Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Emergency services are at the scene of a collision involving a car and motorbike in Upper Hutt.
The crash happened at the intersection of California Drive and Tacoma Drive, about 10.55am.
One person has serious injuries.
The section of road is likely to remain closed for some time while the Serious Crash Unit carries out a scene investigation.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police are at the scene of a crash involving a car and van at Matapu, South Taranaki.
Thirteen people are understood to have been injured in the crash, which happened on Hastings Road about 9.55am.
Most of the injuries are believed to range from minor to moderate, but two people are believed to be in a serious condition. Four helicopters are airlifting people to hospital.
Hastings Road, between Skeet and Eltham roads, is likely to remain closed for some time while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Assistant Commissioner Sandra Venables:
Police have released the preliminary findings of an internal district review into the events surrounding the misidentification of a young person in Waikato, who was then placed in Waikato Hospital care, on 9 March 2025.
Waikato Police staff had sought to confirm the person’s identity with the assistance of a mental health service provider, who was only able to compare a photograph of Patient A (misidentified child) with a photograph held of Patient B (person known to mental health service providers).
Based on the photo comparison and information available to Police at the time, Police shared their assessment with Waikato Hospital staff, including their rationale for the nominated identity. The mistaken identity was only discovered when Patient A was reported missing later that day, and subsequently reunited with their family.
Waikato Police have completed their internal assessment, which will inform a broader review of events, and the actions of our staff. Details of that report will be subject to peer and assurance review before final conclusions are released.
The preliminary findings of the district review are:
• One
The operational response to the initial call about a female in the middle of the road and later observed on the railings of Fairfield Bridge was prompt, with appropriate urgency for securing her safety.
• Two
The decision by responding Police officers to detain Patient A under section 109 of the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act was appropriate, given their genuine concerns for Patient A’s safety and wellbeing.
• Three
It was reasonable for officers to place handcuffs on Patient A on arrival at Waikato Hospital to protect her own safety and the safety of staff.
• Four
Police misidentified Patient A as Patient B despite genuine attempts to confirm her identity.
• Five
Police promptly informed Waikato Hospital of the misidentification of Patient A as Patient B when this became apparent.
The broader review is still in the information-gathering phase, with the final report to be peer reviewed before consideration for release. The matter has also been self-referred by Police to the IPCA.
We acknowledge that the events have been distressing for Patient A and their family. Waikato Police have met with the family and apologised for the misidentification.
What we know at this stage is that the misidentification occurred despite the genuine efforts of our staff to identify the female. However, we also know that our processes can be improved to further reduce the risk of an incident like this recurring.
The district review also noted that while Person A had not been reported missing until approximately 12 hours after Police picked her up, Police contacted the family as soon as correct identification was made.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government has agreed to clarify the distinction between governance and operational management health and safety responsibilities to reduce directors’ fear and risks of overcompliance, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today.
The Government is delivering on an ACT-National Coalition Agreement to reform New Zealand’s health and safety laws and regulations.
“Throughout the public consultation and the roadshow on the health and safety law, I heard from business owners and company directors that they are unclear about their health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act in both large and small businesses.
“Feedback shared by many is that there is overcompliance as many directors think they need to do more than they should, and directors and management are also duplicating work,” says Ms van Velden.
“Today, I am announcing a change in the legislation to specify that the day-to-day management of health and safety risks is to be left to managers so that directors and boards can focus on governance and the strategic oversight of the business.”
This change is part of the wider health and safety system reform and will be progressed through changes to legislation later this year.
“Making this distinction will enhance the effectiveness of health and safety governance and the outcomes we can achieve in the health and safety system.
“Work is continuing to ensure this is effective and fit-for-purpose and I intend to return to Cabinet to seek agreement on the specific details of this change,” says Ms van Velden.
Source: New Zealand Government
ACC’s investment in New Zealand’s crucial manufacturing sector is a significant step to help reduce injuries, keep workers safe, and support economic growth, say ACC Minister Scott Simpson and Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk.
“My top priority with ACC is to address its declining performance and ensure the scheme remains financially sustainable for current and future generations. One of the best ways to both enhance the health and wellbeing of Kiwis and keep costs down is to prevent injuries from happening in the first place,” says Mr Simpson.
“That’s why I welcome the steps ACC is taking to drive better health outcomes for workers and businesses in manufacturing.”
In 2024, ACC worked with the Employers and Manufacturers Association to co-design a Harm Reduction Action Plan for Manufacturing, which proposed a series of solutions. ACC is now seeking a supplier who can combine their own insights with those from the industry, to develop and implement evidence-based initiatives that will reduce the incidence and severity of injuries and their associated costs.
“Manufacturing is a powerful driver for economic growth in New Zealand, contributing more than 60 per cent of our exports and employing nearly 230,000 people across 23,000 business,” Mr Penk says.
“However, it stands out as the only major industry where work-related injury rates have not declined over the past decade. As a high-risk sector, manufacturing is prioritised by ACC to address the growing cost of claims in the working-age population.
“Now is the time to implement some long-term initiatives to reduce the high rate of injuries in manufacturing. By reducing workplace harm, we can lower costs for businesses and ensure our manufacturers continue driving economic growth.”
“The total annual ACC claims costs for the manufacturing sector are more than $165 million and growing. I am pleased that ACC is committed to working with the industry to make a difference, preventing harm and helping address rapidly rising costs,” says Mr Simpson.
“I expect ACC to conduct a robust procurement process and I look forward to seeing the visions for the sector turn into reality.”
Responses to the tender must be submitted via the New Zealand Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) or procurement@acc.co.nz by 12pm, Tuesday 13 May 2025.
“I started filming when we started to end.” With these haunting words, Basel Adra begins No Other Land, the Oscar-winning documentary that depicts life in Masafer Yatta, a collection of Palestinian villages in the southern West Bank that are under complete occupation – military and civil – by Israel.
For Basel and his community, this land isn’t merely territory — it’s identity, livelihood, their past and future.
No Other Land vividly captures the intensity of life in rural Palestinian villages and the everyday destruction perpetrated by both Israeli authorities and the nearby settler population: the repeated demolition of Palestinian homes and schools; destruction of water sources such as wells; uprooting of olive trees; and the constant threat of extreme violence.
While this 95-minute slice of Palestinian life opened the world’s eyes, most are unaware that No Other Land takes place in an area of the West Bank that is ground zero for any viable future Palestinian state.
Designated as “Area C” under the Oslo Peace Accords, it constitutes 60% of the occupied West Bank and is where the bulk of Israeli settlements and outposts are located. It is a beautiful and resource-rich area upon which a Palestinian state would need to rely for self-sufficiency.
For decades now, Israel has been using military rule as well as its planning regime to take over huge swathes of Area C, land that is Palestinian — lived and worked on for generations.
This has been achieved through Israel’s High Planning Council, an institution constituted solely of Israelis who oversee the use of the land through permits — a system that invariably benefits Israelis and subjugates Palestinians, so much so that Israel denies access to Palestinians of 99 percent of the land in Area C including their own agricultural lands and private property.
‘This is apartheid’
Michael Lynk, when he was serving as UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, referred to Israel’s planning system as “de-development” and stated explicitly: “This is apartheid”.
The International Court of Justice recently affirmed what Palestinians have long known: Israel’s planning policies in the West Bank are not only discriminatory but form part of a broader annexation agenda — a violation of international humanitarian law.
To these ends, Israel deploys a variety of strategies: Israeli officials will deem certain areas as “state lands”, necessary for military use, or designate them as archaeologically significant, or will grant permission for the expansion of an existing settlement or the establishment of a new one.
Meanwhile, less than 1 percent of Palestinian permit applications were granted at the best of times, a percentage which has dropped to zero since October 2023.
As part of the annexation strategy, one of Israel’s goals with respect to Area C is demographic: to move Israelis in and drive Palestinians out — all in violation of international law which prohibits the forced relocation of occupied peoples and the transfer of the occupant’s population to occupied land.
Regardless, Israel is achieving its goal with impunity: between 2023 and 2025 more than 7,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from their homes in Area C due to Israeli settler violence and access restrictions.
At least 16 Palestinian communities have been completely emptied, their residents scattered, and their ties to ancestral lands severed.
Israel’s settler colonialism on steroids
Under the cover of the international community’s focus on Gaza since October 2023, Israel has accelerated its land grab at an unprecedented pace.
The government has increased funding for settlements by nearly 150 percent; more than 25,000 new Israeli housing units in settlements have been advanced or approved; and Israel has been carving out new roads through Palestinian lands in the West Bank, severing Palestinians from each other, their lands and other vital resources.
Israeli authorities have also encouraged the establishment of new Israeli outposts in Area C, housing some of the most radical settlers who have been intensifying serious violence against Palestinians in the area, often with the support of Israeli soldiers.
None of this is accidental. In December 2022, Israel appointed Bezalel Smotrich, founder of a settler organisation and a settler himself, to oversee civilian affairs in the West Bank.
Since then, administrative changes have accelerated settlement expansion while tightening restrictions on Palestinians. New checkpoints and barriers throughout Area C have further isolated Palestinian communities, making daily life increasingly impossible.
Humanitarian organisations and the international community provide much-needed emergency assistance to help Palestinians maintain a foothold, but Palestinians are quickly losing ground.
As No Other Land hit screens in movie houses across the world, settlers were storming homes in Area C and since the Oscar win there has been a notable uptick in violence. Just this week reports emerged that co-director Hamdan Ballal was himself badly beaten by Israeli settlers and incarcerated overnight by the Israeli army.
Israel’s annexation of Area C is imminent. To retain it as Palestinian will require both the Palestinian Authority and the international community to shift the paradigm, assert that Area C is Palestinian and take more robust actions to breathe life into this legal fact.
The road map for doing so was laid by the International Court of Justice who found unequivocally that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza is unlawful and must come to an end.
They specified that the international community has obligations in this regard: they must not directly or indirectly aid Israel in maintaining the occupation and they must cooperate to end it.
With respect to Area C, this includes tackling Israel’s settlement policy to cease, prevent and reverse settlement construction and expansion; preventing any further settler violence; and ending any engagement with Israel’s discriminatory High Planning Council, which must be dismantled.
With no time to waste, and despite all the other urgencies in Gaza and the West Bank, if there is to be a Palestinian state, Palestinians in Area C must be provided with full support – political, financial, and legal — by local authorities and the international community, to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
After all, Area C is Palestine.
Leilani Farha is a former UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing and author of the report Area C is Everything. Republished under Creative Commons.
Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz
As the Fit 4 Office (F4O) Challenge concludes, Exercise New Zealand (ExerciseNZ) congratulates all participating Members of Parliament for prioritising movement, proving that even the busiest schedules can accommodate physical activity.
Over the past three weeks, 11 MPs from across the political spectrum tracked their activity using Myzone heart rate monitors, demonstrating the benefits of regular movement while engaging in friendly competition. The challenge set a baseline goal of 1,000 Myzone Effort Points (MEPs), with top performers exceeding 3,000 MEPs—an exceptional display of commitment. MEPs measure exercise intensity based on heart rate, rewarding effort rather than just time or distance. The longer participants sustained an elevated heart rate in an active zone, the more MEPs they earned.
Top Finishers
ExerciseNZ is proud to recognise the top MPs who led the way in total MEPs. Competition for the top spot remained fierce throughout the challenge, with Julie Anne Genter, Celia Wade-Brown, and Mark Mitchell each leading at various points. Ayesha Verrall also held the top position for several days, demonstrating a strong commitment—primarily through running. Their efforts highlight the broader dedication to movement and exercise within Parliament, setting a strong example for all New Zealanders.
Congratulations to all MPs who participated in paving the way for a more active and healthier Aotearoa. The top finishers and their final MEP totals as of 11:59pm, March 27, are:
Julie Anne Genter – 4,758 MEPs
Celia Wade-Brown – 4,455 MEPs
Mark Mitchell – 3,703 MEPs
We also acknowledge Jan Tinetti and Ayesha Verrall, who each surpassed 2,000 MEPs—doubling the initial challenge goal. Notably, Mark Mitchell recorded the most regular high-intensity workouts, exemplifying leadership as Minister of Sport and Recreation.
ExerciseNZ CEO Richard Beddie commended all MPs for their dedication:
“The Fit 4 Office Challenge was designed to inspire movement and show how achievable it is to prioritise physical activity. Seeing MPs embrace the challenge, support each other, and set an example for New Zealanders has been fantastic. This isn’t just about competition—it’s about reinforcing the message that every movement counts toward better health.”
Movement Matters – Beyond the Challenge
Though the F4O Challenge has ended, the need for regular movement continues. Physical inactivity costs the New Zealand economy over $2.3 billion annually, including $650 million in healthcare costs—highlighting that movement isn’t just a personal benefit but a national one.
ExerciseNZ encourages all New Zealanders to stay active beyond this challenge. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Throughout the challenge, MPs engaged in diverse activities to meet these recommendations, including gym workouts, yoga, Pilates, cycling, walking, tramping, and even rollerblading. Their participation proves that staying active doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be an enjoyable way to socialise, de-stress, and improve overall well-being.
ExerciseNZ, alongside Myzone, thanks all MPs for their participation and commitment to leading by example. Their efforts demonstrate that, despite demanding schedules, physical activity is achievable for everyone. While the challenge has ended, the journey toward a healthier and more active Aotearoa continues.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Wellington District Commander, Superintendent Corrie Parnell
One person has been taken into custody following an earlier incident in Epuni, Lower Hutt.
At about 5:25pm, Police were called to Trinity Ave after receiving a report of suspicious behaviour.
A responding Police unit observed a vehicle of interest leaving the area and signalled for it to stop. It did not stop and instead, drove into the Police vehicle and then into two other Police vehicles that arrived to assist.
A member of the public’s vehicle was also hit by the man’s vehicle. Thankfully the member of the public was uninjured.
The man exited his vehicle in an attempt to flee the scene on foot, and was taken into custody just after 5:45pm.
Three Police vehicles have sustained significant damage. Five Police staff have been assessed with minor injuries following the collisions.
Our staff go to work every day to help make our communities safer, and behaviour such as this where Police staff and vehicles are targeted is unacceptable.
I am incredibly proud of the work from our staff in this quick-moving event where a vehicle was used as a weapon against Police, creating a massive risk to the safety of everybody involved.
Police are continuing enquiries into this incident.
A 49-year-old man is due to appear in the Hutt Valley District Court tomorrow, facing three charges of aggravated assault, a charge of indecent assault and failed to stop for Police.
Further charges have not been ruled out.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attribute to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:
The bodies of two people who were located deceased in a residential address in Roseneath overnight have been removed from the property.
Two post-mortem examinations are expected to take place tomorrow.
The Roseneath community can expect to see a continued Police presence in the area while enquiries continue.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Oxford Terrace, Epuni is closed near Brees Street while Police respond to an incident.
The road is expected to be closed for some time. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area.
There is no ongoing threat to public safety.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: New Zealand Government
Legislation to repeal the Plain Language Act, which is a waste of time and money, has passed its first reading in Parliament today, Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.
“The Act, implemented by the previous government, compelled public service agencies to appoint designated ‘plain language officers’ and implement specific activities,” Ms Collins says.
“Rather than fix a problem, it created a problem whereby plain language officers had to be appointed, the Public Service Commission had to produce guidance documents and then agencies had to report to someone on something no one was quite clear on.
“That takes time, and time is money. It’s this sort of wasteful spending on bureaucracy that the Government is calling time on.
Repealing the Act means agencies will no longer be required to have a designated plain language officer.
“We need to trust the judgment and expertise of our public servants to communicate in language every taxpayer can grasp – without the need for designated officers or legal compulsion,” Ms Collins says.
“Repealing this Act cuts red tape and will allow the public service to get on with what really matters, which is delivering services for New Zealanders.”
Source: New Zealand Government
Inland Revenue is launching public consultation on proposals to make the Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) rules easier and to reduce compliance costs for taxpayers, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says.
FBT is a tax payable when the following benefits are supplied to employees or shareholder-employees:
“Public feedback will help shape final proposals which Government will consider this year. The proposals have also been designed to be broadly fiscally neutral as the changes will focus on enhancing the integrity of the tax system,” Mr Watts says.
“Inland Revenue has been working with private sector experts to develop practical options for modernising the rules and to reduce compliance costs. We have already heard a lot of feedback from small businesses, and therefore, Inland Revenue has incorporated a proposal to move away from a focus on absolute accuracy of usage and instead adopting a ‘close enough is good enough’ approach which could take a lot of the compliance cost sting out of FBT.
“The focus of the proposals in the consultation document relates to motor vehicles and other small benefits and aims to simplify requirements and ease the compliance cost burden.
“The Fringe Benefit Tax was launched 40 years ago and, in that time, only a limited number of minor adjustments have been made to the rules.
“It is a quite fitting coincidence that consultation is being launched on the 40th anniversary of fringe benefit tax coming into effect.”
The consultation document is available at https://www.taxpolicy.ird.govt.nz/consultation/2025/fbt-options-for-change with consultation closing on 5 May.
Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:
Headline: Making sense of turbulent times
What else will 2025 bring? Collab crosses to DC to speak with Raj Kumar, founding President & Editor-in-Chief of Devex, the media platform for the global development community. Raj breaks down the current turbulent times and identifies trends to watch in the coming year. A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, he is the author of the book “The Business of Changing the World,” a go-to primer on the ideas, people, and technology disrupting the aid industry.
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Source: Auckland Council
Hundreds of residents and visitors gathered in Muriwai on Sunday 23 March for the official unveiling and naming ceremony of Pou Hihiri – a new sculpture commemorating the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Designed by renowned artist Jeff Thomson in collaboration with the Muriwai community, the sculpture consists of eight columns and benches crafted from materials salvaged from Category 3 houses that were deconstructed following the devastating 2023 storms.
“What the sculpture stands for is multifaceted, says Clare Bradley, chair of the Muriwai Community Association.
“Using material from the deconstructed homes gives it a real connection to the event that led to their destruction.
“It serves as a strong reminder that this has happened in our community, so the events of 13 February 2023 will not be forgotten.”
Jeff reflected on the strong sense of community throughout the project.
“It’s been a fascinating project, and it’s still ongoing. I’ll continue to add materials to the sculpture until the deconstruction in Muriwai is complete,” says Jeff.
Linda Greenalgh, Group Community and Social Recovery Lead for the Recovery Office, shared how deeply the ceremony moved her.
“The whenua is regenerating, spaces are coming back to life, and there’s a strong sense of hope and momentum.”
Pou Hihiri is a fully self-funded public artwork, made possible through the generosity of hundreds of donors who contributed funds, artworks, products, services and time to bring this meaningful project to life.
Source: Te Pati Maori
The Privileges Committee has denied fundamental rights to Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Rawiri Waititi and Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke, breaching their own standing orders, breaching principles of natural justice, and highlighting systemic prejudice and discrimination within our parliamentary processes.
The three MPs were summoned to the privileges committee following their performance of a haka during the first reading of the Treaty Principles Bill. Their haka, rooted in cultural expression, has been unjustly branded as “disruptive and disorderly.” This characterisation undermines the significance of tikanga and highlights the ongoing marginalisation of te iwi Māori within the parliamentary system.
Despite requests for a fair hearing, the Committee has denied key legal rights, including:
“This decision not only undermines basic legal practices but also perpetuates the ongoing tyranny of the majority against Māori representation,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.
“Parliament continues to dismiss tikanga and justice, and this Committee is no different. They have already decided our fate. This is not a fair hearing. It is s a display of power designed to silence us.”
“No just legal system would tolerate such a blatant denial of rights,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader Rawiri Waititi.
“How can we defend tikanga when their decisions are predetermined? The Committee’s actions are yet another example of how Māori voices are systematically marginalised, entrenching discrimination within the halls of power.”
In light of these developments, the MPs have stated their refusal to attend the scheduled hearing, asserting that the conditions imposed deny them their rights to a fair hearing.
Please direct any queries, tikanga concerns, and double standards to the Chair of the Privileges Committee Judith Collins, apparently now an expert in all three.
Email: [email protected]
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police can now release the name of the man who died following a plane crash near Lake Hawea on 29 March.
He was Ivan Peter Van de Water, 65, of Wanaka.
Police extend their condolences to his family at this difficult time.
His death has been referred to the Coroner.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Privacy Commissioner
We try to facilitate a resolution to individual privacy complaints wherever that is possible and appropriate in the circumstances of the case. There are a number of mechanisms in the Privacy Act that allow us to do this:
Usually, we do this by way of a conciliation meeting between the parties, facilitated by an OPC staff member. Conciliation is a dispute resolution process similar to mediation – the difference is that a conciliator is a subject matter expert. Where conciliation isn’t appropriate, in some cases we will act as the ‘go between’ in shuttle negotiations.
‘Best endeavours’ won’t look the same in every case. We have to take into account all the circumstances of the case, including the conduct and wishes of the parties and the resources of our Office, when determining what is appropriate in each case.
We take a pragmatic approach to resolving complaints, and where a complaint is about access to personal information we would not usually conciliate, or try to resolve the matter using shuttle negotiations. This is because a complaint about access is either resolved by the granting (by the agency concerned) of access to the information requested, or by us reviewing the withheld information, and forming a view on whether the agency has a proper basis for its decision to withhold that information. Due to the secrecy obligations we have under the Privacy Act we cannot discuss withheld information and it wouldn’t usually be appropriate for the agency concerned to meet with the complainant in these circumstances, because they can’t discuss the information withheld either. However, we have conciliated complaints about access to information in some cases – for example where it appears to us the parties are at cross purposes about the scope of a request and facilitating a conversation will allow them to understand each other and the agency to respond to a request.
If one party makes an offer to settle a complaint, we are obliged to put that offer to the other party. This does not mean that we approve or endorse the offer.
Conciliation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It is similar to mediation, except the neutral third party has expertise in the issue in dispute. We have specially trained staff who can run this process.
We guide the conversation and help provide some structure, but the parties decide their own outcome. We are impartial, and we can’t compel an outcome, but we can give guidance on the Privacy Act if needed. We are also able to provide information on what might happen if the matter isn’t settled in the meeting.
There are many benefits of resolving your complaint though conciliation – if we are able to achieve a settlement through this process it can help the parties to be able to move forward and get some closure. It’s also an opportunity to ask the other party questions, human to human, to understand what went wrong, and what impact that has had. It is particularly useful where there is an ongoing relationship between the parties.
We have information about what the process looks like, and a conciliation preparation toolkit (opens to PDF, 187KB).
If both parties are willing to meet, we will work out who should attend and the work out the logistics. These meetings usually take place by Zoom or in person, and take two-four hours, depending on the issues to be discussed. We tailor the process to the parties and we will make reasonable adjustments if any of the parties have communication, cultural, disability or other needs. You can also have a support person or lawyer attend to support you, but you do not need one.
To get the most out of your conciliation, you should be prepared to be open to hearing and trying to understand the other party’s perspective, speak openly about your own experience and be willing to be flexible about the outcome.
The content of the conversation will be confidential, but our Office may take what is discussed into account when we are considering the appropriate next steps for the file.
There’s no formula for determining what a good resolution looks like: ultimately that’s up to the parties. An explanation and a heartfelt apology can go a long way to resolving a complaint.
Often complainants are seeking compensation, and in some cases that may be appropriate. We see all kinds of creative solutions though – that’s the beauty of getting people in the room and brainstorming to solve the problem together.
If we are able to reach a resolution of the complaint that will be documented in a settlement agreement, and both parties will have the opportunity to seek legal advice and contribute to the wording of the agreement.
If an agreement is reached, it will be in full and final settlement of the privacy complaint, and the matter can’t be pursued further in the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
If the conciliation meeting has not led to a resolution or a reasonable settlement offer, we will consider the appropriate next steps.
If we have notified under section 77, we may decide to formally investigate the complaint and form a view on whether there has been an interference with the complainant’s privacy. Alternatively, we may decide not to further consider the complaint if we consider this is unnecessary or inappropriate, or where, in the Commissioner’s opinion, one of the grounds for decline set out in section 74 applies.
If we are already investigating, we may make a finding about the substance of the complaint.
In appropriate circumstances the Commissioner may also consider taking additional steps available to him under the Privacy Act. This may include taking action under our Compliance and Regulatory Action Framework, referring the matter to the Director of Human Rights Proceedings or issuing an Access Direction.
If the agency has made a reasonable settlement offer, we will usually consider that the Commissioner’s involvement is no longer necessary. This is so even if the complainant doesn’t want to accept the offer. Our Office has limited resources, so where we consider there is a fair offer of resolution open for acceptance by the complainant, we will usually consider our further involvement is not necessary. Read an example of where this happened.
Whatever we decide, we will let the parties know as soon as practicable. If we decide to take no further action, we will close our file, and the complainant will have the right to take their complaint to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.
Source: New Zealand Government
Water projects in Northland will receive up to $41.5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to significantly increase the region’s water security and unlock economic growth, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.
“These water projects together will significantly improve water storage and security in the Mid Far North and enable economic growth through consistent access to water and irrigation infrastructure for horticulture and land development,” Mr Jones says.
The funded projects are:
The Otawere Pipeline project will see Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust consolidate the Otawere Reservoir on Waitangi River and expand its distribution network by 15km.
“This will provide water to a larger area of the community, and link to other key Mid Far North water storage projects to increase land-change opportunities in Kaikohe and surrounding areas,” Mr Jones says.
When it is completed, the infrastructure will enable 1600ha of productive land for Matawii, Waimate North and Mid North. The project will also employ 52 full-time staff during construction.
Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust will also receive up to $17.5m in the form of a loan to construct a 22km pipeline connecting the trust’s recently completed reservoir near Te Kopuru, to Dargaville.
“The Kaipara pipeline will extend to around 3000ha of prospective horticulture land between Te Kopuru and Dargaville and to Silver Fern Farm’s processing plant, the largest employer in the area.
“The plant faces challenges maintaining the continuous water supply it needs to keep operating throughout summer. Extending the pipeline to the processing plant will ensure a reliable water supply and continuous peak season operation,” Mr Jones says.
As part of this project, Te Tai Tokerau Water Trust and Kaipara District Council will combine the delivery of the Kaipara pipeline with an existing $7.8m Regional Infrastructure Fund flood resilience project, the Dargaville to Te Kōpuru stopbank upgrade.
The combined approach will lead to potential savings of $3m and a shorter delivery time through efficiencies across both projects.
“The Government’s investment in water is addressing barriers to development in regions like Northland, where a consistent water source is needed to unlock economic, environmental, and recreational resources for its communities,” Mr Jones says.
Editor’s note
Source: New Zealand Government
Updates to ACC’s Accredited Employers Programme taking effect today are designed to improve workplace injury rehabilitation for around one-fifth of New Zealand’s workforce and support our economic growth, says ACC Minister Scott Simpson.
“ACC’s fundamental purpose is to prevent injuries and get injured Kiwis back to independence as soon as possible. But rehabilitation rates have been slipping over the past decade, which is why they’re a crucial focus for me as I look to significantly improve ACC’s performance and long-term financial sustainability,” says Mr Simpson.
“The Accredited Employers Programme plays a big role in that – more than one in five full-time equivalent employees in New Zealand work for an accredited employer. I welcome the improvements ACC has made to enhance health and recovery outcomes for this substantial part of our workforce.”
The Programme allows sufficiently large employers to manage their employees’ claims for work injuries and occupational diseases in-house. In return for taking on the financial liability and claim management of work injuries, accredited employers receive a reduction in their work account levy.
The changes taking effect today include updates to improve performance monitoring and the way employers handle claims. These are the first substantive updates to the programme since its inception in 2000.
“The Accredited Employers Programme provides employers with a financial incentive to reduce workplace injuries and support staff to return to independence quickly,” says Mr Simpson.
“Ensuring employers help their employees get back to health and return to work makes absolute sense, as rehabilitation rates need serious improvement. These changes will ensure employers are meeting their obligations and providing the right support to their employees.”
Notes to editors
About the Accredited Employers Programme:
The Accredited Employers Programme includes some of New Zealand’s largest employers. There are around 130 employers in the programme, encompassing approximately 435,000 full time equivalent (FTE) employees, around 23 per cent of New Zealand’s total FTEs.
To remain in the Programme, Accredited Employers undertake an annual accreditation process, including an assessment, to ensure they are meeting all the requirements for the programme.
Source: New Zealand Government
Partnering with the private health sector is delivering better access and shorter wait times for elective treatment, Health Minister Simeon Brown.
“Ensuring Kiwis have access to timely, quality healthcare is a priority for the Government.
“Last month, I announced that Health New Zealand will be delivering an increase in elective procedures by partnering with private hospitals to make use of all available operating theatre capacity.
“This work will see more than 10,579 additional procedures carried out between now and the middle of the year – and good progress is being made.
“Delivery is ramping up, with more than 2,000 procedures completed so far. Priority is being given to patients waiting more than four months.
“The most frequent procedures completed so far are cataracts, hip replacements, ear procedures, tonsillectomies, knee replacements, and hernia repairs.
“We want to maximise capacity in the system so patients can get their surgery as quicky as possible.
“Partnering closely with the private sector will enable Health New Zealand to get on top of waitlists, ensuring Kiwis get the surgeries they need when they need them.
“This is key to achieving the Government’s health target of 95 per cent of patients to wait less than four months for elective treatment.
“We are investing more in health than ever before – a record $30 billion each year. Our focus is on putting patients first, ensuring New Zealanders can get the surgeries they need as quickly as possible,” Mr Brown says.
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on the Wellington Motorway on Saturday 22 March.
He was 72-year-old Alan Lindsay Ferguson, known as Lindsay, of Lower Hutt.
Our thoughts are with those close to him at this difficult time.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing, including speaking to those involved in the crash.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:
Headline: How to get a UN job
Want to land a job at a big UN agency? Collab is in New York to get some tips. Ann-Marie Wilcock has lived this dream for over 13 years. She has been in Nepal, Palestine and Pakistan with agencies like UNDP, FAO and MSF. Currently she’s at the UN as an Advocacy Manager. Along the way, to inspire and equip people to follow her footsteps, she’s created an excellent blog called Hit The Iron Bell.
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Source: Plant and Food New Zealand – Press Release/Statement:
Headline: Using sports passion for good
How to take public passion for something and focus it on a pressing issue? Collab chats with John Wroe, co-founder and CEO of Street Child United, which amongst other things runs an international tournament uniting teams of street children to play football and call for their rights to be realised. Hear John’s origin story about the NFP and his tips for working with sports stars, other celebs and funders.
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Source: ACT Party
Welcoming an overhaul of the Public Service Act 2020, ACT Public Service spokesperson Todd Stephenson says:
“Too many government agencies are trying to do too many things. Bureaucratic mission creep sees taxpayer money wasted on nice-to-haves, duplicated across different departments. Basic services are neglected even while headcounts balloon.
“Now, we’re getting the public service back to basics. Today the Public Service Minister announced an overhaul of the Public Service Act 2020.
“This delivers on an ACT coalition commitment to clarify the role of the public service, drive performance and ensure accountability to deliver on the agenda of the government of the day. And it comes after the Government last year issued a directive to all public service agencies requiring services to be delivered on the basis of need, not race.
“The role of the public service should be simple: to deliver services that cannot be delivered by the private sector, at a fair price for taxpayers.”
Source: Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA)
“Its focus on cursive writing at Year 8, for example, shows a complete lack of understanding of the challenges of secondary teaching and the extent to which teachers have to work to engage and motivate students and manage an ever-increasing range of abilities and behaviours.
“Similarly, making Shakespeare and authors from the 1800s compulsory. Does this actually reflect what the teaching profession considers would be best for the students that they teach?”
Moving away from a curriculum that is underpinned by Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a seriously backward move, says Chris Abercrombie.
It was also extremely concerning that the English teachers’ subject association had stepped away from the development of the draft curriculum.
“If the draft curriculum has been written outside of the frameworks developed by the profession, and the curriculum writers are not listening to the subject association that represents the profession, then we have to question what connection it has to the reality of the classroom.
“If there is no link between the curriculum and reality, then it will not be delivered or received well, resulting in more students being disengaged and more teachers leaving the profession.
“Good curriculum needs the input of the subject specialist teachers who are on the ground delivering it.”
Chris Abercrombie urged all English teachers and school leaders and the community to provide feedback on this. “We will be watching to see whether the Ministry of Education responds to that feedback.”
Last modified on Tuesday, 1 April 2025 14:22
From today, New Zealanders have new rights as power consumers under the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko’s (the Authority) Consumer Care Obligations (the Obligations). These new rules significantly increase the support people can expect from their power retailer – to help them find the best plan for their needs, understand their power use, manage bills, and stay connected.
Authority General Manager Retail and Consumer Andrew Millar says the obligations set customer care standards that all power companies must follow, and New Zealanders can rely on.
“The new rules include requirements for respectful communication, protection for vulnerable consumers, and fair and reasonable fees. Retailers have indicated to us that they are ready to meet these obligations, and our new retail monitoring regime means we’re ready to ensure that happens.
“Now we want all New Zealanders to know what they can rightfully expect from their power retailer, and who to turn to if they do have a problem,” says Millar. “We’ve published this information on yourpower.co.nz
“Kiwi households rely on electricity and deserve to receive a consistent and reliable level of customer care. With lines charges going up this year, it was particularly important to us that the Obligations are fully effective well before winter. We’ll keep an open mind about whether further strengthening of the rules is required as the Obligations are bedded-in, and we monitor for compliance and consumer outcomes.”
The Authority advises anyone having trouble with their power provider to first contact their retailer but highlights that Utilities Disputes UDL.co.nz is the place to go for help with power related complaints.
“Power companies are on board with the new Obligations and have worked quickly over the past four months to ensure they’re ready to comply,” Millar says. “But if you have a problem you can’t solve with them directly, you can contact UDL, who provide a free, independent service to resolve complaints between consumers and their power or gas company.”
Support and resources for the Consumer Care Obligations are available on the Electricity Authority’s website www.yourpower.co.nz
UDL can be contacted online at udl.co.nz or on 0800 22 33 40
SUMMARY OF THE NEW CONSUMER CARE OBLIGATIONS
What do the Consumer Care Obligations mean for you, and what should you do if you need support?
What are the Consumer Care Obligations?
The Consumer Care Obligations are minimum standards that all power companies must follow when supplying electricity to residential consumers. These obligations provide:
How do they protect me as a consumer?
The Consumer Care Obligations set clear rules to ensure fairness and support for all electricity consumers. These include:
What should I expect from my power company?
Power companies are required to provide positive, practical advice on reducing bills and tailored payment plans if you are experiencing payment difficulties. You should also expect:
Your power company should support you to stay connected and avoid debt. You should expect proactive communication and referrals to support services as disconnection should be a last resort.
What rights do I have when it comes to fees?
Power companies must charge fair and cost-reflective fees. This means:
Can my power company disconnect me?
Your electricity provider must follow a set process before they disconnect you, which includes giving you time to pay any outstanding debt. Seek help if you need it and discuss options with your power company to manage your power costs to avoid disconnection.
Your power company cannot disconnect your power if they are aware that you or someone in your household is medically dependent on electricity. To ensure this protection, it is important to:
What can I do if I’m struggling to pay my bill?
If you are having trouble paying your electricity bill, it is important to contact your power company as soon as possible.
Power companies are required to:
The sooner you reach out, the more your power company will be able to do to help you stay connected.
What if I’m not happy with my power company’s service?
If you are unhappy with how your power company is treating you, there are steps you can take:
If you or UDL have a serious concern about a power company’s behaviour, the Electricity Authority will investigate.
If you believe your power company is not meeting its Consumer Care Obligations, you can also raise a concern with the Electricity Authority.
We encourage you to first contact your power company and UDL as they may be able to resolve your issue more quickly.
How does the Electricity Authority ensure these rules are followed?
The Electricity Authority monitors power companies to ensure they follow the Consumer Care Obligations. If a power company fails to meet these rules, the Authority will take appropriate action to enforce compliance.
Most power companies aim to do the right thing, but consumers should know their rights and speak up if they are not receiving fair treatment.
Learn more about your power and consumer rights at www.yourpower.co.nz