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Activist Sector – Protest against weapons companies meeting at Parliament

Source: Peace Action Wellington

There will be a noise protest outside of Parliament on Friday, 31 October at 8:30am against the meeting of major weapons companies including Lockheed Martin, Pratt & Whitney and Bell Textron in the Beehive. The protest is organised by Peace Action Wellington, Justice for Palestine and the Falastin Tea Collective.

“On Halloween, we can imagine nothing scarier than arms dealers freely roaming the halls of Parliament. These are the people delivering immense death and destruction to the people of Gaza right now. In particular, Lockheed jets have been delivery drivers for the thousands of bombs dropped on civilians, schools, hospitals and homes, ” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“As Israel breaks the ceasefire and resumes murdering Palestinians, and the NZDF is deploying a 'liaison officer' to Israel to shore up the occupation's shredded global legitimacy, the aerospace industry is meeting at Parliament to push their agenda of weapons sales to a government hungry for war.”

“The former Chief of Defence Force, Kevin Short, is now Lockheed’s Director of Strategy & Business Development. He is giving the keynote address, and his message will be ‘buy more weapons.’ Minister of War Judith Collins will be only too happy to oblige as she pushes forward with an aggressive pro-war, pro-genocide stance.’”

“The $12 billion weapons and military spending promised by this government is money to support US wars and by extension, Israel’s wars. These weapons companies keep us enthralled by the idea that we need to keep buying more and more weapons. Meanwhile these are the very companies making a killing, and doing a lot of killing, across the globe.

Notes

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Tourism – Iconic Queenstown wine brand earns global recognition for luxury stays

Source: Gibbston Valley

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa has been awarded a prestigious Michelin Key, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion into luxury hospitality alongside its renowned heritage wine offering.

The accolade, announced earlier this month, places the lodge among just 19 properties in New Zealand recognised for delivering “a very special stay” by Michelin’s global hotel inspectors.

Gibbston Valley chief operating officer Ashling Swirtz says the recognition reflects the company’s commitment to doing the little things exceptionally well. “We aim to create genuinely memorable stays that are also deeply connected to Gibbston Valley’s winemaking legacy.

“Our brand is one of the most recognised wine brands in New Zealand. We’ve always been a tourist destination, but opening the lodge in 2019 was our first venture into five-star luxury,” says Swirtz.

“The two sides of the business – heritage wine and high-end hospitality – have meshed together incredibly well. We’ve worked hard to create a seamless experience that honours both.”

“All attention to detail has gone into the experience we’re providing for the guests. From the unique Vinotherapy Renewal treatment in the spa to the architectural design of the lodge building with its striking roofline and feature fireplace, we’ve created something that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to who we are as a brand.”

Long known for its pioneering vine plantings and unique wine cave experience, Gibbston Valley has quietly built a reputation for understated luxury since opening its lodge and spa. Positioned above the first vineyard block ever planted in the valley, the property features 24 architecturally designed villas, an award-winning spa, and a fine-dining restaurant.

The spa at Gibbston Valley has been recognised as New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa for six years running at the World Spa Awards.

The Michelin Key programme, launched globally in 2024, evaluates hotels on five universal criteria: architecture and design, service quality, personality and character, value for money, and contribution to the local setting. Inspectors visit anonymously and award keys to properties that stand out for their excellence.

Of the New Zealand properties awarded keys this year, seven are located in the Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes districts, highlighting the strength of the region’s luxury tourism offering and the distinct, beautiful stays available in this part of the country.

“Receiving this award places us alongside some of the most prestigious names in luxury hospitality in New Zealand. It’s a privilege to be recognised among such company,” says Swirtz.

Looking ahead, Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa is preparing for a busy summer season, with a new Wine Lovers’ packages launching soon. In December, the winery will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its iconic wine cave.

For more information, visit http://www.gibbstonvalleylodgeandspa.co.nz

About Gibbston Valley
Gibbston Valley is Queenstown’s leading wine and experience destination. The award-winning Gibbston Valley Wines is a premium organic wine brand, and its Cellar Door and Wine Cave are among the Southern Lakes’ top visitor experiences. The Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers luxury accommodation and a renowned day spa, named ‘New Zealand’s Best Resort Spa’ for six consecutive years. The soon-to-open Gibbston Valley Golf Course and Clubhouse will further enhance the curated wine and hospitality destination, set in the heart of the beautiful Gibbston Valley.  www.gibbstonvalley.com

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Weather News – A spooky twist to end the week’s weather – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 30th October – Monday 3rd November
It’s a spring-like weather situation to end the workweek with a mix of showers, cloud and clear skies.

Across New Zealand today (Thursday), showers and rain hang around in Northland and western South Island, then more rain sneaks into southern regions by evening as a front drifts by – and snow possible to about 900 metres overnight in the Far South.

It’s a cloudy kind of day for most of the country today though – but those in eastern South Island and lower North Island get to enjoy plenty of sunshine!

As Friday creeps in – Halloween Eve style – the skies start to shuffle around.

Showers in Northland clear out early, while breezy southwesterlies push showers up the South Island. By afternoon, those showers start affecting eastern areas of the South Island as well and spooky clouds drift away from the southwest, revealing sunnier skies.

By the end of the day, those sneaky showers migrate to the lower North Island, especially around the ranges, setting the scene for a wet Halloween night for those in Wairarapa and possibly the capital as well, but mainly dry elsewhere.

To the delight of many, a ridge of high-pressure sweeps in on Saturday, bringing settled weather for many across New Zealand. The fine weather looks set to stick around into early next week, though a few cheeky inland showers might try to crash the weekend for the North Island.

MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti says, “it’s the perfect weekend to enjoy an outdoor activity as sunnier skies and calmer winds prevail, so get outside and soak up the sunshine while it lasts”.

The sunny weather couldn’t have come at a better time too – with the Black Caps taking on England in Wellington on Saturday and the Auckland Marathon kicking off on Sunday, athletes and fans alike will be thrilled with the fine conditions.

Temperatures stay nice and steady into next week, so you can expect a smooth, comfortable start to November with no weather tricks, just a few sunny treats – ideal for Marlborough Anniversary Day on Monday.

Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at http://www.metservice.com
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Advocacy – PSNA condemns the deployment of NZ Liaison officer in Israel

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA
 
PSNA has condemned the New Zealand government's decision to deploy a “liaison officer” to Israel to work with the US and Israel to implement the Trump ‘peace’ plan for Gaza.

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-chair Maher Nazzal says it is ominous
that the liaison officer will be based inside a US military office.

“Instead, we should be working with the United Nations in the region. Trump plans to perpetuate the Israeli occupation under a fig-leaf of it being multinational. That is what we are supporting.”

“This is more of the same complicity with the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza.

For two years, our Foreign Minister has joined New Zealand at the hip to a country whose Prime Minister is wanted for war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

‘There have been no sanctions on Israel, but we frequently impose new sanctions on Russia and Iran.”

“It’s a knee-jerk reaction for New Zealand to send in the troops to the Middle East to back Israel and the US,” Nazzal says.

“The NZDF was there in Iraq and Afghanistan. The government sent the army up to the Red Sea to fight with the Americans early last year to keep Israeli sea lanes open.”

Nazzal says the government should focus on aid, ensuring Palestinians' rights and representation, and fact-finding.

“There should be a cross-party Parliamentary fact-finding mission assembled urgently, which could get into Gaza safely before Israel ramps up its murderous assault again.”

“MPs should see for themselves, instead of signing off on a soldier whose job it is to ‘implement’ the Trump plan.

“The King of Jordan has recently rejected the US proposal to join in patrolling Gaza to implement Trump’s vision.”

https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/international-relations/jordan-s-forces-will-not-run-around-gaza-on-patrol-king-abdullah-says-on-trump-s-plan/ar-
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“A liaison officer deployment is political cover to assist and reward Israel for its
genocide in Gaza. The US makes bombs and bullets for Israel to fire.”

“It’s a shameful betrayal of Palestine and the Palestinian steadfastness in the face of unbelievable depravity and cruelty.”

“Palestinians have no say in the Trump plan. Trump decides who is going to
implement it. He’s picked Tony Blair. When he was British Prime Minister, Blair, and US President Bush, invaded Iraq to destroy the non-existent weapons of mass destruction. More than a million Iraqis died.”

“In Gaza, more than 20,000 children have now been murdered by Israel in
indiscriminate killing across Gaza.”

“It says all we need to know that the Minister of Defence has never uttered a single word of condemnation of Israel.”

“The New Zealand people stand with Palestine – the government stands with Israel.”
 
Maher Nazzal
Co-Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

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‘Fonterra milking us dry and selling us out’ – Greenpeace Statement

Source: Greenpeace

Fonterra doesn’t care about New Zealand. That’s Greenpeace Aotearoa’s message following the confirmation of sale of Fonterra’s consumer brands this morning.
Greenpeace spokesperson Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says, “Fonterra’s CEO Miles Hurrell has shown that he views New Zealand as nothing more than a milk powder factory, creating low-value products to ship overseas for use in Mars Bars.”
“People can’t afford to buy butter, their water is contaminated with nitrate and E. coli, and the worsening impacts of the climate crisis are being felt across the country. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s worst climate polluter has made a killing selling off its consumer brands to French dairy giant Lactalis. Fonterra is milking us dry and selling us all out.”
“While Fonterra makes $4.2 billion from the brand sale, New Zealand’s integrity as a fair and socially responsible country is being whittled away by the impacts of intensive dairying.”
Fonterra is also New Zealand’s worst climate polluter, producing massive amounts of superheating methane gas.
“Fonterra is driving catastrophic climate change.” says Deighton-O’Flynn. “Already this year we’ve seen multiple extreme weather events hitting rural communities hard, and unless Fonterra supports farmers to move away from its intensive farming practices, these events will get worse.”
Over the long weekend, New Zealanders were hit by yet another extreme weather event in the South Island, made more likely due to climate change.
“We all want a stable climate to grow food, access to safe drinking water, and a secure future for our kids. But Fonterra clearly doesn’t care about New Zealanders. Instead of throwing a lifeline, and helping dairy farmers to transition away from destructive intensive dairying, Fonterra is prioritising lining the pockets of its executives.
“Any claims that this sale is good for New Zealanders are built on the fallacy of trickle down economics. The proceeds from the brand sale aren’t going to help New Zealanders struggling to pay for butter at the supermarket or recovering from storm damage, the only thing trickling down in this economy is nitrate and e. coli.”
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Business and Dairy – Fonterra farmers approve consumer sale with strong support

Source: Fonterra
 
Fonterra’s farmer shareholders have given the go ahead for the Co-operative to sell its global Consumer and associated businesses, Mainland Group, to Lactalis for $4.22 billion, with 88.47% of the total farmer votes cast in support of the divestment.
 
The final votes on the divestment were cast at a virtual Special Meeting held this morning.  
 
Chairman Peter McBride says the Board and management team were encouraged by the level of engagement from farmer shareholders in the lead up to the vote.  
 
“We’ve been pleased to see so many farmers joining in the discussions since the start of this process in May last year when we first announced the decision to explore divestment options, and especially over the past month or so when the full details have been available,” says Mr McBride.
 
“It helps to demonstrate one of the key things that sets us apart from most other processors – our farmers have a direct say in the future of their Co-operative, and they’ve made the most of that opportunity.
 
“We’re pleased to have received a strong mandate, with 88.47% of the total farmer votes cast in support of the recommendation and 80.59% participation based on milk solids voted. We want to thank all farmer shareholders who voted.”
 
Mr McBride says the decision to divest the Mainland Group businesses is significant and one the Board did not take lightly.  
 
“We have examined the strategic context we operate in, our strengths and how as a Co-op we create value for our farmer owners.  
 
“The divestment will usher in an exciting new phase for the Co-op. We will be able to focus Fonterra’s energy and efforts on where we do our best work. We will have a simplified and more focused business, the value of which cannot be overstated,” says Mr McBride.
 
The threshold required to approve the sale was for more than 50% of the votes from those entitled to vote (based on share-backed kgMS) and who actually voted to be in favour of the proposal.  
 
Completion of the divestment remains subject to securing certain regulatory approvals and the separation of Mainland Group business from Fonterra, both of which are well underway.  
 
Subject to these steps being completed, Fonterra expects the transaction to complete in the first half of the 2026 calendar year.  
 
Fonterra is targeting a tax-free capital return of $2 per share to shareholders and unit holders, equivalent to $3.2 billion, once the sale is complete.  
 
Another shareholder vote will be required for the payment of the capital return. The process for that capital return is expected to be by way of a scheme of arrangement under Part 15 of the Companies Act 1993.  
 
The Co-op plans to provide more detail on the timing and process for the capital return in early December.

About Fonterra  
 
Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer, foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities by Doing Good Together.  

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Environment and Health – Greenpeace welcomes glyphosate ruling, urges NZ Food Safety to restart food safety testing

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace welcomes a decision by New Zealand Food Safety to maintain maximum glyphosate residue levels on wheat, oats and barley at their current level of 0.1mg/kg, but now calls on NZFS to restart its glyphosate testing programme.
The government had initially proposed increasing glyphosate residue levels by 100-times. But there was overwhelming opposition to the increase among the more than 3,100 submissions on the proposal.
Greenpeace Aotearoa Executive Director Dr Russel Norman says: “This is a great victory. People were totally opposed to the plan to increase glyphosate on wheat, oats and barley.
“However, we also note that NZFA stopped testing for glyphosate after it found residues in food well over the 0.1mg/kg level in 2015/16. We are seeking an assurance from NZFA that they will include glyphosate in their next round of food testing.
” We are also concerned that NZFA has taken no enforcement action in over a decade when it finds pesticides at levels above the legal maximum allowed in food. There is not much point having legal maximums if they are not enforced.”
Glyphosate is classified by the WHO as a probable carcinogen.
“New Zealanders can now eat their cereals and bread with the knowledge that glyphosate levels aren’t increasing and staying the same at 0.1 mg/kg.
“We are also pleased that NZFA has introduced a requirement that, where glyphosate is used on cereal crops, it can only be sprayed prior to the crops emerging, and may not be sprayed directly on crops destined for human consumption.
“A large body of scientific evidence has demonstrated harm to human health and the environment from glyphosate. Our long term goal is to reduce and, where possible, eliminate the use of agrichemicals. Any steps in this direction are welcome.
However, the decision to increase the levels of glyphosate on dried peas to 6 mg/kg is disappointing, says Dr Norman.
“Raising the glyphosate MRL on dried peas gives tacit approval for the increased and ongoing use of agrichemicals in the food system. Instead of making it easier to spray toxic chemicals on our food, the Government should be supporting farmers to transition to ecological farming that protects people and the planet.”
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Animal Safety – Two dogs dead in one day at Southland greyhound track

Source: SAFE For Animals

SAFE is calling on Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) to begin winding down races immediately, following the deaths of two dogs at Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill yesterday.
According to GRNZ Stewards’ Reports, both dogs suffered catastrophic spinal injuries that led to their deaths.
Homebush Jelly was found dead at the lure after suffering a suspected fractured neck and severed spinal cord. Moments later, Queen of Shadows sustained a suspected spinal fracture at the lure and was euthanised due to the severity of her injuries.
SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie said the deaths were shocking, but tragically predictable.
“Two dogs dying from broken spines on the same day is horrifying,” said Brodie.
“This tragedy underscores why the Bill to ban greyhound racing is so vital. The Government has taken a historic step by introducing it, but dogs are still dying while the industry clings on in desperation.”
Recent media statements from GRNZ have claimed a “dramatic drop” in injuries. SAFE says those claims are misleading and ignore the ongoing reality of catastrophic injuries and deaths on the track.
“We’re calling on Greyhound Racing New Zealand to accept the inevitable and begin winding down now,” said Brodie.
“The industry should focus on rehoming dogs ahead of closure by August 2026 – not wasting resources on PR spin while dogs continue to be killed.”
SAFE has written to Racing Minister Winston Peters to inform him of the latest deaths and request an update on the timeline for the Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill, including when public submissions will open.
“We’re looking forward to participating in the parliamentary process and seeing an end to this industry by August 2026,” said Brodie.
“Every dog who dies between now and then is one too many.”
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We're creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
Notes:
  • The Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament on 13 October 2025. The Bill amends the Racing Industry Act 2020 to close commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand from 1 August 2026.
  • Since the Government’s announcement on 10 December 2024 that commercial greyhound racing would end, the industry has recorded a total of 626 injuries, including 91 fractures and 17 deaths. In the current 2025/26 racing season (which began on 1 August 2025), there have already been 165 injuries, 18 fractures, and 5 deaths. 
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Fire Safety – Pause and Plan before Burning Storm Debris

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

As the clean-up from last week’s storm continues, Fire and Emergency is asking farmers and lifestyle block owners in Otago and Southland to pause and plan before starting to burn debris.
Otago District Manager Craig Geddes says people might be tempted to push fallen branches, broken fence posts and other debris into piles near where they fell and set them alight, but he says a more deliberate approach will be much safer and effective and will prevent fires from getting out of control.
“The last thing anyone needs now is for their fire to escape and cause more damage to their own property or the neighbours.”
He adds that many firefighters are also trying to clear and repair the damage on their own properties after the storm. “They too will appreciate people being extra careful to avoid causing unwanted fires at this time.”
Southland District Manager Julian Tohiariki says it’s understandable that people are keen to clear their properties. “We’d like to remind everyone to be cautious and make sure their burn piles are a manageable size and extinguished properly so they don’t reignite and get out of hand, given that we are in our windy season.”
There is extensive guidance about burning on www.checkitsalright.nz including a simple “can I light a fire” tool.
Tips include:
– Place the burn pile on the lee side (sheltered side) at least 30 metres away from trees, hedges, sheds or other structures, and avoid powerlines.
– Create a five-metre wide fire break to stop a creeping ground fire
– Let the material dry out. Newly fallen branches and other green material will not burn cleanly, creating more smoke.
– Before burning, always go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check that it is safe to burn and see any restrictions for your location, including if you need a fire permit.
People should also check their local council’s restrictions on outdoor burning and be mindful of their regional council air quality rules.
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Economics – RBNZ opens consultation on DTA Standards exposure drafts

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

30 October 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has opened consultation on exposure drafts of four standards to support the implementation of the Deposit Takers Act 2023 (DTA).

The DTA modernises New Zealand's regulatory framework for deposit takers, helping to ensure their safety and soundness, and supporting a stable financial system that New Zealanders can trust.

Exposure drafts are preliminary versions of legislation released for stakeholder feedback before being finalised, explains Director of Prudential Policy, Jess Rowe.

“This consultation builds on extensive engagement with industry and the public throughout 2024 and 2025,” Ms Rowe says. “We are now seeking technical feedback from stakeholders to ensure the exposure drafts align with the policy intent.”

This feedback will help identify any technical issues before the standards are finalised.

Consultation on the DTA Standards will be delivered in three tranches, with the first tranche published today. It includes exposure drafts for the following standards:

  • Liquidity Standard
  • Depositor Compensation Scheme (DCS) Standard
  • Lending Standard
  • Incorporation outside New Zealand Standard

DTA Standards exposure drafts (tranche 1) – Citizen Space: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=84feac4fea&e=f3c68946f8

Consultation on tranches two and three of the exposure drafts will open in February 2026 and June 2026 respectively.

DTA Standards will come into effect on 1 December 2028. The DTA will replace existing prudential legislation with a single regulatory regime for all deposit takers.

DTA timeline – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=904d935ccc&e=f3c68946f8

Consultation also opens on Group Supervision Policy under the DTA

A companion paper has also been published seeking feedback on our Group Supervision Policy under the DTA. This policy consultation was foreshadowed in the non-core standards consultation paper released in August 2024.

This outlines how we propose to supervise New Zealand deposit takers in group structures, particularly those that have subsidiaries that operate overseas. We welcome submissions on the policy.

Group Supervision Policy under the DTA – Citizen Space: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=2d9a26ba7f&e=f3c68946f8