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Employment – BusinessNZ welcomes new seasonal and global workforce visas

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ has welcomed today’s announcement by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford introducing two new seasonal visa pathways – the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and the Peak Seasonal Visa – as a pragmatic step to better match immigration settings with business needs.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the new visa categories are a smart evolution in immigration policy that recognises the operational realities of New Zealand’s seasonal industries.
“Many sectors – from winemaking and meat processing to snow sports and shearing – rely on highly experienced workers for specific windows of time each year. These new visa pathways make it easier for businesses to bring back skilled seasonal staff when they’re needed most, without having to start from scratch every year.”
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa allows skilled workers to return over multiple years, while the Peak Seasonal Visa provides a more tailored short-term solution for high-demand roles during seasonal peaks.
“This is a significant improvement on previous settings, which often created unnecessary red tape and uncertainty. Reducing the need for repeat visa applications not only lowers compliance costs but also improves planning and workforce continuity,” Mrs Rich said.
BusinessNZ says the changes are also important for productivity and regional growth.
“Seasonal industries make an outsized contribution to New Zealand’s economy. These changes mean more certainty for employers, less disruption to operations, and better outcomes for customers and export markets.”
BusinessNZ also welcomed the Government’s broader focus on rebalancing immigration to meet genuine workforce needs, while maintaining a strong commitment to jobs for New Zealanders.
“We support efforts to ensure New Zealanders are given every opportunity first, but where there are genuine shortages, immigration settings must be practical and responsive.
“This announcement s

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Advocacy – New Zealand urged to follow German lead and end military support for Israel – PSNZ

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

PSNA is urging the government to follow Germany’s lead and suspend New Zealand military support for Israel to continue its mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.

Germany and New Zealand were two of the countries to sign a letter yesterday condemning Israel’s plans to extend its war to Gaza City, displacing another million Palestinians.

The letter states:

 

“The plans that the government of Israel has announced risk violating international humanitarian law. Any attempts at annexation or of settlement extension violate international law.”

 

“It will aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further risk the mass displacement of civilians.”

 

PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says Israel has a long history of ignoring outside opinion because they never include accountabilities.

“However, Germany has followed its condemnation with action. New Zealand needs to do the same.”

 

Minto says New Zealand should:

  • End approval for Rakon to export crystal oscillators to the US which are used in guided bombs sent to Israel for bombing Gaza.
  • Ban all Rocket Lab launches from Mahia which are used for Israel reconnaissance in Gaza
  • Launch an investigation by the Inspector-General of Security and Intelligence into the sharing of intelligence with the US and Israel which can be used for targeting Palestinians

 

“New Zealanders expect our government to end its empty condemnations of Israel and act to sanction this rogue, genocidal state.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

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Police Association: Canterbury restructure "robbing Peter to pay Paul"

Source: NZ Police Association

The New Zealand Police Association acknowledges the Police proposal for significant strategic realignment of policing resources across the Canterbury district but believes it has not met the test of balancing the demands of increasing populations in some areas with the needs of communities which will lose officers and vital Police support staff. 
Association President Chris Cahill accepts that community needs and priorities change over time, but the current proposal for delivery of rural policing the North Canterbury, Selwyn and Aoraki districts is robbing Peter to pay Paul. 
“We recognise the increased demand for a 24-7 response model in Selwyn and Rangiora, but this should not be at the expense of the highly valued contribution rural response officers make to their local communities,” Mr Cahill says. 
“The benefit of rural staff to their communities is not always visible in Police statistics; rather consideration should be given to the ethos of the father of modern policing, Sir Robert Peel, that “the test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder and not the visible evidence of police action in dealing with them.”  
Mr Cahill notes the proposal demonstrates the need for more officers in some of the country’s fastest growing communities at the very time Police is struggling to meet the government’s target of 500 extra police. 
“Canterbury district should take advantage of its ability to recruit officers in its area, thereby contributing to the 500-recruitment target while, simultaneously, avoiding the removal of officers from its rural areas,” Mr Cahill says.
He says without such an initiative this proposal will see the closure of police stations in Arthur’s Pass, Culverden, Rakaia, Pleasant Point and Saint Andrews. In other cases, officers will be replaced by rural liaison officers with an overall reduction in numbers. 
“Rural liaison officers were a positive initiative of New Zealand First’s Winston Peters, but they were always intended to be additional, not instead of dedicated community-based officers. I’d be surprised if Mr Peters, a champion of increasing police numbers, would support a reduced police presence in these rural communities,” Mr Cahill says.  
“The association asks PNHQ to prioritise the resourcing of its extra staffing needs with new staff, not at the expense of rural communities.” 
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Police Association highly critical of coronial findings in death of Shargin Stephens

Source: NZ Police Association

The New Zealand Police Association rejects most of the coroner’s findings into the 2016 death of Shargin Stephens in Rotorua.
The entire process has been shambolic, with multiple coroners involved over more than nine years, Police Association president Chris Cahill says.
“The ruling of Coroner Michael Robb, released this morning, shows a complete lack of understanding of how both the human mind and memory work in volatile situations, and the level of risk an offender such as Mr Stephens presents,” Mr Cahill says.
“It is well established that if you have multiple witnesses to an event, there will be multiple differing accounts of that event. The prolonged nature of this coronial process has only amplified the existence of differing accounts.”
Mr Cahill says the coroner’s criticism of Officer L05’s recall of events fails to acknowledge that in critical, dangerous situations people under threat see only the direct threat posed, not what is around or behind them.
“It is common for witnesses in such situations to later attempt to account for the facts brought to their attention despite not being aware of them at the time. We are concerned today’s report has not taken this into consideration,” he says.
“Given the veracity of research into dealing with scenarios such as that in Rotorua in July 2016, it would seem vital that coroners were skilled in the science when they preside over such critical reviews.”
Mr Cahill also questions the inference that junior officers should not have access to M4 rifles.
“This shows an absolute lack of understanding of the risks regularly presented to the public – risks that officers are required to respond to in protection of their communities.”
Mr Stephens presented a very real and imminent threat to officers and members of the public, Mr Cahill says, and less-lethal options had failed to remove that threat.
“The association believes Officer L05 was justified in taking the actions he did. Looking through a distorted lens nine years later cannot change that fact.” 
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Advocates – Wellington rally to oppose genocide and protect protest

Source: Justice for Palestine and Peace Action Wellington

Justice for Palestine and Peace Action Wellington are hosting a joint rally and march on Friday 8 August at 12:30 starting at the UK High Commission on Hill Street going to Police National HQ to oppose the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to uphold our rights to protest.

“At the UK High Commission, we are gathering in solidarity with UK-based Palestine Action. The UK government has labelled the peaceful protest group Palestine Action as “terrorists” and are arresting anyone who says that they support them. They are determined to shut down opposition to Israel’s genocide using extreme repression. Police have already arrested over 100 ordinary people including elderly clergy, teachers and parents for doing nothing more than carrying a sign or holding a banner,” said Nadia Abu-Shanab, member of Justice for Palestine

At least 500 demonstrators are preparing to sit in London for 60 minutes or “until arrest” on August 9 while holding signs which state: “I oppose Genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

“Here in Aotearoa NZ the Ministry of Justice is engaged in a behind-the-scenes consultation of the Terrorism Suppression Act to significantly expand the law and to follow the UK approach. Their so-called ‘consultation’ closes on 8 August,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“On top of that, just last week, the government announced the US FBI will be opening an office here. FBI director Kash Patel indicated anti-terrorism is an area of key collaboration between the US and NZ. Taken together, these are both terrifying developments for freedom of speech and peaceful protest. Both the UK and US government have recently shown their willingness to use extreme repression to shut down dissenting opinions on Israel.”

“We will not sit by while preparations for attacks on our rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest are made. We are taking our message to Police HQ as they administer the Terrorism Suppression Act and are the most likely domestic partner for the FBI.”

Our actions will not cease until the people of Palestine are free.

Notes:

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Animal Welfare – First dog dies just days into final greyhound racing season – SAFE

Source: SAFE For Animals

A three-year-old dog named Hilton Hype has died after breaking his leg during a race at Addington Raceway on 2 August, just two days into the start of greyhound racing’s final season.
Despite plans for surgery, he couldn’t be stabilised in time and died shortly after.
SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie says the death is a heartbreaking reminder that dogs will continue to suffer while the industry winds down.
“This was meant to be the beginning of the end – a final season before this cruel industry is shut down for good,” says Brodie.
“But Hilton Hype’s death shows that as long as races are still being run, dogs are in danger. The industry must not race them to death on the way out.”
This latest death follows a devastating 2024/25 season, which saw 17 dogs die – the deadliest year since 2021. The industry has faced years of criticism and multiple government reviews, ultimately leading to the Government’s decision to ban greyhound racing.
“The decision has been made. Greyhound racing is ending; there is nothing to be gained by dragging these dogs through another season of risk and injury,” says Brodie.
“No dog should lose their life for this industry’s final curtain call. The only finish line that matters now is a safe home for every greyhound.”
SAFE is calling on Greyhound Racing New Zealand to immediately begin the wind-down of all race meets and rehome the remaining dogs as swiftly and safely as possible.
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We're creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
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Local News – Celebrating the local unsung heroes at the 2025 Volunteer Awards

Source: Hutt City Council

Lower Hutt’s dedicated volunteers took centre stage last night at a special event recognising their invaluable contributions.
The 2025 Volunteer Awards brought together recipients of this year’s Civic Honours and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Mayor Campbell Barry said the evening was a chance to pause and shine a light on the years of service and selflessness the winners have given, often without ever expecting anything in return.
“These people have given their time, energy and heart to make life better for others.”
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Hutt City over the previous 12 months.
“These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community,” he said.
“Congratulations to all finalists and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year.”
Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards – Lower Hutt Winners:
  • Art & Culture – Arohanui Strings+
  • Education & Child/Youth Development – Tūhura Tech
  • Health & Wellbeing – Fri
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Events – WIPCE 2025 announces final line-up of keynote speakers as Auckland gets set to host thousands of Indigenous knowledge holders

Source: World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE)

The World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) has announced its final line-up of Indigenous leaders and trailblazers who will take the stage at one of the world’s largest and most significant Indigenous education gatherings in Tāmaki Makaurau this November.

WIPCE is a global movement to honour, preserve, and advance Indigenous education. As it returns to Aotearoa for the first time in 20 years it will be hosted by Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau – AUT, at Aotea Centre from 16-20 November, 2025.

WIPCE 2025 Co-Chair, Meihana Durie, notes the significance of Indigenous conversations taking place right now ahead of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on 9 August.

“With just 100 days to go until WIPCE 2025, and as the world celebrates Indigenous peoples tomorrow, what better time to spotlight a global stage that exists to elevate Indigenous voices,” says Durie.

The 12 world renowned academic speakers who will ignite ideas and action around areas of significance to Indigenous self determination are:

Keynote Speakers

  • Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith – Education Systems and Practices
  • Ani Mikaere – Politics, Self-Determination and Decolonisation
  • Eru Kapa-Kingi – Youth 
  • Mere Skerrett – Science and Technology
  • Teina Rongo – Environment and Climate
  • Jeffery Ansloos – Health and Wellbeing
  • Katie Wolfe – Creative Arts and Media
  • Leonie Pihama – Linguistic and Cultural Revitalisation
  • Raniera Procter – Linguistic and Cultural Revitalisation.

Guest Speakers:

  • Rosa Hibbert-Schooner
  • Dr Jon Osorio
  • Spero Manson.

The speakers will join thousands of Indigenous knowledge holders, educators, and leaders from across the globe at a near sold-out conference.

For those not attending the official activities but keen to get involved in the movement, the free Te Ao Pūtahi Festival is running alongside WIPCE 2025 in Aotea Square.

Durie, says the five-day Festival ensures the community gets a chance to join in celebrating indigeneity.

“WIPCE 2025 is for all to come and take part in one of the world's leading movements for Indigenous excellence in education. Te Ao Pūtahi Festival invites the wider public to experience the living culture and innovation of Indigenous peoples from all corners of the globe.”

Te Ao Pūtahi Festival will offer a vibrant and accessible experience for locals and manuhiri to share in Indigenous food stalls, artisan markets, cultural performances, hands-on creative workshops, and storytelling sessions that honour the mana and diversity of Indigenous cultures globally.

About WIPCE 2025

WIPCE is more than a conference every three years, it’s a global movement. Since its inception in 1987 WIPCE has united Indigenous educators, leaders and knowledge keepers in a shared vision – to honour, preserve and advance Indigenous education.

As WIPCE 2025 welcomes Indigenous peoples from across the world to the shores of Te Waitematā, it continues to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and formal education – ensuring Indigenous wisdom is both honoured and integrated.

The WIPCE 2025 programme launch event will be held at AUT City Campus, from 6pm – 9.30pm on 21 August.

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Union Appointments – Sandra Grey elected as new NZCTU President

Source: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi has announced that its affiliate unions have elected Sandra Grey as the new NZCTU President.

Grey is the National Secretary, and a former president, of the Tertiary Education Union – Te Hautū Kahurangi. She has a long history in the tertiary education sector and served as the spokesperson for the Campaign for MMP.

“We are thrilled that Sandra has been elected as the incoming president of the Council of Trade Unions and look forward to the experience and energy that she will bring to the role,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

“Following on from Richard Wagstaff’s 10 years of dedicated service as president and lifelong commitment to the trade union movement, Sandra is well placed to continue to grow the movement and campaign for working people’s rights.

“Sandra wants to build union power and ensure unions are seen and present in workplaces across the country. This work has never been more important,” said Ansell-Bridges.

“Life is too hard for working people and their families right now. Children are going hungry. People are living in their cars. Many workers have to take up multiple jobs just to make

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Climate – Rain from tropical cyclones to increase under warmer climate

 Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

New high-resolution modelling predicts that rainfall from tropical cyclones will significantly increase under global warming. Earth Sciences New Zealand and the University of Waikato found that, under a high emissions scenario, extreme rainfall from cyclones could rise by up to 35% across the southwest Pacific, including for ex-tropical cyclones impacting Aotearoa New Zealand.
Researchers used the latest climate change projections released last year by Earth Sciences NZ (then NIWA) with the Ministry for the Environment.  Study lead and climate scientist Dr Peter Gibson says they simulated more than 1,800 years of data from different climate models and levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
“We wanted to assess how the frequency and severity of tropical cyclones in the southwest Pacific may change by the end of the century. Under the full range of climate scenarios examined there was an increase in tropical cyclone rainfall. This was proportional to the rate of emissions, with the most pronounced rise in extreme rainfall occurring under the highest emissions.
“If that scenario plays out, we can expect around 30 – 35% more extreme rainfall during tropical cyclones than we experience today. Even under the best-case scenario, we will still see an increase proportional to the warming experienced. 
Extreme windspeeds are also likely to increase, but not to the same extent.”

The more greenhouse gases that are emitted, the higher temperatures get, with a high emissions scenario representing around a 3°C increase by the end of the century. A warmer atmosphere holds more water, so when storms develop, they have access to more water vapour that can be released as heavier rainfall.

And while the model simulations didn't show an overall increase in the total number of cyclones by the end of the century, there is compelling evidence that the strongest (category 4 and above) will become more frequent.

“One or two ex-tropical cyclones typically effect New Zealand each year. However, it's the really big, much rarer events that cause the most damage. And the difference between a river flooding or not can often be small, so any increase in rainfall is significant and potentially very impactful.”

The February 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle, which at its peak reached category 3, and the Auckland Anniversary weekend event, resulted in total estimated costs of $14.5 billion, with the total insured losses for both events totalling $3.8 billion, with $1.8 billion from Cyclone Gabrielle claims, and $2 billion from the Auckland anniversary weekend event. Most the claims were because of widespread flooding.

Until now, most projections of tropical cyclones have relied on global climate models, which have a relatively low spatial resolution. This work refines those models to a regional scale that can zoom in closer and get a much more accurate picture.

“The eye of a cyclone is fairly compact, at only tens of kilometres across. Global climate models are coarse, with each pixel going down to around 100km, meaning they miss much of the crucial detail and small-scale physics of a storm. Our refined regional model goes down to around a 12km resolution, making it a state-of-the-art dataset for assessing ex-tropical cyclones that impact New Zealand.”

These findings, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, are consistent with other studies around the world, highlighting the potential for more intense tropical cyclones and heavier rainfall in the future, said Dr Gibson. This indicates increasing risks for vulnerable communities across the southwest Pacific and New Zealand.

“It's clear that if we reduce emissions, we reduce warming, and we mitigate the worst impacts of severe weather events. As computing capabilities improve, newer, high-resolution models will become available to create even more accurate and reliable long term climate projections of cyclones and their impacts. More research is being undertaken by Earth Sciences NZ into specific weather and climate hazards in the projections, to provide clarity on the future climate New Zealanders are likely to face in the decades to come.”

Notes

The latest climate projections for New Zealand, available on the Ministry for the Environment's website, provide detailed information for every 5-kilometre square across the country. They are based on refining the projections from six global climate models in the most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
 
Development of these updated, high-resolution climate projections involved huge supercomputing power. The dataset is now helping New Zealanders – including councils, companies and communities – to better understand their specific climate-related risks. In turn, this will improve decision-making for climate adaptation and support people to build resilience to extreme weather events
 
More research is being undertaken by Earth Sciences NZ into specific weather and climate hazards in the projections, to provide clarity on the future climate New Zealanders are likely to face in the decades to come.