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Weather News – Thundery Thursday gives way to a calm weekend – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 11th – Monday 15th of December –
Thundery Thursday gives way to a calm weekend
 
•    Thunderstorms feed on warm temperatures today (Thursday), rumbling across parts of the country, especially Otago and South Canterbury
•    Milder temperatures settle in across the country tomorrow (Friday) as the warm air mass over the country is pushed out.
•    A large high-pressure system moves in from the west, perching atop the country for the weekend.

The main line item for today, Thursday, is thunderstorms with hail. Canterbury, Otago, Inland Southland as well as Bay of Plenty, along with the high country of Hawke’s Bay are the areas most likely to receive a sparky shower and hail from the afternoon. Elsewhere, conditions are largely fine.

MetService meteorologist Alec Holden says,  “Thunderstorms feed on warm temperatures and moisture near the surface, so with plenty of both around there is a very good chance we will see some form around the country.”
The warmer air mass assisting the formation of thunderstorms gets swept away on Friday, ahead of a large high pressure drawing close to the country from the west. Meaning a noticeable drop towards more comfortable temperatures.

“People can expect a pretty nice day come the end of the working week, there will be showers around, but you would be unlucky to see one” says Holden.
The high-pressure system moves atop the country on Saturday, likely resulting in a very pleasant day across the country, excellent if you have some washing to do. For Sunday, it should still be nice for most people, but northerlies build over the South Island, heralding a new front approaching the country from the west to kick off Monday.

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Transporting New Zealand hails two-lane Pekatahi Bridge replacement

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National Road Freight Association Transporting New Zealand is welcoming Transport Minister Chris Bishop’s announcement that a new two-lane bridge will be built on State Highway 2 (SH2) near Tāneatua in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, replacing the existing one-lane Pekatahi Bridge.
Construction of the new two-lane bridge is likely to begin in mid-2027, taking around 18 months to complete. The total estimated cost to deliver the new bridge is expected to be between $64 and $69 million.
Transporting New Zealand and local road freight operators have been advocating for a replacement throughout the year, noting that up to 2,300 vehicles use the bridge daily, 900 of which are trucks. Surfacing issues were causing a bone-juddering ride that damaged vehicles and freight.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that it was unacceptable to have the main State Highway 2 route between the Port of Tauranga and the East Coast and Gisborne falling to bits.
“Transporting New Zealand estimates that bridge closures caused by surfacing issues and repair work cost operators and freight customers approximately $100,000 a day in detour costs. This bridge replacement will be a big boost to the East Coast economy and community.”
“We’d like to thank local MP Dana Kirkpatrick for her strong advocacy for the bridge replacement, and the Minister of Transport Chris Bishop for his commitment to supporting a resilient and fit for purpose roading network.”
“This is a good news story about the community and local businesses speaking up on a local transport issue and getting results, and Transporting New Zealand are happy we could provide support through our national membership team and advocacy in Wellington.”
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Conservation Minister scores on stewardship land – Minerals Council

Source: New Zealand Minerals Council

It is a relief to have much of the stewardship land on the West Coast now classified, says New Zealand Minerals Council chief executive Josie Vidal.
“This has been a football no one wanted to touch for too long, so we are pleased to see Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has picked it up and run it to the score line,” Vidal says.
“Our main interest in the stewardship land review is that mining’s existing rights to apply for access to conservation land are retained.
“While we submitted throughout this long process that none of the stewardship land should be reclassified as national park or Schedule 4 status – where mining is not permitted – we are pleased only a relatively small area is to be reclassified as national parks.
“This is considerably less than what was originally being proposed and there are no existing mining authorisations in these areas.
“The West Coast has potential for mining many of the critical minerals the world needs, and that are in fact, on the Critical Minerals List for New Zealand. Earth Sciences New Zealand/GNS Science has assessed that much of that potential lies in the conservation estate.
“We want to always keep the door open for considering prospecting for, exploration and development of mines on the conservation estate (other than national parks and other Schedule 4 land). Mining access applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. Approvals are only given following rigorous assessments and with the conservation value of the land taken into account. This system works well and should continue.
“It should also be noted mining’s footprint is minimal, taking place on just 0.04% of conservation land.
“I want to make it clear that like most New Zealanders, the mining industry appreciates the importance of our unique environment and supports conservation efforts.
“In fact, mining companies make considerable contributions both in money and in people power, to conserving the environment and protecting indigenous biodiversity, both on mine sites and in their wider communities.
“Overall, we are pleased to see the balance of considerations has landed in a sensible place that supports environmental protection without stifling opportunities for regional development that creates jobs and contributes to both the regional and wider economy.”
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Education – Whitireia and WelTec announce partnership with Toi Whakaari to provide performing arts education in Wellington

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Whitireia and WelTec are excited to announce their partnership with Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa: New Zealand Drama School to deliver performing arts education in Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
Through this arrangement, new and returning ākonga (students) will have the unique opportunity to complete Whitireia and WelTec’s New Zealand Diplomas in Drama, Dance, and Performing Arts (Musical Theatre), as well as the final year of the Bachelor of Creativity (Performing Arts), at Toi Whakaari from 2026.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Toi Whakaari,” said Dr Leanne Ivil, Operations Lead at Whitireia and WelTec. “This is a strong step toward strengthening performing arts education in our rohe, enabling ākonga to gain practical skills and industry connections essential for careers on stage and behind the scenes.”
This collaboration ensures accessible, high-quality training for aspiring performers and production specialists within the wider Wellington region, creating a truly world-class pathway for ākonga.
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Health – Asthma Foundation supports stop-smoking provider threatened for rejecting vapes

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is appalled that a Wellington stop-smoking provider is at risk of losing its Government contract for refusing to supply vapes to help people knock the habit.
Takiri Mai Te Ata Trust, in a statement released yesterday, advised that Te Whatu Ora was intending to terminate its Stop Smoking Service contract, citing its refusal to supply vaping devices as the reason for ending the agreement.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says this news is deeply disappointing.
“It’s shocking that a provider with decades of success – that knows its community better and anyone else – is being pressured to hand out products that may create new addictions.
“The government should be supporting effective quitting strategies, not threatening them for refusing to supply vaping devices.”
Vapes are not approved smoking cessation tools, so they should not be forced into the hands of providers, Ms Harding says.
“Vaping is not harmless – it never has been. We know it causes lung damage and can prolong nicotine dependence.
“Vaping isn’t harm reduction, it’s harm transfer.”
The Foundation is calling on Te Whatu Ora to reconsider its intentions and support cessation strategies that are safe, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of the communities they serve.
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Climate – Degraded estuaries feel the heat – Earth Sciences

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Degraded estuaries are less resilient to the impacts of heatwaves, new research from Earth Sciences New Zealand shows.
Estuaries are vital to Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural and economic wellbeing; they also play a crucial role in the carbon cycle and can act as a carbon sinks. However, little is known about carbon cycling in intertidal sand and mudflats or how this will be affected by climate extremes such as heatwaves.
Study lead and marine ecologist Dr Emily Douglas says that these ecosystems are particularly vulnerable environments because of their dynamic nature.
“Estuary intertidal zones naturally experience large temperature changes because of incoming and outgoing tides, meaning they are exposed to both marine and atmospheric heatwaves. Estuaries are also threatened by sediments and nutrients from land, which results in muddy degraded habitats,” said Dr Douglas.
Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heatwaves. Scientists therefore wanted to know how temperature extremes may be impacting these ecosystems and their carbon absorption.
Dr Douglas and her team simulated a multiday atmospheric heatwave at two estuary intertidal flats at low tide – one was sandy, i.e. healthy, and the other muddy, i.e. degraded. They tested how the heatwave impacted biodiversity and shellfish, as well as the uptake and emissions of methane and carbon dioxide.
“We found that muddy sites emit more methane (a potent greenhouse gas) than sandy, healthier habitats. We also found that the sandy site was absorbing more carbon dioxide, and this increased with heatwave duration. These results tell us that climate change may alter the greenhouse gas source/sink status of our estuaries and that effects will be worse in muddy degraded estuaries,” said Dr Douglas.
The researchers also found that heatwaves changed the seafloor community. Again, these effects were greater at the muddy site compared with the sandy site.
“Overall, our findings indicate that healthy biodiverse intertidal habitats will be more resilient to global warming, and this emphasises the importance of preventing further degradation of our estuaries,” said Dr Douglas.
The team are planning another heatwave experiment this summer this time focusing on the impact of heatwaves on shellfish beds.
The research was funded by Earth Sciences New Zealand's Strategic Science Investment Fund.
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Events – Auckland Live Summer in the Square 2026 unleashes a month of culture and creativity

Source: Maia Studio

Auckland’s favourite free summer celebration is back, brighter, bolder and more diverse than ever. Auckland Live Summer in the Square returns to Aotea Square from Friday, 30 January to Sunday, 22 February 2026, transforming the centre of the city into a playground of music, movement, culture and whānau-friendly fun.

An iconic feature of the Tāmaki Makaurau summer calendar, Auckland Live Summer in the Square is a vibrant, joyful and unashamedly playful month-long festival that celebrates the people and cultures that make Auckland what it is.

The 2026 programme features 12 hero events, each infused with its own kaupapa, creative energy and sense of community. From a Latin fiesta and global percussion to skate culture and jazz, from wrestling and spoken word to hip hop and Afro celebrations – plus circus fun and much more – there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

With family-friendly experiences, a relaxed licensed food truck area, and opportunities to explore activities at your own pace, Auckland Live Summer in the Square is designed for everyone – from tamariki to seasoned culture seekers and summer visitors.

Join us as Auckland Live Summer in the Square lights up the final weeks of the summer holidays and the Waitangi Day public holiday, inviting locals and visitors to enjoy free music, dance, performance, storytelling and cultural connection beneath the warm February sky.

Director of Auckland Live, Daniel Clarke, says this summer festival is one of the great free traditions of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

“Auckland Live Summer in the Square gives artists a prominent platform and brings fresh creative energy into the city centre. It’s a chance for audiences to discover new work, support local talent and enjoy the arts in an open, welcoming space. Aotea Square will become an inclusive space where everyone is reflected, heard and celebrated. We are proud to curate a programme that adds vibrancy to Aotea Square at a time when people are out making the most of summer,” says Daniel Clarke.

This event is proudly supported by Auckland Council Events and the city centre targeted rate.

Auckland Live Summer in the Square

Friday, 30 January to Sunday, 22 February 2026
Aotea Square

The line up:

Auckland Latin Fiesta

Fri 30 Jan: 5pm–11pm
Sat 31 Jan: 12pm–11pm
Sun 1 Feb: 12pm–6pm
Back for its 11th year, Auckland Latin Fiesta brings a three-day explosion of Latin American culture to Aotea Square. Experience the heat of salsa, bachata, reggaeton and samba with DJs, performances and fun dance classes. A joyful celebration of community, rhythm and flavour.

Sunset Sounds

Thu 5 Feb: 5pm–8pm
A fierce wāhine-led music lineup of Club Ruby, Louisa Nicklin, PRINS, DJ Tandra and TUSEKAH takes over Aotea Square with neo-soul, alt-pop and genre-crossing sounds. As the sun sets and the city lights glow, this bold and modern showcase creates the perfect summer night atmosphere.

Somethin’ Else

Fri 6 Feb (Waitangi Day)
Sat 7 Feb
Following its successful debut in 2025, this jazz festival returns with leading Aotearoa musicians and international guests across three stages, including an indoor stage at the Aotea Centre. A relaxed, sun-filled celebration of world-class jazz.

Mainstage, Aotea Square:

Fri 6 Feb (Waitangi Day): 1pm–10pm
Sat 7 Feb: 3pm–10pm

Hunua Rooms, Aotea Centre

Fri 6 Feb (Waitangi Day): 4pm–9pm
Sat 7 Feb: 4pm–9pm

Rumble in the Square

Sun 8 Feb: 12pm–4pm
The ultimate pro wrestling spectacle arrives in Aotea Square. Expect high-flying dropkicks, powerhouse clotheslines and dramatic matchups, all leading to a 20-wrestler Royal Rumble where a new challenger enters every 90 seconds. Big characters, big energy and unforgettable entertainment.

Poetry Takeover

Thu 12 Feb: 5pm–8pm
Aotea Square becomes a vibrant canvas of words, movement and sound as poets from across Tāmaki Makaurau take the mic. MC Renee Liang leads the night featuring slam, Pasifika, te reo Māori, migrant and youth voices. Audiences can explore a kaleidoscope of activities: wander through chalk poetry, browse a market of books and zines, create blackout poetry on the Poet-tree, and craft visual poems with collage stickers and words.

History of Hip Hop

Fri 13 Feb: 4pm–10pm
Celebrate more than 50 years of hip hop culture in Aotearoa with an outdoor party featuring legendary DJs Sir-Vere, K Swizz, singer Jess B and more. This event traces the evolution of hip hop through beats, cuts and pure creative energy.

AfroFest

Sat 14 Feb: 12pm–6pm
Returning for its third year, AfroFest celebrates the African diaspora in Aotearoa with music, dance, fashion and food. With thousands attending each year, it is a joyful and energetic celebration of identity and community.

Drum Struck

Sun 15 Feb: 12pm–4pm
Feel the power of global percussion with Caribbean steel pans, Cook Islands log drums, Japanese taiko and more. A high-energy afternoon that connects cultures through rhythm with Steel’n Beats, Anuanua Dance Troupe and Haere Mai Taiko.

ASIAN(SOUND)SCAPES

Thu 19 Feb: 5pm–8pm
Lunar New Year comes alive through soulful jazz, indie pop, alt-rock and contemporary pan-Asian sounds. Bring your friends, wear bright colours or lucky red, and soak up the summer vibes under the evening sky. Dance to pan-Asian beats that redefine contemporary sound with dāndān, Ersha Island, Kin-Kachow, Newko, tee., Raging Flowers, Tei and XPLSV.

Street Fest

Fri 20 Feb: 4pm–8pm
Aotea Square becomes a skateboarding playground with best trick competitions, spot prizes, a final boss trick challenge, and live street art painted throughout the day. Raw energy and creativity ripple across Aotea Square as skate culture takes centre stage.

Highland Pulse

Sat 21 Feb: 12pm–4pm
Scottish bagpipes and bold brass band harmonies fill the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau in a celebration of heritage, pride and musical connection. Join Base Auckland Brass, North Shore Brass, Papakura Pipe Band and more, for this lively and colourful event that brings generations together.

Circus Party

Sun 22 Feb: 10am–3pm
Round off Auckland Live Summer in the Square by entering a circus playground with hands-on workshops with Circability. Perfect for families and tamariki wanting a joyful end to their summer.

For information, please visit aucklandlive.co.nz
#AucklandLive @aucklandlive

NOTES

About Auckland Live

Auckland Live is the premier organisation for performing arts, culture, entertainment and events in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. As Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest performing arts entity, we proudly present a programme of live arts and entertainment across our iconic venues: Aotea Centre, The Civic, Auckland Town Hall, The Cloud, Shed 10, Viaduct Events Centre, Bruce Mason Centre and Aotea Square. Auckland Live is part of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation. Find out what’s happening on our stages and places at aucklandlive.co.nz

About Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s cultural, events and destination agency. It is an Auckland Council-controlled organisation that works to make Auckland a vibrant place to live and visit, through events, experiences and taonga (treasures). aucklandunlimited.com

About Auckland Council Events
Auckland Council Events are events supported by the Auckland Council Group, including local boards and council-controlled organisations, recognising events supported by Auckland ratepayer funding. This support can include investment, delivery or promotion of events, to bring our communities together, celebrate Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s identity and deliver social and economic benefits.  

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Spin – Shameless right wing stunt fudges truth of brutal spending and job cuts

Source: PSA

The Taxpayers' (not-a-) Union stunt with Ruth Richardson “debating” Finance Minister Nicola Willis and promoting this with expensive boxes of fudge is a deliberate false-flag operation to make Willis seem more moderate than she really is.
“New Zealanders won’t be fooled by this gaslighting – these right-wing zealots would have done more good by donating the cost of the fudge to food banks where the pain of the Government’s austerity drive is being felt,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Nicola Willis is no moderate – it’s her decisions that have seen $20 billion given away in tax cuts and handouts to landlords, big tobacco and businesses.
“It’s her decisions that led to our health system being underfunded and under strain.
“It’s her decisions that cancelled pay equity for over 150,000 women to prop up her Budget.
“It’s her decisions that have seen thousands of public servants laid off, including over 600 scientists and researchers.
“We know what this is really about – Richardson and her mates are trying to shift the Overton Window – to make this prescription for austerity appear mainstream and normalised so it doesn’t cost votes.
“Let’s not be deceived. Bottom line Ruth Richardson and her misguided right-wing acolytes want even worse pain to be inflicted on New Zealanders.
“Let’s not forget she was the finance minister who lost her job in 1993 when the then Prime Minister, the late Jim Bolger, woke up to the damage her austerity drive was inflicting on the economy, pain that nearly cost National the election that year.
“The real debate on our economic future isn’t Willis v Richardson; it’s a prosperous future for Kiwi workers and their families compared to the failed economic medicine Willis and Richardson want us to swallow. They are out of touch.
“The PSA will not be eating the tainted fudge we received.”
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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Legislation – Dangerous Fast-Track changes made as nature is reaching breaking point – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace says the passing of the Fast-Track Approvals Amendment Bill last night makes an already damaging law even more dangerous for Aotearoa’s environment.
“The original Fast Track Approvals Act was already the most aggressive attack on environmental oversight and democratic participation in New Zealand's modern legislative history. The Government has now made that reckless and damaging Act even worse,” says Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop.
“While the Government might have been forced to back down on some of their most egregious ideas, there is absolutely no cause for celebration in the passing of this reckless and damaging law.”
“Ministers have a new lever to tilt the playing field towards their pet projects while the time available for independent scrutiny over large high risk projects has been cut to 90 working days. These changes will make it easier for mining and other environmentally damaging projects to get the green light.”
The Amendment Act gives Ministers a new power to create Government Policy Statements about the benefits of fast track projects which expert panels must take into account. Panels now have a limit of the 90 working-days to decide on projects, regardless of their complexity or environmental risk, unless the applicant agrees to an extension.
The Government had previously proposed several other changes to the Fast Track Act including further restricting public participation, narrowing certain legal avenues for environmental organisations and hapū and allowing applicants to complain about panel members. It has walked away from those.
Around 95% of the over 2,500 submissions opposed the Amendment Bill. The public were given only 10 days to make their submissions. The original Fast Track Act also attracted widespread opposition with tens of thousands marching against it and 27,000 submissions made, with the majority opposed.
“This Bill follows the Government’s announcement that it will rewrite the RMA to include ‘regulatory relief’ – an extraordinary proposal that would force the public to pay companies compensation if basic environmental protections, like better forestry-slash rules, impact their property value.
“Native wildlife is on the brink of extinction, rivers are choking with sediment and pollution, and oceans are under unprecedented stress. Instead of strengthening environmental protections, this Government is systematically dismantling them.”
Greenpeace is vowing to continue fighting the Fast Track and standing alongside local communities against the war on nature.
“New Zealanders are showing over and over again that they do not want to see seabed mining off the Taranaki coast, they do not want to see coal mining on the Denniston Plateau and they do not want an Act that fast-tracks environmental destruction,” says Toop.
“Any corporation seeking consent through this process should expect resistance. Communities across the country are already standing up to fast-track projects and regardless of what this Government does in Wellington we will keep defending nature across Aotearoa.”
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Energy sector celebrates progress in 2025 Net Zero Accord update

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Energy Resources Aotearoa has released the 2025 update of the Energy Resources Net Zero Accord, demonstrating New Zealand’s energy sector is leading the way to cut emissions while keeping Kiwi homes and businesses supplied with the energy they need.
The Accord is an initiative led by Energy Resources Aotearoa to bring together companies from across the energy system to track emissions, share best practices, highlight projects and report openly on progress toward Net-Zero goals.
Since 2010, direct emissions from the petroleum sector have fallen by around 63 per cent. Emissions intensity (per tonne) is down by roughly 44 per cent. Significantly, venting and flaring from oil and gas production are close to 90 per cent below 2010 levels.
Economy-wide emissions linked to natural gas and LPG across production, processing, transport and use are about 29 per cent lower than in 2010.
Energy Resources Aotearoa chief executive and Accord convenor John Carnegie said the progress reflects years of collective effort by Accord partners across the country.
“These results come from engineers, operators and project teams who keep finding ways to use less fuel, recover more heat, prevent or use waste gas and fuels, and support customers who want to lower their own emissions.”
The Accord has once again expanded for 2025. Carbona and eNZoil have joined as new signatories, while Elemental and Mobil have become supporting partners, widening participation across the energy value chain.
The 2025 update draws together a set of projects that show how signatories and supporting partners’ actions are playing out across the country.
The Te Rahui solar farm near Taupō, a Todd-led initiative delivered by a partnership between Nova Energy and Meridian Energy, is expected to become New Zealand’s largest solar farm, with capacity of about 400 megawatts of renewable electricity once both project stages are complete.
Offshore, OMV has delivered a programme of upgrades on the Maui, Maari and Pohokura fields that reduce fuel use and emissions while keeping production running.
On the fuels side, Mobil has supplied its first shipment of Mobil Ethos+ Renewable Diesel R20, which contains at least 20 per cent hydrotreated vegetable oil refined from used cooking oil and can be used in existing engines and infrastructure.
Carbona is innovating to convert waste wood into high-value renewable fuels and carbon capture products. eNZoil is recycling transformer oil, thus reducing the need for new imports of oil and saving on those transportation costs and emissions.
Mr Carnegie said the Accord partners intend to keep building on this platform.
“Energy Resources Aotearoa and its Accord partners are inviting more producers, retailers, infrastructure owners and innovators to join the Accord and help build a secure, affordable, low-emissions energy system for New Zealand.”
The 2025 Accord progress update is available to view here: