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Education – Iwi-led programme reshapes the future of nursing

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

A powerful story of aspiration, identity, and community is reshaping the future of nursing in Aotearoa. At its heart is an innovative programme that shows what’s possible when learning is grounded in kaupapa Māori and shaped by iwi, for iwi.
Led by Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa and delivered in partnership with Whitireia and WelTec, the Bachelor of Nursing Māori ‘Matariki’ programme is strengthening whānau, building community capability, and redefining what success in education can look like.
Grounded in culture, connection, and manaakitanga, the programme was developed to help address the underrepresentation of Māori in nursing and to support the growth of confident, capable practitioners who remain closely connected to their communities. As the first ‘Matariki’ cohort prepares to graduate, the impact is clear – seen in the journeys of ākonga like Horowai Moeahu (Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa).
For Horowai, nursing is about honouring her whakapapa, caring for her whānau, and serving her community. A mother of four, she is now in her final year of the Bachelor of Nursing Māori ‘Matariki’. “I wasn’t even sure I had the qualifications to become a nurse,” she says. “But here I am, almost a graduate.”
Horowai’s journey began through her work with Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa, starting as a kaiawhina at a COVID-19 vaccination centre. She later supported whānau at drive-through clinics at Te Whiti Park and worked as a kaiārahi in Tamariki Ora. “I loved helping and educating whānau Māori in their health journeys and protecting them against illness,” she says. “That’s what inspired me to take this opportunity.”
Guided by Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Tapuhi, the Bachelor of Nursing Māori ‘Matariki’ combines marae-based wānanga, whānau-centred learning, and strong connections to whenua and whakapapa. The wānanga learning in Waiwhetū has been especially meaningful for Horowai.
“I didn’t stay at high school long and struggled in a classroom,” she says. “But studying on my whenua puts me at ease. If I feel overwhelmed, I can look to my awa, walk, see my maunga, or go to the marae. That helps me reset.” Clinical placements – especially in a hospital ward – have further shaped her path. “That’s when it hit me, I won’t be a student much longer. I’ll be a registered Māori nurse caring for patients.”
With graduation approaching in September, Horowai has clear goals. In the short term, she plans to gain hospital experience while continuing to give back to Te Āti Awa communities, including through Tamariki Ora. Longer term, she hopes to become a nurse practitioner and return to Taranaki. “I’d love to open a nursing-led medical centre for our Māori people, staffed by Māori nurses and doctors.”
As Horowai prepares to enter the workforce, her journey shows what’s possible when education is delivered by, with, and for Māori – connected to identity, strengthened by whānau, and driven by purpose.
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Health – Next steps for mental health law will be crucial

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Next steps for mental health law will be crucial
The final reading of the Mental Health Bill on Saturday 4 July marks a significant step forward to embedding a modern, human rights framework in our mental health and addiction system.
“This updated law provides greater human rights protection for people receiving compulsory care,” said Sonya Russell, Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership.
“Importantly, through implementation of the law we expect to see a reduction in the use of coercive practices and support for better outcomes for people and those who support them.”
“We are pleased to see that people under 18 cannot be held in seclusion under this new legislation.”
“There are some areas where the law has not gone as far as we recommended. We will continue to advocate strongly for the elimination of seclusion for adults and the reduction and eventual phasing out of community compulsory treatment orders that remain sanctioned under the law.”
“With the date for the law to commence set on 1 July 2028, a year later than initially proposed, implementation must be properly resourced to enable practice change on the ground to be accelerated. This work will require increased investment in alternative approaches to care and workforce development and training.”
“People directly impacted by this law must have the opportunity to be involved in next steps. This includes Māori, lived experience, and priority population groups, such as Pacific people and disabled people.[AS1] “
“We acknowledge the journey to get here and everyone who has contributed to these changes to mental health law envisioned in the Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry report He Ara Oranga published eight years ago.” [SY2]
“We will continue to monitor the mental health and addiction system to make sure everyday practices are changing in line with the intent of the new law,” said Sonya Russell.
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Woolworths introduces popular Disney OOSHIES™ collectibles

Source: Woolworths New Zealand

6 July 2026: The hugely popular Disney OOSHIES™ collectibles are coming to Woolworths New Zealand for the first time, allowing customers to collect iconic characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars during their weekly grocery shop.

Disney OOSHIES™ will also be available through FreshChoice and MILKRUN, providing more opportunities for fans to collect their favourite characters.

Starting July 13 until August 23, customers can collect one of 40 unique Disney OOSHIES™ for every $30 spent, while stock lasts.

This year’s range celebrates the 10th anniversary of OOSHIES™ collectible pencil toppers and some of the most anticipated cinematic releases of the year, featuring characters from Disney’s Moana live action, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Woolworths General Manager Brand and Marketing Abbe Hale says the collectibles range is highly anticipated. “We know our customers love Disney and we’re thrilled to launch OOSHIES™ in New Zealand for the first time with a whole set of characters ready for customers to collect, and bring a little extra joy to their everyday routine.”

Pallavi Gaur, Executive Director, Brand Commercialisation at Disney Consumer Products Australia and New Zealand, said:

“We’re delighted to bring Disney OOSHIES™ to Woolworths NZ. These much-loved collectibles bring joy to families and fans of all ages across Australia and New Zealand. This year’s collection marks the 10th anniversary of OOSHIES™ and celebrates the incredible 2026 blockbuster slate of storytelling from across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.

“With more ways for consumers to collect the new range through Woolworths, FreshChoice and MILKRUN, we’re excited to see how OOSHIES™ will make each shop a little more magical.”

The Disney OOSHIES™ range is made from 97% recycled materials and customers can also choose to return any unused OOSHIES™ from the new range to Woolworths stores for recycling until 13th September, 2026.

Customers can also pick up a bonus OOSHIE when purchasing participating products in a $30 shop. Participating products will change weekly. Look out for the Bonus Ooshie lozenge when shopping in-store or online.

A special Collector Case will be available at Woolworths and Fresh Choice stores for $12. This includes a board game and two exclusive glow in the dark Disney OOSHIES™ to help shoppers kickstart their collection.

For more information and terms and conditions visit woolworths.co.nz/Disney-Ooshies

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Property Market – Affordability trumps climate risk as buyers drive greater value resilience in flood-prone properties – Cotality

Source: Vitality

New analysis from Cotality has revealed a striking affordability paradox within New Zealand’s housing market.
Despite a recent and unprecedented surge in the severity and cost of extreme weather events, buyers are increasingly overlooking long-term flood hazards in favour of lower entry prices, causing flood-affected properties to outgrow the broader market in value.

Cotality New Zealand Chief Data Officer Craig Dargusch explained that while buyers face undeniable climate risk, immediate financial pressures are dictating purchase decisions.
“Our data shows that flood-affected properties trade at an initial discount, but the market is buying them anyway and growing their value faster than the rest,” Mr Dargusch said.
“Affordability wins today, but risk shapes tomorrow.”
“Buyers are actively accepting known flood exposure in exchange for a lower price point, which inadvertently accelerates the rate of value growth in these vulnerable zones.”
The research utilises Cotality’s advanced property-level pricing model, customised with granular flood-extent flags and 500-metre buffer rings to isolate the precise impact of climate hazards on property values.

The local dynamics: Auckland vs Hawke's Bay

In Auckland, where the median dwelling value sits at $1.05M, purchasing a home in a flood-susceptible pocket of a suburb like Mount Albert offers an upfront discount of $70k to $100k.
This price variance has driven more intense demand among budget-conscious buyers.

Consequently, cumulative house value growth in Auckland's impacted zones reached 18.4% since 2020, leaving nearby comparable buffer zones behind at 13.0%.

A similar pattern emerged in Hawke’s Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle. While the disaster generated a devastating $14.5B economic impact and displaced more than 10,000 people nationally, the local shock was heavily felt in the regional property market, triggering a 10% to 15% median rent spike in Hawke's Bay due to a sharp 30% contraction in local rental listings.

Post-Gabrielle, impacted properties in Hawke's Bay outperformed surrounding areas by up to 5 percentage points. While that gap has since narrowed, impacted zones retain a higher cumulative growth rate since 2020 at 24.3%, compared to 22.7% for properties situated within a 500-metre buffer ring.
Mr Dargusch noted that smaller regional markets demonstrate a slightly less pronounced divergence than metro areas.
“With median values in Napier and Hastings sitting well below Auckland at $703k and $710k respectively, buyers have a different starting point,” Mr Dargusch said.
“Furthermore, in a tighter-knit regional market, local buyers often possess sharper, localised knowledge of exactly which streets flood, allowing them to price risk more precisely.”

National trends and shifting credit realities

Nationally, the trend remains highly consistent, displaying the sharpest divergence at the geographical and statistical extremes. Properties designated with a Cotality FloodScore of 5 (Very High risk) recorded a 26.1% increase in total growth change since January 2020. Conversely, properties classified with a score of 0 (No risk) saw total growth of a more modest 19.8% over the same period.
However, Cotality warns that this divergence in long-term growth faces an impending friction point as insurance providers refine their property-by-property asset risk profiling.
“While the consumer market is currently absorbing these properties, the credit lens is evolving rapidly,” Mr Dargusch warned.
“Insurance availability is becoming the de facto pricing mechanism for climate risk at the property level. Because insurance is a non-negotiable prerequisite for mortgage lending, any future retreat by insurers means no loan and no liquidity.”
“Lenders inherit what insurers leave behind, leading to uncollateralised exposure if an industry-wide cliff edge is not avoided through collaboration and cross-sector alignment.”
Mr Dargusch closed by noting that Cotality would continue to support the entire property ecosystem, connecting data and climate hazard analytics across credit, valuation, and lending workflows to help build a more resilient society.
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Minerals Council – Critical minerals boost welcomed

Source: New Zealand Minerals Council

Government support for our emerging critical minerals industry is important, says New Zealand Minerals Council chief executive Josie Vidal.
Today the Government announced Regional Infrastructure Fund support of $50 million to two mineral sands companies on the West Coast.
“With all the misinformation around mining we have seen in recent weeks, it is good to have a reality check and see support for this highly productive, high wage industry,” Vidal says.
“It makes total sense to extract as much as we can out of our resources before they leave our shores, so funding for processing critical minerals is a no brainer. It creates more jobs in regional New Zealand and boosts our export earnings.
“It is imperative the Government continues to support this valuable industry and that facts, evidence, and science guide decisions about mining. We risk being left behind the rest of the world if we do not have an enabling environment for mining projects that will only go ahead if they meet the many stringent requirements laid out in our laws.
“New Zealanders want all the benefits of mined minerals, that is, energy, technology, homes, offices, transport, food production, refrigeration, healthcare, etc. and the best scenario is us being able to mine, process, and even manufacture here.
“The world is hungry for critical minerals and demand outstrips supply, which makes the mining industry a strong contributor to our economy. Mined minerals are in practically everything we use, every minute of every day.
“Minerals export earnings in 2025 were $2.4 billion, up 60 percent since 2023.
“Mining in New Zealand is regulated with high standards of environmental protection and worker health and safety.
“It is one of the most productive sectors with $458,952 the value of the amount produced per full time worker compared with $174,045 across the whole economy.
“Wages are good, with a mean of $125,630 compared to $82,500 across the whole economy.”
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ExportNZ – Finalists Announced for the 2026 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards

Source: Business Central

ExportNZ is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2026 ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards. 
The awards recognise the businesses and individuals driving export success from the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Tairawhiti regions, showcasing the innovation, ambition, and global impact emerging from the area.
Judged by a panel of experienced export specialists, this year’s finalists represent a diverse mix of industries, from advanced manufacturing and engineering to forest products, tourism, technology, and food production.
ExportNZ Regional Manager, Amanda Liddle said the quality of entries reflects the strength and diversity of Hawke’s Bay’s export sector. 
“Hawke's Bay has long been recognised for its food and fibre exports, but this year's finalists show just how broad and sophisticated the region's export capability has become. These businesses prove that world-class innovation can be built and scaled from Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.”
ASB’s Head of International Trade, Mike Atkins said the finalists are a fantastic demonstration of the entrepreneurial spirit that underpins New Zealand’s export economy. 
“Each of these businesses has identified opportunities beyond our shores and built strategies to pursue them. Their success contributes not only to their own growth, but to the strength and prosperity of the wider region. We are proud to support and celebrate their achievements.”
This year’s finalists are:
ContainerCo Best Emerging Business 
– Transport Wash Systems 
– Sequence Computational Engineering 
– OakeNZ 
– Ivory Cliffs Estate
T&G Global Best Established Business 
– ABB 
– Pan Pac Forest Products
ZIWI Excellence in Innovation 
– Ross AI 
– Transport Wash Systems
– GreenCollar 
– Mindfull Spaces
Other categories to be announced at the Awards Ceremony include:
-NZME Service to Export
-Napier Port Unsung Heroes
-ASB Exporter of the Year
The winners will be announced at the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards Dinner on 6 August at the Toitoi Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre, bringing together exporters, business leaders, and supporters from across the region to celebrate Hawke’s Bay’s export success.
The evening will recognise not only outstanding business performance, but also the contribution exporters make to the regional and national economy through innovation, investment, and job creation. 
Tickets for the event go on sale today.
About the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards
Now in its twelfth year, the ExportNZ ASB Hawke’s Bay Export Awards recognise and celebrate the contribution exporters make to the regional and national economy. 
Supported by Business Central NZ, the Awards highlight the ambition, capability, and global impact of businesses operating within the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Tairawhiti regions.
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Education – Children aren’t small adults: New training to bridge the gap in New Zealand child healthcare

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

A new nationally recognised qualification is launching later this month to ensure New Zealand’s primary health professionals, from osteopaths to nurses, are better equipped to treat the country's youngest patients.
The Child Health and Development Microcredential, developed by Ara Institute of Canterbury, received New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approval last month. It was sparked by a move from the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand to modernise child health training for the profession.
“Treating a child isn’t just about scaling down an adult treatment,” said Emma Fairs, Programme Leader for Ara’s Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health and developer of the micro-credential. “It’s about understanding developmental milestones, communicating with whānau, and recognising 'red flags' unique to childhood. Many clinicians are brilliant with adults but want more confidence when a child is on the treatment table.”
The course is fully online and competency-based, meaning there are no traditional exams. Instead, health professionals prove their skills through real-world clinical scenarios.
While mandatory for osteopaths undertaking the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand’s recertification programme, the course is open to physiotherapists, chiropractors, nurses and other health professionals across Aotearoa.
We know our healthcare workforce is under massive pressure,” said Fairs. “This is about giving them a flexible, 100% online way to upskill without having to leave their clinics or their communities.”
The first intake begins on 20 July.
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ASB Quarterly Economic Forecast: Is It Over Now?

 Source: ASB

•             Easing oil prices have strengthened New Zealand’s outlook and reduced the risk of a prolonged inflation shock
•             Lower fuel costs and stronger than expected economic momentum have put New Zealand’s recovery back on firmer footing
•             Geopolitical risks remain a key watchpoint, but the immediate threat to household spending and business costs has eased.

New Zealand’s economic outlook has markedly improved in recent months, with falling oil prices easing pressure on inflation, household budgets and business costs, according to ASB's latest Economic Forecast Update.

ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley says the sharp decline in global oil prices has materially changed the outlook since ASB’s March forecast: https://www.asb.co.nz/content/dam/asb/documents/reports/quarterly-economic-forecasts/asb-forecast-update_mar26a.pdf

“The New Zealand economy has shown greater resilience than many expected in the face of global uncertainty and higher fuel prices,” says Nick.

“While geopolitical risks remain elevated, falling oil prices have significantly reduced one of the biggest risks to growth and inflation this year.”

Global oil prices have dropped sharply from their March peaks amid hopes that negotiations between Iran and the United States will ease disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz. While shipping through the Strait remains disrupted and energy infrastructure has been damaged, fuel prices have declined substantially in recent months, reducing pressure on inflation and easing the squeeze on household spending.

“Higher fuel prices were starting to crowd out household spending and lift business costs across the economy,” says Nick.

“Those pressures are now easing substantially. Consumers are likely to feel more confident than they did earlier in the year, and businesses have greater certainty about their cost environment.”

The New Zealand economy entered 2026 with stronger momentum than previously estimated. GDP rose 0.8% in the March quarter, while revised 2025 data showed growth was stronger than previously thought and becoming more broad-based across the economy.

However, Nick says elevated fuel prices and heightened uncertainty are still expected to weigh on activity through the middle of 2026.

“The recovery has not been derailed, but it has been delayed. Household spending, business investment and some export sectors are still feeling the effects of the oil shock, and the labour market remains soft.”

Inflation remains a key focus. ASB forecasts annual CPI inflation will rise to around 4.1% in the June 2026 year, driven largely by earlier fuel price increases. However, falling oil prices are expected to ease inflation pressure through the second half of the year and into 2027.

“The inflation outlook remains highly uncertain and depends heavily on developments in the Middle East,” says Nick. “But the recent fall in oil prices means inflation now looks considerably less challenging than it did a few months ago.”

The changing inflation outlook is expected to give the Reserve Bank more time to assess economic conditions before raising interest rates. ASB Economists now expect the Official Cash Rate to remain on hold until September before gradually increasing through late 2026 and early 2027.

Looking ahead, ASB expects the recovery to continue gradually, supported by resilient commodity prices, recovering tourism and lower fuel costs, although geopolitical risks remain elevated. Dairy and meat export sectors continue to benefit from strong global demand, while tourism has recovered to 93% of pre-COVID visitor levels.

“The outlook has improved, but uncertainty remains high,” says Nick.

“It would only take one significant geopolitical shock to reverse recent gains, so businesses and households still need to prepare for a range of possible outcomes. For now, though, the recovery appears to be back on track.”

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Legislation – Important amendments to Real Estate Agents Act will strengthen regulatory regime

Source: Real Estate Authority (REA)

The Real Estate Authority (REA) welcomes the passage of the the Regulatory Systems (Occupational Regulation) Amendment Bill, which brings amendments to the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 (the Act), through the third reading.

REA Chief Executive, Belinda Moffat says the amendments will help to enhance the regulatory regime for licensed real estate professionals overseen by REA, and support REA’s role as the conduct regulator of the real estate profession and consumer protection agency.

“It strengthens REA’s ability to protect consumers, whilst also improving the efficiency of the system we oversee and relieving some of the constraints and compliance burdens, including by making the regulatory scope proportionate to the risk.”

“One of the amendments will enable REA to require a person to provide documents to REA where we have reasonable grounds to believe that someone is unlicensed and carrying out real estate agency work or has contravened the Act, or associated regulations or practice rules. This will assist REA to better assess consumer complaints and investigate unlicensed trading concerns”, Ms Moffat says.

Another amendment removes the mandatory five-year standdown if a licensee fails to complete their annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

The definition of unsatisfactory conduct has been amended to enable Complaints Assessment Committees to also consider conduct that is not connected to a specific transaction but which falls short of the standard a reasonable member of the public is entitled to expect of a licensee, or which agents of good standing would reasonably regard as being unacceptable conduct of a licensee.

Other changes to the Act include changing REA’s statutory name to Real Estate Authority (formerly the Real Estate Agents Authority). The Bill allows for an implementation period with nearly all changes coming into force eight months after Royal Assent. The removal of the requirement for the REA Board Chair to be a lawyer takes effect upon Royal Assent.

Chief Executive Belinda Moffat says, we are pleased to see the passage of the Bill. The changes reflect advice that REA provided to the Ministry of Justice on ways to improve the system in 2022.”

“We look forward to working with the Ministry of Justice and the real estate sector to ensure the smooth implementation of these changes over the coming months”, Ms Moffat says.

 

Notes

A short summary of Regulatory Systems (Occupational Regulation) Amendment Bill (RSAB) changes affecting the Real Estate Agents Act (2008) and REA are set out below. Further detail will be provided on REA’s website in due course. For full details please see the Bill which is available on the Parliament website here: Regulatory Systems (Occupational Regulation) Amendment Bill

 

RSAB clause(s)

Change summary

17

Administrative change – updates the statutory name of REA from Real Estate Agents Authority to Real Estate Authority

18

REA Board Chair no longer required to be lawyer of 7+ years' experience. Enables candidates with a broad range professional experience and expertise to be considered by the Minister when appointing the REA Chair.

19

New power for REA to request documents where REA has reasonable grounds to believe a licensee has contravened the Act, Regulations or Practice Rules or a person is carrying out real estate agency work and is unlicensed. 

20

Allows some exemptions to prescribed qualification requirements for licence applicants in certain circumstances

20, 21

Removes requirement for REA Registrar to stand-down an individual from holding a real estate licence for five years for failure to complete CPD and non-payment of fees. Cancellation is still required, but individuals will be able to re-apply if they complete their CPD requirements. Moderates regulatory consequence and provides avenue for licence reinstatement.

24

A real estate licence may be renewed within 12 months of expiry, rather than requiring a full re-application process. Reduces administrative burden for REA and licensees.

25

Ability for REA to cancel a licence at the point when someone becomes a person who would be prohibited from holding a licence under the Act. Previously this could only occur at the date of annual renewal. Enables REA to respond in a timely way to reduce the risk to consumers.

26

Provides improvements to granting of a temporary licence.

27

Expands the types of behaviour that could be considered “unsatisfactory conduct”, including conduct that agents of good standing would reasonably regard as being unacceptable. Enables Complaints Assessment Committees to consider poor conduct that is linked to the licensees’s professional role beyond action directly connected to a specific transaction. This enables the Complaints and Discipline process to be more responsive to poor conduct concerns, and conduct that affects consumer confidence in the profession.

28

New offence for a party to a complaint investigation failing to provide, without reasonable excuse, a document to REA in accordance with notice under s 24A. Strengthens REA’s ability to gather information and evidence.

22, 23, 24, 26(1), 30 and 31

Administrative change enabling certain documents to be in approved form issued by REA:

  • Application for licence
  • Evidence of issue of licence
  • Application for renewal of licence
  • Application for temporary licence

 

 

About REA

The Real Estate Authority (REA) is the independent government agency that regulates the conduct of licensed real estate professionals in New Zealand (salespeople, branch managers, agents and agencies). We license people and companies working in real estate, provide oversight of the code of conduct, oversee the complaints and disciplinary process for poor conduct by licensees, provide education and guidance to licensees to assist them to meet their regulatory obligations, and provide information to consumers about the real estate transaction process. REA is governed by a Board. The Chair is Denese Bates KC. REA Chief Executive/Registrar is Belinda Moffat.

People who have concerns about the conduct of a real estate professional can contact the Real Estate Authority (REA) – visit rea.govt.nz or call 0800 367 732. Consumers seeking independent information about buying and selling property can visit REA’s consumer website settled.govt.nz.

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Climate News – New Zealand’s warmest June on record – Earth Sciences

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Highlights:
-The nationwide average temperature in June was 10.6°C, New Zealand’s warmest June since Earth Science New Zealand’s seven station temperature series began in 1909.
– The highest temperature was 26.0°C, observed at Bromley (Christchurch) on 20 June. This is a new record for New Zealand’s highest June temperature.
-The lowest temperature was -7.7°C, observed at Ranfurly on 27 June.
-The highest 1-day rainfall was 168 mm, recorded at Arthurs Pass on 20 June.
-The highest wind gust was 183 km/h, observed at Cape Turnagain on 20 June.
-Of the six main centres in June 2026, Auckland and Tauranga were the equal-warmest, Tauranga was the sunniest, Dunedin was the driest, Christchurch was the coolest, and Wellington was the wettest and least sunny.
-The sunniest four locations in 2026 so far are Nelson (1410 hours), New Plymouth (1386 hours), Whakatāne (1356 hours) and Richmond (1334 hours).
-By the end of June, El Niño conditions were present in the tropical Pacific, and sea surface temperatures (SSTs) surrounding New Zealand were mostly above average.