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Tech – Tense, sceptical, aware: NZers increasingly cautious about Internet

Source: InternetNZ

12 November 2025 – Tense, sceptical, aware – three words that describe New Zealanders’ relationship with all things Internet, including Artificial Intelligence, according to the latest 2025 World Internet Project (WIP).
The World Internet Project (WIP) is a global study of the social, economic, and cultural impact of the internet and digital technologies on societies around the world. AUT’s New Zealand Policy Research Institute (NZPRI) is commissioned by InternetNZ (INZ) to collect and analyse the responses of around 2000 Internet users aged 16+.
For the first time, this year’s survey includes questions about how New Zealanders feel about, and use, Artificial Intelligence (AI). When asked whether AI can be regulated, only 23% believe it is possible. The most common reason for doubt? “It’s already too late.”
The findings highlight the influence of age, education levels, and employment status when it comes to AI.
For example, 45% of 16-24-year-olds use AI frequently, compared with just 4% of those aged 75 and above. The tension about AI’s broader implications is real: more than half of Internet users surveyed (52.2%) expect AI to cause large-scale unemployment, yet nearly three-quarters (71.7%) are not personally worried about losing their jobs to automation. Older New Zealanders express stronger concerns about privacy and surveillance, and a majority oppose AI use by children younger than 18 due to its potential impact on their brain development.
Social media is also a concern for many living in NZ. Although most users (66.9%) view the Internet positively, a large share – 41.9% – consider social media equally helpful and harmful. More than 60% support stronger oversight of Internet and social media companies, with many favouring a mixed model of government and industry self-regulation, especially for platforms like TikTok and X.
Trust in online information remains low: around two-thirds of respondents (67.4%) say they are sceptical about the reliability of at least half of what they see online. Concerns about misinformation are widespread-two thirds (67%) see it as a serious issue.
Privacy issues are also top of mind for NZ Internet users, with more than 80% expressing some level of concern about the security of their personal or banking information when shopping online or using social networking sites.
Against this backdrop, more than half of users (52%) now say they are aware of the environmental impacts of digital technology. Younger respondents are taking actions to mitigate their digital footprint. Changes include keeping digital devices for as long as possible, unplugging devices when not in use, deleting unnecessary files or emails, or storing data locally rather than in the cloud.
NZPRI Director, Dr Lisa Meehan, says the latest WIP survey underscores the complex relationship that New Zealanders have with the Internet.
“To find so many people in NZ concerned about AI shows how pervasive it has become in our personal and work lives. The caution felt about AI is on par with our increasing wariness around social media and privacy concerns when doing online activities. This tempered response is appropriate given the seemingly endless flow of online content and information in our lives from so many internet-based sources,” says Lisa.
InternetNZ Chief Executive, Vivien Maidaborn, highlights the fact that for years, InternetNZ have sought to address barriers to digital equity, but notes that engaging with the online world is nuanced and that ‘more’ doesn’t always equate to ‘better’.
“Digital equity is not only about reducing barriers, but also about understanding what living well online means and knowing how to navigate its limits. The research points to a widespread desire for better regulation, an awareness that not all information online is reliable and that this has real impact on people's day to day life through privacy implications, politics and even the environment,” says Vivien.
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Health – New Primary Care Pathway to increase GP workforce a win for health care and patients

Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) is welcoming the establishment of the Primary Care Pathway to give medical graduates in year 2 of their Post Graduate training (PGY2) the opportunity to train and work in general practice.
A funding package to improve access to primary care and boost the primary care workforce was announced by Health Minister Simeon Brown in March 2025 as part of a wider commitment to fix New Zealand’s health system and improve health outcomes.
In this announcement, Minister Brown confirmed that up to 50 New Zealand-trained PGY2 doctors would train in primary care settings each year.
The College is optimistic that by providing more in-depth exposure to primary care services more medical graduates will get to see firsthand how comprehensive continuity of care in the community and close to home is vital to keeping patients healthy and out of ED and hospital.
College President Dr Luke Bradford says, “The job of a specialist GP is not for the faint hearted, but it is one of the most rewarding parts in medicine. By encouraging more medical graduates to experience the job firsthand we hope the stigma that is often associated with our job is diminished and that this Pathway will lead to a significant increase in trainees joining our College to become specialist GPs.”
College Medical Director Dr Prabani Wood says, “As a College and a workforce, we are excited to highlight the truly impactful nature of the specialist GP role and the wide-ranging opportunities that come along with it and look forward to welcoming doctors who gain their registration through this pathway into our College whānau.
“However, for this initiative to be successful and grow the next generations of the workforce, we must also ensure that our current workforce who will be doing the training and supervision of these PGY2 doctors are well-supported to do this alongside their usual clinical, leadership and governance roles.”
House Officers holding MCNZ general scope, including those who obtain MCNZ general scope through the New Zealand Registration Examination (NZREX), will meet the experience requirements to apply for the General Practice Education Programme (GPEP) by successfully completing PGY2, and includes those on the Primary Care Pathway placements.
More information about the Primary Care Pathway and how to apply is available on the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora ‘Primary Care Medical Pathway’ webpage. EOIs are open until Friday 9 January 2026. 
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Global Indigenous leaders and educators to unite in Tāmaki Makaurau for WIPCE 2025

Source: PĀNUI PĀPĀHO

Next week, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will transform into a hub of Indigenous knowledge, connection and celebration as 3,800 educators and leaders from across Aotearoa and the globe gather for the World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE).

Returning to Aotearoa for the first time in 20 years, WIPCE 2025 will provide thought-provoking kōrero, insightful wānanga, panel discussions, presentations, and interactive breakout sessions designed to spark ideas and drive Indigenous knowledge forward.

Hosted by Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau – AUT and iwi manaaki Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the event will be held at the Aotea Centre from 16-20 November.

The conference will open with a pōwhiri (official welcoming) on Sunday 16 November, followed by a ‘Parade of Nations’. Aucklanders will see delegates from more than 20 cultures and every corner of the globe parade Queen Street in their official kākahu (attire) in a colourful celebration of Indigenous pride.

A joint statement released today from the four Co-Chairs of WIPCE 2025 – Dr Noe Noe Wilson-Wong, Dr Bentham Ohia, Professor Damon Salesa, and Professor Meihana Durie – represents a step-change in the kōrero on Indigenous peoples in Aotearoa and around the world.

“As we head into final preparations for WIPCE 2025, we acknowledge the hard work and collective effort that has brought us to this point. WIPCE is about celebrating and affirming a shared sense of Indigenous determination and unity,” say the Co-Chairs.

“WIPCE is also a time to draw inspiration from the power of Indigenous ceremony, language, culture and scholarship and to reimagine the future of Indigenous education through sharing our deepest experiences, our distinctive histories and bold visions for the future. Together, alongside our iwi manaaki of Ngāti Whātua Orākei, we look forward to welcoming  manuhiri to Aotearoa and in particular, to Tāmaki Makaurau, a city that is home to the largest number of Pacific peoples in the world.”

WIPCE 2025 Co-Chair, Professor Meihana Durie says the event is an extraordinary opportunity to showcase Indigenous knowledge, scholarship and unity on a global scale.

“Although it is clear that Indigenous rights remain under immense threat, this gathering unites Indigenous educators, scholars and champions from across the world. Amplifying Indigenous voices and aspirations to transcend barriers that limit our collective potential, and more importantly, to achieve transformative inter-generational outcomes for Indigenous education worldwide,” says Durie.

“WIPCE is really about thinking about the future and how we navigate it collectively as Indigenous people. Our greatest strength comes through our unification”.

In addition to the cultural and academic contribution, the conference also brings significant economic benefits to Tāmaki Makaurau, says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited CE Nick Hill.

“WIPCE 2025 has the highest number of attendees ever recorded at an academic conference in New Zealand. The conference is expected to contribute $8.275 million to Auckland’s economy and generate more than 16,600 visitor nights,” explains Nick Hill.

“In addition, this gathering reflects our identity as the world’s largest Māori and Polynesian city, enriched by more than 200 ethnicities. We are committed to sharing knowledge that connects us all.”

The conference features an exceptional line up of Keynote and Guest speakers, including Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai-Smith, Professor Leonie Pihama, Dr Teina Rongo and Actor and Producer Cliff Curtis. Together, they bring diverse perspectives that have helped shape global dialogue on Indigenous rights, decolonisation, education and arts.

For those not attending the conference, Te Ao Pūtahi, a vibrant and free festival at Aotea Square, will offer an immersive experience for the wider community. The event features different ao or ‘worlds’, focusing on culture, food, healing and trade.

Starting on Sunday 16 November, visitors can enjoy kapa haka performances from groups like Ngā Tumanako, with live music from artists including Corrella, Jackson Owens, Betty-Anne and IA. Indigenous stallholders will also be providing free hands-on creative workshops and storytelling sessions, as well as selling kai and gifts.

More information about this year’s kaupapa is on the WIPCE 2025 website, including the themes and programme, keynote speakers, guest speakers, Te Ao Pūtahi free festival and other event information.

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Property Market – Favourable conditions see first home buyers capture record market share

Source: Cotality

First home buyers (FHBs) in New Zealand are making their mark, maintaining a record-high share of purchases, highlighting their ongoing market strength and motivation towards home-ownership, according to the latest Cotality-Westpac NZ First Home Buyer Report.

In the September quarter 2025, FHBs accounted for 27.7% of property purchases nationwide, a record-high, up from the previous best of 26.9% in the December quarter of last year. In a busier overall market, they are buying more properties in absolute terms too.

The trend is mirrored across the country’s main centres, urban areas, and provinces, where FHB market shares have recently been above historical averages.

In wider Wellington (Wellington City, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Porirua), FHBs accounted for 36% of property purchase activity over the first nine months of 2025, with other markets such as Rotorua also strong (32%), as well as South Waikato and Timaru (both 28%).

Westpac lending data also shows that loans to first home buyers are at their highest level in more than three years, as lower interest rates have improved serviceability for this group. The national average LVR for FHBs is currently around 79%, up from less than 75% three years ago.

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said FHBs are performing strongly in a market shaped by factors that currently benefit them, including increased choice and favourable LVR rules.

“In an environment where house prices and mortgage rates have both fallen, and resulted in better affordability, FHBs continue to fare well. Overall, banks and borrowers are already operating below the current, lower LVR speed limits, but FHBs are certainly making the most of the low-deposit finance that’s on offer,” he said.

Westpac NZ Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod also suggested that the lift in activity lately has been a result of continued large falls in mortgage rates that have encouraged FHBs to enter the market sooner with potentially lower deposits than they otherwise might have done.

“We’ve seen a lift in lending to first home buyers, with activity now at its highest level in more than three years. Lower interest rates mean some FHBs won’t need to raise as much equity, given that the same cash outflow will now service a larger loan”.
“Compared to this time last year, one-year fixed mortgage rates are nearly 150 basis points lower, while two-year fixed mortgage rates are around 250 basis points lower than in 2023. Those are big declines, and they’ve made the housing market a lot more accessible for would-be first home buyers.”

“It’s made a big impact. The fall in the one-year mortgage rate over the past year shaved around $485 off the average FHB’s monthly minimum mortgage payments. That’s a saving equivalent to 4-5% of the average first home buyer’s monthly income, based on the median price of $700,000,” he said.
 
Buyers take measured approach

The report also pointed out that even with easing barriers to access home financing, it’s still taking FHBs longer than before to enter the market.

The average age of a FHB has crept higher lately, rising to 36 years nationally, up from around 34 years prior to COVID.

“A rise in the average age for some FHBs may be a conscious choice on their part, reflecting other motivations such as an overseas experience first or establishing a career or family.

“For some buyers, they may also have simply decided to delay a purchase over the past few years without too much fear that house prices would spike higher in the meantime. But for others, the rise in average age will no doubt reflect affordability strains and a necessity to enter the market later,” said Mr Davidson.
 
At what cost?

The median price paid by first home buyers so far in 2025 is $700,000, only slightly above $695,000 in 2024. FHBs also continue to get ‘bang for buck’, with standalone houses a consistently strong share of their purchases.

Mr Davidson said first-home buyers continue to purchase at prices below the overall market median, but well above the lower end of the spectrum.

“The median for this group is lower than the all-buyer figure of $770,000, but significantly higher than the lower quartile across all buyers of $585,000.
“In other words, the typical FHB doesn’t always enter at the bottom of the market and work their way up, many enter the market well above the bottom rung of the ladder.

Cotality data also shows FHB activity has been rising across all price brackets.  

“In the bottom 30% of the market by value, their share rose from 26% in 2015 to 33% in 2020 and is now 35%. A similar upwards trend can be seen in the middle 40% value bracket, and the top 30%,” he noted.
 
The big question
Looking ahead, housing conditions should remain favourable for FHBs in the near-term.

“Mortgage rates have fallen, KiwiSaver access for at least part of the deposit remains a strong support, and the LVR speed limits are set to ease from 1st December. Granted, house prices may well start to rise again in 2026, but the pace shouldn’t be so strong that FHBs fall behind,” said Mr Davidson.

“We expect the RBNZ to cut the OCR by 25bp at its 26 November meeting, justified by sluggish growth, rising unemployment, and modest underlying inflation. Over the year ahead, widespread mortgage rollovers onto lower rates will boost households’ spending power, suggesting the OCR will likely move to an ‘on hold’ stance in 2026,” concluded Mr Ranchhod.

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Banking – ASB land optimisation programme to transform farmers’ futures and add billions to NZ economy

Source: ASB

ASB to back farmers with capital and pay for agri-consultant support, to help them improve resilience and revenue per hectare through land optimisation.

·         Innovative finance approach unlocks capital to transform the economic potential of pastoral farms, with greatest opportunity within sheep, beef and Māori land.
·         Programme projected to add up $4.5 billion to GDP over the next five years.

ASB has allocated $1 billion of capital over the next five years through a new land optimisation programme, aimed at lifting the productivity and resilience of 1,000 farms.

In a first for New Zealand, ASB’s Every Hectare Matters funds independent agri-consultants to develop optimisation options specific to farmers’ land, goals, and succession needs. ASB will lend up to $5 million per customer, with wraparound advisory support over five years to help bring their new model to life.

Modelling by Lincoln University’s Centre of Excellence in Transformative Agribusiness found ASB’s programme, once fully implemented, could boost New Zealand’s GDP by up to $4.51 billion each year and contribute 5% toward the Government’s export growth targets.

Banking on farmers’ future success

In an innovative shift, access to capital and interest rates will be based on future returns, taking the new model into account, rather than current farm revenue.

To ease cashflow pressure, farmers can finance the full cost of their investment, including interest and short-term losses over five years. This gives time for enhancements to start paying off – whether that’s improving current systems, investing in technology, or adding farm accommodation, crops or livestock.

ASB General Manager Rural Aidan Gent says, “We’re speaking with farmers who love their land but find themselves stuck, unable to fund improvements to deliver stronger returns, and build businesses that their children want to carry on.

“Every Hectare Matters wraps an expert team around farmers to help them make the right changes for their land and future generations. This is a genuine shift in rural lending, that’s ultimately about building the resilience of the primary sector and keeping farms in families.”

Transforming the future of sheep and beef farms

Every Hectare Matters follows research by Lincoln University The Future Use of Land and How ToFund It, which was released earlier this year with ASB.

The report found smarter land use could add billions to our economy, creating jobs and improving environmental outcomes, but greater access to finance is needed to achieve this. Landowners with significant optimisation potential include Māori, and sheep and beef farmers – sectors which despite large land holdings, can face cashflow challenges that limit their ability to invest and generate better returns.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Chief Executive Alan Thompson says optimisation and succession are critical to sheep and beef farmers.

“While our sector has made significant improvements in productivity, our research indicates there are still major gains that can be made.  We’ve identified genetics, technology, and on-farm management advice as key to unlocking productivity and optimising land use.

“There’s real drive to build businesses that keep families on their land, but the volatility of our sector means securing funding for improvements, or to bring the next generation on board can be tough. Optimising sheep and beef farms will benefit farmers and our economy, and we welcome practical solutions from across industry to support this.”

 Supporting Māori to unlock value of their whenua, and grow Te Ōhanga Māori

“There’s thousands of hectares of Māori land across Aotearoa with untapped potential,” says Aidan. “Every Hectare Matters will help owners optimise their whenua to generate sustainable returns that can be reinvested into agribusiness, or papakāinga (housing), and education. This is more than land productivity; it’s about strengthening tino rangatiratanga and creating intergenerational prosperity for Māori communities.”

Every Hectare Matters is open to new and current ASB rural customers, subject to eligibility. Landowners can find out more and connect with their local ASB Rural Manager at www.asb.co.nz/everyhectarematters.

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Property Market – Southern strength steadies a flat housing market – QV

Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

The latest QV House Price Index shows average home values across Aotearoa New Zealand fell 0.8% over the quarter to the end of October, with the national average now sitting at $902,020. That figure is unchanged compared to the same time last year and 13.9% below the nationwide market peak of January 2022.

Across the main centres, the Auckland region recorded the steepest fall, with average values dropping 2.2%, followed by Whangārei and Tauranga, both down 1.3%. Recent declines in Wellington City have steadied to a modest 0.8% decrease, while Hastings fell 0.6%, New Plymouth ticked down 0.3%, and Dunedin edged back just 0.1%.

The strongest regional gains were seen in Invercargill, up 2.7%, followed by Queenstown (+1.4%) and Napier (+1.2%). Christchurch values increased slightly, up (+0.4%), while Hamilton (+0.6%), Palmerston North (+0.2%), and Nelson (+0.1%) all recorded small quarterly increases.

QV National Spokesperson Andrea Rush said the housing market remains broadly flat, with small declines in most main centres offset by modest gains in parts of the South Island and regional Aotearoa.

“Listings and buyer activity have lifted this spring, but it hasn’t yet translated into sustained value growth. The market is still finding its footing after a long period of economic uncertainty, with confidence slowly returning as interest rates ease.”

She said the picture across the main centres remains mixed. “Auckland continues to lead national declines, while Wellington’s earlier downward trend appears to be stabilising. Christchurch has maintained its reputation for stability, with home values holding steady near their previous peak — though it’s notable the city didn’t see the same double-digit increases during the peak as other main centres. Elsewhere, regional cities such as Napier, Hamilton, and Palmerston North are showing renewed energy as the spring market gains momentum.”

“Further south, regional strength continues to underpin the national picture. Invercargill, Dunedin–Taieri, Queenstown, and the West Coast were among the strongest performers this quarter. Local economies remain steady, supported by tourism in Queenstown Lakes and the strong primary sector and relative affordability across Southland and Otago. While Queenstown is still the least affordable market in the country, values there remain firm thanks to ongoing demand and limited supply. Dunedin–Taieri once again recorded the strongest quarterly growth nationwide, underlining the resilience of southern markets.”

“Overall, the market is showing early signs of recovery, but progress remains uneven. While interest rate cuts and easier lending conditions are improving sentiment, high living costs and elevated unemployment are still weighing on household confidence.

QV expects values to remain relatively stable in the near term, with gradual growth likely to emerge in 2026 as economic conditions strengthen.”

Auckland

Auckland’s housing market continued to decline over the past quarter, with average values across the Super City down 2.2% to $1,192,927. Values are now 2.9% lower than a year ago and 21.4% below their January 2022 peak. Papakura fell the most (-3.5%), followed by Manukau (-3.4%) and Auckland City’s central suburbs (-2.8%).

QV Auckland Registered Valuer Hugh Robson said, “Although the statistics indicate no real change in the downward trend in the market, there appears to be a slight pick-up in buyer activity, possibly due to recent cuts to interest rates.”

“Agents are reporting more inquiries, more people at open homes, and more listings coming to the market during October, which is usual as we come into the spring–summer season,” he said.

“Townhouses continue to dominate the lower to medium price bracket, and inner-city suburbs continue to have steady activity.”

“The continued overall slow market reflects ongoing economic uncertainty, high unemployment, and reduced immigration levels.”

Wellington

Values for the greater Wellington region decreased 1.1% over the past three months and 3.3% year-on-year, with the average home value now $809,547.

In Wellington City, the larger falls seen in recent months have stabilised, with values dipping just 0.8% over the quarter; however, they were down 4.8% year-on-year to $914,390. The greatest decrease was in the Wellington City – Central suburbs, where values dropped 4.5% over the three months to the end of October to an average of $798,368. Meanwhile, values rose in Wellington City – West by 1.2% to $1,022,737.

QV Wellington Registered Valuer and Senior Consultant David Cornford said, “First-home buyers are active but remain cautious given the region’s economic and employment conditions. Well-presented stock is selling well, but poorly presented properties are selling at large discounts.”

“There has been an uptick in new development sales in the latter part of the year, though off-plan sales remain challenging,” he said.

“There is plenty of stock on the market, giving buyers ample choice, which, combined with weak economic conditions, is dampening value growth despite lower interest rates and easing lending criteria.”

“Further rate cuts and an expected improvement in economic conditions in 2026 will likely strengthen the market, albeit modestly.”

Christchurch

Christchurch City’s average home value is $778,172, up 0.4% over the quarter and 2.4% year-on-year. The average is now 0.3% above the $776,228 recorded during the January 2022 nationwide peak. Selwyn sits at $852,855, up 0.7% for the quarter and 1.7% year-on-year, while Waimakariri is up 0.3% for the quarter and 2.7% year-on-year.

The Christchurch metro market has been busy, with a good level of spring sales leading up to Christmas, and sales volumes across the Canterbury districts have been steadily increasing since mid-2025 on the back of higher market activity.

QV Christchurch Registered Valuer Michael Tohill said, “These figures underline the city’s relative stability compared to other main centres; however, it’s worth noting Christchurch did not experience the same level of value rises during the previous peak that were seen in other main centres, including Auckland and Wellington.”

“Christchurch continues its historic trend as a relatively stable real estate market in a downturn, with market correction only evident in certain sectors. For example, the townhouse market is seeing continued price pressure with ample supply and new pipeline stock coming through,” he said.

“The $1–$2 million market is very active, with good demand and strong sale prices being achieved. Meanwhile, building activity across Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri also remains steady, with home builders reporting a healthy level of forward work well into 2026,” Mr Tohill added.

Largest regional value changes

Southern markets once again led the way this quarter, with Dunedin–Taieri recording the strongest rise in the country, up 6.9% for the second consecutive quarter. The wider Otago and Southland regions also showed resilience, with Invercargill values climbing 2.7% and Queenstown up 1.4%. Further north, West Coast districts performed strongly, led by Westland up 3.4%, Buller up 2.8% and Grey District relatively flat rising by 0.4% over the quarter.

Overall, while parts of the country remain soft, southern and regional markets are proving the most resilient, supported by local economic strength, lower entry prices, and steady buyer demand.

QV West Coast Registered Valuer Rod Thornton said, “The region’s markets remain steady, with reasonable demand and buyers active across all main price brackets.”
“Overall values have risen as the upward trend continues although in areas such as the Westcoast region, where sales volumes tend to be lower and housing quite varied, statistics can be distorted to a degree,” he said.

In Hawke’s Bay, Napier home values increased 1.2% over the past three months to $753,948, while Hastings fell 0.6% to $774,484. Central Hawke’s Bay posted the strongest growth in the region, up 3.1%, while Wairoa District saw the steepest fall nationally, down 13.4%.

QV Hawke’s Bay Registered Valuer Nicola Waldon said, “First-home buyers remain active in Napier and Hastings, particularly in the $450,000–$700,000 price range.”

“Easing interest rates have given buyers more power,” she said. “Listings have increased slightly with the arrival of spring, while higher-end properties above $1 million are taking longer to sell.”

You can check value changes over time in your region with QV’s interactive map on www.qv.co.nz/price-index/
 
The QV HPI uses a rolling three month collection of sales data, based on sales agreement date. This has always been the case and ensures a large sample of sales data is used to measure value change over time. Having agent and non-agent sales included in the index provides a comprehensive measure of property value change over the longer term.

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Iwi affiliation: 2023 Census – Stats NZ information release


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Fire Safety – Restricted fire season for Coastal Wairarapa

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Wairarapa’s Northern, Central, and Southern Coasts will move into a restricted fire season from 8am on Wednesday 12 November until further notice.
A restricted fire season means a permit is required from Fire and Emergency New Zealand to light a fire in the open air.
Wellington District Community Risk Manager Phil Soal says northerly winds over the last month have dried out the coastal vegetation.
“With the temperature set to consistently increase, the risk of fires starting and spreading also increases.
“When the vegetation is dry, fires will spread quickly and be more difficult to extinguish. Putting a restriction on outdoor fires will help us protect the Wairarapa from wildfire,” he says.
“Everyone must visit www.checkitsalright.nz to check the conditions and fire risk and apply for their fire permits.
“If it is safe to light a fire, you can also find advice on how to do so safely on this website.”
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Defence news – New Zealand Defence Force ready for high-risk weather season

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

As the South West Pacific high-risk weather season from November to April gets underway, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is reinforcing preparedness of its response capabilities.

The frigate HMNZS Te Kaha and the multi-role ship HMNZS Canterbury and their crews, the Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief Task Unit consisting of land forces, and various Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft are on standby to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief tasks should they be required.

Two NZDF personnel have also joined the Brisbane-based Pacific Response Group (PRG) to help coordinate military response efforts to weather events.

The PRG is an initiative of the South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting, designed to strengthen coordination and readiness, and improve the effectiveness of military contributions to humanitarian crises in the Pacific.   

 

It brings together militaries from Australia, Fiji, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, with the aim of providing rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief options that complement local and international civilian efforts.

 

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rob Krushka, said the NZDF was committed to standing with its Pacific whānau. 

 

“Each year the high-risk weather season brings an elevated chance of cyclones and extreme weather in the Pacific. 

 

“We always hope it doesn't happen, but if it does, we are prepared to provide our expertise and assets to support our regional partners and civilian agencies in response.

 

“We remain ready, interoperable and working shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners when communities need us.”

 

In recent years, the NZDF has been called on to assist in the response to 2015’s Cyclone Pam which struck Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Kiribati, 2016’s Cyclone Winston which hit Fiji, and the Tongan volcanic eruption in 2022.

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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire #14

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand continues to move from offensive firefighting to patrolling and monitoring the area burnt by the fire in Tongariro National Park, but is still treating the area as a live fireground.
District Commander Nigel Dravitzki says that no obvious signs of fire have been seen today. “That’s a good sign, but it doesn’t mean the fire is out.”
“There may be patches of smouldering vegetation that would reignite very easily in windy conditions. That is common fire behaviour, especially in an environment like this where the vegetation dries out easily.”
Thirty five (35) firefighters have been patrolling tracks within the fireground today, checking for hotspots and signs of active fire.
Last night Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone team began thermal imaging flights around the perimeter.
Nigel Dravitzki says the fireground was mapped today and contains 2,935 hectares with a 35km perimeter. “Until we have checked it thoroughly, we will continue to take a precautionary approach,” he says.
Fire and Emergency has worked closely with Mana Whenua and the Department of Conservation, the Ruapehu District Council, Horizons Regional Council and their civil defence teams.
Fire and Emergency remains responsible for managing the fireground but will begin to take a less visible role in its management as they become more confident about the level of risk, Nigel Dravitzki says. “We will still be here and we will maintain the capability to respond to any flare ups or fresh activity, but we will transition to be more in the background.”
State Highway 47 will reopen at 5pm today, with speed restrictions.
Fire and Emergency is also hoping that drivers with dashcams may be able to help with the fire investigation. They would like to hear from anyone with a dashcam who was on SH47 last Saturday afternoon between 1pm and 4pm. The particular area of interest is SH47 from the intersection with SH4 to the intersection with SH46.