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Events – North Island Firefighters compete in high-speed public event

Source: United Fire Brigades' Association

More than 140 firefighters from across Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island, will converge on Havelock North this weekend to compete in one of the most physically demanding firefighter-sports events in the country – the UFBA North Island Firefighter Challenge.
For the first time ever, this event will be taking place on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 April in Havelock North. The event will see competitors from urban, rural, industrial, and defence force brigades race against each other and the clock in a simulation of real-life firefighting tasks.
Aotearoa New Zealand is protected by around 14,000 paid and volunteer firefighters, who train extensively to maintain the specialist skills needed to respond when the siren sounds. The UFBA Firefighter Challenge series gives the public a rare opportunity to see the level of fitness, endurance, and determination required to do the job.
Competitors, wearing full firefighting protective equipment and breathing apparatus, will climb a six-storey tower with a 19kg hose pack, hoist equipment, force a steel beam with a hammer, hit a target with a charged hose, and drag an 81kg mannequin to the finish line.
The event tests both physical and mental toughness, with competitors pushing themselves to their limits while showcasing the real-world demands of firefighting.
Many competitors have trained all year for the event. While some are seasoned competitors, others will be taking on the challenge for the first time, aiming to prove themselves and earn a place at the UFBA National Firefighter Challenge in May.
The UFBA Firefighter Challenge, adapted from a similar event in the United States, has become a highlight on the firefighter calendar and continues to grow in popularity across New Zealand.
Spectators are welcome to come along and support the firefighters throughout the day.
Event Details:
Location: Te Mata Road, Havelock North
Date: Friday 9 and Saturday 10 April
Competition Time Day 1: 12:00pm – 5:00pm  Competition Time Day 2: 9:30am – 4:00pm (end times are approximate)
Members of the public are welcome to attend and support the competitors.
About the UFBA – for over 140 years the United Fire Brigades’ Association has been the leading association for firefighters in New Zealand. Today our services support c.14,000 firefighters throughout the fire and emergency services sector by providing advocacy, skills-based challenges, workshops, and service honours.
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Advocacy – Foreign Minister Peters urged to put Palestine at the front of the agenda in Washington – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has just written to Foreign Minister Winston Peters, urging him to put Palestine front and centre in his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington this week.

“The escalating international crisis, which all stems from resistance to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, must be reined in, and pressure from New Zealand should be part of this” says PSNA Co-Chair Maher Nazzal.

“The US will want to recruit New Zealand into the US and Israel war on Iran, and try to get Peters to offer something crazy, like dispatching the New Zealand frigates Te Kaha and Te Mana to help force the Straits of Hormuz.”

‘But the open wound of Palestine remains the single greatest threat to peace and stability across the entire world.”

“We are urging Peters to press the US to demand equal rights for everyone living ‘between the river and the sea’”, says Nazzal.

“This means confronting the apartheid state of Israel head-on. The world can no longer tolerate a genocidal and racist state in West Asia, which is armed to the teeth by the US and hell-bent on attacking its neighbours to capture territory.”

“Israel continues to stoke the flames of hatred and eternal war by last week passing legislation to execute Palestinians convicted of what Israel calls ‘terrorism’.”

“This racist apartheid law does not apply to Jewish Israeli settlers who are killing Palestinians daily.  It exclusively applies in the Military Courts, which are only used to try Palestinians.  They have a conviction rate of over 96 percent.”

“Racist Israeli ministers and Knesset members celebrated the inflammatory racist law with champagne. There was barely a peep from Peters.”

“New Zealand has played an important role in helping resolve international conflicts in the past – we can be part of the solution now.”

Maher Nazzal
Co-Chair PSNA

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Tatauranga umanga Māori – Statistics on Māori businesses: December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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Fire Safety – Restricted fire season for Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand revoked the prohibited fire season on Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island at 8am yesterday (Wednesday 1 April).
These areas are now in a restricted fire season, until further notice.
During a restricted fire season, people wanting to light outdoor fires must apply to Fire and Emergency for a permit and have it approved.
District Commander Geoff Purcell says the cooler, wetter weather has significantly reduced the fire risk.
“Recent rainfall means the vegetation is less dry and the likelihood of a fire starting and spreading has reduced.
“This doesn’t mean there is no risk. People will still need to apply for a permit and visit www.checkitsalright.nz to check if the conditions are safe to light a fire.
“Moving these areas into a restricted fire season allows us to continue to maintain public safety and protect our beautiful whenua, while also enabling land management activities,” Geoff Purcell says.
No matter where you are, visit www.checkitsalright.nz to check what fire season you’re in, whether the conditions are safe to light, and access fire safety advice. 
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Environment and Politic s- Greenpeace challenges MPs to drink nitrate-contaminated water at Parliament

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa has installed a mobile bar serving nitrate-contaminated water on Parliament lawn, and is calling on MPs to lower the nitrate limit in drinking water.
Greenpeace Aotearoa Agriculture Campaigner Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says, “Today, we’ve brought nitrate-contaminated water from rural homes in Southland in Canterbury, directly to the people in government. We’re asking MPs if they’ll drink the same contaminated water that rural families are forced to drink because of outdated government policies.”
Greenpeace has installed a mobile bar offering samples of nitrate-contaminated water on parliament lawn. The bar is offering samples from parts of the country most impacted by nitrate contamination.
“We should all be able to trust that the water coming out of their kitchen tap is safe to drink. But right now, it’s perfectly legal for a town to supply its residents with water that could lead to an increased risk in bowel cancer, or pre-term birth. Only the people in Government can change that.”
Nitrate contamination at levels as low as 1 mg/L has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer. At levels of 5 mg/L, there is an increased risk of preterm birth for pregnant people drinking the water.
New Zealand’s legal limit (Maximum Allowable Value) for nitrate in drinking water is 11.3 mg/L – a level set in the 1950s in response to Blue Baby Syndrome. Increasingly, rural drinking water is exceeding this limit – which Greenpeace says is already too high.
“It’s simple, the current nitrate limit in New Zealand is dangerously high. It’s out of date and does not sufficiently protect families from the very serious risks associated with nitrate in drinking water.”
The leading cause of nitrate contamination in groundwater and drinking water is cow urine from the oversized dairy herd and synthetic nitrogen fertiliser used by the intensive dairy industry.
“Successive governments have facilitated pollution from the intensive dairy industry, but this has to stop. Peoples’ lives are at stake. The government must prioritise the health of all New Zealanders over dairy industry profits and lower the nitrate limit now.”
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Education – Graduation a powerful moment for Whitireia and WelTec students, whānau and community

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Whitireia and WelTec has celebrated the achievements of over 350 ākonga (learners) who graduated this week at a vibrant ceremony at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
The event brought together graduates from Te Wānanga Māori, Health, Pacific Health and Social Practice, filling the Arena with proud whānau, friends and kaimahi (staff) as ākonga crossed the stage to mark the culmination of their study, dedication and hard work.
Dr Leanne Ivil, Operations Lead at Whitireia and WelTec, says the ceremony was a moving reminder of why whakapōtaetanga (graduation) is such a highlight of the year. “Seeing our ākonga cross the stage surrounded by whānau is incredibly special, and each graduate represents a unique journey of perseverance, commitment, and community support. The ceremony was filled with joy and many powerful moments.”
Guest speaker Dr Debbie Ryan – a long-standing advocate for improving primary healthcare for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa – highlighted the deep significance of the occasion. “Graduation is never just an individual achievement – it is a collective milestone. Each graduate carries the hopes, sacrifices, and dreams of their wider community. When one person walks across the stage, we all move forward,” she said. “This week’s graduation reminds us of the strength that comes from connection, culture, and shared purpose.”
Dr Ryan reinforced the importance of vocational pathways across Aotearoa. “Vocational education plays an essential role in building equity. It opens doors for learners who bring enormous potential but have not always had access to systems that recognise and nurture their strengths. When we invest in education that is shaped by ākonga and community needs, we invest in a future where more people can thrive, contribute, and lead in the sectors that matter most.”
This week’s celebration set the scene for Whitireia and WelTec’s remaining 2026 graduations. On 30 April, ākonga from Innovation, Design and Technology (Business, IT, Engineering), Creativity, and Hospitality will take the stage at the Lower Hutt Events Centre. Then on 10 September, another milestone moment arrives with the inaugural graduation of the Bachelor of Nursing Māori ‘Matariki’ cohort at Waiwhetu Marae.
As Whitireia and WelTec look ahead to the remaining ceremonies, Dr Ivil says the 2026 graduations are a powerful reminder of what vocational education makes possible – transforming lives, uplifting communities, and opening doors to new futures.
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Climate News – Earth Sciences New Zealand Seasonal Climate Outlook April-June 2026

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Earth Sciences New Zealand's Seasonal Climate Outlook for April to June 2026 is attached.
Highlights:
  • There is an elevated chance of heavy rain events/flooding during April. Otherwise rainfall totals are equally likely to be normal or above normal across the North Island and near or below normal in the South Island.
  • At the start of the outlook period, easterly winds increase the chance of heavy rain, especially from subtropical or tropical weather systems.
  • Seasonal air temperatures are expected to remain near average in most regions, with some cold snaps possible later in the outlook period.
  • El Niño conditions are looking increasingly likely (about 80% chance later in the year), with a gradual weakening of La Niña influences through this outlook period.
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Energy Sector – Minister Brown takes up energy portfolio at critical time

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes the re-appointment of Hon Simeon Brown as Minister for Energy and acknowledges the significant contribution of the outgoing Minister, Hon Simon Watts.
Chief Executive John Carnegie said the incoming Minister takes on the portfolio at a critical time.
“Over the past year, the context has shifted. The Prime Minister says energy is the dominant issue for the remainder of this year – we could not agree more.”
Carnegie says New Zealand is now clearly in the middle of a generational energy challenge, with global pressures and domestic constraints combining to tighten supply and drive up costs.
“We thank Minister Watts for his action-focused leadership during a period where the importance of energy security and affordability is in sharp focus.
The priority for the portfolio going forward is clear: continuing on the trajectory toward secure, abundant, affordable energy for New Zealand homes and businesses.
Gas remains undersupplied, and electricity prices have not eased to levels that provide comfort to consumers or certainty for industry.
With the decline of key domestic supply, fuel sources and limited replacement capacity in the short term, the system is increasingly exposed.”
Looking ahead, Carnegie says the focus must be on enabling investment and building capacity across the system to deliver resilience.
“We need to move beyond managing scarcity crisis by crisis, and toward enabling the fuels required to keep our economy humming. 
That means reducing red tape while supporting new generation, increased firming capacity, and enabling the infrastructure and fuels required to bring it online.
Without using all domestic resources available to us, New Zealand will continue to experience high prices and deindustrialisation. This should not be acceptable to any government, or indeed any voter.
New Zealand needs an energy system approach that focuses on security and affordability as the foundations for long-term economic growth, and we look forward to working with the new Minister to drive progress toward this.”
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Energy Sector – ERGANZ welcomes Simeon Brown as Minister for Energy

Source: Electricity Retailers' and Generators' Association of New Zealand (ERGANZ)
 
The Electricity Retailers' and Generators' Association of New Zealand (ERGANZ) congratulates Minister Simeon Brown on his return to the role of Minister for Energy.
 
ERGANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says in an increasingly complex domestic and global environment, energy policy will continue to play a vital role in shaping New Zealand’s future.
 
“New Zealand’s journey to a more secure and renewable energy system is moving at pace, and we look forward to again working with Minister Brown to ensure electricity continues to benefit all New Zealanders.”
 
Abernethy underlined the need for pragmatic, long-term policies that enable investment in electricity generation and support a resilient, competitive market in the midst of the largest renewable energy boom New Zealand has seen.
 
“Our members plan to invest an additional $6 billion in new generation projects between now and 2030. This level of investment is only possible with long-term clarity on key energy policy.
 
We know that energy is at the front of people’s minds, and investing in more renewable energy will drive the best long-term outcomes for consumers.
 
We’re excited to work with Minister Brown to support the low-carbon, electrified future for New Zealand outlined in the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity.”
 
Abernethy thanks Minister Watts and acknowledges his role in driving policies that enabled the industry to invest and build, such as resource management reforms and fast-track legislation.
 
“We want to thank Minister Watts for his engagement with the electricity sector, and look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as Minister for Climate Change.”