Posts

Posted on

Retirement Com – New guides give schools clear pathway for implementing financial education

Source: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

 

Schools and financial education providers now have access to new Financial Education Implementation Guides, giving them practical support to plan and deliver high-quality financial education as it becomes compulsory in the curriculum. 

 

With 70% of New Zealanders agreeing school is a good place for young people to learn about money, the two guides, developed by Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Education and financial education providers, provide a clear roadmap for what to teach, when to teach it, and how learning builds from Years 0 to 13.

 

Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says the guides remove complexity and provide practical support for schools as financial education is mandated. “The Government’s decision to make financial education compulsory is an excellent step forward to increase New Zealanders’ financial capability.” 

 

“For financial education providers and funders, both current and potential future ones, these guides offer something they've long asked for, a shared framework, clear curriculum expectations, and visibility for programmes that meet the standard. These guides bring everyone onto the same page.”  

 

The release of the guides follows last year’s announcement that financial education will become compulsory within the national curriculum, including through the social sciences learning area, which is currently out for consultation. Financial mathematics is also explicitly included in the updated Mathematics & Statistics learning area. The guides provide practical support for schools as financial education becomes an increasingly important part of the curriculum.

 

“Every young person in New Zealand deserves to leave school with the skills and confidence to manage their money. These guides are about clarity and confidence. They show schools what good financial education looks like, how learning builds over time, how to work effectively with external providers, and how to plan programmes that are age appropriate and curriculum aligned,” Deputy Secretary for Te Poutāhū at the Ministry of Education, Pauline Cleaver says. 

 

The Retirement Commission has also released new maths resources as part of its Sorted in Schools programme, that apply the guides’ best practice principles and align with the Mathematics & Statistics curriculum, showing how financial education can strengthen learning across subjects.

 

The Financial Education Implementation Guides are available at: Financial Education Implementation Guides

 

Notes

Current providers who are part of the financial education providers’ advisory group include ASB, Banqer (supported by Kiwibank), BNZ, Life Education Trust, Money Time, SaVy, Westpac, and Young Enterprise Trust. Assistance will also be offered by the financial advice community. There will be opportunities for new providers as gaps are identified. Schools can choose which provider or providers they want to work with. 

Posted on

Economy – RBNZ working with industry to improve access to basic transaction services

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

12 March 2026 – Last year the Council of Financial Regulators (CoFR) consulted the public on whether New Zealanders should have the right to access a basic transaction account if they want one.

50 submissions were received and 22 community groups, financial institutions, fintechs, and support services were directly engaged, with 98% of submitters stating that action is needed to improve access to transaction accounts.

Acting Assistant Governor Financial Stability, Angus McGregor, says that the consultation clearly highlighted the challenges some groups face in accessing the basic banking services necessary to meet their everyday financial needs.

“This consultation process has allowed us to gather a wide range of perspectives, take on board industry feedback, and find pragmatic solutions.” Mr McGregor says.

“We received constructive input from the banking sector, and a willingness to work with us to solve this issue through a collaborative approach.”

The RBNZ is developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support this approach to addressing financial exclusion.

Under the MoU, participating financial entities will commit to provide access to all New Zealand consumers unless they have a compelling reason for declining to provide a basic transaction product. Public sector agencies will commit to clarifying regulatory requirements, co-ordinating efforts, and highlighting best practices that can be adopted to support financial inclusion.

The MoU will provide flexibility for participating entities to develop their own solutions to promote inclusion, while ensuring progress can be monitored through regular reporting.
This work aims to bring financial inclusion in New Zealand in line with other developed countries such as Canada, the UK, France, Denmark and Sweden.

The RBNZ will be leading co-ordination of the MoU, with support from the Financial Markets Authority, the Banking Ombudsmen, the Retirement Commission, the Department of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Department of Corrections.

“This work directly supports our statutory purpose of enabling economic wellbeing and prosperity for all New Zealanders, and aligns with recommendations in the Commerce Commission's Market Study into Personal Banking Services.” Mr McGregor says.

It is anticipated that the MoU will come into effect later this year.

More information:

Read the CoFR Consultation Summary on Access to Basic Transaction Accounts: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=1545100f1e&e=f3c68946f8

Background information:

Issues Paper on Access to Basic Transaction Accounts – This Issues Paper builds on Recommendation 14 from the Commerce Commission Market Study into personal banking services, for the banking industry to collaborate to make basic transaction accounts widely available found here: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=86d03f3ba9&e=f3c68946f8
Financial Inclusion Indicators Base Set Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=1f879f66b8&e=f3c68946f8
First Steps to Financial Inclusion Report: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=d70d87a7b2&e=f3c68946f8
CoFR – CoFR represents five agencies: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand, the Financial Markets Authority, the Commerce Commission, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Treasury. Financial Inclusion is one of five priorities for CoFR. The CoFR Financial Inclusion Community also included Te Ara Ahunga Ora The Retirement Commission and the Ministry for Social Development as observer agencies. More information on CoFR's financial inclusion work can be found here: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=2fa26e3350&e=f3c68946f8

Posted on

Job Losses – Heinz Wattie’s Announces Proposed Changes to Operations in New Zealand

Source: Heinz Wattie

Today, Heinz Wattie's Limited announced proposed changes to certain areas of its New Zealand business as part of the company's shift to focus on its long-term strategy.

After careful consideration, the company is proposing to discontinue sale and production of frozen vegetables and Gregg's coffee, as well as dips sold primarily under Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands. These products would be phased out over the course of the year. 
The proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities located in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King Street, Hastings. 
Approximately 350 roles are expected to be impacted as a result of the proposed site closures and other changes across the business. The final number would be confirmed following consultation and consideration of redeployment opportunities.
Heinz Wattie's Managing Director, Andrew Donegan, said: “We are deeply aware of the impact this would have on our people, their families, our growers and suppliers, and the communities we have been part of for many years. These are people who have helped build this business over decades, and our priority now is supporting them.”
“The decision to start this process was not taken lightly. Numerous alternatives and options were explored before reaching this phase. It is a necessary step to position our company for the future.” Donegan adds. 
Over recent years, the manufacturing environment in New Zealand has become increasingly difficult.  Globally high inflation and various industry challenges have all placed ongoing pressure on the commercial performance of the business.
The business will continue to work closely with employees, union representatives, growers, suppliers, retail partners and other local stakeholders throughout the consultation period.

ABOUT HEINZ WATTIE'S
A subsidiary of The Kraft Heinz Company, Heinz Wattie's is a major food producer with a proud New Zealand heritage. Founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, Wattie's is home to the nation's favourite tomato sauce, baked beans, spaghetti and a wide range of fruit and vegetable products and meals enjoyed by millions of Kiwis up and down the country. Learn more about New Zealand's best-loved food brand, by visiting www.watties.co.nz

Posted on

Events – Gumboot Friday Delivers Hope in February: 1,754 Young People Supported

Source: Gumboot Friday

In February 2026, Gumboot Friday helped 1,754 young people aged 5–25 access free counselling, delivering a total of 2,721 sessions. Every session is free, needs no referral, and is chosen by the young person from a network of registered counsellors on the Gumboot Friday platform.

Breakdown by age group:

• 490 young people aged 5–11 (28%)
• 510 young people aged 12–17 (29%)
• 754 young people aged 18–25 (43%)

These numbers show what early intervention actually looks like: young people getting seen when they need it, not after things reach crisis point, not when “things get bad enough”.

“I look at the February numbers and I see the kids behind them — and a lot of them are still in primary school. The tricky thing is, a child who needs to talk doesn’t always look ‘obviously’ distressed. It can show up as being snappy, going quiet, not sleeping, acting out, or even without any obvious tells at all. What matters is they get the chance to sit down with someone who actually listens — properly — before things pile up,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King.

“Government funding covers the counselling sessions themselves, and donations to I Am Hope are what keep Gumboot Friday running — onboarding counsellors, maintaining the system, running our school programmes, and supporting the wider foundation. To everyone who’s backed this kaupapa, thank you. It means help is there when our young people need it,” King says.

If you’re 25 and under and need someone to talk to, visit www.gumbootfriday.org.nz to connect with a counsellor for Free. No GP referral needed.

To donate, fundraise, or get involved with I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday, head to www.iamhope.org.nz or text HOPE to 469 for a $3 donation.

Posted on

Health – Aged Care Association Calls for Stronger Direct Communication in Pandemic Planning

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association is urging the Government to strengthen direct communication pathways between Ministers and essential service sectors as part of future pandemic preparedness planning.
Chief Executive Tracey Martin says the call is grounded in her unique experience serving on both sides of the system – as a senior decision-maker during the pandemic and now as the national representative for aged residential care providers.
“At the onset of COVID-19, I served as a dedicated COVID Minister and as Minister for Seniors. In that role, I participated in all Cabinet and COVID Minister briefings led by the Ministry of Health and was directly involved in Government oversight of the national pandemic response,” Ms Martin said.
“My responsibility was to advocate for older New Zealanders and the services supporting them at the highest levels of decision-making during an unprecedented crisis.”
Now, as Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association, Ms Martin says she has gained a different perspective from providers who were delivering frontline care under extraordinary pressure.
“In my current role, I have come to better understand how some operational decisions taken during the response were experienced by the sector. In several cases, actions implemented at an agency level were widely believed by providers to be deliberate Cabinet decisions.”
She says this created confusion about where decisions were made and who was accountable.
“One example raised with us was the withdrawal of sector-held personal protective equipment supplies, which were replaced with products that providers considered to be of lower quality. Those affected believed this was a direct Government directive, when in practice operational implementation decisions sit at different levels within the system.”
Ms Martin emphasised that the issue is not about revisiting past decisions, but about learning practical governance lessons for the future.
“What this experience highlights is the need for structured, two-way communication channels between essential sector groups and responsible pandemic Ministers. When communication flows only through large agencies, there is a risk that operational realities and sector impacts are not always conveyed with full context – either up to Ministers or back down to those delivering frontline services.”
The Association is recommending that future pandemic planning frameworks include:
  • Formal mechanisms enabling essential sector representatives to communicate directly with designated pandemic Ministers
  • Clearer distinction between Cabinet-level decisions and agency operational implementation
  • Transparent communication pathways to ensure information provided to Ministers and guidance issued to sectors is consistent and accurate
“Aged care providers are a critical part of New Zealand’s health system and care for some of our most vulnerable citizens,” Ms Martin said.
“In a crisis, clarity of communication is as important as clarity of policy. Stronger direct connections between decision-makers and essential sectors will improve trust, decision quality and system performance when New Zealand needs it most.”
Posted on

Tax Reform – Concern that NZF, ACT could sink closure of major tax loophole

Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

11 March 2026, 3 pm – NZ First and ACT appear to be threatening to sink a tax measure that would close a major tax loophole and raise important revenue for the government. Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes Coalition say this is a concerning development.

It was reported in the NZ Herald today that the coalition parties are likely to oppose the proposal currently being considered by the Government for company loans to be treated as taxable income in circumstances where the shareholder would otherwise gain a tax advantage compared with recipients of dividends or salaries.

“This is a significant loophole – it creates unfairness and deprives the government of much needed revenue – and it looked like the Government was going to move to close it,” said Glenn Barclay, spokesperson of Tax Justice Aotearoa and the Better Taxes Coalition.

“It is concerning that  NZ First and ACT,  might not support a measure that both Australia and the UK have and which will address what appears to be a very significant distortion in the tax system. Shareholders owe around $29b to companies at the moment – that is a substantial amount and it needs to be taxed appropriately,” said Barclay.

Tax Justice Aotearoa submitted to the IRD consultation on the proposal and argued the UK legislation was the best model for Aotearoa New Zealand to follow. There the tax charge is linked to the loan and is repayable if the loan is repaid, providing an incentive to do so and ensuring that legitimate loans will not be taxed.

“The UK model is well established and a workable approach that would not result in excessive taxation,” said Glenn Barclay. “But would remove the current distortion and gather revenue that's currently being lost to this loophole.”

Tax Justice Aotearoa noted the 2017-18 Tax Working Group recommended that closely held companies should provide security to IRD if the company was owed a debt by a shareholder and there was doubt about the ability and/or the intention of the shareholder to repay the debt and therefore should have been taxed as if the loan was a dividend or salary.

“The rhetoric around this has been intentionally overblown”, said Glenn Barclay. “With the right design, taxing shareholder loans would be a practical response to a real problem of unfairness and lost revenue – it would not be 'draconian' or 'double taxation'. We call on all the parties in the Coalition Government to take a constructive approach to address this major loophole in our tax system”.

Posted on

Education – MIT and Unitec showcase united vision at ASB Polyfest

Source: Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec

Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland – 11 March 2026 – One Waka. One Future. Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) and Unitec will present a powerful symbol of unity and shared purpose at ASB Polyfest 2026, unveiling a joint presence that reflects their unification this year as a single organisation serving our communities and learners in Tāmaki Makaurau-Auckland.

ASB Polyfest will be held across two events in 2026: the Pacific and Diversity Stages from 18–21 March at the Manukau Sports Bowl and Te Paparewa Māori stage from 30 March–2 April at the Due Drop Event Centre.
At the heart of MIT and Unitec’s presence this year will be a shared marquee – which brings to life Tāmaki Waka Hourua, a values framework guiding MIT and Unitec as they align their strengths, expertise and aspirations in one shared direction and purpose.
Waka Hourua, means ‘a double-hulled canoe’ and symbolises what were previously two institutions now travelling forward together alongside the communities they’ve proudly served for over 50 years.
Director Maori Education, Dr Wiremu Manaia explains: “This framework is grounded in core Māori principles:Whakapapa – the ancestral line that binds crew and vessel, Mana whakahaere – authority and responsibility to steer, Kotahitanga – unity of purpose, Mauri – the collective life force.”
These principles align with this year’s Polyfest theme, “Ko au ko te Taiao! Ko te Taiao ko au! He Toa Taiao Taiohi nō te Moana nui a Kiwa, āke, ake, ake!” (“The environment lives in me, as I live in it – a Pacific Youth Eco-Warrior for generations to come”).
MIT and Unitec’s shared presence represents a unified future under the guiding whakataukī:
“Nā te kaha ka whakatutuki, nā te kotahitanga ka whai hua.”
With strength we achieve; through unity we succeed.

A Defining Year. A Legacy Spanning More Than Two Decades
As Polyfest celebrates its 51st year, MIT and Unitec’s united presence marks a defining milestone.

In January 2026, the two institutions formally came together as the largest on campus provider of vocational education in Aotearoa New Zealand — a single, independent regional entity focused on delivering stronger outcomes for learners, industry and communities across Auckland.
Polyfest, widely recognised as Australasia’s largest secondary school cultural festival, will once again draw more than 80,000 visitors across six cultural stages representing the Cook Islands, Diversity, Māori, Niue, Samoa and Tonga.
MIT and Unitec’s presence at Polyfest builds on a longstanding relationship with the festival and the communities it represents.
“Although MIT and Unitec have come together as a new joint entity, our long and proud history of serving our communities and learners across Tāmaki Makaurau for more than 50 years remains as strong as ever. Our presence again this year at ASB Polyfest reflects that commitment,” says Executive Director, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.
For more than 20 years, our institutions have stood alongside the festival — supporting ākonga (students) as they develop confidence, cultural pride and leadership.
“Unitec became the first tertiary sponsor of Polyfest in 2003. MIT proudly sponsored the Niue stage in 2010, and together we sponsored the Tongan stage in 2025. These milestones reflect a deep and enduring relationship with a festival that celebrates the identity, culture, and aspirations of our Pacific communities,” Peseta says.

Visible Unity, Stronger Pathways

Polyfest is more than a cultural festival — it’s a powerful platform where education can lift the hopes and aspirations of Pacific youth.
“Through events like this, we can help young people see the pathways available to them in education and employment with our schools,” Peseta says.
“At MIT and Unitec, we are incredibly proud of our Pacific learners. They are achieving great qualifications and going on to strong career outcomes, contributing their skills and leadership back into their communities and across the country.”
MIT and Unitec are strengthening pathways from secondary school to tertiary study and employment. As one organisation, they offer broader programme options, enhanced learner support, deeper industry connections and a regionally focused approach designed specifically for Auckland.
“We’re continuing to strengthen our relationships with schools, families and communities across the region. This week, we welcomed careers advisors from across Aucklan to connect with our teams and learn more about the opportunities available for their students,” Peseta says.
For high schools, whānau and communities attending Polyfest, the message is clear: MIT and Unitec are united, future-focused and committed to being the education provider of choice for Auckland’s young people — now and for generations to come.
Want to know more about our course offerings, programmes and career pathways at MIT and Unitec? Find us at the MIT and Unitec Marquee at Polyfest. Come meet our amazing kaimahi (staff), take a selfie at our activations, or leave a message.
Posted on

Kawatiri Coastal Trail wins Outdoor Access Champion Award

Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission

A new trail across one of Aotearoa’s most historic, fascinating and naturally abundant coastlines has won a prestigious national award for championing public outdoor access.
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail in the Buller District has been named a 2026 Outdoor Access Champion by the Outdoor Access Commission.
This award recognises the Charleston-to-Westport Coastal Trail Trust’s decade-long commitment to developing the 40-kilometre Kawatiri Coastal Trail and securing enduring, inclusive public access across one of Aotearoa’s most culturally and ecologically rich coastlines.
Completed in March 2025, the Grade 2 walking and cycling trail stretches from Westport to Charleston, connecting communities, landscapes, stories, and generations.
Event details
Outdoor Access Champion Award Ceremony – Kawatiri Coastal Trail 
Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026 
Time: 4:00pm 
Venue: Star Tavern, 6 Lighthouse Road, Cape Foulwind
Partnership and perseverance
The Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust worked in close partnership with Ngāti Waewae, the Department of Conservation, Buller District Council, MBIE’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development Unit, Development West Coast, and many others to bring the trail to life.
The trust’s achievement in securing public access across complex land tenure is exceptional. Access arrangements were reached with 10 private landowners, covering 27% of the trail. Seven of those agreements – representing 23% of the whole route – are legally enduring walkway easements under the Walking Access Act 2008.
Herenga ā Nuku Chief Executive Dan Wildy says the trail shows what local communities can achieve when they work together.
“The Kawatiri Coastal Trail is a nationally significant model of how public access can be created and protected through partnership, goodwill, and determination. The trust has built an enduring legacy for the people of Buller, New Zealand, and international visitors now drawn to this remarkable trail.”
A community asset
The trail has made it much easier for the region’s residents and visitors to access and enjoy the outdoors. Its wide, smooth surface supports walkers, runners, families, e-bikers, and hand-bike users, making recreation inclusive for people of all ages and abilities.
More than 40,000 users will enjoy the trail each year, with local schools, community groups, and visitors engaging in environmental education, heritage learning, and shared outdoor experiences.
Richard Niederer, Kawatiri Coastal Trail Trust Chairperson, says the Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust is extremely honoured to be a recipient of the 2026 Outdoor Access Champion Award.
“Coupled with the feedback from visitors and locals alike who are using the trail, we have created a community and publicly accessible asset which will be enjoyed for years to come.”
Environment and culture
The Kawatiri Coastal Trail has facilitated extensive ecological restoration, including 25,000 native plantings and 200 maintained predator traps to support kiwi, bittern and other native species.
Interpretation panels celebrate tangata whenua heritage, archaeology, geology, and local history stretching back 700 years. The trail’s partnership with Ngāti Waewae means it respects and supports tikanga-ā-iwi and significant sites, including the whare and interpretation signs at Whare Ngāhue.
Regional economic development
The trail is already delivering economic benefits to the district, strengthening regenerative tourism and supporting new local enterprises. Visitors are spending more time and money in the region, with extended stays and increased off-season visits, boosting community resilience. Research indicates the trail will be worth $79 million to the region by 2031.
As well as the more than 60 jobs created during the construction of the Kawatiri Coastal Trail, the trust estimates around 100 jobs will be created over the next 10 years in support of the trail. Zak Shaw from Development West Coast’s Nature Economy Project says the Kawatiri Coastal Trail receiving this award reflects the strength of local collaboration that brought the trail to life.
“Over the past several months we’ve seen just how popular the trail has become, with more people choosing to visit Buller to experience it for themselves. That growing visitation is incredibly positive for the region, supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for communities, and reinforcing the value of investing in world-class nature experiences. Inspired by local creative vision, the Kawatiri Coastal Trail connects rainforest to coastline, history to habitat, and locals to visitors, all in a single day.”
Volunteers and the community
Volunteers contribute more than 3,000 hours each year to fundraising, trail building, restoration, trapping, planting, maintenance, events, and governance. Their work means the trail remains safe, vibrant, and ecologically healthy.
“This award honours everyone who has contributed – the Charleston-Westport Coastal Trail Trust, Ngāti Waewae, landowners, council, agencies, funders, volunteers, and supporters,” says Wildy. “Together they’ve created opportunities for everyone to access and enjoy the environment, today and for generations to come.”
A thank you for opening up the great outdoors
The Outdoor Access Commission, Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, has awarded Outdoor Access Champion Awards annually since 2013. A small group of winners are selected from nominees who have made significant and lasting contributions to public access to the outdoors in New Zealand. Nominations for 2027 will open in September.
Posted on

Exercise Industry Defies Economic Headwinds: Growth & Trust Continues

Source: Exercise NZ

“In a time when many sectors are experiencing contraction, the exercise industry is showing steady and meaningful growth. New Zealanders continue to prioritise their health and wellbeing, recognising that exercise is not a luxury, it's an essential part of living well.”

“There has never been more information available, but not all of it is accurate or safe,”

“In New Zealand we're fortunate to have REPs (the Register of Exercise Professionals), an independent body that verifies exercise professionals and requires them to maintain recognised qualifications and annual registration… This helps ensure New Zealanders receive safe, trusted, evidence-based guidance tailored to their individual needs.”

“Even in uncertain times, New Zealanders are choosing to invest in their health. The exercise industry is not just weathering economic challenges, it's growing, adapting, and playing a critical role in improving the physical and mental well-being of our communities.”

New Zealand's exercise industry continues to grow despite economic uncertainty, with new consumer research showing increasing participation, strong long-term demand, and rising trust in qualified exercise professionals.

The latest Exercise New Zealand consumer survey found that an estimated 2.67 million adults (69%) now exercise, representing continued growth and a clear signal that exercise remains a priority for Kiwis, even during financially challenging times. Of those, over 993,000 regularly exercise at structured exercise facilities such as gyms and studios, representing 26% of adults,  a significant increase from 22% in 2024.

Perhaps even more positive for the exercise industry is the potential for further growth. A further 192,000 New Zealanders who do not currently use an exercise professional indicated they intend to start within the next six months, representing a potential 19% increase in demand for professional exercise services.

Exercise New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie says the findings demonstrate the industry's resilience and its growing importance to the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

“In a time when many sectors are experiencing contraction, the exercise industry is showing steady and meaningful growth. New Zealanders continue to prioritise their health and wellbeing, recognising that exercise is not a luxury, it's an essential part of living well.”

Participation in structured exercise has reached record levels, with nearly one million adults now engaging with gyms, studios, or exercise professionals, reflecting a growing demand for guided, supportive environments.

The research also highlights strong future growth potential. Approximately 19% more adults are considering using an exercise professional in the coming year, signalling continued expansion in demand for qualified support.

Trusted Professionals Matter

In an era where social media and online platforms are saturated with unverified fitness advice, the research reinforces the critical role of qualified exercise professionals. More New Zealanders are actively choosing to work with trained professionals, recognising the value of expert guidance, safety, motivation, and personalised programmes.

“There has never been more information available, but not all of it is accurate or safe,” says Beddie.

Exercise professionals also play a key role in supporting broader wellbeing outcomes. People who engage with structured exercise providers are more likely to experience benefits, including improved mental health, increased confidence, and healthier overall lifestyles.

“In New Zealand we're fortunate to have REPs (the Register of Exercise Professionals), an independent body that verifies exercise professionals and requires them to maintain recognised qualifications and annual registration,” says Beddie. “This helps ensure New Zealanders receive safe, trusted, evidence-based guidance tailored to their individual needs.”

Their training, certification, and accountability give New Zealanders confidence that they are receiving safe and effective advice from qualified professionals.

A Positive Future

The research confirms that exercise continues to hold strong perceived value, with 98% of New Zealanders recognising physical activity as important, and growing numbers seeing exercise as central to mental health, lifestyle, and overall wellbeing.

Exercise New Zealand says the results highlight both resilience and opportunity for the sector.

“Even in uncertain times, New Zealanders are choosing to invest in their health. The exercise industry is not just weathering economic challenges, it's growing, adapting, and playing a critical role in improving the physical and mental well-being of our communities.”

Exercise New Zealand encourages all New Zealanders to seek support from registered, qualified exercise professionals to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable progress toward their health goals. For more information on this release or to arrange an interview, contact Richard Beddie at richard@exercisenz.org.nz or P: 0800 66 88 11, M: 027-520-5744.

Note: Data was collected through an independent third party, Horizon Research, as a part of ExerciseNZ annual consumer research.

Posted on

Health and Politics – Government Acknowledges Aged Care Pressures But Families and Carers Still Carrying the Load

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association says today’s Government response to the Health Committee inquiry into aged care capacity recognises serious system pressures but leaves families and informal carers continuing to shoulder the consequences.
The inquiry examined how well the aged care sector can support people experiencing neurological cognitive disorders, including dementia. While the Government has welcomed the report and referred its recommendations to the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group for further consideration, no immediate actions or support measures were announced.
Association Chief Executive Tracey Martin says that delay has real-world impacts beyond providers, it lands hardest on families.
“Behind every delayed reform is a daughter reducing her work hours, a spouse managing complex care alone, or a family struggling to find a bed close to home. When the system strains, families absorb the pressure.”
Inquiry Highlighted Growing Strain on Families
The Health Committee heard extensive evidence about:
  • Limited availability of aged residential care beds
  • Financial barriers to accessing care
  • Workforce shortages affecting service quality and continuity
  • Inconsistent access to home and community support
  • The particular challenges of dementia care
These pressures often leave families filling gaps in care, navigating fragmented services, and carrying emotional, physical, and financial burdens.
“Families are becoming the default providers of care when services are stretched. That is not sustainable and it is not fair.”
Respite and Support Still Uncertain
While the Committee recommended establishing regular respite care programmes to support carers, the Government response points only to ongoing strategy work, with no new funding or delivery commitments.
“Respite is not a luxury – it is what keeps carers healthy enough to continue caring. Without reliable respite, burnout is inevitable.”
Delays in Funding Reform Flow Through to Households
The Government confirmed that aged care funding reform will be considered as part of a broader review process reporting back in 2026.
Until then:
  • Bed shortages persist
  • Dementia services remain financially constrained
  • Providers struggle to expand capacity
  • Access delays push care responsibilities back onto families
“When funding models don’t reflect the real cost of care, services can’t expand. When services can’t expand, families wait longer or cope alone.”
Home Care Progress Welcome But Gaps Remain
The Association acknowledged positive signals around:
  • More flexible home and community care services
  • Moves toward nationally consistent funding
  • Longer-term provider contracts
However, implementation timelines remain unclear.
“Supporting people to remain in the communities they know and love is the right goal. But families need to see changes on the ground, not just policy workstreams.”
A Human Issue, Not Just a System Issue
New Zealand’s ageing population means more families will face complex care decisions in the coming years.
“Aged care is not an abstract policy area. It determines whether older people can live with dignity, and whether families can remain families – rather than becoming exhausted, unsupported care coordinators.”
Call for Urgency
The Advisory Group is expected to report by mid-2026.
“We respect the need for careful policy design, but the lived reality is urgent. Families and carers need practical support now – clearer pathways, available beds, sustainable services, and meaningful respite.”