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Health – Easier access to life-saving asthma inhalers now a reality

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

Tens of thousands of New Zealanders living with asthma are set to benefit from long-awaited changes that will make it easier to access essential, lifesaving treatment, marking a major step forward for asthma care in New Zealand.
Effective from August 1, people who use a 2-in-1 inhaler to manage their asthma will be able to collect a three-month supply in a single pharmacy visit, rather than returning monthly for repeats. This change is expected to benefit about 120,000 New Zealanders.
The move directly aligns with the New Zealand Adolescent and Adult Asthma Guidelines, which are developed and maintained by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. The guidelines recommend the 2-in-1 inhaler as the frontline treatment for most adolescents and adults with asthma, used both as a preventer and a reliever.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says this decision will make a huge difference to the 1 in 8 Kiwis living with asthma.
“When someone is having an asthma attack, they need treatment immediately – there’s no time to get a prescription filled.
“Patients often need to keep their reliever inhaler in multiple places – at home, school, work, their car – so enhancing access to life-saving asthma medicine will undoubtedly reduce the morbidity of asthma in New Zealand.”
The change would make asthma management significantly easier, particularly for families facing transport barriers or juggling multiple repeat prescriptions, Ms Harding says.
“When you have to visit the pharmacy every month, it becomes a real burden.
“Allowing people to collect three months’ supply at once removes that hurdle and supports better treatment adherence.”
Foundation Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox says the move is a good example of evidence-based, patient-centred care.
“For the past five years, our guidelines have recommended 2-in-1 anti-inflammatory reliever inhalers for most adults and adolescents with asthma, as they are much better for preventing exacerbations than the traditional blue relievers.
“As well as benefiting patients, this decision will reduce the burden on the health system by preventing asthma exacerbations and hospital admissions.”
Pharmac is also proposing that medical centres be allowed to supply a number of inhalers directly under a Practitioners Supply Order (PSO), enabling healthcare practitioners to supply patients with inhalers for emergency treatment.
These changes come at a critical time. New Zealand continues to have some of the highest asthma rates in the developed world, with 1 in 8 people affected and 96 deaths each year (almost 2 people each week).
The total economic cost of asthma to New Zealand’s health system is estimated at $1.2 billion annually.
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Federated Farmers: Flood-hit farmers need our help

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is calling on Kiwis to get in behind flood-affected farming families at the top of the South Island, as recovery efforts ramp up and the scale of the damage becomes clearer.
President Wayne Langford visited the area on Monday July 7 and says the destruction in parts of Nelson and Tasman is extensive, with some farms totally unrecognisable.
“I drove back up through the Motueka River and you can just see where it’s come through and swallowed everything in its path. It’s total devastation,” he says.
“One farm I visited had about 50 hectares taken out. The river changed course and just chewed right through it. Orchards nearby got absolutely smoked as well.”
Langford says it’s clear some properties have been hit far worse than others – and that those farmers urgently need our support.
“The damage can really vary. Some places have just lost boundary fences, but others have lost entire blocks. I met a guy who has lost a quarter of his farm.
“It’s heartbreaking to see, and the real kicker is that the worst of the damage is to farms right by the river – which are also some of our most productive.”
He says it’s now time for the rest of the farming community to do what we do best in times of adversity – to get in behind these families and show them some support.
“We know what to do in these situations. The Rural Support Trust is doing good work on the ground, and local volunteers are already rolling up their sleeves.
“For people who really want to help, the best thing they can do is donate to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust. That’s the best way to get the support to where it’s needed most.”
The trust is designed to get funding directly to farmers who have suffered extraordinary loss – not just business-as-usual setbacks, Langford says. 
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Finance – Comments from Leigh Hodgetts, country manager, Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ)

Source: Comments from Leigh Hodgetts, country manager, Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ)

Re: RBNZ interest rate decision – “Based on public commentary it does appear that the RBNZ will leave the OCR at 3.25 per cent, however we believe that a rate drop of .25 per cent now, and a similar decrease in August will benefit consumers. Ideally we’d like to see a cash rate of 3 per cent sooner rather than later.

An interest rate reduction will bring immediate cost of living relief to Kiwis during these globally uncertain times of tariffs, global inflation and trade tensions, added to rising food costs and reports of increases in future inflation data and unemployment figures.  

Finance and mortgage advisers are reporting that affordability still remains a significant challenge for homebuyers, particularly those trying to enter the market for the first time, while investors are not widely back in the market as yet. So every small rate drop helps.

Currently the mortgage market is in a transitional phase, with rates easing and house values rebounding slowly. Advisers are receiving many questions around the loan structure, particularly fixed v variable or a split home loan.

Our advice to consumers looking to purchase or refinance – irrespective of today’s OCR decision – is to consult a mortgage adviser first to discuss your individual circumstances. While the rate is very important, it is not the only factor to consider. You must look at what is best for your individual circumstances, and this is what your mortgage adviser can do. Banks are unable to do this as they are in the business of selling their products.

Mortgage advisers also have access to specialist and non-bank lenders who can provide flexibility to those who need it, particularly those with unique borrowing circumstances or who are self-employed.”

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Utilities Disputes | Tautohetohe Whaipainga sorted over 8000 energy consumer complaints in the past year

Source: Utilities Disputes

Over 20,000 Kiwis reached out to Utilities Disputes in the last year; and it sorted 8356 energy consumer complaints.
Utilities Disputes’ latest annual report reveals a 36% increase in complaints and queries by Kiwi energy consumers over the past year. (ref. https://www.udl.co.nz/report2025/ )
“This increase is not necessarily a worrying sign for consumers”, says Utilities Disputes Commissioner Neil Mallon. “I think there are a number of considerations that are driving the increase in complaints. Economic conditions and price increases will have an impact, as more and more Kiwis are finding it difficult to pay for essential services like energy. I believe our efforts in raising awareness of Utilities Disputes is also a factor. It's vital kiwi consumers and providers have access to a fair and independent channel to help them resolve complaints in these times and the increase shows this is happening.”
The most common issue raised by consumers is concerns is about their bill (48%). Utilities Disputes has also seen an increase in the number of consumers who are reaching out when facing a potential disconnection (10%). “We are being contacted more often by people facing disconnections and we treat these cases as a priority, as you would expect. In my experience, a lot of companies are working hard to support their customers through difficult financial times. Our role is to make sure both parties can work together but also be ready and available to step in if there is an issue we need to address,” said the Commissioner.
Utilities Disputes provides another key service, Complaint Summaries (2961), on behalf of consumers which is aimed at reducing the stress out of complaining – as Kiwis are often reluctant to make a complaint and unsure of how to go about it.
“Essentially, when Utilities Disputes is contacted, a member of staff experienced in sorting complaints will talk them through the process, capture their complaint and what they want the company to do to fix it. This complaint summary then goes to straight to the right team at the company so they can resolve it. The feedback we receive about complaint summaries is really positive; from both consumers and companies,” said Neil Mallon, Commissioner.
Background
Utilities Disputes is a free and independent dispute resolution service resolving consumer complaints about electricity, gas, water, and broadband installation on shared property. It has a simple and clear purpose – to sort complaints between utility providers and consumers through prevention, education and complaint resolution. Our mission is to be fast, fair and effective.

Key facts

– Utilities Disputes is a free service for consumers
– 21,020 kiwis contacted Utilities Disputes to access our services
– 36% increase in complaints and queries
– 8356 complaints (6997 in 2023-2024)
– 2961 complaint summaries produced and sent to providers on behalf of consumers a 20% increase from previous year
– Most common complaint billing at 48%.

Utilities Disputes Commissioned Research

Martin Jenkins research into the “squeezed middle” highlighted that 1.4M people only had just enough money to meet their everyday needs and were:

–   more likely to experience problems with their electricity company than other utilities
– typically had household incomes between $60,000 to $80,000
 – 50% in full time employment.

NZIER Research highlighted:
– up to $4.2 M in savings compared to alternative dispute resolution
– up to $2.9M in savings by avoiding additional negotiation.
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Property Market – Good news for renters as national rental price falls for another month

Source: Brainchild for RealEstate.co.nz

  • The capital records greatest rental price drop
  • Rental prices in southern regions surge 
  • Year-on-year increase in new listings gives renters more choice of healthy homes.

The latest data from realestate.co.nz shows average rental prices are on the decline in the majority of regions across New Zealand. The national average rental price was $636 in June this year, down 2.7% from $653 in June 2024.

Renters in the capital had the greatest respite: Wellington’s average rental price dropped by a hefty 10.9% to $625 per week compared to $701 per week at the same time last year. Those renting property in Hawke’s Bay also experienced a greater than average drop in rental prices, down 6.6% from $677 in June 2024 to $632 this year.

Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says declining rental prices in a tough economic climate is welcome news for renters. “We know that any reduced cost, no matter how big or small, does make a difference for many household budgets.

Southern surge: average weekly rental prices increase in three key regions
There’s no such respite for renters in the south. West Coast’s average weekly rental price of $433 is 9.1% higher than the same time last year ($396). The average weekly rental price in Otago has also increased, from $571 in June 2024 to $616 in June 2025, a year-on-year increase of 8.0%.

Southland’s average weekly rent of $489 in June was the region’s highest on record, 6.1% more than June 2024 ($461). It’s a continuing trend for the Southland property market, which also set an all-time asking price high for the second month in a row in the June 2025 New Zealand Property Market (ref. https://news.realestate.co.nz/blog/new-zealand-property-market-2025-june )

Williams says Southland’s performance has been an intriguing one to follow. “The region is certainly bucking the trend, for both home buyers and renters. It will be interesting to see what Southland’s property market does over the coming months as we move into spring.”

Lift in listings: tenants continue to be able to take their pick
The positive news continues for renters, with 15.3% more new listings coming onto the market than a year ago. Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington are the top three regions with the greatest year-on-year increase in new listings, reporting 96.0%, 84.9% and 82.2% respectively.

Wellington’s 82.2% increase saw the number of new listings rise from 276 in June 2024 to 503 in June 2025; Waikato also saw a significant increase, rising from 479 in June 2024 to 647 in June 2025.

“Greater choice in the market is also keeping prices honest,” says Williams. “And, with the Healthy Homes deadline having now passed, renters should be assured that a new listing should also be Healthy-Homes compliant.”

 

About realestate.co.nz  

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.  

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property. 

Glossary of terms:

The average weekly rental rate is an indication of current market sentiment. It is calculated by taking the asking rental rate of every residential property listed during that month and dividing it by the total number of rental properties. The average is a truncated mean.

New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for rent on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. Listings on the site include rental properties listed by Property Managers and private landlords and provide a representative view of the New Zealand rental property market.

Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for rent on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.

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Property Market – NZ residential construction costs edge higher, but pressures remain contained – Cotality

Source: Cotality

New Zealand’s residential construction costs rose 0.6% in the June 2025 quarter, according to Cotality’s latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) – up from a 0.3% increase in Q1. Despite this uptick, cost growth remains below the long-term average of 1.0% per quarter.

Annual construction cost growth reached 2.7%, the fastest pace since Q3 2023. However, this modest acceleration largely reflects the removal of a sharp 1.1% drop in Q2 2024 from the annual comparison (i.e. a mathematical technicality), rather than a resurgence in price pressures.

Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said that while the quarterly lift is worth noting, cost inflation across the residential building sector remains relatively subdued.
“Although the annual growth rate has nudged higher, it’s important to recognise this is more about base effects than any significant reacceleration,” Mr Davidson said.

“At 2.7%, annual cost growth is still well below the long-term average of 4.2%, and a far cry from the COVID-era peak of 10.4% in late 2022. Overall, construction cost pressures remain contained.”

Mr Davidson noted that reduced workloads across the sector over the past two to three years have created a degree of spare capacity, helping to ease cost pressures.

“New dwelling consents have dropped from more than 51,000 in the year to May 2022 to fewer than 34,000 now,” he said. “That decline has taken the heat off both wages – which account for around 40% of the CCCI – and material costs, which represent roughly 50%.”

The June quarter revealed a varied picture across individual product lines. Weatherboard cladding saw a 6% increase, while prices for decking timber and ceiling batts fell 1%.

“Cost movements are now being driven by specific supply and demand dynamics rather than broad-based inflation,” Mr Davidson said. “We're seeing more nuanced and patchy shifts that reflect a normalising market.”

While the pace of growth has slowed, Mr Davidson warned that overall build costs remain elevated.

“Households can be more confident costs won’t run away during a project, but the total cost to build remains a hurdle. With ample existing stock on the market, builders may still face challenges attracting new projects in the short term.”

Looking ahead, Mr Davidson said several factors could support a gradual lift in construction activity.

“Population growth is still positive, mortgage rates have eased, and regulatory settings around loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios continue to favour new-builds. As the broader economy recovers, the construction sector should follow.”

“Cost growth may well have bottomed out, with some renewed upward pressure possible in 2026. But a return to the double-digit growth rates of 2022 seems unlikely.”
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Heritage – He Waka Tipua Report offers insights into potential waka origins

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage has released He Waka Tipua, a report providing observations and insights on the potential origins of the partially excavated waka on Rēkohu Wharekauri Chatham Island.
“In consultation with Imi and Iwi, the Matanga Advisory Panel was commissioned to leverage the various areas of expertise to inform and guide background research and documentation. In April, the panel of whakairo, voyaging, waka construction, weaving and tikane/tikanga experts visited the island to view the site and the remains of the waka,” said.Glenis Philip-Barbara, Pou Mataaho o Te Hononga Deputy Secretary Māori Crown Partnerships at the Ministry. 
” He Waka Tipua reinforces the views as to the national and international significance of this unique waka discovery and presents more questions. The report says it is likely this waka is from a time before significant cultural separation in the Pacific; from a time before geographic distance and the decrease of long-distance voyaging meant independently developed techniques and artistic styles emerged.
” He Waka Tipua lays down a collective challenge for us all to navigate the next chapter of this work together. The recovery and conservation of the waka will require considerable investment. A unique opportunity exists for the island to work together with others to understand more about our origins, all while balancing the need to uphold the mana and the wairua of the waka,” Phillip-Barbara continues.
“A research plan for the recovered materials is currently being prepared. This includes the dating and provenance of organic materials taken from the waka find site. We expect a progress report in the last quarter of 2025. The Ministry will then present the final Archaeological Report to Imi, Iwi, and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga in February 2026. It will also be published on the Ministry website.
“There are many unanswered questions about the origin, age and journey of the waka. We are grateful for the funding of $1 million allocated to the waka project as part of Budget 2025 as it will help alleviate cost pressures and also help us to plan ahead for the next stage.
“The Ministry will continue to be guided by Imi and Iwi, and we’ll work closely with the Department of Conservation, the Dix Family and others to ensure the care and conservation of the recovered waka is foremost in our thinking.” Philip-Barbara concludes. 
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Tech – Avast Report Reveals Nearly Half of Older Kiwis Still Write their Passwords on Paper, According to Their Younger Loved Ones

Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners & Passion for Avast

If your parents still think “phishing” happens on a lake, it might be time for the talk

Auckland, 9 July, 2025 – You had “the talk” once – as the awkward teen on the receiving end. Now it’s your turn to lead it, and this time, it’s for your parents and it’s about staying safe online. A new study from Avast, a consumer Cyber Safety brand of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), reveals a growing need for Kiwi families to have open and honest conversations with older loved ones about staying safe online. With cybercrime targeting older adults at alarming rates, the report exposes just how wide the generational Cyber Safety gap has become, and how family members often struggle to bridge it.

According to the Avast Safe Tech Report, nearly 1 in 2 (45%) Kiwis with older loved ones have helped them avoid falling victim to a scam, and 84% of Kiwis with older loved ones have tried to warn them about risky online behavior or scams. But just like that first awkward talk years ago, not everyone’s listening. Only 53% changed their habits, while others didn’t understand the advice they were given (16%). Some older people even said their younger family members were overreacting (10%) or lied and said they’d change but didn’t (9%).

When warning their older loved ones about risky online behaviour, New Zealanders raised concerns about six key behaviours: clicking on suspicious links (91%), oversharing personal information (78%), answering unknown calls (83%), responding to texts from strangers (84%), downloading unfamiliar apps (78%), and using weak passwords (70%). Shockingly, 44% report that their older loved ones still write their passwords on a piece of paper, a habit that might feel harmless, but creates an open invitation for criminal activity.

Talking about online safety isn’t always comfortable, but it’s critical. And just like the original “talk,” it’s better to start early, speak clearly and repeat as needed.

According to the Avast Safe Tech Report, almost half (46%) of people in New Zealand with older loved ones say their aging loved ones have already fallen victim to an online threat. Among those affected, 26% have fallen victim to scams, 17% experienced financial fraud, 10% suffered malware infections, and 7% were victims of identity theft. These aren’t just statistics – they represent real families facing serious, sometimes devastating, consequences.

The most common scams targeting older adults:

Tech Support Scams: Pop-up calls claiming a virus is on the device.
Phishing: Emails or texts pretending to be from banks, police or family.
Fake Invoice Scams: Fake payment requests, often imitating legitimate companies or service providers.

“We see that many older adults genuinely want to stay safe online but weren’t raised with this technology where the rules are constantly changing,” says Mark Gorrie, APAC Managing Director for Avast. “The Avast Safe Tech Report shows that small behaviors – like jotting down passwords or trusting unsolicited calls – can open the door to massive fraud. That’s why families need to talk about it, openly and often.”

“Nearly half (49%) of Kiwis with older loved ones agree that their older loved ones are susceptible to believing false or fraudulent information they see online. These conversations can be tricky, but we have to keep trying – the key is patience, respect, and making it a two-way exchange rather than a lecture.”

Avast Safe Tech Tips: How to Have the Safe Tech Talk

To take control of your Cyber Safety together with your loved ones, Avast experts encourage having the Safe Tech Talk and focusing on these top five best practices:

Have the Safe Tech Talk

Learn Cyber Safety best practices and share them with your loved ones.
If you receive scam messages, texts, or calls, warn fri

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Science and Conservation – Plans underway to resurrect the South Island Giant Moa and other Taonga Species

Source: Colossal Biosciences

The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre has entered into a strategic partnership with de-extinction company, Colossal Biosciences, and Sir Peter Jackson, to resurrect the South Island Giant Moa and other Taonga Species.

The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre coordinated project aims to advance ecological restoration and develop tools for conservation in Te Waipounamu, New Zealand’s South Island

July 8 2025 AT 1 PM EST – JULY 9, 2025 AT 5AM NZST, TE WAIPOUNAMU/SOUTH
ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND – In a historic indigenous-coordinated initiative, the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre has entered into a collaboration with Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based genetic engineering and de-extinction company, and acclaimed filmmaker Sir Peter Jackson, to work together to resurrect the extinct South Island Giant Moa.

The Ngāi Tahu Research Centre was established in 2011 to support the intellectual growth and development of Ngāi Tahu, the principal iwi (Māori tribe) of the southern region of New Zealand.

A multi-disciplinary hub based at the University of Canterbury, the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre will direct all aspects of this project. This ext