Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive and positive visit to New Caledonia – New Zealand’s closest geographical neighbour.  Mr Peters met the French Minister for Overseas Territories, Manuel Valls, and the President of the Government of New Caledonia, Alcide Ponga.  “We came to listen and learn, and to demonstrate New Zealand’s support for the continuation of dialogue on New Caledonia’s institutional future, led by Minister Valls,” Mr Peters says.“These institutional discussions in Nouméa over the coming days send a positive signal to the Pacific region about the good faith efforts underway to return peace and stability to New Caledonia,” Mr Peters says.“Since last year’s crisis, New Zealand has consistently said that no matter your position on New Caledonia’s institutional future, violence is not the answer – and progress can only be made through careful, inclusive dialogue.“We wish everyone involved in the discussions in Nouméa in the coming week well. New Zealand, just like France and all our Pacific partners, wishes for a stable, secure, prosperous and cohesive New Caledonia.” When Mr Peters last visited Nouméa in December 2024, he announced a support package to help New Caledonia’s recovery. During this visit, he recommitted New Zealand, during discussions with Minister Valls and President Ponga, to support New Caledonia’s development through ongoing constructive, practical support. “New Zealand is not perfect, but we do have experience over recent decades in promoting economic development across our regions and communities,” Mr Peters says. “Economic development is the key to social cohesion. We hope there are pragmatic lessons we can share with New Caledonia, working closely with French authorities, including through Caledonian entrepreneurs gaining a deeper understanding of the Māori economy.”Mr Peters and Minister Valls also discussed regional security and foreign interference in the Pacific. “New Zealand and France are long-standing partners on Pacific security issues, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response and fisheries surveillance. We have a shared interest in ensuring that the Pacific Islands region is protected from efforts by external influences to undermine good governance and democratic decision making.” While in New Caledonia, Mr Peters also met with the Director-General of the Pacific Community (SPC), Dr Stuart Minchin. They discussed the SPC’s role in providing technical and scientific support to help drive the development of Pacific Island countries.Mr Peters also met New Zealand Defence Force personnel taking part in the military exercise Croix du Sud currently under way in New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna, focused on humanitarian assistance and emergency response. In the exercise, NZDF staff are working alongside forces from other Pacific countries and likeminded partners – hosted by the French Armed Forces in New Caledonia. Mr Peters arrives back in New Zealand later today. 

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Endoscopy services at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital are set to expand, with the addition of a third procedure room, Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today.“Improving New Zealand’s health infrastructure is a top priority for the Government, to ensure all Kiwis can access timely, high-quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says.“The hospital’s endoscopy unit currently has two procedure rooms and is operating at full capacity seven days a week. However, increasing demand means patients are waiting longer for essential procedures.“A $1.3 million investment will fund a third procedure room, significantly increasing capacity for procedures such as colonoscopies, gastroscopies, and other vital diagnostic tests.“Endoscopy is critical for the early detection and treatment of conditions such as bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Earlier diagnosis for patients leads to better health outcomes and can be lifesaving.“This investment supports two of our key health targets: faster cancer treatment and shorter wait times for elective care. Once operational, the expanded unit will enable the hospital to meet current and future demand, as well as clear the existing backlog of patients.”Recruitment is already underway to support the expanded service and increase the number of procedures delivered.Today’s announcement builds on a series of recent investments in Hawke’s Bay’s healthcare infrastructure, including:
 

$28.3 million for a new temporary inpatient unit
$29.3 million to expand radiology services
$37.2 million for the district’s first Linear Accelerator to enhance cancer care.

 
“These projects reflect our commitment to delivering better, faster, and more accessible healthcare. The expansion of endoscopy services is another important step in ensuring the people of Hawke’s Bay receive the care they need, when they need it,” Mr Brown says.The new procedure room is expected to be completed by late 2025, with the expanded service fully operational by February 2026.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay has confirmed that restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions on LUC 1-6 farmland will be in place this year, and reaffirmed that they will take effect from 4 December 2024 – the date of the original announcement.
Enabling legislation will be introduced to Parliament during Q2 of this year.
“The Government is focused on maintaining strong food and fibre production while supporting sustainable land use. We remain concerned about the effect that farm conversions are having on highly productive land — particularly sheep and beef farms in Northland, the East Coast and parts of Otago and Southland,” Mr McClay says.
The new rules, now progressing through Cabinet, will ensure balance and recognise the value of both forestry and farming, while providing certainty for our food producers. 
Key changes include:

A moratorium on full farm to forest conversions from entering the ETS for Land Use Classification (LUC) 1-5 actively farmed land.
An annual registration cap of 15,000 hectares for forestry entering the ETS for LUC 6 farmland.
Up to 25% of a farm’s LUC 1-6 land to be planted in forestry for the ETS, ensuring farmers retain flexibility and choice.
Excluding specific categories of Māori-owned land from the restrictions, in line with Treaty obligations, while ensuring pathways for economic development  

Mr McClay says that transitional measures for landowners who were in the process of afforestation prior to the 4 December 2024 announcement would be available where they could demonstrate qualifying evidence of a forestry investment  
“These sensible rules will give certainty to rural communities, while providing clarity for foresters,” Mr McClay says.
For more information please visit https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/68436-Update-on-proposed-changes-to-limit-farm-conversions-to-exotic-forestry-in-the-Emissions-Trading-Scheme-ETS

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

From sports to strolls, playgrounds to park benches, Henderson-Massey locals have more than 230 parks and reserves in their area and their views are needed to help shape how they are managed for the next decade.  

The feedback will help to develop the draft Henderson-Massey Local Parks Management Plan, which will guide the management of all parks and reserves, scattered across a mix of urban, future urban, and coastal areas, for the next 10 years.   

Henderson-Massey Local Board chair Chris Carter encourages residents to give feedback on what you value about our parks, the key issues you believe the local board should focus on, and how you’d like to use your parks now and into the future.   

“The plan describes how people use and value our parks, which areas need protection, and things to consider before upgrading or developing a park.  

“We know how much our parks and reserves shape the daily lives of many residents. Take the chance to have a say in how our special spaces are managed and protected.” 

The plan aims to guide day-to-day management in local parks in a way that reflects the values of mana whenua and the community. 

Chair Carter says it will be an important document that will guide decisions on local parks for the next decade.  

“We will refer to the plan in many instances, such as when we approve events or grant leases to groups using parks.”  

The consultation period runs from 1 May to 1 June 2025. 

Why we need the plan 

About 20 per cent of local parks in the Henderson-Massey Local Board area are not covered by an existing management plan.  

Management of the remaining 80 per cent of local parks falls under 14 separate plans which are 15 years old or more.  

The new plan covering all local parks will provide a consistent approach to park management.  

Ways to have your say 

Have your say online.

Alternatively, collect a physical form from your local library and return it using one of these options: 

• In person: Drop off your completed form at Rānui Library, Te Atatū Peninsula Library, Te Manawa (Westgate) Library, or Waitākere Central (Henderson) Library.  

• By post: Send it freepost to Henderson-Massey Local Parks Management Plan, Auckland Council, Freepost number 190198, Private Bag 92300, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142 

Next steps 

After the consultation closes on 1 June, the submissions will be analysed and a summary of feedback will be available by late 2025.  

Submissions from the consultation period will help to form the draft plan, which is expected to be completed and available for feedback in early 2027.  

This will be followed by a hearing in mid-2027, where any submitter can speak to their submission in person. 

Stay up to date

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news from Henderson-Massey?

Sign up for the Henderson-Massey Local Board E-News and get the latest direct to your inbox each month. You can also connect with us on Facebook.

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

The public consultation for Auckland Council’s Annual Plan 2025/2026 shows most Aucklanders want Government to enact legislative change to enable a bed night visitor levy.
The consultation summary shows 60% of individuals, 58% of organisations, and 13 out of 14 Māori entities support a bed night visitor levy. Many of those who supported the proposal indicated a desire for public event funding, for visitor contribution to infrastructure, and for reducing local resident costs, and the view that it’s common overseas.

The public feedback is consistent with the findings of a poll commissioned by the mayor’s office in August last year which found that 64% of Aucklanders support a bed night levy of 2.5%.

The poll was conducted by Curia Market Research between 25-29 August 2024 and has a sample size of 2,000 Aucklanders. The results are weighted to reflect the regional population in terms of gender, age, and ward.

“Despite the Government’s sheepishness towards a bed night levy, a clear majority of Aucklanders want it. They want visitors to contribute to the funding of the activities and services they use. It shouldn’t impact hoteliers’ profit margins but rather add to their bottom line. I think that’s fair, and common in many world-class destinations.”

“Equally if the industry wants more events here, they need to do their bit to support these events happening. Ratepayers climbing out of a recession should not be burdened with these costs,” says Mayor Brown.

He says Government would be wise to listen to the feedback.

“Aucklanders are enjoying a better relationship with Wellington because I’m making sure they realise the powerhouse that we are.
I’m telling the government to be wise and do the obvious and easy thing here.”

Submissions also showed a majority support for the overall direction of the council’s annual plan. Of individuals, 72% support all or most of the overall plan. Of organisations, 81% and 11 out of 13 Māori entities support all or most of the overall plan.

“This tells me that we’re on track with delivering what we said we would in the LTP. We are investing in every area we said we would while keeping rates as low as possible. In fact, the lowest for any metropolitan city in NZ.”

Mayor Brown says the annual plan is a small but crucial step in moving Auckland in a progressive direction.

“My vision is for Auckland to lead New Zealand on a path to prosperity. That means lifting productivity and real incomes so that every New Zealander – not just Aucklanders – can enjoy a higher standard of living.

“As the powerhouse of our national economy, and our gateway to the world, Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest asset. But the council is just one player and that’s why it is important for all Aucklanders to participate in this conversation,” Mayor Brown says.

I’m pleased to see we had the second largest number of submissions for an Annual Plan, we have high engagement and that’s good.”

The final Mayor’s Proposal for the Annual Plan 2025/2026 will be available in the coming weeks. The council’s Budget Committee and Governing Body will then make final decisions at the end of May.

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Three options for the future use of Western Springs Stadium will go out to public consultation this month, before the council makes a final recommendation later this year. 

Auckland Council’s Governing Body agreed to invite Aucklanders to give their feedback on the future use of Western Springs Stadium before determining a preferred direction. 

Max Hardy, Director of Group Strategy and Chief Executive’s Office, says Western Springs Stadium is a valued venue with a long history in Auckland. 

“Western Springs has served as an important venue for sports, large-scale outdoor festivals and concerts. 

“Through this process, we are seeking Aucklanders’ views on the future opportunities for the site and how it could continue to contribute to the city’s sports, entertainment, and community life. 

“We encourage people to consider the options and tell us what they think,” he says. 

This follows an expression of interest (EOI) process carried out by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), which owns and operates Western Springs Stadium with funding from Auckland Council. Two redevelopment proposals emerged through that process. There is also a third option of doing nothing or exploring other ideas.  

A report presented to the Governing Body summarised the EOI process, the three options, and the recommendation of the TAU Board. 

A majority of the Governing Body supported asking the public for feedback on all three options, to help inform decision making on the future use of Western Springs Stadium.  

The three options that have been identified for public consideration are: 

• ​Option 1: Auckland Arena – a multi-purpose sports and entertainment precinct centred on a football-focused 12,500-seat stadium (25,000+ capacity for concerts), including high-performance facilities, 8 indoor basketball courts, 4 padel courts and related commercial activity (hospitality and sports/health-related services). This option would be funded by private investment (in the range of $200-300 million as the initial investment, with all ongoing operational and capital costs covered, with no upfront or ongoing costs to the ratepayer) in exchange for a long-term discounted or community lease. 

• ​Option 2: Western Springs Bowl – multi-purpose sports and entertainment facilities including permanent music/festival infrastructure (50,000 capacity), a broadcast-capable boutique stadium (5000+ seats) and a multisport community hub. This option would be funded by a mix of private investment ($30 million) and ratepayer funding ($18-20 million upfront investment and ongoing operational and capital costs), as well as long-term discounted and/or community leases.  

• ​Option 3: neither option above; do nothing or explore other ideas – under this option, TAU could retain existing arrangements with Ponsonby Rugby Club whose lease runs until 2027, or explore other ideas for the venue.  

Consultation will run from 19 May until 15 June 2025. Feedback can be provided through the council’s AKHaveYourSay website and other engagement activities. 

Following consultation, the findings will be presented to the council’s Governing Body. A recommendation will then be provided to the TAU board and TAU will make the final decision, as the venue owner and operator.  

Any future redevelopment would remain subject to detailed due diligence, business case preparation, and commercial negotiations.

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Home consents down in year ended March 2025 – 2 May 2025 – There were 34,062 new homes consented in Aotearoa New Zealand in the year ended March 2025, down 3.3 percent compared with the year ended March 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

In the year ended March 2025, the North Island recorded 23,570 new home consents, a decrease of 7.1 percent compared with the year ended March 2024. In contrast, the South Island saw a 6.4 percent increase over the same period, reaching 10,491 new homes consented.

“The increase in the South Island was driven by higher numbers of new homes consented in Otago, Tasman, and Canterbury compared with the same period last year,” economic indicators spokesperson Michelle Feyen said.

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