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Total greenhouse gas emissions fall 0.7 percent in the September 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): September 2024 quarter

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Total greenhouse gas emissions fall 0.7 percent in the September 2024 quarter – 5 February 2025 – Seasonally adjusted industry and household greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand decreased 0.7 percent (136 kilotonnes) in the September 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“The decrease in emissions this quarter came mainly from manufacturing, with falls in emissions recorded in most other industries,” environment statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said.

Over this quarter, industry emissions (excluding households) decreased by 1.2 percent (204 kilotonnes). By comparison, gross domestic product decreased 1.0 percent in the same period.

Emissions attributed to households rose 0.3 percent (6 kilotonnes) in the September 2024 quarter.

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Unemployment rate at 5.1 percent in the December 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Labour market statistics: December 2024 quarter

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Unemployment rate at 5.1 percent in the December 2024 quarter – 5 February 2025 – Unemployment continued to grow, with the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate reaching 5.1 percent in the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

In the December 2024 quarter:

  • the unemployment rate was 5.1 percent
  • the employment rate was 67.4 percent
  • annual wage inflation was 3.3 percent
  • average ordinary time hourly earnings were $42.57.

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Climate News – January 2025 was marked by cooler-than-average temperatures – New Zealand’s coldest January since 2017 – NIWA

Source: NIWA

January 2025 Climate Summary for New Zealand – January 2025 was marked by cooler-than-average temperatures across much of the country, making it New Zealand’s coldest January since 2017, according to NIWA National Climate Centre’s Monthly Climate Summary.

The nationwide average temperature was 16.4°C, which is 0.8°C below the 1991-2020 January average. Below-average temperatures were recorded in the central and southern North Island and much of the South Island, while western parts of the South Island, including the West Coast and Fiordland, experienced above-average warmth.
It was a dry month for many regions, with below-normal rainfall observed across the West Coast, Southland, Otago, Marlborough, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Auckland, and southern Northland. In contrast, eastern Canterbury, Nelson, and northern Northland recorded above-normal rainfall.
Sunshine hours were exceptionally high in western South Island regions, with Hokitika recording its sunniest January since 1912 (328 hours), while Greymouth also had a record-breaking month (302 hours).
Further Highlights:

The highest temperature was 32.4°C in Kawerau on 24 January.

Among major centres, Auckland was the warmest, Hamilton the driest, Tauranga the sunniest, Dunedin the coolest, and Christchurch the wettest and least
sunny.

The sunniest locations in January were the West Coast (328 hours), Taranaki
(318 hours), Bay of Plenty (310 hours), and Mackenzie Country (302 hours).

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Palestine Forum of New Zealand Condemns Trump’s Remarks and Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Palestinian Rights

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand strongly condemns the recent statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Such rhetoric is not only inflammatory but also deeply harmful, as it undermines the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people and perpetuates a cycle of violence and injustice.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand firmly believes that the Palestinian people have the right to live in dignity, safety, and peace within their homeland. Forced displacement is a violation of international law and human rights principles, and it must be unequivocally rejected by the global community. The suggestion that Palestinians have “no alternative” but to leave Gaza is both false and dangerous, as it ignores the root causes of the ongoing crisis and the need for a just and lasting resolution.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and reaffirms its commitment to justice, equity, and the protection of human rights. We urge the international community to take immediate and meaningful action to prevent further suffering and to work toward a future where all people can live in peace and dignity.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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Health – ProCare Foundation announces recipients of more than $200,000 of funding

Source: ProCare Foundation

Six Auckland organisations tackling health inequity and poverty have received a major boost, with the ProCare Charitable Foundation announcing $210,000 in grants to support initiatives that promote community health and wellbeing.

This year’s recipients are:

  1. Auckland Women’s Centre Inc
  2. BabyStart Charitable Trust
  3. Dance & Arts Therapy NZ
  4. Garden to Table Trust
  5. Orange Sky NZ Ltd
  6. Warriors Community Foundation.

 

ProCare Foundation Chair, Peter Didsbury, says: “Every dollar granted reflects our commitment to addressing health inequities and empowering organisations working on the frontlines of our communities. This funding is an investment in healthier futures for all Aucklanders.”

“It’s inspiring to see the creativity and dedication these organisations bring to tackling some of our toughest social and health challenges. Their mahi aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s mission – to support the health and well-being of disadvantaged communities by delivering health-related activities that improve a community’s wellbeing, or reduce health inequalities and alleviate poverty and deprivation in the Auckland region,” concludes Didsbury.

The Foundation was established by the shareholders of ProCare Health Limited in 2013 with Trustee and Administration services being provided by Public Trust.

Glenys Talivai, CEO of Public Trust, says: “Empowering local organisations with targeted funding creates ripple effects and positive outcomes for the larger community. Our work with the ProCare Charitable Foundation is a powerful way to uplift organisations that provide care and protection for society’s most vulnerable. We are proud to be the trustee and manage the granting programme and congratulate the six organisations receiving funding.”

Since the establishment of the ProCare Charitable Foundation, it has granted more than $2 million in funding to increase community health and wellbeing in the Greater Auckland Region.

Recipients of the ProCare Charitable Foundation funding, as selected at the end of 2024 are:

Organisation: Auckland Women’s Centre Inc

Project: Supporting no/low-cost counselling: supervision, triage, referrals, and client-counsellor matching.

The centre facilitates empowerment and wellbeing for all women in Tāmaki Makaurau via education, counselling, brief crisis support, peer support, advice and referral, community kōrero, advocacy, and safe space. In 2025, they will offer five student counsellors, up from 3.5 in 2024 and two in 2023. Their counsellors are of different ethnicities, ages and interests who meet the needs of diverse women.

Organisation: BabyStart Charitable Trust

Project: Supporting infant and maternal care packages for Auckland families.

BabyStart’s purpose is to alleviate poverty, encourage positive parenting and safe sleep practices, and encourage engagement with maternal health services through the provision of high-quality infant care packages. This funding will go towards baby boxes with baby clothing and care items for high needs whānau based on need and availability.

Organisation: Dance & Arts Therapy NZ

Project: Dance movement and arts therapy for 80+ vulnerable children

Their mission is to provide unwavering support to the mental health and disability sectors through dance movement and arts therapy. They serve individuals of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, mental health challenges, low-income children and survivors of abuse. The funding will cover facilitation, materials, coordination, venue hire, and administration, delivering 108 sessions for at-risk children and 128 sessions for children with disabilities.

Organisation: Garden to Table Trust

Project: Supporting salary for programme coordinators – Auckland.

The Garden to Table programme is currently running in 85 schools and ECEs in Greater Auckland (excluding South Auckland). The programme is typically run as a regular session in school where tamariki learn the skills they need to grow fresh produce, harvest it, prepare and cook it. Children do everything for themselves and are encouraged to take their learning home to share with family and whānau.

Organisation: Orange Sky NZ Ltd

Project: Laundry & shower service for those experiencing homelessness and hardship.

In Auckland, they operate two vans, an internal laundry at HomeGround (Auckland City Mission), and a pod in South Auckland. Through these services, they aim to raise dignity and mana for individuals experiencing homelessness and hardship, supporting their health and wellbeing. By offering clean clothes and access to showers, they foster a sense of self-worth and community connection, addressing both immediate needs and the long-term goal of improving lives in the wider Auckland region.

Organisation: Warriors Community Foundation

Project: Supporting health-focused programmes promoting physical, mental well-being, and inclusivity.

The Tupu Maia programme is dedicated to promoting the health and wellbeing of intermediate-aged girls by advancing education on physical and mental wellness. The programme focuses on building confidence, self-esteem, and physical activity through structured lessons on nutrition, hydration, sleep, and mental resilience. By fostering a supportive environment, Tupu Maia encourages participants to develop lifelong habits that improve both their physical and mental health.

 About the ProCare Foundation

The ProCare Foundation was established by the shareholders of ProCare who gifted more than 90% of their shares to the Foundation in 2013. The purpose of the Foundation is to help promote the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities, deliver health-related activities that improve a community’s wellbeing, or reduce health inequalities and alleviate poverty and deprivation in the Auckland region. For more information about the Foundation and previous grant recipients, click here or visit www.procare.co.nz  

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Events – Mark your calendars for the best night of the year when Australia’s most famous girls night out hits Auckland on March 1st

Source: AO Communications

Lise & Sarah’s DISCO CLUB will turn up the volume again in 2025 with its Australian and New Zealand tour, with  general release tickets on sale now.

In 2025, 20,000 women* will have the chance to dance at the sell-out phenomenon that is Lise & Sarah’s DISCO  CLUB. And for the first time an international trip across the ditch to Auckland, NZ.

Founded two years ago by best friends and podcasters, Lise Carlaw and Sarah Wills, DISCO CLUB continues to grow  and establish itself as the ultimate night out for women, delivering an electric night of dancing and singing with  friends.

“DISCO CLUB is designed by women for women: everything we miss about clubbing and nothing we don’t,” said Lise.

“While it all started with a simple conversation between us about how much we missed nights out dancing with our  girlfriends, we have seen first hand – over and again – the incredible collective joy shared on a judgement-free night of  much-needed fun,” said Sarah.

“There’s an undeniable energy – the power of song and movement, of freedom, that comes with feeling safe,  comfortable and welcome – the scene is set to feel the emotion and revel in nostalgia.”

“But it’s not just about the music – it’s about connection – connection between both friends and strangers and across  generations, and that’s why it’s booming,” said Lise. “Women continually tell us it’s dancefloor therapy.”

Another essential element is the early start and finish time, with arrivals from 6pm for a 7pm start and 10pm finish. “We simply wanted a great night out and a chance to press pause on real life, but we also wanted to be in our PJs by  11pm, and it turns out we’re not alone!” said Sarah.

Lise & Sarah’s DISCO CLUB Tour is Australia’s largest event series for women borne from a podcast (The Lise and  Sarah Show).

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Op-Ed – Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face – OPED Conor English

Opinion – by Conor English
 
5 February 2025 – Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face – Boxer Mike Tyson famously said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face”.  He was simply pointing out in his own unique direct way, that sometimes things don’t go the way you think. There can be unintended consequences. Your opponent can counter punch, so a “plan b” can be useful!
 
The new USA government has a plan to use tariffs as a way of incentivising other countries to do things that are helpful to the USA. Things like curtail immigrants or drugs travelling over the border, or to shift their manufacturing jobs to America.  The President has described the word “tariffs” as “the most beautiful word in the dictionary” so its clear he likes the idea of using tariffs. It does have some logic. Maybe this plan will work?
 
So, using emergency powers that enable quick action, rather than long winded trade negotiation processes, this plan is being implemented this week.  First up, 10% tariff on goods from China, and energy products from Canada. Tariffs will be set at 25% for most other goods from Canada and Mexico. If these countries change their drug, migration and manufacturing policies, the USA will look to review the tariff levels.  That’s the new deal.
 
New Zealand had its own tariffs for many years as was fashionable. But now we seek fair trade, with no tariffs or quotas, or other non-tariff trade barriers in our trading relationships. It matters to us as a small trading country at the bottom of the world. Multilateral co-operation and enforcement frameworks such as the World Trade Organisation are vital.   
 
America, like many countries, has a long history of using tariffs. An excellent example of how things can end up like a punch in the face, as Mike Tyson would put it, is the passing of what was known as the “Smoot Hawley” Tariff Act on June 17, 1930. This raised tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods, despite a petition signed by 1,028 economists asking President Hoover to veto the legislation. He didn’t. The theory was it would save jobs in America and protect local producers from international competition following the “Black Thursday” share market crash on October 24, 1929.
 
But it didn’t make things better, it made things worse.
 
Americas trading partners punched back. They didn’t do nothing. They retaliated, just as Canada and Mexico now have. The world economy and geopolitics has evolved significantly since the great depression and what happened then may not happen now. However, history can perhaps provide some small insight as to how this might play out.
 
Wikipedia tells us that after the Smoot- Hawley passed – yes – USA imports did decrease by 66% from $4.4 billion  in 1929, to $1.5 billion in 1933. So that must be good for domestic jobs and industries? Well no, because other countries punched back with their own tariffs, as well as sourcing their own imports from other countries rather than America.
 
As a result, USA exports also decreased 61% from $5.4 billion to $2.1 billion. GNP fell from $103.1 billion in 1929 to $75.8 billion in 1931, bottoming out at $55.6 billion in 1933, a drop of around 50% over four years. 
 
So rather than create jobs, jobs were lost, and plenty of them. Unemployment was at 8% in 1930 when the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act was passed, but the new law failed to lower it. The unemployment rate jumped to 16% in 1931, and 25% in 1932–33. The factories that produced those export goods couldn’t sell their products, so staff lost their jobs.
 
Unemployment didn’t fall below early 1930s levels until the massive economic stimulus of World War 2.
 
As with any economy, there is always more than just one thing happening, but at that time, that is what happened in the USA. So how does this current fast changing situation effect New Zealand?
 
Unlike 100 years ago, we get impacted very quickly by the transmission of changes in our exchange rate, interest rates, commodity prices, share markets and trade flows. This then flows through our economy.
 
For example, if inflation goes up in America because of the new tariffs, international interest rates may go up, thus reducing the speed of any reductions on our mortgage rates. Dairy commodity prices might rise, but so too might international oil prices, pushing up our fuel prices and inflation. Our dollar may fall, making it cheaper for tourists to visit, but the cost of servicing our increasing national debt more expensive.  Chinese built EVs may be more available and cheaper here as cars are diverted from the USA market.
 
There will be all sorts of positive and negative impacts, unintended consequences and unforeseen outcomes. It could be overall positive or overall negative for both America and New Zealand, but we just don’t know. We do know though that it creates more uncertainty, and that’s not helpful to anyone.     
 
So will it be a punch in the face, as Mike Tyson suggests, or a pat on the back?  Either way, we need to be fleet of foot and have a “Plan B”.
 
Conor English is a Director of Silvereye – a Wellington based Government relations firm, a former exporter, CEO of Federated Farmers, and Independent Advisor to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. 
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Housing Market – First home buyers well placed for 2025 – CoreLogic

Source: CoreLogic – Commentary from Kelvin Davidson, CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist

In today’s Pulse, CoreLogic NZ’s Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson looks at the conditions facing first home buyers (FHBs) in 2025, with the data pointing to favourable market conditions – although their percentage share of activity may not hold at recent record highs.

Even if mortgaged investors and movers do take a greater proportion of activity in 2025, FHBs are still likely to buy a higher number of properties than they did last year.
Put simply, a larger overall number of transactions in 2025 should ‘float all boats’.

A look back at 2024The full-year CoreLogic Buyer Classification data for 2024 showed another strong performance from first home buyers (FHBs), making up 26.1% of property purchases. That was a new record high, surpassing the previous mark of 25.7% set the previous year. Granted, at around 20,850, the number of FHB purchases had been beaten on seven previous occasions since 2005 (including each year from 2019 to 2021), but it was still a solid year on that measure too.

Why have FHBs proven successful? Access to KiwiSaver for at least part of the deposit is one factor, while they have also been making full use of the low-deposit lending allowances at the banks. Getting around the loan to value ratio rules by purchasing new-build properties is another popular option at present, and we estimate that FHBs accounted for about 27% of new-build buying activity in 2024.
FHBs have also been taking advantage of plenty of choice (total available listings are high) and the soft market – their median price paid in 2024 was $698,000 (down from $719,000 in 2022). 
They are also benefiting from reduced competition. For example, ‘movers’ or relocating owner-occupiers ‘only’ accounted for 26.5% of activity last year, which is about 2%-points below their average.
At the same time, mortgaged multiple property owners (MPOs including investors) have had a tricky few years too, with their share of activity at 21.7% in 2024, versus the average since 2005 of around 24.5%.
That’s not too surprising, given that typical mortgage rates were above 7% for at least the first half of 2024, meaning that significant top-ups out of other income were required to sustain a standard new rental purchase. Interest deductibility was back to 80% for most of the 2024 calendar year, but the Brightline Test only came down on 1st July 2024 while the deposit rules were eased from 35% to 30% on the same day.
2025 outlook
Looking ahead, our expectation is that overall property sales volumes will rise from around 80,000 in 2024 to 90,000 in 2025, reflecting the lagged effects of lower mortgage rates and the anticipation of a growing economy again, albeit slowly. 
That being said, further job losses in the near term are unfortunately looking likely, and debt to income ratio limits will also become a consideration, although the ‘generous’ 20% speed limit and the new-build exemption should mean they don’t put a hard stop on activity.
In this environment, it would not be a surprise to see a higher number of deals from all buyer groups, especially the three main cohorts of FHBs, mortgaged investors, and movers.
Anecdotally, we have seen evidence that movers are starting to become more active again as housing chains free up, especially in the ‘next home’ segment (i.e. previous FHBs who are now looking to trade up), while mortgaged investors have also shown clear signs of a comeback.
Although mortgaged investors’ calendar-year market share in 2024 was still quite low, the quarter-by-quarter figures had turned up by the end of year, hitting 22.6% in Q4 – their strongest result since the middle of 2022. Our more granular analysis shows that this was driven primarily by smaller/new investors (those who now own two properties in total after their latest purchase), or the cliched ‘Mums and Dads’.
To illustrate the impact of lower mortgage rates on those top-ups: If you plug in a purchase price of $780,000 (the median paid by mortgaged MPOs in 2024), assume 30% deposit, 4% gross rental yield, interest-only mortgage (and 100% deductibility), a drop in mortgage rates from around 7% to about 5.5% broadly cuts the weekly cash requirement from $350 to $200. That’s still significant for a new investor, but much less of a hurdle than before.
A story of many buyers
Looking ahead, 2025 looks set to be busier year for the property market in general and across the various buyer groups. However, market share must always equal 100%, and even though FHBs will likely buy more properties this year than last, it is still conceivable that their percentage share of activity will drop back from recent record highs, as mortgaged investors and movers return closer to their normal positions.
In turn, that may well prompt fears or headlines that first home buyers are being shut out again. But as an example, they could see their market share drop to 24% this year and still purchase about 1,000 more properties than in 2024. In other words, a lower market share doesn’t mean the demise of FHBs.
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Transport – Desert Road closure costing freight businesses an estimated $100,000 per day

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Transporting New Zealand has emphasised the importance of getting the Desert Road on State Highway 1 reopened as soon as possible, estimating that the closure is increasing freight costs for businesses and consumers by $100,000 per day.
Chief executive Dom Kalasih says that while using block road closures allows NZTA to work more efficiently and safely on roading projects, it is essential that these are well managed and keep to schedule.
“Transporting New Zealand supported the block road closure approach for the Desert Road project, rather than operating stop-go for months and years on end. However, taking this approach means that NZTA needs to be providing regular comms updates and completing these works on time.
“If there are any delays with the Desert Road opening, it is critical that NZTA provides notice well in advance so that transport companies can readjust their plans to manage the extra demands.”
Kalasih says that having the closure extended would be bad news for businesses and consumers across the country.
“Based on NZTA information about the additional detour time and traffic data, we estimate the additional freight cost is in the order of $100,000 per day, due to approximately 800 trucks per day having to travel for an additional 35-40 minutes. Our members have no choice but to pass those costs on to their customers, and that shows up as higher prices for consumers.
“There’s also the loss in labour productivity and the significant impact on local businesses in the affected area to consider.
“The closure also increases risk to the resilience of the network. If SH4 between National Park and Tohunga Junction was to become blocked for any significant period, then inter-regional travel across the Central Plateau would be severely impacted.”
Transporting New Zealand sought an update from NZTA on how the project was tracking to schedule on Monday, and will be keeping their members regularly updated. 
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand 
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter-regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion. 
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ChildFund – Back to school? Not without clean water

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

‘Back-to-school’ means something different in parts of the Pacific
Children in remote areas of the Pacific, like the outer islands of Solomon Islands or Kiribati struggle to go back to school if they don’t have access to clean water, let alone access to pens, school books and a new school bag.
“The Pacific is our home too. It’s unacceptable that even one child in our region does not have easy access to the most important life-saving resource of all – water,” says CEO of ChildFund Josie Pagani
Some schools lack running clean water, and parents either cannot access or cannot afford bottled water. Children miss school to spend the day collecting clean water from sources many miles away.
“Lack of clean water has a domino effect. Dirty water impacts a child’s education, which then impacts their ability to work and earn an income, and even their lifelong health,” says Sharon Inone, CEO of Greenergy
Sharon has recently returned from working with the United Nations, to her home province of Temotu in Solomon Islands, where Greenergy is working with ChildFund New Zealand to bring clean water to her community.
“I made a promise to my mother that I would do something about the lack of clean water in our home, and that’s what I’m doing,” says Sharon Inone.
The lack of clean water in parts of Solomon Islands, Kiribati and other remote parts of the Pacific leads to dysentery, severe diarrhoea, hospitalisation and even death in children with their whole lives ahead of them.
ChildFund New Zealand is working with local communities across the Pacific to fix or build water infrastructure.
Without this work, too many children will miss out on an education, a career and even a full healthy life.
1 in 10 deaths for children under 5 years in parts of the Pacific is linked to diarrhoea, vomiting and dirty water. The Pacific has some of the highest rates of stunting in the world, with 33 per cent of children under the age of five in Solomon Islands suffering from stunting, and 15 per cent of children affected in Kiribati.
“Stunting doesn’t just affect physical growth. It affects a child’s brain development which makes it hard for them to learn. Preventing the illnesses that come from dirty water will help to reduce these rates. This is a fixable problem. So let’s fix it,” says Josie Pagani.
“I want our kids to grow up like normal kids, with access to the basics like clean water. Not to be born into the culture of looking for water every day. If they have clean water, kids will get the education they deserve. We are adding four to five more hours every day to their lives if they don’t have to search for clean water. These are hours that their parents can use earning an income instead of looking for water. It is adding more time to do more productive things,” says Sharon Inone.
“This is not just about water. It’s about people getting their lives back. It’s about stopping kids die. It’s about allowing parents time to make money, and the kids the time to learn. It’s about improving the standard of living and the health of children no matter where they live,” says Sharon Inone.
“Clean water changes everything.”
Give the back-to-school gift of an education to a child in the Pacific.