Source: BusinessNZ
On 9 August the Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon, and the Prime Minister of Australia, The Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, held a productive roundtable dialogue with leading business executives at the Australia-New Zealand Leaders’ Meeting (ANZLM) in Queenstown.
The high-level discussion was facilitated by the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) Co-Chairs Greg Lowe and John Paitaridis and focused on how to advance the economic partnership between the two countries.
Key themes discussed included:
- Strengthening the Single Economic Market (SEM) – Discussions centred on modernising the SEM, removing investment barriers, harmonising standards, and streamlining regulatory environments to boost trans-Tasman competitiveness.
- Accelerating c limate and s ustainability i nitiatives – Leaders explored opportunities for emerging and innovative industries such as clean technologies, fostering a local biofuel industry, and developing collaborative approaches to climate adaptation to manage shared risks and achieve net-zero targets.
- Strengthening t rans-Tasman d igital c ollaboration and r esilience – The dialogue highlighted the need for strategic investment in digital infrastructure, mutual recognition of digital skills, and the harmonisation of cybersecurity and digital identity frameworks to ensure a secure and efficient digital future.
- Strengthening d efence i ndustry c ollaboration – Business leaders underscored the need for deeper defence industry cooperation and integrated strategies to enhance joint capabilities, improve supply chain resilience, and accelerate alignment on mutual recognition of security clearances.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both Governments to a robust and dynamic trans-Tasman relationship, building on the strong foundation laid in previous engagements. Business delegates welcomed the Prime Ministers’ announcement, among other initiatives raised by the ANZLF, to modernise joint standards arrangements with a Heads of Agreement between Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand.
ANZLF New Zealand co-Chair Greg Lowe said, “This was a useful meeting and helps ensure that government and business are moving in lock-step towards greater integration of the two economies. This sets us up well for taking on global challenges like climate change and new technologies.”
ANZLF Australia Co-Chair John Paitaridis noted that, “There are no two countries closer than Australia and New Zealand, and this partnership ext
Advocacy – Innovative partnership delivers measurable climate action for not-for-profit sector
Source: Rata Foundation
A groundbreaking programme developed by Terra Nova and Rātā Foundation is delivering measurable climate action results for the not-for-profit sector, with participating organisations reducing their emissions intensity by 28% per dollar spent.
The Earth+ Resilience and Emissions Reduction programme has been designed to support not-for-profit organisations to reduce their carbon emissions and improve their resilience to climate related impacts.
The programme includes an in-depth interactive workshop, followed by ongoing support through an online platform, one-on-one consultations, expert-led sessions, and a network of aligned service providers. Recent sessions have covered waste management and organisational cycling programmes, providing practical guidance on implementation.
In the last two years, over 100 participants across the Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions have completed the programme, with a target of reaching 160 organisations.
The programme was developed by Terra Nova and Rātā Foundation to address a critical gap in the sector, where organisations face increasing demand for services while also facing resource constraints and climate-related challenges.
Terra Nova Founder and Chief Executive Rose Challies says: “Rather than treating environmental action as separate from core operations, the workshops demonstrate how climate preparedness strengthens organisational resilience. We're connecting organisations back to the Earth, to their purpose, and to each other. It's about creating a thriving ecosystem of not-for-profits that are prepared for change and actively contributing to a healthier future.”
Established in 2021, Terra Nova empowers organisations and individuals to take meaningful action on climate change through human connection and collective action. Rose says a key part of the programme’s content is reframing climate change from a source of fear to actionable information. “Participants learn to view climate data not as scary or a threat, but rather as a roadmap enabling proactive planning instead of reactive responses. When people hear ‘climate change’, there is a negative connotation. But it's not negative or positive, it's just saying the climate is changing.
“Our approach has been developed through extensive international experience in large-scale behaviour change. We believe strongly in utilising the data available to us, which is why participants receive a free carbon measurement report on day one. Attendees are able to then check back in after taking their first steps on the climate action journey and see real, measurable change.”
The report is produced through Cogo, an internationally award-winning emissions measurement platform that programme attendees are able to access free-of-charge. Organisations are also connected with aligned businesses such as an on-demand, zero-emission vehicles carsharing alternative, enabling the shift to electric vehicles without the prohibitive upfront costs, as well as access to local native planting offsetting opportunities.
Belfast Community Network Community Development Coordinator Justine Balcar says the programme provided practical steps for the organisation to reduce their emissions. “Before I started the Terra Nova course, I felt a bit hopeless and a bit lost as to what to do, but now I know where we can actually make a difference. I was able to bring a whole lot of knowledge and practical solutions back to the board and staff.
“Since June last year, we have reduced our carbon footprint from 13,000kg to 11,000kg. We've replaced all the lighting in our facility, added an extra compost bin, downsized our vehicle fleet and are planting 200 native plants around our facilities. All of those things have enabled us to contribute in a meaningful way to this issue of climate change and looking after Papatūānuku.”
Family Drug Support Aotearoa New Zealand (FDS) Administration Leader Pip Mehrtens attended the workshop earlier in the year with a view to integrate sustainability into their strategic planning and policy. “In addition to looking for ways to improve our operations, when we reviewed and updated our strategic plan, we realised that sustainability was a missing element. We wanted to look at how we could improve our operations to be more environmentally friendly right now and to think more strategically about sustainability as we plan our future operations.
“It was heartwarming to see that our impact is quite low already, thanks to using telehealth instead of travel and sitting firmly in the sharing economy space. But we are using the information gained to shape an environmental strategy and policy, particularly around reducing our impact, and future-proofing the organisation by planning for environmental risk and extreme events in our risk register and mitigation strategies. It also showed us other things we can do to improve our awareness of, investment in, connection to, and adaptability for change.”
Programme Manager Gloria della Porta says the programme's success stems from its recognition that not-for-profits often lead in sustainable practices but lack the resources to measure and communicate their impact effectively. “Most of our organisations are meeting social needs so you could ask: What's that got to do with environment? But we’ve seen that not-for-profits hold some of the best practice of reducing emissions of anywhere, including the public and private sectors. We are finding examples of incredible practice within these organisations, who are really leading the way with putting intent into action.”
Terra Nova receives multi-year funding for the programme through the Rātā Foundation Strengthening the Sector programme. Rātā Foundation Chief Executive Leighton Evans says: “Our focus is very much on a forward-looking funding approach and taking an intergenerational mindset when it comes to climate action. By investing in strengthening organisations and offering free access to tools and expertise, the end goal is to drive long-term, systemic change within the not-for-profit sector. We want to build sector resilience as well as individual organisational capacity and ensure that everyone to be able to contribute to a shared positive impact.”
The partnership represents what Rose describes as “world leading” philanthropic practice. “It's a really big deal that Rātā has provided funding for this programme because this is about trying to build resilience rather than being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. This programme is a gift to the sector. It's not just about individual organisations doing their bit. It's about creating a collective movement towards a more resilient, positive Earth for all of us.”
To find out more, watch our Faces of Funding video here.
Banking and Tech – The Co-operative Bank announces significant technology investment to continue to deliver better banking for New Zealanders
Source: The Co-operative Bank
The Co-operative Bank has announced a major investment in its future, selecting UK-based 10x Banking, a leading customer-centric core banking provider, to lead the replacement of its core banking system. Like The Co-operative Bank, 10x Banking is built around a customer-first philosophy, making them a strong strategic fit for such a significant investment.
Replacing the bank’s core technology platform will provide a foundation for faster innovation, simpler products, and more intuitive digital services for its 180,000+ customers up and down the country.
“This is a long-planned investment in the future of our bank,” said Mark Wilkshire, Chief Executive of The Co-operative Bank. “We’re building a stronger, more scalable co-operative that can continue to deliver great outcomes for our customers, not just today, but for decades to come.”
The new platform will assist the bank to simplify its product suite, and respond more quickly to customer needs. It also will continue to strengthen the bank’s commitment to security, sustainability, and responsible business, with both organisations certified as B Corporations.
“Our current system has served us well, but banking is changing fast,” said Wilkshire. “We have chosen a leading, cloud solution that gives us the flexibility to grow, innovate, and keep putting customers first. Banks around the world are grappling with how to replace legacy systems. As a small New Zealand bank, we have the advantage of being nimble and we’re aiming to implement the latest core banking technology over the next three years.”
The replacement is being delivered in phases to minimise disruption, with customers expected to see changes from late 2026.
Since 2013, The Co-operative Bank has returned over $24 million to customers through its profit-sharing model. The bank says this investment will help ensure it can continue to share the gains in future and deliver even better service.
Anthony Jenkins, Founder and CEO at 10x Banking, added: “This partnership deepens our commitment to the mutual and co-operative sector globally, building on recent successes with member-focused institutions across APAC, Europe and the UK. The Co-operative Bank’s customer-first values perfectly align with our mission to make banking ten times better for everyone, and as fellow B-Corps, we share a cultural DNA. We’re proud to support their journey as they build the digital foundations for their next century of service.”
About The Co-operative Bank
The Co-operative Bank is the only bank in New Zealand to share its profits with its customers. We offer what you’d expect from a bank – accounts, lending, insurances and more but we’re truly different from other banks in that we’re owned by our customers, and we were built on the idea of giving back. Since 2013 we have shared over $24 million with our customers in the form of rebates. We have a national network and a team of 400 people supporting more than 180,000 customers across New Zealand.
Advocacy – Dental Advocacy Group Launches Nationwide Roadshow to Overhaul How We Treat Teeth
Source: Dental for All
The dental advocacy group Dental for All today launches a nationwide roadshow to call for an overhaul of our approach to treating teeth.
Dental for All – backed by a coalition of dentists and oral health workers, trade unions, and poverty action groups – is pressing for free, universal dental care, delivered consistently with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The roadshow, beginning in Wellington and Porirua, will see at least 25 events hosted across the country, from Whangārei (and further north) to Invercargill.
The first leg of the roadshow between Wellington and Rotorua includes town hall-type meetings in Porirua, Wellington, Palmerston North, Whanganui, Hamilton, and Rotorua. This first leg will see visits to universities, and events in other venues, such as schools and community markets. The second and third legs will also include free dental days.
“This is about the step-change we need in how we treat oral health in this country,” says Hana Pilkinton-Ching, Dental for All campaigner and roadshow organiser.
The 2022-2023 New Zealand Health Survey found that nearly half of adults (44%) experienced unmet need for dental care due to cost in the past 12 months.
“It makes no sense that we carve our teeth out from the rest of our body, and it’s costing all of us, in lost productivity, downstream health effects, and reduced quality of life,” adds Pilkinton-Ching.
Research previously commissioned by Dental for All, produced by FrankAdvice using a Treasury tool, found that excluding dental from the public healthcare system is costing the country $2.5bn in lost productivity and $3.1 billion in reduced quality of life.
The cost of free dental for all has been estimated at $1.5bn annually.
“In my clinical work, I see how untreated oral health problems can worsen into serious health problems, and can lead to a loss of self-esteem and confidence, which affects how well people can participate in society,” says Samuel Carrington, an oral health therapist and academic, who is a member of the Dental for All coalition.
Dental for All has also produced qualitative research documenting experiences within the oral healthcare system, showing the limitations of existing available dental care for adults, such as the means-tested $1000 Work & Income grant for essential treatment.
“It’s time to treat our teeth how we treat the rest of our essential healthcare, and to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi in how we do it,” says Carrington.
Dental for All is seeking to establish local organising groups to build nationwide pressure for Dental for All. Polling has previously showed more than 7 out of 10 people in New Zealand support making dental free.
Dental for All also continues to develop policy work that will be released in early 2026 on Dental for All models. One viable model is to establish an adult community dental service, made up of a network of community clinics with salaried dentists and oral health therapists, alongside Māori-led clinics (such as through iwi and hapū).
The roadshow begins with an event with older New Zealanders in Wellington at lunchtime on Monday 11 August, followed by an oral health promotion afternoon event in Porirua and a panel discussion at Tireti Hall at 5.30pm on Monday 11th. An event follows at Te Tai Ohinga, 203 Willis St, at 6pm on Tuesday 12 August.
Heath – New report reveals the grim reality of heart healthcare in New Zealand
Source: Kia Manawanui Trust | The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand
A damning new report has exposed deep flaws in New Zealand’s heart healthcare system, where access to life-saving treatment often dep
People’s Select Committee: Thousands of care and support workers cannot wait for justice – unions
Source: PSA
Representatives from three unions will make a joint submission to the People’s Select Committee today on behalf of 65,000 care and support workers whose long-standing pay equity claim was scrapped in May.
The PSA, E tū and New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) will speak on key recommendations for the sector, including reversing the Government’s recent amendments, sustainable settlement funding, and broader sector reform to properly reflect the value of care and support work.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi Assistant Secretary, Melissa Woolley, says care and support workers were shocked and aggrieved when the Government rushed through changes to pay equity overnight.
“They were further insulted when it came to light in the past few weeks that ministers had worked to deliberately conceal the changes they were making and this was a deliberate attempt to stop the care and support workers claim because of the cost. It was also revealed that the contingency from the funded sector was gone,” Woolley says.
“We are incredibly thankful that Marilyn Waring and everyone else behind the scenes at the People’s Select Committee have provided this opportunity for us to formally consult on pay equity for care and support workers.
“Care and support have been waiting far too long for pay equity, and to be recognised as highly skilled workers who provide real value to their communities,” says Woolley who is a former care and support worker herself and joint unions pay equity negotiator.
“The Government’s changes to pay equity were a kick in the guts for these workers who are now largely on the minimum wage or close to it. They should not, and cannot, bear the brunt of bad political decisions,” Woolley says.
NZNO President Anne Daniels says NZNO was one of the unions who have worked on Care and Support workers’ pay equity for many years, including the 2017 Support Workers Settlement.
“We continue to work with our sister unions to see pay justice done for our 6,500 Care and Support members.
“These workers are the backbone of a caring society. Our members worked tirelessly for decades to have their mahi recognised and their skills, knowledge and responsibilities properly valued through the pay equity process.
“Care and Support workers and their whānau shouldn’t have to make do with less because of this Government’s shameful attack on women. They deserve fair pay for their hard mahi,” Daniels says.
The 65,000 care and support workers in New Zealand have been waiting for their pay equity claim to be renewed since 2022. Their original settlement, won in 2017 by worker and E tū delegate Kristin Bartlett, expired after five years in place and has since been eroded by inflation.
E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh says care and support workers are some of the lowest-paid workers in the health system, doing some of our most important work.
“The Government’s refusal to deliver pay equity is a political decision to save money at the expense of women, migrants, and our most vulnerable.
“This legislation was meant to finally address very well-known discrimination based on gender. It followed the Supreme Court decision in favour of Kristine Bartlett which was a watershed moment for pay equity. Ripping this away from workers is a clear signal that they do not value women, nor any workers in women-dominated industries.
“Workers, their unions, and the wider community are completely fired up about this, and we will not sit down and quietly accept this discrimination. We’ll keep fighting for pay equity – and we will win it,” Mackintosh says.
The combined PSA, NZNO and E tū submission details the timeline of the care and support worker pay equity claim, which involved thousands of hours of work between workers, unions, and employers.
“Thanks to the Government’s retrospective legislation, all the work that went into the pay equity claim is now in the bin, and care and support workers cannot raise a new claim until 2027,” Woolley says.
“This arbitrary and cruel delay is just one reason why we’re recommending to the People’s Select Committee that the amendments to the Equal Pay Act should go.
“Our other recommendations are focused on the other changes to the Act: the much higher bar to prove the merit of the pay equity claim, the restrictions on finding comparators, and the fact that employers can opt out of the process without giving a reason.
“Our view is that these changes are designed to make the care and support pay equity impossible to achieve,” Woolley says.
Notes
The three unions will be submitting at the in-person People’s Select Committee hearing at the National Library in Wellington from 11.30am-11.50am on Monday 11 August. A link to a live stream of the hearing can be found at: Hearings
Legislation – Experts to present at first pay equity oral hearing
Source: NZCTU
The People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity will hold its first oral hearing tomorrow, Monday 11 August, from 9am-12pm at the National Library (Te Wehenga and Malaga Pasifika rooms) in Wellington.
More than 1500 submissions have been received by the select committee. The first hearing will feature submissions from a wide range of experts including Dame Silvia Rose Cartwright, EEO Commissioner Gail Pacheco, Traci Houpapa. Tracey Martin, and union leaders. The hearing will be chaired by Nanaia Mahuta.
The hearing will be livestreamed on the Committee’s website.
Insurance Sector – Insurance accessibility key as Government reviews natural hazards levy
Source: Insurance Council of NZ
Keeping insurance accessible is a key consideration as the Government reviews the Natural Hazards Commission (NHC) levy amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures for Kiwis.
A survey commissioned by the Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ) found New Zealanders are torn on paying more to ensure the NHC is properly funded to provide basic cover for natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides and flooding.
The survey shows 50% percent of respondents are not prepared to pay $200 more a year to better fund the NHC. Some 30% are willing to pay more, while 21% are unsure.
“We know it’s a difficult time for families, with the cost-of-living foremost in Kiwis’ minds as they manage their budgets,” ICNZ Chief Executive Kris Faafoi said.
“The Government should make a decision to keep insurance accessible. Taxes and levies already account for around 40% of a home premium.
“Balancing affordability with the sustainability of the NHC Scheme is a shared challenge. The Government, NHC and insurers all have a role to play in keeping premiums manageable.
The survey also found 59% of respondents are aware that part of their insurance premium is a levy that supports the NHC.
“New Zealanders appear to have a good understanding of the NHC and its role in helping fund the recovery when disaster strikes,” Kris Faafoi said.
“Everyone knows that it’s better to act before disaster strikes to protect communities, rather than pick up the pieces afterwards.
“New Zealand is highly vulnerable to extreme weather. Climate change is making these events more severe on those affected and the areas they live in.
“Kiwi’s value the protection insurance provides for their homes and families. However, managing the rising risks from climate change requires a coordinated, nationwide response. Government leadership is essential to invest in resilience measures like avoiding building in high-risk areas and strengthening infrastructure like flood protection schemes.
“Reducing risk through clearer rules, smart investment and strong planning helps protect lives, homes, and businesses and keeps insurance accessible for future generations,” Kris Faafoi said.
Employment – BusinessNZ welcomes new seasonal and global workforce visas
Source: BusinessNZ
BusinessNZ has welcomed today’s announcement by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford introducing two new seasonal visa pathways – the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and the Peak Seasonal Visa – as a pragmatic step to better match immigration settings with business needs.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the new visa categories are a smart evolution in immigration policy that recognises the operational realities of New Zealand’s seasonal industries.
“Many sectors – from winemaking and meat processing to snow sports and shearing – rely on highly experienced workers for specific windows of time each year. These new visa pathways make it easier for businesses to bring back skilled seasonal staff when they’re needed most, without having to start from scratch every year.”
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa allows skilled workers to return over multiple years, while the Peak Seasonal Visa provides a more tailored short-term solution for high-demand roles during seasonal peaks.
“This is a significant improvement on previous settings, which often created unnecessary red tape and uncertainty. Reducing the need for repeat visa applications not only lowers compliance costs but also improves planning and workforce continuity,” Mrs Rich said.
BusinessNZ says the changes are also important for productivity and regional growth.
“Seasonal industries make an outsized contribution to New Zealand’s economy. These changes mean more certainty for employers, less disruption to operations, and better outcomes for customers and export markets.”
BusinessNZ also welcomed the Government’s broader focus on rebalancing immigration to meet genuine workforce needs, while maintaining a strong commitment to jobs for New Zealanders.
“We support efforts to ensure New Zealanders are given every opportunity first, but where there are genuine shortages, immigration settings must be practical and responsive.
“This announcement s
Advocacy – New Zealand urged to follow German lead and end military support for Israel – PSNZ
Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)
PSNA is urging the government to follow Germany’s lead and suspend New Zealand military support for Israel to continue its mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.
Germany and New Zealand were two of the countries to sign a letter yesterday condemning Israel’s plans to extend its war to Gaza City, displacing another million Palestinians.
The letter states:
“The plans that the government of Israel has announced risk violating international humanitarian law. Any attempts at annexation or of settlement extension violate international law.”
“It will aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further risk the mass displacement of civilians.”
PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says Israel has a long history of ignoring outside opinion because they never include accountabilities.
“However, Germany has followed its condemnation with action. New Zealand needs to do the same.”
Minto says New Zealand should:
- End approval for Rakon to export crystal oscillators to the US which are used in guided bombs sent to Israel for bombing Gaza.
- Ban all Rocket Lab launches from Mahia which are used for Israel reconnaissance in Gaza
- Launch an investigation by the Inspector-General of Security and Intelligence into the sharing of intelligence with the US and Israel which can be used for targeting Palestinians
“New Zealanders expect our government to end its empty condemnations of Israel and act to sanction this rogue, genocidal state.”
John Minto
Co-Chair
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa