Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Job Losses – Heinz Wattie’s Announces Proposed Changes to Operations in New Zealand

Source: Heinz Wattie

Today, Heinz Wattie's Limited announced proposed changes to certain areas of its New Zealand business as part of the company's shift to focus on its long-term strategy.

After careful consideration, the company is proposing to discontinue sale and production of frozen vegetables and Gregg's coffee, as well as dips sold primarily under Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands. These products would be phased out over the course of the year. 
The proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities located in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King Street, Hastings. 
Approximately 350 roles are expected to be impacted as a result of the proposed site closures and other changes across the business. The final number would be confirmed following consultation and consideration of redeployment opportunities.
Heinz Wattie's Managing Director, Andrew Donegan, said: “We are deeply aware of the impact this would have on our people, their families, our growers and suppliers, and the communities we have been part of for many years. These are people who have helped build this business over decades, and our priority now is supporting them.”
“The decision to start this process was not taken lightly. Numerous alternatives and options were explored before reaching this phase. It is a necessary step to position our company for the future.” Donegan adds. 
Over recent years, the manufacturing environment in New Zealand has become increasingly difficult.  Globally high inflation and various industry challenges have all placed ongoing pressure on the commercial performance of the business.
The business will continue to work closely with employees, union representatives, growers, suppliers, retail partners and other local stakeholders throughout the consultation period.

ABOUT HEINZ WATTIE'S
A subsidiary of The Kraft Heinz Company, Heinz Wattie's is a major food producer with a proud New Zealand heritage. Founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, Wattie's is home to the nation's favourite tomato sauce, baked beans, spaghetti and a wide range of fruit and vegetable products and meals enjoyed by millions of Kiwis up and down the country. Learn more about New Zealand's best-loved food brand, by visiting www.watties.co.nz

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Events – Gumboot Friday Delivers Hope in February: 1,754 Young People Supported

Source: Gumboot Friday

In February 2026, Gumboot Friday helped 1,754 young people aged 5–25 access free counselling, delivering a total of 2,721 sessions. Every session is free, needs no referral, and is chosen by the young person from a network of registered counsellors on the Gumboot Friday platform.

Breakdown by age group:

• 490 young people aged 5–11 (28%)
• 510 young people aged 12–17 (29%)
• 754 young people aged 18–25 (43%)

These numbers show what early intervention actually looks like: young people getting seen when they need it, not after things reach crisis point, not when “things get bad enough”.

“I look at the February numbers and I see the kids behind them — and a lot of them are still in primary school. The tricky thing is, a child who needs to talk doesn’t always look ‘obviously’ distressed. It can show up as being snappy, going quiet, not sleeping, acting out, or even without any obvious tells at all. What matters is they get the chance to sit down with someone who actually listens — properly — before things pile up,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King.

“Government funding covers the counselling sessions themselves, and donations to I Am Hope are what keep Gumboot Friday running — onboarding counsellors, maintaining the system, running our school programmes, and supporting the wider foundation. To everyone who’s backed this kaupapa, thank you. It means help is there when our young people need it,” King says.

If you’re 25 and under and need someone to talk to, visit www.gumbootfriday.org.nz to connect with a counsellor for Free. No GP referral needed.

To donate, fundraise, or get involved with I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday, head to www.iamhope.org.nz or text HOPE to 469 for a $3 donation.

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Health – Aged Care Association Calls for Stronger Direct Communication in Pandemic Planning

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association is urging the Government to strengthen direct communication pathways between Ministers and essential service sectors as part of future pandemic preparedness planning.
Chief Executive Tracey Martin says the call is grounded in her unique experience serving on both sides of the system – as a senior decision-maker during the pandemic and now as the national representative for aged residential care providers.
“At the onset of COVID-19, I served as a dedicated COVID Minister and as Minister for Seniors. In that role, I participated in all Cabinet and COVID Minister briefings led by the Ministry of Health and was directly involved in Government oversight of the national pandemic response,” Ms Martin said.
“My responsibility was to advocate for older New Zealanders and the services supporting them at the highest levels of decision-making during an unprecedented crisis.”
Now, as Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association, Ms Martin says she has gained a different perspective from providers who were delivering frontline care under extraordinary pressure.
“In my current role, I have come to better understand how some operational decisions taken during the response were experienced by the sector. In several cases, actions implemented at an agency level were widely believed by providers to be deliberate Cabinet decisions.”
She says this created confusion about where decisions were made and who was accountable.
“One example raised with us was the withdrawal of sector-held personal protective equipment supplies, which were replaced with products that providers considered to be of lower quality. Those affected believed this was a direct Government directive, when in practice operational implementation decisions sit at different levels within the system.”
Ms Martin emphasised that the issue is not about revisiting past decisions, but about learning practical governance lessons for the future.
“What this experience highlights is the need for structured, two-way communication channels between essential sector groups and responsible pandemic Ministers. When communication flows only through large agencies, there is a risk that operational realities and sector impacts are not always conveyed with full context – either up to Ministers or back down to those delivering frontline services.”
The Association is recommending that future pandemic planning frameworks include:
  • Formal mechanisms enabling essential sector representatives to communicate directly with designated pandemic Ministers
  • Clearer distinction between Cabinet-level decisions and agency operational implementation
  • Transparent communication pathways to ensure information provided to Ministers and guidance issued to sectors is consistent and accurate
“Aged care providers are a critical part of New Zealand’s health system and care for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” Ms Martin said.
“In a crisis, clarity of communication is as important as clarity of policy. Stronger direct connections between decision-makers and essential sectors will improve trust, decision quality and system performance when New Zealand needs it most.”
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Tax Reform – Concern that NZF, ACT could sink closure of major tax loophole

Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

11 March 2026, 3 pm – NZ First and ACT appear to be threatening to sink a tax measure that would close a major tax loophole and raise important revenue for the government. Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes Coalition say this is a concerning development.

It was reported in the NZ Herald today that the coalition parties are likely to oppose the proposal currently being considered by the Government for company loans to be treated as taxable income in circumstances where the shareholder would otherwise gain a tax advantage compared with recipients of dividends or salaries.

“This is a significant loophole – it creates unfairness and deprives the government of much needed revenue – and it looked like the Government was going to move to close it,” said Glenn Barclay, spokesperson of Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes Coalition.

“It is concerning that  NZ First and ACT,  might not support a measure that both Australia and the UK have and which will address what appears to be a very significant distortion in the tax system. Shareholders owe around $29b to companies at the moment – that is a substantial amount and it needs to be taxed appropriately,” said Barclay.

Tax Justice Aotearoa submitted to the IRD consultation on the proposal and argued the UK legislation was the best model for Aotearoa New Zealand to follow. There the tax charge is linked to the loan and is repayable if the loan is repaid, providing an incentive to do so and ensuring that legitimate loans will not be taxed.

“The UK model is well established and a workable approach that would not result in excessive taxation,” said Glenn Barclay. “But would remove the current distortion and gather revenue that's currently being lost to this loophole.”

Tax Justice Aotearoa noted the 2017-18 Tax Working Group recommended that closely held companies should provide security to IRD if the company was owed a debt by a shareholder and there was doubt about the ability and/or the intention of the shareholder to repay the debt and therefore should have been taxed as if the loan was a dividend or salary.

“The rhetoric around this has been intentionally overblown”, said Glenn Barclay. “With the right design, taxing shareholder loans would be a practical response to a real problem of unfairness and lost revenue – it would not be 'draconian' or 'double taxation'. We call on all the parties in the Coalition Government to take a constructive approach to address this major loophole in our tax system”.

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Education – MIT and Unitec showcase united vision at ASB Polyfest

Source: Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec

Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland – 11 March 2026 – One Waka. One Future. Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec will present a powerful symbol of unity and shared purpose at ASB Polyfest 2026, unveiling a joint presence that reflects their unification this year as a single organisation serving our communities and learners in Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland.

ASB Polyfest will be held across two events in 2026: the Pacific and Diversity Stages from 18–21 March at the Manukau Sports Bowl and Te Paparewa Māori stage from 30 March–2 April at the Due Drop Event Centre.
At the heart of MIT and Unitec’s presence this year will be a shared marquee – which brings to life Tāmaki Waka Hourua, a values framework guiding MIT and Unitec as they align their strengths, expertise and aspirations in one shared direction and purpose.
Waka Hourua, means ‘a double-hulled canoe’ and symbolises what were previously two institutions now travelling forward together alongside the communities they’ve proudly served for over 50 years.
Director Maori Education, Dr Wiremu Manaia explains: “This framework is grounded in core Māori principles:Whakapapa – the ancestral line that binds crew and vessel, Mana whakahaere – authority and responsibility to steer, Kotahitanga – unity of purpose, Mauri – the collective life force.”
These principles align with this year’s Polyfest theme, “Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi nō te Moana nui a Kiwa, āke, ake, ake!” (“The environment lives in me, as I live in it – a Pacific Youth Eco-Warrior for generations to come”).
MIT and Unitec’s shared presence represents a unified future under the guiding whakataukī:
“Nā te kaha ka whakatutuki, nā te kotahitanga ka whai hua.”
With strength we achieve; through unity we succeed.

A Defining Year. A Legacy Spanning More Than Two Decades
As Polyfest celebrates its 51st year, MIT and Unitec’s united presence marks a defining milestone.

In January 2026, the two institutions formally came together as the largest on campus provider of vocational education in Aotearoa New Zealand — a single, independent regional entity focused on delivering stronger outcomes for learners, industry and communities across Auckland.
Polyfest, widely recognised as Australasia’s largest secondary school cultural festival, will once again draw more than 80,000 visitors across six cultural stages representing the Cook Islands, Diversity, Māori, Niue, Samoa and Tonga.
MIT and Unitec’s presence at Polyfest builds on a longstanding relationship with the festival and the communities it represents.
“Although MIT and Unitec have come together as a new joint entity, our long and proud history of serving our communities and learners across Tāmaki Makaurau for more than 50 years remains as strong as ever. Our presence again this year at ASB Polyfest reflects that commitment,” says Executive Director, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.
For more than 20 years, our institutions have stood alongside the festival — supporting ākonga (students) as they develop confidence, cultural pride and leadership.
“Unitec became the first tertiary sponsor of Polyfest in 2003. MIT proudly sponsored the Niue stage in 2010, and together we sponsored the Tongan stage in 2025. These milestones reflect a deep and enduring relationship with a festival that celebrates the identity, culture, and aspirations of our Pacific communities,” Peseta says.

Visible Unity, Stronger Pathways

Polyfest is more than a cultural festival — it’s a powerful platform where education can lift the hopes and aspirations of Pacific youth.
“Through events like this, we can help young people see the pathways available to them in education and employment with our schools,” Peseta says.
“At MIT and Unitec, we are incredibly proud of our Pacific learners. They are achieving great qualifications and going on to strong career outcomes, contributing their skills and leadership back into their communities and across the country.”
MIT and Unitec are strengthening pathways from secondary school to tertiary study and employment. As one organisation, they offer broader programme options, enhanced learner support, deeper industry connections and a regionally focused approach designed specifically for Auckland.
“We’re continuing to strengthen our relationships with schools, families and communities across the region. This week, we welcomed careers advisors from across Aucklan to connect with our teams and learn more about the opportunities available for their students,” Peseta says.
For high schools, whānau and communities attending Polyfest, the message is clear: MIT and Unitec are united, future-focused and committed to being the education provider of choice for Auckland’s young people — now and for generations to come.
Want to know more about our course offerings, programmes and career pathways at MIT and Unitec? Find us at the MIT and Unitec Marquee at Polyfest. Come meet our amazing kaimahi (staff), take a selfie at our activations, or leave a message.
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Kawatiri Coastal Trail wins Outdoor Access Champion Award

Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission

A new trail across one of Aotearoa’s most historic, fascinating and naturally abundant coastlines has won a prestigious national award for championing public outdoor access.
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail in the Buller District has been named a 2026 Outdoor Access Champion by the Outdoor Access Commission.
This award recognises the Charleston-to-Westport Coastal Trail Trust’s decade-long commitment to developing the 40-kilometre Kawatiri Coastal Trail and securing enduring, inclusive public access across one of Aotearoa’s most culturally and ecologically rich coastlines.
Completed in March 2025, the Grade 2 walking and cycling trail stretches from Westport to Charleston, connecting communities, landscapes, stories, and generations.
Event details
Outdoor Access Champion Award Ceremony – Kawatiri Coastal Trail 
Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026 
Time: 4:00pm 
Venue: Star Tavern, 6 Lighthouse Road, Cape Foulwind
Partnership and perseverance
The Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust worked in close partnership with Ngāti Waewae, the Department of Conservation, Buller District Council, MBIE’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development Unit, Development West Coast, and many others to bring the trail to life.
The trust’s achievement in securing public access across complex land tenure is exceptional. Access arrangements were reached with 10 private landowners, covering 27% of the trail. Seven of those agreements – representing 23% of the whole route – are legally enduring walkway easements under the Walking Access Act 2008.
Herenga ā Nuku Chief Executive Dan Wildy says the trail shows what local communities can achieve when they work together.
“The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a nationally significant model of how public access can be created and protected through partnership, goodwill, and determination. The trust has built an enduring legacy for the people of Buller, New Zealand, and international visitors now drawn to this remarkable trail.”
A community asset
The trail has made it much easier for the region’s residents and visitors to access and enjoy the outdoors. Its wide, smooth surface supports walkers, runners, families, e-bikers, and hand-bike users, making recreation inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.
More than 40,000 users will enjoy the trail each year, with local schools, community groups, and visitors engaging in environmental education, heritage learning, and shared outdoor experiences.
Richard Niederer, Kawatiri Coastal Trail Trust Chairperson, says the Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust is extremely honoured to be a recipient of the 2026 Outdoor Access Champion Award.
“Coupled with the feedback from visitors and locals alike who are using the trail, we have created a community and publicly accessible asset which will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Environment and culture
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail has facilitated extensive ecological restoration, including 25,000 native plantings and 200 maintained predator traps to support kiwi, bittern and other native species.
Interpretation panels celebrate tangata whenua heritage, archaeology, geology, and local history stretching back 700 years. The trail’s partnership with Ngāti Waewae means it respects and supports tikanga-ā-iwi and significant sites, including the whare and interpretation signs at Whare Ngāhue.
Regional economic development
The trail is already delivering economic benefits to the district, strengthening regenerative tourism and supporting new local enterprises. Visitors are spending more time and money in the region, with extended stays and increased off-season visits, boosting community resilience. Research indicates the trail will be worth $79 million to the region by 2031.
As well as the more than 60 jobs created during the construction of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail, the trust estimates around 100 jobs will be created over the next 10 years in support of the trail. Zak Shaw from Development West Coast’s Nature Economy Project says the Kawatiri Coastal Trail receiving this award reflects the strength of local collaboration that brought the trail to life.
“Over the past several months we’ve seen just how popular the trail has become, with more people choosing to visit Buller to experience it for themselves. That growing visitation is incredibly positive for the region, supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for communities, and reinforcing the value of investing in world-class nature experiences. Inspired by local creative vision, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail connects rainforest to coastline, history to habitat, and locals to visitors, all in a single day.”
Volunteers and the community
Volunteers contribute more than 3,000 hours each year to fundraising, trail building, restoration, trapping, planting, maintenance, events, and governance. Their work means the trail remains safe, vibrant, and ecologically healthy.
“This award honours everyone who has contributed – the Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust, Ngāti Waewae, landowners, council, agencies, funders, volunteers, and supporters,” says Wildy. “Together they’ve created opportunities for everyone to access and enjoy the environment, today and for generations to come.”
A thank you for opening up the great outdoors
The Outdoor Access Commission, Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, has awarded Outdoor Access Champion Awards annually since 2013. A small group of winners are selected from nominees who have made significant and lasting contributions to public access to the outdoors in New Zealand. Nominations for 2027 will open in September.
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Exercise Industry Defies Economic Headwinds: Growth & Trust Continues

Source: Exercise NZ

“In a time when many sectors are experiencing contraction, the exercise industry is showing steady and meaningful growth. New Zealanders continue to prioritise their health and wellbeing, recognising that exercise is not a luxury, it's an essential part of living well.”

“There has never been more information available, but not all of it is accurate or safe,”

“In New Zealand we're fortunate to have REPs (the Register of Exercise Professionals), an independent body that verifies exercise professionals and requires them to maintain recognised qualifications and annual registration… This helps ensure New Zealanders receive safe, trusted, evidence-based guidance tailored to their individual needs.”

“Even in uncertain times, New Zealanders are choosing to invest in their health. The exercise industry is not just weathering economic challenges, it's growing, adapting, and playing a critical role in improving the physical and mental well-being of our communities.”

New Zealand's exercise industry continues to grow despite economic uncertainty, with new consumer research showing increasing participation, strong long-term demand, and rising trust in qualified exercise professionals.

The latest Exercise New Zealand consumer survey found that an estimated 2.67 million adults (69%) now exercise, representing continued growth and a clear signal that exercise remains a priority for Kiwis, even during financially challenging times. Of those, over 993,000 regularly exercise at structured exercise facilities such as gyms and studios, representing 26% of adults,  a significant increase from 22% in 2024.

Perhaps even more positive for the exercise industry is the potential for further growth. A further 192,000 New Zealanders who do not currently use an exercise professional indicated they intend to start within the next six months, representing a potential 19% increase in demand for professional exercise services.

Exercise New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie says the findings demonstrate the industry's resilience and its growing importance to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

“In a time when many sectors are experiencing contraction, the exercise industry is showing steady and meaningful growth. New Zealanders continue to prioritise their health and wellbeing, recognising that exercise is not a luxury, it's an essential part of living well.”

Participation in structured exercise has reached record levels, with nearly one million adults now engaging with gyms, studios, or exercise professionals, reflecting a growing demand for guided, supportive environments.

The research also highlights strong future growth potential. Approximately 19% more adults are considering using an exercise professional in the coming year, signalling continued expansion in demand for qualified support.

Trusted Professionals Matter

In an era where social media and online platforms are saturated with unverified fitness advice, the research reinforces the critical role of qualified exercise professionals. More New Zealanders are actively choosing to work with trained professionals, recognising the value of expert guidance, safety, motivation, and personalised programmes.

“There has never been more information available, but not all of it is accurate or safe,” says Beddie.

Exercise professionals also play a key role in supporting broader wellbeing outcomes. People who engage with structured exercise providers are more likely to experience benefits, including improved mental health, increased confidence, and healthier overall lifestyles.

“In New Zealand we're fortunate to have REPs (the Register of Exercise Professionals), an independent body that verifies exercise professionals and requires them to maintain recognised qualifications and annual registration,” says Beddie. “This helps ensure New Zealanders receive safe, trusted, evidence-based guidance tailored to their individual needs.”

Their training, certification, and accountability give New Zealanders confidence that they are receiving safe and effective advice from qualified professionals.

A Positive Future

The research confirms that exercise continues to hold strong perceived value, with 98% of New Zealanders recognising physical activity as important, and growing numbers seeing exercise as central to mental health, lifestyle, and overall wellbeing.

Exercise New Zealand says the results highlight both resilience and opportunity for the sector.

“Even in uncertain times, New Zealanders are choosing to invest in their health. The exercise industry is not just weathering economic challenges, it's growing, adapting, and playing a critical role in improving the physical and mental well-being of our communities.”

Exercise New Zealand encourages all New Zealanders to seek support from registered, qualified exercise professionals to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable progress toward their health goals. For more information on this release or to arrange an interview, contact Richard Beddie at richard@exercisenz.org.nz or P: 0800 66 88 11, M: 027-520-5744.

Note: Data was collected through an independent third party, Horizon Research, as a part of ExerciseNZ annual consumer research.

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Health and Politics – Government Acknowledges Aged Care Pressures But Families and Carers Still Carrying the Load

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association says today’s Government response to the Health Committee inquiry into aged care capacity recognises serious system pressures but leaves families and informal carers continuing to shoulder the consequences.
The inquiry examined how well the aged care sector can support people experiencing neurological cognitive disorders, including dementia. While the Government has welcomed the report and referred its recommendations to the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group for further consideration, no immediate actions or support measures were announced.
Association Chief Executive Tracey Martin says that delay has real-world impacts beyond providers, it lands hardest on families.
“Behind every delayed reform is a daughter reducing her work hours, a spouse managing complex care alone, or a family struggling to find a bed close to home. When the system strains, families absorb the pressure.”
Inquiry Highlighted Growing Strain on Families
The Health Committee heard extensive evidence about:
  • Limited availability of aged residential care beds
  • Financial barriers to accessing care
  • Workforce shortages affecting service quality and continuity
  • Inconsistent access to home and community support
  • The particular challenges of dementia care
These pressures often leave families filling gaps in care, navigating fragmented services, and carrying emotional, physical, and financial burdens.
“Families are becoming the default providers of care when services are stretched. That is not sustainable and it is not fair.”
Respite and Support Still Uncertain
While the Committee recommended establishing regular respite care programmes to support carers, the Government response points only to ongoing strategy work, with no new funding or delivery commitments.
“Respite is not a luxury – it is what keeps carers healthy enough to continue caring. Without reliable respite, burnout is inevitable.”
Delays in Funding Reform Flow Through to Households
The Government confirmed that aged care funding reform will be considered as part of a broader review process reporting back in 2026.
Until then:
  • Bed shortages persist
  • Dementia services remain financially constrained
  • Providers struggle to expand capacity
  • Access delays push care responsibilities back onto families
“When funding models don’t reflect the real cost of care, services can’t expand. When services can’t expand, families wait longer or cope alone.”
Home Care Progress Welcome But Gaps Remain
The Association acknowledged positive signals around:
  • More flexible home and community care services
  • Moves toward nationally consistent funding
  • Longer-term provider contracts
However, implementation timelines remain unclear.
“Supporting people to remain in the communities they know and love is the right goal. But families need to see changes on the ground, not just policy workstreams.”
A Human Issue, Not Just a System Issue
New Zealand’s ageing population means more families will face complex care decisions in the coming years.
“Aged care is not an abstract policy area. It determines whether older people can live with dignity, and whether families can remain families – rather than becoming exhausted, unsupported care coordinators.”
Call for Urgency
The Advisory Group is expected to report by mid-2026.
“We respect the need for careful policy design, but the lived reality is urgent. Families and carers need practical support now – clearer pathways, available beds, sustainable services, and meaningful respite.”
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Animal Welfare – Government drops plans to revive live animal export trade – SAFE

Source: SAFE For Animals

SAFE is celebrating news that the Government will not move forward with plans to reinstate live animal exports by sea, ensuring the ban on the trade remains in place at least for this parliamentary term.
Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard confirmed yesterday that Cabinet had been unable to reach agreement on reviving the industry.
SAFE CEO Debra Ashton says the announcement is a huge relief.
“Live export forces animals into gruelling journeys across oceans where they can spend weeks confined on crowded ships, exposed to extreme heat, distress, and injury,” says Ashton.
“No animal should have to endure that.”
Ashton says the outcome reflects the strength of public opposition to the trade.
“More than 57,000 people signed a petition in 2024 calling on the Government to protect the ban. New Zealanders made it clear they did not want to see animals shipped overseas on long and dangerous journeys.”
The Government had previously signalled it intended to revive the trade under what it described as a “gold standard” for animal welfare.
Ashton says that promise was never credible.
“There is no such thing as a ‘gold standard’ for shipping live animals across oceans. The risks are inherent to the trade itself.”
“No amount of regulation can remove the suffering animals endure during weeks at sea, or guarantee their welfare once they arrive overseas.”
SAFE says it remains concerned that the minister responsible for animal welfare continues to support the trade.
“Live export has repeatedly been shown to put animals at significant risk,” says Ashton.
“It raises serious questions about whether someone who supports this trade is the right person to hold the animal welfare portfolio.”
SAFE says yesterday’s announcement will be welcomed by the tens of thousands of people who spoke up to defend the ban.
“This is a moment to celebrate,” says Ashton.
“People across the country stood up for animals, and today those animals are safer because of it.” 
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We're creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
Notes: 
– On 10 November 2025, SAFE filed a formal complaint relating to Andrew Hoggard’s oversight of the animal-welfare portfolio, citing a pattern of regulatory capture in which industry interests have been allowed to override legal requirements and scientific evidence, thereby undermining public trust in animal-welfare governance.
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Greenpeace – Renewed calls for Govt to lower nitrate contamination limits, following Danish precedent

Source: Greenpeace

In  an open letter launched this morning, Greenpeace is calling on the New Zealand Government to put public health above industry profits by lowering the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water. (ref. https://www.greenpeace.org/aotearoa/publication/open-letter-nitrate-limits/ )
This follows the Danish Government's move to lower the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water, after an expert panel recommended it should reduce from 11.3mg/L – which is also New Zealand’s current standard – to 1mg/L. The panel's recommendation was to take a precautionary approach to protect against the risk of bowel cancer.
Greenpeace Aotearoa freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says, “Rural families’ drinking water is being poisoned by the intensive dairy industry, yet the New Zealand Government is burying its head in the sand and pretending there’s no problem.”
“A growing body of international evidence has linked elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water with several human health risks, including bowel cancer, preterm birth, and Blue Baby syndrome.”
“But while Denmark moves to protect people from these health risks, the Luxon Government is protecting dairy industry profits.”
Appelbe says that the Danish situation is a ‘good news story’ – one that New Zealand needs to replicate.
“The Danish Government has recognised a threat to human health, and taken action to stop the problem from getting worse.
“Nitrate contamination has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer, preterm birth, and at high levels, Blue Baby syndrome. Another recent international study suggests a correlation between high nitrate in drinking water and increased dementia risk. The weight of the available evidence supports taking a precautionary approach and reducing exposure to nitrate contamination.”
“The evidence is clear. Nitrate contamination puts people’s health at risk. That’s why we’re calling on the Luxon Government to lower the Maximum Allowable Value – the legal limit – for nitrate in drinking water now.”