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Housing Market – Home value decline in December sums up 2024 – CoreLogic

Source: CoreLogic

Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand fell -0.2% in December, marking the ninth drop in the past 10 months, according to CoreLogic’s hedonic Home Value Index (HVI).

The national median value now stands at $803,624, which is 3.9% lower than a year ago and equivalent to a drop of around $32,200. New Zealand home values are also still 17.6% below the post-COVID peak, although 16.2% higher than the pre-COVID level from March 2020.
Around the main centres, a slightly more consistent picture is emerging, with Kirikiriroa Hamilton rising by 1.0% in December, Tauranga by 0.4%, Ōtepoti Dunedin 0.3%, and Ōtautahi Christchurch holding steady. But there is still downward pressure in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (-0.4%) and Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington (-0.8%).
CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson said that December’s fall in values at the national level was an apt summary for 2024.
“Since the mini-peak back in February, property values have drifted lower at a modest pace, initially reflecting the high level of mortgage rates, but more recently the weakness of the labour market,” he said.
“December’s mild drop was simply a continuation of that pattern and sums up the market’s soggy performance in 2024.”
He pointed out that there has been a discernible slowdown in the rate of decline in recent months, potentially signalling that the floor for property values could be within reach. “We’re still seeing some sluggish results in Auckland and Wellington, but firmer trends seem to be starting to emerge elsewhere.”
“That would certainly be consistent with the influence of lower mortgage rates, particularly the falls for the internal serviceability test rates at the banks. The popularity of either floating loans or short-term fixes at present is helping those lower rates pass through fairly quickly too.”

“However, job insecurity will still be playing a restraining role, as is the elevated levels of listings available on the market.”

“These ‘conflicting forces’ may remain a key theme for the property market in 2025 as well, with the effects of lower mortgage rates dampened to some extent by a still-sluggish economy and credit restrictions in the form of debt to income ratios.

Index results for December 2024 – national and main centres
From post-COVID peak
From recent cyclical peak
From pre-COVID levels
Median  value
Aotearoa New Zealand
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
$1,066,382
Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington*
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Ōtepoti Dunedin

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Most of Tamaki Makaurau Auckland’s sub-markets saw falls in property values in December, ranging from a modest decline of 0.1% in Manukau, up to 0.5% in Rodney, and a fall of 0.7% apiece in Auckland City and Franklin. However, North Shore ticked up by 0.1% in December and has also seen values rise over a slightly longer horizon since September as well.

Mr Davidson noted: “Abundant supply is still a significant restraint on property values in Auckland, both in terms of existing properties listed for sale, but also the flow of new-build stock being completed. North Shore has been bucking the trend to some extent in recent months, although with affordability still likely to be a challenge for many buyers in that market too, it’s difficult to see a fresh boom kicking off anytime soon.”

From post-COVID peak
From recent cyclical peak
From pre-COVID levels
Median value
$1,231,718
Te Raki Paewhenua North Shore
$1,305,469
Auckland City
$1,141,601
$1,006,960

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

The wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area remained soft in December, with falls in values across the board. The 0.1% decline in Kapiti Coast was modest, but Wellington City (-0.9%) and Lower Hutt (-1.2%) were notably more sluggish.

Commenting on the Wellington market, Mr Davidson said: “It was more of the same in December, with property values generally remaining weak. To some extent, housing affordability has been restored in Wellington off the back of the significant fall in values in the past 2-3 years. As such, the latest declines seem more attributable to public sector cut backs and the negative effect this will be having on economic and housing market sentiment across the wider region.”

From post-COVID peak
From recent cyclical peak
From pre-COVID levels
Median value
Kāpiti Coast
Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt
Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt
Wellington City

Regional results

“It’s early days, but we may now be seeing the influence of lower mortgage rates starting to come through providing a subtle boost to property values around some parts of provincial NZ,” Mr Davidson noted.

“Housing affordability can sometimes be more favourable in these areas too, alongside the solid support provided by farming-based economies, which have been holding up relatively well lately.”

“However, a sudden or strong upturn in property values across large swathes of the country still doesn’t seem particularly likely until the wider weakness of the labour market starts to turn around.”

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GAZA: New Year begins with more children killed by Israeli airstrikes – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

Israeli airstrikes have killed about 80 people, including an estimated 38 children [1] in Gaza in the first few days of the new year, Save the Children said. 
Meanwhile, the UN reports that children are dying due to lack of protection from the cold winter temperatures while Israeli authorities block aid including tents, clothing and bedding from entering the Strip. 
Alexandra Saieh, Global Head of Humanitarian Policy and Advocacy at Save the Children, said: 
“Children in Gaza have entered the new year in the deadliest place on Earth, stuck in a terrifying time loop of relentless war, fuelled by international arms supplies and inaction. 
“This time last year we thought things in Gaza couldn’t possibly get any worse – but they did, and they continue to. As we enter 2025, we are seeing history not only repeat itself but reach new depths, with children who have been bombed, starved and continuously forced from their homes over 15 months – increasingly vulnerable to the ongoing impacts of this relentless war – now facing freezing temperatures. 
“Children are less able to regulate their body temperatures than adults, so heat loss occurs at a faster rate, and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures weakens children’s immune systems. With children already at a great risk of malnutrition and illnesses like diarrhea and pneumonia, the very cold temperatures can bring a deadly combination. 
“Over the past 15 months, parties to the conflict and the international community have failed to implement the immediate, definitive ceasefire that is desperately needed, and international governments have failed to halt the transfer of weapons, parts and ammunition or take sufficient measures to end children’s suffering. In 2025, children in Gaza need, deserve, and have a right to better.”
Save the Children and its partners have reached over 1 million people in Gaza across 50 locations, with vital supplies including drinking water, food, hygiene products, mattresses, blankets, learning materials, toys, and games. We have also been providing cash assistance, Child Friendly Spaces, health programming including in acute malnutrition and mental health support, and more. In the past few months, we have provided thousands of winter kits including mattresses , blankets, tarpaulins and other shelter items to help families protect themselves from the harsh winter elements.
[1] This estimate is calculated from a report from the Gaza Ministry of Health on 1 January reporting that 12 people had been killed in 48 hours; and from the Gaza Media Office on 2 January saying at least 71 people had been killed in 24 hours. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 47% of Gaza’s population are children. 47% of 80 is 37.59.
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Activist News – HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND COMMUNITY GATHER FOR SILENT VIGIL IN SOLIDARITY WITH KAMAL ADWAN HOSPITAL

Source: Auckland healthcare workers

Auckland healthcare workers, along with members of the local community, gathered for a silent vigil in solidarity with the victims of the recent attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza.

On December 27th, the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) carried out another devastating assault on a hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, bombing and burning the facility, before forcibly evacuating patients, healthcare workers, and families seeking refuge. Among those abducted during the attack were 240 individuals, including the hospital’s director, Dr. Hussan Abu Safiya. Dr. Abu Safiya’s unwavering commitment to his community has drawn international attention to the critical role healthcare professionals play during times of war and the profound humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

The attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital is being denounced as a war crime under international law, with global calls for accountability and justice.

Dr. Abdallah Gouda, a Palestinian orthopaedic surgeon whose family was displaced to Gaza City’s Rafah camp in 1948, will also be present at the vigil. Dr. Gouda, who immigrated to Aotearoa with his family in 2011, will stand in solidarity with healthcare workers and the Palestinian people, as well as to raise awareness about the ongoing atrocities in Gaza.

This peaceful vigil honored the victims of the Kamal Adwan Hospital attack and to stand with all healthcare professionals working under the most dire and dangerous conditions.

DETAILS of Vigil:
Date: Friday, 3 January 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Auckland Hospital, along Park Road, Grafton.

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Acknowledgements – IHC recognises long-term disability issues stalwart Dame Tariana Turia

Source: IHC

IHC New Zealand would like to recognise and honour the life and work of former MP Dame Tariana Turia who died today.

Dame Tariana led the Disability Issues portfolio from 2009-14 and, alongside IHC, championed a range of critical issues including inclusive education, participation, presence and learning of disabled children while at school.

IHC Acting Chief Executive Janine Stewart says the former Labour Party Minister was a staunch supporter of people with intellectual disability to live full and satisfying lives in their community.

“Dame Tariana, having first-hand experience of whānau with intellectual disability, was incredibly committed to whānau playing an active role in the support of their loved ones,” says Janine. “She recognised the importance of self-advocacy, for people to be able to stand up for, and express, their own needs, which led through to the very early conversations around Enabling Good Lives.

“Māori make up a significant number of people with intellectual disability in New Zealand, and so Dame Tariana was a Minister who had a real understanding of how to respond to the needs of all people with intellectual disability across New Zealand.”

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

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Weather News – Cool and Wet Start to 2025, with Glimpses of Sunshine in Between – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Friday 3 – Monday 6 January – The wet and cool start to 2025 is forecast to continue this weekend for many parts of Aotearoa New Zealand. However, some regions can look forward to periods of settled weather, and by Monday, the bulk of the South Island and western North Island have a drier, brighter day on the cards.

Today (Friday) sees a wet day for much of the South Island as a cold front makes its way up the country. The northern half of the island could even be in for thunderstorms, some of which may bring heavier downpours or large amounts of hail. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in place for Nelson, Marlborough, and the inland parts of the Hurunui District until 9pm this evening. The North Island also sees its share of wet weather today, with thunderstorms possible.

While rain jackets may still be needed this weekend in the North Island, a slice of drier weather is expected between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “For Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, however, the rain hangs on a bit longer on Saturday, only clearing at night. The Wairoa District of Hawke’s Bay has a Watch for Heavy Rain from midday until 11pm.”

It’s a brighter story for the bulk of the South Island this weekend, apart from rain at times in Marlborough and a shower or two in Canterbury, coastal Otago, and Southland. Meanwhile, Westland and Fiordland remain some of the sunnier spots in the country this weekend.

An extra jumper will continue to be a summer companion this weekend with southerly winds bringing a chill to the eastern and southern parts of the North and South Islands. Temperatures look well cooler than average for the time of year, with highs of 14°C in Wellington on Sunday, 15°C in Christchurch and Dunedin, and 18°C in Napier and Hastings.

By Monday, much of the South Island will enjoy a settled day with sunshine in the afternoon, a welcome start for those heading back to work. For the North Island, the weekend pattern continues into Monday, with cool showers in the south and east, and the odd shower elsewhere.

“Those still on holiday will find plenty of dry slots throughout the day to continue enjoying the downtime,” Makgabutlane adds.

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Activist News – “Sanction Israel for genocide” – nationwide protests continue in 2025 – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

 

While the stench of decaying morality hangs over the coalition government and its MPs after 15 months of complicity with genocide, nationwide protests against Israel’s genocide continue in 2025.

 

“Over 15 months of weekly nationwide protests is unprecedented in New Zealand history on any issue at any time” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “We are enormously proud of New Zealanders who stand with the vast mass of humanity against Israel’s systematic, indiscriminate killing of Palestinians in Gaza”

 

“This week’s protests are the first of New Year and they will continue while our government cowers under the bedclothes and refuses to sanction Israel for genocide”

 

The horrendous official death toll stands at more than 45,000 – the majority killed being women and children.

 

Today’s death toll of innocents killed is a repeating nightmare for Palestine while our western media highlight every utterance of filthy Israeli propaganda to justify the endless massacres while ignoring Palestinian voices.

 

 

John Minto

National Chair

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

 

Nationwide rallies/marches/MP protests/vigils this week

 

These are on the PSNA Facebook events page here with the basic details listed below.

 

North Island
Opononi – Gathering for Palestine
No Rally this week

Kerikeri – Rally
First Saturday of the month – Saturday 4 January
9:00 – 11:00 am
Kerikeri roundabout, State highway 10

Whangarei – Rally
No more Rallies until the new year

Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!
Every Saturday
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Ostend Market, Waiheke Island

Auckland – Stand for Palestine 
Starting again on Thursday 2 January
Monday – Friday
3:00 – 4:00 pm at the US Consulate – 23 Customs Street East
4:00 – 5:00 pm at Te Komititanga Britomart Square

Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau
Every Saturday
This week
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
St Lukes road overbridge(by Motat)
Text John on 021 899 659 for more details

Auckland – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
2:00 pm
Te Komititanga – Britomart Square, Tamaki Makaurau

Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
(Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)
First Saturday of the month – Saturday 4 January
10:00 am
Thames Market, 700 Pollen Street, Thames

Tauranga – Picnic in the Park
Friday 3 January
6:00 pm
Gourmet Night Market, Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui

Tauranga – Flags
Sunday 5 January
11:00 am
Coronation Park, Mt Manganui

Hamilton – Flag Waving for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
1:00 pm
Flynn Park, Cnr Wairere Drive & Naylor, Hamilton

Hamilton – Vigil – Global Action Participation
Saturday 4 January
2:30 pm
Waikato Hospital – Lorne Street & Ohaupo Road Intersection, Hamilton

Cambridge – Rally for Palestine
Every Saturday
11:00 am
Cambridge Town Hall

Rotorua – Rally for Palestine
Every Thursday
4:30 pm
National MP Todd McClays Office – Cnr Amohau and Ranolf St lights, Rotorua

Gisborne – Farmers Market – Vigil to Stop the war on Children
Every Saturday
9:30 – 11:30 am
Gisborne Farmers Market

Napier – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
11:30 am
Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout

Hastings – Rally for Palestine
Sunday 5 January
1:00 pm
Hastings Town Clock – Hastings CBD

Palmerston North – Rally
Every Sunday
2:00 pm
The Square, Palmerston North

New Plymouth – Flags on the Bridge
Every Friday
4:30 pm
Paynters Ave Bridge, New Plymouth

New Plymouth – March for Gaza
Saturday 4 January
1:00 PM
The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth

Whanganui – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
11:00 am
Riverside Market, Whanganui

Carterton – Gathering for Gaza
Every Tuesday
12:00 midday
Memorial Square.

Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine
Every Wednesday
11:00 am
The square at the top of Kitchener St, Martinborough

Masterton – Gathering for Gaza
Every Sunday
9:30 am
Town Hall Lawn, Masterton

Featherston – Gathering for Gaza
Every Saturday
11:00 am
The Squircle (opposite the op shop).

Wellington – Flags on the Bridge
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Friday 3 January
No Flags this Friday. Starts again Friday 10 January

Wellington – Vigil for Palestine
(hosted by Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine)
Every Friday
6:00 pm
In front of Wellington Hospital, 49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

Wellington – Rally 
(hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)
Resuming rallies on Saturday 11 January
Watch this space

South Island
Nelson – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
10:30 am
Hikoi, Tahuna Beach, Rocks Rd, Nelson

Blenheim – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
11:00 am
Blenheim Railway Station

Christchurch – Rally for Palestine
Saturday 4 January
1:00 pm
Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

Timaru
No Rally this weekend

Dunedin – Rally
No rally this weekend

Queenstown
No rally this weekend

Invercargill – Rally for Palestine
Sunday 5 January
1:00 pm
Wachner place Invercargill .

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Activist News – Silent Vigil Took Place Outside Auckland Hospital: Hands Off Kamal Adwan Hospital – Free Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyya

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand
Members of Auckland’s Palestinian community, human rights advocates, and concerned citizens gathered for a silent vigil outside Auckland Hospital to demand an end to the attacks on healthcare facilities in Gaza and the release of detained Palestinian pediatrician, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyya.

This vigil was a peaceful demonstration of solidarity with the Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, which has become a symbol of resilience amid escalating violence. The hospital’s medical staff, including Dr. Abu Safiyya, have been working tirelessly to save lives under unimaginable conditions. Reports indicate that Dr. Abu Safiyya has been unjustly detained, further exacerbating the dire healthcare crisis in Gaza.

The participants call on the international community to:

  • Protect Healthcare Facilities: Immediate action is needed to uphold international humanitarian law and safeguard medical infrastructure in conflict zones.
  • Free Dr. Hussam Abu Safiyya: Urgent intervention is required to secure the release of Dr. Abu Safiyya, whose work is vital to the health and survival of countless children in Gaza.
  • This silent vigil reflects our shared humanity and the collective demand for justice, freedom, and the sanctity of healthcare.

Event Took Place On:
Date: Friday, 3rd January, 2025

Time: 6 PM
Location: Outside Auckland Hospital, Park Road
Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand
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Gaming – New study reveals these are the best countries for gaming

Source: Clash.gg

  • South Korea has been crowned the best country in the world for gamers, with a gaming index score of 94.14 out of 100
  • Spain is in second place with a score of 93.06, and Iceland is in third with a score of 92.63
  • New Zealand comes in tenth place, with a gaming index score of 81.89.

A new study has revealed the best countries for gamers by calculating their gaming index score, and South Korea topped the ranking.

CS gaming site Clash.gg analyzed two factors: download rate and total bytes per person from Steam Stats to create an index score out of 100 for each country. They ranked the index scores from highest to lowest to reveal the 10 best countries for gamers.

South Korea has come first with the best download rates and highest data usage for gaming per person, combining to make an index score of 94.14 out of 100. South Korean gamers have an average download rate of 135.4 Mbps and use 519.82 MB of data per person per week for gaming.

Spain ranks second as the best country for gamers and has an index score of 93.06 for gaming. Gamers in Spain have an average download rate of 134.9 Mbps and use approximately 396.56 MB of data per person weekly for gaming.

In third place is Iceland, where gamers also benefit from fast download rates and high data usage for gaming. This country’s score is 92.63 out of 100. In Iceland, the average download rate is 128.30 Mbps, and across seven days, each gamer uses 1,296.58 MB of data.

Denmark is in fourth place, with an index score of 92.44. In Denmark, gamers experience an average download rate of 129.2 Mbps and use 1,025.53 MB of data per person per week for gaming.

Chile ranks fifth with a score of 88.52 out of 100 on the gaming index. Chilean gamers each use 406.94 MB of data for gaming every week at a download rate of 127.3 Mbps.

The United States ranks sixth with a gaming index score of 85.12. Americans use 848.38 MB of gaming data per week per gamer, with an average download rate of 118.1 Mbps.

Canada ranks seventh with an index score of 84.29, based on download rates and data usage for gaming. Canadian gamers each use 888.06 MB of data on gaming weekly, achieving download rates of 116.5 Mbps.

Qatar is in eighth place, scoring 84.20 in the gaming index, just below Canada. In Qatar, gamers each use 293.58 MB weekly, with a 116.5 Mbps download rate.

The Netherlands ranks ninth, where gamers enjoy fast download rates and higher data usage for gaming, with an index score of 83.58. Dutch gamers have an average download rate of 117 Mbps, each using 635.62 MB of data for gaming every week.

New Zealand ranks tenth, with a gaming index score of 81.89 out of 100. Each gamer in New Zealand uses 734.61 MB for gaming weekly, with an average download rate of 113.5 Mbps.

Top 10: The best countries for gamers

Rank

Country

Gaming Index Score

1

South Korea

94.14

2

Spain

93.06

3

Iceland

92.63

4

Denmark

92.44

5

Chile

88.52

6

United States

85.12

7

Canada

84.29

8

Qatar

84.20

9

Netherlands

83.58

10

New Zealand

81.89

Gabriele Asaro, Head of SEO and Research at Clash.gg, commented on the findings: “The best countries for gamers often excel in internet infrastructure, boasting top-tier download speeds and high data usage tailored for gaming. Nations like South Korea lead the pack with lightning-fast broadband, low latency, and high average download rates, ensuring smooth gameplay especially for data-intensive titles.

“The countries in the ranking not only have advanced digital networks but also a large percentage of the population actively engage in gaming, leading to higher bytes used per person for gaming activities. This creates a perfect environment for casual and competitive gamers.”

For more, see:  https://clash.gg

Methodology

The raw data for the two factors was cleaned, checked, and standardized on the same scale from 0 to 10, where 0 and 10 represent the worst and best values present in the data to allow for accurate comparison between factors. Factors for which a high score would be negative were subtracted from 10 to invert their scoring.

Each factor was assigned weighting, reflecting its importance in the analysis. The factors, their source and their percentage weightings are as follows:

Avg. Download Rate (Mbps) on Steam, 80.0%: https://store.steampowered.com/stats/content/
Total MB Used on Steam per Person from 24/08/20-24/08/27 (using 2023 populations), 20.0%: https://store.steampowered.com/stats/content/

Once the weightings were assigned, the total score for the factors was calculated, producing an overall index score out of 100 for each entry, upon which the final ranking is based.

Populations source: https://population.un.org/dataportal/home?df=3e3a9692-5b7a-4abb-b490-5c5711488da3

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Health – Vaping starter kit plan lacks detail, may cause wider health issues

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

The Government’s plan to use vaping starter kits to help adults quit smoking is irresponsible and fails to consider future health complications.
That is the message from the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ following the announcement that stop-smoking services around the country can start supplying vaping starter kits from next week.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says she has deep concerns about this plan given that vapes are not an approved product for smoking cessation.
“We are concerned that the government is proceeding with this plan without fully understanding the long-term consequences.
“We support efforts to help smokers quit, but not by providing them with another product that can also be harmful.”
The lack of consultation with health experts and the lack of detail is concerning, Ms Harding says.
“It leaves many questions unanswered -why was there no meaningful consultation with independent health experts, other stakeholders and the wider community?”
It was important there is ongoing support for smokers-turned-vapers to quit vaping, but there was no indication that would be offered, she says.
“What is the exit strategy? How will the government ensure that those who successfully quit smoking using vapes are not left trapped in a new addiction to nicotine?
“There needs to be a clear pathway for people to move away from nicotine altogether, and we see no evidence of that in the current proposal.”
The Smokefree 2025 plan aimed at reducing smoking rates should focus on evidence-based methods that help people quit nicotine entirely, she says.
“We urge the government to rethink its approach.
“This cannot simply be about shifting smokers from one form of nicotine to another.”
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Hot Cross Bun lovers rejoice! Woolworths’ range hits stores nationwide

Source: Woolworths NZ

1 January 2025: Hot Cross Bun fans can get their hands on an early fix of the ever-popular treat at Woolworths New Zealand stores with a range of buns available nationwide and ready to enjoy from today. 

The 2025 Woolworths range includes nine different flavours from the Traditional and Brioche Style, to the Lotus Biscoff and Cadbury Caramilk for the more adventurous. For those that love the flavour of a Hot Cross Bun, but take a hard pass on the fruit, the Fruitless Bun has also returned this year after a stint off the baker’s rotation. 

Michael Whorskey, Woolworths Hot Cross Bun Expert and Bakery Merchandise Manager says the January start for hot cross bun season might be controversial to some but, time and time again, New Zealanders have shown that they simply love the tasty treat – no matter the time of year. 

“In January alone, we’ll sell over 1.4 million individual hot cross buns across the country and another 5.6 million individual hot cross buns in the lead up to Easter. Traditional is always our most popular flavour with around 65% of customers picking that as their favourite, but some of our innovative, new flavours like Lotus Biscoff have certainly found their way into the hearts (and stomachs!) of Kiwis.

“The best part is, when shoppers buy a pack of in-store baked buns, they’re not just getting a sweet treat but they’re also helping Kiwi kids. For every pack we sell, we’re donating 5 cents to support the fantastic work of KidsCan,” adds Michael.

KidsCan supports children in 1100 schools and early childhood centres nationwide with food, shoes, jackets and health items – so they can focus on learning. 

KidsCan founder, Julie Chapman says “We’re really pleased that Woolworths are once again supporting KidsCan through the sale of their hot cross buns. Every pack sold means a donation that helps Kiwi kids thrive – meaning you can feel great about picking up a pack, even if it’s only January!”

In 2024, Woolworths donated over $85,000 to KidsCan from sales of in-store baked Hot Cross Buns. Customers can pick up Woolworths’ range of Hot Cross Buns in stores and online from today.

The full 2025 lineup of Woolworths Hot Cross buns is: 

About Woolworths New Zealand:

Woolworths New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s largest employers with 21,000 team members across over 185 supermarkets, distribution centres, processing plants and support offices. Each week we serve over three million customers and work with hundreds of food producers and suppliers throughout Aotearoa. We’re committed to delivering New Zealand’s best supermarket experiences for customers and team with more value, innovation and accelerated investment in our stores. We’re proud to give back to the communities we live and work in, including through the Woolworths Food for Good Foundation. Every year we donate more than $7 million in food, funding and sponsorship to our communities. Woolworths New Zealand is also the franchisor of more than 70 FreshChoice stores, which are locally owned and operated.  Woolworths New Zealand is part of Woolworths Group.

About KidsCan: 

One in six children in New Zealand live in hardship. KidsCan provides food, jackets, shoes, and health products to 889 schools and 203 early childhood centres in areas of high deprivation across New Zealand. With these basics, kids can participate in learning and have the opportunity for a better future. The charity has been feeding school children since 2005, and preschoolers since 2019. In 2023 KidsCan supplied children with: 6.2 million items of food, 57,884 pairs of shoes, and 66,280 jackets.  

www.kidscan.org.nz