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Energy – Equinor to participate in Ørsted Rights Issue

Source: Equinor

01 SEPTEMBER 2025 – Equinor has assessed the proposal put forward by the Board of Directors of Ørsted A/S on 11 August 2025 for a Rights Issue with pre-emptive rights for existing shareholders (the “Rights Issue”).

Following dialogue with Ørsted, Equinor has decided to support the proposal to strengthen Ørsted’s balance sheet in response to the current industry challenges.

As a long-term industrial shareholder, Equinor intends to participate in the Rights Issue and maintain its 10% ownership share in Ørsted. Ahead of the next annual general meeting, Equinor will also nominate a candidate to Ørsted’s board of directors.

Equinor’s support of the Rights Issue reflects confidence in Ørsted’s underlying business, and the competitiveness of offshore wind in the future energy mix, in selected geographies.

In response to the challenges facing offshore wind, the industry will see consolidation and new business models. Equinor believes that a closer industrial and strategic collaboration between Ørsted and Equinor can create value for all shareholders in both companies.

Equinor is following recent developments around the offshore wind industry in the US closely and will remain in dialogue with Ørsted as the situation evolves.

Subject to the final terms of the Rights Issue, Equinor will subscribe for new shares at a consideration of up to DKK 6 billion, or around USD 939 million, based on a USD/DKK exchange rate of 6.39.

Equinor will participate in the Rights Issue within its communicated financial framework and remains committed to delivering competitive capital distribution.

Equinor’s offshore wind portfolio consists of 0.4 GW net installed capacity, and a further 3.0 GW under development. The current focus is on completing the ongoing development projects in North-West Europe and Empire Wind 1 in the US.

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Health – New campaign launches for Gambling Harm Awareness Week, exposing the tactics of the gambling industry

Source: Hapai Te Hauora

Hāpai Te Hauora is marking Gambling Harm Awareness Week (GHAW) with the launch of a bold new national campaign that shines a light on the tactics used by the gambling industry – and the impact these have on whānau across Aotearoa.
Created by creative agency Mahi Tahi in collaboration with Te Rangihaeata Oranga Trust, Poutiri Charitable Trust, and Hāpai Te Hauora, the campaign will run for six weeks across digital and social media platforms.
At the heart are two powerful storylines:
  • “Their Game is Rigged, Don’t Get Played.” This storyline tackles the way sports betting has been normalised in Aotearoa. From podcasts and TikToks to live odds, multis and group chats, gambling is increasingly packaged as casual, fun and harmless. But behind the hype is a system designed to keep people hooked – using small wins, near misses and constant notifications to lock in attention. The Boys Crew flips the script by showing that what looks like culture and banter is actually the gambling industry’s design.
  • “Their House Always Wins.” This storyline uses the metaphor of building a whare. On the surface, gambling apps make it feel like you’re in control – making smart moves, building something for yourself or your whānau. But the foundations are flawed from the start, and the “house” is designed to collapse. The campaign follows a builder who notices the cracks and chooses to smash his way out, reminding us that the gambling industry sells the illusion of control, when in reality the odds are stacked to keep you trapped inside their house.
“These campaigns remind us that gambling harm isn’t about weakness or bad choices – it’s about systems built by design for the industry to win and for whānau to lose. By naming those tactics, we can help to change the narrative that whānau are ‘problem gamblers’ to the gambling industry being the problem from the start,” says Jason Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Hāpai Te Hauora.
The campaign will be launched at Te Taumata o Kupe, Te Mahurehure Marae, Point Chevalier on Wednesday 3 September, 10am-12pm. The event will include a spoken word performance from rangatahi group Rehekōrero, and kōrero from the creators behind both the creative campaign and the Pātea app.
Alongside the campaign, Hāpai will also be officially introducing Pātea: a free, Māori-led digital platform co-designed with whānau to support those navigating gambling harm.
“Gambling Harm Awareness Week is about more than raising awareness. It’s about standing alongside whānau, using creativity to spark kōrero, and reminding our people that they are not the problem – the design is. With tools like Pātea and campaigns led by whānau voices, we are shifting the narrative,” says Jessikha Makoare, General Manager at Hāpai Te Hauora.
Gambling Harm Awareness Week runs from 1-7 September.
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New Zealand and the Republic of Korea strengthen emergency management cooperation

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

New Zealand and the Republic of Korea have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen international cooperation on emergency management says Director Civil Defence Emergency Management John Price.

The agreement between New Zealand’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Ministry of the Interior and Safety of the Republic of Korea was signed at the APEC Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum on 30 July 2025.

“At the heart of emergency management is always people and their safety. NEMA expresses our deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased in Korea following the landslides and floods that occurred as a result of torrential rain in July,” John Price says.

“With the growing impacts of emergencies globally, it is critical that countries work together to build resilience, reduce risk, and improve preparedness for emergencies. The Memorandum of Cooperation with the Republic of Korea is an example of this, as emergencies and disasters have no boundaries.

“New Zealand and Korea face shared challenges from hazards such as severe weather, flooding and tsunami. This partnership enables us to learn from each other, improving and developing how we respond to and recover from these events.”

“The Memorandum of Cooperation will provide avenues for sharing best practices and lessons between our two countries, as well as opportunities for joint research and participation in training, workshops, and exercises, so we can prepare for and respond better in the future.

“The agreement reflects our shared commitment to improving resilience across the Asia-Pacific region through a more coordinated and collaborative approach. The emergency management system is both national and international.”

The agreement is part of NEMA’s work as an internationally recognised leader in emergency management. NEMA supports Emergency Management initiatives in the global arena with a specific focus on the Pacific and commitments under the United Nations and regional frameworks.

NEMA also has Memorandums of Cooperation with the Australian National Emergency Management Agency, Fiji National Disaster Management Office, the United States’ Federal Emergency Management Agency, Public Safety Canada, and The Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Authority.

“On New Zealand’s worst day it will be our friends and colleagues from these countries who will come to our aid and support us. The whole of the system is greater and stronger than its parts. We all work as one together.”

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Health and Employment – Rallies, marches, blood banks, food drives among patient safety strike activities – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Te Whatu Ora health workers will be out in the community as they down tools for two days of strikes this week over patient safety.
More than 36,000 Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) nurses, midwives, health care assistants and kaimahi hauora will walk off the job from 7am to 11pm on Tuesday and Thursday.
They will spend their strike time doing a range of activities including hikoi, pickets, candlelight vigils, food bank drivers, blood bank donations, sausage sizzles and BBQs.
NZNO has delegate spokespeople available for interview across the country. Please get in touch for contact details.
  • The strike will be a complete withdrawal of labour at every place in New Zealand where Te Whatu Ora provides health care or hospital care services. Life Preserving Services will continue to be provided. 
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Prime Minister must act on Van Velden’s ERA interference – PSA

Source: PSA

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon must take action on Minister for Workplace Relations Brooke Van Velden's political interference in the Employment Relations Authority, says the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
The call follows media reports today that Attorney-General Judith Collins spoke with Van Velden after the Minister said her four new appointees to the Authority should offer smaller awards to workers and criticised current members for being too generous to wronged workers.
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said it is significant that the Attorney-General has intervened, but given Van Velden's inadequate response the Prime Minister must now act to uphold Ministerial standards and restore faith in the Employment Relations Authority.
“Brooke Van Velden’s political interference in the Employment Relations Authority is corrosive to the rule of law and undermines workers' rights to a fair hearing.
“Judith Collins KC is a senior lawyer and would recognise that the comments were totally inappropriate. However, the Minister's response today is inadequate – she has not admitted she was wrong or apologised.
“Today, the PSA has written to the Prime Minister outlining our concerns. The Minister's comments breach the Cabinet Manual's requirements that Ministers respect the independence of statutory bodies.
“The Prime Minister must send a clear message about the standards he expects of his Ministers and make clear that the Employment Relations Authority will follow the law, not the political whims of Ministers,” Fitzsimons said.
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 and community groups.
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Environment – Palm kernel imports skyrocketing as climate crisis worsens – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is revealing that new data provided by Stats NZ shows that palm kernel imports for the first six months of 2025 are higher than they have been at any point in the last ten years. Greenpeace says this continues to undermine the ‘grass-fed’ claims made by Fonterra and other New Zealand meat and dairy companies.
Greenpeace spokesperson Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says “This is a massive increase in the intensive dairy industry’s use of palm kernel, and it’s no doubt leading to an increase in associated deforestation overseas.”
“Due to worsening and more frequent adverse weather events, New Zealand dairy cows are eating more palm kernel than ever before. The dairy industry is the leading driver of climate change in New Zealand – so unless Fonterra and the intensive dairy industry clean up their act, we are going to see this trend continue.”
Earlier this year, parts of New Zealand were struck by the worst drought in 40 years, which Greenpeace says likely contributed to the increased demand for imported feed.
Palm kernel is a supplementary feed for dairy cows that comes from deforested areas across Southeast Asia. New Zealand is the world's biggest importer of the feed, importing almost 2 million tonnes of it every year.
The Stats NZ data indicates that for the first six months of 2025, palm kernel imports were up 40% compared to the same time period for 2024.
Deighton-O’Flynn says, “The New Zealand dairy industry led by Fonterra charges a premium for “grass-fed” products – this is completely incompatible with the fact that its cows are eating palm kernel that comes from areas that were once lush rainforests in Southeast Asia.
“It’s clear that Fonterra’s dairy is anything but grass-fed. There are simply too many cows in New Zealand, and there isn’t enough grass to feed them all, so the industry relies on cheap, dirty products like palm kernel.”
Palm kernel has been the subject of significant controversy due to links to rainforest destruction in Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, an Indonesian Government document revealed that all five of the companies bringing palm kernel into New Zealand were linked to illegal operations in Indonesia.
Additionally, a report by Rainforest Action Network showed that Fonterra’s main palm kernel supplier – Agrifeeds – was linked to illegal operation in the protected rainforest ecosystem highlighted in David Attenborough’s The Secret Lives of Orangutans.
Data available on the Stats NZ website at https://infoshare.stats.govt.nz/ using Harmonised System code 230660
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New Zealand’s tyre recycling scheme celebrates 1st anniversary Nearly 4 million tyres recovered for recycling

Source: Tyrewise

1 September 2025 – Tyrewise, Aotearoa New Zealand’s first regulated product stewardship scheme for tyres, is celebrating its first year of operation with nearly 4 million end-of-life tyres collected for recycling or repurposing into other useful products and over 5,000 registered partners across the country.

“Tyrewise isn’t just New Zealand’s first regulated product stewardship scheme, it’s also the most successful product stewardship scheme in the country to date,” says Adele Rose, CEO of 3R Group, Tyrewise Scheme Managers.

The scheme has surpassed its targets for tyres collected and processed into tyre-derived materials since it began operating on 1 September last year, Adele says. “That’s encouraging, as it has a target of 80% of tyres recycled and repurposed into other useful products within Aotearoa New Zealand by its fourth year, and over 90% by its sixth year.”

As part of the strategy to develop end markets and support the domestic economy, expressions of interest in funding were recently invited. This attracted over 60 applications across research and development, emerging markets, and community development categories.

“It’s exciting to see such an interest in the fund. A major goal of Tyrewise is to help develop innovative, high-value onshore uses and unlock the value in the circular economy for end-of-life tyres. Tyres are going from being a waste stream to a resource which creates jobs and adds value to the New Zealand economy, rather than being illegally dumped, stockpiled or landfilled,” Adele says.

Mark Gilbert, Chair of Auto Stewardship New Zealand, which governs the Tyrewise scheme, says the success of the scheme comes down in large part to its registered partners. “Those registered partners, the importers, retailers, tyre fitters, transporters, recyclers and public collection sites make up the scheme. Without them doing the mahi, what we have achieved so far wouldn’t be possible, and we thank them for their work thus far and look forward to continuing the momentum,” Mark says.

Tyrewise operates a nationwide collection and recycling system, funded through a Tyre Stewardship Fee which is charged on all new tyres sold in the New Zealand market, replacing previous ad hoc disposal fees.  Critically, this has removed the impact of free riders who don’t participate under a voluntary scheme.

It means members of the tyre industry around the country have access to a collection service through a network of registered partner transporters, with retailers retaining end of life tyres from customers for collection. Members of the public can also dispose of up to five tyres at a time for free at public collection sites around the motu.

About Tyrewise

Tyrewise is Aotearoa’s first regulated product stewardship scheme. It minimises the environmental impacts of end-of-life tyres by working with the whole tyre industry to ensure tyres are collected from registered partners so they can be recycled and repurposed into other useful products.  

The scheme is accredited by the Ministry for the Environment, and is operated by Auto Stewardship New Zealand, a not-for-profit trust which acts as the Product Stewardship Organisation. It is funded by the tyre stewardship fee charged on imported tyres.

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Asia NZ Foundation – Mekong Dialogue offers a timely forum for enhancing regional stability and cooperation

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono, in partnership with Thailand’s Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS Thailand) will convene the Mekong Dialogue in Vientiane, Laos from 3-5 September, as part of the Foundation’s Track II programme.
The Foundation’s chief executive Suzannah Jessep will lead the New Zealand delegation, which includes senior foreign relations, trade, defence and climate change specialists.
“The Mekong region stands at a critical crossroads. Geopolitical rivalry, rising protectionism, and weakening multilateralism are reshaping the region’s economic, political and security environment. Extreme weather events, natural disasters and resource pressures are adding further complexity,” says Jessep.
“At the same time, Myanmar’s civil conflict, alongside pressing transnational challenges such as trafficking, demand thoughtful, collective responses,” she adds.
The Dialogue is being held in person for the first time since 2019, after a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jessep says bringing people back together in person allows relationships to deepen in a way that only face-to-face engagement can achieve. Resuming these dialogues is an opportunity to build on the progress made before the pandemic and ensure cooperation across the region continues to grow stronger.
The delegation will join their regional counterparts in discussions on geopolitical rivalry, the role of ASEAN, the implications of Myanmar’s ongoing crisis, Thai-Cambodia border tensions and broader regional cooperation.
“The Dialogue is an important opportunity for scholars, policymakers and practitioners from both the Mekong region and New Zealand to come together, discuss shared challenges and generate actionable insights and recommendations for governments and regional organisations,” says Jessep.
In addition to the dialogue in Laos, the New Zealand delegation will spend a day in Bangkok participating in local speaking events and holding meetings with a range of experts, officials and other senior contacts.
The Foundation’s director of research and engagement, Dr Julia Macdonald, says: “This is a timely trip, particularly in light of recent events in the region. It provides us with a first-hand view of both the challenges and opportunities, and the chance to share those insights back home when we return.”
Delegation includes:
  • Suzannah Jessep – chief executive, Asia New Zealand Foundation
  • Dr Tracey Epps – trade law specialist
  • Dr Julia Macdonald – director of research and engagement, Asia New Zealand Foundation
  • John McKinnon – chair, New Zealand China Council
  • Mike Swain – visiting fellow, Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.
  • Simon Watt – barrister and specialist in climate change and sustainability law
Track II Programme
The Foundation's Track II programme supports informal diplomacy with thinktanks in Asia on issues and challenges facing the region. Our 'informal diplomacy' dialogues mostly have an international relations focus – with agendas touching on political, security, economy and trade. Some dialogues may have specific themes relating to other areas of shared interest – such as environment, climate change, energy or social issues, for example.
Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia insights and experiences. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia, by providing research, insights and targeted opportunities to grow their knowledge, connections and experiences across the Asia region. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports.
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Weather News – Meteorological spring has arrived – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 1st – Friday 5th August – Winter wrapped up with some of the harshest winds recorded in August.

Southerly winds are ushering in cooler air, leading to frosty mornings in places.

Severe gale southwesterly winds are expected for Stewart Island today, where a Strong Wind Warning has been issued.  

Strong Wind Watches are in place for Hawke’s Bay (south of Hastings), the Tararua District, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland (south of Gore), and the Chatham Islands.  

Road Snowfall Warnings are in effect for Arthur's Pass (SH73), Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road, and Milford Road (SH94) over the next two days.

Today’s weather:
The start of meteorological spring brings calmer, more settled conditions to the North Island, with mostly light showers and plenty of sunshine in the east. In contrast, the South Island woke to cloudier skies and showers, some heavy with thunderstorms and gusts up to 90 km/h on the West Coast, as a cold front moved up the island.
That front will sweep quickly up the country, followed by a second front that will prolong rain and snowfall in the South Island. Cooler southerlies trailing behind will drop overnight lows, leading to widespread frosts.
 
Looking ahead:
By midweek, a high-pressure system will bring more settled conditions nationwide. However, the West Coast of the South Island will continue to see rain, possibly heavy at times, persisting into Thursday, while the rest of the country stays mostly settled.
The week ahead looks mostly calm with plenty of sunshine, aside from a few light showers this evening and possibly again Tuesday afternoon.
MetService Meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube says, “This is good news for participants and supporters at the Zespri AIMS Games, which runs through to Friday 5 September in Tauranga Moana.”
 
Watches & Warnings (next two days):

Strong Wind Warning – Stewart Island: 11am – 6pm Monday, 1 Sept

Strong Wind Watch – Hawke's Bay (south of Hastings) & Tararua District: 11am – midnight, Monday 1 Sept

 Strong Wind Watch – Dunedin, Clutha, Southland (south of Gore): 1pm – 8pm, Monday 1 Sept

Strong Wind Watch – Chatham Islands: 5am – 10 am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Road Snowfall Warning – Arthur's Pass (SH73): Midnight Monday – 10am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Road Snowfall Warning – Lindis Pass (SH8): 6am – 8am Tuesday, 2 Sept

 Road Snowfall Warning – Crown Range Road: Midnight Monday – 9am Tuesday, 2 Sept

 Road Snowfall Warning – Milford Road (SH94): 10pm Monday – 9am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Expect possible damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at http://bit.ly/metservicenz
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Business – Open Country Acquires Miraka

Source: Open Country

Open Country announced it has finalised a deal to acquire 100% of Miraka Limited (Miraka).

Open Country CEO Mark de Lautour said the opportunity to purchase Miraka happened quickly and made sense for the business.

“We have admired the Miraka location and milk supply network for a long period given it sits nicely between our Whanganui and Waikato operations.  While we are still completing our recent Mataura Valley Milk acquisition, we were immediately interested when the opportunity came along to look at Miraka.

“We really believe that our 100% NZ-owned company culture, strong customer relationships and scale makes this a good, strategic fit.  The shareholders of both Miraka and Open Country believe the deal provides clear benefits for the combined business.” 

Open Country currently operates four dairy ingredient manufacturing sites around New Zealand, located in Horotiu, Waharoa, Whanganui and Awarua.  It will soon add a fifth site, Mataura Valley Milk near Gore, once its conditional acquisition agreement with current shareholders is finalised.

De Lautour said the acquisition of Miraka bolsters Open Country’s footprint across the Central North Island.

“If you look at where our plants are based, we already have a very strong presence in northern Waikato and Taranaki/Manawatu.  Adding Miraka, which is geographically located in the middle of these two areas, gives us a solid footprint into the southern Waikato.

“Over time, the ideal geographic position of Miraka means Open Country can optimise our milk collection across the wider region.  Our increased scale throughout the Central North Island allows us to realise some important efficiencies.”

Founded in 2010, Miraka became operational with its first batch of milk powder exports in August 2011 and has grown its production to around 300 million litres of milk per year.

Miraka will continue to operate under its current name and brand in the market, and all milk supply contracts remain in place.

“Even though the Miraka team will operate under its own brand, we will work hard to ensure their suppliers and staff feel a part of the wider Open Country team.”