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Education – Open Letter to the Minister of Education – Western Bay of Plenty Principals Association (WBOPPA)

Source: NZ Principals Federation

Open Letter follows:
Hon Erica Stanford
Minister of Education
Parliament Buildings
 Wellington
Tēnā koe Minister,
We write to you today on behalf of the Principals and Tumuaki of the Western Bay of Plenty, representing a diverse network of primary, intermediate, and secondary schools committed to providing the highest quality education for our ākonga. 
Our collective membership shares a deep sense of commitment to raising student achievement, but we must urgently express our unified concern regarding the recent direction, pace, and lack of genuine consultation surrounding several key educational policy updates from the Ministry of Education.
1. Unsustainable Pace, Lack of Trust, and Workload Crisis in Curriculum Reform
The continuous acceleration and revision of the curriculum, particularly the third iteration of content for the English and Mathematics/Statistics learning areas within a short timeframe, has eroded the trust of our profession. We support the intent to lift achievement through clarity, but the method of delivery is fundamentally flawed. These rapid and significant changes, often appearing at the last minute and, we note, reportedly relying on external expertise rather than local curriculum specialists, are placing an unsustainable and critical burden on our school leaders and teaching staff. This 'change overload' translates directly into a principal and teacher workload crisis. 
Our tumuaki are forced to divert crucial time away from core educational leadership-such as mentoring staff, engaging with whānau, and focusing on student wellbeing – to manage continuous, high-stakes administrative compliance. Teachers are struggling to reconcile new, untested frameworks with existing, high-quality planning, leading to widespread burnout and pressure on the quality of classroom instruction. The lack of bespoke, sector-led Professional Learning and Development (PLD) that aligns with the final documents means we are left to interpret complex, shifting guidance on our own.
We urgently call on the Ministry to immediately pause and review all current curriculum implementation deadlines. We need more time to allow our kaiako and tumuaki the necessary time to explore, understand, and embed these significant changes with fidelity, ensuring they are beneficial rather than detrimental to student learning. Furthermore, we seek clarity and true partnership in defining the parameters of the proposed ‘knowledge-rich’ curriculum, ensuring it remains grounded in Aotearoa New Zealand’s context and local curriculum design.
2. Eroding Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The recent legislative proposal to remove the explicit requirement for School Boards to ‘give effect’ to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the Education and Training Act is profoundly troubling and unacceptable to the principals in our region. This move not only removes accountability but directly compromises the mandate for schools to ensure local curriculum reflects tikanga Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te ao Māori. 
Our schools have invested substantial time, resources, and cultural capacity in making Te Tiriti fundamental to their planning and policies, directly supporting equitable outcomes and the identity of our Māori students. Removing this legal obligation risks undoing years of positive progress and sends a regressive message that cultural competence and the recognition of mātauranga Māori are optional rather than essential professional responsibilities. The flow-on effect will be felt immediately in achievement disparities and a reduction of inclusive practices. This proposal is entirely contrary to our professional goals to serve all students of Aotearoa. 
The WBOPPA stands firm in its commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation of education in Aotearoa.
3. Undermining the Integrity of the Teaching Council
We are highly concerned about the proposed changes to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, specifically the suggestion to reduce the number of elected professional representatives and increase Ministerial appointments. The independence of the Teaching Council is paramount, as it acts as the voice and professional regulator of the sector. Shifting the power structure toward direct political control compromises the professional standing of every principal and teacher in the country, risks the crucial separation between policy-setting (Ministry) and professional regulation (Council), and severely damages the trust required for constructive collaboration between the government and the teaching profession. 
We are not resistant to change, Minister, but we demand changes that are research-informed, professionally sound, and developed in genuine partnership with those who lead and work in our schools every day. We call for an urgent and collaborative meeting to address these core concerns before these policies are enacted and cause further instability in the educational landscape.
Ngā mihi nui,
Craig Pentecost
President, Western Bay of Plenty Principals Association
The Executive Committee Western Bay of Plenty Principals Association
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Real Estate Authority reports increase in complaints in 2024/25 challenging market conditions

Source: Real Estate Authority (REA)


In its 2025 Annual Report released today the Real Estate Authority (REA) reports a 35% increase in formal complaints about the conduct of licensed real estate professionals (licensees) in the year to 30 June 2025. However, only 9% of licensees subject to a complaint had findings of misconduct or unsatisfactory conduct against them. (ref. https://www.rea.govt.nz/assets/2025-UPLOADS/Annual-report/REA-Annual-Report-2024-2025_Digital.pdf )


REA processed the highest ever number of complaints, with many addressed through REA’s early resolution processes. In the financial year to 30 June 2025:

  • 487 complaints were received by REA (361 in 2023/24)
  • 467 complaints were determined by REA (283 in 2022/24), with 341 addressed through early resolution processes
  • 145 decisions were issued by the independent Complaints Assessment Committees (113 in 2023/24)
  • 43 decisions were issued by the Real Estate Agents Disciplinary Tribunal.


The top complaint themes related to customer service, skill and care, disclosure and misleading advertising. Poor communication was a common theme in complaints raised. However, REA reported that a large proportion of the complaints considered did not raise issues justifying strong regulatory intervention.


REA Registrar/Chief Executive Belinda Moffat says, “the complaint results indicate that most licensees are continuing to maintain high standards of professional conduct and REA is holding to account those who don’t.”


However, Ms Moffat noted that the increase in consumer dissatisfaction with the performance of real estate agency work needs to be a focus for the industry, and acknowledged that some cases raised complex and serious matters.


“Licensees are expected to maintain high standards and to have the skills to navigate challenging market conditions. Fairness, transparency, skill and care are critical expectations of the conduct regulatory system we oversee.”


REA’s Annual Report outlines that in the year to 30 June 2025, REA undertook a number of initiatives to support real estate licensees to meet high standards, and to provide information to support consumers to confidently engage in real estate transactions. 

Initiatives included:

  • Issuing guidance for licensees on use of AI in real estate transactions
  • Delivery of a high quality continuning professional development programme for licensees attracting 76% satisfaction rate
  • Launch of an Instagram account to promote REA’s consumer website Settled.govt.nz
  • Release of real estate transation process guides in formats accessible to blind and low vision consumers
  • Engagement with a range of real estate sector stakeholders in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Tauranga throughout the year.


REA’s Annual Report illustrates that despite the challenging market and increase in complaints, public confidence in the real estate industry and in REA as regulator remains strong. REA’s 2025 research results found:

  • 81% of the public have confidence the real estate industry is well regulated
  • 91% of consumers have confidence that the real estate industry is professional
  • 97% of consumers found information provided by REA useful.


Chief Executive/Registrar said the increase in complaints highlights the complexity of the real estate transaction process and the importance of consumers receiving high standards of service from the sector. The provision of quality information about the property is important to support good decision-making by parties to a transaction.


“Protecting consumers from harm is at the heart of our work. Our work this year to increase access to and awareness of our consumer website settled.govt.nz, and the wide range of consumer guides we develop for the diverse communities we serve has been particularly important. We are pleased to see how valued these resources are by New Zealanders.”


Despite the slow market, licensee numbers have remained stable with 15,692 active licenses as at 30 June 2025. This included:

  • 12,300 salespeople
  • 605 branch managers
  • 1,930 individual agents
  • 857 company agents.


“We were particularly pleased to see the 18% increase in branch managers this year given the important role they play as supervisors of salespeople,” Ms Moffat said.

REA Board Chair Denese Bates KC says;


“The 2025 Annual Report demonstrates that REA is making meaningful progress towards our strategic goals to ensure a high performing and well-regulated real estate industry in which consumers can have confidence.” (ref. https://www.rea.govt.nz/assets/2025-UPLOADS/Annual-report/REA-Annual-Report-2024-2025_Digital.pdf )

 

About REA

The Real Estate Authority (REA) is the independent government agency that regulates the conduct of licensed real estate professionals in New Zealand. We license people and companies working in real estate, provide oversight of the code of conduct (external link), oversee the complaints and disciplinary process for poor conduct by licensees, provide education and guidance to licensees to assist them to meet their regulatory obligations, and provide information to consumers about the real estate transaction process. REA is governed by a Board. The Chair is Denese Bates KC. REA Chief Executive is Belinda Moffat.

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Retirement Commissioner – A roadmap to a better retirement: Review calls for cross-party action

Source: Retirement Commissioner

The Retirement Commissioner is calling for cross-party action on the retirement income system – laying out a practical plan for what to do now while preparing for the challenges ahead.
New Zealand’s population is ageing. Work and caregiving patterns are shifting, home ownership is declining and KiwiSaver, now nearly two decades old, is maturing.
To better understand these challenges and where there are opportunities to improve the system, Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission is required to undertake a triennial review of retirement income policies. It provides the Government with independent advice on how retirement income policies are performing and what changes might be needed.
The 2025 review draws on a substantial body of research, including 15 reports and a special edition of Policy Quarterly, and reflects the voices of older New Zealanders, the insights of experts and the values that underpin the retirement income system.
Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says, “the review provides a chance to pause and take stock. It marks how far we have come, and where we need to go next.

“The message is clear. We need a long-term political accord to focus on providing certainty for future generations of retirees and stop piecemeal policy change,” she says.

“That means improved governance, inclusive policy and a retirement income system that works for everyone.”

The 2025 review makes 12 recommendations to the Government, including targeted policy reforms to address the most pressing gaps, particularly those affecting groups who have historically missed out or face barriers to participation.

This includes a recommendation to extend the Government’s KiwiSaver parental leave contribution to $1,000 per parental leave period, regardless of whether the member makes contributions.

The Retirement Commissioner also recommends increasing KiwiSaver government contributions to those on low incomes.

She would also like to see the removal of unnecessary KiwiSaver exclusions for people aged over 65 and those on a temporary work visa.

“These changes would better reflect the diversity of New Zealand’s workforce and align KiwiSaver with international best practice,” she says.

“If no extra funding is available, the recommendations in the 2025 review could be put in place at no additional fiscal cost to the Government by reallocating existing spending on the government contribution to where it will have the most impact.

“Although this approach would mean fewer people would receive the government KiwiSaver contribution, they would continue to receive support for their retirement through NZ Super, and through matched and increasing employer contributions to KiwiSaver.

“These actions are designed to improve adequacy, close savings gaps, and ensure the retirement income system remains fair, sustainable and trusted.”

The review also recognises that lasting progress depends on more than just short-term fixes. It calls for stronger stewardship and a more joined-up approach to managing the retirement income system as a whole. This includes building cross-party consensus, improving coordination across government and industry, and developing a long-term roadmap that sets out a clear direction for the next decade and beyond.

The Retirement Commissioner says, “by sequencing actions in this way, the review aims to deliver both quick wins and enduring benefits, supporting fairness, sustainability and public confidence in the retirement income system.

“The recommendations in the review are designed to work together as a package. We have identified a practical roadmap for the future, with targeted changes we can make now, such as improving KiwiSaver settings and extending support during parental leave, and reforms to strengthen long-term stewardship.”

Recommendations:

Actions we can take now – targeted policy reforms

Extend the government KiwiSaver parental leave contribution to $1,000 per parental leave period, regardless of whether the member makes contributions.
Increase Government KiwiSaver contributions for low-income earners.

Remove unnecessary KiwiSaver exclusions. Mandate employer contributions for people over 65. Allow those on temporary visas to join and receive matched employer and government contributions.

Ban the use of total remuneration policies in KiwiSaver employer contributions.

Actions we can take now – system improvements and innovations

Work with KiwiSaver providers and supervisors to strengthen the regular, anonymised reporting of balances, contributions and withdrawals (including hardship), and improve integration with other administrative data sources.
Improve administrative processes in KiwiSaver, including standardising and optimising hardship withdrawals, and updating payroll systems to better support employer contributions during parental leave.
Design and trial sidecar/emergency savings accounts.
Develop a nationally consistent decumulation framework.

Long-term system stewardship

Put in place a new retirement income cross-party accord.
Establish a Parliamentary working group to set the strategic direction for a 10-year retirement income roadmap.

Establish a pan-sector group, led by the Retirement Commission, to develop and implement the roadmap under the guidance of the Parliamentary working group.

Ensure the 10-year retirement income roadmap addresses KiwiSaver, NZ Super and innovation in retirement planning.

Download the full 2025 Review of Retirement Income Policies here: https://retirement.govt.nz/policy-and-research/2025-review-of-retirement-income-policies

Notes
The Commission estimates the Government will spend $545 million on KiwiSaver subsidies in the 2025/26 financial year.  Assuming no additional funding is currently available, the Commission looked at ways to target government contributions to offset the costs to implement the proposed KiwiSaver reforms.
Making the recommended change for parental leave in the 2025 Review would cost $34 million. The cost of giving KiwiSaver to temporary visa holders is estimated at $40 million.
Stopping the use of total remuneration packages isn’t expected to cost the government directly (outside of as an employer).
That would leave a possible $471 million that the Commission believes should be prioritised for those on lower incomes, given the annual contribution of $260.72 is more significant for these workers than those on higher incomes. The wider discussion of the appropriate role and amount of the Government contribution in the future would form part of the roadmap work.
In this modelling, people would stop getting the government contribution once their income goes over a set limit, although the contribution could be reduced gradually instead. This would need to be checked to see how it affects matters like tax rates.

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National accounts (income and expenditure): Year ended March 2025 – Stats NZ information release

National accounts (income and expenditure): Year ended March 2025 – information release

14 November 2025

National accounts (income and expenditure) provides information on domestic production and the resulting income that is available for spending and saving. It also provides an insight into how saving is used and invested between different sectors of the economy.

Estimates updated
The National accounts (income and expenditure): Year ended March 2025 release provides updated estimates, up to and including the year ended March 2024. The exceptions to this are the gross fixed capital formation and capital stocks tables, which provide provisional estimates for the March 2025 year. Estimates beyond March 2024 are included in the quarterly National accounts (income, savings, assets and liabilities) release, which will next be published on 15 January 2026. Provisional data for the household sector has been incorporated in this release annually since National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): September 2022 quarter.

The January 2026 release will integrate these new annual estimates up to March 2024 as benchmarks, and provide a consistent time series through to the September 2025 quarter. This includes provisional annual estimates for the March 2025 year.

Visit our website to read this information release and to download CSV files:

For media enquiries contact: Media team, Wellington, media@stats.govt.nz“>media@stats.govt.nz, 021 285 9191

The Government Statistician authorises all statistics and data we publish.

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National accounts (industry production and investment): Year ended March 2024 – Stats NZ information release

National accounts (industry production and investment): Year ended March 2024 – information release

14 November 2025

The National accounts (industry production and investment) release contains a full reconciled set of detailed industry data on production, investment, and capital stock. It is used to update and maintain the quality of quarterly GDP statistics.

Visit our website to read this information release and to download CSV files:


The Government Statistician authorises all statistics and data we publish.

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Retail – Back in Black: Kiwis Brace Themselves for a Big Black Friday

Source: PriceMe

Back in Black: Kiwis Brace Themselves for a Big Black Friday
94% of Kiwis are now aware of Black Friday – but experts urge caution
Auckland, New Zealand – 14 November 2025 – It’s shaping up to be another massive year for Black Friday sales, with Kiwi retailers expected to take in hundreds of millions as shoppers hunt for deals, despite the fact that more than half of Kiwis are worried about the current state of their personal finances.
New research from PriceMe shows that Kiwi shoppers are increasingly strategic – waiting for major sale events to buy both Christmas gifts and everyday items, with the biggest motivators being lower prices, great deals, and shopping with trusted local retailers.
The upcoming Black Friday – Cyber Monday sales period, which runs from 28 November to 1 December, is continuing to grow in popularity. Once seen as a mainly overseas trend, Black Friday has now become a key moment on the New Zealand retail calendar – and an important boost for local businesses heading into the peak trading season.
PriceMe CEO, Gavin Male, said the event now plays a pivotal role for retailers and small businesses looking to lift sales after a slower period of consumer spending.
“Black Friday has firmly cemented its place in New Zealand’s retail landscape,” Male said. “In 2024, Black Friday ranked second only to Boxing Day for shopper activity on the PriceMe website. This year, even more consumers are planning their big-ticket purchases around major sales events. With growing shopper interest comes greater competition – and retailers are responding with stronger offers and sharper pricing than ever before.”
94% of all New Zealanders aged 18+ are now aware of Black Friday, with over a third (38%) already planning to shop the Black Friday event and an additional 31% not sure at this stage. This research of a nationally representative sample of n=1,200 Kiwis aged 18+ confirms the popularity of the sales event, that saw 33% of New Zealanders shop the event last year. This strategic shopping is hardly a surprise with 35% of those surveyed saying they are ‘living pay check to pay check’, and 20% ‘very worried’ about their personal finances.
Male explains: “We commissioned this research as we kept seeing an increasing need for Kiwi households to find everyday value and the numbers coming through confirmed this. We’ve got 56% of Kiwis saying they’re relying on Black Friday savings to afford Christmas gifts, 47% saying they’re going to use the event to buy / replace much needed items for the home and a massive 62% waiting to use Black Friday deals to make big-ticket purchases”
Top Planned Categories intend to purchase on Black Friday listed below in order of popularity
1. Technology and electronics
2. Toys and games
3. Perfume and beauty
4. Fashion and clothing
5. Household appliances
6. Mobile phones
7. Home décor and furniture
8. Outdoor and gardening appliances or furniture
9. Sports and hobbies
10. Pet supplies
11. Car and auto accessories
12. Baby care and equipment
While the shopping event now has universal recognition, the popularity of Black Friday is still being driven by the younger Kiwi, with 62% of New Zealanders aged 18-34 planning on shopping the event, compared to only 13% of Kiwis aged 65+.
Spend with care… and stay mindful of what you can afford
The PriceMe research shows that there’s no question that Black Friday will be massive for retailers, there are already adverts on TV and early Black Friday sales are underway online and in store, but it’s also a time for consumers to shop smart.
“While it’s evident there’s genuine excitement about the main Black Friday sales event, there needs to be some caution,” said Male. “Our research shows that while 55% of shoppers plan to pay for their purchases from regular household spending, 29% have said they intend to use credit, and a similar percentage will rely on Buy Now, Pay Later services that are becoming increasingly popular. These numbers highlight the need to pause and think before hitting the checkout button or tapping the credit card.”
Male says that for many Kiwis, the event provides genuine value – but it’s very easy to get swept up in the hype and suffer from a fear of missing out.
“Black Friday deals can be a really great opportunity to save, especially on larger items or Christmas gifts, but it’s important to stay mindful of what you actually need and, what you can actually afford.” Male continues, “With that in mind, we’re seeing more Kiwis taking the time to compare prices and check product reviews before committing to a purchase, which is a great sign that shoppers are becoming more informed – and that’s a positive step.”
So as retailers gear up for one of the busiest retail weekends of the year, PriceMe encourages consumers to shop smart, compare prices before buying, and avoid unnecessary debt, while still enjoying the excitement of the season.
PriceMe.co.nz is a part of NZ Compare, New Zealand's leading price comparison business. Dedicated to helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions. With a vast database of products, unbiased reviews, and up-to-date pricing information, PriceMe.co.nz empowers shoppers to find the best deals across a wide range of categories.
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Australian visitor arrivals increase – International travel: September 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release


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Electronic card transactions: October 2025 – Stats NZ information release


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Net migration gain of 12,400 – International migration: September 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release


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Health – Productivity Commission final report – Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement Review

Source: National Mental Health Commission

13 November 2025 – The National Mental Health Commission (the Commission) has welcomed the release of the final report of the Productivity Commission’s review of the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Agreement (the National Agreement).

The report contributes to improving how governments can work together now and in the future for person-centred, integrated mental health care and suicide prevention in Australia.

It makes recommendations for the National Agreement that aim to enhance the effectiveness, accessibility, affordability and safety of the mental health and suicide prevention system.

The Commission provides an Annual National Progress Report on the implementation of the National Agreement, which has contributed to the review findings. The Productivity Commission made recommendations to improve monitoring and progress reporting on the National Agreement, to better meet the needs of local decision makers, service providers and consumers.

CEO of the Commission, David McGrath, said, “we welcome recommendations to strengthen the National Agreement to better support people experiencing mental health challenges and suicidal distress.”

“We look forward to working with the key stakeholders, including the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, state and territories, and sector stakeholders regarding the future arrangements stemming from the review’s findings.”

“The Commission welcomes the call for the current Agreement to be extended until June 2027 to allow sufficient time to co-design changes to improve outcomes,” said Mr McGrath.

The Commission and National Suicide Prevention Office provided a joint response to the Productivity Commission’s review in March. Read the submission on our website: http://www.mentalhealthcommission.gov.au/nspo/publications/productivity-commission-submission-mental-health-and-suicide-prevention-agreement-review