive report ignored by Govt – PSA
Source: PSA
The Government ploughed ahead with slashing Health NZ’s IT workforce, despite being told of the risks to patient care, an explosive internal report reveals.
The report – ‘End user impact of digital change – consequences’ was obtained by the PSA under the OIA and was prepared around March 2025 as Health NZ Te Whatu Ora refined proposals to almost halve its IT workforce (report attached).
“The report is a crystal-clear warning that cutting the jobs of IT experts will increase risks to patients – and that was ignored by Health NZ in the headlong rush to make cuts ordered by the Government,” said Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
The Digital Services workforce has been reduced by nearly 1000 roles by the Coalition Government.
The report, prepared by Health NZ’s Clinical Quality and Safety Committee, assesses the impacts of the of the original November 2024 proposal to cut the Digital Services workforce by 44% from 2400 to 1285. In April 2025 a new Digital Services structure was confirmed with 1460 roles, a reduction of 940 roles, a 39% cut.
It found that the proposed cuts would increase ‘overall clinical and operational risks’ that ‘will materially impact patient care’.
“This is an explosive document that should ring alarm bells across the health sector. It shows that the risks to patient care from cuts to Health NZ’s digital services team were known and expected.
“IT plays a critical role across every aspect of health care, from operating theatres to referrals, clinical test results and payroll, yet the Government was prepared to gamble with patient care, all to save money.”
IT outages are now ever present in our health system – the risks were sharply highlighted in January when clinicians across hospitals in Auckland and Northland were forced to use paper-based systems and whiteboards overnight and again last week when Waikato Hospital staff were unpaid for 24 hours.
“The buck stops with Health Minister Simeon Brown. He must take urgent action to invest in IT upgrades and IT specialists, or the impacts will be tragic. The underfunding of public health has to stop.”
In light of the report the PSA is renewing its call for the Government to:
– Immediately review funding for health digital services and IT infrastructure
– Admit its mistakes in cutting digital services expertise
– Commit to properly resourcing IT system upgrades and maintenance
ENDS
Attached: End user impact of digital change – consequences
Snapshot report findings
The report found that the proposed cuts would increase “overall clinical and operational risks” that “will materially impact patient care”.
It warns that cutting Digital Services staff who keep IT systems running will “hinder the ability to maintain such critical services effectively,” and will have “a larger impact on the [the Government’s] health targets than initially suggested.”
The report found that cutting digital delivery capability “may negatively impact Health NZ's ability to implement productivity and cost saving initiatives”, needed to meet the health targets.
It warns that with fewer staff and an ageing IT ecosystem, “the risk rating will almost certainly elevate as technical debt becomes unsustainable.”
The report further warns of longer wait times for clinicians looking for IT support. “Delays in responding to issues and requests may lead to impacts on clinical care time or the ability to provide critical information.”
It states that cuts will hit rural and regional hospitals hardest. Smaller sites including Gisborne, New Plymouth, Whanganui, Masterton, Nelson, Greymouth and Rotorua were already identified as under-resourced and geographically vulnerable. “The impact would be felt more keenly owing to the multiple roles conducted by some staff. A combination of single points of failure and inadequate wrap-around support.”
Recent PSA statements
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.
National Erebus Memorial moves forward with release of concept design
Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has today released the concept design for the National Erebus Memorial, marking an important milestone in the project’s development.
Deputy Secretary Delivery and Investment, Glenis Philip-Barbara, says the design reflects not only the significance of the Memorial, but also the enduring place families have in the project.
“Erebus families and members of Operation Overdue have been central in every step of this kaupapa,” she says. “Their insights shaped the original design brief, and their voices continue to guide how we honour their loved ones in this new setting.”
The concept has been developed by Studio Pacific Architecture and is based on the updated design brief and detailed site analysis for Cracroft Reserve, Christchurch – the preferred location. The concept reinterprets key elements from the original design to respond to the topography and outlooks of Cracroft Reserve.
“This design honours the memory of those lost, while deeply respecting the whenua and the people already connected to this place. Studio Pacific Architecture has created an incredible concept design that we are very proud of,” Philip-Barbara says.
The design emphasises the original design principles – a sense of adventure, a strong connection to the horizon and sky, and a journey that leads visitors toward moments of pause and reflection.
Elements of the concept design include the Roll of Names, a view of the horizon, the walkway, snowflakes, space to gather, sit and reflect, narrative and dedication components, and a whakataukī inscription.
Positioned on an elevated area of Cracroft Reserve, the concept offers expansive views across Christchurch and toward the coastline and Port Hills, creating a place for connection, reflection, and quiet remembrance.
Three official concept images – an aerial view, a sketch visualisation, and elevation drawings – have been released today and are available for media use. Feedback being sought about the concept design from Erebus families and members, Christchurch City Council, mana whenua, stakeholders, technical partners, and the Ministry. This will be considered by the designers as the project moves to developed and detailed design.
“Families remain at the heart of this work. Their perspectives, along with the expertise of our partners, will guide the next stage of refinement,” says Philip-Barbara.