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Health Policy – ‘Hospitals and health workers should never be targets’ – NZNO
Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation
The right of health care workers to provide care during international conflicts must be protected, Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO says.
NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says hospitals and health care workers are increasingly being targeted in war torn nations.
“Hospitals and health workers should never be targets. Health care workers must have the right and freedom to provide care in conflict zones,” she says.
International media have reported an Israeli air strike hit a hospital in Tehran’s north, badly damaging the facilities and forcing patients to be evacuated. The air strikes were part of the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran.
“Sadly, attacks on hospitals and health care workers are not a new development,” Kerri Nuku says.
“The World Health Organization last week said attacks on Ukraine’s health care facilities had increased by 20% last year and hit a staggering total of 2881 since the war with Russia began four years ago.
“In Myanmar, at least 34 people were killed and dozens more injured late last year after air strikes from Myanmar's military hit a hospital in the country's west.
“ NZNO is supporting Myanmar health care workers providing care on the Thai border. We have heard firsthand the struggles of providing health care in a conflict,” Kerri Nuku says.
Transport – Road freight sector watching oil prices as Middle East conflict continues
Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Transporting New Zealand says the road freight industry will be monitoring the risk of fuel supply issues and rising oil prices closely, as conflict in the Middle East pushes up the global price of crude.
Chief Executive Dom Kalasih said diesel is typically the second-largest cost for road freight operators after wages, meaning sustained increases put pressure on transport rates.
“With around 93 per cent of New Zealand’s freight moved by road, changes in diesel prices flow through the supply chain and can ultimately affect the cost of goods for businesses and consumers,” Kalasih said.
“Fuel is also the most volatile cost in our industry. Over recent years, price spikes have contributed to transport cost pressures rising well above CPI.”
Kalasih said it was too early to determine the full impact of the Middle East conflict on New Zealand diesel prices, but urged operators to closely monitor their costs.
“The road freight market is highly competitive, and many businesses operate on tight margins. That limits their ability to absorb cost increases.”
He said operators use a range of approaches to manage fuel volatility.
“Some companies apply a fuel adjustment factor, which allows rates to move up or down in line with fuel prices. Others will need to review their pricing manually.”
Kalasih also noted that the Government requires diesel importers to hold minimum fuel reserves to strengthen national resilience and reduce the risk of supply disruption. Under a decision announced last year, the minimum stockholding obligation for diesel will increase from 21 days to 28 days’ cover from 1 July 2028.
Editorial Notes
New Zealand imports approximately 3,700 million litres of diesel per year, compared to under 3,000 million litres of petrol (MBIE Fuel Security Study 2025).
Approximately 70 per cent of diesel is used by the transport sector. Around 11 per cent is used by industry, 10 per cent by agriculture and fishing, with the remainder consumed by commercial, retail and international shipping sectors (MBIE Fuel Security Study 2025).
A 2024 Commerce Commission analysis found that cost increases for Regular 91 and Premium 95 petrol were passed through to consumers more immediately than cost reductions. This asymmetry was not observed for diesel.
Employment Disputes – Fire and Emergency received calls for 10 incidents during today’s NZPFU strike
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received calls for 10 incidents between 12pm and 1pm today, Monday, 2 March, the fifteenth time the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has taken strike action.
Of the 10 incidents, eight were in areas impacted by the strike.
Four of these were fire alarms which did not result in a fire.
One was a medical incident, to which Hato Hone St John responded as per existing contingency plans.
Two were small fires in a bin and a bush, and one was a motor vehicle crash.
Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper thanked Fire and Emergency’s 11,800 volunteers across the country, particularly those volunteers who were called to attend events in areas impacted by the strike.
“I would also like to thank our Operational Commanders and Communication Centre Managers who contributed to the response.”
Ken Cooper also thanked New Zealanders for their extra care during the strike hour.
“It is disappointing the NZPFU continues to escalate its industrial action while we are in facilitation.
“We’ve seen the devastating outcome of fires in Pakuranga and Northcote College in recent weeks during strikes by paid firefighters. The NZPFU continues to gamble with public safety each time they strike,” Ken Cooper says.
“Fire and Emergency has also been seeking an agreed process with NZPFU on how we can respond to emergency situations during these strikes. These NZPFU has rebuffed by these attempts.”
“Fire and Emergency and the NZPFU are currently in a process of facilitation with the Employment Relations Authority’s independent facilitator. We remain engaged with the process in good faith and believe it’s the best chance of coming to a positive sustainable outcome.
“Prior to facilitation, there was a huge gap between what we were offering and NZPFU’s expectations. Fire and Emergency’s offer at the time amounted to a 6.2 percent average increase over three years and compared favourably with equivalent recent public sector agreements, but this was three times less than the NZPFU’s settlement proposal.
“We believe our offer represented a fair and sustainable increase for our people. We continue to call on the NZPFU to call off its now twice-weekly strikes while the process of facilitation takes place. There is no point gambling with the public’s safety while we are engaged in this process,” Ken Cooper says.
“We remain committed to a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement with the NZPFU, so we can continue working to keep our communities safe.”
Universities – Victoria University Coastal Ecology Laboratory Open Day
Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s award-winning teaching and research facility Te Toka Tū Moana—Coastal Ecology Laboratory in Island Bay is hosting its annual open day on Saturday 7 March from 10 am–3 pm.
Part of Seaweek, Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual celebration of the sea, the annual open day provides a rare chance to explore the lab, as it is only open to the public once a year.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or are interested in marine biology as a potential field of study, this educational open day offers engaging activities for all.
Visitors will have the opportunity to discover aspects of Aotearoa’s marine world, with displays showcasing marine biology research conducted at Victoria University, live local marine organisms to look at close-up, and a virtual reality diving experience. Staff, researchers and students will be on hand to answer questions and run a free sausage sizzle.
The laboratory, which supports coastal ecology research within the University’s School of Biological Sciences, is known for its award-winning facilities and world-class research.
Laboratory director Dr Alice Rogers says, “Everyone at the Coastal Ecology Laboratory is excited about opening the doors on Saturday 7 March to reveal the nature of our work here. There is a lot for people of any age to discover, and it’s a great opportunity for our PhD students to showcase some of the innovative research projects that are made possible by the lab’s flow-through seawater system.
“This equipment allows our team to ask important questions—for example, about ocean warming or extreme temperature events, and their impacts on marine organisms.”
New research vessel Kauneke, which has been custom-built for the School of Biological Sciences’ unique teaching and research requirements in coastal ecology in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, will also be on display.
There is plenty of free street parking close by or take the No. 29 bus to stop 7156. The laboratory has wheelchair access and a mobility carpark.
Learn more about the Victoria University Coastal Ecology Laboratory.
When: 10 am–3 pm, Saturday 7 March 2026
Where: Coastal Ecology Laboratory, 396 The Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington
Health – Aged Care Association Welcomes Nurse Settlement, Calls for Sustainable Funding for Aged Residential Care
Source: Aged Care Association
The Aged Care Association welcomes the successful ratification of new collective agreements for Public Health and Mental Health nurses employed by Health New Zealand.
“We are pleased for these nurses and acknowledge the important role they play in supporting communities across New Zealand,” says Tracey Martin, Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association.
“At the same time, it is important that Government recognises that aged residential care nurses look after some of the most clinically complex and acute New Zealanders outside of hospital settings. They support residents with high levels of frailty, multiple co-morbidities, advanced dementia, and palliative care needs, and they do so while also supporting families at what is often one of the most distressing times in their lives.”
Aged residential care nurses are a critical part of New Zealand’s health continuum, providing 24/7 clinical care to approximately 40,000 older New Zealanders nationwide.
Ms Martin said that as the primary funder of aged residential care services, Government must ensure that funding settings reflect both the value of the workforce and the full cost of delivering care.
“We support pay recognition for nurses and care staff. However, it is important that workforce-related uplifts are additional to, not instead of, adjustments to the underlying bed-day rate,” she said.
“Many providers are currently operating below the true cost of care. When a general uplift is fully prescribed to wages, it leaves no capacity to address rising food, utilities, insurance, compliance and capital costs. That places ongoing pressure on service sustainability.”
Sustainable aged care funding requires both fair workforce remuneration and realistic contract pricing.
“Aged care is health care. If we are serious about preparing for a future with a significantly increased number of older New Zealanders, funding must reflect the real cost of delivering high-quality, 24-hour clinical care in residential settings.”
The Association is calling on Government to ensure that upcoming annual funding adjustments recognise both workforce requirements and the structural sustainability of the sector.
Health – Advocates demand lung cancer screening for New Zealand’s deadliest cancer
Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
Australia screens for lung cancer. England screens for lung cancer. New Zealand does not, yet it is the country’s deadliest cancer.
Lung cancer kills more Kiwis than any other cancer and is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women. This year, it will claim the lives of 1800 Kiwis.
With such stark outcomes, strengthening the national approach to lung cancer has never been more urgent.
Today, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is announcing it is formally absorbing the Lung Foundation NZ, strengthening its national respiratory voice.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says this news also signifies the passing of the baton to champion for a national lung cancer screening programme.
Health New Zealand have been developing a proposed case for a national lung screening programme, but it seems little has been done to progress it, she says.
“The business case has been done, yet they seem to have stalled on implementation.
“We screen for breast, cervical, and bowel cancer, yet the cancer that kills the most New Zealanders still has no screening programme.”
There needs to be an urgent implementation of this targeted screening programme for people at high-risk, Ms Harding says.
About 85 per cent of lung cancer is attributable to tobacco smoking, particularly among people who started young, smoked heavily, or smoked over many years, she says.
“We know who is most at risk. We have the technology to detect it earlier. Now we need the commitment.”
Health New Zealand’s proposed programme would target people aged 50-74 based on individual risk, focusing on those with significant smoking histories.
Modelling suggests that over 20 years, the programme could detect around 9000 lung cancers and save more than 6000 lives – around 300 lives each year.
Despite advances in treatment, lung cancer survival remains significantly lower than most other major cancers, in part because many cases are diagnosed at stage III or IV, often after presentation to an emergency department, Ms Harding says.
“We know that earlier detection is associated with less intensive treatment, lower costs, and better outcomes, so it should be a priority for the current – and incoming – Government.”
Lung Foundation NZ Board Chair Dalton Kelly says transferring the Lung Foundation’s work into the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation ensures advocacy continues with greater scale.
“The Lung Foundation was established to stand up for people facing one of the toughest diagnoses imaginable.
“Placing that work within a 60-year national respiratory organisation gives it long-term strength at a time when screening and early detection are critical.”
The Foundation is calling on the government to implement the proposed programme within two years, and for this to be included in the 2027 Budget.
Health – ProCare and The Fono help Pacific families connect with vital services at free community health day
Source: ProCare
Hundreds of Pacific community members came together in Auckland last month for a free health screening event, delivered by ProCare and The Fono, supported by 14 health and social service providers.
The event brought proactive and preventative health services to the community and helped people spot and understand health issues early. The work is part of ProCare’s long‑running partnership with the 14 Healthy Village Action Zone (HVAZ) churches working together with aiga to boost long-term health and wellbeing, including the event host, St Therese Three Kings.
Families took part in health checks and screenings, including dental and blood pressure check-ups, blood sugar testing, and health education. Some people found out they may have undiagnosed conditions and now know what they need to talk to their GP about.
Dr Allan Moffitt, Clinical Director at ProCare and GP at The Fono, says taking services proactively into the community is key to improving access.
“Nearly 500 checks, tests and immunisations were delivered in a single day — that’s the power of meeting people where they are. When we take services into the heart of the community, we remove barriers, we build trust, and we make it easier for families to take that first step toward better health.”
“Events like this strengthen the health system. When people understand their health risks earlier, they can seek the right care at the right time, stay well for longer, and avoid preventable hospital visits. It’s a win for families and a win for the wider health sector.”
The organisations providing screening and advice, included Diabetes New Zealand, Kidney Health New Zealand, Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand, BreastScreen Aotearoa, Totara Hospice, Hato Hone St John, the Heart Foundation, Well Women & Family, Arthritis NZ and the Ministry of Social Development. The level of interest from the community in the providers exceeded expectations — Kidney Health New Zealand saw twice the number of people they would normally see at a full‑day event.
Viv Pole, Head of Pacific Health at ProCare, says the strong turnout highlights the power of Pacific led partnerships: “The response shows how much our families value services that are accessible, culturally grounded, and delivered in a trusted environment. Many people were able to learn their health numbers for the first time, and we heard many remarks like – I didn’t know that food is not the main cause of gout and can be passed down from my parents.”
“Bringing services directly to our families builds trust, strengthens relationships with primary care, and improves long-term health literacy.”
A second screening event will be held in the Ōtāhuhu–Panmure area on 28 March.
About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.
Events – New Zealand Opera offers Simplified Chinese for Bluebeard’s Castle at Auckland Town Hall performances
Source: New Zealand Opera
An internationally acclaimed production of Bluebeard’s Castle, Bartók’s only opera, makes its Auckland debut for two performances in the Auckland Arts Festival in March. The opera will be sung in English, with Simplified Chinese subtitles available on personal devices.
Two of the classical world’s most experienced and sought-after singers, American baritone Lester Lynch and British soprano Susan Bullock, visit New Zealand for their final time with the production. Hailed as “Brilliant” and “Exceptional” by reviewers in its New Zealand debut in Wellington and Christchurch in 2023, Auckland audiences will finally have their chance to see this unmissable opera experience.
Audience members will be able to receive real-time Simplified Chinese translations directly to their personal mobile phones during the performance, by simply scanning a QR code.
The Auckland Philharmonia will be conducted by NZ Opera General Director Brad Cohen at the Auckland Town Hall for this epic, festival staging of a contemporary love story. Chinese speakers who enjoy classical music are warmly welcomed to attend.
Tickets and info nzopera.com
Tickets and info nzopera.com
Northland News – Climate Resilient Communities Fund open for applications
Source: Northland Regional Council
Northland Regional Council’s popular Climate Resilience Communities Fund is open for applications.
Now in its third year, the fund aims to build community resilience to the effects of climate change by focusing on community-led initiatives and building local capacity to lead change.
Since its inception, the fund has supported 45 projects across its five focus areas: Kai Resilience, Water Resilience, Nature-based Resilience, Energy Resilience, and Planning for Resilience. These projects include 22 in the Far North, 10 in Whangārei District, five in Kaipara, and eight region-wide initiatives.
Northland Regional Council Chair Pita Tipene says the fund is helping Taitokerau communities be better prepared for a resilient future.
“Our communities need to be well prepared for how severe weather events can impact them. We’re already seeing how these events can threaten people’s lives, damage homes and infrastructure, leave communities cut off, and compromise access to food, water, and energy supplies.
“The people who live in a community know best what their local area needs to improve its resilience. Through this fund, we’re supporting communities to lead the change they need by contributing resources for them to plan ahead and turn their plans into action.”
Chair Tipene says the fund is part of the regional council’s commitment to take a leading role in helping Taitokerau to become more resilient, with the council investing a total of $1.2 million into community-led action in its previous two rounds.
Successful projects have included a Ngāwhā-based food security initiative that engages whānau in traditional Māori potato growing and aims to develop a peruperu industry for Taitokerau; StormZone, an exhibition and on-road tour looking at extreme weather in Mangawhai; and a dune restoration and weed control project in Bream Bay.
The fund prioritises communities vulnerable to climate impacts and is for initiatives that deliver significant outcomes that benefit the wider community.
“We’re looking for applications that raise awareness, encourage participation in climate resilience action, build capacity, strengthen local connections, and drive transformational change for a more resilient and sustainable future,” Chair Tipene says.
Applicants can apply for grants of between $5000 and $40,000 plus GST.
Applications must be for a project implemented in Taitokerau and be from a legal community entity.
Applications open on Monday 02 March and close on Monday 27 April 2026.
For more information, visit https://www.nrc.govt.nz/climateresiliencefunding/