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Environment – Strong public support and global evidence back NZ First’s Container Return Scheme Bill

Source: Reloop Pacific

Wellington: The bottle bill proposal announced today by NZ First is strongly supported by New Zealanders and backed by extensive international evidence showing Container Return Schemes deliver major gains in recycling and litter reduction.

“The evidence is clear: container return schemes work and New Zealanders want one,” said Robert Kelman, Director Reloop Pacific. “This is a practical, well-tested policy that delivers real environmental and community benefits and we hope all New Zealand political parties back the legislation.”

Recent nationwide polling shows more than three-quarters of New Zealanders support a Container Return Scheme, with support cutting across all political parties, age groups and regions. Public backing is also strong worldwide. Surveys across more than a dozen countries show around 80% support for Container Return Schemes, with support often even higher where schemes are already operating. Support tends to grow once a scheme is up and running.

Countries with well-designed schemes routinely achieve return rates above 90%, including Germany (98%), Finland (99%) and Norway (92%). In Lithuania, return rates increased from 34% to around 90% within two years of their scheme's introduction. International experience shows container return schemes are one of the most effective recycling policies available.

New Zealand already has a co-designed, locally tailored draft scheme that has undergone extensive analysis and consultation. With more than 2.5 billion drink containers sold each year and many still ending up in landfill or litter, a Container Return Scheme represents a proven, popular solution to boost recycling and cut litter.

“New Zealand has the public support, the international proof points and a ready-made scheme design. What we need now is for Parliament to get on with it,” said Kelman.

Independent situation analysis and international evidence
https://www.reloopplatform.org/resources/policy-development-for-a-container-return-scheme-in-new-zealand-situation-analysis

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Education – CLNZ Announces New Scholarship for Young Writers – Applications Open Now

Source: Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (NZSA)

Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (NZSA) is proud to announce the launch of a significant new initiative for young writers: the CLNZ | NZSA Secondary School Leavers Scholarship.

Designed to nurture the next generation of New Zealand writers, this inaugural scholarship offers five grants of $2,000 each, split between the successful student and their school.

The scholarship aims to provide a foundation for students transitioning from secondary school to a tertiary arts degree.

  • Applications must be submitted through the student’s school; each school is invited to nominate up to two candidates
  • The nominated students will submit an original short story or work of fiction (500-2000 words)
  • Year 12 and 13 students planning to leave school at the end of 2026 and enrol in a Level 5 or above arts degree can be nominated.
  • Applications open 1 May 2026 and close 1 July 2026
  • The CLNZ | NZSA Secondary School Leavers Scholarship is available to students attending schools holding a current copyright licence with CLNZ. Check if your school is enrolled or needs to renew your licence at this link: Get Licensed | Copyright Licensing

For more information please visit the CLNZ website: CLNZ | NZSA Secondary School Leavers Scholarship: https://www.copyright.co.nz/cultural-fund/award-and-grant/clnz-nzsa-secondary-scholarship

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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Oxfam – Top CEO pay increased 20 times faster than workers’ pay in 2025

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

  • Global real worker pay fell 12 percent while real CEO pay surged 54 percent between 2019 and 2025
  • At least four CEOs of major corporations each pocketed over $100 million in pay and bonuses last year. Broadcom CEO Hock Tan led the pack at over $205 million.
  • Billionaires were paid $2,500 per second in dividends in 2025.
  • The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and Oxfam are calling for urgent action to rein in extreme wealth, including higher, fairer taxes on the richest and binding limits on CEO pay.
‘Workers’ wages have fallen behind the cost of living in Aotearoa, as they have around the world, at the same time as the bosses of our biggest companies gave themselves huge raises’ said Nick Henry, Advocacy and Policy Lead at Oxfam Aotearoa.
“The economy is being rigged against working people and it’s about time we tilted the balance back toward fair pay.”
Across Aotearoa, Workers’ pay declined by 1.3% in real terms from 2024 to 2025, while the top CEOs increased their pay by 45%.
Chief executives of the world’s largest corporations enjoyed a 11 percent real-terms pay hike last year, while the average global worker saw real wages increase by just 0.5 percent, reveals new analysis by the ITUC and Oxfam ahead of International Workers’ Day (1 May).
The analysis covers the top-paying 1,500 corporations across 33 countries which have reported CEO pay for 2025. The average CEO pocketed $8.4 million in pay and bonuses last year, up from $7.6 million in 2024. It would take the average global worker 490 years to earn the same amount.
So far, four corporations, including Blackstone, Broadcom and Goldman Sachs, have reported paying their CEO more than $100 million in 2025. The top 10 highest-paid CEOs collectively made over $1 billion.
The gender pay gap for the workforce across these 1,500 corporations averages 16 percent, meaning that these women workers effectively work for free from 4 November each year.
The growing chasm between CEO compensation and average worker pay is part of a long-term trend in which executives and shareholders are capturing an ever-larger slice of the global economic pie.
Global real wages for workers have fallen by 12 percent since 2019. This means they have effectively worked 108 days for free between 2019 and 2025 (31 days for free last year alone). Meanwhile, CEO pay has skyrocketed -from an average of $5.5 million in 2019 to $8.4 million in 2025, a 54 percent increase in real terms.
The ITUC and Oxfam’s analysis of shareholdings reveals that the super-rich are receiving significant payouts from the corporations they control. Nearly 1,000 billionaires whose investment portfolios were identified collectively received $79 billion in dividends in 2025 -equivalent to $2,500 per second.
The average billionaire made more in dividends in less than two hours than the average worker earned in pay in an entire year.
Some of the largest payouts in 2025 went to Bernard Arnault, owner of luxury brand LVMH, who pocketed $3.8 billion and Amancio Ortega, owner of Inditex (Zara), who received $3.7 billion.
Payouts from corporations are often funneled into undermining workers’ rights and democracy.
  • Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, has used his wealth to become a major stakeholder in Paramount, which was purchased by his son’s company and includes major broadcast networks CBS.
  • In France, far-right billionaire Vincent Bolloré now controls CNews, and has rebranded it as the French equivalent of Fox News.
  • In 2024, Oxfam filed a formal UN complaint against Amazon and Walmart’s systematic human rights violations. Amazon and Walmart’s outsized wealth and power in the economy have enabled them to clamp down on unionization efforts and collective organizing.
Billionaires are also leveraging their wealth to buy political influence. A global survey found that half of people believe “the rich often buy elections” in their countries. Oxfam estimates that billionaires are 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than ordinary people. Many super-rich politicians have sought to erode workers’ rights, cut public services, and deliver tax cuts to the richest.
“This analysis exposes the billionaire coup against democracy, and its costs for working people. Companies promise us a virtuous cycle, but what we see is a vicious cycle led by mega corporations -they undermine collective bargaining and social dialogue while billionaire CEOs capture the wealth created by productivity gains. The super-rich then use enormous resources to fund anti-democratic political projects,” said ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle.
“These projects shift the blame for growing inequality onto marginalized groups, such as migrants, women and minorities in order to distract from the true culprits: their rich benefactors. They divide working people while dismantling and undermining democratic institutions and promoting policies that allow the super-rich to become even richer, at the expense of workers’ rights, safety and livelihoods. They attack democratic organizations like unions and block any avenues for popular reform, ensuring that the vicious anti-worker cycle continues.”
Billionaire wealth has reached record highs in 2026. In just 12 months, they have gained $4 trillion -bringing their wealth to $1.5 trillion more than that of the poorest 4.1 billion people combined. There are 400 more billionaires compared to last year, and 45 of these new billionaires have made their fortunes in artificial intelligence.
“We can’t continue to let a handful of super-rich people siphon off the rewards of work that belong to millions. Governments must cap CEO pay, fairly tax the super-rich and ensure minimum wages at the very least keep pace with inflation and ensure a dignified living. And workers must be able to exercise, without fear or obstruction, their rights to organize, to strike, and to bargain collectively. They are the ones who generate society’s wealth; they should be able to claim, as a matter of justice, what they are due,” said Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar.
“These measures can do far more than redistribute income; they can create economies that reward work, invest in communities, and hold powerful interests accountable. This is how we turn a system rigged for the few into one that works for everyone.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
New Zealand CEO pay increased 45% in real terms in the year to December 2025 (for the 21 CEOs in the NZX50 for whom data was available).
New Zealand Workers' pay declined 1.3% in real terms in the year to December 2025 (comparing Labour Cost Index to Consumer Price Index).
Download the ITUC and Oxfam’s media briefing and methodology note for more information, tables and graphs.
The World Values Survey Wave 7 found that half of people believe “the rich often buy elections” in their countries.: https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSDocumentationWV7.jsp
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Israel Attacks Flotilla – Israeli forces illegally attack peaceful humanitarian flotilla – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Last night, Israeli forces attacked the peaceful civilian-led Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza.
More than 20 vessels were illegally boarded and harassed in international waters, 600 nautical miles from Gaza, by Israeli forces, who have detained 175 flotilla participants.
Greenpeace, whose ship the Arctic Sunrise is sailing with flotilla, providing technical and operational maritime support, has written to the Foreign Minister Winston Peter this morning, urging him to immediately condemn the attack and demand the immediate release of people abducted by Israeli military last night, including New Zealand citizens.
The governments of Italy and Turkey have already issued formal statements of condemnation regarding the interceptions and detentions.
“Blocking aid and targeting those who attempt to deliver it are violations of international humanitarian law,” says Executive Director of Greenpeace Aotearoa, Russel Norman.
“Greenpeace stands in solidarity with the people of Gaza and with the many brave individuals risking their freedom and safety aboard the flotilla. Humanitarian assistance must be respected and protected at all times and at all costs.
“The New Zealand Government must take concrete and immediate action to help end the genocide being inflicted by Israel on the people of Gaza. We continue to call on the Coalition Government to place immediate sanctions on Israel and take action to uphold international law.”
The Israeli government continues to enforce a full blockade by land and sea of aid and food from international organisations.
Greenpeace Aotearoa also called on the Foreign Minister this morning to demand that UN Member States provide guarantees for the safety of the flotilla in their endeavors to create a humanitarian corridor and take immediate action to support and protect the flotilla vessels currently sailing towards ports in Crete.
The organisation continues to call on the Coalition Government to bring in strong and comprehensive sanctions on Israel, similar to those imposed on Russia.
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Northland News – Community events focus on coastal hazards and restoration

Source: Northland Regional Council

JOINT RELEASE: NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL, WHANGAREI DISTRICT COUNCIL, FAR NORTH DISTRICT COUNCIL
Coastal communities in Whangārei Heads and Doubtless Bay are invited to join the conversation about the coastal issues facing them in two free public events to be held this month.
The events, dubbed ‘Coastal Conversations’, will be held from 5pm to 7:30pm at McLeod Bay Hall in Whangārei Heads on Wednesday 27 May and Taipa Beach Resort on Thursday 28 May.
Coastal Scientist, Jim Dahm, and local presenters will look at how our coastlines are changing, and what we can do to adapt and thrive.
Mr Dahm is one of New Zealand’s leading experts on coastal processes and practical nature-based solutions to adapt to coastal hazards. An applied coastal scientist and practitioner based in Thames, he has been involved in the assessment and management of coastal hazards, including adaptation strategies, coastal restoration, and the design and implementation of nature-based coastal solutions, around the country for over 35 years.
Coastal Conversations events are a chance for people to learn more about coastal erosion and sea-level rise, working with nature to protect our coastlines and beaches, what councils are doing about coastal erosion, and where to go for advice if they are concerned or have questions about coastal issues.
There will be a mixture of formal presentations and a chance to mingle, chat, check out displays, and learn about some of the mahi being championed by local communities to restore the coastal environment.
Joint Climate Change Adaptation Committee Chair, Kelly Stratford, says the events are a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, connect with others in the community, and hear from experts in coastal processes and hazards.
“Coastal Conversations brings councils and communities together to share practical information about what’s happening along our coast and what it means locally. It’s about combining expert advice with local knowledge and mātauranga Māori, asking questions, and learning from each other as we navigate the changing taiao, and what comes next,” she says.
The events are free, but registration is encouraged.
To register for the McLeod Bay event, visit www.wdc.govt.nz/events
To register for the Taipa event, visit www.nrc.govt.nz/coastalconvo
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Climate News – Earth Sciences New Zealand Seasonal Climate Outlook May-July 2026

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Seasonal Climate Outlook for May to July 2026 is attached.
Highlights
-Temperatures are expected to be about average for the time of year, with some areas below average. We’ll need to watch for cold snaps and frosts when high pressure sticks around.
-Overall rainfall is leaning to be potentially lower than normal for most, but it’s likely the impacts of dryness won’t be apparent until later in the season.
-The tropical Pacific continues to progress towards El Niño. There’s about a 65% chance these conditions will form during this period and peak in summer 2026-27. El Niño can have wide impacts (see https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/our-forecasters-winter-2026-may-see-start-formidable-el-nino-event).
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Health – GenPro launches confidential buy-and-sell service for general practice

Source: GenPro

GenPro has launched a new confidential matching service, Hononga, to support and sustain independent ownership of general practices across New Zealand.

GenPro’s Deputy Chair, Dr Stephanie Taylor, says the service is designed to help GPs buy into or grow their ownership.

“It also supports existing owners to exit or reduce their involvement without having to sell to large corporate groups or primary health organisations,” she says.

“Independent ownership helps to keep doctors embedded in their communities over the long term and supports continuity of care,” says Dr Taylor.

“Hononga will help ensure community-based practices remain locally owned and sustainable into the future.”

Hononga—te reo Māori for ‘connection’ or ‘link’—comes at a time when increasing numbers of practices are being sold to large privately-owned or publicly-listed corporate entities. Dr Taylor estimates that around one in five general practices are now corporately owned, a significant rise in recent years.

“Practice owners considering selling can feel their only option is a corporate buyer,” she says. “Hononga creates a pathway to connect with like-minded GPs who want to invest in an independent practice in a local community.”
Dr Taylor says the service offers a confidential alternative to traditional sales methods such as advertising in industry publications.

“Advertising a sale can be challenging, particularly in smaller communities where owners may wish to avoid uncertainty for patients and staff. Hononga allows for discreet, structured engagement.”

Hononga has already generated strong interest. Eight sellers—primarily planning retirement or reduced working hours—and five buyers, including those seeking to expand, have registered already.

“While no transactions have yet been completed, the service is already providing valuable insights into market demand and the needs of both buyers and sellers,” says Dr Taylor.
GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

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May Day: Union warns against fuel crisis opportunism by employers

Source: Workers First Union

Workers First Union members, who are attending May Day events around the country today, are warning that employers and Government are seeking to exploit the fuel crisis caused by the US-Israeli attacks on Iran to promote austerity and attacks on workers’ rights.
Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary, said Aotearoa New Zealand would suffer in the long term if employers and Government used the cost of living crisis to “get rid” of workers and push for lower wages and worse employment conditions during collective bargaining.
“What we’re seeing in workplaces is that employers have been emboldened by the right-wing coalition and are bargaining with austerity and wage depression in mind,” said Mr Maga.
“Workers are dealing with the existing cost of living crisis while struggling to pay their fuel bills just to get to their jobs, and employers are milking the geopolitical issues for all they’re worth.”
“The solution to the crisis and the growing exodus of workers to Australia is higher wages and better working conditions, not austerity and more Government attacks on our rights at work.”
Elizabeth Hadfield, a senior operator at an Auckland distribution centre, will be speaking at the South Auckland May Day event today. She said workers needed more than the “bare minimum” that companies offered based on the Government’s guidelines.
“If a company gives the minimum to workers, they should expect the minimum in return,” said Ms Hadfield. “A good employer listens to workers, understands when they’re struggling, and helps them.”
“We work to live, not live to work. We don’t want to grind our lives away and still struggle to feed our families with the twenty dollars that’s left over after paying your bills.”
“I’ve been in jobs where I cried and cried, tried to work harder, expecting the minimum and just about coping with it. But it’s not right, and not everyone can do that. Companies need you as much as you need them – there is no company without their workers.”
“I go to May Day because it’s about time that workers understood their worth and felt encouraged to know they aren’t the only ones in this situation. Community matters, and we are powerful together – we can be heard.”
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Property Market – The mini-upturn may not last long – Cotality

Source: Cotality

Property values across Aotearoa New Zealand edged up by 0.1% in April, the third monthly rise in a row, despite a soft start to the year for sales volumes and the breakout of the Iran conflict.

Cotality NZ’s latest Home Value Index (HVI) shows the national median value in April of $809,101 was 0.6% higher than three months ago in January, albeit still 16.8% below the peak from January 2022 ($972,643).

Across the main centres, Ōtepoti Dunedin rose by 0.8% in April, with Ōtautahi Christchurch and Tauranga both seeing a 0.4% increase, while Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s figure was 0.3%. Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland both remained more sluggish, with minor -0.1% falls.

Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson said that April’s small lift in national property values comes as a slight surprise, but also that it’s very modest in the context of the weakness over the past four years or so.

“We’ve now seen property values edge higher for three months in a row, despite the sluggish start in 2026 for sales volumes, listings still elevated, the Iran conflict emerging, mortgage rates gradually rising, and economic indicators worsening.”

“Given all of that, it’s quite surprising property values have crept up on average.  Although that being said, it’s not universal in every area, with key centres such as Auckland and Wellington still looking pretty soft.”

“In addition, we’ve been here before, with small upturns at the start of both 2024 and 2025 eventually going into reverse.”

“With Iran-related uncertainty currently very high, it would hardly be a surprise to see that pattern repeat in the next 3-6 months either.”

“The bottom line is that the housing market broadly remains in a holding pattern, with buyers enjoying current conditions – or at least those that are secure in their jobs.”

“We all have to wait and see how the Iran situation evolves and make the best decisions as we go. But in an environment where an OCR rise seems likely sooner rather than later, although the economy is also turning, it’s difficult to envisage anything other than another sluggish year for the housing market in 2026.”

Index results for April 2026
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
-0.1%
0.2%
-3.0%
-22.9%
$1,049,650
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
0.3%
1.1%
-1.5%
-12.0%
$740,213
Tauranga
0.4%
0.7%
2.0%
-14.5%
$932,335
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*
-0.1%
0.0%
-1.1%
-25.0%
$780,504
Ōtautahi Christchurch
0.4%
1.7%
3.0%
-1.6%
$706,245
Ōtepoti Dunedin
0.8%
2.2%
3.1%
-8.8%
$633,632
Aotearoa New Zealand
0.1%
0.6%
-0.8%
-16.8%
$809,101

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Once again Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s broadly flat result overall in April reflected variability beneath the surface. Papakura and North Shore both edged up by 0.1%, while Rodney and Manukau were flat. But Franklin dipped by -0.1%, Auckland City by -0.2%, and Waitakere by -0.4%.

Waitakere and Franklin have also been weaker over the three-month period since January (down by -0.9% and -0.8% respectively), while Rodney has been stable, and each of the other sub-markets have risen by 0.4% to 0.6%.

Mr Davidson said, “there have been hints that property values in some parts of Auckland may have started to turn a corner in the first few months of 2026.”

“But the data remains patchy, and the bigger picture is that values across the board are still lower than a year ago, with only North Shore’s decline from the peak currently sitting at less than 20%.”

“The improvement in Auckland’s housing affordability may set the scene for a pick-up in value growth in the medium-term. But for now, it remains a purchaser’s market, and first home buyers alongside smaller investors continue to enjoy conditions.”

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Variability in property values was also on show in the wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area in April, with Kāpiti Coast edging up by 0.1% and Porirua holding steady. But Wellington City dipped slightly, as did Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt (-0.2%) and Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt (-0.3%).

Mirroring the trend in Auckland, Wellington has shown some hints of growth to start the year, but values remain lower than 12 months ago and significantly below the peak.

Mr Davidson noted, “Wellington is still among the weakest areas of the country in terms of property value falls in the past four to five years, which is benefitting purchasers right now. In particular, first home buyers are running at market shares greater than 35%.”

“This apparent window of opportunity may not be there forever, but with economic and election uncertainty looking likely to linger for a while yet, Wellington’s property values may not move much this year at least.”


 
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Kāpiti Coast
0.1%
1.3%
-2.3%
-22.0%
$788,483
Porirua
0.0%
1.0%
-2.0%
-23.6%
$777,311
Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt
-0.3%
-0.3%
-1.1%
-24.6%
$717,832
Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt
-0.2%
-0.6%
-2.8%
-26.8%
$659,051
Wellington City
-0.1%
0.0%
-0.2%
-24.6%
$876,178
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
-0.1%
0.0%
-1.1%
-25.0%
$780,504

Regional results

April’s data showed a soft result for Heretaunga Hastings (down by -1.0%), while Ngāmotu New Plymouth had a subtle -0.1% fall. Meanwhile, the remaining main urban areas saw values rise in April, ranging between 0.2% to 0.6%, while Whangārei was a little stronger again at 0.9%.

Most of these key areas outside the main centres have also seen values rise from a year ago, although Heretaunga Hastings and Ngāmotu New Plymouth have remained a little more sluggish – and all apart from Invercargill are still below past peaks (albeit by less than 2% in Tāhuna Queenstown).

“It seems fairly clear that good growth lately in export industries, including agriculture and tourism, has been a factor behind higher levels of economic confidence and property market resilience in many regional areas.”

“But higher fuel and fertiliser prices are nevertheless squeezing profit margins and could start to take the shine off those regional economies as the next few months unfold. Given that, a re-emergence of some patchier property value figures could also be seen.”



 Region
Change in dwelling values
Month
Quarter
Annual
From peak
Median value
Heretaunga Hastings
-1.0%
-0.8%
-1.4%
-19.6%
$710,458
Ahuriri Napier
0.2%
-0.1%
-0.3%
-18.4%
$703,442
Te Papaioea Palmerston North
0.2%
-0.5%
1.3%
-18.2%
$605,835
Whangārei
0.9%
2.7%
0.4%
-17.5%
$731,430
Tairāwhiti Gisborne
0.6%
1.9%
4.0%
-13.4%
$606,102
Whakatū Nelson
0.2%
0.7%
-0.4%
-13.3%
$737,586
Rotorua
0.3%
0.0%
-0.2%
-12.1%
$640,221
Whanganui
0.2%
-0.3%
1.1%
-10.7%
$507,039
Ngāmotu New Plymouth
-0.1%
-0.1%
-1.4%
-6.4%
$696,367
Tāhuna Queenstown
0.4%
1.5%
3.3%
-1.9%
$1,577,842
Waihōpai Invercargill
0.5%
1.3%
5.8%
At peak
$521,702

Property market outlook

Looking ahead, Mr Davidson noted that the incoming inflation data and how the Reserve Bank perceives those figures will be all-important. Of course, the economy itself matters a lot, but the RBNZ’s sole target is keeping inflation low and stable.

“As the Bank has reiterated many times, they aren’t able to do much about the first-round inflation effects of higher fuel prices, while there are also limits to their control over subsequent higher transport charges through the supply chain.”

“But they’re watching closely for any signs of second-round price effects from the Iran conflict such as higher wage demands or raised inflation expectations. There’s even now a growing view that they may want to get ahead of the curve with an OCR rise as soon as July.”

“Either way, it would not be a surprise to see mortgage rates slowly heading upwards, and recent, modest house price increases flattening off or even going into reverse.”

“That won’t be good news for some, but first home buyers would be pleased. Investors looking to expand a portfolio may be looking at buying opportunities, but there are also some would-be rental purchasers sitting on the sidelines as they wait to see the result of November’s election and how property taxes might look thereafter.”

“All in all, the housing market has lifted a little to start the year, but winter could easily see a sideways or downwards trajectory for prices,” Mr Davidson concluded.

For more property news and insights, visit www.cotality.com/nz/insights

Notes:
The Cotality Hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) is calculated using a hedonic regression methodology that addresses the issue of compositional bias associated with median price and other measures. In simple terms, the index is calculated using recent sales data combined with information about the attributes of individual properties such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, land area and geographical context of the dwelling. By separating each property into its various formational and locational attributes, observed sales values for each property can be distinguished between those attributed to the property’s attributes and those resulting from changes in the underlying residential property market. Additionally, by understanding the value associated with each attribute of a given property, this methodology can be used to estimate the value of dwellings with known characteristics for which there is no recent sales price by observing the characteristics and sales prices of other dwellings which have recently transacted. It then follows that changes in the market value of the entire residential property stock can be accurately tracked through time.

The detailed ‘frequently asked questions’ and methodological information can be found at: https://www.cotality.com/nz/our-data/indices

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Master Plumbers welcomes new lead-free tapware rules for the public health benefits

Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers

New Zealanders can now have greater confidence that the tapware they buy is ‘lead-free’.
From the end of today ( 1 May 2026), all new tapware installed in Kiwi homes must contain no more than 0.25% lead-legally defined as ‘lead-free’. The previous limit was 4.5%.
Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace says the new lead-free rules bring New Zealand in line with the US and align with tightening regulations in Europe. Australia is also transitioning to lead-free plumbing products from the 2 May deadline.
“This is a significant public health benefit and comes after eight years of lobbying for change.
“In 2018, we commissioned independent testing of five taps sold in New Zealand, which found one product purchased online from an overseas retailer to have lead levels 70 percent higher than the acceptable limit,” says Mr Wallace.
A subsequent 2020 Massey University study also found a tap bought online to have lead concentrations 7.5 times higher than the limit.
He says Consumer NZ raised similar concerns in its 2025 test of budget tapware, which showed one kitchen tap from an online retailer to be well over acceptable lead levels.
“There is no safe level of exposure to lead, and babies and toddlers are at most risk from permanent harm, particularly to the brain and nervous system,” says Mr Wallace.
“Until now, the only safety prevention measure has been a recommendation on your water rates bill to flush a cup of water from your tap each morning to remove any metals that might have dissolved in the plumbing fittings overnight. That simply isn’t enough.
“New Zealand took lead out of paint in the 1980s and petrol in the 1990s-and Master Plumbers is extremely pleased to see it finally being taken out of plumbing products.”
Plumbers carry the liability for making sure that the tapware they install is lead-free.
Consumers are being advised to make sure any plumbing fixtures they purchase, including tapware, carry lead-free marking on the product or packaging.
“Master Plumbers has developed a lead-free mark under its Master Plumbers Recommended product scheme for reputable suppliers,” says Mr Wallace.
“Consumers can also look for manufacturers’ own labelling or the WaterMark Lead Free mark.”
He says Master Plumbers is now calling for a third-party verification scheme in New Zealand, similar to the mandatory Australian WaterMark programme.
“This would ensure all tapware sold in New Zealand is independently tested and certified.”
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 19 Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
About Masterlink:
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
About NZ Plumber:
NZ Plumber is the award-winning, bi-monthly magazine for New Zealand's plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers. It is owned by Master Plumbers.