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Property Market – NZ sales volumes fall for third straight month, capping weak start to 2026 – Cotality

Source: Cotality

Sales volumes have continued to decline across New Zealand’s housing market, marking a third consecutive monthly fall and extending a subdued start to 2026, even as property values remain broadly stable.

Cotality’s NZ Monthly Housing Chart Pack shows sales volumes in March were down -2.4% compared to the same time last year, following falls of -7.6% in January and -3.1% in February. Taken together, the results leave activity tracking around or below long-term averages across the first quarter.
Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the persistence of weaker sales suggested something more than a simple start-of-year adjustment.
“January’s weakness could have been explained by activity being pulled forward into December to nab a generous cash-back, but that softness has carried through February and March as well,” Mr Davidson said.
“We’ve now had three subdued months in a row, which indicates a weaker first quarter than expected. It’s not a sharp downturn, but it does show that confidence is still muted and buyers are taking their time.”
Values stable, main centres uneven
Property values held relatively steady through the softer sales environment, with the national median rising 0.2% in March and 0.3% across the first quarter. 
However, performance across the main centres remains uneven with Auckland values down -0.2% over the three months to March and -3.4% lower over the past year. 
Christchurch recorded modest gains, with values rising 1.1% over the quarter and 2.4% annually. 
Mr Davidson said those differences reflected local supply dynamics and shifts in affordability.
“Auckland still looks expensive in dollar terms, but when you look at it against local incomes it’s more affordable than it has been for quite some time,” he said.
“That’s helping support demand in that market, even if price growth remains fairly contained overall.”
First home buyers steady
First home buyers continue to play a major role in NZ’s market, accounting for more than 27% of purchases nationally across the first quarter, well above their long-term average of around 22%.

In Auckland, their share was higher again at around 30%, with even stronger concentrations in other parts of the country including Hamilton (33%) and the wider Wellington are (37%).

Mr Davidson said the consistency of first home buyer activity was fairly evenly spread across the country and supported by a combination of factors such as improved affordability and access to credit.
“Lower house prices compared to a few years ago, reduced mortgage rates, and KiwiSaver withdrawals are all helping,” he said.
“But just as important is that many buyers don’t need a full 20% deposit. More than half of first home buyer lending is still being done below that threshold, which makes a real difference to access.”
Soft rental market despite signs of stabilisation
Conditions in the rental market remain subdued, with Stats NZ data showing rents have fallen -0.4% in the year to March and MBIE figures recording a -1.6% fall in February. 
At the same time, gross rental yields have improved to 3.9% nationally, their highest level since 2015, reflecting earlier declines in property values alongside prior rent growth.
Mr Davidson said recent data suggests rents may be approaching a floor, but volatility in the monthly figures makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions.
“There are some hints in the latest numbers that rents could be flattening out, with migration picking up and rental listings easing a little,” he said.
“But rents are still very high relative to incomes, so even if they have flattened out, a strong upswing is unlikely.”
Market outlook remains constrained
Mr Davidson said the housing market started 2026 with limited momentum, and global uncertainty, along with higher inflation and interest rate expectations, continues to weigh on confidence.
This week’s Q1 CPI result was relatively becalmed, but the key period still lies ahead with the latest quarter capturing only the initial effects of the Iran conflict.
Mr Davidson said the Q1 number may not look too bad on its own, but it could be the calm before stronger inflation pressures come through later in the year.
“Property sales volumes were already soft through the first quarter, and that was before the latest developments around the Iran conflict,” he said.
“For now, prices are holding up reasonably well, but turnover is still on the softer side. Until confidence improves and movers start to re-engage, sales volumes are likely to remain subdued. Near-term downwards pressure on prices would not be a surprise.”
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Save the Children – Meet the 10 Generation Hope ambassadors championing youth voice in Aotearoa

Source: Save the Children

Ten young people have been selected for Save the Children New Zealand’s 2026 Generation Hope Youth Ambassador Programme, forming a collective of passionate youth advocates ready to take action on the issues that matter most to them.
The youth ambassadors – selected from across the motu – bring a diverse range of experience including youth councils, UN Youth, Digiwise, rotary clubs, and other community and leadership-focused initiatives.
Now in its fourth year, the programme is designed for rangatahi aged 14-18 interested in leading change in their own communities. Over the year, they take part in leadership and advocacy training, and co-create and lead events, such as Youth COP or online panels to raise awareness and their voices on issues that matter to them.
Wellington-based ambassador Casmai, 17 says she joined Generation Hope to “close the gap between youth voices and real-world change”.
“I want to challenge the idea that youth are only ‘the future’ and prove that we are more than capable of creating meaningful impact in Aotearoa right now.”
The 10 ambassadors gathered in Wellington for the first time last week, visiting Parliament, meeting with Minister for Children Karen Chhour, and attending a series of workshops designed to help build new skills and knowledge across advocacy, communications, fundraising and international development.
New ambassador Malak says, “Every past ambassador I’ve spoken to describes their time with Generation Hope as a turning point, an experience that builds confidence, broadens perspectives, and creates lifelong connections grounded in shared purpose. Being part of a community that uplifts young leaders while driving meaningful action is what draws me most to this opportunity.”
Save the Children New Zealand’s Advocacy and Research Director Jacqui Southey says each iteration of the programme has built on the year before, creating a strong foundation for youth leadership.
“Generation Hope gives young people a platform to speak on the issues they care about. With this year’s General Election fast approaching, our ambassadors are eager to speak up on the issues that affect their lives and help shape the future they want to see.”
This year’s Generation Hope youth ambassadors are:
Malak, 16
Ōtepoti Dunedin, Palestine
Malak is a passionate youth, mental health, and community advocate who sparks local and national conversations. Inspired by her family and community, she uses art, public speaking, and campaigning to create inclusive spaces. She is part of the Mental Health Foundation YAG, Make It 16, Gen-Z Aotearoa, and Rotary Club. A multifaceted changemaker, she believes every voice matters and works to challenge stereotypes and drive meaningful social and systemic impact.
Sofia, 16
T ā maki Makaurau Auckland
With experience in fundraising, Sofia is a passionate 16-year-old leader from Tāmaki Makaurau who values learning, education and creativity. Committed to advocacy and community impact, she aims to create positive change with a focus on connecting and empowering other young people.
Johan, 17
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Johan is a youth advocate focused on mental health and wellbeing, who brings energy and purpose to his work. Driven to support young people globally, he is passionate about leadership, debate, and creating opportunities for youth to thrive.
Casmai, 17
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Casmai is a creative and confident young leader who tries to bring humour and authenticity to her advocacy. She is very passionate about racial equality and inclusion, and uses filmmaking, public speaking, and leadership to uplift diverse voices. Alongside being a dedicated badminton player, Casmai has led and been part of initiatives like Speech Race Unity and Rotaract Club while volunteering in her community. Whether she’s on stage, behind the camera, or leading a team, Casmai is always aiming to inspire change and empower others.
Annatongamaria-Rita, 18
T ā maki Makaurau Auckland
Annatongamaria-Rita is a passionate and driven young leader who brings authenticity and heart to everything she does. Deeply connected to her culture and community, she is committed to uplifting others and creating meaningful change. Guided by the Samoan proverb “O le ala i le pule o le tautua” – the pathway to leadership is through service – she leads with purpose, humility, and a desire to empower those around her.
Ollie, 17,
T ā maki Makaurau Auckland
A proactive leader within his community, Ollie is dedicated to serving and supporting those around him. With an interest in youth and older adults' well-being, he supports meaningful connections and promotes equitable access to opportunities. An advocate for environmental issues, he is driven to contribute toward sustainable, positive change.
Chunwa, 17
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
A dedicated debater and literature lover, Chunwa uses words as her strongest tool for change. Passionate about social justice issues, she involves herself in volunteer work, promoting the idea that the most vulnerable members of her community deserve to meet their daily needs without hardship.
Shubhanyu, 15,
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
Inspired by the world he was raised in and the world it has the potential to be, Shubhanyu is a young leader with a passion for breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all youth to thrive the way they see fit. He seeks to understand, challenge, and reform today's systems so that Rangatahi can craft the best version of tomorrow.
Betty, 17
Ōtepoti Dunedin and The Philippines
Betty is a passionate Filipino youth advocate and creative from Dunedin. Lived experience shapes this changemaker who is committed to representation, community care, and youth-led spaces. Betty believes in empowering tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa and beyond to lead today and shape tomorrow.
Brayden, 15
Whakaoriori Masterton
A musician, public speaker and youth advocate, Brayden uses creativity to connect people and inspire change. He is actively involved in environmental and World Vision initiatives, serves as an Ambassador for UN Youth Wellington, and is a former Chair of the Masterton District Youth Council. Brayden is guided by a belief in dignity and a strong sense of self for all, endeavouring to empower others through storytelling, genuine conversation, and meaningful expression.
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.
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Fire Safety – Open fire season for most of Nelson Marlborough

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is revoking the restricted fire season in most of the Nelson Marlborough District from 8am on Friday 24 April, until further notice.
This means the Waimea, Coastal, Nelson North, Lake Rotoiti, Murchison, North Marlborough, and South Marlborough zones join the Golden Bay zone in an open fire season.
An open fire season means you do not need a permit from Fire and Emergency to light an outdoor fire.
All Department of Conservation land (PCL) remains in a restricted fire season, meaning anyone wanting to light a fire needs a permit approved by Fire and Emergency.
Sandy Bay remains in a prohibited fire season, meaning all outdoor fires are banned.
District Commander Grant Haywood says the autumn conditions have reduced the fire risk across the district.
“Thanks to shorter days, cooler temperatures, and increased rainfall, there is no longer a need to impose restrictions on outdoor fires.
“However, if you are lighting a fire, it is your responsibility to do so in a safe manner.
“Fires must be kept to a manageable size and smoke drift should not be a hazard for motorists. If it is windy, please postpone your burn.
“We urge everyone to continue going to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires to check if it’s safe to light and to access safety advice.”
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Renewable Energy Sector – Taiohi Solar Farm strengthens Waikato’s energy resilience

Source: WEL Networks

The WEL Group has officially opened the Taiohi Solar Farm, its largest solar development to date, marking a significant milestone in the Waikato’s clean energy transition.
The Taiohi Solar Farm is expected to generate approximately 44.6 GWh of renewable electricity each year; enough to power around 5,600 homes, and it will remove around 4,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
Covering 32 hectares, the solar farm features more than 47,000 solar panels. Construction was completed over 18 months and involved a workforce of around 150 people. WEL Group subsidiary, NewPower Energy, acknowledged the commitment and expertise of its development and delivery partner, Infratec, along with key subcontractors and suppliers including PGS Profab, Trilect, Feisst, Connells, SMA, Canadian Solar, S Rack and Kiwistaff.
“This project is the result of an incredible team effort,” said Acting NewPower Energy CEO, David Barnett.
“The skill, dedication and collaboration shown across the project team made Taiohi possible.”
Taiohi plays an important role in strengthening electricity supply resilience across the Waikato by generating power closer to where it is used. It forms part of a wider distributed generation and storage system being developed by the WEL Group, alongside the Rotohiko Battery Energy Storage System near Huntly and other solar farms in the region.
“Building generation locally improves resilience and reduces reliance on supply from outside the region.
“With electricity demand growing fast, solar generation is playing a bigger role because it can be deployed quickly to help meet near-term energy needs.”
Beyond its energy contribution, Taiohi is also being recognised for its strong partnership with Maurea Marae. The partnership has already delivered meaningful outcomes, including iwi and marae involvement during construction, the naming of the solar farm (meaning youthful), the installation of a pou at the entrance, and the creation of scholarships and grants for rangatahi.
“The focus on directing benefits from this project into supporting young people is an inspiring outcome.
“Our energy future depends not only on infrastructure like solar farms, but also on the talent, commitment and leadership of rangatahi.
“Taiohi is a powerful example of what’s possible through partnership and collaboration and represents a significant step toward a more sustainable, resilient, and locally supported energy system,” added David Barnett.
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Rural News – Farm pay growth slows after strong gains – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

Farm worker pay growth has levelled off in the last few years, after a post-pandemic period of rapid growth, a new report shows.
The 2026 Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Remuneration Report, released today, shows the average salary for a farm worker increased by $1,367 to $72,778, or a weighted average rise of 3% across 13 job positions.
“For some of those roles, the increases have been higher,” Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Karl Dean says.
“For example, the average salary for a dairy farm assistant – the most common position on a dairy farm – rose to $63,359 this year, a rise of 5%.
“Wages for an arable farm machinery operator jumped a massive 30% to $82,651.”
The moderation in farm worker pay rises in the last two years is consistent with broader labour market trends, with wage growth across the economy typically 2-2.4% annually.
“Keep in mind, too, that average annual salaries in our sector jumped 13% between 2022 and 2024, with a weighted average rise of 17% for sheep and beef farm roles,” Dean says.
This is the 15 th farming salaries report Federated Farmers and Rabobank have produced, this time collating results from a survey of 427 farm employers in early 2026.
The findings cover data relating to nearly 1,500 employees across 13 positions, ranging from dairy farm assistant to arable farm managers.
Bruce Weir, Rabobank General Manager for Country Banking, says the report highlights slightly stronger growth in Total Package Values (TPV) for farm employees.
“The salary figures don’t include the range of other benefits provided to farm employees, which can include things like vehicle usage, meat, firewood, phone and power allowances,” he says.
“For many farm employees, those extras can add up to several thousand dollars a year.
“Overall, the weighted average TPV across all farm employees lifted 5% to $77,030, nearly $4,252 more than the average salary.”
Despite the relatively modest lift in salaries and TPV over the last two years, Weir says the sector’s recent strong performance makes it an attractive option for young Kiwis.
“The agri sector has performed really strongly over the last 18 months and has been the shining light of the New Zealand economy,” he says.
“The sector’s long-term outlook remains positive, and the strong investment we’re currently seeing should flow through to new job opportunities in the years ahead.”
However, Weir says ongoing salary growth is also essential to ensure the sector continues to entice the next generation into agri careers.
“Remuneration matters to young people, and attracting strong talent will depend on on-farm salaries keeping up with – or surpassing – the wider employment market.”
Dairy positions
For dairy farm workers, the average weighted rise in TPV was 5%, up to $77,186.
“Pay rises for dairy farm staff were stronger in entry- and mid-level roles, and while the labour market remains competitive for experienced dairy workers, wage pressures have eased,” Dean says.
The dairy sector is facing increasing margin pressure despite solid commodity prices.
While forecast milk prices remain relatively strong at $9.20-$9.80 per kilogram of milk solids, breakeven costs have risen to around $8.50kgMS.
That’s eating into margins for many operators and is reflected in farmers’ weakening profit expectations, which fell to a net negative position in early 2026, Dean says.
“These factors help explain why dairy farm pay increases have been more incremental compared to bigger lifts in the previous years,” Dean says.
Sheep and beef positions
In the sheep and beef sector, the weighted average increase in TPV since 2024 was 2%, rising to $76,296, despite difficult operating conditions in 2024/25.
Sheep and beef salaries rose by a weighted average of 2%.
A Federated Farmers survey in February this year showed strong profitability on sheep and beef farms, but much more caution over forward expectations, reflecting ongoing cost pressures and market volatility.
“Even with conditions improving, farmers will be conscious of how cyclical schedules are, and are likely to take a cautious approach to reinvesting in staff until returns prove more reliable and consistent,” Dean says.
Arable positions
In the arable sector, the average TPV rose to $73,980, a weighted average increase of 7%.
Salaries increased by a weighted average of 5% but the results varied across arable positions.
Machinery operators saw big increases in both TPV and salary, but general farm hands and farm managers experienced declines.
Deans says the pay boost for machinery operators is largely attributable to the lift in technology in harvesting and other equipment coming onto farms, and the greater level of knowledge required to operate this equipment.
“These skills are becoming harder to find and come at a cost of remuneration.
“The lift in pay also reflects the fact that the past two wet harvests have increased the number of hours worked by operators to get the harvest done and extra time spent getting crops established.”
Dean says that while a relatively smaller sample size from this sector means results should be interpreted with some caution, the outcomes reflect economic and operational pressures.
“There is global oversupply in herbage seed, softer prices are putting a dampener on returns to farmers and wetter conditions over the past season have reduced yields.
“The decline in pay for general hand and manager positions is down to reduced profitability in the sector.”
Rabobank New Zealand
Rabobank New Zealand Limited is a part of the global Rabobank Group, the world’s leading specialist in food and agribusiness banking. Rabobank has more than 120 years’ experience providing customized banking and finance solutions to businesses involved in all aspects of food and agribusiness. Rabobank is structured as a cooperative and operates in 38 countries, servicing the needs of about 8.6 million clients worldwide through a network of close to 1000 offices and branches. Rabobank New Zealand is one of the country's leading agricultural lenders and a significant provider of business and corporate banking and financial services to the New Zealand food and agribusiness sector. The bank has 27 offices throughout New Zealand.
Federated Farmers of New Zealand
Federated Farmers is a membership-based organisation that has been representing rural land-owners for more than 125 years. Our staff and elected farmers have been a collective voice in decision-making, speaking to all levels of government directly to get a positive outcome for our members. Through our advocacy at a local and national level, we have influenced decisions around legislation affecting stock and land, the supply of farm needs, taxation and rating.
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Climate News – Commission advises no change to NZ ETS settings but flags late-2020s risk

Source: Climate Change Commission

  • The Climate Change Commission’s routine annual advice on NZ ETS auction settings, released today, recommends keeping auction volumes and price controls the same for now to limit the risk of further price instability and support confidence in the NZ ETS.
  • This year’s analysis also points to a possible unit shortfall risk by the late 2020s. It’s uncertain if and when a shortfall could happen, but it would likely result in volatile price spikes. The Commission advises the Government to consider and consult on options to mitigate this risk.
  • Auction settings shape expectations and market confidence, which matters for investment decisions, but they have limited reach – auctioned units are a small share of total units, and the NZ ETS covers less than half of domestic emissions.
  • The NZ ETS will struggle to provide an investment signal by the mid-2030s. The Government needs to start a transparent and consultative process to determine how the NZ ETS can best evolve.
No change for the moment, but plan now to address future risk
The Climate Change Commission’s regular annual advice on NZ ETS auction unit limits and price control settings recommends keeping settings the same for now, with minor adjustments for technical updates and inflation.
However, the analysis has identified a potential future unit shortfall that could happen as early as 2028, which could result in volatile price spikes that would have serious consequences. A shortfall would mean that more units might need to be auctioned in the future so the NZ ETS can function well, while remaining aligned with emissions targets, but this is uncertain.
“This annual advice is designed to help the Government make regular updates as needed. We’ve identified a potential future unit shortfall, which is concerning but uncertain. Our view is that the best option for now is to hold auction settings steady, get ready to act if needed, and reassess next year when better information is available,” says Jo Hendy, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Commission.
“These recommendations aim to avoid changes that could further unsettle the market, as market participants have told us that sentiment is low.
“While this advice is focused on making the NZ ETS work as well as it can given its existing architecture, bigger reforms are needed for the NZ ETS to be an effective tool in the 2030s. We advise the Government to start developing these reforms carefully and transparently, and with consultation,” says Hendy.
A unit shortfall could create price volatility – with serious consequences
“For an ETS to support an orderly transition to meet emissions targets, the emissions price should rise steadily over time to encourage the shift to low-emissions options. In contrast, a unit shortfall could cause volatile price spikes – which could force emissions reductions through lower production or factory closures rather than from upgrading to lower emissions technologies and processes,” says Hendy.
“A shortfall could also put the Government under pressure to make ad hoc market interventions, which in the past has been bad for confidence. The Government can get ahead of that by publicly consulting on options to address a future shortfall.”
These recommendations are conditional on the next settings advice and update being in 2027, which the Government has recently confirmed will go ahead. (When the advice was prepared the Government had announced its intent to shift to settings decisions every two years, so the Commission’s advice includes an alternate option for the Government to consider if the next review were not until 2028.)
Auction settings are important, but have limited reach
NZ ETS auction settings shape expectations and market confidence, which matters for investment decisions, but they have limited reach. Auctioned units are a small share of total units in the system, and the NZ ETS covers less than half of Aotearoa New Zealand’s emissions. This means settings are important, but not decisive on their own.
“Annual auction settings can’t solve the bigger design challenges with the NZ ETS. The scheme covers around 40% of domestic emissions, and that share is declining. Under the current architecture, by the mid-2030s the NZ ETS will struggle to provide an investment signal for either decarbonisation or forestry,” Hendy says.
“We’ve previously advised that the Government needs to start a transparent and consultative process to determine what an effective NZ ETS in the 2030s will look like.
“Investors need credible, well-signalled and consistent policies on the NZ ETS – and on climate change generally – to have confidence that investments in emissions reduction will generate returns.”
Resources
Summary of recommendations
  • Unit limits: Maintain the current NZ ETS auction volumes through to 2030 and set 2031 auction volumes on the basis that the surplus of units in the market has been depleted by then.
  • Price controls: Retain and extend to 2031 the current price control settings, with inflation adjustments from 2029.
Unit shortfall risk
The risk of a unit shortfall is because the surplus of units has reduced – and may continue to reduce – more quickly than expected. This is mainly due to no units being bought at auctions since late 2024.
Scope of the NZ ETS settings advice
This annual advice is about recommending NZ ETS unit limits and price control settings for the following five years. The volumes of NZUs available for auction, which this advice focuses on, are only a small proportion of the total units in the system.
Unlike the Commission’s other work, this advice is focused on making the NZ ETS work as well as it can given its existing architecture. This advice discusses some of the wider issues with the NZ ETS, but does not recommend specific policy reform, changes to the ambition of targets or to the Government’s climate strategy. The Commission provides other advice that addresses broader prospects for reducing emissions through the NZ ETS and other mechanisms, and monitors the country’s progress towards meeting emissions targets. The next annual emissions reduction progress report is due in July this year.
What happens next
The Government will consider this advice and run a public consultation on proposals, led by the Ministry for the Environment on behalf of the Minister of Climate Change. The Commission expects that this will be in the second quarter of 2026.
The Government must make decisions on NZ ETS unit limits and price control settings by 30 September 2026. The new settings will come into force on 1 January 2027.
Proposed amendments to the CCRA
In 2025, the Government announced its intention to amend the Climate Change Response Act 2002. More information is available at: environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/climate-change/amending-the-climate-change-response-act
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Health and Employment – NZNO members to consider new offer from Te Whatu Ora

NZNO members to consider new offer from Te Whatu Ora

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation
Nurses, midwives and health care assistants who are members of NZNO have received a proposed terms of settlement offer from Te Whatu Ora.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter says the offer was the first received since June 2025.
“It will now be up to our 36,000 Te Whatu Ora members to decide collectively and democratically whether the offer is good enough or they want to continue campaigning,” Paul Goulter says.
The NZNO bargaining team will spend the next few weeks speaking with members about the details of the offer, he says.
“While this process is underway in the lead up to a membership ballot, it is not appropriate for me to go into any details in the proposed terms of settlement. It is important that members hear the details first,” Paul Goulter says. 
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Productivity statistics: 1978–2025 – Stats NZ information release

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Research and development survey: 2025 – Stats NZ information release

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ANZAC Day – Anzac Day Hīkoi for Peace – Peace Action Wellington

Source: Peace Action Wellington

The Hīkoi for Peace is happening on Saturday, 25 April starting at 2pm at Waitangi Park walking to Pukeahu for a free concert and peace activities from 3pm-4pm. A collection of organisations working for peace, justice, ecological well-being and decolonisation is hosting the whānau-friendly event.

“We believe that Anzac Day must be a day where we commit to working for peace, justice, decolonisation and ecological sustainability. People can see that hatred and conflict are threatening to poison unity between peoples for the private profit of a very few. We do not want war,” said Valerie Morse, a member of the Hīkoi organising committee.

“We believe a better, beautiful flourishing world is not only possible, it is urgently necessary for us, for our children and for generations to come. Our world is the most astonishing garden that can care and provide for all of us – but it can't do that when billionaire war criminals are driving us to global war and nuclear destruction.”

“The Hīkoi is also about ethical remembering of our history and demanding ‘never again’ for anyone. Ethical remembering means to learn what World War 1 was really about, the horrors that happened there, and taking action to ensure those never happen again.”

“Many of us know that World War 1 was a huge imperial war that wasted millions of young people's lives unnecessarily. There is a lot more to that story that directly impacts the whole world today. People are making the connections between the US and Israeli war on Iran, the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, crushing climate change events and growing poverty. We are united in a determination to build a different
future.”

The Hīkoi organising committee includes Peace Action Wellington, Pōneke Anti-Fascist Coalition, Justice for Palestine, Alternative Jewish Voices, Asians Supporting Tino Rangatiratanga, Climate Liberation Aotearoa, Pōneke4Palestine, Aotearoa Irish for Justice & Peace, International Socialist Organisation Aotearoa and Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine. We work under the tikanga of Te Kahu o Te Raukura (a cloak of aroha and peace) acknowledging the call from mana whenua and Parihaka for peace and respect in the rohe.