Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says costs of damage to Wellington in the recent storm could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars

He is calling for donations from locals who could afford to kick in cash or things like furniture, saying some families have lost everything.

The calls came during the announcement of a $100,000 Mayoral Relief Fund, launched to support Wellingtonians affected by Monday’s severe weather, with the city calling on Wellingtonians for further donations.

Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge said he had “seen and heard some horrific stories about peoples’ lives”. He said it could take a long time for those badly affected to get back on their feet

“My encouragement to Wellingtonians is, as you have done time and time again, show your generosity, look after your neighbours, contribute to this fund and enable us to do the work we need to do in the days ahead.”

Edridge said he was working with nearly 40 families, getting them support and temporary accommodation.

He expected more people to come looking for support in the coming days.

Little said while the full picture was still emerging he estimated the costs of damage would be in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.

He said he was unsure how many people have been displaced by the storm, with possibly dozens of homes badly damaged.

On Monday Wellington’s southern suburbs were hit with widespread torrential rain and flooding which has led to landslides and damage to some people’s homes and businesses, and displaced some people.

“We’ve launched the Mayoral Relief Fund in partnership with Wellington City Mission to get support out to the people who need it most, and quickly,” said Wellington Mayor Andrew Little.

“As the extent of the effects on residents and damage to property have become clearer, it is clear that many residents need financial support to help them.”

He was calling on Wellingtonians to add to the fund if they are able to.

“Our fellow Wellingtonians – our neighbours – need our support. Every little bit helps families in need. I’m encouraging everybody, who is able to, to give support through the Mayoral Relief Fund which has been setup in partnership between council and the Wellington City Mission,” Little said.

The fund would operate similarly to the Loafers Lodge fund set up in May 2023 to help survivors of that event.

Funds raised would be used by the Wellington City Mission to directly support those impacted by this week’s flooding.

The Mission would also provide regular updates on funds received and the expenditure from it.

Edridge welcomed the news of the establishment of the Mayoral Relief Fund.

“Wellington has a reputation for extraordinary generosity to support those in the community who are in trouble. Our hearts have gone out to those impacted by this week’s floods and I am sure we will stand behind them in this recovery phase.”

Since Monday morning, the Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru facility in Mount Cook had been providing emergency relief for people who have lost possessions or been evacuated from their homes.

He said the Mission was also accepting donations of furniture, household goods and appliances, that would be provided to those that need them.

“Unfortunately, the Mission is not in a position to pick them up, so they will have to be dropped to Whakamaru at 4 Oxford Terrace, Mount Cook, Wellington,” he said.

Landfill status

Little said the southern landfill remained closed for the public disposal of waste. It was affected by the storm, but Little said things were looking okay up there and he hoped to announce in the next day or two about getting people access to it again.

He said more information would also come from the council about how people can get rid of flood damaged material and debris.

In the meantime, the tip was able to receive commercial waste.

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

Financial stress is putting pressure on New Zealand’s social cohesion, a new report says.

The second Social Cohesion in New Zealand report by the Helen Clark Foundation said the country’s social fabric was “fraying on almost every measure”.

The survey of nearly 3000 people has been conducted for the second time, and will be an annual exercise.

“The results are both frightening and hopeful,” economist and co-author Shamubeel Eaqub said.

“New Zealand still has strong foundations, but there are growing cracks in how people experience fairness, opportunity and connection. Financial stress is the dominant driver.”

Trust in government dropped from 42 percent to 39 percent. The share of people who believed that hard work would lead to a better life fell seven points to 45 percent.

“Interesting people who are currently prosperous are not really sure that hard work in and of itself is enough. There’s a broadening acceptance, a fear, that just working hard is not enough – there are other structural barriers we need to work on,” he told RNZ’s Nine to Noon.

Attitudes to immigration were also becoming more negative.

Eaqub said there were three key groups of New Zealanders. Thirty percent could be counted as connected with high levels of belonging, institutional trust and acceptance.

Another 41 percent were ambivalent – this was often older homeowners, retirees and centre-right voters.

Another 28 percent were alienated, and often engaged in protest and online political activity. Almost half of Māori and Pasifika respondents fall into this group, as do nearly half of Green voters and seven in 10 NZ First voters.

“We have three very different New Zealands living alongside each other,” Eaqub said. “Financial stress, political allegiance, institutional distrust, and social isolation are reinforcing each other, producing a population that is frustrated and disconnecting from the conventional institutions we rely on for collective decision-making.”

He said the research showed financial stress was the single biggest driver of low social cohesion.

“People struggling to make ends meet are significantly less likely to feel connected, trust institutions, or participate in community life. At the same time, loneliness and isolation are rising. “Isolation doesn’t mean people disengage entirely,” he said.

“But it does change how they participate – away from traditional institutions and toward more oppositional or online forms of engagement.”

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

Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says costs of damage to Wellington in the recent storm could be in the hundreds of millions of dollars

He is calling for donations from locals who could afford to kick in cash or things like furniture, saying some families have lost everything.

The calls came during the announcement of a $100,000 Mayoral Relief Fund, launched to support Wellingtonians affected by Monday’s severe weather, with the city calling on Wellingtonians for further donations.

Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge said he had “seen and heard some horrific stories about peoples’ lives.”

He said it could take a long time for those badly affected to get back on their feet

“My encouragement to Wellingtonians is, as you have done time and time again, show your generosity, look after your neighbours, contribute to this fund and enable us to do the work we need to do in the days ahead.”

Edridge said he is working with nearly 40 families, getting them support and temporary accommodation.

He expects more people to come looking for support in the coming days.

Little said while the full picture was still emerging he estimated the costs of damage would be in the tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.

He said he was unsure how many people have been displaced by the storm, with possibly dozens of homes badly damaged.

On Monday Wellington’s southern suburbs were hit with widespread torrential rain and flooding which has led to landslides and damage to some people’s homes and businesses, and displaced some people.

“We’ve launched the Mayoral Relief Fund in partnership with Wellington City Mission to get support out to the people who need it most, and quickly,” said Wellington Mayor Andrew Little.

“As the extent of the effects on residents and damage to property have become clearer, it is clear that many residents need financial support to help them.”

He was calling on Wellingtonians to add to the fund if they are able to.

“Our fellow Wellingtonians – our neighbours – need our support. Every little bit helps families in need. I’m encouraging everybody, who is able to, to give support through the Mayoral Relief Fund which has been setup in partnership between council and the Wellington City Mission,” Little said.

The fund would operate similarly to the Loafers Lodge fund set up in May 2023 to help survivors of that event.

Funds raised would be used by the Wellington City Mission to directly support those impacted by this week’s flooding.

The Mission would also provide regular updates on funds received and the expenditure from it.

Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge welcomed the news of the establishment of the Mayoral Relief Fund.

“Wellington has a reputation for extraordinary generosity to support those in the community who are in trouble. Our hearts have gone out to those impacted by this week’s floods and I am sure we will stand behind them in this recovery phase.”

Since Monday morning, the Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru facility in Mount Cook had been providing emergency relief for people who have lost possessions or been evacuated from their homes.

He said the Mission was also accepting donations of furniture, household goods and appliances, that would be provided to those that need them.

“Unfortunately, the Mission is not in a position to pick them up, so they will have to be dropped to Whakamaru at 4 Oxford Terrace, Mount Cook, Wellington,” he said.

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

A Canterbury investment company appears to have used investors’ money to fund personal interests of its director and his family members, while investors face a “substantial shortfall”, according to an interim liquidators report.

In December 2025, the Financial Markets Authority sought the liquidation of Rangiora-based Chance Voight Investment Corporation Limited (CVICL), and five of its main subsidiaries.

The interim liquidators report by PwC was released on Wednesday after the High Court in Christchurch lifted suppression.

The report which was dated 26 January recommended the High Court place the companies into liquidation.

PwC said investor funds totalled about $54.2 million as at 10 December 2025 (when the interim liquidators were appointed), comprising about $50.4m in debt investments and $3.8m in CVICL equity.

PwC said investor interest – and in some cases, redemption payments – were largely funded by new investor money, not investment returns.

Key findings included extensive activity related to Chance Voight director Bernard Whimp’s personal interests.

“A substantial level of activity and use of investor funds, including via advances to related entities outside of the group, appears to be related to the personal interests of the director and his family members,” the interim liquidators report said.

It went on to say: “Decision-making within the group is highly centralised to one person (Mr Whimp) with no independent oversight, inadequate governance records, and significant related-party transactions.”

The report highlighted poor financial record keeping practices, with limited management accounting reports, and only recent efforts to prepare consolidated financial statements, and no audit processes.

“We believe these issues would persist were control to be returned to the director,” the report said.

The interim liquidators recommended the High Court order the liquidation of further entities related to Chance Voight, including CVI Management Services Limited Partnership, which had Whimp as the sole limited partner.

The report said this entity received $9.2m in management fees over the last two-and-a-half years, and the dollar figure represented 24 percent of funds received by the group from external investors as at 30 September 2025.

Another related entity scrutinised by the interim liquidators was CVI Projects Limited.

“Substantial investor funds have been advanced to this entity, much of which appears to relate to the matters/properties of the director and his family’s personal interests,” the report said.

“No security has been identified as being registered over the properties that appear to have received the benefit of the majority of this funding.”

Investors should expect a “substantial shortfall”

The interim report said most investors and shareholders appeared to be 65 years and over, and based on conversations they had with investors, “an understanding of the full risk profile of the investments offered was often lacking”.

“Based on discussions with a number of investors, it appears that many had limited financial knowledge despite being recorded as wholesale or otherwise exempt investors.”

The report said the complexity of the transactions across multiple entities, and the lack of visibility over records, meant it was not possible to estimate the outcome for investors.

“However, a substantial shortfall is anticipated,” it said. “In addition, the level of intercompany and related party transactions requires consideration of whether pooling orders should be pursued.”

Chance Voight Group “materially insolvent”

The group reported a consolidated loss of $5.5m for the six-months ended September 2025.

“Losses of this scale, which are not linked to temporary disruption or timing, confirms that the underlying business activities is not viable,” the report said.

“We have assessed that CVICL and the majority of its subsidiaries are both balance sheet and cash flow insolvent on a standalone, and consolidated, book value basis.”

It also found the group had a negative net asset position of $11.8m.

“The realisable value of the Group’s assets will be insufficient to meet liabilities,” the report said. “Any possible recovery would require an unrealistic uplift in asset values.”

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

New data shows 68.6 percent of students attending school regularly for term 1 this year, the highest figure for term 1 since 2020.

However, that figure is still four points below the 2019 pre-Covid figures of 72.8 percent.

Regular attendance is when a student attends 90 percent of half days in a term.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour said the data showed attendance rates continuing to rise under the coalition.

“This data shows attendance rates continue to rise under this government. We are focussed on fixing what matters, and few things are as important as school attendance,” he said.

“Kiwi students are showing up to school more, and parents are pushing them to attend. Those students and parents should be proud.”

Central and East Auckland had the highest regular attendance rates at 75.5 percent, followed by North and West Auckland at 73.5 and Otago/Southland at 72.6 percent.

Seymour said with every school now required to have an attendance management plan with escalating responses for declining attendance, frontline attendance services were now more accountable and data-driven.

Term 1 regular attendance figures:

• 2019: 73.1 percent
• 2020: 67.9 percent
• 2021: 66.3 percent
• 2022: 46.5 percent
• 2023: 59.0 percent
• 2024: 61.4 percent
• 2025: 65.9 percent
• 2026: 68.6 percent

Methods were changed in term 1 last year, to use a “more efficient and modern system”, changing how the statistical calculations were made and reported.

The new approach was retroactively applied to data from previous years, the most noticeable change being a lift in regular attendance for Term 1 2020 from 50.5 percent to 67.9 percent.

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

A $100,000 Mayoral Relief Fund has been launched to support Wellingtonians affected by Monday’s severe weather, with the city calling on Wellingtonians for further donations.

On Monday Wellington’s southern suburbs were hit with widespread torrential rain and flooding which has led to landslides and damage to some people’s homes and businesses, and displaced some people.

“We’ve launched the Mayoral Relief Fund in partnership with Wellington City Mission to get support out to the people who need it most, and quickly,” said Wellington Mayor Andrew Little.

“As the extent of the effects on residents and damage to property have become clearer, it is clear that many residents need financial support to help them.”

He was calling on Wellingtonians to add to the fund if they are able to.

“Our fellow Wellingtonians – our neighbours – need our support. Every little bit helps families in need. I’m encouraging everybody, who is able to, to give support through the Mayoral Relief Fund which has been setup in partnership between council and the Wellington City Mission,” Little said.

The fund would operate similarly to the Loafers Lodge fund set up in May 2023 to help survivors of that event.

Funds raised would be used by the Wellington City Mission to directly support those impacted by this week’s flooding.

The Mission would also provide regular updates on funds received and the expenditure from it.

Wellington City Missioner Murray Edridge welcomed the news of the establishment of the Mayoral Relief Fund.

“Wellington has a reputation for extraordinary generosity to support those in the community who are in trouble. Our hearts have gone out to those impacted by this week’s floods and I am sure we will stand behind them in this recovery phase.”

Since Monday morning, the Wellington City Mission’s Whakamaru facility in Mount Cook had been providing emergency relief for people who have lost possessions or been evacuated from their homes.

He said the Mission was also accepting donations of furniture, household goods and appliances, that would be provided to those that need them.

“Unfortunately, the Mission is not in a position to pick them up, so they will have to be dropped to Whakamaru at 4 Oxford Terrace, Mount Cook, Wellington,” he said.

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

The New Zealand stock market is yet to appoint a permanent replacement to take over from the long-serving chief executive Mark Peterson, who departs at the end of the month.

“The process for CEO recruitment is well advanced and the Board is taking the necessary time to ensure we find the right candidate for what is a demanding role requiring a broad range of skills and domain knowledge,” chairperson John McMahon told shareholders at this morning’s annual meeting.

“There are also a number of exchanges looking for a chief executive at the moment.”

Among them was Australia’s ASX, after its chief executive Helen Lofthouse announced in February she would step down at the end of May.

Still, it had been been 10 months since Peterson announced he would step-down.

The board announced chief financial and corporate officer Graham Law would take over in an acting capacity until the board can find a permanent replacement.

“The Board’s message to shareholders is that whoever is appointed as CEO will continue to deliver and evolve the agreed NZX growth strategy which is working and gaining strong momentum,” McMahon said.

The outlook

He said the current financial year saw a strong start to the year, though there had been a softening in global market asset prices and capital markets activity following the start of the war in Iran.

“Despite present global market asset prices and capital markets activity levels, we are maintaining our operating earnings guidance range of $53.0 million to $58.5 million, which is subject to the usual market risks and outcomes,” McMahon said.

“If global market asset prices and capital markets activity levels remain at current levels across the rest of 2026, then our operating earnings would be towards the lower end of this range.”

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

Black Ferns selectors have made four changes to the side that beat Canada in Kansas City last weekend, for Saturday’s historic clash against Australia.

The Black Ferns face the Wallaroos on Anzac Day for the first time ever and a win will see them retain the Pacific Four Series and O’Reilly Cup trophies.

Mo’omo’oga Palu is in line to make her Black Ferns debut as starting tighthead prop along with Chryss Viliko and Georgia Ponsonby in the front row.

Palu signed with the Hurricanes Poua squad for the 2026 Aupiki season, after four seasons with South Island team Matatū.

Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen celebrated Palu’s milestone.

“From Hawke’s Bay to high performance environments, I’ve witnessed Mo’omo’oga chase greatness,” Hansen said.

“Her achievement hasn’t come quickly, she’s worked hard, and her rugby journey is a genuine reflection of the women’s rugby pathway at work in New Zealand. I hope she enjoys every moment come this Saturday.”

Justine McGregor earns a starting spot on the wings alongside Ayesha Leti-I’iga, while hooker Atlanta Lolohea features in her first Test of 2026 off the bench.

Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Laura Bayfield have been named as the starting locks, as well as Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu in the loose forwards. Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who scored a double against Canada, remains in the No 8 jersey.

The backline will see Maia Joseph at halfback and co-captain Ruahei Demant in first five-eighth, with Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i and Amy Du Plessis in the midfield. Leti-I’iga and McGregor start out wide, with Renee Holmes in fullback.

Maddison Robinson, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Mia Anderson, Tara Turner, Hannah King and Mererangi Paul will join Lolohea in bringing impact off the bench.

The Black Ferns last met the Wallaroos in July in Wellington and won 37-12.

Hansen said the Anzac Day clash will be an honourable moment for both teams.

“The significance of this weekend has been at the forefront for us as we prepare to take the field. This game is an opportunity for us to celebrate two nations coming together to commemorate the sacrifices made by members who served. This weekend we play for them,” Hansen said.

“The Black Ferns and Wallaroos trans-Tasman rivalry already carries significance. We know Australia are a strong team and will match the physicality that we bring, they have nothing to lose and everything to play for.”

Kick-off on Saturday is 9.45pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Black Ferns v USA (Test caps bracketed, *denotes debut)

1. Chryss Viliko (20)

2. Georgia Ponsonby (39)

3. Mo’omo’oga Palu*

4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (40)

5. Laura Bayfield (8)

6. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (37)

7. Kennedy Tukuafu (36) – co-captain

8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker (18)

9. Maia Joseph (18)

10. Ruahei Demant (53) – co-captain

11. Ayesha Leti-I’iga (32)

12. Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (31)

13. Amy Du’Plessis (24)

14. Justine McGregor (2)

15. Renee Holmes (31)

16. Atlanta Lolohea (10)

17. Maddison Robinson (2)

18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (5)

19. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (9)

20. Mia Anderson (2)

21. Tara Turner (2)

22. Hannah King (12)

23. Mererangi Paul (16)

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

A Wellington train line has been blocked by a landslip.

Johnsonville Line tracks near Wadestown have been covered over, and all Johnsonville Line services have been cancelled as a result until further notice.

Metlink is providing bus replacement services, but advised people to use local services if possible as there are limited buses available.

Metlink said a shuttle service is available between Crofton Downs and Ngaio.

KiwiRail, who owns the corridor, has sent out crews to assess the damage and said the slip “is not significant”.

KiwiRail said it is likely the line will reopen by Friday, but would open sooner if possible.

Additionally, Johnsonville Lines will be closed on Sunday and Monday for planned maintenance.

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

A Christchurch massage business has been fined $210,000 for exploiting migrant workers.

Mother’s Thai, operating as Diamond Thai, and its owner Janya Duangjai had already agreed to pay the workers $230,000.

But authority member Peter van Keulen said there was no evidence the workers had been paid and Mother’s Thai was no longer operating.

He ordered Duangjai be ordered to pay $70,000 of the penalties.

Labour Inspectorate Migrant Exploitation Manager Natalie Gardiner said the ERA decision showed that despite structural changes occurring with the company ownership and shareholdings, enforcement action “can still be taken and that directors can be held personally accountable for serious breaches of employment law.”

“This was a particularly egregious example of migrant exploitation and the significant penalties imposed by the Authority reflect the seriousness of the harm caused to these workers.

“This outcome follows a detailed and lengthy investigation by the Senior Labour Inspector, made more complex by the employer’s failure to maintain accurate records and the workers’ understandable fear about speaking up.”

The investigation, completed in September 2024, found 55 breaches of minimum employment standards between November 2020 and 2023, including failing to pay the minimum wage, making unlawful deductions and charging employees a premium for their jobs.

Van Keuken said the workers had limited knowledge about their employment rights and little support in terms of questioning their pay and other entitlements.

“It appears that Mother’s Thai, through Ms Duangjai, took advantage of the employee’s vulnerability,” he said.

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

The Labour Party has confirmed it will support the India-NZ free trade deal, giving National and ACT the required numbers to pass it through Parliament.

But Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he remained concerned about a commitment in the agreement to promote up to $20 billion (USD) of New Zealand private sector investment over 15 years.

In a media conference at Parliament on Thursday, Hipkins said that target was “very unrealistic” and Labour would not have agreed to that in negotiations.

“It is almost impossible for New Zealand to ever meet that target, and that is one of the things our exporters will need to be aware of,” he said.

“We’re not going to stop the agreement proceeding because of it, but businesses need to be aware that that is a risk to them.”

Trade minister Todd McClay is set to fly to New Delhi over the long weekend to sign the agreement on Monday.

However, New Zealand First’s firm opposition to the deal meant National and ACT required Labour’s support in order to pass legislation to enact parts of the agreement.

Labour and National had been at an impasse for months over the extent of advice being shared about the deal.

An array of exporters and business associations last week issued an open letter calling on all parties to support the deal.

At the time, Hipkins said he was still waiting for the government to clarify some “issues and inconsistencies”.

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

The Labour Party has confirmed it will support the India-NZ free trade deal, giving National and ACT the required numbers to pass it through Parliament

But Chris Hipkins has warned businesses to proceed at their own risk and do their own due diligence.

“New Zealand businesses need to go into this with their eyes wide open,” the Labour leader said announced support for the deal on Thursday.

“The deal cuts tariffs, and increases market access for New Zealand exporters, and that is very welcome. But the $33 billion investment target is unrealistic and missing it could see benefits clawed back in 15 years.

Trade Minister Todd McClay is set to fly to New Delhi over the long weekend to sign the agreement on Monday.

However, New Zealand First’s firm opposition to the deal means National and ACT require Labour’s support in order to pass legislation to enact parts of the agreement.

Labour and National have been at an impasse for months over the extent of advice being shared about the deal.

An array of exporters and business associations last week issued an open letter calling on all parties to support the deal.

Earlier, Hipkins said he was still waiting for the government to clarify some “issues and inconsistencies”.

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

Hop farmers who have wrapped up this season’s harvest are flying the flag in the United States, despite is being a complex time for trading with that key market.

Thirsty Americans enjoy New Zealand hops in their tap and bottled beers, and the country has been through a craft beer boom in recent years.

But the market once considered a home-run is now much more difficult and expensive for hop exporters to access, due to increased import tariffs, production costs and shipping challenges in the global supply chain.

Hop Revolution grows hops key to beer brewing on 325 hectares across two farms in Tapawera in the Tasman district at the top of the South Island.

The company supplies its hops to local Stoke beers, one of the many ventures of late craft beer legend Terry McCashin, an angel investor in Hop Revolution in its earlier years.

The exports are also now on board ships to the US, into Europe but also into newer markets like Mexico.

Tariffs, global uncertainties prompt diversification

Company co-founder and plant scientist, Dr Susan Wheeler said the US remained its dominant market, but import tariffs enforced last year and extra costs forced some diversification.

“The US has remained a major customer for us, but obviously in the last year with certain tariffs and uncertainties, we’ve really been expanding out into other countries,” she said.

“So now I would say we’re pretty well diversified, so about 25 percent goes to the US, about 25 [percent] to Europe, we’ve now got South America and Asia.

“China in the last six months has become a focal point for us because of the [US] tariffs.”

Wheeler said war in the Persian Gulf added to uncertainties around shipping and production costs, worsened by tariff cost increases.

“We had containers on the water, then we had tariffs imposed, so we had to in some cases renegotiate with customers. In some cases, we had to wear those tariff increases ourselves.

“The Americans themselves, I mean, a lot of them are very understanding about us having to increase pricing in some cases.

“New Zealand exporters, you know, we’re all facing those same issues.”

She said New Zealand having free trade agreements with so many other countries allowed it to compete against American hops to other parts of the world.

Hop Revolution was one of several local firms that travelled to Philadelphia this week for the three-day Craft Brewers and BrewExpo America Conference, that started on Monday.

Wheeler said it would be a good chance to promote the brand and get face-to-face with existing and new clients.

Meanwhile, other New Zealanders in the hop sector were set to speak at the event, including Jos Ruffell the co-founder of Hāpi Research and Freestyle Hops, and Dr Peter Birchamm of Garage Project.

A ‘tricky’ harvest following floods

Wheeler said this year’s harvest was later and smaller than usual, because of floods that struck the top of the South Island in July.

“I think we’d all agree that it was a tricky harvest… we kind of hit it pretty hard, pretty late.”

She said the upside was that while plant stress affected yields, the hop quality was fantastic.

“The yields were definitely down, so talking to other growers in the Nelson region, we all had lower than average yields, but the flip side was the quality was exceptional.”

She said one farm came away unscathed, but the other sustained damage from the winter storms.

“We had a lot of fence damages, we had a lot of stilt on some blocks, we lost some river edging, we almost lost the pump house, but because of that heavier soil, that’s almost what we think has impacted the plants the most during harvest.

“An event that happened nine months beforehand has that flow-on effect to what the plants produced at harvest time.”

It marked the company’s seventh harvest, after being first founded in 2014.

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Police say there have been 100 extra fuel thefts per week since the price of filling up spiked earlier this year.

Global fuel insecurity due to America’s war on Iran has spiked the price of petrol and diesel. According to price tracking website Gaspy, the average price of 91 petrol is $3.31 a litre and the average price of diesel is $3.50.

Assistant commissioner Tusha Penny told Morning Report police had a zero-tolerance approach to fuel theft, and had laid more than 370 charges related to fuel thefts since 2 March.

Penny wanted all petrol stations to move to being pre-pay only, and said many were already doing so.

“We’re seeing smaller stations taking action because they’re just seeing too much of this theft.”

Tips from the public were helpful to catch the thieves, she said.

“We have had people ring us pretty early, and we’ve had CCTV cameras put in so that we can make sure we respond quickly and we can investigate and catch who’s doing this.”

There had been an increase both in diesel burglaries and petrol drive-offs, she said.

“We’re seeing thefts from families who need to get their kids to school, thefts from businesses who are doing their best to survive and thefts from farmers who some would say are the backbone for what we do in this country. “

This week an [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/592968/invercargill-man-accused-of-stealing-more-than-800-litres-of-petrol Invercargill man was arrested after 855 litres of petrol was stole from a contractor’s yard in a series of burglaries.

Police said when they searched the man’s address they found 11 20-litre jerry cans.

Earlier this month, police arrested two men in Christchurch after a person reported seeing someone trying to siphon petrol from their vehicle.

“A search of the vehicle saw it contained five 60 litre containers, a battery-operated siphoning pump, and a small amount of methamphetamine.”

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

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