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Green Light Economy: Chamber Unveils Vision for Wellington’s Future – Chamber of Commerce

Source: Wellington Chamber of Commerce

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has today released its report, Green Light Economy: The Path to a More Resilient Wellington Through Private Sector Growth , setting out a bold vision to address Wellington’s major challenges and supercharge its commercial future.
“We are proud to present this report for Wellington as we head into the mayoralty race for 2025” said Greg Pollock, Chair of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.
“Wellington has all the right ingredients to thrive, from world-class science and technology to a vibrant creative sector. But we’re not yet capitalizing on that potential. This blueprint sets out a bold vision to reduce pressure on businesses, align our strengths, and supercharge the capital’s economy.”
The Chamber is calling for a review on commercial rates, regulatory simplification, and targeted investment in innovation and housing. The report also proposes the re-establishment of a revised Business Advisory Council to ensure private sector input into economic development decisions.
The Chamber has been consulting widely with business leaders and members on the recommendations, which are backed by expert research from Infometrics and Allen + Clarke. These are aimed at helping to grow a city where startups, small businesses and communities flourish, supported by strong collaboration between local and central Government and the private sector.
The report identifies four key pillars to drive transformation:
  • Reform for Growth – The business community is ready to collaborate to make Wellington a more business-friendly city.
  • Innovation Capital – Investing in innovation hubs and infrastructure to grow Wellington’s business innovation ecosystem.
  • Creative Launchpad – Supporting Wellington’s world-class creative industries with space, career pathways, and international branding.
  • Liveable City – Wellington is a vibrant, sustainable city, which needs to attract and retain talent.
“This report reflects the voices of over 1,000 members across the Wellington region,” said Amanda Wood, Acting CEO of the Wellington Chamber.
“Despite their resilience, many businesses feel undervalued and underrepresented. We believe a stronger partnership between Council, central Government, and business is essential to unlock Wellington’s full potential.
“The opportunity for growth is enormous, and the next Council term must set a better course for Wellington.
“We hope that with a new term, a revised focus on the future in partnership with the private sector can take hold to truly capitalise on everything Wellington has to offer.”
The Chamber invites stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to engage with the report and join the conversation about Wellington’s next chapter.
Notes
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce represents 1000 members across the Wellington region providing advice, training, support, and advocates for policies that reflect the interests of the business community.
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Stats NZ information release: International trade: June 2025 quarter


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AFGHANISTAN EARTHQUAKE: Rescue teams racing to the site of a devastating earthquake with hundreds dead and thousands of children potentially impacted

Source: Save the Children

Rescue teams are racing to Kunar province in eastern Afghanistan where a devastating earthquake has killed at least 600 people and injured more than 3,000 including many children with the number of casualties continuing to rise, Save the Children said [1]. 
Save the Children works in the affected provinces and is sending health teams immediately to the most heavily impacted districts in Kunar province as aftershocks continue and rescue operations are hampered by blocked roads.
The extent of the devastation will take time to become clear with areas of the mountainous province cut off and communications challenging – but the de facto authorities say at least 600 people have been killed and more than 3,000 injured in Kunar, Nangarhar and Laghman provinces following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that hit in the middle of the night.
Azam-, 52, is a doctor who lives in Kunar province and was at home when the earthquake hit. He said:
“It was around midnight when we felt the earthquake, and it was extremely intense. The tremors were so strong that we couldn’t even open the door but the shaking broke part of the wall, which allowed me to jump out [of the house].
“Fortunately, the children were not at home. If they had been inside with us, I am not sure we would have been able to save them. All our rooms are damaged – our belongings are under the rubble.
“We are still feeling [shaking from] the earthquake all around us.”
Families in Kunar have also been affected by flash floods triggered by torrential rain in recent days, with homes and roads damaged, according to the UN [2].
Samira Sayed Rahman, Advocacy Director, Save the Children Afghanistan, said:
“The earthquake came without warning in the middle of the night. Children and their families were fast asleep in their homes – homes that are not built to withstand tremors of this magnitude. Aftershocks are continuing, causing terror for children and heightening the risk of further damage and casualties.
“Roads have been blocked by rocks, cutting off villages and hampering rescue operations. Children and their families need urgent support – with the likely destruction of so many homes, they will need food, clean water, shelter and essential household items.
“The true scale of the devastation is still emerging, but we know that children are always the most vulnerable in the aftermath of a disaster.
“We urgently call on the international community to step up with immediate funding and coordinated support to ensure life-saving assistance reaches children and families without delay.”
Save the Children has been supporting communities and protecting children's rights across Afghanistan since 1976, including during periods of conflict and natural disasters. We have programmes in 10 provinces and work with partners in an additional 11 provinces. Since August 2021, we've scaled up our response to support the increasing number of children in need. We deliver services spanning health, nutrition, education, child protection, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene and livelihoods.
References:
– Denotes name changed to protect identity
[1] Data from Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority.
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Afghanistan Earthquake – Women and Children in Urgent Need

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Current reports reveal over 2,800 people have been injured, with a further 800 people killed.
“These numbers will probably rise as assessments continue,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund NZ.
“Assessment teams need to walk four hours or more to reach devastated communities, so it may be a while until the full scope of the tragedy is clear.”
Afghanistan was struck by a powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake that impacted the southeastern region at 11.47pm last night (local time), affecting the provinces of Kunar, Nangarhar, and Laghman.
The quake, with an estimated depth of just 8 to 10 kilometers, was centered near the Pakistan border.
Key roads are blocked, isolating affected communities. In a country where women and girls already face systemic barriers to healthcare, education and safety, there is an urgency to respond and reach these vulnerable communities.
ChildFund New Zealand has local partners responding on the ground, with teams who have been working in country since 2002, so they are well positioned to act as quickly as possible.
“Women and girls in Afghanistan already struggle to reach healthcare and safe shelter, so the response to last night’s earthquake must prioritise those most vulnerable”, says Josie Pagani.
This disaster comes on the heels of dramatic cuts in international aid from the United States in particular. The United Nations recently reported that the Afghanistan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan received $144 million less in 2025 than during the same period in 2024.
ChildFund has an Emergency Response Fund and is urging Kiwis to donate what they can. “Your donation could help provide safety and care to a mother and her children in Afghanistan today,” says Josie Pagani.
ChildFund partner WeWorld has been operating in Afghanistan for 23 years, working particularly with women and children.
Donate to ChildFund’s Humanitarian Crisis Fund here: Emergency Response Fund
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BusinessNZ – Uni strategy: Renewed focus gets an ‘A’

Source: BusinessNZ

Moves announced by the Government today to modernise New Zealand’s universities will ensure graduates leave with the skills to better innovate and boost our economy, BusinessNZ says.
Education, Skills and Immigration Director Rachel Simpson says BusinessNZ supports the introduction of a new tertiary education strategy that places economic growth at the centre of higher education policy.
“For students entering higher education as a step toward a career in their chosen field, the reforms should provide greater confidence in their investment, and that the skills they are developing are relevant for a modern workforce.”
“By prioritising skills, innovation and growth, the Government is signalling that universities are key enablers of New Zealand’s prosperity. Businesses will welcome a sharper focus on how research and teaching can drive productivity, competitiveness, and high-value jobs too.
“The announced tertiary education strategy makes clear that universities must evolve to meet these challenges while working more closely with industry and government to lift our national performance.”
Simpson says there is greater need for coherence across our tertiary and vocational systems.
“We look forward to engaging with government and universities as this strategy is implemented, to make sure business and industry continue to have a strong voice in shaping the future of New Zealand’s tertiary education system.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Climate News – Spring Seasonal Climate Outlook: La Niña on its way

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Highlights:
–  La Niña conditions are favoured during the spring and early summer 2025-26, with a 60% chance of emergence from September – November
– Alternating periods of settled weather and northeasterly flow anomalies will occur in October and November
– Temperatures are equally likely to be near or above average for all New Zealand, except the west of the South Island, where above average temperatures are most likely
– Rainfall will be near or above normal for the north and east of the North Island and the north of the South Island, near normal for the west of the North Island, and near normal or normal for the west and east of the South Island
– Above average sea surface temperatures are expected to continue around New Zealand through spring.
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Local News – Porirua’s ChoctoberFest gets tastebuds tingling

Source: Porirua City Council
Porirua City’s ChoctoberFest is back and this year there’s less time to wait, with 32 local businesses set to serve up delicious treats – all featuring Whittaker’s chocolate – from 20 September.
The festival, now in its fourth year, is all about supporting local business and puts Porirua’s hospitality sector on the map. This year the event is kicking off earlier to align with school holidays, so families from across the region (and further afield) can get out and sample treats in Porirua. The Whittaker’s Bake Off takes place from 20 September to 5 October, while the Top of the Chocs (drinks) runs from 20 September to 19 October.
Whittaker’s CEO James Ardern says ChoctoberFest is a great opportunity to celebrate the Porirua community as the home of Whittaker’s.
“We’re delighted to be a part of it again and seeing the wonderful creations Porirua businesses come up with,” he says.
“The Porirua community is an essential ingredient in Whittaker’s story, so we hope you will join us to celebrate that”.
With hot and cold drinks, imaginative baked creations, vegan options, gluten free choices and even cocktails, there should be something for everyone.
Once you’ve tasted, you can vote for your favourites to help decide who comes out on top.
There’s lots of ways to win this ChoctoberFest. You can be in to win exclusive Whittaker’s chocolate experiences when you purchase a ChoctoberFest bake or drink and rate them at poriruacity.govt.nz/choctoberfest.
Also, be in to win 100 Whittaker’s Peanut Slabs when you post a review into the Facebook group ChoctoberFest Fan Club, and win ChoctoberFest café vouchers by following Discover Porirua on Facebook or Instagram.
To find out what chocolate delights are on offer and where, visit poriruacity.govt.nz/choctoberfest. This is also where you’ll cast your votes and rate what you’ve tasted.
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NZ Initiative’s simplistic approach would weaken public services – PSA

Source: PSA

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi has criticised a new report calling for a sweeping reduction in the number of government agencies, saying it takes a simplistic approach.
Responding to the New Zealand Initiative's report “Unscrambling Government”, PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the report overlooked the important New Zealand context behind why agencies exist.
“This report essentially argues that cutting the number of agencies will automatically lead to better outcomes for New Zealanders. That's a simplistic view that ignores the complex reasons these agencies were established in the first place,” Fitzsimons said.
“The analysis misses the important reasons for agencies' existence. Take the Cancer Control Agency, for example – it exists because cancer advocates fought for years for independent national leadership on cancer control. It provides crucial oversight and accountability that would be lost if merged back into a larger ministry.”
The report also proposes structural changes such as merging all population-focused agencies – including those serving women, Pacific peoples, ethnic communities and seniors – into a single entity, and combining the Police with the Ministry of Justice.
“These suggestions show how the authors have abstracted away crucial complexities to fit their predetermined conclusions. Merging all demographic agencies would dilute the specific expertise and advocacy these agencies provide for communities that have historically been underserved.
“Similarly, the proposal to merge Police with the Ministry of Justice would undermine police independence – a fundamental principle of our democracy.
“Royal Commissions examining government failures – from Pike River to the Christchurch earthquakes to the March 15 mosque attacks – have consistently recommended more resources and clearer accountability, not fewer agencies.
“Unlike Australia, New Zealand has no upper house and weak local government, meaning the central government has far more concentrated power. You can't simply compare agency numbers across different countries with fundamentally different governmental structures,” Fitzsimons said.
“A radical overhaul would be particularly dangerous when agencies are already under pressure from the thousands of public service jobs that have been cut.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Business closures now a daily news story – renewed calls for urgent local support

Source: Buy NZ Made

Business closures are fast becoming a daily news story in New Zealand, with new data showing a sharp 26% rise in company liquidations across key industries.
Buy NZ Made is calling for urgent support for Kiwi businesses as closures mount.
“Every day we’re seeing another Kiwi business close its doors, and that’s devastating for owners, workers, and communities,” Buy NZ Made executive director Dane Ambler says.
“But with lower interest rates providing some relief, there’s also an opportunity to steady the ship – if we act collectively to back local.”
New Centrix data shows company liquidations up 26% year-on-year. The construction sector remains the hardest hit, with 765 closures (+46%), followed by hospitality, with 297 closures (+49%). Hospitality businesses are now more than two times likely to fail as the typical New Zealand business. 
Meanwhile, unemployment has risen to 5.2%, the highest since 2020, with 158,000 people unemployed and underutilisation at 12.8%, highlighting the strain on workers and employers alike.
Buy NZ Made emphasises that the combination of supportive monetary policy and community-driven consumer choices can make a tangible difference to New Zealand’s recovery.
“The story doesn’t end with the challenges – there’s real opportunity here,” Ambler says. 
“By backing local now, New Zealanders can help businesses weather the storm, protect jobs, and lay the foundation for a stronger economy.”
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Events – New Zealand Investors Strengthen Climate Commitments, But Action Still Lags Behind Opportunity

Source: Mindful Money


Aotearoa New Zealand’s institutional investors are making significant strides in climate governance and emissions reporting, but remain cautious in translating climate ambition into investment action, according to the 2025 Survey of Investor Climate Policies and Actions released today.

The survey, conducted by the Centre for Sustainable Finance, Mindful Money, and Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC), captures the views and practices of 27 major New Zealand investors, representing over $263 billion in assets under management—more than half of the country’s total.

The findings show a marked improvement in climate governance: 

  • 91% of investors reported board-level awareness of climate risks and strategies;
  • Nearly half (48%) have now set net zero targets, up from 30% in 2023; and
  • 93% are measuring at least some of the emissions associated with their portfolios.

 

However, the report highlights a persistent gap between climate risk awareness and capital allocation:

  • 17% of investors currently invest in climate solutions such as renewable energy or low-carbon infrastructure; and
  • 13% have set public targets to increase these investments.

 

“New Zealand investors clearly understand the financial imperative of managing climate risk,” said Barry Coates, CEO of Mindful Money. “But despite falling costs and rising opportunities in clean technologies, investment in climate solutions remains low. This is potentially a missed opportunity for both returns and impact.”

The survey identifies key barriers to climate-aligned investing, including regulatory uncertainty, lack of clear definitions, and limited data—particularly for private and alternative asset classes. While the introduction of mandatory Climate-Related Disclosures (CRD) has driven improvements in emissions tracking, many investors are still navigating the complexities of the new reporting regime.

Public pressure is also mounting. Recent surveys show that 74% of New Zealanders expect their fund managers to reach net zero before 2050. Yet, the report notes that few investors have escalation strategies when companies fail to act on climate, and shareholder activism remains limited compared to Australia.

“Investors are responding to fiduciary duty and risk management, but they’re also hearing the call from clients and the public,” said Duncan Paterson, Director of Investor Practice at IGCC. “The next step is to move from measurement to meaningful investment in the transition.”

The report also underscores the importance of policy stability. While New Zealand’s legislative framework remains intact, recent political shifts have introduced uncertainty. Two-thirds of investors surveyed have engaged in climate policy advocacy over the past year, signalling a growing recognition of the finance sector’s role in shaping a supportive policy environment.

As global standards evolve and expectations rise, the report calls for stronger alignment between climate ambition and investment practice. With the right tools, data, and policy signals, New Zealand’s investors are well-positioned to lead in financing a resilient, low-emissions economy.

 

Notes: 

A webinar will be held at 11am on Tuesday, 2nd September. Over 250 people have registered so far. Register for the webinar here: https://loghic.eventsair.com/773665/128311/Site/Register

 

About CSF 

The Centre for Sustainable Finance is an independently governed charitable trust, founded in 2021, which works with partners across the finance system to enable and accelerate capital flows towards sustainability and resilience outcomes across key sectors of New Zealand’s economy.   

 

About Mindful Money  

Mindful Money is a charity that promotes ethical and impact investment in New Zealand. It provides transparency for KiwiSaver and managed fund investors on portfolio holdings, together with public education and engagement. Mindful Money provides services to the financial sector including research on the integration of climate change into investment portfolios. 

 

About IGCC 

The Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) is a collaboration of Australian and New Zealand institutional investors focused on the impact of climate change on investments. IGCC represents investors with total funds under management of over $5 trillion in Australia and New Zealand and $35 trillion globally. IGCC members’ beneficiaries include more than 14.8 million Australians and millions more New Zealanders.