NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 6 creative community galleries to check out

    Source: Auckland Council

    If Auckland was an artwork, it would be a vast tapestry woven with the colourful threads of the many cultures that make up its diverse population. There are heaps of ways for art lovers to explore the creative fabric of Tāmaki Makaurau, including public artworks and art trails, galleries and community centres.

    While Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the epicentre of the city’s art scene, further afield there are community art galleries that showcase the vibrant work of artists from all fields and walks of life. The directors and curators from six local galleries share what makes their gallery.

    20 Hastings Road, Mairangi Bay

    Mairangi Arts Centre has an extensive workshop programme, including the popular pottery classes.

    What to expect: “Tucked away in the middle of Mairangi Bay, Mairangi Arts Centre (MAC) is a hidden gem, often overlooked by those passing by,” says Clint Taniguchi, general manager at MAC. “It holds a special place in the community as one of Auckland’s oldest art centres, boasting a rich legacy deeply intertwined with the local residents.

    “Mairangi Bay itself has a village atmosphere, and MAC plays a vital role in this close-knit community, fostering strong connections with local schools, organisations and businesses. It’s always heartwarming to hear from families who fondly remember taking art classes here as children, and who are now bringing their own children to experience the same joy of creative exploration.

    “There are three galleries: the Main Gallery, the smaller Hewson Gallery, and the MAC Artspace which is dedicated to exhibitions by our members. We also have four art studios, including a Clay Studio.”

    Get involved: Mairangi Arts Centre offers more than 60 classes and workshops throughout the year for children, youth and adults. Classes range from clay handbuilding and wheel throwing, to comic book illustration and painting classes.

    Something unexpected: Outside the facilities is Mairangi Arts Garden, a community-driven space dedicated to enriching native biodiversity.

    Don’t miss: “We will be participating in Auckland’s World Of Cultures festival with our exhibition and event Culture and Beyond. Following that, we will have a Pop Up! Cash n’ Carry exhibition in conjunction with an Open Day event in our garden. In May, we look forward to hosting exhibitions by the Korean Photography Association of New Zealand and an art collective, Dreamworks.”

    35 Uxbridge Road, Howick

    UXBRIDGE has an extensive kids’ arts programme with special events in the school holidays.

    What to expect: “We combine a number of wonderful facilities: art studios, workshops, theatre, art gallery, dance studio and a number of spaces for community hire,” explains director Paul Brobbel. “The building has an interesting history. Uxbridge began as Presbyterian church in the early 1900s and became an art centre in 1981. The church architecture (now the theatre) is the centre of Uxbridge’s identity. In 2016, a redevelopment merged the older architecture with the addition of modern offices, studios and a cafe.”

    Get involved: Uxbridge hosts a range of adult and children’s classes and workshops including its well-known painting, pottery and jewellery classes, plus popular new offerings such as bonsai and kintsugi workshops.

    Something unexpected: “Visit on a Saturday and you’ll see one of Auckland’s busiest places for art buzzing with dancing, workshops, children’s art and an amazing cafe. We’re in the heart of Howick with beautiful views of Hauraki Gulf and just minutes from the beach.”

    Don’t miss: “April sees our popular school holiday programme return with several workshops each day (some full-day options). We also have children’s films playing in the theatre. Our next term of classes also has some exciting workshops such as the return of pounamu carving and a new meditative drawing workshop, as well as Sculpting for Beginners with Shona Lyon.”

    Lopdell Precinct, 418 Titirangi Road, Titirangi

    The Upstairs Gallery on level one of Lopdell Precinct showcases artists such as Pusi Urale.

    What to expect: “We pride ourselves as being a gallery that supports local emerging talent, and our goal is to be a launching pad for future artists,” says co-director Carlos Vano. “We create an environment that’s welcoming but also provides a platform for artists to hone their skills of presentation to the community. We physically have a small gallery, so when people visit I like to tell them about other facilities in Lopdell Precinct such as the Don Binney artworks on permanent display in the hallway, Te Uru gallery next door, and the rooftop which has beautiful views of Manukau Harbour. There are also photos and information on the history of Lopdell House so visitors can learn more about the building itself.”

    Something unexpected: “We started with visual arts but soon found a need for expansion. We now hold movies, workshops, performance arts events, music gigs, pop-ups and artist talks. We are open to all groups and individuals that approach us.”

    Don’t miss: “We have a group show in April called Aspire which asks artists what your aspirations are? What would you like to happen with your future? We also have two solo shows in late April and May from Paola King-Borrero and Ahsin Ahsin.”

    420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi,

    Te Uru features several gallery spaces and is Auckland’s second largest art gallery.

    What to expect: “We are a beautiful six-storey building nestled at the foothills of the Waitākere Ranges,” says Te Uru director Adrienne Schierning. “We have six different gallery spaces, a purpose-built education space and a gallery shop. We’re open seven days a week, so visiting us is a great day out – perhaps on your way to one of the stunning west coast beaches or for a walk through Waitākere Ranges Regional Park. Entry to the gallery is free at all times.”

    Get involved: Te Uru offers after-school classes and holiday programmes for kids as well as creative kids’ birthday parties. There are also adult classes in a range of media (including Renaissance drawing and botanical watercolours) and one-off weekend workshops for adults such as raranga harakeke (flax weaving). Upcoming adults’ weekend workshops include an eco-paint and pastel making in April and a life drawing in May.

    Something unexpected: “People are often surprised by how big the gallery is and the architecture of the space. We are Tāmaki Makaurau’s second largest gallery. Often people don’t expect to see such an impressive facility in Titirangi. The architecture of the building is an artwork in its own right. Te Uru opened ten years ago and was designed by Mitchell Stout Dodd architects, and they won the New Zealand Architecture Award for Public Architecture for their work on Te Uru. The building has two impressive staircases at either end, and throughout it has a wonderful sense of openness and light. You get views of the bush and the harbour. Although you are inside a sturdy modern building you feel a connection to nature.”

    Don’t miss: “Photosynthesisers: Women and the lens is a huge survey of 41 women artists including queer, trans women and fa’afafine from Aotearoa and Australia. Soft Spot is an exhibition of three artists from Aotearoa – Ming Ranginui, Claudia Kogachi and Erica von Zon. We will be opening Pauline Yearbury: Life in Forms on 3 May which is really exciting, and we also have Maungrongo Te Kawa exhibiting until 22 June.”

    2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson

    Corban Estate Arts Centre in Henderson is the site of a former winery.

    What to expect: Luana Walker, kaiwhakahaere/director at Corban Estate, says, “We’ve got everything an arts lover could want: Galleries, artist studios, classrooms, heritage spaces for hire, a performing arts theatre, a historic homestead and even a glass-casting workroom.

    Plus a café for when creativity requires caffeine. Corban Estate has a rich past, from its days as a working winery to its transformation into a thriving arts hub. There’s a sense of history woven into the walls, and you can feel the creative energy of those who’ve passed through.

    “But my absolute favourite moment is seeing children spill out of our classroom spaces at the end of a workshop, clutching their freshly made creations with pure excitement,

    paint-covered hands, big smiles, and the kind of joy that reminds you why art matters.”

    Get involved: “If you can make it, paint it, cast it, carve it or sketch it, we probably teach it! Our workshops range from printmaking, abstract painting, contemporary embroidery, graffiti workshops, wet felting, sculpture and glass casting. Basically, if you can make a mess doing it, we probably run a class for it.”

    Something unexpected: “Corban Estate was once a fully operational winery, complete with a cellar and a theatrette. If walls could talk, these ones would have some fascinating fermentation tales to tell!

    “People are also often surprised by the sheer scale of the place. It’s not just a gallery, it’s a sprawling creative hub filled with studios, workrooms, performance spaces and a whole lot of artistic energy. It’s a place where history and innovation collide, proving that creativity, much like a good wine, only gets better with time.”

    Don’t miss: “Kids Arts Festival – Celebrating Colour is happening on 5 April, bringing a vibrant explosion of creativity for all ages. From 1-24 April we’re featuring Rainbow Machine, a mobile artwork and part of the Auckland Council Public Art Collection.

    “There’s also The Great Snake Search, a free holiday trail winding through the estate in honour of the Year of the Snake, and Dragon Boat Festival Family Day, a cultural celebration full of storytelling, craft, and connection.”

    5/46 Fair Mall, Ōtara

    Fresh Gallery Ōtara holds scheduled monthly exhibitions of contemporary Pacific art.

    What to expect: Fresh Gallery Ōtara is an art space showcasing contemporary Pasifika artists and exhibitions relevant to the gallery’s location and its communities. The exhibitions change every six to seven weeks, offering fresh and diverse works throughout the year.

    Everything apart from the permanent furniture changes regularly. Fresh Gallery was established in 2006 as a partnership between Manukau City Council and the Ōtara community. The gallery’s program includes emerging solo artists, local school groups and collaborative group exhibitions, showcasing a variety of artistic voices and perspectives.

    Get involved: Fresh Gallery regularly holds workshops that are of interest to the local community such as a recent virtual reality and mixed media workshop held by Shivani Karan. Check out Fresh Gallery’s Facebook page for upcoming events. The public programs run alongside our exhibitions, providing opportunities for the community to engage with artists, learn more about their work and participate in creative discussions and activities.

    Something unexpected: Fresh Gallery is located next to the Ōtara Flea Market and every Saturday the town centre area is packed with people and stalls.

    Don’t miss: In April, Fresh Gallery Ōtara has an exhibition by Sean Hill, titled Sequencergy, running until 12 April. In May, the gallery will present an exhibition by Marie Mapa until May 24.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Luxon quick to give away principled position on nukes

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Christopher Luxon seems to have thrown New Zealand’s principled anti-nuclear advocacy under a bus.

    New Zealand has long opposed India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, but the Prime Minister has walked that back in the India-New Zealand joint statement.

    “The Government appears to have abandoned New Zealand’s long held objection to India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group. New Zealand along with Ireland, Austria and China have opposed India joining the group because it has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT),” Labour’s disarmament spokesperson Phil Twyford said.

    “The Nuclear Suppliers Group aims to ensure nuclear trade for peaceful purposes does not contribute to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and its rules require members to have signed the NPT.

    “In his haste to get trade talks underway it seems Christopher Luxon has given away our position on a significant anti-nuclear issue. He needs to understand that having an independent foreign policy means we sometimes differ with our friends and trading partners on matters of principle.

    “We’re very proud of our nuclear-free status, however Luxon seems to have folded without much consultation or thought. Shame on him,” Phil Twyford said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: The Oppression the Left Forgot

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    Your property is safe as Parliament is shut and David Seymour is the Acting Prime Minister. Yesterday, ACT made the big announcement that for the first time ever, we’re seeking candidates to stand in local council elections. We want common-sense Kiwis to champion lower rates, less waste, equal rights, and an end to the war on cars. If that sounds like you, learn more at actlocal.nz.

    Meanwhile ACT MPs have been out in force at A&P Shows and Field Days, they report tremendous support from rural New Zealand and we are grateful to hear it.

    The Oppression the Left Forgot

    Besides a pandemic, the last decade has consisted of economic paralysis and cultural division as Governments dumped years of live-and-let-live liberalism to focus on identity politics. Jacinda Ardern and Justin Trudeau were the pin ups for this dismal movement, managing to tank their respective countries’ economies and make everyone angry at each other.

    Free Press regrets to inform you that the DEI brigade missed a large oppressed group. This group has disastrous education statistics, lives years less than the national average, in part because of their high suicide rates, and is far more likely to be arrested, charged, sentenced, and imprisoned. Some speculate this is due to years of violence, including being held in state institutions, and in armed conflict.

    In recent years, prominent members of this group have been forced by their managers into public humiliation, pronouncing that they’re sorry for being part of this group. The group is regularly ridiculed in media and advertising, and not expected to complain.

    The group is, of course, men. If any other group had the social statistics men do, there would be a special ministry, a ‘day,’ targeted support programs, and probably quotas to help them on their way.

    That there is none of that, and that some people will be angry to read any of this, is just one of those modern mysteries. Why are men such a blind spot for all the luvvies, despite dismal social statistics that would normally justify an entire Government department?

    Some will point out that women do face serious problems. Domestic and sexual violence are overwhelmingly problems for women. Even today there is a connection between domestic work and earned income. Claudia Goldin won the Nobel prize for explaining the remaining gender pay gap this way.

    Other people having problems, or even causing other peoples’ problems, has never stopped the luvvies before. There must be some better reason why men’s abysmal suffering is not the subject of some major leftie sympathy.

    Our best theory is that men doing badly blows up the whole DEI identity politics movement of the past decade. The movement’s basic story is that if anything is wrong in the world it’s because bad people have been oppressing them, perhaps for hundreds of years.

    Why are Māori doing badly in the stats? Colonisation. Women? The patriarchy. LGBTQI+. So many reasons. There is even a fattist movement claiming ‘society’ has designed its aeroplane seats, magazines, and institutions to silence fat voices (we are not making this up).

    But who oppressed men? Men can’t be oppressed. They are needed to play the villain of the piece. In a play where everyone is a victim or a villain for historic reasons, not everyone can be good, and certainly not those needed to be bad.

    A worse conclusion would be that women are oppressing boys. Practically all early childhood teachers, six-out-of-seven primary teachers, and two-out-of-three high school teachers are women.

    If it was the other way around the picture would seem sinister. Perhaps teacher gender is why last year 42 per cent of girls came out of high school with University Entrance compared with 32 per cent of boys. Oddly this explanation of oppression by a dominant group has not been emerged.

    Nor should it. The whole idea that we are not thinking and valuing individuals but instead members of a group is bunk. It’s led to more division and anger than it’s worth (which is not much to start with). It’s disempowered people by making them think they are products of history, instead of masters of their own destiny.

    A better way is to let people problem solve by innovating. Charter schools are a pin-up example of this. Vanguard Military School (run by ex-servicemen), and Te Aratika Academy (run by a civil construction firm) offered different education that some might see as filling the male role-model gap in education.

    The same could be said for most problems we’re currently blaming on colonisation, the patriarchy, or whatever cause du jour is on people’s minds. More innovation in social services, more economic opportunity for people who want to take it, a more dynamic and innovative society generally is what’s needed.

    For all those who still think the world is made up of victims and villains, with the past made up of endless oppression, what are you doing for men?

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Export growth narrows current account deficit to $5.9 billion – Stats NZ media and information release: Balance of payments and international investment position: December 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Export growth narrows current account deficit to $5.9 billion – 19 March 2025 – The seasonally adjusted current account deficit narrowed to $5.9 billion in the December 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    The current account deficit was $475 million narrower than the previous quarter due to an increase in the value of services exports (up $688 million) and goods exports (up $669 million).

    “Spending by overseas visitors while in New Zealand led the increase in services exports, while dairy and meat led the increase in goods exports,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: RIF delivering for regional NZ, more to come

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Coalition Government’s drive for regional economic growth through the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund is on track with more than $550 million in funding so far committed to key infrastructure projects, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

    “To date, the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) has received more than 250 applications. Approved investments align with the Government’s focus areas of enabling growth and water storage, supporting energy generation and Māori economic development, and increasing resilience,” Mr Jones says.

    “The Government is committed to boosting the economy by prioritising spending through the RIF to areas that deliver the best impact regionally. While the eligibility criteria are tight, the breadth of projects already approved are remarkable and I have no doubt they will have significant impacts on regional economies. 

    “From investment into cutting-edge technology like supercritical geothermal energy to ensuring our regions can better cope with devastating weather events, the RIF is playing an important role in delivering well-planned resilient and enabling infrastructure.”

    Mr Jones also today released dates for further regional summits.

    “Last year I made it a priority to travel around the country to talk to communities about their regional priorities, and ideas and aspirations for their regions. So far we have held 10 summits, with more than 1200 stakeholders attending. I’m pleased to confirm the remaining four summits for this year.”

    Regional Growth Summit Date
    Canterbury  Friday 28 March
    Chatham Islands Tuesday 15 April
    Wairarapa & Kāpiti  Friday 9 May
    Otago Friday 16 May

    Editors’ note

    The Regional Infrastructure Fund is a capital fund with the primary purpose of accelerating infrastructure projects, particularly with a focus on water storage, energy, Māori economic development, growth, and resilience.

    Committed funding includes approved funding and funding ring-fenced for specific purposes but is yet to be approved for release.

    More information about the RIF can be found on the Grow Regions website.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Comments following bilateral with US Secretary of State Rubio

    Source: New Zealand Government

    [Comments following the bilateral meeting with United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio; United States State Department, Washington D.C.]
    * We’re very pleased with our meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio this afternoon. * We came here to listen to the new Administration and to be clear about what is important to New Zealand. Today, we enjoyed substantive and productive discussions with Secretary Rubio across a broad range of issues. * There’s a lot happening in the Indo-Pacific, and indeed our world. It’s a seriously valuable time to be here in Washington DC. * Secretary Rubio has had a long career in foreign policy and it was helpful to re-connect with him and hear his insights into what is going on.* This has been a very successful visit to Washington DC, meeting with a wide range of representatives of the Trump Administration.* We agreed that we should continue to work together for a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific. And we talked about all the areas where New Zealand and the United States have interests in common. These include the prosperity and stability of the Pacific Islands, space and technology, as well as Antarctica where our cooperation has been deep and longstanding. * This visit has provided the starting point for considering what constructive cooperation between New Zealand and the United States might look like in the months and years ahead. * This is just the first step. We will now go back to New Zealand to discuss with Cabinet colleagues what we have learned here in Washington DC.* With Secretary Rubio, we have agreed to remain in close contact in the months ahead. We will no doubt see each other again later this year, whether at a regional meeting or back here in DC.
     
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New State Highway 2 roundabout to improve road safety in Eastern Bay of Plenty

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The intersection of State Highway 2 (SH2) and Wainui Road in the Eastern Bay of Plenty will be made safer and more efficient for vehicles and freight with the construction of a new and long-awaited roundabout, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop. 

    “The current intersection of SH2 and Wainui Road is on a sweeping bend with limited visibility. There were nine crashes at this intersection between 2014 and 2023, three of them were injury crashes, one of which was serious. Construction of a roundabout here will make a real difference to the safe and efficient travel of local road users,” Mr Bishop says. 

    “Delivering safe roading infrastructure that supports economic growth and productivity is a priority. SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne is a main route for locals, tourists, and freight between Tauranga and Gisborne. Around 5,000 per day vehicles use SH2 between Ōpōtiki and Wainui Road, with 15 percent heavy vehicles. 

    “The 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme prioritises investment in road safety and efficiency by encouraging safer driving behaviour, vehicles and infrastructure. Funding is available for improvements at the highest-risk locations, which includes the intersection between SH2 and Wainui Road. 

    “The roundabout at SH2 and Wainui Road is expected to cost around $10 million from business case through to completion and will complement a raft of improvements already completed in the area, such as road widening, side barrier installation, and line marking.  

    “Construction is due to start in April and will take approximately 12 months to complete. Final costs for the roundabout will be confirmed once the contract is awarded this month. 

    “I want to thank the local community in advance for their patience as this important work to make SH2 safer is carried out, and I look forward to it being completed as soon as possible.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stand Up for Palestine: A Call to Action Against Israels Treacherous Attack

    Source: Te Pati Maori

    At 2.30am local time, Israel launched a treacherous attack on Gaza killing more than 300 defenceless civilians while they slept.

    Many of them were children.

    This followed a more than 2 week-long blockade by Israel on the entry of all goods and aid into Gaza.

    Israel deliberately targeted densely populated areas, schools, homes, and shelters for displaced people in the middle of a ceasefire.

    Donald Trump, who claims credit for the ceasefire, was consulted ahead of this attack. Neither Israel nor the United States have provided any justification for their actions.

    “This was a clearly premeditated act of terrorism on people who are trying to piece their shattered lives back together during ceasefire,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and Human Rights spokesperson Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

    “Israel had no intention of honouring ceasefire. If they were capable of honour, we would not be in this situation to begin with.

    “A genocide is being live-streamed, and we are allowing it to happen. It is unforgivable.

    “History will judge all of us on where we stood today,” Ngarewa-Packer said.  

    “Donald Trump has openly called for the ethnic cleansing and colonisation of Gaza by the United States, and our spineless Prime Minister backs him,” said Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Rawiri Waititi.

    “These people do not care, and they do not listen.

    “If they will not hear us, we need to make them feel us,” Waititi said.

    We are once again calling on te iwi Māori to stand up for Palestine.

    Hit the streets and join in the global call for action.

    Educate your whānau on who to boycott and who to support. Do not give one more dollar or click to Zionism.

    We must ramp up our efforts. The time for asking is over.

    Free Palestine.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A rude awakening out west

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A man faces charges after a Police patrol caught him napping in a stolen vehicle in the small hours.

    Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison says a Crime Squad unit was travelling through Rānui at around 1.45am.

    “At first the night shift team came across a vehicle parked on Bahari Drive with the door wide open and the driver sound asleep.

    “On further checks, the vehicle was showing as stolen.”

    The vehicle had been reported stolen from the North Shore area in a burglary earlier this month.

    “The lone man was startled awake when our staff approached him, locating a screwdriver securely resting in his lap,” acting Detective Inspector Harrison says.

    “We arrested the 21-year-old man without further incident.”

    He has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and will appear in the Waitākere District Court next week.

    Police enquiries are ongoing into the initial burglary in Wairau Valley.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Public are big fans of truck drivers – survey

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Polling shows strong positive public sentiment towards truck drivers, with more than seven times as many people surveyed having a positive perception of road freight drivers compared to those taking a negative view (52 per cent to 7 per cent).
    The survey respondents noted truck drivers’ professionalism and skill, essential service and economic contribution, and hard work and long hours, as the leading three reasons for the results.
    Public polling done by independent survey firm Research New Zealand, for road freight association Transporting New Zealand, surveyed 1005 New Zealanders across a representative population sample.
    52 per cent of respondents had a positive perception of truck drivers, 35 per cent were neutral, and 7 percent held a negative perception, just below the 5 per cent who did not give a response. [The full data set is provided below at Table 1]
    Support for truck drivers was consistent regardless of what form of private transport the survey respondents used (car, public transport, walking, bike or motorcycle, or other).
    The public polling was completed as part of the 2025 National Road Freight Survey, which also includes surveying road freight industry participants (available at https://survey.researchnz.com/S2/1/RoadFreight/).
    Transporting New Zealand Policy and Advocacy Lead Billy Clemens says the results are a great recognition of the incredible work New Zealand’s 33,000 professional truck drivers do, moving nearly 93 per cent of the country’s freight task.
    “Seeing that the public recognise the professionalism and skill of drivers, the economic contribution they make (over $8.6 billion per year), and the hard work road freight operators put in is a real endorsement of our driver workforce.
    “Transporting New Zealand has consistently said our people are the industry’s most valuable asset, and that’s reinforced by these results.
    “Over the past few years, the road freight industry has dealt with COVID disruption, supply chain issues, natural disasters and an increasingly pot-holed roading network. Throughout all these challenges, truck drivers have kept shelves stocked, businesses supplied and infrastructure projects moving. I think that’s reflected in the positive perception that the public has.
    Clemens says that while the results are positive, the survey results also show a minority of respondents had concerns about truck drivers, mainly based around road safety and driving behaviour.
    “All road freight businesses need to be setting clear expectations for their drivers around compliance and defensive driving, to help keep everyone feeling safe on the road.
    “Transporting New Zealand will also keep advocating for investment in overtaking lanes, road widening and corner easing, freight bypasses, and other infrastructure that improves safety and productivity outcomes for all road users.”
    Transporting New Zealand is also encouraging all road freight industry participants to complete the ten-minute long 2025 Road Freight Industry Survey, that will provide valuable insights on industry priorities and challenges and complement the public polling ( https://survey.researchnz.com/S2/1/RoadFreight/), the results of which will be shared publicly.
    Survey completed by Research New Zealand for Transporting New Zealand. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rātā Foundation appoints Megan Glen to Investment Committee

    Source: Rata Foundation

    Rātā Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Glen to its Investment Committee.
    Rātā Foundation is the South Island’s most significant community investment fund, managing a $700 million pūtea (fund) that generates around $26 million per annum to invest in its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, and the Chatham Islands. They invest sustainably, with goals linked to people and the community.
    Megan is a director in Forsyth Barr’s investment banking team, based in Auckland, advising large private and public entities on capital raisings and M&A transactions.
    Rātā Foundation’s Chief Executive says, “Megan brings significant investment asset management experience from her time in the direct investments team at the NZ Superannuation Fund, where she was responsible for managing and transacting a portfolio of private direct investments and had the opportunity to sit on the Boards of a number of NZ Super’s investee companies.”
    She also brings over 14 years of corporate finance experience, having worked as an investment banker in New Zealand and New York, advising on capital raisings, M&A, and refinancing transactions. Megan is also currently a member of the New Zealand Takeovers Panel, the Government’s regulator of the corporate takeover market. 
    “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute my experience and perspectives working with the Rātā team to help guide their investment decisions, aligned with a common, motivating purpose,” says Ms Glen.”The Rātā investment strategy and beliefs differentiate it as a capital partner, and I believe that differentiation will allow Rātā to access valuable opportunities to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns while providing sustainable value to support the communities Rātā invests in.”
    Alignment of investors and objectives is critical to de-risking and driving investment performance. Generating investment returns always carries a degree of risk and the alignment of stakeholders is one of the best defenses to navigating turbulent times,” she says.
    Mr Evans says that Megan’s appointment is exciting and her experience will be hugely beneficial as Rātā focuses on its direct investment strategy.
    “Megan will strengthen the investment capability of the Committee by bringing both institutional investment knowledge and supporting informed decision-making, particularly around our direct investment strategy.”
    Megan has replaced Andrew Johnson who was on the Investment Committee since March 2019.
    “I would like to thank Andrew for his valuable insights over the past few years, particularly around the shift from a defensive to a more growth-orientated portfolio, which has set Rātā up for a bright and positive future,” says Mr Evans. 
    About Rātā Foundation
    Rātā Foundation is South Island’s most significant community investment fund, managing a $700 million pūtea that generates around $26 million per annum to invest in its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, and the Chatham Islands. The long-term strategic objective of Rātā is to invest in communities to enable a higher standard of community well-being. We intend to grow our investment portfolio so that we can increase our long-term funding distribution
    For more information about the investment approach of Rātā please visit https://ratainvest.org.nz/
    For more information on the social impact provided through community investment please visit https://ratafoundation.org.nz/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Raising funds for devices to detect heart disease early

    Source: Kia Manawanui Trust | The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand

    Thousands of Kiwis may be living with an undiagnosed heart condition that could put their lives at risk.
    Atrial fibrillation (AF), a serious heart condition that can lead to stroke and heart failure if undiagnosed, affects 1 in 35 Kiwis aged between 35 and 74.
    Yet, many communities – particularly rural areas and among Māori and Pacific people – lack access to heart scan devices (ECGs) that could detect AF early and prevent life-threatening complications.
    This week, The Heart of Aotearoa launched a campaign to get as many portable ECG devices into underserved communities across New Zealand. For every $350 raised, a GP practice or community-based specialist nurse will receive a KardiaMobile ECG, a device that can identify AF in about 30 seconds.
    The Heart of Aotearoa Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says too many people are missing the chance to catch AF before it’s too late.
    “We know that people are missing out on life-saving heart checks because of difficulties with access to ECG machines.
    “That means people are potentially missing out on early diagnosis and treatment.”
    Māori and Pacific people are disproportionately impacted by AF, and are diagnosed 10 years younger than other ethnicities, Ms Harding says.
    “Early detection of AF, which mainly affects our most vulnerable communities, can ultimately save lives. That’s why The Heart of Aotearoa wants to help.”
    Ms Harding says this campaign is more than just funding a piece of medical equipment.
    “It’s about coming up with a practical solution to reduce the potential risks of stroke or heart failure that comes with undiagnosed AF by speeding up access to diagnosis and treatment.”
    The Heart of Aotearoa Medical Director, and cardiologist, Dr Sarah Fairley says having equitable access to routine diagnostic procedures and treatment is essential.
    “However, the current reality is that access is not equal throughout the country, and there are now long waitlists for all sorts of diagnostic tests and treatments across New Zealand’s heart healthcare system.”
    Ms Harding says The Heart of Aotearoa – Kia Manawanui Trust is on a mission to improve access, equity and outcomes for those impacted by cardiovascular conditions.
    “Currently our system is severely underfunded, under-resourced, and under-staffed – putting lives at risk – and that’s what we are hoping to change.”
    Heart disease is the leading cause of death in New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: GAZA – Gaza airstrikes: Largest single-day child death toll in last year – UNICEF

    Source: UNICEF Aotearoa NZ

    The airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on March 18 represent the largest single-day child death toll in the region in the last year, with over 130 children reportedly killed.  Hundreds of people – families and children – have died and many others have been injured.  It is horrifying to consider a resumption in fighting in the Gaza Strip. UNICEF urges all parties to reinstate the ceasefire immediately.  There is, again, nowhere safe, in the Gaza Strip. One million children, traumatized by more than 15 months of war, are plunged back into fear and hell today. The ceasefire must be reinstated and sustained, all hostages must be released and reunited with their families, and international humanitarian law must be respected, including allowing humanitarian aid in immediately.  The lives of one million children are at stake.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Research finds significant shortfalls in early intervention psychosis services – Vic

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

    A survey of early intervention services for people suffering from psychosis has found medical care is not being provided early enough, with many patients not seen until after they have been hospitalised. Researchers say these shortfalls are linked to a lack of resources.

    “A key purpose of early intervention is to provide care before a person’s condition worsens and they need hospital treatment. However, we found the ‘early’ part of early psychosis care is significantly lacking in New Zealand,” said Dr Rebecca Grattan, lead author of the study and a psychology lecturer at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

    The study surveyed all 12 early intervention psychosis services in New Zealand, assessing them against international standards for care. These services were set up to provide treatment for people suffering from psychosis symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions, in the first two years of symptoms occurring.

    “One of the accepted international standards for early psychosis care is that at least 80 percent of patients are seen before their symptoms are so severe they end up in hospital. However, just one of the 12 services we surveyed was able to meet this standard,” said Dr Grattan.

    The study also found most services restricted access by setting age limits for treatment.

    “Age limits for care differed across the services. The lower end of the age range varied from 13 to 18 years and the upper end from 25 to 30 years. While younger people are more at risk of psychosis, people in older age groups can also experience symptoms. Age restrictions mean there will be at-risk people who won’t be eligible to receive care.”

    A lack of services in some areas, particularly rural areas, was also identified by the study.

    “Some areas don’t have a dedicated early intervention psychosis service. This is more likely to affect people living in rural areas, including rural areas with a high Māori population, which are not well-served.”

    When early intervention services can be accessed, the survey results suggest the care patients receive is comparable to that in Canada and California where similar studies have been done, said Dr Grattan.  

    “Services in New Zealand appear to be meeting many of the standards considered to be best practice, such as completing comprehensive initial assessments and providing care for up to two years. The big problem they face is having the resources to provide care early enough to everyone who needs it,” she said.

    Results of the study have been published in the journal Early Intervention in Psychiatry. The study was carried out from 2022 to 2024.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash in Browns Bay

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash in Browns Bay last night.

    The crash involved a single vehicle and was reported on Beach Road at around 7.50pm on 18 March.

    Sadly, Police can confirm that the sole male occupant of the vehicle has died.

    The Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination last night.

    Enquiries will be made on behalf of the Coroner into the man’s death.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gotta catch ’em: Suspect charged after Onix-ceptable Poké heist

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A member of the public would have made Detective Pikachu and Officer Jenny proud, after helping Police locate a man accused of stealing highly sought after Pokémon cards.

    At 9.50pm on Tuesday 18 March, Police were called to a Tuwharetoa Street store after a reported break-in. The offender smashed a glass panel to gain entry and placed Pokémon trading cards, worth more than $2200, into bags.

    A member of the public saw the suspicious activity and – prepared for trouble – called Police while taking video of a suspect walking away.

    Thanks to that information, officers tracked a man to a nearby bar, where he was taken into custody and the cards recovered.

    The man is also a suspect in an incident on 9 November, when Pokémon cards worth more than $500 were taken from the same store. Those cards have not been recovered.

    A 35-year-old man has been charged with burglary, shoplifting and resisting Police. He is due to appear in the Taupō District Court today, 19 March.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Help us locate Ryan

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are seeking the community’s assistance in locating Ryan, who has been reported missing.

    The 16-year-old has left his Belmont home on the North Shore between 1.30 and 7am today.

    Ryan was dressed in school uniform at the time.

    He has not returned home or shown up at school in Glenfield this morning.

    Police and Ryan’s family are concerned for him.

    If you see Ryan, or have information on his whereabouts, please contact Police immediately on 111.

    Please use the reference number P061957888.

    We appreciate your assistance in this matter.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ocean Race returning to Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Ocean Race will return to the City of Sails in 2027 following the Government’s decision to invest up to $4 million from the Major Events Fund into the international event, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown says.
    “New Zealand is a proud sailing nation, and Auckland is well-known internationally as the ‘City of Sails’. The return of this event to our largest city will be a boost for the local economy, and I’m sure Kiwis across the country will take a keen interest in this important international race.
    “New Zealand has hosted stopovers in all but three of the races over the past 50 years. It is great to have this international event return, that will help showcase Auckland and New Zealand to the world.
    “The two-week stopover in Auckland in March 2027 is expected to attract more than 2,500 international visitors who are predicted to spend around $20 million here in New Zealand.
    “Teams will also be spending money in the New Zealand economy, with boats likely to undergo extensive refits, repairs and provisioning before the next leg traversing the Southern Ocean.
    “The Ocean Race has significant international broadcast and media coverage. This is a great opportunity to bring Auckland and New Zealand to the rest of the world and show them all that our largest city has to offer.
    “The Government’s support also includes additional youth and sustainability programmes to be held in the lead up to the 2027 Stopover in Auckland, helping to make the most of the impact from hosting these types of events for future generations.
    “In 2018, 500,000 people visited the Auckland stopover village so I’m confident New Zealanders will get behind this event and make it another success.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Nelson commercial fisher fined $34,000 over failure to continuously operate GPR device

    Source: Ministry for Primary Industries

    A Nelson commercial fisher who failed to continuously operate an electronic monitoring device while fishing, has been fined $34,000.

    Regulations require all commercial fishers to carry and use a geospatial positioning device which transmits data to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) showing a vessel’s location and enabling Fisheries New Zealand to compare the data with the vessel’s catch reports.

    Campbell David McManaway (61) was sentenced (18 March) in the Nelson District Court on 2 charges under fisheries regulations following a successful prosecution by MPI.

    “All commercial fishing vessels must have their geospatial positioning device on at all times. This is important for keeping our fisheries sustainable because it means we know where people are fishing and it ensures they are complying with fishing activity reporting requirements and staying out of closed areas,” says Fisheries New Zealand district manager Otago/Timaru, Ian Henderson.

    When sentencing, Judge AJS Snell considered an aggravating feature of the offending was that Mr McManaway had been warned by a fishery officer that his geospatial position reporting (GPR) was not working, adding that he took a cavalier approach.

    The offending occurred when commercial fishing vessel ‘Cando’, skippered by Mr McManaway went on a fishing trip, diving for kina between Moeraki and Shag point.

    “A fishery officer contacted Mr McManaway and told him his GPR aboard the ‘Cando’ had not been working during a previous trip and that he must fix this problem before he fished again.”

    “Mr McManaway was given opportunities to comply with the requirement to have a working GPR aboard his boat, but failed to do so,” Mr Henderson says.

    “Our advice to fishers who are having problems with their electronic monitoring devices is to get in touch with their device provider to get advice on how to get it fixed or contact us if there is a technical fault which can’t be resolved by their provider.”

    “The data gathered from electronic monitoring supports good fisheries management,” says Ian Henderson.

    People are encouraged to do their part in protecting our fisheries by reporting any suspicious fishing to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24) or poacher@mpi.govt.nz

    For further information and general enquiries, email info@mpi.govt.nz

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tree removal work underway on SH2 Otoko Hill until April

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A stretch of State Highway 2 Otoko Hill will be under stop/stop traffic management from tomorrow (Wednesday 19 March) for vegetation clearance.

    Tomorrow’s start date is an update to an earlier traffic bulletin referring to upcoming vegetation clearance.

    Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC), on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, is currently working on the final 3 recovery sites at Otoko Hill.

    Tree removal is required as part of the recovery work and starts tomorrow between Hihiroroa Road and Fitzgerald Road.

    Crews will be working on site to clear the vegetation Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm, with delays of up to 15 minutes expected at the site, while trees are removed, with the potential for longer wait times occasionally.

    Pilot vehicles are being used to escort road users through the site safely.

    The vegetation clearance is expected to take 4 weeks to complete.

    Please expect for delays and plan your trip to factor these in.

    Work has been underway at Otoko Hill north of Gisborne since last winter on a number of sites, including repairs to underslips, overslips and extensive improvements to drainage.

    Work between Hihiroroa Road and Fitzgerald Road began earlier this month to install extensive counterfort drains on both upward and downward slopes to help reduce water pressure in the hills, channelling it away from the road.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Procurement underway for Northland Corridor Section 1, Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is inviting interested parties to express their interest in delivering the first section of the Northland Corridor Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana, a major transport project designed to improve safety, resilience and efficiency between Auckland and Northland.

    Following extensive market engagement, Registrations of Interest (ROI) for the project opened on Friday:

    Invitation for Registrations of Interest (ROI) – Northland Corridor – Section 1 (Warkworth to Te Hana) Public Private Partnership(external link) 

    The ROI, which marks the start of the procurement process, was announced by Transport Minister, Hon. Chris Bishop, last week, in the lead up to the NZ Infrastructure Investment Summit. 

    “This is a major milestone for the development of Northland’s transport network,” says NZTA Northland Corridor Programme Director, Derek Robertson. 

    “The three Roads of National Significance that make up the Northland Corridor will support economic growth and productivity, reduce congestion, improve safety, support housing development, and improve freight connections to the wider Upper North Island.” 

    “The Ara Tūhono – Warkworth to Te Hana section is the most advanced part of the corridor in terms of consents, property acquisition and design, meaning we can start construction sooner than the other sections.” 

    The indicative design for the 26km four-lane highway includes an 850m tunnel in the Dome valley and three interchanges at Warkworth, Wellsford and Te Hana. These improvements will address the known safety and resilience challenges in the Dome valley, a critical freight and passenger route. 

    The project will be delivered under a Public Private Partnership (PPP), with the current Registration of Interest process marking the first stage of procurement. This will be followed by formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process that will get underway before the end of the month, and a Request for Proposal (RFP) in mid-2025 for up to three shortlisted bidders, with a preferred bidder expected to be announced in early 2026 and contract finalised by the middle of next year. 

    “We would like to thank both the New Zealand based and international contractors, investors and maintenance and operations for their contributions during the market engagement process. 

    “We have heard a lot about how things can be done more collaboratively, quickly and with great outcomes for partners and the community. Their valuable insights have helped us shape up the PPP procurement approach.” 

    Detailed design and construction are expected to start in late 2026. 

    NZTA is also advancing plans for the remaining sections, including an alternative route to the Brynderwyn Hills. Decisions on section 2 Te Hana to Port Marsden Highway and section 3 Port Marsden Highway to Whangārei will be announced soon. Taking a corridor approach will enable NZTA to take advantage of scale and leverage efficiencies, improve innovation and deliver outcomes faster.   

    “This project is an important investment in Northland’s future and will deliver long-term benefits for both the region and New Zealand’s wider transport network.” says Mr Robertson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ must act on Israel’s slaughter of children

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party is calling on Government MPs to support Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence and illegal actions in Palestine, following another day of appalling violence against civilians in Gaza.

    “Aotearoa New Zealand cannot remain a bystander to the slaughter of innocent people in Gaza. We can and must act now to sanction Israel for its crimes, just like we did with Russia for its illegal action in Ukraine,” says Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick. 

    “With Green, Te Pāti Māori and Labour’s committed support, we now need just six of 68 Government MPs to pass my Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill into law.

    “In just the last 24 hours, Israel’s strikes on Gaza have killed at least 400 people, mostly children and women, and left many more injured.

    “There’s no more time for talk. If we stand for human rights and peace and justice, our Parliament must act.

    “In September, Aotearoa joined 123 UN Member States to support a resolution calling for sanctions against those responsible for Israel’s ‘unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in relation to settler violence.’

    “Our Government has since done nothing to fulfil that commitment. Our Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill starts that very basic process.

    “No party leader or whip can stop a Member of Parliament exercising their democratic right to vote how they know they need to on this Bill. There is no more hiding behind party lines. All 123 Members of Parliament are each individually, personally responsible,” says Chlöe Swarbrick. 

    NOTES TO EDITORS:

    • Palestinian authorities reported that 404 people were killed and over 600 people injured in yesterday’s airstrikes by Israel. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, the airstrikes in Gaza City, Khan Younis, Deir Al-Balah and Rafah wiped out entire families.
    • Israeli military officials said the IDF targeted Hamas military commanders and political officials. However, Save the Children reported that most of those killed in the airstrikes were women and children.
    • In recent weeks of the ceasefire, Israel had cut off power to Gaza, and enforced a total siege on the entry of aid and supplies into the territory for Palestinian communities already facing starvation and illness.
    • The attacks by Israel take place during the holy month of Ramadhan, an important month in the Muslim calendar. 
    • At least 48,577 Palestinians have been killed, and 112,041 wounded, throughout Israel’s war on Gaza.
    • Elsewhere in Palestinian territory, 43 Palestinian children have been killed in the West Bank since last October, a spike of nearly 250%, according to UNICEF.
    • Standing Order 288 outlines the process for Member’s Bills to bypass the member’s bill ballot (colloquially known as the ‘biscuit tin’), with the support of 61 non-executive members. With 55 Opposition members now officially in support of Swarbrick’s Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill, the support of just 6 Government MPs is necessary to get the Bill onto the floor of Parliament. 
    • On 10th December 2024, Swarbrick wrote to all Members of Parliament asking their support for the Bill to bypass the ballot, and later asked the Prime Minister in the House if there would be any Government policy or position preventing MPs from exercising their democratic right to support the Bill bypassing the ballot. He said that he would have a “good look at the Bill”.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ food price inflation improving, but prices skyrocket for poor nations – WorldVision

    Source: World Vision

     

    • Food price inflation for ten basic food items has improved in New Zealand from a 56% rise in 2023 to an 18% drop in 2024
    • It takes 2.4 hours to pay for a basic food basket in NZ and 1.7 hours in Australia.  This compares with 47 days in Barundi and 20 days in Sudan.
    • There is growing global inequality in food access with food price inflation disproportionately affecting low-income nations.
    • Wealthier nations need to commit to funding emergency food aid and humanitarian aid.

     

     A new report on food price inflation shows basic food items are now more affordable in New Zealand, but reveals devastating increases for some of the world’s poorest countries, including Sudan, Burundi, and Timor Leste. 

     

    World Vision’s annual Price Shocks Report examines food price inflation in 77 countries for ten common food items, including rice, bananas, chicken, tomatoes, eggs, milk, and oil, and compares these with prices a year ago.

     

    The 2025 report finds that food prices dropped 18% in New Zealand in 2024, compared with a 56% increase for the same basic food items in 2023.  The average New Zealander would have to work for 2.4 hours to pay for the ten common food items.  This compares with three hours in 2023.

     

    However, while food price inflation has improved in more wealthy nations, such as New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Ireland and the United States, it has dramatically worsened for many of the world’s poorest countries, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa. 

     

    In 16 countries in this year’s study, it would take more than one week of work to earn enough money to pay for World Vision’s standard food basket.

     

    These countries, such as Sudan, Chad, Somalia, and Burundi are united in facing climate and environmental extremes, along with armed conflict, political instability and massive population displacement.

     

    World Vision Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong, says the report highlights the urgent need for adequate funding for emergency food aid.

     

    “This report is released in turbulent and uncertain times and the findings emphasise the need for urgent action to sustain global food systems and prevent the agonising impacts of hunger.

     

    “This requires interventions to address the root causes of hunger, but it also demands that we fund and deliver adequate emergency food aid. 

     

    “Sadly, we know that humanitarian funding for food security programming is expected to fall far short of the target to address predicted needs in 2025, and that means millions will go hungry due a deficit of political will and resources.  It doesn’t have to be this way,” she says. 

     

    World Vision is calling on the New Zealand government to make a strong commitment to support humanitarian food aid, climate adaptation, and global hunger responses — especially within the Asia-Pacific region, where communities are particularly vulnerable to climate and economic shocks. 

     

    Armstrong says in addition to saving millions of lives, emergency food aid and cash grants for food are one of the key ways to avoid greater political unrest around the world.

     

    “Food insecurity is an indicator of wider instability, but it also contributes to political unrest, conflict, economic stagnation and delays in development.  Addressing food security is a proven method to help create a safer and more secure world for everyone,” she says. 

     

    Armstrong says in 2024, only 47% of required humanitarian food assistance was funded leaving millions without support.

     

    She says the Rohingya crisis, the ongoing war in Sudan, prolonged droughts in the Horn of Africa and cyclones in the Pacific all contribute to conditions that exacerbate hunger.

     

    “We are at a breaking point.  Governments and the global community need to fulfil the commitments they have made and act now to scale up food aid, support smallholder farmers and invest in long-term solutions to prevent millions more from falling into famine.”

     

    New Zealanders who want to support emergency food aid can give here: wvnz.org.nz/wfp

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Onaeroa, New Plymouth District

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Two people have died following a two-vehicle crash on Main North Road Onaeroa, New Plymouth District.

    Emergency services responded to the scene around 1:50pm.

    Two people were subsequently located deceased inside one of the vehicles.

    A third person from the second vehicle was transported to hospital in a moderate condition.

    The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit complete a scene examination.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash closes road, Browns Bay

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A road in Browns Bay is shut following a crash.

    The single-vehicle crash happened on Beach Road, near where it joins with Browns Bay Road, about 7:50pm.

    Initial indications suggest serious injury to the sole occupant.

    Traffic is being diverted around the scene and motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PSNA calls on NZ govt to condemn renewed Israel air strikes on Gaza – 230 killed

    Asia Pacific Report

    A national Palestinian advocacy group has called on the Aotearoa New Zealand government to immediately condemn Israel for its resumption today of “genocidal attacks” on the almost 2 million Palestinians trapped in the besieged Gaza enclave.

    Media reports said that more than 230 people had been killed — many of them children — in a wave of predawn attacks by Israel to break the fragile ceasefire that had been holding since mid-January.

    The renewed war on Gaza comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis that has persisted for 16 days since March 1.

    This followed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to block the entry of all aid and goods, cut water and electricity, and shut down the Strip’s border crossings at the end of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

    “Immediate condemnation of Israel’s resumption of attacks on Gaza must come from the New Zealand government”, said co-national chair John Minto of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) in a statement.

    “Israel has breached the January ceasefire agreement multiple times and is today relaunching its genocidal attacks against the Palestinian people of Gaza.”

    Israeli violations
    He said that in the last few weeks Israel had:

    • refused to negotiate the second stage of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas which would see a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza;
    • Issued a complete ban on food, water, fuel and medical supplies entering Gaza — “a war crime of epic proportions”; and
    • Cut off the electricity supply desperately needed to, for example, operate desalination plants for water supplies.

    ‘Cowardly silence’
    “The New Zealand government response has been a cowardly silence when the people of New Zealand have been calling for sanctions against Israel for its genocide,” Minto said.

    “The government is out of touch with New Zealanders but in touch with US/Israel.

    “Foreign Minister Winston Peters seems to be explaining his silence as ‘keeping his nerve’.

    Minto said that for the past 17 months, minister Peters had condemned every act of Palestinian resistance against 77 years of brutal colonisation and apartheid policies.

    “But he has refused to condemn any of the countless war crimes committed by Israel during this time — including the deliberate use of starvation as a weapon of war.

    “Speaking out to condemn Israel now is our opportunity to force it to reconsider and begin negotiations on stage two of the ceasefire agreement Israel is trying to walk away from.

    “Palestinians and New Zealanders deserve no less.”

    A Netanyahu “Wanted” sign at last Saturday’s pro-Palestinian rally in “Palestinian Corner”, Auckland . . . in reference to the International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued last November against the Israeli Prime Minister and former defence minister Yoav Gallant. Image: APR

    ‘Devastating sounds’
    Al Jazeera reporter Maram Humaid said from Gaza: “We woke up to the devastating sounds of multiple explosions as a series of air attacks targeted various areas across the Gaza Strip, from north to south, including Jabalia, Gaza City, Nuseirat, Deir el-Balah and Khan Younis.”

    “The strikes hit homes, residential buildings, schools sheltering displaced people and tents, resulting in a significant number of casualties, including women and children, especially since the attacks occurred during sleeping hours.

    The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said at least 232 people had been killed in today’s Israeli raids.

    The Palestinian resistance group Hamas called on people of Arab and Islamic nations — and the “free people of the world” — to take to the streets in protest over the devastating attack.

    Hamas urged people across the world to “raise their voice in rejection of the resumption of the Zionist war of extermination against our people in the Gaza Strip”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZTA confirms speed limits reviews for additional state highway sections

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has confirmed that formal speed reviews will be undertaken for sixteen additional sections of state highway which had been scheduled to automatically revert to previous higher speed limits.

    Under the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, sections of state highway that are classified as urban connectors where speed limits have been lowered since 1 January 2020 are required to automatically reverse back to their previous higher speed limit by 1 July 2025.

    “Following publication of the list of auto-reversal locations in January this year, NZTA has received feedback on a number of urban connectors where the community is strongly in support of keeping the current lower speed limits, instead of seeing them reverse. Following careful consideration of this feedback and past evidence of community support, we can confirm that formal speed reviews on these urban connectors will now be undertaken,” says Vanessa Browne, NZTA Group General Manager Transport Services.

    The formal speed limit reviews will include public consultation, which will be open for six weeks from early April 2025. Further information will be available when consultation opens, including an online consultation survey.

    Once the consultation is completed, NZTA will analyse the feedback, alongside technical data and cost-benefit analyses, before decisions are made on the final speed limits for these sections of road. 

    List of state highway urban connectors subject to formal speed review and consultation

    Region 

    Locality 

    Section of State Highway 

    Approx length (km) 

    Current speed limit (km/h)  

    Previous speed limit (km/h) 

    Northland 

    SH1 Kaitaia North  

    From north of Wireless Road to north of North Park Drive 

    1 

    60 

    100/70 

    Northland 

    SH1 Kaitaia 50  

    From north of North Park Drive to south of North Park Drive 

    0.29 

    50 

    70 

    Northland 

    SH11 Te Haumi 

    From north of Smith Camp Road to south of Tohitapu Road 

    1.06 

    50 

    80 

    Northland 

    SH1 Moerewa 

    From east of Leaity Street to east of Sir William Hale Crescent east. 

    1 

    50 

    70 

    Waikato 

    SH1C Hamilton 

    From north east of Lorne Street to west of Howell Avenue 

    2.8 

    60 

    80 

    Waikato 

    SH26 Hamilton 

    From SH1 intersection to north east of Berkley Avenue 

    0.65 

    50 

    60 

    Waikato 

    SH1 Turangi 

    From south of Waiotaka Road to south of Te Arahori Street 

    2.1 

    60 

    80 

    Bay of Plenty 

    SH5 South Rotorua 50 

    70m northwest of Malfroy Road to south of the SH5/SH30 Old Taupō Road/Hemo Road roundabout 

    2.91 

    50 

    80 

    Bay of Plenty 

    SH30 Whakarewarewa to Tihiotonga 

    From centre of SH5/SH30 Old Taupō Road/Hemo Road roundabout to north east of Tarawera Road 

    3.83 

    50 

    50, 60, 70, 80 

    Bay of Plenty 

    SH30A 

    150m west SH30/SH30A intersection to SH30A eastern termination point 

    0.15 

    50 

    70 

    Gisborne 

    SH35 Okitu 

    From north of Sirrah Street to south-west of Wairere Road. 

    2.59 

    60 

    70 

    Gisborne 

    SH35 Gisborne 

    From east of Wheatstone Road to north-west of Coldstream Road. 

    1.8 

    60 

    80, 70 

    Manawatū – Whanganui 

    SH3 Whanganui 

    From north of Tirimoana Place to south of Turere Place 

    0.77 

    50 

    70 

    Top of the South 

    SH6 Marybank  

    From north east of Allisdair Street to south west of Atawhai Crescent North. 

    1.79 

    60 

    100, 80 

    Top of the South 

    SH6 Wakefield North 

    From north-east of Bird Lane to north-east of Franklyn Close 

    0.8 

    60 

    70 

    Canterbury 

    SH1 Rakaia township  

    Rakaia township urban area 

    1.1 

    50 

    70 

    Separate to the speed reviews listed above, NZTA has also undertaken consultation on 49 state highway locations (rural connectors and interregional connectors) across the country which are also subject to the reversals provisions of the Rule. This consultation closed on Thursday, 13 March 2025.  Decisions on the final speed limits for these sections of road will be made before 1 July 2025.

    For more information see:  

    www.nzta.govt.nz/new-speed-reviews(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Miramar incident: Injured man dies in hospital

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Nick Pritchard:

    A man who was found critically injured on a roadside in Miramar, Wellington has died in hospital this morning, with Police opening an unexplained death investigation.

    The man was found critically injured on a footpath about 2.20am on Monday, at the intersection of Camperdown Road and Totora Road. It was the second serious incident, following the burglary of a Darlington Road address at 2am, where two adults found a stranger in their home.

    After being confronted and fighting with one of the occupants the intruder fled. It was when Police were carrying out area enquiries that officers came across the injured and unconscious man, a short distance from his vehicle.

    Parallel investigations are under way into both incidents and Police are still working to determine if there is any link between the two.

    Sightings of the victim

    We would like to hear from anybody who walked or drove in the area near Camperdown Road and Totora Road between 12.30am and 2.30am on Monday. You may not think you have anything to contribute, but we would like to know what you may have seen, or view any dashcam footage.

    Public appeal

    We ask that residents in Darlington Road, Totara Road and Camperdown Road, particularly the block north of Camperdown Road, to check their properties for any missing clothing from clotheslines or missing footwear or other items. We also want to hear from anyone who locates any discarded items of property on their sections.

    Investigators also want to hear of any sightings of any suspicious persons in this area between 12.30am and 2.30am on Monday, or from anyone with CCTV footage. We are particularly interested in any sightings of a man wearing a white cap, shorts and gumboots.

    Police would also like to hear of any suspicious activity or people prowling in the area over the last couple of weeks, including any previously unreported thefts from properties or vehicles since early March.

    Enquiries ongoing

    Police are still completing scene examinations and will be visiting properties to ask residents if they saw anything of relevance to the investigation and whether they have CCTV footage.

    At this stage it has not been established if there is a connection between the intruder and the deceased, but that is a focus of the investigation.

    While we are still piecing the events of Monday morning together, Police can confirm the intruder was unknown to the occupants of the property that he broke into. They do not know him, and do not know why he was in their house.

    We know these events will cause concern in the community and we are working hard to answer the many questions around Monday morning’s incidents. Police are carrying out reassurance patrols in the Miramar area and this will continue over the coming days.

    If you can help

    If you have any information that could help our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250317/6324, or reference Operation Celtic.

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

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Operation Lola: Two further charges laid in investigation

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police is laying two additional charges in the investigation into allegations of inappropriate handling of burials at Waikumete Cemetery.

    Today, Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin confirms the charges are being laid against an Auckland man, who was arrested on Friday.

    “This man faces an additional charge of obtains by deception and one count of interfering with a human remains,” he says.

    “I can confirm these charges relate to a second complaint made with Police.”

    The man will appear on all three charges at the Auckland District Court on 20 March.

    Enquiries under Operation Lola are continuing.

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First stage of Manukau Health Park expansion open to patients

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Simeon Brown has today officially opened the new East Building expansion at Manukau Health Park.

    “This is a significant milestone and the first stage of the Grow Manukau programme, which will double the footprint of the Manukau Health Park to around 30,000m2 once complete,” Mr Brown says.

    “Home to Ophthalmology and Women’s Health, this modern, fit-for-purpose building has been meticulously planned to optimise the best clinical care for patients.

    “Previously, ophthalmology services were delivered across two sites at Middlemore Hospital. The relocation of the clinics from Middlemore Hospital to the Health Park will enable the entire service to be delivered from one facility, providing patients a ‘one-stop shop.’ 

    “This will streamline the patient journey while increasing efficiencies and enabling new models of care.  

    “It will also free up enough space at Middlemore Hospital for an additional 30-bed acute award, which will support winter planning in Counties Manukau and assist in improving hospital flow.

    “Women’s Health will also be able to coordinate from one facility, delivering more clinics and services and improving access for cancer-related procedures such as colposcopies and hysteroscopies.

    “Improving health infrastructure is a priority for the Government to ensure patients have access to timely, quality healthcare.

    “Combining these services into one single site will make a real difference for patients who can now access comprehensive, coordinated care in one place. This new building will provide an enhanced patient experience and shorter wait times, while increasing capacity across the Counties Manukau district,” Mr Brown says.

    Manukau Health Park will deliver 150,000 additional outpatient appointments and 3,600 additional surgical procedures to serve the needs of the rapidly growing South Auckland population once complete.

    The full Grow Manukau redevelopment programme is expected to be complete in 2027. Once finished, Manukau Health Park will have three new buildings, a new outpatient renal care centre, a standalone theatre block with four new theatres, a 20-bed post-anaesthesia care unit, and extensive refurbishments and expansion of existing facilities. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –