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Storm News – State of Emergency lifted for Northland

Source: Northland Regional Council

The State of Emergency for the Northland region has been lifted as of 5pm Monday 13 April.
The decision to lift the declaration was made this afternoon following consultation with local councils, emergency services, and welfare support agencies. Based on the latest assessments, the situation across the region can now be effectively managed under recovery arrangements.
Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group Chair Colin Kitchen said that while some challenges remain, the region is in a position to transition out of emergency powers.
“There are still some welfare, roading, and clean-up issues to work through in parts of Northland, including issues from previous events that have been exacerbated by this weather. However, we are confident we can continue supporting our communities without the need for a State of Emergency,” Mr Kitchen said.
Mr Kitchen said having the State of Emergency in place ensured authorities were well prepared to respond should conditions have worsened, particularly given vulnerabilities created by recent back-to-back weather events.
“The decision to declare a State of Emergency is never taken lightly, but is based on potential risk, forecast information, and the need to act quickly if conditions deteriorate.”
“While Cyclone Vaianu did not impact Northland as severely as some predictions suggested, and the majority of emergency powers were not required, the declaration meant we were ready to respond quickly and keep people safe if the situation had escalated.”We thank the public for their patience and understanding as we worked to ensure Northland was prepared for any outcome.”
Parts of the region are still recovering from previous weather events, and recovery work will continue in the coming days and weeks. Local councils, lifeline utilities, and support agencies will remain focused on infrastructure repairs, supporting affected communities, and addressing ongoing welfare needs.
Mr Kitchen also thanked Northland communities for being prepared and for listening to the warnings.
“I want to acknowledge the effort people across Northland have made to prepare and respond to the warnings issued. While Cyclone Vaianu did not have the level of impact that was initially forecast for our region, it was still important we treated the risk seriously.
“Preparation is always preferable to reaction, especially when severe weather can change quickly.”
“Taking simple steps to prepare, looking out for your whānau, neighbours, and property helps reduce pressure on emergency services and allows support to be directed where it’s most needed. That kind of preparedness makes a real difference for Northland.”
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Legal Issues – High Court dismisses Tony Gibson appeal – Maritime NZ

Source: Maritime NZ

 

The Auckland High Court has upheld the initial guilty finding and sentence of former Port of Auckland Chief Executive, Tony Gibson, after stevedore, Pala'amo Kalati, was killed at the port in August 2020 by a falling container.

 

“Our thoughts continue to go out to Mr Kalati’s family and friends, as well as those also impacted by this tragic incident, including the other surviving victim,” Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett, said.

 

Maritime NZ prosecuted Mr Gibson under the Health and Safety at Work Act. He was found guilty after a trial in the Auckland District Court in 2024. Mr Gibson then appealed to the High Court.

 

“We are pleased to see the High Court has reinforced that Mr Gibson did not exercise his due diligence responsibility to ensure the port complied with its health and safety obligations,” Ms Hewlett said.

 

“Mr Gibson had the knowledge, influence, resources and opportunity to address safety gaps and ensure that appropriate systems were in place at the port, but failed to do so.

 

“During his more than a decade managing it, the port company was convicted of several offences under health and safety legislation, including for incidents resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.

 

“Mr Gibson knew of safety issues around critical risks that could hurt people on the port but he did not take timely action to address them, even though it was in his control and influence to do so.

 

“It is hoped this case will serve as a strong reminder to chief executives of large companies – they need to understand the critical risks at their businesses, assure themselves through reliable sources that there are controls and systems in place, and verify that these controls and systems are working effectively to improve safety.

 

“In saying this, I recognise there are many officers in New Zealand who are meeting their health and safety obligations, and they should be confident this decision reaffirms the work they do to keep their people safe at work.”

 

Maritime NZ will continue to work with WorkSafe NZ and other bodies like the Business Leaders Health and Safety Forum to provide guidance for chief executives, including taking into account any amendments to the health and safety legislation.

 

Note:

 

The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 uses the term “person conducting a business or undertaking” (PCBU). For ease of reading by the general public, Maritime NZ has referred to the PCBU as the “port” in this media release.

 

The District Court had fined Mr Gibson $130,000 and ordered him to pay costs of $60,000. The High Court upheld the conviction and sentence.

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That’s Us: National quit campaign returns for World Smokefree May to support whānau to stop smoking

Source: Hapai Te Hauora

Hāpai Te Hauora is encouraging whānau across Aotearoa to come together this May, as World Smokefree May returns for 2026 with a focus on supporting people who smoke to connect with their local Stop Smoking Service and stop smoking.
The That’s Us: World Smokefree May campaign highlights the benefits of stopping smoking and advocates for policies that prevent uptake among future generations.
Jasmine Graham, Māori Public Health Manager at Hāpai Te Hauora, says while Aotearoa has made significant progress over time, the job is not done.
“We’ve seen smoking rates come down over the years, but that progress has slowed, and Māori are still being impacted the most,” she says.
Recent data shows that Māori daily smoking rates sit at around 15%, compared to 6.8% across the total population, and for the first time in a decade, the decline in Māori smoking has stalled.
“Now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal,” Graham says.
“We need to keep making sure people have the opportunity and support to stop smoking.”
Smoking is shaped by more than just individual choice – cost of living, stress, and environment all play a role, alongside a product designed to be addictive.
Hāpai Te Hauora says that is why a collective, whānau-centred approach remains critical.
“Stopping smoking isn’t something people should have to do on their own,” Graham says.
“When whānau, communities and services come together to support someone, that’s when change becomes more possible.”
World Smokefree May is built around that idea of collective action – encouraging people who smoke to stop smoking for four weeks, together.
Evidence shows that if someone can stay Smokefree for four weeks, they are four times more likely to remain Smokefree long term.
Throughout May, the campaign will share real stories from whānau, highlight available support, and encourage people to take that next step – whether it is their first time or another try.
“There’s no perfect time to stop smoking, but there is support available right now,” Graham says.
“That’s what this campaign is about – showing people they’re not alone, and that change is possible when we do this together.”
World Smokefree May will also be marked with a launch event in Christchurch on Friday 1 May, including the unveiling of a new Smokefree mural.
Sign up today at www.worldsmokefreemay.nz and get ready to start on 1 May.
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World Vision – A GENERATION LOST: SUDAN’S CHILDREN PAY THE PRICE OF THREE YEARS OF CONFLICT

Source: World Vision

  • The conflict in Sudan enters its fourth year with more than 17 million children in desperate need as famine-like conditions grip the nation
  • Malnutrition is rife and nearly one million  children are at risk of death
  • More than 10 million children have not set foot  in a classroom in three years
Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises following three years of relentless violence in which children are paying the most devastating cost. 
World Vision New Zealand warns that without urgent international funding and immediate political action to end the conflict, an entire generation of children could be lost.
Famine-like conditions have been confirmed across multiple regions, driving more than four million children into acute malnutrition. Among them, more than 800,000 are so severely wasted that without specialised treatment, they may not survive.
World Vision New Zealand Country Programme Manager, Sarah Whittaker, says the world is failing Sudan’s children and must act now. 
“New Zealanders have a proud tradition of showing up for the world's most vulnerable people, and Sudan's children need that now more than ever.
“This crisis is not winding down, in fact it is accelerating. Every week that passes without adequate action means more children exposed to horrific violence, more children dying of preventable hunger, more girls exposed to violence, and another generation denied an education.”
New Zealand contributed $5 million NZD to Sudan's humanitarian response in the last financial year.
“New Zealand must urgently increase its humanitarian funding to Sudan to match the scale of the crisis,” Whittaker says.
“So many children are turning up at displacement camps alone, without parents, without protection and without support. Children have nothing and no one to rely on. Humanitarian aid is their only lifeline. Without it, children will not survive.”
In a single displacement camp in Fina in Sudan, more than 200 unaccompanied children have been identified, a heart-breaking snapshot of a crisis in which children continue to suffer in silence. 
Today, two-thirds of Sudan’s population are in need of humanitarian support, including more than 17 million children. Children like 11-year-old Ibrahim who fled his hometown with his family after his home was shelled.
“The sky was black with smoke, and I saw people covered in blood,” Ibrahim recalls. “We ran until we could not breathe. I thought we would be safe here, but there is nothing but dust. I used to have books and a bed. Now we sleep on the ground in a makeshift shelter and I wait for food that never comes.”
World Vision teams are working round the clock in Sudan to deliver food, clean water, nutrition therapy, and child protection services, but the gap between need and available resources is growing at a catastrophic rate. 
World Vision Sudan National Director, Simon Mane, says time is running out for an entire generation of children.
“The children of Sudan have shown incredible resilience, but resilience has its limits. They need the world to care about their survival and to step up and do more. Every hour of delay increases the risk of death for more children.” 
World Vision is also calling on the New Zealand Government to urgently increase humanitarian funding and support international efforts toward a ceasefire.
New Zealanders can donate to World Vision's Sudan Emergency Appeal at www.WVNZ.org.nz/CHR or by calling 0800 800 776.
Note:
World Vision in Sudan: World Vision has operated in Sudan for over 40 years and is currently delivering life-saving food, clean water, nutrition and child protection services to communities across the country. Sudan is now home to the world's largest displacement crisis, with more than 13 million people forced from their homes.
About World Vision New Zealand: World Vision New Zealand is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision operates in nearly 100 countries worldwide.
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Sleep your way to smoother skin: MyWrinkles founder wins Soda’s Growth Lab

Source: Soda Inc.

A simple idea with big potential – smoothing wrinkles while you sleep – has won Soda’s Business Fundamentals Growth Lab and $2,000 to support its next stage of growth.
MyWrinkles founder, Lara Hofer, impressed judges with her science-backed skincare brand which uses reusable, medical-grade silicone patches to smooth fine lines and support healthier skin – offering a non-invasive, non-toxic alternative to Botox and other cosmetic treatments.
The idea grew out of Lara’s business, Myscar, which develops and sells silicone scar treatment products.
“While developing silicone products for scar care, I became increasingly interested in its potential for everyday skincare, particularly its ability to soften fine lines and wrinkles. After years of development and testing, MyWrinkles was created to bring that same trusted technology to facial skincare in a way that is effective, easy to use, and gentle on the skin,” says Lara.
“The Growth Lab has been incredibly valuable for me as a founder. It gave me clarity on how to structure and communicate my business and helped turn what felt like a lot of moving parts into a clear, focused growth plan. Winning gives me real confidence in the direction we are heading with MyWrinkles, and the impact we can have in the beauty industry here in New Zealand and globally.”
The win comes at the culmination of Soda’s Business Fundamentals Growth Lab, powered by Deloitte. Over the past two months, a cohort of Hamilton-based female founders have taken part in a structured programme designed to build strong business foundations and accelerate growth.
Developed and led by local entrepreneur, Dr Fern Kelly-Zander – co-founder and owner of Rudi’s Bakehouse and Innovation Specialist at Soda – the programme combines online learning with in-person, expert-led workshops and weekly guest speakers.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch participants grow in confidence and clarity week by week,” says Dr Fern Kelly-Zander, Soda Programme Manager and Innovation Specialist.
“By the time they step onto the pitch stage, they’re not just talking about an idea, they’re communicating a well-thought-out business with purpose and direction. That shift is exactly what the Growth Lab is designed to support,”
During the programme, participants learnt practical skills to run and grow successful businesses, covering everything from financial foundations and pricing through to marketing, strategy and long-term planning.
“We created the Growth Lab to equip founders with the tools, knowledge, confidence and connections needed to grow sustainable businesses. The impact the programme has had on participants has been genuinely transformational,” says Anna Devcich, Soda General Manager.
“We’re lucky to have Dr Fern Kelly-Zander who has poured an incredible amount of expertise, energy, time and care into the Growth Lab. As a founder herself, she understands exactly what early-stage businesses need, and that’s reflected in both this programme and Soda’s Business Fundamentals Online platform.”
Delivered in partnership with Deloitte New Zealand, the Business Fundamentals Growth Lab reflects a shared commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and strengthening the regional business ecosystem.
“The programme struck a great balance between practical business fundamentals and the excitement of building something new. As head judge, it was rewarding to see founders sharpen their thinking, back themselves, and enjoy the process,” says Stefan Davies, Partner at Deloitte New Zealand.
“Deloitte was proud to support Soda’s first in-person Business Fundamentals Growth Lab, along with the founders who brought such momentum and commitment to the cohort.”
The Business Fundamentals Growth Lab is part of Soda’s wider offering for entrepreneurs and business owners, including access to government funding and support, business events and workshops, startup coaching, and strong community connections.
Business Fundamentals Growth Lab participants
Britt Te Patu – Eventi
Hayley Beaumont – HeyBeau
Kelly Watts – Kultivate Kids
Lara Hofer – MyWrinkles
Lisa Quarrie – Common Compost
Olya Meehan – Topsy Turvy NZ
Zoe Hoole – Makers Common
Soda Soda empowers businesses to grow with confidence and achieve success. We connect entrepreneurs, business owners and key decision makers with the people, tools and expertise they need to accelerate growth. Proudly based in Hamilton, Soda is the Waikato’s Regional Business Partner, guiding local businesses to government funding and support to help them thrive. We also deliver free one-to-one coaching for early-stage founders through Startup Aotearoa. Alongside our programmes, Soda hosts a range of inspiring events designed to motivate and upskill our business community. We’ve also developed Business Fundamentals Online – a digital learning platform offering short, practical courses tailored to support entrepreneurs and business owners across Aotearoa. www.sodainc.com Deloitte Deloitte New Zealand brings together more than 1,800 specialist professionals providing audit, tax, technology and systems, strategy and performance improvement, risk management, corporate finance, business recovery, forensic and accounting services. By fostering inclusive leadership and creating opportunities for women, Deloitte aims to shape a business landscape where women are driving transformation and redefining success.
Deloitte is proud to sponsor Soda's Business Fundamentals Growth Lab for Women in Business. Deloitte was involved in the selection panel, group sessions, as well as judging on the pitch night, offering advice and feedback.
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Housing or Health? It’s an Unacceptable Choice A Quarter of New Zealanders Skipped Medical Care Last Year to Stay Housed

Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners

New survey of over 5,000 New Zealanders finds housing costs now drive sacrifice
across health, food, and family life.

AUCKLAND – 7 April 2026 – More than one in four New Zealanders delayed medical care last year because of what they pay for housing. One in four skipped meals.

This is a choice faced by ordinary households – renters, moderate-income families, and first-home aspirants – caught in a housing system that consumes too much of their income and offers too few alternatives. It is not limited to people living in extreme poverty.

The second annual New Zealand Housing Survey®, released today by urban strategy consultancy The Urban Advisory (TUA), draws on the experiences of 5,232 New Zealanders surveyed between August 2024 and January 2026. It is the most comprehensive demand-side housing dataset in Aotearoa.

Its findings are unambiguous.

“The sacrifices revealed in this data are not a cost-of-living story. They are an ongoing story about housing system failure,” says Dr Natalie Allen, Co-Founder and Director of TUA. “We are now two years into this survey, and the patterns are not changing. They are hardening.”

What the survey found:

  • 50% of respondents worry they cannot pay for housing in the future.
  • 45% are dissatisfied with the housing options available to them.
  • 27.8% delayed medical appointments because of housing costs.
  • 25.3% skipped meals.
  • 91% say housing costs too much relative to income.
  • 76% rank safety from natural hazards as the most important property feature — above price and outdoor space.

The tenure divide

The survey's sharpest finding concerns the gap between two types of tenure: owning and renting. While 90% of homeowners feel stable and secure in their housing, only 57% of renters say the same. Renters also report colder and damper homes, lower energy efficiency, and less control over their living conditions.

Critically, the survey finds that New Zealanders are not dissatisfied with renting as a way of living. They are dissatisfied with the quality and insecurity of the rental homes available to them. Renting is a viable tenure option — but only if the product improves.

“Renters are paying more for less,” says Allen. “That is a structural failure with nationwide implications, not a set of unfortunate individual circumstances.”

Deposits, not repayments, lock people out

Using a Residual Income Model which integrates deposit levels, lending constraints, stress-tested rates, and age-adjusted mortgage terms, the survey shows that, while many moderate-income households would be able to afford mortgage repayments, they cannot accumulate a deposit. Although recent OCR cuts have reduced monthly costs, they have done nothing to address the deposit gap.

A demographic shift the market is not ready for

Nearly half (49%) of people planning to retire in the next ten years expect to downsize. Most plan to stay in the region where they currently live. Yet the market offers very few well-located, accessible, compact homes at the quality and price this cohort needs. This is not a niche problem: it is one of the strongest signals of future housing demand in the dataset.

The commercial opportunity

Fifty-two percent of respondents want more secure, long-term rental options. The market delivers almost none at scale. Internationally proven models such as Build-to-Rent, shared equity, cooperative housing, community land trusts, progressive ownership, and new-generation retirement living, remain undersupplied in New Zealand, despite clear and growing demand.

“There is a large and growing segment of demand that the current market is not serving,” says Greer O'Donnell, Co-Founder and Director of TUA. “Diversifying New Zealand's housing stock is now both a social necessity and a commercial imperative.”

For developers, iwi, councils, government agencies, and investors, the survey data offers a precise evidence base: which typologies are in demand, where, and for whom. The Urban Advisory is using the dataset to reduce risk and align investment with real household need.

Download the survey

You can find the full survey, as well as additional supporting imagery, here: https://www.theurbanadvisory.com/research/the-new-zealand-housing-survey-year-2-survey-results

About The New Zealand Housing Survey®

The New Zealand Housing Survey® is an independently administered, annually repeated national study. The 2026 dataset drew on 5,232 respondents aged 16 and over, surveyed across Aotearoa between August 2024 and January 2026. The survey methodology underwent academic peer review, Te Ao Māori cultural review, and multiple rounds of user testing. All responses are fully anonymised.

About The Urban Advisory

The Urban Advisory is an Aotearoa New Zealand urban strategy consultancy, established in 2016, working with developers, iwi, councils, and government to deliver better housing and urban development outcomes.

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Politics and Trade – Back the India deal: Business leaders call for cross-party support

Source: BusinessNZ

The BusinessNZ Network and leaders across New Zealand’s export sector are calling on all political parties to back the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, warning the country cannot afford to miss a major economic opportunity.
An open letter published today and signed by 28 exporters and industry associations outlines the significance of getting the deal across the line as global uncertainty, rising protectionism and supply chain disruption continues to reshape international trade.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says trade has long been a strength of New Zealand’s economic policy, and bipartisan support has underpinned our success.
“New Zealand relies on global markets to drive growth, support jobs and lift incomes. That only works when there is consistency and confidence in our trade settings. That’s why we’re making this call to all political parties today.
“This Agreement opens the door to one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and creates real opportunities for New Zealand exporters. We cannot afford to delay this deal.”
The open letter states that the reduction of barriers secured in the Free Trade Agreement will directly benefit sectors including; Horticulture, sheep meat, seafood, wine, honey, wood products, seeds and natural fibres, machinery, digital technology, and services.
ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan says the Agreement is ultimately about backing the people behind New Zealand’s export economy.
“India is on track to become the world's third largest economy by 2030. Securing fair access to a market the size of India’s backs our farmers, growers, manufacturers, innovators and service providers, as well as the communities that depend on them.”
Tan says opportunities of this scale are rare, and maintaining New Zealand’s longstanding bipartisan approach to trade is critical in the modern trading environment.
“This Agreement was hard-fought and represents our best chance to secure meaningful access to one of the world’s most important growth markets. Businesses want to see the agreement signed and into force as quickly as possible. Now is the time for Parliament to get behind it.”
The full open letter and supporting material can be found at exportnz.org.nz. Business leaders and other interested parties are encouraged to sign the letter and show support for the deal using the link above.
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.
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PSA – Take inspiration from Australian Govt: encourage public servants to work from home to save fuel and ease costs

Source: PSA

The Government needs to take a leaf out of the Australian Government’s book and step up and direct public service agencies to encourage working from home to conserve fuel and reduce the crippling cost of commuting for many workers.
The Australian Government has today launched a $20 million advertising campaign urging people to drive less, use public transport and conserve fuel. Australia has also halved its fuel excise.
“With the threat of fuel shortages remaining high, the Government should be doing everything it can to reduce unnecessary travel. Instead, it’s still clinging to its failed back-to-the-office agenda,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Every public servant who can work from home and who does so instead of driving, is one fewer car on the road burning fuel we can’t afford to waste. This is about conserving a scarce resource as well as easing the financial pain on workers whose commuting costs have surged by $40 to $50 a week.
“Even the Australian Government gets it. Meanwhile, our government refuses to cut fuel excise, or lower public transport fares and is still pushing public servants back into the office. It makes no sense.
“We welcome the temporary 30 percent increase in mileage rates for home and community support workers, a move the PSA campaigned hard for. And it should be made permanent. But it highlights the gap in the Government’s thinking. It recognises fuel costs are punishing many frontline care workers who have no choice but to drive, yet it won’t take the obvious step of reducing unnecessary commuting for thousands of public servants who can do their jobs from home.
“We are in a fuel crisis. A temporary, sensible increase in working from home would ease pressure on our fuel supply, take pressure off household budgets, all while keeping the public service running.
“It’s ironic that this government dragged public servants back to the office with no evidence it improved productivity and has already been forced to back down at MBIE when its rigid policy was found to breach the collective agreement. Now workers are paying through the nose for a commute the Government insisted on.
“The $50 a week tax credit increase for some working families is welcome but does not go far enough. The Government needs to use every tool available to lower costs for workers and letting people work from home where they can is one of the simplest and most effective things it can do.
“The Government needs to look across the Tasman and do all it can right now, as this crisis shows no sign of easing soon.”
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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Storm News – Cyclone Vaianu Response Update #2

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is continuing to respond to 111 calls for assistance in areas affected by Cyclone Vaianu.
Most of the calls have come from the east coast of the North Island, reflecting the path of the storm and the high winds and rainfall.
Since 5am today, fire crews have responded to more than 100 calls, relating to wind damage and surface flooding.
Fire and Emergency is maintaining full readiness to respond to incidents in all areas already affected by the cyclone and in places where the full force is still to come.
Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper says specialist resources including teams with enhanced rescue and water response capability are in position ready to assist local brigades.
“In addition, resources will be moved from Rotorua to the Bay of Plenty to assist in areas most impacted by weather.
“We want to acknowledge and thank our communities for adhering to the safety advice and keeping off the roads and out of flood waters.
“We urge people to remain vigilant and to keep informed through your local Civil Defence and for weather updates MetService.”
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Storm News – Cyclone Vaianu Response Update #1 5am Update

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

5am Update
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been responding to a small number of 111 calls for assistance as a result of the weather across parts of the North Island.
Director of Operations Brendan Nally says that, as at 5am, crews have responded to twelve incidents related to Cyclone Vaianu, none of them life-threatening. Most of the incidents are related to the winds, with fallen trees affecting property and roofs lifting. In addition, Fire and Emergency assisted Civil Defence and Police with precautionary evacuations from coastal areas in Northland and Bay of Plenty during the day yesterday.
Enhanced rescue teams remain pre-positioned in Whangarei, Auckland, Rotorua, Tairawhiti, and Coromandel to support local fire brigades.
Fire and Emergency’s National Coordination Centre is activated, along with its Region Coordination Centres in Auckland and Tauranga.
The next update will be around 7am, unless there is a significant change. The updates will also be on the news page of our website www.fireandemergency.nz.