NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unions launch campaign to ban engineered stone

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi has today launched a campaign to ban the import, supply, and use of engineered stone in Aotearoa New Zealand.

    “We are urging the Government to do the right thing and save workers’ lives by banning engineered stone, an extremely dangerous product that causes the fatal lung disease silicosis”, said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

    “Engineered stone is the asbestos of our times. It is not an essential product and there are many safe alternatives already in the market.

    “Silicosis is a debilitating disease that cannot be cured. The evidence is clear that the only solution is to stop workers from being required to process engineered stone, which exposes them to the dangerous silica dust.

    “Brooke van Velden has the power to save workers’ lives. All she needs to do is follow Australia’s example and implement a total ban.

    “There is broad support for this campaign. Last year the CTU joined with 18 other organisations, including public health experts and health and safety specialists, and called on the Minister to act.

    “Aotearoa has a terrible record when it comes to work-associated deaths. The Government has the opportunity to help turn that around by banning engineered stone. It’s time they stepped up on behalf of Kiwi workers,” said Wagstaff.

    The NZCTU have today launched a public petition calling on the Minister to implement a full ban on the import, supply, and use of engineered stone.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mark Cameron drafts bill to stop banking wokery and protect rural borrowers

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT Rural Communities spokesperson Mark Cameron has drafted a bill to scrap the red tape forcing banks and financial institutions to make climate-related disclosures, by repealing Part 7A of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013.

    “Rural and regional New Zealanders are being hammered by banking wokery that judges businesses on political fashion rather than commercial sense,” says Mr Cameron.

    “Farmers are already seeing discrimination creeping into interest rates based on perceived emissions. They fear they’ll be the next to be ‘debanked’, not because of financial risk, but because they don’t fit the agenda of the suit-and-tie bigwigs. We’ve already seen it happening to essential industries like mining and service stations.

    “These rules are the ultimate virtue signal that only ACT opposed back in 2021. They reduce banking competition and force significant costs on lenders – and therefore borrowers – for absolutely no environmental gain.

    “This week I wrote to the Minister for Commerce and Consumer Affairs, raising concerns about the harmful impact these regulations have on borrowers, banking competition, and economic growth, and encouraging him to adopt my proposal as a Government Bill.

    “The Bill I’ve drafted sends two clear messages to the banks. First, they will no longer win political favour by making ideological lending decisions, and they can be confident that they won’t be punished for sticking to their core role of serving customers. Second, for those banks that have fallen under ideological capture, it’s a signal to get back to basics – or risk losing customers to competitors who understand what banking is really about.

    “For government and the regulators of banks, it’s about getting back to basics too. The role of financial regulation is to ensure the sound functioning of financial markets in a way that promotes trust, efficiency, and stability. The climate-disclosure requirements are a departure from this limited function into social engineering.

    “It’s also unnecessary. We already have an Emissions Trading Scheme that makes these woke rules completely redundant – emissions are capped and the cost of carbon is already factored into investment and production decisions.

    “So while the disclosure requirements haven’t reduced a single gram of global emissions, they do put pressure on the banks by waving a stick at the banks, tacitly saying ‘if we don’t like who you’re lending to we’ll hit you’. That is part of what’s driving this madness and why ACT believes markets, not ministers should decide where investment is directed.

    “The answer to woke lending practices is not more red tape, it’s getting rid of the existing stuff that’s causing it in the first place.

    “We’ll win the war on banking wokery by letting better ideas and businesses compete against out-of-touch lenders. Piling on additional heavy-handed regulations risks scaring off new entrants to the market, further entrenching the power of the big players. If we want to force their hand, the market is best placed to do it.”

    Mark Cameron’s letter to the Minister can be read here.

    A copy of the Financial Markets Conduct (Repeal of Climate-related Disclosure Requirements) Amendment Bill can be read here.

    The climate-related disclosure requirements were introduced by Labour in 2021 through the Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Whitiora, Hamilton

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Motorists are asked to avoid the intersection of Mill and Ulster Streets in Whitiora, Hamilton, this morning, after a crash has left one person seriously injured.

    Police were called to the crash, involving a vehicle and a cyclist, about 5.55am. 

    Traffic management will be in place. 

    Motorists should take an alternate route, or expect delays.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Leaves of hope; first signs of mistletoe success at Pirongia

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  29 April 2025

    Long-term restoration efforts began at Pirongia in the early 2000s, and DOC’s Waikato team has been working with Pirongia Te Aroaro ō Kahu Restoration Society, Te Pahū Landcare, and local iwi to restore the maunga and reintroduce native species.

    DOC Waikato Biodiversity Ranger Cara Hansen says the mistletoe species were historically found on the maunga, but the introduction of possums to New Zealand completely wiped the plants out.

    “Possums are the main threat to mistletoe,” Cara says. “They love it, and will they’ll often devour the entire plant if they can. Controlling them is vital; this mistletoe species is only found in New Zealand, just like a massive 84% of our native plants. Species like this need our help, and it’s great to work alongside iwi and the community to protect them.”

    Beginning in 2023, the translocation of pirita/mistletoe (Ileostylus micranthus and Tupeia antarctica) saw DOC staff and volunteers attach seeds to dozens of host trees at Kaniwhaniwha and Pirongia Lodge on the edge of Pirongia Forest Park. The translocation method is simple, swiping the sticky mistletoe seeds on to host trees, much like birds do when naturally spreading the seeds.

    Each host tree received between 10 and 20 mistletoe seeds, which were sourced from a property near Maungatautari. Recent monitoring of 18 host trees at Kaniwhaniwha showed 53 individual mistletoe plants had germinated, and after one year they had between two and four leaves each.

    “The plants can be a little slow to get going, so they’re still pretty tiny,” Cara says. “Once they germinate, they can take a while to attach successfully to the host tree, and will reach maturity in about five years. By then, they’ll have grown to the size of a basketball, and will have started producing fruit.”

    “Over a 10-year period, mistletoe seed will be sown into trees around Pirongia. Sites like Kaniwhaniwha campground are great, as they have a good range of hosts and a lot of light, which really helps the mistletoe since they photosynthesize in addition to taking food and water from their host trees.”

    “Even though this is a great sign, we’re not out of the woods yet,” says Cara. “Continued control of possums and rats at place is key to the project’s success, both to protect mistletoe from browsing pressure, and to increase the native bird species who act as pollinators and seed-dispersers.”

    Pirongia is part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme, which uses aerially applied toxins to control possums & rats. The two community groups have also contributed to the programme with extensive ground control efforts.

    Aotearoa New Zealand’s has more threatened species than anywhere else in the world, with more than 4000 considered threatened or at risk of extinction. Most of these are only found here, so once they’re gone, they’ll be gone for good.

    Background information

    New Zealand has nine mistletoe species, and the fruit they produce is key food source for many native birds.

    Host tree species for the translocation a Pirongia include mangeao, mahoe and kohūhū.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Events – REPORTERS FACING MULTIPLE CHALLENGES COVERING THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY – AUT

    Source: Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
    The challenges faced by journalists covering the climate emergency will be at the heart of a public symposium at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) next month.  
    The symposium, titled Framing the Emergency: Climate Journalism in Aotearoa New Zealand, will explore how journalists report on the climate crisis, what more they can do, and how more climate stories might be told.  
    Speakers will include leading journalists Eloise Gibson (RNZ), Marc Daalder (Newsroom), and Miriama Kamo (TVNZ).  
    Experts and activists in the line-up include Russel Norman (Greenpeace), Jessica Palairet (Lawyers for Climate Action), and Joe Nagera (Pacific Climate Warriors).
    The symposium convenor, Professor Geoffrey Craig, said New Zealand climate journalists had a challenging job relating how the planetary crisis was impacting the nation.  
    They needed to “traverse the complexities of governmental policies and emission trading schemes, the power of corporations and the technicality of scientific research”, he said.  
    “They must cover the politics of land and water management, the advocacy of activists, and the struggles of citizens responding to disasters and building greater sustainability in their communities and everyday lives.”
    Journalists also face the challenge of reporting independently on the “actions and discourses of stakeholders” who frame climate issues in different ways, based on their interests. 
    The climate emergency could be said to transforming our understanding of the relationships between economy, environment and society.  
    “Yet some might argue there is little sense of an ’emergency’ in our public responses to the climate crisis,” he said.  
    “Do we need other climate stories in our media where the mahi and hope of communities point the way forward?”  
    Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is one of the world’s best modern universities. Home to 28,000 students across three campuses, AUT has more than 60 research centres and institutes delivering leading research – from artificial intelligence to robotics,
    and ecology to public health. As a contemporary university, AUT is connected to an extraordinary range of organisations sharing expertise and resources, collaborating on ground-breaking research, and connecting students with industry leaders and employers. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – $1b cut in Budget operating allowance ‘unnecessary and damaging’

    Source: Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign

    The announcement by the Government that it will cut $1b to its Budget operating allowance is unnecessary and damaging, according to the Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign.

    “This cut, on top of last year’s mean spirited Budget, is a result of the 2024 tax cuts, which overwhelmingly favoured the wealthiest New Zealanders, including the $2.9b tax break for landlords,” says Glenn Barclay, spokesperson for the Better Taxes Campaign.

    “The Government has painted itself into a fiscal corner as a consequence and is making decisions that are both unnecessary and damaging because of their unwillingness to recognise that our tax system is broken and that we need to raise more revenue for the betterment of all New Zealanders.”

    “We are seeing the health system in crisis and other essential public services being squeezed,” says Glenn Barclay.

    “While this is an immediate problem, it reflects the failure of successive governments to ensure that we collect sufficient revenue to meet our needs and that those who can afford to pay more in tax do so.”

    New Zealand’s core Crown revenue has averaged around 30% of GDP historically and this is low compared to many European countries, which have much better health systems and public services.

    In 2023, research by Inland Revenue demonstrated that the the wealthiest 310 families in New Zealand had an effective tax rate of around 9% whereas the average New Zealander paid over 20% in tax.

    “It is clear that our health system and public services need better funding, that we need more resources for tackling climate change and that inequality is eating away at our society,” says Glenn Barclay.

    “Our broken tax system lies at the heart of all these pressing issues and we call on the Government and opposition parties to recognise the need to introduce taxes that many other countries have – such as a capital gains tax, an excess profits tax, wealth taxes and wealth transfer taxes.”

    The Better taxes for a Better Future Campaign was launched in June 2023 with the support of 21 partner organisations. It is seeking a tax system that:

    • Is fully transparent.
    • Ensures people who have more to contribute make that contribution: that we gather more revenue from wealth, gains from wealth, all forms of income, and corporates.
    • Makes greater use of fair taxes to promote good health and environmental health.
    • Addresses the tax impact on the least well-off in our society.
    • Raises more revenue to enable us to address the social, economic and environmental challenges we face.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest made following serious assualt – Palmerston North

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson:

    A 42-year-old Palmerston North man has been arrested and charged in relation to a serious assault in Cloverlea last month.

    A man was found at a Cecil Place address with critical injuries on 1 March 2025 and continues to recover in hospital.

    The 42-year-old has been charged with Wounding with Intent to Cause Grievous Bodily Harm and will appear in court today.

    He was arrested at 2pm yesterday in the Roslyn area.

    Over the past few weeks, a huge effort has gone into locating this man with several addresses searched. 

    It is great that yesterday’s coordinated response and arrest means we can put him before the courts.  

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Statement by Minister Todd McClay following the March 2025 Pastoral Sector Group meeting

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Pastoral Sector Group (PSG) has held its first meeting, discussing farm emissions.
    The group consists of Agriculture, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts, and Chairs and CEOs from: Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, Dairy NZ, Deer Industry New Zealand, Federated Farmers, and the Meat Industry Association.
    Pasture Sector
    Sector representatives contributed perspectives on the current state of the industry and a desire to work constructively toward a positive outcome for the rural sector.
    They underlined the significant effort made by farmers to date. 
    They stressed the need for any consideration of emissions reduction to be based upon science and to be solutions driven. 
    They stressed the need to revise the domestic methane target based on the principle of no additional warming. 
    They stressed the need for any solutions to be affordable for farmers; and for the need to avoid imposing costs upon industry and government. 
    They voiced concerns about the effects afforestation was having on the pastoral sector and welcomed the Government’s recent announcement to restrict farm to forest conversions. 
    They raised concerns about the negative impact that a price on agricultural emissions would have on production. 
    They stressed the need for certainty and time for the primary sector.
    Government
    Ministers reiterated that this group was to allow the sector to provide their views to government directly and to engage in a respectful dialogue.
    Ministers thanked the primary sector for their significant contribution to New Zealand, and in particular, the importance of a strong primary sector to the New Zealand economy.
    They stressed that the PSG was an opportunity to talk openly and that it was not a decision-making body.
    The members of the group agreed that New Zealand farmers are among the world’s most carbon-efficient food producers and were willing to do their part for New Zealand’s overall commitment to reduce emissions.
    Ministers confirmed the following:

    That the Government has removed agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme.
    That the Government has disbanded He Waka Eka Noa.
    That the Government is committed to a split gas approach.
    That the Government commissioned an independent scientific review on the role of biogenic methane against additional warming.
    That the Government will pass legislation this year to implement its decision of 4 December 2024 to restrict full farm to forest conversions.
    That the Government is committed to meeting New Zealand’s climate obligations without closing down farms or sending jobs and production overseas.
    That all decisions in respect to farm emissions will be informed by accepted science.
    That the Government is mindful of the impact of costs related to emissions reduction on farmers; and the implications that cost could have for production.
    That a revised 2050 biogenic methane target will be set this year.
    That the Government is committed to the use of science and innovation to reduce emissions, not reducing on farm production.
    That it is for New Zealand to decide how to reduce emissions.
    That New Zealand has climate change obligations under some trade agreements and that the Government will be guided by domestic considerations and interests including those of New Zealand producers and the economy.
    The Government currently has a plan that shows New Zealand can meet its obligations while growing the economy and without closing down farms or sending production or jobs overseas.
    That the Government will continue to build confidence in the primary sector.

    The PSG will meet again next month.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025: The Growth Budget

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Tēna koutou kātoa.  Greetings everyone. Can I thank you Malcolm for that kind introduction and thank everyone who has taken the time to be here today. My special thanks go to our hosts Metco Engineering and the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce.
    Let me also acknowledge my colleagues who join us today – your local MP and my Associate Minister of Finance the Hon Chris Bishop, together with the Minister of Education the Hon Erica Stanford. 
    This factory is a bit of a different setting than the conference centre or ballroom Ministers typically use for a pre-Budget speech. Why?
    Because places like this are the engine room of the New Zealand economy.
    Our Government knows that to speed up the economic recovery New Zealanders need we have to get this growth engine cranking.
    I appreciate that economic growth can be a bit of an abstract concept: the work that happens on this factory floor is what it’s all about.
    The workers at Metco solve problems, coming up with new products and manufacturing processes for a range of industries. They design and create clever components for customers around the world – producing everything from window stays through to bus stops.
    Metco has grown successfully by making investments in its own machinery and technology and by hiring and up-skilling great people who come up with innovative ideas and then make them happen.
    The growth of businesses like MetCo, and indeed of all the businesses represented in this room today, has created good jobs and livelihoods for the people of the Hutt Valley community. 
    It’s also allowed your businesses to make healthy tax contributions, which helps fund the Government’s investment in health services, schools, vital infrastructure and other important public spending. 
    Thank you for that contribution, we don’t take it for granted.
    New Zealand needs more success stories like MetCo: Your growth is what’s needed to deliver the kind of country we all want: with better living standards, better job opportunities and more financially secure families.
    That’s why our Government is going for growth.
    Earlier this year we released a snapshot of the work we have underway to support this growth agenda. Going for Growth sets out 87 specific actions we are taking under five key themes: 

    Developing talent
    Competitive business settings
    Innovation, technology and science
    Overseas investment and trade
    Infrastructure for growth

    I encourage you to check out the plan and the work underway. There’s more to come.  
    For today though, I’m going to switch out of my Economic Growth hat and into my Minister of Finance hat and focus my remarks on this year’s Budget. 
    The Context for Budget 2025
    The Government’s growth ambition has been front and centre as we’ve put the Budget together.  
    We know that global uncertainty is challenging for many of you and we’re determined our Budget will play a role in giving you confidence for the future.  
    But let me be blunt: it’s not the easiest time to be putting together a Budget.
    New Zealand is still recovering from the economic damage inflicted during the Covid period and we’re now facing the headwinds of further global instability.
    There is a pressing need for greater investments in our health system, our education system, our defence force and other areas, and very little money to pay for those investments.   
    Our Government is also acutely conscious of the challenging economic circumstances many New Zealanders have experienced in the past few years as we’ve emerged from a period of very high inflation and rapidly rising interest rates. 
    The pain is still rippling through our communities. Kiwis feel it in the higher prices they still pay for almost everything, in higher levels of unemployment and in struggling local businesses. The cost of living remains a top-of-mind concern.  
    The good news is that, despite significant global challenges, a steady economic recovery is now taking place here, with export-led growth gathering strength, business confidence coming off its lows and the primary sector benefiting from higher commodity prices and mostly favourable growing conditions. 
    Having considered everything happening around the world, the Treasury is continuing to forecast accelerating growth in the New Zealand economy over the coming year, with falling unemployment forecast to follow in the second half of the year. 
    There’s no magic wand to wish away the price rises baked in over recent years, but getting inflation and interest rates under control has been essential to achieving this economic recovery.  
    That’s why I always take pause to celebrate that since our Government came to office inflation has returned to normal levels, resulting in a 200 basis point reduction in interest rates. 
    We must not take this progress for granted. 
    While some pretend we can fix all the post-Covid damage with yet more extravagant government spending, the economic truth is that they are wrong. 
    The only way to sustainably overcome cost of living pressures is through successive years of stable inflation, careful investment and sustained economic growth. 
    Our Government is committed to the responsible fiscal management and growth supporting policies needed to make that happen. 
    Debt, deficit and the path out
    An important part of that effort is getting our own books in order. That’s a big task.
    The previous Government’s spending decisions during and after Covid have left New Zealand with a sea of debt and red-ink in the government finances.
    Government debt leapt up by almost $120 billion between 2019 and 2024, soaring from under $58 billion to $175 billion. 
    Those are big numbers, almost too big to comprehend, so let me explain it this way: That amounts to $22,000 more in debt for every New Zealander.
    You may well ask: what do we have to show for all that debt? 
    To give you some further historical context, New Zealand’s net core Crown debt, which once hovered between five and 25 per cent of GDP, rose to around 42 per cent last year. That’s the highest level of government debt New Zealand has shouldered since the mid-1990s.    
    Servicing that debt is expensive.  
    The interest bill on government debt has soared from $3.6 billion in 2014 to $8.9 billion last year.  That sum is more than annual core Crown expenses for the Police, Corrections, the Ministry of Justice, Customs and the Defence Force combined.
    Our Government’s goal is to put net core Crown debt on a downward trajectory towards 40 per cent of GDP and in the longer term keep it below that percentage. 
    Why?  Because allowing debt to keep spiralling would threaten the livelihood of every New Zealander.  
    We must ensure our country is financially strong and resilient enough to effectively respond to whatever the future may throw: be it earthquakes, extreme climatic events, biosecurity incursions or whatever. We need the world to keep seeing us as a good country to invest in and lend to. Manageable debt levels are an essential foundation for a strong economy and for your financial future.
    Achieving lower debt levels isn’t easy: especially because the government books remain out of balance.
    The post-Covid ‘structural deficit’ has left a big gap between what the country needs to fund to deliver on the spending commitments previous Budgets have made and what we need to earn to pay for that spending.  
    The Government is currently borrowing billions to bridge the gap.
    Every Thursday afternoon, New Zealand Debt Management issues around $500 million of Government bonds. Some of this is to that roll over existing bonds that have expired, but large chunks of it are for new borrowing. 
    That level of borrowing obviously can’t go on forever, or else our kids and grandkids will be left with unsustainable debt and considerable economic uncertainty. 
    Most of you can probably relate to this if you think about your own household budget: sure, sensible borrowing has its place, but no overdraft can be extended forever, and while you can keep giving the credit card a hammering, left unpaid, it does, eventually, get declined.  
    It’s worth bearing this in mind next time somebody tries to suggest to you that the New Zealand Government needs to spend more on something.  
    The second question always needs to be: but how will we pay for it?  
    Our Government’s strategy is to reduce the deficit over time, through a gradual programme of consolidation and careful spending choices.  
    We are committed to maintaining stability for New Zealanders, by continuing to invest in essential frontline services, infrastructure for growth and social supports like superannuation. 
    But delivering those things requires us to make careful choices about what we spend elsewhere. 
    That’s why we’ve committed ourselves to ongoing reprioritisation and fiscal restraint. It isn’t easy, but it is essential. 
    Believe me, I’d rather we were in clover, with money to spend on all the good ideas we hear. But the reality is that we are governing in tighter times.  
    Economic growth is essential to our fiscal repair job.  It’s simply the most effective way to raise government revenue, and to give us better choices for the future.
    Some have suggested a different approach. They say New Zealand should seek to close the deficit by simply adding more and higher rates of taxes to Kiwis’ wages, savings, wealth or capital.  
    We reject that approach.
    Punishing Kiwis with higher taxes right now would undermine our recovery, strangle growth and threaten the economic stability New Zealand needs. 
    It would pull the rug out from all those businesses and industries who are already just hanging on. And it would send an exodus of Kiwi talent and wealth to Australia and beyond.  
    It would be exactly the wrong recipe for a country whose future prospects depend on investment and growth.  
    Changes in the economic and fiscal outlook since HYEFU
    The Treasury’s last set of economic forecasts was presented at the Half Year Update in December.
    As you know, the global economic outlook has worsened considerably since that update.
    Tarriff announcements by the US government, countervailing tariffs being imposed by China and an uncertain path for future tariffs and exemptions have created volatile global economic conditions with forecasters around the world agreeing that global growth will be lower this year and next year than they were previously predicting.  
    New Zealand can’t escape the fallout. 
    Accordingly, Treasury has adjusted the forecasts it presented in December, reducing their assumptions of real GDP growth in New Zealand in 2025 and 2026.  
    New Zealand’s economy will still be growing, but not as fast as forecast a few months ago.
    That lower growth trajectory has an inevitable impact on the government books, reducing revenue and threatening our already difficult return to surplus and debt reduction.  
    At the same time, it’s clear that the country’s need for investment has not lessened: whether it be in the infrastructure we need for a more productive future, the funding needed to meet pressures in our health service and education system; or the need to rebuild our defence capability to meet the challenges of a less stable world.
    On top of all of that, it’s also the case that New Zealand’s long-term productivity and savings challenges haven’t gone away. 
    So there’s a huge amount to juggle in this year’s Budget.
    How has the Government managed these challenges?
    We started with that question that I suggested to you earlier:  How do we pay for the things we need now without putting our future economic stability at risk?  
    Our approach has been threefold.  
    First, there has been a very high bar for new initiatives in the Budget.  I can confirm today that there will be no lolly scramble in Budget 2025.  New spending initiatives are strictly limited to the most important priorities: our focus has been on health, education, law and order, defence, and a small number of critical social investments. We have also found room for modest measures to support business growth and to provide some carefully targeted cost of living relief.
    Second, beyond a small number of exceptions, government departments are not receiving additional funding in the Budget. We expect government agencies to adjust themselves to New Zealand’s limited fiscal means. This will require restraint in public sector wage increases and an ongoing commitment to getting more impact out of every dollar spent.  
    Third, we have undertaken a significant savings drive.  
    That effort has involved Ministers identifying areas of previously committed spending that can no longer be justified in light of the challenging circumstances New Zealand now faces.   
    We’ve analysed spending decisions made by previous governments and re-evaluated them in the context of today’s constraints. This has involved a line-by-line review of previous funding commitments, including money put aside in contingency.
    This reprioritisation exercise has required careful consideration and some tough, but necessary, choices. 
    At every step, we’ve asked ourselves two questions:

    Can these dollars be justified when we are borrowing to pay for them?
    Can we be sure these dollars will do more good in this area than if invested in our most pressing priorities – like funding essential health services, better educating our kids, defending New Zealand’s security or ensuring our future growth?

    Taken together, the Government’s savings drive has freed-up billions of dollars. Those savings will now be re-deployed to fund New Zealand’s most pressing priorities.
    Sticking to the fiscal strategy
    In this year’s Budget we’ve also had to carefully consider whether, in light of major global economic events, our fiscal strategy still remains achievable.
    The strategy is focused on two key goals: putting net debt on a downward trajectory and returning the books to an OBEGALx surplus by 2028.  
    This strategy matters, it matters for getting the books back in order and that’s about more than a set of numbers. It’s about keeping interest rates lower and providing a solid platform for future growth. It’s about ensuring New Zealand continues to be seen as a stable, reliable place to invest in and lend to. It’s about making sure we don’t leave our kids and grandkids with debts they just can’t repay. 
    At our last update in December – well before President Trump’s “Liberation Day” – we were expecting a small surplus in 2029, and it remained our intention to returning it a year earlier if possible.  
    I can confirm that our Government remains committed to those goals. 
    Sticking to them has required some careful adjustments in this year’s Budget.
    The key change we have made is to the size of this year’s “operating allowance” – that is the amount of money put aside for new spending.   
    At the Half Year Update, the Treasury forecast that the “allowance” in Budget 2025 would be $2.4 billion. 
    That was always a small envelope. However, as I outlined earlier, our approach has been to supplement our new spending by reprioritising funds from elsewhere.
    I am confirming today that the Government has reduced the size of our Budget 2025 operating allowance to $1.3 billion.
    This means we will be spending billions less over the forecast period than would have otherwise been the case. This will reduce the amount of extra borrowing our country needs to do over the next few years and it will keep us on track towards balanced books and debt reduction.
    The fiscal forecasts will not be finalised until later this week, but according to the latest numbers I have seen, this smaller operating allowance means we will continue to forecast a surplus in 2029. 
    The reality of global economic events is that if we’d pushed on with a larger operating allowance then we would be staring down the barrel of even bigger deficits and debt.  
    Let me emphasise once again: our Budget will still deliver increased investment in the things that really matter to Kiwis: like health, education, law and order, the defence force, business growth and targeted cost of living relief. Those things are important to you and they’re important to our Government. 
    Our careful reprioritisation approach means we can continue to make progress on today’s priorities while ensuring we are better positioned to face the challenges tomorrow will bring.
    Yes, those challenges loom large. 
    But let’s get real: global instability may not be a passing trend. New Zealand can’t expect to keep borrowing as much as we are now. The world doesn’t owe us any favours.
    This is not the time to kick the can down the road.  
    We must act now to secure our financial future.  
     
    Conclusion
    In conclusion, Budget 2025 takes place against a difficult global backdrop. 
    We can’t wish that away. What we can do is focus on the things in our control.
    Our Government is doing just that, by providing a predictable, steady approach to economic and fiscal management. 
    In an unstable world we are staying the course with responsible policies that provide stability, support investment and make New Zealand an attractive place for the world to trade and do business with.  
    These sensible policy approaches are the base from which we will deliver better choices and investments in the years ahead.
    With those basics in place, there is much for Kiwi businesses to feel optimistic about.  
    New Zealand has enormous economic growth potential. 
    We are a safe, secure country with a growing constellation of free trade agreements and a global reputation as a good place to do business.
    We are blessed with abundant natural resources – everything from ocean to freshwater, fertile land and temperate weather to abundant minerals.
    In a world worried about food security, we feed more than 40 million people with levels of efficiency and sustainability that are the envy of many.
    We have a long history of stable democracy, strong institutions and rule of law.
    We’ve delivered scientific breakthroughs and global success stories and we will continue to do so.  As I stand here today, we are world leaders in sending rocket to space – rockets that include components made right here in this factory. 
    Fundamentally, I’m optimistic about New Zealand’s economic future because I have faith in you: the New Zealanders who get out of bed each morning and go and make things happen.  
    I’m optimistic because I see how hard Kiwis work. I see how much effort Kiwi parents go to for their kids. I see how much employers and workers care about their communities. We are a smart, innovative, resilient people.  
    The next decade can be our decade. That requires good and steady government and careful spending choices. This year’s Budget will not be a lolly scramble.  What this Budget will be is a responsible Budget that secures New Zealand’s future.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport Minister to visit Sydney

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Transport and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop will travel to Sydney today to further promote New Zealand’s infrastructure investment opportunities following the NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit last month.
    “The Government has signalled that New Zealand is open for business and going for economic growth. In Sydney I will present a New Zealand Government Infrastructure Investment update to the International Project Finance Association, highlighting the range of upcoming investment opportunities across New Zealand’s infrastructure pipeline,” Mr Bishop says.
    “I will attend the 2025 National Infrastructure Awards dinner, hosted by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, and host an NZTE Investors Roundtable lunch with a range of major potential investors in New Zealand.
    “While there I will also visit a range of transport projects, including the WestConnex toll road, and the Paramatta Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) programme. All of these projects offer lessons for New Zealand as we embark on our ambitious transport investment programme.”
    Mr Bishop leaves for Sydney today and will conclude his visit on Friday 2 May.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Huge benefits available from medical conferences

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Outdated regulations stopping trained medical professionals from learning about new medicines through trade show advertising are out of step with other countries and disadvantage New Zealanders, Regulation Minister David Seymour, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say.
    “New Zealand’s prohibition on advertising medicines yet to be consented by Medsafe is a barrier to New Zealand’s ability to host medical conferences and trade shows. The opportunity cost of New Zealand missing out on these is huge,” Mr Seymour says.
    These laws will be reformed so medicines yet to be consented by Medsafe can be advertised at medical conferences in New Zealand, instead of New Zealand health professionals needing to travel overseas.
    “Prohibition was introduced in response to the perceived risk that pharmaceutical companies may attempt to circumvent formal medicine approval processes. The Ministry for Regulation has investigated and found this overly cautious approach is out of step with other recognised jurisdictions and is not proportionate to the perceived risk,” Mr Seymour says.
    “Other nations like Australia, Canada, and the European Union allow advertising to generate revenue and provide medical professionals with information on cutting edge medicines. New Zealand doesn’t need to be left behind because of outdated red tape.
    “This change is estimated to generate $90 million in associated revenue over the next few years.
    “Prohibition also contradicts this Government’s efforts to increase medicines access. Allowing these products to be advertised would upskill doctors and give them the knowledge and skills to prescribe these treatments safely to Kiwis who need them.”
    “This Government is committed to removing regulatory barriers so that we can drive economic growth. Removing the red tape around medical conferences will make New Zealand a better destination for conference organisers, while also making it easier for our own healthcare professionals to keep up with the latest innovations in health products and medicines,” Mr Brown says.
    “New Zealand’s current health regulations can be overly bureaucratic, and this is slowing down access to care, increasing costs, and making it harder for patients to get the services they need.
    “Our regulations can also make it harder to attract, train and retain healthcare workers. Workers want to work with top class treatments and patients want to be able to access them.
    “Medical conferences are a great way to expand the collective knowledge and skill of the health workforce through the transfer of ideas and technologies.
    “The Government is investing more than ever into our health system – a record $30 billion each year – and we expect it to deliver more for patients as a result.”
    “Removing these barriers will also give us an opportunity to showcase our new conference facilities, fantastic hotels, and experiences, and pitch New Zealand as a world class location for business events like medical conferences,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
    “Business event participants spend an average of $175 more per day than other visitors, and often travel during the off-peak season, boosting tourism and economic activity year-round.
    “Our message is clear, New Zealand is open for business. We are looking forward to welcoming more medical conferences to New Zealand, and we have great facilities to host them.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Taupō Hospital accredited to train next generation of rural doctors

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Taupō Hospital has become the first hospital in the North Island to receive accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) training, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey have announced.“The Government is committed to growing and strengthening our health workforce, and a strong rural workforce is a key part of that,” Mr Brown says.“In rural settings where access to specialist health services can be limited, generalist doctors – who can work flexibly across multiple disciplines and service areas – play a vital role.“This accreditation is a significant step towards building a stronger rural health workforce in Taupō. It will help increase the number of doctors trained with the broad skills needed to support the surrounding rural communities.“Rural generalists can sustainably manage a broad range of patient needs and work within clinical networks to ensure patients get access to specialist teams when required.“The ACRRM programme will enable registrars to train to work in Taupō Hospital while also developing advanced skills in fields such as obstetrics, anaesthetics, mental health, or endoscopy.Mr Doocey says being an accredited ACRRM training location means Taupō can attract both New Zealand and Australian registrars and graduates and provides an opportunity for some New Zealand doctors working overseas to return home during their training.“One of the five priorities of the National Rural Health Strategy is to create a valued and flexible rural health workforce, and training young doctors as rural generalists directly supports this goal,” Mr Doocey says.“Taupō Hospital’s new accreditation complements the existing pathway for New Zealand doctors through the New Zealand Rural Hospital Medicine Training Programme. “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality healthcare, and the Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five Kiwis living in rural areas.“To improve access and rural health outcomes, we must invest in growing and supporting the rural health workforce. Taupō Hospital’s accreditation is an important step towards that.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PodTalk.live ushers in new ‘indie’ information and debate era

    PodTalk.live

    After a successful beta-launch this month, PodTalk.live has now called for people to register as foundation members — it’s free to join the post and podcast social platform.

    The foundation membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.

    “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we’re pleased to report that it has performed fabulously,” said the the platform developer Selwyn Manning.

    Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live — Multimedia Investments Ltd.

    PodTalk.live . . . a new era. Image: PodTalk screenshot APR

    MIL is based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.

    And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.

    An alternative platform
    PodTalk.live was designed to be an alternative platform to other social media platforms.

    PodTalk has all the functions that most social media platforms have but has placed the user-experience at the centre of its backend design and engineering.

    PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.

    “We ourselves became annoyed at how social media giants use algorithms to drive what content their users see and experience,” Manning said.

    “And, we also were appalled at how some social media companies trade user data, and were unresponsive to user-concerns.

    “So we decided to create a platform that focuses on ‘discussion and debate’ communities, and we have engineered PodTalk to ensure the content that users see is what they choose — rather than some obscure algorithm making that decision for them.

    “PodTalk.live is independent from other social media platforms, and at best will become an alternative choice for people who seek a community where they are the centre of a platform’s core purpose.

    Sign-up invitation
    ““And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Manning said.

    What PodTalk.live provides includes:

    • user profiles with full interactivities with other users and friends;
    • user created groups, posts, video, images, polls, and file sharing;
    • private and secure one-on-one (and group) messages;
    • availability of all the above for entry users with a free membership;
    • premium membership for podcasters and event publishers requiring easy to use podcast publication and syndication services; and next-level community engagement tools that users have all on the one platform.

    Manning said PodTalk.live was founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people needed to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Govt’s further backtrack on Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Pharmac endangers Māori health – PSA

    Source: PSA

    Pharmac’s proposal to axe its specialist Māori advisory team is another sad example of the low priority the Government places on improving the health of Māori.
    The proposed scrapping of the Māori Directorate announced to staff today will see a net loss of three roles, including those responsible for supporting an anti-racism research programme, and the roles responsible for supporting the work of the now-defunct Māori Advisory Group.
    “This is an abandonment of Pharmac’s commitment to the health of Māori and another breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” said Janice Panoho, Te Kaihautū Māori for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    This follows a decision in October last year to scrap the independent Māori Advisory Group, Te Rōpū Māori, made up of medical specialists including doctors, pharmacists and researchers.
    This was a result of the Government’s Letter of Expectations to Pharmac instructing it to stop embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in its funding decisions.
    “This latest proposal flies in the face of Pharmac’s statutory obligation to consider equity and address racism in access to medicines – this change will further diminish the voice of Māori in Pharmac’s funding decisions.
    “The dismantling of Pharmac’s Māori leadership capacity is unacceptable. It sends a clear message to our communities, that Māori voices in the health system can be ignored, erased, and sidelined.
    “Across the public service, the Government is overriding its legal obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and washing its hands of the partnership between the Crown and Māori that previous governments embraced.
    “We urge the Government and Pharmac to not walk away from Te Tiriti o Waitangi if it’s serious about improving the health outcomes of Māori.”
    The PSA stands with its Māori members at Pharmac and calls for a firm recommitment to equity in health outcomes for Māori and its community.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: UNICEF to launch groundbreaking project to 3D print prosthetics for war-injured Gaza children

    Source: UNICEF Aotearoa NZ

    A groundbreaking project to 3D print prosthetic limbs for war-injured children in Gaza will be launched by UNICEF, thanks to funding from a New Zealand organisation.
    Gaza currently has the highest number of child amputees per capita in the world. Over 23,000 children have sustained conflict-related injuries, and many thousands are facing disabilities and needing long-term rehabilitation.
    Funding of more than quarter of a million dollars from a new collaboration between UNICEF Aotearoa and the Federation of the Islamic Associations of New Zealand ( FIANZ) has allowed a pilot to launch with the planning of a production facility in Jordan to ‘print’ desperately needed prosthetics.
    3D printed prosthetics cost around a sixth of the price of traditional prosthetics and can be made efficiently based on digital measurements taken using a smart phone. This helps solve the common issues of seriously injured children facing long and treacherous journeys to clinics to be assessed. They also allow for the fact that as children grow, they need new and updated components every six months. The project is intended to vastly improve efficiency and outcomes for children.
    UNICEF is working with leading global prosthetics manufacturers, alongside hospital and physiotherapist teams in the region who will collaborate on the wrap-around services each affected child may need. Partnerships with existing hospitals and facilities will help UNICEF ensure children in Gaza are still reached despite incredibly difficult conditions at the border and the breaking of the previous ceasefire.
    FIANZ president Ibrar Shaikh said the organisation has a focus on improving the lives of children, who are often the most affected by conflict.
    “This project directly addresses the physical and emotional well-being of children, alongside providing a tangible way to restore hope and dignity,” he said.
    “The collaboration between a local organisation like FIANZ and a global entity like UNICEF demonstrates how even smaller organisations can contribute meaningfully to groundbreaking humanitarian efforts. This work serves as an inspiration for other organisations to strive beyond their perceived limitations, reinforcing the collective potential to create a more compassionate and just world”.
    UNICEF Aotearoa CEO Michelle Sharp said the funding collaboration was a leading example of the tangible change and impact that can be made for children.
    “When organisations with a passion to help others, such as FIANZ, join with us – we can make incredible things happen to improve the lives of children who are enduring some of the toughest conditions imaginable,” she said.
    “This funding has meant a groundbreaking project has been able to launch which will go on to become a blueprint for the future as we aim to reach as many children in need as possible. We are honoured to build this relationship with FIANZ and look forward to seeing the outcomes we can achieve together”.

    MIL OSI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ban on engineered stone essential to protect workers

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party has renewed its call for the Government to ban the use, supply, and manufacture of engineered stone products, as the CTU launches a petition for the implementation of a full ban.

    “Let’s put people before profits and protect our workers by banning this dangerous product,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety, Teanau Tuiono.

    “Workers are the backbone of our economy, and their safety must be protected from dangerous practices including the use of engineered stone, the dust from which can lead to fatal lung disease.

    “Australia banned this product following extensive consultation and analysis, revealing incontrovertible scientific evidence of the dangers posed by silica dust exposure to workers. What’s stopping our country emulating this ban?

    “Instead of looking for excuses to reduce workplace protections and safeguards, the Government must prioritise workers’ rights that have been fought for over generations

    “Aotearoa has serious mahi to do regarding workplace safety, as far more people are injured or killed on the job here than in countries like the UK or Australia.

    “Banning engineered stone is a good place to start,” says Teanau Tuiono.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New rules for ground-based space infrastructure

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New legislation to deter foreign interference and protect New Zealand’s national interests and national security will be in place for operators of ground-based space infrastructure (GBSI) by July, Space Minister Judith Collins said today. 

    “As I announced last year, we’re taking action to support New Zealand’s interest in the safe, secure and responsible use of space and stop any attempts by foreign entities that do not share our values or interests,” Ms Collins says.

    “A new regulatory regime will start in July to deter foreign interference in New Zealand’s infrastructure that carry out tracking and control of spacecraft, space surveillance and the transfer of data to and from spacecraft.

    “During the past five years there have been several deceptive efforts by foreign actors to establish and/or use GBSI in New Zealand to harm our national security. 

    “They have deliberately disguised their affiliations to foreign militaries and mis-represented their intentions.

    “To date these risks have been managed through non-regulatory measures, including relying on the goodwill of GBSI operators. These measures are no longer enough.

    “The introduction of this new regime will serve as a deterrent. It sends a very clear message that we take our national security seriously, and we will act if we suspect that it is under threat.” 

    The regime will be rolled out in two stages, with some measures to stop malicious activity available as soon as the legislation comes into effect in July.

    Following this, regulations will be put in place setting out detailed requirements for GBSI registration, including for protective security and due diligence systems which in-scope GBSI operators will need to implement. Once the new regulations are in place later this year, there will be a transition period until 1 March 2026 for operators to implement the necessary systems for successful registration.

    “The regime will apply to all in-scope operators in New Zealand, including those operating the infrastructure established prior to the regime coming into effect,” Ms Collins says.  

    “It will be an offence to ignore the requirements of the regulatory regime, and could lead to the seizure of equipment, a $50,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail for an individual, and a fine up to $250,000 for an entity.”

    The regulatory regime targets the following GBSI activities and will apply to existing operators in New Zealand:

    • Telemetry, tracking and control (including capability that could degrade or disrupt satellite operations) of spacecraft (including, for example, geodetic infrastructure);
    • space surveillance and identification of spacecraft; and
    • satellite data reception. 

    Widespread consumer products such as satellite telephones, satellite television or internet receiving dishes will be excluded.

    MBIE will act as the regulator of the regime, with the Minister for Space as the decision maker. 

    The regulatory regime will be included in an Outer Space High Altitude Activities Amendment Bill. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Piece of WWII history uncovered on Te Ara Tūtohu: SH3 Waitara to Bell Block

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A piece of Taranaki’s Second World War history has recently been uncovered during work on Te Ara Tūtohu: SH3 Waitara to Bell Block.

    Two Home Guard rifle pits were found to the north of the intersection of State Highway 3 (SH3) and De Havilland Drive in Bell Block.

    It’s likely they were constructed between 1941 and 1942 as a defensive position to protect the Bell Block Aerodrome on Te Arei Road, which was being used as a Royal New Zealand Air Force training base, from a potential invasion by Japanese forces.

    The Home Guard was formed in 1940 in response to the potential threat posed by the Empire of Japan during the Second World War. Membership was initially voluntary but became compulsory from 1942 for men aged 35-50.

    Home Guard – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand(external link)

    “These are textbook Home Guard pits,” says project archaeologist Daniel McCurdy. “These are so textbook, that in fact one of them conforms exactly (within a few inches) to the standard set out for the Home Guard. However, instead of an optional drainage trench at the base, the men chose to place timbers instead, likely reclaimed from the local farm.”

    There have been a number of archaeological finds on Te Ara Tūtohu since physical works began in 2023. The project works closely with archaeologists and cultural monitors in these instances. Depending on what is found, the find may be removed or documented and left in place.

    “The area we are working in is historically significant. It’s important that whenever we come across a potential archaeological find in the course of our work that we take the time necessary to investigate,” says Te Ara Tūtohu project manager Calvin Rorke.

    “I know that I, and many of us working on Te Ara Tūtohu, have learnt a lot about the history of this area through our work on the project.”

    Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block project

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Hawke’s Bay Police are investigating after shots were fired at a house on Cobham Place in Hastings early this morning.

    The incident was reported to Police at around 3am today. Witnesses reported seeing possibly two people leaving the area on a quad bike at around the same time.

    Our initial enquiries indicate that this incident is not linked to the ongoing tensions between Mongrel Mob and Black Power in Eastern District.

    We would like to hear from anyone with information which might assist our investigation. We are particularly interested in any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at around the time of the shooting.

    If you can help, please contact Police via 105, quoting file number 250428/4796.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
     

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two in hot water following risky break in

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A pair of alleged burglars in the middle of removing a hot water cylinder and copper piping from a Tikipunga property have been caught in the act.

    Police were alerted to a burglary at a property undergoing renovation on Thomas Street just after 9.30am yesterday.

    The homeowner reported seeing, through security cameras, two people allegedly inside the premises removing items from the home.

    Whangārei Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant Dave Wilkinson, says Police were notified after two people were seen breaking into the property, which is currently under construction.

    “The Police Dog Unit, Delta, has responded and apprehended two people allegedly trying to run out the back of the property with tools.

    “One person suffered a minor dog bite as a result.

    “CCTV footage proved invaluable in this case, alerting the homeowner to the pair entering the property and allowing them to see the footage in real time.

    “CCTV is a great security measure and not only can it alert you as incidents are happening, but it is also a crucial tool in identifying offenders and providing critical evidence.”

    A 32-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman have been charged with burglary and will appear in Whangārei District Court today.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Success Tutoring expands globally with New Zealand centre launch

    Source: Success Tutoring

    The global tutoring revolution has arrived in New Zealand. Success Tutoring, Australia’s fastest growing and most innovative education and tutoring franchise, has officially opened its first centre in Papanui, Christchurch, marking the beginning of a bold global expansion into New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
     
    “This is an incredibly exciting time for our company and for tutoring globally,” Success Tutoring founder and CEO, Michael Black said.
     
    “We have redefined how students learn in Australia and now we’re bringing that same energy and innovation to the world, starting right here in Christchurch.”
     
    Success Tutoring breaks away from the traditional one-size-fits-all tutoring model. Instead, it delivers a highly flexible, student-first approach, giving families unlimited access to personalised sessions through a subscription model that fits modern life.

    It’s more than academic support, it’s about building confidence, curiosity and a mindset for success.

    “Our students aren’t just lifting grades, they’re unlocking their potential,” Black said.

    “We’ve helped kids significantly improve their academic results, earn scholarships, get into selective schools and most importantly, feel proud of themselves again.”

    Results from across the Australian network in 2024 were outstanding with Success Tutoring seeing strong academic improvements in Math and English, scholarships and school-entry success for many students and the majority of students reported significant boosts in confidence and self-esteem.

    The Christchurch launch is being led by powerhouse pair Abhishek Gupta (Abhi) and Jalvanti Bhanderi (Jayvee), franchisees with a powerful combination of business smarts, education experience and passion for youth development.

    Gupta, with a master’s in economics and a background in banking, consulting and teaching, has spent years empowering learners. Bhanderi, who grew up in Nairobi and speaks four languages, brings a background in accounting, operations and people-focused leadership.

    “We’re not just running a tutoring centre, we’re creating a space where young people can grow, be inspired and realise what they’re capable of,” Gupta said.

    Bhanderi added that they have seen the gap, the average student who gets left behind. Success Tutoring is here in New Zealand to give all students the tools and support to soar.

    As the brand goes global, Success Tutoring is also offering a life-changing business opportunity for passionate tutors and entrepreneurs. With a turnkey system, national marketing and world-class support, the franchise model is designed to deliver exceptional results for students as well as franchise business owners.

    “The majority of Success Tutoring franchises are cashflow-positive from day one, deliver high profit margins and rapid growth potential and boast purpose-driven ownership backed by proven national systems,” Black said.

    “This is a business where your success is measurable in both income and impact. It’s a model that delivers for students, for families and for the people who run it.”

    With Christchurch opening and already accepting bookings, Success Tutoring is actively recruiting new franchisees across New Zealand, from Auckland to Queenstown, looking for people who want to change lives and build a business with heart.

    “We’re on a mission to empower the next generation and we’re calling on visionary leaders to join us,” Black said.

    “If you want to inspire, uplift and grow a business that matters, there’s never been a better time.”

    About Success Tutoring

    Founded by Michael Black in 2017, Success Tutoring is Australia’s fastest growing education centre with multiple locations and a further 150 cities planned worldwide by 2026. The company offers weekly tutoring sessions in English and Math for students aged five to 17, with a school readiness program for kids even younger, and selective school exam preparation tutoring also available. The Success Model not only empowers students to work at their own pace towards progress but also finds success in the social aspect of students coming together and working as a community of students to find motivation, inspiration and a lifelong love of learning.

    https://successtutoring.com.au/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – April set to end with a bang! – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Monday 28th April – Thursday 1st May – Key points

    •    A busy stretch of weather is on the way, with many areas set to face a range of notable conditions throughout the week
    •    After an already wet month, Northland will see pockets of heavier rain on Tuesday, while Canterbury will see heavy rain from mid-week
    •    Unseasonal snow is expected for inland Canterbury on Wednesday and Thursday
    •    Wild winds are expected for eastern and central parts of the country from Wednesday, with disruptive southerlies expected to surge through Wellington.

    “Everyone is going to get a bit of something this week – there will be some sun, lots of rain and strong winds, and even some snow coming our way, as a low pressure system passes right over central Aotearoa New Zealand,” says MetService meteorologist Dom Barry.

    Come tomorrow (Tuesday), Northland, Auckland and Coromandel can expect wet and windy conditions, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected for the northern most regions. The West Coast will also see some heavy falls, while remaining areas of both Islands have some cloud about, with the showers in the east.

    Heavy rain will be hauled across much of the country heading into Wednesday by a low pressure system which tracks across the central North Island. Some of that rain will fall as snow above 600 metres in the South Island.

    Thunderstorms are expected for parts of Northland through to Thursday, which may bring periods of more intense rainfall to localised areas. Barry adds that, “For already sodden areas, particularly in the Far North, more heavy rain may bring impacts such as flash flooding, rivers to rise dangerously high and hazardous driving conditions. It is imperative people stay up to date with the latest forecasts, and listen for any advice from local Civil Defence agencies.”

    A Heavy Rain Watch has been issued for Northland with a high likelihood of being upgraded to a Warning, while the heavy rain and snow in the South Island has triggered a Heavy Rain Watch for Canterbury. As we get closer to this event, more severe weather Watches and Warnings are expected to be issued, including road snow warnings, strong wind warnings and some more rain watches and warnings.

    On Wednesday night and into Thursday, the low lingers east of Wairarapa, driving very strong and disruptive southerlies up Cook Strait and possibly into Wellington – these winds will be very strong, even for Wellingtonians’ standards. Couple this with a very high tide (king tide), low pressure and heavy swell, we could see coastal inundation in the south. “These very strong winds will be disruptive for travel in the Wellington and Marlborough regions on Wednesday evening and into Thursday. It won’t be a day to cycle to work – work from home or take the bus,” says Barry. Strong winds will also affect Canterbury into Thursday, while strong winds will be felt west of the Main Divide at times.

    Choppy seas up the east coasts of both Islands and possibly into Wellington can be expected from Wednesday, with possibly up to 7 metres of combined waves off the east coast of the North Island.

    Temperatures remain warmer than average overnight for many places though to Wednesday, before things cool off come Thursday. The minimum temperatures for places like Masterton, New Plymouth, Wellington and Wanaka become their maximum temperatures from Thursday – a noticeable difference.

    It is quite a wild weather week ahead – stay up to date with your Freshest Forecast on the MetService app or at our website www.metservice.com

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Te Whatu Ora’s failed pay offer cements strike action for senior doctors

    Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

    Te Whatu Ora’s latest offer to senior doctors fails to take staffing shortages, or achieving health targets, seriously the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists says as mediation between ASMS and the employer concluded at midday today.
    More than 5,000 senior doctors will strike for 24 hours on Thursday May 1 as Te Whatu Ora refused to budge from their 1.5 per cent cap on total salary increases for senior medical staff.
    “On an annualised basis, Te Whatu Ora’s offer would increase pay by 0.77 per cent,” ASMS executive director Sarah Dalton says.
    “This will drive existing doctors away rather than help retain them, let alone attract any new senior doctors we need to fix the gaps.
    “New Zealand will be short more than 3,450 senior doctors by 2032 and we are already seeing the impact of doctor shortages across the country with longer wait times in emergency departments and for first specialists’ appointments.”
    In mediation Te Whatu Ora did move to address some issues, which ASMS says is a good start.
    “They offered to remove the bottom three steps of the pay scale to restore relativities with junior doctors, and this would benefit approximately 500 members.
    “They also suggested a recruitment and retention allowance for four districts only – coincidentally four districts where our members have been publicly sharing stories of the healthcare shortage. But they are far from the only districts facing shortages. This needs to be rolled out across the country wherever there are shortages with clear criteria.
    Vacancies for SMOs across the country are running at an average of 12 per cent. But they are as high as 44 per cent in places like Tairāwhiti.
    “ASMS is also still waiting for parts of the last collective settlement to implemented. There are districts where ED shift allowances are still not being paid and ASMS has taken the matter to court.”
    Doctors will continue with planned strike action on May 1.
    “The strike will result in planned procedures being postponed, but the same number of procedures are lost every week due to ongoing staff shortages,” Dalton says. “We need Te Whatu Ora to get up to speed and get serious.”
    ASMS members are working to ensure all life preserving services will be maintained at our public hospitals during the strike.
    “Senior doctors don’t want to be striking – they are striking because every day is a “may day” call in our health system right now and patients deserve better,” Dalton says. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ready, set, go… every 10 minutes on Route 7!

    Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

    Date:

    Route change part of wider improvements

    The change to Route 7 is part of a larger collaborative project to improve public transport that includes additional infrastructure delivered by our partners Christchurch City Council and NZTA. This includes 10 bus stop upgrades, a new bus parking space and continuous bus priority lanes on Halswell Road between Dunbars Road and Moorhouse Avenue.

    Customers travelling back and forth from Halswell may experience some delays travelling down Halswell Road as a result of these upgrades.

    Deputy Chair Deon Swiggs, Chair Craig Pauling and Councillor Joe Davies

    “We want to thank customers for their patience as our partners work to deliver these upgrades. We’re excited to have these additional elements on offer once the project is complete in October 2026,” Public Transport acting general manager Sonia Pollard said.

    “We recognise the frequency change is part of what customers have been asking for on this route – we will continue to bid for funding so other changes can also become a reality,” she added.

    NZTA is currently funding 51 per cent of the net cost of the frequency increase on a trial basis until June 2027, the rest is funded through rates and fares.

    “We expect running a better service will be popular and well used, and that this will strengthen our case for further and more permanent investment,” Sonia said. 

    Environment Canterbury © 2025
    Retrieved: 1:51pm, Mon 28 Apr 2025
    ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/ready-set-go-every-10-minutes-on-route-7/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Collaborative approach key to eradication of HPAI

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Partnership with industry has been key to the successful eradication of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) at a large commercial egg farm in Otago, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has now lifted the strict biosecurity controls that have been in place at Mainland’s Hillgrove property since the HPAI H7N6 strain was confirmed there in December last year – allowing the farm to begin repopulating.
    “Rapid action on behalf of the farmer and MPI to stand up a response and restrict movements paid off. Tracing did not detect any HPAI-infected chickens beyond the farm where the disease originated.  
    “That has meant, with the focus of the response, along with support and expertise of the wider poultry industry, we have been able to quickly contain and stamp out this disease,” says Mr Hoggard.
    “It has been important work, because New Zealand’s robust biosecurity system and the relative freedom from pests and disease that it protects play a massive part in our farmers’ competitive advantage.”
    Andrew Hoggard says all the work that has been going in to prepare for the possible arrival of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza that has led to millions of bird deaths overseas, put New Zealand in a good position to deal with the less virulent H7N6 strain found on the farm.
    “This was the first detection of HPAI in New Zealand and it tested some of the plans that are being developed for the arrival of HPAI H5N1. It certainly provides a timely reminder that all New Zealanders have a role to play in being prepared and that is through strong biosecurity as an essential first line of defence.
    “Our geographic isolation has protected us from H5N1 to date, but we can’t afford to be complacent.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT MP welcomes move to cut construction red tape

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT Building and Construction spokesperson Cameron Luxton is welcoming the Government’s announcement of a new opt-in scheme allowing trusted builders to sign off their own work and the setting of a mandatory target to slash building inspection wait times.

    “New Zealand’s overreliance on councils in consenting and certification results in bottlenecks and delays,” says Mr Luxton, who is also a Licensed Building Practitioner.

    “Those delays drive up the cost of getting almost anything built, fuelling higher housing costs and dragging down productivity across the economy.

    “ACT has long argued we need to provide alternatives to costly council processes for building. Our coalition agreement commits to ‘explore allowing home builders to opt out of needing a building consent provided they have long-term insurance for the building work.’

    “Today’s changes are a good start in getting council bureaucracies out of the way. But unless we fix the underlying incentive problems, councils will continue to grind construction to a halt.

    “The fundamental incentive problem is that when building projects are botched, it’s councils, and therefore ratepayers, who shoulder the liability. It means councils only see risk whenever they look at a building project that doesn’t fit into their cookie-cutter understanding of building. Under this system it’s a wonder new designs get consented or certified at all.

    “Expert builders should be allowed to shoulder the liability for their work, protected by insurance. That would free them to innovate and build faster, while giving clients the security of knowing that if something goes wrong, they’re protected.

    “Crucially, to secure a good deal on the insurance market, builders would need to demonstrate a strong reputation for quality workmanship. Those with proven track records would be rewarded with better terms, while those unable to show consistent quality would face stricter requirements from insurers before being allowed to proceed.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, Glenross

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    olice can now release the name of the man who died following a crash in Glenross on 29 March.

    He was 32-year-old Robert Douglas Ralston, from Wakari, Dunedin.

    Our thoughts remain with those close to him at this difficult time.

    A 31-year-old man is due to reappear in the Dunedin District Court on 6 May facing a charge of manslaughter.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Controls lifted at poultry farm after virus eradicated

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    Movement controls have been lifted from Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in Otago, after the successful eradication of H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) says Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) chief veterinary officer Dr Mary Van Andel.

    When HPAI H7N6 was detected in poultry at the property in early December, the Ministry for Primary Industries moved swiftly to stamp out the virus.

    “While there is still work to be done, the lifting of movement controls is a significant milestone in the response and means that Mainland Poultry can begin the process of returning to business,” says Dr van Andel.

    “We’re grateful to Mainland Poultry, which did the right thing in notifying us as soon as an exotic disease was suspected and for working with us in partnership to successfully stamp out this disease.”

    MPI immediately put strict movement controls on the property to prevent goods or anything else that might be carrying the virus leaving the property.

    Dr van Andel says more than 5,600 tests were carried out on samples from poultry and wild birds, including from 36 flocks across 5 farms linked to Mainland’s Hillgrove property. HPAI was not found anywhere other than Hillgrove, giving confidence that the disease had been contained and stamped out.

    Chickens on the farm were humanely euthanised and disposed of in a secure landfill, along with eggs, litter and manure from the farm. This was followed by an extensive cleaning and disinfection process.

    “The processes we have followed – depopulation and disposal, decontamination of the site and extensive surveillance – give us confidence that the virus has been eradicated.”

    MPI staff will continue to support Mainland as the farm is repopulated.

    “Good progress is being made to restore trade, with around $300 million of trade in poultry products recovered to date.”

    MPI has worked with overseas government counterparts and industry partners in New Zealand to meet market requirements and has also proposed alternative assurances to some markets. MPI continues to work towards the reopening of trade for others.

    Dr van Andel says testing indicates that the infection at Hillgrove is likely to have occurred after free-range laying hens foraging outside were exposed to wild birds with a low pathogenicity (LPAI) virus strain, which then mutated in the hens to become HPAI.

    “This is the first time such an event in New Zealand has been documented and our first case of HPAI. We’ve learned a lot from this response that will help us to prepare for HPAI H5N1 if it spreads here.”

    Read more about the latest update at our website: A strain of bird flu (H7N6) in Otago

    For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

    For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Principals Welcome Government Teacher Registration Relief

    Source: NZ Principals Federation

    Principals across the country welcome the Minister’s announcement today, that the Government will be paying Teacher Registration and Practicing Certificate fees ($550.00 every three years), from July 2025.
    “Principals welcome this initiative,” said Gavin Beere, who heads up the NZPF Executive Pou on policy. 
    “We are optimistic that it will attract more relief staff and help us retain more beginning teachers,” he said.
    “Staff shortages are an issue for many schools right across the country,” he said, “and we hope that this move might help, at least a little bit,” he said.
    The Minister also announced that she will be making further Budget related announcements next week. 
    “Principals will all be hoping for an announcement to substantially boost learning support,” said Beere.
    “Since the Government introduced the ‘inclusion’ policy in the mid-1980s, so that every child, irrespective of ability or capability, could attend their local school, the policy has never been properly funded,” he said. 
    “Principals are of one voice when it comes to learning support,” he said. “It is every principal’s number one priority and we look forward to the Minister who is courageous enough to recognise the need and properly fund it,” he said.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Experts Urge Educators to Support Neurodiversity in the Classroom

    Source: Skills Group

     

    As the education landscape continues to evolve, experts are urging tutors and educators to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity to achieve teaching excellence and better support the diverse needs of students.

     

    Over 100 tutors from across the country recently participated in a special training forum on the subject hosted by Skills Group in Auckland.

     

    The event provided a platform for educators to engage with experts, share insights, and explore practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent students whose brains are wired differently, affecting how they think, process information and behave.

     

    Skills Group Head of Learner Support and Teacher Development Terresa Whimp says with conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyscalculia affecting an increasing number of students, it is vital that educators adopt strategies that recognise and address the unique challenges these students face.

     

    During the forum, experts introduced the concept of neurodiversity as the natural variation in the way people’s brains function.

     

    “Neurodivergent individuals process information in different ways. Conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism are examples of neurodivergence, and understanding these differences is key to providing better educational support,” Terresa says.

     

    One major focus of the forum was helping educators understand the various cognitive challenges that neurodivergent learners may face.

     

    “Key concepts like executive function which involves planning, organising, and decision-making, and processing speed, which affects how quickly information is absorbed and recalled, were discussed in-depth.

     

    “Neurodivergent students often struggle with these areas, making it harder to stay organized, remember tasks, and complete assignments on time.”

     

    The forum also provided practical strategies that educators can implement to better support neurodivergent students.

     

    “A major takeaway was the importance of adopting a strengths-based approach. Tutors were encouraged to focus on what neurodivergent students can do, rather than their challenges. This approach helps to build confidence and foster a positive learning environment,” Terresa says.

     

    Tutors were also reminded to plan for the variation in students’ capabilities and prior knowledge, and to establish a structured classroom environment that promotes focus and engagement.

     

    “Some strategies discussed at the forum included: breaking tasks down into manageable steps, providing clear and direct instructions, and offering students multiple ways to access and engage with information. Neurodivergent learners often benefit from a predictable routine and clear expectations, which can reduce anxiety and improve learning outcomes.”

     

    The forum also explored how to reduce cognitive load, or the mental effort required to process information. Educators were advised to minimise distractions in the classroom, simplify written content, and break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable components.

     

    “Using visual aids and tools such as checklists and timetables was also suggested to help neurodivergent learners stay organised and better manage their time.”

     

    A major highlight of the forum was the discussion on assistive technologies, which can play a pivotal role in supporting neurodivergent learners.

     

    “Tools like Immersive Reader, Speechify, Microsoft’s Dictate function, screen readers, text-to-speech apps, and browser extensions such as Helperbird are powerful resources that allow students to engage with text, improve reading comprehension, and manage written assignments.

     

    The event concluded with a call to action for educators to continue developing their understanding of neurodiversity and integrate these strategies and tools into their teaching practices.

     

    “The overarching message was clear: neurodiversity is not something to be ‘fixed’, but rather something to be embraced. With the right support and strategies, neurodivergent learners can succeed just as much as their neurotypical peers.”

     

    By fostering an environment that supports and understands the diverse ways in which students learn, educators can unlock the full potential of every student, regardless of their neurological makeup.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –