Covering period of Monday 3rd – Thursday 6th November – After a turbulent October, this week we see a turn to dry and settled weather. This news will be especially welcomed by both Wānaka and Queenstown who had their second wettest Octobers on record. (Records began in 1992 and1968 respectively) 

The sunshine has come out for Marlborough Anniversary Day today (Monday) and there are plenty of blue skies across the rest of the country. MetSevice is forecasting these warm and dry conditions to persist for most regions this week.  These sunny days are a good reminder to stock up on sunscreen for the summer.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley details, “The northwesterly wind will drive up temperatures this week. Invercargill looks to rise to 24°C on Wednesday. Christchurch and Hastings are set to get to 27°C on Thursday.” 

With Guy Fawkes on Wednesday night, these warm and dry conditions are something to be cautious about. Check the latest fire conditions from Fire Emergency New Zealand at https://www.checkitsalright.nz/.

Westland can expect to get wet on Wednesday as a front moves on to the South Island. There is minimal risk of severe weather however, and this front will weaken as it moves north on Thursday. On Thursday, a low pressure system approaches from the north, which looks likely to bring rain to the North Island for the latter part of this week. 

“Cricket fans will be keeping a close eye on the forecast for the upcoming T20 when the Blackcaps will face the West Indies at Eden Park. Conditions are looking pretty good on Wednesday, but Thursday could be a bit dicey. Wet weather will be moving in from the north later this week.” advises Michael. 

03 November 2025 – The RBNZ has published the results from the 2025 Bank Industry Stress Test. The exercise assessed the resilience and responses of the country's five largest banks to two severe but plausible scenarios involving geopolitical risks.

“Recent developments in global trade policies have heightened the importance of evaluating banks' resilience to geopolitical shocks,” says Director of Financial System Assessment, Kerry Watt.

In the first scenario, banks model the impact of a recession triggered by a breakdown in trade, disruption to global supply chains and instability in the geopolitical environment. The scenario saw bank capital ratios fall significantly. While capital remained above the minimum regulatory requirements, it would take some time and significant actions to restore them to current levels.

In a second scenario, each bank faces a cyber-attack triggering a severe outflow of retail deposits to other banks and closure of wholesale funding markets to the affected bank over three months. This is against the backdrop of the recession described in Scenario 1. Bank capital was depleted further but remained above regulatory minimums. Banks' liquidity buffers were sufficient to meet the cash outflows. However, their liquidity ratios fell significantly with some banks requiring mitigating actions to remain above the regulatory minimum. The recovery period takes longer with the additional liquidity stress, leaving banks at a disadvantage to peers. The results can help inform banks' preparedness for managing a combined stress of their solvency and liquidity, a new feature of this year's test.

In Scenario 2 the overnight borrowing facility of the Reserve Bank is important in managing a sharp liquidity shock and providing stability to the financial system. However, since this is not a committed facility, banks could consider a more diversified range of funding options, particularly in a scenario where other financial entities are not under liquidity stress.

“The exercise provides valuable insights for both participating institutions, the Reserve Bank and the wider financial system, helping to build our capability and preparedness to manage complex risks,” says Mr Watt.  

More information

Assessing banks' resilience to geopolitical risks: 2025 bank industry solvency stress test results – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=5952544b14&e=f3c68946f8

Today marks 108 years since the Balfour Declaration of 1917, a statement that set in motion the dispossession and suffering of the Palestinian people. The Palestine Forum of New Zealand joins Palestinians and justice advocates worldwide in condemning the ongoing consequences of this colonial promise, one made by Britain to a European movement over land that was not theirs to give.

The Balfour Declaration, issued by British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour on 2 November 1917, expressed support for “the establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people,” while dismissing the political and human rights of the Palestinian Arab majority who had lived there for centuries. This 67-word statement laid the foundation for decades of displacement, military occupation, and systemic injustice that Palestinians continue to endure.

“The Balfour Declaration was not merely a historical document; it was the spark of an enduring tragedy,” said Maher Nazzal, spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand. “It represents the beginning of over a century of denial of Palestinian self-determination, a violation of international law that still echoes in every demolished home, every refugee camp, and every silenced Palestinian voice.”

Since 1948, more than 5.9 million Palestinian refugees remain displaced across the Middle East, unable to return to their ancestral homes. The legacy of the Balfour Declaration continues through ongoing settlement expansion, home demolitions, and what international human rights organizations have characterized as apartheid conditions.

