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First Responders – Otago and Southland vegetation fire updates

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have been responding to a number of vegetation fires across Otago and Southland this afternoon and into the evening.
Mataura
Firefighters were called to a fire in a forestry block near Mataura around 2.10pm.
The fire is around 300 x 200m in size. Our crews now have it contained.
Three trucks remain on site alongside a digger, while the two helicopters have ceased operations.
State Highway 96 is closed between State Highway 1 and Waimumu because of the fire. It will remain closed overnight.
Power has been reinstated in the area.
A small crew will be monitoring the fire overnight and more firefighters will return in the morning for mop up.
Palmerston
Firefighters continue to respond to a fire in pine trees near Goodwood Rd, Palmerston. Crews were called around 2.35pm.
The fire has burnt 25 hectares of pine.
With the wind dying down this evening, our crews have been able to contain the fire.
There are currently ground crews still working alongside eight trucks and four helicopters.
The helicopters will cease operations at sunset, and one crew will remain overnight. More crews will return in the morning to continue mopping up.
There are currently no structures at risk.
Smoke may blow towards the town tonight. People in the vicinity of the fire should keep windows and doors shut and stay inside if possible. Remember to also keep the ventilation systems in your house and car turned off.
Balclutha
The paddock fire near Balclutha is under control. Crews were called around 1pm.
Two rural trucks remain on site dampening down. There were two helicopters responding which have since ceased operations.
Windy conditions
Windy conditions have caused all of the fires to spread quickly.
People must not light any outdoor fires while it is windy and must check any previous fires or burns from the last few weeks to ensure they are not in danger of reignition.
Don’t leave them to smoulder or assume that a fire is completely out just because you can’t see any flames or smoke. The whole area should be thoroughly wetted until it is completely cold, and checked again afterwards.
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Education – Masterton Primary Principals’ Cluster: Ko te Mana o te wehi o te Tiriti o Waitangi

Source: NZ Principals Federation

From Ngā Tumuaki o Whakaoriori, Masterton Primary Principals' Cluster:
Standing together beneath our ancestral maunga Rangitūmau, we, the undersigned Wairarapa school principals, reaffirm our united commitment to continuing to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi in every aspect of our leadership, governance and daily practice. Anchored in the kaupapa of Wairarapatanga, uplifting individuals for the collective good, we strive to ensure every ākonga in our rohe experiences belonging, cultural pride and meaningful opportunity. This shared purpose connects our kura as strongly as the braided awa that flow through the Wairarapa.
While recent changes to section 127 of the Education and Training Act remove the formal requirement to give effect to te Tiriti o Waitangi, our commitment remains unwavering. It is grounded not in compliance, but in values, relationships and a belief that honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi strengthens the wellbeing and future pathways of all tamariki.
As a collective, we recognise that the strengths of one kura can uplift many. By working together, we grow capability, deepen cultural responsiveness and ensure better outcomes for every child across the Wairarapa. Our purpose is shared. Our commitment is steadfast. Our voice is united. We will continue to honour te Tiriti o Waitangi because it is right, it reflects who we are as a region, and it upholds the aspirations we hold for all ākonga and their whānau.
Ngā manaakitanga,
The undersigned Wairarapa Schools:
Chanel College
Douglas Park School
Hadlow Preparatory School
Lakeview School
Masterton Intermediate School
Masterton Primary School
Mauriceville School
Ōpaki School
Solway College
Solway School
St Matthew's Collegiate School
St. Patrick's School
Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Wairarapa
Tinui School
Tinui School
Wainuioru School
Whareama School.
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First Responders – Firefighters responding to vegetation fires across Otago and Southland

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are responding to a number of vegetation fires across the lower South Island this afternoon as high winds take hold.
Mataura
Fire and Emergency is responding to a fire in a forestry block near Mataura. Crews were called around 2.10pm.
Nine trucks are in attendance. Two helicopters are also responding.
The fire was reported to be 120m x 20m around 2.40pm but has grown in size since then.
State Highway 96 is closed between State Highway 1 and Waimumu because of the fire.
Goodwood
Fire and Emergency is responding to a fire in pine trees near Goodwood, Palmerston. Crews were called around 2.35pm.
There are currently six trucks in attendance, with more on the way. Three helicopters are responding.
Balclutha
Fire and Emergency is responding to a paddock fire near Balclutha. Crews were called around 1pm.
There are 12 trucks and two helicopters fighting the fire.
People are advised to avoid the area any anyone impacted by smoke should close their windows and doors, and stay inside where possible.
The fire was 150m x 50m around 2pm but has grown in size since then.
None of the fires are currently contained.
Windy conditions
High winds have caused all of the fires to spread quickly. 
People must not light any outdoor fires this afternoon and must check any previous fires or burns from the last few weeks to ensure they are not in danger of reignition. 
Don’t leave them to smoulder or assume that a fire is completely out just because you can’t see any flames or smoke. The whole area should be thoroughly wetted until it is completely cold, and checked again afterwards.
Other incidents of note include: 
Papakaio, Waitaki
Fire and Emergency is responding to paddock fire in Papakaio, Waitaki, caused by a trampoline getting blown into powerlines.
We were alerted at around 2.40pm this afternoon and four crews are fighting the fire.
Whitstone, Waitaki
Fire and Emergency was alerted to a tree smouldering near Whitstone, Waitaki at around 2.57pm this afternoon. Two crews from Weston are responding.
Oamaru trees on cars
Fire and Emergency was alerted around 2.52pm to an incident where wind had blown three branches onto two cars in Oamaru. A dog in one car was not hurt.
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Ki Tua o Matariki Responds to Open Letter Demanding Housing Justice

Source: E Tipu e Rea Whānau Services

Ngāti Pāoa health and social service, Ki Tua o Matariki, acknowledges and stands alongside their partners who authored the open letter released this week, calling for urgent housing justice for unhoused whānau in Tāmaki Makaurau. (ref. https://www.cpag.org.nz/media-releases/open-letter-bin-the-ban-we-want-stable-homes-and-support-for-unhoused-whnau )
The letter’s calls to end “move-on” policies, expand emergency housing, invest in public and affordable housing, and properly resource social supports reflect the realities our team is witnessing every day, CEO Zoe Witika-Hawke says.”As mana whenua and a health and social service focused on young parents, we see the ongoing consequences of housing insecurity and displacement every day,” says Zoe Witika-Hawke, Chief Executive of Ki Tua o Matariki. “Over recent months, we’ve supported young parents and hapū māmā who are being forced into unsafe or temporary housing, often isolated and far from whānau support. Many have nowhere stable to go, and the stress of relocation or displacement directly affects their wellbeing and that of their tamariki.”
This aligns with discussions raised this week in Ki Tua o Matariki’s article, The Cost of Living Apart, which highlights the social and cultural impacts the service is seeing as whānau face displacement.
The open letter calls for emergency housing and wraparound support, and this mirrors what Ki Tua o Matariki is witnessing in that almost all referrals from young parents this year have included urgent housing needs alongside mental health support. Housing instability is making it harder for whānau to access care and for services to support their wellbeing. For whānau Māori, long-term public housing solutions must also reflect intergenerational ways of living and their ancestral connections to whenua. Jessie Witeri, from Hine ki te Wheiao – lived experience group for Māori maternal mental health distress, says the link between housing and mental wellbeing is impossible to ignore.
“We hear every day from our māmā who are doing everything they can, but the constant uncertainty of where they will sleep next is breaking them,” says Jessie. “When you’re moved from place to place, far from your support, your mental health takes a hit – and so does your ability to bond with your pēpi, access care, or feel grounded in your own life. Stable housing is mental health care. Our whānau deserve both.”
Her comments echo the experiences being shared within Hine ki te Wheiao, who will continue to provide lived-experience leadership on the impacts of housing insecurity for young Māori parents and māmā experiencing distress.
“We stand alongside the organisations behind this week’s open letter,” Zoe adds. “Housing whānau safely and keeping them connected to their ancestral whenua is achievable – it requires commitment, resourcing, and policies that put whānau wellbeing at the centre.”
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Health Employment – Prime Minister urged to resolve impasse in essential workers’ bargaining

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Unions representing workers from essential health, education and public services have written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to urge him to resolve impasses with their respective collective bargaining.
The letter was sent by unions representing teachers, doctors, firefighters, nurses, midwives, health care assistants, principals, education support and field staff, allied health workers, home support workers, and 111 emergency dispatchers.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter says while there are issues specific to each sector, there are commonalities and a concerning common approach to bargaining from the Coalition Government.
“For this reason, we believe it is appropriate for Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to step in and meet with workforce representatives to explore ways forward and settlement options,” Paul Goulter says.
More than 100,000 essential workers held strikes throughout the country last month to call on the Coalition Government to properly fund their vital public services after ongoing deadlocks in their separate negotiations. 
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Cracroft Reserve in Christchurch selected as preferred site for National Erebus Memorial

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“I have made the decision to locate the National Erebus Memorial at Cracroft Reserve in Ōtautahi Christchurch,” announced Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, Secretary for Culture and Heritage.
The Government has confirmed a site to build the National Erebus Memorial, that will honour the 257 people onboard Flight TE901, which crashed into the slopes of Mt Erebus, Antarctica in 1979. The Memorial will be a place for Erebus families, members of Operation Overdue, New Zealanders and international visitors to gather, remember and reflect on those lost on Flight TE901, and the impact of the accident on themselves, their families, aviation and the nation.
Manatū Taonga has explored 50 different sites for the Memorial in the greater Auckland area over the past two years. Unfortunately, no suitable site has been identified, and we have recently been advised that Takaparawhau in Auckland is no longer a potential site for the Memorial.
“Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is fully supportive of the Memorial being located with Ngāi Tūāhuriri and the people of Christchurch. I acknowledge the participation of Ngāi Tūāhuriri in the site selection process and warm welcome of Erebus families, the Ministry and the Memorial,” says Leauanae.
“I have been heartened by Christchurch’s warmth, generosity and support through the process of identifying potential sites. Having been offered two possible sites by the Mayor of Christchurch earlier this year, I have chosen Cracroft Reserve as the preferred site for the Memorial.
“Cracroft Reserve has panoramic views over Christchurch and out to the Southern Alps. It’s a space where both quiet moments or group gatherings can take place, it’s tranquil, green, and has a beautiful outlook.
“I am confident that this site will be fitting for the Memorial.
“Avon Riverbank is also a very strong site with many positive attributes. I’ve made the decision to retain the Avon Riverbank as an alternative site in the event that we are unable to progress Cracroft Reserve.
“It’s been almost 46 years since the Erebus disaster – Aotearoa’s worst civil accident. A Memorial is long overdue, and what I know for certain is that Erebus families deserve a Memorial as soon as possible. Cracroft Reserve in Christchurch is our best opportunity to make that happen.
“I am confident that Christchurch’s warm welcome to Erebus families, and the city’s experience and understanding of the importance of remembrance will provide the right space for this national memorial,” says Leauanae.
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Awards – Electrify Queenstown 2025 event wins at the Bizzies

Source: Destination Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand (27 November 2025) Electrify Queenstown has won two awards at the inaugural Bizzies – Aotearoa Business Events Awards 2025.

The 2025 Queenstown summit, delivered by Destination Queenstown, secured the Business Event Award for Legacy Impact and the Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award, announced at a gala dinner last night, at Cordis Auckland.

With only seven category awards up for grabs, Electrify Queenstown's double-win was particularly pleasing for Mat Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism.

“This is a powerful recognition for the dedicated team behind Electrify Queenstown and also the strength of the idea,” Woods says.

“We set out to create a summit that would inspire action – showing how electrification can save money, boost resilience, and meaningfully cut emissions for businesses and households alike.

“The 2025 summit was a pivotal moment, helping cement Electrify Queenstown as a nationally significant platform for change. To see it acknowledged at the inaugural Bizzies is incredibly encouraging and motivating.”

Supported by Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce and principal sponsor Aurora Energy, Electrify Queenstown 2025 brought together industry leaders, innovators, politicians and policymakers for a three-day summit.

The Bizzies, supported by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact across seven categories covering the full spectrum of New Zealand’s business events industry, from venues and suppliers to event organisers, destinations and individuals.

More than 270 guests attended last night's black-tie awards ceremony, emceed by two of New Zealand’s leading broadcasters and journalists – Mike McRoberts and Melissa Chan-Green.

Electrify Queenstown returns in 2026 with an even bigger programme. It will take place at the Queenstown Events Centre, Sunday 17 May – Tuesday 19 May 2026.

The event supports Queenstown Lakes' destination management plan and the broader goal of regenerative tourism and a carbon-zero visitor economy by 2030.

www.electrifyqueenstown.co.nz

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Employment Disputes – Fire and Emergency New Zealand Statement – NZPFU should call off tomorrow’s strike

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Strike puts community at risk while ERA considers facilitation request
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling on the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) to call off its strike scheduled for midday to 1pm tomorrow (Friday), given the Employment Relations Authority is currently considering an application to provide independent facilitation to support reaching settlement on a new collective employment agreement.
“There is zero point to this strike while the Authority considers whether to provide independent facilitation. Going ahead with it needlessly puts community safety at risk,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stifler says.
The Employment Relations Authority received submissions on Fire and Emergency’s application for facilitation on Tuesday and is due to release its decision in the near future. The parties have been in talks for a collective employment agreement for more than 16 months.
“The NZPFU’s recent settlement proposal is three times more than our offer, which was fair, reasonable and in line with other settlements across the public service. There’s a gulf between us at the moment, which is why facilitated bargaining is the next logical step to resolve the dispute and keep our communities safe,” Megan Stiffler says.
Fire and Emergency’s most recent offer amounts to a 6.2 percent average increase over three years and compares favourably with equivalent public sector agreements.
“This proposal would have taken the average senior firefighter remuneration from a range of approximately $80,700 – $87,400 to $85,800-$92,900 at the end of the period, excluding overtime and allowances which currently adds an average of $38,823 to annual remuneration. We believe it represents a fair and sustainable increase for our people.”
“We asked the Employment Relations Authority to provide facilitation to help bring the parties together because of the protracted nature of bargaining and the impact on both our people, and on public safety from prolonged and repeated strike action.
“We’ve approached bargaining in good faith with the goal of reaching a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement with the NZPFU. We value our people, which is why over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent, which is more than 10 percent above the average increase for all New Zealand workers.
“We want a fair outcome that recognises the incredible dedication and service of our people and delivers a modern and sustainable fire service. At the same time, approximately 95 percent of Fire and Emergency’s operations are funded by a levy on New Zealanders’ building, contents and vehicle insurance. With increasing insurance costs, we have to be mindful of cost-of-living pressures.
“We hope the NZPFU withdraws its scheduled strike. There is little to be gained by continuing to strike and putting the community at risk while the Employment Relations Authority process plays out,” Megan Stifler says.
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Weather News – No two days the same – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 27th November – Monday 1st December – Wet weather will be balanced by fine breaks over the next few days. The only constant will be the heat.

MetService has issued the following Warnings & Watches:

  • An Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Westland until 1pm Thursday. Peak intensities between 25mm/h and 35mm/h are expected in the ranges.
  • An Orange Strong Wind Warning for Canterbury High country including the foothills until 5pm Thursday. Northwesterly gusts of 120km/h are expected in exposed places.
  • Heavy Rain Watches for: Grey, Buller, Tasman west of Takaka, Richmond and Bryant ranges, the Rai Valley on Thursday, continuing into Friday for the Tararua Range and Taranaki Maunga. 

There have been over 5000 lightning strikes in the last 24 hours, at least 1000 of which were over land.

This morning (Thursday) hourly rain rates peaked at 27.4mm in Franz Joseph, Haast had 24mm, and Milford Sound had 20.5mm.  

Temperatures are up and that looks to continue for the next few days. Among yesterday’s stats:

  • Whanganui Airport reached 27°C, equal to the November record.
  • Dunedin, Timaru, Oamaru, Hastings and Christchurch broke 30°C.
  • Waimate was the warmest with 31.2°C.

MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley adds, “Today will be another warm day for most regions, especially those ones that had a scorcher yesterday. A heat alert is in place for Napier, which is expected to rise to 31°C today and stay muggy overnight. There are a few more hot days and muggy nights on the way too.”

On Friday most of the action moves to the North Island. Rain moves in from the west in the morning, then in the afternoon there is a chance of thunderstorms about northern and eastern regions.

Saturday looks to be the pick of the weekend. The skies will part just in time for the Lake Taupō Cycle challenge. Drier conditions are also on the way this weekend for the Godzone adventure race in Marlborough.

On Sunday, the weather starts to pack in again. A low-pressure system crawls out of the Tasman Sea, driving up the winds and dropping heavy rain about southern and central parts of the country. Then Monday will be a wet start to December, and meteorological summer, particularly for the North Island.

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Aviation – Clearer rules and a new pathway to support innovation in NZ’s skies

Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

Published date: 27 November 2025 – Updated drone and advanced aviation rules will take effect on 22 December 2025, introducing a new Part 107 to support research and development flight testing, and providing greater clarity for drone operators.

The changes follow the Government’s announcement of a modernised regulatory framework for advanced aviation technologies.

Developed jointly with the Ministry of Transport and informed by extensive engagement with industry and international partners, the updated rules maintain strong safety boundaries while providing clearer, more responsive pathways for innovation.

“These changes are about making the system clearer and more consistent,” said CAA Deputy Chief Executive John Kay.

“And Part 107 creates a world-leading and well-defined R&D pathway for innovators to experiment, iterate, and accelerate development” Mr Kay said.

NEW PART 107:

  • Allows approved research organisations to rapidly develop and test emerging aviation technologies within pre-defined areas.
  • Removes regulatory burden by no longer requiring regulatory approval every time an iteration is made.
  • Is technology agnostic, allowing for R&D on all aviation systems and ancillary systems.

KEY CHANGES UNDER CIVIL AVIATION RULE PARTS 101 AND 102:

  • Clarity on what operators can do under Part 101, and what requires certification under Part 102.
  • A new Transport Instrument under Part 101 allows CAA to be more responsive to sector developments.
  • A Trial Advisory Circular will help operators transition smoothly and share feedback in early 2026.

See the pending Rules on the CAA website: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/rules/pending-rules/