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Federated Farmers – Canterbury farmers need urgent consent fix

Source: Federated Farmers

Nearly 200 Canterbury farmers packed into a community hall last weekend to voice their growing anger and frustration at the region’s consent crisis.
Organised by Federated Farmers, the Ashburton meeting drew a standing-room-only crowd and delivered a clear message: government intervention is urgently needed.
“That’s a massive turnout for a meeting we called at short notice. It goes to show how hot this issue is for farmers,” Federated Farmers Mid Canterbury president David Acland says.
“Environment Canterbury (ECan) are putting local farming families under huge pressure with unnecessary cost, uncertainty and red tape just to renew their existing resource consents.
“Farmers will be spending tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars on a piece of paper that may not be needed once the RMA is rewritten in a few months’ time.
“We need a solution now – not months away – to save those families the unnecessary stress, cost and heartache.”
ECan administers around 20,000 resource consents, with thousands due to expire in the next 18 months.
A similar situation will happen in other parts of the country, albeit at a smaller scale.
Farmers say those trying to renew consents are being hit with excessive demands and crippling costs.
At Saturday’s meeting in the Lagmhor Westerfield Hall, the sense of anger was palpable.
“Frustration and a fair level of emotion was evident in the crowd. There are some significant farming businesses facing real strain over what’s happening,” Acland says.
Many farmers are being asked to provide extensive technical data, ecological assessments, and full Overseer remodelling, even when their farm systems haven’t materially changed.
Some have been given barely two weeks to compile the information or risk their consent being publicly notified, meaning a full hearing process and even greater expense.
“With the initial consent fee, the expense of engaging a consultant for early advice and just making a start on the paperwork, you’re probably looking at $10,000 minimum,” Acland says.
“That’s just to get the ball rolling. Then for more complex consents, like those involving irrigation, costs can easily run into six figures.”
He says the timing is deeply frustrating, given the Government is in the middle of overhauling the Resource Management Act (RMA).
“The whole basis on which consent conditions are being judged is about to go through wholesale change, but councils are pressing on with this unreasonably bureaucratic approach.”
The inconsistencies are adding to farmers’ anger.
“One farmer with two properties – one in a nutrient allocation red zone and another in a green zone – had a smooth process getting consent in the former but the consent for the green zone property was causing all sorts of headaches,” Acland says.
“There seems to be an element of luck of the draw in terms of which planning officer your consent application lands on the desk of. Rules aren’t being applied consistently.”
In another case, he says, a farmer submitted a completed consent application only to receive a 13-page request for further information.
“That’s absolute madness,” Acland says.
Among those attending the meeting were Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and rural MPs Miles Anderson, Mike Butterick and Grant McCallum.
“There’s absolutely no doubt the Minister and other MPs understand the issue, but now we need to see some action – and fast,” Acland says.
He says while it was positive to hear about transitional work already underway as part of the RMA replacement process, farmers are still stuck in limbo until it comes into force.
“What we hammered home to them on Saturday was that, yes, we know you’ve got stuff on the way, but we’ve got this dead ground between now and the new legislation.
“Consents are expiring now. It’s causing huge stress and uncertainty, and people are holding off investing in the future as a result.”
Federated Farmers is calling for a clear, legally binding solution that would allow farmers – not just in Canterbury, but nationwide – to continue operating under their existing consents until the new RMA framework is in place.
Acland points to the Government’s decision last year to step in and block Otago Regional Council’s flawed Land and Water Regional Plan as proof that direct intervention is possible.
“We know they have the power to take such sensible action when it’s needed.
“It’s not enough just to write a letter to councils asking them to back off a bit and show some restraint.
“We need something definitive – and we need it now.”
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Employment – Critical IT workers and others keeping health system running vote to strike for the first time – PSA

Source: PSA

More critical health workers are joining strike action on 23 October after the failure of Health NZ Te Whatu Ora to provide an offer during bargaining that fairly reflects their value to the public health system.
Some 1700 PSA members of the Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist Workers Collective (PAKS) have voted overwhelmingly to strike for four hours on 23 October from 11am to 3pm. They have been bargaining for a new collective agreement since March.
The members include those keeping IT systems working 24/7 and ensuring data is secure, those who provide supplies and equipment, those who keep payrolls functioning and those providing other critical support (see list below).
They join 15,000 other PSA health workers – members of the Allied Health collective and mental health, public health and mental health assistants who are striking for 24 hours on 23 October.
“Our members are again sending a strong message to the Government that it needs to fund the health system properly – workers need fair pay and conditions or more will join the exodus to Australia where health workers are valued,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
Health NZ Te Whatu Ora has offered a 1.5% increase from July 2025 and 2% from July 2026. Members oppose the offer and proposed length of the new collective at 32 months which equates the offer to an annualised increase of just 1.3% (see background below).
“These critical workers are the engine room of the public health system – workers who ensure nurses, doctors, surgeons and others can provide the quality, timely care patients need. They deserve a pay offer that does not cut their wages in real terms, one that properly respects the important roles they play in keeping our health system functioning 24/7.”
PSA delegate Jenna Osborne-Taylor is a senior advisor in the team that supports the needs of Ministers as they engage with health stakeholders and the political process.
“Kaimahi in my wider business unit feel deflated, devalued, and unheard. The proposed offer is a joke; it’s an effective pay cut when many kaimahi have already accepted new roles at lower pay in the relentless restructures we have experienced for the last 24 months plus. Members want their frustrations recognised and their years of experience reflected in a fair pay offer. They want their workloads to be reasonable and manageable.
“They want to know that tomorrow, they’ll be able to pay their mortgage and keep their children in childcare because they have job security and a salary that meets the cost-of-living crisis. With an offer like this, many more will join the thousands who have already left for Australia.”
PSA President Virgil Iraia who is a technical support analyst for digital services said the PAKS collective had never been on strike before underlining the depth of feeling among members.
“We’re feeling increasingly frustrated which is why we’re joining this historic day of action. We’ll be standing proudly alongside thousands of others to make it loud and clear that New Zealanders are being neglected by the Government. Workers and the people we care for deserve better.”
Background – PAKS collective issues
The Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist Workers Collective Agreement covers a range of PSA members who were brought together from 27 different employers following the merger of DHBs into Health NZ Te Whatu Ora.
Each of these employers are paid differently on very different pay systems. This resulted in workers doing the same work side by side being paid different rates of pay, with pay differences into the thousands of dollars.
Health NZ still does not have a single pay system. It is not willing to address the inequity, and the current negotiations do not address the issue.
This group of workers have had their jobs restructured, some about three times since July 2022. Large numbers of their colleagues have been made redundant, resulting in a lower number of them covering ever-increasing workloads.
The collective covers the following job categories:
– Digital Services
– Finance and Audit
– Policy, Programmes and Projects
– Business Analysis and Support
– Information, Analytics and Research
– Communications
– Procurement/Supply Chain
– People and Capability
– Librarians
– First line Managers.
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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Education – ERO finds students are going to school more, with attendance back to pre-Covid levels and students now thinking school is more important

Source: Education Review Office

ERO’s new report Back to Class has found that school attendance is back to pre-Covid levels and students are taking going to school more seriously than three years ago.
“Going to school every day is critical for students’ futures. Students who miss a week each term will have missed out on a year of schooling by the time they are 16,” says Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre. “It is very good news that not only is attendance back to pre-Covid levels with six out of ten students now attending regularly, but also more students now think school is important.”
The report involved nearly 15,000 students, parents, teachers and leaders from schools across New Zealand. ERO found that 8 out of 10 students now think education is important for their future and three-quarters now think going to school every day is important. The number of students never wanting to miss school has almost doubled since 2022.
“The shift we have seen in students’ attitudes reflects both the hard work schools have put in to increase attendance, and the change in parents’ attitudes,” said Ms Shinoda. “Parents’ attitudes to attendance are critical and the good news is that more parents now understand the importance of their child not missing a lot of school.” Now only three in ten parents are comfortable with their child missing a week or more of school a term while this used to be four in ten. Parents are also taking the law requiring attendance more seriously.
ERO’s report identifies five school actions that have had the biggest impact on attendance. “Schools setting clear expectations, making sure students feel connected to school, and giving students roles and responsibilities at school, providing practical support, and rewarding attendance have had the biggest impact on students’ attendance,” said Ms Shinoda. For example, students who feel they belong at school are five times more likely to think going every day is important. Schools are doing these things more.
But there is still further to go to raise attendance. “We still need to shift parents’ attitudes, so they see their child going to school every day as important.” More parents are now comfortable with their child missing a couple of days of school, for example for activities and family events. Schools report that holidays during term time are their biggest challenge. These can disrupt students’ routines and break the habit of attendance.
NOTES
– This report looks at regular attendance, which is when students attend school more than 90 percent of the time, which means missing fewer than five full days per term.
– ERO collected over 14,600 survey responses, spoke to over 300 participants, and visited 16 case study schools.
– ERO is the New Zealand government’s external evaluation agency for the education system. ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre carries out independent, in-depth research of different aspects of New Zealand's schools.
– To read the full report, released on 8 October, Back to class: How are attitudes to attendance changing?, see www.evidence.ero.govt.nz/
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Property Market – Investors are back and they’re paying less for property than last year – Cotality

Source: Analysis from Kelvin Davidson, Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist

Overall buyer trends remain consistent

Many of the longer-term patterns in Cotality’s Buyer Classification data have continued in recent months. Relocating owner-occupiers (‘movers’) remain more cautious than usual, while first home buyers (FHBs) are still active at elevated levels. Mortgaged multiple property owners (MPOs) are also making a steady comeback.

This Pulse focuses on mortgaged MPOs – including investors – who have been returning to the market over the past year, encouraged by several regulatory changes including the shorter Brightline Test, reduced deposit/LVR requirements (from mid-2024), and the full reinstatement of mortgage interest deductibility from 1 April 2025.

Lower mortgage rates have added further support, reducing the cashflow top-ups out of other income that are typically needed for investment purchases.

What are mortgaged MPOs buying and paying?

So far in 2025, mortgaged MPOs nationally have paid a median of $759,000, slightly down from $770,000 in 2024. That’s higher than the $700,000 median first home buyers have paid (up from $695,000 last year). Movers have paid $880,000 this year compared to $870,000 in 2024.

The small dip in the MPOs’ median price isn’t because they’ve shifted to cheaper properties. In fact, their share of standalone house purchases has edged up from 66% last year to 67% in 2025, still below FHBs and movers, where standalone dwellings account for 75% of activity each for the same period.

New builds remain a significant part of mortgaged MPO activity. This year, they account for around 30% of the new-build market, only marginally lower than 31% in 2024 but still well above the 25% share in 2020, before Labour’s property tax changes.

New-builds continue to appeal because they’re exempt from LVR and DTI restrictions, even though some earlier tax benefits have gone. The trade-off for investors is that new-builds generally come with higher purchase prices and less scope to create gains through renovation.

A broad-based upturn in demand

The share of purchases by mortgaged MPOs has lifted from cyclical lows of around 22% in 2022–24 to nearly 24% in 2025. While first home buyers still dominate in Wellington, investor activity has strengthened across the other main centres over the past 12–18 months, reaching close to 29% in Hamilton, 27% in Christchurch, and 26% in Auckland. Tauranga and Dunedin have also recorded higher investor presence.

A similar trend is evident outside the main centres. In Gisborne, MPOs’ share of property purchases has jumped to 30% this year from 23% in 2024, while Invercargill has risen from 20% to 27%. Rotorua also has a higher share than the national average at 28% alongside Hastings which has climbed to 25% from 21% in 2024.

The return of ‘Mums and Dads’

Analysing the data by portfolio size shows the recent increase in MPO activity has come entirely from smaller players, either new investors who own two properties (e.g. their home and one investment) or those with a small portfolio already, of up to three investment properties.

There’s no set definition of a ‘Mum and Dad’ investor, but the data suggests that the smaller buyers are driving wider activity. With potential top-up costs falling many appear to be using equity in their own home or across their existing portfolio of rental dwellings to step into the market.
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Advocacy – Peters critical of extremist Zionist MPs – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

PSNA says Foreign Minister Winston Peters is quite correct to identify Israeli-supporting members of parliament as ‘extremists’.

 

Peters has made a ministerial statement in parliament today where he defended New Zealand’s non-recognition of Palestine, condemned ‘extremists on both sides…including those in this House’ and claimed there was ‘violent targeting of politicians’ private homes’.

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-chair, John Minto says he would be curious to know which Israeli-supporting parliamentary colleagues Peters is accusing of having ‘fallen into a black hole of irrationality and senselessness’ and ‘preen hysterically and monomaniacally’.

 

“MPs are either critical of the Israeli genocide, or keeping their mouths shut out of embarrassment.  But there seems to be some MPs who think it is possible Peters can be more supportive of Israel, and are privately giving him a hard time over it.”

 

“We are also curious about what Peters means by ‘violent targeting of private homes by some protesters’.  He seems to have inflated one incident, which we have condemned, into an imagined epidemic.”

 

“People are frustrated at seeing the worst and most transparent crime of the twentieth century being brushed aside by our government.”

 

“Two million people are under a violent blockade, which compares with the Nazi siege and starvation of Leningrad in World War II.  Obliteration of Gaza is much more of a concern than a single broken window.”

 

“The thousands of New Zealanders who are marching week after week to call for the implantation of international law, protest Israeli genocide and call for sanctions against it, are not extremists.”

 

“They endure and risk increasingly frequent physical, and rarely reported, attacks and threats by violent Israelis and their supporters.  They werely want a just and enduring end to the cycle of violence which Peters is so critical of.”

 

But Minto says Peters’ statement of political demands for ending the conflict falls far short of what is necessary for breaking that cycle.

 

“He’s called for a negotiated ceasefire, and praised the Trump Plan as having Muslim countries signing it off.”

 

“For starters, there was no Palestinian participation at all in drafting the plan.  It was originally negotiated between the US and leading Muslim countries.  Trump then took it to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu who rewrote it.  It’s much less a plan and more a list of take-it-or-leave-it demands.”

 

“There can be no peace without a complete Israeli military withdrawal.  Peters makes no mention at all about that.”

 

“He cites the need to release hostages held by Hamas, which Hamas has agreed to several times.  But Peters fails to mention the thousands of Palestinians hoovered up and tortured by the Israeli military and held in Israeli jails without charges.”

 

“The plan simply allows for continued Israeli ethnic cleansing, under the guise of some international body to provide legitimacy,” Minto says.

 

“It’s an historical circle.  In 1917, British General Allenby marched into Gaza at the end of World War 1, to become the British Empire proconsul, under an international mandate to set up a ‘Jewish homeland’, for immigrants from Europe.”

 

“More than a century later, Tony Blair, a former British Prime Minister and architect of the destruction of Iraq, will govern Gaza the same way and is on standby to arbitrate the competing real estate claims of Trump’s son in law, Jared Kushner, and Israeli expansionist Bezalel Smotrich.”

 

“Peters says he’s familiar with the history of the region.  If he is as informed as he says he is, then he would realise Israel’s true goals are land grabbing and ethnic cleansing more than peace, and he would not be so effusive in praising such disastrous and one-sided plans written by Israel.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Health – It’s bananas – Commerce Commission won’t step in to protect smallest general practices and their patients

Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

GenPro will continue to expose the gross unfairness of contracts imposed on general practices by Health New Zealand.

Wanting to force change to address the primary healthcare crisis, the General Practice Owners Association last year lodged a formal complaint that Health New Zealand is breaching the Fair Trading Act.

GenPro’s complaint to the Commerce Commission said general practices were effectively excluded from decisions crucial to achieving the best outcomes for the primary, urgent and mental health of New Zealanders.

However, the Commission decided that after a preliminary investigation it would take no further action, saying the majority of primary health organisation contracts fall out of its unfair contract term regime.

“While the Commission’s decision is disappointing, it doesn’t alter the fundamental issue which affects GenPro members and the healthcare of all New Zealanders,” says GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers.

“An unfair term is an unfair term regardless of the numbers of businesses affected. And the contracts imposed on us with minimal input are unfair. General practices are forced to accept funding levels with no negotiation by Health New Zealand and primary health organisations (PHOs).”

Dr Chambers acknowledged the Commission’s decision, which concluded that it couldn’t take further action because only approximately 80 general practice contracts with PHOs involve a sales turnover below $250,000 a year, which is the maximum threshold for small trade contracts in the Fair Trading Act.

“Ironically, if we’d been selling bananas rather than providing primary, urgent and mental health services, then most of our contracts would have been captured in the regime – the threshold for groceries is four times higher. This shows the folly of the very low ceiling in the Fair Trading Act for most businesses.

“GenPro is taking legal advice on next steps, noting it has limited options. We took this action because it is unfair, and ask the Commission to review its decision, which is to not investigate the unfairness affecting approximately 80 practices,” Dr Chambers says.

“We’re seeking advice because we believe that the Commission’s decision is based also on inaccurate assumptions – that the unfair terms are ‘required or expressly permitted’ by law.”

The General Practice Owners Association represents general practice owners to ensure that their population health services are appropriately supported and that their businesses are sustainable.
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Rural News – Canterbury farmers win fight to keep cops – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers says Canterbury Police has made the right call in scrapping its proposed district restructure today.
“This is a smart and pragmatic decision – and a huge relief for our rural communities,” Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Bex Green says.
“Farming families across Canterbury will be sleeping a little more soundly tonight knowing their local police will stay on the ground, where they belong.”
The decision follows weeks of strong pushback from Federated Farmers and rural residents after Canterbury Police proposed reducing staff in small towns and centralising operations in 24/7 hubs at Rolleston and Rangiora.
Federated Farmers helped lead the community response, organising public meetings in Culverden and Leeston, lodging formal submissions, and encouraging hundreds of residents to have their say.
“Our message was simple: don’t cut our cops,” Green says.
“You can’t replace a trusted local police officer who lives in the community with drive-in drive-out cops who live an hour away.
“When you live rurally, it matters so much to know you have a local cop who understands the area, knows the people and is part of the community.”
She says the original proposal struck at the heart of rural safety and wellbeing.
“Policing isn’t just about responding to crime – it’s about being visible, connected and part of the fabric of the community.
“That’s what keeps people safe and builds real trust.”
Green acknowledges Canterbury Police District Commander Tony Hill for listening to the feedback and ultimately making the right call.
“It takes courage to propose bold changes, but it takes real leadership to listen when communities say, ‘this isn’t right for us’.
“We appreciate that the district commander has heard the message loud and clear and acted on it.”
While the formal restructure has been dropped, Green says it’s important for Canterbury Police to continue working with rural residents to find practical ways to improve services without undermining local presence.
“We all want to see effective policing and good outcomes, but that can’t come at the cost of rural coverage.
“We’d much rather see investment in the amazing police officers already working here – not pulling them further away.”
Green says she greatly appreciates the work of Canterbury Police, and she hopes valuable lessons have been learned from the experience.
“I expect this won’t be the last time they propose a rural restructure, but I do hope this process has shown them that their approach wasn’t quite right.
“Next time, I think they will come out to the communities first to actually listen, understand, and work with us on what we need from our local police.”
Federated Farmers rural policing spokesperson Karl Dean says the decision is a reminder of the strength of local voices when communities stand together.
“This outcome shows the power of rural Canterbury and farming communities nationwide.
“When something threatens the safety and wellbeing of our families, we stand up and speak out. Today, that’s made a real difference.”
Dean, who farms in Canterbury, says the outcome should also send a clear message to New Zealand Police.
“The way Federated Farmers and Canterbury’s rural families pushed back on this proposal is a warning shot across the bow for police HQ.
“We are keeping a very close eye on rural policing issues and won’t be accepting cuts to rural policing in Canterbury or anywhere else in the country.
“Just because we have fewer people than the big cities doesn’t mean we should ever have to feel less safe or accept a lower standard of care.”
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CPAG research review urges Government to address structural problems in education, work and income policy rather than punishing 18-19 year-olds

Source: Child Poverty Action Group

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) is today releasing a new commentary: Children Can’t Eat a Promise: Rethinking the EducationtoEmployment “Silver Spoon” and three short evidence briefs on (1) uneven returns on tertiary education, (2) student indebtedness, and (3) labourmarket frictions. We do so in direct response to the Government’s announcement to means-test 18-19-year-old jobseekers through a new “Parental Assistance Test”.
The Government’s Securing the Future for Our Young People policy claims that young people under 25 on Jobseeker Support will spend an average of 18 years on a benefit. The solution then is to make it harder for 18-19-year-olds to access the benefit and move them into work or education. Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) says this modelling tells only part of the story and risks blaming young people for structural problems in education, work, and income policy.
“Forecast like this speaks to the future we’re building for our rangatahi than their behaviours,” said CPAG Researcher Dr Harry Yu Shi. “The wider structure can be changed. These kind of forecast act as a red flag that the current settings aren’t working for low-income families and young adults, like housing, education and income support. Turning that around means fixing the system, not punishing the struggling individuals.”
CPAG’s new review, Children Can’t Eat a Promise, brings a different perspective to the education-employment pathway, often portrayed in policies as the road to a “silver spoon”. It draws attention to how hard it is for graduates to secure a job, especially one that matches their qualification and skills, let alone passion. Many remain in low-paid or insecure work, faces wage gaps based on who they are, and as a result may end up with a crippling amount of debt that delay important life milestones like home ownership and starting a family.
“Government messaging keeps repeating that education or a job is the best route out of poverty. On average that’s true – but averages hide who misses out,” said Dr Shi. “When the payoff from education depends on what you study, your gender, or your ethnicity, that’s not a personal failure. It’s a structural one.”
The report highlights that:
  • Nearly one in eight children in working households live below the poverty line after paying rent.
  • Māori and Pacific graduates earn significantly less than Pākehā peers even with similar qualifications.
  • New Zealand’s user-pays tertiary system shifts risk onto low-income families through student debt and high effective tax rates.
  • Students are borrowing a lot more money to keep up their cost of living, therefore “lay buying” their future.
Instead of tightening benefit access, CPAG calls for a “child-centred” policy reset that lifts family incomes and derisks education for low-income households. Key recommendations include:
  • Make work pay a family  wage by ensuring  Living Wage rates is the legal minimum and applied across public procurement and contracted services.
  • Raise children’s incomes  now through unconditional child components in Working for Families and fairer abatement settings.
  • Derisk study for  low-income families by increasing student allowances and making child-centred payments available regardless of study status.
  • Assess every major  policy through a child poverty lens to ensure changes improve, not erode, family stability.
“Education matters. Work matters. But neither will end child poverty unless every job pays enough to raise a family and every child is guaranteed a secure income floor”, CPAG Executive Officer Sarita Divis says. “Children can’t eat a promise – they need policies that feed them now.”
Notes (background): – Government statement: “Securing a future for our young people” (5 Oct). (The Beehive) – RNZ coverage of the policy and PM’s defence (5-6 Oct). ( RNZ)

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Transporting NZ – Online tool aims to reduce road freight emissions

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight association Transporting New Zealand are announcing the launch of an online tool that aims to help the industry decarbonise.
The Green Fleet Self-Assessment Tool is a ten-question survey that allows transport businesses to estimate their emissions and identify opportunities to reduce them.
It will be made available after a Road Freight Decarbonisation Update in Auckland later this month featuring updates on Low Emission Freight Certificates, EECA’s Low Emission Heavy Vehicle Fund and more.
“This is a practical guide that enables operators to identify what they’re already doing to reduce emissions, and what more they could do,” says Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive, Dom Kalasih.
“For many businesses and ordinary Kiwis alike, a brand-new zero emission vehicle isn’t feasible just yet, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be done.”
The survey outlines some actions operators can take, including:
– Fuel efficient driver training
– Route optimisation and backloading to reduce empty trips
– Preventative maintenance and regular servicing
“Not only do these strategies reduce emissions, but greater fuel efficiency reduces costs, which is imperative for operators in what is a highly competitive sector,” says Kalasih.
NZTA data has found there can be up to a 35 per cent difference in fuel consumption between efficient and inefficient drivers, demonstrating the cost savings to be made.
“Customer demand for greener business practices has been growing for years. But many of the more transformative zero emissions technologies for heavy vehicles are still in their infancy, and tight margins present a challenge to investment here.
“Transporting New Zealand hopes that our members and the wider industry will find value from this tool and use it to communicate their decarbonisation efforts with customers.”
The launch event will be held at TR Group’s premises in Auckland on the 24th of October. If you’re interested in attending please contact the Transporting New Zealand team at events@transporting.nz before Tuesday 14 October. 
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Advocacy – PSNA joins condemnation of attack on Peters’ home

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has joined the condemnation of the attack on Winston Peters’ home.

 

Co-chair John Minto says it has not yet been clearly established that the attack was motivated as a response to Peters’ refusal to recognise Palestinian rights and sanction Israel for war crimes and genocide.

 

“If it was, then we can understand the frustration of someone who was outraged by Peters’ indifference to genocide.”

 

“At the same time a broken window cannot be compared with hundreds of thousands of Palestinians killed by Israel over the past two years and the 75 years of occupation, apartheid and ethnic cleansing which preceded it”

 

“But a physical attack on a home is wrong and does nothing to help achieve any change for the better in government attitudes.”

 

“Instead, it will be used by the friends of the Israeli Embassy who want to close down all protests in support of Palestine.”

 

“That’s what’s happening in the UK, and it’s part of the Netanyahu world playbook to divert attention from Israeli war crimes.”

 

“Peters regularly meets with Israeli supporters in this country and with the Israeli ambassador, who has praised Peters’ UN speech – the same speech which brought a deep sense of shame and betrayal to most of the country”

 

“Meanwhile Peters has refused to meet with Palestinian New Zealanders or their supporters.”

 

Minto says Peters’ attempts to blame protest organisers for inflaming tensions are hypocritical.

 

“Peters has built a political career out of dog whistle personal attacks on minority, vulnerable groups such as migrants. More than any other politician in recent years he thrives on exploiting community divisions for political gain.

 

“He was labelling anti-genocide protesters ‘bludgers’ a couple of days ago in Dunedin.

 

“And he should be in no doubt we will continue to be turning up at his political events to make our views known on the complicit support and political cover he is giving to genocide.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa