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The Chief Ombudsman has released the findings of his investigation into the way the Prime Minister’s Office handled an Official Information Act request

Source: Office of the Ombudsman

John Allen has found that the Prime Minister should have identified and released a climate briefing note and related information to the Environmental Law Initiative when the group requested it in 2025.
The consultation process undertaken by the Prime Minister’s Office should have identified the existence of the briefing note. This didn’t happen and the documents were not considered when responding to the request which meant information was effectively withheld.
Mr Allen has also made a number of recommendations which the Prime Minister’s Office has accepted.
He has also referred the matter to the Chief Archivist.
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Legislation – Time to scrap the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill

Source: New Zealand Institute of Safety Management

The New Zealand Institute of Safety Management is calling all political parties to end the farce by agreeing to consign the unethical and unworkable Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill to the dustbin of history.
“Delaying the implementation date of the Bill to April 2027 simply punts all of the problematic changes down the field. A broad coalition stretching from the Employers and Manufacturers Association to the Council of Trade Unions has been consistently raising concerns that the complex, confused and contradictory Bill will lead to more harm without providing benefits to employers. These changes will lead to more harm and more red tape” said Mike Cosman, law reform spokesperson for the New Zealand Institute of Safety Management.
Concerns were raised most eloquently and poignantly by Sonya Rockhouse and Anna Osborne of Stand with Pike who understand the human cost of getting it wrong and how hard-won progress has been.
“New Zealand First deserves some credit for taking the major concerns raised by employers, workers and experts to the Minister, but have apparently backed down when it comes to voting against the Bill instead pushing the problems down the road. We will be asking all parties to commit to immediate repeal of the Bill post-Election.
“The health and safety system has poured thousands of hours into patiently explaining why the changes will push New Zealand further behind Australia and the UK in terms of harm and productivity. 
 The passage of this Bill represents an enormous waste of time that could have been spent improving both. We hope that a new Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety will seize the opportunity to do better and focus on what really matters, improving workplace health and safety. This Bill does the opposite.
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Health – Wai July begins on track for more than 1,000 people choosing wai over waipiro

Source: Hapai Te Hauora

Wai July officially gets underway today, with registrations already surpassing last year's final total as more people across Aotearoa choose to spend the month waipiro (alcohol) free.
This year's registrations show people are joining Wai July for a wide range of reasons. Some want to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, others want to save money, become better role models for their tamariki, support friends and whānau, or simply reset their relationship with alcohol.
Hāpai Te Hauora Chief Operating Officer Jason Alexander says that's exactly what Wai July is about.”Everyone's reason for taking part is different. For some it's about getting healthier, for others it's being more present for their whānau or proving to themselves they can go a month without alcohol. Whatever their reason, that's often what gets them through the tougher days.”Registrations also highlight the challenges many participants expect to face, including peer pressure, social occasions, stress, and the widespread availability of alcohol. At the same time, many say they'll stay on track by focusing on fitness, spending more time with whānau, trying new hobbies, and supporting one another through the challenge.  Alexander says Wai July isn't about perfection.
“This isn't about telling people they should never drink again. It's about creating an opportunity to pause, reflect and see how going waipiro (alcohol) free for a month might positively impact your life.”
While the challenge has officially begun, registrations remain open throughout July, meaning people can still sign up at any stage and take part.
People can register and find out more at waijuly.nz 
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AI and cost-cutting drive big upheaval for half of DOC’s IT team – PSA

Source: PSA

The Department of Conservation is proposing a major restructure of its information systems function, driven by budget pressure and plans to embed artificial intelligence across its operations.
Under the proposal, unveiled to staff today, 65 roles are being disestablished in DOC’s Information Systems and Services group. With 17 roles currently vacant, this directly impacts 48 staff, many of whom are long serving. They will be left competing for 40 new positions, with no guarantee of a job at the end of the process.
“This isn’t more with less. This is less with less at a time when the conservation estate, the jewel in New Zealand’s crown, is under more pressure than ever,” said Duane Leo, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
DOC told staff the changes were driven by several factors, including the need to find ‘genuine savings’, to embed AI across all its work and the need to take on more commercial activity.
“DOC’s IT team is the backbone of conservation work in the field. Rangers rely on it to monitor pest traps and cameras, track bird breeding programmes, and stay connected in remote areas.
“There’s no doubt AI can be a valuable tool to strengthen conservation efforts and free up staff time in the field. It’s being used now with an AI trap network on the Heaphy Track, and used to process live camera data, all saving ranger time.
“But you can’t build a smarter, more capable technology function by cutting so many experienced people. These are workers who understand DOC’s systems, its environment, and its mission. That knowledge doesn’t transfer to a new position description. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
The PSA is concerned the restructure is being driven by the need to find savings rather than what is best for conservation.
“A government serious about conservation would be investing more in technology, not less. This is cutting the cloth to fit a slimmer budget while hoping the public doesn’t notice the consequences.
“And the Government clearly wants DOC to find more of its own money. The Conservation Amendment Bill is proposing shifting its focus from strict preservation to enabling commercial activity and economic development ‘to the greatest extent practicable’. These priorities are all wrong.
“This is why we need a new government come November, one that properly values the public service and in this case, sees the huge value DOC provides New Zealanders and overseas visitors.”
Staff only have until 13 July to provide feedback, just eight working days. The PSA is calling on DOC to reconsider the scale and pace of the proposal, and to explore retraining and redeployment options before experienced staff are shown the door.
“There’s an opportunity here to do something genuinely forward-looking: invest in your people, build capability, and use technology to deepen conservation outcomes. This proposal risks squandering that opportunity.”
Background – DOC cuts to date
On top of these cuts DOC, like many government agencies, has to reduce its workforce by 14% or around 370 roles over the next three years to meet the Government’s target to reducing the public sector workforce by nearly 9000 jobs.
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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Energy Sector – New rules target high charges to connect to electricity networks

Source: Electricity Authority

Lines companies’ charging approaches for connecting to their networks will come under scrutiny following new rules announced today by the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (Authority).
From 1 August 2026, the Authority will implement a new framework under the Electricity Industry Participation Code 2010. This enables the Authority to examine lines companies’ pricing methodologies and require them to be adjusted for consistency with the new pricing methodology in the Code.
“The Authority considers some people are paying very high up-front charges to connect to their local network, without any offsetting cut in their on-going lines charges. This means they’re paying more than their share, which can discourage efficient network connections,” says Authority General Manager Tim Sparks.
Data indicates up-front connection charges in some areas are projected to rise even further.
“Increasing up-front charges can be a barrier to efficient connections. This slows electrification and deters developments of EV charging stations, housing, commercial buildings and other infrastructure. It can also stunt network growth. This means fewer people connect and the fixed costs of the network aren’t shared as widely.
“These new rules should put the brakes on high up-front connection charges, stopping them from increasing further than needed and in some cases, it may bring them down.
“The new rules will allow for a targeted approach. We will intervene only where there’s evidence of a problem. However, while most lines companies won’t be directly affected, the new rules and the possibility of intervention should help keep their up-front connection charges in check.
“The new rules are an important step towards promoting efficiency. They create a better environment for efficient connection growth by protecting connection applicants from facing higher up-front charges than needed. At the same time, they help ensure everyone on the network benefits from each new connection. They’re intended as an interim measure while we consider a more comprehensive and enduring solution,” Sparks said.
The Authority is preparing to implement the new rules from 1 August 2026 and will issue guidance to help lines companies comply.
These changes are part of the Authority’s broader work programme to make lines companies’ connection charges more efficient, transparent and nationally consistent, and support good outcomes for all consumers in the long term. The first set of rule changes, the 'fast-track measures', came into effect from 1 April 2026. These were designed to quickly address some known issues and lay the foundation for further reform.
The Authority is now looking at the next stage of this work. An issues paper will be released on 13 July seeking feedback on possible areas for reform, including options for a longer-term solution to address inefficiently high up-front connection charges.
As part of today’s decision, the Authority has also confirmed its preferred approach for clarifying when lines companies must provide new connections. This is an early step towards developing clearer rules on when lines companies must offer and maintain connections. The Authority has decided to allow the recently introduced rules to become established before progressing this work. It will monitor lines companies’ supply of new connections and revisit this approach if needed.
The Authority has also decided to amend the discount rate lines companies need to use from 1 October 2026 as part of their connection charge reconciliations.
For more information:
Read the Electricity Authority's webpage for more about these decisions.
Register to join our webinar at 10am, 13 July 2026 for an overview of our work to date to reform distribution connection pricing and the issues paper that explores options for further reform.
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Banking and Finance – ASB makes changes to home loan and term deposit rates

Source: ASB

ASB has today reduced its fixed home loan rates by up to 30bps on 3-5 year terms, and increased its 6-month and 18-month terms by 20 and 14 basis points respectively. ASB has also reduced term deposit rates by up to 25 basis points across 2-year to 5-year terms.

ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says “Wholesale interest rates continue to be somewhat volatile but longer-term rates have come down recently. These rates play a key role in setting lending and deposit pricing domestically, and mirror broader trends internationally as markets navigate the current landscape.”

“We encourage any homeowners with questions about their lending to speak with us. Getting the right structure in place for individual circumstances can make a real difference, and ASB’s team is available to help work through the options.”


Rate Table 

Home Loan  

Current Rates 

New Rates 

Rate Change 

6 Months 

4.49% 

4.69% 

+20 bps

1 Year 

4.65% 

4.65%

N/C

18 Months 

4.95% 

5.09%

+14 bps

2 Years 

5.25% 

5.25% 

N/C

3 Years 

5.49% 

5.29%

-20 bps

4 Years 

5.69% 

5.49%

-20 bps

5 Years  

5.89% 

5.59%

-30 bps 

  

Term Deposit  

Current Rates 

New Rates 

Rate Change 

1 Month 

1.80% 

1.80% 

N/C 

2 Months 

2.00% 

2.00% 

N/C 

3 Months 

3.00% 

3.00%

N/C 

  

4 Months 

3.00% 

3.00% 

N/C 

5 Months 

3.10% 

3.10% 

N/C 

6 Months 

3.45% 

3.45% 

N/C 

9 Months 

3.55% 

3.55% 

N/C 

12 Months 

3.90% 

3.90% 

N/C 

18 Months 

4.00% 

4.00% 

N/C

24 Months  

4.20% 

4.00% 

– 20bps 

36 Months  

4.50% 

4.40% 

– 10 bps 

48 Months  

4.70% 

4.60% 

– 10 bps 

60 Months  

5.00% 

4.75% 

– 25 bps 

 

ASB has practical information for customers on the current interest rate environment available on its website as well as support to help customers take control of their financial wellbeing and achieve their goals at its Financial Wellbeing Hub. 

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China: New ‘ethnic unity’ law set to entrench assimilation of minority groups – Amnesty International

Source: Amnesty International

Ahead of China’s new Ethnic Unity Law coming into force on 1 July, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director Sarah Brooks said:

“Chinese authorities have human rights obligations requiring them to protect minority communities and their cultures, but this law does the opposite. Rather than celebrating difference, it is about pushing ethnic groups such as Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongolians to adopt a single, state-defined national identity dominated by Han Chinese culture.

“‘Unity’ in this context is not harmony between different communities — it is political and ideological alignment with the Chinese Communist Party. Rather than protecting diversity and equality, the law requires conformity.

“Chinese authorities’ stated intention to apply elements of this law beyond China’s borders is also deeply concerning. This law risks providing a stronger legal basis for existing practices of transnational repression — peaceful advocacy for minority rights in China by anyone, anywhere could be characterized as undermining ‘ethnic unity’.

“Meanwhile, activities which already carry great risk within China – such as promoting minority languages, documenting human rights abuses, or campaigning for the release of those detained because of their expression of culture, opinion or belief – could be further criminalized.

“This law puts a national legal framework behind policies that have already devastated the rights of Uyghurs, Tibetans and other non-Han ethnic groups. We expect it to further institutionalize China’s policies of forced assimilation.”

Background

China’s Ethnic Unity Law will come into force on 1 July 2026. The law frames “ethnic unity” as a pre-condition for ambitious projects of the Chinese Communist Party leadership, including the advancement of Xi Jinping Thought, and the “rejuvenation” of a shared national political identity.

The law, for example, prohibits acts that “undermine ethnic unity or create ethnic division,” but these terms are broad and undefined, raising concerns about arbitrary enforcement.

During a 24 June State Council press conference, senior officials confirmed that authorities consider aspects of the law applicable beyond China’s borders.

Amnesty International has previously documented China’s use of transnational repression, including surveillance of diaspora communities, harassment of critics overseas, intimidation of family members in China, and efforts to pressure foreign governments to return individuals.

Cases such as those of Uyghur academic Ilham Tohti, Uyghur ethnographer Rahile Dawut, and Tibetan religious leader Choktrul Dorje Ten Rinpoche, illustrate how peaceful academic, cultural, and religious work has been criminalized under existing policies — trends this law risks further entrenching.

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Tourism – Queenstown and Wānaka shine in inaugural MICHELIN Guide awards

Source: DESTINATION QUEENSTOWN & LAKE WĀNAKA TOURISM

Queenstown & Wānaka New Zealand (1 July 2026) Queenstown and Wānaka have taken another step onto the global culinary stage, with local restaurants receiving outstanding recognition in the MICHELIN Guide.
 
Five restaurants across the two destinations received coveted MICHELIN Stars, including two stars for Queenstown's Essence – the only restaurant in New Zealand to receive the prestigious two-star rating.
 
Queenstown restaurants Rātā, Sherwood and Amisfield each received one MICHELIN Star, while Wānaka's Kika also earned a one-star distinction.
 
A further eight local restaurants were recognised with Bib Gourmand awards for offering exceptional quality at good value. Wānaka's Paloma Taqueria, Bombay Palace, Francesca and Muttonbird were recognised, along with Queenstown's Aosta, Sundays, and The Cow.
 
Mat Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, says the results highlight the region's growing reputation as a world-class food and wine destination.
 
“To see five restaurants receive MICHELIN Stars, including New Zealand's only two-star restaurant, is an extraordinary achievement and one the entire region can celebrate.
 
“This is global recognition of the exceptional standard of dining experiences visitors can enjoy in Queenstown and Wānaka. It reflects years of passion, creativity and commitment from some incredibly talented chefs and hospitality teams.
 
“Food and drink have become defining reasons people choose to visit our region. Alongside our spectacular scenery and experiences, our restaurants are helping shape Queenstown and Wānaka's international reputation as a world-class destination.
 
“From award-winning fine dining through to neighbourhood favourites recognised with Bib Gourmand distinctions, the depth and diversity of our hospitality offering is something we're incredibly proud of. Congratulations to every restaurant recognised.”

Thirteen restaurants in Queenstown and Wānaka were also included in the official MICHELIN Guide selection.

Backed by Tourism New Zealand, the arrival of the MICHELIN Guide marks the beginning of a new chapter for New Zealand's international food and wine tourism.

After months of anonymous inspections, 110 establishments in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown were recognised; 15 with MICHELIN Stars, 35 with a Bib Gourmand, and a further 60 included in the official MICHELIN Guide selection.

The MICHELIN Guide is expected to further raise the country's global culinary profile, creating new opportunities for destinations such as Queenstown and Wānaka to attract visitors seeking world-class dining experiences.

Local MICHELIN Guide recipients
 
Two MICHELIN Stars
Essence, Queenstown
 
One MICHELIN Star
Amisfield, Queenstown
Kika, Wānaka
Rātā, Queenstown
Sherwood, Queenstown
 
Bib Gourmand
Aosta, Queenstown
Bombay Palace, Wānaka
Francesca, Queenstown
Muttonbird, Queenstown
Paloma Taqueria, Wānaka
Sundays, Queenstown
The Cow, Queenstown
Treehouse, Wānaka.
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Health Sector – ‘Our kids deserve better’ than current school lunches, says HCA

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

A report from the Auditor General adds ballast to Health Coalition Aotearoa’s call for a properly resourced and permanently funded, through Vote Education, free school lunch programme.
The new report finds the programme was unfairly procured, ignored risks with the suppliers, one of which went into liquidation, and has not been properly measured, monitored and managed.
“What has been measured shows poor performance on key target outcomes, chiefly that half the lunches, on average, are not meeting the nutrition standards,” says Health Coalition Aotearoa food spokesperson Dr Kelly Garton.
Despite the changes being justified as ways to reduce surplus and waste, neither of these have been managed effectively: surplus increased to 17 percent in 2026, despite a contractual limit of 10 percent, and waste (measured in Term 3 2025) was higher for the School Lunch Collective delivery model than internal and iwi models.
“Slashing funding isn't ‘delivering savings’ if you are actively undermining programme delivery,” says Garton.
“Our kids deserve better. It's time to revert to proper funding for this essential programme which was delivering excellent value for investment before 2025, according to independent evaluation.”
Associate Education Minister David Seymour talked about cost savings, but not cost-effectiveness, says Health Coalition Aotearoa Chair Professor Boyd Swinburn.
“Seymour did not talk about the ‘effectiveness’ side of the equation – effectiveness for reducing food insecurity, improving learning and quality of life.”
“The current programme has provided only 13 to 17 percent of child’s energy needs for the day and that should be about 25 percent. The previous version provided 20 to 25 percent of a child’s energy needs, so was much closer and had good nutritional qualities.’
With Ka Ora Ka Ako, the first version – the government invested significantly in evaluations and found improvements in attendance, mental health and quality of life.
“We have got to go for version three. We’ve had version one – it was generously funded and had good outcomes.
“We have a low-cost version now. It has saved money but has problems that have been highlighted by the Auditor General. Let’s get a version three that works for taxpayers, kids and meets nutritional standards.”
It is time to get a permanently funded Ka Ora Ka Ako, school lunch programme in Vote Education.
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PSA statement on death at Waikato Hospital ED

Source: PSA

No-one should be waiting nine hours or even longer at any Emergency Department in this country, the PSA says in the wake of reports of a person dying at Waikato Hospital.
The patient died in the Emergency Department there according to reports that said they had been waiting for nine hours.
The PSA represents allied and mental healthcare professionals who work in Emergency Departments.
“What happened at Waikato Hospital is a tragedy, and one that should never have happened in a wealthy country like New Zealand,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, said.
“It is a damning snapshot of what Aotearoa’s health system looks like under this government – chronically under-funded, under-staffed, and completely overloaded.
“It’s fair to say that our health system is reaching breaking point.
“Our members who work in EDs say that they’ve been under pressure for months, and now that winter flu season has hit, they’re run off their feet.
“Just yesterday, we had reports that whānau at the Waikato Hospital ED waited for ten hours to be seen, with some being told to expect a 14-hour wait.
“The state of our public healthcare system is unacceptable and is the result of the choices the Government made to give tax breaks to landlords and big tobacco rather than properly fund the health services New Zealanders need.
“Our thoughts are with the whānau affected by this death, and I hope Minister Simeon Brown is thinking very carefully himself about how his government can look to stop tragedies like these happening in future.
“Our message to New Zealanders come the election is simple, vote to change the Government for one that properly funds health.”
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.