NewzIntel.com

Category: New Zealand

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ministerial statement to the House on the Middle East

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Almost a month ago, on 24 June 2025, we delivered our most recent Ministerial statement on the Middle East to this House.

    At that time, the world was grappling with Israel and Iran bombing each another. New Zealanders were in harm’s way. The spectre of escalation and a wider regional war was very real. Back then, we called for de-escalation, dialogue and ceasefire. Thankfully, the United States was able to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran – and that wider regional war has, for the time being at least, been avoided.

    A month later, though, we continue to be confronted by horrifying scenes playing out in Gaza.

    We have the horror of innocent Israeli families, robbed of their loved ones in October 2023 by Hamas’ heinous and immoral hostage taking, still yearning and demanding for them to be freed.

    And we have the horror of more and more innocent Palestinian civilians starving, being deprived of their basic needs, and being killed every day – because Israel’s military response to the events of October 7 2023 long ago ceased to be proportionate, reasonable or moral; and because Hamas continues to act with complete disregard for civilian life.

    The international community is united in its revulsion to what is happening in Gaza. This horror must end. Too many lives have been lost. Too many people have been traumatised, polarised and embittered – ensuring that yet another generation of Israeli and Palestinian children are born into a situation of insufferable conflict and enmity.

    That is why New Zealand has come together with Foreign Ministers from 27 other countries to state as clearly as we can that enough is enough. That this war must end now. That this suffering is intolerable.

    In that joint statement, we condemned Hamas’ continued detention of Israeli hostages and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

    And we condemned Israel’s policies which are leading to untold and unimaginable suffering and death among Palestinian civilians – and we called for it to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

    The international community is joined by an overwhelming majority of Israelis and Palestinians in wanting an immediate ceasefire. That is understandable because only a negotiated ceasefire offers the best hope of bringing Israeli hostages home and of ending the immense suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

    New Zealand has always accepted that it has limited influence over the course of this generations-long conflict. The Middle East is a long way away from New Zealand. But we can and must still do our part. And New Zealand’s position has, for decades, been consistent: we want dialogue, we want diplomacy, we want negotiation, and we want a two-state solution.

    We call out all actions which undermine the conditions for a two-state solution. This New Zealand government has designated the entirety of Hamas, whose stated objectives include the complete destruction of Israel, as a terrorist organisation. We have also put in place travel bans against Israeli Ministers who have taken concrete steps to undermine the two-state solution by advocating illegal settlements and settler violence.

    As today’s joint statement by 28 Foreign Ministers says: we strongly oppose any steps towards territorial or demographic change in the occupied Palestinian Territories. Such steps seek to undermine the two-state solution, and they must stop.

    The only way forward is an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire. Human suffering is indiscriminate. In this conflict it has been inflicted in vast quantities on Israelis and Palestinians; Jews, Muslims and Christians. Further bloodshed serves absolutely no purpose. It must stop.

    New Zealand, with our partners, reaffirms our complete support for the efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt to achieve a ceasefire. We wish them well in this important task.

    And, ultimately, what we must see is a political pathway towards peace for Israelis and Palestinians, living securely side by side. Only then can this long-running cycle of conflict be ended – in the hope that the next generation of Israeli and Palestinian children can know better, brighter days.

    No matter how hopeless the situation seems, that must be the international community’s objective. And New Zealand will continue to do what it can to contribute to those efforts.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Speech at the signing of the Harmony Accord

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Tēnā koutou katoa. Shalom. As-salamu alaykum.

    I would like to acknowledge:

    Your Excellency, The Right Honourable Dame Cindy Kiro
    His Excellency Dr Richard Andrew
    Faith and community leaders – Ibrar Sheikh, President of the Islamic Associations of New Zealand, and Phillip Green from the New Zealand Jewish Community Security Group Charitable Trust
    Police Commissioner, Richard Chambers
    Dr Melissa Derby, Race Relations Commissioner
    Parliamentary colleagues
    And other distinguished guests

    It is a real honour to be here today as the Minister for Ethnic Communities for the signing of the Harmony and Peace Accord between Jewish and Muslim organisations.  

    This is a significant and brave stand taken by leaders of deep conviction, against division, hatred, and fear.

    To the leaders here today, you have my deepest respect. 

    Your commitment to dialogue, to mutual respect, and to standing together in difficult times is something we can all learn from. Thank you for your leadership and for the example you have set.

    At a time when global conflicts have placed immense strain on many communities worldwide, and where we are seeing growing Islamophobia and Antisemitism, you have chosen the right pathway for us as country – a path guided by responsibility, not reaction. In doing so, you have shown the very best of leadership.

    As Minister, I have had the opportunity to work closely with Jewish and Muslim communities. I have seen firsthand efforts to confront hate that our communities are facing in day-to-day life here in New Zealand. 

    We acknowledge the pain and pressure felt by our communities, and we understand the deep emotions tied to what is happening in other parts of the world. 

    This is where our shared values as a country must be a shield to protect our communities, our children and those who are frightened by global conflict to ensure that those conflicts are not imported into New Zealand and do not become divisions of our own.

    We are a country shaped by diversity. Whether your ancestors arrived centuries ago or just last year, New Zealand is home to people of every ethnicity, every background, and every faith. That is our strength. And we are guided by Kiwi values – manaakitanga, fairness, and giving everyone a fair go. We believe in respect, in dialogue, and in treating each other with dignity, regardless of difference.

    But these values aren’t passive. They are upheld by action. Every New Zealander, whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, or of no faith, has a responsibility to help keep our country peaceful and united. That means standing up against hate crime, against racism, and against violence – wherever it tries to take root.

    We are fortunate to live in a democracy – one that protects freedom of speech and the right to protest. These are pillars of our society. But with those freedoms comes responsibility: to protest peacefully, to speak respectfully, and to never let those freedoms be twisted into a licence for hatred or intimidation.

    Our diversity should never divide us. Whether you are a Jewish Kiwi, a Muslim Kiwi, or a Christian Kiwi, we are, first and foremost, Kiwis. And as Kiwis, we stand together. We will not import hate. We will not allow conflict from abroad to create fear or division at home. We will protect each other through respect, through tolerance, and through peace.

    This Accord is a testament to what is possible when brave people choose unity over fear.  

    Let it be more than a document – let it be a beginning. A beginning of deeper conversations, stronger relationships, and a more resilient, inclusive New Zealand.

    Let this moment remind us all that peace is not something we inherit, it is something we build, together.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Sky TV to buy channel Three owner Discovery NZ for $1

    By Anan Zaki, RNZ News business reporter

    Sky TV has agreed to fully acquire TV3 owner Discovery New Zealand for $1.

    Discovery NZ is a part of US media giant Warner Bros Discovery, and operates channel Three and online streaming platform ThreeNow.

    NZX-listed Sky said the deal would be completed on a cash-free, debt-free basis, with completion expected on August 1.

    Sky expected the deal to deliver revenue diversification and uplift of around $95 million a year.

    Sky expected Discovery NZ’s operations to deliver sustainable underlying earnings growth of at least $10 million from the 2028 financial year.

    Sky chief executive Sophie Moloney said it was a compelling opportunity for the company, with net integration costs of about $6.5 million.

    “This is a compelling opportunity for Sky that directly supports our ambition to be Aotearoa New Zealand’s most engaging and essential media company,” she said.

    Confidential advance notice
    Sky said it gave the Commerce Commission confidential advance notice of the transaction, and the commission did not intend to consider the acquisition further.

    Warner Bros Discovery Australia and NZ managing director Michael Brooks said it was a “fantastic outcome” for both companies.

    “The continued challenges faced by the New Zealand media industry are well documented, and over the past 12 months, the Discovery NZ team has worked to deliver a new, more sustainable business model following a significant restructure in 2024,” Brooks said.

    “While this business is not commercially viable as a standalone asset in WBD’s New Zealand portfolio, we see the value Three and ThreeNow can bring to Sky’s existing offering of complementary assets.”

    Sky said on completion, Discovery NZ’s balance sheet would be clear of some long-term obligations, including property leases and content commitments, and would include assets such as the ThreeNow platform.

    Sky said irrespective of the transaction, the company was confident of achieving its 30 cents a share dividend target for 2026.

    ‘Massive change’ for NZ media – ThreeNews to continue
     Founder of The Spinoff and media commentator Duncan Greive said the deal would give Sky more reach and was a “massive change” in New Zealand’s media landscape.

    He noted Sky’s existing free-to-air presence via Sky Open (formerly Prime), but said acquiring Three gave it the second-most popular audience outlet on TV.

    “Because of the inertia of how people use television, Three is just a much more accessible channel and one that’s been around longer,” Greive said.

    “To have basically the second-most popular channel in the country as part of their stable just means they’ve got a lot more ad inventory, much bigger audiences.”

    It also gave Sky another outlet for their content, and would allow it to compete further against TVNZ, both linear and online, Greive said.

    He said there may be a question mark around the long-term future of Three’s news service, which was produced by Stuff.

    No reference to ThreeNews
    Sky made no reference to ThreeNews in its announcement. However, Stuff confirmed ThreeNews would continue for now.

    “Stuff’s delivery of ThreeNews is part of the deal but there are also now lots of new opportunities ahead that we are excited to explore together,” Stuff owner Sinead Boucher said in a statement.

    On the deal itself, Boucher said she was “delighted” to see Three back in New Zealand ownership under Sky.

    “And who doesn’t love a $1 deal!” Boucher said, referring to her own $1 deal to buy Stuff from Australia’s Nine Entertainment in 2020.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Next steps for state highway recovery and repairs in the top of the South

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Planning is underway for recovery work on state highways in the top of the South Island.

    The region’s highways have taken a battering from two recent bad weather events, with key routes in Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough affected.

    Mark Owen, Regional Manager for the Lower North Island/Top of the South, says some areas have suffered significant damage and will need substantial repairs.

    “On the Tākaka Hill, we have two slip sites and a slump site that will need remedial work. We expect single-lane stop/go traffic management to remain in place on the hill until the end of the year.”

    There are also scour, slip, and washout repairs needed on State Highway 6 from Belgrove to Kohatu, and an underslip site at Coal Creek near Owen River that needs to be fixed.”

    “We also have work to do in Nelson. Everyone is well aware of the recent closures of State Highway 6 Rocks Road and the slips on this road. We are working on a long-term solution that will see new retaining works done along the top of the cliff face,” Mr Owen says.

    SH6 Rocks Road slip site.

    And he says work is also required in Marlborough, particularly on State Highway 63 through the Wairau Valley.

    “Here, the most pressing task is the washout at Andersons Bridge. Although there are also road repairs  needed west of the Waihopai Bridge where the highway has suffered flood scouring.”

    Mr Owen says it is essential people realise these are areas which are likely to have ongoing work for some time.

    “We are still working through the details – getting geotechnical and site assessments completed and working on designs and solutions.”

    “Once these are finalised, we will be able to share more details about how long specific sites will be affected, and how long people can expect to experience travel delays while repairs are completed. We will keep the community updated,” Mr. Owen says.

    He warns disruptions and delays will be ongoing.

    “Our contractors will work as hard as they can to complete projects as quickly as they can. But it is important people appreciate the top of the South has experienced three major rain events in quick succession.”

    “The damage caused will take time to fix. We are talking months, not weeks,” Mr Owen says.

    Affected state highway sites, top of the South Island

    Location

    Damage

    SH60 Tākaka Hill

    Slump site  at Drummond’s Corner, underslip site, and underslip/overslip site

    SH6 Rocks Road

    Slip site

    SH6 Kohatu

    River scour site

    SH6 Spooners Saddle

    Slip and fallen trees sites

    SH6 Norris Gully

    River/stream scour site

    SH6 Coal Creek

    Underslip site

    SH63 Wairau Valley

    Andersons Bridge washout, road scour west of Waihopai Bridge

    Mr Owen says there are areas, like the scour site on State Highway 6 at Kohatu, that will have temporary repairs in place ahead of permanent work later on.

    “For the highway at Kohatu, a full road rebuild is planned for our upcoming state highway summer maintenance season. It means there will be a temporary road surface in place ahead of that happening.

    “To be effective and durable, road rebuilds have to be done during warmer and drier weather. So, we can’t get this section of State Highway 6 fully rebuilt over winter and early spring,” Mr Owen says.

    General advice

    Drivers can expect road works at multiple locations on state highways across the top of the South Island over the coming months. These will create travel delays, and road users must allow extra time for their journeys.

    NZTA/Waka Kotahi strongly encourages people to check road conditions before they travel.

    Highway conditions – Nelson/Marlborough(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Construction to start on new average safety cameras in Northland

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will begin construction on a set of average speed safety cameras to improve safety on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road in Northland, from next Monday 28 July.

    NZTA Auckland and Northland Director of Regional Relationships, Steve Mutton, says the safety cameras aim to significantly reduce the number of people traveling over the speed limit on this road and lessen the likelihood of a serious or fatal crash.

    “The types of crashes that happen and are likely to happen on this stretch of road, the volume of traffic, and driver behaviour all tell us that there is a serious risk of people being killed or seriously injured in crashes on Kaitaia-Awaroa Road. We also know that risk can be significantly reduced if more people drive to the speed limit. By installing safety cameras here we can encourage just that.

    “In May 2024 we ran a speed survey on this stretch of road that showed around 75 percent of drivers were speeding. It showed the average speed across the full length of road to be 89km/h across both 80km/h and 60km/h areas.

    “We also know that between 2018 and 2023 two people were killed and another 13 were seriously injured in crashes on this stretch of road.”

    There will be four cameras in total. The outer cameras will be installed near Sandhills Road in Ahipara at one end and the 80km/h speed limit sign at the Kaitaia end. The two cameras in the middle will be installed near the speed limit signs at approximately 655 Kaitaia-Awaroa Road, and the other near 854 Kaitaia-Awaroa Road.

    When installed, the four cameras will work together, measuring the average speed drivers travel between them. Drivers will only be ticketed if their average travel speed between any two cameras is over the limit – they aren’t ‘pinged’ by a single camera or at a single point where they are over the speed limit.

    We know that average speed safety cameras are more effective at reducing deaths and serious injuries than the traditional speed cameras we’ve had in New Zealand. Safety cameras will reduce speeding, ensuring that if crashes do happen, the people involved are far more likely to walk away unharmed” says Mr Mutton.

    Initial construction works will include installing underground power supplies, completing foundation works and installing metal barriers that will protect maintenance workers and any vehicle that leaves the road in a crash.  

    Before the cameras begin operating ‘Average speed camera area’ signs will be installed, giving drivers a reminder to check their speed and slow down if needed.

    NZTA is expecting to begin operating its first average speed safety cameras at Matakana Road, Warkworth, later this year, and will progressively bring other average speed safety cameras online in the following months. 

    More information

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Opportunity for feedback on hospital roading changes ending soon

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    People are being encouraged to have their say on proposed roading changes around the new Dunedin Hospital before the opportunity for feedback closes next week.

    Earlier this month, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) released its proposed changes to State Highway 1 Cumberland Street and State Highway 88 St Andrew Street to reshape travel in the Dunedin CBD and achieve safe and efficient access to the new hospital.

    The proposed roading changes, developed in partnership with Dunedin City Council after previous rounds of community feedback, can be viewed in detail here. The opportunity for people to comment on the proposed changes ends on Monday 28 July.

    Proposed roading changes include the following:

    • A new Barnes Dance crossing (where all pedestrians cross the road at once) at the SH88 St Andrew Street/SH1 Cumberland Street intersection to help people reach the hospital public entrances safely. 
    • Removal of the westbound right turn from SH88 St Andrew Street onto SH1 Cumberland Street to make space and time for the increased number of pedestrians, including people with mobility needs, to cross the road.
    • Two new signalised pedestrian crossings on SH1 outside the Woolworths and the Centre City New World supermarkets.
    • Changes to St Andrew Street and other nearby streets to help people driving, walking and cycling, and emergency vehicles, move safely and smoothly around the hospital and surrounding area.
    • Frederick Street will become the new SH88, moving right turning traffic from St Andrew Street to other streets.

    A graphical presentation of what the proposed new Barnes Dance crossing and roading configuration will look like.

    Acting Director of Regional Relationships for NZTA, Ian Duncan, says the public feedback on the proposed changes will need to be considered before any work on the affected streets take place over the next few years.

    “It presents an exciting opportunity to reshape the transport infrastructure to best serve the community, and we encourage people to have their say on what is proposed.”

    Health New Zealand says with the new Dunedin Hospital Outpatient Building set to open in late 2026, and the Inpatient Building following in 2031, it is committed to supporting a health precinct that serves the needs of staff, patients, whānau, and the wider community.

    “We are working closely with NZTA to improve safety and accessibility around St Andrew and Cumberland Streets,” says Health New Zealand Southern Interim Group Director of Operations Craig Ashton.

    “This collaboration is vital to ensure safe and efficient access to the New Dunedin Hospital for emergency services, staff, patients, and visitors.”

    View the full proposed changes and give feedback via the online form

    Printed material with the proposed changes and feedback forms can be found at Dunedin City Council libraries and service centres, and those not online can send their feedback to NZTA by post.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Palestine Forum of New Zealand Statement – Not In Our Name

    Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

    Not In Our Name – While our brothers and sisters in Gaza collapse from starvation and babies are dying for lack of milk, we are deeply shocked and dismayed by the recent signing of the so-called “Harmony Accord.” This agreement, signed in our community’s name yet without our full knowledge, consultation, or consent, fails to address the urgent realities and immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people.

    We believe in peace, justice, and coexistence. But true harmony cannot be built on selective morality, silence in the face of genocide, or agreements that ignore power imbalances and ongoing crimes against humanity. Any accord claiming to represent Muslim voices must do so with integrity, transparency, and in true alignment with the pain and priorities of our community, especially in these times of extreme crisis.

    This statement serves as a clear rejection of the legitimacy of this accord in our name. We stand firmly with the oppressed. We speak for the hungry. We refuse to allow our name, identity, or religion to be used to endorse anything that does not reflect our collective conscience.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Statement of Concern and Clarification Regarding the “Harmony Accord”

    Source: Maher Nazzal

    To the respected Muslim community across New Zealand,

    As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh,

    FIANZ is scheduled (22nd July 2025) to sign an agreement referred to as the Harmony Accord on behalf of the Muslim community in New Zealand, with two Jewish organisations, one of which is publicly aligned with pro-Zionist positions.

    Over the past few days, a group of Ulama (Islamic scholars), Imams, and leaders of Islamic organisations from various regions of New Zealand have engaged in urgent consultations regarding the proposed draft of the so-called “Harmony Accord.” This document came to our attention (through non-official channel) just days before its planned official signing between the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and two Jewish organisations.

    Despite our sincere efforts to engage constructively with the FIANZ representative, Br. Abdul Razzaq, including two formal meetings and a detailed written submission outlining our concerns and proposed amendments as requested, we received no official response from the FIANZ Executive Council. Instead, a public statement was released by FIANZ explaining their rationale and intent to proceed with signing, despite clear objections raised by a significant group of scholars, legal professionals, and civil society advocates, and without any meaningful consultation with religious scholars or community representatives.

    Accordingly, after careful consideration, we find it to be our religious, moral, and communal duty to issue this public statement on behalf of the undersigned organisations and individuals—seeking clarity, accountability, and unity within the Muslim community, and fulfilling our responsibility before Allah.

    Regarding the Consultative Meetings

    Upon learning of the imminent signing of the Accord, a series of emergency meetings were convened by concerned Ulama, Imams, and community leaders representing mosques and Islamic institutions across New Zealand. Attendees included:

    Participants:

    Sh. Muhammad Aammer

    Sh. Muhammad Anwar 

    Sh. Abu Anas 

    Sh. Himayatullah 

    Sh. Muhammad Shakir

    Sh.  Muhammad Patel 

    Sh. Shazly Khan 

    Sh. Alaa Mubarak 

    Sh. Reza Abdul Jabbar 

    Sh. Khalil

    Note: The above individuals were present in the initial consultative meetings. The signatories to this statement are listed below and represent the final endorsing parties.

    These respected scholars and leaders reached a unanimous consensus to reject the Accord in its current form, citing grave religious, ethical, and communal concerns, as well as a clear lack of transparency and proper consultation.

    Our Concerns Regarding the Accord:

    1.      Lack of Consultation and Genuine Representation:

    The Accord was never shared with key Islamic scholars, institutions, or the wider Muslim public. It lacked the basic process of transparent and inclusive consultation, and thus cannot be said to represent the New Zealand Muslim community in any legitimate capacity.

    2.      Doctrinal, Cultural, and Ethical Concerns:

    The Accord contains ambiguous language and concepts that are open to interpretation, potentially leading to positions inconsistent with Islamic beliefs or misused in future contexts beyond the original intent of the agreement.

    3.      Complete Omission of the Palestinian Tragedy:

    We are deeply alarmed and disappointed that the Accord makes no mention of the catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Thousands of civilians—including women and children—are being systematically targeted, starved, and displaced in what leading international human rights bodies have classified as war crimes and acts of genocide.

    Even more troubling is that one of the Jewish signatories to the Accord has publicly expressed support for the current Israeli policies in Palestine. Proceeding with such an agreement, without any acknowledgment of these realities, is ethically unacceptable, deeply painful for our community, and runs contrary to our shared values of justice and humanity.

    4.      Concerns Around Youth Engagement and Religious Education:

    While we support constructive interfaith educational programs, such initiatives must include theological safeguards. Without scholarly oversight, there is a real risk that such efforts could unintentionally undermine Islamic values or promote secular or pluralistic ideologies inconsistent with our faith—especially in youth and educational settings.

    Regarding the Role of FIANZ:

    True representation of New Zealand Muslims requires inclusive and transparent engagement with Ulama and Islamic organisations—particularly when addressing matters with theological, cultural, and communal implications.

    Signing such sensitive agreements, regardless of intentions, without thorough consultation creates legal, social, and ethical consequences. It also risks falsely implying that the views of all Muslims are aligned behind the signatories.

    We emphasise that declining to sign an agreement that contradicts Islamic principles and communal consensus does not equate to disengagement from interfaith dialogue. On the contrary, it is a principled stand to ensure that dialogue is based on mutual respect, clarity, and integrity—as the Qur’an teaches: “And do not argue with the People of the Book except in the best manner…” [Qur’an 29:46]

    The idea that declining to sign an agreement risks losing the Muslim community’s “seat at the table” is troubling. New Zealand is a democratic country, built on rights and fairness. We believe the Government will continue to engage with Islamic organisations representing over 75,000 Muslims, regardless of their principled objection to this Accord.

    Final Position:

    1.      We, the undersigned Ulama, Imams, and Islamic organisations, firmly reject the Harmony Accord in its current form. It lacks proper consultation, has not undergone adequate theological review in accordance with Islamic principles, and does not represent the values or voices of the Muslim community in Aotearoa.

    2.      Any individuals or organisations who choose to sign the agreement do so solely on their own behalf. Their decision does not reflect the views of the wider Muslim community in New Zealand.

    3.      We urge Muslims in New Zealand to reject the Accord in its current form, recognising it as unrepresentative and lacking legitimacy.

    Our Core Values

    1.      We affirm that Muslims in New Zealand have, for decades, coexisted peacefully and respectfully with Jewish and other faith communities. The tragic terrorist attack in Christchurch in 2019, which claimed the lives of 51 innocent Muslims, was the act of a violent extremist and does not reflect the values or character of New Zealand society. As Muslims, we reject all forms of violence, racism, and extremism—whether against us or others—and remain committed to justice, compassion, and cooperation.

    2.      We value all genuine initiatives that seek to promote social harmony, inclusion, and peace across New Zealand.

    3.      We believe in meaningful interfaith dialogue and partnerships that benefit the broader society.

    4.      We insist that any agreement involving Muslim representation must respect Islamic values, be rooted in community consultation, and reflect the views of the actual Muslim public.

    Our Prayer

    We ask Allah Almighty to unite our hearts upon truth, guide our steps with wisdom, protect the dignity of the Muslim community in New Zealand, and bring justice to all those who are oppressed.

    Wa-salāmu ʿalaykum wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh.

    Signed:

    Organizations:

    1.      Alhera Dawah

    2.      Almannar Trust (Auckland)

    3.      Alnejashi Islamic Trust

    4.      Ashburton Masjid

    5.      Ashburton Muslim Association (AMAN)

    6.      As Habul Quran Wasunnah Association (AQWA)

    7.      AUT Muslim Students’ Association (AUTMSA)

    8.      Furqan Trust

    9.      Humanitarian Support Committee NEw Zealand

    10. Indonesian Muslim Association

    11. Manukau Islamic Youth Centre (MIYC)

    12. MASJED Al Rahman, Sh. Abu Omar (Auckland)

    13. Murihiku Islamic Trust

    14. Massey Muslim Students’ Association (MUMSA)

    15. Muslim Ummah of New Zealand (MUNZ)

    16. New Zealand Board of Imams

    17. North Shore Islamic Association (NSIA)

    18. Salam Trust (Auckland)

    19. Serve The Humanity

    20. Southland Muslim Association

     

    Imams and Ulama:

    1.      Sh. Abdul Mateen (Auckland)

    2.      Sh. Abdul Basit (Auckland)

    3.      Sh. Abdulmanan Ahmed Burka (Auckland)

    4.      Sh. Abdulsalam (Auckland)

    5.      Sh. Abu Anas (Auckland)

    6.      Sh. Alaa Mubarak (Auckland)

    7.      Sh. Ataur Rahman, Dr. (Auckland)

    8.      Sh. Dr. Mohammed Farid Ali (Auckland)

    9.      Sh. Hazem Arafah (Palmerston North)

    10. Sh. Himayatullah (Auckland)

    11. Sh. Kababa (Auckland)

    12. Sh. Mohamed Salim (Auckland)

    13. Sh. Mohamed Zewada (Wellington)

    14. Sh. Muhammad Shaffiee (Auckland)

    15. Sh. Omar Elnagar (Ashburton)

    16. Sh. Reza Abdul Jabbar (Invercargill)

    17. Sh. Shazly Khan (Hamilton)

    18. Sh. Ziyaul Haqq (Auckland).

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Learner Success Diagnostic Tool Participants’ Guide text

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Version 1.0
    Introduction
    Taking part in the sessions
    Steps in the tool
    What happens after using the tool
    Feedback
    Introduction
    Background to the LSDT
    The LSDT is an integral part of the learner success approach.
    The tool is intended to be used by your organisation to undertake a self-assessment of your organisation’s level of maturity across a range of capabilities. These capabilities allow a tertiary education organisation (TEO) to design and implement a whole-of-organisation approach to improving outcomes for all its learners.
    You will meet in a group with other people from your organisation to discuss learner success, how your organisation is doing, and opportunities for development.
    The tool was originally designed by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) drawing on similar approaches in other jurisdictions and advice from subject matter experts in Aotearoa New Zealand. The tool was trialled as part of the TEC’s Learner Success Framework pilot projects, and insights from these projects were used to refine the specific questions and design of the tool. 
    The tool was redesigned in 2022, in partnership with New Zealand tertiary education organisations.
    A note on language
    Throughout the LSDT we use the terms student, learner and tauira interchangeably. This is a conscious decision to reflect the diversity of those who engage in tertiary education and the different ways they identify.
    Your role as a participant
    The sessions with the tool bring a wide range of people together to discuss and arrive at a common understanding of your organisation’s current state in relation to learner success. As a participant, you will collaborate with others and help explore the steps in the tool by providing your expertise and honest opinions.
    Your facilitator
    Your facilitator plays a critical role in organising the sessions, keeping discussions focused and keeping the group moving forward. They provide continuity, especially if discussions take place over multiple sessions.
    Taking part in the sessions
    Setting the scene for learner success
    Before using the tool, you may have discussions with your facilitator to prepare for the sessions ahead. This could include exploring and deciding on a shared definition of learner success for your organisation.
    The seven capabilities
    These are the key elements an organisation needs to get right to enable learners to succeed – whatever that looks like for each learner.
    In the sessions, your facilitator will introduce and facilitate discussions around the following capabilities:

    People, culture and leadership – the commitment and collaboration of the tertiary education organisation’s (TEO’s) leadership to culturally conscious learner success for all, a clear vision for desired change, and a whole-of-organisation approach
    Data and technology – the ability to ethically collect, assess, analyse and use data to inform decisions, and to use technology to support learner success for all
    Guided pathways – clear and relevant educational pathways, from first engagement to employment, that foster learner success for all
    Holistic learner supports – planning and integrating critical learner, academic and personal supports into a seamless, culturally conscious, timely experience designed with and for every learner
    Learner-centric systems – policies and practices that improve outcomes for learners, and processes for reviewing and aligning policies and practices to remove barriers and enable learner success (including drawing from the evidence base of Māori/Indigenous and diverse learner success practices)
    Teaching and learning – implementation of learner-centric instructional design, meaningful professional development, and learning environments and contexts to be effective and culturally conscious, including kaupapa Māori-designed environments
    Partnerships – the development and support of partnerships between the TEO and relevant employers/industry, family and whānau, hapū, iwi and community groups, social agencies and education providers.

    Steps in the tool
    Step 1 – Define your ideal state
    Here you will discuss each question with your group, then decide on an “ideal state” as an answer.
    While some questions may relate to parts or functions of the organisation outside your area of expertise, it will still be useful to share your perceptions.
    Step 2 – Assess your current state
    Here you and your group will determine your organisation’s current progress, and agree on a score based on a scale defined by your ideal states in Step 1.
    These assessments will serve as a rough benchmark that provides a holistic sense of your organisation’s current state.
    Step 3 – Identify opportunities
    In this stage you and your group review the summary report with your scores, ideal states and notes. Discuss this and identify opportunities for your organisation.
    What happens after using the tool?
    After using the tool, your organisation is in a position to start to look at the next stage of the Learner Success Framework (“Problem Definition”), by asking these types of questions:

    What opportunity might you want to tackle first?
    Where can you make the biggest gains?
    Who needs to be involved in that process?

    Feedback
    Thank you for using the Learner Success Diagnostic Tool. We plan to continuously improve the tool, so we want to hear your suggestions and experiences.
    Please email your feedback (with the subject “LSDT feedback”) to: customerservice@tec.govt.nz.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Disability Action Plans

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) expects TEOs to take a proactive approach to improving outcomes for disabled learners. TEOs are required to develop and submit a Disability Action Plan (DAP) or DAP progress update as part of their Investment Plans. As most TEOs have now submitted a DAP, the focus has largely shifted to the progress updates.  
    DAPs help ensure TEOs meet their responsibilities under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
    What is a Disability Action Plan?
    We want to ensure TEOs avoid discrimination against disabled people, and disabled learners experience better outcomes throughout their education journey. 
    A DAP helps a TEO to identify good practices and offers a blueprint for change. The DAP sits alongside other Investment Plan requirements, including Learner Success Plans, designed to improve outcomes for all learners, in particular, learners most in need. 
    The DAP Guidance, which TEC provides, supports you to develop your DAP, or DAP progress update, and gives suggestions on how to use the Kia Ōrite Toolkit as part of this development. 

    Disability Action Plan progress update template
    Template for Disability Action Plan progress update for Investment from 2026 (DOCX 277 KB)  
    TEOs are encouraged to use the template, which was introduced in 2025, or use the template’s headings to guide their own document.  
    The Kia Ōrite Toolkit describes best practice
    The Kia Ōrite Toolkit is a New Zealand code of practice to achieve a tertiary education environment that supports disabled learners.
    A TEO’s DAP must show clear evidence that they are using various processes and measuring their progress against the Kia Ōrite Toolkit and its best practice standards.
    Access the Kia Ōrite Toolkit
    Find out more about the Kia Ōrite Toolkit for achieving equity
    Giving effect to the Tertiary Education Strategy (TES)
    Creating and implementing a DAP and improving outcomes for disabled learners also helps TEOs give effect to the TES – specifically, Objective Two: Barrier-free access.
    Supporting your learner success approach
    Fundamental to our work is understanding all learners and their needs and aspirations. Developing and implementing a DAP helps ensure an organisation fully understands the needs of disabled learners. Alongside Kia Ōrite, DAPs are a vital resource to support TEOs to redesign their businesses with learners at the centre.
    Ōritetanga – tertiary success for everyone
    Disability Action Plan report back for 2023
    2023 was the second year TEOs were required to submit a DAP as part of the investment round. DAPs were assessed, and feedback provided to TEOs. A sector-level report on the development of DAPs in 2023 is available below.

    The 2022 sector report is also available:

    FAQs

    The DAP Guidance is advice from the TEC on how to develop a DAP and what it should cover.
    Kia Ōrite is a toolkit for best practice, developed by a group of sector experts. It advises TEOs on how to best support disabled learners at all stages of their learning journey.
    They are two separate resources but support each other and should be read and used together.

    TEOs must submit a Disability Action Plan if they: 

    We strongly encourage all TEC-funded TEOs to engage with the Kia Ōrite Toolkit and develop a DAP at the earliest opportunity. Doing so will mean taking all possible steps to reduce discrimination against disabled people, including staff, learners and those in the wider community, and improve educational outcomes for disabled learners.

    TEOs must submit a Disability Action Plan progress update if they: 

    More information
    TEC staff are available to answer any questions about the DAP Guidance, the Kia Ōrite Toolkit and the investment process. Please contact your Relationship Manager or the Customer Contact Group on 0800 601 301 or at customerservice@tec.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Learning webinars to assist tertiary teaching online in New Zealand

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Last updated 28 August 2020
    Last updated 28 August 2020

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    In these recorded webinars, New Zealand and Australian experts share their knowledge to enhance the quality of your online teaching practice.
    In these recorded webinars, New Zealand and Australian experts share their knowledge to enhance the quality of your online teaching practice.

    The following webinars provide insights from tertiary education organisations (TEOs), online learning experts, and online learners, which TEOs may find helpful with their online delivery.
    Webinar series 1: Online delivery in response to Covid-19 (2020)

    Webinar series 2: Enhancing learner success through curriculum redesign of online learning (2024)

    Online delivery in response to COVID-19
    Tertiary teaching online: pedagogy and practice
    Mark Nichols of the Open Polytechnic and Ali Hughes from TANZ eCampus both answer the question “What do I need to know to be an effective and engaging teacher in the online space?”
    [embedded content]
    We apologise the webinar recording is not complete due to technical issues. To access all the information Mark and Ali shared through the webinar please use the resources below.

    How to support and engage tertiary learners in an online environment (with a focus on pastoral care)
    Dr Cathy Stone of Australia’s University of Newcastle and Dr Teri McClelland from Southern Institute of Technology’s SIT2LRN discuss how to support and engage learners studying vocational and academic based qualifications in an online environment.
    Cathy Stone talks about her experience with the creation of the Australian National Guidelines for improving student outcomes in online learning. Teri McClelland discusses some of the specific practices SIT2LRN has developed to ensure their distance learners are engaged, supported and part of the Southern Institute of Technology’s community.

    [embedded content]
    Download:

    Supporting disabled tertiary learners in an online environment
    Karen Hannay and Stephanie Houpt from the Open Polytechnic’s Learning Support Team discuss best practices and supports for disabled learners in an online environment.
    [embedded content]

    Enhancing learner success through curriculum redesign of online learning
    A narrative approach to courseware design to support ākonga success
    The Open Polytechnic talk about their design and development function and how they use a narrative to guide learners through a course, informed by analytics. The presentation focuses on the role of courseware design in ākonga success and highlights their asynchronous model, where tutors and learners have the flexibility to engage with course content at different times.
    [embedded content]
    Distance learning – a student perspective
    Two distance learners share their experiences of online learning at an undergraduate and Masters levels. In this informative session the learners talk about things that make a difference in supporting their tertiary education experiences as online learners. They discuss barriers and challenges they face in online learning and share what they would like TEOs to know about catering to online learners.
    [embedded content]
    Experiences of online students: then, now and into the future
    Cathy Stone is an independent consultant and researcher, based in Australia. In this presentation, Cathy discusses her research into the online learner experience – exploring the needs and wants of the full range of online learners, from exclusively online to hybrid environments. Cathy provides insights on how learner experiences can improve delivery and talks about the future of online learning.
    [embedded content]
    Learning frameworks for engaging online delivery
    Massey University talks about their engagement framework to support rich, connected learning experiences for online learners. The presentation shares the role their Whakapiri framework plays in delivering online learning and teaching. Massey also talks about the challenges and realities of the design process and provide practical tips for TEOs to consider. 
    [embedded content]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Workplace Safety – Road freight body welcomes steady decline in workplace injuries

    Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

    Road freight body welcomes steady decline in workplace injuries
    Transporting New Zealand is welcoming a decline in road freight transport workplace injuries, saying it shows industry commitment to health and safety improvements.
    Data released by ACC shows that annual injury claims have fallen by 35 per cent between 2018 and 2025, showing a consistent decline in workplace injuries despite growth in the national freight task. Claims fell across all 16 regions, with Northland and West Coast recording the largest percentage drops (56 per cent and 54 per cent respectively).
    There were 3,442 new claims in the road freight transfer industry in 2024/25, compared to 5,295 in 2017/18 – a reduction of 1,853 claims. Numbers declined year-on-year from 2018 to 2025.
    Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the data is good news for road freight staff, businesses, and ACC levy payers.
    “The data shows that road transport businesses are steadily improving workplace health and safety for its people, while moving more freight than ever.”
    Kalasih says that the reduction is workplace injuries has been assisted by improvements in workplace culture, as well as technological improvements.
    “In our 2025 National Road Freight Survey, the health, safety and wellbeing of staff was identified as one of the top three issues by 128 surveyed businesses. This data from ACC also indicates that road freight businesses and staff are making training, safe processes, and site and equipment design a priority.”
    “Technological innovation will also be playing an important role, whether it’s automatic chain throwing and tensioning systems on logging trailers that avoid soft tissue injuries, or fatigue management technologies that help ensure people aren’t working while tired. Safety technologies can reduce physical strain on workers and mitigate safety risks, bringing injury rates down.”
    Kalasih says that while the downward trend in workplace injuries is great news, there is more work that can be done.
    “Transporting New Zealand would like to see these injury rates fall even further, and for injured people to be able to safely return to work sooner. The longer people spend away from their workplace, the less likely they are to successfully return to work.”
    “We encourage our members to access Transporting New Zealand’s free consultations from leading health and safety consultants and talk to our membership managers for advice and guidance.”
    “We also encourage road freight businesses to check out ACC’s Recovery at Work resources, to help support staff back into the work following injury – demonstrated in our recent member video.”
    ACC Road Freight Transport Industry Data 2024/2025 (1 April to 31 March)
    Primary Injury Diagnosis by Category (Top four categories by claim frequency)
    1. Soft tissue injuries (sprains, strains, tears, and contusions)
    2. Laceration / Puncture / Sting
    3. Fracture / Dislocation
    4. Foreign Body in Orifice / Eye
    Accident Cause (Top five categories by claim frequency)
    1. Lifting / Carrying / Strain
    2. Loss Balance / Personal Control
    3. Other / Unknown
    4. Pushed or Pulled
    Attached Images:
    1. Top 10 new work-related claims, by industry
    2. New Work-Related ACC Claims in Road Freight Transport
    Source: Created by Transporting New Zealand using ACC data – https://www.transporting.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/ACC-Transport-Industry-Data.xlsx
    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 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consumer NZ – Price it right: Consumer NZ launches campaign to stop misleading supermarket pricing

    Source: Consumer NZ

    A new petition calls for a mandatory supermarket pricing accuracy code, automatic compensation and tougher penalties.

    Consumer NZ has launched a new campaign – Price it right – calling on the government to crack down on misleading supermarket pricing practices that are costing shoppers tens of millions of dollars a year across Aotearoa.

    The consumer watchdog is urging the introduction of a mandatory supermarket pricing accuracy code, with clear rules, meaningful penalties and automatic compensation for consumers when supermarkets get it wrong.

    “We’re asking the government to step in and deal with misleading supermarket pricing,” said Jon Duffy, Consumer NZ chief executive.  

    “Too often, shoppers are charged more at the check-out than what’s shown on the shelf, or they’re misled in some other way. While pricing errors may seem minor on an individual basis, they add up when multiplied across the population. This isn’t OK, particularly at a time when people are struggling to pay their bills.”

    Recent Consumer research found that 62% of New Zealanders noticed pricing errors at the supermarket over the past year.

    “This isn’t just the occasional mistake – it’s an ongoing systemic problem that’s adding to the pain people are feeling at the check-out with food prices that are already too high,” said Duffy.

    Thanks to hundreds of complaints shared by consumers, Consumer filed a formal complaint with the Commerce Commission in 2023. That led to criminal charges being laid against Woolworths NZ and two Pak’nSave stores for misleading pricing. But the problem persists.

    “It’s already illegal for businesses to mislead consumers about prices, but the current law is not forcing supermarkets to up their game. They have had plenty of chances to fix this. The time for talk is over. It’s time for stronger rules with real consequences,” said Duffy.  

    Consumer’s Price it right campaign is calling for:

    • a mandatory supermarket pricing accuracy code with clear pricing rules 
    • automatic compensation when shoppers are overcharged – such as receiving the item free if the scanned price is higher than the shelf price, there is a special that doesn’t offer a genuine saving or the unit pricing is incorrect  
    • clear disclosure of consumer rights in store and online 
    • tougher penalties and infringement notice powers, like those used in Australia, to deter misleading pricing and promotions. 

    “We’re not asking for much – just fair and accurate pricing that consumers can trust,” said Duffy. “It’s a simple step that would make a real difference.”

    What you can do
    Consumer is asking New Zealanders to sign its petition and demand that the government take urgent action. Minister for economic growth Nicola Willis says she’s considering introducing tougher penalties for supermarkets that breach the Fair Trading Act and other changes to ensure shoppers are not misled by pricing. Signing the petition will show your support for these moves.  

    Sign the petition: Tell the government to ‘price it right’
    “It’s time supermarkets were held to account. By signing and sharing the petition, you’re helping stop misleading supermarket pricing and pushing for real change.” (ref. https://consumernz.cmail20.com/t/i-l-fkkjkyk-ijjdkdttjk-j/ )

     

    Note:

    Visit consumer.org.nz to view the campaign

     

    About Consumer

    Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ and allies condemn ‘inhumane’, ‘horrifying’ killings in Gaza and ‘drip feeding’ of aid

    RNZ News

    New Zealand has joined 24 other countries in calling for an end to the war in Gaza, and criticising what they call the inhumane killing of Palestinians.

    The countries — including Britain, France, Canada and Australia plus the European Union — also condemed the Israeli government’s aid delivery model in Gaza as “dangerous”.

    “We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.”

    They said it was “horrifying” that more than 800 civilians had been killed while seeking aid, the majority at food distribution sites run by a US- and Israeli-backed foundation.

    “We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life saving work safely and effectively,” it said.

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters . . . “The tipping point was some time ago . . . it’s gotten to the stage where we’ve just lost our patience.” Image: RN/Mark Papalii

    “Proposals to remove the Palestinian population into a ‘humanitarian city’ are completely unacceptable. Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law.”

    The statement said the countries were “prepared to take further action” to support an immediate ceasefire.

    Reuters reported Israel’s foreign ministry said the statement was “disconnected from reality” and it would send the wrong message to Hamas.

    “The statement fails to focus the pressure on Hamas and fails to recognise Hamas’s role and responsibility for the situation,” the Israeli statement said.

    Having NZ voice heard
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Morning Report, New Zealand had chosen to be part of the statement as a way to have its voice heard on the “dire” humanitarian situation in Gaza.

    “The tipping point was some time ago . . .  it’s gotten to the stage where we’ve just lost our patience . . . ”

    Peters said he wanted to see what the response to the condemnation was.

    “The conflict in the Middle East goes on and on . . .  It’s gone from a situation where it was excusable, due to the October 7 conflict, to inexcusable as innocent people are being swept into it,” he said.

    “I do think there has to be change. It must happen now.”

    The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s subsequent air and ground war in Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians — including at least 17,400 children, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry, while displacing almost the entire population of more than 2 million and spreading a hunger crisis.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ and allies condemn ‘inhumane’, ‘horrifying’ killings in Gaza and ‘drip feeding’ of aid

    RNZ News

    New Zealand has joined 24 other countries in calling for an end to the war in Gaza, and criticising what they call the inhumane killing of Palestinians.

    The countries — including Britain, France, Canada and Australia plus the European Union — also condemed the Israeli government’s aid delivery model in Gaza as “dangerous”.

    “We condemn the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.”

    They said it was “horrifying” that more than 800 civilians had been killed while seeking aid, the majority at food distribution sites run by a US- and Israeli-backed foundation.

    “We call on the Israeli government to immediately lift restrictions on the flow of aid and to urgently enable the UN and humanitarian NGOs to do their life saving work safely and effectively,” it said.

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters . . . “The tipping point was some time ago . . . it’s gotten to the stage where we’ve just lost our patience.” Image: RN/Mark Papalii

    “Proposals to remove the Palestinian population into a ‘humanitarian city’ are completely unacceptable. Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international humanitarian law.”

    The statement said the countries were “prepared to take further action” to support an immediate ceasefire.

    Reuters reported Israel’s foreign ministry said the statement was “disconnected from reality” and it would send the wrong message to Hamas.

    “The statement fails to focus the pressure on Hamas and fails to recognise Hamas’s role and responsibility for the situation,” the Israeli statement said.

    Having NZ voice heard
    Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters told RNZ Morning Report, New Zealand had chosen to be part of the statement as a way to have its voice heard on the “dire” humanitarian situation in Gaza.

    “The tipping point was some time ago . . .  it’s gotten to the stage where we’ve just lost our patience . . . ”

    Peters said he wanted to see what the response to the condemnation was.

    “The conflict in the Middle East goes on and on . . .  It’s gone from a situation where it was excusable, due to the October 7 conflict, to inexcusable as innocent people are being swept into it,” he said.

    “I do think there has to be change. It must happen now.”

    The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s subsequent air and ground war in Gaza has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians — including at least 17,400 children, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry, while displacing almost the entire population of more than 2 million and spreading a hunger crisis.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – ProCare welcomes announcement of new Waikato medical school as a commitment to strengthening primary care workforce

    Source: ProCare

    Leading healthcare provider, ProCare, warmly welcomes the announcement from Health Minister Simeon Brown and Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti that Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new medical school at the University of Waikato.

    While the school won’t open until 2028, the announcement includes a strong focus on primary care and rural health which is much needed.

    Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive of ProCare says: “With around 50% of GPs due to retire in the next 10 years this is a significant and timely investment in New Zealand’s healthcare workforce. The decision to prioritise primary care and rural health in the new Waikato Medical School aligns closely with the needs of our communities and the future of general practice.

    “This is more than ‘just’ a new medical school – it’s a long-term investment in the health and wellbeing of the people of Aotearoa New Zealand. We commend the Government for listening to the sector and taking decisive action,” continues Norwell.

    The graduate-entry programme will add 120 new doctor training places annually, helping to address the growing shortage of GPs and primary care clinicians across the motu.

    “General practices are already feeling the strain of being able to meet increasing patient demand – especially in our rural and underserved communities. This announcement is a proactive step toward ensuring continuity of care and equitable access to health services,” says Norwell.

    “This is a pivotal moment which will help reshape the pipeline of medical education. By creating more flexible pathways into medicine and embedding primary care at the heart of training, we can attract a more diverse and community-focused cohort of future doctors,” Norwell adds.

    The announcement also complements recent expansions in nursing, pharmacy, and midwifery programmes at the University of Waikato, reinforcing a holistic approach to workforce development.

    “It is unclear at this early stage exactly how the four-year degree programme will focus specifically on primary care, but we look forward to working collaboratively with the University and the Government to help support clinical placements of those graduates and ensure that students gain meaningful experience in general practice settings,” concludes Norwell.

    About ProCare

    ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi. As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to more than 830,000 people across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Economy – Current Economic Decline driven by Constrained Liquidity – Trend Analysis Network

    Source: Trend Analysis Network

    New Zealand’s economy is showing signs of strain, and a growing body of evidence points to liquidity shortages and over manipulated interest rates as key culprits.
    While global macroeconomic policies and domestic shifts play some part, the Reserve Bank’s aggressive interest rate strategy may have overcorrected, leaving the economy with limited liquidity.
    The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) raised the Official Cash Rate (OCR) from a pandemic low of 0.25% to a peak of 5.5%.
    This high rate was intended to tame inflation. Trend Analysis research demonstrated in 2023 that the inflationary measures were based on an over reliance of CPI (consumer price index) as a core indicator.
    Research showed that prior to the GFC, CPI and other inflationary measures were effectively identifying real inflation. However, post COVID the macro-economy environment changed and most markets proactively began to hide inflationary indicators.
    Prices had increased while goods delivered, the type and level of services, and manufactured products supplied to consumers saw substantive reductions in volume, scope, size, and quality. This hid core components of inflationary pressures.
    Moreover, we noted in our earlier release “RBNZ Potential Catalyst Of New Inflationary Cycle” that although indexed inflation had cooled in some areas, debt based inflation was rapidly growing and the over tightening had unintended consequences.
    Liquidity in financial markets has significantly declined, with investors and banks showing reduced appetite for risk and tightly managed credit extension.New research indicates that there is a lack of liquidity in the New Zealand economy. This liquidity crunch is not theoretical as it is playing out in the housing market.
    Despite a significant drop in home prices since the pandemic peak, affordability remains elusive. In lower-cost regions, new homes (priced below national averages) require mortgage repayments that exceed reasonable thresholds for most households.
    Even with large deposits, the 30-year mortgage repayments remain burdensome, especially as interest rates hover well above pre-pandemic norms. Such mortgage repayments based on current interest rates do not make financial sense to most potential buyers.
    Additionally, we find that housing inventory is now rising at an unsustainable rate. There are over 36,000 properties for sale nationwide. Yet buyers remain hesitant because borrowing costs are remain so prohibitive.
    This disconnect between price correction and repayment feasibility underscores the deeper issue: monetary policy has potentially throttled liquidity to the point of economic stagnation.
    New Zealand’s economic decline appears to be a result of not merely a cyclical but a structural decline.
    The over-manipulation of interest rates has drained liquidity, stifled investment, and distorted housing affordability. Moreover, it has induced a debt based inflation. One substantive example are regional councils that adjusted rates increases to compensate for increased borrowing costs reflected in the high interest rates.
    Until monetary policy recalibrates to support sustainable growth, the economy will remain in a downward loop of suppressed demand due to constrained liquidity.
    Trend Analysis Network is a think tank based in New Zealand created to identify and publish analytical results of future tr

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Nicola Willis urged to step in now to get Kiwi food aid to Gaza – PSNZ

    Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

     

    PSNA is urging the government to step in and require Paypal to refund money it refuses to pass on starving families in Occupied Gaza.

     

    Paypal has been freezing accounts which send money to Occupied Gaza – the latest being the account of Wellington-based writer “Emily Writes” who has posted about her sickening experiences here.

     

    “Paypal is happy to provide backup to Israel’s genocide by ensuring food is only available through the Israeli military which is using it to ethnically cleanse starving Palestinians from the north to the south of the Occupied Gaza strip” says PSNA Co-Chair John Minto.

     

    “Using food aid like this is a war crime and we are asking Minister of Finance Nicola Willis to step in and demand Paypal allow kiwis to donate to starving families in Gaza”

     

    “Low and middle-income New Zealanders kiwis are naturally generous but Paypal is not only freezing these accounts but are refusing to refund the money.”

     

    “The New Zealand government has refused to condemn Israel’s mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians but they can insist money from New Zealanders wanting to help is not frozen for six months while Israel’s war on humanity continues”

     

    We are waiting to hear back from the minister.

     

    John Minto 

    Co-Chair PSNA

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Peters fails again – time for real action on Occupied Gaza – PSNA

    Source:  Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

     

    The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says New Zealand’s signature on a joint statement of 25 countries on Gaza is meaningless without concrete action.

     

    PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says Peters’ statements in the media this morning, fall well short of the condemnation in the joint statement, and are what Minto calls the usual ducking the issue of Israeli culpability.

     

    “Peters still can’t bring himself to criticise Israel in Gaza – even after 21 months of mass killing and mass starvation of Palestinians.  He condemns a suffering situation, but carefully avoids stating who it causing it.”

     

    Minto says there is an extensive list of actions the government must take if it’s serious.

     

    “I’m sure the Israeli ambassador in Wellington is happily reporting to his ministry in Tel Aviv that the New Zealand government is still tolerating mass starvation, bombing civilians and ethnic cleansing.” Minto says.

     

    “If the New Zealand government was serious, it would implement this list”:

     

    1.       Back the call from UN Special Rapporteur for the OPT, Francesca Albanese, for military protection for aid convoys to enter Gaza.

    2.       Close the Israeli embassy in Wellington

    3.       End trade and investment ties with Israel

    1. Deny entry visas for all Israeli Defence Forces personnel

    5.       Introduce legislation to sanction Israel the same as the Russia Sanctions Act

    6.       Cease approval for Rakon to export crystal oscillators which may be used by the Israeli military for targeting Gaza and other Israeli assault zones

    7.       Ban all Rocket Lab launches of satellites used for Israeli reconnaissance over Gaza

    8.       Suspend all bilateral agreements with Israel; movie co-production, overflight agreement and technological cooperation

    9.       Stop remittances going to Israel, such as funds for the racist Jewish National Fund

    10.   Cut scientific, academic, sport and cultural ties with the State of Israel

    11.   Sell all New Zealand’s Superfund investments in Israeli companies

    12.   Vote to suspend Israeli membership of the United Nations for not withdrawing from all the Occupied Palestinian Territory

    13.   Cease approving Israeli munitions transporter ZIM Shipping using our ports

    14.   Join the case against Israeli genocide in the International Court of Justice

    15.   Sign onto the Hague Group of countries working to ensure Israel complies with International Law  https://thehaguegroup.org/home/

     

     

    John Minto

    Co-Chair

    Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Updated guidance for suspected quarantinable disease on domestic and international vessels

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    Health New Zealand, working with New Zealand Customs and Maritime NZ, has updated “Vessel Management Framework: Guidance for managing maritime vessels when a quarantinable disease is suspected or known to be on board.”

    You’ll find it on our ports and harbours page.

    The Vessel Management Framework has been created for port and vessel operators, unions, agents, government officials, and the National Public Health Service to follow at any port whenever crew or passengers (both international and domestic) are suspected of having, or test positive for, a quarantinable disease.

    This guidance, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been adapted to be applied to any quarantinable disease. It is generic guidance built on best practice. It will need to be read alongside any specific legislation or guidance developed for any outbreak.

    Read now

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Planting the seeds of community at Gordon Park

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  22 July 2025

    Situated just outside the town, the remnant kahikatea forest of Gordon Park Scenic Reserve is unique in the Whanganui area and beloved by many people in the community.

    Department of Conservation Community Ranger Hēmi Stuteley says the new car park, fencing, and a planned picnic area will improve access and enjoyment.

    “On top of these, the forest is gaining ground! Around two hectares of paddock are ready for planting with locally sourced seedstock, the majority collected and grown on by Friends of Gordon Park volunteers.”

    Paddock areas to the north and west were deforested a long time ago but are part of Gordon Park Scenic Reserve.

    “We can all play a role in protecting and enhancing this small but mighty patch of forest,” says Hēmi.

    “This planting will help protect the mature forest as well as provide more habitat for our wetland birds like the at-risk mātātā or fernbird.”

    Colin Ogle, spokesperson for volunteer group Friends of Gordon Park, says the community can be involved in planting the new areas.

    “It’s a chance to be here from the start of something, plant some trees with your tamariki, then watch them grow over the coming years.

    “We want this forest to belong to the community.”

    The existing Gordon Park Scenic Reserve forest has been nurtured by the Friends of Gordon Park for almost 20 years, and new volunteers are always welcome.

    Colin says it’s a busy planting schedule from July to the end of September.

    “There’s around 6000 native trees to go in; we’ll provide the tools if you bring the enthusiasm, boots, and weather appropriate clothing!”

    The main community planting day is Sunday 3 August at 11 am, however extra people to contribute are also welcome at the six weekday plantings falling on regular volunteer days.

    Regular volunteer days at Gordon Park are held twice a month, on the second Tuesday morning at 10 am and fourth Thursday afternoon at 1 pm.

    Contact whanganui@doc.govt.nz for more information.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Female technician completes EV training at EIT

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    25 seconds ago

    A female technician at Andrew Simms Motor Group in Auckland has completed electric vehicle training through EIT to meet growing demand in the workshop.

    Lezani Oosthuizen-Meyer, who joined the dealership in 2023, recently completed the NZ Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering [Level 5] through EIT via distance learning, while working full-time in the service department.

    Auckland technician Lezani Oosthuizen-Meyer completed the NZ Certificate in Electric Vehicle Automotive Engineering [Level 5] through EIT while working at Andrew Simms Motor Group.

    Originally from South Africa, the 35-year-old has more than a decade of experience in the automotive industry, including experience with both passenger vehicles and heavy transport.

    Her enrolment is part of a wider upskilling initiative at Andrew Simms, which, since 2023, has chosen EIT as its preferred provider for EV training across its six Auckland dealerships.

    “We’re seeing more and more EVs coming through, so my managers encouraged me to do the course, and it was a really good experience.”

    Delivered through a mix of online learning and in-person block courses, the level 5 programme is designed to equip qualified technicians with the skills and safety knowledge required to service and repair high-voltage electric vehicles.

    Lezani said the support from her EIT tutor Scott Cunningham made a big difference.

    “Scotty was very knowledgeable and helped me a lot. Even now, if I have questions, I can call him, and he’ll talk me through it.”

    Having previously trained in both South Africa and New Zealand, Lezani said the EIT course offered more depth than anything she had done before.

    “It broke everything down really clearly,” she said. “I already had experience working with modules and diagnostics, but this gave me a much better understanding of high-voltage systems.”

    While juggling study, work, and parenting a four-year-old was a challenge, she said it was manageable and worth it.

    “Sometimes I’d get home late, give my son a bath and get him to bed, then go straight into the online classes,” she said. “It was tiring, but it’s added to what I can do in the workshop.”

    As one of the few women in the trade, Lezani said she’s noticed a more inclusive culture in New Zealand compared to South Africa, where opportunities were limited.

    “I’ve seen more women in the industry here, which is really encouraging,” she said.

    Now looking to take a break from study, she hopes to explore opportunities in management in the future.

    “For now, I’m focused on work and family, but I’d definitely recommend the course to others. It’s a good investment in your future.”

    Tim Jagusch, EIT School of Trades and Technology Assistant Head, said Lezani’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when determination meets opportunity.

    “At EIT, we’re proud to support learners like her; people who are not only advancing their own careers but also helping to shape the future of the automotive industry. Her success reflects the strength of our partnerships with industry leaders like Andrew Simms Motor Group and the value of flexible, high-quality training. We congratulate Lezani on her achievement and look forward to seeing more technicians take up the challenge of EV training.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: TEC-funded tertiary education data

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

    Last updated 21 March 2025
    Last updated 21 March 2025

    Print

    Share

    This page has information on the latest delivery volume and funding details for our main funds.
    This page has information on the latest delivery volume and funding details for our main funds.

    The spreadsheet below shows Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)-funded tertiary education data submitted by tertiary education organisations (TEOs) through the Single Data Return (SDR) and the Industry Training Register (ITR). The data is broken down by the following funding groups:

    Foundation education
    Vocational education
    Higher education.

    It contains information on equivalent full-time students (EFTS) and funding for each TEO. We will update this data three times per year.
    How to use the spreadsheet
    Please read the “Information Sheet” before using the data. In the spreadsheet, click on the [+] button on the left of each sheet to see data at the TEO level (where applicable).
    2023 to 2025 (April YTD) funded tertiary education (XLSX 210 KB)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pharmac continues to engage with consumers

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes the establishment of Pharmac’s new consumer working group to help Pharmac help reset how it works with health consumers.

    “For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour says.  

    “My expectation is that Pharmac should have good processes to ensure that people with an illness, their carers and family, can provide input to decision-making processes. This is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement. 

    “Pharmac hosted a Consumer Engagement Workshop in March. Patients and advocates voiced their hopes at resetting the patient – Pharmac relationship. Pharmac published a report on the findings from the workshop. 

    “The report recommended that the Board invite workshop participants, in association with the wider consumer-patient representative community, to select a working group. The group would work with Pharmac’s Board and management to reset the relationship between Pharmac and the consumer/representative community. 

    “The patient advocacy community selected Dr Malcolm Mulholland to lead the consumer working group. He has worked with consumers to select the other members of the working group. These members represent patients with a wide range of health conditions. They are named at the end of this release.”

    “We’ve waited a long time for this opportunity. The work that Pharmac does is vitally important for the health of patients and their families, and this is why getting Pharmac to work as well as it can, will be the focus of the working group,” Dr Mulholland says.

    “The consumer working group met for the first time yesterday to confirm the approach for the reset programme and agree the first set of actions. I look forward to hearing about their progress,” Mr Seymour says. 

    “I’m pleased to see the Board take the opportunity to continue to prioritise expanding opportunities and access for patients and their families by expanding access to more medicines for more groups. 

    “The working group reflects our commitment to a more adaptable and patient-centred approach. It follows my letters of expectations, the consumer engagement workshop, last year’s Medicines Summit, and the acceptance of Patient Voice Aotearoa’s White Paper as actions to achieve this. 

    “The Government is doing its part. Last year we allocated Pharmac its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, and a $604 million uplift to give Pharmac the financial support it needs to carry out its functions – negotiating the best deals for medicine for New Zealanders.” 

    The consumer working group members are:

    1. Dr Malcolm Mulholland MNZM – Patient Voice Aotearoa
    2. Libby Burgess MNZM – Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition
    3. Tim Edmonds – Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ
    4. Chris Higgins – Rare Disorders NZ
    5. Francesca Holloway – Arthritis NZ
    6. Trent Lash – Heartbeats Charitable Trust
    7. Gerard Rushton – The Meningitis Foundation
    8. Rachel Smalley MNZM – The Medicine Gap
    9. Tracy Tierney – Epilepsy NZ
    10. Deon York – Haemophilia NZ

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Planning for end of greyhound racing proceeds

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Planning for the intended ending of greyhound racing in New Zealand is moving forward with animal welfare paramount while also managing the uncertainty for those in the industry, Racing Minister Winston Peters says.

    “We welcome the interim report by the Ministerial Advisory Committee appointed to help plan the intended transition away from greyhound racing in New Zealand.

    “This report sets out a way forward including plans for rehoming the greyhounds currently involved in the sport,” Mr Peters says. 

    In December the Minister announced the Government’s intention to end greyhound racing in New Zealand. An Advisory Committee was appointed to look at the process in detail and make recommendations for how the industry should be wound down. 

    The Committee has been working with representatives of the greyhound racing sector, rehoming agencies, animal welfare groups and government agencies to find practical solutions. 

    The report considers the planning that is underway for the rehoming of dogs, while always recognising this will continue after the intended end of racing on 31 July 2026.  The committee says the current rehoming programme will require reorganization and expansion to achieve finding safe homes for the estimated 1500 dogs remaining when racing is due to end. 

    The Committee also acknowledges the concern of owners and trainers about the financial liability of feeding and caring for dogs once racing ceases. Support is being considered.

    The Committee’s recommendations will be considered by Cabinet before any decisions are taken.

    “We are fully aware of the impact that ending greyhound racing would have on those involved in the industry, and appreciate the feedback owners, trainers and other stakeholders have given the committee. 

    “That is why it is important that we consider everything carefully.

    “The intention is to introduce legislation and members of the industry, and the wider public will get the chance to make submissions to the select committee as part of the process.” 

    The decision to end greyhound racing in New Zealand was made following ongoing concerns about animal welfare and three reviews into the industry which recommended significant change.

    “The imperative to see this through continues with 15 racing greyhounds having to be euthanized so far this season and nearly a further 200 dogs suffering serious injuries keeping them out of racing for weeks and months,” Mr Peters says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why has a bill to relax NZ foreign investment rules had so little scrutiny?

    ANALYSIS: By Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    While public attention has been focused on the domestic fast-track consenting process for infrastructure and mining, Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour has been pushing through another fast-track process — this time for foreign investment in New Zealand.

    But it has had almost no public scrutiny.

    If the Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill becomes law, it could have far-reaching consequences. Public submissions on the bill close tomorrow.

    A product of the ACT-National coalition agreement, the bill commits to amend the Overseas Investment Act 2005 “to limit ministerial decision making to national security concerns and make such decision making more timely”.

    There are valid concerns that piecemeal reforms to the current act have made it complex and unwieldy. But the new bill is equally convoluted and would significantly reduce effective scrutiny of foreign investments — especially in forestry.

    A three-step test
     Step one of a three-step process set out in the bill gives the regulator — the Overseas Investment Office which sits within Land Information NZ — 15 days to decide whether a proposed investment would be a risk to New Zealand’s “national interest”.

    If they don’t perceive a risk, or that initial assessment is not completed in time, the application is automatically approved.

    Transactions involving fisheries quotas and various land categories, or any other applications the regulator identifies, would require a “national interest” assessment under stage two.

    These would be assessed against a “ministerial letter” that sets out the government’s general policy and preferred approach to conducting the assessment, including any conditions on approvals.

    Other mandatory factors to be considered in the second stage include the act’s new “purpose” to increase economic opportunity through “timely consent” of less sensitive investments. The new test would allow scrutiny of the character and capability of the investor to be omitted altogether.

    If the regulator considers the national interest test is not met, or the transaction is “contrary to the national interest”, the minister of finance then makes a decision based on their assessment of those factors.

    Inadequate regulatory process
     Seymour has blamed the current screening regime for low volumes of foreign investment. But Treasury’s 2024 regulatory impact statement on the proposed changes to international investment screening acknowledges many other factors that influence investor decisions.

    Moreover, the Treasury statement acknowledges public views that foreign investment rules should “manage a wide range of risks” and “that there is inherent non-economic value in retaining domestic ownership of certain assets”.

    Treasury officials also recognised a range of other public concerns, including profits going offshore, loss of jobs, and foreign control of iconic businesses.

    The regulatory impact statement did not cover these factors because it was required to consider only the coalition commitment. The Treasury panel reported “notable limitations” on the bill’s quality assurance process.

    A fuller review was “infeasible” because it could not be completed in the time required, and would be broader than necessary to meet the coalition commitment to amend the act in the prescribed way.

    The requirement to implement the bill in this parliamentary term meant the options officials could consider, even within the scope of the coalition agreement, were further limited.

    Time constraints meant “users and key stakeholders have not been consulted”, according to the Treasury statement. Environmental and other risks would have to be managed through other regulations.

    There is no reference to te Tiriti o Waitangi or mana whenua engagement.

    Forestry ‘slash’ after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 . . . no need to consider foreign investors’ track records. Image: Getty/The Conversation

    No ‘benefit to NZ’ test
     While the bill largely retains a version of the current screening regime for residential and farm land, it removes existing forestry activities from that definition (but not new forestry on non-forest land). It also removes extraction of water for bottling, or other bulk extraction for human consumption, from special vetting.

    Where sensitive land (such as islands, coastal areas, conservation and wahi tapu land) is not residential or farm land, it would be removed from special screening rules currently applied for land.

    Repeal of the “special forestry test” — which in practice has seen most applications approved, albeit with conditions — means most forestry investments could be fast-tracked.

    There would no longer be a need to consider investors’ track records or apply a “benefit to New Zealand” test. Regulators may or may not be empowered to impose conditions such as replanting or cleaning up slash.

    The official documents don’t explain the rationale for this. But it looks like a win for Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, and was perhaps the price of NZ First’s support.

    It has potentially serious implications for forestry communities affected by climate-related disasters, however. Further weakening scrutiny and investment conditions risks intensifying the already devastating impacts of international forestry companies. Taxpayers and ratepayers pick up the costs while the companies can minimise their taxes and send profits offshore.

    Locked in forever?
     Finally, these changes could be locked in through New Zealand’s free trade agreements. Several such agreements say New Zealand’s investment regime cannot become more restrictive than the 2005 act and its regulations.

    A “ratchet clause” would lock in any further liberalisation through this bill, from which there is no going back.

    However, another annex in those free trade agreements could be interpreted as allowing some flexibility to alter the screening rules and criteria in the future. None of the official documents address this crucial question.

    As an academic expert in this area I am uncertain about the risk.

    But the lack of clarity underlines the problems exemplified in this bill. It is another example of coalition agreements bypassing democratic scrutiny and informed decision making. More public debate and broad analysis is needed on the bill and its implications.

    Dr Jane Kelsey is emeritus professor of law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why has a bill to relax NZ foreign investment rules had so little scrutiny?

    ANALYSIS: By Jane Kelsey, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    While public attention has been focused on the domestic fast-track consenting process for infrastructure and mining, Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour has been pushing through another fast-track process — this time for foreign investment in New Zealand.

    But it has had almost no public scrutiny.

    If the Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill becomes law, it could have far-reaching consequences. Public submissions on the bill close tomorrow.

    A product of the ACT-National coalition agreement, the bill commits to amend the Overseas Investment Act 2005 “to limit ministerial decision making to national security concerns and make such decision making more timely”.

    There are valid concerns that piecemeal reforms to the current act have made it complex and unwieldy. But the new bill is equally convoluted and would significantly reduce effective scrutiny of foreign investments — especially in forestry.

    A three-step test
     Step one of a three-step process set out in the bill gives the regulator — the Overseas Investment Office which sits within Land Information NZ — 15 days to decide whether a proposed investment would be a risk to New Zealand’s “national interest”.

    If they don’t perceive a risk, or that initial assessment is not completed in time, the application is automatically approved.

    Transactions involving fisheries quotas and various land categories, or any other applications the regulator identifies, would require a “national interest” assessment under stage two.

    These would be assessed against a “ministerial letter” that sets out the government’s general policy and preferred approach to conducting the assessment, including any conditions on approvals.

    Other mandatory factors to be considered in the second stage include the act’s new “purpose” to increase economic opportunity through “timely consent” of less sensitive investments. The new test would allow scrutiny of the character and capability of the investor to be omitted altogether.

    If the regulator considers the national interest test is not met, or the transaction is “contrary to the national interest”, the minister of finance then makes a decision based on their assessment of those factors.

    Inadequate regulatory process
     Seymour has blamed the current screening regime for low volumes of foreign investment. But Treasury’s 2024 regulatory impact statement on the proposed changes to international investment screening acknowledges many other factors that influence investor decisions.

    Moreover, the Treasury statement acknowledges public views that foreign investment rules should “manage a wide range of risks” and “that there is inherent non-economic value in retaining domestic ownership of certain assets”.

    Treasury officials also recognised a range of other public concerns, including profits going offshore, loss of jobs, and foreign control of iconic businesses.

    The regulatory impact statement did not cover these factors because it was required to consider only the coalition commitment. The Treasury panel reported “notable limitations” on the bill’s quality assurance process.

    A fuller review was “infeasible” because it could not be completed in the time required, and would be broader than necessary to meet the coalition commitment to amend the act in the prescribed way.

    The requirement to implement the bill in this parliamentary term meant the options officials could consider, even within the scope of the coalition agreement, were further limited.

    Time constraints meant “users and key stakeholders have not been consulted”, according to the Treasury statement. Environmental and other risks would have to be managed through other regulations.

    There is no reference to te Tiriti o Waitangi or mana whenua engagement.

    Forestry ‘slash’ after Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 . . . no need to consider foreign investors’ track records. Image: Getty/The Conversation

    No ‘benefit to NZ’ test
     While the bill largely retains a version of the current screening regime for residential and farm land, it removes existing forestry activities from that definition (but not new forestry on non-forest land). It also removes extraction of water for bottling, or other bulk extraction for human consumption, from special vetting.

    Where sensitive land (such as islands, coastal areas, conservation and wahi tapu land) is not residential or farm land, it would be removed from special screening rules currently applied for land.

    Repeal of the “special forestry test” — which in practice has seen most applications approved, albeit with conditions — means most forestry investments could be fast-tracked.

    There would no longer be a need to consider investors’ track records or apply a “benefit to New Zealand” test. Regulators may or may not be empowered to impose conditions such as replanting or cleaning up slash.

    The official documents don’t explain the rationale for this. But it looks like a win for Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, and was perhaps the price of NZ First’s support.

    It has potentially serious implications for forestry communities affected by climate-related disasters, however. Further weakening scrutiny and investment conditions risks intensifying the already devastating impacts of international forestry companies. Taxpayers and ratepayers pick up the costs while the companies can minimise their taxes and send profits offshore.

    Locked in forever?
     Finally, these changes could be locked in through New Zealand’s free trade agreements. Several such agreements say New Zealand’s investment regime cannot become more restrictive than the 2005 act and its regulations.

    A “ratchet clause” would lock in any further liberalisation through this bill, from which there is no going back.

    However, another annex in those free trade agreements could be interpreted as allowing some flexibility to alter the screening rules and criteria in the future. None of the official documents address this crucial question.

    As an academic expert in this area I am uncertain about the risk.

    But the lack of clarity underlines the problems exemplified in this bill. It is another example of coalition agreements bypassing democratic scrutiny and informed decision making. More public debate and broad analysis is needed on the bill and its implications.

    Dr Jane Kelsey is emeritus professor of law, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Annual inflation at 2.7 percent in June 2025 – Stats NZ media and information release: Consumers price index: June 2025 quarter

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Waikato medical school gets green light

    Source: New Zealand Government

    A new medical school will be established at the University of Waikato as part of the Government’s plan to build a stronger health workforce, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti say.

    “Cabinet has approved the business case for the new school, which will have a strong focus on primary care and rural health,” Mr Brown says.

    “With $82.85 million in Government funding and over $150 million from the University, supported by philanthropic investment, this is a substantial commitment to education and regional development in the Waikato.

    “Today’s decision will enable the University of Waikato to begin construction on new teaching facilities later this year and start planning for clinical placements, while giving more students the opportunity to study medicine in New Zealand.”

    The school will offer a graduate-entry programme, providing a flexible new pathway into medicine that helps attract a broader range of students and build a stronger, more diverse workforce.

    “It’s an innovative model that supports our focus on strengthening primary care, making it easier for people to see their doctor – helping Kiwis stay well and out of hospital.

    “It also builds on the University’s recent additions of nursing, pharmacy, and midwifery programmes, demonstrating a strong and growing commitment to developing New Zealand’s health workforce.”

    A full cost-benefit analysis was presented to Cabinet before any proposal was finalised, as part of the National – ACT coalition agreement.

    Mr Brown says the school builds on the Government’s record investment in the health system and workforce.

    “Today’s announcement adds 120 doctor training places each year, starting in 2028 – a significant boost to our long-term pipeline of homegrown medical workforce.

    “This is on top of the 100 additional medical training places that are being added over the term of this Government across the University of Auckland and University of Otago.”

    Dr Reti says the decision represents a significant step forward for both the University of Waikato and the wider region.

    “This is a major milestone for the University and a real boost for tertiary education in the Waikato. 

    “It strengthens the University’s position as a leader in education, training, and research, and creates new academic and economic opportunities for Hamilton, the Waikato, and rural communities.

    “By expanding access to medical training, we’re creating new opportunities for students from across the region and beyond, while also helping to future-proof the local workforce.

    “This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative this Government wants to see from our universities – investing in regional growth, building local capability, and delivering on the needs of rural communities.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Defence Cuts – Govt wrong to cut another 255 civilian Defence jobs at time of rising risks

    Source: PSA

    – 255 civilian roles across NZDF to go
    – 10% of civilian workforce downsized in last year
    – Another 46 roles proposed to go
    The Government is fooling itself if cutting 10% of the civilian workforce is how you build a modern, combat ready defence force at a time of rising security risks.
    NZDF today confirmed final decisions that will see 255 roles cut across the force, making a total of one in ten roles axed in the last year (including voluntary redundancies). This is down from the original proposal of 347 roles in March. 46 further roles may go depending on the outcome of additional consultation.
    “This is incredibly shortsighted when a modern defence force needs a well-resourced civilian workforce to support our men and women in uniform,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    The cuts include roles in the army, air force, strategy, health and safety, Defence College, Joint Defence Services, Joint Support Group, financial, Chief of Staff office and Veterans Affairs.
    “This is all about saving money, not strengthening security. It doesn’t make any sense when tensions are rising across the Asia Pacific area and in Europe. It was only a few months ago that a warship from China was in the Tasman Sea.”
    NZDF told staff today it  was facing a tough fiscal environment which has forced it to make deep cuts in a number of areas to save money including:
    • “cancelling some training activities and major exercises”
    • “reducing flying hours, sea days and other training”
    • “pausing property maintenance”
    “The Government is investing in military equipment and technology which is a good thing but is blind to the fact that civilian defence workers, like engineers, IT specialists and many others are needed to support this.
    “All these cuts to jobs will do is increase already heavy workloads, leading to more stress and burnout, and forcing those in uniform to pick up the work of the civilian workers. That is not what they signed up to do and won’t help NZDF improve retention.
    “Civilian workers are the backbone of Defence, yet the Government continues to disrespect their vital role. It’s the wrong choice.”
    Previous statement
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –