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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire Update #11

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Conditions on the fireground in the Tongariro National Park have improved significantly today.
Fire and Emergency District Commander Nigel Dravitzki says that steady rain and minimal wind have been a huge help to firefighters, who are working hard to take advantage of the situation.
Ground crews are concentrating on reinforcing the containment lines on the flanks of the fire. Aircraft are still on standby and will be used when needed to support the firefighters.
As a result of the improved situation, residents who were evacuated yesterday from Whakapapa Village and five other properties are able to return home, with a caution that they need to stay alert and be ready to move out again if the situation changes.
People who run businesses from their properties will not be able to have clients or customers on site for now, but that will be reassessed again tomorrow.
“I am very aware of the impact that the fire is having on those who draw on the Tongariro National Park for their livelihood,” Nigel Dravitzki says. “We are putting safety first with this decision, and people can be assured that as soon as it is safe to do so, we will restore full access to the public.”
Fire and Emergency also acknowledges the impact that the fire is having on iwi and the conservation estate, as well as the community and visitors.
We are working very closely with manawhenua, the Department of Conservation and both the Ruapehu District Council and Horizons to make sure that local voices are involved in all the big decisions we make about how the fire is managed.
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Tongariro fire: Respiratory health warning for people living, travelling nearby

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

Kiwis living with a respiratory condition near the Tongariro National Park fire are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the smoke.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is advising residents near the blaze – and in the wider region – to close all windows and doors if staying inside, or wear a N95 or KN95 mask if going outside.
The fire, which is about 2800 hectares, has been burning since Saturday afternoon.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says people staying indoors should keep all windows and doors closed, while anyone going outside should wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask.
“Bush fire smoke contains tiny particles that can irritate the lungs and airways, posing risks for everyone, especially children, older people, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
“For people with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions, smoke exposure can trigger flare-ups, which in serious cases may require hospitalisation,” she says.
“It’s important to limit exposure and keep medications like reliever inhalers on hand.”
For people travelling near the smoky area, keep your car windows closed and set your vehicle’s ventilation system to recirculate air, Ms Harding says.
“This will greatly reduce smoke entering the cabin.”
The Foundation encourages everyone in affected regions to stay informed about smoke conditions, plan activities carefully, and take practical steps to protect their lung health.
“Understanding the risks, reducing exposure, and using effective protective measures are the best ways to safeguard your lungs during this fire,” Ms Harding says.
One in five Kiwis are affected by respiratory disease in New Zealand, and it is the third leading cause of death in the country.
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Transporting New Zealand warns of freight cost pressures

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Transporting New Zealand says that consumers and businesses can expect continued upward pressure on freight costs, as Port of Auckland emphasised its commitment to port access charge increases at an industry update today.
Road freight companies and their customers currently pay Port of Auckland a fee of $130 per container at peak times (between 5am and 6pm) that will increase to $180 in 2026. Port of Auckland has indicated that this fee will be rise to $350 by January 2027. Port of Auckland handles over 800,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) containers per year and up to 27,000 truck movements per month.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that Port of Auckland’s owner, Auckland Council, should be carefully considering the impacts of time-of-use charging on freight costs.
“Port of Auckland is already using time-of-use charging at its container terminal. More significantly, legislation to allow city-wide time-of-use or congestion charging is currently progressing through Parliament. The draft legislation doesn’t currently permit any freight exemptions or discounts.”
“What we’ve seen, both with Port of Auckland’s time-of-use-charges, and city-wide schemes overseas, is that freight time demands are relatively inflexible.”
“Freight customers generally only have capacity-to-receive during business hours. When peak-time charges get introduced, rather than moving freight demand to off-peak times, you simply get additional charges piled onto road freight businesses and their customers without improving congestion.”
“When you combine time-of-use charges with the fuel excise duty and road user charge increases proceeding in 2027, subject to the move to universal road user charges, there’s going to be considerable pressure on freight costs. 93 per cent of New Zealand’s domestic freight moves via road, so cost pressures have a real impact on all businesses and consumers.”
Transporting New Zealand is encouraging all freight operators to carefully monitor their costs, and calling on central and local government to carefully consider freight impacts when considering time of use pricing.
Port and container depot tariffs can be found on the Transporting New Zealand website.
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Weather News – A warm, wet, and thundery start to the week – MetService

Source: MetService

A warm, wet, and thundery start to the week – Covering period of Monday 10 – Thursday 13 November.
 
– Summer-like temperatures today (Monday)

– Possible thunderstorms this afternoon and during the week.

– Wet weather on Wednesday and Thursday, warnings and watches will likely be issued closer to the time.

MetService is forecasting a warm, cloudy, and wet summer-like day across the country, with maximum temperatures today (Monday) exceeding November averages in some areas. Hastings to reach 31°C. Similarly, Napier to hit 29°C, Ashburton and Timaru to reach 26°C, while Christchurch is expected to see around 25°C. All these temperatures are higher than their usual November averages.

MetService meteorologist Samkelo Magwala said, “These warm temperatures will enhance the occurrence of showers this afternoon, which may impact the T20 Cricket BLACKCAPS vs. West Indies match happening in Nelson today (Monday). However, conditions are looking better for Cup Day in Canterbury tomorrow (Tuesday), as showers are expected to clear before dawn.”

Active weather returns on Wednesday as a low-pressure system moves onto the North Island, bringing possible heavy rain, with embedded thunderstorms. There is a possibility of heavy rain for some parts of the North Island, such as Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and northern Gisborne. Northland may also see very strong winds. However, the distribution and timing of any significant weather will depend on the exact movement of the low-pressure system. MetService will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary updates and people, especially North Islanders, are encouraged to keep an eye on the forecast.  

Magwala said, “Wet weather continues into Thursday and extends to the South Island. The latter part of the day into Friday is looking better for outdoor activities in the North Island and eastern South Island, before the next front moves north from the lower South Island on Friday morning.”

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Northland Regional media brief – 10 November 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

BREAM BAY ‘EXPLORE AND RESTORE’ ROAD TRIP
All aboard! The Northland Regional Council Coastcare team is holding a Bream Bay ‘explore and restore’ road trip on Wednesday 19 November 2025 from 9am-3pm.
A bus will depart Whangarei at 8am with passengers from town and will stop at Ruakaka Surf Club carpark at 8.40am to pick up passengers from the Bream Bay area before heading to Langs Beach for 9am. The interactive road trip will visit key dune restoration sites at Langs Beach, Waipū Cove, Uretiti, and Ruakākā sharing inspiring coastal restoration stories and practical activities along the way.
Whether you’re a volunteer, landowner, student, or simply curious about caring for the coast, this trip offers something for everyone.
It’s free to attend (including the bus ride) but registration is essential as bookings are limited.
Visit www.nrc.govt.nz/BreamBayWorkshop to view details and register. 
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Politics – PM’s embrace of asset sales shows he’s learnt nothing from history, PSA vows to fight any attempted privatisation

Source: PSA

The Prime Minister's attempt to dress up asset sales as “capital recycling” doesn't change what it really is – selling off New Zealanders' assets and losing public control.
“The PM's claims today that governments should 'recycle' assets ignores history and will be opposed.
“History shows us what really happens – we lose ownership, we lose control, and taxpayers end up footing the bill when privatisation fails,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“To talk about ‘recycling’ assets is offensive to the public sector workers who work hard to add value to public assets every day. This is just more of the same from a government which has laid off thousands of public sector workers.
“Christopher Luxon wants a 'mature conversation' about asset sales – well here it is: New Zealanders rejected this failed ideology in a citizens-initiated referendum in 2013 where two-thirds voted against asset sales.
“Kiwi Rail, Air New Zealand, the Bank of New Zealand – all required expensive bailouts and buy-backs after failed privatisations. Have we learnt nothing?
“The PM says governments need to 'refresh their holdings' – what New Zealand needs is a government that properly invests in and maintains public assets instead of running them down to justify selling them off.
“Asset sales are just short-term thinking that leave New Zealanders worse off in the long run. This isn't 'recycling' – it's a loss of ownership and control that we'll regret.”
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.
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Health – Call for swift action on new RSV protection for infants

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

A breakthrough treatment that could save babies from a deadly but preventable lung disease is sitting in the hands of Pharmac – and respiratory health experts say there’s no time to waste.
Last week, it was revealed that nirsevimab – a monoclonal antibody against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – is under consideration by both Medsafe and Pharmac for the prevention of RSV in infants.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ has long advocated for access to RSV protection, after years of high hospitalisation rates among infants – particularly in Māori and Pacific communities.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the potential approval of nirsevimab could be a game-changer.
“This is the progress we’ve been waiting for.
“RSV hospitalises thousands of children every year, and this treatment has the potential to prevent many of those admissions.”
However, Pharmac needs to act quickly to ensure it is ready for the 2026 season, Ms Harding says.
“We can’t afford delays if we want to save lives of some of our most vulnerable.
“We’re urging decision makers to prioritise funding so that New Zealand infants can benefit as soon as possible.”
Unlike the existing option, palivizumab, which requires monthly hospital visits for high-risk infants only, nirsevimab is a single injection that can be given by GPs, nurses, pharmacists or midwives. It provides protection for an entire RSV season and can be offered to a broader group of babies.
Foundation Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox says the opportunity to introduce a more effective and accessible RSV immunisation is a critical step for child health.
“RSV is one of the most common and serious respiratory infections in infants, and it places enormous strain on our hospitals every winter.
“This new treatment could dramatically reduce hospitalisations and health inequities,” he says.
“New Zealand must move quickly to make it available.”
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Aviation – CAA invites aviation sector to help shape the future of NZ’s aviation rules

Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

Published date: 10 November 2025 – The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) will shortly begin a prioritised work programme to update the Civil Aviation Rules — an important step in keeping New Zealand’s aviation system safe, efficient, and fit for the future.

The Rules Update Programme will ensure that the rules remain responsive to technological change, evolving industry needs, and international standards — and the first step is to hear directly from those who work in and around the aviation system.

CAA has launched a short online survey, closing 21 November 2025, that asks the aviation sector to share their views and help shape how the Programme will be designed and which rule changes will be prioritised.

“It’s important that we listen to the sector first,” says Kane Patena, CAA Chief Executive and Director of Civil Aviation.

The Programme aligns with the Government’s Aviation Action Plan, which includes an action for the Ministry of Transport and CAA to develop a two-year, prioritised rolling rule-making programme that is tested with the sector and focused on implementing international standards, improving safety and security, and more effectively enabling innovation.

Kane Patena says the Rules Update Programme builds on the strong technical work that has long underpinned aviation rule-making, but will take a more agile and transparent approach.

“This is not about starting from scratch — it’s about augmenting how we do the work so we can reach our desired state more quickly. We want to make it easier for people to see what’s coming, how priorities are set, and how they can take part.”

The survey is open until 21 November 2025 and can be accessed here:

Have your say: Help shape the future of New Zealand’s aviation rules: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XFVGTGG

For more information about the Civil Aviation Rules, visit the CAA website rules section: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/rules/

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Property Values – New rating valuations show a decrease in property values across the Manawatu District – QV

Source: Quotable Value

Manawatu District property owners will soon receive a Notice of Rating Valuation in the post, containing an updated rating value for their property.
The new rating valuations have been prepared for 15,697 properties on behalf of the Manawatu District Council by Quotable Value (QV). They show the total rateable value for the district is now $15.5 billion, with the land value of those properties now $8.9 billion.
Rating valuations are usually carried out on all New Zealand properties every three years to help local councils set rates for the following three-year period. They reflect the likely selling price of a property (excluding chattels) at the effective revaluation date, which is 1 August 2025.
On average, the value of residential housing in the Manawatu District has decreased by 7.6% since the previous effective revaluation date of 1 August 2022. The average home value is now $618,000, while the corresponding average land value decreased by 12.3% to $279,000.
QV Lead Valuer Jason Hockly said, “While values have reduced, most markets in the Manawatu District have been stable since the middle of 2023.”
“The reduction in values primarily occurred from the middle of 2022 to the middle of 2023”, he said.
“The Feilding residential market had variable value changes, with the lower valued residential properties showing slight increases from 2022 compared higher valued properties showing moderate decreases since 2022,” he said.
“Some larger residential land parcels, primarily within the northern area of Feilding have shown some large decreases in the land values.”
“The commercial and industrial markets have been mostly stable since 2022 with any upward or downward variations being property specific.”
Hockly added. “Overall, commercial properties have increased in capital value by 1.6%, and industrial properties have increased by 6.4%.”
In the rural sector, on average hill country properties have seen a 20% decrease on average in capital values since the last rating revaluation. Easier contoured and finishing land has shown a slight reduction. Most of the dairy land has largely held its values.
District wide averages show that dairy farms have decreased in capital value by 3.2%, pastoral properties have decreased 10.5%, horticultural properties have decreased by 8.0%, and forestry properties have decreased 19.3%.
The lifestyle market has experienced moderate decreases of 10-15% since 2022. Land values have also decreased 10-25%, with the larger drops occurring in the southern and middle of the district.
Overall, the lifestyle category has decreased 11.1% in capital value and 16.7% in land value.
The effective rating revaluation date of 1 August 2025 has now passed, and any changes in the market since then will not be included in the new rating valuations. In many cases, this means a sale price achieved in the market today may differ from the new rating valuation set as at 1 August 2025
The updated rating valuations are independently audited by the Office of the Valuer-General and must meet rigorous quality standards before the new rating valuations are certified. They are not designed to be used as market valuations for raising finance with banks or as insurance valuations.
New rating values were posted to property owners from 5 November 2025. If owners do not agree with their rating valuation, they have the right to object by 12 December 2025. For more information on rating valuations, visit www.qv.co.nz/about/about-rating-valuations/# or, to object to a new rating valuation, visit www.qv.co.nz/services/rating-valuations/object-rating/.
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Health – Tobacco Control Leaders Unite to Shape Aotearoa’s Vision Beyond Smokefree 2025

Source: Hapai Te Hauora

Aotearoa’s tobacco control sector will come together across two days in Tāmaki Makaurau to celebrate decades of progress, share research, and shape a collective vision for what comes next beyond the Smokefree 2025 goal.
Hosted at the Crowne Plaza and culminating at the Auckland Museum, the two-day programme will feature the Tala Pasifika Fono, Te Rōpū Tupeka Kore Hui, the National Tobacco Control Summit 2025, and Te Whakanui i a Auahi Kore – a landmark celebration recognising those who have paved the way toward a Smokefree Aotearoa.
Day One – Wednesday 12 November
The Tala Pasifika Fono (10am-2pm) will unite Pacific advocates, researchers, and health leaders to reflect on tobacco control through a Pacific lens, explore new research, and discuss how technology like AI can strengthen future health mahi.
Later that day, Te Rōpū Tupeka Kore (4pm-8pm) the Māori Tobacco Control Network, will gather to wānanga on Māori leadership and collective strategy moving forward.
Day Two – Thursday 13 November
The National Tobacco Control Summit 2025 (8:30am-3pm) will bring together the sector to share insights and explore challenges ahead, with keynote sessions on hauora Māori, Pacific wellbeing, addiction psychology, and tobacco research. The Summit will also outline proposed next steps for Aotearoa’s Smokefree agenda post-2025.
That evening, Te Whakanui i a Auahi Kore (6:15pm-10pm) under the Dome at the Auckland Museum will acknowledge the people, organisations, and communities who have led the smokefree movement since its beginnings. Awards will celebrate lifetime contributions and innovation in tobacco control and public health.
“This week is about reflection and renewal – celebrating the many people who have contributed to the Smokefree kaupapa and working collectively to protect this momentum for future generations,” says Jasmine Graham, General Manager at Hāpai te Hauora.
The sector now looks beyond 2025 with renewed purpose, united in creating a future where every whānau, hapori, and generation can thrive in a truly smokefree Aotearoa.