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4 February 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand's latest thematic review on deposit takers' risk management practices stresses the need for continuous improvement to ensure risk management remains relevant, effective and aligned with good practice.

“Effective risk management enables deposit takers to identify and mitigate risks proactively, reducing the likelihood of failures and building resilience in the financial system. This makes risk management central to our mandate of protecting and promoting financial stability,” says Director of Financial System Assessment Kerry Watt.

The review found that risk management practices were largely proportionate to the deposit takers' size and complexity. While most entities are already investing in enhancing their risk management practices, the review found that more needs to be done to uplift capability to meet the Reserve Bank's expectations.

“Sound risk management requires forward looking and adaptive practices underpinned by strong governance and risk culture. This enables firms to effectively manage known and emerging risks in a changing economic environment,” says Mr Watt.

All deposit takers are expected to consider the findings and recommendations outlined in the report and take appropriate actions. The Reserve Bank will be following up with firms on how they compare with the findings from the review as part of ongoing supervisory monitoring.

The review focused on three fundamental pillars of sound risk management: the Risk Management Framework, governance and oversight, and the risk management function. It covered nine deposit takers of varying sizes and business models, with the objective of strengthening sector capability by sharing good practices and identifying areas for improvement.

Insights from this review will inform the Reserve Bank's upcoming guidance supporting the risk management standard under the Deposit Takers Act 2023.

The next thematic review will focus on risk management in the general insurance sector.

More information

Thematic review on risk management:
https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=d88a57ea39&e=f3c68946f8

• 98% of Kiwi employers report difficulty identifying standout candidates in today's job market.
• 93% say they've seen an increase in overqualified applicants in the past year.
• Automated screening tools missing strong candidates (37%), high volume of applications (36%), and assessing AI-generated CVs (36%) are the biggest challenges for employers to identify standout candidates.
• Employers say strong interpersonal or soft skills (34%), clear communication in application material (31%), and demonstrated, relevant experience tailored to the role (31%) are key to rising above the crowd.

Auckland, 4 February 2026 – A surge in job applications is offering employers more choice on paper, but in reality, standout talent is getting harder to find. New independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half reveals that 98% of Kiwi employers face challenges in distinguishing exceptional talent in the current competitive hiring market.

With today's latest unemployment rate sitting at 5.4%1 and Seek job ad applications up 19.6%2 YoY, the employment market appears to be softening, yet competition for top roles remains high.

Why more applications don't always mean stronger candidates

A surge in job applications, driven in part by economic caution and shifting career priorities, has brought with it an unexpected challenge. In the past 12 months, 93% of employers have seen a rise in candidates applying for roles they are overqualified for.

Technology hiring managers (96%) have seen the highest number of overqualified applicants, compared to 90% in finance and accounting.

“We're seeing a growing number of professionals applying for roles beneath their experience level, particularly in sectors like technology and finance. While it might seem like a bonus to hire someone overqualified, it can be a double-edged sword. If the position doesn't fully leverage their skillset, it may lead to disengagement, lower morale and, ultimately, higher turnover,” says Ronil Singh, Director at Robert Half.

What's getting in the way of standout candidates

When asked about the biggest obstacles to identifying top applicants, employers cited several key issues:

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 250 employers in New Zealand. 

Here's what gets noticed by employers 

In a competitive jobs market, the top qualities that help candidates cut through the volume, according to hiring managers: 

• 34% say strong interpersonal or soft skills 

• 31% say demonstrated, relevant experience tailored to the role 

• 31% say clear and concise communication in CV and cover letter 

• 30% say demonstrated understanding of the company or industry 

• 29% say professional presentation and attention to detail 

• 28% say referrals or internal recommendations 

• 26% say evidence of adaptability or problem-solving skills 

• 26% say strong alignment with company values or culture 

“Hiring managers are contending with an influx of applications, and many are finding it challenging to identify the right fit for their open roles. With advances in technology prone to error, along with uniform formatting and templated language driven by the rise of AI-generated content, distinguishing candidates and accurately assessing their true skills and suitability has become increasingly difficult. 

“With high application volumes and AI-generated content flooding recruitment pipelines, employers are placing greater emphasis on proven role-specific experience and soft skills, which are almost equally as important in today's market. Candidates who clearly articulate these qualities are more likely to stand out in an otherwise crowded and uniform talent pool,” concludes Singh.

¹ Stats NZ, Labour market statistics: December 2025 quarter 

² SEEK Job Ad Postings – 12-months to Nov 2025 (vs 12-months to Nov 2024) 

Notes

About the research 

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in October 2025 by an independent research company of 250 finance, accounting, and IT and technology hiring managers. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed, and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.  

About Robert Half 

Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland. More information on roberthalf.com/nz. 

Source: Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi

Waitangi, Aotearoa – Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi, a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) initiative for self-determination and self-governance formed in 1987, has sent a 17-member Indigenous Hawaiian delegation to Waitangi, Aotearoa to stand in solidarity with the Māori people in defense of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.  The delegation is present to stand alongside Māori leadership, strengthen international solidarity, and affirm the deep genealogical and oceanic ties shared by Indigenous peoples of Moana Nui a Kanaloa.

On February 3, members of the delegation participated in a pōwhiri with iwi taketake at Te Tii Waitangi Marae, marking a formal welcome and the beginning of their engagement alongside Māori communities and leaders.

Members of the delegation will be speaking at the Political Forum tent on February 5 at 4:00 p.m., participating in the dawn ceremony on February 6, and marching alongside their whānau in support of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The delegation has issued a formal Statement of Solidarity calling on the international community to pay close attention to developments in Aotearoa, as political actions continue to seek to weaken and reinterpret Te Tiriti and undermine Māori rangatiratanga.

The statement raises serious concern that recent government actions and political rhetoric have misrepresented efforts to address structural discrimination as “racial privilege,” and have enabled legislative initiatives seeking to radically redefine the meaning of Te Tiriti—triggering widespread national protests, multiple claims before the Waitangi Tribunal, judicial review proceedings, and large nationwide hui of Māori leaders.

“The world should know what is happening in Aotearoa. As Kanaka Maoli, we know what it means to have our lands, waters, and political future decided without us,” said Healani Sonoda-Pale, spokesperson for Ka Lāhui Hawaiʻi. “We came to Waitangi so the world can see that Māori are not standing alone—and that Indigenous peoples across the Pacific are watching, standing together, and demanding that Te Tiriti o Waitangi be fully honored. Our struggles are connected, and our collective liberation as Indigenous peoples of Oceania are bound to one another.”

Covering period of Monday 2nd – Thursday 5th February
 
January 2026 saw sweltering heat early in the month with intense rain to follow. Some long-standing records were broken:

Tauranga Airport Wettest Day (9am to 9am) with 274.0mm on 21st Jan.*
Timaru Airport Wettest January with 135.7mm.
Tauranga Airport Wettest January with 408.9mm.
Kerikeri Airport Warmest January Day (9am to 9am) 32.7°C on 11th Jan.
Whitianga Airport Wettest Day (9am to 9am) 247.6mm on 21st Jan.

Records began in 1910 for Tauranga, 1956 for Timaru, 1978 for Kerikeri and 1987 for Whitianga.

Today (Monday), the upper South Island celebrates Nelson Anniversary Day. While cloud and rain move in from the west, many have had a fine morning in the east. The remainder of the day will be dry for Marlborough. It’s a different story for the rest of the country.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley adds “There’s a soupy mess of humid air covering much of the North Island today, and a low-pressure system moving in from the Tasman Sea. Rain is trekking up the South Island today, getting heavier about central New Zealand tomorrow as the low crosses over. There is even the possibility of snow above 1,200 meters about Canterbury from Tuesday afternoon.”

MetService has a Heavy Rain Watch about the Westland ranges south of Fox Glacier until this evening. Tomorrow there is a Heavy Rain Watch for Marlborough south of Seddon, and Canterbury north of the Rangitata River, which has a high chance of being upgraded to an Orange Rain Warning.  In addition, there is a Strong Wind Watch for southeasterlies about Fiordland, Westland and Grey District.

MetService has heat alerts for Napier and Hastings today, which are expected to reach 32°C and 33°C respectively. Much of the North Island has a muggy night ahead. Napier has an overnight minimum temperature of 23°C, and Auckland will only drop to 21°C.

On Tuesday, the maximum temperature for Canterbury will be in the early hours of the morning. Christchurch will drop to a chilly 12°C for most of the day.

* Tauranga experienced a wetter 24-hour period between 17th and 18th May 2005; however, this rainfall was spread across two official reporting days, as daily rainfall is measured from 9am to 9am for climatological records.

A new survey of nearly 1,800 New Zealand patients shows a clear and consistent preference for face-to-face consultations with family doctors, reinforcing the central role of in-person, GP-led care in general practice

The survey, conducted by the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro), gathered feedback from 1,798 patients through GenPro member practices.

The results provide a valuable snapshot of patient sentiment at a time when access targets and digital care models are under active discussion.

Eighty-seven percent of respondents ranked in-clinic, face-to-face consultations as their preferred way to receive care, with telehealth options — including video, email, and patient portals — ranking significantly lower.

“Patients are telling us very clearly that quality care, trust, and reassurance are closely tied to seeing their GP in person,” said Dr Angus Chambers, Chair of the General Practice Owners Association.

“Digital tools absolutely have a place, but they are not a substitute for the clinical judgement, connection, and confidence that come from face-to-face care.”

The survey found that patients particularly value in-person appointments when it matters most. Nearly two in three patients prefer face-to-face care when a physical examination is needed, or if they have new health concerns, the survey says.

“These results highlight that patients see in-person consultations as critical for accurate diagnosis and building trust,” Dr Chambers said. “That’s something a screen cannot replicate.”

While telehealth is useful for convenience, patients don’t see it as a replacement for in-person GP care. Telehealth was most commonly used for:

Repeat prescriptions (60 percent);
Test results (55 percent);
Minor or simple health issues (53 percent).

However, 15 percent of respondents said they did not like telehealth and would not use it at all.

“Telehealth works well for specific, low-complexity tasks,” said Dr Chambers. “But patients are clear — when it comes to real clinical engagement, they want to be in the room with their GP.”
The survey also revealed a strong preference for GP-led care:

96 percent prefer to see a GP when visiting their practice;
48 percent said they always want to see a GP, even when other clinicians are available.

When booking appointments, patients prioritised appointment availability (80 percent) and continuity with the same clinician (66 percent).

Cost and convenience ranked lower, suggesting patients value ongoing relationships and access over speed or price.

“This reinforces what general practice has always known — continuity of care matters,” Dr Chambers said. “Patients want to be known, understood, and cared for by a qualified professional they trust.”

The survey did not collect demographic or regional data and was not intended for formal benchmarking. However, GenPro says the findings highlight the need for patient voices to be front and centre in policy discussions about access targets and models of care.

Dr Chambers said that the Government had lavished subsidies on telehealth providers of telehealth.

“A ‘digital first’ policy might look good on paper and create the impression that the government is taking action. But it will not deliver the outcomes it promises. The money would be far better invested in retaining and recruiting community GPs to deliver the safer, higher-quality care they already provide.”