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Net migration gain of 24,200 – International migration: March 2026 – Stats NZ news story and information release
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This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com
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Appointments – Aktive announces Board of Trustees changes
Source: Aktive
Aktive has today announced changes to its Board of Trustees, effective 1 July 2026 for a three-year period.
Tom Irvine (Ngāti Whātua and Ngā Puhi), and Jada MacFie (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Kauwhata and Ngāti Paoa) have been confirmed as new Trustees, with current Trustees Shelley Katae MNZM (Te Rarawa and Ngāti Porou) and Dr Mataroria Lyndon MBChB, MPH, PhD (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Wai and Waikato) concluding their terms.
Mr Irvine is Director – Strategic Projects with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. He has also served as Chief Executive Officer of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Whai Maia and more recently as Acting Director of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Mr Irvine holds a range of governance roles spanning arts, civic, and community organisations, including Tangata Whenua Member on the Hauraki Gulf Forum and Trustee for Taumata Toi-a-Iwi.
Ms MacFie is the Chief Executive (Tumu Kaimahi) of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, appointed in 2023 after several years in governance roles with the trust. She previously held senior executive positions at Tāmaki Regeneration Company, leading community connection, people experience, and equity-focused initiatives across major urban regeneration projects. Ms MacFie is also a Global Women Break Through Leadership Scholar.
“We are delighted to welcome Tom and Jada to the Board,” says Jason Shoebridge, Aktive Board Chair. “They bring significant experience which will strengthen the Board’s collective capability, further reinforcing our commitment to strong governance and meaningful connection with the communities we serve.”
Mr Irvine notes: “Aktive’s kaupapa strongly aligns with my focus on people, place, and purpose. I am pleased to join the Board and work alongside fellow Trustees, partners, and communities to help strengthen the system that supports wellbeing through physical activity and sport.”
Ms MacFie adds: “Aktive’s focus on equity and connection strongly aligns with my values, and I am honoured to join the Board to support Aktive’s important work across Tāmaki Makaurau.”
Mr Shoebridge also acknowledges departing Board Members Ms Katae and Dr Lyndon. “We are incredibly appreciative of both Shelley’s and Mataroria’s governance contribution which have helped to further advance Aktive’s vision and strategic priorities,” says Mr Shoebridge. “We thank them both for their significant contribution, expertise and valuable guidance through periods of growth and change, and we wish them every success for their future endeavours.”
Ms Katae comments: “I am proud to be handing over the baton to two great mana-whenua leaders who will strengthen the insights and connections to whānau and communities in Tāmaki Makaurau and provide wise navigational advice at a governance level given their respective backgrounds. I would like to mihi to Jennah’s and Jason’s leadership over the years, in particular as they have led the organisation to a more impactful position during their tenure. It has been an absolute honour to serve the kaupapa of Aktive for more than seven years alongside my board colleagues.”
Dr Lyndon says: “I’m grateful to have contributed to Aktive’s kaupapa and journey. I’ve valued the opportunity to progress equity and Māori outcomes, recognising the vital role physical activity plays in supporting hauora for whānau. I’m proud of the progress we've made to better support tamariki, rangatahi, whānau Māori, and underserved communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, and I wish the team all the very best as they continue this important mahi.”
The appointment of Mr Irvine and Ms MacFie was made by Aktive’s Selection and Performance Committee. In accordance with the composition requirements of Aktive’s Trust Deed, the Selection and Performance Committee comprised Jason Shoebridge, Aktive Chair; Mataroria Lyndon, Aktive Trustee; Kenneth Aiolupotea, Auckland Council representative; Bron Hall, Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa representative; and Amy Tea, Independent Governance Expert.
Health – HIV diagnosis continue to decline but elimination will require bold action
Source: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
New figures show HIV diagnoses in Aotearoa New Zealand continue to decline, marking real progress toward ending local HIV transmission – but health leaders warn this progress is not being shared equally, and that expanded testing is urgently needed to prevent new infections being missed.
Data released today by the University of Otago HIV Epidemiology Group shows 80 people were first diagnosed with HIV in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025, down from 99 the year before (19% decline), and continuing a long-term downward trend. Crucially, the number of people who both acquired and were diagnosed HIV in New Zealand decreased to 47, from 61 in 2024.
“This is real progress, and it shows that prevention, testing and treatment are working,” says Liz Gibbs, Chief Executive of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa. “Fewer diagnosis each year are a reflection of decades of science, advocacy, community leadership, and investment in testing, treatment and the wide availability of prevention tools like PrEP, working in concert towards a goal of HIV elimination.”
However, it’s not all good news, 47% of diagnosis are being diagnosed late, and Māori diagnoses continue to remain disproportionately high.
“In 2025 alone, one in three men who have sex with men (MSM) diagnosed with HIV were Māori,” says Gibbs. “And with almost half of all cases being diagnosed late, it shows that we need to step up our game to reach people earlier.”
“As HIV transmissions decrease, it becomes harder to find people with HIV without expanding testing” says Gibbs. “Early diagnosis protects individual health and prevents onward transmission. Testing earlier, more often and more people is essential.”
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the group most affected by HIV, making up 60 percent of diagnoses in 2025. While locally acquired HIV among MSM has fallen by around 50 percent since 2010, the University of Otago data shows this drop has occurred mostly among European MSM. Numbers among Māori and other ethnic groups of MSM have increased or remained the same.
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa is calling for greater investment in HIV testing, including expanded funding for community-led, culturally appropriate services and system-level changes such as opt-out HIV testing in Emergency Departments and other high-contact healthcare settings.
“Routine, opt-out testing makes HIV testing normal, not exceptional,” Gibbs says. “Emergency Departments are a critical touchpoint for people who may never otherwise be offered a test. Changes like these can add up to make a huge difference.”
Overall, locally acquired HIV infections have fallen by 45 percent since the 2010 baseline set by the National HIV Action Plan – a significant achievement, but still well short of the 90 percent reduction target by 2030.
“We’re heading in the right direction, but progress is fragile,” says Gibbs. “Now is not the time to step back. We need bold action on equity, stigma reduction, better outreach to all communities, and smarter testing so no one is left behind as we work towards an HIV-free Aotearoa.”
Employment Issues – Lakes and Whanganui nurses still waiting for Holiday Pay a decade on – NZNO
Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation
Nurses at Lakes and Whanganui districts are calling on Te Whatu Ora to explain why after a decade of redress, they still don’t know when they will receive their full Holiday Act remediation payments, NZNO says.
While current Te Whatu Ora workers at all other 18 districts have received their full and final remediation payments, those at Lakes and Whanganui will have to wait until August and October respectively for an interim payment up to 31 December 2025. In an update to staff last month, Te Whatu Ora said the balance would be paid in early to mid 2027.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Whanganui delegate and Whanganui Base Hospital nurse Eugene Kennelly says members understand Whanganui and Lakes were more difficult districts to remediate.
“Te Whatu Ora has explained that in our districts, historic paper-based timesheets need to be digitised before payments can be finalised.
“But it beggars belief it has taken more than a decade to do this. It is also baffling that we will get an interim payment up until the end of last year.
“Why is Te Whatu Ora still remediating Holiday Act payments for 2026? Shouldn't the payrolls for Whanganui and Lakes be compliant with the Holiday Act by now?”
Lakes delegate and Rotorua Hospital nurse Lyn Logan says Te Whatu Ora needs to prioritise this work so workers can get their payments faster.
“We have waited long enough. There are new staff at Lakes who are getting their payments as former workers from other districts and current workers haven’t received a red cent.
“This is effectively wage theft.
“Nurses have died waiting for these payments. It is disgraceful. Te Whatu Ora should treat their hardworking nurses better,” Lyn Logan says.
Health Sector – Kiwis support stronger nicotine regulation, survey finds
Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa
A majority of New Zealanders support reinstating the very low nicotine cigarette policy, and more than two-thirds believe the tobacco industry influences government policy, a new national survey has found.
The Talbot Mills Research survey of 1,247 adults showed 68% believe the tobacco industry influences government policy, alongside 55% support for reintroducing very low nicotine cigarettes.
Support for expanding access to new nicotine products such as oral nicotine pouches is limited, with more New Zealanders opposing the retail sale of nicotine pouches than supporting it (46% vs 33%).
Concern about the impact of these products on young people is high, with 57% of respondents saying retail availability of nicotine pouches would increase youth uptake.
Health Coalition Aotearoa Smoking Expert Advisory Group co-chair Prof Chris Bullen said the findings sent a clear signal about the direction New Zealanders expected tobacco and nicotine policy to take.
“When two-thirds of New Zealanders believe the tobacco industry influences government regulation, that raises serious questions about public confidence,” Prof Bullen said.
“People expect decisions to be based on evidence and focused on long-term health outcomes, not commercial interests.”
The findings come at a time of significant change in New Zealand’s tobacco control settings, following the repeal of smokefree legislation, moves to expand access to oral nicotine products, and decisions to reduce excise on some tobacco products.
Health experts have also raised concerns about the limited evidence supporting these products and their potential impact on young people.
“New Zealanders are concerned about youth uptake and remain sceptical about the claimed benefits of these products,” Prof Bullen said.
“At the same time, there is strong public support for reinstating the very low nicotine cigarette policy, which would reduce nicotine in cigarettes to very low levels to help reduce addiction and support quitting, particularly for Māori and other communities disproportionately affected by tobacco-related harm.”
“Very low nicotine tobacco is one of the most effective population-level tools we have,” said Edward Cowley, co-chair of the Smoking Expert Advisory Group.
“Support for this measure it is evident across political groups.”
Health Coalition Aotearoa has released a policy brief (attached here) alongside the survey, calling for policies grounded in evidence and aligned with public expectations.
The brief recommends:
- Not proceeding with retail legalisation of oral nicotine products without robust independent evidence
- Reinstating the very low nicotine cigarette policy
- Strengthening regulatory settings across nicotine products
- Strengthening safeguards against tobacco industry influence
“There is no clear public mandate for expanding access to new nicotine products,” Cowley said. “New Zealanders want stronger protections, not expanded access to nicotine products.”
Notes
A nationally representative survey of 1,247 New Zealand adults, conducted by Talbot Mills Research in April 2026, found:
- 68% believe the tobacco industry influences government policy
- 55% support reintroducing very low nicotine cigarettes
- 57% think retail nicotine pouches would increase youth uptake
- More New Zealanders oppose than support retail sale of nicotine pouches (46% vs 33%)
Survey conducted by Talbot Mills Research, 1-14 April 2026
Nationally representative sample of 1,247 adults (18+)
Margin of error ±2.9%
Oral nicotine products include nicotine pouches such as Zyn and other smokeless nicotine products designed to be placed between the gum and lip.
Over four children killed or injured on average a day during the ‘so- called’ ceasefire in Lebanon – Save the Children
Source: Save the Children
More than four children have been killed or injured every day on average in Lebanon in the first 25 days of a temporary ceasefire with families still unable to return to their homes, said Save the Children ahead of further peace talks this week. [1]
New data from Lebanon’s Ministry of Health on Tuesday showed that 22 children have been killed and 89 injured since the temporary ceasefire started on 17 April. This brings the number of children killed in Israeli strikes since renewed escalation in hostilities in Lebanon on 2 March to almost 200 with about 2,900 people killed.
The violence and renewed displacement orders have forced more than one million people – or one in six of the population – from their homes with many now living with relatives, in host communities or in collective shelters.
The number of families living in collective shelters has increased 5% since the conditional ceasefire due to renewed displacement orders by Israeli forces and as families return home to find destroyed houses and damaged farmland so move back the collective shelters. There are now 44,800 children among about 125,000 people in collective shelters. [3]
Thousands of children have been living in collective shelters for over two months in overcrowded conditions with inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities leading to reports of scabies and growing health concerns.
Parents are reporting widespread behavioural changes among children living in collective shelters due to a lack of routine and reduced school engagement including loss of appetite and trouble sleeping. Many children are struggling to continue learning with some schools used as collective shelters and also difficulties accessing online learning due to limited electricity, and poor connectivity.
Tala-, 10, has been living in a collective shelter after being displaced from southern Lebanon, said:
“I just want the war to end so I can go home to my village and sleep in my own bed. I really miss school, I want to see my teachers and be with my friends, and study and play again.”
Nora Ingdal, Save the Children’s Lebanon Country Director, said:
“This ‘so called’ ceasefire that still sees more than four children killed or injured every day is not a ceasefire for children. Attacks on civilians have not stopped – it has simply continued under another name. Colleagues have told me that the airstrikes feel more intense in some areas than they ever did before. Children are not safe until there is a permanent and definitive ceasefire with no violations.”
With further peace talks set to take place on Thursday to determine next steps between Lebanon and Israel, Save the Children is calling on the international community to urgently work toward a permanent and definitive ceasefire and ensure flexible and sustained funding to protect children and allow families to return home to resume their lives.
Save the Children has worked in Lebanon since 1953. In collaboration with partners and local authorities, we are distributing essential items in hard-to-reach areas in the south, provide psychosocial support for children, educate families and children about the risks of unexploded ordnance, ensure access to safe water and sanitation facilities, and distribute essential items for those displaced.
Investments and Human Rights – GUARDIANS TO REVISE POLICY DOCUMENTS FOLLOWING JUDICIAL REVIEW
Source: Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation (Guardians)
The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation (Guardians), manager of the $90 billion New Zealand Superannuation Fund (Super Fund), has confirmed it will not appeal a recent Judicial Review that found two of its policy documents were not formulated in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements.
In a decision published on 16 May 2026, Justice Mount said parts of the Guardians’ Statement of Investment Policies, Standards & Procedures and its Sustainable Investment Framework were “materially less clear and specific than the previous iterations” and “framed in such general terms as to provide no practical benchmark for those applying them in relation to alleged breaches of human rights standards.”
General Manager of Corporate Affairs Cristina Billett said the Guardians accepted that its policies need more specificity and would be amending them accordingly.
“Our mandate requires us to manage the Super Fund in a manner consistent with, among other things, avoiding prejudice to New Zealand’s reputation as a responsible member of the world community, and our investment policies are designed to ensure we achieve that objective,” Ms Billett said.
“We accept Justice Mount’s finding that it is important we not only adhere to and comply with our sustainable investment policies, but that the standards and procedures underlying those policies must be identified more clearly in our policy documents.
With that in mind, we are now working on how we can reformulate those documents to ensure they satisfy that condition.”
Ms Billett said the court decision focused on the way the Guardians’ policy documents described the Guardians’ sustainable investment decision-making processes.
Updates to the policy documents in recent years had not, however, materially changed the Guardians’ actual engagement and exclusion practices.
Further information about the Guardians’ sustainable investment approach is available in our Stewardship Report: https://nzsuperfund.cmail19.com/t/d-l-guthuud-hujkdust-n/
And in the investment section of our website: https://nzsuperfund.cmail19.com/t/d-l-guthuud-hujkdust-p/
Budget 2026 will further damage public services and drive more workers out the door – PSA
Source: PSA
The Prime Minister’s Budget 2026 preview today confirms what public service workers already feared: more cuts are coming, and New Zealanders will pay the price.
“Enough is enough. Public services are already being cut to the bone, and the Prime Minister is sharpening the knife for another round,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Thousands of jobs have already been axed. Services New Zealanders depend on are already suffering. And now the Prime Minister says ‘ongoing reprioritisation’ is required. Let’s be clear: that’s code for more cuts, all because the Government made a choice to fund tax cuts over public services.”
A recent PSA survey of public service workers found one in four public service workers is thinking about leaving.
“This Budget risks turning that into a stampede,” said Fleur Fitzsimons.
“We cannot afford to lose more experienced public servants. Who is going to tackle rising poverty, fix our crumbling infrastructure, care for our ageing population, and grow the economy? You can’t do more with less forever, and the Government has long passed the point where cuts cause real harm.
“The Prime Minister talks about investing in health and education, but those areas too have faced big job losses and real spending cuts. Now he demands further savings from every other agency. That’s not a plan; it’s a recipe for more pain and disruption.
“This is a government that has spent billions of dollars on tax cuts for landlords and big tobacco while gutting the services working New Zealanders rely on. Their priorities are a disgrace.
“New Zealanders deserve a public service with the people and resources to deliver. This Budget should be rebuilding our public services, not running them further into the ground.”
Recent statement
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.
Hapai Te Hauora – New Online Gambling laws could grow harm while claiming to reduce it
Source: Hapai Te Hauora
Hāpai Te Hauora is concerned that Aotearoa’s new online casino gambling laws could grow harm while claiming to reduce it.
The Online Casino Gambling Act came into force on 1 May 2026 and will allow up to 15 online casino licences in Aotearoa. The regime is being phased in and is not expected to be fully operational until 2027.
While the Act brings offshore online gambling under regulation, Hāpai says regulation must not be mistaken for prevention.
Chief Operating Officer Jason Alexander says concern remains about what this new regime could mean for whānau Māori.
“Regulation is needed. Our concern is that this Act does not just regulate online casino gambling; it risks normalising and expanding it,” says Alexander.
“Some regulation is better than none, but regulation is not the same as prevention. A regulated market can still expand exposure, normalise gambling and increase harm.”
“Māori already experience a disproportionate share of gambling harm, so any expansion of this market needs to be treated very cautiously.”
Last year, Hāpai supported whānau to have their say on the Online Casino Gambling Bill. What we heard was clear: whānau were concerned about gambling harm, advertising, tamariki, Te Tiriti and the impact online casinos could have on Māori communities.
Alexander says those concerns are still relevant as the new regime takes shape.
“Legalising and licensing online casino gambling changes the environment. It increases legitimacy, visibility and commercial pressure to grow the market,” says Alexander.
“That is why harm prevention needs to come first. We need much tighter advertising controls, strong Māori-led protections, and confidence that safeguards are in place before this market expands.”
“One of the concerns is that some key protections are still not expected to be in place before whānau are exposed to this new market. The national self-exclusion register is not expected until at least late 2027, leaving a significant gap in the meantime.”
Hāpai says online gambling must be treated as a public health issue, not just an individual choice.
“Whānau wellbeing must come before gambling profit,” says Alexander.
“Prevention cannot be an afterthought. It needs to be built into this system from the start.”