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Culture – Pushing the boundaries of creativity in kapa haka

Source: Rata Foundation

When new rōpū Kōkō Tangiwai stormed to the front of the Waitaha region kapa haka competitions in 2024 they pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation to take out the top spot and earn their place at Te Matatini 2025.
Kapa haka is a vital expression of Māori identity, history, and culture. It has been passed down through generations and has evolved into a dynamic art form. Originating from traditional mōteatea, haka, mau rākau, and poi, kapa haka has spiritual significance.
Today, it thrives as both a cultural tradition and a modern artistic discipline, showcased in events like Te Matatini. Contemporary performers and composers are finding new ways to showcase kapa haka by integrating elements of theatre, modern music, and digital technology.
Kapa Haka leader Junior Tana and his wife Kerrie-Anna formed Kōkō Tangiwai early in 2024 in response to the relatively small number of teams entering the Waitaha regional competition at the time.
Junior says that kapa haka presents the perfect platform for developing an understanding of te reo Māori because all items performed are in te reo Māori. “We are definitely focused on ensuring that performers know what they're singing about and, therefore, know how to portray the ideas and concepts within the compositions.
“The whole way we practice, and train together is like a kaupapa Māori framework. We karakia at the beginning of practices, we do whanaungatanga, and we allow our tamariki and rangatahi to be with us. We also spend time discussing different Māori concepts that are affecting us as a people at any given time. So yeah, there are lots of examples of where we can integrate te ao Māori into our practices and performances,” says Junior.
Kōkō Tangiwai has over 70 people engaged in its kaupapa, including performers and the people who support the team with resourcing, cooking, teaching, and making the uniforms. Junior says there is a big whānau involved that embodies both unity and inclusiveness. “Those relationships become really strong and tight.
“We have an open-door policy – anybody who's interested in learning or developing is welcome to come and at least see whether they like us or not.”
Kapa haka is vital for preserving and reviving tikanga Māori, language, and traditions. It also fosters a sense of identity and ensures that tikanga Māori is passed down to future generations.
Kōkō Tangiwai performer Rangimarie Pomare was inspired to join the rōpū after watching her older siblings doing kapa haka. “The benefits of kapa haka, personally for me, is doing it with my family and my fri

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Banking – Kiwibank first New Zealand bank to partner with Kiwi tech company Wych to provide open banking – and draws line with zero fees

Source: Kiwibank

 

  • Local tech company, Wych, will assist Kiwibank in implementing open banking.
  • Kiwibank will not be charging accredited third parties to make standard API requests. 
  • Open banking will deliver more value, choice and flexibility for customers.

 

Kiwibank is the first New Zealand bank to partner with Wych, a New Zealand based financial technology company specialising in providing open data services and capabilities to data holders and data recipients.

 

Wych will provide the integration capability to connect accredited third parties with Kiwibank as it delivers open banking.

 

Steve Jurkovich, Kiwibank’s Chief Executive, says, “As a modern integration provider, Wych’s solution is cloud hosted and provided as a complete end-to-end SaaS solution. It’s also scalable and will enable Kiwibank to easily adapt as the open banking ecosystem develops.

 

“This next step in our open banking journey will set us up to collaborate with even more innovative partners to offer services and experiences that provide our customers greater value and choice. As a smaller player compared to the larger banks, Kiwibank is excited to partner with fintechs to drive more competition to make Kiwi better off.”

 

Dermot Butterfield, Wych’s Chief Executive Officer, says, “We are excited to be partnering with Kiwibank to build on the opportunity that open banking represents for their customers, including more innovation and customer-centric solutions as the market matures.”

 

Kiwibank is proud to be supporting a Kiwi technology company and leveraging the expertise we have right here in New Zealand.

 

Kiwibank takes competitive stand on open banking fees

Kiwibank exists to challenge the status quo and to create a future where banking in New Zealand is stronger and fairer than ever before. 

 

“We see the significant value open banking can deliver for our customers and we want to enable that,” says Jurkovich. “That’s why we won’t be charging accredited third parties to make standard API requests.”

 

This sets Kiwibank apart. While some banks are offering temporary waivers on fees charged to accredited third parties, in the longer term those costs could be passed on to customers.


“At Kiwibank, we’re committed to shaping an open banking environment that delivers real benefits for New Zealanders,” says Jurkovich. “By removing cost barriers we’re helping to unlock innovation that puts customers first – enabling more tailored, transparent, and empowering financial experiences.” 

 

Kiwibank is committed to delivering payment initiation API services by 30 May 2026 and account information API services by 30 November 2026.

 

About Kiwibank

Kiwibank is a Purpose-led organisation that has modern, Kiwi values at heart and keeps Kiwi money where it belongs – right here in New Zealand. As a Kiwi bank, with more than a million customers, our trusted experts are focused on supporting Kiwi with their home ownership aspirations and backing local business ambitions, so together we can thrive here in Aotearoa and on the world stage. Kiwibank is the #1 bank in Kantar’s 2024 Corporate Reputation Index and the only bank in the top 20. To find out more about Kiwibank visit www.kiwibank.co.nz.

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Fire Safety – Kiwis return from assisting with the New South Wales floods

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has welcomed back its specialist team from their deployment to New South Wales.
The contingent of four Community Liaison Officers and two Jurisdiction Liaison have been operating mainly in the flood-hit areas of Taree and Port Macquarie.
Deputy National Commander Brendan Nally says he is proud of the efforts of the team who were faced with significant devastation caused by the floods.
“At the request of the New South Wales State Emergency Service, our people were tasked with supporting Australian emergency services and communities affected by the flooding,” he says.
“This involved going from door to door in the affected communities, speaking with homeowners, answering their questions, addressing their concerns about the damages from the flooding, and ensuring they knew how to access help.
“The willingness of our people to lend their skills to our close neighbours in their time of need is greatly appreciated.
“They bring home with them new experiences and knowledge that will benefit the communities of Aotearoa New Zealand when we’re faced with our own severe weather events.”
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Health – From Today Eligible People with Stage III Melanoma Can Access Funded KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)

Source: Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand)

Auckland, New Zealand, 1 June 2025 – MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK) is delighted to announce that from today, Pharmac will widen the funding of the immunotherapy cancer medicine KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) to include the treatment of eligible people with stage III melanoma. 1  

Vanessa Gascoigne, Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited (MSD) Director, expressed her excitement, stating; “Funded access to KEYTRUDA has been available in New Zealand for certain people with advanced melanoma since 2016. 2

“We are thrilled that Pharmac has widened its funding of KEYTRUDA from today, to include eligible people with stage III melanoma. 1

“This marks the first time KEYTRUDA will be funded by Pharmac for the treatment of a cancer before it has progressed to an advanced stage. 1,3

“Thanks to the Government’s increase in the medicines budget last year, and National’s Cancer Policy, additional people living with cancer will now receive funded access to KEYTRUDA.” 1, 4, 5

New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world; therefore preventing, and detecting melanoma early, must be absolute priorities. 6

KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy cancer medicine registered for 31 indications and is now publicly funded for 12 of these indications.7,1 MSD will continue to work with the funding agency Pharmac, to try and obtain funded access for more people with cancer.

Ms Gascoigne says, “Faster funded access to cancer treatment may benefit people across New Zealand and we believe patients should have access to KEYTRUDA where clinical evidence exists, ensuring fair and equitable access.”  

KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) is available as a 100 mg/4 mL concentrate for solution for infusion.

The KEYTRUDA Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz.

KEYTRUDA is a Prescription Medicine and may be used in adults:

· After surgery to remove melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer or renal cell carcinoma to help prevent the cancer from coming back

· Before surgery to treat triple-negative breast cancer and then continued after surgery to help prevent the cancer from coming back

· To treat bladder cancer which has not spread to nearby tissues but is at high-risk of spreading and where bladder removal is not preferred

· To treat certain patients with the following types of advanced cancers:

o Melanoma

o Non-small cell lung cancer

o Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)

o Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL)

o Urothelial carcinoma

o Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

o Renal cell carcinoma

o Gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

o Oesophageal carcinoma

o Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

o Cervical cancer

o Endometrial carcinoma

o Triple-negative breast cancer

o A kind of cancer that can occur in any part of the body and is shown by a laboratory test to be microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)

o Colon or rectal cancer that is shown by a laboratory test to be MSI-H or dMMR

o Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)

o Biliary tract carcinoma

KEYTRUDA may be used in children with MPM, cHL, MCC, MSI-H or dMMR cancer, or after surgery to remove melanoma. It is not known if KEYTRUDA is safe and effective in children with MSI-H or dMMR cancer of the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system cancers).

You should not be given KEYTRUDA if you are allergic to pembrolizumab or to any of the other ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

KEYTRUDA can cause harm or death to unborn babies. Talk to your doctor if you are a woman who could become pregnant and use effective contraception while you are being treated with KEYTRUDA and for at least 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA. Do not breastfeed while taking KEYTRUDA.

Serious immune-mediated side effects have occurred affecting the lungs, intestines, liver, kidneys, hormone glands, blood sugar levels, skin, other organs and in transplant recipients. Some of these side effects can sometimes become life-threatening and can lead to death. These side effects may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended and you may experience more than one side effect at the same time. Serious infusion reactions have also occurred.

Very common side effects with KEYTRUDA alone include diarrhoea, nausea, itching, rash, joint pain, back pain, feeling tired, cough, patches of discoloured skin, stomach pain, decreased levels of sodium in blood and low levels of thyroid hormone.

When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with chemotherapy, hair loss, vomiting, decreased white-blood cell count, mouth sores, fever, decreased appetite, decreased number of red blood cells, decreased number of platelets in the blood and swelling of the lining of the digestive system (for example mouth, intestines) were also commonly reported.

When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with axitinib, high blood pressure, fatigue, low levels of thyroid hormone, decreased appetite, blisters or rash on palms of your hands and soles of your feet, increased liver enzyme levels, hoarseness, and constipation were also commonly reported.

When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with lenvatinib, high blood pressure, decreased appetite, low levels of thyroid hormone, vomiting, weight loss, headache, constipation, hoarseness, urinary tract infection, stomach-area (abdominal pain), blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, protein in your urine, increased liver enzyme levels and feeling weak were also commonly reported.

The most common side effects when KEYTRUDA is given alone to children include fever, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, decreased number of red blood cells, cough, and constipation. (v56)

KEYTRUDA has risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor to see if KEYTRUDA is right for you. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, tell your doctor.

KEYTRUDA is funded to treat certain patients with the following types of advanced cancers: melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. KEYTRUDA is also funded for certain patients with Stage IIIB-D melanoma. Patients must meet specific criteria for funding.

KEYTRUDA is not funded for the treatment of all other cancers <listed above>, which means you will need to pay for the full cost of the medicine and its administration. Ask your doctor about the cost of the medicine and any other medical fees that may apply.

Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited. Level 3, 123 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland.

Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

About MSD

At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com

Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited. Level 3, 123 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland. NZ-NZ-KEY-00984 V1.0 NP22833 June 2025

References

1. Pharmac Community Schedule: Pembrolizumab Special Authority Form SA2491 June 2025. Available at   https://schedule.pharmac.govt.nz/2025/06/01/SA2491.pdf Accessed May 2025

2. Pharmac. News and resources. Decision regarding funding of pembrolizumab (Keytruda), nivolumab (Opdivo), posaconazole (Noxafil) and raltegravir (Isentress) Available at:

https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/decision-regarding-funding-of-pembrolizumab-keytruda-nivolumab-opdivo-posaconazole-noxafil-and-raltegravir-isentress?keyword=KEYTRUDA&type=all&page=1 Accessed May 2025

3. Pharmac Community Schedule: Pembrolizumab Special Authority Form SA2386 May2025. Accessed May 2025

4. Pharmac. News and resources. Update on new medicines funding after the budget uplift. Available at:

https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/news/update-on-new-medicines-funding-after-the-budget-uplift  Accessed May 2025

5. National Party. Policies. Helping More Kiwis Fight Cancer. Available at:

https://assets.national.org.nz/Plan_Helping_More_Kiwis_Fight_Cancer.pdf  Accessed May 2025

6. MelNet: Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024 – 2028. Available athttps://strategy.melnet.org.nz/ Accessed May 2025

7.KEYTRUDA Data Sheet. Available at: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/k/Keytruda.pdf   Accessed May 2025

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Fire and Emergency King’s Birthday honours recipients congratulated

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan has congratulated four Fire and Emergency personnel from Oxford, Fox Glacier, Matatā and Taihape who have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List released today.
“These awards recognise the outstanding contributions that our people have made to Fire and Emergency, Search and Rescue and their local communities over many years,” Rebecca Keoghan says.
The recipients are:
  • Ronald (Ron) Ealam (Oxford) – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Search and Rescue
  • Marius Bron (Fox Glacier) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Search and Rescue and the community
  • Gavin Dennis (Matatā) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
  • Alan (Curly) Troon (Taihape) – King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
'We are all incredibly proud of this fantastic achievement,” Rebecca Keoghan says. 
“On behalf of Fire and Emergency, thank you for your ongoing dedication to our organisation and your communities.”
Additional information:
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Ronald Bruce (Ron) Ealam
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Search and Rescue
Mr Ron Ealam has been contributing to Land Search and Rescue for more than 50 years.
Mr Ealam has been a member of the Oxford Fire Brigade since 1996. He has contributed 25 years of service to the New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Dogs, helping train dogs. He has been a qualified national trainer and assessor for Search Dogs for more than ten years, specialising in border collies, attending several annual dog training camps each year. He helped develop the official New Zealand Land Search and Rescue Search Dogs Training Pathway and Assessments in 2009, which forms the basis of the Search Dogs pathways today. He has been a member of the Oxford Land Search and Rescue, contributing to local search and rescue meetings and training nights, and training dogs, which takes at least two years before they become operational. During the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, he was part of the initial response in the first three days in the Redcliff area and helped with welfare and house checks. He has been the elected Group Chair for Oxford Land Search and Rescue for more than 10 years. Mr Ealam received the New Zealand Search and Rescue Excellence award in 2023 for his contributions.
King's Service Medal (KSM)
Marius Jean Bron
King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Search and Rescue and the community
Mr Marius Bron has served the Fox Glacier community in various volunteer emergency service roles since 1999.
On a voluntary basis Mr Bron leads the local branches of South Westland Land Search and Rescue Group, the Civil Defence service and the Community Committee. He also volunteers for the Department of Conservation, assisting in the management of alpine huts in the area. He works to ensure these huts are fit for use by both domestic and international visitors. He is also a local volunteer firefighter for Fire and Emergency New Zealand and a St John Ambulance first responder. The skills he has gained from these various roles make him a central figure in the Fox Glacier community. He and his team have received national recognition for their search and rescue efforts, including the successful rescue of two climbers on Mt Rolleston and the successful overnight rescue of an injured person on a glacier. He was involved in the creation of important facilities for the Fox Glacier community, including the Emergency Services Centre and the Community Centre. His efforts included driving the concept stage, fundraising and project managing. In addition to his volunteer work, Mr Bron is Operations Manager at Fox Glacier Guiding, which brings tourist business to the community.
Gavin Lloyd Dennis, JP
King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Gavin Dennis has served the Matatā community for close to 40 years.
Mr Dennis is currently Chief Fire Officer of the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade, having held various ranks since joining in 1987. While Deputy Chief Fire Officer, he played a key role in the response to major flood events in 2005, with the town cut off for several days. He instigated the Matatā Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Cadet Programme in 2014, for young people aged 15 to 16 to join the brigade to gain experience and life skills. The programme has been successful in recruiting these young people as volunteer recruit firefighters when eligible, forming a large part of the brigade’s membership over the past 10 years. He was a member of the Rangitaiki Community Board from 2007 to 2019, serving four years as Deputy Chairperson, and helped oversee the town’s recovery efforts following the 2017 Edgecumbe flood event. He has served on the Boards of Trustees of Matatā Public School and Trident High School, including holding several offices across the period 1993 to 2010. He has chaired the Matatā Residents Association and the Matatā Community Resource Centre. Mr Dennis was elected to the Whakatāne District Council in 2019.
Alan Rex (Curly) Troon
King’s Service Medal (KSM) for services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Mr Alan “Curly” Troon is a Life Member of the Taihape Volunteer Fire Brigade and has helped to promote Taihape through gumboot throwing.
Mr Troon joined the Taihape Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1991 and has been Chief Fire Officer since 2009, being awarded Life Membership in 2022. He oversaw the rebuild of the new Taihape Fire Station which opened in 2022. He has worked for Rangitikei County Council and has held many volunteer roles within the community, including past President of the Taihape Tennis Association and Taihape Kindergarten Committee and is the current President of the New Zealand Boot Throwing Association (NZBTA). In the mid-1980s, he became a champion thrower in Taihape’s annual Gumboot Day and has since promoted the sport with his wife. They have taken Taihape to world competitions. In 2021 he won the Toyota Lifetime Legacy Award from NZBTA as part of the Norwood Rural Sports Award. He is a past member of the Taihape St John Area Committee and has driven the Taihape ambulance when the team is short staffed. Mr Troon has been coaching young people at the Taihape Badminton Club since 2023.
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Celebrating World Milk Day

Source: Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)

Milk continues to prove the vital part it plays in the health of New Zealanders and of billions of people around the world, says the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ).
Today is World Milk Day, which is celebrated around the world to mark the contribution of dairy to the global food system.
DCANZ Executive Director Kimberly Crewther says milk’s contribution to health is well worth celebrating.
“As a nutrient-dense food it’s an important part of a healthy, balanced diet, not just for Kiwis of all ages, but also for people globally, including those in the more than 120 countries New Zealand exports dairy products to.”
Milk is a nutritional powerhouse with over 10 essential nutrients. Just one glass of milk delivers 35% of daily calcium, 40% of vitamin B2, and 37% of vitamin B12 requirements, along with high-quality protein.
Together, these nutrients support healthy bones, teeth, muscle function, skin, eyes, nervous system, and overall healthy growth and aging.
“That’s a massive amount of goodness in such a small – and tasty – serve.
“New Zealand’s most recent nutritional survey showed that in Kiwi diets, milk is the No 1 contributor of calcium, vitamin B2, and vitamin B12, and is the No 2 source of protein.
“Globally, milk contributes 49% of dietary calcium supply, 24% of vitamin B2, and 12% of protein, and is overall a top 5 source for 23 nutrients.
This nutrient density means milk and dairy products have an important role to play in the global fight against malnutrition.”
“Despite the impacts of strong global demand on dairy prices, at current prices, Kiwis can consume a serving of milk, cheese, and yoghurt for as little as $2 a day and in doing so receive more than a third of the recommended protein and more than three-quarters of recommended calcium needs.
“That works out at an impressive nutritional outcome for the investment of just 15% of the average weekly food bill of $475 for a family of 5, as reported in the latest [2023] Household Expenditure Statistics survey”
Also, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), dairy consumption reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, obesity, and osteoporosis in adults.
A 2018 study of children aged 1-12 years across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam also found the prevalence of stunting is significantly less in those who consume dairy every day compared to those who do not consume it at all.
Recognition of dairy’s nutritional goodness is fuelling demand growth globally and adding significantly to the industry’s economic contribution to New Zealand.
“The value of dairy exports increased by $3.5 billion in the year to April 2025, to $26.8 billion. That equalled one-in-every-three dollars New Zealand earnt from all goods trade, with the economic benefits flowing through the economy as farmers and dairy companies purchase goods and services from thousands of other companies.
“DCANZ thanks the thousands of people throughout New Zealand who support and contribute to this positive contribution.”
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Defence News – The latest update on the HMNZS Manawanui response

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

We’ve reached an important stage in the Manawanui response, with the salvors’ barge returning to New Zealand from Samoa and commencing demobilisation, NZDF Senior National Representative for Operation Resolution, Commodore Andrew Brown said. 

“On board was the equipment and debris from in and around HMNZS Manawanui that could not be repurposed, along with tanktainers containing the unusable diesel fuel, oil, seawater mix. These will be processed for safe disposal.”

Commodore Brown said, “In the final days during the recovery work, the salvors carefully lifted the azipod that detached from the ship in the grounding, and the 3.3 tonne anchors with their chains, onto the barge for transport back to New Zealand.”

“It was a delicate operation to ensure the least impact was made on the surrounding environment, and removed any potential risk during a significant weather event. The 
NZDF will take custody of these from the salvors.”  

Commodore Brown said, “We’ve also taken the opportunity to officially acknowledge the salvors, Pacific 7 Limited & Bay Underwater Services NZ Limited, in a small ceremony. Their highly skilled and expert capability ensured the success of what has been some extremely technical diving and salvage work.”

“With the focus clearly on the next steps for Manawanui, we await the draft independent wreck assessment for New Zealand agencies review. Expert studies of the reef and environment in the vicinity of Manawanui, will inform and sit alongside this assessment. These studies will provide valuable advice to inform government decisions, and it’s important the experts take the time to be careful and thorough.”

Commodore Brown said, “Until a decision is reached on next steps for the ship, and the work required for that begins, every effort has been taken to leave the Manawanui as safe and secure as possible. For safety reasons the Government of Samoa’s Prohibited Area of 2kms around Manawanui, remains in place.”

“Directed by the Marine Pollution Advisory Committee working group chair to carry on regular monitoring to provide a level of assurance to the community, the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa reports have continued to show the seawater in the area clear and uncontaminated from elevated hydrocarbons.”

Commodore Brown said, “As we bid farewell to salvors Pacific 7 and Bay Underwater Services, we say thank you for the professional way you have carried out the work to remove the diesel fuel and other pollutants.”
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Port of Auckland fee increases cause concern for industry – Transporting NZ

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Transporting New Zealand is voicing strong concerns over the Port of Auckland's (POAL) announced increases to Vehicle Booking System (VBS) fees, warning these price hikes at the country’s largest import port will have major repercussions for businesses and consumers.
Trucks have been charged $130 per visit in access fees to the container terminal during peak hours since January 2025. This will increase to $180 in January 2026, $230 by July 2026 and $350 by January 2027. These fees are levied each time a truck accesses the terminal to deliver or collect a container.
Billy Clemens, Head of Policy & Advocacy at Transporting New Zealand, is questioning the justification for these large increases, noting that POAL’s productivity improvements have been minimal.
“Our road freight members and their customers haven’t seen an associated increase in Port productivity,” he says.
“In fact, from financial year 2023 to 2024 POAL’s average truck turnaround time improved by only 1.5 per cent, or 17 seconds. I don’t know of any road freight companies who could hike their prices by 170 per cent over two years following that level of performance.”
Clemens also challenges POAL's rationale that higher peak-time fees will incentivise off-peak deliveries.
“ Traffic data confirms that our members already do their best to avoid peak traffic because it’s a nightmare in Auckland as it is. If they could, they would.”
“A survey by one of our major North Island members revealed that only 12 per cent of their customers could accept night-time deliveries of containers.”
Transporting New Zealand is warning that these increased costs will inevitably be passed on to consumers and exporters, making New Zealand goods less competitive on the international stage. All at a time when the Port is already comfortably surpassing its profit targets.
Productive alternatives 
Clemens urges POAL and its owner, Auckland Council, to focus on enhancing productivity and performance rather than imposing higher fees on industry stakeholders.
“One practical option we’ve previously raised with POAL is to lower VBS charges for dual bookings, where a freighter both drops off and picks up containers on the same trip.”
“If POAL wants to improve productivity, it should also look to its 2024 Annual Report. POAL was comfortably meeting its peak vs off-peak truck target, but failing on crane rate, ship rate, and import dwell time, amongst others.”
Cargo owners share concern at price increases
Mike Knowles, chair of the New Zealand Cargo Owners Council, says the time-of-use approach is too simplistic to achieve significant behaviour change as the port is just one part of a complex supply chain.
The Cargo Owners Council believes it is time for benchmarking of NZ port productivity against their charge structures.
“We think the time is long overdue for a closer look at arbitrary fee increases that do not result in measurable service or infrastructure improvement – as things stand the ultimate loser here is NZ Inc.”
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand 
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand  is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.
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Northland News – Finalists for Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards

Source: Northland Regional Council

Finalists have been named for the sixth Northland Regional Council Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards which recognise individuals, groups and organisations helping to protect and improve Northland’s environment.
Council Chair Geoff Crawford says the 2025 awards are the first since the transition to a biennial event. (The previous awards were in 2023.)
Chair Crawford says entering the Environmental Awards helps tell the story of the environmental work happening in Northland and shows that collectively we are making a difference.
Finalists (in alphabetical order) are:
  • Bay of Islands International Academy
  • Bream Head Conservation Trust Reserve Revegetation
  • Earth Buddies
  • Hokianga Harbor Care Incorporated Society
  • Hurupaki School
  • India Clarke
  • Jill Mortensen
  • Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust
  • Ngā Kaitiaki O Ngā Wai Māori
  • Ngā Kaitiaki o te Ahi
  • Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust – Te Pou Taiao
  • Piroa Conservation Trust
  • Project Island Song
  • Roman Makara
  • Te Kura O Hato Hohepa Te Kamura
  • Te Runanga Nui O Te Aupouri- Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao Team
  • The Love Bittern Project
  • Tū Mai Rā Energy Northland
  • Weed Action Native Habitat Restoration Trust
  • Whangārei Girls' High School
Award categories include:
  • Environmental action in the community
  • Environmental action to protect native life
  • Environmental action in water quality improvement
  • Environmental action in education
  • Environmental leadership
  • Youth environmental leader
  • Kaitiakitanga
  • Environmental action in business
  • Environmental action to address climate change
Chair Crawford says winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at Waitangi on Thursday 26 June.
People interested in learning more about the awards – including previous winners – can visit: awards.nrc.govt.nz
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Local News – Hutt City Council considers non-binding referendum question on exploring council amalgamation

Source: Hutt City Council

Hutt City Council is considering adding a non-binding referendum question to this year’s local election ballot, asking whether the community supports exploring regional amalgamation.
If approved at a full council meeting next month, the following question will be included in voting papers:
“Should Hutt City Council work with councils in Wellington, Upper Hutt, Porirua and the Wellington Regional Council to explore the possibility of creating one single council, that combines relevant services and functions regionally, while keeping appropriate local services and decision making local?”
Mayor Campbell Barry said debate about reorganisation has existed for some time.
“This question simply asks our residents and ratepayers if they want us to explore things further.
“I will be putting this forward for council’s consideration in June, and encourage other councils in the Wellington region to do the same.”
The move comes after Porirua City Council agreed yesterday to include in voting papers the question of whether to explore council amalgamation.
The referendum is non-binding and it will be up to the future Council to consider the results after the election.
Voting in the upcoming local elections opens on 9 September and closes at midday on Saturday, 11 October 2025.