Today, the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Section 7AA) Amendment Bill has passed its third and final reading, but there is one more stage before it becomes law.
The Governor-General must give their ‘Royal assent’ for any bill to become legally enforceable. This means that, even if a bill gets voted through all stages in Parliament, the Governor-General has the power to block it.
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leaders, Rawiri Waititi and Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, have sent a letter to the Governor-General urging her to block the repeal of Section 7AA because it is a serious threat to the lives of our mokopuna.
“Tamariki Māori account for 67% of the children in state care, and 81% of those who are abused in these institutions. The state has proven time and again that their model of ‘care’ is incompatible with the needs of our mokopuna” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
“The Abuse in Care Report confirmed that decades of disregarding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and its obligations, contributed to extreme levels of abuse.
“This bill would erase Te Tiriti o Waitangi from the state care system and guarantee harm against our Māori babies and their whānau.”
“Te Tiriti o Waitangi underpins Kāwanatanga in Aotearoa. The Governor-General has a constitutional duty to withhold Royal assent when a piece of legislation blatantly breaches Te Tiriti o Waitangi and threatens the foundation of our institutions” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader, Rawiri Waititi
“13 bills have been blocked by this power in the history of Parliament. Not one of these bills was as significant as the repeal of section 7AA.
“We are urging the Governor-General to act within her powers to uphold the constitution of Aotearoa, for the sake of our mokopuna, and for every person that calls this country home.”
“We have heard countless stories from whānau that Section 7AA has forced the system to do better by our Māori babies, saving hundreds from further trauma” Waititi said.
“We appeal to the Governor-General not only in her position as the King’s representative, but also as a Wāhine Māori, a mother, a grandmother, and former Children’s Commissioner” Ngarewa-Packer said.
“You have the power to save our babies from state abuse by blocking this abhorrent legislation” concluded Ngarewa-Packer.
A stoush between the Chief Human Rights Commissioner and a Jewish community leader has flared up following a showdown at Parliament.
Appearing before a parliamentary select committee today, Dr Stephen Rainbow was asked about his recent apology for incorrect comments he made about Muslims earlier this year.
“If my language has been injudicious . . . then I have apologised for that,” he told MPs.
“I’ve apologised publicly. I’ve apologised privately. I’ve met with FIANZ [The Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand] to hear their concerns and to apologise to them, both in person and publicly, and I hold to that apology.”
The apology relates to a meeting he had with Jewish community leader Philippa Yasbek, from the anti-Zionist Jewish groups Alternative Jewish Voices and Dayenu, in February.
Yasbek said Rainbow claimed during the meeting that the Security Intelligence Services (SIS) threat assessment found Muslims posed a greater threat to the Jewish community in New Zealand than white supremacists.
In fact, the report states “white identity-motivated violent extremism [W-IMVE] remains the dominant identity-motivated violent extremism ideology in New Zealand”.
Rainbow changed his position Rainbow told the committee he had since changed his position after receiving new information.
He said was disappointed he had “allowed [his] words to create a perception there was a prejudice there” and he would do everything in his power to repair his relationship with the Muslim community.
“Please be assured that I take this as a learning, and I will be far more measured with my comments in future.”
But Rainbow disputed another of Yasbek’s assertions that he had also raised the supposed antisemitism of Afghan refugees in West Auckland.
“It’s going to be really unhelpful if I get into a he-said-she-said, but I did not say the comments that were attributed to me about that. I do not believe that,” Rainbow said.
“I emphatically deny that I said that.”
‘It definitely stuck in my mind’ – Jewish community leader Yasbek, who called for Rainbow’s resignation yesterday, was watching the select committee hearing from the back of the room.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Yasbek said she was certain Rainbow had made the comments about Afghan refugees.
“It was particularly memorable because it was so specific and he said that he was concerned about the risk of anti-semitism in the community of Afghan refugees in West Auckland.
“It’s very specific. It’s not a sort of detail that one is likely to make up, and it definitely stuck in my mind.”
Yasbek said the race relations commissioner and two Human Rights Commission staff members were also in the room and should be interviewed to corroborate what happened.
“There were multiple witnesses. I am concerned that he has impugned my integrity in that way which is why there should be an independent investigation of this matter.”
Alternative Jewish Voices’ Philippa Yasbek . . . “there should be an independent investigation of this matter.” Image: RNZ
Raised reported comments Speaking to RNZ later, FIANZ chairman Abdur Razzaq said he raised the commissioner’s reported comments about Afghan refugees when he met with Rainbow several weeks ago.
“I raised it at the meeting with him and he did not correct me. At my meeting there were other members of the Human Rights Commission. He did not say he didn’t [say that].”
Razzaq said it was up to the justice minister as to whether or not Rainbow was fit for the role.
“When you hear statements like this, like ‘greatest threat’, he has forgotten it was precisely this kind of Islamophobic sentiment which gave rise to the terrorist of March 15, rise to the right-wing extremist terrorists to take action and they justify it with these kinds of statements.”
“[The commissioner] calls himself an academic, a student of history. Where is his lessons learned on this aspect? To pick a Muslim community by name… he has to really genuinely look at himself as to what he is doing and what he is saying.”
Minister backs Rainbow: ‘Doing his best’ Speaking at Parliament following the hearing, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said he backed Rainbow and believed the commissioner would learn from the experience.
“The new commissioner is doing his best. By his own admission he didn’t express himself well. He has apologised and he will be learning from that experience, and it is my expectation that he will be very careful in the way that he communicates in the future.”
Goldsmith said he stood by his appointment of Rainbow, despite the independent panel tasked with leading the process taking a different view.
“There’s a range of opinions on that. The advice that I had originally from the group was a real focus on legal skills, and I thought actually equally important was the ability to communicate ideas effectively.”
Speaking in Christchurch on Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Rainbow had got it “totally wrong” and it was appropriate he had apologised.
“He completely and quite wrongfully mischaracterised a New Zealand SIS report talking about threats to the Jewish community and he was wrong about that.
“He has subsequently apologised about that but equally Minister Goldsmith has or is talking to him about those comments as well.”
‘Not elabiorating further’ RNZ approached the Human Rights Commission on Thursday afternoon for a response to Yasbek doubling down on her recollection Rainbow had talked about the supposed antisemitism of Afghan refugees in West Auckland.
“The Chief Commissioner will not be elaborating further about what was said in the meeting,” a spokesperson said.
“He’s happy to discuss the matter privately with the people involved,” a spokesperson said.
“Dr Rainbow acknowledges that what was said caused harm and offence and what matters most is the impact on communities. That is why he has apologised unreservedly and stands by his apology.”
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Police now believe a homicide and an aggravated burglary in Miramar last month are linked.
About 2am on Monday 17 March, Police were called to a Darlington Road address after the occupants located an intruder inside their home. A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with aggravated burglary in relation to this incident.
Then 20 minutes later, 63-year-old Abdul Nabizadah was located with serious head injuries at the intersection of Camperdown Road and Totara Road. Sadly, Mr Nabizadah died in hospital and a homicide investigation was launched.
A large Police team has working on parallel investigations into both incidents. Following a number of enquiries we are now treating the cases as being linked, and have confirmed why Mr Nabizadah was in the area. We also believe he was the victim of a robbery.
With the investigation ongoing, we cannot provide further details at this time.
There is still much work for us to do, but I would like to thank the members of the public who have come forward with information, which has allowed us to progress the investigations.
We repeat our earlier appeals for information that may help us identify a pedestrian walking from Camperdown Road into Darlington Road at 12.28am. This person was wearing a light top and dark pants, and may have crucial information.
We also continue to seek the driver of a 2006 silver or grey Mazda 6 that was seen driving through the Darlington Road/Camperdown Road intersection several times between 11.50pm Sunday 16 March and 2.17am Monday 17 March.
If you have any information that could help the investigation teams, please update us online now or call 105.
Please use the reference number 250317/6324, or reference Operation Celtic.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
AnAustralian greyhound racing news outlethas reported 80 New Zealand greyhounds were sent to Australia this week despite the Racing Minister Winston Peters directive that dogs should not be exported overseas for racing purposes in the lead up to the 2026 ban.
It was reported that a specially chartered flight containing 80 greyhounds arrived in Queensland from New Zealand on Wednesday night.
SAFE Head of Campaigns Jessica Chambers says this highlights the need for swift government intervention and clear direction.
“This matter requires the immediate attention of the Racing Minister, to ensure no more dogs are sent overseas and denied their legal right to freedom from racing”.
During the announcement of the ban on December 10, Racing Minister Winston Peters revealed legislation would be passed under urgency to prevent any unnecessary killing of racing dogs as the result of the announcement. The Minister also specified that homes must be found for the dogs and that they would not be sent to race overseas.
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Notes:
– During the December 10 announcement of the ban, Racing Minister Winston Peters said “they will be re-homed, not re-race tracked”.
– The dogs are reported to belong to New Zealanders Steve Evans and his son Riley who own the training team Goldstar Racing. The article states they planned the move as soon as the ban was announced.
– The ministerial advisory committee formed to oversee the closure of the industry was due to release an interim report on 30 April, however it has been delayed until 30 May 2025. The report will include advice on the legislative, regulatory or operational changes required to implement closure of the industry, an operational transition plan and a timeline for the closure. This report is intended to inform the content of the second Bill.
– Since Racing Minister announced a ban on greyhound racing on December 10, 2024, 244 dogs have suffered injuries requiring a standdown period, 50 dogs have suffered broken bones, and 6 dogs have died.
– Since the racing season began on August 1, 2024, 587 dogs have suffered injuries requiring a standdown period, 91 dogs have suffered broken bones, and 11 dogs have died.
Children living in the open in Myanmar after being forced from their homes by the deadly earthquake are at additional risk of heat related illnesses as temperatures in parts of the country climb to 40°C (104 F), Save the Children said.
Many children and their families are living in open spaces after their homes were destroyed in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 28 March and due to a shortage of shelters, according to the UN. In Shan state, more than 13,000 people have been displaced, and in Central and Northwestern Myanmar, at least 10,000 buildings have collapsed or been severely damaged [1]. At least 2,700 people have died and thousands more injured.
April is the hottest month of the year in Myanmar, with temperatures rising ahead of the start of rains in May. In 2024, arecord-breaking temperature of 48.2° Cin Myanmar was recorded in April in the central region of the country.
The high temperatures are adding to an already dire situation for children in earthquake affected areas. Children are especially vulnerable to the impacts of heat which can cause severe dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke. The more that children are exposed to extreme heat, the greater they are at risk of respiratory disease, kidney disease and other health hazards [2].Basic services have been crippled with electricity cut off in some areas and in short supply in others. In Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city,electricity has been restrictedto four hours a day.
Kyaing Thin-, 41, lives in the Mandalay region, close to the epicentre of the earthquake. She is the mother of two boys, aged 13 and 15. Her home was badly damaged, but she managed to escape with her family to a field.
Kyaing Thin-told Save the Children:
“We have to sleep outside of our house, using only a mosquito net. My sons were so traumatised by the earthquake that they couldn’t sleep the whole night. They are both sensitive to loud noises, and now, every time they hear one, they panic.
“Many people lost their homes. They are forced to live on the streets, in open fields, or by the Mandalay Moat. In rural areas, people can move to open fields and build temporary shelters but in a city like Mandalay, most people live in apartments or flats, many of which are now unsafe. This will be the biggest long-term crisis: where will people live?”
Her son,Zarni-, 13, said:
“I had no idea what was happening (when the earthquake struck). My brother shouted at me to run. My bed was beside the window so I jumped out. I got hurt a little, but I ran toward the road and lay on the ground. Now, my chest hurts. I wish I had the power of time travel. Then I could go back and fix whatever caused the earthquake.”
Children in Myanmar were already facing a severe humanitarian crisis before the devastating earthquake. Conflict and climate fueled disasters have left 6.3 million children among the 19.9 million people – or more than one third of the population – needing humanitarian support [3]. Save the Children and its partners are providing food, water and emergency medical care to affected children and their families and working to provide personal hygiene kits and child friendly recreational materials.
Jeremy Stoner, Acting Asia Regional Director, Save the Children said:
“Many children in the earthquake affected areas have little to no protection from the scorching heat. The heat is burning during the day, and temperatures barely drop at night. With no or little electricity for fans and limited access to clean water, extreme heat can be lethal for young children.
“We’re now in a race against time to avoid the secondary impacts of earthquakes, such as disease outbreaks and rising hunger. The humanitarian response in Myanmar has been underfunded for years. Three months into 2025, thehumanitarian appeal is only 5% fundedand that situation will only be made worse due to funding cuts.
“With global humanitarian funding under strain, flexible funding from donors is more critical than ever – not only to deliver immediate, life-saving assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake but also to support communities rebuild their lives and futures.”
Save the Children has been working in Myanmar since 1995, providing life-saving healthcare, food and nutrition, education and child protection programmes.
The gutting of Kāinga Ora shows public housing is not a priority for this Government as it removes a third of the roles at the housing agency.
“If today’s proposal comes to fruition, it will take the total number of jobs cut from Kāinga Ora to a staggering 1,213 in less than a year,” Labour housing spokesperson Kieran McAnulty said.
“It’s now crystal clear that this Government doesn’t care about building homes, nor does it care about the tenants who live in public housing as it plans to remove frontline workers who assist with placement of tenants, call centre workers and other staff who help resolve tenant issues.
“Chris Bishop and the Prime Minister need to be honest with New Zealanders for once and admit that they don’t think it’s their responsibility to house Kiwis in need and that’s why they are cutting funding and jobs.
“When asked during the election campaign if there would be job cuts at Kāinga Ora, Chris Bishop said ‘I hope so’.
“What’s also telling is they haven’t committed that any money saved will be put into more housing. If National built public homes at the rate Labour were, there would practically be no public housing waiting list.
“This isn’t about housing people in need, this is just right-wing ideology in practise,” Kieran McAnulty said.
Abortion care at Whakatāne Hospital has been quietly shelved, with patients told they will likely have to travel more than an hour to Tauranga to get the treatment they need.
“Imagine being in the position that you need this treatment but have to travel when you’re in a state of distress, with no support,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.
“Assistance is offered to other people needing to travel for pregnancy care on the Whakatāne Hospital website – but not for those accessing abortion care.
“Back in January, Health Minister Simeon Brown said there would be no change to abortion services, but this service is quietly disappearing. Patients have been left without choices and will have to travel long distances without support.
“The Minister won’t answer the straightforward question of whether abortion is healthcare. This is not putting patients and their needs first, it’s putting his ideology first. As Health Minister, I treated abortion as healthcare, and improved access by introducing a telehealth abortion service.
“Obstetrics and gynaecology services at Whakatāne Hospital have collapsed due to staff shortages. At the same time, Gisborne Hospital has begged Ministers for help with staffing, and clinicians are leaving Nelson Hospital due to overwork and burnout.
“The Minister needs to do more than just ask for advice, but to act now and get the staff shortages under control. Patients will suffer if he doesn’t take action,” Ayesha Verrall said.
Children’s Minister Karen Chhour has welcomed the passing of legislation to repeal section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act by Parliament.
The Bill’s passing will enable Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children and its frontline staff to focus first and foremost on the safety and wellbeing of children when creating care arrangements, says Minister for Children, Karen Chhour.
“This Bill will allow Oranga Tamariki to focus on its primary duty first, which is the care and protection of young people, making sure they are safe from harm.
While Section 7AA was well-intended, it also resulted in children being put second. As the responsible Minister I could not accept or excuse this fact.
We can no longer deny that section 7AA has led to confusion and conflict in a system that cannot afford to get such crucial care decisions wrong.
What happens now, what happens in practice to these young people, matters.
These children’s lives are not lived in theories or in the comfort of academia or privilege. The harm that comes their way is not academic, it is real,” says Ms Chhour.
Frontline staff and many select committee submitters have shared that section 7AA has led to decisions that were not in the best interests of the child in cases where the race of a child was prioritised over their safety and well-being.
“This created a conflict for Oranga Tamariki when making decisions in the best interests of the child or young person.
“This Bill does not stop the consideration of cultural wellbeing of children and young people in the care of Oranga Tamariki, nor will it result in the end of strategic partnerships between iwi and Māori organisations and Oranga Tamariki.
“I want to make clear that this Bill does not negate the importance of cultural connections for children and young people. What the Bill does is creates clarity in decision-making so that safety is indeed the paramount consideration for each and all children and young people.
I have no issue with looking to whānau, hapū, or iwi as a solution for placements, when appropriate, but safety must come first every single time and sadly that has not always been the case,” says Ms Chhour.
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
1 day ago
A joint event hosted by EIT and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council gave people a rare glimpse into the nocturnal world of moths.
The nighttime event, held at Pekapeka Wetland Regional Park in February to celebrate World Wetlands Month, highlighted the insects’ vital role in New Zealand ecosystems.
EIT Environmental Studies graduate Ryan Bauckham and Environmental Management Lecturer Dr Amelia McQueen led the event. Amelia said the evening was an eye-opener, particularly for adults who initially attended for their children’s benefit but soon became fascinated themselves.
EIT Environmental Studies graduate Ryan Bauckham shared his knowledge of moths at an event at Pekapeka Wetland Regional Park. Photo/Amelia McQueen.
“Some adults brought their kids thinking they’d be most excited, but they quickly became just as engrossed,” she said.
A highlight of the evening was Ryan’s impressive collection of pinned moths, displayed in glass cases to illustrate their diverse colours, shapes, and sizes. Even more captivating were the live moths attracted by special lights, revealing vibrant colours and intricate patterns.
Among those observed was Hygraula nitens, known as the pond moth, which lays eggs underwater and spends most of its lifecycle among aquatic plants. Another intriguing species was the flax notch maker (Ichneutica steropastis), whose larvae create distinctive V-shaped notches along harakeke leaves.
The event also explored how native New Zealand plants evolved to attract moths, their primary pollinators. Amelia said that many native plants have small, white, often fragrant flowers specifically designed to attract nocturnal insects.
“White flowers are more visible at night, and their scent draws in moths. These insects play a crucial role in pollinating native plants, supporting entire ecosystems,” she said.
Amelia says attendees described the evening as “engaging” and “fascinating,” and each received a custom-made moth badge, created by EIT’s IDEASchool.
Beyond the public event, Ryan and Amelia are conducting ongoing research studying moth diversity in remnant podocarp forests across Central Hawke’s Bay. Funded by Biodiversity Hawke’s Bay and EIT, the research aims to document local moth species and explore how habitat quality influences their populations.
Ryan has spent months conducting meticulous fieldwork, often working late nights documenting moth activity in forests such as Otaia/Lindsay’s Bush, Elsthorpe Scenic Reserve and several QEII blocks. The study is among the first in Hawke’s Bay to investigate the relationship between forest size, ecological health, and moth diversity.
“We still don’t fully know what moth species exist in these forests. This research is critical for future conservation and management efforts,” Amelia said.
Data collection will conclude by mid-April, with findings analysed throughout the year. A research paper or detailed report is expected either late this year or early next year, with results shared among stakeholders including the Department of Conservation, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council and landowners.
Given the event’s success, Amelia said more public sessions may be planned in the coming months.
“We’ve already had requests to do this again,” she said.
Ria McBride Public Service Award applications open 1 April.
The Ria McBride Public Service Award helps women currently working in the New Zealand Public Service to progress their career aspirations through tertiary study. The recipient of the 2025 Ria McBride Award will receive funding up to $15,000 for study purposes to use over a five-year period.
The Ria McBride Public Service Award is sponsored by Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission and is administered by the Leadership Development Centre (LDC).
The spirit of the Award is to support women who demonstrate personal fortitude and leadership potential, and who generally haven’t had the opportunity or means to pursue or complete tertiary study. This lack of formal qualifications may have prevented such applicants from progressing their leadership contribution to the Public Service.
ACT’s Defence Spokesperson Mark Cameron is welcoming the first reading passage of the ANZAC Day Amendment Bill, which expands recognition to New Zealanders who served in conflicts and peacekeeping operations after the Vietnam War, saying it reflects how many Kiwis already commemorate the day.
“Every year at dawn services across the country, people stand in silence not just for Gallipoli, but for those who served in East Timor, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan – and many other places where New Zealanders have done their duty without fanfare,” says Cameron.
“These brave men and women served overseas, many in dangerous and difficult circumstances. Some came home changed. Some did not come home at all.
“They stood for the same values as those as those who went before them, and they deserve to be recognised just the same.
“It is a good move, and one that will mean a lot to the people who have quietly carried the weight of service without full recognition.”
Police are seeking witnesses following a burglary at a service station in Te Awamutu on earlier this week.
About 2.40am on 1 April, Police were called to Ohaupo Road, where a group of people had unlawfully gained entry to the premises.
A number of items were taken from inside the service station before the alleged offenders fled the scene in two vehicles stolen from Hamilton earlier in the evening.
One of the vehicles crashed down a bank into a stream off Mutu Street, which Police were alerted to by a member of the public several hours later.
The vehicle has been removed to be forensically examined, and a number of items of stolen property were located inside. Police are still seeking the second vehicle.
We would like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Te Awamutu area in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
In particular, we would like to speak with anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage of a blue Mazda Demio and a grey Nissan Tida between 2am and 3am on Ohaupo Road, between Cambridge Road and Mutu Street.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 105, either over the phone or online.
Please reference the file number 250401/2703.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Legislation to formally recognise the service of more New Zealanders as part of official Anzac Day commemorations has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Veterans Minister Chris Penk and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith say.
“Anzac Day is a significant anniversary for New Zealanders, where we reflect on the costs of service and sacrifice. It is our opportunity to honour those who have served, some of whom gave their lives for our country,” Mr Penk says.
“The Anzac Day Act enshrines in law that we will remember them. Yet, because it does not acknowledge conflicts after 1966, many New Zealanders who have served with great courage in the following decades remain unrecognised under current legislation.
“While April 25 marks the day our soldiers set foot on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915, Anzac Day has long become an anniversary of remembrance for those who served beyond the First and Second World Wars. It’s past time that this is reflected in the law.
“Once the Bill passes, Anzac Day will officially commemorate all those who have served New Zealand in wars and war-like situations. This will include those who have given non-military service, such as the Home Guard and members of the Merchant Navy.
“In addition, the Bill will be amended to encompass other troops who took part in the landing at Gallipoli, including those from India and France. At present the Anzac Day Act only recognises troops from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.”
“New Zealanders deeply appreciate the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of servicemen and women – past and present. Anzac Day stands as a powerful tribute to their service,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“Today’s service personnel carry forward a long and proud tradition. It’s time for overdue change – every New Zealander who has served in war and war-like conflicts deserves official recognition and honour. Anzac Day is the right moment to acknowledge them.”
The Anzac Day Amendment Bill is expected to be passed in time for Anzac Day 2026.
The capsizing of thei-Catcherin September 2022 was a devastating incident resulting in loss of five peoples’ lives.
“We want to extend our sincere condolences to everyone impacted by this tragic incident,” Maritime NZ Director, Kirstie Hewlett says.
“We recognise the work of TAIC in providing a comprehensive report and set of actions relating to a number of agencies and bodies.
“As regards to the TAIC recommendations relating to Maritime NZ, we have either already actioned these, have actions in progress, or have partially accepted recommendations, but may be delivering these in ways that achieve the outcome, but through different means,” Ms Hewlett says.
Where the actions relate to how we work with New Zealand Police or other coordinating authorities in the search and rescue sector. Maritime NZ supports the recommendations.
These recommendations align with the work our Rescue Coordination Centre has already been doing with its partners, particularly with New Zealand Police in strengthening the way in which we work in relation to collaborating on search and rescue operations. We will also work with the NZSAR Council to support the consideration of whether all aviation taskings should be conducted by our Rescue Coordination Centre.
“Maritime NZ wants to again offer its condolences to everyone impacted by this incident.
“We fully understand days like this, two-and-a-half years after the incident occurred will be tough for the survivors, as well as friends and family members of the victims,” Ms Hewlett says.
For information about which agency undertakes SAR in New Zealand please head to –
–A net 673 roles proposed to be axed across successful public housing provider
–Cuts mean a third of workforce gone in a year
The latest restructuring of Kāinga Ora proposes deep cuts to the jobs of those working with other agencies to place people on waiting lists into houses, and in call centres where staff help tenants resolve issues.
Plans announced to staff today would see a net 673 roles gone, including 195 roles that are currently vacant.
“These proposals would result in the mass dismissal of experts who support tenants in public housing,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“This is an attack on tenants, their families, an attack those who need homes to live in and will be resisted.
“With other cuts made last year, all up, a third of the workforce would be axed because of the Government’s ideological refusal to invest in Kāinga Ora despite a record number of houses being built by the agency.
“The Government has been deliberately catastrophising about Kāinga Ora’s finances to suit its privatisation agenda. It is simply setting up a far smaller Kāinga Ora to fail.
“This proposal is yet another broken promise by the Government that cuts will not hit frontline services as it runs down an agency that has successfully housed so many New Zealand families.
“The proposal includes gutting the team which works across the country with the Ministry of Social Development to place people in social housing. They find the right houses in the right location for families on waiting lists, including taking people to home viewings – these are critical customer facing roles and Kāinga Ora will still have 78,000 dwellings to manage.
“Workloads will increase and service will slow – how does that help with waiting lists still growing?”
Kāinga Ora is also proposing to cut 12 staff or 10% of the team which deals directly with calls from tenants and the public at its three call centres. All up 66 net roles at call centres are proposed to go, a third of the workforce.
“This will impact the service tenants expect when they have problems.”
Other roles proposed to go include stakeholder relationship managers who work with communities, health and safety experts, building inspectors, accountants, lawyers and business analysts.
“The Government has made a choice to cut taxes for landlords and turn its back on a successful organisation like Kāinga Ora which has a proud legacy of putting New Zealanders who need a helping hand into warm dry homes.
“These deep and brutal cuts will mean Kāinga Ora will be a shadow of its former self – making it much harder for a future government wanting to return to the role of the state taking the lead in providing social housing. It’s appalling.”
Property values in Aotearoa New Zealand rose by +0.5% in March, after a +0.4% lift in February, and a flat result for January. The latest figures confirm that the market is now into its next phase of growth, on the back of lower interest rates and improved affordability after the previous value falls.
March’s rise on the CoreLogic hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) was the strongest since January last year. Property values are now sitting at $812,195, the highest since June 2024 ($818,649). However, values are still down by 16.3% compared to the previous January 2022 peak.
Around the main centres, Ōtepoti Dunedin (-0.1%) and Tauranga (0.0%) were still a bit more subdued in March, but Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington saw a +0.3% rise, with Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland up by +0.6%, Ōtautahi Christchurch +0.8%, and Kirikiriroa Hamilton at +0.9%.
CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said that March’s result simply builds on the previous month’s rise, signalling the next phase in NZ’s property market has begun.
“The falls in mortgage rates since around July or August last year were always going to take a little bit of time to flow through to house prices, given the weak economic environment and subdued household confidence,” he said.
“The abundance of listings has been an extra limiting factor for property values, while some households on higher fixed interest rates from a year or two ago have also had to be patient before seeing their debt repayments drop.”
“But the lags have now worked their way through the system and, with signs becoming clearer that the economy has started to turn a corner, confidence is returning to the property market.”
“That said, a fresh boom in house prices seems unlikely, given additional restraints that are now in place, such as caps on debt-to-income ratios for mortgage lending.”
“Undoubtedly, this cautious outlook will be welcomed by aspiring buyers who may have been concerned about property values rising beyond their reach again, provided that they can navigate the new credit rules in the first place.”
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
March was a stronger month across the board in Tāmaki Makaurau, with Rodney seeing a +0.3% rise in values, Franklin at +0.5%, and then right up to +0.8% in Papakura, and +0.9% in North Shore.
Clearer signs of growth are also evident across a broader three-month horizon, with Auckland City, Papakura, and Franklin all up by 1.6% or more so far in 2025.
Mr Davidson said, “Clearly, Auckland is still a challenging market for some would-be buyers, with affordability pressures lingering. But we’ve been detecting a change in sentiment on the ground across Auckland for a few months now, and this is flowing through to the hard data.”
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
The wider Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area also strengthened in March, albeit there was a relatively minor -0.2% drop in values in Upper Hutt.
Elsewhere, Lower Hutt and Wellington City rose by +0.3% apiece, with Porirua up by +0.6%, and Kapiti Coast recording a robust increase of +1.4%.
Some areas are still slightly lower than they were three months ago, but Lower Hutt (+0.6%) and Kapiti Coast (+2.4%) have increased over the year to date.
“Wellington’s property market has underperformed over the past few years, with the previous boom meaning that some excesses needed to be worked off, and the public sector cutbacks then weighing on values too. But conditions are now turning around in the property market, with some buyers probably finding ‘value’ again.”
Regional results
March was also a tale of emerging upturn across nearly all of the key provincial markets, with only Nelson recording a modest -0.1% fall in values. New Plymouth and Invercargill were flat, while Napier, Palmerston North, and Queenstown only saw mild increases of +0.1%.
But Whangarei and Rotorua were up by +0.5%, and Whanganui topped the charts for these areas with an increase of +0.8% in March. Each of the key regional areas is also higher than December last year, except for Nelson (-0.6%).
“In the current environment where listings are higher than normal in many parts of the country and some sectors of the economy are yet to rebound, a bit of variability across the provinces is to be expected. But lower interest rates are a significant support, so the outlook for a modest recovery in values this year is likely to be replicated across regional markets too,” added Mr Davidson.
Two Toyota Aquas travelling in tandem through Green Bay sparked an air of suspicion for Police during the early hours of this morning.
Just before 3am, Police conducting routine patrols observed the two vehicles travelling at high speed and in tandem along Godley Road.
Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, says officers didn’t signal for the vehicles to stop and instead called in the Police Eagle helicopter for assistance from above.
“Eagle has quickly located one of the vehicles in Glen Eden and tracked it until it was abandoned on Holdens Road.
“Both the driver and passenger have then been observed retrieving a number of items from the backseat.”
Inspector Robertson says as Police arrived on scene, the driver and passenger have thrown bottles of alcohol at the at the Police car before fleeing on foot.
“Thankfully no one was hurt, however the patrol car was damaged.
“Officers have then taken both alleged offenders into custody a short time later.
“Police are investigating this event in connection with a burglary at a Blockhouse Bay business prior to the cars coming to our attention.
“Police won’t tolerate this kind of reckless behaviour, which has the potential to cause harm to our staff and the wider public.”
An 18-year-old will appear in Auckland District Court on 10 April charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and intentional damage.
A 14-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid Services.
Police have arrested and charged a fourth young person following an aggravated robbery in Invercargill.
On Monday 24 March, Police were alerted to four people entering a store on North Road at around 3.30am.
The group targeted cigarettes and tobacco before fleeing the area in a vehicle.
After an extensive investigation, a fourth young person was taken into custody.
Invercargill Police works hard to identify and locate those responsible for committing offences in our community and we would like to thank the members of the public who provided information that assisted our investigation.
The young person appeared in Invercargill Youth Court today, charged with aggravated robbery and is due to reappear in mid-April.
The three other youth previously charged are due to reappear in the coming days.
Drivers travelling between Upper Hutt and Wairarapa need to be prepared for delays as emergency services and contractors attend a crash scene near Kaitoke.
The southbound lane of State Highway 2 is closed near Waterworks Road following a two-vehicle crash reported around 12:30 this afternoon.
Stop/Go traffic management is currently in place at the crash site, and drivers can expect delays until the scene is cleared.
The Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating, meaning traffic management is likely to remain in place until its work is complete.
Drivers must follow all instructions of emergency services and contractors on site and take extra care when travelling through the crash site.
Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:
Thousands of New Zealanders’ submissions are missing from the official parliamentary record because the National-dominated Justice Select Committee has rushed work on the Treaty Principles Bill.
The committee finished more than a month ahead of the 14 May deadline set by Parliament with the report expected to be presented and available tomorrow.
“Labour sought an extension of time so that all submitters could be heard and their submissions put on the permanent record. Instead, the Justice Select Committee has rammed it through with outrageous haste,” Labour justice spokesperson Duncan Webb said.
“This is an appalling lack of process on a hugely consequential bill.
“David Seymour told Cabinet that there would be six months of consultation before the select committee, and a Cabinet Minute confirmed that it would be considered until the week of 16 May.
“Now, with Government members rushing to report the bill back early, the process is exposed for what it really is—a sham.
“This shows utter contempt for the many New Zealanders who took the time to submit and whose views are now missing from the record.
“Many of these submitters will have found making a submission challenging. This Bill seeks to undermine Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and many of us did not want to have this debate at all. Now the committee is telling them all that effort, that time and emotion, wasn’t worth their time.
“The New Zealand public were forced to have their say on this Bill, now the Government is not doing them the justice of including what thousands of them said,” Duncan Webb said.
Attributable to Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson:
Police accept the findings of the Transport Accident Investigation Commission Maritime Inquiry MO-2022-206 into the charter fishing vessel, i-Catcher capsize in Goose Bay, 10 September 2022.
This was a terrible incident for the community and our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and friends, and the community.
Police is continuing work with Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) on the findings of the report.
In addition to supporting a large number of events led by RCCNZ, Police manages more than 2,000 land and marine search and rescue (SAR) incidents each year.
RCCNZ and Police continue to collaborate on opportunities to enhance operational SAR responses, and continue with regular practice SAR exercises. Our on-call practices and tasking processes have been streamlined and continue to be improved.
The joint Maritime Rescue Plan for Tasman has now been prepared and is in the final stages of being signed off. Standard operating procedures have also been updated to include that Police’s National Dive Squad must be contacted for advice and availability in life-threatening water rescue events.
This investigation by TAIC has been important for all of us to learn from. We are putting recommendations in place and looking at where we can support partner agencies across all the recommendations.
Boost multitasking and creative expression like a pro with Intelligent Features on the new Tab S10 FE additions
AUCKLAND, New Zealand – April 4, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, offering new entry points to the Galaxy ecosystem on a premium tablet design. Equipped with the largest screen yet on the Galaxy Tab FE series and slimmer bezels that expand its display, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ provides a fun, immersive viewing experience for everything from entertainment to studying and day-to-day tasks. Samsung’s Intelligent Features empower users to get more done with ease, while a slimmer design helps users to achieve their creativity and productivity on the go.
“The new Galaxy Tab S10 FE series brings advanced mobile AI experience and Samsung’s connected ecosystem to even more tablet users, while still offering leading performance and design,” said Changtae Kim, EVP & Head of New Computing R&D Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re confident that the slim bezels and expansive displays, in addition to a whole host of functional improvements, will inspire people to do more, create more, and discover more.”
Stunning Clarity on a Bigger, Vibrant Display
Combining the Galaxy Tab S series’ heritage design with slim bezels, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1-inch display offers immersive entertainment on a screen that’s almost 12% larger than the previous FE+. Smooth visuals enabled by a 90Hz refresh rate and new levels of visibility up to 800 nits HBM on the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series ensure an optimal viewing experience when watching videos and gaming. Vision Booster’s automatic adjustments enhance brightness and visibility even in ever-changing outdoor environments while blue-light emissions are safely reduced to minimise eye strain, meeting every unique viewing need.
Robust Performance in a Portable Design
The Galaxy Tab S10 FE series boosts productivity when working or studying, and delivers fast, smooth gameplay without interruption. Performance upgrades enable the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series to help users switch effortlessly between multiple apps when they are being creative, allowing for improved multitasking. And when capturing everyday moments in the classroom or in workspaces, a newly upgraded 13MP high resolution rear camera produces clear and vivid photos.
These versatile experiences, from powerful work to seamless play, accompany users everywhere they go. Now more than 4% lighter than its predecessor, Galaxy Tab S10 FE is even easier to carry around, while the Galaxy S10 Tab FE series offers hassle-free storage and mobility at home, on campus, in the workplace and elsewhere with its slim design. Engineered for resilience and durability to withstand the elements, the FE series also comes with the same IP68 rating as the newest Galaxy Tab S10 series.
Advanced Features Unleash Potential
Building on Samsung’s legacy of delivering premium experiences across the Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ and Galaxy Tab S10 FE are the first models in the FE series to come equipped with cutting-edge AI capabilities right out of the box, fuelling user productivity.
Fan-favourite Circle to Search with Google allows you to search what you see on your tablet without switching apps. Quickly get the info you need, translate text on screen or get homework help with step-by-step explanations – all on one large screen. Samsung Notes features like Solve Math for quick calculations of handwriting and text, and Handwriting Help to tidy up notes easily, make notetaking easier than ever so users can stay focused in the moment. AI assistants are instantly launched with a single tap of the Galaxy AI Key on the Book Cover Keyboard. Plus, AI assistants can be customised based on users’ preferences for a more personalised experience. An upgraded Object Eraser lets users effortlessly remove unwanted objects from photos, with automatic suggestions for quick and easy edits. Newly introduced Best Face ensures perfect group photos by selecting and combining the best expressions and features. Auto Trim brings cherished moments to life by sifting through multiple videos to seamlessly compile highlight reels. The Galaxy Tab S10 FE series also serves as the perfect canvas for creativity with pre-loaded apps and tools including LumaFusion, Goodnotes, Clip Studio Paint and more, alongside other spotlight apps like Noteshelf 3, Sketchbook and Picsart.
For an even more intuitive AI experience, the FE series seamlessly integrates with other Samsung Galaxy devices. Similar to the Galaxy Tab S10, users can access a comprehensive overview of their home status with the Home Insight widget dashboard and 3D Map View feature. Summarised status updates of SmartThings-enabled devices give users peace of mind when out and about.
Security Your Way
As with any Galaxy device, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series is fortified by strong security, Samsung Knox, Samsung Galaxy’s defence-grade, multi-layer security platform built to safeguard critical information and protect against vulnerabilities with end-to-end hardware, real-time threat detection and collaborative protection.
Availability
Launching in New Zealand on 1st May, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ will be available in select markets and offered in three colours: Grey, Silver and Blue. For more information about the Galaxy Tab S10 FE series, please visit: [https://www.samsung.com/sec/tablets/].
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
Today’s announcement of 10 percent tariffs for New Zealand goods entering the United States is disappointing for exporters and consumers alike, with the long-lasting impact on prices and inflation still unknown.
“The Government’s strategy of keeping its head down has not given New Zealand any advantage over our competitors,” Labour trade spokesperson Damien O’Connor said.
“It’s disappointing that the Government hasn’t been able to negotiate lower tariffs given the very low level of tariffs we impose on goods and services from the US.
“While the announcement has provided clarity on the percentage of tariffs, the impact on the US economy collectively including the impact on prices in the US market will take a long time to be fully realised.
“There’s going to be $900 million hit on our exports, and there is uncertainty over who will carry the cost of that, whether it will be US consumers or New Zealand exporters.
“We also have to consider how the ripple effect of tariffs on our trading partners such as China will affect prices back here.
“Decisions by our competitors to shift their goods to other markets may have further ramifications for NZ exporters.
“Trade Minister Todd McLay told New Zealanders that he didn’t expect New Zealand to be caught in tariffs, but he was proven wrong by today’s announcement,” Damien O’Connor said.
The move to greater use of Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) as tools for health and safety compliance will allow businesses to confidently mitigate hazards and risks, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).
Following the advice contained within these practical guidelines will give businesses confidence that ‘reasonably practicable’ steps have been met.
“It hasn’t always been clear what ‘reasonably practicable’ actually means,” says EMA Manager of Employment Relations and Safety Paul Jarvie.
“As the term underpins all the duties found within the Health and Safety at Work Act and related regulations, this clarity is welcome.”
There are 23 existing ACOPs (asbestos removal, for example) and they allow industry and stakeholder development of best practice, meaning sectors can more quickly adapt to innovation and changes within their individual areas.
These are typically industry-led, but new ones could have WorkSafe and other stakeholder involvement, with the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety having final sign-off.
The EMA believes this approach will ensure industry sectors have ownership of their workplace safety systems, while using industry insights to produce user-friendly and practical sets of guidelines to keep our workers safer.
While the Minister has announced four recommended changes to the health and safety laws in the past few days, the EMA believes there is still more that could be done to bring our rates of workplace harm closer to jurisdictions such as Australia and the United Kingdom.
“When assessed individually the recent changes make good sense, replacing complexity and confusion with more clarity for those affected,” says Jarvie.
“Our workplace safety legislation is largely based on Australian legislation, which is in turn derived from the UK. But our results lag significantly, and we continue to harm or kill too many of our workers.
“Both of those countries have far more detailed and precise regulation to support their legislation.
“During the Minister’s recent roadshow, and in detailed submissions from industry and health and safety professionals, the systemic issues that still face businesses were clearly highlighted.
“The EMA believes there remains a requirement for more detailed regulations, as in other similar countries, and we need a national strategic plan to make workplaces both safer and healthier.”
The additional funding for new workplace inspectors of $2.7 million is a good step, but the cost of workplace harm is $4.9 billion annually.
“We need to stabilise WorkSafe NZ and give it a clear mandate to work with businesses on making the workplace safer and to be a modern regulator – not just focussed on non-compliance and enforcement,” says Jarvie.
“We have to accept that we are still not doing workplace health and safety well enough, and we need to be better – for the sake of our workforce and their families.”
Source:Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission
At the five- year mark, the Access and Choice Programme has proved to be a valuable addition to the mental health, addiction and wellbeing support services available to people throughout the country.
Today Te Hiringa Mahara – the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission released a report that documents progress establishing the programme, with recommendations on how to ensure it reaches its full potential.
“The introduction of the Access and Choice programme has filled gap in support and has substantially increased access for people seeking help for mild to moderate mental health, addiction and wellbeing issues. The programme is a good investment, but efforts to reach more people need to be intensified,” said Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive Officer.
During 2023-24, over 207,000 people have accessed support, with over 1.6 million sessions completed across the country since establishment.
“There has been very positive feedback from those accessing the services. The impact of reaching people early is a huge net positive for Aotearoa; not just for those who need it, but for our health system, our workforce, and for New Zealand as a whole,” Ms Orsborn said.
The programme has improved access to primary mental health care. It includes specific services to meet the needs of rangatahi and young people, Māori and Pacific peoples. This is in line with levels of need experienced by these population groups. One marker of need is rates of moderate levels psychological distress. This is highest for young people aged 15-24 years (23.6%), Māori adults (22.5%), and Pacific adults (20.5%).
“We are encouraged that the programme ensures population groups with the highest levels of need are offered tailored services. This is key to the success of the programme.”
“There is more work to do for the programme to reach its full potential. We have noted some regional variations, and the number being seen falls short of the goal of 325,000 people,” Ms Orsborn said.
“While the programme has positive impacts, to be fully realised there needs to be focused effort. This will take greater flexibility of delivery modes, including offering virtual services, increased productivity and recruitment, and, most essentially, to sustain funding.”
One-fifth (20.2 per cent) of all people using Access and Choice services is aged 12-24 (equivalent to nearly 42,000 young people),
“Because rangatahi and young people experience high rates of psychological distress it’s vital there are services available that meet their needs. Therefore it’s a promising sign to see the rate at which young people are accessing services throughout the country,” Ms Orsborn said.
Covering period of Thursday 3rd – Monday 7th April – It has been a wet 18 hours across much of the country, and MetService is forecasting further heavy rain as a widespread weather system moves through.
The top of the South Island—Tasman, Buller, and Marlborough—is in line for the highest rainfall accumulations. After a wet night, the heaviest rainfall is still to come from Thursday afternoon and may lead to surface flooding, slips, and hazardous road conditions. Orange Heavy Rain Warnings are in place there until midday Friday.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “The warning areas are forecast to see around a month’s worth of rain in about a day, so expect rivers to rise rapidly and surface flooding may cause disruption.”
Other parts of the western South Island, as well as the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers are also under an Orange Warning.
The main rain band is expected to extend into the North Island from late Thursday into Friday, bringing large amounts of rain to northern and western regions. The heaviest rain is expected overnight in Northland and Friday morning around commute time for Auckland, extending to other areas throughout the day. Northland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and the top of Tairawhiti/Gisborne are under an Orange Heavy Rain Warning, while Auckland, Waikato, and Taranaki are under a Watch.
In addition to heavy rain, strong winds are set to impact parts of the North Island. The strongest winds are expected in South Taranaki, Taihape, and Whanganui, where a Strong Wind Watch is in place for Friday. The Chatham Island are also in with a risk of Strong winds Friday evening to Saturday morning.
“This is the largest weather system we’ve seen so far this year. It will definitely pay to keep a close eye on metservice.com for updates over the next day or so,” Makgabutlane advises.
By the end of Friday, the heaviest rain is expected to have largely moved off the country, though it may linger in eastern Bay of Plenty. The weekend stays mostly dry, but some showers could still affect areas that have already seen heavy rain, especially on Sunday.
Federated Farmers is applauding the Government’s moves to reduce paperwork, ambiguity, cost and duplication in health and safety regulation.
“We’re very much on board with the Government’s direction of travel with the health and safety re-set announced this week,” the federation’s workplace safety spokesperson David Birkett says.
“It’s been a bone of contention what exactly ‘reasonably practicable’ means for the steps farmers need to take to be compliant with the law.
“The changes announced this week will result in greater clarity for farmers, and other business owners, on what they need to do.”
In the last of a series of announcements this week, the Government has said industries will be able to initiate discussions on new Approved Codes of Practice.
These ACOPs will be specific about what health and safety steps need to be fulfilled by a person in charge of a business, targeting that sector’s particular risks.
“Our farming sector will take that opportunity, I’m sure,” Birkett says.
“Agriculture knows agriculture, so it’s logical that farming organisations are best placed to develop something that’s practical.
“Federated Farmers welcomes greater input of industry to lead best practice and give certainty and confidence on health and safety obligations.
“But we also need assurance this isn’t passing the buck, and that WorkSafe will be tasked and resourced to work with us, and complete these ACOPs.”
Federated Farmers is also welcoming confirmation that landowners will not be liable if someone is injured on their land while doing recreation or adventure activities.
Instead, health and safety responsibility will lie with those running such activities.
“Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is right when she says uncertainty and scope creep has led to some farmers refusing access for such activities out of concern around their legal liability,” Birkett says.
“One big downside of that uncertainty has been some reluctance to allow farm access to recreational hunters, despite growing numbers of feral pest animals across New Zealand.
“Changing the regulations so that health and safety is the personal responsibility of hunters, not the owner of the land they’re on, will be a boost to keeping deer, pig, goat and possum numbers down.”
Birkett says it’s also a positive move to clarify the health and safety responsibilities of company directors and managers.
“That’s going to cut out duplication of effort and add to efficiency, and will be especially welcomed by larger and corporate farms.
“None of the changes coming are about letting farmers off the hook in terms of strong health and safety measures,” Birkett says.
“The welfare of farm staff and family members is still the paramount concern.
“But if we can land a more streamlined, targeted and efficient set of rules and processes, farmers and other business operators can focus on addressing the truly relevant risks.”
General practice owners encourage Health Minister Simeon Brown to read and act on a report which lists the many benefits of investing in primary healthcare.
The NZ Initiative report correctly concludes that a strong, accessible, and equitable primary care system will improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the quality of life for all New Zealanders.
“The Heart of Healthcare: Renewing New Zealand’s Primary Care System is a considered analysis of the history which led to the current crisis in primary healthcare, explains the reasons why it’s this bad, and suggests ways to fix it. The General Practice Owners Association agrees with many parts of report, which is a valuable addition to the discussion,” said Dr Angus Chambers, Chair of GenPro..
Areas of agreement are that:
General practice directly saves lives, extends life spans, and generates substantial economic benefits. Any attempt to reform primary care without considering the complexity of GP work, their extensive training requirements, and the importance of sustained doctor-patient relationships will fail to build a sustainable GP workforce.
The current state of the GP workforce demands immediate and comprehensive action to ensure the sustainability of New Zealand’s primary healthcare system and the wellbeing of both practitioners and patients.
The current primary care funding model in New Zealand is contributing to widening health inequities, reduced access to care, and increased pressure on hospital services.
Other reforms should enhance IT systems, improve access and equity, embrace innovation while maintaining continuity of care, support GPs to prevent burnout, and strengthen the connection between primary and secondary care.
“Patients are fed up with waiting weeks to see a GP, their local GP closing down or restricting services, not being able to enrol at a local GP, and very short consultations. The NZ Initiative report is right to define the problems and focus on how to improve the situation,” Dr Chambers said.
GenPro looks forward to working with the Minister of Health to find ways to improve primary healthcare to enhance patient outcomes.
GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit www.genpro.org.nz