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Good Events – Firefighters take on the Sky Tower

Source: Blood Cancer NZ

Over 1,100 firefighters from across the country are once again gearing up to take on the 1,103 steps of Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower for Blood Cancer NZ’s Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge.
The Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge will be held on Saturday, 23 May with firefighters from not only New Zealand but also from Australia, USA, and a large group from the Cook Islands ascending the Sky Tower stairs while wearing full firefighting kit and breathing apparatus weighing up to 25kg.
With the fundraising total already over $1,700,000 this week and quickly climbing, the firefighters have been working hard in their spare time and weekends to achieve the $2,000,000 fundraising target.
Along with fundraising at local supermarkets, farmers markets and sports games, the firefighters have once again created unique ways to raise money in the pursuit of being named the top fundraising brigade. Numerous brigades have the support of their local communities behind them with many holding annual fundraising evenings like quiz nights, dances, quirky social media campaigns, and auctions that are always highly anticipated with the locals. In Nelson, they took over the runway for a fundraising walk.
The funds raised from event go back into the community by helping Blood Cancer NZ continue to run their vital service supporting Kiwis and their families right across New Zealand who are living with a blood cancer.
For many of the participating firefighters, the cause hits close to home with several brigades dedicating their climbs to family and friends, or well-known locals in their hometowns who have been diagnosed with a blood cancer or related condition.
Stewart Reynolds, Chief Financial Officer at Auckland Airport and Squad 51 member. Auckland Airport has been a supporter of the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge since it began more than 20 years ago, with members of its senior leadership team regularly joining Auckland Airport’s first responders in climbing the Tower.
“Auckland Airport has been involved in the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge for two decades, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud to support. Our Airport Emergency Service team and fire fighters around the country do an outstanding job every day, and this event is a powerful way to recognise that commitment while raising funds for Blood Cancer NZ. Taking part is a great reminder that, beyond the numbers, it’s people and community that really matter and this challenge makes a meaningful difference for families across New Zealand.”
“We’re proud to have supported the Firefighters Challenge for more than two decades, helping raise awareness and support for those affected by blood cancer. We look forward to continuing this partnership and backing the incredible work Blood Cancer NZ does for communities across New Zealand,” says Callum Mallett, SkyCity Chief Operating Officer.
Tim Edmonds, CEO of Blood Cancer NZ says every year as the event has grown the level of support from the firefighters and their communities continues to grow as well.
“We can’t thank this incredible group of firefighters, their generous communities, and event partners enough for all they are doing to help support blood cancer patients. It means that we are able to extend the support we provide for more than 3,000 patients each year while also accelerating research to improve outcomes for the 1 in 18 New Zealanders that will be diagnosed with a blood cancer in their lifetime” says Edmonds.
Blood Cancer NZ
– Blood Cancer NZ is the national charity dedicated to supporting patients and their families living with blood cancers and related blood conditions. www.bloodcancer.org.nz
– Blood Cancer NZ does not receive government funding – the dollars raised from the Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge help fund our core services including patient support, education, and funding for research, awareness and advocacy.
To support a brigade visit: www.firefightersclimb.org.nz
Key facts about blood cancers
– Every day, 8 New Zealanders are diagnosed with a blood cancer that’s nearly 3,000 New Zealanders a year.
– The cause of blood cancers is unknown.
– These diseases can strike anyone, of any age, at any time, without warning.
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Health – Bupa nurses take pay equity claim over historic wage discrimination – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

NZNO nurses working at Bupa aged residential care homes throughout Aotearoa New Zealand have raised a pay equity claim to address historic gender-based wage discrimination.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO has more than 380 registered nurse members working at Bupa’s 40 aged residential care homes across the country.
NZNO aged care national delegates committee member and registered nurse Maree Ross says the formal claim follows workplace meetings and a recent member ballot.
“Aged care nursing has been historically and systematically undervalued because it is work predominantly performed by women.
“Aged care nursing is highly skilled and clinically complex work, often done under considerable pressure. In many facilities, a single registered nurse is responsible for the clinical oversight for the whole facility for an entire shift.
“Our pay equity claim calls for our work to be properly recognised and paid,” she says.
During the member meetings, nurses spoke of the risk to resident safety caused by chronic understaffing caused by caring for increasingly unwell people and growing workloads, Maree Ross says.
“Their concerns echo the findings of NZNO’s Care in Crisis: Manaaki i te Raru report that aged care nurses are constantly forced to make impossible choices about who gets help first because they are stretched so thin.
“While our pay equity claim is specific to Bupa nurses, historic gender-based wage discrimination occurs across the aged care sector. We are standing up for all our aged care colleagues to be valued and paid comparably to male dominated workforces with similar skills.
“It is timely this claim was lodged a year after the Coalition Government gutted our previously world class pay equity scheme to 'save the Budget’,” Maree Ross says. 
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Oxfam – Aid cuts left DRC exposed to Ebola – Oxfam is mounting a response

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Reacting to the World Health Organization’s declaration of the Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) – with over 400 suspected cases and 89 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo – Dr. Manenji Mangudu, Oxfam Country Director in the DRC, said:
“Our partners are sending us deeply alarming reports. One doctor in Mongwalu Health Zone, Ituri told us: ‘There are already deaths in the community. When people die at home, it means there are many more undetected cases. Yesterday alone, we had 15 suspected cases in isolation. By the time patients reach us, it is often too late to save them.' With millions lacking access to functioning health facilities, this novel strain risks an already catastrophic crisis over the edge.
“This outbreak is hitting a country already stretched to breaking point. Ongoing conflict and years of aid cuts have deepened a humanitarian crisis of staggering scale: one in four people are going hungry. Those same aid cuts left DRC effectively exposed to Ebola, weakening the surveillance systems that should have detected this outbreak weeks earlier.
“Oxfam and its partners are mounting an emergency response in Ituri, providing clean water, sanitation and health awareness to affected communities. But this crisis is arriving at a moment of critically depleted humanitarian funding. Without urgent financial assistance, efforts to save lives risk being fatally undermined.”
Notes
  • Oxfam’s Ebola response is focused on public health promotion and supporting community-lead solutions to break the chain of transmission. Oxfam will also be providing safe, clean water in affected communities and improving the health centres infrastructure.
  • Oxfam needs £10m to scale up its emergency response in DRC, aiming to reach most vulnerable communities in Bunia, Beni and Butembo regions.
  • According to the latest IPC findings, 26.5 million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity from January to June 2026, including 3.6 million in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 22.9 million in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis)
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Awards – Tower wins Canstar’s Home & Contents Insurer of the Year Award

Source: Canstar

21 May, 2025: Tower has won its third consecutive Canstar Home & Contents Insurer of the Year Award, for consistently delivering outstanding value and customer satisfaction.

For this year's award, Canstar's expert panel researched 14 home and contents insurance products from 11 providers. Each policy was assessed across 30 nationwide property addresses, to ensure a comprehensive comparison.

Awarding Tower its Insurer of the Year Award, our expert panel noted that while average policy prices increased 3.5% year-on-year across its research, Tower recorded significant reductions in its average premiums across all three of its home and contents insurance products.

The reductions come on the back of Tower switching fully to address-level, risk-based pricing earlier this year. The new pricing model's high-tech approach to risk assessment won Tower a Canstar 2026 Innovation Award. (ref. https://www.canstar.co.nz/star-rating-reports/innovation-excellence-awards-2026/#tower )

Canstar NZ editor, Bruce Pitchers, says: “Over the past two years, the insurance industry has experienced a rigorous process of repricing, regulatory tightening and technological acceleration.

“Tower's wins over this period display the insurer's continued dedication to delivering its customers the best levels of cover alongside market-leading pricing.

“The hat-trick is a real feather in Tower's cap and sends a clear signal to Kiwi homeowners of where to go for the best value insurance.”

Paul Johnston, Tower Chief Executive, says it's pleasing to be named Canstar's Home and Contents Insurer of the Year for the third year in a row: “Alongside our continued customer growth, this recognition shows that Kiwis appreciate our focus on making insurance simpler and easier. Our risk-based pricing approach is enabling us to offer more competitive, personalised pricing.

“We know the cost of living remains front of mind for many New Zealanders, and affordable, accessible insurance is critical to giving people peace of mind if the unexpected happens. We've worked hard to deliver value by pricing for the specific risks of each property, and by offering three levels of comprehensive cover, with the flexibility to add additional benefits.

“As a Kiwi insurer, we're incredibly proud to bring this award home once again. It reflects the dedication of our Tower team, who work hard every day to support New Zealanders, and the trust of our customers who choose us. They're the reason we do what we do.”

Outstanding Value Home & Contents Insurance Awards

While our Insurer of the Year Award takes into consideration consumer feedback from thousands of Kiwi homeowners, Canstar's Outstanding Value Awards are based purely on policy price vs cover level.

In addition to Tower, this year, three insurance companies have won Canstar Outstanding Value Home & Contents Insurance Awards:

TradeMe

TradeMe, which is a white label of Tower, retains its award for delivering an outstanding value insurance product that combines competitive pricing with great policy features.

AMI & State

For the second year in a row, AMI & State each earn an Outstanding Value Award. Each brand's home and contents policy is underwritten by IAG and offers a balanced combination of features and premiums.

For the full details of Canstar's 2026 Home & Contents Insurance Awards click here: https://www.canstar.co.nz/home-contents-insurance/awards/

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Report reveals health system underfunding, more revenue needed – Better Taxes

Source: Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign

The 'How Much Funding is Needed for Health in the 2026 Budget?' report just released by Kaitiaki Hauora reveals the extent of underfunding of our health system, and the pressing need for significant changes to our tax system to gather the revenue we need to build a better health system, according to the Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign.

“The health system is in crisis, there is a pressing need for more funding. But this is a problem years in the making – we have underfunded our health system for many years, while prioritising tax cuts for landlords and tobacco companies, over meeting the basic needs of our communities,” said Kate Stone, spokesperson for the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign.

The report predicts that it is likely that Budget 2026 will not provide enough funding to even match the cost and demographic pressures for the year ahead. The authors estimate that $1.405 billion is needed for Vote Health just to meet those pressures, but the government has undertaken to provide just $1.37 billion to cover both rising costs and demographic pressures, and any new initiatives announced by the Government in this year's Budget.

Looking beyond the funding needed to keep the health system going over the next year, to close the gaps in key areas of our health system, such as primary health, Hauora Māori, workforce and electives would require $6,834m in operational funding per year plus $1,061m in capital.

“The amount required to address immediate pressures and to build a health system that can deliver quality, timely and affordable care to everyone in Aotearoa will be significant. We need a tax system that can raise the revenue we need not just for a bandaid, but to close these gaps that have been widening over time,” said Stone.

“We are a low tax country relative to countries we like to compare ourselves to, and this flows through to our health system. Our health funding is much lower than 16 other countries compared in the report and has been for some time. Most of these  countries have higher levels of tax, including higher top income tax rates and a comprehensive capital gains tax (CGT). Australia, for example, used its recent Budget to increase the coverage of its CGT and increase taxes on trusts.”

“In New Zealand we rely heavily on income tax and GST paid by working people, but most accumulated wealth goes largely untaxed. If we close these gaps in our tax system and ensure that big corporates and the ultra wealthy contribute their fair share we can generate the revenue we need to build a better health system,” said Stone.

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Events – Aotearoa Invited to Get Sweaty for a Cause as Sweat with Pride Returns This June

Source: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

Nationwide campaign launches 1 June to support Rainbow and Takatāpui communities
Thousands of New Zealanders are preparing to lace up, move their bodies, and get sweaty for a cause, as Sweat with Pride officially returns on 1 June 2026.
Led by Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, the month-long nationwide movement challenges Kiwis to get active every day throughout June while raising critical funds to support the health and wellbeing of Rainbow and Takatāpui communities across Aotearoa.
Now entering its sixth year, Sweat with Pride has grown into one of the country’s most recognised community fundraising campaigns, blending movement, visibility, allyship, and impact into a powerful nationwide show of support.
Since launching in 2020, more than 20,000 people have taken part and over $3.29 million has been raised to fund essential mental health support, HIV prevention initiatives, peer support services, sexual health programmes, and community-led wellbeing projects.
Chief Executive of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, Liz Gibbs, says the campaign continues to grow because it taps into something deeply human, the desire to move together, support one another, and create meaningful change.
“Sweat with Pride is about community, connection, and showing up for one another. Every step, workout, walk, swim, dance class, or gym session helps fund services that make a real difference for Rainbow and Takatāpui people across Aotearoa.” she says.
“At a time where many Rainbow communities continue to navigate discrimination, isolation, and barriers to healthcare and wellbeing, this campaign sends a clear message, you belong here, and your wellbeing matters.”
The campaign is expected to attract thousands of participants again in 2026, including workplaces, schools, sports clubs, gyms, community groups, and everyday New Zealanders wanting to make a positive impact while improving their own wellbeing.
Participants can take part however they choose, whether that’s walking the dog, training for a marathon, hitting the gym, doing yoga, dancing in the kitchen, or simply committing to moving every day throughout June.
Last year’s campaign reached more than 12.5 million people through social media and national media coverage, with 178 workplace teams and 20,000 donors helping drive one of the campaign’s strongest years to date.
Registrations for Sweat with Pride 2026 are now open.
For more information or to sign up, visit:
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Advocacy – Peters must summon the Israeli Ambassador – Peace Action Wellington

Source: Peace Action Wellington

21 May 2026 – Israeli Ambassadors are being summoned by host governments after media footage emerged showing Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir taunting activist in Israeli custody including three New Zealanders: Mousa Taher, Julien Blondel and Hāhona Jason Ormsby. All the activists were part of the Global Sumud Flotilla taking humanitarian aid to Gaza.

France, Canada, the Netherlands and Italy have all demanded a response from the Israeli government by summoning the Israeli Ambassadors based in those countries. Other countries condemned the incident including South Korea, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Greece, Germany, Poland, Qatar, Slovenia, Turkiye, Austria, Belgium, Colombia and the United Kingdom.

“We call on the Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, to summon the Israeli Ambassador. He needs to stand up for these New Zealanders who are being detailed illegally and tortured by the Israeli military. The video footage shows the activists held in stress positions while Ben-Gvir parades around shouting at them,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“Thus far, he has completely ignored his responsibilities as Foreign Minister. We have not heard a word of condemnation for Israel's blatant kidnapping of ordinary people peacefully sailing in the Mediterranean Sea.”

“Peters is green-lighting more Israeli impunity by failing to take action for New Zealanders in extremely vulnerable positions. He must demand the immediate release of these New Zealanders without delay and without harm.”

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Samsung Reinforces Global Leadership in Premium Home Entertainment With 20 Year Milestone as World’s No.1 TV Brand

Source: Samsung

AUCKLAND, New Zealand May 20, 2026 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has maintained its position as the global leader in home entertainment, marking 20 consecutive years as the world’s No.1 TV brand, and 12 consecutive years as the world’s leading soundbar brand. These milestones coincide with the launch of Samsung’s new generation of AI-powered TV and audio innovations for Kiwi consumers.

The achievement comes as Samsung introduces its 2026 line-up of revolutionary Micro RGB, Neo QLED, OLED, lifestyle TVs and premium audio products. The new range focuses on delivering more intelligent, immersive and personalised entertainment experiences for New Zealand homes, powered by the latest advancements in AI-driven picture, sound and connected home technology.

Samsung recorded a 29.1% share of the global TV market in 2025 through market research completed by Omdia, maintaining its position as the world’s leading TV brand since 2006. In the premium TV category, Samsung held a 54.3% market share, driven by demand for Neo QLED, OLED and Frame TVs.

In addition to reinforcing Samsung TV credentials, research from Future Source captured 21.5% of global soundbar revenue and 19.7% of unit volume in 2025 for Samsung’s audio offerings, which maintains the brand’s global soundbar leadership since 2014.

“New Zealanders continue to embrace bigger screens, premium picture quality and more connected entertainment experiences in the home,” said Emily Choi, President Samsung New Zealand.

“Samsung’s 20-year leadership in TVs and 12-year leadership in soundbars is a true reflection of our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering premium entertainment experiences that enhance Kiwi lifestyles.”

The 2026 line-up introduces a new era of AI-powered screens and audio, integrating intelligent features that optimise picture, sound and personalisation in real time. The range has been designed to make TVs more intuitive companions within the connected home ecosystem.

Samsung’s premium audio portfolio will also expand in 2026 with the introduction of new soundbars and wireless speakers, including the new Music Studio range.

Samsung has a long-standing focus on combining cutting-edge display technology with intelligent connectivity through the SmartThings ecosystem, helping to create seamless entertainment and smart home experiences.

The leading technology brand has played a defining role in shaping the modern television industry over the past two decades – from pioneering LED TVs and Smart TVs to launching lifestyle categories such as The Frame and now the revolutionary Micro RGB TV, which sets a new benchmark in TV display innovation for ultra-premium displays.

“As homes become increasingly connected, Kiwis are now looking for technology solutions that feels smarter, more seamless and more personalised,” said Emily. “Our 2026 TV line-up reflects that by combining premium design, AI-powered intelligence and immersive entertainment; to create experiences tailored for the way New Zealanders live today.”

The Samsung 2026 TV and audio range is available now in retailer stores across New Zealand and online at the Samsung eStore.

For more information visit www.Samsung/com/nz

About Samsung Electronics

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and connected devices through AI-powered innovation and intelligent ecosystems.

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Advocacy – Nobody wants to share building with Genocide Embassy of Israel – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

PSNA says the shift of the Israeli embassy into the Fisher Funds building in Wellington has concerned other tenants in the office high rise.

 

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is citing the Wellington Post front-page article which reported only some occupants of the 13-storey site had been told that Israel was moving in.

PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi says the building’s owner was obviously trying to keep the arrival of the embassy a secret until it was too late to object.

 

“It’s pretty obvious why.  The Fisher Funds building is owned by Prime Property Group, which is controlled by rich-lister and former Israeli Defence Force major, Eyal Aharoni.”

 

“He’s looking after his own.”

 

Tamimi says the solution to the embassy location concern was the New Zealand government could expel the ambassador and his staff.

 

“We broke off diplomatic relations when it was discovered Israel’s Mossad spy agency had been getting fake New Zealand passports.  So, there is a precedent.”

 

“It all comes down to the fact that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.  It’s the world’s worst atrocity of this century and shamefully its ongoing perpetrators are flying their flag over our capital city,” Tamimi says.

 

“At this very moment, Israel is firing on the Sumud Flotilla trying to bring aid to Gaza and kidnapping and assaulting New Zealand citizens on that convoy.”

 

“Our ministers are shaking hands with the people who represent this illegal violence in international waters.”

 

Tamimi says though Fisher Funds does not own the building it operates out of, it must have powers as the holder of naming rights.

 

“If Fisher Funds’ CEO was to represent its KiwiSaver stakeholder interests, then he would tell Aharoni to find somewhere else for the Israelis to go to.”

 

“But since the CEO is an ex-minister of the National Party – Simon Power – then the head of Fisher Fund appears to part of the problem and not the solution.”

 

Rinad Tamimi

National Spokesperson

PSNA

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Government Cuts – Cuts impact early childhood centre regulation – PSA

Source: PSA

Downsizing the team that reviews early childhood education (ECE) centres shows David Seymour is putting tax cuts for landlords over the wellbeing of our nation’s children.
It’s estimated up to 40 roles will be lost as ECE regulation moves from the Ministry of Education to the Education Review Office (ERO). The PSA understands that ERO sought to take on as many roles as possible, but does not have enough funding from the Government to ensure that all positions are retained.
Many of the roles being cut are Review Officers, who work with the over 4500 kindergartens; preschools; kohanga reo; and creches across New Zealand – providing licences and certificates, investigating complaints, and making sure they comply with minimum standards.
“Cutting these roles is a disaster waiting to happen, we will see centres failing to comply with important regulations and the quality of early childhood education will suffer” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“We entrust early childhood education centres to educate and look after our children, it is the most important investment we make as a nation. These Review Officers work with early childhood centres to ensure that parents know children are in safe and nurturing environments.”
In 2025, Seymour, as Minister for Regulation and Associate Education Minister, announced that the Government would transfer ECE regulation to the ERO. Parliament is progressing this change via Seymour’s Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill. The ERO is set to take over regulatory functions on 1 September.
The change was recommended in a review by the Ministry of Regulation, an entity he championed and now oversees as Minister.
“Seymour’s politically motivated obsession with dismantling regulation and cutting costs is harming our education system and our children,” said Fitzsimons. “The Government must step in immediately give ERO the funding it needs to make sure our children get the best possible start to life.”
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.