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Fire Safety – Check your old burn piles are out before the holidays

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to check their old burn piles are completely out before the Christmas/New Year holidays.
Wildfire Manager Tim Mitchell says recent rain may have wet the surface but will not have penetrated deep into the soil, and any hold-over fire could be burning below the surface.
“While we’re expecting some cooler weather, it is summer, and New Zealand is drying out fast in many parts of the motu,” Tim Mitchell says.
“Hot windy weather is the perfect condition for old fires to reignite and escape.
“Firefighters are regularly called out over the Christmas/New Year period to put out escaped burn piles, and this year we want to prevent that happening.
“If you’ve been burning vegetation any time in the last few months or so, check the fire is completely extinguished,” he says.
“If there’s hot ash, and it’s safe to do so, dig into it, spread it out and pour water over it.
We’re asking everyone to help us keep the country free of preventable fires this summer.
“No matter where you end up in the country this Christmas, please consider the wildfire risk and always go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires or undertaking activities that could cause sparks.”
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Business and Leadership – Christmas wish granted for Pasifika leaders – IoD

Source: Institute of Directors (IoD)

Christmas has come early for 17 leaders of Pacific descent who have been selected for the Institute of Directors (IoD) Tautua Mentoring Programme for 2025: https://iod.org.nz/membership/development-programmes/tautua-pasifika-mentoring-programme
 
The pilot programme, which runs for 10 months, is designed to bridge the gap between Western governance principles and traditional Pasifika leadership cultural practices, giving participants the opportunity to grow their knowledge through mentorship and reciprocal learning, guided by established directors.  
 
Lisa Fox and Dr Stephven Kolose (Matautu Lefaga/Leauva’a) are among the successful applicants.  
 
Auckland-based Fox has been responsible for driving social and community-led initiatives and said her governance ambitions mirror a lifelong dedication to social justice.
 
“I am driven to advocate for underserved communities, specifically, serving the Pasifika community,” she said.
 
New to governance, she applied for the programme after watching panel discussions focused on the need for Pacific voices in governance; she has also recently joined the Artspace Aotearoa board – a Te Tiriti-led organisation, which Fox said, aligned with her values.  
 
Dunedin-born, Auckland-based, Dr Kolose is one of the only Pasifika ergonomists in the world and has spent more than a decade as a researcher and consultant. He currently sits on various steering committees and boards, including as chair of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of New Zealand; he is deputy chair of Puataunofo WorkSafe, and co-chairs the International Ergonomics Association Professional Standards and Certification Committee, among others.  
 
Kolose said it was an underrepresentation of Pasifika voices on boards – especially in areas such as science, and health and safety – that prompted him to apply for the Tautua programme.  
 
“There are still few Pasifika board members especially in positions that advocate for Pasifika workers in our workplaces who are overrepresented in work-related injuries,” he said.  
 
Kolose lists sprains, strains, broken bones and lacerations, among the most common injuries that occur for Pasifika workers across areas such as manufacturing, construction, wholesale and retail, and healthcare social assistance.  
 
“We need more Pasifika at board level who understand Pacific data and have the tools to implement strategy and interventions,” Kolose said of the need to champion this space for change.  
 
IoD Chief Executive Kirsten Patterson said the number of applicants for the Tautua programme was higher than expected, prompting a need to make room for additional participants beyond the initial 10 places outlined in the application process.  
 
“This is reflective not only of a hunger for governance training within these communities, but it also demonstrates the high level of interest and engagement from Pasifika leaders looking to make a formal move into governance spaces,” Patterson said.  
 
While participants like Dr Kolose have board roles, Patterson said some individuals are looking to broaden their scope beyond not-for-profit (NFP) boards.  
 
“There is a big social shift taking place, and as boards set their strategies, they need to understand who their stakeholders are. That means ensuring they have appropriate skills and knowledge at the table to steer the board in the right direction and cater to a changing audience.”
 
Patterson said if boards don’t increase their diversity, they will miss out on important opportunities.  
 
The IoD has been committed to transforming the governance landscape, and over the past year, has been running early-stage workshops with Pasifika leaders ahead of up launching the pilot programme.  
 
Mele Wendt MNZM MInstD from IoD’s Pacific Advisory Board said the obstacles are very real and concerning for Pasifika wanting to sit on boards.  
 
“Participants in our initial workshops experienced discrimination and prejudiced when applying for leadership and board roles outside of their communities . . . more generally, a lack of visibility of Pasifika in governance spaces also plays a role in limiting opportunities.”
 
Wendt said people need to see themselves reflected back when it comes to leadership, but so too, the path to get there needs to be visible in order for this to happen.  
 
“Pasifika have more than 3000 years of collective governance systems and are inherently born as part of a collective. Governance and leadership come naturally and extends beyond the individual – we are community-minded – it’s at the heart of who we are and how we think.”

Wendt hopes the programme will contribute to greater confidence of Pasifika leaders in the broader governance landscape.  

About the IoD: 
The IoD is New Zealand’s leading organisation for directors and at the heart of the governance community. We believe in the power of good governance to create a strong, fair and sustainable future powered by best practice governance. 
Our role is to drive excellence and high standards in governance. We support and equip our members who lead a range of organisations from listed companies, large private organisations, state and public sector entities, small and medium enterprises, not-for-profit organisations and charities.
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Advocacy – Walk Without Fear Trust Calls for Coward Punch Crimes to Be Reclassified as Serious Offences

Source: Walk Without Fear Trust

The Walk Without Fear Trust welcomes the Government’s renewed focus on law and order, including tougher measures such as the Sentencing (Reinstating Three Strikes) Amendment Bill.

While we support efforts to come down harder on serious offenders, we urge policymakers to take an equally strong stance against coward punch attacks by reclassifying them as serious offences with mandatory minimum sentencing.

Coward punch attacks — unprovoked, violent strikes that often cause severe injury or death, are a scourge on New Zealand’s streets which occur far too frequently. These attacks destroy lives in seconds but predominantly receive lenient sentences.

In contrast, Australia’s legislative reforms targeting coward punch crimes have yielded positive results, with New South Wales recording a 52% reduction in non-domestic violent assaults between 2014 and 2019 following the introduction of minimum sentencing laws for one-punch killings.

The success of such measures demonstrates that targeted legal reforms can deliver meaningful reductions in violent crime.

New Zealand has seen this approach work before: in 2018, the reclassification of strangulation in domestic violence cases as a specific criminal offence led to stronger protections and tougher sentences for perpetrators. This precedent shows recognising the unique danger of specific violent acts can drive real change.

“One-punch attacks, fatal or not, are a scourge on our streets and society. The devastating consequences of a single blow can destroy lives in an instant, and there can be no argument that the deliberate intent of these acts is to cause the maximum possible physical harm,” said Chairman Eugene Bareman.

“It’s high time New Zealand deals with this crime adequately, as we have done before with the reclassification of strangulation laws in domestic violence. Targeted legislation works — it saves lives and deters offenders.”

We believe reclassifying coward punch crimes as serious offences will ensure that those who commit these violent acts face appropriate consequences. It will send a clear message this kind of premeditated violence will not be tolerated in our communities.

The Walk Without Fear Trust stands ready to support efforts aimed at making our streets safer for all New Zealanders.

Website: www.walkwithoutfeartrust.org
Facebook: Walk Without Fear Trust
Instagram: @walkwithoutfeartrust
LinkedIn: Walk Without Fear Trust

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Energy Sector – EnergyMate home coaching service takes off in Northland

Source: Electricity Retailers’ Association NZ

An in-home coaching service to help whānau manage their electricity use and have healthier homes is expanding into Northland.

Through the free EnergyMate programme whānau experiencing energy hardship receive a visit from a trained coach who will check their electricity use and help them build an action plan, using energy-saving tips to make the home more energy efficient.

EnergyMate coaches will also review the family’s electricity bill and explain the various charges it includes. An important part of the service is connecting whānau with their electricity retailer who can help with more affordable payment options.

The service will be provided in Kaitaia by Kaitaia Family Budgeting Service and Senior Financial Advisor Tania Sneddon says it will go hand-in-hand with the household budgeting advice the organisation already provides.

“EnergyMate is just all-round brilliant, and I feel blessed to be part of it. It will do great things for our people, and I look forward to the day when our whānau, especially our elderly and young families, won’t be afraid to heat their homes over winter.”

Tania and her colleague Susana are both trained EnergyMate coaches and have already started work. They have a target of 50 completed visits in Kaitaia by mid-2025.

In Kaikohe EnergyMate will be delivered by Te Pūtahi Nui o Rehua which provides community-based services around things like housing opportunities, food distribution into households, and building financial capabilities.

Kaiwhakahaere Sharon Henare says EnergyMate will fit right in with what Te Pūtahi Nui o Rehua is already doing.

“What I love about EnergyMate is that it gives whānau somewhere they can go when they’re worried about their electricity use and they can get some support without judgement. They can then make some positive choices and changes to save money and have a healthier home.”

Sharon has two trained EnergyMate coaches on her staff who are keen to get started in early 2025.

Both organisations will hold hui in the new year to introduce EnergyMate to their communities.

Local lines company Top Energy has generously helped fund the EnergyMate programme in Northland and Top Energy Chief Executive Russell Shaw says the company has always been an enthusiastic EnergyMate supporter.

“We know it’s tough for people right now with the rising cost of living and increasing power prices are part of that.

“So the benefits of the programme in helping our community made it a definite ‘yes’ for us. EnergyMate stands out by working with electricity retailers to make sure people are on the best plan and getting the best deal.

“When you see the EnergyMate coaches in action, you see how well they resonate with the people. It’s great to be able to support those working in the community to improve the quality of life for whānau around energy wellness.”

EnergyMate is led by the Electricity Retailers’ Association New Zealand (ERANZ), and co-funded by ERANZ members, the Government and, in Northland, by lines company Top Energy.

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Heritage – Whiria Te Mahara funding awarded to histories of society and creative legacies

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

“This year’s Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grants have been awarded to unique projects, including wāhine mountain climbers of the late 19th century, ceramic design history, and the story of Raukawa,” says Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage Secretary and Chief Executive Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
“These annual grants allow for researchers and writers to develop and showcase non-fiction subjects that have contributed towards Aotearoa New Zealand’s story as a nation.”
$103,000 has been awarded to ten projects that highlight a variety of topics.
“Some of this year’s recipients tell the stories of artists and creativity. Poets Meg Campbell and Riemke Ensing’s lives are explored in two separate projects.
“The history of Crown Lynn, New Zealand’s best-known ceramics company, is delved into by researching the contribution of lead designer Dave Jenkin.
“The story of the iwi of Raukawa, from its origins to its settlement, early beginnings to a modern iwi, will be told after receiving a Whiria Te Mahara grant this year.
“Topics ranging from the migration experiences of Victorian governesses and the urban history of Wellington to the little-known story of stack burning on farms are all funded in this year’s grants.”
Administered by Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, the Whiria Te Mahara grants support historians, researchers and writers working on non-fiction projects that expand and enhance our understanding of New Zealand’s past.
“It is clear that with such a breadth of topics explored in 2024’s grants, that New Zealanders have a vast and wide-reaching kete of stories and topics to explore. Each of these projects contributes to our national story and shares them to our collective memory,” says Laulu Mac. 
A list of projects funded for this year’s round of Whiria Te Mahara New Zealand History Grants: 
  • Jared Davidson – Farms Aflame: The Secret History of Stack Burning
  • Elizabeth Cox – Wellington and the Thomas Ward Map
  • Hazel Phillips – Great-hearts: The First Ladies of Aoraki Mount Cook
  • Katie Glover – “A Bad Place to Send a Lady”: The Victorian Governess in Colonial New Zealand
  • Erik Olssen – The History of Aotearoa/New Zealand as an Experimental Society, Vol. 2, 1860-1920
  • Jacqueline Leckie – Meg Campbell (1937-2007): Aroha and Resistence
  • Raukawa Charitable Trust – Being Raukawa: Whakareia te Kakara o te hinu Raukawa – The Traditional History of the Iwi of Raukawa
  • Te Toi Uku – Crown Lynn and Clayworks Museum – Dave Jenkin – Designing Crown Lynn 1945-1979
  • Deborah Shepard – Riemke Ensing: biography of a poet
  • H2R Research and Consulting Ltd – From Burma to Newtown: A Lifetime Journey Promoting Prosocial Change within Aotearoa New Zealand’s Gang Communities. 
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Legal Sector – Law Society’s annual report released

Source: Law Society

The key take aways are:
  • 17,009 practising certificate holders
  • 1,231 complaints opened
  • 1,123 complaints closed
  • 28 Disciplinary Tribunal decisions
  • Two lawyers struck off
  • Over 10,000 lawyers retained their membership
  • More than 1,000 lawyers attended 27 hui around the motu
  • Branches held 293 events attended by 9,805 lawyers
  • 92 law reform submissions
  • 1,242 volunteers
  • NZLS CLE delivered 30 webinars, 43 live stream events, 12 one and two day in-person conferences
  • Regulatory Services income $31 million-
  • Member Services deficit $3.4 million
Law Society Chief Executive Katie Rusbatch said it had been a busy and successful year for the Law Society.
“It’s been a year of continuing our transformation, including the introduction of a membership subscription to ensure the ongoing financial sustainability of our representative services,” she said.
“Over 10,000 lawyers have signed up reflecting the value that our members see in what we provide.”
Ms Rusbatch said a nationwide hui across 27 locations around the motu was well attended and it was valuable to meet face to face with lawyers and hear directly from them about what matters most to them.
Another highlight of the year had been the bold and effective advocacy on issues such as Legal Aid and Access to Justice.
“Our Cost of Practice Rreport highlights the financial pressures faced by legal aid providers,” he said.
The Law Society also provided submissions on several pieces of legislation and spoke up when members of the judiciary were criticised.
“There is amazing work happening and it’s not just to make the world a better place for lawyers. It’s to make the world a better place for New Zealanders.”
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Fire Safety – Outdoor fires restricted in parts of Otago, fireworks ban for Lakes

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has banned fireworks in the Queenstown Lakes area, and restricted open-air fires in the Strath Taieri, Coastal Waitaki and Lakes areas from 8am on Friday 20 December until further notice.
A restricted fire season means anyone who wants to light an open-air fire needs a permit authorised by Fire and Emergency, which they can apply for at checkitsalright.nz.
These restrictions do not change a year-round prohibited fire season in the following special risk zones: Mount Iron, Queenstown, Albert Town Recreation Reserve, Shag Point, Ruby Island, Stevensons Island, Mou Waho, Mou Tapu, Pig Island/Mātau, and Pigeon Island/Wāwāhi Waka.
Otago District Manager Phil Marsh says in spite of recent rain and forecast rainfall, the district will continue to dry out.
“In many areas we see grass browning off and seed heads drying out – this is where our fires start,” he says.
“Fireworks pose a significant threat when grasses dry out, and Queenstown Lakes is a mix of mostly grassland and some scrub and forest.
“Many properties in this area are surrounded by grassland, which is very quick to ignite. Grasslands dry out quickly even after rain, and this often catches people out. One minute their fire is contained, and the next, it’s spreading through the surrounding grass.”
Phil Marsh says using section 52 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act allows the prohibition of fireworks to avoid the risk of large wildfires.
“Summer holidays are traditionally a time when fireworks either left over or saved from Guy Fawkes are brought out of the cupboard,” he says.
“We do sometimes have vegetation fires started by fireworks, and with these conditions, the consequences of badly-handled fireworks on our safety, and our property and environment could be severe.
“We also urge people to check their old burn piles or land clearing burns to make sure they are completely out. Windy weather is liable to reignite them if they’re not extinguished.”
Phil Marsh says this is already a busy time of year for fire crews, who also deal with motor vehicle crashes and other types of incidents.
“The influx of visitors over the holiday period usually brings more activities such as boating, camping and recreational driving, increasing the risk of fires getting started.
“I’d like to see volunteer firefighters getting to spend a bit more time with their family these holidays, not having to be out there putting out another preventable fire.”
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Fire Safety – Fireworks and sky lanterns banned in dry parts of Hawkes Bay

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency is prohibiting the use of fireworks and sky lanterns in parts of Hawke’s Bay where the fire risk is already high, from 8am on Friday 20 December until 31 March 2025.
Hawke’s Bay District Manager Glen Varcoe says Ahuriri-Heretaunga, Wairoa Coast, Tukituki East and West, the southern Hawke’s Bay coast, and Pōrangahau are areas where setting off fireworks will not be allowed.
“I think it’s fair to say everyone in Hawke’s Bay is extremely aware of the high fire risk at the moment, so prohibiting fireworks over the holiday period is not going to come as a surprise,” he says.
“In past years, we’ve seen fireworks start major fires in terrain like hill country and coasts, where it’s really difficult for firefighters to get in there and do their work.
“Although we’ve had some rain recently, it’s not enough to counter the prevailing dry conditions, in which any spark could still turn into a large fire, or a long-duration event.
“We’re pretty sure our firefighters have much better plans for Christmas than that.”
Glen Varcoe says that open-air fires are already prohibited in Ahuriri-Heretaunga, Wairoa Coast, Tukituki East and West, the southern Hawke’s Bay coast, which means no fires are allowed outside and all fire permits are suspended.
“No matter which part of the country you spend your holidays in this year, please consider the wildfire risk and always go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting any fires or doing activities that could cause sparks,” he says.
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Canterbury businesses set to benefit from second Ashburton bridge

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury welcomes the Government’s confirmation of funding from the NZ Transport Agency and Ashburton District Council for a second Ashburton Bridge, a critical infrastructure project that will enhance resilience and connectivity for Canterbury businesses.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “State Highway One through Ashburton is a lifeline for the Canterbury business community and the New Zealand economy.”
“Business Canterbury has been a strong advocate for this project for some time, and we are thrilled to see those efforts, alongside those of local leaders, finally come to fruition.
“A new bridge will strengthen the entire South Island’s supply chain, providing businesses with more reliable transport options and open up new opportunities and the certainty required for growth and development.
“Businesses told us in our latest Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey that they are looking ahead to 2025 with optimism. Many are considering a return to growth, and infrastructure developments like this bring a measure of certainty for their plans.
“We look forward to seeing the positive impacts this project will have on our business community and the broader business environment in the years to come.”
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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GDP decreases 1.0 percent in the September 2024 quarter ? Stats NZ media and information release: Gross domestic product: September 2024 quarter

Source: Statistics New Zealand
GDP decreases 1.0 percent in the September 2024 quarter – 19 December 2024 – New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell 1.0 percent in the September 2024 quarter, following a revised 1.1 percent decrease in the June 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

The update to the June 2024 quarter growth rate reflects the incorporation of annual data, a process completed by Stats NZ each October. In this instance, while the June quarter growth rate has been revised downward, the overall level of economic activity has been revised upward over a longer period.

“The structure of the New Zealand economy can change quickly, which is why we update with new data each year,” macroeconomic growth spokesperson Jason Attewell said.

“The data incorporated this year shows stronger growth over the last year, followed by two significant falls in the latest quarters.

“We balance the use of timely data for quarterly GDP estimates with more detailed information to annually update the relevant importance of industries. This approach is in line with international best practice.”