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Prime Minister must act on Van Velden’s ERA interference – PSA

Source: PSA

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon must take action on Minister for Workplace Relations Brooke Van Velden's political interference in the Employment Relations Authority, says the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
The call follows media reports today that Attorney-General Judith Collins spoke with Van Velden after the Minister said her four new appointees to the Authority should offer smaller awards to workers and criticised current members for being too generous to wronged workers.
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said it is significant that the Attorney-General has intervened, but given Van Velden's inadequate response the Prime Minister must now act to uphold Ministerial standards and restore faith in the Employment Relations Authority.
“Brooke Van Velden’s political interference in the Employment Relations Authority is corrosive to the rule of law and undermines workers' rights to a fair hearing.
“Judith Collins KC is a senior lawyer and would recognise that the comments were totally inappropriate. However, the Minister's response today is inadequate – she has not admitted she was wrong or apologised.
“Today, the PSA has written to the Prime Minister outlining our concerns. The Minister's comments breach the Cabinet Manual's requirements that Ministers respect the independence of statutory bodies.
“The Prime Minister must send a clear message about the standards he expects of his Ministers and make clear that the Employment Relations Authority will follow the law, not the political whims of Ministers,” Fitzsimons said.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health and community groups.
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Environment – Palm kernel imports skyrocketing as climate crisis worsens – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is revealing that new data provided by Stats NZ shows that palm kernel imports for the first six months of 2025 are higher than they have been at any point in the last ten years. Greenpeace says this continues to undermine the ‘grass-fed’ claims made by Fonterra and other New Zealand meat and dairy companies.
Greenpeace spokesperson Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says “This is a massive increase in the intensive dairy industry’s use of palm kernel, and it’s no doubt leading to an increase in associated deforestation overseas.”
“Due to worsening and more frequent adverse weather events, New Zealand dairy cows are eating more palm kernel than ever before. The dairy industry is the leading driver of climate change in New Zealand – so unless Fonterra and the intensive dairy industry clean up their act, we are going to see this trend continue.”
Earlier this year, parts of New Zealand were struck by the worst drought in 40 years, which Greenpeace says likely contributed to the increased demand for imported feed.
Palm kernel is a supplementary feed for dairy cows that comes from deforested areas across Southeast Asia. New Zealand is the world's biggest importer of the feed, importing almost 2 million tonnes of it every year.
The Stats NZ data indicates that for the first six months of 2025, palm kernel imports were up 40% compared to the same time period for 2024.
Deighton-O’Flynn says, “The New Zealand dairy industry led by Fonterra charges a premium for “grass-fed” products – this is completely incompatible with the fact that its cows are eating palm kernel that comes from areas that were once lush rainforests in Southeast Asia.
“It’s clear that Fonterra’s dairy is anything but grass-fed. There are simply too many cows in New Zealand, and there isn’t enough grass to feed them all, so the industry relies on cheap, dirty products like palm kernel.”
Palm kernel has been the subject of significant controversy due to links to rainforest destruction in Southeast Asia. Earlier this year, an Indonesian Government document revealed that all five of the companies bringing palm kernel into New Zealand were linked to illegal operations in Indonesia.
Additionally, a report by Rainforest Action Network showed that Fonterra’s main palm kernel supplier – Agrifeeds – was linked to illegal operation in the protected rainforest ecosystem highlighted in David Attenborough’s The Secret Lives of Orangutans.
Data available on the Stats NZ website at https://infoshare.stats.govt.nz/ using Harmonised System code 230660
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New Zealand’s tyre recycling scheme celebrates 1st anniversary Nearly 4 million tyres recovered for recycling

Source: Tyrewise

1 September 2025 – Tyrewise, Aotearoa New Zealand’s first regulated product stewardship scheme for tyres, is celebrating its first year of operation with nearly 4 million end-of-life tyres collected for recycling or repurposing into other useful products and over 5,000 registered partners across the country.

“Tyrewise isn’t just New Zealand’s first regulated product stewardship scheme, it’s also the most successful product stewardship scheme in the country to date,” says Adele Rose, CEO of 3R Group, Tyrewise Scheme Managers.

The scheme has surpassed its targets for tyres collected and processed into tyre-derived materials since it began operating on 1 September last year, Adele says. “That’s encouraging, as it has a target of 80% of tyres recycled and repurposed into other useful products within Aotearoa New Zealand by its fourth year, and over 90% by its sixth year.”

As part of the strategy to develop end markets and support the domestic economy, expressions of interest in funding were recently invited. This attracted over 60 applications across research and development, emerging markets, and community development categories.

“It’s exciting to see such an interest in the fund. A major goal of Tyrewise is to help develop innovative, high-value onshore uses and unlock the value in the circular economy for end-of-life tyres. Tyres are going from being a waste stream to a resource which creates jobs and adds value to the New Zealand economy, rather than being illegally dumped, stockpiled or landfilled,” Adele says.

Mark Gilbert, Chair of Auto Stewardship New Zealand, which governs the Tyrewise scheme, says the success of the scheme comes down in large part to its registered partners. “Those registered partners, the importers, retailers, tyre fitters, transporters, recyclers and public collection sites make up the scheme. Without them doing the mahi, what we have achieved so far wouldn’t be possible, and we thank them for their work thus far and look forward to continuing the momentum,” Mark says.

Tyrewise operates a nationwide collection and recycling system, funded through a Tyre Stewardship Fee which is charged on all new tyres sold in the New Zealand market, replacing previous ad hoc disposal fees.  Critically, this has removed the impact of free riders who don’t participate under a voluntary scheme.

It means members of the tyre industry around the country have access to a collection service through a network of registered partner transporters, with retailers retaining end of life tyres from customers for collection. Members of the public can also dispose of up to five tyres at a time for free at public collection sites around the motu.

About Tyrewise

Tyrewise is Aotearoa’s first regulated product stewardship scheme. It minimises the environmental impacts of end-of-life tyres by working with the whole tyre industry to ensure tyres are collected from registered partners so they can be recycled and repurposed into other useful products.  

The scheme is accredited by the Ministry for the Environment, and is operated by Auto Stewardship New Zealand, a not-for-profit trust which acts as the Product Stewardship Organisation. It is funded by the tyre stewardship fee charged on imported tyres.

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Asia NZ Foundation – Mekong Dialogue offers a timely forum for enhancing regional stability and cooperation

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono, in partnership with Thailand’s Institute of Security and International Studies (ISIS Thailand) will convene the Mekong Dialogue in Vientiane, Laos from 3-5 September, as part of the Foundation’s Track II programme.
The Foundation’s chief executive Suzannah Jessep will lead the New Zealand delegation, which includes senior foreign relations, trade, defence and climate change specialists.
“The Mekong region stands at a critical crossroads. Geopolitical rivalry, rising protectionism, and weakening multilateralism are reshaping the region’s economic, political and security environment. Extreme weather events, natural disasters and resource pressures are adding further complexity,” says Jessep.
“At the same time, Myanmar’s civil conflict, alongside pressing transnational challenges such as trafficking, demand thoughtful, collective responses,” she adds.
The Dialogue is being held in person for the first time since 2019, after a pause during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jessep says bringing people back together in person allows relationships to deepen in a way that only face-to-face engagement can achieve. Resuming these dialogues is an opportunity to build on the progress made before the pandemic and ensure cooperation across the region continues to grow stronger.
The delegation will join their regional counterparts in discussions on geopolitical rivalry, the role of ASEAN, the implications of Myanmar’s ongoing crisis, Thai-Cambodia border tensions and broader regional cooperation.
“The Dialogue is an important opportunity for scholars, policymakers and practitioners from both the Mekong region and New Zealand to come together, discuss shared challenges and generate actionable insights and recommendations for governments and regional organisations,” says Jessep.
In addition to the dialogue in Laos, the New Zealand delegation will spend a day in Bangkok participating in local speaking events and holding meetings with a range of experts, officials and other senior contacts.
The Foundation’s director of research and engagement, Dr Julia Macdonald, says: “This is a timely trip, particularly in light of recent events in the region. It provides us with a first-hand view of both the challenges and opportunities, and the chance to share those insights back home when we return.”
Delegation includes:
  • Suzannah Jessep – chief executive, Asia New Zealand Foundation
  • Dr Tracey Epps – trade law specialist
  • Dr Julia Macdonald – director of research and engagement, Asia New Zealand Foundation
  • John McKinnon – chair, New Zealand China Council
  • Mike Swain – visiting fellow, Centre for Strategic Studies, Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.
  • Simon Watt – barrister and specialist in climate change and sustainability law
Track II Programme
The Foundation's Track II programme supports informal diplomacy with thinktanks in Asia on issues and challenges facing the region. Our 'informal diplomacy' dialogues mostly have an international relations focus – with agendas touching on political, security, economy and trade. Some dialogues may have specific themes relating to other areas of shared interest – such as environment, climate change, energy or social issues, for example.
Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia insights and experiences. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia, by providing research, insights and targeted opportunities to grow their knowledge, connections and experiences across the Asia region. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports.
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Weather News – Meteorological spring has arrived – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 1st – Friday 5th August – Winter wrapped up with some of the harshest winds recorded in August.

Southerly winds are ushering in cooler air, leading to frosty mornings in places.

Severe gale southwesterly winds are expected for Stewart Island today, where a Strong Wind Warning has been issued.  

Strong Wind Watches are in place for Hawke’s Bay (south of Hastings), the Tararua District, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland (south of Gore), and the Chatham Islands.  

Road Snowfall Warnings are in effect for Arthur's Pass (SH73), Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road, and Milford Road (SH94) over the next two days.

Today’s weather:
The start of meteorological spring brings calmer, more settled conditions to the North Island, with mostly light showers and plenty of sunshine in the east. In contrast, the South Island woke to cloudier skies and showers, some heavy with thunderstorms and gusts up to 90 km/h on the West Coast, as a cold front moved up the island.
That front will sweep quickly up the country, followed by a second front that will prolong rain and snowfall in the South Island. Cooler southerlies trailing behind will drop overnight lows, leading to widespread frosts.
 
Looking ahead:
By midweek, a high-pressure system will bring more settled conditions nationwide. However, the West Coast of the South Island will continue to see rain, possibly heavy at times, persisting into Thursday, while the rest of the country stays mostly settled.
The week ahead looks mostly calm with plenty of sunshine, aside from a few light showers this evening and possibly again Tuesday afternoon.
MetService Meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube says, “This is good news for participants and supporters at the Zespri AIMS Games, which runs through to Friday 5 September in Tauranga Moana.”
 
Watches & Warnings (next two days):

Strong Wind Warning – Stewart Island: 11am – 6pm Monday, 1 Sept

Strong Wind Watch – Hawke's Bay (south of Hastings) & Tararua District: 11am – midnight, Monday 1 Sept

 Strong Wind Watch – Dunedin, Clutha, Southland (south of Gore): 1pm – 8pm, Monday 1 Sept

Strong Wind Watch – Chatham Islands: 5am – 10 am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Road Snowfall Warning – Arthur's Pass (SH73): Midnight Monday – 10am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Road Snowfall Warning – Lindis Pass (SH8): 6am – 8am Tuesday, 2 Sept

 Road Snowfall Warning – Crown Range Road: Midnight Monday – 9am Tuesday, 2 Sept

 Road Snowfall Warning – Milford Road (SH94): 10pm Monday – 9am Tuesday, 2 Sept

Expect possible damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at http://bit.ly/metservicenz
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Business – Open Country Acquires Miraka

Source: Open Country

Open Country announced it has finalised a deal to acquire 100% of Miraka Limited (Miraka).

Open Country CEO Mark de Lautour said the opportunity to purchase Miraka happened quickly and made sense for the business.

“We have admired the Miraka location and milk supply network for a long period given it sits nicely between our Whanganui and Waikato operations.  While we are still completing our recent Mataura Valley Milk acquisition, we were immediately interested when the opportunity came along to look at Miraka.

“We really believe that our 100% NZ-owned company culture, strong customer relationships and scale makes this a good, strategic fit.  The shareholders of both Miraka and Open Country believe the deal provides clear benefits for the combined business.” 

Open Country currently operates four dairy ingredient manufacturing sites around New Zealand, located in Horotiu, Waharoa, Whanganui and Awarua.  It will soon add a fifth site, Mataura Valley Milk near Gore, once its conditional acquisition agreement with current shareholders is finalised.

De Lautour said the acquisition of Miraka bolsters Open Country’s footprint across the Central North Island.

“If you look at where our plants are based, we already have a very strong presence in northern Waikato and Taranaki/Manawatu.  Adding Miraka, which is geographically located in the middle of these two areas, gives us a solid footprint into the southern Waikato.

“Over time, the ideal geographic position of Miraka means Open Country can optimise our milk collection across the wider region.  Our increased scale throughout the Central North Island allows us to realise some important efficiencies.”

Founded in 2010, Miraka became operational with its first batch of milk powder exports in August 2011 and has grown its production to around 300 million litres of milk per year.

Miraka will continue to operate under its current name and brand in the market, and all milk supply contracts remain in place.

“Even though the Miraka team will operate under its own brand, we will work hard to ensure their suppliers and staff feel a part of the wider Open Country team.”

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PSA condemns Pharmac move to dismantle Te Tiriti policy and Māori protections

Source: PSA

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi opposes Pharmac’s in-principle decision to remove its Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy, saying it would be a clear breach of legal obligations, a rollback of Māori protections, and a continuation of structural harm to Māori staff and health equity.
“Pharmac’s decision in principle to completely wipe out its Te Tiriti policy is yet another example of this Government pursuing ideology to the detriment of some of our most disadvantaged communities,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi acting Kaihautū Māori, Marcia Puru, says.
“The Policy gives Pharmac a structure around how it can be an active partner in Te Tiriti. Removing it would make the agency less responsive and accountable to improving Māori health equity.
“It would undermine the Māori experts and voices within Pharmac, clearly telling kaimahi that improving Māori health outcomes is no longer a priority.”
Māori Directorate dismantled
Earlier this year, Pharmac disestablished its entire Māori Directorate, dissolving its internal leadership structure for Māori health equity.
These changes left Māori staff without dedicated leadership, a clear strategy or a culturally safe internal framework.
The in-principal removal of Te Tiriti Policy now compounds this harm effectively wiping out Te Tiriti accountabilities across the organisation.
“This wasn’t just a restructure, it was a dismantling of Māori-decision making power and a silencing of Māori expertise within Pharmac,” Puru says.
The Pharmac Board justified its decision in principle to remove the policy “in light of current Government direction”, citing the Healthy Futures (Pae Ora) Amendment Bill.
Pharmac is a Crown agent and is legally bound to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, give effect to section 7 of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022, and honour Māori-Crown relationships under the Public Service Act 2022 (ss 14-17).
Removing the Te Tiriti policy without consultation or engagement puts the agency at risk of non-compliance with these statutory obligations.
“It is reckless and pre-emptive to scrap a Māori equity framework while legislation is still under review. Pharmac is sending a dangerous message that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is optional.
“This decision is a dangerous precedent to set for a government agency who has a lot of power over the health of New Zealanders.
“But unfortunately, this is far from the first time this Government has removed specialist teams and told the public service to focus on ‘need, not race’ – a completely false directive that ignores the lived experience of Māori.”
The PSA says that removing Te Tiriti Policy also impacts upon staff. The union’s collective agreement includes cultural safety provisions for kaimahi Māori.
“The removal of Te Tiriti policy would weaken protections and support for Māori staff members. Losing those cultural safety provisions would be an unacceptable, and huge, step down for kaimahi.
“We stand with our Māori members. This is not just about one policy, this is about dismantling the very structures that protect Māori health, rights and leadership. We will not allow Te Tiriti o Waitangi to be undermined by political direction or agency silence.”
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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BusinessNZ – Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum to convene in Canberra

Source: BusinessNZ

The 16th Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) will be held on Tuesday 2 September and Wednesday 3 September in Canberra, Australia. The ANZLF is a dynamic bilateral platform that unites senior public and private sector Australian and New Zealand leadership to discuss, debate, and provide actionable insights to both governments. It focuses on key policy issues to drive economic growth, and strengthen long-term prosperity, security, and resilience for both nations.
Under the theme “Navigating a turbulent world: Enhancing Trans-Tasman prosperity, security, and resilience,” the two-day forum will hold a welcome reception featuring a session on “Trade in a Fragmenting World: Trans-Tasman Strategy in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape.” Panelists will include Senator Hon Don Farrell, Australian Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Hon Todd McClay, New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment.
The forum aims to address how Australia and New Zealand can navigate rising geopolitical tensions while reinforcing their shared economic cooperation. Discussions will explore how strategic alignment, trade facilitation, and regional engagement can strengthen supply chains, protect market access, and enhance economic resilience.
On Wednesday 3 September, the ANZLF welcomes Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers, New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis, New Zealand Minister for Climate Change Simon Watts, and New Zealand Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk. The forum will include plenaries on key areas of trans-Tasman cooperation, including:
  • Aligning for Impact: Productivity, Economic Growth and Trans-Tasman Competitiveness
  • Integrated Capability: Deepening Trans-Tasman Defence Industry Cooperation
  • Building a Seamless Trans-Tasman Digital Economy: Strategic Alignment for Regional Competitiveness
  • Trans-Tasman Climate Cooperation for Economic Growth and Industrial Transformation
The Forum will conclude with the ANZLF Leaders’ Dinner, with the Honourable Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia, as the guest of honour.
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Consumer NZ welcomes $2.25 million fine against Jetstar

Source: Consumer NZ

A fine handed to Jetstar for misleading passengers about their rights is one of the largest penalties issued under New Zealand’s Fair Trading Act.

“This is a landmark case. A $2.25 million penalty sends a clear message that airlines cannot mislead passengers and expect to get away with it,” says Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy.

The fine follows a Commerce Commission investigation triggered by numerous complaints, including one put forward by Consumer in October 2022. Jetstar admitted to multiple breaches of the Fair Trading Act after misleading passengers about what they were entitled to when flights were delayed or cancelled for reasons within the airline’s control.

According to the commission, Jetstar misled tens of thousands of consumers about their rights to compensation under the Civil Aviation Act 2023 and their rights to make a claim in the first place.

“This wasn’t just poor service. These were embedded practices that left people out of pocket when the law actually offered them protection,” says Duffy. “Passengers often didn’t know their rights and were actively misled by this conduct.”

Under the Civil Aviation Act, travellers have clear rights when delays or cancellations are within an airline’s control. But currently, airlines are not required to tell passengers about those entitlements. Consumer has long called for this to change.

We met with associate transport minister James Meager last month and urged him to recommend regulations that would require airlines to communicate passengers’ rights clearly. He could do this easily and quickly under existing powers in the Civil Aviation Act.

“We need rules that protect travellers and ensure fair treatment. Without that, airlines profit from passengers’ confusion. There should be no place for that kind of behaviour in a competitive aviation market,” says Duffy.

We acknowledge Jetstar has improved its service since the complaint was filed. The airline has engaged with Consumer and the Commerce Commission, sought advice on complaints, improved communication with passengers and committed to putting things right for affected passengers. As a result, we have noticed a significant reduction in the number of complaints we receive about Jetstar.

“Jetstar has made changes and, in doing so, has shown that, when held accountable, airlines can lift their game. This outcome sets a higher standard for the whole industry and reinforces the fact that doing right by passengers is good for business,” says Duffy.

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Energy sector – Conference to tackle energy hardship and build resilience returns for 3rd year

Source: Ara Ake

The Energy Resilience and Affordability Conference will return on 8-9 October 2025 at the Harbourside Function Centre, Wellington, bringing together leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand’s energy, community and research sectors.
The two-day event will focus on addressing energy hardship while highlighting innovative, community-led energy solutions already making a difference on the ground.
“Energy resilience is a national priority, and one that’s central to Ara Ake. We’re pleased to return to Wellington with this important conference,” says Jonathan Young, Ara Ake Head of Industry and Government Engagement.
This year’s conference theme explores how regional projects, partnerships, and innovations can deliver sustainable, community-led energy solutions and promote energy affordability across New Zealand.
“Rising energy costs and poor-quality housing are challenges many New Zealanders face, affecting their physical and mental health as well as financial stability. We want to provide an opportunity for experts in the community, energy, research, and Government sectors to develop partnerships that can deliver large-scale programmes that supports local energy resilience and eliminates energy hardship,” says Gareth Cartwright, Community Energy Network Executive Officer.
Keynote and speakers
The conference features a keynote address from Dr Amanda Cahill, founder and CEO of The Next Economy. With more than two decades of experience in economic development, public health, gender equality, and climate adaptation across Australia, Asia and the Pacific, Dr Cahill is an influential voice on regional energy transitions.
Other speakers include:
  • Cameron Bagrie, Economist
  • Luke Blincoe, CEO, Supa Energy
  • Marcos Pelenur, CE, EECA (Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority)
  • Mike Casey, CEO, Rewiring Aotearoa
  • Sarah Gillies, Chief Executive, Electricity Authority
“The conference aims to build a shared understanding of how regional and community energy frameworks can support an affordable, fair transition for whānau facing energy hardship, while fostering collaboration between energy providers and community groups for better outcomes,” says Paul Scouller, WISE Charitable Trust General Manager.
The conference is sponsored by Powerco, Nova Energy, Daikin, EECA, and the Electricity Authority, and co-hosted by Ara Ake, WISE Charitable Trust and Community Energy Network.
Formerly called the Reducing Energy Hardship Conference, the 2-day event attracts around 200 attendees. This year, a free 3-hour workshop will be offered on the day prior to the conference and will cover the basics of the energy sector. The workshop is available to book when registering for tickets, but numbers are limited.
Registration is now open and the programme is available here: https://www.araake.co.nz/event/energy-resilience-conference
Details: 8-9 October 2025 (pre-workshop on 7 October from 1pm-4pm) Harbourside Function Centre Wellington