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Environment – EPA approves two biological controls to combat noxious weed

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved a rust fungus and a flower weevil to control Darwin’s barberry, a spiny invasive shrub.
Environment Canterbury, on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, applied to use two biological control agents to combat Darwin’s Barberry ( Berberis darwinii) in New Zealand. Those biocontrol agents are a rust fungus ( Puccinia berberidis-darwinii) and the Darwin’s barberry flower weevil ( Anthonomus kuscheli).
Darwin’s barberry is a resilient noxious weed found in disturbed forests, pastures, shrubland and short tussock-land. It is a threat to indigenous ecosystems throughout the country, as well as to pastures where livestock graze. Standard control methods such as herbicides or weeding are often costly, impractical and harmful to the environment.
It is native to Chile and Argentina and was introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand as a garden plant in the 1940s. Fruit-eating birds deposit seeds far from the parent bush, increasing its spread.
The plant can be found throughout New Zealand – particularly in the Canterbury, Otago, and Wellington regions. These biocontrol agents could also be used to target Darwin’s barberry elsewhere in the country.
Both the flower weevil and the rust fungus proposed for introduction are native to South America. All organisms new to New Zealand must receive approval from the EPA before being released into the New Zealand environment.
“The independent decision-making committee approved the introduction of these two organisms following a rigorous, evidence-based assessment,” says Dr Chris Hill, General Manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms at the EPA.
“The applicant’s risk assessment showed that these agents are highly unlikely to harm native plants or animals. The weevil does not bite or sting, so there is no health risk to people, and the rust fungus is also benign.”
Dr Hill says the decision followed public consultation, engagement with mana whenua, and consideration of international best practice.
“New Zealand has a strong track record of using biological control agents to manage invasive weeds with minimal impact on native ecosystems,” he says.
In recent years the EPA has approved other biocontrol agents for weeds such as purple loosestrife, old man’s beard, Sydney golden wattle and moth plant.
For more information, read the decision documents
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Northland News – Six Northland tertiary students awarded scholarships

Source: Northland Regional Council

Six Northland students have been named as recipients of Northland Regional Council’s annual Tū i te ora Scholarship, each receiving $4000 and paid work experience with council this summer.
The recipients are Aakash Chatterji, Nehana Griffiths, Riana Lane, Isaac Morrow, Raine Ross, and William Trubshaw, who were selected from a pool of 26 applicants.
This is the sixth year council has awarded the scholarship, which recognises, encourages and supports student to undertake study that relates to council’s environmental and regulatory functions, whilst contributing to council’s vision ‘Tiakina te taiao, tuia te here tangata – Nurture the environment, bring together the people’.
Pou Manawhakahaere – Group Manager, Governance and Engagement Auriole Ruka says the scholarship provides value for both the recipients and council, with the recipients able to gain hands-on experience and council benefiting from the extra support during the busy summer period.
“It’s a great opportunity for the recipients to apply what they’ve learned through their tertiary study to real life scenarios, and our teams really value the different experiences and perspectives the recipients bring.”
Nehana Griffiths, who will join council’s Climate Action and Natural Hazards team, is passionate about learning how land has been utilised and the impacts of this over time.
“I enjoy looking at environmental management cases and learning how different communities in different contexts and situations tackle environmental problems, and what we can learn from those results for the future.”
Riana Lane will join council’s Biosecurity Partnerships team to help support community projects aimed at managing plant and animal species. She is determined to help protect the environment for future generations to enjoy and treasure.
“I want to apply my love for our flora and fauna in a career in conservation, breeding programmes, and zoology to work with and study our native species, and to support them to survive and thrive in our changing world.”
Ruka says the scholarship also enables council to tap into talent early and create a valuable pipeline for future employees.
“The scholarship offers students an incredible chance to gain valuable experience and discover if a career at council aligns with their career goals. We’ve had several previous recipients return to council after graduating or remained in casual and fixed-term roles.”
“We’re really looking forward to having this year’s recipients join us this summer and hope they enjoy the experience so much that they also return to council once they’ve completed their studies to enrich the region and its people with their knowledge and skills.”
The six winners (in alphabetical order by surname) are:
  • Aakash Chatterji, from Whangārei (Te Uriroroi, Te Parawhau, Te Mahurehure ki Whatitiri, Te Taoū. Ngāti Whātua, Ngā Puhi, and Varanasi India). Diploma in Environmental Management (Level 6) at NorthTec.
  • Nehana Griffiths, from Whangārei and Dunedin (Ngāti Wai, Ngāti Rehua, Te Rarawa, Te Waiariki, Ngāti Korora, Ngāpuhi). Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History and minoring in Geography and Māori Studies at University Otago.
  • Riana Lane, from Whangārei. Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biological Science and minoring in Psychology at University of Canterbury.
  • Isaac Morrow, from Kerikeri (Te Aupōuri). Bachelor of Marine Science at University of Otago.
  • Raine Ross, from Mōtatau (Ngāti Te Tarawa, Ngāti Hine). Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) at Massey University.
  • William Trubshaw, from Whangārei. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science conjoint, majoring in Biological Sciences and Geography, and minoring in Mathematics at University of Canterbury. 
Ruka says the recipients will join NRC from mid-November 2025 to mid-February 2026 in the Biosecurity Partnerships, Climate Action and Natural Hazards, Hydrology, Te Tiriti Partnerships and Engagement Team, and Water Quality teams.
More information about the scholarship and recipients is available from https://www.nrc.govt.nz/scholarship
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Advocacy – Statement of Concern and Clarification Regarding the “Harmony Accord”

Source: Maher Nazzal

To the respected Muslim community across New Zealand,

As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh,

FIANZ is scheduled (22nd July 2025) to sign an agreement referred to as the Harmony Accord on behalf of the Muslim community in New Zealand, with two Jewish organisations, one of which is publicly aligned with pro-Zionist positions.

Over the past few days, a group of Ulama (Islamic scholars), Imams, and leaders of Islamic organisations from various regions of New Zealand have engaged in urgent consultations regarding the proposed draft of the so-called “Harmony Accord.” This document came to our attention (through non-official channel) just days before its planned official signing between the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and two Jewish organisations.

Despite our sincere efforts to engage constructively with the FIANZ representative, Br. Abdul Razzaq, including two formal meetings and a detailed written submission outlining our concerns and proposed amendments as requested, we received no official response from the FIANZ Executive Council. Instead, a public statement was released by FIANZ explaining their rationale and intent to proceed with signing, despite clear objections raised by a significant group of scholars, legal professionals, and civil society advocates, and without any meaningful consultation with religious scholars or community representatives.

Accordingly, after careful consideration, we find it to be our religious, moral, and communal duty to issue this public statement on behalf of the undersigned organisations and individuals—seeking clarity, accountability, and unity within the Muslim community, and fulfilling our responsibility before Allah.

Regarding the Consultative Meetings

Upon learning of the imminent signing of the Accord, a series of emergency meetings were convened by concerned Ulama, Imams, and community leaders representing mosques and Islamic institutions across New Zealand. Attendees included:

Participants:

Sh. Muhammad Aammer

Sh. Muhammad Anwar 

Sh. Abu Anas 

Sh. Himayatullah 

Sh. Muhammad Shakir

Sh.  Muhammad Patel 

Sh. Shazly Khan 

Sh. Alaa Mubarak 

Sh. Reza Abdul Jabbar 

Sh. Khalil

Note: The above individuals were present in the initial consultative meetings. The signatories to this statement are listed below and represent the final endorsing parties.

These respected scholars and leaders reached a unanimous consensus to reject the Accord in its current form, citing grave religious, ethical, and communal concerns, as well as a clear lack of transparency and proper consultation.

Our Concerns Regarding the Accord:

1.      Lack of Consultation and Genuine Representation:

The Accord was never shared with key Islamic scholars, institutions, or the wider Muslim public. It lacked the basic process of transparent and inclusive consultation, and thus cannot be said to represent the New Zealand Muslim community in any legitimate capacity.

2.      Doctrinal, Cultural, and Ethical Concerns:

The Accord contains ambiguous language and concepts that are open to interpretation, potentially leading to positions inconsistent with Islamic beliefs or misused in future contexts beyond the original intent of the agreement.

3.      Complete Omission of the Palestinian Tragedy:

We are deeply alarmed and disappointed that the Accord makes no mention of the catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Thousands of civilians—including women and children—are being systematically targeted, starved, and displaced in what leading international human rights bodies have classified as war crimes and acts of genocide.

Even more troubling is that one of the Jewish signatories to the Accord has publicly expressed support for the current Israeli policies in Palestine. Proceeding with such an agreement, without any acknowledgment of these realities, is ethically unacceptable, deeply painful for our community, and runs contrary to our shared values of justice and humanity.

4.      Concerns Around Youth Engagement and Religious Education:

While we support constructive interfaith educational programs, such initiatives must include theological safeguards. Without scholarly oversight, there is a real risk that such efforts could unintentionally undermine Islamic values or promote secular or pluralistic ideologies inconsistent with our faith—especially in youth and educational settings.

Regarding the Role of FIANZ:

True representation of New Zealand Muslims requires inclusive and transparent engagement with Ulama and Islamic organisations—particularly when addressing matters with theological, cultural, and communal implications.

Signing such sensitive agreements, regardless of intentions, without thorough consultation creates legal, social, and ethical consequences. It also risks falsely implying that the views of all Muslims are aligned behind the signatories.

We emphasise that declining to sign an agreement that contradicts Islamic principles and communal consensus does not equate to disengagement from interfaith dialogue. On the contrary, it is a principled stand to ensure that dialogue is based on mutual respect, clarity, and integrity—as the Qur’an teaches: “And do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best manner…” [Qur’an 29:46]

The idea that declining to sign an agreement risks losing the Muslim community’s “seat at the table” is troubling. New Zealand is a democratic country, built on rights and fairness. We believe the Government will continue to engage with Islamic organisations representing over 75,000 Muslims, regardless of their principled objection to this Accord.

Final Position:

1.      We, the undersigned Ulama, Imams, and Islamic organisations, firmly reject the Harmony Accord in its current form. It lacks proper consultation, has not undergone adequate theological review in accordance with Islamic principles, and does not represent the values or voices of the Muslim community in Aotearoa.

2.      Any individuals or organisations who choose to sign the agreement do so solely on their own behalf. Their decision does not reflect the views of the wider Muslim community in New Zealand.

3.      We urge Muslims in New Zealand to reject the Accord in its current form, recognising it as unrepresentative and lacking legitimacy.

Our Core Values

1.      We affirm that Muslims in New Zealand have, for decades, coexisted peacefully and respectfully with Jewish and other faith communities. The tragic terrorist attack in Christchurch in 2019, which claimed the lives of 51 innocent Muslims, was the act of a violent extremist and does not reflect the values or character of New Zealand society. As Muslims, we reject all forms of violence, racism, and extremism—whether against us or others—and remain committed to justice, compassion, and cooperation.

2.      We value all genuine initiatives that seek to promote social harmony, inclusion, and peace across New Zealand.

3.      We believe in meaningful interfaith dialogue and partnerships that benefit the broader society.

4.      We insist that any agreement involving Muslim representation must respect Islamic values, be rooted in community consultation, and reflect the views of the actual Muslim public.

Our Prayer

We ask Allah Almighty to unite our hearts upon truth, guide our steps with wisdom, protect the dignity of the Muslim community in New Zealand, and bring justice to all those who are oppressed.

Wa-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.

Signed:

Organizations:

1.      Alhera Dawah

2.      Almannar Trust (Auckland)

3.      Alnejashi Islamic Trust

4.      Ashburton Masjid

5.      Ashburton Muslim Association (AMAN)

6.      As Habul Quran Wasunnah Association (AQWA)

7.      AUT Muslim Students’ Association (AUTMSA)

8.      Furqan Trust

9.      Humanitarian Support Committee NEw Zealand

10. Indonesian Muslim Association

11. Manukau Islamic Youth Centre (MIYC)

12. MASJED Al Rahman, Sh. Abu Omar (Auckland)

13. Murihiku Islamic Trust

14. Massey Muslim Students’ Association (MUMSA)

15. Muslim Ummah of New Zealand (MUNZ)

16. New Zealand Board of Imams

17. North Shore Islamic Association (NSIA)

18. Salam Trust (Auckland)

19. Serve The Humanity

20. Southland Muslim Association

 

Imams and Ulama:

1.      Sh. Abdul Mateen (Auckland)

2.      Sh. Abdul Basit (Auckland)

3.      Sh. Abdulmanan Ahmed Burka (Auckland)

4.      Sh. Abdulsalam (Auckland)

5.      Sh. Abu Anas (Auckland)

6.      Sh. Alaa Mubarak (Auckland)

7.      Sh. Ataur Rahman, Dr. (Auckland)

8.      Sh. Dr. Mohammed Farid Ali (Auckland)

9.      Sh. Hazem Arafah (Palmerston North)

10. Sh. Himayatullah (Auckland)

11. Sh. Kababa (Auckland)

12. Sh. Mohamed Salim (Auckland)

13. Sh. Mohamed Zewada (Wellington)

14. Sh. Muhammad Shaffiee (Auckland)

15. Sh. Omar Elnagar (Ashburton)

16. Sh. Reza Abdul Jabbar (Invercargill)

17. Sh. Shazly Khan (Hamilton)

18. Sh. Ziyaul Haqq (Auckland).

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Advocacy – Palestine Forum of New Zealand Statement – Not In Our Name

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Not In Our Name – While our brothers and sisters in Gaza collapse from starvation and babies are dying for lack of milk, we are deeply shocked and dismayed by the recent signing of the so-called “Harmony Accord.” This agreement, signed in our community's name yet without our full knowledge, consultation, or consent, fails to address the urgent realities and immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people.

We believe in peace, justice, and coexistence. But true harmony cannot be built on selective morality, silence in the face of genocide, or agreements that ignore power imbalances and ongoing crimes against humanity. Any accord claiming to represent Muslim voices must do so with integrity, transparency, and in true alignment with the pain and priorities of our community, especially in these times of extreme crisis.

This statement serves as a clear rejection of the legitimacy of this accord in our name. We stand firmly with the oppressed. We speak for the hungry. We refuse to allow our name, identity, or religion to be used to endorse anything that does not reflect our collective conscience.

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Workplace Safety – Road freight body welcomes steady decline in workplace injuries

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight body welcomes steady decline in workplace injuries
Transporting New Zealand is welcoming a decline in road freight transport workplace injuries, saying it shows industry commitment to health and safety improvements.
Data released by ACC shows that annual injury claims have fallen by 35 per cent between 2018 and 2025, showing a consistent decline in workplace injuries despite growth in the national freight task. Claims fell across all 16 regions, with Northland and West Coast recording the largest percentage drops (56 per cent and 54 per cent respectively).
There were 3,442 new claims in the road freight transfer industry in 2024/25, compared to 5,295 in 2017/18 – a reduction of 1,853 claims. Numbers declined year-on-year from 2018 to 2025.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the data is good news for road freight staff, businesses, and ACC levy payers.
“The data shows that road transport businesses are steadily improving workplace health and safety for its people, while moving more freight than ever.”
Kalasih says that the reduction is workplace injuries has been assisted by improvements in workplace culture, as well as technological improvements.
“In our 2025 National Road Freight Survey, the health, safety and wellbeing of staff was identified as one of the top three issues by 128 surveyed businesses. This data from ACC also indicates that road freight businesses and staff are making training, safe processes, and site and equipment design a priority.”
“Technological innovation will also be playing an important role, whether it’s automatic chain throwing and tensioning systems on logging trailers that avoid soft tissue injuries, or fatigue management technologies that help ensure people aren’t working while tired. Safety technologies can reduce physical strain on workers and mitigate safety risks, bringing injury rates down.”
Kalasih says that while the downward trend in workplace injuries is great news, there is more work that can be done.
“Transporting New Zealand would like to see these injury rates fall even further, and for injured people to be able to safely return to work sooner. The longer people spend away from their workplace, the less likely they are to successfully return to work.”
“We encourage our members to access Transporting New Zealand’s free consultations from leading health and safety consultants and talk to our membership managers for advice and guidance.”
“We also encourage road freight businesses to check out ACC’s Recovery at Work resources, to help support staff back into the work following injury – demonstrated in our recent member video.”
ACC Road Freight Transport Industry Data 2024/2025 (1 April to 31 March)
Primary Injury Diagnosis by Category (Top four categories by claim frequency)
1. Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, tears, and contusions)
2. Laceration / Puncture / Sting
3. Fracture / Dislocation
4. Foreign Body in Orifice / Eye
Accident Cause (Top five categories by claim frequency)
1. Lifting / Carrying / Strain
2. Loss Balance / Personal Control
3. Other / Unknown
4. Pushed or Pulled
Attached Images:
1. Top 10 new work-related claims, by industry
2. New Work-Related ACC Claims in Road Freight Transport
Source: Created by Transporting New Zealand using ACC data – https://www.transporting.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ACC-Transport-Industry-Data.xlsx
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion. 
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Consumer NZ – Price it right: Consumer NZ launches campaign to stop misleading supermarket pricing

Source: Consumer NZ

A new petition calls for a mandatory supermarket pricing accuracy code, automatic compensation and tougher penalties.

Consumer NZ has launched a new campaign – Price it right – calling on the government to crack down on misleading supermarket pricing practices that are costing shoppers tens of millions of dollars a year across Aotearoa.

The consumer watchdog is urging the introduction of a mandatory supermarket pricing accuracy code, with clear rules, meaningful penalties and automatic compensation for consumers when supermarkets get it wrong.

“We’re asking the government to step in and deal with misleading supermarket pricing,” said Jon Duffy, Consumer NZ chief executive.  

“Too often, shoppers are charged more at the check-out than what’s shown on the shelf, or they’re misled in some other way. While pricing errors may seem minor on an individual basis, they add up when multiplied across the population. This isn’t OK, particularly at a time when people are struggling to pay their bills.”

Recent Consumer research found that 62% of New Zealanders noticed pricing errors at the supermarket over the past year.

“This isn’t just the occasional mistake – it’s an ongoing systemic problem that’s adding to the pain people are feeling at the check-out with food prices that are already too high,” said Duffy.

Thanks to hundreds of complaints shared by consumers, Consumer filed a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission in 2023. That led to criminal charges being laid against Woolworths NZ and two Pak’nSave stores for misleading pricing. But the problem persists.

“It’s already illegal for businesses to mislead consumers about prices, but the current law is not forcing supermarkets to up their game. They have had plenty of chances to fix this. The time for talk is over. It’s time for stronger rules with real consequences,” said Duffy.  

Consumer’s Price it right campaign is calling for:

  • a mandatory supermarket pricing accuracy code with clear pricing rules 
  • automatic compensation when shoppers are overcharged – such as receiving the item free if the scanned price is higher than the shelf price, there is a special that doesn’t offer a genuine saving or the unit pricing is incorrect  
  • clear disclosure of consumer rights in store and online 
  • tougher penalties and infringement notice powers, like those used in Australia, to deter misleading pricing and promotions. 

“We’re not asking for much – just fair and accurate pricing that consumers can trust,” said Duffy. “It’s a simple step that would make a real difference.”

What you can do
Consumer is asking New Zealanders to sign its petition and demand that the government take urgent action. Minister for economic growth Nicola Willis says she’s considering introducing tougher penalties for supermarkets that breach the Fair Trading Act and other changes to ensure shoppers are not misled by pricing. Signing the petition will show your support for these moves.  

Sign the petition: Tell the government to ‘price it right’
“It’s time supermarkets were held to account. By signing and sharing the petition, you’re helping stop misleading supermarket pricing and pushing for real change.” (ref. https://consumernz.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fkkjkyk-ijjdkdttjk-j/ )

 

Note:

Visit consumer.org.nz to view the campaign

 

About Consumer

Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

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Advocacy – Peters fails again – time for real action on Occupied Gaza – PSNA

Source:  Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says New Zealand’s signature on a joint statement of 25 countries on Gaza is meaningless without concrete action.

 

PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says Peters’ statements in the media this morning, fall well short of the condemnation in the joint statement, and are what Minto calls the usual ducking the issue of Israeli culpability.

 

“Peters still can’t bring himself to criticise Israel in Gaza – even after 21 months of mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians.  He condemns a suffering situation, but carefully avoids stating who it causing it.”

 

Minto says there is an extensive list of actions the government must take if it’s serious.

 

“I’m sure the Israeli ambassador in Wellington is happily reporting to his ministry in Tel Aviv that the New Zealand government is still tolerating mass starvation, bombing civilians and ethnic cleansing.” Minto says.

 

“If the New Zealand government was serious, it would implement this list”:

 

1.       Back the call from UN Special Rapporteur for the OPT, Francesca Albanese, for military protection for aid convoys to enter Gaza.

2.       Close the Israeli embassy in Wellington

3.       End trade and investment ties with Israel

  1. Deny entry visas for all Israeli Defence Forces personnel

5.       Introduce legislation to sanction Israel the same as the Russia Sanctions Act

6.       Cease approval for Rakon to export crystal oscillators which may be used by the Israeli military for targeting Gaza and other Israeli assault zones

7.       Ban all Rocket Lab launches of satellites used for Israeli reconnaissance over Gaza

8.       Suspend all bilateral agreements with Israel; movie co-production, overflight agreement and technological cooperation

9.       Stop remittances going to Israel, such as funds for the racist Jewish National Fund

10.   Cut scientific, academic, sport and cultural ties with the State of Israel

11.   Sell all New Zealand’s Superfund investments in Israeli companies

12.   Vote to suspend Israeli membership of the United Nations for not withdrawing from all the Occupied Palestinian Territory

13.   Cease approving Israeli munitions transporter ZIM Shipping using our ports

14.   Join the case against Israeli genocide in the International Court of Justice

15.   Sign onto the Hague Group of countries working to ensure Israel complies with International Law  https://thehaguegroup.org/home/

 

 

John Minto

Co-Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

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Advocacy – Nicola Willis urged to step in now to get Kiwi food aid to Gaza – PSNZ

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

PSNA is urging the government to step in and require Paypal to refund money it refuses to pass on starving families in Occupied Gaza.

 

Paypal has been freezing accounts which send money to Occupied Gaza – the latest being the account of Wellington-based writer “Emily Writes” who has posted about her sickening experiences here.

 

“Paypal is happy to provide backup to Israel’s genocide by ensuring food is only available through the Israeli military which is using it to ethnically cleanse starving Palestinians from the north to the south of the Occupied Gaza strip” says PSNA Co-Chair John Minto.

 

“Using food aid like this is a war crime and we are asking Minister of Finance Nicola Willis to step in and demand Paypal allow kiwis to donate to starving families in Gaza”

 

“Low and middle-income New Zealanders kiwis are naturally generous but Paypal is not only freezing these accounts but are refusing to refund the money.”

 

“The New Zealand government has refused to condemn Israel’s mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians but they can insist money from New Zealanders wanting to help is not frozen for six months while Israel’s war on humanity continues”

 

We are waiting to hear back from the minister.

 

John Minto 

Co-Chair PSNA

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Economy – Current Economic Decline driven by Constrained Liquidity – Trend Analysis Network

Source: Trend Analysis Network

New Zealand’s economy is showing signs of strain, and a growing body of evidence points to liquidity shortages and over manipulated interest rates as key culprits.
While global macroeconomic policies and domestic shifts play some part, the Reserve Bank’s aggressive interest rate strategy may have overcorrected, leaving the economy with limited liquidity.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) raised the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from a pandemic low of 0.25% to a peak of 5.5%.
This high rate was intended to tame inflation. Trend Analysis research demonstrated in 2023 that the inflationary measures were based on an over reliance of CPI (consumer price index) as a core indicator.
Research showed that prior to the GFC, CPI and other inflationary measures were effectively identifying real inflation. However, post COVID the macro-economy environment changed and most markets proactively began to hide inflationary indicators.
Prices had increased while goods delivered, the type and level of services, and manufactured products supplied to consumers saw substantive reductions in volume, scope, size, and quality. This hid core components of inflationary pressures.
Moreover, we noted in our earlier release “RBNZ Potential Catalyst Of New Inflationary Cycle” that although indexed inflation had cooled in some areas, debt based inflation was rapidly growing and the over tightening had unintended consequences.
Liquidity in financial markets has significantly declined, with investors and banks showing reduced appetite for risk and tightly managed credit extension.New research indicates that there is a lack of liquidity in the New Zealand economy. This liquidity crunch is not theoretical as it is playing out in the housing market.
Despite a significant drop in home prices since the pandemic peak, affordability remains elusive. In lower-cost regions, new homes (priced below national averages) require mortgage repayments that exceed reasonable thresholds for most households.
Even with large deposits, the 30-year mortgage repayments remain burdensome, especially as interest rates hover well above pre-pandemic norms. Such mortgage repayments based on current interest rates do not make financial sense to most potential buyers.
Additionally, we find that housing inventory is now rising at an unsustainable rate. There are over 36,000 properties for sale nationwide. Yet buyers remain hesitant because borrowing costs are remain so prohibitive.
This disconnect between price correction and repayment feasibility underscores the deeper issue: monetary policy has potentially throttled liquidity to the point of economic stagnation.
New Zealand’s economic decline appears to be a result of not merely a cyclical but a structural decline.
The over-manipulation of interest rates has drained liquidity, stifled investment, and distorted housing affordability. Moreover, it has induced a debt based inflation. One substantive example are regional councils that adjusted rates increases to compensate for increased borrowing costs reflected in the high interest rates.
Until monetary policy recalibrates to support sustainable growth, the economy will remain in a downward loop of suppressed demand due to constrained liquidity.
Trend Analysis Network is a think tank based in New Zealand created to identify and publish analytical results of future tr

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Health – ProCare welcomes announcement of new Waikato medical school as a commitment to strengthening primary care workforce

Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, warmly welcomes the announcement from Health Minister Simeon Brown and Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti that Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new medical school at the University of Waikato.

While the school won’t open until 2028, the announcement includes a strong focus on primary care and rural health which is much needed.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive of ProCare says: “With around 50% of GPs due to retire in the next 10 years this is a significant and timely investment in New Zealand’s healthcare workforce. The decision to prioritise primary care and rural health in the new Waikato Medical School aligns closely with the needs of our communities and the future of general practice.

“This is more than ‘just’ a new medical school – it’s a long-term investment in the health and wellbeing of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. We commend the Government for listening to the sector and taking decisive action,” continues Norwell.

The graduate-entry programme will add 120 new doctor training places annually, helping to address the growing shortage of GPs and primary care clinicians across the motu.

“General practices are already feeling the strain of being able to meet increasing patient demand – especially in our rural and underserved communities. This announcement is a proactive step toward ensuring continuity of care and equitable access to health services,” says Norwell.

“This is a pivotal moment which will help reshape the pipeline of medical education. By creating more flexible pathways into medicine and embedding primary care at the heart of training, we can attract a more diverse and community-focused cohort of future doctors,” Norwell adds.

The announcement also complements recent expansions in nursing, pharmacy, and midwifery programmes at the University of Waikato, reinforcing a holistic approach to workforce development.

“It is unclear at this early stage exactly how the four-year degree programme will focus specifically on primary care, but we look forward to working collaboratively with the University and the Government to help support clinical placements of those graduates and ensure that students gain meaningful experience in general practice settings,” concludes Norwell.

About ProCare

ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 830,000 people across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz