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Weather News – Wintry Week Ahead – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 7 – Thursday 10 August – MetService is predicting a fittingly wintry feel to the weather this week – with snow, frosts and low temperatures. An unsettled southwesterly flow is expected across the country with a succession of fronts bringing a continuous influx of cold air from the south.

The cold air will keep temperatures low right through the week with Thursday looking to be the coldest. MetService Meteorologist Jessie Owen says, “Overnight low temperatures are expected to take a tumble. Sub-zero lows are expected for much of the South Island, while large parts of the North Island can expect lows in the range of -2 to 3 °C. This will make for some frosty mornings so ensure you rug up warm for your morning commutes, and remember to take some extra time to defrost your windscreens before heading out.”

Daytime temperatures are also relatively low with Auckland forecast to reach 13 °C on Thursday, Hamilton 12 °C, and Wellington only 9 °C. For the South Island; Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill are all expected to reach 8 °C  on Thursday, with Queenstown only warming up to a chilly 6 °C. With this southwesterly flow covering the country, there will definitely be an extra nip in the air.

Along with the cold comes the snow. A pair of fronts moving up the country today (Monday) have ushered in cold showery conditions to the lower South Island. Southland and Clutha can expect snow as low as 300-400 metres, while Dunedin, Otago, and the Queenstown Lakes District are forecast to see snow above 400-600 metres. Road snowfall warnings are in force for Milford Road, Crown Range Road, Lindis Pass, the Dunedin to Waitati Highway, Arthur’s Pass, and Porters Pass http://bit.ly/AllWarnings.

Another cold front is expected to move northwards over the South Island late Tuesday and Wednesday, and the North Island early Thursday. This will bring a period of rain, with snow falling to low levels in the south and east of the South Island, as well as central and southern parts of the North Island. Good news for ski fields, but make sure to check the road conditions before heading out as snow is likely to affect high country roads.

For media enquiries or to arrange an interview with one of our meteorologists please call 04 4700 848 or email metcomms@metservice.com

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:

This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning.
In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan

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Fishing News – Nothing transformational about Fishing Industry Plan, says Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is slamming the government’s Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan released today, calling it anything but transformational – as it allows destructive bottom trawling to continue.
“Bottom trawling is the worst of the worst methods of fishing. It destroys seafloor habitats and indiscriminately kills ocean life, and this new plan does nothing meaningful to stop the destruction”, says Greenpeace oceans campaigner Ellie Hooper.
“Despite its name there is very little that is transformative about this plan with no timeline to phase out destructive bottom trawling and an over reliance on mythical ‘techno fixes’ to address the impact commercial fishing has on ocean life.
“We see this plan as a missed opportunity to protect the ocean from the ravages of bottom trawling and truly transform commercial fishing in Aotearoa.”The science is clear – bottom trawling destroys marine habitats and life. The public knows this and are fully onside with a ban. Almost 80% of people surveyed want a ban on bottom trawling and that same sentiment shined through in submissions.”
The vast majority of submitters on the Plan – almost all of the 2,790 email submitters – called for a time-bound transition away from bottom trawling – yet the final plan has ignored these voices.
“It’s very clear who has been listened to in this process, and who hasn’t. The government has ensured the commercial fishing industry can continue kicking the can down the road, avoiding meaningful changes and continuing ocean destruction. Everyone else who wants to see the ocean protected and full of life – has been ignored.”
In June, a report from the Department of Conservation revealed that 200 tonnes of coral has been observed being trawled up by bottom trawlers over the last 13 years. Weeks later, a sustainability review showed serious concerns for a key bottom trawled fish – orange roughy.
“The Government already has enough data to act,” says Hooper.
“We know the harm bottom trawling causes and we know what needs to be done to rectify it. We cannot afford more delays in transitioning away from this method, that will only mean more destruction.
“We are in a biodiversity crisis and it’s time to get real about what it’s going to take to reverse that.
“With the government currently considering bottom trawling restrictions for both seamounts and the Hauraki Gulf, we sincerely hope they will do what‘s right for the ocean, and what the vast majority of people want to see – and ban bottom trawling from these areas.
“We can have a thriving ocean and a commercial fishing industry we are proud of, but to get to that future we need urgent commitments to move away from bottom trawling.”
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Health News – Big Tobacco’s last ditch campaign – cynical and dangerous

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) says a dangerous and cynical “save our stores” campaign paid for by tobacco companies is designed to undermine legislation which will save thousands of lives.
The campaign by British American Tobacco New Zealand and Imperial Brands includes a website, Facebook ads and a petition to stop legislation limiting retailers of smoked tobacco from about 6000 to 600 from mid-2024.
Radio New Zealand reported the campaign appeared to be driven by dairy owners but was in fact “proudly supported” by tobacco companies – a fact that was not obvious to readers.
The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill, which came into effect on Jan 1 aims to achieve the Smoke-free 2025 goal of fewer than 5 per cent of people smoking.
Other measures in the amendment include de-nicotisation of cigarettes and a ban on sale to people born on or before 2009, with all measures to be rolled out over the next four years.
HCA co-chair Lisa Te Morenga said the campaign showed tobacco companies could never be trusted to put health – and lives – ahead of profits.
“These companies have claimed they support efforts towards Smoke-free 2025 and yet here they are quietly undermining all that work.”
HCA Smoke-free Expert Panel member Catherine Manning manages a smoking cessation service for Takiri mai te Ata Whanau Ora Collective and said the campaign was advocating for harm to Māori.
“Tupeka Kore (tobacco free) is the goal Māori set as a direct result of the inquiry into the devastating impact that tobacco products have had on Māori.”
“As a Whānau Ora provider, we are working daily to support whānau to quit smoking and this latest ploy by the tobacco industry is about keeping our people addicted to a product that kills or harms them.”
HCA Smoke-free Expert Panel member Professor Janet Hoek, co-Director of the ASPIRE Aotearoa Centre at the University of Otago Wellington said
tobacco companies have a long history of corporate duplicity and, this campaign was just another example.
“The campaign website sets out a doomsday narrative that has no empirical basis and does nothing other than reveal the depths to which tobacco companies will fall to continue selling their products, which kill 5000 New Zealanders every year.”
HCA is calling on all political parties to commit to the full implementation of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill measures, and not be swayed by the duplicitous tactics of Big Tobacco.
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Health News – NZNO’s Te Whatu Ora nurses accept offer in close vote

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

In a ballot closing at noon today, members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) voted to accept the latest collective agreement proposed settlement from Te Whatu Ora.
As a result a 24-hour strike by NZNO’s roughly 35,000 Te Whatu Ora members planned to start 7am on Wednesday 9 August will not go ahead.
NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter said there was a high level of member participation in the ballot, but that the result, while still clear, was reasonably close.
“While a majority of members accepted the offer, the closeness of the vote shows there remains a serious level of concern and discontent amongst members.
“Many members see the offer as not helping address the shortage of nurses that is severely impacting on the quality of care they can provide for their unwell patients. It is pretty light on important issues such as health and safety at work and minimum staff to patient ratios.
“It doesn’t provide a wage rise that meets the cost of living either.”
Paul Goulter said it was clear that members strongly believe a lot still needed to change.
“Bargaining for the next collective agreement will start early next year and we will continue making health and safety, safe staffing, nurse-to-patient ratios and cost of living increases our focus. These issues remain vitally important to our members, and we will come out fighting on them.”
He said the ratification ballot on the proposed collective agreement settlement should not be confused with the Pay Equity settlement which was accepted by members last week.
“Pay Equity is a one-time adjustment to wage levels meant to address historic sex-based discrimination against people who work in a female-dominated profession. Collective agreements are re-negotiated every few years and are focused on ongoing pay and working conditions.”
Paul Goulter said the public can show their support for nurses by signing NZNO’s ‘We need nurses’ petition and participating in NZNO’s #thenurseweneed campaign activities as they occur. 
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Health Investigation – Two registered midwives and Nelson Marlborough DHB breach Code for failing to provide appropriate maternity services C20HDC00496

Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

Two registered midwives (RMs) and Nelson Marlborough District Health Board (DHB) (now Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough) breached the Code of Health & Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) for failing to provide a woman and her baby with services that complied with relevant standards.
The woman, in her late teens at the time of events, had a growth scan at 33 weeks and three days’ gestation, which showed that her baby was measuring large for gestational age. An obstetrician recommended that the pregnancy not go beyond 41 weeks. At 40 weeks and 1 day, the woman was admitted to Wairau Hospital and induced that afternoon.
During the labour, a recording of the fetal heart rate showed possible fetal distress. The two midwives caring for the woman did not recognise the signs of fetal distress for an hour and a half. Specialist support was then sought and one of the midwives attempted to deliver the baby, whose shoulders were stuck.
When the obstetrician arrived and took over care, the baby was born in poor condition, requiring resuscitation. The infant was diagnosed with severe HIE (a brain injury caused by insufficient oxygen delivery to the brain that can cause severe complications).
Deputy Commissioner Rose Wall acknowledged the impact of these events for the woman, her daughter and her whānau.
“This was a young woman having her first baby, and she relied on her care team to monitor her baby’s wellbeing adequately, to collaborate effectively, and to escalate care promptly when indicated. Unfortunately, this did not occur and, as a result, the baby suffered serious complications, which potentially will have a profound impact on her future wellbeing.”
Ms Wall found that the woman’s lead maternity carer (LMC) midwife breached Right 4(2) of the Code which states, “Every consumer has the right to have services provided that comply with legal, professional, ethical, and other relevant standards.”
The LMC failed to provide the woman with services that complied with professional and other relevant standards, including Nelson Marlborough DHB’s internal induction of labour guidelines and fetal monitoring guidelines.
Ms Wall also found the second midwife breached Right 4(2) of the Code for failing to comply with professional and other relevant standards, including advocating for appropriate monitoring of contractions; appropriately responding to the signs of fetal distress; and appropriately using the emergency call system.
Ms Wall was critical of the working environment at Wairau Hospital, which meant staff members felt stressed and unsupported, and, as a result, unable to work together effectively. There were a number of concerning features in the way the woman was cared for by multiple staff at Wairau Hospital.
Ms Wall found Nelson Marlborough DHB in breach of Right 4(2) of the Code for failing to ensure the service provided to the woman was managed in an efficient and effective manner that ensured the provision of timely, appropriate and safe services.
Since the events, the LMC has made changes to her practice, including obtaining support from a midwifery mentor and undergoing a competency review by the New Zealand Midwifery Council.
Nelson Marlborough DHB advised that changes have been made following the events to better support staff and improve staffing levels. The DHB has also updated its fetal monitoring guidelines.
Taking into account the changes made, Ms Wall’s recommendations included that both midwives and the DHB each provide a written apology to the woman for the failings identified in the report, and that Nelson Marlborough DHB conduct a review of the effectiveness of the changes made. 
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Health Investigation – Taranaki DHB breaches Code for failing to provide appropriate standard of service to a pregnant woman with diabetes C20HDC00772

Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

Taranaki District Health Board (DHB) (now Te Whatu Ora Taranaki) breached the Code of Health & Disability Services Consumer’s Rights (the Code) for failing to provide an appropriate standard of care to a pregnant woman with diabetes.
The woman, in her twenties at the time of events, had several existing conditions, including type 1 diabetes. The care provided by Te Whatu Ora Taranaki did not support the woman to adequately manage her diabetes throughout her pregnancy. Sadly, the woman miscarried at eight months.
Deputy Commissioner Rose Wall said her role is not to determine what caused the death of the woman’s baby, but to determine whether the care provided to the woman was reasonable in the circumstances and consistent with the accepted standard of care.
The report did not identify any concerns with the midwifery and obstetrics care provided to the woman. The focus of the report is limited to the Taranaki DHB endocrinology service’s management of the woman’s diabetes during her pregnancy.
At the time of these events, Taranaki DHB did not have an established antenatal diabetes multidisciplinary team (MDT) (which enables input from a diabetes midwife, an obstetrician, an endocrinologist, a diabetes clinical nurse specialist, and a dietitian). As a result, the obstetrics team and diabetes team were providing the woman with care from separate clinics.
Ms Wall said this resulted in a clear disconnect between the two specialties and did not enable effective coordination of clinical care. She found that Te Whatu Ora Taranaki failed to provide the woman with an appropriate standard of care in the following ways:
– She was not seen for an initial consultation with the diabetes service in a timely manner, due to an administrative error.
– A dietician review was not arranged in a timely manner, owing to the referral not being marked as ‘urgent’ for the medical typists.
– A clinical nurse specialist review was not undertaken regularly, resulting in the woman being seen by the diabetes clinical nurse specialist on only four occasions throughout her pregnancy.
– Care between the diabetes and antenatal services was not coordinated effectively.
Ms Wall said, “I consider that the failings in this case indicate systems issues… In my view, the failure to coordinate the woman’s care effectively resulted in her not receiving services of an appropriate standard throughout her pregnancy.”
Ms Wall found Taranaki DHB breached Right 4(1) of the Code, which states that every consumer has the right to services provided with reasonable care and skill and also Right 4(5), which states that every consumer has the right to co-operation among providers to ensure quality and continuity of services.
Since these events, Taranaki DHB sought an external review of the care provided to the woman and has told HDC it has made a number of changes as a result of the complaint, including the following:
– A multidisciplinary Team (MDT) clinic has been set up to coordinate the care of women with diabetes during pregnancy. The team includes a consultant obstetrician, a consultant endocrinologist, a diabetes nurse specialist, and an antenatal clinic coordinator.
– The Dietitian Department has commenced recruitment for two full-time dietitians who focus solely on diabetes. One will be required to attend the MDT meetings.
– Two further staffing resources have been employed specifically to support Māori patients with the diabetes service (Kaitautoko).
– Diabetes MDT meetings are held fortnightly, with the ‘Diabetes in Pregnancy Management’ guidelines being progressed as part of the MDT meetings with medical leadership.
In light of the changes already made Ms Wall recommended that Taranaki DHB:
– Provide a written apology to the woman for the issues identified in the report.
– Provide an update on the progress of actions taken in response to the recommendations made in the internal review.
– Provide results of the documentation audit that was conducted, and the changes that have been implemented to address any concerns raised by the audit.
– Use this case (anonymised) as a case study for the maternity/diabetes service multidisciplinary team, to highlight the importance of careful planning and management of women with diabetes during pregnancy. 
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Health Investigation – Counties Manukau DHB breached the Code for delays in woman’s eye treatment 21HDC00511

Source: Health and Disability Commissioner

Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner, Dr Vanessa Caldwell, has found Counties Manukau District Health Board (DHB) (now Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau) breached the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code).
The breach concerns the delays experienced by a woman receiving an appointment for her eye treatment in 2017 and 2018 at the Manukau Super Clinic.
The woman, in her seventies at the time of events, had a medical history that included type two diabetes and vision deteriorating eye conditions. She had two consecutive Lucentis injections in her right eye and a planned appointment for the following month.
However, due to capacity issues at the time, the woman did not receive her appointment or injection for another five months. The woman then experienced a further two-month delay in receiving her next follow-up appointment, which left the woman with poor vision in her right eye.
HDC has investigated previous events in which consumers have been negatively impacted by delays in ophthalmology services at Counties Manukau DHB.
A 2016 complaint found Counties Manukau DHB did not take sufficient account of potential clinical risks associated with heavy demand and a lack of capacity at the Ophthalmology Service and did not take sufficient or adequate action to rectify the situation, despite awareness of the issue.
In regards to this latest case, Dr Caldwell says, “In particular, I am concerned that at the time of events Counties Manukau DHB did not have in place a system for an acuity-based prioritisation of ophthalmology appointments and lacked systems to communicate with patients about delays. In addition, it appears that the woman was not explicitly provided with all available options to consider.”
For failing to ensure the woman received a timely appointment for her Lucentis injection, and subsequent follow-up appointment, Dr Caldwell found Counties Manukau DHB breached Right 4 of the Code, which states that, ‘Every consumer has the right to have services provided with reasonable care and skill.’
Dr Caldwell says, “As this Office has stated previously, the existence of systemic pressures does not remove provider accountability in addressing such issues. A key improvement that must be made by all districts – now and in the future – is to assess, plan, adapt, and respond reasonably and effectively to the foreseeable effects that issues, such as population change, will have on systems and demand.”
It was pleasing to see that a number of changes have been made by Counties Manukau DHB since 2018, including the introduction of an Acuity Index Tool for Ophthalmology follow-up appointments to prioritise follow-up bookings accurately.
To address the present demand, the Ophthalmology Service runs additional weekend clinics (approximately 600 patients seen in two days). Letters are also sent to referrers and patients to advise patients of delayed follow-up appointments, and what to do should their vision deteriorate.
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Business and Tech News – MinterEllisonRuddWatts advises leading tax tech company, DataTorque, on PE investment by Simplicity

Source: MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Leading tax technology company, DataTorque has sold a minority stake to Simplicity, New Zealand’s non-profit KiwiSaver and Investment Fund manager’s private equity fund.
Leading law firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts acted for DataTorque on the sale of the minority stake.
The Wellington-based company is one of New Zealand’s leading technology players for revenue management software, designing and delivering practical solutions enabling effective revenue collection. DataTorque operates in 16 countries around the world, transforming public revenue systems to become more efficient in their tax collection systems.
Technology is a driving force behind continuous improvement and simplifying processes through digitisation and data sharing, with organisations such as DataTorque offering customers with numerous efficiency benefits.
Corporate Partner John Conlan said, “It’s great to see continued interest and investment in New Zealand’s innovative businesses, which is allowing new ideas and opportunities to be developed as market successes. Simplicity’s investment into DataTorque is a perfect example of this.”
On completion of the transaction, DataTorque Nick Steevens CFO said, “It was excellent to work alongside John and the MinterEllisonRuddWatts team to present DataTorque with a fantastic opportunity to expand our smart solution software into new markets.”
The MinterEllisonRuddWatts team advised on all aspects of the transaction from start to completion, and included partners John Conlan and Rodney Craig, and Senior Solicitor Max McMahon.
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Economy News – What drives rents in New Zealand? A housing technical working group research paper – Reserve Bank

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

7 August 2023 – Today Te Tai Ōhanga, Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga and Te Pūtea Matua are publishing a joint paper that provides an assessment of the key drivers of rents in New Zealand.

The analysis in this paper was carried out by Alan Bentley, Enzo Cassino and Nam Ngo through the Housing Technical Working Group (HTWG). The HTWG includes staff from the 3 agencies.

Over the last 20 years, wage rises and the relative supply and demand of homes were the 2 key drivers of rents at both the national and regional level, the paper shows.

Research paper — What drives rents in New Zealand? National and regional analysis

Read the research paper on the Treasury website

“When the effect of other factors is excluded, a 1% increase in nominal wages leads directly to a 1%  increase in new tenancy rents,” the paper’s authors say.  New tenancy rents respond more quickly to market changes than rents paid by sitting tenants.

“A 1% increase in the average number of people in each home, an indicator of relative supply and demand, leads to a 1.5%  increase in rents at the national level.” This link between rents and the number of people in each home could occur for several reasons, such as, that rents tend to rise when there are not enough houses to go around, or that renters tend to share accommodation more when rents rise.

The study found rents increase when mortgage interest rates rise, but the impact is quite small. “This is consistent with previous analysis done by the Housing Technical Working Group on the impact of land supply restrictions.” This is because when land supply is highly constrained, we would expect financial factors, such as interest rates, to have a greater impact on house prices than rents.

Understanding these key drivers of rents is important to monitor and assess the balance of supply and demand in the housing market, enhance government policy for renters, improve the accuracy of house price forecasts, and identify potential hot spots at the regional level.

The share of New Zealand households who pay rent has increased significantly during the past 3 decades, rising from about 23% in 1991 to 32% in 2018. The number of rented homes rose from about 290,000 in 1996 to 530,000 in 2018.

“Rents matter since low-income households have little discretion over how much they must spend to put a roof over their heads,” the authors say.  “Renters typically earn less than homeowners, spend a greater share of their pay on housing, and are less wealthy.”

More information

Between 2003 Q3 and 2022 Q2, rents increased broadly in line with wages, but faster than inflation.

New tenancy rents increased a cumulative 83%
Average hourly earnings up 87%
Consumer prices (CPI) rose 54% and,
House prices 267%

The HTWG identified these differing growth rates, amongst other things, as evidence to support their conclusions presented in the Assessment of the housing system with insights from the Hamilton-Waikato area on the Treasury’s website. (HTWG, 2022).

Key findings from the paper

Understanding the key drivers of rents is important to monitor and assess the balance of supply and demand in the housing market, improve the accuracy of house price forecasts, and identify potential hot spots at the regional level.
Wage inflation and relative supply and demand of dwellings (measured by people per dwelling) are the 2 key drivers of rental inflation for new tenancies at the national level.
The impact of mortgage interest rates on rents is positive but quite small. This is consistent with previous analysis done by the Housing Technical Working Group on the impact of land supply restrictions.
The identified key drivers are robust to local circumstances, although unobserved region-specific factors can dampen or magnify the effects in particular regions.

Why we did this research

New Zealand rental prices have received growing attention as the proportion of people who rent has been increasing since the early 1990s. This paper aims to provide an initial framework to improve our understanding of the factors that impact housing rentals in New Zealand.

This analysis is useful for several reasons. Firstly, rents provide a better signal of the balance of supply and demand for dwellings than house prices do. This is because rent prices do not reflect expectations for future gains as house prices do.

Secondly, providing a better understanding of rent drivers can lead to better government policy as renters typically pay a larger proportion of their incomes on housing costs than owner occupiers and so they are more vulnerable to large movements in housing costs.

Thirdly, forecasting rents can also improve the accuracy of house price forecasts, as they are one of the factors that influence house prices.

Finally, the research helps us to test theories of how land and housing markets operate.

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Business News – Plenty of opportunities for growth as five established offices in the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region join Raine & Horne

Source: Raine & Horne

Highlights

  • Raine & Horne, an Australasian real estate super brand, is expanding its presence in New Zealand during its 140th year.
  • Five well-established offices in the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region, led by experienced principals Neville Ruske and Paul Billinghurst, have joined Raine & Horne.
  • According to CoreLogic data, the expansion comes at a time of increased buyer activity in the Bay of Plenty real estate market. The addition of these offices strategically located in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Katikati, Waihi, and Waihi Beach further strengthens Raine & Horne’s position on New Zealand’s North Island.
Bay of Plenty NZ (7 August 2023) The expansion of real estate super brand Raine & Horne in New Zealand in its 140th year has gone up a gear with the announcement that five highly established offices in the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region have joined the ranks of the super brand.

Led by experienced principals Neville Ruske and Paul Billinghurst, the latest Raine & Horne group additions are strategically located in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Katikati, Waihi, and Waihi Beach.

According to the latest data from CoreLogic[i], the expansion coincides with a resurgence in buyer activity in the Bay of Plenty’s real estate markets. The super brand, established on 23 May 1883 and remains 100% family-owned, is taking advantage of this opportunity.

Plenty of real estate experience

Mr Ruske’s journey in real estate commenced in 1988, and brings extensive experience in residential, commercial, industrial, lifestyle, and property management. In 2011, he and his wife, Gill Ruske, founded NRG Realty with the acquisition of an office from another company in Tauranga. The business has since expanded to include offices in Mount/Papamoa, Katikati, Waihi, and Waihi Beach.

Mr Billinghurst, with a background in engineering, IT, and management, transitioned into real estate in 2014. After achieving the NZ Rookie of the Year award in his first year with a previous real estate group, he became a co-owner of NRG Realty Ltd. alongside his wife, Bronwen Billinghurst, in 2021.

As a principal of the business, Mr Billingshurst now oversees the five Raine & Horne offices in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Katikati, Waihi Beach, and Waihi, relishing the opportunity to support his team and immerse himself in the exciting world of real estate.

Angus Raine, Executive Chairman of Raine & Horne, who is the fourth generation of his family to lead the Australasian super brand, expressed his confidence in the new principals, stating, “I can see Paul takes pleasure in assisting his salespeople in their growth and development which ensures they provide excellent outcomes for their sellers and buyers.

“His responsibilities involve running the day-to-day operations of and exploring new technologies and approaches to real estate to keep the team up to date,” Mr Raine added.

“Neville’s passion for property shines through not only from establishing five successful real estate offices in the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region but also from his ownership of rental and commercial properties and his current involvement in building projects.

“Neville and Paul are excellent operators who are sure to embrace our ecosystem of digital marketing firsts,” he said.

“Digital marketing is redefining how properties are promoted and sold in New Zealand, and with our ecosystem of technology-first, headed by the cutting-edge social media marketing platform, Amplify, Raine & Horne proudly stands as a formidable leader in this rapidly evolving space.”

Embracing a legacy of technology success and unparalleled support

Mr Billinghurst agreed that Raine & Horne’s cutting-edge technology, its unique value proposition, and unwavering support were too good to ignore.

“Raine & Horne offers us something different from other brands in that it adds value to our vendors, team and business,” he said.

“This is not only from its leading-edge technology, such as Amplify but also in the support they give us. It means our current and future salespeople have a real point of difference to offer potential vendors, and we can add even more value to our team as a company.”

Mr Billinghurst added, “Our five offices have been established in the marketplace for many years. We want to take them all to the next level and rapidly grow our regional market share.

Mr Ruske said his dealings with Raine & Horne have been positive from the outset.

“From our interactions, it feels there is a real loyalty to the brand, and there are genuine people behind it,” he said.

“We’re on a growth projection within the Bay of Plenty and Hauraki region, which aligns well with Raine & Horne’s New Zealand growth goals.

“Having 140 years of real estate heritage shows Raine & Horne have weathered all markets and run an exceptional operation.”

“There are many brand alternatives for business owners to choose from, but we believe that with Raine & Horne’s history coupled with their forward-thinking, dynamic approach to real estate, they will shortly be a driving force in New Zealand real estate.”

The business spirit of the 100% family-owned and operated Raine & Horne also struck a chord with Mr Ruske and his fellow directors.

“NRG Realty is an acronym of Neville, Ruske and Gill, and Gill has been an integral force since we began the business, contributing to management decisions and overseeing finances since day one,” Mr Ruske said.

“Her expertise in residential developments adds a significant dimension to the business.

“As Paul and Bronwen became part of the team, this legacy of family involvement persisted, with Bronwen focusing on our company marketing.

“Still having the same company owners but now operating under the Raine & Horne brand is great for both organisations.”