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NZ Government urgently needs to join international condemnation of Israeli suspension of aid organisations in Gaza – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says the government urgently needs to join international condemnation of Israel’s suspension of dozens of humanitarian organisations, including Doctors Without Borders, which provide food, water and medical services for Palestinians in Gaza.

 

“This is a death sentence to thousands more Palestinian in Gaza,” says PSNA Co-Chair John Minto. 

 

“With western countries distracted by New Year celebrations, Israel has decided to dramatically tighten its stranglehold on aid to Gaza.”

 

“Only 20% of the aid agreed under the so-called ‘ceasefire agreement’ has been allowed in.”

 

“Israel’s aim is to deepen the humanitarian crisis to make it easier to expel Palestinians from Gaza.  It’s latest plan is to banish them to the rebel state of Somaliland – a country which is recognised only by Israel!”

 

“This is all the more reason for New Zealand to speak out now before the ban is due to take affect this Thursday.”

 

“There is a new government pattern, which started with a negative vote in the United Nations on recognition of Palestine earlier in the year,” Minto says.

 

“New Zealand has now abandoned standing with other western countries, who have condemned Israel’s refusal to allow full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which Israel agreed to under the deal of October 10th”.

 

In a joint statement Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland have stated: “As winter draws in civilians in Gaza are facing appalling conditions with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping” and demands Israel increase the flow of aid.

 

Minto asks “why did New Zealand not sign that letter?”

 

“New Zealand was also unmoved by appeals from the United Nations Office for the co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs earlier in December.”

 

“Israel has ignored these repeated UN appeals and New Zealand has conveniently looked the other way.”

 

“And while Trump has just said Israel is ‘100% compliant’ with the ceasefire terms, he, and our government too, have ignored the fact that Israeli forces have already directly killed more than 400 Palestinians during the ceasefire.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Advocacy – Israeli Genocide Holiday Season in NZ Peaking Now – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

Our summer is the main time for Israelis to visit New Zealand, and PSNA is warning that many soldiers who have been serving in the IDF genocide in Gaza will be among them.

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says Immigration NZ figures show 799 Israelis visited New Zealand last December, and half of them would be of an age to be eligible for compulsory military service.  The Israeli visitor numbers then usually increase for January and February.

 

PSNA Co-chair John Minto says all these soldiers would have been complicit in some way with the ongoing genocide in Gaza during the past two years.

 

“So, what these troops are doing, is having a ‘Genocide Holiday’ here.  They belong to a military force which has been responsible for perhaps hundreds of thousands of deaths in Gaza, the all but total destruction of its buildings and other infrastructure, and mass ethnic cleansing and starvation.”

 

The IDF has killed more than 400 Palestinians in Gaza since October when the ceasefire was meant to have begun.

 

“It’s a disgrace that our Foreign Minister says they are welcome to come here,” Minto says.

 

‘Our officials can’t even bother to ask these likely war criminals, whether they live or operate in Occupied East Jerusalem or West Bank.  The International Court of Justice says signatories to the Geneva Conventions, such as New Zealand, must not do anything which perpetuates the Occupation.

 

The 2016 United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which New Zealand co-sponsored, required countries “to distinguish, in their relevant dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967”. 

 

“Free visas for soldiers who enforce the Occupation or live as occupiers, can’t be seen as anything other than a New Zealand endorsement of the Occupation and a breach of the terms of a UN Security Council resolution which New Zealand played a major role in passing.”

 

Minto says he fears the risk of violence from these visitors.

 

“Weve seen more threats and acts of violence against Palestinian supporters from Israelis and their supporters over the past few months.

 

“Two former IDF people have appeared in court after their physical attacks on protesters.”

 

“We are maintaining our hotline this summer – 027 427 2784 – for people who are concerned for their safety when they encounter IDF types in holiday spots, and to identity them wherever in the country they are enjoying their break from genocide.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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New Year’s Honours – David Corner honoured with New Zealand Order of Merit Award

Source: IHC

31 December 2025 – David Corner has dedicated his life’s work to advocating for the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and he has now been honoured with an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit Award.

David, an IHC Self Advocacy Advisor, received the award in the 2025 New Year's honours.

IHC Chief Executive Andrew Crisp said the honour was well-deserved in recognition of David’s tireless work in the disability sector both in New Zealand and Internationally.

“David’s energy, experience and dedication to supporting people with intellectual disabilities to speak up and advocate for themselves has been invaluable,” Andrew says. “His influence has been felt by many individuals, their families and within the disability sector.”

“David has also shown relentless courage in stepping up to speak at local and international forums, over many years, to share his own personal and professional experiences. IHC thanks David for his hard work and dedication and we all celebrate this well-deserved honour with him.”

Living with an intellectual disability, David has focused his professional and personal life on speaking up and advocating on behalf of individuals, as well as for systemic and international change.

David says receiving this acknowledgement for his work feels good, and he hopes it will help other people with intellectual disabilities to be recognised for their advocacy.  

“It’s a real honour to receive this, unfortunately there are a lot of people with intellectual disability working in the sector who don’t get awards, and I’d like to see them recognised more,” David says. “I want to see other people have the same opportunities and help and support that I have had from IHC, Inclusion International, and friends and family, so they can be leaders in the disability sector too.”  

David also hoped that the Order of Merit award will open new doors and help him get things done for people with intellectual disabilities.

David is a public speaker who advocates for the rights and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities and what is important for them. David’s practice of developing Easy Read formats includes reviewing work so it can be readily understood by people with intellectual disabilities. He has co-authored a chapter on Easy Read in teaching and learning for an international journal.  

David is busy as an active member of Disabled Person’s Assembly, Standards and Monitoring Services, Association for Supported Employment in New Zealand, and is a Life Member of People First. He has also been a representative Board Member of these organisations, and Chairs IHC’s Chief Executive Advisory Group.  

David was also a New Zealand representative for the international disability organisation Inclusion International for 12 years. His leadership and contribution were recognised in 2020 when he was made an Honorary Member of Inclusion International. He was acknowledged again in September 2025 when he received a lifetime member award at the Inclusion International World Congress in the United Arab Emirates.

David continues to work as an advocate for IHC, on the Ombudsman Disability Advisory group, and the Whaikaha Disability Employment Strategy Working group.

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New Year’s Honours – Fire and Emergency honours recipients congratulated

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan congratulates seven personnel, both paid and volunteer, from Ashburton, Leeston, Amberley, Napier, Wairoa, Te Aroha and Rongotea who have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours List released today.
“These Honours are a worthy recognition of the many years of dedicated service these seven recipients have made to Fire and Emergency and their communities,” says Rebecca Keoghan.
This year’s recipients of New Year Honours for services to Fire and Emergency are:
– Mr Donald George (Don) Geddes – appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
– Mr Lloyd Bertram Clausen, MStJ – award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
– Mr Paul David Harris, JP – award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
– Mr Patrick Gerard O’Rourke – award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
– Mr Stanley Donald (Don) Scott – award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
– Mr Paul Gregory (Tomsie) Toms – award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
– Mr Henry Joseph Wheeler – award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM).
“These Honours are a testament to the trust communities place in Fire and Emergency and the incredible dedication of our people,” says Rebecca Keoghan.
“Each recipient has shown unwavering commitment to keeping New Zealanders safe, and their recognition reinforces the value of service and the pride that comes with being part of Fire and Emergency.
“Their achievements not only strengthen the trust our communities have in us, but also inspire others to work and volunteer with Fire and Emergency. On behalf of everyone at Fire and Emergency, and the communities we serve, I would like to extend my congratulations,” says Rebecca Keoghan.
More information on recipients follows:
For appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Mr Donald George (Don) Geddes
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Land Search and Rescue and the community.
Mr Don Geddes worked with Ashburton District Council as both Principal Rural Fire Officer and Civil Defence Emergency Management Officer for 18 years. Through this role, Mr Geddes managed 10 rural fire forces and 180 volunteers. In 2016 he helped facilitate the implementation of a Welfare Trust, which supports the welfare of volunteer firefighters and their families. He has been a key liaison with Federated Farmers, developing long-standing relationships with the arable farming sector, particularly for the safe burning of crop residue. He has volunteered for Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (LandSAR) with the Methven Group for 50 years and chaired the Group for 20 years. He has served on the Canterbury Regional SAR Committee and chaired that Committee for a term. He served as a Gazetted Advisor (LandSAR) to the New Zealand Police. He was part of a five-person National LandSAR Advisory Panel in 2016, to the then Chief Executive Officer of LandSAR New Zealand. He is a Trustee and Chairperson of WanderSearch Canterbury, a volunteer organisation providing free radio frequency devices for vulnerable individuals at risk of wandering. Mr Geddes has served as a Trustee of the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust and continues his involvement with the Trust as a volunteer.
For the award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
Mr Lloyd Bertram Clausen, MStJ
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.
Mr Lloyd Clausen has been a leader in the Leeston community for several decades, serving with a range of organisations.
Mr Clausen joined the Leeston Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1969, since serving in several roles including Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Chief Fire Officer, and being made a Life Member in 1994. He has promoted and led extensive Community Fire Safety programmes in the area. He has been on the Leeston Township Advisory Committee for 30 years, serving as Chair from 2004 to 2024. He has overseen and operated the Leeston Learners Pool for more than 30 years, organising volunteer operation and maintenance. He is the current President of the Ellesmere Returned and Services Association, after 20 years of membership, including organising the annual Poppy Day sales and ANZAC Day services. He is a long-serving member for more than 20 years of the Ellesmere and Selwyn St John Area Committee. Starting in 2011, he has been a Foundation Trust Board Member of the Ellesmere Heritage Park Trust. Mr Clausen has played with the Ellesmere Brass Band for 22 years and the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Wigram Brass Band for 13 years, performing at various functions locally and nationally.
Mr Paul David Harris, JP
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.
Mr Paul Harris has contributed to the Waipara community for 50 years.
Mr Harris has served with the Waipara Volunteer Fire Brigade since 1975 and as Chief Fire Officer from 1999. He is involved in a wide array of community groups, including the Glenmark Reserves Committee, which he chaired for 15 years. He has raised funds for the Friends of Glenmark Church to maintain this century-old structure. He has been a judge for the New Zealand Shearing Sports committee since 1995 and a referee for the World Sheep Shearing Record Society from 2007 to 2024, judging record attempts nationally and in the United Kingdom and Australia. He was Chief Referee for the World Shearing Championships in Invercargill in 2017. He has chaired the South Island Shearing Sports Committee and the World Sheep Shearing Record Society since 2021. He organised one of New Zealand’s earliest long-standing Speed Shear competitions, held in annually in Waipara for 25 years. Since 1980 he has been a member of the Glenmark Rifle Shooting Club and has helped organise various tournaments. Mr Harris has been a Justice of the Peace in the Waipara community since 1998.
Mr Patrick Gerard O'Rourke
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.
Mr Patrick O'Rourke has served with the Rissington Rural Volunteer Fire Force, north-west of Napier, since 1993.
Appointed Controller in 1999, Mr O'Rourke oversaw the relocation of the Rissington Fire Station to its current site, and led the Brigade through its integration with Fire and Emergency New Zealand. He ensured the geographically isolated Brigade remained a vital first response to a wide range of emergencies. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, he applied his emergency management training to mobilise the Brigade and wider community, establishing a temporary hub to connect residents with support services, during a three-week period of isolation from Napier and Hastings. His leadership contributed to an additional permanent Community Hub building constructed next to the fire station to enhance community resilience. He is a Trustee of the Tumanako Charitable Trust, established in response to Cyclone Gabrielle to financially support recovery efforts for families in the Rissington, Patoka and Puketitiri districts. He has volunteered extensively in the Rissington community since the early 1990s. As Chairperson of Rissington Community Group since its inception in 2011, he has overseen initiatives including scholarships, reunions and community events. Mr O’Rourke served on the Rissington School Board of Trustees from 1994, including nine years as Chairperson, supporting staff and students through fundraising, camps and other activities.
Mr Stanley Donald (Don) Scott
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and civil defence.
Mr Don Scott has been involved with volunteer fire brigades since the 1960s across several regions.
While a paid firefighter in Auckland, Mr Scott established the Onewhero Rural Fire Brigade in 1985, serving as its first Rural Fire Controller. He then volunteered with the Eastland Rural Fire Brigade from 1994, helped establish the Tamatea Rural Fire Force in Central Hawke’s Bay in 2011, before relocating to Hokitika in 2019. He is Health and Safety Officer and Welfare Support Officer for Wairoa Volunteer Fire Brigade, having joined in 2024. Identifying that volunteer rural firefighters were not represented on rural fire matters as a national collective, he approached the Forest and Rural Fire Association of New Zealand in 1989 and established an agreement for the inclusion of Rural Forces as members. He then served as a Committee member from 1994 to 2015. He carried out volunteer civil defence functions between 1996 and 2024 with the District Councils of Gisborne, Wairoa, Hastings, Central Hawke’s Bay, Buller and Westland. He held various roles and provided leadership, notably, for the 2007 Gisborne earthquake, 2019 Fox River flood event, and the 2021 and 2022 Westport flood events, as well as supporting the response to the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Mr Scott served as Treasurer of Hokitika Lions Club.
Mr Paul Gregory (Tomsie) Toms
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and football.
Mr Paul “Tomsie” Toms has volunteered with Te Aroha Volunteer Fire Brigade since 1981 and has been involved with Te Aroha Soccer Club since the late 1970s.
Mr Toms trained as a firefighter-driver and has maintained a high callout attendance percentage. He was Brigade Secretary from 1986 to 1990, Treasurer from 1993 to 1997, joint Secretary/Treasurer until 2001, and has since been Treasurer. He served on numerous Brigade committees for special projects, including to build a shed for the rural fire tanker, alterations to the ageing fire station, bi-annual fundraisers for rescue equipment, and the purchase of two other utility vehicles. He is a Life Member of the Brigade and has continued to promote fire safety and awareness in local schools and through school tours of the fire station. He coached Te Aroha Soccer Club’s first women’s team in the 1980s. He was one of the driving forces behind the building of the clubrooms and moving from Te Aroha College grounds to their present home on Boyd Park. After retiring from playing in the 1980s, he has been a referee with the local Waikato League and has continued to offer advice to the club and coaches on rules and interpretations. Mr Toms has been Membership Secretary of Te Aroha RSA since 1981.
Mr Henry Joseph Wheeler
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community.
Mr Henry Wheeler has contributed more than 50 years to the Rongotea community and has served in the Rongotea Fire Brigade for 55 years.
Mr Wheeler served as the Deputy Chief between 1980 and 1990 and Chief Fire Officer of Rongotea Fire Brigade from 1991 until 2015. He was also simultaneously Chief Fire Officer of Tangimoana Brigade, an auxiliary Brigade of Rongotea. He has fulfilled the role of Welfare Officer, following up with firefighters following traumatic callouts, as well as following up with those affected by fires after the events to offer support. He helped patrol with the Neighbourhood Watch Group on a weekly basis for five years He has been a member of the Rongotea Community committee since inception and has helped in several community projects, including helping plant 1,500 cherry trees throughout the community as part of the Keep Rongotea Beautiful Campaign. He was Chair of the Rongotea Pool Swimming Committee for ten years and was a leader in Every Boys Rally between 1960 and 1980. He raised funds annually to cover the cost of the chemicals that are needed to keep the Rongotea swimming pool open each summer. Mr Wheeler was awarded The Year of the Volunteer Medal by the United Nations in 2001 and a Manawatu District Council Community Award in 2023.
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Defence News – Naval officer decorated for leadership of response to sinking of HMNZS Manawanui

Source: New Zealand Defence Force
 
Commodore Andrew Brown RNZN (Retd) has been awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) In the New Year Honours List 2026 for his leadership of New Zealand’s response to the grounding and subsequent sinking of HMNZS Manawanui on the south coast of Upolu, Samoa in October 2024.
 
The Naval dive and hydrographic vessel ran aground with 75 people on board while surveying a reef on Saturday 5 October 2024, and sank the next day. Everyone aboard the ship made their way safely to shore and/or were rescued by locals.
 
Over a five-month period in Samoa, Commodore Brown was the strategic interface between New Zealand authorities, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), Samoan authorities and the various stakeholders involved in the response, which addressed the initial impact assessment, environmental protection, salvage operations, diplomacy, and strategic implications of the sinking.
 
The citation states that he recognised that the support of the Samoan Government and community was critical in the management of the sinking.
 
“He facilitated the Samoan-led response with an inclusive approach, engaging with leaders and providing constant progress feedback to Samoan authorities. This resulted in a high degree of trust being placed in New Zealand’s response, in a situation where the local community were concerned about the threat to their environment and livelihoods.
 
“He was Strategic Contract Manager for the NZDF’s oversight of salvage operations, had oversight of the deployed NZDF Task Group, and was a key advisor to the Maritime Pollution Advisory Committee that managed the Samoan national response. Commodore Brown’s leadership and diplomacy within the [Samoan] Maritime Pollution Advisory Committee and support to the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa, with development and deployment of a water testing capability, positively influenced the decision to remove the precautionary zone and permit the community to return to fishing in the vicinity” the citation says.
 
Commodore Brown said that he is honoured and humbled to be recognised for his contribution to the response.
 
“But I must acknowledge the personnel from the New Zealand Defence Force, other government agencies, civilian contractors, and Samoan Government officials that worked alongside me and supported me during the response.
 
“It was a very challenging and technical operation and there were not many days that I did not call upon my previous years of experience, training, and leadership, so I have many to thank and acknowledge,” he said.
 
Commodore Brown has recently retired from regular service in the Navy, but remains a member of the Reserve Force.
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Security – Walk Without Fear Trust Urges Kiwis to Keep Each Other Safe This New Year’s Eve

Source: Authority PR

The Walk Without Fear Trust is urging New Zealanders to look out for one another and act responsibly as the country heads into New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Chairman Eugene Bareman said the festive season is a time for connection and celebration — but too often ends in preventable tragedy caused by alcohol-fuelled street violence.

“Tomorrow night, people will be out with family, friends, and loved ones — at home, in bars, in clubs, and on the streets,” Bareman said. “Our message is simple: look after each other.”

Bareman called on people, particularly men, to step in early if situations begin to escalate.

“If things start to get heated, pull your mates back. De-escalate. Walk away,” he said. “One reckless moment can change lives forever. There’s no honour in violence, and no excuse for street violence. Make it uncool. You're not “the man” if you're brawling drunk on the street.

The Trust says its focus is on prevention — encouraging people to make decisions that ensure everyone gets home safely.

“We want to start 2026 the right way,” Bareman said. “No families grieving. No lives lost. Just people making it home to the ones who love them.”

The Walk Without Fear Trust works year-round to reduce street violence through education, advocacy, and community engagement.

For more information, visit walkwithoutfeartrust.org

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YEAR IN REVIEW: Five climate disasters that disrupted children’s lives in 2025

Source: Save the Children

In 2025, children were deeply affected by climate disasters around the world – from heatwaves that forced schools to close to flash floods and storms that flattened infrastructure and pushed children and families to live in temporary shelters.
Save the Children data this year showed about 136,000 children a day have been affected by climate disasters over the past 30 years, highlighting the need for decisive action to protect children against the impacts of climate change.
Two million children would avoid living with unprecedented lifetime exposure to droughts if we can collectively reach the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C by 2100 [2]
Here are five times in 2025 when climate disasters disrupted children’s lives.
  • Asia floods: In late 2025 devastating floods left hundreds of people, including children, dead. The floods – some of the worst in a generation in some countries – forced schools to close, leaving tens of thousands of children out of education, including in flooded areas of Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Across many of the affected countries, Save the Children and local partners created safe spaces for children where they could play, learn and recover. We also delivered essential aid to affected families.
  • The strongest hurricane on record in 2025: Hurricane Melissa unleashed devastating winds and torrential rain across Haiti and the Dominican Republic. According to the Imperial College Storm Model (IRIS), climate change increased the extreme rainfall associated with Melissa by 16%.[1] Save the Children launched emergency responses in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to support children in the hardest-hit areas. Here are 10 Hurricane Safety Tips for families and children.
  • Dangerous heat forces schools to shut in South Sudan: In February, dangerously high temperatures forced schools across South Sudan to close for  the second year in a row , putting learning out of reach for many children and pushing them further into risks like early marriage, child labour and recruitment into armed groups. This also highlighted the severe impact of heatwaves on children studying in schools with no air conditioning and poor ventilation.
  • Malnutrition in Madagascar:. In Madagascar, prolonged dry spells and floods caused by cyclones, contributed to agricultural losses this year and cases of malnutrition among children under five are now expected to increase by 54% in Madagascar in the coming months, according to an analysis by Save the Children. Food insecurity in Madagascar is the result of several factors, including recurring climate shocks. [3].
  • Persistent storms in the Philippines: Children in the Philippines were hit by 23 tropical cyclones this year [4], with several studies showing a relationship between rising ocean temperatures and increasing typhoon intensity. Typhoon Kalmaegi, which battered the Philippines in November , killed about 200 people, including babies and children, and affected areas of the country that were already suffering from the impact of a 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck south-central Philippines. “Just when they’re about ready to start recovery, another disaster arrives, closing schools and displacing communities,” Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager, Save the Children Philippines, said at the time.
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 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.
References:
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Weather News – Going out with a Bang: Heavy Rain and Gales to end 2025 – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 29th December 2025 – Thursday 1st January 2026
 
As the final week of 2025 unfolds, MetService is forecasting a mix of rain, wind, thunderstorms, and cooler temperatures for many places. But while there will be plenty to keep an eye on, there are also likely to be welcome breaks for some parts of the country, helping outdoor celebrations remain on the cards.

It’s soggy camping as rain is currently falling over the top half of the North Island, associated with a rainband sinking southward today (Monday). The most intense and persistent of the rain is focused on our eastern areas, with Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Hawke’s Bay all under Orange Heavy Rain Warnings today (Monday), continuing into the early hours of tomorrow (Tuesday) for Gisborne/Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay. The longevity and persistence of the rain mixed with some heavy falls means some areas may see large rainfall accumulations.  

“Early in the event, ranges in the Coromandel region are already seeing over 40mm of rain, with 20mm toward the towns. It’s unfortunate weather to hit such popular camping spots and the festival goers in the Gisborne/Tairāwhiti region,” says MetService Meteorologist Katie  Lyons.  

This rainband will sink further south, so conditions do ease toward New Years. The rainband will affect eastern areas of the South Island from Tuesday until the end of the year.  

As if a soggy tent wasn’t bad enough, a loud rustling one is also on the cards for many as gale southeasterlies spread over the North Island, and northwest of the South Island. 

The Coromandel, Waikato down to Taranaki and Taihape, as well as Manawatu south to Kapiti are all under an Orange Strong Wind Warning today (Monday), ending tomorrow further south. Those southeasterlies are set to accelerate up and over the ranges, bringing big gusts to exposed places. It’s a similar story for Buller, Grey and northern Westland from 10pm tonight through 2pm tomorrow (Tuesday). Many other areas around the North Island under Strong Wind Watches as well, including Auckland and Wellington. 

 “Winds are expected to be strongest in exposed areas, such as hill tops. However, it’s a different direction than we are used to, so those that usually feel sheltered might catch the strong winds today. High sided vehicles, for example campervans, should be extra mindful,” says Meteorologist Katie Lyons.  

Looking ahead, while the main action is today (Monday) and tomorrow (Tuesday), that doesn’t mean it’s fine and sunny weather to end the year. Showers will continue to affect the country as we remain under the influence of low pressure system to the west. 

For now, the driest place for New Years Eve seems to be the far south of the country, and the rainiest being western central New Zealand. However, the beauty of showers is that they might give us a few gaps to celebrate the years end outside. Definitely a time to have a plan B for your New Year’s festivities and keep a keen eye on the forecast and radar,” says Lyons.  

Temperatures have been cooler across the country, but it is especially cool in the east of the South Island, with maximum temperatures of 15°C for Blenheim and Christchurch tomorrow.  

With so much action this week, more settled weather should be on the cards for the start of 2026. 

Happy New Year from the team at  MetService.

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First Responders – NZPFU calls off its strike today

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand National Commander Megan Stiffler says it is a positive development that the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union has called off its one-hour strike at midday today.
“This means people’s safety will not now be compromised,” Megan Stiffler says.
“Our volunteers who would have had to respond to emergencies in strike impacted areas can also stand down and spend time with their families.”
“I am disappointed this was done at such short notice. Formal notification was received at 9.35 this morning. This late notice is disruptive and shows no respect to our volunteers and the public, but is a welcome outcome nonetheless
“I hope NZPFU officials also call off their strikes scheduled for 2 and 9 January to keep the community safe over the holiday period.”
“Early notification would show good faith and consideration to our volunteers and staff who are prepared to step up when these strikes occur.
“Facilitation with the Employment Relations Authority is ongoing, with the next meeting dates set down for 26 and 27 January in Christchurch.”
“Attending independent facilitation with the Authority is the next logical step in coming to an agreement and we will participate in good faith with the NZPFU.”
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NZPFU members will strike today – be extra careful

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people and businesses in cities and towns to remain extra careful when members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) undertake a one-hour strike today.
“NZPFU members will walk off the job again between 12-1pm today,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says.
“We advise people, especially those in cities and towns served by paid firefighters, to be extra careful with fire safety today.
“We will continue to answer 111 calls during the one-hour strike and respond to fires in affected areas, but our responses will be delayed. Our dispatch system will direct volunteers from their own stations to help as they regularly do when there are multiple emergencies at one time, but it will take them longer.
“Businesses should take care with any work practices that could result in fire, and make sure their tenants understand their evacuation schemes and procedures,” Megan Stiffler says.
“We are advising everyone that, should there be a fire, they should evacuate early and, once out, stay out, and call 111.
“People should also check their smoke alarms and their escape plans.
“Community safety is of the utmost importance to us,” Megan Stiffler says.
“And, as we have done during the previous one-hour strikes, Fire and Emergency will prioritise emergencies and, as a result, may not respond to less serious incidents in cities and towns during the one-hour strike.
“For example, private fire alarms where there is no evidence of fire, small rubbish fires, assisting traffic management, and animal rescues. This will ensure our resources are focused where they are needed most,” Megan Stiffler says.
“We have notified Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance that, for the one-hour strike, our volunteer crews won’t be able to respond to medical calls outside their patch.
“I want to reassure people that this strike action will not affect most of the country,” Megan Stiffler says.
“The vast majority of communities are served by our more than 11,800 volunteers in nearly 600 stations across New Zealand, who will respond as usual.
Bargaining
The Employment Relations Authority has referred Fire and Emergency and the NZPFU to facilitation to help make progress in ongoing negotiations for the NZPFU collective employment agreement.
Facilitation is ongoing.
“Attending independent facilitation with the Authority is the next logical step in coming to an agreement and we will participate in good faith with the NZPFU.
“We hope the facilitation process introduces some realism into discussions. The NZPFU’s most recent settlement proposal was more than three times higher than our last offer, which we believe was fair, sustainable, and reasonable, and in line with other settlements across the public service.
“The settlement offer we made prior to facilitation was a 6.2 percent increase over three years.
“This would have taken the average senior firefighter remuneration from a range of approximately $80,700-$87,400 to $85,800-$92,900 at the end of the period, excluding overtime and allowances which currently adds an average of $38,800 to annual remuneration. We believe this represents a fair and sustainable increase for our people.
“We value our people, which is why over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent – more than 10 percent above the average increase for all workers.”
Notes
  • Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union have been in bargaining talks for a collective employment agreement for paid firefighters since 16 July 2024.
  • Fire and Emergency’s most recent offer made prior to facilitation was a 6.2 percent increase over three years and compares favourably with equivalent public sector agreements.
  • Fire and Emergency considers the offer is sustainable, balances cost of living pressures being faced by individuals alongside fiscal pressures faced by Fire and Emergency and is consistent with the Government Workforce Policy Statement.
  • The previous 2022 collective employment agreement settlement provided a cumulative wage increase of up to 24 percent over a three-year period for paid firefighters.
  • Fire and Emergency has also been investing in replacing our fleet. We’ve taken delivery of 317 new trucks since 2017 and have another 78 on order. We are currently spending over $20 million per year on replacement trucks. There is also a significant programme of station upgrades underway, as well as investment in training.
  • For the 2025/26 financial year, Fire and Emergency’s operating budget is $857.9 million. Of that operating budget, 59 percent will be spent directly on the frontline, while another 32 percent is spent on frontline enablers. This means that over 90 percent of Fire and Emergency’s budget is spent on the frontline and the people directly supporting the frontline.