NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trade – UAE Trade agreement: High-quality and comprehensive dairy outcome

    Source: Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)

    The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) welcomes the announcement of a trade agreement between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and New Zealand. The deal will deliver the complete elimination of all dairy tariffs from day one.
    “New Zealand exported approximately NZ$ 700 million worth of dairy products to the UAE in the last year, making it our 10th largest dairy market. Eliminating all dairy products provides important certainty to continue growing this trade,” says DCANZ Executive Director Kimberly Crewther.
    “DCANZ congratulates Trade Minister Todd McClay and New Zealand trade negotiators on this outstanding achievement. They have demonstrated that high-quality agreements that eliminate all dairy tariffs are still possible even in an increasingly complex international environment.”
    A 2023 report from Sense Partners estimated that New Zealand dairy tariffs were subject to over NZ$ 1 billion of tariffs across all markets and that 86% of global dairy consumption occurred behind tariff barriers of 10% or more. This included ongoing tariffs in some markets where New Zealand has trade agreements, such as the European Union and Japan.
    “The UAE agreement is a positive step towards a less protectionist international environment for New Zealand dairy products. We strongly encourage the Government to continue pursuing such high-quality outcomes with other negotiating partners, including upgrading existing trade agreements that have not yet secured dairy tariff elimination.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trade – NZ-UAE Trade Agreement welcomed by export sector

    Source: BusinessNZ

    New Zealand exporters will welcome the news of a new free trade agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates signed today, says ExportNZ.
    “The deal between the UAE and NZ looks to be a comprehensive agreement between our two countries, and the immediate tariff reductions will be warmly welcomed by NZ businesses exporting goods and services into the Gulf State,” ExportNZ Executive Director, Josh Tan said.
    “Once enforced, the FTA will eliminate 98 per cent of tariffs on NZ goods entering the UAE, streamline customs entry for goods, and will help to reduce other barriers to trade.”
    NZ’s current main exports to the UAE include dairy, meat, industrial products, horticultural products and tourism.
    “The deal will also open up new opportunities in both in the UAE and further into the Middle East, as the UAE acts as an important hub in the region for travel, imports and exports, and business,” Josh Tan said.
    “We congratulate the negotiators on both sides for taking this agreement from launch to signature in four months – a record time.”
    The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Restoring safe, efficient access remains the focus for SH2 north of Napier

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    A raft of recovery work is coming up along State Highway 2 between Napier and Wairoa over the coming month, as crews continue repairing the cyclone-damaged road.

    Nightworks starting at Devil’s Elbow

    Overnight work begins from Sunday (29 September) at Devil’s Elbow on a variety of work including shoulder widening, culvert installation, culvert inlet and outlet works, pavement works, asphalt surfacing and guardrail works.

    The nightwork is expected to last until late October, with crews aiming to finish the work in the lead up to Labour weekend.

    These overnight works will take place under the existing traffic management, so people travelling will experience similar travel times as during the day – the only change will be people driving through at night will now see more crew members at various sites throughout the Devil’s Elbow area.

    Crews are expecting to complete repair work at 5 sites throughout Devil’s Elbow this spring. Four more sites will begin later this year, with most likely completed by Easter next year.

    Learn more about the recovery work at Devil’s Elbow:

    State Highway 2 Devil’s Elbow recovery work(external link)

    Waikare Gorge Bailey bridge work

    A reminder that the Waikare Gorge Bailey bridge will be closing for two nights next week while new bridge deck panels are installed:

    The bridge, on SH2 at Pūtōrino between Wairoa and Napier, will be closed to all traffic on Monday 30 September and Tuesday 1 October – between 9pm and 5am each night. There is no viable detour, so please plan ahead.

    The work will be finished by 5am on Wednesday 2 October. The contingency date is the same time the following night 9pm to 5am, Wednesday 2 October.

    Waikoau Hill rock scaling nightworks

    From next Tuesday, crews will be onsite at Waikoau Hill, just south of Tūtira, working overnight on rock scaling the upper and lower sections of the hillside above the road.

    The work will be carried out 5 nights a week (not on Friday or Saturday nights) between 8pm and 5am, Sundays to Thursdays. Because of the Waikare Bailey bridge closure starting at 9pm, the crew will start rock scaling at 9pm Tuesday 1 October. From Wednesday 2 October, the team will begin 8pm for the duration of the works.

    • Tuesday 1 October, 9pm to 5am (1 night)
    • Wednesday 2 to Friday 4 October, 8pm – 5am (3 nights)
    • Sunday 6 to Thursday 10 October, 8pm – 5am (5 nights)
    • Sunday 13 to Thursday 17 October, 8pm – 5am (5 nights)

    The work is expected to be completed by 5am Friday 18 October.

    During this work, stop/stop traffic management will be place (where both directions are held) for up to 15 minutes.

    This work is a continuation of the rock scaling which began in May and had to be postponed because of the wet weather.

    Rock scaling is crucial to ensure all loose material is removed from the hillside.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trade Deal is no deal for Workers

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    “Today’s announcement of a possible trade deal with the United Arab Emirates is not a cause for celebration”, says NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff. “There is no evidence of a deal with no enforceable rights for workers, protections against forced labour or modern slavery. Nothing has been noted abut enhancing the rights of women in the UAE.”

    “We don’t currently know the real value of the deal. No National Impact Analysis or economic analysis has been made public. The International Trade Union Confederation states the UAE has one of the worst records for absolute denial of fundamental workers’ rights. No Independent Trade Unions are allowed under UAE law, nor is there any right to strike. One thing we do know is that this deal does nothing to help tackle climate change.”

    “We will be working with the Government, parliament, and allies to highlight the problems that this trade deal will create. Migrant workers in the UAE make up 88 percent of the overall workforce, yet they have little or no protections at work. This agreement does nothing to protect them. We should send this agreement back so that a properly enforceable trade deal can be signed,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts – Inaugural NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award goes to Steph Matuku!

    Source: The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)

    The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) congratulates Steph Matuku on winning the inaugural NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award 2024.

    Steph Matuku, who has written several books for young people, will use the award to help complete the writing of The Blue Dawn, a novel set in early 19th century New Zealand, when the whaling industry was at its peak. Māori mythology and tradition collide with capitalism and brutal progress, as a grieving fugitive hunts the giant octopus that will lead her to her ancestors’ homeland.

    The judging panel of Dr Paula Morris and Catherine Roberston said, “This is Steph Matuku’s first adult novel, and we thought the concept shows great promise. Steph is a hard-working writer and will make good use of this grant.”

    Tina Shaw said, “I’ve just read and enjoyed Steph’s YA novel Migration, and was really impressed. She is obviously a very talented and dedicated writer. I’m pleased to see that Steph is now moving towards an adult readership with a novel that sounds exciting and imaginative and draws on a strong mythical element from te ao Māori.”

    Of this year’s applicants, the judges said, “The number of applications shows how much need there is for an award like this. Authors often struggle at the mid-career point, and if they cannot find the right acknowledgment and support, may decide to give up. In creating the shortlist, we favoured applicants who were obviously committed to their writing career and really needed that boost to get over the midway hump. Our thanks to Tina for providing this opportunity for New Zealand writers, and congratulations to the first recipient.”

    The $5,000 award was established by award-winning novelist Tina Shaw to encourage the development of new novels by mid-career fiction writers.

    Tina Shaw is a novelist, short story writer and editor who has received many awards for her work, including the CNZ Berlin Writers Residency, the University of Waikato Writer-In-Residence and the Buddle Findlay Sargeson Fellowship. She won the 2018 Storylines Tessa Duder Award with Ursa which was published in 2019 by Walker Books Australia and received a Storylines Notable Book Award. As editor, her 7th edition of the Bateman NZ Writer’s Handbook was published in 2023. Her novel manuscript A House Built on Sand won the 2023 Michael Gifkins Prize and was published in 2024 by Text Publishing.

    Shaw works as a book reviewer, mentor, manuscript assessor, publisher, and is editor of the NZSA quarterly publication NZ Author.

    Find out more about the NZSA Shaw Writer’s Award: https://authors.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=905a5275ec5c023659502ec21&id=3369825759&e=466373ae7c

    The NZSA would like to thank the 2024 Judging Panel – Dr Paula Morris and Catherine Robertson and Tina Shaw for generously establishing this award.  

    Notes:
    The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc is the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa. Founded in 1934, it advocates for the right to fair reward and creative rights, administers prizes and awards, works across the literary sector to make Aotearoa New Zealand writers and books more visible, and runs professional development programmes for writers. authors.org.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Spring weather brings wind warnings for drivers in the lower North Island and upper South Island

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Drivers travelling on highways in the lower North and Upper South Islands must be ready for windy driving conditions later today and overnight.

    The Metservice has issued a Strong Wind Watch for Wellington, Wairarapa and Marlborough from 5 pm tonight to 4 am tomorrow (Friday, 27 September).

    Northwest winds may approach severe gales in exposed places and will affect all regional state highways.

    People should drive to the conditions and be prepared for the hazards strong winds can bring, such as wind gusts, wind-blown debris, downed power lines, and potential tree falls.

    Truck and van drivers, light and towing vehicles, and motorcyclists should exercise caution when travelling on exposed routes like State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill and Wainui Saddle on State Highway 1 Transmission Gully.

     Road users are also encouraged to check road and weather conditions before they travel.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drug checking licensing scheme service delivery model amendment form

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

    If a licensed provider wishes to use a service delivery model not on the approved list (Table 1 of the Ministry of Health drug checking webpage), or wishes to use a model not currently licensed for, they will need to satisfy the Director-General of Health (or delegated authority) that the model is safe to implement and fit for its intended purpose. Licensed providers must show that their workforce is competent to use a service delivery model before they will receive approval. New models can only be used by a licensed provider once written approval is received from the drug checking licensing team and the provider is licensed to do so.

    Complete this form for any requested addition of drug checking service models to a provider’s licence.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drug checking licensing scheme testing methods amendment form

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

    If a licensed provider wishes to use a drug checking testing method not on the approved lists (Table 2 and Table 3 on the Ministry of Health drug checking webpage), or to use a method they are not currently licensed for, they will need to satisfy the Director-General of Health (or delegated authority) that the technology is safe to implement and fit for its intended purpose. Licensed providers must show that their workforce is competent to use the drug checking testing methodology before they will receive approval. New testing methods can only be used by a licensed provider once written approval is received from the drug checking licensing team and the provider is licensed to do so.

    Complete the following information for any requested additions of drug checking testing methods to a provider’s licence.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Contract signed to build new Police boat for Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police has announced the signing of a contract to begin the construction of a new Police boat – Deodar IV – with the build phase expected to begin in January 2025.

    The arrival of Deodar IV has come a step closer with the finished boat anticipated to be ready for sea trials in December 2026.

    Deodar III – Deodar IV’s predecessor – has been patrolling the Hauraki Gulf and coastline since 2007 and at nearly 17 years old is requiring increasing maintenance and repairs to keep the boat seaworthy.

    Deodar III was deployed for the likes of Whakaari/White Island after the 2019 eruption, supporting inter-agency operations, acting as a platform for the Police National Dive Squad and as a primary evacuation vessel in body recovery.

    Office in Charge of Auckland Maritime Unit, Senior Sergeant Garry Larsen says Deodar III has served Police well but has nearly reached its end of life, so it’s time for a new vessel.

    “Like Deodar III, the new vessel will be designed for stability, reliability and flexibility in a vast range of tasks, from attending crime scenes and apprehending offenders to search and rescue, medical emergencies, supporting public events, promoting water safety and facilitating training.”

    Deodar IV will be a like-for-like replacement – the same overall size at 18.7m long and with the same sleek marine-grade aluminium catamaran design as Deodar III.

    “The new boat will feature improvements to make it more fit for purpose, including an extended wheelhouse which provides more space and better visibility.

    “This will be especially helpful when responding to search and rescue jobs.

    “The medical bay and prisoner transport area have also been modified to suit the needs of those spaces, and we are pleased there will be carbon emission reduction features.”

    Senior Sergeant Larsen says Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf and coastline is a big beat to cover.

    “It’s vital that we get the design of the boat right and ensure that it’s fit for the diverse and demanding job it will be doing.”

    Funding for the new Deodar IV was approved in December 2022, and was confirmed in Budget 24, alongside provision to cover the continued maintenance of Lady Liz IV.

    The successful tenderer, announced last year, was Whanganui-based Q-West which built Deodar III, the Wellington Police launch Lady Liz IV, and Customs boat Hawk V. Teknicraft Design Ltd, of Beachlands, Auckland, is designing the boat.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trade – UAE trade deal good news for Kiwi farmers – Federated Farmers

    Source: Federated Farmers

    Federated Farmers are welcoming news of a new free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates as an exciting and positive step forward for New Zealand.
    “This is great news for Kiwi farmers who have been doing it pretty tough lately with high costs and squeezed profit margins,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
    “As a country we earn a living producing high quality food and fibre and selling it to the rest of the world, but we’re currently operating in a tough international environment.
    “Farmers will gladly welcome any moves to reduce our costs, grow our incomes, or increase our competitiveness in the global marketplace.”
    The United Arab Emirates is a top 20 export market for New Zealand, and one of our largest markets in the Middle East.
    “The Middle East presents an exciting opportunity for Kiwi exporters as a wealthy and growing market with huge potential,” Langford says.
    “This agreement will take millions of dollars that would have been charged in tariffs and pump them directly into our rural communities.
    “It’s great to see the Government delivering on their commitment to open up new markets, reduce tariffs, and give our exporters options.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: World Vision – New report reveals ‘distress migration’ on the rise as children and families in Southeast Asia leave their homes due to climate change

    Source: World Vision

    • ‘Distress migration’ is becoming more common as children and families flee their homes due to climate change
    • There are up to 2.5 million migrant children in Thailand living without domestic legal status
    • Migrating children, especially girls, are at risk of exploitation and abuse
    • Climate change has been identified as the root cause of issues facing migrants including hunger, missing school, and anxiety over mounting debts
    • Northern Viet Nam identified as a likely climate out-migration “hotspot” by 2050.

    A new report from World Vision reveals how the escalating climate crisis is disproportionately affecting children across Southeast Asia and causing children and families to flee their homes.
     
    The report, Climate Change, Vulnerability, and Migration: Impacts on Children and Youth in Southeast Asia, paints a harrowing picture of climate-induced migration and its impact on the region’s most at-risk children.
     
    Drawing on nearly 100 first-hand accounts from child migrants, children who stayed behind, parents, and caregivers, along with insights from local leaders and experts, the report documents the severe repercussions of climate change.
     
    Dr. Olivia Yates, World Vision’s Advocacy Policy & Research Advisor, International Partnerships, says the report highlights the urgent need to protect the rights and interests of young migrants in Southeast Asia.
     
    “The climate crisis is one of the greatest forces shaping our world – both present and future. None of us are immune to this fact, however, the reality is most acutely felt by those families already living precariously close to the edge, just one drought or flood away from the tipping point.
     
    “As climate change worsens, driving increasing migration, it’s vital that we safeguard the rights of children who are particularly at risk. Their health, education, livelihoods and economic prospects are all at stake. We must support these children and do what we can to help prevent their exposure to exploitation and abuse.”
     
    The findings of the report offer a stark portrayal of the way in which climate change is deepening poverty, deprivation, and debt that force families to leave their homes. Daily struggles include hunger due to low crop yields or crop failures, missed schooling as children face increased responsibilities, and mounting anxiety over financial instability caused by a lack of stable work.
     
    Many parents view migration as a long-term investment in their children’s future. Other economically insecure households are selling their land to pay off debts and even cover the costs of migration.
     
    Every year in Southeast Asia, countless families choose to migrate with their children, and many children also migrate on their own.
     
    According to the latest figures, there were about 1.27 million international child migrants in the region as of 2020 – about 40% in Thailand. However, given the high prevalence of irregular migration, the number of migrant children in Thailand living without domestic legal status has been estimated be between 1 – 2.5 million.
     
    Terry Ferrari, World Vision International’s Regional Leader for East Asia says the emotional impact of forced migration on children is huge.
     
    “Children told us they feel sad, isolated and miss their family and friends. Moreover, the disruption to their education, exposure to hazardous working conditions, and other factors could have long-term consequences for children’s personal development and future opportunities,” Ferrari says.
     
    Ferarri adds that many children are also left behind when their parents migrate because many migration settings that focus on employment do not allow migrants to bring their dependents.
     
    The interviews revealed profound emotional impacts on children left behind, particularly when the mother migrated. Caregivers were often overwhelmed, and some grandparents felt that they could not provide the support children needed. Many households struggled financially, and some children did not have enough to eat. In some cases, the absence of parents was associated with worse educational outcomes and school dropouts.
     
    Ferrari says if families want to take their children with them, they can be forced to migrate through irregular channels, which can be dangerous. Irregular migrants also remain vulnerable at their destination and must hide from the authorities.
     
    The report finds that for many migrant parents, whether they stayed in their country or crossed the border,  the financial benefits fell short of their expectations. Often, they could not send as much money as they wished – or send it consistently.
     
    With the UN estimating 10.6 million international migrants in Southeast Asia as of 2020, the urgency for targeted, effective action is clear. The report calls on national governments, donors, and international organisations to prioritise the needs and rights of children in the face of a rapidly changing climate. The report provides a series of detailed recommendations aimed at mitigating climate-related impacts, including enhancing community resilience through infrastructure and disaster preparedness, supporting sustainable livelihoods, protecting migrating families, caring for caregivers and children who stay behind, and empowering youth to build a brighter future.
     
    World Vision’s report also underscores the need for child-responsive and mobility-sensitive climate finance. With climate finance set to be the focus of talks at COP29 climate summit, this is a critical opportunity for the New Zealand Government to stand with children and advocate for effective climate finance that meets the scale of need in lower-income countries, ensuring children and their families need not turn to migration to meet their basic needs.
     
    Terry Ferrari, World Vision International’s Regional Leader for East Asia, says: “Urgent steps need to be taken to address the root causes of climate-related migration and protect the future of these young lives. We want all nations to commit to supporting safe, orderly and dignified migration that upholds the rights, well-being and opportunities of migrants, particularly vulnerable children.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Weather News – Wet, windy weather to end the week; brighter skies to start the school holidays – MetService

    Source: MetService 

    Covering period of Thursday 26 – Monday 30 September – MetService is forecasting rain, wind, and snow to close out the working week, before brighter and drier weather arrives just in time for the start of the school holidays this weekend.

    On Thursday, the South Island faces wet and windy conditions as a large weather system gradually moves northwards across the country. The heaviest rain is expected in the ranges of Westland, Buller, and the headwaters of the Canterbury and Otago lakes and rivers—areas currently under Watches or Orange Warnings for Heavy Rain. This wet weather will extend to the North Island overnight into Friday.

    MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says “Most, if not all, of the South Island will see some rain by the end of Thursday, and the same for the North Island on Friday. Many areas should expect a period of continuous rain as the system passes, followed by drier spells mixed with a few passing showers. However, Southland and Clutha could see periods of heavier showers on Friday morning.”

    Snowfall is also expected for inland South Island Thursday night into Friday, with snow levels forecast to reach down to 200 metres in Southland and Clutha and 300 metres in Otago. This snow may impact on road travel on high-level roads and passes into Friday morning and Road Snowfall Warning have been issued.

    In addition to the rain and snow, strong northwesterly winds will make their presence felt over the South Island and lower North Island on Thursday and early Friday. The Canterbury High Country is under an Orange Warning for Strong Winds, where gusts could reach 120 km/h and it’s looking like a breezy day in other parts of Canterbury, including Christchurch. For Wellington, Wairarapa, and Marlborough, blustery winds from Thursday late afternoon until early Friday morning mean they are under a Strong Wind Watch. Winds could remain breezy for coastal areas of the South Island once winds turn southwesterly on Thursday evening.

    However, brighter skies are on the horizon for the weekend. Apart from a few showers in western parts of both islands and coastal Southland, much of the country can expect a mix of partly cloudy and sunny weather.

    “After weeks of rapid ups and downs in the weather, it seems the weekend looks to bring a stretch of more settled weather, which could last into mid-next week before the next weather system,” says Makgabutlane. “This should provide plenty of opportunities for families to get out and enjoy the start of the school holidays. And for the rest of us, it’s a chance to soak up the extra daylight hours after the clocks go forward on Sunday.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Treasury – Debt and deficits accentuate the fiscal challenge of an aging population

    Source: The Treasury

    Higher than expected debt and structural fiscal deficits are compounding the fiscal challenge of an aging population, Treasury Deputy Secretary and Chief Economic Adviser Dominick Stephens said in a speech today.
    The speech reiterates the Treasury’s consistent message that New Zealand’s fiscal settings are not sustainable in the face of long-run population aging.
    “As the over-65s become a larger share of the population, the public purse will be stretched further and further,” said Dominick Stephens.
    The speech explores how falling interest rates, high population growth, and a stunning increase in labour force participation among the over 65s have all helped with fiscal sustainability.
    “New Zealand has been extremely successful at keeping seniors in the workforce, partly because older workers face no abatement of national superannuation if they choose to work,” commented Dominick Stephens.
    “There is no silver bullet solution, we are going to need to pull a number of levers to render fiscal policy sustainable for the long run.
    “Boosting productivity will lead to a more prosperous society and give the government more choices.
    “It is younger people who matter most for fiscal sustainability. We need young people who are willing and able to support their elders. Young New Zealanders are doing well in many respects, but there are challenges in education, mental health and housing.”
    The Treasury will publish its next Long Term Fiscal Statement in 2025.
    The full speech is available on the Treasury website:  https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/speech/longevity-and-public-purse 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: No child left behind with STAR system

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Government is delivering real solutions to get kids back in the classroom, introducing the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) system.

    “Any student who reaches a clearly defined threshold of days absent will trigger an appropriate and proportionate response from their school and the Ministry,” says Mr Seymour.

    “New Zealand attendance rates are low by national and international standards. In 2023, 80.6% of students in England and 61.6% of students in Australia were attending using a measure similar to the Term 2 New Zealand regular attendance rate, which was only 47.1%. 

    “If this issue isn’t addressed there will be an 80-year long shadow of people who missed out on education when they were young, are less able to work, less able to participate in society, more likely to be on benefits. That’s how serious this is.

    “The basic premise of the STAR is that no child is left behind. Every student, parent, teacher and school has a role to play. Each school will develop their own STAR system to suit their community and school.

    Some examples of how interventions could work are:

    • 5 days absent: The school to get in touch with parents/guardians to determine reasons for absence and set expectations. 
    • 10 days absent: School leadership meets with parents/guardian and the student to identify barriers to attendance and develop plans to address this.
    • 15 days absent: Escalating the response to the Ministry and steps to initiate prosecution of parents could be considered as a valid intervention.

    “Since becoming the Minister responsible for attendance, I’ve visited numerous schools to see how they’re addressing it. Some schools have an approach that is functioning well, but many do not. 

    “It will be mandatory for all schools to have an attendance management plan based on STAR from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The Ministry will work with schools, the Attendance Service, non-government agencies and other government agencies to streamline this. The Ministry will also provide best practice templates for attendance plans and toolkits for dealing with absent students, depending on the reasons for absence. 

    “Schools will have to play their part in setting a good example as well. This means not taking teacher-only days during term time. Under existing regulations, and terms in the union contracts, teacher-only days are only legally allowed to be held out of term time, unless authorised by the Minister of Education. 

    “I have asked the Ministry to collect data on when a school is open or closed for instruction for the full day, and for each year group, during term time. It is critical the entire system works cohesively to ensure education is respected and valued by students and lost instruction time is made up. 

    “I have also directed the Ministry to take a more active role in the prosecution process. I reserve the right to look at an infringement scheme in the future if this approach doesn’t work.

    “With more reliable and timely data being made available, the next phase of improving student attendance will be further understanding why students don’t attend. 

    “I’ve directed the Ministry of Education, with the active co-operation of the Ministry for Social Development, Oranga Tamariki, Police, Kainga Ora, and Te Puni Kokiri to develop robust information sharing agreements so that staff can share appropriate information once a student has been identified as needing support.

    “Almost every aspect of someone’s adult life will be defined by the education they receive as a child. If we want better social outcomes, we can’t keep ignoring the truancy crisis. This Government has set itself bold targets to address attendance, and it’s a bold approach that is needed for the future.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand concludes trade agreement with the UAE

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement, which will unlock economic opportunities for Kiwi exporters and create stronger supply chains with one of our most important trading partners in the Gulf region.

    This agreement was concluded in just over 4 months following the launch of negotiations on 7 May this year, making this New Zealand’s fastest-ever trade agreement negotiation, and the most trade liberalising of any of the UAE’s CEPAs to date. 

    “This shows the Government’s commitment to opening doors and reducing costs and barriers for Kiwi exporters,” Mr McClay says. 

    The announcement follows formal talks between Trade Minister Todd McClay and his UAE counterpart Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Wellington.

    “Our Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE will eliminate duties on 98.5 per cent of New Zealand’s exports immediately on entry into force, rising to 99 per cent within three years. This will create new opportunities for New Zealand businesses in the dynamic UAE market, contributing to our ambitious target of doubling exports by value in ten years,” Mr McClay says. 

    “The UAE is a key export destination and hub in the Gulf region. In the year to June 2024, two-way trade was valued at NZ$1.3 billion. The UAE is one of our largest markets in the Middle East, and a top 20 export market overall.” 

    New Zealand dairy exports to the UAE amounted to $718 million, industrial products $237 million, red meat $46 million, horticulture $44 million, and tourism $31 million. 

    New Zealand imported $152 million of products and services from the UAE over the same period, including plastics, carpets, travel services and glass.

    In addition to removing tariffs, the CEPA includes new commitments which will provide greater certainty for New Zealand services exporters when operating in the UAE. 

    The CEPA’s Investment Facilitation chapter, and a Bilateral Investment Treaty concluded alongside the CEPA, will together provide a framework for broadening and strengthening our investment relationship and help increase two-way investment with the UAE. The agreement does not include Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS).

    Professional services, education services, and the audio-visual and gaming sectors, as well as engineering and environmental services will all benefit from this Agreement.

    The CEPA also includes chapters on intellectual property, sustainable development, labour, sustainable agriculture, climate, and on indigenous trade. We have also secured New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi exception to allow us to meet treaty obligations. 

    H.E. Dr Al Zeyoudi says New Zealand is a long-standing and highly valued trade partner of the UAE. 

    “The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will further strengthen our bilateral relations and boost private-sector opportunity in both nations. The conclusion of our CEPA is also an important step forward in realizing our shared ambition to secure long-term prosperity for our peoples and nations alike.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: A tree too far for alleged offender

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One man’s dash into the bush in an attempt to evade Police came unstuck near Ramarama.

    At around 6pm on Wednesday, Police had a report of a family harm incident outside a bar in Drury, witnessed by members of the public.

    Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes says the vehicle the male offender left in was later seen near Ramarama.

    “The vehicle was followed to Pratts Road, where the man ran from the car into dense bush nearby.

    “As a result, the Police Eagle helicopter deployed to the area, along with a Dog Unit on the ground.”

    Inspector Hoyes says Police staff worked together for around half an hour monitoring the man’s movements.

    “He climbed a tree in efforts to hide from us, but Eagle had eyes on him the whole time.

    “With our dog unit on the ground, he eventually came down from the tree and was taken into custody.”

    The man suffered a minor dog bite and was treated. Today, the 44-year-old patched Nomads gang member will appear in the Papakura District Court.

    He has been charged with failing to stop and reckless driving.

    “Enquiries are ongoing into the initial incident, but this was a great outcome from our staff last night who have now put the man before the Court.

    “I’d also like to thank those members of the public for alerting us to the family harm incident,” Inspector Hoyes says.

    ENDS.

    Tony Wright/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Air pollutant trends decrease at most monitoring sites over the last eight years – Stats NZ media release

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Air pollutant trends decrease at most monitoring sites over the last eight years – 26 September 2024 – Concentrations of air pollutants decreased at many air quality monitoring sites between 2016 and 2023, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    “PM10 trends decreased at 30 out of 41 local government monitoring sites, while trends for PM2.5 decreased at 12 out of 16 sites. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) trends decreased at 99 out of 114 NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi monitoring sites between 2014 and 2023,” environment and agricultural statistics senior manager Stuart Jones said.

    PM10 and PM2.5 are particles that can be suspended in the air and are less than 10 micrometres and 2.5 micrometres in diameter, respectively. They are primarily formed by residential wood burning, dust from unsealed roads, and industrial and construction activities. NO2 is a gas primarily formed through burning fossil fuels.

    “PM10 can be breathed into lungs and PM2.5 is small enough to enter the blood stream. Concentrations of particles, gas, and liquid in air can be harmful to human health and contribute to health issues such as cardiovascular and respiratory health problems and increased mortality,” Jones said.

    Visit our website to read this news story in full and view the indicators published today:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: No escape for driver who allegedly rammed Police car

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police have arrested a gang member who allegedly rammed a Police vehicle before fleeing across west Auckland late last night.

    A stolen vehicle was seen travelling on Titirangi Road and a Police unit signalled for the driver to stop.

    Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager Inspector Kelly Farrant says the driver initially stopped.

    “At this point the driver reversed into the Police vehicle behind it, causing some minor damage,” she says.

    “The vehicle has then taken off at speed towards Avondale.”

    No Police staff suffered any injuries.

    Inspector Farrant says the Police Eagle helicopter was deployed to the area, and quickly located the stolen car.

    “Eagle spotted the vehicle travelling at high speed through Kelston, and relayed its position to ground units as it entered the Northwestern Motorway at Massey and headed towards the city.

    “Spikes were successfully deployed in the Avondale area, but the vehicle continued on rims through the Waterview Tunnel, eventually exiting and smashed through the gate of a school in Mount Roskill.”

    The 37-year-old driver, a patched Head Hunter, was taken into custody at the scene without further incident.

    “Our staff also located a loaded crossbow and several arrows in the stolen vehicle,” Inspector Farrant says.

    “The man will appear in the Waitākere District Court today charged with assault, operating a motor vehicle recklessly and failing to stop for Police.

    “I acknowledge and thank the range of Police staff involved in responding to this incident. Their decision making was spot on and resulted in not only a safe and swift conclusion to this incident but one less dangerous weapon off the street”.

    ENDS.

    Tony Wright/NZ Police
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: William Hartree Memorial Lodge opening for bookings

    Source: Department of Conservation

    Date:  26 September 2024

    The lodge is in the William Hartree Memorial Scenic Reserve in Puketitiri. The area is known for its regenerating forest which largely exists through the efforts of dedicated local conservationists.

    Kelly Eaton, DOC Heritage and Visitors Project Lead Ranger, says the lodge is an ideal entry-level facility to introduce your family and friends to the bush.

    “The lodge sleeps 10 within 3 bunk rooms, with a central living area connecting to a kitchen, toilet and shower room,” says Kelly. “It’s accessible by car and it has power, so it’s great for people who might be dipping their toes into the great outdoors but don’t want the full ‘roughing it’ experience just yet.”

    Several short walks are available right outside the door, with more within 30 minutes to 1 hour driving distance. Popular local areas include Little’s Bush, Balls Clearing and the Mangatutu Hot Springs.

    William Hartree was a local conservationist, and the reserve and lodge were created in his memory. The lodge itself was built in 1966 by the Junior Wildlife Wardens.

    Booking the lodge costs a total of $145 per night.

    More details on the history of the lodge, and booking information, can be found on the DOC website.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Govt not addressing health workforce crisis

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The National Government is hiding the gaps in the health workforce from New Zealanders, by not producing a full workforce plan nearly a year into their tenure.

    “Since National came into government, we’ve had secrecy around cuts, hiring freezes and voluntary redundancies,” Health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

    “National campaigned on a workforce crisis and Shane Reti said he would deliver a workforce plan – where is it?

    “In Government, Labour published a comprehensive assessment of gaps and actions to address needs across the health sector. In contrast, National has not been upfront about the nature and extent of the needs, nor how they will address staff shortages.

    “Labour’s plan for financial year 2023-2024 led to hiring more than 4000 staff and was upfront about where further training and investment was needed,” Ayesha Verrall said.

    Mental health spokesperson Ingrid Leary said we welcome the training of extra mental health workers.

    “However the Mental Health Workforce plan is scant and underwhelming in its failure to address recruitment incentives, retention, career pathways and immigration settings,” Ingrid Leary said.

    “It also does nothing to address mental health workforce in rural areas, the far north and southern areas where the need is most critical.

    “We have a mental health workforce crisis including a brain drain to Australia, and the government isn’t addressing the current hiring freeze, burn out and low morale,” said Ingrid Leary.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Supercharging schools to teach maths

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The coalition Government is supercharging schools to lift maths achievement by delivering new resources and more support for teachers and students for Term 1 next year. 

    “$30 million will fund resources including workbooks, teacher guidance and lesson plans for the 2025 school year. Resources will be available in English and te reo Māori, curriculum aligned and reflect best-practice around the OECD,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says. 

    “Just 22% of Year 8 students are at the expected standard for maths, that needs to change. That is why the Government has worked at pace to implement a new curriculum beginning in Term 1 next year. We have fantastic teachers, and we need to make sure they are equipped and feel supported to hit the ground running.

    “More than half a million Year 0-8 students and their teachers will benefit from high-quality, curriculum-aligned mathematics resources in their classrooms. This alongside a new knowledge-rich curriculum will support teachers, reduce workload, and lift student achievement.”

    From October 21, primary schools will be able to choose the maths resources and supports from a range of approved suppliers that best suit them and their learners. Resources will be sent to schools for the start of Term 1 next year.

    To deliver this, funding has been reprioritised from Te Ahu o te Reo Māori, a programme available for teachers to learn te reo Māori.

    “Since 2019, $100 million has funded this initiative which isn’t accredited and more than double the cost of similar courses available. An evaluation of the programme found no evidence it directly impacted progress and achievement for students. The review also couldn’t quantify what impact the programme had on te reo Māori use in the classroom.

    “This Government is committed to the revitalisation of te reo Māori and recognises the importance of the language in our schools. We will work with the Wānanga, tertiary providers and private training establishments to continue to make similar courses available free of charge. Funding for te reo Māori courses in Māori medium schools and kura will also remain.

    “Just 45 percent of high school students are passing foundational maths. I am not prepared to look parents in the eye and allow the 60,000 kids starting school next year to be on a similar trajectory. Maths achievement needs to be prioritised. 

    “This funding shift will support high-quality instructional mathematics resources for students and teachers in te reo Māori so there is equitable access across our education system. 

    “This is just another part of our Make it Count Action Plan to transform maths education in New Zealand. This Government has clarity, determination and purpose to deliver an education system that sets up our children for success,” Ms Stanford says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Data shows school attendance is on the rise

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour says data released today shows increased school attendance in Term 2 of 2024 with 53.2 per cent of students regularly attending, an increase of 6.1 percentage points compared to the same term last year.

    Regular attendance across primary students increased by 7 percentage points, to 56.8 per cent, and by 4.5 percentage points for secondary students to 46.7 per cent. Rates also rose across all ethnicity groups, year levels, and school equity index groups.

    “Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive education outcomes. Positive education outcomes can lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves,” says Mr Seymour.

    “Every single education region showed increases in regular attendance, with South and South-West Auckland, and Tai Tokerau demonstrating the largest increases compared to Term 2 2023, with increases of 10.3 and 9.4 percentage points respectively.”

    Students are regularly attending school when they are present for more than 90 per cent of the term. The Government target for student attendance is 80 per cent of students present for more than 90 per cent of the term by 2030.

    “Missing a week or more of school in a term may not seem like a lot but actually equates to missing one year of schooling by the time the student is 16. Regular attendance is so important for giving students the best opportunities and setting them up for success,” says Mr Seymour.

    “Winter illnesses played a significant role and attendance numbers are still behind the same period in 2019, when almost 58 per cent of students were regularly attending school. Although school attendance is on the rise, the government is working hard to raise it further.

    “Today I am announcing new initiatives that form Phase 2 of the Attendance Action Plan to ensure that schools, the Ministry of Education, wider government, family, and caregivers are doing everything they can to get students back to school.

    “If the truancy crisis isn’t addressed there will be an 80-year long shadow of people who missed out on education when they were young, are less able to work, less able to participate in society, more likely to be on benefits. That’s how serious this is.”

    Note to editors: Attendance data can be found here Attendance | Education Counts

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Government cuts fair pay for bus drivers

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government has cut funding for bus drivers to get paid fairly for the work they do, Labour transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere said.

    “Bus drivers and public transport workers do valuable work for their communities; it’s good to see the Government will continue to fund initiatives to improve their safety.

    “Simeon Brown’s announcement about driver safety neglected to mention the fact that more than $46 million has been cut from the same budget to ensure drivers get paid fairly for late night work and split shifts.

    “Any form of harassment or violence is unacceptable, particularly where drivers are simply doing their jobs. I just wish that Simeon Brown also saw value in paying bus drivers properly.

    “Treasury also warned Nicola Willis that making this cut could undo the work done by Labour to increase reliability of public transport and could return New Zealand to a position of large bus driver shortages that cause mass service cancellations.

    “If Simeon Brown had his way, we would all be in cars driving on toll roads. The reality is many New Zealanders rely on public transport. Not paying drivers properly and putting at risk the reliability of services will only take us backwards,” Tangi Utikere said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Retirement and Economy – UP TO 25% OF RETIRED HOUSEHOLDS COULD USE HOME EQUITY TO MAKE ENDS MEET

    Source: Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission

    New research delving into home equity release products shows they could be a better alternative for older New Zealanders struggling to make ends meet instead of taking on higher-cost consumer debt.  

    Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission commissioned Motu Research to consider whether home equity release schemes provide value for money and how they might provide a suitable form of retirement income for some people.

    The research highlighted that for approximately 25% of older households who have low retirement income and savings, but high levels of equity in their home, equity release products could be more beneficial for them to use instead of high-cost personal loans or credit cards.  

    In New Zealand home equity release products are not well understood due to the complexity and costs involved. The two main products available here are reverse mortgages and home reversion (selling a stake in your house in exchange for income).

    Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission Policy Lead, Dr Michelle Reyers says while New Zealand home equity release products appear to be costlier than in larger markets, they can provide an alternative source of income less costly than other forms of consumption-based lending.

    “The key to using home equity release products is understanding the costs and benefits and seeking financial advice to see if they are right for you,” she says.

    “It’s important to understand that home equity release products have relatively high costs. For reverse mortgages it’s the interest cost. Loan balances on reverse mortgages can grow to a large amount within a short period due to the compounding effect of interest.

    “People opting for a reverse mortgage should consider only using the minimum they need to supplement their monthly income rather than larger lump sum withdrawals, as this will slow the rate at which the interest owing builds up over time.”

    An alternative for those who want to access an income stream from their home, and at the same time preserve a specific amount of equity in their home, is a home reversion scheme. In this case the main cost is that you are selling a stake in your house for a discounted amount.  

    However, despite the costs involved, home equity release products used strategically can provide an option for those that have no income beyond New Zealand Superannuation and struggle to pay larger bills but wish to remain in their homes while they can manage independently.

    “For the group of retirees relying primarily on New Zealand Super for income who have home equity but no other assets (such as KiwiSaver) to draw down, it is something to consider,” says Dr Reyers.

    She recommends:

    Thinking about retirement in stages – could you continue in paid work beyond age 65? Do you have access to other assets, such as KiwiSaver that you can draw down to help fund your expenses?

    Once these assets are depleted do you want to access the equity in your home with a home equity release product to supplement your retirement income while you continue to live independently at home? At the same time consider whether releasing the equity in your home might impact at a later stage if you want to move into a retirement village or need care.

    It is important to consider how home equity release products can affect people’s financial position in the future. Balancing whether you can afford to use some equity now but maintain the required level of equity in your home for another stage of retirement should your health or life circumstances change may require professional advice. One final consideration is if people want to preserve their home equity for future generations through bequests, home equity release products will reduce the amount that they will be able to provide.

    Notes:

    Reverse mortgages are more suited to people who do not need to preserve the equity in their home for future uses, including bequests. The no negative equity guarantee ensures that the homeowner, or their estate, will not be required to meet any shortfall that the lender incurs if the loan value exceeds the eventual sale price of the house

    The key cost of a reverse mortgage is the interest cost which is higher than the cost of a normal mortgage loan due to the added risks of this product and a less competitive market in New Zealand.

    Reverse mortgages are less costly in low interest rate environments. When house price growth is high it can partially offset the impact of interest rates on the erosion of equity.

    Home reversion avoids the compounding of interest and provides certainty to the homeowner that they will retain a specific percentage of equity in their home, so it might be more suitable in a high interest rate environment or for people who have a specific bequest motive.

    However, the cost involved is that homeowners will be selling 35% of their house at a discount as they only receive income equivalent to 25% of the initial valuation (taking into account annual fees reduces this to 22.7%).

    The purchasing power of the income received decreases over time due to inflation since the income received per year is fixed.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children – Two-thirds of children interact daily online with people they don’t know despite grooming fears – report

    Source: Save the Children

    Over six in 10 children with access to the internet interact with “unknown others” daily despite concerns about online grooming, according to new research released by Save the Children and Western Sydney University that highlighted children’s demands for better online protection.
    The research team held in-depth consultations with about 600 children and young people aged 8 to 18 from Australia, Finland, the Philippines, Cambodia, Colombia, Kenya, and South Africa, who shared their views and experiences of facing inappropriate requests online for personal information or images.
    The report, ‘Protecting Children from Online Grooming’, was written by the Young & Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University, and funded by the global child online safety investment vehicle Safe Online as part of the Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund.
    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of online grooming and child sexual and financial exploitation have reached an all-time high [1], with an 82% rise in online grooming crimes against children reported in that period [2]. Online grooming practices have also transformed, with the fastest growing form of online grooming targeting young men for financial extortion [3].
    The report revealed children were more inclined to connect with strangers – or “unknown others” – online as they matured and became more social, motivated by a desire for friendship, fun and play, followed by a wish to stay informed about trends and events, and to connect over shared interests.
    The findings also showed that while children across all cultures and age groups were more suspicious of people they didn’t know online than people they knew in person, most (66%) of the study participants still interacted with “unknown others” daily online.
    Children in high-income settings were twice as likely to use privacy settings to protect themselves from unwanted contacts, compared to children from some low-income settings, but the potential to derive financial benefits was an incentive for children in middle-income countries to connect with strangers online, potentially compromising their safety.
    While children have come up with numerous ways to protect themselves, they are calling for widespread, accessible and targeted online safety education for themselves and their caregivers. In the discussions the children also made concrete suggestions about how technology platforms and governments can implement changes that will keep them safer online.
    Sonisay-, a girl aged 11-12 from rural Cambodia, said:
    “Adults should know that children interact with strangers, monitor them, and read their chats.”
    Angel- aged 15-17 from a city in the Philippines said:
    “Adults need to know about the children of today who are highly computer-savvy… To be able to support and protect the children, adults need to understand that children are comfortable with using the internet which pushes to interact with strangers.”
    Charlie- aged 14 from Australia emphasised the need to start online safety education earlier:
    “Having young children educated about the safety of technology and the dangers … adults only start this education for older kids on social media when the problem can be on video games played by young kids.”
    Children reported that it was very difficult to ascertain the intentions of strangers online. Children were also particularly worried about being asked for personal information or nude pictures, being drawn into inappropriate sexually-oriented exchanges, or exposure to criminal activities.
    The report found that children want and need better online protection, with children primarily using intuition and background checks rather than seeking help from trusted adults to manage their online interactions with people they don’t know.
    The data also showed that children distinguish people they know well both online and in person from those they only know online, with 86% approaching the latter with caution. Yet despite this wariness, children were still three times more likely to ignore or decline an inappropriate or unwanted request than they are to report or block it.
    Steve Miller, Save the Children’s Global Director of Child Protection, said:
    “Children deserve to thrive in a safe and nurturing environment – both online and offline. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the challenges and threats, including the threat of online grooming and exploitation. We need to foster a digital environment that is not only safe but also enriching, allowing children to explore, learn, and grow without fear. Policymakers need to listen to the voices and experiences of children when developing policies that protect them.”
    Professor Amanda Third, Co-Director of the Young and Resilient Research Centre, Western Sydney University, said:
    “Keeping children safe from online grooming requires a whole-of-community approach. Governments, NGOs, technology platforms, teachers, parents, caregivers, and children themselves all have an important role to play. However, to most effectively address this issue it is crucial that we listen to the views and experiences of children and young people and engage them as active partners in the research and policy design process. Children and young people are finding their own ways to tackle this issue and devise solutions but they are also calling on us to help equip them and their caregivers with the skills and knowledge needed to be able to safely navigate these rapidly evolving digital environments.”
    Save the Children has launched a major global effort to support digital inclusion and empower the next generation of resilient digital citizens. Save the Children’s Safe Digital Childhood initiative is includes partnering with schools, communities and tech leaders to break down barriers to digital inclusion by making sure the children with the fewest resources can access devices and connectivity; offering targeted digital literacy and citizenship programs; helping technology industry partners embed child-centric safeguards into their platforms; and empowering children to advocate for their rights in the digital world.
    The Young & Resilient Research Centre at Western Sydney University is an Australian-based, international research centre that unites young people with researchers, practitioners, innovators, and policymakers to explore the role of technology in children’s and young people’s lives and how it can be used to improve individual and community resilience across generations.
    Safe Online is the only global investment vehicle dedicated to keeping children safe in the digital world. Through investing in innovation and bringing key actors together, Safe Online helps shape a digital world that is safe and empowering for all children and young people, everywhere. The Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund, which funded the research, is a groundbreaking collaboration fuelling actionable research and bringing together the tech industry with academia and civil society in a bold alliance to end online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – Respiratory health warning over Christchurch fire

    Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

    Kiwis living with a respiratory condition in central Christchurch are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to smoke, after a large blaze broke out in a commercial building.
    The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is advising people living and working near the blaze to close all windows and doors if staying inside, or wear a N95 or KN95 mask if going outside.
    Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says these steps offer the best protection against the harmful effects of smoke inhalation.
    “Inhaling smoke from fires can pose serious risks for respiratory health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
    “It can severely exacerbate conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and trigger flare-ups, which can be serious and lead to hospitalisation.”
    Smoke contains tiny particles that enters the throat and lungs causing irritation, Ms Harding says.
    “That is why it is important that people with asthma or COPD keep their reliever inhaler on-hand if they start to develop symptoms.”
    It was important to stay vigilant, she says.
    “It’s crucial for everyone, especially those with respiratory conditions, to take these precautions seriously to avoid worsening symptoms or unnecessary health complications.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Privacy Commissioner – Ignoring a privacy breach only makes it worse

    Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

    Privacy Commissioner, Michael Webster says it’s always better to notify his office about a privacy breach than ignore it.
    His message comes as he names Ultimate Care Group Limited as consistently ignoring their notification requirements, after it was found that they’d lost part of a patient’s medical records.
    Mr Webster said, “My recommendation is for agencies to notify us and do it early, even if they’re not 100 percent sure a privacy breach has occurred, or don’t yet have all the details.
    “It’s always better to talk to us than ignore the problem.”
    The decision to name Ultimate Care Group was made so they could become an example for others.
    Ultimate Care had several instances where they should have made an earlier notification. They were also advised by the Capital and Coast District Health Board to report a privacy breach, but in the end, it took two years for them to formally notify OPC.
    “It is disappointing they did not identify the breach to be notifiable as required under the Privacy Act.
    “Ultimate Care is a large provider serving a vulnerable group in our population and holds a significant volume of sensitive information about the individuals in its care. A key element of providing care to these individuals is looking after their personal information, and health information in particular,” said Mr Webster.
    Mr Webster says following engagement with OPC, Ultimate Care has taken actions to strengthen privacy policies, increase privacy awareness, and improve document management practices.
    “While these changes are good and have resulted in an improvement in privacy capability in Ultimate Care, I consider the impact of the loss of the clinical file on the resident and the wider systemic issues of poor information management practices at Ultimate Care at that time to be significant,” said Mr Webster.
    Notes

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment Surveys – Cost-of-living concerns drive Kiwi workers to seek a second job

    Source: Robert Half

    • 49% of Kiwi workers are considering taking on a second job in the next 12 months 
    • 42% say a second job is necessary for them to meet their financial needs, while a further 32% say they would do so to have extra funds for discretionary spend 
    • 56% believe their employer would be supportive of them taking on a second job elsewhere.

    Auckland, 26 September 2024 – The number of New Zealand workers wanting an extra source of income amid cost-of-living concerns is on the rise, as 49% are considering taking on a second job in the next 12 months, new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds.  

    The rise of working two jobs

    Independent Robert Half research on 49% of Kiwi workers considering a second job is a bellwether for this rising trend, where data from Stats NZ shows the number of multiple job holders in New Zealand has risen from 187,600 in Q1 2019 to 220,900 in Q2 2024 across all industries1.  

    With 57%, Gen X are the most likely to seek an additional source of income, followed by Gen Z (56%), and Millennials (51%). Baby Boomers (33%) are the least likely generation to be considering an extra job to meet the increased cost of living.

    The reasons why workers want a second job

    The overwhelming majority (84%) of workers who have or would consider a second job do so solely for financial reasons.  

    Those who are considering or who already have a second job cite the following reasons:

    • Necessary to meet financial needs (42%)
    • Provide extra funds for discretionary spend (32%)
    • Pursuit of a personal passion (7%)
    • A back-up job in case of layoff from the primary job (10%) 
    • To build skills in a different field/to test a new career (9%)
    • To fulfil personal goals (7%).

    “In the current economic climate with rising cost of living, more New Zealand workers are seeking additional employment to boost their earnings and strengthen their financial wellbeing,” says Megan Alexander, Managing Director at Robert Half. “However, taking on a second job requires careful consideration to balance financial needs with personal wellbeing.”

    Workers feel employers understand their needs

    When asked about how employers might react to their staff taking on a second job, more than half (56%) of workers feel their current employer would support them. One quarter (25%) believe their employer would be against them taking on an extra job.

    “Before taking on a second job, it’s vital for workers to honestly evaluate if they can manage the extra workload without jeopardising both their health and performance at their main job,” says Alexander.

    “For those considering a second job, they should opt for one that aligns with their skills and interests, while ensuing it doesn’t create a conflict of interest with their primary employer. Before committing, workers need to check what (if any) obligations they have with their current employer. A failure to comply with an employer’s policy or contractual obligations in this space could have serious implications for workers. Transparency is key.

    “As more employees seek second jobs, employers need to proactively understand their motivations and ensure their workplace culture and compensation packages are competitive enough to retain valuable talent,” concludes Alexander.

    1 StatsNZ, Infoshare, Group: Household Labour Force Survey – HLF, Table: Multiple Job Holders by Industry (Qrtly-Mar/Jun/Sep/Dec), September 2024

    Notes

    About the research

    The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in June 2024 by an independent research company, surveying 501 full-time office workers across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management and trends in the workplace.

    About Robert Half

    Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland. More information on roberthalf.com/nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – ‘Remarkable’ marine animal forests found around Wellington’s coast

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

    Marine animal forests rich in sea life have been found in the shallow waters around Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

    “Marine animal forests are habitats formed by big groups of invertebrates—creatures such as sponges, horse mussels, and brachiopods, which look a bit like clams. These remarkable communities are increasingly being recognised as biodiversity hotspots and we’ve got them on our doorstep,” said Professor James Bell, a marine biologist at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

    The forests were located by Professor Bell and colleagues Dr Valerio Micaroni and Dr Francesca Strano while studying life in the region’s shallow waters.

    The researchers identified numerous animal forests in Wellington Harbour, many at depths of less than 15 metres. Sites were located at Eastbourne, Evans Bay, Kaiwharawhara, the Miramar Peninsula, and Petone.

    Rich animal forests were also found in shallow waters at other areas including the Kāpiti Coast and Mana Island.

    “Finding animal-dominated ecosystems in such shallow waters is surprising as these are areas that are usually dominated by seaweeds,” said lead researcher Dr Micaroni.

    Sponges were one of the common species found in the forests. They included a massive potato-shaped sponge (Suberites australiensis) that grows up to 40 centimetres in diameter and forms dense sponge beds.

    “These beds were home to a range of species, including molluscs, cnidarians, and red algae, as well as other sponges and fish. We also discovered what we think is a previously undescribed sponge species,” Dr Strano said.

    The sponge beds in the harbour comprised a total area of 120,000 m2. Researchers estimate the beds can filter between 500 million to 1 billion litres of water daily. This filtering plays an important role in transferring nutrients and food from the water column to the sea-floor, influencing overall water quality and supporting the sea-floor food chain.

    Despite the ecological importance of these shallow-water forests, they are largely unprotected and face increasing threats from climate change, fishing, sedimentation, and pollution, Professor Bell said.

    At most of the sites in Wellington Harbour, the researchers found litter on the sea-floor.

    “There was a lot of plastic items—such as bottles, packaging, and cups—as well as aluminium cans. Car parts and tyres were found at half the sites, and fishing gear was found at three locations. Concrete blocks were also common,” Professor Bell said.

    Evans Bay was the worst site for marine litter, followed by Kaiwharawhara where large amounts of gravel had been dumped on areas of the seabed. The gravel dramatically altered the habitat with animal communities significantly reduced and limited evidence they had been able to recover since the gravel was dumped.

    “This example highlights the significant effects human activities can have on marine animal forests. It also highlights the need to protect these fragile ecosystems to avoid further biodiversity loss,” said Dr Megan Melidonis, senior coastal scientist at the Greater Wellington Regional Council. The council helped fund the research as part of work to explore and map the region’s marine biodiversity.

    “These forest communities play such a key role in marine food chains and in maintaining water quality. It is incredible to find them in a harbour adjacent to a major urban area,” Dr Melidonis said.

    Results of the study are published in the journal Global Ecology and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2024.e03140

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Vibrant regional events receive funding boost from Auckland Council

    Source: Auckland Council

    An assortment of vibrant and engaging events across Tāmaki Makaurau for Aucklanders to participate in and enjoy have been given a helping hand by Auckland Council.

    On 24 September Auckland Council’s Community Committee approved an allocation of $460,500 from the Regional Events Fund Grants Programme to 21 organisations to help with their events.

    These events deliver a range of outcomes and benefits to communities by contributing to a sense of place and connection.

    Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the Community Committee says it’s extremely important that a diverse range of events are regularly held in Auckland.

    “Regular, vibrant events play an important part in Auckland’s cultural, sporting and social calendar,” says Cr Dalton.

    “Events allow people from around Tāmaki Makaurau to come together and connect, learn and celebrate.”

    “Many of the events we are supporting will bring economic benefits to nearby local businesses and the communities hosting them.”

    A broad range of arts, sports and cultural events received funding including the Auckland International Buskers Festival, Takapuna Winter Lights, ASB Polyfest and Iwi of Origin.

    Auckland Council’s Head of Events Glynn Leggat says council staff assessed each application against regional event funding criteria.

    “A wide range of factors were considered in allocating funding including positive benefits to the community with particular emphasis on youth and Māori; how well the event is planned; community support and involvement and alignment with key dates such as Auckland Anniversary Weekend.”

    “We’d like to thank all the organisations and community groups who put in the mahi to prepare for and host these events,” says Ms Leggat.

    The Regional Event Grants Programme for 2024-25 has a total budget allocation of $600,000, of which $460,500 has been allocated in this first funding round.  The remaining unallocated budget of $139,500 is expected to be allocated in March 2025.

    To learn more about the range of regional and local grants we provide and how you can apply for them, visit the Auckland Council website.

    Regional Event Grant Programme Fund allocation for 2024/2025 – first round

     

    Applicant

    Event

    Recommended funding allocation

    Aktive

    Iwi of Origin

    $20,000

    Alan Smythe Special Events (2020) Limited

    Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park

    $45,000

    Aotearoa Latin American Community Incorported (ALAC Inc)

    Family Day

    $12,500

    Athletics New Zealand Incorporated

    2025 Sir Graeme Douglas International

    $6,000

    Auckland Anniversary Regatta Incorporated

    Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta

    $17,000

    Auckland Children’s Christmas Parade Trust

    Farmers Santa Parade

    $17,000

    Auckland Pride Incorporated

    Auckland Pride March

    $27,000

    Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

    Big Gay Out 2025

    $17,000

    Crackerjack Events

    Auckland International Buskers Festival

    $40,000

    Environmental Hubs Aotearoa

    EcoFest 2025

    $25,000

    Eventing Auckland Incorporated

    Puhinui International Horse Trials

    $15,000

    Interacting

    InterACT 2025!

    $16,000

    Interesting Things

    Future Future

    $11,000

    New Zealand Eid Day Trust

    New Zealand Eid Day, Eid al Fitr 2025

    $12,000

    Ngā Kaihoe O Aotearoa (Waka Ama New Zealand Incorporated)

    2025 Takapuna Beach Cup

    $9,000

    Mahurangi Action Incorporated

    Mahurangi Regatta

    $6,000

    Show Jumping Waitemata

    Show Jumping Waitemata World Cup Festival

    $11,000

    The Polyfest Trust

    ASB Polyfest

    $75,000

    Takapuna Beach Business Association

    Takapuna Winter Lights

    $44,000

    Waiheke International Jazz Festival Limited

    Waiheke Jazz Festival 2025

    $8,000

    Westlake Boys High School

    Te Ahurea Tino Rangatiratanga 2024

    $27,000

    Total

    $460,500

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –