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Renewable Energy – WEL Networks powers up New Zealand’s first instant solar approval system

Source: WEL Networks

Getting solar on your roof just got a whole lot easier. WEL Networks has just launched New Zealand’s first fully automated approval system for home solar and battery connections, turning what used to take weeks into a five-minute process.
The new digital platform instantly checks local grid capacity and automatically approves most residential-sized systems up to 10 kW. It also ditches any application fees for these smaller systems, finally removing one of the last barriers for Kiwi households wanting to generate and store their own clean energy.
“We’ve redesigned the entire process with one goal in mind: get out of the way and let Kiwis produce and store their own power,” said Garth Dibley, Chief Executive of WEL Networks. ” This is all about making solar and batteries simpler, and more affordable, for everyone.”
The platform connects directly to WEL’s smart-meter network, GIS data, and the Electricity Authority Registry database to calculate available capacity in real time, meaning assessment and approval takes just a few minutes. Any application that looks like it might need a technical review is automatically flagged for an engineering assessment.
“For the past few months, we’ve been quietly building this system” said David Wiles, General Manager of Energy Services. ” Our starting point was that solar and batteries aren’t a threat to the network – they’re the future of it. We’ve chosen to lean in, build the tools, and make it easier for customers to play an active role in their energy system.”
The launch comes as the focus returns to how networks handle renewables, with Energy Minister Simon Watts urging distributors to speed up solar approvals and lift export limits, while the Electricity Authority is looking to require increased hosting capacity nationwide. WEL’s new portal exceeds those expectations.
Key features at a glance: – Fast approvals: Most applications up to 10 kW approved in around 5 minutes
– Simple to apply: Only basic information is required to get to a result
– No fees: We’ve switched off the fees for smaller systems
– Fully transparent: Customers and installers can track progress and manage documentation from one simple dashboard
– Real time: Up to the minute network data ensures more export capacity is approved without compromising network safety or reliability.
WEL Networks is the first electricity distributor in New Zealand to offer this streamlined service, which is available to all customers and accredited installers across Hamilton and surrounding Waikato communities.
This initiative supports New Zealand’s renewable-energy transition, and shows how community-owned network companies can lead in innovation, while maintaining robust network safety and reliability.
“The future of energy is local” added Garth, “When customers can generate and share power within their own communities, it’s actually pretty special. All we’re doing is making it happen in a much faster, smarter, and simpler way.”
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Real Estate Sector – REA research finds consumers are confident in real estate industry but lack of understanding of the process is key consumer challenge

Source: Real Estate Authority (REA)

The Real Estate Authority’s (REA) 2025 Consumer and Public Perceptions Research, released today, found overall 86% of consumers (property buyers and sellers) have confidence in New Zealand’s real estate industry, but have less confidence in their own knowledge of the transaction process.

Perceptions of the real estate industry overall are positive

Consumer confidence in the real estate industry remains high at 86%.
83% have confidence the industry is well regulated
30% of consumers said they would recommend the licensed real estate professional (licensee) they dealt with to others, up from 25% in 2024.

REA Chief Executive/Registrar Belinda Moffat says it is good to see consumers have confidence in the real estate industry despite challenging market conditions.

“As the government conduct regulator of the real estate profession, we want to see people confidently engage in fair transactions with trusted real estate professionals. The high levels of consumer confidence in the industry reflects the hard work by many agencies and licensees to maintain high standards of conduct in a challenging market.”

However, while the research found that 43% of property buyers and sellers had some knowledge of the end-to-end real estate transaction process, only 46% felt they were knowledgeable or had a lot of knowledge of the process.

Consumer guidance produced by REA, and being kept well informed by the real estate agent were key contributors to real estate buyers and sellers feeling confident and empowered.

The research indicated that 95% of buyers obtained some information before making an offer, and 71% of consumers considered environmental risks when buying or selling. However, fewer consumers are undertaking thorough due diligence of a property before making a purchasing decision than last year. Only 44% obtained a building inspection report, only 37% obtained a LIM, and only 34% obtained the record of title and/or council file. 59% of buyers engaged a lawyer before making an offer.

Katie Solomon, REA’s Head of Engagement, Insights and Education says buying and selling property is a complex process and it is important for consumers to have good information about the process and what they need to do during a transaction.

“Knowledge of the process, including understanding methods of sale and how to check a property for risks and issues is key to consumers making confident transaction decisions. We strongly encourage all buyers to undertake careful due diligence on the property before they buy, and to engage the services of a lawyer early.

The research shows that the complexity of the process, the real estate agent’s manner or lack of support are the main factors behind consumer sentiment.

At REA we provide a wide range of free consumer information through our consumer website Settled.govt.nz and guides in many languges and formats on the buying and selling process. The research indicates the value in these consumer resources.”

Consumers trust REA’s information resources

94% of consumers who interacted with Settled.govt.nz felt more confident about participating in the real estate transaction after visiting this website.
96% of buyers who received the REA Residential Property Agency Agreement Guide found it useful.
94% of consumers finding the REA Residential Property Sale & Purchase Agreement Guide useful.
62% of consumers who interacted with both REA and REA’s consumer website, Settled.govt.nz, rate their knowledge of the end-to-end process highly, well above the 46% overall consumer average.

The Real Estate Agents Act requires licensees to provide consumers with REA’s statutory guides to the residential agency agreement and sale and purchase agreement before they sign either contract.

The research also highlighted the key role real estate licensees play in providing information to consumers about the process.

Licensees explaining the transaction process helps consumers feel empowered

Finding the process complicated or confusing was the most common reason cited by consumers for feeling unempowered and unable to participate effectively in a real estate transaction (20%)
Licensees are the most commonly reported source for consumers to seek information about the process (56%)
Good explanations from the licensee was the most common reason for consumers feeling very empowered during a transaction (22%)

Ms Moffat says REA supports real estate licensees to explain the complexities of the transaction process to clients and customers through guidance and education.

“The principles of client and customer care underpinning the Code of Conduct for licensees that REA oversees requires licensees to exercise skill, care and diligence, and to treat all parties fairly. This includes disclosing known defects, encouraging parties to obtain legal and professional advice, and communicating in a timely way. Our guidance and education programme is focused on these core responsibilities.

The research illustrates the importance of licensees fulfilling their conduct obligations, and consumer knowledge being critical to fair real estate transactions.”

About REA
The Real Estate Authority (REA) is the independent government agency that regulates the conduct of licensed real estate professionals in New Zealand. We license people and companies working in real estate, provide oversight of the code of conduct (external link), 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 is Belinda Moffat.

About the research
The latest Annual Perceptions Research was conducted by NielsenIQ on behalf of the Real Estate Authority. The survey was carried out in two parts. Part one was in field between 14 May and 2 June 2025 and had 729 respondents. Part one of the survey consisted of people who bought, sold, put an offer or received an offer on a property in the last 12 months using a licensed real estate professional (referred to as ‘consumers’). Part two surveyed 700 people of the New Zealand general public. The fieldwork for part two of the survey took place between 20 and 29 May 2025. All REA claims are based on research conducted by NielsenIQ reported to us on 22 July 2025.

Importance of Due Diligence

In a media release issued on Monday 6 October, REA highlighted the importance of buyers undertaking due diligence and the need for more buyers to undertake more comprehensive due diligence before making an offer.

 

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Politics and Environment – Gene Tech Bill threatens Aotearoa’s GE-free status, warns Soil & Health

Source: Soil & Health Association of New Zealand

13 October 2025 – Aotearoa New Zealand – The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand is calling for the Government to halt the Gene Technology Bill, warning that the proposed law would open the door to genetically engineered organisms in Aotearoa's environment, food system and farms.
 
The latest draft of the Bill, which has just been released by the Health Select Committee, has only minor changes from the initial draft.
 
“New Zealanders have a right to know what we're growing and eating – and to choose food that aligns with their values,” says Charles Hyland, chair of the Soil & Health Association. “This Bill would still allow GE into our farms, gardens and food, risking contamination, loss of organic certification, lawsuits and Aotearoa's GE-free status.”
 
“Anyone who doesn't want GE could face difficulties avoiding it.”
 
“In addition to the risks to food and agriculture, there are also risks to tikanga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, biodiversity, conservation and natural ecosystems, economics, trade, liability and insurance, animal welfare, ethics and more.”
 
“Local authorities would have no jurisdiction over GE in their territories.”
 
“One positive change we have identified is the inclusion of a register of all genetically modified organisms.”
 
“We're urging Parliament to pause this Bill and take the time needed to address the wide-ranging environmental, cultural and economic risks,” says Hyland. “This legislation is too important to rush – it must be shaped with meaningful public consultation.”

 

FURTHER INFORMATION: Soil & Health's submission on the Gene Technology Bill: https://soilandhealth.org.nz/civicrm/mailing/url/?u=1203&qid=77017

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World Vision urges global action on World Food Day to tackle child malnutrition at its roots

Source: World Vision

  • 148 million children globally are stunted, with a further 45 million children suffering from wasting
  • Half of all deaths among children under five are linked to malnutrition
  • World Vision New Zealand calling on global leaders and donors to act with urgency to end child malnutrition
As the world prepares to mark World Food Day 2025 (16 October), World Vision New Zealand is calling on global leaders and donors for urgent investment in child nutrition to end the preventable crisis of child malnutrition, which continues to jeopardise the health and futures of millions of children.
Globally, a staggering 148 million children are stunted and 45 million suffer from wasting-conditions that rob them of health, potential, and life. Nearly half of all deaths among children under five are linked to malnutrition.
“These aren’t just numbers-they represent futures lost,” says TJ Grant, Acting National Director of World Vision New Zealand. “Every child deserves the food they need to develop a healthy body and mind. Malnutrition doesn’t just stunt growth-it steals potential and robs the world of future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. We cannot allow this injustice to continue.”
Child hunger: A crisis demanding urgent investment
Grant says innovative financing solutions, such as blended finance, are critical to help scale nutrition-specific interventions, such as micronutrient supplementation and the promotion of breastfeeding.
The 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report reveals that funding to fight food insecurity is fragmented and far below what’s needed to achieve the UN’s 2030 goals to end hunger and malnutrition, especially in low- and middle-income countries. “Without a radical shift in how we finance nutrition, we will continue to fall short. The world, including New Zealand, must commit more funds to eliminate child wasting, stunting, and anemia, he says.
Child hunger is worsening due to conflict and climate change
In regions like Sudan and Gaza, war and displacement are leaving millions of children without enough to eat.
In Sudan, conflict has displaced over 14 million people, with famine-like conditions emerging in North Darfur. In Zamzam Refugee Camp, a child dies every two hours from hunger.
In Gaza, the UN confirmed famine in August 2025-the first ever time famine has been declared in the Middle East. More than 500,000 people face starvation, with tens of thousands of children and pregnant women at risk of severe malnutrition by mid-2026.
Hunger and climate change: A vicious cycle
Grant says growing food insecurity and malnutrition is being further exacerbated by climate change.
“Droughts, floods, and extreme weather destroy crops, kill livestock, and disrupt food systems-hitting the poorest communities hardest. In countries like Afghanistan, Malawi, Uganda, and Tanzania, food scarcity forces families to settle for cheap, insufficient meals instead of healthy, nutritious options-leaving children malnourished and more vulnerable to illness and death.”
This World Food Day, World Vision is calling on global leaders and donors to act with urgency and courage to help end child malnutrition.
“Hunger is not about scarcity-it’s about inequality, broken systems, and a lack of political will,” says Grant. “There is enough food for every child. What’s missing is action.”
World Vision is urging the New Zealand Government to:
  • Increase overseas development assistance (ODA), with a focus on child nutrition
  • Fund school meal programmes where they do not yet exist
  • Support climate-resilient, inclusive food systems, particularly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia
“New Zealand must do its part to end child malnutrition. As a global food producer and a member of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, our Government has a responsibility to promote policies that ensure all children get the nutrition they need and support climate-resilient food systems, particularly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. By investing in children’s nutrition, we build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. The choice is clear: act now or let another generation be defined by hunger.”
New Zealanders can support children facing food insecurity in some of the world’s toughest places, here: www.wvnz.org.nz/WFP
Notes:
Stats and figures noted within the release can be found in the references noted below:
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Health and Employment – PM’s attack on unions over strikes won’t help settle industrial disputes – PSA

Source: PSA

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's attempts to blame unions for strike action on 23 October shows he is completely out of touch with the reality facing health workers supporting patients in an underfunded health sector.
On Morning Report today, the PM said kiwis are 'getting sick of the unions prioritising the politics over patients…kiwis suffer when unions take this sort of action rather than getting around the table and bargaining’.
More than 16,000 health workers who are PSA members are striking 23 October after the failure of bargaining to settle, with some negotiations going back more than a year, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Unions are made up of and represent their members, and no union member has taken the decision to vote for strike action lightly.
“Mr Luxon ignores why workers are so frustrated they feel they have no choice but to take action. These are nurses, IT professionals, occupational therapists, mental health specialists and many others who serve New Zealanders every day.
“The reality is union members have been directly involved in bargaining for many months and the PM’s government has steadfastly refused to table offers that deal with the challenges facing the health system from underfunding, from inadequate staffing levels and pay that does not reflect the cost-of-living increases facing workers and their families.
“Workers voted to strike because the Government's pay offers are so inadequate and more will vote with their feet and go to Australia where they are valued and respected.
“Unions are not the villain in the piece here as he is trying to make out. It's his government that had made poor choices, rushing to give away $20 billion in tax cuts for landlords, big tobacco, higher income kiwis and business.
“Instead of blaming unions, the Prime Minister should be instructing his own bargaining teams to bring unions back to the table and fund adequate offers for the people who look after our sick and keep the health system running 24/7 so these disputes can be settled.
“That's how you avoid strikes – not by pointing fingers and playing politics.”
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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Defence News – ‘Job done and more’ – NZDF winds up Exercise Tropic Twilight in Cook Islands

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

The New Zealand Defence Force’s work on the island of Ma’uke in the Cook Islands will have a long-lasting impact on the island, as Exercise Tropic Twilight wraps up following a month of work.

Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this year’s exercise involves more than 30 personnel from the New Zealand Army’s 25 Engineer Support Squadron, 2 Engineer Regiment supported by a medical team and troops from Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu.

“It’s a positive feeling as we’ve accomplished all the tasks we set out to do and more,” said Troop Commander Lieutenant Jarrod Wilson ahead of the final flight out of Ma’uke on Monday.

Nineteen tonnes of stores were flown in by Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules, with a further 25 tonnes of building supplies shipped to the island.

The team carried out its main tasks of maintenance and improvements on the island’s solar farm, water infrastructure, and school and community halls during the exercise. Ma’uke, about 277km northeast of Rarotonga, has a population of only about 240 and some of that infrastructure needed work.

“We were able to finish these quicker than expected, mainly due to the skill of the people we have here and , that really meant we could get after some extra tasks,” Lieutenant Wilson said.

That included work at the island’s hospital, installing a new solar hot water heater and assembling hospital beds and furniture.

An additional air conditioner was also installed at the solar farm, where overheating battery and inverter rooms were affecting the power supply to the island.

The electricians and plumbers also replaced faulty bore pumps and float switches at the island’s water farm. This will ensure the island has a reliable water supply into the future.

“The work we’ve done on the solar farm and water bores will definitely have an impact on this island over a long time,” Lieutenant Wilson said.

“While it might seem insignificant at this time, it’s the long-term effects, such as protecting the life of the batteries and not wasting water, that will be felt in the longer run.”

The soldiers had also learnt a lot during the exercise as they worked alongside the local experts, he said.

“We didn’t build the water bore system and we didn’t have an understanding of how it operated.

“Our tradespeople had to learn how the system worked, and that meant a lot of time with one person at a pump and another at the switchboard trying to figure out what was happening.”

Working with the soldiers from Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu had also proved valuable.

“They learned a little bit about how our Defence Force operates and we learned a little bit about them.

“In the future if we ever have to deploy operationally, we have a baseline understanding. Our section commanders had to learn how to lead personnel from different countries – they sometimes have to overcome a language barrier or sometimes a different skill set, which is great for them as well.”

Handover and completion ceremonies were held last week, where locals were shown the completed work.

Lieutenant Wilson believed the community was happy with the work, and the hospitality shown by the island was incredible.

“It’s like we were born and raised here, and went away and came back. There’s definitely good relationships that have been formed in such a short time between our personnel and the locals.

“This is one of the good parts of doing our job – practising our skills outside of New Zealand but also seeing the gratitude and the lasting impact this has on the community.”

He was also struck by the impact the soldiers had outside of the tasks they had been set.

“The guys were going and playing volleyball with the community after work or us doing a sports morning at the local school. This probably has just as much a positive effect on the children as constructing their walkways.

“It’s been an honour and privilege to do this work not just for Ma’uke, but with Ma’uke.”

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Tech – FUSION5 achieves the 2025-2026 Microsoft AI Business Solutions Inner Circle award

Source: FUSION5

Fusion5 is honoured by Microsoft for achieving outstanding sales achievement and innovation.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND -13 OCTOBER, 2025 – Australasian systems integrator Fusion5 has been selected for this AI Business Solution’s 2025-2026 Microsoft Inner Circle.
Participation within Inner Circle is based on sales achievements that rank Fusion5 in the top echelon of Microsoft’s AI Business Solutions global network of partners. It's widely acknowledged that Inner Circle members perform at a high level by delivering valuable and innovative solutions that help organisations excel. 2025-2026 Inner Circle members are invited to the Inner Circle Summit in Spring 2026 as well as virtual meetings between August 2025 and June 2026, where they will have a unique opportunity to discuss strategy with Microsoft senior leaders and fellow Inner Circle partners, while learning more about the company’s road maps and future plans, establish strong executive connections, and collaborate on best practices.
Fusion5 is dedicated to helping customers achieve a competitive advantage through technology by working with them to identify the best solutions and services that accommodate their business needs, while ensuring their services continuously exceed expectations. By collaborating with the teams at Microsoft, Fusion5 maintains a strong expertise in the Microsoft platform to provide innovative solutions, quality services and unparalleled value to its customers.
“We’re truly honoured to have been recognised for our commitment to delivering exceptional value for our customers, using Microsoft’s AI-first Business Applications platform by being appointed to the Inner Circle for AI Business Solutions for the past nine consecutive years,” says Kristy Brown, CEO Fusion5 New Zealand. “This, along with being the current ANZ Business Applications Partner of the Year and the 2021 Country Partner of the Year, means our customers can have significant confidence in the value, knowledge, and outcomes we deliver.”
“Inner Circle partners are at the forefront of delivering transformative business outcomes. They empower organisations to reimagine productivity and unlock value through Microsoft Copilot, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform,” said Peter Jensen, Microsoft AI Business Solutions Lead in Enterprise Partner Solutions. “These partners combine deep industry knowledge with innovative, agentic solutions to help customers modernise operations, streamline decision-making, and drive sustainable growth. Their achievements reflect the strength of the Microsoft AI Cloud Partner Program and the impact of trusted collaboration in accelerating AI-driven transformation.”
About Fusion5
Fusion5 offers a comprehensive range of digital transformation business solutions, applications, consulting services, cloud services, and managed services, along with first-class support and training. Their expertise covers all key functional business areas, including Enterprise Resource Planning, HR/Payroll, Customer Relationship Management, AI, Data & Analytics, Integration, Corporate Performance Management, Digital Enablement, Cloud, Infrastructure, Systems Integration, and IT Managed Services.
Fusion5 is recognised as a leading partner for a range of global technologies, including Microsoft, NetSuite, Oracle, Workday, and IBM.
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Weather News – Spring is doing its spring thing! – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 13th – Friday 17th October – 

  • Strongest gusts in Wellington, up to 137 km/h on Sunday morning
  • Heavy Rain Warnings and Watches to start the week
  • Clear skies by end of work week.
This week, New Zealand is getting a full dose of classic spring weather – all over the place!

Over the weekend, we had some warm, muggy nights and wild winds. Wellington felt it big time with gusts up to 137 km/h on Sunday morning – the strongest of the year so far.

The rain hasn’t left either. On Monday, rain and showers are soaking eastern areas, and heavier downpours are expected in central western parts of the North Island as well as the Main Divide in the South Island.

Tongariro National Park is under a Heavy Rain Warning from Monday afternoon until Tuesday morning, while the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty are covered on Tuesday until late afternoon.

Meanwhile, northern Taranaki, Waitomo, northern Taihape, Taupō, Taumarunui, Tararua Range and the headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers about and north of the Rangitata River to Arthurs Pass, are all under a Heavy Rain Watch on Monday and Tuesday.

Rain sticks around on Tuesday too, but things start to settle a bit in the South Island, where rain pulls back to just the eastern areas by morning.

On Wednesday, we get a bit of a break – clear skies for most. But don't get too comfy – a new rain bearing front moves into the lower South Island during the day and slowly works its way north. However, the east should hang on to some sunshine with only a few high clouds – which should be welcomed news from those in Canterbury Plains and all the way to Gisborne.

Those looking forward to a clearance in the weather will be pleased to know that by Thursday, the wet weather in the west clears up as a ridge of high-pressure moves in – bringing calmer, sunnier skies and lighter winds.

Thursday and Friday are looking like the best days of the week to get outside and enjoy some spring sunshine. MetService meteorologist Oscar Shiviti says, “It's the best chance to make the most of the good weather – especially in the east – before more rain rolls in over the weekend.”

The ridge of high pressure and settled weather hang on into Friday, but another rain baring front is waiting in the wings, heading into lower South Island and creeping north through the weekend.

If you're in Christchurch and heading to the T20 cricket game between the Black Caps and England on Saturday evening – you're in luck! The forecast looks mostly fine with just a few clouds, and a warm evening after a daytime maximum of 21°C .

Stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings at metservice.com.
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CORONER’S REPORT INTO MUSICK POINT BOATING TRAGEDY REINFORCES CRITICAL SAFETY MESSAGES

Source: Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and Water Safety New Zealand

The death of 51-year-old Tēvita Moeakiola is a serious reminder of the need to wear a lifejacket, carry waterproof communication devices, and be well-prepared before heading out on the water.

Mr Moeakiola, a fisherman from Manurewa, drowned after his boat capsized near Musick Point in June 2022. The Coroner found he was not wearing a lifejacket and had no waterproof means of communication.

Mr Moeakiola and two companions had launched from Half Moon Bay Marina for a planned fishing trip near Motuihe Island. While there were lifejackets on board, a Facebook Live video posted earlier that day showed none of the men wearing them.

As the trio returned, the boat took on water and capsized in rough seas. Two men made it to shore – Mr Moeakiola did not survive. His body was recovered the following day.

The Coroner determined the cause of death was drowning, with hypothermia likely a contributing factor. The report highlighted several missed safety steps – including the absence of lifejackets being worn and a lack of waterproof communication equipment – that could have altered the outcome.

“Too many of our men – often experienced, capable, confident – are still heading out not wearing lifejackets. We are not invincible. The water is not to be underestimated, and the conditions can take hold fast. Mr Moeakiola was a father, a husband, out fishing for kai with friends. But, he didn’t make it home” says Rob Hewitt, Water Safety New Zealand spokesperson and ex-Navy diver who miraculously survived 75 hours adrift at sea himself. “Wearing a lifejacket is the simplest and most effective way to reduce drowning fatalities in New Zealand – it’s time to get real about that”.

Water Safety New Zealand data shows that over the last 10 years, more than 76% of boating related drowning victims were not wearing life jackets and the majority were adult men fishing from small craft.

New Zealand’s Boating Safety Code urges all boaties to:

  • Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket.
  • Take two waterproof ways to call for help
  • Check the marine weather forecast
  • Avoid alcohol when boating
  • Be a responsible skipper.

Coastguard Tautiaki Moana says early communication and preparation are critical – and agrees – wearing a lifejacket remains the single most important factor in survival.

“Our thoughts are with Mr Moeakiola’s whānau and friends, sadly, this is one of many tragedies where loved ones haven’t made it home from what should have been a fun day on the water,” says Coastguard Tautiaki Moana CEO Carl McOnie “It’s a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly things can change. Wearing a lifejacket is the single most important thing you can do to make it home safely – it gives you flotation, warmth, and time when you need it most.”

Boaties are encouraged to share their plans before heading out – either by telling a person on shore when and where they’re going, or by logging a Trip Report with Coastguard. “This is easily done by calling *500 on a mobile phone, through our Coastguard App or using a VHF radio. We encourage all New Zealanders to do this this summer before heading out.”

As summer approaches, Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and Water Safety New Zealand are calling on all recreational fishers and boaties to take extra care before heading out.

“Every one of these tragedies has a ripple effect through families and communities,” says Rob. “The lessons are simple – wear your lifejacket, take working waterproof communication, and make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back.”

Under the Auckland Navigational Bylaw 2021, lifejacket use on vessels under 6 metres is compulsory – unless the skipper gives permission not to wear one. A working group including Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and Water Safety New Zealand presented to Auckland Council’s Safety Regulatory Committee last month with a united call for change to that current bylaw.  

Says Rob, “The bylaw assumes skippers have a realistic view of their own boating competency and can make sound safety decisions for themselves and their passengers. The data, and this report, tells a different story.”

Notes: A Trip Report is a record of boaties’ trip details and used to assist search and rescue only if the person is reported overdue. Trip Reports are not actively monitored (unless it’s a bar crossing trip report). Coastguard can receive thousands in a single day over summer, so it’s vital that someone on shore knows the plans of those heading out and can raise the alarm if they don’t return as expected.

Sent on behalf of Coastguard Tautiaki Moana and Water Safety New Zealand by These Guys I Know.

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Local Elections – Porirua City Elections 2025 – Preliminary results

Source: Porirua City Council

Preliminary results in the Porirua City local body elections are now available, including all votes cast other than special votes.
This year there were 797 special votes.
These results update the progress results released on Saturday, including the previously uncounted 2844 votes cast between midday Friday and midday Saturday.
Based on the preliminary results, current Mayor Anita Baker has been re-elected receiving 8708 votes. Kathleen Filo finished second, with 7744 votes, followed by Ura Wilson-Pokoati with 1493 votes.
Elected in the Onepoto General Ward are Kathleen Filo (1625 votes), Geoff Hayward (1301 votes), Mike Duncan (1226 votes), Izzy Ford (1178 votes) and Hemi Fermanis (1109 votes).
In the Pāuatahanui General Ward the successful candidates are Josh Trlin (1723 votes), Nathan Waddle (1636 votes), Ross Leggett (1549 votes), and Moira Lawler (1536 votes).
In the Parirua Māori Ward, Kylie Wihapi has received 895 votes, ahead of Jess Te Huia on 868 votes, Raniera Albert on 304 votes, and Rawinia Rimene on 198 votes.
Voters have opted to keep the Māori Ward. There were 11,372 votes to keep and 5127 to remove.
In the non-binding poll, voters were in favour of working with other councils in the Wellington region to explore the possibility of creating one single council (9324 for and 7145 against).
Final results will be released once the 797 special votes are counted and these are expected on Thursday 16 October, though this may change.
For more details of the preliminary results visit poriruacity.govt.nz/elections