Australia (ranked 29th) and New Zealand (ranked 16th) are cited as positive examples by Reporters Without Borders in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index of commitment to public media development aid, showing support through regional media development such as in the Pacific Islands.
The 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has revealed the dire state of the news economy and how it severely threatens newsrooms’ editorial independence and media pluralism.
In light of this alarming situation, RSF has called on public authorities, private actors and regional institutions to commit to a “New Deal for Journalism” by following 11 key recommendations.
On this World Press Freedom Day, we pause to honour journalists and media workers across the globe who risk their safety to report truth and amplify the voices of the oppressed. Nowhere is this commitment more courageous, or more perilous, than in occupied Palestine.
For decades, Palestinian journalists have operated under constant threat — targeted, detained, censored, and even killed for doing their jobs. In Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, Palestinian reporters document human rights violations, military assaults, home demolitions, and the daily realities of life under occupation, often at great personal risk.
In the latest war on Gaza, media offices have been bombed, journalists and their families deliberately targeted, and communication blackouts imposed to silence Palestinian narratives. As of May 2025, over 140 journalists have been killed in Gaza alone since October 2023, marking one of the deadliest periods for media professionals in recent history. Many others face arbitrary arrest, harassment at checkpoints, equipment confiscation, and restrictions on movement.
Despite these dangers, Palestinian journalists persist — their cameras, pens, and microphones bearing witness to what much of the world might otherwise never see. From the frontline photographers in Gaza to the independent media outlets in the diaspora, their work ensures that Palestinian stories remain in public view.
On this day, we also remember iconic voices like Shireen Abu Akleh, the veteran Al Jazeera journalist killed by Israeli forces in May 2022 while reporting in Jenin. Her legacy is carried by the next generation of Palestinian journalists, who continue to speak truth to power in her name.
Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of justice. In Palestine, this freedom is under siege. And yet, the resilience of Palestinian media workers is a testament to the enduring power of truth.
Today, we say: We see you. We hear you. We stand with you.
We demand protection for journalists in Palestine.
We affirm the right of Palestinians to tell their own story.
Press freedom is not a privilege — it is a right. And in Palestine, that right remains worth fighting for.
Israel’s drone attack on the Freedom Flotilla boat ‘Conscience’ shows Israel’s genocide strategy has now gone global, according to PSNA.
The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says the attack in international waters is a thoroughly predictable war crime, committed by an out-of-control Israel, intent on violence anywhere to uphold its starvation strategy for Gaza.
The ‘Conscience’ was loaded with life-saving humanitarian aid for Gaza and was attacked and disabled off the coast of Malta.
“It’s another war crime to add to Israel’s blood-soaked reputation” says PSNA Co-National Chair John Minto. “This is a cowardly attack on the best of humanity trying to get aid to more than two million desperate and starving people.”
“Israel has blocked all aid for more than two months in an attempt to starve them to death.”
“This brazen attack in international waters shows how emboldened Israel has become by the silence of Western governments such as New Zealand.”
Minto is pointing to the UN Panel of Inquiry in 2011 on a similar Israeli attack on the Turkish aid vessel the Mavi Marmara the year before. It was chaired by former New Zealand Prime Minster Sir Geoffrey Palmer.
Palmer found that Israel used ‘excessive and unreasonable force’ in boarding the vessel and killing ten people on board.
“But Palmer also said that Israel had conducted a ‘legitimate security measure’. I wonder how Geoffrey Palmer feels about legitimising that action now,” Minto says.
“Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa is calling on the New Zealand government to condemn the aggression on what is an unarmed, civilian vessel in international waters.”
“When Ansar Allah (Houthis) in Yemen did this to Israeli vessels to try to stop the genocide in Gaza, New Zealand involved itself by sending military support to western countries to bomb Yemen.”
“We are not calling on the government to send military support for the bombing of Israel. However, if New Zealand really believes in the freedom of passage of unarmed vessels in international waters, it must condemn Israeli outright for this cowardly attack on the ‘Conscience’.”
Minto says to maintain any credibility the government is also overdue and obligated to end its months long silence over other Israeli actions.
“Top of the list is Israel’s war crime use of starvation in Gaza as a weapon of war. But the government must also condemn the Israeli army ethnic cleansing and assisting settler attacks in Occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank.”
“Israel is building new illegal settlements there at an unprecedented rate.”
“Israel has also just conducted unprovoked major military assaults on Syria. Our Foreign Minister must surely know about these things, and we are at a loss to know why he says and does nothing.”
About 1000 pro-Palestinian protesters marked World Press Freedom Day — May 3 — today by marching on the public broadcaster Television New Zealand in Auckland, accusing it of 18 months of “biased coverage” on the genocidal Israeli war against Gaza.
They delivered a letter to the management board of TVNZ from Palestine Solidarity Network (PSNA) co-chair John Minto declaring: “The damage [done] to human rights, justice and freedom in the Middle East by Western media such as TVNZ is incalculable.”
The protesters marched on the television headquarters near Sky Tower about 4pm after an hour-long rally in the heart of the city at a precinct dubbed “Palestine Square” in the Britomart transport hub’s Te Komititanga Square.
Several opposition politicians spoke at the rally, calling for a ceasefire in the brutal war on Gaza that has killed more than 62,000 Palestinians with no sign of a let-up.
Labour Party’s disarmament and arms control spokesperson Phil Twyford was among the speakers that included Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson and Ricardo Menéndez March.
All three spoke strongly in support of Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick’s Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Davidson said the opposition parties were united behind the bill and all they needed were six MPs in the coalition government to “follow their conscience” to support it.
Appeals for pressure They appealed to the protesters to put pressure on their local MPs to support the humanitarian initiative.
Protesters outside the Television New Zealand headquarters in Auckland today. Image: Asia Pacific Report
In The Hague this week, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) heard evidence from more than 40 countries and global organisations condemning Israel over its actions in deliberately starving the more than 2 million Palestinians by blockading the besieged enclave for more than the past two months.
Only the United States and Hungary spoke in support of Israel.
Mutlaq al-Qahtani, Qatari Ambassador to The Netherlands, also said there were “new trails of tears in the West Bank mirroring Gaza’s fate”.
Israel executing ‘genocidal war’ against Gaza, Qatar tells ICJ. Video: Al Jazeera
Among the speakers in the Auckland rally, one of about 30 similar protests for Palestine across New Zealand this weekend, was coordinator Roger Fowler of the Auckland-based Kia Ora Gaza humanitarian aid organisation, who denounced the overnight drone attack on the Gaza-bound Freedom Flotilla aid ship Conscience in international waters after leaving Malta.
The ship was crippled by the suspected Israel attack, endangering the lives of some 30 human rights activists on board. Fowler said: “That’s 2000 km away from Israel, that’s how desperate they are now to stop the Freedom Flotilla.”
A protester placard declaring “TVNZ, you’re biased reporting is shameful. Where is your integrity?” Image: Asia Pacific Report
He reminded protesters that Marama Davidson and retired trade unionist Mike Treen had been on previous aid protest voyages in past years trying to break the Israeli blockade, but there was no New Zealander on board in the current mission.
Media ‘credibility challenge’ Journalist and Pacific Media Watch convenor Dr David Robie spoke about World Media Freedom Day. He paid a tribute to the sacrifices of 211 Palestinian journalists killed by Israel — many of them targeted — saying Israel’s war on Gaza had become the “greatest credibility challenge for journalists and media of our times”.
Many protesters carried placards declaring slogans such as “TVNZ your biased reporting is shameful. Where is your integrity?”, “Journalists are not targets” and “Caring for the children of Palestine is what it’s about.”
After marching about 1km between Te Komititanga Square and the TVNZ headquarters, the protesters gathered outside the entrance chanting for fairness and balance in the reporting.
“TVNZ lies. For the past 18 months they have been nothing but complicit,” said one Palestinian speaker to a chorus of: “Shame!”
He said: “Every time TVNZ lies, a little boy in Gaza dies.”
Another Palestinian speaker, Nadine, said: “Every time the media lies, a little girl in Gaza dies.”
The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) letter to Television New Zealand’s board. Image: Asia Pacific Report
Deputation delivers TVNZ letter A deputation from the protesters delivered the letter from PSNA’s John Minto addressed to the TVNZ board chair Alastair Carruthers but found the main foyer main entrance closed so the message was left.
Minto’s two-page letter calling for an independent review of TVNZ’s reporting on Palestine and Israel said in part:
“Over the past 18 months of industrial scale killing of Palestinians by the Israeli military in Gaza we have been regularly appalled at the blatantly-biased reporting on the Middle East by Television New Zealand.
“TVNZ’s reporting has been relentlessly and virulently pro-Israel. TVNZ has centred Israeli narratives, Israeli explanations, Israeli justifications and Israeli propaganda points on a daily basis while Palestinian viewpoints are all but absent.
“When they are presented they are given rudimentary coverage at best. More often than not Palestinians are presented as the incoherent victims of Israeli brutality rather than as an occupied people fighting for liberation in a situation described by the International Court of Justice as a “plausible genocide”.
“This pattern of systemic bias and unbalanced reporting is not revealed by TVNZ’s complaints system which focuses on individual stories rather than ingrained patterns of pro-Israel bias.
“Every complaint we have made to TVNZ has, with one minor exception, been rejected by your corporation with the typical refrain that it’s not possible to cover every aspect of an issue in a single story but that over time the balance is made up.
“Our issue is that the bias continues throughout TVNZ’s reporting on a story-by-story, day-by-day basis — the balance is never achieved. The reporting goes ahead just the way the pro-Israel lobby is happy with.”
The rest of the letter detailed many examples of the alleged systematic bias, such as failing to describe Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem and as “Occupied” territory as they are designated under international law, and failing to state the illegality of Israel’s military occupation.
Minto concluded by stating: “It is prolonging Israel’s illegal occupation, its apartheid policies, its ethnic cleansing and theft of Palestinian land. TVNZ is part of the problem – a key part of the problem.”
The letter called for an independent investigation.
Palestinian protesters at TVNZ headquarters while demonstrating against the public broadcaster’s coverage of the Israeli war against Gaza on World Press Freedom Day. Image: Asia Pacific Report
Police have now reviewed completion rates for the swimming assessment that recruits are expected to undergo as part of their training at the Royal New Zealand Police College.
Since the start of the new 20-week curriculum in January 2024 a further three wings have missed the assessment. There are now 349 constables who will take the swimming assessment retrospectively.
Commissioner Richard Chambers said he is disappointed that the process in place to assess water skills has not been followed consistently.
“The swim assessment is designed to ensure recruits are aware of their abilities and limitations in water. This becomes important operationally to help them make good decisions if they need to respond to a critical water incident.
“While it is not currently a pass or fail requirement, it is an important component of preparing to be a police officer. The current process will be reviewed to ensure that all recruits are assessed in water skills before they leave the college. This review will include looking into whether swimming competency should return to being a pass or fail requirement prior to graduation.
“I have directed all 349 constables who have missed the assessment to complete it in their home Districts over the next four months.
“I am proud of the calibre of recruits that we have and am committed to ensuring that the high standards of entry and training for New Zealand Police are maintained.
“In this way we will continue to turn out the exceptional police officers that New Zealand is well known for and expects.”
Police have arrested two people in relation to an aggravated robbery at a Kawakawa property on Thursday night.
A 22-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested last night and are facing a number of charges, including aggravated robbery, wounding, unlawful possession of ammunition and failing to answer to bail.
They will appear in Kaikohe District Court this morning.
Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that new up-to-date attendance data is helping provide fresh insights into student attendance. For example, data for the first week of term 2 shows the effect of wild weather and which regions were standouts. The average attendance across week 1 is 87.1 per cent. “The daily school attendance dashboard kicked off this year. It facilitates the daily recording and publication of student attendance, meaning data for week one of term 2 is already available,” says Mr Seymour. “It’s pretty clear that areas hit worst by the stormy weather had significant drop offs towards the end of the week. For example, Canterbury and Chatham Islands recorded 90.2% on the first two days of term but dropped to 76.9% on Thursday when the storm hit. I expect attendance to increase again with better forecasts next week. “The dashboard provides region-specific data and insights. Over the school holidays I wrote to all mayors across New Zealand urging them to check out their region’s statistics so they can help raise awareness and spark local action. “My letter didn’t ask them to spend money, or hire more bureaucrats, or make more rules. All it asked was for community leaders to play a positive role encouraging young people to get to school. “My goal is that all of us take ownership of the attendance problem, because in the long term, all of us will pay for it if children aren’t educated and prepared for the 21st century. “I congratulate students in the Otago region, who were the most eager to return to school. On Monday, the first day of term 2, 91.7% of students were at school. The Nelson region wasn’t far behind them on 91.5%. “Thanks to the daily data, we can finally start to see trends in attendance as they occur. This is going to help educators, parents, community leaders, and the Government target areas in need and more effectively support students back to school. “Green shoots are present, and we need to keep building on them. In every term in 2024 attendance improved on the same term in 2023. The Government will work with students, parents and educators to build on this. “There is still more work to do. The Government’s attendance target is 80 per cent of students present for more than 90 per cent of the term. To reach this goal, daily attendance rates of 94 per cent are required. No region achieved this on any day this week. I will be announcing more on how we can help progress further towards our target in weeks to come. “It will be mandatory for schools to have their own attendance management plan, such as the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) in place by Term 1 of 2026. “The basic premise of our flagship STAR is that no child is left behind. This means every day at school is important, and interventions will follow if absences build up. This could mean consequences for the most uncooperative parents. I would like to acknowledge the work of the 67 per cent of schools who have already in engaged in some form of STAR. “Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive educational outcomes. Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves.” Attendance data can be found here Attendance | Education Counts
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has joined the thousands of New Zealanders taking part in the annual game bird hunting season opening. He spent the morning at Te Nohoaka o Tukiauau / Sinclair Wetlands, a 315-hectare portion of the Lakes Waihola-Waipori wetland south of Dunedin, hosted by Fish & Game New Zealand. “It was awesome being out there with fellow hunters as the sun rose on opening day,” Mr Meager says. “This isn’t just recreation — it’s about sustainably harvesting food, teaching the next generation important skills, and maintaining connections to our heritage that stretch back for generations.” The game bird season opener saw an estimated 60,000 people head to wetlands and waterways across the country, many travelling significant distances from urban centres. “Fish & Game regions across the country do a great job managing the game-bird populations, looking after wetlands, waterways and wildlife habitats, and making sure this tradition stays sustainable for future generations,” Mr Meager says. “My priority is to make it as simple as possible for Kiwis to go hunting and fishing in New Zealand. What I saw today was people from all walks of life coming together to do just that. “Hunters understand the effort and responsibility involved in harvesting wild food, and there’s real value in that knowledge. We back our hunters to be part of the conservation solution and will continue to ensure Fish & Game are a responsible, responsive and collaborative organisation providing value for licence-holders’ money.”
Turkey is deepening its energy ties across Africa, launching new projects in Libya, Somalia and Senegal as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its role in the continent’s evolving energy landscape.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 2, 2025/ — Turkey is making bold strides in expanding its energy footprint, with a series of strategic moves aimed at securing long-term energy resources and boosting its global influence. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), the country’s state-owned energy giant, is set to launch oil and gas exploration projects in Libya, aligning with Turkey’s broader strategy to diversify its energy supplies and tap into Africa’s vast resources. Turkey, which currently imports over 90% of its energy, is actively working to reduce its energy import bill by tapping into new domestic and international resources – making markets like Libya a key part of its long-term energy security agenda.
Turkey’s energy diplomacy is also gaining momentum in other parts of Africa, with recent agreements signed in Somalia and Senegal. As Africa continues to build stronger energy ties with G20 nations, Turkey is positioning itself as a reliable partner and growing pillar of energy security. The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies, set to take place in Cape Town later this year, offers a key platform for Turkey to expand its engagement with African energy markets and foster collaboration on exploration, infrastructure and investment.
Turkey and Somalia Deepen Energy Cooperation
Earlier this month, Turkey and Somalia signed a new hydrocarbon exploration and production agreement covering 16,000 km² of onshore territory. Under the deal, TPAO will conduct 2D and 3D seismic studies across three blocks, followed by drilling activities based on the findings. Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, has described the agreement as a strategic milestone in bilateral cooperation, building on a previous offshore production-sharing agreement signed last year.
In addition, seismic activities in Somalia’s maritime zones are underway, with Turkey’s Oruç Reis vessel having completed 78% of a 3D seismic survey over 15,000 km². The survey is expected to conclude by May 2025, after which drilling decisions will follow. Turkey is also eyeing cooperation in the mining sector, and further collaboration will be discussed at a Natural Resources Summit in Istanbul next month.
Energy Diplomacy Extends to West Africa
Last October, Turkey signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Senegal to cooperate on oil and gas exploration, production and trade. The agreement, signed during a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, includes Turkish participation in both onshore and offshore seismic surveys and extends to renewable energy, critical minerals and rare earths. This deal follows similar agreements with Somalia and Niger, as Ankara strengthens its energy ties across the continent.
Ankara’s Growing Influence Across Africa
Through these initiatives, Turkey is positioning itself as a leading partner to Africa, distinguishing itself from traditional Western powers by prioritizing co-development and mutual benefit. Under President Erdoğan, Turkey has quadrupled its diplomatic presence on the continent, expanded defense cooperation with countries including Somalia, Libya, Nigeria and Ethiopia, and boosted trade through major infrastructure investments. In 2023 alone, Turkish contractors completed $85.5 billion worth of projects across Africa. Turkish Airlines now serves 62 destinations on the continent, including Mogadishu, where Turkey has played a pivotal role in rebuilding the capital’s airport.
AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies, taking place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, will serve as a valuable platform for Turkey to strengthen its energy partnerships across the continent. The event convenes African producers, global investors and policymakers to drive new deals and shape Africa’s energy future. As Turkey expands its engagement with African energy markets, AEW 2025 is expected to be a pivotal venue for forging partnerships, launching projects and advancing long-term collaboration.
About AEW: Invest in African Energies: AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Source: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) today issued an urgent call to governments across Australia to engage in genuine negotiations to resolve the pressing issues facing the NSW Health surgical workforce.
Australians are now waiting almost twice as long on average for elective surgery than they were 20 years ago. Workforce pressures and chronic understaffing have contributed to a decline in performance across the country, putting immense strain on both clinicians and patients.
“Our surgeons are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for patients across NSW Health public hospitals, however, they cannot continue to do so under the current conditions,” said outgoing RACS President, Associate Professor Kerin Fielding.
“We are increasingly seeing bureaucratic overreach and planning without senior clinician input, which has escalated over the past year. This has significantly impacted surgeon work practices, workforce wellbeing, surgical training, and most importantly, patient safety.”
Associate Professor Fielding warned that the current conditions have led to resignations and industrial action across multiple jurisdictions, exemplified by recent strikes in NSW and the resignations in ACT.
“The industrial action reflects the consequences of chronic understaffing, unmanageable workloads, and poor working conditions. These issues threaten the quality of patient care and jeopardise the sustainability of our healthcare system both in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand,” Associate Professor Fielding said.
In addition to advocating for systemic reform, surgeons will come together this weekend at the College’s Annual Scientific Congress to discuss strategies for working with governments to reduce elective surgery waiting lists. The gathering aims to foster collaborative solutions to improve access and reduce delays for patients awaiting vital procedures.
The College’s concerns are backed by a recent national survey conducted by the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation, which revealed mounting fears of a widespread exodus of medical professionals from public hospitals across Australia.
“Without meaningful reform and collaboration, the system is under serious threat, many surgeons will leave the public sector, costing the government millions in training and support. We must work together now to turn this situation around before it’s too late.”
The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons urges all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue and action to ensure a sustainable, safe, and high-quality surgical care system across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
About the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
RACS is the leading advocate for surgical standards, professionalism and surgical education in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. The College is a not-for-profit organisation that represents more than 8000 surgeons and 1300 surgical trainees and Specialist International Medical Graduates. RACS also supports healthcare and surgical education in the Asia-Pacific region and is a substantial funder of surgical research. There are nine surgical specialties in Australasia being: Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Urology and Vascular Surgery. www.surgeons.org
A human rights agency has called for an investigation into the drone attacks on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla aid ship Conscience with Israel suspected of being responsible.
The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said in a statement that the deliberate targeting of a civilian aid ship in international waters was a “flagrant violation” of the United Nations Charter, the Law of the Sea, and the Rome Statute, which prohibits the targeting of humanitarian objects.
It added: “This attack falls within a recurring and documented pattern of force being used to prevent ships from reaching the Gaza Strip, even before they approach its shores.”
The monitor is calling for an “independent and transparent investigation under Maltese jurisdiction, with the participation of the United Nations”.
It is also demanding “guarantees for safe sea passage for humanitarian aid bound for Gaza”.
“Any failure to act today will only encourage further attacks on humanitarian missions and deepen the catastrophe unfolding in Gaza,” said the monitor.
A spokesperson for the Gaza Freedom Flotilla said the group blamed Israel or one of its allies for the attack, adding it currently did not have proof of this claim.
Israeli TV confirms attack However, Israel’s channel 12 television reported that Israeli forces were responsible for the attack.
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) is a grassroots people-to-people solidarity movement composed of campaigns and initiatives from different parts of the world, working together to end the illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza.
The organisation said its goals included:
breaking Israel’s more than 17-year illegal and inhumane blockade of the Gaza Strip;
educating people around the world about the blockade of Gaza;
condemning and publicising the complicity of other governments and global actors in enabling the blockade; and
responding to the cry from Palestinians and Palestinian organisations in Gaza for solidarity to break the blockade.
The MV Conscience — with about 30 human rights and aid activists on board — came under direct attack in international waters off the coast of Malta at 00:23 local time.
Hamilton-based apprentice Rory Van Vroonhoven has been awarded one of three prestigious Plumbing World Scholarships, recognising his remarkable growth and clear passion for the plumbing industry over the past year.
Now in his third year with Masterlink, Rory received the scholarship at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards held on Friday 2 May in Brisbane, Australia.
Cody Hall, North Island Key Account Lead at C.F. Reese Plumbing-Rory’s host company and employer-praised Rory’s approach to his work in a letter of support.
“Rory tackles each issue or challenge and continually exceeds my expectations. Rory’s passion for the trade is evident in the way he asks questions about a specific task or problem, ingenious and well thought through.”
Rory’s enthusiasm has made a strong impact on his peers as well.
“Rory has been an inspiration to the new apprentices we have coming through, continually pushing others to reach outside their comfort zone and give it a go and teaching others of newly learned skills – a sign of a great tradesman in the making.”
Masterlink Regional Manager Russell Walsh also commended Rory’s rapid development.
“[He] is focused on career development and becoming the best he can be as part of an industry he is passionate about,” says Mr Walsh.
Walsh noted that Rory progressed from feeling overwhelmed by the scope of work offered by his employer to confidently taking ownership-recently completing an unsupervised repair on a water main critical to protecting one of the North Island’s main power sources.
The Plumbing World Scholarship recognises three Masterlink apprentices each year who demonstrate exceptional commitment, personal growth, and maturity. Recipients receive a $1,000 Plumbing World credit. The overall winner also earns registration, flights, accommodation, and a guest pass for the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Rory was joined by fellow scholarship recipient Blake Jones-Downes, while Trent Toomey was honoured as the overall winner of the 2025 Plumbing World Scholarship.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
Wellington’s Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas has been named the 2025 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year, recognising their outstanding contribution to the plumbing industry, excellence in business practice, and commitment to community service.
This top national award was presented at the New Zealand Plumbing Awards ceremony on Friday 2 May, held this year in Brisbane.
Founded in 2005 by Jason and Kirstie Brown, the family business has grown from humble beginnings into a trusted name in Wellington regions’ plumbing sector. Their reputation for professionalism, quality workmanship and strong community ties stood out to the judges, earning them this top national honour.
“Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas represents the very best of our industry – skilled, trusted, and deeply committed to their community,” said Master Plumbers Chief Executive Greg Wallace.
“Jason and Kirstie exemplify the values we strive for across our membership, setting a high standard for quality work, business leadership and customer care,” says Mr Wallace.
At the heart of the business is Jason, a Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer, who has built a team culture focused on quality, integrity and service excellence. Every job is approached with meticulous attention to detail, earning the business a loyal client base that values their friendly, honest and dependable service.
The team is particularly proud of their work on the Wellington residence picked for the Master Builders 2024 National Supreme House of the Year.
Beyond the tools, Jason has made a strong impact at the local level, supporting schools, sports teams and community initiatives – reinforcing their commitment to giving back to the region that has supported their growth.
The business’s steady growth reflects a strong focus on professional development and resilience. Diversification into specialised drainage services has added further strength, ensuring stability through economic challenges.
With Jason’s natural ability to mentor and empower people, training the next generation of tradespeople remains a key priority, with hands-on apprenticeships and in-house leadership development workshops helping to build a skilled, confident workforce for the future.
Winning the 2025 New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year Award is a fitting recognition of Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas’s continued excellence, innovation, and community spirit.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
Wellington Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer Andrew Smith has been awarded the prestigious James Douglas Medallion at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards in Brisbane, recognising his exceptional commitment, technical excellence, and leadership within the industry.
Employed by E.G. Glennie & Co, Andrew has demonstrated an outstanding combination of practical skill, technical aptitude, and professionalism since joining the company. According to his nominators, company owners Mike Gooch and Gordon Diggle, Andrew’s natural talent for the trades has been matched by his drive to continually broaden his knowledge and leadership abilities.
“Andrew has become a true all-rounder at E.G. Glennie & Co,” said Mike Gooch. “From tackling technical problem-solving and calculations to working on the tools, he approaches every task with diligence and enthusiasm. His leadership, work ethic, and thirst for improvement set him apart.”
Andrew’s progression within the company has seen him rise to lead projects, price jobs, liaise with clients, and mentor fellow team members. His systematic approach to his work and tenacious attitude have resulted in him passing both his Tradesman and Certifying exams with flying colours.
“Andrew’s willingness to tackle any job – whether it’s designing an installation or unblocking a drain – shows his commitment to both the craft and our clients,” added Gordon Diggle. “He is an integral part of our succession plan and a key leader within our 10-person team.”
Praised for his polite, professional manner and technical expertise, Andrew has a passion for new ideas and technology, particularly in areas such as gas servicing, solar water heating, and problem-solving for complex installations. His initiative in seeking out knowledge and going the extra mile for clients and colleagues alike has earned him widespread respect within the company.
The James Douglas Medallion is one of the highest honours in New Zealand’s plumbing industry, awarded annually since 1948 to recognise outstanding recently qualified tradespersons. As the 2025 recipient, Andrew receives a $500 cash prize and a Career Development Scholarship valued at $2,500 from Skills Group, aimed at further supporting his professional growth.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
Source: Master Plumbers Gasfitters and Drainlayers
Taupō-based apprentice Blake Jones-Downes has been awarded one of three prestigious Plumbing World Scholarships, recognising his initiative, professionalism, and versatility at such an early stage in his career.
The third-year Masterlink apprentice received the Scholarship at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards held on Friday 2 May in Brisbane, Australia.
Blake’s journey has been one of grit, growth, and drive to succeed. From managing his own vehicle to delivering top-tier service and continually finding ways to overcome challenges, he exemplifies everything the industry looks for in its future leaders. His reputation among clients and colleagues alike speaks volumes – he is dependable, skilled, and committed.
Nina Andrews, host employer and Director of McBeth Plumbing & Gas in Taupō, described Blake as a “rising star” in support of his nomination for the scholarship, adding that he is “more than an asset to the business; he’s a shining example of what’s possible when passion, resilience, and innovation come together.”
When asked what achievements and contributions he’s most proud of, Blake says:
“I’m most proud of the work I do that genuinely makes a difference – whether it’s solving a problem for a customer or getting a system back up and running. I’ve always been someone who enjoys problem-solving and figuring out how things work, so being able to do this professionally as part of my trade qualification is something I really love.”
“Blake’s combination of technical expertise, initiative, and work ethic make him an essential part of the business. He goes beyond simply completing tasks – he consistently adds value, demonstrating that he’s not just an apprentice but a future leader in the industry,” says Ms Andrews.
“There is no doubt that he has a bright future ahead, and this award would be a well-earned recognition of his dedication and achievements,” says Ms Andrews.
The Plumbing World Scholarship recognises three Masterlink apprentices each year who demonstrate exceptional commitment, personal growth, and maturity. Recipients receive a $1,000 Plumbing World credit. The overall winner also earns registration, flights, accommodation, and a guest pass for the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Blake was joined by fellow scholarship recipient Rory Van Vroonhoven, while Trent Toomey was honoured as the overall winner of the 2025 Plumbing World Scholarship.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
Master Plumbers is pleased to announce the winners and finalists awarded at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards on Friday 2 May. The New Zealand Plumbing Awards wraps up our annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference, this year held in Brisbane, Australia.
Plumbing World Scholarships
Plumbing World Scholarships are awarded to three Masterlink apprentices who have demonstrated diligence in their assignment completions, and maturity and personal growth over the past year. They are a true asset to their Masterlink Host business.
Winners receive a $1,000 credit at Plumbing World, with the overall winner receiving registration, tickets and travel to the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
WINNER Rory van Vroonhoven – CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton
OVERALL WINNER Trent Toomey – Gas & Water Limited, Dunedin
Mark Whitehead Training Leader of the Year
This award recognises an individual who has gone beyond the call of duty to help educate and support people entering the industry. The winner will have demonstrated a true commitment to young people entering the industry, and an understanding of efforts required in building knowledge and standards within the sector. He or she deserves to be recognised for hard work and dedication to strengthening the industry.
WINNER Jacob Smith – Plumbing & Gas Works, Hamilton
Product of the Year
This award recognises the significant contribution to product development of a company or individual in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry in the past year.
WINNER Aladdin Easyfit Isolator – Plumbing World
New Zealand Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer Employee of the Year
This award recognises excellence in the trade skills of an individual Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter or Drainlayer, who is a respected member of their trade and known for their leadership skills. The winner will have demonstrated ability in trade calculations; in the selection of materials appropriate to the specifications and design of their work; and in applying relevant documentation and regulatory compliance to their work.
WINNER Darrin Minifie – DL Good Plumbers, Auckland
Outstanding Projects Award
The award recognises an exceptional project that displays excellence and high levels of innovative plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying methods, the use of new materials or the innovative use of existing materials.
WINNER Hockly Plumbers, Wellington, for their work on Ngā Mokopuna The Living Building
James Douglas Medallion
The prestigious James Douglas Medallion has been awarded each year since 1948. It recognises outstanding recently qualified tradespersons who have demonstrated hard work, commitment, and determination to achieve industry success. Young people are the lifeblood of our industry, and it is important we can attract and retain the best young people entering the workforce.
The overall James Douglas Medallion recipient will be chosen from these three finalists and will receive a $500 cash prize together with a Career Development Scholarship to the value of $2,500 from The Skills Organisation. This is a major prize designed to build the winner’s career progression.
PLUMBING FINALIST Andrew Smith – E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd
GASFITTING FINALIST Marieke Oram – Clyne and Bennie Ltd
DRAINLAYING FINALIST Daniel Collins – Evergreen Plumbing Group Ltd
WINNER Andrew Smith – E.G. Glennie & Co Ltd
Jackson Women in Plumbing
This award recognises a woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the plumbing, gasfitting or drainlaying industry.
WINNER Andrea Lovell – Heron Plumbing, Auckland
Graeme Victor Smith Contribution to the Industry
This award is presented in recognition of values important to Graeme Smith’s career and personal involvement in the industry. It recognises commitment to Master Plumbers, to the industry, to running a successful business and to developing young and future plumbers.
WINNER Aaron Rink – CF Reese Plumbing, Hamilton
Master Plumbers Business Partner of the Year
This award recognises a Master Plumbers business partner who is commitment to Master Plumbers as well as contributes and supports the success of the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry.
WINNER Allproof Industries
New Zealand Master Plumber of the Year
This award recognises a Master Plumbers member that can clearly demonstrate its business acumen and drive for success. The recipient will exemplify the highest levels of professionalism and service.
WINNER Jason Brown Plumbing & Gas
About the New Zealand Plumbing Awards
The New Zealand Plumbing Awards acknowledge the many positive achievements and success stories in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry and are presented at a gala dinner on the final night of the annual New Zealand Plumbing Conference. Organised by Master Plumbers, the national conference has been held for over 100 years and is the premier event in the plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying industry, with attendees coming from all over the country.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
Dunedin apprentice Trent Toomey has been named the overall winner of the prestigious Plumbing World Scholarship, recognised for his outstanding dedication, determination, and maturity well beyond his 21 years.
The third-year Masterlink apprentice was presented with his Plumbing World Scholarship at the 2025 New Zealand Plumbing Awards Ceremony on Friday 2 May, held this year in Brisbane, Australia.
Toomey’s ambition and determination to succeed made him a standout nominee. His host company and employers, Shelley and Sean Reynolds, owners of Gas and Water Ltd. in Dunedin, highlighted his strong work ethic and proactive attitude.
“Trent actively seeks out areas where he can contribute, anticipating how the job is to be done, and is eager to learn new skills,” they shared, adding, “If Trent completes his scheduled work before the end of the working day, he does not hesitate to request additional jobs,” say Shelley and Sean Reynolds.
His eagerness to learn has meant in just three years, Toomey has already passed his plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying registration exams with high marks, and was able to complete his certifying exams in March.
The Reynolds’ noted that Toomey’s value to the company goes well beyond his technical skills, reflecting his broader contributions to the team and the industry.
“Trent turns up to work every day with a smile on his face and is enthusiastic no matter what job he has been assigned for the day”.
Last year, Toomey won the Trustees Apprentice Award for Otago at the 2024 Mac Mackenzie Trust Awards, recognising second-year apprentices who excel in their training or overcome significant challenges.
Toomey’s Masterlink Regional Manager, Danny Ledwith, also praised his determination and initiative.
“Twelve months ago, Trent took full responsibility for his learning and committed to completing all of his online and on-job assessments, impressively getting ahead of the curriculum by finishing assessments before they were even released. His proactive attitude toward his apprenticeship is a clear demonstration of his personal growth and maturity,” says Mr Ledwith.
The Plumbing World Scholarship is awarded annually to three Masterlink apprentices who show outstanding commitment, personal growth, and maturity. Winners receive a $1,000 credit at Plumbing World, with the overall winner also receiving conference registration to the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference, including flights, accommodation, and a guest ticket for the New Zealand Plumbing Awards.
In addition to Toomey, Blake Jones-Downes and Rory Van Vroonhoven also received the 2025 Plumbing World Scholarship, each taking home a $1,000 Plumbing World credit and tickets to attend the 2026 New Zealand Plumbing Conference.
Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers NZ Inc (Master Plumbers) is the national membership organisation for plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying businesses, with 18 regional Associations and Branches across New Zealand. Companies go through a Quality Assurance programme in order to become a member. We provide members with a wide range of resources and training opportunities to support them in staying up with the latest technologies, products and compliance requirements. We advocate on behalf of our members and our industry.
Masterlink, a group training scheme owned by Master Plumbers, provides managed mentored apprenticeships across New Zealand, with Regional Managers supporting the apprentices and the businesses who host them during their training.
After a year and a half of war, nearly 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed by the Israeli army — including at least 43 slain on the job.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has brought multiple complaints before the International Criminal Court (ICC) and continues to tirelessly support Gazan journalists, working to halt the extraordinary bloodshed and the media blackout imposed on the strip.
“Journalists are being targeted and then slandered after their deaths,” RSF director-general Thibaut Bruttin said during a recent RSF demonstration in Paris in solidarity with Gazan journalists.
“I have never before seen a war in which, when a journalist is killed, you are told they are really a ‘terrorist’.”
The journalists gathered together with the main organisations defending French media workers and press freedom on April 16 in front of the steps of the Opéra-Bastille to condemn the news blackout and the fate of Palestinian journalists.
The slaughter of journalists is one of the largest media massacres this century being carried out as part of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
RSF said there was “every reason to believe that the Israeli army is seeking to establish a total silence about what is happening in Gaza”.
This was being done by preventing the international press from entering the territory freely and by targeting those who, on the ground, continue to bear witness despite the risks.
Mobilisation of journalists in Paris, France, in solidarity with their Gazan colleagues. Video: RSF
Last year, Palestinian journalists covering Gaza were named as laureates of the 2024 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, following the recommendation of an International Jury of media professionals.
Republished in collaboration with Reporters Without Borders.
MEDIA RELEASE – 2 May 2025 Family First is calling on the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand and Medsafe to respond to significant new research coming out of the United States that shows that almost one in nine women have serious adverse events after taking the abortion pill, mifepristone.
“The sheer scale of adverse events impacting women needs a response from New Zealand health officials, most importantly to let women know there are serious risks with the taking of these drugs” said Bob McCoskrie, Chief Executive of Family First.
The Ethics and Public Policy Center – a Washington DC-based institute – has released a report entitled “The Abortion Pill Harms Women: Insurance Data Reveals One in Ten Patients Experiences a Serious Adverse Event.”
The report analysed the all-payer insurance claims database which included 865,727 prescribed mifepristone-induced abortions from 2017 to 2023. Over this period of time, the researchers discovered that 10.93 percent of women experienced sepsis, infection, haemorrhaging, or other serious adverse events within 45 days following the use of the abortion drug, mifepristone.
“That mifepristone is regularly used and promoted here in New Zealand means the Ministry of Health, Health NZ, and Medsafe have a duty of care to inform women of the real risks of using the drug. Those importing the drug for use must also take responsibility for the real harms this research has uncovered. To continue saying the drug’s use is harmless is demonstrably false and putting women at risk of significant harm” said Mr McCoskrie.
While pro-abortion advocates will try and point to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trials study which indicated a 0.5% likelihood of adverse events, this FDA study is now well out of date; based only on clinical trials; and involving only a fraction of the number of people this new research has studied.
Family First is calling for New Zealand health officials to respond by prioritising women’s health, ensuring the risks of taking mifepristone are clearly spelt out, and that access to the drug is only under a physician’s supervision – not the current situation where the drugs can be obtained over the counter at pharmacies or even via home delivery where there may be very little supervision or after-care.
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting Alphagen NZ Limited in its recall of specific batches of Ārepa brand The Brain Drink as it may cause injury due to a packaging fault (chipped top of glass bottle).
“The concern with some 300ml bottles of Ārepa’s The Brain Drink for Performance is that due to a packaging fault the glass on the top of the bottle maybe chipped,” says NZFS deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.
Batch details of the specific products are on the NZFS recall page.
“If you have any of these affected products at home, don’t drink them. You can return them to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw them out.”
The affected products – which are sold at supermarkets and retailers nationwide – have been removed from store shelves.
They have been exported to Australia and NZFS has contacted the relevant authorities.
Visit NZFS’s recall page for batch details, up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product.
NZFS has received a notification of associated injury.
“As is our usual practice, NZFS will work with Alphagen to understand how this happened and implement corrective actions,” says Mr Arbuckle.
The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the NZFS food recall page.
We have started the process of opening Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere to the sea. Machinery is onsite and a sea connection will be made as soon as sea conditions allow in coming days.
Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere is the largest lake in Canterbury and has no natural outlet to the sea. The lake is normally opened two to three times a year and closes naturally,
Openings are jointly managed by Ngāi Tahu and us and governed by the National Water Conservation Order and a suite of resource consents.
Opening Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere
Consultation for a lake opening started on Monday 28 April and was completed by the afternoon of Tuesday 29 April, with a joint decision to open the lake when conditions were suitable. The same afternoon the lake height reached 1.13m, a level that permits opening, but it was not physically possible to carry out due to sea conditions.
The success of a lake opening depends heavily on favourable weather conditions. Wind strength, wind direction, sea swell, wave directions and the tides are all factors that can affect openings.
In difficult weather and adverse sea conditions, multiple attempts may be necessary, and a successful opening may take weeks or even months to achieve. An opening is considered “successful” when it persists for at least four days (the amount of time required on average to lower the lake level below the opening threshold).
Conditions now suitable for lake opening
With sea conditions slowly improving, we have started the process of opening the lake to the sea.
“While we’ve started the process of opening, current conditions including large sea swells mean the cut could still fill in. Opening the lake is a complex process of balancing values, safety and timing with the weather conditions,” said Leigh Griffiths, General Manager Hazards.
Attempting to open the lake at lower lake levels is also difficult as appropriate flow to the sea is required – any lower lake level opening before this event would have likely failed due to large sea swells.
“It’s not uncommon for the lake level to be high, and it isn’t always something we can prevent. Due to sea level rise and a changing climate, we will need to consider different solutions to increase flood resilience for the local communities.”
We are working collaboratively with Civil Defence, District Councils and other agencies and updating our flood warning webpage with the latest information.
Attributable to Inspector Caroline Martin, Hawke’s Bay Area Prevention Manager
Hawke’s Bay Police monitored a gang-related tangi taking place in the Hastings area today.
During the tangi gang insignia breaches and traffic offending were identified.
Police made a number of arrests and seized and impounded three vehicles involved in the tangi.
Where breaches and traffic offending were not able to be dealt with at the time by Police, information has been collated to assist with further follow up action. Police will not tolerate unlawful activity, and will be working to hold people to account.
Police encourage the public to report any instances of unlawful activity to police so we can take appropriate action. If you have any information in relation to the tangi today please contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or by calling 105.
The advocacy group Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has condemned the New Zealand government fpr failing to make a humanitarian submission to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings at The Hague this week into Israel blocking vital supplies entering Gaza.
The ICJ’s ongoing investigation into Israeli genocide in the besieged enclave is now considering the illegality of Israel cutting off all food, water, fuel, medicine and other essential aid entering Gaza since early March.
Forty three countries and organisations have been submitting this week — including the small Pacific country Vanuatu (pop. 328,000) — but New Zealand is not on the list for making a submission.
Only Israel’s main backer, United States, and Hungary have argued in support of Tel Aviv while other nations have been highly critical.
“If even small countries, such as Vanuatu, can commit their meagre resources to go to make a case to the ICJ, then surely our government can at the very least do the same,” said PSNA national co-chair Maher Nazzal.
He said in a statement that the New Zealand government had gone “completely silent” on Israeli atrocities in Gaza.
“A year ago, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were making statements about how Israel must comply with international law,” Nazzal said
NZ ‘avoided blaming Israel’ “They carefully avoided blaming Israel for doing anything wrong, but they issued strong warnings, such as telling Israel that it should not attack the city of Rafah.
“Israel then bombed Rafah flat. The New Zealand response was to go completely silent.
Nazzal said Israeli ministers were quite open about driving Palestinians out of Gaza, so Israel could build Israeli settlements there.
PSNA co-chair Maher Nazzal . . . New Zealand response on Gaza is to “go completely silent”. Image: Asia Pacific Report
“And they are just as open about using starvation as a weapon,” he added.
“Our government says and does nothing. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had nothing to say about Gaza when he met British Prime Minister Keir Stamer in London earlier in the month.
“Yet Israel is perpetuating the holocaust of the 21st century under the noses of both Prime Ministers.”
Nazzal said that it was “deeply disappointing” that a nation which had so proudly invoked its history of standing against apartheid and of championing nuclear disarmament, yet chose to “not even appear on the sidelines” of the ICJ’s legal considerations.
ICJ examines Israel’s obligations in Occupied Palestine. Video: Middle East Eye
“New Zealand cannot claim to stand for a rules-based international order while selectively avoiding the rules when it comes to Palestine,” Nazzal said.
“We want the New Zealand government to urgently explain to the public its absence from the ICJ hearings.
“We need it to commit to participating in all future international legal processes to uphold Palestinian rights, and fulfil its ICJ obligations to impose sanctions on Israel to force its withdrawal from the Palestinian Occupied Territory.”
A group of meat processing companies, directors and managers have been fined a total of $1,629,500.00 for deliberately and illegally altering exported tallow for profit, following an investigation and prosecution by New Zealand Food Safety.
In a sentence released today by the Manukau District Court, Tuakau Proteins Limited, Taranaki By-Products Limited, Wallace Proteins Limited, Stephen Dahlenburg, Paul Drake, Glenn Smith, Glenninburg Holdings Limited, SBT Group Limited, GrainCorp Commodity Management (NZ) Limited and GrainCorp Liquid Terminals NZ Limited, were all sentenced on various charges under the Animal Products Act.
Tallow is rendered from animal fat into a range of products, in this case it was exported for use in biofuels. Its production is regulated under the Animal Products Act and exporters must meet domestic New Zealand standards with a Risk Management Programme (RMP) along with the rules of importing countries.
The defendants worked together to mix tallow with adulterants, including out of specification products containing unknown quantities of unknown various fats and oils, says New Zealand Food Safety deputy director general Vincent Arbuckle.
“The price of tallow is based on its free fatty acid level (FFA) and the lower the level, the higher the price. By illegally adding other oils, the defendants were able to command a higher price by lowering the free fatty acid levels. Following a lengthy and complex investigation, food safety investigators found this offending was deliberate to maximise profits.”
Mr Arbuckle says these companies’ directors and managers knew their responsibilities under the law.
“The rules for export are there for a reason – to ensure the product is fit for its intended purpose and meets the requirements of importing countries.
“While there was no food safety issue identified with the offending, people and organisations that deliberately try to get around the rules can damage New Zealand’s valuable trade reputation which has been built over generations by high quality exports and backed by our robust food safety system.”
The investigation was sparked by a whistleblower who notified New Zealand Food Safety that vegetable oil may have been blended with tallow for export.
“We followed up on the tip and the investigation broadened over time as investigators gathered evidence. They were eventually able to prove that several companies and individuals worked together to illegally export more than 8,000 tonnes of non-compliant tallow.
“Tuakau Proteins Ltd, Taranaki By-Products Ltd and Wallace Proteins Ltd all owned rendering plants that make tallow. These companies, managers and directors worked together to create this product.
“The prosecution was the result of a meticulous and long-running investigation which made connections between multiple defendants and proved deliberate offending.
“Today’s result is a credit to the persistence and expertise of food safety investigators who stuck with what was a very complex case to bring the defendants before the courts. Their efforts send a strong message to those who would try to circumvent the rules for profit – we will pursue and prosecute,” Mr Arbuckle said.
For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or emailinfo@mpi.govt.nz
For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.
On 30 April Whitireia and WelTec proudly celebrated the Whakapōtaetanga (graduation) of ākonga (students) from Engineering, Business, IT, Health, Creative, and Hospitality. The event was the second of two graduation ceremonies to be held in 2025, celebrating over 1,000 graduates.
The ceremony was opened by the cultural leadership of Whitireia and WelTec Tamaiti Whangai Mentor and Jobs Broker Tame Ngaheke (Te Āti Awa). Te Ara Whānui Kura Kaupapa Māori o ngā Kōhanga Reo o Te Awa Kairangi performers welcomed the graduands as they took their places in the Lower Hutt Town Hall and set the scene for what was a moving ceremony.
Mayor of Lower Hutt Campbell Barry and Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy (as pictured) joined the celebrations to acknowledge the achievements of the graduates and their families.
Mayor Campbell Barry said, “It’s been fantastic to join today’s celebrations and see the pride across the community. Graduation is a major milestone-not just for the students, but for the whānau and friends who have supported them. Whitireia and WelTec graduates bring real skills and talent to our city and will play an important role in shaping Lower Hutt’s future. I’m proud to celebrate with them and look forward to seeing what they achieve next.”
The ceremony ran seamlessly under the guidance of Whitireia and WelTec Jobs Broker, Tui Bradbrook, as MC. It featured inspiring speeches from special guest Vanessa Stacey, Director of the NZ Fringe Festival, and international ākonga speaker, Sonam Narayan.
Vanessa Stacey shared career highlights and commented on the importance of working hard and taking opportunities as they come.
“We live in a world where we are constantly comparing ourselves. The only real commodity that you have is in your own individuality, your own sense of self. Please hold onto that as you take these first steps into the beginning of the rest of your lives.”
Representative of the ākonga body, Sonam Narayan shared her unique experience moving from a new country to join Whitireia and WelTec, and her life-changing journey through tertiary education.
Whitireia and WelTec Executive Director Mark Oldershaw congratulated the ākonga and thanked the families, friends, and the dedicated kaimahi (staff) who have supported them every step of the way.
“We look forward to seeing these talented graduates make their mark on the world, confident that the knowledge, skills, and connections they have gained will empower them to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.”