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New school lunch programme serves up first healthy lunches

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today visited Otahuhu College where the new school lunch programme has served up healthy lunches to students in the first days of the school year.

“As schools open in 2025, the programme will deliver nutritious meals to around 242,000 students, every school day. On today’s menu from the School Lunch Collective is beef pasta bolognaise in classic tomato sauce,” says Mr Seymour.

“Last year the programme was reformed to deliver the same outcomes while costing taxpayers less. This was achieved by embracing commercial expertise, using government buying power, and generating supply chain efficiencies to realise over $130m of annual cost savings, even more than anticipated in Budget 2024.

“Every student who previously received a school lunch will continue to do so. By leveraging private sector expertise from companies like Compass Group, Libelle, Gilmours, and over 17 food manufacturers and suppliers, we are setting a precedent for the government working with businesses to achieve better results.

“I’m pleased to see that the new programme is underway. Since announcing the programme in October last year, the focus has been to support student learning by providing a free nutritious meal to students, every school day.

“If the previous government had set up the programme with the new, more efficient, model, around $800 million of taxpayer’s funds could have been saved over the past five years with the same outcome for the students. It was impossible to justify keeping the old model when it is possible to deliver at half the cost.

“The government is also providing food for up to 10,000 two-to-five-year-olds who attend low-equity, community-based early learning services. This will be funded by some of the cost savings found in the lunch programme. From 31 March around 4,000 children will receive meals in early learning centres. Additional centres will join the programme every 6 weeks until we reach 10,000 children receiving nutritious food.  

“I expect the programme will continue to evolve over time. But first and foremost we’re proud to deliver the new programme to schools for the start term 1 2025.”

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EPA – Rangitane maritime development declined COVID fast-track consent

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

An independent panel has declined resource consent to construct a public boat ramp facility at Rangitane, Kerikeri.
Far North District Council and Far North Holdings Limited applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020.
The decision comes 209 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appoints.
Note that this application was made under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020 and not the more recent fast-track legislation.
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Universities – Remarkable climate solutions nominated for this year’s Earthshot Prize – Vic

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

An ocean remediation project, a predator-free blueprint, cleaner greenhouses, and a clean technology pioneer are the nominees put forward this year by Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington to be considered for one of five £1,000,000 ($1.9m NZD) 2025 Earthshot Prizes.

The Earthshot Prize finds and grows the solutions that will repair our planet, addressing the challenge to regenerate the place we all call home in the next ten years. As a thought leader in sustainability, the University is the only official nominator based in New Zealand.

These remarkable sustainability solutions were selected by a panel for their potential for global impact, ability to be scaled or replicated, various environmental metrics, and solid organisational foundations.

The Earthshot Prize has a network of nominators all over the world who nominate game-changing innovations that will help repair the planet, awarding the best five solutions each year with £1 million to scale their work. The independent charity was founded by Prince William, and former Prime Minister, Dame Jacinda Ardern, is on the Board of Trustees.

The prizes are awarded to projects that highlight human ingenuity, drive change, and inspire collective action. The Earthshot Prize not only makes available the transformative financial resources of £5 million per year, it also has built a global, diverse, and hugely influential network of partnerships and collaborations involved with all levels of how the Prize works. All finalists get access to mentoring and support throughout the process.

In 2023, one of the University’s nominees, Sea Forest Ltd, was one of the fifteen finalists for The Earthshot Prize. (ref. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/sustainability/about-us/news/methane-busting-seaweed-a-finalist-for-international-earthshot-prize )

The University’s nominees this year are:

Predator Free Wellington

New Zealand is at the top of the global list for threatened or endangered native species resulting from predation by introduced mammals. Predator Free Wellington is creating the world’s first predator-free capital city where native wildlife and communities thrive. They are creating the urban blueprint for the Predator Free Aotearoa New Zealand 2050 goal. The Predator Free Wellington team are developing a scalable, replicable system to permanently eliminate target introduced predators (rats, possums, mustelids) from Wellington city’s 30,000 hectares. This transformational project is a world-first, being delivered in partnership with every single resident and providing a replicable system for urban environments everywhere.

Kaipara Moana Remediation

The Kaipara is the southern hemisphere’s largest harbour and a place of global importance. Once home to ancient forests, the 600,000-hectare catchment is now degraded by land clearance, with around 700,000 tonnes of sediment flowing into the harbour each year, and 90 percent of wetlands lost. Through novel collaborations, investment in people, and ‘end-to-end’ support, Kaipara Moana Remediation mobilises landowners, iwi/hapū, communities, industry, and government to protect 16,200 kilometres of riparian margins, regenerate wetlands, and re-forest eroding hillsides. Using next-generation digital tools to identify ‘hotspots’ in the landscape, Kaipara Moana Remediation supports landowners to offset on-farm emissions, restore ecosystem remnants, and improve resilience to cyclones and floods impacting local communities.

Hot Lime Labs

Seventy percent of commercial greenhouses use natural gas for heat and yield-boosting CO2. The CO2 byproduct from natural gas is critical for greenhouses as it boosts yield by around 20 percent. No other greenhouse heating solution delivers clean CO2, so transitioning from natural gas carries a huge penalty and a major abatement challenge. The Hot Lime Labs vision is to decarbonise half the world’s greenhouses by 2030, reducing fossil emissions by 120 megatons per year. Hot Lime extracts CO2 from forestry and crop waste, replacing fossil-based CO2. Their solution delivers renewable CO2, boosting customer yields and enabling greenhouses to transition to renewable heating and decarbonise their operations.

Mint Innovation

As global mineral reserves deplete and decarbonisation becomes existential, Mint Innovation offers a sustainable solution. Mint is a clean technology pioneer, leveraging the world’s fastest growing waste streams and transforming them into value for a greener future. Their patented low-carbon technologies recover critical metals, such as copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths from waste streams such as e-waste and spent li-ion batteries. Mint brings its world-first technology to these waste streams in city-scale facilities to return low-carbon metals back into local economies. The technology will help reduce our reliance on unsustainable practices like smelting and mining for mineral recovery, while diverting waste from landfills and preventing the export of hazardous waste to developing nations where it is typically disposed of in dangerous and highly pollutive ways.

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Business – Clear the queue to boost innovation and primary sector – BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ strongly backs Animal and Plant Health NZ’s call for a sensible and modern approvals process for innovative plant and animal products, to unlock greater economic potential for the primary sector and boost economic growth.
Chief Executive Katherine Rich says our current system is too slow, too costly and uncertain.
“Some multinational firms find great difficulty launching in New Zealand because we’ve made bringing innovation here cost and time-prohibitive.
“It should not take an application more than four years to get approval – particularly products or treatments which have been safely on the market elsewhere for a decade.
“Whether it be the approval of innovative new products through the Environmental Protection Authority or new pharmaceuticals and medical devices through Medsafe, New Zealand needs effective approval processes for launching innovation here which is not cost-prohibitive and many years long.
“New Zealand needs to be an attractive place to launch new products for innovation. We must have an effective and efficient approvals process.”
Rich says BusinessNZ gladly joined businesses and organisations in co-signing a letter to Ministers, calling for positive change.
“We also support the Ministry for Regulation’s review of the agricultural and horticultural products regulatory approval process, and BusinessNZ expects to hear more in the coming weeks after findings are presented to Cabinet.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Two to front court after plans spiked 

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A man who drove a stolen car recklessly from Bombay to Hamilton has had his plans spiked.

At about 8.15pm, officers observed the stolen Honda as it entered the South-Western Motorway at speed.

Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, Waitematā CIB, says a short time later the Police Eagle helicopter located the vehicle, tracking it as it entered the Southern Motorway heading south.

“The vehicle was not pursued, however we continued observations as the vehicle continue south and into Waikato, before it was spiked near Taupiri.

“It has then continued towards Hamilton where it has slowed down due to the tyre destruction.”

Acting Detective Inspector Harrison says the vehicle was also allegedly driven on the wrong side of the road before staff moved in and were able to block the vehicle.

“It’s extremely fortunate that no one suffered any injuries as a result of this man’s alleged actions.

“I’m pleased we were able to take this person into custody and hold them to account for their actions.”

A 19-year-old will appear in Waitākere District Court today charged with burglary, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.

A 17-year-old charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and escapes custody will appear in North Shore Youth Court today.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Police make arrest over Ōkaihau hit-and-run

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

One man has been charged over a fatal hit-and-run in Ōkaihau on Tuesday night.

An investigation has been underway since the teenage cyclist was allegedly struck by a vehicle on Settlers Way.

Detective Senior Sergeant Kevan Verry, of Northland CIB, says there has been a strong public response following the tragic event.

“We have had a number of locals make contact with us and provide information and I acknowledge them for that,” he says.

“Police have been in the small township over the past day conducting enquiries, including checkpoints to try and identify a vehicle involved.”

Police have now located and arrested a 27-year-old Kaikohe man.

Detective Senior Sergeant Verry says he has initially been charged with failing to stop or ascertain injury.

“Our enquiries remain ongoing, and we cannot rule out further charges in our investigation.”

Police are still seeking witnesses to the incident as part of the investigation.

“We know that there were several vehicles travelling on Settlers Road at the time, between 10pm and 10.15pm,” he says.

“I’m still asking that those people make contact with us.”

Please update Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250129/0360.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

The man charged is expected to appear in the Kaikohe District Court on 31 January 2025.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Release: Govt soft on prosecuting migrant exploitation

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The National Government’s big talk on combatting the exploitation of migrant workers has been exposed as a sham today.

“Hardly a week goes by without shocking new cases of migrant workers being exploited by unscrupulous employers. It beggars belief the Government only prosecuted four cases in the courts over one year,” Labour immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford said.

MPs were told in select committee today that there were 3,925 reports of exploitation called in by the public, and 812 investigations – however only four prosecutions.

“It is simply not good enough that all these reports and investigations resulted in only four prosecutions. The Government should be throwing the book at employers who are treating vulnerable migrant workers shamefully and putting New Zealand’s international reputation at risk,” Phil Twyford said.

“The public is tired of seeing cases of migrant workers arriving in New Zealand to find the job they were promised doesn’t exist, or cases of under-payment of wages, sub-standard accommodation, and other scams.

“Erica Stanford talked a big game on migrant worker exploitation while in Opposition. Since becoming Minister she has cut by half the amount of time an exploited migrant worker can get a temporary visa to allow them to find another job, get justice at the employment tribunal or get another visa.

“Now it turns out the compliance response to dodgy employers ripping off migrant workers is on a go-slow as well. It’s time Erica Stanford followed the advice in her own press releases and cracked down on the exploitation of migrant workers,” Phil Twyford said.

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Palmerston North Police make arrests after three violent incidents

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Palmerston North Police have made arrests following three violent incidents across the city this month.

In the last few weeks, Police have arrested three men aged 22 to 26 following two serious assaults at two bars, and a violent incident outside a petrol station.

In the early hours of New Years Day, Police responded to a bar on Rangitikei Street, following reports of an assault where one person received serious injuries.

The victim has since been discharged from hospital.

A 24-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Palmerston North District Court on 4 March, on a charge of wounding with intent to injure. 

Then, on Monday 27 January, Police responded to a bar on Main Street around 11.30pm where one person received serious injuries consistent with a stab wound.

The victim is expected to be discharged from hospital today.

A 26-year-old man appeared in Palmerston North District Court this week on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is due to reappear in court on 10 March. 

In a third, separate incident, on 10 January two men received injuries following an incident where one of the men was struck by a vehicle on Ferguson Street, and another person received injuries consistent with stab wounds.

They have both been discharged from hospital.

A 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before the Palmerston North District Court on 4 March on charges including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon, and assault with a blunt instrument.

It has been pleasing to be able to hold people account for these violent actions, and Police will continue to work hard to keep our community safe.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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Real Estate – $3.61M price gap between Auckland suburbs | NZ property extremes revealed – RealEstate.co.nz

Source: RealEstate.co.nz

New data shows vast variations in property prices within main centres

30 January 2025 – New data from realestate.co.nz highlights striking million-dollar price gaps between the highest and lowest-priced suburbs across New Zealand’s main centres1. Auckland City saw the most dramatic contrast, with a $3.61 million gap in 2024 between Herne Bay’s average asking price of $4.32 million and Auckland Central’s $704,067. Wellington and Christchurch also saw price differences exceeding $1 million between their highest and lowest-priced suburbs last year.

The district-level data reflects the annual average asking prices of suburbs with 10 or more new listings in 2024, highlighting the varied dynamics of the property market.

“These price variations across our main centres reveal how individual neighbourhoods within the same district can command dramatically different price points,” said Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz.

“What’s also interesting is the lifestyle factors commanding premium prices differ from place to place, creating diverse opportunities across the motu.”

Capital city contrasts

In Wellington, a $1.14 million price gap separated the central city’s average asking price of $629,130 from coastal Seatoun’s $1.77 million.

“Wellington’s central city offers a markedly different price point to its premium suburbs,” noted Williams. “The relative affordability of CBD living, influenced by apartment options, opens up opportunities for buyers.”

Views command premium in Garden City

Christchurch’s Port Hills continued to attract premium prices, with Kennedys Bush averaging $1.98 million for its elevated views over the Canterbury Plains. The established suburb of Fendalton came in a close second with an average asking price of $1.77 million. In contrast, the eastern suburb of Wainoni recorded the city’s lowest average at $490,787, representing a $1.49 million gap between the highest- and lowest-priced areas.

‘‘View’ is one of the most searched terms on realestate.co.nz, and Kennedys Bush has this in spades. Who could blame those in Christchurch wanting to enjoy a panoramic view of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains,” said Williams.

Northern appeal in Hamilton

Hamilton’s price variations spanned just over half a million ($531,197). The sought-after northern suburb of Flagstaff was the highest-priced suburb at $1.09 million, while the southern suburb of Bader was the lowest at $561,783.

“As part of the Golden Triangle, Hamilton’s northern suburbs are popular with those drawn to the lifestyle benefits of a regional city while maintaining easy access to Auckland,” said Williams.

¹District-level data – Auckland City District, Wellington City District, Christchurch City District and Hamilton City District. Based on suburbs with 10 or more listings in 2024.

About realestate.co.nz  

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.  

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.   

Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.  

Want more property insights? 

  • Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time. 
  • Sold properties: Switch your search to sold to see the last 12 months of sales and prices. 
  • Valuations: Get a gauge on property prices by browsing sold residential properties, with the latest sale prices and an estimated value in the current market.  

Glossary of terms:  

Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.  

New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for sale on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. The site reflects 97% of all properties listed through licensed real estate agents and major developers in New Zealand. This description gives a representative view of the New Zealand property market.  

Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for sale on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.  

Rate of sale is a measure of how long it would take, theoretically, to sell the current stock at current average rates of sale if no new properties were to be listed for sale. It provides a measure of the rate of turnover in the market.  

Seasonal adjustment is a method realestate.co.nz uses to represent better the core underlying trend of the property market in New Zealand. This is done using methodology from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.  

Truncated mean is the method realestate.co.nz uses to supply statistically relevant asking prices. The top and bottom 10% of listings in each area are removed before the average is calculated to prevent exceptional listings from providing false impressions.      

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Health – Increase in Closed Books No Surprise to General Practice Owners – GenPro

Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

The increasing number of general practices closing their books to new patients is no surprise to the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).

New research from Victoria University of Wellington, published in the Journal of Primary Health Care, found that more general practices than ever are closing their books, with 36 percent of the country’s GPs turning away new patients last year.

GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers says GenPro has been warning for years that patients are facing restricted access due to full or partial closing of books to new enrolments, reduction in services such as cancelling after-hours services, or practices closing.

“One of the key reasons that general practices are turning away new patients is that government funding for general practice has not kept pace in real terms with the cost of running a general practice, the ageing population, and the changing health needs of New Zealanders,” Dr Chambers says.

“The funding shortfall creates these and other downstream problems which make a bad situation worse. We are seeing insufficient training of new doctors, GPs leaving New Zealand, and more demand on already squeezed emergency departments.”

Dr Chambers is encouraging people who can’t enrol, especially in worst hit areas such as Northland, the central and lower North Island, and Canterbury, to approach their local Member of Parliament.
 
“MPs must urge the new Health Minister to support a complete overhaul of the arcane funding and regulated pricing model imposed on general practice, a model which is driving general practices to the wall. The current model is more than two decades old and no longer fit for purpose.

“Changing the Minister won’t make much difference unless there is meaningful action such as theming this year’s Budget as a Health Budget to reverse the dangerous decline in primary healthcare availability,” Dr Chambers says.

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz