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Property Market – Home ownership dream remains alive despite gloomy survey results – (FAMNZ)

Source: Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ)

New Zealanders are being urged not to abandon their dreams of home ownership, despite a survey* revealing 72 percent of non-homeowners believe buying a property is beyond their reach.

Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ) managing director Peter White AM says while the results of the survey by market research agency Perceptive aren’t surprising, many would-be owners have more options than they realise.

Mr White said research by FAMNZ revealed that many Kiwis directly approach a bank to enquire about finance, and when rejected, falsely believe there are no other options.

“Banks provide great facilities and products but the misconception that a bank is the sole source of lending is preventing many aspiring homeowners from realising their dreams,” he said.

“There have been many cases when an adviser has arranged financing or refinancing after a bank has said no,” Mr White continued.

“There are other lenders outside the traditional banks with different lending criteria, so I would urge aspiring homeowners to see a mortgage adviser first, but also if they’re knocked back by a bank.”

He said mortgage advisers also had access to non-bank lenders, and consider each borrower's unique situation, taking this into account to find the most suitable loan.

Mr White said each borrower has different needs and often a bank product may not be the best fit, but this doesn’t mean there is no path to home ownership.

“For example, self-employed people who can’t show a regular wage may not fit the criteria for some traditional bank products, so a mortgage adviser may in some situations recommend a non-bank lender as the most suitable option.

“Many of these non-bank lenders are not accessible to the public and only available through a mortgage adviser.”

He said as good as many bank products are, “a bank can only offer you the products they have, and these often don’t consider the unique financial circumstances of the borrower.”

With interest rates predicted to continue their downward trajectory, Mr White urged those who want to enter the market or refinance, “not to give up hope but to ask a mortgage adviser to provide options.”

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Business – Industrial gas users almost out of options

Source: EMA

A lack of available gas supply will force price increases and some very tough decisions across multiple business sectors as today’s release of the Industrial and Consumers Gas Survey highlights .
“We’ve got several members struggling to source supply beyond September or the back end of this year, then they are facing increases of 20%, 30%, 40%, or even more – if they can even source a supply contract,” says EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald.
“Multiple respondents to the survey, and many of the 150 attendees of the Gas Users Forum last week, said that supply issues are already leading to increased prices, reduced production and decreases in the workforce.
“This at a time when the manufacturing sector in New Zealand is under real pressure and, as a country, we are facing current and increasing de-industrialisation of the economy. For a number of businesses, their energy options are limited and their ability to transition to other energy sources is constrained either by cost or geography.
“For example, greenhouse growers of vegetables would face huge transition costs, as would milk powder and baby formula producers for their dryers.
“Another forum attendee, who already has to truck gas to his site, would face the cost of building 50km of lines and poles to the nearest substation capable of supplying the required energy levels for his plant.”
New Zealand’s problem is not unique as the country heads down a path of more renewable energy to mitigate climate changes and shift away from fossil fuels. But other countries have recognised the need to retain gas, in particular, as a transition fuel to achieve and support the shift to renewables.
“The long-term shift to mainly renewables is the right pathway and a laudable goal,” says McDonald.
“But it’s laughable when we’re facing importing more coal than ever and forcing more businesses to switch to either coal or diesel or potentially shut down because of their higher energy prices.
“In the short term, we’re asking big users such as Methanex and others to reduce production to make more gas available, but that’s hardly sustainable.
“Changes to the RMA and fast-track legislation will encourage the building of new renewable generation in the next few years. But wind and solar farms need the backing of thermal generation, building new hydro dams would take a decade or more – if they could be consented at all – and it will also take time to develop more geothermal or the still-theoretical deep-bore geothermal options.”
The survey highlights that many businesses are unable to afford the transition to renewables in the short term, with most requiring 15-20 years or more to be economically viable. The survey also shows that most of those gas users are disillusioned about the long-term future of gas, despite the recent announcement of the $200 million government co-investment fund for exploration announced in the recent Budget.
At the Gas Users Forum, that gloomy future was predicated on the previous government’s decision to ban oil and gas exploration and the opposition’s ongoing rhetoric about reinstating the ban when re-elected.
“Elsewhere around the world, economies have recognised that gas is the optimal, viable transition fuel while renewables are scaled up,” says McDonald.
“Labour’s MPs continue to say there is no gas there to find. Well, there won’t be if you're not looking.
“In the meantime, it’s likely we’ll see further de-industrialisation of the economy, more factory closures and more job losses.”
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Advocacy – International Youth Day Highlights the Resilience and Hope of Palestinian Youth

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

On the occasion of International Youth Day, organizations and advocates worldwide unite to celebrate Palestinian youth. Despite the ongoing challenges of conflict, limited resources, and restrictions on movement, Palestinian young people demonstrate outstanding resilience, creativity, and leadership.

Palestinian youth are at the forefront of efforts to promote peace, justice, and human rights in their communities. Their drive for education, innovation, and social change continues to inspire hope for a brighter future. The global community recognizes not only the obstacles these young people confront but also their unwavering spirit, courage, and commitment to building inclusive societies.

On this International Youth Day, organizations reaffirm their commitment to support Palestinian youth as they strive for dignity, equality, and opportunity. “Palestinian youth are our greatest assets,” said a spokesperson. “Their vision is essential for shaping a future where all can thrive in peace and freedom.”

Stakeholders and supporters call for increased investment in education, employment opportunities, and initiatives that empower Palestinian youth to fully realise their potential. The international community stands in solidarity with Palestinian youth, championing their rights and amplifying their voices for positive change.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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Energy Sector – Gas market crisis: Industry warns of ‘devastating consequences’ ahead

Source: BusinessNZ

New data confirms that New Zealand’s industrial gas market is in crisis, with immediate action required to save jobs, services and manufacturing in New Zealand.
Businesses large and small recently shared their concerns with the Minister for Resources and discussed support strategies to manage the declining gas supply at this year’s Gas User Forum, hosted by the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) and Optima.
Optima Managing Director Martin Gummer says natural gas is used for much more than electricity generation.
“Natural gas is a crucial fuel for New Zealand industry. It’s used in the creation of everyday products and services for New Zealanders. Things like coffee roasting, beer brewing, infant formula, meat and vegetable production, all harness natural gas as part of their process.”
Industrial and commercial gas users were surveyed ahead of the forum. Results reveal a critical and deteriorating situation in New Zealand's natural gas market.
“Almost half of the surveyed businesses (31 of 66) have reduced operations, increased prices, or cut staff due to rising gas costs or unreliable supply. The average level of concern regarding future gas availability and pricing is 4 out of 10, with uncertainty about the availability of contracts going forward,” Gummer says.
BEC Executive Director Tina Schirr says survey results paint an alarming picture, with significant cost pressures for users.
“On average, prices have surged more than 100% in the past five years, with a quarter of businesses surveyed now paying $25 or more per gigajoule. Most businesses surveyed (80%) have contracts expiring by 2027, creating a narrow window for necessary transitions to alternative energy sources.
“If we do nothing, a major de-industrialisation crisis could escalate in the next two years, having serious and devastating consequences for suppliers and customers of gas-using businesses.”
Schirr says while some businesses can transition to alternatives, it’s not an easy fix.
“More than 40% of businesses surveyed say transitioning to alternative fuels is not commercially viable within the next five years, with a further 20% uncertain. Even with a phase-out period of 15 years, only 75% of all respondents were confident of being able to transition.
“The remainder say that switching may be possible if barriers are removed – including the prohibitive cost of conversion, lack of proven alternative technologies, uncertainty about commercial viability, and the high cost or difficulty of upgrading on-site supply infrastructure.
BEC and Optima believe that for industries able to transition, a joint industry and government plan for a managed reduction and transition away from industrial gas supply is needed, aiding industries in adopting alternative technologies. Government funding and clear long-term energy strategies are critical to support these transitions.
“We urge the government to use all the levers at its disposal to help free up gas supplies and get more gas out of the ground. Minister Jones has been doing good work in this regard, but we’re only scratching the surface.
“Increased investment in developing gas fields short-term is desperately needed to reduce the shortfall in supply. For investors to feel confident there needs to be bipartisan agreement, providing important stability and certainty.”
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Advocacy – Government delay on recognising Palestinian state weak and deeply embarrassing – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

The government decision to delay till September considering whether to recognise a Palestinian state is weak and deeply embarrassing. 

 

Recognising a Palestinian state is decades overdue and the government could even delay it further.

 

There was a time when New Zealand would have been a leader in standing up for human rights and international law but we are now the slowest follower in the western world – a shameful place to be.

 

But recognising Palestine is NOT a substitute for sanctions against Israel. 

 

“Sanctions against Israel is the only way to force this apartheid state to end the genocide in Gaza” says PSNA Co-Chair John Minto. “This is the urgent priority.” 

Israel continues with the mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza because it has never been held to account by western countries such as New Zealand. 

 

“This impunity for genocide must end”

 

 

This Saturday 16 August the Palestine Solidarity movement has a National Day of Action for Palestine. 

 

People in more than 30 centres will be rallying and marching and demanding the NZ government recognise Palestine and impose government sanctions against Israel’s genocidal attacks on Palestine. 

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Renewable Energy – Offshore Wind Developer JERA Nex bp Launched

Source: JERA Nex bp

11 August 2025 – Parkwind, the company looking to develop a large-scale wind farm off the coast of South Taranaki, is now part of one of the world’s largest offshore wind developers, JERA Nex bp.

The formation of the 50:50 joint venture – which combines the offshore wind assets of bp with those of Parkwind’s former owner, Japan’s JERA – was completed on August 1.

Peter Spencer, formerly Country Manager New Zealand, Parkwind and now Country Manager New Zealand, JERA Nex bp, welcomed the move.

He said the company was investigating the development of a large-scale wind farm which, if delivered, would establish the foundations for offshore wind in New Zealand and become one of the country’s largest power stations.

Such a project would bring significant energy security benefits by protecting water storage in the existing hydro schemes for when it’s needed most in dry years.

JERA Nex bp CEO Nathalie Oosterlinck said: “JERA Nex bp begins life with a strong operating portfolio and an extensive development pipeline. We bring together two highly capable teams with the experience, relationships, purchasing power and unique global access of two of the East and West’s pre-eminent energy companies. This gives us the expertise and experience to find new ways to create value from offshore wind and become one of the world’s leading companies in the sector.”

Spencer said offshore wind was a proven, scalable technology that could diversify New Zealand’s energy mix, boost resilience, and advance the country’s environmental goals.

“But for this to happen, our regulatory environment needs some fine tuning.
 
“The Government deserves credit for advancing a regulatory regime to facilitate renewable energy development, and a new offshore renewable energy act will represent a significant milestone. However, we need to ensure that the legislative framework is fit for purpose and gives certainty to help build a compelling investment case that draws capital to New Zealand over competing countries
.
“For example, to attract capital to New Zealand we need to consider how our regime can reassure long-term investors and offer synergies to investors also interested in Australia.
 
“JERA Nex bp is a significant global scale investor, builder and operator of offshore wind. Without fit-for-purpose regulation, investors will simply look elsewhere, and New Zealand will miss an excellent opportunity to secure its resilient clean energy future.”
 
About JERA Nex bp

JERA Nex bp is a purpose-built offshore wind company committed to unlocking the power of offshore wind by developing high-quality, competitive projects. A 50:50 joint venture between JERA Co. and bp, JERA Nex bp is an end-to-end developer, owner and operator with more than fifteen years of experience in operating offshore wind projects.
Headquartered in London, with offices across Europe, Asia, US and Australasia, JERA Nex bp has a portfolio of operational and development projects across nine countries, and draws on a rich heritage of pioneering offshore wind in Asia Pacific and the North Sea.  
www.jnbp.com
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Advisory: ACC workers to continue strike action tomorrow – PSA

Source: PSA

Tomorrow morning, PSA members at ACC will picket in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin as part of strike action.
This is the second strike in as many months at ACC, as members continue to oppose an unacceptable pay offer while the effects of low wages continue to bite.
“Since the last strike in July, ACC has failed to make a pay offer that values their workers and helps them keep up with the cost of living. Many are still earning less than the living wage,” said PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
A recent survey of PSA members at ACC found that the cost of living over the last six months has had a significant impact on almost all respondents. More than half (58%) have been looking for other jobs outside of ACC with better pay.
Over 90% have had to reduce spending on non-essential items; 78% have found it harder to afford basic necessities such as food, housing and utilities; and 80% feel less financially secure than 6 months ago. 37% have had to seek additional income including by taking a second job or borrowing, and 3% (14 people) have had to rely on foodbanks.
“Everybody deserves to be paid fairly for their work and have enough to care for themselves and their whānau. With this strike, our members are showing ACC they won’t stand for being paid less than what they need to live with dignity,” said Fitzsimons.
Picket times and locations
– Auckland – Manukau: 11:15-11:45am, corner of Cavendish Drive and Plunket Avenue.
– Auckland – New Market: 11.15-11.45am, outside ACC office, 73 Remuera Road .
– Wellington: 11.15-11.45am, outside Shamrock House, 81/83 Molesworth Street, Thorndon.
– Christchurch: 11.10-11.45am, Bridge of Remembrance.
– Dunedin: 11.10-11.45am Outside Ōtepoti Building facing Queens Gardens.
Additionally, at 11am, members in Nelson are staging a walkout from their office at 47 Collingwood Street.
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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Rural News – New seasonal work visas a boost for agriculture – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

Two new forms of seasonal work visas will give farmers and growers better access and certainty for securing skilled staff in specialised roles, Federated Farmers says.
“Once again this Government has listened carefully to what industries need to keep productivity ticking over, and responded with practical and balanced policy settings,” Feds immigration and employment spokesperson Karl Dean says.
“Federated Farmers and allied sector representatives have been working with Minister Erica Stanford and her officials on this and we’re pleased with the outcome.”
Sheep scanners, shearers, rural contracting mobile plant operators and others in specialist roles often move between the southern and northern hemispheres chasing work in the busy seasons.
“It will really give employers a lot more certainty to know those specialised workers who prove themselves can return here for subsequent seasons for three years under the new Global Workforce Seasonal Visa.”
Likewise, the new Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) gives farmers, rural contractors and the meat processing industry more confidence they can secure staff when seasonal workloads ramp up, Dean says.
“Calf rearers, relief milkers, wool handlers, meat boners and process workers can also find work around the world.
“Until now, the Working Holiday Visa has served as a pseudo seasonal visa for these kinds of workers, but not all countries can access this visa, and age restrictions cut people out from applying,” Dean says.
“The PSV is more practical for both employers and seasonal workers and should prove much better for tracking uptake and seasonal workforce needs.”
Employers will need to advertise these seasonal roles, and engage with the Ministry of Social Development, to ensure New Zealand workers continue to be prioritised.
“Farmers prefer to hire able Kiwis but the fact is they’re often just not willing or available to work in the more remote rural areas,” Dean says.
“Having the option of employing migrant workers provides a much-needed lifeline for many farming employers.
“Without them, productivity suffers and existing team members are at risk of burning out during seasonal peak workloads.”
These two visas, alongside last year’s changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa, mean farmers and growers now have a suite of migrant worker settings that are fit-for-purpose, and attractive to skilled overseas workers.
“Now we just need a smooth transition for highly skilled agricultural workers into ‘green list’ roles and pathways to permanent residency,” Dean says.
“We’ll continue to work with the Minister on that.” 
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Transporting New Zealand Welcomes Rail Safety Week – calls on all drivers to lift their game

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Transporting New Zealand says that road freight companies have a key role to play in avoiding accidents at level crossings, as TrackSAFE Foundation’s Rail Safety Week (11-17 August) gets underway, launched at Parliament today.
The theme of this year’s rail safety week is “ Stay off stay safe – Tracks are for trains” – emphasising that walking or crossing anywhere but official railway level crossings is dangerous and illegal.
Between 2010 and 2020, 52 fatal and serious injury incidents occurred at level crossings, with research suggesting 54% of these crashes occurred at crossings whose only control measures were ‘STOP’ signs.
A June 2025 report by KiwiRail and WSP also showed that many New Zealand drivers aren’t looking both ways before going through crossings. From observations of over 3600 drivers, 47 per cent failed to stop at crossings with Stop or Give Way signs. Stopping compliance was almost twice as high for truck and trailer vehicles compared with cars.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that KiwiRail report paints a stark picture around careless driving at rail crossings.
“While the focus of this year’s Rail Safety Week is ensuring people are walking and crossing at official level crossings, drivers also need to be playing their part.”
“All vehicles should be complying with all traffic signage, and also exercising common sense and good judgement. I’m reassured to see that truck and trailer compliance at level crossings is higher than light vehicles, as you would expect from professional truck drivers. However, it’s clear that all motorists need to be lifting their game.”
Transporting New Zealand is meeting with TrackSAFE shortly to discuss how signing improvements and better level crossing design could reduce accident risk for heavy and light vehicles.
“Regulators need to be ensuring clear level crossing signage and good level crossing design across the entire country.” says Kalasih.
Transporting New Zealand is also encouraging operators who have safety concerns about particular level crossings to contact info@transporting.nz so the feedback can be referred onto KiwiRail and the relevant authorities. 
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Northland Regional Council news briefs – 11 August 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

ROSE STREET BUS HUB REOPENS TO PASSENGERS
The Rose Street bus hub in Whangārei has reopened to CityLink bus passengers.
The new bus hub was under construction for several months, with bus services and the CityLink office diverted to Vine Street during the build period.
All CityLink buses moved from Vine Street back to Rose Street on Monday 11 August. The new Rose Street bus office is open for all passenger queries, including topping up BeeCards, timetables and route questions.
The bus hub redevelopment is a Whangārei District Council project, in conjunction with Northland Regional Council and funded by NZTA Waka Kotahi. It includes new office, waiting areas and toilets and a pedestrian walkway connecting Rose Street to Vine Street to make getting around our city even easier.
Follow CityLink on Facebook for all the latest updates.
STOP RATS IN THEIR TRACKS
Backyard trapping is an effective way to control rats, but to make sure your traps are successful, they need to be the most attractive spot in your backyard.
Here’s how:
  • Tidy your backyard: Remove any long grass or rubbish that rats could hide or nest in.
  • Secure food: Store pet food and other food sources in rat-proof containers.
  • Prevent your scraps becoming their snacks: If your compost bin doesn’t have a built-in base, place it on steel mesh. Cover all air holes inside the bin with mesh to stop rats from burrowing in.
  • Watch your woodpile: Rats can squeeze into tiny gaps, so check for signs of nesting and keep the area tidy.
Traps, traps boxes and bait are available for purchase from Northland Regional Council. Contact your nearest NRC office on 0800 002 004.
For more information on controlling rats and other pests, visit council’s Pest Control Hub at www.nrc.govt.nz/pestcontrolhub
WEEDS WORKSHOPS DRAW STRONG COMMUNITY INTEREST
Northland Regional Council’s annual weeds workshops saw a fantastic turnout last week, with 197 attendees across five locations: Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Russell, Maungaturoto, and Whangārei.
Attendees were equipped with practical knowledge on identifying and tackling some of Northland’s most invasive weeds, including wild ginger, lantana, moth plant, Taiwan cherry, and privet.
The workshops are part of NRC’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities in protecting native ecosystems and managing pest plants effectively.
For more information on tackling weeds, visit NRC’s Pest Control Hub: www.nrc.govt.nz/pestcontrolhub