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Employment Matters – Te Puni Kōkiri backdown on restructure a huge win for PSA

Source: PSA

Māori development agency Te Puni Kōkiri has backed down on its latest restructure, in response to the filing of legal proceedings by the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
While there will be minor changes to position descriptions and reporting lines, no workers at Te Puni Kōkiri will lose their jobs. The original proposal would have seen 27 kaimahi lose their jobs.
“We are thrilled for workers at Te Puni Kōkiri who are no longer facing the prospect of job losses and the hardships of unemployment,” said PSA Te Kaihautū Māori Jack McDonald.
“This is a significant victory for our PSA members at Te Puni Kōkiri and shows the power we have as union members when we take collective action.
“We filed legal action in the Employment Relations Authority because Te Puni Kōkiri did not comply with the consultation clause of the collective agreement.
“Our focus throughout this process has been to protect the jobs and livelihoods of our members and as such we have withdrawn the legal proceedings.
“This outcome sends a strong message to other agencies which is that they must uphold the rights of workers and comply with its obligations under collective agreements.
“Given ongoing budget cuts, there will no doubt be further restructuring across the public service. We will do everything we can to protect the livelihoods of public servants and their whānau.
“Māori public servants are being targeted by this Government – kaupapa Māori and Te Tiriti-focused roles and teams across agencies are being decimated. We are doing everything we can to resist this racist agenda in support of the workers who get up every day to keep this country running.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Defence News – RNZAF P-8A Poseidon spots missing vessels for two successful Pacific rescues

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon has successfully located eight people on two missing boats in the Pacific.

The aircraft was flying to Fiji to refuel, while en route to a Kiribati search and rescue earlier this week, when Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre asked them to conduct the additional search for a small craft in Fijian waters.

On discovering the vessel, the aircraft crew passed on its location and the Republic of Fiji Navy Ship (RFNS) Savenaca was able to rescue five people on board.

Acting Air Component Commander Group Captain Brett Clayton says the quick response to the diversion request and successful rescue was a credit to the aircraft crew, the RFNS Savenaca ship’s company and Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre.

“Thanks to the professionalism and readiness of the personnel involved in the air, on the sea and on land, the sailors on this vessel will make it home to their families.”  

The P-8A Poseidon and crew resumed the search for the missing small Kiribati boat, with three on board, which they were able to locate.

The fishers had got into trouble with an engine issue on Wednesday.

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Tourism pioneer AJ Hackett Bungy NZ prepares to launch new world-first experience

Source: Scope Communications

Tourism pioneer AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand is set to launch the world’s highest lift-and-descent ride at Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower this month.

SkyRide is a new 192-metre high vertical adventure experience that lifts customers up the outside of the Sky Tower before delivering a high-speed, controlled descent back to ground level. The lift portion of the experience sees customers ascend at approximately six metres per second – faster than the tower’s internal lifts – reaching the observation deck in about 90 seconds.
 
The introduction of a new multi-mode ride system – designed in-house by AJHBNZ’s experienced design team in partnership with specialist engineers – means that the existing SkyJump is also in line for a significant upgrade. The multi-mode system now offers customers a range of ways to experience a heart-pumping descent from NZ’s tallest building:

SkyRide: From ground-level at the corner of Auckland’s Victoria and Federal Streets, customers are lifted to the top of the tower before experiencing an exhilarating vertical drop ride, 192m high. This will become the world’s highest lift-and-descent ride and can be experienced as a single or tandem option.

SkyJump: Starting at 192m, riders are suspended in a sitting position off the edge of the Sky Tower before being released in a controlled descent at speeds up to 100km/h down to ground level. SkyJump can now be experienced as a single or tandem ride.

The new experiences will complement the existing SkyWalk – AJHBNZ’s hugely popular walk around the outer edge of the Sky Tower, 192m above ground.
 
The new multi-mode system will be certified and inspected by WorkSafe under the Amusement Device Regulations for New Zealand, and over the coming days, passers-by will see more testing of the rides beforeAJHBNZ opens SkyRide officially on Friday, June 26.
 
AJHBNZ co-founder and managing director Henry van Asch says SkyRide reflects the company’s continued focus on pushing boundaries while making iconic structures more engaging for visitors.
 
“SkyRide is a world-first for the height it reaches and continues our mission to redefine what’s possible in vertical adventure experiences,” he explains. “It offers a completely new way for locals and visitors to experience Auckland’s most recognisable landmark.”
 
Designed to appeal to a wide range of adventurers, SkyRide is expected to attract Aucklanders looking for a new challenge, domestic visitors, and international tourists seeking a standout urban adventure. The experience further strengthens Auckland’s position as a must‑visit destination for adventure tourism.
 
About AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand

Ever since it was launched with a buzz by AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch back in 1988, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has been in the business of fuelling people with courage and adrenaline. The world’s first commercial bungy operation opened at the Kawarau Bridge in November 1988 and AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand has remained committed to levelling up the exhilaration across Aotearoa, with bungy, zipride, swing, catapult, SkyWalk, SkyJump and bridge climb across Queenstown, Taupō and Auckland.
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Arts Grants – $25,000 CLNZ NZSA Writers’ Award 2026 OPENS

Source: CLNZ | NZSA

The CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award of $25,000 is one of the highest value non-fiction prizes in New Zealand literature and it is now open for applications.

He $25,000 te nui o te Karāti Kaituhi o te CLNZ me te NZSA, te karāti mātua mo ngā pakimaero-pono o ngā momo-tuhinga o Aotearoa. Ka taea e ngā Kaituhi te tuku tono mō tēnei karāti.

  • Awards $25,000 cash grant to a New Zealand writer
  • Assists with research and associated costs
  • Is one of the highest value prizes awarded for non-fiction in New Zealand 
  • Is open now for entries.

The award was established to provide financial support for writers wishing to devote time to a specific project, and to cover reasonable research expenses relating to it. Writers with work in a broad range of non-fiction genres, including educational works, can apply.

In 2025 the CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award was won by Vincent O’Malley for a project about Māori land loss since 1840.

O’Malley says he had a clear idea of the kind of book he wanted to write but was unsure how he could make it a reality without funding.

“Receiving the CLNZ/NZSA Writers’ Award meant I could launch headlong into the work, and it’s all come together from there,” he says.

The book is now expected to be published by Bridget Williams Books next year and O’Malley says everyone is very excited about the shape the work is taking.

“None of it would have been possible without the Writers’ Award,” he says.

Throughout its history the CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award has supported the creation of many outstanding books by local authors, including:

  • Rebecca Macfie's Helen Kelly: Her Life  (Awa Press), a biography of one of New Zealand’s political legends
  • Nic Low's Uprising: Walking the Southern Alps of New Zealand (Text)
  • Nick Bollinger's Ockham award-winning book Jumping Sundays: The Rise and Fall of the Counterculture in Aotearoa / New Zealand  (AUP)
  • Iona Winter’s creative non-fiction project, A counter of moons (Steele Roberts)
  • Jade Kake’s Rewi: Āta haere, kia tere (Massey University Press), a tribute to the late architect Rewi Thompson.

Want to Apply?

First: Read the CLNZ | NZSA Writers’ Award Guidelines: https://us.list-manage.com/1BYM8Iov0Nq?e=466373ae7c&c2id=0262e346be96b3cfb3b6ac8cf3509050

Then: Fill in the CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award Application Form: https://us.list-manage.com/xgsXanm2AvM?e=466373ae7c&c2id=0262e346be96b3cfb3b6ac8cf3509050

All non-fiction writers are encouraged to consider applying for the award and applications across the full range of non-fiction genres are welcome. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. It is the clear intention of the CLNZ | NZSA Writers' Award that a book will be published as a result of being a recipient of the award.

Applications must be completed online by 4pm on Friday 17 July 2026.

 Unsuccessful applicants will be advised before recipients are announced. Successful recipients will be contacted directly, and we will also publish the announcement on the CLNZ and NZSA websites and via social media.

The CLNZ | NZSA Writers’ Award is made possible through Copyright Licensing New Zealand’s Cultural Fund. The Cultural Fund’s objectives are to protect writers and publishers’ ability to earn revenue from their works; support the creation and production of new works and assist the commercial success of New Zealand works; and grow the number of works created and skills in the industry.

NZSA is proud to be administering the awards in 2026.

Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) plays a key role in making creative rights valuable assets for all New Zealanders, be they rightsholders like authors, publishers and artists, or users such as educators, students and businesses. CLNZ provides licences to help make copying, scanning and sharing printed works easy and legal.

New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) was established in 1934 and is the principal organisation representing writers’ interests in NZ. A national office oversees 8 branches and hubs, administers prizes and awards, runs professional development programmes, advocates for the sector and to raise the visibility of NZ writers and NZ writing. It works in partnership with Ngā Kaituhi Māori and its developing Youth writer’s network.

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NZ Compare – Is this the easiest household bill to cut before the winter bills kick in?

Source: NZ Compare

Site visitor traffic on Broadband Compare (https://www.broadbandcompare.co.nz/) surged nearly three times (174.3% growth week on week) following recent price rise announcements from major NZ telcos.
– Kiwi consumers could save between $100 to $400 a year by reviewing their broadband plan.
– Switching broadband providers is one of the quickest ways to reduce an ongoing household bill.
“With fuel prices sky high, power bills increasing over winter and grocery prices still climbing, switching broadband provider is one of the easiest ways Kiwis can reduce household expenses.”
That's the message from NZ Compare (https://www.nzcompare.com/) as a growing number of broadband providers announce price increases across New Zealand.
Recent announcements from Spark (https://www.spark.co.nz/online/legal/price-increase) will see some customers paying between $2 and $13 more per month depending on their plan, while budget brand Skinny has also confirmed a $3 monthly increase for many customers.
According to NZ Compare CEO Gavin Male, many households are unaware that they may be paying significantly more than necessary for their broadband connection, but he is heartened to see some Kiwis doing something about it. Website traffic on Broadband Compare (https://www.broadbandcompare.co.nz/) jumped 174.3% over the last couple of days following the price increase announcements.
“Broadband is one of those bills that people often set and forget. The reality is that the largest providers are frequently among the most expensive in the market, and many customers could save substantial amounts simply by shopping around and switching providers.”
Male says switching fibre broadband providers today is far easier than many consumers realise.
“People still remember the early days of fibre installs when a technician needed to visit the property, cables were installed and the process could be disruptive. That's simply not the case when you're switching from one fibre provider to another.”
“In most cases there are no technician visits required, no changes to equipment inside the home, and little to no downtime during the changeover. The new provider handles the transfer process and customers are more often than not, connected seamlessly.”
NZ Compare (https://www.nzcompare.com/) estimates that households can save anywhere from $100 to $400 per year by moving to a more competitively priced broadband provider, or changing their plan to a slower speed, which is more suitable for their needs.
“At a time when families are feeling pressure from rising grocery bills, higher electricity costs and increased fuel prices, an extra few hundred dollars a year can make a real difference to the household budget.”
Male says consumers should also carefully review any recent email notifications from their current provider.
“If your broadband provider has increased prices since you signed up, they've changed the terms under which you originally agreed to the service. In many cases customers are able to leave without paying early termination fees or penalties because the provider has varied the agreement.”
“Consumers shouldn't assume they're trapped. If you've received a price rise notice, it's worth checking your provider's terms and exploring what's available elsewhere.”
NZ Compare is encouraging Kiwis to spend just a few minutes reviewing their broadband bill and comparing plans.
“Broadband is now an essential household service, but that doesn't mean you should accept paying more than necessary. Comparing providers takes only a few minutes and switching is often surprisingly simple.”
“With so many household costs increasing, broadband is one area where consumers still have real power to vote with their feet. If customers don't shop around, providers have little incentive to keep prices competitive. The good news is that changing providers has never been easier.”
About NZ Compare: 
 NZ Compare ( www.nzcompare.com) operates a suite of comparison websites to help Kiwis make a fully informed choice on all their purchases, covering everything from Broadband to Power, Mobile phones to dishwashers. NZ Compare sites are free to use and are visited by over 300,000 Kiwis every month.
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Advocacy – PSNA takes police failure to prosecute tyre-slasher to the IPCA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa yesterday complained to the Independent Police Conduct Authority, (IPCA).

PSNA has requested the agency investigate a second police decision not to prosecute a pro-Israeli supporter for slashing two tyres on a Palestine supporter’s car in Raglan in mid-April.

The Police Commissioner Richard Chambers last week agreed to have police look at an initial decision, according to PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi.

“But yesterday’s response, was that the police were sticking to their original decision not to prosecute the Auckland businessman, despite the man admitting he did slash the tyres.”

“All that was going to happen, was that he would appear before a local diversion committee.  This for an act that could have easily led to the driver having an accident with tragic consequences.”

“We are shocked at this.  If the situation were reversed, and a pro-Israel supporter had their tyres slashed, the police, the news media and politicians would all be in a frenzy claiming it as a violent, antisemitic attack which endangered Jewish lives.”

“The police pattern we see is to quickly prosecute Palestine protesters, but a great reluctance to prosecute the increasing frequent angry Israel supporters, or when they do, to under-resource the prosecution case.”

Tamimi said the double standard was exemplified by the case of five Palestine supporters charged by police for wilful damage last year.

“They were putting small stickers on the window of a central city business.  It was the mildest of gestures against a genocide.  But here an Israeli supporter slashes tyres and gets a free pass”

“We have been deeply concerned about the obvious pro-Israeli, anti-Palestinian bias at some, though fortunately not all, police levels,” Tamimi says.

“We met with senior police in Wellington earlier this year to get police to take this seriously and they assured us there was no bias”

“Now they tell us it is ‘not in the public interest’ to charge the tyre slasher. That doesn’t make sense because the price of that decision is to undermine public confidence in the police to do their job without fear or favour.”

Rinad Tamimi
National Spokesperson PSNA

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Northland News – Small patch of exotic Caulerpa detected and treated in Whangārei Harbour

Source: Northland Regional Council

A small patch of invasive exotic Caulerpa seaweed has been detected and treated at Smugglers Bay near the entrance to Whangārei Harbour.
The roughly one-metre-wide patch was discovered by Northland Regional Council (NRC) divers undertaking marine surveillance alongside the Department of Conservation.
The seaweed has now been confirmed as exotic Caulerpa, an invasive species already present in parts of the Bay of Islands.
NRC Chair of the Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, Councillor Jack Craw, said the early detection highlights the importance of ongoing biosecurity work and having an in-house dive team.
“This is exactly why we invest in marine biosecurity surveillance, including maintaining our own dive capability. Early detection gives us the best possible chance to respond quickly and prevent spread.”
NRC immediately implemented a rapid response, treating the affected area using a benthic mat with chlorine applied underneath, an established method for small infestations.
“Our teams acted quickly to contain and treat the site using proven methods. Taking a cautious approach is critical with Caulerpa, which can spread from even very small fragments,” says Councillor Craw.
Follow-up dive surveys of the surrounding area have not identified any further Caulerpa. However, additional surveillance will continue as a precaution.
Councillor Craw say the detection reinforces the importance of vigilance.
“We know Caulerpa doesn’t move long distances on its own. This is most likely human-assisted spread, which highlights how important it is that everyone using our coastal waters plays their part.”
NRC’s Coastal Central Councillor Cr Macdonald says the swift action should reassure the community.
“It’s encouraging to see such a fast and coordinated response. Protecting our harbour is a shared responsibility, and simple steps from boaties and fishers can make a real difference.”
Exotic Caulerpa can be spread when fragments are carried on anchors, chains, or fishing and dive gear.
Boaties, fishers and divers are urged to:
  • Check anchors, chains and equipment before leaving a site
  • Remove any seaweed and secure it so it cannot return to the water
  • Dispose of it in a rubbish bin on land.
Anyone who thinks they have seen exotic Caulerpa is urged to report it immediately to Biosecurity New Zealand by calling 0800 80 99 66 or by completing the online reporting form at report.mpi.govt.nz
NRC is working closely with Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI), the Department of Conservation, local hapū and iwi on ongoing surveillance and response planning.
Councillor Craw said monitoring would remain a priority.
“We will continue working closely with our partners to maintain surveillance in the area and take any further action needed to protect Northland’s marine environment.” 
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Appointments – Tracey Martin appointed to Global Ageing Network Board

Source: Aged Care Association

The Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association New Zealand (ACA), Tracey Martin, has been appointed to the Board of the Global Ageing Network, joining international leaders working to shape the future of ageing and care services globally.
The appointment was confirmed this week following a unanimous vote of the Global Ageing Network Board. Tracey fills an existing Board vacancy and will commence her role immediately.
The Global Ageing Network is an international organisation that connects leaders, providers, researchers and organisations across the ageing and long-term care sector to improve outcomes and quality of life for older people worldwide. Founded in 1994, the Network works across education, policy, innovation and global knowledge exchange and brings together expertise from across the care continuum.
Tracey Martin said the appointment reflects growing international recognition that countries are confronting many of the same challenges and opportunities as populations age.
“New Zealand is not alone. Across the world, countries are asking the same questions about how we support people to age well, how we fund care sustainably, how we strengthen the workforce, and how we continue to deliver dignity, choice and quality.”
“I am honoured to join the Global Ageing Network Board and to contribute a New Zealand perspective to those conversations while bringing international thinking and innovation back into our own sector.”
Martin said New Zealand has important lessons to contribute, particularly around integrated health and aged care services, rural and regional service delivery, and ensuring older people continue to receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
“This appointment is not simply about representation. It is an opportunity to strengthen international relationships, learn from global practice, and ensure New Zealand remains connected to emerging ideas and solutions that support older people and those who care for them.”
As Chief Executive of ACA, Martin leads the national peak body representing aged residential care providers across New Zealand and has been actively advocating for long-term reform to ensure aged care remains sustainable, accessible and recognised as an essential part of the health system.
Global Ageing Network’s mission is to connect and support care and service providers internationally to enhance quality of life for older people, while creating opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen practice and influence policy settings across ageing services globally.
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Business – Fonterra announces leadership structure changes

Source: Fonterra Co-operative Group

Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd has today announced permanent changes to its leadership structure, following the interim appointments announced in April 2026.
 
