Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Familyr – Family Alert Smart Medical Alarms & GPS Safety Devices to Keep Kiwis Safe
A new generation of personal safety and medical alarms has officially launched in New Zealand, and it’s putting peace of mind in the palm of every Kiwi’s hand.
The post Familyr – Family Alert Smart Medical Alarms & GPS Safety Devices to Keep Kiwis Safe first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Source: New Zealand Government
Three solar projects in regional New Zealand will receive loans of up to $28.1 million combined from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to ensure security of local energy supply and community resilience, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Energy Minister Simon Watts say.
“The loans for these projects in Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Rakiura/Stewart Island will allow them to get under way this year, helping them to improve economic prosperity and resilience. They will also create up to 150 jobs during construction,” Mr Jones says.
“These projects support the Coalition Government’s objective of doubling renewable energy generation by 2050 and enabling a more reliable and affordable electricity supply for regional New Zealand,” Mr Watts says.
The three projects are:
The Rakiura/Stewart Island project is expected to reduce diesel consumption by 200,000 litres within two years of beginning. During construction, about 40 high-skilled workers will be required.
When complete, more competitive energy costs will help business growth on the island including in aquaculture, tourism and hospitality.
The Ongaonga solar farm will improve electricity network resilience and support more competitive pricing for residents and commercial customers. Power could also be supplied to the national grid at peak generation. About 80-100 roles are expected to be needed during construction.
The Te Kaha project will provide more reliable, competitively priced power for a Māori community that regularly suffers electricity outages. The solar farm battery will have storage capacity for up to 72 hours which will protect the community from power outages. Reliable power will also help the Ōpōtiki region with its bid to be an aquaculture centre of national significance. During construction, up to 12 people will be employed.
“Solar power is playing an increasingly important role in increasing electricity generation in New Zealand. It will help us reach our renewable energy targets and bolster the security and affordability of our energy supply,” Mr Watts says.
“The Government has been making great progress on a series of exciting new solar and battery initiatives recently. I look forward to seeing these three projects make a real difference for these communities.”
Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson travelled to Rakiura for the announcement today. He said the project should lead to considerable savings for residents.
“The Regional infrastructure Fund is contributing to energy security where communities cannot gain investment from other sources, and there are wider benefits for the communities,” Mr Patterson says.
Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged to see overseas investment decisions being made twice as fast following his Ministerial directive letter (the letter) to Land Information New Zealand (LINZ).
“Last year I issued a Ministerial directive letter setting out my expectations for faster consent processing timeframes under the Overseas Investment Act (the Act),” Mr Seymour says.
“The letter set my expectation that LINZ, the regulator for the Act, will process 80 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframes for decisions.
“The financial year beginning 1 July 2024 is on track to meet my expectations. So far, LINZ has been processing 88 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframe.
“Since this financial year began, processing times have reduced by 39 per cent faster than the previous financial year. The average timeframe has reduced from 71 working days in the last financial year, to 28 working days this financial year.
“The improvements to processing times are largely owed to the new risk-based approach LINZ take to verifying information and streamlining consent processes. This recognises that the majority of consent applications are low-risk and should be processed more efficiently.
“1 July 2024 to 19 June 2025 saw 122 applications for overseas investment, decreasing from 146 in the financial year prior (both figures exclude ‘only home to live in’ applications). The decrease is explained by a significant drop in applications for residential land development due to poor property market conditions. I expect these numbers to bounce back with the rise of the property market.
“In order to have a strong growing economy New Zealand needs to be more welcoming to investment. Long waiting times for applications was creating uncertainty and impacting the attractiveness of investing in New Zealand. This affected New Zealand businesses that rely on overseas investment for capital or for liquidity.
“Since delegating most decision-making to LINZ and directing officials to focus on realising the benefits of overseas investment, there has been a significant improvement in processing times.
“Feedback from investors has been overwhelmingly positive, and they have welcomed the changes to make the application process more efficient, while still giving the right level of scrutiny to high-risk transactions.
“LINZ still has the full statutory timeframe to process 20 per cent of consent applications, which will allow them to manage complex and higher-risk applications.
“This week will see the first reading of thee Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill as well.
“The Bill will consolidate and simplify the screening process for less sensitive assets, introducing a modified national interest test that will enable the regulator to triage low-risk transactions, replacing the existing benefit to New Zealand test and investor test. If a national interest risk is identified, the regulator and relevant Minister will have a range of tools to manage this, including through imposing conditions or blocking the transaction.
The current screening requirements will stay in place for investments in farmland and fishing quota.
“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. Having one of the most restrictive overseas investment regimes in the OECD means we’ve paid the price in lost opportunities, lower productivity, and stagnant wages. This Bill is about reversing that.
“For all investments aside from residential land, farmland and fishing quota, decisions must be made in 15 days, unless the application could be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest. In contrast, the current timeframe in the Regulations for the benefit test is 70 days, and the average time taken for decisions to be made is 30 days for this test,” says Mr Seymour.
“International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.
The Bill can be read here: Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 171-1 (2025), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation
Source: New Zealand Police
Police have made two arrests following an aggravated robbery in New Lynn this morning.
At around 8.30am, Police attended a Parker Avenue convenience store.
Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB, says two offenders have entered the store, one armed with a knife.
“The offenders have jumped over the counter and stolen the till before leaving the store and fleeing in a stolen car.
“Fortunately, the shop keeper was uninjured.”
Police located the stolen vehicle a short distance away and the two occupants were taken into custody without incident.
Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says two young people, aged 14 and 16, will appear in the Waitākere Youth Court, charged with aggravated robbery and unlawful taking a motor vehicle.
Enquires are ongoing to locate the stolen property.
ENDS.
Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police
Source: New Zealand Police
A 33-year-old man has been arrested following an assault near a Sikh Temple in Takanini late yesterday afternoon.
The incident occurred at a sports complex on the grounds at around 5pm.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, of Counties Manukau CIB, says the man presented on site and was taken into custody this afternoon.
“We have charged the man with two counts of assault with a weapon and one count of threats to kill,” he says.
“He will remain in custody overnight and will appear in the Papakura District Court tomorrow.”
Police will be opposing this man’s bail.
Police thank the community for their support in enquiries to-date.
“We reiterate that this incident is not being treated as a hate-motivated crime, and involves two parties known to each other,” Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says.
Police are continuing to carry out reassurance patrols around the temple.
ENDS.
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Date: 23 June 2025
DOC Senior Community Ranger James Barnett says the new platform will provide enhanced features at no extra cost to anglers.
“The old system served us well but was based on old technology and was becoming expensive to run and maintain. The new platform offers anglers an improved user experience with a more intuitive interface, increased stability and greater security.
“We’re delighted with the benefits of the new online-only system, particularly for those who purchase more than one licence or want a more convenient way to buy a season licence each year.”
James says the licence platform is catching up with the functionality people expect from online transactions.
“You can choose to set up a profile which shows, at a glance, all the licences you’ve bought, and stores your information to make your next licence purchase easier. A guest function is available for those who prefer not to save their information.”
Taupō Trout Fishery has an international reputation, offering excellent fishing experiences in a stunning volcanic landscape.
It’s also a significant contributor to the regional economy. A survey conducted in 2013 found the Taupō Trout Fishery supported nearly 300 jobs, created at least $29 million in business turnover and added $11 million to the size of the economy.
The new platform is considered customer-friendly, but a user guide is available online and at fishing retailers in the area.
“Although licenses are no longer available from local agents, they’re still great places to buy gear and pick up local knowledge about the fishery,” says James.
All season licences for the 2025/26 Taupō fishing season will be available to purchase online on 24 June 2025. Short-term licences will go on sale when the new season starts on 1 July 2025.
For media enquiries contact:
Email: media@doc.govt.nz
BEARING WITNESS: By Cole Martin in occupied Bethlehem
Kia ora koutou,
I’m a Kiwi journo in occupied Bethlehem, here’s a brief summary of today’s events across the Palestinian and Israeli territories from on the ground.
The US struck three of Iran’s nuclear facilities overnight, entering the illegal aggression on Iran with heavy airstrikes despite no evidence that nuclear weapons are being developed. Israel continued its strikes attacking dozens of locations across Iran throughout the day. Three were killed in an Israeli drone attack on an ambulance in central Iran. At least 400 have been killed and 2000 injured, according to the latest Health Ministry figures.
*
Heavy Iranian retaliation strikes on Israeli territories saw about 27 injured.
*
At least 47 killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza today, 18 while seeking aid. Two killed and 15 wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a house west of Gaza city. The murder of firefighter Muhammad Ghurab brings the total Gaza civil defence casualties to 121, representing 14.3 percent of its employees.
Today I met a 10-year-old kid called Hassan on the streets of Bethlehem. He was looking for work. His dad had recently stopped working, unemployed like many in Bethlehem; around 80 percent of jobs here depend on tourism. He lives in al-Khader village, an hour’s walk away, but without opportunities there he had walked all this way in an attempt to help support his family.
Israel’s illegal occupation of the West Bank has suffocated the economy here for decades. Now, as the genocidal war on Gaza continues and Israeli aggression expands to Iran, drawing in the USA and threatening regional collapse, a 10-year-old boy takes to the streets of Bethlehem to find work.
*
Israel’s illegal siege across the West Bank continues. Large numbers of Israeli soldiers conducted extensive raids on Bethlehem’s Dheisheh camp including demolitions, arrests, and interrogations last night. Mass demolitions continue across Nour Shams camp in the north, and further arrests, demolitions, and incursions took place across the West Bank. Bethlehem’s gasoline shortages continue due to Israel’s ongoing siege.
*
Twenty five killed in a terror attack targeting Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria.
Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is attracting new migrants to bring their capital, experience and skills to New Zealand with a flood of formal interest in the new ‘golden’ visa.
Since only April – less than three months – Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has received 189 applications for the Active Investor Plus visa, significantly more than the 116 applications received over more than two-and-a-half years under previous settings, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says.
“New applications under the scheme represent a potential $845 million of new investment in New Zealand business.”
“Attracting investment to New Zealand is crucial to the country’s economic growth. It means Kiwi businesses can expand, hire and grow – and that means more opportunities for New Zealanders.
“Investor migrants are clearly attracted to New Zealand’s growing reputation as a safe, pro-business, high-potential economy. In a world where countries compete for dollars and talent, it’s great to see New Zealand’s growth prospects being recognised.”
“New investors don’t just bring their dollars to our shores, they also bring skills, knowledge and experience that will drive future economic development. It’s a win-win.”
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the interest shows investors hear the call loud and clear: New Zealand is open for business.
“We welcome your capital, your knowledge, and your contribution to New Zealand’s economic growth,” Ms Stanford says.
“We’re seeing strong momentum from global investors, particularly across Asia and North America. This reflects our growing reputation as a stable, forward-looking destination for investment and innovation.
“These are smart, flexible and nuanced immigration solutions to help stimulate economic growth.”
On April 1 the Government changed the Active Investor Plus visa to a simple two-pronged system: the Growth category and the Balanced category.
Other changes included expanding the scope of acceptable investments and removing potential barriers to investment, such as the English language requirement.
As at 23 June, 100 applications had been approved in principle, and of those, seven had transferred and invested their funds in New Zealand and had been granted a resident visa. Five of those were invested in the Growth category and two under the Balanced category, totalling a total minimum investment of $45 million.
Source: New Zealand Police
NZ Police and Customs have disrupted a Wellington-based syndicate dealing a variety of drugs into the community, seizing 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 1000 MDMA pills.
Over the past month a joint NZ Police and New Zealand Customs investigation – Operation Armani – identified a group smuggling significant amounts of drugs into New Zealand over a number of months. The 23 kilos of methamphetamine was intercepted at the border and has a street value of more than $8 million dollars. The MDMA seized has a street value of around $50,000.
Last week the National Organised Crime Group, Customs, district investigators and specialist support groups executed a number of search warrants across the Wellington district.
As a result four men, aged 26 to 30-years-old and residing in the Hutt Valley and Wellington city, are facing a range of serious charges. They include the import and supply of methamphetamine, and possession for supply of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis. Police also located a loaded pistol and ammunition, which has also resulted in charges. The four men have appeared in the Lower Hutt and Wellington District Courts.
“This investigation demonstrates how the excellent work of frontline Customs officers combined with the collaborative efforts of our Police partners is protecting our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs,” says Acting Customs Investigations Manager Matt Green.
“This is an enormous amount of serious harm being peddled into our communities, with these suppliers giving no conscious thought to the impact on those they are supplying to,” says Detective Inspector Darrin Thomson of NZ Police’s National Organised Crime Group.
“Meth is a highly addictive illicit substance that often leads to addiction and violence. It brings misery to families and relationships. Keeping New Zealand safe from those deriving profit from this offending is a priority for NZ Police.”
“This investigation is ongoing but we are confident we have made a dent in this syndicate’s supply chain and the charges reflect the seriousness of the alleged offending. Evidence gathered at the scene will allege that this syndicate had been operating for some time, and that Police and Customs’ actions have dismantled their offending and prevented future harm.”
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre.
Source: New Zealand Labour Party
Simeon Brown needs to be honest about how much more money he expects Health New Zealand to cut from its budget to get back in the black.
“National has chosen to underfund our health system and expects Health New Zealand to make even more cuts – but won’t say how much,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.
“Health New Zealand, which runs our hospitals and other healthcare services, was already $1.1 billion in the red. Funds needed to deal with a growing population and inflation are instead servicing the deficit.
“In today’s scrutiny week hearing, Simeon Brown pretended that all the new money from this year’s Budget would go on frontline services, but most of it will be swallowed by Health New Zealand’s $1.1 billion deficit.
“New Zealanders deserve to know where their money is going. They also deserve timely, quality care both in the community at their local doctor’s office, or in hospital should they need it. Simeon Brown is failing on both points.
“Simeon Brown’s refusal to answer basic questions—like how much further he’s prepared to slash Health New Zealand’s budget, or which parts of the health system are on the chopping block—shows a worrying lack of transparency. What is he hiding from New Zealanders?
“National is making cuts to services New Zealanders rely on and is not even brave enough tell us what they are,” Ayesha Verrall said.
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Covering period of Monday 23 – Thursday 26 June – A week that is starting dry and calm for most, is set to feature heavy rain and strong winds. This will bring a reprieve to the very cold and frosty mornings that many places have seen in the recent past.
Apart from a few showers mainly in the upper North Island and the northeastern areas of the South Island, MetService is forecasting fine weather and light southerly winds today (Monday) and tomorrow. This means that crispy overnight temperatures are still on the cards for today, after a past weekend that saw Christchurch reach its lowest temperature on record for the year, at -4.2℃.
However, this will change on Wednesday as a front accompanied by warmer and strong winds from the north is expected to move over New Zealand to mark the last week of school term.
Widespread rain is forecast to set in the western areas of the South Island early on Wednesday, gradually spreading to the east during the day. Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Fiordland and the Westland District, especially about the ranges. Even away from areas of heavy rain, these wet and windy conditions will still be felt. A Strong Wind Watch have been issued for Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago and Southland, with wind gusts expected to reach 100 km/h in exposed places.
On Thursday, these rainy and windy conditions are expected to move into the North Island, affecting the southern and the western areas during the first half of the day. Similar to the South Island, as the conditions become widespread, some places may get hit by heavy rain, and severe gale winds in exposed places. Warmer overnight temperatures will precede these conditions, where minimums of mid-teens are forecast across the Island.
While the rain and wind are set to ease for some, these adverse conditions are expected to last into the weekend in some parts of the country, with even a possibility of snowfall in Otago and Canterbury on Saturday. MetService is constantly monitoring the situation, and more weather warnings will be issued and updated through the period.
By Giles Dexter, RNZ News political reporter
The Defence Force is sending a plane to the Middle East to assist any New Zealanders stranded in Iran or Israel.
The C-130J Hercules, along with government personnel, will leave Auckland on Monday.
Airspace is still closed in the region, but Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment was part of New Zealand’s contingency plans.
“Airspace in Israel and Iran remains heavily restricted, which means getting people out by aircraft is not yet possible, but by positioning an aircraft, and defence and foreign affairs personnel in the region, we may be able to do more when airspace reopens,” she said.
The government was also in discussions with commercial airlines to see what they could do to assist, although it was uncertain when airspace would reopen.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealanders should do everything they could to leave now, if they could find a safe route.
“We know it will not be safe for everyone to leave Iran or Israel, and many people may not have access to transport or fuel supplies,” he said.
‘Stay in touch’
“If you are in this situation, you should shelter in place, follow appropriate advice from local authorities and stay in touch with family and friends where possible.”
Peters reiterated New Zealand’s call for diplomacy and dialogue.
“Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying and it is critical further escalation is avoided,” he said. “New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy.
“We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”
It will take a few days for the Hercules to reach the region.
New Zealanders in Iran and Israel needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry’s Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20.
New Zealand hoped the aircraft and personnel would not be needed, and diplomatic efforts would prevail, Collins re-iterated.
The ministers would not say where exactly the plane and personnel would be based, for security reasons.
Registered number in Iran jumps
Peters told reporters the number of New Zealanders registered in Iran had jumped since the escalation of the crisis.
“We thought, at a certain time, we had them all counted out at 46,” he said. “It’s far more closer to 80 now, because they’re coming out of the woodwork, despite the fact that, for months, we said, ‘Look, this is a danger zone’, and for a number of days we’ve said, ‘Get out if you possibly can’.”
There were 101 New Zealanders registered in Israel. Again, Peters said the figure had risen recently.
He indicated people from other nations could be assisted, similar to when the NZDF assisted in repatriations from New Caledonia last year.
Labour defence spokesperson Peeni Henare supported the move.
“I acknowledge the news that the New Zealand Defence Force will soon begin a repatriation mission to the Middle East, and thank the crew and officials on this mission for their ongoing work to bring New Zealanders home safely,” he said.
While he agreed with the government that the attacks were a dangerous escalation of the conflict and supported the government’s calls for dialogue, he said the US bombing of Iran was a breach of international law and the government should be saying it.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
By Giles Dexter, RNZ News political reporter
The Defence Force is sending a plane to the Middle East to assist any New Zealanders stranded in Iran or Israel.
The C-130J Hercules, along with government personnel, will leave Auckland on Monday.
Airspace is still closed in the region, but Defence Minister Judith Collins said the deployment was part of New Zealand’s contingency plans.
“Airspace in Israel and Iran remains heavily restricted, which means getting people out by aircraft is not yet possible, but by positioning an aircraft, and defence and foreign affairs personnel in the region, we may be able to do more when airspace reopens,” she said.
The government was also in discussions with commercial airlines to see what they could do to assist, although it was uncertain when airspace would reopen.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said New Zealanders should do everything they could to leave now, if they could find a safe route.
“We know it will not be safe for everyone to leave Iran or Israel, and many people may not have access to transport or fuel supplies,” he said.
‘Stay in touch’
“If you are in this situation, you should shelter in place, follow appropriate advice from local authorities and stay in touch with family and friends where possible.”
Peters reiterated New Zealand’s call for diplomacy and dialogue.
“Ongoing military action in the Middle East is extremely worrying and it is critical further escalation is avoided,” he said. “New Zealand strongly supports efforts towards diplomacy.
“We urge all parties to return to talks. Diplomacy will deliver a more enduring resolution than further military action.”
It will take a few days for the Hercules to reach the region.
New Zealanders in Iran and Israel needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry’s Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20.
New Zealand hoped the aircraft and personnel would not be needed, and diplomatic efforts would prevail, Collins re-iterated.
The ministers would not say where exactly the plane and personnel would be based, for security reasons.
Registered number in Iran jumps
Peters told reporters the number of New Zealanders registered in Iran had jumped since the escalation of the crisis.
“We thought, at a certain time, we had them all counted out at 46,” he said. “It’s far more closer to 80 now, because they’re coming out of the woodwork, despite the fact that, for months, we said, ‘Look, this is a danger zone’, and for a number of days we’ve said, ‘Get out if you possibly can’.”
There were 101 New Zealanders registered in Israel. Again, Peters said the figure had risen recently.
He indicated people from other nations could be assisted, similar to when the NZDF assisted in repatriations from New Caledonia last year.
Labour defence spokesperson Peeni Henare supported the move.
“I acknowledge the news that the New Zealand Defence Force will soon begin a repatriation mission to the Middle East, and thank the crew and officials on this mission for their ongoing work to bring New Zealanders home safely,” he said.
While he agreed with the government that the attacks were a dangerous escalation of the conflict and supported the government’s calls for dialogue, he said the US bombing of Iran was a breach of international law and the government should be saying it.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are issuing a clarification regarding an assault in Takanini yesterday.
While the incident took place on the grounds itself, it occurred at a sports complex located next to the Takanini Sikh Temple, not in the temple itself.
ENDS.
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
By Mark Rabago, RNZ Pacific Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas correspondent
Leaders in the US-affliliated Pacific Islands have reacted to the US strikes on Iran.
US president Donald Trump said Iran must now make peace or “we will go after” other targets in Iran, after US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the US had begun a “dangerous war against Iran”, according to a statement shared by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Governor Arnold Palacios of the Northern Marianas said he WAs “monitoring the situation in our region with our US military partners”.
“The Northern Marianas remains alert and we remain positively hopeful and confident that peace and diplomacy reign for the benefit of our fellow brethren here at home and around the world.”
Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the Marianas had long understood “the delicate balance between strategic presence and peace”.
“As tensions rise in the Middle East, I’m hopeful that diplomacy remains the guiding force,” she said.
“My prayers are with the service members and their families throughout the region, most especially those from our islands who quietly serve in defense of global stability.”
No credible threats
Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said that there were no credible threats to their island, and “we will do everything in our power to keep Guam safe”.
“Our people have always been resilient in the face of uncertainty, and today, as we watch our nation take action overseas, that strength matters more than ever,” she said.
“Guam is proud to support the men and women who serve our country — and we feel the weight of that commitment every day as home to vital military installations.”
She said she and her team have been in close touch with local military leaders.
“I encourage everyone to stay calm and informed by official sources, to look out for one another, and to hold in our thoughts the troops, their loved ones, and all innocent people caught in this conflict.”
Lieutenant-Governor Josh Tenorio said: “What is unfolding in the Middle East is serious, and it reminds us that our prayers and our preparedness must go hand in hand.
“While we stand by our troops and support our national security, we also remain committed to the values of peace and resilience. Our teams are working closely with our Homeland Security advisor, Joint Region Marianas, Joint Task Force-Micronesia, and the Guam National Guard to stay ahead of any changes.”
Long-time warnings
Meanwhile, Mark Anufat Terlaje-Pangelinan, one of the protesters during the recent 32nd Pacific Islands Environmental Training Symposium on Saipan, said he was not surprised by the US attack on Iran.
“This is exactly what we concerned citizens have been warning against for the longest time,” he said.
Terlaje-Pangelinan said the potential of CNMI troops and the Marianas itself being dragged into a wider and more protracted conflict was disheartening.
“Perpetuating the concept of the CNMI being a tip of the spear more than being a bridge for peace between the Pacific landscapes does more harm than good.
“The CNMI will never be fully prepped for war. With our only safe havens being the limited number of caves we have on island, we are at more risk to be under attack than any other part of America.”
Iran requested an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, it said in a letter issued Sunday, urging the council to condemn the US strikes on its nuclear facilities.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the US military action in Iran as a direct threat to world peace and security.
Officials in Iran are downplaying the impact of US strikes on its nuclear facilities, particularly the Fordow site buried deep in the mountains, in sharp contrast with Trump’s claims that the attack “obliterated” them.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
Source: NewzEngine.com
After a successful beta-launch in April PodTalk.live is now ready to invite people in New Zealand to register as foundation members. Foundation members are free to join the post and podcast social platform.
The Foundation Membership soft-launch is a great opportunity for founders to help shape a brand new, vibrant, algorithm-free, info discussion and debate social platform.
Developer of the platform, Selwyn Manning said: “PodTalk.live has been put to test by selected individuals and we are pleased to report that it has performed fabulously.”
Manning is founder and managing director of the company that custom-developed PodTalk.live – Multimedia Investments Ltd (MIL: milnz.co.nz).
MIL is based in New Zealand, where PodTalk.live was developed and is served from.
And now, PodTalk.live has emerged from its Beta stage and is ready for foundation members to shape the next phase of its development.
About PodTalk.Live:
PodTalk.live was designed to be an alternative platform to other social media platforms. PodTalk has all the functions that most social media platforms have but has placed the user-experience at the centre of its backend design and engineering.
PodTalk.live has been custom-designed, created and is served from New Zealand.
“We ourselves became annoyed at how social media giants use algorithms to drive what content their users see and experience. And, we also were appalled at how some social media companies trade user data, and were unresponsive to user-concerns” Selwyn Manning said.
“So we decided to create a platform that focuses on ‘discussion and debate’ communities, and we have engineered PodTalk to ensure the content that users see is what they choose – rather than some obscure algorithm making that decision for them.
“PodTalk.live is independent from other social media platforms, and at best will become an alternative choice for people who seek a community where they are the centre of a platform’s core purpose.
“And today, we invite people to sign up now and become foundation members of this new and ethically-based social community platform,” Selwyn Manning said.
PodTalk.live provides:
In addition, PodTalk.live will host:
Security Safety Moderation:
Security and safety has been baked into PodTalk’s function and culture. And at PodTalk, free-speech is welcomed but hate speech is rejected.
“With PodTalk, we recognise that many people, wherever they live, require security and at times anonymity so to avoid reprisals from authorities and other actors,” Selwyn Manning said.
“Along with a strong focus on security, and guidance on how to remain anonymous when necessary, we have built robust member-moderation into the core of PodTalk to ensure users are in control of their experience.”
“PodTalk has robust moderation tools so that members can easily block and report those who they feel disrupt their experience,” Selwyn Manning said.
And now, we invite all who seek an information, discussion and debating community to register as foundation members.
To do so, simply go to: https://PodTalk.Live and register. Once on the platform, members can familiarise themselves with what PodTalk.Live has to offer, and begin to create their own online community experience.
“We are working on audio-to-text multi-language translation+transcription tools, and will soon push the boundaries of cutting edge on-platform communication tools,” Selwyn Manning said.
The platform already has cutting edge tech, also smart community and premium publishing tools – including an invitation tool so you can invite your friends and grow your community.
PodTalk.live is founded on the belief that for social, political and economical progress to occur people need to discuss issues in a safe environment and embark on robust debate.
Register free as a founder. Check out the platform. See you there…
– Published by MIL OSI in partnership with NewzEngine.com
Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries
The former director of a fishing company who knew fish was being caught and landed illegally for profit, has been jailed for 16 months.
Glen Owen Wright (37), former director of All Weather Fishing Company Limited, was sentenced in the Auckland District Court last week (Thursday 19 June 2025) following a successful prosecution by Fisheries New Zealand. He faced a representative charge under the Fisheries Act for failing to prevent the offending by his company along with obstructing a fishery officer.
The sentencing marks the end of a long Fisheries New Zealand compliance investigation which included successful prosecutions of another company and individuals for related offending.
“Mr Wright was the director of a company that illegally caught and landed nearly 15 tonnes of snapper, and more than 140kg of kahawai and 40kg of grey mullet,” says Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries compliance Steve Ham.
“The company did not have the required quota to legally catch the fish and did not report or record the catch.
“The rules are there to ensure sustainability for everyone. The court found Mr Wright was aware that fish was being caught and landed illegally by his company but did nothing to prevent it.
“The vast majority of commercial fishers do the right thing. This fish was stolen, and the motivation was greed and profit.”
Fisheries New Zealand’s investigation earlier tracked the illegally caught fish and prosecuted those responsible for its trade. In August last year, Auckland licenced fish receiver, Sea World Limited, which traded as Seamart, was fined $360,000 for illegally supplying fish valued at over $348,000 to other seafood companies.
Media release: Fish trading company fined $360,000, employee jailed for 3 years 7 months
An employee, Marco Taukatelata (50), was jailed for 3 years and 7 months and a former company director, Haihong Liu (44), was placed on 12 months home detention for their roles in the offending.
“The court’s sentence today should send a strong message that there are serious consequences for anyone involved in this type of black market trade.”
Mr Wright is currently imprisoned for unrelated offences.
MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal activity through the ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24)
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand’s horticulturalists are breaking new ground with exports tipped to surpass $8 billion for the first time, Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg says.
“New Zealand’s horticulture sector is poised for impressive growth, with export revenue forecast to hit a record $8.5 billion by 30 June 2025,” Ms Grigg says.
“That’s phenomenal growth of 19 per cent – the fastest of any agricultural sector – reflecting the dedication and resilience of our growers and exporters.
“Looking ahead, the sector’s continued hard work is expected to drive that even higher, with export revenue forecast to climb to $9.8 billion by 2029.
“These numbers reflect the vital role horticulture plays in New Zealand’s economy and global trade.
“Kiwifruit and apple exports are the key drivers behind these figures. Bumper kiwifruit crops are driving a forecast 36 per cent increase in export revenue to $3.9 billion – a remarkable achievement,” Ms Grigg says.
“Increased export volumes and average export prices are behind a forecast 18 per cent jump in apple and pear exports to $1.1 billion this year, surpassing $1 billion for the first time, and avocados are expected to rebound by an impressive 192 per cent to reach $108 million.
“These strong results are thanks to the dedication and hard work of our fruit and vege growers – and the Government is fully committed to backing their ongoing success.
“The Government is working hard to ensure the right settings are in place to support to grow their businesses.
“For example, we’ve recently opened public consultation on the biggest package of changes to national direction under the Resource Management Act in New Zealand’s history.
“This includes removing unnecessary consents for practices like crop rotation, enabling commercial domestic vegetable growing, and supporting long-term water security by enabling water storage.
“Our common-sense proposals streamline or remove many of the burdensome regulations holding our growers back.
“The Government will keep working hard to support Kiwi growers to boost on-farm productivity and profitability, drive higher farmgate returns, and strengthen our rural communities.”
Source: New Zealand Police
Police are following positive lines of enquiry into an assault at a Sikh Temple in Takanini on Sunday evening.
Two people were treated for minor injuries following the incident which occurred at around 5pm at the Takanini School Road site.
“An offender entered the temple and approached a man known to him, who was at the rear of the temple,” Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor of Counties Manukau CIB says.
“He has begun to assault the man, before bystanders have intervened to stop the offending.”
During this intervention, a second victim has suffered minor injuries.
Security removed the man and he was seen getting into a vehicle before Police arrived on scene.
Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says Police have since spoken with the driver of the vehicle, after it was stopped in the Manurewa area later in the evening.
Police are following positive lines of enquiry in relation to the offender.
Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says the incident is not being treated as a hate-motivated crime.
“We acknowledge that this incident was confronting for those who were present at the temple at the time,” Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says.
“However, we have established that this incident occurred as a result of a dispute between two parties known to each other.
“Both victims have since received treatment at a local medical centre and fortunately no one was seriously injured as a result.”
Police are carrying out reassurance patrols around the temple as a result of the incident.
Anyone with information that can assist enquiries can update Police online now or call 105, using the reference number 250622/3501.
ENDS.
Nicole Bremner/NZ Police
ASB has appointed Frank Jasper to the new role of Chief Investment Officer (CIO), strengthening ASB’s in-house investment management expertise.
Frank has a proven track record of success as an investment manager, including time as a Senior Portfolio Manager and then Chief Investment Officer at Fisher Funds, with more than 20 years of experience in the industry.
Frank will work closely with ASB investment partner, BlackRock, which will see clients continue to benefit from BlackRock’s global reach, expertise, and proven performance.
“I look forward to building on ASB’s strong investment track record, working alongside BlackRock to continue to deliver strong returns for our clients in a rapidly changing environment.
Delivering strong investment returns is only part of the puzzle to unlock greater wealth for Kiwi. I am very passionate about helping our clients, and all New Zealanders, to feel empowered to make better investment decisions, which will have a great long-term impact on their finances.” says Frank.
ASB General Manager Wealth Emma-Jayne Liddy says Frank is a fantastic addition to the ASB team, bringing valuable experience and perspective both from his role on our Investment Committee and beyond, and is joining at a critical time for this part of the business.
“It’s an exciting time for our Wealth business. We are proud of our strong investment track record, with the Morningstar KiwiSaver Survey placing our 12-month returns in the top quartile across all our diversified funds as at 31 March 2025. Additionally, the MJW 2025 Investment Survey has placed us in first place for one-year returns, across our Growth, Balanced and Moderate KiwiSaver funds, and we were also a finalist for Fund Manager of the year for 2025 in the Morningstar Awards for Investing Excellence. We want to continue building on this success for our clients.
With a volatile market, the recent changes to KiwiSaver announced by the Government, and an uncertain geopolitical environment, it’s important for our clients and all New Zealanders to have confidence in their investments.
We have a big role to play here and we’re looking forward to Frank’s leadership and expertise to help set the business up to deliver on its ambition.” says Emma-Jayne.
Frank Jasper started in his new role in June 2025. Alongside his new role as ASB CIO, Frank will continue as a member of the ASB Investment Committee, which he has been a part of since 2022.
ASB has today reduced five of its fixed home lending rates by up to 16 basis points, including two of its most popular terms.
ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says “We know there are many New Zealanders looking to refix their mortgage or take on the significant title of homeowner this year, and we’re pleased to support them with lower rates. Those considering our 12-month fixed home loan will be paying 2.50% less interest than they would have been 18 months ago. On a loan of $500,000, this reduction in interest translates to an extra $12,500 a year which will make a real difference to many households across the country.”
ASB also reduced some term deposit rates by between 5 and 20 basis points.
All rate decreases are effective immediately.
|
Fixed home lending term |
Previous rate |
New rate |
Rate decrease |
|
6-month |
5.45% |
5.29% |
– 16 bps |
|
1-year |
4.95% |
4.89% |
– 6 bps |
|
3-year |
5.15% |
5.09% |
– 6 bps |
|
4-year |
5.59% |
5.49% |
– 10 bps |
PSNA is delighted to announce the visit to Aotearoa New Zealand by Palestinian journalist and author Yousef Aljamal. Yousef will address public meetings across the country as well as talking with faith communities, trade union representatives and media organisations.
Yousef will be here from 16 to 30 June and will have public events in Whangarei, Waitangi, Ngāmotu/New Plymouth, Whanganui, Tauranga-Moana, Thames, Ōtautahi/Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
“This is an opportunity for New Zealanders to hear directly from a key Palestinian journalist and author at a time when Palestinian voices are almost totally absent from our mainstream media” says PSNA Co-national Chair Maher Nazzal.
“For 18 months our media has been flooded with Israeli narratives, Israeli explanations, Israeli justifications and Israeli spokespeople. Israeli propaganda points are relentlessly covered while Palestinians – as the victims of 77 years of brutal oppression, ethnic cleansing and apartheid polices – have been rendered all but invisible”. If they are shown, it is a incoherent victims of overwhelming suffering. They rarely have the opportunity for their humanity to shine.
“New Zealanders need to hear from Yousef Aljamal and our mainstream media has a responsibility to report his visit and what he has to say”
“Palestinians face the most horrendous conditions imaginable with the genocidal attacks on Gaza; the blockade on food, water, fuel and medical supplies to 2 million people; the pogroms against Palestinian towns and villages in the Occupied West Bank; complicit silence from Western governments, New Zealand included, and western media indifference”
Yousef’s biographical details:
Yousef is a Palestinian journalist and author. He holds an MA degree from the Department of International and Strategic Studies at the University of Malaya in Malaysia.
He was awarded his PhD from the Middle East Institute at Sakarya University in Turkey.
In addition to his research interests in diaspora, security, and indigenous studies, Yousef Aljamal has been involved on a number of book projects including translations of books on Palestinian prisoners, among them Dreaming of Freedom: Palestinian ChildPrisoners Speak (2016), and a collection of stories about the shared struggle of Palestinian and Irish Hunger Strikers.
Most recently he edited If I Must Die: Poetry and Prose by the recently assassinated Refaat Alareer.
Yousef Aljamal has published a number of journal articles on topics that include Palestinians in the diaspora, travel restrictions imposed on Palestinians, and struggles for liberation.
He is also the Gaza Coordinator of the American Fri
The move follows the inking of long-term contracts with global law enforcement advisory organisation World Policing in the UK, which provides governance and technical advice to thousands of police forces around the world, and a specialist consulting firm that supports Government security and law enforcement agencies throughout Europe and North America, including the FBI.
Vantaset, founded by performance expert Craig Steel, whose team includes a former All Blacks manager and two Olympians, has unveiled a platform-as-a-service (PaaS) model designed to optimise workplace performance using a scientifically engineered system to help athletes deliver personal bests on demand.
The global interest from global law enforcement and defence agencies in the company’s platform, which took seven years and $7 million to develop, follows the success of an earlier iteration of the framework with the New Zealand Police under former commissioner Mike Bush.
The process, which was credited by Bush as helping him achieve what was described as one of the most successful Government sector transformations in history, not only lifted staff engagement and public trust in the organisation, it helped him reduce crime by over 20%.1
Steel says discussions are underway with a number of North American police chiefs and defence experts who have identified their process as a potential solution to address plummeting engagement and retention issues they are facing.
“They told us this was the most promising process they’ve seen to address what they describe as a leadership and engagement crisis affecting critical agencies globally, so piloting the process is the logical next step in demonstrating its effectiveness in this environment.”
Bernard Rix, chairman of World Policing says, “Given the demonstrable impact Vantaset’s technology had on New Zealand Police, we’re confident it can be implemented in other law enforcement agencies around the world to help them improve the performance of their respective forces, which is why we’ve partnered with them.”
Steel’s work began three decades ago as a study into ‘athlete capitulation’, the moment top athletes psychologically collapse under pressure. By reverse engineering the process he identified that caused it, Steel developed a repeatable framework that helped New Zealand athletes amass over 20 World Cup and World Championship equivalent titles.
Described as ‘one of the single greatest breakthroughs in human performance,’ the framework delivered unparalleled results, enabling athletes to achieve personal bests 87% of the time they competed in Tier 1 events compared to the international average of 8-10%.
“What began as a system for world-class athletes is now changing the way organisations develop and engage their workforce,” says Steel.
“We’re focused on helping organisations, including the Police, improve the impact and effectiveness of their staff as their personal performance is vital to the nations they represent.
Kiwi Olympians Moss Burmester and advisor Anthony Moss are part of the team looking to take the same high-performance principles that helped them succeed on the world stage into boardrooms, government agencies and frontline services.
Steel says too many organisations default to a risk-averse mindset, building internal frameworks focused on controlling resources which stifles ingenuity.
“Our work began with high-performance sport. But when we were invited to trial it in business, the results were just as transformative.
Steel’s system codifies elite performance enabling leaders to support every level of their organisation. “It’s about unlocking the potential that already exists in their business as opposed to just trying to mitigate its risks, which crushes innovation,” he says.
“In elite sport, the goal is never to avoid failure, it’s to produce something exceptional. But in the business world, most performance management systems are built to manage issues when they occur rather than amplifying the organisation’s capacity to perform. Steel says Vantaset’s platform ‘flips the script’ by embedding performance principles drawn from decades of helping top-tier athletes win on the world stage.
“What we’ve done is build a high-performance operating system that organisations can scale across their entire workforce so they can embed a proven way of working that brings out the best in everyone. The focus isn’t on minimising mistakes, it’s on helping people be the most effective versions of themselves, as that’s what drives growth and improvement.”
Over 100 organisations and around 30,000 employees have benefited from Steel’s process to date, although their new digital platform will enable Vantaset to scale globally. The firm has assisted both public and private sector clients across New Zealand and Australia for over a decade but plans to expand into other Five Eyes nations in the years ahead.
“We’ve chosen to focus on the Five Eyes nations because we recognise that when it comes to working with defence forces and critical government agencies, trust and national security considerations are paramount.
“If we were to work with non-aligned or competing jurisdictions, it could close doors to the agencies in the nations we’re best positioned to support. This strategic alignment should ensure our eligibility to work with the most sensitive public sector environments, where human performance is most vital.”
Vantaset is also engaging with international consulting firms to act as distribution partners to accelerate its global expansion, given its applicability to Government agencies and the private sector.
1 International consulting group McKinsey and Co’s Centre for Government focuses on helping the public sector tackle complex challenges, modernise organisations and improve services. This group identified NZ Police’s change process as “one of the most successful Government sector transformations in history”.
Invercargill City Council is set to vote on Tuesday on a change to its procurement policy to exclude companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.
The proposal was brought by local residents and members of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa. If adopted, Invercargill would become the latest in a growing wave of local councils – including Christchurch, Nelson, and Environment Canterbury – aligning spending in this way.
“This is about responsible stewardship” said the group, “making sure ratepayer money isn’t used in ways that contradict New Zealand’s foreign policy or international law.”
A staff report released ahead of the vote supports adopting the change into the Council’s Supplier Code of Conduct. It confirms the move aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2334 – co-sponsored by New Zealand in 2016 under a National government — which called the settlements a “flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle” to peace.
“Western governments have failed for decades to hold Israel to account,” said the group. “Last year the International Court of Justice ruled Israel’s 57 year long occupation breaches international law on apartheid and racial segregation. No council wants to fund companies complicit in that — this is the moment to act.”
The staff report noted that the proposal, which targets a narrow list of companies named by the UN as involved in illegal settlements, would add weight to government rules which allow companies to be excluded on human rights grounds. Councils, while not legally required, are encouraged by the Auditor-General to follow these to avoid stakeholder challenge.
“International law protects all of us – especially New Zealand as a small country,” the group added. “When we let powerful countries violate the rules with impunity, we all become more vulnerable.”
The initiative has drawn support from a wide range of national and local organisations, including trade unions, faith leaders, and businesses.
The group will present the same proposal to Environment Southland the following day.
S Palliser
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) Invercargill