NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Greenpeace thugs harass productive Kiwis

    Source: ACT Party

    “The Greenpeace protestors who have locked themselves in the Wellington offices of Straterra are nothing more than thugs harassing productive Kiwis who just want to build a wealthier country”, says ACT’s Energy and Resources spokesperson Simon Court.

    Greenpeace protestors have occupied the Wellington offices of the mining group Straterra. Three protestors have locked themselves inside the building, and two more have climbed onto an awning at the front of the building.

    “Not content with holding up renewable energy projects in court, Greenpeace have moved on to harassing the people representing one of our critical industries.

    “Greenpeace opposes mining anywhere and everywhere in New Zealand. Their anti-mining position is actually anti-progress and anti-humanity.

    “New Zealanders who wonder how they’re going get ahead in life and are considering mining as a career have only one option: move to Australia. New Zealanders need better jobs and higher incomes and that is what mining offers.

    “Greenpeace activists should consider doing something constructive with their lives instead of harassing productive New Zealanders who just want to get ahead.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government introduces revised clubs and ranges rules

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Improving the way shooting clubs and ranges are regulated will be the outcome of a Bill introduced today Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee says.

    “Cabinet has agreed to a package of reforms to amend Part 6 of the Arms Act 1983 which will enable simple and effective regulation of pistol and non-pistol shooting clubs and ranges.

    “As I have stated repeatedly clubs and ranges play an important public safety role in our communities. As well as providing places for people to learn how to safely operate firearms they also act as the eyes and ears of the firearms community.”

    “The changes introduced in 2020 went beyond what was necessary to ensure public safety. They jeopardised the ability for clubs and ranges to provide a safe environment for New Zealanders to learn, practise, and compete, and placed some ranges at risk of closing.

    The Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill will: 

    • maintain the regulatory requirements for pistol clubs and ranges but streamline annual reporting requirements;
    • simplify the regulatory requirements for non-pistol clubs and ranges by replacing the approval and certification systems with a more effective enrolment system;
    • require non-pistol clubs to be incorporated only if they sell ammunition, unless all ammunition sold by the club is purchased for, and used, on the day of sale at the club range or event and is not taken off the premises;
    • support the operation of temporary non-pistol ranges to enable the holding of club events, as long as the Firearms Safety Authority is informed; and
    • provide certainty about when inspections for compliance can occur and clarify what can be removed when an inspection is conducted, to reduce the burden on operators.

    “The focused consultation undertaken by the Ministry of Justice provided valuable insights, and I am confident that the changes, once implemented, will deliver better public safety outcomes, while reducing unnecessary requirements to better support shooting clubs and ranges to comply.” 

    “Firearms reform is a priority for the Government and today’s announcement delivers on a commitment made in the National-ACT coalition agreement.”

    The Bill will have its first reading before being referred to select committee for at least four months, where all interested parties will have the opportunity to have their say on the proposals.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Privacy Commissioner issues first compliance notice to Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    The Privacy Commissioner has today issued a compliance notice to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, triggered by a cyber-attack in December 2020. This is the first time the Privacy Commissioner has issued a compliance notice since receiving these new powers in the Privacy Act 2020. Privacy Commissioner John Edwards says, The cyber-attack was a significant breach of one of the Banks security systems and raised the possibility of systemic weakness in the Banks systems and processes for protecting personal information.

    As part of the investigation into the breach the Bank engaged KPMG to undertake an independent review of its systems and processes. The review revealed multiple areas of non-compliance with Privacy Principle 5. Mr Edwards says, We are heartened by the speed and thoroughness of the Banks response.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drainage improvements – maintenance work planned for SH2, north of Dannevirke

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Important road renewal work is planned for a stretch of State Highway 2 (SH2) at Matamau while crews carry out maintenance and drainage improvements.

    Work is scheduled to begin on Tuesday 1 October on SH2 just north of Factory Road, and finish on 30 October (weather permitting).

    As crews work on either side of the road, between 6am and 6pm each day, this stretch of road will be reduced to one lane, with stop/go traffic management in place. Outside of these work hours, a 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place.

    Please expect this to add delays of up to 10 minutes to your journey.

    Crews will be back in approximately 12 months to add the second coat of seal. A second coat further waterproofs and strengthens the road over the long term.

    From Sunday 6 October, night-time asphalt resurfacing works are also planned for SH2 near the Mangatera Stream Bridge, north of Dannevirke. Over 6 nights, crews will work from 6pm to 6am, with works expected to be complete on Saturday 12 October.

    Stop/go traffic management and a 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place during these night works, with expected delays of about 5 minutes.

    These drainage and resurfacing works are crucial for making this a more resilient and reliable route and will help improve journeys for all road users. We know that a well-maintained state highway network promotes safety and improves options for moving people and freight. 

    Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete this important road renewal work.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Daily progress for Tuesday, 24 September 2024

    Source: New Zealand Parliament

    Order Paper for Tuesday, 24 September 2024

    2.00pm

    Government motion

    A motion welcoming the release from captivity of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens was agreed to.

    Introduction of bills

    The following bills were introduced:

    Oral questions

    Question Time is in progress.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: PBN23505 [2024] NZPrivCmr1 – Ultimate Care Group Limited

    Source: Privacy Commissioner

    Resources available

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Tuesday, 24 September 2024 – Volume 778 – 001410

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    Question No. 2—Public Service

    2. NANCY LU (National) to the Minister for the Public Service: What recent announcements has she made on Public Service working arrangements?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS (Minister for the Public Service): Yesterday, the Prime Minister and I announced that the Government wants to see more public servants come into their place of work each day, and we are taking steps to make our expectations clear. Guidance to the Public Service will be updated to make clear that working from home is not an entitlement and must be agreed and monitored. While I acknowledge carefully defined working from home arrangements can benefit workers and employers, there are significant downsides that need to be recognised as well. Many good employers have been taking active steps to ensure their working from home policies are fit for purpose and it’s time the Government did the same.

    Nancy Lu: What are the specific expectations she announced yesterday?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Updated guidelines will reinforce the Government’s expectation that (1) working from home arrangements are not an entitlement and should be by agreement; (2) working from home arrangements should only be agreed to where they will not compromise the performance of employees and agency objectives; and (3) importantly, where arrangements are agreed to, there must be comprehensive oversight arrangements in place so that managers can be clear the arrangements are working as expected and productivity is not being compromised.

    Nancy Lu: Why did she make yesterday’s announcement about working from home?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: There are good reasons why employees have traditionally been physically brought together for work, as members in this House know. It allows for face-to-face conversation, the sharing of skills and experiences, and relationship building. I think about the new grad who is starting out in an organisation. They need to observe, learn from, and form connections with their more experienced colleagues. Zoom and Microsoft Teams have significant limitations. Getting people back into the office will support those younger employees and mean managers can monitor team dynamics, including whether people are disengaged, struggling, or at odds with their colleagues.

    Nancy Lu: What does this announcement mean for public servants?

    Hon NICOLA WILLIS: Public servants can still work from home if arrangements are agreed and expectations around productivity and performance are met. Having some flexibility in working arrangements can be beneficial for employees and for employers; however, the Government is making its expectation clear that working from home is not an entitlement and that safeguards need to be in place.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Motions — Release from Captivity—New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens – 001408

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    MOTIONS

    Release from Captivity—New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens

    Hon TODD McCLAY (Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs): I seek leave to move a motion without notice and without debate on the successful release from captivity of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens.

    SPEAKER: Very good. Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.

    Hon TODD McCLAY: I move, That this House welcome the release of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens on Saturday after being held hostage for 592 days in Papua, Indonesia; convey best wishes to Mr Mehrtens and his family and friends, as they recover from this deeply difficult experience; express deep gratitude to the Indonesian Government, including Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, together with community leaders, for the careful and patient approach taken to secure this peaceful outcome; commend the considerable effort of the wide range of New Zealand Government agencies, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which worked in cooperation and coordination with Indonesian authorities towards securing Mr Mehrtens’ release; acknowledge the New Zealand Government staff who have worked on the case in Jakarta and Papua, led by Ambassador Kevin Burnett; and note the cooperation and restraint shown by the New Zealand media in relation to this case.

    Motion agreed to.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to Caring Families Aotearoa National Conference

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today.

    I would like to start by saying a big thank you to all the caregivers in the room, and those not able to be here today, for all that you do for our children and young people. 

    Without caregivers providing safe, stable homes for children, Oranga Tamariki would not be able to do the work that it does.  

    I came to Parliament believing changes can be made that will make caregiving more purposeful – and allow caregivers to make more decisions for children in their care.

    Hearing the voices of carers – and ensuring they can access support they need – is critical to ensuring the Ministry is performing at the level New Zealanders expect.

    As Minister for Children, my first and most important priority is always to ensure Oranga Tamariki is relentlessly focused on the safety of the children and young people in its care, and the children that come to its attention.

    All children deserve to wake up in the morning and feel safe and loved.

    To ensure the Ministry remains focused on what is important – and promote greater transparency about its performance – I have asked Oranga Tamariki to report quarterly on five key performance indicators.

    These reflect the areas I know will make the biggest difference to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in the care of the state. 

    One of these areas specifically talks about caregivers, and making sure they feel supported. 

    This key performance indicator will see Oranga Tamariki now regularly report the results of a continuous rolling survey of caregivers. 

    This survey will ask carers directly whether you are feeling supported.

    It will ask if you would recommend becoming a caregiver, or are thinking about stopping being a caregiver – and why.

    This will help to ensure caregivers are getting – and continue to get – the support they need as they open their hearts and homes to children and young people.

    I am confident this new approach – centred around key performance indicators and quarterly reporting – will promote accountability and better performance across the organisation.

    Children deserve the best care they can possibly get regardless of the race, religion, colour, or ethnicity of those people who are charged with the responsibility of nurturing, mentoring, educating, protecting and loving them.

    As I’ve said previously, I intend to improve the rights and responsibilities of caregivers, giving them greater autonomy and making it easier for carers to offer safe, stable and loving homes for children.

    I would once again like to express my sincere gratitude for the support caregivers provide our children and young people when they need it the most.

    I am confident the changes I am implementing at Oranga Tamariki will keep children and young people at the centre of their work – and improve the support received by our children, young people, their families, and caregivers. 

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rock Shelter Otira Gorge, SH73 – open overnight now, work at McGrath Creek Bridge postponed a week

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    |

    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.

    McGrath Creek Bridge, close to Arthur’s Pass village – work is now rescheduled to next week overnight:

    Tags

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech to the Caring Families Aotearoa National Conference

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Thank you for the introduction and the invitation to speak to you here today.

    I would like to start by saying a big thank you to all the caregivers in the room, and those not able to be here today, for all that you do for our children and young people. 

    Without caregivers providing safe, stable homes for children, Oranga Tamariki would not be able to do the work that it does.  

    I came to Parliament believing changes can be made that will make caregiving more purposeful – and allow caregivers to make more decisions for children in their care.

    Hearing the voices of carers – and ensuring they can access support they need – is critical to ensuring the Ministry is performing at the level New Zealanders expect.

    As Minister for Children, my first and most important priority is always to ensure Oranga Tamariki is relentlessly focused on the safety of the children and young people in its care, and the children that come to its attention.

    All children deserve to wake up in the morning and feel safe and loved.

    To ensure the Ministry remains focused on what is important – and promote greater transparency about its performance – I have asked Oranga Tamariki to report quarterly on five key performance indicators.

    These reflect the areas I know will make the biggest difference to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people in the care of the state. 

    One of these areas specifically talks about caregivers, and making sure they feel supported. 

    This key performance indicator will see Oranga Tamariki now regularly report the results of a continuous rolling survey of caregivers. 

    This survey will ask carers directly whether you are feeling supported.

    It will ask if you would recommend becoming a caregiver, or are thinking about stopping being a caregiver – and why.

    This will help to ensure caregivers are getting – and continue to get – the support they need as they open their hearts and homes to children and young people.

    I am confident this new approach – centred around key performance indicators and quarterly reporting – will promote accountability and better performance across the organisation.

    Children deserve the best care they can possibly get regardless of the race, religion, colour, or ethnicity of those people who are charged with the responsibility of nurturing, mentoring, educating, protecting and loving them.

    As I’ve said previously, I intend to improve the rights and responsibilities of caregivers, giving them greater autonomy and making it easier for carers to offer safe, stable and loving homes for children.

    I would once again like to express my sincere gratitude for the support caregivers provide our children and young people when they need it the most.

    I am confident the changes I am implementing at Oranga Tamariki will keep children and young people at the centre of their work – and improve the support received by our children, young people, their families, and caregivers. 

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workforce boost in specialist mental health training welcomed

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey welcomes the significant increase in Health NZ-funded psychiatry registrar places and the increase of Health NZ-funded clinical psychology internships, as today’s plan supports this Government’s commitment to double clinical psychology intern numbers between 2023 and 2027.

    Today, Health NZ published its Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Plan which sets significant uplifts in training places for workers who will staff specialist, primary and community workforces.

    “This plan reinforces that we are on track to reach our workforce target of training 500 mental health and addiction professionals every year,” Mr Doocey says.

    “One of the biggest barriers to timely mental health support is workforce shortages. It’s one of my top priorities as the country’s first Minister for Mental Health and it’s pleasing to see Health NZ respond with a plan with meaningful increases in a number of key workforce areas.

    Highlights of the three-year plan include:

    •    Increasing the number of psychiatry registrar training places Health NZ offers annually by 50%, from around 33 in 2024 to 50 from 2025 onwards
    •    A new associate psychology post-graduate programme (in partnership with the tertiary education sector), to train 20 students a year from 2026 onwards
    •    Achieving an increase in Health NZ clinical psychology intern places by 100% on 2023 levels over four years (from 40 annual places in 2023 to 80 annual places by 2027)
    •    Increasing the number of Health NZ-funded New Entry to Specialist Practice (NESP) places available to train specialist nurses, social workers and occupational therapists by 30% over three years, to an annual total of 475 by 2027 (an increase of 110).
    •    Increasing the number of mental health and addiction nurse practitioners Health NZ trains each year by 83% from 2025 onwards to a total of 22 per year

    “We are also committed to investing in consumer and peer support workforces who play a vital role within the mental health and addiction workforce. Health NZ will fund training places for 90 additional Consumer, Peer Support and Lived Experience workers each year of the Plan.”

    This plan looks out over the next three years, but each year it will be reviewed to ensure Health NZ has the right mix of training places to match need.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New slow vehicle bay on SH2 in Hawke’s Bay close to completion

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Work to complete the new slow vehicle bay on State Highway 2 (SH2) at Kotemaori in northern Hawke’s Bay will start next week.

    The new 260 metre slow vehicle bay on SH2, near the intersection with Kakariki Farm Road, will provide another place for road users to safely pass slow vehicles as they head north to Wairoa.

    Crews have been waiting for warmer weather to complete the work, which includes laying the final seal on the road.

    The work is expected to take 2 weeks and crews will begin on site from next Monday (30 September). During this time, temporary traffic management will be in place through this site with stop/go and a temporary reduced speed limit of 30km/h.

    Delays of no more than 10 minutes are expected.

    Once crews have finished this work, the slow vehicle bay will be operational. The work is weather dependent and there could be delays if conditions are too cold or wet.

    Background

    This work is part of Connecting Tairāwhiti, which is a programme of projects providing more slow vehicle bays and more places to pull off the road safely to check messages or take a break on State Highways 2 and 35 across the Tairāwhiti and northern Hawke’s Bay regions. The programme also includes some resilience projects to strengthen and stabilise sites on State Highway 35 to help it remain open and functional during disruptions such as weather events.

    A slow vehicle bay is a widened stretch of road on an uphill incline that allows slow, heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, to pull over as they slow down – allowing other vehicles to pass.

    As part of this project, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has also made safety improvements to Kotemaori School’s access on SH2, including a safe right-turn bay to access the school.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tougher sentences to improve transport safety

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is introducing a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers as part of its plan to restore law and order, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Transport Minister Simeon Brown have today announced. 

    “In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in abuse and attacks on public transport workers. We want to send a strong message that any attacks on bus drivers, taxi drivers, and anyone working on a public transport train or ferry will not be tolerated,” Mr Goldsmith says.   

    “Building on the Government’s sentencing reforms package, this change will help ensure there are 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime by 2029 and reducing serious repeat youth offending by 15 percent.” 

    “All those working on public transport deserve to feel safe while delivering an important service to their communities. These hardworking New Zealanders often work alone with little to separate them from their passengers,” Mr Brown says. 

    “Our Government is responding to these terrible incidents by introducing tougher consequences for those who engage in this cowardly behaviour.” 

    The Government is investing $15 million through Budget 2024 to deliver practical improvements to bus driver safety and working environments.  

    “Attacks on bus drivers and passengers have become far too common as New Zealand has faced an unprecedented crime wave. Industry has been calling for better, safer work environments for bus drivers, and our Government is delivering.  

    “Local authorities will soon be able to apply for funding for safety improvements, including retrofitted safety screens and real-time CCTV monitoring. Funding will also be made available to provide better restroom and break facilities for drivers.  

    “It is important we have the bus drivers required to deliver efficient and reliable public transport services so Kiwis can get to where they want to go, quickly and safely. These practical improvements are critical to improving working conditions so we can recruit and retain drivers,” Mr Brown says. 

    The Government is working with the public transport sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety.  

    “Following a horrific attack on a young student travelling on a bus in July, I asked officials to look at what can be done to ensure greater safeguards for passengers and drivers on buses while the Government continues to restore law and order. 

    “Each bus operator is currently responsible for setting its own procedures for responding to attacks or altercations onboard. As a result, inconsistent processes are plaguing the system within the same city, let alone across the country, ultimately putting passengers and hardworking bus drivers at risk.  

    “Our Government is working with the sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety and responding to incidents to ensure greater consistency and to improve bus safety,” Mr Brown says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government introduces controversial MACA legislation

    Source: Green Party

    The Government’s introduction of its interventions in the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act threatens to throw relations between Māori and Crown into deeper disharmony. 

    “This legislation is not fit for Parliament and represents an outright assault on the rights of iwi and hapū, disregarding the founding agreement Aotearoa was built upon,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Steve Abel.

    “Te Tiriti is foundational, governments are temporary and do not have the right to disregard or trample on the binding contract between Māori and Crown on which our nation is built. Iwi and hapū rights to their customary waters are part of tino rangatiratanga, and are core to the sovereignty tangata whenua never ceded. 

    “The Government’s Takutai Moana re-write legislation robs Māori of customary rights to the marine and coastal area without moral justification or evidential basis. It is a regression to raupatu. 

    “The disingenuous narrative of ‘restoring parliamentary intent’ that the Government is using to justify this attack on Te Tiriti is a complete misrepresentation of our history that overrides Māori rights in favour of corporations who want to exploit our oceans for private profit. 

    “The Waitangi Tribunal was damning in its evaluation of this legislation, stating that it was a clear breach of tino rangatiratanga, antithetical to good government, and sidelined Māori rights and interests in te takutai moana without providing evidence for its claim that the public’s rights and interests require further protection.

    “Time and time again, Christopher Luxon has talked about the importance of Te Tiriti, praising it as our past, present and future. But these words are hollow in the context of his assaults on the taonga guaranteed to iwi in our founding agreement. 

    “The Green Party will stand alongside Te iwi Māori in opposing the Government’s confiscation of their customary rights to the marine and coastal environment,” says Steve Abel.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Gun lobby bill removes regulation at ranges

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    Gun lobbyist Nicole McKee and her conflict of interest has struck again, this time removing safety regulations from shooting clubs and ranges in New Zealand.

    “The lessons of New Zealand’s worst terror attack have been forgotten as the Government tries to wind back the gun control laws put in place after the attack on worshippers in Christchurch mosques in 2019,” Labour firearms spokesperson Ginny Andersen said.

    “The Arms (Shooting Clubs, Shooting Ranges and Other Matters) Amendment Bill creates multiple loopholes for gang members and extremists – like the Christchurch terrorist – to exploit. Minister Nicole McKee talks about being a safety expert but is removing safety requirements from shooting clubs and ranges.  

    “Ammunition is a form of currency among criminals and this bill could increase the supply of ammunition and allow unsupervised shooting at ranges by people without licenses. The Minister needs to be clear about what checks and balances are in place to prevent this.   

    “The changes also create a frightening precedent for landowners who might find ‘pop-up’ rifle shooting ranges over their back fence. The bill risks the ability of the Police or the firearms regulator to enforce any safety oversight or even inspect the facilities. The Wild West is coming to a backyard near you.

    “The cherry on top for Nicole McKee and the gun lobby is the power grab under the section titled ‘other matters’ which removes powers currently held by Police.

    “Her justification for the bill seems to be that the previous changes went too far, and that some shooting clubs or ranges are at risk of closing. However, her Cabinet paper provides no evidence of this risk,” Ginny Andersen said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Karakia/Prayers – 001409

    Source: New Zealand Parliament – Hansard

    KARAKIA/PRAYERS

    NANCY LU (National): 全能嘅上帝，我哋多謝祢賜畀我哋嘅祝福。撇開所有個人利益，我哋向国王致敬，並祈求喺我哋嘅討論中指引我哋，另我哋能夠以智慧、公義、仁愛同謙卑處理呢個議會嘅事務，為咗新西兰嘅福祉同和平而努力. 阿門.

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

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: THAILAND, VIETNAM FLOODS: More than 900 schools damaged, leaving children unable to return to learning

    Source: Save The Children

    In the north of Thailand, floods tore through homes and schools leaving 140 schools damaged, while in Vietnam at least 805[1] schools have been damaged since early September after Typhoon Yagi battered the country.
    Asia is the world’s most disaster-hit region from weather, climate and water-related hazards.[2] Across the world, a staggering 774 million children – or one third of the world’s child population – are living with the dual impacts of poverty and high climate risk.[3]
    In Thailand, this means learning has been disrupted for more than 30,500 children[4] for an indefinite period.
    The floods have also increased the risk of waterborne diseases. Globally, increases in disease related to climate change are projected to have deadly implications for children, including vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. [5]
    Classroom floors, chairs, tables and learning materials in schools across Thailand’s northernmost Chiang Rai province remain covered in mud and many schools are in need of new learning equipment.
    Children’s psychosocial well-being has also been acutely affected by the loss of their belongings, damage to their schools, their play areas and environments familiar to them.
    Patchara*, a 15-year-old student from Chiang Rai province, said she was able to save only some belongings when the floods hit and water levels reached her waist level.
    Her family is temporarily staying with relatives. Patchara said she’s worried about waterborne diseases as she travels to school. This is her first severe flood experience.
    Many flood-affected areas in Thailand and Vietnam are also still inaccessible due to flooded roads and the danger of landslides, severely hampering rescue and relief operations.
    Guillaume Rachou, Save the Children Thailand Executive Director, said:
    “Children in Chiang Rai can’t go back to school anytime soon. Others have had to stay at home to help their families rebuild their lives.  The recovery effort will take months so it’s important that these children’s lives are as normal and that they can return to their classrooms as soon as, and as safely, as possible and feel supported during the transition.”
    Save the Children will provide essential support to children in five districts of Chiang Rai province, including booklets on flood recovery hygiene and on infant feeding.
    The children’s charity will also provide 1,500 students with back-to-school kits including learning kits and school uniforms. In collaboration with global apparel retailer UNIQLO, the initiative will also see the distribution of 2,600 items of children’s clothing, which includes 1,600 new pieces of children’s innerwear and T-shirts, along with 1,000 pieces of adult clothing sourced from the brand’s customer take-back program known as “RE.UNIQLO.”
    Save the Children is also working with community volunteers, teachers and Thailand’s Department of Mental Health to provide psychological first aid training and training in how to spot children who are at risk of dropping out of school. The children’s organisation will set up a mobile psychological first aid team to support school staff and students at 20 schools where community outreach activities will include theater and arts.
    In Vietnam, Save the Children has been in discussions with government agencies to release a flood response plan to help affected children return to school safely and continue their learning.
    Save the Children has worked in Thailand since 1979 to support children most impacted by discrimination and inequality running  programmes on education, child protection, livelihood, and child rights governance.
    Save the Children started working in Vietnam in 1990 and now operates in 22 provinces in partnership with government agencies, civil society organisations, the private sector and academic institutions.
    *Name changed to protect identity.
    ********************************************************************** 
    For interview requests please contact:

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rai Valley crash: Police seek public’s help

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Dashcam video and witnesses are being sought by Police investigating a serious motorcycle crash in Rai Valley, Tasman, on Saturday.

    The crash, involving one rider, happened about 4.50pm on State Highway 6 at Whangamoa.

    The rider suffered critical injuries after falling while navigating a curve. They were part of a group of about six motorcyclists.

    The victim remains in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

    Police would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who has dashcam footage of the crash, or the moments before it.

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

    Please use the reference number 240922/5105.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Green Government will revoke oil and gas permits

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party vows to reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke permits when it returns to government following the coalition’s introduction of legislation to reopen offshore oil and gas exploration this afternoon. 

    “A Green Government will reinstate the oil and gas ban and revoke any permits granted under the current regime and their obsession with pouring oil, coal and gas on the climate crisis fire,” says Green Party Co-Leader and spokesperson for Climate Change, Chlöe Swarbrick.

    “We can have an economy that supports people and the planet, instead of exploiting both. It’s simply a matter of political willpower.

    “Overturning the oil and gas ban risks exacerbating energy insecurity and driving exorbitant power prices. The Government must know this. And yet they persist with their lobbyist’s wish list.

    “Luxon’s Government has weaponised the energy crisis to argue for more fossil fuels, conveniently neglecting that it’s the very reliance on those fossil fuels which is behind the energy crisis.

    “Climate delay is the new denial.

    “We can reduce emissions, lower power bills, and improve the resilience of our energy system. All we need is mainstream political willpower. New Zealanders deserve better than the Government’s attempts to pull the wool over their eyes,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – Greyhound dies due to ‘carnage collision’ at Addington Raceway – SAFE for Animals

    Source: SAFE For Animals

    SAFE is renewing its urgent call for a ban on greyhound racing after the first race-related death of the 2024/25 season. Rocket Queen suffered a catastrophic compound fracture to her right leg during a race at Addington Raceway, Christchurch, on 20 September 2024.
    Rocket Queen was one of four greyhounds involved in a collision during the race, with three other dogs sustaining injuries, including a suspected fracture.
    SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie says this tragic incident is not an isolated event, but part of an ongoing pattern of cruelty in the greyhound racing industry.
    “Rocket Queen’s death is not an anomaly; this is a predictable outcome in an industry that consistently fails to protect the dogs in its care,” says Brodie.
    “It’s both infuriating and heartbreaking that, despite years of warnings and public outcry, greyhounds continue to suffer and die in the name of entertainment.”
    This latest death adds to the growing toll of greyhound fatalities. Last season saw nearly double the number of deaths compared to the previous season. Thirteen greyhounds died in the 2023/24 season from race-related injuries, compared to seven in 2022/23.
    Earlier this year, Addington Raceway was temporarily closed for two months for remedial work following a spate of animal welfare concerns, including the deaths of three dogs in just one month.
    “No amount of track repairs or superficial ‘safety measures’ can change the reality that greyhound racing amounts to a death sentence for these dogs,” says Brodie.
    “This industry exists solely to fuel gambling profits, and it has no place in modern Aotearoa.”
    SAFE is calling on the Government to intervene immediately and ban greyhound racing in New Zealand.
    “This is more than just a welfare failure; it’s a moral failure. Greyhound racing does not reflect the values of New Zealanders, and the continuation of this industry is a stain on our national conscience.”
    “It’s time for the Government to show true leadership and bring an end to this cruel and outdated industry before more lives are needlessly lost.” 
    SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
    We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
    Notes:
    • In May 2024, leading animal organisations Dogwatch, HUHA, SAFE and SPCA announced a commitment to assist with the rehoming of greyhounds should a ban be enacted.
    • A 2022 poll commissioned by SPCA found that 74% of New Zealanders would vote to ban greyhound racing in a referendum.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard Q2 2024

    Source: ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard Q2 2024

    Gisborne the country’s top performer in ASB’s latest Regional Economic Scoreboard

     

    • Gisborne claims first place on the leaderboard for first time in more than four years
    • Biggest drops seen in Southland, down from first spot to ninth, and Marlborough, falling from fourth place to second-to-last
    • Despite signs of optimism in housing market and export growth in some regions, economic outlook to remain sluggish until 2025.

    Growth is on the horizon, according to ASB’s Regional Economic Scoreboard released today. The Scoreboard ranks regions based on year-on-year growth across a range of measures, including employment, building consents and retail sales.

     Scoreboard data for the April to June quarter paints a fairly bleak picture but ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown expects inflation pressures to ease further by the end of the year, leading to a brighter 2025.  

    “The unemployment rate rose to a three-year high of 4.6% in Q2, and we expect this to move above 5% by the end of the year. The construction outlook remains soft and household spending is weak, as cost of living pressures bite.

    “However, we’re seeing some positive signs in the housing market with house sales increasing by 6.8%, and prices rising by 2.2% this past quarter, and we can expect it to pick up with a bit more speed in 2025.

    “Exports for Q2 were $26.26bn, up from $25.99bn a year ago, with dairy still our most attractive offering. Our 2024 growth forecasts for some of our key trading partners have been revised higher which is good news for the country. Much like the rest of the economy however, growth is expected to remain below average for 2024, with weakness in China a concern.”

    Gisborne claims top spot on scoreboard

    For the first time in more than four years, Gisborne has claimed the top spot on the scoreboard, largely due to the post-cyclone rebuild in the region. Annual construction consents rose sharply by 40.8%, driven by a 152.8% increase in non-residential building.  Annual house sales growth was the second highest in the country at 25.8%, and employment performed well, growing 3.6% year-on-year and exceeding the national average of 1.6% growth.

    “It’s fantastic to see Gisborne make a comeback on the scoreboard, and we saw the same post-cyclone rebuild having a positive impact for Hawke’s Bay in the rankings last year.  We expect this forward momentum for the region to continue in the short-term.”

    Otago and Canterbury round out the podium

    Otago remained steady in second place, while Canterbury climbed four spots to claim bronze, with both regions differentiating themselves from other parts of the country.  

    Otago generated the highest house price growth across the country, which rose 4.4% annually at double the national 2.2% average.  Otago also showed strength in the labour market, with employment increasing 5.5% annually, the strongest pace of all the regions. Meanwhile, Cantabrians’ above-average consumer confidence showed in their spending, with retail sales growing at the fastest rate in the country at 2.5% annually, compared to a decline of 0.4% nationwide.

    Marlborough and Southland see biggest declines to scoreboard positions

    Marlborough’s position in the top four in Q1 was short-lived, with declines across construction, real estate and employment informing the region’s second-to-last placing. Tennent-Brown says the region’s most famous export could be the key to growth in future quarters.

    “Marlborough enjoyed a spectacular 2024 wine season and if wine exports pick up as we head into summer, the region could see some much-needed momentum in the next 6-12 months.”

    The full ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard, along with other recent ASB reports covering a range of commentary, can be accessed at our ASB Economic Insights page: https://www.asb.co.nz/documents/economic-insights.html

    www.asb.co.nz

    About the ASB Regional Economic Scoreboard

    The NZ Regional Economic Scoreboard takes the latest quarterly regional statistics and ranks the economic performance of New Zealand’s 16 Regional Council areas. The fastest growing regions gain the highest ratings, and a good performance by the national economy raises the ratings of all regions. Ratings are updated every three months, and are based on 11 measures, including employment, construction, retail trade, and house prices.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – 2024 Port Hills Fire Investigation Report

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    A fire investigation report into the Port Hills fire, which started on 14 February 2024, has located a specific origin area on private property but the cause of the fire remains undetermined.
    District Commander Dave Stackhouse says, “Investigators were unable to identify a specific ignition source. As the cause of the fire cannot be proven to an acceptable level of certainty, it is classified as undetermined. However, if further information becomes available, the investigation will be reopened.”
    Dave Stackhouse says an examination of the scene identified a specific origin area of approximately five square metres, on private property about 50 metres off the side of Worsleys Road.
    “The owner of the property where the fire originated cooperated with the investigation and advised that there had been no activity or equipment used on the day the fire started,” Dave Stackhouse says.
    “Our legal advice is that, due to privacy reasons, Fire and Emergency is unable to release the specific origin area of the fire because it is on private property,” he says.
    “We acknowledge this may be disappointing for all those who were affected by the Port Hills fire in February and were hoping for answers,” the District Commander says.
    “Our investigation into the cause of the fire included three experienced wildfire investigators working alongside the New Zealand Police and who arrived in Christchurch the day after the fire started.
    “They interviewed three witnesses who were in the vicinity of the fire when it started and were the first to report the fire to 111. They assessed photos and videos of the early stages of the fire which were sent in by the public or captured on CCTV,” he says.
    “In the lead up to the fire, Canterbury was experiencing a warm, dry summer, combined with dry vegetation across the District. These conditions assisted in the ignition and spread of the fire.”
    Dave Stackhouse says that while the cause of the fire is undetermined, significant incidents like this one are a strong reminder that everyone should take steps to protect themselves from wildfire.
    “Now is the time to prepare for the fire season. We encourage the community to develop an emergency plan, this should include a plan for pets and livestock,” he says.
    “We also recommend that property owners take action to create a defensible space around their properties, remove unwanted vegetation and leaves and use low flammability plants to assist with creating a green fire break around properties.”
    People can find out more information about protecting themselves from wildfires on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website and at Checkitsalright.co.nz.
    “Fire and Emergency extends its thanks to the many volunteers and staff who worked long hours to contain and extinguish the Port Hills fire.
    “We also want to acknowledge and thank partner agencies for their support throughout the response and the Port Hills residents and Christchurch community for their cooperation.
    “We would also like to thank everyone who contributed to our investigation through sending in photos and videos of the fire during the incident,” Dave Stackhouse says.
    A copy of the fire investigation report will also be available on Fire and Emergency’s website from 1pm on Tuesday 24 September 2024.
    Background
    Just after 2pm on 14 February 2024, Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a vegetation fire near Worsleys Road on the Christchurch Port Hills. The fire burnt through approximately 650 hectares and destroyed a residential structure and various infrastructure, including causing some damage to the Christchurch Adventure Park.
    The fire burnt across the Port Hills for three weeks and involved firefighters from across Canterbury, multiple aircraft and ground machinery, a large number of support and incident management personnel, and Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone team.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Activist News – Government called to condemn Israel’s reckless provocation in civilian slaughter in Lebanon – PSNA

    Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

     

    Israel has begun the wholesale slaughter of Lebanese civilians in a war model based on the genocide in Gaza and PSNA is calling on the government to condemn the killing.

     

    Over the past few days at least 492 people, including 35 children, have been killed and 1,645 wounded in Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

     

    This is the latest of Israel’s highly-inflammatory actions to provoke a wider Middle East War which include:

     

     

    “Israel is an out-of-control rogue state which is pushing hard for an all-out war with Iran” says PSNA National Chair John Minto. “Our government must condemn the killings and demand accountability for Israel’s reckless provocations”

     

    “Christopher Luxon claims the government wants all parties to refrain from actions that would escalate Israel’s war on Gaza into a wider Middle East war. Israel is actively fanning the flames of war and Mr Luxon must call this out on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand”

     

    “The problem in the Middle East has always been Israel’s colonisation of Palestine over 76 years, driving Palestinians off their land before stealing the land”

     

    In the meantime Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is driving for a wider war to avoid the collapse of his far-right government and his looming trial on bribery and corruption charges.”

     

    John Minto

    National Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Have a sweet time in Porirua

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Porirua’s ChoctoberFest is back for its third year, with 20 cafés across the city serving up unique creations throughout October, all featuring iconic Whittaker’s chocolate.
    For the whole month, 19 Porirua cafés will be offering unique chocolate drinks, vying for the title of Top of the Chocs, and from 1 to 13 October there will be 10 delicious baked treats available as part of the Whittaker’s Bake Off.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says having the support of Whittaker’s is great for the city.
    “We know how much Kiwis love Whittaker’s chocolate and to have it made on our doorstep here in Porirua is something we’re really proud of.
    “We’ve also got some amazing hospitality outlets and we know it’s a tough time for that industry. So ChoctoberFest is a great way to get behind local businesses and show some support, while enjoying something delicious,” she says.
    Whittaker’s CEO James Ardern says the company is proud to have been making chocolate in Porirua for more than 50 years.
    “The annual ChoctoberFest is always a great opportunity to celebrate that, and we are delighted to be part of it again this year.
    “We look forward to seeing how local businesses get creative with chocolate, and to sampling what’s on offer throughout the month.”
    With hot and cold drinks, imaginative baked creations, vegan options, gluten free choices and even cocktails, there should be something for almost everyone.
    Once you’ve tasted, you can vote for your favourites to help decide who comes out on top.
    There are amazing prizes up for grabs, including a Whittaker’s factory tour, invites to an exclusive Whittaker’s event at Kai Tahi, café vouchers, and a year’s supply (52 blocks) of chocolate.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Milestones reached to improve Porirua’s water infrastructure

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Pipe renewals along Awarua and Prosser streets and the first stage of replacement of the water trunk main at Titahi Bay have been completed as part of Porirua City Council’s ongoing work to renew the city’s drinking water network.
    Wellington Water’s GM of Network Development and Delivery, Susannah Cullen, says the community’s patience is appreciated during some disruptions as these important jobs are carried out.
    “Vital work like these pipe renewals is key to keeping the leaks backlog at a sustainable level and building a more resilient water supply,” she says.
    While leaks are a concern across the region, the number of leaks in Porirua is manageable, Ms Cullen says. A “sustainable backlog” is the level of leaks agreed to by Porirua City Council and Wellington Water, meaning water loss is being contained and projects and work can be delivered efficiently.
    Mayor Anita Baker was pleased to see the positive impact from Council’s increased investment.
    “Balancing pipe renewals with leak fixes is vital to keep water loss down in the long term,” she says.
    “But our work doesn’t stop here. As we look ahead to summer, we’ll work to keep leaks down and keep an eye on our wai across the board.”
    Mayor Baker added there are simple, sensible ways the community can help too.
    “Following water restrictions, making easy choices like doing full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher, and turning the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth – it all makes a difference.”
    Porirua City will enter level 1 water restrictions at midnight on Sunday 29 September. At this level, the public are asked to only use sprinklers every second day. Even numbered houses can use their sprinklers on even numbered days, and odd numbered houses on odd numbered days.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Transport – Transporting New Zealand calls for additional measures to support the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    National road freight association Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand has welcomed the launch of the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund (the LEHVF) but says additional policy changes and investment are required to support freight decarbonisation.
    The fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA) can contribute up to 25 per cent of the cost of new zero and low-emissions heavy vehicles. 
    The LEHVF can also contribute up to 25 per cent of the cost to convert existing higher emitting heavy vehicles to be powered by low-emissions technology – including hydrogen-diesel dual fuel engines. EECA has estimated the LEHVF could prevent 366,622 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, replacing 500 diesel-only vehicles by 2028.
    Dom Kalasih says the 27-million-dollar fund will help Transporting New Zealand’s members get zero and low carbon trucks on the road, reducing transport emissions.
    “The road freight sector is committed to decarbonisation, including adopting low and zero emission vehicles. However, the high purchase cost and limited range and freight capacity of many available models is a big barrier to uptake. In a low margin industry like ours, practical support from the Government is essential.”
    “Battery electric trucks cost between 2-3 times more than internal combustion equivalents, with limited range and loads. Freight customers are understandably price sensitive, particularly in the current economic climate, and this can make low and zero emission freight services a tough sell.”
    Transporting New Zealand is also calling for the Government to prioritise three actions to support decarbonisation in the road freight sector:
    – introduce accelerated depreciation for low and zero emission vehicles (including higher productivity motor vehicles);
    – reform the vehicle dimension and mass rules to allow more battery weight on front axles; and
    – strengthen roads surfaces and bridges to allow heavier, more efficient, electric vehicles and high productivity motor vehicles to access more of the roading network.
    “Co-funding vehicle purchases is an important piece of the puzzle, but getting our regulatory settings and roading network ready for more efficient vehicles is also essential to increasing uptake and driving down emissions.”
    Transporting New Zealand is currently working with several other transport associations and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to propose practical amendments to the Land Transport Rules that will improve freight efficiency. 
    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: Greenpeace occupies Straterra’s Wellington HQ in seabed mining protest

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace activists have occupied the Wellington offices of the mining lobby group Straterra to protest plans to Fast Track its client Trans-Tasman Resources’ seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight.
    Three activists have locked themselves inside the building, and two more have climbed onto an awning at the front of the building to deploy a large ‘No Seabed Mining’ banner.
    Greenpeace says this action is “a demonstration of the resistance promised” in a recently published open letter to all companies considering using the Fast Track Approvals process. More than 7,500 people have signed on to the letter so far.
    A second company seeking consent for seabed mining in the area has just confirmed they are voluntarily withdrawing, citing regulatory uncertainty as one of the reasons, along with the emergence of an offshore wind energy generation proposal that would be incompatible with the seabed mining industry.
    Greenpeace says that’s evidence that the pressure is working.
    Australian mining company TTR is vying to mine 50 million tons of iron sands in the South Taranaki Bight every year for 30 years. The company has made no secret of the fact it will use the much-maligned Fast Track Bill to get a green light after years of opposition by Taranaki hapū, environmentalists, the fishing industry and marine mammal experts.
    Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Juressa Lee says, “We’re taking this action to highlight the danger that Trans-Tasman Resources may slip through the Fast Track process, despite years of community opposition and rejection by the courts.
    “We’re also highlighting the role played by the mining industry lobbyist Straterra, which has the ear of this government and is pushing this extractive, polluting project.
    “Straterra is a malignant force in New Zealand politics, operating in the shadows and backrooms to exert a pernicious influence over Government policies. Straterra’s stated objectives would shock all New Zealanders who value the natural world and a healthy democracy.
    “Today, we will drag Straterra’s dirty business into the sunlight and expose their malevolent intentions for all to see.
    “TTR has tried and failed for more than a decade to get approval to mine the seabed because it was never able to show that it wouldn’t cause substantial harm to the environment. If seabed mining is fast tracked, it will be in contempt of all expert advice and the wishes of local iwi, environmental groups, Taranaki communities and the 60,000 New Zealanders who have signed the petition calling for it to be banned.”
    Lee says it’s clear that even the coalition’s own supporters are against the Fast Track too.
    Recent Horizon Research polling shows that 55% of NZ First supporters do not support the Fast Track Bill, an increase from 36% of respondents in May 2024.
    “The Luxon coalition government needs to stop listening to Stratera and start listening to their constituency, and the broader public that are saying they do not want seabed mining, and they do not want seabed mining fast tracked.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Emergency Management – Nearly half a million people signed up for ShakeOut with one month to go

    Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

    With one month to go, nearly half a million people have already signed up for New Zealand ShakeOut 2024, our national earthquake drill and tsunami hīkoi.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says over 480,000 people have signed up to Drop, Cover and Hold and practice their tsunami hīkoi on Thursday 24 October at 9:30am. You can join them and sign up at www.ShakeOut.govt.nz.

    NEMA’s Director Civil Defence Emergency Management, John Price says it’s fantastic to see almost half a million people already signed up, and he encourages schools, businesses, community groups and whānau to sign up if they haven’t already.

    “All of New Zealand is at risk of earthquakes and tsunamis at any time. Shake Out gives us the chance to practice, exercise and test the correct actions to take during an earthquake and tsunami.

    “A large earthquake such as an Alpine Fault rupture will be a defining event for all of New Zealand. We need to be ready.

    “By practising Shake Out each year, knowing what to do to stay safe in an earthquake and tsunami will become second nature. Exercising regularly improves our ability to cope on the day and keep ourselves and our communities safe.”

    Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake Chief Resilience and Research Officer, Dr Jo Horrocks says they are proud to support ShakeOut again. “At NHC Toka Tū Ake, we’re working really hard to minimise the impact of future natural hazards on communities. Our beautiful land is one of the highest-risk countries in the world for a range of natural hazards, but there is a lot we can all do to prepare for them.”

    Dr Horrocks is pleased to see that almost half a million Kiwis have already signed up for ShakeOut and is hopeful more will join the challenge. “Taking a bit of time to think about how hazards could affect us at home, work or school, and then taking steps to prepare – these are things that will make a big difference in a disaster.”

    John Price says, “Before the drill, check your tsunami evacuation zone using our map and make plans for your tsunami hīkoi if you are in a coastal area. (ref. https://getready.govt.nz/en/emergency/tsunami/tsunami-evacuation-zones/ )

    “Remember that no matter where you live, visit, work or play –  if you are near the coast, or any large body of water and you’re in an earthquake that is strong enough to make it difficult to stand up, or lasts a minute or more, you should immediately head inland or for higher ground. Remember, if it’s long or strong, get gone.”

    New Zealand ShakeOut 2024 is sponsored by the Natural Hazards Commission and supported by New Zealand Red Cross. The drill is taking place on Thursday 24 October 2024 at 9:30am.

    New Zealand ShakeOut is based on the highly successful California ShakeOut which began in 2008 and has now expanded to numerous other US states and countries such as Canada and Japan.

    Sign up and go into the draw to win a prize pack! Find more information at www.ShakeOut.govt.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health and Employment – First day of bargaining action for Te Whatu Ora nurses – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki O Aotearoa members will gather in support of their bargaining team on tomorrow morning to mark the first day of collective contract negotiations with Te Whatu Ora.
    Wednesday 25 September will be the first day of bargaining for NZNO’s biggest collective contract.
    “This year’s bargaining is taking place at a time when our health system is om crisis,” NZNO delegate Bruce McIntosh says.
    “There is a chronic shortage of thousands of nurses at Te Whatu Ora nurses which is leading to increased wait times in Emergency Departments and compromising the quality of patient care,” Bruce McIntosh says.
    “Understaffing in our hospitals has been exacerbated with the Government’s obsession with cutting costs.
    “With a commissioner appointed to Te Whatu Ora and a voluntary redundancy process underway, there’s no doubt our bargaining team has their work cut out for them.
    “Members are gathering on Wednesday morning in solidarity with the bargaining team and to wish them all the best as they arrive for this important mahi. They will take with them into the negotiation room the collective strength of 35,000 members covered by this agreement,” Bruce McIntosh says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –