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Environment – EPA makes headway on hazardous substance assessments

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) continues to make progress assessing hazardous substance applications, approving 21 applications in the first quarter of the 2025-26 year.
The first of a new series of hazardous substances quarterly reports shows the queue of applications fell 9 percent from 96 at 1 July 2025 to 87 at 30 September 2025.
During this quarter, the EPA had the lowest number of applications in the queue for new agricultural and horticulture products since early 2022.
The EPA is improving clarity and transparency around application timeframes and processes with quarterly performance reports, says Dr Lauren Fleury, Acting General Manager for Hazardous Substances and New Organisms.
“We’ve been listening to industry, we are making improvements and have achieved good progress in actively reducing the hazardous substance applications queue.
“We are focused on reducing the number of hazardous substance applications by 30 June 2026, including increasing new active ingredient assessments, and we are starting to see the results of a range of changes we’ve made,” says Dr Fleury.
Improvements underway
Dr Fleury says, “So far this year we’ve onboarded 13 new applications staff.
“We’re increasing the use of rapid assessments, including the international regulator rapid pathway.
“We are also updating our risk assessment models used in assessing higher-risk hazardous substances and chemicals that are new to New Zealand.”
Dr Fleury says the EPA is engaging with industry to explore ways to prioritise assessment of substances with the potential to improve economic or environmental outcomes. 
“We acknowledge that improvements are still required in the application queue for substances containing new chemical active ingredients, and this remains a priority area for us.”
Supporting regulatory reform
The EPA is supporting work on amendments to the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 as well as operational improvements to increase efficiencies. 
These changes are aligned with recommendations from the 2024 Ministry for Regulation regulatory review into the effectiveness of the approval path for agricultural and horticultural products.
“We expect even more reductions in the queue of hazardous substance applications over time once all the changes are implemented,” says Dr Fleury.
Hazardous substance quarterly reporting
The EPA has introduced quarterly reporting for hazardous substance applications to increase transparency about the status of applications in the queue.
Read the Hazardous substance applications quarterly report here:  Hazardous-substances-quarterly-report-for-1-July-to-30-September-2025.pdf
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University Research – Study reveals alarming burnout rates in NZ-Born Pacific Communities – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Findings highlight urgent cultural and structural challenges impact well-being

A new study published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, reveals an alarming prevalence of burnout among New Zealand-born Pacific peoples, highlighting urgent cultural and structural challenges impacting well-being.

Led by doctoral candidate Asetoa Sam Pilisi from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, co-designed with the Wayfinding Steering Group (WSG), a collective of NZ-born Pacific community members; the research is the first large-scale quantitative study to examine burnout among NZ-born Pacific adults aged 18–65 years. The survey, conducted online with 1,092 participants, found that nearly 90 percent reported experiencing burnout, with almost half (49.4 percent) experiencing burnout repeatedly.

Pilisi says key findings show work life was identified as the primary source of burnout for 50.3 percent of respondents, followed by family duties (28.4 percent).

“Responsibilities that prevented adequate sleep, exercise or healthy eating significantly increased the odds of burnout.”

However the practise of service, a deeply rooted cultural practice highlighted ‘financial giving with little to no boundaries’ was also a major determinant. Burnout frequency was highest among young adults aged 25-34, suggesting a period where cultural, professional and family demands peak.

“This study shows that burnout among Pacific peoples is not just about workload – it’s about the cultural and structural realities we live in. Pacific communities often prioritise collective well-being over personal needs, and while that’s a strength, it can come at a cost to health when boundaries are blurred,” says Pilisi.

“We need interventions that respect Pacific values while creating space for self-care.  These things can co-exist. This means workplaces acknowledging family responsibilities, and families and communities supporting healthy boundaries without guilt.

“The fact that nearly 90 percent of participants reported burnout is a wake-up call. It’s time to rethink how we support Pacific wellbeing in Aotearoa.”

Community Perspective:
“Shifting the dial for people, connection is key. We’ve had workshops where caregivers share their experiences and realize that many of us are in the same boat. Fulfilling family responsibilities and cultural obligations are important. But sometimes we’re so fixed on the problem that we don’t see the richness in our own families, or the things that are actually working well.

“People give so much of themselves, risking burnout without realizing the impact on their own well-being. As families and communities, we need to lift the stigma associated with looking after ourselves. Understanding that our personal health matters is crucial.”

Implications for Employers and Policymakers:
The findings signal an urgent need for workplace and policy reforms that recognise the unique cultural context of Pacific communities says Pilisi. Employers should consider flexible work arrangements, culturally informed well-being programs, and support systems that acknowledge family and community obligations. Policymakers can play a critical role by embedding Pacific perspectives into health and employment strategies, ensuring that interventions are not only inclusive but also culturally responsive. Addressing burnout through systemic change will help sustain Pacific workforce participation and improve overall health outcomes.

About the Research:
This research was co-designed with the Wayfinding Steering Group (WSG), a collective of NZ-born Pacific community members, ensuring cultural relevance and community voice at every stage. The study was supported by the Pasifika Medical Association – Knowledge Hub and 360 Tautua Community Trust.

Read the full article: Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40615-025-02754-6

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Consumer NZ’s 3-month study finds many products were cheaper before Black Friday

Source: Consumer NZ

Gemma Rasmussen, head of research and advocacy at Consumer NZ is disappointed, but not surprised, by the dud ‘deals’ her team tracked as part of its Black Friday price tracking.

Consumer tracked the prices of 10 products at four major retailers over the past 14 weeks. Rasmussen says that for half of the products, shoppers could have found the same or lower prices at some point in the last 3 months than they can today.  

“Retailers know how to tap into the excitement of Black Friday sales and are masters of marketing. Based on our findings at these four stores, Black Friday feels a bit underwhelming.”

Briscoes

Rasmussen says four of the products tracked at Briscoes were cheaper at some stage during the last 14 weeks than they are today.

“Where we did see a genuine Black Friday deal, the saving was just a matter of cents.

“The Kenwood Chef mixer is priced at $490.00 today, but it was cheaper on Thursday 20 November, at $449.99. A Breville four-slice toaster is priced at $125.99 today, yet shoppers could have bought it for $105.00 in September.

“A Breville coffee machine is available today for $349.00, which is the cheapest we have seen it at Briscoes since we started tracking, but it’s only 97 cents cheaper than it was in mid-September.”  

Noel Leeming

At Noel Leeming, four products offered a genuine Black Friday deal, and three products were more expensive than they had been previously.

“You might think the 'now $50’ promotional label on a Russell Hobbs kettle is a good Black Friday price – but you could have snagged it for $19 in September.

“The Russell Hobbs air fryer is priced ‘now $159’ this Black Friday but could have been purchased for $147 in early November.

“While the Breville Toastset Toaster was $109 in September and $158 in October, today, it’s $209.99 (not on special).”

Farmers

Only three of the products Consumer tracked at Farmers were priced more competitively during the Black Friday sale than at any point in the past 14 weeks.  

“In fact,” says Rasmussen, “four products we tracked at Farmers are more expensive in the Black Friday sales.

“The Nutribullet is $99.99 today, but it was listed as a ‘special offer’ at $69.99 in September and $74.99 in October. The Russell Hobbs Satisfry is $169.99 today, but it was $159.99 in October.”  

However, a Dyson stick vacuum offered an excellent opportunity for saving, being priced at $1,199 over the past 3 months but is $599 today.  

Harvey Norman

Some of the products Consumer tracked at Harvey Norman offered significant savings over the past 2 weeks. However, while some products were just a dollar or two cheaper than they had been, the Russell Hobbs Satisfry was $51 more expensive than it had been in September.

“Harvey Norman does have one phenomenal saving – the Dyson Cyclone stick vacuum that has been $1,199 for the majority of the time we’ve been price tracking. Yesterday, it was $699; today, it’s $599. It’s heartening to see there are deals to be had, but as always, do your research.

“We recently called out Harvey Norman for its constant promotional pricing labels. We’ve noted Harvey Norman has a tendency to label products with sales language that creates the impression it’s offering a special or good deal when that’s not necessarily always true.”

Deals to be had, but you need to hunt  

Rasmusen says there are genuine deals out there, but you have to look carefully.  

“Don’t be swayed by phrases like ‘hot deal’, ‘massive stock sell-out’ and ‘great price’. The proof is in the pricing. Across all the products Consumer tracked, there is only one item cheaper today than yesterday that seems to be a genuinely good bargain – a Dyson stick vacuum on sale at Harvey Norman and Farmers today for $599. Over the past 3 months, that product has been priced at $1,199 for every week at Farmers and for nine out of fourteen weeks at Harvey Norman.”  

Consumer tips for gaming Black Friday  

Have a list of needs and wants to keep yourself focused on what you really should be looking to buy.

Use websites like PriceSpy and PriceMe to search for a product. These websites provide historical pricing information, helping you understand if the ‘deal’ really is a deal.

Ignore promotional language and scarcity cues like ‘only two left’. If you miss out on something today, our research indicates another sale will be just around the corner.

Notes:

Read the full investigation (first 12 weeks) on Consumer’s website: Is it really on special?: https://consumernz.cmail20.com/t/i-l-zmutn-ijjdkdttjk-i/

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BusinessNZ – Industry initiative consults on corporate PPA template, aimed at boosting knowledge and new renewable generation

Source: BusinessNZ

An industry-funded initiative that kicked off earlier this year is requesting market feedback on a proposed template for corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs), prepared for use in New Zealand’s electricity market.
The initiative, led by BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC), EVA Marketplace and DLA Piper, launched the consultation process this week and will be accepting submissions on the template until 19 December 2025.
The corporate PPA template was developed and refined by an expert working group of 18 industry organisations that includes independent generators, generator-retailers, large energy users, government organisations and others capturing key stakeholder perspectives.
“Corporate PPAs offer a significant opportunity to boost renewable electricity generation, helping to accelerate New Zealand towards a more secure, affordable and sustainable energy system,” says BEC’s Ben Young. 
“BEC is proud to support this industry collaboration which aims to increase the uptake of corporate PPAs by improving awareness and developing new tools, such as a readily available legal template, to make PPA transactions faster, fairer and cheaper.”
The template drafting is led by DLA Piper's New Zealand energy team, including specialist input from colleagues in the UK and Australia on global trends in PPAs, ensuring the template is developed for the local energy market and also consistent with international best practice. The expert working group are considering relevant local PPAs as well as international examples, including those produced by Energy Traders Europe and the I-TRACK Foundation.
“DLA Piper is well-known for its market-leading energy transition and PPA expertise globally. This initiative allows us to combine that international expertise with deep local energy market knowledge and provide our support for the growth of Aotearoa’s emerging PPA market,” says DLA Piper partner Rob Macredie.
“Templates can provide a balanced starting point for parties' negotiations, making PPAs more accessible, particularly for corporate businesses who may be less experienced with the use of PPAs as part of their energy procurement strategy.”
Corporate PPAs are playing an increasingly important role in the energy transition. Globally, corporate PPAs deals grew by 35% to ~60 GW in 2024, mostly driven by US tech companies, according to the Financial Times. In NZ, deals are gaining early momentum, as shown in the PPA tracker recently published by EVA Marketplace.
New Zealand’s high electricity prices mean more businesses are seeking PPAs for long-term cost certainty and cost savings. There is also a growing understanding that, alongside onsite renewables like rooftop solar, PPAs with yet-to-be-built, offsite renewables can have a greater impact on reducing system emissions than other energy supply arrangements, as highlighted by the UK Green Building Council and the New Climate Institute.
EVA Marketplace, Aotearoa’s marketplace for renewable PPAs, instigated this initiative in an effort to reduce barriers to entering the PPA market. 
“New Zealand has limited large-scale buyers of electricity so we must demystify PPAs for smaller businesses,” says EVA Marketplace’s Paul Coster. 
“In addition to a template PPA, the Initiative is also developing a guide to corporate PPAs which will be a valuable knowledge resource, facilitating a faster uptake and supporting general understanding of the concept.”
While the template and guide are targeted at corporate PPAs, they can also be applied to other types, including government PPAs. 
“It was pleasing to see government PPAs form part of the recent energy package, including the Energy RFI. Altering government procurement practices to support new renewables is a common-sense decision which supports our legislated emissions goal of net zero emissions by 2050.” says Young.
Organisations and individuals interested in participating in the corporate PPA consultation are encouraged to reach out to Ben Young at byoung@businessnz.org.nz.
Feedback on the corporate PPA template will be considered by the expert working group with a view to finalising the template and guide early next year. They will be made publicly available, and free to download, on EVA Marketplace’s website.
Notes:
BusinessNZ Energy Council
The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) is a coalition comprising prominent energy-sector businesses, government entities, and research organisations. Our mission is to play a pivotal role in forging a sustainable, equitable, and secure energy future. As the New Zealand representative of the World Energy Council, BEC leverages its influence to shape energy policies both locally and globally. Operating under the umbrella of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s largest advocacy body, BEC collaborates with its members to drive the energy agenda in New Zealand and beyond.
EVA Marketplace
EVA Marketplace is Aotearoa’s marketplace for renewable PPAs. Our goal is to create an open and competitive PPA market to support the development of renewables in New Zealand. EVA assists its clients by matching PPA sellers and buyers, facilitating PPA negotiations, and supporting green products. We have a comprehensive understanding of the PPA market, leveraging our experience and contacts in the UK and Australian markets.
DLA Piper
DLA Piper is a global law firm with a dedicated New Zealand energy practice advising on the full spectrum of electricity market, renewable generation and energy transition matters. The firm advises developers, corporate offtakers, financiers and government agencies on complex commercial, regulatory and project arrangements, drawing on deep local expertise and international experience.
Expert working group
The working group behind this initiative includes the following organisations: ASB, Bison Energy, Brave Trace, Contact Energy, Electricity Authority (observation only), Eastland Generation, Genesis Energy, Mercury, Invest NZ, SEANZ and three major electricity users.
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Employment Disputes – Fire and Emergency statement says strike action compromises public safety

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says people must be extra careful with fire safety as the New Zealand Professional Firefighters’ Union undertakes another one-hour strike today.
Paid firefighters will walk off the job between 12-1pm today, putting public safety at risk in the process.
Megan Stifler says there are things the public can do while strike action takes place to remain safe.
“We will answer 111 calls during the hour and respond to fires in strike affected areas, but our responses will be delayed because our callouts will have to be covered by volunteers.
“Our dispatch system will respond volunteers from their own stations in their own trucks to help as they regularly do when there are multiple emergencies at one time, and it will take them longer.
“We’re asking people and businesses in cities and towns primarily served by paid firefighters to remain extra careful.
Businesses should take care with any work practices that could result in fire, and make sure their tenants understand their evacuation schemes and procedures,” she says.
“We are advising everyone that, should there be a fire, to evacuate early and, once out, stay out. Then call 111.
“People should also check their smoke alarms and their escape plans.
“Community safety is of the utmost importance to us,” Megan Stiffler says.
“As we did during the previous one-hour strikes, Fire and Emergency will prioritise emergencies and as a result may not respond to less serious incidents in cities and towns during the one-hour strike.
“For example, private fire alarms where there is no evidence of a fire, small rubbish fires, assisting traffic management, and animal rescues. This will ensure our resources are focused where they are needed most,” Megan Stiffler says.
“We have notified Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance that, for the one-hour strike, our volunteer crews won’t be able to respond to medical calls outside their patch.
“I want to reassure people that this strike action will not affect most of the country. The vast majority of communities are served by our more than 11,000 volunteers in nearly 600 stations across New Zealand who will respond as usual.”
Bargaining
“The Employment Relations Authority is currently considering our application to provide facilitation to bring the parties together and work constructively towards a resolution,” says Stifler.
“We don’t see the point in putting the community at risk with this strike while that process plays out. 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.
“Our offer of a 6.2 percent increase over three years 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 $38,800 to annual remuneration. We believe this represented a fair and sustainable increase for our people.
“We value our people, which is why over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent – more than 10 percent above the average increase for all workers.
“We will continue to work in good faith toward a fair and sustainable agreement, which is why today’s action is completely unnecessary,” says Stifler.
Notes
  • Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union have been negotiating a collective employment agreement for career firefighters since 16 July 2024.
  • Fire and Emergency’s recent offer amounts to a 6.2 percent average increase over three years and compares favourably with equivalent public sector agreements.
  • Fire and Emergency considers the offer is sustainable; balances cost of living pressures being faced by individuals alongside fiscal pressures faced by Fire and Emergency and is consistent with the Government Workforce Policy Statement.
  • The previous 2022 collective employment agreement settlement provided a cumulative wage increase of up to 24 percent over a three-year period for career firefighters.
  • Fire and Emergency has also been investing in replacing our fleet, with 317 trucks replaced since 2017 and another 78 on order. We are currently spending over $20 million per year on replacement trucks. There is also a significant programme of station upgrades underway, as well as investment in training.
  • For the 2025/26 financial year Fire and Emergency’s operating budget is $857.9 million. Of that operating budget,
  • 59 percent will be spent directly on the frontline, while another 32 percent is spent on frontline enablers. This means that over 90 percent of Fire and Emergency’s budget is spent on the frontline and the people directly supporting the frontline.
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Fire Safety – Parts of Inland Otago moving to Restricted Fire Season

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Central Otago and the Upper Waitaki will move to a restricted fire season on Monday.
Anyone planning to light an outdoor fire will need a permit from Fire and Emergency, with conditions that will minimise the risk of fires escaping or reigniting.
Fire and Emergency Community Risk Manager James Knapp says that the fire risk typically increases at this time of year as vegetation dries out and temperatures rise.
As summer progresses, escaped fires tend to become harder to bring under control and take longer to completely extinguish.
“The process of applying for a permit enables us to give support and practical advice to people who need to light fires, so they can do this safely, taking precautions against fires escaping and being aware of the weather,” James Knapp says.
A restricted fire season covers most kinds of outdoor fires, including land management fires and bonfires. There are a small number of exceptions, including cultural fires like hangi and umu. www.checkitsalright.nzhas full details of activities that need a permit in a restricted season and detailed advice about how to use fire safely. Just type in your location and choose the type of activity you’re planning.
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Retail activity increases by 1.9 percent – Retail trade survey: September 2025 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release

 

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Annual balance sheets: 2024 (provisional) – Stats NZ information release

 

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Government finance statistics (general government): Year ended June 2025 – Stats NZ information release

 

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Employment Disputes – Briscoes Distribution Centre workers on strike and picketing for overtime pay

Source: Workers First Union

WHAT: Workers First Union members at the Briscoes Group Distribution Centre (DC) in Auckland are on strike and will be holding a public picket outside the facility tomorrow.
WHEN: Friday 28 November 2025 – public picket from 08:00 AM
WHERE: Briscoes Group Distribution Centre, 2 Hautu Drive, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104
WHY:
George Schwenke, Workers First Union organiser, said Briscoes DC workers had been seeking overtime pay for hours worked outside their regular shifts for four years already.
“Briscoes DC workers are putting their foot down and saying they won’t continue working overtime at normal rates anymore,” said Mr Schwenke. “It’s not sustainable and our members are frustrated by the expectation that they do more for less.”
“Overtime pay is an industry standard in the logistics sector, but for some reason the company have outright refused to meet the market rate and have not offered comparable base pay increases to compensate workers.”
“Our members end up doing a lot of overtime, and decent pay rates that reflect their hard work and the consistent expectation of extra hours are long overdue.”
“We can’t go another year without addressing this big discrepancy between Briscoes and other DCs around the country.”
The Briscoe Group Ltd is still posting near-record sales and reported a net profit after tax of $68 million for the year to 26 January 2025.