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Energy Sector – Keeping Kiwis on Gas Saves Money

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Electrifying everything doesn’t make sense for consumers. That’s the clear message from a Castalia report, commissioned by the Gas Industry Company (GIC), on the impact of decommissioning the gas distribution network to achieve a rapid shift to electrification.
Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the report reinforces what many in the energy sector have been saying for years: a forced gas network switch-off would result in higher bills for families, higher costs for businesses, and eye-wateringly expensive environmental benefits.
The report outlines that electricity and LPG prices would have to decrease by 60 per cent or gas prices rise by 70 per cent to make disconnecting the gas network and electrifying economically feasible.
“Castalia’s report proves our long-held view that disconnection would be more expensive than the status quo and that consumers would bear the brunt of dismantling access to the natural gas used by thousands of Kiwis.
Network disconnection is 45 per cent more than the status quo – a total of $1 billion over 25 years. Almost all of this would be paid directly by households and businesses through higher energy bills and the cost of replacing appliances.”
Castalia estimates that turning off gas and meeting the additional electricity demand, mainly through new onshore wind, could reduce emissions by approximately 36 million tonnes of CO₂ between 2029 and 2050.
Carnegie says the cost of those reductions is exorbitant – around $900 per tonne – and far above the price New Zealanders already pay through the ETS, which is now around $55 per tonne.
We’d be spending a lot more than we need, and if wind power doesn’t come online as quickly as assumed, generation like coal would likely fill the gap, making the environmental case even weaker.
In plain terms, these reductions would harm families and businesses at a time when they are already struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Having a functioning gas network is the best option for consumers now and into the future. It not only positions us for the possibility of new natural gas but also the progressive scaling up of biomethane and hydrogen.
What’s worse is that today’s forced expensive emission reductions would foreclose the promise of cheaper options tomorrow – an economic and environmental lose-lose.”
Carnegie says the Government and energy sector agree that our system works best when it is underpinned by natural gas, and there is now, with its energy package released last week, a real possibility of further investment in exploration.
New Zealanders want lower emissions, but we also want to keep the lights on and our homes warm without breaking the bank. There are smarter, cheaper ways to reduce emissions than forcing people to switch from gas to electricity. “
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Advocacy – Trump’s peace proposal and "Hamas-Nitanyaho"’s YES-NO – PFNZ

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand (PFNZ)

It is clear that what is called the “peace plan” presented by the American president in its current form looks like a document of surrender that paves the way for a new long-term colonization of the Gaza Strip. The matter becomes even clearer when the task of oversight is placed on Tony Blair, the man who incited the occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq, and when the duties of maintaining security and stability in Gaza are assigned to non-Palestinian
parties. More than that, it is a plan that constitutes a lifting of the international cover from the possibility of holding Netanyahu and his racist Zionist government accountable for the crimes of extermination that, as I write this, continue.

The proposed plan, consisting of twenty articles, plainly disowns the Palestinian people’s right to self-rule, self-determination, and sovereignty over their land without external interference, rights that are, of course, inalienable. This plan was drafted unilaterally and discussed and approved by parties without consulting all Palestinians -the tragedy that still eats away at our political system and its parties: that the Palestinian decision is never in the hands of the Palestinian, and that he, his land and his holy sites are always subject to the logic of guardianship by a non-Palestinian other!

The plan masquerading as peace appears at first glance to have come to rescue Netanyahu and his government after his army failed over 22 months to recover the hostages by force, destroy Hamas, disarm it and dismantle the tunnel network, and point 13 of the plan represents the core of all this.

According to my reading of the twenty points, the plan in its current form offers no more than a temporary halt to the aggression against the Palestinians – and that is a good thing – so that Netanyahu can retrieve his hostages in exchange for the release of 200 Palestinians serving life sentences in Israeli prisons as well as 1,700 Palestinians arrested from Gaza during the aggression, and in addition an exchange of the remaining bodies held by both sides. The question now is: Who will guarantee that aggression will not resume, and that the plan to
occupy Gaza and forcibly displace Palestinians will not continue once the first stage is complete and Hamas is stripped of its final bargaining card, the hostages?

Anyone who understands President Trump’s foreign policy knows that dismantling what is called the project of “political Islam” and its movements, especially in the Middle East, drying up their funding sources and deterring the establishment and the states that stand behind them are at the top of his foreign priorities. This explains the alignment of the positions of many Arab and Islamic countries with Trump’s policies, foremost among them Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, which welcomed Trump’s peace plan, which includes their explicit approval and agreement to disarm Hamas
and that Hamas should not return to rule Gaza in the future nor participate in governance directly or indirectly.

Also among the priorities of his foreign policy is ending conflicts and wars, eradicating organized criminal gangs and networks that traffic children and organs, and establishing peace as a cornerstone for revitalizing the global economy. Anyone following the American mass media knows that President Trump can no longer tolerate Netanyahu’s adventures and arrogance, especially after the Qatargate political scandal and after Netanyahu’s violation of
Qatari sovereignty by bombing of Hamas leadership in Doha and Netanyahu’s procrastination in prolonging the aggression and extermination in Gaza. All of this has recently resulted in the reshaping of American public opinion against Israel and Zionism, led by Charlie Kirk, one of the biggest supporters of President Trump, and resulted in his assassination in the same way President John F. Kennedy was assassinated (despite the fact that Charlie Kirk was
a supporter of Israel as well)!

The scene seems contradictory and unclear to the public, but after the Qatargate scandal many American politicians and military figures agreed that, to get rid of Netanyahu, who has become a burden not only on the region and America but on Israeli citizens themselves, Hamas (which Netanyahu uses as a pretext) must be eliminated first, on the premise that Hamas and Netanyahu are two sides of the same coin, according to their claim. This would pave the way for a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.

Let us be more realistic and admit as Palestinians that what Hamas did on October 7 harmed Palestinians more than it helped them, and that Hamas with its weapons and approach could not protect the Palestinians in Gaza from the brutality and might of the Israeli army. On the contrary, the Palestinians in Gaza were left facing extermination, displacement, and starvation without any sense of responsibility from the international community. Here we are not in the position of criticizing Hamas, as Hamas is one of the components of the Palestinian people, but it is in an unenviable position now, and the national consensus must be to unite to save what can be saved for Palestine.

Indeed, Hamas is between two options, both bitter, and the final word now belongs to the Palestinian people in Gaza, who have suffered and continue to suffer the pains of this tragedy. Gaza can no longer foot the bill and offer further sacrifices to the thirst for blood. Gaza is not just numbers and figures, and anyone who speaks for Gaza with rhetoric of martyrdom and sacrifice while living outside it should go to Gaza, stay there and face what the Palestinians in
Gaza face; only then will they understand the humanitarian urgent need to stop the aggression against our people in Gaza so that children and adults may enjoy security and peace. The time has come for this brutal aggression against Gaza to stop, and stopping the aggression on Gaza is, in short, the end of the chapter of Hamas and Netanyahu once and for all.

Sam Alfa
Governor
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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Health – Working age New Zealanders overall health declining – ASMS report shows

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

Excellent health is now reserved for just a small minority of working age New Zealanders, as physical health falls and psychological distress climbs, according to new research.
Managed Decline is the latest report from the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists which looks at the decline in health of New Zealanders aged 15-and over since 2011/12.
The report analyses health data gathered as part of the New Zealand Health Survey and uses values from Treasury to estimate the increased costs that result.
Since 2011/12 there has been now an additional social cost of between $2.6 and $8.6 billion a year.
The paper shows between 2011/12 and 2023/24:
  • a decline in excellent health of adults which dropped from an average of 20 per cent to 11.5 per cent
  • an increase in overall fair/poor health from 11 per cent to 14.6 per cent
  • unmet need for mental health across all adults has more than doubled in the past five years alone
  • psychological distress increased among all adults under 65. The greatest change is among the 15-24 year-old age group, which climbed from 5 per cent to 23 per cent
“These changes compound the increased demand on our health system, over and above the impact from an increasing and aging population,” report author Andrea Black says.
“Working age groups saw an almost 50 per cent increase in poor or fair health.
“It is just a matter of time before this spills over into poor health – with implications for health services, the workforce and society as a whole.”
The report estimated the additional annual costs from a decline in health
– $400 million in additional fiscal costs. This is an estimate of an increase in visits to ED and hospital admissions that could have been prevented by earlier primary care.
– $2.6 billion – $8.6 billion per year is the estimate of the social costs from the overall decline in health. These costs represent
the amount of money an individual would need to receive to be compensated for
their decline in health, with the higher number representing the annual losses
if the increase in psychological distress continues.
Report author Andrea Black says the research looked to put dollar values on the declining state of New Zealand’s general health.
“The health system is dealing with increased, preventable hospital admissions due to a lack of access to primary care.”
Unmet need for a GP due to wait time has more than doubled in the past three years to 25.7 per cent in 2023/24. For women, unmet need due to wait time is now 30 per cent.
“The decline in health will be driven primarily by determinants such as housing, incomes and education rather than necessarily the state of the health system,” Black says.
“If trends continue over the next 12 years, the report estimates that only 6.6 per cent of adults will be in excellent health while almost 20 per cent would be in fair/poor health. The impact of this decline doesn’t seem to have been factored into the government’s long-term thinking. We need to address this.”
More information:
The full report can be accessed here: 
ASMS union members who work in emergency departments, primary care and mental health services are also available for interviews on request by contacting:  Matt Shand | Communications Advisor, Association of Salaried Medical Specialists
Notes:
In the New Zealand Health Survey adult respondents (aged 15+ years) are categorised as having good or better self-rated health if they answered ‘good’, ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ to the question: In general, would you say your health is … ?
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Weather News – Ready, Set, Go! The Weather Race Continues – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 6th – Friday 10th October

  • Heavy Rain Warning for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers 
  • Heavy Rain Watches for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass as well as the Tararua Range 
  • Strong Wind Warning for Canterbury High Country 
  • Strong Wind Watches for inland regions of the southern South Island, Wellington and Wairarapa 
  • Road Snow Warnings for Milford Road (SH94), Crown Range Road, Arthur’s Pass (SH73) and Lewis Pass (SH7) 

Spring beginning to feel a bit like a relay run? It’s been an active spring so far with plenty of weather and it’s starting to feel like there’s only a short chance to catch a breath before the next leg begins.  

As for today, a frontal band of rain and strong winds are advancing on a northwards course across the South Island and then will sprint across the North Island tomorrow, followed by a strong showery west to southwest wind. Heavy swell, with waves above four metres are forecast for western coasts and southern South Island for today and tomorrow.  

This system is associated with a Heavy Rain Warning for the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers and Heavy Rain Watches for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Arthur's Pass as well as the Tararua Range. A Strong Wind Warning is in place for the Canterbury High Country, and Strong Wind Watches for inland regions of the southern South Island, Wellington and Wairarapa. Road Snow Warnings are issued for Milford Road (SH94), Crown Range Road, Arthur’s Pass (SH73) and Lewis Pass (SH7).

Through Wednesday to Friday, a ridge of high pressure will bring some settled weather and a recovery break to most of the North Island, while a showery northwest flow affects the South Island. Through the latter part of the week there will be a focus on speed for the South Island, as those northwesterly winds are expected to increase through Thursday and Friday.  
And the winner of this race?  

MetService meteorologist Alanna Burrows says, “Well, it’s not a real race with a real winner, but perhaps we’ll give the South Island the award for endurance. That being said, with a long-lasting northwesterly flow locking in from Wednesday, the prize of this weather scenario looks like warmer than average temperatures through the second half of this week.”  

MetService is forecasting widespread temperatures over 20°C for Friday. Napier and Hastings could reach 26°C and 28°C respectively. Whanganui could see a maximum of 23°C, Kaikōura 24°C and 20°C for Gore. Temperatures are predicted to remain warm overnight.

“It is not looking like any PBs [personal bests] for temperature at this stage, but we will be on the stopwatch to record what happens,” advises Burrows.

Keep up to date with our latest forecasts at metservice.com.
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Defence News – Statement on the marking of one year since the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)
 
The following is attributable to Captain Rodger Ward, who has recently taken over from Commodore Andrew Brown as the HMNZS Manawanui Response Lead
 
Today marks one year since the sinking of HMNZS Manawanui off the coast of Samoa on 6 October 2024. The ship ran aground the previous evening on a reef off Upolu while conducting a survey task. In the ensuing hours, despite the elements and the darkness, all 75 ship’s company and passengers made their way to shore safely, thanks in very great part to Samoan authorities and the courage of the local Samoan community who responded to the incident as it unfolded.
 
Alongside our Samoan colleagues much work has been carried out in the past 12 months to minimise the effects of the sinking and investigate the causes. Fallen shipping containers have been removed. Fuel, oil, other pollutants, equipment, weapons, ammunition and debris have been recovered and the wreck has been made as safe as possible.
 
Further work is required. That work includes progressing an independent wreck assessment together with environmental studies. This information will be essential in supporting decisions about the future work required.  The priority remains, as it has been throughout, to minimise any environmental impacts of the sinking, and to support the Government of Samoa in its response.
 
It is pleasing to note that monitoring by the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa has shown the seawater in the area is clear and uncontaminated from elevated hydrocarbons resulting in the warning on fishing being lifted completely in February.
 
We also recognise the need to support the sailors, passengers, and those involved in the rescue, and what followed.  
 
One year on we recognise the impact that the sinking has had on the people of Samoa, particularly the communities of the South coast, and also the support the NZDF has received from the Government and people of Samoa in dealing with the aftermath.
 
A comprehensive Court of Inquiry into the causes has been concluded and considerable work to implement the recommendations is underway.
 
Any disciplinary proceedings that may arise are yet to be determined, but we can advise that the investigation is reaching its closing stages.
 
The NZDF and our supporting agencies remain committed to doing the right thing: working with the Government of Samoa in dealing with the effects of the sinking, implementing the recommendations of the Court of Inquiry and ensuring that the 75 ship’s company and passengers continue to be supported.
 
In reflecting on a year on from the grounding and sinking, we remain eternally grateful that no lives were lost.

Note: Today the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, announced the New Zealand Government has made a payment to the Government of Samoa of Samoan Tala (SAT) 10 million (approximately NZD 6 million) following the grounding and sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui.  The payment follows a request from the Government of Samoa.

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Tourism – International sustainable tourism leaders attend Queenstown forum

Source: Destination Think Collective

Queenstown, NZ (6 October 2025) Some of the world’s leading voices in destination management, tourism leadership and sustainability will descend on Queenstown from 6 – 10 October for the Destination Think Forum 2025.

The forum, convened by Destination Think, will highlight the region’s leadership in regenerative tourism and put Queenstown and Wānaka at the centre of global conversations about the future of tourism. As leaders from across the globe converge here, they will explore how the Southern Lakes region is reimagining its visitor economy and how lessons learned in Queenstown can help shape the next chapter of global tourism.

Over the five days, delegates will participate in panels, site visits, workshops and networking events focused on the theme of “Regeneration in Practice.”  Attendees include senior tourism delegates from across Europe, Asia, the Americas and Oceania, keen to share what works in their regions, and equally keen to learn from Queenstown’s journey.

Among them will be Rikke Holm Petersen, Director of Marketing, Communication & Behaviour at Wonderful Copenhagen. Rikke has been a vocal advocate for transforming tourism from consumption toward positive contribution, as demonstrated by Copenhagen’s CopenPay initiative, which rewards visitors for sustainable actions.

Rikke says she believes tourism has the power to shape communities, landscapes and behaviour beyond traditional boundaries. “I’ve come to the Southern Lakes region not just to share, but to be inspired. Queenstown’s alpine landscapes, its commitment to carbon-zero goals and the deep connection between people and place present a powerful opportunity for the future of destination stewardship.”

Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, will contribute as a guest speaker, covering the region’s Destination Management Plan (DMP), including its ambitious goal for a carbon zero visitor economy, as well as local case-studies.

“Queenstown is grappling with the same challenges many destinations elsewhere face, balancing visitation, community expectations and ecological impacts. Hosting an event like this helps us to lay out how we can evolve across the tourism industry by sharing opportunities and learnings. We look forward to showing what’s possible here and learning from peers who are pushing boundaries globally.”

The Destination Think Forum 2025 will focus on how tourism can transition from sustaining to restoring the places it touches. Sessions will explore regenerative models, carbon reduction pathways, governance structures and community collaboration. For Queenstown, the event is a chance to highlight the progress of its Destination Management Plan, deepen international partnerships, and further position the Southern Lakes as an example of how tourism can create lasting positive impact.

For more information about the Destination Think Collective, visit destinationthink.com/collective/

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Advocacy – Will NZ be a country of war profiteers? – Peace Action WELLINGTON

Source: Peace Action Wellington

The just released New Zealand Defence Industry Strategy is clear that the government intends to fund and develop a home-grown defence industry. The ‘defence industry’ is better known as the weapons industry or arms trade.

(ref. https://www.defence.govt.nz/publications/new-zealand-defence-industry-strategy-delivering-capability-faster/ )

“The peace movement and the movement for a free Palestine will actively oppose the development of a weapons industry here. New Zealanders do not want to be a nation of war profiteers,” said Valerie Morse of Peace Action Wellington.

“Peace Action Wellington and our sister organisations have a long history of actively campaigning against the NZ Defence Industry Association annual weapons expo. This week there will be peace blockades and protests against the Aerospace Summit, with actions in Christchurch where the event is being held as well as Wellington and Auckland.”

“Space capabilities is one of three areas where the Strategy intends significant focus. The weaponisation of space is a major threat to global peace and security. New Zealand’s decision to focus on this is alarming.”

“Overwhelming New Zealanders do not want to be involved in, or invested in the arms trade. The 2025 Mindful Money survey on investment into arms companies shows very clearly that 80% of people here do not want to make money from the industries of war. As we watch the horrors unfold in Gaza, we are collectively revolted by the harm of weapons proliferation.”

“As part of the Strategy, the government is prioritising funding the weapons industry. It says the motivation for this big spend up is that, ‘The global order is being reshaped in ways that undermine our interests’. What it does not say is that the countries responsible for undermining our interest are two of our closest military allies: the United States and the UK. Both these governments are directly arming and funding a genocide. They are responsible for the mass slaughter of at least 60,000 people in Palestine and unimaginable horror. Their bombs rain down every single day on Gaza City delivered by Lockheed Martin.”

“What is even more surreal is that the Strategy anticipates funnelling money to global weapons companies with a so-called ‘technology accelerator’ that has a cash pool of somewhere between $100-$300 million. One of the world’s most profitable industries is being underwritten by hard-working people while many are struggling to pay their bills, stay in their homes and feed their kids.”

“The Strategy also seems ignorant that the NZ economy is rapidly de-industrialising with thousands of job losses across the country due to lack of government leadership – this entire project is based on an advanced manufacturing sector. Engineering firms have lost 1,200 people in 12 months amid the government’s poor economic management.”

Notes

Mindful Money 2025 research on weapons spending: https://mindfulmoney.nz/learn/revealed-huge-increase-in-weapons-in-your-kiwisaver-fund/

Job losses in engineering sector: https://www.acenz.org.nz/engineering_firms_lose_1200_people_in_12_months_amid_major_slowdown_in_infrastructure

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Environment – Wetlands Win Proves Power of Partnership to Improve Water Quality – Earth Sciences NZ

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Constructed wetlands project receives NZ award for environmental sustainability
An innovative project constructing new wetlands to improve water quality has been recognised at the recent International Water Association (IWA) and ASPIRE Water New Zealand Conference in Christchurch.
Converting farmland to wetlands in Bay of Plenty’s Waihi estuary catchment, the Pongakawa and Te Rere I Maniatutu Constructed Wetland Project won the Environmental Sustainability Project Award at the 2025 Water New Zealand Excellence Awards.
The prize highlights how combined efforts can establish wetlands to reduce pollutants and improve the health of ecosystems, say Dr Chris Tanner and Dr Brandon Goeller of Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA). The pair worked on the project as part of a nationwide programme, Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change Project funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries.
“In winning the award, I hope it will inspire other catchments and regions throughout New Zealand to consider constructing wetlands, not just to reduce rural run-off and improve water quality but for other benefits,” says riparian and wetland scientist Dr Goeller.
Principal scientist Dr Tanner says wetlands are often dubbed the ‘kidneys of the landscape’ because they remove sediment, nutrients, and bacteria before they reach our estuaries. “These Bay of Plenty examples show that wetlands also restore biodiversity by boosting indigenous wetland habitat, enhance cultural values, and contributes to climate change mitigation by storing carbon.”
What was once a soggy paddock beside a fertiliser depot has been transformed over the four years of the project, says Paul Hickson, whose family own Hickson (Pongakawa) wetland, one of the wetlands nominated for the award. He credits his brother Andre for coming up with the idea, as well as input from Earth Sciences NZ, the regional council, and Naturally Native NZ Plants. “We are really proud of it. And it is fantastic that the project has received the award. It is very satisfying. It proves that the science works, and it shows the importance of science in agriculture.”
The project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when landowners, local government, government agencies, researchers and iwi come together with a shared vision, says Jackson Efford, Bay of Plenty Regional Council principal advisor, Land and Water. “We couldn’t do this without the skills, experience and enthusiasm of many groups and individuals, but particular thanks must go to the landowners. They had the foresight and commitment to find solutions that would help achieve sustainable land management – not just for them, but the wider catchment.
“Bay of Plenty Regional Council sees projects like this as essential to striking the balance between primary production and environmental health. We know that improving water quality in places like the Waihi Estuary will take time, sustained effort and a mix of solutions. Constructed wetlands are one of the most promising tools we have and, as we continue to learn from projects like this, we’ll be better equipped to scale up our efforts and deliver lasting change for our waterways.”
Engineering, environmental and planning firm Tektus director Jack Turner says it has been a great honour to be associated with the projects. “It is a fantastic award to celebrate the vision, process and wide-ranging outcomes achieved through these wetlands. It’s been hugely exciting to see the aesthetic, ecological and environmental outcomes come to life over the last few years – validated through ongoing water quality monitoring to gauge their effectiveness, which is currently off the charts! A fantastic proof of practice, demonstrating the appropriateness of Earth Science NZ’s recent guideline document, and realising the vision led by BoPRC.”
At Te Rere I Maniatutu wetland, kiwifruit grower Baygold is proud to be part of the initiative, says Olivia Manusauloa, Relationship and Sustainability Manager. “For me, it’s about continuing the culture our company was built on: delivering world-class orchards that consider the site as a whole, not because it’s required, but because that’s who we are. This award reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship. Our involvement reflects a genuine desire to protect and enhance the environment. From maintaining and growing Iwi relationships to planting natives that give back to the whenua, we’re focused on creating long-term value for both the land and the community.”
Manusauloa says winning the award gives Baygold a platform to share their sustainability goals and learn from others in the industry. “We aspire to lead not for self-promotion, but to help the kiwifruit sector grow stronger together. If our journey – including the mistakes and wins – can help others, then it’s been worthwhile.”
Earth Sciences New Zealand has been leading initiatives with rural industries, councils and farmers to support the uptake of constructed wetlands as a practical mitigation tool to reduce diffuse contaminant losses from productive land use. This includes publication of a Constructed Wetland Practitioner Guide ( Constructed wetland guidelines | Earth Sciences New Zealand | NIWA) and training courses to demonstrate the appropriate design and performance of constructed wetlands. Over the last six years, comprehensive wetland monitoring case studies have been undertaken in Tasman, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, and Canterbury to showcase the benefits. These wetlands were supported by MPI, MfE, DairyNZ, Fonterra, and landowners.
Case studies show that as constructed wetlands increase in size from 1% to 5% of their contributing catchment, they can reduce more of the nutrient and sediment loads they intercept, says Dr Goeller. “In warmer areas of New Zealand, nitrate removal ranges up to 50%. Wetlands up to 5% of the catchment area can also remove up to 48% of total phosphorus. Sediment load reductions from 50 to 90% can also be achieved.”
Dr Tanner says the results from the case studies contributes important information to an ongoing programme focusing on improving design, quantifying performance, refining guidelines and providing regulatory confidence. “It is great to be part of a highly collaborative project, where all the components have so successfully come together. Let’s celebrate this.” 
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Northland News – Report highlights strong progress for communities, environment

Source: Northland Regional Council

Northland Regional Council’s latest Annual Report demonstrates a year of strong progress, resilience, and partnership, with significant achievements delivered for the benefit of Northland’s communities and environment, Chair Geoff Crawford says.
Chair Crawford says the 2024/25 year was marked by major milestones in flood protection, biosecurity, and climate resilience, as well as prudent financial management that kept rates lower than forecast.
“Northlanders have faced some real challenges this year, particularly with severe weather events, but our teams have worked alongside communities to deliver practical solutions and support where it’s needed most.”
He says among the year’s highlights was the official opening of the Otiria/Moerewa Spillway, a $7 million project that provides vital flood protection for local residents. (By leveraging central government and other funding, council reduced the cost of this work to local residents to approximately eight cents per dollar.)
Upgrades to the Quarry Road bridge in Kaitaia have also removed a key flood risk, strengthening the Awanui River scheme and helping keep people and property safe. (By leveraging central government funding, council reduced the cost of this work to local residents to approximately 12 cents per dollar.)
The council continued to lead the way in biosecurity, securing $6.2 million in government funding to tackle invasive exotic Caulerpa seaweed and carrying out extensive marine pest surveys.
The Predator Free 2050 programme made significant strides, with major pest control efforts at Whangārei Heads and in the Bay of Islands.
In response to the impacts of ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam and other severe weather, the council’s Civil Defence and response teams worked tirelessly to keep communities informed and safe.
A year-long project to improve flood resilience at 35 marae was launched, and $600,000 was allocated to support 22 community-led climate initiatives across the region.
The council also strengthened its partnerships, consolidating its investment in Marsden Maritime Holdings and Northport, and signing Northland’s first iwi-council Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreement with Ngāti Hine to support greater tāngata whenua participation in decision-making.
Financially, the council adopted a 3.54% rates rise for 2025/26 – below earlier forecasts – thanks to efficiencies, savings, and surpluses.
“The council also continued to support local events, regional sporting facilities, and environmental champions through its funding and awards programmes.”
Chief Executive Jonathan Gibbard says the report reflects the council’s ongoing commitment to delivering value for ratepayers.
“We’re focused on investing in the things that matter; protecting our environment, supporting our communities, and building a resilient future for Northland.”
The full audited Annual Report is available at www.nrc.govt.nz/annualreport
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Advocacy – Palestine Forum of New Zealand Statement on World Habitat Day

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

On this World Habitat Day, we reflect on the universal right of every human being to live in dignity, with secure shelter, access to land, and a safe environment to call home.

For Palestinians, this right is systematically denied. Since the Nakba of 1948, millions of Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from their homes and lands. In Gaza, entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble, with families left homeless and deprived of the basic means to rebuild. In the West Bank, home demolitions, land confiscation, and the expansion of illegal settlements continue to strip Palestinians of their right to a safe and secure habitat. Refugees scattered across the region and the world remain denied the right to return to their ancestral homes.

World Habitat Day calls us to remind the international community that shelter and land are not privileges—they are human rights. The ongoing destruction and dispossession in Palestine are not natural disasters, but deliberate policies of occupation and apartheid.

We stand in solidarity with Palestinians struggling to protect their homes, villages, and lands. We call on the New Zealand Government and civil society to support international law, oppose the destruction of Palestinian habitats, and affirm the inalienable right of Palestinians to live freely and securely in their homeland.

Because a just and peaceful world can only be built when every family, in every nation, has a place to call home.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand