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Local News – Porirua City Council holds inaugural meeting of new triennium

Source: Porirua City Council

The newly elected Porirua City Council will be sworn in this evening at its inaugural meeting.
Meanwhile, Mayor Anita Baker has confirmed the shape of the Council for the coming triennium.
Incumbent Deputy Mayor Kylie Wihapi, the successful candidate for the city’s Parirua Māori ward, will again take on the deputy role.
“Kylie will be reappointed as my Deputy Mayor, recognising her teamwork, work ethic, leadership and contribution during the previous term,” Mayor Baker said.
“Kylie was a great support to me in that role. She was Porirua’s first Māori ward councillor and I’m sure she will build on that experience.”
There are also changes to the committee structure with the appointment of Councillors Josh Trlin and Geoff Hayward to co-chair Te Puna Kōrero, the committee of the full Council which oversees major policy and strategy decisions.
“They have earnt these positions showing tremendous teamwork, knowledge, experience and a great attitude during their time on Council,” Mayor Baker said.
Councillor Ross Leggett will chair the Chief Executive’s Employment Committee, responsible for oversight of the Council’s senior leadership performance and employment matters, and Councillor Nathan Waddle will continue as the Deputy Chair of Audit & Risk.
“These appointments reflect a Council focused on teamwork, experience, collaboration, continuity, and action. We’ve lost a few weeks to the recount process, but we’ll more than make up for it with the energy, focus and teamwork Porirua deserves,” said Mayor Baker.
The new council will be sworn in on Tuesday 25 November.
Full committee structure:
Deputy Mayor
Councillor Kylie Wihapi
Te Puna Kōrero
Heamana: Josh Trlin
Heamana: Geoff Hayward
Mayor Anita Baker
Councillor Mike Duncan
Councillor Kathleen Filo
Councillor Izzy Ford
Councillor Hemi Fermanis
Councillor Moira Lawler
Councillor Ross Leggett
Councillor Nathan Waddle
Councillor Kylie Wihapi
Taku Parai, Council Kaumātua (Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira)
Dog Control Hearings Subcommittee | Komiti Iti mō Ngā Whakawātanga Whakahaere Kurī
Mayor Anita Baker (Chairperson)
Councillor Mike Duncan
Councillor Kylie Wihapi
Audit and Risk Committee | Komiti Tātari me te Mōrea
Chair: Warren Allen
Deputy Chair: Councillor Nathan Waddle
Mayor Anita Baker
Councillor Mike Duncan
Councillor Moira Lawler
Councillor Ross Leggett
Councillor Josh Trlin
Felicity Caird
Chief Executive Employment Committee | Komiti Whai Mahi a te Tumuaki
Chair: Councillor Ross Leggett
Deputy Chair: Mayor Anita Baker
Councillor Izzy Ford
Councillor Josh Trlin
Councillor Moira Lawler
Councillor Nathan Waddle
Councillor Kylie Wihapi
Taku Parai, Council Kaumātua (Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira)
Porirua District Licensing Committee | Te Rōpū Tuku Raihana Waipiro o Porirua
Councillor Kylie Wihapi (Chairperson)
Councillor Mike Duncan (Deputy Chairperson)
Externals
Regional Transport: Councillor Ross Leggett
Wellington Water: Councillor Kylie Wihapi
Wellington Regional Leadership Committee: Councillor Kylie Wihapi
Regional Waste Minimisation Committee: Councillor Geoff Hayward.
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Consumer NZ – Are the deals real this Black Friday? Possibly not!

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ's 12-week price-tracking investigation in the lead up to Black Friday reveals how two retailers could be more naughty than nice when it comes to genuine deals.  

Gemma Rasmussen, head of research and advocacy at Consumer NZ, says her team of investigators are always sceptical of the “fizzed up” deals that appear this time of the year.  

“We’ve been tracking 10 products across Briscoes, Harvey Norman, Farmers and Noel Leeming for 3 months to find out how good the specials around Black Friday really are,” says Rasmussen.

“Based on our price tracking, we think Noel Leeming and Harvey Norman could be bending the rules with their promotional pricing, while Farmers and Briscoes follow a rhythmic 'up and down' price pattern, where if you wait long enough, you’ll get a special. They are all contributing to a chaotic, ‘FOMO’ energy as we sprint towards the hyped-up sales tradition and the start of the Christmas shopping spree.”

Rasmussen is dubious that the sales on Black Friday will blow anyone’s minds when it comes to them offering genuine value.

“Our suspicion is that the retailers will continue to fluctuate prices and dazzle us with colours and promotional language as they have over the last few months. But we’d love to be pleasantly surprised.”

They play the game: Briscoes and Farmers

Rasmussen says Briscoes has really created a name for itself for almost always having a sale. In reality, they’re playing by the ‘specials’ rules, where prices regularly rise and fall.

“With Briscoes, our data shows us that if you wait a week or two, generally you will get a deal. Having prices that shift back and forth feels sneaky, and it can make it hard for those who don’t understand there’s a pattern to know what’s a good deal and what’s not.”

Of the 10 items Consumer tracked, 9 were frequently on special at Briscoes, with most falling into a pattern of being on special for one or two weeks and then the normal price for a week or two.

“Our spot-check found Briscoes is playing by the ‘specials’ rules because it does offer shoppers a genuine opportunity to buy at a discounted price, for a limited time, before returning the product to its usual price.”

Consumer found a similar pattern at Farmers, where goods were on special for two weeks, then back to their usual selling price for the following one to two weeks.

“If you've got your eye on something, watch the price across a fortnight, and grab it when it next drops. It’s OK to feel the FOMO, but you don’t need to act on it straight away. Check your finances and what other shops are offering, then, if you still want it, head back – you probably won’t miss out.”

They lure with language: Harvey Norman and Noel Leeming

For 10 of the 12 weeks, most products tracked at Harvey Norman were promoted with deal-saving claims almost every week.

“Harvey Norman stood out in our investigation for the wrong reasons,” says Rasmussen.  

“While the promotional tags changed frequently, the prices only shifted a little.

“Promotions were labelled ‘great price’, ‘super deal’, ‘huge deal’ or a ‘massive stock sell-out’ for 9 of the 10 products we tracked nearly every week we tracked them.

“A toastie maker was priced at $64 for 10 of the 12 weeks we tracked, during which time, it was variously labelled as a ‘great price’, ‘super deal’, ‘massive stock sell-out’, ‘now’ and even a ‘huge deal’.

“When you look at it like that, wouldn’t you reach the conclusion $64 is the normal price, rather than a special?“  

Consumer thinks Harvey Norman could be at risk of misleading customers with all this hype by creating the impression customers are paying less than they usually would.

Consumer’s investigation found Noel Leeming regularly uses the word ‘now’ on its online pricing. “We think the continual ‘now’ pricing creates the impression products are cheaper than their usual price. But the ‘now’ price jumped around from week to week, too.  

“For example, the NutriBullet appeared to be 'now’ on special for 10 out of the 12 weeks, and yet the special price varied between $69 and $91,” says Rasmussen.

“You'd be forgiven for thinking the continual ‘now’ promo means you’d be paying less than you usually would. But that’s not necessarily true.”

They capture our attention – so do this instead

Rasmussen says the pull of a special is always stronger when cost pressures are hitting hard.

“Even though most of us know that Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are mostly just a big hit of dopamine, you'd be hard-pressed to find a New Zealander who’s immune to the allure of a red strike-through or a percentage discount.

“Use sites like PriceSpy and PriceMe to track sales and learn when pricing is genuinely low. Don't get sucked into the hype. Chances are, there will be another sale in a fortnight,” says Rasmussen.

“Our research shows time and time again that the prices around Black Friday are a bit like shaking up a bottle of Coca-Cola – it’s all fizzy and bubbly and exciting, but when you take a sip, it’s flat, and you realise you’d probably have been fine without it.  

“If an advertisement or promotion raises your eyebrows, send it our way. We’re not afraid to call out this year’s naughty retailers.”

Note:

Read the full article on Consumer's website: Is it really on special?: https://www.consumer.org.nz/articles/is-it-really-on-special

About Consumer

Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

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Fonterra updates 2025/26 season Farmgate Milk Price and collections

Source: Fonterra
 
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today provided an update on its forecast Farmgate Milk Price and milk collections for the 2025/26 season.  
 
The Co-op has narrowed the forecast Farmgate Milk Price range from $9.00-$11.00 per kgMS to $9.00-$10.00 per kgMS, with the midpoint changing from $10.00 per kgMS to $9.50 per kgMS.  
 
The Co-op has also increased its forecast milk collections for the 2025/26 season from 1,525 million kgMS to 1,545 million kgMS.  
 
CEO Miles Hurrell says we’ve seen strong milk flows this season, both here in New Zealand and other milk producing nations.  
 
“This increase in milk supply has put downward pressure on global commodity prices, with seven consecutive price drops in recent Global Dairy Trade events. As a result, we have narrowed the forecast Farmgate Milk Price range for the season and adjusted our midpoint.  
 
“Fonterra started the season with a wide forecast range of $8.00-$11.00 per kgMS. The new midpoint of $9.50 per kgMS is in the middle of this range and remains a strong forecast for the season.    
 
“We continue to be focused on maximising returns for farmer shareholders through both the Farmgate Milk Price and earnings. This includes through building strong relationships with customers who value our products, utilising price risk management tools, and optimising our product mix,” says Mr Hurrell.
 
About Fonterra    
Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer, foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities by Doing Good Together.  
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Greenpeace – Ashburton town supply water sample nears national health limit for nitrate; almost double levels associated with reproductive risk

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is deeply concerned about the future of Ashburton’s town water supply, as testing on Sunday revealed that a sample had reached nitrate contamination levels of 9.65mg/L.
“This sample from Ashburton’s town water supply is dangerously close to the New Zealand Government’s limit for nitrate contamination in drinking water,” says Greenpeace freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe.
However, Appelbe notes that this limit is outdated and that there are calls from public health scientists to lower it, in line with findings from a growing body of international research.
“Long-term exposure to nitrate in drinking water at levels much lower than the current health limit – and much lower than this sample from the Ashburton town supply – has been associated with significant health impacts, particularly for pregnant people.”
A 2021 Californian study found that nitrate levels above 5 mg/L is associated with a 47% increased risk of preterm birth. Above 10mg/L of nitrate, the risk increased by 250%. The New Zealand College of Midwives recommends that pregnant people consider an alternative source of drinking water if their supply is over 5 mg/L.
“Ashburton District Council and Environment Canterbury must make the community aware of the risk and provide an alternative safe source of water,” says Appelbe. “Because right now, pregnant people in Ashburton could be drinking this water with no knowledge of the potential risks to them and their baby.”
Greenpeace held water testing events over the last week in Gore, Waimate, and Darfield. It tested approximately 200 water samples over the three events, more than 100 of which were in Darfield.
Environment Canterbury’s Annual Ground Water Quality Survey released in August shows that nitrate-nitrogen contamination is worsening across 62% of groundwater wells, while 18% show no change in contamination and 20% show a decrease, in sites where a ten-year trend can be established.
“Even if we were to stop nitrate pollution immediately, Ashburton’s water would likely still get worse before it gets better. That’s why it’s so important to act now to stop pollution at the source. But right now, Environment Canterbury isn’t even trying to do that,” says Appelbe.
“Since the start of this year, Environment Canterbury has approved – or is in the process of approving – more dairy expansions that will add another 35,000 dairy cattle to the Canterbury plains. More cows mean more nitrate pollution, and more rural communities with undrinkable water.”
“Environment Canterbury must immediately stop dairy expansions, and phase out the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser to protect rural communities’ drinking water here in Canterbury. They declared a nitrate emergency in September, and it’s time they put their money where their mouth is.”
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Overseas merchandise trade: October 2025 – Error in graph name


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Statistical area 2 and 3 population projections: 2023(base)–2053 – first instalment – Stats NZ information release


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Oxfam – Simon Watts Was Right About Pacific Climate Support at COP30 – Now We Must Deliver

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

At COP30 in Brazil, New Zealand has joined other higher-income countries in reaffirming their pledge to triple climate funding for lower-income countries by 2035. Oxfam Aotearoa is calling on the New Zealand Government to make good on that promise to our Pacific neighbours.
Climate Change Minister Simon Watts told COP30: ‘In the Pacific, climate change is not a distant threat; it is a lived reality.’ Minister Watts went on to praise New Zealand’s international climate finance programme, saying: ‘we provide high-quality, grants-based, accessible, partner-responsive climate support, with over half going to adaptation action.’
But with funding for New Zealand’s international climate programme running out in December 2025, Oxfam Aotearoa is calling on the New Zealand Government to explain how this promise will be delivered.
“Minister Watts is right, New Zealand provides high-quality funding for Pacific communities to adapt to the lived reality of climate change. Let’s keep up the good work.” said Nick Henry, Oxfam Aotearoa’s Advocacy and Policy Lead.
“Oxfam Aotearoa is glad to hear Minister Watts reaffirm New Zealand’s promise to stand with the Pacific by funding essential climate adaptation projects. With only a month to go until the current programme runs out, we look forward to a further announcement on how this promise will be funded.”
Notes:
Oxfam Aotearoa’s recent report Pacific Resilience: How funding for climate action strengthens our regionshows the positive difference that climate funding from New Zealand has made since this support was increased from 2022.

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Health survey shows good health isn’t for everyone – it’s about time it was! – IHC

Source: IHC

24 November 2025

The New Zealand Health Survey 2024/25 shows that most people consider themselves in good health, while people with intellectual disability experience some of the poorest health outcomes in the country.

Despite IHC raising awareness of this issue for many years we are still waiting for government intervention that will address these substantial inequalities.

The New Zealand Health Survey reports that most New Zealanders are doing well:

  • 86.6% of adults say they are in good, very good, or excellent health
  • Nearly all children (97.5%) are reported to be in good health
  • Adults report high life satisfaction (83.3%) and strong family wellbeing (83.2%)
  • Daily smoking rates remain very low at 6.8%
  • One in six adults (17.1%) and one in five children (19.1%) visited an emergency department in the past year
  • 21% of children lived in households where food ran out often or sometimes. (ref. https://communications.cmail20.com/t/i-l-zxkjyd-tjiltkjdiu-y/ )

But these positive national trends do not reflect the experiences of people with intellectual disability.

Key health outcomes for people with intellectual disability1:

People with intellectual disability die up to 20 years earlier than the rest of New Zealand 

  • 50% of people with intellectual disability have a diagnosed mental health condition – more than twice the rate for people without intellectual disability 
  • 9% have a mood disorder – three times higher than the rest of the population 
  • 4% have been treated for a psychotic disorder – 13 times higher than people without intellectual disability 
  • 11.5% of people with intellectual disability are smokers – almost double the national smoking rate
  • 62% of people with intellectual disability visited the emergency department in 2023. They are 2.7 times more likely to attend ED than those without intellectual disability
  • Children with intellectual disability are more than twice as likely to go without fresh fruit, vegetables, or protein compared with other children.  

The Reality Behind Self-Reported Health

Given their significantly lower life expectancy, high rates of preventable health conditions, and higher levels of unmet need, people with intellectual disability are far less likely to report being in good health than the general population. This stands in stark contrast to the overwhelmingly positive health ratings in the national survey.

IHC Senior Advocate Shara Turner says the findings show that people with intellectual disability continue to face avoidable and unacceptable health inequities.  

“What this data shows is that Government health policies continue to fail people with intellectual disability. Without meaningful, system-wide change, people with intellectual disability will continue to experience poorer health outcomes and much shorter lives.”

IHC has worked closely with the disability and health sectors for many years to identify a set of changes that will start to improve health outcomes for people with intellectual disability.

IHC is calling for:

  • Government-funded comprehensive annual health checks for all people with intellectual disability, with a focus on preventive healthcare 
  • Targeted preventative screening programmes and better monitoring of health outcomes, including a national intellectual disability marker in health records and wellbeing frameworks 
  • Improved healthcare professional training, including mandatory curriculum and ongoing professional development on communication, ableism, bias, and human rights 
  • Health literacy and advocacy support for intellectually disabled people and their families, including plain language resources, Easy Read formats, health passports, electronic health records, and evidence-based information 
  • A twin-track approach to care, combining mainstream health services with specialist intellectual disability healthcare teams, including nurses and liaison officers 
  • Better transition planning between paediatric, adult, and geriatric services 
  • Reduction of overmedication with psychotropic medicines, modelled on programmes such as the NHS STOMP initiative 
  • Inclusion of carers in hospital care teams and strengthening public health policies to improve health outcomes 
  • Monitoring and review systems for mortality and health outcomes, modelled on UK programmes like LeDeR, to identify risks and guide system improvements. 

References

1 Beltran-Castillon, L., & McLeod, K. (Forthcoming). From Data to Dignity Reality Check 2026: Updated health and wellbeing indicators for New Zealanders with intellectual disability. IHC.

1 Beltran-Castillon, L., McLeod, K., & Stone, G. (2025). The Cost of Exclusion: Hardship and People with Intellectual Disability in New Zealand (p. 9389854 Bytes). IHC. https://doi.org/10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.29387705.V1  

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Appointments – Earth Sciences New Zealand announces its new Chief Executive

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand


Earth Sciences New Zealand Chair, David Smol, is pleased to announce the appointment of James Palmer as Chief Executive of the organisation, with effect from 2 March 2026.
“James’s experience, which covers the key areas of core science for Earth Sciences NZ, coupled with his extensive leadership background, made him an ideal candidate. The Board is delighted with his appointment,” said Mr Smol.
Mr Palmer has been Chief Executive of the Ministry for the Environment (MfE) since March 2023. He is also the chair of the Climate Change Interagency Executive Board, a member of the National Hazards Board and co-chair of the guardians of the Aotearoa Circle.
Before becoming CE of MfE, Mr Palmer was Chief Executive of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. During this time, he was extensively involved in freshwater and resource management reform, as well as being responsible for regional state of environment monitoring, flood and coastal management, and civil defence.
Prior to this, he was Deputy Secretary Sector Strategy at MfE, Director of Strategy, Systems and Science Policy at the Ministry for Primary Industries, Director Strategy Development at the Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Fisheries, and a Research Fellow with the Ecologic Foundation. Palmer has also been involved in the electricity industry, including in developing wind and hydro resources.
He has served as a board member of both the Sustainable Seas and Deep South national science challenges, a member of the Forestry Ministerial Advisory Group, and held advisory roles with Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research and the Foundation for Arable Research.
Mr Palmer has extensive experience in leading reforms of the environmental management system and collaborating with local government, iwi and industry groups to develop innovative solutions to natural resource management challenges.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Earth Sciences NZ at this exciting time,” he said. “The combined capabilities and scale of the new organisation will enable greater insights and solutions to New Zealand’s hazard and natural resource challenges and create new opportunities to innovate and support economic growth. ESNZ is also well positioned to make an even greater contribution to key areas of science and innovation on the global stage.”
David Smol also acknowledged the exceptional leadership of John Morgan as Transition Chief Executive of ESNZ since its formation on 1 July 2025, a role which will continue until Mr Palmer commences on 2 March 2026.
“John and his team have made huge progress on the merger of GNS and NIWA in a very short time, particularly given the size and complexity of the two organisations,” said Mr Smol.
Notes
Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ) was formally established on 1 July 2025 through the merger of GNS and NIWA. In 2026, MetService and the Measurements Standards Laboratory will also become part of ESNZ. It will have revenue of approximately $400 million and 1500 staff.
ESNZ’s aim is to drive economic growth and wellbeing through increasing returns from the use of New Zealand's natural resources and environments, enhancing energy security, building hazard resilience and increasing prosperity in a changing climate.
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Northland Regional Council media brief – 24 November 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

NEW BUSLINK WEBSITE
BusLink and CityLink public bus services provided by Northland Regional Council have a refreshed website.
The site now incorporates all BusLink services, including CityLink and SchoolLink, providing passenger information that’s easy to navigate, including timetables, fares and the CityLink live tracker.
Passengers can also find details of routes across the region, accessibility information and all the bus updates for Te Taitokerau.
CityLink’s Facebook page will continue to provide service updates and information for CityLink and SchoolLink bus passengers in Whangārei. www.buslink.co.nz