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Marine Environment – Threatened whale species in the Pacific found in areas targeted by The Metals Company for deep sea mining, scientists warn

Source: Greenpeace

A scientific survey of two areas targeted by The Metals Company for deep sea mining in the Pacific Ocean has confirmed the presence of whales and dolphins, including sperm whales, which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The news comes as world governments are preparing to meet once again at the International Seabed Authority (ISA), where the call for a moratorium on deep sea mining keeps growing.
The survey published today in the scientific journal Frontiers in Marine Science was conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories from Greenpeace International’s ship, Arctic Sunrise. Researchers studied two exploration blocks held by The Metals Company in the Pacific’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (known as NORI-d and TOML-e) [1] [2]
Dr Kirsten Young, Lead Study Author, University of Exeter, says, “We already knew that the Clarion-Clipperton Zone is home to at least 20 species of cetaceans, but we’ve now demonstrated the presence of some of these species in two areas specifically earmarked for deep sea mining by The Metals Company.”
Following President Trump's approval of a deep sea mining Executive Order in April 2025, The Metals Company applied to the US government to give TMC unilateral permission to commercially mine the international seabed in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone. According to reports, this application covers the NORI-d area. This move bypasses and undermines the International Seabed Authority, the UN regulator for deep sea mining, which continues to prohibit commercial mining activities, and has been met with strong criticism from governments around the world.
Scientists have previously warned of “long-lasting, irreversible” impacts of deep sea mining on the region. Cetaceans are known to be impacted by noise pollution caused by humans, and could be impacted by the significant noise expected to be created by deep sea mining operations. These operations would also generate sediment plumes, which could further impact cetacean populations by disrupting deep ocean food systems.
Dr Kirsten Young continued, “While more research is needed to build a complete picture of the impact of the noise and sediment plumes on cetaceans, it’s clear that deep sea mining operations will negatively impact ocean ecosystems in areas far out to sea where monitoring is particularly challenging.”
The survey provides a 13-day snapshot of cetacean activity in these two deep sea mining exploration areas. Using hydrophones, the research team confirmed 74 acoustic detections of cetaceans. This included a sperm whale, Risso’s dolphins and common dolphins.
Louisa Casson, Greenpeace International senior campaigner, says, “The confirmed presence of cetaceans, including threatened sperm whales, in areas that The Metals Company is targeting for deep sea mining is yet another clear warning that this dangerous industry must never be allowed to begin commercial operations. The only sensible course of action for governments at next month's International Seabed Authority meeting is to prioritise agreeing on a global moratorium.”
Greenpeace Aotearoa deep sea mining campaigner Juressa Lee adds, “This study again highlights why deep sea mining in the Pacific must be stopped before it gets a chance to start. Deep sea mining is just the latest colonial, extractive industry that will destroy the ocean that Indigenous Pacific Peoples depend upon for their livelihoods and to which they have close relational and ancestral ties. Pacific communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis that they have done nothing to create. They should not be sacrificed by the false solutions being peddled by wannabe deep sea miners who will wreck their homes and livelihoods, and compromise their traditional food source.”
Calls for a moratorium on deep sea mining grew at the recent UN Ocean Conference, with four new countries joining the group supporting a moratorium, bringing the total to 37. The UN Secretary General also issued a strong call to stop this dangerous industry. Momentum against deep sea mining will now be carried forward at the July ISA meetings.
Notes:
[1] Threatened cetaceans in a potential deep seabed mining region, Clarion Clipperton Zone, Eastern Pacific: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2025.1511075/abstra
[2] This study in the Pacific is mirrored by another recent piece of research in the Arctic by Greenpeace Nordic and Greenpeace Germany. Researchers found cetaceans, including deep-diving and noise-sensitive sperm whales and northern bottlenose whales, in an area earmarked for future mining. If the Norwegian government proceeds with deep sea mining in the area, noise and other forms of pollution risk severe consequences. Greenpeace Nordic researchers are in the Arctic right now further documenting the presence of cetaceans in the area to expose the risks of deep sea mining and to champion the protection of the Arctic’s vulnerable marine life.
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Government Cuts – Another 46 jobs to go at DIA with a further 14 under threat – PSA

