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Business Canterbury – Canterbury businesses to enter 2025 with optimism

Source: Business Canterbury

Canterbury businesses have said they are entering 2025 with strong optimism for the future, according to Business Canterbury’s latest quarterly survey.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “We’re continuing to see improvement in business confidence, particularly around financial performance expectations.”
“A net 57% of businesses anticipate stronger financial outcomes in the coming months, the highest level we’ve recorded since mid-2022. This is a great way to head into the New Year after what has been a particularly challenging year for business.
“Positivity about the Canterbury economy has reached an unprecedented 65%, almost doubling where it was last quarter, which was already a huge turnaround from a slump in May.
“The easing of inflationary pressures and stabilising interest rates have alleviated some of the key concerns for the business community.
“We are seeing a gradual improvement in consumer confidence, which is critical for businesses as they plan and act on growth strategies for the coming year.
“The survey also highlights a growing confidence among businesses in navigating disruption, with a net positivity of 57%, a significant increase from 20% in May.
“This resilience is a testament to the adaptability of Canterbury businesses. They’ve weathered challenging times, and some are now poised for growth.
“Business confidence was also buoyed by an increase in activity in the construction and building sectors which is positively affecting the economy.
“While the overall outlook is positive, some challenges remain. Concerns about cash flow are falling much more slowly than we would like to see, highlighting that we are still in an environment tight on cash with many businesses still having to make tough decisions in the lead up to Christmas and into the new year.
The top concerns for employers in December are (in order):
– Consumer confidence and demand
– Inflationary pressure and interest rates
– Productivity and growth
– Compliance costs
– Cashflow and accounts payable/receivable
“We’re not yet seeing high expectations from businesses about future investments, despite a record business confidence turnaround, with hiring and property, plant and equipment investment intentions still fluctuating and falling short of where they were a year ago. However, the overall trajectory is heading in the right direction.
“As we move into 2025, it’s clear that Canterbury businesses are ready to embrace growth and innovation, and Business Canterbury remains committed to supporting its members through this period of economic recovery.”
About Business Canterbury
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business support agency in the South Island and advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.
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Privacy Commissioner – Christmas is about giving, but don’t give up your privacy

Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

Taking a break and relaxing over the holidays is a Kiwi tradition, but that doesn’t mean you should forget about protecting your privacy, Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says.
“The holiday period can be a time of letting things slide, which can mean it’s also the time privacy issues strike, like phishing scams, dodgy online stores, and invasive kids’ toys.
Christmas shopping can be stressful, it’s time dependent and unfortunately scammers can take advantage of people through fake online shopping sites, or scam emails about parcel deliveries or special offers.
“With multiple things being ordered online, it can be tempting to click on a link about parcel deliveries and end up falling for a common phishing scam,” says Mr Webster.
Even presents can have privacy implications, with an increasingly number of things having AI included, for example there are even air-fryers with built in AI cameras. Kids’ toys are not immune either, with many ‘smart’ presents available.
“The key thing is about being aware the present you bought has AI included and being comfortable with the pros and cons of that. Good questions to ask are how much personal information it needs, where are these details going and who owns that information?
“You may be fine with using your own personal information to make something work, but are you so comfortable with having a family member, including potentially a young child, give away their personal details?
“It’s no fun to think about privacy when you’re shopping for kids’ toys, but you’d avoid a toy that presents a health risk, so you should probably also avoid toys that present privacy risks.”
Another good privacy tip is if you’re buying from a website you’ve never used before, make sure it’s a site you can trust. You can look up online reviews of the store to check their reliability and reputation. If you see a deal too good to be true, it really might be.
“It takes a wealth of personal information to order online, so make sure you only give information to websites you trust, as things can quickly go bad if it’s not a legitimate site.
“It’s important to pause and take a moment to think about the situation. Get a second opinion, check online and follow the guidance from trusted sources like Netsafe.
Road toll texts are another common phishing scam over the holidays. It can be difficult recalling when and where you were on a toll road, so it might seem real, but the most important thing is knowing Waka Kotahi will never send you a text message with a link in it, so don’t click it, delete it.
“We’re not trying to be killjoys, we just want Kiwis to stay safe over summer whether that’s on the roads, under the sun, or online with their privacy.
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Northland News – Summer checks to keep gold clam out of Kai Iwi

Source: Northland Regional Council

Local authorities and the Department of Conservation are joining forces with local tangata whenua again this summer to keep an unwanted freshwater invader – the gold clam – out of the Kai Iwi Lakes.
Northland Regional Council member Jack Craw, who chairs the council’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, says gold clams, first detected in the Waikato River in May last year, are a significant biosecurity threat.
“This summer, we’re proud to again work in partnership with Te Kuihi, Te Roroa, Papa Atawhai/Department of Conservation and Kaipara District Council (KDC) to run biosecurity checks at Lake Taharoa, Kai Iwi Lakes.”
“Our biosecurity checks encourage everyone to play their part in protecting our waterways.”
“This collaboration with iwi and community partners highlights the strength of teamwork in safeguarding these special places for current and future generations to enjoy.”
Under KDC’s Taharoa Domain Bylaw 2018 the owner or master of a vessel or power-driven vessel can be denied access to the lakes if they refuse to undertake a biosecurity check if requested.
Councillor Craw says gold clams are an issue because they are filter feeders that can potentially compete with native species for food.
Gold clam populations can also clog water-based infrastructure including electric generation facilities, irrigation systems and water treatment plants.
Native to Eastern Asia, the clam is widely established in North and South America and Europe where it has become a pest.
“It’s a highly invasive pest that reproduces rapidly – up to 400 juveniles a day and up to 70,000 a year.”
Councillor Craw says the clams reproduce rapidly and tiny gold clam larvae – just 0.2mm in size – can survive out of water for up to 10 days, making them challenging to manage
“It’s important for all users of freshwater to follow the Check, Clean, Dry method for boats and gear to prevent their spread.”
“It is hard, if not impossible, to fully empty and dry boat ballast tanks, which means the clam can survive between boating sites.”
“Best practice is to use a high-pressure steam cleaner or a power wash on to grass or gravel where there is no likelihood of runoff entering back into a waterway or stormwater system.”
“For absorbent materials, such as lifejackets or waders, they must be frozen overnight, or washed with a five percent bleach solution, or washed in hot water (45C degrees plus) for 20 minutes.”
Meanwhile, Cr Craw says under a Ministry for Primary Industries ‘Controlled Area Notice’ (CAN) all wake boats that have been in the controlled stretch of the Waikato River (from the Whakamaru Dam to the outflow at Port Waikato) must not be used in any other waterways outside the controlled area.
“This means no wake boats that have been used on this stretch of the Waikato River can be brought to Northland.”
Similarly, any other boats or gear used on this stretch of the river must have an updated Check, Clean and Dry process before moving it from the controlled area to another freshwater environment or brackish water.
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Disasters – New Zealand Defence Force Support to Vanuatu

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

The New Zealand Defence Force is providing assistance to Vanuatu following yesterday’s 7.3 magnitude earthquake and is establishing an air bridge taking emergency workers, equipment and supplies to Port Vila.

Crew on a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon today conducted a surveillance flight over key infrastructure sites in Port Vila, such as the airport, runway and port, as well as immediate surrounding islands. 

The P-8A will overnight in Fiji and the crew will conduct another surveillance flight tomorrow.

Imagery from the flights will be used to help authorities understand the extent of the damage. Vanuatu has declared a state of emergency following the earthquake. Fourteen people have been confirmed as dead with more than 200 injured, with authorities anticipating the toll will rise.

An RNZAF Hercules aircraft departed RNZAF Base Auckland at Whenuapai this afternoon, carrying Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) personnel, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff, and equipment to Vanuatu. 

A second Hercules is also being scheduled to depart early tomorrow, with staff from other government agencies along with two NZDF personnel who will be part of a planning team assisting with the emergency response. More equipment and stores for the emergency response will also be loaded on the aircraft.

Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Rob Krushka, said the NZDF was ready to provide to further assistance to Vanuatu.

“We have personnel and platforms on stand-by to respond, and planning is ongoing to provide what Vanuatu needs,’’ he said.

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AEWV changes: Welcome action on key pain points to support access to and development of critical workforce pipelines

Source: RCSA

RCSA, the peak body for recruitment, consulting and staffing in New Zealand, has welcomed changes announced by government yesterday to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for 2025.

RCSA’s CEO, Charles Cameron, said the changes demonstrated the government had heard industry concerns around key pain points that exist within the AEWV.  He said business would be pleased the changes prioitised streamlining and improving processes associated with bringing skilled workers into New Zealand to support key infrastructure projects and the broader economy.

Key outcomes, including the reduction of domestic workforce requirements for certain construction occupations and measures to streamline visa processing, mark an important step forward for both private and public sector construction projects, which continue to face labour shortages.

Under the new changes, the domestic workforce requirement for triangular employers hiring specific construction roles will move back into line with workforce requirements for other occupation types from 2025. This shift acknowledges the challenges faced by employers in sourcing local talent for critical roles and allows for greater flexibility in filling gaps with skilled international workers.

“These changes represent a crucial outcome for our members, particularly those operating in construction and infrastructure,” says RCSA CEO Charles Cameron

“Reducing the domestic workforce requirement will help accelerate construction projects across both the private and public sectors, alleviating delays caused by labour shortages and ensuring critical work progresses efficiently.”

In addition to the construction workforce relief, RCSA also commends the focus on streamlining AEWV processes and addressing known pain points. Immigration New Zealand’s commitment to operational redesign will allow for faster visa processing, particularly for lower-risk employers and applications. With processing delays being a key concern for many employers, this outcome has been widely welcomed across the recruitment industry.

Further positive changes announced include:

A reduction in experience requirements for migrant workers from three years to two, effective March 2025.
The removal of the median wage requirement, replaced with a reliance on New Zealand’s minimum wage and market rates.
An increase in visa duration for ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles to three years, effective March 2025.
MSD requirements transitioning to a declaration-based system, removing the need for evidential documentation during the Job Check process.

“These reforms reflect the government’s responsiveness to industry feedback,” says Cameron.

 “The reduction in red tape, alongside streamlined processes and clearer pathways for skilled international workers, will greatly benefit employers, recruiters and key sectors struggling with labour shortages. The emphasis on practical solutions, such as experience requirement reductions and increased visa durations, demonstrates a clear understanding of workforce needs in our current economic environment.”

RCSA is keen to see how these changes, and the reduction in red tape, will positively impact the labour market by improving workforce accessibility, boosting productivity,and supporting critical projects.

“We look forward to watching how this unfolds over the coming year and will continue to monitor and work alongside Immigration New Zealand to ensure the reforms are implemented effectively.”

About RCSA – RCSA is the peak industry body for recruitment and staffing in Australia and New Zealand representing over 1400 Corporate and Individual Members.

RCSA promotes and facilitates professional practice in recruitment and staffing.  It sets benchmarks for industry standards through representation, education, research and advisory support to member businesses and professionals who are bound by the RCSA Code for Professional Conduct.   RCSA’s StaffSure certification program helps business, government, and workers to identify and partner with professional staffing organisations.

RCSA is a proud member of the World Employment Confederation, the voice of the employment industry globally, representing labour market enablers across 50 countries.

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Fire Safety – Fireworks banned on Port Hills, Banks Peninsula and Kaitorete Spit this summer

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has imposed a temporary ban on all fireworks and sky lantern activity on the Port Hills, Banks Peninsula, and Kaitorete Spit from 12pm, Friday 20 December to 8am, 6 January 2025.
Canterbury District Commander Dave Stackhouse says the ban uses Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency Act to reduce the chances of a large fire getting started in those areas.
“Historically, fireworks have frequently been let off in these areas, especially in spots which are popular with holiday visitors,” he says.
“We do have a history of large fires in this part of Canterbury, which is why we banned fireworks on the Port Hills and on Banks Peninsula last summer.
“That almost eradicated the number of fires caused by fireworks over the holiday period, so we’re doing it again this year, and adding Kaitorete Spit to the ban as well.”
Dave Stackhouse says that the devastating fire on the Port Hills in February this year was not something he ever wants to see again.
“Unfortunately, we’re still expecting higher temperatures and westerlies over the next couple of months, which will keep drying out vegetation and contribute to the fire risk in Canterbury,” he says.
“Fast-spreading grass fires are our greatest concern on the Port Hills and Banks Peninsula.
“It only takes one spark to start a wildfire, and that spark is preventable. We’re asking all residents and visitors to the region to help us keep Canterbury free of preventable fires this summer.”
Last week, Fire and Emergency imposed a restricted fire season in the Canterbury District, which means anyone who wants to light an open-air fire needs an authorised permit, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz .
“If you’re considering undertaking any fire-related or spark-making activity, you need to go to www.checkitsalright.nz to see what restrictions are in place before you get started,” he says.
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Short-Sighted Funding Call: NZ’s Esports and Athletes Left in the Cold leading into Olympics

Source: NZ Esport

“Perhaps they just don’t get it?” NZ Esport President Conor English said today following a letter from High performance New Zealand Director of High Performance, Steve Tew, totally rejecting all funding for esports in New Zealand leading into the first ever esport Olympics in 2025.

“High Performance Sport NZ’s latest funding plan for 2024 -2028 has totally rejected one of the country’s fastest-growing and internationally successful sporting communities: esports. Despite a track record of Kiwi gamers stepping onto global podiums, these achievements have been brushed aside, casting serious doubt on whether New Zealand is serious about embracing a critical and growing part of the future of sport.

“This withdrawal of support comes at a critical moment. In 2025, the International Olympic Committee will debut the Olympic Esports Games, its newest Olympic event to run alongside the Summer and Winter Olympics. It will run every two years, showcasing top digital athletes on a world stage. New Zealand’s decision to pull back just as this global spotlight shines on esports could leave Kiwi competitors without the resources they need to maintain their competitive edge, and New Zealand on the back foot.

“While traditional sports will receive millions, esports—previously considered in the “aspirational” sports category—has also been cut from support altogether. Over the last three years, Kiwi esports received $15,000 in services spread thinly across the three-year period. During this time, local talent did well on the global stage: Kate McCarthy claimed gold at the UCI Cycling Esports World Championships, Liam Dimock earned gold at the America’s Cup eSailing Series, and Reagan Kelly took bronze at the Global Esports Games for Street Fighter. Kiwi representatives have qualified for every major international esports event over the last three years, proving their place among the world’s elite.

“The reality is that young New Zealanders are increasingly drawn to esports. Recent research shows that those under 34 are more likely to watch an esports event than traditional sports, and the gap continues to grow. Far from being sedentary screen-dwellers, survey data from NZ Esports in 2024 shows that students involved in esports are twice as likely to participate in physical sport each week than non-esports players—shattering outdated stereotypes. Schools across the country recognise this, using esports as a gateway to engage students in sport, teach teamwork, respect, and discipline.

“By rejecting our application and then withdrawing the small amount of existing support ($5000 a year) High Performance Sport NZ is sending a message that innovation and proven success mean little. We’ve shown that esports can produce genuine Kiwi champions who unite fans and inspire the next generation. Turning away now is simply a step backwards.

“Perhaps they just don’t get it?

“For some it seems challenging to get their heads around it. The world of sport is evolving, and New Zealand should be looking forwards, not backwards. This is incredibly disappointing. Can’t we do any better than zero dollars to support our E Blacks participation as we progress into a whole new Olympic movement?

“As esports surges ahead globally, New Zealand seems determined to stay rooted in old thinking!  
 
“We appreciate the Minister of Sport has a lot on his plate, but we hope the government is more progressive than this decision suggests. Our sports funding officials need to get up with the play,” Mr English concluded.

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VANUATU: Save the Children gravely concerned for children and families in Vanuatu after multiple earthquakes

Source: Save the Children

Save the Children is gravely concerned for the safety and wellbeing of children and families in Vanuatu in the aftermath of two major earthquakes that have caused widespread destruction in the capital Port Vila.
The Government of Vanuatu has confirmed at least 14 people have been killed and hundreds more injured, after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Vanuatu, 37km from the capital, Port Vila, just after midday on Tuesday, December 17, followed by a magnitude 5.5 earthquake at around 05:00 on Wednesday, December 18. With communication lines still down, the full extent of the devastation remains unclear, but the earthquakes have damaged key infrastructure and buildings in Port Vila, including schools and hospitals, with rescue operations currently underway for people trapped under debris and collapsed buildings.
Early estimates from the Vanuatu Government indicate up to 80,000 people are residing within the affected population areas. Early data suggests approximately 23,000 vulnerable individuals are in urgent need, highlighting the immediate risks to children, who are always the most vulnerable in times of disaster.
Vanuatu’s caretaker Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, declared a state of emergency on Tuesday evening and called for international assistance.
Save the Children’s Pacific Regional Director Kim Koch says:
“We are deeply saddened to hear reports that at least 14 people have been killed and hundreds more injured in major earthquakes that struck near Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, causing widespread destruction, including damage to critical infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, and damaging telecommunication and transport services,” she said.
“While we still don’t know the full extent of the devastation, it’s clear that this has been a major disaster and that children, who are already the most vulnerable in times of crisis, need immediate support, ensuring they have access to shelter, food and water, and healthcare.
“It’s critical we focus on the immediate needs of children and their families, but we must also begin to think about their long-term recovery. Rebuilding schools, ensuring access to education, and providing mental health support to children are essential steps in the recovery process.
“We are committed to working with the Government of Vanuatu as well as donor countries such as Australia, to support local communities in their recovery, ensuring that children’s rights, health, and safety are prioritised in the response efforts.”
Save the Children has a long history of responding to emergencies in the Pacific and Vanuatu and is currently supporting the Vanuatu Government to assess the earthquake’s impact and stand ready to support the communities we serve. We will be guided by the National Disaster Management Office’s plan for response.
Through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership’s Disaster READY Program, funded by the Australian Government, Save the Children is also working with communities across Vanuatu to develop disaster preparedness plans and conduct drills to prepare for emergencies.
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Northland News – Shaka-laka-boom! NRC on track to receive its first-ever professional working possum dog

Source: Northland Regional Council

A friendly, fit-for-purpose canine is set to become Northland Regional Council’s (NRC) first-ever Certified Possum Detection Dog (CPDD), after passing its NZ Conservation Dogs Programme interim certification last month.
‘Shaka’ – an almost two-year-old Hungarian Vizsla x German Short Haired Pointer (GSP) – has been undergoing the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) Conservation Dogs Programme since he was four -months old and is now on track to becoming a fully certified pest detection dog specialising in possums.
If successful in gaining full certification, Shaka and his handler/trainer Gaelyn Dewhurst, NRC’s Predator Free 2050 Limited (PF2050) Biosecurity Officer, will become the council’s first certified dog handler team and Shaka, one of only a handful of CPDD in the country.
Dewhurst says the lead up to interim certification (likened to a provisional driver’s licence) had been focused on obedience training and understanding Shaka’s motivation to work, with a key focus on whether he had shown an interest in birds, including kiwi.
With the interim certificate now under their belt, Dewhurst says the goal is to get out into selected areas around Whangārei Heads and to strengthen Shaka’s scent training to master possum detection.
“Shaka is bred to use his nose and is already showing he knows what he’s doing, so his training moving forward will be to refine that, and for me to learn to read him and work on shaping his natural indication and pointing behaviour,” Dewhurst says.
“In order for Shaka to gain the full certification, I’ll have to show he can follow my commands and his ability to pick up possum scent without getting distracted by other scents.”
The introduction of Shaka as a possum eradication tool comes after three years of planning and discussion with community groups as part of the Predator Free Whangārei Possum Elimination project.
The project aims to remove possums from more than 9000 hectares across the Whangārei Heads peninsula, with the use of a CPDD set to become increasingly important when building possum ‘proof of absence’ and responding quickly to incursions.
In addition to eradicating possums, the project also supports decades of conservation efforts from locals to bolster the Kiwi population, which has grown from 80 to 1185 at Whangārei Heads.
Given Northland’s high kiwi population, Dewhurst says choosing the right breed of dog had been a critical and carefully considered process, guided by discussions between NRC and a local Dog Advisory Group (DAG).
She says because the Hungarian Vizsla x GSP is a non-aggressive breed that will stop, point or ‘indicate’ with its head towards the direction of a possum (as opposed to actively hunting it down), this made Shaka the right type of dog for the role.
“Where uncontrolled, domestic dogs pose a risk to ground-dwelling wildlife, such as kiwi, correctly trained and professionally handled dogs like Shaka can be a highly valuable and specialised conservation asset,” Dewhurst said.
“As part of Shaka’s certification standards, he will be required to wear a muzzle and conservation vest when out working in the field.”
In terms of the elimination process, when a possum scent is found, Dewhurst will drop a dog symbol on a GPS field map, rating the indication as either low, medium or high.
Shaka indicating a possum up a tree, for example, would be considered high, and depending on the location, either the field team or Dewhurst would leave a trap to capture the possum.
Regional councillor Jack Craw, who chairs the council’s Biosecurity and Biodiversity Working Party, says eliminating that many possums would be no easy feat, but having a tool like Shaka would be hugely advantageous for Northland, with many areas carrying out possum elimination projects.
“We acknowledge the community has worked very hard with kiwi recovery in the Whangārei Heads, so Shaka has been selected and is being trained to be able to work in this sensitive environment,” Cr Craw says.
“The elimination project works with the various conservation groups in the Whangārei Heads and has an overwhelming amount of support from landowners.
“Having a CPDD has become an in-demand resource, so building the internal capacity for NRC will be cost and time efficient for both the project and the region.”
The use of conservation pest detection dogs in biosecurity and biodiversity has proven to be a highly useful tool in supporting conservation outcomes, with each dog specialising in a target species.
“Using detector dogs is extremely cost-effective at low pest densities, saving both money and staff time,” Cr Craw says.
New Zealand was the first country in the world to use dogs in conservation, with Richard Henry pioneering this work in the 1890s.
In the 1990s, Northlander Scott Theobald started using dogs to help detect stoat activity in Trounson Kauri Park, which was the first time a conservation dog was used to search for pest species.
To stay up to date and learn more, follow the Predator Free Whangārei on Facebook or visit their website, predatorfreewhangarei.nz
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Disasters – Fire and Emergency New Zealand sends a team to assist with Vanuatu earthquake

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is sending 34 Urban Search and Rescue personnel, alongside one Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) liaison, to Vanuatu today to help with the devastation caused by a 7.4 magnitude earthquake yesterday afternoon.
National Commander Russell Wood says following a request from MFAT, the team is leaving New Zealand today headed for Port Vila to support the Government of Vanuatu response.
“Our highly skilled team is led by Urban Search and Rescue Team Leader Ken Cooper,” Russell Wood says.
“Their focus will be on executing urban search and rescue operations to support the local emergency management agency.”
“Our thoughts are with our neighbours in the Pacific and everyone impacted by this tragic event,” Russell Wood says.
“We were happy to answer the call for help and are working closely with MFAT should Vanuatu request further support.”
The team is prepared for remaining in Vanuatu for up to 14 days.