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Healthline celebrates its 25-year anniversary of trusted service and impact – and launches a GP booking initiative

Source: Whakarongorau Aotearoa

An estimated 3.45 million people have contacted Healthline since it launched 25 years ago
Whether it is for a 2am check on their baby’s continuous crying, a rash on an arm, or information about where to get more help, the people of Aotearoa know they can rely on the free, 24/7, trusted support from Healthline clinicians. They have relied on that for 25 years – a milestone that is being acknowledged this month.
There are thousands of people across Aotearoa who have a Healthline magnet on their fridge, who have the 0800 611 116 number in their phone, and who rely on unseen Healthline nurses and paramedics. Healthline plays a critical role in improving access to care.
Hannah Sleeman, lives in a remote area of the Waikato and has used Healthline several times including when her sore ear symptom was quickly identified by a Healthcare clinician as shingles, and she was advised to see a doctor. She was given the costs and locations of local clinics and was able to get the care she needed quickly.
The Healthline service has grown from an initial 16 nurses managing 20,000 calls in its first year, to over 150 nurses and paramedics managing 400,000 contacts annually – that's 1,000 every day.
What started as a phone service in May 2000 has expanded to include online services, with callers able to share videos and photos to help Healthline clinicians provide the most accurate advice. In addition to calling the trusted 0800 611116 number, people now access Healthline’s healthy.org.nz website for reliable health information, and can request a call back from a clinician, if their query isn’t urgent. The service also now includes the option for people to speak with a Māori clinician.
Healthline is funded by Health New Zealand and since 2015 has been run by Whakarongorau Aotearoa / New Zealand Telehealth Services.
Whakarongorau CEO Glynis Sandland said “Healthline is a virtual first responder for health queries, across multiple digital channels. It also plays a critical role in health sector – with 84% of Healthline callers managed through self-care at home or directed to community care, significantly reducing strain on our hospital emergency departments. We know that Healthline is considered by many as a taonga / treasure for the people of New Zealand.”
Elle Edwards is a mother who was unsure what to do when she accidentally took a double dose of medication late in the night. She called Healthline to ask if she could breastfeed her baby. “They were so helpful and patient and reassuring,” said Elle.
“Our clinicians are all experienced and specifically tele-triage trained experts and are seriously good at what they do. That’s why 98% of people who contact Healthline follow the advice they are given,” said Sandland.
“Over the last 25 years Healthline clinicians have seen it all and they have supported people through major events including the Canterbury earthquakes, measles outbreaks, and the COVID pandemic.
“Healthline has a proud and impactful past, and a very important future. That is definitely something to celebrate.”
Helen Parry was one of the first nurses on the Healthline team in 2000 and her family were surprised when she said she was going to be providing health triage over the phone. “I was really pleased to be part of such an innovative new way to care and a wonderful service,” said Parry.
The Healthline 25th anniversary was celebrated at an event at parliament 4 June 2025 hosted by Associate Minister of Health Matt Doocey. At the event Whakarongorau – who run Healthline – announced a new booking initiative
From next month, when a Healthline nurse or paramedic recomm

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Local News – Porirua’s BizFest announces two outstanding speakers

Source: Porirua City Council

One of New Zealand’s most iconic athletes will be speaking at Porirua’s BizFest on 1 July, joining the founder of an international dance company who grew up in Cannons Creek.
BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon will take place on 1 July, a day that aims to inspire and connect business people in our city. Topics of discussion on the day will include what’s on the economic horizon, how business leaders are navigating uncertain times in the business world, and what are the key ingredients for innovation and success now and into the future.
Dame Valerie Adams is recognised worldwide for her feats in shot put and is a leader and role model in the Pacific community for her work outside athletics.
From 2006 to 2016, Dame Valerie was unbeaten in major championships and won Olympic gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. A seven-time Halberg sportswoman of the year, her story is one that inspires – post her shot put career, she works in the community to support a number of causes and with commercial partners, while also being chair of the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission, a World Athletics Council member and on the board of High Performance Sport New Zealand.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says having Dame Valerie speak in Porirua is a coup, bringing value to the event by being able to share her experiences as an athlete at the very highest level, her commitment to her community and health and wellbeing, and her advocacy for athletes, especially among women in sport.
“Someone like Dame Valerie will add immense value to BizFest – she is someone who has demonstrated perseverance, discipline and an amazing work ethic, prioritising health and wellbeing, and commitment to helping others. I can’t wait to hear what she has to say about pushing through challenges and building resilience,” Mayor Baker says.
Black Grace’s Neil Ieremia, meanwhile, will add a homegrown flavour to BizFest, with his journey one of inspiration and perspiration.
Born in Cannons Creek and of Samoan heritage, Ieremia left home and his banking job at 19 and enrolled in a fulltime dance programme.
Founding dance company Black Grace in 1995, he has enjoyed sell-out performances in the US, Mexico and Canada and won numerous accolades at home and abroad for what Black Grace has achieved across the world.
Appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016, Ieremia received the inaugural Moana Creative Enterprise Award at the 2022 Pacific Business Trust Awards and is an honorary member of Dance ICONS, the international organisation of choreographers, along with numerous other honours.
Mayor Baker says Ieremia’s talk at BizFest should not be missed.
“Neil was rightly inducted into our Hall of Fame at Te Rauparaha Arena in 2022 – he is a local who has gone on to impressive heights around the world and will have a beautiful and authentic story to tell about seizing opportunities and taking our stories from Porirua to the global stage.” 
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New Zealand’s population likely to reach 6 million before 2040 – Stats NZ media and information release: National population projections: 2024(base)–2078

New Zealand’s population likely to reach 6 million before 2040 – media release

4 June 2025

The population living in Aotearoa New Zealand is likely to grow from 5.3 million currently to eclipse 6 million by 2040, according to projections released by Stats NZ today.

Two-thirds of that growth is likely to come from net international migration (migrant arrivals less migrant departures), with the remainder from natural increase (births less deaths).

“New Zealand’s net migration has fluctuated widely from year to year,” population estimates, projections, and coverage spokesperson Victoria Treliving said.

“But international migration has been the main contributor to New Zealand’s population growth this century, and this is projected to continue.”

Visit our website to read this news story and information release:

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Local News – The Wellington Water Committee welcomes new Directors to Wellington Water’s Board

Source: Hutt City Council

The Wellington Water Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of three new directors to the Wellington Water Board.
Wellington Water Committee Chair and Lower Hutt Mayor Campbell Barry says the new appointments strengthen the board’s overall depth of experience.
“We were looking for directors in key areas of expertise and skills that complement the strengths of existing board members and make for a well-rounded team to tackle the challenges ahead.
The newly appointed directors are:
– Gillian Peacock
– Ben Pitchforth
– David Adamson
“Gillian brings crucial expertise in organisational change management, Ben has extensive experience in IT systems and management, and David’s significant background in infrastructure will be a valuable asset at the Board.”
These appointments bring the board back up to full strength, with Board Chair Nick Leggett now supported by six independent directors.
Board members are appointed by the Wellington Water Committee, made up of the region’s mayors and iwi representatives.
Current Board members have warmly welcomed the new appointments, with Board Chair Nick Leggett sharing particular praise for the breadth and depth of relevant knowledge these new appointments bring to the board.
“After a long wait, we are delighted to have our board back to full strength. With Gillian, Ben and David’s expertise we can move full steam ahead and make the right decisions now to ready the organisation for the transition to the new entity.”
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French authorities block Greenpeace ship from participating in UN Ocean Conference

Source: Greenpeace

French authorities have blocked Greenpeace International’s ship Arctic Sunrise from entering the port of Nice, where the “One Ocean Science Congress” and the UN Ocean Conference are being hosted. This was retaliation against Greenpeace France, highlighting the weaknesses of the French network of Marine Protected Areas last month in the Mediterranean Sea, in an expedition on board the Arctic Sunrise.
Greenpeace International will write a formal letter of complaint to the United Nations, deploring the behaviour of the hosting French government. Civil society participation is a core element of the UN Ocean Conference.
The presence of the Arctic Sunrise in Nice would coincide with the 40th anniversary of the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior by French secret services in Auckland.
Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Ellie Hooper says, “It’s ironic that so close to the 40th anniversary of the French Government’s attempt to silence Greenpeace here in Auckland by bombing the Rainbow Warrior, the French Government is again trying to shut us down by blocking our ship from entering Nice.”
“But just like we were not silenced then, neither will we be silenced now. Climate change, ecosystem collapse, and accelerating species extinction pose an existential threat, and our work has never been more important.”
The Arctic Sunrise had been invited by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in the “One Ocean Science Congress” and in the Ocean wonders parade taking place right before the UN Ocean Conference.
Greenpeace International had intended to deliver the messages of three million people calling for a moratorium on deep sea mining to the politicians attending the conference. The ship’s entry to Nice has now been blocked.
Mads Christensen, Greenpeace International’s Executive Director, says, “The French authorities’ attempt to silence fair criticism ahead of this UN Ocean Conference is clearly a political decision and is utterly unacceptable. Greenpeace and our ships have been working peacefully to protect the oceans for decades. The Arctic Sunrise highlighted the failure of the French government to properly protect its Marine Protected Areas – where bottom trawling is still permitted – and now we are being punished.
“France wants this to be a moment where they present themselves as saviours of the oceans, while they want to silence any criticism of their own failures in national waters. We will not be silenced. We believe the voices of the three million calling for a stop to deep sea mining must be heard in Nice. Greenpeace and the French government share the same objective to get a moratorium on deep sea mining, which makes the ban of the Arctic Sunrise from Nice even more absurd.”
Millions of people around the world have joined Greenpeace’s campaign to stop deep sea mining from starting. In 2023, the Arctic Sunrise crew took action at sea to bear witness to the threat of the deep sea mining industry. They peacefully protested against The Metals Company, which had been publicly accused of “environmental piracy” by the French government a few weeks ago, given their attempt to bypass international law by requesting an exploitation permit through President Trump’s administration.
Right now, the Rainbow Warrior is in the Tasman Sea to expose the damage being done to ocean life there and will be in New Zealand to mark the anniversary of the bombing in Auckland on 10 July.
Onboard photographer Fernando Pereira died in the attack, which came soon after Operation Exodus, in which the Greenpeace flagship had evacuated victims of American nuclear tests on Rongelap Atoll and was preparing to oppose French nuclear tests on Mururoa Atoll.
Following the first-ever deep sea mining licence application by The Metals Company to the United States, Greenpeace says that now is the time to resist and stop this industry from starting.
This UN Ocean Conference will be a key moment to galvanise support ahead of the July meeting of the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator.
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Construction Sector – Construction cost growth flatlines as industry slowdown persists

Source: Quotable Value

The latest figures from QV CostBuilder show construction costs overall have barely risen in the second quarter of 2025, amidst an ongoing downturn for the industry. 
The average cost of building a standard one- or two-storey 150/230m² home in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin or Palmerston North has rose just 0.1% in the past three months- down again from the 0.4% increase recorded in the first quarter of this year.
Annually, the cost of building a home in one of those six centres has increased by an average of 1.3%, which is in stark contrast to the double-figure growth experienced throughout 2021, 2022, and 2023.
“This ongoing deceleration in construction cost inflation signals a broader industry slowdown,” said QV CostBuilder quantity surveyor Martin Bisset.
“With subdued demand and tighter economic conditions, we’re now seeing many building material prices either holding steady or trending downward.”
“Where we previously saw surging labour costs due to shortages, particularly in skilled trades, we’re now seeing a plateau,” Mr. Bisset noted.
“This is a positive for developers managing tighter margins in a cooling market.”
In the meantime, the cost of building non-residential buildings (excluding educational buildings) has also increased slightly by 0.1% this quarter, with an annual cost increase of less than one percent at just 0.9%. In our Q1 update, costs remained steady, up just 0.1% for the quarter and 1.2% for the year – also reflecting the downward trend in building costs in New Zealand.
“These figures tell a story of stability rather than volatility,” Mr. Bisset added.
“Construction costs are plateauing, but that doesn't mean predictability for every project. The complexity, level of finish, and design elements will always have a major influence on overall cost.”
However, he warned that geopolitical instability had the potential to impact prices in the future. “New tariffs have exacerbated the high levels of tension and uncertainty in international relations, along with recent escalation of armed conflicts means a general sense of political volatility continues to pose risks, not only to construction costs but also to the economy as a whole,” Mr. Bisset said. “Anything that impedes the flow of goods across the world has the potential for increasing the difficulty and therefore the cost of acquiring building materials here in Aotearoa.”
Steel framing was among the biggest movers this quarter, down 5.7%; structural steel fell 2.1%; leading to a (1.4%) drop in the prices for Stairs and Balustrades; and Frames (0.7%). Site preparation costs dropped (1.0%) due to a reduction in sheet piling and diesel rates. Suspended ceilings fell 4.6%; and fire proofing costs decreased 3.2%. Bucking the trend, Formwork costs rose slightly by 0.3%; as did exterior walls and exterior finish costs.
Labour rates have remained relatively stable, to March 2025; in the past three months, rising just 0.14% and they are up 1.8% over the past year. The downturn in overall construction activity – particularly in residential housing – has eased pressure on the labour market. Fewer projects mean there’s less competition for workers, which is helping to stabilise hourly rates and control one of the biggest contributors to project budgets.
QV CostBuilder is New Zealand’s most comprehensive subscription-based building cost platform.
In this update, more than 12,400 current material prices were applied to its database of more than 60,000 rates, generating about 6,300 changes to the data across six centres.
Powered by state-owned enterprise Quotable Value, QV CostBuilder’s comprehensive database covers everything from the building costs per square metre for banks, schools, and office buildings, to the approximate cost per sheet of GIB and more than 8,000 other items. It also includes labour rates, labour constants, and much more.
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Energy Sector – Meridian appoints new General Manager

Source: Meridian Energy

4 June 2025 – Meridian Energy has appointed Rory Blundell to the newly created role of General Manager, Strategy and Portfolio. Rory is currently Meridian’s Group Strategy Manager and starts his new position with immediate effect.

Rory brings over 20 years of New Zealand electricity sector experience to his new role, having previously held numerous senior and executive management positions in the industry.

“I am delighted to appoint Rory into this new and important role. His depth of sector experience and quality have significantly advanced the development and execution of our strategy. I am confident he will improve the way our market portfolio and customer solutions align with that strategy. Rory’s calibre will add to the Meridian Executive, and further improve the way we work collectively,” says CEO designate Mike Roan.

“Rory is a great example of the bench strength we have developed at Meridian, and I look forward to his continued contribution to the future direction of this company”.

Chris Ewers, currently acting General Manager, Strategy and Portfolio, will now take up a new position as Electricity Security Manager, reporting to General Manager, Generation Tania Palmer.

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First Responders – Waitangi Bridge ship fire update #2

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have brought the fire on The Tui in Paihia under control this morning.
Community Risk Manager Mitchell Brown says the fire began on the ship, which had been converted into a building on land next to the Waitangi Bridge.
“Sadly, the structure is about 90 per cent destroyed, which is a significant loss of history to the community,” he says.
“Our volunteer crews responded at around 4am, and they’ve been working really hard the last few hours to bring the fire under control.
“We’re just dampening down the last hotspots now.
“Thankfully, there wasn’t anyone inside the ship overnight.”
There are currently six fire crews from Paihia, Kerikeri, Kawakawa and Whangārei at the location, as well as a fire investigator.
“We’re also working with local marae committee to ensure safety of nearby residents,” Mitchell Brown says.
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Banking – ASB drops mortgage rates for the seventh time this year

Source: ASB

ASB has today reduced several of its fixed home lending rates by up to 20 basis points, marking the bank’s seventh fixed rate mortgage drop in 2025. ASB has also lowered some of its term deposit rates by between 5 and 20 basis points.

ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says “Interest rates remain a hot topic of conversation, with homeowners and first home buyers watching the market closely.  Whether you’re looking to fix or float, today’s drops to our fixed lending rates across short and medium terms, along with our lower variable rates announced last week, give New Zealanders a range of appealing options to consider.”  

All rate decreases are effective immediately.

 

  Fixed home lending term

Previous rate

New rate

Rate decrease

6-month

5.59%

5.45%

– 14 bps

1-year

4.99%

4.95%

– 4 bps

18-month

4.99%

4.89%

– 10 bps

2-year

4.99%

4.95%

– 4 bps

3-year

5.35%

5.15%

– 20 bps

 

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Banking – ASB Business Survey: The impact of Trump’s tariffs, according to Kiwi businesses

Source: ASB

Research released today by ASB, supported by Talbot Mills Research, shows Kiwi businesses see US tariffs as more impactful than Covid-19 or the Global Financial Crisis.  More than 300 business leaders, including CEOs and founders, contributed to the study, giving their insights on President Trump’s recently announced trade policies.

 

  • Two-thirds (67%) of businesses are concerned about the impact of proposed US tariffs in the next 12 months, with nearly 80% of exporters concerned
  • Kiwi business leaders believe Trump’s tariffs will have a more severe global impact than Covid-19 and the GFC
  • Meat, dairy and wine are seen as the most vulnerable within Food and Fibre sector, while businesses predict wool and seafood would fare better
  • Nearly one-quarter (24%) of Kiwi businesses see at least some opportunity in the tariffs
  • More than one-third (39%) of respondents listed support of banks as critical to navigating the current environment

 

Tariffs: a threat and an opportunity for Kiwi businesses

ASB’s Executive General Manager Business Banking Rebecca James says: “We’re seeing sustained market volatility with the ever-changing political decisions around tariffs, which naturally creates a heightened sense of uncertainty for businesses. It’s clear businesses view any proposed US tariffs as troubling, but it’s pleasing that nearly a quarter of respondents see opportunity in tariffs too. New Zealand has a reputation on the world stage for ingenuity and a can-do attitude, and we want businesses to know there are things they can do to future-proof and manage risks in turbulent times.”

President Trump first announced tariffs in April as part of the 'America First' trade policy, aimed at protecting US industries and addressing the trade deficit. The tariffs are set at 10% for most countries, including New Zealand, with China a notable outlier where a larger tariff has been applied to Chinese origin goods. Additional proposed tariffs higher than the 10% baseline were paused for a 90-day period and will be reviewed in July.  Businesses are split on how long potential disruption could last.  A slight majority (51%) of Kiwi businesses are optimistic that the economy will recover quickly, while 38% predict a prolonged economic downturn for the country and the remainder were unsure.

Taking action key to growth

14% of those surveyed view US tariffs purely as an opportunity, while 10% see them as both a potential risk and an opportunity. Ten percent of businesses and 14% of exporters have already taken action to reduce the negative impacts of tariffs including raising prices, shifting markets or cutting costs. Just under one-third (30%) believe they can make up losses through new customers or cost savings; 25% from operational efficiencies, and 22% from other revenue streams. 22% are unsure, with uncertainty highest among small businesses.

“The current market volatility and geopolitical tension may be our ‘new normal’, but we’ve been in positions of global uncertainty before and the research shows Kiwi businesses are already thinking about actions they can take to make their business more resilient and generate returns.”

Ms James encourages businesses to stay connected to industry partners, trade advocacy groups and their banks to share knowledge and ideas when it comes to growth and scale.

“Business customers are relying on us more than ever to navigate the current environment, and we’re seeing this through an increase in trade finance and a rise in currency hedging enquiries. Our advice is to start exploring options now. We’re seeing customers adapting their business strategy in all sorts of ways, so solutions for your business might look like assessing AI to improve workflow, adjusting your supply chain, selling down stock before new inventory orders, building new trade relationships or exploring untapped markets.”

Businesses shifting their focus to closer to home

More than three-quarters of Kiwi exporters expect the cost of doing business with the US to increase by 10% or more in the next year. Concern is higher among exporters (78%) and increases with business size, with worry growing to 88% among 100+ staff businesses). The potential impacts of tariffs which were of the most concern to businesses include slowing economic growth (39%), increased operating costs (32%) and supply chain disruptions (28%).  Nearly one-quarter of businesses are worried about consumer backlash due to price inflation (24%), along with 23% who see a China-US Trade war as unsettling for business. Some of the most explored markets by businesses are China (51%), Australia (37%), European Union (28%) and Southeast Asia (25%).  

“The research shows a pendulum swing when it comes to trading partners, with businesses redirecting their attention to our close neighbours. Location seems to be king, with our customers prioritising relationships much closer to home,” says Ms James.

“We’re also seeing exporters maintaining high standards and doubling down on premium products to give us an edge on the global stage, even where it costs more for consumers.”

The role of banks as a critical support function

Businesses see Government lobbying as the most critical tool in helping to reduce the impact of tariffs, with banks the next most important. More than one-third (39%) of respondents listed support of banks as critical, specifically working capital support (31%), risk advice (26%) and trade finance (24%).

“ASB has provided $4.6 billion dollars to Kiwi businesses over the past five years including considerable support to companies looking to expand and navigate opportunities abroad. We have seen increased use of trade finance products, aided by trade credit insurance, enabling businesses to sustainably leverage balance sheets while derisking payment default. We encourage companies doing business overseas to speak with their banker and engage with a trade specialist to ensure your business is in the strongest position,” says Ms James.

Notes: Results in this report are based upon questions asked in a Talbot Mills Research online survey. The basis of the sample is 344 New Zealand business leaders (business owners, C-suite, senior management), with the survey in field between 24 April and 5 May 2025.