Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

The nationwide Top Up campaign, launched in August to encourage Kiwis to take everyday actions that boost mental wellbeing, has reached 3,283,076 people and achieved a milestone of 115,000 website visitors in its first four months, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“The response to the Top Up campaign has been phenomenal and shows there’s a real appetite for simple, evidence-based ways to look after our mental health,” Mr Doocey says.

“A perfect example of what success looks like is if you’ve had a challenging day on the farm or stress from work is building up, we want New Zealanders to automatically think which of the five actions they can do to top up.

“Seeing this level of engagement in the first few months gives me real confidence that more Kiwis are taking positive steps to top up their wellbeing.”

Launched in August, Top Up promotes the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Be Active which are proven to support better mental health. The campaign has reached millions through TV, radio, and digital channels, driving strong engagement across all communities.

“This campaign is about shifting the conversation from crisis to prevention. Applying the Five Ways to Wellbeing has been shown to aid recovery from tough times and the management of long-term mental health issues.” Mr Doocey says.

“By encouraging everyday actions, we’re helping New Zealanders take proactive steps to maintain their mental wellbeing and prevent small problems growing into big issues.”

Developed by VML in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, Top Up aligns with the Government’s Mental Health Targets focused on prevention and early intervention. It is complemented by a new Top Up Community Grants Scheme, which offers $250,000 annually for two years to support grassroots wellbeing initiatives, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.

“I’m delighted with the success of this campaign, already exceeding expectations, I hope to see it further break down the stigma around mental health over the next two years.”

Notes to editor

The Top Up website which includes the promotion campaign video can be found here.
The campaign aimed to reach up to 2.6 million New Zealanders each year through a range of multimedia channels such as TV, radio, social media and other online platforms. But it’s performing better than hoped.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed a significant Government investment into new container-handling equipment for Gisborne’s Eastland Port, which will unlock fresh economic opportunities for the Tairāwhiti region.

Mr Meager announced the $5 million investment while visiting the Port, as part of his two-day visit to the region.

“This funding will directly benefit local businesses, exporters, and industries, by enabling the ability to ship containers out of Gisborne,” Mr Meager says.

“In addition to supporting regional prosperity, the investment will secure Tairāwhiti’s connectivity, as it creates an avenue for essential supplies to be brought in by sea if the region is cut off by road, as we saw in Cyclone Gabrielle.”

Eastland Port is the first confirmed recipient of funding from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, which was established through the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024. The $30 million fund invests in projects which enhance the sector’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from events that could disrupt New Zealand’s freight system.

“Supporting freight movements in and out of Gisborne is vital for the region’s economic growth and supports our Government’s plan to double the value of exports in the next 10 years,” Mr Meager says.

“By providing efficient container handling capabilities, Gisborne can attract new trade, stimulate investment, and support job creation in the region. This investment will help local producers access wider markets, strengthen supply chains, and increase the region’s competitiveness.

“I would like to acknowledge local MP Dana Kirkpatrick for her advocacy for the Gisborne community and investment in Eastland Port.”

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are advising drivers to expect significant delays on Auckland’s roads when IKEA opens its first New Zealand store at Sylvia Park next Thursday (4 December).

Road users are being encouraged to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.

“We expect the opening day, and subsequent weeks or even months to draw big crowds to the Sylvia Park area, and for this to have a substantial effect on the transport network both locally and across Auckland,” says Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) Manager Claire Howard.

“Travel times across the wider Auckland  transport network are likely to be substantially longer than usual, and our traffic modelling shows that in a worst-case scenario, there could be 40-minute-plus queues to exit the motorway at Mt Wellington and wait times of up to an hour to get into car parks at IKEA,” Howard says.

“Surrounding streets in Mt Wellington will also be busy, with forecast delays of up to 40 minutes on Mt Wellington Highway in peak traffic.”

ATOC, which is a joint venture between AT and NZTA for managing the transport network in real time, has been working with IKEA to ensure their traffic management plan minimises the traffic impact as much as possible, and will be actively managing traffic light signals and diverting traffic where possible as congestion levels increase. 

“We know people are excited about IKEA opening, but like any popular event or destination that attracts a large crowd, it’s going to put pressure on the transport network,” Howard says.

“The best thing you can do is allow plenty of extra time, check routes and travel times on navigation apps and travel outside of peak times if you can.

“We expect congestion will be at its worst during evening peak traffic on weekdays and on Saturdays from 1-4pm, particularly heading Northbound from South Auckland toward Mt Wellington.”

Multiple channels for informing Aucklanders of travel delays

There will be multiple channels used for keeping Aucklanders and people travelling from other regions informed about disruptions and delays on Auckland’s transport network during this busy period.

These will include real-time updates on the NZTA Journey Planner website, AT website and AT Mobile app notifications, electronic signs on the highway network and local roads, and NZTA/AT social media channels.

“When the store opens on 4 December, staff at ATOC will be monitoring and responding around the clock to keep traffic moving as best we can and we will provide real-time updates for road users and public transport users,” Howard says.

“Our focus is on minimising disruption as much as possible and ensuring people can make informed travel choices.”

Travel advice for IKEA shoppers – taking the train may be your best bet

To avoid the longest queues, people should consider visiting the store outside of peak traffic times.

For those who aren’t planning to buy large furniture, catching the train on the Eastern Line will be the fastest way to get to and from the store.

ATOC Manager Claire Howard says people should consider travelling by train if they are able to.

“It’s a 19-minute train ride from Waitematā Station to Sylvia Park Station compared with expected travel times of more than an hour for the same journey by car, especially if you’re just window shopping or able to get your purchases delivered.” Howard says.

Staff will be on the ground at Sylvia Park Station to help direct people to the store who are travelling by train.

Travel advice for people travelling through Auckland

Drivers coming from out of Auckland to either visit the store or drive through this part of SH1 through Mount Wellington should plan for potential delays and check traffic levels before departing.

Drivers can explore other routes, for example the Western Ring Route (State Highway 20, 18 and 16) through Māngere, Mt Roskill and Massey to avoid State Highway 1.

We recommend using navigation apps to check traffic levels and find the best route before you travel.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced the completion of the ECE licensing criteria reform. 

“Families need access to affordable and quality early learning services. When families have access to good options, children build foundations for future learning and social interactions,” Mr Seymour says. 

“As an electorate MP I’ve had countless parents raise the issue of affordability of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Local ECE services told me that red tape puts unnecessary costs on parents and services, and takes the focus away from children. 

“That’s why I asked for this delegation. That’s why the Government conducted a Sector Review; to reduce compliance costs but keep children’s safety at the forefront.

“Earlier this year, the ECE Sector Review instigated 15 changes to make it easier to open and run high-quality centres. This leads to more choice and better access for parents. 

“The Review included a recommendation to reform the 98 ECE licensing criteria. Most of which were outdated or unnecessary. We consulted the public on changing, merging, or removing approximately three-quarters of them. We are listening to the sector. For example, people said they wanted the frequency of checks for sleeping children to stay the same, so they are.  

“We have reduced the number of licensing criteria by almost 20 per cent, and simplified 58 of them. The changes reduce unnecessary compliance for services and give them greater flexibility. These changes also remove duplication and make the rules clearer. 

“For example, we have removed the requirement for services to document laundry, because it’s a waste of time. Centres will be able to provide parents with information digitally, because it’s 2025. We have also removed requirements for tempering valves, because it’s already dealt with in other health and safety requirements.

“The Ministry for Regulation went straight to the source and asked the sector what’s increasing costs and limiting competition. These changes are based on feedback from providers around the country who say they’ve been frustrated by unclear rules, conflicting advice from different agencies, and unnecessary red tape.

“This is just one part of our wider reform of the ECE sector. The new ECE licensing criteria will be administered by the newly established Director of Regulation. 

“The Director will be responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance in ECE, including investigating and prosecuting where necessary. They will handle complaints and incidents, while also providing support, information, and guidance to service providers, parents, and caregivers. This raises awareness of what quality early childhood education looks like.

“By mid next year, graduated enforcement tools will be used to respond to breaches of the new licensing criteria. The only enforcement tools previously available couldn’t manage minor breaches and didn’t facilitate early intervention. There will no longer be high-stakes open-or-shut rules that create anxiety, and strain relationships between regulators and centre operators. 

“Instead, the relationship will be collaborative, focused on the common goals of ensuring child safety and keeping costs down.”

The updated licensing criteria changes will be used from April 2026. More information and guidance for early learning services will be provided by the Ministry of Education in early 2026. 

“These reforms will make it easier to open and run high-quality centres, which means more choice and better access for parents. This is part of the Government’s wider commitment to smarter, more effective regulation that encourages growth,” says Mr Seymour.