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Cracroft Reserve in Christchurch selected as preferred site for National Erebus Memorial

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“I have made the decision to locate the National Erebus Memorial at Cracroft Reserve in Ōtautahi Christchurch,” announced Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae, Secretary for Culture and Heritage.
The Government has confirmed a site to build the National Erebus Memorial, that will honour the 257 people onboard Flight TE901, which crashed into the slopes of Mt Erebus, Antarctica in 1979. The Memorial will be a place for Erebus families, members of Operation Overdue, New Zealanders and international visitors to gather, remember and reflect on those lost on Flight TE901, and the impact of the accident on themselves, their families, aviation and the nation.
Manatū Taonga has explored 50 different sites for the Memorial in the greater Auckland area over the past two years. Unfortunately, no suitable site has been identified, and we have recently been advised that Takaparawhau in Auckland is no longer a potential site for the Memorial.
“Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is fully supportive of the Memorial being located with Ngāi Tūāhuriri and the people of Christchurch. I acknowledge the participation of Ngāi Tūāhuriri in the site selection process and warm welcome of Erebus families, the Ministry and the Memorial,” says Leauanae.
“I have been heartened by Christchurch’s warmth, generosity and support through the process of identifying potential sites. Having been offered two possible sites by the Mayor of Christchurch earlier this year, I have chosen Cracroft Reserve as the preferred site for the Memorial.
“Cracroft Reserve has panoramic views over Christchurch and out to the Southern Alps. It’s a space where both quiet moments or group gatherings can take place, it’s tranquil, green, and has a beautiful outlook.
“I am confident that this site will be fitting for the Memorial.
“Avon Riverbank is also a very strong site with many positive attributes. I’ve made the decision to retain the Avon Riverbank as an alternative site in the event that we are unable to progress Cracroft Reserve.
“It’s been almost 46 years since the Erebus disaster – Aotearoa’s worst civil accident. A Memorial is long overdue, and what I know for certain is that Erebus families deserve a Memorial as soon as possible. Cracroft Reserve in Christchurch is our best opportunity to make that happen.
“I am confident that Christchurch’s warm welcome to Erebus families, and the city’s experience and understanding of the importance of remembrance will provide the right space for this national memorial,” says Leauanae.
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Awards – Electrify Queenstown 2025 event wins at the Bizzies

Source: Destination Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand (27 November 2025) Electrify Queenstown has won two awards at the inaugural Bizzies – Aotearoa Business Events Awards 2025.

The 2025 Queenstown summit, delivered by Destination Queenstown, secured the Business Event Award for Legacy Impact and the Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award, announced at a gala dinner last night, at Cordis Auckland.

With only seven category awards up for grabs, Electrify Queenstown's double-win was particularly pleasing for Mat Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism.

“This is a powerful recognition for the dedicated team behind Electrify Queenstown and also the strength of the idea,” Woods says.

“We set out to create a summit that would inspire action – showing how electrification can save money, boost resilience, and meaningfully cut emissions for businesses and households alike.

“The 2025 summit was a pivotal moment, helping cement Electrify Queenstown as a nationally significant platform for change. To see it acknowledged at the inaugural Bizzies is incredibly encouraging and motivating.”

Supported by Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce and principal sponsor Aurora Energy, Electrify Queenstown 2025 brought together industry leaders, innovators, politicians and policymakers for a three-day summit.

The Bizzies, supported by Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA), celebrate excellence, innovation, and impact across seven categories covering the full spectrum of New Zealand’s business events industry, from venues and suppliers to event organisers, destinations and individuals.

More than 270 guests attended last night's black-tie awards ceremony, emceed by two of New Zealand’s leading broadcasters and journalists – Mike McRoberts and Melissa Chan-Green.

Electrify Queenstown returns in 2026 with an even bigger programme. It will take place at the Queenstown Events Centre, Sunday 17 May – Tuesday 19 May 2026.

The event supports Queenstown Lakes' destination management plan and the broader goal of regenerative tourism and a carbon-zero visitor economy by 2030.

www.electrifyqueenstown.co.nz

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Employment Disputes – Fire and Emergency New Zealand Statement – NZPFU should call off tomorrow’s strike

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Strike puts community at risk while ERA considers facilitation request
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling on the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) to call off its strike scheduled for midday to 1pm tomorrow (Friday), given the Employment Relations Authority is currently considering an application to provide independent facilitation to support reaching settlement on a new collective employment agreement.
“There is zero point to this strike while the Authority considers whether to provide independent facilitation. Going ahead with it needlessly puts community safety at risk,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stifler says.
The Employment Relations Authority received submissions on Fire and Emergency’s application for facilitation on Tuesday and is due to release its decision in the near future. The parties have been in talks for a collective employment agreement for more than 16 months.
“The NZPFU’s recent settlement proposal is three times more than our offer, which was fair, reasonable and in line with other settlements across the public service. There’s a gulf between us at the moment, which is why facilitated bargaining is the next logical step to resolve the dispute and keep our communities safe,” Megan Stiffler says.
Fire and Emergency’s most recent offer amounts to a 6.2 percent average increase over three years and compares favourably with equivalent public sector agreements.
“This proposal would have taken the average senior firefighter remuneration from a range of approximately $80,700 – $87,400 to $85,800-$92,900 at the end of the period, excluding overtime and allowances which currently adds an average of $38,823 to annual remuneration. We believe it represents a fair and sustainable increase for our people.”
“We asked the Employment Relations Authority to provide facilitation to help bring the parties together because of the protracted nature of bargaining and the impact on both our people, and on public safety from prolonged and repeated strike action.
“We’ve approached bargaining in good faith with the goal of reaching a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement with the NZPFU. We value our people, which is why over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent, which is more than 10 percent above the average increase for all New Zealand workers.
“We want a fair outcome that recognises the incredible dedication and service of our people and delivers a modern and sustainable fire service. At the same time, approximately 95 percent of Fire and Emergency’s operations are funded by a levy on New Zealanders’ building, contents and vehicle insurance. With increasing insurance costs, we have to be mindful of cost-of-living pressures.
“We hope the NZPFU withdraws its scheduled strike. There is little to be gained by continuing to strike and putting the community at risk while the Employment Relations Authority process plays out,” Megan Stifler says.
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Weather News – No two days the same – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 27th November – Monday 1st December – Wet weather will be balanced by fine breaks over the next few days. The only constant will be the heat.

MetService has issued the following Warnings & Watches:

  • An Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Westland until 1pm Thursday. Peak intensities between 25mm/h and 35mm/h are expected in the ranges.
  • An Orange Strong Wind Warning for Canterbury High country including the foothills until 5pm Thursday. Northwesterly gusts of 120km/h are expected in exposed places.
  • Heavy Rain Watches for: Grey, Buller, Tasman west of Takaka, Richmond and Bryant ranges, the Rai Valley on Thursday, continuing into Friday for the Tararua Range and Taranaki Maunga. 

There have been over 5000 lightning strikes in the last 24 hours, at least 1000 of which were over land.

This morning (Thursday) hourly rain rates peaked at 27.4mm in Franz Joseph, Haast had 24mm, and Milford Sound had 20.5mm.  

Temperatures are up and that looks to continue for the next few days. Among yesterday’s stats:

  • Whanganui Airport reached 27°C, equal to the November record.
  • Dunedin, Timaru, Oamaru, Hastings and Christchurch broke 30°C.
  • Waimate was the warmest with 31.2°C.

MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley adds, “Today will be another warm day for most regions, especially those ones that had a scorcher yesterday. A heat alert is in place for Napier, which is expected to rise to 31°C today and stay muggy overnight. There are a few more hot days and muggy nights on the way too.”

On Friday most of the action moves to the North Island. Rain moves in from the west in the morning, then in the afternoon there is a chance of thunderstorms about northern and eastern regions.

Saturday looks to be the pick of the weekend. The skies will part just in time for the Lake Taupō Cycle challenge. Drier conditions are also on the way this weekend for the Godzone adventure race in Marlborough.

On Sunday, the weather starts to pack in again. A low-pressure system crawls out of the Tasman Sea, driving up the winds and dropping heavy rain about southern and central parts of the country. Then Monday will be a wet start to December, and meteorological summer, particularly for the North Island.

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Aviation – Clearer rules and a new pathway to support innovation in NZ’s skies

Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

Published date: 27 November 2025 – Updated drone and advanced aviation rules will take effect on 22 December 2025, introducing a new Part 107 to support research and development flight testing, and providing greater clarity for drone operators.

The changes follow the Government’s announcement of a modernised regulatory framework for advanced aviation technologies.

Developed jointly with the Ministry of Transport and informed by extensive engagement with industry and international partners, the updated rules maintain strong safety boundaries while providing clearer, more responsive pathways for innovation.

“These changes are about making the system clearer and more consistent,” said CAA Deputy Chief Executive John Kay.

“And Part 107 creates a world-leading and well-defined R&D pathway for innovators to experiment, iterate, and accelerate development” Mr Kay said.

NEW PART 107:

  • Allows approved research organisations to rapidly develop and test emerging aviation technologies within pre-defined areas.
  • Removes regulatory burden by no longer requiring regulatory approval every time an iteration is made.
  • Is technology agnostic, allowing for R&D on all aviation systems and ancillary systems.

KEY CHANGES UNDER CIVIL AVIATION RULE PARTS 101 AND 102:

  • Clarity on what operators can do under Part 101, and what requires certification under Part 102.
  • A new Transport Instrument under Part 101 allows CAA to be more responsive to sector developments.
  • A Trial Advisory Circular will help operators transition smoothly and share feedback in early 2026.

See the pending Rules on the CAA website: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/rules/pending-rules/

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Appointments – New Zealander to lead global sustainability standards body

Source: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

Jane Diplock appointed Chair of GRI Supervisory Board

Amsterdam, 26 November 2025 – The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has made a series of key appointments to non-executive oversight bodies that guide future direction and policy, effective from 1 January 2026.

GRI Supervisory Board

Jane Diplock is appointed Chair of the Supervisory Board – the decision-making body responsible for overseeing organizational priorities and strategy at GRI, the provider of the world's most widely used sustainability reporting standards. Jane – a former Chair of both IOSCO and the Securities Commission of New Zealand – steps up following two years on the Board, with Jessica Fries to stand down as her term as Chair ends.

Bola Adeeko continues as Vice Chair for the remainder of his second term on the Supervisory Board, while Jyrki Raina will depart after six years’ service. 

Two new members are appointed:

  • Peiyuan Guo, Chairman of SynTao Green Finance – China
  • Sue Longley, former General Secretary of the IUF (Academic Institute of France) – Switzerland.

Jane Diplock said: “I am delighted to be appointed Supervisory Board Chair of GRI and honored to succeed Jessica Fries in this role. The GRI Standards play a vital role in ensuring organizations provide valuable and accessible sustainability information, which addresses their impacts on people and planet.

As GRI looks ahead to celebrating our thirtieth year in 2027, we are well-positioned to steer the future of reporting through our consensus-building, collaborative approach. Together, we can ensure that sustainability reporting unlocks corporate accountability and is the catalyst for change.”

Jessica Fries added:

“Over the last six years, we have seen significant progress – and some big changes – in the reporting landscape. It has been a privilege to help steer GRI's response over this period, in particular serving as Chair of the Supervisory Board. During this time, we have seen an increased recognition of the importance of understanding and responding to sustainability impacts, but also more complexity as different standards are adopted around the world. GRI's new strategy seeks to address this complexity while also cementing a recognition of the importance of a multi-stakeholder, impact focus at the heart of the global reporting system.

In the face of political headwinds and global sustainability challenges, GRI's mission is more important than ever before. I am pleased to hand over the baton to someone with Jane's wisdom, experience and commitment to the role that reporting can play in creating a sustainable world.”

GRI Stakeholder Council

The Stakeholder Council, the multistakeholder forum that provides advice and recommendations to GRI governance bodies, sees four members added.

The new appointments are:

  • Rupam Baruah, Business Head – Sustainability Services, South Asia, environmental services group Bureau Veritas – India
  • Gabriel Hasson, Global Head of Governance and Shareholder Advisory, strategic communications advisory ICR – USA
  • Cesar Sanches, Founder and Managing Director, SFX (The Sustainable Finance Exchange) – Brazil
  • Michiel Slinkert, Founder and Director of sustainability consultancy Eevery – Belgium. 

The following Council members are to depart following the conclusion of their terms: Tuba Atabey, Clara Goyret, Paul Farella, Ozdemir Haluk, Crecentia Carina Mofokeng, and Denis Lu.

Erdem Kolcuoğlu, Chair of the GRI Stakeholder Council, said: “I am very grateful to the members standing down from the Stakeholder Council for their valuable counsel, and I welcome the new appointments who will join us from January. I also extend my congratulations to Jane, and I look forward to continuing to engage closely with her and the members of the Supervisory Board to ensure GRI’s priorities and strategic direction continue to be shaped and informed by the voices of all stakeholders.”

NOTES

About Jane Diplock

Jane Diplock AO is a highly experienced corporate governance professional who has served on numerous boards and committees for listed, private and nonprofit entities, with a focus on sustainability standards, regulation, impact reporting and digitization. She is a former Chair of both the IOSCO Executive Committee and the Securities Commission of New Zealand.

Jane’s current governance roles include positions with the World Benchmarking Alliance, A4S, Abu Dhabi Global Market Appeals Panel, Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao, and Persefoni AI. Earlier in her career, she led several government departments in New South Wales, Australia, and held executive leadership positions in Westpac Banking Corporation.

Jane holds degrees in Arts and Law and a Diploma of Education from Sydney University, and a Diploma of International Law, International Economics and International Relations from the Australian National University, while she was a Chevening Fellow at the London School of Economics. She resides in Wellington, New Zealand, and holds dual Australian and New Zealand citizenship. In 2004 she was awarded the Order of Australia for her contribution to business and commerce.

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the creator of the common global language to assess and report environmental, social and economic impacts, as articulated through the GRI Standards – the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards. GRI is headquartered in Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and supported by a regional office network.

GRI engages in a multi-stakeholder approach to define and refine the best practice for sustainability reporting. In addition to standards, GRI provides tools and training that empower organizations of all sizes to build sustainable, long-term value – benefiting people and planet.

GRI’s governance has a two-tier board structure, with operational leadership being the responsibility of the Management Board and oversight and guidance provided by the Supervisory Board. In addition, the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) has independent responsibility for setting the GRI Standards (a separate process is underway to update the GSSB membership).

The Stakeholder Council, which has regionally diverse membership drawn from five defined stakeholder constituencies, is a sounding board on key issues for the Supervisory Board, Management Board, and GSSB. Finally, the Due Process Oversight Committee ensures the standard-setting activities of the GSSB are conducted in accordance with its due process.

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Economy – Progress on cash – Reserve Bank of NZ

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

27 November 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua is working to ensure that New Zealanders can continue to withdraw cash, pay with cash and deposit cash as and when they want to.

Cash is used for economic, social and cultural reasons, and as the cash steward we will keep issuing cash for as long as the public needs it. Research shows 72% of small businesses would be adversely affected if cash was unavailable as a means of payment. Our own survey tells us while over 80% of adults use cash sometimes, over half (56%) store cash and 8% rely on cash.

“People should be able to use cash as and when they want to but they can't if cash services aren't available. Our view is that it is getting too hard for people to withdraw and use cash, deposit cash or make change, as bank branches have closed especially in rural areas. Addressing this is not an easy task but it's one we're committed to,” says Ian Woolford, Director of Money and Cash.

In Waipukurau this month we started a 12-month research project for a cash depot in our first Community Cash Trial with Central Hawke's Bay District Council. Approved local businesses and community organisations can use the depot to get cash and make change in low denomination banknotes, free of fees. Until now, people and businesses in Waipukurau and Waipawa have been forced to travel up to 50km to Hastings, Havelock North and Dannevirke, since local bank branches closed and remaining ATMs were inadequate.

“We're grateful for the support from Central Hawke's Bay District Council and local residents. We are looking for solutions to real community cash issues and we'll learn from the Waipukurau trial as we plan similar research trials in a small number of towns across New Zealand next year,” says Mr Woolford.

The public expect banks to provide cash services to them. In addition to the Community Cash Trial we are looking at how best to expand cash services across New Zealand and one option is encouraging banks to voluntarily commit to providing their customers with good access to full cash services to a minimum standard. We will speak with banks about this approach soon, but we may need to use our existing powers to obtain the right outcomes if voluntary commitments fall short.

In another cash update, our collectable coin partnership with NZ Post will conclude on 30 June 2026. This follows a strategic review and reflects our commitment to focus on our core mandate and cash in circulation.

“We thank NZ Post for its contribution and collaboration throughout this 25-year partnership that has been valued by collectors and numismatists,” says Mr Woolford.

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Reserve Bank of New Zealand Board announcements

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

27 November 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua welcomes the elevation of Rodger Finlay as our new Board Chair, and the appointment of Rhiannon McKinnon to the Board.

Mr Finlay and Mrs McKinnon were appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance following their participation in an appointment process run by Te Tai Ōhanga – The Treasury.

Rodger Finlay was appointed to the RBNZ Transition Board in October 2021, the RBNZ Board on 1 July 2022 for a term of five years, and was elevated to Deputy Chair from 1 February 2023. He has been exercising the functions of Chair since 29 August 2025.  

Mr Finlay has an extensive executive background in international investment banking, having worked with leading financial institutions in London, including CS First Boston, Paribas, and UBS. He brings significant governance experience and is also currently the Deputy Chair of Rural Equities Limited. He has previously chaired several major New Zealand listed, and public sector organisations and advisory panels.  

“It is a privilege to be appointed as the RBNZ Board Chair,” says Mr Finlay.

“The past year has seen wide-ranging change for the Reserve Bank and I look forward to supporting a renewed focus on effectively and efficiently delivering the Bank's economic, financial stability, and broader central banking objectives. I am also looking forward to working with our incoming Governor, Dr Anna Breman.”

Rhiannon McKinnon has managed complex financial operations, including hedging programmes, bond issuance, and M&A transactions. She has held senior executive and board roles, including CEO of Kiwi Wealth, founder of executive coaching firm Cassiobury, and board member of the NZ Film Commission, CFA Society of NZ, and Dress for Success Wellington.  

Mrs McKinnon is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and holds an MA from the University of Cambridge.

“Mrs McKinnon is an experienced financial professional with a strong background in leadership and strategy. We welcome her appointment to the RBNZ Board and look forward to the contribution she will bring towards delivering on Te Pūtea Matua's strategic objectives,” says Mr Finlay.

Mr Finlay will serve as Chair until the end of his current term, 30 June 2027. Mrs McKinnon will serve for a five-year term from 1 December 2025 to 30 November 2030.

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Health Employment – 17,000 PSA health workers to strike on Friday – PSA

Source: PSA

PSA health workers will strike for the second time in four weeks this Friday after mediation has failed, sending a clear message to the Government that they won’t back down on issues such as chronic understaffing and under-resourcing.
About 17,000 health workers, including Allied Health staff; mental health and public health nurses and healthcare assistants; and Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist (PAKS) workers, will go on strike for a pay increase that recognises the increased cost of living facing workers and their families and safe staffing to ensure that patients get the quality care they deserve.
“These workers are standing up for the public health system that New Zealanders need and deserve,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says.
Pickets and rallies will be held at 30 locations around the country: Full details of the rallies from Whāngarei to Invercargill on the PSA website.
Life preserving service staff levels have been agreed between the PSA and Health New Zealand for the duration of the strike.
Since the strike on October 23, the parties have attended mediation through the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment but no settlement has been reached.
“Unfortunately, Health NZ and this Government still refuse to hear concerns about the state of our health system, we need to see a commitment to fill vacancies quickly and staff hospitals properly.”
“Health NZ’s offer would mean workers go backwards. The health system is currently being held together by these workers’ good will for their patients. It’s not sustainable, not fair on workers, and doesn’t serve patients well either,” Fitzsimons says.
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 care and community groups.
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Buy local this Black Friday – Buy NZ Made

Source: Buy NZ Made

As the global retail engine gears up for another wave of Black Friday spending, Buy NZ Made is urging New Zealanders to choose local alternatives that strengthen communities, protect jobs, and build long-term economic resilience. 
Buy NZ Made Executive Director Dane Ambler says Black Friday has become a major driver of offshore spending, often to the detriment of local businesses counting on the Christmas trading period. 
“Your purchase is a drop in the bucket for a large retail chain but for a small local business, it can provide them with a major boost at the end of the year. 
“Imported Black Friday deals might seem cheap in the moment, but the real cost is felt here in New Zealand: in lost jobs, struggling main streets, and weakened local industries.”
Ambler says every dollar spent with a Kiwi business supports wages, suppliers, tradespeople, and regional economies. But money spent with large offshore platforms will more often than not vanish from New Zealand’s economy.
“Shopping local isn’t just a feel-good choice, it’s an economic strategy. When we back Kiwi businesses, we’re backing ourselves.”