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Business – Heinz Wattie’s Confirms Changes to Operations in New Zealand

Source: Heinz Wattie's

Heinz Wattie's has today advised its people that it will proceed with plans to close manufacturing sites in Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland, as well as the frozen packing lines in Hastings. This will see a discontinuation of its frozen vegetables, coffee and dips businesses.

The announcement follows a formal consultation process, with the company seeking feedback from its people and representatives on the proposed changes, including the category exits associated with these sites.

Heinz Wattie's Managing Director, Andrew Donegan, says the decision is necessary to strengthen the business so it can continue to manufacture and sell products in New Zealand.

“We appreciated the open and thoughtful dialogue during the consultation process. After careful consideration and analysis of proposed suggestions, we have reached the conclusion that closing these sites and exiting these categories is the only way forward for the long-term viability of the business.  While change is needed, this is an incredibly difficult time for our employees and business,” says Donegan.  

Today's announcement will result in the loss of approximately 300 roles across impacted sites which includes some commercial roles. With site closures phased over the course of the year, final numbers will not be known for some time as redeployment opportunities continue to be explored.  

“The majority of those impacted are long-term experienced and skilled employees who would be sought-after candidates for many employers”, Donegan said.  

“Our focus is on supporting those who are affected with redundancy packages, employee counselling, career transition services and redeployment where possible,” says Donegan.

In Hastings, almost 50 people from the frozen packing lines will be redeployed, with some of those being retrained.  This means that they will stay with the business.

Wattie's will remain an employer of more than 1,200 people in New Zealand. Its Hawke's Bay sites will continue to manufacture more than 800 SKUs and sell products across 11 categories, including frozen meals and canned fruits and vegetables. Exports will continue to Australia, Japan, the Pacific Islands and other markets around the world.

Partnerships with growers for key crops such as tomatoes, peaches, corn and beetroot will continue, ensuring Wattie's remains a staple in New Zealand households.

ABOUT HEINZ WATTIE'S

A subsidiary of The Kraft Heinz Company, Heinz Wattie's is a major food producer with a proud New Zealand heritage. Founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, Wattie's is home to the nation's favourite tomato sauce, baked beans, spaghetti and a wide range of fruit and vegetable products and meals enjoyed by millions of Kiwis up and down the country. Learn more about New Zealand's best-loved food brand, by visiting www.watties.co.nz

NOTES

Rationale for change

  • The decision was driven by an extensive review of the New Zealand business and not made with reference to any broader company matters. 
  • It reflects challenging economic conditions currently facing New Zealand, particularly the manufacturing sector. Inflation in relation to raw materials, energy and logistics costs along with decreased sales volumes were the key drivers
  • Wattie's has not been able to pass on all the input costs to consumers, particularly in the current climate with the prevalence of cheaper product choices.  
  • This has meant that these categories and sites have consistently been in a loss-making position over the last few years.
  • The categories which the company will exit are frozen vegetables, Gregg's coffee and dips and pates.   

Details of impacted sites

The La Bonne Cuisine factory in Auckland will close.
Wattie's frozen vegetable factory in Christchurch will close
Gregg's coffee factory in Dunedin will close
The timing of the closures will likely be announced at the end of April.

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Storm News – Insurance sector calls for faster action on resilience as risks intensify

Source: Insurance Council of NZ

The Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ) has released its 2025 Annual Review, highlighting the growing urgency of reducing risk from natural hazards to protect communities and keep insurance accessible.
“Recent severe weather events are a reminder of the damage, disruption and devastation to life, property and communities,” ICNZ Chief Executive Kris Faafoi said.
“Insurance plays a critical role in helping New Zealanders get back on their feet after disasters. However, we all know it’s better for New Zealand to work collectively to act before disaster strikes, rather than pick up the pieces afterwards.
“Reducing risk upfront through smarter planning, resilient infrastructure and better information is essential if we are to protect communities and sustain access to insurance over the long term.
“The Government’s National Adaptation Framework is a vital first step. Now it’s time to move the dial from good intentions to real action.”
The Annual Review details ICNZ’s engagement throughout 2025 on major policy reforms affecting the sector, including work with central and councils on the National Adaptation Framework, resource management and building system reforms, and emergency management settings.
ICNZ made a record number of submissions during the year and strengthened its engagement with councils, recognising the increasingly important role local decision-making plays in managing flood and other natural hazard risks.
With 2026 an election year, Mr Faafoi said maintaining momentum on adaptation and building an enduring cross-party consensus would be critical.
“New Zealand is at a pivotal point. The direction is increasingly clear, but delivery now matters. Communities facing repeated flooding or storm damage cannot afford delay.”
The Review also highlights a major strategic investment by ICNZ in shared data capability, with the development of Te Pou Inihua, a new industry data platform designed to improve understanding of risk, support evidence-based policy, and strengthen public confidence in the insurance system.
“Better data means better decisions,” Mr Faafoi said.
“Te Pou Inihua will provide a trusted, aggregated view of insurance insights to inform government, communities and the sector as we navigate increasingly complex risks.”
The Annual Review reflects a year of significant change for ICNZ, including a refreshed strategy, deeper collaboration with global reinsurers, and a continued focus on fairness, transparency and consumer trust through the Fair Insurance Code.
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Legal Appointments – David Campbell is President of the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa

Source: Law Society

Legal Appointments – David Campbell has today, 27 March, begun his term as President of the New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa.
Mr Campbell was confirmed as the Law Society’s 34th President following a Council meeting in November last year and succeeds Frazer Barton. A partner at Dentons, he has been involved with the Law Society since 2014 and served as Vice President since 2022.
“This is a pivotal governance role for an organisation that not only regulates nearly 18,000 lawyers but also is the nationwide membership body for the legal profession, advocates for the rule of law and access to justice, and contributes to the health of our democracy,” Mr Campbell said.
“In 2025 the Law Society made more than 150 formal law reform submissions across all areas of law, addressing bills before select committee as well as consultations from public service departments and the judiciary.”
As President, Mr Campbell is a leading voice for New Zealand’s legal profession and is available to speak with media on issues including:
– Law reform, access to justice and the Courts
– Lawyer wellbeing and the future of legal practice
We can also help you with expert Law Society spokespeople on proposed law changes and legal issues (including legal aid and the rule of law in New Zealand), subject to availability. 
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Save the Children – One in five children in Lebanon forced from their homes in one month

Source: Save the Children

One in every five children in Lebanon has been forced to flee their home in just one month as conflict in Lebanon and the Middle East and region triggers a mass wave of displacement, Save the Children’s Chief Executive Officer Inger Ashing said today.
During a visit to Beirut on Thursday, Ms Ashing met some displaced children and families and heard how the situation was rapidly reaching a breaking point with families forced to leave everything behind and many relying wholly on humanitarian aid after years of crisis.
More than 1.2 million people – a fifth of the population – have been displaced in Lebanon since 2 March due to Israeli airstrikes and forced displacement orders including 350,000 children. More than 1,000 people have been killed, including more than 120 children with a further 380 or more children injured.
Ms Ashing said children were bearing the brunt of the crisis, abruptly losing access to the safety of their homes, their schools, their friends and access to healthcare and other essential services. Many are frightened and facing severe emotional distress.
“No child should have to run for their life in the middle of the night. Yet in Lebanon today, it’s happening to family after family – children fleeing, terrified,” said Ms Ashing.
“Lebanon’s children are being pushed past their limits. They are exhausted, traumatised, and losing the very foundations of childhood. The world cannot look away – we need action, and we need it now.”
Across Lebanon, people – many displaced for the second time in two years – are now staying with friends and relatives, while some have no choice but to sleep on the streets or are crowding into some of about 660 collective shelters, including about 470 schools turned into temporary housing.
While visiting Beirut, Ms Ashing met 20-year-old Wafaa- who described the fear of leaving home in eastern Lebanon with her four family members as explosions echoed in the distance following a displacement order.
“I want to achieve my dreams. I want to live in Lebanon and grow up like all children and young people around the world without war.” Wafaa- told her.
Many families fled their homes with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Some children arrived at shelters clutching a single treasured item: a worn teddy bear, a school backpack, even a family pet – symbols of the lives they were forced to leave behind.
One mother living in a shelter with her four children after fleeing their home three weeks ago said her children were struggling to cope and their contact with other children was critical.
Save the Children staff have set up child activities in some of the shelters, with many children drawing pictures of houses, trees and flowers from their villages and telling staff they want to home. Some older children are playing football or basketball to pass the time.
“Every aspect of their lives has changed – even their education. There’s no longer a sense of structure or routine. But here, even for a short time, they find moments of joy with the other children, and through these activities they receive much-needed psychological and emotional support,” she told Ms Ashing in the shelter.
This escalation has forced many children out of school for the 6 th year in a row. Some children have been displaced back to the same schools where they sheltered during the 2024 escalation. Few have access to online learning.
“This is not just a displacement crisis – this is a childhood crisis,” said Ms Ashing. “Classrooms should be filled with learning not used as sanctuaries from airstrikes. We urgently need increased funding and immediate action to ensure they are protected, supported, and given a real chance to recover.”
Save the Children is also providing emergency supplies in Lebanon including food, water, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support to children and their families. However, the organisation has warned that needs are rapidly outpacing available resources.
Save the Children is calling for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, especially children, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected areas, and increased international funding to meet the growing needs of displaced families.
Save the Children has worked in Lebanon since 1953. Since October 2023, we have scaled up our response in Lebanon, supporting displaced Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian children, and families.
NOTES
  • Children under 18 make up 31% of the population, according to the same UN source above, so about 1.8 million children. 
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Storm News – Northland Civil Defence morning update 27/03 7 AM

Source: Northland Regional Council

Teams from councils, contractors, and power networks are out this morning assessing damage across the region.
In the meantime, all Northland agencies and emergency services are urging the public to limit travel, take extreme care on the roads, and avoid driving through floodwaters. Emergency services continued to carry out rescues from vehicles trapped in floodwaters throughout yesterday evening.
In Kaitāia, emergency services assisted with the evacuation of residents overnight after some homes began experiencing flooding or were at risk of flooding from the Awanui River. The main area affected covered roughly three streets at the northern end of Kaitāia.
Around 40 people were provided accommodation at Kaitāia College overnight. Assessment teams will be out this morning checking the evacuated areas and river conditions to confirm when it’s safe for residents to return, with the aim of getting people back home as soon as possible.
River levels on the Awanui and surrounding waterways have now receded and are currently sitting below warning thresholds.
The MetService heavy rain warning for Northland was lifted at 4am this morning (Friday). However, the region’s roading network, along with parts of the electricity network, has been significantly impacted. The majority of rivers across Northland have now peaked and are receding.
Rainfall totals from 4pm Wednesday to 4am this morning show the highest accumulations at Waimamaku at Wekaweka Road in Waima (275mm), the upper Ngunguru River at Dugmores Rock (245mm), and Whakapara at Puhipuhi (239.5mm). Notably, both the highest and lowest rainfall figures were recorded on Northland’s west coast, with lower totals at the Awaroa at Wallace Road in Ruawai (68.5mm) and the Kaipara Harbour at Pouto Point (22.5mm).
Emergency services across the region have worked tirelessly throughout this event, and we extend our thanks for their ongoing efforts to keep communities safe.
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Storm News – ASB ready to support customers affected by severe weather

Source: ASB

ASB is offering support options for customers who are impacted by severe weather in the North Island.

Targeted support for personal, farming and business customers will be offered on a case-by-case basis, with options including:

  • Deferring home loan repayments for up to three months or interest only for three months.
  • Immediate consideration of requests for emergency credit card limit increases.
  • Tailored solutions for eligible ASB business and rural customers including access to working capital of up to $100,000.

ASB Executive General Manager for Personal Banking Adam Boyd says the bank is ready to support customers.

“Severe weather events like this can put pressure on households, businesses, and farms. We want our customers to know they don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re asking affected customers to get in touch so we can find a solution that works for them.”

Some Advice Centres (branches) have temporary changes to their opening hours. Customers are advised to checkASB’s branch locator tool for their nearest branch and opening hours.

To discuss support options, personal customers should call ASB's contact centre on 0800 803 804. Alternatively, customers can email hardship@asb.co.nz.  Affected ASB business and rural customers should speak to their relationship manager or call 0800 272 287.

Further detail on ASB’s extreme weather support is available here: https://www.asb.co.nz/page/extreme-weather-support.html

More information and full terms, fees and charges can be found on ASB's website.

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Research – Cost of living dominates Kiwis’ concerns – but sustainability still shapes trust, choices and expectations of business

Source: Sustainable Business Council

The cost of living continues to emerge as New Zealanders’ top concern – yet sustainability continues to play a decisive role in how people judge businesses, according to new research released today.
The Better Futures 2026 report, now in its 17 th year and produced in partnership between the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and global insights organisation Kantar, reveals that while climate and environmental issues are competing for attention in an increasingly crowded landscape of crises, expectations of business leadership on sustainability remain high, and unmet.
Nearly nine in ten New Zealanders (87%) say businesses should take responsibility for their environmental and social impacts. However, 69% believe businesses are still not doing enough, and 60% say the way companies talk about sustainability is confusing.
Jason Cate, Kantar’s Sustainable Transformation Practice Lead, says this year’s results reflect a moment of tension, rather than disengagement.
“New Zealanders are continuing to navigate acute pressures, cost of living crises, housing affordability, healthcare access, and social harm – all of which understandably dominate people’s immediate attention,” Mr Cate says.
“But that doesn’t mean sustainability has disappeared. As people’s understanding of sustainability matures, what we are seeing is a recalibration, with more scepticism, less patience for vague messaging, and a much stronger focus on whether businesses’ actions genuinely minimise harm and make a difference.”
The research shows environmental concerns remain prominent, with pollution of waterways, microplastics and extreme weather events among the top environmental issues. Extreme weather in particular has surged back up the public agenda following several devastating events over summer.
Despite sustainability receiving a smaller ‘share of voice’ in the media, the report finds it continues to influence consumer behaviour, driving both product adoption (74%) and rejection (53%), underlining its ongoing commercial relevance for businesses.
SBC’s Director of Programmes Jay Crangle says the results send a clear signal to business leaders.
“This report cuts through the noise and shows that sustainability still matters to New Zealanders and they’re looking for action.”
“People are less interested in what businesses say, and much more interested in what they do. Clear action, visible impact, and honest communication about progress, trade-offs and challenges are now critical for organisations.”
Generational differences add complexity
For the first time this year’s report explores generational trends in more depth. While social concerns vary sharply by age, the results reveal remarkable consistency across generations when it comes to environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
However, younger New Zealanders – particularly Gen Z and Millennials – show lower overall commitment to sustainability when feelings and behaviours are combined, despite expressing strong concern. The insights reveal financial pressure, competing priorities and distrust in institutions are key barriers.
“Younger generations care deeply, but they are also stretched and sceptical,” says Mr Cate.
“They’re more likely to question whether individual effort is enough, and whether businesses and systems are doing their fair share.”
“These insights show that sustainability is becoming a more mature, but also more complex space. Businesses must choose their areas of impact wisely.”
The challenge – and opportunity – for business
The Better Futures 2026 report finds that boards and executives globally continue to see sustainability as strategically important, yet New Zealanders still rate many of the country’s largest businesses as average or underperforming on environmental and social action.
Ms Crangle says that gap represents a critical opportunity for business leaders.
“This isn’t about abandoning sustainability because of complex competing priorities,” she says.
“It’s about doubling down on credible action that connects to people’s real concerns – affordability, resilience, and fairness – and proving that businesses can be part of the solution.”
The Better Futures 2026 report is based on a nationally representative survey of more than 1,000 New Zealanders, alongside international benchmarking and longitudinal analysis.
The 2026 top five concerns for New Zealanders compared with 2025 ranking are as follows:
1. The cost of living (unchanged)
2. Protection of children from mental, physical and sexual abuse (3rd)
3. Not having access to good, affordable healthcare (2nd)
4. Violence in society (5th)
5. Availability of affordable housing (9th)
The top five environmental concerns for New Zealanders compared with 2025 ranking are as follows:
1. Pollution of lakes, rivers, and seas (unchanged)
2. Microplastics in the environment and food sources (3rd)
3. Extreme weather events (flooding, fires, drought) (9th)
4. Loss of biodiversity on land and in marine environments (8th)
5. The impact of climate change (unchanged )
Margin of error ±5% points at the 95% confidence level.
This is the 17th year Kantar has been monitoring the issues New Zealanders care most deeply about.
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Storm News – Red weather warnings "no joke", says NEMA boss

Source: National Emergency Management Agency

As another tropical depression batters Northland and moves over the motu, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is urging people to take the Metservice warnings extremely seriously.
Parts of Northland are under a Red Heavy Rain warning today as a deep sub-tropical low passes over Aotearoa New Zealand. Further Red warnings are considered highly likely, and Whangarei and the Far North regions have declared States of Local Emergency.
“Red weather warnings are real and no joke, and I’m urging people not to put themselves in harm’s way, as your life safety is critical,” NEMA’s director of civil defence emergency management John Price says.
“MetService only issues red warnings for the most extreme weather events. Heavy rain and severe winds can cause flooding and landslides, which can kill or cause serious harm.
“It’s tempting to go out and see what is happening, or go out on the water to experience the big waves – but please, trust your danger sense and don’t be foolish.
“If you get into trouble and need rescuing, you’ll be holding up emergency services who need to be looking after our most vulnerable.”
NEMA advises people in the warning areas not to enter floodwaters and avoid travel. Act quickly to self-evacuate if you feel in danger.
“We’re asking people to trust their danger sense, so if you see rising waters or signs that a slope may be unstable, get away immediately,” John Price says.
“Your safety is your responsibility.
“Listen to the radio and advice from your local Civil Defence Emergency Management group and emergency services, and call 111 if your life is in danger.
“Stay safe out there.”
John Price says NEMA is working with local Civil Defence and emergency services to coordinate resources and support the locally-led response efforts.
More information on what to do before, during and after severe weather can be found on the Get Ready site – www.getready.govt.nz.
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Storm Northland UPDATE 02; MARCH WEATHER EVENT

Source: Northland Regional Council

Date: Thursday 26 March Update number: 02 @ 1640 hrs
UPDATE 02; MARCH WEATHER EVENT
An update on the weather situation as of 1640hrs today (Thursday 26 March).
Severe weather continues to affect our region, with Red and Orange Heavy Rain Warnings and a Strong Wind Warning still in place across the region. If you are home, and safe, we encourage you to stay put, be prepared and continue to follow updates.
Here’s what people need to know as we head into the evening:
Flooding and river conditions River levels are high across the region, with some still rising. Further rainfall may cause flooding, slips, landslides, hazardous driving conditions and road closures.
Roads, travel and welfare Please avoid travel where possible. If people must travel, they should drive to the conditions and expect delays and changing conditions.
There are several State Highway and local road closures, with more possible. Crews will respond as quickly as conditions allow. Check NZTA for most up to date information Highway conditions for Northland | NZTA Journey Planner
Due to road closures, some Far North, Kaipara and coastal communities are currently cut off. If you can’t get home, stay with friends or whānau if possible. If that’s not an option, information about welfare centres or marae will be shared via district council channels. If you need welfare support, please ring your local district council.
MORE
Whangarei District Council | Phone: 0800 932 463 | Website: www.wdc.govt.nz
Far North District Council | Phone: 0800 920 029 | Website: www.fndc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Website: www.kaipara.govt.nz
Power outages There are multiple power outages across the region. Crews are working to restore supply, but this may take time, so you should prepare for extended outages and check:
State of emergency A state of emergency has been declared by both Far North District Council and Whangārei District Council for an initial period of seven days. This is a precautionary measure that gives them emergency powers so they can act quickly – e.g. if they need to close roads, undertake evacuations etc.
What you can do now – Avoid floodwaters and unstable ground – Be ready to self-evacuate if water rises or you feel unsafe – Move vehicles and valuables away from flood-prone areas – Bring pets inside and move stock from low-lying paddocks – Have essential supplies, a grab bag and an evacuation plan ready – If it’s safe, check on neighbours, older people and those who may need support
If you or your whānau are in immediate danger, call 111.
This is a fast-changing situation. We’ll continue to provide updates as information comes in. Please keep following this page, MetService, and your local and regional councils. Weather warnings: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-north
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Banking and Security – ASB warns of a new wave of bank impersonation scams

Source: ASB

ASB is urging people and businesses to be alert, with calls from scammers impersonating bank staff on the rise again. The scammers have been asking people to verbally share verification codes to access online banking, or directing them to fake bank websites to enter details.

ASB General Manager Fraud and Scams, Richard Joseph says the callers are very sophisticated and in many cases are claiming they have detected fraudulent activity on a person’s bank account, in order to appear more convincing.

“While our fraud team may call customers to verify unusual transactions, we won’t ask for login credentials.

“We will never ask for your banking passwords, PIN, verification codes sent through your mobile phone or codes from your token. We will never ask you to type a web address into your browser, nor ask you to enter any of your details or codes.  The only web address ASB uses is www.asb.co.nz.”

ASB customers who receive a call from someone claiming to be from ASB can ask for a Caller Check. The bank will send a secure message directly to their ASB Mobile Banking App to verify they are actually speaking with ASB before sharing any information.

“If anyone claiming to be ASB can’t send a Caller Check notification, or if a customer receives a Caller Check anywhere other than the ASB Mobile Banking app, it’s likely a scam.

“If anyone is in doubt about whether they’re really speaking to their bank, hang up and call back on one of its publicly listed numbers.”

ASB is urging any customer who believes their account may have been compromised to contact the bank immediately on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or +64 9 303 0332 if calling from overseas, or to visit their local branch.