NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH1 resurfacing next week, north of Levin – ahead of schedule

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    SH1 resurfacing next week, north of Levin – ahead of schedule Roading crews working to rebuild a stretch of State Highway 1 north of Levin are ahead of schedule and will be resealing a section of the road next week.

    The sealing will take place next week over two days – Monday 21 October and then again on Thursday 24 October, between the hours of 9am and 6pm (weather permitting).

    The work is being carried out next week to make the most of potential efficiencies in the programme and ensure the site is as free from disruption as possible for the long Labour weekend. As a result of next week’s sealing, the road will be under stop/go traffic management with delays of up to 30 minutes expected.

    Crews have been on site at SH1 between Roslyn Road and just north of Heatherlea East Road since the end of September, rebuilding the road and working to improve the area’s drainage. Some maintenance work is continuing at night, under one lane stop/go traffic management. However, to give the new asphalt the best chance of success, the sealing of the road needs to be done during the day, for warmer, drier temperatures.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi understands these potential delays are significant and we strongly recommend road users plan their trips accordingly, try to avoid the area or take alternative routes.

    NZTA thanks road users in the area for driving to the conditions and for taking an alternative route where possible. NZTA appreciates at times there will be disruption on our network, and our roadworkers will do their best to complete their work safely and efficiently and keep you moving this summer.

    Further information

    The night-time road maintenance work of SH1 is expected to finish earlier than the advertised date of Wednesday 18 December (weather permitting), and will provide an update closer to the time. Please note, our crews are completing this rebuild work in sections, and further daytime resealing in this area is expected, with delays. We will communicate further resealing works closer to the time.

    Keep up to date with our maintenance work via our webpage here:

    The season’s work is funded through the State Highway Maintenance and Pothole Prevention activity classes in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand celebrates epic sporting weekend

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New Zealanders have a huge amount to be proud about after five national sporting teams celebrated historic wins over the weekend, Sport & Recreation Minister Chris Bishop says.

    “In New Zealand’s history there haven’t been too many sporting weekends like the one we’ve just seen, with epic wins from Team New Zealand, the White Ferns, the Black Caps, the Silver Ferns and the Paddle Ferns,” Mr Bishop says.

    “I know lots of Kiwis will be bleary-eyed today after a couple of long nights watching our teams go up against the best, but I bet they’re as stoked at the results and as proud of our teams as I am.

    “The excitement started around 1am Sunday morning when Emirates Team New Zealand, who were on match point, took to the water off Barcelona with INEOS Britannia. Kiwi sailing fans with long memories were probably pretty nervous at this point, and they probably chewed through their fingernails as the Brittania clawed their way back to dead even around the midway mark – but Team New Zealand’s Taihoro was dominant in the end, finishing 37 seconds ahead. This three-peat victory by Team New Zealand was the first time any team has won the Cup three times in more than 30 years – a brilliant achievement by the team.

    “The next sporting victory was on Sunday evening from the Black Caps who took out the first test in the series against India. This was just New Zealand’s third win against India in India ever, and our first since 1988. The Hutt Valley’s own Rachin Ravindra (deservedly Man of the Match) made a century in the first innings and helped chase down the target in the second innings, finishing unbeaten. 

    “There was also sporting action in Wellington on Sunday evening with the Silver Ferns taking on the world champion Diamonds in the Constellation Cup. The Ferns were dominant from the start, playing a bold attacking game which showed in the final score of 64-50 – the highest the Silver Ferns have ever scored against the Diamonds in regular time. The Ferns and the Diamonds have been pretty even in recent years so a 14 goal victory is an awesome achievement. While there are still three games to go, this is a brilliant start.

    “That wasn’t all for Sunday evening though: over in China the Paddle Ferns, our women’s national Canoe Polo team, took on Italy in the final of the Canoe Polo World Cup and stormed home with the silverware. The final score of 6:1 shows how strong the Paddle Ferns were – continuing a long and proud history of excellence in the sport. 

    “And then to round out a truly amazing sporting weekend, at 3am Monday morning the White Ferns, led by Sophie Devine, stepped up to face South Africa in the women’s T20 World Cup final in Dubai and absolutely smashed it, bringing home their first World Cup since the One Day International in 2000. Amelia Kerr’s 43 runs off 38 balls, and then taking 3 wickets for 24 set our team up for their magnificent performance. 

    “All in all, I think this was a weekend that will go down in New Zealand’s sporting annals. All five teams should know that their country is enormously proud of them. 

    “And I think Kiwi sports fans can be forgiven if they’re caught yawning at work today, after so much sporting excitement packed into one weekend!”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Foreign Minister represents NZ at Indonesian Presidential inauguration

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a visit to Indonesia, where he attended the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto. 

    “It was a pleasure meeting President Prabowo in Jakarta for the second time this year,” Mr Peters says. 

    “Indonesia is a key partner for New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific, for our security, our trade, and on regional and global issues. We look forward to working with President Prabowo and his new administration as we continue to strengthen our strong and enduring bilateral relationship.” 

    Mr Peters also had a number of informal engagements with other leaders in the margins of the inauguration in Jakarta. 

    He returns to New Zealand today. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrest after serious assault, Central Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A young person has been arrested after a serious assault in Central Auckland last night that left another man in critical condition.

    Emergency services were called to a Quay Street premises about 1am following a report of a person being stabbed.

    The victim was transported to hospital in critical condition, where he remains this morning.

    A 17-year-old male was arrested at the scene. He is due to appear in Auckland District Court this morning on a charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

    A scene examination has been carried out, and enquiries into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who might have witnessed this incident who has not yet spoken to us.

    If you can help, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number P060330621.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police arrest man after North Shore incidents

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police officers were quick to respond to a reported robbery in Northcote on Thursday (17 October), arresting a 22-year-old-man in relation to a number of offences across the North Shore.

    Waitematā East Response Manager, Acting Senior Sergeant Andy Godsalve, says Police first became aware of the man’s alleged offending following a reported road rage incident just before 3pm in Glenfield.

    “The man is alleged to have gotten into a verbal altercation with another motorist then followed the victim’s vehicle in his own car, throwing several items out of his window at the vehicle, including alcohol containers and a hockey stick, which damaged the vehicle.

    “He continued to follow the victim’s vehicle for several kilometres, causing them much concern.

    “The man has then driven to a liquor store in Northcote and allegedly told the worker behind the counter that he had a knife.”

    At this point, Acting Senior Sergeant Godsalve says the suspect’s actions began to grow more violent.

    “He picked up of bottle of alcohol and smashed it on the floor before allegedly stealing a further eight bottles of alcohol, worth over $400.

    “Police were quickly on the scene, with officers witnessing the man pull a car jack tool from his pants and allegedly threaten the liquor store worker with it.

    “He was arrested as he exited the store with the alcohol, and later blew an excess breath alcohol reading of three times over the legal limit.”

    A 22-year-old man appeared in the North Shore District Court yesterday charged with robbery, wilful damage, theft, threatening behaviour, possession of an offensive weapon, driving while disqualified, and driving with excess breath alcohol. He is due to reappear on 14 November. 

    “We won’t tolerate this type of anti-social behaviour on our roads or in our communities,” Acting Senior Sergeant Godsalve says.

    “The public has the right to feel safe, and I’m very happy the alleged offender will be held to account for his actions.”

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand takes next step in dairy dispute with Canada

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New Zealand has today notified the Canadian Government and other Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) members that it has triggered mandatory negotiations in a dairy dispute with Canada, Trade and Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced today. 

    In September last year, a Panel of Arbitrators ruled in favour of New Zealand, finding that Canada had breached its obligations under the CPTPP by blocking New Zealand dairy access. Canada has failed to comply with the ruling and under the Agreement the next step is for New Zealand to request formal negotiations.

    “New Zealand takes its obligations under trade agreements seriously. The CPTPP is one of the highest quality agreements signed by a group of like-minded economies,” Mr McClay says.

    “Parties to the agreement understood the commitments they were making when the agreement was signed, and it is important that they honour them.

    “As a matter of principle, the New Zealand Government expects our trade partners to treat our exporters fairly and within the rules of our agreements. Canada is not doing that in respect to the dairy quotas that were negotiated and agreed with New Zealand.”

    Mr McClay says New Zealand has decided to further pursue Canada for breaching its obligations under the CPTPP by blocking New Zealand dairy exporters’ access to the Canadian market.  

    “Canada can end this dispute by meeting its CPTPP obligations to us. If they continue to choose not to, they owe us compensation.

    “Now, more than ever, it is vital that international agreements and the obligations they contain are honoured. As an exporting nation New Zealand relies on trade commitments and market access that were negotiated in good faith.”

    Under the CPTPP dispute settlement process, negotiations must commence within 15 days of notification. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Residence portion of the Military-Style Academies complete

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The residence portion of the Military Style Academy Pilot at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice residence in Palmerston North is wrapping up, with the young people now transitioning back into the community with support, Minister for Children Karen Chhour says. 

    Ten young people have spent three months on the programme addressing criminal behaviours with a focus on structure and routine, physical activities, education and vocational training, preparation for work and finding employment, and rehabilitative, therapeutic, and cultural components undertaken for each young person.

    They now head into the 9-month community stage, which will look different for every young person, depending on their needs. 

    “The lessons learned from previous iterations of Military Style Academies is that for them to work, there needs to be a large amount of community support and the transition back into the community needs to be well managed. 

    “I took these lessons on board and that is what was used to shape this pilot. I placed a large emphasis on making sure the community support was there, and making sure family are involved throughout the process. 

    “Each young person will have a ‘kitbag’ when they leave the residence, which they have been building during the residence stage. 

    “This is made up of practical items, such as an IRD number, CV, bank account and photo ID – items that can be taken for granted but are important basic building blocks to participate in wider society.” 

    Each young person also has their own intensive mentor on a one-to-one basis who will support them throughout the community stage. 

    “Each teenager’s ‘transition plan’ is individualised, sustainable, achievable and includes details of the support they need.

    “While I am sure there will be bumps along the road for these young people as they work towards a better future, I am proud of the work they are putting in and the effort they and their families are making at turning their lives around. 

    “I hope these young people take advantage of every opportunity they are offered through this pilot. 

    “The outcome of their future is now in their hands.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Environment – Luxon buys massive fight with public over Fast-track projects as Select Committee set to report back

    Source: CAFT – Communities Against the Fast-track ( http://www.stopthefasttrack.com )

    Community groups across the country are gearing up for a massive fight against the Government’s decision to ram through destructive projects via the Fast-track Approvals Bill, which the Environment Select Committee is due to report back to Parliament on today.

    “Luxon’s Government has shown nothing but contempt for the public as it tries to force through projects rejected by our communities, our councils, and our courts,” says Communities Against the Fast-track (CAFT) spokesperson Augusta Macassey-Pickard.

    “Luxon, and the commercial interests he’s backing over his own citizens, have bought themselves a massive fight.”

    Communities Against the Fast-track says the response and concern to the Bill has been huge already. 27,000 submissions were made, 20,000 marched in Auckland against the Fast-track, and a hīkoi led by Ngāti Toa arrived at parliament in May to oppose the Bill.

    “And that was before the Government even released the list of 149 projects. We know now that this is every bit as destructive as we feared,” says Macassey-Pickard.

    The list of projects includes mining projects, some on conservation land and seabed mining, new motorways that lock communities into high emissions transport, more irrigation that will result in communities’ water being even more polluted, a large waste incinerator project in Waimate, new aquaculture farms that threaten marine species, and others.

    “Thousands of New Zealanders around the country are gearing up for the fight to protect the communities and places we love from destructive, exploitative projects.”

    “It’s truly sickening that our Government would hand over this much power to commercial interests, bringing in a process that strips communities, including mana whenua, of any say over their future.”

    CAFT also expressed concern about the Environmental Protection Authority’s ability to apply any rigour to the fast-track process for 149 applications, and others to follow. The already-stretched agency has had funding cuts that would see the loss of one in five jobs, according to the trade union PSA.

    “It’s a lot of work to service even one application: appointing the panel, coordinating hearings, notifications, transcripts, decisions and setting up monitoring programmes if a consent is granted. How can the EPA do anything to protect the public interest with this deluge, especially in light of its recent cuts? How can this be anything other than a rubber-stamping exercise?” asked Macassey-Pickard.

    She says any changes to the Bill are likely to be cosmetic as the Government has demonstrated its determination to allow commercial interests to exploit the country’s environment and communities.

    “Luxon and the National Party particularly have sought to distance themselves from the coal mining, seabed mining, a massive incinerator site, and other extremely destructive projects. They’ve used renewable energy and people’s need for safe, affordable housing as a smokescreen for a Bill that rots the very core of our democratic processes and the rights of the public to have a say.”

    “Luxon has bought himself a massive fight.”

    CAFT members:

    Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki, 350 Aotearoa, Kiwis Against Seabed Mining, Coal Action Network Aotearoa, Climate Justice Taranaki, Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ (ECO), 350 Aotearoa, Taranaki Energy Watch, Extinction Rebellion Tāmaki Makaurau, All Aboard, Save the Basin Campaign, and individual grassroots community organisers from around the motu.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: University Research – Tongan-led solutions needed to overcome barriers to bowel cancer screening – Otago University

    Source: University of Otago

    The National Bowel Screening Programme is failing to deliver screening equitably to Pacific New Zealanders, but there are ways to improve it, research led by the University of Otago, Wellington has found.

    The researchers held two talanoa focus groups in 2021, asking Tongan-born New Zealanders over 60 how the programme could be made more effective and equitable. They also talked to four Pacific experts working for the screening programme.

    The researchers are some of the first to ask Tongan New Zealanders about their experiences with the bowel screening programme. The results of their study are published in the New Zealand Medical Journal.

    Lead researcher Dr Viliami Puloka, from the University’s Department of Public Health, says the participants overwhelmingly supported a ‘by Tongan, for Tongan’ approach to screening.

    “Many Tongans die unnecessarily from bowel cancer because the programme, while available, isn’t accessible to them. Taking a Tongan approach was recommended by all the participants and experts involved in the study.”

    Dr Puloka says only 35 per cent of Tongan people are screened, compared with 58 per cent of New Zealanders overall. Pacific peoples are 60 per cent more likely to die from bowel cancer compared to New Zealanders of European heritage.

    The study found Tongans were very motivated when it came to looking after their health, but that the programme was not meeting their needs, he says.

    “It was important for us to understand what the road blocks are and how to empower people. Tongans stressed the collective nature of their society and the need to deliver the programme to the community, something that would only really be effective from a Tongan provider.

    “The programme can be delivered equitably if there is the will to do so. What is required is courage and the political will to shift the power and resources necessary to ensure equitable outcomes.”

    He says the recently announced lowering of the age at which bowel screening starts to 50-years-old for Pacific peoples is an essential step in increasing the accessibility of the programme.

    But he says it does not take away the need to reimagine the programme from a Tongan and a Pacific perspective.

    While the study focused on the Tongan community, Dr Puloka says the findings may also provide valuable insights into the needs of other Pacific peoples.

    The research was independently funded by the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

    Notes:

    The research paper, ‘Polokalama Fekumi ki he Kanisā ‘o e Halanga-me’atokoní—Ko e vakai ‘a e Tongá: Tongan New Zealanders’ views on how to ensure the National Bowel Cancer Screening programme works well for the Tongan community’ is published in the New Zealand Medical Journal.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – ‘Get ready for Flying Doctors’ – Fast-track Aussie approval increases urgency for NZ funding fix – Genaro

    Source: GenPro

    New Zealand needs to properly fund general practice or it will lose even more doctors to Australia.

    From October 21, Australia is introducing a new fast-track process which means an expedited pathway for general practitioners to work across the ditch.

    “The fast-track process means a GP who qualified as a fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners after 2012 is deemed to have a similar qualification to that in Australia, which means they will see patients sooner. Get ready for Flying Doctors,” said Angus Chambers, Chair of the General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand.

    New Zealand is already struggling to retain doctors in New Zealand and recruit from overseas, Dr Chambers said.

    “According to OECD data, New Zealand has about 3.62 doctors per 1,000 people, well behind Australia’s 5.48. The fast-track process will make that worse.” (ref. http://www.oecd.org/en/data/indicators/doctors.html )

    And according to Te Whatu Ora, New Zealand is 485 GPs short, with this number expected to grow to a shortage of between 753 and 1043 doctors in the next 10 years. (ref. http://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/350286694/nz-almost-500-gps-short-briefing-reveals )

    Years of underfunding general practices and limits on increasing patient charges have resulted in many practices closing, reducing their services, or not taking on new patients. Financial stresses and greater patient need have resulted in many GPs retiring or moving overseas, adding pressure to already under-resourced practices.

    “Australia’s doctor shortage is less severe than New Zealand’s, but the Australian government has in less than a year made speedy changes to its approval process and other reforms.

    “By comparison the New Zealand government and Te Whatu Ora seem resigned to the gutting of general practice, and instead want to boost tele-health, pharmacy, and nurse-led care. While these have a place, patient care is optimised in a face-to-face visit with a local GP,” Dr Chambers said.
         
    “If we are to retain our existing GP work force and grow the numbers entering the profession in Aotearoa, we need to be able to match the terms and conditions offered by Australian practices.   We need the opportunities here to be attractive and competitive compared to Australia and beyond if we want to have a general practice service in future.

    “We also need to stem the flow of GPs out of New Zealand general practice. They are already pouring out with retirements, often at earlier ages than in the past, going to secondary care, or leaving New Zealand for jobs offshore, especially Australia.”
     
    “The government must as a matter of urgency increase its support of primary healthcare, overhaul the current out-of-date funding model, and help increase the supply of medical professionals into primary healthcare,” said Dr Chambers.

    GenPro, which represents about half of all general practices in Aotearoa, is ready to work with the Minister of Health and the Health NZ Commissioner to develop the solutions needed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trade Issues – Continued trade action against Canada: a necessary step – Dairy Association

    Source: Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)

    The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) is welcoming as necessary the New Zealand Government’s decision to trigger mandatory negotiations as the next step in the dairy quota dispute with Canada under the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP).
    “New Zealand needing to take yet another legal step to ensure Canadian dairy trade policy is in line with its trade obligations feels like Groundhog Day. But it is unavoidable as Canada continues to flout the commitments it made under the CPTPP agreement,” says DCANZ Executive Director Kimberly Crewther.
    “We hope that Canada will come to the table with a genuine intent to preserve the integrity of the CPTPP agreement by complying with the rules. Trade rules and agreements are only as good as their implementation and so far, Canada’s disregard of its CPTPP dairy commitments has only served to undermine and diminish value.”
    The policies implemented to date by Canada to allocate import licenses for the sixteen quotas that facilitate dairy access to Canada’s market under the CPTPP agreement have placed the lions-share of access into the hands of Canadian processors, most of whom use only a fraction of their quota allocation. This creates barriers and costs that limit other importers with a stronger interest in New Zealand products from getting quota licenses.
    “Canada’s market remains 95% closed to New Zealand dairy exporters outside of the import quotas. This heightens the importance of ensuring that New Zealand dairy exporters get a fair shot at exporting under the very limited market access that Canada agreed to in the CPTPP agreement.”
    DCANZ supports the Government’s action to protect New Zealand’s economic interests when trade partners breach the rules. DCANZ is also concerned about trade disruption arising from subsidised Canadian dairy exports and has requested the government take WTO action on this.
    “Canada’s milk pricing system is operating to illegally subsidise the disposal of Canada’s surplus milk protein in global markets, harming New Zealand’s high-value protein business,” says Crewther.
    “It is a double whammy of trade distortion for Canada to be disregarding CPTPP rules and restricting agreed access to its own market while at the same time dumping products onto the global market in contravention of WTO rules. We support the New Zealand government taking decisive action to address both issues.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Warrant to arrest – Hirini Te Runa

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are seeking to locate Hirini Te Runa, who has multiple warrants for his arrest.

    He is wanted on assault and injures with intent to injure matters as well as another incident involving breaching detention conditions.

    Police believe Te Runa is somewhere in the wider Auckland, Waikato or Whakatane areas.

    Any sightings of Te Runa should be reported to Police on 111 immediately.

    If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact Police on 105, quoting file number 240614/9546.

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

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Public advisory: Large scale training exercise in Northland this weekend

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A controlled training exercise will be conducted in the Bay of Islands and Paihia areas from Friday through to Sunday.

    The multi-agency exercise is being led by Police, with support from Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Bay of Islands and Surf Lifesaving, and will simulate both land and marine search and rescue scenarios.

    Police, along with other agency personnel, will be in the area throughout today and the course of the weekend.

    The training exercise, named Operation Tapeka, is expected to run from 5pm Friday 18 October until approximately 1pm on Sunday 20 October. 

    No members of the public are participating in the exercise.

    Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe says a multitude of resource will be deployed to the exercise, including marine vessels, ropes rescue teams and Police vehicles. 

    “We want to reiterate this is part of a controlled, routine training exercise and is not an emergency event.

    “These exercises enable Police and partner agencies to test our response and systems should an emergency ever arise and there is no immediate risk to the public.

    “We will aim to cause as little disturbance as possible and hope people will understand the importance of us carrying out these types of exercises.”

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health Minister to attend international meetings in the Philippines and Singapore

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti will travel to Manila this weekend, leading New Zealand’s delegation to the World Health Organization’s Western Pacific Regional Committee Meeting.

    “Significant health challenges remain in our diverse Western Pacific region, which is also prone to the impacts of climate change,” says Dr Reti.

    “Being represented at and engaging in Manila for the 75th regional meeting will signal New Zealand’s commitment to working collectively on solutions for global and regional health issues.

    “It will also be a landmark meeting for our Pacific neighbours. It is highly significant that the first WHO Regional Director from the Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala of Tonga, will present his vision for addressing the region’s health priorities over the next five years. 

    “Although I have already met a number of Pacific Ministers of Health this year, this will be a further opportunity to demonstrate our shared support for very important work.”

    While in Manila, Dr Reti will address the Regional Committee on WHO governance matters and health issues of importance to New Zealand. This includes sharing the Government’s new direction for health and key features of New Zealand’s health strategy.

    He will also undertake bilateral meetings with ministerial counterparts before returning to New Zealand via Singapore, for additional meetings.

    “New Zealand and Singapore value a longstanding relationship, built on mutual respect. We are looking for new opportunities to collaborate, including in the health sector,” Dr Reti says.

    Dr Reti leaves New Zealand on 19 October and returns on 24 October.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Nowhere to hide: Five in custody following flees

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police in Counties Manukau South have taken four teenagers into custody following a fleeing driver incident overnight.

    At about 1.30am, officers attempted to stop a Nissan Wingroad driving at excessive speed along Grove Road, Takanini.

    Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says the vehicle failed to stop and the unit elected not to pursue.

    “Enquiries with the registered owner confirmed the vehicle had been stolen.

    “Ten minutes later the vehicle was sighted travelling on Dominion Road, Papakura.”

    Inspector Hoyes says the Police Eagle helicopter quickly got overhead and followed the vehicle as it drove to Tilbrook Place where it was abandoned and the group fled on foot.

    “The youths were seen running into a property on Hethdale Crescent where they attempted to hide in the garage, but were taken into custody without incident.

    “This was a great outcome from our staff last night and another great example of multiple Police resources successfully working together.”

    Four youths, aged 13-14, have been referred to Youth Aid Services.

    Meanwhile, Police in Pakuranga attempted to stop a speeding vehicle travelling on Pakuranga Road at about 3.18am.

    Counties Manukau East Area Commander, Inspector Rod Honan, says Police did not pursue the vehicle and instead called on air support to assist.

    “Eagle located the vehicle parked in the driveway of a Hillside Road, Mt Wellington address.

    “A male was then observed hiding in a construction site, where officers have quickly taken him into custody.

    “Police are often being called to incidents of this nature, however we hope the public are reassured that we are continuously holding those involved to account.”

    A 32-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court today charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle, failing to stop, unlicensed driver failing to comply with probation and failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Murder charge laid after man found critically injured in Whangamarino dies

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    To be attributed to Detective Senior Sergeant Kristine Clarke:

    A 32-year-old Auckland man has been charged with murder, following the death of a man found critically injured on Hampton Downs Road, Whangamarino earlier this week.

    The victim, a 43-year-old man, had been transported to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition and tragically has since passed away.

    A 32-year-old man was arrested in Papakura last night (17 October) and will be appearing in Manukau District Court today.

    Police would still like to hear from anyone who was travelling on Hampton Downs Road between 10pm on Sunday 13 October and 1am on 14 October, particularly if you have dashcam footage.

    If you can help, please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241014/2225.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Charges laid over alleged historical offending

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A former staff member of St Bede’s College is before the courts in relation to historical sexual offending against students.

    The accused faces four charges of assault on a boy between 12 and 16, and three charges of indecent assault on a man/boy over 16. He is due to appear in the Christchurch District Court on 5 November.

    The charges relate to offending against three individuals who boarded at St Bede’s College approximately two decades ago.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons says Police believe the alleged offender targeted those boarding at the school during this time, and the investigations remain ongoing to determine if there is any further offending not yet reported to Police.

    “Police are making contact with students who boarded at the school over the identified period of time.

    “We know it can be incredibly hard and at times distressing to report or talk about incidents of this nature, but we would like to reassure any victims of sexual offending we take these matters seriously.

    “We have a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases, and we will ensure you have a safe space to report offending in confidence,” says Detective Senior Sergeant Simmons.

    If any survivors would like to contact Police please contact Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons at the Christchurch Central Police Station, alternatively you can report it online here, referencing the file number 230122/3143.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New members appointed to NZ On Air Board

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Brett Banner and Philip Crump have been appointed to the NZ On Air Board, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

    “I am delighted to appoint two members who bring such fantastic media skills and experience. 

    “Mr Banner has a strong commercial and accounting background which will be a great asset to NZ On Air. He has an extensive knowledge of the entity having been an independent member of the NZ On Air Audit and Risk Committee for many years.

    “Mr Crump brings a strong background in media, having recently been an editor for Newstalk ZB Plus. He has a background as a lawyer and substantial knowledge of commercial contracts, financing, and the broadcasting sector.

    “I would like to acknowledge outgoing board member John McCay for his service on the NZ On Air Board whose term has come to an end.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Planned closure SH35 Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge, Ruatoria next week

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    The first planned closure of State Highway 35 at Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge will take place next Wednesday 23 October between midday and 12.30pm.

    During the closure, the highway will be closed in both directions between Bridge Rd and Thatcher Rd.

    While the bridge remains structurally sound, repairs to the bearings and cross bracing are needed to restore the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle and to improve its strength.

    Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) crews, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), will be raising the bridge by a few millimetres to carry out this work.

    Repair work beneath the bridge has been underway for a number of weeks and will continue through to Christmas. Further 30-minute bridge closures are required with the dates and times to be communicated in the next few weeks. Outside of the planned closures, minimal impact on traffic is expected.

    There are no viable detours. NZTA is reminding road users on this stretch of SH35 to plan for this delay or avoid travelling at these times.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government praises important progress on East Coast clean-up

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Important progress is being made on cleaning-up and strengthening resilience in the Tairāwhiti region, 18 months on from the devastating weather events in 2023, Forestry Minister Todd McClay said today.

    To date the Government has committed $110 million resulting in approximately 440,000 tonnes of slash and debris being removed from Tairāwhiti.

    “I want to acknowledge the significant impact on the region and local people and praise the clean-up efforts of all those involved. There is strong momentum and coordination of work in the region across local and central government, and the Forestry and Agriculture sectors in addressing the impacts of last year’s cyclones,” Mr McClay says.

    In response to Cyclones Hale and Gabrielle in January and February 2023, the previous Government initiated the Ministerial Inquiry into Land Use in Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and Wairoa. It resulted in 49 recommendations to both reduce risk and strengthen resilience in the region.

    “This Government is focused on delivering tangible outcomes through the recently established Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group and Gisborne District Council-led Transition Advisory Group.

    “The Tairāwhiti Forestry Action Group made up of forestry owners, farming interests, Māori landowners and council officials, is working to accelerate the clean-up in the region, remove debris and sediment, address the legacy issue of wood that poses future risk and help to implement best practice for forestry. 

    “The Gisborne District Council-led Transition Advisory Group is working together to support landowners make the changes required to a more sustainable land-use.

    “Central government will continue to stay closely engaged in regionally led initiatives through existing work programmes. This will ensure efforts to align with Government priorities and support the Crown’s Treaty relationships.”

    “Forestry has an important role in Tairāwhiti, but it will be done differently in the future to ensure risks are well managed. 

    “The Government recognises the importance of the forestry sector to the regional economy. Proposed changes to the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry will enable council to implement rules to ensure land use is appropriate, but also give certainty and confidence to the forestry sector.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man appears in court in relation to three Rotorua murders

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    To be attributed to Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow: 

    A 52-year-old man has appeared in court today, in relation to the murder of three people in Rotorua in September.

    Justin Matthew Jeffries appeared in Rotorua High Court today, charged with the murders of Glendon Brent Currin (76), Jessie Florence Currin (78).

    Mr and Mrs Currin had been assaulted at their Western Heights home on 23 September and subsequently both passed away in hospital.

    Jeffries had previously been charged with the murder of Michelle Nicola Schiller (59), who was found deceased at her Utuhina home on 23 September.

    Jeffries is also facing a number of other charges, including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary and fraud.

    He has been remanded in custody to appear again on 15 November 2024

    Police are continuing to support the families of the three victims. This has been an incredibly distressing time for them and they have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones.

    As part of our enquiries into the three homicides, Police would like to hear from anyone who was in contact with Jeffries since the beginning of September.

    If you can help, please contact Police via 105 and quote reference number 240923/0552.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Auckland overnight motorway closures 20-28 October 2024

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 25 October 2024.

    Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.

    Daily updated closure information(external link) 

    Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.

    NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

    • Southbound lanes between Warkworth Roundabout and Silverdale on-ramp, 21 October
      • Puhoi southbound on-ramp, 21 October 
    • Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Warkworth Roundabout, 21 October
      • Orewa northbound on-ramp, 21 October
      • Silverdale northbound on-ramp, 21 October
    • Southbound lanes between Constellation Drive off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 21-22 & 24 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Constellation Drive southbound on-ramp, 21-22 & 24 October
    • Northbound lanes between Onewa Road off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 20 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Esmonde Road (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 20 October
      • Esmonde Road (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 20 October
      • Onewa Road northbound on-ramp, 20 October
    • Onewa Road southbound on-ramp, 21-24 October
    • Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 21-24 October

    CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

    • Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH1) off-ramp and Alten Road, 20 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Eastbound lanes between Wellesley Street East (SH16) off-ramp and Alten Road, 20 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Grafton Road eastbound on-ramp, 20 October

    SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

    • Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 20-21 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
      • Takanini southbound on-ramp, 20-21 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
    • Southbound lanes between Takanini off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 22-24 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
      • Takanini southbound on-ramp, 22-24 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
      • Papakura (Diamond) southbound on-ramp, 22-24 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
      • Papakura (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 22-24 October (approx. 9:30pm to 5:30am)
    • Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 23-24 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 23-24 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 23-24 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
    • Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Drury/SH22 on-ramp, 20-22 October
      • Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 20-22 October
    • Bombay southbound off-ramp, 20-24 October
    • Bombay northbound off-ramp, 20-24 October
    • Nikau Road southbound off-ramp, 20-23 October
    • Southbound lanes between Hampton Downs off-ramp and Te Kauwhata on-ramp, 20 October
      • Hampton Downs southbound on-ramp, 20 October

    NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

    • Southbound lanes between Foster Road and Trigg Road, 20 October (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)
    • Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 20 October (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)
    • Newton Road westbound on-ramp, 20-23 October
    • Newton Road westbound on-ramp, 25-28 October (approx. 9:00pm to 9:00pm, 24hrs)
    • Newton Road westbound on-ramp, 28 October

    UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

    • None planned

    SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

    • Northbound lanes between Hillsborough Road off-ramp and Maioro Street on-ramp, 22 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Hillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 22 October
      • Dominion Road northbound on-ramp, 22 October
    • Northbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Hillsborough Road on-ramp, 21 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Neilson Street northbound on-ramp, 21 October
    • Mahunga Drive southbound off-ramp, 20 October
    • Northbound lanes between Massey Road off-ramp and Rimu Road on-ramp, 23 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Coronation Road northbound on-ramp, 23 October
      • SH20 northbound to SH20A southbound link, 23 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Massey Road northbound on-ramp, 23 October
    • Northbound lanes between Cavendish Drive off-ramp and Massey Road on-ramp, 24 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Puhinui Road northbound on-ramp, 24 October
      • Cavendish Drive northbound on-ramp, 24 October

    GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

    • Northbound lanes between Kirkbride Road off-ramp and SH20 link, 23 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • SH20A northbound to SH20 northbound link, 23 October (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
      • Kirkbride Road northbound on-ramp, 23 October

    PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

    • None planned

    STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

    • None planned

    STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

    • None planned

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Summer maintenance on State Highway 29 to deliver smoother journeys

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    State Highway 29 is a key focus as part of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi summer maintenance programme.

    Between October 2024 and May 2025 there are 9 significant sites on the Bay of Plenty side of the Kaimai Range where we will be rebuilding and resurfacing the road.

    Once complete, drivers will have smoother and safer journeys along this section of the SH29 corridor.

    The work is part of the $235 million 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme maintenance investment in state highways across the Bay of Plenty.

    To minimise impacts to traffic, most of the works will be carried out in the evening, between 7pm and 6am, on Sunday to Thursday nights (excluding public holidays) with stop/go in place.

    Starting this weekend, contractors will begin with a road rebuild near Hanga Road on Sunday 20 October*, for an expected period of 3 weeks, followed by resurfacing near Old Kaimai Road on Sunday 17 November until Thursday 28 November.

    A temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place and some work sites will have stop/go traffic lights. People should expect delays when travelling through the area.

    Meanwhile, further west on SH29, resurfacing work will get underway between Gargan Road and Redwood Lane on Sunday 3 November.

    This work will be completed over 5 nights between 7pm and 5am with stop/go and a temporary reduced speed limit of 30km/h at night and 50km/h during the day.

    The next round of Kaimai Range closures is also scheduled to take place, starting on Sunday 17 November, from 8pm to 3.30am for 5 nights. The closures are needed to undertake asphalt work and other routine maintenance activities such as clearing drains, sign maintenance and road marking.

    The closure points on the western (Waikato) side are at the SH29/24 and SH29/28 intersections and on the eastern (BOP) side at the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection. Emergency services will have access at all times, and residents can access their property from the relevant side of the closure.

    Other upcoming work sites scheduled to get underway in December include near Soldiers Road and Kaimai School. View more on these in the map below.

    View/download map [PDF, 275 KB]

    As much work as possible will be completed ahead of Christmas and a short break over the holiday period. Crews will then get back into it until autumn sets in.

    In addition to this, the SH29 Tauriko Enabling Works project is also underway, with lots of activity along the state highway between Belk and Cambridge Roads. 

    Tauriko Enabling Works

    Meanwhile on the Waikato side, works are also ongoing at the SH1/29 intersection in Piarere. 

    SH1/SH29 intersection

    People are encouraged to plan ahead and see where disruptive works are by using the NZTA Journey Planner.

    NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks road users and the community for their patience.

    *All dates are subject to weather.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Car yard burglar lands in court

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A brazen burglar who attempted to break in to a car yard in Penrose during the early hours of this morning has been sprung.

    At about 3.51am, Police were notified by security of a man who had allegedly entered a commercial premises on Great South Road.

    Auckland City East Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Rachel Dolheguy, says when security approached the man he fled on foot along railway tracks towards Penrose.

    “The Police Air Support Unit was able to quickly gain observations on the male and provide directions to units on the ground.”

    Inspector Dolheguy says officers arrested the alleged offender without incident.

    “This was a great result and a timely response by all staff involved.

    “It’s also another example of how quick reporting can assist Police in locating and arresting those involved in crimes in our community.”

    We continue to ask anyone who sees anything of concern to contact Police immediately on 111.

    For all other matters, please update us online now at https://webforms.police.govt.nz/en/update-report or call 105.

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

    A 27-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court next week charged with possession of an instrument for burglary.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Watercare begins preliminary work to futureproof the city centre’s wastewater infrastructure

    Source: Auckland Council

    The preliminary work for Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades begins next week.

    Three midtown sites are being prepared and shafts are being built, ready for a tunnel boring machine to be lowered into the ground in 2025. The machine will reach depths of up to 14.5 metres and tunnel a distance of 585 metres below Queen Street.

    These underground wastewater upgrades are a key component of the Auckland Council group’s midtown regeneration. The programme is preparing streets, spaces and infrastructure for the City Rail Link, which will bring many more people into the city centre to live, work, study, visit and do business.

    The upgrades will renew the workings of the city centre’s century-old pipes, enable the consenting of a pipeline of commercial and residential apartment developments, and help protect the region’s precious Waitematā Harbour.

    Chair of the Transport, Resilience and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Andy Baker explains that this wastewater project is essential for Auckland’s future resilience.

    “Midtown will become an even more popular place for people to live beyond 2026 when the City Rail Link’s Te Waihorotiu Station is operational. With these important works complete, we will have increased the capacity of our wastewater system and upgraded the quality of our pipes in midtown.

    “It is vitally important for us to futureproof the area ahead of the population growth expected in midtown, and we are taking steps also with this work to reduce the risk of wastewater overflows entering the Waitematā Harbour during heavy rain.

    “I want to emphasise that Watercare has sited the shafts away from shops and businesses, synchronised the works with other construction in the area for maximum efficiency, and ensured that traffic in Queen Street continues to operate.

    “As the safety fences go up around three localised shafts next week to enable this work, we want to remind everyone that midtown continues to be open for business,” Councillor Baker says.

    This wastewater work around Queen Street, delivered by Watercare and supported by Auckland Council, is scheduled to be complete by December 2026.

    For all information please visit here.

    Q&A

    What else is being upgraded?

    While stage one of Watercare’s Midtown Wastewater Upgrades will increase wastewater capacity, crews will also take this opportunity to reline the Victoria Street section of the Ōrākei Main Sewer. Doing this work during Stage 1 of the pipeline installation eliminates the need for Watercare to return to Victoria Street to do this critical work later. Stage two is in the design phase and will involve laying new wastewater pipes from Vincent Street to Greys Avenue carpark.

    Why is this work essential?

    The Midtown Wastewater Upgrades support the Auckland city centre’s planned residential and commercial growth, reduce the risk of future overflows into the Waitematā Harbour and safeguard and increase resilience of midtown’s wastewater network.

    What are the problems we’re solving?

    Currently, the wastewater and stormwater in the midtown area combine into a single pipe which feeds into a large pipe called an interceptor, which takes flows to Māngere Wastewater Treatment Plant for processing.  

    Combined networks are designed to overflow during rainfall events at designated overflow points rather than back flow up your toilet or sink.

    The focus of the Midtown Wastewater Upgrades is to redirect most of the wastewater away from the combined network and channel it through a dedicated 1.2km pipeline.

    The project also involves reconfiguring the current wastewater network to better use under-utilised pipes.

    After the Midtown Wastewater Upgrades are complete, overflows from the combined network will become less frequent after heavy rainfall events.

    How will the tunnel boring process work?

    A large portion of the pipeline will be installed using a method called horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The benefit of using this method is that it will get the job done more safely, faster, and with a higher quality result. Horizontal directional drilling is also better for the environment than open trenching as it lessens the impact on surrounding critical assets and reduces fractures and soil disturbance. This method is also less disruptive for the community as there is much less digging up of the street.

    Read more about the city centre’s transformation here.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Agritech invention wins $100k Challenge – UoA

    Source: University of Auckland

    This year, a cutting-edge agritech solution designed to benefit the health of cows took out first place in the Velocity $100k Challenge.

    University of Auckland researcher Liz Cunningham, who has lost cows to mastitis, a costly disease that sees udder tissue become inflamed, often due to bacteria, won the University of Auckland Velocity $100k Challenge with her start-up – QuickMas.  

    The Liggins Institute research technician and her teammates, academic staff from the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, Faculty of Engineering and the Liggins Institute, say QuickMas is about helping in the fight against antibiotic resistance in dairy cattle.

    Cunningham says QuickMas will show whether a cow has mastitis, help identify the pathogen causing it and determine whether the cow has responded to antibiotics.

    “QuickMas will also be able to help farmers decide if their cow is safe to put back in the herd or if she may still be harbouring infectious bacteria.

    “It will give dairy farmers answers about their cows’ mastitis in as little as 15 minutes and no more than an hour.”

    The on-farm diagnostic tool, Cunningham says, is as simple as a Covid test, doesn’t require Wi-Fi, and farmers can self-interpret the results – no need to send them to a vet.

    “It’s done using a milk sample, which is processed by our machine for five minutes before it’s added to our test cartridges. Farmers will then be able to identify the source of infection.

    “The current testing method on the market sees farmers have to wait at least 24 hours for a result. It also requires Wi-Fi, which a lot of milking sheds don’t have.”

    Cunningham and her team are currently testing QuickMas prototypes.

    “We worked really hard to develop something quick, reliable and fit for farms. We want QuickMas to add value to farmers’ businesses here and all over the world.

    “Winning the Velocity challenge is amazing, and we’re excited to use the support provided to get this to market as quickly as we can to help dairy farmers and their cows.”

    Cunningham says the QuickMas team will explore potential partnerships and seek external investment over the next six months, with the plan to have the product on the market in 2025.

    “Using QuickMas will help the dairy industry in its fight against antibiotic resistance. Helping farmers understand the correct pathogen will enable them to treat their cows more efficiently. It will also inform treatment duration.

    “Farmers will have the information to give each cow individualised and responsive treatment – undertreating or overtreating with antibiotics will be a thing of the past.”

    Read about the other Velocity winners here. http://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/news/2024/10/17/innovating-until-the-cows-come-home.html

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rakahinonga Roadshow Expands Across Aotearoa

    Source: Tapuwae Roa
    Tapuwae Roa has announced today the return of the highly anticipated Rakahinonga Roadshow, with a new series of regional one-day wānanga to be delivered this November.
    Designed for aspiring Māori entrepreneurs, the Roadshow will feature five wānanga: four in-person events in Ōtautahi, Tūranganui-a-Kiwa (Gisborne), Taranaki, Porirua, and an online session to conclude the series.
    “Since launching our first Roadshow last year, we have received multiple tono to extend the wānanga to more rohe throughout Aotearoa,” says Te Pūoho Kātene. Chief Executive of Tapuwae Roa.
    “We’re excited to bring the Roadshow to Porirua, Ōtautahi, and Te Tai Hauāuru for the first time and reconnect with our whanaunga in Gisborne.”
    Delivered by Saara Tawha, the wānanga will cover the fundamentals of starting a business, equipping participants with essential skills, tools, and insights to help them bring their entrepreneurial aspirations to life.
    Building on the success of earlier initiatives such as the Tupu Accelerator, the Rakahinonga Roadshow continues to support Tapuwae Roa’s Ōhanga (Economic Emancipation) workstream.
    “Growing Māori entrepreneurs is one of our key focus areas within our mahi at Tapuwae Roa,” says Kātene.
    “By providing targeted support to our aspiring rakahinonga in their rohe, we aim to break down barriers Māori face when starting new pakihi in order to help strengthen economic resilience within hāpori Māori.”
    The Roadshow is partnering with local Māori businesses, iwi and pakihi networks to host the wānanga, including Māui Studios in Christchurch, Tāiki E! in Gisborne, Ngāti Toa Rangatira in Wellington, and He Toronga Pakihi Ki Taranaki in New Plymouth.
    “These partnerships are central to the kaupapa, as they not only support and uplift pakihi Māori in the regions but also showcase what success looks like to those attending,” says Kātene.
    Places are limited. For more information or to register, visit: http://www.tapuwaeroa.org/rakahinonga

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – Weekly protests are extending further around the country as Israel runs riot and our government’s policy of appeasement towards Israel fails dramatically – PSNA

    Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    Details of our weekly solidarity protests around the country are listed at the end of this letter sent to the Prime Minister yesterday.

     

    Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

    Prime Minister

    Parliament Buildings

    Wellington

    c.luxon@ministers.govt.nz

     

    Kia ora Mr Luxon,

     

    We write to you as a matter of utmost urgency, with a rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

     

    The policy of appeasement towards Israel over the past year by western countries has failed miserably.  Israel has expanded its attacks and has abandoned all pretence of any sort of negotiated settlements.

     

    Our government is holding on desperately to a hopelessly weak and indefensible policy towards the Middle East. I have no doubt you know this.

     

    Israel is running riot with endless bombing and killing as it spreads murder and mayhem.  The majority of victims in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank are women and children – tens of thousands of children.

     

    You and I know this would never be tolerated if the victims were European.

     

    The situation has now become even more desperate and deadly with

    • Israel has refused to allow any food or supplies to be delivered since the beginning of this month to northern Gaza.  It has again unleased its firepower with absolute impunity on refugee camps and other civilian areas with the openly stated aim of ethnic cleansing of the majority of the 400,000 Palestinians who remain there.
    • Israel’s delivery of its threat to turn Lebanon into another Gaza, with attacks throughout the country, including Christian areas.
    • Israel’s endless attempts to widen the war across the region into Iran with repeated violations of its sovereignty until Iran responded – though without a single Israeli casualty.
    • Israel’s blatant attacks on UNIFIL positions and demands that UNIFIL withdraw from its mission to allow Israeli military advances further into Lebanon to achieve regime change for a Lebanese government subservient to its interests.

     

    Despite all that has happened over 12 months you have issued only platitudes “calling an all sides to exercise restraint” and condemnation of all parties Israel decides that is its enemies.

     

    You have failed to condemn Israel for anything it has ever done against the Palestinian victims of its settler colonial project and yet you have condemned every act of Palestinian resistance to Israel’s illegal occupation, genocide, and ethnic cleansing.

     

    Other countries, the UK, France, Spain, Norway, and Ireland have spoken out and taken, albeit token, action to remind Israel that it is operating outside international law.

     

    History will condemn your 12 months of complicit silence but action now can make a real difference and saves tens of thousands of innocent lives. A minimum list of actions includes:

     

    1. Condemn Israeli action against the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank as war crimes
    2. Join South Africa’s case of proving genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice
    3. Implement the recent obligations specified by the ICJ under the Geneva Conventions towards ending Israeli occupation of the Palestinian Occupied Territories.
    4. Identify and ban imports of products from illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
    5. End procurement of goods and services from companies identified by the United Nations as complicit in building and maintaining illegal Israeli settlements
    6. Direct the Superfund, ACC and Kiwisaver providers to divest from companies on the UN list
    7. Investigate the export of Rakon Industry components which are incorporated into US weapons which almost inevitably end in the industrial-scale killing of Palestinians.
    8. Immediately close the Israeli embassy as Israel’s propaganda and lobby outlet in New Zealand
    9. Clearly and publicly state that NZDF personnel in the Middle East will neither participate in nor provide assistance to either US or Israel attacks or preparations for attacks on Iran
    10. Publicly join other countries in condemning the Israeli military attack on UNIFIL and demand of Israel that it will cease to demand UNIFIL withdraw from any of its positions in Lebanon
    11. Reiterate New Zealand’s participation in UNTSO and demand that Israel allow UNTSO continue its work unmolested
    12. Demand Israel revoke its declaration that the UN Secretary General is persona non grata in Israel.
    13. Note and support this UN report https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/10/un-commission-finds-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity-israeli-attacks

     

    Please respond to this letter urgently.

     

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa.

     

    Nationwide rallies/marches/MP protests/vigils this week

     

    These are on the PSNA Facebook events page here with the basic details listed below.

     

    North Island

    Opononi – Gathering for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October 

    1.30pm

    Opononi (outside the Four Square)

     

    Kerikeri – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Whangarei – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Auckland – Picket 

    Friday 18 October 

    12:00 noon

    New World Devonport – 

    35 Bartley Terrace, Devonport,

     

    Waiheke – Market Stall – hosted by Stand With Palestine Waiheke!

    Every Saturday

    8:00 am – 1:00 pm

    Ostend Market, Waiheke Island

     

    Auckland – Banners around Tamaki Makaurau

    Saturday 19 October 

    10:00 am

    Text John on 021 899 659 for location

     

    Auckland – Central Bike Ride for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    Meet at 12.45 to leave (ride to the rally) at 1.10pm

    Western Park. Ponsonby Road

     

    Auckland – Rally

    Saturday 19 October 

    2:00 pm

    Te Komititanga – Britomart Square, Tamaki Makaurau

     

    Then travel to Browns Bay for the Prayer Vigil for Gaza

     

    Auckland – Prayer Vigil @ Erica Stanford’s Office

    Aotearoa Christians for peace in Palestine will hold a Prayer Vigil to mark a year since the Israeli airstrike on St Porphyrius Church in Gaza City

    Saturday 19 October 

    4:00 pm

    85 Beach Front Lane, Browns Bay, Auckland

    https://www.facebook.com/events/s/vigil-for-gaza-st-porphyrius-c/1056552113142463/

     

    Auckland – Movie – The Last Sky

    Saturday 19 October 

    7:00 pm

    Trades Hall auditorium – 147 Great North Road, Grey Lynn

    Limited seats. Tickets essential

    Admission by Koha

    https://events.humanitix.com/the-last-sky

    Director Nicholas Hanna will have a Q&A after the movie

     

    Thames – Vigil to Stop the war on Children

    (Hosted by The Basket – Social and Environmental Justice – Hauraki)

    First Saturday of the month

     

    Tauranga – Flag wave

    Sunday 20 October 

    11:00 am

    SH2 Bethlehem – By Woolworths

     

    Hamilton – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 pm

    Civic Square, Hamilton

     

    Whaingaroa/Raglan

    To be advised

     

    Cambridge – Rally for Palestine

    Every Saturday

    11:00 am

    Cambridge Town Hall

     

    Rotorua – Rally for Palestine

    Every Thursday

    4:00 pm

    Rotorua Lakes Council, Haupapa Street (Sir Howard Morrison Corner)

     

    Gisborne – Farmers Market – Vigil to Stop the war on Children

    Every Saturday

    9:30 – 11:30 am

    Gisborne Farmers Market

     

    Napier – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:30 am

    Marine Parade Soundshell Roundabout

     

    Hastings – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    1:00 pm

    Hastings Town Clock – Hastings CBD

     

    Palmerston North – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    2:00 pm 

    The Square, Palmerston North

     

    New Plymouth – Flags on the Bridge

    Friday 18 September

    4:30 pm

    Paynters Ave Bridge, New Plymouth

     

    New Plymouth – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 PM 

    The Landing, 1 Ariki Street, New Plymouth

     

    Whanganui – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:00 am

    Riverside Market, Whanganui

     

    Carterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Tuesday

    12:00 midday

    Memorial Square.

     

    Martinborough – Vigil for Palestine

    Every Wednesday

    11:00 am

    The square at the top of Kitchener St, Martinborough

     

    Masterton – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Sunday

    9:30 am

    Town Hall Lawn, Masterton

     

    Featherston – Gathering for Gaza

    Every Saturday

    11:00 am

    The Squircle (opposite the op shop).

     

    Wellington – Vigil for Palestine (by Aotearoa Healthcare Workers for Palestine)

    Every Friday

    6:00 pm

    In front of Wellington Hospital

    49 Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Flags on the Bridge

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Every Friday

    7:15 – 8:15 am

    Hill Street bridge Overbridge, Wellington

     

    Wellington – Rally

    (hosted by the Falastin Tea Collective)

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 – 2:00 pm

    Meet at Glover Park and Hikoi down Cuba Mall and back to Glover Park

     

    South Island

    Nelson – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    10:30 am

    Rocks Road by the beach

     

    Blenheim – Rally for Palestine

    Saturday 19 October 

    11:00 am

    Blenheim Railway Station

     

    Christchurch – Nobela Protest

    Thursday 17

    11:45 am

    Foodstuffs Headquarters

    167 Main North Road, Northcote, Christchurch

     

    Christchurch- Flag Waving for Palestine

    Friday 18 October 

    4:00 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Christchurch – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    1:00 – 2:00 pm

    Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

     

    Timaru

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Dunedin – Rally and March

    Saturday 19 October 

    No Rally this weekend

     

    Queenstown
    No Rally this weekend

     

    Invercargill – Rally for Palestine

    Sunday 20 October

    1:00 pm

    Wachner place Invercargill.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government must support workers following Smithfield closure

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff is calling on the Government to show leadership following the announced closure of the Smithfield meat works, and the continued loss of regional manufacturing jobs, by putting in place policies to support workers with retraining and income insurance.

    “The loss of 600 jobs will be devastating for Timaru and the communities of South Canterbury, especially during a cost-of-living crisis and an economic downturn,” said Wagstaff.

    “It is unacceptable that there has been absolutely no help for the affected workers even though the Government has known since last month that this was likely to happen. We have already seen this lack of support in other situations, such as Winstone pulp and paper.

    “The trend we are seeing in terms of the loss of manufacturing jobs in regional communities is going to have a long-term negative impact on regional economic development and on the health and wellbeing of whānau and communities.

    “Every forecast tells us that unemployment is going to rise, but nothing is being done at the government level to address it. What we are seeing is a total failure of leadership.

    “The Government is happy to underwrite private building construction but will do nothing to underwrite workers incomes.

    “We need to learn the lessons of the past and not throw workers on the scrap heap when the manufacturing sector is under pressure. Government has a responsibility to support workers with retraining and pathways into employment.

    “It is also becoming clearer by the day just how foolish it was to scrap plans for an income insurance scheme that would have helped tide workers over until they found new work,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: West Coast to offer rural and remote medicine training

    Source: New Zealand Government

    In another step towards improving New Zealand’s rural health workforce, Te Tai o Poutini West Coast has just received accreditation to deliver Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) Training, Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

    “This accreditation is great news for the West Coast and will help boost the number of doctors trained with the skills needed to support our rural communities,” Mr Doocey says.

    “Being an accredited ACRRM training location means the West Coast can look to attract both New Zealand and Australian graduates while continuing to develop its rural generalist model.

    “One of the five priorities of the National Rural Health Strategy is to create a valued and flexible rural health workforce and training young doctors to be rural generalists will support the delivery of this priority.

    “Generalism is particularly important in rural settings because multiple specialties are not readily accessible or clinically sustainable for those who live remotely.

    “A rural generalist can sustainably manage a broad and varied patient cohort and community need profile, while working within clinical networks of care to ensure patients get access to specialist teams if and when they need them. This has the benefit of reducing the need for patient travel by keeping care delivery local.

    Last month, the Government awarded scholarships to 27 health care students to boost the future rural health workforce.
    “All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health outcomes, particularly for the one in five living in our rural communities.

    “We know access to health care within rural communities, or being supported to access care when required, are key issues for rural communities. To improve access and rural health outcomes we need to invest in growing the rural health workforce.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –