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Health organisation concerned by findings linking gas stoves to childhood asthma cases

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is concerned by new research showing that household gas stoves may be contributing to thousands of childhood asthma cases every year.
A new report, commissioned by Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), reveals that more than 3,200 new childhood asthma cases each year in New Zealand – and hundreds of respiratory hospitalisations – could be linked to exposure to indoor air pollutants.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the findings reinforce the Foundation’s concern about indoor air quality and its impact on children’s respiratory health.
“Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in New Zealand children, affecting 1 in 8 kids and leading to 360,000 lost school days each year.
“We know that indoor air pollution can trigger new cases or worsen existing symptoms, so it’s concerning to see research linking household appliances like gas stoves, wood burners, and unflued gas heaters to respiratory conditions such as asthma.”
Some people cooking on gas hobs don’t open a window or use an extractor fan, which can increase exposure to these gases, she says.
“This serves as a timely reminder to use good ventilation, especially if someone in the household has a respiratory condition.”
The Foundation has long advocated for better indoor air quality, as without proper ventilation, pollutants can get trapped inside.
This year, a report from Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) – which the Foundation is the New Zealand advocate for – identified indoor air pollution as a major risk factor for asthma.
For years, the Foundation has been calling for a ban on unflued gas heaters in New Zealand as they lack proper ventilation systems, leading to the build-up of poisonous gases in homes.
The heaters have been banned in Canada, some US States and parts of Australia due to health and safety concerns.
Protecting children from indoor pollution is critical to managing asthma risk, Ms Harding says.
“This research should serve as a wake-up call to ensure homes are safe and healthy places to live for children with asthma.”
The Foundation urges New Zealand households to ensure they have good ventilation when cooking and heating the home.
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Civil Defence – Digital billboards to deliver weather warning information during emergencies

Source: NEMA

 

Thanks to a joint initiative between NEMA and MetService, digital billboards across New Zealand will now display MetService’s real-time warning information during severe weather events.

Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) screens will act as an important addition to the country’s existing emergency communications channels.

 

New Zealanders already receive information about severe weather warnings through MetService’s app and website and through radio, TV and social media. Large-format digital billboards are now another way to get that messaging across to the general public.

 

When an area is under MetService Red or Orange Severe Weather Warnings for heavy rain or strong winds, digital billboards will display that a warning is in effect, alongside safety messaging from NEMA. The information is kept up to date through a live data feed that is checked every hour.

 

“MetService is committed to ensuring people receive timely and accurate weather warnings and this partnership is an exciting step to encourage people’s weather preparedness,” said Kathryn Blackmore Sales Manager at MetService.

 

“The digital billboards will help increase people’s awareness of our severe weather warnings and the messaging from NEMA means people have the information they need to stay safe.” 

 

The system’s design ensures warnings are displayed only where relevant. They can be targeted to a specific geographical area, similar to an Emergency Mobile Alert (EMA), which allows NEMA to display crucial safety information to areas forecast to be impacted.

 

“This technology helps spread vital safety information once we see a severe weather event start to develop,” said John Price, Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management at NEMA. 

 

“The speed at which the messaging gets delivered to those who need it is such a huge factor for us funding this work – it’s yet another channel we can utilise to help us improve situational awareness and public safety.”

 

This work has been a collaboration between NEMA, MetService, New Zealand Digital Billboard network LUMO, their development partner, Latch, VML – a behaviour change agency, and Perion – a programmatic DOOH tech platform. 

 

At the time of writing, more than 500 digital out-of-home screens in cities, towns, service stations and retail centres across the country can display this messaging, thanks to other New Zealand-owned DOOH networks taking part in this initiative. Alongside LUMO, Go Media, VAST, Hyper and Market Media have joined forces to create a unified national framework for showcasing public safety information.

 

“With climate change contributing to more frequent and severe weather events, expanding the reach and visibility of warnings is essential. By making use of a channel already embedded in public spaces, this initiative helps to ensure that when it matters most, New Zealanders see the warnings they need to heed,” John Price says.

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Aviation Sector – CAA welcomes three new Board members

Source: New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority

The Associate Minister of Transport, James Meager, today announced three new Civil Aviation Authority Board members.

CAA Board Chair, Mark Darrow, says the new appointments bring in the right skills at the right time.

“I’m pleased to be welcoming individuals who will strengthen the Board’s aviation experience and add exceptional commercial expertise in digital transformation, finance and audit, and change management.

“CAA has been through a major reset over the last year, and we have a clear vision and mandate to further improve the performance and efficiency of the organisation.”

Mike Schubert and Peter O’Regan have been appointed on a three-year term, starting 8 October 2025 and ending 30 September 2028.

Mel Templeton has also been appointed as a new board member on a three-year term, starting 26 May 2026 and ending 30 April 2029. Until then, Mel will be an external Chair to the new CAA Business Transformation Working Group. Mel will provide governance oversight and guidance to CAA’s ambitious programme of work.

This work includes a first principles funding review, planning a major rules modernisation programme, and working through a business transformation plan, which aims to create technology-based efficiency and performance improvements specifically targeted at certification processing times.

“There’s plenty to do, but with a new Board, a new Director, and a refreshed Executive Leadership Team we have fresh energy and focus.

“I look forward to working with my new Board colleagues. Aviation is an incredible sector to be involved with, full of passionate and dedicated people,” Darrow said.

“I would like to personally thank Jill Hatchwell who recently retired from the Board, and acknowledge Charles Spillane, who will retire in May 2026, for their considerable commitment and services to the Board and aviation safety and security.”

Mike Schubert

Mike is a highly experienced Director and Chair with governance and executive roles across professional services, health, primary industries, and technology sectors. He is a qualified Accountant, former PwC partner, and former CEO of law firm Minter Ellison Rudd Watts. He is currently a Director of several Boards across the banking, insurance and health care sectors.

Peter O’Regan

Peter has extensive aviation industry experience across technical, operational, and senior management roles in New Zealand, Australia, the UK and the Middle East. He has led organisations through significant change, applying risk assessments and utilising data analytics. His background spans airlines, air traffic control, aviation and regulatory compliance.

Melanie (Mel) Templeton

Mel has over 20 years’ experience in technology, marketing, and financial services, with a strong focus on digital transformation. She is an Independent Director with TSB Bank Ltd, Motor Trade Finance (MTF) Ltd, Booster Investment Management Ltd and Xerra Ltd. As a member of Inland Revenue’s Risk and Assurance Committee, she helped implement large scale technology solutions during a period of change. She currently chairs digital transformation committees across several organisations.

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Legislation – Privacy Amendment Act passes

Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

The Privacy Commissioner says the Privacy Amendment Act, which has just become law, will increase transparency and help New Zealanders to better exercise their privacy rights.
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says that the important change in the Privacy Amendment Act is the addition of new Information Privacy Principle 3A (IPP3A).
Agencies already have to inform people when they collect their personal information from them, under IPP 3. Under new IPP3A, if an agency (business or organisation) collects an individual’s personal information from someone other than the person themselves (i.e. indirectly), then that agency is required to tell the person, unless an exception applies.
If an agency has collected personal information indirectly, IPP3A requires them to take reasonable steps to make sure that the person concerned is told:
– that the information has been collected
– the purpose of the collection
– the intended recipients of the information
– the name and address of the agency that is collecting the information and the agency that holds the information
– whether the collection is authorised or required by law and which particular law
– their right to access and correct their information.
IPP3A will come into force on 1 May 2026, and all organisations will need to have their systems in place to comply with the new requirements by then. There are a range of practical exceptions that will help agencies to apply the new IPP 3A in their context.
Earlier this year OPC consulted on draft guidance for organisations about the requirements of IPP3A. We will be publishing this guidance  later this year.
OPC is also reviewing the Codes of Practice issued under the Privacy Act to determine whether any amendments are required to incorporate IPP3A.
“Telling people when you’re collecting information about them supports open and transparent collection practices and helps people better understand where and how their information is being used,” says Mr Webster.
“The passing of the Privacy Amendment Act helps support that transparency for New Zealanders. This reform helps keep our privacy law in line with other countries like Australia, the UK and Europe. There are other pressing privacy reforms that I will continue to advocate for with the government of the day.”
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Appointments – Reserve Bank NZ Board welcomes new Governor and extension of current Governor’s term

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

24 September 2025 – The RBNZ Board has welcomed the appointment of a new Governor following a robust and extensive recruitment process.

The Minister of Finance announced Dr Anna Breman as Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for a five-year term from 1 December 2025.

RBNZ Governor Christian Hawkesby will remain in the Governor role until then.

RBNZ Board Deputy Chair Rodger Finlay says Dr Breman's appointment follows a robust recruitment process in which 300 individuals were identified, contacted or interviewed.

“The Board was pleased with the quality candidates who were attracted to the role, indicating the RBNZ's strong reputation domestically and internationally.”

Mr Finlay says the Board was thrilled to have nominated Dr Breman, who possesses leadership skills across the broad spectrum of central bank activities: “Anna's experience spans central banking, academia and financial markets. She has strong technical knowledge within monetary policy, financial stability and payments systems after several years at the Executive Board at the Riksbank and an extensive international experience.”

Christian Hawkesby's term as Governor will be extended until November 30, and he will support a smooth transition to Dr Breman when she takes the role of Governor from December 1. He will then depart from RBNZ.

“The Board is grateful for Christian's ongoing leadership and commitment to RBNZ. We are very fortunate to have had him step into the role of Governor during a transformative time for RBNZ. We respect his decision to resign from RBNZ when the new Governor is in post and thank him for his continued commitment to RBNZ's people and its important work.”

Mr Hawkesby says it is important to provide space for the new Governor to succeed, and his key priority will be a smooth handover to new Governor.

“I am fully committed to supporting Anna and leading the RBNZ through this remaining period – including completing our organisational changes, concluding the Capital Review of the deposit taking sector, chairing the MPC, delivering the Financial Stability Report, leading our remaining parliamentary hearings, and supporting the morale of our staff through a period of significant change.”

Mr Hawkesby thanked the Board for its support over the past six and half years at the RBNZ, first as Assistant Governor, then as Deputy Governor, and most recently as Governor under section 96 of the RBNZ Act.

More information:

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Scam victim numbers down, but losses up, reports Banking Ombudsman

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme helped more than 5,800 bank customers and facilitated compensation or refunds totalling more than $2 million according to its latest annual report. The most common complaints were about personal transaction accounts, property lending and credit cards.
Complaints and disputes were up 4 per cent and 7 per cent respectively. Despite this, the scheme exceeded its timeliness targets and maintained high satisfaction among users (more than 80 per cent).
Financial hardship complaints rose 55 per cent, according to the report. Most involved vehicle and home loans and KiwiSaver withdrawals. Service-related complaints rose 11 per cent. Poor communication was a recurring issue in many of these complaints.
Scam-related complaints fell 17 per cent to 694 cases, but the average reported loss increased 10 per cent to $88,000 this year – up from $80,000 in 2023-24.
Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden said the drop in scam cases reflected recent initiatives by banks to tackle scams. However, she cautioned against any suggestion that scammers were on the ropes.
“Scams remain a serious concern, especially given their increasing sophistication and impact,” said Ms Sladden. “We are pleased to be part of the new Anti-Scam Alliance, and we continue to push for stronger industry codes and coordinated action to protect consumers.”
The scheme underwent an independent review during the year, which concluded the Banking Ombudsman Scheme is “a modern ombudsman scheme that makes a valued and credible contribution to a fair banking sector”. The reviewer made 11 recommendations, all of which have been implemented.
The annual report also announced the retirement of the chair of the scheme’s board, Miriam Dean, who has held the position for 12 years. She will be replaced in January by Michael Heron, a well-known KC and former Solicitor General with expertise in commercial law, dispute resolution and governance.
Ms Dean said Mr Heron’s skills and experience, particularly in online dispute resolution, made him an ideal candidate to take over the role.
Ms Dean said the scheme would remain a trusted voice in helping customers when things go wrong.
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Advocacy – Israeli minister would embarrass NZ government with an official ‘thank you’ visit – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

PSNA says a proposed ‘thank you visit’ by Israel’s deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel would be embarrassing for the New Zealand government and expose it as a collaborator with Israeli genocide in Gaza.

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co chair, John Minto says he expects the New Zealand government will find some excuse to avoid having Haskel in New Zealand. 

 

Haskel, in an interview with genocide denier Sean Plunket on his radio show The Platform last month said she’d like to visit New Zealand in October saying “We want to thank the New Zealand government for its support over the last two years.”

 

Minto says the last thing Winston Peters would want the public of New Zealand to hear, is a high-level representative of the State of Israel coming here to praise him for his support for genocide and ethnic cleansing.

 

“Not because the praise would be false, but because it would be true.”

 

 “For two years now, our government has bucked public opinion, and it’s refused to sanction Israel, or take any measures to hold Israel to account, for its mass bombing and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.”

 

“Instead, Winston Peters has provided political cover to genocide and ethnic cleansing, by amplifying Israeli propaganda and dismissing the desperate appeals from Palestinians, the United Nations and a whole range of international human rights groups.”

 

 “The damage to this country’s standing in the international community is incalculable.”

 

 “His predecessor National led government, of John Key, rebuked Israel for far less serious infractions of international law in 2010 and 2014.”

 

“Over previous decades, New Zealand would have spoken out strongly and taken a principled position. But now we have become the unprincipled runt among countries we like to compare ourselves with, and tried to make it all go away with the public by saying the issue is too complicated or we need more facts.”

 

“With our reputation goes our potential trading opportunities among the vast majority of countries in the world who recognise Palestine and stand with the Palestinians.”

 

Haskel’s proposed visit would be added to her tour to Fiji and Papua New Guinea both of which voted with a Pasifika bloc last year. to join with Israel and the US at the United Nations, against a ruling by the International Court of Justice.

 

Minto points to the fact that Fiji opened its new embassy in Jerusalem last week. 

 

“This is an extremely partisan and hostile act.  Fiji and PNG have joined only four other countries in the entire world to locate in Jerusalem to try to legitimise the illegal occupation of East Jerusalem.”

 

“It looks like Israel’s minister will still bully her way into Fiji and PNG, but my pick will be that Winston Peters will be too busy when Haskel plans to gatecrash the Beehive.”

 

“It’s a shame.  We’d be delighted to deliver a very strong demonstration to confront the representative of the worst atrocity of the 21st Century.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Business Central welcomes Holidays Act reform

Source: Business Central

Business Central welcomes the Government’s decision to replace the Holidays Act with a new Employment Leave Act next year.
Business Central Acting Chief Executive Amanda Wood says it’s a long-awaited move that will bring much-needed clarity and simplicity to leave entitlements, and it is positive that the planned new legislation will contain the policy recommendations of Business Central members.
“The shift to an hours-based approach for calculating leave is particularly welcome, as it addresses one of the most persistent pain points for businesses,” Ms Wood says.
Other changes in the new legislation will include leave entitlements required to be proportionate to hours worked, access to leave entitlements from the first day of employment, increased leave compensation payments for casual employees, more flexibility to cash up annual leave, and requirements for employers to provide explicit pay statements.
“These changes will help create a more predictable and user-friendly system that benefits both employers and employees,” Ms Wood says.
“It’s a positive step toward modernising workplace legislation and supporting business confidence, and we look forward to engaging further on these changes.”
Notes: 
  • Business Central is part of the BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, representing and providing services to thousands of  businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
  • Business Central is the home of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and represents members in the regions of Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Wider Wellington &  Nelson.
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Advocacy – VUW academics and students successfully passed boycott and divestment in support of Palestinian human rights, 55 votes to 1 abstention

Source: Student Justice for Palestine (SJP) Pōneke

Tuesday, 23 September 2025 – Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)’s Academic Board has overwhelmingly voted to endorse boycott, divestment and other non-violent means to pressure Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and respect Palestinian human rights.

Hundreds of students and staff poured into the Hunter Council Chambers in solidarity with Palestine.

The motion directs the University to sever ties and not build future ones with institutions complicit in Israel's violations of Palestinian human rights and breaches of international humanitarian law. This includes any research and academic collaborations with institutions known to be involved in military technologies or doctrines.

It also calls on the University to support Palestinian scholars at risk, and protect staff and students’ academic freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly.

The motion passed with 55 votes in favour and one abstention.

“This is a powerful expression from students and staff in support of Palestinian human rights,” said Aria Gardiner, a Masters student at VUW and a member of Student Justice for Palestine (SJP) Pōneke. “Universities are the critic and conscience of society, and should speak out for justice, especially when our current government has shamefully refused to take action against Israel’s ongoing genocide.”

Professor of Health Annemarie Jutel, who also spoke at the meeting, said, “What’s really important is that students led this motion. One of the important things is that these students brought their critical-thinking skills, to understand what’s happening in the world today. Without that we have a sad future in front of us.”

“We are working on continued collaboration between students and staff, as we continue our BDS work and show solidarity for our Palestinian whānau,” said Carley Dove-McFalls, a member of University Workers for Palestine and teaching assistant at the University.

“This is just the first step – we need to see the University actually implement the motion’s objectives,” said Aria Gardiner. “We also call on other Universities across Aotearoa to follow in our footsteps, and ensure that our institutions sever ties with Israeli institutions and those complicit in the ongoing genocide.”

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Transport – Ō2NL highway construction a boost for freight and growth

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight industry group Transporting New Zealand has welcomed today’s announcement that construction has begun on the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway (Ō2NL).
The announcement comes just days after confirmation from Transport Minister Chris Bishop that construction on the Melling interchange in Lower Hutt has commenced.
“This is great news for the Lower North Island and for New Zealand as a whole,” says Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive, Dom Kalasih.
“Recently an Infrastructure New Zealand report revealed that other major transport projects in the Wellington region – Transmission Gully and the Kāpiti Expressway – are already saving people time and money while reducing deaths and serious injuries.
“Quality roads unlock economic productivity. Transmission Gully, the Mackays to Peka Peka and Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressways saved society $173 million dollars last year. These benefits are felt by the public, by freight operators and emergency services,” Kalasih said.
According to Minister Bishop’s announcement, the new expressway is expected to be complete by end of 2029 and will save users up to 15 minutes of travel time. Completion of the Ō2NL will mean the entire Wellington to Horowhenua route will have been upgraded to a world-class road standard.
Transporting New Zealand say upgrading this network is crucial given the region is expected to grow by 200,000 more people and 99,000 homes over the next 25 years.
While the industry group are pleased with that Ō2NL is moving forward, Kalasih cautioned that NZTA must ensure value for money as the project’s cost estimate has more than doubled since 2020. 
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.