MIL Email Publisher (NZ)

Modern slavery isn’t a distant problem – it’s happening here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

It’s embedded in supply chains both domestically and internationally, exposing New Zealand companies to significant reputational and ethical risks. More than 250 New Zealand-headquartered companies appear on Australia’s Modern Slavery Register, but two private members’ bills proposing modern slavery legislation for New Zealand are still sitting in Parliament’s “biscuit tin”.

Introducing modern slavery legislation would align New Zealand with key trading partners—Australia and the United Kingdom—both of which have enacted modern slavery laws.

People with intellectual disability are facing yet another financial blow following changes to the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act that remove a government subsidy for court-mandated financial examinations.

From 3 October 2024, the Public Trust began charging $247.27 per hour to review property managers’ annual financial statements – a process that ensures a person’s money is being properly managed. Previously, those with less than $20,000 in assets were protected from these costs by a government subsidy. That protection has now been taken away.

“Removing the subsidy is effectively charging people for being poor and disabled. It’s not right,” said Tania Thomas, IHC Director of Advocacy. “These are not people with savings or assets – many live week to week.”

The new fee applies to the person under protection in many cases, an intellectually disabled person living on a benefit. Public Trust has confirmed that fees cannot be waived.

“These fees are being charged to people who often have nothing to spare,” said Tania. “They are some of the most financially vulnerable people in New Zealand – yet they’re now being asked to pay for a safeguard that exists to protect them. It’s deeply unfair.”

People with intellectual disability already experience some of the highest rates of hardship in the country:

They are twice as likely to live in hardship before age 40, and three times as likely between 40 and 64, compared to others.
Nearly half would not be able to pay an unavoidable bill within a month without borrowing.
They are four times more likely to go without a proper meal, and three times more likely to cut back on fruit and vegetables because of cost.
Many go cold in winter because they cannot afford heating, and almost half can’t afford a holiday.

IHC is urging the Government to reinstate the subsidy or introduce a hardship exemption so that people with intellectual disability are not left paying for a process that was designed to keep them safe.

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

Tax Justice Aotearoa (TJA) and the Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign  have expressed their disappointment with the narrow Capital Gains Tax Labour announced this morning, describing it as 'unambitious' at a time that calls for more, but welcomed Labour's commitment to a CGT.

“Tax Justice Aotearoa  and the Better Taxes campaign, along with numerous public opinion polls and expert commentators, have supported a CGT because it has the promise to deliver real benefits for New Zealand”, says Glenn Barclay, Tax Justice Aotearoa and Better Taxes spokesperson. “But it really has to be as comprehensive as possible to deliver long-term and meaningful change. Labour's policy represents a first step, but it doesn't yet look like it will deliver on the potential benefits to New Zealanders of a comprehensive CGT.”

“We have a good understanding of the challenges facing the country and both the Treasury and Inland Revenue have recently produced reports that demonstrate that we will have trouble addressing these challenges unless we raise substantially more tax revenue,” says Glenn Barclay. “In light of all of this we can only describe Labour's policy as 'unambitious'.”

“Labour's policy should help provide some balance to the property market and it is good to see them prioritising GP visits with the limited funds that this tax is likely to generate, but much more is needed to address other issues in the health system, including staffing and capital investment. And while health is a major issue facing the country, we also need to better fund our education system, respond effectively to climate change, address poverty and inequality, and more to meet the needs of our ageing population”, says Glenn Barclay.

In 2023 IRD conducted research that demonstrated that the wealthiest 311 families in New Zealand had an effective tax rate of 9.4% compared to just over 20% for the average New Zealander. Untaxed income from capital gains was a big part of the ultra wealthy families' low tax rate This tax policy will have only the lightest impact on addressing that discrepancy.

“This policy will still leave us as an outlier internationally, where most countries in the OECD have a comprehensive CGT. A comprehensive CGT is a common sense way to gather resources we need, address inequality in our tax system and improve housing affordability.  We think that Labour should  go further so it can deliver for New Zealanders,” says Glenn Barclay.

“The policy does represent a small step towards a fairer tax system and give us something to build on, including  supplementing the CGT with other tax changes that would improve outcomes for New Zealanders,” says Glenn Barclay.

The New Zealand Aged Care Association (ACA) warmly welcomes today’s announcement by Health Minister Hon Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello of a Ministerial Advisory Group to design a sustainable, fit-for-purpose aged care system.

Chief Executive Hon Tracey Martin said the announcement marks an important moment of national cooperation on one of the most pressing social challenges facing New Zealand.

“This is a truly positive step — not just for the aged care sector, but for all New Zealanders who want to see a strong, fair and enduring system of care for our older population,” Ms Martin said.  “It signals a commitment to long-term, bipartisan reform — something the Association has been calling for over the past 18 months.  We are genuinely encouraged to see that call being answered.”

Ms Martin said the establishment of the Advisory Group provides an unprecedented opportunity for cross-party collaboration and evidence-based policy development.

“For the past 18 months, we’ve asked for the chance to genuinely participate in designing a system that is stable, sustainable, and investable — one that ensures we have the capacity to care for the rapidly growing number of older Kiwis who will need support in the very near future,” she said.  “We commend Ministers Brown and Costello for their leadership and welcome the Government’s intention to bring all parties together around lasting solutions. The ACA stands ready and willing to assist the Advisory Group in any way that will help deliver those outcomes.”

While the Advisory Group’s work will shape long-term reform, Ms Martin noted that its timeline means recommendations will not be available in time to inform the 2026/27 Budget.

“Ministers Brown and Costello understand what is needed to steady the sector in the short term while the Advisory Group develops its proposals,” she said. “We would urge Finance Minister Willis to invite them to bring forward a Budget bid that delivers the immediate support required to give providers confidence and continuity while the longer-term reforms are being developed.”

Practical short-term measures would enable providers to take a more active role in, for example, supporting older New Zealanders to recover after hospitalisation — particularly those aged over 65 who are well enough to leave acute care but not yet ready to return home. By funding short-stay recovery placements in aged residential care, hospitals could free up beds sooner while ensuring older people receive the right care and rehabilitation to regain their independence and safely return home. “Such initiatives would make a tangible difference while the Advisory Group undertakes its important work,” Ms Martin said.  “We are committed to working alongside Ministers, officials, and the Advisory Group to help design an aged care system that is equitable, sustainable, and truly built to last.”

The Accelerated Housing Fund will now be on track to deliver thousands more homes with a doubled fund of $1 billion.

ASB is announcing an expansion of its Accelerated Housing Fund to $1 billion from $500 million. By doubling its commitment to accelerate housing delivery where it’s most needed, the change reinforces ASB’s position as a champion for social and affordable housing in New Zealand.

Since its inception in November 2023, the Fund has committed $420m of lending supporting the delivery of and long-term investment into over 1000 new homes, demonstrating the bank’s commitment to enabling a wide range of housing solutions across the country.

ASB is further reducing presale requirements for affordable housing, making the fund more accessible to a wider range of housing developments.

“We are intent on helping more New Zealanders into homes, and part of that is being an enabler of new housing development and investment through all stages of the economic cycle,” says Ben Speedy ASB’s General Manager of Commercial Banking and Business Strategy.

“We have a role to play in addressing housing supply by supporting Kiwi businesses and not-for-profits who have the solutions New Zealand needs. With the expanded fund we’ve evolved the way we lend, making it easier for social and affordable housing projects right across the continuum to get off the ground, sooner”

“The expansion of our Accelerated Housing Fund aligns with the Government’s recent announcement of the Community Housing Provider Loan Guarantee scheme. We see this as an important step in supporting the community housing sector to deliver more homes for New Zealanders.”  says Ben Speedy.

The National Emergency Management Agency is urging the public to be extra vigilant ahead of more severe weather forecast for many parts of the country on Labour Day.

NEMA Chief Executive Dave Gawn says MetService has issued weather warnings for multiple regions, and NEMA is urging the public to take care on the roads when returning home from long weekend breaks.

“MetService have issued warnings for rain, wind and snow, and it’s essential that people factor these into their travel plans.  Plan your journeys, pack extra supplies in case you get stranded, and if it’s looking really hairy, consider delaying your travel if you can.

“Check for closures before you hit the road, be on the lookout for slips and debris, and never drive through floodwater”

Dave Gawn says many communities are still picking up the pieces after Thursday’s storms and forecast severe weather will be a setback to cleanup efforts.

He says excellent progress has been made in impacted regions, with power being progressively restored and critical communications and other services coming back online.

“I want to acknowledge the impact the recent severe weather has had on our communities, and recognise the massive efforts of everyone involved.”

Mr Gawn says councils, Civil Defence, emergency services and government agencies throughout the country are working together to coordinate resources and support the locally-led response efforts.

NEMA has stood up the National Crisis Management Centre in the Beehive to assist with response and recovery efforts, and to be ready to respond to any impacts arising tomorrow. NEMA has worked with partner agencies and CDEM Groups to surge personnel in to provide support to Southland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group and Clutha District, and to source and move generators into those areas to be prioritised for critical needs.

Mr Gawn says NEMA is currently working with central government agencies and CDEM Groups from impacted regions to identify what support will be required for the initial recovery period, including for the rural sector.

More information:

Get ready for the bad weather:

• Stay up to date with the latest weather information from MetService.
• Listen to advice provided by your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and emergency services and follow any instructions. Put safety first. Don’t take any chances.
• There are still multiple road closures across impacted regions. If you have to travel, check road conditions before you go. For state highway closures, visitwww.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions 
• If your property has been damaged, contact your insurance company. They will help you with claims and what you need to do next.
• Check on neighbours, especially those who may be elderly, isolated, or without communications.
• If you see a fallen power line, always treat it as if it’s live, and do not attempt to clear any debris lying next to a fallen power line.
• If life, health or property is in danger, call 111 immediately.
• For more advice on preparing for severe weather, check out Storms — Get Ready (NZ Civil Defence) — Emergency preparedness in New Zealand

If you have no power

• Turn off all appliances including cookers and heaters so that when power comes back on, you reduce the risk of a fire from unattended cooking, or flammable items left close to heaters.
• Use torches rather than candles if possible. If you must use candles, keep them away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave a candle burning in an empty room
• If you are using camp cookers or alternative forms of heating, always make sure they are on a stable surface. Do not use outdoor cooking or heating equipment inside.
• If your mobile phone says you have no network connection you may still be able to ring 111. Even if your phone says you have no service, try the call.
• You may be able to charge your phone with your car’s battery using a car charger.
• If you no longer have access to a phone, a solar- or battery-powered radio or your car radio can help you keep up to date with the latest news and alerts.
• RNZ is running extended bulletins at 7am, 12pm and 5pm providing local updates for people in Southland and Clutha without power.
• If you use a portable generator, it must be located in a well-ventilated place. The generator must never be used in an indoor space where people are present; this includes areas such as an internal garage. Using portable generators after a natural event or emergency | WorkSafe
• Avoid getting sick from unsafe food:

• Eat foods that will expire soon first – such as bread, meat, salads, and dairy products. These spoil more quickly than non-perishable food.
• Eat canned and non-perishable pantry foods last.
• Open your fridge and freezer as little as possible to help keep it cooler for longer. Leave already frozen food in the freezer if possible. Freezers will remain colder for longer if they are full (2–4 days) than if they are half full (1–2 days).

Where people can get support

• Southland: People with immediate needs can call Emergency Management Southland on 0800 809 127 between 8am and 9pm.
• Clutha District: If people need water or don’t have power or wifi they can contact Clutha District Council on 0800 801 350. Drop-in centres are also being established in isolated communities to provide power, internet access, and connection to support services. Details are provided at www.cluthadc.govt.nz

Support for farmers

• If you have questions or concerns about animal welfare emergency management phone MPI on 0800 00 83 33.
• Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
• Resources are also available at FarmStrong: farmstrong.co.nz

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

‘Compassion fatigue’ is widely regarded as the personal cost of caring, but new research from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland questions that narrative

‘Compassion fatigue’ is widely regarded as the personal cost of caring, but new research from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland questions that narrative and suggests that compassion fatigue could in fact be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The South Island's first three-person adventure swing opened at the iconic Queenstown home of AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand (AJHBNZ) today.

AJHBNZ co-founder Henry van Asch and Destination Queenstown chief executive Mat Woods were the first riders of the anticipated Kawarau Swing at the official launch today. Located at the original home of bungy – the Kawarau Bridge – the Kawarau Swing has been designed as a milder, family-friendly alternative to the world-renowned, adrenalin-fuelled bungy jump. The swing is the latest addition to AJHBNZ, which has been operating for almost 37 years.

AJHBNZ CEO David Mitchell says the new swing offers single, tandem, or three-person rides and is an inclusive and accessible option for all thrill-seekers.

“We’re very excited to be launching another safe and exhilarating experience at the Kawarau Bungy Centre,” he says. “The Kawarau Swing is a fantastic, family-friendly experience that complements our bungy and zipline activities to elevate the overall guest experience. It’s been years in the making, and we’re excited to see this great innovation come to fruition at the original home of bungy.”

The Kawarau Swing launches from a dedicated platform on the Kawarau Bridge viewing deck, and the retractable floor means no self-initiated ‘step off’ is required. It then sends guests swinging 43 metres above the Kawarau River, before a smooth winch return to the swing deck.

Van Asch says the experience is perfect for those wanting to try an adrenaline activity but aren’t ready for the intensity of a bungy jump.

“The Kawarau Swing hits that sweet spot between the full-on adrenaline rush of a bungy and the pure joy of a zipride,” he says. “It will enhance Queenstown’s adventure tourism offering – we expect it to be very popular with visiting families, couples and groups. The swing was designed with families and couples in mind, and anyone from the age of eight can ride it. It’s also a fun activity for spectators, who can watch every bit of the action from the viewing platform.”

After three years of planning, design and engineering, the Kawarau Swing has undergone rigorous testing, peer reviews, weight tests and independent inspections before opening today. AJHBNZ staff are continuously trained at the highest level to adhere to the company’s impeccable safety standards.

“Safety is number one with all of our experiences and has been since we opened in 1988,” van Asch adds. “Our stringent safety systems have been part of the process every step of the way for the Kawarau Swing. Now it’s ready for people to come out here and enjoy it.”

About AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand  
Ever since it was launched with a buzz by AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch back in 1988, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has been in the business of fuelling people with courage and adrenaline. The world’s first commercial bungy operation opened at the Kawarau Bridge in November 1988 and AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has remained committed to levelling up the exhilaration across Aotearoa, with bungy, zipride, swing, catapult, skywalk, skyjump and bridge climb across Queenstown, Taupō and Auckland.