NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Funding and payments – MPTT

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    For the full requirements, see the MPTT funding conditions for the relevant year.
    Funding mechanism
    The Minister responsible for tertiary education issues the MPTT funding mechanism. The funding mechanism outlines the general form and essential components of the fund. It provides the mandate for the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) to allocate the funding and what the funding can be used for, and details how we administer the fund.
    Funding is agreed off-Plan via a funding confirmation letter.
    A TEO that receives MPTT funding is required to:

    The overall amount of MPTT funding available is set through the Government’s annual budget process. We determine the appropriate amount of MPTT funding for a TEO through an off-Plan assessment process.
    Funding allocation and payments
    Funding allocations, including any amendments, are available through the My Allocations and Payments app on Ngā Kete.
    MPTT funding is paid in accordance with your funding confirmation documentation, which specifies the amount of funding payable for consortium activities and/or fees top-ups, and/or brokerage services (as applicable).
    For the calculation of indicative allocations see the methodology from the relevant year. The most recent information is at the top.
    For more details regarding your specific allocation, please contact customerservice@tec.govt.nz or your Relationship Manager.
    Fees top-ups and brokerage services (first 50%)
    MPTT fees top-ups and brokerage services is paid in equal monthly instalments, except for the brokerage incentive success payment (second 50%).
    Brokerage success (second 50%)
    Brokerage success payments (second 50%) are made three times per year, based on the MPTT Actuals reports provisioned on Workspace 2.
    For the TEO to receive the success payment:

    the learner must achieve the successful outcome within 18 months of leaving the MPTT programme, and
    the TEO must report the successful outcome through Workspace 2 using the provisioned MPTT Actuals template.

    Both brokerage payments are made to the TEO that the learner first enrolled with.
    Consortium activities funding
    MPTT consortium activities funding is paid in equal monthly instalments.
    Learner Support Funding
    As of 30 June 2020, Learner Support Funding has replaced the MPTT Transitional Tools Grant. Learner Support Funding is allocated to each consortium. 
    Learners have access to the support funding when they need it, as assessed by the consortium.
    Consortia will receive the learner support funding via monthly instalments as part of their consortium funding.
    We determine the amount of funding that each consortium receives by using the number of learners the consortium is funded for. Any unspent funding will be recovered.
    Funding rates
    This page provides information on the MPTT funding rates.
    Interactions with Fees Free
    MPTT interaction with Fees Free
    If a learner enrolled in MPTT on or after 1 July 2020, their MPTT training does not count towards the use of a learner’s fees-free entitlement, or count as prior study. This means learners will not be disadvantaged by enrolling in MPTT initiatives.
    Learners must meet all other Fees Free eligibility criteria to qualify to receive Fees Free.
    See the Fees Free website for more information on eligibility requirements.
    Fees free for learners who completed an MPTT course that started after 1 July 2020
    If a learner completed an MPTT course that started on or after 1 July 2020, this study will not impact their eligibility for Fees Free tertiary education. If the learner has previously accessed Fees Free, and has remaining entitlement, they may be able to use this at a later date (should they meet the criteria applicable at the time of enrolment in further study).
    Credits obtained from MPTT courses that started on or after 1 July 2020 are not included as part of the prior study criteria 60 credits limit. 
    Fees Free for learners who completed an MPTT course prior to 1 July 2020
    Any MPTT study that started before 1 July 2020 will continue to be included in prior study calculations for fees-free eligibility.
    This table shows entitlement based on when a learner started MPTT

    MPTT course start/end date

    Outcome

    Starts on, or after, 1 January 2018, and ends prior to 30 June 2020

    This study will count towards the use of a learner’s fees-free entitlement.

    Starts on, or after, 1 January 2020 and continues after July 2020

    See table below.

    Starts on, or after, 1 July 2020

    The study will not count towards the use of a learner’s fees-free entitlement.

    This table shows the proportion of a course that does count towards a learner’s fees-free entitlement use.

    Course start date 

    Percentage of course post 1 July 

    Proportion of course that counts towards entitlement use

     1 January – 30 April 2020

     Less than 50%

     100%

     1 January – 30 April 2020

     50% to less than 75%

     50%

     1 January – 30 April 2020

     75% or more

     0%

     1 May – 30 June 2020

     33% or more

     0%

     1 May – 30 June 2020

     Less than 33%

     100%

    Funding wash-ups
    For the calculation of funding wash-ups see the methodology and technical specifications from the relevant year. The most recent information is at the top.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Plan ahead for three nights partial road closures of SH6, Kawarau Gorge

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising drivers to plan ahead for upcoming night closures on sections of SH6 through the Kawarau Gorge, between Cromwell and Frankton. 

    Three separate sections of SH6 will be closed over three nights, Monday to Wednesday/Thursday morning, for essential post-winter maintenance works at the times listed below: 

    Monday, 14 October  – Thursday morning 17 October: Road closed from 9pm to 5:30am. The road will be under a soft closure and traffic will be piloted through the site.  Expect delays of up to half an hour, says Peter Standring, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA in Central Otago.

    Because the Kawarau Gorge is sensitive to weather conditions, work may be postponed at short notice to keep workers safe, says Mr Standring.   

    NZTA is urging drivers to plan their journeys around the closures, and if possible to postpone travel during the closure times. 

    Please check the NZTA on-line Journey Planner at http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link) for the latest up to date road conditions.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Spring is sprung, the grass is riz… I wonder where those roadworks is?*

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Spring is upon us, and so too is the summer roadworks programme on Southland’s state highways.

    “Two road reconstructions are in the final stages of being completed at Wallacetown and Lowther, and another is underway on SH6 near Centre Bush.  We appreciate the patience of road users while we have had traffic management at these sites,” says Justin Reid, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) in Southland. “Two more reconstruction sites near Mossburn and another near Balfour will also be underway in the next few weeks.” 

    “Our Highways South team will be reconstructing and resurfacing highways from now until the end of March as daylight hours increase, and the warmer temperatures and dry air help new seals stick as intended to the road surface,” he says.  “Major construction and resurfacing work are not possible in Southland outside of this time due to our cooler temperatures.”

    Oreti highway rehabilitation currently under construction.

    “We know that road works can be disruptive for all road users and often residents too, but these are critical reconstruction projects which will improve everyone’s journeys long-term.” 

    • The first road rehabilitation projects began mid-September near Wallacetown, in Lowther and early October Centre Bush. 
    • There is asphalting planned for inner-city Invercargill in the New Year also, with details being finalised.
    • All work is funded through the State Highway Maintenance and Pothole Prevention activity classes in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

    Any road closures required for works will be notified closer to the time.

    The compendium of Southland road rehabilitation projects

    Before the end of the season in March, Highways South is aiming to complete 11 projects:

    • SH1 Bluff highway at Kekeno Place
    • SH6 Dipton-Winton highway at Centre Bush
    • SH6 Five Rivers-Lumsden highway south of Five Rivers
    • SH6 Athol-Five Rivers highway at Jollies Hill
    • SH94 Mossburn-Lumsden highway east of Mossburn township
    • SH94 Te Anau-Mossburn highway west of Mossburn
    • SH94 Lumsden-Riversdale highway west of Balfour
    • SH96 Glencoe highway at Brydone-Glencoe Road
    • SH99 at Lorneville overbridge
    • SH99 Riverton Wallacetown highway west of Wallacetown
    • SH99 Main Road Tuatapere at Jenkins Road.

    “NZTA and our Highways South crews acknowledge that this work will cause disruption and appreciates the patience of our community,” says Mr Reid.   “Give them a wave and keep the mood on the highways relaxed this summer.”

    If there are concerns or questions around these works, road users can call 03 211 1561 to speak with the Highways South team, or sign up for email updates regarding interruptions and possible delays on Southland highways via our Facebook page:

    wwe.facebook.com/HighwaysSouthNZ(external link)

    *(Apologies to the poet, be it Anon, Ogden Nash, or ee cummings)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New local road layout between Bethlehem and Tauriko – Takitimu North Link 

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    There is now a new road layout between Bethlehem and Tauriko as part of the Takitimu North Link project.  

    Finishing the local roads in this area makes way for the 4-lane expressway to be built underneath.  

    This big job has seen the relocation of underground cables and pipes, installation of 1660m of subsoil drains, 15,000 cubic metres of dirt moved, construction of the new 100m long bridge and associated tie-in works, as well as construction of the new road and roundabout at St Andrews Drive, and the relocation of Harrison and Cambridge roads. 

    A massive 445 truck and trailer loads of pavement aggregates and over 50,000 litres of bitumen were delivered to site.  

    “Working with our partners Tauranga City Council we have been able to improve the Cambridge/Moffat roads intersection, which was previously a tricky spot for road users. Now there are better sight lines and a safer intersection with left and right turning lanes,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Senior Manager Project Services, Jo Wilton. 

    Works in the area have also allowed for future development of the Smiths Farm area, with a 25m bridge under construction and a fourth leg from St Andrews Drive roundabout, which will provide access. 

    “Completing extensive work in this area is another great step forward for the project. We’re grateful to our neighbours and the surrounding community for their support and patience as we’ve moved through the different phases. We also acknowledge the mahi of local hapū, who have carried out kaitiaki responsibilities throughout, and played an important role,” Ms Wilton says. 

    There are a couple of finishing touches to do in the coming week as the final chip beds in, including final line-marking. 

    Crews expect to break through the ground underneath Cambridge Road overbridge, as part of the 2024/25 earthworks programme soon, to link the new road sections on either side of Moffatt Road. 

    The project has enjoyed a productive winter earthworks season shifting 120,000 cubic metres of material in the cooler months of the year.  

    “We are now preparing for the upcoming earthworks season with a target of shifting a further 600,000 cubic metres of material over the warmer months,” says Ms Wilton. 

    Major work sites are at SH2/Fifteenth Ave, State Highway 29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road, and Minden Road, Te Puna. These sites will have traffic management in place and changes to road layout while works are underway.  

    Notes to editor 

    Service relocations on Cambridge Road:   

    • 1660m of watermain 
    • 1900m of communication 
    • 2130m of power 
    • 155m of sewer main  

    Takitimu North Link Stage 1 will connect Tauranga and Te Puna with a new 4-lane expressway. This Road of National Significance contributes to building a transport network that enables people and freight to move around efficiently, quickly, and safely.   

    Contractors Fulton Hogan/HEB Joint Venture are designing and constructing the project, with BBO the principal’s advisor. The design of Takitimu North Link is being delivered by Beca, with Holmes Consultancy Limited Partnership as a subconsultant. 

    Read more here:

    Cambridge Road

    The intersection at Cambridge/Moffat roads, to St Andrews Drive roundabout, opened 7 October 2024.

    The connection from St Andrews Drive roundabout to Cambridge/Moffat roads opened 7 October 2024, the new bridge at Cambridge Road is pictured in the background – earthworks are due to break through underneath this summer.  

    Pavements crew make the finishing touches to the local roads between Bethlehem and Tauriko, as part of works on the Takitimu North Link project. 

    Artist impression – bridge at Cambridge Road, Takitimu North Link.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Here comes the Summer Road Renewals

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    The Bay of Plenty will benefit from its share of more than $2 billion in funding for nationwide pothole prevention and maintenance over the next 3 years, with a significant volume of road renewals planned for the region.

    This funding boost enables NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to focus on road rebuilding and improving the overall network condition through more intensive treatments and increasing the road surface quality.

    Approximately 110 lane kilometres in the Bay of Plenty will either be rebuilt or resealed over coming summers, with a significant portion of this planned to take place over the next 6 months.

    “The Bay of Plenty network is heavily used every day by a variety of road users, including freight operators, commuters, and tourists,” says Sandra King, NZTA’s Bay of Plenty System Manager.

    “To complete the volume of road renewals needed, people can expect disruption across the network. Road rebuilding can often involve replacing all or most of the structural road layers, it’s intensive work with some sections under construction for extended periods of time.

    “We’re looking at how we can minimise disruption by thinking differently and challenging ourselves and our suppliers to be as efficient and effective as possible. This includes using methods such as road closures to allow suppliers to get in and complete work in a quicker and safer way, and with fewer road cones,” Ms King explains.

    While there will be various maintenance worksites across the Bay of Plenty this summer, there is a focus on State Highway 29 (SH29), specifically near Hanga Road, the Kaimai Café and the Kaimai School. To minimise impacts to traffic, this work will be done at night and starts this month.

    Some renewal sites have kicked off early, crews are making the most of the weather now with 2 worksites on State Highway 2 (SH2) between Paengaroa and Ōtamarākau already halfway through construction.

    As much work as possible will be completed before Christmas, then there will be a short break over the holiday period. Workers will then get back into it until autumn sets in.

    “With so much work taking place it is inevitable road users will come across worksites and traffic management. When you see roadworkers out on the road, travel safely through their worksites, follow signage and any instructions you receive, and give them a wave to say thanks for their tremendous work,” says Ms King.

    The sites that will be the most disruptive over the summer months are indicated on the maps  attached.

    This work is funded through the State Highway Maintenance and Pothole Prevention activity classes in the National Land Transport Programme (NLTP).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Defence News – RNZN divers assess sunken ship in Samoa

    Source: New Zealand Defence Force

    HMNZS Manawanui is in water about 30m deep and a light oil sheen from its initial capsize is being dispersed by wind and waves, Maritime Component Commander Commodore Shane Arndell says.

    Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) divers were on the water at first light today to assess the wreckage of the ship, which ran on to a reef south of Upolu on Saturday night and sunk on Sunday morning.

    “The dive team has begun assessing the area where HMNZS Manawanui sank to better understand the environmental impacts and clean-up efforts required in Samoa,” Commodore Arndell said.

    A number of government agencies are involved in supporting the Samoan Government’s response to the incident, Experts from Maritime New Zealand and other agencies are also assisting with understanding the environmental impacts and initiating clean-up actions. Wildlife experts from Massey University have been assisting with the response and the New Zealand Defence Force, which has 28 personnel in Samoa, is working closely with the Samoan Government.

    A range of equipment was sent to Samoa with New Zealand Defence Force personnel (NZDF) to assist with the initial response and help address environmental impacts to the area.

    Equipment includes remotely operated vehicles used to establish the debris field, and also Maritime NZ spill response equipment, which can be used both in the water and on the land.

    “Our personnel have begun clearing flotsam from the beach area and environmental assessments and clean up activities are under way,” Commodore Arndell said.

    “A light oil sheen from the ship’s initial capsizing is being dispersed by wind and waves.”

    Maritime NZ responders are working closely with Samoan authorities, and NZDF personnel on the ground, to develop plans around how to support the environmental response.

    The Royal Navy’s HMS Tamar is helping provide security and logistical support in the immediate area.

    “As more information is gathered from the responders on the ground, NZDF will bring further equipment from New Zealand to support the response,’’ Commodore Arndell said.

    The site of the sunken vessel – which is lying about 30m deep – had been declared a “prohibited area” by Samoan officials.

    Late on Monday night, 72 of the 75 crew and passengers rescued from Manawanui arrived back in New Zealand on board a RNZAF C-130J Hercules.

    They were being provided welfare support and were re-uniting with families this afternoon.

    The three other members from another government agency were due to return today on a commercial flight.

    HMNZS Manawanui Commanding Officer Commander Yvonne Gray said the incident was when her “very worst imagining became a reality”.

    “However, my team responded in exactly the way I needed them to. They acted with commitment, with comradeship and, above all, with courage.”

    BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

    • The group of NZDF personnel in Samoa includes members of the Navy’s specialist hydrography and dive unit.
    • Maritime NZ’s response team currently includes six staff.
    • Two expert wildlife maritime incident responders from Massey University are supporting the response, and have specialist equipment, including wildlife medication and cleaning facilities.
    • HMNZS Manawanui carried several marine standard chemicals on-board for use with ships husbandry e.g. cleaning products. There were no hazardous chemicals on-board beyond those that would be carried by most commercial ships.
    • The ship carried about 950 tonnes of Automotive Gas Oil for this deployment. This is a light oil commercial diesel commonly used by both commercial and military vessels.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: National’s deficit stories don’t hold up

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Te Whatu Ora’s finances have deteriorated under the National Government, turning a surplus into a deficit, and breaking promises made to New Zealanders to pay for it.

    “Te Whatu Ora’s books reveal how much the Government has been gaslighting New Zealanders,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

    “They spun stories about growth in back office staff and layers of management to justify cuts but these documents released today don’t back those claims.

    “It is clear the cause of Health New Zealand’s deficit is underfunding, not over spending.

    “It’s what we’ve been saying all along – increased costs for nurses account for much of Te Whatu Ora’s costs.

    “National campaigned on there being a workforce crisis, and inherited a successful international recruitment campaign from Labour.

    “Both the health minister Shane Reti and the finance minister Nicola Willis became aware of nursing costs exceeding budget in March, but decisions taken in May did not address these costs. The Government’s own choices caused Health New Zealand’s structural deficit.

    “More than $500 million of Te Whatu Ora’s deficit was caused by Cabinet deciding not to transfer funds put aside for pay equity for nurses, midwives and allied health staff.

    “It’s hard to see how the Minister can say there’s no hiring freeze of frontline staff when it’s clear as day in these documents. As early as April this year, a “recruitment pause” has been in place.

    “They’ve broken multiple promises to New Zealanders about cuts not affecting frontline services, and made up a fairytale to explain why.

    “They are supposed to be providing the best health system they can, instead they’re backing out of their commitments and pretending they aren’t. New Zealanders just want to know the health system is there for them when they need it.

    “They are now cutting services and penny-pinching, blaming back office staff who keep the health system functioning.

    “Reckless tax cuts mean National can’t fund the health system we all need and rely on. It’s an absolute mess,” Ayesha Verrall said.

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Holding careless builders accountable

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is looking at strengthening requirements for building professionals, including penalties, to ensure Kiwis have confidence in their biggest asset, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says

    “The Government is taking decisive action to make building easier and more affordable. If we want to tackle our chronic undersupply of houses that is slowing the economy down and locking families out of home ownership, we must do things differently. 

    “Reforming the way we consent homes and removing barriers to overseas building products will strip out delays and drive down costs so we can get more homes built at a more affordable price. However, for this to succeed we must ensure that we have qualified tradespeople doing the work, standing by it and being accountable if things go wrong. 

    “The trade-off for reducing oversight for low-risk work like granny flats is that we have adequate safeguards in place to hold careless or incompetent individuals to account. 

    “The current registration and licensing regimes are not working as well as they could and while the vast majority of tradespeople are competent, highly skilled professionals, a small minority are holding the sector back.  

    “Building consent authorities have told me that the penalties in the Building Act for tradespeople who knowingly cut corners are not enough to deter that behaviour and are not proportionate to the cost of remediating defected work for the consumer who is left out of pocket. 

    “This lack of robust requirements also has an enormous flow on effect which means councils are more likely to be overly risk-averse out of fear that their ratepayers will be liable for paying the bill as the last man standing. 

    “For Kiwis to have confidence in building work we need to ensure the oversight of building professionals is fit for purpose and fair. That’s why the Government is looking at strengthening registration and licensing regimes with a focus on: 

    • Lifting the competence and accountability requirements for building professionals
    • Improving consumer protection measures in the Building Act to provide the right support for consumers
    • Ensuring regulators have the right powers to hold people to account with a focus on licensing, complaints, and disciplinary processes
    • Introducing new penalties to deter bad behaviour. The Government is currently consulting on creating a new offence in the Building Act for deliberately hiding non-compliant building work in the context of remote inspections. 

    “These changes will be critical in supporting the Government’s agenda to make it easier and more affordable to build, and is particularly important when we place more trust in qualified individuals and reduce oversight from third parties as we have done through our NZ First-National commitment to allow granny flats and other small structures up to 60sqm to be built without a building consent.  

    “Lifting the competence of building professionals will also help support the ACT-National commitment to explore allowing builders to opt out of a building consent if they have insurance as this is one of the enablers for insurance companies to have confidence in taking on building work. 

    “This is all part of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and go for housing growth so Kiwis can get ahead.”

    Notes to editors 

    • As part of the consultation on increasing the use of remote inspections the Government is consulting on creating a new offence to deter deceptive behaviour during a remote inspection with a penalty of $50,000 for individuals and $150,000 for businesses.
    • This work to strengthen requirements for building professionals complements work currently underway by the Government to combat phoenixing which is a particular problem in the Building Industry. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing Finance Analysis – Difficult mortgage decisions for borrowers likely to continue

    Analysis by Kelvin Davidson, CoreLogic NZ Chief Property Economist

    The ‘perfect’ strategy for fixing mortgage rates through time is only ever known in hindsight, however new data points to a strong preference for short-term loans. 

    At a macro level this means any reduction in rates will flow through to balance sheets quickly, but with the labour market weakening there are clear ‘tail risks’ to watch for in terms of rising loan repayment problems.

    As it’s become clear in recent months that the medium-term outlook is for fairly steady declines in the official cash rate and mortgage interest rates, there’s been a strong preference for borrowers to take out short-term fixed loans. 

    In December last year, for example, 36% of new loans (by value) were taken out for a fixed term of up to 12 months. But that had spiked to 56% by February and reached a new record high of 68% in August – driven by an especially large surge in six-month activity, off the back of that first OCR cut. 

    Our analysis suggests that existing borrowers who are rolling over their loans onto a new fixed rate will have been behaving in a very similar way to new borrowers, and indeed the Reserve Bank’s figures show that the share of existing loans that are currently fixed but due to change mortgage rates (‘reprice’) within the next 12 months has now risen back to around 66% – matching a peak previously seen in the first half of 2021.
    Some of that stock growth will have also come from all of those recent new borrowers who have been fixing short too.
    In hindsight, it might not have been the best decision for borrowers – in aggregate – to fix for such short periods back in mid-2021 (unless they wanted loan flexibility for lump sum repayments, as an example).
    Indeed, anybody who bucked the trend and took out a five-year rate of around 3% at that time will still have about 18 months to run at those ultra-low rates. On the other hand, one can understand why borrowers are now choosing to take shorter fixed periods in the hope they will benefit from a series of loan renewals in the coming year or two at ever-lower rates.

    On that note, the one-year change in the average ‘special’ (high equity) one-year fixed mortgage rate, for example, has recently turned negative for the first time since mid-2021; i.e. people currently rolling off a one-year rate from October 2023 will be seeing their costs fall. 

    Some of the currently available market interest rates have recently dropped below the average rate prevailing across the stock of existing fixed loans for the first time in about three years too.
    Of course, much like it wasn’t necessarily an easy decision to decide on the ‘best’ fixed rate back in mid-2021 (although it’s clearer in hindsight what should have happened), it’s not necessarily straight-forward now either. 
    After all, the very short-term rates (e.g. six months fixed at 6.7%) remain quite a bit higher than the slightly longer terms (e.g. 12 months fixed at 6.2%) – so for the strategy of taking two consecutive six-month fixes to pay off (i.e. to get the lowest average rate over the relevant term), that rate basically needs to drop to 5.7% or less by April next year.
    Could that happen? Nothing’s out of the question, especially given the continued weakness of the economy and an emerging risk that inflation falls much more sharply than has been anticipated; which would likely see the OCR also fall more rapidly, alongside extra downward pressure on mortgage rates. 
    But at the same time, there could also be a sense at the moment that some of the potential future falls in the OCR have already been captured (‘priced in’) by current mortgage rates, meaning that the scope for more declines from here, regardless of the fixed term, could be a bit slower/smaller than what we’ve seen to date. Either way, the delicate decisions currently faced by mortgage borrowers may continue for a while yet.
    In addition, even though interest rates are now falling, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve passed the worst for financial stress amongst mortgage borrowers. Indeed, the non-performing loans ratio (loans that are at least 90 days in arrears or regarded as impaired) on banks’ books has recently edged up to around 0.6% of existing mortgages, the highest figure in more than a decade. 
    It was close to double that figure in 2009-10, however, these numbers are surely still a concern – and could continue to rise, given the job losses that we’re now seeing.
    Based on RBNZ figures, the trading banks themselves recently seem to have been raising provisions for possible future ‘bad’ housing loans, to the point where these allowances are now about 40% above even the largest COVID-era figure. 
    Mortgage stress will remain a factor to watch for some time to come yet and is another reason to be cautious about the size and strength of any upturn in house sales and prices as we head into 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Property Market – Spring marks subtle shift in market conditions – QV

    Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

    Spring has sprung, but green shoots of growth remain scarce across New Zealand Aotearoa’s housing market – for the time being.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows the average home decreased in value nationally by 0.4% last month and by 1.6% in the September quarter – compared to a 0.5% monthly decline and a 2% quarterly decline in our August index. The national average is now $901,920, which is just 0.3% higher than the same time last year.

    The latest data also shows that home values have continued to slowly level out across much of the country in the September quarter, with the average three-month rolling rate of reduction slowing in Auckland (-1.7%), Christchurch (-0.8%), Hamilton (-1.2%), Dunedin (-0.8%) and most of the other main urban areas we monitor around the country.

    The most notable exception was Wellington, where home values have reduced at twice the national average rate. The Wellington region’s average home value has reduced by an average of 3.2% in the September quarter – a slightly higher rate of reduction than the 3% decline reported for the August quarter.

    QV operations manager James Wilson commented: “Interest rates have started to come down now, so we’re really starting to see sentiment shift across much of the country. There seems to be a spreading expectation that interest rates can only go one way, and so we’re seeing more people at open homes, in auction rooms, and browsing for property online.

    “And so it certainly seems like a general uplift in property values is now on the horizon, but despite growing confidence and optimism that we’re through the worst of it, the conditions aren’t yet conducive to growth. The cost of borrowing still remains relatively high, the cost of living is restrictive, and there are significant worries about job security – especially in Wellington.”

    Mr Wilson said high levels of stock for sale on the market today were also having a dampening effect on prices. “Generally speaking, those who are in a position to purchase still have a raft of different options to choose from right now, especially within the main centres. So there isn’t so much pressure on prices currently, with more than enough houses for sale to meet the current level of demand.”

    However, he expected that balance to slowly shift over the coming months – particularly if interest rates continue to fall. “All eyes will be on the Reserve Bank’s October announcement. If the Official Cash Rate drops again, as many are expecting it to, it will reinforce the growing perception that now is a decent time to become reacquainted with the property market. A larger cut, like what we saw recently in the US, will only reinforce it even more.”

    “First-home buyers remain very much in the ascendancy right now, but we’re already starting to see more investors coming out of the woodwork. This will ramp up the level of competition in the housing market and help to absorb some of that excess stock. Values will inevitably tighten again when prospective buyers aren’t so spoilt for choice. That hasn’t happened yet,” Mr Wilson concluded.

    Northland

    Home values continue to decline across the wider Northland region at a quicker rate than the national average.

    The average rate of decline slowed somewhat in Whangarei, where the average home value reduced by 2.1% in the September quarter to $714,322 – compared to a 2.6% reduction in the three months to the end of August.

    Otherwise, the average home value decreased in the Far North by 7.3% to $673,508 this quarter, and by 8.6% to $793,395 in Kaipara. These figures remain highly volatile due to continued low sales volumes.

    Auckland

    Green shoots of home value growth remain rare across Tāmaki Makaurau, despite a notable shift in sentiment following recent interest rate cuts.

    Of Auckland’s seven former local government areas, only Papakura (0.4%) experienced a small amount of home value growth on average this quarter. Otherwise, Franklin (-3.3%) saw the largest average decline and Rodney (-1.5%) saw the smallest.

    However, the average rate of home value decline did slow across every Auckland district this quarter. Home values reduced by an average of 1.7% across the wider region – compared to a 2.8% decline average decline throughout the three months to the end of August.

    The average value of a home in Auckland is now $1,228,955, which is 2.6% lower than the same time last year and now 4.4% lower than at the start of 2024.

    Local QV registered valuer Hugh Robson commented: “There are increasing signs that a slow recovery is underway now across the Auckland region, with more developers, investors and buyers in general, all out there looking to buy.”

    Tauranga

    The average rate of home value decline has increased in Tauranga.

    The city’s average home value reduced by 1% in the month of September – compared to a 0.4% reduction in August – with its three-month rolling rate of decline now sitting at 2.1%. This also compares to a 1.6% average decline nationally this quarter.

    Tauranga’s average home value is now $1,005,282, which is still 0.3% higher than the same time last year.

    Waikato

    Modest patches of growth have emerged across Waikato’s residential property market.

    After four consecutive months of decline, home values lifted slightly across the wider region by an average of 0.6% during the month of September, with almost every district recording minor amounts of growth.

    Hamilton was the exception. Its average home value decreased by 0.3% to $772,473 in September. The average home here is now worth 0.5% less than the same time last year and 1.6% less than at the start of 2024.

    Local QV property consultant Marshall Wu commented: “The regional market is mixed. Most of the larger districts – including Thames-Coromandel, Waikato, Matamata-Piako and Waipa – have experienced a quarterly decrease, whereas smaller districts like Hauraki, Otorohanga, and Waitomo are displaying signs of recovery.”

    “The outlook for the housing market remains intertwined with the trajectory of interest rates, economic growth and labour market conditions. Although market activity has increased since the start of spring, overall trends indicate a flat to slightly declining housing market. The high volume of properties currently for sale has strengthened buyers’ positions, leading to extended selling times for vendors, declining asking prices, and lower auction clearance rates,” Mr Wu said.

    “First-time home buyers are benefiting from this environment, adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach ahead of the OCR announcement in October,” he added.

    Taranaki

    There were some very small pockets of growth across the Taranaki region last month but the market remains largely flat overall.

    Average home values in New Plymouth (0.4%) and Stratford (0.8%) increased in September, but reduced by 1.6% in neighbouring in South Taranaki.

    Home values remain 0.4% lower on average across the region for the quarter but 1.2% higher than at the same time last year.

    Hawke’s Bay

    There is little home value growth to speak of in the Hawke’s Bay.  

    Residential property values in Napier ($729,034) and Hastings ($774,635) reduced by 4.2% and 1.8% respectively this quarter – though the latter did record a modest amount (0.7%) of positive home value growth during the month of September itself.

    Once again, only Central Hawke’s Bay managed to buck the trend this quarter, with its average home value increasing by 2.6% to $587,346 throughout the three months to the end of September.

    Palmerston North

    Property values remain relatively steady in Palmerston North.

    The latest QV House Price Index shows the city’s average value decreased by 1.3% to $628,981 in the September quarter – just slightly worse than the 0.8% decline recorded in the August quarter – but that figure is still 0.3% higher on average than at the same time last year.

    Local QV registered valuer Olivia Betts commented: “The real estate market typically picks up when spring begins. However, affordability concerns remain, with many potential buyers facing challenges due to higher interest rates. Although these have dropped in recent times, further drops are required to relive this price pressure.”

    “We’re continuing to see a slight weakening of the centre point of the market, but there has been some solid interest around the mid-$500,000 price bracket from first-home buyers looking for anything modernised in the last 20 years. Properties with older, outdated features are struggling to attract buyers and are often having to sit on the market for extended periods of time,” she added.

    Wairarapa

    The latest housing data continues to be volatile in some areas of the country due to low sales volumes.

    The average home value in Carterton has reduced by 6.9% to $588,340 in the September quarter – well down on the 0.7% decline QV recorded for the August quarter – with Masterton’s average value also reducing by 4.6% to $569,813.

    South Wairarapa recorded a much more modest 1.3% reduction this quarter. Its average home value is now $750,126.

    Wellington

    Home values in Wellington have reduced at twice the average rate nationally.  

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows the region’s average home value decreased by 3.2% to $837,878 throughout the September 2024 quarter – compared to a 3% average decline in the three months to the end of August and a national average quarterly decline of 1.6%.  

    During the month of September, home values reduced by an average of 0.9% across the wider region – compared to a 1.3% average decline in August and a national average monthly decline of 0.4%.

    Breaking it down by district, Kapiti Coast and Hutt City both experienced the largest average home value declines this quarter at 3.6%. Upper Hutt recorded the smallest average quarterly decline at 1.5%, with Wellington City (-3.2%) and Porirua (-2%) sitting in between those three.

    “Home loan serviceability, job sector uncertainty and the general cost of living are all having an impact on existing homeowners and prospective buyers,” said local QV registered valuer Jack Whiteman.

    “Despite having the advantage of choice and competitive pricing, buyers are having to take a cautious approach to the market. Given the current economic circumstances and uncertainty about job security following some public sector redundancies earlier in the year, only those with secure employment are willing to take on debt at this time. This is resulting in a relatively quiet property market.”

    Nelson

    The property market remains relatively flat throughout the Tasman region.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows Nelson’s average home value increased by 0.6% to $776,415 throughout the September 2024 quarter – compared to an even smaller 0.3% average increase in the three months to the end of August.

    In Tasman District, the average home value remained almost completely static this quarter – increasing by just 0.1% to $818,215. Meanwhile, the average home value in Marlborough reduced by 1.4% to $701,622.

    QV Nelson/Marlborough manager Craig Russell said sales volumes remained low throughout the region with properties taking an extended period to sell.

    “There is greater market activity at the lower end of the market, where a combination of first-home buyers and owner-occupiers are active. But properties that are situated in locations that have been deemed high risk are being discounted by purchasers, which is in part due to the uncertainty that these properties have obtaining insurance now and into the future.”

    West Coast

    Home values have done little more than break even across the wider West Coast region this quarter.

    The average home value across the wider region increased by 0.3% in the three months to the end of September. Westland (2.5%) and Grey (1.2%) performed above average, while home values in Buller (-3.2%) experienced a small loss on average this quarter.

    The average home value is $346,295 in Buller, $428,762 in Grey, and $452,068 in Westland.

    Canterbury

    Home values remain almost as flat as the Canterbury Plains.

    Our latest QV House Price Index shows the average home value across the wider Canterbury region decreased by just 0.7% throughout the three months to the end of September 2024 – compared to average decreases of 1.1% and 0.7% in the August and July quarters respectively.

    Waimakariri experienced an average quarterly decline of 0.9%, with home values in Selwyn and Hurunui holding up slightly better this quarter with average deficits of just 0.3% and 0.4% respectively.

    In Christchurch, the average home value reduced by 0.8% this quarter, including by 0.4% during the month of September itself.

    QV senior consultant Olivia Brownie commented: “The latest QV House Price Index has seen a little sales slump for Christchurch, with an increase of spring listings tipping the equilibrium slightly to a minor decrease in home values.”

    “With interest rates easing and some increase in spring activity, we may see the Canterbury market have a further slowdown in home value decline, if not some positive movement over the next few months. However, this is all offset by a sizable supply of new builds and stock available, and still some economic uncertainty in some business sectors across the Canterbury region.”

    Otago

    Home values all-but broke even in Dunedin last month.

    The city’s average home value decreased by 0.8% this quarter, including by only 0.1% in September. At $638,297, the average home is now worth 4.6% more than at the same time last year and 1.8% more than at the start of 2024.

    “Dunedin’s number of properties listed for sale appears to have jumped back up after four months of decline, with the average number of days to sell still remaining high. So it’s still obviously a buyers’ market,” said local QV registered valuer Rebecca Johnston.

    “Though vacant land sales remain slow compared to the market’s peak at the end of 2021, they have increased across the city compared to 2022 and early 2023, indicating more positive sentiment for new builds/developments. Well located properties – including in new subdivisions on the Taieri, on the coast, and in Residential 2 and Inner City Residential zoned properties – have the greatest demand.”

    Meanwhile, the average home value increased by 0.5% across the wider Otago region this quarter. Only Dunedin and Central Otago (-0.9%) recorded small average home value deficits, with values increasing marginally in all the other districts.

    Queenstown

    Home values remain flat to gently rising in Queenstown.

    The latest QV House Price Index shows its average home value lifted by 1% in the September quarter to $1,846,833. That is twice as much growth as in the three months to the end of August 2024.

    The average home in Queenstown is now worth 7% more than the same time last year. This compares to an average annual increase of just 0.3% nationally.

    Invercargill

    Residential property values grew by an average of 1.2% last month in Invercargill.

    The city’s average home value is $486,639, which is now 4% higher than the same time last year.

    Local QV registered valuer Andrew Ronald commented: “Market conditions remain flat across all price brackets. There is still steady demand from first-home buyers, and investors are beginning to return to the market with the restoration of interest tax deductibility rules.”

    “However, continued high interest rates appear to be limiting price growth,” he added.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Clutha Police reminding locals to lock vehicles after young person arrested

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Sergeant Tim Coudret, Clutha Police:

    Police are reminding motorists to be vigilant after a search warrant targeting an alleged thief, was executed in Milton yesterday morning, Monday 7 October.

    Enquiries began following a noted rise in thefts from vehicles over the last few week. Thanks to these enquiries and information from the community the person believed responsible was identified. 

    A young person was arrested and an assortment of items were recovered which Police will be looking to reunite with their rightful owners.  

    A 17-year-old is due to appear in the Dunedin Youth Court in due course.

    Unfortunately, there are people out there willing to benefit from crime, but yesterday’s work shows the commitment of Police to stopping those individuals.

    Police are urging all vehicle owners to take additional precautions to secure their vehicles, such as locking doors, removing valuables from sight, and parking in well-lit areas.

    We would like to ask the community to look out for each other and if you see any suspicious activity happening, please contact us on 111 immediately.

    To report a theft after it has occurred, please update us online now at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or 105.

    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: Homicide in Mt Pleasant: Police seek public’s assistance

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Inspector Joel Syme:

    Police have charged a man with murder after a woman was found deceased at a Mt Pleasant address on Monday evening.

    Emergency services were called to the address around 5pm on 7 October and following initial enquiries a homicide investigation was initiated. Police are now working to establish exactly what has occurred however we can confirm that we are not seeking anyone else in relation to this matter.

    Yesterday evening Police located and arrested a Christchurch man aged in his 70s and he is expected to appear this morning in the Christchurch District Court charged with murder.

    The investigation is in its early stages and Police are seeking to establish the movements of both the victim and the person charged in the lead up to her death. We are very keen to hear from anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious between 10am on Friday 4 October to 4pm on Sunday 6 October in the Mt Pleasant Road or Bellview Avenue area.

    Police and ESR are carrying out a forensic examination of the woman’s address and this is expected to continue over the coming days.

    A post mortem is still to be conducted however next-of-kin nonfictions are underway.

    Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family at this extremely difficult time.

    Police, along with Victim Support will be working with the family to ensure they are supported.

    We would ask anyone who has information that may assist the investigation team to please update us online now  or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241007/1228.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Significant investment for affordable housing with Waikato-Tainui

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia! If it’s good for the people, get on with it!

    A $35 million Government investment will enable the delivery of 100 affordable rental homes in partnership with Waikato-Tainui, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka says.

    Investment for the partnership, signed and announced today in Waikato, will go toward the delivery of 57 affordable rental homes and enable the infrastructure of a further 43 affordable rentals just north of Ngāruawāhia.

    “The Hopuhopu Housing Development will help deliver better social and community outcomes for whānau who will live, work, and build cultural identity there,” Potaka says.

    “Waikato has the highest number of emergency housing use, and nearby Hamilton has the third highest number of applicants on the Housing Register of any territorial authority.

    “Solving the housing crisis is one of this Government’s top priorities. In addition to our efforts to reduce emergency housing numbers, this partnership is another example of how we are taking action with Iwi to help address the housing shortage.”

    The Hopuhopu Housing Development will be on 170 hectares of land owned by Waikato-Tanui within the Hamilton to Auckland transport corridor. The land was initially confiscated and established as a military camp from 1920 until its return to Waikato-Tainui in 1993 

    Chair of the Waikato-Tainui executive, Te Arataura, Tukoroirangi Morgan said Hopuhopu was the first land parcel to be given back under the Waikato Raupatu Lands Settlement – its significance to Waikato-Tainui cannot be understated. 

    “Providing stable housing for our whānau further activates our focus to scale our investment,” says Morgan.

    “For us, the Hopuhopu Development will enable Waikato-Tainui to realise aspirations for a unique, vibrant, interconnected working, living and learning community that inspires unity, collaboration and innovation. 

    “We want to drive social returns in a way that enables the investment capital to be recycled in perpetuity.

    “The new homes will be for whānau with genuine housing need including kaumātua, and will include the building of larger whānau homes which may not be readily available or affordable on the private rental market.”

    The first construction contracts will be awarded in the final quarter of 2024, and it is expected Iwi members will be involved in the construction mahi. 

    The Government’s funding contribution has been led out of Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga – Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and is delivered through the Whai Kāinga Whai Oranga programme, which enables local affordable housing solutions that are delivered in partnership with Iwi and other Māori land owning entities.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: East Coast students get a taste of the future at successful careers day | EIT Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti

    3 mins ago

    School students from the East Coast were given a taste of the future at a successful discovery day organised by EIT’s Education 2 Employment team.

    School students from the East Coast were given a taste of the future at a successful discovery day held at Ngata College in Ruatoria recently.

    The event, organised by EIT’s Education 2 Employment team, saw hundreds of students from the region get a chance to engage with tertiary institutes, pathway providers and employers.

    Education 2 Employment (e2e) encourages the coordination and support of employers and the local business community to be involved in vocational education, employment and development opportunities for young people. The primary goal of the e2e programme is to help connect industry with schools so that students can identify possible career pathways.

    Twenty-seven organisations were represented at the event in Ruatoria last month. While the event was aimed at senior school students, year seven and eight and even younger students also attended.

    Among the companies and organisations attending to connect with the students were local and regional businesses, Government agencies like IRD, and educational institutes including EIT and others from outside the region.

    Adrianna Wilson, Education 2 Employment Advisor for EIT Tairāwhiti, says that the aim of the event was to expose students to what opportunities were out there.

    “We wanted them to see that there are local employers and ones further afield who can offer them a pathway to a career of their choice.”

    “For an example, we had Mātai Medical Research Institute there, so if a student was interested in going into that career, what’s the pathway for them?”

    School students from the East Coast were given a taste of the future at a successful discovery day organised by EIT’s Education 2 Employment team.

    Adrianna says the event was staged in a way that engaged the students and got them interested in potential careers.

    “Every employer or business had an interactive activity. Some had honey pots representing apiculture, civil infrastructure had roading games, the police services had drug goggles and were in their police cars. We also had a Media House there which did portraits of the students, STEM were there doing science activities, and we had the Department of Conservation discussing survival, trapping and other outdoor skills.”

    “We also had a game where they were given a bingo card with symbols that represented each employer or industry. And they had to go and either ask questions or do the interactive activity and get it ticked off by the employer. At the end, they all got a prize if they filled their bingo card. They had to ask questions and engage.”

    Adrianna says the aim is to make the event an annual occurrence.

    “It is a rewarding time for both students and participating organisations as the students get to see what career opportunities there are and employers are exposed to the talent coming through.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Apprenticeship Boost targets key occupations

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Investment in Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise critical industries and targeted occupations that are essential to addressing New Zealand’s skills shortages and rebuilding the economy, Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston say.

    “By focusing Apprenticeship Boost on first-year apprentices in targeted occupations, we are providing employers in critical industries with the certainty to hire and retain first-year apprentices, and confidently hire new ones,” Ms Simmonds says.

    “Having the confidence to build and strengthen your team is important, especially when many businesses are doing it tough right now.”

    The National-NZ First Coalition Agreement includes a commitment to continue Apprenticeship Boost, with $64 million allocated to initiative in Budget 2024.

    “The previous government had set time-limited funding until the end of 2024.  

    “Our investment in Apprenticeship Boost, reinforces this Government’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce in sectors that are critical to economic growth. First-year apprentices in key industries and occupations will continue to benefit,” Ms Simmonds says. 

    From 1 January 2025, Apprenticeship Boost will prioritise key sectors and targeted occupations that are crucial to New Zealand’s growth and sustainability. They are:

    • Building
    • Agriculture
    • Horticulture and Viticulture 
    • Forestry Studies 
    • Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology 
    • Process and Resources Engineering 
    • Automotive Engineering and Technology 
    • Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology
    • Aerospace Engineering and Technology 
    • Maritime Engineering and Technology
    • Other Engineering and Technology 
    • Human Welfare Studies and Services 
    • Food and Hospitality

    The targeted occupations are defined by the New Zealand Standard Classification of Education (NZSCED) code, ensuring that the initiative addresses the most pressing skill gaps and supports the long-term success of the economy.

    Employers can continue to claim funding for eligible apprentices under the current settings until 31 December 2024. Employers receiving funding for second-year apprentices will continue to receive $500 monthly payments until the same date.

    From 1 January 2025, only employers of first-year apprentices in targeted industry areas will be eligible for the $500 monthly subsidy.

    These improvements to Apprenticeship Boost reflect the Government’s commitment to deliver a strong economy and support more New Zealanders into jobs.

    “Our economy is stronger when more people are in work,” Ms Upston says.

    “Industry training plays an important part in making sure our young people have more opportunities to get ahead through work, but we need to make sure the skills and qualifications they are gaining are also in sync with what our country needs.

    “Targeting Apprenticeship Boost makes sense as it will strengthen the long-term success of our key industries as we grow a more skilled workforce.”

    The Ministry of Education will review the targeted sectors every two years to ensure the programme continues to address skills shortages and aligns with New Zealand’s evolving economic priorities. The first review is scheduled for July 2027.

    Notes to editors:

    Find out more information: Apprenticeship Boost – Work and Income

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Funding boost to reduce wait times at Palmerston North ED

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced a funding boost for Palmerston North ED to reduce wait times and improve patient safety and care, as well as new national standards for moving acute patients through hospitals.

    “Wait times in emergency departments have deteriorated over the past six years and Palmerston North Hospital, despite the best efforts of management and staff, has some of the longest emergency department wait times in the country,” says Dr Reti. 

    “That’s why the Government is investing an extra $6 million in a package of initiatives that will provide extra clinical staff, a more efficient process when patients are discharged from hospital, and a more child-friendly experience for children in ED.” 

    The initiatives funded by this package include:

    • Establishing a discharge lounge to help patient flow and timely discharge from the hospital, so there is capacity for acute admission from ED
    • Additional resources to expand ED capacity, by using the fracture clinic to treat and discharge low acuity ED patients after hours, which will reduce waiting times for these patients
    • Staffing for the newly created children’s area of the ED 
    • Creating an early supported discharge team for older patients 
    • A system flow coordinator to ensure patients are admitted, transferred or discharged more efficiently.

    Dr Reti says that on average, patients are also staying longer at Palmerston North Hospital than any other hospital across the country. 

    “Patients are often staying longer in hospital than they need to, which reduces the number of beds that can be used for other acute cases and contributes to long waits in ED for patients to be admitted. 

    “While it’s a long-standing issue in Palmerston North, it’s not unique to this hospital. That’s why Health New Zealand is establishing new, national standards to improve acute patients’ experience in hospitals, from when they present to when they are discharged.” 

    Health New Zealand’s new Acute Flow Operational Standards will set a baseline for quality care across the country and help clinicians and hospital managers put the right systems and processes in place to manage acute patients. 

    The standards include:

    • Improving use of the discharge or transit lounges to support inpatients who are being discharged that day, which allows ward beds to be made available earlier in the day for acute patients from ED.  
    • Ensuring there is an ED coordinator on each shift responsible for making sure patients being admitted are transferred to a ward as soon as possible, freeing up the ED beds, including for new ambulance arrivals. 
    • Active monitoring and management of patient flow across the hospital to reduce unnecessary delays in hospital and the ED. 

    Dr Reti says these standards will have a positive impact for patients in hospitals across the country and help Health New Zealand improve both ED wait times and wait times for elective surgery by getting the basics right. 

    “These standards are part of the work needed to make progress on our health targets, so that we don’t have to cancel elective surgeries to accommodate acute cases and make sure patients presenting to EDs can be more efficiently admitted, transferred or discharged. 

    “If every hospital across the country is getting these basics right, we can make sure patients are moving through the hospital at the right time, with the right support. 

    “All these initiatives will further our goal of providing timely access to quality healthcare and ensuring New Zealanders get the public services they need.”

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Shotgun found in stolen vehicle

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police have recovered a firearm after a stolen ute was stopped in rural South Auckland in the early hours of this morning.

    Information was received after midnight that a stolen commercial ute was travelling south through the Wiri area.

    Counties Manukau South Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Clive Wood, says the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed as a result.

    “Eagle quickly picked up the vehicle’s movements and relayed this information to staff on the ground,” he says.

    “The vehicle carried on south until arriving at an address in Ararimu.”

    A Police unit quickly moved in behind the ute.

    “The driver was taken into custody without incident and a further search was invoked of the stolen vehicle,” Senior Sergeant Wood says.

    Inside, Police located a 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, cannabis and methamphetamine.

    Senior Sergeant Wood says the 32-year-old male driver’s night took a turn, with additional charges being laid on top of being in possession of a stolen vehicle.

    The man has also been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition, as well as drugs offences.

    He will appear in the Pukekohe District Court today.

    Senior Sergeant Wood says: “Investigations are still ongoing into the original incident where several commercial vehicles were stolen from an Ōtara business last week and have been recovered.

    “This is another great result from our team working overnight, with a firearm taken out of circulation in our community and an offender to face up to the courts.”

    ENDS. 

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dunedin’s Port Chalmers highway: more material than expected, large boulders to be broken up, ongoing delays SH88

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising drivers to expect ongoing delays this week getting to and from Port Chalmers as contractors continue to make SH88 safe for two-way traffic. To make the most of the workday, hours have been extended to start at 7 am and finish at 6 pm.

    Investigations to date after last week’s downpour have shown much more material needing to be removed than initially assessed and some huge boulders have to be broken up first, says NZTA Journey Manager Nicole Felts.

    • There will be up to 30-minute delays between 7am and 6pm for the next four days (including Tuesday) on SH88 at the Parry Street rockfall site (near Forsyth Barr Stadium). Traffic control is in place keeping the road single lane at that point so contractors can remove rocks safely.
    • Investigations are continuing at the Burkes slip site on SH88 to understand the extent of the damage to this section of highway. The road is currently under traffic lights – Stop/Go traffic management, with minor delays.
    • Other geotechnical investigations are continuing at various sites on SH88.

    “We appreciate these delays at more than one site could add up to 30 minutes to the trip between Port Chalmers and Forsyth Barr Stadium,” says Miss Felts. “Thanks to all road users for building in the time.”

    Highway conditions for Otago | NZTA Journey Planner (external link)

    Local road closures Dunedin and Portobello peninsula(external link)

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Capital Gains Tax… Again

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    Devastation in Dunedin and the loss of HMNZS Manawanui are hurting New Zealanders in different ways. They also underline what Free Press argued last week, that the Government needs to think hard about its capital assets. It holds over half a trillion in assets, but does it own the right things, do core infrastructure and defence need more commitment? Meanwhile we’ve received voluminous praise for David Seymour’s performance Q+A with Jack Tame last week.

    Capital Gains Tax… Again

    ANZ CEO Antonia Watson revived the unending debate about a capital gains tax for New Zealand. Free Press welcomes business leaders talking about public policy. We’d all benefit if they did it more. Too often we hear business leaders say things privately that we wish they’d say publicly but they’re usually too afraid of criticism.

    We just don’t agree with Watson about the capital gains tax. It always seems to be a band-aid for concerns about housing, but it won’t fix that, and what New Zealanders really need is more capital. This week, once more with feeling, Free Press goes through the usual arguments for a capital gains tax and sets out why they’re wrong.

    Perhaps the worst argument for a capital gains tax is ‘everyone else has one.’ Practically every other Government imposes a capital gains tax on its citizens, except the Swiss Federal Government. Being like Switzerland can’t be the worst thing for the New Zealand economy.

    Even if ours was the only Government not levying a capital gains tax on its citizens, the argument still doesn’t work. Governments do silly things all over the world, and we don’t need to copy every one of them.

    Others say the Government needs the money. We’d argue that it needs to spend better, and it is improving, but there is better evidence the Government doesn’t need more money, at least not from a capital gains tax.

    The New Zealand Government is the second biggest taxer in the Asia Pacific region (behind Japan) with total revenues of 33.8 per cent of GDP. Every Asia-Pacific Government has a Capital Gains Tax. It’s difficult to argue a Government raising more revenue than dozens of Governments with capital gains taxes needs a capital gains tax for lack of money.

    Then there’s the fairness argument. People who make money from capital should pay tax like people who work for their money. Sounds fair, but the reality is capital gains are already caught by income tax.

    Anyone who buys a farm, a business, or a property is really buying a stream of income in the future. That income is taxed. A company with future income worth $10 million before tax is not worth $10 million though. It is only worth the after-tax income. You’ll be lucky to get $7 million. You’ll already lose $3 million-odd, that’s the tax that whoever buys it will pay.

    Putting a tax on the price of the asset each time it’s sold is just nasty. The argument with housing is that house prices go up regardless of how much rental income they produce.

    People even claim a capital gains tax would make housing more affordable. Any realistic capital gains tax would apply to all businesses, but only to houses you don’t live in. Nobody who wants a capital gains tax wants one ‘on the family home.’ On balance it would be more of a tax on businesses than on houses, so much for shifting investment away from housing.

    Maybe it would at least stop ‘speculators’ from pushing up house prices by buying ‘more houses than they need to live in’? Unlikely when the new tax has gone on every other kind of investment, too.

    Just like L.A., London, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Vancouver have all had outrageous house prices with a capital gains tax, a capital gains tax won’t make housing affordable in Auckland. Prices are set by supply and demand, and so long as supply doesn’t keep up with demand, prices will rise.

    A capital gains tax really just makes the Government a silent partner in property investment, it doesn’t change the underlying fundamentals of the housing market. It certainly doesn’t comfort a first home buyer to know that the Government took a share of their eye-watering purchase price.

    We hope these arguments are helpful for repelling demands for a capital gains tax. They’re technical though. The real question is whether the goal is to grow the pie, or divide the pie?

    If you think New Zealand can’t get any richer, and it’s just a matter of pulling the ‘rich’ down a peg or two and dividing up the wealth, maybe it’s time to talk about a new tax. On the other hand, maybe it’s time to shelve the distraction, acknowledge our lack of a CGT is a strength, and get back to making New Zealand wealthier overall.

    Not Subscribed? Sign up >here<

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police investigating Flaxmere shooting

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are investigating after two men were shot in Flaxmere last night.

    Police were called to a Berwick Crescent address at 11.30pm yesterday, following reports of a shooting.

    Officers were subsequently notified that two men had arrived at Hawke’s Bay Hospital with injuries consistent with being shot.

    One of the men was reported to have a serious injury, while the other was reported to have a moderate injury.

    Enquiries are under way to establish exactly what has occurred. 

    Anyone with information which could assist our enquiries is asked to please update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 241005/2014.

    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: Death following work-related incident, South Taranaki

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following what appears to be a work-related incident at a farm in Taranaki this morning.

    Emergency services were called to the property in Auroa, South Taranaki, at 8.50am today.

    On arrival, a man was located with critical injuries. Tragically he passed away a short time later.

    WorkSafe will be advised.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Ahipara vegetation fire: Update #1

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Firefighters are responding to a vegetation fire burning in the gumfield region between Herekino and Ahipara in Northland.
    The area is remote and there is no threat to structures or people.
    Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to the fire just after 11 this morning. There are currently two helicopters tackling the blaze, with more on the way. Dozers and other machinery are also being mobilised.
    It is expected that the fire will take multiple days to extinguish but we expect weather conditions will be stable.
    There is a lot of smoke and people are asked to stay away from the area to allow crews to work.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dunedin’s northern access restored, highway to Port Chalmers reopening Monday morning, 4.45pm update Saturday

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Access to Dunedin from the north, State Highway 1, was restored early this afternoon, with long queues of traffic making their way north and south as the road opened in both directions.

    There are just three highway routes or sections of routes remaining closed after the torrential rain and flooding of recent days, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    The key one is SH88 in Dunedin between Forsyth Barr Stadium/Parry St and Port Chalmers.  It will reopen at 6 am Monday, although people can expect a slower than usual trip at 30km/hour to keep vibrations to a minimum, single lane around slip sites  managed by Stop/Go, 24/7.

    The other two are SH87 Kyeburn to Hyde, and SH90 Tapanui to Waikoikoi, which has a detour in place.

    Port Chalmers highway, SH88 – reopening Monday 6 am, with restrictions

    The route between Forsyth Barr Stadium/Parry St and Port Chalmers remains closed this weekend with residential and emergency access only and fully staffed checkpoints.

    Geotechnical advice has now been received for the Parry St and Burkes landslip areas which means the clean-up can continue at these sites ahead of the highway reopening, with single lane traffic around slip sites and at reduced speed, from Monday at 6 am.

    There are likely to be significant delays on SH88 on Monday with the new traffic management in place and short delays around the rock scaling/removal work.

    This route could also close at short notice again, depending on how the rockfall remediation/ scaling and clean-up goes.

    https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482713(external link)

    Please note, the informal detour roads above SH88 aren’t suitable for large, heavy or towing vehicles and unless people have an urgent need to travel, they should keep these routes clear also.

    SH87 Kyeburn to Hyde (north of Middlemarch): Remaining closed due to damage to a section of highway from the flood water near the Kyeburn Bridge. Flood water still receding. Delay your travel as this will be an extended closure. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482674(external link)

    SH90 Waikoikoi to Tapanui: Closed due to flooding around the Pomahaka River.  Detour in place and working well. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/closures/482705(external link)

    Multiple areas of surface flooding and potholes

    • Speeds will be reduced in many places as the clean-up continues this weekend and into next week. NZTA thanks all drivers for slowing around crews and machinery.
    • Bridge inspections so far show they have held up well, says NZTA.
    • This is likely to be the final flooding-related traffic bulletin for this weekend from NZTA.

    State Highway updates

    Highway conditions for Otago | NZTA Journey Planner(external link)

    Local road closures Dunedin and Portobello peninsula

    https://www.dunedin.govt.nz/news-and-events/public-notices/road-conditions-and-closures(external link)

    Otago Emergency Management

    https://www.otagocdem.govt.nz/(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Three people unaccounted for following Marlborough crash

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Three people are unaccounted for following a crash in Marlborough overnight.

    Emergency services were alerted to the crash at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Bush Road, Tuamarina at 1.45am.

    A car with five occupants crashed off the road into the Tuamarina River.

    Two of the occupants were able to get out of the car and make their way to safety.

    They are reported to have suffered moderate injuries and were transported to hospital.

    Three other occupants remain unaccounted for.

    The Police National Dive Squad is being deployed and is expected to arrive in Marlborough around midday.

    One lane of State Highway 1 is closed and stop/go traffic management is in place.

    Full closures of State Highway 1 may be required at some points during the day. 

    Motorists are asked to expect delays and allow extra time for travel. 

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police investigating after man found deceased, Point England

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are investigating after a man was located deceased on Point England Road overnight.

    The man was found in the middle of the road at 11.15pm yesterday and Police are working to determine the circumstances of his death.

    If anyone has information which could assist our enquiries, please contact Police and quote 241006/5254.

    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: Appeal for information on dirt bike rider incident, Gisborne

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are appealing for the public’s help after an incident near Gisborne Police station early this morning.

    About 4.50am, a Police unit was leaving the station and observed a dirt bike sitting outside the station.

    The rider was holding a lit incendiary device.

    Upon seeing the Police unit, the rider dropped the device and fled on the dirt bike.

    Efforts to locate the bike and its rider have so far not been successful.

    Fortunately, there was no damage to any property, or any injuries.

    The item has been examined and our enquiries are ongoing.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a larger white dirt bike, possibly with yellow trim, in the vicinity of Gladstone Road and Customhouse Street early this morning, or who might have information about the incident or who was involved.

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

    Please use the reference number P060195550.

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

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rotorua assault victim dies

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A woman critically injured in an assault at her Western Heights, Rotorua home in September has died.

    The woman and her husband were seriously assaulted on 23 September and have been in hospital since then.

    Tragically the woman passed away on the evening of 5 October.

    A 52-year-old man who was arrested and charged with murder in relation to a linked incident at an Utuhina property will now be facing a second murder charge.

    The man is remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in Rotorua High Court on 18 October.

    ENDS
     

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation launched, Tauranga

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A homicide investigation is under way after the body of a man was located in Tauranga this morning.

    Police were called about 8.45am to a walkway in Gate Pa, near George Street, where a man had been found deceased.

    Currently one person is assisting with our enquiries.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area overnight and witnessed anything of note.

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

    Please use the reference number P060196188.

    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: Appeal for information following assault, Courtenay Place, Central Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Police are appealing for any information after an assault in Central Wellington overnight that has left a man in critical condition.

    Emergency services were called to Courtenay Place opposite St James Theatre about 3.20am after a man was found injured.

    He was transported to hospital in critical condition.

    Enquiries are underway to establish the full circumstances of how the man sustained his injuries.

    Initial enquiries have determined he has been assaulted, and one person is currently assisting us with our enquiries.

    Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this assault, or has any knowledge of those involved.

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

    Please use the reference number 241006/5414.

    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: Fast-track to boost renewable electricity

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Fast-track Approvals Bill will list 22 renewable electricity projects with a combined capacity of 3 Gigawatts, which will help secure a clean, reliable and affordable supply of electricity across New Zealand, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says. 

    “The Government has a goal of doubling New Zealand’s renewable electricity generation. The 22 renewable electricity projects listed for fast-track will help us achieve that ambition and bolster New Zealand’s energy security,” Mr Brown says.

    Electrifying New Zealand’s economy is a key part of the Government’s plan to grow our economy and reduce emissions to achieve Net Zero 2050.

    “Enabling investment in the infrastructure we need for key technologies like solar, wind and hydro will help ensure businesses and households have access to abundant, reliable, and affordable electricity. 

    “In recent months New Zealand have seen some of the highest electricity prices in the world. Continuing on this course is not sustainable. It is why we are taking action by listing these 22 solar, wind, and hydro projects throughout the country, along with two significant Transpower infrastructure projects.

    “These projects will help New Zealand meet our immediate goals of generating more electricity, and help longer term as our cars, buses, trains, ferries, and manufacturers are increasingly powered by the wind, water, and the sun.

    “If all of these projects were to proceed, then New Zealand’s electricity generation capacity would increase by almost 30 per cent. This would significantly boost our energy security.”

    Projects to be listed include:

    • 7 wind farms (including re-powering of existing windfarms to increase their generation)
    • 10 solar farms
    • 5 hydro schemes (including reconsenting of existing generation)
    • 2 Transpower energy infrastructure projects – including replacement of the critical Cook Strait electricity cable

    “The Government has accepted the renewable electricity projects recommended by the Advisory Group. However, the Fast-track Approvals Bill will enable further projects to use this fast track approval process and we encourage generators to put forward further projects once the legislation is in place,” Mr Brown says.

    “Including these projects in the fast-track approvals process means we can get renewable energy projects underway at a much faster pace to deliver the abundant and affordable electricity we need to power our low-emissions future.”
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –