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Health and Alcohol – Ki Tua o Matariki: Alcohol Law Changes Risk Pushing Harm Further Into Everyday Life

Source: Ki tua o Matariki

Alcohol Law Changes Risk Pushing Harm Further Into Everyday Life
Ki Tua o Matariki (KToM) is warning that proposed changes to alcohol laws could increase harm for whānau Māori by making alcohol more visible, more accessible, and more normalised in everyday spaces.
The Government has announced reforms aimed at reducing barriers for businesses, including limiting who can object to alcohol licences, allowing wineries, breweries and distilleries to hold both on- and off-licences, and enabling places like barbers and hairdressers to serve alcohol.
KToM CEO Zoe Witika-Hawke says the changes risk shifting alcohol further into daily life at a time when many whānau are already under pressure.
“These changes might seem small on their own, but together they make alcohol more present in our everyday environments- and that matters,” says Witika-Hawke. We know alcohol outlets are more concentrated in lower-income communities, while access to health support is often more limited. “That imbalance matters- because it shapes the environments our whānau are living in every day.”
“Alcohol harm is not just about individual choice. It’s shaped by how available it is, where it shows up, and what becomes normal.”
Whānau Already Carrying the Load
The reforms come as many whānau face increasing financial pressure, with petrol prices in Tāmaki Makaurau now sitting above $3 per litre, alongside rising costs of food, rent, and power.
“Our whānau are already making tough choices every day- between fuel, kai, and keeping the lights on,” says Witika-Hawke. “At a time like this, increasing access to alcohol raises real questions about priorities.”
Community Voice at Risk
One of the most significant changes would restrict who can object to alcohol licence applications. KToM says this risks weakening community voice- particularly for Māori communities whose boundaries and realities do not align with territorial authority lines.
“Our communities know what harm looks like where they live,” says Witika-Hawke. Liquor stores
“Reducing their ability to speak into these decisions removes an important layer of protection.”
FASD and Intergenerational Impact
KToM is also highlighting the ongoing impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), with estimates suggesting 1,800 to 3,000 babies every year may be affected. That’s roughly 8 babies per day.
FASD is lifelong and preventable and disproportionately impacts tamariki Māori.
“Every increase in alcohol availability increases risk- particularly for māmā hapū navigating stress and systemic barriers,” says Witika-Hawke.
“We need to be clear- this is not about blaming māmā. Stigma has never prevented harm. Safe environments and strong support systems do.”
A Wider Direction of Travel
KToM says the proposed changes sit within a broader shift away from prevention-focused policy.
“We’ve seen smokefree protections rolled back, and now alcohol access expanded,” says Witika-Hawke.
“Taken together, these decisions shape the conditions our whānau are living in.”
Alcohol harm is already estimated to cost Aotearoa $9.1 billion annually, placing pressure on communities and an already stretched health system.
Calling for Balance
KToM acknowledges the importance of economic growth but says it must not come at the expense of whānau wellbeing.
“We are not anti-business- we are pro-whānau,” says Witika-Hawke.
“If we want safer communities and healthier futures, alcohol policy must prioritise prevention, not increased exposure.”
Looking Ahead
Ki Tua o Matariki is calling for a balanced approach that protects community voice, strengthens prevention, and invests in whānau wellbeing.
“Our whānau are already carrying enough,” says Witika-Hawke.
“Policy should reduce harm- not make it easier to access.” 
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Recognition – Safeguarding Children wins New Zealand Community of the Year 2026

Source: Safeguarding Children

A nationwide movement that has trained more than 93,000 advocates to recognise and respond early to signs of child abuse has been awarded the Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year 2026.

Safeguarding Children CEO Willow Duffy accepted the award at the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards ceremony, reflecting on how the initiative has grown to have far-reaching impact around Aotearoa after starting “as an idea over a cup of coffee with three nurses and a detective.”

“Recognising that the rates of child abuse in New Zealand was one of the biggest public health issues, we put this idea together that we could inspire people to speak up for children, do the best for them and take steps to protect our tamariki not just in their homes but in their communities and places children go,” Duffy said.

Duffy said what continues to motivate her are the harrowing stories of child abuse, such as those from The Abuse in Care, Royal Commission of Inquiry, and firsthand accounts where the opportunities for adults to step in and prevent abuse are strikingly apparent, yet not taken.

“Protecting our precious taonga, our nation’s tamariki, is everyone’s responsibility. Safeguarding Children will continue to advocate for better safeguards to prevent abuse in New Zealand, as well as equip people with the knowledge and tools to step in and do the right thing.”

Duffy said she is humbled by the recognition the award brings. “The team behind the initiative make me so proud every day. We are supported by an incredible voluntary board who work so hard to give their time and make it happen, and sponsors who donate so we can do this work.

“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”

Duffy said she hopes the recognition will help draw further attention to New Zealand’s shocking record of child abuse and support calls for change. “It requires a collective response from all levels to prevent abuse and create change for our vulnerable tamariki. Our work is far from done.”

 

About Safeguarding Children:  

Safeguarding Children’s vision is for the children and young people of Aotearoa New Zealand to be safe from abuse and neglect. 

 

Safeguarding Children is a registered charity and a leading provider of safeguarding and child protection education and guidance in New Zealand. It has trained over 50,000 New Zealanders on how to implement prevention measures within their organisations, work with vulnerable families and children, and recognise and respond to child abuse and neglect. Safeguarding Children believes a proactive, preventative approach produces the best outcomes for children, organisations and staff. It offers a range of services to suit the needs of any individual or organisation that works with children and young people. 

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Statement – Home support workers must be front of queue for fuel fix Nicola Willis – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is urging the Finance Minister to make 23,000 home support workers a priority when delivering urgent support to low income workers hit by sharply rising petrol prices.
Nicola Willis told media today she wants a ‘very targeted and temporary’ fix for those ‘acutely impacted’, adding she doesn’t want to see a situation where ‘people can’t drive to work.’
“We agree with Nicola Willis – and home support workers should be at the front of the queue – and right now there’s a fast, ready fix available that could be done today by raising their mileage allowance,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
The Finance Minister is seeking advice from Inland Revenue and Treasury about using the tax and transfer system to deliver support – tax credits under Working for Families or the Independent Earner Tax Credit. But neither may help many home support workers.
“These workers drive their own cars between clients every day, and are the only publicly funded workers required to do so with such a miserable mileage reimbursement. They have no choice but to drive and rising petrol prices are hitting them directly in the pocket with every shift.
“But there’s a simple, fast fix right now for these essential workers. The Home and Community Support (Payment for Travel Between Clients) Settlement Act 2016 requires Health NZ Te Whatu Ora to pay a mileage rate to these workers. The Health Minister can direct that rate to be lifted immediately, no complicated fiddling with the tax and transfer system required, no delay, just fast, real help.”
The allowance was last adjusted four years ago so should be being reviewed right now.
Fleur Fitzsimons said: “These are low-paid, predominantly female workers providing critical care to elderly and disabled New Zealanders. If the Government is serious about protecting working people from the fuel crisis, it can today deliver the support they need right now.
“The PSA urges the Government to do the right thing by these workers, today. They can’t afford to wait.”
Previous statement
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Arts – NZSA Mentorships 2026 announced!

Source: NZSA

We are pleased to announce the 13 emerging writers who have been selected for The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa 2026 Mentorship Programme.

The Judging panel of Dr Paula Morris (convenor), Cassie Hart and Philippa Werrycommented: 'We were impressed with the number of applications and the range of projects they represented – including historical, crime and speculative fiction, children’s and young adult fiction, multi-genre works, poetry collections and memoirs. Many of our writers are working on books with much potential, and it was difficult to narrow the list to just 13 mentorships.

We encourage applicants who were unsuccessful this time to keep working on their craft, and to take advantage of all the resources the NZSA offers.'

The 2026 mentees are emerging writers with unique voices and we congratulate: Vivienne Bailey (Paraparaumu), Cassandra Barnett (Waikato), Angela Barnett (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland), Catherine Bennett (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland), Michelle Cheever (Upper Moutere), Marcus Hobson (Aongatete), Margaret-Mary Hollins (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland), Annelies Judson (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland). Philip Luke (Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta | Upper Hutt), Jemma Richardson ((Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington), Lisa Stanley (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland), Kirsteen Ure (Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland), and Kirsty Wadsworth (Ngāmotu | New Plymouth).

The writers will spend the rest of 2026 refining their skills and working on their craft under the mentorship of some of New Zealand’s finest professional writers. Each mentee will be matched with an experienced writer for their mentorship, selected from a curated list of industry mentors. Find out more about the NZSA Mentor Programme: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=d26a2d9964&e=466373ae7c

The NZSA Mentorship programme is offered every year by the NZSA to foster and develop emerging writers to hone their craft with the support of established practitioners. The NZSA has run its highly successful mentoring programme for writers since 1999. The NZSA Mentor programme is made possible with funding from Creative New Zealand.
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Economy – RBNZ Advisory: Expanded April Monetary Policy Review and change to focus of Business NZ speech

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ)

20 March 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ) is expanding its communications approach for the 8 April Monetary Policy Review.

The April Monetary Policy Review decision will be released as usual on the RBNZ website at 2pm. We will hold an online media conference at 3pm, which will also be livestreamed on our website. Governor Breman will be undertaking media engagements in the days following the announcement. (ref. https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=1454659f0e&e=f3c68946f8 )

This approach aligns with the Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) commitment to greater transparency. Future Monetary Policy Reviews will also follow this revised format. We will review and adapt this format over time in response to stakeholder feedback.

The RBNZ's quarterly Monetary Policy Statement, which includes updated economic forecasts, an Official Cash Rate projection and more detailed forecasts will continue as normal. Monetary Policy Statement releases will also continue to be followed by in-person media conferences. The next quarterly Monetary Policy Statement is scheduled for release on 27 May.

Change of focus for Business NZ speech
On Tuesday 24 March, Governor Breman is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech to Business NZ's CEO Forum in Auckland. The RBNZ previously advised that the speech would touch on the current economic outlook, drawing on insights from the February Monetary Policy Statement, and outline how the Reserve Bank is working to modernise New Zealand's payments system.

Due to the wider economic impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, this speech will now focus on the potential impacts of this evolving situation on the New Zealand economy.

The speech will be published on the RBNZ website at 9am on Tuesday 24 March ahead of two planned external engagement events with Governor Breman that morning. The first engagement is with external economists and analysts, and the second is with Auckland media representatives. The Business NZ CEO Forum event that Governor Breman is speaking at will commence from 2pm. The RBNZ is releasing the speech earlier in the day to ensure that all stakeholders have equitable access to information.

A speech outlining how the Reserve Bank is working to modernise New Zealand's payments system will be delivered at a later date.

This speech will not pre-empt the MPC's April Monetary Policy Review decision. The global environment, and other salient factors, will be discussed in full by the MPC when it meets ahead of its April decision.

More information

Event advisory: Business NZ CEO Forum: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=cebad07a06&e=f3c68946f8

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Appointments – CAA appoints new Chief Financial Officer

Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

After a thorough recruitment process, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brett Banner as Chief Financial Officer to its Executive Leadership Team.

Brett is an experienced public sector finance leader and Chartered Accountant with more than 20 years’ experience across corporate services, including finance and governance, risk, procurement and ICT.

He is currently General Manager Corporate Services at the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), and has previously held Chief Financial Officer roles at the Commerce Commission and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

Brett also serves on the Board of NZ On Air, where he chairs the Audit and Risk Committee.

CAA Chief Executive and Director of Civil Aviation Kane Patena says Brett brings strong leadership and experience at a time of continued organisational focus on performance, value, and delivery.

“Brett brings a depth of experience across government and Crown entities, and a strong track record leading organisational change and lifting capability,” says Mr Patena.

“He has led major programmes, strengthened business planning and risk management practices, and supported organisations to align to strategic priorities. His experience and approach will support CAA as we continue to deliver on our role as a modern, effective regulator.”

Brett will join CAA on 25 May 2026.

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Save the Children – Conflict drives Eid food price surge across Middle East and wider region, leaving families struggling to cope

Source: Save the Children

Food prices have surged in some of the most food-insecure countries in the Middle East and wider region due to the ongoing conflict, threatening to push the most vulnerable families further into hunger as Eid approaches, Save the Children said.
Families already struggling after years of conflict and economic shocks have told Save the Children staff that rising food and fuel costs – compounded by war and displacement – are stripping away the joy of Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking the end of Ramadan. Eid this year for many families will be a time of fear and hunger with more than 4 million people newly displaced mostly in Iran and Lebanon.[1]
While food prices generally tend to rise around Eid, the conflict has driven fuel and food prices higher than usual, pushing already vulnerable families closer to the brink while forcing many others to forgo Eid traditions such as buying new clothes for the celebrations, decorating homes or sharing sweets and chocolates.
Even before the conflict, about one in six people in the Middle East region did not know where their next meal would come from and had to sacrifice the quality of their food because of financial constraints. [2] In Lebanon supply chain disruptions and uncertainty in local markets have further driven up prices. Save the Children's analysis of the cost of fuel and six key foods for a healthy diet found prices rose by 5% between 23 February and 9 March.[3]
One million people – or 20% of the population – have been displaced in Lebanon since the escalation started on 2 March. [4] Families living in collective shelters will miss out on food traditionally eaten by their families to mark Eid, while others staying outside shelters are prioritising spending on essentials due to ongoing uncertainty, Save the Children staff reported. 
Iran’s suspension of food and agricultural exports has had a significant impact on Afghanistan where about 9 million children – or one in three – are facing severe hunger. [5] Iran accounts for 30% of Afghanistan’s imports, including key goods such as food and fuel.[6] Prices of some vegetables and cooking oil have surged 13% in the past month, while staples are up 3%, according to Save the Children price’s monitoring. [7]
Fruit sellers in Herat, close to the Iran border, said the price of dried fruit – traditionally bought for Eid – has risen sharply. Families are replacing more expensive items used in Eid dishes with cheaper alternatives such as chickpeas, raisins, and pumpkin seeds.
In Iran, the UN has reported that preexisting economic pressures such as economic stagnation, high food inflation, and rapid currency depreciation which were already driving food insecurity prior to the current conflict, is leaving households with limited capacity to absorb further shocks.
The Government of Israel’s closure of the Rafah border on the second day of the conflict- which still remains closed to the entry of humanitarian goods and supplies – contributed to spiking prices in Gaza, compounding the inflationary effects of two years of war. Some fruits and vegetables have disappeared or become scarce in markets. The cost of peppers, potatoes, and onions more than tripled in less than two weeks while the prices of eggs and meat have also risen, putting children’s nutrition and development at risk.[8]
The UN has warned that if the conflict continues, elevated prices could push an additional 45 million people into acute hunger, up from 318 million, to an all-time record-high.[9] 
The effects could be felt in sub-Saharan Africa which is heading into planting season and relies on fertiliser shipped through the Strait of Hormuz – conduit for 40% of world fertilizer.
Ahmad Alhendawi, Save the Children’s regional director for the Middle East and eastern Europe said:
“Eid, traditionally a time of celebration and community, will be disquietingly unfamiliar for many children across the Middle East and wider region as the human and economic cost of the conflict unfolds.
“Children have been killed, displaced, and prices of everyday essentials such as food are rising. For children in Gaza and elsewhere, who have already endured unimaginable horrors during what is supposed to be one of the most joyful times of the year, this Eid looks to bring little respite.
“These price hikes are hitting children and families across the region whose safety, security and incomes have in many cases been battered by years of conflict and economic crises. It’s not difficult to imagine how even the smallest cost increase is a blow to these families who are already on the brink and exhausted by conflict and crises.
“It is another stark reminder of how conflict upends the life of children, inflicting new wounds on a generation of children across the Middle East and wider region, many of whom already carry the physical and mental scars of years of violence, insecurity, or deprivation.”
Save the Children is urgently calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. All parties to the conflict must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law, including by facilitating the unimpeded passage of humanitarian supplies, fertiliser, and food through the Strait of Hormuz.
[3] Based on prices for rice, flour, red lentils, sunflower oil, eggs and tomatoes as reported in the Lebanon Ministry of Economy and Trade mini-basket of prices on 23 February and 9 March 2026. Fuel prices taken from IPT.
[7] Save the Children market price monitoring in Afghanistan
[8] Save the Children market price monitoring in Gaza. Prices collected on 23 and 28 February and 8 February.
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Health – New air pollution report prompts renewed calls for action

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

A new report reveals that more than 700 Aucklanders are dying every year from traffic-related air pollution – a toll now rivalling smoking – yet little is being done to reduce the human toll, a leading health charity says.
A new University of Auckland report – released by Healthy Auckland Together – found that over 90 per cent of Aucklanders are breathing air that falls short of international health standards, with vehicle emissions responsible for the vast majority of harm.
Nationwide, air pollution killed 3300 Kiwis, and was responsible for more than 13,100 hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiac illnesses, and 13,200 cases of childhood asthma, in 2016.
Ms Letitia Harding, Chief Executive of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ and Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa, says the findings highlight a preventable public health crisis.
“Air pollution is a direct and daily threat to people’s hearts and lungs.
“We are seeing the consequences in asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory illnesses affecting our communities every day.”
To address this, there needs to be long-term, Government-led change, Ms Harding says.
“Cleaner air means fewer hospital visits, fewer missed school days, and longer, healthier lives.
“That’s what’s at stake if we fail to act, and why reducing pollution must be treated as a priority.”
The report shows transport is responsible for around 80 per cent of harmful air pollution in Auckland. Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and asthma.
Dr Ian Longley, Director of The Air Quality Collective, said the scale of harm demands a coordinated national and local response.
“The science is clear and increasingly difficult to ignore.
“Air pollution is contributing to thousands of deaths across New Zealand each year, and much of it is coming from sources we can control – particularly vehicles,” Dr Longley says.
“Auckland’s air quality in some areas is comparable to major international cities, yet our policy response has not kept pace with the evidence.
“It’s that gap that is costing lives.”
Proven solutions already exist and are being used successfully overseas, he says.
“Other cities around the world have already shown that measures such as low-emission zones, stronger vehicle standards, and investment in public transport can rapidly improve air quality.
“These are practical steps that deliver real health benefits.”
The WHO estimates that globally indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure currently kills about seven million people yearly due to cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and ischaemic heart disease, and respiratory diseases such as acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and lung cancer.
According to the World Bank, the global health cost of mortality and morbidity attributed to air pollution was $8.1 trillion in 2019.
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Employment Issues – MBIE still fighting to cut flexible work as third mediation looms and Employment Relations Authority hearing set – PSA

Source: PSA

MBIE’s controversial and unlawful crackdown on flexible work arrangements protected under its collective agreement with workers will be subject to a third round of mediation with the PSA in Wellington today.
If mediation fails, a three-day hearing before the Employment Relations Authority will follow on 31 March to 2 April.
“Flexible work is more important than ever with household budgets hit by rising petrol price – MBIE needs to stop defending its new Flexible Work Policy which is out of step with modern workplaces,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“MBIE cannot simply tear up collective agreements that provide for flexible work.
“The policy rides roughshod over its obligations under the collective agreement which binds MBIE to support flexible work. If mediation fails, we will be seeking a determination from the ERA that MBIE is violating the ‘flexible by default’ approach which forms part of its collective agreement with members.
‘Flexible by default’ means employees at MBIE have a right to flexible work arrangements which suit their individual circumstances unless there is a good business reason not to.
“MBIE should be leading the way on flexible work, as should all public sector employers where it’s practical to do so, not spending public money fighting in the ERA to take it away. ACC heard its workers and backed down. It’s time for MBIE to do the same.”
MBIE introduced its new Flexible Work Policy last year to align with the Government's directive to restrict working from home across the public service. The policy requires all existing flexible work arrangements to be renegotiated and reviewed every six months with the explicit aim of reducing days worked from home.
“We urge MBIE and all government agencies to take heed of the times. With petrol prices rising, working from home is one of the most practical ways public servants can ease the pressure on their household budgets. Every day working from home is a real saving on fuel and commuting costs,” Fitzsimons said.
The PSA is also challenging the Government's broader flexible work restrictions at the ERA through separate proceedings against Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission.
“Public sector employers need to see flexible work as a win-win, and the way of modern workplaces the world over,” Fitzsimons said.
ENDS
Background: The PSA filed ERA proceedings against MBIE in July 2025 after a first mediation failed. A second ERA-ordered mediation was held in December 2025. A third mediation is scheduled for 20 March 2026. If unresolved, a three-day ERA hearing follows on 31 March to 2 April 2026 in Wellington.
Previous statements
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Federated Farmers – Wellbeing Fund a ‘game changer’ for rural mental health

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers say today’s announcement of a $4 million rural wellbeing fund will be an absolute game changer for rural mental health and wellbeing.
“This funding will do so much good for rural New Zealand and help a lot of people who need it,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
“There are some amazing organisations out there doing great work in our communities, but there have been real issues with central coordination and longer-term certainty of funding.
“Full credit goes to the Government. They’ve recognised there’s a need and have really stepped up to partner with those existing grassroots organisations, providing financial support.”
Langford says it’s no secret that mental health is a major issue for farmers and rural communities, with many factors contributing to that.
“Living in more remote communities, limited digital connectivity, reduced access to mental health services and healthcare, and the day-to-day stresses and pressures of farming all play a role.
“We’ve been aware of these challenges for a long time now, and a lot of different initiatives have popped up to meet a real need in our rural communities.
“It’s great to see the Government recognise that they don’t have to reinvent the wheel or develop their own programmes for rural New Zealand, run centrally out of Wellington.
“Instead, they’re partnering with well-established and highly credible grassroots organisations, like Surfing for Farmers and Farmstrong, which are already out there making a big difference.”