Posts

Posted on

Legislation – Dangerous Fast-Track changes made as nature is reaching breaking point – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace says the passing of the Fast-Track Approvals Amendment Bill last night makes an already damaging law even more dangerous for Aotearoa’s environment.
“The original Fast Track Approvals Act was already the most aggressive attack on environmental oversight and democratic participation in New Zealand's modern legislative history. The Government has now made that reckless and damaging Act even worse,” says Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop.
“While the Government might have been forced to back down on some of their most egregious ideas, there is absolutely no cause for celebration in the passing of this reckless and damaging law.”
“Ministers have a new lever to tilt the playing field towards their pet projects while the time available for independent scrutiny over large high risk projects has been cut to 90 working days. These changes will make it easier for mining and other environmentally damaging projects to get the green light.”
The Amendment Act gives Ministers a new power to create Government Policy Statements about the benefits of fast track projects which expert panels must take into account. Panels now have a limit of the 90 working-days to decide on projects, regardless of their complexity or environmental risk, unless the applicant agrees to an extension.
The Government had previously proposed several other changes to the Fast Track Act including further restricting public participation, narrowing certain legal avenues for environmental organisations and hapū and allowing applicants to complain about panel members. It has walked away from those.
Around 95% of the over 2,500 submissions opposed the Amendment Bill. The public were given only 10 days to make their submissions. The original Fast Track Act also attracted widespread opposition with tens of thousands marching against it and 27,000 submissions made, with the majority opposed.
“This Bill follows the Government’s announcement that it will rewrite the RMA to include ‘regulatory relief’ – an extraordinary proposal that would force the public to pay companies compensation if basic environmental protections, like better forestry-slash rules, impact their property value.
“Native wildlife is on the brink of extinction, rivers are choking with sediment and pollution, and oceans are under unprecedented stress. Instead of strengthening environmental protections, this Government is systematically dismantling them.”
Greenpeace is vowing to continue fighting the Fast Track and standing alongside local communities against the war on nature.
“New Zealanders are showing over and over again that they do not want to see seabed mining off the Taranaki coast, they do not want to see coal mining on the Denniston Plateau and they do not want an Act that fast-tracks environmental destruction,” says Toop.
“Any corporation seeking consent through this process should expect resistance. Communities across the country are already standing up to fast-track projects and regardless of what this Government does in Wellington we will keep defending nature across Aotearoa.”
Posted on

Energy sector celebrates progress in 2025 Net Zero Accord update

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Energy Resources Aotearoa has released the 2025 update of the Energy Resources Net Zero Accord, demonstrating New Zealand’s energy sector is leading the way to cut emissions while keeping Kiwi homes and businesses supplied with the energy they need.
The Accord is an initiative led by Energy Resources Aotearoa to bring together companies from across the energy system to track emissions, share best practices, highlight projects and report openly on progress toward Net-Zero goals.
Since 2010, direct emissions from the petroleum sector have fallen by around 63 per cent. Emissions intensity (per tonne) is down by roughly 44 per cent. Significantly, venting and flaring from oil and gas production are close to 90 per cent below 2010 levels.
Economy-wide emissions linked to natural gas and LPG across production, processing, transport and use are about 29 per cent lower than in 2010.
Energy Resources Aotearoa chief executive and Accord convenor John Carnegie said the progress reflects years of collective effort by Accord partners across the country.
“These results come from engineers, operators and project teams who keep finding ways to use less fuel, recover more heat, prevent or use waste gas and fuels, and support customers who want to lower their own emissions.”
The Accord has once again expanded for 2025. Carbona and eNZoil have joined as new signatories, while Elemental and Mobil have become supporting partners, widening participation across the energy value chain.
The 2025 update draws together a set of projects that show how signatories and supporting partners’ actions are playing out across the country.
The Te Rahui solar farm near Taupō, a Todd-led initiative delivered by a partnership between Nova Energy and Meridian Energy, is expected to become New Zealand’s largest solar farm, with capacity of about 400 megawatts of renewable electricity once both project stages are complete.
Offshore, OMV has delivered a programme of upgrades on the Maui, Maari and Pohokura fields that reduce fuel use and emissions while keeping production running.
On the fuels side, Mobil has supplied its first shipment of Mobil Ethos+ Renewable Diesel R20, which contains at least 20 per cent hydrotreated vegetable oil refined from used cooking oil and can be used in existing engines and infrastructure.
Carbona is innovating to convert waste wood into high-value renewable fuels and carbon capture products. eNZoil is recycling transformer oil, thus reducing the need for new imports of oil and saving on those transportation costs and emissions.
Mr Carnegie said the Accord partners intend to keep building on this platform.
“Energy Resources Aotearoa and its Accord partners are inviting more producers, retailers, infrastructure owners and innovators to join the Accord and help build a secure, affordable, low-emissions energy system for New Zealand.”
The 2025 Accord progress update is available to view here: 
Posted on

Gaza storms amid Israeli aid restrictions cut off vital services for children – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

Israel’s aid restrictions mean that severe winter weather is cutting children in Gaza off from much-needed child protection and psychosocial support services, Save the Children said, as storms began again yesterday (local time). 
Four of the aid group’s eight child-friendly spaces were forced to close during last month’s severe storms as camps were flooded or damaged by a combination of rainwater and sewage due to the destruction of sanitation systems during two years of Israeli bombardment. 
For the sites that remained open, staff working in the aid group’s child-friendly spaces saw a massive drop in attendance during the storms, with reductions from 25 children attending to 15 and 12. 
Save the Children staff said poor ground conditions after heavy rain, as well as lack of basic clothing like jackets and shoes, have forced children to stay in their tents. The attendance of older children, particularly adolescents, dropped because they were busy helping their families repair their tents after the storm. 
As heavy rains once again swamp Gaza – where nearly the entire population has been forced from their homes – it is critical that Israeli authorities lift restrictions on aid and allow currently banned critical items like tent poles in, as well as more winter supplies like tents, shelter items, winter clothes, and blankets to enter the Strip, the child rights organisation said. 
Shurouq, media manager for Save the Children in Gaza, said: 
“It is heartbreaking speaking to fellow parents and children here. While restrictions mean there is a marked absence of efforts to rebuild communities and get children back on track with any semblance of normality – proper homes, formal schooling – our child-friendly spaces and temporary learning centres give them some respite from the horrors of the past two years. 
“But now they are not even able to get that. Winter weather on top of two years of damage makes some of Gaza’s remaining “roads” impassable, the services they lead to unreachable for children and families. One parent told me they cannot buy their children shoes. Another child told me they are awake all night freezing cold because their bedding and blankets are so wet after their tent flooded.” 
Despite some tents and tarpaulins entering Gaza since the announcement of the first phase of the peace plan two months ago, there have still been no timber, tent poles or tools entering due to restrictions on what Israeli authorities consider “dual-use” items. 
Plans announced by Israeli authorities last week to reopen the Rafah crossing for Palestinians leaving Gaza do not include the entry of aid and do nothing to meet the basic survival needs of the nearly two million people inside the Strip who have experienced unimaginable hardship over two years of relentless violence.
Ahmad Alhendawi, Regional Director for Save the Children in the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, said: 
“No child should lie awake all night freezing in sewage-sodden bedding. This is unconscionable. What Palestinian children in Gaza need immediately is tents including tent poles, shelter, warm clothes, blankets and bedding as well as a major investment in repairing the damaged sanitation system. 
“Israel, as the occupying power, is obliged to ensure the humanitarian needs of the occupied population are met. Israeli authorities must lift the siege and ensure all border crossings are open and fully operational in both ways, aid restrictions reduced, and services resumed. 
“The plan to open the Rafah crossing one way only is a smokescreen. Restrictions on aid coming in and a one-way exit ticket out will displace Palestinians from their land, weaponising their own survival against them. It is a breach of Israeli obligations under international law and under the first phase of the ceasefire plan, and it is a breach of humanity.” 
Save the Children has not been permitted to bring its own supplies into Gaza since March. Despite this and the restrictions on critical winter items for the aid community as a whole, in the coming weeks Save the Children plans to distribute locally procured winter household items and shelter kits, including mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets, mats and tarpaulins, as well as over 2,000 kits of winter clothing for children. 
In early December, working through partners with approved access, the child right’s organisation was able to facilitate the delivery of 5,750 female hygiene kits and about 1,000 breastfeeding kits into Gaza. While these quantities represent a small portion of the overall needs, their distribution to children and families in the coming weeks will provide vital support. 
Save the Children is also distributing US$2 million in cash assistance to help families buy what they can for winter in the market. 
Save the Children has been working in Gaza and across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) for over 70 years.
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in more than 110 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Posted on

Consumer NZ – Sunscreen expert busts sunscreen myths

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ’s sunscreen expert says persistent sunscreen myths and some sunscreen marketing are putting New Zealanders’ health at risk. She’s urging New Zealanders to rethink what they think they know about sunscreen.

Inconsistencies in how often sunscreens are independently tested, mean Consumer’s recently updated sunscreen database is New Zealand’s most comprehensive information source for sunscreens this summer.

Consumer’s sunscreen expert, Belinda Castles, says misleading marketing and persistent sunscreen and tanning myths can leave New Zealanders overpaying, or under-protected, when it comes to sunscreen.

“Every summer I’m asked the same questions – from whether you need kids’ sunscreen, to whether higher SPFs really make a difference, as well as what sunscreen I personally use. That’s a question I’m reluctant to answer, because sunscreen’s effectiveness depends on how it is used,” says Castles.

“In the New Zealand environment, the best sunscreen is any you actually apply! But you have to apply it properly too – a lot and often. Don’t assume sunscreen is all you need either. It’s important to limit your time in the sun when the sun’s rays are most intense and to wear protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.  

“Yet, despite talking so much about sunscreen, I still hear so many misperceptions about it.”

Three sunscreen myths debunked

Myth 1: Children need a special sunscreen

Castles says many parents are surprised to learn that kids don’t necessarily need a special sunscreen.

“The best protection for babies and toddlers is staying in the shade and using sun-protection clothing – as is the case for everybody.

“Sunscreens that claim they’re specially formulated for children usually have a mild base for sensitive skin. If your child doesn’t have a problem with the family sunscreen – there's no need to fork out for one that’s marketed to or for children.”

Myth 2: Higher SPF sunscreens don’t need to be reapplied as often

“Many people wrongly assume that the protection of an SPF30 is double that of an SPF15. There’s also a misperception that SPF50 doesn’t need to be applied as often as SPF30,” says Castles.

“All sunscreens, regardless of SPF, should be reapplied every 2 hours while you’re outside.”

Castles explains that SPF15 blocks 93% , SPF30 blocks 97% and SPF50 blocks 98% of UVB rays. No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays.

Myth 3: Having a tan means you don’t need as much sunscreen

“A tan is a sign that skin damage has already started,” says Castles. “You need to be even more careful about protecting it.

“For many people, having “sun-kissed” or “naturally tanned” skin is connected to deeply embedded beauty ideals. The irony is, further UV radiation considerably increases the risk of sunburn and loss of skin elasticity – resulting in wrinkled, pre-maturely aged, leathery skin and possibly skin cancer later in life.”

Castles is particularly concerned by a TikTok tanning trend bought to her attention by her own daughter.

“This dangerous trend is about achieving quick and prominent tan lines by deliberately getting sun exposure when the UV index is at its highest.

“There is no such thing as a safe tan.”

What our sunscreen expert looks for in a sunscreen

Castles says, “When looking for a sunscreen, I look first at how recently its SPF was tested. That’s an important consideration when buying sunscreen, given inconsistencies and lack of regulation about how often they're tested in Aotearoa.

“Because sunscreen also needs to be reapplied every 2 hours you’re outside, my family goes through a lot of sunscreen, which makes price an important consideration too.”

Castles says previous Consumer testing has found both cheap and expensive sunscreens meet their sun-protection claims.

“Don't assume the priciest sunscreen offers the best protection. Testing by our sister organisation in Australia, CHOICE, found Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+ sunscreen returned low SPF results of 4 and 5. Yet that’s a higher-end product retailing for upwards of $50.”

Consumer NZ has been campaigning for sunscreen companies to be required to conduct ongoing mandatory testing to ensure products continue to meet their label claims. Its database research has found some companies are relying on test reports that are several years old.

“Our sunscreen database makes it easy for you to choose a sunscreen you can confidently rely on – you can filter by year of most recent testing and price. You can filter by SPF, water resistance and brand, too,” says Castles.

A free tool for summer: New Zealand’s most comprehensive sunscreen database

With support from Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, New Zealand’s most comprehensive database of sunscreens is hosted on Consumer NZ’s website for all New Zealanders.

“Our database puts the right information front and centre so families can make informed choices, says Castles.

Here is Consumer NZ's sunscreen database: https://www.consumer.org.nz/products/sunscreens
Posted on

Greenpeace: Denmark moves to lower limits on nitrate in drinking water – when will NZ follow suit?

Source: Greenpeace

Denmark’s Environment Minister is making moves to dramatically lower the legal limit for nitrate in drinking water, after a government-commissioned report recommended reducing the legal limit for nitrate contamination to 6 mg/L of nitrate (1.3 mg/L nitrate-nitrogen).
Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says New Zealanders deserve the same action.
“There’s no secret playbook that the Danes are working from here. They don’t know anything that we don’t know – they’re following the scientific evidence and choosing to prioritise people’s health and access to safe drinking water over the economic interests of the agribusiness lobby.”
“New Zealand is in the middle of a growing health crisis caused by nitrate contamination from intensive dairying. When will our Government recognise this and take action?”
New Zealand research indicates that elevated levels of nitrate contamination in drinking water could be causing up to 100 cases of bowel cancer every year, and leading to 40 deaths a year.
Communities are already affected
Appelbe says the situation in rural New Zealand is unacceptable.
“The fact of the matter is that many rural communities in New Zealand are unable to drink their water because of unacceptably high levels of nitrate contamination, and we know the cause of that pollution. It’s the intensive dairy industry, led by Fonterra.”
“Fonterra’s oversized dairy herd and overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser is leading to escalating levels of nitrate contamination in drinking water, but today it’s become clear that the writing is on the wall for the intensive dairy industry.
“Already, there are many drinking water wells and public town supplies in New Zealand that are above the nitrate limits proposed by the Danish. There are even private wells that are above our own – far too outdated – legal health limit. And it’s going to get worse unless this Government puts the health of communities ahead of Fonterra’s profits.”
Greenpeace is urging the Government to take action by lowering the legal nitrate limit, stopping further dairy expansion, and phasing out the use of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser.
“There are simply too many cows. If Denmark can act on the science, so can we. People’s health is on the line.”
Posted on

PSA and Firefighters Union attending mediation over FENZ job losses

Source: PSA

The PSA and the NZ Professional Firefighters Union will today attend mediation with Fire and Emergency NZ after the Employment Relations Authority ordered it in response to the unions filing legal proceedings challenging the damaging restructure proposed by FENZ.
FENZ announced last month a plan to cut some 140 roles, more than 10% of non-firefighting roles including wildfire specialists, risk reduction advisors, and training coordinators – all critical to ensuring firefighters can respond safely and effectively to emergencies.
FENZ planned to confirm decisions by 17 December, but it must now attend mediation today with the PSA and NZPFU, to be facilitated by MBIE.
“FENZ tried to rush through significant job losses with no proper consultation which is why we have taken this legal action,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“FENZ can’t just ride roughshod over its obligations in collective agreements to consult with both the PSA and NZPFU. Instead FENZ only provided an embargoed copy of its proposal to unions the day before handing workers a 265-page document with a two-week deadline for feedback.
“We urge the Government to step in, stop the cuts and properly fund critical emergency services,” said Fleur Fitzsimons.
NZPFU National Secretary Wattie Watson said FENZ's consultation process was fundamentally flawed.
“Genuine consultation is the key to only making necessary changes. Talking to those that do the work is the only way to get it right. FENZ needs to comply with its legal obligations.”
The unions remain committed to stopping these dangerous cuts and protecting New Zealand's emergency response capability.
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.
Posted on

Universities – High-school biology sows graduate’s passion for genetics – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Doctoral graduate Zanetta Toomata was amazed at high school in Hawaii to learn that something as tiny as DNA could hold the blueprint for life and is now dedicated to genetics.

When doctoral graduate Zanetta Toomata first learnt about DNA in a biology class at her Hawaiian high school, something clicked. Now she is graduating from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland with a PhD in Medicine.

“This little thing that you can’t even see with the naked eye carries the blueprint to life –your genetics. I remember being so fascinated that something so small could influence so much about who we are.”

Her doctoral dissertation reflects that early wonder and reveals her passion for translating science into healthcare, as it explores how the unique genetics of Māori and Pacific peoples could be harnessed to improve diabetes care.

After high school at Kamehameha Schools Kapālama, Zanetta moved to the US to study veterinary science at Purdue University in Indiana but, after two years, she knew it wasn’t a good fit.

“I had to ask myself, ‘Do I truly want to do this?’ and that’s when it hit me, I didn’t. I didn’t want to be a veterinarian anymore.”

At the same time, a genetics course she was taking reignited her curiosity about DNA. Learning about genetic inheritance, Mendel’s laws with pea plants, and the rules that shape life at its
smallest level fascinated her in a way that veterinary work hadn’t. Within a week she changed her major.

Zanetta wanted to be closer to family, so she later moved to Auckland, where her father had grown up in Mangere, and started a genetics degree at Massey University in Albany.

She hit her stride in the small, focused classes of around 15 people, rather than a couple of hundred at the US university.

“I just loved it… eventually I was awarded as the Best Undergraduate in Genetics.”
However, she was 19 when she started and admits to a degree of ‘imposter syndrome.’

“Building my confidence as a person and as a researcher has been huge. I was quite shy. At the awards ceremony, I remember the look of confusion on my professor’s face as she called my name and didn't even know who I was. I was that shy and so young.”

She then transferred to Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland studying in Professor Peter Shepherd’s lab and went on to earn a Bachelor of Biomedical Science with first class honours. Then she began doctoral study supervised by Professor Rinki Murphy, Dr Ofa Dewes, and Associate Professor Phillip Wilcox, where she channelled her skills into precision medicine.

The support of her supervisors helped her build confidence and resilience, especially when research threw curve balls, and strengthened her passion for improving healthcare.

Research that matters
Zanetta’s work explores how genetic variants more prevalent in Māori and Pacific peoples could save patients from unnecessary tests, enable earlier intervention, and improve treatment response.

“The genetics of Māori and Pacific are truly unique… as more genetic data is generated, we’re going to find more about how that can be useful in diabetes medicine.

“You can potentially help reduce inequalities in diabetes care and outcomes.”

Zanetta’s findings have been published in leading journals, and she has presented at national and international conferences, both about her scientific results and Indigenous methodology and governance. While limited genomic data for Māori and Pacific peoples remains a challenge, she views it as an opportunity to build resources that better serve these communities.

“If you compare it on a global scale, what we have is treasure, but there’s also room to grow so we can have the same level of confidence in our results as other populations.”

Zanetta’s biggest curveball came after securing a postdoctoral offer at Harvard Medical School with Associate Professor Miriam Udler, a thought leader in type 2 diabetes genetics.

“I moved to Boston excited and ready to start my new role, but extensive delays in my examination process, combined with the federal research funding cuts in the US, affected my position. It was one of the most stressful times of my life.”

Finally in November, her PhD was successfully defended, and Dr Udler renewed her offer, inviting Zanetta to return to Boston to continue her postdoctoral research in precision diabetes at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, an opportunity she will now pursue.

As a Samoan-Hawaiian young woman in genetics (with Japanese and Scottish heritage), Zanetta is conscious of being one of the few – and is committed to changing that.

“It feels like I’m the only young Pacific woman in this medical genetics space right now, and I want that to change! I want there to be more like me.”

“I go to student events and talk to high-school kids about research and genetics as a career. I tell other Pacific girls, ‘You can do this work, if you’re interested and you want it – you can do it.’”
Now she is one of 870 students graduating in person or in absentia from the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences this year, of whom 67 have gained doctorates.

Along the way, Zanetta has won a Pacific Health Research PhD Scholarship (HRC NZ), Toloa Tertiary Scholarship and multiple summer and travel scholarships.

Longer term, her heart is set on returning to Aotearoa.

“I hope to one day come back to Aotearoa – perhaps become a lecturer or have my own lab in precision medicine.”

Posted on

Universities – Optometry graduate eyes working rurally – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Grace Su is moving to work in an optometry clinic where she worked while on the University's Rural Health Immersion Programme.

New optometry graduate Grace Su is moving to Tauranga to start work in a practice where she worked while participating in Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland’s Rural Health Interprofessional Programme (RHIP).

Grace, who received a Bachelor of Optometry (Honours) at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences’ graduation ceremony on 9 December, says the programme strongly influenced her decision.

“The programme gave me the opportunity to do externships in both Whakatāne and Tauranga, which was perfect and then the choice to work at Tauranga was easy.”

Grace grew up in Gisborne before moving to Auckland at age ten. She chose optometry because she loved science, wanted a healthcare career, and preferred a nine-to-five lifestyle over medicine. Her five-year degree included an honours component and placements in both metro and rural settings.

The RHIP programme placed Grace in Whakatāne for five weeks, living with students from different disciplines and universities.

“It felt like a vacation with friends – we did pub quizzes, group dinners, and explored the community. It made rural work feel less daunting.”

Her six-week externship included three weeks at Specsavers Whakatāne and three weeks at Visique Greerton in Tauranga. Working rurally opened her eyes to the challenges and rewards of rural healthcare.

“In Whakatāne, there’s no eye specialist, so patients often travel long distances for care. Navigating those barriers was tricky but rewarding. People were so grateful – whatever you give, they give back two-fold.”

Grace says rural practice offers more variety and learning opportunities.

“You see more pathology, and it’s just more interesting overall. Rural communities are different, with more challenges in service access, but that makes the work satisfying.”

She would encourage other students to take part in RHIP.

“Most optometry students are from Auckland, so rural places can seem like empty grasslands – but that’s not true at all. Whakatāne is beautiful, with lots to do. The programme is so well planned; it makes going rural less daunting and shows why it matters.”

Grace is excited to return to Tauranga and work at the Greerton practice where she trained. She enjoys independent optometry for its flexibility and patient focus and hopes to give back to the community.

“I’d definitely work in Whakatāne in the future, if the opportunity arose. It’s not daunting anymore.”

The Associate Dean of Rural Health at the University of Auckland, Dr Kyle Eggleton, comments that RHIP is an important component of health workforce development in Whakatāne and the broader Bay of Plenty region. Seventy-five percent of the junior medical workforce in Whakatāne is recruited through RHIP, along with a large proportion of allied health professionals. The University of Auckland’s optometry programme is increasing rural placement options to help build a rural optometry workforce.

Notes
Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty have pockets of communities that face geographic distance barriers (>50km) to accessing optometry services, and these communities are often those living in areas of higher deprivation (Ramke 2023).

There are recruitment challenges with practice owners in smaller towns struggling to find an optometrist to work there let alone buy their practice, so they can retire.

The RHIP programme and having more regional/rural externship opportunities for optometry students is a step towards addressing these issues.

Posted on

Acquisitions – IMG Makes Significant Strategic New Zealand Acquisition

Source: Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited (IMG)

Highlights

  • Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited (“IMG” or the “Company”) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire all the shares in BlueSky Holdco Limited (“Tyco NZ” and “Red Wolf”) from Johnson Control Luxembourg European Finance S.a.r.l (a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International plc) (“Seller”) (“Acquisition”)
  • Tyco NZ is a leading fire protection service company and Red Wolf is a high-level security provider, with both businesses providing ongoing service, maintenance and installations for commercial customers across New Zealand under the Wormald and Red Wolf brands
  • Tyco NZ boasts a strong nationwide coverage through 12 branches and over 300 staff, with a consistent track record of high recurring revenue streams. Red Wolf has a strong presence in the Wellington Government, council and commercial markets, complementing our existing ADT NZ footprint (which is strongest outside Wellington)
  • IMG will pay $NZ45 million in cash consideration, subject to customary adjustments for working capital, cash and debt amounts on completion
  • The Acquisition is expected to generate a FY26 (September) pro forma revenue of $NZ89.5m (A$78.1m) and $NZ10.9m (A$10m) EBITDA (pre any cost improvements, transaction, and restructuring charges)
  • Post acquisition, IMG will have a pro forma consolidated annualised Revenue of $318m, and EBITDA of $53-57m based on guidance given at the IMG AGM in November 2025. This leads to a pro forma EPS of 0.066cps to 0.074cps (based on full tax provision, less amortisation), up +24.6-28.3% from the bottom level of the prior acquisition guidance range (equivalent to 0.052 to 0.059cps) 
  • IMG will fund the Acquisition wholly via debt from its existing approved banking facilities and cash flow.

Acquisition Overview

IMG is pleased to announce that it will acquire “Tyco NZ” and “Red Wolf” in New Zealand for $NZ45 million in cash consideration, subject to customary adjustments for working capital, cash and debt amounts on completion.  This transaction will be materially accretive to IMG, with the purchase price being broadly in line with IMG's target acquisition multiples achieved since recapitalisation in Sept 2021.

Completion of the Acquisition is not expected to occur before 28 February 2026.

Strategic Rationale

Managing Director Dennison Hambling commented,

“This is a unique opportunity to materially enhance our commercial footprint in NZ, by way of a broad, significant and historic leading service provider. This acquisition not only adds a very stable business with a strong recurring revenue base but will allow us to introduce our leading security products to commercial NZ in a significantly enhanced and more rapid fashion, as we have been seeking to do in Australia. Having been part of the JCI stable, like ADT, these businesses are well known to each other and will entail little disruption on a change of ownership. This acquisition is another significant, accretive step forward in building IMG into a serious industrial company with significant profitability, a strong balance sheet and material growth prospects across Australasia”.

Debt Funding Overview

As previously announced in March this year, IMG secured a suite of banking facilities from National Australia Bank (“NAB”), which included, among other things, an $85 million refinance facility, and an additional $35 million NAB Acquisition Facility. IMG has made a couple of smaller acquisitions recently which have been funded through cash flow. Working once again with IMG's advisor Neu Capital, IMG will draw down the NAB Acquisition Facility of $35 million, to fund the Acquisition, which will be topped up from cash flow.

Further information

Further details of the Acquisition and the Debt Facility are set out in the investor presentation provided to the ASX today.  

Acquisition Announcement Webinar

IMG Managing Director, Mr Dennison Hambling will participate in an Acquisition Discussion Webinar. The session is conducted in the format of a Microsoft Teams Q&A meeting and will take place on Thursday 11 December 2025 commencing at 10:30am AEDT.

For more information please visit: https://intelligentmonitoringgroup.com

Posted on

Business employment data: September 2025 quarter – gross earnings data delay

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Business employment data: September 2025 quarter – gross earnings data delay​​​​​​

10 December 2025

Gross earnings data will not be included in the Business employment data: September 2025 quarter release on 11 December as planned, due to issues identified during data preparation. We will publish the gross earnings data as soon as it is ready and will provide a subscriber update once it has been released.

Data for filled jobs for this release will be available as expected, although it may be subject to very minor updates in future.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you have any questions, please contact our Information Centre at info@stats.govt.nz.

For media enquiries contact: Media team, Wellington, media@stats.govt.nz“>media@stats.govt.nz, 021 285 9191

The Government Statistician authorises all statistics and data we publish.