MIL Email Publisher (NZ)

Source: Samsung Electronics New Zealand

Smart Switch Update that removes barriers that have traditionally made
switching smartphones feel difficult

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – August 2026 Samsung Electronics introduced its
latest Galaxy devices with One UI 9.0, it is making it even more
seamless for Kiwis to switch to Galaxy. The upgrade has been
specifically designed to remove the barriers people may face when
changing smartphones.

Buying a new smartphone is a big decision, but for years that choice has
been complicated by the switch itself. Transitioning to a new device can
be daunting, the worry your contacts, messages and apps would reappear
and worrying about whether your precious photos would all be transferred
over.

“Everyone should be free to upgrade their phone without worrying if they
will lose their personal data” says Jack Miller, Product Manager
Flagship Mobile, Samsung New Zealand.

“Choosing the right phone is a big decision, and historically, changing
ecosystem has been a big part of this decision. We've worked hard on
removing the barriers that have made switching feel like a hassle. Now,
you can bring everything from contacts, photos, messages and even your
eSim to Samsung from IOS without the need to install a separate app. We
are making it easier for Kiwis to find their perfect phone. Simply scan
a QR code and you can experience a Galaxy Device without starting over.”

Now switching is actually the easiest part.

Switching from iOS to a new Samsung is straightforward thanks to tools
like Smart Switch that automatically transfer your photos, contacts,
messages, and many apps. The process involves three main stages: data
transfer, app setup, and account configuration. Simply scan a QR code
and follow the simple and intuitive prompts to securely transfer all of
your supported data wirelessly without using a cable.¹

Your Samsung phone guides you through each step, showing transfer
progress and estimated completion time. Most people complete the basic
setup within an hour, though downloading all your apps and customising
settings takes additional time.

Smart Switch is now complimented with the new Airdrop functionality
through Quick Share¹, which now means that you have even more ability to
seamlessly bring over the content that matters most and stay connected
across devices.

Expanded wireless transfer support

Previously some data could only be transferred via a wired connection.
However, with One UI 9.0, secure wireless transfers now provide the same
supported data coverage as wired transfers, allowing more people to
complete the setup process wirelessly without compromising what they can
bring across.¹

By removing unnecessary steps and expanding wireless transfer
capabilities, Samsung is helping make the move to Galaxy more
straightforward.

Compatibility

The enhanced Smart Switch experience is available on compatible Galaxy
devices running One UI 9.0 or higher and supports transfers from
compatible Apple devices running iOS 26.6 or later and Android devices
running Android 17 or later. ¹

For more information about Smart Switch, visit Samsung Smart Switch.

¹ Transferable data may vary depending on the device OS (Android or
iOS), OS version, and/or connection option.

Check technical requirements for Smart Switch compatible devices from
the FAQ section.

Available connection option may vary depending on device OS,
manufacturer or availability of expandable storage.

Data transfer from iOS to Galaxy through the upgraded method is
available on devices running Android 17 or later, and iOS 26.6 or later,
excluding China mainland.

You can find the Smart Switch app on the Galaxy phone or tablet by
navigating to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, or going to
Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch.

If you have a large amount of data to transfer, a wired connection is
recommended because it is relatively faster. Make sure your devices are
properly charged beforehand since connecting to a charger is not
available during such transfer.

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

11 August 2026

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has today released a
consultation document on the introduction of a prudential levy. This
consultation is being undertaken on behalf of the Minister of Finance.
This initiative was announced as part of the Government's Budget 2026.

The announcement is a decision in principle to the levy's introduction.
The levy would apply to banks, non-bank deposit takers, insurers and
financial market infrastructures.

Section 296(1) of the RBNZ Act requires the Minister to ensure there has
been consultation with representatives of those who are liable to pay a
levy or be significantly affected by it, before recommending
regulations.

Consultation will run for ten weeks and covers:

• Proposing full cost recovery under the levy for all prudential costs
• The sectoral scope of the levy, and
• The method of calculating or ascertaining the amount of the levy paid by individual regulated entities.

Submissions are due by 5pm on 16 October. Final Cabinet decisions are
then expected in early 2027. We look forward to engaging with the
industry on these proposals.

MORE INFORMATION

Prudential levy consultation information: Prudential levy consultation information
Financial industry to bear the cost for regulation: Financial industry to bear the cost for regulation

Source: He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission

• Nationwide action to adapt is not keeping pace with growing climate risks, leaving Aotearoa New Zealand inadequately prepared.
• Two years after the Commission’s first independent assessment, too many of the key gaps it identified remain unresolved. Some positive action has occurred, but New Zealand is still not adapting at the pace and scale climate risks demand.
• Because progress has been too slow, the Commission has gone further this time, identifying six essential areas for urgent action and the Ministers responsible for driving progress.
• Without faster action, the country faces greater damage, disruption and costs as climate risks continue to grow.
• The next two years are a critical opportunity to close these gaps before the costs of delay become even greater. Better preparation can reduce future harm, disruption and costs while building a more resilient New Zealand.

<b>Progress isn’t keeping pace with growing climate risks</b>

He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission’s latest report finds that adaptation in New Zealand is still not keeping pace with growing climate risks. Two years after its first independent assessment, the Commission has found that while there has been some progress, persistent gaps in funding, governance, planning and climate-risk information continue. This leaves communities exposed to greater damage, disruption and costs.

“In 2024, our first progress assessment found that New Zealand’s adaptation system was still in its early stages, with many of the key building blocks still missing,” says Chief Executive Jo Hendy.

“Two years on, our second assessment finds progress in some areas, but overall action has been too slow, too uneven and too poorly coordinated. Too many of the key gaps identified in our first assessment remain unresolved. That’s why this report goes further, identifying six essential areas for urgent action and the ministers responsible for driving progress.”

“Preparing for climate change is complex and requires difficult decisions across all levels of government, communities, businesses and households. With growing climate risks, the pace of action and the scale of effort need to increase significantly to avoid greater damage, disruption and costs.”<b></b>

<b>Significant gaps remain</b>

The Commission found progress in some important areas, such as the proposed new requirement for local adaptation planning and action to strengthen councils’ ability to manage natural hazard risk for new developments, but many of the gaps identified in 2024 remain.

“The New Zealand Flood Map, for example, is a step in the right direction for improving climate-risk information – but its long-term value depends on more than simply creating the map. Information needs to be accurate, accessible, regularly updated and supported by clear guidance, strong governance and ongoing investment. And that same level of commitment will be needed to build robust information for other climate hazards.

“Our assessment finds that not enough progress is being made in key areas. For example, we assessed 11 barriers to effective adaptation in 2024. Since then, there has been meaningful progress on only three of them, while seven have seen no significant improvement and one has gone backwards.”

“Delays in decisions about funding and cost-sharing, gaps in governance and coordination, and a lack of clear tools and processes in key areas are holding up action and increasing costs. The time between assessment reports has only increased the gap between what is in place and what is needed.”

“Many communities, including local councils and iwi/Māori, are taking action but face barriers that need government action to overcome,” says Hendy.

<b>Six essential areas for urgent action</b>

The Commission has identified six essential areas where urgent action is needed.

“These six essential areas are the foundations of an effective adaptation system. They are not a pick-and-mix of recommendations and must be addressed together.”

“Urgent action is needed to clarify how adaptation will be funded, strengthen local adaptation planning, improve climate-risk information, embed adaptation in legislation and support iwi/Māori-led adaptation.”

“The next national adaptation plan must be a much stronger driver of action, but progress in these areas cannot wait. To accelerate adaptation at the pace and scale required, these foundations need to be in place before the next national adaptation plan.”

“Effective adaptation action requires leadership across Government. The Minister of Climate Change holds accountability for making progress in these areas, along with the Minister of Finance, Minister of Local Government, Minister Responsible for Resource Management Act Reform, Minister for Building and Construction, Minister for Infrastructure, and the Minister for Māori Development.”

<b>Delayed action increases costs</b>

“New Zealand is already paying for the impacts of climate change and other natural hazards,” says Hendy. “As we’ve seen this year, damaging storms are becoming more frequent and unpredictable, affecting homes, businesses, infrastructure and communities.

“Natural hazards, including climate change, are costing central government and insurers over $4 billion a year – and that’s just the direct costs. 97% of the central government’s spend has gone into response and recovery, while just 3% goes towards reducing future risk.

“Delaying action doesn’t avoid costs – it increases them, leading to higher recovery, rebuilding and disruption costs later. Investing now can reduce future harm and avoid larger costs later, with every $1 invested potentially delivering up to $10 in benefits.

“The next two years are a critical opportunity to close these gaps before the costs of delay grow even higher. The longer key gaps remain unresolved, the harder and more expensive it will be to protect communities, infrastructure and businesses from growing climate risks.”

&nbsp;

<h1>Notes to editors</h1>

<h2><span style=”font-size: 13px;”>The </span><a href=”2026 adaptation progress assessment” data-tracked=”1″ style=”font-size: 13px;”>2026 report is available on our website</a><span style=”font-size: 13px;”>, along with following summary resources:</span></h2>

• Executive summary – summary of our findings and recommendations, excerpted from the main report.
• One-page summary – overview of the 2026 findings and recommendations
• Pae Tawhiti Pae Tata – covering key points about adaptation action centred on iwi/Māori
• National insights relevant for adaptation planning – a companion report that presents statistics and spatial information that provides quantitative insights alongside our assessment of adaptation progress.

<h2><span style=”font-size: 13px;”>How this assessment fits with the 2026 national climate change risk assessment&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></h2>

<span style=”font-size: 13px;”>This progress assessment looks at Government’s progress against the current national adaptation plan – developed in 2022.</span>

The Commission’s 2026 national climate change risk assessment highlights the most significant risks for Aotearoa New Zealand, and should guide the Government’s next national adaptation plan – this is due in 2028.

Read more about the risk assessment at <a href=”2026 national climate change risk assessment“>climatecommission.govt.nz/nccra-2026</a>

Source: Save the Children New Zealand

The strongest earthquake to hit Colombia in a decade has struck the western part of Colombia, causing widespread destruction across the Pacific Region. The disaster has left children and families facing uncertainty, fear and the loss of homes, schools and essential services, said Save the Children.

The quake hit on Monday morning as families were at home or beginning their day, with tremors felt as far away as Venezuela. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, preliminary reports indicate that over 100 people, including children, have been killed, while many more have been injured.

Maria Mercedes Liévano, Save the Children’s Country Director for Colombia, said: “While the full extent of the damage is still emerging, we know that earthquakes can have a devastating impact on children in an instant. In the aftermath of an unforeseen event like this, children may face heightened risks to their safety, well-being and access to essential services. Communities are currently grappling with disruption and uncertainty.”

The full scale of the impact is still emerging as damaged infrastructure, power outages and communications disruptions hamper assessments in some of the worst-affected areas. Reports indicate that buildings have collapsed, raising concerns that people may remain trapped beneath the rubble. Schools and public hospitals have been evacuated, with many sustaining severe damage, disrupting children's access to education, healthcare and safe spaces at a time when they need them most.

Children are among the most vulnerable in the aftermath of earthquakes, facing heightened risks to their health, protection and wellbeing, said Save the Children.

As response efforts continue, there is an urgent need for lifesaving assistance and support to rescue survivors, and help children and families cope with their immediate needs in the days and weeks ahead.

Save the Children stands ready to support affected communities and is closely monitoring the situation to provide support where it is needed the most.

Save the Children has worked in Colombia for 40 years, working in the regions most affected by natural disasters, armed conflict, violence, poverty, climate change, and mixed migration.

New Zealanders wanting to support Save the Children's work in emergencies can donate to our Children's Emergency Fund.

About Save the Children New Zealand

Save the Children works in more than 100 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.

Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

Source: Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland and Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, University of Otago

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026

Researchers have published a study that has found a link between maternal vaping and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI).

Maternal vaping is emerging as a potential risk factor for Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), according to New Zealand researchers. They say their findings highlight the need to reassess public health messaging around vaping in pregnancy and bed sharing.

Smoking during pregnancy by mothers and sharing the bed with their baby are recognised major risk factors for SUDI, especially when they occur together. In New Zealand smoking in pregnancy has decreased, but SUDI rates remain the same.

A recent study of a series of 101 SUDI deaths in New Zealand during 2022 and 2023 had detailed information about maternal nicotine exposure and the infant's sleep environment for 66 cases.

Findings showed that smoking and/or vaping was reported in nearly three-quarters of these cases, while nearly 70 percent of infants had died while directly bed sharing. Maternal vaping was reported in half of the SUDI cases involving direct bed sharing, compared with one in five cases where direct bed sharing was not reported.

“The interaction between maternal smoking and bed sharing is well established,” says lead author Professor Ed Mitchell, of Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. “What is new and concerning is that vaping may be showing a similar pattern of risk as smoking, especially when combined with bed sharing. This raises the possibility that the effects of nicotine itself, rather than how nicotine is delivered, may be contributing to infant vulnerability.”

The researchers stress that the study does not prove that vaping causes SUDI. “Uncertainty is not reassurance,” says co-author Professor Barry Taylor, of the University of Otago, Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka. “When the possible consequence is an infant death, a precautionary approach is warranted while the evidence develops.”

The researchers say the findings raise a fundamental question about current pregnancy advice. “Vaping has been widely approached as a safer alternative to smoking and a smoking cessation aid, including in pregnancy. Our findings suggest we need to consider all nicotine exposure during pregnancy, particularly when it is combined with bed sharing,” says Professor Mitchell.

In a related policy analysis published in the journal Acta Paediatrica, the same authors argue that pregnancy requires a different approach to nicotine policy from that used for non-pregnant adults. “Nicotine crosses the placenta, reduces foetal blood flow and lowers birthweight,” explains Professor Taylor. “We suspect that vaping may also produce the same infant ‘arousal defect’ seen with tobacco exposure.”

The researchers recommend a pregnancy-specific approach with being nicotine-free as the goal, and coordinated support for women to achieve this across addiction services, pregnancy care, SUDI prevention and family support. “Every woman who vapes or smokes during pregnancy needs support that meets them where they are in terms of their circumstances and confidence,” says co-author Stephanie Cowan, of Change for Our Children. “The aim is to help every woman move towards cessation as early as possible in pregnancy, because that is how both mother and infant are protected.”

In the SUDI cases studied, 84.8 percent of deaths occurring during direct bed sharing involved maternal smoking or vaping.

The researchers say more research is needed urgently to establish the specific risks associated with vaping during pregnancy. In the meantime, they argue that vaping, like smoking, should be discouraged in pregnancy and women should be supported to be nicotine-free as early as possible, as the new health norm.

Source: Buy NZ Made

Buy NZ Made says local councils are dragging their feet on procurement reform, a year after central government overhauled its own rules to give New Zealand businesses a fairer shot at public contracts – and did nothing to bring councils along with it.

The 5th edition of the Government Procurement Rules came into force on 1 December 2025, introducing a mandatory economic benefit to New Zealand test and a clear expectation that lower-value contracts go to capable local suppliers. It was a hard-won admission that decades of procurement practice had treated New Zealand businesses as an afterthought.

However, local councils, which between them control billions of dollars a year in ratepayer money on everything from civil works to professional services, are not covered by the new rules.

Procurement at the council level is still set by each authority's own policy under the Local Government Act, and Buy NZ Made's engagement with members over the past year shows the vast majority have made no move to apply anything like the same test.

The result is a public procurement system running on two different sets of values at once: one that increasingly backs New Zealand businesses, and one – closer to home, spending ratepayers' own money, in their own communities – that still doesn't ask the question at all.

“Central government worked out that shovelling public money offshore while local firms go under is a bad look and bad economics,” Buy NZ Made executive director Dane Ambler says.

“Councils are some of the biggest buyers in their regions. Every contract they hand to an out-of-town or offshore supplier by default, without even weighing the local benefit, is ratepayer money that could have kept a local business, and local jobs, alive.”

In the latest horror story, Buy NZ Made has uncovered councils moving ahead with the purchase and installation of container-mounted shelters supplied by companies importing Chinese-made shelters.

Many firms present themselves as “NZ Made” when they are, in fact, only New Zealand-owned. Councils must take note of this important distinction: NZ ownership does not mean a product is made in New Zealand.

Buy NZ Made is not asking councils to abandon value for money or open competition. It is asking them to stop pretending local economic benefit is someone else's problem. That means adopting an economic benefit test equivalent to central government's, publishing how local benefit is weighed in tender evaluations, and stripping out the compliance barriers that quietly favour large out-of-town incumbents over capable local and New Zealand-owned suppliers.

Source: Federated Farmers of New Zealand

Federated Farmers congratulates those councils that seized the chance to help steer local government reorganisation that works best for their districts and ratepayers.

“Change on the scale the Government is pursuing is necessary and overdue – but it’s nevertheless unsettling and challenging for councillors, and for those they represent,” Feds local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says.

“Federated Farmers encouraged councils to put in high-level proposals before the 9 August ‘Head Start’ deadline.

“These big decisions, especially when opinions among residents are split, take courage.

“But it’s far better for councils to hold the pen and help write the next chapter of their future than leave it to the Government to call all the shots,” Faulkner says.

In multiple regions, including the Waikato, Canterbury, Wairarapa, Otago and Southland, plans have been submitted.

They include options for a significantly reduced number of new unitary councils, separated along metropolitan and provincial lines.

“This is the blueprint Federated Farmers has consistently backed,” Faulkner says.

“City and provincial areas have different needs and priorities.

“This model allows each council to focus their efforts and maximise savings and gains, without seriously diluting provincial representation and residents’ connection with their council.

“Federated Farmers now strongly urges the Government to recognise the logic of that separation, honour those councils’ wishes, and work with them as we enter the detailed design phase.”

Federated Farmers applauded the Government announcement last year that New Zealand’s 11 regional councils would be disestablished from 2028 in a drive to eliminate duplication, improve efficiency and reduce costs.

To speed up council discussions on forming new unitary councils, Ministers Watts and Bishop set the clock ticking three months ago by naming 9 August as the deadline for merger proposals.

“Councils that failed to propose streamlined arrangements would be put into a post-2028 backstop, with the Government deciding their future.

“That backstop could well be mega councils covering the entire boundaries of current regional councils, and leaving provincial areas outvoted and sidelined by the big cities,” Faulkner says.

Several Head Start proposals from the Waikato were tabled.

Hauraki, Matamata-Piako and Thames-Coromandel agreed to form a Waihou-Piako-Coromandel Unitary Authority.

Waitomo and Ōtorohanga proposed a new King Country Unitary Council. This leaves Taupō as a potential new unitary and question marks over the future of the lower Waikato.

Waikato Federated Farmers supports a disaggregated model with new unitary councils for the King Country and Waihou-Piako,” Faulkner says.

“Added to this would be a new unitary that combines the current Waipa and Waikato districts, and a standalone Hamilton City Unitary.

“The needs of Hamilton, serving a population of more than 190,00, would completely dominate decision-making, to the detriment of the districts.

“A city of that size deserves its own council at any rate.”

In Bay of Plenty, a three-unitary council set-up – Western (Tauranga and Western BoP), Central (Rotorua alone) and Eastern (Whakatāne, Kawerau and Ōpōtiki) – has been proposed.

“Federated Farmers has strong misgivings about Western BOP being lumped in with Tauranga,” Faulker says.

“Again, in line with that metro-provincial split, Federated Farmers backs the proposal from Stratford and South Taranaki districts to form a new unitary, leaving New Plymouth as a separate council.”

Federated Farmers also supports the bid from Masterton and Carterton District Councils for a union with South Wairarapa District.

“A Wairarapa unitary council serving that large catchment makes far more sense than the Wairarapa being totally overshadowed by the huge new Wellington/Hutt Valley/Porirua metro to the south.”

Reorganisation in Canterbury is shaping up in a way that works for provincial/rural interests, Faulkner says.

“Hurunui and Waimakariri districts want to form a new North Canterbury unitary; Timaru, Mackenzie, Waimate, Waitaki and Ashburton could form a new southern council.

“Christchurch City and Selwyn could be stand-alone councils.”

Meanwhile, Otago’s rural councils favour a new unitary comprising Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes and Clutha councils.

In Southland, Federated Farmers continues to back the call for Invercargill to form one unitary, and the rest of the province another.

The Government is due to announce which Head Start proposals it accepts ‘in principle’ in September, with work continuing by councils on detailed design.

Final proposals are due to be submitted in March next year, with the Government – if it survives the November election – confirming proposals in May 2027.

“It is really positive so many rural councils have taken the initiative and proposed new unitary councils based off rural communities of interest.

“Federated Farmers will be calling on Government to approve these proposals.

“Whatever shape local government ultimately takes, Federated Farmers isn't going anywhere.

“We'll keep on working constructively with councils, through the transition and beyond, making sure the voices of rural communities are heard every step of the way.”&nbsp;

Source: Waka Ama Aotearoa New Zealand

11 AUGUST 2026

Hundreds of kaihoe across Aotearoa prepare to take on the world stage as
teams unite in Singapore for the 2026 International Va’a Federation (IVF)
World Sprint Championships. More than 200 Aotearoa club-team entries have
qualified to compete at the Championships, alongside nationally selected
elite teams and individual V1 representatives.

The contingent will travel to Singapore for the championships at Marina Bay
from 17–31 August, bringing together 3,000 of the best paddlers from around
the globe for one of the biggest events on the international waka ama
calendar.

For Waka Ama Aotearoa NZ (WAANZ), the scale of the Aotearoa contingent
reflects the growth of the sport that is now drawing elite athletes,
rangatahi, kaumātua, whānau and club crews from communities right across
the country.

“This is a hugely significant moment for waka ama in Aotearoa, and the
first time our world championships have been held in Asia,” says Waka Ama
Aotearoa NZ Chief Executive Lara Collins.

“We are sending a contingent of 580 kaihoe to represent our sport. From
elite athletes who have committed to a 10-month high-performance campaign,
through to club crews who have earned their place in the national
qualifiers. They are carrying the aspirations of their clubs, their
regions, their whānau and Aotearoa with them – many of whom will be
travelling to Singapore to support them.”

The 2026 qualifying entries
<2026 qualifying entries>
include clubs from Te Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki Makaurau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty,
Tairāwhiti, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Horowhenua, Te Whanganui-a-Tara and
beyond. Demonstrating the nationwide reach of waka ama and the strength of
the club system providing opportunities through the high-performance
pathway.

The current WAANZ qualifying roster records 210 club-team entries, compared
with 208 qualified club teams for the 2024 World Sprint Championships in
Hilo, Hawai‘i. That growth comes on top of the national elite programme,
which includes J19 Wāhine, J19 Tāne, Open Wāhine, Open Tāne and Para Mixed
teams.

Source: Federated Farmers of New Zealand

Federated Farmers is welcoming the Government’s new $1 million funding programme to support grassroots efforts to control wilding pines.

Announced by Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard today, the fund will bolster community-led control projects on top of the Government’s $109 million investment over the next three years.

Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins says the funding is a welcome boost for the people already putting in the hard yards to tackle wilding pines.

“Wilding pines are a huge threat to productive farmland, our water catchments and native biodiversity, and we need to be throwing everything we can at getting on top of them.

“National coordination and significant investment are important, but so is backing the people on the ground who know their own patch best.

“Farmers, landowners, volunteers and community groups have been doing huge amounts of work to control wilding pines, often with limited resources.

“This funding will help turn more of those local efforts into action, which is a really positive step.”

The Government’s funding boost shows it understands the scale of the problem.

“We have a big job ahead of us, but with $109 million going into the national programme and now another $1 million available to support community-led work, we have a real opportunity to make a serious dent in this problem.

“We welcome the Government recognising that local people need to be part of the solution.”

Wilding pine control is such a serious issue that Federated Farmers has made it a priority in its 2026 election platform, Dawkins says.

“We’re calling for whoever forms the next government to allocate a 10-year funding stream to control wilding pines.

“We also want to see 100% of International Visitor Levy funding used for conservation and tourism projects, as it was intended.

“This problem isn’t going away and it will just get worse unless we hit it head on, which requires reliable, long-term funding.”

Dawkins says another weapon in the battle against wildings is the use of low-impact stock grazing on conservation land.

“That costs absolutely no money to the taxpayer but actually works, as having sheep and cattle on that land keeps weeds and pests at bay, including wilding pines.

“That’s why we’ve asked in our election platform for 500,000 hectares of Department of Conservation land to be restored to grazing.

“Many Kiwis don’t see the scale of the wilding pine problem, but I can tell you that these destructive trees are rapidly spreading their way across good, productive land.

“Now is the time to hit them hard with every tool in the toolbox.”