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Weather News – See-sawing into spring – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 25th – Friday 29th August – See-sawing into spring

  • It was an active weekend for the upper North Island, with hail and thunderstorms
  • Fine weather for most to start the week, and temperatures briefly warming up
  • Rain at times about the North Island’s east coast, possibly heavy for Gisborne, with blustery easterly winds
  • Strong northwesterly winds and bursts of heavy rain with a front later in the week.

With the final week of meteorological winter in full swing, MetService is forecasting plenty of sunshine for the start of the week, though areas in the north and east of the North Island can expect showers. However, from Wednesday, the see-saw tips back to wet and windy weather as a front moves across the country.
 
It was an active weekend for the upper North Island, with more than 3,000 lightning strikes detected, mostly offshore. Even more noticeable for those of us on land, heavy showers brought considerable amounts of small hailstones to parts of Northland and Auckland, blanketing the ground in white – an unusual sight in the ‘winterless north’!

MetService meteorologist Silvia Martino explains, “With the end-of-winter sun getting stronger, the land is warming up more and more during the day, so when cold air moves over aloft conditions are primed for producing thunderstorms and hail.”
Eastern parts of Northland, northern Auckland, and Coromandel might still see thunderstorms and small hail Monday afternoon and evening, but by Tuesday conditions settle down, with lighter showers and plenty of sunny breaks expected.
 
Fine and frosty weather dominates the rest of the country to start the week, with morning fogs burning off faster and faster the closer we get to spring. 
Daytime temperatures also start to climb as the week goes by, getting into the high teens for many places from Wednesday onwards – all eyes will be on Gisborne and Napier, which might even crack 20°C.
“Unfortunately for those looking forward to milder spring days, this warm spell will be short-lived – winter still has one last gasp for us, as chillier air sweeps back up the country on Friday,” Martino says.
The exception to this sunny start of the week is the North Island’s east coast, where rain is expected on and off until Wednesday, particularly about Tairāwhiti/Gisborne, and blustery southeasterly winds pick up from Tuesday evening.
 
Windy conditions will also make themselves known further south later in the week, with northwesterlies cranking up about Fiordland and Southland from Wednesday, then spreading north as far as Wairarapa during Thursday, and into Central Hawke’s Bay on Friday.
“Severe Weather Watches or Warnings may be issued as we get closer to the event, so make sure to check back in on the MetService website and app for the latest information,” Martino suggests.
The front driving those strong northwesterlies ahead of it will also bring a brief burst of heavy rain as it crosses the South Island on Thursday and North Island on Friday. Colder temperatures behind the front on Friday may bring snow to elevated parts of the South Island, possibly affecting higher roads and stations.
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Rātā Foundation Reports Strong Financial Performance and Deepening Social Impact

Source: Rata Foundation

South Island’s largest community investor, Rātā Foundation, has released its annual results for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, reporting a robust 7.1% portfolio return and growth in its pūtea to $695 million, despite global market volatility.
This financial strength enabled Rātā to invest $26.5 million in community-led initiatives across its funding regions, an increase from $21.8 million in FY24. It is evolving a responsible investment approach that delivers strong, risk-adjusted returns-supporting community goals without compromising people or the planet.
“Our investment strategy is about more than financial returns-it’s about creating meaningful social change,” said Leighton Evans, Chief Executive. “We’re proud to deliver strong results while staying true to our values. Every dollar invested is a step toward empowering communities and protecting the planet.”
Investing for Impact
Rātā investment strategy has evolved to include strategic diversification and direct investments with like-minded New Zealand entities. A key milestone this year was the acquisition of a 25% stake in Alvarium (NZ) Management Holdings Limited, which aligns with Rātā ethical investment principles and marks a significant step in its goal to allocate 30% of its portfolio to direct investments.
“We’re building a resilient portfolio that supports long-term community funding, even in uncertain times,” Evans said. “Our financial performance underpins our ability to invest in solutions that matter-like affordable housing, mental health, and strengthening the Community sector.”
Evidence of Social Impact Across our Community Investment Programme
“We’re committed to creating long-term, equitable, and sustainable impact. By focusing on key issues like affordable housing, mental health, and education, and grounding our decisions in data and evidence, we ensure our funding reaches those who need it most-building healthier, more resilient communities,” says Mr Evans.
Rātā funding has supported a wide range of initiatives, with measurable outcomes including:
– 71 affordable housing units funded in FY25, up from 62 in FY24
– 1,889 individuals supported through mental health programmes
– 193 organisations strengthened through governance, climate
   adaptation, and AI capability workshops
– 28 tailored strengthening initiatives for individual community  organisations
– 34,000 instances of support for people with high and complex
  needs
– 58,000 Positive youth development opportunities
– 353,000 Opportunities to connect in the community
– 206,000 opportunities to celebrate diversity and culture
– 259,000+ opportunities to participate in sports and arts
– 77,000 Opportunities for people to participate in conservation
– 89,000+ volunteers involved
Regional Funding Breakdown
In FY25, Rātā Foundation distributed $26.5 million across its funding regions, up from $21.5 million in FY24, through 591 distinct funding opportunities. Key areas of investment included:
Regionally:
– Canterbury (includes Chatham Island): $17.4m
– Nelson: $3.9m
– Marlborough: $1.7m
– Multi-Region $3.5m
Priority Funding Areas:
– Support: $15.3m (up from $10.5m)
– Connect: $3.4m (down slightly from $3.5m)
– Sustain: $2.6m (down from $4.2m)
– Participate: $3.7m (up from $3.1m)
– Learn: $1.5m(steady from FY24m)
Looking Ahead
“We remain focused on strengthening community organisations and adapting to evolving community needs,” Evans said. “Our purpose is clear-create lasting social impact through ethical investment and evidence-based funding. When communities are strong, the future is too.”
Rātā Foundation invites stakeholders and the public to explore its full Annual Review 2024/2025, including detailed financial and impact reporting, at www.ratafoundation.org.nz and www.ratainvest.org.nz
About Rātā Foundation:
Rātā Foundation is the South Island's most significant community investment fund.
Since its inception, Rātā has provided $607 million in social impact to community organisations across its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, and the Chatham Islands.
It manages a $700 million pūtea, generating $26 million per annum to invest in its funding regions.
Rātā long-term strategic objective is to invest in communities to enable a higher standard of community well-being. It int

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Health Awards – NZDA honours outstanding Kiwi dentists at awards event celebrating 120th Anniversary

Source: New Zealand Dental Association

The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) honoured some outstanding member dentists at its annual conference dinner and awards evening held at Tākina in Wellington last Friday.
Former television news anchor Mike McRoberts emceed proceedings and assisted with presenting the NZDA Awards across four categories, as well inducting two new Honorary Members, one new Honorary Life Member for services to dentistry in New Zealand, and one new NZDA Fellow.
National MP Sam Uffindell was in attendance and provided a wonderful speech on the significance of this year’s conference marking the Association’s 120th birthday. He also assisted with the presentation of this year’s prestigious NZDA Outstanding Young Dentist Award.
An NZDA presidential handover also took place with outgoing president Dr Amanda Johnston welcoming incoming president Dr David Excell into the role. Dr Excell will serve as NZDA President for the next two years.
This year’s annual awards event had a ‘birthday party’ dress theme as the Association celebrated its 120th Anniversary. Attendees sported birthday themed outfits to celebrate the occasion. Prizes were awarded to the best dressed on the night.
“The awards dinner is always the focal point of our annual conference, so it’s the ideal place to celebrate and acknowledge exceptional member contributions and service to our profession, as well as to the wider community,” said NZDA President Dr David Excell.
NZDA Award 2025 recipients:
– NZDA Outstanding Young Dentist Award – Dr Margaret Clark, Wellington Branch
– NZDA Colleague of The Year Award – Dr Gavin Cho, Wellington NZDA Branch
-NZDA Service Award – Dr Winifred Harding, Otago NZDA Branch
-NZDA Public Service Award – Dr Gary Lawrence, Wellington NZDA Branch
NZDA Honors 2025 recipients:
-Dr Craig Fraser: NZDA Honorary Life Member
-Prof Richard Cannon: NZDA Honorary Member
-Prof Karl Lyons: NZDA Fellow
-Dr Chris Sanzaro (ADA): Honorary Member
To learn more about the NZDA Awards, visit nzdaconference.org.nz
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Advocacy – Famine in Gaza Demands Urgent Action – Not Delays on Palestinian Statehood

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses deep concern at Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s statement that New Zealand’s decision on recognising a Palestinian state will not be accelerated despite the official declaration of famine in Gaza.

The UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has confirmed that more than half a million Gazans are enduring famine conditions. Children are dying of starvation, aid is being obstructed, and entire communities face humanitarian collapse. This should compel urgent action from the international community—not provide justification for further delay.

Recognition of the State of Palestine is not a symbolic gesture; it is a vital step toward ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, international legal standing, and protection under global institutions. Already, the majority of UN member states, along with New Zealand’s key democratic partners, have taken this step.

By hesitating, New Zealand risks isolating itself among its allies and undermining the prospects of a two-state solution. Recognition must be principled and unconditional, not tied to shifting political preconditions. The confirmation of famine should accelerate New Zealand’s decision, not stall it.

We call on the New Zealand Government to:

  1. Recognise the State of Palestine without delay, aligning with the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September.

  2. Match humanitarian urgency with political will, ensuring New Zealand is not complicit in perpetuating injustice through inaction.

  3. Stand firmly on the side of peace, justice, and human dignity, consistent with New Zealand’s proud history of upholding international law.

At this critical moment, leadership requires courage. The Palestinian people cannot wait any longer for recognition of their fundamental rights.

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World Vision – First ever Australasian business forum focused on human rights a wake-up call for NZ

Source: World Vision

Hundreds of business leaders from across New Zealand and Australia are this week attending the inaugural United Nations Business and Human Rights Regional Forum in Melbourne to learn more about ethical and responsible business practices.

World Vision New Zealand is jointly hosting the forum which will feature keynote speakers, including former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, the OECD’s Allan Jorgensen, Meta's Miranda Sissons, and leading businesses such as Australia’s BHP.
 
The Forum is the largest regional gathering ito explore the intersection of business and human rights and aims to help businesses adopt responsible commercial practices at a time of increasing global turbulence.   It will cover issues from modern slavery in supply chains, responsible use of AI, and the human rights impacts of climate change.
 
World Vision’s Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong, says the forum is a wake-up call for New Zealand which risks falling behind on global standards for corporate accountability.
 
She says Australia is already taking bold steps, including introducing modern slavery laws in 2018, appointing two Anti-Slavery Commissioners, and most recently naming an Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling, and Human Trafficking.
 
“Here in New Zealand, we are falling further and further behind Australia.  We don’t even have a law to report on or mitigate modern slavery in our supply chains; we have no independent commission or body to provide oversight on modern slavery; and we have no formal protections or support for victims-survivors.  We are not operating in the 21st Century,” she says.
 
Armstrong says the Forum comes at a pivotal moment for New Zealand in which two Modern Slavery Bills are currently in the parliamentary private members’ ballot. In addition, long-overdue amendments to the Crimes Act to strengthen the trafficking in persons framework were recently announced by the Minister of Justice.
 
“This Forum is a chance for New Zealand voices to be heard on the global stage, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity for New Zealand business leaders to learn, be inspired, and to bring back the insights we need to drive respect for human rights in business here at home.”
 
Armstrong says the Forum’s agenda reflects the growing consensus that voluntary measures are no longer enough to address human rights concerns.

“The challenges in this area are only growing and we need business and government to take action to address them.  From child labour in cocoa supply chains to the climate impacts of fossil fuels, Kiwi businesses are linked to serious human rights risks. Where the international rules-based order is under threat, business’ ability to do good, respect human rights and stand in the gap is incredibly important,” she says.
 
Armstrong says she is disappointed there is no New Zealand government representative at the Forum, whereas the Australian government will be represented by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia’s National Contact Point, as well as Anti-slavery Commissioners and Ambassadors.
 
She says New Zealand businesses and others can email New Zealand MPs to push for the introduction of modern slavery legislation here: www.wvnz.org.nz/act-now  
    
 
Notes:  
 

  • World Vision New Zealand is a co-organiser of the Forum alongside the UN Global Compact Network Australia, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, RMIT Business and Human Rights,Macquarie University B&HR Access to Justice Lab, and UNSW Australian Human Rights Institute. 
  • The UN Business and Human Rights Forum: Australia and New Zealand runs 26–27 August 2025 in Melbourne.
  • Leading New Zealand academics, business leaders, and civil society representatives, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, Professor Gail Pacheco, Valmaine Toki, Rebecca Kingi, Claire Charters, and Fleur Fitzsimmons
  • More information on the Forum can be found at: https://unbhrforumanz.org/ 
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Gaza – Children starved in plain sight as famine confirmed in Gaza – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

At least 132,000 children aged under five in Gaza are at risk of death from acute malnutrition as new data confirms famine in Gaza Governorate and warns this is likely to spread in the coming weeks, Save the Children said.
The famine classification comes as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) also reported that over half a million people in Gaza, about half of whom are children, are facing catastrophic hunger, the worst-case IPC Phase 5.
This is the first time a famine has officially been confirmed in the Middle East region.
According to the latest report, acute malnutrition is projected to worsen rapidly, with the number of children under five in Gaza at risk of death between now and June 2026 having doubled since May.
As Israel’s military offensive in northern Gaza intensifies, hundreds of thousands of people will be forcibly displaced south, including to Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis, where famine is expected to be classified by the end of September.
Save the Children New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Heather Campbell said:
“The world has been watching as children have suffered the unthinkable for nearly two years in Gaza, and now, we have confirmation that hundreds of thousands are being slowly starved to death. None of us should accept this.
“All of Gaza is being systematically starved by design, and children are paying the highest price. The world has failed to act as their tiny, emaciated bodies have been overcome by hunger and disease and shut down. This engineered famine is the ultimate and inevitable result of the Government of Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon of war. The sustained siege on food, medicine and fuel was bound to lead to this preventable catastrophe. There is no world leader who did not know this was coming, who hasn’t been warned again and again.
“A trickle of aid in recent days is a drop in the ocean only and serves to show the Government of Israel could end the food shortages whenever they choose and stop famine from spreading to other parts of Gaza. Our teams can save more lives and bring more children back from the precipice as soon as aid flows are restored.
“But many effects of famine cannot be reversed, especially for children. The death and loss, the physical and mental harm, will last lifetimes and even generations. Our health and nutrition teams are overloaded amid the tide of hunger and disease even while treating hundreds of malnourished children each month. In the first two weeks of August, well over half of pregnant women and new mothers screened at our clinics were malnourished – nearly seven times higher than before the siege began in March. Malnourished mothers are more likely to give birth to smaller babies, perpetuating a cycle of malnutrition that can affect future generations. Palestinian children are their society’s future – and that future, and theirs, has been irrevocably undermined.
“Famine means there are no more breaking points and no more alarm bells. The Government of Israel must immediately end the use of starvation as a weapon of war and lift the siege of the Gaza Strip, allowing aid including food and nutrition supplies into Gaza at the scale required, and restore electricity, fuel and water.
“And the international community must finally take every possible step to stop the Government of Israel from intentionally starving children and families in Gaza.”
Notes 
  • In the first two weeks of August, 61% of pregnant women and new mothers screened at Save the Children’s clinics have been found to be malnourished, nearly seven times higher than the rate in the first two weeks of March (9%), before aid and goods were almost completely cut off.
  • Doctors in Save the Children health clinics are seeing around 100 patients a day, double the number of their recommended caseload.
  • Save the Children has been unable to get any of its own aid into Gaza since 2 March and has 45 trucks-worth of aid including medicines, shelter items and hygiene kits waiting in warehouses.
  • Save the Children is responding to the famine crisis in Gaza in our two primary healthcare clinics in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah by providing nutrition screening and treatment to children under 5, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Our treatment package includes providing medical interventions, supplements and high calorie biscuits and pastes to malnourished children and mothers. Since the start of the war, our two clinics have helped over 113,000 people, including over 42,000 children.
  • According to the IPC, through June 2026, at least 132,000 children under the age of five are at risk of death from acute malnutrition. This number has doubled compared to the IPC estimates reported in May 2025.
Below is multimedia content:
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RNZ interview dropout cements concerns about rural connectivity – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

A live interview on RNZ’s Nine to Noon this morning has added weight to Federated Farmers’ concerns about poor rural connectivity and Chorus’s phasing out of copper lines.
In a twist of irony, Federated Farmers rural connectivity spokesperson Mark Hooper’s connection from his Taranaki dairy farm began to drop out mid-interview.
“I couldn’t have timed it better if I tried,” Hooper says.
“Just as Bryan Crump was suggesting rural people had plenty of modern alternatives to rely on, he got to see firsthand what those of us who live in rural New Zealand deal with every day.
“Rural connectivity isn't up to scratch, cellular reception is patchy at best, and Chorus’s withdrawal of the copper network only adds to concerns many rural residents have about connectivity.
“All it’s going to do is widen the connectivity gap between those who live in main centres like Auckland and Wellington, and the rest of us who live in the provinces.”
Federated Farmers is urging decision-makers to ensure rural communities aren’t left behind as technology shifts. 
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UPDATE – PSA files Ombudsman complaint over Minister’s ERA interference

Source: PSA

Full text of media release, correcting earlier truncated version:
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi has today filed a formal complaint with the Chief Ombudsman over Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden's political interference in the Employment Relations Authority.
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says the complaint centres on Van Velden's public statements suggesting her new ERA appointees should deliver outcomes favourable to employers.
“The Minister stated that she hoped new Employment Relations Authority appointees with private sector backgrounds would lead to smaller awards against businesses, adding that current members ‘believe that money grows on trees.’
“The Minister’s statement also included a reminder about her powers to re-appoint existing ERA members, and that her decisions in this regard will be based on the current members making ‘the right decisions’ and doing so quickly.
“This amounts to a blatant political direction to ERA members to act in a way that is not independent and breaches the law,” Fitzsimons said. “It undermines the impartiality of incoming members and has a chilling effect on the current members she has criticised.”
The PSA's Ombudsman complaint notes that Van Velden's statements breach Cabinet Manual requirements for political neutrality and merit-based appointments in the public service.
“When a Minister starts telling judicial officers what kinds of decisions to make, faith in the system breaks down. Workers facing employment issues deserve to know they'll get a fair hearing based on facts, not the political preferences of the Government of the day.
“This interference is corrosive to the rule of law and has no place in our democracy,” Fitzsimons said.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 94,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health care and community groups.
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Lifestyle – Want the secret to staying young? Research Confirms Exercise Slows Ageing

Source: Exercise New Zealand

“This research confirms what we've known anecdotally for years: movement is medicine”,

“But now we're seeing that exercise doesn't just help you feel younger, it actually makes you biologically younger, and slows ageing markers.”

“The key is consistency – moderate physical activity that keeps your body moving and strong. Walking, gardening, swimming, group exercise classes – these all count.”

“We have an opportunity to empower people to live longer, healthier lives, not through expensive interventions, but by simply making physical activity a regular part of everyday life”

As the pursuit of healthy ageing gains momentum, the global longevity and wellness market has already surpassed $2.5 trillion. Yet the latest research shows that the foundation of any longevity protocol isn't found in expensive treatments or futuristic science, it's already accessible to us all. Exercise offers far more than just short-term fitness gains; it has the power to actively slow the aging process itself, supporting both quality of life and healthy years lived.

A 2025 peer-reviewed review in Aging found that both aerobic and strength-based exercise slow biological aging in key organs such as the heart, liver, and fat tissue. This research, recently summarised in Technology Networks, shows how Olympic-level athletes and everyday exercisers alike exhibit younger biological age markers through regular movement.

“This research confirms what we've known anecdotally for years: movement is medicine,” says Richard Beddie, CEO of Exercise New Zealand. “But now we're seeing that exercise doesn't just help you feel younger, it actually makes you biologically younger, and slows ageing markers.”

Not Just Cardio, Muscles Matter Too

The study emphasised that both cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength were key to slowing cellular aging. Aerobic fitness, measured through VO₂ max, and grip strength, an indicator of strength/muscular capacity, were both linked to lower biological age markers.

“The key is consistency – moderate physical activity that keeps your body moving and strong. Walking, gardening, swimming, group exercise classes – these all count,” Beddie says.

In one highlighted case, sedentary middle-aged women reduced their epigenetic age by two years after just eight weeks of structured aerobic and resistance training.

A Wake-Up Call for Sedentary Kiwis

Despite the known benefits, less than 50% of New Zealanders meet recommended physical activity guidelines. ExerciseNZ warns this will have long-term health consequences, not just for physical health but also for aging, independence, and quality of life. 

Large-scale data published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle shows that people who engage in moderate-to-vigorous activity may reduce their biological age by up to 1.7 years compared to their inactive peers.

Beyond Quick Fixes

While short-term exercise challenges can spark temporary motivation, their benefits often fade once the challenge