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

Source: Heritage New Zealand

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

Totara Estate would like to acknowledge the support of Gallaway Cook Allan , the National Lamb Day team and The Better Drinks Company in putting together this event.
From minus zero to hero
It was a big gamble sending a load of frozen meat from New Zealand to London in 1882.
Besides the huge investment of actually prepping the first export shipment, the sheer size of the cargo versus the logistics of carrying coal for the long trip made a steam-powered ship impractical, and so the cargo had to travel for three months under sail. Success of the mission depended on the onboard refrigeration system running well.
Fortunately the man at the helm of the Dunedin was Captain John Whitson, who had taken the time to read up on refrigeration prior to leaving New Zealand. A good thing too. On the way, the ship was becalmed in the tropics and the crew noticed that the cold air in the hold was not circulating, endangering the meat.
Whitson crawled into the hold, sawed some extra air holes to improve the flow of cold air in order to keep the temperature low, though almost froze to death in the process. Thankfully the crew managed to haul him out of the freezer and resuscitate him.
As a result of Whitson’s determination, the ship arrived with its cargo in excellent condition. Only one carcass had to be condemned. 
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Local News – Waimate waste incinerator plan fails 11 February 2025

Source: Zero Waste Network

The Waimate incinerator project will not proceed as planned. The sale and purchase agreement for the land has lapsed, and the landowner has said the incinerator does not meet its plans for future growth. The incinerator “Project Kea” by South Island Resource Recovery Ltd has been opposed by the Zero Waste Network and community group Why Waste Waimate for the past three and a half years.

“We are thrilled that this project is not going ahead. The community of Waimate and local iwi, Te Rūnanga o Waihao, have worked tirelessly to ensure that this toxic project never sees the light of day,” said Dorte Wray, General Manager of the Zero Waste Network.

“This incinerator project has no social license to operate. It would never get resource consent under normal conditions given its widespread air pollution and climate impacts. The project was included on the Fast Track list meaning that community concerns, human health and environmental considerations would all have been disregarded in favour of the company’s claimed economic benefits.”

“The Zero Waste Network does not support waste incineration because it locks us into the production of waste. Incinerators require huge capital investment that would be better spent building the waste minimisation infrastructure we need to actually solve our waste crisis and build in the reuse of valuable materials. Incinerators are the old ‘business-as-usual’ linear model of take-make-waste. They are not a realistic solution to the real challenges we face.”

“The use of the term ‘waste-to-energy’ is almost always an industry sales pitch for burning rubbish, and it represents some of the dirtiest forms of power on earth. A recent UK investigation revealed their so-called ‘waste to energy’ plants that were worse than coal fired power plants.”

“We pay our deep respects to all of the community of Waimate, to the people of Waihao marae, and to our allies in the movement for a zero waste, zero carbon Aotearoa NZ. We say ‘regenerate, don’t incinerate!’”

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Health and Fitness – Postie Bike Challenge – from delivering mail to delivering a vital message for kiwi males – Prostate Foundation

Source: Prostate Cancer Foundation

It takes a special kind of human to load up a small motorbike, with a top speed of 80 km/hr, and head off from one end of the country to the other. But that’s exactly what an intrepid group of self-described “Mild Hogs” all on the wrong side of 50, are doing to make a difference to those affected by the most commonly diagnosed cancer in kiwi men – prostate cancer.
The Mild Hogs Charity Motorcycle Ride aka the ‘Postie Bike Challenge’ will see the six hogs (Brian, Murray, Martin, Ian, Julian and Scott) embark on a 12-day 2,500 km odyssey on 109cc motorbikes designed for delivering mail – the trusty Honda NBC110 – without a support vehicle or backup.
“It could be a long journey, but we all felt the need for a good adventure and it’s all in aid of a good cause,” said Hog spokesperson Ian Pringle.
Behind this two-wheeled adventure a serious issue – 1 in 8 kiwis will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, it is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country and the second leading cause of cancer death in NZ men.
“This is why the Postie Bike Challenge is so important and why we are very proud and grateful to the Mild Hogs for raising awareness of the disease and vital funds for those affected by it” said Peter Dickens, Chief Executive of Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ.
In a valiant display of spirit (or perhaps a touch of madness?) these daring souls will stamp their mark on men’s health, avoiding motorways, salads and late nights. From the majestic Cape Reinga (16 th February) they will traverse the heart of the North Island, the charming North Canterbury, onward to the breathtaking Central Otago via the rugged West Coast, to arrive at Bluff – culminating at Bluff on 27 th February -signed, sealed, and delivered.
“I have very fond memories of waiting for important news to arrive in the letterbox delivered by my friendly postie on their trusty bike, little did I know that years later six intrepid men would be making such an amazing effort on these same machines, in support of all those affected by prostate cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand”, says Peter Dickens.
Through their efforts, the Mild Hogs will be making a real difference to those diagnosed, and their families, helping to provide vital support and raising awareness of the disease as they traverse the country. We’re very grateful and humbled by their efforts and will be cheering them on in every town they visit along the way.
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Social Issues – Disability support services consultation underway – from Invercargill to Whangarei

Source: Ministry of Social Development

People in the disability community are invited to have their say in a six-week consultation that begins this week and runs until 24 March 2025.
Disability Support Services was transferred from the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha to the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) last year, after an Independent Review recommended changes to stabilise the system.
The head of Disability Support Services at MSD, Chris Bunny, says feedback is being sought on specific proposals for change.
“We are seeking feedback on:
  • how needs are assessed, and decisions made on how support is allocated
  • options for changes to flexible funding.
“My message to the disability community is I know the changes of last year have been difficult for some people, and this year we want to make progress on strengthening the disability support system for disabled people, their whānau and carers.
“We are working to stabilise disability support services so they are more fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable.
“This is a major round of consultation which builds on what the disabled community told us in a survey late last year.
“There’s lots of different ways people can have their say.
“In-person workshops will be held in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton, Invercargill, Lower Hutt, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Porirua, Rotorua, Wellington, and Whangarei.
In addition, people can attend an online workshop, make a written or video submission, or complete an online survey. There are also DIY resources for people or organisations who want to host their own workshops to support their submissions.
“Please register to book your place for a workshop in-person or online. You can do that at the Disability Support Services website, disabilitysupport.govt.nz
“We’ve released a discussion document outlining the issues and proposals on the way forward.
“Your feedback will help Government to make decisions to stabilise services, before considering further work to strengthen those supports,” says Mr Bunny.
Editor’s notes
What is this consultation about?
The consultation is focused on essential disability support people receive after an assessment from a Needs Assessment Service Coordination provider, or an Enabling Good Lives site.
While everyone is welcome to participate, Disability Support Services especially want to hear from people receiving these services and whānau, carers, and advocates. 
The changes under discussion do not apply to people who only receive supports from other agencies, such as ACC, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transport, or Work and Income. 
What is being proposed?
Needs assessments
  • Improving how the tool reflects the diversity of disability
  • Proposals that the needs of family/whānau become part of the assessment
  • Making sure services continue to meet their needs – how often should supports be reviewed or reassessed?
  • Proposal that NASCs identify supports that are available through other agencies and provide guidance on how these can be accessed
Flexible Funding – two options
  • Option 1 – Linking flexible funding to the person’s plan, with oversight of how it is used
  • Option 2 – Adjust current lists of what can and can’t be funded using flexible funding.
There are also proposals to introduce criteria for receiving flexible funding, and questions on what these should be.
How do people register for workshops?
Can media attend workshops or film them?
Community consultation will begin with a presentation followed by work in smaller groups. To protect the privacy of those attending, these events are closed to media, unless reporters are there in a personal capacity to take part in the consultation. However , you may wish to talk to people outside the venue if you would like to.
Is the consultation going to be accessible?
Yes, alternate formats are available of the discussion document summary, including Easy Read, Braille, Audio, Large Print and New Zealand Sign Language. There are also translations in te reo Māori, Samoan, and Tongan.
We will also have sign language interpreters at our in-person and online workshops.
Venues for our in-person workshops have been selected because they are accessible, including access points, toilets, and the working spaces themselves.
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Calling rangatahi changemakers: Applications now open for Save the Children’s 2025 Youth Ambassador programme

Source: Save the Children

Save the Children is searching for passionate young changemakers to join Generation Hope New Zealand, an inspiring youth leadership programme that empowers rangatahi aged 14 – 18 to take action for children’s rights and global issues.
Now more than ever, young people need the support, skills, and opportunities to make their voices heard. From leading workshops and hosting panel discussions to advocacy and engaging with political leaders. Generation Hope Youth Ambassadors take real action to shape a fairer world.
“This programme really stands out as an opportunity for young people to not only learn about the work of Save the Children and their own rights but also to feel empowered to act – for themselves, their peers, and their wider communities,” says Vira Paky, Save the Children NZ’s Youth Engagement Co-ordinator.
“Bringing together like-minded young people who care about fairness, education, and community creates an unparalleled environment. Watching the friendships and knowledge blossom from this programme is such a privilege.”
Through Generation Hope, youth ambassadors receive leadership training, advocacy skills, and a platform to drive meaningful change. During the programme, past members have held youth-led events and panel discussions, met with politicians, including presenting children’s climate action messages to Ministers at Parliament. Past members have gone on to set up their own youth councils and youth-led organisations.
“Generation Hope allowed me to form so many friendships with so many other young people willing to advocate for the issues in their communities, that I’m sure will last for many years to come.” says Generation Hope alumna Annamieka.
“Just go for it and apply,” says Generation Hope alumna Cassie. “There’s nothing for you to lose and everything for you to gain.”
SCNZ Media and Communications Director Amie Richardson is currently travelling for work. For interviews, please contact Advocacy and Research Director Jacqui Southey on 027 647 7004.  About Save the Children NZ: Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected. Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.
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Universities – Covid strategies ‘fell short’ for Pacific people, research finds – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Research on the impacts of Covid-19 highlights high death rates among Pacific people in Aotearoa and the need to provide better support in the future.

A report has just been publicly released – Pacific contribution to the New Zealand COVID-19 response – Strengths, Weaknesses and Missed Opportunities.

It notes that despite the overall success of New Zealand’s response to Covid, Pacific people were hard hit and the response failed to target their needs adequately, says research lead, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, co-director of Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa – Centre for Pacific and Global Health at the University of Auckland.

“Despite clear and consistent evidence related to the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Pacific communities, the national response fell short of engaging with Pacific leaders, instead adopting a generic ‘one size fits all’ approach,” the report states.

Pacific people were twice as likely to be hospitalised with Covid as non-Pacific and non-Māori in Aotearoa, according to the research, which was funded by the Ministry of Health and carried out by the Centre for Pacific and Global Health and two Pacific health and social service providers, the Pasifika Medical Association and the Fono.

A far higher percentage of Pacific people aged under 80 died within 28 days of being reported as a case, than those aged under 80 in other ethnic groups. Of the people aged under 59 years who died within 28 days of being reported as a case, 20 percent were Pacific, compared to eight percent of those categorised as European/other ethnicities of the same age.

The experiences of 147 Pacific people were gathered for the report, which states the virus and ensuing lockdowns took a significant toll on the mental health of all the participants.

Media coverage named a Pacific church as central to a large Covid cluster in August 2021, fuelling “racist vilification” of the Sāmoan community, stigma and discrimination, the report says.

“Government officials, media and Pacific community leaders need to collaborate closely and quickly to prevent similar occurrences of racism from media reports for future pandemics,” it states.

Many Pacific people were essential workers, who experienced fear and anxiety of the virus, in addition to racism.

The challenges of lockdowns and self-isolation were exacerbated for many Pacific families living in multi-generational households.

“The findings from the Covid-19 global pandemic emphasise the existing socioeconomic disparities, such as overcrowded living conditions, high rates of co-morbidities, and delayed access to healthcare, contributing to the disproportionate impact on Pacific and Māori communities.

“Recognising and addressing these structural inequalities are essential components of any comprehensive public health strategy aimed at mitigating the impact of pandemics on vulnerable populations,” the report states.

About 28 percent of Pacific peoples felt they couldn’t access mental health support during alert levels two, three and four, and 26 percent felt they could not access healthcare.

The report recommends that in the future, Pacific health services be given clear guidelines as soon as possible, so they can begin outreach work with Pacific communities and ensure patients still receive healthcare for long-term conditions.

It recommends reviewing policies on hospital visitors, because these were the most challenging of all protective measures for Pacific families.

Plans should enable Pacific communities to establish testing and vaccination centres at the beginning of an outbreak and factor in mental health impacts.

The importance of the church in offering guidance, combating misinformation and offering social support during a pandemic is highlighted in the reports.

While vaccine uptake was initially slow among Pacific people, 95 percent were fully vaccinated by December 2021. About 68 percent of the participants said caring for family motivated their decision to get vaccinated.

Pacific households faced disproportionate economic hardship during 2020 compared to the general population, with 18 percent of households losing half of their income or more.

Education also suffered, as online learning replaced classroom teaching. The research found 20 percent of Pacific students did not have or did not know if they had access to a device at home for distance learning.

“Long-term impacts of loss in learning and disengagement from school require further investigation,” the report states.

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Housing Market Trends – Intriguing year ahead for the housing market – Quality Valuation

Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

One month in and QV operation manager James Wilson says 2025 is already shaping up to be an intriguing year for the housing market – though you wouldn’t necessarily know it from looking at our latest figures.

The latest QV House Price Index shows that residential property values have once again increased slightly, edging upward by an average of 1.3% nationally in the January quarter. The average home is now worth $913,567, which is just 1.3% less than the same time last year and 14.1% below the market’s peak in late 2021.

“On the surface, we’re seeing a continuation in 2025 of the overwhelmingly flat theme that we saw throughout much of last year. This is to be expected, given the economic factors at play – namely high interest rates and credit constraints, sustained weakness in the labour market, and an oversupply of properties available for sale,” Mr Wilson said.

“However, we are also seeing less home value reductions now and what little growth there is does appear to be trending ever so slightly upward. At the same time, mortgage rates are falling and property sales volumes are building, which could pave the way for more substantial growth later this year. That won’t happen overnight, of course, but we will be actively monitoring this space with interest – as I’m sure many sellers, purchasers and investors will be throughout 2025.”

Of the main urban areas QV monitors across New Zealand Aotearoa, only three have recorded modest reductions this quarter – Whangarei (-0.3%), Hastings (-0.3%), and Queenstown (-1.5%). Otherwise, Auckland (1.4%), Hamilton (2.3%), Tauranga (1.4%), Napier (2.9%), Dunedin (2.3%) and especially Invercargill (3.8%) all recorded above-average increases in home value throughout the three months to the end of January 2025.

“Value strengthening across these main urban areas throughout the summer has propped up the nationwide results to some degree, with increased competition amongst buyers helping to stabilise and slowly strengthen home values,” said Mr Wilson.

However, he pointed out that there had also been an “uptick” this year in the number of properties available for sale across most centres nationwide, providing buyers with ample choice.

“Summer is traditionally the peak season for buying and selling, so it’s unsurprising to see more buyers and sellers in the market, especially as economic circumstances improve. What will be interesting to see is how long it takes for this excess stock to be absorbed, because that’s when we will see demand start to push prices up in a more substantial way. Once again, this will not happen overnight, but further interest rate reductions will certainly quicken the process.”

“For now, the cost of borrowing remains relatively restrictive, and the economy and therefore job market is still doing it tough. Investors and owner-occupiers are showing increasing interest in the property market but remain cautious overall, while first-home buyers are continuing to make up a larger proportion of the market in the meantime,” Mr Wilson concluded.

Download a high resolution version of the latest QV value map here. (ref. https://qv.us9.list-manage.com/track/click?u=7ea78a69a1f7991bf60632008&id=1c4137c6c2&e=12a3161b1f )

Northland

It has been a relatively flat start to the year for Northland’s housing market.

Home values eased downward by 0.2% across the wider region in January. And even on a longer timescale of a quarter, home values are only 0.6% higher than they were three months ago.

The average home value in the Far North is now $686,294, which is 2.8% lower than the same time last year. In Whangarei, the average value is $716,289, which is 3% less than the same time last year. The average home in Kaipara is worth $842,269, down 1.1% over the last 12 months.

Auckland

All bar one of the Super City’s seven former local council areas recorded a small rise in average home value this quarter.

The largest gains occurred this quarter on the North Shore (2.6%), in Auckland’s central suburbs (1.8%) and in Manukau (1.8%). Papakura was the lone exception; its average home value reduced by 0.8% to $880,173.

Taken as a whole, the region’s average home value increased by 1.4% throughout the January quarter to $1,245,951 – up slightly from the 1.3% quarterly growth recorded back in December. The average home in the Auckland region is now worth 3.5% less than the same time last year, and 19.2% less than the market’s peak in late 2021. The one-month change was just 0.1%.

Local QV registered valuer Hugh Robson said activity levels still remained relatively low, despite there being a growing number of properties available for purchase.

 “January has tended to be a very quiet month, possibly due to the summer holidays. Reports from agents have been mixed – some say it is pretty dead, while others think it’s slowly picking up. We should have a better idea of the market by the end of February,” he said.

Bay of Plenty

It hasn’t been the hottest start to summer for Tauranga’s housing market.

Home values have increased by an average of just 1.4% this quarter. The city’s average home value is now $1,017,097, which is 1.1% less than the same time last year.

Meanwhile, average home values have also increased this quarter in Rotorua (0.6%), Whakatane (1%) and especially Opotiki (2.2%).

Waikato

The housing market remains flat-to-gently-rising across the wider Waikato region.

Home values have lifted by 1.2% on average this quarter, with Thames-Coromandel (3.1%), Hauraki (2.7%), Hamilton (2.1%) and South Waikato (5.9%) performing above average.

However, a number of districts have recorded average home value reductions this quarter, including Matamata-Piako (-0.2%), Waipa (-1.8%), Otorohanga (-1.5%), Waitomo (-0.1%) and Taupo (-2.1%).

Taranaki

‘Flat’ remains the best word to describe the current home value trend in Taranaki.

Although values have increased modestly across the region by 1.3% this quarter, there was no growth on average during the month of January itself.

New Plymouth’s average home value is now $720,831, which is 0.7% higher than the same time last year. South Taranaki and Stratford are both still showing negative home value growth annually of 0.3% and 2.3% respectively.

Hawke’s Bay

The twin cities of Napier and Hastings have recorded very different quarters.

The average home value increased by 2.9% to $753,155 this quarter in Napier, and it reduced by 0.3% to $771,382 this quarter in Hastings.

Annually, home values in Napier are now 1% lower on average, and they are 3.2% less than the same time last year in Hastings.

Palmerston North

Home values continue to gently rise in Palmerston North.

January marked Palmerston North’s fourth month of growth in a row. The city’s average home value increased by 1.1% this quarter to reach $638,441.

That figure is 1.1% lower than at the same time last year and 17.7% less than the local housing market’s peak three years ago.

Wairarapa

Home values have gently fallen across the Wairarapa region during the month of January.

Masterton’s average home value decreased by 1.1% to $574,342 last month. At the same time, Carterton’s average home value also decreased by 0.6% to $629,499, and the average home value in South Wairarapa reduced by 1.1% to $771,529.

Wellington

Home values remain relatively static in the Wellington region.

The average home increased in value by just 0.5% throughout the three months to the end of January 2025 to reach $841,903. That figure is now 3% lower than the same time last year, and 23% lower than the market’s peak in late 2021.

Breaking the region down by local council area, the average home values in Kapiti Coast (3%) and Hutt City (0.9%) experienced some growth this quarter. Porirua (-0.3%) and Upper Hutt (-0.6%) recorded small quarterly losses, while Wellington City broke even.

QV senior consultant David Cornford said the region continued to face challenges. “While interest rates have decreased, other market forces such as high stock levels, increasing unemployment, lower net migration, and job insecurity is resulting in a largely soft market for the time being.”

“Wellington ended the year with a significant number of unsold properties. Now we are seeing a high number of properties being brought to the market in the New Year, increasing stock levels further. This is providing buyers with plenty of choice, reaffirming the fact that it remains a buyers’ market. Buyers generally have a lack of urgency and continue to take a cautious approach in their decisions,” Mr Cornford concluded.

Nelson

Nelson’s average home value has increased slightly for four consecutive months now.

Our latest figures show that the city’s average home increased in value by 1.2% this quarter to reach $789,580, including by 1% in the month of January itself. That average value is now 2% higher than the same time last year.

It is slightly more growth than in our previous QV House Price Index, which showed values grew by an average of 0.7% in the December quarter and by 0.2% in December itself.

West Coast

Housing figures on the West Coast continue to fluctuate from month to month as a result of low sales volumes.

However, on a longer time scale of a year, it is clear to see that home values in the region continue to hold up better than anywhere else. Average home values in Buller ($390,710), Grey ($461,806), and Westland ($470,108) are now 10.5%, 12.4%, and 8.5% higher annually respectively.

This is compared to a 1.3% annual decline in average home value nationally.

Canterbury

Christchurch’s average home value has increased slightly for the fourth straight month.

The city recorded a small 1.3% rise in average home value in the January quarter to reach $769,857. That figure is now 0.6% higher than the same time last year.

The average home value also lifted 1.3% to $717,399 this quarter in Waimakariri. Hurunui ($640,980) and Selwyn’s ($842,275) average home values also recorded smaller increases of 0.2% and 0.4% respectively.

Local QV senior consultant Olivia Brownie described these latest figures as being a “blend of stability and modest growth”. “As expected, we saw a dip in sales over the holiday period, yet a slight increase in the overall average home value,” she said.

“We anticipate a bit more growth over the summer months, attributed to factors such as lower mortgage rates and increased summer buyer activity. However, we still face market challenges and balancing growth prospects with prevailing economic challenges.”

Meanwhile, across the wider Canterbury region this quarter, the average home value in Ashburton increased by 0.8% to $569,159 and decreased by 1% to $530,585 in Timaru.

Otago

Residential property values also remain relatively stable across the Otago region.

Our latest QV House Price Index shows values in the region increased on average by just 0.5% this quarter. Central Otago (3.3%) and Dunedin (2.3%) performed above average; Clutha (-2%), Waitaki (-0.3%) and Queenstown (-1.5%) performed below average.

In the region’s largest city, Dunedin, the average home value is now $651,130, following three straight months of modest growth. The average home is now worth 2.8% more than the same time last year.

“The property market in Dunedin has been relatively stable compared to other New Zealand cities, showing resilience amid broader national trends,” said local QV registered valuer Rebecca Johnston. “It’s continues to be a buyers’ market with stable – albeit minimal – growth.”

“Demand appears to have weakened for higher density new build two-bedroom townhouses within the last several months, indicating that this market is currently somewhat saturated presently in Dunedin. Developers have recently introduced two-yearly rental guarantees, which have already been established in higher density townhouse developments areas elsewhere in the country.”

Queenstown

The average home value in Queenstown has experienced another small dip.

Our latest figures show that the average value reduced by 1.5% this quarter to $1,826,298. It follows a similar reduction of 1.4% in the three months to the end of December.

However, the tourist town’s average home value is still 1.1% higher than the same time last year.

Invercargill

Invercargill’s average home value has crossed the $500,000 mark for the first time.

Our latest QV House Price Index shows that the city’s average home value has increased this quarter by 3.8% to $500,286. That figure is 7.2% higher than the same time last year and now sits 0.4% above the local market’s previous peak in 2022.

Local QV registered valuer Andrew Ronald commented: “Invercargill’s housing market continues to demonstrate surprising resilience compared to New Zealand’s other main urban areas. I credit that to the strong local economy, which has been less affected by the current strong economic headwinds, and to the relatively low cost of home ownership here by national standards.”

“Looking ahead, I expect local home values will continue to slowly grow throughout 2025, despite relatively high interest rates and credit constraints continuing to put a dampener on things in the short and medium term.”

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Education – Ara and Lanzhou City University strengthen relationship

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

For many decades, Ara Institute of Canterbury has enjoyed strong connections with Lanzhou City University in Gansu province, north-west China.
The relationship grew out of the sister-city relationship between Christchurch and Gansu Province. Lanzhou City, on the banks of the Yellow River is the capital of the province.
During a visit to Ara amid both Chinese New Year and Waitangi Day celebrations, the leadership of both education providers expressed hopes for a new era in their relationship.
The LCU delegation included President Mr Gaonian Han, Director of Personnel Mr Dingjun Wang, Director of International Exchange Office Ms Xiaoxia Liu, Dean of School of Economics and Management Ms Jing Li and Associate Dean of School of Environment and Urban Development Mr Chao Wang.
Welcoming the group last Friday, Ara’s International Director Deanna Anderson was quick to honour their shared history but also expressed strong hopes for reinvigorating their close association. She said Covid had “impacted our longstanding relationship for too long”.
“It is time to reestablish our tradition of exchanges, both for language study and research, but also to share new ideas and bring them life,” she said, particularly noting the scope for growing cultural exchanges.
“Our sister-city relationship is strongly based on cultural exchange – we’d like to show you what Ara has to offer in this space.”
Expressing a keen interest in hosting a return delegation from Ara, LCU President Mr Gaonian Han said the relationship between the tertiary providers was one of the closest his university enjoyed. He reflected that their frequent exchanges and collaborations dated back to the 1980s with Ara students visiting LCU to learn Chinese, and LCU staff improving their English proficiency and teaching methods through Ara.
Mr Han said LCU was also seeking to further cultural exchanges at the tertiary level.
“I sincerely hope that the exchanges and cooperation between us will not only promote teaching and scientific research programmes and exchanges on both sides but also deepen and consolidate the friendship between China and New Zealand.”
His associates highlighted free study and accommodation and scholarship options on offer at LCU during their presentations.
Members of several Ara departments including Humanities, Creative Industries and Digital Technologies as well as Architectural Studies and Interior Design, presented to the delegation highlighting study options with scope for collaboration.
After an exchange of gifts, Ara’s International Market Sector Manager Andy Ge escorted the visitors on a tour of campus before they were formally welcomed into Te Puna Wānaka whare on campus for a hāngī lunch prepared by Level 5 cookery students. 
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Aotearoa Clinical Trials Expands to New Site in Botany, East Auckland, Strengthening Community Access to Clinical Trials

Source: Aotearoa Clinical Trials

Auckland, New Zealand – February 10, 2025 – Aotearoa Clinical Trials is pleased to announce the opening of a new, third site in Botany, East Auckland, expanding its reach and further cementing its commitment to the local community. This new standalone site will allow the clinical trial organisation to provide enhanced access to a diverse range of participants, while strategically supporting the Counties Manukau region’s rapidly growing population.
Why are clinical trials important to this community?
“Research is incredibly important as it provides pathways to addressing current health challenges. In Māoridom, research is akin to the role of a tohunga (expert or healer)-it represents foresight in the face of illness. As Māori, we all possess the taonga (treasure) of rangatiratanga (sovereignty and leadership); we have this foresight. I believe that my living data today is far more valuable to helping prevent disease than data collected after my death. You can’t solve a problem by only knowing that I died in my 50s from diabetes. It could have been prevented if I had been tested earlier. I believe that if I give the system my blood today, it will help them develop interventions, because prevention is better than cure”. Kaumaatua Robert Clark.
With significant growth in housing developments, infrastructure projects, and shopping centres, Botany is one of Auckland’s most thriving and dynamic areas. It is home to a vibrant, ethnically diverse community, making it an ideal location for Aotearoa Clinical Trials to continue its mission of bringing essential clinical research closer to the people it serves.
“We are excited to announce the expansion of our clinical trials into the Botany region,” said Ed Watson, CEO of Aotearoa Clinical Trials. “As we build our presence in East Auckland, we are not only responding to a clear need in the community but also aligning with our broader strategy to reach more individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially within Counties Manukau, one of New Zealand’s most multicultural regions. This site will play a crucial role in improving access to medical research for communities that need it the most.”
The Botany site will be staffed by a dedicated team of clinical investigators, who bring extensive experience in conducting high-quality clinical trials across various therapeutic areas. By offering increased access to a wide range of participants, the Botany location will help accelerate advancements in medical research while improving healthcare outcomes for local communities.
Aotearoa Clinical Trials’ expansion to Botany is part of a larger strategy to build deeper connections within the community through decentralised clinical trials (DCTs) and thereby providing access to participants in their communities. The organisation has plans to also collaborate with Pukekohe Hospital, extending its reach even further across the Counties Manukau area.
The addition of the Botany site brings a new level of convenience and access to East Auckland, which, in turn, will further strengthen the network of clinical trials available to the surrounding regions.
About Aotearoa Clinical Trials
Aotearoa Clinical Trials is a leading provider of clinical trial services in New Zealand, offering world-class research across many therapeutic areas from Phase I to Phase IV. With a focus on providing greater access to diverse populations, Aotearoa Clinical Trials partners with healthcare providers, sponsors, and local communities to deliver vital research that improves patient outcomes.
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BusinessNZ – Forging international partnerships in energy

Source: BusinessNZ

The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) recently hosted a delegation responsible for India’s electricity market to find a more sustainable energy future, together.
The delegation of commissioners, responsible for regulatory bodies in 26 regions across India, and New Zealand energy sector leaders explored key challenges, opportunities, and areas for potential collaboration in energy transition.
BEC Executive Director Tina Schirr says although New Zealand and India are vastly different in size, we share many of the same energy challenges.
“The conversation reinforced that energy transition is not just a technical challenge – it’s an economic and social one too. Growth and sustainability must go hand in hand, and international cooperation is critical in achieving this balance.
“India has experienced significant economic growth since the turn of the century. There is real opportunity for us to work closer together – particularly in workforce development.
“India produces more than one million engineering graduates each year, with deep expertise across energy-related fields. New Zealand will need a skilled workforce to meet its decarbonisation goals.
“India has the expertise and the capacity. Closer collaboration on workforce solutions could be a win-win for both countries.
“BEC remains committed to fostering international partnerships to support a secure, sustainable, and equitable energy future.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.