Category: New Zealand

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Release: Govt soft on prosecuting migrant exploitation

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The National Government’s big talk on combatting the exploitation of migrant workers has been exposed as a sham today.

“Hardly a week goes by without shocking new cases of migrant workers being exploited by unscrupulous employers. It beggars belief the Government only prosecuted four cases in the courts over one year,” Labour immigration spokesperson Phil Twyford said.

MPs were told in select committee today that there were 3,925 reports of exploitation called in by the public, and 812 investigations – however only four prosecutions.

“It is simply not good enough that all these reports and investigations resulted in only four prosecutions. The Government should be throwing the book at employers who are treating vulnerable migrant workers shamefully and putting New Zealand’s international reputation at risk,” Phil Twyford said.

“The public is tired of seeing cases of migrant workers arriving in New Zealand to find the job they were promised doesn’t exist, or cases of under-payment of wages, sub-standard accommodation, and other scams.

“Erica Stanford talked a big game on migrant worker exploitation while in Opposition. Since becoming Minister she has cut by half the amount of time an exploited migrant worker can get a temporary visa to allow them to find another job, get justice at the employment tribunal or get another visa.

“Now it turns out the compliance response to dodgy employers ripping off migrant workers is on a go-slow as well. It’s time Erica Stanford followed the advice in her own press releases and cracked down on the exploitation of migrant workers,” Phil Twyford said.

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Palmerston North Police make arrests after three violent incidents

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

Palmerston North Police have made arrests following three violent incidents across the city this month.

In the last few weeks, Police have arrested three men aged 22 to 26 following two serious assaults at two bars, and a violent incident outside a petrol station.

In the early hours of New Years Day, Police responded to a bar on Rangitikei Street, following reports of an assault where one person received serious injuries.

The victim has since been discharged from hospital.

A 24-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Palmerston North District Court on 4 March, on a charge of wounding with intent to injure. 

Then, on Monday 27 January, Police responded to a bar on Main Street around 11.30pm where one person received serious injuries consistent with a stab wound.

The victim is expected to be discharged from hospital today.

A 26-year-old man appeared in Palmerston North District Court this week on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He is due to reappear in court on 10 March. 

In a third, separate incident, on 10 January two men received injuries following an incident where one of the men was struck by a vehicle on Ferguson Street, and another person received injuries consistent with stab wounds.

They have both been discharged from hospital.

A 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is due to reappear before the Palmerston North District Court on 4 March on charges including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possessing an offensive weapon, and assault with a blunt instrument.

It has been pleasing to be able to hold people account for these violent actions, and Police will continue to work hard to keep our community safe.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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Real Estate – $3.61M price gap between Auckland suburbs | NZ property extremes revealed – RealEstate.co.nz

Source: RealEstate.co.nz

New data shows vast variations in property prices within main centres

30 January 2025 – New data from realestate.co.nz highlights striking million-dollar price gaps between the highest and lowest-priced suburbs across New Zealand’s main centres1. Auckland City saw the most dramatic contrast, with a $3.61 million gap in 2024 between Herne Bay’s average asking price of $4.32 million and Auckland Central’s $704,067. Wellington and Christchurch also saw price differences exceeding $1 million between their highest and lowest-priced suburbs last year.

The district-level data reflects the annual average asking prices of suburbs with 10 or more new listings in 2024, highlighting the varied dynamics of the property market.

“These price variations across our main centres reveal how individual neighbourhoods within the same district can command dramatically different price points,” said Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz.

“What’s also interesting is the lifestyle factors commanding premium prices differ from place to place, creating diverse opportunities across the motu.”

Capital city contrasts

In Wellington, a $1.14 million price gap separated the central city’s average asking price of $629,130 from coastal Seatoun’s $1.77 million.

“Wellington’s central city offers a markedly different price point to its premium suburbs,” noted Williams. “The relative affordability of CBD living, influenced by apartment options, opens up opportunities for buyers.”

Views command premium in Garden City

Christchurch’s Port Hills continued to attract premium prices, with Kennedys Bush averaging $1.98 million for its elevated views over the Canterbury Plains. The established suburb of Fendalton came in a close second with an average asking price of $1.77 million. In contrast, the eastern suburb of Wainoni recorded the city’s lowest average at $490,787, representing a $1.49 million gap between the highest- and lowest-priced areas.

‘‘View’ is one of the most searched terms on realestate.co.nz, and Kennedys Bush has this in spades. Who could blame those in Christchurch wanting to enjoy a panoramic view of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains,” said Williams.

Northern appeal in Hamilton

Hamilton’s price variations spanned just over half a million ($531,197). The sought-after northern suburb of Flagstaff was the highest-priced suburb at $1.09 million, while the southern suburb of Bader was the lowest at $561,783.

“As part of the Golden Triangle, Hamilton’s northern suburbs are popular with those drawn to the lifestyle benefits of a regional city while maintaining easy access to Auckland,” said Williams.

¹District-level data – Auckland City District, Wellington City District, Christchurch City District and Hamilton City District. Based on suburbs with 10 or more listings in 2024.

About realestate.co.nz  

We’ve been helping people buy, sell, or rent property since 1996. Established before Google, realestate.co.nz is New Zealand’s longest-standing property website and the official website of the real estate industry.  

Dedicated only to property, our mission is to empower people with a property search tool they can use to find the life they want to live. With residential, lifestyle, rural and commercial property listings, realestate.co.nz is the place to start for those looking to buy or sell property.   

Whatever life you’re searching for, it all starts here.  

Want more property insights? 

  • Market insights: Search by suburb to see median sale prices, popular property types and trends over time. 
  • Sold properties: Switch your search to sold to see the last 12 months of sales and prices. 
  • Valuations: Get a gauge on property prices by browsing sold residential properties, with the latest sale prices and an estimated value in the current market.  

Glossary of terms:  

Average asking price (AAP) is neither a valuation nor the sale price. It is an indication of current market sentiment. Statistically, asking prices tend to correlate closely with the sales prices recorded in future months when those properties are sold. As it looks at different data, average asking prices may differ from recorded sales data released simultaneously.  

New listings are a record of all the new residential dwellings listed for sale on realestate.co.nz for the relevant calendar month. The site reflects 97% of all properties listed through licensed real estate agents and major developers in New Zealand. This description gives a representative view of the New Zealand property market.  

Stock is the total number of residential dwellings that are for sale on realestate.co.nz on the penultimate day of the month.  

Rate of sale is a measure of how long it would take, theoretically, to sell the current stock at current average rates of sale if no new properties were to be listed for sale. It provides a measure of the rate of turnover in the market.  

Seasonal adjustment is a method realestate.co.nz uses to represent better the core underlying trend of the property market in New Zealand. This is done using methodology from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.  

Truncated mean is the method realestate.co.nz uses to supply statistically relevant asking prices. The top and bottom 10% of listings in each area are removed before the average is calculated to prevent exceptional listings from providing false impressions.      

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Health – Increase in Closed Books No Surprise to General Practice Owners – GenPro

Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

The increasing number of general practices closing their books to new patients is no surprise to the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).

New research from Victoria University of Wellington, published in the Journal of Primary Health Care, found that more general practices than ever are closing their books, with 36 percent of the country’s GPs turning away new patients last year.

GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers says GenPro has been warning for years that patients are facing restricted access due to full or partial closing of books to new enrolments, reduction in services such as cancelling after-hours services, or practices closing.

“One of the key reasons that general practices are turning away new patients is that government funding for general practice has not kept pace in real terms with the cost of running a general practice, the ageing population, and the changing health needs of New Zealanders,” Dr Chambers says.

“The funding shortfall creates these and other downstream problems which make a bad situation worse. We are seeing insufficient training of new doctors, GPs leaving New Zealand, and more demand on already squeezed emergency departments.”

Dr Chambers is encouraging people who can’t enrol, especially in worst hit areas such as Northland, the central and lower North Island, and Canterbury, to approach their local Member of Parliament.
 
“MPs must urge the new Health Minister to support a complete overhaul of the arcane funding and regulated pricing model imposed on general practice, a model which is driving general practices to the wall. The current model is more than two decades old and no longer fit for purpose.

“Changing the Minister won’t make much difference unless there is meaningful action such as theming this year’s Budget as a Health Budget to reverse the dangerous decline in primary healthcare availability,” Dr Chambers says.

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz

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Man arrested following unprovoked assault in Palmerston North

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Shelley Ross:

A man has been arrested following an assault at a Palmerston North Park this afternoon, Wednesday 29 January.

About 1pm, Police responded to a park on Dogwood Way following reports one person had received injuries consistent with a stab wound following an unprovoked assault.

One person was transported to Palmerston North Hospital in a serious condition where they are receiving medical treatment.

Police would like to thank the members of the public who were delayed while Police responded to the incident.

A 25-year-old man is due to appear in the Palmerston North District Court tomorrow, Thursday 29 January, on charges of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

This was a callous and unprovoked attack which we will not tolerate in our community.

If you witness any unlawful activity, please contact Police on 111 if it is happening now or 105 either online or over the phone if it is after the fact.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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SH15 to remain closed overnight

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

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NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 15 between Maungatapere and Otaika will remain closed overnight as NZ Police investigations into the unexplained death of a motorcyclist continue.

Detours remain in place via State Highway 14 and State Highway 1 for those traveling between Maungatapere and Otaika. Those traveling from Otaika to Maungatapere should take the same route, in reverse.

Motorists are asked to drive with care along the detour route, with increased traffic volumes and students having returned to schools in the area this week.

Locals who need to access their properties along the stretch of State Highway 15 between Maungatapere and Otaika should approach uniformed staff at the cordon.

The road is expected to remain closed into tomorrow afternoon and people are encouraged to visit the Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) for up to date information on the closure and detour route before they travel.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience.

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Road blocked, SH30, Bennydale

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

State Highway 30 is blocked after a truck rolled dislodging a powerline around 12:56pm.

The driver received minor injuries.

The road is expected to remain blocked for the next 1-2 hours and motorists are advised to take an alternate route. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

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Make a splash at these toddler pools this summer

Source: Auckland Council

As Auckland temperatures rise, many tots and toddlers will enjoy cooling off in one of the regions’ pools this summer – even if they haven’t learnt the word pool yet. There are many toddler-friendly pools around Auckland ready to help your child make a splash, helping them to stay cool, learn life-long skills and gain confidence in the water.

Toddler pools and paddling pools are a great way for little ones to get comfortable around water. By having a dedicated pool, toddlers can have fun while learning water skills without the risk of colliding with older children. These pools are especially designed to make the swimming experience more enjoyable for little ones – the shallow water allows them to touch the bottom easily and often these pools are slightly warmer. Make sure to check the opening hours of toddler pools as they may be closed at times when adult pools are open.

Safety first

Toddlers are a handful in or out of the water, and safety is crucial when swimming with small children. Pools for toddlers make it easier for adults to focus their attention on little ones in the pool. Never turn your back on a toddler in the water – our safety rules state that a caregiver 17 years and over must be within arm’s reach of children under four at all times.

Children aged 5-10 must be supervised and adults must be close enough to provide immediate assistance.

Follow the child-to-adult ratios when supervising your children. One adult should accompany no more than two children aged four and under; for children aged 5-10 the ratio is four children to one adult. Please note that for hygiene reasons children under three must wear a waterproof swimming nappy – an easy way to keep the nappy in place is by dressing your child in togs over the top.

Learn a life skill

Babies as young as six months can take part in swimming lessons at Auckland Council’s pool and leisure centres. There is a dedicated babies class for infants aged six months to one year, and for kids aged 1-3 there are three toddler classes, based on your child’s ability to submerge on cue and confidence to swim independently. For kids aged 3-5 there are three dedicated pre-school classes. Unsure which class suits your child? Check out this swim level flow chart or book an assessment.

Unsure of your toddler’s swimming ability? Book an assessment to make sure you enroll your child in the right swimming class.

Six toddler pools to try

There are many toddler pools to choose from around the region, but here are a few of our favourites.

1. Lloyd Elsmore Park Pool and Leisure Centre

Located in Pakuranga, this is the perfect spot for kids and toddlers. The indoor splash pool is 33°C and features a fountain so littlies can play and get used to the feeling of water on their face. The learners’ pool features a wheelchair accessibility ramp and has depth ranges of 0.75m-0.9m. The facility also has an outdoor splashpad, which is another fun way to cool off during summer.

Opening hours:

  • Toddler splash pool: 30am-5.15pm

  • Splash pad: 10am-6pm (weather dependent, December-March/April)

2. Albany Stadium Pool

Toddlers and young ones are well catered for at Albany Stadium Pool. The dedicated toddler pool is heated to 31°C and features a play centre and slide – it’s wheelchair accessible and water wheelchairs are available. There’s also an indoor splash pad, over-the-pool rock climbing wall and a 20m programmes pool for swimming lessons.

Toddler pool hours:

  • Monday-Friday 30am-7pm

  • Saturday-Sunday 8am-7pm

Toddlers can enjoy the pool and splash play area at Albany Stadium Pool.

3. Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre

This fantastic community facility features a toddlers’ pool heated to a comfy temperature of 32°C. A colourful water feature helps kids have fun while learning important water skills. The 15m learners’ pool is a great option for older children advancing with their swimming, and older kids can also enjoy the outdoor pool in the summer months.

Toddler pool hours:

Older children enjoying the learners’ pool at Ōtara Pool and Leisure Centre.

4. Grey Lynn Paddling Pool

This dedicated outdoor toddler pool is popular with tots during the summer months. The hexagonal pool has a maximum depth of 0.75m, is sheltered from the sun by shade sails and is patrolled by a lifeguard during opening hours. It’s right next to a playground so your kids will stay active wet or dry.

Toddler pool hours:

Shade sail offer extra sun protection at the outdoor Grey Lynn Paddling Pool.

5. Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre

This all-ages centre features a toddlers’ splash pool with a fun umbrella fountain. The water is heated to a balmy 32°C. The learners’ pool features three lanes making it great for swim lessons, and it can also be accessed by a ramp.

Toddler pool hours:

Tots will enjoy the toddler splash pool at Manurewa Pool and Leisure Centre, heated to a balmy 32°C.

6. Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pool and Leisure Centre

This facility in Māngere is fun central all year round. Indoors there’s a toddlers’ pool that’s 0.3-0.9m deep, and features a friendly orca sculpture and a splash pool with a bubble pit. The learners’ pool has a depth of 0.75-1.1m, great for lessons. Outdoors there’s a splash pad, and for older kids there’s a hydroslide and a dedicated bombing pool so your kids can learn to pop a manu.

Toddler pool hours:

Click here for a full list of Auckland Council pools and opening hours

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Update on Grey Lynn intentional damage

Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

A woman allegedly responsible for a raft of smashed windows will be out of the community for at least three months.

Police have been investigating recent reports of wilful damage on Sackville Street in Grey Lynn.

On Monday, frontline Police located a 39-year-old Grey Lynn woman and charged her with intentional damage.

Auckland City West’s Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, says Police have since successfully opposed the woman’s bail.

“The woman will be remanded in custody until her next appearance on 15 April in the Auckland District Court,” she says.

“I know these ongoing occurrences have caused angst and frustration amongst residents, so we are providing the community with an update for reassurance.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Social Issues – IHC urges collective fix to address root causes of child poverty

Source: IHC

IHC is urging policymakers, educators and the community to come together to address the root causes of poverty and ensure that no child is left behind, including children with an intellectual disability.

A new survey from KidsCan has found that thousands of children in New Zealand are beginning the school year without essential basics.

IHC Director of Advocacy Tania Thomas says these findings are a call to action.

“Children with intellectual disabilities are not just facing much higher financial hardship than most; they’re facing exclusion from opportunities to thrive and participate in society,” says Tania. “It’s unacceptable, and we must do better.”

Forthcoming research from IHC, using data from Stats NZ’s integrated data infrastructure, sheds light on the disproportionate and rarely discussed impact of the child poverty crisis on intellectually disabled children. The findings, set to be published in February, reveal that these children are twice as likely as their peers to experience material hardship.

Key findings include:

Financial Strain: 42 percent of households with an intellectually disabled child cannot pay an unavoidable bill within a month without borrowing, compared to 18 percent of households in the general population.
Food Insecurity: People with intellectual disability are three times more likely than other New Zealanders to miss out on meals with meat or a vegetarian equivalent at least every second day.
Social Exclusion: Children with an intellectual disability experience significant barriers to social participation, such as their family being unable to afford school trips or events (13 percent vs. 2 percent in the general population) and not hosting friends to play and eat (26 percent vs. 9 percent in the general population).
Hardship Increases with Age: Unlike the general population, people with an intellectual disability have increased levels of hardship as they age.

Tania says this IHC research highlights the compounded disadvantages that families of intellectually disabled children face, particularly as they prepare for the school year.

“Essential expenses such as uniforms, stationery and extracurricular activities strain already stretched budgets, leaving many children with an intellectual disability at a disadvantage from the outset.

“Investing in targeted support for families with intellectually disabled children is not only an ethical imperative but also a societal one.”

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.