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Tax Reform – Public support for banking levy high ahead of cash strapped budget

Source: Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign

A majority of the public support a banking levy, according to a Talbot Mills poll commissioned by the Better Taxes for a Better Future campaign. The Minister of Finance has previously indicated she was considering a banking levy, like the ones in Australia and the UK, ahead of this year's Budget. As funds get increasingly tight, the popular banking levy looks like an obvious solution.

The poll asked:

  • The Government is considering implementing a new targeted tax or levy on the major banks, similar to ones that operate in the UK and Australia. Supporters say this would help smaller banks compete and help protect the economy in the event of a banking failure requiring a bailout. Critics say that these levies would be passed on to consumers in a range of bank charges.
  • Overall, how strongly do you agree or disagree that the government should bring in a major bank levy? 

52% of people who responded to the poll said they agreed the government should bring in a major bank levy.

“This poll shows that people are increasingly frustrated with how unbalanced our economic system is. Interestingly, 59% of National voters and 57% of ACT voters support a major bank levy – showing this is a move that has support across the political spectrum,” says Kate Stone, spokesperson for the Better Taxes Campaign.

“In the lead up to the budget we're being told there's no money, and seeing further cuts, for example to fees-free for our rangatahi, to public service jobs and social housing support. At the same time we're seeing big corporates, like banks, fuel and energy companies, and supermarkets continuing to make huge profits. And New Zealanders are asking themselves why ordinary people are constantly being asked to tighten our belts, to expect less.”

“The Finance Minister had signalled the government was considering a levy on banks, and the public have spoken loud and clear, they support this move,” says Stone.

“A banking levy would bring in more revenue – $275-300m – which we could use to fund critical public services, like maintaining social housing support for struggling whānau and building more social housing for those on the waitlist. But it could also serve to rein in excessive profits and level the playing field for smaller banks.”

“Importantly in these uncertain times, banking levies act as a sort of insurance policy in the event that tax payers are called upon to bail out a failing bank, like we saw during the Global Financial Crisis. It's about big banks making a fair contribution to our economy now and in the event of a crisis,” says Stone.

“In 2025 the “Big Four” banks – ANZ, ASB, BNZ and Westpac – declared total profits before tax of $9.53 billion and over the last 10 years have increased their NZ profits by 25% in real terms. If we asked these banks to contribute just a fraction of that to our economy we could make a start on rebalancing the books and sharing the load of supporting our communities more fairly.”

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New investor settings support growth and giving – BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

Changes to the Active Investor Plus visa settings mean charitable contributions of up to $1 million will qualify as part of an applicant's minimum $5 million growth investment in New Zealand.
BusinessNZ says the move will strengthen public confidence in foreign investment by broadening the benefits beyond economic outcomes alone.
Director of Education, Skills and Immigration Rachel Simpson says the policy gives prospective investors another meaningful way to contribute to New Zealand’s future.
“New Zealanders want to see investment delivering long-term value for the country. Supporting community organisations and social outcomes alongside economic growth helps reinforce the social licence for foreign investment.
“There are ready and practical applications for this change. There is great potential for things like purchasing essential medical equipment, donating to research, or supporting conservation efforts as part of total investment, and demonstrates that international capital can contribute not only to business activity and jobs but also to community wellbeing and resilience.”
Simpson says demand for investor visas remains strong, which shows there is genuine international appetite to commit capital and capability to New Zealand.
“We welcome the skills and experience that international investors bring to New Zealand, and it is positive that charities and communities will also be able to benefit from both the capital and capability those investors contribute.”
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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Budget 2026 – Budget must balance discipline with bold choices for growth – Business Canterbury

Source: Business Canterbury

Businesses across Canterbury are looking for a Budget on Thursday that shows the Government is responding to current conditions in the same way they are, through careful cost management and clear prioritisation, while still maintaining a strong focus on the future.

Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “The signals from Government to date have been encouraging. Our latest Canterbury Business Survey, which closed last week, shows 35 per cent of businesses are positive about the Government’s response to conflict in the Middle East, with 47 per cent remaining neutral. This is an indication that businesses are recognising pragmatic decision-making from the Government in a challenging global environment.

However, while short-term discipline is essential, it cannot come at the expense of long-term growth.

“It’s in an environment like this that bold decisions matter most. In its Budget this week, the Government must keep its eyes firmly on lifting productivity, encouraging investment, and supporting sustainable economic growth.

“With limited room for large-scale spending or relief on core cost pressures such as fuel and other inputs, productivity-focused policies are the most practical and impactful pathway forward. There are existing tools that could be strengthened quickly to deliver meaningful gains.

Some opportunities include:

Expanding and enhancing Investment Boost, including opening eligibility to a wider range of asset classes such as second-hand assets and increasing the claimable percentage.

Raising the instant asset write-off threshold from $1,000 to $20,000 as it is in Australia (for small businesses) to improve cashflow and reduce barriers to investment.

Introducing a targeted R&D grant or tax credit for small and medium-sized businesses, bridging the gap between the ‘New to R&D’ grant and the RDTI scheme, where current compliance requirements can be a barrier.

“Businesses have navigated disruption after disruption over the past five years. They are resilient, but they need the right settings to invest, hire, and grow.”

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

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Employment Issues – Te Puni Kōkiri restructure heads to mediation – PSA

Source: PSA

Māori development agency Te Puni Kōkiri’s unlawful decision to disestablish 27 roles will be subject to a round of mediation with the PSA in Wellington today.
The proposed cuts would come on top of earlier losses of 75 FTE roles, meaning that more than 20 per cent of Te Puni Kōkiri’s workforce would be cut if the restructure goes ahead.
In late April the PSA filed legal action in response to the agency’s failure to consult the union before dumping restructure plans on workers in breach of the collective agreement.
“Gutting the capacity of the Crown’s lead agency on kaupapa Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi risks creating new Te Tiriti breaches and undermining decades of progress to reduce disparities for Māori communities,” said Jack McDonald, Te Kaihautū Māori at the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Public servants at Te Puni Kōkiri implement important economic and social programmes for Māori communities and advise ministers and other agencies on honouring their Te Tiriti obligations.
“This ministry has a proud tradition of advancing Māori aspirations in government. We are deeply concerned that this proposed restructure will undermine its ability to do that for years to come.
“This Government’s anti-Māori agenda is resulting in the disestablishment of Māori and Treaty-focused roles across the public service. These roles must be protected. It is vital that the programmes they support are able to succeed.
“Te Puni Kōkiri has a chance to back down on their proposal to sack workers and settle this issue out of court – we urge them to take up that opportunity,” said McDonald.
Previous statement
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Openings – New inclusive café expands Delta’s services, creating more ways to connect

Source: Rata Foundation

Christchurch-based Delta Community Support Trust has launched Flourish Café, an inclusive community space creating real-world hospitality experience and employment pathways for people with intellectual disabilities.
Run by members of Delta’s Friendship Link, alongside staff and volunteers, the café gives adults with intellectual disabilities supported, hands-on experience in food preparation and customer service – building confidence, connection and essential life skills. The café soft-launched to friends and family in late 2025 and has now opened its doors to the public.
Delta’s roots are firmly planted in community and it's an integral part of the Richmond and wider-Christchurch community landscape, providing a comprehensive range of wraparound support services for nearly 1000 people last year.
Delta Community Support Trust Chief Executive Grahame Burgess says Delta is a grassroots community organisation which empowers people to participate fully in community life. “Over time we try to make it as easy and as welcoming as possible for people to connect with us. That means being approachable, having an open-door feel, offering flexible support and taking time to build trust. Often people don't come looking for a service, they come looking for connection and that's where we start.”
Delta’s support includes one-on-one community advocacy, helping people navigate health, housing and social services, alongside practical support such as budgeting guidance and referrals. Other programmes held at Delta include digital coaching, migrant craft groups, wellbeing-orientated clinics, ‘cooking on a budget’ classes, MOE certified migrant playgroup and English language classes.
The Delta Community Kitchen operates throughout the week, delivering four distinctly different community cafés. All use rescue food with support from Kairos, Satisfy and the New Zealand Food Network. These cafés help address food insecurity while creating additional connection points for community members.
Flourish Café
Flourish Café operates every Wednesday, 11am-12.30pm, from the organisation’s hub at 101 North Avon Road, Richmond. Everyone is welcome.
“Flourish is a community cafe with a purpose,” says Grahame. “It grew out of a desire to create a more inclusive, welcoming space which brings people together, while at the same time developing key life skills for our disabled community. It’s about more than just food – it’s about connection, dignity and creating opportunities for people to be involved, build skills and find pathways to employment. What makes Delta special is our relational approach. We don't see people as problems to fix, we see people as part of our community.”
Jayden, a Friendship Link member working at Flourish, says his favourite part is working in the kitchen. “I’m excellent at making the stuffing. I also like serving because the customers are really nice to us.”
Carl, another budding cook says, Delta is really special to him because he gets to see all his friends and learn lots of things.
Another key programme is the Evergreen Club, a daily programme supporting older adults, with a focus on reducing loneliness and maintaining cognitive and physical health. Annette, who has been part of the Delta community for four years, says “I like it. I come for the morning tea, do exercise and then I play games. It is the people – they're friendly people. It’s great fun here. I really enjoy it.”
Delta’s services are delivered by a team of 26 mostly part-time staff and over 40 volunteers. Grahame says the focus of all activity is encouraging participation and connection. “Delta is a place where community is strong, people support one another and no one feels isolated. We know when people are empowered, they thrive.”
Delta has partnered with Rātā Foundation for over 25 years. Grahame says the partnership has been foundational to their ability to develop the organisation to better suit the changing needs of the community. “Rātā Foundation’s support continues to enable us to strengthen and grow the work we do in the community, including building stronger governance and supporting and empowering our staff and volunteers. Rātā walk alongside us, offering advice, sharing knowledge and taking a truly holistic approach to supporting us and the wider community sector.
“Every day we see the difference it makes when people feel seen, valued and connected. Delta really is a place where this happens.”
Rātā Foundation Head of Community Investment Kate Sclater says Delta exemplifies the kind of grassroots organisation which creates lasting change by addressing multiple needs within a single community. “Their holistic, wraparound services model demonstrates how effective community support can be when organisations take time to build genuine relationships with the people in their community. They are also looking to the future by strengthening capability as well as developing their services, to ensure the sustainability of the organisation for the long-term benefit of the community.”
The South Island's most significant community investment fund, Rātā Foundation manages a pūtea (fund) of around $730 million [1] , enabling an investment of around $25 million per annum into its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson/Tasman, Marlborough and the Chatham Islands. Since its inception in 1988, Rātā has invested over $630 million through community investment programmes to empower people to thrive.
[1] Our investment balance reflects a specific point in time and may fluctuate due to market conditions and other external factors beyond our control.
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ASB: Strait closure may squeeze NZ far beyond fuel

Source: ASB

As the Middle East conflict enters its 12th week, new ASB analysis suggests the economic fallout for New Zealand is spreading well beyond the pump, with supply chain costs rising and household spending expected to come under further pressure.

“While the immediate effect has been higher fuel prices, that’s only one piece of the puzzle.  The broader story is how the entire cost shock (which includes fertiliser and petrochemicals) spreads through supply chains, lifting the cost of manufactured goods, packaging, freight and farm inputs, and the flow on effects of that to consumer spending,” says Kim Mundy, Senior Economist at ASB.

Those pressures are already showing up in real costs for some businesses with freight operators providing the clearest early examples. Earlier this month, shipping giant Maersk applied a 27% fuel surcharge while the Interislander almost doubled its fuel surcharge for commercial vehicles crossing Cook Strait – increases likely to be felt across a broad range of New Zealand businesses.

ASB expects the initial inflationary pressure to be felt most acutely in food, freight, plastic products and other goods with high transport or packaging costs. At the same time, discretionary sectors such as retail, hospitality, arts and recreation may face softer demand as higher fuel costs reduce household spending power.

“The effects of the Strait’s closure reach further into the economy than may have first been apparent, with few sectors likely to escape entirely. Agriculture, manufacturing, construction and transport appear most exposed, but even less fuel-intensive businesses could be hit as households shift spending towards essentials. That creates another headwind for economic growth,” says Mundy.

While the Government has indicated the risk of a fuel shortage and rationing remains low, ASB is urging businesses to review where they are exposed and prepare for ongoing volatility.

“Roughly a quarter of our economy has a high, or very high, exposure to at least two of the key disruptions we analysed in our research so for businesses, the message is to look beyond direct fuel use and assess their exposure across suppliers, freight, packaging inputs and customer demand while the conflict in the Middle East persists,” says Mundy.

Other recent ASB reports covering a range of commentary, can be accessed at our ASB Economic Insights page: https://www.asb.co.nz/documents/economic-insights.html

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Opinion – From Victimhood to Empowerment: Palestine Through the Eyes of Its Indigenous People

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

OPINION: For decades, the Palestinian cause has largely been presented to the world as the story of a suffering people, a nation living under occupation, siege, displacement, and violence. While this reality cannot and should not be denied, reducing Palestinians solely to the image of “victims” carries a profound danger for both Palestinian collective consciousness and the way the world perceives Palestine.
A victim, in the global imagination, is often portrayed as someone awaiting sympathy rather than as a people possessing agency, dignity, and the power to shape history. This is why the transition from a “victim consciousness” to a “consciousness of power” is not merely a linguistic or political shift, but a psychological, cultural, and national necessity.
The Palestinian is not simply a person subjected to injustice; they are the indigenous people of the land, the holders of history, memory, identity, and legitimate rights. Their existence in Palestine is not a humanitarian accident requiring temporary compassion, but the continuation of a deep-rooted connection to land, heritage, and belonging.
Victim consciousness imprisons people within pain, while empowerment
consciousness redefines identity through resilience, action, and self-determination. A people who preserved their identity despite the Nakba, endured occupation, survived exile, and continued to create life under siege cannot be understood merely as victims. They are a living example of steadfastness and historical continuity.
For many years, the Zionist narrative succeeded in presenting itself globally through the language of historical victimhood, while Palestinians were often depicted either as powerless sufferers or as statistics in news headlines. This is why the battle over consciousness and narrative is just as important as the political struggle itself. The story the world believes ultimately shapes moral legitimacy and public perception.
A consciousness of power does not mean denying suffering or ignoring atrocities.
Rather, it means refusing to allow oppression to define who we are. Palestinians are not a project of pity; they are a project of liberation. They are not merely survivors of tragedy, but a people with a just cause, a living culture, creativity, resilience, and an undeniable connection to their homeland.
When Palestinians speak from a position of power, they do not speak the language of hatred or revenge, but the language of confidence in justice and truth. A language that says: we are here because this is our land. We are not strangers to history, nor temporary inhabitants of this place. We are its people.
One of the greatest dangers facing any colonized nation is internalizing the perspective of the colonizer beginning to see itself as weak, defeated, or eternally victimized. True liberation begins when people reclaim the ability to define themselves as active makers of history rather than passive recipients of suffering.
Today, Palestine does not only need global solidarity; it also needs a transformation in consciousness Palestinian, Arab, and international alike. A transformation from the language of pity to the language of rights, from the image of victimhood to the image of a free people with sovereignty, dignity, and historical legitimacy.
Because nations are not liberated by resistance on the ground alone, but also by liberating the mind from psychological defeat and restoring faith in identity, justice, and the natural right to freedom, return, and self-determination.
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Rural News – Major breakthrough in battle against wilding pines – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

After years of pushing for more funding to tackle wilding pines, Federated Farmers says today’s Government announcement is a major breakthrough.
The Government has committed an extra $79 million for wilding pine control over the next three years, taking the total commitment to $109 million, targeting some of the country’s worst-affected areas.
Federated Farmers pest spokesperson Richard Dawkins says the investment is a huge win – not just for farmers, but for all New Zealanders.
“Wilding pines are an ecological disaster threatening farms, exports, biodiversity, tourism, and water resources across New Zealand.
“Most Kiwis don’t see the problem day to day, but these invasive trees are spreading across some of our most iconic landscapes at an alarming rate.
“The time to ramp up control efforts is now, and this funding boost will make a real difference.
“The Government deserves enormous credit for stepping up and backing meaningful action.”
Dawkins welcomed the focus on major seed source areas in Wānaka and Marlborough, along with priority regions including Queenstown, Wakatipu, Mackenzie, Molesworth, and the North Island’s Central Plateau.
“For the first time, we’re seeing a serious effort to tackle some of the country’s worst seed source areas, including Branch Leatham in Marlborough, which has long fuelled the wider South Marlborough infestation,” he says.
“That area was originally aerially seeded with conifer pines by the Crown for soil conservation purposes, with a commitment to address any unintended consequences.
“While some funding has been allocated over the years, it’s been piecemeal and nowhere near enough to get on top of the problem properly.
“This new investment is a significant step forward, and everyone involved deserves real credit.”
Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says the key now will be combining this new funding with action from landowners and land managers.
“The Government has really stepped up and done its part to control wilding pines.
“We already have many farmers doing a lot of work out there, but now we need other landowners, councils, and the private sector to do the same so we can maximise the impact of this funding.
“If we can throw a big wave of control work at these pests, we’ve got a real chance to start turning the tide.”
Federated Farmers has long warned that the wilding pine eradication programme was severely underfunded.
Unlike managed plantation forests, wilding pine infestations rarely provide any productive value.
They intensify wildfire risk, smother native vegetation, and reduce groundwater supplies.
Even a handful of trees can spread seed vast distances on the wind.
Dawkins says Federated Farmers identified the issue as an urgent priority more than a year ago, and he’s encouraged to see that advocacy helping drive meaningful action.
“That said, we still believe around $50 million a year is needed for the next decade to halt the spread of these invasive trees across productive farmland and DOC land.
“While this funding is a massive step forward, wilding pines are an intergenerational challenge and there’s no quick fix.
“The focus now needs to be on securing stable, long-term, bipartisan support, so communities can have confidence this work will continue well beyond the next few years.
“We also need to look at how large areas of land are managed day to day, including greater use of active management tools such as managed grazing where appropriate, to reduce future spread and risk.”
Langford says many others have also played an important role in highlighting the threat posed by wilding pines.
“We’d also like to acknowledge the communities, landowners, volunteer groups, and councils who have worked tirelessly to keep this issue front and centre for many years.” 
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Activist Sector – New spend on war is lunacy – Peace Action Wellington

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026 – The Minister of Defence Chris Penk has announced a $1.58 billion investment in war including hundreds of millions for more work on the frigates.

“The government is allocating another $215 million to the frigates – both of which were just upgraded at an actual cost of $700 million – nearly twice what was budgeted with years' long work overruns by Lockheed Martin. This is the usual rort of the weapons industry,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“This announcement shows where the Coalition's priorities are. Instead of building hospitals, schools, houses, aged care facilities and a clean energy transition, this government is intent on waging war alongside the United States.”

“The Minister likes claims the world is more dangerous. What he is not saying is that country most responsible for that very instability is our 'friend' the United States. The US is engaged in an illegal war on the people of Iran, and are arming and funding the ongoing genocide in Gaza. In 2025 alone, the US bombed nine different countries.”

“It is the US that has been pushing this government to spend more on war since the 2023 election. There has been a constant stream of US military and State Department people in and out of Wellington to ensure the government commits to a massive military build up – and interoperability with US forces.”

“Instead of signing up for the US empire's endless wars – and spending our children's inheritance on weapons – we need to build a strong and vibrant Aotearoa New Zealand that ensures everyone here has what they need to lead a dignified life.”

“The announced spending on new weapons will be funneled straight into the pockets of global weapons companies like Lockheed Martin, instead of into ensuring people here are fed, clothed, housed and employed.”

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Budget 2026 – Defence boost must ensure civilian workers get pay rise – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on NZDF and the Government to ensure that civilian workers who are the backbone of Defence get pay increases as a result of today’s pre-Budget announcement.
Civilian personnel who are members of the PSA have been in bargaining with the New Zealand Defence Force since December 2025 with no real progress on pay.
The announcement has confirmed remuneration adjustments as one of four Defence budget priorities for 2026 – alongside maritime security maintenance, housing, training, and alignment with industry – the PSA expects immediate meaningful progress at the bargaining table.
“New Zealand needs a well-resourced Defence Force, and this commitment is important, but civilian staff can’t be forgotten,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Ships, aircraft and equipment don’t maintain themselves. Civilian workers are the backbone of the Defence Force. They are the engineers, IT specialists, logistics staff, tradespeople and security personnel who keep our military operational and ready. The investment in Defence must include fair pay for these workers.
“The Defence Force has been explicit that the principles underpinning its remuneration priority include equity for civilian and military personnel and lifting base pay rates. We will hold them to that.
“Many of our members work in technical and trade roles alongside contractors who are paid at market rates significantly higher than what NZDF pays its own civilian staff. That gap has to close if Defence wants to recruit and retain the skilled workforce it needs to be fit to face our security challenges.
“Civilian workers have been hard done by in recent years. Less than two years ago they were insulted with a zero percent pay offer. They had to fight for eight months and take sustained strike action just to win a small pay rise.
“The Government’s response to that dispute was not to address the root cause of inadequate pay, but to pass the Defence (Workforce) Amendment Act making it easier for Defence to use military personnel to replace striking civilians and to change the law to enable employers to deduct pay for partial strike action. These laws undermine the ability of civilian workers to bargain fairly for the pay they deserve.
“On top of that, hundreds of civilian jobs have been cut. The Defence Force cannot keep hollowing out its civilian workforce and expect to deliver on the ambitions outlined in today’s announcement.
“There are no more excuses for delaying bargaining. Our members expect an immediate fair pay offer that reflects the essential role they play, cost of living pressures and one that genuinely aligns civilian pay with the market.
“The proof of the Government’s commitment to Defence won’t just be in the hardware it buys. It will be in how it treats the people who make it all work.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.