Calls to Action:

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on:

The United Kingdom to acknowledge its historic responsibility and issue an official apology for the Balfour Declaration and its devastating legacy
The New Zealand Government to take a clear stance by supporting international efforts to end the illegal occupation, uphold Palestinian human rights, and recognize the State of Palestine
The international community to prioritize accountability and enforce international law without exception

This anniversary is not only a moment of remembrance — it is a call to action. Justice requires truth, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to end impunity. The world cannot continue to look away while Palestinians live under occupation.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand remains steadfast in advocating for a just and lasting peace based on equality, freedom, and the right of return for all Palestinians.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Z Energy has apologised for any confusion caused by aspects of its advertising campaign, which claimed it was moving with the times and in the business of getting out of the petrol business.

In November 2023, Consumer NZ, Lawyers for Climate Action New Zealand, and the Environmental Law Initiative (the plaintiffs) sought High Court declarations that Z Energy had misled New Zealanders with its public messaging in an advertising campaign.  

The parties have now mutually agreed to settle the case.

“We maintain Z Energy’s ‘Moving with the Times’ advertising campaign was misleading,” said Jon Duffy, chief executive of Consumer NZ.

“Our goal in taking this case was to hold Z Energy accountable. Today’s public apology by Z Energy, which is featured in newspapers across the country, shows that we have achieved that.”  

Although Z Energy's campaign said the company was in the business of getting out of the petrol business, it wasn’t actually intending to get out of the petrol business. Or at least not any time soon.  

“We are pleased to have reached the point where Z Energy has accepted it should apologise for any confusion caused by aspects of its advertising campaign,” said Duffy.

The agreement to settle did not include any payment to the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs acknowledge that Z Energy does not consider its actions to be greenwashing, or to involve misleading and deceptive conduct, and has not admitted any liability.  

Even so, Duffy said, “We continue to believe this was one of the worst examples of greenwashing in New Zealand’s history. Our settlement allows for us to agree to disagree with Z Energy on that.”

Consumer defines greenwashing as a sneaky marketing tactic that makes a shopper think something is ‘green’ or more environmentally friendly than it really is.

“In this case, three small not-for-profits joined forces to call out a big corporate entity for greenwashing,” said Jessica Palairet, executive director at Lawyers for Climate Action New Zealand.

“While the government and regulators are currently missing in action, we have shown that we are not afraid to step in to fill that gap. This case sends a clear message to other major businesses: if you cross or sail close to the line on green claims, you run the risk of being very publicly held to account, and spending significant sums of money to defend yourself in legal proceedings.”

In a statement issued today by all parties, Z Energy has agreed with the plaintiffs that greenwashing is a prevalent problem in New Zealand, and that it has been subject to limited enforcement action. Z Energy and the plaintiffs have acknowledged the importance for businesses to communicate accurately to consumers.

Z Energy has acknowledged that petrol and fossil fuels are a leading contributor to climate change, and that transport emissions, including from the fuel Z Energy sells, are a big part of New Zealand’s emissions.

Z Energy agrees with the plaintiffs that the government has a crucial role in facilitating the energy transition in New Zealand, particularly in relation to the transport sector.

“Having one of New Zealand’s largest emitters join our call for the government to step up and better support climate action is extraordinary. We need a robust plan to transition away from fossil fuels, and Z Energy agrees with our stance that the government needs to step up to make this happen,” said Palairet.

“Collectively we are calling for bipartisan policies and strategies to achieve our climate targets, so businesses and consumers can navigate the transition confidently,” said Dr Matt Hall, director of legal and research at Environmental Law Initiative.  

The plaintiffs are pleased by Z Energy’s acknowledgement that consumers currently find it hard to verify green claims, and that businesses must be truthful for markets to be successful.

“We will continue to monitor the claims of major polluters, including Z Energy, to ensure they are meeting this standard,” said Hall.

“The wave of accountability is spreading. Z Energy’s apology follows an apology from Energy Australia in the settlement of a greenwashing case brought by Australian Parents for Climate Action, and comes at the same time as a landmark ruling in France against TotalEnergies’ greenwashing advertising. Outcomes like this show that the pressure is working.

“Ultimately, the only way to prevent consumers from being misled by any aspect of fossil fuel advertising is to completely ban it,” said Hall.

About Consumer, LCANZI and ELI

Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

Help fund more research, investigations, and campaign work like this. Join at consumer.org.nz.

Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) is a New Zealand registered charity. ELI uses litigation, advocacy and education to protect Aotearoa’s environment.

Read about existing cases at eli.org.nz.

Lawyers for Climate Action NZ Inc (LCANZI) is a non-profit collective of lawyers who use the law to ensure more effective action against climate change. LCANZI’s members are barristers, solicitors, legal academics and students from across Aotearoa New Zealand.

LCANZI brings strategic climate litigation, and advocates for legislation and policies to ensure Aotearoa meets or exceeds its commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as soon as possible and no later than 2050. Find out more about LCANZI.

We All Play a Part: Water Safety New Zealand Encourages Collaboration and Participation for Water Safety Month 2025 (November)

Ahead of New Zealand’s highest risk drowning season.

As New Zealand heads into summer – the season when 43% of drownings occur – Water Safety New Zealand and partners across the sector welcome Water Safety Month, held every November.  This year’s theme, “We All Play a Part,” is a reminder that everyone – from sector organisations to community groups, whānau and individuals – has a role to play in preventing drownings and building a stronger culture of water safety across Aotearoa.

“Summer is a time of celebration and connection – but also when we need to be most vigilant,” says Gavin Walker, Acting CE at Water Safety New Zealand. “An average of 37 New Zealanders drown each summer, and we’re three times more likely to drown around Christmas. These are confronting statistics and Water Safety Month is a reminder to reflect and commit to positive change”.

As of 31 October, 54 New Zealanders have drowned this year – six fewer than at the same point in 2024, but still 54 too many. Last year 74 people drowned in New Zealand.  “The need to make smart decisions around water is more critical than ever – the power is in prevention,” Gavin says, noting a rise in female drownings this year and increased drownings in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

“Drowning prevention is complex – no single group can solve it alone,” says Gavin. “By recognising the role each of us plays, we can create a safer, more connected water culture in every region.”

Throughout November, Water Safety Month will highlight stories of people and organisations making a difference – from iwi-led initiatives, to surf lifesaving clubs, water skills educators, to volunteers and individuals.

“This month is about celebrating the big and small actions that save lives,” says Gavin. “Whether you’re a parent teaching your child to float, a volunteer patrolling the beach, or a local business supporting water safety education – every action showing Kiwis doing the right things at the right time – every part matters.”

There are many ways to show how you’re playing your part in water safety this summer.

The campaign’s puzzle and jigsaw imagery symbolise how every action, no matter how small, connects to the bigger picture of water safety in New Zealand.

Post your stories, photos, or videos on social media using the hashtag #WeAllPlayAPartor tag @WaterSafetyNZ to join the national conversation.  Assets are free to download at watersafetynz.org.

You could share your story or someone else’s effort to promote water safety, highlight a local champion – an individual, club, or organisation making a difference, make a pledge to take small steps that keep your whānau safe around water this summer.  Water Safety New Zealand will support amplification of these stories.

In 2024, 74 New Zealanders drowned:

• 73% were adult males (54 of 74)

• 90% of craft-related drownings involved no lifejacket

• 88% of victims were adults

• Nearly 20% occurred at known high-risk locations.

Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand edged up by 0.2% in October, the second modest rise in a row, according to Cotality NZ’s latest hedonic Home Value Index (HVI). Values had previously ticked up by a minor 0.1% in September, after five consecutive falls over April to August, with the national median now sitting at $811,662.

Across the main centres, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland fell again (-0.2%), with Kirikiriroa Hamilton flat in October. Tauranga and Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington both lifted by 0.2%, while Ōtautahi Christchurch (0.4%) and Ōtepoti Dunedin were stronger (0.7%).

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson, said that the second consecutive lift in property values may signal the early stages of a market recovery. However, he emphasised the importance of maintaining a measured outlook.

“It’s a cliché, but upturns obviously have to start somewhere, and the recent emergence of small increases in property values would certainly be consistent with the falls in mortgage rates over the past year or so.”

“That being said, sentiment remains tilted to the cautious end of the spectrum, and of course, the economy and labour market are still subdued. Meanwhile, the gains in September and October were clearly reasonably small in the grand scheme of things.”

He pointed out that one notable shift in credit policy in recent weeks has been the announcement on 14 October that the loan to value ratio rules are set to ease from 1 December.

“That may possibly benefit investors a bit more than owner-occupiers, although the potential scope for more pre-approvals for low equity loans could bolster first home buyers.”

“We’ve seen in the past that banks tend to act early on these rule changes, so the effects may start to show through even as soon as the release of October’s mortgage lending stats in late November.”

“Meanwhile, it’s still very early days for Labour’s capital gains tax policy, given of course it won’t mean much if they don’t get into power. One lesson from other countries is that CGT doesn’t stop house price growth, although this policy proposal does add to the general sense that property returns in future could be a touch less than in the past.

Index results for October 2025	Change in dwelling values
	Month	Quarter	Annual	From peak	Median value
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland	-0.2%	-1.0%	-2.0%	-22.9%	$1,051,796
Kirikiriroa Hamilton	0.0%	0.0%	0.7%	-11.8%	$732,836
Tauranga	0.2%	0.7%	1.5%	-15.7%	$926,150
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*	0.2%	-0.1%	-1.4%	-24.8%	$789,505
Ōtautahi Christchurch	0.4%	0.7%	2.5%	-4.2%	$704,249
Ōtepoti Dunedin	0.7%	0.8%	-0.1%	-11.1%	$597,974
Aotearoa New Zealand	0.2%	-0.1%	-0.4%	-17.3%	$811,662

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland