Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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Experts chosen for electricity market review

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has appointed independent experts to review the performance of the electricity markets, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.

“The power crisis we experienced last winter highlighted how important affordable and secure electricity at internationally competitive prices is to the economic growth and prosperity of Kiwi households and businesses alike,” Mr Watts says.

“Energy security is a top priority for the Coalition Government as the economy electrifies and we work to double New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. We expect to see market-led approaches to energy security throughout the transition, and we want to make sure the markets are performing effectively.

“This review will help ensure our regulatory settings can deliver on the long-term interests of consumers, keep prices down for Kiwis and keep the lights on.

“From the review’s inception, we were clear that we needed experts capable of bringing a fresh perspective to the complex challenges facing our markets. Those chosen are well-qualified with significant expertise in international electricity market design, risk management, competition policy and financial instruments.”

Mr Jones says New Zealand cannot afford another winter like 2024 in which businesses shut down, manufacturing ground to a halt, and cheap coal was brought in from overseas kept the lights on.

“If we are to grow the economy, we cannot allow a shortage of power to stunt that growth. We are a resourceful nation and our businesses have to be able to continue without worrying whether they can afford the power bill or having to choose between shutting down production or keeping staff.”

Global consultancy Frontier Economics will be the lead reviewer, addressing the seven questions specified in the review’s terms of reference.

The two peer review roles will be taken on by a team of international experts in energy economics with particular expertise in market design. The peer reviewers will provide an added layer of quality assurance and accuracy to ensure the review reports are robust and reliable.

New Zealand-based Concept Consulting will act as New Zealand expert advisor, responsible for ensuring Frontier Economics has solid awareness and understanding of the New Zealand context.

“Collectively, these independent experts bring a wealth of experience, insight, and the fresh perspectives needed for this type of review,” Mr Watts says.

Ministers expect the review’s final reports to be delivered by the end of June, after which Cabinet will make decisions on next steps.

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2025 Pacific Judicial Conference

Source: New Zealand Governor General

Rau rangatira mā, e huihui nei, tēnei aku mihi nui ki a koutou. Nau mai haere mai ki Te Whare Kawana o Tāmaki Makaurau. Kia ora tātou katoa.

I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Rt Hon Dame Helen Winkelmann, Chief Justice of New Zealand, and Rt Hon Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister.

And to all our very distinguished international guests here this evening – including representatives from 15 Pacific Island nations, as well as Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, the Philippines, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. I’m delighted to note that Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Australia, The Honourable Debra Mortimer, is in fact a New Zealander from Kaipara.

I understand that the last Pacific Judicial Conference to be held in Aotearoa New Zealand was over ten years ago, in 2014, when my predecessor, Sir Jerry Mateparae, hosted an equivalent gathering here at Government House Auckland. It feels especially fitting that this conference should return to Tāmaki Makaurau, this beautiful city, and one of the world’s most diverse, which has long borne the mantle of Polynesian Capital of the World.

Such a diverse and distinguished gathering no doubt brings with you an immense breadth of experiences, perspectives, and areas of legal expertise.

It was former American Chief Justice, Earl Warren, who once said: ‘It is the spirit and not the form of the law that keeps justice alive.’ As leaders of your respective and highly-diverse judiciaries, I’m sure you find yourselves grappling with many of the same issues: safeguarding judicial independence and respect for the rule of law; the opportunities and dangers of technology; ensuring diversity within the judiciary; geopolitical unrest; and the ongoing existential threat of climate change – all topics I’m heartened to note on the agenda for this conference.

Its overarching theme, ‘Strengthening the Institution of the Judiciary – Kia Tū Pakari ai te Whare Whakawā’, feels particularly apt in the face of such issues – acknowledging, as it does, that without strong and trusted public institutions, society loses its capacity to meet and overcome these challenges.

I trust that these days together afford an environment conducive to rich and challenging discussions, and lay the foundation for lasting relationships and productive collaboration across your judiciaries.

Throughout my own career, straddling both academia and the public sector, I recall how enriching and rewarding I found these kinds of gatherings – leaving me so often deeply inspired, and filled with a renewed sense of purpose as I returned to my role, whether leading a university, or advocating for the wellbeing of children and families.

In this next stage of my career, serving as New Zealand’s Governor-General, I have found myself with my own responsibilities in the application and safeguarding of New Zealand law: responsibilities I hold most sacred. They have also given me a new and profound appreciation for the judiciary, and the demanding work you do in the service of society.

The questions that you contend with fundamentally shape the world we inhabit and share: determining whether or not our societies are fair; whether or not people are treated equally, regardless of gender or beliefs or background; and whether or not our planet will survive.

I acknowledge, in grappling with these questions through the application of the law and your own scrupulous intellectual and moral standards, the great and often lonely responsibility you each bear. However, I have little doubt that you view that responsibility, and your service to your respective countries, not as a burden, but a privilege.

In te reo Māori, we have a whakataukī, or a proverb, which says: ‘Ka kuhu au ki te ture, hei matua mō te pani. I seek refuge in the law for it is a parent to the oppressed.’ I wish to take this opportunity to thank you, for all that you do as parents of the oppressed, and our societies’ upholders of goodness, fairness, and justice.

I also wish to once again thank Dame Helen – our own outstanding Chief Justice – for so graciously stepping into the Administrator’s role whenever I have been fulfilling my vice-regal duties overseas.

To those of you visiting New Zealand for the first time, I hope you have the opportunity to experience a little more of our country while you are here, and to spend some time exploring this beautiful city. In the meantime, I wish you all a most rewarding and enjoyable few days.

Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

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Mouse Point Road, Hurunui closed following crash

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Emergency services are responding to a two-vehicle crash on Mouse Point Road, Hurunui.

The crash was reported just after 4:20pm, near Hanmer Springs Road.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

The road is currently closed. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Heritage – Frozen in time – National Lamb Day celebrations at Totara Estate

Source: Heritage New Zealand

Totara Estate near Ōamaru will play a prime role in this year’s National Lamb Day celebrations on February 15.
The historic farmstead, a Tohu Whenua cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, sent the first-ever shipment of frozen export meat from New Zealand to Britain in 1882, an event that created the multi-billion dollar industry that changed New Zealand’s economy forever.
February 15 commemorates the exact day 143 years ago when the ship Dunedin left Port Chalmers for the three-month voyage to London carrying just under 5000 sheep and lamb carcasses that had been freshly processed at Totara Estate.
“This was a significant moment in New Zealand’s history and Totara Estate was at the epicentre of it. It’s very appropriate that this place is a central part of National Lamb Day celebrations,” says Totara Estate Property Lead Jacqui Allison.
Celebrations will be particularly fitting for the occasion, with New Zealand’s rich agricultural heritage featuring prominently.
“We’re looking forward to inspiring people with live demonstrations by local experts who will showcase a range of farm-related talents including knife skills, butchery, blade shearing, spinning and other wool crafts,” she says.
“Visitors will also be able to engage their minds with some captivating live readings and entertaining talks that bring history and culture to life – or just ‘chill’ to the sounds of local musicians who will create the perfect festive mood.”
And if that wasn’t enough, a range of outdoor games for kids, and older people with a finely developed inner child, promise laughter and smiles all around.
People can bring their own picnic, or support some of the local businesses who will be there on the day, including Mark from That Food Guy and Barb from Brews and Bites.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the community in what is shaping up to be a fantastic celebration of a very important date in New Zealand’s history,” says Jacqui.

Totara Estate would like to acknowledge the support of Gallaway Cook Allan , the National Lamb Day team and The Better Drinks Company in putting together this event.
From minus zero to hero
It was a big gamble sending a load of frozen meat from New Zealand to London in 1882.
Besides the huge investment of actually prepping the first export shipment, the sheer size of the cargo versus the logistics of carrying coal for the long trip made a steam-powered ship impractical, and so the cargo had to travel for three months under sail. Success of the mission depended on the onboard refrigeration system running well.
Fortunately the man at the helm of the Dunedin was Captain John Whitson, who had taken the time to read up on refrigeration prior to leaving New Zealand. A good thing too. On the way, the ship was becalmed in the tropics and the crew noticed that the cold air in the hold was not circulating, endangering the meat.
Whitson crawled into the hold, sawed some extra air holes to improve the flow of cold air in order to keep the temperature low, though almost froze to death in the process. Thankfully the crew managed to haul him out of the freezer and resuscitate him.
As a result of Whitson’s determination, the ship arrived with its cargo in excellent condition. Only one carcass had to be condemned. 
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Police to monitor gang event, Taumarunui

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police will be actively monitoring a gang gathering in the Taumarunui area this week, ensuring the disruption to the public is limited.

Members of the King Country Mongrel Mob are expected to gather in the Taumarunui region for a reunion event, planned for 13-17 February.

Additional Police staff will be in the region to work to reduce disruption on the roads and ensure the community feel safe.

Police have been in touch with the organisers of the event and have set clear expectations about the behaviour of attendees. A number of local businesses have also been approached for reassurance ahead of this event.

Anyone who sees illegal or unsafe activity is asked to contact 111 if it is happening now or report other matters to Police by calling 105 or making an online report here.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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11 February 2025 Kāinga Ora tackles rent debt As part of its reset, Kāinga Ora is changing its approach to managing rent debt to speed up repayment and address some historic issues. Chief Executive Matt Crockett outlines the changes that are being made and the reasons for them.

Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

Over the past 12 months, our frontline teams have been working with tenants to reduce their rent debt. This has resulted in total rent debt falling from $21.6 million in January 2024 to $16.1 million at the same time this year.

But we want the amount owed to fall faster and to make sure we keep rent debt down in the future. So we are making changes as part of the broader reset of Kāinga Ora to address this.

New policy

We’re going to reduce debt by taking a firmer approach with tenants who are behind on their rent. We will be fair and reasonable – but rent must be paid.

We will continue to support households who fall on hard times but are making genuine attempts to get back on track with their rent. We’re a social housing landlord so that’s the right thing to do.

But, through our new rent debt policy, we are drawing a line on how patient we can be. We don’t want to end tenancies, but we will if tenants are not meeting their obligations to reduce their rent debt, are skipping rent payments or refusing to work with us.

We’re also taking action to prevent large debts in future. Our new approach seeks to ensure that tenants will not have accumulated more than 12 weeks’ worth of rent debt when their tenancy is ended. This means we will begin the process of ending a tenancy earlier than in the past. This provides clarity about what will happen, and when, to both our tenants and our frontline.

Partial debt forgiveness

A small number of Kāinga Ora tenants – less than 3% – have accumulated more than 12 weeks’ worth of rent debt. There are a range of reasons for this, including social and economic events over the past five years and the steps Kāinga Ora took to respond to government policy, particularly during the pandemic.

We’re going to help those tenants get on top of their rent debt faster by reducing the amount owed to a level that is more realistic for them to repay in full. We’ll only do this for tenants who are consistently paying their rent and making reasonable payments to reduce their debt. In return for this one-off help, tenants must continue reducing their debt.

This will provide a clear incentive to tenants who are not currently meeting their obligations to change their behaviour and speed up repaying what they owe. If they consistently do this, they will be eligible to have part of their debt forgiven. But if they do not, we will take steps to end their tenancy.

We expect to forgive up to $8.3 million of the $16.17 million we’re owed. This is already provisioned for on our balance sheets as it is regarded as doubtful debt, so there will be no impact on our financial performance.

We think this is the right thing to do. The likelihood of collecting all this debt is low, given the time it will take tenants to pay it off and the significant costs associated with chasing it. We’re also conscious that during the pandemic the steps we took to respond to government policy meant we didn’t chase debt in the way we normally would, so we carry a measure of responsibility.

We’re being pragmatic. We think we’re better off focusing on recovering the remaining debt faster and ensuring current tenants do not get into too much debt.

All tenants whose debt is reduced will still have a significant amount to repay. And they’ll have a strong incentive to do this under our new policy, which it makes it clear we will end tenancies if tenants do not meet their rent obligations.

Looking ahead

It’s important we strike the right balance between supporting households in difficult circumstances and ensuring that our tenants meet their obligations. We will be closely monitoring the impact of both the new rent debt policy and partial rent debt forgiveness to ensure we have the right balance. If necessary, we will make further adjustments.

Page updated: 11 February 2025

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Kāinga Ora getting firmer on rent payments

Source: New Zealand Government

Kāinga Ora is introducing clearer consequences for state house tenants who skip rent payments, build up debt, then refuse to work with the social housing provider to encourage better responsibility, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.

In March 2024, Ministers instructed Kāinga Ora to end its Sustaining Tenancies Framework which had allowed tenants to stay living in a KO home no matter how threatening or disruptive their behaviour, or how huge their debt from unpaid rent.

“We’ve seen success so far that taking action against disruptive tenants is leading to improved behaviour. Now we want to keep up that momentum when it comes to encouraging people to responsibly pay their rent,” Mr Potaka says.

“Under the previous Government, tenants were allowed to build up so much debt that it has become unrealistic for them to repay. Between 2017 and 2023, the total debt owed to Kāinga Ora by its tenants increased from $1 million to $21 million.

“This isn’t in anyone’s best interests – not for tenants or taxpayers. The new rent debt policy being introduced will change that,” Mr Potaka says.

“Tenants who fall behind in their rent will receive support from Kāinga Ora to get back on track, but if they don’t make a genuine effort to repay what they owe, they will be putting their tenancy at risk. This will provide clear incentive to tenants who are not currently meeting their obligations to change their behaviour and speed up repayment.

“Since we came into office, Kāinga Ora has already begun working harder with tenants to reduce their rent debt. This has resulted in total rent debt falling from $21.6 million in January 2024 to $16.1 million at the same time this year.

Mr Potaka said the decision by the Board of Kāinga Ora to help some tenants with significant rent debt get on top of their debt faster by reducing the amount they owe down to 12 weeks’ worth of rent is a pragmatic one.

“Kāinga Ora is bringing the rent debt down to a level that is more realistic for the tenant to repay in full, with the right payment arrangement in place. Kainga Ora will only do this for tenants who had more than 12 weeks’ worth of rent debt at the beginning of February 2025 who are consistently paying their rent and making reasonable payments to reduce what they owe. 

“All tenants whose rent debt is reduced will still have a significant amount to repay – and they will have a strong incentive to do this under the new policy.

“While most Kāinga Ora tenants are great tenants who respect the properties, are good neighbours and pay their rent on time, some need a little more tautoko and encouragement to do the right thing.” 

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Name release: Fatal crash, Greta Valley

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Police can now name the two women who died in a crash on State Highway 1, Greta Valley on 19 December.

They were Lu-Yao Lin from China, and Siriyakorn Sovitayasakul from Thailand.

Both women were aged 28 and were in New Zealand on working holidays.

Our thoughts are with their families and loved ones in their home countries, and their friends and colleagues in New Zealand.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Privacy Commissioner welcomes Government rethink of social service data collection

Source: Privacy Commissioner

Privacy Commissioner John Edwards has welcomed the Governments plans to rethink the practice of collecting individual client level data from social service providers. The Government announced today that social service contracts will no longer require providers to disclose individual client level data until a new data protection and use policy is in place. This is in contrast to previous plans, which required service providers such as NGOs to provide information about individual clients in order to receive funding. This information included clients’ names, number of children and other social services they engaged with. Mr Edwards said I commend this pause in approach. Projects like this have the potential to do a lot of good by measuring and improving the efficacy of social services.

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Better competition on the way for Kiwis

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is progressing its ambitious, economy-wide review to improve competition, lift productivity, and drive down the cost of living, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.

“Improved competition is a top priority for this Government. When competition is working well, New Zealand businesses – both big and small – can thrive. This has knock-on benefits for consumers, including greater choice and lower prices in key sectors like fuel, groceries, and banking,” says Mr Bayly.

“That’s why I launched a review of our competition settings, set out in the Commerce Act, in December last year. Much of the Commerce Act has not been reviewed for over 20 years. I want to ensure our competition settings keep pace with market developments so both Kiwi businesses and consumers can get ahead.

“Recent tweaks to our competition rules have mainly involved sector-specific legislation. In contrast, this review will improve our overarching competition settings and reduce the need for layers of reactive regulation in individual sectors.

“We are moving at pace to progress this work. Public consultation has now closed on key parts of the review, including our merger control settings, potential new code-making powers, and modern tools to address anti-competitive conduct.

“A big focus of the review is on merger settings. Over many decades, New Zealanders have felt first-hand some of the effects of mergers and unhealthy market competition: reduced innovation, a smaller range of goods and services, and increased prices.

“Many of these could have been avoided if we had more robust merger controls in place. Improved merger settings can lead to better competition and Kiwis getting a fairer deal, and that is why I’ve ensured this is a core part of the review.

“Thank you to those who provided feedback during this consultation period. Your views will help shape changes to our competition settings to support competitive, dynamic markets that will boost economic productivity and living standards.

“I expect to announce decisions on next steps in due course.”