NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rotorua Police lay charges in relation to hunting death

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Rotorua Police have today charged a man in relation to the death of Michael William Bennett, who was fatally shot while hunting in the Te Urewera Ranges on 1 December 2023.

    Mr Bennett, aged 63, had been located deceased by a hunting companion and a personal locator beacon was activated at around 2am that day.

    A 50-year-old man has been charged with careless use of a firearm causing death and recklessly discharging a firearm.

    He is scheduled to appear in Rotorua District Court on Thursday 24 October.

    Police would like to take this opportunity to again extend our condolences to Mr Bennett’s family for their loss.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rooftop youth will face consequences

    Source: New Zealand Government

    “The young offenders involved in the rooftop incident at an Oranga Tamariki youth justice residence in Auckland need to know there will be consequences for their actions, Children’s Minister Karen Chhour says.

    “Last night, 13 young people gained access to the roof of the Korowai Manaaki residence at about 6.30pm.

    “All of them are now down and I witnessed the final two come down late this morning.

    “I have been assured by Oranga Tamariki there were no demands made by the young people and no demands would have been met, as this wasn’t a negotiation.

    “There is no excuse for this totally unacceptable behaviour and there will be consequences for their actions.

    “I want to thank all the Oranga Tamariki staff as well as Police and Corrections, FENZ and Health NZ for their support. 

    “At no time did any of the young people leave the property and there were no concerns for public safety.

    “The facility has done what it was supposed to do – none of these young offenders have been able to leave the premises,” Karen Chhour says.

    This is the first rooftop incident at an Oranga Tamariki youth justice residence this year, compared to 15 similar incidents in 2023

    It comes after significant changes had been made to the operation of the youth justice residences since the release in September last year of the Independent, External Rapid Review of Oranga Tamariki Secure Residences by former Police Commissioner Mike Bush.

    That work programme included improvements designed to lift the safety and security of residences.

    It also involved improving recruitment for staff, training for staff and assessment of staff.

    Other aspects of the work programme have included strengthening and maintaining infrastructure including target hardening rooftop access points and installing reinforced window frames and more secure ceiling fittings.

    “Work has already begun on assessing how this incident was able to happen and what else can be done to prevent them in future.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government News – More and more people are turning to the Ombudsman for help

    Source: Office of the Ombudsman

    The Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier has today published his 2023/2024 Annual Report.
    “In 2023/24 I completed the highest number of complaints and protected disclosures ever,” Mr Boshier says.
    “I completed 6,269 complaints, eight percent more than the number completed last year and 58 percent more than the average number completed in each of the five years prior to the pandemic. I also completed 220 protected disclosures and enquiries, a 159 percent increase from the previous year.
    “Both complaints and protected disclosures have been at historically high levels over the last three years, which shows that this sustained high level may be becoming the new normal.”
    Mr Boshier also received 38 percent more official information complaints (2,222 complaints) related to both the Official Information Act and the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act than the average number received in each of the five years prior to the pandemic.
    He also received 98 percent more Ombudsmen Act (OA) complaints than the average number received in each of the five years prior to the pandemic.
    The Chief Ombudsman has also made every effort to help improve good practice across government, including in his recommendations to agencies where he has considered it is needed.
    “It has been a busy period in other respects as well. Over the past year I have made comment and submissions on 35 legislative, policy, or administrative proposals, provided advice to public sector agencies on 356 occasions and visited 108 places of detention.
    “I also published Open for business, a report on my investigation into meeting and workshop practices of eight councils. My call for greater openness and accountability has resonated across the country with a number of councils considering and many changing their meeting policies.
    “Another major report was Children in care: complaints to the Ombudsman 2019-2023, which called for the government and Oranga Tamariki to make profound changes to the way the Ministry operates.
    “I also continued my community outreach and engagement work which allows me to meet people face-to-face to talk about my work and how I can help them.
    “My overall goal is that people are treated fairly. I have continued to work to ensure that the public understands its rights and options, has reasonable expectations about what the public sector should provide, and understands what it can expect from me and my office.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: E tū members ready to ‘Fight Back Together’ – E tū

    Source: Etu Union

    E tū members will join the wider union movement and our community allies at the ‘Fight Back Together – Maranga Ake’ hui happening nationwide tomorrow, Wednesday 23 October 2024.

    E tū is the biggest private sector union in Aotearoa New Zealand, covering a huge variety of workers including in aviation, communications, community support services, manufacturing, food, engineering, infrastructure, extractions, property services, and in many other industries.

    E tū National Secretary, Rachel Mackintosh, says E tū members will be out in force.

    “The hui are one part of the union movement’s mobilisation in the face of attacks from a shockingly anti-worker coalition Government,” Rachel says.

    “The Government has already cancelled Fair Pay Agreements, re-introduced 90-day ‘fire at will’ trials for all workplaces, and increased the minimum wage below the inflation rate – effectively giving Aotearoa’s lowest paid workers a pay cut during a cost-of-living crisis.

    “They aren’t stopping there. The Government has plans to remove the rights of workers to challenge their status as contractors, robbing them of an important legal protection. We’re deeply concerned about their proposals to meddle with health and safety legislation. They have deprioritised pay equity. We’re calling on the Government to reverse their dangerous agenda in workplace relations.”

    Rachel says E tū members are troubled by the Government’s actions and plans beyond workplace relations as well.

    “Luxon’s Government is overseeing a deliberate weakening of our public services, particularly in healthcare. They are stoking upsetting divisions in our society with their attacks on te Tiriti and te ao Māori. They have mucked up our social housing programme and cancelled modern transport solutions. It’s a Government of profits for rich mates ahead of people and the environment. Workers are angry, and they have every reason to be.

    “We have a vision for something better for working people in Aotearoa. This can be a place where we have decent work, good social and physical infrastructure to support communities, justice under Te Tiriti, an end to inequality and hope for the future.”

    Rachel says tomorrow will be a landmark event for E tū and the wider union movement’s activities to demand better for all, not just for a few.

    “This isn’t the start, nor the end, of our campaign to protect workers and our communities from the harms of bad political leadership. However the hui will be a significant milestone, and I am proud that E tū members’ voices will join the chorus tomorrow and beyond.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH2 recovery work at White Pine Bush

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Work has begun on one of the last recovery projects in the White Pine Bush area on State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa.

    Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance crews, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, have been working to restore access through the area after Cyclone Gabrielle caused extensive damage to the road and numerous sites alongside it.

    Tangoio Falls Reserve Underslip – Active

    Crews have started work just south of White Pine Bush above Tangoio Falls Reserve.

    There, Cyclone Gabrielle damaged two retaining walls on the steep slope: a small timber crib wall and a mortared rock wall. During the next few weeks, crews will be stabilising sections of the retaining walls with ground anchors and shotcrete.

    Much of this work will be done by workers abseiling, using the guardrails to abseil down to the site beneath the road. This site will be down to a single lane under a short stop/go until the work is finished, with the aim to have it back to two lanes for this Christmas.

    White Pine Bush Underslip – Active

    Crews have been working at a large retaining wall job since March this year. This new wall consists of 220 ground anchors and will be sprayed with concrete once testing is completed. This is expected to be finished before Christmas this year.

    Watch this video for more information about this site:

    White Pine Bush North – Complete

    Two-lane access was recently restored at another site, just north of the White Pine Bush carpark entrance.

    There, Cyclone Gabrielle floodwaters had scoured away the ground under the road shoulder, undermining the outside lane. The repair was a retaining wall and rock rip rap to stabilise the ground.

    With the site down to one lane while the repair was underway, TREC took the opportunity to work at nights to speed up delivery.

    The local contractors all had the capacity and people to work both day and night shifts. From start to finish, the wall was built in a month, halving the expected timeframe.

    TREC Hawke’s Bay Project Manager Chris Mahoney says work through the White Pine Bush section means this stretch of road is still down to one-lane.

    “We know it’s frustrating seeing those traffic lights, and having to wait. We know it’s been a frustrating time on this stretch of road since the cyclone and we want to reassure people we are working to restore two-lane access as quickly as possible through this area of State Highway 2.

    “It’s a priority to ensure disruption is minimised for vital sectors like farming, horticulture and tourism, to connect with local and export markets.

    “We are grateful to communities for their support, crews for their hard work and road users for their understanding. We know it hasn’t been easy with so many worksites in operation and we do want to reiterate our thanks to people for their patience,” says Mr Mahoney.

    Attached is a map of the worksites at White Pine Bush, Tangoio Falls Reserve Underslip infographic and a before and after of the repair at White Pine Bush North.

    View larger map [PDF, 1.5 MB]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Development – Ōtaki Māori Racecourse housing development granted consent – EPA

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    An independent panel has approved resource consent, subject to conditions, for the Ōtaki Māori Racecourse housing development.
    Ōtaki Revisited Limited applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020.
    The project includes subdividing approximately 59.8 hectares of land to construct a housing development at 143 Rahui Road and 49 Te Roto Road in Ōtaki.
    The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.
    The decision comes 155 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
    The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appoints.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace – Luxon strips local governments’ power to protect fresh water

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace says the Government’s move to remove local government power to protect fresh water is an underhanded overreach that undermines democracy and puts vital fresh water at risk.
    The Government has signalled that it will introduce an amendment to the Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill to prevent local councils from notifying their freshwater plans until the Government replaces the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Sinead Deighton-O’Flynn says, “The anti-nature Luxon Government is stripping control from local and district councils who want to protect lakes, rivers, and drinking water for generations to come.
    “Christopher Luxon’s government has declared war on nature, but that should not stop responsible local governments from putting in place their own protections to safeguard their constituents’ access to safe, healthy drinking water.
    “Rural communities are suffering the consequences of nitrate-contaminated drinking water, lakes and rivers across Aotearoa are unswimmable, and the state of freshwater is getting worse. We need more protection of fresh water, not less,” says Deighton-O’Flynn.
    “We know that everyone, no matter where they live or who they voted for, wants and deserves access to safe, healthy drinking water, but right now, central government is stripping away the rules that ensure drinking water quality through this bill – and now they’ve gone one step further.
    “It’s clear that this amendment is a reaction to regional and district councils pushing for more effective freshwater policies rather than bowing down to Luxon’s push to strip back water protections.”
    The Otago Regional Council has been in the news recently over criticism from Luxon’s government due to plans to continue with notifying their freshwater plan, with farming industry lobby group Federated Farmers calling on the Government to stop this from happening.
    “Luxon must keep his hands off the freshwater protections and allow local councils to set strong and ambitious freshwater protections that safeguard lakes, rivers, and drinking water,” says Deighton-O’Flynn.
    A Greenpeace petition calling on Luxon to keep his hands off freshwater protections has been signed by more than twenty thousand people. The Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill passed its second reading in Parliament last week, and is set to go through the Committee of the Whole House later today.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato swampland fire Update #2

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    The ground and air response to a scrub fire burning in swampland off Island Block Road, near Meremere in North Waikato has been stood down for the night.
    Fire and Emergency New Zealand Incident Commander Shane Bromley says the fire is not contained but is burning slowly through swampland.
    “Houses along Island Block Road are no longer threatened,” he says.
    “A crew will monitor the situation overnight, and we will resume our air attack at first light tomorrow morning.”
    Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to the fire around 1.15pm. It has since spread through approximately 35 hectares of scrub and swampland.
    There will be another update after 8am tomorrow. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation following death of Baby Ru reaches one year mark

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of an infant in Lower Hutt who has come to be known as Baby Ru.

    This was a callous homicide in which the victim was a defenceless child, and we are determined to get justice for Baby Ru and provide closure for his whānau and the wider community.

    There has been a dedicated Police investigation team working tirelessly through a huge amount of evidence for a year now.

    This work is incredibly painstaking, and meticulous care must be made to ensure all information is recorded and nothing important is missed.

    We believe that the people who know what happened to Baby Ru must surely have it weighing on their conscience.

    We urge you – lighten your load, do the right thing, and tell us what you know.

    We continue to thank everyone who has contacted Police with information and we will continue to investigate every possible lead and piece of information we receive, no matter how small.

    If you can assist with our enquiries please contact Police via 105 online reporting quoting file number 231022/1708, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    Note to Media: photo of Baby Ru has been provided by Ru’s whānau

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release, Whangamarino death

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can now release the name of the man who died from injuries inflicted in an assault at Hampton Downs last Monday.

    He was 43-year-old Darshak Narran, from South Auckland.

    Darshak was located with critical injuries on the roadside in the vicinity of the Hampton Downs Racetrack. He never regained consciousness and died in Auckland Hospital last Thursday, 17 October.

    Two men have been arrested and charged with Darshak’s murder. They have been remanded in custody to appear next on 5 November in the High Court at Hamilton.

    The investigation is ongoing as Police work to locate other people believed to have been involved in the fatal assault.

    Police are again asking anyone who was travelling on Hampton Downs Road between 10pm on Sunday 13 October and 1am on 14 October to make contact, particularly if you have dashcam footage.

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

    Please use the reference number 241014/2225.

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

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Election of Member — Benjamin Doyle – 001427

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    LIST MEMBER ELECTED

    Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand—Benjamin Cody Doyle

    SPEAKER: Members, I have been advised by the Electoral Commissioner that, under section 137 of the Electoral Act 1993, Benjamin Cody Doyle has been declared to be elected a member of the House of Representatives to fill the vacancy created by Darleen Tana. Just giving a bit of a gap before I go on, just in case there’s a point of order.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Karakia/Prayers – 001428

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    WEDNESDAY, 23 OCTOBER 2024

    The Speaker took the Chair at 2 p.m.

    KARAKIA/PRAYERS

    GREG O‘CONNOR (Assistant Speaker): Almighty God, we give thanks for the blessings which have been bestowed on us. Laying aside all personal interests, we acknowledge the King and pray for guidance in our deliberations that we may conduct the affairs of this House with wisdom, justice, mercy, and humility for the welfare and peace of New Zealand. Amen.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Wednesday, 23 October 2024 – Volume 779 – 001429

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    ORAL QUESTIONS

    QUESTIONS TO MINISTERS

    Question No. 1—Finance

    1. DAN BIDOIS (National—Northcote) to the Minister of Finance: What recent reports has she seen on Government finances?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister of Finance): The year-end financial statements for the 2023-2024 financial year show net core Crown debt of $175 billion, which is 42.5 percent of GDP. The good news is that this is lower than the Budget forecast. The bad news is that over the past six years, Government debt has skyrocketed. Some of this, of course, was due to COVID, but Government spending outside of COVID also increased significantly. Overall, net debt has gone from 19.4 percent of GDP to 42.5 percent, which, in dollar terms, colleagues, is an increase of $118 billion over six years, and the cost of financing that debt has also risen to $8.9 billion a year.

    Dan Bidois: How much did net debt increase in the year 2023 to 2024?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Net core Crown debt at the beginning of the year was $155 billion. Over the course of the year, an extra $6 billion was borrowed to cover the cash deficit from core Crown operating activities. This is what’s known as borrowing to pay for the groceries. Another $13 billion was borrowed for investments. These include capital expenditure, for things like roads and schools; advances; contributions to the Superannuation Fund; and there was a $1 billion fair value movement in financial assets and liabilities. That adds up to a $20 billion increase in net debt over the year.

    Dan Bidois: What are the Government’s objectives for debt?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Core Crown operating cash-flows have been negative since 2019-2020, meaning the Government has been borrowing for the groceries for five years straight, and, obviously, that is not sustainable. Debt should be used to fund investments and deal with economic shocks, not to fund operating activities. The coalition Government also has an objective to stop the rise in net debt as a percentage of GDP, put it on a downward trajectory towards 40 percent, and eventually keep it below that level, subject to shocks.

    Dan Bidois: Will the Government need to borrow for tax relief?

    Hon Members: It already has!

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: This is an answer which members opposite should listen to. The Government will not need to borrow at all for tax relief. Tax relief is fully funded. Neither has tax relief added to inflation. Let me remind members that there were some in this House who stood up and declared that tax relief will lead to higher inflation for longer, and they must feel so embarrassed now that annual inflation is down to 2.2 percent. Don’t trust the economic forecasts of the team opposite.

    Hon David Seymour: Has the Minister seen any recent reports that the debt could be approximately $860 million lower had the previous Government adopted the new Government’s model for delivering the healthy school lunch model at half the price, and, if so, does the Government have more plans to do things smarter; bring business, Government, and civil society together; and deliver better results for less money?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Yes, it is correct that the Minister is not just delivering butter chicken; he’s delivering savings, too. He reflects a sentiment that the Government is very much attached to, which is that the whole reason for managing the books well is so that we can deliver better services to New Zealanders. We do not presume that doing things the way they have always been done is the best way, and we will always be on the lookout for opportunities to drive better value for money.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closure, Onehunga

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Parts of Captain Springs Road and Church Road in Onehunga are closed while emergency services respond to an incident in the area this afternoon.

    Motorists are asked to avoid the area and expect delays while the incident is resolved.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road overnight lane closures

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    A closure of State Highway 2 (SH2) Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR) is required, for 1 direction at a time, over 3 nights starting Monday 4 November between 8pm and 6am.

    To ensure the safety of contractors and the travelling public, the closures are required to remove the temporary steel barriers and repair the road surface.  

    What to expect: 

    • Monday 4 November – SH2 TELTR west bound lane closed between 8pm and 6am with a detour starting at the Domain Road Interchange, joining the Te Puke Highway, through Te Puke to the SH2/SH33 Paengaroa roundabout. 
    • Tuesday 5 November – SH2 TELTR east bound lane closed between 8pm and 6am with a detour route starting at the SH2/SH33 Paengaroa roundabout joining the Te Puke Highway, through Te Puke to the Domain Road Interchange. 
    • Wednesday 6 November is a contingency day, which may be required if work hasn’t been completed on either lane. 

    Outside of the closure times the current temporary traffic management remains, with a single lane open in each direction and a temporary speed limit of 70km/h. 
     
    For more information, please visit Rangiuru Business Park:

    rangiuru.co.nz(external link)
     
    Detour information: 

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence News – All three containers removed from reef after HMNZS Manawanui sinking

    Source: New Zealand Defence Force
     
    All three containers that came off the HMNZS Manawanui have now been successfully removed from the reef.
     
    “After four days of coordination and effort between the New Zealand Defence Force, local contractor Ark Marine and the support of the Samoan authorities, I am pleased to announce that we have removed all three containers that came off the ship,” says Senior National Representative Commodore Andrew Brown.
     
    “This was a complex team effort where safety was paramount, and I want to thank and acknowledge all those involved in the process.”
     
    During the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, monitoring of the Manawanui and the shoreline will continue.
     
    “This means one dive, one drone flight and one beach patrol daily, with the timing coordinated so as not to disrupt the event,” says Commodore Brown.
     
    The three 10ft shipping containers came off the Manawanui on 6 October 2024. Two were empty and one contained food. The food was buried at a landfill. All three containers are being safely disposed of at the port.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #7

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    A drone sighting in the area near the Waikato wetland fire forced Fire and Emergency to halt all air operations for a short time this afternoon.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says this is standard practice because drones are a serious threat to aircraft.
    “A mid-air collision between a drone and a helicopter could have fatal consequences,” he says.
    “Members of the public must not fly drones anywhere near the fireground.
    “This impacted our ability to fight this fire as air operations have been our main avenue for suppression of the fire.”
    The drone was quickly grounded and air operations were able to resume after a break of around 10 minutes.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rural News – OSPRI’s donation continues support for farmers

    Source: OSPRI New Zealand

    Disease management agency OSPRI has announced a funding package commitment for the Rural Support Trust, a charity they consider critical to the success of their work.
    The Rural Support Trust offers one to one support to those struggling with the pressures of life on the farm. As such, they are a vital safety net in the rural community, and their team of local experienced people will be relied on as the sector confronts tough economic conditions.
    To provide support when and where it is needed, resourcing is critical, and while partially funded by the Ministry of Primary Industries, the Trust relies on additional charitable donations. Recognising this and valuing the Trust’s support around the impact of its disease management programmes, OSPRI recently committed to annual donations over the next three years.
    “The impact of disease on farmers’ wellbeing is well documented, and we experience first-hand the stress that comes to bear on farming families when their livestock become infected with TB or M.bovis” says Helen Thoday, OSPRI’s North Island General Manager for Service Delivery. “So having a partner like The Rural Support Trust, often involving someone who’s been through it too, to help, is an important part of recovery”.
    As a not for profit itself, OSPRI understands just how important financial assurance is. “We’ve worked with the Rural Support Trusts previously, providing funding to ensure they could meet community needs during the Hawkes Bay TB outbreak. When taking on the surveillance of M.bovis last year, we also continued the funding, started by MPI, to support those farmers impacted by the disease. So, it’s gratifying to make a commitment of ongoing donations to support farmers dealing with infected herds, or any personal difficulty really” confirms Helen.
    Amanda Jordan, the Chair of Taranaki Rural Support has also been a long-time defender of biosecurity and continues this work with one of OSPRI’s farmer committees. As a 5th generation jersey cow farmer, Amanda and her family have battled through plenty of challenges, and she still remembers the impact of TB – at one stage managing three of the seven herds infected in Taranaki. Between that experience and calling on the Trust herself, Amanda was determined to do more for her industry and talks warmly about a network of locals. “We’ve an amazing coordinator, and an important part of her work is listening to the caller carefully, and then finding the right willing person in the community. If we’re concerned about welfare, we’ll find support quickly and close by, but often it’s about someone with the right experiences or background for a situation”.
    Fourteen Rural Support Trusts operate across regions throughout New Zealand, and then there is a national office providing coordination to ensure ground support remains widely accessible to those who need it. “I’m hugely proud of each Trusts’ efforts, there’s real comfort in having someone to walk with you during tough times – so providing those rural connections is such an important part of it” says Maria Shanks, General Manager of New Zealand Rural Support Trust. “We’re lucky to have a collection of principle sponsors and partners and pleased to have OSPRI’s support as they also work amongst our communities”.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for sightings of missing swimmer

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police, Coastguard and Surf Life Saving New Zealand have continued to search for a man believed missing in the water off Onerahi, Northland.

    The 83-year-old man was reported missing on Monday 21 October and is believed to have been swimming off Onerahi on Sunday 20 October.

    The man typically goes for a daily swim in the Whangārei Harbour and wears a wetsuit and pink swim cap.

    The Police Eagle Helicopter has been deployed in the area and has conducted a wide search of the area. Coastguard will be conducting a dummy exercise in the water, to detect currents.

    Police are appealing to the public, and in particular to motorists who were in the Beach Road area in Onerahi on the morning of Sunday 20 October between 8am – 11am.

    If you saw the swimmer or have any dashcam footage from the area that relates, please update us at 105 online or call 105 referencing file number 241021/1742.

    Police would like to thank Far North Search and Rescue, squads from Waipu Cove Surf Life Saving Club, Whangārei Heads Volunteer Surf Life Saving Patrol, volunteers from Northland Coastguard Air Patrol and Coastguard Whangarei who are involved in the search.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Grill seekers – Burglars cooking up trouble with a stolen BBQ.

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    At about 3.30pm on Monday afternoon, two people broke a window to enter a house in Fairfield Hamilton setting off the house alarm which alerted a passerby.

    They were then seen running from the address carrying a television set.

    Witnesses saw them ditch the television over a back hedge, then leave in a white Holden vehicle, which had been parked in the driveway of the victim’s house.

    Police units recognised the description of the vehicle as it had been spotted acting suspiciously in the area earlier in the day. 

    At about 4.45pm, Police located the Holden vehicle and two people matching the descriptions of the burglars. 

    They were found at the shops in Dinsdale, parked in a disability car park.

    The offenders were trying to sell a BBQ at the Dollar Dealers when they were confronted by Police.

    Both attempted to resist the officer, and they were sprayed with O/C spray and arrested, without further incident.

    Inspector Andrea McBeth, Area Commander Hamilton City says, “This is a good catch and we appreciate the people who called us so quickly with good descriptions.

    This incident serves as a timely reminder to anyone leaving their property unattended for a period of time to take steps to make sure it’s secure.

    Burglars are largely opportunistic. Alarms will help discourage any burglar looking for easy entry and, in this case, it did.  It alerted members of the public who were able to help.

    Locks on windows and doors can be effective, as well as security signage, CCTV, alarms, and sensor lights.

    Be wary of posting too much information on social media about holiday or travel plans, or photos of inside your home, as this can make your property a vulnerable target while you’re away.

    Keep in contact with your neighbours and let each other know if you notice anything unusual.

    Call Police straight away on 111 if you see or suspect anything suspicious at your home or a neighbour’s.

    When reporting activity, it’s helpful to take note of the number of people, clothing they wear, and any vehicles present.

    You can make a report after the fact using our 105 service, either by phone or online.

    A woman aged 22 is charged with burglary and a man aged 40 is charged with burglary, resisting arrest, obstructing police, and possession of an offensive weapon.  They both appeared in the Hamilton District Court today. 

    The driver of the Holden vehicle also received a number of tickets including one for illegally parking in a disability car park.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Opposing Austerity – More than 10,000 workers fight back against government cuts

    Source: PSA

    More than 10,000 workers, including PSA members, gathered across the motu to fight back together against government cuts to public, health and community services and attacks on Te Tiriti.
    PSA members stood shoulder to shoulder with workers from other unions at hui in Whangārei, Auckland, Manukau, Hamilton, Mt Maunganui, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Greymouth, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.
    The New Zealand Council of Trade unions led organisation of the Fight Back Together hui with the support of many its affiliated unions.
    Speaking before a 4,500 strong crowd at Parliament Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi assistant secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said that workers demand, “better investment in public and social infrastructure, public services, health and education” so New Zealanders’ standard of living improves.
    “That’s what this is all about. It’s about a decent quality of life for all of us. It’s about an education system where every child reaches their potential,” she said.
    “It’s about a health system where we … and our families get the health care we need.
    “It’s about an Aotearoa New Zealand that upholds the provision of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
    “It’s about an Aotearoa New Zealand that values public servants and the public services they deliver for all of us.”
    More than 6000 public servants, many PSA members, have lost their jobs under the government’s cuts. Fitzsimons said public servants including those in public health, public science and those protecting our borders have been impacted by the cuts.
    Fitzsimons described the cuts as “shameful”.
    “[Public servants] know their work is important and it now won’t get done.”
    PSA National Secretary Duane Leo said the 3500-strong crowd at Auckland’s Aotea Square was vibrant and colourful.
    ‘People were happy to be there speaking up. It’s about time we started to do this,” he said.
    “We need to change course and value and invest in our public services; for our future, for all Kiwis, and abandon this backward road to nowhere.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Waikato wetland fire update #8

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency crews are continuing to make solid progress fighting the large vegetation fire near Meremere, which includes the Whangamarino wetlands.
    The fire has not grown significantly in size during the day – it sits at 1024 hectares with a 15-kilometre perimeter as at 3pm – thanks largely to the air operation of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. This is despite losing 10 minutes of flight time due to a drone sighting.
    Of equal importance have been the ground operations of around 50 firefighters who have been establishing and strengthening the containment lines around the fire.
    Incident Controller Mark Tinworth says it has been a real team effort to get on top of the fire.
    “The aircraft have been doing great work to slow the spread of the fire while the ground crews have been getting that containment line in so we can get this fire stopped in its tracks.
    “It’s hard work for our crews, and I want to thank them for all their efforts throughout the day.”
    Mark Tinworth also extended his thanks to the community for their patience and understanding while crews have been working.
    “We know there is some anxiety out there about this fire, particularly with the large amount of smoke in the area, and I just want to reassure people that we have your safety as our top priority.
    “While we don’t expect anyone to be in any danger during this incident, we will let you know if there is any danger to you or your property well ahead of time.
    There have been a number of questions asked regarding the risk to the community and businesses in the local area. Fire and Emergency have been working to establish and maintain communication and guidance with all involved.
    A reminder if you are within the vicinity of smoke, keep windows and doors closed, and to avoid the area altogether if possible.
    The final update for the day will be around 7pm this evening.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill summer maintenance work to be wrapped up before Christmas

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Night and day-time closures are planned for State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill next month, as the state highway summer maintenance season continues in the top of the South Island.

    Rob Service, System Manager, Top of the South, says the work is deliberately timed for November to ensure the route is clear for all drivers over the summer holidays.

    “Golden Bay is a popular holiday spot and summer sees busy roads. So, we want to get this work done before the summer holiday season.”

    Between Sunday, 3 November, and Sunday, 24 November, the road will be closed every Sunday to Thursday between 8 pm and 5:30 am with a short opening around 1 am for queued traffic.

    Then from Monday, 25 November, until Friday, 29 November the highway will be closed between 9 am and 3 pm. During this time, the road will be reopened every 90 minutes to let traffic through.

    Mr Service says it’ s a good idea to have water and snacks in your vehicle if you’re travelling over the hill during this time.

    Because of the road’s narrowness and to keep contractors safe, the road must be closed while the work is done. It will also allow the maintenance to be completed much faster.

    Mr Service says there is a lot of work to be done.

    “Contractors will spend the first two weeks of night-time closures asphalting parts of the road surface on both sides of the hill, carrying out other maintenance work, such as clearing water channels, fixing slips and guard rails, and attending to general maintenance.”

    “Some of this work, such as asphalting, must be done during the day when conditions are warm and dry to ensure it’s effective. This is why some daytime road closures are needed,” Mr Service says.

    He acknowledges travel over the Tākaka Hill is vital for residents and local businesses, and their needs are important.

    “This is why there will be day-time access on the route. We are timing the day closures to avoid the school bus run and peak commuting times. We realise the work is disruptive, but we are working our hardest to meet community needs and ensure the highway is kept resilient and reliable.”

    “Regular road maintenance like this is essential in preventing more disruptive ones later on.”

    Contractors will make the most of the closure to speed up repair work at the underslip site on the Riwaka side of the hill.

    “We know this route is critical to the residents and businesses in Golden Bay and we aim is to have this section of road repaired and reopened to two lanes before Christmas,” Mr Service says.

    Once contractors have completed asphalting work on Tākaka Hill they will move onto SH60 Commercial Street in Takāka. More information on this work will be shared soon.

    Works Schedule: 

    • Work is from Sunday, 3 November, to Friday, 29 November 2024.

    Night closures:

    • The closure will be in place between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka and will run from Sunday, 3 November to Sunday, 24 November (no work on Friday or Saturday nights).
    • The closures will be between 8 pm and 5:30 am.
    • The road will open once each night around 1 am for traffic at two road closure points.
    • Vehicles travelling over the hill need to be at the Aaron Creek Road closure point by 12:30 am or at the Riwaka Valley Road closure point by 1 am.
    • Access will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.

    Day closures:

    • The closure will be in place between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka and will run from Monday, 25 November to Friday, 29 November.
    • The closures will be between 9 am and 3 pm.
    • During this time there will be openings every 90 minutes at 10:30 am, 12 noon and 1:30 pm.
    • It will take some time to clear queued traffic so plan ahead for delays.
    • Traffic management will be set up between 6 am and 9 am and will be removed between 3 pm and 6 pm.
    • Access will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.

    Works Location:

    View larger map [PDF, 2.4 MB]

    Summer Maintenance Season – Tips and Advice:

    • Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region.
    • Due to the number of worksites on each corridor we recommend allowing an extra 30 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast and State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim.
    • We recommend allowing an extra 60 minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
    • Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where roadworks are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
    • Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.

    More Information:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workers demonstrate strength of union power

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is celebrating a strong turnout of workers across the country who stood together in opposition to the Government’s anti-worker agenda, with more than 10,000 working people attending hui from Whangārei to Invercargill.

    “Today workers from a wide range of sectors and industries came together and demonstrated the strength of union power. Workers told the Government that they are sick and tired of the total disregard for their livelihoods,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.
     
    “It is galling to hear Brooke van Velden try and claim today the coalition is great for working people, when she is overseeing a series of policies that erode hard fought for worker’s rights, and refuses to even meet with unions.
     
    “Actions speak louder than words. That’s why we know that this coalition government is in the pockets of the rich and corporate interests and doesn’t care about working people.
     
    “We are proud of our movement for uniting together and sending this Government a strong message that will not back down and let them get away with their anti-worker and anti-Te Tiriti agenda.
     
    “When unions and working people unite and use our collective strength, we bring people together and transform society for the better. We have a proud history of creating change, even in the toughest circumstances.
     
    “We will continue to fight for good work, livable incomes, well-funded public services, health and safety at work, and the rights of kaimahi Māori,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: White paper on increasing access to medicines accepted 

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Health Minister David Seymour is pleased to accept the Valuing Life Medicines Access Summit White Paper delivered by Patient Voice Aotearoa (PVA).   

    PVA gives patients a unified voice to help inform better health policy and improve access to healthcare, while fiercely advocating for their rights.   

    “We welcome the White Paper as a call to action to continue improving access to medicines for Kiwis,” says Mr Seymour.  

    “The White Paper follows the Medicines Summit hosted by Mr Seymour in April 2024 and co-facilitated by PVA and Medicines New Zealand. The paper contains 10 suggestions for the development of a patient-centric medicines strategy, which Kiwis deserve.   

    “The acceptance of the White Paper signifies this Government’s commitment to continue to hear from patients up and down New Zealand.  

    “For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely.   

    “To reflect this, this Government listened, allocating Pharmac’s largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, so that it can get on and do its job – negotiating the best deals for medicine for New Zealanders.  

    “It was a priority for us to find the additional $1.8 billion to fix the fiscal cliff left by the previous government, and we provided a $604 million uplift to Pharmac to ensure more Kiwis can access life-changing medicines.  

    “Pharmac has a big job ahead. In a trying fiscal environment, we need to prioritise funding and resources and ensure Pharmac remains focused on the basic function of procuring medicine for people who need it, to the best of its abilities.  

    “In my letter of expectations, I made it clear that I want Pharmac to work in partnership with consumers, clinicians, suppliers and the health sector to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders. My letter also makes clear the need for Pharmac to focus on delivering improved health outcomes underpinned by robust data and evidence.   

    “While considerable progress has been made, more work is needed to address the questions raised by the summit on current policy settings and how to adapt to the evolving landscape of medicines. I look forward to continued engagement to give a voice to patients.” 

    Note to editors: The PVA White Paper can be found here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Former mayor and MP returns to Papakura

    Source: Auckland Council

    Former Papakura Mayor John Robertson (2004-2007) returned to the area recently, leading a delegation of Waitomo councillors and the district’s chief librarian to check out facilities in the town.

    Papakura Local Board chair Brent Catchpole says it was a case of back to the future when the group visited Sir Edmund Hillary Library, because Robertson played a role in redeveloping the floor now occupied by the library and museum.

    Until the then Papakura District Council sold its stake in the building and used the proceeds to redevelop and bring the facilities together, the museum was on an upper level.

    “He told us it was quite satisfying to see what had been achieved and congratulated us and library staff for leading such a dynamic facility,” Catchpole says.

    “The library is about so much more than books, and the role it plays in our community because of that is invaluable.”

    Robertson and his colleagues also toured Papakura Museum, Papakura Marae – where staff work with the board in a several areas, Central Park and Te Paataka Korero o Takaanini.

    “Our council is very small and that means it doesn’t have a wide rating base. Looking at ways that might allow us to create facilities for our community, particularly ones that can be used in multiple ways, makes sense.

    “What has been achieved in Papakura is a model we can draw on.

    “It shows you don’t have to be thinking you need to build a museum, a library, meeting rooms and everything else. Instead, you can create something that might meet many of the community’s needs in a more affordable way.”

    Like the Papakura Local Board, Waitomo Council is committed to working to promote the social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing of its community.

    “We say ‘te hanga tahi o tātou Takiwa – shaping our district together,” says Robertson – who also served as Papakura MP from 1990 to 1996. “Members are working hard to enable a thriving economy to create greater benefits everyone can enjoy.”

    Papakura Museum staff gifted Robertson a 1993 photo showing the then MP with Papakura Mayor David Hawkins, promotions officer Christine Laurenson, and franchisee Martha Hill, on the site where the town’s original McDonald’s was to be built.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatality following assault, Onehunga

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police can confirm that a person has died following an assault on a bus in Onehunga, reported at 2.30pm this afternoon.

    Police are making urgent enquiries to locate the offender who has been identified through CCTV footage.

    Parts of Captain Springs Road and Church Road remain closed while enquiries are underway.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister clears up incident information

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister for Children Karen Chhour wants to clarify the facts following Chloe Swarbrick’s questions in Parliament this afternoon about the incident at Korowai Manaaki this week.

    “Claims that young people there didn’t have access to food, are false,” Children’s Minister Karen Chhour says.

    “Claims that young people there didn’t have access to fresh air, are false.

    “The only young people who have been denied time outdoors, are those who did not participate in the incident, because staff had to keep them inside while they cleaned up the damage caused by the young people on the roof and made the place safe for them.

    “The young people on the roof did not make any requests or demands to Oranga Tamariki staff.

    “I agree these young people should be taken seriously. That is why there will be consequences for their actions.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Vegetable hide-and-go-seek

    Source: Ministry of Education

    Vegetables are a major component of the meals that will be served to more than 240,000 students as part of Ka Ora, Ka Ako – the healthy school lunches programme.
    Sean Teddy, Hautū (Leader) Operations and Integration at the Ministry of Education says the meals delivered from the School Lunch Collective meet the same nutritional standards the programme has always done. These standards are based on Ministry of Health guidance. Every meal will include vegetables or salad ingredients.
    “We’re doing what a lot of parents do when they cook for their children at home – we’ll include vegetables, but they won’t always be visible. Schools have told us that that hiding the carrots, parsnip, pumpkin, spinach, cauliflower and other vegetables in the sauces works well for children,” Mr Teddy says.
    Schools say the hot meals that will be provided are popular with children and the recipes selected are the ones they know.
    Fruit and vegetable suppliers, such as Wattie’s and Fresh Connection will provide ingredients to the School Lunch Collective.
    Compared to what they get now, students in Year 0 to 3 will receive more to eat. All students will receive the same size meals – around 240g.
    “For students in Year 9 and above, two supplementary items will be served with each meal, such as baking that contains vegetables – chocolate brownie made with kumara and pumpkin is expected to be a popular choice – along with fresh fruit, or fruit yoghurt,” Mr Teddy says.
    “We will continue to support schools making lunches for their students to meet the required meal sizes and nutritional standards.
    “We’ll work closely with the School Lunch Collective to deliver high-quality meals and will monitor, measure, and respond to any requests for changes.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ’s third-largest city sanctions Israel over illegal Palestine settlements

    Asia Pacific Report

    Christchurch, New Zealand’s third-largest city, today became the first local government in the country to sanction Israel by voting to halt business with organisations involved in illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.

    It passed a resolution to amend its procurement policy to exclude companies building and maintaining illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land.

    It was a largely symbolic gesture in that Christchurch (pop. 408,000) currently has no business dealings with any of the companies listed by the United Nations as being active in the illegal settlements.

    However, the vote also rules out any future business dealings by the city council with such companies.

    The sanctions vote came after passionate pleas to the council by John Minto, president of the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA), and University of Canterbury postcolonial studies lecturer Dr Josephine Varghese.

    “We’re delighted the council has taken a stand against Israel’s ongoing theft of Palestinian land,” said Minto in a statement welcoming the vote.

    He had urged the council to take a stand against companies identified by the UN Human Rights Council as complicit in the construction and maintenance of the illegal settlements.

    ‘Failure of Western governments’
    “It has been the failure of Western governments to hold Israel to account which means Israel has a 76-year history of oppression and brutal abuse of Palestinians.

    “Today Israel is running riot across the Middle East because it has never been held to account for 76 years of flagrant breaches of international law,” Minto said.

    “The motion passed by Christchurch City today helps to end Israeli impunity for war crimes.” (Building settlements on occupied land belonging to others is a war crime under international law)

    “The motion is a small but significant step in sanctioning Israel. Many more steps must follow”.

    The council’s vote to support the UN policy was met with cheers from a packed public gallery. Before the vote, gallery members displayed a “Stop the genocide” banner.

    Minto described the decision as a significant step towards aligning with international law and supporting Palestinian rights.

    “In relation to the council adopting a policy lined up with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, this resolution was co-sponsored by the New Zealand government back in 2016,” Minto said, referencing the UN resolution that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories “had no legal validity and constituted a flagrant violation under international law”.

    ‘Red herrings and obfuscations’
    In his statement, Minto said: “We are particularly pleased the council rejected the red herrings and obfuscations of New Zealand Jewish Council spokesperson Ben Kepes who urged councillors to reject the motion”

    “Mr Kepes presentation was a repetition of the tired, old arguments used by white South Africans to avoid accountability for their apartheid policies last century – policies which are mirrored in Israel today.”

    Postcolonial studies lecturer Dr Josephine Varghese . . . boycotts “a long standing peaceful means of protest adopted by freedom fighters across the world.” Image: UOC

    Dr Varghese said more than 42,000 Palestininians — at least 15,000 of them children — had been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza.

    “Boycotting products and services which support and benefit from colonisation and apartheid is the long standing peaceful means of protest adopted by freedom fighters across the world, not only by black South Africans against apartheid, but also in the Indian independent struggle By the lights of Gandhi,” she said.

    “This is a rare opportunity for us to follow in the footsteps of these greats and make a historic move, not only for Christchurch City, but also for Aotearoa New Zealand.

    “On March 15, 2019 [the date of NZ’s mosque massacre killing 51 people], we made headlines for all the wrong reasons, and today could be an opportunity where we make headlines global globally for the right reasons,” Dr Varghese said.

    “Sanctions on Israel” supporters at the Christchurch City Council for the vote today. Image: PSNA

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –