NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crackdown on unregistered dogs: final infringement notices issued

    Source: Auckland Council

    As part of efforts to promote responsible dog ownership in the Auckland region, dog owners who have failed to register their pets despite multiple opportunities will now face Infringement fines.

    Auckland Council has issued final infringement notices, and those who do not pay within the next 28 days will have their fines transferred to the court.

    Chair of the council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee Josephine Bartley says there is a correlation between unregistered dogs and dogs allowed to roam off properties, and the number of attacks on people and other animals. 

    “As part of the focus from Auckland Council’s Animal Management team to curb roaming dogs and keep Aucklanders safe, we are cracking down on those dog owners who don’t take responsibility for their pets by registering them,” Bartley says.

    “Registrations help pay for the animal management services Auckland Council provide to get dogs off the streets, the prosecution of dog owners whose dogs have injured others, and the euthanising of these dogs.”

    Auckland Council’s General Manager of Licensing and Compliance Robert Irvine says the council has provided ample opportunities for dog owners to comply, but those who continue to ignore their obligations will now face the consequences.

    “The time for leniency has passed – it’s now a matter of fairness to those who do the right thing.”

    This marks the second phase of Auckland Council’s bulk infringement campaign.

    The initial round of infringement notices were issued 28 days ago, prompting many dog owners to settle their fines.

    A follow-up reminder letter was sent out last Friday (4 April) to those who have yet to pay. These individuals now have a final 28 days to make payment before their debt is handed over to the court system (or Ministry of Justice?) for enforcement.

    The infringement campaign has been effective in prompting compliance while also helping to make sure the council has the most up to date information for the dog and dog owner.

    “Auckland Council remains firm on ensuring compliance with dog registration requirements. Those who continue to disregard their obligations should be prepared for additional penalties,” says Mr Irvine.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Joint efforts applauded as fruit fly response ends

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Biosecurity New Zealand today lifted controls on movement of fruit and vegetables in the North Shore suburb of Birkdale following no further finds of fruit flies since a single male Oriental fruit fly was discovered in a surveillance trap in the suburb in February.
    “This is great news for New Zealand as a whole, and in particular the horticulture industry, which would have been severely impacted by the establishment of a fruit fly population here.”
    Mr Hoggard thanked the local community and sector groups for their support during the biosecurity response.“The residents of these areas have shown terrific community spirit. These communities really stepped up, along with the strong backing of the horticultural sector.
    “Biosecurity New Zealand also put in an immense effort, with two separate fruit fly responses in Auckland this year, I commend them for their hard work over the last three months,
    “Pests and diseases don’t take a break and that’s why our biosecurity system doesn’t sleep.“We have successfully stopped this fly from establishing a population in New Zealand many times before and we should pat ourselves on the back that we’ve been successful, once more and I sincerely hope Murphy’s law doesn’t kick in here.”
    Biosecurity New Zealand’s national fruit fly surveillance programme remains in place, which includes a network of fruit fly traps within the area that was under restrictions.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workers First Union Statement: Woolworths restructure – thousands of workers will lose hours and income

    Source: Workers First Union

    The restructure of Woolworths supermarkets, announced to staff by the company today following a consultation period, will result in a reduction in income for thousands of experienced workers and should not go ahead in its current form, Workers First Union said today.
    The wide-ranging restructure, which the company claims is being adopted to improve the customer experience in Woolworths supermarkets, will entail the disestablishment of all department management and duty supervisor roles. Rudd Hughes, Workers First national retail secretary, said staff currently working in those roles could suffer pay cuts and lose hours as a result of their re-employment under newly created roles, and many were considering redundancy. Over 4,400 Workers First Union members would be impacted by the redundancy proposal in one way or another, he said.
    “A bakery or butchery manager will potentially face a decrease of about $15,000 to $17,300 per year, while other department managers will face average pay decreases ranging from nearly $10,000 to $11,700 per year under this proposal,” said Mr Hughes.
    “While some people in those roles will opt for redundancy, it’s not a viable option in smaller or more remote regions without comparable jobs on offer.”
    “For those people, it could be absolutely immiserating. Imagine you’ve worked for your local Woolworths in a specialist role and reached a senior pay band after twenty years on the shop floor – now, many will be back to square one and facing significant financial hardship as a result of the restructure.”
    One Woolworths worker whose role is being disestablished – speaking anonymously due to company restrictions – said staff at their store were “upset and angry” about the restructure plans.
    “We have a lot of long-serving butchers and bakers across the country – I know that many of them will be leaving rather than taking a massive pay cut to stay in the job,” they said.
    “We’re losing tons of experience in these positions, and I think customers will inevitably notice the difference in our products.”
    “Meanwhile, they’re making big capital investments in new land and stores, and it feels like this restructure is being done to save money after a very expensive rebranding.”
    Mr Hughes said the union was calling for Woolworths to protect the existing pay and conditions of staff in roles due for disestablishment; a practice sometimes referred to as “grandparenting”, where existing rates of pay would remain until such a role is re-filled following retirement or resignation.
    “Woolworths have the right to pursue a restructure on their own business grounds, but they have not taken on board the most important concerns of workers and are pushing to the same conclusion they’ve always sought – reduced operating costs,” said Mr Hughes.
    “Less than five years ago, we were calling essential workers heroes and lauding their sacrifices for the collective good during a global pandemic.”
    “The very least Woolworths could do is to recognise their skills and experience and protect their incomes during an incoming global recession.”
    Mr Hughes said that Workers First Union would continue to engage constructively with Woolworths over several remaining issues related to the restructure and would be supporting individual union members through any redeployment or redundancy process.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Care Funding – Spectrum Foundation invests over $580,000 in disability-led projects

    Source: Spectrum Foundation Group

    Spectrum Foundation is proud to award funding to nine disability support organisations in its latest – and largest – funding round to date. This milestone brings Spectrum Foundation’s total funding since its first distribution in 2023 to $2.2 million.
    Funding panel spokesperson Ann Thomson says this outcome reflects the increased demand following recent changes to government-funded disability supports.
    “Disabled people, their wh ānau and support organisations across the country have had a difficult time over the past year or so. We’re therefore pleased to support organisations that are working to change the landscape of disability support in this funding round.”
    The funded organisations are:
    – Taimahi Trust – renewed funding to provide job training opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities in Whangārei.
    – Xabilities – to empower neurodiverse individuals to embrace their strengths and shift from surviving to thriving through online sessions and interactive Facebook discussions.
    – Thrive Whanganui Trust – to provide entrepreneurship, mentorship and training for people with disabilities in Whanganui and the surrounding regions.
    – Ember Innovations – to codesign innovative and community-based solutions to address the growth of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Substance Exposed Pregnancies in Northland, potentially leading to national system change.
    – TalkLink Trust (Tua o te pae) – to support the revitalisation of Te Reo Māori by providing tāngata whaikaha Māori who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication with bilingual Te Reo Māori/New Zealand English synthetic voices on speech-generating devices.
    – The D-List – renewed funding to promote and champion disabled culture and voices in Aotearoa through articles and content at www.thedlist.co.nz.
    – Disability Connect – to support disabled individuals navigating Auckland’s challenging housing market and addressing systemic barriers.
    – Access Matters Aotearoa Trust – to support a campaigning initiative that advocates for social change to promote inclusive practices across various sectors of society.
    – Parent to Parent – renewed funding for Parent to Parent to deliver ‘Beyond School: Planning to Thrive and Connect’ workshops for parents whose disabled children are finishing school.
    Spectrum Group Chief Executive Sean Stowers says this funding round reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the self-determination of disabled people.
    “As a disabled-led funder we support organisations and initiatives that focus on the self-determination of disabled people. One of our initial selection criteria is to what extent the applicant organisation takes a disabled-led approach. All the projects funded in this round will impact the self-determination of disabled people – directly and indirectly over time. In this way, we hope to support disabled leadership, voice and control through our funding.”
    Spectrum Foundation’s next funding round opens in June, with successful applicants announced in September.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Grant James Taylor recommended for appointment as Controller and Auditor-General

    Source: New Zealand ParliamentThe Officers of Parliament Committee has recommended the appointment of Grant James Taylor as Controller and Auditor-General in their report on the Inquiry into the appointment of a Controller and Auditor-General, presented to the House today.
    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Mining Sector – Greens deliberately misunderstand coal – Straterra

    Source: Straterra Inc

    It is disappointing to see the Green Party continuing to demonise coal and deliberately misunderstanding its role in ensuring the lights stay on, there is food on the table, and steel to build with, says Straterra chief executive Josie Vidal.
    “The Crown Minerals (Prohibition on Coal Mining) Amendment Bill of Green MP Hon Julie Anne Genter, which has been drawn from the members’ bill ballot, is nonsense,” Vidal says. “Very few member’s bills make it into law.
    “New Zealand is reliant on coal for the foreseeable future and we can mine it in a sustainable way, taking into account very many environmental considerations, as we do in New Zealand.
    “Renewable energy relies on the sun shining, the wind blowing and the rain falling. When that doesn’t happen, coal is there as a backup to ensure the lights stay on and businesses can keep running.
    “There is a risk to energy security without coal and this was realised in winter last year. Due to supply constraints, extremely high electricity prices saw manufacturing plants close, both temporarily and permanently, and put pressure on ordinary New Zealanders who are already struggling with the cost of living. We have been assured this won’t happen again and energy companies have been stockpiling coal for this winter.
    “Domestically, coal is used in steel making; cement and lime manufacture; food processing including milk powder and other dairy products; heating commercial hothouses; processing timber, wool and leather; and heating commercial and public facilities including schools, universities and hospitals. If coal producers are forced to close down before users have access to affordable, accessible, and reliable alternatives, then the economy is put at risk.
    “An estimated 2.5 million tonnes of coal are mined annually in New Zealand for both domestic use and for export, all from open cast mines. We export primarily to Japan, South Korea, China, and India, but also Canada, Saudi Arabia and Australia, and export markets are strong.
    “New Zealand coal has highly sought-after properties, such as low sulphur and ash content, and superior swelling properties for use in blast furnaces. This coal is exported to steel makers in Japan, India, Korea, and Australia. At this stage, coal remains essential to steel production. That is why it has been declared a critical mineral.
    “The reality is the world still needs coal and is still using coal. It is up to the market to determine how long coal is used for,” Vidal says.
    Straterra is the industry association representing New Zealand’s minerals and mining sector. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Further appeal for information, Frankton fire

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Detective Sergeant Matt Lee:

    Police investigating a fire at a mechanical workshop in Frankton are seeking further information from the public.

    Police were called to the fire on Ellis Street just after 11:20am on Monday 10 March.

    The investigation has progressed well in recent days and Police are asking the public for any sightings of a Grey Honda Civic with the registration KWJ191.

    This vehicle was last seen in the Frankton area on 9 March before it was recovered on Winstone Ave, Chartwell on 17 March.

    We would like to speak to anyone who saw the vehicle, or has any information about its movements between 9 March and 17 March.

    Additionally, we would like to hear from anyone with information relating to the 10 March fire. This includes any photos, videos or CCTV footage on Ellis Street prior to any emergency services arriving.

    Anyone with information that could assist Police is asked to make contact via 105, either over the phone or online.

    Please reference the file number 250310/3418.

    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: The roadworks housekeeping list: litter-picking, painting, cleaning and road-kill autumn tidy-up

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Road workers have been busy on Central Otago, Queenstown and Wanaka highways completing a variety of maintenance improvements in the lead-in to winter, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    While the annual programme includes multiple reseal and road rehabilitation elements, it doesn’t stop there, says Peter Standring, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA in Central Otago.

    “Maintaining our roading network is a complex piece of work,” he says.

    Aspiring Highways crews, on behalf of NZTA, have also completed hours of painting, litter-picking, filling potholes, sign replacement, cleaning, rockfall prevention, tree-felling, road-kill removal and much more.

    “All of this work is to ensure the safety of every road user as well as the efficiency of the network. Our crews are out on the road daily and take a real pride in the work they deliver.”

    This could involve cleaning reflector caps on edge markers or painting sight rails, trimming trees to improve sight lines at intersections or removing road-kill from the road.

    “Every possum or hedgehog has the potential to become a pothole if it isn’t removed in a timely fashion.  When the remains break down and decay, the fats and oils soften the seal underneath, potentially creating a pothole.”

    Reflective material on signs is also cleaned or replaced regularly.

    “This is a very important but time-consuming job and not something many people will always notice or consider. All these smaller components add up to ensuring we are keeping people safe on the road throughout the year,” says Mr Standring.

    He acknowledged some of the works resulted in slight delays or temporary lower speed limits. “We always appreciate the public’s patience when the team carry out these works.”

    The NZTA Traffic and Travel page is a good place to check your route before you head off for any planned work sites that could cause short delays:

    Traffic information page(external link)

    How to get details and keep up-to-date

    If there are concerns or questions around these works, road users can contact the Aspiring Highways team at: customer@aspiringhighways.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts News – Auckland Museum announces inaugural Matafatafa Aho Pacific Artist in Residence

    Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

    Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum is thrilled to announce its inaugural Pacific Artist Residency, an innovative initiative designed to cultivate profound creative engagement with its diverse collections.

    Benjamin Work has been named as the 2025 Matafatafa Aho Pacific Artist in Residence. Selected from a strong field of Pacific creatives across Aotearoa and the wider Pacific. This residency, delivered in collaboration with Creative New Zealand, provides a unique three-month opportunity to create new work inspired by the Museum’s Documentary Heritage collections, promising to bring fresh perspectives and vibrant narratives to our cultural treasures.

    These collections are diverse in both format and time-period, consisting of manuscript, ephemera, oral history, photographic and works on paper from the 18th century to today. The heart of the Documentary Heritage collections beats strongest in the stories of Māori and the Pacific, the history of the greater Auckland region, and experiences in global conflicts and explorations.

    Benjamin Work is an artist of Tongan and Scottish heritage based in Tāmaki Makaurau. His practice draws from Tongan cultural history, Indigenous mark-making, and visual language systems. His work spans painting, installation, and large-scale murals, often exploring themes of identity, narrative, and cultural memory. Benjamin has exhibited nationally and internationally and is known for his exploration at the intersection of Faka-Tonga (Tongan way) and Faka-Pālangi (European way) in contemporary art spaces.

    His residency begins this month, and he will begin working from within the Museum to create a new artwork drawing on these rich collections.

    “I’m really interested in stories that reconnect Aotearoa back with our Moana homelands. Whether the stories are found embedded in oral traditions or written history, they all play a part in shedding light on what connects us rather than what separates us. I’ve had access to our physical treasures within the Pacific collection but this an honour to be selected for this unique opportunity to work with Auckland Museum’s Documentary Heritage collections,” says Benjamin.

    Wanda Ieremia-Allan, Associate Curator Documentary Heritage (Pacific Collections) at Auckland Museum, says, “This residency is about creating space for Pacific artists to work with collections that reflect their own histories, cultures and knowledge systems. Benjamin brings a deep and considered practice to this inaugural residency, and we eagerly anticipate seeing how his work brings new life and perspective to the stories held in our Documentary Heritage collections.”

    The Matafatafa Aho Pacific Artist Residency stands as a vital component of the Museum’s Matafatafa Aho Five-Year Pacific Delivery Plan. This initiative highlights the Museum’s commitment as a kaitiaki of one of the most significant Pacific collections in the world. By fostering a proactive and dynamic approach, we aim to forge deeper connections with Pasifika communities and the collections. This residency is not just about art; it’s a powerful platform for collaboration, innovation, and the vibrant expression of identity, ancestry and culture.

    Creative New Zealand has committed funding to support three years of Matafatafa Aho Pacific Artist Residencies, helping to establish a sustainable platform for Pacific artists to engage with the Museum’s collections and share their creative responses with the wider public.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Renters miss out on real relief from housing subsidy – UoA study

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    As more New Zealanders rent and rents continue to climb, new research shows government support is failing to ease housing stress.

    New Zealand’s accommodation supplement is doing little to improve affordability for renters, according to a recent study. (ref. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5100405 )

    Although rental subsidies offer some relief, the study authors say they’re not significantly closing the affordability gap between lower- and higher-income groups.

    In contrast, the researchers show that mortgage subsidies work more effectively, helping to level the playing field between low- and high-income homeowners.

    Associate professor Edward Yiu and Dr William Cheung from the University of Auckland’s Business School compare the rent-to-income ratio and mortgage -to-income ratio of Auckland households receiving the accommodation supplement with those that don’t.

    They compare households within the same income bracket, and using data from 2019 to 2023, show that rental subsidies do little to improve affordability.

    “While rental subsidies offer some help, they fall short of creating comparable affordability,” says Yiu.

    Renters receiving the supplement pay more than renters who don’t

    Renters receiving the supplement spent more of their income on rent than those not getting it across all five income brackets the researchers analysed.

    Studies in other countries have shown that landlords may raise rents in response to subsidies, leading to higher rental costs for people on rent support payments, says Yiu. “This could be why renters receiving the accommodation supplement are paying more in Aotearoa.”

    In 2023, in the middle-income bracket, renters on the accommodation supplement were spending 35.65 percent of their income on rent alone, compared to 25.85 percent for those not on support payments.

    When excluding the accommodation supplement from household income, the rent-to-income ratio of households receiving the supplement jumps to 39.15 percent. This indicates that while government support provides some relief, it’s ineffective in bringing rent-to-income ratios down to a more affordable level, says Yiu.

    “We’re facing a bit of a dilemma when it comes to rental subsidy policy. Raising subsidy levels could provide immediate relief but it might also contribute to rent inflation.”

    Housing affordability is a critical challenge in New Zealand, with many low-income households struggling to meet housing costs.

    “While the accommodation supplement is intended to support households with rent and mortgage costs, our findings suggest it’s not providing effective relief for renters,” says Cheung.

    Mortgage supplement levels the playing field for homeowners

    Homeowners receiving the mortgage supplement experience significantly lower mortgage payments than those who don’t, according to the study.

    In 2023, households collecting the supplement paid $32,000 annually in mortgage repayments compared to $39,250 for homeowners (in the same income bracket) not receiving the supplement.

    “Mortgage subsidies effectively level affordability between low-income and higher-income homeowners,” says Yiu.

    This, he argues, suggests homeownership support payments offer more consistent and lasting affordability benefits than rental subsidies.

    “The limited effectiveness of rental subsidies suggests a need to rethink the role of the accommodation supplement in assisting low-income renters.

    “A shift toward policies that support transitions to homeownership, such as shared equity schemes or targeted mortgage support, may provide more sustainable affordability outcomes. A direct provision of public rental housing could also be a potential solution.”

    The Accommodation Supplement is one of New Zealand’s primary social housing support programmes. It provides weekly financial assistance to lower-income households struggling with housing costs.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Member’s Bill an opportunity for climate action

    Source: Green Party

    A Member’s Bill in the name of Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter which aims to stop coal mining, the Crown Minerals (Prohibition of Mining) Amendment Bill, has been pulled from Parliament’s ‘biscuit tin’ today.

    “Christopher Luxon can put his money where his mouth is when it comes to the environment by backing this Bill,” says Green Party MP Julie Anne Genter.

    “My Bill would prevent any new coal mines from being opened while stopping any old ones being expanded. Coal mining turbocharges climate change by releasing huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere – this simply must stop.

    “If we want to secure a liveable future we need to invest in sustainable, cleaner energy solutions that are proven to be better for people and planet. 

    “The International Energy Agency has said that in order to meet net zero carbon emissions targets there must be no new coal mines. 

    “Continuing to support coal mining, as our Coalition Government is doing, means endorsing a dying industry that poisons our planet and perpetuates the cycle of pollution and environmental destruction which we all suffer from.

    “Coal mining exploits vulnerable communities, exposing them to the harmful boom and bust cycle, not to mention subjecting them to hazardous working conditions that rob them of health, dignity, and a sustainable future. Our people deserve far better than this.

    “I’m grateful to former Green MP Eugenie Sage for starting this work and her advocacy during her time in parliament. Let’s now seize this opportunity to kickstart the move to a cleaner, greener economy – with a just transition for workers in the coal industry at its heart,” says Julie Anne Genter.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Bill to make trading laws fairer passes first hurdle

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Labour MP Kieran McAnulty’s Members Bill to make the law simpler and fairer for businesses operating on Easter, Anzac and Christmas Days has passed its first reading after a conscience vote in Parliament.

    “This Bill is about the sale and supply of alcohol – and that’s it. It only focuses on businesses that can already open and workers that will already be working. It will allow bars, restaurants, and supermarkets to serve or sell alcohol as they would any other day of the year,” Kieran McAnulty said.

    “The current law is confusing. At Easter for example you can purchase alcohol at the pub down the road on Thursday, but not Friday unless you have a meal as well, then you can buy a pint or two again on Saturday, but not Sunday again unless you have a meal. And its unfortunately hospitality workers who have to monitor this – which can sometimes be difficult – as well as doing their usual jobs.  

    “RSAs should be able to serve veterans the traditional rum and coffee on Anzac Day morning without having to apply for a special license.

    “There isn’t any good reason why the law is this way, except that it’s always been that way. That’s not a very good reason to have a law.

    “It’s time to simplify it, take the onus off businesses to interpret how they can or can’t serve their customers and make hospitality workers’ lives a little easier.

    “This Bill is different to previous ones like it because it only looks at liquor licensing rules – not labour laws or trading laws. It won’t mean people have to work on their otherwise guaranteed days off.

    “It allows businesses that would’ve opened anyway to serve their customers a drink,” Kieran McAnulty said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Festival AF: Free AF Heads to Coachella with The New Bar

    Source: Lindsay Stanley – for Free AF

    10 April 2025 – Auckland, New Zealand – New Zealand’s leading alcohol-free beverage brand, Free AF, is making its Coachella debut this month through an exciting partnership with LA-based non-alcoholic retailer, The New Bar. And the only NZ alcohol free brand at the world-renowned festival.

    Boasting headline acts including Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott, 250,000+ festival-goers will now be able to sip on Free AF’s premium range of alcohol-free cocktails at The New Bar, Coachella’s exclusively non-alc bars on site.

    While festivals have traditionally been synonymous with alcohol, the non-alcoholic landscape is rapidly gaining momentum, with festivals like Coachella responding.

    According to NielsenIQ, the non-alcoholic (NA) category continues to surge, growing 30% year-over-year and projected to reach $1 billion in sales by year-end.
    Gen Z is leading this movement, with over 45% reporting they have never had an alcoholic drink.

    Lisa King, Founder of Free AF, says: “We’re thrilled to bring a taste of New Zealand’s vibrant alcohol-free culture to one of the world’s most iconic festivals together with The New Bar.”

    “Collaborating with The New Bar at Coachella is an incredible opportunity to showcase our non-alcohol cocktails to a global audience.

    “The non-alcoholic landscape is evolving massively, and more people around the world are choosing to drink less or abstain from alcohol altogether.  The New Bar is helping lead this charge, transforming festival culture by offering immersive, premium non-alcoholic experiences.”

    Free AF’s presence in the U.S. market has expanded significantly in the last two years, growing from an initial 400 stores to over 4,000 nationwide, including major retailers like Sprouts, Walmart, and Target.

    The brand’s visibility was further amplified through its successful Dry January collaboration this year with Khloé Kardashian & Kris Jenner, solidifying its leadership in the global alcohol-free space.

    Lisa concludes: “It’s not only consumers making this shift. More than a dozen artists performing at Coachella this year have publicly stated they don’t drink, reinforcing the importance and relevance of The New Bar’s presence.

    “Being at Coachella marks our biggest activation of the year, aligning perfectly with our mission – to make not drinking, cool AF.”

    For more information or to purchase Free AF, visit www.af-drinks.com or head to The AF Bottle Shop, located at 5 Crummer Road, Ponsonby, Auckland, 1021. Open Mon–Sat, 10 am – 5 pm.

    Notes
    Coachella is set take place in Indio, California, between 11- 13 and 18 – 20 April 2025.

    About Free AF and Lisa King
    Free AF was founded in 2020 by Lisa King, known for her work with the Kiwi social enterprise Eat My Lunch. After reducing her own alcohol intake at the start of 2020, Lisa recognised the challenges many face in exploring a different relationship with alcohol. Free AF aims to facilitate this exploration by fostering a community for the curious, normalising an alcohol-free lifestyle, and providing delicious, sophisticated alternatives for those choosing not to drink alcohol.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – A touch of autumn to start the school holidays – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th April – The first cold snap of the year signals that we are well into autumn. A handful of regions have seen frost in the last couple of days, and the mountains have been dusted with snow. Christchurch had its coldest night of the year last night, reaching 0.7°C, and Taumarunui made it to 0.1°C. Apples are falling and soon the leaves will too.

    MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley says, “We’re starting to see more of those colder airmasses that come up from the Southern Ocean.”  

    This week ends with plenty of sunshine for most of the country, however, MetService is forecasting rain to move on to Fiordland and Southland on Friday, foreshadowing a wet start to the weekend for southern and western parts of the South Island.

    A reasonably settled weekend to start off the school holidays should allow for some outdoor activities. Most regions will see a fair amount of sunshine, but a dash of showers can be expected as moist air is directed across the upper North Island. Temperatures also won’t stay too nippy as warmer air helps to ease the chill on Friday.

    A front arriving early next week will bring cooler southerlies and another dusting of snow to high ground in the South Island. For those traveling during the school holidays, it is important to note that this snow could affect road alpine passes like Porters and Lewis Pass at the start of the week.  

    Michael continues “Remember to stay safe out there, it’s also a great time to get out and plant those winter greens if you haven’t had the chance yet.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gang members arrested, drugs seized in Gisborne

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Dave de Lange:

    Ten gang members or associates have been arrested this week, after Police terminated an operation and executed search warrants related to drug offending in Gisborne.

    Eight people, aged between 19 and 46, have been charged with drug dealing offences including cannabis and methamphetamine. All seven have been remanded in custody and are due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on 14 April.

    Two others were arrested for obstruction and possession of cannabis.

    Police also seized significant quantities of methamphetamine and cannabis during these warrants, as well as a shotgun and a variety of ammunition at one property.

    Gisborne Police will continue to hold people to account who are supplying drugs and causing harm to our community.

    If you have concerns about illegal drug use in your community, please call 111 if there is an immediate public safety risk, or contact us via 105 online or by phone to make a report.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Work to protect Ocean Beach begins

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  10 April 2025

    The beach has been off limits to public since 2018 when contaminants including asbestos were found on the beach.

    An asbestos removal company has since cleared about 1.2 tonnes of contaminated material from the beach.

    DOC Operations Manager Murihiku John McCarroll says the risk of public exposure is considered extremely low, but ongoing public and environmental risk is not acceptable, and further erosion will deteriorate the landfill – so there is a need to act.

    This next phase is to prevent any future contamination of the site and allow public access to be restored.

    “DOC and Invercargill City Council (ICC) are collaborating to install a rock seawall between the landfill and the beach,” says John.

    “First, waste will be excavated and sorted, reclaimable clean material will be used within the site and the rest will be removed for disposal at an authorised class A landfill. Up to 6,500 tonne of rocks will then be used to build a 90 m long wall to prevent future erosion and secure this significant heritage site for the Bluff area.”

    The coastal protection wall and landfill removal cost is around $3.5m and is being funded by DOC, ICC and Ministry for the Environment (MfE). The work is being carried out under guidance of the Ocean Beach Landfill Working Party which includes representatives from Environment Southland and Te Ao Mārama inc who represent Murihiku tangata whenua for resource management purposes.

    ICC Chief Engineer Russell Pearson said public safety will be paramount during the work being undertaken.

    “With work happening between April and June this year, there will be, at times, no access to the car park and beach areas. Restrictions will be publicly notified as early as possible.”

    Bluff Community Board Chair Ray Fife said he was glad to see progress: “I am pleased this work is now being undertaken after the extensive investigation.”

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Families and households in the 2023 Census – further insights into how we live – Stats NZ media and information release: Families, households, and housing: 2023 Census

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Families and households in the 2023 Census – further insights into how we live – 10 April 2025 – Today’s release of 2023 Census data includes more detailed information about families and households, and the people within them.

    This information is widely used for many different purposes and helps inform planning and decision-making in many areas including health and education.

    Increase in families with adult children living at home

    In 2023, just over one-third (34.5 percent) of all families with children had adult children living with them. This figure was particularly high for families with at least one person belonging to the Pacific peoples ethnic group (38.7 percent).

    “The 2023 Census shows a substantial increase in the number of adult children living at home,” principal analyst Dr Rosemary Goodyear said.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT MP welcomes step towards greater freedom over Easter

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT MP Cameron Luxton is congratulating Kieran McAnulty after his Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill passed its first reading in Parliament last night.

    
“It would give us a little more freedom over the Easter weekend, allowing pubs and supermarkets to sell beer and wine without the current nanny state restrictions. Adults will be treated like adults, capable of making their own choices.

    “This scraps the absurd rule that compels customers to order a ‘substantial meal’ just to enjoy a pint at the pub on Easter and the arbitrary prohibition on ordering a drink more than an hour before or after eating a meal.


    “This change is one part of a similar bill I spent months campaigning and lobbying for. I’m pleased to see a second attempt at this change has given the idea new life.

    “I will be encouraging all those who supported my bill, particularly those businesses, workers, and industry groups I heard from, to throw their support behind Kieran’s bill at the Select Committee, and also to make the case for why MPs should support future efforts to relax trading rules over the Easter period.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Making a difference for young New Zealanders

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New reporting out today shows that while most young Kiwis are doing well, further progress is needed so all children and young people thrive.

    Child Poverty Reduction Minister Louise Upston says the Annual Report on the Child and Youth Strategy / the Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy and the Child Poverty Related Indicators tabled in Parliament provides important insights, including: 

    • regular school attendance is improving for all learners
    • more children are attending early childhood education
    • rates of child and youth offending have improved since 2019/20
    • more young people are making positive choices around alcohol and cigarette usage, compared to 2019/20. 

    However more needs to be done as: 

    • around 13 per cent of children experienced material hardship in 2023/24
    • rates of immunisation are decreasing
    • children in benefit-receiving households are more likely to be in material hardship than children in working households
    • the number of children in households receiving a main benefit has increased by nearly 25,000 since 2019/20
    • rates of food insecurity have increased

    “Many of the findings reported today continue to reflect the challenges of a prolonged cost of living crisis,” Louise Upston says.

    “We know there are Kiwi families and their kids still doing it tough. We are working hard to fix that through initiatives like FamilyBoost, which as at April 2 had supported close to 52,000 households with the cost of early childhood education.

    “Going forward, our Coalition Government’s work will continue to be informed by our social investment approach. 

    “Today’s findings confirm we’re focusing on the right priorities in education and health, where the most impact can be made, and children’s lives can be improved,” Louise Upston says.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Changes to fire and fireworks restrictions in Otago

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand has changed restrictions on outdoor fires and fireworks in parts of Otago from 8am on Thursday 10 April, until further notice.
    The Lakes and Glendhu Bluffs zones move from a prohibited to a restricted fire season, which means people can light open air fires if they have a permit authorised by Fire and Emergency. People can apply for a permit at checkitsalright.nz.
    The fireworks ban in the Lakes zone has also been revoked.
    “Lower temperatures and increased dew over the last fortnight have reduced the fire risk in these areas,” Acting Otago District Manager Craig Geddes says.
    “This means there is less dry vegetation readily available to burn.”
    “However, fires can start and spread year-round in our District, so restrictions on fires are still necessary,” he says.
    “To apply for a fire permit and check the fire risk conditions in your area, go to checkitsalright.nz.
    “You can also find advice on how to conduct your controlled burns safely on this website,” Craig Geddes says.
    Special risk zones will remain in a prohibited fire season. These areas are Queenstown, Lake Wānaka islands, Lake Wakatipu islands, Mt Iron and Albert Town reserve.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Mayor Campbell Barry announces that he won’t be seeking re-election – Hutt City

    Source: Hutt City Council

    Campbell Barry has announced today that he will not seek a third term as Lower Hutt’s Mayor.
    During his mayoralty, Barry has delivered on major commitments including the re-building of Te Ngaengae Pool and Fitness after its sudden closure in 2019, record investment and delivery in water infrastructure and rolling out a new rubbish and recycling system.
    The most significant project – Te Wai Takamori o Te Awa Kairangi (RiverLink), has now got the green light after $1.5 billion in total funding was secured and final agreements signed last week.
    “This is a once-in-a-generation deal for Lower Hutt. RiverLink has been dreamt about for decades, and we’re now getting on with it. It’s going to be transformational but it will take six to eight years to deliver. Our city needs a leader who will see it through to its completion,” Barry says.
    Barry served one term on the Wainuiomata Community Board and two terms as a Hutt City Councillor before making history in 2019 when he was elected New Zealand’s youngest Mayor of a city at age 28.
    “After 15 years in local government, I want to leave on a high and on my terms. I’ve seen the impact of leaders and elected members who stay too long. It’s important to allow fresh energy and perspectives to take the city through this next exciting phase.”
    Central Government has invested record and unprecedented amounts in Lower Hutt during Barry’s tenure.
    “This has only been possible through working relentlessly to always get the best deal for the Hutt, and building credible and respectful relationships across the spectrum”
    Barry plans to make the most of every single day in the lead-up to local body elections.
    “A key priority between now and the election is to reach agreement on a new water entity for the region. I personally see it as vital that all of Wellington’s metropolitan councils are part of it.
    “So, I’ll be doing everything I can to set our region up for success so that a new water entity is ready to be implemented by incoming councils.
    “Nation-wide, there is still a lot of work to be done to turn around how we plan and deliver infrastructure, particularly water, and this is something that will continue to be a passion of mine.”
    Barry says he is incredibly grateful for the support he’s received as Mayor.
    “It has been the privilege of my life to serve our city. People have put their trust in me as Mayor, and I’ve never taken that trust for granted.
    “I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way.”
    As for what’s next, Barry says he hasn’t got anything locked in post October but is looking forward to a change.
    “What I know, and am grateful for, is that being Mayor has given me a lot of unique skills and experience. What drives me is a desire to tackle longstanding and challenging issues through courageous leadership. That is not something that will stop post October.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Children speak out: What tamariki and rangatahi really want from a safer internet – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    Almost 1,000 children and young people across Aotearoa New Zealand have had their say on online safety in a new survey conducted by Save the Children and Netsafe – and the results send a clear message: children want to be heard and informed, as well as protected.
    The survey, launched in the lead-up to New Zealand Children’s Day in March, asked tamariki and rangatahi aged 6 to 18 about their experiences in the online world, what makes them feel safe, and what they want adults – including parents, teachers, decision-makers, and tech companies – to know.
    The survey findings were launched at Parliament this morning at an event in association with Netsafe, TikTok and Save the Children, with youth and online safety experts, industry representatives, and Members of Parliament in attendance.
    Key findings show that:
    – 64% of children feel safe online, but many say that safety depends on guidance from parents and knowing how to avoid harm.
    – Advertising and harmful content are top concerns, with more than 750 children calling for greater control over ads and stronger protection from harmful material.
    – Children want tech companies to step up – from limiting live chat in games, improving reporting systems, and taking faster action to remove harmful content.
    – Age-appropriate design matters – children across all age groups called for better age restrictions to keep younger users safe, and to prevent adult users from accessing children’s games.
    – Education, not just restriction is key – many young people said they want to be taught how to recognise and respond to online risks, rather than just having content blocked or being excluded as users.
    Save the Children New Zealand’s Director of Advocacy and Research, Jacqui Southey, says the findings show the value of listening directly to children’s experiences.
    “Children are not just passive users of the internet – they are legitimate digital citizens with real insights. Their voices highlight both the joys and risks of the online world, and their advice must be taken seriously,” she says.
    “This survey clearly shows that while many children feel safe online, they’re also navigating a world full of challenges – from harmful content to adult strangers in online games and unwanted advertising. They’re asking for more support, more tools, and more respect for their ability to understand and shape their digital experiences.”
    Netsafe CEO Brent Carey says the insights will help guide online safety strategies going forward.
    “We often talk about making the internet safer for kids, but we don’t ask them what that actually means. These findings shift the conversation. Tamariki and rangatahi are telling us exactly what they need – and it’s time we listened.”
    The survey responses came from a wide range of age groups and locations, with strong participation from girls (67% of respondents) and young people living in urban areas (81%). Social media use increased with age, while younger children were more engaged with online games and streaming platforms.
    One young person (aged 15-17) put it simply: “Please filter out content that is likely to harm the well-being of children and teenagers. A lot of stuff online – once you see it, you can’t unsee it.”
    Save the Children and Netsafe are encouraging decision-makers to use the findings to inform safer online environments that uphold children’s rights to participation, protection, and provision.
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Nominations now open for 2025 Porirua Civic Awards

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Porirua City Council is calling for nominations for the city’s highest honour. The Porirua Civic Awards recognise locals who have made a significant contribution to the Porirua community by their personal leadership, inspiration, sacrifice or commitment to a cause.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says volunteers are at the heart of our community with many working tirelessly behind the scenes on a wide range of activities. “Porirua Civic Awards give us a chance to recognise and thank individual volunteers for their efforts and encourage them to keep up the good work achieving positive outcomes for Porirua city,” she says. “Porirua is a city with a fantastic network of volunteers. If you know someone who’s made a difference in your community, nominate them today!” This year’s Civic Awards have an additional category, service to sport. The full list of categories, and some of the criteria, is outlined below:
    • Community service: Consistently demonstrates qualities of compassion and service to a community organisation or a variety of volunteer activities
    • Cultural & art affairs: Improvement and enhancement of participation in cultural affairs, including heritage, music and the arts
    • Educational service: Improvement and enhancement of the educational and social development of others including children and/or youth
    • Environmental: Taking a leadership role in improving and/or revitalising the environment
    • Health & wellbeing: Enhancing the health and wellbeing of our community
    • Service to sport: An individual honoured for exceptional commitment and dedication, who has significantly contributed to a club, association or sport and has gone the extra mile for an extended period of time
    • Youth service: For young people aged 15-25 who have carried out outstanding voluntary service. The emphasis should be on how actively involved the young person has been in their community.
    Nominations close on 19 May, with Council considering nominations on 12 June. Recipients will be notified later in June, before a Civic Awards event on 22 July. “Nominations are also open for the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards, which celebrate volunteer groups that make a valuable contribution to our city, and to our region,” says Mayor Baker.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Delivering a world-leading education system

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is taking further steps to deliver a world-leading education system by introducing the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2) to Parliament.
    “We have an unrelenting focus on lifting student achievement and attendance so parents can have confidence their child has the foundations to succeed. This Bill will help achieve that by ensuring schools prioritise achievement, giving parents more time to respond to planned union strike action, and ensuring initial teacher education, teacher discipline and competence processes are fit for purpose,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.
    Proposed changes to the Act include: 

    amending school board objectives, including making educational achievement the paramount objective for school boards;
    removing the Minister’s power to issue a statement of national education and learning priorities (NELP);
    requiring unions to give seven days’ notice of strike action (up from three days);
    strengthening Government’s role in Initial Teacher Education;
    strengthening the Teaching Council’s disciplinary and competence processes in the Act;
    requiring boards to have Attendance Management Plans;
    requiring each university council to have a statement on their approach to freedom of expression.

    “These changes are critical to progressing our student achievement and attendance objectives, developing the workforce of the future, and establishing a knowledge rich curriculum grounded in the science of learning,” Ms Stanford says.
    The Bill makes several other amendments that help maintain the health of the education system, including changes to provisions on issuing principal eligibility criteria, the requirement to charge schools an International Student Fee, and the allocation of National Student Numbers to researchers.
    “Today marks another significant step towards achieving the Government’s attendance goal. By 2030 we want 80 per cent of students are present more than 90 per cent of the term,” Associate Minister David Seymour says. 
    “The basic premise of our flagship Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) is that no child is left behind. The Bill will support the STAR by making it mandatory for schools to have their own attendance management plan in place by Term 1 of 2026. This means every day at school is important, and interventions will follow if absences build up. This could mean consequences for the most uncooperative parents. I would like to acknowledge the work of the 67% of schools who have already in engaged in some form of STAR.
    “Almost every aspect of someone’s adult life will be defined by the education they receive as a child. If we want better social outcomes, we can’t keep ignoring the truancy crisis. This Government has set itself bold targets to address attendance, and it’s a bold approach that is needed for the future,” Mr Seymour says.
    “Freedom of expression and academic freedom are fundamental to the role of universities as critic and conscience of society. While some universities have taken a strong approach to these issues, others are not doing enough to protect the freedom of expression rights of staff and students. This proposal strengthens the protection of freedom of expression within universities,” Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Off ‘ya bike: Driver gets ride impounded

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A man on a moped who failed to stop for Police will have to find another way of getting around town after his scooter was impounded.

    Just after 1am, Police on patrol in Wesley noticed a suspicious moped driving around the area and signalled for it to stop.

    Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, says the driver didn’t stop, and instead fled on the moped around the Sandringham and Mount Roskill areas using the walkways.

    “The rider used alleyways and parks to avoid detection, however the Police Eagle helicopter was able to provide commentary as the moped driver eventually abandoned the bike in Stoddard Road and ran off on foot.

    “Cordons were put in place and the Police dog unit has tracked the alleged offender to where he was hiding behind a property on Glenarm Avenue.”

    Inspector Robertson says the driver was quickly taken into custody without incident.

    “His moped has been impounded for six months and enquiries are ongoing.

    “Police are committed to ensuring the community is safe, especially on our roads.

    “We ask anybody who witnesses antisocial road behaviour to contact Police, on 111 if it is happening currently, or 105 if it is after the fact.”

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

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Successful end to fruit fly response on Auckland’s North Shore

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    Controls on the movement of fruit and vegetables in the Auckland North Shore suburb of Birkdale have been lifted after no further evidence of the Oriental fruit fly was found in the area, says Mike Inglis, Biosecurity New Zealand commissioner North.

    The decision to end the operation follows 7 weeks of intensive fruit fly trapping and inspections of hundreds of kilograms of fruit.

    Mr Inglis thanked residents and businesses in the affected area for their support of the movement controls, keeping an eye out for fruit flies, and safely disposing of fruit in provided bins.

    “Getting to this point wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the North Shore community. I can’t stress enough how vital this work has been to protect our horticulture sector.

    “We are satisfied that with no further detections, the Controlled Area Notice restrictions can be lifted, and response operations closed.”

    The biosecurity wheelie bins that have dotted the neighbourhood will now be removed and road signs will be dismantled.

    “Our nationwide routine surveillance will continue with our system of nearly 8,000 fruit fly traps spread across the country and more than 4,600 of these in the Auckland area. These traps are set for 3 exotic fruit fly species of concern: the Queensland fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly, and Oriental fruit flies.”

    Mr Inglis says Biosecurity New Zealand staff will be out in the community today, handing out flyers about the response closure and personally thanking residents and business owners for their contribution to the effort.

    “I’d also like to acknowledge the good work of our people and our partners across the horticulture sector. By working together, and responding quickly, we have managed this situation well.”

    Key figures

    • More than 2,000 individual visits were made to check the 116 fruit fly traps in the Birkdale area throughout the response.
    • Over 470 biosecurity bins were distributed in the community to collect produce waste for safe disposal.
    • More than 954kg of fruit were collected and examined for any signs of fruit fly eggs or larvae.
    • More than 70 Biosecurity New Zealand staff were involved throughout the response.

    For further information and general enquiries, 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: Mount Roskill-Wesley’s recovery from the early 2023 storms

    Source: Auckland Council

    In early 2023 communities across Mt Roskill and Wesley were impacted by flooding, with over 350 homes assessed for safety, and almost 100 homes that had safety access restrictions. There were also a number of Kāinga Ora homes affected by flooding, increasing the overall number of homes impacted in these communities. 

    The most affected neighbourhoods were around the Oakley Creek which runs through the War Memorial Park in Welsey, and under Dominion Road toward Mt Roskill Grammar.  

    Major flood resilience projects
    Auckland Council currently has nine flood resilience projects, also known as blue-green networks, at various stages of planning and design.

    The Te Auaunga/Oakley Creek (Mt Roskill) long-term flood mitigation project is currently unfunded but early design and modelling is underway. To keep up to date on progress and frequently asked questions, check out the latest update on the council’s website.

    Ongoing stormwater work and preparedness
    The council has increased stormwater maintenance and monitoring in the area, and is working with the community to help reduce dumping around streams and increase storm preparedness.

    There is a lot of helpful information available via Auckland Council to help you reduce the flood risk at your home and keep your family prepared. An Emergency Readiness Plan has been confirmed for this area.

    Flood risk at homes
    The council has been assessing homes affected in the 2023 storms that registered for a future risk category, offering buy-out or construction grant support depending on the risk.

    Check out the latest categorisation numbers for Mt Roskill and surrounding suburbs at the bottom of this storm recovery update.

    Removal of high-risk homes
     Around 1200 homes across Auckland will be assessed as Category 3 (intolerable risk to life) and will be bought out by Auckland Council and removed.

    Read more on the home removal programme.

    For questions about maintenance/security of storm-affected homes check out the FAQs.

    Future use of storm-affected land
    A policy has been developed that will guide how we assess the potential for each property we have bought out, so that safety, future resilience and value for Aucklanders are top of mind.

    Under the proposed policy, the council will retain some properties for flood resilience projects, other council services, and if the land is not safe for other uses. Where possible, it will also consider opportunities to sell some properties that can be used safely for other purposes.

    To find out more about the storm-affected land policy or make a suggestion about a vacant property visit ourauckland.nz/futureuse

    Looking forward: Community recovery planning
    Local recovery planning is about supporting communities to work together to identify their own recovery needs and make plans to actively address these needs at the street, neighbourhood or community level. At its simplest, it’s about bringing communities together to think about what still needs to happen in their area to feel recovered and then identifying actions they can take themselves to make this happen.

    To ensure the community can shape recovery plans, a Wesley and Mt Roskill Leadership Rōpū (group) was formed with the support of the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office. The group is made up of locals from different walks of life including ethnic and religious communities, homeowners, private renters and Kainga Ora tenants.  

    The Wesley and Roskill Community Led Recovery Action Plan will address both immediate needs and focus on what these neighbourhoods need to thrive and feel genuinely recovered. 

    If you’d like to participate in shaping the plan, find out about events or have your say, email Heather at thecommunitycollectivenz@gmail.com

    Wellbeing support
    Check out the available wellbeing resources on OurAuckland.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Restoring Āwhitu a community effort

    Source: Auckland Council

    Āwhitu Landcare is a community-led organisation that has been quietly working to restore and protect the natural environment of the Āwhitu Peninsula for over 30 years.  

    Covering over 22 hectares of landscape the community-led group, supported by Franklin Local Board funding, is focused on caring for and planting native trees, pest eradication, and bringing back native wildlife to the area.  

    Planting native trees  

    With support from Te Korowai o Papātuanuku, a dedicated project team focused on native planting, and the Ministry for Primary Industries Billion Trees programme, Awhitu Landcare has grown and provided over 300,000 free native plants to local restoration sites between 2020 and 2024.  

    In 2023 alone, the group supplied 105,000 native plants to 37 sites across the peninsula. Volunteers and landowners put in 2,900 hours of work to prepare the land, plant trees, and look after the growing plants.  

    Franklin Local Board member Gary Holmes is thrilled with the progress and impact the community-led project is having, both environmentally and socially. 

    “Continued investment into environmental initiatives like Āwhitu Landcare is important for the future of the area and its people.” 

    The group also supports iwi-led projects. In 2023, they provided 16,000 native plants for three iwi restoration sites, working alongside local primary and secondary school students to plant them.  

    “Projects like Āwhitu Landcare don’t just improve the environment – they help rangatahi connect with the land and gain hands-on conservation experience.” says Holmes.   

    Predator free Āwhitu  

    Along with planting trees, the group is on a mission to make Āwhitu predator free by removing pests that kill native species or damage wildlife.

    Pests like possums, rats, and stoats kill native birds and eat young plants, while deer, pigs, and goats damage the land. 

    The goal for the group is to reduce possum numbers to less than 5%, which would make a huge difference for native wildlife in the area.  

    In 2024 alone, over 750 possums were caught and removed, helping native forests recover. 

    Tackling kauri dieback 

    Alongside planting and pest control, they are also tackling serious plant disease that threaten the regions native forests. Through partnerships with Kauri Rescue, they have helped connect landowners with experts and iwi kaimahi to treat kauri trees affected by dieback disease using phosphite treatment.  

    The group is also working to protect rōhutu trees from myrtle rust, using fungicide treatments. To strengthen their commitment to biosecurity, they are working towards Plant Pass certification to ensure the highest standards in their native plant nursery.  

    The future of Āwhitu 

    The mahi continues this year and will see the group plant more trees, control more pests, and protect more native wildlife with the ongoing support of local volunteers, community partners and Franklin Local Board. 

    Stay connected

    Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Vehicle crash MacKenzie District on Tekapo-Twizel Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are aware of a crash on Tekapo-Twizel Road Pukaki, MacKenzie District at about 10.15am this morning.

    A campervan and car have collided.

    The road is closed and at least one person appears to be injured.

    Motorists are asked to avoid the area until the road is re-opened.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Decision to increase medicines access

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour, and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s decision to widen access to four medicines, for a further six health conditions, including cancers, from 1 May 2025.
    “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the government,” Mr Seymour says.   
    “Today represents another step forward for cancer patients as the $604 million uplift from the government continues to facilitate access to new treatments.   
    “Pharmac continues to show what it is capable of when given the support it needs.  
    The medicines Pharmac is widening access to are:

    venetoclax (brand name Venclexta) in combination with azacitidine or cytarabine for a type of blood cancer called acute myeloid leukaemia
    azacitidine (brand name Azacitidine Dr Reddy’s) widened access for acute myeloid leukaemia
    ibrutinib (brand name Imbruvica) widened access for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
    upadacitinib (brand name Rinvoq) for atopic dermatitis (eczema), ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

    “The early signs of Pharmac’s redirection remain positive, as expanding opportunities and access for patients and their families continue to be prioritised,” Mr Seymour says.  
    “Pharmac received significant feedback during the consultation phase of this funding decision. Several changes were made to eligibility criteria as a result of feedback – the list of changes are available in the supporting PDF. 
    Mr Brown says delivering better and faster access to cancer care in New Zealand has been a focus of this Government, which is why it is one of our five key health targets, and is able to deliver because of the Government’s $604 million investment in new cancer medicines. 
    “As Minister of Health, I am focused on ensuring better access to more cancer medicines, better cancer management driven by our faster cancer treatment target, and earlier detection of cancers through screening programmes,” Mr Brown says. 
    “It is encouraging to see continued improvement in our efforts to provide faster cancer treatment, with more patients receiving their first treatment within 31 days in the first financial quarter than in the previous quarter and more cancer treatments available.” 
    “I’m pleased to see Pharmac’s responsiveness to the voices of patients and their families by expanding access to more medicines for more groups. This decision reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centered approach,” Mr Seymour says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –