Posts

Posted on

Universities – New shark safety measure: Bite-resistant wetsuits can reduce injuries – Flinders

Source: Flinders University

Australian shark experts have tested four bite-resistant materials to assess their ability to reduce injuries and blood loss.

While internal and crushing injuries may still occur, bite-resistant wetsuits can now be added to the ‘toolkit’ of measures available to reduce shark-bite risk and resulting injuries, say researchers from Flinders University’s Southern Shark Ecology Group.

Shark bites on humans are uncommon but can severely impact local coastal communities and businesses, especially where water-based tourism and recreation are common, often prompting pressure for better bather protection strategies.

Governments are often focussed on area-based protection, but as recent studies have shown there is also increasing focus on personal deterrents and/or other personal mitigative measures, such as bite-resistant wetsuits

Funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Shark Management Program, the study tested the efficacy of four bite-resistant wetsuit materials (Aqua Armour, Shark Stop, ActionTX-S and Brewster material) to reduce damage incurred from white and tiger shark bites.

Traditional chainmail suits were protective but too inflexible and heavy for activities like surfing or diving. New wetsuits that incorporate strong and light fibre often used in sailing rope, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, offer both flexibility and protection, making them more suitable for recreational use.

Dr Tom Clarke, Professor Charlie Huveneers, and experts from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development assessed each material’s potential in reducing injuries from white and tiger sharks by quantifying the amount of bite damage across four categories of increasing severity (ranging from ‘superficial’ to ‘critical’) and comparing it to damage on standard neoprene.

“While there were small differences between the four tested materials, they all reduced the amount of substantial and critical damage, which would typically be associated with severe haemorrhaging and tissue or limb loss,” says Dr Clarke, from the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University.

White and tiger sharks are responsible for the most unprovoked bites and are two of the top three species with the highest rate of fatal bites. Interactions between humans and sharks continue to rise in frequency globally, with expanding coastal populations and rising popularity of marine activities.

“Our study showed that bite-resistant materials incorporated into wetsuits can reduce damage from large white and tiger sharks (up to 3 metres) compared to standard neoprene wetsuit, even from moderate and severe bites,” says Dr Clarke.

Professor Huveneers, who leads the Southern Shark Ecology Group at Flinders University, says: “While these suits don’t eliminate all the risk (e.g. internal injuries may still occur), our results indicate that they can reduce blood loss and trauma from major lacerations and punctures, potentially saving lives.

“Our findings will allow for informed decisions to be made about the use of bite-resistant wetsuit materials for occupational activities, as well as enabling the public to make appropriate decisions about the suitability of using these products,” says Professor Huveneers.

Key points:

Wetsuits that incorporate bite-resistant materials have emerged as a new mitigation strategy that aims to reduce fatalities from shark bites, by reducing the severity of injuries inflicted from bites (e.g. lacerations, punctures, tissue and blood loss).
As shark-bite mitigation continues to shift from traditional lethal methods towards non-lethal alternatives, personal protective measures such as electric deterrents and protective wetsuits continue to gain interest as tools to reduce the number of interactions and injuries, and increase the likelihood of survival.

The new article, ‘Effectiveness of bite-resistant materials to reduce injuries from white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) bites’ (2025) by Thomas M Clarke, Paul A Butcher, Marcel Green, James Whitelaw, Lauren Meyer and Charlie Huveneers has been published in Wildlife Research (CSIRO Publishing) https://doi.org/10.1071/WR25019.

Acknowledgements: This study was funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Shark Management Program, and Australian Research Council Linkage (project LP190100992).
No funding was obtained from any of the material inventors or manufacturers.

Posted on

Housing Market – Conditions broaden out but don’t expect a property boom

Source: Cotality

New analysis from Cotality’s Mapping the Market reveals New Zealand’s housing market has remained subdued over the past three months to September, with sales activity slowly rising but property values largely stagnant. (ref. https://www.cotality.com/nz/our-data/mapping-market )

The trend shaped by ongoing economic and labour market weakness, played out across many suburbs, with performance remaining patchy spilt across property types. 

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said given the weakness of the economy and labour market, a strong lift in prices is hard to envisage in the near-term, though there are some signs of conditions shifting.
“With affordability returning back closer to normal levels, listing volumes starting to decline, mortgage rate falls increasingly passing through to existing borrowers as they reprice onto lower rates, and the unemployment rate set to fall a bit next year, conditions seem to be building for modest house price growth in 2026 – but don’t expect a boom.”

Affordable pockets see strongest house gains

Over the three months to September, 56% of suburbs (1,484 of 2,661) recorded declines in standalone house values, though around two-fifths of those areas had only marginal falls, at less than 1%. Put another way, 33% of suburbs saw house values drop at least 1%. In contrast, 44% of suburbs saw values rise or remain flat.

Across the main centres, declines of nearly 4% for houses were recorded in Auckland suburbs including Takapuna and Clevedon. Meanwhile, modest increases of at least 2-3% were seen in suburbs such as Evansdale (Dunedin), Cashmere (Christchurch), Matua (Tauranga), and Makara (Wellington).
Despite the broader softness, some affordable areas of the market recorded the strongest gains of more than 5% in the three months to September, including Cobden (Grey District), Springs Junction (Buller), and Alton (South Taranaki), where the median house value ranged from $325,000-$409,000.
 
Townhouse falls tilt towards North Island

There were similar results across New Zealand flats and townhouses. Over the three months to September, 54% of suburbs (579 of 1,080) recorded declines in townhouse and flat values (most of which fell by at least 1%), while 46% saw values rise or remain flat.

The steepest declines for townhouses with falls of at least 5% were more common in lower-priced regions and in the North Island, including Otangarei in Whangarei, Taihape, Inglewood, and Paihia in Far North.
Despite this, 19 suburbs posted strong median townhouse value gains of 5% or more. These areas were spread both geographically and across value tiers including Queenstown Hill, Brighton (Dunedin), Whangarei (suburb), and Huntington (Hamilton).

Muted picture of growth ahead

Mr Davidson said that slightly more suburbs saw value drops over the September quarter, highlighting the ongoing variability across the market.

 “There’s clearly still patchiness in the market, but this fits with the overall picture that national median values have drifted slightly lower in recent months.”

“While it’s difficult to generalise across the various trends at a suburb level, there is certainly some resilience among standalone houses and townhouses in lower priced areas, which will tend to have affordability on their side.”
“Overall, property values remain sluggish for now, but conditions may be turning towards some growth in 2026, albeit likely muted,” he concluded.
 
Explore the full interactive tool here: www.cotality.com/nz/our-data/mapping-market

ABOUT MAPPING THE MARKET

The Mapping the Market tool continues to be one of the most detailed resources for tracking suburb-level value movements by property type across New Zealand.
 
The September edition of Mapping the Market offers a valuable lens into the local dynamics shaping housing markets across New Zealand.
Posted on

Overseas merchandise trade: August 2025 – availability of data and correction to CSV files update


This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com


Unsubscribe

Posted on

Monthly consumers price index – updates on progress – methods paper 


This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com


Unsubscribe

Posted on

Ombudsman – Bank and customer reach agreement to avoid forced sale as financial hardship complaints rise

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

24 September 2025
A communication breakdown between a bank and a customer has been resolved with an agreement giving the customer the chance to avoid a forced home sale.
The case features in the Banking Ombudsman Scheme's latest annual report, which shows a 55 per cent rise in hardship complaints compared with the previous year. Many of the complaints involved customers who had reported concerns about responses from banks to their requests for help, mostly with repaying home and vehicle loans.
In the case detailed in the annual report, the customer fell behind with his home loan repayments after a back injury left him unable to work. Despite clearing his arrears by the bank's deadline, confusion over requirements for switching to a lower fixed-rate interest rate led to mounting frustration on the customer’s part.
He believed he could fix his interest rate once his arrears were cleared, but the bank said it would first need to monitor his repayments for 90 days. He said that, had he known about the waiting period, he would have used the money differently.
The customer became frustrated with the complaint process and made abusive comments towards staff. This prompted the bank to take steps to close his accounts – a move that would have left him struggling to find another bank to lend to him, given his arrears history.
Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden said the case highlighted the importance of clear communication when customers got into financial difficulty.
“Even though most banks have specialist hardship teams to deal with such customers, there are still opportunities for them to improve their processes, particularly how they communicate their decisions.”
Under an agreement facilitated by the scheme, the bank gave the customer up to $4,000 towards home renovations to prepare the house for sale, plus a $500 goodwill payment. The customer agreed to make small weekly repayments in the meantime.
“This outcome enabled the customer the chance to avoid a mortgagee sale, and it also clearly demonstrated the benefits of taking a collaborate and flexible approach towards a customer in financial difficulty,” said Ms Sladden.
Ms Sladden urged customers either in or facing financial difficulty to contact their bank as early as possible because more options would be available to help them get out of trouble.
“As customers’ financial difficulties deepen, the fewer options a bank has to help.
For their part, banks should have a straightforward process for responding to customers who reach out for help.”
Posted on

Transport – Applications Closing Soon for Road Freight Sector Grants Supporting Educational, Safety and Training Outcomes

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National Road Freight Association Transporting New Zealand is urging members to get their applications in quickly, with just seven days left to apply for funding through their Endowment Committee’s 2025 Grant Round. Applications close on 30 September 2025, with the Committee having up to $27,000 to award in grants.
The Endowment Committee, a sub-committee of Transporting New Zealand, was established to manage and distribute funds previously held by former road transport association regions. It awards grants that protect, promote, and advance the road freight sector and those working in it.
This year’s funding has already supported a range of valuable initiatives, such as helping young drivers attend Street Smart driver education courses and assisting the Port & Intermodal Group in developing a stacker and lifter good practice guide.
The Committee welcomes applications from Transporting New Zealand members that do any of the following:
  • Provide
education and training opportunities
  • Advance
advocacy or industry representation
  • Improve
safety, environmental performance, or innovation
  • Deliver
technical research or policy engagement
  • Support
industry-wide communication and information sharing
  • Offer
scholarships or workforce development
  • Create
resources for members, employees, and supply chain partners
Applications must be submitted using the approved online application form, available on Transporting New Zealand’s website. All funding requests must be received no later than 30 September 2025, with outcomes to be announced in late October/early November.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support initiatives that will strengthen the future of the road freight sector. Apply now.
Posted on

Health and Science – ProCare rejects misinformation linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism

Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, has today joined medical professionals and authorities across the motu in strongly rejecting the misinformation linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism.

The guidance provided by New Zealand’s health authorities, including Medsafe and the Ministry of Health, are clear around the safe use of paracetamol during pregnancy. Claims circulating in international media suggesting a link between paracetamol and autism are not supported by credible scientific evidence.

Dr Allan Moffitt, Clinical Director at ProCare, says: “It’s deeply concerning to see misinformation gaining traction around such a commonly used and well-studied medicine. Paracetamol remains a safe option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy when used appropriately. We urge people to speak with their healthcare provider and rely on trusted New Zealand sources for medical advice.”

“We encourage whānau to seek advice from their GP, midwife, or pharmacist before making decisions about medication. New Zealanders can trust that our clinical recommendations are based on robust, peer-reviewed research and local expertise.

Paracetamol has been used safely for decades, including during pregnancy. The claims being circulated are not backed by credible science, and it’s important that we don’t let misinformation undermine public trust in proven treatments,” he continues.

“As GPs, we see firsthand how confusing health misinformation can be for patients. Our role is to provide clear, evidence-based advice; and that includes reassuring pregnant women that paracetamol, when used appropriately, remains a safe option. Untreated fever, on the other hand, can be harmful to the baby,” points out Dr Moffitt.

“We must be careful not to perpetuate harmful narratives about autism. It’s not something to be feared or ‘prevented’ – it’s a natural part of human diversity. Our focus should be on supporting neurodiverse individuals and their whānau with compassion and respect,” concludes Dr Moffitt.

ProCare also stands with Autism New Zealand in rejecting harmful narratives that stigmatise neurodiversity. Autism is a natural part of human variation, and our health system must continue to support inclusive, affirming care for all.

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

Posted on

Economy – New Zealand Treasury’s 2025 Long-term Fiscal Statement published

Source: The Treasury

– Population ageing remains a significant long-term fiscal challenge.
– Despite favourable economic tailwinds in the past 20 years, New Zealand’s debt is higher than anticipated
– It is vital New Zealand closes its structural fiscal deficit sooner rather than later.
– Fiscal pressures will accelerate in coming decades with costs of superannuation and healthcare expected to rise significantly as the population ages.
– There is no one solution and successive governments will need to consider a mix of options to deliver fiscal sustainability over the coming years.
The Treasury has published He Tirohanga Mokopuna, its latest Long-Term Fiscal Statement, which highlights the growing pressures on New Zealand’s public finances and calls for a proactive, balanced response to ensure long-term fiscal sustainability.
“Over the past two decades, the Treasury has consistently warned that population ageing is placing increasing strain on the Government’s fiscal position. Despite some positive developments, New Zealand has been running a structural operating deficit since 2019/20, underscoring the need for sustained fiscal adjustment,” said Iain Rennie.
“This means that even without future pressures from population ageing, climate change, or infrastructure needs, we must adjust our fiscal settings to bring revenue and expenditure back into balance.”
As per earlier Statements, He Tirohanga Mokopuna finds that population ageing remains a significant long-term fiscal challenge with New Zealand Superannuation (NZS) and publicly-funded healthcare expected to rise substantially.
In 1965, there were seven working-age New Zealanders for every person over 65. Today, that ratio is four to one, and by 2065 it is projected to be just two to one. Most New Zealanders over 65 receive a pension funded from general taxation. As the age structure of our population shifts, the cost of maintaining NZS in its current form will rise significantly. Similarly, health expenditure could increase from 7.1% of GDP today to around 10% by 2065 if policies remain unchanged.
The Statement also notes that climate change, defence, and infrastructure investment will add further fiscal pressures in the decades ahead.
The Treasury’s analysis shows that early action would reduce the overall cost of reform, make changes less disruptive, and result in higher per capita incomes and lower long-term tax rates.
“We don’t need to tackle 40 years of pressures in one fell swoop,” said Iain Rennie.
“Starting earlier provides more opportunities to share transition costs across generations and avoid more disruptive change later. It allows us to signal changes well in advance, helping New Zealanders plan and adjust.
“Returning to surplus is an important first step,” said Iain Rennie.
The Statement outlines a range of policy options, including adjustments to NZS eligibility and indexation, changes to tax settings, and improvements in public asset management. It emphasises that no single tool will be sufficient and Governments will need a portfolio of responses over time.
The Long-term Fiscal Statement and Short Summary can be found on the Treasury website here: https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/ltfp/he-tirohanga-mokopuna-2025
Note:
The Long-term Fiscal Statement is one of three stewardship reports the Treasury is publishing year. The 2025 Long-term Insights Briefing explores the circumstances under which fiscal policy can be used to buffer the economy from shocks and cycles, and how to do so in a sustainable and effective way. This was released in August and can be found here: Te Ara Mokopuna: Treasury's 2025 Long-term Insights Briefing
The Investment Statement is due to be released later this year and will consider how governments’ management of the Crown balance sheet, including debt levels and investments, can support New Zealand’s living standards across generations. 
Posted on

New Leadership Network Members to Grow New Zealand’s Success in Asia – Asia NZ Foundation

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono will welcome 41 new members into its Leadership Network this October.
The Foundation’s Leadership Network is a platform for graduate and early-to-mid career New Zealanders to develop leadership skills, expand their knowledge of Asia and build valuable links across the Asia region.
Each year the Foundation receives hundreds of applications from aspiring network members spanning a wide range of backgrounds and sectors. While their experiences vary, each new member shares a commitment to strengthening New Zealand’s connections with Asia.
Since its establishment in 2006, the Leadership Network has grown to include more than 500 members.
The Foundation’s Chief Executive Suzannah Jessep says the high volume of applications reflects the growing interest among young New Zealanders in learning about and connecting to Asia. Recent Foundation research supports this. Close to three quarters of New Zealanders under 30 years old say they consider Asia to be important to New Zealand’s future.
“The calibre of this year’s intake reflects the diversity, talent and drive we need to grow and deepen New Zealand’s connections with the fast-growing Asia region,” Suzannah says.
“As well as professional development, the network helps to grow a community of leaders who understand Asia’s significance to us as a country and to their field of work.”
She adds that the network plays a key role in preparing New Zealanders to engage confidently with a rapidly changing region.
“We have seen members of the network go on to achieve extraordinary things, from becoming Chief Executives and Cabinet Ministers to winning international accolades and founding successful start-ups.”
Ben Fraser, part of the 2025 intake, is a sheep and beef farmer from the central North Island and co-owner of an environmental management company. He says building strong relationships with Asia is essential to New Zealand’s future success.
“Asia’s relationship with New Zealand is vital, though it’s not always openly discussed,” he says.
“Beyond the importance of trade and economics, there is huge value in recognising the cultures, communities and perspectives that shape Asia and how those, in turn, influence our own society and decision making.”
Climate strategist Pok Wei Heng sees joining the Leadership Network as an opportunity to connect with peers, draw on his experiences in Singapore and Malaysia, and foster dialogue on climate resilience between Asia and New Zealand.
“What drew me to the network was the opportunity to be with a community curious about the potential of Asia,” he says.
Filmmaker Joyce Wong says she was motivated to apply after hearing about the incredible experiences of close friends already involved in the network.
“They spoke about the value of connecting with people across diverse industries, which can be difficult once you’re fully immersed in professional life.”
“As a young leader working in film, I’m passionate about amplifying diverse voices and perspectives, and I see a strong alignment of values within this leadership community.”
The new Leadership Network members will be formally inducted in Auckland on 4 October 2025.
About the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono
Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia insights and experiences. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia, by providing research, insights and targeted opportunities to grow their knowledge, connections and experiences across the Asia region. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports. 
Posted on

PSA takes legal action to protect support workers in South Canterbury

Source: PSA

Legal action is underway to protect the pay and conditions of 18 support workers in South Canterbury who have had to transfer to a new employer.
The PSA has filed urgent legal action with the Employment Relations Authority seeking a determination that 18 Timaru based care and support workers can seamlessly transfer to the new employer, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS), retaining all current terms and conditions including leave entitlements.
The action is against both RDNS and Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora.
RDNS is taking over the contract from Forward Care Home Health on 1 October. The contract is managed by Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora to provide essential care to elderly and other people with health and mobility issues.
“The process of transferring over has been flawed from the get-go, workers have suffered unnecessary stress which could have been avoided if the law had been followed from the start,” said Fleur Fitzsimons National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The law is crystal clear. These workers fall within the definition of ‘vulnerable workers’ under Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act. This means the transfer should be seamless, workers should retain all terms and conditions.
“What RDNS is doing, with Te Whatu Ora’s agreement, is completely out of step with other similar transfers of contracts. All transfers in the Home and Community Support sector across the country over the years have treated the workers as if Part 6a applies and have transferred to the incoming employer on their same terms and conditions.
“Royal District Nursing has not agreed to transfer these workers their leave provisions. This means that those employees will not have an annual leave entitlement, when they start at RDNS and uncertain sick leave entitlements, and may not be able to use their annual leave for another 12 months.”
Care and support worker Miriam Patterson has worked for Forward Care for six years, supporting up to 15 clients a day with housework, bathing, meal preparation and other duties.
“This has been really stressful and confusing when me and my colleagues expected an easy transfer to our new employer. I’m really worried that my accrued leave will be paid out, rather than using it as I expected. Nothing should change as I am still doing the same job with the same people just with a new employer so it just seems unfair to make me wait 12 months before I can take leave again.”
“This whole situation is unfair,” said Fitzsimons. “Te Whatu Ora should not have allowed this uncertainty to happen – it has breached its own good faith obligations under the Employment Relations Act.”
The Code of Good Faith for the Public Health Sector in the Act provides that workers are entitled to be employed by any new employer on the same terms and conditions.
The PSA filed its application with the Employment Relations Authority yesterday.
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.