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New research shows rent is taking too much from families across Aotearoa – CPAG

Source: Child Poverty Action Group

New research released today by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) shows that housing costs are leaving tens of thousands of families without enough income to cover the essentials of daily life, while the supply of affordable rental homes continues to shrink across much of Aotearoa New Zealand.
The findings come from two new research papers by housing researcher Greg Waite, looking at both the affordability of private rentals and the changing supply of affordable rental housing.
Waite says the research shows a growing gap between what families need and what the housing market is delivering.
“Housing is one of the foundations children need to thrive. Families need enough left after rent to buy food, get to work, take part in school activities, visit the doctor and participate in their communities.”
“When rent takes too much, children miss out.”
The first paper, Private Rental Affordability in New Zealand, finds that only 12 percent of households receiving a full adult-rate benefit while out of work have enough income to cover both rent and the costs of a basic standard of living.
The research also finds that more than 70,000 working households renting privately earn less than the equivalent of the full-time minimum wage per adult. The majority, over 45,000, do not receive a benefit, with two-thirds of this group not able to afford both rent and basic living costs.
Single-parent households face some of the greatest pressures, with 59 percent unable to afford a basic standard of living after paying rent.
“This is not just a story about people receiving income support,” says Greg Waite.
“This research shows that housing pressure is affecting working families as well. Single parents and low-income families are carrying the greatest burden, but the problem itself is structural.”
The second paper, Trends in Affordable Rental Housing Supply, finds that the share of affordable rental homes has fallen significantly between 2015 and 2024.
The sharpest declines were recorded in Bay of Plenty and Manawatū-Whanganui, Hawke's Bay, Southland, Northland and Gisborne, where affordable rental supply has fallen by up to 40 percent.
According to Waite, the findings show that families are facing pressure from both sides: rising housing costs and a shrinking pool of affordable homes.
“A fair society makes sure everyone has enough to participate and belong,” says Greg Waite.
“Children should not miss out on opportunities, experiences or a healthy start in life because rent is becoming increasingly hard to cover.”
“Secure, affordable housing means less pressure on families. When families have enough left after rent, children do better.”
CPAG is calling for policies that improve both housing affordability and income adequacy, so that all children can grow up in homes that are secure, affordable and healthy.
The papers are the first two in a six-part research series examining rental affordability, housing supply, working poverty and housing policy in Aotearoa New Zealand.
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Exports grow amid worst conditions on record – BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

New Zealand’s exporters are navigating the toughest trading conditions on record, yet nearly half report growing sales overseas. BusinessNZ says it’s a testament to the resilience of the sector, and a positive sign New Zealand can weather further global disruption.
The latest ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer released today finds that all measured barriers to exporting have worsened over the past year, including higher transport costs, tariff uncertainty and rising geopolitical tension.
While that had dampened optimism, 45 per cent reported they had grown exports in the past 12 months and 57 per cent expected further growth in the year ahead.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the results highlight the resilience of New Zealand businesses, as well as the scale of challenges facing exporters.
“Despite a worse outlook than a year ago, our exporters remain incredibly flexible. Many are investing in new technologies, improving their business processes and expanding into markets across Southeast Asia, India and the Middle East, all supported by New Zealand's growing network of free trade agreements.
“Ensuring our exporters remain internationally competitive is vital for New Zealand's economic future. Growing our exports means growing jobs, investment and incomes here at home.”
The survey found exporters are largely absorbing increased costs themselves, with 45 percent saying they are absorbing higher freight costs, while only 9 percent are fully passing those costs on to customers.
ExportNZ Executive Director Joshua Tan says businesses are working hard to protect long-term customer relationships by keeping prices as competitive as possible.
“Throughout the past ten years we’ve seen severe supply chain disruption, tariff confusion as well as fuel and input costs skyrocket. While shouldering many burdens and with the ongoing support of Officials, our business owners lead the way into new markets, forged connections and found a path for future exporters to thrive.”
Tan says that looking ahead, exporters remain cautiously optimistic with results showing more than half expect exports to grow over the next 12 months.
“Continued government support for trade promotion and expanding market access would help exporters capitalise on new opportunities.
“Exporters aren't asking to be shielded from global competition. They're asking for practical support that helps them compete successfully overseas, including continued progress on free trade agreements and assistance to build relationships in key international markets.”
The full ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer is available now on the ExportNZ website.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Events – Stan Walker announces first headline show in six years – with a full orchestra

Source: Fabrik

Stan Walker (Tūhoe, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Pūkenga, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wāhiao, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Whakaue and Ngāi Tahu) will perform his first headline concert in Aotearoa since before COVID this October, a one-night-only orchestral show at The Trusts Arena in Tāmaki Makaurau on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

Presented by Fabrik and Mai FM, ‘Stan Walker – A Symphonic Experience’, pairs Walker’s storytelling prowess and his full live band with a 30+ piece orchestra. Every song will be reimagined, rearranged and performed live in a way audiences have never experienced before.

As one of the most powerful voices and celebrated artists in Aotearoa, Walker says the show comes after years of waiting for the right time to create something of this scale.

“Creatively, this is the best I’ve ever been. I have mana motuhake – complete independence and autonomy – and that has allowed my creativity to flow like never before.

I want to give my fans an experience unlike any they’ve ever had, and for them to leave forever changed. It’s going to be an epic musical, cinematic, emotional, spiritual and cultural journey,” he says.

‘Stan Walker – A Symphonic Experience’ has been years in the making. Walker has spent the past six years performing as a featured artist and headline guest, knowing that when it came time to do his own show, he wanted it to be unique.

“This show is for everyone. For the fans who’ve been there from the beginning, and for those who have joined at any point along the way. It’s a reintroduction to the songs they grew up with, their favourites, alongside my favourites and my new music too.

People think they've heard Black Box, but they haven’t heard Black Box with an orchestra. They think they’ve heard I Am, Māori Ki Te Ao or Take It Easy. But they haven't heard them in this way. Even I haven't, to be honest. And that is so exciting to me.”

The October show comes in close proximity to a milestone Walker says he’s never properly stopped to mark. November 2026 marks 17 years since he won Australian Idol as an 18-year-old. That moment was instrumental in launching his enduring career.

“Idol is where it all began for me. In developing this show and reimagining all the songs, it’s reminded me of how far I’ve come and of how much I have to share.”

Walker will be joined on stage by special guests including collaborators and artists who have been part of his success across the years. For the fans who have also been part of the journey, the opportunity to experience Stan Walker as never seen before should not be missed.

Event details:
What: Stan Walker – A Symphonic Experience
When: Saturday 17 October 2026
Where: The Trusts Arena, Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland
Presale registration: https://arep.co/p/stanwalkerpresale-26
Tickets: https://fabrik.flicket.co.nz/events/82d8c5b7-3229-4981-b63f-f71724775901

Ticketing:
SIGN UP FOR PRESALE: https://arep.co/p/stanwalkerpresale-26
Wednesday 15 July, 5:30pm – Presale registrations open via Audience Republic
Wednesday 22 July, 7:00pm – Presale begins via Flicket
Thursday 23 July, 7:00pm – General on sale via Flicket
Tickets from $119 NZD.

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Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown open 2026 Impact Grants

Source: Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown

Queenstown Lakes, New Zealand (14 July 2026) – Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown have opened applications for their 2026 Impact Grants, with close to $100,000 raised this year to support environmental initiatives across the Queenstown Lakes district.

The annual grants programme supports charitable organisations and community groups working to protect and regenerate local ecosystems. Eligible organisations can apply for funding between $5,000 and $10,000, with applications open from 14 July to 6 August 2026.

Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown Community Fund Coordinator Ash Bickley says the annual grants round is an opportunity to direct community support towards local environmental projects.

“There is always a real sense of excitement when applications open, because this is where the generosity of visitors and local businesses turns into practical support for our communities,” Ash says.

“We're incredibly grateful to everyone who contributes to Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown, from visitors making donations through to local businesses and partners who continue to back this work year after year.

“These grants support work that is often hard to fund, but incredibly important for the wellbeing of our place. It's a joy to see that support flow through to local projects and play a small part in looking after the environment that makes Queenstown and Wānaka so special.”

Funding is available for project, programme, or operational costs.

Previous grants have supported a wide range of community-led initiatives, including conservation programmes in Tāhuna-Glenorchy, region-wide planting initiatives, wetland restoration at Wai Whakaata-Lake Hayes, citizen science projects, efforts to reduce single-use cups in Wānaka, and programmes that connect visitors with local conservation and restoration stories.

Since launching in 2023, Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown have raised more than $250,000 for environmental mahi, supported the planting of more than 10,000 native trees, and shared stories of sustainable and regenerative travel with more than 12 million visitors.

Funds are raised through donations from visitors, local businesses and the visitor industry, including one-off contributions, customer donations and support from Impact Partners. Impact Partners make an annual commitment to contribute 1% of their net proceeds, or $10,000 or more.

Last year, $85,505 was shared across 12 organisations working across the district, while 20% of every contribution was also invested into endowment funds, helping build a legacy for community and environmental projects in Queenstown and Wānaka.

2025 grant recipients included Mana Tāhuna, Plastic Free Wānaka, WAI Wānaka, Whakatipu Wildlife Trust, Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust and the Tāhuna Glenorchy Dark Skies Group.

Mat Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, thanks everyone who has contributed.

“That support means a lot in any year, but especially in a year when the cost of running a business has been under real pressure,” he says.

“For businesses to keep showing up, contributing where they can, and supporting local environmental action says a lot about the commitment in this region.

“These funds are a practical example of tourism giving back to the places and communities that make Queenstown and Wānaka so loved.”

Funding is allocated in partnership with the 45South Community Foundation, with applications assessed by an independent distribution committee.

More information, including full eligibility criteria and application details, is available at lovewanaka.co.nz or loveqt.co.nz.

About Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown

The Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown Community Funds support grassroots environmental efforts, providing an opportunity for visitors and businesses to give back and help care for the environment at the heart of our region.

Launched in 2023, Love Wānaka and Love Queenstown were the first initiatives to come to life from the region's Destination Management Plan: Travel to a Thriving Future. They are delivered in partnership with Destination Queenstown, Lake Wānaka Tourism and the 45South Community Foundation.

Grants are available on an annual, contestable basis for charitable organisations undertaking local climate, conservation and biodiversity work.

Impact Partners include:
Queenstown Airport (ZQN)
Skyline Enterprises
Tourism Innovation Group
Southern Trails
Alpine Luxury Tours
Relax It's Done
iSite Visitor Centre (Queenstown)
New Zealand Photography Workshops
Release NZ
Wānaka Mountain Guides
Wildwire
Active Massage
Racers Edge
Brand and Butter
Flooring Xtra (Wānaka)
Catch a Fish
Bella Vista Motel (Wānaka)
Copper Beech Lodge
Sweet Cheeks
iSite Visitor Centre (Wānaka).
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Leave Legislation – A fairer, simpler leave system is a crucial step closer – EMA

Source: EMA

The return of the Employment Leave Bill from select committee marks another important step towards delivering a simpler and more consistent approach to holiday and leave entitlements, says the EMA.
The select committee has now reported back on the Bill, with only minor amendments recommended. The key changes supported by the EMA, including the move to an hourly accrual system for leave calculations, remain unchanged.
The Bill will now proceed through its second and third readings in Parliament. The Government has signalled its intention to pass the legislation before the election in November.
EMA Head of Advocacy and Strategy Alan McDonald says the Bill addresses long-standing issues that have created uncertainty for employers and employees.
“The Holidays Act has been difficult to apply in practice for many businesses. That has resulted in backpay liabilities ranging from thousands to tens of millions of dollars,” McDonald says.
“The return of the Bill from select committee is a significant milestone. While some minor changes have been made during the select committee process, the core reforms remain intact and bring us another step closer to a system that is easier to understand and implement.
“That will help lift confidence for both employers and workers.”
A key feature of the Bill is the shift to an hourly accrual system for calculating leave.
“We have consistently supported an hours-based accrual model,” McDonald says.
“Linking leave to the hours actually worked is a straightforward and transparent way to ensure entitlements are calculated correctly.”
The EMA says this approach is particularly important for part-time and variable-hour workers.
“An hourly system creates a more balanced and consistent framework across different working arrangements,” McDonald says.
The EMA also supports changes to how sick leave entitlements are applied. Previous settings, introduced during the Covid period, have placed financial and operational strains on employers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses.
“Aligning sick leave with hours worked supports a fairer outcome across the workforce,” McDonald says.
The Bill includes a transition period of up to two years after enactment to allow businesses time to adjust.
“Employers will need time to update payroll systems, review employment agreements and ensure they are applying the new rules correctly,” McDonald says.
“Businesses need rules they can apply with confidence, and employees need to trust their entitlements are right.”
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Aviation – Drone operator sentenced for serious aviation safety breaches

Source: Civil Aviation Authority

A Napier man has been sentenced to 150 hours of community work after being found guilty of four charges relating to unsafe drone flights in controlled airspace near Napier Airport.

The defendant operated a DJI Mavic Air 2 drone on multiple occasions in 2023 within controlled airspace around Napier Airport without the required air traffic control authorisation. He was also found guilty of operating the drone carelessly and in a manner that caused unnecessary danger.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Deputy Chief Executive Regulatory Enablement and Response, Gayle Holmes, says the case highlights the real risks unsafe drone use can create in an increasingly busy and shared airspace environment.

“It reinforces why drone rules exist and why every drone operator has a responsibility to understand the rules and operate safely.”

The Court heard evidence of the drone being flown thousands of feet above the legal height limit, beyond visual line of sight, in and above cloud cover, at night during a fireworks display, and while an aircraft was landing at Napier Airport.

This was not a case involving recreational drone use in a park or another low-risk environment. The offending involved repeated flights in airspace used by passenger aircraft, training aircraft, medical flights and other aviation operators.

Ms Holmes says our aviation system relies on people understanding and following the rules that keep everyone safe.

“Controlled airspace is carefully managed to protect aircraft, passengers and people on the ground, and unauthorised drone activity in these areas creates real risk. A collision between a drone and an aircraft has the potential to cause catastrophic harm.”

“We take a proportionate approach to regulation, which includes education and guidance. However, when there are clear breaches that create safety risks, enforcement action may be necessary.”

Drone operators, whether flying recreationally or commercially, should familiarise themselves with the rules before every flight. This includes requirements relating to airports, controlled airspace, height limits, maintaining visual contact with their drone, and getting authorisation when required.

Practical guidance is available on the CAA drones pages, including information on where people can fly, training options and pre-flight checks.

Details of charges

The defendant was convicted in the Napier District Court on 16 June 2026 on the following charges:

Under Section 57 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990, he was convicted and discharged for: operating an unmanned aircraft in controlled airspace without prior authorisation from the Napier air traffic control where the operation was not a shielded operation.

He was sentenced for the following charges:

  • Under Section 43A of the Civil Aviation Act 1990, for: operating an aircraft in a careless manner
  • Under Section 44 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990, two charges, for: operating an aircraft in a manner that caused unnecessary danger.
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Environment – EPA seeks feedback on proposal to ban two insecticides

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is calling for submissions during a reassessment of insecticides used to treat fleas on pets and for household and commercial pest control.  
The public consultation about fenthion and propoxur and products containing these substances runs from 15 July to 26 August 2026. 
In New Zealand, fenthion has historically been used in flea treatments for pets and propoxur has been used in flea treatments for pets and in household and commercial insect pest control. However, we believe that they are no longer in use in New Zealand. 
The EPA proposes revoking all approvals for substances containing these active ingredients. 
Max Thoma, Acting Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager, says these insecticides pose significant risks to both the environment and human health. 
“At this stage, we haven’t seen any evidence that these insecticides are still being used in New Zealand but we’d like to get up-to-date information and check that we haven’t missed anything. If anyone is aware of products containing these substances being used in New Zealand, we’d like to hear from them before a decision is made. 
“We propose banning them so we can remove the risk of them being used in the future.” 
Assessments by recognised international regulators show significant risks to human health and the environment from the use of fenthion and propoxur. 
Alternative pest control methods are available to farmers and pet owners. 
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Animal Welfare – Europe moves beyond cages while New Zealand doubles down – SAFE

Source: SAFE For Animals

SAFE says a major new commitment by the European Commission to phase out cages and crates for farmed animals including hens and pigs highlights how far New Zealand is falling behind on animal welfare.
The European Commission has committed to releasing a targeted revision of animal welfare rules by the end of 2026 which would phase out cages for laying hens. It has also committed to releasing transition proposal away from crates for pigs by mid-2027. The proposals also include ending the routine killing of male chicks born into the egg industry and introducing equivalent animal welfare requirements for imported animal products.
The announcement comes as New Zealand continues to make very different policy choices about the future of factory farming.
In December 2025, the Government abandoned the planned phase-out of farrowing crates for mother pigs. Right now, the Ministry for Primary Industries is consulting on the future of housing systems for laying hens, without proposing a pathway to end colony cages.
SAFE Head of Campaigns Jessica Chambers says the contrast could not be clearer.
“Governments around the world are recognising that confining intelligent, sentient animals in cages and crates is simply unacceptable. Meanwhile, New Zealand is choosing to preserve these systems.”
SAFE says the European Commission’s announcement demonstrates that governments can, and do, choose to move away from factory farming systems.
“Factory farming exists because governments choose to permit it. They can also choose to end it. Europe’s announcement shows these systems aren’t inevitable, they’re a political choice.”
Chambers says New Zealand’s approach has focused on regulating the impacts of factory farming rather than questioning the systems themselves.
“For decades we’ve regulated the harms of factory farming instead of asking a more fundamental question: should these systems exist at all? While comparable countries are planning to leave cages and crates behind, New Zealand’s governmentcontinues to defend them.”
Ahead of the 2026 general election, SAFE is calling on political parties to commit to ending the use of cages and crates for farmed animals in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Every major reform begins with a simple decision that the status quo is no longer acceptable. Around the world, governments are beginning to make that decision about cages and crates. It’s time New Zealand did too.”
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We're creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
Notes:
  • phase out cages for laying hens by the end of 2026;
  • transition away from crates for pigs by the second quarter of 2027;
  • end the routine killing of male chicks; and
  • introduce equivalent animal welfare requirements for imported animal products.
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Employment Issues – Northland Mill workers feel ‘abandoned’ as closure confirmed

Source: Workers First Union

Around sixty jobs will be lost as Northland Mill has confirmed its closure, becoming the seventh wood processing facility to close under this term of Government, Workers First Union said today.
Marcus Coverdale, Workers First organiser, said that Juken New Zealand's Northland Mill workers were called to meetings yesterday where the outcome of a consultation period was confirmed, with the mill to close by 21 August 2026.
“Many of the workers were expecting this outcome, but there's a feeling of abandonment and disbelief that a solution could not be found to save the mill,” said Mr Coverdale.
“Last week, they processed the last of the logs at Northland Mill. The machines have stopped and as the dust settles, the workers will be gone by the end of the month.”
“There was every opportunity for the Government to step in and facilitate the sale, run the mill as a temporary measure, or just guarantee the operations until a buyer is found. None was taken.”
“Shane Jones and the Coalition Government have turned their backs on these workers and offered excuses not to intervene, and the Northland region will pay for it.”
“We'll be supporting our members through these next steps and ensuring that Juken lives up to their promises of support and care through the redundancy process.”
Workers at the mill will attend individual consultations over the next week, where the company will offer support services before issuing letters of redundancy. Existing Collective Agreement provisions negotiated by union members will ensure workers receive redundancy payments even if seeking alternative employment. A small number of people may also be able to be redeployed to the neighbouring Triboard Mill.
Meanwhile, the union understands that negotiations over a buyer for the Triboard Mill continue, but there is not yet any certainty over its continued operation. Over 140 people work at the Triboard Mill, which produces a specialised composite wood product that is used in building and housing materials.
“Triboard workers are mostly just worried about their colleagues down the road right now, but there is a lot of anxiety about what comes next for them too,” said Mr Coverdale.
“The Northland region can't afford to lose any more jobs or industry. Kaitāia is struggling, our manufacturing sector is struggling, and over 800 jobs have now been lost in this industry since this Government came to power.”
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Northland News – Weed Workshops – Register Now

Source: Northland Regional Council

WEED WORKSHOPS – REGISTER NOW!
Northland Regional Council’s annual series of weed workshops are happening around the region during August, in Kaitaia, Kerikeri, Kaikohe, Whangārei, Mangawhai and Rawene.
The three-hour workshops are free and traditionally a drawcard for home gardeners, members of community/restoration groups and contractors.
They’re hands-on and delivered in a relaxed and fun way to help people learn how best to tackle a wide variety of nasties, including wild ginger, lantana, moth plant, Taiwan cherry and privet.
Spaces are limited – to register, visit www.nrc.govt.nz/weedsworkshops