Source: Radio New Zealand

A rural fuel distributor says strict allocation rules at certain ports mean it is needing to prioritise distribution to those who need it most.

The most up-to-date figures showed that there was 18.1 days of diesel in the country, with a further 28.3 days worth on ships bound for New Zealand, but an update is due to be released Monday.

Fern Energy chief executive Chris Gourley told Morning Report people were trying to beat the price by filling up early, and in some cases by hoarding, which was creating demand spikes in certain regions that could not be met because of new allocation rules.

“Importers have said to us that in some ports, they are managing that fuel to make sure it lasts until that next boat comes in, and they’re giving us strict … seven-day allocations.”

He emphasised it was not a problem of supply, but increased demand.

These allocation rules meant that sometimes there was not enough fuel where it was needed, and distributors were forced to bring it in from other regions, which slowed it down, he said.

They were also prioritising deliveries based on need, which was especially important at this critical part of the farming season, Gourley said.

“They are harvesting, they are working through that final stages as they work towards winter … so we are trying to prioritise based on that need, and trying to get to those customers before it becomes dire and they lose their crops.”

Federated Farmers spokesperson David Birkett previously told RNZ up to 95 percent of farming machinery used the fuel.

The hops season had just finished, so recently they had been prioritising that industry, Gourley said.

It was also the middle of the grape harvest season, and there was a huge amount of food in the ground that needed to come out, he added.

The forestry industry was also struggling, but that was more about cost and less about fuel demand, he said.

“Some of them are actually saying ‘do you know what? We’re going to just pull up and stop working until this settles down’.”

It would be “useful” for the government to start telling certain ports how to allocate their fuel, he said.

“(In) three or four weeks when the supply issue settles, it could be too late for some farmers … There could be some need immediately, if it’s possible, to improve allocations for distributors like Fern, so we can get on and get fuel to farmers quicker.”

He was confident that there would not be any issues around supply to the country, but reiterated that allocation was a concern

“Supply isn’t going to be an issue for New Zealand. Sustained high prices is what we’ve got to focus on next.

“The crisis is a price shock crisis.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

1 April is approaching – a day on which a host of rule changes take effect.

This year, some additional shifts can make a big difference to your bank balance, pay and retirement savings.

Here are some that you need to know about.

KiwiSaver contribution rates

From 1 April, the default contribution rate for KiwiSaver will lift from 3 percent to 3.5 percent for both employers and employees.

This will happen automatically, unless you have applied for a temporary reduction to stay at 3 percent. An ASB survey showed that 15 percent of recipients said they planned to do so.

KiwiSaver contributions for under 18s

People aged 16-17 will be paid employer contributions, as long as they are contributing themselves.

The government has made contributions to 16-17-year-old contributing KiwiSaver members since mid last year.

Benefit rates

Benefit rates will rise in line with inflation, which means a lift of 3.11 percent.

JobSeeker for a single person over 25 will increase from $361.32 to $372.55 a week, after tax.

Sole parent support lifts from $505.80 to $521.52.

Super rates

NZ Super increases from $1076 for a single person living alone per fortnight to $1110.30, based on changes in average wages, as well as general inflation.

Minimum wage

The minimum wage rate will increase from $23.50 an hour to $23.95. The training and starting-out minimum wages rise to $19.16 per hour, 80 percent of the adult minimum wage.

In-work tax credit

From 1 April, the in-work tax credit – part of the Working for Families scheme – will increase by $50 a week for those who qualify, as part of the government’s efforts to offset the impact of fuel price rises.

ACC earners’ levy

The ACC earners’ levy will increase from 1.67 percent to 1.75 percent per $100 earned for any pay runs after 1 April.

Residential solar

A new exemption takes effect from 1 April that means power generated by rooftop solar systems and sold back into the grid is exempt from tax. This also means customers cannot claim any tax deductions from cost of that activity.

BestStart payments

Families with babies born on or after 1 April will only receive BestStart payments, if their household income is low enough to make them eligible.

These are payments designed to support families in the early years of a child’s life.

The weekly payment of $77 will be reduced, when a household earns more than $79,000.

For children born before that date, the full Best Start payment is paid until they turn 1, no matter the household income.

Low-user tariff changes

The government will still phase out the low-user power scheme, which allowed households to pay a lower daily fixed charge and higher prices per kilowatt hour for the energy used.

There have ben concerns that the scheme is not well targeted and sometimes helps higher-income earners, while large low-income families pay comparatively more.

This phase-out process started in 2021. From 1 April, the maximum low-fixed charge will be $1.80 a day, up from $1.50 last year.

The regulations will be removed entirely from next April.

Power bills

1 April is often a day that power companies increase their prices. Lines charges are lifting, which help drive some of the rise.

Tax rules for digital nomads

People visiting New Zealand while working for themselves or for a foreign employer will have a new tax exemption. They can be in the country for up to nine months, before triggering the need to consider New Zealand tax residency issues.

Deloitte tax partner Robyn Walker said that assumed they did not acquire a permanent place of abode while living here.

New options for calculating tax on employee share schemes

Unlisted companies that offer staff shares will receive new options deferring employees’ tax obligations until a later date.

This helps to avoid a situation where employees might end up with a tax liability, without the funds to pay it.

A new rule will also allow employers to pay tax on employee benefits through the fringe benefit tax regime, rather than PAYE.

Information sharing agreements

Inland Revenue will be able to share data with other government agencies under the direction of a ministerial agreement.

Walker said information-sharing agreements were already in place, but this could make the process faster.

Shared information could be for things like determining eligibility for government assistance, the investigation of crime or removing the financial benefit of crime, she said.

Crypto-asset reporting framework

Crypto asset service providers must collect and report information about their users.

Inland Revenue said that would mean reporting on things like exchanges between fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies, exchanges between different crypto assets and transfers of relevant crypto assets.

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lower Hutt residents have been left feeling like “sitting ducks” as a proposed motorway threatens to cut through their neighbourhood.

A preferred route for the new four-lane route linking Lower Hutt and Porirua, has been approved by NZTA Waka Kotahi.

At peak times, the Petone to Granada road will shave off up to 23 minutes of travel time between Lower Hutt and Porirua.

The project, which is currently slated to cost more than $2 billion, is designed to better connect the Lower Hutt to State Highways 1 and 2, ease congestion and increase the road network’s resilience to accidents and natural disasters.

While some residents back the plan, it has left others feeling scared and angry, with claims it has already affected a house sale in the area.

Living in the project’s shadow

Lisa’s family have for 20 years lived in their century-old home on Hector Street in Petone.

They are among those the NZTA has sent a letter saying the Government may need to acquire their property.

She said she “felt a little bit angry, a little bit apprehensive” at the news.

She went to the NZTA’s community information sessions to learn more.

But as the project is still in the early planning stages with many details to be confirmed, she has been unable to get as clear answers as she wants.

Lisa said her family were left feeling like “sitting ducks” as they wait for further developments.

“But what if we want to move or what if we want to do other things?”

She worries about the options that will be available to her family amidst the uncertainty.

“Obviously, they were like, we’ll offer compensation and stuff like that, but it’s not always guaranteed that compensation will be enough to buy the same value of house in a different area.”

She understands the need for the road.

“I think the commute is awful. The road is being built [with] good intentions.”

But Lisa wonders if building the road is the right choice given the cost of living and fuel crisis, and the impact on the environment,

Her ecological concerns have been echoed by many residents who question why the road’s design had been chosen over other options when it has the “greatest impact” on the environment according to the project’s investment case.

The route curves around Percy reserve and below the Korokoro hills before potentially cutting through Gilberd Bush Reserve and Seton Nossiter Park to reach Grenada.

Officials chose the design as it was less steep and provided the best value for money.

NZTA is currently conducting ecological surveys and geological investigations.

One property owner, who RNZ has agreed not to name, said the project was already affecting him.

After putting his house for sale, a neighbour called his estate agent to let him know the street would be next to the off-ramp for the proposed road.

“So received kind of a slightly disappointing e-mail from the agent saying, ‘obviously this sort of complicates the sale’,” he said.

The buyers who had been interested in his house pulled out because of this.

“It just puts us in a really awkward situation due to the uncertainty.”

He renovated the property for months and is now unsure whether he’ll be able to recoup the costs on top of the estate agent and photographer fees to prepare for the sale.

“I was disappointed that NZTA were not more proactive in engaging with the community.

“They’re focused more on the people who are directly impacted, but there was no communication with those who are kind of adjacent.”

He is concerned that his status as an “adjacent” – someone whose house will not be acquired but who will be impacted by the project – might limit his right to compensation and how much his feedback on the project will be considered.

Michelle Stronach-Marsh is a resident of Riddlers’ Crescent, a street filled with historic homes which was originally in the path of the road.

She’s glad the path has changed but remains deeply worried about the road’s impact on the wider community.

“We have a lovely community of vibrant people from all walks of life and we’re able to walk everywhere. And I think for me it would see what is a tight-knit community being pulled apart for a road.

“I just can’t understand why we would just keep building roads when we should be looking at making our community more resilient through other means.”

A vital piece of infrastructure

Those in favour of the road argue that major infrastructure project will inevitably affect some some residents – but the benefits to the wider community outweigh these costs.

Mike Fisher, the former chair of the Petone community board, wants to see the project go ahead. “It’s a key missing piece in the region’s roading network.”

He is hopeful that if the project is submitted for fast track approval it will speed up the delivery of much-needed infrastructure.

“We’ve talked about it for years and years and years and it just keeps getting put off, but it’s not going to get any cheaper.

“So, I think it’s very timely and let’s get going – let’s get the bulldozers out.”

NZTA says it working to inform residents

NZTA said in a statement that it recognised that people living near a planned project might experience impacts from the construction and operation of a new road.

“Our direct, one‑to‑one engagement is focused on landowners whose properties may be required for a project, as these owners have specific legal rights and processes that apply to them.

“At the early stages of planning, that group is typically limited to properties within a proposed alignment where land may need to be acquired.

It said it was getting information out to the community, including those whose properties would be end up being adjacent to the potential motorway.

“While these properties are not classed as ‘directly affected’ for land acquisition purposes, they are not ignored.

“NZTA keeps the wider community informed through updates on project websites, newsletters, community information sessions and dedicated project inboxes, and we respond to the enquiries that we receive.”

Chris Bishop, who is the MP for Hutt South, spoke to RNZ but only in his capacity as Minister of Transport.

He said the “potential for disruption to residents and businesses from infrastructure projects large or small is always front of mind for delivery organisations”.

“Whilst this preferred option [for the Petone to Grenada Road] does not remove all the impacts on residents, it does reduce them appropriately in a cost effective and efficient manner.

“At the referral stage [of a Fast Track application], comments will be invited from various people including relevant local authorities. Through these comments, the Minister for Infrastructure, as decision maker, can gain a good understanding of the project, including from a local perspective, helping to inform the minister’s decision-making on a referral application.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

There is escalating support for dental care to be absorbed by New Zealand’s public health system and to be made free for adults, new research shows.

More than 1000 New Zealanders took part in a recent Talbot Mills Research survey, commissioned by advocacy group Dental For All.

Participants were asked whether they supported dental care being brought into the public healthcare system.

In findings released on Monday, 83 percent of participants said they supported the move.

Twelve percent opposed the move and 5 percent were unsure.

The report said the move was endorsed across the political spectrum, including 88 percent of Labour-voting participants supporting the move, alongside 78 percent of National-voting counterparts.

There was a similar level of support among other political allegiances (NZ First and Greens 82 percent, ACT 85 percent, Te Pāti Māori 80 percent).

Women (87 percent) were more likely to support a move than men (79 percent), the report said.

Dental for All campaigner Hana Pilkinton-Ching said the poll showed growing public momentum behind plugging the gap in the healthcare system that leaves out dental care.

“Dental is carved out of our public healthcare system because some dentists lobbied in 1938 to keep dental out,” she said.

“But more and more people in New Zealand recognise that our mouths are part of our bodies, oral health is health, and it makes no sense for our healthcare system to keep excluding dental.”

Dental care is free for children and teenagers under 18, but it is largely privatised for adults.

Essential dental care was subsidised for people on a low income or benefit. through Work and Income.

Ministry of Social Development data shows that in the March quarter of last year, just less than 30,000 dental grants were issued, worth a total of $22.2 million.

The survey also asked participants whether dental care should be free for adults, with 80 percent supportive and 15 percent opposed.

This included Labour voters 87 percent, Greens 85 percent, NZ First 81 percent, ACT 79 percent, National 76 percent and Te Pāti Māori 72 percent.

Association of Salaried Medical Specialists’ policy research director Harriet Wild said a 2023 poll showed that 74 percent of people supported free dental care.

“This poll shows public support continues to build to bring dental into our public healthcare system,” she said.

“It makes human sense, it makes economic sense, and this polling confirms that the move would be an incredibly popular one among the wider voting public.”

A Frank Advice report released in late-2024 showed keeping dental out of the public healthcare system was costing the country $2.5 billion in lost productivity each year and $3.1b each year in reduced quality of life.

Dental for All was due to release a cost plan for an integrated oral health service for children and adults next month.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The latest gauge of the country’s fuel supplies will be released on Monday, and farmers will be among those taking a keen interest.

The figures available now – showing what fuel there is and the ships on their way with more – were released on Thursday and show up until Sunday 22 March.

They revealed 24.5 days of petrol in the country, with another 24.2 on the way.

There was 20.1 days of jet fuel with 33.3 days on the way, and 18.1 days of diesel with 28.3 days on the way.

It was the diesel stocks that farmers said they would be keeping an eye on.

Federated Farmers spokesman David Birkett said up to 95 percent of farming machinery used the fuel.

“I guess what we’re looking for is at least maintaining that level, if we can hold it at those sorts of levels that would be really good to see,” he told RNZ.

“But the likelihood that it will reduce a little but more is probably quite significant as well.”

Birkett said there was a challenge in making sure land workers used only the diesel they need.

He said farmers were already limiting their use of diesel, both because of how much it costs and to conserve it.

“Even on the farm there are some activities that can be delayed or put back so it’s about making sure essential work is being done in these types of circumstances,” he said.

“It [diesel] does the heavy lifting essentially, all our transportation combines and tractors and trucks so it really is the backbone of the New Zealand economy these days.

Birkett said it was prudent for farmers to save what diesel they could early.

“Saving a few litres here and there now might make us in a better position than a months time or even two months time when things potentially good be better or they could be tighter, so it’s a bit like anything, a bit of savings earlier can quite often put you in a better position later,” Birkett said.

One grape harvester who was part-way through the harvest told RNZ last week that their supplier had already signalled tightening supplies.

They were grappling with staggering price rises the likes of which had never been seen before, he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A councillor for the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert is asking the council’s chief executive to investigate, after an out-of-control party of teens left several injured.

Teenagers ran for their lives, when trouble broke out on Phyllis Street on Friday night.

Two people were hurt, after a vehicle drove toward partygoers, while another two were injured in wider disorder.

Neighbours said the home was listed on short-stay accommodation sites and had been used for parties before.

One neighbour said locals had raised the problem with local MPs and other authorities, but nothing had changed.

Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa ward councillor and former Auckland Mayor Christine Fletcher told RNZ the unrest could not happen again.

“It’s completely unacceptable,” she said. “While, at the moment, the matter sits with police, we have to – within council – look at those areas for which we’re responsible,” she said.

“Infringements, noise infringements, whether it’s the sale of alcohol… we need to actually do a check to see what complaints have been lodged over this past year, because we cannot see a repeat of that just terrible behaviour.”

Fletcher said the incident was significant and had to be taken seriously.

“Let’s leave it with police at the moment, but know that there will be an investigation going on behind the scenes.”

Fletcher said she had been contacted by two residents with young families, wondering what on earth had happened.

“We’re not living in a warzone and we do not need to see this type of behaviour. We need to get to the bottom of it and understand how this has been allowed to happen.”

Local Anna McKessar earlier told RNZ she was putting her children to bed just before 10pm, when a group of screaming teens came running towards her home.

“I was really worried about the young people that I could see, and whether they were trying to get away and whether they were safe.”

She said a few hundred people were gathered there, before violence spilt out onto the road.

“They shouldn’t have been having this ruckus party,” she said.

Another Phyllis Street resident, who did not want to be named, said she was woken by the sounds of the “violent” altercation.

“There was so many people out there screaming and shouting at each other, and they were kicking the gates and fences of random houses down Phyllis Street. It sounded like people were getting really hurt.”

Police said they wanted to hear from anyone with footage from the event or who had not yet spoken with them.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand First has revealed former Buller mayor Jamie Cleine will stand for the party in the West Coast-Tasman electorate, in November’s general election.

Cleine lost the mayoralty in the October local elections after six years in the job, during which he led work on a plan to relocate Westport over decades, in the face of climate change.

• Ratepayers rout mayors who imposed big rises

He has been a dairy and livestock farmer for 26 years.

The candidate announcement comes alongside a policy announcement NZ First wants half of the royalties from mining returned to the region it was mined from, through targeted investment, including in local infrastructure and housing.

This would come alongside revised rules for where mining can occur, longer-term mining permits, and investment in geological surveying technology.

Meanwhile, they would also curb the ability of the Department of Conservation to intervene by prioritising protection for areas of high conservation only, and “streamlining” timeframes for the agency, with the proviso of ensuring protection for “genuinely endangered species”.

This would be achieved through changes to the Conservation and Wildlife Acts.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

There has been a U-turn on the most controversial part of the sweeping new Fisheries Bill, but keeping undersized catches wasn’t the only fishhook in the legislation.

It was the great catch that wasn’t.

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones was forced to throw his controversial fishing clause back into the sea last week, following protests and backlash – now his “once-in-a-generation” overhaul of New Zealand’s fishing rules is set Shane to be scrutinised in parliament with its first reading.

The government is proposing sweeping changes to the Fisheries Act, aimed at making the industry more efficient, more profitable, and quicker to respond to changes in fish stocks.

But after pressure from environmental groups and recreational fishers, Fisheries Minister Jones pulled back on his contentious plan to scrap most minimum size limits for commercial fishers, effectively allowing them to land and sell baby fish, including snapper and tarakihi.

He was initially unapologetic about the plan, but after advice from his leader and the prime minister – it’s up for debate who gave it first – he pulled a late pivot last week, and the clause is gone.

“It’s quite a big development really,” says RNZ producer and reporter Ross McNaughton, who has covered the many twists and turns of the bill.

“I think it [the bill] definitely does have the potential to bite the Matua on the bum, because it is riling up a lot of people.”

Today, The Detail looks at the “complex, dense” bill, which is shaping up to be a hot political topic in an election year.

“It’s so hard to sum up because it’s such a big bill,” McNaughton says. “There is the setting of catch limits now for up to five years, there are restrictions on cameras and the fines, and even the restrictions on whether or not people can challenge these in court.

“So, there is just so much in there, it’s such a massive bill, and very hard to pin down in a headline. I guess you could say it’s very very murky waters.”

The Fisheries Minister insists the changes will cut red tape and unlock growth in a billion-dollar export sector.

But critics say it risks doing the opposite – weakening environmental protections and handing more power to big fishing interests.

Concerns are also mounting around transparency, with the proposed tweaks to on-board camera rules raising alarms about public oversight.

Recreational fishers and environmental groups warn the reforms could put pressure on already-stretched fish stocks – and limit access for everyday kiwis.

But then supporters argue the current system is outdated and slow – and say smarter, more responsive rules are long overdue.

The bill is expected to face intense scrutiny as it heads through Parliament, with the future of New Zealand’s fisheries hanging in the balance.

“The timing isn’t great, given this is an election year, and this is starting to gather a lot of political heat,” McNaughton says.

“It’s an incredibly complex issue, with passionate people on either side.”

At its core, the debate cuts to a familiar tension in New Zealand: how to protect a loved finite natural resource while supporting an industry that’s vital to regional economies.

The government maintains the reforms are about modernising an outdated system – making it more efficient, more responsive, and much better aligned with real-world fishing practices.

Now, as the bill edges closer to its next stage, many in this ocean-loving country will be watching closely.

“It is intrinsically New Zealand,” says McNaughton. “And that’s why it’s such a hot topic”.

Check out how to listen to and follow The Detail here.

You can also stay up-to-date by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Dozens of people are hunkering down overnight at Wellington’s St Paul Cathedral to protest move-on orders.

About 250 people and 50 volunteers are at the vigil, organised by eight churches and other community groups.

Families with children will head home after speeches and music tonight, while others are expecting to stay for breakfast.

They oppose the move-on orders the government plans to introduce, which would allow police to issue notices to those sleeping rough requiring them to move to another location.

Those who refuse could face a $2000 fine or up to three months in prison.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

After last week’s battering more bad weather on the way and the Far North council is warning people to be extremely careful as the area is already saturated, while a MetService yellow heavy rain watch has been issued for Auckland, Waikato, Taupō and Taumaranui.

The new weather front sweeping in from the north is expected to bring strong rain and winds to exposed places from Sunday night into Monday morning, with thunderstorms possible.

Downpours for Auckland, Waikato, Taupō and Taumaranui could reach up to 35 mm/h, from 1am Monday, MetService forecasters said.

“In areas outside the Watch, even though rainfall isn’t expected to reach warning amounts there could still be impacts from brief bursts of very heavy rain and strong wind gusts on already saturated ground – now’s the time to clear the drains and gutters and secure anything that could fly away or fall over,” they said.

Warning for saturated Far North

The incoming system will likely clear away quickly, but the ground is already saturated and more vulnerable than usual, the Far North District Council (FNDC) said.

People should stay away from existing landslides and slips, and keep away from waterways and steep slopes.

Far North residents experiencing weather related issues could continue to report them to the council on 0800 920 029. The helpline “operates around the clock: If you can’t get through, please leave a message with your name and contact number. We will call you back,” FNDC said, but also added the reminder that threats to life or to property should always be reported immediately to 111.

People in the affected areas should stay up to date with the latest information from MetService and NZTA as the situation changes, they said.

RNZ is New Zealand’s statutory civil defence lifeline radio broadcaster, providing vital information and updates as they come to hand. All frequencies can be found here.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand First says ahead of expansions in the mining industry it wants more efficient approvals, to rein in the Department of Conservation, and to return half of mining royalties to local communities as targeted investment.

Leader Winston Peters has been campaigning in Westport on Sunday, and says the party’s policy restores common sense, paves the way for new mining zones and longer-term permits and will ensure funds go to the regions the mining takes place in, and “not Wellington”.

Peters also announced former Buller mayor Jamie Cleine as the party’s candidate for the West Coast-Tasman electorate, in the November general election.

“New Zealand’s mining industry is burgeoning, and we need to get ahead of its expansion to ensure we are building up our regions’ wealth, infrastructure, and future potential,” a policy statement from Peters’ office said.

“Mining is one of our most productive sectors. It contributes billions to our economy, supports thousands of jobs, and drives real growth without fuelling inflation.”

New mining rules to ‘further unlock New Zealand’s resource potential’

The current approval system for mining was overly complex and inefficient, with “rules that don’t improve environmental outcomes but do a very good job of stopping investment and costing jobs”. We will put a stop to that,” NZ First said.

If elected it would work on making mining approvals more efficient, quicker and simpler. This meant changes to where mining can occur, issuing longer-term mining permits, and changes to rules about geological surveying technologies.

“The policy package will also rein in the role of government agencies, including the Department of Conservation,” it said.

This would be achieved through changes to the Conservation and Wildlife Acts. It would curb DOC’s ability to intervene by prioritising protection for areas of high conservation only, ensuring protection for “genuinely endangered species”.

DOC would instead “need to stay focused on their core priorities”.

“Regional prosperity cannot continue to be sidelined by processes that have lost all sense of proportion. Mining in the right places, with the right rules, will give businesses the confidence to invest for the long term and continue creating jobs in regions that rely on mining.

“And to complement this, the duration of mining permits needs to reflect the maturity of the sector. We will do that by providing longer permits that creates more certainty. More confidence. And more investment.

“The length of permits need to reflect that mining is a long-term business, giving investors certainty and ensuring permits cover the full life of the mine, including rehabilitation.”

Targeted investment in the regions

Half of the funds from mining royalties would go to local services and long term development in the region the mining was being done in. And sunk into things like water services, flood protection, energy generation, tourism and transport, to “enable housing development in areas of high minerals industry growth, and critical infrastructure projects,” the party statement said.

“We will back that up with targeted, regional investment to allow these projects to succeed.”

It would also ensure mines rescue capabilities are “properly funded”.

“The New Zealand First mining policy package is ultimately about creating growth and opportunity for everyday Kiwis and building on major policies we’ve already announced like Fast-track.”

Better understanding of New Zealand’s untapped mining potential

One of the first moves would be to commission a thorough geological survey.

“Right now, we don’t even have a modern understanding of what we’ve got beneath our feet. Other countries do and that’s simply not good enough,” the party said.

“So we will deliver a modern geological survey and unlock existing data through investment in advanced core-scanning technology. Because if you don’t know what you have, you can’t make smart decisions about unlocking its full potential.”

Opportunities would be sought to add value here before shipping offshore.

“At the moment, we risk being stuck in a ‘dig and ship’ model for key future industries, sending our resources offshore and letting others make the real money.”

So there would be more focused investment in science and innovation to support the sector, as well as upskilling New Zealanders to take advantage of high paying mining jobs, by opening a new School of Mines.

Mining was “a vital part of [the West Coast] region’s economy, and a key part of New Zealand’s future,” the party said.

“You can protect the environment and grow the economy at the same time. They are not mutually exclusive,” it said.

“New Zealand First’s mining plan will help to further unlock New Zealand’s resource potential.”

“The policy package recognises the vital role mining plays in New Zealand’s economy and regional communities.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

There are fears procurers of transport services may begin to hit back at the increased cost of moving goods, Transporting New Zealand says.

Fuel prices have sky-rocketed in recent weeks, due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Transporting New Zealand chief executive Dom Kalasih said the financial viability of businesses are at risk, if costs can not be passed on.

“There’s a lot of worry, and that’s about whether procurers of transport services, their clients and customers, whether they will be fair, reasonable, and responsible in paying the additional costs,” he said

“These are unexpected costs and transport operators, at the end of the day, they’re just price takers, they can’t control the price of fuel.

“These prices are significant and ultimately, whilst Transporting New Zealand is very careful not to be seen as price-setting, the reality is those additional prices have to be passed on and someone’s got to pay for them.

“Transport operators cannot wear these price increases and the financial viability of their businesses is at risk if they cannot recoup these costs,” he said

Kalasih said transport regulations should be urgently amended to allow certain trucks to carry higher payloads as it could improve fuel efficiency across the freight task and reduce diesel cost pressures.

Heavy vehicle permitting regulations currently allow approved freight operators to run High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMVs) on state highways and local roads suitable for vehicles operating above the standard 44-tonne weight limit.

“I have written to New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, asking the agency to consider how the heavy vehicle permitting regulations could be urgently amended to move more freight in fewer trips,” Kalasih said

“Increasing allowable payloads on 50MAX vehicles and other HPMVs could reduce the diesel required to move freight, while maintaining a safe and well-regulated system. That will put downward pressure on freight costs at a time when businesses and consumers are doing it really tough.”

“HPMVs are already delivering fuel savings compared to standard 44-tonne trucks. For example, 50MAX trucks increase freight capacity by approximately 20 percent while only increasing diesel use by 10 percent, with their additional axle ensuring no additional wear on roads per tonne of freight.”

“Improving freight efficiency also has benefits for safety and emissions, as fewer trips are required to move the same volume of goods.” he said.

On Sunday, fuel price tracking app Gaspy showed the average price for Unleaded 91 was $3.42.

Diesel is the same, while Unleaded 95 is $3.63.

The government has fleshed out its National Fuel Plan, outlining rationing measures that would be taken if supplies start running dry.

Resembling the Covid alert levels, the plan has four ‘phases’. New Zealand is at phase one.

Phase 2 would see homes, businesses and the public sector encouraged to conserve fuel.

The higher phases are still under consultation.

Phase 3 would see fuel prioritised for life-preserving services and phase 4 would see stricter intervention in fuel distribution.

Moving up or down levels is decided by a ministerial oversight group based on fuel stocks, restrictions and supply chain data.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The annual flu vaccine – which becomes available this coming week in NZ – can reduce risk of heart attacks, an epidemiologist says.

Epidemiologist Dr Michael Baker told Sunday Morning the influenza vaccine didn’t just reduce the risk and severity of the flu, it also reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes by about a third for those infected.

He said increased rates of influenza can increase the amount of heart attacks because it can inflame and injure the heart muscle directly.

“The illness itself… puts stress on the organs as well and also makes the blood more prone to clotting.”

Baker said the vaccine can be as effective as heart attack medication for those infected by influenza.

He also said there were some vaccines – which are not funded – that were better suited for older people.

What’s happening with Covid?

Baker said the world was currently dealing with subvariants of Covid-19 and the latest wave was New Zealand’s biggest in 18 months.

“These waves are getting smaller, that’s the good news, but it is still causing what looks like two waves a year. It’s not seasonal at all – it can come in summer or winter – and has a mix of sub types and sub variants.”

Long Covid was also still a worry and could effect all age groups, Baker said.

“Quality of life is reduced, and while there is often some improvement overtime, many of these people in fact will have a severe long-term disability.

“And also like influenza, post-Covid infection, you are also at higher risk of having heart attacks and strokes for example,” he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Pharmac is closely monitoring potential medicine supply risks arising from Iran war.

This follows international reports that the UK is weeks away from medicine shortages if the conflict continues.

The Iran war has affected the global supply of a range of raw ingredients.

Pharmac said a small number of supply issues have been identified so far and there are currently no problems stemming from those for New Zealanders.

It warned supply challenges will not be unique to New Zealand or to healthcare and were being felt across the world and almost every sector.

It said it’s working with suppliers, Health New Zealand, Medsafe, and the logistics sector to identify risks early and secure alternative products if necessary.

The chair of General Practice NZ, Dr Bryan Betty, said New Zealand is at the end of a very long supply chain.

He said it’s important that Pharmac is monitoring international developments.

Betty said the agency has not provided any specific advice about new medication shortages due to the Iran war.

The Ministry of Health is also working to identify and manage supply risks.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

More Bluebridge ferry sailings have been cancelled after a fault on one of its ships.

The technical fault on the Connemara means tonight’s Wellington to Picton 8.30pm service will not happen.

Services tomorrow are also cancelled.

It is the latest in a string of canned sailings for the ship, which have lasted more than a week.

The Connemara usually sails up to four times daily between Wellington and Picton.

Bluebridge said there were limited options for re-booking.

StraitNZ Bluebridge apologised “unreservedly” on Friday for the disruption but would not elaborate on what the fault was, just that it was taking longer than anticipated to fix.

Maritime NZ confirmed it would undertake its own inspection of the vessel to ensure safety standards were being met, but did not provide a timeframe.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police say they arrested considerably more people at Whangamatā’s Beach Hop car event than in recent years.

Tens of thousands of people flocked to the event at the seaside town on the Coromandel Penninsula, but police were kept busy with anti-social behaviour as evening fell.

“This is an enjoyable event, which is so important for the local economy, and it was run really well with participants and attendees having a great time, and mostly behaving themselves,” Eastern Waikato area commander Inspector Mike Henwood said.

“Unfortunately, some of the people attracted to the event caused some issues for police later in the night.”

Thirty were arrested for fighting in a public place and disorderly behaviour, and about 40 liquor ban infringement notices were issued.

“While the amount of people blatantly ignoring the longstanding liquor ban in the area is similar to recent years, the number of arrests is considerably higher,” Henwood said.

“It is extremely disappointing that the behaviour of some people required us to make arrests, issue tickets and deal with drink drivers. However, it was anticipated, which is why there was an increased police presence carrying out foot patrols and checkpoints in the area.

“We encourage those attending these types of events to have fun, but in a safe and lawful manner,”

More than 3000 drivers were breath-tested in the area during the weekend, with 11 exceeding breath alcohol limits.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The annual flu vaccine – which becomes available this coming week in NZ – can reduce risk of heart attacks, an epidemiologist says.

Epidemiologist Dr Michael Baker told Sunday Morning the influenza vaccine didn’t just reduce the risk and severity of the flu, it also reduced the risk of heart attacks and strokes by about a third for those infected.

He said increased rates of influenza can increase the amount of heart attacks because it can inflame and injure the heart muscle directly.

“The illness itself… puts stress on the organs as well and also makes the blood more prone to clotting.”

Baker said the vaccine can be as effective as heart attack medication for those infected by influenza.

He also said there were some vaccines – which are not funded – that were better suited for older people.

What’s happening with Covid?

Baker said the world was currently dealing with subvariants of Covid-19 and the latest wave was New Zealand’s biggest in 18 months.

“These waves are getting smaller, that’s the good news, but it is still causing what looks like two waves a year. It’s not seasonal at all – it can come in summer or winter – and has a mix of sub types and sub variants.”

Long Covid was also still a worry and could effect all age groups, Baker said.

“Quality of life is reduced, and while there is often some improvement overtime, many of these people in fact will have a severe long-term disability.

“And also like influenza, post-Covid infection, you are also at higher risk of having heart attacks and strokes for example,” he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Most roads in the Thames-Coromandel district have reopened after Friday’s heavy rain.

The region was under an orange heavy rain and wind warning as a severe subtropical storm lashed the North Island.

State Highway 25 from Coromandel Town to East Kuaotunu is now open with speed restrictions.

Wentworth Valley Road is also open but only to four wheel drive vehicles, because a ford is still flowing.

Crews are out again today, clearing slips and managing traffic.

Weather hit regions including parts of Northland, were cleared on Saturday when MetService lifted all warning as regions looked to recover from the weather events.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A young person seriously injured after violence broke out at a party remains in hospital after surgery, and police say the incident was isolated, but neighbours say it’s an ongoing issue that needs to be tackled.

A vehicle drove towards partygoers, injuring two people, and two others were injured during wider disorder. Some reported that partygoers were attacked with machetes.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A patient advocate is warning that the consequences of people receiving incorrect medical treatment due to mistaken identity can be catastrophic.

Health New Zealand has acknowledged people may have received incorrect medical treatment due to two people being mistakenly linked to one active National Health Index Number.

An NHI number is an alphanumeric identifier assigned to people who use health and disability services.

Health New Zealand told RNZ that although NHI numbers were unique, there was the potential for identity overlay, where two people were mistakenly linked to one active number.

”This can occur where two people’s personal information is nearly identical, and the health provider selects the wrong person. These cases are identified and corrected quickly by Health NZ’s NHI Data Quality team through daily reporting on potential duplicates and overlays,” it said.

”Health NZ acknowledges it is possible that people have received incorrect treatment when a health provider has selected the wrong person.

“However, Health NZ does not hold any centralised information on such cases, and any information, if it exists, would be held only in individual clinical records at district or provider level.”

Patient Voice Aotearoa chairperson Malcolm Mulholland said that’s not good enough.

”It’s not good and it’s something that shouldn’t be happening and Health New Zealand should be able to articulate the size of the problem.”

“The mere fact that they are unable to do so indicates to me that there are some problems and, without having them resolved, the consequences can be quite dire for patients,” he said.

“One of my areas of concern would be around medication. So a lot of certain medications are listed to be given to a patient and the medication is given to the wrong patient due to this problem. That to me would be ringing alarm bells and could lead to some catastrophic health outcomes.”

Health New Zealand was approached for additional comment.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A driver has died in a two-vehicle crash at the Beachlands Speedway racetrack in Dunedin.

Police were called to the scene in Waldronville at 7:10pm on Saturday night.

General Manager of Speedway New Zealand Zoe Irons told the New Zealand Herald a Speedway driver had died on the track.

“At this time, our thoughts are with the family affected and everyone within our speedway community,” Irons said, according to the Herald.

A Serious Crash Unit have conducted a scene examination and WorkSafe will be advised.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or have footage are being asked to contact police.

In 2024, a car flew over a safety fence in a streetstocks race at Beachlands Speedway.

A video posted to Facebook showed a streetstock turning a corner before suddenly hitting another car and launching over the fences around the track, flipping just metres from the crowd.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Rocket Lab has successfully carried out its first dedicated launch on behalf of the European Space Agency.

The New Zealand-US space company’s 85th launch was carried out from its rocket pad in Hawke’s Bay on Saturday night.

It’s the first of two spacecraft of a satellite navigation demonstration mission in low Earth orbit.

An eventual new array of satellites some 500 kilometres above the earth will test next-generation technologies for uses like autonomous vehicles, maritime navigation, wireless networks, emergency services, and critical infrastructure projects.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

An owner of a Ford hybrid vehicle that has had a problem identified with its battery says it could not have happened at a worse time.

Ford said it had written to the owners of some Escape PHEVs regarding a battery issue that could create a fire hazard, if they were fully charged.

“A manufacturing defect in one or more of the vehicle’s high voltage battery cells may cause the cell to develop an internal short circuit. Ford globally has had no incidents reported and the batteries we’ve checked, again globally, less than one percent have shown it to even be a potential issue.

“In NZ, we’ve had no known incidents and no batteries have yet been found to have the issue in question.

“However, as an added safety precaution, Ford has asked customers to limit the charging to 80 percent and drive in auto EV mode only. This is not a ‘stop drive’ issue.

“Ford is investigating a permanent solution and will be in contact again with customers asap.”

Brian Holmes said it was very inconvenient to be told his vehicle could “burst into flames”, when he wanted to rely on the battery more than ever.

He told Ford that, given the fuel crisis and the increasing uncertainty of the future price of petrol, the need to avoid using the full value of the plug-in hybrid could not have come at a worse time.

He had asked for compensation, but was told that a decision had not yet been made about whether that was possible.

“They don’t have a technical fix and have stonewalled my enquiry about compensation.”

Interest in electric vehicles has increased significantly since war broke out in the Middle East, pushing up oil prices.

Earlier, Westpac New Zealand managing director of institutional and business banking Reuben Tucker told RNZ demand for electric vehicles through the bank’s greater choices home loan top up and other loans for electric vehicles had soared.

“In the last two weeks, the number of applications for EVs through these products has roughly doubled,” he said.

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand