NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt health and safety changes put workers at risk

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Changes to New Zealand’s health and safety laws will strip back key protections for small businesses and put working Kiwis at greater risk.

    “New Zealand already has one of the highest rates of workplace deaths in the developed world. Despite this appalling record, the Government is choosing to weaken our health and safety laws,” Labour workplace relations spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.

    “These changes are reckless and completely out of step with what business and labour experts want to see.

    “Everyone deserves to come home from work safely. The Government had an opportunity to improve health and safety for working New Zealanders but has instead chosen to remove protections for working people, increasing the chance of tragedy.

    “Employers, unions, and safety experts have come together to urge practical improvements, such as better system leadership, clearer regulations, and greater investment in WorkSafe. According to WorkSafe data, 17 people die every week in New Zealand as consequence of their work. It also shows that every 15 minutes, someone is injured seriously enough to spend a week away from work.

    “The Government is doing to health and safety what they did to school lunches: gutting something vital and leaving people worse off.

    “This Government has shown time and again that it’s more interested in scoring ideological points rather than listening to experts. Health and safety isn’t a political game, it’s about making sure everyone gets home safely,” Jan Tinetti said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers welcome health and safety reset

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers says health and safety changes announced by the Government today mark the start of a long overdue reform and are a step in the right direction.
    “Federated Farmers have been very clear that New Zealand’s current health and safety rules aren’t working,” says health and safety spokesperson David Birkett.
    “They’re too strict, ambiguous and seem to have added more cost, complexity and compliance onto farmers, without any better outcomes.”
    Birkett says today’s announcement from Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden outlines the first moves toward a more practical system.
    “We welcome this move to focus the legislation on critical risks, rather than managing every single risk possible.
    “We know many farmers, and other business owners, want to do the right thing but just don’t know where to start when it comes to health and safety – it’s currently too unclear.
    “This change will help make health and safety more accessible and pragmatic, reducing unnecessary costs and giving businesses more clarity about what they need to do to be compliant, while still leaving room to develop a health and safety mindset to tackle other harms.
    “The first set of changes out today show things are finally moving in the right direction and we look forward to seeing the detail of the changes announced.”
    Birkett says farm safety is crucial, but the system needs to be grounded in fairness, practicality, and common sense.
    “We need to reduce workplace incidents, but that hasn’t happened under the current rules – and all we’ve seen is a rise in clipboards, road cones, and fluorescent vests.”
    Federated Farmers is proud to have played a meaningful role in helping get this reform over the line, he says.
    “It was great to host the Minister at our Advocacy Hub at National Fieldays last year, where she announced these reforms would be taking place.
    “Since then, we’ve hosted a national webinar with the Minister for our members and hosted her in Gisborne to hear directly from farmers about what’s not working on the ground.
    “We’ve been fully involved throughout this process – making sure the real-world farming perspective is heard loud and clear.”
    Birkett says Federated Farmers will continue working constructively with the Government and WorkSafe to ensure these reforms land in a place that gets real results for farmers.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH11, Haruru reopens

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A stretch of Puketona Road / State Highway 11, closed due to an earlier fatal crash, has now reopened.

    Police acknowledge the public’s understanding and cooperation while our enquiries were carried out at the scene.

    An investigation is underway into the circumstances of the fatal crash.

    ENDS

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Vehicle sought in relation to investigation, Miramar

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:

    Police investigating a homicide and aggravated burglary in Miramar are appealing for information from the public regarding a vehicle seen in the area, and items of clothing located near the property that was burgled.

    At around 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 at around 2.20am on Monday 17 March 63-year-old Abdul Nabizadah was located with serious head injuries at the intersection of Camperdown Road and Totara Road. Sadly, Mr Nabizadah subsequently died in hospital and a homicide investigation was launched.

    A large Police team is working to establish whether the incidents are connected and we are continuing to appeal for any information.

    We wish to speak to the driver of a Grey or Silver Mazda Atenza / Mazda 6, 2006 model that was seen driving through Darlington Rd / Camperdown Rd intersection several times between 11.50pm Sunday 16 March and 2.17am Monday 17 March. The CCTV image shows the vehicle and the reference image shows the make and model of the vehicle sought.

    We hope that the driver of this car will be able to assist Police with enquiries. If this was you or if you recognise this vehicle and know who the driver is, please contact Police.

    We are also interested in information about two items of clothing left at the Darlington Road burglary scene. We believe that both items were left by the burglar and, while a person has already been charged in relation to the burglary, we continue to seek any information about the clothing items.

    The first item is a white baseball hat with red swastika on the front.

    The second item is a pair of H & H size 8 woman’s gumboots. It is possible that these had been stolen from a nearby residence, maybe a back door, insecure shed or porch by the alleged burglar. Police ask that anyone who believes that these may be their gumboots to please contact us.

    We wish to thank the community for their help so far, and we note that community assistance helped identify the man running in Darlington Rd who was the subject of a previous appeal.

    We continue to appeal for information about a man seen walking down Camperdown Road from Totara Street and who turned right in to Darlington Road from Camperdown Road at 12.28am. The man was wearing a light-coloured top and dark pants. We urge this person, or anyone who may know them, to come forward as soon as possible.

    We understand these incidents are upsetting and concerning for the community and the investigation team are working tirelessly to determine the circumstances around Mr Nabizadah’s death and to bring closure for his family.

    If you have any information that could help the investigation teams, please update us at 105 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.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Going for growth: cutting health & safety red tape

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government will boost economic growth by reforming health and safety laws to lessen the cost and burden of compliance on low-risk businesses, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says.

    “We’re delivering on the ACT-National coalition agreement to reform health and safety laws and regulations. We want all Kiwis to return home safe after every working day. 

    “I have travelled across the country meeting with businesses, employers, and workers about how the current system works for them and what they want to see in this reform that will make their work safer. What I have been hearing consistently is that small, low-risk businesses are not sure which risks to focus on and struggle to meet the costs of compliance.

    “I’ve listened and I’m acting. Cabinet has today agreed to a suite of system-wide changes, including sharpening the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, to cut through the unnecessary red tape holding these businesses back.

    “The first change will be a carve-out for small, low-risk businesses from general Health and Safety at Work Act requirements. These businesses will only have to manage critical risks and provide basic facilities to ensure worker welfare.

    “For example, a small clothing shop would still need to provide first aid, emergency plans, and basic facilities, such as suitable lighting, but wouldn’t need to have a psychosocial harm policy in place.

    “This will improve outcomes for businesses and workers by focusing the system on critical risks and getting rid of unnecessary costs, making sure there is less paperwork and more clarity on what will make workplaces safe.”

    Cabinet has also agreed to:

    Reduce tick-box health and safety activities that do not protect workers from harm by sharpening the primary purpose of the Health and Safety at Work Act to focus on critical risk,
    Address over-compliance due to overlapping health and safety duties by clarifying the boundaries between the Act and regulatory systems that already manage the same risk,
    Cut compliance costs by reducing notification requirements to the regulator to only significant workplace events (deaths, serious injury, illness and incidents),
    Help end the proliferation of road cones by providing a hotline for the public to report overzealous road cone use, and for WorkSafe to confirm and provide guidance on instances of over-compliance.

    I’ve travelled across the country to hear health and safety concerns, and at nearly every meeting, someone raised the issue of sea of road-cones. I am directing WorkSafe to confirm and provide guidance on instances of road cones overcompliance. Having WorkSafe focus on this will be a culture shift for the agency, but it signifies the broader direction this Government is taking with the health and safety system. 

    “These changes are just the start of the Government’s reform programme. I will be seeking Cabinet decisions in the coming months that will further improve WorkSafe and address sector-specific pain points.

    “Workers can be assured that their employers will prioritise the right actions to protect them from harm, and they know where their attention should be to keep themselves and their workmates safe.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Research – Democracy at risk – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand

    Democracy at risk
    Recent research commissioned by the Helen Clark Foundation raises serious concern for social cohesion in Aotearoa. This research is not alone, with other reports raising similar issues, including a 2024 survey carried out by the OECD that reported only 44% of New Zealanders believed that the political system allowed people like them to have a say in what Government does.
    These reports are part of a broader concerning context. This includes actions by Government showing a disregard for a fundamental part of our constitutional make-up – Te Tiriti. Many communities are facing deeply disturbing attacks, as recently highlighted by the violence encountered at Pride. We’re seeing accountability and transparency challenged through issues like an increased use of urgency by successive Governments and ongoing serious problems with the Official Information Act, to name a few.
    Community plays an important role when it comes to connection and belonging. Aotearoa New Zealand’s many community groups create spaces for people to come together, connect and collectively work to better their communities and broader society. However, so many community groups that can provide these spaces are reporting serious financial strain. Additionally, many people participating in these community groups have suffered personal consequences as a result.
    Lisa Woods, Movement Building and Advocacy Director for Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, said, “For so long now we’ve been hearing from people who have faced serious attacks because they tried to stand up for human rights and contribute to societal conversations. People are having to take a step back from participating as a result.
    “These are not signs of a healthy, thriving democracy. In fact, this is a risk to human rights across the board,” said Woods.
    It is clear action is required in a number of areas. This starts with getting our foundation right.
    Jacqui Dillon, Executive Director of Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand, said, “Step one for Aotearoa New Zealand is upholding Te Tiriti and the tino rangatiratanga it guarantees.
    “In doing so we can build a strong foundation that provides a place for us all to belong, for respectful relationships to flourish and a just foundation for how we can make decisions together,” said Dillon.
    The Government must recognise there is a problem and work in partnership with communities to explore how we can strengthen our society. For example, how can people and communities be more empowered to influence policy and have a say over their future. This is especially important when it comes to people who will be most impacted by an issue.
    Decision-makers need to consider who needs to be around the table at the earliest stages of policy development and think more creatively about how the policy process can work to truly empower people and communities.
    “When our systems are designed so we can all make a meaningful contribution, we can all benefit in so many ways, including more well-rounded and informed decision-making, stronger communities and feelings of belonging and connection.
    “Our democracy is stronger when there’s space for everyone to take part meaningfully,” said Dillon.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and safety reforms allow small business to focus on what matters most

    Source: Business Central

    Changes to health and safety laws announced today will allow small businesses to focus on the most critical risks, says Business Central CEO Simon Arcus.
    “Safety is essential to every workplace, but our current health and safety laws don’t reflect levels of actual risk.
    “A retail shop or small office is a very different environment to a construction site, yet our current laws require small business to address their risks in similar ways.
    “Small businesses can easily be overwhelmed by the breadth of our health and safety laws, which add unnecessary complexity and cost.
    “This change will not only reduce costs to business – it will make low-risk environments safer by focusing on the most critical risks.
    “It also frees up the regulator, WorkSafe, to focus on areas where it can have the most impact on reducing harm.
    “Today’s announcement is the first in a series of changes designed to reduce red tape for business. 
    “Reducing compliance for small, low risk businesses is a proportionate, sensible step.”
    Business Central is the largest business membership organisation in Central New Zealand, representing more than 3500 businesses across the lower North Island and Nelson and providing a voice to many thousands of stakeholders in business. It is part of the BusinessNZ Network, alongside the EMA, Business Canterbury and Business South.
    The organisation supports a number of regional business membership groups – Business Central, Wellington Chamber of Commerce, Porirua Chamber of Commerce and ExportNZ (Central, Hawke’s Bay, and Wellington).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Safety changes driven by ACT party ideology – CTU

    Source: Council of Trade Unions (CTU)

    Health and Safety changes driven by ACT party ideology, not evidence, said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff.

    Changes to health and safety legislation proposed by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden today comply with ACT party ideology, ignores the evidence, and will compound New Zealand’s dismal health and safety performance.

    “It’s disappointing to see the Minister has ignored the widespread consensus on what New Zealand needs to do to improve its poor track record and instead has chosen to carve out small businesses from good health and safety practices,” Wagstaff said.

    “Exempting small businesses from best practice health and safety makes no sense when we know that small business are riskier and need more support.

    “The Government seems to think the biggest obstacle to our poor productivity and health and safety outcomes is too many road cones. It’s no wonder New Zealand can’t get ahead when our leaders in Government seem so out of touch, and have no credible responses to these challenges.

    “Given the massive challenge we have as a country to improve our health and safety performance, it’s astounding the Minister would target the use of road cones and expect WorkSafe to focus its scarce time and energy on creating a hotline.

    “The Minister has been quick to cut support for important issues like modern slavery, and sat on her hands on other important health and safety concerns, like banning engineered stone. It would seem that this Government is more concerned about road cones than either of these issues.

    “What’s worse is that these changes are being justified on the basis of cutting red tape for economic growth. Good business know that proper health and safety is not a compliance cost.

    “On average there is a workplace fatality every week, another 20 are killed from occupational disease, and thousands more are incapacitated by injuries. Nothing in these proposals signals an intent to improve these numbers,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Exploring local Howick Enviroschools

    Source: Auckland Council

    Howick Local Board members recently embarked on an inspiring visit to four local Enviroschools, where they saw firsthand the innovative environmental initiatives being embraced by students and staff.

    Enviroschools is a programme that supports children and young people to plan, design and implement sustainability actions.

    Participating schools range from early childhood through to secondary school and beyond.

    Enviroschools are a key part of the board’s Tō Tātou Taiao/Our Environmental [5.92MB] in its local board plan, with $200,000 in funding supporting the effort. This works alongside other Pest Free Howick initiatives including the annual Pest Free competition, native tree projects for birds, iwi-led restoration of Te Naupata/Musick Point, and Garden To Table.

    Enviroschool tour

    Sustainable Schools Advisor Cate Jessep shares that the purpose of these visits is to highlight the significant outcomes of Howick Local Board’s long-term support for Enviroschools in the area. These visits allow the Board to see firsthand the impact of their investment in helping teachers and principals engage students in real, sustainable learning.

    On Friday 28 March 28, Howick Local Board members, along with new Enviroschools principals and key teachers, visited four local Howick Enviroschools, including Pakuranga Baptist Enviro-Kindergarten, Our Lady Star of the Sea in Howick, Mission Heights Junior College, and Mission Heights Primary in Flatbush.

    Howick Local Board chair Damian Light says, “Empowering our community to take environmental action is a key objective of our Local Board Plan. And our tamariki and rangatahi are critical to the success of this. It’s been wonderful to see firsthand the amazing work that is happening in our local kura.”

    Everyday activities that make an Enviroschool thrive

    Pakuranga Baptist Enviro-Kindergarten is buzzing with exciting activities. From Outdoor Explorers walks to a bee water station, their garden is thriving. The kids engage in 3D mapping, recently explored Ohuiārangi Pigeon Mountain, and participate in local plantings. What’s more, they have regular conversations about caring for Papatūānuku, with composting being a key topic. It’s a fantastic, hands-on approach to environmental learning.

    “Enviroschools in Howick have made a significant impact, with over 1,000 students in the Pest Free Howick program, 40 schools reducing waste by up to 74%, and initiatives like the Moth Plant competition, Garden to Table, and carbon footprint programs. Four new schools have joined this year, bringing the total to 33 out of 44 schools in Howick. These efforts are creating a generation of leaders in sustainability, with many students advancing to leadership roles in sustainable careers. This is what we aim to showcase through these visits,” Cate adds.

    Ka mihi ki a Ranginui, ki a Papatūānuku, ka mihi ki te ngao o te wheiao I About Enviroschools

    Enviroschools is a nationwide programme supported by Toimata Foundation and a large network of regional partners. Early childhood centres and schools commit to a long-term sustainability journey, where tamariki/students connect with and explore the environment, then plan, design and act in their local places in collaboration with their communities.

    There are 1,629 enviroschools nationwide of which 343 are in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

    Integrating Enviroschools into school and centre life offers many benefits, including:

    1. Environmental: Promotes healthy spaces, biodiversity, and water quality

    2. Economic: Fosters youth entrepreneurship and reduces waste

    3. Educational: Turns schools into learning hubs for sustainability

    4. Social and Cultural: Reduces litter and vandalism, encouraging community involvement.

    Stay connected

    Sign up to receive our Howick Local Board monthly e-newsletters.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business Canterbury welcomes health and safety changes

    Source: Business Canterbury

    Business Canterbury welcomes today’s announcement by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Hon Brooke van Velden, that will see significant reforms to health and safety legislation, providing much-needed red tape relief for businesses across Canterbury.
    Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “The reforms represent the most substantial changes to health and safety since the current legislation was enacted in 2015, with a shift towards focusing on critical risks rather than requiring businesses to address all potential risks regardless of likelihood or severity.”
    “The carve-out for small business and a refocus on critical risks are significant steps forward and appropriately use the levers available to government to right-size the rules and enhance health and safety outcomes.
    “It has always been a bit of a head scratcher that small, low risk businesses need to operate using the same principles and rules as large industrial businesses. This has led to complexity and confusion that costs time, energy and money for businesses – without necessarily enhancing safety outcomes.
    “Many businesses feel like they need to have pages and pages of risks in a register to comply with the law – many of which are then impossible to prioritise, or even remember, amongst management and staff.
    “Not all risks have huge consequences on safety and these changes go further in clarifying what is required by businesses. This allows them to really focus their time and energy, and their employees time and energy, on the risks that do have severe consequences.
    Another key issue raised during Business Canterbury’s recent session with members and the Minister was the role of WorkSafe as the primary health and safety regulator.
    “The overwhelming feedback from our members was that WorkSafe’s advisory role should take precedence over its inspectorate or enforcement functions.
    “Businesses want to keep their teams safe and are looking for clear, actionable advice from regulators on what is ‘practicable’.”
    We look forward to further engagement with the Government to make these changes in addition to those announced today.
    About Business Canterbury
    Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business support agency in the South Island and advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers – Review of costly capital rules long overdue

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers welcomes today’s announcement that the Reserve Bank will be reviewing its capital requirements, which have been costing farmers a fortune.
    “The current rules are overly conservative and among the strictest in the world,” Federated Farmers banking spokesperson Richard McIntyre says.
    “That’s why Federated Farmers have been so vocal on this issue and leading the charge in calling for the Reserve Bank to make significant changes.
    “Overly strict banking rules have done nothing but unnecessarily drive up the cost of rural lending and restrict our access to capital. To put it bluntly, they’ve been bleeding us dry.
    “We’re pleased the Reserve Bank has finally seen the light and taken the first steps towards easing some of the pressure farmers have been feeling by announcing this review.”
    McIntyre says he hopes the Reserve Bank will move quickly in carrying out the review and will put in place a system that is less conservative and more supportive of economic growth.
    The current rules – requiring banks to hold enough capital to withstand a one-in-200-year financial event – are costing farmers a fortune, he says.
    “We’re talking about $600 million of unnecessary extra interest payments each year in terms of the total cost to farmers.
    “That’s $44,000 of extra interest payments for your average Federated Farmers member that comes straight off their bottom line.
    “It’s an eye-watering sum of money being drained from our rural communities that could have otherwise been used to grow our agricultural sector.”
    McIntyre says the Reserve Bank must wake up to the damage its policies are doing to farmers, rural communities and the wider economy.
    “Under these rules, we’ve seen the cost of borrowing soar, and it’s become harder for farmers to get loans when they need them.”
    If there are savings to be made from reducing capital requirements, those savings must reach farmers directly, he says.
    “Any savings that result from an easing of the capital rules cannot go into padding out bank profits – we’ll be keeping an eye on that closely.
    “This review should also encourage a closer look at bank behaviour. We need transparency to ensure farmers are getting a fair deal.
    “Today’s announcement is a positive step in the right direction, but we need this review to result in an easing of the rules – and fast.”  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – Health and safety refocused on task at hand – BusinessNZ

    Source: BusinessNZ

    Health and safety law reforms announced today will make it simpler for small businesses to keep their workplace safe and people healthy, says BusinessNZ.
    Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the cost of compliance for small, low-risk businesses often overshadows best intentions.
    “Everyone deserves to expect a safe working environment – no matter the workplace. But red tape surrounding compliance and prohibitive costs have taken away from the task at hand – that is making sure people come home from work in one piece.
    “Small businesses are unsure which risks to focus on and often struggle with costs of compliance. The Government’s call to limit health and safety requirements in small, low-risk businesses is a sensible approach.”
    “Beyond small businesses, several more changes are on the horizon which should reduce resource-consuming paperwork and ‘tick-box’ exercises which have little to no direct impact on wellbeing at work.
    “BusinessNZ supports the war on red tape and encourages businesses to speak up on matters in all areas of work that add unnecessary strain and make it harder to simply do business.”
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – Reducing red tape for small businesses will ensure better health and safety compliance – EMA

    Source: EMA

    Reducing unnecessary paperwork for small, low-risk businesses will allow them to focus on the critical risks that are capable of causing serious injury, death or illness in the workplace, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).
    The government has listened to the business community and responded in a positive but measured way with today’s announcement of changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act.
    “Reducing the red tape faced by small businesses will allow them to focus on the things that matter,” says EMA Manager of Employment Relations and Safety Paul Jarvie.
    “While this change in focus will not reduce safety in the workplace, it should reduce time-consuming paperwork and ‘tick-box’ exercises that have little to no direct impact on wellbeing at work.
    “When critical risks are identified, they must be managed comprehensively.”
    The changes will also reduce the amount of reporting small businesses provide WorkSafe for minor injuries or those not itemised in legislation.
    “This will free them up to improve other parts of the business, resulting in increased productivity and wellbeing,” says Jarvie.
    “The other changes announced by the Minister, such as reviews of traffic cone usage and the duplication of legislative coverage, also reduce the costs of compliance and free up resources.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and safety reform: missed opportunity to make workplaces safer

    Source: New Zealand Institute of Safety Management

    Health and safety professionals say the Government has squandered an opportunity to make serious inroads into New Zealand’s appalling workplace health and safety record.
    “The reform plan announced today is underwhelming and unambitious,” said Mike Cosman, New Zealand Institute of Safety Management Chair. “The Government has missed a golden opportunity to improve our poor health and safety performance.”
    50-70 people a year die in workplace accidents (double the rate of Australia and four times that of the UK). Another 700-1,000 die from workplace diseases and many thousands of others suffer significant harm.
      “We want to see all workers come home to their families healthy and safe; we can’t see these reforms improving these dismal numbers.
    “The reforms are focused instead on costs to businesses of prevention and not the much greater costs of harm. This seems to be looking through the wrong end of the telescope to us because the cost of our poor health and safety record is north of $4.9 billion per year to say nothing of the impact on workers and their families.
    “We’re deeply worried about proposals to exempt small businesses from some health and safety rules. Small businesses are less safe than big ones so this change is backwards. Why should workers face more risks if they work for smaller companies?
    “The sad thing is that the Minister had a blueprint that she’s ignored. All the players in our health and safety system have been clear what’s needed but the Minister appears not to have listened.”
    In October last year, key players from across the health and safety system including employers, experts, unions, academics, and representatives of our highest risk sectors wrote to the Minister and her Cabinet colleagues setting out what we know will fix our health and safety system. These recommendations highlighted the need for a much more strategic and coordinated approach.
    “Apart from some improvements to guidance development by WorkSafe, Minister van Velden has ignored advice from employers, workers and experts.
    “If the Prime Minister wants New Zealand be the best place in the world to live in by 2035then he should make turning around our shameful workplace injury and illness record a top priority. And if he wants to grow the economy, we need a healthy workforce to do it. An injured worker puts strain on businesses, ACC and the health system.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transporting New Zealand welcomes ferry certainty but warns of risks

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Transporting New Zealand has welcomed the detail provided by Minister for Rail Winston Peters in today’s procurement update about Cook Strait ferries.
    “It is positive that the road freight industry has some certainty around the Cook Strait connection. This includes a Christmas 2029 deadline for delivery of two new vessels, the fact they will be rail enabled, and that combined passenger and commercial vehicle lane metres will increase from 4,380 vehicle lane metres to 4,800 vehicle lane metres,” says Policy and Advocacy Lead Billy Clemens.
    “However, it is frustrating for many of our road freight members that it’s taken so long to get to this point, and that scheduled delivery now sits close to the end of the current fleet’s natural design life.
    “The Government cannot afford further delays. This tight timeframe makes bipartisan support for the current project particularly important.
    “Back in June 2024, the Ministerial Advisory Group on Future Ferry Services on the Cook Strait recommended that a contract for new ships be signed by 1 October 2024 at the latest. It noted this would mitigate the risk that ‘potentially advantageous options could be taken up by other operators and lost to the Crown while KiwiRail works to settle the HMD [iReX] claim’.”
    Transporting New Zealand also warns that procuring rail-enabled vessels will mean the Government has to keep a close eye on the project budget.
    “Transporting New Zealand hasn’t taken a fixed view on rail-enablement vs rail-compatibility, but we have noted that Ministry of Transport advised the Government in December 2023 that the rail-enabled iReX ferries and the associated land-side infrastructure were a key factor in the project’s cost escalation.”
    Transporting New Zealand looks forward to continuing to work with the Minister for Rail, Ministry of Transport, and KiwiRail to ensure a resilient Cook Strait Connection.
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Its members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech – Samsung To Launch Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, The Most Powerful Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner in the World

    Source: Samsung

    Ground-breaking new vacuum cleaner unveiled at Samsung’s annual global launch event  is now ready to expand to the global market

    AUCKLAND, New Zealand – March 31, 2025 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the global rollout of the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra, the world’s most powerful cordless stick vacuum cleaner, which was unveiled at the Welcome to Bespoke AI global event held this month. Featuring the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0 and advanced HEPA filtration system, this latest innovation builds on Samsung’s leadership in smart home cleaning appliances.

    “Samsung has proven its next level innovation in the cordless stick vacuum cleaner segment by launching the most powerful model in the world,” said Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Building on the previous achievement of the Bespoke Jet AI, which was the world’s first UL verified AI-powered cordless stick vacuum cleaner, we’re confident that this new model will be a true game changer in the global market.”

    Clean Thoroughly With Our Most Powerful Suction Power

    The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra boasts suction power of up to 400W to tackle even the toughest cleaning tasks. The HexaJet Motor is the key component that generates high suction power. Its unique Hexagon stator structure with a second-stage diffuser and an impeller with the reduced thickness improve airflow and increase motor efficiency, thus enabling up to 400W of suction power. Plus, the motor allows the vacuum cleaner to run for up to 100 minutes on one battery when using Min mode, so users can clean their whole house in one go.

    Intelligent Cleaning Support Through AI Cleaning Mode 2.0

    The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra also introduces the upgraded AI Cleaning Mode 2.0. By sensing the brush load and vacuuming air pressure, this mode can classify a total of six different cleaning environments using Samsung’s AI Optimum Tech and automatically adjust the cleaning performance. When using the Active Dual Brush, it can recognise whether a carpet is normal or long-pile. The vacuum cleaner senses corners with the Slim LED Brush+, as well. And by adjusting the suction power and brush speed for the different cleaning environments, it uses power more efficiently, reducing battery power use by 21% and increasing manoeuvrability by 8% with performance akin to Mid mode.

    Advanced HEPA Filtration System

    Complementing this powerful and intelligent experience, Samsung has enhanced the filtration system to ensure dust particles are captured when air is expelled from the vacuum cleaner. The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra features a Multi-layered Filtration system that effectively traps fine dust. When air comes in, internal compartments like the cyclone and a metal mesh grille filter catch dust particles in succession. As a result, it achieves a filtration efficiency of 99.999%.

    Another distinctive benefit is that Samsung has implemented HEPA filtration into its Multi-layered Filtration system. With this system, the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra captures dust particles as small as 0.3µm, allowing less dust to escape into the air.

    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.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

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

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can now release the name of the woman who died following a crash in Naenae on Thursday 27 March.

    She was 60-year-old Vanessa Rithia Houpapa, of Naenae.

    Police extend our condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.

    A 25-year-old woman is due to reappear in the Hutt Valley District Court on 29 April, charged with excess breath alcohol causing injury and excess breath alcohol causing death.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Three more years for Interislander ferries

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Winston Peters is shopping for smaller ferries after Nicola Willis torpedoed the original deal, which would have delivered new rail enabled ferries next year.

    “Instead of scoring two ferries for $551 million, Winston Peters has informed us he will progress with two smaller ferries but has no contract, or costs,” Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

    “Ultimately this deal will include the ongoing costs associated with the cancellation of iRex, which continue to rise. Additional costs of $1.16 billion could have been avoided if Nicola Willis hadn’t botched the deal – including cancellation of the original deal and ongoing maintenance of the current ferries.

    “Due in 2029, all we know is that the ferries are smaller than those Winston Peters was involved with negotiating in the first place. That must have been a hard pill to swallow for the Minister for Rail.

    “Now we are shopping for smaller ferries, and a whole lot of cash has been sunk at the bottom of the Cook Strait. That’s all down to the Minister of Finance.

    “All Winston Peters has announced today is that New Zealanders will be waiting another three years for ferries and still have no idea how much they’re going to cost.

    “The ships still aren’t sailing but the money sure is. Nicola Willis has the opposite of the Midas touch,” Tangi Utikere said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Kiwis worse off this April thanks to Govt choices

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    April 1 used to be a day when workers could count on a pay rise with stronger support for those doing it tough, but that’s not the case under this Government.

    “April 1 is now a painful reminder of how much more Kiwi families are being forced to pay,” Labour jobs and incomes spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

    “This Government has made a series of choices that have left New Zealanders worse off. Jobs are being cut, wages are falling behind, and support for struggling families is being scaled back. Times are tough for a lot of families, with the Government’s choices making it even tougher.”

    Here’s just some of the ways this Government is stripping away support for New Zealanders:

    • The minimum wage will rise by a measly 35 cents, well below inflation. This means tens of thousands of workers are effectively taking a pay cut.
    • Electricity lines charges are increasing, driving up power bills by an average of $10 a month, just as we head into winter. In some regions, the increase could be as high as $25.
    • Student loan interest rates for overseas borrowers are jumping to 4.9%, hitting young Kiwis hard who are trying to make ends meet
    • Jobseekers have increased by almost 22,000 people in the past 12 months alone
    • Māori and Pasifika whanau have it worse, with unemployment figures almost double that of the general rate

    “Meanwhile, National is prioritising landlords over hard-working Kiwi families by letting landlords claim a 100% mortgage interest deduction, a $2.9 billion tax cut. That’s money that could have gone to lifting wages, funding school lunches, or expanding access to public housing but instead it’s going to wealthy property investors,” Ginny Andersen said.

    “The jump in jobseekers in the past year is an utter indictment on this Government’s policies,” Labour social development spokesperson Willie Jackson said.

    “Under Labour, April 1 meant higher wages and more support for those doing it tough. Under National, April 1 has turned into a day workers and struggling families dread,” Willie Jackson said.

    Stay in the loop by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT welcomes RBNZ’s review of banking red tape

    Source: ACT Party

    Welcoming the Reserve Bank’s review of banking capital requirements, Mark Cameron – who represents ACT on the select committee inquiry into banking practices – says:

    “ACT Party has been sounding the alarm about these rules since 2019, so we’re glad to see the Reserve Bank finally take notice.

    “These rules are driving up borrowing costs for firms, farms, and families.

    “Last week, as part of the Parliamentary banking inquiry, I asked Westpac CEO Catherine McGrath about the effect of the capital requirements. She told me that reversing the capital requirement introduced in 2019 would result in an additional $2 billion circulating in the economy – or about a 50 basis point cut in interest rates.

    “BNZ previously confirmed to me that costs are falling particularly hard on famers, with the rules driving up rural interest rates by one whole percentage point. It’s about time our farmers got a fair go to invest in their land so they can feed New Zealand and the world.

    “The irony is that by putting pressure on sectors such as farming, these rules risk putting people out of business and fuelling the instability the rules are meant to prevent. Hopefully the Reserve Bank will see sense and scrap these burdensome requirements.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH11 closed due to fatal crash

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises State Highway 11 is closed near Haruru due to a fatal crash.

    The closure is between the State Highway 10/SH11 intersection at Puketona and Haruru and is expected to remain in place for a least a couple of hours while the NZ Police Serious Crash Unit investigates.

    Traffic will be detoured via State Highway 11 from Kawakawa.

    People are advised to check the NZTA Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) for up-to-date information on the closure before they travel.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Help shape the future of farm plastics recycling

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is encouraging New Zealanders, particularly in rural areas, to share their views on proposed regulations to improve the management of farm plastic waste, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says.

    “The proposal – an industry-led initiative – would bring the existing Agrecovery and Plasback programmes into a single national recycling system, making services simpler and more accessible for all users of regulated farm plastics,” Ms Simmonds says.

    The proposed regulations would support a nationally consistent product stewardship scheme for agrichemicals, their containers, and farm plastics, helping farmers and growers reduce their environmental impact while maintaining productivity.

    “Plastic products are vital to New Zealand’s world-leading agri-economy, but rural communities know that waste like agrichemical containers and bale wrap can quickly pile up,” Ms Simmonds says. 

    “These regulations will provide a unified system where producers, sellers, and users take responsibility for the entire product lifecycle, from design to disposal.”

    Public consultation, opening today, will focus on regulations supporting the new product stewardship scheme, provisionally named Green-farms. In addition to farmers and growers, industries such as forestry, manufacturing, hospitality, and tourism, as well as local authorities and households, would have access to national take-back services.

    “The scheme offers a practical solution for a wide range of consumers, including households needing proper disposal options for pest and weed control product containers,” Ms Simmonds says.

    The programme will ensure farmers have access to free-to-use drop-off sites and collection services while working alongside regulations for producers and importers.

    “Key industry stakeholders back the scheme, which offers a better alternative to burning or burying plastic waste on farms. Rural communities want a simple, effective system, and we welcome feedback to refine the proposed regulations,” Ms Simmonds says.

    Consultation on the new regulations will run until 1 June 2025.

    Information and submission forms are now available: Proposed product stewardship regulations: Agrichemicals, their containers, and farm plastics – Discussion document | Ministry for the Environment

    Further information:

    Agrichemicals and their containers, and farm plastics are one of six priority products for which stewardship schemes must be implemented under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008: Priority product stewardship | Ministry for the Environment

    Read more about the scheme: Agrecovery’s Green-farms Product Stewardship Scheme accredited to create more recycling opportunities for farmers – Agrecovery

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rail-enabled ferries a victory for common sense

    Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

    The Maritime Union has welcomed today’s announcement from Minister of Rail Winston Peters the two new Cook Strait ferries will be publicly owned and rail enabled, meaning that they can carry rail wagons.

    Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the union had strongly argued for this outcome to the Minister, and the decision was a victory for common sense.

    He says rail-enabled ferries ensure the long-term viability of both the national rail network and the Cook Strait ferry connection.

    Mr Findlay says the developments around reduced expenditure on the new terminals and port infrastructure will be closely watched by the Union

    He says today’s announcement was probably the best that could be expected in the circumstances given the cancellation of iRex by Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

    Mr Findlay congratulated the membership of the Maritime Union including the crews of the Interislander ferries for their strong support for the Union campaign Our Ferries, Our Future.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Business – Appointment of Chair-elect for Mainland Group – Fonterra

    Source: Fonterra Co-operative Group

    Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd today announces the appointment of Elizabeth (Liz) Coutts ONZM as Chair-elect of Mainland Group, the proposed divestment entity of Fonterra’s global Consumer business.  

    An internationally recognised director and executive, Liz is currently Chair of ASX and NZX-listed companies EBOS Group Ltd (ASX/NZX:EBO) and Oceania Healthcare Limited (ASX/NZX:OCA), as well as private telecommunications company 2degrees Group Limited.  

    In the event of an initial public offering (IPO) for Mainland Group, Liz would be the Non-Executive Chair of the Board, presiding over the go-forward growth strategy.

    Fonterra Chair Peter McBride says the Co-op is pleased to have appointed Liz to head the Mainland Group Board.  

    “Liz has a proven track record of over 20 years as a Board Director, Audit Committee Chair and Board Chair across sectors. She brings extensive governance experience from both large private and public companies, and her leadership will be invaluable should we pursue a public listing for Mainland Group,” says Mr McBride.

    This appointment follows Fonterra’s announcement in February of the selection of René Dedoncker as CEO-elect and Paul Victor as CFO-elect of Mainland Group.

    Fonterra continues to pursue both a trade sale and IPO as potential divestment options for its global Consumer and associated businesses.  

    Over the coming weeks, it will be assessing non-binding indicative offers from potential purchasers and has recently completed meetings with prospective investors as part of the IPO process.  

    “This divestment is firmly grounded in an understanding of how Fonterra best creates value for farmers and New Zealand, both today and for generations to come.”  

    “We are thoroughly testing which divestment option will return the best value to farmer shareholders, while providing an ownership structure that allows our Consumer brands to continue to grow. A divestment remains subject to approval from Fonterra’s farmer shareholders and we will be putting our chosen option to them for a vote in due course,” says Mr McBride.  

    Fonterra continues to target a significant capital return to be made to farmer shareholders and unit holders following the divestment.

    About Fonterra  

    Fonterra is a co-operative owned and supplied by thousands of farming families across Aotearoa New Zealand. Through the spirit of co-operation and a can-do attitude, Fonterra’s farmers and employees share the goodness of our milk through innovative consumer,foodservice and ingredients brands. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to leaving things in a better way than we found them. We are passionate about supporting our communities by Doing Good Together.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – RBNZ expands access to the Exchange Settlement Account System

    Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    31 March 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua is opening access to its Exchange Settlement Account System (ESAS) following a comprehensive public consultation.

    On 27 March 2025 the Reserve Bank Board approved revised access criteria for the ESAS, the payments and settlement system used by banks and other approved financial organisations.

    The new access criteria were informed by a multi-year review of ESAS access. The review included two public consultations, the most recent in November 2024.

    The new criteria will open ESAS eligibility to more non-bank entities in two phases:

    First, to licensed non-bank deposit takers (NBDTs) in New Zealand; and
    Second, to other entities that meet the access criteria. This may include payment service providers, overseas deposit takers and operators of designated Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs).

    “The revised policy and criteria allow ESAS access and use to be broadened while protecting the safety, efficiency and integrity of this vital system,” RBNZ Payment Services Director Steve Gordon says.

    ESAS application process

    Licensed NBDTs in New Zealand have requested access to the ESAS to hold reserves to meet prudential liquidity requirements.

    While every application will be carefully and individually assessed, the way licensed NBDTs in New Zealand intend to use the ESAS, and their regulation by RBNZ, mean their application process will be less complex than other non-bank entities and can be expedited.

    We are working to finalise details and information for potential applicants so we can open the application process as quickly as possible.

    As soon as practicable in the coming weeks, we will publish submissions from the second ESAS access review consultation, the revised access policy and criteria, and information for phase one applicants to begin the application process.

    We will provide another update, and revise ESAS content on our website, when more information is available.
     

    More information

    Existing information about ESAS and the access review on the RBNZ website: Exchange Settlement Account System – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=0cd9396071&e=f3c68946f8

    Information about FMIs on the RBNZ website: Financial market infrastructures – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=6a2771c173&e=f3c68946f8

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport Sector – Delay in replacing Cook Strait Ferries major risk for industry and economy

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    The first results from the 2025 National Road Freight Survey show that 79 per cent of road freight industry participants agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that “the delay in replacing the Cook Strait ferries is a major risk for the road freight industry and New Zealand economy”.
    The survey, undertaken by Research NZ on behalf of national road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand, was open to road freight company owners, managers, drivers and staff across the country. 196 industry participants took part in the survey, that closes at midday today (Monday 31 March).
    Transporting New Zealand Advocacy and Policy Lead Billy Clemens says the survey results highlight the importance of the Government’s upcoming announcement on Cook Strait ferry procurement and achieving meaningful progress on getting replacement vessels operating.
    “Transporting New Zealand and our members are looking for the forthcoming announcement to provide certainty around the procurement process, and a timeframe for when we can expect replacement vessels and the necessary landside infrastructure.
    “We recently met with Minister Peters, the Minister for Rail, and reiterated our position that competition must be maintained across the Cook Strait connection, there must be capacity for the forecast growth in the domestic freight task, and maintaining the frequency of services must be a priority.
    “The results of the National Road Freight Survey confirm what we’ve been hearing consistently from our members and industry sector groups – the Cook Strait connection is a real priority for the road freight industry.
    “Approximately $30 billion in freight crosses the Strait each year, so it is essential to have a safe and resilient connection between the islands. This is particularly vital for carriers who carry livestock and other time-sensitive freight. It’s also particularly important to the Mainland, with most freight travelling south.
    “Back in June 2024, the Ministerial Advisory Group on Future Ferry Services on the Cook Strait recommended that a contract for new ships be signed by 1 October 2024 at the latest, noting this would mitigate the risk that ‘potentially advantageous options could be taken up by other operators and lost to the Crown while KiwiRail works to settle the HMD [iReX] claim’.
    “The road freight industry needs to see some real progress being made on procurement.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Walk Without Fear Trust welcomes new sentencing reforms aimed at restoring public safety

    Source: Walk Without Fear Trust

    The Walk Without Fear Trust strongly supports the Government’s newly announced sentencing reforms aimed at ensuring real consequences for serious crime and repeat offending.

    The Trust, which advocates for safer communities, justice for victims, and proportionate, meaningful consequences for offenders, believes the reforms are a vital step toward deterring repeat offenders and restoring public confidence in the justice system.

    Chairman Eugene Bareman says the measures will go a long way toward shifting the balance back in favour of victims and those impacted by violence.

    “For too long, we’ve seen offenders getting break after break while victims and their families are left to pick up the pieces,” says Bareman. “These changes send a clear message that there are consequences for criminal behaviour, and that the safety of our communities matters.”

    The Trust especially welcomes the introduction of new aggravating factors for those who target sole-charge workers and livestream their crimes, and the capping of sentence discounts that have often been misused in cases involving serious offending.

    Walk Without Fear Trust remains committed to advocating for a justice system that is fair, firm, and focused on the needs of those harmed by violent crime.

    About Walk Without Fear Trust

    Walk Without Fear Trust was established in honour of professional fighter Fau Vake, who tragically lost his life in 2021 after an unprovoked attack on a night out in Auckland. The Trust exists to advocate for safer communities, justice for victims of violent crime, and meaningful accountability for offenders. Through public education, policy advocacy, and victim support, Walk Without Fear aims to ensure no one has to fear walking their own streets.

    Website: www.walkwithoutfear.org/
    Facebook: Walk Without Fear Trust
    Instagram: @walkwithoutfeartrust
    LinkedIn: Walk Without Fear Trust

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment – Exhausted Bupa aged care workers take a stand against proposed cuts

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    On Tuesday, New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) BUPA members will be making a stand on behalf of their communities over fears planned restructuring will harm the safety of residents.
    The rally is part of a response to proposed nationwide changes by BUPA and other major aged care providers which will cut nurses’ and caregivers’ hours and increase workloads – putting the health and safety of elderly and frail residents at risk.
    NZNO delegate and aged care worker Epenesa Mutimuti says staff at aged residential care facilities across the country are in shock that at a time when New Zealand is in dire need of health care workers, and they’re under tremendous pressure, aged care providers are proposing cuts to care time.
    “The Government’s failure to adequately fund aged residential care is leading to providers to make impossible decisions that hurt both residents and workers, including Bupa.
    “Cutting back nursing and caregiver hours at aged care facilities puts the health and safety of vulnerable residents at risk.
    Epenesa Mutimuti says many workers are being forced to reduce their hours, which will leave them unable to afford essential living costs. Others are being made redundant after many years of loyal service.
    “In the 20-plus years I’ve been working in aged care, these are the worst conditions I’ve come across. We have no time to see to residents anymore.”
    Residents, their families and staff were not consulted when proposed changes to staffing were made by the employer, she says.
    “Staff feel their feedback, and that of residents and their families on the impact of quality care and health and safety has not been fairly considered.”
    The main rally takes place from 3.30pm at the corner of Park Road and Carlton Gore Road in Newmarket, Auckland.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment Issues – IPL fuel workers strike begins over unfair bonus scheme exclusion – Workers First Union

    Source: Workers First Union

    Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue through mediation, IPL continues to offer the bonus only to non-union employees, a decision that Workers First says is unlawful under the Employment Relations Act 2000.
    “Our members are taking strike action today after being denied the same rights as their colleagues because they’ve chosen to bargain collectively,” said Justin Wallace, Workers First organiser. “Denying union members a financial benefit that non-union members receive is a clear-cut case of discrimination.”
    The strike, which began today, will continue for six days from 12:01 AM – 11:59 PM on March 31 and April 2-6. As IPL plays a key role in fuel testing for airports and petrol stations, the strike could slow the certification and release of fuel, including jet fuel, potentially impacting supply chains. Channel Infrastructure, the owner of IPL, manages a critical 170-kilometre pipeline delivering diesel, petrol, and jet fuel to the Auckland and Northland markets, which constitutes 40% of New Zealand’s fuel demand.
    “The responsibility for any disruption lies squarely with IPL and Channel Infrastructure,” said Mr. Wallace. “This issue could have been resolved if management had chosen to treat all employees fairly rather than punishing those who are unionised.”
    Channel Infrastructure recently reported a net profit of $26 million for the full year ending December 31, 2024. Despite a 6% drop in profits compared to the previous year, revenue increased by 7% to $139.8 million. The company has also invested $55 million in infrastructure projects and signed long-term contracts worth around $120 million.
    “This is not a question of affordability – it’s about fairness,” said Mr. Wallace. “Even non-union staff can see the injustice and support our members’ stand.”
    “IPL needs to stop discriminating and extend the bonus scheme to all eligible employees. We remain open to further discussions if they’re willing to address these concerns in good faith.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Wet weather and warmer nights ahead – MetService

    Source: MetService

    Covering period of Monday 31st March – Thursday 3rd April – As another month with below-average rainfall comes to a close, MetService is forecasting a wet and warm second half of the week. This is as a large weather system approaches from the Tasman Sea, bringing with it much-needed rainfall to parched areas of Aotearoa New Zealand.

    By the last day of the month, parts of Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato have received less than half of their typical March rainfall.

    MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane comments, “It would seem that March is carrying the baton, continuing the legacy of a dry 2025 so far. Many will be looking for rain about now, and this week holds one of the more promising rain-bearing weather systems we have seen in a while.”

    While the start of the week sees settled weather prevail—apart from the odd shower for some spots—Wednesday into Thursday marks a shift to wetter conditions as a large weather system moves across the country. Western and northern parts of both the North and South Islands may see heavy rain, while strong northerly winds are also possible, particularly for the North Island.

    “Whether the rain and wind arrive late Wednesday or Thursday, the second half of the week will be the one to watch. Keep an eye on the MetService website for Severe Weather Watches or Warnings issued in the coming days, as well as more information about any potential impacts,” Makgabutlane advises.

    Western parts of the North Island have been relying on spotty showers that have only brought patchy rainfall. This weather system looks to bring more widespread wet weather. It will take more than this one system to make a meaningful difference to the current dry situation. However, it is a step in the right direction.

    Warm, humid nights are also in store later this week as a moist, northerly airflow covers the country. Overnight temperatures in the mid to high teens can be expected for many, a stark contrast to the recent low single digits that brought frost to some areas. Auckland can expect nighttime lows of around 18°C for most of this week, while Christchurch will only drop to 15°C on Friday morning—its warmest overnight temperature in over a month.

    “The last time much of the country saw overnight temperatures this warm was mid-February with a similar system from the Tasman Sea. The result will be very different feeling weather compared to the cold fronts from the southwest that have been the norm recently,” Makgabutlane says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –