New data revealing there are almost 30 people competing for each public sector job shows the human cost of the Government's arbitrary cuts to the public service, says the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
Data from 75 public organisations shows there were almost 286,000 applications for 10,000 public service jobs in the first half of this year – a ratio of 28.5 applications per role, compared to just eight applications per role in 2023.
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says the figures expose the human cost of the Government's arbitrary cuts to the public service.
“The numbers speak for themselves – competition for public sector jobs has more than tripled from eight applications per role in 2023 to almost 30 now. Real people who had more to give have been thrown on the scrapheap by a Government that made arbitrary 6.5 to 7.5 percent cuts across the board.
“Some large ministries dealt with thousands of applicants – the Ministry of Social Development alone had almost 20,000 applicants for 1,000 roles, while some agencies like Crown Law had 460 applications for just 13 roles.
“These cuts weren't made because there was any identified need to reduce jobs or improve efficiency – they were made purely to pay for tax cuts including $3 billion for landlords. The human cost of those political priorities is now clear.
“This is a public service that is starting to crack under pressure as remaining staff struggle with increased workloads while their skilled colleagues who were providing essential services are now desperately seeking work, with many moving overseas.
“Among those cut were people modernising our IT systems to make our health system more responsive and efficient, and staff at the Department of Internal Affairs who keep our kids safe from online predators. These weren't inefficiencies being trimmed – these were essential services being gutted.
“There is important work that needs to be done to support New Zealanders, and there are committed people ready and willing to do it. It makes no sense to have a public service under pressure while skilled people who were laid off are now struggling to find work.
“The Government needs to properly fund the public service to meet the needs of all New Zealanders,” Fitzsimons said.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahiis Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 94,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand strongly condemns the recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza that killed at least six Palestinian journalists, as they carried out their professional duty of documenting the ongoing assault on the Palestinian people.
The targeted attack on media workers near Al-Shifa Hospital follows a disturbing pattern of deliberate violence against Palestinian journalists, who have been systematically silenced for bearing witness to atrocities. According to international press freedom organisations, more than 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, making this one of the deadliest conflicts for media workers in modern history.
“Journalists are not combatants. They are the eyes and ears of humanity,” said a spokesperson for the Forum. “Killing journalists is not only a violation of international law, it is an assault on truth itself. By silencing Palestinian voices, Israel seeks to erase evidence of its crimes and deny the world an honest account of what is happening in Gaza.”
The Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on:
TheNew Zealand Governmentto urgently demand independent investigations into these killings and hold Israel accountable under international law.
Theinternational communityto ensure full and unrestricted access for foreign and local media to Gaza, in line with the recent Media Freedom Coalition statement supported by New Zealand.
Allmedia outlets in Aotearoa, New Zealand,give prominence to the testimonies and reporting of Palestinian journalists, whose courage comes at the cost of their lives.
We stand in solidarity with the families of the martyred journalists and with all those in Gaza who continue to risk everything to make the truth known. Their voices will not be silenced.
Paul Billinghurst and Neville Ruske honoured with first-ever Max Raine Award in NZ.
Highlights
Raine & Horne New Zealand held its first standalone National Conference in Rotorua, uniting professionals from 60+ offices for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration.
Hosted by television personality Hilary Barry, the Gala Awards Night celebrated sales, property management, and franchise excellence, with a traditional Māori welcome and an atmosphere of pride and community spirit.
Raine & Horne Tauranga | Mt Maunganui | Katikati | Waihi | Waihi Beach won dual Top Office awards and directors Paul Billinghurst and Neville Ruske became the first NZ recipients of the prestigious Max Raine Award for leadership and entrepreneurship.Christchurch, NZ – 26 August 2025 – Raine & Horne has marked a major milestone in its New Zealand growth journey with the successful staging of its first-ever standalone National Conference, held at Rydges Rotorua on 12–13 August.
The event brought together real estate professionals from more than 60 offices nationwide for two days of inspiration, learning, and connection. Alongside keynote presentations from adventurer Kevin Biggar and psychologist Dr Paul Wood, five speakers from within the Raine & Horne network – ranging from high-performing sales agents to business owners – shared powerful and down-to-earth stories of on life, survival and success.
The program concluded with a spectacular Gala Awards Night hosted by television presenter Hilary Barry. Opening with a traditional Māori welcome, the evening celebrated excellence across sales, property management, and franchise categories.
Among the standout office winners was Raine & Horne Tauranga | Mt Maunganui | Katikati | Waihi | Waihi Beach, led by directors Paul Billinghurst and Neville Ruske of the NRG Group, which claimed dual honours as Top Office – Top Producer (GCI – Sales Dollar Value) and Top Office – Top Seller (Sales Units).
For the first time in New Zealand, the prestigious Max Raine Award for integrity, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit was jointly presented to Mr Billinghurst and Mr Ruske by Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne. The award commemorates Max Raine, who served as Chairman from 1973 to 2011 and was a pioneer of real estate franchising in Australasia.
In the individual sales categories, Bernadette Griffiths of Raine & Horne Mt Maunganui was crowned Top Salesperson – Top Producer (GCI – Sales Dollar Value), while Nicky Bax from Raine & Horne Thames took out Top Salesperson – Top Seller (Sales Units).
Christian O’Malley from Raine & Horne Cashmere secured first place in the Top Sales Value – Team or Individual category, and Rhonda Bradley of Raine & Horne Dargaville was recognised with the Sales Growth Award.
In the franchisee awards, Adrian Louttit of Raine & Horne Rangiora won Top Franchisee – Top Producer (GCI – Sales Dollar Value), with Tina Lawson and Nick McIsaac-Luke
from Raine & Horne Parklands taking the Top Franchisee – Top Seller (Sales Units) title. Rozie Khan from Raine & Horne Manukau was recognised with the Franchisee Growth Award.
James Shepherd, General Manager of Raine & Horne New Zealand, described the conference and gala awards night as a landmark moment for the Raine & Horne brand in New Zealand.
“Our first standalone national conference wasn’t just about business growth—it captured the camaraderie and unity that makes Raine & Horne unique in New Zealand,” Mr Shepherd said.
“The gala awards night was truly special, with the entire room cheering, clapping, and celebrating their peers who won awards. The atmosphere was one of genuine joy and community spirit.”
Mr Shepherd added, “What struck me most was the balance—there’s healthy competition driving our people to achieve more, but at the same time, a remarkable willingness to support and lift each other up. It’s an exciting time for our rapidly expanding network.”
2025 Gala Awards – other major winners
Auction Shield – Raine & Horne St Martins
Top Auction Lister– Rhys Chamberlain, Raine & Horne Alexandra | Cromwell
Brand Awareness Award– Lee Johns, Raine & Horne Timaru
Best New Talent – Salesperson – Renee Hayward, Raine & Horne Timaru
Outstanding Office Support – Lisa Lindsay, Raine & Horne Mt Maunganui
Retail activity up in the June 2025 quarter – media release
25 August 2025
The total volume of retail sales in New Zealand increased by 0.5 percent in the June 2025 quarter compared with the March 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
Figures are adjusted for price inflation and seasonal effects.
“Retail activity recorded a modest increase in the June quarter, with growth seen in most industries,” economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.
“Electrical and electronic goods, supermarkets and grocery stores, and pharmaceutical retailing saw the largest increases this quarter.”
Eight of the 15 retail industries had higher retail sales volumes in the June 2025 quarter compared with the March 2025 quarter, after adjusting for price and seasonal effects.
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1,500 deaths already reported – Number of deaths projected to rise due to extreme food shortages caused by funding cuts, which have stripped away essential services
Millions of vulnerable children at risk as the outbreak accelerates at an alarming rate
World Vision has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to raise US $500,000 to scale up response efforts
More than 40,000 children—half under five—are now affected by a deadly cholera outbreak sweeping across South Sudan, with more than 88,000 cases and 1,500 deaths already reported.
The outbreak is accelerating dangerously, placing millions more at risk – especially in overcrowded camps and flood-hit communities where clean water and healthcare are scarce.
World Vision is on the ground responding, but urgent support is needed. Malnourished children are dying from preventable causes—trapped in a deadly mix of disease, hunger, and displacement. In the hardest-hit areas, conditions are deteriorating rapidly, and the threat is rising daily.
“This is an extremely dangerous situation for children,” says TJ Grant, Acting National Director, World Vision New Zealand. “Cholera is taking children's lives. They are weakened by hunger, vulnerable to infection, and dying without access to clean water or basic medical care, something no child should have to experience.'
The cholera outbreak, which began in late 2024, has intensified with the rainy season and now affects 55 of South Sudan's 79 counties, with the worst-hit areas including Central Equatoria, Upper Nile, Warrap, Jonglei, and Unity states. Although the Government of South Sudan has not officially declared a national emergency, humanitarian access remains challenging in several areas of the country.
Children in overcrowded camps, informal settlements, and flood-hit areas face the greatest risk. In March, UNICEF reported that one in three deaths were children under 14. In conflict zones like Aweil, Renk, Ulang, and Nasir, poor access and weak surveillance likely mean the crisis is even worse than reported.
A communiqué issued by the Extraordinary Inter-Ministerial Meeting on Cholera warns that the situation is reaching a critical stage. “This is not merely a public health crisis, but a multi-sectoral emergency, exacerbated by flooding, displacement, and limited access to basic services,” the statement noted.
Amid soaring needs and funding cuts, World Vision is urgently appealing for US $500,000 to launch a six-month emergency response, which will enable them to deliver clean water, healthcare, food, and protection to 500,000 people.
Grant says, “We urgently call on donors, governments, and partners to act now— before more innocent children's lives are tragically lost. Every donation is a lifeline, protecting South Sudan's most vulnerable and bringing hope to those who need it most.”
Federated Farmers says the Reserve Bank’s decision to review bank capital rules is the first step towards lower interest rates and fairer access to finance for farmers.
“These capital rules have a direct impact on rural livelihoods,” Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Mark Hooper says.
“The stricter the rules, the more capital banks need to hold – making lending more expensive for borrowers like farmers.
“We welcome the Reserve Bank’s decision to consult on a number of changes to its capital settings.”
Capital rules determine how much money a bank needs to set aside in case a loan goes bad.
The current setting requires banks to hold enough capital to withstand a one-in-200-year shock, which Hooper says is overly conservative.
“That setting is one of the strictest in the world and it’s costing farmers an absolute fortune.
“Farming is an incredibly capital-intensive business, with most farming families relying on bank lending to pay for things like land, animals and machinery.
“When capital rules are set at such conservative levels, the banks pass on those extra costs and, ultimately, it’s farming families and smaller businesses that take the hit.”
Federated Farmers says higher capital requirements increase the cost of borrowing across the economy but that farmers, who carry higher debt levels, are disproportionately affected.
As it stands, the current capital rules are costing farmers up to $714 million each year in unnecessary interest charges.
“Every extra fraction of a percent on interest rates means tens of thousands of dollars more in interest payments for a farmer each year,” Hooper says.
“Farming businesses are collectively paying hundreds of millions of dollars in unnecessary interest costs, simply because of restrictive and overly conservative capital settings.
“Each extra dollar being spent on unnecessary interest is a dollar not being spent to grow the business, improve productivity, or make environmental improvements on the farm.
“It’s also a dollar not being spent in our rural communities, as that money gets sucked directly out of the local economy.”
Federated Farmers stresses that a strong banking system is important for the stability of New Zealand’s financial system – but the balance needs to be right.
“We absolutely support the need for stable and well-capitalised banks, but the pendulum has swung too far in the wrong direction and it’s now holding back economic growth,” Hooper says.
“New Zealand’s capital requirements are now well out of step with international standards, and that’s unfairly penalising our farmers and putting a real drag on the economy.
“This review is a real opportunity to reset the rules, so they protect financial stability without unnecessarily restricting credit or inflating borrowing costs.
“Farmers need fair and affordable access to capital if they are to continue driving New Zealand’s export economy.”
The formal declaration of famine in Gaza puts more pressure on the New Zealand government to recognise Palestine as a state, and to call on the Trump administration to persuade the Israeli government that Israel’s future peace and prosperity dep
Covering period of Monday 25th – Friday 29th August – See-sawing into spring
It was an active weekend for the upper North Island, with hail and thunderstorms
Fine weather for most to start the week, and temperatures briefly warming up
Rain at times about the North Island’s east coast, possibly heavy for Gisborne, with blustery easterly winds
Strong northwesterly winds and bursts of heavy rain with a front later in the week.
With the final week of meteorological winter in full swing, MetService is forecasting plenty of sunshine for the start of the week, though areas in the north and east of the North Island can expect showers. However, from Wednesday, the see-saw tips back to wet and windy weather as a front moves across the country.
It was an active weekend for the upper North Island, with more than 3,000 lightning strikes detected, mostly offshore. Even more noticeable for those of us on land, heavy showers brought considerable amounts of small hailstones to parts of Northland and Auckland, blanketing the ground in white – an unusual sight in the ‘winterless north’!
MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino explains, “With the end-of-winter sun getting stronger, the land is warming up more and more during the day, so when cold air moves over aloft conditions are primed for producing thunderstorms and hail.”
Eastern parts of Northland, northern Auckland, and Coromandel might still see thunderstorms and small hail Monday afternoon and evening, but by Tuesday conditions settle down, with lighter showers and plenty of sunny breaks expected.
Fine and frosty weather dominates the rest of the country to start the week, with morning fogs burning off faster and faster the closer we get to spring.
Daytime temperatures also start to climb as the week goes by, getting into the high teens for many places from Wednesday onwards – all eyes will be on Gisborne and Napier, which might even crack 20°C.
“Unfortunately for those looking forward to milder spring days, this warm spell will be short-lived – winter still has one last gasp for us, as chillier air sweeps back up the country on Friday,” Martino says.
The exception to this sunny start of the week is the North Island’s east coast, where rain is expected on and off until Wednesday, particularly about Tairāwhiti/Gisborne, and blustery southeasterly winds pick up from Tuesday evening.
Windy conditions will also make themselves known further south later in the week, with northwesterlies cranking up about Fiordland and Southland from Wednesday, then spreading north as far as Wairarapa during Thursday, and into Central Hawke’s Bay on Friday.
“Severe Weather Watches or Warnings may be issued as we get closer to the event, so make sure to check back in on the MetService website and app for the latest information,” Martino suggests.
The front driving those strong northwesterlies ahead of it will also bring a brief burst of heavy rain as it crosses the South Island on Thursday and North Island on Friday. Colder temperatures behind the front on Friday may bring snow to elevated parts of the South Island, possibly affecting higher roads and stations.
South Island’s largest community investor, Rātā Foundation, has released its annual results for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, reporting a robust7.1% portfolio returnand growth in its pūtea to$695 million, despite global market volatility.
This financial strength enabled Rātā to invest$26.5 millionin community-led initiatives across its funding regions, an increase from$21.8 million in FY24. It is evolving a responsible investment approach that delivers strong, risk-adjusted returns-supporting community goals without compromising people or the planet.
“Our investment strategy is about more than financial returns-it’s about creating meaningful social change,” saidLeighton Evans, Chief Executive. “We’re proud to deliver strong results while staying true to our values. Every dollar invested is a step toward empowering communities and protecting the planet.”
Investing for Impact
Rātā investment strategy has evolved to include strategic diversification and direct investments with like-minded New Zealand entities. A key milestone this year was the acquisition of a25% stake in Alvarium (NZ) Management Holdings Limited, which aligns with Rātā ethical investment principles and marks a significant step in its goal to allocate30% of its portfolio to direct investments.
“We’re building a resilient portfolio that supports long-term community funding, even in uncertain times,” Evans said. “Our financial performance underpins our ability to invest in solutions that matter-like affordable housing, mental health, and strengthening the Community sector.”
Evidence of Social Impact Across our Community Investment Programme
“We’re committed to creating long-term, equitable, and sustainable impact. By focusing on key issues like affordable housing, mental health, and education, and grounding our decisions in data and evidence, we ensure our funding reaches those who need it most-building healthier, more resilient communities,” says Mr Evans.
Rātā funding has supported a wide range of initiatives, with measurable outcomes including:
–71 affordable housing units funded in FY25, up from 62 in FY24
–1,889 individuals supported through mental health programmes
–193 organisations strengthened through governance, climate
adaptation, and AI capability workshops
–28 tailored strengthening initiatives for individual community organisations
–34,000 instances of support for people with high and complex
needs
–58,000 Positive youth development opportunities
–353,000 Opportunities to connect in the community
–206,000 opportunities to celebrate diversity and culture
–259,000+ opportunities to participate in sports and arts
–77,000 Opportunities for people to participate in conservation
–89,000+ volunteers involved
Regional Funding Breakdown
In FY25, Rātā Foundation distributed$26.5 millionacross its funding regions, up from$21.5 million in FY24, through591 distinct funding opportunities. Key areas of investment included:
Regionally:
–Canterbury (includes Chatham Island):$17.4m
–Nelson:$3.9m
–Marlborough:$1.7m
–Multi-Region$3.5m
Priority Funding Areas:
–Support:$15.3m (up from $10.5m)
–Connect: $3.4m (down slightly from $3.5m)
–Sustain: $2.6m (down from $4.2m)
–Participate: $3.7m (up from $3.1m)
–Learn: $1.5m(steady from FY24m)
Looking Ahead
“We remain focused on strengthening community organisations and adapting to evolving community needs,” Evans said. “Our purpose is clear-create lasting social impact through ethical investment and evidence-based funding. When communities are strong, the future is too.”
Rātā Foundation invites stakeholders and the public to explore its fullAnnual Review 2024/2025, including detailed financial and impact reporting, atwww.ratafoundation.org.nzandwww.ratainvest.org.nz
About Rātā Foundation:
Rātā Foundation is the South Island's most significant community investment fund.
Since its inception, Rātā has provided $607 million in social impact to community organisations across its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, and the Chatham Islands.
It manages a $700 million pūtea, generating $26 million per annum to invest in its funding regions.
Rātā long-term strategic objective is to invest in communities to enable a higher standard of community well-being. It int
The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) honoured some outstanding member dentists at its annual conference dinner and awards evening held at Tākina in Wellington last Friday.
Former television news anchor Mike McRoberts emceed proceedings and assisted with presenting the NZDA Awards across four categories, as well inducting two new Honorary Members, one new Honorary Life Member for services to dentistry in New Zealand, and one new NZDA Fellow.
National MP Sam Uffindell was in attendance and provided a wonderful speech on the significance of this year’s conference marking the Association’s 120th birthday. He also assisted with the presentation of this year’s prestigious NZDA Outstanding Young Dentist Award.
An NZDA presidential handover also took place with outgoing president Dr Amanda Johnston welcoming incoming president Dr David Excell into the role. Dr Excell will serve as NZDA President for the next two years.
This year’s annual awards event had a ‘birthday party’ dress theme as the Association celebrated its 120th Anniversary. Attendees sported birthday themed outfits to celebrate the occasion. Prizes were awarded to the best dressed on the night.
“The awards dinner is always the focal point of our annual conference, so it’s the ideal place to celebrate and acknowledge exceptional member contributions and service to our profession, as well as to the wider community,” said NZDA President Dr David Excell.
NZDA Award 2025 recipients:
– NZDA Outstanding Young Dentist Award – Dr Margaret Clark, Wellington Branch
– NZDA Colleague of The Year Award – Dr Gavin Cho, Wellington NZDA Branch
-NZDA Service Award – Dr Winifred Harding, Otago NZDA Branch
-NZDA Public Service Award – Dr Gary Lawrence, Wellington NZDA Branch
