NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arts – Dr Jacqueline Leckie is awarded the NZSA Peter and Dianne Beatson Fellowship for 2024!

    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 Dr Jacqueline Leckie on winning the NZSA Peter and Dianne Beatson Fellowship 2024 to work on her novel with the working title Meg Campbell (1937–2007): Aroha and Resistance.
    This annual award is made possible by the generosity of the Beatson’s. In establishing this fellowship, they have given NZ authors a valuable opportunity to be economically secure while they bring a project to completion.  It’s a commitment and affirmation for New Zealand Aotearoa writers. The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) offers its sincere thanks to the Beatson’s.

    The judging panel of Paddy Richardson and Laurence Fearnley said: ” the judges feel that the winning project by Dr Jacqueline Leckie is one of national significance as it is the first biography of poet Meg Campbell, and will add to the history of NZ women’s literature in an original and engaging manner.
     
    The Judges felt each of the projects of the shortlisted writers listed below were of high literary merit and would be of national significance when completed. They said all of this year’s thirty applications were of a very high standard with exciting and promising projects, proposing a wide variety of subjects relating to topics such as social history, place and belonging and concern with the environment. Genres ranged across novels, short story and poetry collections, non-fiction, memoirs and biography.”

    Dr Jacqueline Leckie is honoured to be the recipient of the 2024 Peter and Dianne Beatson Fellowship. This will enable her to research and write the first book length biography of one of Aotearoa’s most original and memorable poets, Meg Campbell (1937–2007), provisionally titled ‘Meg Campbell (1937–2007): Aroha and Resistance.’ Meg’s story has remained within the shadows of her renowned creative husband, Alistair Te Ariki Campbell.

    Jacqui Leckie is a non-fiction writer and researcher based in Ōtepoti. She is an adjunct research fellow with the Stout Centre for New Zealand Studies at Victoria University of Wellington (and a former J. D. Stout Research Fellow there), and a conjoint associate professor at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Jacqui lectured for several decades in anthropology and history at Otago University, the University of the South Pacific and Kenyatta University. She is a co-editor of the Journal of Pacific History.
     
    Jacqui has published extensively, especially on the Pacific, the Indian diaspora and mental health history. Her most recent book is Old Black Cloud. A Cultural History of Mental Depression in Aotearoa. Other books include Invisible. New Zealand’s History of Excluding Kiwi-Indians; A University for the South Pacific; Colonizing Madness: Asylum and Community in Fiji; Indian Settlers. The Story of a New Zealand South Asian Community; and To Labour with the State.

    The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc)  congratulates winner Dr Jacqueline Leckie, along with the shortlisted writers:- Alison Ballance, Chris Bourke, Majella Cullinane, Lee Murray, Vivienne Plumb, and Kerrin Sharpe.

    In 2023 the fellowship was awarded to Laurence Fearnley to work on a novel based on the sense of sight – the fourth of a series of novels based around the five senses.  In previous years, recipients have included: Whiti Hereaka, Siobhan Harvey, Frankie McMillan, Sue Wooton, Paddy Richardson, Tina Makereti, Tim Jones, Emma Neale, Mandy Hager, Carl Nixon, Glenn Colquhoun, Sue McCauley and Marilyn Duckworth.

    The NZSA Peter & Dianne Beatson Fellowship is an annual award open to any NZSA member working on a new fiction, non-fiction, poetry or drama project. Find out more about the fellowship.

    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: RNZRSA Christmas Parcels head off to deployed New Zealand Defence Force Personnel

    Source: RNZRSA

    Thanks to the RNZRSA, a small piece of New Zealand is on its way to every member of the New Zealand Defence Force deployed overseas this Christmas.

    Those serving personnel can expect some festive cheer from home, thanks to 140 RNZRSA Forces Gift Parcels which are now on the way to deployments around the world including in the Republic of Korea, South Sudan, Egypt, the Middle East and Antarctica.  

    The parcels were packed near Trentham Military Camp yesterday by a busy production line of `elves’ including the Minister for Veterans Hon Chris Penk, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rob Krushka, RNZRSA National President Sir Wayne Shelford, staff from the RNZRSA’s National Office and volunteers from the New Zealand Defence Force.  

    Christmas boxes were filled with treats and Kiwi classics donated by the wonderful team from Pams. Each box also contained a poppy and a card handmade by students from Mt Cook and Silverstream Primary Schools in Wellington, to let those serving overseas know the country’s thoughts are with them.  

    Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Major General Rob Krushka, who helped to pack the boxes,  said that these small packages make a big difference to those away from home at Christmas.  

    “We know it’s incredibly tough for our service personnel to be away from their families during special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas. The NZDF are very grateful to the RNZRSA for the packages which bring a little bit of joy to our personnel at what can be a challenging time.”  

    RNZRSA National President, Sir Wayne Shelford said the RNZRSA are proud to continue to support NZDF personnel around the world.  

    “This is the 84th year the RSA has sent these parcels to our military personnel overseas at Christmas. It’s a small thing we can do to thank them for the sacrifice they are making, and to brighten their day a little.  

    We are committed to continuing our support to New Zealand’s veterans of military service, including the more than 60,000 that have served since 1990.”

    Background

    The RSA is incredibly grateful for the generosity of Pams New Zealand and Packaging Products. Pams donate the majority of goodies inside the parcels, and this year included items such as microwave popcorn, party mix lollies, roasted and salted deluxe nut mix, packets of biscuits and much more. Packaging Products print and donate the boxes the goodies are packed in to.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Ara’s Spring graduation marks new beginnings

    Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

    They all cross the stage proudly in their academic regalia, but Ara Institute of Canterbury graduates are far from ‘one size fits all’.
    Almost 450 ākonga (students) lined up for the institute’s Spring Graduation on Friday, marking significant personal milestones from Master’s degrees to certificates and every level of study in between.
    Their stories are inspiring. Take Tahlia King (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto, and Arowhenua), the former vet nurse who, after a career ending injury, chased her passion for the arts and received a Master of Creative Practice with Distinction. She’s now planning her first solo exhibition.
    Then there’s Dilan Richards, the Sri Lankan refugee who spent his formative years at Australia’s Nauru detention centre, dreaming of becoming a pilot. He got his first taste of tertiary study and “found his community” at Ara through his New Zealand Certificate in English Language (Level 4). He was unable to make Friday’s ceremony – too busy with classes at flying school.
    One graduate there was Deryn Roder, whose 20-plus years in the workforce in management, leadership and recruitment roles was appraised and evaluated through Ara’s Centre for Assessment of Prior Learning (CAPL).
    Roder said achieving her Bachelor of Applied Management (Human Resources Management) was a dream she’d held for a long time.
    “Doing my degree through CAPL has helped me prove I have the knowledge and background to contribute to a degree,” Roder said. “With a year of challenging study, I’ve shown that I am in the right industry, and I have what it takes to advance in it.”
    Student speaker Gezeng Yeki, Bachelor of Applied Management (Human Resources Management) welcomed the cohort for graduation in her indigenous Papua New Guinean Tok Pisin language.
    She congratulated those gathered for their resilience, determination and dedication, and dedicated her own qualification to her eight-year-old son.
    “Although I knew that being a single parent and studying was not going to be easy, I faced the moments of loneliness and uncertainty for him. In those moments I discovered an inner strength that I never knew existed,” Yeki said.
    In all, 60 programmes were represented, many of which have multiple specialist streams. From Level 1 Foundation graduates achieving the New Zealand Certificate in Skills for Living for Supported Learners right though to those achieving their master’s in the disciplines of health, creative practice and sustainable practice.
    Te Pūkenga representative Paora Ammunson congratulated Ara’s graduates one by one, handing them their scrolls to cheers, applause and stirring tautoko from whānau and friends.
    Farewelling those gathered, Ara’s Executive Director Darren Mitchell urged grads to stay in touch.
    “We have cherished our role in your educational path, and we’re proud of the connections we’ve built together. We are here to support you, to celebrate the contributions you will make to our world, and to continue to cheer you on.”
    With personal triumphs at every turn, Ara graduates from all walks of life are striking new paths.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace – Cook Islands civil society calls for ocean protection from deep sea mining during underwater minerals meeting

    Source: Greenpeace

    Rarotonga, Cook Islands – 150 people paddled out into the port of Avarua, Rarotonga, on Wednesday, deploying a floating banner that calls for ocean protection while an international seabed minerals conference is taking place across town. Another 300 people joined the action on Avarua Harbour.
    Civil society groups Te Ipukarea Society, Kōrero O Te Ōrau and Our Ocean Ancestors convened the peaceful flotilla to demonstrate community opposition to deep sea mining – a sentiment echoed by communities across the Pacific.
    Alanna Smith, Director of Te Ipukarea Society, says the sail-out event is an opportunity to highlight to the world that there is local opposition to deep sea mining in the Cook Islands.
    “Te Ipukarea Society supports a precautionary pause to deep sea mining to ensure robust and independent environmental research is being carried out in our ocean, as well as more time being spent towards meaningful information sharing with our people regarding the environmental risks and impacts of deep sea mining.
    “We are still very much in a period of discovering new learnings about how the deep sea functions, for example, very new research highlighting polymetallic nodules being a source of producing dark oxygen in the deep ocean and potential risks to migratory tuna fish stock through pollutants found in excess sediment brought up from the seafloor.”
    The Underwater Minerals Conference is the largest annual convention of mining companies, governments and academics from around the world. It’s sponsored by Moana Minerals and other deep sea mining-linked companies.
    During conference events, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown reiterated the government’s plan to be at the forefront of seabed mining.
    Greenpeace campaigner Juressa Lee (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Rarotonga) is in Avarua in solidarity with the groups, and calls for the community to be heard.
    “While this minerals conference is underway, the local community is out here calling for ocean protection, not pillage. Indigenous People of the Cook Islands and the Pacific have thousands of years of Indigenous knowledge, cultural ties to and guardianship of the moana. Today they are calling for the health and protection of the ocean to be the priority.
    “Efforts to start destructive deep sea mining are being led by the same colonial, extractive mindsets that have caused a huge amount of damage and harm to the climate, environment, biodiversity and Indigenous rights, and Pacific Peoples are on the frontline. Communities here in Rarotonga, in Aotearoa and across the Pacific are standing up to protect the ocean for many generations to come, and Greenpeace stands with them in solidarity.
    “These mining companies, governments and greedy investors are promising riches from these deep-sea ‘treasures’, but this cannot be at the expense of a healthy and thriving ocean, on which we all depend.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children – Young ocean champions called to join global conversation on ocean protection

    Source: Save the Children

    WWF-New Zealand and Save the Children New Zealand are calling for young Kiwi ocean advocates to share their views on how to better protect our ocean – with at least one young Kiwi given the chance to attend a major global ocean summit in France in 2025.
    The two organisations have joined forces to give young Kiwis an opportunity to be part of the global conversation for change, exploring solutions to better protect the world’s ocean and accelerate youth-led ocean action.
    Young New Zealanders are being invited to take part in four online workshops, where they will meet other young ocean champions, build their networks in Aotearoa, and contribute ideas and solutions at a global level on the protection of our ocean.
    The workshop series will explore a range of topics including humanity’s relationship with the ocean and the threats it faces, protecting and restoring marine ecosystems and biodiversity, unlocking ocean-based solutions to climate change and developing a sustainable and equitable ocean economy that supports future generations.
    One young attendee (aged 18+) will be selected to be among the 60 young people from around the globe attending the Ocean Citizen Summit, hosted at Nausicaá in Boulogne sur Mer, France in March 2025.
    Save the Children Chief Executive Heidi Coetzee says this is a unique opportunity for young Kiwis to join a global conversation for ocean action.
    “While our marine environment is an important part of our lives and national and cultural identities, it is facing many threats, with unsustainable fishing, plastic pollution and climate change pushing our marine species and habitats to the brink of extinction.
    “Too often Pacific voices are missed in these conversations. I would encourage young people from all backgrounds to take part and share their views.”
    WWF-New Zealand CEO Dr Kayla Kingdon-Bebb says this is an opportunity for rangatahi in Aotearoa to play a part in addressing the threats to our ocean and protecting the life within.
    “As Kiwis, most of us have a deep connection to the ocean – but we can often feel disconnected from the decisions that get made about how we look after it for the future.
    “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people who care about Aotearoa’s marine environment to have their voice heard on the world stage and play a part in creating a healthy ocean for future generations.”
    The workshops are open to anyone aged between 16 and 30- with a deep interest or involvement in ocean issues.
    Attendees at the workshops in Aotearoa could be selected to join 60 of the most motivated participants from around the world at the Ocean Citizen Summit in France in March 2025, with their travel and subsistence costs paid by Nausicaa.
    At this summit, the chosen representative(s) will share the insights and solutions from Aotearoa New Zealand and have a role in the creation of a global Ocean Citizen Charter, which sets out youth-led solutions to the challenges facing our ocean. They will also be involved in the development of a digital app to engage people in ocean conservation and receive training in ocean advocacy and communications.
    Registrations close 30 September 2024.
    -Anyone between 16-30 y.o. can participate in the workshops, but only participants 18+ are eligible for the travel opportunities.
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: International travel: July 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    International travel: July 2024 – 11 September 2024 – International travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering or leaving New Zealand.

    Key facts
    Monthly arrivals – overseas visitors
    Overseas visitor arrivals were 221,800 in the July 2024 month, an increase of 8,000 from the July 2023 month. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:

    • Australia (up 11,400)
    • China (up 10,000)
    • United States (down 13,100).

    July 2023 saw a boost in overseas visitor arrivals from the United States, coinciding with the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

    Visit our website to read this information release:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand net migration rate down from peak – Stats NZ media and information release: International migration: July 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    New Zealand net migration rate down from peak – 11 September 2024 – International migration in the July 2024 year increased New Zealand’s population by 13 more people for every 1,000 already living here, according to provisional estimates from Stats NZ.

    The net migration rate of 13 per 1,000 in the July 2024 year was down from a rate of 26 per 1,000 in the October 2023 year.

    “New Zealand’s net migration rate is down on last year, but is still relatively high by historical standards,” population indicators manager Tehseen Islam said.

    High net migration rates in 2023 and 2024 mainly reflect the large number of migrant arrivals to New Zealand following the relaxation of COVID-19-related travel and border restrictions, both in New Zealand and overseas, from 2022.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: Local authority statistics: June 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Local authority statistics: June 2024 quarter – 10 September 2024 – Local authority statistics provides information on the performance of core non-trading activities of New Zealand’s territorial and regional councils.

    Visit our website to read this information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: GDP decreases 0.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter – Stats NZ media and information release: Gross domestic product: June 2024 quarter

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    GDP decreases 0.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter – 19 September 2024 – New Zealand’s gross domestic product (GDP) fell 0.2 percent in the June 2024 quarter, following a 0.1 percent increase in the March 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Retail trade and accommodation; agriculture, forestry, and fishing; and wholesale trade industries all fell.

    “Activity in retail trade and wholesale trade has been in steady decline since 2022,” national accounts industry and production senior manager Ruvani Ratnayake said.

    Forestry and logging drove the fall in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry. This is mirrored by a fall in exports of forestry primary products.

    Despite the overall fall in GDP, 7 out of the 16 industries increased. The largest rise was in manufacturing.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Food prices increase 0.4 percent annually – Stats NZ media and information release: Selected price indexes: August 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Food prices increase 0.4 percent annually – 12 September 2024 – Food prices in New Zealand increased 0.4 percent in the 12 months to August 2024, following a 0.6 percent increase in the 12 months to July 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

    Higher prices for restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food and grocery food drove the annual increase in food prices, up 3.6 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively.

    The price increase in restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food was due to higher prices for lunch/brunch, hamburgers, and takeaway coffees.

    The price increase in grocery food was due to higher prices for olive oil, chocolate blocks, and butter.

    Visit our website to read this news story and information release and to download CSV files:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Stats NZ information release: Electronic card transactions: August 2024

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Electronic card transactions: August 2024 – 12 September 2024 – The electronic card transactions (ECT) series cover debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. The series can be used to indicate changes in consumer spending and economic activity.

    Key facts
    All figures are seasonally adjusted unless otherwise specified.

    Values are at the national level and are not adjusted for price changes.

    August 2024 month
    Changes in the value of electronic card transactions for the August 2024 month (compared with July 2024) were:

    • spending in the retail industries increased 0.2 percent ($10 million)
    • spending in the core retail industries increased 0.4 percent ($25 million).

    Visit our website to read this information release and to download CSV files:

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Cook Strait ferry woes another reminder on the need for safe reliable ferries

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    National road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is concerned to hear this morning that Bluebridge’s ferry, the MV Connemara, had reported engine trouble in Cook Strait.
    Dom Kalasih, interim chief executive of Transporting New Zealand, says he understands the prompt response with tug assistance and the professionalism of the Bluebridge crew meant no one was at risk, which is always a relief.
    “I’m sure the team at Bluebridge will be even more concerned than us to determine what has gone wrong and I’ll stick to my rule of refraining from speculation as to what went wrong.”
    “But my stance, and that of Transporting New Zealand, is that no matter who is operating the ferry services across the strait, we all need a reliable, safe platform that is cost effective and fit for purpose.”
    “It’s also a reminder of the perils of having less ships rather than more. The iReX scheme would have had two large ferries. I think the magic number is closer to three.”
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand 
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6billion.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Road freight transport sector concerned at workforce gap for transport projects

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    National road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand has expressed concerns that construction workforce shortages could disrupt the government’s ambitious infrastructure plans, including much needed roading improvements.
    Recent media reporting has revealed officials advised the coalition Government that the engineering and construction workforce will have to increase by more than 50% by 2026/2017 in order to deliver their intended infrastructure programme. This follows consistent workforce warnings from officials, including in the Ministry of Transport’s November 2023 briefing to the Incoming Minister of Transport.
    Dom Kalasih, Interim Chief Executive of Transporting New Zealand, says that a combination of long-term infrastructure planning, domestic workforce development, and flexible migration settings will be needed to deliver the infrastructure New Zealand desperately needs.
    “If the Government doesn’t get our infrastructure planning processes, domestic training and migration settings right, their programme just won’t get delivered and New Zealand won’t get the benefit of safer, more productive and efficient transport infrastructure.
    “We’ve had a series of really positive infrastructure announcements, and we’ll see more once the Fast-track Approvals bill proceeds – let’s get focused on delivery.”
    Kalasih said the Government had taken some positive first steps regarding infrastructure planning and providing assurance to private sector infrastructure partners.
    “The government’s establishment of the National Infrastructure Agency, and the move to a 10-year National Land Transport Programme are both highly positive developments, that will provide more certainty to commercial partners including engineering and construction firms.”
    Kalasih said that more clarity was required from the government on how migrant workers would be utilised to fill labour gaps.
    “We’d really encourage the Government to consider how we can make our immigration settings more welcoming to the skilled migrants we need. These construction workforce shortages are being well sign-posted, let’s get the work underway now.”
    “Last year’s temporary pathway to residency for bus and truck drivers was really effective at addressing critical labour shortages that were disrupting the transport system. However, our sector had to wait till things hit crisis-point until we saw government intervention. We need to be looking ahead.”
    Kalasih says that ensuring that the Government’s vocational and tertiary education reforms provided industry led, fit-for-purpose training, with a focus on in-work study, would also be key to success in the medium to long term.
    “The transport and automotive sector was clear in our recent submission on the Te Pūkenga reforms: we need vocational training to deliver graduates who are work-ready and adaptable.”
    About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
    Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
    Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Development News – Consent granted for Birkenhead development – EPA

    Source: Environmental Protection Authority

    An independent panel has approved resource consent, subject to conditions, for the construction of the Verran Mews residential development in Birkenhead, Auckland.
    Sweet New Zealand Co. Limited applied for resource consent under the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020. The application involves subdividing approximately 2.6 hectares of land in Birkenhead.
    The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.
    The decision comes 129 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
    The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel convenor, Judge Laurie Newhook, and the expert consenting panel he appoints.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Further frontline job cuts at NZDF threatens New Zealand’s security – PSA

    Source: PSA

    Civilian workforce already cut to the bone
    NZDF’s decision to likely further cut its civilian workforce risks undermining New Zealand’s ability to guard against external threats here and around the Pacific.
    NZDF told staff yesterday that a looming major restructure will ‘likely result in a further reduction in the civilian workforce’ to meet funding pressures.
    “There is nothing more frontline than the defence of the nation, so this decision is just more evidence of the Government’s reckless and short-sighted approach to cost cutting,” said Duane Leo, National Secretary for Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    NZDF has already accepted some 200 voluntary redundancies, around 8% of its civilian workforce. This comes on top of a decision not to offer any pay increases during bargaining for a new collective agreement, prompting industrial action (see below).
    “The Government should be funding NZDF properly at a time of rising threats to our security. It’s just another broken promise from a government that promised no cuts to the frontline.
    “The threat of further job cuts just rubs salt into the wounds of an already stretched civilian workforce with many staff dealing with double their usual workload.
    “They do such vital work supporting the men and women in uniform across all branches of NZDF, here and overseas.
    “To further reduce the number of civilian workers will add just cause more stress. It’s a recipe for disaster. Our members are just gobsmacked that their roles should be so disrespected by NZDF. We urge the Government to rethink this irresponsible approach to saving money.”
    Background – NZDF industrial action
    PSA members will work to rule from 9am on 18 September, ending 5pm 31 October. The loading and unloading of ships at Kauri Point in Auckland is regarded as an essential service and members there and must give 14 days’ notice of industrial action. Their work to rule begins 9am on 2 October and finishes 5pm 31 October.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Law News – MinterEllisonRuddWatts named Gender Diverse Organisation Leader at governance awards

    Source: MinterEllisonRuddWatts

    Leading New Zealand law firm MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ diversity leadership was again recognised at the Women on Boards New Zealand’s Women in Governance Awards 2024 last night.
    MinterEllisonRuddWatts was awarded top honours for the Gender Diverse Organisation Leader (with more than 50 employees) category.
    The firm’s Chief Executive, Andrew Poole says ” This award is a reflection of the gender diversity within our board and the progress we’ve made across the firm. We recognise that there’s more work to be done but we are proud of our progress to encourage and support diversity and inclusion in all its forms. It’s the foundation of our firm’s unique culture.”
    Board member, Partner and the firm’s EDI Committee Chair, Janine Stewart accepted the award on behalf of MinterEllisonRuddWatts, commenting ” Setting both aspirational and achievable goals is vital to make a difference, and there needs to be some quick wins. This helps to build the momentum needed to tackle larger goals. We are proud of our work so far, but we acknowledge there is more to be done within our firm and the wider legal profession.”
    MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a proven leader in diversity and is proud of its progress and achievements to encourage and support greater gender equity. Examples of the firm’s commitment to empowerment, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) include:
    • Its established EDI Committee comprises partners and staff and focuses on advancing diversity in all its forms.
    • Being the first New Zealand law firm to publicly report its gender and ethnic pay gap via Mind the Gap.
    • Supporting the New Zealand Law Society’s Gender Equitable Engagement and Instruction Policy.
    • Paying the living wage as a minimum since 2021, and ensuring our key contractors are also paying their staff the living wage as a minimum.
    • Fostering cultural diversity by actively supporting cultural celebrations such as Māori language week, Diwali and Lunar New Year and Te Reo language classes are offered to all staff.
    • Supporting TupuToa’s scholarship programme to grow more Māori and Pacific leaders, by offering students fully paid internships and employment opportunities during their tertiary studies.
    • Partnering with the ICE Base and Global Women to support the next generation of women leaders.
    • Being Rainbow Tick certified which demonstrates our commitment to a LGBTTQIA+ inclusive culture and systems, and showing that we are a safe and welcoming workplace for employees who are members of the Rainbow community.
    • Providing unconscious bias training to all staff as part of our induction, and cultural intelligence training to leaders across the firm.
    • Being named National Firm of the Year for Gender Diversity at the Asia-Pacific Women in Business Law Awards 2023, for the sixth time. The awards recognise the best initiatives for gender diversity, innovation, mentoring, work-life balance, pro bono work and talent management.
    The Women in Governance Awards are New Zealand’s only awards celebrating women in governance, and organisations and individuals with a strong commitment to gender equity and diversity.
    MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a top tier New Zealand law firm known for providing clients with technically excellent legal solutions and innovative advice. We are trusted advisors and work alongside our clients to ensure success. We are proud to be a New Zealand law firm offering a global outlook. Our offices in Auckland and Wellington can access an international network through our firm’s strategic alliance with MinterEllison, a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific. The firm supports numerous charitable endeavours and organisations through its pro bono and fundraising initiatives.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Save the Children supports thousands of Palestinians, including newborn babies, medically evacuated from Gaza to Egypt, with funding from Community Jameel

    Source: Save the Children

    Thousands of Palestinians, including newborn babies, evacuated from Gaza to Egypt with urgent medical needs are receiving critical support from Save the Children as part of a Community Jameel-funded initiative to support pregnant mothers and children.
    With Community Jameel’s support, Save the Children has procured 20 incubators and other medical supplies and installed these in Ministry of Health neonatal intensive care units in Egypt, where medics are delivering urgent obstetric and paediatric care to mothers and neonates, including preterm babies, who have been evacuated from Gaza.
    Since October 2023, around 5,000 people have been evacuated for treatment outside Gaza, with over 80% receiving care in Egypt, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and a further 10,000 patients currently in need of medical evacuation for specialised care. This includes newborn babies requiring intensive care whose families are trying to evacuate them following the bombing of specialist maternity units across Gaza.
    The number of evacuations has decreased drastically since the closure of border crossings, with around 2,150 patients unable to leave Gaza since May due to the closure of the Rafah crossing. The health system in Gaza has all but collapsed, with the World Health Organization (WHO) warning that, as the war continues to drive critical medical needs, the number of patients requiring medical evacuation is expected to increase. Relentless bombardment and the ongoing siege have dismantled the healthcare infrastructure, with 19 out of 36 hospitals out of service.
    The WHO also said that there are more than 500,000 women of reproductive age in Gaza who now lack access to essential services including antenatal and postnatal care. Maternity services are only provided at eight out of 17 partially functioning hospitals, and at four field hospitals.
    Since last October, Gaza’s Ministry of Health has estimated that 20,000 babies have been born in the Gaza Strip. Research shows that about 15% of women giving birth are likely to experience complications in pregnancy.
    Matteo Caprotti, Country Director at Save the Children Egypt, said:
    “Repeated so-called “evacuation” orders, access restrictions on medical supplies and fuel and attacks on hospitals and medical points in Gaza are destroying children’s chances to get life-saving treatment. Those who managed to be evacuated to Egypt are suffering from injuries and are haunted by the horrors they have experienced. We’re proud to partner with Community Jameel to provide Palestinian children with the support they have a right to and so critically need.”
    George Richards, Director of at Community Jameel, said:
    “Palestinian mothers in Gaza are giving birth in traumatic, unhygienic and undignified conditions without access to basic care. Some women are self-inducing labour to avoid giving birth on the move, while others are scared to seek vital prenatal care because of fears of bombing, and some have died due to a lack of access to doctors. With Community Jameel’s support, Save the Children is providing lifesaving treatment to pregnant mothers and newborn babies in need of urgent care who are evacuated from Gaza through the Rafah crossing to Egypt.”
    With Community Jameel’s support, Save the Children is also providing equipment and specialist training to Egyptian ambulance paramedics, who receive and transport medical evacuees from Gaza, including training on child safeguarding and psychological first aid and self-care. Faced with a humanitarian emergency where patients, including children, have suffered deprivation of basic necessities, trauma and catastrophic injuries, paramedics require specialist skills to manage their mental health and wellbeing.
    Hakim-, a paramedic who received psychological first aid and safeguarding training from Save the Children as part of the initiative, said:
    “I learned that we must build a secure bridge between us and the children to make them feel safe and help them calm down. You start to examine the child’s condition afterwards because first you must establish trust with the child and help them feel secure. For children who have been subjected to a psychological trauma such as the war in Gaza, treatment will vary based on their age. Children who are younger than three will require special treatment because they cannot fully verbally express themselves, they can only cry. This makes identifying what they need more challenging.”
    Following initial training of about 90 paramedics, the Egyptian ambulance authority has now requested Save the Children to scale up training to its full staff of 16,000 paramedics as they rotate from across Egypt into the North Sinai governorate to support the Gaza crisis response.
    Save the Children in Egypt has been supporting Palestinian children and families who have fled the war in Gaza into Egypt with urgent assistance and support, providing mental health and psychosocial (MHPSS) sessions to children and adults, health services and cash assistance to thousands of stranded Palestinians to support them to meet their basic needs. Since the beginning of the crisis and up until the closure of the Rafah crossing, Save the Children has procured and delivered emergency humanitarian assistance to Gaza through the crossing, including water, medicine, food parcels, shelter kits, baby and dignity kits.
    About Community Jameel:
    Community Jameel advances science and learning for communities to thrive. An independent, global organisation, Community Jameel was launched in 2003 to continue the tradition of philanthropy and community service established by the Jameel family of Saudi Arabia in 1945. CommunityJameel supports scientists, humanitarians, technologists and creatives to understand and address pressing human challenges in areas such as climate change, health and education.
    The work enabled and supported by Community Jameel has led to significant breakthroughs and achievements, including the MIT Jameel Clinic’s discovery of the new antibiotics halicin and abaucin, critical modelling of the spread of COVID-19 conducted by the Jameel Institute at Imperial College London, and a Nobel Prize-winning experimental approach to alleviating global poverty championed by the co-founders of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab at MIT.
    Community Jameel is separate and distinct from Community Jameel Saudi, the civil society organisation registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing Market – Where are Aotearoa NZ’s $1 million+ housing markets? – CoreLogic

    Source: CoreLogic – Analysis By Nick Goodall, CoreLogic NZ Head of Research

    $1 million isn’t what it used to be when it comes to owning property. That being said the $1 million figure still carries an outsize significance for many people. 

    Today’s Pulse article looks at where these properties are – with no prizes for guessing that areas such as Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland and Tāhuna, Queenstown feature prominently.

    $1 million + sales activity is dominated by Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
    Starting with recent agreed sales (contract date since 1st June), it’s no surprise to see that many of the $1 million+ deals have been in the ‘usual suspects’, including areas such as Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, Ōtautahi Christchurch, and Tāhuna Queenstown. Indeed, the Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland super-city accounts for 52% of all $1 million+ sales across NZ in the past three months, with around half that figure coming in just two sub-markets; Auckland City and North Shore, markets with some very sought-after suburbs.

    Meanwhile, Ōtautahi Christchurch accounts for around 7% of all $1 million+ sales recently, with 4% in Tāhuna Queenstown. That figure may not seem particularly high for an expensive area such as Queenstown, but when you consider it only has about 0.6% of NZ’s total stock of dwellings, it certainly punches above its weight in terms of $1 million+ sales activity.
    Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington City also accounts for just over 4% of $1 million+ sales activity of late, while other main centres such as Kirikiriroa Hamilton and Tauranga also feature on the list.
    But other, smaller areas with decent levels of $1 million+ sales that might not necessarily spring to mind straightaway include Waipa and Waikato Districts, Pārāwai-Kapanga Thames-Coromandel, Western Bay of Plenty, Taupō, and Herewini Selwyn. In some cases, those areas are heavy with lifestyle blocks or large detached houses on sizeable sections, while others are of course popular holiday/retirement locations with high-value housing.
    $1 million+ stocks are also prominent in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, but elsewhere too.
    Looking at stock levels instead of recent sales tells an interesting story. For this section, we’re looking at suburb-level data, using estimated median values for each area – based on our Automated Valuation Model (AVM), which provides a likely price were that property to sell now. These AVMs are used by banks in the mortgage lending process and are available for 97% of residential property across NZ.
    Once you apply a minimum size filter of 200 existing properties for each area, we are looking at 1,191 suburbs across Aotearoa NZ, with 337 of those having a current median value of at least $1 million; or in other words around 28% of suburbs across the country are in the $1 million+ ‘club’.
    There are no surprises that Auckland has 167 (50%) of those suburbs, which equates to 70% of all suburbs across the super-city. Put another way, seven in every 10 Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland suburbs has a median property value of $1 million+, and the very top end of the spectrum includes suburbs such as Herne Bay, Saint Marys Bay, Westmere, and Remuera.
    But in terms of the share of suburbs with a median value of $1 million+ (and also a reasonable number of $1 million+ suburbs), Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland isn’t at the top of the list. That’s actually Tāhuna Queenstown (89%) and Western Bay of Plenty (71%). In Tāhuna Queenstown’s case, the generally high level of property values makes it inevitable that a large share of suburbs would sit in the $1 million+ bracket, and for Western Bay of Plenty a key driver is simply the composition of the property stock – lifestyle blocks (which are larger and higher value) account for around 35% of properties in that area, versus less than 10% nationally.
    Waipa, Waikato, Waimakariri, and Te Tai o Aorere Tasman also have relatively high shares of lifestyle properties (around 25% or more), which helps explain their presence in the first chart, while Taupō is a popular (and expensive) property market in general with plenty of holiday homes, with Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington City and Ōtautahi, Christchurch also featuring due to larger size and presence of well-established, up-market areas.

    An arbitrary number

    The rise in nominal property values over time means that the $1 million ‘barrier’ doesn’t mean as much as it did in the past. That said, it’s still a useful threshold to look at, and it’s another way of showing how stretched housing affordability really is for the average household in key urban markets such as Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, but also in areas such as the Waikato Region and Tāhuna Queenstown too.
    The new debt to income ratio caps for mortgage lending will have an important role to play in providing some sort of restraint for house prices over the medium to long term. But ultimately it’s about getting a higher physical supply of property in relation to demand, and on that front, it’s certainly been encouraging to see the Government pushing hard – with measures such forcing councils to designate enough land for 30 years of development.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 6 Whangamoa Hill now open

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    UPDATE 9:35 am
    The highway is now clear and has reopened to traffic.
    There may be brief delays for drivers as queued traffic clears.

    9:15 am:

    State Highway 6 is currently closed to traffic on the Whangamoa Hill after trees fell onto the highway this morning.

    Work is underway to remove the trees and reopen the road, but this may take up to two hours to complete.

    This means the highway is closed between Hira and the Rai Valley, and there is no direct route between Nelson and Blenheim.

    Drivers should avoid the area and delay their travel if possible. The only alternative detour is via State Highway 63 – St Arnaud and the Wairau Valley, which can add 30 minutes or more to travel times.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drivers beware: strong winds on radar for central and southern HB and Tararua

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising caution on the roads around parts of Central and Southern Hawke’s Bay and Tararua tomorrow with a strong wind warning in place.

    The warning is in force between 8am and 5pm tomorrow.

    It covers Hawke’s Bay south of Hastings and the Tararua district.

    The winds could bring gusts of up to 120 km/h in exposed places, with the potential to damage trees, powerlines and make driving hazardous.

    Truck and van drivers, light vehicles, towing vehicles, and motorcyclists must take extra care in the strong winds and, importantly, drive to the conditions.

    Road users are encouraged to check weather and road conditions before travelling.

    A similar warning is also in place for Wairarapa drivers.

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Child-care centre guidance on Police vetting for workers

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    We have updated our guidance on the requirements for vetting workers at limited-attendance child-care centres.

    The new Regulatory Systems (Education) Amendment Act 2024 means updates have been made to the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 (Regulation 51).

    A key point is that Police vetting must be completed for non-teaching and unregistered employees at unlicensed child-care centres before the person begins work. This vetting must be used to assess any risks to the safety of children. 

    What are limited-attendance child-care centres?

    These are any premises that are:

    • used regularly for the care of three or more children under six years old (not including the children of the persons providing the care) and
    • where the children do not stay for more than two hours per day and
    • where the children’s parents or caregivers are in close proximity to the children, and are able to be contacted and resume responsibility for the children at short notice. 

    For example, a crèche at a gym or shopping mall.

    It does not include being provided with care before or after school.

    Read more information in the fact sheet: What to know when employing or engaging limited-attendance child-care centre workers

    Related information:

    Governance of education sector boosted | Beehive.govt.nz (external link)

    Regulatory Systems (Education) Amendment Act 2024 – Education in New Zealand | Education.govt.nz (external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Work-related health newsletter – September 2024

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    Kia ora koutou and welcome to the September work-related health newsletter. Check out the latest guidance to help you ensure a healthy and safe work environment for you and your workers.

    In this edition:

    • WorkSafe’s priority plans published
    • Updated guidance for working with asbestos
    • New manual tasks screening and risk assessment tools
    • Keeping volunteers healthy and safe
    • Health and safety governance good practice guide
    • ACC levy consultation
    • Upcoming conference.

    Read the full newsletter(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Supporters of Russia’s invasion targeted in further sanctions

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters today announced further sanctions as part of the Government’s ongoing response to Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.  

     

    “Russia’s continued illegal war of aggression against Ukraine is an assault on the rules-based order,” Mr Peters says. 

     

    “This latest round of sanctions targets actors involved in Russia’s illegal occupation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, Russia’s military-industrial complex, and Belarusian individuals and entities providing support to the invasion. 

     

    “Russia’s continued illegal occupation of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant threatens nuclear security and safety. New Zealand again calls on Russia to cease its occupation of the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant and immediately withdraw from Ukraine’s territory. 

     

    “The sanctioning of Belarusian actors represents a shared effort with our likeminded international partners to condemn and hold accountable those supporting Russia’s illegal actions.  

     

    “By joining with more than 35 other countries imposing sanctions on those supporting Russia’s aggression, we raise the costs involved for the Russian war machine,” Mr Peters says.  

     

    Since the Russia Sanctions Act entered into force in March 2022, New Zealand has imposed sanctions on more than 1,700 individuals and entities, along with a range of trade measures. These new sanctions target five individuals and six entities.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Three cheers for Simon Court

    Source: ACT Party

    The Haps

    ACT MP Todd Stephenson has picked up the End of Life Choice baton. David Seymour’s original bill did not restrict access to people terminal within six months, but he would have had no bill without adding the restriction. That political compromise has meant some of the people who suffer most – especially those with long, slow, degenerative diseases like Motor Neurone Disease – are denied choice and control. Stephenson explains how his new bill would put this compromise right on Q&A, here.

    Three cheers for Simon Court

    The most important thing this Government does in three years may be what’s happening quietly in the background of resource management reform. Last week Court announced, beside Chris Bishop, that the Government is replacing the RMA with two laws based on property rights.

    If you’re a long-term Free Press reader, all of this will sound very familiar. The difference is that this time it is happening. It is now official Government policy with a series of dates by when legislation will be drafted, introduced to Parliament, and passed into law.

    At the heart of New Zealand’s problem is that it’s a beautiful, isolated piece of land. It has a mild climate that beats Canada’s skin-freezing cold or Australia’s blood-boiling heat any day. It’s filled with resources that make it one of the richest per-capita in the world. Climate change will probably actually make New Zealand even better off compared with the rest of the world.

    When a group of people have such a wonderful inheritance, they have two choices. Either make the most of it, or pull up the drawbridge.

    Making the most of it would mean making it easy for each generation to build a home. That would mean making it easy to build the infrastructure that connects homes together, forming towns and cities. It should be easy to farm the land, and extract resources that make human life long and happy (just not while they’re left in the ground).

    This seems like an obvious choice, but enter human nature. For the last few decades, the net result has been pulling up the drawbridge. You can’t do bloody anything, home building has only once reached the levels of the 1970s, when there were only three million people. There are probably more Kiwis working in Australian mines than New Zealand ones.

    The result is a generation who feel hopeless. Born into the best place on the planet where it’s needlessly hard to get a place of your own. Why not vote for a politician who promises to tax the rich? Better still, cut out the middle man, join a gang, and do it yourself. Then there’s those who leave.

    That is the result of the RMA. The simple diagnosis is that it’s a bureaucratic nightmare, but it’s more than that. It is the legislative expression of a people’s desire to enjoy what they have and bugger anyone else.

    The central concept in the RMA is sustainable development, to provide for current generations without taking from future ones. Because nobody knows what future generations want, or what technology they’ll have to achieve it, the best way to achieve this is to do as little as possible, which is pretty much what’s happened.

    Too many people have too many grounds to object to too many activities meaning nothing gets done. It’s not unusual for it to take longer to get permission to do something than to actually do it. The range of criteria Councils must consider under the RMA is everything from climate change (but you already pay under the ETS for whatever you do) to the ‘intrinsic values of ecosystems’ (how can you know them if they’re intrinsic)?

    David Parker’s RMA reforms, replacing it with three acts, introduced a new central concept ‘te oranga o te taiao.’ Nobody knows what that means in the context of resource management decisions. By the time the Courts figured it out, Indonesia would have overtaken us in GDP per capita.

    So that’s gone and the Resource Management Act is being replaced with a law whose central concept is the enjoyment of private property. The starting point is that you have a right to use and develop your own property. The second result is that you have a right to object only if your own property is affected.

    The result is a switch back to the pioneering vision of New Zealand. A nation of people who can instead of a nation of people who are not allowed.

    The law will also make many processes standard. If you have a water treatment plant that spits out water with less than x parts per million of E. Coli, congratulations. You’ve met the standard and can just build it.

    The Government will now listen to an expert advisory group, people with real experience of development, as the law itself is developed for introduction to Parliament. It will be passed before the next election, and New Zealand will have taken a massive step forward to achieving its potential.

    Much of this is owed to Simon Court, one of only two engineers in Parliament (David Seymour is the other one). Court has been working away since he entered Parliament, releasing ACT’s detailed RMA policy in 2022, and making it real in Government. A very good example of how ACT keeps the Government in place, and makes it better.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government’s desperate decree to stop public servants working from home won’t work

    Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

    “The Minister of Public Service Nicola Willis is expecting public servants to stop working from home to help bolster the flagging local economy is micromanaging gone mad and counterproductive.” NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff said.

    “This Government has already tried to control staffing ratios in terms of ‘front line’ and ‘back office, and now it is trying to control where people should work.”

    “Minister Willis should concentrate on the big picture issues confronting Aotearoa New Zealand, instead of trying to manage the day-to-day operations of the public service.”

    “Though flexible hours and working from home options vary across organisations, it’s understood that people are more productive and happier with flexible arrangements. In a cost-of-living crisis it also reduces the financial and environmental impact of transport and parking. This is an operational matter, one the minister shouldn’t be involved in.” Wagstaff said.

    “Working from home practices have benefited from new technology, making it easier to connect remotely. The advent of COVID speed up the adoption of these tools and practices, demonstrating value to employers and employees alike.”

    “Employers offering a hybrid model of working from home for part of the week has become very attractive for some workplaces, both in terms of convenience and productivity.”

    “It’s crucial that the public service offers good work that attracts and retains the workers we need. This decision will just make that goal much harder in an already difficult environment.”

    “Despite the Government doing its best to portray itself as modern, innovative thinkers, this decree demonstrates that in reality they don’t understand the value of a modern, positive, high-trust workplace culture. Micromanaging and stopping staff from working some of their time at home is all about an old-fashioned command and control mentality.”

    “The Minister of Finance is fooling herself if she thinks forcing people to stop working from home will correct the damage done to the economy by the massive job cuts.” Wagstaff said.

    “Public servants only have so much money to spend. Now they will have to spend more on public transport and less on their local communities. It is a zero-sum game,” said Wagstaff. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rockfall closes SH6 Haast Pass today

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Rock Shelter Otira Gorge, SH73 – open overnight now, work at McGrath Creek Bridge postponed a week.

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) re-opened SH73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass overnight from the past weekend. An additional project at McGrath Creek bridge, which would have affected night travellers this week, has been pushed out to next week.

    Rock Shelter remediation continues for four more weeks

    SH73 has been closed overnight and with restricted hours daytimes since the end of August after rockfall began overspilling the Rock Shelter in the Otira Gorge onto the traffic lane. The daytime travel delays continue for the next four weeks, with traffic passing between Otira and Arthur’s Pass at the top of each hour 9 am to 5 pm.

    • On weekends and overnights SH73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass will be open unrestricted unless other work or weather conditions cause a change.
    • Work at McGrath Creek bridge has been rescheduled to next week at night, Sunday 29 September to Monday, 7 October.  There will be up to one-hour delays between 8pm and 6am.  The road will be open on the hour to clear traffic, with vehicles queued either side of the bridge work site.
    • This work is subject to weather and may be rescheduled.

    The Lewis Pass via Waipara and Reefton, SH7, is the alternative route adding around an hour to the journey between Canterbury and the West Coast.

    • Any changes to route availability will be updated on the Journey Planner at all times.
      Journey Planner – Highway conditions(external link)
    • Electronic signs at each end of SH73 in places like Kumara Junction and Springfield will let people know the open hours that day.
    • An update will be provided each Friday to confirm the closures for the following week.

    NZTA understands that this work at the Rock Shelter and coming up at McGrath Creek Bridge is disruptive and appreciates people’s understanding and patience while we make this route safe and get the highway back to normal operations for the summer.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police lay arson charges over Auckland fires

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A man has been remanded in custody after being charged over a series of vehicle fires in central Auckland.

    Police have been investigating the suspicious fires in the vicinity of the Auckland Domain since 18 September.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, from Auckland City’s Crime Squad, says at least four fires have been under investigation.

    The most recent incident, on 20 September, occurred when two vehicles were targeted on Park Road at around 9.15pm.

    Earlier fires occurred within the vicinity of the Auckland Domain on 18, 19 and 20 September.

    “The vehicles suffered varying degrees of damage, and it’s fortunate that no one was seriously injured as a result of these brazen acts,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

    “It’s clear though that this has caused great inconvenience to the victims.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says a 50-year-old man was arrested in the Auckland Domain on Sunday evening.

    “The man appeared in the Auckland District Court on Monday, charged with three counts of arson,” he says.

    “He has been remanded in custody until his next appearance on 25 September.”

    Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says enquiries are ongoing and further charges cannot be ruled out.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consumer confidence at its highest since 2023

    Source: ANZ statements

    “Last week, Consumer Confidence increased 0.8 points, taking the series to its highest level since January 2023,” ANZ Economist, Madeline Dunk said.

    “Confidence is sitting just below 85 points, a ceiling it has been unable to break through for 19 months.

    “In the 1990s recession, confidence stayed below 85 points for nine months. This week’s rise in confidence was driven by an improvement in household confidence in the economic outlook.

    “Confidence about the next 12 months rose 2.7 points and confidence about the next five years lifted 3.0 points. Both were at

    their highest levels since Q1 this year. This may be related to last week’s stronger-than-expected labour market data, which showed employment had increased by more than 143,000 in three months, with participation at a record high. This may be easing fear of job losses.

    “We expect the labour market to remain resilient and see only a modest lift in the unemployment rate to 4.4 per cent.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ship’s sailed for boat burglar

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A man who allegedly stole a $100,000 boat from the Westhaven Marina for 24 hours before attempting to return it, will now face court.

    At about 7.10pm last night, Police were informed that a man was attempting to steal a boat from the pier in Westhaven.

    Auckland City Central Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Mark Miller, says a group of people at the marina have held the man until Police arrived and he was placed under arrest.

    “It appears the alleged offender has boarded the 48 foot launch on Sunday evening and stayed on it overnight before starting it up the next morning and leaving the marina.

    “The man has then attempted to return the boat where he was arrested upon Police arrival.”

    Inspector Miller says Police have zero tolerance for this type of offending, and will continue to hold those responsible to account.

    “This is another example of Police responding and apprehending those responsible for these crimes in our community.

    “We also continue to encourage people to report all crimes of this nature to Police rather than taking matters into your own hands as this can put yourself at risk.”

    A 33-year-old man charged with burglary will appear in Auckland District Court today.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Art Week brings brush strokes of the unexpected from 4 to 13 October

    Source: Auckland Council

    With mind-nourishing art installations, exhibitions and walking tours popping up in the city centre this Art Week, expect a burst of feel-good hormones lifting your soul.

    The theme for Art Week 2024 is happiness, so smiles are set to fill the city centre’s galleries, streets, lanes and spaces this October in a celebration of all things art.

    Art Week is delivered by Heart of the City and is proudly supported by Auckland Council and the city centre targeted rate.

    For the full programme visit heartofthecity.co.nz/artweek

    To get started, here’s a ten-day diary of suggestions:

    Random Acts by Shannon Novak; photo by Jasper Johnstone.

    Day one: 4 October – Random Acts

    Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath glows with touches of kindness this Art Week.

    Artist Shannon Novak has teamed up with iion, programming the lights to change from magenta to a colourful display in response to the movement of people along the path. As people pass each other the colours merge and intensify, expressing positivity as people connect. This artwork has been commissioned by Auckland Council. It shines with movement, colour and light from 7.30pm to 6.30am every day from 4 to 13 October.

    Adding to the light effects, actual random acts of kindness will be shared with people along Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath and in city centre streets and spaces in an evening of art and mindfulness during Late Night Art on Thursday 10 October between 5pm and 9pm.

    Learn more about Random Acts here.

    RIPPLE – A Light Memory of a lost Shoreline by Catherine Ellis and Angus Muir in Exchange Lane.

    Day two: 5 October – Changing Lanes

    Changing Lanes is a glittering centrepiece of Art Week. Tasked with transforming some of the inner city’s iconic laneways, artists have created public artworks for these characterful spaces. Drawing on sculpture, painting, design and digital practices the artists have responded to the theme happiness. Pursuing big, bold and immersive ideas, this collection of art is intended to alter our experience of familiar places, prompt us to look with fresh eyes and see our city giving us a new reason to play, explore and discover.

    You will find the Changing Lanes installations across Bledisloe Lane, Darby Street, Vulcan Lane, Durham Street East, Little High Street, Jean Batten Place, Lorne Street, Elliott Street and Exchange Lane; brought to the city centre by Auckland Council with curator Ross Liew.

    Learn more about the city’s historic laneways here.

    Day three: 6 October – Viaduct Harbour – BLOOM

    A larger-than-life vase of flowers, BLOOM is set to instil wonder and joy as people meander through the Viaduct in Art Week. This art installation by Angus Muir and Harris Keenan will be seen and heard. Listen to a soundscape by Arun Strickland, while you see bright, vivid colours and neon design elements that radiate an ‘electric kaleidoscope of untamed beauty.’

    Day four: 7 October – Freyberg Steps

    Despite the fast pace of urban life, Pink Blossoming Spring at Freyberg Steps offers a moment of peace amidst the hustle and bustle. Missed the blossoms this spring? No worries – come to the inner city and enjoy an everlasting springtime!

    Full Spectrum; photo credit Auckland Live.

    Day five: 8 October – Aotea Square

    Auckland Live presents Spring in Aotea Square from 28 September until 13 October. Head down and join a variety of FREE creative fun for the kids (and the big kids). These school holidays show off some moves to your favourite tunes on our Dance-O-Mat, and get involved in our dance workshops from K-Pop to Line Dancing to Bollywood and more.

    Make sure you get a stunning selfie for your social media feed with Full Spectrum, our captivating rainbow sculpture, and witness the glorious Late Night Art – including Late Night Latin Dancing – across the city.

    Day six: 9 October – free guided walking tours

    Explore diverse forms of art and creative expression on free guided walking tours throughout the city centre. Here’s a taste.

    • Unlocked Collections – discover the incredible art that is usually hidden away behind closed doors, or in areas you have not noticed in the city’s hotels, institutions and public buildings.

    • City Art Walks – walk with heritage and conservation architect Kent Dadson and uncover the Classical world, all the intricacies of the form, function and style, that continue to be expressed in the buildings of the central city. There are two tours taking place, October 6 and 13, from 3-5pm. Bookings essential.

    • The art on the walls of a city become part of its fabric, framing as well as reflecting its character. Poster-Art icon and Master of Design Eleanor Whyle will open your eyes to street art both new and old, commissioned and not, on this back-street tour of the inner city.

    Head to heartofthecity.co.nz/artweek for details.

    Day seven: 10 October – LATE NIGHT ART

    Late Night Art’s 2024 line-up of art, innovation, colour, music, lighting, markets, exhibitions, laser art and dance lessons on offer might feel overwhelming, so here’s your checklist:

    • Open Late at EMC

    • Late Night Art in Freyberg

    • Freyberg Steps

    • Khartoum After Dark

    • Urban Art Village – O’Connell Street

    • Jazz on Vulcan

    • Late Night Art on High (art market – 20+ stalls, roaming performers, skaters and actual Random Acts)

    • Galleries open late

    • Lighting installations: Te Ha o Hine Place, Freyberg Place, Deloitte’s Building, Viaduct, Darby St lampposts, Aotea Square, Exchange Lane

    • Britomart – performance

    • The midtown Street Art Festival

    • Aotea Square (Lighting ‘Full Spectrum’ and Dance-O Mat by GapFiller with Latin Dancing)

    • Viaduct – lighting (Angus Muir & Harris Keenan – Bloom) and performance

    • Commercial Bay – lighting Ngā Huinga o Mataaoho – The Gathered Volcanoes of Mataaoho

    • Changing Lanes

    • Guided Walks – Unlocked Collections and City Art Walks

    • Exhibitions – Maritime Museum, Central City Library, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, Gow Langsford, Gus Fisher, Kura Gallery, Fingers 50-year celebration and SO/ Auckland Hotel

    • Exchange Lane Rave – with laser art and an explosion of music. Groove with All my Friends (AMF) favourites Tyrun and RNG-sus, along with special guests, as they take over Exchange Lane. Together with Angus Muir Design and Cat Ellis, laser artist, we’re bringing an explosion of colour and music to the city’s heart.

    Day eight: 11 October – Kura Gallery Urban Māori Exhibition

    Kura Gallery is opening up to all kai mahi toi Māori to contribute to a show looking at the term “Urban Māori”.” The term is provocative and significant for ngā iwi Māori, the majority of whom live away from their papa kāinga, or ancestral lands. The reasons are layered.

    The kaupapa is broad and left entirely up to the artists’ interpretation of what the term means to them, which should make for an exciting and fresh exhibition from artists from across the motu, some of whom are already represented in the gallery.

    The show will hang in the gallery for Art Week, with a late night kōrerō about the works with the curator on 10 October for Late Night Art.

    Day nine: 12 October – Silo Park for the family

    Open to all ages, come along to Sonic Playground at the iconic Silo 6 in the Wynyard Quarter from midday to 4pm and explore the unique acoustics of the space. Curated by the Audio Foundation, there will be a playful feast of sonic experiences, with a rolling programme of improvisations, drawing from the rich scene of sound art and alternative music in Tāmaki Makaurau. Supported by Eke Panuku, it’s part of a series of Art Week events at Silo 6, beginning with Drawing Playground on 5 October, 11am-3pm.

    Where do the children play? Explore more in Wynyard Quarter here.

    Artist Dr Bobby Hung.

    Day ten: 13 October – midtown’s Street Art Festival

    Murals, street art, graffiti, workshops and talks are coming to midtown for Art Week and beyond. Watch or take part in live painting and a battle of graffiti writers hosted by Dr Bobby Hung in the historic Strand Arcade. A highlight will be Wellington-based adventurist and interventionist Cameron Hunt who fluidly shifts between painting, photography, sculpture, installation, performance and videography, often wrangling a sense of chaotic, playful energy from each distinct form. Brought to midtown by Auckland Council.

    For all dates, times and venues visit heartofthecity.co.nz/artweek

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –