Posts

Posted on

Health – New air pollution report prompts renewed calls for action

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

A new report reveals that more than 700 Aucklanders are dying every year from traffic-related air pollution – a toll now rivalling smoking – yet little is being done to reduce the human toll, a leading health charity says.
A new University of Auckland report – released by Healthy Auckland Together – found that over 90 per cent of Aucklanders are breathing air that falls short of international health standards, with vehicle emissions responsible for the vast majority of harm.
Nationwide, air pollution killed 3300 Kiwis, and was responsible for more than 13,100 hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiac illnesses, and 13,200 cases of childhood asthma, in 2016.
Ms Letitia Harding, Chief Executive of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ and Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa, says the findings highlight a preventable public health crisis.
“Air pollution is a direct and daily threat to people’s hearts and lungs.
“We are seeing the consequences in asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory illnesses affecting our communities every day.”
To address this, there needs to be long-term, Government-led change, Ms Harding says.
“Cleaner air means fewer hospital visits, fewer missed school days, and longer, healthier lives.
“That’s what’s at stake if we fail to act, and why reducing pollution must be treated as a priority.”
The report shows transport is responsible for around 80 per cent of harmful air pollution in Auckland. Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and asthma.
Dr Ian Longley, Director of The Air Quality Collective, said the scale of harm demands a coordinated national and local response.
“The science is clear and increasingly difficult to ignore.
“Air pollution is contributing to thousands of deaths across New Zealand each year, and much of it is coming from sources we can control – particularly vehicles,” Dr Longley says.
“Auckland’s air quality in some areas is comparable to major international cities, yet our policy response has not kept pace with the evidence.
“It’s that gap that is costing lives.”
Proven solutions already exist and are being used successfully overseas, he says.
“Other cities around the world have already shown that measures such as low-emission zones, stronger vehicle standards, and investment in public transport can rapidly improve air quality.
“These are practical steps that deliver real health benefits.”
The WHO estimates that globally indoor and outdoor air pollution exposure currently kills about seven million people yearly due to cardiovascular diseases, such as strokes and ischaemic heart disease, and respiratory diseases such as acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and lung cancer.
According to the World Bank, the global health cost of mortality and morbidity attributed to air pollution was $8.1 trillion in 2019.
Posted on

Employment Issues – MBIE still fighting to cut flexible work as third mediation looms and Employment Relations Authority hearing set – PSA

Source: PSA

MBIE’s controversial and unlawful crackdown on flexible work arrangements protected under its collective agreement with workers will be subject to a third round of mediation with the PSA in Wellington today.
If mediation fails, a three-day hearing before the Employment Relations Authority will follow on 31 March to 2 April.
“Flexible work is more important than ever with household budgets hit by rising petrol price – MBIE needs to stop defending its new Flexible Work Policy which is out of step with modern workplaces,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“MBIE cannot simply tear up collective agreements that provide for flexible work.
“The policy rides roughshod over its obligations under the collective agreement which binds MBIE to support flexible work. If mediation fails, we will be seeking a determination from the ERA that MBIE is violating the ‘flexible by default’ approach which forms part of its collective agreement with members.
‘Flexible by default’ means employees at MBIE have a right to flexible work arrangements which suit their individual circumstances unless there is a good business reason not to.
“MBIE should be leading the way on flexible work, as should all public sector employers where it’s practical to do so, not spending public money fighting in the ERA to take it away. ACC heard its workers and backed down. It’s time for MBIE to do the same.”
MBIE introduced its new Flexible Work Policy last year to align with the Government's directive to restrict working from home across the public service. The policy requires all existing flexible work arrangements to be renegotiated and reviewed every six months with the explicit aim of reducing days worked from home.
“We urge MBIE and all government agencies to take heed of the times. With petrol prices rising, working from home is one of the most practical ways public servants can ease the pressure on their household budgets. Every day working from home is a real saving on fuel and commuting costs,” Fitzsimons said.
The PSA is also challenging the Government's broader flexible work restrictions at the ERA through separate proceedings against Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission.
“Public sector employers need to see flexible work as a win-win, and the way of modern workplaces the world over,” Fitzsimons said.
ENDS
Background: The PSA filed ERA proceedings against MBIE in July 2025 after a first mediation failed. A second ERA-ordered mediation was held in December 2025. A third mediation is scheduled for 20 March 2026. If unresolved, a three-day ERA hearing follows on 31 March to 2 April 2026 in Wellington.
Previous statements
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

Federated Farmers – Wellbeing Fund a ‘game changer’ for rural mental health

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers say today’s announcement of a $4 million rural wellbeing fund will be an absolute game changer for rural mental health and wellbeing.
“This funding will do so much good for rural New Zealand and help a lot of people who need it,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
“There are some amazing organisations out there doing great work in our communities, but there have been real issues with central coordination and longer-term certainty of funding.
“Full credit goes to the Government. They’ve recognised there’s a need and have really stepped up to partner with those existing grassroots organisations, providing financial support.”
Langford says it’s no secret that mental health is a major issue for farmers and rural communities, with many factors contributing to that.
“Living in more remote communities, limited digital connectivity, reduced access to mental health services and healthcare, and the day-to-day stresses and pressures of farming all play a role.
“We’ve been aware of these challenges for a long time now, and a lot of different initiatives have popped up to meet a real need in our rural communities.
“It’s great to see the Government recognise that they don’t have to reinvent the wheel or develop their own programmes for rural New Zealand, run centrally out of Wellington.
“Instead, they’re partnering with well-established and highly credible grassroots organisations, like Surfing for Farmers and Farmstrong, which are already out there making a big difference.”  
Posted on

Fire Safety – North Waikato moves to restricted fire season

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a restricted fire season for North Waikato from 4pm Thursday 19 March until further notice.
During a restricted fire season people wanting to light outdoor fires must apply to Fire and Emergency for a permit and have it approved.
The North Waikato zone includes the Waikato, Hauraki, Matamata Piako, Waipa, Ōtorohanga and Waitomo territorial authorities, and Hamilton City.  
Announcing the fire season change District Manager Daryl Trim says drier conditions during late summer and early autumn have triggered the change.
“Despite regular rainfall, the fire risk in North Waikato is increasing,” Daryl Trim says.
“We’ve had an increase in the number of vegetation fires including several large fires.
“While these have been controlled and extinguished, we anticipate fhese fires will likely become more frequent.
“Having a restricted fire season gives us greater control of who can burn and when, and we can provide direct fire safety advice to those completing burns,” he says.
“A restricted season will reduce the risk to persons and property.”
The Thames-Coromandel District remains in a restricted fire season.
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz for full details of the fire season status and what activities are restricted or banned.
Posted on

University Research – HPV self-test boosts cervical cancer screening ‘across the board’, new study confirms – VIC

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

 

Making human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing available to all women increases the number of people screened for cervical cancer, a new study led by researchers from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has confirmed.

 

The study, published today in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health journal, shows offering the HPV self-test lifts screening rates among everyone eligible, not just among those who have previously been under-screened for cervical cancer. (ref. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanogw/article/PIIS3050-5038(25)00201-8/abstract )

 

“We know from our previous research the HPV self-test is acceptable and accessible for under- and never-screened wāhine Māori. This new study proves HPV self-testing is a game changer, lifting cervical cancer screening rates for all women and people with a cervix,” said Professor Bev Lawton, lead author of the study and director of the University’s Te Tātai Hauora o Hine—National Centre for Women’s Health Research Aotearoa.

 

The study, which took place before HPV self-testing was rolled out nationwide in September 2023, included 22,511 people enrolled in 14 GP practices in Te Tai Tokerau Northland. Half the practices offered HPV self-testing and half offered a vaginal speculum exam by a doctor or nurse, the standard screening method before self-testing was introduced.

 

During the study period, which ran from February 2022 to September 2023, screening coverage was 10.8 percent higher among practices offering self-testing. Coverage was higher for all groups, including both Māori and non-Māori populations. 

 

“The evidence is clear. Universal HPV self-testing offered through primary care increases screening coverage, which reduces illness and death caused by cervical cancer. Millions of people around the world can be spared an invasive vaginal speculum exam by doing their own HPV test,” said Professor Lawton.

 

HPV causes 95 percent of cervical cancers. Since HPV self-testing was introduced in 2023, 81 percent of those being screened have opted to self-test. In the two years to July 2025, screening coverage rose by 7.4 percent. 

 

“Our new study adds to the evidence HPV self‑testing lifts screening rates across the board. This effect has been clearly demonstrated in Aotearoa New Zealand, where the introduction of universal HPV self‑testing—guided by this research—has led to a marked increase in coverage,” said Professor Lawton.

 

Professor Lawton and her colleagues are discussing the study findings at an international conference on HPV, being held this week in Austria.

 

“Cervical cancer is now preventable but remains a problem in many countries due to programmes not reaching high coverage levels. We believe all national cervical screening programmes should urgently consider a universal offer of HPV self-testing through primary care.

 

“HPV self-testing—offered by trusted providers, with training and on-going education for primary care staff, and supported by clinic ‘champions’—contributes to successful screening programmes. Universal HPV self-testing is acceptable, safe, and increases screening coverage. This will reduce harm, save lives, and make an important contribution to the equitable elimination of cervical cancer worldwide,” said Professor Lawton.

 

The research was funded by the Health Research Council, the Ministry of Health, and Mahitahi Hauora.

Posted on

Economy – RBNZ releases Summary of Submissions and Key Decisions from Liquidity Management Consultation

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

19 March 2026 – The Reserve Bank has published a Summary of Submissions and Key Decisions paper on the Liquidity Management Review consultation. Decisions on the design of Open Market Operations (OMO) are expected to come into effect from 2 April 2026.

The Reserve Bank has been reviewing its liquidity management framework following changes to the liquidity environment in recent years.

Based on feedback from the consultation and consideration of our key objectives, we intend to make changes to our approach to OMO and will start offering weekly full allotment operations to inject liquidity.

“Weekly full allotment operations will provide market participants with certainty, allowing them to determine their demand for liquidity at a fixed spread to the OCR,” Director of Financial Markets Adam Richardson says.

The new weekly operations will complement the Overnight Reverse Repo Facility, that is available daily to market participants.

“OMO are a critical tool for us to manage liquidity, and we will continue to monitor the impact of the new approach and ensure it is consistent with effective monetary policy implementation, while also facilitating market liquidity and supporting financial stability,” Mr Richardson says.

The first operation under the new framework will take place on Thursday 2 April 2026 at 11.30am NZT.

The consultation paper also sought input on design considerations for a Committed Liquidity Facility (CLF). Feedback on the CLF has been used to inform in-principle decisions and help identify areas where additional work is required. The CLF is on track to be in place by December 2028, when the Deposit Takers Act standards come into effect.
 

More information:

Speech by RBNZ Director of Financial Markets, Adam Richardson at the 2026 New Zealand Capital Market Forum: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=eec5aaf330&e=f3c68946f8
Summary of Submissions and Key Decisions: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=02a8c941d9&e=f3c68946f8

Posted on

BusinessNZ – Oil slick: NZ’s economy still grows amid turbulent times

Source: BusinessNZ

The latest BusinessNZ Planning Forecast shows that while the economic outlook largely depends on how the conflict in Iran evolves, current forecasts still point to encouraging growth through to March 2028.
Chief Economist John Pask says even as we navigate stormy seas internationally, there are reasons to remain optimistic at home.
“Our construction sector is showing signs of recovery, with increased consenting activity and a strong infrastructure pipeline, as has been outlined by the Infrastructure Commission.
“Tourism has rebounded too, and international visitor numbers are back to pre-covid levels, aided in part by a lower NZ dollar.
“On the agricultural front, Fonterra’s sale of several consumer brands for around $4 billion is expected to boost incomes and support rural communities. On the downside, input costs, including fertiliser, are likely to rise significantly if the conflict continues.
Pask says this latest Planning Forecast comes with a special note, due to a developing geopolitical situation.
“Given the fluid international economic situation at present, forecasts on economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates, inflation, and unemployment, should be seen for what they are – the best available information to date. These forecasts will likely be subject to significant change as both the global and domestic scene continues to evolve over coming weeks.”
The BusinessNZ Economic Conditions Index (ECI) is a measure of some of NZ’s key economic indicators. It sits at 18 for the March 2026 quarter, down 6 on the previous quarter, and up 13 on a year ago. An ECI reading above 0 indicates that economic conditions are generally improving overall; below 0 means economic conditions are generally declining.
The latest BusinessNZ Planning forecast is available now on the BusinessNZ website.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
Posted on

Online Security – Top Tips for Parents, for Safer Online Gaming

Source: Herd MSL, for Roblox

Roblox's Global Head of Parental Advocacy, Dr Elizabeth Milovidov, says the school holidays are a timely moment for families to revisit their approach to online safety.

Top Tips for Parents, for Safer Online Gaming

1. Start with privacy and safety basics

Before your child starts gaming, consider what privacy and safety settings might be right for them. Establishing simple steps can make a big difference in protecting their online experience:

Choose a safe username – Avoid real names, ages, or personal details that could identify your child.
Set privacy settings that suit your family – Discuss who they can interact with.
While Roblox doesn't have location sharing, some games and apps do – Consider turning location sharing off where it is a feature
Familiarise yourself and your children with reporting tools – Teach them how to block or report inappropriate behaviour.

2. Get in the game

Take the time to learn about the games your children love playing. The more you know about the games they play and the platforms they use, the better equipped you'll be to guide safe and positive experiences.

Take Roblox, for example. It's one of the most popular gaming platforms among children and teens, offering thousands of user-created games. There is an online Safety Centre to help parents and carers understand what Roblox is, guides on how to use parental controls, and answers to common questions. And while many of the games are purely for fun, there are also lots which offer educational benefits that help kids develop new skills and explore their creativity. Roblox has a popular learning hub which has been visited over 40 million times, and will help you easily find great educational experiences.

One of the best ways to understand what your kids do online is to join them and in fact, data shows that 54% of Kiwi parents actively game with their children 1.

Playing games alongside your child isn't just fun – it shows you value what they love and creates natural opportunities to talk about safety, friendships, and the skills they're building.

Try asking upbeat, open-ended questions to keep the conversation positive, such as:

“What do you love about this game?”
“How did you discover it?”
“What tips would help me get started?”

3. Talk through their gaming experiences

Online games are great fun, but they can also bring challenges like bullying or stress. Instead of reacting only when problems arise, start early – use everyday gaming moments to teach coping strategies and essential digital life skills.

If your child encounters bullying or stress online, work through solutions together:

Take a break with mindfulness strategies like Box Breathing or a quick walk
Switch to a different game or play with trusted friends
Reinforce that asking for help is always okay
Approach a trusted adult if they feel unsafe

4. Get familiar with parental controls

Managing your child's gaming experience doesn't necessarily require constant supervision – it all depends on what works for your family. Whilst I would always recommend you remain engaged with your child's gaming activity, most platforms and devices offer parental tools to help you set limits on screen time, content, and interactions – so you can feel confident even if you're not watching them over their shoulder.

Parental Control on Roblox, for example, let parents and carers remotely manage settings like:

Screen time limits
Content maturity levels and the type of games they can play
Who your child can chat with
How much they can spend

The best time to set these controls is before your child starts gaming – but it's never too late to adjust them. And remember, controls shouldn't be fixed. As kids grow and become more savvy online, boundaries will evolve too. Staying engaged and having open conversations with your children helps you decide what's right for them.

To make things easier for parents, Roblox now uses Facial Age Estimation to check a user's age before enabling chat features. This means children are grouped into age-appropriate cohorts designed so kids interact with peers of a similar age – giving parents and carers extra peace of mind.

So in summary, here are the key takeaways for parents these school holidays:

  1. Cover the basics: Begin with privacy settings, safe usernames and an understanding of reporting features.
  2. Get involved: Playing together creates natural opportunities to talk about safety and online behaviour.
  3. Keep the conversation going: Use gaming experiences to support resilience and emotional wellbeing.
  4. Make use of parental controls: Set limits around screen time, content, spending and who kids interact with.

 While the kids take a breather from school for a couple of weeks, the Easter holidays also offer a valuable opportunity for families to keep conversations about online safety open and ongoing. Regular check‑ins help children feel supported, making it easier for them to speak up if they need help, long after the Easter Bunny has hopped away.

For more tips and guidance, parents can also visit Netsafe's online gaming resource page for families: https://netsafe.org.nz/gaming/gaming-together

1 New Zealand Plays 2025, a national study of 820 New Zealander households represented by adult participants aged 18 and over conducted by Bond University in partnership with the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) in April 2025.

Posted on

Master Plumbers marks 125 years of fixing problems and safeguarding public health

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

Master Plumbers has been fixing problems and advocating for regulation that protects public health for a long time.
Chief Executive Greg Wallace says its work has kept communities functioning, and most importantly, healthy.
“Nowhere is that more obvious at the moment than in Wellington, where the importance of good plumbing infrastructure has been getting quite a bit of attention.”
Today the organisation is celebrating 125 years of service to the plumbing industry with a function at Government House hosted by Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro and attended by Hon Minister Penny Simmonds and Mayor of Wellington, Andrew Little.
“When systems work well, nobody notices. But safe drinking water, healthy homes, effective drainage and modern sanitation all depend on the skills of plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers throughout New Zealand,” Mr Wallace says.
Over 250 people, including Master Plumbers members from across the country as well as industry leaders and partners, are attending the event, which will celebrate the association’s contribution to raising plumbing standards and safeguarding public health since 1901.
Several member businesses have been around long enough to have played a part in shaping New Zealand’s landscape.
Hamilton-based FB Hall & Co Ltd helped build the Waikato region, from dairy farms and factories to high-rise buildings. Founded by English immigrant Frederick Benjamin Hall in 1923, the company has been involved in projects at Waikato Hospital, Waikato University, The Base Shopping Centre and Tristram Precinct in its 103 years in business.
Brockelsby’s Plumbing and Gasfitting Ltd started from a residential house in Lower Hutt in the 1930s, and Mander & Co Ltd has operated from the same site in Johnsonville since the company’s inception more than 70 years ago. Both have been members of Master Plumbers since the 1940s.
While tools, technology and workforce diversity have evolved, Master Plumbers’ role in advocating for key regulatory advances has remained constant throughout its history.
In 1912, the passing of the Plumbers’ Registration Act – the forerunner of today’s Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Act – was largely thanks to lobbying by the national association.
More recently, Master Plumbers has been a vocal advocate for New Zealand’s new lead-free product legislation coming into effect this May. It has also spearheaded calls to allow plumbers and drainlayers to certify their own work, which is expected to become a reality later this year.
“Self-certification is a significant step forward that recognises the professionalism and capability of our trades and that skilled, licensed tradespeople can be trusted to stand behind their work,” he says.
Looking ahead, the sector faces significant challenges. The growing need for housing, infrastructure renewal and climate resilience all put pressure on an industry with longstanding workforce shortages.
Mr Wallace says he is encouraged by the quality of people entering the industry, but more are needed.
“Apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as a smart and rewarding career path, and we see talented young people entering the trades with real ambition and capability. They represent the future of our industry.”
About Master Plumbers: Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc is the national membership body representing plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 19 regional branches across New Zealand. Members undergo a rigorous Quality Assurance programme and are supported with training, resources and industry guidance to meet evolving technologies, products and compliance standards. Master Plumbers also advocates on behalf of its members and the wider industry.
About Masterlink:
Masterlink, owned by Master Plumbers, is a group training scheme delivering managed, mentored apprenticeships nationwide. Regional Managers support both apprentices and host businesses throughout the training journey.
About NZ Plumber:
NZ Plumber is the bi-monthly award-winning industry magazine serving New Zealand’s plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying sector.
Posted on

Medical Research – A Major Milestone for Clinical Research in Aotearoa

Source: Aotearoa Clinical Trials and Medical Research Institute of New Zealand

MRINZ and ACTT Launch CRANZ to Strengthen Clinical Research in New Zealand
The Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) and the Aotearoa Clinical TrialsTrust (ACTT) are pleased to announce the establishment of the Clinical Research Alliance New Zealand (CRANZ), a new national partnership to strengthen and expand high-quality clinical trial research across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Both organisations are dedicated to improving health outcomes through rigorous, evidence based clinical research. CRANZ brings together MRINZ’s internationally recognised research expertise with ACTT’s nationwide, public hospital-embedded clinical trial delivery network to create a coordinated platform for medical research.
The Alliance will:
  • Increase the number and support of high-quality investigator-initiated trials (IITs) and collaborative group trials (CGTs)
  • Work with overseas funders and research institutes to enable more medical research to be performed in New Zealand
  • Enable New Zealand clinicians to design and lead trials that improve patient care and inform clinical practice
  • Strengthen collaboration across hospitals, universities, and research institutions
  • Build sustainable, nationally coordinated clinical trial capability
Investigator-led trials are essential for addressing locally relevant health challenges and generating evidence grounded in real-world patient care. CRANZ will provide the systems, governance expertise, and delivery infrastructure required to support efficient, high quality trial execution across New Zealand.
CRANZ will initially focus on Respiratory, Vaccines, Dermatology, and Infectious Diseases – areas of significant public health priority and established research strength.
Professor Richard Beasley, Director of MRINZ, said: “Clinical trials allow us to answer the questions most relevant to patient care in New Zealand. CRANZ strengthens our ability to support clinicians to access and lead high-quality trials, generating evidence that improves clinical practice.” 
Dr. Edward Watson, Chief Executive of ACTT, said: “CRANZ connects research leadership with nationwide hospital-based delivery, creating a more capable and coordinated environment for all clinical research. This Alliance will expand access to high-quality trials for patients and strengthen New Zealand’s clinical research capability.”
Further details on CRANZ programmes and collaborative initiatives will be announced in the coming months.