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Education – Ara celebrates significant spring graduation

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

The numbers are impressive, but the stories of achievement behind them are perhaps even more so.
On Friday, more than 1,400 graduates had qualifications conferred in Ara Institute of Canterbury’s spring graduation – the polytechnic’s last such ceremony under Te Pūkenga. In January 2026, Ara returns to being a standalone institute.
With the age of graduates spanning 15 to 75 years, Ara celebrated the awarding of almost 200 Bachelor’s degrees, 34 Postgraduate and Master’s qualifications and an enormous 780 Level 3 and 4 certificates.
In this graduation alone, a snapshot of the qualifications earned shows Ara contributing:
– 106 Bachelor of Nursing graduates to the healthcare sector
– 188 newly qualified graduates to the construction and trades sector
– 73 graduates in business, accounting and applied management study streams
– 53 graduates to the health and wellbeing sector
– 39 early childhood education workers
Speaking at the Woolfbrook Arena celebration, Ara Institute of Canterbury Executive Director Darren Mitchell said the skills needed for Waitaha Canterbury industries and our changing world were embodied in the graduates.
“Technology is evolving rapidly. Industries are being reshaped. Climate, global health, and social equity are no longer distant issues, they're part of our everyday reality. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities.”
“I see every day how Ara responds to change – how we innovate, how we partner and how we prepare our learners to meet the future head-on. Graduation is a truly special celebration of that collective impact,” Mitchell said.
The largest cohort of graduates was in the Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways, with 207 learners ready to take their next steps into higher-level study or employment.
Tāua (grandmother) Huriana Russell is an example of a learner who took that path.
Overcoming decades of addiction, Russell stepped into pathway study at Level 3 having never opened a laptop. On Friday, she will graduate with a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4), specialising in Mental Health and Addiction Support. Her learning journey is continuing, as she ultimately seeks to give back to her community how she herself has been supported.
Russell was an Ara Eke Panuku award winner in her first year of study in 2023, in recognition of intergenerational whānau (family) transformation through education, agency and enterprise.
Drawing on the whakatauki (proverb) Poipoia te kākano, kia puāwai (nurture the seed and it will blossom), Ara Māori Success Team Kaumātua Poutama | Te Waha Pu Harry Westrupp paid tribute to her dedication.
“This is whānau transformation – one kuia’s courage opening doors for generations,” he said. “Tena koe (congratulations), Huriana.”
Among the crowd will be graduates, their whānau, their kaiako (tutors) and often their kaituku mahi (employers).
Presenting the ākonga for graduation, student speaker Alicia Esera brought her own inspiring story to the event.
A wife and mother of three, with two of her children diagnosed with disabilities, Esera said her family was her ‘why’.
“I came to my nursing studies after experiencing phenomenal neonatal nursing care for my youngest child who was born with a genetic disorder,” she said.
“Amora is now six and doing so well – but our journey with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) which affects growth, development, appetite, and behaviour has caused us some challenges – there’s been a lot of appointments in between classes!”
“Ara became more than a place of study for me; it became a place of growth. The patient guidance of our tutors and the encouragement of classmates sharing both struggles and laughter has got us through,” she said.
With her husband and three children on hand to watch her graduate – her dream is to give back with a role in paediatric nursing or for her Pasifika community.
From first laptops to late night assignments, Ara’s last Te Pūkenga graduation marks a bold new beginning – with over 1,400 learners ready to shape what comes next.
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Education – Ara qualification life-changing for graduating taua (grandmother)

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Two years ago, at the age of 58, Huriana Russell decided she wanted more for her life than sitting watching afternoon soaps.
Putting two decades of addiction behind her and having never touched a laptop, Huriana decided the path to a positive future lay in study.
On Friday, friends and whānau cheered her on as she graduated with a New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) (Level 4) specialising in Mental Health and Addiction Support, from Ara Institute of Canterbury.
“I’m so happy that my whānau including some of my mokos were here. They are the ones who've seen me uplifted from when I first started,” she said.
“I feel more like an inspiration to my mokos now. They’ve seen me out there doing something, not a 60-year-old lady sitting in a chair. I saw my mum do that and I wanted a change from what I saw,” she said.
The past few years have been life-changing for Huriana. She overcame addiction on her own at first, then found strength and direction through Purapura Whetu, Kaupapa Māori Health & Social Services, Christchurch NZ.
“Their awhi (support) helped me see a new path forward and gain inspiration to begin study,” she said. “My journey to recovery gave me the opportunity to see there was more to life than the struggle I’d been in, but it had been so many years since being in a classroom, I had to learn to write essays!”
The answer lay in Ara’s New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Support Work and Social Work Pathway in 2023, followed by the qualification she celebrated at Ara’s spring graduation today.
As part of her studies, Huriana completed a placement at Purapura Whetū – the very organisation she once turned to for support. Team members from there also attended the ceremony to see her cross the stage at Woolfbrook Arena.
One of her Ara tutors Dr Joanna Cobley said Huriana brought “a respectful and wholehearted energy to her learning.”
“She drew deeply from her lived experience and was driven by a genuine desire to grow her knowledge and skills to serve a community with specific needs. Her journey reflected Ara’s values of hono, hihiri, and aroha – connecting with others, learning with purpose, and leading with compassion,” Cobley said.
Huriana received an Ara Eke Panuku award in her first year of study in 2023, in recognition of intergenerational whānau (family) transformation through education, agency and enterprise.
Drawing on the whakatauki (proverb) Poipoia te kākano, kia puāwai (nurture the seed and it will blossom), Ara Māori Success Team Kaumātua Poutama | Te Waha Pu Harry Westrupp paid tribute to her dedication.
“This is whānau transformation – one kuia’s courage opening doors for generations,” he said. “Tena koe (congratulations), Huriana.”
When asked about her study journey, Huriana described every step of her experience as a highlight.
“Each paper that I had to do, each and every wānanga and kōrero, has contributed to my growth personally and professionally. I see my journey as one whole continuous highlight. It gave me a whole new outlook on life.”
And the study hasn’t stopped. Completing her Level 4 qualification earned her entry to Matatini Ora – Diploma in Māori Public Health (Level 6) Māori Mental Health and Addiction through Te Rau Ora.
The hope is to give back to those who helped her. “Giving back to the community is so important to me – I know what it’s like to have healing supported and being part of positive change in the community. I want to use my skills and lived experience to help whānau and rangatahi (young people) who’re walking a similar journey that I’ve been on.”
She hopes sharing her story inspires others.  “I say to young ones, now it doesn’t matter your age or the challenges you face every day, we all have the opportunity to learn more.”
“I hope that my journey shows moko and whānau and community that change, growth and learning is always possible.”
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GAZA: Failure by the UN Security Council to pass a ceasefire resolution is an abdication of legal and moral responsibility to children

Source: Save the Children

The international community has disregarded the lives of one million children in Gaza yet again with the failure of the UN Security Council to pass another ceasefire resolution today, Save the Children said.
The vote took place just days after the UN Commission of Inquiry found that the Government of Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza, and as Israeli forces launched a ground offensive in Gaza City. This follows weeks of bombardment of the city and displacement orders forcing nearly one million people already facing famine to flee south to ever shrinking and overcrowded patches of land.
Ahmad Alhendawi, Regional Director for Save the Children in the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe said:
“Just two days ago, a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded that genocide is being committed in Gaza. What we are witnessing on the ground is consistent with these findings.
“These findings are among the clearest legal assessments yet, but Israeli forces are still tightening their grip on Gaza City-killing, starving, and displacing children and families. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council and Israel’s allies remain unwilling to act.
“It is clearer now than ever before that not only the Government of Israel but also the international community has the moral and legal responsibility to stop this. If now is not the moment, when is?
“We call on the UN Security Council to reconvene without delay and to continue meeting-day after day if necessary-until it fulfils its moral and legal obligations to secure a ceasefire and guarantee humanitarian access for children.”
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in more than 100 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
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Policy – We need a capital gains tax that delivers for New Zealanders – tax reform group

Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa (TJA)

Tax Justice Aotearoa (TJA) and the Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign is calling on the Labour Party to go for the best, most comprehensive version of a tax on the income from capital gains (CGT), as an essential part of a better tax system.

“Tax Justice Aotearoa (TJA), along with numerous public opinion polls and expert commentators  support a CGT because it has the promise to deliver real benefits for New Zealand”, says Glenn Barclay, Tax Justice Aotearoa spokesperson. ” We will support Labour and any political party that commits to a CGT that will deliver on that promise”.

A CGT has the potential to generate significant revenue to fund our hospitals, schools and transport networks. It would make our tax system fairer.  It could also help rebalance our economy to encourage productive investments, and discourage property speculation that drives up housing prices. But TJA warns that a CGT will only deliver for New Zealand if it is as comprehensive as possible.

“A majority of New Zealanders support some form of capital gains tax because they realise our current tax system is broken, it is not generating the revenue we need to maintain our health system and critical infrastructure, it provides a giant loophole for the wealthy to avoid paying their fair share of taxes, and it is not supporting a productive economy”, says Glenn Barclay.

“But they don't support a CGT for the sake of it. They support a CGT that will address these issues and deliver long-term benefits to New Zealanders. So it is important that we get the CGT settings right, and that it is accompanied by other tax changes.”

“Thomas Coughlan's recent article in the NZ Herald suggests the Labour Party will opt for a CGT, but that it will not be comprehensive and there might be exemptions that would dramatically lower the revenue the new tax would gather,” says Glenn Barclay.

“The article suggests it would raise barely 39% of a broad CGT's revenue. This would be wholly inadequate to meet the challenges we face in healthcare, education, climate change and infrastructure, and would barely move the dial on wealth inequality and the housing market.”

While it is not clear if this accurately represents Labour's current thinking, TJA is taking this opportunity to set out the settings required for a CGT that has that can deliver for New Zealanders:

The CGT needs to be as comprehensive as possible, covering all forms of significant assets,  but with an exemption for the principal family home.
It should apply to individuals, companies and trusts that own assets.
It should be payable when the asset is sold or transferred.
Income from capital gains should be taxed like any other source of income to mitigate the risk of tax avoidance which will happen if lower tax rates apply, because wealthier people are more likely to own assets which make taxable capital gains.

“We acknowledge that committing to a proper CGT requires political determination, but this is what this moment calls for: a time when New Zealanders are increasingly uncertain about their futures and those of their children”, says Glenn Barclay.

“We hope that Labour will step up and show the necessary leadership to put a proper CGT before voters in the 2026 Election. Polling indicates that the majority of New Zealanders would get behind them and vote for a CGT that will deliver real benefits.”

The Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign is calling for a tax system that grows revenue and ensures that those who can afford it contribute more to our collective good. A comprehensive CGT is an essential part of a better tax system and would bring us into line with the vast majority of other countries who already have a CGT.

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Economy – New Monetary Policy Committee member appointed – Reserve Bank

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand's (RBNZ)

18 September 2025 – A new member of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's (RBNZ) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Hayley Gourley has been appointed by the Minister of Finance Nicola Willis on the recommendation of the RBNZ Board.

The MPC is responsible for the monetary policy decisions needed to support price stability.

Agribusiness executive Hayley Gourley starts a four-year term on 1 October, replacing Professor Bob Buckle who retires from the MPC at the end of September 2025. Hayley Gourley will take part in the October Monetary Policy Review.

“We are delighted to welcome Hayley to the MPC. She is a highly qualified candidate with the appropriate knowledge, skills and experience from an extensive career in corporate, rural and financial services sectors to join the MPC and assist in its decision-making,” RBNZ Board Deputy Chair Rodger Finlay says.

“Her business experience at both board and executive management positions in some of New Zealand's leading agribusinesses will add a fresh perspective to Committee discussions.”

Hayley also has a Master of Science (M.Sc) in Agricultural Economics from the University of London/ Imperial College and attended the London Business School under the Rabobank senior leadership programme. She has a Bachelor of Applied Economics, Agricultural Economics, from Massey University.

“We look forward to working with Hayley soon,” Governor and MPC Chair Christian Hawkesby says.

“The MPC remains laser-focussed on its job to control inflation and Hayley will play an important part in our discussions.”

“I'd also like to thank Professor Buckle for his significant service on the Monetary Policy Committee for many years, at an especially turbulent time during Covid-19,” Mr Hawkesby says.

“Bob is the sole remaining inaugural external member of the MPC, starting in 2019, when the Committee was first formed.”

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Advocacy – UN Commission’s genocide finding renews PSNA calls for the government to end military support for Israel

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Australia (PSNA)

 

PSNA is renewing demands that New Zealand end its military support for Israel in response to today’s findings by an independent UN commission that Israel is conducting genocide in Gaza.

 

As well as demanding Israel cease its mass killing and mass starvation in Gaza, the commission is also appealing to governments to “employ all means reasonably available to them” to “cease the transfer of arms and other equipment or items” which could be used by Israel to continue the genocide.

 

“The government says it has no direct evidence and goes out of its way to avoid finding any” says PSNA Co-Chair Maher Nazzal. “Such ducking and diving fools no one. It’s an embarrassment”

 

For decades, Rakon has supplied crystal oscillators to the US for guided munitions, which end up killing civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure in Gaza.

“Why is it so hard for the government to suspend these exports while it conducts an investigation?”

 

Rocket Lab is launching satellites from its Mahia base for Black Sky Technology, which provides quality images to the Israeli Defence Force in its bombing of occupied Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

 

“Why is our Minister of Defence refusing to even ask Rocket Lab or Black Sky about this aid to genocide?”

 

“Why are these launches not suspended while the government investigates?”

 

“Meanwhile, every day our GCSB spies are passing over surveillance information to the US, which shares this with Israel. Why is there no investigation into this by the government?”

 

It seems currying favour with the US and its genocidal sidekick Israel trumps our loyalty to international law and our responsibilities under the genocide convention.

 

“Our government is part of the western disease – complicity with genocide”

 

This UN confirmation of genocide should be the wake-up call the government needs to support international law without fear or favour.

 

Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair PSNA

  • Appendix: Part of the recommendations of the UN independent Commission includes:
  • The Commission recommends that all Member States:
  • (a) Employ all means reasonably available to them to prevent the commission of genocide in the Gaza Strip;
  • (b) Cease the transfer of arms and other equipment or items, including jet fuel, to the State of Israel or third States where there is reason to suspect their use in military operations that have involved or could involve the commission of genocide;
  • (c) Ensure individuals and corporations in their territories and within their jurisdiction are not involved in the commission of genocide, aiding and assisting the commission of genocide or incitement to commit genocide and investigate and prosecute those who may be implicated in these crimes under international law;
  • (d) Facilitate the investigations and domestic proceedings and take action (including imposing sanctions) against the State of Israel and against individuals or corporations that are involved in or facilitating the commission of genocide or incitement to commit genocide;
  • (e) Cooperate with the investigation of the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

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Advocacy – Appeal for New Zealand to demand International Humanitarian Law protection for Gaza-bound aid flotilla

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

Late this afternoon PSNA sent this self-explanatory letter to the Prime Minister.

 

Letter sent to Prime Minister

 

Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

Prime Minister

Parliament Buildings

Wellington.

 

Kia ora Mr Luxon,

 

Appeal for New Zealand to demand International Humanitarian Law protection for Gaza-bound aid flotilla

 

An international flotilla of ships and boats is sailing towards Gaza loaded with humanitarian relief supplies for the beleaguered Palestinians living there and suffering from Israeli-perpetrated mass killing and mass starvation of the population.

 

The people on the flotilla represent the very best of human values and are standing up for humanity when many governments, including our own, are failing to uphold these values.

 

We are requesting our government inform Israel that Aotearoa New Zealand expects them to facilitate the entry of this humanitarian convoy so it can deliver the desperately needed food, water and medical supplies.

 

Already 16 other countries have made this request of Israel to respect International Humanitarian Law. These countries are: Türkiye, Qatar, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Ireland, Libya, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mexico, Pakistan, Oman, Slovenia, South Africa, and Spain.

 

We want New Zealand to join this call.

 

Unfortunately, In the past Israel has attacked and boarded vessels bringing aid to Gaza, killing many people and illegally detaining others. Israel has already launched at least two drone attacks on vessels which are part of this flotilla.

 

There are three New Zealanders aboard this international flotilla and we want our government to stand up for them and for all the internationals taking part in this mercy-mission to Gaza.

 

Please respond urgently to this appeal.

 

We look forward to hearing from you shortly.

 

Ngā mihi.

 

Nā,

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA.

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Health and Employment – Health New Zealand offers pay cuts amid workforce crisis

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

To be attributed to ASMS Executive Director Sarah Dalton:
Health New Zealand failed to resolve its long-running pay dispute with the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists by failing to turn up with any meaningful improvement on its offer.
ASMS made it clear that the strike notice would not be lifted unless there was a sufficient movement on the initial pay offer. This did not occur.
The offer still represents a real pay cut for our senior medical workforce at a time when recruitment and retention is critical.
Health New Zealand, on arriving at bargaining, was unable to give accurate financial costings about its offer, there were errors in the position it tabled, which it was meant to update before bargaining resumed today. It did not do so.
Health NZ refuses to recognise a full year of delay to the bargaining process due to its inability to come to the table with a pay offer. Its bargaining team was not assembled until after the collective agreement expired and the first offer was not made until April 2025.
ASMS is still in bargaining. ASMS offered to meet again before strike day to make more progress. Health NZ has not taken up this offer.
ASMS members are not walking away from patients, they simply know it is critical to have a pay offer that it is competitive and continues to attract the medical workforce to New Zealand.
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First Responders – 25 new career firefighters join the Fire and Emergency New Zealand team

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand welcomed 25 new career firefighters at a graduation ceremony in Rotorua today.
Whānau and friends gathered at Fire and Emergency’s National Training Centre (NTC) to watch their loved ones demonstrate the skills learnt during the 12-week recruit course.
These skills include fighting fires, extricating trapped people from vehicles, managing hazardous substances, and search and rescue.
Emerson Coe, 33, was awarded most outstanding recruit.
Emerson has a background in youth mental health and youth justice work and now as a career firefighter will be based in Nelson.
“I have dreamed of being a firefighter since I was a kid, and it felt like the right time to pursue the dream.
“I can't wait to get back to my station, get to know my watch and do my best to serve the community and be a role model for the next generation who see this as a career path,” he says.
Graduating alongside Emerson is Sophie Mahuru, 23, who comes from a family of firefighters.
“I grew up seeing the pride and meaning in the role and always knew it was something I wanted to follow.”
She says her favourite part of the course was the two weeks of Breathing Apparatus (BA) training.
“I enjoyed learning everything from commissioning a set, through to search and rescue, and then putting it all together.
“It’s a firefighter's bread and butter.”
Sophie says she would encourage anyone who was considering firefighting as a career to put their name forward.
“The training is challenging but really rewarding, and you’ll grow so much along the way.
“If you enjoy working as part of a team and want a career that’s meaningful and exciting, it’s one of the best choices you can make.”
Sophie will be based in Auckland.
Stafford Hector left a career in financial services to finally pursue his dream of being a firefighter.
He says he was especially inspired to make the change after moving to New Zealand from South Africa.
“I have always had a deep need to help others and how better to do so than being the best I can be on someone’s worst day.”
Stafford says training over the last three months has been incredible.
“The team spirit and true camaraderie has been great, whether it’s the easy times, the study, or some of the really tough physical tests and challenges we need to face.”
He encourages anyone, no matter their age, to take the leap.
“Don’t let age hold you back. Fire and Emergency values life experience just as much as physical ability.
“If you’ve got the drive to serve your community, work as part of a high performing tight team and keep learning every day, you’re never too old to start the journey.”
Stafford will be based in St Heliers.
Congratulations to all the graduates and nau mai ki te whānau – welcome to the family.
Locations of deployment:
Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland: 11
Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington: 6
Whakatū | Nelson: 1
Kawerau | Bay of Plenty: 2
Tairawhiti | Gisborne: 3
Te Matau-a-Māui | Hawkes Bay: 1
Ōtepoti | Dunedin: 1.
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First Responders – Southbridge Canterbury vegetation fire update 3

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The large vegetation fire which has been burning at Southbridge in Selwyn, Canterbury since yesterday afternoon is now contained.
Incident Controller Lou Ander says most firefighting crews have been stood down with some heavy machinery work continuing to turn over remaining hotspots.
‘All roads are now open again, and I expect to be able to hand back the fireground to the landowner this afternoon,’ he says.
‘There’ll be some smoke visible from the fireground as remaining hotspots are extinguished over the next few days. This is expected.'
Lou Ander says the cause of the fire won’t be known until the investigation underway is completed.
This will be the last update for this fire unless there is a significant development.