Weekend Herald 19th July 2025

Making Enzmeet

HowKiwiband’sfirstalbum,anda legendarypoplegacy,wereborn

Heirhunter

Thewomansearchingthe worldforwillbeneficiaries

Contentontopcop’s computerrevealed

Childsex exploitationand bestialitymaterial allegedlyfound onworkdevices offormerdeputy police commissioner, writes Jared Savage

Theobjectionablematerialallegedlyfoundontheelectronicworkdevicesofformer policedeputycommissioner

JevonMcSkimmingwaschildsexexploitationandbestialityimagery,the Herald cannowreveal. McSkimminghadbeensuspended onfullpaysinceDecemberwhileunder investigationforaseparatecriminal allegationalthoughhislawyerssaidhe expectedtoresumehisdutiesafter clearinghisname.

Thenatureoftheoriginal allegations,whichledtohissuspension,cannotbereportedcurrentlyfor legalreasons.

McSkimmingresignedsuddenlyin Mayafterbeingconfrontedwithnew allegationswhichthePoliceMinister MarkMitchelldescribedasbeingofa “veryseriousnature”. Mitchelldidnotdisclosethenature ofthenewallegations.

Butthe Herald soonreportedthat detectivesinvestigatingtheoriginal complaintagainstMcSkimmingallegedlydiscoveredpornographicmaterial onhiselectronicworkdevices.

Amongtheimageswasmaterialthat wasbeingassessedastowhetherornot itcouldbeclassifiedasobjectionable, whichcouldleadtocriminalcharges. Theallegedpornographicmaterial wasnotrelevanttotheoriginalcomplaintagainstMcSkimming,butwas evidencetostartanewinvestigation. Hethenresignedsoonafterthe existenceofthepornographicmaterial wasdisclosedtohim. Butthenatureoftheallegedobjectionablematerial—childsexexploitationandbestiality—hasbeenkept secretuntilnow. ThisisbecauseLindaClark,

McSkimming’slawyer,filedanurgent applicationintheHighCourtseeking aninjunctiontostopthemediafrom publishingdetailsabouttheallegedobjectionablematerial. Theapplicationwasnotopposedby lawyersfortheNewZealandPolice andgrantedonaninterimbasisby

JusticeKarenGrau.Eventhefactthat McSkimminghadsoughtaninjunction againstmediaorganisationswas suppressed;ararenon-publication ordersometimesreferredtoasa“super injunction”. Theinjunctionwasopposedby NZME,RadioNewZealandandStuff,

whichwerejointlyrepresentedby RobertStewartKCattheinjunction hearinginearlyJune. Stewartarguedtherewassignificantpublicinterestinreportingon theinvestigationswhichultimatelyled totheforcedresignationofapublic figure.

Hejumpedbeforehewas pushed...thepublic havearightto understandalittlebit moreaboutthematerial thatledtothat,orthe natureoftheallegations thatledtothat. RobertStewartKC

“Hejumpedbeforehewaspushed ...thepublichavearighttounderstandalittlebitmoreaboutthematerial thatledtothat,orthenatureofthe allegationsthatledtothat.”

Inresponse,Clarksaidtheinjunctionwasnecessarytoprotectherclient’srighttoafairtrialandcourt’sprocesses,ifMcSkimmingweretobe chargedwithcriminaloffences.

“Naturally,inanapplicationsuchas this,publicinterestwillbefrontofmind and,yourHonour,wesaythatpublicinteresthasbeenservedbytheamountof informationalreadyinthepublicdomainaboutMrMcSkimming.”

Ina58-paragraphjudgmentreleasedearlierthismonth,JusticeGrau declinedMcSkimming’sapplicationfor aninjunction.

ButtheHighCourtjudgeallowedthe injunctiontoremaininforceuntil5pm yesterdaysohislawyerscouldconsider whethertoappealthedecision.

Noappealwaslodgedbythedeadline,howeverthereasonsforJustice Grau’sdecisionremainsuppressed.

OnthesamedaythatMcSkimming resigned,PoliceCommissionerRichard Chambersorderedanindependentreviewoftheorganisation’sITsystemsto ensurethereweresufficientsecurity measurestopreventanddetectthemisuseofpolicetechnology.

Thereview,whichwasreleased earlierthismonth,foundthattheorganisationneededmoremonitoringof staffinternetuseandstrongerfiltering mechanismstoguardagainst“inappropriateorharmfulcontent”beingaccessed ordownloaded.

Thereviewalsorecommendedbetteroversightofallpolice-owned devices,includingthose whichsitoutsidethepolice networkforlegitimatework purposes. Asaresult,Chamberssaid heimmediatelyorderedthereintroductionofauditsofdata andinternetusageonpolice devices.Thishadbeenpreviously haltedaroundfiveyearsago.

Howdrugsmugglers

Higherpurpose

Thecosmichandshakethat transformedthespacerace A10

‘Talismanic’

FatFreddy’sDrop founderdies

A9

Paradiselost

Howclimatechangeis reshapingsummer getaways A22 PLUS: UKtolowervotingage to16-shouldNZfollowsuit? A7,A23

ThreecandidateshaveendedtheirassociationwithIndependentTogether followingrevelationsaboutRayChung’semail.

Candidates continue toditch RayChung

Wellingtonmayoralhopefullosingsupportasfallout continuesafter‘vile’emailhesentaboutToryWhanau

TwomorecandidateshavequitRay Chung’scampaigngroupasthefalloutcontinuesfroma“vile”gossipfilledemailhesentaboutToryWhanau. ThepairhaveendedtheirassociationwithIndependentTogetherfollowingrevelationsChungsentan emailtocouncillorstwoyearsago,detailingasexanddrugsrumourabout mayorWhanau.

Itbringsthenumberofcandidates whohavequitthegroupthisweekto three.Theemail’sexistencewasrevealedlastFriday.

OnWednesdayeveningLilyBrown announcedshecouldnot“ingood conscience”continueherassociation withthegroup,setupbyassociated organisationBetterWellington.

“Unfortunately,Inolongerfeel alignedwiththetacticsorpoliticalapproachemployedbyBetterWellington,”shesaid.

At9.05pmonThursday,Northern TakapuwardcandidateAndrea Comptonsaidinastatementshetoo wasendingherassociationwiththe group. WithinthehourPukehı¯nauLambtonwardcandidateDanMilwardalso quitthegroup.

“Likemanyothers,Iwassurprised bytherecentallegationsandthesubsequentmediacoveragestorm,”he said.

“Whenmywifewasthreatenedby theagitatorsatourfinalroadshow eventinWellingtonCBDonTuesday night,Iknewitwastimetotakeadifferentapproach.” Videospostedtosocialmediahave seenpublicmeetingsheldbythe groupdescendintochaoswith hecklersandeventorganisers clashing.

Whencontactedforcomment, Chungsaidhe“didn’tknow”about thedepartures.

HewasattheLocalGovernment NewZealandconferenceonThursday andsaidhehadn’tcommunicated

withanyoneallday.

Inastatement,anIndependent Togetherspokesmanblamedthemediascrutinyovertheemailscandal— ratherthanthelewdemailitself—for thedepartures.

“Thepoliticalmachinationsat playhaveanenormouspsychological impactforallofthecandidates,”the statementsaid.

“Theaccompanyingmediacoverageandthescrutinyontheteamhas beenintense.”

Theyarenotthefirsttoleavethe group.

EngineeringfirmdirectorPhil McConchie,CubaBarbersowner MikePetrie,andMelissaMoorehad alldisappearedfromthegroup’s websitebeforeChung’sofficialcampaignlaunchinJune.

Chungsaidatthetimethatthey eachleftafterthegroupwaslaunched inApril,astheystruggledtomanage thecommitmentsneededtorunfor councilwiththeirownprofessional demands.

Chungsaidhewas“notfussed”by thedeparturesanddidn’tthinkitwas abadlookforIndependentTogether. Hesaidhewasgladtheyleftbefore theyhadofficiallydeclaredtheir candidacywiththecouncil.

ToryWhanausaidChungemailed heranapologyonMonday,thesame dayPrimeMinisterChristopher LuxonslammedChung’scomments.

“Thatwasunacceptablecontentin thatemail,reallyprettyvileandunacceptablestuff,”Luxonsaidwhen askedaboutitathispost-Cabinet pressconference.

Theemail’sexistencehasalsocost Chunganimportantbacker,with rich-listphilanthropistSirMark Dunajtschikofficiallywithdrawinghis supportforthemayoralcandidate.

Chunghascalledthesituationa “blatantpoliticalattack”anda “smearcampaign”. Sixcandidates,includingChung, remainontheIndependentTogether ticketfortheupcomingWellington CityCouncilelection.

EducationMinisterEricaStanfordsaystheGovernmentisinvestingheavilyinextraclassroomstosupportAuckland’srapidgrowth.

School’sin—Govttospend$120m onclassroomsandnewproperties

JuliaGabel

Morethan$120millionwillbespent buildingmoreclassroomsacross AucklandastheGovernmentcreates anewschoolpropertyagencyand revealstwonewschoollocations.

EducationMinisterEricaStanford announcedthespendingwouldprovide137newclassrooms,creating spaceformorethan3000new students.

ItcomesaftertheGovernment announceditwouldditchopen-plan classroomsandoptforstandard designs.Theseclassroomswouldbe builtoff-sitefrom“cost-effectiverepeatabledesigns”,Stanfordsaid.

Alltheprojectsareexpectedto enterconstructioninthenext12 months.

StanfordsaidtheGovernmentwas investingheavilyinextraclassrooms tosupportAuckland’srapidgrowth.

AsitehadbeenboughtinPo¯keno, SouthernAuckland,tobuildanew primaryschool.

Anewjuniorcollegewouldalsobe builtinChapelDownsonthesiteof ChapelDownsPrimarySchool.

TheChapelDownsschoolis expectedtoopeninterm1,2027,with aninitialrollofupto270.Therollis expectedtogrowtomorethan1000 studentsintime.

Schoolsgettingextraclassrooms:

•BucklandsBeachIntermediate–2classrooms

•HelensvilleSchool–1classroom

•KauriFlatsSchool–4

classrooms •LincolnHeightsSchool–6

classrooms •MacleansCollege–8classrooms

•MasseyHighSchool–8

classrooms

•MissionHeightsPrimarySchool –6classrooms •MountainViewSchool–6

classrooms

•NorthcrossIntermediate–8

classrooms

•OneTreeHillCollege–6

classrooms •OrewaCollege–12classrooms •PanamaRoadSchool–4

classrooms •PapakuraNormalSchool–10

classrooms(inadditiontothetwo learningsupportclassrooms alreadyannounced) •PapatoetoeCentralSchool–4

classrooms •PapatoetoeEastSchool–4

classrooms •PapatoetoeIntermediate–6 classrooms •PapatoetoeSouthSchool–6 classrooms •PuhinuiSchool–2classrooms •PukekoheNorthSchool–4 classrooms •RangitotoCollege–10 classrooms •TeKuraoPa¯tikiRosebankSchool –4classrooms •TakaniniSchool–4classrooms •TuakauCollege–6classrooms •WhenuapaiSchool–6 classrooms

Inmanycases,theyreducedflexibility,ratherthanenhancedit,she said.

“Wehavelistenedtothesector, andnewclassroomswillnolongerbe openplan.”

Allnewclassroomswouldbebuilt usingstandarddesignsthat prioritisedflexibility.

“Forexample,theuseofglass slidingdoorsmeansspacescanbe openwhenclassescollaborate,but canalsocloseforfocusedlearning. Thisapproachensuresschoolshave fit-for-purposeenvironmentsthat supportarangeofteachingandlearningstyles.

“ThisGovernmentisfocusedon raisingachievementandclosingthe equitygap,andanimportantpartof ourreformpackageisensuringlearningspacesaredesignedtoimprove studentoutcomes.”

StanfordalsoannouncedthatPorirua’sAoteaCollegewouldbegetting 16newclassrooms.Shecalledthe schoolaprimeexampleofwhere open-planclassroomsdidnotsupportlearningoutcomes.

TheGovernmentiscommitting$231 millionoverthenextfouryearstothe establishmentofaNewZealandInstituteforAdvancedTechnology. PrimeMinisterChristopherLuxon announcedthefundingatEarth SciencesNZyesterdayalongsideDr ShaneReti,theMinisterofScience, InnovationandTechnology. “Thisisthefourthofourinstitutes andourcornerstoneofourgovernment’splantobuildahigh-tech,highvalueeconomy,onethatdelivers long-termprosperityforallNewZealanders,”Luxonsaid. “Iexpectittobeforward-looking, withthesupportandadviceofthe ScienceAdvisoryCouncil,toinvestin newareasofsciencethatare reshapingtheglobaleconomy,where wecandevelopexcellenttalent,createhigh-payingjobs,buildnew sectors,andincreaseourexportearnings.” Retisaiditwasa“majorstepforward”forNewZealandinthefield.

“Theinstitutewillinvestinresearchinareassuchasartificialintelligence,quantumtechnologies, andsyntheticbiology,fieldsthathave theabilitytotransformindustries, growhigh-valueexportsandelevate NewZealand’sglobalcompetitiveness,”Retisaid.

“Theinstitutewillbebasedin Aucklandandbesupportedbyafocusednetworkofresearchcentres workingincollaborationwithuniversities,industriesandexisting institutions.”

AddressingfearsaboutAI,Luxon saiditwasimportantthattheframeworkmanagedthenegative implications.

“ButIdowanttobeveryclear,ina countrywherewehavelowlevelsof economicproductivity,thisisoneof thefivethingsthatweknowareabsolutelycriticaltoembracingmoreofin ordertoliftthelivingstandardsof NewZealanders,”hesaid.

“Thereisalotmoreupsidewith AI.Andthisisacountrythatneedsto embracealotmoreAI,quantumcomputing,andsyntheticbiology.

“Allofthatadoptionoftechnology willactuallymakeourbusinessesand ourresearchmuchmorecommercial andactuallyimproveproductivity.

“I’vegoteveryconfidencewe’ve gotthepeoplethatweneedtogeton anddoit,”hesaid.“We’realready doingsomeworld-leadingworkindifferentpartsofthecountry.

“Wehavethesmartest,best peopleintheworld,period.Andactually,ifwecanapplyanduseour scienceinawaythatactuallypowers upourfuturegrowthandinnovation, that’swhat’sgoingtocreatethehighpayingjobsforfutureNewZealanders,ourkidsandourgrandkids, whichisprettyexciting.”

“Ithinkthishasgotthepowerto transformgovernmenttomakeit muchmorestreamlined,morefocused,morecustomer-centric, deliveringforKiwisasaresult.”

Stanford’sannouncementalso saidaNewZealandSchoolProperty Agency(NZSPA)wouldbecreated withinthecurrentparliamentary term,toberesponsibleforplanning, building,maintainingand administeringtheschoolproperty portfolio.

“Withtheestablishmentofthe NZSPA,schoolscanexpectimproved projectdeliveryandcommunication, bettervalueformoney,andan increasedleveloftransparency arounddecision-making.”

Stanfordsaidshehadreceived overwhelmingfeedbackfromschools thatopen-planclassroomswerenot meetingtheneedsofstudents.

“Whileopen-plandesignswere originallyintendedtofostercollaboration,theyhaveoftencreated challengesforschools,particularly aroundnoiseandmanagingstudent behaviour.”

Earlierthisweek,StanfordrevealedtheGovernment’splansto ditchopen-planclassroomsinfavour ofstandarddesignsthat“prioritise flexibility”.

“Thelackoffunctionalityofthe opendesignmeantspacescouldnot besharedormultipurposeduetodisruptionandnoise.

“Thisinvestmentwilldelivernew, standardteachingspacesthatbetter meettheneedsofbothstudentsand staff.”

‘Abandonment':FearsNCEAcouldbe leftbehindastopschoolsswitchA6

Retisaidroughly$80mofthe CallaghanInstitutewasbeing leveraged,andworkershavebeen movedovertothenewinstitute. LuxonsaidKiwishavethe“cutting edge”forthistypeofdevelopment, anditwillhelptheirmissiontoturn KiwiinnovationsintoKiwi-produced products.

“Idon’twantthistobeacountry whereweproudlysay,‘Oh,we inventedthat’,andthensomeoneelse aroundtheworldcommercialisedit.

“Iwanttobesaying,we’vegotthe bestscientistsintheworldand weren’ttheysmartandtheyinvented that,andmostimportantly,didn’t NewZealandconvertitreallywell.” Staffreporter

Whocan claimcredit fordecrease inramraids?

It’sclearwhat Hipkinsshould havesaidas incidentsfall

AudreyYoung

AfterLabourleaderChrisHipkins droppedhisclangerrecentlyclaiming ramraidswerebeingcoveredupby the“Tory”mediatohelpthecurrent Government,itwasclearwhathe shouldhavesaid. Or,atleast,couldhavesaid.That is,thedramaticdropinramraidsis theresultofinterventionssetupby LabourbeforeitleftofficeinNovember2023.

Ofcourse,Nationaldisputesthat andclaimsithascreatedanenvironmentinwhichcriminaloffendingis beingmorecomprehensivelyaddressed.Butneitherpartycandisputethedramaticdrop,from714atits peakin2022,tojust45sofarthisyear.

Thefigureswererelativelylow whenLabourcametoofficein2017 andthenrocketedduringitssecond term,whichendedinNovember 2023.

Hipkinsisclosetotheissuebecausewhenitbecameclearthatram raidswereoutofcontrol,thePrime Ministeroftheday,JacindaArdern, puthiminchargeofaddressingitby makinghimPoliceMinister. AndwhenhebecamePrimeMinisterin2023,heputGinnyAndersenin chargeofit,asPoliceMinister,then JusticeMinister.

Alotofattentionwasinitiallygiven toretailersandgivingthemtoolssuch asbollardsandfogcannonstodeter ramraids.Thenthereweretheoffendersthemselves.

Therewasasmallgroupofrepeat offenders,about100,whocamefrom homeswheretheywereregularlyexposedtofamilyviolence,andhad alreadycometotheattentionof OrangaTamariki,Andersensaid.

“Post-Covid,allofthosepeople hadbeenlockeddowninhomesthat werealreadydysfunctional,sothere isatheorythatthatcontributedtoit.” ButAndersensaidthemosteffectiveinterventionwasaprogramme calledCircuit-BreakerthatHipkins began.Itbroughttogetherservices suchasEducation,Health,Oranga

Ramraidsbyyear

TamarikiandJusticeandgaveintensivewrap-aroundsupporttothefamily.

Andthenitwasenhancedtoafasttrackintervention.Insteadofwaiting forthreeweeksforafamilygroup conferencetobeconvened,and allowingrepeatoffencesduringthe delay,theresponsewouldoccurimmediatelyafterwards,within24-48 hours.

“Thatiswhatstartedtodrive downtherepeatramraids.”

Theinterventioncouldinvolve suchmeasuresasgettingmental healthsupportforthemother,puttingfoodonthefamilytable,andgettingschooluniformsforthekids.

WhenshetookoverinJanuary 2023,therewereabout90ramraidsa month,andbyOctober,theywere downtoabout30amonth.The Circuit-Breakerprogrammewasthe biggestsinglefactorinreducingthe ramraids,shesaid.

“Weintroducedthatprogramme andimplementedit.ThisGovernmentknowsthatitworksbecause theyhavekeptthatprogrammeand theyhaveactuallyexpandedit.

“Sowhiletheytalkabout bootcamps,whichdon’tworkfrom mypointofview,theyhavecontinued tofundCircuit-Breakerbecauseit works.”

PoliceMinisterMarkMitchellsays Labourallowedramraidstorocket underitswatch,wastooslowinaddressingthem,andshouldnotbe claimingcreditfortheirreduction.

“Thefactofthematteristhatisa bitlikecongratulatingthearsonist thatburntdownthehouseandhas thengotthegardenhoseandistrying tohoseitdown.”

AndwhileMitchellacknowledges theCircuit-Breakerprogramme,he saidthepreviousGovernmentonly actedbecauseofpressure.

Therehasbeenadramaticdropinramraids,from714atitspeakin2022,tojust45sofarthisyear.

“Theyhadmediapressure,they hadpublicpressure,andtheyhad politicalpressurethatpushedthem intohavingtodosomething.

Labour,anditsPoliceMinisterChrisHipkins(left),allowedramraidstorocketunderitswatch,saysPoliceMinisterMarkMitchell.

“ThankGodtheydid,butitwas waytooslow.” Hesaidthedecreaseinramraids underthecurrentGovernmenthad acceleratedbecauseithadprioritised lawandorder. Ithadscrappedthegoaltoreduce theprisonpopulation(Labour

scrappedittoo,justweeksbeforethe 2023election),itincreasedpoliceon thebeat,andlaunchedgangdisruptionunitsandanti-ganglegislation.

“Thegangsarebehindalotofthe youthoffendingthatyousee.Ithink thatiswhyyousawaquickerdecelerationoframraids,notjustramraids,

butcrimeacrosstheboard.”There wasstillalongwaytogo,hesaid.“But Ithinkyouarestartingtoseethings movingintherightdirection.”

Praiseforrestaurantafterformerdeputymayordiesatdinner

GaryHamilton-Irvine

FormerHastingsDeputyMayor HarveyBoydendiedatafamilydinnerataNapierCBDrestaurant,surroundedbypeoplewhocaredfor him. Hisfamilysayhe’llleavealegacy ofbeinga“verypatient,kindand caring”man.

Theywantotherstoknowhewas treatedwiththatsamekindnesson thenightofJuly6. Harvey,89,aformerlong-standing councilloronHastingsDistrictCouncil,hadbeenoutwithfamilyfordinneratJapaneserestaurantOrigamion EmersonStwhenhetragically choked. Hecouldnotberevived,despite thebesteffortsofemergencyservices

andamemberofthepublic,anddied atthevenue.

Hisfamilywanttothankthosewho helpedonthenight,andsaidtherestaurantandemergencyserviceswere caring,respectfulandresponded quickly.

Theformerfarmerhasbeenrememberedasafamilymanandfriend tomany.

Harveywasafoundingcouncillor onHastingsDistrictCouncilin1989, whichwasformedaftertheamalgamationofthreesmallercouncils.

HeservedasaHastingscouncillor for12yearsuntil2001,andwas deputymayorforoneterm(aperiod ofthreeyears).

Hiswifeof66years,Patricia,said hewasa“marvelloushusband”and wouldbesorelymissedbytheentire

family.Thatincludeshisfourchildren,14grandchildren,andfour great-grandchildren—manyofwhom sharedfondmemoriesofthefamily patriarchathisfuneralonMonday.

HarveygrewupinDannevirkeand wentontobecomeduxofDannevirke HighSchool.

Hetrainedasashearerunderthe legendaryGodfreyBowenandwasa long-standingfarmer.Heandhiswife raisedtheirfamilyontheirsheepand beeffarminKereru¯,inlandfromHastings,andthecouplemovedtoHastingsin2001,wheretheyhavelived since.

“Hehadamarvellouslife,” Patriciasaid.

“Hewasverygoodatmaking friendswitheverybody.”

Shesaidhewasalsoanavidgar-

Whattodoinanemergency

HatoHoneStJohnsaysthefirst thingtodowhenyoususpectsomeone mightbechokingistoask“areyou choking?”—tofindoutiftheycan Iftheycan’tbreatheatall,call111for anambulance. Tellthecallhandlerthepersonis chokingandfollowtheirinstructions.

dener,andwouldmakeaweeklytrip toNourishedforNiltodonatefresh producefromtheirgardenforpeople inneed.

“Hewasalwaysverygenerous.” Shesaidtheambulancestaffand

Origamirestauranthadbeenvery helpful.“Theambulancecamevery quicklyandtheywereverygood.

“Andtherestaurant,Origami,has beenverysupportive,”shesaid, addingarestaurantrepresentative

● Iftheyareconsciousandcan’t breatheatall,hitthemonetofivetimes veryhardontheback,andstartchest thrusts.

● Iftheycanbreathe,encouragethem tocough,butdonothitthemonthe back.

● Iftheyareunresponsiveandnot breathingnormally,startCPR.

hadvisitedtheirhome.

Harvey’sdaughter,SallyRoach, saidherfatheralwaystookaninterest inothers.

“Dadwashumorousandagood storytellerandafamilyman,”she

said.“Hecouldstrikeupaconversationwithanyone.” Shesaidhewasalsoagoodmentor and“verypatient,kindandcaring”. Harveyalsoformerlyservedas chairmanoftheHawke’sBaybranch oftheNationalParty,foraboutfour years. Origamirestaurantsaidinastatement:“Ourthoughtsarewiththefamilyduringthistoughtime. “We’vedoneourbesttoprovide supporttothoseaffectedbythisunfortunateaccident.” HatoHoneStJohnsenttwo ambulancesandtworapidresponse vehiclestotherestaurantabout 7.45pm,onthenightoftheincident. Policealsoattendedandthe deathhasbeenreferredtothe coroner.

NCEAfearsastopschoolseyeCambridge

EpsomGirls’Grammar joinsgrowingnumberof schoolslookingoutside nationalcurriculum

BenLeahy

EpsomGirls’Grammarissettooffer itsstudentsCambridgeexamsin 2026,asanothertopAucklandprincipalworrieshighschoolsare increasingly“abandoning”the nationalcurriculum.

EpsomGirlsGrammarannounced inMayitwouldstartitsCambridgeInternationalpilotnextyearafterbeing floodedwith“overwhelmingcommunitydemand”.

MountAlbertGrammarSchool principalPatrickDrummsayshis schoolisanothercomingundergrowingpressuretoofferCambridge examsfromparentsconcernedthe NCEAlacked“rigour”.

Aboutone-thirdofYear11students didn’tevensitthefullNCEAlevel1last year,hesaid.

EpsomGirls’decisioncameaftera compellingpleafromaYear9 student,whoapproachedprincipal BrendaMcNaughtononelunchtime.

ThegirltoldMcNaughtonshe lovedEpsomGirls’,havingmadelots offriendsandjoinedahostofsports teams.

However,shewasupsetbecause herfatherplannedtomovehertoa differentschoolinYear11tostudy Cambridge.

“Shepleadedwithustoconsider offeringitimmediatelysothatshe couldstayhereatEpsom,” McNaughtonsaidinavideopostedto theschool’swebsite.

TheNCEAexoduscomesasNew Zealand’snationalstudyprogramme facesoneofitsbiggestchallengesin twodecades,withaquarterofhigh schoolsnowofferingCambridgeInternationalexamsorotheralternatives.

Cambridgereportedstudentnumberssittingitsassessmentsjumped nearly20%lastyearto8000pupils.

TheGovernmentalsorecently broughtineducationreforms,inpart triggeredbyemployercomplaintsin thelate2010sthatNCEALevel1 graduatesoftencouldn’tread,write ordosimplemaths.

Thatledtostudentsbeing requiredtopassnewonlineliteracy andnumeracytestsinordertogain

theirNCEAqualification.

However,ithasn’tgonesmoothly, withsomeprincipalsfearingstudents maysoonneedlesslyfailtheirNCEA qualificationsbecauseof“poorly”designedtests.

NCEALevel1failureratesjumped from18%in2023to30%in2024,with morethanhalfofstudentsfromlowincomeschoolsfailingreadingand writing,andnearlythree-quarters failingnumeracy.

Drummsaidschools’lowconfidenceinthetestsmeantanestimated 30,000Year11studentsdidn’ttake NCEAlastyear.

It’san“abandonmentreally”of thenationalqualification,hesaid.

Theveteranprincipalof17years wasespeciallycriticalofhowNCEA hadfailedtohelpstudentsfromless advantagedbackgroundsimprove theirchancesofmakingittouniversity.

“Ayoungpersonisalmostthree timesmorelikelytogainUniversity Entranceinaschoolservingahigh socio-economiccommunity,”he said.

Drummalsodeliveredascathing assessmentofNZQA’slatest112-page annualreport—theofficialbench-

markreportintowhatisandisn’t workinginNewZealand’ssenioreducationsystem.“Ispoketocolleagues whohaven’tevenbotheredtoreally turnthefrontcoverofthatreport,”he said.

Drummwashopefultherenewed focusonnumeracyandliteracy wouldimproveparents’faithin NCEA,butnotallprincipalsshared hisoptimism.

Shepleadedwithusto consideroffering [Cambridge] immediatelysothatshe couldstayhere.

EpsomGirls’Grammar principal BrendaMcNaughton

PapakuraHighSchoolprincipal SimonCraggssaidthenewtestswere poorlydesigned.

Inmanycases,theyfocusedon skillsmoststudentswouldn’teven useintheiradultlives.

Thatincludedmemorisingthe

technicalrulesofgrammar,hesaid. “Mostadults,includingprofessionalpeople,wouldfail[thetests],” hesaid.“Iknowofaprincipalwhosat itandfailed—itdoesn’tmeanthey’re illiterate.”

EducationresearcherMichael Johnston,fromtheNZInitiative, helpedbringinthenewtests,having statedtoomuchfocuswasbeingput oninternalessaysandassignments. HerecentlytoldRNZthatinternal assessmentshadexhibitedwhathe called“gradeinflation”. Thatmeantschoolshad increasinglybeengivinghighermarks tostudentsforinternalassessments, whileexammarksoverthesame periodhadstayedthesame. HetoldRNZhethoughtthiswas becauseschoolshadanincentiveto marktheirstudentshigherorset morefavourableconditionsforinternalassignments.

Exams,ontheotherhand,werea morestandardisedwaytomeasure students.

However,Craggspushedbackon that.Hesaidheremembered instancesundertheoldexamsystem wherestudentswereaskedtowrite essaysaboutgivingspeeches.

Theywereabletoscorehighlyin theexamsdespitehavingnevereven givenaspeechthemselves,hesaid. Studentscouldalsospendmostof theyeardoingnothingandthencram forexamsinthelastfewweeksand stilldowell.

Hearguedinternalassessments helpedstudentsgetgreaterguidance fromteachers,keepbusythroughthe entireyearanddevelopskillssuchas relationship-buildingandanabilityto workinteams.

ThemovetoCambridgeexams wasnotallone-waytrafficeither,he said.

HepointedtoWestlakeBoys’High School,whichhadmovedbackto NCEAafterpreviouslyofferingCambridge.

TheMinistryofEducation,meanwhile,acknowledgedtherehadbeen challengesintroducingthenewNCEA Level1tests.

PaulineCleaver,actingleaderof theministry’scurriculumcentre,said theGovernmentwasworkingtoensurethenationalqualificationbecame“robust,credible,andaligned withinternationalstandards”.

“We’relisteningandcommittedto doingbetter,”shesaid.

JannMarshall,deputychiefexecutiveoftheNZQA,alsosaidherteam were“committedtocontinuallyimproving”thewayNZQApresentedinformationaboutthesuccessesand failuresofthenation’seducationsystem. Theagencyworkedwithschoolsto adapthowitpresenteditsdata,she said. Drumm,forhispart,remained hopefulthatcurrentreformscould bringmore“confidence”backtothe NCEA. Hepointedtolastweek’s Herald reportaboutthesuccessoftheShen brothers—twoex-MountAlbert GrammarstudentswhowonscholarshipstotopUSuniversities—asproof theNCEAcanwork. However,hewarnedthewindow forbroaderNCEAimprovement wouldbeclosingifschoolskeptfacing mountingcommunitypressureto abandonit.Thatcouldspawnatwotiereducationsystem,withgreater disparitybetweenthehavesand have-nots,hesaid. “Reformcan’tcomesoonenough forouryoungpeople.Andifwegetit right,thenmaybefutureNZQA reportscouldbeworththeread.”

Ma¯oristringgameinspiresstunningAucklandlightdisplay

Auniquelightsculptureinspiredbya traditionalMa¯oristringgameisnow showingatAuckland’sSiloPark.

The3Dlightartwork, Whai,created bycontemporaryartistJanine Williams(Nga¯tiPaoa,Nga¯tiWha¯tuaki Kaipara,Nga¯ti

Mahuta),willbesuspendedacrossthe GantryatSiloParkuntilOctober5. Williamshasapassionforartwork thatreflectsmanawhenuanarratives, thestoriesofpeopleandwhenua.

In Whai,shebringsancestral narrativestolifethrough contemporarydesignbymirroringthe playfulstringloopsand tanglesof

thegame.Theworkwasfirst commissionedbyAucklandCouncil PublicArtforMatarikikiteManawain 2024. Now,ithasbeenmadelargerand occupiesamoreprominentspace with360-degreeviewsacrossthecity andWaitemata¯Harbourfromthe Gantry. Whai keepsMa¯oritraditionsalive, asharedexperiencethatbridges cultures, ensuringtheyremainvibrantand celebratedforgenerationstocome,” Williamssaid. Shewantedtheworktoinvite peopletoimmersethemselvesinthe game.

“Forcenturies,Ma¯orichildrenhave playedandbecomeskilledatwhai, learningcomplexpatternsandthe storiesbehindthem.Through connection,creation,anddiscovery, Whai offerseveryonethatlearning experience—bringingpeople togetherthroughthe

WhaikeepsMa¯ori traditionsalive,ashared experiencethatbridges cultures,ensuringthey remainvibrantand celebratedfor generationstocome. contemporaryartist JanineWilliams

joyofmaking.”

In2022,Williamsstudiedfull immersiontereoMa¯oriatTe Wa¯nangaTakiuraandcontinuesto studypart-time. Williamsisamother,business ownerandisinherfinalyearofan ExecutiveMasterofBusiness AdministrationatMasseyUniversity andMasterofProfessionalCreative PracticeatToihoukura.

Sheoftenworksalongsideher husband,CharlesWilliams,tocreate brightlycoloured,large-scalemurals honouringkaupapaMa¯ori. Manyoftheirworksincludevivid depictionsofNewZealand’snative birdsinflight.

JeremyWilkinson

AWellingtonmayoralcandidatehas allegedlyfailedtopaytheIRDmore than$5000intaxdeductedfromthe wagesofoneofhisemployees. AccordingtoanEmployment RelationsAuthority(ERA)determination,$5670wasdeductedfroman employeeofPocketMediabutwas neverpaidtoInlandRevenue. Thecompany’sdirectorisGraham Bloxham,whoiscurrentlyrunning forthemayoraltyinWellington. PocketMediaoperatestheFacebook pageWellingtonLive. JosephParrfiledapersonalgrievancewiththeERAagainstPocketMediaonSeptember27,2022, complainingaboutallegedunpaid IRDPAYEtaxes. Heclaimedthatasaresult,hehad beenconstructivelydismissed, unjustifiablydisadvantagedandhad wagesowingtohim. Parr,whoworkedasheadofdigital marketingforWellingtonLive,alsoallegedBloxhamcreatedatoxicwork environmentandhadsubjectedhim tohumiliatingtreatmentby commentingonhisappearance. Hefurtherclaimedhiscolleagues sharedallegationsthattheyhadbeen

sexuallyharassedbyBloxhamand thathehadallegedlymadederogatorycommentsopenlyintheoffice aboutpeople.BloxhamtoldNZMEhe deniedalloftheallegations. Whilethesexualharassment claimsorotherallegationsmadeby Parrrelatingtotherebeinganalleged toxicworkenvironmentwerenot exploredbytheauthorityinitsdetermination,itwasfoundthatBloxham deliberatelyfailedtopaytheIRDfrom deductionsmadetoParr’sgrosspay. Asaresult,Bloxhamhasbeen orderedtopayParrmorethan $28,000. Accordingtothisweek’sdetermination,Bloxham,whotheERAsaid didnotengagewithitsinvestigation, employedParr,afamilyfriend,in November2021.However,inSeptemberthefollowingyear,Parrandother colleaguesdiscoveredthatBloxham hadnotsubmittedpaydayfilinginformationtoInlandRevenueduring theperiodoftheiremployment,the determinationstated. ParrraisedtheissuewithBloxham byemail,itsaid. “Graham,ithascometomyattentionthatIRDhasnoideathatI’m workingforyouandhaszerorecord ofanytaxesyou’vebeendeducting

Bloxham

frommypaybeingsenttothem.I don’tthinkIneedtosayhowserious thisis,”Parrwrote. Bloxhamrespondedbysayinghe wouldaskhisaccountanttolookinto it.“Idon’tpaythis.Itcouldbethatwe dealwithPAYEannually.”

AtanERAhearingheldthisyear, Parrsaidhefelthe’dbeenblatantly liedtoanditwasthe“strawthatbroke thecamel’sback”,resultinginhis resignation.Throughoutseveral emails,BloxhamaskedParrifhe wouldfinishworkingtheremaining twoweeksasperhiscontract. TheERAheardthatinaseparate emailtoParr’scolleague,whohad alsoinquiredabouthertaxrecords, BloxhamstatedthathepaidPAYE quarterly.

“You’veonlyworkedfor5minutes

andit’snotsetupyet.Itwillbeand yourtaxwillbepaid!Isuggestyou stopalltheconspiracytheories,followingothersandgetonwithyour life,”hetoldthecolleague.

Then,inanotheremailtoParrand thecolleague,Bloxhamtoldthem theywerebothinbreachoftheir contractsbysharinginformation abouthimandhiscompanywithone another.

“ItakeanythingaboutIRDreally seriouslyandIwillholdwhoeveris sharinginformationaboutmeormy companiestoaccountasitisanextremelyseriousallegationandthe consequencesareextremelysevere,” Bloxhamwrote. Infurthercorrespondencefrom BloxhamprovidedtotheERA,he claimedtohave“lookedafter”Parr.

“ThemoreIlookatyou,thelessI like.Ilookedafteryou,paidyouwell, gaveyoudaysoff…whatdidIdoto youtogetthiss***...Youwatch mate…”

Parrtoldtheauthoritythat Bloxham’sresponsesweretypically defensiveandcriticalwhenworkrelatedissueswereraisedwithhim. AttheERAhearing,Parrprovided evidencethathewasnotgiven payslipsforthe44weekshe

workedforBloxham.TheERAfound thatduringParr’semployment, $5670wasdeductedfromhiswages byPocketMediathatshouldhave beenpaidtotheIRD. Whiletheauthoritydoesn’thave thejurisdictiontoassessandenforce taxpaymentsandcouldn’tawardthat missingsumbacktoParr,authority memberDavinniaTanorderedthata copyofherjudgmentbesenttothe IRD. AnIRDspokespersonsaidtheTax AdministrationActpreventeditfrom discussingtheprivatetaxaffairsof anytaxpayeranditcouldn’tcommentonwhetherornotaninvestigationwasorwasnotunderway. Tanfoundthat,ontheevidence, thefailuretopaytheIRDfromdeductionsmadetoParr’sgrosspaywasdeliberate. “Thefinancialmismanagement wasdeliberateanddeceitful,which PocketMediabenefitedfromatthe expenseofMrParr.” Tansaidtherewasnoevidence Bloxhamhadlookedintotheissueas promisedandhe’dactedincomplete “denialandanger”towardsParr. Shealsonotedthatwithholding paymentofPAYEtaxeswasunlawful andaseriousbreachoftrustandcon-

fidence.Afterhisresignation,Parr tookupseveraljobsatminimum wageinordertopayhisbills. Hehadtogiveuphisflatandmove inwithhisfamily,theERAheard. TheERAorderedBloxhamtopay Parr$8294.87inlostwagesand $20,000incompensation. “TheharmcausedbyPocketMediainthesecircumstanceshasbeen significantonMrParr,”Tansaidinthe determination. “Hewashumiliatedbyhavingto relyonfamilyandlow-payingjobsto getbyanddistressedbythefactMr Bloxhamhad,untilthedisputearose, beenalongstandingfamilyfriend. “ThehurtandhumiliationwasfurtherexacerbatedbyMrBloxham’s failuresofgoodfaithtoengage constructivelyandactwithaccountabilitywhentheissuewasbroughtto hisattention.” WhenspeakingwithNZME, Bloxhamclaimedhehadnotheard fromtheERAandtherulingwasa shocktohim. Heclaimedhehadengagedanemploymentadvocatewhohadtoldhim Parr’sclaimhad“goneaway”.

“Thatobviouslyhasn’thappened soI’lljusthavetodealwithit,”he said.

Theyalsohaveastronginterestin graffitiart,withthepairdecorating vans,wallsandevenmotorway underpassesaroundAuckland. AucklandCouncilsaidSiloPark waschosenasthisyear’stemporary sitefor Whai astheprecinctstrongly reflectedthewaterfront’sheritage. “TheregenerationofWynyard Quarteracknowledgesitsplaceon theedgeoftheWaitemata¯,retaining elementsofthearea’sindustrial history.” Overthenextthreetofiveyears, duringtheMatarikiseason,Auckland CouncilPublicArtwillexhibit Whai in differentlocations.

Bloxhamdeniedfailingtofile Parr’sPAYEtaxwithIRD. “Allofourtaxispaidup,allofour PAYEispaidup,that’sjustincorrect.” BloxhammaintainedthatParrwas acontractorandneededtofilehis owntaxes. However,ParrtoldNZMEtheERA rulingwasvindicating. “Fundamentally,thewholereason IwenttotheERAwasthatIjust wantedconfirmationthatIwasjustifiedinleaving,”hesaid.“It’sniceto haveitlegallyclearedupthatitwas okaytoleavethatenvironment.” Parrsaidhefeltitwasashame Bloxhamhadn’tengagedwiththe authority.

“It’sjustdisappointingthathedid itinthefirstplace,andtoafamily friend. “Outwardlydenyingthathedid anythingwrong,itwouldbeniceto havesomeaccountabilityandacknowledgmentfromhim.”

JoannaWane

ThelatestbatchofNZArmyrecruits hasbeenwarnedtoprepareforthe possibilityofcombatastheworld facesitsmostcomplexandvolatile globalenvironmentindecades.

MinisterofDefenceJudithCollins weatheredbittergale-forcewindsto attendthegraduationceremonyfor 153newsoldierswhohadcompleted anintensive15-weektrainingcourse atWaio¯uruMilitaryCamp.

Inheraddressasthereviewing officerlastweek,Collinstoldthe troopsthatdespiteoursize,NewZealand’scontributionmattersinatime ofsuchstrategicuncertainty.

“Conflictsareescalating,therulesbasedinternationalorderisunder pressureandgreatpowercompetitionisreshapingtheworldaround us,”shesaid.

“Wemaybeasmallcountry,but weareaprincipledone.Weknowthat mightisnotright.

“Westandforpeace,forcooperationandfortheprotectionof thosewhocannotprotectthemselves.” Duringtheceremony,Collins— NewZealand’sfirstfemaleMinisterof Defence—wasseatednexttothe ChiefofArmyMajorGeneralRose King,thefirstwomantoleadNew Zealand’sarmedforces.

Theparadeconcludedwithastirringhakabeforefamilymembers wereinvitedtopresenttherecruits withtheirdogtags,anemotionalmomentthatleftmanyintears.

Afterretiringtotheofficers’mess, Collinstoldthe Herald theworldfeels moreunstablenowthanithasatany otherpointinherlifetime.

Therecruitsshe’dspokentowere “action-focusedpeople”preparedfor theprospectofseeingcombat.

“Peopledon’tjointheArmybecausetheywanttositathomeand fightovertheremotecontrol,”she said.

“Theyjointobedeployed, whetherit’sathome,inrelationto someoftheweathereventswe’re havingatthemomentorsomeconflictarea.Theywanttogettheskills andplaytheirpart.

“Theworldisaverydifferentplace thanitwas10or20yearsago.Evenin thedaysoftheColdWar,therewere certainrules.Alotofthoserulesseem tohavebeenforgottennow.”

InApril,CollinslaunchedtheGovernment’s$12billionDefenceCapabilityPlanandcommittedtodoubling defencespendingtomorethan2%of GDPby2033.

Askedifdecadesofunderfunding havedamagedNewZealand’smilitary reputationinternationally,theministersaiditwasmoreaquestionofhow ourdefenceforcecouldbesogood withsolittle.

“Ifanybodyshouldtakethehit,it shouldbethoseofusingovernment overtheyearswhohavefoolishly thoughtthatcommonsensewould breakout,peacewouldbreakout, everyonewouldbehaveandnobody wouldbeathreatanymore.

“Certainly,largepowersare armingupandwewerenot.Wewere startingtobeseenverymuchasa countrythatdidn’tsupportitsdefencepersonnel,andweneededto changethatfast.”

Afterpostingarecordattritionrate of17.7%attheendof2022,theNZ Armyhassteadilyclawedthatbackto 7.7%. However,thatperiodofpoor retentionhascreatedahollowacross thedefenceforcethathasyettoberesolved,withthousandsofpositions vacantasoftheendofMarch,accord-

MinisterofDefenceJudithCollinsandChiefofArmyMajorGeneralRoseKinginspectthegraduationparadeatWaio¯uruMilitaryCamp.

‘Conflictsareescalating’:Collins tellsrecruitstoplanforcombat

TroopsperformahakaattheGraduationParade,whichmarkedthecompletionof15weeksofinitialtrainingfor153 newrecruits.

ingtofiguresreleasedunderthe OfficialInformationAct.Abouthalfof theunfilledroleswereintheArmy. Toboostnumbers,anewrecruitmentcampaignhasbeenlaunched andfourtrainingcoursesatWaio¯uru areplannedfor2026,upfromtwoin 2025.

Thisweek,700NewZealanders fromacrossthedefenceforcejoined 30,000personnelfrom19countries forExerciseTalismanSabre,a “multidomainwarfightingscenario” beingheldinAustralia. Thewardrillsarebeingseenasa showofmilitaryco-ordination betweenalliednations,includingthe UnitedStates,theUnitedKingdom andJapan.

NewZealand’sDefenceCapability PlanrefersspecificallytoChina’spursuitofitsstrategicobjectivesinways thatcanchallengethesecurityof otherstates.

AswellassupportingcloseralignmentwithUSinterests,Collinshas overseenthedeepeningof interoperabilitywithAustraliaanda steppingupofdefencediplomacy withNatoandtheUK. Duringhertermasminister,China hasbecomemoreassertivearound

TheUKGovernmentwillgive16-and 17-year-oldstherighttovoteinall electionsinamajoroverhaulofits votingsystem. Themovewillalignvotingrights acrosstheUK,whereyoungervoters alreadyparticipateindevolved electionsinScotlandandWales. “They’reoldenoughtogooutto work,they’reoldenoughtopaytaxes ...andIthinkifyoupayin,you shouldhavetheopportunitytosay whatyouwantyourmoneyspenton, whichwaytheGovernmentshould go,”PrimeMinisterKeirStarmertold ITVNews

Apollof50016-and17-year-olds conductedbyMerlinStrategyfor ITV News showed33%saidtheywould voteLabour,20%wouldvoteReform, 18%wouldvoteGreen,12%Liberal Democratsand10%Conservative. Thereareabout1.6million16-and 17-year-oldsintheUK,accordingto officialdata.Justover48million peoplewereeligibletovoteatthelast election,inwhichturnoutfelltoits lowestsince2001.Thenextelectionis duein2029.

Speakingto HeraldNOW’sRyan Bridgeyesterday,LabourMPCarmel SepulonisaidtheNZLabourParty wouldsupportasimilarmove,and hassaiditwouldimplementitforlocalbodyelections.

“Nationalpulledthat.” Themovetoalowervotingagewas “progressive”,shesaid. “I’vealwaysbeenasupporterof loweringthevotingage.Weknowthat ifpeoplevoteintheirfirstelection, they’llcontinuevotingfortherestof theirlives.Atthisage,they’restilloptimistic,they’restillhopeful.

“GoodontheUK,andboohooto usbecausewe’vegotaNationalParty thatdon’tsupportanythingprogressive.”

NationalPartyministerErica StanfordwassittingnexttoSepuloni onthe HeraldNOW paneland disagreedthatloweringthevotingage shouldbeapriorityforNewZealand.

“Our18-year-oldsaren’tvoting,so howaboutwestartthere?Let’sfocus onthat.” Stanfordsaidshedidnotbelieve “givingkidsthevote”shouldbea priority.

TheUK’smoveseesitjoining countriessuchasGermany,Australia, ArgentinaandBrazil,wherevoting ageshavealsobeenlowered.

TaiwanandintheSouthChinaSea; moreactiveinthePacific,including signinganagreementwiththeCook Islands,aRealmCountryofNewZealand,withoutconsultingNewZealand;test-firingaballisticmissileinto thePacific;andsendinganavaltask grouptotheTasmanSeainFebruary, whichincludedlive-firingwithout notice.

Thismonth,TheRoyalNewZealandAirForceestablisheditsfirst dedicatedspaceunit—describedby Collins,whoisalsotheMinisterof Space,aspartoftheworkbeingdone tomaintaina“combat-capable,flexible”force.

Inthesameweek,itwas announcedthatthetaxpayer-funded climatesatelliteMethaneSathadlost contactwiththegroundandwas “likelynotrecoverable”.

LedbyaUSgroup,theEnvironmentalDefenceFund,theprojectwas given$29millionfromtheNewZealandGovernmentwiththeaimof growingthespaceindustry.

Themission’sgoalwastoname andshameoilandgasproducersthat wereallowingplanet-heating methanetoescapeintotheatmosphere.

Makeit16co-directorLincoln JonesrenewedcallstolowerNewZealand’svotingage,asthecountry prideditselfonbeingaworldleader indemocracysincebecomingthefirst togivewomentherighttovote. ItcomesafterthemajorityofNew Zealand’syouthMPsrecentlysigned anopenlettercallingforthevoting agetobeloweredto16.

“TheUK’sdecisionisaturning pointforyoungpeople’spositionin democracy—1.5millionpeoplehave justbeenenfranchised,roughlythe populationofAuckland,”Jonessaid. “JustlikeintheUnitedKingdom, youngpeopleinAotearoaarealready engagedandreadytoparticipatein thesystemsthatwillshapetheirfuture.” NewZealandhadsincefallenbehind,anditwastimetocatchup.

“Youngpeopleareleavingthis countryenmassebecausethey simplydonotseeafuturehere.Itis paramountthat,whenwearemaking decisionsonoureconomy,environment,educationandhealthcare, youngpeopleareacentralpartofthat conversationsothatwehaveaplace inAotearoaaswell.” AdditionalreportingbyRNZ

Agechangeto‘moderniseour democracy’World,A23

Sharedpartly nudeimage putswoman beforecourt

TracyNeal OpenJustice

Awomanendedupincourtforonsharinganimageofapartlynaked womanwhichhadbeensenttoa socialmediachatgroupshewaspart of. Theactionofsharingtheimageresultedinthe52-year-oldwomanbeing charged,butultimatelysheavoideda convictionbecauseofherlesserinvolvementinthereposting “equation”.

Forthatreasonhernamewasalso permanentlysuppressed.

“Shedidlittletoaddtoaproblem createdbysomeoneelse,”ajudge found.

Thechargeofpostinganintimate visualrecordingcarriedamaximum two-yearprisontermora$50,000 fine.

Itwasa“salutarylesson”inhow easyitwastoendupfacingcriminal chargesbysendingdigitalmaterial thatcouldharmsomeone,policetold NZMEoutsidetheNelsonDistrict Courtthisweek.

“Thisreallywasaperfectstormof factorsthatledtotheoffending,”defencelawyerAmandaGodwinsaidinsidethecourtatthewoman’shearing.

Thedefendantwaschargedafter thevictimcomplainedtothepolice.

JudgeStephenHarropsaiditwasa seriouscharge,andthecourtrecognisedtheseriousharmcausedto peoplebythepostingofsuchmaterial,butthedefendanthadsincesuffered“seriousabuse”online,making heravictimofharmfulsocialmedia too. Shehadsufferedotherconsequences,includingthelossofacontractlinkedtoherbusiness.

ThecourtheardthatinJanuary thisyear,thedefendantmeton TikTokanAustralianman,whohad receivedtheintimateimagefromthe complainantviaSnapchat.

HesharedtheimagetoaMessengergroupofabout13people,towhich thedefendantbelonged.

Anothermemberofthegroup “doctored”theimagetomakeitani-

matedandshareditwiththedefendant,whosentittotheTikTokacquaintanceto“doublecheck”thathe hadseenit.

Thepersonwhodoctoredtheimageandsharedithasbeencharged andwillbesentencedinaSouth Islandcourtnextmonth.

JudgeHarropsaidthe“realculprit”wasthemanwhoshareditinitially,butheacknowledgedthatthe victimwasconcernedaboutithaving beenreposted.

Hesaidthecircumstanceswere “verydifferent”tosomeone surreptitiouslytakinganimageand postingit,andthatthewomanwho hadtakentheimageandsentitwas partoftheequation.

“Wehaveasituationwherethevictimputitoutinthefirstplace,which wasintendedforonepersonbutwas thenpublishedtoagroupof13,” JudgeHarropsaid.

“Itdoesmeantheseriousnessof theoffendingislessthanwhatappeared.”

Hesaidthedefendanthadafterwardssuffereda“sustainedcampaignofharassmentandabuse” onlineandthatshetoohadbecomea victim.

Shehadsincebeendiagnosedwith amentalhealthconditionthatwas likelytomakeheractimpulsively, whichwasrecognisedbyapsychologistinthepre-sentencereport writingprocess.

Theconsequencesofaconviction werethereforelikelytobegreater thantheymightbeforsomeonemore resilient,JudgeHarropsaidin grantingadischargewithoutconviction.

Thedefendantwasorderedto makea$200emotionalharmpaymenttothevictim.

Thejudgealsograntedpermanent namesuppression.

Hesaidthepublic“maywellconclude”thatthewomanshouldhave beenconvicted.

● OpenJustice,anNZMEinitiative fundedwiththehelpofNZonAir.

Awomanwillappearincourtafterallegedlytakingacannabis-lacedcaketoasharedworklunchatHawke’sBayHospital.

Cannabis-lacedcakecourtcase

A54-year-oldwomanisfacing criminalchargesafterallegedly takingacannabis-lacedcaketoa sharedworklunchatHawke’sBay Hospital—resultinginotherstaff needingmedicaltreatment. Thewomanissettoappearin courtnextmonth.

1News reportedthathospital staffatethecakeatasharedlunch andreturnedtoworkonJune30.A numberofpeoplethenbegan feelingtheeffectsofthelaceditem. Atleasttwopeopleweretreated

inthehospital’semergency department.HealthNZhavesaid therewerenoclinicalorsenior medicalofficersinvolved. Thewomanwhosuppliedthe cakehasreportedlyresigned. Earlierthismonth,policesaid theywereinvestigatingthe incident.Yesterday,theyconfirmed awomanhadbeen“arrestedand charged”. Policecouldnotconfirmthe exactchargebutsaiditwaslikelyto bealongthelinesof“administers

cannabisoil”. Thewomanwillappearinthe HastingsDistrictCourtonAugust 15.“Asthematterisnowbeforethe courts,policecanmakenofurther comment,”saidaspokesperson. HealthMinisterSimeonBrown earlierdescribedtheincidentas “completelyunacceptable behaviourbythestaffmember involved”.

HealthNZrefusedtocomment, asthematterwasbeforethe courts.

RedefiningHollywoodonabudget

LA-basedKiwiactorPeter Winkelmannispartofanew breedofcreativeswhose shoestringbudgetsare beatingthetitansattheir owngame. Mitchell Hageman findsouthow— andwhytheycouldbe savingthecinema experiencebycarvinga newpathoutofthebones ofoldHollywood.

Withcoyoteshowlinginthedistance, PeterWinkelmannandhiscrew traversedtheruggedHollywoodhills withlessthan$1000worthoffilmmakinggearintowandavisionto makemagic.

Therewerenofancyservicetrucks orbigbudgettrailers,norfamous celebritiesorstudiobacking,justa Kiwiandhiscrewlookingtomake somethingoutofnothing.

Youcanimagineitwasquitea shockwhentheirshoestringfilmnoir project TheViridianJewel caughtthe eyeofnoneotherthanGoldenGlobewinning MrRobot creatorSam Esmail.

“[Esmail]waslike,Imadeanoir filmonce.Thisone’sbetter,” Winkelmanntellsme,recallingthe highpraise.

He’szoomingfromhisLosAngeles apartment,aplacehedidn’texpectto berealwhenhemovedthereduring theCovidpandemic.

“OnthatUberrideover,Iwassort oflike,IhopethisplaceItookalease onexists.Ididn’tknowanyoneonthe continentoranyfriendsinAmericaat all,letaloneLA.”

HavingnowlivedintheUnited Statesforfiveyears,Winkelmann knowsafairbitabouthowthebrutal commercialstudiosystemworks.

Inaworldfulloffailures,he’s foundsuccessthroughtheunlikely avenueoflow-budgetfilm-making andtakesprideinchallengingthe statusquo.

“OneofthefilmsIproducedfor $400hasbeenincludedintheofficial selectionforLAShorts,nexttoshort filmswithbudgetsinexcessof $100,000,”hesays.

“It’saseriousfestivaltoo:it’s Oscar-qualifyingandhaspreviously hostedtheworkofpeoplesuchas GaryOldman,ScarlettJohansson,Bill MurrayandSofiaCoppola.Asimilar no-budgetfilmIactedinwonBestPictureattheSanPedroInternational FilmFestival.” Winkelmannisalongwayfromhis

hometownofTaupo¯.HisloveofactingtookhimtotheUniversityofAuckland,thenthroughtwooftheprestigiousStellaAdlerStudioandAcademyofActingoutletsintheUS,which boastalumnisuchasMarlonBrando andRobertDeNiro.

“There’sareallyawesomefilmindustryinNewZealand,butforme, I’msomeonewhobelievesifyouwant totrytomastersomething,yougoto thesource.”

Ithasn’tallbeensmoothsailing, particularlyinhisfirstfewmonths tryingtofigureoutthelayoftheland.

“Naturally,everythingwasshut,so

thosefirstfewmonthswereextremelyisolating.IalsogotCovid withinthosefirstfewmonths,which wasquitescarybecausetherewasso muchuncertaintyaboutit,” Winkelmannrecalls.

Butachanceforayintolow-budget film-makingduringstrictpandemic conditionsmadeWinkelmannrealise thefuturelookedbrightforindependentfilm-makers.

“Thenatureoftheopportunities wereprettybizarre.Itdidn’tlooklike whatweperceivedthefilmindustry tobe,becausethesituationhad shiftedsoradically,”hesays.

Hisfilm Trolled,withacrewof aboutfiveandabudgetoflessthan $20,000,wonabunchofawardsand gotdistributionintheUS.

“Weconstructedthisspookyhorrorfilmwhereweweredoingitlikea livestream,meanttolooklikeitwas allfilmedondifferentGoPros positionedaroundtheroom.There wasabunchofustiedtochairsbeing attackedbythisscaryguy,andwe filmeditallinthisexperimentalonetakewherewewereallimprovising.” Winkelmanncreditsthead-hoc formattoputtinghimoutofhis comfortzone,somethingthathe

thinkitstartedwithCovid,butthen wewentfromCovidstraightintothe strikes,AIbeingabigfactorinthose strikes,”Winkelmannsays.

“Thischangedpeople’sconsumptionhabits.Movietheatresstill haven’treturnedtothesame,and therehasbeenamassivecontraction aroundstreaming.Butthestreaming bubblehaskindofpopped.

“There’sessentiallybeenthisarms racebetweenallofthesedifferent streamingstudios,andwithallthese differentstrategies,abigcompany endsuplikeswallowingalltheother ones.”

Curiousaboutthetrends,hedid someresearchandtheorisedthat theremaybealinkbetweentheconsumptionofsocialmediaandthesuccessoflow-budgetfilm-making.

“Youcanseeitintheyounger demographicsalready.Isawastat thatwaslikelessthan20%ofpeople under20evenwatchstreamingchannelsanymoreinAmerica.It’salllike socialmediacontent,TikTokand Instagramandsoon.

“Thisprobablygetsintomy opinionhere,butIthinkthereason forthisisbecausepeoplerelateto authenticity.

“Connectingtoanindividualand theabundanceofhypernichecontentthat’sspecificallytargetedatyour interest,asopposedtothesebigmass appeal,outdatedmediastyles,right?

AtFisherFunds,we’rehelpingover500,000Kiwisgrowandmanage theirwealthacrosseverykindofmarketcondition.Formorethan25years, we’vedeliveredactive,expertinvestmentmanagement.Andit’swhy we’reproudtobeNewZealand’smosttrustedKiwiSaverprovider.*

Whetheryou’renavigatingshort-termvolatilityorinvestingforlong-term performance,ouradvisersareheretohelpyouinvestwithconfidence withourFisherFundsKiwiSaverPlanandManagedFunds.

“Withsmallerbudgetfilms,there’s anopportunityforanewmodelof film-makingtocomearoundwhere there’slikeamorenicheaudience andmoretargetedfilms.”

Butsuccessisn’ttheonlything Winkelmannandhisteamgainfrom theirlow-budgetendeavours— there’salsothepersonalgain.

“Themostimportantthinginfilmmakingisspirit,andwe’vegotthatin bucketsintheindependentscene,” hesays.

“Ithinkthatthereneedstobea pushforcommunitybuildingaround cinemas.Ithinkeveryareaoflifeat themoment,weneedtopushtowardscommunity.”

believeshelpscreativesthriveand formasenseofcommunity.

“Thefilmindustrywasgoing throughthismassiveradicalshift fromallofthepressurecomingfrom alltheseexternalfactors.

“Ithinkputtingmyselfinapositionwheretherewasexternalpressuremotivatedmetogotheextrastep andsortoflitafireonmybumto reallyputmyselfoutthere.”

It’salsohelpedfuelanewfirefor low-budgetfilm-makerswhowantto buckthetrend.

“Overthelastfiveyears,thewhole industryhasreallystartedtoshift.I

ForKiwislookingtoenterthe weirdandwonderfulworldofindependentfilm-making,Winkelmann saysNZ’snumbereightwirementalitywillbodewell.

“Doit.Doityourselfandfigureit outyourself.

“Giveyourselflikegraceandexplorebecausefilm-makingisatrade. It’saskill,andit’ssomethingyoujust havetodo,andeverysingletimeyou doityou’llgetbetterandbetterand better,”hesays.

“There’snopointtryingtowrite theperfectprojectorsetouttomake thenextScorsesefilmonyourfirstgo.

“Askquestions,becurious,exploreandjusthavefunmakingstuff,” hesaid.

TysonBeckett Christopher

FatFreddy’sDropfounderandmemberChristopherTa’alogaFaiumuis beingrememberedasagraciouspersonand“talismanic”musician. Morewidelyknownthroughhis professionmonikers“DJMu”and“DJ Fitchie”,Faiumuwasthecreative forcebehindFatFreddy’sDrop,one ofAotearoa’smostsuccessfulcontemporarybands. HediedsuddenlyonJuly16. Theseven-piecebandfromWellingtonformedin1999andblendeda widerangeofmusicgenresincluding: reggae,soul,jazz,rhythmandblues, rock,discoandhouse. OnFacebookFaiumu’sFat Freddy’sbandmemberspaidtribute totheirfounderasthe“starbywhich wenavigated acrossthesea”.

“Our talismanic foundingmember,production maestro,selector andbrother, ChrisTa’aloga FaiumuakaDJ MUakaFitchie hasunexpectedlypassed away.

“Thisisaseismicshiftinour world.SendingalofatotheFaiumu& Duckworthaiga,andtoMU’swider aigaoffriendsandfansworldwide. Weaskpleasethatyouallrespect everyone’sprivacyduringthisdifficulttime.Holdtight.” Six60leadsingerMatiuWalters wasamongthosepayingtributeto Faiumuinthecommentsofthepost, writing:“ResteasyMu.Lovetoyour whanauKuahingateto¯taraitewao nuiaTa¯ne.”

RiaHallalsopaidher condolences,callingFaiumuanicon andpioneer.

Arts,CultureandHeritageMinisterPaulGoldsmithwassadtohearof Faiumu’spassing.

“FatFreddy’sDropislovedby manyNewZealanders.Ourthoughts arewithhisfamilyandfriends.”

LabourspokespersonforArts, CultureandHeritageRachelBoyack saidshewas“Absolutelyguttedto hearthenews”.

“Thanksfor20yearsof Basedona truestory.Haskeptmegoingon manyaroadtrip.Moemaira,Mu.” Sinceformingin1999,Fat Freddy’sDrophaveestablished themselvesasoneofthemostsuccessfulcontemporarybandsinNew Zealandandbuiltaloyalaudience overseas.

TheSoyuzspacecraft,seen fromApollo. Photos/Nasavia TheNewYorkTimes

Some225kmaboveFrance, Americanastronautsopened aspacecrafthatchandfound themselvesfacetofacewith cosmonautsfromtheSoviet Union.

“Gladtoseeyou.”ColonelAlexei LeonovspokeinaccentedEnglishto BrigadierGeneralThomasStaffordof Nasa. “Ah,hello,verygladtoseeyou,” Staffordrespondedinhisown accentedRussian. Thetwomenthenshookhands. Today,RussianandAmerican astronautsroutinelyshareridestothe InternationalSpaceStation,no matterthegeopoliticalconflictthat dividestheirnations.Butinthe summerof1975,seeingtwomenfrom rivalnationsgreeteachotherinorbit acrossabridgebetweentheirdocked spacecraftwasapowerfuland unprecedentedgesturewitnessedby millionsontheworldspinningbelow. Thehandshake,whichoccurred 50yearsagoonJuly17,definedthe Apollo-SoyuzTestProject,thefirst internationalhumanspaceflight.That simplesymbolofpartnership betweenbittercompetitorsremains anenduringlegacyofthemission.

“It’samazingtothinkthattwo diametricallyopposedcountrieswith differentsystemsandcultures, essentiallyreadytodestroyeach other,cansomehowco-operateand dothishighlytechnical,complicated mission,”saidAsifSiddiqi,a professorofhistoryatFordham UniversityandanexpertonRussian spacehistory.

Agenerationaftertheorbital handclasp,theSovietsandtheUnited Stateswouldcometogethertobuild theISS.Theageingspaceoutpost’s daysarefinite,andthereareno immediateplansforRussiaandthe UStosustaintheirco-operationin humanspaceflight.TheUSalsosees itselfascompetingwithChinafor dominanceinspace.Butexpertslike Siddiqiseereasonsforhopeonthe 50thanniversaryoftheApollo-Soyuz mission.

“Wheneverpeopletellmethatthis wouldneverhappentoday,Ialways think,Well,that’swhatpeoplesaidin thelate60s,”Siddiqisaid.

EARLYIN thespaceage,asAmerica racedtocatchuptotheSovietUnion, apartnershipinspacehadbeen proposed.InSeptember1963, speakingbeforetheUnitedNations GeneralAssemblytwomonthsbefore hisassassination,PresidentJohnF. Kennedyfloatedajointmissiontothe moon.

“Whythereforeshouldman’sfirst flighttothemoonbeamatterof nationalcompetition?”heasked. “Surelyweshouldexplorewhether thescientistsandastronautsofour twocountries—indeedofallthe world—cannotworktogetherinthe conquestofspace.” Thisdreamwasdeferred,andthe USwouldovertaketheSovietsinthe moonracewiththesuccessfulApollo 11missionin1969.

Oddly,theAmericanmoon landingmayhavecreatedanew windowforco-operation.Public supportfortheApollomissionsfell, andtheprogrammewascutshort aftertheApollo17missionin1972. ThatlefttheUSspaceprogramme withoutanimmediateobjective.

Inparallel,bothnations’ reputationsweretarnishedabroad, theSovietUnionbyitsinvasionof Czechoslovakia,andAmericabyits involvementintheVietnamWar.That createdanadditionalmotivationto jointlyreasserteachcountry’sstatus atoptheglobalhierarchy.

“Theyneededtoliftthemselvesup andcooperatewitheachotherto showtherestoftheworld:Weareas superandasgreataseverbefore. We’redoingthingswhichnocountry candoinasimilarcapacity,”saidOlga Krasnyak,anassociateprofessorof internationalrelationsattheNational ResearchUniversityHigherSchoolof EconomicsinMoscow. Thismutuallyrecognised opportunityforprestigeledto tentativetalksbetweenthecountry’s officialsin1970.Fromtheget-go,it wasclearthatthemissionfaced immensediplomatic,technicaland culturalobstacles.Therewasno smoothglidepathtolaunch.

“Howdowecommunicatewith peoplewhospeakentirelydifferent languages,andwhothinkdifferently aboutengineeringandproblemsolving?”BrianC.Odom,Nasa’schief historian,said.“Onpaper,itseems easy.Youlaunch,welaunch,wecome together,weshakehands,wegoour separateways.Butmakingthat happen,whereyoudon’thavefive peopledyinginorbit,isincredibly difficult.”

Thesuddenswitchfromenemies topartners,atleastinthislimited case,causedwhiplashforthepublic andpoliticiansalike(ascenariothat wasdramatisedintheAppleTV alternativehistoryseriesForAll Mankind).

ZbigniewBrzezinski,wholater servedasJimmyCarter’snational securityadviser,criticisedtheNixon andFordadministrationsforthe mission,callingita“technological giveaway”.Sovietspaceofficials,who longworkedinsecrecy,hadto overcomewarinessaboutloosening theflowofinformationtoan adversary.Thecountry’sdiplomats hadtoensurethatplanscouldbe discussedwithoutdivulginganything sensitivetonationalsecurity. Bothsidesweresuspiciousofthe safetyoftheother’sflagship spacecraft.Thethreeastronauts selectedforApollo1perishedinafire duringarehearsalin1967,whilethe threecosmonautsofSoyuz11diedin spacein1971whentheircabin depressurised.Snipesaboutthe superiorityofoneside’sspacecraft

AHANDSHAKEINORBIT 50YEARSAGO TRANSFORMEDTHESPACERACE

TheApollo-SoyuzTestProjectbroughtSovietcosmonautsandNasaastronauts togetherinthefirstinternationalhumanspaceflight. BeckyFerreira reports.

Below:Ateam ofUSNavy swimmers assistingwith therecoveryof theASTPApollo Command Module followingits splashdownin theCentral PacificOcean.

overtheotherrankledinsidersofthe mission.Americanastronautswere usedtoamuchmorehands-on guidancesystemwithApollo, whereasSoyuzwaslargelyautomatic andcontrolledfromtheground. Thevehiclesevenuseddifferent atmospheresintheirinteriors.Soyuz simulatesthefamiliarconditionsof

Earth,withanitrogen-oxygenair mixtureandapressureequivalentto ourplanetatsealevel.Apollo,in contrast,usedapureoxygen atmosphereatamuchlower pressure. Thisdiscrepancywassolvedby thedevelopmentofadockingmodule withairtighthatchesateachend.

Oncethemoduleconnectedthetwo craft,crewmembersfromonevehicle couldenter,ensuringthatboth hatcheswereclosedwhileit pressurisedtomatchconditionsof theotherside.Whenthatprocesswas complete,thehatchtotheother vehiclecouldbeopened,allowing crewstosafelyenterwithoutrisking

“thebends,”aconditioncausedby rapiddepressurisation. Forthisparticularmission,the Soyuzwaskeptatalowerpressure thannormaltoeasetransitions betweenvehicles.Thedocking modulewasalsopurposefully designedtobeandrogynousto ensurethatneitherspacecraftwas

Thecrewslearnedeachother’s languages,thoughLeonovjokingly calledStafford’sdrawling pronunciation“Oklahomski”.They trainedtogetheratNasaJohnson SpaceCenterinHoustonandatStar City,theRussianspacecentreoutside Moscow.Duringthesemeetings,the spacetravellershunted,drankand partiedtogether.Theysharedsteam bathsandgotintosnowballfights. Thetwocommandersremained particularlyclosefortherestoftheir lives:LeonovhelpedStaffordadopt twochildrenfromRussia,and StaffordgaveaeulogyinRussian(or, rather,Oklahomski)atLeonov’s funeralin2019.

Thecrewswere“settingan example,bybeingfriendlyand demonstratingco-operation,”said Brand,thelastlivingmemberofthe mission,ina2000interviewwith RebeccaWrightofNasa’sJohnson SpaceCenterOralHistoryProject. “Weactuallycametohaveavery closerelationshipwiththeSoviet crew,”headded.

AGAINSTALL odds,thecrewsfinally reachedtheirlaunchpadsduringthe summerof1975.OnJuly15,theSoyuz crewblastedofffromBaikonur CosmodromeinKazakhstan, followedbytheApollocrew,which launchedaboutsevenhourslater fromKennedySpaceCenterin Florida.

Thelead-uptodockingwas relativelysmooth,thoughtheApollo crewdiscovereda“superFlorida mosquito”hadstowedawaywith them,andStaffordjokedthatajuice spillhadturnedtheApollointoa “strawberry-colouredspacecraft”. Thespaceshipssuccessfully dockedat12.12pmEasterntimeJuly 17,highabovetheAtlanticOcean. Hourslater,thehistorichandshake wasbroadcastlivetomillionsof viewers.Themissioneveninspireda cocktailcalledtheLinkUp,withequal partsSouthernComfortandvodka mixedwithlimeandice,servedat London’sSavoyHotel.

Thecrewspentthenexttwodays exchanginggifts,diningtogether (includingborschttoasts),listeningto musicandconductingexperiments. TheshipspartedwaysonJuly19. Afterallthemutualworriesabout spacecraftsafety,itwasApollothat endedupexperiencingaserious incident,astoxicfumesfilledthe capsuleduringre-entry.

Brandlostconsciousnessandthe crewwashospitalisedafter splashdown.

Despitethisfrightening conclusionofthemission,the astronautsquicklyrecoveredandthe missionwashailedasadiplomatic andtechnicalsuccess.

ASECOND Apollo-Soyuzmissionwas planned,butitneverpannedout.USSoviettensionsroseagainduringthe late1970sandintothe1980s.The countriesdidnotdirectlyteamup againforyears.However,both superpowersfosterednew collaborationswiththeirallies.

Duringthe1980s,Nasaspaceshuttle crewsincludedCanadian,European andJapaneseastronauts,whilethe SovietUnionlaunchedcosmonauts whocamefromCuba,Poland, Vietnam,Afghanistanandother countries.

AfterthecollapseoftheSoviet Union,AmericansandRussiansagain joinedforcesinspace,firstaboardthe Mirspacestationintheearly1990s. TheAmerican-Russianpartnershipis nowthebackboneoftheISS,which hasremainedcontinuouslyinhabited sincetheyear2000. Thatoutpostisinitstwilightyears. Russiaisdiscussingbuildingitsown separatesuccessorspacestation,and theUSisseedingcommercial outpostsinorbit—effortsthatcan makeApollo-Soyuzseemlikea distantmemory. ButKrasnyak,theRussian internationalrelationsexpert,said thatthelegacyofthismission,andcooperativespaceexplorationin general,remainsimportantto Russians50yearslater.Whetherthe USandRussiapartneronfuture humanspaceflightsornot,shenoted thatthetwopowerscontinuetobe worldleadersshapinginternational deliberationsonspace. Siddiqi,thehistorianofRussian spaceflight,viewsthe1975US-Soviet missionasaforerunnerforthe complexinternationalpartnerships thatcharacterisemodernspaceflight, evenifit’sina“roundaboutway”.

“Itwasalittlebitmessy,butthe roadleadsbacktoApollo-Soyuz,”he said.“Otherhistorianswouldseeit differently,asakindofruptureorasa one-off,butIseealotofcontinuities.” Odom,Nasa’schiefhistorian,does notseeApollo-Soyuzasadirect progenitoroftheISS,orofother subsequentspacecollaborations. Fromhisperspective,themission’s legacyisgroundedmoreinthe contextofatimewhentwofeuding powersextendedanoliveleafinto orbit,withrepercussionsforhow theircitizensviewedeachotherback onEarth.

“Thepeoplewhowereinvolved comeawayfromitthinkingabout whatco-operationreallymight mean,”Odomsaid.“IfwecancooperatewiththeSovietUnioninthis way,wecanco-operatewithanyone.” Thedirectcommunicationand interpersonalrelationshipswerea powerfulspinofffromthemission, Odomadded.

perceivedas“female,”orpassive. Asthemissionplannersnavigated theseheadaches,adeepandabiding friendshipflourishedbetweenthe astronautsandcosmonauts.The Apolloside,headedbyStafford,also includedDonald“Deke”Slaytonand VanceBrand.Leonovflewonthe SoyuzsidewithValeryKubasov.

“Thethingthattheyreallycome awaywithisthat‘oh,you’rehuman beingsjustlikeus,”’hesaid.

“You’renotthemonstersthatwe imaginedorfearedthatyouwouldbe. You’rejustpeopletryingtodoajob andgoaboutyourdailylife.” TheNewYorkTimes

Review

BORDER BUST

Howthecriminalunderworld smuggleddrugsviatheairport

Therehasbeenadisturbingseriesofincidentsinwhichworkersatourborders havebeenpaidoff,allowingorganisedcrimesyndicatestoimportdrugswith alarmingease.Authoritiescalltheseindividuals‘insiderthreats’,whilethe criminalunderworldcallsthem‘doors’.Inthisabridgedchapterfromhisnew book,Underworld,investigativereporter JaredSavage revealshowtwo networksofcorruptbaggagehandlerssmuggledmethfrominternational flights—andhowastrokeofluckforpolicebustedthem.

AsilverHyundaiSUVpulled intothecarparkofthe Countdownsupermarketin Onehungaandparkedright besideablueNissanSkyline. ThedriveroftheHyundai grabbedabagoutofhiscar,placeditin thefrontpassengerseatoftheSkyline, thenbothvehiclesleftabruptly.The encounterat11amonMarch20,2021,was brief—lessthanaminute—butadetective watchingtheoddinteractionsuspected heknewwhathadhappened.TheSkyline driverworkedforamoney-laundering syndicateunderinvestigationby OperationWorthington,andthecarpark meetingwasasuspected“moneydrop”. Insidethebag,policelaterdiscovered, wasnearly$1.2million.Identifyingthe Hyundaidriverbecameapriorityforthe detectives.Itturnedouthisnamewas AisakeFeleti,aonce-promisingleague playerwhowouldbearrestedjustafew monthslater,inJune2021. Thecovertinquiryhadalready gatheredmorethanenoughevidenceto lay200chargesofmoneylaunderingand drugdealing,withpolicealsoseizing morethan$10millionofassets.Butpolice forensicanalystsalsomanagedto digitallybreakintoFeleti’scellphone,and thedetectivesscrollingthroughhis messagescouldnotbelievetheirluck. Theycouldreadeverythinghesentand receivedonThreema,anencryptedapp popularwithorganisedcrimefigures becausepolicecannotinterceptthe communicationslive.Feletihadmadea bigmistake:heforgottodeletehis Threemamessages,whichstretchedback formonthsandoutlinedhisinvolvement inthedrugworldinexcruciatingdetail. Becausethemessageswereencrypted, Feletididnotbothertousecodewhen discussingthesaleandpurchaseof methamphetaminewithhisUnited States-basedsupplier,knownas “Wiseman”.Inhisphonewerethousands ofmessages,accompaniedby photographsandvideosofpackaged drugsandcash.That’showthepolice learnedtherewas$1,198,600inthebag thatFeletigavetothemoneylaundererin thecarpark.TheThreemamessagesalso revealedhowFeletiwassmugglingdrugs intoNewZealandwithoutbeingcaught. Hehadan“insider”atAuckland InternationalAirportwhocould manipulatethetransferofluggagefrom internationalflightssothatbagswere neverscreenedbyCustoms.

Thesimple,butingenious,plan workedlikethis.Feleti’sUS supplier,Wiseman,wouldarrange formethamphetamine,packedinside luggage,tobestashedinthebulkholdofa planeinLosAngeles.Oncetheflight landedinAuckland,baggagehandlers wouldfindthecorrectbagandremoveit fromtheairportwithoutgoingthrough

Policeforensic analystsalso managedto digitallybreak intoFeleti’s cellphone,and thedetectives scrolling throughhis messages couldnot believetheir luck.They couldread everythinghe sentand receivedon Threema...

security.The“ripon,ripoff”tacticis commonthroughouttheworld,and reliesonorganisedcrimesyndicates havingtrustedinsiders,a“door”, workingattheborder.Thepersonpulling allthestringsatAucklandInternational AirportonbehalfofFeleti,accordingto theThreemamessages,wasaperson alreadyfamiliartotheOperation Worthingtoninvestigators.Hewasa seniorAirNewZealandbaggagehandler whohadbeenarrestedayearearlierfor usinganidenticalmodusoperandi,as readersof Gangster’sParadise might remember(suppressionordersmeanthe couldbereferredtoonlyasPreacher then). Preacherwasuncoveredbecauseofan idioticerrormadebythedrugmuleona failedimportattemptinMay2020. RomneyFukofuka,anaspiringmusician withthestagenameKonecs,wasableto traveltoLosAngelesduringNew

Zealand’sstrictestCovid-19lockdown becausehehadaUSpassport.Onhis returntriptoAuckland,Fukofukawas supposedtoleavehissuitcase—with19 kilogramsofmethinside—atthedoorof flightNZ1tobestoredwithotherlarge items,likeprams,inthebulkhold underneaththeplane.Oncetheplane landedinAuckland,theAirNewZealand baggagehandlerswouldfindthebagin thebulkhold—identifiedthroughaphoto sentbyanencryptedCiphrphone—and removeitfromtheairportwithoutit goingthroughsecurity.

ButFukofukafreakedout.“Iwashigh andtherewasalotgoingoninmyhead.I thoughtpeoplewerewatchingme.There wasacopstandingaround.Iwasscared anddidn’twanttogotojailintheStates,” hetoldme.“SoIpanickedandtookiton theplanewithme.”Hetookhisseaton theplaneand,undertheusername KingofHELL,sentthefollowing encryptedmessagestotheAirNew Zealandbaggagehandlerwiththe usernamePreacher,who,despitenot beingrosteredtowork,droveintotheAir NewZealandstaffcarparkat3.58am.

KINGOFHELL:Toko[Bro]manImade amistake.

KINGOFHELL:TokoIcarrythekato [bag]withmeonboardinsteadofputting atbulk.

PREACHER:Tokof***man.

PlanBwashastilymade.Oncehe disembarkedflightNZ1atAuckland InternationalAirportandclearedthe immigrationline,Fukofukawas supposedtoputthedrug-ladensuitcase backontotheluggagecarousel.Oncethe bagwentbackthroughtotheloading zone,Preacher’screwofAirNZbaggage handlerscouldsafelyremoveitfromthe airport,asintheoriginalplan.However, afterclearingimmigration,Fukofuka wentintothetoiletsandsentmessagesto hispartner.

6.09am:I’mfucked 6.09am:I’mintoilet 6.09am:Heapsofcops Asheexitedthetoiletstoputthe suitcaseontotheluggageconveyorbelt, anofficerfromCustomsaskedFukofuka tocomewithhimtothesearcharea.The suitcasewasopened.Nothingwasinside excepttwoplasticbagsweighingatotalof 19.4kilograms,whichtestinglater confirmedasmethamphetaminewitha purityof80percent.“Itriedtosay,‘I thoughtitwasshoes’,”Fukofukatoldme, “butIknewIwasfucked.”Hewas arrested,andthesubsequent investigation,OperationSantana,ledto fiveAirNewZealandbaggagehandlers, includingPreacher,beingchargedwith variousdrug-importingoffences.

Preacher’srealnamewasSese Vimahi,achurch-goingyouthleader whowassoonreleasedonbail.But insteadofcleaninguphisact,Vimahi

brazenlyusedhisfreedomtocarryon smugglingdrugsforAisakeFeletiusingan identicalmodusoperandi,accordingto theThreemamessagesuncoveredby OperationWorthington.Nowinthe handsofthepolice,theencrypted messagesweresoblatant.Therewere thousandsforthepolicetocomb through,andhere’sjustoneexample:“I got9inthebagforthenextonetook,” WisemanwrotetoFeletionFebruary16, 2021.Hefollowedupwithphotosofthree vacuum-sealedplasticbagsofwhite crystalsonabathroomvanity,thenofthe drugsplacedinsideagreybackpack.The messageabout“9inthebag”clearly meant9kgofmethamphetamine,with FeletitellingWisemanthateachkilogram wouldsellforbetween$175,000and $180,000. HealsotoldWisemanthat Vimahihadvisitedtheairport crewandthey

wantedtokeep2kgastheirfeefor assistingwiththeimportation.Vimahi wasabloodcousin,Feletiexplainedto Wiseman,andcouldbetrustedashewas notagangsterbuta“kuruptChurchie man”.Overthenextfewweeks,Wiseman andFeletikeptmakingarrangementsfor thedrugimport,whicheventuallylanded inAucklandat7.19amonflightNZ5from LosAngelesonMarch4,2021.Thegrey backpackwasremovedfromtheairport byacrewofAirNZbaggagehandlers, unidentifiedatthisstage,andat8.58am FeletiadvisedWisemanthatthemethhad beensafelydelivered. Alittleoveraweeklater,Feletisent Wisemanavideoofalargeamountof cashinsideaduffelbag:$1,130,000.Some customershadyettopay,hetold Wiseman,buthewouldsendthecash overseasassoonaspossible.Itwasthe samebagofcashthatFeletiwouldbeseen handingtotheAsianmoneylaundererin

thesupermarketcarparkaweeklater. TheThreemamessagesonFeleti’sphone wereanabsolutetreasuretroveof evidence,whichgavethepolicechapter andverseonhowthesyndicatewasstill abletooperate.Thesemessagestriggered anewinvestigation,OperationSelena, whichrevealedthatSeseVimahi,despite losinghisjob,stillretainedclosetiestoa numberofAirNZbaggagehandlersatthe airport.Thiswasbecausethehandlers caughtthroughRomneyFukofuka’s bunglingwasacrewhastilycobbled togetherwhileVimahi’s“ATeam”was unavailable. Thepolicehadbeenunabletoidentify thematthetime,buttheThreema messagesrevealedPuapiiMokotua, SoaneMataeleandMisipeleTofilauwere directedbyVimahi—whomtheyreferred toas“TonganPablo”—topickupseveral methimports,ofatleast10kgeach,in baggagestowedonflightsfromLAXin

Morethan$500,000cashwas discoveredwhenOperation Selenaarrested24peoplefor smugglingdrugsthrough AucklandInternationalAirport, includinggangmembersandAir NZbaggagehandlers.

Former airport employee Tungane Manuelinthe HighCourtat Aucklandfor thestartof theOperation Selena methamphetamine importation trial. Photo/Jason Oxenham

FebruaryandMarch2021.Theysplit $200,000foreachsuccessfuljob,butthe costofhavinga“door”intoNewZealand wasmorethanworthitforFeleti:hewas happytomake$30,000to$40,000profit oneachkilogramsold.Andwhilehewas easilyabletoimportdrugsbyair, OperationSelenadiscoveredFeletiwas alsoabletogetdrugsbysea.

TheThreemachatsshowedhewasin regularcontactwithRonnieKivalu, whoranabusinessimportingfood fromTonga,calledR&JPacificLtd.

Lookingbackattheencryptedmessages, itwascleartothepolicethatKivaluhad arrangedfor7kgofmethamphetamineto beconcealedamongfrozenproduceina shippingcontainerthatleftTongainlate March2021.Whentheshippingcontainer wasoffloadedatthePortofAucklandin April,KivalumessagedFeletitosaythe methwasalmostreadytobepickedup

NigelIuvalein theHigh Courtat Aucklandat thestartof theOperation Selenatrial. Hewasfound guiltyof possessionof methamphetaminefor supply,and conspiringto importa commercial quantityof thedrugfrom Malaysia. Photo/Jason Oxenham

(“Morningyuplatesttomorrow[fingers crossedemoji]”)andtobringplastic ziplockbagsforpackaging. However,afewweekslater,Feleti messagedKivalutoexplainthatthe Tribesmenmotorcycleganghad complainedaboutthepoorqualityofthe drugs,whichwasmakingthemhardto sell.Theemergenceofanothersourceof methamphetamine,bysea,wasalead thatcouldnotbeignored.So,while maintainingthesurveillanceofVimahi andtheAirNZcrew,aseparatephaseof theinquiry,OperationSchrute,wasset uptofocusonRonnieKivalu.Anyfreight consignmentsbyR&JPacificLtdwere flaggedwithCustoms,anactionwhich paidoffimmediatelywiththenext shipmentaboardtheLiloaII,which dockedatAucklandonJuly30,2021. Amongthe477bagsoffrozencassava, taroandkavapowderwasasinglewhite vinylsack,whichraisedthesuspicionsof

Customsofficials.Insidethesackwere twoblackduffelbags,bothpadlocked, filledwithplasticziplockbagswrappedin whiteelectricaltape.Insidewereice-like crystals,whichtestingconfirmedtobe meth.Thetotalweightwasnearly30kg. WhileKivalu’sfingerprintswere metaphoricallyalloverthe methamphetamine,moreevidencewas neededtoprovehisinvolvement.The OperationSchrutedetectivesmadea strategicdecisiontodoa“controlled delivery”oftheshipment,wherethebags werecarefullyrepackedwithrocksalt(a placeboreplacement)anddeliveredto theirdestinationasifnothinghadbeen found.Watchingpatientlycouldleadto Kivalubeingcaughtred-handed,notto mentionanyoneelsehewasworking with.OnAugust6,2021,thecontainer wastransportedtoafreight-forwarding companycalledEIFInternationalLtd,an importbrokerusedbyR&JPacificLtd.

Oneofthestorementherewasaman calledNooroaRairi,whowas responsiblefortheoversightofthe EIFwarehouseinWirionaday-to-day basis.Hewasalsoaccreditedwiththe MinistryforPrimaryIndustries,which checksimportsoffoodforpestsor diseases,andwasinchargeofunpacking shippingcontainersforinspection.Three dayslater,at5.01pm,Rairiquietly removedthewhitevinylsackfromthe containeratEIF,putitinthebackofhis caranddrovehometoapropertyin WindrushClose,Ma¯ngere.Abouttwo hourslater,undercoversurveillancestaff watchedasasilverVolkswagenGolf arrivedatthesameaddress.Thedriver wasRalphVuletic,whohadpreviously madeheadlinesasahigh-flyingproperty developerconvictedofSeriousFraud Officechargesnearlyadecadeearlier. Vuleticwasseentakingtwoduffelbagsto astoragelockupinWestAuckland.He thenreturnedthenextdaytoretrievethe bagsandtookthemtoKivalu’shousein MtWellington.

Afewhourslater,policeraidedthe property.Officersfounddisposable gloves,electronicscalesandalarge amountofziplockbagsinthegarage, alongwiththe30kgofdrugplacebo. Kivaluwasarrested,buttwoothermen managedtoescapebyjumpingoverthe backfence.Thepairweretrackeddown andidentifiedastheIuvaletwins,Nigel andTony,whowerepatchedmembersof theKingCobragang.Beforetheyhad beeninterrupted,thebrothersandKivalu hadbeenbusybreakingdownthe methamphetamineintosmalleramounts forresale.

BackatVuletic’sstorageunit,police found5kgofmethingoldChinesetea packets—asignatureofSamGor,an organisedcrimesyndicateinAsiathat dominatestheglobaldrugtrade.Another kilogramofmethwasfoundinVuletic’s

home,alongwithapistol.Althoughitwas asidehustletothemaininvestigation, OperationSchrutewasasuccessinits ownright.Theinvestigationhadlocked uptwoseniormembersofaninfluential Aucklandgang,quicklyuncovered RonnieKivalu’sdrug-smugglingroute, butmostimportantly,uncovered “insiderthreats”workingunseenatthe bordersofbothNewZealandandTonga. NooroaRairiwasnotahardened criminal(hewastobepaid$30,000for hisassistance)andwasthefirsttoadmit everything.Attheotherend,inTonga, KamaManulevuwasidentifiedasthe personwho,actingonRonnieKivalu’s instructions,wasabletohidethe30kgof methamphetamineamongthefrozen vegetables.The45-year-oldbecamethe firstpersoninTongatobesentencedtoa mandatorylifeimprisonmentunder toughnewdrugslaws.Butthejobwasn’t finishedyet.Thesuddenappearanceof theIuvaletwinsinOperationSchrutewas mostintriguingtoDetectiveSenior SergeantJasonHuntandDetective SergeantScottFoster,theofficers runningOperationSelena.Theywould soonbethefocusofathirdphaseofthe investigation,which,againwithalittle luck,stumbledacrossacompletely differentcrewofcorruptAirNZbaggage handlers.

Whilebuildingtheircaseagainst SeseVimahi’snetworkat AucklandInternationalAirport, policeinterceptedaseriesofphonecalls aboutaflightfromLosAngeleslandingon August2,2021.Abackpackholding5kgof methwasonboard,sothe“ATeam”of Mataele,MokotuaandTofilaumadeplans togettheillicitluggageoutoftheairport, justastheyhaddonesomanytimes before.However,unbeknowntothetrio —andpolice—anotherAirNZbaggage handlernearlybeatthemtothepunch. Althoughhewasn’trosteredtoworkthat day,MartinPritchardtriedtoupliftthe backpackfromtheplaneonthepretext thattheluggageneededtobetransferred toadomesticflight.Recognisingthat Pritchardwasnotauthorisedtobethere, anotherAirNZstaffmemberaskedhimto leaveandreportedtheirsuspicionsto management.Hewasimmediately suspended,buttheunexpected appearanceofanotherdodgybaggage handler,whowasnotpreviouslyonthe radarofOperationSelena,required furtherinvestigation. Athirdphaseoftheinquirywas opened,whichuncoveredarivalcrewof AirNZbaggagehandlerssmugglingdrugs intothecountry,completely independentlyofVimahi’snetwork. AnalysisofPritchard’sphonerecords identifiedtheringleaderofthebaggage handlersasMatangiPiukana,whowas passingoninstructionstoPritchardand othermembersoftheirgroup.Working

backwards,detectiveswerealsoableto pinpointseveralprevioussuccessful importationsofdrugs,onacommercial scalefarlargerthanwhatcouldfitina backpack.Oneofthese,onJuly31,2021, was118kgofmethamphetaminestowed inaMalaysianAirlinesflightfromKuala Lumpur.Securitycamerasattheairport capturedPritcharddrivinganAirNZvan fromthedomesticsideoftheairport, whereheworked,totheinternational tarmac.Heparkedunderneaththerear wingoftheplane,thenpickedupthree boxeswhichhadbeenunloadedby anotherbaggagehandler,Tungane Manuel.Pritchardputtheboxesinthe van,thendrovetowherehislate-model Audiwasparked,andtransferredthe boxesofmethamphetamineintotheback ofhiscar.Thedrugswerethensupplied toanunidentifieddealer. Bycross-referencingintercepted messages,flightmanifestsandsecuritycamerafootageattheairport,Operation Selenawasabletoworkoutthattherehad beenatleasttwootherearlierdrug importswhichhadusedanidentical smugglingmethod.Theongoing surveillanceonMatangiPiukana,who wasregularlyheardtalkingabout“the usos”(brothers),eventuallyledpolice fullcircle,rightbacktoNigelIuvale.The KingCobrahadbeenarrestedonthe OperationSchrutecharges,butby Septemberhadbeenreleasedonbailwith ananklebracelet.Iuvalewas,however, allowedtoleavetheaddresstobuy groceries.Itwasononeofthose approvedshoppingtrips,onOctober10, 2021,attheGilmourssupermarketinMt Roskill,thathewasseenwithPiukana, whobythatstagethepolicebelievedwas aprolificdrugimporter.Theyspent45 minutestogether,loadinguptheir trolleysintheaislesandtalking.Noone couldheartheirconversation,butthe significanceofthemeetingsoonbecame clear.

Threeminutesafterthefriendswent theirseparateways,Piukanacalled TunganeManueltodiscusshiswork roster.HeaskedManuelifhewantedto come“pickitup”,meaninga$26,000 payment,beforeprovidinghishome address.Overthecomingdays,Piukana alsocontactedtwootherbaggage handlers—hisbrotherKimelaandTokofa Toroma—todiscussanimpending shipmentfromMalaysia.Aweeklater, MatangiPiukanacalledManuelto confirm“soSaturday’sagreenlight”for theMalaysianAirwaysflighttoarrive. PiukanaaskedManueltoconfirm,when hegotbacktowork,whattimetheflight wouldbelanding.ManuelthoughtMH145 normallyarrivedbetween1pmand2pm.

OnthemorningofOctober23,2021, thefourbaggagehandlersstarted theirshiftsatAuckland InternationalAirport.At6.42am,Manuel

messagedMatangiPiukanatosay:“Kuz. 82.Acrossfromgate2”.Thiswaswhere flightMH145wasscheduledtoparkupon arrival.Fourhourslater,Piukana messagedManuelto“cancel”,andtocall whenhewasfree.Inasubsequentphone call,hetoldManuelthat“itdidn’tmakeit on”.Whatthebaggagehandlersdidn’t knowyetwasthatMalaysianpolicehad examinedMH145beforedepartureand locateda“commercialquantity”of methamphetamine(reportedinthelocal mediaas200kg)concealedwithinbagsof Chineseteawrappedingreenorgoldfoil. OfnotetoOperationSelena,the Malaysianmethwaspackagedidentically tothe5kgdiscoveredinRalphVuletic’s storagelockertwomonthsearlier.

Thefollowingmonth,policeraided20 addressesinAuckland,arrested24 peopleandseizedmorethan$500,000in cash.Themostsignificantpiecesofnew evidencediscoveredduringthese searches,however,werenotdrugs,guns orcashbutsomeinnocentmessages foundontheiPhonebelongingtoNigel Iuvale’snewgirlfriend.Policeand Customssaidtheinvestigationhad exposedhoworganisedcrimerecruited “insiders”inthesupplychain,to circumventsecurityandborder processes.

“Businessesknowwhattheirnormal lookslike—byreportingsuspect shipments,situationsorinteractionsto Customs,theycanhelptobuildfurther intelligenceandstopcross-border crimes,”saidBruceBerry,Customs’ intelligencemanager.“Wecontinueto workcloselywithindustry,including acrossairportsandports,whohavebeen veryco-operativewithsuch investigations.”

AirNewZealandhad“zerotolerance” forsuchoffending,saidCaptainDavid Morgan,theairline’schiefoperational integrityandsafetyofficer.“Organised crimeimpactsmanypartsofthe community,andwedon’twantitinour workplace.Wewillcontinuetowork closelywithPolice,Customsandother relevantagenciestohelpstampitout.” OperationSelenahadbeenaneyeopeningexperienceevenforexperienced investigators.Therehadlongbeen rumoursaboutcorruptionatAuckland InternationalAirport,butneitherofthem couldbelievethescalethatthe investigationhaduncovered,orthe ridiculouseasewithwhichthedrug syndicateshadbeenabletocircumvent bordersecurity.Itwassosimplethatit wasgenius.Withhindsight,ithadclearly beengoingonatAucklandInternational Airportforyears.Theinvestigationcould beconsideredasuccessbecausethe detectiveshadmanagedtopushpastthe baggagehandlers,whowerereallyjust pawnsactingoutofgreedordesperation, andintothe“managementteam”of competingorganisedcrimegroups. Inparticular,nailingNigelIuvale (jailedfor18yearsforplayingamajorrole inthescheme)hadmadeallthehard workworthwhile.Iftheyhadn’t,theKing Cobrawouldhavesimplystartedagain withanewteamofunderlings.Saying that,theNationalOrganisedCrimeGroup wasn’tsofoolishastothinkthey’drooted outallthebadapplesattheairport;they knewtherewereother“doors”intothe countrywhichtheyhadn’tyetidentified. Itwasn’tlongbeforeanotherinsider threatatAucklandInternationalAirport wasexposedthroughNewZealand’s biggestmethbust.

● Underworld: Theneweraofgangsin NewZealandbyJaredSavageisouton July29viaHarperCollins.

Underworld:Theneweraofgangsin NewZealand,byJaredSavage.

Review

Beatingthecost-of-dyingcrisis

Thepriceof funeralsisrising. EvadeJong talkstopeoplein thesectorabout thesurprising movesbeing madeawayfrom traditional ceremonies.

Buildingyourowncoffin, deathdoulasandwater cremationarebroadening thewayspeoplecanmarka deathinNewZealand.

ForTrezaGallogly,chairwomanof theEndofLifeDoulaAllianceof Aotearoa,it’simportantpeopleare awareofalltheoptionsouttherefor funerals. Shehasobservedatrendinpeople movingawayfromtraditional,rigid ceremonyexpectationstooptions suchasfamiliesbringingaplate insteadofusingcaterers,holdinga livingwake,orchoosingnottobe embalmed.

Adeathorend-of-lifedoulaisa relativelynewexperiencetoNew Zealand,withthedoulamovement firstemergingintheearly2000sin theUnitedStates.

Deathdoulascareforterminallyill ordyingpeopleinthefinalstagesof theirlifeandhelptoorganisetheir funeralaftertheirdeath.

“DoulasareanewthinginNew Zealand,there’snotthatmanyofus aroundthecountryyetbutweare growing...we’veseenthesuccessof thisroleoverseasandweknowwe canmakeadifferenceforfamilies,” Galloglysaid.

Thechoicesaregrowingforhow peoplemightwanttohonourtheir death,butit’salsolinkedtofinancial pressure.

FuneralcelebrantKelly Townsend,whoalsodoesvolunteer workforDeathwithoutDebt—an advocacygroupworkingtomake funeralsmoreaffordable—said familiescouldnowconducttheirown services.

Insomecases,familieswouldbe goingthroughtoomuchgriefto performaDIYfuneralbutforthose whodid,itwasoftenarestorative experience.

“It’stheold-fashionedIrishwake, it’sthetangi,youknow,it’stheway ourancestorsdiditandit’sreally quitehealingtobehands-on— washingthebody,buildingacasket, decoratingortransportingacasket— inthatwholeprocessthekinaesthetic ishealing,”Townsendsaid.

Townsendsaid47%ofNew Zealanderswereunabletoaccess $5000insavingsbuttheaveragecost ofafuneralwas$13,000.

“Automatically50%ofpeoplein thiscountryaregoingintodebttopay foranaveragefuneral,”Townsend said.“Ifpeoplecan’tpaythatfuneral debttheywillbepayingintereston it.”

PropelNZAucklandgroupgeneral managerWadeDowney,whohas beenafuneraldirectorforalmost40 years,saidhethoughtDIYfunerals weregettingmoreattention,butthat thetrendwasn’tgrowingmassively.

“There’ssomeconversationthat funeralcompaniesortheindustry blockspeople’sabilitytodoit themselves—wedon’t,”hesaid.

Downeysaidtheemotional burdenwasoftentoomuchfor peopletryingtocarryoutaspectsof theservicethemselves,andfamilies hadcometothemmidwaythrough theprocessforhelp.

GatewayFuneralServices managingdirectorBradleyShaw,who isbasedinWhakata¯ne,hasbeena funeraldirectorfor14years. Hesaidhehadnoticedmoreand morefamilieswerestrugglingwith funeraldebt.

“Ithinkovertheyearsthey [funerals]havegottenmore expensiveasouroperatingcostshave goneupalongwitheverythingelse.

“InWhakata¯ne,whichisalowersocioeconomicarea,weprobably wouldhave90%ofourfamilies applyingfortheWinz[Workand IncomeNZ]funeralgrant.

“That’sextremelyhighcompared tootherplacesaroundthecountry.”

NEWZEALAND Cemeteriesand CrematoriaCollectivechairman DanielChrispsaidmorepeoplewere exploringDIYfuneralsandnatural burials,butitwasstillnothinglikethe numbersfortraditionalfuneralsand burials.

Shawhadmadethedecisiontosell allcoffinsathisfuneralhomeforthe samepricetoavoidthedifficult choiceforfamiliesofhavingtochoose acheapercasket.

“We’vebeendoingthatsincelast yearandwe’vehadwonderful successwithit...theystillget multipleoptions.”

Galloglyhadworkedwithfamilies

whobuilttheirowncoffinsusing harvestedwoodornaturaltimber anddecoratedthemwithmessages fromfriends.

Shesaidtherewerealternativesto cremationsandnormalburials,such asbeingburiedinashroudora naturalburial—thatinvolveda personbeingburiedinashallower graveinnutrient-richsoil.

“Ithinkit’soneofthosethings wherethere’salwaysgoingtobea popularoption,butfamiliesjust appreciatehavingchoices,whatthey don’tlikeisjusthavingtopick betweentwooptions,”Chrispsaid.

Shawsaidthemajorityofpeople seemedtobestickingwiththe traditionaldirectionofhiringa funeraldirector.

Downeysaidtheperceptionof funeralsasbeing“soexpensive”or costingtoomuchwashisbiggest concernaboutthecurrentindustry, however,hefeltitwasadifficult mindsettoshift.

“Oneofthechallengesisit’sacost wedon’twanttospendmoneyon,we don’twanttospendmoneyongrief ...wewanttobuyatriporspend moneyonweddings.”

there’snotthat manyofus aroundthe countryyetbut weare growing.

TrezaGallogly,EndofLife DoulaAlliancechairwoman

Apersoncouldchoosenottohave aheadstoneandinsteadthefamily couldplantanativetreeorbegiven theGPSco-ordinatesofthegrave.

WaikumeteCemeterywas currentlytheonlysiteinAuckland thatofferedanaturalburialarea.

Townsendsaidplanningwas crucialtosavecostsforafuneralbut oftenfamiliesdidnotwanttothink aboutadeathbeforeithappened.

Shehopedthiswouldchange.

“Thetroubleisifyoudon’tplan andsomeonedies,you’regrieving andyou’renotinagoodplacetomake decisionsandaremorelikelyjustto takethefirstoption,”Townsendsaid.

Forinstance,theaveragepriceof embalmingwasbetween$500-$1000 buttherewereotherwaystocarryout theprocesstoavoidthiscost, Townsendsaid.

Carcrashvictimsorpeoplewho haddiedfromtraumawoundswould needtobeembalmed,butinother casestherewerenaturalwaysof keepingthebodycoolorintact.

“Youdon’talwaysneedtobe embalmed...peopledon’trealiseit, soit’sjustabouteducationand preparinginadvance.”

Therewasalsonowtheoptionfor watercremationinNewZealand whichofferedanenvironmentally friendlyalternativeforcremation.

emissions.Afterthedissolving,the bonescouldbegivenbacktothe familyasashes.

CHRISPSAID hehadnoticed conversationswerehappeningabout alternativestotraditionalcremations atfuneralhomesandcemeteries.

“IthinkatthemomentmostNew Zealandfamiliesseemtobehappy withburialsandcremationsasthe predominantoptions,andtypical flamecremationisstillthemost popular,”Chrispsaid.

“InAmerica,they’veevengot humancompostingnow.

“So,Ithinkthereare conversationsandthereisabitof publicityaboutneweroptionsfor whattodowithyourbodywhenyou don’tneeditanymore,butintermsof familiescommittingthat’spossibly furtherdowntheline.”

Galloglysaidshewouldliketosee thefuneralindustrychangetohave“a greaterwillingnesstounbundle services”forfamilies.

“Ithinkit’simportantwhen peopleareworkingwithafamilythat theyunderstandthefinancialpositiontheymightbeinandarewillingto sharewiththatfamilyotherwaysof doingthingsratherthangoingtothe defaulttick-boxsituation,”shesaid.

Downeysaidhedidnotthink funeralhomesweremaximising profitsandthatallthebusinesseshe knewwereintheindustryforthe rightreasons—tocareforfamilies.

thatNewZealandwasacountry wheredenialofdeathwascommon, anditwasoftenasubjectthatwas avoidedinconversations.

“I’dliketoseeasocietywhere deathismuchmoreacceptedand talkedaboutmoreopenlytotake awaythefeararoundit,”Gallogly said. Newfiguresreleasedbythe

FuneralDirectorsAssociationofNew Zealandearlierthisweekshowed significantjumpsinburialand cremationfeesincitiesaroundNew Zealand.

Shawwasconcernedaboutthe hikeincouncilcremationfees,ashe hadobservedahighernumberof cremationshappeningforMa¯ori families.

“Wenoticedanincreasein cremationforMa¯orifamiliesafter Covid,itwentupabout150%inthe firstyear,”Shawsaid. “Thatwasduetofuneral restrictionsbutnowit’sstillaround thatandit’sprobablyincreasing everyyear.”

Themostexpensivecremationfee was$1300inInvercargill,compared tothecheapestcouncilcremation serviceof$630inRotorua. Auckland’sManukauMemorial GardensandWaikumeteCemetery chargedthehighestfeesforash burials,eachcosting$3080. Ma¯karaCemeteryinWellington wasthecheapestcemeteryforanash burial,withapriceof$365.

FuneralDirectorsAssociation chiefexecutiveGillianBoyessaid risingcemeteryandcremationfees wereplacinganunsustainable financialburdenonlow-income families.

“Thesadrealityisthatatatime whenaverylow-incomefamilyis hurtingandgrievingandjustwantsto remembertheirlovedone,theyare goingtobefacedwiththeaddedpain ofabigbillwithfixedbasiccoststhat justkeepgoingup,”Boyessaid. In2025,thehighestcouncilcosts foraburialwereinNewPlymouthat $7207.

Marlborough’sburialfeeshad risento$6611in2025,whichwasa 19%increaseonlastyear’samount. ShawsaidtheWinzfuneralgrant, whichoffersupto$2616,needstobe raisedtoreflectthecouncilcost increases.

Thehikeinburialandcremation feeswasputtingadditionalpressure onfuneraldirectorsastheyhadto adjusttheirowncostsandpricingfor families.

Townsendsaidthereweremany familieslivingwithdeathpovertyin NewZealand,whowerecurrently payingbackdebtfromafuneral. Galloglyhadseen,first-hand, familiesstrugglingtoaffordtopayfor afuneral.

Awatercremation—alsocalled bio-cremationoralkalinehydrolysis —involvesabodybeingdissolvedin analkalinesolutioninsideastainlesssteelmachine.

Itusuallytakesfromthreetofour hoursandunlikethetraditional cremationprocess,itcreateszero

However,itwasalsoarealityfor funeraldirectorsthattheycouldnot offertheirservicestofamiliesiftheir businesseswentunder.

“We’reinbusiness,weneedto makemoney...afuneralhomehas tobeprofitabletostayinoperation,” Downeysaid.

Hesaidfuneraldirectorscould assistpeoplewithcost-saving measures,suchasbringingtheirown flowersorreducingthecateringsize ofafuneral.

Galloglysaidshehadobserved

spendmoney ongrief.

WadeDowney, funeraldirector

“Thereisalotofpovertyinour communities,Ithinkpeoplereally struggletosurvivethesedaysnever mindpayforsomeone’sfuneral, especiallyifit’snotexpected,”she said.

Shehadalsowitnessed ceremonieswherecommunitieshad bandedtogethertohelpwithflowers, bringingmealsorrunningthe ceremonytocutdownoncosts. “Ithinkit’saboutbuildingavillage aroundthefamily,”shesaid.

ThomasCoughlan

Powerreformshotpotatoaspriceskeeprising

Voterstendtocareless aboutwhomadethemess thantheydoaboutwho willcleanitup

Parliamentwasvisitedbya familiarfriendonTuesday. “Globalevents”madean appearanceinFinance MinisterNicolaWillis’answerto questionsfromheroppositenumber BarbaraEdmondsaboutthe disappointingprospectsforNew Zealand’sgrowth. These“globalevents”aretheclose cousinofthe“internationalfactors” thatWillis’predecessorusedto explainskyrocketinginflationin 2022.

Backthen,thepersonleadingthe prosecutionwasnoneotherthan Willisherself,andshewasruthlessin herdisallowanceofGrant Robertson’sexcuses.

PressingRobertsonon skyrocketingmortgagecosts,Willis askedthefollowing:“Isitseriouslyhis positionthatinternationalfactorsare toblameforthisgrowthinacore componentofNewZealanders’cost ofliving?” Theanswerthen,asitis now,issadlyyes. Theinternational factorsthatwere responsibleforathird ormoreofthepostCovidinflationspike, accordingtoTreasury research,aremuchthe sameasthefactors weighingonWillis’ growthprospectsin2025. ThesehavecausedTreasuryto reviseitsforecastsforGDPgrowthin thecomingyearfromanimpressive andpossiblyelection-winning3.3%to alessimpressive2.9%atthemost recentBudget. ThatfollowsrevisionstoitsGDP estimatesfortheyeartotheendof June,whichTreasurytweakedfroma gloomy0.5%growthtoadecidedly grim0.8%contraction. Votersmaybeslightlymore forgivingoffirst-termWillisthanthey wereofsecond-termRobertson—but onlyslightly.Likefrustratedparents, voterstendtocarelessaboutwho madethemessthantheydoabout whowillcleanitup.

economythat’sonthesamehigh inflation,slowgrowthtrackvoters rejectedin2023.

There’snotalotofspaceforthe Governmenttomove.Witnessthe performativeoutrageoverbutter prices,whichWilliswillraiseina meetingwithFonterrabossMiles Hurrellwhenshemeetshimnext week.

Thesehighpricesaretheresultofa goodthing:highcommodityprices thatarebuoyingruraleconomies. Theproblemisthatincomesareso lowpeoplecannotaffordtopaythem.

TheGovernmentknowsthese pricesareagoodthing(Willis certainlydoes,havingspentfiveyears atFonterra)andsodoesmostofthe Opposition.AsrecentlyasApril,it celebratedthem,withPrimeMinister ChristopherLuxonthentellingthe TaranakiChamberofCommercethe economicrecoverywasbeingledby farming.

“Whathasbeenexcitingtoseeis dairypricesarehittinganall-time high,”hesaid.

HFonterramaybebeingnaughty, potentiallyfatteningthemarginsofits consumerproductstomakethatside ofthebusinessattractiveforsale,but thekeydriverofthoseprices isthehighvalueof commoditiesatthe moment—andthat’sa goodthingforthe country.

Emailletters@nzherald. co.nz

Youcanslightly forgivethe Governmentfornot sayingthis. Celebratinghigh butterpricesdoeshave aMarieAntoinette-ish aspecttoit.However,they perhapsdidnotneedtopointthe fingersovigorouslyintheother direction.

Theproblemwithaffordabilityis onlyhalftodowithprices.Theother halfiswages.Whileitseemsan affronttoouridentitythatpeopleofa dairyingnationlikeourscannot affordbutter,themoreserious questioniswhyNewZealandincomes struggletokeepupwiththoseof internationalconsumerswhoare willingtopayforourproducts.

NewZealandisbecomingacoalition issue.DeputyPrimeMinisterDavid Seymourhadagoatcriticsofthe supermarketsandbanksinhisrally speechlastSunday. “Itwouldbetheeasiestthinginthe worldformetogiveaspeechsaying they’recrookedandneedtobe punishedsomehow.Theyshouldbe taxedsomehow,havetheir businessesbrokenup,orbewatched overbyeventoothierwatchdogs.It’s thecurseofzero-sumthinking,”he said.

Theremarkswerenotjustdirected atLabourandtheOpposition,butat therestofthecoalition,which,since comingintooffice,hasengagedin enthusiasticsupermarket-bashing.

MinisterShaneJonesselected offshoreeconomicsconsultancy Frontiertobetheleadreviewerofthe electricitymarket(thereviewwas announcedinNovember2024).

Thetermsofreferencearebold, sayingthefirmneededtolookat foundationalpartsofthemarket, suchasgenerationinvestment incentives,efficiency,andeffective wholesaleandretailmarkets.

Thereportcamebacksomeweeks agoandissittingonthedesksof ministers.Wattshastoldmediaa decisioncanbeexpectedbeforethe endofSeptember.

National,apartyelectedona mandateofgettingNewZealand “backontrack”,willbeginthe electionyearpresidingoveran

There’sareasonwhyeveryone turnstheirgunsonFonterraandthe farmersforhighprices,andthat’s becauseit’seasiertoblameproducers thanitistosolvethemanifoldcrises thathaveheldbackNewZealanders’ wages. Thisbrowbeatingofcorporate

Inthebackdroptoallofthisisa loomingcost-of-livingdecisionthat willlikelybemadeinthenextfew monthsandcouldhaveabig influenceontheelectioncampaign.

InFebruary,EnergyMinister SimonWattsandhisAssociate

OneideaistoreviveContact Energy’s2021ThermalCoplans. FrontierhasworkedwithContact before,writingevidenceonthefirm’s behalfforitsproposedacquisitionof Manawa.

Thatideawouldbeforacompany, “ThermalCo”,toown,operateand eventuallyretirethemajorpower companies’thermalgeneration

assets.Thepriceofthermalenergy setsthepricefortherestofthe electricitymarket.Thisnewentity, potentiallywithalargeCrownstake, wouldhavealargeinfluenceover pricesandovertheincentiveforfirms tobringforwardrenewable generation,theonlylong-termfixto thepredicamentofhighprices. Themovewouldbeincredibly interventionist,whichisperhapswhy NZFirstseemssokeenonitandwhy nooneintheActPartyseemstoknow thereportisback. Nationaliscaughtinthemiddle.It knowssomethingiswronginthe marketbutwonderswhetherradical reformisquitewhat’sneededtofixit. Afterall,sixyearsofradicalismfrom theoilandgasban,tothe100% renewableelectricitygeneration target,toLakeOnslowareatleast partlyresponsibleforthemessthe market’sinatthemoment.Those decisionswereunhelpful.Labour’s ownappointedworkinggrouptold

theGovernmentin2019the100% targetwouldleadto“largeincreases inretailelectricitypricesfromtoday’s levels”andwouldundermine decarbonisationeffortsbyputtingup prices—advicethatturnedouttobe prescient.Dowereallywantanother fewyearsofradicalism?

Nationalmayseektomakeavirtue outofmild,stablereformsthatbring stabilitytothemarketandencourage privateinvestmentinmore generation.

Thechallengehereisthatthisnew generationneedstobeinfirmingand, intheshorttomediumterm,there’sa goodchancethiswillinvolvefossil fuels(Jonesfloatedtheideaofanew coalstationintheHousethisweek). That’sgoingtobeunpopular.Other ideasfloatingaroundthecoalition includechangingETSsettingsto reducetheGovernment-imposed costofburningcoal,acostthatis reflectedinthewiderelectricity price.Thatmightfixonebroken

marketbyundermininganother. Somethingneedstohappenand notjustbecausehighpricesare weighingonhouseholds. Thecoalition,oratleastthe NationalandActpartsofit,appears readytocampaignonassetsalesat thenextelection.Thatargumentis goingtosoundalotlesspersuasiveif thegentailers,part-privatisedinthe lastmajorassetselloff,aresqueezing consumers. Treasurypapersgushaboutthe factthatthemixed-ownership companies,AirNZ,Genesis,Mercury, andMeridian,arebasicallythe publicly-ownedcompaniesthatare performingwell.Consumers,feeling fleecedbyallofthem,probably disagree. Andthat’sthetroublewiththis economicrecovery.Itmightlook okayfromtheBeehive—evengood. Therecoveryisunderwayandit’sa goodone.Foronce,weareseeingan economicrecoverydrivenbyexports andnotimmigrationandhouse prices,whichcontinuetofall.

AsChrisBishopsaidthisweek, NewZealandwouldbeabetter countrywereitto“destroy”theidea thattheeconomyislinkedtogrowing houseprices.He’sright,thecountry wouldbebetteroffifwedid. Sadly,therecordoftheelectorate isthathouseprices,wheretwo-thirds ofNewZealandhouseholdshave stashedthevastbulkoftheirwealth, seemtobethemainindicatorthey careabout.

TheKeyGovernment,often rememberedasatimeofrelative economicprosperity,presidedover yearsofhighunemployment.The unemploymentratedidn’tfallbelow 5%untilthequarterbeforethat Governmentwasvotedoutofoffice. Inflation,however,wasalmostalways below2%andhousepriceswere rising.

Housepricesmadepeoplefeel richer.Itwasn’tgood,butitworked— anditwasn’tjustKey,theArdern Governmentturnedablindeyeto unsustainablehousepricestoo. UnfortunatelyforNational,thisis probablythe“track”many householdsarekeentogetbackon— andnottheonecurrentlybeingtaken bythecoalition.

Youcanhardlyblamethemfor feelingthesurestsignofeconomic recoveryisintheirownbalance sheets.

TheGovernment’schallengeisto persuadepeoplethatitsown“track” isthebetterone.

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Viewpoints Weekend quiz

Answersatbottomofpage

1. WhatisthetitleofMigueldeCervantes’mostfamouswork?

2. Whatistheworld’stallestwaterfall?

3. WhichConstructivistartistisknownfortheiconicwork Beatthe WhiteswiththeRedWedge?

4. Whatisthenameofthespaceshipcomputerthatgoesroguein StanleyKubrick’ssci-fimovie 2001:ASpaceOdyssey?

5. VietnamesegeneralVoNguyenGiapwasoriginallytrainedinwhich academicfields?

BythestartoftheWorldCupcampaign,BeaudenBarrettwillbe36,andlikelytheAllBlacks’ mostcappedplayer.

Relianceon Barrettgrows asCupnears

ItisclearBeaudenBarretthas returnedtobeingtheAllBlacks’ No1optionatfirstfive-eighths. As Herald’srugbywriterGregor Pauloutlinedearlierthisweek,itwas unclearnotlongagowhatroleBarrett wouldplayininternationalrugby. Buthisformthroughoutlastyear’s testcampaignandalreadysofarthis seasonhasremindedfans,andthe coachingstaff,justhowbrillianthecan be.Hehasreturnedtothestarringrole andsitsatopthebillingsheet. AfterthedepartureofRichie Mo’ungaattheendofthelastWorld Cup,manyhadponderedifDamian McKenziewouldassumethemantleof playmakerintheNo10jersey. Somehadhopedhewouldbecome theplayertoguidetheAllBlacks throughtothenextWorldCupin Australiaduring2027. However,despiteMcKenzie’s obviousbrillianceattheSuperRugby levelitsimplyhasn’ttranslatedtothe testarena—notwithanyconsistency. AndthisiswhatwillcausecoachScott Robertsonandhisstafftosleepuneasy. Barrettisnow34.Hewillbe36at thestartofthenextWorldCup campaign.Bythattime,hewillalso likelybetheAllBlacks’mostcapped player.Theback-to-backWorldRugby PlayeroftheYearcurrentlysitson137 games,quicklyclosinginonSam Whitelock’srecord153appearances. Simply,Barretthasplayedalotof rugby,andalotofhigh-stressrugby.By thetimethenextWorldCupstartshe maybeclosetohavingplayed170tests. Hewillsitouttonight’sthirdtest againstFranceinHamiltonduetoa handinjury,whichseemsmorelikea precautionthananything. Itisatestamenttohispreparation anddedicationthathehas—touch wood—avoidedaseriousinjurythat

couldhavecurtailedorslowedhis career.Heappearstostillhavethe explosivenesswefamouslysawduring the2015WorldCupfinal.

McKenzie,at30yearsoldand63 testsintohiscareer,hasshownuswhat hecanoffer. TheevidencesuggeststheChiefs playmakerisbestsuitedtoanimpact roleoffthebenchandlacksthetactical andkickinggameneededforatrue fieldgeneral.

RodEmmerson’sview

WinforNZYouthChoir

PerhapsRazorseesRichieMo’unga returningintothefold,amoveoften speculatedabout. A Herald onlinepollaskedits readerswhoshouldbethelong-term selectionintheABsNo10jersey?

Some3479ofyouvoted,with60% wantingBarrett,18%infavourof Mo’ungaandjust9%inMcKenzie’s camp.RubenLovegarnered18%butis yettoshowwhathecandoattestlevel. Barrettisclearlythebestoptionfor theteamnow,andwithaconcerning lackofdepthattheposition,he appearstobeoptionsone,twoand threeforabigtestmatch.

Heneedstobemanaged,thefirst signofwhichweareseeingtonightas Razorringsinseveralchangestohis team.

FatherTimebeingwhatitis— undefeated—weshouldnotassume Barrettwillbeperformingatthe currentheightsasheapproacheshis late30s.

England’sJonnyWilkinsonwas32at the2011WorldCup,DanCarterwas33 in2015.Bothhadahistoryofinjuries butwerenoticeablyyoungerthan Barrettwillbein2027.

TheAllBlackswillbehopingtheir flyhalfcanreplicatewhatIreland’s JohnnySextonachieved,whowas38at the2023editionofthetournament. Buthopeisnotaplan.

Frenchshowdisrespectin snubbingtrophyceremony

WhentheydefeatedFrancelast weekend,theAllBlackswere justifiablyproudtohavewonbackthe DaveGallaherTrophy. It’scustomary—polite,even—for thevanquishedsideintheseaffairsto hangaboutandwatchthevictors receiveandraisethetrophy.The Frenchteam,whohadheldthetrophy since2021,didnothangaroundforthe presentationinWellington. Afterthematch,Frenchcoach FabienGalthiepointedlypausedhis pressconferenceastheAllBlacks’ victorysongechoeddownthe corridorsoftheWellingtonstadium. Hehassincespokenoutabout perceivedinjusticesintherefereeing ofthematch.Oneseasonedobserver saidtherewas“saltiness”intheFrench mood.

Intheirdisappointmentaboutthe result,perhapsthevisitorsforgotthe reasonGallaher’snameisonthe trophy.Hewasthefirstmantocaptain theAllBlacks,andhedieddefending France.

ThedisrespectshowntoboththeAll BlacksandtheDaveGallaherTrophy lastSaturdayreflectspoorlyonthe Frenchregardforthecontributionof GallaherandthousandsofotherKiwis intwoworldwars,whofoughtanddied intheaidofourbadlybruisedally.

Wemightreflect,107yearssince GallaherdiedatPasschendaeleand 40yearssincethebombingofthe RainbowWarrior,onthecomplexities ofFrance’sattitudetoitsfriends. Wemightalsohopetoseethem accepttheresultoftonight’stestmatch inHamiltoninbetterspirit.

Whatamarvellousachievementfor theNewZealandYouthChoirtobe crownedChoiroftheWorldin Walesrecently. Thisaftertheirvictorytwo weekspreviouslyintheEuropean ChoirGamesinDenmark. Onecanonlyimaginethe enormousamountofworkthat wentintoachievingthesegoals undertheguidanceofconductor DavidSquire,whowontheMost InspiringConductorAward. Allthismakesanicecontrastto NewZealand’sobsessionwith sportandespeciallyrugby,when thecountryseemstogointo mourningeveniftheAllBlackswin

Bootcampsecrets

ItisinterestingtolearnthatOranga Tamarikiisnotgoingtorelease informationregardingfuture offendingafterattendingbootcamps. Butmostpeoplearen’tstupidandthe obviousconclusiontodrawisthatthe reoffendingratemustbehightothe pointofembarrassment.

Butwhattodo?Well,ifyou reoffend,thenit’sbacktoastricter camp,suchthatoffenderseventually justwon’twanttohavetogoback.But italsobegsthequestionastojusthow mucheducationastotherightsand wrongsoflifearethesepeople getting,andit’salsofairtosaythey probablyhave,inmostcases,beenlet downbydysfunctionalfamilies. So,atleasttrytofixthatpartof whatisacomplexequation,butinthe end,makesurethatthereare consequences. PaulBeck,WestHarbour Concertprogramme

Inthepast,theconcertprogramme offeredarichandvariedjourney throughthewonderfulworldofmusic. Thesedays,itfeelsmorerepetitive andlacksthesparkitoncehad.Music hasthepowertoslowthepaceoflife andsoothethetroubledmind—agift worthsharinginallitsdepth.

Perhapsagentlespoken introductioncouldguidelisteners throughthemeslikePercyGrainger, Europeanfolkandgypsytraditions, SouthAmericanandJapanesemusic, earlyAmericantunes,solo instrumentslikethecelloorclarinet, andthevoicesofgreattenors—just afewofthemanypossibilitiesthat couldinspireanduplift. BrianCross,Kerikeri. Literaldecline

Iwonderhowmuchoftheshocking declineinliteracyandnumeracy examresultscanbeattributedtothe changesinthewayteachersare trained? Acenturyago,whenmymother

atestbutdon’tdoitconvincingly enough. Sportisagreatpastimethat supposedlykeepsonehealthy, disciplinedandpromoteslifelong friendships.However,beinga memberoftheNZYouthChoir,or anychoirforthatmatter,would tendtodothesamething—and that’swithouttheheadknocks.

Thebigthingnowwillbetosee ifDavidSquirewillwinsomesortof King’sBirthdayorNewYear’s honourforhelpingtogainthis internationallyrecognisedvictory forhelpingtopromoteNew Zealandsopositivelyontheworld stage.

enteredtheAucklandTeacher TrainingCollege,entrywaspreceded byayearintheclassroomasa“pupil teacher”.Thishadtwomajorbenefits. Theteachergainedanassistantwho, astheywerethereforayear,could becomeveryhelpful.Andthetrainees hadtheopportunitytofindoutifthey weresuitedtoteaching.This eliminatedmanybeforemoneyand timewerewastedonthem. Today,teachertraininghas becomefarmoreacademic.The AucklandCollegeofEducationwas absorbedintoAucklandUniversity earlythiscentury.Ourliteracy standardsusedtobeamongthebest intheworld,butyoucannothandle youngchildrenasthoughtheyare “adultstudents”andexpectthemto absorbthebasicsattheessential— almostsubconscious—level. JeanetteGrant,MtEden.

WarinGaza

AnnePriestley(Letters,June17) writesthatleadersshouldsay“stop” andtakeaction.Israelisblamedforall thedamagethatisdonetothepeople andtheircountry. WeneverhearwhatHamas’partin thewaris.Theyarehidinginschools andhospitalsfortheirownsafetyand soofferuptheirownpeopleinthiswar andIsraelisblamed. IdonotagreewithallthatIsraelis doingbutwehaveasaying:wheretwo fight,twoareguilty.Neverinthe mediadowehearwhatHamasis doingtotheirown,onlyIsrael’s actions.A“stop”shouldbeasked equallyofIsraelandHamas. D.Hoekstra,Henderson. Dreadfuldecisions

Istherenoendtothedreadful decisionsthiscoalitionGovernmentis making?BrookevanVelden,stating thattocastoutmorethan500,000 booksfromtheNationalLibrarywill be“beneficial”tothetaxpayer, trimmingabout$1minstoragecosts. The Bible Quran,Shakespeare, VirginiaWoolf,andCharlesDickens

arestillrelevanttoday,as Romeoand Juliet beingperformedinAuckland thisweekattests.

ThisGovernmenthasno compunctioninchanginganyand everythingastheyseefit,usually ignoringspecialistsintheirfield,such asdoctors,nurses,teachers, scientists.AsOscarWildesaid,“A cynicisamanwhoknowsthepriceof everythingandthevalueofnothing.” SharonMarks,TeAroha.

Taxpayermoney

ItseemsabitrichfortheGovernment tocastigatelocalcouncilsforwasting ourratesmoney,whenit’sclearthat mostoftheirmeagreincomeisspent onbasicpublicfacilities. Meanwhile,wehavesomuch fundingofquestionableinitiativesby centralgovernment,squandering publicmoney.

“Rejectingofficialadvice”and relyingonanecdotalevidenceto makepolicyisunacceptable,yet seemstobehowthisGovernment operates.Therearesomany examples:Hugespendingonfailed experimentsinpunishment,suchas bootcampsandThreeStrikes,and buildingmega-prisons—thismoney wouldbebetterspentonprevention andrehabilitation.

Insteadoffixingpublichealth, millionsarefunnelledintoexpensive privatehealthcompanies, exacerbatingthedesperate shortagesinthepublichospitals. Ineducation,pouringmoneyinto publiclyfundedprivateCharter Schools,wherethenumberswho havetakenuptheschemearetiny, resultinginmassivelymorefunding perstudentcomparedwiththepublic system.Totopitall,wehavethe expensiveDoge-inspiredMinistryof (de)Regulation,wheregovernmentis employinglargenumbersof bureaucratstolookforother bureaucratswhomightbewasting publicmoneydoingunnecessary work.Weseemtobelivingincloud cuckooland! VivienFergusson,MtEden.

TheNewZealand YouthChoir, winnersofChoirof theWorld2025.

Aquickword

Theproposedcontainer parkatTePuna,inthe WesternBayofPlentyis crazy.Thestretchofroad betweenthereandthe portissomeofthemost congestedinthecountry. Otherindustrialareas nearertheportwouldbe moreappropriate; increasingtrucktrafficon thispartofSH2would onlyexacerbateahuge trafficproblem. NevilleCameron, Coromandel.

Ireadinthe Herald (July 17)thattheNational Librarywillremove religiousbooksandbooks byShakespeare,Virginia WoolfandCharles Dickenstosave$1million. Accordingtothearticle, thebookswillallbe shreddedandrecycled. HastheNationalLibrary thoughttoofferthese books,atnocharge,to appropriateorganisations fortheiruse?Surelythis wouldbeabettersolution thanshredding. JanetBoyle,Orewa. Dressituphowtheywill, thislookstomelike culturalvandalism. Perhapsweshouldcallit vanVeldenism.Theyused todothissortofthingin China,duringthe ProletarianCultural Revolution.ItmakesNew Zealandlooklikethelast refugeofdimwits,witha Governmentthatcannot understandanything excepthowtogivemore

taxcutstotherich.Thisis theGovernmentthat wantsthenextgeneration tolearnhowtoread,butis apparentlysendingthe worksofVirginiaWoolfto theshredderratherthan toschoollibraries. ArchThomson, MtWellington.

CommerceCommission chairJohnSmallhas jumpedthegun.The existenceofride-sharing companiesisstillupinthe airduetothenonpaymentoftaxeswiththis businessmodel— exploitingboththedrivers andthetaxman.Iwill expecthimtoresignas hiscredibilityislost. IanGaskin,Tuai.

I’mnotsurprisedopenplanclassroomshavenot worked.Learningneeds tobefocused,teachers needtobeabletomonitor theirstudentsandensure allarecateredto.Open planwaswaytoonewage, somemightconsiderabit woke,even.Aslongas studentsgettailored educationthatmaximises theirpotential,everyone wins. JohnFord,Taradale. Ourpetrolisshipped 8500kmfromSingapore andcosts$2.20perlitre andourmilkonlytravels 200kmandcosts$3.40 perlitre.Somethingis wronghere. RichardMurray, Henderson.

MEDIA INSIDER

Swarbrickfilmstillunderwraps

Acontentious,part-taxpayerfundeddocumentaryon

Greensco-leaderChle

Swarbrick—dueforrelease morethanayearago—isstillmonths awayfromacinematicandTV release,almostfouryearsaftermore than$200,000inpublicmoneywas approved.

Swarbrickhashadnothingtodo withthecommissioningoreditorial directionandcontrolofthefilm,but shehasallowedcamerasbehindthe scenes,includingintoherpersonal life,forthepastseveralyears.

“I’mterrifiedastohowitmayturn out,”SwarbricktoldMediaInsider.

Thefilm—whichraisedtheireof NationalleaderChristopherLuxon andActleaderDavidSeymourin 2022—hadbeendueforreleaseafter the2023generalelection.

Thattiming—awayfromthe election—wasanassuranceforNZon Airasitagreed$199,999intaxpayer fundinginlate2021.TheFilm Commissionagreedtoanadditional $20,000.

Butalmostfouryearson,thereis noconfirmedreleasedate,for theatresorTV.

Thedirectorsayshopefullylater thisyearorearly2026;NZonAirsays itwillbe“delivered”laterthisyear; whileThree—whichhastheTVrights —hasn’tconfirmedadateyet.

Loomingfastisthe2026general election,andtheinevitableearly campaigninginthisMMPera—there isnodoubtthefilmisnowmuch closertovotingdayin2026than originallyanticipated.Threesaysit’s mindfulofthe“sensitive”timing. AccordingtoNZonAirdocuments in2021,thefilmwas“settobe releasedafterthe2023general electionwiththeteamenvisioning theelectionresultasthelogical conclusiontothefilm’sstoryarc”.

NZonAirstaffknewthe documentarywouldberisky—“NZ onAirsupportmaybeperceivedas anendorsementofapoliticianand/or politicalagenda”,accordingtothe document.

However,themerits—including theproducers’previousworkona shortfilmaboutSwarbrick,the qualityoftheproposal,andthe “significant”nationaland internationalinterestintheMP— outweighedtheperceivedrisks, accordingtoNZonAir.

“Staffisreassuredthatasthe narrativeconcludeswiththeelection result,thefilmwillbereleasedafter the2023electionandwillnotbe perceivedtoinfluencetheresult.” LuxonandSeymourexpressed concernsaboutthedocumentary backin2022,questioningwhypublic moneywasbeingspentona documentaryaboutasittingMP.

“Itjustdoesn’tfeelright,”said Luxonatthetime.

AndSeymouralsosaidatthetime: “ChleSwarbrickneedstodothe rightthinganddeclinetobepartof this.Ifshelacksthejudgmentto declinethis,Swarbrickshould declareitasanelection advertisement.”

Swarbrick’sposition Swarbrick’sofficereiteratedthis weekthatthefilm,thedelaysandits fundingwereoutsideofhercontrol. InastatementtoMediaInsider, Swarbricksaid:“Iamgenerallyvery carefulaboutmyprivatelifeinthe publicarenabecauseI’macutely awareofhowthatcanimpactthe peopleIloveandwhoareclosetome.

“Severalyearsago,Iagreedtothis projectbecauseIthoughtifIwas goingtosayyestoanymediadigging intomylifeandtheexperienceof politics,itmayaswellbeasfulsome andcontextualaspossible.

“Idon’thaveanythingtodowithit beyondhavinghadtoaccommodate camerasaroundatrandomtimesin thelastseveralyears,soyou’dneedto talktothepeoplemakingitfor answerstothequestionsregarding makingit,timingandtherest.

doubtsabouttheChlo¨e Swarbrickfilmin2022.“Itjust doesn’tfeelright,”hesaidatthe time. Photos/MarkMitchell

“NewZealandersclearlyrespondto advertisingthatentertainsandbuilds onfamiliarcharactersornarratives. Humourcontinuestobeapowerful creativeshortcuttoconnection,and whenbrandscombinethiswith distinctivebrandassetsand consistencyovertime,they’re reapingtherewards,seeingstrong cut-through.” InAustralia,ananimatedadfor insurancecompanyAllianz— featuringanegg-cradlingfinchand heroiceagle—hastoppedthat country’sTRApoll. Andwhilethatadhashit Australiansinthe“feels”,itdidcome withawarningfromTRA. Itsaidnearlyhalfofrespondents couldvividlydescribethead,butthey didnotmentionthebrandbehindit. “Thisdisconnectbetween emotionalengagementandbrand recognitionpresentsanimportant andnuancedtakeawayforbrand marketers,”saidTRAbusiness directorAlexForrester. Top10favouriteads NewZealand Turners—TinafromTurners ASB—BenandAmy ANZ—TheSharmaFamily Tux—FeedingtheKiwiinallourdogs for70years! OneNZ—Let’sGetConnected PAK’nSAVE—Stickman Genesis—Georgeandfamily Lotto—Powerball‘Imagine’ KFC—ThePowerofKFC Skinny—GettheSkinny Australia Allianz:Careyoucancounton Telstra:Whereverwego BudgetDirect:Sarge,JacsandChief Youi:Shoparound RACQ:YouwithRACQ? Aldi:GoodDifferent KFC:FLG

HBF:Quokkas

AAMI:LuckyYou’rewithAAMI Specsavers:Shouldhavegoneto Specsavers

MediaWorkstorebrand?

“AstohowIfeelaboutit,honestly, I’mterrifiedastohowitmayturnout. Ifyouknewtherewasthebetterpart ofadecadeofyourlifeoncameraand someoneelsewasinchargeofhow thatendsupbeingpresented,let alonehowotherpeoplewillinterpret it,wouldn’tyoube?” ‘Unavoidable’delay Thereasonsforthefilm’sdelayarea mystery—nooneissayingwhy, specifically.ANZonAirspokeswomantoldMediaInsiderthisweek: “Wehavenoconcernsaboutthe delay,whichhasbeenunavoidable”. Askedwhathadcausedthedelay, shesaid:“Itisthenatureof observationaldocumentariesthat theyaredictatedbywhatis happeninginthesubject’slifeand oftenthestorymorphsandchanges withthesecircumstances. “Sometimesyouhavetohangin forlongertogetaresolutiontoastory arcthatyoumightnothaveenvisaged attheoutsetofproduction.”Shesaid deliveryofthefilmwas“now projectedtobetowardstheendof thisyear”. Sofar,about75%ofthe$199,999 ofpublicfundinghadbeenpaidout, shesaid.Thatequatestoabout $150,000.NZonAir’sapprovalofthe $199,999wassubjecttothefull productionbudgetbeingraised.The

totalcostofthefilmhasnotbeen disclosed.

Whilesheisthesubjectofthefilm, andtookpartinit,Swarbrickwas neitherinvolvedinthefunding applicationnortheNZonAir decision.Neitherhasshebeenpaid forherappearance. TheNZonAirdocumentin2021 outlinesthesynopsisofthefilm:It “followsNewZealand’syoungestMP ChleSwarbrickthroughtothenext generalelection—exploringbothher politicalandpersonallife”. NZonAirdescribeditasan observationaldocumentaryand quotedtheproposalofachronicleof “thehighs,lowsanddifficultiesof beinganopenlygay,polarisingbut immenselypopular,Millennial politician”asopposedtoa hagiography.

Thefilmwasoriginallytitled Being Chle,andwasanextensionofthe earliershortfilm OKChle,whichwas fundedinpartbyNZonAirand screenedonnzherald.co.nzand otherplatformsin2020aspartofthe LoadingDocsshortdocumentary series.

Thefilm’sdirector,Charlotte Evans,toldMediaInsiderthisweek thatthenameofthefull-lengthfilm hadchangedfrom BeingChle Shewouldnotrevealthenew name.

MediaWorkshaswoncontracts foradvertisingonAT’sbuses, trains,busshelters,billboards andtrainstations.

NewZealand’soutdooradvertising landscapeisinforabigshake-up, withtheannouncementthisweek thatMediaWorkshaswonallofthe highlyprizedcontractstolookafter advertisingonAucklandTransport’s buses,trains,busshelters,billboards andtrainstations. Thelong-awaited—and delayed—decision involvesfourcontracts valuedata speculated$350 millionoverthe next10years.

Mostfocuswill nowbeonthe futureprospects ofoutdoor advertising company, Oohmedia,which hadbeenoneofAT’s incumbentagencies, andwhetherMediaWorks —whichoperatesasuite ofentertainmentradio stationsalongsideitsoutdoor advertisingbusiness—now rebrandsitselftoQMS.

nameberetiredsothattheycansella unitedvoiceandbrandto transtasmanclients.

EvenQMSandMediaWorks chairmanBarclayNettlefold indicatedasmuchintheofficialpress statement:“Withthegrowingtrend towardstrans-Tasmantrading,our sharedexpertisebetween QMSandMediaWorks willprovidegreater opportunitiesforour mediaagency partnersandtheir clientstoplanand buyacrossboth markets”.

QMSistheAustralianoutdoor mediacompanythatowns100%of MediaWorks,havingtakenfullcontrol inJune.Ithasasimilarbig-ticket outdooradvertisingcontractacross theDitch,operatingtheCityof Sydneydigitalstreetfurniture network.

Itseemsano-brainer— especiallyfortheQMS/MediaWorks salesteams—thattheMediaWorks

QMS,which hadpreviously owned54.41%of MediaWorks, acquiredUShedge fundOaktreeCapital Management’s45.13% stakeinApril,leavingit with99.54%ofthe company.Companies OfficerecordsshowQMSalso acquiredthatfinal0.46%ofthe business—sharesownedbyformer MediaWorksbossandrespected aviationexecutiveCamWallace. Wallace,formerlywithAirNew Zealand,isnowchiefexecutiveof QantasInternationalandFreightin Sydney.

CompaniesOfficerecordsfrom lateJuneshowthetransaction involved3,045,691sharesownedby Wallace.Hewasnolongerashareholder,accordingtothenotice.

Oohmedia’snewfocus Whilethechampagnecorkswillhave beenpoppingatMediaWorksand QMS(seestoryatleft),AT’smovesare ablowforOohmedia. TheAustralian-listedcompany— whichhasastrongbaseandhistoryin NewZealand—hasheldtheAT contractforbussheltersformore than20years. OohmediatoldtheASXthisweek thatwhileitwas“disappointed”with theoutcome,ithad“plannedforthis eventualityandisconfidentin maintainingaleadingpositioninthe NewZealandout-of-homemarket”. FinancialrecordsshowOohmedia recordeda$13.52millionprofitafter taxinNewZealandin2024,upfrom $10.71mthepreviousyear. Thiscameonthebackofa$3.83m increaseinrevenueto$68.085m— anothersignaloftheoutdoor advertisingindustry’sbroader, positiveperformanceintheNew Zealandmediamarketinrecent years.

I’mterrifiedastohowit mayturnout.Ifyou knewtherewasthe betterpartofadecade ofyourlifeoncamera andsomeoneelsewas inchargeofhowthat endsupbeing presented,letalonehow otherpeoplewill interpretit,wouldn’tyou be?

ChloeSwarbrick

Shesaidthatthefilmwasinpostproductionediting. WhenaskedaboutNZonAir’s $199,999funding,Evanssaid:“I haven’tactuallyearnedacentfrom thewholeproduction.I’vebeen workingforfreeforsixyears.Ithink ifyouknewanythingaboutdocumentaries,it’salabouroflove.You don’tearnanymoneyoutofthem”. Shesaidthefilm“shouldbe finishedsoon”. “I’mlookingforwardtoeveryone seeingitwhenit’sfinallyfinished,

butasI’msureyou’reaware,these sortsofprojectstakeareallylong time,especiallywhenthere’snotalot ofbudgetinvolved...[it’s]abitofa slowprocess.”

Shewasexcitedaboutitsrelease. “Long-formobservational documentariestakealongtime.We justwanttogetitright.”

Askedifshethoughttherewould beconcernsaboutitstimingwiththe 2026generalelectionnowonthe horizon,shesaid:“Ithinkyoucould askthesequestionsofmyproducerif youwant,butwewillbemakingsure thatthatdoesn’thappen”.

Shereferredotherquestionsto producerLetishaTate-Dunning,who didnotrespondtomessages.

TheNZonAirdocumentin2021 stated:“Shouldthisproductionbe funded,the[production]teamis requestinganamechangeforany pressreleasestatingthat‘we’dprefer thatanymediaattentionfromthe documentaryannouncementdoesn’t focusonChleorgetinthewayofher normalpoliticalorprivatelife.Such attentionwouldalsomakeitharder forustofilm’.”

NZonAirdiscussedthatinternally andsaidfortransparencypurposes,it wouldnotchangethenameinany pressrelease.

Tate-DunningtoldRNZin2022 thatNZonAir,theGreenParty,and

Swarbrickhadnoeditorialcontrolof thefilm.

“Theproducerswanttomakethe filmbecausetheyfeelit’simportant toshowtherealityofworkingwithin politicsandhowayoungwoman reconcilesthiswithwhatandwhois importanttoher,”Tate-Dunning said.

“It’snotthefirsttimeasittingMP hasbeenfeaturedinaNZonAirfundedprogramme.” Onthepoliticalcontroversyabout themovie,shesaidatthetime:“I thinkwhatitdoesrevealisthatthere issomeseriousdiscussionstobehad abouttheimpactofthemediaand socialmediatrollingonthemental healthofMPs.”

Broadcaster’sposition TheNZonAirspokeswomansaidthis weekthataspartofanyfunding contract,theagencyreceivedregular producerreports.Thishadbeenthe casewiththeSwarbrickfilm.

Shesaidschedulingofthefilm wouldbedeterminedbythe platform,WarnerBrosDiscovery, ownerofThree. “NZbroadcastplatforms understandtherequirementsaround politicalcontentintheleaduptoan election.” AspokeswomanforThreetold MediaInsider:“Ourcommissioning

teamhasbeeninregularcontactwith theproducersofthisdocumentary throughoutitsproduction.

“Weprioritisequalityofcontent andwillwaituntilthedocumentaryis completeratherthanrushingto screensomethingnotfullyfinished.

“Withatheatricalrelease scheduledbeforeourbroadcast window,we’reunabletoconfirma dateatthistime.

“We’realsomindfulofthe sensitivetimingaheadoftheelection andwillworkcloselywiththe producerstoensureregulatory compliance.Atthisstage,thereisno confirmedchangetothe documentary’stitle.” NZvOzfavouriteads NewZealandandAustralia’smost popularvideoandTVadshavebeen revealed—atleastasdecidedbyapoll of1000peopleineachcountry. ToppingtheNewZealandlistfor thefirsttimeinTheResearch Agency’sbi-annualpollisthelatest TinafromTurnersadvertisement. Previous“Tina”adspeakedat numbertwo. ForthefirsttimesinceDecember 2023,adsfromASB(BenandAmy) andANZ(TheSharmafamily)had beentoppledfromthenumber-one position,TRAsaid. TRApartnerColleenRyansaid:

Becauseofthedelaysinawarding thenewcontracts,Oohmediawillstill havethebenefitofninemonthsofits existingATdealin2025.But2026will beadifferentstory. AccordingtoOohmedia,the Aucklandcontractrepresentsjust4% ofitsoverallreportedrevenuein AustraliaandNewZealandof $A635.6m($696m). Basedonthosefiguresthat representsabout$27.84minrevenue —orabout40%ofthe2024New Zealandrevenueof$68.085m. Oohmediaisunderstoodtohave about65staffinNewZealand.Time willtellifithastoundertakeany restructuringtosavecosts. Thecompanyhastold shareholdersithasbeenpreparing forthescenariooflosingtheAT contract.Thisislikelytomeankey roleshavebeenleftvacant,andthat thecompanyhasalsobeenpursuing othercontracts. Becauseofthelongstanding natureoftheATcontract,themargins Oohmediahasenjoyedformorethan twodecadesareunlikelytobethe sameinfutureforMediaWorks. Inastatement,OohmediaNZ generalmanagerNickVilesaidithad beena“pleasure”toworkwith AucklandTransportformorethan24 years. “AucklandTransportwasahighly contestedcontract;aspartofour consideredandmeasured commercialstrategy,wemustfocus oncontractsthatdelivershareholder value,optimalaudiencereachand attributableoutcomesforour advertisingpartners.” Hesaidthecompanywould continuewitha“diversifiednetwork strategy”withnewAucklandand nationalopportunities. “Wealsocontinuetorepresentour 370+retailpanelswithinAuckland alone,plusLockyDocksproviding continuedcoverageand opportunitiesforadvertiserstoreach audiences...” ATpaidtributetoOohmediathis week,thankingitforits“vitalrole” overthepasttwodecadesinbuilding thecompany’sadvertisingassetsand “much-valued”busshelters. Aspartofthenewoutdoor contractarrangements,ATearlier purchasedthosebusshelterassets

Notsolongago,familiescomingto theshoreinMontgat,Spain,just outsideBarcelona,builtsandcastles, playedpaddlegamesandlounged aroundonthebroadbandofsand thatwasthepictureoftheEuropean summervacation.Butnowinsome places,thereishardlyenoughroom toputdownatowel.

“Fromheretothere,”saidSofia Mella,19,asshepointedfarouttosea, “itwasallsand”.

World Paradise LOST

Climatechangeischanging Europeintoasummerparadiselost. AcrossSpain,Italy,Greece,France andbeyond,sand-devouringstorms, risingseas,asphyxiating temperatures,deadlyfloodsand horrificwildfireshaveyearafteryear turnedsomeofthecontinent’smost desiredgetawaysintomiserable localestogetawayfrom.

AssouthernEuropeansdreamof fjords,thetraditionalhotspotsand fixturesoftravelagencypackage dealsnolongerseemsodesirable.

Lastweek,eventhough temperaturesbrokeacrossmuchof thecontinent,expertsandofficials warnedthatthenextheatwavewould comesoon,endangeringvulnerable localsandmakingtouristsquestion whattheyhadgotthemselvesinto.

Evenactivistsseekingtofreetheir citiesfromthescourgeofovertourism sawnosilverliningtothebrutal conditions.

Climatechange remakes Europe’s summers BeachgoersrelaxatMontgatnearBarcelona,Spain(above)whiletourists

“It’shell,”saidDanielPardo Rivacoba,wholivesinBarcelona,and whospokeforagroupfighting overtourism—anditsclimate-change fuellingflights.

Hesawthescorchingsunnotasan allytokeepthetouristsaway,butasa commonenemythatwillmeltthem both.

Lastyear,PardoRivacoba’sgroup wentviralbyorganising demonstrationsagainstovertourism thatincludedsprayingtouristswith waterguns.

Thisyear,hesaid,itwassohotthat “weusedthewatergunson ourselves”.

Acrossthecontinent,Junewasthe cruellestmonth.Sofar.InRome, touristsrotatedaroundthecity’ssites asifspinninginanoutdoor microwave.OperasingersinVerona passedoutintheircostumes.

ButSpainhasbecometheleast fun-in-the-sundestination. Temperaturesinthesouthwestern cityofElGranadoreachednearly 46C,anationalrecordforJune.And therewereothergrimmetrics.

Lastyear,floodsinValenciakilled morethan200people;thisyear, expertssayexcessdeaths,especially amongtheailingandelderly,have risensharplywiththetemperatures.

Climatechangeisalso transformingtheSpanishlandscape, includingthebeachinMontgat, whereincreasinglyfrequentstorms havewashedmuchofthesandaway.

“Everytimewecome,thereisless andlesssand,”saidSusanna Martinez,40,whohadbeengoingto thebeachinMontgatwithherfamily foradecade.

Barcelona,onlyafewkilometres away,hasreportedlosing30,000sq mofsandoverthepastfiveyears.

Marinad’Or,outsideValenciafarther south,wasenvisionedbydevelopers andfamiliesacrossSpainasaseaside resort,anemblemofthecountry’s beachholidays. Now,stormshavewashedsomeof itsbeachesaway,too.

Expertshaveestimatedthelossof hundredsofthousandsofsquare

EricS.Singercomment

July16wasthe80thanniversaryofthe world’sfirstatomicbombtest.At 5.30amonthatdatein1945,12young girlsattendingasummercampin Ruidoso,NewMexico,werejoltedout oftheirbunksbyathunderousnoise. “Itwasthebiggestjoltyoucould imagine,”recalledBarbaraKent,one ofthegirls.

“Wewereallsittingthereonthe floorwonderingwhat[was] happening... “Wewerealljustshocked...and then,allofasudden,therewasthis bigcloudoverhead,andlightsinthe sky.Itevenhurtoureyeswhenwe lookedup...Itwasasifthesuncame outtremendous.” Asthedaywenton,thegirls encounteredafine,whitepowder descendingfromthesky.

“ItwassnowinginJuly,”Kent remembered. Amazedbythestrange phenomenon,theyburstoutofthe dooroftheircabinanddownthe stairs. “Wewerecatchingitonour tongueslikesnowflakes.Scoopingthe ashandputtingitalloverourfaces.” Thebizarresummersnowthatfelt hot,notcold,pileduponroads,grass

metresofbeachacrossthecountry, andwarnedaboutdesertification.

Spainknowsithasaproblem.Ina timeofright-wingoppositionto Europe’senvironment-protecting GreenDealregulations—“greenlash”, ithasbeencalled—theprogressive GovernmentofSpainhasembraced anecologicaltransition.

“Themainriskhumankindfaces today,undoubtedly,isclimate change,”saidSiraRego,aministerin theGovernmentledbyPedro Sanchez.Shecalledrespondingto thosechangesthecountry’s“priority intermsofsecurity”.

TheGovernment,proudofitswellperformingeconomy,isworkingto

Itcouldhappenthatifitgetstoo hotpeoplecouldcometo Belgium.

AnnVerdonck,touristfromnearAntwerp

attracthundredsofbillionsofeurosin investmentsinsustainableenergyto createhundredsofthousandsofnew greenjobs.

Itseekstoinvestintemperature predictionsystemstoforesee heatwaves,andtotrainhealthcare

workerswhowillbeforcedtotreat moreheat-relatedillnesses.Itis tryingtoincreaseenergyefficiency andreducegreenhousegas emissions.

Atmorelocallevels,cities includingBarcelonaarealsotryingto

mitigatethedamagewroughtbya changingclimate.

LaiaBonet,thecity’sfirstdeputy mayorresponsibleforecologyand urbanplanning,saidthatBarcelona was“especiallyexposedtotheeffects ofclimatechange”,anditwas workingtoaddresstherealityofa hottercitywithhighersealevelsand erodedbeaches.

Thecity’spriority,shesaid,is protectingvulnerableresidentswith hundredsofclimateshelters.Butitis alsoinvesting €1.8billion($3.53 billion)tomakebuildingsgreener, expandgreenspaces,install200 shadestructures,andreplacesome pavementswithdirttobetterabsorb

andrepurposerainwater.

Thecityisalsousingsand recoveredfromconstructionprojects tohelppreserveitsbeaches,which areabelovedpublicspaceforlocals tocooloff,aswellasaguardagainst stormsurges,andacrucialelementin thecity’sidentityasatourist destination.About15%ofBarcelona’s economycomesfromtourism.

Shesaidclimatechangehadforced thecitytothinkofitsovertourism problemdifferently,tocomeupwith measuresthataddressedboth. “Theseareprogressivepoliciesthat citiescanimplementasanantidote,” shesaid.

InSeville,thesouthernSpanish citysometimescalled“thefrying pan”ofEurope,nunshavelonghung whitedrapesaroundtheircloistersto keepthesunout.

Butthecityhasmorerecently startedcoveringitsnarrowstreets withwhitesheets,pulledacrossthe rooftopslikecanopies.Partsofthe cityareusinganancientsystemof undergroundductstobringcoolerair tothesurface,whileanotherproject pumpswaterrunoffintoshaded publicspaces,oftencooledbymists.

Thecityhasstartednaming heatwavestomakethemmore palpableandmemorable.

Thatisimportant,expertssay, becauseoncetheheatwavespass, peopletendtoforgetaboutthem.So scientistsinrecentdayshaverushed outestimatesthattheheatwavemay havetripledthedeathtollinafflicted regionsacrossthecontinent.The goal,oneofthescientistshassaid,is tofocusattentiononthedangersof extremeheatwhenpeoplewere extremelyhot.

Insteadofchangingtheir behaviour,manySouthern Europeanssufferingduringthe swelteringheatwaveshaveresorted tohatchingescapeplans.

InBarcelona,threeolderSpanish womensittingintheshadeacross fromthecity’scathedralfantasised aboutcloudyGaliciainthenorth.And Romanswithhealthytravelbudgets havestartedlookinglonginglyat damp,chilly,oftenoverlooked nations.

“Itcouldhappenthatifitgetstoo hotpeoplecouldcometoBelgium,” saidAnnVerdonck,45,fromnear Antwerp,whowasonvacationwith herfamilyinBarcelona,whereshe saidlastmonth’stemperatureswere untenable.

“Andthenwewillhavetoomany people.” ButPardoRivacoba,theactivist, saidextremeheatwouldnotgetridof overtourismbecausethetourism industryissocynical.Ifthesummers becametoohot,hefeared,the industrywouldworktomoveschool vacationstomonthswhenfamilies couldtravel.

“Thetourismindustry,”hesaid,is “readytoliterallyburneverypieceof thecalendar”. Still,somelocalsconsideredthe heatareprievefromthesuffocating massesoftourists.

“Ifit’sgoingtobethishot,atleast I’llbeabletowalkbytheSagrada Familia,”saidMercedesLopez,67,a Barcelonanativewholivedbythe famous,andfamouslyswamped, landmarkdesignedbyAntoniGaud. Butshesaidadecimatedtourism industrywouldonlycauseeconomic misery.Andwithextremeheat,locals wouldtrytogetout,too.

“Ifthisheatkeepscoming,”she said,“we’regoingtohavetomoveto NorwayorFinland.” HerfriendConsolSerra,74,did notfindthatasustainablesolution. “Ifwe’redealingwiththeheat now,”shesaid,“it’llreachthem eventuallytoo.” NewYorkTimes

andeventhesurfaceoftheriverthat flowednearby.Excitedly,thegirls jumpedin.

“Wewereallhavingsuchagood timeinthatriver,tryingtocatchwhat wethoughtwassnow...Therewasa lot,letmetellyou.” Thegirlshadnowayofknowingit, buttheyhadjustbecometheworld’s firstatomicbombvictims. Theyweren’ttheonlyones.Inall, accordingtoLesleyM.M.Blume, writinginthe BulletinoftheAtomic Scientists,19NewMexicocounties weredownwindofthetest,named “Trinity”byJ.RobertOppenheimer, directoroftheManhattanProject’s LosAlamosNationalLaboratory. Thosecountiesencompassed about80cities,towns,villagesand ranches.Radiationlevelsinsomeof thoselocationsreached10,000times currentacceptablelimits. Nuclearfalloutultimatelyspread muchfarther,acrossthousandsof kilometres,eventuallyreachingasfar asUpstateNewYork. Becausethetestwastopsecret, therewasnowarning.ButGeneral LeslieGroves,theManhattan Project’sdirector,knewhecouldn’t coverupthetestentirely. Hedispatchedoneofhisarmy commanderstotellthenewsmedia

AphotographhangsonthefenceattheWhiteSandsMissileRangesitein NewMexico,wherethefirstatomicbombwastestedin1945.

thattheexplosionwascausedby“a remotelylocatedammunition magazinecontainingaconsiderable amountofhighexplosivesand pyrotechnics”.Hemadesureto reassurejournaliststhattherehad beennolossoflifeorlimb. Thenextday,thecampdirector tookthegirlstoabriefingin downtownRuidosothatUS

Governmentofficialshastilyarranged toaddresspeople’sanxieties. “Itwassocrowded,”Kent recalled. “Everyonewasshoulderto shoulder...Theysaid,‘Nooneworry aboutanything,everything’sfine,just goalongwithyourownbusiness.’ Somepeoplebelievedit,butsome peoplethoughttheycouldn’timagine

thatadumpexplosionwoulddothis. Theyliedtous.Ididn’tlearnthetruth untilyearslater.” Astheyearswentby,thetruth begantosinkin.Theformercampers developedterriblecancers. Kentsufferedfromskinand endometrialcancerandultimately hadtohaveherthyroidremoved.She wasoneoftheluckyones. Onlysheandoneotherofthat groupof12wouldlivepasttheageof 40. Mostaccountsofthedawnofthe nuclearagebeginwiththesecret, herculeanefforttobuildthebombat LosAlamos,NewMexico,thendrawa straightlinetothesuccessfultest conducteduponbarren,uninhabited land. Butthatnarrativeignoresthe bomb’simpactonhumanbeingswho weredownwindofTrinity,orthe528 subsequentatmospherictestscarried outbytheUnitedStatesandother nuclear-armednations. AsthestoryoftheRuidoso campersmakesclear,theTrinitytest wasn’tconductedonbarren, uninhabitedland. Halfamillionpeoplelivedwithin 240kmoftheexplosion,someas closeas19kmaway. Between1946and1958,theUnited

Statestested67bombsintheMarshall Islands,renderingBikiniAtoll,a chainof23islands,uninhabitable. Testsurvivorsthere,particularly womenandgirls,haveexperienced disturbinglyhighratesof miscarriage,stillbirth,birthdefects andotherreproductiveproblems. Onehundredatmospherictests wereconductedattheNevadaTest Sitebetween1951and1962. Americansoldierswereorderedto observeandrecordthosetests,view themfortrainingpurposes,orenter contaminatedspacestocleanthem. Somecivilians,excitedtoviewthe sensationalexplosions,wentto designatedareastowatch, unknowinglyexposingthemselvesto harmfulradiation. Falloutlandedongardens, orchardsandpasturesthatproduced thefruitandvegetableslocal residentsateandsustainedcowsand goatsthatproducedthemilkthey drank.

Leukaemiaratesindownwind regionsofUtahwerenearlyfivetimes higherthanthosenotdownwind. Eightyyearsafterthedawnofthe nuclearage,itisincumbentuponus toexplainthestakestoyoungpeople whowillinheritthenuclearworldwe livein.WecandosobyjoiningNihon

Hidankyoinitsmission. InDecember2024, representativesoftheJapanese organisationrepresentingsurvivors ofHiroshimaandNagasakiaccepted theNobelPeacePrizeforthegroup’s decades-longefforttotellsurvivors’ storiesandtoensurethatsuch horrorsareneveragainvisitedupon humanbeings. JorgenWatneFrydnes,chairofthe NorwegianNobelCommittee, explainedtoapackedaudienceof globaldignitaries:“Itisourdutynot toforget.Itisourresponsibilityto passalongstoriesandmemoriesto futuregenerations—includingthe painful,disturbingones,whichoften yieldtosociety’samnesia.” Thedisturbingtruthisthatthe eight-decade-oldnuclearagehas yieldedanuntoldnumberofvictims aroundtheworld. Thatisthepainfulstorythatmust betold.

● EricS.Singerisaculturalhistorian andauthorof Oppenheimerandthe AtomicBomb,ayoungreaders’ editionofKaiBirdandMartinJ. Sherwin’s AmericanPrometheus:The TriumphandTragedyofJ.Robert Oppenheimer WashingtonPost

UKtolower votingageto 16ingeneral elections

Ministersinsistchangeisintended to‘moderniseourdemocracy’

TheBritishGovernmentsaidyesterdayitwouldallow16-year-oldstovote ingeneralelections,alandmark changegivingtheUKoneofthelowest votingagesworldwide.

TherulingLabourParty pledgedtolowertheage from18beforewinning powerlastyear.Itis amongseveral plannedchanges tothedemocratic system.

Someargue Britain’sdemocracyis“in crisis”,inparticularduetolowturnout. Thevotingage changeiscontentious, however,withcritics previouslyarguingitis self-servingasnewly enfranchisedteenagersareseenas morelikelytosupportcentre-left Labour.

PolicyResearchthinktank,calledthe changes“thebiggestreformtoour electoralsystemsince1969”,when thevotingagewasloweredto18.

Henotedloweringthevotingage andintroducingautomated voterregistrationcould add9.5millionmore peopletothevoter rolls.

ocracyisincrisis, andwerisk reachingatipping pointwherepoliticslosesitslegitimacy,”headded, backingthe changes.

SirKeirStarmer

“Ithinkit’sreallyimportantthat 16-and17-year-oldshavethevote,becausetheyareoldenoughtogooutto work,theyareoldenoughtopay taxes,so[they]payin,”BritishPrime MinisterSirKeirStarmersaid.

“AndIthinkifyoupayin,you shouldhavetheopportunitytosay whatyouwantyourmoneyspenton, whichwaytheGovernmentshould go,”Starmeradded. TheGovernmentwillhavetobring legislationbeforeParliament,where ithasacomfortablemajority,tomake thechanges.

Onlyasmallnumberofcountries allow16-year-oldstovoteinnational elections,accordingtoonline databases.TheyincludeAustria—the firstEUcountrytolowerthevoting ageto16in2007—aswellasArgentina,Brazil,EcuadorandCuba.

Labourministersinsistthechange isintendedto“moderniseourdemocracy”,whilealigninggeneral electionswiththeexistingvotingage forelectionsforthedevolvedregional ParliamentsinScotlandandWales.

Otherplannedchangesinclude introducingautomatedvoterregistration—whichisalreadyusedinAustraliaandCanada—andmakingUKissuedbankcardsanacceptedform ofIDatpollingstations. Itfollowschangestotheelectoral lawintroducedbythepreviousConservativeGovernmentwhich requiredvoterstoshowaphotoID.

TheElectoralCommissionfound thatruleledtoabout750,000people notvotinginlastyear’selection.

HarryQuilter-Pinner,executive directoroftheInstituteForPublic

ThemainConservativeopposition howeveraccusedLabour ofinconsistencyas16and17-year-oldswillstill notbeabletostandaselection candidates,buylotteryticketsor alcoholorgetmarried.

“Thisisabrazenattemptbythe LabourPartywhoseunpopularityis scaringthemintomakingmajorconstitutionalchangeswithoutconsultation,”theparty’scommunities spokesmanPaulHolmessaid. AFP

Thisisa brazen attemptbythe LabourParty whose unpopularityis scaringthem intomaking major constitutional changes without consultation.

PaulHolmes,Conservative Partycommunities spokesman

IraqiPrimeMinisterMohammedShiaal-Sudani(centre)leavesfollowingavisittotheCornicheHypermarketMallinKut. Photos/AFP

Threedaysofmourningaftermallfire

Afiretorethroughanewlyopened shoppingmallintheeasternIraqicity ofKut,killingatleast61people, authoritiessaidasgrief-strickenfamiliesyesterdayburiedtheirloved ones.

Officialssaidmanypeople suffocatedinbathrooms,whileone persontoldAFPhisfiverelativesdied inanelevator.

TheblazebrokeoutonThursday. Thecausewasnotimmediately known,butonesurvivortoldAFPan airconditionerhadexplodedonthe secondfloorbeforethefive-storey CornicheHypermarketMallwas rapidlyengulfedinflames.

Acivildefencespokespersontold statemediathatthefireeruptedinthe perfumeandcosmeticssectiononthe secondfloor.

Mostvictimswereontheupper floors,whilemanyontheground floormanagedtoescape,hesaid.

SeveralpeopletoldAFPtheylost familymembers—andinsomecases wholefamilies—whohadgoneto shopanddineatthemalldaysafterit openedinKut,around160km southeastofBaghdad.

Yasseral-Mulla,whowenttothe holyofNajaftoburyhisrelatives,told AFP“inthemidstofthehorrorandintensity,peoplebegantofleeupwards insteadofdown”.

Theinteriorministrysaidthat“the tragicfireclaimedthelivesof61innocentcitizens,mostofwhom suffocatedinbathrooms”.

Mostofthevictimswerelater buriedintheholycityofNajaf,

Arelativecovershis faceashewaitsoutside theforensicdepartment oftheal-Zahraa Hospitalafterthefire torethroughthemall.

around150kmsouthwestofKut,an AFPcorrespondentsaid.

LocalhealthofficialJabaral-Yassiri saidlaterinapressconferencethat theremainsof18peoplewereyetto beidentified.

AnAFPcorrespondentreported seeingcharredbodiesattheprovince’sforensicdepartment.

‘Wecouldn’tescape’ AliKadhim,51,saidhehadbeen shuttlingbetweenthemallandthe mainhospital,wherethevictimswere taken,lookingforhiscousin,hiswife andtheirthreechildren.

Backatthemall,hewaited anxiouslyasrescuerssearchedfor victimsinthewreckage,withanambulanceonstandby.

“Wedon’tknowwhathappenedto them,”hesaid.

Wasitprovincialgovernor Mohammedal-MiyahitoldIraqiNews Agencythevictimsincludedmen, womenandchildren. Civildefenceteamsrescuedmore than45peoplewhoweretrappedinsidethebuilding,whichincludesa restaurantandasupermarket,theinteriorministrysaid. Thewardofthemainhospitalwas

overwhelmed,whileanAFPcorrespondentwitnesseddistraughtrelativeswaitingattheforensicdepartmentfornews,somecollapsingin grief. Onemanbrokedown,pounding hischestandscreaming. Nasiral-Quraishi,adoctorinhis 50s,saidhelostfivefamilymembers inthefire.

“Adisasterhasbefallenus,”he toldAFP.“Wewenttothemalltohave somefood,eatdinnerandescape powercutsathome.

“Anairconditionerexplodedon thesecondfloorandthenthefire erupted—andwecouldn’tescape.”

MoatazKarim,45,rushedtothe mallatmidnight,onlytobemetwith thenewsthatthreeofhisrelatives weremissing.

Hourslater,heidentifiedthe charredbodiesoftworelatives,one ofwhomhadbegunworkingatthe shoppingcentrethreedaysago.

“Thereisnofireextinguishingsystem,”hesaidangrily,ashewaitedfor furthernewsoutsidetheforensicdepartment.

Miyahisaidlocalauthoritieswould filealawsuitagainstthemall’sowner andthebuildingcontractor.

“Thetragedyisamajorshock... andrequiresaseriousreviewofall safetymeasures,”hesaid.

TheGovernmenthasdeclared threedaysofmourning.PrimeMinisterMohammedShiaal-Sudani ordereda“thoroughprobe”intothe firetoidentify“shortcomings”. AFP

Textilerecyclingruleseased Swedensaidyesterdaythatsome usedclothescannowbethrownaway withregularrubbish,afteranEUban ontextiledisposaloverwhelmed municipalitiesandfloodedrecycling centres.Thedecision,effective October1,followstheEuropean Union’sdecisionthisyearrequiring membercountriestoimplement separatetextilerecycling,alongside existingprocessesforglass,paper andfoodwaste.Textilesarethen sortedtoeitherbereusedorrecycled aspadding,isolationorcomposite materials.Butrecyclingcentresin SwedenandotherEUcountrieshave struggledtokeepupwiththeinflux thatensued.“Sincethestartofthe year,theamountoftextilewaste collectedhasincreasedsignificantly, andwithitthecostsofsorting,”the SwedishGovernmentsaid.Thenew regulationdefineswhichtextilesareto besortedandwhichcanbethrownin therubbish,suchastornsocksand overlywornclothes,environment ministerRominaPourmokhtarisaid. Terroristdesignation TheUnitedStateshasdesignatedas terroristsashadowygroupthat claimedanattackinKashmirwhich triggeredIndianstrikesonPakistani territory.SecretaryofStateMarco RubiodescribedTheResistance Front(TRF)asa“frontandproxy”of Lashkar-e-Taiba,aUN-designated terroristgroupbasedinPakistan. GunmeninAprilshotdead26people, almostallHindus,inPahalgam,a touristhubintheIndian-administered sideofdividedKashmir.Littlehad beenpreviouslyknownaboutTRF, whichclaimedresponsibilityforthe attack.Indiadesignatesitasa terroristorganisation. Militantreleased AFrenchcourthasorderedthe releaseofpro-PalestinianLebanese militantGeorgesIbrahimAbdallah, imprisonedfor40yearsforthe1982 killingsoftwoforeigndiplomats. Abdallah,74,isoneofthelongestservingprisonersinFrance,where mostconvictsonlifesentencesare freedafterlessthan30years.Hewas detainedin1984andsentencedtolife inprisonin1987forhisinvolvementin themurdersofUSmilitaryattache CharlesRobertRayandIsraeli diplomatYacovBarsimantovinParis. LebaneseofMaroniteChristian heritage,hehasalwaysinsistedheis nota“criminal”buta“fighter”forthe rightsofPalestinians,whomhesaid weretargeted,alongwithLebanon,by theUSandIsrael.TheParisAppeals Courtorderedhebefreedfroma prisoninthesouthofFranceonJuly 25,onconditionthatheleaveFrench territoryandneverreturn.Itsaidheno longerrepresentedadangertothe publicandthelengthofhisdetention hadbeen“disproportionate”.

ConnieFrancisdies AmericansingerConnieFrancis, whosehitssuchas Everybody’s Somebody’sFool and StupidCupid toppedthechartsinthelate1950s and1960s,hasdiedaged87,her publicistannouncedyesterday.Born ConcettaRosaMariaFranconero, Francishadfoundrenewedpopularity inrecentmonthsasher1962song PrettyLittleBaby wentviralonvideosharingplatforms.Shewasadmitted tohospitalearlierthismonthafter experiencingseverepainandhad undergoneahiptreatment,according toapostonherFacebookpage.“Itis withaheavyheartandextreme sadnessthatIinformyouofthe passingofmydearfriendConnie Francislastnight,”herpublicistRon Robertspostedyesterdayon Facebook,withoutspecifyingacause.

BayofIslands Wind: SW15kt,easingtovariable5ktinthemorning. Sea: Slight. Swell: E1m. Visibility: Good.

HaurakiGulf Wind: SW15kteasingto10ktearlymorning. Becomingvariable5ktintheafternoon. Sea: Slight. Swell: Nilsignificant. Visibility: Good.

BayofPlenty Wind: SW15kteasingto10ktearlymorning. Becomingvariable5ktintheevening. Sea: Slight. Swell: Nilsignificant. Visibility: Good.

Cloudincreasingandisolated showersdeveloping,widespread foratimeintheafternoon.Light winds,coastalSWdyingout.

Partlycloudy.Southeasterlies developingintheafternoon. Fine.Southerlies.

Fine,thenpartlycloudywith isolatedshowersfromthe afternoon.Southwesterlies.

Fine.Lightwinds,then southerliesdevelopinginthe evening.

Fine.Southerlies.

NewPlymouthonSat: Rise 7:36am Set 5:24pm Rise

Cloudincreasingwithisolated showersdeveloping,frequentlater, somepossiblyheavysouthofte maungaatnight.Lightwinds.

Fine,apartfromearly isolatedshowers. Southeasterlies.

Fine.Southerlies, easing.

Fine,butareasofmorning frostsorfog.Cloudandisolated showersdevelopingintheafternoon.SWdyingoutthismorning.

Partlycloudy.Lightwinds, thensoutheasterlies developingatnight.

Fine.Lightwinds.

Fine,thenclouddevelopinginthe evening.Southerlies,dyingoutin themorning.

Mainlyfine,apartfrom isolatedshowers. Southwesterlies.

Fine.Southwesterlies, easing.

Fine,withmorningfrostin shelteredplaces.Lightwinds. Fine.Lightwinds,then southerliesdevelopinginthe evening.

Fine.Southerlies, easing.

Partlycloudy. Southwesterliesdeveloping foratimeintheafternoon.

Fine.Lightwinds. Fineandareasoffrostsatfirst, thencloudincreasing.Isolated showersdevelopinginthe afternoon.Lightwinds.

CookStrait Wind: NW15kteasingtovariable10ktinthe morning.S15ktdevelopinglateafternoon,andrising to25ktintheevening. Sea: Becomingrough. Swell: S1m. Visibility: Fairineveningshowers.

Fine,withmorningfrostin shelteredplaces.Lightwinds.

Finewithareasofmorningfrost, thenclouddevelopingfrom evening.Lightwinds.

Fine.Lightwinds,then southerliesdevelopingat night.

Fine.Southerliesdeveloping foratimeintheafternoon andevening.

Fine.Southerlies, easing.

Fine.Southerlies developing.

Fine,thencloudandisolated showersdevelopinginthe evening.Northerlies,turning southerlyatnight.

Finewithmorningfrostsin shelteredplaces.Cloudand isolatedshowersdevelopingin theevening.Lightwinds.

Afewshowers.Strong southerlies,easingbefore dawn.

Fine.Southerlies, easing.

Partlycloudy,withisolated showers.Southwesterlies.

Fine.Southwesterlies, easing.

Foxstrugglestoovercomepoorstart

HillierbetterplacedtomakeOpen cutaftereven-paropeninground

Golf

CameronMcMillan

RyanFoxhadtogolowovernight ifhewantedtokeepalivehiscut streakatmajorsafterabumpystart totheOpenChampionshipatRoyal Portrush,whilefellowKiwiDaniel Hillierhadabetterfirstdayinwindy conditions.

Foxopenedwithafour-over75 afterfivebogeysonhisopeningsix holesandwaseightshotsbackfroma five-wayshareoftheleadyesterday.

Hillierwasinamuchstronger positionfollowinganeven-par71.

EnglishmanMattFitzpatrick,who wasplayingwithFox,sharedthelead withJacobSkovOlesen(Norway), HaotongLi(China),HarrisEnglish (UnitedStates)andChristiaan Bezuidenhout(SouthAfrica).

Three-timemajorwinnerand worldNo1ScottieSchefflerwasashot backafteropeningwith68. RoryMcIlroy,thisyear’sMasters champion,gottothreeunderafter10 holesbeforefinishingononeunder. Notablenameswhorecorded under-parroundsincludedTyrrell Hatton(threeunder),LeeWestwood (twounder),RickieFowler(two under),BrianHarman(two-under), JustinRose(twounder),Phil Mickelson(oneunder),JonRahm (oneunder),ShaneLowry(one under)andSergioGarcia(oneunder). NewZealandOpenwinnerRyan Peake,playinginhisfirstmajor,shot asix-over77. FoxcameintotheOpenChampionshipwithhighexpectations, havingpickedupwinsattheMyrtle

BeachClassicandCanadianOpen, whilehisbestfinishattheBritish major—tiedfor16th—camewhenit waslastplayedattheNorthernIrish linkscoursein2019.

He’salsomadethecutathislast 10majorssincenotplayingtheweekendatthe2022OpenChampionship. However,Foxstruggledfromthe startyesterday,hittingoffthebackof thefirstgreenandfailingtogetanup anddown.

Amissedbirdiechanceatthe par-fivesecondwasthenfollowedby fourstraightbogeystoseeFoxslipto fiveoverthroughsixholes.

Hisfirstbirdieofthedaycameat thepar-fiveseventhwhenaneagle puttjustfellshort.

Foxplayedevenparforthe remaining11holes,withabogeyat the11thandasecondbirdieatthe par-three13thwithafive-metreputt, leavinghiminatiefor119th.Hewas scheduledtoteeoffhissecondround at1.26amtoday.

Hillierhadabogey-birdie-bogey starttositatone-underthroughthe firstninebeforeholinganalmostfivemetreputtforeagleatthepar-five 12th.

Hisonlyblemishonthebacknine wasabogeyatthe14ththatbrought himbacktoeven,leavinghimina shareof32nd.

TheformerBritishMasterschampionwasoutinthethirdgroupofthe daylastnight.

Midwaythroughhissecondround lastnight,Hillierremainedwell placedtomakethecutatoneover.He birdiedthesecondholebutbogeyed thesixthandninthtobetiedfor43rd withmostofthefieldyettostart.

VanGisbergen’srivalsrelievedasNascarheadsbacktoovals

Motorsport EricThompson

ThemoreestablishedNascarCup driverswillbebreathingasighof reliefthisweekend.

Afterconsecutiveroadcourses, theteamsarebackonanovalat Dover.

TheCupSeriesfieldhavebeen givenamasterclassinroad-course racingbyNewZealanderShanevan Gisbergen,whohaswonhislastthree roadraces,thefirsttoachievethefeat sinceGeoffGordonin1998.

FormerNascarchampionKyle Larson,againacontenderin2025, wasfullofpraiseafterwatchingvan GisbergenwininMexicolastmonth, ChicagolastweekandatSonomaon Monday.

“Youknow,he’ssogood,andit’s rarethatyouseesomebodystandout

anddistancehimselffromthecompetitionasmuchasheis,”Larson said.“He’sway,way,waybetterthan usattheroadcoursestuffandhe’sgot hisowntechnique,youcancallit.Not hisownbecausetherestoftheworld doesit,right-footbraking,clutching andallthatstuff.

“Youcan’tteachanolddognew tricks.There’szerochanceIcanlearn howtodothat.AndevenifIdid, there’szerochancethatIcanhaveit bebetterthanwhatI’mprobably doingleft-footbraking.

“So,yeah,he’sjustsogood.And he’sstillnewtotheovalstuff,sohe’s goingtocontinuetogetbetteratthat. Ifhecouldfigureouttheovals,he’s goingtobedominant.”

VanGisbergenisarelatively modest26thintheNascarCup standingson367points,afairwayoff leadersWilliamByron(668),Chaser Elliot(634)andLarson(624).

However,histhreewinsin2025 meanheisthirdintheplayoff standingson17points,behindDenny Hamlin(19)andLarson(23).

TheKiwishouldgetthroughthe roundof16despiteitbeingentirely onovals.Theroundof12willbea challengebutHamlinbelievesvan Gisbergencouldmakeitthroughto theroundofeight—highpraisefroma 57-racewinner.

ButvanGisbergenknowsthatisa toughaskandadmittedtosome apprehensionaheadoftheroundof 16startinginsixweeks. “It’sacrazyfirstroundforme,” vanGisbergensaid.“Wegoto Darlington,whichismyfavourite oval.ThenIthinkit’sGateway,which I’veneverbeento.ThenBristol,I mightaswellbegoingtheotherway. Hopefullywegetbetterattrackslike that.We’llseehowGatewayis.” VanGisbergenwillmakehisfirst

NascarCupSeriesstartatDover MotorSpeedwayinDelawareon Monday.Lastyearracinginthe XfinitySeries,hestarted31stand crossedtheline18th.

“I’mlookingforwardtogetting backintosomeovalracing.It’sbeen anicebreakdoingalltheseroad coursesbutDovershouldbegood.

“Istruggledabittherelastyearbut Istillhadfun.It’sanepictrack.Just howfastyoucangointothatcorner,it feelslikeyou’redropping,andthen allofasudden,you’reloadingupinto thebanking.Justhowmuchgripthe trackhasismindblowing.

“Myteamhasabunchofmomentumheadingintothisweekend,soI’d liketokeepthatprogressiongoing andkeepstartingtobuildtowardsthe tophalfofthefieldontheovals.”

HeadingintoDover,vanGisbergen leadstheRookieoftheYearstandings on367pointsfromRileyHerbst(238).

TheWellingtonPhoenixarerealistic intheirexpectationsastheyprepare tofaceChampionshipsideWrexham inthecapitalthisafternoon. TheRedDragons,ownedby HollywoodpairRyanReynoldsand RobMcElhenney,willbehostedby theA-Leagueclubinapre-season friendlyforthefinalmatchoftheir DespitetheWelshclub’sglobal profile,PhoenixcoachGiancarlo Italianosaidheexpectedthefixture toremainrelativelylow-key.

“Speakinghonestly,[thematch] wasalittlebitunexpectedinterms ofpreparation,”Italianosaid.“To expecttheteamtobereadytoplay90 minutes,letaloneagainstaquality opponent,itbecomesverydifficult onlytwoweeksintopre-season.

“Buttheyarealsounderdone,so it’snotreallyanexcuse.It’sjustthatit mightmeanthequalityofthematch mightnotbewhereitwouldbeifboth teamswereinseason.” ThematchcomesasWrexham preparefortheirreturntothesecond tierofEnglishfootballforthefirst Since2023,theyhaveachieveda recordthreesuccessivepromotions fromnon-leaguefootballtotheChampionship,onetierbelowthePremier League.Theyhavealsorisentofame sincefeaturingintheDisney+series WelcometoWrexham ThePhoenixarepreparingfor their19thA-Leaguecampaign,aiming tobouncebackfromadisappointing seasoninwhichtheyfinished11th.He saidPhoenixfanscouldexpecta refreshedsquad,astheclublookedto reverselastseason’sunderwhelming ending.

“There’sgoingtobealotof changes.Withplayerpersonnel, maybethreeorfourplayers,butwe haveenoughofaplatformtherethat wecandoreallywellthisseason.” WrexhambeatMelbourneVictory 3-0infrontof37,000fansatMarvel StadiumlastweekbutfelltoSydney FC2-1atasold-outAllianzStadiumon Tuesday.

Italianosaidhehopedthetwo clubswouldputonashowforthe estimated25,000fansexpectedat SkyStadium,regardlessoftheirstate ofpreparedness.

“They’reearlyintheirpre-season, likeus.Isawthemtrainalittlebit; they’redoingsomeheavyloadingfor theirpre-season.It’sgoingtobea goodgame,goodenergy.” Italianosaidhehadnotfollowed the WelcometoWrexham series. “IcanhonestlysayI’veprobably seenaboutfiveminutesofthefirst episode.I’malittlebittime-poorhere withmyrole,soIdon’twatchalotof TV.WhenIdo,I’mveryselective.”

Purdon’spowerssettobefullystretchedinInterdomfinal

Racing

MichaelGuerin

ChampiontrainerMarkPurdon worrieshemaybealloutofInter Dominionmiracles. PurdonandsonNathantakeOscar BonavenatoAlbionParkinBrisbane tonightfortheA$500,000Inter Dominiontrottingfinal,theveteran trotterjoiningfellowKiwitrotterBet NWiningivingNewZealandagreat chanceofwinningtheiconic3157m mobileeventat10.30pm. TheonlyproblemisOscar Bonavenahasfinishedjustseventh andsixthinhistwoheatsoftheseries, hardlyInterDominionwinningform, andhewillneedaspecialtypeof turnaroundtonight. Luckyforhim,Purdonspecialises inInterDominionheroics,hishistory inthetranstasmanharnessracing

carnivalalmostunbelievable.

HisfirstInterdomwincameasa driverforhislatefatherRoyand brotherBarrywhenMarkHanover wonthepacingfinalatAlexandra Park34yearsago. Thinkwhatyouweredoing34 yearsago.ThatishowlongPurdon hasbeenwinningInterDominions. Purdontrainedthetrottingseries winnerthreeyearsinarowduring 1996-98withPrideOfPetitetwiceand BusterHanoveronce. PrideOfPetite’ssecondwinin Adelaidewasoneofthemostfreakish performancesinthehistoryofthe InterDominions.

ICanDoositwentback-to-backin thetrotters’finalforPurdonin 2011-12,whilehetrainedSmoldato comefromlasttowinatGloucester Park(anothermiracle)in2016before LazarusbeatuptheAussiesinthe finalatthesamevenuethenextyear.

ButheadmitsOscarBonavenahas himflummoxed,asOscar,likemany humans,getsmoreeccentricwith age.

“Beforelastweek’sheat,hewas trottingbeautifullyathomeandI thoughthe’dwin,”saysPurdon.

“Sotoseehimtrotthatbadlyearly stunnedme.Maybeit’sjusthimbeing cunningashe’sgotolderandhedoes serve[impregnate]maresaswellas racing,andmaybethathasn’thelped hisconcentration.

“Ihavenodoubtshecouldwinon hisbestbehaviourbuthe’sletme downtoomanytimesthislastyearto totallytrusthim.”

winningamajorharnessracethese days. BetNWinisthereforethemore logicalofthetwoKiwihopes, unbeatenintheheats,withperfect mannersanddriverBobButtinform.

WhileNewZealandhasnoreps intheA$1millionpacingfinalat 11.10pm,punterswhomakeitthatfar intothenightwillatleastgettoseea truechampioninLeapToFame,who looksunbeatableonhishometrack, withCaptainsKnockthebestplace betat$3.

NewZealandisalsorepresented byCaptainsMistressintheQueenslandOaksandRubiraforthePurdons intheQueenslandDerby.

typeformtohisfresh-upRating75. TheKevinMyers-trained3-yearoldfinishedsixthinboththe2000 Guineas(wonbySavaglee)andthe KarakaMillionThree-Year-Oldwonby DamaskRosethisseason. Hisonlycareerwinwasinthe Group3WarDecreeStakes,beating blacktypewinnersRaziahandKiwi SkyhawkonaheavytrackatRiccartonlastOctober.

OscarBonavenawasunimpressiveintheInterdomheats. Photo/AjayBerry

In2019,Purdondoubleddown, winningboththepacingandtrotting finalswithUltimateSniperand

Winterfell.Soifanybodycancajole atrickytrotterintowinningtonight, itisPurdon.

OscarBonavenamaybesuited bydrawingtheunruly(secondline) tonightinthehopehisrivalsgohard, strugglewiththelongdistanceandhe canswooplate.

Thatisprobablyhowheismost potentbutisalsoaveryrarepathto

Rotoruaintrigue Oneofthemostinterestinghorsesat ArawaParktodayhaswononlyone race.ButHe’sLucid,whoresumesin Race5today,bringsplentyofblack

Soclearlyheisgoodenoughtowin todayandtheheavytrackshouldn’t beanissue.Butthequestionisfitness inhisfirststartsinceFebruary28. Heansweredthat,atleastpartially,whenhelookedforwardand notcarryingtoomuchbellywhen finishingsecondinastrongtrialat Foxtonamonthago. ItwouldbeaveryKevinMyers thingtodotoseehimcomeoutand wintodayataTABboostedpriceof $4.60.

Lovesetfornextbigstepinquesttobebest

LiamNapier identifiessome notableaspects ofthefinaltest againstFrance

UnleashingLove InNewZealand,whereourathletes rarelybreakfromtheirhumbleshells, it’sunusualforanyonetooutwardly shootforthestars.

RubenLovedoesn’tfitthat traditionalmould.Heisanatural, giftedsportingtalent—thekindwho couldhavecrackedthecricketing ranksbutwillinsteadlightuptest rugbyinthecomingyears.

Offthefield,he’smaturebeyond his24years,withtheconfidence topubliclydeclareonmultiple occasionshisdesiretobecomethe world’sbestplayer.

LoveemergedthroughtheTJ Perenaraschoolofdedicationatthe Hurricanes.Already,havingplayed onlyonetestoffthebenchagainst Japanonthewinglastyear,Love embodieseverythingittakestobean eliteprofessionalathlete.

Thebreathwork,visualisation, trainingextras,hedoesitall.Inthat approach,heisadecade-longveteran asatestrookie.

Withpace,balance,versatility, anticipationanddevelopinggame understanding,Loveboaststhe makingsofamajorassetforthe AllBlacks.

Love’sprimarychallengetonight inHamilton,asheassumesWill Jordan’sfullbackjerseyandcovers DamianMcKenzie’sfirst-fiveduties inhisfirsttestonhomesoil,istobe assuredunderthehighball.

France,astheyhaveallseries,will kicklongandoftentotesttheAll Blacksbackthree,whichhasproven vulnerabletohighhoists.

Safelynavigatethatbarrageand anythingelseisabonus,butwith Love,youknowatouchofbrilliance isneverfaraway.

greatcoachesandplayers.

“Whenyou’retrainingandcompetingagainstBeaudenBarrett, DamianMcKenzieandWillJordan, yougainalotofconfidencejustbeing aroundthem,talkingwiththemoff thefieldandbeingbesidethemonit,” Lovesaid.

“There’snoreasonformenotto feelconfident.Iwasinthisenvironmentalllastyear,learningoffthe

“Thisweekend,I’vegotexperiencedwingers[SevuReeceandWill Jordan]andAnton[Lienert-Brown] insideme,soI’vejustgottoplaymy gameandbackmyselfwhenopportunitiescome.

“IcanbringXfactorbutalsobe reliable.I’vedonewellunderthehigh ballthisyear,soI’vegottomakesure I’madeptwhentheyputthosekicks up.I’mvocalandgoodatgiving playersconfidenceaswell.”

Finishing Thisappliesontwofronts;finishing

try-scoringchancesandruthlessly finishingthejob.

Impactfromthebenchremainsin thespotlightfortheAllBlacks.

Lastyear’snortherntoursignalled improvement,butregressionis evident,withtheAllBlacksscoring 10pointsinthefinalquarterthepast twoweeks.

InjuriestostartingfiguresTamaiti Williams,WallaceSititi,ScottBarrett andCalebClarkeweakenedthe AllBlacksbench.AndwithBeauden Barrett(hand)andTupouVaa’i(HIA) unavailabletonight,depthisfurther tested.

Georgedistanceshimselffrom NZRchiefexecutiveposition

MichaelBurgess

WarriorsbossCameronGeorgehas ruledoutanyinterestintakingonthe topjobatNewZealandRugby.

Overthepasttwoyears,the Australianhasbeenmentionedasa possiblecontenderforaroleatNZR, giventheimpacthehashadatthe NRLclubandonthelocalsporting landscape.

Hewaslinkedwiththeheadof NewZealandRugbyCommercial whenCraigFentondepartedlast Octoberandhassincebeentoutedas acontenderforthechiefexecutive role. Thattalkhasintensifiedsince MarkRobinsonlastmonthconfirmed hisdeparture,withthechiefexecutivesteppingdownattheendofthis yearaftersix-and-a-halfyearsleading NZR. The DailyTelegraph inSydney reportedlastmonththatGeorgehad beenapproachedbya“figureofinfluence”atNZRtocanvasshispotential interestinthejob. Georgedidn’twanttocommenton anypossibleapproachesandinsisted hewassolelyfocusedoncontinuing togrowtheNRLclubonandoffthe field.

“Mywholeinterestandmywhole passionandcommitmentistothe Warriors,”Georgetoldthe Weekend Herald.“That’smydream—tobehere andbesuccessful—andthat’sallI needtosay.” Askedifitwasacomplimenttobe linkedtosuchamassiverole,George deflected.

“Oh,Idon’treadintothat.I’d ratherhavethecomplimentof

CameronGeorgesaysbeingatthe Warriorsis“mywholepassion”. Photo/Photosport

winninga[NRL]premiership.My focusisjusttodothebestjobIcan, mate.Youcan’tcontrolthatstuff.”

However,therevivalofthe Warriorshasturnedheadsacrossthe sportingandcorporatelandscapesin NewZealand.

Intermsoffranchisesport,they havebecomethehottestticket intown,withconsistentcapacity crowdsandunprecedentedcommercialinterest.Theyarealsoenjoying bumpertelevisionaudiences,promisingsuccessonthefieldandhave diversifiedinvestmentsintoproperty.

GeorgehasoverseenamajoroverhaulsincetheCovidpandemicleftthe clubmaroonedinAustraliaforthree seasonsandalsohadtodealwithsignificantownershipchallengesinthe earlyyearsofhistenurein2018-19.

Hehasn’tgoteverythingright— thecircumstancesofShaunJohnson’s exitin2018anobviousblackmark— butit’shardtofindfaultwithmany ofhisdecisions,withtherecruitment ofAndrewWebsterandAndrew McFaddenrecentmasterstrokes.

TheWarriorshavealsobuilta remarkableconnectionwiththe community,somethingmostSuper Rugbyclubscanonlyadmirefrom afar,andaremakingsignificant inroadsinpathwaysanddevelopment,withacademystructures acrossthecountry.

NZRisamuchbiggerbeast,having aroundeighttimestherevenueofthe NRLclub,withlayersofstakeholders, manyandvariedarmsofthe business,complexbroadcasting dealsandaglobalpresence.

Therearealsotheconstantpushand-pullfactorsbetweencompeting partiesandprivateinvestment,which arelessofafactorinanNRLenvironment.Buttherewouldbesome synergies.

TheNZRchiefexecutiverolehas yettobeadvertisedbutit’sunderstoodglobalrecruitmentcompanies havealreadybeenengaged.Itwillbea lucrativebutdemandingpost,even moresothanRobinsonfaced.

That’sbecauseofthelikelyrestructureofNZR,withthenewchief executivetoleadNZRandNZRugby Commercial,inwhatismoreakintoa groupchiefexecutiverole.

Witheveryoneondeck,theAll Blackscouldbringonthelikesof DamianMcKenzie,PatrickTuipulotu, SamisoniTaukei’ahoandapowerful midfieldoptionthatremainsupfor grabs.Fornow,though,theAllBlacks needmorefromtheirongoingtwoprongedlooseforwardapproachto thebench.

BrodieMcAlister’slate-blooming testdebuthasflownundertheradar butthe28-year-oldprovedaweapon afterswitchingfromtheCrusadersto Chiefsthisyear.Expecthimtocontinuethatimpactwhenhetakesthe pitch.

“He’sareallybigbodyandanincrediblescrummager,”AllBlacks coachScottRobertsonsaid.“He’s greatathiscoreroles.We’rereally pleasedwiththeconsistencyhe playedwithallyear. “He’sworkedsohardathiscraft andthisishisopportunity.Hemadea bigcalltocomeupfromdownsouth andhe’stakenthatchance.”

WhiletheAllBlacksblewaway Francewithfourfirst-halftriesin Wellington,theyweredisappointed withtheirlackofsecond-halfruthlessness.Thefocus,therefore,fallson convertingeverychancetheyget.

Againstsuperioropposition, squanderingstrikescouldwelldefine results.

Frenchpreparetheambush?

Allinforanupsettofinishtheirlong seasononahigh,oronefootonthe plane?

ThisFrenchteamshouldbebetter thanlastweek’sgreenhornswho totalled72collectivelyfewercaps thanBeaudenBarrettandwereduly exposed.

FrancecoachFabienGalthieis saidtohavetargetedthistest.He’s usheredineightchanges,notably

recallinghismostexperienced figures,includingtourcaptainGael Fickou,tightheadpropRabahSlimani andpowerfulNo8MickaelGuillard— allofwhommissedlastweek’sblowoutdefeat.

TheAllBlackswillbeonhighalert forGuillardafterhecausedserious problemsatthebreakdowninDunedin. HulkinglockCameronWoki(knee) andmidfielderPierre-LouisBarassi centre(calf)arebiginjurysetbacks whichcouldaffectFrance’simpact fromthebench. Butafterleavingtheirfirst-choice figuresathome,onewinwouldbe enoughtocastthistourasasuccess forFrance.

It’snocoincidenceGalthieis complainingaboutthescrumand maul—andattemptingtopressure refereeAngusGardner—asAllBlacks tightheadpropTyrelLomaxreturns tostart. Lomaxisamongtheworld’sleadingpropsandsuretofurtherturnup theheatontheFrenchpack.

OneBarrett,noworries? Withthreeinfluentialbrothersinthe AllBlacks,there’salwaysastrong chanceatleastoneBarrettwill featureprominently. WithScott(calf)andBeauden (hand)injuredandJordiesettobe rested,thethirdtestagainstthe Frenchlookedlikebecomingonlythe fifthinthepastdecadenoBarrettwas includedintheAllBlackssquad. Ioane’slatewithdrawalyesterday duetoatighthamstringsawJordan returntothestartingline-upand Jordietakehisplaceonthebench. NZRugbyDatabasestatestheAll Blackshaveplayed122testssince 2015,withonlyGeorgia(2015),Japan (2022and2024)andtheWallabies (2023)missingtheBarretts. TheAllBlackswonallthose matches,buttwoyearsagoinDunedin,withavastlychangedteamin theirlasthometestbeforetheWorld Cup,theyescapedanalmightyscare aftertrailing17-3athalftimeagainst theWallabies.

AaronSmithandRichieMo’unga, thelatterslottingalatelong-range penalty,emergedoffthebenchinthe secondhalfandSamWhitelockand ArdieSaveacametotheforetohelp savetheAllBlacksfromembarrassmentinthe23-20victory. Robertsonwillhopefora smootherridewithjustoneofthe threeBarrettsinHamiltonbutthereis anelementofriskwithnospecialist lockcoverandnoBeaudenBarrettinsurancepolicytocallon.

Refereeabusecasescontinuetorise

BenFrancis

Abusetowardsrugbyrefereesison tracktohitrecordlevels,withfigures obtainedbythe Herald showinga sharpriseinseriousincidents.

AsofJuly10,68caseshavebeen reportedin2025,puttingtheyearon coursetosurpasslastyear’stotalof 79.

NewZealandRugby(NZR)defines abuseasphysical,verbalorthreateningbehaviour.

In2022,whentheNZRdatawere firstcentralised,69incidentswererecorded,followedby73in2023,before anotherincreaselastyear,whichwill likelybesurpassedagainwithsevens andplayoffsincommunityandprovincialrugby.

Justsixofthe26provincialunions areyettoreportanincidentthisyear. Oneunionhasalreadyrecorded eight.Itislikelytherewouldhave beenmoreincidentsbutnotevery caseofrefereeabuseisreported.

Refereeabusehascomeunderthe spotlightafterseveraldisturbing cases.

InJune,theHorowhenua-Ka¯piti RugbyUnionmadeheadlinesfor suspendingallmatchesacrosstheregionforaweekendovertwoconcerningincidents.

Theuniontoldmembersthatafter arefereewasthreatenedwithbeing stabbed,itwouldtakeseriousaction —andittooklessthan30daysforitto doso,followinganincidentinvolving acollegecoachandamatchofficial thatremainsunderinvestigation.

Horowhenua-Ka¯pitichiefexecutiveCoreyKennettcalledita“nationwideepidemic”andwarnedthesport wasnearingacrisisatthegrassroots level.NZRbackedhisview,thoughno otherunionhastakensimilaraction.

Notallagree.Oneunionbosstold

the Herald theydon’tseeitasa nationalcrisis,whileanotherlinked theriseinabusetowidersocietal issues,suchasthecost-of-livingcrisis.

InTaranaki,aplayerreceiveda 36-gamebanaftershoulder-charging areferee,whileissueshavealsosurfacedinSouthland. Numerousunionsorreferee associationsapproachedbythe Herald declinedtocommentordidn’t respond.

The Herald hascontactedseveral majorsportingcodesinNewZealand toaskwhethertheyhavenoticedan increaseinincidentsinvolvingmatch officials.

Whilemostorganisationsthatrespondedwereunabletoprovide specificfigures,allexpressedsimilar concernsaboutgrowingabuse directedatrefereesandumpires, manyofwhomarevolunteers.

Theissueisn’tjustlimitedtoNew Zealand,withmanysportsacrossthe globefacingincreasingissues.

NZRsayspromotingrespectful sidelinebehaviourremainsapriority forthemanditrecentlypartnered withtheSouthCanterburyRugby UnionandSportCanterburytolook atasolutionthatwillrunacrosseight codesacrosstheregion.

NewZealandFootballprovided statisticsfrom2024statingthatin 2506matchesplayedwithappointed matchofficials,therewere89reportedincidentswhichincluded abusivelanguageorgesturestowards theofficial.

Therewerealsotwoincidentsof violentconducttowardsthereferee.

Whilethosenumbersarehigher thanrugby,atthecommunitylevel, footballhasabout20,000more players.

BasketballNewZealandnational developmentmanagerGarratt

Williamsonsaiditencounters challenges,likemostothersports.

“We’realwayslookingatwaysto supportpeopleinourcommunitiesto managethis,throughtheeducation ofcoaches,parentsandother supporters,”Williamsonsaid.

NewZealandCricketchief communityofficerKentSteadsaidit doesnotseemanyseriousincidents, attributingthistothefactthatmany communityumpiresarealsoplayers orcoaches.

HockeyNewZealandofficialslead ColinFrenchsaidithasnotobserved a“materialincrease”inserious incidentsthisyearbasedonavailable data.

We’realwayslookingat waystosupportpeople inourcommunitiesto managethis,through theeducationof coaches,parentsand othersupporters. BBNZnationaldevelopment managerGarrattWilliamson

“HockeyNZhasarobustCodeof Conductprocessenforcedacrossour 32associationstoensurethistypeof behaviourisidentified,addressed andultimatelyheldaccountable,” Frenchsaid.

“Tobeclear,westillhavemore todotoimprovebehaviourinour sport.However,wedonotbelieve communityhockeyhasreachedthe unacceptablelevelsofabusebeing experiencedinothercodes.

“Wealsohaveanumberof initiativesactivelypromotedwithin

communityhockey,namelySport NZ’sGoodSportsandthePositive VibesOnlycampaigns.” Thegrowingtrendofabuseisconcerning,thoughitdoesnotappearto besignificantlydeterringpeoplefrom takingupthewhistle—fornow. Amongthesportingbodiesthatresponded,mostreportedsteadyorimprovingparticipationinofficiating. NZRacknowledgedthatoverall refereenumbersaredeclining, thoughthenumberoffemalereferees istrendingupwards.

ForNewZealandFootball,asof May2025,therewere2242registered referees,reflectinga1%increase comparedwith2024todate. BasketballNewZealandsaidthe numberofregisteredrefereeshas steadilyincreasedoverthepastthree years.

NewZealandCricketdescribedits officiatingnumbersas“stagnant”but hasseenslightincreasesintheAucklandandNorthernDistrictsregions. Eachseniorteammustsendtwo playerstoupskillingsessions,which canserveasanincentiveforbroader participation.

HockeyNewZealandnotedtherecentintroductionofanautomated managementsystemwillallowtheorganisationtobettercollectandmonitorparticipationdataacrossreferees, coachesandofficials. “Anecdotalevidencesuggestswe stillhavestrongofficiatingand umpiringnumbersingrassrootsand communityhockey,”Frenchsaid.

“However,weareseeingaslight declineinfemaleumpirenumbers andarecurrentlyreviewingthedata tounderstandthecauses.”

NewZealandRugbyLeague,TennisNewZealandandNetballNewZealanddidnotrespondtothe Herald’s requestsforcomment.

BurlingreflectsonfirstwinasBlackFoilsreturntoBritain

Sailing ChristopherReive

“Thebenchmarkjustkeepsgetting pushedfurtherandfurtherout.The wayeveryone’sgotsocomfortable withtheequipmentandthemargins forerrorfrombeingatthefrontofthe fleettofurtherback,Ithinkifyouput, well,definitelyourselves[now]back then,you’dwinprettycomfortably. Butprobablyalotofthetopsix, Ithink,wouldabsolutelysmashit,” Burlingsaid.

“It’sjustincredibletoseetheway

Crossingthefinishlineaheadof AustraliaandDenmark,theBlack Foilsfinallyhadtheirbreakthrough momentinSailGP. Ittookmorethanaseasonofgettinguptospeedandshowingsignsof promise,butinseasonthree’sregatta inGreatBritain,theNewZealand teamfinallytoppedthepodium. Itwasn’tjustthattheywonin Plymouth,butthewaytheygotthe jobdone.Acrosstheweekend’ssix races,theyfinishedinthetoptwo fivetimes. Withthatfirstregattawinfinally achieved,theywentontosweepthe followingregattainCopenhagen, whichwasshortenedduetolight conditionsonthefirstdayofracing. WhileGreatBritainfelloffthe scheduleinseasonfour,theBlack Foilsreturntothisweekend’sregatta inPortsmouthwithfondmemories. “Itobviouslytookusalittlewhile togetthatunderourbelt,soIthinkit wasanicebreakthroughmilestone fortheteamandwewentonareally goodrunofformfromthere,”Black FoilsdriverPeterBurlingtoldthe WeekendHerald.“Definitely[have] somesuperfondmemoriesofthat.” Sincethatfirstwin,theNew Zealandcrewhavebecomeoneofthe topteamsintheglobalfoilingseries, appearinginthethree-teamgrand finalshootoutinseasonsthreeand four,andsittingthirdinseasonfive, justtwopointsoffthelead. Despiteincorporatingsomenew personnelintotheteam,withSam Meechjoininginacoachingrole andLeoTakahashireplacingAndy Maloneyasflightcontroller,theKiwis madeafaststarttotheseasonby winningtheopeningeventinDubai. However,somefrustratingresults followed,wherepoorexecutionand boatissuessawthemfinishfourthin Aucklandbeforetyingacareer-worst resultwitheighthinSydney. Theyhavebouncedbackwithtwo top-threefinishesacrossthethree Americanlegsoftheseriesandwill looktocontinuethatmomentumas theybegintheEuropeanswing. Reflectingonhowfartheteamhas comesincethatfirstwin,Burlingsaid itwasincredibletoseehowthelevel hasrisenacrossthefleet.

theleague’sprogressingandthelevel acrosstheboardisjustgoingupso quickly.

“Forus,thattarget’smakingsure youcontinuetobuildsoyougetinto thefinalinAbuDhabi[inNovember], andthenyou’vegotashotofwinning theseasonchampionship.

“That’sverymuchthetarget, makingsurewe’rethebestteamwe canbe.Well,firstly,makingsureyou makeitintothefinal,butmakingsure we’rethebestteamwepossiblycan bebythen.

“It’sbeensuperexcitingtohavea fewchangesthisyearandgetthat freshenergyintothegroup,butthen obviouslywiththatcomesabitofa buildingphase,andwe’rereally excitedbythewaywe’vebeenbuildingandgainingmomentum.

“Wehadafewchallengesthroughouttheyear,afewissueswiththegear etc,butI’mreallyexcitedbytheway thegroup’sbuilding.”

Tupaeareflects onjourneyfrom rehabtorecall

Second-fivelookingforwardtothe‘specialfeeling’of firstteststartinfrontoffamilyandfriendsinHamilton

Rugby LiamNapier

QuinnTupaeaknowsmorethanmost theresiliencerequiredtoridethe rugbywave.

TupaeastartshisfirsthomecomingtestinHamiltonastheAllBlacks seektofinishofftheFrenchtonight. RunningoutatWaikatoStadium surroundedbyChiefsteammates— fiveinthestartingbackline—andwith 18friendsandfamilyinthecrowdwill beamomenttosavour.

Evenmoresoforthedarktimes Tupaeaovercametoregainhisplace intheAllBlacksthisyear.

Threeyearsago,Tupaea’sWorld Cuphopesweredashedbyareckless cleanoutfromWallabieslockDarcy Swainthatdestroyedhisknee— rupturingoneligamentandtearing theotherinanuglyandunnecessary incident.

Tupaea’spathtorecoverywas painstaking.Heenduredlengthy rehaboffthefield,andevenwhenhe returnedfortheChiefslastyear,he struggledtoregainformashisknee continuedtoholdhimback.

“Ididnineto10monthsofmedical rehabwiththeChiefsmedicalstaff andhadawesomesupportthere.My returntoSuperRugbylastyearwasn’t howIwantedtoplay.Iwaspretty disappointed,”Tupaeasaid.

“Iwasn’tfullyconfidentinmy kneelastyear.Iwasplayingminutes butIwasabithesitantincontactand second-guessingthings.Thekneewas stillabitsore.”

Duringthattime,heharboured doubtsaboutwhetherhewouldadd tohis14testcapsearnedduring 2021-23.

SupportfromparentsKellyand BrentandpartnerMacKenzieJones,

alongsideChiefsmentalskillscoach AaronWalsh,provedformativein helpingTupaeapushpastthose struggles.

“I’vegotgreatrelationshipswith allofthem.They’repeopleIcangoto foradvice.Duringmyninemonthsof rehab,therewerealotofdarktimes andtheyweredefinitelypeoplewho pulledmethrough.

“Aaronwasprettyinstrumentalin mycomebackconfidence-wisewise tohelpmenotoverthink.He’sagood manaroundthatandaguyIgotalong wellwithofftheparkaswell.Heloves hisgolfandcoffee,sowegelled aroundthatsortofthing.

“Lookingatthedepthof midfieldersinNewZealand,thelevel Iwasplayingatwasnowherenearthe AllBlacksstandard.

“Ialwaysbackedmyselftogetback here,butthisyear,alotofhardwork, gritandself-beliefhasgivenmethe abilitytoplaysomegoodrugbywith theChiefsandgetthecall-up.”

Destructiveandconsistentonthe carryanddefence,addingasubtle kickinggameandstrongoverthe ballatthebreakdown,Tupaeawas amongSuperRugbyPacific’sbest midfieldersthisyear.

InclusionintheAllBlacks’July squadevokedsimilaremotionstohis maidennaming,withhisphone blowingupwithmessagesofsupport.

“Torediscovermyformthisyear andplaysomefootyI’mproudofand getrecalledintothissquadwasan amazingfeeling.

“I’mstokedtobehere.It’sbeen awesometoreturntothesquadand getsomegametimeintestoneoff thebench.

“I’vealwaysfelttheAllBlacks gameshavebeenhighlyemotional. TodothatinHamilton,startingin frontoffriendsandfamily,it’sgoing

tobeaspecialfeeling,butoncethat whistlegoes,I’llbelockedin.Iplayed here[inHamilton]offthebench againstArgentina[in2022]butit’sthe firsttimestartinghere.” ThedirectivefromtheAllBlacks totheirsecondfive-eighthisclear. Theywanttheirmidfieldpunching forward,bendingandbreakingthe line,tocreatespaceandattacking strikeplatforms.

WhileJordieBarrettislockedin astheAllBlacks’first-choiceNo12, Tupaea’sdirectapproachsuitsthat style,too.

“Beingpowerfulonbothsidesof theballissomethingIpridemyself on.Ilovecarryingtheballandlove thecontactondefence.

“That’ssomethingallthe12sinthe AllBlacksaregoodatandsomething thecoachesarelookingat—aswellas havingahighskillset.

“It’samassiveopportunityforme thisweek.Billy[Proctor]andJordie haveplayedamazinglythelastcouple ofweeks,soAnton[Lienert-Brown] andIwon’tbetakingitforgranted. “ThereisabitofaChiefsfeeltothe squadthisweek,witheightinthere.It makesthingseasier.I’veplayedalot ofgamesofrugbywiththoseguys. Thoseconnectionsdefinitelyhelp whenthepressurecomeson.”

Astartonhomesoilmarks Tupaea’ssecondcomingintheAll Blacks.Overcomingthedoubtsand forgingthroughformfrustrationsis testamenttohisresiliencethatnow offersagreaterappreciationforthe placehehasregained. Withsixmidfieldersinthissquad, though,Tupaeaunderstandsthe needtoprovehebelongs.

“ThisisaplaceIwanttobe.Anew squadgetsnamednextweek,soperformthisweekandhopefullyget namedtheweekafteristhemindset.”

Galthiequestionsrefereeing

FrenchrugbycoachFabienGalthie hashitoutattherefereeinginthe serieswhichhashisside2-0down againsttheAllBlacksgoinginto tonight’sfinaltest.

SpeakingtoFrenchmedia,Galthie airedhisgrievancesaboutthematch officials’treatmentofthescruminthe secondtestlastweekend.

“Clearly,weneedthescrumand theballbeingcarriedtobeproperly refereed.Weneedtoberefereedasif wewereplayingonaneutralpitch— neutral.Idon’tusuallydwellon refereeing,butwhenIhaveexpectations,Isharethem.Neutrality.”

Thepenaltycountinthefirsttwo testsfavouredtheAllBlacks,14-9and 9-3.

Clearly,[Jordie]Barrettentersinan offsideposition,ontheside.Forme, that’sapenaltytryandayellowcard.” ARiekoIoaneinterceptalsodrew Frenchire.

“OnIoane’sdefence,whenhe interceptstheballonLeoBarre’slast pass...heisoffsidethewholetime. Thereisapenaltytryandayellow card.I’mhappyfortheretobethat differenceinthescore,butthat’stwo triesandtwoyellowcards.Ihave thefootage.Youcanlookatit.That counts,againsttheAllBlacks.Asfor thescrum,it’sasubjectthathasbeen discussed.It’sasignificantone.

Healsohighlightedaninstancein whichhebelievedhismenshould havebeenawardedapenaltytryata breakdownontheAllBlacksline.

“Idon’tagreewiththeballbeing carriedwhenweenterthein-goal areaonthepenaltyplayedbyhand.

“Iwouldlikeustoberefereedlike theFrenchteamandnotlikeasmall nation.Wehavetheimpressionthat thereislittleconsiderationgivento us.Wehavetheimpressionthatthere isonlyoneteambeingobserved,in attack,asindefence.”

EnglishmanChristopheRidley wastherefereeinWellington,thefirst timehe’dbeeninchargeofanAll Blacksmatch,whileAustralianNic Berryhadthewhistlefortheopening test.AnotherAustralian,Angus Gardner,willbeinchargetonight. ThiswillbethethirdAllBlacksFrancetestGardnerhasbeenin chargeof.Thefirsttwo,in2017and 2018,resultedinNewZealandwins.

AskedbyFrenchmediaifthe refereeingmightbearesponseto France’sdecisiontotravelwithan understrengthsquad,Galthiesaid: “Iwon’tgetintothecontroversy”. “I’mnotcomplainingaboutthe refereeing,I’mnotcomplaining aboutanything.WhatIdoknowis youhaveagroupofFrenchplayers whowillbeshowinguponSaturday. “We’vebeenawayforfiveweeks. Theguyshavereallyworkedhard. They’vetakenit.They’renotsaying anything.Andthey’llbethereon Saturday.It’saverydifficulttour,it’s achallengethatseemsimpossible, butthey’restillhereandtheywantto takeiton.”

‘IDON’TWANT TOSOUNDLIKE DONALDTRUMP, BUT...’

FormerPMcallsforratecut,hits outatformerReserveBankboss

ChrisKeall

FormerPrimeMinisterSirJohn Keysaysinterestratesaretoo highandshouldbecutby100 basispointstoboostbusiness confidenceandhelptheeconomy bounceback. SpeakingataDeloitte-hosted eventinAucklandthisweekattended bystart-upfounders,venture capitalistsandMayorWayneBrown, KeywasalsocriticalofformerReserveBankGovernorAdrianOrrand theforeignbuyerpropertyban.

“Interestratesaretoohigh.Idon’t wanttosoundlikeDonaldTrumptellingoffJeromePowellbuttheyshould be100basispointslower,”Keysaid.

“Youcouldarguethere’sinflation,”hecontinued.

“But,seriously,theremightbea littlebitoffoodinflation,butit’svery

little.Fuelinflationisn’tmuch.And there’scertainlynowageinflation. Andeveniftherewas,I’dtradeabitof inflationtogettheplacegoing.”

WhileGDPgrewat0.8%inthefirst quarterofthisyear,someeconomists fearthesecondquartercouldbe negative.

Themanufacturingandservices sectorsbothremainweakandthe propertymarketissubdued.

KeymaintainedthatOrr,whoresignedasReserveBankGovernorin June,mismanagedmonetarypolicy overseveralyears.

“Adrianfixatedongettinginterest ratestozero,”duringthepandemic, Keysaid.

“Thenhefixatedonhavingthem toohighfortoolong.Alotofthe indicatorstheReserveBanklooksat arelaggingindicators.They’requite latetotheparty,”Keysaid.

TheReserveBankheldtheOfficial CashRate(OCR)at3.25%onJuly9but hintedheavilyincommentaryit expectstoresumeratecutslaterin theyear.

ActingReserveBankGovernor ChristianHawkesbywon’tgiveaninpersonbriefinguntiltheAugust20 ratesreview.

Financialmarketsarecurrently pricingina70%chancetheOCRwill becutby25basispointsinAugust, witha50%chanceofanothercutby February2026.

EconomistsexpecttheOCRtobottomoutataround2.5%to3%.

ImmigrationMinisterErica Sanfordrecentlysaidtherehadbeen morethan200applicantstothe “goldenvisas”introducedinMarch, with100approvedinprinciplesofar andmorethan$1billiononthetable forinvestments.

Applicantshavetopledgeatleast $5millionfor“growth”investments suchasstart-upsor$10mfor“balanced”investments. Keysaid10,000investor immigrantswouldbebetter,but

Recentlyfundedinvestments:

IfI’mabillionairein China,I’mnotgoingto wakeupandthinkIwant tobuya$800,000 houseinPakuranga.

SirJohnKey

manywereputoffbytheforeignbuyerbaninhousing.

“IfI’mturningupwith$100m,are youtellingmethebestIcandoisrent ahouse?”Keysaid.

“We’realittlecountryatthebottomoftheworld.Andtomakethat work,youneedforeigncapital.You needsmartforeignerstocomehere. Youneedpositivepopulationgrowth, migration,”Keysaid.

TheformerPMdidnotseethe foreign-buyerban,championedby NZFirst,askeepinghouseprices down,atleastineverydaysuburbs.

“IfI’mabillionaireinChina,I’m notgoingtowakeupandthinkIwant tobuya$800,000houseinPaku-

ranga,”hesaid.

“Theymightbuya$50mproperty onthelakefrontinQueenstown.” Keysaidagriculturewasbooming, butNewZealandwasstuckinan “L-shapedrecovery,notaV-shaped recoverylikeaftertheGFC”.

Keysawaturnaroundinhouse prices,fuelledbylowerrates,asthe keytorestoringconfidence.

“Ifyouwanttogetthingsgoing, thecoreofwhat’swrongisthehousingmarket.Thegutsofwhat’swrong isthatthehousingmarketisgoing down,notup,”Keysaid.

“Whenhousepricesgoup,everybodytellsthepollsters,‘Ohthat’sterrible,mysonordaughtercan’tbuy house.Ifeelreallybad.Thetechnical termforthatis‘bulls***’,”Keysaid. “Whattheyreallydo,istheysayto theirwife—orthewifesaystoherhusband,‘God,wepaid$1mforthis houseandit’sworth$1.7mnow.’ Quietlytheygo,‘Oh,wefeelrich.And thentheygoandborrowabitfromthe ANZandtheygoonholidayandthey upgradetheirkitchen,theyfeelgood aboutlife.Sowhenyouhaveanega-

Securitydescription:Property1:Circa1,010m² commercialsection.Property2:Circa670m²

commercialsection

Combinedvalue:$595,000

Purposeoffunds:Anequityreleasetoclearsomedebt

Exitstrategy:Propertieswillbelistedandsoldwithinthe termofthisloan

tivewealtheffect,theyfeelbad.”

ThemedianhousepriceinAucklandhasfallen3.4%inayearto $990,000,accordingtofiguresreleasedearlierthisyearbytheRealEstateInstitute.ExcludingAuckland, themedianpricerose1.7%.

Ashecalledforlowerrates,Keyacknowledgedhehadskininthegame. “Myson’sadeveloper,soI’m talkingabitfrompersonalexperience,”Keysaid.

“I’mjusttellingyou,wehavegotso muchstuffonhold.Weownlandall overtheshow,andwe’rejustsitting therenotdoinganything.

“He[MaxKey]goes,‘Mate,my tradies’—he’sgotabunchofthese guysonthepayrollindifferentplaces —‘noneofthemhadChristmas holidays.There’snowork’.” Manytradieswereworkingthreedayweeks,Keysaid. Andforthepartyinpower,that wasaproblem.

“Towinanelection,youhaveto winwherethetradieslive,”Keysaid. AndthatmeantwinningWestAuckland.

Securitydescription:Fivevacantlifestylelots,ranging fromcirca1,010m²to4,050m² Combinedvalue:$1,432,240

Purposeoffunds:Settlingthepurchaseoftheproperties

Exitstrategy:Saleofeachsecurityafterrelocatingahouse oneachsiteandobtainingconsents

“Don’tworryaboutRemuera, don’tworryaboutanywhereelse,” Keysaid,tracingsimilargroundto politicalcommentatorChrisTrotter, whooncedescribedthatarchetypal middleNewZealandswingvoteras “Waita¯kereMan”,ablue-collarconservative.

“Don’tworryaboutRemuera, you’vegottowinTeAtatu¯,youhaveto winWestHarbour,youhavetowin Waita¯kere.” IstheformerPMpassingonhis thoughtstohissuccessor?

“I’mprettyclosetoChris,andI talktohimquitealot.ButIdon’ttryto behisfather.Idon’ttrytotellhim whattodo,”Keysaid. Althoughhehadconcernsabout thecurrentstateoftheeconomy,he sawChristopherLuxon’sGovernmentultimatelyprevailingasthings pickedup. KeyrelatedthathesaidtoLuxon: “Youbetyourhouseagainstmy house:istheeconomygoingtobe strongerorweakerbythetimeofthe electionin2026?Wecouldn’tbetbecauseweboththoughtstronger.”

Securitydescription:Fourbedroomdwelling,locatedon circa350m²freeholdtitle Value:$1,750,000

Purposeoffunds:Completerecladdingandinternal renovationofthesecurityproperty

Exitstrategy:Saleoftherenovatedproperty

ChrisKeall

Substack,thenewmediacompanyco-foundedbyNewZealanderHamishMcKenzie,hit businesspressheadlinesinthe UnitedStatesyesterdaybyraising US$100million($168m)ataUS$1.1 billionvaluation.

McKenzie,aformerfreelance writerforthe Listener andOtagoUniversitygraduatewhonowlivesinSan Franciscowithhiswifeandtwochildren,createdSubstackwithCanadian ChrisBestandJapan-bornJairajSethi.

Thefirmoffersanewsletterplatformthatletscontentcreators—includingNZsportsjournalistDylan Cleaver,documentarymakerDavid FarrierandWellingtonbusiness writerBernardHickey—chargefor theircontent,directtoreaders.

Substacktakesa10%cutofwhateveracreatorchargesforamonthly subscription. Professionalathletesandauthors likeSalmanRushdieandMargaret Atwoodareamonghundredsof thousandsofcreatorsusing Substack.

TheroundwasledbyBond,theUS venturecapitalcompanythatrecentlybackedanotherNewZealandfoundedstart-up,smartcowcollar firmHalter,asitrecentlyraised US$100mataUS$1bvaluation.

RichPaul,thefounderofKlutch SportsGroupandpowerhouseSilicon Valleyventurecapitalfirm AndreessenHorowitz,werealso onboard.

TherewasalsoaloneNewZealand investor:Auckland-basedIcehouse Ventures,whichchippedin$5million fromitsGrowthFundII.

“Whowouldhaveguessed10years agothataKiwifounderwouldbuilda billiondollarcompanyinthemedia ofallplaces?”IcehouseVenturespartnerJoWickhamsaid.

“Inthelastmonthwehaveseen Kiwi-foundedcompaniesbecome unicornsincowcollarsanddirect content.

“Thereisnothroughlinebetween theseideas,butthereisbetweenthe scrappy,visionarypeoplebehind them.

“Atatimewhenaudiences,contentcreators,andpublishershave beengrapplingwithatransforming mediaindustry,Substackhasbeenat thebleedingedgeofthischange.

“We’renotfarfromafuturewhen allofthemostimportantstoriesinthe worldplayoutfirstonSubstack,” Wickhamsaid.

Herald MediaInsidercolumnist ShayneCurrierecentlyrecounted howtheCentralOtagoboywho attendedOtagoUniversity,became theeditorofstudentmagazine Critic chippedawayasafreelancerforvari-

Manyworkers getnewvisas aftercollapse ofProLink

AnneGibson

TheliquidatoroffailedAuckland labourhirebusinessProLinksays manyChineseandVietnamese workershavenewvisas,enabling themtocontinueworkinginthis country.

PriteshPatelsaidhehadliaised withImmigrationNewZealandand theMinistryofBusiness,Innovation andEmploymentafter190people losttheirjobsbeforeChristmas. Afurther60hadbeenassignedto variousemployersanditwasthose60 hehadbeenabletohelp,hesaid. “Mostoftheseemployeeshave beengivenavisabyImmigrationNZ toseekworkelsewhereasopposedto returningbackhome,mainlyto China,”hissix-monthlyliquidation reportsaid. ProLink’sliquidationwasreportedonDecember18lastyear. Patelsaidhehadsecuredanother accreditedemployertotakeon almostalltheemployeescontracted toworkforcompaniesviaProLink aftertheliquidationwasannounced. “I’mamigrantfromFiji.Atall times,thewelfareoftheseProLink employeeswasparamounttome. You’vegottohaveaheart.”

Ofthe60employees,about45had newvisasandnewjobs,whileafurther15wouldsoongotoanew accreditedemployer,hesaid.

Hehopestobeabletodistribute holidaypaytoall190laid-offworkers, plusthefurther60.Patelhireda Mandarin-speakinglawyertoassist himwiththeliquidation.

ProLinkNZwasonDominionRd, MtEden.Itwasestablishedin2018 andspecialisedinhiringAsian immigrants,sayingitworkedwithImmigrationNZ.Patelwasappointedby shareholderHaiyan(Shirley)Luoof ThreeKings.

lishwhattheywanttowrite.

ouspublicationsbeforeheadingoverseas(Canada,HongKongandtheUS) toeventuallybecomeakeyfigurein SiliconValley. Alongtheway,McKenziehas workedforElonMusk(asawriter), wroteabookaboutTesla,andworked attechnewssitePandoDailyand

messagingappKik. ItwasatKikthathemetBestand Sehi.ThetriofoundedSubstackin 2017. InMarch,Substacksaidtherewere 5millionpeoplepayingforitscontent,upfrom2millionin2023.

Thefounders’shareholdingshave

notbeenmadepublic,butwould havebeendilutedbyearlierSeriesA andSeriesBfundingrounds,which eachbroughtaraftofnewshareholdersonboard. In2023,Substackfounditselfin themiddleoftheculturewars,asseveralfar-rightcommentatorstookref-

ugeonitsplatformafterbeingexiled fromFacebookandothersocialmedia(whichhavesinceliberalisedtheir contentpolicies). McKenziesaidinastatementto MediaInsideratthetime:“Substackis aplatformthatisbuiltonfreedomof expression,andhelpingwriterspub-

“Someofthatwritingisgoingtobe objectionableoroffensive.Substack hasacontentmoderationpolicythat protectsagainstextremes—like incitementstoviolence—butwedo notsubjectivelycensorwritersoutsideofthosepolicies.”

AspokeswomanforImmigration NewZealandsaidtheagencyhad receivedcomplaintsaboutProlink NZ. Thelatestsix-monthlyProLink statementofaffairsprojectsa$3.8 milliondeficit.InlandRevenueis owedapproximately$2.4malonebut afulltaxauditisstillpending.Wages andholidaypayof$83,000isaliability,alongwith$1.5mowedtounsecuredcreditors.

TheInterview

TheCEOwholost,thenfound,itall

Thehard lessons

Perpetual Guardianchief

PatrickGamble learnedabout property investing

LiamDann

PerpetualGuardianchiefexecutive

PatrickGamblelearnedaboutinvestmentthehardway—Helostallhis moneyinapropertycrash.

Gamblegrewupinaworking-class familylivinginbothDublinandSouth Dunedin.

Hehasheadeduptheestateplanningandwealthmanagementfirm since2020.

Inthattime,hehasoverseenthe high-profilemovebyownerAndrew Barnestointroduceafour-dayworkingweek. GamblestudiedlawattheUniversityofOtagoontheassumptionthatit wasapathwaytowealthandgotinto propertyinvestmentassoonashe startedearningadecentwage.

“Asagraduatelawyer,Iusedthat moneytobuyacoupleofinvestment propertiesreallyearlyon.

“Yousortofbuyone,themarket goesup,youleveragethedifference, thenbuyasecondone.”

Thelendingruleswereabitlooser inthosedays(theearly2000s),he recalls. Growingup,hisparentsdidn’t havealotofmoney.

Herecallshisfatherworking50 hoursaweekatthefreezingworks justtobreakevenwiththedoleand thefinancialpressureonthefamily duringastrike.

“Buttheywerevery entrepreneurial,”hesays.

Whenhismotherstartedworking inthe1990s,theyinvestedinstudent flats.

“They’dleveragedheavilytobuy someflats,”hesays.“Ihadtowork everysecondweekendwithDadon thoseflats.

“Wehatedit.Dadwasobsessed withcleaningupafterallthese students.You’downoneinablockof 12,butyou’dendupcleaningupafter all12setsofstudents.” Butdespitethat,Gamblefollowed intheirfootstepsasapropertyinvestor. “Ihadnobusinessdoingit,”he says.“Ididn’tactuallyknowwhatI wasdoing.ButIleftuniversityrelativelywealthyonpaper,certainlyby thestandardsIhadthen.”

Atthatpoint,heheadedoffto Ireland,wherehehadspentaportion ofhischildhood,tohavehisOEand workasalawyer.

“WhenIcamebacktoNewZealandat30,Iwasatzerobecausethose propertiesweresofarunderwater.

“Ihadworkedincrediblyhard throughmytwenties,andI’dbeen wellpaid.AllthemoneyI’dearnedin Ireland,andinMaltaandother places,allofitwaswipedout.”

Somepeopledomakealotof

MattNippert

TheWaipareiraTrusthassuccessfully arguedthattheCharitiesRegistration Boardissuedanillegalnoticekickstartingtheprocessofderegistration, buthasfailedinitsbidtoquashthe noticeandrestarttheadministrative processfromscratch. AjudicialreviewheardintheHigh CourtatWellingtoninMayhingedon complaintsfromWaipareirathatthe CharitiesRegistrationBoard(CRB) wasimproperlyconstitutedwhenin September2024itsignalleditsintentiontoderegistertheWestAuckland socialservicescharity. Thatnoticehadfollowedasix-year periodoftensionsbetweencharity regulatorsandWaipareiraover hundredsofthousandsofdollarsof politicaldonationsmadebythecharitytoitschiefexecutiveJohn Tamihere’sAucklandmayoraland generalelectioncampaignswithTe Pa¯tiMa¯ori. RegulatorCharitiesServiceshave longmaintainedcharitiesarenotallowedtodonatetoorendorsepoliticalpartiesorcandidates.

TherulingbyJusticeLisaPreston, issuedlastweek,avoideddelvinginto thesubstanceunderlyingthedispute. “Theintendeddecisionnotified theintentiontoremoveWaipareira fromtheregisterongroundswhichit isnotnecessaryforpresentpurposes

moneyoutofpropertyinvestment, “butitisagamethatburnsalotof peoplealongtheway”,hesays.

“Andthosestoriesaren’ttalked aboutmuch.”

Inpart,Gamblewascaughtby timing,beinghitbytheGlobalFinancialCrisis.

Buttherewereotherissues,he admits.

“OneoftheplacesI’dbought,a gangmovedin,aclose-byschoolshut down.Thesearetherisks.”

Itwentfrombeingadesirablearea foryoungfamiliestoonewherethe familiesallleft,hesays. Priceswentdown.

“Ifyoureadabookonpropertyinvestment,thisisthefirstthingthey’ll tellyou.

“Butwhenyou’reyoung,orjusta bitnaive,youjustthinkpropertyonly goesoneway,”hesays.

“It’sdefinitelynotaone-waybet. Youcanlosemoneyonproperty,and ...youandthebankisnotyour friendwhenthingsarenotgoingwell.

“Whenyou’reborrowing,they’re verykeentolend.Andthenwhenyou fallbelowanLVR[loan-to-valueratio] threshold,you’redealingwithvery differentpeople”.

Whatpotentialpropertyinvestors needtobeawareofishowinvolvedin thepropertyyouneedtobe,hesays.

“ThemistakethatImade,the

thingthatreallyburnedme,was whenIwenttoIreland,Ibasicallyjust leftthemwithapropertymanager andthoughtitwouldallbefine.Rent cameinandbillswentout.

“ButwhatIdidn’trealisewasall thisotherstuffhappeningaroundthe propertiesthatwasdrivingtheir valuedown.Iwasn’tseeingtheNew Zealandmarket.”

Thesedays,it’sGamble’sjob— leadingPerpetualGuardian—tomanagefamilyinvestmentsandwealth longterm,althoughhedoesn’tspecificallyhandletheinvestingside.

PerpetualGuardian’sprimaryrole istolookafterpeople’sinterests whenthey’renolongerabletolook afterthemselves,hesays.

“That’sstillathing,”Gamblesays. Theideaisthatyoutrytostreamlineyourdays;yougetridoftimewastingthingslikelongmeetingsand muckingaboutonyourphone,he says.

becausetheycan’tleaveworkandlog intwohourslater.”

Outsideofhisownworkhours, Gamblehastakenontheimportant roleashonoraryconsulforUkrainein NewZealand.

“Iwouldobviouslyadvocatethat wecouldbeandshouldbedoing more.Ithinkit’sverymuchinourselfinterest.IthinkUkraineisanabsolute horrendousprecedentforacountry asisolatedasNewZealand.”

torecord,saveastonoteIamtold Waipareirastronglydisputesthebasis fortheintendeddecision,”Justice Prestonsaid. Therewerethreemembersofthe CRBatthetimethenoticewasissued, butthecourtheardParliamenthad amendedtheCharitiesActinJuly 2023andincreaseditsmembership fromthreetofive. ByDecember2024voluntarysectorministerLouiseUpston announcedRogerMillerandTarita HutchisonhadjoinedtheCRB’sthree existingmembers,finallymakinga legalquorum. JonathanOrpin-Dowell,actingfor Waipareira,saidtherewasnoreason tolookbeyondtheplainmeaningof theCharitiesActamendmentswhich requiredtheboardtohavefivemembersanddidnotspecifytheMinister ofInternalAffairswasalloweddiscretioninhavingfewer. AndrewButlerKC,actingforthe CRB,arguedthe2023generalelectionhaddelayedaddingtotheboard topreservetherightsofanincoming governmenttomakeappointments, andinanyeventtheissuingofthe noticeofintentwouldbefollowedby anupcominghearingbytheCRB whereWaipareiracouldfurtherargue itscase.

HiswifeisfromtheeastofUkraine andhasbeeninNewZealandfor17 years,buthisbrother-in-lawhasbeen draftedandisfighting.

InNewZealand,itiseasytoforget howmuchwerelyontheinternationalrules-basedorderforabsolutelyeverythinginourlives,hesays.

Thefocusthatwehaveistryingtoallowpeopleto havetheflexibilityintheirjob;tostilllivetheirlives andnotbestuckhavingtogetababysitterin becausetheycan’tleaveworkandlogintwohours later.

PatrickGamble,PerpetualGuardianchiefexecutive

Propertyisn’tsomethingthatyou canjustputasubstantialchunkoflife savingsintoandthenjustforgetabout itinthewaythatyoucanKiwiSaveror amanagedfund,hesays.

“Youhavetoactivelybeaproperty manageroralandlord.You’vegotto treatitlikeajob.Andmostpeople don’thavethetimeforthat.

“Ifyouarefullycommittedtoit, sure,therearelotsofpeoplewhostill managetomakemoney.Butthereare betterinvestmentsforpeoplewho don’thavethetime.”

“That’sourfundamentaljobasa fiduciaryandasatrustee.Soifthey’ve passedawayandtheyleftthingsbehindtheminanysortofdifficulty,we canstepin.

“Butwealsohelppeoplegrow theirmoneythroughouttheirlives. Weinvestinpeople.Werunalotof funds.Werunfinancialinvestments forpeopleoutsideofourfundgroup aswell.”

PerpetualGuardianmadeglobal headlinesin2019whenowner AndrewBarnesdecidedtolaunchthe four-dayworkingweekpolicy.

“Youtryandgetallyourwork doneinfourdaysthatyouwould’ve doneinfive.Andthenyoutakethe fifthdayoff.Soit’snotanideathatyou aredoing80%ofthework.It’sthe ideayou’redoing100%ofthework, you’rejustdoingitin80%ofthe time.”

ButsinceCovidandtheriseofremoteworking,thecompanyalso offerspeoplethechoiceofworking fivedayswiththreeintheofficeand twoathome.

“WhatCovidshowedusis,foralot ofpeople,particularlyinofficework, youcanworkfromhome,”hesays.

“Youstillcanbeefficient.Youcan monitoryourstaff,youcanmakesure thatitdoesn’tallfallapart.”

Inallthebigcentres,thatis increasinglythepreferredoption,he says.

“Youknow,ifyou’reinAuckland andyou’vegottadrive45minutesto work,it’sjustbettertohavetwodays nothavingtodothat.

“Thefocusthatwehaveistryingto allowpeopletohavetheflexibilityin theirjob;tostilllivetheirlivesandnot bestuckhavingtogetababysitterin

“Whenthewarstarted,itwasvery personalforus,”hesays.

Gamblesayshewasontheperipheryofworkhiswifewasdoing,but whentheambassador,basedinCanberra,wantedtoappointanhonorary consul,hesteppedup.

“TheywantedaNewZealander becausetheirmainfocusistryingto createlinksbetweentheirGovernmentandtheNewZealandGovernment,theirbusinessesandNewZealandbusinesses.”

Thegoalistotrytomaintainmedia coverage,politicalcoverage,and keepthewarinthepublicconsciousness,hesays.

“It’snotahardsell.TheNewZealandGovernment—bothsidesofthe House—havebeenvery,verysupportive.

“NewZealandhasmadeeconomic contributions,it’smadehumanitariancontributions,ithasmadesome militarycontributionsthroughtraining,”hesays.

“Fromfuelthatrunsourtrucksto harvestourfood,everythinginour worldreliesonthefactthatyoucan shipgoodsorflygoodsintoNewZealandunmolested.Ifweletthatrulesbasedorderfracture,NewZealandis inaverydifficultposition.” Threeyearsin,theUkrainianconflicthasbecomeawarofattrition, Gamblesays.

“That’sverymuchbydesignfrom theRussianperspective,because they’remuchhappiertaking casualtiesthantheUkrainiansare. Therehaven’tbeenthewinsthatthey enjoyedinthefirstfewmonths. Thingsbecomestatic.

“Thenatthesametime,you’ve hadotherconflictsaroundtheworld. Thereisonlysomuchintheattention span. “Sothatispartofthework[asconsul]–tomakesurethattheright people,whocaninfluencechange anddecisionmaking,arestilltalking aboutit.

Anti-corruptionforceto teamwithGovtagencies

ButJusticePrestondeclined Waipareira’sapplicationtoquashthe notice. “IconcludetherewillbeasufficientopportunityforWaipareirato challengetheintendeddecisionon themerits,beforeaproperly constitutedboard.”

EveniftheCRBdecidedto deregisterfollowingitsownhearing, Waipareiracouldthenalsoappealto theTaxationandCharitiesReview Authority. RequestsforcommentontherulingsenttotheCRBandTamihere werenotimmediatelyanswered. CharitieslawyerSueBarkersaid readingtherulingwasareal“wow” moment.

Theshort-staffedCRBhaddrawn somecommentamongcharitylaw practitionerswhennewlegislation waspassed.

“Iwonderedatthetime,whatdoes thismean?Ifthelawsaysyou’vegotto havefivemembers,you’vegottohave five.”

Barkersaiddespitewinningon thisnarrowpointoflaw,Waipareira appearedtohavegainedlittlefrom theexercise.

“Ultimately,it’sapyrrhicvictory. Allitreallydoesisdelayandcausea lotofcosttocharitableandtaxpayer funds.”

JusticePrestonagreeddecisions madebyathree-personCRBafterthe lawchangeswereillegal:“Iconclude theintendeddecisionisinvalidas ultravirestheact.”

JohnWeekes

Insiderthreats,foreigninterference andAI-enabledfraudareamongthe targetsofanewanti-corruption taskforce. Themovecomesafterexperts warnedtheGovernmentofrisingcorruptionrisksandNewZealandslippingdownglobalanti-corruption rankings. Theinitiativewasunveiledin AucklandyesterdaybytheSerious FraudOffice(SFO)withPoliceMinisterMarkMitchell.

TheSFOhaspreviously highlightedcombatingcorruptionof publicofficialsasoneofitsfocus areas. Ithasalsoidentifiedforeignbriberyofpublicofficialsasakeyconcern. SFOchiefexecutiveKarenChang saidthenewtaskforcewouldbuildintelligencetocombat“insiderthreats, foreigninterferenceandAI-enabled fraud”.

Thetaskforceunveilingcomes afterexpertswarnedtheGovernment aboutcompromisedpoliceofficers, immigrationofficials,andprivatesectoremployeesinportsandairports. CabinetministerCaseyCostello establishedanexpertgroupinFebruarytoadvisehowGovernment agenciescouldworkbettertocombat

organisedcrime.Thegroup’sfirstreportsaidNewZealandwas“losingthe fight”againstorganisedcrimeand urgedtheGovernmenttotakebold steps.Thesecondreport,releasedin May,focusedonstoppingmoney flowstoorganisedcrimegroups. Thepanelcalledforthebanningof cryptocurrencyATMsandcashwages in“high-risk”industries. TheGovernmentannouncedlast weekthatcryptocurrencyATMs wouldbebanned. TheSFOsaiditwouldworkwith sixagenciesonthetaskforce:Inland Revenue,ACC,Corrections,theMinistryofSocialDevelopment,LandInformationNZandSportNZ. Inthe2021Corruption PerceptionsIndex,NewZealand rankedfirst-equalwithDenmarkand Finland. Bythisyear,ithadslippedto fourthplace,behindDenmark, FinlandandSingapore.TheSFOsaid itwouldleadthenewtaskforceand usespecialistcounter-fraudandenforcementexpertise. PoliceCommissionerRichard Chamberssaidthetaskforceshould helplawenforcementtoidentifyrisks early. PublicServiceMinisterJudithCollinssaidtheGovernmentintendedto maintainNewZealand’sreputationas oneoftheleastcorruptcountries.

Goldstandard—orjustprettystandard?

ReserveBank’s employee benefitsunder thespotlight

KateMacNamara

TheReserveBank’semployeeperks soundedprettycushylastweekwhen theTaxpayer’sUnionpaintedthe placeasa“wellnessretreat”.

Thepublicsectororganisation offersemployeesscopetoworkfrom home,an$800contributiontosettingupahomeoffice,a$500-a-year wellnessallowance,fiveweeks’ annualleaveandtheabilitytobuyan additionalthreeweeks.Butthefattest plumisseemingly15days’wellness leaveayear. Butthosewellnessdays,which appeartotakethetotalbaseleaveto anextraordinaryeightweeks,aren’t asfabulousastheyfirstappear. Likeasmallcohortofemployers whofavourthelanguageof “wellness”and“wellbeing”,theReserveBank(RBNZ)rolleditsstatutory requirementforsickleaveinto wellnessleaveinmid-2021—achange thatwasconcurrentwiththedoublingoftheminimumsickleave entitlementfromfiveto10days. Sothebankoffersanadditional fivedaysforwellness(orsickness)but beyondthesemantics,thereisn’t muchdifferenceinhowtheleavecan beused:EmploymentNZnotesa widerangeoflegitimateusesforsick leave,including“stress”.

It’sdifficulttogetanexactreadon justhowcommon(oruncommon)an extrafivedays’wellnessorsickness leaveare,butthere’sanindicationin workdonebytheremunerationadvisoryfirmStrategicPay.

Itslatestsurveyfound40%ofNew Zealandemployersprovidefive weeks’annualleavefor“atleastsome staff”and18%offermorethanthe legallyrequired10days’sickleave.

Ofthoseofferingextrasickleave, roughlythree-quartersareinthepublicsectorandtheremainderareinthe privatesector.Theextenttowhich theyaugmentthebasicrequirement isnotclear.

WhatisclearisthatRBNZem-

ployeestend,onaverage,totreat theirwellnessdaysasleavetobeused ifneeded(albeitwithingenerous guidelines),ratherthanaleaveprovisiontobefullyexhausted.

AnRBNZspokeswomantoldthe Herald stafftookanaverage7.42days ofwellnessleaveinthelastfiscalyear —halftheirentitlement.

“Wellnessleavereplacedsick leavetoencourageourpeopletotake personalresponsibilityforstaying physically,emotionallyandpsychologicallyhealthy,”shesaid.

“Whilesickleavewasreactive, providingtimeofftorecoverfromillnessorinjury,wellnessleave

providesbothproactiveandreactive support.

“Itgivesemployeestheopportunitytotaketimeawayfromworkto maintaintheiroverallwellness,helpingtopreventillnessinthefirst place.”

Bycomparison,accordingtoa BusinessNZ-SouthernCrossHealth Societysurvey,Kiwistookanaverage of5.5daysofsickleavein2022.

TheRBNZalsomakesa4%contributiontoemployees’KiwiSaver accountswheretheemployeecontributes4%ormore.

CathyHendry,managingdirector ofStrategicPay,describedthispro-

NicolaWillishas movedtoreinin theRBNZ's budget,starting thisyear.

fivedays’annualleave,whileRBNZ employeescanbuyanadditional threeweeks’annualleave(atacostof 2%oftheirsalaryperweek).

TheFMAoffersnowork-fromhomeset-upallowanceandno wellnessallowanceorleave.

However,itdoesprovidepermanentemployeeswithahealthandlife insurancepackage.

Onatightened budget,the RBNZis preparingtocut staffandmay reininbenefits. Photos/Mark

visionasbetterthanaverage,butnot highlyunusual.

Hendryalsosaidthat,foritsfinancialandhighlynumericaljobs,theReserveBanklikelycompeteswithfinancialservicesintheprivatesector, whichalmostundoubtedlypayhigher salaries.

Privatesectorentitiesthemselves, suchasANZbank,declinedtoprovidethe Herald withspecificdetails abouttheirbenefitspolicies.

“Wherepublicorganisationscan compete[withtheprivatesector]is oftenonworkplaceculture,flexibility andbenefits,”Hendrysaid.

TheRBNZoffersaroughlysimilar

setofbenefitstothoseoftheconduct regulatorforthefinancialmarkets, theFinancialMarketsAuthority (FMA),anIndependentCrownEntity which,alongsideTreasury,often competesforstaffwiththeRBNZ.

TheFMAprovidesemployeesfive weeks’leave,includingfivedaysof officeshutdownovertheChristmas period.Inaddition,staffreceive:an additionalfivedays’annual“loyalty leave”afterthreeyearsofemployment;aday’sleaveayeartovolunteer theirtime;andanextradayofleaveat Matariki(inadditiontothepublicholiday). FMAemployeescanbuyanextra

Aspokeswomansaiditwas“not possible”toprovidethevalueofthe benefitperemployee:“Thisisbecausethepremium(valuetothestaff member)differspendingage,gender, salaryetc.Therearealsocommercial sensitivitieslimitingwhatwecandisclose,giventhiswasnegotiatedwith ourinsurancebroker—Aon.”

Shesaidthebenefitdoesnotextendtoemployees’spousesordependentchildren,butthatthiscanbe addedattheemployees’expense.

TheFMAcontributes4%toemployees’KiwiSaveraccountswhen theemployeecontributes3%or more.

WithinthePublicService,thecore departmentsandministriesofgovernment,thepolicysince2009has beenthatmaximumleaveprovisions acrossindividualandcollectiveemploymentagreementsshouldnotexceedfiveweeks(25days). Asof2022,75%offulltimeequivalent(FTE)employeesfall withinthismaximum.However,PublicServiceCommissionanalysisfrom 2023indicatesthatthemajorityofthe remainderofemployeesare grandfatheredonleaveprovisions

thataremoregenerous. Treasuryprovidesfiveweeks’ annualleaveandemployeeshavethe optiontobuyadditionalleave,subjecttoapprovalandthe“business needs”ofthedepartment. Treasuryprovidesonlystatutory sickleaveandnowellnessleave,butit doesgivepermanentemployeesa “wellbeingassistanceallowance”of upto$500peryear. Aspokesmansaidthiscanbeused for“gymmemberships,classesprovidingregularphysicalactivity, working-from-homeequipmentand similaractivities”. Employercontributionsto KiwiSaverare3%. ThenumberofstaffattheRBNZ exploded—alongwithsomeexpansionoftheorganisation’sremit—from 255FTEsinmid-2018toacurrent625 FTEs.Butthatnumberisunderreview. TheRBNZ’slatestfundingagreement,signedwiththeGovernment, providesanoperatingbudgetof$155 millioninthecurrentfiscalyear,fallingto$145mthefollowingyear(with somelimitedscopetocarryover underspends)—theagreement providesanaverage$150mayear overthenextfiveyears. That’saheavyreductionfromrecentyears—operatingexpensesatthe bankballoonedto$200minthelast fiscalyear,accordingtoFinanceMinisterNicolaWillis,andthebank’s annualreportshowsoperating expenseswere$182mtheprevious year. Thetugofwarbetweenprevious RBNZGovernorAdrianOrrandthe GovernmentoverfundingledtoOrr’s resignationearlierthisyear,accordingtothebank.

TheRBNZspokeswomansaidthe organisationhasalreadyreviewed bothitsexecutiveleadershipteam anditsleadershipteamandisnow movingtoareviewoftheoverallbank structureandstaffing. Twodeputygovernorsresigned followingOrr’sdepartureandwere notreplaced,andtheleadershipteam hasreducedbyeightpositionsto20. “Thisphaseincludesaformalconsultationwiththewiderorganisation. Atthistime,nofinaldecisionsregardingstaffingnumbershavebeenconfirmed,”thespokeswomansaid. Shealsosaidthatnodecisions havebeenmaderelatingtoanypotentialchangestoemployeebenefits.

ReDefinedWellbeingHub:BoutiqueWellnesswithNationalMomentum

reimaginedwhatitmeanstomove,recoverandfeel good—andtheresultsspeakforthemselves.

WinnerofbothIndependentFitnessFacilityofthe YearandSupremeFacilityoftheYearatthe2023 EXNZAwards,ReDefinedismorethanagym.It’s apurpose-led,high-performingwellnessbusiness designedforscale.Now,it’savailableasafranchise opportunityacrossAotearoa.

CombiningReformerPilates,functionalfitness, yoga,recovery,mindsetandmoreunderoneroof, ReDefinedoffersaholistic,studio-basedmodelthat respondstothegrowingdemandforintegrated health.Withflexiblestudiofootprintsandmultiple incomestreams,thebusinesshasbeenbuiltto deliverbothstrongcommunityoutcomesand commercialsuccess.

AttheheartofReDefined’smodelisawelldevelopedstudioecosystemthatbringstogether

keypillarsofwellbeinginasingle,cohesiveformat. Memberscanaccessover200weeklyclasses, includingReformerPilates,strength,yogaand mobility,pluson-demandcontentviaadigital platform.Dependingonthestudiosizeandlocation,

sitesmayalsoincludesaunas,icebaths,and compressiontherapy,aswellasintegratedaccess tophysiotherapy,nutritionservices,massage,and mentalhealthsupport.

Eventhesmaller-formatstudiosaredesignedto

includekeyrecoveryandwellnesscomponents, ensuringaconsistentandcompleteexperience acrossdifferentfranchiseterritories.This adaptabilitymeansthebrandcanthriveinawide rangeofcommunities—fromlargerurbanareasto high-growthregionalcentres.

ReDefined’sdesignandstructureallowfranchisees toconnectwithmembersacrossavarietyofneeds andlifestages.Frombeginnersseekingsupport andguidancetoexperiencedathleteslookingfor integratedrecoveryoptions,eachstudiooffers somethingofvaluetoitslocalmarket.

Revenueisgeneratedthroughacombinationof memberships,recoveryservices,retailofferings,and partnershipswithalliedhealthprofessionals.Each studioisalsodesignedwithvisualimpactinmind: high-specfit-outs,strongbranding,andpolished systemsallcontributetoapremium,modern wellnessexperience.

Franchiseterritoriesarenowavailablenationwide, withstudiofootprintstypicallyrangingfrom400 to650sqm+.Investmentguidancesitsbetween $450,000–$600,000includingfullfit-outand equipment.Themodelissuitedtoarangeofowners —fromfitnessprofessionalstoinvestorsand experiencedbusinessoperators—andissupported bycomprehensiveonboarding,marketingassistance andaccesstoadedicatedmentorthroughout launchandgrowth.

“ReDefinedisthekindoffacilityeverycommunity deserves.Offeringthefullsuiteoffitness,health andrecovery,it’samodelgroundedingenuine preventativehealthandholisticwellbeing,”saysLucy HammondfromLINKBusinessBayofPlenty.“The systemsandofferinghavebeencarefullyrefined overtime,andthere’snowaclearopportunityto takethisprovenconceptintonewmarkets.” Withaward-winningcredentials,astrongleadership team,andthesystemsinplacetosupport sustainableexpansion,ReDefinediswellpositioned tohelpmoreNewZealandersmove,recoverand connect—allunderoneroof. Forfranchiseopportunities,contact: LucyHammond LINKBusinessBayofPlenty lucy.hammond@linkbusiness.co.nz 0272783275

14-unitmotelnestledinthepeacefulbeautyof Linkwater,Marlborough.

“Thisismorethanabusiness,”saysDeb.“It’sa lifestyle,ahome,andaninvestmentthatgivesyou bothsecurityandfutureflexibility.It’sthekind ofopportunitythatdoesn’tcomealongoften— especiallyinalocationasspecialasthis.”

Perfectlypositionedjust20kilometresfromPicton and16kilometresfromHavelock,thisopportunity offersthebestofbothworlds:peaceful,small-town livingwithsteadycommercialdemandfromlocal andregionalnetworks.Pre-bookedbycompanies throughtomid-2026,theincomestreamisnot onlysolid—it’sguaranteed.Thisongoingdemand providesthenewownerwithastablefoundation fromdayone,backedbyreliableclientsand consistentoccupancyrates.

Thepropertyincludes14motelunitsheldunder 14separatetitles,adetailthatgivesthisbusiness astrategicedge.“That’swheretherealvaluelies,”

Debexplains.“It’sincrediblyraretofindagoing concernwiththislevelofflexibility.Youcansell individualunitsdownthetrack,redevelopsections oftheproperty,orholdeverythingasisandbenefit fromasteadyreturn.It’saninvestor’sdream.” Thisstructureopensthedoortoarangeoffuture options,whetheryou’relookingtoscale,restructure, orgraduallyunlockcapital.

Eachunitisfullyself-contained,withitsownkitchen andbathroom,offeringprivacyandcomfortfor bothshort-andlong-termguests.Accommodation rangesfromtwo-bedroomandone-bedroomoptions tobackpacker-styleunits,creatingadiversemixthat appealstoabroadclientbase.Theconfiguration supportsefficientoperations,particularlywithgroup bookingsthatfilltheweekdays—leavingweekends

availablefortouristsordowntimeforowneroperators.Thismodelkeepsstaffingrequirements minimal,whilestillallowingroomtoincreaseyield. Thecurrentsetupincludesacomfortablethreebedroomhomeon-site,perfectforownerswhowish toliveandworkontheproperty.Alternatively,the residencecanbetenantedorusedforstaff,offering furtherincomepotential.“It’sabusinessthatadapts toyourlifestyle,”Debsays.“Youcanbehands-on, oryoucanstepbackandbringinmanagement support—itworkseitherway.”

Setagainstthedramaticbackdropofthe MarlboroughSounds,thepropertyissurroundedby nativebush,birdsong,andadventureopportunities. JustmomentsfromtheiconicQueenCharlotte Walk,it’saprimebaseforvisitorsdrawntokayaking, biking,hiking,orsimplyunwindinginoneofNew Zealand’smosttranquilenvironments.

“There’sareasonthisareaisonthemapforboth localandinternationaltravellers,”Debnotes.“It’s beautiful,it’ssafe,anditoffersthatquintessential NewZealandexperiencepeoplearelookingfor.”

Debencouragespotentialbuyerstolookbeyondthe expected:“Turnyourinvestmentintoalandmark, notjustabusiness,”hesays.“Standout—createa destinationthatdefinestheexperience.”

Themotelisarespectedpartofthecommunity,

withareputationforconsistentserviceand well-maintainedfacilities.Withtourismregaining strengthanddemandfornature-basedescapes continuingtogrow,thisbusinessiswellpositioned tothrive.

Whetheryou’relookingforalifestylechange,a strategicinvestment,orabusinesswithroomto evolve,thispropertydeliversoneveryfront. Tolearnmoreorarrangeaconfidential discussion,getintouchwithDebChakraborty atdeb@linkbusiness.co.nzorcall02102760319 —andtakethefirststeptowardsmakingyour Marlboroughdreamareality.

OPINION Bruce

Cotterillisa professional directorand adviserto businessleaders

Lthink.Imagineournew“Slave Commissioner”rockinguptoApple, AdidasorSamsungandthreatening tostopbuyingtheirphonesor runningshoesbecauseoftheir employmentpractices.Howdowe thinkthatwillgo? I’mnotattemptingtobelittlethe importancenorthetragedyattached topeoplewhoareforcedintoworkon unreasonableterms.Ithappensall overtheworld.Thereare9-year-old kidsworkingbrutallylonghoursin horribleconditionsintoomany countriestomentionhere.

Wepurchaseimportedproduct fromsomeofthosecountries.Butdo wereallythinkthatwecanturnupon theirdoorstepandaskthemto changetheirways? Ofcourse,thiscomeshardonthe heelsofaselectsubsetofour politiciansjumpingupanddown aboutIsrael’smistreatmentofpeople inGazaandRussia’sattackson Ukraine.IamyettoseeeitherIsrael’s orRussia’sreactiontoourprotests. Probablybecausetheydidn’ttake notice. Perhapswecouldintroducea tariffonproductsimportedfrom thoseeconomieswhodon’tabideby ouranti-slaverypolicies?Ofcourse,

noonewouldtakenoticeofthat either.ThereasontheUScan introducetariffsisbecausetheworld caresaboutwhattheythink.They’re theworld’sbiggestcustomerandthey havethebiggestdefenceforce.But us?Getreal.

InaradiointerviewonNewstalk ZBthisweek,Belichsuggestedthatif appointed,thenewcommissioner willnotfocushisorhereffortson smallbusiness.Onlythosewith revenuesofover$50millionayear willbetargeted.

Excuseme?Firstly,myhazy recollectionofNewZealand’sissues withslaveryandlabourexploitation suggeststhattheproblemshavebeen detectedinsmallbusinesses.One casethatIrecallinvolvedworkers doingdomesticandorchardingwork. Anotherhigher-profilecaseinvolved anAucklandrestaurantandmigrant workersfromIndia.Yetanothersaw aninvestigationintoabowlingalley. Let’sbeclear,thesearesmall businesseswithrevenues substantiallylessthan$50million.

Secondly,thereareplentyof privatelyownedbusinesseswith perfectlygoodrecruitmentand employmentrecords,withno historicalexamplesoreven suspicionsofanythingresembling slaveryorlabourexploitation,and withturnoversof$50millionor more.Andhereisasuggestionthat, notcontentwiththetimewastedin thosebusinessesrespondingtoantimoneylaunderingrequirements, healthandsafetystupidity, environmentalnonsenseandclimate reporting,wearenowgoingtoask themtobowtotheneedsofaslavery commissioner!

Duringtheradiointerview,Belich admittedthatshehadnoideaofhow bigaproblemslaveryisinNew Zealand.Elsewhere,Inoticedthatan accompanyingstatementsaidthe proposedpolicywasaresponsetoa WorldVisioninitiativeurgingustodo something.

Andsothetruthcomesout.The proposaltoappointananti-slavery commissionerisyetanothersoptoan overseasorganisationthatwantsto tellushowtoliveourlives.

Deepdown,NewZealandersare goodpeople.

toourtroubledlittleeconomy. NewZealandhasawholelotof challengesthatI’dliketoseeour electedrepresentativesfocusingon. Atthetopofthatlististhis:stop wastingmoney. Atalllevelsofgovernment, includinglocalgovernment,we continuetopressthecasetospend moremoney.Therecentrates increasestellusthatAuckland’s mayorisoneofthefewwhofocuses heavilyoncosts.Andyetitshouldbe thejobofeverypoliticiantoworkout whatourprioritiesare,andthentell ushowtheycandomorewithless.

Butno,projectsrunovertimeand budgetsareblown.Annualforecasts allowforincreasinglyeyewatering sumsofmoneyforwhatshouldbe relativelysimpleandstraightforward services.

Whenyou’rebroke,youhaveto focusonthethingsthatreallymatter. That’swheretheattentiongoes.And that’swherethefundinggoes.In Governmentterms,we’renotreally broke,butwe’renotexactlyflush either.TheGreenswilltellusthatwe canborrowmoremoneyandstill havelessdebtthanothernations.But they’reoverlookingthefactthatour lowproductivityenvironmentmakes borrowingaloteasierthanpayingit back.Andourinterestbillisalready ourfourthbiggestcost.We’dbe foolishtoallowittogoanyhigher unlessthatdebtsupportedincreased income,greaterproductivityorboth.

It’snosecretthatourproblemsare plenty.Theusualsuspects,Health andEducation,seemwell-fundedbut poorlyresourced.Whatdoesthat mean?Itmeansthere’splentyof moneyallocated,butnotenoughofit landsatthecoalface.

tointernationally,wewoulddowell torememberthefollowing.The countrythatcandomosttohelp thoselessadvantaged,including victimsofwar,famineandyes,even slavery,arethosecountrieswith strongeconomies. Beforewestarttellingtherestof theworldhowtobehave,weneedto buildaneconomythatcanaffordto offerhelp,ratherthanjustcheaply throwingwordsaroundtellingothers howtolivetheirlives.

Asitturnsout,wedohaveroom foranewcommissioner.I’dliketo thinkwecouldappointa commissionerwhowouldmakeareal andsubstantivedifferencetoNew Zealand.Firstlyadifferencetothe outcomesforourpeoplebutalsoa differencetoourinternational standing.Fixingthisonewouldgive usgreaterlicencetotellothershowto behave.Currently,thatlicenceis weakenedbecauseofourown inadequacy.

Youcouldcallthatpersonthe CommissionerforourGreatest Embarrassment.But,inreality,they wouldbeaCommissionerforChild Safety.Inotherwords,somethingor someonethatprovidesamassive focusonpreventingusfromkilling ourkids.

Butlet’snotunderestimatethe costoftakingourargumentstothe world.

Wedon’tlikethethoughtoflabour exploitationanymorethanother decenthumanbeings.Butwecan standonourprinciplesalldaylong.It doesn’tmeanthoseinloftypositions ofpowerelsewherewilltakeany notice.

MBIEwitha30-strongstaffcostingus millions.

Thelasttimeweappointeda commissioner,itwastooverseethe costofgroceries.Fromthemoment hewasappointed,thiswriterhas beenhighlyscepticalofanybenefitat allbeingdeliveredtotheaverageNew Zealandhouseholdasaresult.But thereheis,sittinginanofficewithin

Andthisonewouldbeno different. Thenthereisthefactthatwehave averygoodpoliceforce.Isitnottheir jobtosniffoutcriminalbehaviour, includinganythingtodowithlabour exploitationorslavery?NewZealand currentlycriminalisesslaveryand traffickingunderexistinglegislation. Thatlegislationshouldbeenoughfor thepolicetoactwherenecessary.If it’snot,let’supgradethelegislation insteadofcreatinganother governmentoffice.

Thereissomethingsadlylackingin NewZealandpoliticalcirclesat present.It’scalledcommonsense. Weseemtobedamnkeentojumpon boardanybandwagon,cause,or worse,gravytrain,thatpopsup withoutanylogicalthoughtaboutour priorities,potentialoutcomes,or financialcost. I’dliketosuggestthatour politicianswouldbebettertofocuson thethingsthatcanmakeadifference

Elsewhere,ourinfrastructure deficitismassiveandweneed differentthinkingtoworkoutwhatto doabouttheinadequaciesofour power,waterandtransport infrastructureinparticular.

Thenthereareourpeoplewho can’tlookafterthemselvesandthose whocan’tcopeintoday’ssociety.Not lookingafterthosepeopleproperly leadstodownstreameffects, includingincreasingburdensfrom healthandcrime.

Rightnow,NewZealandisnot doingwellenoughonanyofthese measures.

Ifwewanttoaspiretobecomea countrythat’srespectedandlistened

Canyoubelievethatwehavea MinistryforChildren,aSocial WellbeingAgency,andministerial portfoliosforChildPoverty,andfor thePreventionofFamilyViolence?I wonderwhatallthatcosts.Andyet hereweare,ranking35thintheOECD forthewellbeingofourchildren. Incasewe’veforgotten,on average,onechilddieseveryfive weeksinNewZealandatthehandsof someoneresponsiblefortheircare. Ofthe127childrenmurdered between2007and2020,threequarterswereundertheageof5. Letthatsinkinforamoment.Then tellmethattheslavetradeinChina, NigeriaorIndiaismoreimportant. I’dliketothinkwehavebigger prioritiesthantheopposition’slatest bill. Ourparentsusedtosay,worry aboutyourownbackyardfirst.That soundslikegreatadvice.

Boss’anti-Uberpostraiseseyebrows

ComComchairmanJohnSmalldefendsLinkedInpostaboutglobalridesharecompany

ChrisKeall

CommerceCommissionchairmanJohnSmallhasdefended socialmediapostsinwhich hecalledforconsumerstoreconsiderusingUberandinsteadrecommendedrivalrideshareservices.

ThecommissionregulatescompetitionandfairtradinglawsinNew ZealandandensuresbusinessescomplywiththeCommerceAct,which prohibitsanti-competitivebehaviour.

SmallcausedastironLinkedIn thisweekwhenhetooktotheplatformtopost“Ifyou’reusingUberin NZ,pleasereconsider”.

Small’spostcontinued:“Boltand DiDiworkinexactlythesamewayas Uber.Theyareapp-basedride-hailing services,setuptocompeteagainst Uber.They’vebeenabletoenterthe marketbecausedriverscan“multihome”byrunningseveralridehailingappsatonce.

“Theguywhotookusacrosstown todayonBoltrunsallthreeapps,so hecanbebookedthroughanyof thesechannels.Igatherthatmost ride-hailingdriversaremulti-homing acrossallthesethreeapps.

“Thismeansyouareunlikelyto waitlongerorgetadifferentcaror driverifyouuseBoltorDidi—fair chanceit’llbeexactlythesameservice.

“Thereasonyoushouldswitchis tobekindtoyourdriver.Theyall preferBoltandDidibecausethetax ratesarelower.

Ubertakes28%ofthefare,against

20%forBoltandDidi. Small’spost,madeonMonday, had475reactionsand59comments byWednesdaymorning.

Manyweighedinwiththeir opinionsonUber’sservice,butafew alsoquestionedwhetherSmall shouldbedissuadingpeoplefrom usingUberandencouragingthemto tryitsrivals.

“Strangethatanindependent chairmanwouldputonebusiness overanother,”commentedWarren VanRooyen,ageneralcounselcurrentlyworkingasFoodstuffsNorth Island’sregulatorycompliancelead, wholatertoldthe Herald hewas postinginapersonalcapacity.

“Exactlymyinitialreaction,”repliedUniversityofOtagoemeritus LawProfessorRexAhdar.

ButSmalltoldthe Herald his LinkedInpostwasintendedtohighlighthowcompetitionworksinpractice—inthiscase,howmulti-homing bydriversenablesnewentrantsto competewithestablishedplatforms.

“Thereferencetofarepercentages wasbasedonpublicinformation.The posthassparkedrobustdiscussion, includinghowcompetitioncanbenefitbothconsumersandworkers.”

AskedbyNZMEwhathewoulddo iftheComCominvestigatedoneofthe threeridesharefirms,Smallresponded,“Icouldjustrecusemyself ifanyonewasconcerned—andIcan seethat.”

SomeLinkedInpostersdefended Small.

GrantFoster,aproductivitytools

teamleaderatXero,posted,“Their [theCommerceCommission’s]jobis toensurehealthyandfaircompetitioninNZ.Thisisinlinewiththatby informingconsumersoftheir options.”

InvestmentadviserEdPorter countered,“Informationisonething, anoutrightrecommendationisquite another.Feelslikeshakyground.”

SoftwaretesterDanielLowesaid, “He[Small]hasincorrectlysaidtax

whenhemeantcommission/service fee.”

Oneseniorbusinessperson,who didnotwanttobenamed,toldthe Herald,“Toavoidanyclaimsofbiasor apparentbias,ajudge,chiefexecutiveorchairpersonshouldnever‘descendintothearena’.

“Oncetheydotheperceptionof biasisraised.Itappearedtomethat thepostatfirstglancewasinappropriateonthisbasis.” VeterancompetitionlawyerAndy MatthewswassympathetictoSmall. “Itisobviouslywithintheambitof thecommissiontopromotecompetition,includingidentifyingcompeting options,andoftentheprosandcons ofdifferentofferings,hetoldthe Herald

“Weoftenseethecommissiontryingtoensurethatconsumersare sufficientlyinformedtomake informedchoices.”

Andveterantelcoandgrocery pricingcampaignerErnieNewman weighedinwith,“Totallyinfavourof JohnSmall’scomments,whichare consistentwithanopenstylehe bringstohisrole.Ourcommissioners haveadifferentstatustoothersenior publicservants.Assuch,theyareentitledtoexpressaview—andthepublicareentitledtoknowwhatmakes themtick.

“IfafewearlierCommerceCommissionchairshadexpressedforthrightviewsatopportunemomentswe mightnothavetrainwrecksinso manykeyconsumermarketstoday.”

Uberdidnotrespondtospecific

questions,includingwhetherithad contactedtheCommerceCommissionwithanyconcernsover Small’spost.(TheboardofcommissionersthatSmallheadsalsoincludes tworepresentativesfromAustralia’s regulator,theACCC.)

Aspokeswomansentthefollowing comment:“AtUber,wewelcome competition—whichmeansmore choicesforKiwistogetfromAtoB, anddriverpartnershavegreaterflexibilityandaccesstoearnacrossmultipleplatforms,ontheirterms.

“IndependentresearchbyPublic FirstfoundUbercontributed$1.5 billiontoNewZealand’seconomylast year.ThisreflectsthevalueKiwis placeontheconvenienceandaccessibilityofrideshareanddelivery services.”

UberwasintheSupremeCourt lastweek,fightingtooverturna2022 CourtofAppealrulingthatclassified fourdriversasemployees.Adecision couldtakemonths.

WhileUber’srivalsletadriver keepmoreofafare,Estonian-owned Boltdoesnothavesurgepricing(orat least,notafteritsNZlaunch)while DiDigivesriderstheoptiontobargain withadrivertogainacheaperfare.

There’sanotherwrinkle.

Beijing-basedDiDiboughtUber’s operationinChina(wheretheUS ride-hailgianthadbeenstruggling)in acomplexdealin2016thatlefteach firmholdingaminoritystakeinthe other.

Inits2024annualreport,Uber listedthevalueofitsminoritystakein DiDiatUS$2.24billion.Theridesharinggiant’sannualresultincluded “a$443millionnetunrealisedgainon ourDidiinvestment”.

Factorco-foundersSimonPohlen andJessicaVenning-Bryancreated Factoralittleoverayearago.

Justoneofthe230passengerson Flight171fromAhmedabadto LondonGatwicksurvivedwhenthe aircraftcrashedontake-offlast month.

Airlineboss saysIndia crashcould makeway forvideo recorders

JohnWeekes

Aglobalairlinegroupleadersays cockpitvideorecordersmightbe morelikelyafterthedeadlyAirIndia crash.

Pilotunionshavegenerally opposedthemoves,citingconcerns aboutprivacyandpotentialmisuse bypublishersandlawyers. InternationalAirTransport Association(Iata)director-general WillieWalshwasaskedaboutthe impactsoftheAirIndiaFlight171 crashatamediaeventinSingapore yesterday.

“Icanunderstand,asaformer pilot,thereluctancethatpilotshave tohavingvideointhecockpit,”Walsh said.

“It’sastrangeenvironmentin whichtowork,particularlynowwith thecockpitdoorbeinglocked,with noaccess,”headded.

“Butonapersonalbasis,Icansee thatthereisastrongargumentnow fortheinclusionofthevideointhe cockpittoassistinaccident investigations.”

Allbutoneofthe230passengers onFlight171fromAhmedabadto LondonGatwickwerekilledinthe June12crash.

Apreliminarycrashreportlast weeksaidacockpitvoicerecording showedonepilotaskinganotherwhy hecutofffuelsupplytotheengines. Thereporthassparkedangerfrom theAirlinePilots’Associationof India,whichsuggestedpilotswere beingblamedprematurelyforthe crash.

“Ourindustryhasalwaysbeen veryopeninsharinginformation.We believethatanyaccidentoranymajor incidentthattakesplaceneedstobe investigatedfullyandreportedsothat everybodycanbenefitfromthe experience,”Walshsaid.

“Andbasedonwhatlittleweknow now,it’squitepossiblethatavideo recordinginadditiontothevoice recordingwouldsignificantlyassist theinvestigatorsinconductingthat investigation.”

TheInternationalFederationof AirLinePilotsAssociations(Ifalpa) hasvoicedconcernaboutrecordings beinginappropriatelyusedbymedia andlitigants.

Inalate2023positionpaper,it saidpre-internetorpre-smartphone viewsofcockpitrecordingshad becomeobsolete.

TheIfalpasaidsomemobile phonesandcomputerscouldsurvive aircraftaccidents,andtherewasno globalstandardforprotectionof cockpitrecordings.

Andonflightrecordersgenerally, theIfalpahassaidnoon-board recordingsshouldbereleasedother thanforaccidentorincident investigations.

AIstart-upFactorsignsfirstAussiecustomer

ChrisKeall

Twopowerindustryinsidershave createdastart-up,Factor,thatusesAI tohelppowercompaniescreatebespokepricingforlargecustomers withcomplexneeds. ChiefexecutiveJessicaVenningBryanandSimonPohlencreatedFactorjustoverayearago. Thefirmhasjustsigneditsfirst customer,ayet-to-be-namedpower companyacrosstheTasman,andisin discussionswithothersaroundNew Zealandandtheworld. Thepipelineisbeingkeptunder wrapsfornowbuthasbeen sufficientlyimpressivetosecure$3 millioninseedfundinginaventure capitalroundledbyIcehouse VenturesandsupportedbyAustralasia’slargestVCfirm,Blackbird,Sir StephenTindall’sK1W1andothers. TheWellington-basedpairsayFactorisdeliveringasuiteoftools—with AIinthemix—thatautomatewhathas

traditionallybeenaclunky, spreadsheet-basedpricingprocess forenergyretailers,distributionnetworksandotherenergytechcompanies.

“SimonandIhavebeenworking togetherforadecade.Wewerepart ofthefoundingteamatFlickElectric,”Venning-Bryansays,namecheckingtheupstartelectricityretailerthatbeganitslifesellingpower atwholesaleratesplusamargin.

FlickwassoldtoZin2018for $46m.Z,inturn,soldFlicktoMeridianinMayfor$70m. “IwasCMO[chiefmarketing officer]thereandSimonwasCTO [chieftechnologyofficer].”

AfterFlickwassoldtoZ,VenningBryanandPohlenlefttohelpscaleup FluxFederation,Meridian’sin-house efforttocreatebillingsoftware(last month,Meridianannouncedplansto cull53jobsfromFluxasitenteredan outsourcingdealwithBritishfirm Kraken).

“Inthecourseofthatwork,wegot

tounderstandthecommercialand industrialsectormoredeeply.We couldseetherewasanopportunity inforecastingandpricing.

“Thecruxoftheproblemisthat whenautility—andthisisglobally true—hastoprovideapricefora commercialcustomer,whichcould beanyonefromanofficebuilding throughtoafactorythroughtoa farm,thosepricesarebespoke.They don’tcomeoffagenericpricebook liketheymightforresidential.

“Sowhathappensistheygotoa backofficepricingteam,whoalmost alwaysuseacombinationofSQL [database]queriesandspreadsheets tocomeupwithaprice.Itcantakea fewdaysorevenafewweeks.”

Andthingsaregettingmorecomplicatedascorporatepowercustomersaddsolarpanelstosomeof theirrooftops,andmaybeinstallEV chargers—andinFonterra’scase, electricmilktruckchargers—–and otherpointsofcomplexityamid greaterelectrification.

WecutourteethinNew Zealand,oneofthe world’smostcomplex energymarkets,with dozensofdistribution networksandno standardisedmeter dataformat.Webuilt Factortohandlethat, andindoingsowebuilt somethingmarketagnostic.

JessicaVenning-Bryan,Factor co-founder

TheriseofAIofferedtheopportunitytoquicklygatherpricingfrom legacysystemswithoutpowercompanieshavingtoripthemout.

“Weinterviewed30utilitiesin15 marketstovalidateourownthinking aboutthatopportunity,”VenningBryansays.

Tooutsiders,comingfromatiny marketmightseemadisadvantage. ButVenning-Bryansaysoffshore utilitiesaregobsmackedbythe lengthsthestart-uphashadtogoto grapplewithNewZealand’smultiplayermarket,whichhas27networks.Theirpitch:iftheycanmakeit workhere,theycanmakeitwork anywhere.

“WecutourteethinNewZealand, oneoftheworld’smostcomplexenergymarkets,withdozensofdistributionnetworksandnostandardisedmeterdataformat.WebuiltFactortohandlethat,andindoingsowe builtsomethingmarket-agnostic. That’swhywe’rereadytoscaleglobally,”Venning-Bryansays.

PohlensaysFactorcouldbesetup usingnaturallanguagequeries, thankstotechnologythatbuildson AmazonWebService’sChronosLLM (largelanguagemodel). Factorhas10staff,mostlyAIexpertsanddatascientists.Thenew fundingwillbeusedinparttoexpand theteam,includingsalesandmarketingroles. IcehouseVentureschiefexecutive RobbiePaulsaysFactor’sabilitytoapplymodernsoftwaredesignandAIto deeplyentrenchedindustryproblemsiswhatdrewhisattention. “Justwhenyouthinksoftwareand AIhaseliminatedallinefficiencies,in walkgreatentrepreneurslikeJessica Venning-BryanandSimonPohlen optimisingacolossalindustrylikeenergy,”Paulsays.

FactorisIcehouse’ssecondearlystageinvestmentannouncedthis week.

Thefirmhasraised$16mtoward itstarget$30mforitsnewSeedFund IV.

“Theyshouldnotbecomeatoolto monitorand/orcheckthejudgment, performanceorabilitywhicha particularpilotdemonstratesorhas demonstratedduringthecourseofa flight.”

TheAustralianAirlinePilots’ Associationvoicedsimilarconcernsa decadeago,sayingfinancialand humancostsofinstallingairborne imagerecorderswouldoutweigh benefits.

India’sDirectorateGeneralofCivil AviationandAircraftAccident InvestigationBureauarecontinuing toinvestigatetheFlight171crash.

Thepreliminaryreportsaid downloadedflightdatacontained about49hoursofflightinformation anddataonsixflights,includingthe crashedone.

Thetake-offweightwaswithin allowablelimitsandnosignificant birdactivitywasseeninoraroundthe flightpath.

Therehasbeenspeculationapilot onFlight171mayhavehadmental healthissues.

“Ontheissueofmentalhealth,this isanissuethat’srelevantto everybodyintheworld.It’snotjust uniquetopilots,”Walshsaid.

“Ourindustryisactuallydoinga lotinthatarea,butobviouslyweneed tocontinuetodoeverythingwecanto ensurethatsafetycontinuestobe enhanced.”

MaryHolm

Thereturnon investmentcan comefrom someoneelse payingoffyour mortgage

Q:Whatareyourthoughts?My dad,anaccountantand78years old,hasbeenalandlordcomingup 55years,andhe’sneveronce talkedaboutcapitalgains.He’s alwaysmaintainedthatthereturn oninvestmentcomesfrom someoneelsepayingoffyour mortgage(orifyouhavetotopit up,it’scompulsorysavings).And in30years,whenthemortgage hasbeenpaidoff,youhavean inflation-adjustedincomeforyour retirement.Idon’tthinkI’ve heardanyoneelsetakethisview, sointerestedtohearwhatyou think.

A:Yourdadhascomeupwiththe perfectwaytoinvestinrental property.Investingisaboutriskand return,andhegreatlyreducestherisk ofpropertyinvestmentinthreeways:

● Hetakesareallylong-term view.

● He’snotcountingonsellingata gaintomakethewholethingworth doing.

● Itseemshedoesn’tputhimself inapositioninwhichhemightbe forcedtosell—perhapsataloss.That canhappenwhenrentalincome doesn’tcoverexpenses,andthe landlordlosesajoborothersourceof incomeandcan’tmakemortgage payments.Andsadly,thattendstobe whenhousepricesarestagnantor falling.Thedreamofrichesturnsinto anightmare.

Inretirement,ifyourfatherfinds thatworryingabouttenantsand maintenanceisadrag,orifhewould liketofreeupmoremoneytospend ongallivantingaroundtheglobe,he alwayshastheoptionofsellinga property.SomehowI’mnotpicturing yourdadasagallivanter,though! Whengoodisnotsogood Q:IamaninvestorinOysterDirect PropertyFund.Twoyearsagothe fundmanagersuspended redemptionsfromthefunddueto marketinfluencesatthetime.

Areyouabletoofferanyclarity onmyrightsasaninvestorandthe fundmanager’sobligationsduring thissuspensionperiod?Istherea timelimittohowlonga redemptionsuspensioncanlast?

Thefundmanagerisproviding regularupdatesastothestatusof thesuspension.Indicationsare thesuspensionwillbeliftedinthe nearfuturebutnofirmdatehas beenproffered.

A:Investinginapropertyfundcan beanothergoodwaytogetinto property.

Thereareseveralupsides.You usuallyinvestincommercial property,whichdiffersmorefrom yourownhomethaninvestingina houseforrent.Andthefundusually investsinarangeofproperties,not justone,soproblemsinonelocation mightbeoffsetbysuccesselsewhere. Also,youdon’thavetorunthe investment.Youjustputinyour money. Onthedownside,circumstances mightchange,anditcanbecomehard togetyourmoneybackout.Or,ifyou dosell,youmaygetalowprice.

Itseemsyou’vehitthedownside.

“Inlate2022,theeconomic environmentshiftedrapidly,with inflation,interestratesandmarket volatilityallrisingsharply,”says OysterPropertyGroup.

“Atthesametime,duetothese marketconditions,thefund experiencedasignificantreduction ofnewinvestmentequityandasurge inredemptionrequests.

“Toprotectthelong-termvalueof thefundforallinvestors,the redemptionfacilitywassuspended.

A:Avalidquestion.Fortunately, theworkisdoneforyou.

Investingisaboutriskandreturn,andyouneedtoknowhowto

Butfirst,somebackground.Most KiwiSaverfeesarepercentages.But someprovidersalsocharge membershiporadministrationfees, whichareafixedamountregardless ofwhetheryourbalanceis$10or$10 million.

“There’sbeenatrendawayfrom membershiporadministrationfeesin recentyears,”saysHartmann. “Thatsaid,aboutathirdof KiwiSaverprovidershaveletusknow someformofflatfeethatthey charge.”

Theeffectofthesefeeswillvary widely,dependingonhowmuchyou haveinyouraccount.If,forexample, yourbalanceis$100,a$36ayear membershipfeewillhavehuge impact.Butifyourbalanceis $100,000ormore,itwon’tmake muchdifference.

Accordingtoinformationgivento sorted.org.nzaboutthesefees:

● Pathfindercharges$2.25a month.

● Koura,NikkoAM,Quaystreet andSuperLifecharge$2.50amonth or$30ayear—whichamountstothe samecharge.

● Aurora,Booster,Generate, KouraandSummercharge$3a monthor$36ayear.

● SuperEasycharges$54ayear.

● Quaystreetaddsthatthere’sno membershipfeeforunder18s,butit alsochargesschemeexpenses estimatedat$5ayear. Alloftheseareinadditionto percentagefeesatvaryinglevels. Howcanyouapplyallthistoyour ownsituation?

Owningrentalpropertynot allaboutthecapitalgains

Thisprovisionisbuiltintothefund’s trustdeedtosupportitduringvolatile economicperiods,suchasthisone, anditwasameasuredandnecessary steptopreserveitsfinancial resilience.”

Whileinvestorscan’tgettheir moneyoutdirectlyfromOyster,the companysaystheycanwithdraw throughonlineplatformSyndex— although,givenmarketconditions,I doubtifyouwouldgetagreatprice.

Oystersaysitwarnedinvestorsa suspensionmighthappeninits productdisclosurestatement(PDS), whichisgiventoallpotential investors,andaddedthatit encouragedinvestorstoseek independentfinancialadvice.

Onyourquestion—isthereatime limitonasuspension?—Oyster replied,“There’snofixedtimelimit— however,anysuspensionmustbe justifiableandinthebestinterestsof allinvestors.”Itaddsthatdecisions onredemptionsareoverseenbythe fund’sindependentsupervisor.

So,isthesuspensionlikelytobe liftedbytheendofthisyear?

“Oysterisreviewingthefund’s positiononanongoingbasiswith focusonopeningthefundtonew equityandreinstatingaredemption facilityassoonasitisprudenttodo so.

“Aseconomicconditionsimprove andinterestratereductionsbeginto takeeffect,Oysterwillprovide investorswithacleartimelinefor thesesteps,”thecompanysays.

Hanginthere! Meanwhile,otherreadersmight notethatanypropertyfund investmentshouldbewithmoney youarehappytotieupforsome years.

Easierwaytogive

Q:Justafollow-uptolastweek’s Q&Aaboutaneasierwaytodonate tocharitabletrusts.Forthosewho

wanttomakedonationsdirectly, andavoidwebsiteportalsorthirdpartywebsiteswhomaytakea percentage,aquickcall requestingthetrust’sbank accountdetailsviaemailorpost works.

Ihaveworkedforsuchatrust withawebsiteportalfor donations(theportalandthebank takeafee).Frequentlywereceived requestsforbankdetailsenabling directcredits,whichwehappily provide.Thisisthenbeneficialfor both,andprovidesanopportunity tobuildarelationshipwiththe trustratherthanjustbeinga donor.

A:Thanksforagoodidea.

KiwiSaverovertermdeposits? Q:IhaveaKiwiSaveraccount.Iam 72yearsoldsocanaccessmy account.

IfIdeposit$50,000intoaterm deposit,Iwillbepayingtaxonthe interestearned.Alsothemoney cannotbeaccesseduntilmaturity. IfIdepositthe$50,000intomy KiwiSaver,Ibelievethereisnotax paid.Iamabletowithdrawthe moneyasrequired.KiwiSaver appearstobethebetteroption. AmImissingsomething?

A:You’remissingafewdetails. KiwiSaveris,indeed,taxed,butyour providertakescareofthat, subtractingthetaxfromyour balance.Andthereturnsyouseeon Sorted’sKiwiSavertoolsareaftertax.

Sowhenyoucompareterm depositandKiwiSaverreturns,you’re righttolookatthedepositreturns aftertaxtoo.

Also,therisklevelofyour KiwiSaverfundisrelevant.Ifyou’rein alow-riskfund,it’sagoodplaceto parkmoneyyoumightwantto withdrawatanytime—givenyou’re over65.Ontheotherhand,ifyou’re inabalanced,growthoraggressive

fund,yourbalancewillsometimesfall afairway.Whileyouwillprobablyget morelong-termgrowth,thesefunds arenotsuitableformoneyyoumight withdrawwithinthenexttwoorthree years. Itcanworkwelltobeinseveral fundsattwoorthreerisklevels,and spreadyourmoneyaccordingtoyour spendingplans.

Feedifferencesshock Q:Irecentlyreceivedanemail fromsorted.org.nzsayingthat sinceKiwiSaverischanging(the Governmentcontributions halving),itwasagoodtimeto checkyourKiwiSaveragainst otherproviders. Iwasshockedatthedifference infeesbetweenproviders,fromas lowas$2000upto$13,000for totalfeesuntilIretire. Beingincrediblyfiscally conservative,Ihadfeltmymoney wassafestinabank-related providerwhereIhadoriginally signedup.Butafterreadingyour book RichEnough?Idecidedto swapmyfund,saving$4000in fees.

Ialsomovedfromabalanced accounttoagrowthaccountasI havecloseto10yearsbeforeIwill beneedingmyKiwiSaver.

Istronglyadviseeveryoneto useSorted’sKiwiSaverFund Findercalculatortocheckfees.I regretbeingsopassiveaboutmy KiwiSaver,andyourbookhelped meunderstandthatthemoneyis reasonablysafe(anyonewhohas seenfinancecompaniescollapse inthepastprobablycan understandmyconcerns).

A:That’sgreatthatyouhavemade thosemoves.Yourfeesavings,plus thecompoundingreturnsonthat extramoney,willadduptosome lovelyretirementtreats!Youwill almostcertainlyalsohaveboosted

yoursavingsbymovingtoahigherriskfund.

However,givenyour“fiscal conservatism”,Ihopeyou’rereadyto cruisethroughtheinevitableupsand downsofyourbalanceinagrowth fund.

Also,asnotedabove,growthfunds arebestformoneyyoudon’tplanto spendfor10ormoreyears.Soyou mightwanttomovetheportion you’relikelytospendinlessthana decadebacktoabalancedfundwith thesameprovider.Andthenmoveit againtoalow-riskfundwhenyou’re twoorthreeyearsawayfrom spendingit.

Butifyouexpectsomeofthe moneytostayinKiwiSaverformore than10years,byallmeansleaveitin growth.Andbebraveabout downturns!Twofurthernotes:

● Whileyourfeetotalsuntil retirementareimpressive,readers whoareyoungerorhavelarger KiwiSaverbalanceswillfindtheirfee totalsconsiderablylarger.It’sreally worthusingtheFundFinderto check.

● Youmentionthehelpfulemail fromsorted.org.nz.IaskedTom Hartmann,personalfinanceleadat TeAraAhungaOra,theRetirement Commission,howtogetthoseemails.

“Wedohaveanentireemail programme,primarilytothosewho havesignedupforanaccounton Sorted,orotherwisehavetoldus they’dlikeustostayintouch,”he says.Youcanspecifyhowyouwould liketobereached,andoptoutatany time.

Howtocomparefees Q:Yourecommendusinga KiwiSaverfundwithlowfees.But manyofthelow-feefundshavean additionalmembershipfee.How doyoujudgeiftheannual membershipfeeimpactsthelongtermadvantageoflowfees?

WhenyouuseSorted’sKiwiSaver FundFindertool,youfillinyourage, accountbalanceandotherdetails. Thetoolthenprojectshowmuchyou mightenduppayinginfeesbythe timeyou’re65,ineachofthefundsat yourrisklevel.Thiscalculation— mentionedintheQ&Aabove—takes intoaccountbothflatandpercentage fees,saysHartmann. YoumayalsowanttouseSorted’s otherKiwiSavertool,SmartInvestor, togetmoreinfoabouteachfund.But thistimeyoudon’tenteryourdetails, sothefeecalculationcan’ttakeinto accountyourbalanceandsoon. Instead,thefees“arebasedonwhat youwouldpayoverayearifyouhad $30,000inthisfund.Thisincludes bothflatfeesformembershipand percentagefees”.

Ifyourbalanceismuchloweror higherthan$30,000,you’llgeta moreaccuratefeecomparisoninthe FundFinder. Myrecommendation:Firstusethe KiwiSaverFundFinder,andfocuson severalproviderschargingthelowest fees.Byclickingoneachfund’sname, yougothroughtotheSmartInvestor pageforthatfund,tolearnaboutthe assetmix,whattheprovidersays aboutthefundandsoon. Youcanalsocompareeachfund’s pastreturnswithotherfundsatthat risklevel.Butdon’ttakemuchnotice ofthis—otherthantoruleoutreally badperformers.Highreturnsinthe pastarenoindicatorofhighreturnsin thefuture. AsHartmannsays,totalfees“can adduptotensofthousands,soit’s reallyimportanttokeepaneyeon fees”.

*MaryHolm,ONZM,isafreelance journalist,aseminarpresenterand abestsellingauthoronpersonal finance.Sheisadirectorof FinancialServicesComplaintsLtd (FSCL)andaformerdirectorofthe FinancialMarketsAuthority.Her opinionsdonotreflecttheposition ofanyorganisationinwhichshe holdsoffice.Mary’sadviceisofa generalnature,andsheisnot responsibleforanylossthatany readermaysufferfromfollowingit. Sendquestionsto mary@maryholm.com.Letters shouldnotexceed200words.We won’tpublishyourname.Please providea(preferablydaytime) phonenumber.Unfortunately, Marycannotanswerallquestions, corresponddirectlywithreaders, orgivefinancialadvice.

Dairyexportershadbeenblocked fromtheCanadianmarket,despite themovebeinginbreachofthe CPTPPtradeagreement. Canadahadcommittedtomaking changestoitsdairyquotas,which woulddeliverupto$157millionto NewZealanddairyexporters,hesaid. NewZealandinitiatedformaldisputesettlementproceedingsoverrestrictedaccesstotheCanadianmarketfordairyexportsundertheCPTPP in2022. AdisputepanelfoundinNewZealand’sfavour;however,Canadafailed tofullycomplywiththepanel’sruling. NewZealandthreatenedfurther actionlastyear,includingtheimpositionofretaliatorytariffsagainst Canadianexporters. “TheGovernmentispleasedthat thisdisputehasnowbeensettled,and NewZealandexportersareguaranteedbetteraccesstotheCanadian market,”McClaysaid. Undertheagreement,Canadahas committedtochangingthewayit administersitsdairyquotasunder CPTPP,includingfasterandmoreefficientaccesstoquotasforNewZealandexporters,reallocationof underusedquotas,andpenaltiesfor importerswhomisusequotas. Lastyear,ActPartytrade spokeswomanDrParmjeetParmar calledthedisputea“betrayalofour friendship”.

ShesaidifCanadacouldnotcomplywiththeCPTPP,itshouldbe “bootedoutofthedeal”.

ExportNZhaswelcomedthedeal, sayingitwillunlockhigherexport valueforKiwibusiness.

ExecutivedirectorJoshTansaid theoutcomewasawinforNewZealanddairyexporters,andawinfor therules-basedtradingsystem.

“It’sessentialthatourtrade agreementsfunctionastheywere agreedto–particularlyinthecurrent globaltradecontext. RNZ

Confidence, cautiongoing head-to-head

Thecomplexinterplaybetweenmarketconfidenceandcautioncontinuestodefinethe currentbusinessenvironment,withfullservicerealestatefirmBayleysnotingan upswinginthevolumeofbusinessescoming tothemarketforsaleandanimprovedlendingenvironmentforprospectivepurchasers.

WilliamCheongandJamesMacmillan, nationaldirectorsatBayleysBusiness,report revivedoptimisminthesectoroverthepast threemonthswithbusinessacquisitionson therise.

“Thelandscapehasstartedtotransform,” saysCheong.“Buyersarereturningtothe tableandlendersareshowingarenewed willingnesstosupporttransactions.

“However,whilethissignalsanupturnin optimismandisleadingtofreshopportunities forthosecontemplatingthepurchaseorsale ofabusinesstoday,it’snotaone-size-fits-all marketlandscape.

“Somebusinessesareatthetopoftheir sectorsandcapitalisingonstrongmarket positions,andothersarebattlingtoremain relevantandviableinanincreasingly competitiveandoftenvolatilemarket.”

Cheongsaysrightacrossthemarket, peoplearelookingforcertaintyandtryingto seethroughthelagbetweentheeasingof monetarypolicyandanimprovementinthe overalleconomy.

terms,andanexpandedrangeoffunding options.

“Thisrenewedeagernessfromlendersis helpingtofueltheuptickinbusinesstransactions,empoweringbuyerstopursueopportunitiesthatmighthavepreviouslyseemed outofreach.

“Thecombinationofrobustbuyerdemand andsupportivelendingconditionsisdriving activitywithintheBayleysBusinessteamfor bothlistedandoff-marketopportunitiesand we’veseensomecompellingdealsdone.

“Recentoff-markettransactionsofnote wereanAustralasianconferenceorganiser businesswhichwassoldtoatradeparty,and anonlinefashionretailbusinesssoldtoan offshoreparty.Wealsohaveacoupleof significantofferingsundercontractinthe manufacturingsector.”

TheReserveBank’srecentOCRholdserves toreinforcethethemeofcautiousoptimism andeventhebigplayersarebeingprudent.

“Althoughcertainestablishedowners possessrobustbalancesheets,manywellresourcedbusinessleadersremaincautiousin thefaceofongoingchallenges,andthey continuetocarefullyassesspotentialrisksand opportunitiesbeforemakingstrategic decisions.

“Butregardlessofmarketfriction,both seasonedentrepreneursandfirst-time investorsarepushingon,recognisingthe currentclimateasawindowofopportunity andeagertocapitaliseonestablishedenterprises.” Financialinstitutionsandprivatelenders haveincreasedtheirappetiteforlending, makingfinancemoreaccessibleandflexible forqualifiedbuyers. Macmillansaysthelastquartersaw improvedapprovalrates,competitiveinterest

Off-marketopportunitiescurrently availablethroughBayleysspantheautomotive,service,importanddistribution,and manufacturingsectorswithsignificant portfolioscomprisingtwotofiveassetsand withenterprisevaluesbetween$350,000and $12million.

Cheongsaysintermsofvendorsentiment andstanceonvalue,there'sbeenanotable shift.

“Whilevendorsofbusinesseswithstrong balancesheetsremainsteadfastintheirprice expectations,thereisanemergingelementof fatigueamongvendorsthathavefaced significanthurdlessincethepandemic.

“Inmanycases,initialresiliencehas evolvedintoapracticalwillingnesstoseea transactiontakeplace,withvendorsshowing greaterflexibilityontermsand,insome instances,price.Thisshiftisresultinginmore businessescomingtothemarketforsale.

“Itisdefinitelyamarketfullofopportunity rightnow.Thecombinationofrobustbuyer demandandsupportivelendingconditions hascreatedadynamicmarketplacewhere dealscanbestructuredefficientlyandwith confidence.

“Ourteamisacrossthelatestmarket insightsandoverseesadiverseportfolioof businessesforsale.Weencouragebuyersand vendorstoengagewithusforaconfidential, no-obligationconversationaboutwaysto leveragetheevolvinglandscape.”

—SuppliedbyBayleys

Underscoredbyanimproving economicbackdropandincreasing demandfortheprovisionof healthcareservices,investorswill soonhavetheopportunitytoenter thedefensivehealthcarerealestate sectorwithaminimuminvestmentof only$10,000.

Establishedin2022asanopenended,unlistedandsector-specific propertyfund,CenturiaNZ HealthcarePropertyFundLtd(the fund)hasamandatetoinvestin strategicallyselectedhealthcarerelatedrealestatesuchasaged-care facilities,privatehospitals,medical centres,generalpracticesurgeries andotherhealthcare-related facilities.

Thefundcurrentlyholdsa portfolioof21geographically-diverse aged-careproperties,allwith 26-yearleasestooneofNew Zealand’sleadingandlargestaged careoperators,HeritageLifecare, providingalong-termincomestream. Built-inrentalgrowthisprovided throughannualCPIrentreviews, cappedat4percent.

CenturiaNZ,formerlyAugusta FundsManagement,isthemanager ofthefundandhasastrong20-year trackrecord.Thewell-established andexperiencedfundmanageris partofCenturiaCapitalGroup,with approximately$A20billionof transtasmanassetsunder managementincludingcommercial, industrial,office,retail,healthcare, agriculturalandself-storage properties.

MarkFrancis,CenturiaNZ’schief

executiveofficerandadirectorofthe fund,saysthefundintendstoreopenforinvestmentlaterthismonth, withinvestorsabletotakeadvantage ofthedownturnthatoccurredinthe propertymarketinrecentyearsby purchasingnewsharesinthefundat 78cpershare,comparedtothe originalofferpriceof$1.

“Thesenewshareswillbenefit froma6.41percentperannum forecastpre-taxcashdistributionfor thefinancialperiodsending31March 2026and31March2027,paidto investorsmonthly.Importantly,the fundisstructuredasaPIEand investorswillalsobenefitfromtax deductionsclaimedbythefund, meaningthatafavourableafter-tax returnisforecastforthesame periods.”

Thefundintendstogrowover timetoprovideexposuretoavariety ofhealthcarerealestate,withall futureinvestmentstobestrategically selectedfortheirabilitytocontinue toincreasediversificationwithinthe healthcarepropertysectorand contributetothereturnto shareholdersandcapitalgrowthof thefund.

ThecurrentportfolioofHeritage Lifecare-operatedproperties throughoutNewZealandis independentlyvaluedat$172million at31March2025.Approximately42 percentofthevalueisweighted towardstheAuckland,Christchurch andDunedinmarkets,withthe remainingpropertieslocated regionally,cateringtolocaldemand wherefuturebedshortagesare

forecasttoemerge.

Theleasesareall“triplenet”, insulatingthefundaslandlordfrom allliabilityinrelationtothecurrent properties,tothemaximumextent permittedbylaw.Thisiswidely consideredtobethemostlandlordfriendlyformoflease.

Francissaysthefund’sproperties provideasought-afterinstitutional gradeinvestmentopportunitywithin thehealthcarerealestatesectorand theyexpectverystronginterestfrom investors.

“Investmentsofthiscalibrewith anattractivetenantcovenant, 26-yeartriplenetlease, geographicallydiverseportfolioand inflation-linkedgrowtharedifficultto findinthecurrentmarket.

“Withthefund’sstronglong-term fundamentals,combinedwiththe improvingeconomicbackdrop,we believeitisanopportunetimeto seekfurtherinvestmentinthefund, layingtheplatformforfurthergrowth anddiversificationinhealthcarerelatedrealestate.”

CenturiaNZhasappointed BayleysRealEstatetomarketthe fundtoinvestors.

MikeHoulker,Bayleys’headof fundsandinvestmentproducts,says thatinvestorscanbenefitfrombotha strongtenantandastrongsector.

“HeritageLifecarehasan orientationtowardstheprovisionof higherlevelsofcarewherehigher marginsareabletobegeneratedand operateinasectorseeingstrongand increasingdemandwithNew Zealand’srapidlyageingpopulation.

“Thesectoralsohasbenefits fromhighlevelsofrecurring Governmentfunding,estimatedat 57percentdirectlyfromthe Governmentandanadditional approximately13percentfunded indirectlyviaresidents’pensions.” Thehealthcaresector, particularlyaged-care,isexpected toseemountingdemandinNew Zealand,saysChrisFarhi,Bayleys’ headofinsights,dataand consulting.

“Theageofentryintoaged-care bedsinNewZealandistypically85 yearsandabove.

“Thegrowthofthisagesegment isexpectedtobeevenmorerapid, withaforecastrisefrom100,000 peoplein2024to500,000in2078, 468percentgrowth.”

“Healthcarepropertybenefits fromlong-termdemographic driversandthefactthathealth expenditureisoftenmandatory.

“Theeconomyitselfisnotthe keydemanddriverforthe healthcaresector.

“Thisisdifferentfrommany othersectorswhicharerelatively moresensitivetofactorssuchas consumerorbusinesssentiment, economicactivityand unemploymentlevels.”

Applicationsforsharescanbe madeviatheProductDisclosure Statementwhichwillbeavailable fromBayleysorbyvisitingcenturia. co.nz/healthcareoncetheoffer opens.

—SuppliedbyBayleys andCenturiaNZ

AllroadsleadingtoTaupo¯’sindustrialcore

TheGeneralIndustrial-zonedlotsinTaupo¯’snewCrownIndustrialPrecinct.

Asdevelopmentpressuresmountin NewZealand’skeylogisticscorridors, anewfreeholdindustrialsubdivision inTaupo¯isemergingasatimely andstrategicalternativeforinvestors andowner-operatorsseekingcosteffectivescaleandlong-termvalue.

Bayleyscommercialandindustrial salesspecialistsLucyBaxterandGary Harwoodaremarketing18General Industrial-zonedlotsinthenew CrownIndustrialPrecinctat204 CrownRdforsalebytender,closing 12noon,WednesdayAugust13.They willnotbesoldprior.

“Leveragingoneofthemost centralandconnectedlocationsin thecountry,freeholdsiteswithinthe newCrownIndustrialPrecinct

benefitfromflatandfullyserviced buildsiteswithcompletedinfrastructure,andtitlesdueimminently,” Harwoodsays.

“Thisturnkeyreadinessmakesthe subdivisionidealforadiversemixof industrialusers,includinglogistics operators,manufacturers,tradebasedbusinesses,andowneroccupiers.”

Taupo¯isincreasinglyrecognised asacommercialanddistributionhub inthecentralNorthIsland,Harwood says.“Itoffersexcellentconnectivity toStateHighways1and5,placing Hamilton,Tauranga,Hawke’sBay, PalmerstonNorthandWellington withinefficientreach.”

Lotsizesintheprecinctrange

OwnapieceofThameshistory

Forthefirsttimeinmorethan75years,a landmarkpropertyat580PollenSt, Thames,isforsale.

Positionedprominentlyintheheartof Thames’historicmainstreet,thebuilding presentsanexceptionalopportunityfor investors,developersandheritage enthusiasts.

Withnoknownheritagerestrictions,the propertyofferssignificantflexibilityfor renovation,repurposingorredevelopment. Thedouble-storeycommercialbuilding standsoutwithitsprimeroadfrontagein thebusyThamesCBD,makingitahighvisibilityassetinasought-afterlocation, saysNAIHarcourtscommercialbroker DaveLane.

Thepropertycurrentlygenerates approximately$65,000ayearthrough threeincomestreams:long-termtenancies toTheReStoreEcoMarketandSnipzHair Salononthegroundfloorandafullyselfcontained,recentlyrefurbishedtwobedroomapartmentabove,whichoperates successfullyasanAirbnb.

Constructedofrobustmaterials, includingdoublebrick,concreteblock, timberframing,anironroofandconcrete andtimberflooring,thebuildinghasbeen wellmaintainedandupdatedovertime. Thesiteoffersampleoff-streetparkingfor around11vehicles,Lanesays. ThepropertysitsonanL-shapedparcel thatopensupanexcitingopportunityfor subdivisionofapproximately200sqm.This optioncouldbeparticularlyvaluabletoa neighbouringpropertyowner,whowould benefitfromrearaccesstotheircurrent tenancies.Conversely,apurchaser intendingtoredeveloptheentiresitewould likelylimitrearaccesstotheadjoining properties,enhancingprivacyandcontrol overthespace.

Ownedformorethansevendecadesby therespectedA.CourtandSonfamily,the propertyisbeingofferedwithinstructions fromthevendorat$1.295millionplusGST (ifany).

Whileitretainsitsheritagecharm,the townisnowavibrantregionalcentrewitha strongretailandcommercialpresence, attractingbothtouristsandlocaltrade. VacancyratesintheCBDareestimatedat lessthan10percent.

—SuppliedbyNAIHarcourts

fromapproximately1500sqmto morethan8000sqm,withselected sitesofferingfrontagetoSH1and CrownRd–Taupo¯’smainindustrial corridor—whileothersgainaccess viaClaretAshDrive.

BaxtersaysGeneralIndustrial zoningcategorisationprovidesflexibilityforabroadspectrumofend users,andwithnofurtherindustrial landanticipatedtobezonedinthe region,CrownIndustrialPrecinct presentsarareopportunitytobuild orbankpremiumlandinaconstrainedmarket.

“Investorsandowner-occupiers haveconsistentlychosenassetsin centrallocationswithfutureupside. CrownIndustrialPrecinctoffersex-

cellentvisibility,reliableinfrastructure,andthebenefitofowning freeholdland–acombinationthat supportsvaluecreationovertime.”

Baxteraddsthattherisein industriallandvaluesacrosskey urbancentresisdrivingawider recalibrationofoccupierandinvestor strategies.“Asmorebusinessesseek todecentraliseorestablishsatellite operationsoutsidecongestedmetro areas,Taupo¯’scentralityand supportivebusinessenvironment positionitasalogicalexpansion point.”

Taupo¯alsobenefitsfromagrowinglabourforce,proximitytoboth coastalportsandinlandmarkets,and alocalcouncilfocusedonenabling

sustainableeconomicdevelopment. Theseattributesreinforcetheprecinct’sappealtoregionalandnational operatorsplanningforgrowth.

“CrownIndustrialPrecinctisboth aresponsetotoday’smarket pressuresandafuture-proofed investmentintomorrow’slogistics andproductionlandscape,”Baxter says.“Whetherlookingtosecurea strategicoperationalbase,establisha regionalfootholdorcapitaliseon risingdemandforcentrallylocated, industriallyzonedland,lotshere deliverscale,connectivityandlongtermvalueinoneofthecountry’s moststrategicallypositioned regions.”

—SuppliedbyBayleys

Stand-aloneofficeinkeylocation

Astand-aloneofficebuildinginthe HamiltonsuburbofTeRapaisbeing presentedtothemarketandwillappeal toinvestorsandowner-occupiers. 58ChurchRd(pictured)has636sqm offloorareaona2477sqmfreeholdsite andincludes29carparks. Thepropertyislocatedneararangeof well-knownbrands.Cafes,restaurants andbarsarealsocloseby. Thereisexcellentconnectivityto arterialroutestoHamilton’sCBDandairport aswellaseasyaccesstomotorwaystoAucklandandTauranga.TheBaseshopping centreisjustover1kmaway. Planning,surveying,andengineering firmCKLtenantstheproperty.IthasathreeyearleaseinplacerunninguntilMarch2026, withonerightofrenewalofthreeyears, leadingtofinalexpiryinFebruary2029. Thepropertyreturns$186,238innet annualrentalincomeandthereareannual CPIreviewsinplace. Stand-aloneofficebuildingsinTeRapa arerarelyfoundandthepropertypresentsa primeinvestmentopportunitygiventhe ongoingdemandforofficespaceinthearea. Alternatively,owner-occupierscouldenjoy thepassiveholdingincomebeforemovingin andsettinguptheirownoperations.

Pracysaysthepropertyshapesasan enticingopportunityforbothinvestors andowner-occupiersgiventhevibrancy ofthesurroundingarea.

ColliersHamiltonbrokersAlanPracy, DavidPalmerandJustinOliveraremarketing thepropertyviadeadlineprivatetreaty, closing3pm,ThursdayAugust7,unlesssold prior.

Thepropertyconsistsofmodernoffice spaceacrosstwolevels,offeringelevated viewstothenorthanda70sqmstorageshed withinternalaccess.

Thestorageshedincludesafully serviced,wheelchair-accessibletoiletand wet-floorshowerarea.Insidethebuilding thereisamixofopen-planandtraditional officespace,withareceptionareaonthe mainlevelandpartitionedofficespaceon eitherside.

Thenorth-facingstaffroomincludesa modernkitchenettefacilityandthereis ranchslideraccesstoanoutdoorcourtyard.

“TeRapaisakeycommercialprecinct inHamilton,hometoanarrayofnational brands,”Pracysays.“Itistippedfor substantialgrowthoverthecoming decadesandtherewillbestrongdemand forspaceasbusinessesflocktothewider area.” HamiltonCityCouncil’sEconomic UpdateandOutlookreport,publishedin December2024,showedHamiltonwasthe fastest-growingcityinNewZealandlastyear, withapopulationincreaseof3.1percent. Businessgrowthincreasedby2.2percentin 2024,aheadofthenationalfigureof1.3per cent. Palmersaysbusinessconfidenceisgraduallyreturningasfinancialheadwindsease. “NewZealandrecordedstronger-thanexpectedGDPgrowthof0.8percentinQ1 andsentimentisliftingasoureconomic recoverycontinues,”Palmersays.

“Businesseswillbestartingtoassesstheir futurerequirementsanddemandforquality officespacesuchasthiswillincreaseas economicconditionsimprove.” —SuppliedbyColliers

MajorOnehungaindustrialsite withplentyofroomtoexpand

Asignificantlandholdingprimedfor redevelopmentinthesought-after industrialstrongholdofOnehungais beingofferedtothemarket.

269,273,and273AChurchStand 19PatrickStspans32,387sqmand, withlowsitecoverageofonly22per centacrossthelandholding,thereis considerablescopetorepositionuse ofthissite.

DualaccessthroughChurchand Patrickstreetssupportsefficient trafficflowandwillbebeneficialfor anyfutureconstruction.

Short-termoccupancyofthemain titleprovidesholdingincomeuntil Marchnextyear,providingflexibility forthenewownerasthey strategicallyplantheirnextsteps.

ThepropertyiszonedBusiness–LightIndustryundertheAuckland UnitaryPlan.Thisdesignationis designedtoenablebusinessesto concentrateongeneratingeconomic activityforthecityandsupportslight

ThelargeOnehungaholdinghassitecoverageofonly22percent.

manufacturing,production,logistics, storage,transportanddistribution activities.

ColliersdirectorsHamishWest, BradJohnstonandGregGoldfinchare marketingthepropertyviadeadline privatetreaty,closing4pm,

WednesdayAugust20,unlesssold prior.

Themainpropertywas constructedinthelate1980sasa specialisedWatercareservicedepot. Mostoftheoriginaloffice improvementshavebeendemo-

lished,leavingalargefunctionalyard area,exceptforatwo-storeyoffice blockandaworkshopalongtherear boundary.

Themainworkshopisan elongated,sprinkleredbuildingthat offersclearspanspacewithastud heightof8mattheknee,risingto 9.6mattheapex.

Gantryrailsrunthefulllength, supportingtwo2-tonneandone 8-tonneSWLgantrycranes.Accessis providedthroughseveralfull-height openingsonthenorthernside,which havecanopyprotection.

Thebalanceofthesiteincludes asphalt-sealedparkingandaheavydutyconcrete-sealedopenyard.A weighbridgeplatformandqueuing lanessitalongthenorthernsideofthe officestructure.

Westsayssitesofthissizeare seldomfoundandthisisoneofthe mostimpressiveblank-canvas developmentopportunitiesthatwill

meettheopenmarketthisyear.

“Thescaleofthepropertymeans buyersofallkindswillhavethe chancetocreateasignificantdevelopmentandtherewillbeappealfor owner-occupierstoacquirethesite fortheirfutureoperations,while developersmaychoosetocreatea large-scaledevelopmentthatwill capitaliseonthedemandforindustrialfloorspaceinOnehunga,”West says.

“Giventhesite’sflatnature,convenientdualaccessandpremier locationthisisanopportunitythat warrantsseriousconsideration.”

Accordingtothelatestresearch fromColliers,industrialvacancy ratesremainnearhistoricallowswith theoverallvacancyfigureforAucklandsittingat2.2percent.Thisdrops to1.5percentforprimespaceinthe Penrose/Onehungahubwherethe siteislocated. —SuppliedbyColliers

Vacantpossession,primelocationinWiri

network,theconnectivityonofferis suretocatchtheeyeofdiscerning buyersgiventheavailableaccessto keytransportandfreightnetworks.

ThepropertyiszonedBusiness–HeavyIndustryundertheAuckland UnitaryPlan.

“Themainwarehousemeasures 1701sqmandhasaversatilemixof studheightsrangingfromapproximately5mto8.5m.Thiscanbe accessedviafiverollerdoors,adding totheoperationalefficiency.

dosoquicklygiventhepropertyis availablewithvacantpossession.

vehiclesandlogisticsoperationsand willappealtoabroadarrayofusers. Availablewithvacantpossession, thenewownercouldacquirethis assetandbegintradingquickly. Onlyminutesfromthemotorway

ColliersdirectorsEdwardWasher, MitchBroderson,GregWatsonand GregGoldfincharemarketingthe propertyviadeadlineprivatetreaty, closing4pm,WednesdayAugust20, unlesssoldprior.

Washersaysthepropertyiswell suitedtoawidevarietyofmanufacturing,storage,anddistribution activitiesduetoitshighlevelsof functionality.

“Thefirst-floorofficespans204sq mandwasfullyrenovatedin2023 andbenefitsfromnewroofing, modernairconditioningandcontemporarystaffandcustomeramenities. Thegroundflooroffersadditional well-maintainedofficespaceand amenitiesalongwithashowroom,” hesays.

Brodersonsaysowner-occupiers, developers,orinvestorsallhavean angletheycouldexploreandtheycan

“Owner-occupiersmaychooseto acquirethisassetfortheirownoperationsandtheywouldbeableto secureafootholdinoneofAuckland’s premierindustriallocations.

“Investorscouldpurchasethis buildingandtenantit—amarket estimatefromCollierssuggests itcouldreturnapproximately $464,000plusGSTinnetannual rentalincome.Therearealso developmentoptionsthatcouldsee theusageofthesiteintensified.”

WatsonsaysWiri’saccesstokey amenitiesandAuckland’stransport networkunderpinitsappeal.“Auck-

landAirportislessthan9kmaway fromtheproperty,whilethemotorwaynetworkcanbequicklyreached. WiriInlandPortisalsoashortdrive awaycreatinghighlevelsofconnectivityforanybusinessbasedatthis location.

“Arangeofwell-knownfirmshave chosentosetuptheiroperationsin Wiriandithasfirmlypositioneditself asoneofthemostsought-afterindustrialhubsinthecity.”

Goldfinchsaysthezoningmeansa broadarrayofbusinessescouldutilisethisproperty.“Thereisconsiderableflexibilityforfuturetenantsor occupiers,”hesays.

—SuppliedbyColliers

Aclearedresidentiallandholdingina well-connectedandpopulouscityfringesuburbpresentsan exceptionalopportunityfor developerstosecurescaleand futurepotentialinamarketwhere developmentfundamentalshave improved,Bayleysbrokerssay.

Comprising4621sqmofland heldinasingletitle,theproperty occupiesagentlyslopingsitewith widestreetfrontage,andfavourable Residential–MixedHousing Suburbanzoning,enablingarange ofmedium-densityresidential outcomes.BayleysDevelopment LandSalesdirectorGeraldRundleis marketingthesiteat69MulganSt, NewWindsor,bytender,closing 4pm,WednesdayAugust7, alongsidecolleagueMikeAdams.It willnotbesoldprior.

“Thisisoneofthelargest undevelopedlandparcelsinthe areaandpresentsarareopeningfor developerstodeliverhousingina provensuburbwithstronggrowth projections,”Rundlesays.

“Locatedonaprominent residentialthoroughfarebetween NewWindsorRdandWhitneyRd, thesiteoffersexcellentaccessto arterialroutesandpublictransport, withproximitytomultipleschooling options,retailhubsandemployment

centresacrosswestandcentral Auckland.” Rundlesaysthesiteenjoysa pleasantelevationandaspect,with viewsoverthesurrounding neighbourhoodtowardthe Waita¯kereRanges.“Withallprevious dwellingsclearedandnoimmediate demolitionrequirements,it’sready forplanninganddevelopment activitytocommence.”

Zoningpermitsamixof detached,duplex,andterrace-style

“Developerinterestisre-

“NewWindsorisridingthe‘ripple effect’ofgrowth,emanatingfrom surroundinghotspotsAvondale, NewLynnandMtRoskill.” —SuppliedbyBayleys

Cornerclassicready fortransformation

AucklandCentral’sMechanixHouse–aprominentcommerciallandmark ononeofthecity’sbusiest intersections–isbeingbroughtto market,offeringarareopportunityto imagine,repurposeorredevelopa high-profilefreeholdcorneratthe beatingheartoftheCBD,Bayleys brokerssay.

BayleysAucklanddirectorJames Wereismarketingthefreehold propertyat124NelsonStbyauction scheduledfor11am,Wednesday August13,unlesssoldprior,alongside colleagueCameronMelhuish.

Weresaysthatwithmassive exposure,dualstreetfrontageanda flexiblezoningupliftcourtesyofPlan Change78,theprominentcity-fringe classicisideallypositionedforanew chapter,whetherasaflagshipoffice, mixed-usedevelopmentorafullscaleurbanregenerationproject.

“Situatedona729sqmlandholdingwithprofiletoUnionSt,a stone’sthrowfromtheinner-city motorwayinterchange,thethreelevelpremisesprovideapproximately 900sqmoflettableareaand12on-site carparks.

“Thepropertyreturnsaround $87,000grossannuallyplusGSTin short-termholdingincomefrom parkingandbillboardleases,and vacantofficepossession,providing immediateflexibilityfor repositioningorredevelopment.”

Wereaddsthatthebuilding, constructedaround1983,featuresa GradeA+seismicassessment(126per centNBS),underliningitscurrent structuralintegrityandpotentialfor adaptivereuse.

“Setbackfromneighbouring buildingswithextensiveglazing,each floorbenefitsfromexcellentnatural lightandcornerexposuretohighvolumetrafficflows,estimatedat morethan10millionvehiclesper year.

“Opportunitiesofthiscalibre, combiningscale,cornerexposure, flexiblezoningprovisionsand significantdevelopmentupside,are tightlyheldintheCBD.Whether repositionedasaboutiquecommercialspaceorredevelopedunder

Reboundinfarmsales:Colliers

fromthecyclicallowsof2024.

MechanixHouse,ononeofAuckland’sbusiestintersectionsat124NelsonSt.

enhancedplanningprovisions,the propertypresentsseveralviable pathwaystounlockpotentialvalue,” hesays.

Business–CityCentrezoning, recentlybolsteredbyPlanChange78, supportsawidevarietyofpermitted activitiesincludingoffice,residential, retail,visitoraccommodationand healthcare.

“Thisfavourablezoningalso enablesunlimitedfloorarearatioand substantiallyincreasedbuilding heights,subjecttoviewshaftsand otheroverlays,inlinewiththecentral government’sdirectivetointensify aroundkeytransportandamenity hubs.

“Thepropertyissuperblylocated betweentwoCityRailLinkstations–uptown’sKaranga-a-Hape,andTe Waihorotiumidtownstation.

“Thisprovidesunparalleled accesstoAuckland’sexpanding publictransportnetwork,whilealso benefitingfromnear-immediate accesstothemotorwaynetwork.

“Thesurroundingprecinct

continuestoexperiencesignificant transformation,drivenbysustained publicandprivateinvestment.”

Hesaysdevelopments,including theCRL,Karangahaperoading improvements,theregenerationof theVictoriaQuarterandwaterfront revitalisationfromCommercialBay toWynyardQuarterhavereshaped thecentralcityintoastrengthening destinationforbusinesses,residents, andanincome-generatingvisitor economy.

“Ahigh-profileaddress,adaptable builtformandadjacencytomajor infrastructureprojectscombineto presentacompellingvalue-add opportunity.

“Weanticipatestronginterest frominstitutional-gradeinvestors andexperienceddevelopersseeking scaleandlong-termupsideina premierCBDlocation,particularlyas globalcapitalcontinuestoseeksafe haveninvestmentinresilient,highgrowthmarketslikeNewZealand,” Weresays. —SuppliedbyBayleys

Asustainedliftinglobalcommodity priceshasprovidedasignificant boosttoNewZealand’srural economy,liftingfarmerconfidence tomulti-yearhighsandfuellinga resurgenceintheagricultural propertymarket. Thelatestdatahighlightsasharp upswinginexportandfarmgate earnings,drivenbyrobust performancesinthedairy, horticultureandmeatsectors. AccordingtoANZ,itsWorld CommodityPriceIndexreached 404.9inMay,surpassedonlytwice thiscentury.Adjustedforexchange rates,theindexpeakedatarecord 353.8inFebruary,withdairyand horticulturepriceseachrising29per centoverthepasttwoyears.

Exportearningsreflectthese gains.StatsNZreportsa17percent increaseintheyeartoMarch2025, ledbya10percentriseindairy incomeand7.2percentinmeat exports.Fonterrahasforecasta recordFarmgateMilkPricemidpoint of$10.00/kgMSforthe2024-25

season,potentiallyinjecting$15 billionintotheeconomy. Zesprialsopostedrecordglobal salesof$5billion,withreturnsto growersexceeding$3billionforthe firsttime. Redmeatexportrevenuesare forecasttoclimbby$1.2billionto $10.2billionin2024-25.Average farmprofitabilityisexpectedtorise to$106,500,upnearly90percenton thepreviousseason. Thiseconomicupswinghasledto anoticeablereboundinfarmer sentiment.Rabobank’slatest quarterlysurveyrecordedthe highestlevelofconfidenceinmore thansevenyears,whileagrowing numberoffarmersnowviewtheir operationsas“easilyviable”. Confidenceinrurallandvaluesis alsostrengthening,withexpectations forpriceincreasesnowoutweighing thoseanticipatingdeclines. Thisrenewedoptimismisflowing intotheruralpropertymarket.Real EstateInstitutedatashowsamarked recoveryinsalesvolumesandvalues

IntheyeartoMay2025,361farms weresold,thehighesttotalsince June2022,withdairy-related transactionsdoublingto$1.66billion. Horticulturalpropertysalesreached atwo-yearhighof$251.2million, whilelivestockfarmsalesrose26.4 percentto$1.37billion.

ShaneO’Brien,directorofRural& AgribusinessatColliers Christchurch,saystherehasbeena noticeableupliftinsalesactivity acrossanumberofsectors.

“RecentGovernment announcementssuchasthe intentiontotacklefreshwater reformshavegivenfarmersrenewed confidencethatregulationwillbe liftedorsimplified,whichassistsin buyingdecisions,”O’Briensays.

“Fallinginterestratesandbetter on-farmproductpriceshave contributedtorisingsalesvolumesin arangeofregionsacrossNew Zealand.”

Althoughmedianlandvalues haveyettoshowsignificantgrowth,

O’Briensaystheupliftinactivity signalsfurthergainsmaylieahead, withrenewedbuyerdemand expectedtodrivepriceappreciation laterthisspringandinto2026. Callingonhis32yearsof experienceinruralrealestate, O’Briensayspeoplewhoare consideringsellingorbuyingafarm needtoensuretheyconducttheir researchduringsuchatimeofglobal uncertaintydrivenbygeopolitical tensionsandtariffs. “Itisimportanttogetsound advicebeforecontemplatingasale orpurchaseofruralland.Athorough understandingoftheenvironmental statusofthepropertyanditsfuture capabilitiesorpotentialtohavea landusechangemeansweare workingwithbuyersandsellerswho arelookingsixmonthsorayear ahead.

“Withspringapproaching,nowis thetimeforprospectivesellersto begintheprocessofgettingtheir propertyreadyforthemarket.” —SuppliedbyColliers

Roomtogrowinkiwifruit’scapital

Aversatilewarehouse-storagefacility inoneofNewZealand’smost productivehorticulturalregions presentsacompellingopportunity forinvestors,add-valuedevelopers andowner-occupierslookingtoleveragetheBayofPlenty’ssignificant growthandagribusinessmuscle.

BayleysTauranga’sMarkWalton andRoryBrownaremarketingthe freehold7217sqmpropertyat288 No.3RdinTePukebyauctionscheduledfor1pm,WednesdayAugust14, unlesssoldprior.

“Improvedbyapproximately 2840sqmofbuiltinfrastructure, includingafunctional,high-stud warehousecomplexanddedicated storagefacilities,theassetoffers vacantpossessionandadiverserange offutureusesunderitsruralzoning,” saysWalton.

“Commercialandindustrial purchaserspricedoutofTauranga’s tightlyheldzonesareincreasingly lookingsoutheasttoTePukeforcosteffective,scalablesolutions.

“Thispropertyalignswellwith thatshift,offeringlarge-formatutility

Theversatilewarehouse-storagefacilityat288No.3RdinTePuke.

withruralzoningflexibilityata fractionofthemetropricepoint.

“Alocation5kmfromTePukeand minutesfromkeyarterialroutes connectingTauranga,Hamiltonand Aucklandunderpinsitslong-term appealasabaseforlogistics, processingorruralsupportservices,” hesays.

storage,Waltonsays. Brownsaysthepropertycarriesan assessedannualrentalincomeof $191,576plusGSTandoutgoings, providingastrongbenchmarkfor thoseseekingincomecertainty,while thevacantpossessionallowsowneroccupierstoimmediatelytailorthe facilitytooperationalneeds.

Thewarehousecomprisesthree primarysections,includingtheoriginalstructurebuiltinthe1980sand subsequentextensionswithstud heightsupto4.5m.

Thereisaseparate497sqmdualsectionstoragefacility,comprising open-airandsecure,roller-doorlockupareas.Supportingamenities includeofficespace,astafflunchroom,ablutionsandmezzanine

“Thissiteoffersgenuinescale, connectivityandflexibilityinthe heartofthecountry’skiwifruit capital.Itissurroundedbyhighperformingorchards,packhouses andruralenterprises,makingitan idealsupporthuborconsolidation siteforagribusinessoperators,”

“Strategically,thesitebenefits fromproximitytothePortofTauranga,andsitswithintheeconomic engineoftheGoldenTriangle.As regionalinfrastructureexpands, includingthefour-laneTakitimu NorthLinkandtheRangiuruBusiness Parkjustminutesaway,thislocation ispoisedforlong-termuplift.” Brownsaystheproperty’sproximitytotheplannedRangiuruBusiness Parkisakeyadvantage.

“Theparkisthelargestconsented greenfieldindustrialzoneinthe regionandhassecuredfast-track consenttodelivera148hamasterplannedprecinct,expectedtocreate upto4000newjobsanddriveawave ofindustrialgrowth.”

—SuppliedbyBayleys

Buyersturntheirattentionto large-formatretailinvestment

Whilefallinginterestrateshave broughtrelieftomortgageholders andthoseseekinglower-costfinancingoptions,theflipsideisthatterm depositrateshavealsofallen.

Thedropinreturnsfromterm deposits,combinedwithcurrent marketpricing,isdrivingthosewith capitaltolookatotherinvestment opportunitiesandtheyarerapidly movingtolarge-formatretail offerings.

Theseproperties,suchassupermarkets,large-scalehardwarestores, furnitureoutletsanddiscountchains, areoftenessentialservicebusinesses thatfeaturelong-termleaseswitha strongtenantcovenantandaregenerallyalow-maintenanceasset.

Despiteretailtradingconditions remainingchallengingagainstthe backdropofatougheconomic climateacrossNewZealand,these tenantslooklongtermandmany well-locatedstoreshavecontinuedto performstrongly.

BlairPeterkenandPeterHerdson fromColliers’CapitalMarketsteam havetransactedacollectionofthese propertiesacrossthepast12to24 months. Somemarket-leadingdeals includetherecent$43millionsaleof BunningsNewLynn,Woolworths Westgatefor$20.16millionand theFreshChoicesupermarketin Omokoroa,alongsidePak’nSaveNew

ColliersismarketingBuildings2and3intheFiveMilecomplex,Queenstown.

PlymouthandWoolworthsInvercargill.Thecombinedsaleofthe Pak’nSaveandWoolworthslatelast yearfor$54.5millionallowed vendorsInvestorePropertytothen acquireBunningsWestgatefor$51 millioninacombineddealthat totalled$105.5million.

“Wehaveseeninterestinlargeformatretailopportunitiesfrom buyersacrosstheboard,butmainly fromhigh-net-worthprivatebuyers andlistedentitieswhoarelookingfor betterreturnsastermdepositrates becomelessappealing,”Peterken says.

“Theseassetsareprimepassive investmentsandoftenrequirelow levelsofmanagementintensity.They arenearlyalwaysonlargesiteswith

strongunderlyinglandvalueand flexiblezoning.Thelureofthese propertiesisbringingnewinvestors intothemarketandweanticipatecap rateswillstartcompressingwith valuestoriseoverthecomingyearas inquirylevelsstrengthen.

“Whilethereispent-updemand forAucklandassets,othercentresare drawinginterest,asevidencedby thesaleof262-266CameronRd, Tauranga,leasedtoNoelLeeming, ChemistWarehouseandAnimates, andsoldfor$18.66millionata6.3per centyield.”

WoolworthsStJohnsinAuckland recentlywentunconditionaltoa privateinvestorfor$22.995million whowasattractedtoitselevated positionandaccessibilityonaprime

cornerlocation,whilethepropertyis safeguardedbyazoningthatallows fordevelopmentopportunitiesinthe future.

“Theunderlyinglandvaluewasa majordrawcardforthissupermarket givenitsstrategicpositionandscale, meaningthereisdevelopmentpotentialthatcouldbeexploredbythe currentorfutureowner.”

PeterkenandHerdsonaremarketingBuildings2and3intheFiveMile shoppingcomplexinQueenstown, alongsidecolleaguesMarkSimpson andRoryO’Donnell.

OnlytwominutesfromQueenstownAirportat28-30GrantRd, Frankton,thepropertyisanchored byWoolworths,BriscoesandRebel Sportandsupportedbyancillary retailandservicebusinesses.The weightedaverageleasetermis approximately7.09years.

Sittingon8645sqmofland,there is9577sqmofnetlettableareaand theestimatednetpassingincome fromthepropertyatJune2025was $2.718millionayear.

“TheFiveMileretailprecincthas developedrapidlyduringthepast10 yearsandbenefitsfromthesurroundingresidentialdevelopmentswith moreinthepipeline.Thisproperty exemplifiesthetypeoflargeformat retailassetthathascaughttheattentionofbuyers,”Herdsonsays.

—SuppliedbyColliers

Ashovel-readyparcelofgreenfield landzonedformedium-density residentialdevelopmenthascometo themarketundermortgageesale conditions,givingdevelopersentry intothehigh-growthWarkwortharea.

Thefreehold3.65hanorth-facing siteat39McKinneyRd,Warkworth, wentthroughaprivateplanchange fromFutureUrbanzoneto Residential–MixedHousing Suburban,oneofthemost favourableoverlaysfordevelopers.It permitsuptothreedwellingspersite.

Developmentissupportedunder theWarkworthMcKinneyRd PrecinctPlanwhichincorporates around7.6hajustsouthof Warkworth’stowncentre,northof McKinneyRdandtotheeastofTe AraTu¯hono,thePu¯hoitoWarkworth

motorway.

Thesitehasawideroadfrontage andamoderateslopefromits accesstotherearboundary.

Bayleyshasbeeninstructedby themortgageetotaketheland throughamortgageedeadline privatetreatycampaignclosing August13,unlesssoldorwithdrawn prior.MartyvanBarneveldandHenry NapierofBayleysintheNorth’s projectsandlanddevelopmentteam arehandlingtheprocess.

WithWarkworthidentifiedasa keysatellitetownintheAuckland regionandwithforecastpopulation growthof20,000peopleoverthe next30years,vanBarneveldsays proactivedevelopersarelookingfor live-zonedlandtoenablethemtoget aheadofthenextrealestatecurve

andtakingcuesfromprojectsthat havealreadysoldwell.

“There’slotsofactivityinand aroundWarkworth,withtheroading networkupgradeseffectivelyclosing thegapwithAucklandand underpinninglifestylemovesfor homeowners,andothernecessary infrastructuralworkstounderpin development,progressing.”

Thesizeisenoughforasignificant residentialdevelopment,while potentiallyallowingadevelopertobe inandoutinasingleearthworks season,saysvanBarneveld.“This makesitacompellingopportunityfor developmententitieslookingforan accessiblysizedandwell-positioned landholdinginanareathathas provendemand.” —SuppliedbyBayleys

Waiukulandmarkattractsmorethanjustinterest

AcornerstoneofSouthAuckland’s Waiukutowncentre,theoriginal 1920sANZBankBuildingisforsale, capturingtheimaginationof investors,developers,andowneroccupierswithitsblendofstructural integrity,holdingincomeandpotentialtoreimagineacherishedlocal landmark,Bayleysbrokerssay.

BayleysPukekohecommercial andindustrialsalesandleasing specialistMikeHookismarketingthe 577sqmfreeholdsiteat50QueenSt forsalebydeadline,closing1pm,

WednesdayAugust13,unlesssold prior.

Theprominentcornersiteisheld intwotitleswithapproximately 425sqmofbuildingareaacrosstwo levels.

Thepropertyhasbeensignificantlyupgradedovertheyears, includingacompletestructural enhancementin1993thatearnedan A+seismicrating,whichHooksays ensuressuperiorsafetyandfuture valueretention.

Thepropertygenerates$30,900

plusGSTayearfromaleasetoASB Bankforbasement-levelATMuse throughto2030,withannualrent increasesof3percent.

“Themainstreet-leveltenancyis vacant,offeringscopeforinvestorsto securenewtenantsorforanowneroccupiertoactivatethespacefor retail,hospitality,office,orservicebaseduse.Theproperty’srich history,primelocationandunderlyingzoning–BusinessLocalCentre–presentarareandcompelling platformforvaluecreation,”headds.

“Thisisundoubtedlyalandmark buildingthattellsthestoryof Waiuku’spast,whilebeingideally positionedforitsfuture.Whetheryou envisionaboutiquecommercialhub, creativestudiocollectiveormixedusehospitalityoffering,theflexible layoutandzoningprovidethefreedomtoshapeavibrantdestination.

“Additionally,thepremisesare unencumberedbyformalheritage listing,providingallthecharmofa historicassetwithfewerdevelopmentcontrols,streamliningthepath

forredevelopmentorrepurposing.” Hooksaystherehavebeenseveral notableexamplesofprivate developerstransformingcharacter bankbuildingsintothrivingcommercialprecincts.

“TheformerNationalBank premisesinWaipu¯nowhouses severalprofessionalservicefirms,a yogastudioandcreativepractices, highlightingthesuccessfuladaptation oflegacystructurestomeetmodern demand.”

—SuppliedbyBayleys

OTAKANINIHARANUI MARAE,SUNDAY3 AUGUST2025,11AM. ASpecialGeneral Meetingisscheduledfor directdescendants18 yearsandoverofthe namedtu¯puna:Weneti Maihi,KukuiPungaro, KingiRuarangi,Harata Takarei,HamiTeRaraku Tawaewae,and successorstoEriapa UruamopertheMa¯ori LandCourtrecords. Thepurposeforthehuiis todecideonreinstating votingrightsto descendantsofthese tu¯puna’siblingsandtheir recognitionas beneficiariesofthe marae.Forfurther information,contactthe TrustSecretaryat haranuimarae2018@gm ail.com.

NOTICETO CREDITORSAND OTHERCLAIMANTS

Allpersonshavingclaims againstthefollowing estatesarerequestedto senddetailsoftheir claimstothesolicitorsfor theexecutors,Webb MoriceLimited, Solicitors,8HallStreet, POBox316,Pukekohe, email:wm@webbmorice. co.nzwithin31daysof thedateofpublicationof thisnotice.Theyare warnedthat,onorafter thatdate,theestatesmay beadministeredor distributedhavingregard onlytotheclaims received.Claimsdueand owingatthedatesof deathshouldbeso certified. Thisnoticehasbeen publishedundersection 79oftheTrustsAct2019.

ARTHUR,PatriciaJoy of Pukekohe,Retired,died 09/05/2025

BUTCHER,John Charles ofTuakau, RetiredMarketGardener, died05/04/2025

JOHNSTON,Dorothy Marina formerlyof Patumahoe,lateofClarks Beach,Widow,died 11/07/2025

LIM,Ernaalsoknownas EnaLIM ofPukekohe, Widow,died27/05/2025

MORGAN,BrianRoy formerlyofPatumahoe, lateofAuckland,Retired, died26/04/2025

NEEDHAM,BerylEdith ofPukekohe,Widow, died20/06/2025

O’DONNELL,Herbert Gardiner ofPukekohe, Accountant,died 01/07/2025

RULE,Kathleen formerly ofWaiukuandMatakohe, lateofBombay,Retired, died03/05/2025

STARNES,AllanRobert ofClarksBeach, CompanyDirector,died 22/06/2025

WILCOX,AlanHenry of Pukekohe,Company Director,died21/06/2025

NOTICEOFMEETING MAREWAKITERANGI(Rangiuta)

AHUWHENUATRUST TAUPIRI222BBLOCK

Time: 10am-3pm Date Saturday9August2025 Venue: 316StoreyRoad,Waiterimu AGENDA H&S Apologies

OwnersReport FinancialStatements FutureAdmin Remove/Replace/Nominate/Trusteevacancies ReviewTrustOrder ConsidervariationTrustOrder FutureAspirations Endorsex2Repsre:OhinewaiSubstation Distribution PleasecontactEmma toregisteryourattendanceorwithanyqueries. Contact:EmmaWitikaMobile:0210483523

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THEHEIRHUNTERS

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Quiz

1

2

Inacyclerace,whatistheKoM–orfor women,theQoM?

WhatcanbedividedintotheMajorArcanaand theMinorArcana? 3

4

You’llcrosstheGoulandDownsifyou’reon whichofNewZealand’sGreatWalks?

Whonowfightsfor“truth,justiceandabetter tomorrow”?

5 WhatarethecoloursoftheAustralian Aboriginalflag?

6

7

8

GLONASSandGalileoaretheRussianand EuropeanequivalentsofwhatUStechnology?

OnthepHscaleofacidity,whatnumberis neutral?

LukeLittlerhasbeendescribedasthefirst globalsuperstarofwhichsport?

9 Whoisthearch-enemyofRoberto Rastapopoulos?

JadeWinikereigoestothe peoplewhomightnotknow

SomewhereinIrelandisafamilythat doesn’tknowit’sabouttobecome$1m richer. Thesearchforthelong-lostrelativesof aNewZealanderwhodiedwithoutawillis enteringitsfourthyear.

AndwhileagenealogistworkingforthePublic TrusthasnarrowedthehunttoIreland,theyhave justoneextremelycommonname—a“John Smith”equivalent,whomustnowbeconnected backtoadeceasedestateontheothersideofthe world.

It’sthebiggestandoldestcaseonspecialist trusteeJadeWinikerei’sfiles.

“Atthemomentwe’reouttofirstcousins.Itwill probablygobeyondthat,”shesays.“Andinafew months’time,wewillhavepotentiallycrackedit.”

Winikereiisan“heirhunter”—aspecialist trusteewiththePublicTrust,whoworksinateam managingestatesthataredeemed“complex”and, commonly,wheresomeonehasdiedwithoutawill.

“OftheestatesIamcurrentlymanaging,around 30%ofthemhavesomeoneIneedtofind,”says theAuckland-based36-year-old.

“It’slikeaTVshow.Callingpeopleoutofthe blueandsaying‘Ithinkyou’rethepersonI’m lookingfor’.Obviously,it’ssadbecausesomeone haspassedaway,butifit’slikeagreat-greatuncle ...itcanbeanicesurprisetohearthatyou’re gettingsomemoney.”

Theformerbeautytherapistandflight attendantneverimaginedthiscouldbea career.

“Istartedatthebottomandkindofworkedmy wayup,learningeverythingthereistoknowabout trustsandestates...Youkindoffallintotherole. Ithinklotsofpeoplestartinanadminroleand findouthowinterestingtheworkisandendup stickingtoitforalongtime.”

AroundhalfofallNewZealandershaveawill. ThePublicTrustisnotthecountry’sonlyprovider ofestateadministrationservices,butitisthe largestandlongest-serving,anautonomous Crownentitythat,inthelastfinancialyear,wrote 6982willsand4424enduringpowersofattorney. Whensomeonewithassetsexceeding$15,000 dies“intestate”orwithoutawill,thePublicTrust canbeasked(orappointed)tobecome administratoroftheirestate.Nextstepsare guidedbylegislationthatprioritisesthe distributionofthoseassets.Partnersand/or childrencomefirst,followedbyparents,then siblings,andthenniecesandnephews.

“Andthenitgetsquitewide,”saysWinikerei. “Wehavetostartlookingforauntsandunclesand they’veusuallypassedaway.Sothenwelookat theirchildren,andthenwegetintocousinsand secondcousins.”

Atanygiventime,sheestimatesspecialist trusteesaresearchingforbetween50and100 potentialbeneficiaries.

“Maybe70%ofthosearewherepeoplehave passedawaywithoutawill,andabout30%have beennamedbutwedon’tknowwhotheyare.” Sometimes,thesearchstartswiththephysical. Aspecialisttrusteemighthavetoenteradead person’shometolookforawillorotherdocuments thathelpestablishtheextentofsomeone’sassets. “Eveniftheydohaveawill,wemightknow nothingaboutthem.

“Wemighthavetowritetoallofthebanksto askifthispersonholdsanaccountwiththem.

HEIR-HUNTER

“It’skindofdetectivework,welookthrough statements—okay,they’repayinginsurance,so theymighthavealifeinsurancepolicy?They’re receivingdividends,sotheyprobablyhavesome shares...”

Findinglivingrelativesusuallybeginswithan onlinesearch.Facebook,othersocialmediasites andtheNewZealandCompaniesregisterare commonstartingpoints.

“Whereitcangetcomplicatedisifweonlyhave aname—wedon’tknowwhotheparentsare, wedon’tknowwhothesiblingsare—thenwe havetoengageagenealogist.

“Itmightgetcomplicatedifthey’vebeenadopted ortheywerebornoverseasandtheydiedinNew Zealand.”

InthecaseofthemissingIrishrelatives,she saysagenealogisthasdonethehardwork.

“Thechallengewe’vegotisthatalotofthe recordsinIrelandweredestroyedintheCivilWar. Accordingtogenealogists,Irishrecordsarereally hardbecausesomeofthemjustdon’texist.”

ThefamilymembersthePublicTrustislooking forwillinherit“asizeableamount.Thisisprobably oneofmybiggestestates—aroundonemillion dollars.”

Bewareofstrangersbearingwindfalls?

WinikereisaysthePublicTrustwould neveraskforcreditcarddetails,you shouldalwaysbeabletocallarepresentativeback onitsfreenumber(0800371471)andit’slikely thatanyonecontactingyouwouldhavealarge amountofnotreadilyavailableinformationabout yourfamilytree.

“I’mverygratefulfortheworkthatbanksand peoplearedoingtobringawarenesstoscams,but ithasmademyjobharder!

Growingup,itwaskindofa joke.Someonewouldgeta newboyfriendandthey’dbe like,‘Oh,Jadewillbeableto findouteverything’... IthinkIwasjustacurious person.

—JadeWinikerei

“SometimesIfeellikethe‘PrinceinNigeria’ story.

“I’vehadpeoplewantingtomeetmeinperson tomakesureI’mreal.I’vehadvideocallstoprove I’mreal...I’mgladthatpeopletakestepstomake sure.”

Sherecallsonecasewheretheinternational relativeswereparticularlysuspicious—and rightlyso.

“Inthatsituation,Ineededtobuildthefamily backgroundandfamilytreeforthemfirst,because thiswasacompletesurprise...it’sprobablyquite nicetobereceivingsomemoneythatyou’renot expecting,butitalsoprobablyopenedupsome sadness—theydidn’tevenknowthesepeople, andthey’vepassedaway.”

Winikereibelieves,inanonlineworld,anyone canbefound.

“Ithinkwithtechnologythesedays,itwould bereallyhard[todisappear].

“Ithinkit’ssointeresting.Growingup,itwas

kindofajoke.Someonewouldgetanewboyfriend andthey’dbelike,‘Oh,Jadewillbeabletofind outeverything’...IthinkIwasjustacurious person.Mygrandadwasprobablyabitthesame. Hewasonthelocalrugbyclubandkindofknew everythingthatwashappeningaroundtown. Maybethat’swhereIpickeditupfrom?”

Noteverythingaspecialisttrusteeuncoversis welcomenews.Whileshehasn’tpersonally encounteredthissituation,sheknowsofcases whereaperson’sdeathhasresultedinthe discoveryofasecretlife.

“Where,morecommonly,fathershavehad anotherfamilythatthewifeandchildrenweren’t awareof...theremightbesomethinglikean anomalyonacertificate—‘Hmm,whydoesitsay therearethismanychildren,butweknowthere arethismany?’

“Agenealogistmightstumbleacrosssomeone’s familytree,andthentheydigalittledeeperand orderbirthcertificates...orwe’vehadsituations wherepeoplehavecomeforwardandsaid,‘I’ma relation...hewasactuallymyfatherandIhaven’t beenincluded’.”

Winikereisaysfamiliesarechallenging.

“Weseelotsofdifferentfamilydynamics,and becausewe’redealingwithpeoplegrieving,they’re inaheightenedstateofemotions.Noteveryone hasahappyfamilyorhomelife,andthat’ssad. It’ssadwhenpeoplehavelivedalifeby themselves.

“Wedealwithsomanyscenarios.Anythingfrom messyestateswithongoinglitigation,tomaybe whensomeonehaspassedawayandthey’vegot noonearoundthemandwe’vehadtoorganise anicesend-offforthemandmakesurethey’ve gotanicefinalrestingplace.

“That’sprobablyoneofthethingsIenjoymost.”

Whataboutthe CHILDREN?

Wearen’thavingenough babiestosavethehuman race,butmorewomen arenowchoosingto bechild-free,writes SharonStephenson

Uberdriverssayalotofthings,some ofwhichweshouldn’twasteanybrain cellson.Duringarecentjourneyacross Wellington,mydriversharedhis unpromptedthoughtsonSuperRugby(toomany teams),crunchyvssmoothpeanutbutter(always crunchy)andhissupportofUSVice-PresidentJD Vance’sdisdainfor“childlesscatladieswhoare miserableabouttheirlivesandthechoicesthey’ve made”.

“Thankstothesewomen,wearen’thaving enoughchildrentoreplaceourselves,”saidthe driver,parrotingVance’spoliticalviews.

Thankfully,mydestinationarrivedbeforeI couldtellhimthatasachild-freewoman(with twodogs,notcats)I’mfarfrommiserableabout mylifechoices,despiteconstantlybumpingup againstasocietythatequateswomanhoodwith motherhood.

Ithoughtofthatdriverwhenanemailpopped

intomyinboxaboutdecliningglobalfertilityrates. AccordingtoresearchfromJapan’sShizuoka University,smallpopulationsizeandrandom birthpatternshaveraisedthefertilitythreshold neededtoavoidhumanextinction.

Whichisacademicspeakfor,wearen’thaving enoughbabiestosavethehumanrace.

Itwaspreviouslybelievedthat2.1childrenper womanwasthereplacementlevelneededto sustaintheglobalpopulation,butit’snowthought thattherateishigher—at2.7kidsperwoman.

It’sgrimreadingforaSaturdaymorning.But whenthree-quartersoftheworld’spopulation livesincountrieswherelifetimefertilityratesare belowreplacementlevels—includingAotearoa, wherethefertilityratehasdroppedfrom2.17in 2010to1.56perwomanin2023—maybetheUber driver(and,Ihatetoadmitit,Vance)mighthave apoint?

SociologistandMasseyUniversityemeritus professorPaulSpoonleyhasbeentracking birthratesforyears.Hebelievesthereare threemainreasonswhywomenarechoosingto havenoneorjustonechild.

“Animportantfactoristheincreasingnumber offemaleswithtertiaryqualifications—43%of womenhavetertiaryqualificationscomparedto 36%ofmen,”saysSpoonley.“Thatmeansagreater participationbywomenintheworkforce.”

Itwon’tcomeasasurprisetoanyonebutthe costoflivingisanotherreasonwe’renotrushing tohavemorechildren.

“Childrenareexpensiveandtheincreasingcost oflivingandhousingcanforcethedecisionfor someintermsofhavingchildrenvsbuyinga house.”

Addtothatthedailycostsandtrade-offsof employment,ietheso-calledMotherhoodPenalty oreconomicdisadvantagesfacedbywomeninthe workforcepostchildren,includingpayandcareer advancement.

“Similarissuesexplaintheincreasingageof womenhavingtheirfirstchild,”saysSpoonley. “Lastyearmorechildrenwereborntowomen40 andovercomparedtobirthstowomenaged20 andunder.”

Ifyouthoughtclimatechangewasthereason whysomewomenaren’treproducing,putatick onyourbingocard.

WhileSpoonleyadmitsit’sdifficulttotellhow significantthisissueis,andhowmanywomenit affects,“forthegenerationcurrentlymaking fertilitydecisions,theenvironmentisagrowing consideration”.

LucyHughes*isoneofthosewomen.The Wellingtonpolicyanalystbelievesit’s “ethicallyunjustifiabletobringkidsinto aworldthat’sonfire”.

“Theclimate,andwhathumansaredoingtoit, isthenumberonecrisisnotjustformygeneration butforallofus,”believesthe28-year-old.

“I’msoworriedaboutthecatastrophicfuture thisplanetishurtlingtowards,andthefactthat governmentsaren’tdoinganythingaboutit,that

I’vedecidedthebestthingIcandoforthe environmentisnotaddtothenumberofhumans fightingforever-decreasingresources.”

Havingbeenwidelycriticisedbyfamilyand friendsforherdecision,Hughesisreluctanttouse herrealnameforthisstory.Butsuggestthatshe’s contributingtotheendofhumanityandshe’llroll hereyes.

“Idon’tjudgeanyoneforhavingkidsbutthey feelfreetojudgeme.I’vebeencalledselfishand stupidbutmypositionis,facedwithafutureof war,flooding,heatwavesandfoodshortages— andpoliticiansinvariousstatesofdenial—Ithink I’mrightnottohavekids.”

JacintaWoodnutthasthekindofclose-knit, wholesomefamilypeoplemakesitcoms about.Themotherofsixsharesafourbedroomhomewithherhusband,highschool teacherStephenWoodnutt,andtheirsixchildren —fiveboysandonegirlwhorangeinagefrom 14-3.

TheirChristchurchhouseiscrampedand sometimessonoisythatAustralianexpat Woodnutt,35,escapestoherbedroomfor“five minutesofpeace”.“Itcanbehardraisingsixkids, especiallyonasingleincome,butthere’salotof joyandlaughterinourhouse.”

Woodnutt,whometherKiwihusbandwhen theywerebothstudentsataSydneyCatholic university,admitsthatthecouple’sstrongfaith playedalargepartintheirdecisiontohavesix children.

“Asperthechurch’sguidance,weusenatural familyplanningpractices.Buttherealreasonfor havingsixkidsisthatwebothcomefromlarge families(Woodnutthas10siblings,herhusband hasfour)andwebothreallylovekids.Webelieve childrenareablessingandagiftfromGod.”

Noteveryoneseesitlikethat:Woodnuttisoften metwithraisedeyebrowsandcommentssuchas “Don’tyouknowwhichcenturyyou’relivingin? Youdon’tneedtohavelotsofkidsanymore”.

“I’vehadtotalstrangerssaytome,don’tyou haveaTV?Sometimespeoplearegenuinely interestedinwhatit’sliketoraisesixkidsbut manyarejustrude.”

Havingbeenatthesharpendofjudgment, Woodnuttwouldneverjudgeanyonewhochose nottohavechildren.“JustasIdon’twantpeople tohaveagoatmeformyfertilitydecisions,Iwould nevercriticiseanyonebecauseit’snobody’s business.Itotallyrespecttheirchoice.”

Butwhataboutdecliningbirthrates?

“I’mdefinitelyconcernedaboutthatbecauseit meansfewerdoctorsandpeopleweneedforthe future.Forme,achildisasignofhopesowhile Iunderstandtheperspectiveofthosewhodon’t wanttobringchildrenintothisterribleworld,we havetohavehope.”

It’sasentimentthat’srepeated,almost verbatim,afewdayslaterattheotherendofthe motu.

PremalokaTreacyisayogatherapiston WaihekeIslandwhoownsPremHeart YogaSchoolandLily&Lotuscafe/concept store,andismothertosixchildrenagedfrom10 to26.

Treacy,herIrishhusbandPaulandtwooftheir sixchildrenlivebehindthecafe(heroldesttwo recentlymovedtoDublinfortheirOEs,oneis studyinginWellingtonandoneflatsinAuckland).

“InevereverconsideredIwouldn’thave children,”saysTreacy.“Wethoughtwe’dhave threeorfourbuttobehonest,wedidn’treally plananyofourchildren.AndthenIgotaddicted tohavingkids.They’rethebiggestblessinginour livesandwe’reareallystrong,closefamily.”

Treacywouldbethefirsttoadmitthatnot everyoneiscutouttofollowherexample.

“Kidsareahugefinancialcostandalifetime commitmentandIunderstandthatnoteveryone feelsthesamebondasIdo,orthatsomewomen havehadtraumaintheirlivesordon’twantthe disruption.It’scertainlynoteasyhavingsixkids, especiallywhenwehadfourunderfiveyearsold, butwhenyouhaveachildyoubringhopeinto theworld—hopeforgood,kindpeoplewhowill makeadifference.I’dneversaytoanyone,have ababybecauseourbirthratesarefallingbutif youloveandwantkidsandhavethesupportto doso,thengoforitbecausethatchildwillbring youjoy.”

*Namehasbeenchangedtoprotectidentity

Above: Premalokaand PaulTreacy,of Waiheke Island, Auckland,have sixchildren. Fromleft,back row:LalitaJewel,Paul, Gabriel, Cashel,Luka andUisce-Lily (holding Bantry);Front row: Premalokaand Delilah-Belle (holding Sandy).Right: Jacintaand Stephen Woodnuttand theirsix children,from leftPatrick (top)Matthias andCecilia (middle) Stephen (holding Gilbert), Damienand Jacinta (holding Edmund). PHOTOS/ SUPPLIED, GEORGEHEARD

Howgovernmentstackle decliningbirthrates

Somecountriesofferincentivesforparents.

● InHungary,ifyou’rethemotheroffourormore children,youdon’thavetopayincometax,forlife. Hungaryalsoofferssubsidiestohelplargefamiliesbuy carsandhouses.

● HongKongofferscashbonusesforeachnewborn aswellaseasieraccesstosubsidisedhousingfor familieswithchildren.

● SouthKorea,whichhastheworld’slowestbirthrate, isalsoofferingcashincentivestonewparents. PaulSpoonleywarnsthatthesepolicieshaven’t stoppedfertilitydecline.“Theinterestingthingisthat pro-natalpoliciesofvariousgovernmentsaroundthe

worldhavehadalmostnoimpactonfertility decisionsorreversingfertilitydecline. “Sweden,whichhasfarmoregenerouspro-natal packagesthanNewZealand,didseeasmallblip butrevertedtoongoinglowfertility.”

Spoonleybelievesthekeyistofigureoutexactly what’sdrivingfallingratessothatgovernmentscan introduceeffectivepoliciestocombatit. “Internationalexperienceshowsthatit’shardto reversefertilitydecline.Weneedtobetter understandtheissueandlookatalternativessuch asbettereducationalinvestmentsandproductivity improvements.”

BoldasBrassandOneStepAhead...

Beginningofthe ENZ

It’s50yearssinceiconicKiwi bandSplitEnzreleasedtheir firstalbum,MentalNotes, andnowbox-seteditionsof theband’sbackcatalogue areabouttobereleased.

MichaelLamb —aselfdeclaredfan—looksback ontheSplitEnzlegacy.

OnMarch14,1975,abunchofyoung NewZealanderscheckedintoacheap hotelinBondicalledTheSquireInn. TheyweresevenmusiciansledbyTim Finn,PhilJuddandMikeChunn,andcalled themselvesSplitEnz.

Freshfromasuccessfultouroftheirhome country’suniversitiesandwithareputationasone ofourtopliveacts,theywerereadytobathein thebrighterglowoftheAustralianlimelight.The planwastogivetheAussiesaquicktasteoftheir waresbeforeheadingbackhometorecordtheir debutalbum,tobecalled MentalNotes Itallfellapartspectacularlybeforeiteven began.Thescheduledgigswerethrowninto disarrayafterapromisedsoundsystemfailedto materialise.

Witheverythingonhold,thebandhunkered downattheInn,virtuallypennilessandnourished onlyby“cerealandVegemitesandwicheswashed downbycontinuouscupsofinstantcoffeeandnondairywhitenerstolenfromthemaids’trolleys”, asMikeChunnwouldlaterrecall.Tosavemoney thebandweresardinedintotworooms.“Finn, [Noel]Crombie,[Eddie]Rayner,[Emlyn] CrowtherandmyselfallcrammedintoRoom416,” wroteChunninhisbook StrangerThanFiction “Twobeds,threestretchers.Theothers— Russell[tourmanager],MurrayWard(sound man),[Wally]WilkinsonandJudd—wereafloor

Gonnalisten

‘TilIgrowold

above.Ican’trecallevergoingtothatroom.Maybe theyallsleptinadoublebed.”

Thethree-weektripbecameopen-ended.But slowlythetideturnedandthegigsstartedto happen.Their“wares”,anatmosphericsetofsongs propelledbythemelodicinstinctsofFinnand infusedwiththebroodingmusicalpowersof talismanJudd,begantofindsomefollowers.

Someaudiences,though,openlydespisedthese vaudevillianapparitionsfromacrosstheDitch, whohardlyfittedtheprevailingtasteforrecycled pubrock.

SEVENREFUGEESFROMANOPSHOP

EventheAussiemediastruggledtodescribewhat theysaw,asinthisearlyreview:“Onstageare whatappeartobesevenrefugeesfromanopshop runbyalunaticasylum.Theywearsuitsthatare toosmall,toobigorbothatonce.Thesinger’shair isafrizzoftanglesthatfallsoverhisheavilyberougedface.Hemoveslikeasped-upversionof

Top:SplitEnz in1976.from left,Emlyn Crowther, EddieRayner, PhilJudd,Tim Finn,Noel Crombieand RobGillies (bandmember MikeChunnis missing).

Above:alater Enzline-up, fromleft:Nigel Griggs,Tim Finn,NeilFinn, NoelCrombie andEddie Rayner showingtheir TrueColours.

Photos/File,Getty Images

CharlieChaplinimitatingtheMarxBrothers.He comesonwithapatterthatsoundslikeWaiting forGodotdonebyamusichallMC.”

ItallcametogetheroneWednesdaynightin April1975whenthebandplayedavenuecalled theOceanicBallroominCoogee.Theheadof MushroomRecords,MichaelGudinski,cametosee them,attractedbyreportedcomparisonswithhis bandSkyhooks.Asidefromthefactbothbands worecostumesandmakeuponstage,theyhad littleincommonmusically.ButGudinskiwas impressed.

SkyhooksguitaristBobStarkielaterrecalledin RAM magazine:“Wethoughttheyweregreat. Gudinskiusedtolistentousintermsofwhatwe thoughtwouldbeagoer.TheEnzwerejustso freshandsotheatrical...absolutefruitcake characters!Andthemusicwasreallytogether.It reallysuitedthatpost-hippy,crazy,drugged period.”

Havingsignedthemtohislabel,Michael Gudinskioverrodetheband’smanagementinNew Zealandandusheredthegroupintothestudioto recordthatfirstalbum.Thesessionswere famouslyfraught.Thein-houseengineeradopted anattitudeborderingondisdain,andtheband feltliketheystruggledtoreproducetheverveand energyoftheirliveperformances.

FARFROMTHATSYDNEYMOTEL

ThesedaysFinnlivesinAuckland’sgenteel Devonport,wherehistoricvillasshuffleshoulder toshoulderupthesidesofancientvolcanoes. Havingfashionedalongandsuccessfulcareerin music,hiseleganttwo-storeyvillaisalongway fromthehand-to-mouthdaysofthatSydneymotel. Herecallsfeelingalittleunderwhelmedbywhat theygotdownontapewaybackthen:“Bythetime wegotintothatstudiowehadsuchhigh expectationsandsuchdreamsandfantasiesabout itall,thatitwasboundtonotreachthat,”says Finn.“Itwasn’tcomingbackoutofthespeakers thewaywehadcarrieditinourheadsandhearts. Soweweredisappointedatthetime,sonically.” Despitethat,therewasinitialjoyatgettingthe albumoutintotheworld:“Irememberbeingreally excited,”hesays.“Asmuchaswewere disappointedincertainthingsoverall,therewere afewhighlights.Onewasthebackwardsreverb

[onthetrack UnderTheWheel],whichatthetime wasparticularlyexciting.”

Hesays MentalNotes hadlargelyslidfromhis consciousnessuntilonedayaround2000,when RipItUp magazineranareader’spollonthe greatestalbumsinNewZealandmusichistory.

“Themessagecamethroughthatthealbumhad beenvotednumberoneNewZealandalbumofall time,andthatreallyastonishedme,”Finnsays.

“AndthenIrealisedthatthealbumhadlived onabitandcertainmusicloverswereawareof itandtreasuredit.”

Butbackin1975,bythetimeSplitEnzreturned toNewZealandtotourinsupportofthealbum’s releaseinlateJuly,itwascleartherecord-buying publicweren’texactlylapping MentalNotes up. Itpeakedatamodest#8onthecharts,outsold bythemiddle-of-the-roadstylingsofOlivia Newton-JohnandRogerWhittaker.

Oneissuewasthelackofanobvioussingle.The bestcandidatewasatrackcalled Maybe,a whimsicalFinn-pennedpaeanofhopeforthe future,limnedwithJudd’sshardsofdarkness. Utterlynon-radio-friendly,itsankwithouttrace.

Stillhugelypopularlive,SplitEnzplayedon, sluggingoutline-upchangesandchanging musicalfashions.

Buttheirfirstalbumwasnotforgotten. Graduallywhateverdustdevilspirit MentalNotes containedbegantotakeonalifeofitsown—a magical,offbeatscrapbookofNewZealand-ness fromthatmid-70sinflectionpoint.

MusicjournalistGarySteel:“WhatIloveabout thatalbumisthattheysomehowmanagedto reallygetundertheNewZealandpsyche, especiallyformegrowingupinHamilton,which wasjustthemostculturallyaridplaceimaginable.

“Itreallycapturesthepsychoticelementsthat werebeneathsocietyatthetime …theisolation,thesuburban malaise.[Thealbum]wearsthe clothesofprogrockbutthere’s alotmoretoit.”

‘Iwasjustbesottedwithit’ SimonGrigg,e´minencegrise oftheNewZealandmusicscene, clearlyrecallstheimpactithad onhim.“Iwasjustbesottedwith it,”hesays.“Itchangedmylife really.Whenwewerewatching SplitEnz,evenbeforethealbum

cameout,itfeltlikewewerewatchingNew Zealandmusiccomeofage.”

Thedynasticlegacythebandbeganinthose uncertaindaysbackattheSquireInnis nowcentraltothefamilytreeofKiwi music.FromNeilFinnjoiningthebandin1977 andthehugechartsuccessof1980’s TrueColours albumandthesingle IGotYou,throughtoNeil Finn’spost-EnzformationofCrowdedHouse— andevenhisappearanceswithFleetwoodMac— allstemfromthatfoundationalalbum.

PhilJuddwentontohavea#1hitwithThe Swingersandthetimelesstoe-tapper Counting TheBeat,whileTimFinnhaspursuedanepicsolo career,weavinginandoutofworkingwithhis brotherNeil.

MikeChunnquietlybecameamusicbiznational herothroughhisworkwithPlayItStrange(a songwritingcharityforyouth)andAPRA(which musiciansandpublisherstocollecttheir royalties).NoelCrombiepopsupeverywhere, dabbingatouchofcreativedesigngeniuswherever hegoes,andEmlynCrowtherbecameatechgod, inventingthelegendaryHotCakeguitarpedal.

KeyboardistEddieRaynerremainscentralto keepingtheearlyEnzmusicalflameburning.In betweenhisownbandsandprojects,Rayner produced Enzso and Enzso2,theorchestral revisitsofSplitEnzsongs.Hecollaboratedwith TimFinnandCrombieonaprojectcalled Forenzics,whichminestheDNAof MentalNotes andotherSplitEnzsongsforinspirationin creatingnewtracks.

Foranalbumthathadaninauspiciousstartto life, MentalNotes nowrepresentsapivotal momentinourmusichistory.Fivedecadeson,fans haveneverletitdriftfarfromtheiraffections— ortheirturntables.

● TheEnzcyclopediaseries ofboxsetscoveringthe entireSplitEnzback catalogue,withbonus tracks,remixesand booklets,willbereleasedin earlyNovember.Michael Lamb’sbookonthealbum, SplitEnz—MentalNotes,is duetobepublishedby Bloomsburyin2026.

...butanyway, that’shistory

Nolongerastranger

Belarus-bornphotographer TatsianaChypsanavahas spent10yearsrecordingthe livesoftheTu¯hoepeopleof theUrewera.That relationshiphasbroughther closertoherownroots, writes JoannaWane.

Morethan17,000kmseparate TatsianaChypsanava’shome countryofBelarusandTeUrewera, oneoftheworld’smostremote rainforests,deepinthecentralNorthIsland.

Yettherelationshipshe’sbuiltwiththeTu¯hoe peopleandtheirancestrallandhasbroughtthe Nelson-basedphotographerclosertoherown culturalidentitythaneverbefore.

AdescendantoftheKomipeopleof northwesternRussia,Chypsanavawasbornin Belarus,whereacknowledgingindigenous heritagewasactivelydiscouraged.

AftermovingtoNewZealand,shebegana 10-yeardocumentaryprojectinTeUrewera, capturingimagesofdailylife.

Chypsanava’saimwastoofferamoreauthentic perspectiveonTu¯hoethantheimagesofconflict andhardshipshe’doftenseendepictedinthe media.

Asshespentmoretimeinthecommunity,she becameincreasinglyawareofhowcolonisation hadimpactedtheSovietUnion’sindigenous populationsinasimilarway.

“IknewwecamefromtheKomipeoplebecause mysurnameisintheKomilanguage,although IhadtolearnBelarusianatprimaryschool,”she says.“Wewerecutofffromthatfamilyhistory.

“Thereweresomanyparallels.Atthesametime asIwaslearningaboutTu¯hoe,Iwasalsolearning aboutmyself.Itbecameajourneyofself-discovery forme.”

AseriesofChypsanava’simages,titled Te Urewera—TheLivingAncestorofTu¯hoePeople, wontheAsia-PacificandOceaniaregion’slongtermprojectcategoryinthisyear’sWorldPress PhotoContest.

Thejurydescribedherentryas“apowerful, detailedlookattheNga¯iTu¯hoepeople’sfightfor thereturnoftheirancestrallandsandindigenous rights”.

Tuhoeactivist TameItatthe 2014TuhoeCrown Settlement Day;children fromtheTeepa familyaftera swiminthe river. FromTatsiana Chypsanava's portfolioTe Urewera–The LivingAncestorof TuhoePeoplefor NZGeographic, winneroftheWorld PressPhoto Contest'sAsiaPacific&OceaniaLongTermProject award.

Firstheldin1955,theprestigiousannual awardsrecognisetheworld’sbestphotojournalism anddocumentaryphotography,culminatingina touringexhibitionthatopensinAucklandnext Saturday.Alongsidethisyear’s42international winners,aselectionofimagesfromthearchives willalsobeondisplaytomarkthecontest’s70th anniversary.

ChypsanavacametoNewZealandin2008after spendingthreeyearsinBrazil,whereasan amateurphotographershedocumentedthe indigenousTupinambapeoplewholiveinan isolatedrainforestcommunity.

Whileworkingforthedigitisationteamat ArchivesNewZealand,shemetagroupofTu¯hoe researcherspreparingforasettlementhearing. Learningofthe2007Ureweraraidsconducted aspartofananti-terroristoperation,andthe “state-sanctionedviolence”thataccompanied them,shockedher.(PoliceCommissionerMike Bushlaterformallyapologisedforthewaythe raidswerehandled.)

“ApoliceraidissomethingthatIwouldimagine happeninginadictatorship,likethecountryI comefrom,sothatresonatedwithme,”shesays.

“Iwasindisbeliefthatthiswashappeningin NewZealand,whichwasportrayedtotheworld asaperfectcountrywithaperfectrelationship withitsindigenouspeople.”

Whenoneofthefamilieswasraidedagain,by mistake,in2014,Chypsanavawasinvitedto Ru¯a¯tokitophotographthem.

Overthenextdecade,sheandherdaughterwere welcomedintotheTeepawha¯nau,whichformsthe heartofherTu¯hoeseries.

JohnRangikapuaTeepaandhiswife,Carol,are parentstosixchildrenandhavewha¯ngaiadopted andraisedmanymore.AfterreturningtoJohn’s ancestralfarm,whichhadbeenabandoned, they’renowpartofanaward-winningorganic dairyco-operativemanagedbytheTataiwhetu Trust.

Soon,Chypsanavabeganspendingallher daughter’sschoolholidaysinTeUrewera,which in2014hadbecomethefirstecosystemintheworld tobedesignatedasalegalentity.

Bydoingthisproject,I’m hopingtoshinealighton somethingthatisnotreally visiblefromtheoutside.

—TatsianaChypsanava

Nolongerastrangerlookinginfromtheoutside, shewasabletophotographthecommunityalmost withoutbeingnoticed,givingherimagesacandid authenticity.

Later,sheextendedherprojecttoencompass Ruata¯huna,anotherremoteTu¯hoesettlement, andcompletedtheLakeWaikaremoanaGreat Walk.

Chypsanava’sdaughterwas8whenshefirst accompaniedhermothertomeettheTeepafamily. Nowateenager,she’sgrownup“completely mesmerised”bytheMa¯oriworldandthewayshe’s beenacceptedintothewha¯nau.

“It’shadahugeinfluenceonherlife;shealways wantstogoback.”

Afterlosinghermotherearly,Chypsanavagrew upimmersedinnaturewithherfather,whose storiesshewouldlaterdiscoverdrewonKomi mythsandlegends.

Inrecentyears,she’sbeguntopiecetogether thatsideofherfamily’sstory,reconnectingwith

FromtheportfolioofTatsiana Chypsanava(above):CarolTeepa sitsinherkitchenwithheryoungest grandchild,Mia,andherwhangai son,Wanea;Teepachildrensharea watermelon;RuihaTeTana(12) relaxesathergrandfather’shome.

hercousinsandtakingaDNAtest.

Chypsanava’sworkhasfeaturedinthe New YorkTimes,accompanyingstoriesasdiverseas NewZealand’sfeijoaobsessionandtheNorth CanterburyHuntingCompetition’scontroversial inclusionofacategoryforchildrenhuntingferal cats.

Heraward-winningTu¯hoeserieshasbeen publishedin NewZealandGeographic magazine. She’sconcernedthatthecurrentlackoffunding fordocumentaryphotographyinNewZealandwill leavesignificantgapsinourarchivesunlessthe situationisaddressed.

Inthedecadeshe’sbeensointenselyinvolved withTu¯hoe,she’switnessedthehardworkbeing putintocreatenewbusinessinitiatives,restore therainforestintheirguardianshiproleas kaitiaki,andprovideapathwayforthenext generation.

“IseealotofwillandactionfromTu¯hoeto succeed,”shesays.“There’ssomucheffortandso muchpassion.

“Bydoingthisproject,I’mhopingtoshinealight onsomethingthatisnotreallyvisiblefromthe outside—thepeoplewholivethere.

“Forme,it’sthemostincredibleandinteresting story.”

● TheWorldPressPhotoExhibitionison fromJuly26toAugust24at131QueenSt, Auckland,thenmovestoWellington’sTakina WellingtonConventionandExhibition Centre,nexttoTePapa,fromSeptember5 toOctober5.

ITCOULDBEWORTHMORETHANYOUTHINK.

Goldpriceshaverisenby250%since2021,whichmeansnowcouldbe anexcellenttimetosellyouroldjewellery.

AtNewZealandGoldMerchants,we’reproudtobethecountry’s leadingbuyersofoldgoldforverygoodreason.

Ourtransparentpricing,updatedinreal-timeonourwebsite,allows youtoseeexactlywhatyourgoldisworthbeforeyoudecidetosell. VisitusatGoldHQ–4/273NeilsonSt,Onehunga.

YOURGUIDETO THEWEEKEND ANDBEYOND

FFFFEUM

FLYINGFUNFORFAMILIES

Youdffff

Familiesnotatfulltiltwithwintersports mightwanttoconsideraslightlyquirky, super-funfamilyactivityhappeningforthe nextfourweekends.Aracnationisstartinga four-weekfamilyaerialscourseinGreyLynn tomorrowandforthethreefollowingSunday mornings.Afteryourmorningcoffee,why nottakethekidsandplaylikeyoudidwhen youwereakid:climbing,hangingupside down,spinningaround.You’lllearnbasic aerialskillsandbuildstrengthwhilecreating lastingmemoriesandconnectionwithyour kidsandfamily.Familieswhoplaytogether staytogether.

July20,27,August3and10,9.30am -10.30am.EmpireStudios,2BondSt, GreyLynn.Fees:$115forupto3family members,$10foreachadditional member.Bookataracnation.co.nz/book

HOLYTOLEDO,THAT’SIMPORTANTART!

LASTCHANCETOSKATE

Ifyouhaven’talreadybeentosee ACenturyofModernArt atAuckland ArtGallery,thenthisisouremphaticcalltoaction.Onloanfromthe ToledoMuseumofArt,Ohio,theexhibitionhasbroughtsomeofthe mostimportantpiecesofmodernartfromthemid-19thcenturytomid20thcenturytoAotearoa,includingworksbyPicasso,Monet,Manet, Degas,vanGogh,Renoir,Cézanneandmore.It’sessentiallyacomplete educationinImpressionism,Symbolism,Cubism,Surrealism,and ConstructivismallthewaythroughtoAbstractExpressionism.Anyone witheventheslightestinterestinartorarthistoryreallymustgo. OnnowuntilSeptember28,10am-5pmdaily.AucklandArtGallery ToioT Tickets$29.50,concession$25.50,children12andunderfree.maki,cnrKitchenerandWellesleyStreets,AucklandCentral. PICTURED/PAULGAUGUIN, STREETINTAHITI,1891, OILONCANVAS,TOLEDO MUSEUMOFART,PURCHASEDWITHFUNDSFROMTHELIBBEYENDOWMENT,GIFT OFEDWARDDRUMMONDLIBBEY,1939.

It’sthelastweekendthattheAoteaSquareIceRinkisbringingcold noses,bruisedknees,andunbridledjoytothecitycentre.Ifyou andyourfriendsandwh nauhaven’tspentsometimedoinglaps ontheicethispastmonth,thengetdowntherepronto!It’sopen until11pmtonightand10pmtomorrownight,andthenit’sgone foranotheryear.Grabyourgloves,ahelmetorheadbandand embracewinter—andmaybealovedone—asyouglide,shuffle orstumblearoundtherink.

Today10am-11pm,tomorrow10am-10pm.AoteaSquare. Ticketsstartat$15fromaucklandlive.co.nz

HOMEISWHERE THEARTIS

Ifartwerecategorisedby season, Homebody,thenewest exhibitionatTuruaGallery inStHeliers,iswinterto itscore.Thegroupshow, whichopenedlastnight,is acollectionofartworksthat explore“domesticity,stillnessandtheessenceofhome”. Therearestilllifes,nudes,tranquilinteriors,andother reflectionsofthespacewehunkerdowninoverthecolder months.Fewthingscanlureusoutofthehomeonachilly weekend,but Homebody mightbeoneofthem.Butifthe clutchesofyourfourwallsaresimplytoostrong,youcan viewthecollectiononlineaswell.

OpennowuntilJuly30.TuruaGallery,10ATuruaSt,Saint Heliers.Visitturuagallery.co.nzformoreinformation. PICTURED/ TOMATOHARVEST2025,ALEXANDRATYLEE,750MMX750MM, ACRYLICONCANVAS.

Yourgo-toguidetofeeling fabulous,insideandout.

Readnowatviva.co.nz/beauty

YOUCAN’TSINKARAINBOW

FortyyearsaftertheFrenchGovernmentbombedtheoriginalRainbow WarrioratMarsdenWharf,Greenpeace’sflagshipvesselreturnsto Aotearoaandisopenfortoursthisweekend.Thefreetoursaretaking placeinWynyardQuarterwherevisitorscanmeetcrewmembersand campaigners,hearaboutlifeonboardanactivistship,andstoriesfrom theirrecentvoyages.Entrytothevesselisbygangway,soyou’llneed tobeable-bodiedtoclimbaboard.However,therewillbecampaign stalls,crewmembersandkids'activitiesonlandforanyoneunableto boardthevesselitself.

Today,10am-4pm(lastboarding3.30pm);tomorrow,10am-2pm (lastboarding1.30pm).HalseyStWharf,WynyardQuarter.FREE. PHOTO/PAULHILTON/GREENPEACE.

GODEEPWITHINTHESHALLOWS

Notyetahouseholdname,IntheShallowsisaKiwibandthathas beendoingthehardyardsoverthepastfewyears,performing morethan90showsandsteadilygainingaloyalfollowing.Led byWelshsinger/songwriterDanniDavis,thebandstartedout asaduoandhaspickeduptalentednewmembersalongthe way.They’reperformingasaneight-piecebandnextSaturday attheTuningFork,completewithviolin,cello,andharphelping tocreatetheiruniqueindie-folk-popsound.Davisgetsdeeply personalontheband’slatestreleasesandtheirshowsareknown forbeingemotionallycharged.Ifyou’renotfamiliar,havealisten onSpotify,thengetticketsforyouandyours. July26,TheTuningFork,AucklandCentral.Tickets$28.05+ bookingfeesfromintheshallowsband.com

FREE

TWINKLYINTAKAPUNA

OnThursday,thingsaregettingtwinklyinTakapunafortheannual TakapunaWinterLightsFestival.CuratedbylightartistAngusMuir, thefestivalreturnsthisyearforfoureveningsoflight,art,music,and performance.Drawingpeopleoutoftheirhomesonwinterevenings isnomeanfeat,whichiswhythefestivalispullingoutallthestops. Therearelarge-scalelightinstallations,roamingperformers,alocal talentshow,andanightlysilentdiscosponsoredbySparkand Spotify.It’safreeticketedeventtoavoidcongestion,andattendees areencouragedtodressupinbright,maybeevenglowing,outfits andbeintowina$1000shoppingspreeinTakapuna. July24-27,5pm-10pm.HurstmereGreen,HurstmereRd, PottersPark&WaiwhararikiAnzacSquare,Takapuna. Freeticketsfromiticket.co.nz PHOTO/LUKEFOLEYMARTIN.

FOODGLORIOUSFOOD

COMINGUP

Siblings: July24-28,TePouTheatre,Auckland. ManukaPhuelFullMetalOrchestra: July26, SparkArena,Auckland.

AucklandPhil’sHairyMaclary’sGreatestHits: July26,BruceMasonCentre,Takapuna.

WorldPressPhotoExhibition: July26-August24, 131QueenStreet,Auckland.

NZTrio,Fantastique: July26-August31,Motueka, Nelson,Gisborne,Napier,Auckland,Wellington, Greytown.

ManLessons,TheLiveShow: July29-August2, BasementTheatre,Auckland.

MyAITwin: July29-August2,BasementTheatre, Auckland.

Ladi6(AucklandWomen’sCentre50thbirthday fundraiser): July31,TuningFork,Auckland.

RNZB’sHome,Land&Sea: July31-August2, AoteaCentre,Auckland.

NZInternationalFilmFestival: July31-August10, Auckland(seewebsiteforothercities).

Chicago: July31-August9,Auckland;August1724,Christchurch;August29-30,Dunedin. OperaintheCathedral: August8,HolyTrinity Cathedral,Auckland.

AucklandFamilyHistoryExpo: August8-10, FicklingCentre,Auckland.

BEYBLADEYOURWAYTOTOKYO

Ifyou'vespentcountlesshourssteppingonandpickingup Beyblades,thenchancesareyou’vegotaseasonedBeyblader underyourroofandthiseventmightjustmakeallthat—and thetimesyouwerehitinthefacebyaflyingBeyblade—worth it.TomorrowistheBeybladeXNationalTournament.It'satthe MaritimeRoomatPrincesWharf,andBeybladersofalllevelsare invitedtocomedownandcompeteforthechancetorepresent NewZealandinTokyo.It’safreeeventforchildrenaged8-12 years,howeveryou’llneedtoregisterthemtodayifthey’regoing tobeinwithachancetowinatriptotheWorldChampionshipsat TokyoTowerforthemselvesandaguardian.Letthebattlebegin. Tomorrow,9am.MaritimeRoom,PrincesWharf.Registerat hasbroeventsaunz.com

Foodies,prepareyourstretchiestpantsbecause nextweekendisyourtime:theAucklandFood Show.RollingintotheAucklandShowgroundsare ahugerangeoffoodproducers,beveragemakers, chefs,andfoodiesofalldescriptions—morethan 200intotal.Throughoutthefour-dayshowthereareworkshops, cookingdemonstrations,prizestobewon,thechancetobe crownedtheBakeBossCakeOffchampion,andthebestartisan foodsamplingyoursalivatingmouthcouldaskfor.Itcomesbut onceayear,socleartheschedulefor somefoodindulgenceandculinary inspirationnextweek.

July24-27.Auckland Showgrounds,217GreenLane West,Epsom.Ticketsstartat $17withVIPpackagesavailable fromfoodshow.co.nz

PLAN AHEAD

TheBabyShow: August16-17,Auckland Showgrounds.

MARY:TheBirthofFrankenstein: August 19-September7,ASBWaterfrontTheatre, Auckland.

Decadunce: August21-23,BasementTheatre, Auckland.

PhantomBillstickersNationalPoetryDay: August22,nationwide.

MotherPlay: September4-20,QTheatre,Auckland. NZOpera’sTheMonsterintheMaze: September 5-20,Christchurch,Wellington,Auckland. TheWorldofWearableArt(WOW): September 18-October5,TSBArena,Wellington. ArtinthePark: September18-21,EdenPark, Auckland.

BachMusicaNZ’sWorldPremieres&Bach: September21,AucklandTownHall. HotWheelsMonsterTrucksLive: October4, EdenPark,Auckland.

FaultyTowersTheDiningExperience: October 8-26,Christchurch,Wellington,Whanganui,New Plymouth,Rotorua,Tauranga,Auckland.

BillBailey—Vaudevillean: nationwidetourfrom 29October-23November.

KirkFranklin,TheWorldTour: December10-13, Christchurch,Wellington,Auckland. JimmyCarr—LaughsFunnyTour: Nationwide January7-28,2026.

MurderontheOrientExpress[returnseason]: February7-15,2026,ASBWaterfrontTheatre, Auckland.

Emailcanvasguide@nzherald.co.nzwithbrief detailsofyourupcomingevent,including dates/times,locationandwebsite.

GREENS!

stepthiswinterwithNici Wickes’revitalisingrecipes

Myapologiestothosereadershopingfor morecomfortpuddingsandroasted meatsthisweekbuttrustme,Iwould notbedoingyouanyfavours—ourbodies cravebalanceandvariety,especiallyinthewinter months,towardoffanyills.Andso,hereIamparroting yourmotherandgrandmotherandencouragingyou toeatyourgreens.

Here’sthethingwithleafygreens—yourbodyloves them!Yourheadmayenjoypuddings,friedfoodand sugarytreats(goodnessknowsminedoes)butthecells thatmakeuptheimportantbitsinyourphysiology needandrevereleafygreens.I’mtalkingspinach, silverbeet,chard,kale,rocket,mustardgreensand more.Theyarethetrueheroesonanyplate.They deservetobecentre-stage,brimmingastheyarewith vitaminsA,B,CandK,plusfibre,folateand antioxidants.Iswearbyeatingplentyofcookedand rawgreenstokeepinflammationatbay.Putsimply: eatyourgreensandyou’llfeelbetterforit.

Alongwithgreensmoothiesandpastawitha blendedgreensaucestirredthroughit,thetworecipes featuredthisweekaremyfavouritewaystogetlots ofgreensintome—aplatefulofsaute´edorcharred greensandabatchofgreenpancakes.

Whengreenshitahotpanandwiltjust-so,maybe catchingalittlecolourontheedges,theytransform. Addgarlic,ahandfulofcurrantsandtoastedpinenuts, thenfinishwithagoodsplashofoliveoilandasharp, fruityvinegar—thinkredwine,applecideror balsamic—andsomecitrus.It’sadishthathitsevery note:savoury,sweet,sour,anddeeplynourishing.I suggestservingitalongsidealambchoportwoor perhapssomepan-friedfish,ortumbleitthrough grainslikefarroorbarley,orjustpileitonabigplate andgetstuckin.

Ifyoufancysomethingabitdifferent,trywhizzing spinachandpeasintoabatterforvibrantgreen pancakes—they’relight,savouryandperfectfor toppingwithcrumbledfeta,punchyrocket,toasted nutsandseeds,adecentchutney,maybeapoached egg.It’sbrunch,butbetterforyou.

WhenI’mfeelingabitflatorrun-down,greensare whatIturnto.Theyputthespringbackinmystep. Ichallengeyoutomakeoneorbothofmyrecipesthis weekandtellmeifyoudonotfeelabsolutelyfantastic oneatingthem.Getthoseleafygreensintoyour kitchen,intoyourmealsandintoyourbody.They’re cheap,cheerfulandfulloflife.

GREENPANCAKES

Unbelievablydelicious!

Makes6

Pancakes

3⁄4 cupbuckwheatflour(youcanuseplainflour)

2eggs

11⁄2 cupregularorplant-basedmilk(Iusedricemilk) 2-3cupsbabyspinachleaves

Bighandfulofparsley

1cupfrozenpeas,thawed

1⁄2 tspseasalt+decentgrindofblackpepper Butteroroilforcooking

Toppings; Cre`mefraiche,sourcreamoryoghurt, chutney,feta,peas,toastednutsandseeds,rocket, chilliflakes,squeezeoflemon,lickofoliveoil. Tomakethepancakes,placealltheingredientsexcept oil,inablender,foodprocessororabowlanduse astickblender,andblenduntilasmoothbatterforms.

Heatapanandcoatsurfacewithalittleoil.Pour inenoughbattertocoatthepaninanot-toothinlayer. Cookonmediumuntiledgeslift,flipandcookfor1-2 moreminutes.Repeatwithremainingbatter.

Toserve:Swipeeachpancakewithadollopof cre`mefraiche,yoghurtorsourcreamthentopwith anythingyoulikereally—Ilikeacomboofchutney, feta,chilliflakes,asqueezeoflemonjuiceandtorn herbswithsaltandpepperandalickofoliveoil.

CHARREDGREENS

Thisisaplatefulofvitality!Chardandspinachareeasy togrowandtheyarefullofgoodness.Sautethemwith garlic,pinenuts,currantsandasplashofoliveoiland fruityvinegar.Ifyou’reeverfeelingstaleorlowon energythisisthedishforyou.

Makesonelovelyplateful

2-3Tbspraisinsorcurrants,soakedinhotwater 2Tbspoliveoil

1⁄2 leekoronion,slicedthinly 2garliccloves,slicedthinly 10-12stalksofchard,silverbeetorspinach,oramix Splashofvinegar

2-3Tbsppinenuts

Decentpinchofsaltandgrindofpepper Slicesoforangeormandarin Squeezeoflemon,orangeormandarinjuice Saltandpeppertoseason

Gettheraisinsorcurrantssoakinginhotwater.This plumpsthemup.

Inapangentlyfrythegarlicinalittleoliveoil. Roughlychopstalksofchardandspinachandshred theleafypart.Addstalkstopanwiththegarlicand cookfor2-3minutesthenbumpuptheheatandadd inshreddedleavesandsauteuntilwiltedandcharred inplaces.Pourinasplashofvinegar.Pushasidein thepanandtoastthepinenutsuntilbrownedslightly.

Squeezeovercitrusjuice,addinctirus,drained raisinsorcurrants,seasonwithsaltandpepperand tosswell.

Transfertoservingplateoreatfromthepan!

Crunchylunchboxtreats

Schoollunchescanfeel likeanever-ending challengeforbusyparents andcaregivers.These mueslibarsareeasyto makeandaregreatfor fillinghungrytummiesand providinganenergyboost duringtheschoolday.

CHOCNUT&SEED MUESLIBARS

Ingredients

150grolledoats

70gsliveredalmonds

80gpumpkinseeds

100gliquidhoney

75gpeanutbutter

1⁄4 tspsalt

2 1⁄2 Tbspchocolatechips

Method

Preheattheovento160C(140Cfan-forced).Grease andlinethebaseandsidesofa20cmsquaretinwith bakingpaperandsetaside.

Lineabakingtraywithpaper.Placetherolledoats, pumpkinseedsandsliveredalmondsonalinedbaking tray,andbakefor10minutesuntillightlytoasted.Tip intoalargeheatproofbowlandstirinthesalt.

Placethehoneyandpeanutbutterinaheatproof bowlandmicrowavefor30secondsonhigh.Stirto combinewell,thenpouroverthetoastedoatmixture. Combinethoroughly.

Tipthemixtureintothepreparedtin.andusea

metalspoontoPressdownfirmlyandevenlyusing thebackofametalspoon.Allowtocoolslightly. Scatterthechocolatechipsoverthetop.Cover withasheetofbakingpaperandpressdownfirmly withyourhandstopushthechocolatechipsin. Bakefor20minutesoruntilalightgoldenbrown. Removefromtheovenandleavetocoolfor10 minutes.Cutinto16pieces.

NOTE: Someschoolsbanpeanutbutterbecause ofchildrenwithsevereallergies.Youcansubstitute adifferentnutorseedbutterifthisisanissue.

—fresh.co.nz

Forgetbought mueslibars andtuck thesehigh energyheroes intothe lunchbox.

BESTBOOKS

KAREN McMILLAN BooksEditor

Topreadsrecommendedby theteamatNZBooklovers

TheWhiteCrowbyMichael Robotham (Hachette,RRP$38)

Frommasterstoryteller

MichaelRobothamcomeshis twentiethnovel.Weoncemore meettheyoung,ambitious policeofficer,Philomena McCarthy,whodefiedthe oddstojointheforce,not helpedbythefactthather fatheranduncleswerenotoriousLondongangsters. Twocasescollide—abarefootchildfoundonthestreet afterabrutalhomeinvasion,andmillionsmissingfrom aLondonjeweller.Robothamdeliversinspades.

—ChrisCasey

1985byDominicHoey (Penguin,RRP$38)

DominicHoeyskilfully transportsusbackto1985as newsbreaksoftheRainbow Warriorbombing.Twelveyear-oldObilivesina dysfunctional,povertystrickenfamily.Hewantsto helpsavetheirhousefrom mortgageesaleandbuyhis friendAlamoviecamera,sohepracticeshisgaming skillstoenteratournament.Butwhentheboysfind

amapsuggestingriches,theyembarkonahuntall overAuckland.

—CaroleBrungar

WhoWantstoLiveForeverby HannahThomasUose (Hachette,RRP$38)

YukiandSam,soulmatesin their20s,knowtheirlovewill lastalifetime.Butwhat happenswhenlifetimesareno longerfinite?Thereleaseof Yareta,arevolutionarydrugthat

haltsbiologicalageing,tearsthecoupleapartwhen SamchooseslongevityoverlifewithYuki.Thisisnot aconventionalromance,butitisaprofoundlovestory nonetheless:oflovers,ofideals,ofhumanlimitation. —ChrisReed

LonelyPlanet’sAKid’s Guideto... (LonelyPlanet,RRP$27)

Escapewinterwiththis colourfultravelseriesfor familiestoiconiccitiesaround theworld.Thefirstreleased booksareParis,London,New YorkCity,andRome. Designedforchildrenaged 9-12,theseguideshighlightthethingsinthesecities thatkidswilllove,includinghiddengems,whilealso bringingtolifethehistoryandculture.Letthe adventuresbeginforouryoungglobetrotters!

—KarenMcMillan

BindasbyMehakKansal (Murdoch,RRP$45)

Thetitleofthisgorgeous cookbooktranslatesas“free spirit”andreflectsMekah Kansal’sbold,creative approachtocooking.Aselftaughtchefandavidtraveller, shelovesrecreatingdishes fromherchildhoodand infusingdishesshehas encounteredonherglobaltravelswithIndianspices. Ifyou’reanadventurouscookopentospicingupyour cookinginnewandexcitingways,you’lllovethese recipes!

—LynPotter

Formorereviewsgotonzbooklovers.co.nz

Loveworks—inmysteriousways

IFRANCESCA RUDKIN Reviews

fyou’reafterawildlyromanticand enchantingdramadon’tgopastthis adaptationofNiallWilliams’best-selling debutnovel FourLettersofLove It’sprobablybesttodeclareupfrontthat thisisnotafilmforcynics.Thisisafilmfor peoplewhobelieveindestinyandtheuniverse workinginmysteriousways.It’sforthosewho believetruelovealwaysfindsaway.

Anopeningnarrationintroducingthetwo families,whoseliveswillbecomeintertwined throughoutthestory,feelsalittleheavy handedandoverexplanatorybutinhindsight it’sprobablythebestwayin.

Thebookwasoriginallypublishedin1997 andhasprovedtrickytoadapt.Many filmmakersandactorshavetoiledwiththe idea,butitwasWilliamshimselfwhoended upwritingthescreenplay,andit’sbeen broughttolifebydirectorPollySteele(Women TalkingDirty, LetMeGo).

Thecastisanexcellentmixofveteransand

risingstars,whosucceedinmakingan improbablystoryplausibleenoughforusto sinkinto.

PierceBrosnanstarsasWilliam,acivil servantwhowhenstruckbysunlightathis deskbelievesit’sasignfromGodtellinghim tofollowhisdestinyandbecomeapainter. Williamdoesn’tjustwalkoutonhisjob,he alsowalksoutonhiswifeandteenageson Nicholas(FionnO’Shea)asheheadstothe

WesternIrishIslandstowanderandpaint. Atthesametime,thestoryfollows afamilylivingonthesameisland. Margaret(HelenaBonham Carter)andherhusband Muiris,thelocalschoolmaster andpoet(GabrielByrne),are preparingfortheirteenage daughterIsabel(AnnSkelly)to leavetheislandtoattenda conventschoolonthemainland. Familyandrelationshipsare themesattheheartofthisstory,but it’sessentiallyaboutIssy’scoming-of-age. SkellyiscaptivatingasthespiritedIsabel,keen tospreadherwingsbuthesitanttoleavethe islandafterolderbrotherSean(DonalFinn) becomesparalysed.

Isabel’sconventexperienceisshort-lived, butshefindsherplacewithayoungmanon themainland,whileNicholasbecomes obsessedwithunderstandingwhyhisfather abandonedhim.Theirpathscrossbrieflyat first,beforebeingbroughttogetherbyfateand amiracle.

Thestoryissetin1971andhasastrong senseoftimeandplace.Theislandisa stunningsettingandacharacterinitsown right.Isabel’sfamilyvillageispicturesqueand stuckintime.It’saplacewheretraditionsare valuedandpeopleareconnectedthrough nature,poetry,musicandpainting.

Itaddsuptoasenseofnostalgia—which almostmakesyouwanttowritealetterjust soyoucananticipategettingoneinreturn— butthisisalsoafilmwithsurprisinglysimple andrelevantmessagesabouttrusting intuition,livinginthenowandbelievingthat whatismeanttobewillbe.Allyouhaveto doisbepreparedtoreadthesigns.

● ScreeningatselectcinemasfromJuly24

Dexterresurrected—again

Thevigilantekiller’s survivalisamiracle,but notreallyasurprise, writes

AlexisSoloski

Onamorninginmid-May,insidea traileratthebaseofaLongIsland hotel,KatSt.John,asetcostumer, attackedagreycollaredshirtwitha spraybottle.Theshirtwasbloodstained.Between shootingdays,thestainshaddried.

“Wehavetoaddnewblood,”shesaid.

Thiswasonthesetof Dexter:Resurrection,the newestiterationoftheShowtimefranchise surroundingDexterMorgan,thevigilanteserial killerplayedbyMichaelC.Hall.Theoriginal seriesdebutedin2006andendedin2013.A reprise, Dexter:NewBlood,premieredin2021.A prequel, Dexter:OriginalSin,followedin2024and hassincebeenrenewed.

Although NewBlood seeminglyleftDexter bleedingoutinthesnow, Resurrection returns Hall’skillertoTV.

Hissurvivalisamiracle,butgiventelevision’s embraceofreboots,revivals,sequels,prequelsand TVmovies,alsonotreallyasurprise.Thistrend isn’tnew: NewYorkTimes criticJamesPoniewozik surveyeditbackin2018,arguingthatwiththe expandingvolumeofTV,“it’sabattleforanything newtogetattention”.

Untilfairlyrecently,franchiseswerethesmallscreenpurviewofprocedurals,unscriptedseries, StarTrek andtheoccasionalNormanLearsitcom. Nowtheimpulsetowardworldbuildingextends toevenprestigeorprestige-adjacentdramas. Itiseasyenoughtoimaginea Dexter ofpast decadesjustifyingaspin-offoraremake.Butnot threeofthem.Andthreeisn’tevenalotanymore.

Power,theglitzyStarzcrimeseries,has spawnedthreespin-offsacrossmultipletimelines, withmoretocome.Two Yellowstone spin-offsaired beforetheserieswrappedlastyear;threemore havebeenordered. GameofThrones hasonespinoffontheair(HouseoftheDragon ),onein production(AKnightoftheSevenKingdoms)and severalmoreindevelopment.

Whyaretheresomany?Eveninthepost-peak era,“consumersareabsolutelyoverwhelmedwith toomuchofeverything”,JohnLandgraf,the chairmanofFXnetworks,said.“Somethingthat hassomekindofpresoldawarenessoraffinity takesonmorevalueinthosecircumstances.”

Executivesandshowrunnersinsistserial propagationistheorganicresultofcreative impulseandfanhungerratherthanstrictlya businessstrategy.“Ifyou’refranchising something,it’sbecauseit’smorethanjustashow topeople,”saidAlisonHoffman,thepresidentof Starznetworks,thehomeoffranchisesincluding Power and Outlander.(Theprequel Outlander: BloodofMyBlood arrivesonAugust8.)

ChrisMcCarthy,aParamountco-CEO,whohas greenlit Dexter and Yellowstone seriesextensions, said,“Franchisesareourmodernmythologies.”He comparedtheircharactersandworldstothoseof Greekepics.“LikeHomer’s Iliad and Odyssey,they endurethroughreinvention,”hesaid.

Andyettheactiononthe Dexter:Resurrection setwasnotpreciselyareinvention.Moreblood wasbeingaskedfor—newblooddeliberately engineeredtomatchtheoldblood,whilealso appearingfresh.Aslongasthereareviewers willingtotuneinorclick—andthereare, New Blood becamethemost-watchedseriesin Showtime’shistory; OriginalSin wasn’tfarbehind —thebloodwillkeepcirculating.

Showsdon’tdieliketheyusedto.Zombiethriller TheWalkingDead,forexample,hasbirthedsix spin-offs,manywebseriesandanunscriptedshow inwhichastaroftheoriginal,NormanReedus, ridesaroundonamotorbike.Theoriginalended in2022.Thefranchiselurcheson.

“Ifyoulovetheseworlds,thesecharacters,you wanttokeeptellingthestory,”saidScottM. Gimple,thechiefcontentofficerof TheWalking

MichaelC.Hall playsa wounded, 50-something, somewhat changed Dexterin Dexter: Resurrection.

—ScottM.Gimple,chiefcontentofficer,The WalkingDeadfranchise.

Dead franchise.“Andtherearepeoplewhowant youtotellit.”

Theadvantagesoffranchiseexpansionare obvious.Theseshowsbenefitfromname recognitionandadedicatedaudience,aswellas writers,producersandcrewmembersalready conversantwiththataudience’sexpectations.

“You’reorientedwhenyouhaveafranchisein awaythatyoumightnotbewithsomethingbrandnew,”Hoffmansaid.

Thesafestapproachistoofferanaudiencemore ofwhattheylove.Thisiswhat Dexter:NewBlood and Dexter:Resurrection largelyprovide.Butto simplyrepeattheoriginalrisksdevaluingit,and eachwasconceivedasanimprovementonthe previousshow.

The2013finaleof Dexter wasroundly condemned. NewBlood wasviewedbyHalland showrunnerClydePhillips,whohadleftthe originalattheendofthefourthseason,asa remedy.TradingstickyMiamiforfrigidupstate NewYork,theshowreunitedDexterwiththeson hehadlastseenasatoddlerandgavehimamore persuasiveandseeminglyfinalsend-off.

Buteventhiswasn’tentirelysatisfying—not

forthefanswhomournedthecharacter’sdeath; orforHall,whofoundthathemissedtheshow; orforPhillips,whointheendthoughtthe storytellingwasalittleflimsy.Theprequel, OriginalSin,wasalreadyintheworkswhenHall calledandaskediftherewasawayto“un-kill” Dexter.Phillipshadideas.Hewouldmovethe showagain,thistimetoNewYorkCity,and introducenewsupportingcharacterswhile keepingjustafewoftheoldones.EvenDexter, wounded,50-something,issomewhatchanged.

“Hecan’tbetheDexterwemetatthebeginning again,”Hallsaid.Yetfansdon’twanthimtoo different.“Peopledocherishhisabilitytosurvive, togetoutofjams,toberesilient.Andthisisa sortofultimatedisplayofthat.”

Thisencapsulatestheparadoxattheheartof anysuccessfulspin-off,theneedtoensureboth brandcontinuityandoriginality.

“Thatisthecodeyou’retryingtocrack,”said SaschaPenn,awriteron Power andshowrunner of PowerBookIII:RaisingKanan.In Raising Kanan,Pennshiftedtheactionbackafewdecades andtradedacrimestoryforafamilydrama— admittedly,thefamilycommitslotsofcrimes— whilestillretainingsomeofthethemesandtone of Power

Thefranchisefevershowsfewsignsofbreaking. Ithaspushedshowswellbeyondtheirnaturallife cyclesandmadeittrickiertotellwhenandhow storiesshouldend.

“Therecomesatimewhenanybodyknowsit’s timetohangitup,butwe’renotthereyet,”Phillips said.HalljokedaboutDexteronedayeliminating theunsavourymembersofhisassisted-living facility.

“Thoughthatisahorrifyingthingtoconsider,” hesaid.

TheNewYorkTimes

6am Infomercials

7.30 RickStein’sFoodStories 30

8am RuralDelivery 0

8.30 CountryCalendar 30

9am RoadsLessTravelled 0

9.30 TagataPasifika 0 10am TheGreatBritishBakeOff 30

11.35 KeepingUpAppearances PGC

12.15 KeepingUpAppearances PGC

12.50 TheCruise

1.50 F JudiLove’sCulinary Cruise

2.50 EatWellforLessNZ 3 (StartingToday) 0

3.50 TippingPoint:BestEver Finals 0

4.20 Password PG 30

5pm TheChase 30

6pm 1NewsatSix 0

7pm F ANewZealandFood StorywithBenBayly 0

7.30 TheDogHouse 0 Adog behaviourspecialistpulls outallthestopstohelp aStaffiecrossfinallyfind ahome,afterayearof searching.

8pm Lotto

8.05 TheDogHouse Continued.

8.35 MarlowMurderClub M Afterareveredmember ofthesailingclubis bludgeonedtodeath, Judith,BecksandSuzie mustnavigategrudges withinthetight-knit communityontheirhuntfor justice.

9.35 GrandDesignsNew Zealand 3

10.30 Elsbeth M 30

11.25 TheMessenger MLC

12.30 TheSplit PG 3

1.25 WorldonFire MV 3

2.30 TVNZ1Quiz

0

3.30 Infomercials

6am Children’sProgrammes CareBears–Unlockthe Magic;TikaroTribe;Kiri andLou;GoDiegoGo; AgentBinky–Petsofthe Universe;TeenTitansGo; Transformers–Earthspark; MegamindRules.

9.10 HollyHobbie 3

9.35 YoungRiders 0 10am Fresh PG 0

10.35 ShortlandStreetOmnibus PG 3

12.05 YoungSheldon PG 3

12.35 DinnerDate PG 3

1.35 Dynamo:Magician Impossible PGL 3

2.35 TheAmazingRace 3 4pm TwoandaHalfMen PGC 30

4.30 L Football:Wrexhamv WellingtonPhoenix 0 From theWellingtonRegional Stadium,Wellington. 7pm America’sGotTalent PGC 0

8.50 M AmericanReunion 16LSC2012Comedy. Adecade later,theclassmatesgoto theirhighschoolreunion anddiscoverdistance cannotbreakthebondsof friendship.JasonBiggs, AlysonHannigan,Seann Scott,TaraReid.

11pm Taskmasterclass: EducationforAll 0 Taskmasterisan educationalcurriculum designedtohelp comedians,suchasBob MortimerandSallyPhillips. GregDaviesandAlexHorne spillthebeans.

11.55 NeverMindtheBuzzcocks 16L 3

12.35 LeanonPete 16VLC

2.40 LoveIslandUK 16LC 3 (StartingToday)

3.30 MysteriesandScandals 16VC 3

4.15 Fresh PG 3

4.40 Closedown 5am Infomercials

7.40 NightSwim MVC2024Horror. 9.20 OrdinaryAngels PGL2023 Drama. 11.15 OldGuy 16VLC2024 Action. 12.50 Sniper:TheLast Stand 16VC2024Action. 2.35 Cash Out MVLC2024Action. 4.10 CivilWar 16VLC2024Action. 6pm Gladiator2 16VL2024Action. 8.30 Venom:The LastDance ML2024Action. Aformer reporterandanalienareontherun andareforcedtomakeachoice thatcouldmarktheendoftheir partnership. 10.20 Ambush 16VLC 2023Action. 12.01 Longlegs 16VL 2024Horror.

6.43 Swingers ML1996Comedy Drama. 8.20 Can’tHardlyWait MLS 1998Comedy. 10.03 PeggySue GotMarried PG1986ComedyDrama. 11.48 PineappleExpress 16VL 2008Comedy. 1.40 MeanGirls MLS 2024Comedy. 3.30 ThisistheEnd 16VLS2013Comedy. 5.15 RideAlong MVL2014Comedy. 6.55 48Hours 16L 1982Comedy. 8.30 RideAlong2 MV 2016Comedy. Ashisweddingday approaches,amangoestoMiami withhissoon-to-bebrother-inlawtobringdownadrugdealer. 10.15 PracticalMagic MV1998 Fantasy. 12am LateNight MLS2019 Comedy.

6am CharlesStanley PG

6.30 Infomercials

9.25 TheVetLife PG DrRoss tendstoafrizzlehen’seye, whileDrBlueisalarmedby abulldog’sburstmammary gland.

10.20 DrJeff:RockyMountain Vet PG DrJeffdiscoversa largemassonadog;vet techKellytreatsherdog’s sun-damagednose;Dr BaierandHectortreatwild bison.

11.15 Nature’sStrangest MysteriesSolved PG 3

11.45 TheZoo 3

12.45 CupcakeWars 3

1.40 LakefrontBargainHunt: Renovation

2.40 LegoMastersAustralia PG 3

3.50 LegoMastersAustralia PG 3

5pm LittleGiants PG 0 Theteamscoursthe SonoranDesertforNorth America’scarnivorous grasshoppermouse.

5.30 Getaway PG 0 Theluxurycruisethrough theCaribbeancontinues, callingintoGuadeloupe, StKittsandNevis,andthe ultra-coolStBarts.

6pm ThreeNews 0

6.30 M BatmanandRobin PG 3 0 1997Action.

8.55 M Greenland M 30 2020 Action. Asacomethurtles towardsEarth,aman,his estrangedwifeandtheir sonembarkonaperilous journeytofindsanctuary. GerardButler,Morena Baccarin.

11.10 DoomPatrol 16

12.15 IntheEyeoftheStorm M 3

1.15 Infomercials

5am LeadingtheWay PG

5.30 CharlesStanley PG

6.10 CastAway M2000Adventure. 8.30 TheNextThreeDays MVL 2010Crime. 10.40 AmericanMade 16VLSC2017Crime. 12.35 Kingof Thieves ML2018Drama. 2.20 San Andreas ML2015Action. 4.15 The CuriousCaseofBenjaminButton MLS2008Drama. 6.55 DogEatDog 18VLSC2016Crime. 8.30 Lordsof Dogtown MS2005Action. Fictional takeonthetruestoryofZ-Boys, agroupofskateboarderswho foundedthesportinthestreetsof SantaMonica. 10.20 TheBourne Identity MVL2002Thriller. 12.15 Get Out 16VLC2017Thriller.

8am TheDrawingShow 30

8.30 MichalandMoe 30

8.55 MoeandFriends 30

9.10 ExtremeCakeSports 30

9.30 MyFavouriteDeadPerson 30

9.40 KeaKidsNews 30

10am Infomercials

Noon PointlessAustralia 30

1pm MasterChefUSA PG 0 The finalistsaretaskedwith makingathree-course menuthatdemonstrates howmuchtheyhavegrown inthecompetition.

2pm LicencetoDrive ML 30 MaxandJameshavea visitfromtheiruncle,who usedtoownthecarthey dented;TessaMackaygets helpfromLizMcLellanas shelearnstodrivewiththe challengesofautism.

2.30 PawnStars PG 30 The teamcomesupagainst high-stakespropositions.

4.30 RugbyLeague:NRL (HLS) DolphinsvCowboys.

4.45 RugbyLeague:NRL (HLS) SharksvRoosters.

5pm Golf:PGATour (HLS) 0 ISCO Championship.Fromthe HurstbourneCountryClub, Louisville,Kentucky.

6pm The100KDrop 0

7pm WalkingwithElephants PGC 30

8pm WheelBlacks:Bodies ontheLine PG 30 2/3. TheWheelBlacksarrivein TokyofortheAsiaOceania ZonalChampionships, wheretheyarefacingthe world’stop-rankedteams.

9pm Rugby:AllBlacksvFrance (DLY) 0 ThirdTest.From StadiumWaikato,Hamilton. 11.30 RugbyLeague:NRL (DLY) StormvSeaEagles.From AAMIPark,Melbourne.

1.30 Infomercials

6.50 WordsandPictures PG2013 Family. 8.05 TheEternalMemory M2023Biography. 9.30 Ezra M2023 Drama. 11.10 LittleRichard:IAm Everything M2023Documentary. 12.50 BestInterests M Mini-series. 2.15 BestInterests M Mini-series. 3.15 BestInterests M Mini-series. 4.15 BestInterests M Mini-series. 5.15 ThePromise:ArchitectBV Doshi M2023Documentary. 6.50 Dog Tooth 2009Drama. 8.30 Catching Dust M2023Thriller. 10.10 The RoyalHotel 162023Thriller. 11.40 BodyintheSuitcase:The MurderofDeborahChong M2023 Documentary.

Closedown

8am Cycling:TourdeFrance Stage13.The11kmtimetrial fromLoudenvielletoPeyragudes. 10am Rugby:SamoavScotland 10.15 RugbyLeague:NRL PanthersvRabbitohs.From CommBankStadium,Sydney. 12.15 Rugby:FirstXV StPatrick’s CollegevStPatrick’sCollege Silverstream. 12.30 L Rugby: FirstXV OtagoBoys’High SchoolvKing’sHighSchool. FromOtagoBoys’HighSchool, Dunedin. 2.15 Golf:TheOpen Championship SecondRound. 4.15 Rugby:FirstXV OtagoBoys’ HighSchoolvKing’sHighSchool. FromOtagoBoys’HighSchool, Dunedin. 6pm L Rugby:AllBlacks vFrance ThirdTest.FromStadium Waikato,Hamilton. 9.30 L Rugby: AustraliavBritishandIrishLions FirstTest.FromSuncorpStadium, Brisbane. 1am Rugby:FirstXV OtagoBoys’HighSchoolvKing’s HighSchool. 1.15 Rugby:Kapao PangovWiwi TeReo:ThirdTest. 1.30 Rugby:AllBlacksvFrance ThirdTest. 1.45 Rugby:South AfricavItaly 2am L Rugby:South AfricavGeorgia FromMbombela Stadium,Nelspruit. 5.30 Golf:PGA Tour

16VLSC1970Drama. 1.10 Villain 18VLC 1971Crime. 2.45 BroncoBilly MVS 1980Western. 4.40 AmericanFlyers PG1985Drama. 6.30 Interview withtheVampire 16V1994Horror. 8.30 GirlHappy 1965Comedy.

6am QI PG 6.30 QI M 7.05 WouldI LietoYou? PG 7.35 WouldILieto You? PG 8.05 WouldILietoYou? PG 8.40 WouldILietoYou? PG 9.15 Dragons’Den PG 10.20 The Bill M 11.10 TheBill M Noon The Bill M 12.55 TheBill M 1.50 The Bill M 2.45 LastTangoinHalifax PG 3.45 AntiquesRoadshow PG 4.45 FatherBrown PG 5.40 Father Brown PG 6.35 Antiques Roadshow PG 7.35 Windsor Castle PG 8.30 Midsomer Murders M 10.25 NewTricks PG 11.25 WhodoYouThinkYouare? PG 12.30 WhodoYouThinkYou are? PG

6am RuralDelivery 30

6.20 FindMyCountryHouse 30

6.50 Attitude 30

7.10 TagataPasifika 30

7.35 SongsofPraise 30

8.10 GoodwithWood 30

9am Q+AwithJackTame 0

10am Pathfinders 0 RangiTeKanawa,a renownedMaoritextile conservator,pioneersthe mukafibre,honouringand regeneratingharakeke’s legacy.

10.30 Marae

11am InteriorDesignMasters withAlanCarr 30

Noon Attitude 0 Thefamilyofa boywithararecondition, Sanfilipposyndrome –similartochildhood dementia–sharestheir positiveapproachdealing withoneoflife’shardest challenges.

12.30 FindMyCountryHouse Canada 0

1pm Emmerdale PG 0

1.30 CoronationStreet PG 30

2pm SusanCalman’sGreat BritishCities 0

3pm NZHunterAdventures PGC 30

4pm MovingHouses 30

5pm TheChase 30

6pm 1NewsatSix 0

7pm CountryCalendar 0

7.30 MovingHouses PG 0 A womanmovesagrand EpsomvillatoherBeach Havenchildhoodplot.But unexpectedobstacles onmovingnightturnthe homecomingintoahighstakesadventure.

8.30 F TheBrokenwood Mysteries MC 0 Christmas isofftoabadstartin BrokenwoodwhenSantais founddead.

10.25 TheEx-Wife 16VL

11.25 Q+AwithJackTame 3

12.30 Infomercials

0

6am Children’sProgrammes DarwinandNewts;Ready SteadyWiggle;Bluey;Go DiegoGo;JungleBunchto theRescue;TheGhastly Ghoul;Miraculous–Talesof LadybugandCatNoir.

8.30 WhatNow? 0

9.30 TheVoiceUK 0 Emma Willisreturnstohostthe semi-finalsasthesuperstar coachesneedtotakeone oftheirsingersthroughto thefinal.

11.10 HomeandAwayOmnibus PG 0

1.15 Don’tForgettheLyrics 3

2.15 TwoandaHalfMen PG 30

3.15 M TheCroods:ANew Age PG 30 2020Animation. Theprehistoricfamilyare challengedbyarivalfamily, theBettermans,whoclaim tobebetterandmore evolved.

5.10 Sullivan’sCrossing PG Maggiecontinuesto dealwiththefalloutfrom Andrew’svisit;Caltriesto helpMaggiedealwithher emotionalbaggage.

6.05 TheBigBangTheory PG 3

7pm StrandedonHoneymoon Island PGL 0

8.30 M OlympusHasFallen 16VL 30 2013Action. When aterroristkidnapsthe AmericanPresident,a disgracedformerguard becomesthepresident’s onlyhope.GerardButler, AaronEckhart,Morgan Freeman.

10.45 Watson MC 3

11.40 FBI:International 16VC

12.20 M TheFinalDestination 16VLS 3 2009Thriller.

1.45 LoveIslandUK 16LC 3 (StartingToday)

2.35 MysteriesandScandals MC 3

3.20 Infomercials 5.20 Closedown

8am Venom:TheLastDance ML 2024Action. 9.45 Ambush 16VLC 2023Action. 11.30 Longlegs 16VL 2024Horror. 1.10 AQuietPlace: DayOne MVL2024Horror. 2.50 Back toBlack MVLC2024Drama. 4.55 MadameWeb MV2024Action. 6.50 HeWentthatWay 16VLC2023 Crime. 8.30 Lee MVLC2024Drama. AmericanphotographerElizabeth LeeMillergoesfromfashionmodel toacclaimedwarcorrespondentfor VoguemagazineduringtheSecond WorldWar. 10.30 Terrifier3 18VLSC 2024Horror. 12.35 SaturdayNight MLSC2024Comedy.

6.40 Chips 16VLSC2017Comedy. 8.20 Another48Hours MVL1990 Comedy. 9.55 BrideWars ML2009 Comedy. 11.25 JustGowithIt MS2011Rom-com. 1.20 Madame MLS2017Comedy. 2.50 Valentine’s Day MS2010Rom-com. 4.55 Anger Management MLS2003Comedy. 6.40 TalladegaNights:TheBallad ofRickyBobby MLS2006Comedy. 8.30 AnalyzeThis MVL1999Comedy. Ananxiety-strickenmafiaboss enliststhehelpofapsychiatrist togetintouchwithhisfeelings. 10.15 DecktheHalls PGL2006 Comedy. 11.50 AnalyzeThat MVLS 2002Comedy.

6am BeachfrontBargainHunt 0

6.30 LeadingtheWay PG

7am CharlesStanley PG

8am KeyofDavid PG

8.30 TurningPoint PG

9am Getaway PG 30

9.25 TheHui 0

9.55 YouLiveinWhat? 30

10.45 TheGreatFoodTruck Race 0 Thefinalthree teamsheadtothe CoachellaValley,where eachtruckmustcreateand sellanoriginalMedjooldate dishtomusicfestivalfans.

11.35 Motorsport:NascarXfinity Series (HLS)

12.30 Motorsport:European RallyChampionship (HLS)

1pm Motorsport:DTM (HLS)

2.10 Motorsport:NascarCup Series (HLS)

3.20 Motorsport:MotoGP (HLS)

4.30 Sailing:SailGP (DLY) Portsmouth:DayOne.

6pm ThreeNews 0

6.30 HospiceHeroes PG 0 Kelly hastwoweekstoopen anewopshopatTotara Hospice,Geninvitesthe communityforCookIslands LanguageWeek,anditisa specialdayforoneofthe patients.

7pm LegoMastersAustralia PG 0 Theteamshaveto replicatearealobjectfrom aChineserestaurant,using Lego.

8.30 M Shazam!Furyofthe Gods M 0 2023Action. An unlikelysuperheromust preventthedaughtersof Atlasfromusinganancient relicfortheirownevil purposes.ZacharyLevi, HelenMirren.

10.55 Heels 16 WhenJackgoes ontheroadtofindAce,the DWLisinWillie’shands, andhestartsdeveloping awomen’sdivisionwith Crystal.

12.10 Infomercials

7.30 JasonBourne MV2016Action Thriller. 9.30 BeforeSunrise ML 1995RomanticDrama. 11.10 Before Sunset MLS2004Drama. 12.35 The Lobster 16VLSC2015ComedyDrama. 2.35 ThePrestige MV2006Drama. 4.45 TheGentlemen 16VLSC 2019Action. 6.40 TheBourne Supremacy MVL2004Action. 8.30 MeninBlack:International MVC2019Action. DecoratedAgent HanddeterminedrookieMface anewalienthreatthatcantake theformofanyone,includingMIB agents. 10.25 Joker 16VLC2019 Thriller. 12.30 MysticRiver 16VL2003 Drama.

6am TheDrawingShow 30

6.30 KeaKidsNews 30

7am ReligiousProgrammes

9am TagataPasifika 0 The latestPacificnewsand currentaffairs.

9.30 TheMaoriRollCall 3 TameItiwantstoget moreontheelectoralroll andmoreMaoriseatsin Parliament.

10am Rugby:AustraliavBritish andIrishLions (DLY) FirstTest.FromSuncorp Stadium,Brisbane.

Noon L UFC318Prelims PGC Viewerdiscretionisadvised.

2pm L Basketball:NBL Final.

5pm Motorsport–MonsterJam (HLS) 0

5.30 RugbyNation Highlights andanalysisofthelatest rugbyaction.

6pm The100KDrop PG Contestantsmustgetthe answersrighttostoptheir pileofcashgettinglost throughatrapdoor.

7pm AmazingAnimalBabies PG 3

8pm RobsonGreen’sWeekend Escapes PG 0 Robson’s brotherandunclejoinhim onaboatintheYorkshire Dales,completewith fishingrodsandabitof competition.

8.30 TheTattooistofAuschwitz 16VLSC 0 3/6.Heather navigatesthepainfultwin pathsoftruthandgriefwith Lali;inthepast,Laliwakes uptodevastatingnews.

9.30 TheTattooistofAuschwitz 16VLSC 0 4/6.Gitais distraughtasLalihasnot beenseenfordays;the weightofLali’sstorytakes itstollonHeather’shealth.

10.30 Netball:ANZPremiership (DLY) EliminationFinal.

12.30 RugbyLeague:NRLW (HLS) KnightsvWarriors. 1am Infomercials 6.30 KoriClub 3

7.35 CatchingDust M2023 Thriller. 9.15 TheRoyalHotel 162023Thriller. 10.50 PetitMal 162022Drama. 12.25 Sincethe LastTimeWeMet 162023Drama. 1.50 DaughterofGod M2015 Crime. 2.05 Lagerfeld:Ambitions PG 2.50 Lagerfeld:Ambitions 16 3.30 Lagerfeld:Ambitions PG 4.10 Lagerfeld:Ambitions M 4.55 MurderedbyaMob:The KillingofBijanEbrahimi M2021 Documentary. 6.05 TheBeast M2023 Sci-fi. 8.30 TheManWhoFellto Earth 181976Sci-fiDrama. 10.50 The ArtificeGirl 162022Thriller. 12.20 Subtraction M2022Drama.

6am JoannaLumley’sGreatCities oftheWorld PG 6.50 Joanna Lumley’sHiddenCaribbean PG 7.45 JoannaLumley’sHidden Caribbean PG 8.35 Joanna Lumley’sBritain PG 9.25 Ghosts PG 10am EastEnders PG 12.20 MidsomerMurders PG 3.55 DocMartin PG 4.50 Father Brown PG 5.45 TheGoodShip Murder PG 6.40 8Outof10Cats DoesCountdown M 7.35 Dorset: CountryandCoast 8.30 Who doYouThinkYouare?Australia PG 9.35 Grantchester PG 11.25 WindsorCastle PG 12.20 Who doYouThinkYouare?Australia PG

10.45 Closedown

6am Rugby:AllBlacksvFrance ThirdTest. 6.15 L Rugby: WorldU20Championship Final:NewZealandvSouth Africa. 8.45 Rugby:AllBlacksv France ThirdTest. 9.15 Rugby: ScotlandvSamoa 9.30 Rugby: FirstXV OtagoBoys’vKing’s High. 9.45 Rugby:Australia vBritishandIrishLions First Test. 10am Rugby:South AfricavGeorgia Noon Rugby: AllBlacksvFrance ThirdTest. 2pm L Basketball:NBL Final: SaintsvSharks.FromTrustsArena, Wellington. 5.10 Rugby:First XV 5.30 L RugbyLeague:NRL KnightsvWarriors.FromMcDonald JonesStadium,Newcastle. 8pm L RugbyLeague:NRLW KnightsvWarriors.FromMcDonald JonesStadium,Newcastle. 9.55 Rugby:AllBlacksvFrance 10.15 RugbyLeague:NRL 10.30 Cycling:TourdeFrance 11.10 L Cycling:TourdeFrance Stage15.The169kmlegfrom MurettoCarcassonne. 3.45 Rugby League:NRL 4am L Motorsport: IndyCar Toronto:Warm up.FromToronto,Ontario. 4.30 L Motorsport:IndyCar Toronto.FromToronto,Ontario.

Puzzlesandhoroscopes

Crypticcrossword

SimonShuker’sCode-Cracker

ACROSS

1. Wasathrow-awaywornovertheshoulder?(5)

4. Hedoesn'tholdtheestablishedviewthatthericeiswild(7)

8. AFrenchoneon:isaback-streetforcard-carryingmembers?(9) 9. He'sthefellowtoputsomethingon(3) 10. Madearovingsearchandgotcleanedout(7)

12. Thelasttogetthethirdaheadislong,thinandwooden(4)

14. Finalcomedowninthetheatre(7)

17. Ablokewhohadabookthatthismanhawkedaround?(4)

18. Theverylatestnews,thatoneisleastabletograsp?(7)

20. Whererefreshmentmaybegotatthewicket,beginto negotiate(3)

21. Singeropposedtoalotofchange(9)

23. What'swornbymalecustomergettingarmin?(7)

24. Categorisestheathleticpursuitsquietlyexcluded(5) DOWN

1. Criticalexaminationofmusicgenrelookingforsomething new?(4-9)

2. Completeagreementachievedbyusinnodisagreement(6)

3. Liberaltransmitterofhereditywithsourpotential(8)

4. Isnotoneofthehave-notsinvolvedinhighaspirations?(3)

5. Filesnakerightahead(4)

6. Movealittleway(6)

7. Interpretationsthatmayhavebeenpiledtogether(13)

11. Sortoftreatthat'sself-financing:doubleit?Nonsense!(5)

13. AncientinhabitantofBritishislandssuretochangethe images(8)

15. Styleofagirltakeninbyaman'saddress(6)

16. Itmayholdalotofwineoralittlesalt(6)

19. Stomachexpandingmayrevealsomethinghurtful(4)

22. Useneedles,onehears,forwhatisn'twantedahead(3)

Quickcrossword

WordWheel

Insertthemissinglettertocomplete aneight-letterwordreadingclockwise oranti-clockwise.

WordBuilder

Across 6. Gentlymocks(6) 7. Forcefullyrequest(6)

10. Astonish(7)

11. Attempts(5)

12. Tart,spicyquality(4)

13. Mixofrainandsnow(5)

16. Hints(5)

17. Sphericalshapes(4)

20. Weighty(5)

21. Resemblingadream(7)

22. Rouses(6)

23. Oflate(6)

1. Putinastarring performance(5,3,4) 2. Separation(7) 3. Planetknownas'Evening Star'(5) 4. Climaticconditions(7)

Legitimate(5)

Inconsolable(12) 9. Alpineflower(9)

Sicklysweet(7) 15. Withoutatear(3-4) 18. Conceals(5) 19. Maliciouslyunkind(5)

Previoussolution: KNAPSACK

www.thepuzzlecompany.co.nz

Howmanywordsofthreeormore letters,includingplurals,canyoumake fromthefiveletters,usingeachletter onlyonce?Nowordsbeginningwitha capitalareallowed.There’satleastone five-letterword. Good 9 VeryGood 13 Excellent 19

Previoussolution: alb,alto,bat,blat, bloat,blot,boa,boat,bolt,bot,lab,lat, lob,loa,lot,oat,tab

ARIES(Mar21-Apr19): Youwereoncesomeonepeople couldrelyontobehave,butnowyoumight besomeonetheyhavetorelearn.Thenext chapterholdsmorerisk,moreauthenticity, moreartistry,moreyou.

TAURUS(Apr20-May20): Projectionispartofbonding. Someoneisdrawntoyou.Theyseewhat theywanttoseeandunconsciouslyfillinthe blankswiththeirownhopesandneeds.Stay groundedinyouractualself.

GEMINI(May21-Jun21): You'renotobligatedtoliveup tosomeone'sfantasy.You'reallowedtoevolve, contradicttheirassumptions.Ifsomeonefeels letdownbyyourauthenticity,that'stheir disappointmenttoprocess–notyourjobtofix.

CANCER(Jun22-Jul22): Itfeelsgoodtobepraisedand rewarded,butthat'saboutwhatmattersto others,notnecessarilywhatmatterstoyou. You'reafterfulfilment.You'redevelopingtaste, depthandoriginality–ask:Isthistrueforme?

LEO(Jul23-Aug22): You'recultivatingasocialatmosphere wherekindnessisn'tjustoffered;itmultiplies. Peoplefeelbetterinyourcompany–warmer, safer,freertobereal.That'sthestructureyou're building:aninvisiblearchitectureofease.

VIRGO(Aug23-Sep22): Relationshipswillbeclarifiedin amomentwhensomeonestopsseeingyou inaroleandstartstounderstandyou.Real closenessbeginswhentheprojectiondrops–andsomeonechoosestokeepknowingyou.

LIBRA(Sep23-Oct23): "Autopilot"modeisn'tthemost excitingorinvolvedwaytodoajob,butit definitelyconservesenergy.You'reinitfor thelonghaul,soyouneedtopaceyourself. Sometimesit'sjustaboutshowingup.

SCORPIO(Oct24-Nov21): Theaestheticsofan experiencewillmattertoyoumorethanthey seemtomattertoothers.You'llbestrategicin yourembodimentofbeautyandorder.Surprise isanessentialelementinyourchoices.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov22-Dec21): Don'twaitforatitleto confirmyourworth;buildalifethatreflects yourvalues:Purpose,joyandfreedomare states,notpositions.They'reflexible.Theycan liveinmanycontainers.

CAPRICORN(Dec22-Jan19): You'llreturntoplaces andpeopleinyourmindandinanywayyou canbecauseyouwanttounderstandwhat happenedbackthere.You'rehopingtolearn somethingnewtoshedlightonthehistory.

AQUARIUS(Jan20-Feb18): You'llcraveknowledgethat fewwouldcaretowonderabout.You'llnotice wheretheatmospheredoesn'tmatchthe architecture–whenthestructureofathing failstoreflectitssoul.

PISCES(Feb19-Mar20): Forgivenessisapersonaland complexprocess–sometimesessential, irrelevant,premature.Consideritoptional. Therearemanywaystomoveon.

Previouscrypticsolution

Across: 2.Limit5.Pipe7.Flag8.Nominate9.Advocate 11.Soon12.Octogenarians15.Bone17.Election19.Contract 21.Bide22.Crop23.Tinge

Down: 1.Melodic2.Log3.Mania4.Tempera5.Pun6.Patio 10.Ozone11.Shift13.Elegant14.Noonday16.Odour 18.Eaten20.Top21.Bee

Previousquicksolution

Across: 1.Able8.Mushroomed9.Esoteric10.Sane 12.Zephyr14.Solemn15.Pounce17.Easter18.Espy 19.Ridicule21.Broadcasts22.Keep. Down: 2.Boisterous3.Emit4.Usurer5.Fracas6.Consults 7.Idle11.Nomdeplume13.Handyman16.Enrich17.Eldest 18.Ebbs20.Cask.

Fillthegridsothateverycolumn,everyrowand3x3boxcontainsthedigits1to9.

Styx KenKen

Across

1. Juniorcoachturnedaroundtotalk aboutnoise(11)

9. Caughtalearnerenteringstreet withasmuchasvehiclecancarry(7)

10. Surfaceoperationsinvolvedin hardwork(7)

11. Pianoplayedinrecordedhitina softway(6)

12. Seniorfamilymemberregretted backingnobility(8)

14. Swimmer’scoachaddedto pressure(4)

15. Ineptmenworriedaboutit withoutregret(10)

18. Amouldingoftinformingpartof ingeniousextendedbracket(10)

19. Singleoutaguitarplayer(4)

22. Apermanentmilitary establishment,say,preparedfor desertion(8)

24. Doryleavingoysterbedsstirred upsurrounds(6)

26. PlagueravagedoneSpanish ship(7)

27. Windandwaterdistributed helium(7)

28. Viper,rodentandeelstank terribly(11)

Down

1. Teacheracceptingnonsense aboutreusablemetal(5,4)

2. Agentisbankrupt,right?(6)

3. Mostmembersofcowboyshow didsometravelling(4)

4. Onelinkedwithsecretden fraudulentlyactsasamediator(10)

5. Softwareindexaltered supplement(8)

6. Grinddownshaftfixedinthe centreofwheels(5)

7. Outstandingjerkissharp(6)

ObserverEveryman

8. Smallflower,onepickedfrom cultivatedtrefoil(6)

13. Remoteforeachchildnoticedin bundleofsortedmail(10)

16. Impressivecourse,forthemost part,isafocalpoint(9)

17. Lotionworkedintohandsand feetultimately(8)

18. Elementsofsuchangergofrom

Lastweek

Across

1 Chef’sconvenience:caper-cider concoction(6,4)

6 Insultandobstructbishop(4)

9 Afterleastbit,energydroops;‘I’m givingup’,theysay(5,5)

10 Insultbyreturningbakedgoods (4)

12 Spooner’sincreasinglyintrepid seabirdthathangsusefullybyyour side(8,3)

15 Everymanmakesmistake,boring dope,clownishcharacter(7)

16 Calveslosingheads,givena cloveryfodder(7)

17 CityabuttingroaringAtlantic’s Caribbeanarm;socialist,primarily? (7)

19 Inreports,maritimemovement observedwithpsychedeliccolouring (3-4)

onetoanother(6)

20. Kingissatisfiedwithfortune(6)

21. DrinkermaylikethisSwisscity (6)

23. Hard-workerwithnotimefor greaser(5)

25. Offspringofwidow,essentially,is indebt?(4)

Across: 1.Cobalamin,6.Czech,9.Cynical,10.Gunboat,11.Osaka,12. Unstylish,14.Tie,15.Incoherence,17.Sister-in-law,19.Rat,20.Foreigner, 22.Rocks,24.Reprise,26.Hoister,27.Eject,28.Repugnant. Down: 1.Cacao,2.Bondage,3.Lucrative,4.Malfunction,5.Nag,7. Emotion,8.Hatchment,13.Scholarship,14.Taskforce,16.Rewarding,18. Scruple,19.Ricotta,21.Idiot,23.Sprat,25&6.Earcandy.

Lastweek

Second,9.Aroma,11.Cells,12. Teeth,13.Stamp,16.Yachts,18.Late, 19.Streamer.

Across: 1.Umbrella,6.Hens,7.

20 Passageinblogger.composthe approved:‘HowtoUseVegPeel’ (7,4)

23 Inintroductions,delight, overwhelmorentrance(4)

24 Reprobateweenrolledfor improvement(4-2-4)

25 Onesecuringrank(4)

26 Note:Musk’sflourishingwithbull forboneheads(10)

Down

1 Disturbancesinqueues(4)

2 Alittlechildwithinsolence?___its ear!(4)

3 Railroadcheftouseairtightpan (8-4)

4 Challengetypeofrepairman’sfee (4,3)

5 Algeria’sbizarretrappingsof power(7)

7 ArticleonBonnyLeein Reformation,majorTudorfigure(4,6)

8 Petproject:1,000smallpianos (4,6) 11 Willthewriter,withcatchy phrase,captivateconfusedplebin ‘improvementmanual’?(4-4,4) 13 Flakyperson,givenroomto manoeuvre,actedweird(5,5) 14 7’shusbandincreasingly admittingloveforsculptor(5,5) 18 InpartsofSomerset,menunable togetmealatagreedprice(3,4)

19 Signshowingwhatmaygointo thecake(3,4)

21 Barnaclesgatheronthis vegetablethat’ssentback(4)

22 Regrettably,awhipnotreaching backside(4)

Howtoplay It’s likesudoku:each verticalandhorizontalline hastocontainthenumbers 1-6,andthenumberscan’t berepeatedinanyrowor column.Thenumbersin eachheavilyoutlinedsetof squaresmustproducethe numberinthetopcorner. Forexample,5+means thenumbersaddupto5, 15xmeansthenumbers multiplyto15.

Allrightsreserved

Across 1. Acarriedrainshelter(8) 6. Theselayeggs(4) 7. Beforethird(6) 9. Smell(5) 11. Prisonrooms(5) 12. Usethesewhenbiting (5) 13. Apostagesticker(5) 16. Sailboats(6) 18. Overdue(4) 19. Alongpaperribbon(8)

Down 1. Inpoorhealth(9) 2. Astringedinstrument thatcanbestrummedor plucked(5) 3. Final(4) 4. Veryold(7) 5. Adultmales(3) 8. Vanish(9) 10. Lightfireswiththese(7)

14. Awarningbellor siren(5) 15. Consumer(4) 17. Countup(3)

RNZNATIONAL

SATURDAY: 6.00CountryLife:Memorable scenes,peopleandplacesinruralNew Zealand7.00SaturdayMorningpresentedby SusieFergusonandMihingarangiForbes12.10 Ma¯punawithJulianWilcoxJuliantalkstoMa¯ori throughoutAotearoa,fromsportslegendsto businessleaders,toartistsandcommunity advocates.1.06Music101:Songs,musicrelatedstories,interviews,livemusic,industry newsandmusicdocumentaries5.00The WorldatFive:Newsandsport5.10Focuson Politics5.30TagataOTeMoana:NewZealand andregionalPacificnews,issues,information andmusic.6.06NashvilleBabylon:Americana, altcountry,folk,soulandbluesmusic7.06 SaturdayNightwithPhilO’Brien:Requests, nostalgiaandmusicalmemories12.00AllNight Programme:AselectionofthebestRNZ Nationalinterviewsandfeatures.

SUNDAY: 6.00Storytime7.00RNZ’sPodcast Hour8.00SundayMorningwithJimMora: Currentaffairs,thenewsbehindthenews,indepthdocumentaries,sportfromtheoutfield, politicsfromtheinsiders.9.06Mediawatch: RecentperformanceandtrendsinNew Zealand’snewsmedia9.36SundayMorning withJimMoracontinues12.12Culture101: PerlinaLauandMarkAmeryhostaweekly showaboutcreativityandcultureinAotearoa. 1.30AttheMovies:Currentfilmreleasesand

film-relatedtopics2.06Culture101continues 3.05Drama:Highlightingradioplaywritingand performance4.06TheSundaySampler:Tony Stampreviewsthelatestalbumreleases5.00 TheWorldatFive:Newsandsport.5.10Feature Programming6.45HereNow7.06Feature Programming8.06TheSundayNightRetro ShowwithPhilO’Brien:Musicandmemories 10.10Mediawatch11.06InsideOut:Jazzwith NickTipping12.00AllNightProgramme: Interviewsandfeatures.

RNZCONCERT

SATURDAY: NewsandWeather:6am,8am, 9am,12pm6.00MorningswithCarey McDonald10.00RNZConcertDays3.00RNZ ConcertAfternoons5.00InsideOutwithNick Tipping7.00TheMetOperaSeries10.30 Evenings12.00MusicThroughtheNight.

SUNDAY: NewsandWeather:6am,8am,9am, 12pmand5pm6.00MorningswithCarey McDonald7.30HymnsonSunday:Traditional andmodernhymns,presentedbyRobyn Jaquiery8.00MorningswithCareyMcDonald 10.00RNZConcertDays3.00TheMusical OmnivorewithDavidMorriss5.00RNZ ConcertAfternoons6.00WorldsofMusicwith TrevorReekie7.00MadeinNewZealand9.00 SoundLounge11.00NewMusicDreams12.00 MusicThroughtheNight. Schedulesmayvaryafterpublication

—Wed8.15pm

Wed4.25pm Syriac —Sat2.05pm

—Wed12.40pm,Sat12.25pm,

8.10am,Sat7.15am,7.50am,Sun8.25am, 9am. Tokelauan —Tue12.00pm Tongan —Mon12.30pm,7.40pm,Tue7.55pm,Thu 3.55pm,4.50pm,7.40pm,8.45pm. SPECIALINTERESTS:Children —Sun 3.15pm Property —Mon4.15pm Rainbow —Sat11.50am MentalHealth —Sun 10.45am VinylRevival —Sun6.55pm Jazz,Blues,World,AC —12amto7am PacificHealth —Tue12.00pm,Wed 1.35pm,7.40pm,Thu6pm,6.30pm. Seniors —Sun5.25pm Sports —Mon 5pm,Sat9.40pm Women —Wed3.55pm. BELIEFS:English —Fri9.15am,1.35pm, 2.10pm,3.15pm,6.40am. Gujurati —Sun 7am. Hindi —Sun7.15am

FEATURING

MORGANWALLEN . POSTMALONE . ELLALANGLEY . SHABOOZEY

MARENMORRIS . LUKEBRYAN . KACEYMUSGRAVES . KENNYCHESNEY

JONPARDI . DYLANSCOTT . CARLYPEARCE . MADDIE&TAE . OLDDOMINION

KAYLEEBELL . JELLYROLL . MEGANMORONEY . KANEBROWN

MIRANDALAMBERT . JASONALDEAN . BAILEYZIMMERMAN . SAMHUNT

NATESMITH . ZACHTOP . CODYJOHNSON . MAXMCNOWN . THOMASRHETT

LUKECOMBS . KELSEABALLERINI . DASHA . BLAKESHELTON

TIMMCGRAW . CARRIEUNDERWOOD . SAMBARBER . DIERKSBENTLEY

JUSTINMOORE . TUCKERWETMORE . DUSTINLYNCH . GEORGEBIRGE

CHRISSTAPLETON . ZACHBRYAN . LAINEYWILSON . KEITHURBAN

FLORIDAGEORGIALINE . RILEYGREEN . HARDY

BILLYCURRINGTON . PARMALEE . ERICCHURCH

105.4FM

Features: FullBulkheadwithFixedWindow.WoodFlooring. FixedWindowinthefrontleftslidingdoor. ColourCodedBumpers.RoofRails. Upto259km(WLTP)range. 2

*Pricingavailableuntil31stJuly2025orwhilestockslast.

New-genMazdaCX-5revealed

NextCX-5is headingforNZnext year—buthow longuntilthe hybrid?

Mazdahasrevealeda brandnewCX-5SUV: thethirdgenerationof itsbest-sellerandastepupinboth sizeandcabin-tech.

Thelaunchprogrammeis Europe-ledthistime.Thatregion willbethefirsttoseethe productionmodel,latethisyear. Othermarkets,includingJapan andNewZealand,willfollowin 2026;expecttoseeithereearly inthesecondhalfoftheyear.

It’sastylingevolution,with somedetailtouchesthatechothe largerCX-60,butmainlya continuationoffamiliarCX-5 themes.

Thebiggestchangein proportionisa115mmincreasein wheelbase,takingtheCX-5to 4690mmoverall;thisallowsfornot onlyextralegroom,butalsoa muchwiderdooropeningforrearseatoccupants.

Notethechangefromthe companylogoonthetailgateto a“MAZDA”wordmark,which isrepeatedonthesteeringwheel. Asisthefashion.

Thebiggestchangesareonthe inside.There’snolongeraphysical controllerfortheinfotainment

system,whichisrunningonanew operatingsystemandfeatures extensivecustomisability.

Thescreenistallerinaspect ratiothanthewidescreendisplay fittedtotheCX-60.It’sthelargest fittedtoanyMazda,upto15.6in.

ThenewCX-5isbeinglaunched

withasinglepowertrainglobally: adevelopmentofthecurrent 2.5-litrepetrolfour-cylinder,which stickswithasix-speedautomatic transmission.Mazda’si-ActivAWD systemwillalsobestandard—no FWDversionfornow.

ThecurrentCX-5issoldinNZ

withthreeengineoptions,inthree modelgrades.Thenewmodelwill movetothesinglepowertrain,but expectamulti-levelspecification similartotheexistingcarforthe newversionwhenitlaunchesnext year.

It’swell-knownthatMazdais

DEPUTYEDITOR DavidLinklater MULTIMEDIAJOURNALIST DamienO’Carroll DIGITALWRITER JetSanchez

DRIVENEDITORIAL driven@nzme.co.nz PRODUCTION JillStanford,CourtneyWenzlick,IsobelMarriner DRIVENADVERTISING susana.leitao@nzme.co.nz

THERE’SNOLONGERA PHYSICALCONTROLLER FORTHEINFOTAINMENT SYSTEM,WHICHIS RUNNINGONANEW OPERATINGSYSTEMAND FEATURESEXTENSIVE CUSTOMISABILITY.

workingonafullhybridsystemfor theCX-5,dubbedSkyactiv-Z, basedaroundanew2.0-litre engine.That’salsoheadedforNZ, butliketherestoftheworldwe’ll havetowait:it’sdownforalate2027launchglobally,likelymaking ita2028modelforus.

DISCLAIMER: DRIVENCarGuide isregularlyinvitedtoattend brandevents,whereflightsandaccommodationarepaidfor. Editorialviewsexpressedremainimpartialandindependent.

Alpha abilities

GWM’sCannonAlphauteaimstodoitall:long-rangePHEV,hard-core4x4

Wewerewondering wherealltheplug-in uteswereforsolong, andnowsuddenlythey’reareal ...thing.Threetochoosefromin NewZealandrightnow,infact:the BYDShark6,FordRangerPHEV andourtestvehiclehere,the GWMCannonAlphaPHEV.Which obviouslygetstheprizeforthe biggestmouthfulofaname.

Thesethreeareallquite differentindesignandintent.The Alphaishalfasizebiggerthanthe othertwo,forastart(thestandardsizeCannondieselisclosertothe Shark/Ranger).Butifwehadtoput thebigfellaintocontextwithinthis trio,we’dsayitaimstocombine theimpressiveelectricrangeof theBYDwiththeno-compromise 4x4/towabilityoftheRanger.

BREAKITDOWN

Whichisnottosayit’sabsolutely thebestofbothworlds,because achievingthosethingscreates compromiseinotherareas.Butif thatwasthemission...mission accomplished.

There’saCannonAlphaHEV (hybrid)too,ofcourse;butthe PHEVtakesGWM’s2.0-litreturbopetrolengineandaddsamassive 37.1kWhplug-inbatteryand gearbox-integratedelectric motor,togive115kmEVrange. That’san(Australian-centric) NEDCfigure,butweeasily achieved100kmperchargeduring ourtimewiththevehicle.

GWMisproudoftheAlpha’s 4x4chopsandtoproveapoint, itrecentlysentthePHEVupthe notoriousBeerO’ClockHillat Springs4x4AdventureParkin Queensland,Australia,makingit thefirst-everPHEVtoreachthe summit.

Downsides?Thatbigbatteryhas togosomewhere,andtomakeit fitGWMhasremovedthespare wheelfromunderthevehicle;it’s relocatedtothetray,boltedtothe wellside.Notexactlyelegant,but thecompanyarguesit’satleast accessible—andyoucaneasily removeitifyouwantthefulltray.

Therearsuspensionstillhasan articulation-friendlyliveaxle,but it’smovedfromsuper-toughleaf springstomulti-linkattachment (spaceagain).Didn’tseemtostop thePHEVupBeerO’Clock, though.

AndtheCannonAlphaPHEVis veryheavy.At2810kgit’sover 300kgmoreweightythanthe standardturbo-dieselmodel,with adiminished685kgpayload (Alphadiesel821kg).Mainstream

“one-tonne”utescangenerally carrycloseto...well,youknow.

AlphaPHEVisstillratedtotow 3.5tonnes,whichisabigbold entryinthebragbook.Butthanks tothevehicle’sownmass,you’ll needatrucklicencetodothat legally(thesameistrueofthe Ranger,mind).

Someofthetheoretical downsidescanalsobeupsidesin day-to-daydriving.With300kW/ 750Nmontap,performanceis effortless,andtheextraweight/ multi-linkrearbringsbenefitsfor theAlpha’son-roadride. DespitethebigEVrange,this isstillverymuchahybridinthe wayitbehaves.Ifyoudrivegently youcankeepitinelectricmode (whichcanbeindividually

selected,alongwithHEVor Intelligent),butthepetrolengine firesupreadilyifyougiveitabit ofthrottle.

Theofficialfueleconomyfigure is1.9l/100km,whichinstandardPHEVpracticeincludesafull batterycharge—sothatdoesn’t reallytellyoualot.

Useitinoneofthehybridmodes andyou’llgetconsumptioninthe 8sontheopen-road;itnibbles awayatthebatterybutalsoseems verygoodatregeneration(youcan setthelevel).Useittochargethe batterywhileyoudriveandit’s prettythirsty;weclimbedintothe 15lbracketonatrip.

Youdon’tneedtodothat anyway,becausetheAlphaPHEV has50kWDCfast-chargeability.

GWMCANNONALPHA LUXPHEV

POWERTRAIN: 2.0-litre

turbo-petrol4-cylinderengine withplug-in37.1kWhbattery andsingleelectricmotor, 9-speedhybridtransmission withlow-range,4WD

OUTPUT: 300kW/750Nm

EFFICIENCY: 1.9l/100km (3P-WLTP),EVrange115km (NEDC),maximumDCcharge rate50kW

SIZE: 5445mmlong,2810kg

PRICE: $64,990(launchprice untilOctober)

+ Handsome,smoothto drive,bigEVrange,proven 4x4/tow-cred Disappointingpayload, clumsyspare-wheel mounting,fiddly infotainmentOS

DRIVENCARGUIDE.CO.NZ

andCannonAlphaHEVmodels nearlyayearago,it’sclearthat GWMismakingstridesin correctingtheoverlyfussydriver assiststhathaveplaguedmanyof itsmodels.Thisonewasalotless annoyingandimportantly,many featurescannowbeturnedoffand stayoff,evenwhenyourestart. Atthespeciallaunchpriceof $64,990,ourCannonAlphaLux PHEV(it’stheentrymodel)isavast quantityofpickuptruckforthe money.Stillwell-equipped,too.

Ordinarily,we’ddothecliche motoring-journalistthingand pointyoutowardsthecheaper one,butinthiscasewestillreckon themoreupmarketUltraisworth having.Infact,we’dgosofaras tosaythespecificationhasbeen curatedtoreallypushyoutowards thekitted-upversion.

Youcanusethosepublicstations topowerupprettyquickly.You canalsousethevehicle’sbattery topowerexternaldevicesusinga V2Ladapteratupto6kW,but that’syouronlyoption:itdoesn’t havepoweroutletsinthetraylike theShark6orRangerPHEV.

TheCannonAlpharemainsan imposingandluxuriousute,with cabinstylingclearlyinspiredby Mercedes-Benzandaneatvoice controlsystemthatallowsyouto bypasstheslightlyfiddlybackand-forthontheinfotainment screenforoften-usedfunctions likeaudioandclimate.

It’sloadedwithactivesafety features,too;andafterour experienceofthepreviousTank 500(theSUVversionoftheAlpha)

TheUltraaddssomestuffthat youmightregardasmust-haves onaCannonAlpha:memory/autofoldmirrors(whicharehandyon avehiclethissize),frontseatswith extrapoweradjustment,heating/ coolingandmassage,heating/ coolingandpower“welcome function”fortherearchairs, reversing/parkingassistand wirelessphonechargingforboth frontandrearoccupants— becausewirelessprojection(which theLuxdoeshave)eatsupyour mobilebatteryonlongertrips.

TheUltraalsogetsthesliding rearwindowandGWM’s questionablebutconversationpiece-friendlysplittailgate.And quiteabitmore,makingthe$7k pricepremiumseemokay; especiallywhenthisuteisbeing offeredatsuchasharppriceto beginwith.They’llallbegoingup $5kinOctober,to$69,990(Lux) and$76,990(Ultra).

Oh,andUltraalsogetsafront differentiallock(Luxrear-only),so it’sthelastwordin4x4ability. WhichisalotofwhattheAlpha isabout.

Chery,parent brandofOmoda andJaecoo,has arrivedinNZwith theTiggo4SUV

What’sthisnewcarall aboutthen?

Thereareacoupleofimportant thingsabouttheTiggo4.First,it’s areturntotheNewZealandmarket fortheCherybrand,whichwaslast herefrom2011-14withsomevery averagecarsofveryaveragequality.

Soexpectsomecynicstoremind youofthebadolddayswhenyou bringupthemaker’snew-gen models;we’vehadacouplesuch instancesfrompeopleinthelocal motorindustryalready,perhaps becausetheyfeelabitthreatened bywhat’scomingoutofChinanow.

CheryisnowChina’slargest exporterofcars(2.5timesthatof BYDlastyear,forexample),and parentcompanytoOmodaand Jaecoo,bothlaunchedherelast year;butthey’llremainseparateto Cheryforlocalmarketingpurposes.

Chery’smainexportmarketis Russia,bytheway,whichis somethingitdoesn’ttalkabout quitesomuchthesedays.The MiddleEastandSouthAmericaare alsobigones.Butwedigress.

Tiggo4isthefirstnew-gen Chery-brandedmodeltoarrivein NZ,althoughitwon’tbesolofor long;thelargerTiggo7andTiggo 8arealreadyontheway.We’re gettingthemonthebackofthe brand’sAustralianoperation;Tiggo 4hasbeenthemainplayerina 200%-plusriseinsalesforCheryin Ozfortheyear-to-date.

The4isacompactSUVthat’s probablybiggerthanyouthink;the tallroofandsawn-offrearmakeit looktinyawayfromothervehicles, butit’sactually4.3mlongandon agenerous2610mmwheelbase. Stillsmall,justnotreallysmall.

TwopetrolversionsoftheTiggo 4areonsalenow,theUrbanand Ultimate,poweredbya108kW/ 210Nm1.5-litreturbo-petrol 4-cylinderwithcontinuously variabletransmissionandFWD. Claimedfuelconsumptionis 7.4l/100km.

Twohybridversionsareonthe wayforlaunchinAugust:theyboth havea71kW/118Nm1.5-litrepetrol engine,1.8kWhbatteryand impressive150kW/310Nmelectric motor.Cherysaysthey’lldo 5.4l/100km.

The$25kUrbanpetrolmodelis hardlybasic.Itcomeswithdual 10.25inscreens,wirelessphone projection,voiceassistant(justsay “HelloChery”),reversingcamera, tyrepressuremonitoringandthe fullsuiteof17activesafety-assists (standardacrosstherange).

Ultimateaddsartificialleather

upholstery,powerfrontdriver’sseat (withheatingforbothfrontchairs), full360-degreecamerasystem, moreornateinteriorlighting, wirelessphonecharger,power/fold mirrors,powersunroofandawheel upsizefromtheUrban’s17-inchto 18in.

Howmuchisit?

That’sthegoodnews:theTiggo4 modelsareamongtheleast expensiveintheirrespectivemarket segments.Theentry-levelUrbanis just$24,990,whiletheUltimateis $29,990.

Thehybridmodelscomeinthe sametwospecificationsandwillbe $32,990-$37,990.

What’sitliketodrive? Thegoodstufffirst:the108kW

CHERYTRIO

petrolpowertrainisthehighlight. It’srelativelypowerfulforabudget vehicle(aSuzukiSwiftSportonly has103kW,remember)and moreimportantly,it’seager andmakesaprettygood noisewhenit’sworking hard.

Thecontinuously variabletransmission sometimeshesitateson takeoffandthengrabs abruptlyifyou’retookeen withthethrottle(therewill beachirpofthefrontwheels, you’vebeenwarned),but onceyou’reupandrunningit’s smoothandwillevendolittlefauxgearchangesathigherrevs. It’sdefinitelyacitycar.The steeringisultra-lightandthechassis understeersatspeed,soit’snot

TRIO

easytoplacethecaraccuratelyin corners.Butit’sstillfairlynimbleand withakerbweightaround1400kg forthepetrolversions (dependingonmodel), performanceislively.Disc brakesall-round,too—not agiventhesedays. We’dlikeasmoother ridearoundtown. Nothingwrongwiththe wayithandlesthebigger bumpsandbodycontrolis fine,butthere’salittle patteroversmallripples that’sabitdistracting.Itwas commontobothcarswedrove, althoughtheUrbanonitssmaller wheels/tallertyreswasmore compliant.

Thecabinisreallyswish,withcrisp digitaldisplaysandahighlevelof

CHERYTRIO

fitandfinish.There’sagoodmix oftouch-techwithphysicalbuttons, too:thesteeringwheelcontrolsfor adaptivecruiseareproperclicky onesandtherearedifferentways toshortcuttotheoften-used climate-controlscreen,includinga swipedownonthescreenitselfor aclickononeofthefan/ temperaturebuttons.

What’sthepickofthe range?

Confiningourcommentstothe combustion-onlymodelswe’ve driven,we’reprettykeenonthe entry-levelUrban—andnotjustfor thebargain$24,990price. It’sgotallthesafetystuffandthe powertrainpackageisthesameas themoreexpensiveUltimate.Italso ridesalittlebetter,onitsone-size-

Tiggo4Urban

down17-inchfootwear.Weliked theUrban’sfabricupholsterymore thantheartificial“leather”ofthe flagshipmodel.

TheUltimatedoeshavea coupleoffeatureswereally like,though.The 360-degreecamerasystem issuperblysharpand boastsanumberofclever functions,includingthe abilitytozoomaroundthe carforanoutsideview (makingacompositeimage fromthevariouslenses)and evenactivatewhenyouturn thesteeringwheel.Okay,that lastone’snovelbutabitdistracting; youcaneasilyturnthevarious functionsonandoff.

TheUltimate’swirelessphone chargerisquiteusefulgiventhecar

haswirelessphoneprojection,and wedoliketheheatedseats.

Whatothercarsshould Iconsider?

Thenon-hybridTiggo4’s sub-$30kpriceisareal headline,especiallyfora compact-SUVthat’s spaciousforthesegment.

Sotherealrivalsmight dependonhowfixated youareonapricestarting witha“2”.Thebig-seller istheMitsubishiASX, somethingofanoldsoldier inthemarket(thebasicdesign datesbackto2010)butstillclearly compellingforbuyersat $27,990-$35,990. Mahindra’snewXUV3XOstarts atunder$30k($29,990-$32,990).As

doesthealso-newSuzukiFronx mild-hybrid($29,990-$30,990),at leastuntilthemodel’slaunchspecialends.They’rebothquitea bitsmallerthantheTiggo4. Movingintothe$30kbracket,the KiaSeltosisanothersalesstar ($32,990-$37,990);Kiaalsooffersthe smallerStonic($28,990-$35,200),or howabouttheMGZS ($29,990-$31,990)andHondaJazz Crosstar($30,770)?

We’reyettosampletheTiggo4 hybrid,butwedoknowit’llbeNZ’s cheapestpetrol-electricSUVwhen itarrivesinAugust,at $32,990-$37,990.

Potentialfull-hybridrivalsinclude theMGZSHybrid+ ($34,990-$37,990),HondaJazze: HEV($36,700-$42,000)andToyota YarisCross($39,490-$46,990).

Adventurous Stelvio

Ionceheardsomeone

compareridingaMotoGuzzi totakingpartinaJapanesetea ceremony.It’stherelative simplicityofthebikesfromthe littlefactoryontheshoresofLake Comothatencouragethe anecdote.YouusuallyrideaGuzzi withZen-likemindfulnessbecause thebikesinsistuponit,andthe ancientceremonyalsodictatesa measuredorderlyapproachthat rewardsparticipantswithserenity.

ExceptthatthisnewMotoGuzzi Stelviodoesn’tdothatatall.Ifit wasawarmdrink,it’dbeatripleshotespressoquicklyquaffedat thetopoftheOrtlerAlpspassthat gavethebikeitsname,before resumingafranticelbows-out thrashwiththemanymotorhomes, cyclists,andsupercarsthat populatetheStelvioPassthese days.

TheStelvioadventuretourer andtheharder-to-pigeonhole Mandellothatprecededit,arethe bearersoftheeaglebadgethat usherinaneweraforMotoGuzzi. Keytotheirforward-looking ethosistheiruseofanew1042cc liquid-cooledV-twinenginethat benefitsfromahealthydoseof engineeringknow-howfromsister PiaggioGroupbrand,Aprilia,to deliveralevelofperformance moreusuallyassociatedwiththe lattermarquethanrelaxingtea ceremonies.Themotoremitsan appropriatelythunderous soundtrackuponstart-up,andas thegearsmeshbeforemovingoff there’saloudgraunchingthat soundslikeaviolentshatteringof fineporcelainteacups. Thisnewengineisthereforeno

justtokenprotection.TheV85 doeshavetherider’sfootpegs mountedalittlelower,however, resultinginamorecomfortable kneebendthantheStelvio’s.

Withaseatheightof830mm whennotmounted,theStelvio’s mimicryoftheergonomic packagingoftheV85TTisnear complete,andbothbikesare perfectlymatchedtoriderswith insidelegmeasurementsof32 inchesormore.

respecterofMotoGuzzi engineeringtraditions.Themotor andthesix-speedgearboxnow sharethesameoil,double overheadcamshaftsandfourvalveheadsreplacepushrodsand two-valvecombustionchambers, andvalve-clearanceadjustment willhavetobedonelessfrequently indealerworkshopsnowthat shimsandbucketshavereplaced DIY-friendlylocknutsandtappets. Thenthere’sthesourceofthat graunchwhenselectingfirstgear

—aratherrudeandabruptwet bathclutchinsteadofGuzzi’susual liquid-freeone. Buthey,nevermindthelost heritage,feeltherobust accelerativethrillsofthenew lump.Iteffortlesslyshrugsoffthe transmissionlossesofthe maintenance-friendlyshaftdrive, bringingon-roadzipthatmatches thatofthelitre-sizedchain-drive adventuretourerestablishment. Seat-of-the-pantsimpressionssay thatthe240kgStelvioisjustas

brisktorideasanyHondaAfrica Twin.Thepreviousair-cooled Stelvio,ceremoniallyaxedeight yearsago,representedadventuresegmentcannonfodder.

ThelatestStelviostillretains somegreatGuzzitraditions, especiallyonthedesignsideofthe ledger.It’sarguablythebestlookingbikeintheadventure tourersegment.It’salsosuperbly comfortable,theStelvioadopting theergonomicblueprintofGuzzi’s moretradadventuretourer,the V85TT,finishedoffwithsimilarly plushsuspensionandaseatthat continuestopamperyourbunsall thewaythroughthe400kmrange permittedbythe21-litrefueltank. WhereitbeatsitsV85TTaircooledsiblingrivalisinthe provisionofapoweradjustable windscreenthatnolongeroffers

PotentialMotoGuzziadventure tourerbuyersaretherefore presentedwithquiteahardchoice betweentheV85TTandtheStelvio whentheyentershowrooms.Both bikesfeatureaplethoraofriding modes,theriderassistsystems accountforcornerleananglesand theyuseidenticalswitchgearand thesameTFTscreen.

At$24,990,theV85TTTravel comeswithessentiallongdistanceridingaccessorieslacking onthe$31,490stockStelvio— panniers,centrestand,heated gripsandmostdesirableofall: cruisecontrol.Themoremodern GuzziADVcounterswithablind spotmonitoringsystemandradarreadinesstoaccepttheoptional adaptivecruisecontrol. Thesetwohandsome handmademotorcyclesareboth chockedfullofpersonalityandfine details.At115bhpofmaximum powerversus80,one’scertainly fasterthantheotherbutitcosts over$6500more.Forsome,the pickbetweenthetwoGuzzi adventuretourersmaybedecided bytheirpreferencefortheV85TT’s morerefinedclutch.Especiallyif theyliketeaceremonies.

JustliketheCorvetteCoupe,everyclassiccarhasapersonalityofitsown.Whichiswhywedesign insurancethat’sanythingbutrun-of-the-mill.Ifyouhaveavehiclethathelpsyouescapethe ordinary,talktousaboutinsurancethat’sdesignedjustforyou

StarInsure.Classiccarprotectionthatunderstandsthewhat, whereandhowyoudrive.

TheMercedesAMGE53isswish, butisitexciting enoughtowear theAMGbadge?

Andnowforacompletely differentkindof Mercedes-AMGplug-in hybridelectricvehicle(PHEV). Hardontheheelsofourtimein theGLC63EPerformanceSUV, comestheE53sedan.No,it’snot differentjustbecauseit’salarge sedan:it’sawholedifferentkind ofPHEV,becauseMercedes-AMG hasneverbeenshyaboutmaking thingscomplicated.

The63-badgedmodelsusea “P3”hybridsystemwithanelectric turbo,axle-mountedelectric motorandatinybatterythat’s thereprimarilyforextrapower(EV rangeisjust12km).

TheE53’s“P2”systemiscloser toaconventionalPHEV:turbopetrol6-cylinderwithanexhaustdriventurbo,big28.6kWhbattery (21.2kWhusable)thatgives100km claimedrangeandasingleelectric motorsandwichedinthegearbox.

ItwearsanAMGbadge primarilybecauseitwas developedbytheperformance division(reasonenough,granted) fromanE-Classbaseandwell, becauseit’scrazy-fast:0-100km/h in3.8seconds.

Thetwin-scrollturbochargeris uniquetotheAMGmodel,with higherboostpressure,andthere’s additionalcoolingbuiltintothe bodywork.

Butifyoucometothiscarwith Nurburgring-tintedglasses,you mightbedisappointed.Yes,it’san AMG;butit’salsosupposedto offerthecomfortandrefinement youexpectofanE-Class.Which is,let’sfaceit,thebrand’smost ...sedatemodel.

Itdoeslookthepart.TheE-Class ishandsomebutquitetrad;the AMGversionwearsthetoothy AMGgrilleandabigblacked-out section(abitEV-ishinfact),with fatterfrontguardsto accommodatethe11mm-wider track.

ItgetsapackageofAMG interiorstuff,includinga multifunctionsteeringwheeland sportsfrontseats—trimmedinan alarminglyboldNappaleather comboofblackandwhiteinour testcar.

Ourcarcarriedafewoptions, includingtheEnergisingPackage Plus($5300),whichbringstreats suchascabinfragrances,more shapelyfrontseats,extra-special seat-heatingfunctionsfrontand rearandthecompany’ssignature

ELECTRIFYING

EXECUTIVE

Photos/DavidLinklater

BREAKITDOWN

MERCEDES-AMGE53PHEV

armrestwarmers.Trueluxury,but nosteeringwheelheating.Come onMercedes,we’renotanimals. Thebigbatterymakesthisan excellentexecutive-commuter. Mercedes-BenzNewZealand quotesanNEDCfigureof100km forEVrange,whichisaneasier cyclethantheKiwi-standard 3P-WLTP.Butwefound80-90km

POWERTRAIN: 3.0-litre inline6-cylinderpetrolwith electricmotorand21.2kWh (usable)battery,9-speed automatic,AWD

OUTPUT: 450kW/750Nm (combined)

EFFICIENCY: 1.7l/100km,EV range100km(NEDC)

SIZE: 4959mmlong,2390kg

PRICE: $199,990 + Extremespeed,refinedlike anE-Classshouldbe,lotsof tech

Unconvincingenhanced noise,seemstameforan AMG,tinyboot DRIVENCARGUIDE.CO.NZ

perchargeeasilyachievableincity running.

Youcanchoosebetweenthe variousmodesonthesteering wheel-mountedcontroller(ablue “EL”forelectric-drive,redforthe performancestuff).Comfortand Sportarestillprettylow-key,with thepetrolenginequitemuted;in Sport+yougetAMGPerformance

Sound,whichisanunconvincing V8-ishsoundtrackthatyoudon’t reallywantorneed.Notsurehow AMGthinksitcanmoveforward withnewpowertrainswhenit keepsincludingfeaturesthat seemtosuggestitscarsshould apologisefornotbeingV8s. Eveninthemoreaggressive modes,thepowertrainremains

fairlyrelaxed.InSport+the gearboxwillpunchthroughratios withalittlethump,butit’sstill prettygentle.Evenaflickofthe paddlesmeansaconspicuous pauseuntilthe9-speeddoesits thing.

Noneoftheabovestopsthe 450kWE53beingstaggeringlyfast inastraightline,withRaceStart standardforNZ.Butit’sall achievedwithsurprisinglylittle drama.

Sameforthechassis,which boastsAMGRideControl adaptivedampers(steelsprings) and4-wheelsteering,therear wheelsturningtheoppositeway tothefrontunder100km/handthe samedirectionover.

ItallhelpstheE53combinea surprisinglysuppleride(exceptfor theoccasionalurbanthumpthat’s sotypicalofheavyEVs)and parkabilitywithincrediblehighspeedcorneringprowess.Sporty? Notreally.Butsoquickand effortlessatextremevelocity. Ifyouthinkwe’regearingupto saytheE53isabitdynamically disappointing,we’renot.Itmight notdeliverAMGthrillsinthe conventionalsense,butdoesthe worldreallyneedthatfroman E-Class?

Iftheaimistocombinecomfort withsignificantperformance capability,thiscarisasuccess. Therealdisappointmentsare practicalityandpackaging niggles.Wefoundthelarge, slopingA-pillarswereintheway incityintersections,especially whenlookinglefttoturnright.And theE53hasanabsurdlyshallow bootforsuchalargecar:the batteryhardwareeatsup170litres, leavingjust370.That’sabig downsideinabigcar.

Butforthemostpart,theE53 isaveryquickandreallynice E-Class—evenifitisn’tatruly excitingAMG.

SuzukiJapanhasstarted sellingboil-in-the-bag curriesfromitsin-house cafeteriatothepublic.

Thedisheswereoriginally createdforitsemployeecafeteria atcompanyheadquartersin Hamamatsu,togiveitsmany Indianemployeesalittletasteof home.Suzukipartneredwith JapaneserestaurantchainTorizen forthevegetariandishes.

There'salargecrossoverof IndianandJapanesecultures withinthecompany:itholdsa controllingstakeinIndia'sMaruti Suzuki,whichhasover40%market shareinthecountry.

Thecurrieswereintroducedlast yearandhaveapparentlyhadabig thumbs-upfromcafeteria customers,sothecompanyhas introducedfourflavoursforpublic saleinJapan,eachfeaturinga differentSuzukiproductonthe packaging:theJimny4x4,Swift hatch,andtheHayabusaand V-Strom1050DEmotorcycles.The artworkwascreatedin-houseby Suzuki.

TheJimnyisabrownchickpea

Suzukicurries favourwith workers

currywithonions,tomatoesand greenchillies;it'sthespiciestof thefour.Swiftisatomatolentil dahlwithcumin,turmericand chilli.

TheHayabusafeaturesdaikon radish,carrotsandturmericbeans, withtamarindforaslightlysour note.TheV-Stromisagreen

vegetabledishthatshowcases mungbeansandJapanese mustardspinach.

Accordingto TheJapanNews, theJimnycurrywasgiftedto guestsatthememorialgathering forOsamuSuzuki,thecompany's formerchairmanwhopassedaway inDecember.

Ifyou buyall four curriesand stackthe packagingendto-end,yougeta compositecartoonstyleimagetoenjoywhileyou

have lunch.Or uptofour lunches. Indian-built Suzukimodels soldinNew Zealandincludethe Jimny5-doorandFronxcrossover.

PAGES2-3

HIDDEN GEMS

ThePines’fantasticfour

Fourapartmentsarecurrentlyfor sale atEpsom’slandmark complex,ThePines–an occurrencethatBarfoot&Thompson salespersonPaulStudmandeems “unprecedented,unrepeatableandiconic.”

Andhe’swellqualifiedtospeakonthe topic.

“I’vesoldinThePinessince1993and havesoldmorethan60–themostany agenteverhas.I’vealsolivedtherefor31 years,”hesays.

Anyonewhohasn’tvisitedthecomplex maynotevenknowitexists–it’satrue hiddengemattheheartofAucklandcity.

The10-storeyconcretetoweris comprisedofjust40residencesandis envelopedwithinnearlysevenacresof private,park-like,freeholdgrounds,tucked intothesideofMaungawhauMountEden.

“There’snootherapartmentcomplex,I wouldsuggest,likeitinNewZealand.”

ThePinesisincredibly tightly-heldbyitsowneroccupierssinceitsinception, around55yearsago.

Alongwithassistancefromtheonsite buildingmanager,residentsenjoyuseofa 20-metrepoolandpavilionforentertaining guests,andafloodlittenniscourtandgym.

However,it’sthelandthatmakesittruly unique.

Walkingtracksmeanderthroughthe manicurednativeandexoticgardensand maturespecimentrees–someplanted circa1860–arefilledwithnativebirdlife.

Herbsandvegetablescanbesourced fromthegardensforcookingandresidents arealsoencouragedtopickflowersfrom thebedsfortheirhomes.Eachapartment alsoreceivestwobottlesofhoneyeach year,producedbytheonsitehives.

ThePinesisincrediblytightly-heldby itsowner-occupiersandhasbeensinceits inception,around55yearsago.

“Westillhaveanoriginalowner,would youbelieve.Nowthat’satestamenttothe place.It’sincrediblyraretohavefour apartmentsavailableatonce,soit’sagreat opportunity.”

Startingfrom$2.75million,thereare

threetwo-bedroomapartmentsandone three-bedroomapartmentforsale,ranging from153sqmto196sqm.

Spacesinsideeacharewellproportionedandfilledwithnaturallight andsun,withgenerousdecksforhosting friends.

Eachcomeswithitsownon-title carpark,saysStudman,aswellasanother allottedby“graceandfavour”bythe managementboard,atnoextracost.These arecomplementedwithplentyofextra visitorparking.

Theprotected,panoramicviewshere areanotherhugedrawcardand,depending ontheindividualhome’slevelandaspect, encompassvariationsofGovernment HouseandFlorenceCourtbelow,thecity skyline,theNorthShore,Rangitoto,the WaitakereRangesandboththeWaitemata andManukauHarbours.

Historically,ThePinesissaidtobeone ofthefirstluxuryapartmentbuildingsin Auckland.

Inordertopreservehisbeloved property’sspectacularnativefloraand

COVERSTORY SPONSORED

faunaandpreventitfromeventuallybeing carvedupandroaded,SelwynJRobinson, visionarybusinessmanandownerwasable tocreateandbuildThePines,which Studmansayswouldbeunrepeatable today.

Themodernclassicbuildingwas designedbyCaliforniancompanyWelton BecketandAssociates,oneofthelargest architecturalfirmsintheworldatthetime, andfinishedin1971.

Today,awiderangeofresidentsmakeup thedynamicsofThePines.

“Ihadmyfamilyinthereandit’sbeen

great.Soifyou’vegotkidsoreven grandkidsthatvisit,theyloveitbecauseit’s gotallthatlandtoexploreandthe swimmingpoolandtenniscourt.”

Thefamilyappealisheightenedeven furtherthankstothedoublegrammar zoningandbeingwithineasywalking distancetoprivateschools.

BothNewmarketandMountEden’s shops,eateriesandtransportarealsojust aneasystrollaway.

Inyearsgoneby,openhomeshavebeen ano-goforanyonesellingatThePinesbut luckilythistimearound,themanagement

2C/75OWENSROAD,EPSOM $2.75 million

221

Contact: James Doole,Barfoot&Thompson, 021666938;PaulStudman,021998563

4C/75OWENSROAD,EPSOM Inquiriesfrom$3million

221

Contact: Pauline Lancaster,Harcourts, 0274587245;JulieDavies,0275299109

7D/75OWENSROAD,EPSOM $3.15million

321

Contact: Paul Studman,Barfoot&Thompson, 021998563

8B/75OWENSROAD,EPSOM $2.98million

221

Contact: David Rainbow,Bayleys, 021923364;HarryCheng,0212306877

boardhavegrantedspecialpermissionfor prospectivebuyerstocomeandcheckout oneorallfouratopenhomes–1pm-2pm onJuly20andJuly27.

OneoftheapartmentsthatStudmanis sellingishisownasafterthreedecades,it’s timeforachange.

He’snotsurewhat’snext,butonething isforsure.

“Itwon’tbeanotherapartmentbecause this,inmyeyes,isthebestofthebest.”

THISCONTENTWASCREATEDIN PARTNERSHIPWITHBARFOOT&THOMPSON

AUCTION

43GeorginaStreet,FreemansBay

PerchedonanaturalridgeintheheartofFreemansBay,this architect-designedhomedeliverssun-soakedstylewithunbeatable city-edgeconvenience.Completedin2007usingconcrete,steel, andLineaboard,thislow-maintenance299m²homeoffersfour bedroomsacrosstwolight-filledlevels.North-facingandelevated, itenjoyspanoramicviews–fromtheSkyTowertoRangitoto.The privatecourtyardisidealforalfrescoentertaining,whiletiledliving areasprovidepassivethermalheatingforyear-roundcomfort.

WalktoPonsonby,WynyardQuarterortheCBDwithease. Commutingisabreezewithquickmotorwayaccess.

2:00pm,Thursday 7 August,3Pompallier Terrace,Ponsonby (unlesssoldprior)

Auction View SundayandThursday 2:00-2:30pm 4A2B1L2J

SimonSiddells 0276058067

simon.siddells@raywhite.com

DianneMaxwell 021676668

dianne.maxwell@raywhite.com

AUCTION

PrivatelypositionedbehindsecuritygatesinoneofRemuera's mosttightlyheldNorthernSlopesaddresses,thiswarmfamily homeoffersarareblendofarchitecturalintegrity,enduringquality, andgenuineversatility.DesignedbySumichArchitectsandcrafted withlastingmaterials-includingstrikingcopperaccents-this 920sqmfreeholdpropertyisquietlysetamongstestablished groundstoprovideasenseofcalm,spaceandprivacy.Beautifully balancedbetweenformandfunction,thehomedeliverspeaceof mind,sun-filledlivingandzoningforbothDoubleGrammarand Auckland'sleadingprivateschools.Oursellershavemovedonnowit'syourturntosecurealifestyleofeaseandexcellence.

Wednesday6August 411RemueraRoad Remuera (unlesssoldprior)

JenniferAlexandre 02108229691

jennifer.alexandre@raywhite.com

AUCTION

4ArthurStreet,FreemansBay

StrolltoPonsonbyRoadfromthisrefined,low-maintenanceresidence withcaptivatingviews—perfectfordownsizers,professionals,or families.Open-planlivingflowsseamlesslytoaWest-facinggarden, idealforyear-roundentertaining.Thetop-floormasterretreatoffers dualbalconies,anensuite,andlounge.Withcentralheating/cooling, doubleparking,andgenerousstorage,thischerishedhomeisarare findinoneofAuckland’smostdesirableneighbourhoods.

raywhite.co.nz/GRY30902

LocalsGreyLynnLimitedLicensed(REAA2008)

SETDATEOFSALE

6:00pm,6August2025at 15WilliamsonAvenue,GreyLynn (unlesssoldprior)

View SaturdayandSunday 1:00-1:30pm

AngelaSaunders 021448900

angela.saunders@raywhite.com

GeorginaMunro 021457102

georgina.munro@raywhite.com

288AJervoisRoad,HerneBay DidYouSay... •VendorsHavePurchased •SeparateDownstairsSelf-ContainedSuiteWithOwnEntrance

SetDateofSale

3:00pm,Wednesday30July (unlesssoldprior)

View SaturdayandSunday 12:30-1:15pm orByPrivateViewing

LukeCrockford 0212778565

luke.crockford@raywhite.com

rwwynyardquarter.co.nz/WQR31566

CityRealtyLimitedLicensed(REAA2008)

AMasterpiece forLaterLiving.

Thewayunparalleledelegance,comfort,sophisticateddesign andasenseofbelongingcometogetheratNorthbrookisa workofart.It’saplacewhereyoucancontinuethedistinguished, activeandconnectedlifeyou’vealwayschosen.It’sluxurylater livingasit’smeanttobe.

StageOneatNorthbrookWānakaisopen,presentingarange ofstylishtwoandthree-bedroomapartmentsavailablenow. Makeatime,bringthefamily,andtaketimetoexperience Northbrookforyourself.

Arrowtown

Pricedfrom$2,200,000. 1AyrAvenue Arrowtown,CentralOtago DisplaySuiteopenTuesday–Saturday 12pm–4pm

AnnahDowsett +6421311287 annah.dowsett@northbrook.co.nz

Pricedfrom$1,245,000. 3/31TenAcreDrive (OffLindisRoad) Northlake,Wānaka DisplaySuiteopen10am–4pmdaily

UrsulaPorter +64212420399 ursula.porter@northbrook.co.nz

10:00am7August2025at34 ShortlandStreet,City (unlesssoldprior) PTCHEVALIER 1/11SMALESTREET

2 2 1 1 3 barfoot.co.nz/915196

VIEWING

SaturdayandSunday 12:00pm-12:30pm

Brick&Tile–Low-MaintenanceLiving

Single-level,solidandstylish—this1980sbrickandcedargemisamust-see!Enjoyaspacious open-planliving/dining,andalight-filledmodernkitchen.2generousbedrooms(masterwith2 walk-inwardrobes)andabonusrumpusroom–idealforguests,officeorsecondlounge.A privatecourtyard,separatelaundry,storageand3off-streetcarparks,thisboxtickerwon't lastlong.AlljustmomentsfromPtChevBeachandlocalcafes.Viewtoday!

KathBarnes 0272400015 k.barnes@barfoot.co.nz

JacquiVaughan-Kells 0274475401 j.vaughan-kells@barfoot.co.nz

AStatementinStyleandScale

Thisstrikingarchitecturalmasterpiece,designedbyBrianCullen,deliversrefinedcoastalliving justmomentsfromthebeachinahighlysought-afterstreet.Setacrosstwoimmaculate levels,theweatherboardhomecombinesgrandproportionswithlight-filledinteriors,offering expansiveentertainingandrestfulspacesperfectlysuitedtofamiliesofallages.ZonedforSt HeliersSchoolandGlendowieCollege,andashortstrolltothevillage,parksandcafes.

10:00am30Jul2025at34Shortland Street,City (unlesssoldprior)

4 2 3 2 barfoot.co.nz/915821

VIEWING

Saturday&Sunday 1:00pm-1:30pm

AaronFoss 021367791 a.foss@barfoot.co.nz

ArchitecturalExcellence

Designdrawingfromamid-centuryaesthetic,offeringarefinedyetrelaxedurbanlifestyletheperfectblendofarchitecturaleleganceandeverydaycomfortontheedgeofAuckland's vibrantcityscape.Anenviablepostcodeiscalling;THIRTY8FINCHoffersyouabrightfutureof luxurylocalliving.

CompletionJuly.Calltoviewtoday!

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

FamilyHomeNearParksandShops!

Setacrosstwogenerouslevels,thissubstantial280m²(acctoProperty Guru)homeispositionedonafullyfenced&gated692m²freeholdsite. AccordingtoPropertyGuru,thehomecomprisesfivebedrooms&two bathrooms,withtheaddedbenefitofaninternallyaccesseddouble garage.Accordingtoapastrealestateadvertisement,theopen-plan kitchen,dining&livingspacesflowseamlesslytotheoutdoors.Landscaped groundsenhancethehome’sprivacy&usability,withspaceforpetsor childrentoplay.Enjoythebestofbothworldswithapeacefulcul-de-sac location,justashortdrivefromBirkenhead’sHighburyShoppingVillage, localschools&motorwayaccess.Awalkwayattheendofthestreet providesaccesstonearbyKauriPointDomain&ChelseaHeritagePark, offeringanescapetonaturerightfromyourdoorstep.Calltoday!

2:00pm23July2025at18CommerceStreet,CityCentre

02108279272

MANUREWA 21RoseanneRoad

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

Private&Rear,RoomforallYour Gear Setona921m²right-of-waysection, thisthree-bedroomhome,according toapastrealestateadvertisement, offersamodernkitchenthat connectstoanopen-planlivingarea withaKent-stylefireplacewhich openstoacoveredoutdoorspace. Adetacheddoublegaragefeatures amechanic’spit&anadditional utilityroomattherear.Locatednear theTakaninishoppingcentre. Auction: 2:00pm30July2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/915714

AgentOnSite: Sun10:45-11:00am AriTidyman 02102646621 PhilipDavis 021873934

JacquiVaughan-Kells 0274475401 j.vaughan-kells@barfoot.co.nz

ELLERSLIE 7/666BGreatSouthRoad

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

ModernTownhouseinPrime Ellerslie Discoverthisnear-new90m²(accto PropGuru)townhouseinthepopular ParkAvenuecomplex.Featuringan open-plankitchen/living/diningarea openingtoaprivatecourtyard,a masterbedroomwithensuite& walk-inwardrobe,plustwoadditional bedrooms&asharedbathroom. Twodedicatedcarparkscomplete thisfantasticoffering.Theperfect lockup&leaveproperty.Calltoday! Auction: 2:00pm13Aug2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/916390 View: PhoneForViewingTimes AriTidyman 02102646621 PhilipDavis 021873934

TEAROHA 5GeorgeStreet

MORTGAGEETENDER

Modern,Low-MaintenanceLivingin TeAroha Thisthree-bedroom158m²(accto PropGuru)single-levelbrickhome sitsona505m²sectioninapopular subdivisionofcontemporaryhomes. Asinglegarageispositionedatthe rear,accessedviaaconcrete driveway.Wellmaintained&neatly presented,thepropertyisjusta shortwalktoTeAroha’smaincentre &amenities—idealforthoseseeking comfort&convenience.CT775347

Tender: Closeson14Aug2025at 2:00pm,18CommerceSt,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/916359

View: PhoneForViewingTimes BrendonMcCullough 0275783899 PhilipDavis 021873934

GLENEDEN 108SolarRoad

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

PotentialPluson807m² Setonagenerous807m²elevated site,thistwo-levelhomeoffersan opportunityforbuyersreadytoroll uptheirsleeves.Renovate,landbank orredevelop—there’spotentialhere, bringyourtools!The130m² (accordingtoPropertyGuru)home includesthreebedroomswith elevatedviewsandafreestanding doublegarage.Convenientlylocated nearGlenEdenVillage,transport andschools.Calltoday! Auction: 2:00pm30July2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/915728 AgentOnSite: Sun12:30-12:45pm KristinaClarke 02108279272 PhilipDavis 021873934

TEKUITI 44TawaStreet

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

1609m²Section,AttractiveRural Setting! Auniqueopportunityonthe northernoutskirtsofTeKuiti!This 150m²,three-bedroomhouse(acc toPropGuru),offersagreatentry pointintothemarket.Situatedona generous1609m²road-frontage, freeholdsectionoverlookingTeKuiti, thishomefeaturesthreebedrooms, abathroom&undercoverparking forseveralcars.CallPaulfromLodge RealEstatetoday!CT127289 Auction: 2:00pm13Aug2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/916465 View: PhoneForViewingTimes PaulConway 0272701608 PhilipDavis 021873934

GREYLYNN 3/29ScanlanStreet

MORTGAGEEAUCTION

PonsonbyFringe-FreeholdUnit UnitO3offers42m²(accto AucklandCouncilrecords)ina boutiqueeight-unitcomplexonthe cityfringe.Thelayoutfeaturesa brightfrontroom,rearstorage, bathroomplusthreesecurecar parksandsharedaccessoryunits. ZonedBusinessMixedUseunderthe UnitaryPlan,thepropertyissuitable foravarietyofuses.Momentsto Ponsonby,GreyLynn&CBD.Call today! Auction: 2:00pm30July2025at18 CommerceStreet,CityCentre www.barfoot.co.nz/915738 View: Tues5:00-5:30pm ColinStewart 021555642 PhilipDavis 021873934

PanoramicViewsAmongstSpectacularKauri's Setamongstbeautifulnativetrees,this220m²(accordingtoProperty Guru),cedarhomeofferspanoramicviewsoverthecity. Theinteriorfeaturesahighstudkitchenanddiningarea,semi-separate loungewhichallopentoexpansivedecking,twobathrooms,threedouble bedroomsanddoubleinternalgaraging.

Thegroundsarelandscapedwithtropicalgardens.Youwillfeellikeyou're livinginaprivateoasiswhileonlybeingashortdrivefromTitirangitown

Superbwaterfrontposition–potentialtoaddvalue

PositionedinacovetedstreetaboveTakapunaBeach,thisarchitecturallydesignedhomeoffersararemixofprivacy, potential,andstunningviewsovertheHaurakiGulf.Nestledinlushtropicalgardenswithaserene,resort-stylevibe,the homefeaturesmultiplelivingareasflowingtothepool,garden,andoutdoorentertainingzones.Agrandstaircaseleads tofourgenerousbedrooms,includingamastersuitewithprivatedeckandspectacularseaviews.Whiletheinteriorsare readyforarefresh,thesoliddesign,bespoketimberfeatures,andprimewaterfrontlocationofferanexceptional opportunitytorenovateandaddvalue.LocatedinatightlyheldenclaveclosetoTakapuna’sbeach,shops,cafes,and schools,withadoublegarage,enclosedcarport,andamplestorage.Thispropertyistheperfectcanvastocreatea bespokecoastalmasterpiece.Don’tmissyourchancetosecureoneoftheNorthShore’sfinestopportunities. bayleys.co.nz/1451766

1,163sqm 3 2

Tender (unlesssoldprior) Closing4pm,Thu31Jul2025 28NorthcroftStreet,Takapuna View Sun12.15-1pmorbyappointment VictoriaBidwell 021947080 victoria.bidwell@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,TAKAPUNA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

QuintessentialPonsonby

ApictureofvillaperfectionthatharnessestheverybestofthePonsonbylifestyle.Stepbeyondtheirresistibleexterior withitsromanticverandahandenteraworldofquietgrandeur. Thesoaringstudheightanddeep-sethallwayguideyouintothehome.Attherear,thehomeopensupdramaticallyinto themainlivingpavilionanchoredbyakitchenandalargeislandthatdoublesasasocialhub.

Wallsofglassdisappeartocreateaseamlessflowtotheentertainer’sdeckandultra-privatehedgedgarden,averdant west-facingoasiswithflatgrassyareafortheyoungchildrenorpets.

ApictureofvillaperfectionthatharnessestheverybestofthePonsonbylifestyle. bayleys.co.nz/1672648

4 1 2 1

SetSaleDate (unlesssoldprior) 10am,Wed6Aug2025

305PonsonbyRoad,Ponsonby View Sun/Thu12-12.30pmorbyappointment EdwardPack 021428241 edward.pack@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,PONSONBY,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

1940sheritage&contemporarylivingon1/4Acre

Setamongstestablishedfamilyhomesinasought-aftertree-linedavenue,thisfullytransformedfour-bedroomhome seamlesslyblendsmodernfunctionalitywithenduringcharacteronalandscaped1010sqmsite.Comprehensively renovatedtothehigheststandards,exudingqualityandcontemporarycomfortthroughoutincludinganopenplan designerkitchenandlivingthatflowseffortlesslyontoahuge70sqmdeck,enhancedbyautomatedblindsandlouvres providinganexceptionalsettingforyear-roundentertaining,whilekidscanplayonthenorthfacingbackyard.There’s internalaccessgaraging,andupstairsthemasterbedroomhasastylishnewensuiteaccompaniedbyachild’sroom, nursery/officeandTVroom,allfittedwithairconandheating,andofferingsuperbviewsoverAuckland.Move-inready, thosewithakeeneyetoaddvaluemayexploretheadditionofapoolorexpansionwithCouncilapproval.Inspectearly! bayleys.co.nz/1754885

303RemueraRoad,Remuera,Auckland View Sat/Sun1-1.30pmorbyappointment LorraineYoung 021764032 lorraine.young@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,REMUERA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Rarewaterfrontretreat-unparalleledwateraccess

Onthemarketforthefirsttimein25years,thisisaonce-in-a-lifetimeopportunitytosecureanexclusiveretreatoffering luxuryandunparalleledwaterfrontliving.Onanexpansive5,488sqmestate,itboastsapproximately200metersof premiumwaterfrontagewithrareriparianrightsanddirectaccesstothewater.Theshorelineisyourplayground,ideal forkayaking,paddleboarding,boating,orsoakingintherhythmofthetide.Thehomeisamasterfulblendofarchitectural elegance.Designedtoembracethesetting,floor-to-ceilingglazingframedinrichredwoodcapturesuninterrupted waterviewsfromeveryroom.Multiplealfrescoareasprovidetheperfectsettingtoentertainorunwind,wheretheeverchangingwaterviewsformastunningnaturalbackdrop.Thisisapropertythatoffersmorethanjustahomebutarare andprivilegedwayoflife.Exclusivelypositionedandsupremelyprivate,itiswaterfrontlivingatitsfinest. bayleys.co.nz/1341568

Unparalleledlivingwithbreath-takingviews

Stepintoaworldofunparalleledluxuryandstylewiththisexceptionalsub-penthouseresidence,offeringsweeping viewsoverWesternPark,theharbour,andthecityscape.Nestledonthe11thfloor,thisstunninghomeallowsyouto witnessawe-inspiringsunsetsfromthecomfortofyourprivatesanctuary—adailyexperiencethataddsrichnesstoyour lifestyle.Themainbedroomfeaturesawalk-inwardrobeandensuitebathroom,ensuringprivacyandcomfort. Additionalperksincludeside-by-sidesecurecoveredcarparksandanextrastorageroomforaddedconvenience. Thisrare,urbantreasureiscovetedbymany,butonlyonecancallithome.Don'tletthisdreamslipaway. Contactustodayandtakethefirststeptowardsmakingthisspectacularsub-penthouseyourown! bayleys.co.nz/1754935

4 2 3 1 2

ForSale View byappointment

RonelleHenning 0211384004 ronelle.henning@bayleys.co.nz

JeffWagg 0274993216jeff.wagg@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD, EASTCOASTBAYS,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 10am,Wed6Aug2025

303RemueraRoad,Remuera,Auckland View Sat/Sun11-11.30amorbyappointment

HarryCheng 0212306877

harry.cheng@bayleys.co.nz

DavidRainbow 021923364

david.rainbow@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,REMUERA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Beachsideliving,cityconvenience

Just200mfromthegoldensandsofPtChevalierBeach,thisimmaculatelypresentedbrickandcedarhomeoffersan expansive222sqm(approx.)includingadoubleinternalgaragewithworkshop.Substantiallylargerthanmostinthearea, it’sprivatelypositionedofftheroadandcraftedtoadapttoyourlifestyle–withspacetohost,work,relax,andconnect. Enjoysun-soakedliving,seaviews,stylishbathrooms,andawell-equippedkitchen.Zonedfortopschoolsandcloseto cafes,parks,andmotorwayaccess.Ourownerhascommittedtotheirnextmove–viewnow!

bayleys.co.nz/1627513

Architectural,freeholdhideawayinDGZ

Hiddenfromview,thisretreat-likearchitects’ownfamilyhomeoffersaprivateandsecuresanctuaryinoneofMtEden’s mostpopularGrammarzoneaddresses,closetotopschools,MtEdenVillageandtheCBD.Thoughtfullydesignedand engineeredforitsunique600sqmsite,this2012-builtrobustandeleganthomemakesthemostofitsbotanicalsetting. Modernyetrelaxedandcreatedforcomfortwithitsfulldoubleglazing,solidtimberfloorsandlivingareasfacingdue north.Entertainingiseasyfromitsopenplankitchenanddining,wherelargeslidersopenouttoafull-lengthterracewith aprivatebushsettingasyourbackdrop.Thesplit-leveldesignallowsseparationforteens,complementedbyahome office,generousstorage,andinternalaccessdoublegaraging.Thisisacompellingopportunitytosecureexcellent schoolszonesinthishugelysoughtafterlocation,andtoembraceanexecutivelock-and-leavelifestyle. bayleys.co.nz/1754903

3 1 2 2

Auction 2pm,Wed6Aug2025

View 1-1.30pmSat19Jul&Sun20Jul orbyappointment

NicoleJones 021660008 nicole.jones@bayleys.co.nz

MattBayley 021412166matt.bayley@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,PTCHEVALIER,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 10am,Wed30Jul2025

303RemueraRoad,Remuera,Auckland View Sat/Sun2-2.30pmorbyappointment LorraineYoung 021764032 lorraine.young@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,REMUERA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Fantastichomeforfamilyliving

Tuckedawayfromtheroadonatranquil,lush,north-facing1,338sqm(approx.)flatsite,thiscontemporaryresidence offersspace,privacy,andversatilityinoneofAuckland’smostdesirablesuburbs.

Constructedfromcedar,concreteblockwithacementtileroof,thissolidlybuilt482sqm(approx.)homehasbeen thoughtfullydesignedformodernfamilylife.Itsspacious,practicallayoutisidealforgrowingfamilies,extended households,orthoseseekingamulti-purposelifestyle.Thesuperbflowprovidesbotheverydaycomfortandrelaxed entertaining.

Lovinglyheldbyonefamilyforover25years,thishomeisnowreadyforyourfamilytoenjoy! bayleys.co.nz/1754930

5 2 3 2

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 10am,Wed30Jul2025

303RemueraRoad,Remuera,Auckland View Sat/Sun2-2.30pmorbyappointment

HarryCheng 0212306877 harry.cheng@bayleys.co.nz

ColleenHarris 0212233080 colleen.harris@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,REMUERA,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

3 1 2 1 2

Welcometo703‘Oakridge’–aspacious168sqm(approx.)apartmentinoneofAuckland’smosttightlyheld,awardwinningdevelopments.Aperfectnextstepfordownsizersseekingease,elegance,andavibrantlifestyleonthedoorstep ofeverythingNewmarketandRemuerahavetooffer.Fromthemomentyouenter,you’llbedrawntothesweeping harbourviewsandthecalmsenseofspacethisseventh-floorresidenceprovides.Light-filledandimmaculately presented,theopen-planlivinganddiningareaflowseffortlessly,makingentertainingapleasure.Aspartofexclusive BroadwayPark,you’llhaveaccesstopremiumresidentamenities.WestfieldNewmarket,renownedeateries,medical specialists,andtopschoolsarejustashort,levelstrollaway.Commutingiseasytoo,withNewmarkettrainstation momentsfromyourdoor.

bayleys.co.nz/2157111

TriciaLafferty 021611205

tricia.lafferty@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,WAIHEKE&GREATBARRIER,LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008 Unmatchedlocation.Vendorsrequiresale.

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 2pm,Wed13Aug2025 BayleysHouse,30GauntStreet,AucklandCentral View Sat/Sun11.30am-12pm

KymAikin 021596222kym.aikin@bayleys.co.nz

FINAL VIEWING MangawhaiHeads

Fantasticfamilyhome

•Spaciouslivingflowsouttoingroundpool

• Sunnyconservatoryopensouttolarge,levellawn

•Coveredspa,outdoorshowerandstudiounit

•Doubleinternalgarageandroomforboat

Thisinviting,well-presentedhomeissetforentertaining andrelaxation.Plentyofroomforkidsandpets,andonly ashortdrivetothebeach,golfandboatlaunching.This welcomingcommunityembracespermanentsand holidaymakersalike.Willthisbeyournewhaven?

Vendorpurchased-don'tdelay!

bayleys.co.nz/1154293

3 1 2 2

Auction (unlesssoldprior) 10am,Thu24Jul2025

14FlorenceAvenue,Orewa

View Sat/Sun11-11.45amorbyappointment

DianneChristensen 021741541

dianne.christensen@bayleys.co.nz

RobbieRobertson 021959798

robbie.robertson@bayleys.co.nz

MACKYSREALESTATELTD,BAYLEYS,LICENSEDREAA2008

Luxury,location,lifestyle

Completedinlate2023andneverlivedin,residence44D ispartofanexclusiveboutiquedevelopmentcomprising ofsixbeautifullyappointedluxurytown-homes. DesignedbyrenownedMatzArchitects,thepropertyis positionednicelytothenorth,offeringapleasant outlookandsunlight.

Thestrikingfour-leveldesignshowcasesMatz Architects'signaturestyleandattentiontodetailwitha floorplanofferinganexcellentratioofbedrooms,living areas,andaninternalgaragefortwovehicles.Actswiftly tosecureyournew,executivetown-homeinthis exclusiveneighbourhood.

bayleys.co.nz/1672645

SetSaleDate (unlesssoldprior) 2pm,Thu24Jul2025

305PonsonbyRoad,Ponsonby View Sun12-12.30pm PeterTanner 021379379 peter.tanner@bayleys.co.nz LukeMcCaw 021950145 luke.mccaw@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYSREALESTATELTD,PONSONBY,LICENSEDREAA2008

TeAraicoastalparadise!

NestledintheheartofTeAraiisthispicturesque 40-hectare(moreorless)lifestylegrazingproperty, offeringtheperfectblendofruralcharmandcoastal convenience.Withinternationalgolfcourses,pristine surf,swimmingbeaches,andvibrantMangawhainearby, thelocationistrulysecondtonone.Atree-lined drivewayframedbypost-and-railfencingleadsyouto qualityfarminfrastructure,includingasetofcattleyards, a160sqmfive-baybarn,twenty-threepaddocks,plus spectacularruralandseaviews.

Takeatour:www.vimeo.com/1094195816 bayleys.co.nz/1154265

40.105ha Tender (unlesssoldprior)

Closing1pm,Fri25Jul2025

41QueenStreet,Warkworth View Sun12-1pm

JohnBarnett 021790393

john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz

ChristineThomasAREINZ 021560008

christine.thomas@bayleys.co.nz MACKYSREALESTATELTD,BAYLEYS,LICENSEDREAA2008

Parkandharbourviews

Awonderfulopportunityawaitsonthispremium,tightly heldstreet.This852sqmsitezonedMixedHousing SuburbanitoffersasuperbParksidepositionwith elevatedviewsoverGloverParkandtotheharbourwith greatpotentialtoaddvaluetotheexistinghomeor furtherdevelopment.Thischarmingsolidhomeprovides agenerousfloorplan,largegaragewithahugestorage workshopareaandtraditionalcomforts.However, opportunitiesaboundtoextendoraddvaluetothe existinghome,securealong-terminvestment,orexplore thesignificantdevelopmentpossibilitiesinanelevated position.

bayleys.co.nz/1754924

orbyappointment MylesCleave

Contemporaryretreat

Discoverthepinnacleofluxurylivingwiththis remarkableoff-the-plancontemporaryalpineretreat, nestledintheheartoftheprestigiousSpeargrassFlat Road.EmbracetheepitomeoftheQueenstownlifestyle inthismeticulouslydesignedresidence,offering343sqm ofelegantlivingspaceandanadditional105sqmgarage –perfectforhousingfourcarsoralltheadventuregear onecoulddesire.Positionedonasundrenched,north facing,flatsiteof5,521sqm. bayleys.co.nz/4504459

PricebyNegotiation

View byappointment

SarenaGlass 0275896133

sarena.glass@bayleys.co.nz

SarahMcBride 021790156

sarah.mcbride@bayleys.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN&SOUTHERNNZREALTYLTD,BAYLEYS, LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

SelectsiteinHomesteadPeaks

NestledwithintheprestigiousHomesteadPeaks lakefrontneighbourhoodinDriftBay,Lot6isan expansivevacantlifestylesitecomprisingof1.38ha (moreorless)ofpremiumland.Positionedonan elevatedplateauencompassingbreathtakinglakeand mountainviews,thisprimesiteoffersauniquely shelteredpositionwithnaturalprivacyfromthe neighbouringsites. bayleys.co.nz/4504456

1.3813ha

AskingPrice $3,850,000

SarahMcBride 021790156

sarah.mcbride@bayleys.co.nz

SarenaGlass 0275896133

sarena.glass@bayleys.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN&SOUTHERNNZREALTYLTD,BAYLEYS, LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Elevateyourlifestyle

RockGlenisaparcelofthreesemi-rurallandblocks situatedtothenorthofJack'sPoint,WillowPondand Hanley'sFarm.Theselots,marketedforthefirsttime, offeraspectsandelementstosuitarangeof preferences.Featuringnaturalrockyoutcrops, undulatingland,fullnorth-facingall-daysun,and dramaticviewsofTheRemarkables,thisisatrulyunique opportunity. bayleys.co.nz/4483177

Exceptionalopportunity

Setonagenerous5.4568hectares(moreorless),114 AlecRobinRoadpresentsarareopportunitytosecurea premiumsliceofparadise.Thisremarkablelandholding boastsasubstantialnorthwest-facingbuildingplatform ofapproximately1,000sqm(moreorless),perfectly positionedtocapturesweeping,uninterruptedviewsof CoronetPeak,SlopeHill,andthesurroundingmountain ranges.Thesiteisnaturallyshelteredandbenefitsfrom extensivenativeplanting.

bayleys.co.nz/4482695

5,100sqm

ForSalebyDeadlinePrivateTreaty (unlesssoldprior) 4pm,Thu31Jul2025

311HawthorneDrive,Frankton,Queenstown

JessicaCoburn 021955558 jessica.coburn@bayleys.co.nz JimmyAllen 021676013 jimmyjessicateam@bayleys.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN&SOUTHERNNZREALTYLTD,BAYLEYS, LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

5.5358ha

ForSalebyDeadlinePrivateTreaty (unlesssoldprior) 4pm,Fri8Aug2025

311HawthorneDrive,Frankton,Queenstown JimmyAllen 021676013

jimmyjessicateam@bayleys.co.nz

PhoebeSwale 0278438653

phoebe.swale@bayleys.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN&SOUTHERNNZREALTYLTD,BAYLEYS, LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

PristineCloseburnStation

Thisexceptionallifestylesitesitswithinthecoveted CloseburnStationandoffers360-degreedramatic mountainviewsfromitselevated,sun-filledposition, lookingouttoLakeWakatipuandthepicturesqueBobs Coveareabelow.Amanageable4,429sqminsize,itsits surroundedbyanabundanceofnativeNewZealand trees,allowingyoutoimmerseyourselfinthepristine alpinelandscape.

bayleys.co.nz/4504384

4,429sqm

PricebyNegotiation

View byappointment

SarahMcBride 021790156

sarah.mcbride@bayleys.co.nz

SarenaGlass 0275896133

sarena.glass@bayleys.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN&SOUTHERNNZREALTYLTD,BAYLEYS, LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

Effortlessgetawayinthealps!

Withonlyoneresidenceremainingavailable,11Cornwall isaboutiquedevelopmentofthreedistinctive,bespoke designedresidences.Positionedalongapeaceful, privaterightofwayjustmomentsfromtheArrowRiver, thisexclusiveenclavesitsinoneofArrowtown'smost desirablelocations.Carefullyselectedmaterials includingschistandlongruncladdingpaytributetothe town'shistoriccharmwhileofferingamodernedge.Set forcompletioninApril2026. bayleys.co.nz/4483030

ForSalebyDeadlinePrivateTreaty (unlesssoldprior) 4pm,Fri18Jul2025

311HawthorneDrive,Frankton,Queenstown

JimmyAllen 021676013

jimmyjessicateam@bayleys.co.nz

JessicaCoburn 021955558

jessica.coburn@bayleys.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN&SOUTHERNNZREALTYLTD,BAYLEYS, LICENSEDUNDERTHEREAACT2008

EachOfficeisIndependentlyOwnedandOperated.BrownsRealEstateLimited(licensedundertheREAA2008)MREINZ.

WANAKA, 25RubusStreet

Ourvendorshavebuiltupandarereadytomoveonthisisagoldenopportunitytosecureoneofthebest buysintheSouthernLakes!Actfast,opportunitieslike thisdon’tcomearoundoften.

Highspec,highimpact.Sleeps12andhasenough garagingforallyourtoysandmore!

TheincrediblyspaciouslayoutincludesaMelanieCraig designerkitchenthatflowsseamlesslyintoan expansiveopen-planlivinganddiningspace,perfectfor entertaininglargegroupswitheaseandstyle.Each bedroomisfittedwithbuilt-inwardrobes,whilethe mastersuiteoffersaspaciouswalk-inrobeand luxuriousensuite.Agenerouschalet-stylebunkroom onthegroundfloorwithitsownspaciouslivingareaand privateensuiteisidealforguestsandextendedfamily.

AUCTION: 12.00p.m.Thursday,14August2025inNZSIR WanakaOffice(unlesssoldprior)

VIEW: nzsothebysrealty.com/NZW11079

LUCRAVEL:M 64212840101 D 64212840101 luc.ravel@nzsir.com

QUENTINLANDRETH:M +64273555399 quentin.landreth@nzsir.com

BridlewaysEstate,homeofchampionsandhomeforyournext chapter.Asubdivisioncreatedtoenhanceyoureverydaylife, whileinvestinginyourfuture.

45TangaroaStreet|3Bed,2.5Bath,2Living,2Garage|189sqmHouse|421sqmSection

LocationMatters

Whenitcomestochoosingyourforeverhome ornextinvestment,locationiseverything.

BridlewaysEstateputsyourightintheheart ofitall

JustminutesfromtheCambridge towncentreandSH1

EasyaccesstoHamilton,Tauranga andAuckland

Closetocycleways,greenspaces, andlocalamenities