Māori have highest increases in life expectancy – media release
30 July 2025
Life expectancy at birth for people identifying with the Māori ethnic group increased more than that of other broad ethnic groups between 2005–2007 and 2022–2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
However, life expectancy for Māori remains lower than that of other ethnic populations.
Life expectancy at birth for people who identify as Māori was 75.8 years in 2022–2024, up 3.1 years from 2005–2007. Over the same period, life expectancy at birth for people who identify with ‘European or Other’, Pacific, or Asian ethnicities each increased by 1.5–1.6 years.
In 2022–2024, life expectancy at birth was:
81.8 years for the population of Aotearoa New Zealand as a whole
82.8 years for people who identify with European or Other (including New Zealander) ethnicities
76.9 years for people who identify with a Pacific ethnicity
86.3 years for people who identify with an Asian ethnicity.
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Over the last 15 years or so, High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMVs) have become more visible on New Zealand roads. They are heavier, longer, and – surprisingly for some – more efficient, safer, and greener.
HPMV’s increased freight capacity reduces the number of required vehicle trips, resulting in emission reductions, reduced congestion, and reduced accident risk (Report to the Ministry of Transport, 2015).
HPMVs also pay significantly higher rates of Road User Charges than other heavy vehicles, based on their impact on the pavement. This ensures they contribute proportionally to road maintenance and improvement.
HPMVs operate under permits issued by NZTA and local councils, on roads and bridges that can accommodate the additional mass and length of the larger vehicles. NZTA processed 7,000 heavy vehicle permits in 2023.
Unfortunately for road freight companies and their customers, applying for a HPMV permit can be a complicated process. This includes navigating NZTA’s permitting portal, carefully measuring the vehicle, entering the data correctly, and then waiting for the permit to be granted.
In response to member feedback, Transporting New Zealand has produced aseries of three “How-To” videos, presented by Membership Manager Jim Crouchley.
“Many operators find it difficult to know where to start with the HPMV process and no one really knows who to call to help.” says Jim.
“We wanted to show how to start the process, and what operators will need to have in front of them to complete the task. The ability to pause the video and work through the stages should be helpful for people who only do this process from time to time.”
“These guides show operators how to register their business on the NZTA permitting portal, measure a vehicle when applying for a permit, and upload a permit application to NZTA.”
In addition to providing educational resources, Transporting New Zealand has consistently advocated for the Government to simplify permitting processes and get more efficient trucks on the road.
Transport Minister Chris Bishoprecently announceda comprehensive reform of New Zealand’s land transport rules, that provide an excellent opportunity to facilitate such improvements.
Transporting New Zealand has been providing feedback to regulators on how to unlock greater productivity, and continues to work with government officials.
As the healthcare landscape shifts to meet the changing needs of patient populations, understanding the broader context and the importance of the general practice and rural hospital medicine workforces becomes more important than ever.
Every two years The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners undertakes its Workforce Survey to gain insight into how our members who work in (or are training towards) general practice and rural hospital medicine feel about their vocations, the environments they work in and their place in the sector.
A snapshot report on key findings has been released and was shared with members in a plenary session by College President Dr Luke Bradford last week at GP25: Conference for General Practice.
Dr Bradford says, “The majority of the findings aren’t new or surprising. They add to the wealth of evidence we already have and emphasise the need for swifter action and bold reform while providing fresh insights into the distinctive and evolving nature of general practice and rural hospital medicine.
“We acknowledge the recent funding announcements from the Minister and are optimistic that the additional funding for our GP training programme will encourage more medical graduates into the workforce now the financial barriers have been removed.
“I’m heartened to see improvements since the 2022 survey on those who would recommend general practice and rural hospital medicine as careers. Responses show a workforce who value the personal connections with patients, the intellectual stimulation spurred by the variety and complexity of cases that allow them to use their full skillset and knowledge base alongside the ability to make a tangible difference to patients’ lives.
“There are, however, some concerning results around retirement, reduction in hours and intentions to leave New Zealand.”
Within the next five years 35% of GP and 21% of rural hospital doctor respondents intend to retire and 35% of 30-34-year-old GP respondents are considering leaving New Zealand, with 15% intending to leave.
“The College will continue to address these challenges, because as well as growing the workforce, retaining the current workforce – those who train the trainees – must be a priority.”
Survey findings show our members as being nimble and innovative. They continue to show resilience and have a deep commitment to their patients. But they are vocal about the challenges of navigating a health system that doesn’t recognise the value of their specialism, the workforce shortages and working within a model of care that isn’t adapting quickly enough to keep up with patient or workforce need.
Key findings tell us that:
43% of GP respondents were likely to recommend a career in general practice. This has increased from 39% in the 2022 Workforce Survey but is still below the 54% in the 2020 survey.
76% of rural hospital doctor respondents were likely to recommend a career in rural hospital medicine.
Burnout levels amongst general practice and rural hospital doctors, while still unacceptably high, have improved since the 2022 Workforce Survey. In 2024, 38% of GP respondents and 26% of rural hospital doctor respondents rated themselves as highly burnt-out, compared to 48% (GPs) and 49% (rural hospital doctors) in 2022.
New roles and skillsets are being welcomed into our multi-disciplinary teams to address patients’ physical, mental, social and holistic needs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other technologies are being carefully incorporated into daily work to reduce some of the administrative burden that comes from managing such diverse patient loads, but concerns around data privacy, Māori data sovereignty and system integration are top of mind.
This snapshot is the first in a series of reports from the 2024 Workforce Survey data.
Federated Farmers is backing changes to regulation under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that would let councils take a more balanced and pragmatic approach to freshwater rules.
In a submission to the Ministry for the Environment this week, the organisation clearly signalled broad support for the Government’s proposed direction.
“New Zealand’s freshwater rules have become too complex and are completely unworkable,” Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says.
“They’re a nightmare not just for farmers, but also for local councils tasked with the unenviable job of trying to untangle a bureaucratic bird’s nest of rules – and implement them.
“That’s why we support plans to strip away the layers of overly prescriptive direction that have left us with rules no one can reasonably comply with.
“Rules like the fertiliser cap, wetland definitions and the application of Te Mana o te Wai should be on the chopping block for repeal or major amendment.”
Hooper says national direction under the RMA has been a key driver of impractical freshwater regulation, dictating what councils must do and leaving little room for regional flexibility.
“Freshwater rules need to make sense in the local context and for the communities they affect.
“Highly prescriptive national bottom lines might sound good on paper, but in reality they’ve created unrealistic expectations on the ground for rural and urban communities.”
In some catchments, nutrient reductions of 60% or more would be needed to meet the previous Government’s current targets.
Modelling also shows that even with a blanket conversion from pastoral farming to forestry, many communities still wouldn’t be able to achieve desired water quality standards.
“That’s not just impractical – it’s impossible,” Hooper says.
“We need freshwater policy that’s grounded in reality and reflects real-world trade-offs
“Everyone wants to see improved environmental outcomes, but these require a strong economy, growing exports and thriving rural communities.
“If we want to achieve all of those things, we need a pragmatic and balanced approach to policy that’s firmly grounded in science, practicality and fairness.”
Federated Farmers supports the proposal to amend or repeal the more problematic aspects of the current national direction, including wetland rules and the principle of Te Mana o te Wai.
“Farmers and councils need freshwater rules that are clear, measurable and informed by credible science – but the concept of Te Mana o te Wai fails that test on all three counts,” Hooper says.
“While it may seem like a pragmatic focus on water quality, the concept is ultimately focused on the spiritual health of water rather scientifically measurable health.
“That makes its application, when imposed as a legal directive, completely unworkable.”
The Government has indicated it expects to introduce a new Natural Environment Act to replace the RMA this year, and have this new act become law by mid-2026.
Federated Farmers supports the proposed changes to RMA national direction but is urging the Government to stop tweaking rules under the current RMA and instead develop new national direction under the replacement act.
“With new resource management legislation due by mid-2026, it makes little sense to keep tinkering with a failed framework that’s on its way out,” Hooper says.
“The Government has rightly frozen new regional freshwater rules under the failing RMA. Our submission argues the Government should implement these changes by beginning work now to ensure national direction under new replacement legislation is ready to go on day one.
“They’d be better off focusing their efforts on developing a clear, workable direction under the new Natural Environment Act.”
It takes a special kind of human to grab a small bike (125cc or less), load up with a tent, pop on as many layers as possible and head off in the freezing cold at a blistering average speed of 60KM per hour!
But that’s exactly what an intrepid group of self-described “jolly good buggers” will be doing on the 9 th and 10 th of August – riding for young Kiwi men affected by the most commonly diagnosed cancer in their age group.
TheCold Kahunais an annual charity ride organised by Hawke’s Bay fundraising group the Jolly Good Chaps, that sees courageous (or possibly unhinged) riders brave sub-zero temperatures as they travel from Auckland, Waikato, Tauranga, Wellington and Hawke’s Bay, to converge on Ohakune for a weekend of camaraderie, campfires, and scooter-fueled shenanigans – before heading home with frozen fingers and full hearts.
This year marks their second time riding in support of Testicular Cancer New Zealand – a charity dedicated to raising awareness, providing support services, and helping men detect cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
Among the riders is Tane Stubbs, a testicular cancer survivor and member of the organising committee.
“Having had testicular cancer myself, being part of the Cold Kahuna was a good opportunity to lead from the front – and to raise awareness where it counts,” says Tane.
He says supporting Testicular Cancer NZ is a way of giving back to others facing the same fight.
“Everyone has different ways of giving back. Any donation to any cause is great, but helping Testicular Cancer NZ means giving back to our men.”
But behind the mayhem is a serious message.
Around 190 New Zealand men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year. While highly treatable when caught early, 8 lives are still lost annually-often because the signs weren’t recognised or action wasn’t taken soon enough.
Diagnosed after a self-check and quick visit to his GP, Tane credits early action with helping him through his journey.
“I was worried when I found something, but because I’d done my homework on testicular cancer, I knew to go straight to my doctor. That decision made all the difference,” he said.
Testicular Cancer NZ CEO Peter Dickens says the Cold Kahuna ride helps spark a life-saving ripple effect that can make all the difference.
“This event helps spread the word and save lives. By encouraging men to talk about their health and know the warning signs, and by raising vital funds for those already affected, the riders are creating real impact. We’re proud and grateful for their support.”
For Glenn Fulcher, spokesperson for the Jolly Good Chaps, the Cold Kahuna’s power lies in its authenticity – mixing mateship with meaningful action. “You stop for a yarn, raise some dingaling, and keep it real by talking about health in a way that’s not preachy,” says Glenn. “And yes, there are loads of frozen blue-like balls on scooters in the middle of winter – but it’s all about helping men feel less awkward talking about something that could save their lives.”
The Jolly Good Chaps have made it easy to support the cause – each rider has a personal fundraising page, and donations from fri
Pak’N'Save Richmond workers are calling out their “Kiwi owned and operated” bosses after a 6-month bargaining ordeal for attempting to drive down average supermarket wages, undermining union rights, and giving loyal staff a raw deal, all the while pocketing healthy profits for themselves.
Bargaining with the store’s owners, Glenn and Tracey Anderson, has dragged on since January 2025 with no meaningful progress, according to Ross Lampert, Workers First National Organiser (Retail Food). Mr Lampert said that the company refuses to offer industry-standard basics like a staff discount or long service leave, and their latest pay offer after six months of bargaining falls well below inflation, meaning a real-terms pay cut for workers who are already struggling with the cost of living.
“This is exactly what happens when the Foodstuffs model lets individual owners race each other to the bottom – it’s Kiwis fleecing other Kiwis,” said Mr Lampert. “They proudly talk about‘investing in the team’while they chip away at pay, undermine union rights, and break the law to keep wages low.”
Pak’N'Save Richmond has a long history of anti-union behaviour, Mr Lampert said. Workers have been offered higher wages to sign Individual Employment Agreements instead of the union-negotiated Collective, which is a clear breach of employment law. The union holds documented evidence, including payslips showing two different rates offered for the same role at the same time, with the only difference being union membership.
One worker at the store, commenting anonymously due to restrictions on public speech contained in company policy, said: “Customers are always shocked we don’t even get a staff discount, let alone a living wage.”
Another store worker said: “Management tries to scare people away from the union and bully staff into signing individual deals. It’s a scam.”
The company has also attempted to restrict access for union organisers by actively trying to block Mr Lampert’s ability to go into certain areas, behaving aggressively and hiding workers from having fair representation. This intimidation has left many staff afraid to speak up, but Workers First members say they are ready to stand strong together and take further action if needed.
“This is why Fair Pay Agreements were so important,” said Mr Lampert. “They were designed to stop exactly this kind of race to the bottom, but our current Government scrapped them, leaving workers exposed to shoddy operators like these who are determined to keep supermarket workers teetering on the edge of poverty.”
“Even the Australian chains like Woolworths treat Kiwi workers better than these ‘proudly Kiwi’ owners.”
“Kiwi shoppers deserve to know that the people stacking their shelves and serving them every day are being paid fairly and treated with respect. Right now, that’s not happening at Pak’nSave Richmond.”
Background information
Workers First Union holds documented evidence of unlawful pay preference as described above – it is available to media on request.
Bargaining between Workers First and Pak'N'Save Richmond was initiated on 30 January 2025.
The company is currently in the process of expanding the physical footprint of the Pak’N’Save Richmond store into Richmond mall, prompting the displacement of at least 14 other retail stores.
In reaction to the United Nations’ 2025 edition of“The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World”(SOFI) report launched today, showing only a slight progress in reducing hunger and warning that over half a billion people could be chronically hungry by 2030-nearly 60% of them in Africa – Emily Farr, Oxfam’s Food and Economic Security Lead, said:
“We are witnessing the collapse of a moral contract. While some regions have seen some modest gains, the world is veering dangerously off track, leaving the poorest and more vulnerable behind. As top donors, including the G7, push through a historic 28% cut to aid by 2026, 2.6 billion people -over a third of humanity -still cannot afford a healthy diet. These are not just statistics. These are lives unravelling and futures stolen.
“This is not a crisis of scarcity – it is a crisis of inequality. Climate chaos, conflict unchecked, and broken policies-driven by greed and impunity-are tearing apart global food systems and entrenching inequality. In 2024 alone, billionaires’ wealth soared by $2 trillion while poverty barely budged. Since 2015, the world’s richest1% have amassed $33.9 trillion– enough to end global poverty 22 times over. Yet hunger persists, not by accident, but by design. As fields flood and crops wither, aid is slashed, and a few corporate giants profit from the wreckage.
Low-income countries are paying the highest price for a crisis they did not create. While global food price inflation peaked at 13.6 percent, it soared to 30 percent in the poorest economies- wiping out household budgets and access to food. In Africa, 1 in 5 people remain chronically hungry, with women and children hit hardest by deep cuts in nutrition programs.
“We cannot afford a global food system built on injustice and indifference. Despite a modest improvement, we are nowhere the pace needed to meet global goals. The tide can still be turned, but only if governments act with urgency and unity: restore gutted aid, crack down on food profiteers, and invest in local farmers and local food systems that feed people, not profit margins.”
The New Zealand Institute of Safety Management (NZISM), the professional association for health and safety experts, is concerned by the prospect of more lax machine guarding requirements signalled by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety today.
“Machines that are badly guarded are a major source of workplace harm. Nearly 200 hard-working NeNw Zealanders are killed, hurt and maimed every year (according to the latest full year WorkSafe data) by improperly guarded machines. Simplifying machine guarding requirements in a way that lowers standards will lead to more deaths and injuries,” said NZISM spokesperson Mike Cosman.
“We agree with the Minister that guidance needs to be updated, made more specific to particular sectors and easier to understand and we’re happy to help with this. Proper guarding is not a simple one-size-fits all given the massive range of equipment and situations in which it is used across the country.
“There is a strong role for health and safety experts (like NZISM members in giving that advice). You wouldn't ask a Police Officer to design the brakes on your truck and you can't expect WorkSafe to act as your consultant. If you use machinery you need to take steps to satisfy yourself that it will keep your workers safe.”
Background – NZ Institute of Safety Management
NZISM is New Zealand’s leading professional association for health and safety practitioners. We are a 2,800-strong community, operating nationwide through a network of 14 branches, whose members represent the entire spectrum of New Zealand business.2800 health and safety professionals. Our purpose is to influence better health and safety outcomes at work. We achieve this by representing the interests of our members at industry and Government levels, and by supporting the growth and development of members.
30 July 2025 –In December 2024, the Government announced it was exploring a private placement of capital to continue to accelerate Kiwibank’s growth. Since then, Kiwibank’s parent company, Kiwi Group Capital (KGC) and the Treasury have been assessing investor interest in such an initiative.
Following this process, Cabinet has approved for KGC to proceed to the next phase of a potential capital raise of up to $500 million with timing and amount to be determined by KGC, and subject to final approval of terms and conditions by shareholding Ministers. The transaction is expected to occur prior to 30 June 2026.
David McLean, KGC Chairman, said: “The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kiwibank as a competitive, New Zealand-owned alternative to the larger banks, ensuring better outcomes for all New Zealanders.
“The capital raise process aims to provide Kiwibank with capital to continue its above market growth and enhance its competitive position while ensuring all funds raised are invested into New Zealand’s future. There will be no return of capital to the Crown, and no changes for Kiwibank customers.”
Steve Jurkovich, Kiwibank’s Chief Executive, said, “Kiwibank exists to challenge the status quo and to disrupt the banking sector for the good of Kiwi. We are working to create a future where banking is stronger and fairer than ever before.
“Delivering on our Purpose of Kiwi making Kiwi better off is what differentiates Kiwibank and drives our performance, and that is what we continue to be focused on. Any capital raise would be structured to ensure Kiwibank’s continued role to improve services and pricing for consumers.”
The capital raising process is targeting New Zealand-based KiwiSaver funds, investment institutions, and professional investment groups. Kiwibank will remain 100% New Zealand-owned following the completion of any private placement.
Kiwibank half year 2025 highlights
Kiwibank announced a net profit after tax of $92 million for the six months to 31 December 2024.
Kiwibank achieved net lending growth of $2 billion growing its lending book by 6% to $34.4 billion.
Home lending grew 2.1 times faster than the market and business lending more than 6 times faster than the market.
Deposits increased $1.8 billion growing the Kiwibank deposit book by 6% to $30 billion (1.6 times faster than market growth).
About Kiwibank
Kiwibank is a Purpose-led organisation that has modern, Kiwi values at heart and keeps Kiwi money where it belongs – right here in New Zealand. As a Kiwi bank, with more than a million customers, our trusted experts are focused on supporting Kiwi with their home ownership aspirations and backing local business ambitions, so together we can thrive here in Aotearoa and on the world stage. Kiwibank is the #1 bank in Kantar’s 2025 Corporate Reputation Index and the only bank in the top 15. To find out more about Kiwibank visitwww.kiwibank.co.nz.
Airways New Zealand has today confirmed new prices for its air traffic management services for the next three-year pricing cycle.
Every three years, Airways consults with its customers and stakeholders on proposed operating and capital expenditure, target revenue and service prices for the provision of air traffic control services. Consultation commenced in April and closed in July.
Throughout the consultation process, Airways has acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing the New Zealand aviation industry as it grapples to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In setting prices, Airways has balanced cost management in the current industry context with our obligations to provide a safe, efficient and reliable service now and into the future.
Airways has today confirmed an average price increase of 17.7% across three years for commercial airlines, which translates to an increase of 7.8% in year one, 6.5% in year two and 2.5% in year three.
New pricing will come into effect from 1 September and Airways will not look to recover the cost increase from 1 July to 31 August 2025. This means the effective price increase for year one is 6.5%.
In terms of how this translates to individual passengers, Airways calculates an indicative price per seat increase over the three-year period of $1.20 for a Sydney to Auckland flight, $1.44 for Auckland to Christchurch, $3.62 for a flight from Auckland to Napier and 36 cents for a flight from Wellington to Nelson.i
For GA customers operating aircraft less than five tonnes, Airways will apply an inflationary price increase of 11% over the FY26-28 period, which comprises a 6.8% increase in year one, 2.3% increase in year two and 1.9% increase in year three.
“We are operating in the same environment as our customers and are acutely aware of the challenges to deliver services in an increasingly more expensive operating context. Our pricing is based on the number of flights scheduled in and out of each airport. For Airways, we have the challenge of being required to maintain the agreed levels of service at a time when domestic flight volumes are at 90% of levels seen in 2019.” Says James Young, Airways Chief Executive.
The final prices and Airways’ response to customer feedback are outlined in the consultation response and decision document. This document, as well as all customer submissions are published on the Airways website. Airways thanks all submitters for their constructive feedback on the proposals.
In addition to feedback on the pricing proposal, feedback was also received on the Pricing and Service Frameworks, which define the parameters for Airways’ delivery of services. Airways int