Source: PSA

The Department of Internal Affairs has told staff today that it is axing another 46 jobs, which the PSA says which will ramp up workload on remaining staff and put New Zealanders at risk.
The changes confirmed to staff at briefings today will see many roles merged, such as the Manager Digital Violent Extremism being merged with a Manager Digital Messaging and Systems, says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
“Expecting one manager to do the work of two, especially at a time when the risk of violent extremism is escalating, is dangerous and makes no sense,” Fitzsimons says.
The changes will also see Personal Assistants become responsible for two General Managers instead of one.
“Reducing Personal Assistants is a false economy that will see senior managers spending more time doing administrative work, rather than the work they were employed to do. At the same time, it increases the likelihood of the Personal Assistants facing burn out from unreasonably increased workloads.
“Personal Assistants do the type of vital support role performed predominantly by women that are dismissed by the Government but are the glue that hold organisations together,” Fitzsimons says.
The changes follow proposals put forward for consultation in March, which aimed to save approximately $8 million a year to meet Government savings targets. They followed a wave of restructuring last year which saw, among many changes, the loss of key staff keeping children safe from online harm, and those stopping scams and international crime syndicates engaging in money laundering.
As well as the 46 roles confirmed to today, another 69 fixed term roles were not renewed and the DIA is reconsulting on changes that may see another net reduction of 14 roles.
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, and community groups.
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Local News – Community meeting to address future of Macetown road – Queenstown

Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission

Saving a high-country road, cherished for its history, views and the access it provides to a special area, is the mission of a public meeting next month.
Arrowtown will host a crucial public meeting on 7 July, where residents, outdoor recreationalists, 4WD enthusiasts and other interested groups will gather to discuss the future of Macetown Road.
The Mahu Whenua Access Advisory Group, which includes representation from Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, has been working for the past 14 months to develop a managed access system to preserve the road for future generations.
Due to its ongoing deterioration, the road urgently needs a new management system, the group says. An unmanaged and unmanageable number of drivers are detracting from the iconic experience of 4WDers, mountain bikers, walkers and horse riders.
Informally, Queenstown Lakes District Council has undertaken maintenance and repaired slips on the road in the past, but can no longer do so.
“Without intervention, the road’s condition will worsen, and no one is available to repair it. We need to take proactive steps to prevent that from happening,” says Herenga ā Nuku Queenstown Lakes and Southland Regional Field Advisor Richard Ryall.
The proposed system includes installing a squeeze barrier for cyclists and walkers alongside a locked vehicle gate. A fee-based online permit system will provide the code to unlock the gate for motorcycles and 4WD vehicles.
“This system will not only help monitor the number of vehicles using the road and its seasonal patterns, but it also facilitates implementing caps on vehicle numbers during peak times. Our goal is to extend the life of this important track, which officially isn’t classified as a road,” Ryall says.
Ryall emphasises the significance of Macetown Road, noting that losing access would be a blow to the 4WD community and other groups nationwide.
“If we lose access irretrievably it will be a loss of national significance,” he says.
“There’s a deep emotional value attached to this road, as reflected in the stories shared by the community.”
At the meeting, the steering committee will explain its plans and engage with the local community.
The Mahu Whenua Access Advisory Group has received some financial support and is awaiting responses to additional funding applications. With the support of the Shotover Four Wheel Drive Club and other outdoor recreation bodies, the project has gained momentum as the community rallies to safeguard their access to this cherished landmark.
Herenga ā Nuku is working with the local council, Department of Conservation, Land Information NZ, Soho Properties and QEIINZ to develop an enduring legal access easement over the land.
Ryall noted, “The terrain, multiple river crossings, and complex legal framework can make this a daunting task, but we are committed to seeing this project through.”
Ryall is encouraging residents of Arrowtown and the surrounding areas to attend the meeting and participate in the discussions about the road’s future. “We want the community to help us ensure Macetown Road remains accessible for years to come.”
Meeting details
Date: 7 July 2025
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Venue: Arrowtown Rugby Clubrooms
Join us on 7 July to learn more about this important initiative and share your voice!
The Advisory Group would like to acknowledge the generous support for the project from Community Trust South, Central Lakes Trust, New Zealand Four Wheel Drive Association (and affiliated South Island Clubs), ACL Communications Ltd, Scope Surveying Ltd and Queenstown Lions Club.
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Māori Organisations Condemn Destiny Church’s Attacks on Faith-based Communities

Source: Toitū Te Tiriti and Kaiāwhina Aotearoa


Toitū Te Tiriti and Kaiāwhina Aotearoa unequivocally condemn the abhorrent actions of Destiny Church targeting faith communities in Tāmaki Makaurau on Saturday, 21 June. 

“This was not a protest. It was a calculated media stunt that caused harm to many communities across Aotearoa,” stated Arama Rata, spokesperson for Kaiāwhina – a group that provides community care at protests in Tāmaki Makaurau.

On Saturday afternoon, Destiny Church members marched down Queen Street, led by Brian Tamaki. During the march, Destiny affiliates desecrated flags representing Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, Palestinian and Rainbow communities, while spouting hateful rhetoric and performing haka.

Spokesperson for Toitū Te Tiriti Eru Kapa-Kingi criticised the action stating “this action was not rooted in our tikanga,” as, “haka should not be misused to disrespect and attack others – all peoples have mana and tapu.”

“The leaders of Destiny should be ashamed in using whānau who are still finding themselves to push their own hate politics” Eru also said. 

Public displays of vitriol are known to create the conditions for physical violence. The Royal Commission into the March 15 terror attacks warned explicitly about this trajectory. “When communities are openly targeted in this way in our streets, it demands our immediate action,” Rata stated.

She continued, “We reject the actions of Destiny Church. They do not represent Māori. Brian Tamaki’s stated goal to rule New Zealand as the head of Christian nationalist state is fundamentally opposed to our Māori liberation movement, and should not be tolerated.”

Kapa-Kingi concluded, “During the Hīkoi Mō Te Tiriti, we were honoured to march side by side with Tangata Tiriti of all faiths who came to show their support for Māori and to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. To our whānau who are Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu, Palestinian, Rainbow and Takatāpui, we see you and commit to standing by you against violence.”

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Health and Govt Funding – Funding hike shows benefit of collective voice for general practice

Source: GenPro

A potential 13 percent increase in funding for general practice shows the benefit of a strong collective voice that supports family doctors and face-to-face consultations in our communities, says GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers.

The government announced today a 6.4 percent increase for general practice funding to reflect increasing costs, an uplift additional to a previously announced $95 million boost.

“Combining these would contribute a nine percent uplift in base capitation funding (with conditions) and an up to 13 percent total funding increase in the year ending June 2026, a level that is welcome and will help ‘steady the ship’,” says Dr Chambers.

“While not all general practice can access the $95 million, the overall increase is a marked improvement from previous years.

“It shows the Government is listening to GenPro, which called before the Budget for a minimum 10 percent increase to stabilise the viability of family doctors so they could continue to operate.

“Hon Simeon Brown is the first health minister in successive governments to have delivered a much-needed increase in funding, and we thank him for it.”

However, after years of under investment by successive governments, general practice will need another 10 percent or more increase in investment next year for it to stay viable, warns Dr Chambers.

“While the increase announced today will aid retention it will do nothing to encourage recruitment of new general practitioners. This will require long-term solutions with greater support than that offered today
.
“To put the funding boost into context, general practice will receive about $1.5 billion or just five percent of the $31 billion health budget. A 10 percent uplift was urgently required for 2025/26 just to catch up and maintain existing services, and more investment will be needed in later years.”

Dr Chambers said the investment recognised the collective advocacy by GenPro members, who are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz

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Marine Environment – Latest trawl bycatch numbers "a grim wake-up call" – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

The latest fisheries bycatch data paints a grim picture, with trawlers hauling up thousands of kilograms of coral and killing hundreds of fur seals and seabirds over a 12 month period. The bycatch deaths include 108 Salvin’s albatross, which are at high risk of extinction.
The figures from the Ministry for Primary Industries reveal that from April 2024 to March 2025, the New Zealand bottom trawling fleet dragged up over 8,300kg of protected coral, which is crucial to deep sea habitats and supports a huge range of ocean life.Over the same one-year period, 1092 seabirds, including 395 albatross, were killed by trawlers. Of those, 108 were Salvin’s albatross, a middle-sized mollyhawk which are listed as “nationally critical,” meaning they face an immediate high risk of extinction. The primary threat to Salvin’s is industrial fishing.
Just over 270 mammals also died in trawl nets. This included 25 dolphins and 239 fur seals, which are already dying in unusual numbers due to starvation, as climate change and industrial fishing put pressure on their food supply.All these figures are self-reported interactions with protected species made by fishers to MPI.
Greenpeace oceans campaigner Juan Parada calls these figures “an urgent wake-up call”.
“The New Zealand bottom trawling industry is one of the greatest threats to ocean health. Year after year, the trawling fleet bulldozes ocean ecosystems, threatens already endangered species and smashes vital coral habitats which take centuries to form”, says Parada”And while the seafood industry keeps insisting that such destruction is rare, the data shows otherwise. From the corals of the deep to the dolphins, fur seals and albatross that die as collateral damage in trawl nets every year, the cost of bottom trawling is too high.
“The government can no longer be complicit in the devastation this industry is inflicting on the oceans. We need an immediate ban on bottom trawling on seamounts and vulnerable areas, as well as a commitment to establish marine sanctuaries on the high seas before it’s too late.” “New Zealanders care deeply about the ocean and want to see it thrive. Bottom trawling is a major threat to healthy oceans, and it is time New Zealand finally abandoned this indefensible, archaic practice.” Bottom trawling is a destructive and indiscriminate fishing method that involves dragging large, heavy nets along the seafloor and over seamounts to catch fish.
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BusinessNZ Planning Forecast: Improving forecast for some areas

Source: BusinessNZ

The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the June quarter indicates the NZ economy will likely grow at nearly 3% by 2027, however it is facing strong headwinds caused by international and domestic issues.
BusinessNZ economist John Pask says the uncertain, rapidly-changing international environment is affecting New Zealand’s trade and economic prospects.
“Not just war and threats of war, but also threats to trade and the international trade rules-based order are bringing uncertainty and caution.
“NZ is a trading nation, linked to the rest of the world by key markets, supply chains and global investment flows, and vulnerable to economic shocks and international tensions. Forecasts of future growth will be heavily conditional on world events,” Mr Pask said.
“Domestically, there is some good news, as statistics indicate GDP improvement, inflation is still contained, lower interest rates are reducing the pressure on businesses and households, dairy and meat prices are positive, and the Government’s moves to allow greater deductions on business purchases and address poor regulation are all positive.”
The BusinessNZ Economic Conditions Index (ECI), a measure of NZ’s major economic indicators, sits at 8 for the June 2025 quarter, an improvement of 2 on the previous quarter, and an improvement of 12 on a year ago.
An ECI reading above 0 indicates that economic conditions are generally improving overall; below 0 means economic conditions are generally declining.
The full BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the June quarter is on www.businessnz.org.nz.
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Local News – Business is buzzing in Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua’s commitment to business has meant a busy schedule of activities and events this year.
While the sold-out BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon will be a great opportunity to learn, network and connect, there are a number of other events in Porirua to help boost businesses.
BizFest is at Te Rauparaha Arena on 1 July, with double Olympic gold winner, Dame Valerie Adams, and Black Grace founder and director Neil Ieremia among the speakers.
With an awesome lineup of sessions and kōrero, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says it will be a fantastic day for the city’s business sector.
“Porirua is a great place to do business and with the events we have on the calendar now, it means our city is humming. We’re always looking to keep moving forward,” she says.
A new pop-up initiative – BizHub – will kick off at Kai Tahi from 1 August. BizHub aims to keep the momentum from BizFest going and bring the business community together every second Friday, as a hub for advice, connections and support.
“BizFest and BizHub are both collaborations between Porirua City Council and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and it’s a partnership approach that’s focusing on uplifting and connecting Porirua businesses,” Mayor Baker says.
Earlier this month the Love Local Expo showcased the best of our local products, services, crafts and community services – with more than 130 stalls and thousands of people coming through the Arena on 7 June.
Other events coming up on the calendar are Visa Wellington on a Plate and the ever-popular ChoctoberFest.
Visa WOAP will be held from 1-31 August in Porirua and there’ll be outstanding burger creations to tempt your tastebuds from businesses across Porirua. It’s not to be missed.
ChoctoberFest is always a sweet spot with Porirua locals, visitors and businesses. In 2024, the third year of the festival, 20 cafes, eateries and bars took part. More than 13,000 baked treats and drinks were consumed in October, pumping $131,000 into the Porirua economy.
“What I love about the events that we host now for businesses is that they’re not just for residents, but they attract visitors to our city,” Mayor Baker says.
Also coming up is a three-day Bizezi Spark Programme on 30 and 31 July and 1 August. It’s a hands-on business incubator programme, for those thinking about starting a business or wanting to build stronger foundations. You’ll work with experts over three days to shape your business plan and set yourself up for success.
Later in the month, on 20 August, there’s a subsidised half-day workshop Business Growth and Resilience through the Circular Economy, where you can learn how the circular economy can unlock new revenue streams, reduce costs, and future-proof your business.
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Ngāti Pāoa health service Condemns Hate-Fuelled Actions at Destiny Church Protest

Source: Ngāti Pāoa Health

Ngāti Pāoa Health and social service, E Tipu E Rea (soon to be Ki Tua o Matariki) has publicly condemned the hate- fuelled actions at a recent Destiny Church protest. Over the weekend, on Saturday 21 June, disturbing scenes unfolded during a protest led by Brian Tāmaki and members of Destiny Church.

This protest, which publicly denounced non-Christian religions, saw individuals dressed in traditional Māori attire- maro, taiaha in hand, and adorned with stencil moko-perform a haka intended to intimidate and shame other belief systems. Twelve flags were stomped on and set alight, among them the rainbow flag representing our LGBTQIA+ whānau.
E Tipu E Rea, the health and social services arm of Ngāti Pāoa, firmly condemns these actions as a harmful and disgraceful misuse of cultural identity and a blatant act of hate speech.
“We continue to speak out about this as we are extremely concerned for safety and mental wellbeing of young parents in our service who are part of the Takatāpui community and others across the motu. Our tikanga teaches us to uplift, to manaaki, and to protect the dignity of all people. What we witnessed was not a reflection of our tikanga, but a weaponisation of our culture to spread hate” said E Tipu E Rea CEO Zoe Witika Hawke.
The health service offers a range of wrap around services in the first 2,000 days including midwifery, WCTO nursing, and mātauranga Māori to help whānau to connect with their reo, culture and whakapapa. However, the organisation disagrees with the use of Māori cultural expressions to target minority communities-including LGBTQIA+, Muslim, Buddhist, and other non-Christian groups and states that it is a gross distortion of what it means to be tangata whenua.
“We do not support the divisive rhetoric or actions of Brian Tāmaki and his followers. Their protest represents a direct attack on the values of inclusion, aroha, and whakapapa that bind our diverse communities together,” said Witika- Hawke.
E Tipu E Rea stands proudly alongside our LGBTQIA+ whānau, and in solidarity with Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and all other faiths and belief systems that are part of the vibrant fabric of Aotearoa. Our kaupapa is to uplift the mana of all young parents-especially in the face of stigma and discrimination-and we reject any narrative that seeks to elevate one identity at the expense of another.
“We remind Aotearoa that Māori culture is not a tool of religious supremacy”.
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Local News – 4Paws Empire wins at Love Local – Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

This year’s Love Local was another popular event, with more than 100 local businesses filling Te Rauparaha Arena to sell their products and promote their services.
A big congratulations to the team at 4Paws Empire for taking out the People’s Choice Award for best booth or truck. The Mushroom House and Poi Creations were close runners-up.
One of the fantastic stores inside Kai Tahi, 4Paws Empire provides affordable, high-quality products for fellow dog lovers.
Run by Glenna and Damon, 4Paws offers a variety of items, from harnesses, leads and collars, to dog treats and ‘puppuccinos’. As Kai Tahi is a dog-friendly space, dog owners can bring their four-legged fri