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Employment – More than 1200 ACC workers join other health workers in striking Thursday

Source: PSA

PSA members at ACC have voted overwhelmingly to strike this Thursday, joining more than 100,000 other workers protesting the Government’s under funding of public sector services.
More than 1200 workers from across ACC will strike from 6am to 8pm after the failure of the Government to provide a meaningful offer and ongoing concerns over workplace culture. They join around 17,000 other PSA members who work directly in the health system – members of the Allied Health collective, mental health nurse, mental health assistants, IT specialists and many others.
“ACC staff are being disrespected, their voices are not being listened to, compounded by a pay offer that does not reflect cost of living pressures – they have had enough,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Morale at ACC is at rock bottom – its leaders have not taken on board the damning findings in its culture review which showed that staff concerns were not being treated with respect.
“The latest decision to impose a new working from home rule of a minimum of three days in the office, without consultation or considering existing legal contracts smacks of the dysfunction at this critical organisation.
“These workers have the public right behind them as New Zealanders up and down the country know they are standing up for services they rely on.
“ACC workers play a vital role in the public health system -in their work on prevention, helping rehabilitate the injured and support thousands of New Zealanders every day to resume their normal lives, but like so many in the health system, this government does not value their critical work.
“ACC needs to do better – and that means agreeing meaningful pay rises for poorly paid predominantly female workers and urgently fix the deep-seated culture problems.
“Like many others, by taking this action, our ACC members are telling the Government loud and clear that its priorities are all wrong. New Zealanders expect a well-funded health system that meets their needs today and tomorrow and one that values health workers.”
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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Annual inflation at 3.0 percent in September 2025 – Consumers price index: September 2025 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release


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Education – Ara Institute of Canterbury launches ‘Get Set’ campaign ahead of 2026 independence

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury has launched its first major independent brand campaign since 2020, marking a confident step toward full independence in 2026.
Titled 'Get Set', the campaign puts the focus on learners who are ready to take the next step – even if they’re still figuring out their options. 
It’s a message of momentum, confidence, and possibility, designed to meet ākonga (students) at the starting line and support them from day one.
“At Ara, we’re more than an education provider – we’re the catalyst that transforms ākonga ambition into real achievement,” said Carl Pavletich, Manager – Local and Global Marketing. 
“This campaign harnesses ākonga hopes and showcases how Ara provides the skills, confidence, and support needed to help them ‘get there.’”
More than 30 programme-specific ads are now live across the South Island – on billboards, buses, digital screens, and social media. 
A new television commercial, filmed on Ara’s North Green and featuring real ākonga launches today across YouTube and On Demand platforms.
The campaign will also highlight the full student experience, including learners who balance study with mahi (work), whānau, sport, volunteering, and side projects.
It positions Ōtautahi Christchurch as New Zealand’s 'Capital of Cool' – a creative, collaborative city that’s increasingly attracting young talent.
“This is more than marketing – it’s a statement,” said Deanna Anderson, Head of Marketing and Recruitment. “Ara is direct, adaptable, and unapologetically real. Our story is unmistakable – we’ve been fueling this thriving region with skills for 120 years.”
As Ara transitions out of Te Pūkenga, it reaffirms its identity as a proud, local provider rooted in the thriving Waitaha (Canterbury) region and driven by hands-on learning, strong industry links, and a deep belief in every ākonga’s potential.
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Banking and Finance – ASB cuts mortgage rates further

Source: ASB

ASB has today reduced six of its fixed home lending rates, including a market-leading 18-month term.

ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says “These rate reductions will be welcome news to the thousands of households looking to refix their mortgages or begin their home ownership journey.”

ASB also reduced its term deposit rates.

All rate decreases are effective Tuesday 21st October.

 

  Fixed home lending term

Previous rate

New rate

Rate decrease

6-month

4.95%

4.85%

-10 bps

1-year

4.49%

4.49%

N/C

18-month

4.49%

4.45%

-4 bps

2-year

4.65%

4.49%

-16 bps

3-year

4.94%

4.79%

-15 bps

4-year

5.19%

5.09%

-10 bps

5-year

5.39%

5.15%

-24 bps

 

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Transporting New Zealand calls for bipartisan commitment on Roads of National Significance programme

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand is welcoming progress on the Roads of National Significance (RoNS) Programme, but says that a bipartisan commitment is needed to avoid the risk of costly cancellations and further disruptions to the infrastructure pipeline.
The Minister of Transport announced today that the NZTA Board has now endorsed investment cases for all of the RoNS, including Sections 2 and 3 of the Northland Expressway, the East West Link, Hamilton Southern Links, Petone to Grenada and Cross Valley Link, SH1 Wellington Improvements including a new Mt Victoria tunnel, and the Hope Bypass. This involves $1.2 billion of combined funding to move the RoNS to the next phase of development.   
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih said that improved roading connections were good news for safety, productivity, and improving New Zealand’s lagging economic growth.
“When people and freight are moving efficiently, that’s good news for the entire country. You can see this in the close correlation between heavy traffic movement and GDP growth.”
Heading into an election year, Kalasih is calling on all political parties to support the infrastructure pipeline by maintaining the projects identified in the National Land Transport Programme 2024-2027, including Roads of National and Regional Significance.
“These are not projects that can be delivered within a couple of election cycles. They require consistency across successive governments if they are to be delivered affordably and without delay. A politically-driven cancellation or winding-back of this infrastructure programme would be a nightmare for road users, local communities, and the national economy.” says Kalasih.
“I’m optimistic that we can get buy-in on a bipartisan infrastructure pledge. Senior government ministers have highlighted the value of bipartisan commitments, and opposition spokespeople have indicated they don’t want to see projects cancelled.”
Transporting New Zealand’s five proposed bipartisan transport pledges:
  • 1. Support the infrastructure pipeline by maintaining the projects identified in the National Land Transport Programme 2024-2027, including Roads of National and Regional Significance.
  • 2. Maintain road maintenance and economic growth as strategic priorities in the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport.
  • 3. Back low-emission and high-productivity vehicles through continued land transport rule reform and pricing incentives.
  • 4. Follow through on road revenue reform, including the transition to Road User Charges for all vehicles from 2027 (at the earliest).
  • 5. Support sustainable transport funding through tolling and greater use of public-private partnerships. 
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Energy Sector – Rising Power Bills Driving Demand for Hot Water Heat Pumps

Source: Ecobulb

Consumers are responding to soaring electricity prices by turning to modern energy-efficient technologies, says energy efficiency expert Dr Chris Mardon, Managing Director of Christchurch-based company Ecobulb.

According to Statistics New Zealand, electricity costs rose by 11% in the year to September, the steepest annual increase since 1989.

“These increases are significant, and more are expected as Transpower and lines companies continue to invest heavily in upgrading the electricity network,” says Dr Mardon. “As a result we’re seeing a surge in interest from households wanting to take control of their energy use.”

Dr Mardon says the Canterbury Home Show over the weekend saw a marked uptick in inquiries from people keen to cut their electricity and gas bills using modern, efficient technology.

“One of the most common questions we received was how much a household could save by replacing traditional hot water cylinders with high-performance hot water heat pumps,” he says. “The answer is – a lot.”

Hot water heat pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than generate it, making them significantly more efficient than conventional electric elements. “They can reduce energy use by up to 75% for water heating,” says Dr Mardon. “That translates into thousands of dollars in savings over the life of the system, with many households able to recover the extra upfront cost in just a few years.”

Ecobulb received 60 inquiries about hot water heat pumps at the home show, triple the number of inquiries at a similar sized Canterbury home show in August.

“Based on past experience, we expect around two-thirds of those inquiries to convert into installations — so around 40 new systems from one weekend,” says Dr Mardon. “That’s promising, but with over two million households in New Zealand, we’ve only scratched the surface.”

Dr Mardon says while rising power prices are prompting more people to consider energy-efficient options, further support is needed to accelerate adoption. “We’d like to see greater investment in programmes like Warmer Kiwi Homes, which could subsidise hot water heat pumps. We also support the introduction of a Ratings Assistance Scheme to help homeowners better understand and improve the energy efficiency of their homes.”

He adds that broadening access to efficient technologies like hot water heat pumps would reduce emissions, modernise New Zealand’s residential energy systems, and lower long-term costs for Kiwi households.

“Hot water heat pumps are one of the most efficient solutions available for residential and commercial water heating,” says Dr Mardon. “They’re good for the environment—and even better for the power bill.”

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PSA backs plan to stop state asset sales

Source: PSA

The Public Service Association is backing Labour's Future Fund plan, saying it will protect state-owned assets from privatisation and ensure the wealth they generate stays in New Zealand for the benefit of all Kiwis.
“This is exactly the kind of long-term thinking New Zealand desperately needs after the many short-sighted decisions by the current Government,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The PSA has always been clear on opposing asset sales. We played a leading role in public opposition to the damaging privatisation agenda of the 1980s and we’ve been proven right.
“Ring-fencing our state-owned assets from privatisation means keeping them in public hands where they belong – generating wealth for New Zealanders, not offshore investors.
“We've seen what happens when governments sell off public assets – the profits flow from the taxpayer to investors and New Zealanders pay higher prices and get worse service.
“National’s sale of electricity generators is a case in point – latest inflation figures out today show power prices spiking over 11% in the last year, the highest rise since 1989.
“The PSA calls on all other political parties to draw a line in the sand once and for all and commit to no more state asset sales.”
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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Altruism – Kiwis donated an estimated 58,000kgs of clothing in just one day: The results are in from this year’s Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive

Source: Acumen


Kiwis united in a nationwide show of generosity across the weekend, donating an estimated 58,000kgs (a 16% increase from 2024) of clothing in six hours through this year’s Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive on Saturday 18th October. 

 

The Clothing Drive made it easy for New Zealanders to donate high-quality clothing directly from their doorsteps via the Uber and Uber Eats apps, using Uber Courier to deliver their donations to the Uber x New Zealand Red Cross Clothing Drive free of charge. 

 

Both Uber and New Zealand Red Cross were thrilled with the outpouring of support, with over 4,600 Uber Courier trips booked throughout the day for the drive, and amazing donations collected, including select pieces by New Zealand music icon, Stan Walker.

 

Emma Foley, Managing Director of Uber Australia and New Zealand, says, “We’ve been so inspired by the generosity shown by Kiwis across the country. A huge thank you to everyone who donated and to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s drive possible. So many people took the time to clear out their wardrobes and give their pre-loved clothing a second life through our annual clothing drive. It’s a great reminder that small actions can make a big difference. We’re proud to partner with New Zealand Red Cross to make giving easier and support the vital work they do in communities throughout Aotearoa and beyond.”

 

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to donate their pre-loved clothing as part of the Uber x Red Cross Clothing Drive. Proceeds from the sale of your clothing in our Red Cross Shops go towards fulfilling our mission – to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilising the power of humanity and enhancing community resilience. Your generosity will help us make a real difference here, across the Pacific and around the world”, says Talei Kitchingman, Director of Retail, New Zealand Red Cross. 

 

The donated clothing is now being sorted and sold in New Zealand Red Cross Shops around the country, with funds raised from the sales going directly towards supporting vital services and programmes in New Zealand and abroad.

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Health – ProCare supports clinician-led ownership with sale of Mt Smart Medical

Source: ProCare

ProCare is pleased to announce the sale of Mt Smart Medical Centre, one of its Elevate programme practices, marking a significant milestone in its strategy to support clinician and industry-led ownership pathways.

The practice, located in Auckland, settled on Friday 17 October, and has been purchased by Harpreet Kaur, a highly respected clinician with a strong commitment to patient care and community wellbeing. Harpreet brings a wealth of clinical experience and a passion for making a difference in primary care, making her an ideal fit to lead Mt Smart into its next chapter.

To support continuity, current Lead GP Dr Samuel Fuimano will remain with the practice. His ongoing presence complements Harpreet’s leadership, ensuring trusted clinical governance and continuity of care that the community and practice team value deeply.

This sale reflects ProCare’s ongoing commitment to its Elevate programme, which was established to strengthen general practice sustainability and support ownership opportunities for clinicians and industry professionals.

Bindi Norwell, Group Chief Executive at ProCare says: “We’re incredibly proud of what the Elevate programme has achieved so far. The sale of Mt Smart Medical Centre is a great example of how we’re enabling passionate, skilled clinicians to step into ownership roles. Harpreet’s leadership will bring fresh energy to the practice, and we’re confident she will continue to deliver high-quality care to the community.”

ProCare will continue to support Mt Smart Medical Centre through the transition period, with Harpreet remaining part of the ProCare PHO Network, ensuring continuity of care and access to ongoing support.

New owner, Harpreet Kaur says: “I’m honoured to take on the ownership of Mt Smart Medical Centre. I look forward to building on the strong foundation and serving our patients with compassion and excellence to provide person-centred health services.”

We warmly welcome Harpreet to her new role and look forward to an exciting new chapter for Mt Smart Medical Centre.

As ProCare looks ahead, it remains open to further Elevate practice sales where they align with the long-term goals of its strategy – ensuring that general practice remains in the hands of those who are connected to the communities they serve.

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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Weather News – Significant weather systems set to impact the country – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 20th – Thursday 23rd October

  • Severe Weather Warnings for northwest winds and rain to start the week
  • Another, more intense, system due on Thursday
  • 30°C forecast in Hastings on Thursday after a run of warmer than average temperatures.

A slew of warnings and watches are in place as we start the working week, but this is a precursor for a potentially more impactful weather event on Thursday.

MetService is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds for much of the South Island and Central New Zealand on Monday and Tuesday, with morning thunderstorms and hail possible on Tuesday.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley details “Northwesterly wind gusts will rise to 130 km/h in exposed places about some regions. Peak rain rates of 20 to 30 mm/h are also expected about the Southern Alps and Westland Ranges. There will be decent spillover rain east of the main divide.”

See image below for watches & warnings at issued time. See http://bit.ly/AllWarnings for up-to-date details.