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BusinessNZ backs targeted changes to plant rights

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ says changes to plant variety rights (PVR) should ensure more of the value created by New Zealand science and ingenuity stays here, to drive innovation, lift export returns and support long-term economic growth.
Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says at a time when our country must find new ways to grow export revenue, lift productivity, and fund public services in the decades ahead, strengthening the innovation foundations of our most successful export sectors is a must.
“Plant breeding is a long-term investment. In many cases it can take 15 to 25 years for new varieties to move from research through to final product. If New Zealand wants to remain competitive internationally and continue growing high-value exports, we need regulatory settings that give innovators confidence to invest here.
“In kiwifruit alone, PVR varieties account for more than 70 percent of fruit export value, supporting thousands of jobs across growing, packing, logistics and marketing.
“More than half of apple orchards grow PVR varieties, too.”
Beard says proposed amendments under consideration should better align New Zealand’s plant variety rights regime with international best practice, including key export markets such as the EU, UK and Japan.
“New Zealand’s horticulture sector already generates billions in export revenue and supports jobs right across the country. Stronger protections will help reduce the risk of intellectual property leaks during the testing and application process, while also supporting further investment into research and development.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Investments – ASB Investor confidence survey: Investor confidence dips in March quarter as global tensions weigh on sentiment

Source: ASB

Investor confidence fell to 6% in the March quarter, down five percentage points from the previous quarter after stabilising late last year, ASB’s latest Investor Confidence survey shows.

ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown says global events played a clear role in shaping sentiment during the quarter.

“The change in mood was especially clear in March, which aligns with the timing of recent global developments. These events tend to amplify uncertainty, even if the underlying economic fundamentals have not materially changed,” says Chris.

Younger investors stood out as a relative bright spot. Net confidence among those under 30 rose to 21%, up from 16% in the previous quarter, while confidence declined for all other age groups. Confidence in KiwiSaver among under-30s also lifted, increasing to 23% from 16%.

Chris says it is important to distinguish between confidence levels and actual market performance.

“While confidence has dipped, the world’s major sharemarkets have continued to perform well, albeit with bouts of volatility. KiwiSaver, managed funds and global share markets have recovered from earlier volatility, with US equities back trading around their highs,” he says.

”Markets are forward-looking and tend to move quickly, which is why making reactive changes based on short-term sentiment can be counterproductive.”

During the quarter, New Zealanders have stuck with familiar, long-term investment options. In terms of perception of best return, respondents rated their own home and KiwiSaver jointly as the investments most likely to provide the best returns, with both options selected by 16% of respondents, while rental property also rose over the quarter.

Overall, the survey reinforces the importance of maintaining a long-term focus, even when confidence softens.

“A key message for investors is to stay anchored to a well-planned, long-term investment strategy rather than reacting to short-term noise,” says Chris.

Notes:

ASB has tracked investor confidence in the NZ market since 1997. This analysis is based on 727 online interviews in Q1 2026 with adults aged 18 years and older throughout New Zealand.  A sample of this size has a maximum margin of error of 3.6% at the 95% confidence level.  Fieldwork occurred between 7th January and 1st April 2026.

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Education – National hui returns to birthplace of cultural safety in nursing education

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

180 delegates gather at Ara Institute of Canterbury for Hui ā Tau mō Ngā Ākonga Neehi Māori (National Māori Student Nurses Hui)
Ara Institute of Canterbury is proud to co-host this year’s Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori Hui ā Tau mō Ngā Ākonga Neehi Māori, welcoming around 180 Māori nursing ākonga (students), kaiako (lecturers) and sector leaders together for four days of wānanga (discussions), connection and professional growth.
Ara Associate Director of Māori Success, Tate Tiatia, said hosting the hui was both a privilege and a return to the place where kawa whakaruruhau (cultural safety) began.
“This gathering returns to where Dr Irihapeti Ramsden first developed the foundations of cultural safety in nursing education. Her legacy continues to guide how we teach, how we care for people and how we support Māori ākonga into the profession. To host the hui back in Ōtautahi is deeply significant,” she said.
Te Rōpū Kawa Whakaruruhau chair, Irihapeti Bullmore, said the hui reinforced the importance of culturally grounded learning and practice.
“Our ākonga thrive when their identity and whakapapa (genealogy)are recognised as a source of strengths. This hui reflects that. It also reminds us that culturally safe healthcare is not optional. It is essential for whānau who rely on our health system,” she said.
This year’s hui (gathering) also coincides with the first intake of Ara’s refreshed Bachelor of Nursing (Puahou Tapuhi o Aotearoa). Developed at Ara and shaped by expertise from across the motu (country), the programme strengthens commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and expands indigenised content. The curriculum will be implemented by other institutes, including Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT), from next year.
Dean of Faculty – Health, Science and Sustainability, Dr Michael Shone, said the new curriculum reflects a future-focused approach to Māori nursing education.
“This curriculum reflects the future of nursing in Aotearoa. Clinical capability matters, but so does understanding identity, whānau and culture. Our graduates need both,” he said.
The hui’s theme, Ka Rito te Tī, Sustaining Care from Within, is about grounding hauora (health) in identity and connection. Ara conference lead and kaiako, Jade Hancy, said the kaupapa (topic) focuses on strengthening who students are as Māori and supporting each other to stand strong in the profession.
“This hui creates space for renewal. It is a place where Māori nurses and ākonga can reconnect with purpose, with culture and with each other,” she said. “It’s also a chance to be visible and to encourage more Māori to join us in this profession. Our health system needs more Māori nurses because Māori are over represented in poor health outcomes. Change will not happen unless more of us are part of the workforce supporting our own communities.”
Ara second-year nursing student Josh Lang, who will MC the event, said last year’s hui in Taranaki had a lasting impact on him.
“It was inspiring. Being surrounded by mātauranga (knowledge) gave me a sense of belonging and showed me what Māori leadership in nursing looks like. To welcome everyone to Ara this year, to our place, is really exciting.”
Supported by the Ara Foundation, the hui features keynote speakers including Dr Suzanne Pitama and Tania Huria, workshops in hauora Māori, leadership development, taonga pūoro (Māori musical instruments, often used to support healing) and activities across Ara’s City and Manawa campuses.
Tate Tiatia said Ara was honoured to stand alongside Te Kaunihera o Ngā Neehi Māori and the organising komiti (committee).
“Our ākonga return from these hui invigorated and inspired,” she said. “They come back with stronger connections to each other, to their culture and to the profession they are entering. We’re proud to support a kaupapa that helps grow the next generation of Māori health leaders.”
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BusinessNZ – More bark, less bureaucracy for animal and plant products

Source: BusinessNZ

Proposed changes to agricultural, horticultural and veterinary product regulation will slash red tape, improve productivity and innovation across the primary sector, and be a comfort for pet owners across the country, BusinessNZ says.
Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says streamlining approval pathways and reducing unnecessary duplication should help businesses access new tools and technologies more efficiently, while maintaining appropriate safeguards.
“If successfully implemented as a risk-based system, these proposed changes will dramatically increase the availability of the latest modern treatments for animals and plant growth in New Zealand.
“New Zealand’s primary sector operates in an increasingly competitive global environment, so it is important our regulatory settings support innovation, productivity and timely access to new products.
“Greater recognition of trusted overseas assessments and a more proportionate approach to lower-risk products should help reduce delays and compliance costs, while still maintaining confidence in the system.
“The current regulatory regime does not match the risk for some medicines, which means New Zealand’s pet owners have been missing out on the latest cancer and pain relief treatments available elsewhere around the world, because firms find our small market regulation too costly, slow and uncertain.
“This is an issue which BusinessNZ and our members have been advocating for, for some time now. We congratulate Ministers Hoggard and Grigg,  MPI and Ministry for Regulation officials for this sensible change that will make a practical difference to our economy – and companions.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Transport – More Waka Kotahi workers thrown into upheaval as restructures pile up – PSA

Source: PSA

More dedicated workers at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi are facing massive upheaval and uncertainty with new restructures announced, three weeks after another major restructure.
The latest restructures, just announced to staff, propose over 140 roles to be disestablished and a net loss of 30 positions. The changes impact three groups, Transport Services, (responsible for the national road building programme including the Roads of National Significance), and Commercial and Corporate, and System Leadership.
Three weeks ago, Waka Kotahi announced a proposed restructure of its Regulatory Group, impacting around 250 positions, another 10% of its workforce. This latest restructure means nearly one in five workers are facing significant uncertainty about their future employment.
“This is relentless. Workers are being hit with restructure after restructure, and the toll on people and their families is huge,” said Duane Leo, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Workers tell us they are in a state of shock and now face months of uncertainty worried about whether they will have a job.”
Final redundancy decisions are announced in July for workers in Transport Services and in August for Commercial and Corporate, and System Leadership staff.
“These are all experienced, dedicated public servants who keep our transport system running,” said Duane Leo. “They deserve stability, not to be constantly looking over their shoulders wondering if their job is next.
“These workers are being sacrificed to suit misguided notions of ‘simplification’, ‘reducing duplication’, and ‘breaking down silos’, all management-speak that ignores the human cost of this constant change.
“As with so many restructures, people are being asked to do more with less, outsourcing will have to happen and the bill for external consultants is bound to rise. How is that efficient?
“In reality, so much of this is driven by Ministers demanding agencies cut their spending regardless of the consequences.
“The timing also makes no sense. The Government is pumping tens of billions of dollars into road building, but cutting the very people responsible for planning, delivering and managing that investment. It’s a recipe for delays and mistakes as years of expertise walks out the door.
“Little wonder so many public service workers feel undervalued and are considering leaving New Zealand as our recent survey shows: https://www.psa.org.nz/news-media/shock-survey-result-one-in-four-public-service-workers-thinking-of-leaving-nz
“The PSA will be fighting for every impacted worker,” said Duane Leo.
Background on current proposed restructures
Transport Services
The Transport Services group is being split into two new groups: Infrastructure Development and Delivery (focused on the capital transport programme) and Assets and Operations (focused on asset management, maintaining and operating the transport network). 68 positions disestablished, net loss of 21 roles.
Commercial and Corporate, and System Leadership
A reorganisation to clarify accountabilities across NZTA’s planner, investor, deliverer and asset manager functions. 78 roles disestablished, net loss of 9 roles.
Regulatory Group restructure (announced 21 April)
253 positions impacted, net loss of approximately 36 roles. This followed an earlier phase one restructure completed in late 2025.
Previous PSA statements on Waka Kotahi restructures
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Advocacy – The Siege Will Break: Global Sumud Flotilla Announces Final Leg to Gaza Following israeli State Piracy, Abductions and Torture in International Waters

Source: Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF)

The flotilla departs tomorrow with 54 boats and nearly 500 participants from 45 countries on the eve of Nakba Day.

MARMARIS – The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) issued a definitive declaration today from the port of Marmaris, confirming that its nonviolent mission to break Israel's illegal siege of Gaza will proceed. The fleet departs tomorrow, joining forces with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to launch 54 boats carrying nearly 500 participants from 45 countries. As the world mobilizes after 78 years of Palestinian dispossession, occupation, and erasure, the flotilla will be at sea, sailing toward Gaza, maintaining that commemoration without action is no longer enough.

Four New Zealanders are set to continue on this mission to break Israel's illegal siege. These individuals are Samuel Leason, Hāhona Ormsby, Mousa Taher, and Julien Blondel.

After a month defined by maritime violence, illegal abductions, and the documented torture of international human rights defenders by the israeli Occupation Forces (IOF), our fleet has regrouped and expanded in preparation for the final leg of its journey to the shores of Gaza where they will deliver food and aid to Palestinian children and families continuing to live under israel’s brutal occupation.

The Strategic Mandate for Action

The decision to proceed is grounded in visceral mandates. While Gaza’s healthcare system continues to face total collapse, the Flotilla’s medical fleet serves as a direct, civilian-led humanitarian intervention. GSF organizers emphasized that as the Israeli regime attempts to make the blockade the permanent status quo, the strategic risk of inaction has become far greater than the risks of sailing.

This determination follows the return of Steering Committee members Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Ávila, who were released on May 10 after ten days of illegal detention and systemic abuse and torture at the hands of the israeli state as well as the beating and sexual abuse of flotilla volunteers who were illegally intercepted and detained in European international waters on 29 April. Their return is a testament to international mobilization, yet their release does not constitute true freedom while over 9,500 Palestinians remain trapped in a system of torture and impunity.

For the Flotilla, the moral imperative of direct action against the israeli regime far outweighs the risks of remaining silent in the face of ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing. In parallel with the maritime departure, a land convoy is currently staging in North Africa. Comprised of dozens of trucks and hundreds of participants from over 30 countries, this overland mission is moving through Libya toward the Rafah border crossing.

Defying the Machinery of Impunity

The mission has further evolved into a universal struggle for liberation. Representatives from the Rohingya community and other oppressed peoples have joined the fleet, framing Gaza as the tip of the spear in a global uprising against genocide.

A Direct Challenge to Global Complicity and State Piracy

Flotilla organizers explicitly condemned the complicity of the Greek government, the European Union, and other flag states whose silence allowed the IOF to carry out abductions in international waters, over 1,000 km from Gaza, with total impunity.

Parallel to technical preparations, international legal experts finalized a global accountability strategy at a legal symposium held last week. This includes immediate legal prosecution and potential proceedings at the International Criminal Court against the israeli state and governments providing diplomatic and logistical cover for these crimes; exploring legal actions in more than 30 countries; and continued demands for sanctions against and reparations from the israeli state for its ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people.

GSF continues to demand formal accountability for the violence and sexual abuse inflicted on participants. GSF maintains that civilian maritime missions are firmly protected under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a framework the Israeli state and its allies are currently dismantling.

A Direct Challenge to Political Cowardice

The mission stands as a direct challenge to world leaders who have offered only calibrated statements and letters while witnessing the continued genocide and starvation of Gaza. While 14 UN Special Rapporteurs, the Prime Ministers of Spain and Brazil, and 19 members of the U.S. Congress have spoken out, the U.S. State Department has issued threats against its own citizens rather than defending them from attacks in international waters. This response is being documented as a legal and political fact.

In the absence of state intervention, people of conscience are acting as the physical barrier between military brutality and Palestinian lives. As the flotilla sets sail, movement and Palestinian civil society leaders are coordinating global protests on land, with over 400 actions planned across 47 countries on May 15 and 16. The horizon is not negotiable.

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Peace Activists – NZDF plans upcoming training with Israel and US

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Date: 14 May 2026 – The NZDF is planning upcoming naval training alongside the Israeli Defence Force as part of the US-led Rim of the Pacific exercises (RIMPAC). The Rim of the Pacific Exercise is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise. It is held biennially during June and July around Honolulu, Hawaii.

“The NZDF is sending the largest contingent of troops and materiel in a decade to the this year's RIMPAC including three ships and 328 service personnel. This is while Israel continues its genocide in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the US and Israel wage an illegal war on Iran,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“The US and Israel are the greatest threat to global peace and security. Both are involved in major war crimes and crimes against humanity. This situation should be a serious legal concern for the NZDF.”

“It is impossible to square the NZ Government's claims of care for international law with these plans for combat training with the US and Israel.”

“Prime Minister Luxon and new Minister of Defence Penk know that the global security situation is dangerous. Yet they continue to contribute to making that situation worse by failing to object to the wars and genocide these countries are committing, and instead sign up to help with the job.”

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Energy Sector – Lower reserves mean New Zealand needs to go all in on petroleum

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) data published today shows estimates for New Zealand’s natural gas reserves continue to decline, and Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says it's time for government to go all in on supporting Kiwi petroleum production.
There has been a 23 per cent year-on-year reduction in natural gas reserves, dropping to 731 petajoules (PJ) as at 1 January 2026 (from 948 as at 1 January 2025), which is slightly less than the 27 per cent decrease in the previous year.
Carnegie says this reduction shows the hangover of ill-conceived policies that saw investor flight and strangled investment in new exploration.
“New Zealand has been left with a headache of market volatility, escalating prices and pressure on businesses and consumers that rely on natural gas.
Our energy system now faces critical shortages that threaten the security and affordability of gas and electricity and the viability of many gas users.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister said energy independence must be treated as an immediate national security interest – we couldn’t agree more.
Every PJ reduction is the equivalent of powering 40,000 average kiwi homes. The build-out of renewable alternatives, including biomethane, is great, but it can’t keep pace with this reduction.”
The reserves data show the urgency of now moving beyond simply reopening our petroleum basins to actively encouraging investors to explore, Carnegie says.
“In an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment, a vibrant petroleum sector under the right conditions can move New Zealand beyond a short-term focus on economic survival to underwriting our future economic prosperity in the same way countries like Norway have.”
The downward trend in reserves for the Big-6 fields, which together accounted for 98 per cent of 2025 gas supply, was predicted. Carnegie says this is a function of being mature late-life fields.
“Reductions in reserves were partly offset by an upward revision at the Mangahewa field, where successful drilling enabled some contingent resources to be promoted to reserves.
As Maui is approaching the end of its productive life, its future reserves are zero, but no final decisions have been made regarding the timing of its closure.”
Carnegie says that once myth-making is put aside, increased domestic natural gas supply is likely to be the best option to fill New Zealand’s energy gap, with LNG providing the necessary back-up.
“There are positive signs that the industry is reopening, with four new permit applications and proposed company acquisitions signalling a return of investor confidence.
The suite of Government policies designed to build confidence and promote investment in the sector, including the removal of the ban and the $200 million Gas Security Fund, is working – but revitalisation will take time and consistent policy settings.
Gas has a future in New Zealand, and New Zealand needs gas to have a future. It has been the backbone of our energy system for years, and will continue to have a critical role for many years to come if we back it.”
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Education – Critical care for future nurses: backing ākonga when it matters most

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

In recognition of International Nurses Day, Whitireia and WelTec is shining a spotlight on the journey of nursing ākonga (students), and the support helping them overcome barriers and stay focused on their future in healthcare.
Nursing study can be demanding, both academically and personally and we recognise that success depends on more than just classroom learning, says Dr Tania Mullane, Programme Manager for the Bachelor of Nursing Pacific. “Through strong pastoral and cultural care, and a wide range of learner support services, ākonga are backed every step of the way – from their first day through to graduation and into the workforce,” she says.
That support is being strengthened even further through a partnership with the Southern Cross Health Trust. In 2026, nine Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships have been awarded across the Whitireia and WelTec Bachelor of Nursing Māori, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific, and Bachelor of Nursing programmes. First-year ākonga also have their clinical uniforms and footwear covered, helping take some of the pressure off when starting out.
For many ākonga, the journey into nursing is shaped by a strong sense of purpose. Teresa Buddle, a second-year Bachelor of Nursing ākonga and single parent of three, returned to study after putting her dream on hold.
“It hasn’t been easy coming back to study while raising a family, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Support like this has taken a significant pressure off and helped me stay focused on becoming a nurse who can give back and care for others,” she says.
Second-year Bachelor of Nursing Pacific ākonga Alana Nia, who is Samoan, Tokelauan and Cook Islands Māori, is driven by her desire to serve her community. “Financial pressure can be tough, so this kind of support means I can focus more on my studies and on becoming someone who makes a real difference for my patients and the people around me,” she says.
For third-year Bachelor of Nursing Māori ākonga Maira-Lynn (Tomairangi) Davies, the journey reflects both personal transformation and hope for her whānau. After leaving school at 14, she is now on track to become the first in her whānau to graduate from tertiary study. “Getting to this point means everything – not just for me, but for my tamariki. I want to show them that it’s never too late to change your path and build a better future,” she says.
Her experiences have shaped the kind of nurse she intends to be. “I want to be someone who truly listens and stands up for people. Everyone deserves to feel heard, especially when it comes to their health.”
As Whitireia and WelTec, and the wider sector, marked International Nurses Day on 12 May, this partnership highlights the importance of investing in ākonga and ensuring the next generation of nurses is well supported and ready to step into the workforce.
Congratulations to the 2026 Whitireia and WelTec Southern Cross Scholarship recipients:
– Gina Parkinson | Year 1, Bachelor of Nursing Māori
– Tiffany Tapa | Year 2, Bachelor of Nursing Māori
– Maira-Lynn (Tomairangi) Davies | Year 3, Bachelor of Nursing Māori
– Malaea En | Year 1, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific
– Alana Nia | Year 2, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific
– Paige Raemaki | Year 3, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific
– Safaa Al Abdullah | Year 1, Bachelor of Nursing
– Teresa Buddle | Year 2, Bachelor of Nursing
– Chika Azolukwan | Year 3, Bachelor of Nursing
The Southern Cross Scholarships provide $5,000 fees contribution, $500 weekly stipend on clinical placement, $500 annual wellbeing allowance, mentor programme and priority placement at Southern Cross Healthcare. Further details, including eligibility criteria and application forms, are available here: https://www.whitireiaweltec.ac.nz/enrolment-information/funding-your-study/scholarships
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Greenpeace New study: nitrate in drinking water linked to stomach cancer risk

Source: Greenpeace

A new Danish study has linked elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Greenpeace Aotearoa says it’s yet more reason to lower New Zealand’s nitrate limits, following studies that have linked low-level nitrate to risks of bowel cancer, dementia, and pre-term birth.
Greenpeace freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says, “This adds to a mountain of scientific research that indicates potential health risks associated with nitrate levels much lower than New Zealand’s legal limits.
“From bowel cancer and preterm birth, to potential risks of dementia and now stomach cancer, it’s clear that this is a very real risk for New Zealanders, and the Coalition Government is failing to address it adequately.”
Greenpeace will be running free drinking water testing for nitrate contamination in Southland this weekend, as part of a long-standing programme to ensure that New Zealanders have access to information about what’s in their drinking water.
The organisation will be at the Mataura Community Centre from 10am-4pm on Friday; Ōtautau Primary School from 10am-4pm on Saturday; and Lumsden Hall from 10am-3pm on Sunday.
International studies have shown that levels of nitrate as low as 1 mg/L are associated with an increased risk of bowel cancerand potentially an increased dementia risk. At levels of 5 mg/L or higher, pregnant people are at an increased risk of preterm birth. New Zealand’s current legal health limit of 11.3mg/L was set in the 1950s to prevent blue baby syndrome, and has not been updated since.
Appelbe says that far too many New Zealanders are exposed to potentially unsafe levels of nitrate, with many not even knowing that there is a risk at all.
“We’re talking about people’s basic health and wellbeing here. Everybody, no matter where they live, should have access to clean, safe drinking water. Right now in New Zealand, that’s not the case, and it’s shameful that as a nation, we’ve let things get this bad.
“Rather than tackling nitrate at the source – the intensive dairy industry and the overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser – successive Governments have chosen to sit back and watch as this crisis gets worse. Now we must deal with the results of decades of inaction.”
Greenpeace is calling on the Government to lower the nitrate limit, and regulate the intensive dairy industry to prevent further nitrate contamination.
“The Government must act now to lower the nitrate limit in line with current health science, and prevent further nitrate contamination by phasing out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use and reducing the size of the dairy herd.”