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First Responders – Fernhill Fire Hawke’s Bay Update #4

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The grass fire at Fernhill in Hawke’s Bay which also burnt several buildings is now fully contained and 95 per cent extinguished.
Overnight firefighters with a pump truck and a tanker patrolled and monitored in case of any flareups
Incident Controller Warrick LeQuesne says one crew using a tanker are at the incident today monitoring the area and extinguishing the last few hotspots.
“I want to thank our people who had to contend with very windy conditions fighting this fire and protecting people’s dwellings,” he says.
Residents of the property where the fire occurred who were evacuated stayed elsewhere overnight, with assistance from Civil Defence.
“Once we can confirm it is safe, we hope to allow the residents back later today,” Warrick LeQuesne says.
A fire investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is underway.
This will be the last update on this fire unless there is significant development.
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Northland News – Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Board urges summer beachgoers to be safe, responsible

Source: Northland Regional Council

Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Board is urging beachgoers to put safety first and respect the unique environment and cultural significance of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe over the busy summer period. The Board asks everyone to drive slowly and safely, swim wisely, respect the environment, and avoid unnecessary risks along the beach and in the water.
“Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe is a treasured taonga and a sacred spiritual pathway, Te Ara Wairua, for many iwi and communities. We ask everyone who visits to uphold the mauri of this place by taking care – slow down, be vigilant in and around the water, and treat the beach and dunes with respect,” says Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe Board Chair Lisa McNab.
Ms McNab says driving responsibly is one of the most important ways people can protect themselves and beach.
Speed limits on Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe are 30 kilometres per hour for 200 metres either side of each beach on/off ramp, and 60 km/h for the remainder of the beach. These limits are enforceable and signposted.
The Board urges drivers to check tide times, drive to the conditions, use only approved access ramps, reduce speed around crowded areas, and never drive at night or at any time after consuming alcohol.
“Conditions on the beach can change quickly. Plan your trip, check the tides, and keep your speed down when driving on the beach – especially near access points and whānau enjoying the day,” Ms McNab says.
Personal responsibility in the water is critical.
“Know your limits when in the water and keep a close eye on tamariki,” Ms McNab says.
There are no lifeguards on duty at Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe. If in doubt about whether it’s safe to swim, stay out. Never swim alone, supervise children at all times, and do not swim at night.
Take a moment to assess conditions before entering the water, and if someone is in trouble, ensure your own safety and dial 111.
All beach users can play their part to protect the beach environment by keeping vehicles off the dunes, staying away from nesting shorebirds, disposing of rubbish responsibly, and keeping dogs on leads. Fires, camping, and campervans and prohibited on the beach.
“Our dunes and wildlife are taonga. Share the shore respectfully and help protect te taiao for current and future generations,” Ms McNab says.
Despite its iconic status, Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe is remote. Mobile coverage is intermittent along sections of the beach, and access to emergency services can be limited.
Beachgoers should plan their trip, consider alternative emergency communication options, tell someone their plans, and check tide times before travelling.
If your vehicle becomes stuck, leave the vehicle and move to higher ground. For emergencies, dial 111. For dangerous driving, phone -555.
“Preparation reduces risk and helps keep everyone safe for an enjoyable and responsible time at Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe,” Ms McNab says.
Contacts and further information can be found at:
  • Kaitaia Police Station: 09 408 6500; Emergency: 111; -555 for dangerous driving.
  • Department of Conservation: 0800 362 468 (threatened wildlife and marine issues).
  • Northland Regional Council: 0800 504 639 (24/7 incident hotline).
  • Far North District Council: 0800 920 029 (noise and rubbish issues).  
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Weather News – The forecast for Christmas – MetService

Source: MetService

22/12/2025 – Covering period of Monday 22nd – Thursday 25th December – It is going to be a hairy few days in the lead up to Christmas. A big wedge of wet and warm air moves in from the Tasman Sea this evening (Monday), bringing rain for the South Island. The heaviest rain is expected overnight for the higher ground between Karamea and Greymouth, where a heavy rain watch is in place.  

This front moves onto the North Island on Tuesday and stalls, bringing rain, especially west of Taupō, before continuing north on Wednesday. A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for the hills and ranges of coastal Waikato and Waitomo.

For Wellington, Wairarapa and southern parts of Hawke’s Bay, it’ll be the wind that people notice on Tuesday, with strong northwesterly winds on the cards from the morning.  

Looking ahead to Thursday, MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley gives the Christmas verdict “Most North Islanders will be able to get outside to test their new presents on Christmas Day. People north of Waikato might need a backup plan for some inside time as showers arriving from the north could sprinkle on their celebrations.”

Weather on the west coast of the South Island will be more board games than barbequing as an active front drags in some more rain. This could be heavy for the Grey and Buller Districts later in the day. Winds are also expected to pick up about Canterbury High Country.

Michael adds “If you’re chasing sunshine and warmer temperatures, the best bet is to travel east. Hastings is forecast to reach 30°C, and Hawke's Bay can expect to see blue skies.”

Christchurch and Kaikōura also look to get to a toasty 26°C, but as the northwest winds pick up there will be a bit of that high cloud that Cantabrians know well.  

The MetService forecast team will be on hand throughout the Christmas holidays so keep up with all the latest forecast at MetService.com
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Health – ProCare responds to approval of new PHO: timing raises concerns

Source: ProCare

ProCare acknowledges the recent approval of thePHO as a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) and supports the principle of choice for practices. However, the timing of this decision is disappointing, given the looming measles outbreak and the significant pressures already facing primary care. We also question the potential impacts this could have on population health.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive of the ProCare Group says: “We respect the intent to provide choice in primary care, but introducing a new PHO at this critical time adds complexity when the focus should really be on patient health and system stability.

“At the beginning of this year Health New Zealand said they wanted to reduce the number of PHOs in Aotearoa to reduce administration and cost, yet this is the third new PHO approved in as many months,” continues Norwell.

“We’re three days out from Christmas, we have more measles cases, are trying to support our practices with childhood immunisations, and we have reports out saying that cancer diagnosis numbers are set to increase by 50% over next two decades. Population health and collective action to help practices meet the needs of their patients is critical. Against this background, we just question the timing and costs around this announcement,” points out Norwell.

As New Zealand's largest PHO we know there are significant practical challenges in establishing a brand-new PHO by 1 July.

“Setting up a PHO is not simple. It requires robust infrastructure, proven systems, and experienced teams to manage contracts, deliver services, and ensure capitation payments are accurate and on time,” she continues.

“These functions directly impact practices and patient care, so it’s imperative they are precise from the get-go. We urge practices to carefully consider the risks and implications before making decisions that could affect their patients and the long-term sustainability of their business,” warns Norwell.

“PHOs across the motu have been nothing but focused on supporting their practices – suggestions to the contrary are unfounded,” states Norwell.

“From our perspective, we have supported general practice for more than 30 years, helping our network of practices navigate crises from pandemics and power outages to contract delays. We support them on a daily basis to help them improve health outcomes for their patients through continuous innovation and collaboration. We have earned our reputation as a trusted partner for a reason,” concludes Norwell.

ProCare remains committed to delivering transparency, innovation, and proven support for practices across Auckland and Northland.

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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GlobalData – Telecom and pay-TV services revenue in New Zealand to increase at 1.2% CAGR over 2024-2029, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

New Zealand’s telecom and pay-TV services revenue is forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.2% from $3.2 billion in 2024 to $3.4 billion in 2029, mainly supported by the mobile data and fixed broadband service segments, reveals GlobalData, a leading intelligence and productivity platform.

GlobalData’s New Zealand Telecom Operators Country Intelligence Report reveals that the  mobile voice service revenue will decline during the forecast period, due to the free bundling of voice minutes by MNOs into their mobile plans, rising user preference for internet/app based communication services and the subsequent decline in mobile voice ARPU levels.

Mobile data service revenue, on the other hand, will continue to increase at a healthy CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period, fueled by a spike in mobile internet subscriptions, more importantly growth in 5G subscriptions leading to a considerable increase in mobile data ARPU levels over the forecast period.

Srikanth Vaidya, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, says: “4G services accounted for a majority share of the overall mobile subscriptions in 2024 and will remain the leading mobile technology through 2029. However, 5G subscriptions will increase at a faster pace over the forecast period, driven by the ongoing 5G network expansions by major MNOs, and wider availability and affordability of 5G smartphones.”

For example, in September 2025, One New Zealand added four new sites (including two with 5G) and upgraded 18 existing sites to 5G. This brings its year-to-date digital infrastructure total to 206 new or upgraded cell sites, with 155 now 5G-enabled, thus expanding fast, stable connectivity for more customers.

Fixed broadband service revenue will grow at a CAGR of 2.5% over 2024-2029 period, driven by the growth in FTTH and fixed wireless subscriptions, on the back of efforts by the government and operators to expand broadband connectivity in the country. For example, in July 2025, broadband wholesaler Chorus announced that it had extended its fiber network into 59 new communities across New Zealand, significantly expanding access to high-speed, reliable broadband.

Pay-TV service revenue will decline over the forecast period, due to the continued drop in DTH subscriptions with the growing user preference for OTT video services, and the subsequent decline in aggregate pay-TV ARPU.

Vaidya concludes: “One New Zealand will maintain its lead in the mobile services market through the forecast period thanks to its wider 4G coverage and efforts to expand its 5G network infrastructure. The telco invested more than NZD100 million ($56.9 million) in FY2024 to upgrade and expand nearly 300 mobile sites, significantly strengthening its 4G and 5G coverage nationwide. In the fixed services segment, Spark led the fixed broadband service segment in 2024 and will retain its leadership through 2029.”

About GlobalData

GlobalData operates an intelligence platform that empowers leaders to act decisively in a world of complexity and change. By uniting proprietary data, human expertise, and purpose-built AI into a single, connected platform, we help organizations see what’s coming, move faster, and lead with confidence. Our solutions are used by over 5,000 organizations across the world’s largest industries, delivering tailored intelligence that supports strategic planning, innovation, risk management, and sustainable growth.

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First Responders – Fernhill Fire Hawkes Bay Update #3

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The fire at Fernhill in Hawkes Bay has been contained with no additional damage to structures.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Operations Manager, Assistant Commander Jason Hill, says the wind has dropped considerably from this afternoon’s peak. Firefighters will continue operations until dark, and then patrol and monitor overnight.
Residents of the property where the fire occurred who were evacuated today will be staying elsewhere tonight, with assistance from Civil Defence.
Others who live across the road from the fire have been allowed to return home, on the understanding that if conditions deteriorate they may have to evacuate at short notice.
Jason Hill says that people in the area can expect to see flashing lights from fire trucks and other vehicles moving around the site overnight.
A fire investigator will be on site tomorrow, working with Police to establish the origin and cause of the fire.
State Highway 50 is expected to remain closed overnight.
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Fire Safety – Restricted Fire Season and temporary fireworks ban for parts of Otago from tomorrow

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The Queenstown Lakes District is moving to a restricted fire season on Christmas Eve. A short-term prohibition on the use of private fireworks in the Central Otago, Lakes and Upper Waitaki areas will come into force at the same time.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand says the move to a restricted fire season brings the Queenstown Lakes area into line with Central Otago and Upper Waitaki. It means that permits will be required for almost all outdoor fires.
The restricted fire season and temporary ban on fireworks both reflect Fire and Emergency’s efforts to reduce the risk of wildfires over the summer.
Craig Gold, the Acting District Manager of Fire and Emergency in Otago, says that the areas covered by the controls include several popular holiday spots that are also at high risk from unwanted fires over summer.
“Every year our firefighters have to drop everything and put out fires caused by people letting off fireworks. This is especially the case at New Year when people bring out fireworks they’ve saved from Guy Fawkes. They don’t always consider the fire risk, which is much higher now than in early November.”
Unfortunately, the same thing happens with outdoor fires – bonfires, campfires and land management fires. People light them up without checking the weather forecast or considering that the grass might easily catch fire.
Grasses and scrub might seem too wet to catch fire with recent rain, but locals know that it’s dry underneath and the fire risk escalates really quickly on warm and windy days, Craig Gold says. “Once a fire gets going in these conditions, it can cause a lot of damage very quickly, and be very challenging for firefighters to put out. We would much prefer that people didn’t start fires in the first place.”
In a restricted fire season most types of outdoor fires, including bonfires and campfires, require a fire permit. There are a small number of exceptions including cultural cooking fires like hangi and umu.
“This year we want to send a very clear message to locals and visitors alike – be a good sort,” Craig Gold says. “Leave the fireworks in the box. Think ahead if you’re planning an outdoor fire and apply for a permit in plenty of time.”
Both the fireworks ban and the restricted fire season for Queenstown Lakes will come into effect at 8am tomorrow (Wednesday 24 December) and remain in force until further notice.
www.checkitsalright.nz has full details of activities that need a permit in a restricted season and detailed advice about how to use fire safely. Wherever you are, just type in your location and choose the type of activity you’re planning.
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Health – GenPro welcomes green light for lean, patient-focused primary health organisation

Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) welcomes government approval to establish a new Primary Health Organisation (PHO) that will reduce bureaucracy and direct more funding to front-line patient care.

Te Whatu Ora’s approval marks a significant milestone in the establishment of the new PHO, says  GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers.

“This approval reflects the strong work of the establishment board and the high level of interest from general practices across the country,” Dr Chambers says.

“Since the PHO was announced on November 13, we have had expressions of interest from 116 general practices representing about 833,000 enrolled patients. If all these practices proceed, the new PHO would become the largest in the country, covering around 16 percent of New Zealand’s total enrolled population,” Dr Chambers says.

The focus now shifts to supporting the successful establishment of the PHO, which is expected to begin operating on July 1 next year.

“Practices wishing to join the new PHO must provide six months’ notice to their current PHO by Wednesday, 31 December.”

Primary health organisations operate between Te Whatu Ora, which funds healthcare services, and primary healthcare providers such as general practices, playing a critical role in how care is delivered to patients.

GenPro is supporting the application because the proposed PHO aligns closely with its commitment to sustainable, high-quality, and accessible primary care for all New Zealanders.

The new PHO will be organisationally independent of GenPro, ensuring GenPro can continue its advocacy role without any conflict of interest.

GenPro represents the owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

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First Responders – Fernhill Fire Hawkes Bay Update #1

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Residents living around the Farmhouse Lodge on the outskirts of Fernhill are being evacuated due to a vegetation fire.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has firefighters and resources from a wide area responding to the fire, which is moving quickly in very windy conditions.
The Incident Controller, Assistant Commander Warwick LeQuesne, says multiple structures have been destroyed. All residents of the community living around the lodge have been accounted for.
There are seven pumps, 11 tankers and four support vehicles at the scene with more on the way. Crews are focusing on protecting remaining structures. At present it is too windy for helicopters to operate safely.
An earlier estimate had the fire covering an area of 400m x 200m but it has grown since then.
A section of SH50 has been closed – please refer to the NZTA website for details and detours.
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Fire Safety – Northernmost part of Aotearoa moving to a Prohibited Fire Season

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Outdoor fires will be banned in the northernmost part of Northland from midday today (Tuesday), when Fire and Emergency New Zealand moves its Muri Whenui Fire Zone into a Prohibited Fire Season.
District Manager Wipari Henwood says the total fire ban is a preventative measure because of the increasing fire risk at the top of the North Island. It will be in place until further notice.
“We have had an extended period with high winds and very little rainfall in this area so there is a much higher risk than normal that fires will escape. If they do escape it will be harder for firefighters to contain them and stop them spreading,” he says.
All fire permits for the area which have already been issued for the Muri Whenua Zone are suspended under the Prohibited Fire Season.
Cultural cooking fires including hangi and umu may still be allowed during a Prohibited Fire Season if they meet the conditions set out on Fire and Emergency’s www.checkitsalright website and the weather is favourable.
“We are asking people to follow the weather forecast very carefully and only light cultural cooking fires in calm conditions,” Wipari Henwood says. “Winds over 15km/hr make it much more likely that a fire will escape.” If people have any doubt at all about whether it’s safe to light a cultural cooking fire, please check the MetService website for the current wind conditions and follow all the advice about safety at www.checkitsalright.