CEO Richard Allen says the Co-op is evolving from a channel-led to a market-led leadership structure to accelerate progress on strategic delivery and value growth.
 
“Our channel-led approach has served us well in establishing momentum in our B2B focused strategy, and the time is right to now make this market-led shift.
 
“With the divestment of Mainland Group complete, this structure will deliver our next era of customer-led growth and innovation across our global Ingredients and Foodservice channels.
 
“Through our new leadership structure, we’ll have a single point of sales accountability in each market for both Ingredients and Foodservice performance, supported by a global growth and strategy team tasked with ensuring our farmers’ milk accesses the highest value demand globally, both now and into the future,” says Mr Allen.
 
The new appointments are:

  • Teh-han Chow, CEO Greater China – accountable for leading Fonterra’s Ingredients and Foodservice businesses across Greater China.
  • Gaby Amade, President Global Markets – accountable for leading our Ingredients and Foodservice businesses in Oceania, Americas, Southeast Asia, Japan, Middle East and Europe. 
  • Elisa Giusti, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer – accountable for developing integrated market, product and group strategies, portfolio optimisation, innovation and global new business development.

“Our strategy is unchanged and builds on the Co-op’s strong foundations. This reorganisation enhances our pace of delivery, focus and accountability,” says Mr Allen.
 
Elisa Giusti’s appointment is effective from 15 June, the remainder of the structure will take effect from 3 August 2026.
 
About Fonterra  

As a global B2B dairy provider, we go to market through our global Ingredients brand NZMP and global Foodservice brandAnchor Food Professionals. We provide high-quality products, valued for our dairy innovation and science expertise and New Zealand provenance, to customers in more than 100 countries around the world.

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Cultural vandalism: arts workers pay the price for Govt neglect of Creative NZ

Source: PSA

Creative New Zealand is proposing to cut a third of its workforce – 23 jobs – as part of a sweeping restructure that will fundamentally change how arts funding is delivered across the country, with workers and artists set to pay the price for chronic government underfunding.
Creative NZ is proposing to devolve significant funding responsibility to 16 regional partners from 2027, shifting to a national leadership and oversight role it claims will better meet the sector’s funding challenges. With no increase in government funding, it has told staff it needs ‘to reduce operating costs significantly for the future.’
“This is cultural vandalism. It’s hard proof of the poor choices this government is making. Arts workers and artists are paying because the Government chose to give landlords and tobacco companies billions in tax cuts instead,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
The proposal now in front of staff, comes hard on the heels of Dame Lynda Topp’s heartfelt plea at the Aotearoa Music Awards for the Government to properly support the arts. Just days after the death of her twin sister Dame Jools, she told Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith that New Zealand needed ‘a government that says the arts is more important than a defence budget.’
“Dame Lynda put into words what thousands of artists and arts workers know to be true.”
Budget 2026 cut Creative NZ’s government baseline funding by $1.3 million over four years. In total in Budget 2026, Vote Arts, Culture and Heritage was cut by $27 million over four years, with Defence given a $1.6 billion boost.
“The creative sector contributes around 4.2 percent of GDP. That tells you everything you need to know about the Government’s priorities.”
The proposal involves disestablishing or reducing dozens of roles, including specialists in Māori and Pacific arts, literature, music, theatre, dance, and visual arts.
“These are not back-office jobs. These are people with deep expertise and genuine relationships in the sector, who work alongside artists and arts organisations every day. Cutting them is a serious hollowing out of mana, trust and capability,” Fitzsimons said.
“Devolution done well can work. But with the arts sector in many regions already stretched this loss of expertise could end up undermining the very thing Creative NZ is trying to support, empowering stronger regional connections with local artists and cultural organisations.
“Bedding in a new system will be challenging with fewer staff who know their way around the arts system. Workloads will increase. Creative NZ doesn’t even know if there are enough regional partners capable of taking over distributing some $40 million of funding.
“Dame Lynda Topp was right. Artists and those who support them like those at Creative NZ deserve better. The PSA will be strongly opposing the cuts to roles in its submission to Creative NZ on the proposal.
“New Zealanders are defined by their culture and their art as Dame Lynda said so powerfully last week. We are all richer for it. The PSA calls on the Government to hear that message, and act on it.”
Background
28 May 2026 Vote Arts, Culture and Heritage factsheet, Budget 2026 (Manatu Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage)
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.