NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First test train journeys through City Rail Link

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A test train has now completed its first trip through the full length of the City Rail Link (CRL) tunnel in Auckland, representing a critical step forward in this game-changing public transport project for our largest city, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown say.

    “Started under the previous National Government, CRL will double Auckland’s rail capacity and reduce congestion when it opens in 2026, enabling Aucklanders to get to where they want to go quickly and safely meaning a more productive Auckland. There is still a lot more work to do, but it’s great to see measurable progress being made on site as we countdown to the CRL opening next year,” Mr Bishop says.

    “The CRL tunnel’s overhead lines were energised last week, enabling power to be provided to trains in the tunnel. The first test train ran a 3.45km-long journey last night, from Britomart Station to Mt Eden on the new underground section of railway, the first train to travel on a brand-new rail line since 2012. 

    “This important test train allowed technical experts to complete their first round of testing relating to tunnel clearance, power supply and signalling. Further testing will ramp up in coming weeks, including brake testing, recovery procedures, tunnel ventilation systems, supervision and security systems, lighting, communications, and the start of hands-on training for Auckland’s metro drivers and station staff, among many others.”

    “CRL will be a gamechanger for Auckland’s public transport network, turning Britomart from a dead-end station into a through station, enhancing connections between the central city and the wider rail network,” Simeon Brown says.

    “The first train through CRL is an important milestone for the project. Once complete, CRL will result in significant time savings, and make public transport a much more viable option for Aucklanders.” 

    “This is momentous for the City Rail Link programme and Auckland ratepayers who have made a significant contribution, alongside government, to get this project completed,” says Mayor Wayne Brown.

    “Our city deserves a public transport system that will deliver for Aucklanders and visitors alike. I’ve always said I was determined to get the project finished and over the line, and while the project has had its fair share of challenges and there are lessons we’ll take from it, I’m pleased to see that progress has been made and that we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.” 

    “I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the CRL project to get us to this point. There is a lot more work to do, but today represents an important milestone in moving from a construction site into a railway,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Tens of thousands of Auckland commuters are right behind you, and they’re looking forward to experiencing the benefits your hard work will deliver when CRL opens next year.”

    Note to editors:

    Once operational, City Rail Link (CRL) benefits for Auckland passengers at peak times include: 

    • On the Southern Line – trains every 5 minutes (compared to 10 minutes currently) north of Puhinui, every 8 minutes between Papakura and Homai, and every 10 minutes between Pukekohe and Drury 
    • On the Eastern Line – trains every 5 minutes between Sylvia Park and Ōrākei   
    • On the Western Line – trains every 8 minutes between Swanson and Maungawhau 

    Subject to Auckland Transport confirming train timetables, the combination of using the CRL tunnel and reduced temporary speed restrictions are expected to see:  

    • Maungawhau (Mt Eden) to Waitematā (Britomart): under 10 minutes (half the current time)
    • Kingsland to Waitematā (Britomart): 13 minutes (8 minutes faster than currently)  

    Henderson to Waitematā (Britomart): 38 minutes (8 minutes faster than currently)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update – Search for missing man, Mt Aspiring National Park

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    The search for a man reported missing in a river in Mt Aspiring National Park on 6 February remains ongoing.

    Police have located a number of personal items along the river, believed to belong to the missing man.

    Search efforts in the last two days have been hampered by extreme hazards and limited visibility, resulting in a brief suspension of the search on Tuesday afternoon.

    Today the Police National Dive Squad and Wanaka LandSAR Swift Water Rescue Team will search an area of the canyon with an underwater camera and light equipment.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police make arrest over Birkenhead aggravated robbery

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    An arrest has been made following the aggravated robbery of a Cash in Transit van in Birkenhead on Tuesday afternoon.

    Overnight, Police executed a search warrant at a Northcote address as part of the investigation.

    Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, of Waitematā CIB, says a man was taken into custody.

    “We have charged the 43-year-old man with serious offences,” he says.

    The man will appear in the North Shore District Court today.

    He is facing charges including aggravated robbery and commission of a crime with a firearm.

    Acting Detective Inspector Harrison says the investigation team have been working hard to investigate the case since Tuesday.

    “It’s pleasing we have made an arrest so soon into the investigation, given the brazen nature of this alleged offending.

    “We will not tolerate this offending, especially when a firearm is allegedly presented.

    “I know news of this arrest will bring some reassurance to the Birkenhead community.”

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Cromwell-Clyde Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm two people have died following a crash on State Highway 8/Cromwell-Clyde Road yesterday evening.

    The two-vehicle crash, involving a vehicle and a motorbike, was reported to emergency services at 5pm.

    Sadly, both the motorbike rider and the sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

    The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: PSA takes urgent legal action to stop damaging cuts to jobs & services at Health NZ

    Source: PSA

    – Files three legal actions with Employment Relations Authority
    – Seeks orders to stop Govt sacking thousands of health workers
    The PSA has filed legal proceedings to stop the gutting of Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora on the grounds that it has breached employment law and other agreements.
    Health NZ is cutting thousands of roles across the health system. The proceedings, filed with the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), are focused on planned cuts to roles at Health NZ’s Data and Digital Directorate, the National Public Health Service and the Pacific Health Directorate.
    “This litigation is aimed at stopping these rushed and damaging cuts, which will endanger the lives of patients, and see thousands of dedicated health workers lose their jobs,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, Acting National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “The PSA will leave no stone unturned in trying to stop dangerous health cuts and job losses.
    “This has all been about saving dollars, not saving lives. It’s disgraceful. That’s why we are asking the Employment Relations Authority to urgently hear our case.
    “The legal proceedings are on the basis that the proposed changes are grossly substandard, contain basic inaccuracies and pay little regard to the health and safety implications of the proposals on workers and patients.”
    The proceedings ask the ERA to issue a compliance order stopping the dismissals based on breaches of:
    – obligations under collective agreements,
    – the Employment Relations Act,
    – The code of good faith in public health (which places stronger obligations on employers to work with unions and focus on patient safety)
    – the Healthy Workplaces Agreement and
    – Te Mauri o Rongo The Health Charter which all set out how heath the health system must be run including how health workers are treated.
    “Health NZ Te Whatu Ora is obliged to ensure health workers are valued, respected and supported and that patient safety is paramount. These have been breached through a succession of poorly planned and executed restructures.
    “For example, the Health Charter states a priority for Health NZ of ‘caring for the people who care for the people’, and that ‘every worker is treated with respect and dignity’.
    “The proposed slashing of 47% of the workforce at the Data and Digital Directorate exposes how poor the process has been. Health NZ failed to provide workers with adequate reasons for the cuts and to properly listen to them in the rush to deliver the savings the Government demanded.”
    For example, the legal action over Data and Digital states that Health NZ;
    – ‘had no adequate knowledge and had paid insufficient regard to the health and safety consequences of the proposals for both employees and patients.
    – overlooked or ignored the considerable increase in clinical risk which would follow the introduction of their proposals’.
    “Ultimately the Government must take the blame for forcing Health NZ Te Whatu Ora to make these reckless changes to fund tax cuts. Lives will be lost unless these cuts are stopped.”
    The ERA action follows the PSA last week asking the Privacy Commissioner to urgently investigate Health NZ’s plan to gut the Data and Digital Directorate, which threatens the security of sensitive patient data.
    “The PSA urges the Government to reverse the cuts before long term damage is done to the quality of patient care. The stakes are too high.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update on December 2024 and January 2025 rental data

    Update on December 2024 and January 2025 rental data

    The national-level stock measure for actual rentals for housing for December 2024 and January 2025 will be included in Selected price indexes: January 2025, which is due out on Friday 14 February.  

    The administrative data used for this measure is provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which recently upgraded their tenancy bond-lodgment system. The stock measure was not included in last month’s SPI release as time was needed to integrate the new system’s data into the rental price indexes.  

    The completed update does not affect the results for the December 2024 quarter consumers price index (CPI), so no revision is required.

    The release does not include the flow of rental properties measures (national and regional) as we are still working to integrate the new system’s data for these measures. The flow measures, which do not affect the CPI, will be included when we are confident they meet customer expectations.  

    Stats NZ would like to thank MBIE and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for collaborating on this work and making it possible to release the latest data. We will provide a further update in due course.

    If you have any questions, please contact our Information Centre at info@stats.govt.nz.

    Ends

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing Market – Subtle turning point for property sellers – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic

    New Zealand’s property market is showing early signs of a gentle turnaround, giving resellers a glimmer of renewed leverage after a prolonged downturn.

    CoreLogic NZ’s latest Pain & Gain report for Q4 2024 shows the proportion of properties being resold for more than the original purchase price was 91.0%, up from 90.1% in Q3 2024.
    However, that’s still low compared to the post-COVID boom when more than 99% of properties typically sold for a profit.

    CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the small rise suggests resale conditions are gradually improving, aligning with broader signs of a market turnaround.

    “While profits are down from the peak, most property resellers continue to see gains.

    “The latest increase in the frequency of resale profits supports other indicators that the market may have found a floor, largely due to recent mortgage rate falls.

    “However, with property values still about 18% below their peak and the overhang of listings keeping buyers in a strong position, selling conditions remain subdued, he said.

    Regaining ground
    Mr Davidson said while buyers still have the upper hand, resellers may be regaining ground as profits grow.

    “In Q4, the typical size of reseller gains ticked up to $289,500 from $279,000 in the third quarter of last year.

    “While the figure is still low compared to the peak in late 2021 of $440,000, it’ still larger than anything we saw prior to Q4 2020.

    “On the flipside, the median resale loss was unchanged at $55,000 in Q4, remaining within the $50,000–$60,000 range seen over the past two years,” he said.

    Mr Davidson added that although these profits are still significant and losses small, it’s important to acknowledge two extra factors.

    “Hold period plays a key role, and even in a downturn, anybody who has owned property for several years will still tend to make a profit. For owner-occupiers it’s not necessarily a cash windfall either. Indeed, most equity will just need to be recycled back into the next purchase.”

    Holding out
    In Q4 2024, sellers who resold for a gross profit held their properties for a median of 9 years, up from 8.6 years the previous quarter.

    Mr Davidson said this could reflect caution amid softer market conditions, with many choosing to wait for more favourable opportunities.
    “In some cases, particularly for investors, a target return strategy has meant holding properties longer due to the slower housing market over the past 2-3 years.

    “However, it may also reflect weaker housing sentiment and greater caution, with owners opting to ride out the current soft patch before testing the market,” he said.

    Losses ease  
    Mr Davidson said resale performance across property types suggested a turning point, with incurred losses starting to ease.

    “In the fourth quarter of the year apartment resales incurred a loss on 29.5% of deals, compared to 8.3% for standalone houses.”

    “Although the apartment figure clearly remains high, it dropped from 31.8% in the third quarter of last year. Whereas the ‘pain’ percentage of houses fell from 9.1% in Q3,” he said.

    Falling rates to boost confidence
    Looking ahead, Mr Davidson expects that lower mortgage rates will push up house prices to some extent in 2025, which will tend to strengthen the position for property resellers.

    “But any turning point for house prices won’t be sudden or strong, and lingering weakness in the labour market alongside an abundance of listings should mean finance-approved buyers continue to see good opportunities,” he concluded.

    Read CoreLogic’s latest Pain & Gain report at www.corelogic.co.nz/news-research/reports/pain-and-gain-report.

    About CoreLogic
    CoreLogic NZ is a leading, independent provider of property data and analytics. We help people build better lives by providing rich, up-to-the-minute property insights that inform the very best property decisions. Formed in 2014 following the merger of two companies that had strong foundations in New Zealand’s property industry – Terralink Ltd and PropertyIQ NZ Ltd – we have the most comprehensive property database with coverage of 99% of the NZ property market and more than 500 million decision points in our database.
    We provide services across a wide range of industries, including Banking & Finance, Real Estate, Government, Insurance and Construction. Our diverse, innovative solutions help our clients identify and manage growth opportunities, improve performance and mitigate risk. We also operate consumer-facing portal propertyvalue.co.nz – providing important insights for people looking to buy or sell their home or investment property. We are a wholly owned subsidiary of CoreLogic, Inc – one of the largest data and analytics companies in the world with offices in New Zealand, Australia, the United States and United Kingdom. For more information visit corelogic.co.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – $1.4m for research on childhood wheeze – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    An HRC grant of $1.4m will support research into a promising new oral medicine for childhood wheeze.
    A Health Research Council grant of $1.4m will support research into a promising new oral medicine for childhood wheeze, a condition that sees more than 3,000 preschoolers admitted to hospitals in New Zealand each year.
     
    Of children hospitalised with preschool wheeze, one-in-five will return to hospital within the next year for the same condition, typified by a shrill, coarse whistling or rattling sound when the child tries to breathe.
    “Childhood wheeze is a disease for which our current treatments are not very effective,” says paediatrician and researcher at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland Professor Cameron Grant, also head of the Department of Paediatrics, Child, and Youth Health.
    The research project is called ‘Assessing the Reduction of Recurrent admissions using OM-85 for the treatment of preschool Wheeze’, or ‘ARROW’.
    Grant is co-leading the New Zealand arm of the Australasian project with nurse researcher Marisa van Arragon, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Paediatrics at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland.
    The trial of OM-85 will involve more than 1,000 children under five who have repeatedly visited a hospital in New Zealand or Australia with childhood wheeze, a condition where airways are partially blocked, usually triggered by a cold, flu, RSV, or other viruses.
    “We treat childhood wheeze in preschool aged children with asthma medicines, even though the pathophysiology is different from asthma,” Grant says.
    “Plus, asthma medicines have limitations, including environmental harms and side effects, which are particularly concerning in younger children.”
    The medicine being used in this study, OM-85, can be taken as a drink. OM-85 contains several killed respiratory bacteria, which prime the immune system to fight respiratory viruses.
    The pressing issue Grant sees in his clinical work is a tendency for these children to make repeated visits to hospital with wheeze, creating enormous stress for families.
    “Some of the children who are involved in the project have already had over 20 admissions to hospital,” Grant says.
    Two pilot research projects show Māori and Pacific families are over-represented in children being re-admitted to hospital with wheeze.
    An audit of visits to Waitakere Hospital in Auckland showed Māori children were twice as likely to be admitted with wheeze, and 30 percent of Māori children came back to hospital with wheeze compared with 16 percent of non-Māori.
    An audit in Waikato Hospital of patients aged one to five years admitted to the emergency department with wheeze, showed the rate of re-admission was twice as high for Māori and Pacific compared with ‘European and other’.
     
    Funding from Te Niwha in 2024 enabled Grant and van Arragon to take the project into the community and to develop relationships with primary care practices, kōhanga reo, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers in Auckland and Waikato.
     
    Grant says developing relationships within the community and with Māori whānau has been a project highlight.
    The study also creates opportunities for nurses and emerging researchers. As an example of this, Claudia Reid, a Māori medical student at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, is doing a project interviewing wāhine Māori, whose children attend kōhanga reo in the Waikato, around access to care when their tamaiti has a respiratory illness.
    The ARROW study started in 2022 in Australia and a little later in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
    So far, more than half of the more than 160 children enrolled in the study in New Zealand are Māori or Pacific. In Australia and New Zealand, about 600 children have already been enrolled in the trial. The trial uses a randomised, placebo-controlled and double-blinded design.
    In addition to preventing hospital admissions and other healthcare visits, the research team hopes that OM-85 will reduce antibiotic prescribing and the use of propellant inhalers, which are highly polluting.
    “The molecules in the propellants used in inhalers are 3,000 times more globally warming than carbon dioxide,” Grant says.
    “The World Health Organization says we must reduce the use of propellant inhalers, but young children can’t use the alternative dry-powder inhalers, because the technique required to use them is too complicated for young children.
    “So, the only way to reduce the use of propellant inhalers in young children is to reduce the number of wheezing episodes they get, through interventions such as OM-85.”
    Data from the study will be used to create a cost-benefit analysis which will be submitted to Pharmac as an evidence base for potentially funding the OM-85 treatment.
    The ARROW research team includes research nurses from Starship, KidzFirst, Waitakere, Waikato and Tauranga involved in the project.
    Grant and van Arragon say the nurses’ professionalism, passionate approach and whānau-centred care are driving this promising research towards making a difference for whānau suffering from the frightening condition of childhood wheeze.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH6 Havelock night-time resurfacing works postponed until Thursday 13 February

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises that night-time resurfacing works planned on State Highway 6, Havelock have had to be pushed out a day until Thursday night, 13 February.

    Why?

    The serious crash on SH7/the Lewis Pass route Tuesday night and subsequent road closure meant SH1 had to be fully available, pausing work planned for the Weld Pass.

    This means the asphalting crew need to remain onsite at Weld Pass Wednesday night before they begin asphalting works on State Highway 6 in Havelock tomorrow night, Thursday 13 February. 

    No work Saturday night Havelock 

    There will be no work on Saturday night (15 February).

    Days and hours of work will be 7pm – 7am on Thursday 13, Friday 14, Sunday 16, Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 February with work finishing at 7am on Wednesday 19 February.

    Work will be underway from just north of Neil Street to Allied Petrol. Stop/go traffic management will be in place during work hours with delays of up to 10 minutes.

     Drivers are urged to check road conditions before they travel and plan their journeys accordingly. This is especially important for people with Picton ferry connections. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road Closed SH8 Cromwell-Clyde Road

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 8, the Cromwell – Clyde Road, is closed south of Cromwell following a serious crash involving two vehicles, reported at 5pm.

    Emergency services are in attendance.

    The road will be closed for some time, motorists are asked to avoid the area and expect significant delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Surveys

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    2024 biennial survey on privacyMedia release:  Digital revolution drives concerns for New Zealanders: UMR survey results.

    APPA Privacy Awareness Week 2011 social media survey

    View the English language survey results and the English language redacted comments of the survey from the Asia Pacific Privacy Authorities social media survey.

    View the Spanish language survey results.

    View the Chinese language survey results.

    View the Korean language survey results.

    International Disclosures and Overseas Information and Communication Technologies Survey

    Results in this survey showed that a large number of respondents that send information overseas do not check the overseas organisations’ use and management of the information.

    The issue of ‘cloud computing’ clearly has major benefits for businesses and government agencies but it also carries some risks.

    This survey has found that both the private and public sectors need guidance in this area. While most of the organisations have controls to protect the security of personal information in transit, some have no control over what happens once the information is sent overseas or don’t know if they have controls.

    Media release.

    View the full report.

    May 2011.

    Privacy survey 2010

    Results in this report are based upon questions asked in the UMR Research nation-wide omnibus survey. This is a telephone survey of a nationally representative sample of 750 New Zealanders 18 years of age and over.

    Fieldwork was conducted from 18th to 23rd March 2010 at UMR Research’s national interview facility in Auckland.

    Media release

    View the 26 page report.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Detour in place Atawhai entrance to Nelson after crash, HPMV vehicle drivers to park up

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    There has been a crash on SH6 QEII Drive, near the intersection with Nelson’s Atawhai Drive (near Founders Park). If possible, people should delay their journeys through this area.

    • SH6 Queen Elizabeth II Drive between Trafalgar Street and Malvern Avenue is closed, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    A detour route around SH6 is in place but it is currently not HPMV approved.

    HPMV vehicle drivers will need to park up and wait until SH6 QEII Drive/SH6 Atawhai Drive is open again. Next update 3 pm.

    Detour

    Northbound traffic is being detoured right off SH6 QEII Drive onto Trafalgar Street, left onto Wainui Street, continue on to Weka Street, left onto Atawhai Drive, curve right and continue on Atawhai Drive, left onto a short unnamed road opposite 330 Atawhai Drive, and right onto SH6 QEII Drive/SH6 Atawhai Drive. 

    Southbound traffic is being detoured left off SH6 QEII Drive/SH6 Atawhai Drive onto Malvern Ave, right onto Atawhai Drive, curve left and continue on Atawhai Drive, right onto Weka Street, continue on Wainui Street, right onto Trafalgar Street, left back onto SH6 QEII Drive.

    Please note the difference between the northbound and southbound detour routes.

    Detour map

    The attached detour is not suitable for HPMV vehicles.

    Please note: There’s SH6 Atawhai Drive (State Highway) and also Atawhai Drive (Nelson City Council local road). SH6 QEII Drive becomes SH6 Atawhai Drive at approximately 330 Atawhai Drive (NCC local road).

    Follow the directions of emergency services on site.  If possible, please delay your journey through this area.

    Updates: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/nelson-and-marlborough/closures/497311(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Public advised to avoid Brentwood Ave, Highbury

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Members of the public are advised to avoid the Brentwood Ave area in Highbury due to an ongoing Police operation.

    Motorists around the area are also advised to expect delays.

    Further information will be released when we are in a position to do so.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

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

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now release the name of the man who died in a crash on Kakaramea Road, Ngāhinapōuri on 9 February.

    He was 60-year-old Peter Brett Van Syp, of Dinsdale.

    Police extend our sympathies to his friends and family.

    Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Do public health measures really make us happier? – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

    Do policies aimed at making people healthier also make them happier? And to what extent do they infringe on personal autonomy are questions central to a new book by Martin Wilkinson from the University of Auckland.

    Many of us accept public health policies relating to things deemed harmful, like alcohol, vapes, fatty or sugary food or cigarettes, without question.

    However a new book by Martin Wilkinson, a professor of politics and international relations and former chair of the New Zealand Bioethics Council, concludes that many public health interventions probably make people worse off, infringe on their autonomy and don’t have compensating benefits for others.

    Free to access, The Ethics of Public Health Paternalism (Oxford University Press, 2025) examines the various ways of making people healthier, according to whether they make it harder to be unhealthy, easier to be healthy, influence beliefs, or ‘nudge’ people towards certain choices.

    The book covers measures like taxes, label warnings, age limits and bans on sales and marketing, as well as health promotions like ‘five plus a day’, subsidies to gyms, enticements to stop unhealthy behaviour, product placement in stores and the provision of walking and cycling infrastructure.

    It features examples like the prohibition of alcohol in the US (from 1920 to 1933) or the Danish fat tax, a tax on saturated fat in food products, introduced in 2011, repealed in 2012, and the first of its kind in the world.

    It also defines the concept of ‘paternalism’ in relation to health policies.

    A main reason often given for the state to intervene in citizens’ health is because people would, if left to their own devices, make unhealthy choices that are bad for them, says Wilkinson.

    “But trying to stop people harming themselves sounds paternalistic, and paternalism in public health raises two main questions: Why think that getting people to make healthier choices would make them better off? And should people not be free to choose for themselves?”

    He specifies that adults, rather than children, are the focus of the book and that smoking is the one area where he believes the sheer weight of evidence supports efforts to discourage it.

    Otherwise, he is on a collision course with the majority of public health advocates, he admits.

    “I’m doubtful about the merits of many of the interventions they want. I argue that adults ought to be free to run their own lives, and that some, but not all, public health interventions would infringe on their autonomy.”

    He says the book engages with ideas that writers and public health advocates have offered, found not only in books and academic articles but also in blogs, pamphlets, interviews, and health promotion campaigns.

    He believes public health advocates who want to steer people into healthier behaviour have not been good at giving convincing reasons for doing so.

    “They generally assume that to be healthier is to be better off, but this assumption is often wrong, because health is neither the only value nor the supreme value.

    “To decide when people would benefit from being healthier, we must consider the value of health in their lives, how their unhealthy behaviour might be mistaken, and the evidence about whether it is or not.”

    While the book is obviously critical of public health, Wilkinson says he’s not taking a free market or libertarian position
    .
    “I take no view about the size of the government, its role in the economy, or its duties to redistribute or to support a welfare state. Nor do I believe that paternalism towards adults is always wrong, only that it is questionable.”

    He believes in fact that perhaps paternalistic influences on people’s choices would make them better off, perhapsthey wouldn’t infringe upon people’s autonomy after all, or perhaps the infringement is justified.

    “Finally, however, I remain unconvinced,” he says. “A persistent theme of the book is that we often don’t have very good, or in fact competing, evidence on these issues. Because the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence, I don’t conclude that public health interventions are unjustifiable, only that they have not been justified.”

    The Ethics of Public Health Paternalism (Oxford University Press, 2025) by T M Wilkinson is
    open access and now published online and in print. (ref. https://academic.oup.com/book/59451 )

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Hamas report to mediators accuses Israel of pervasive Gaza ceasefire violations

    As Benjamin Netanyahu threatens to resume war, Hamas outlines widespread Israeli ceasefire violations in document sent to the mediators.

    By Jeremy Scahill and Sharif Abdel Kouddous of Dropsite News

    Hamas officials submitted a two-page report to mediators yesterday listing a wide range of Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire since the agreement went into effect on January 19 — including the killing of civilians, repeated ground and air incursions, the beating and humiliation of Palestinian captives during their release and the deportation of some without their consent, and the denial of humanitarian aid.

    Drop Site News obtained a copy of the report delivered to mediators from Qatar and Egypt.

    “Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement if the occupation is committed to the agreement,” Hamas said in a statement.

    “We confirm that the occupation is the party that did not abide by its commitments, and it bears responsibility for any complications or delays.”

    The move comes in response to accusations by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Hamas had violated the agreement, threatening a full resumption of the war — yet it was Israel’s nearly daily breaches of the deal that prompted Hamas to announce it would postpone the next release of Israeli captives.

    On Monday, Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the Al Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, announced the next planned release of three Israeli captives, scheduled for Saturday, would be “postponed indefinitely”.

    Abu Obeida cited “delays in allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, targeting them with airstrikes and gunfire across various areas of the Strip, and failing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid as agreed”.

    Israel violating ceasefire agreement
    Hamas issued a statement soon afterwards reiterating that Israel was violating the agreement by blocking aid, attacking civilians, and restricting movement in Gaza, and warning that the next release of captives would be postponed until it complied.

    “By issuing this statement five full days ahead of the scheduled prisoner handover, Hamas aims to grant mediators sufficient time to pressure the occupation to fulfill its obligations,” the statement said.

    Three Israeli officials and two mediators speaking anonymously to The New York Times confirmed that Israel had not fulfilled its obligations to send humanitarian aid into Gaza. This fact was mentioned in the 9th paragraph of the Times story.

    In response, President Trump, on Monday told reporters that the ceasefire should be cancelled if Hamas did not release all the remaining captives it was holding in Gaza by midday Saturday, warning “all hell is going to break out”.

    Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on Trump’s comments.

    “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon,” Netanyahu said in a video statement, “the ceasefire will end, and the IDF will return to intense fighting until Hamas is finally defeated.”

    Netanyahu reportedly ordered the military to add more troops in and around Gaza to prepare for “every scenario” if the captives were not released.

    It was not immediately clear if he was referring to the three Israelis originally scheduled for release Saturday, all remaining captives, or all living Israelis slated for release in Phase 1.

    Document submitted to mediators
    The two-page document submitted by Hamas to mediators yesterday divided the violations into five separate categories: Field Violations, Prisoners, Humanitarian Aid, Denial of Essential Supplies, and Political Violations.

    Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire deal since it came into effect, targeting Palestinians in Gaza on an almost daily basis. The document outlines 269 “field violations” by the Israeli military, including the killing of 26 Palestinians and the wounding of 59 others.

    Page 1 of the Hamas report of ceasefire violations by Israel. Image: Hamas screenshot APR/DDN

    The number of people killed appears to be a dramatic undercount compared to the official toll documented by the Ministry of Health in Gaza.

    The Director-General of the Health Ministry, Dr Monir al-Barsh, announced separately yesterday that 92 Palestinians had been killed and 822 wounded in “direct targeting” by the Israeli military since January 19, when the ceasefire came into effect.

    The report also lists repeated ground incursions into Gaza beyond the designated buffer zone, particularly in the Philadelphi corridor — the 14km strip of land that runs along the border of Egypt.

    These incursions “were accompanied by gunfire and resulted in the deaths of citizens and the demolition of homes,” the report said.

    It also accused Israeli authorities of subjecting Palestinian captives to beatings and humiliation during their release, forcibly deporting released captives to Gaza without their coordination or consent, preventing families of deported prisoners from leaving the West Bank to join them, and delaying prisoner releases by several hours.

    The report also says that fewer than 25 fuel trucks per day have been allowed into Gaza, which is half of the allotted 50 fuel trucks per day, as outlined in the deal. The entry of commercial fuel was blocked entirely, the report says, again in violation of the agreement.

    Only 53,000 tents allowed
    Just over 53,000 tents were allowed into Gaza, the reports says, out of the 200,000 allotted and no mobile housing units out of the 60,000 agreed on.

    Heavy machinery for the removal of massive amounts of debris and retrieval of bodies was similarly blocked, with only four machines allowed in.

    Israel also blocked the entry of supplies to repair and operate the power plant and electrical grid, the report said.

    No medical supplies, ambulances have been allowed in and no equipment for civil defense teams. Meanwhile banks were not allowed to receive cash to replenish a severe currency shortage.

    The report ends on “Political Violations” criticising statements by the “Israeli Prime Minister and ministers openly calling for the expulsion of Gaza’s population, sending a clear message that the occupation does not wish to honour the agreement and aims to implement Trump’s plan to displace Gaza’s residents”.

    It also criticises the “deliberate delay” in starting the negotiations on Phase 2 of the ceasefire and “the introduction of impossible conditions.”

    A summary of the Israeli ceasefire violations. Image: QudsNews

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police increase visibility in Birkenhead

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are upping reassurance patrolling in Birkenhead, as investigations continue into the aggravated robbery of a Cash in Transit van.

    A scene examination was completed at the ATM machine on Birkenhead Avenue yesterday evening.

    North Shore Relieving Area Commander, Inspector Mike Rickards, says Police visibility is increasing in response.

    “We are increasing reassurance patrolling for businesses and residents through that busy public space in Birkenhead,” he says.

    “It is anticipated this will be carried out over the coming days alongside other demand.”

    Meanwhile, investigations continue into Tuesday’s aggravated robbery as well as a wounding of a man on 4 February.

    “The public will appreciate we won’t be able to discuss the specifics of both investigations underway,” Inspector Rickards says.

    “Investigators from the Waitematā CIB are continuing to progress in their work to identify and hold offenders to account.”

    Inspector Rickards says Police understand the concern with two serious offences occurring so close to each other.

    “It’s likely to be the exception than the norm with two unrelated incidents occurring on the same road within a week of each other.”

    Police acknowledge the public who have come forward with information so far and continue to ask anyone to come forward.

    Please update Police online or call 105 using the reference number 250211/1336.

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

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: Ready-mixed concrete: December 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Ready-mixed concrete: December 2024 quarter –12 February 2025 – Ready-mixed concrete statistics provide an indicator of construction activity.

    Key facts

    • In the December 2024 quarter, the actual volume of ready-mixed concrete produced was 967,964 cubic metres, down 6.2 percent compared with the December 2023 quarter.
    • In the year ended December 2024, 3.82 million cubic metres of ready-mixed concrete was produced, down 7.7 percent compared with the year ended December 2023.
    • In seasonally adjusted terms, the volume of ready-mixed concrete fell 4.7 percent in the December 2024 quarter, following a 0.6 percent rise in the September 2024 quarter.

    Files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

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

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now name the man who died in a crash on Christchurch Akaroa Road/SH75, Little River, on 8 December.

    He was Eric Grainger, aged 27, from Christchurch.

    Police extend our sympathies to his friends and family.

    Enquiries into the crash are ongoing.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Incident in Clutha comes to conclusion

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Otago Coastal Area Commander, Inspector Marty Gray:

    The man being sought by Police in Clutha for firearms offending has been located deceased.

    Police, including specialist squads supporting local staff, have been at a rural property overnight working to resolve the matter safely.

    The incident began about 9am on Tuesday, when Police began working to locate a person of interest in relation to alleged firearms offending in the Clutha area.

    This morning, Police made entry to the house around 10:15am and the man was located by officers inside, deceased.

    His death will be referred to the Coroner and Police will assist the Coroner with those inquiries.

    The man’s family are being supported at this very difficult time.

    While this is not the outcome Police would have hoped for, I want to thank the frontline staff and specialist teams for their hard work in responding diligently to this very lengthy incident.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Planned overnight maintenance closures coming for State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    The first planned night closures of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill for 2025 are coming up.

    The route is set to be closed to traffic for five nights, 9 pm to 4 am, from Sunday, 23 February to Friday morning 28 February, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    Mark Owen, Regional Manager Maintenance & Operations Wellington / Top of the South for NZTA, says the route has been kept open since last December to cater for the extra traffic from KiwiRail’s closure of the Wairarapa Line for upgrades and maintenance.

    “Now the rail line is open, it’s crucial we make sure the road remains in good shape for the wetter winter months ahead.

    “Our road crews will be hard at work carrying out resurfacing, sign replacement, clearing drainage, maintaining barriers and line marking as well as the remedial work to the slip on the Featherston side of the hill, where the Slow Vehicle Lane is currently closed,” Mr Owen says.

    He says it is essential drivers are aware of the closures and are ready for them. As well as the closures in February, more are planned overnight in March, April, May and June.

    Pahiatua Track, Saddle Road alternative, longer routes, or book to be escorted

    “We do not want people to be caught out by these overnight closures, as the only alternative detours are via the Pahiatua Track or Saddle Road to the north – a much longer trip.

    “Escorted crossings for drivers of light vehicles are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance and can be made on the NZTA website,” Mr Owen says.

    “During this closure we are only able to accommodate one escorted crossing per direction each night due to significant resurfacing works.” 

    Mr Owen says full closures mean maintenance works can be finished faster and they are safer for road crews.

    “A critical factor is far fewer vehicles use the route at night. Around 7,000 vehicles on average travel over the hill daily, but of this 300 or fewer travel at night.

    “Night closures have a far lower impact on drivers than if the work was done under stop/go during the day. They really are the best option for this work,” he says.

    Important information for Remutaka Hill closures

    • Escorted crossings for light vehicles are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
    • Bookings can be made online on the NZTA website – Remutaka Hill Closure Escort Booking Form(external link)
    • Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
    • The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
    • Full access is always available for emergency services.

    More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found here:

    State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures. February – June 2025:

    Nights Closed

    Start 9 pm

    Finish 4 am

    5

    23 February

    28 February

    1

    9 March

    10 March

    5

    6 April

    11 April

    1

    18 May

    19 May

    1

    15 June

    16 June

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Hanmer Springs, Waiau River bridge night closure coming up, SH7A

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    People travelling in and out of Hanmer Springs village next Monday night, 17 February, through to Tuesday morning, 18 February, will need to plan around a full night closure over the Waiau River bridge.

    The bridge, at the start of SH7A off the Lewis Pass highway, will close at 9 pm and reopen at 5.30 am Tuesday morning.

    Midnight opening

    There will be an hour’s opening midnight to 1 am to let traffic through in both directions, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    Crews will be repairing the bridge deck. NZTA thanks all night-time drivers for working around this closure. Emergency vehicles will be allowed across at short notice.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Getting ACC back on track

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Two independent reviews are being undertaken to boost ACC’s performance and ensure it continues to deliver for New Zealanders, ACC Minister Andrew Bayly says.
    “ACC provides crucial support to injured Kiwis. It is the only no-fault accident compensation scheme like it in the world, and Kiwis should feel immensely proud of it,” Mr Bayly says.
    “But ACC faces challenges on multiple fronts and action is required to ensure its sustainability and longevity.
    “Over the last 10 years, ACC’s performance has steadily decreased. Costs are up, with levies struggling to keep up. Meanwhile, rehabilitation rates are down, slowing down people’s return to independence following an accident.
    “Clearly if this trend is left unabated, the viability of the scheme is at risk, saddling future generations with immense costs. A robust plan is required to improve ACC’s long-term financial sustainability without having to make large increases to levies.
    “That’s why the Government has commissioned two independent reviews to assess ACC’s performance and effectiveness:

    A review of ACC’s operational performance, with a focus on case management. This is being led by actuarial firm Finity, who have significant experience with both accident compensation and private insurance schemes. 
    A review of ACC’s investment strategy and how it manages the nearly $50 billion it invests. This is being led by investment consulting firm Willis Towers Watson, who have considerable global asset management experience.

    “This will be the first external assurance review of ACC’s investment function. Reviewing ACC’s investment performance now ensures we are getting the best returns from the fund and that it can support ACC’s sustainability.
    “I have met with both review teams and have been clear about my expectation that they deliver actionable recommendations to improve ACC’s performance.
    “I will be holding ACC accountable to its fundamental purpose, which is to prevent injuries and get Kiwis back to independence as quickly as possible after an accident.”
    Notes to editors:

    The terms of reference for the two reviews are attached.
    Progress reports on both reviews are expected by April 2025, with final reports expected to be delivered by June 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fisheries consultation must put sustainability before profit

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party is urgently calling on the Government to prioritise long-term prosperity of our oceans in its consultation on the Fisheries Act.

    “Our oceans are in a state of decline, continuing to put short-term profit before long-term sustainability will see the health of our ocean life wash away,” says Green Party’s Oceans and Fisheries spokesperson Teanau Tuiono.

    “Minister Jones has stated ‘sustainability will always be the bottom line for fisheries management,’ but we have seen decisions from the Government completely contradict and undermine this. Today’s proposed changes seem to reward industry for overfishing, posing a significant threat to the sustainability and longevity of our oceans.

    “If the Minister truly cared about sustainability he would ban bottom trawling and champion sustainable, adaptive fishing practices, which will increasingly be required in the context of climate change. 

    “If we want our oceans to thrive for generations to come we must commit to protecting more of our waters. We campaigned on doing exactly this by establishing a Healthy Oceans Act that would create a legally binding framework to protect at least 30 per cent of Aotearoa’s ocean by 2030.

    “The crisis facing our ocean is growing more urgent by the day – and it is communities who depend on the moana for their livelihoods, including Māori and Pasifika communities, who will be impacted most of all. This Government needs to prioritise the sustainability of our oceans, which in turn prioritises long-term wellbeing of tangata whenua and tagata moana.

    “It is high time the Government turned the tide on the exploitative and extractive fishing practices that have seen our ocean environment’s health decline and our fisheries be depleted.

    “Our oceans are the lifeblood of Aotearoa. It is incumbent upon us to protect them, not only for their beauty, but for their essential role in sustaining life on our planet,” says Teanau Tuiono.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: More Kiwis are hungry, homeless and out of work

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Half of Pacific children sometimes going without food is just one of many heartbreaking lowlights in the Salvation Army’s annual State of the Nation report.

    “This devastating report shows just how far this country has gone backwards under this coalition of chaos,” Labour’s social development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said.

    “While Government parties scrap with each other, our kids are going hungry, more people are living in cars and our best and brightest are leaving for Australia.

    “Across most of the report’s indicators in the past year, outcomes have either worsened or not changed for children and youth.

    “Homelessness is on the rise as the Government kicks families out of emergency housing without knowing where they all go, and next year the number of Kainga Ora homes in Auckland will go backwards.

    “Unemployment is on the rise, with about 1 in 10 Māori and Pacific people unemployed while the Government chooses to give billions to landlords and tobacco companies, instead of helping struggling families.

    “The Government is shamelessly boasting about growth, but the only growth we’re seeing is in the numbers of hungry, homeless and unemployed New Zealanders,” Carmel Sepuloni said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, State Highway 6, Nelson

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 6 near Atawhai Drive, Nelson is currently closed following a crash.

    The two-vehicle crash involving a car and a motorbike was reported just before 11:30am.

    One person has been seriously injured.

    Diversions are in place and motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media Funding Reforms – Joint statement from NZ On Air and NZ Film Commission on media reform consultation

    Source: NZ On Air and the NZ Film Commission (NZFC)

    NZ On Air and the NZ Film Commission (NZFC) acknowledge the importance of ensuring public funding delivers the best possible outcomes for audiences and the wider sector.

    The Ministry for Culture and Heritage has today released a Media Reform consultation document that includes a number of proposals, one of which is the streamlining of Crown content funders. (ref. https://govt.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=defea490d12b73c4ed8504b5b&id=e08a05fe0f&e=84ce785bf3 )

    The agencies welcome the opportunity for widespread consultation on potential changes to the funding support provided across a range of media. In a challenging environment for the media sector, it is crucial that every dollar invested has the greatest possible impact. If change can enhance this, it is in the public interest to explore those options.  

    NZ On Air and NZFC look forward to working closely with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to flesh out the opportunities and risks of the options proposed.

    We acknowledge that during this consultation period there will be many questions and some uncertainty for both stakeholders and agency staff. We encourage all who have an interest in this mahi to engage with the consultation process so that your views, concerns or support for different options are heard.

    While the consultation process and policy considerations continue, both agencies remain committed to delivering the best outcomes for audiences and the sector, and continuing to collaborate where it makes sense to do so.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister to attend international security conference

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Defence Minister Judith Collins leaves today for Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference and hold a range of bilateral meetings.
    “In these times of rising geopolitical tension, open dialogue and defence diplomacy are more important than ever,” Ms Collins says.
    “I am looking forward to attending this annual conference, to meet face-to-face with my counterparts and to share New Zealand’s views on important security issues when I speak at it.”
    During the three-day conference Ms Collins will take part in a panel discussion on Connected Theatres: Europe and Asia Security Spheres<, and hold a number of bilateral meetings with some key counterparts. “We are an island nation that relies on a safe and interconnected world in order to prosper. The ongoing war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific are all matters which impact New Zealand,” Ms Collins says. “We are committed to reinvigorating our security relationships, to playing our part, and working with like-minded partners to uphold the international rules-based system and democratic values that are fundamental to our security and prosperity.” Ms Collins returns to New Zealand on 18 February.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pharmac funding decision will increase medicines access

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour, and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s decision to fund medicines for a further five health conditions, including cancers, from 1 March 2025.

    “Pharmac operates independently, but it must work within the budget constraints set by the government,” Mr Seymour says.  

    “Today represents another step forward for cancer patients as the $604 million uplift from the government continues to facilitate access to new treatments.  

    “Pharmac continues to show what it is capable of when given the support it needs. 

    Pharmac has today announced their decision to fund medicines for a further five health conditions, including cancers, from 1 March 2025. 

    The funding will:

    • Widen access to atezolizumab (Tecentriq) and bevacizumab (Vegzelma) for liver cancer that can’t be removed by surgery
    • Widen access to bevacizumab (Vegzelma) for advanced ovarian cancer
    • Fund a new brand of bevacizumab (Vegzelma)
    • Fund lanreotide for neuroendocrine cancers, bowel blockages caused by cancer, and for a growth disorder called acromegaly.

    “The early signs of Pharmac’s redirection remain positive, as expanding opportunities and access for patients and their families continue to be prioritised,” Mr Seymour says. 

    “I’m pleased to see Pharmac’s responsiveness to the voices of patients and their families by expanding access to more medicines for more groups. This decision reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centered approach.”

    Mr Brown says delivering better and faster access to cancer care in New Zealand has been a focus of this Government, which is why it is one of our five key health targets, and is able to deliver because of the Government’s $604 million investment in new cancer medicines.

    “As Minister of Health, I am focused on ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare. That means ensuring better access to more cancer medicines, better cancer management driven by our faster cancer treatment target, and earlier detection of cancers through screening programmes,” Mr Brown says.

    “It is encouraging to see improvement in our efforts to provide faster cancer treatment, with more patients receiving their first treatment within 31 days in the first financial quarter than in the previous quarter and more cancer treatments available.”

    “We want to build a world-class health system, and that requires world-class medicines,” Mr Seymour says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Southern Lakes Sanctuary – Extensive predator trapping leads to 18 takahē released in the Rees Valley

    Source: Southern Lakes Sanctuary

    The 18 takahē released on to 18,000ha of leasehold land in the Rees Valley near Queenstown was made possible thanks to a major predator control effort three years in the making.

    Yesterday’s release of the 18 endangered flightless birds marked a major milestone for Southern Lakes Sanctuary, which led the land preparation in partnership with the custodians of the Rees Valley Station, Temple Peak Station and Mt Earnslaw Station, and supported by the Department of Conservation (DOC), Fulton Hogan and Ngāi Tahu.

    The land area – the largest leasehold site (not public conservation land) in NZ to accommodate wild takahē – has seen a huge number of pests removed since Southern Lakes Sanctuary (SLS) began working on this project in 2022. Prior to the environmental consortium’s arrival, there were just 139 traps in the valley. Since 2022, a total of 596 traps have removed 1947 predators, including feral cats, stoats and rats, and the traps have been checked 5722 times.

    Southern Lakes Sanctuary project director Paul Kavanagh says preparing the site for takahē has been a core focus for his team, but it requires ongoing resources to ensure the land is protected.

    “It’s deeply rewarding to see what these proactive measures can lead to, and we’re grateful to the Scott Family, who are excellent custodians of the land,” he says. “The upper Whakatipu catchment area has the potential to sustain a population of up to 500 birds, which could see more than double the national number in the Rees Valley alone within the next 10 years. However, to achieve this, we need to give these taonga the best fighting chance by continually decreasing predator numbers.”

    Rees Valley Station owner Iris Scott says it is truly magnificent to have takahē wandering the hills now.  

    “We already have some great species here, but to re-introduce wildlife is an excellent goal,” she says. “In a way, it’s quite validating to know that we have maintained this environment in a state that it is still a habitat, which species from the past, can return to.”

    The Rees Valley is a mix of alpine tussock grassland, which is the optimal landscape for the endemic species. Takahē forage on starchy leaf bases of tussock and tussock seeds. When snow is heavy during the winter months, the bird moves into forests and will feed on the underground rhizomes of the summer green fern.

    It is estimated between 70 – 80 takahē will inhabit the Rees Valley by the end of 2025, with two future takahē releases scheduled for March and September.

    DOC takahē recovery senior ranger Glen Greaves says the robust pest control in the Rees is reassuring.

    “Southern Lakes Sanctuary’s work to reduce predator numbers is a significant factor behind why we chose the Rees,” he says. “Without SLS’ proactive work, we wouldn’t have takahē in the area.”

    There are currently 528 takahē in New Zealand, with half of the population in the wild.

    To sustain the low predator numbers, ongoing funding is required to ensure takahē are protected from the future threat of mammalian predators. SLS’ work in the Rees Valley has been supported by RealNZ, Impact100, Lotteries, Stout Trust, Patagonia, QLDC, CLT, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand and Heli Glenorchy.

    “The Rees Valley, which borders Mt Aspiring National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Area, is a strategically important site with the potential for total predator elimination. By removing pests in this area, we’re not only protecting takahē, but more than 15 threatened species including kea, pīwauwau/rock wren, pekapeka/bat and braided river birds,” Kavanagh adds.
     
    About Southern Lakes Sanctuary                                                            
    The Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust that oversees this project is a consortium of six local groups that collectively represent 84 community groups, landowners, and businesses, who in turn have been working for many years to protect and restore the declining biodiversity of the Southern Lakes region. The consortium relies on the mahi of hundreds of committed and dedicated volunteers, throughout the district. Their tireless work, which has been quietly ploughing on for many years, is the foundation upon which the Southern Lakes Sanctuary is built. Donations to the Trust can be made at https://southernlakessanctuary.org.nz/get-involved/

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –