Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Tech firms’ initiative offers chance for lower fees for sole traders

Source: Radio New Zealand

AFP

Two New Zealand tech firms are looking to capitalise on the launch of regulated open banking, rolling out a new service that promises to cut fees for sole traders.

What is open banking, how does it work and what are the risks?

Sole trader accounting platform Hnry and payment firm Volley’s new service would allow sole traders to take payments on-the-go, without needing a card terminal or percentage-based debit and credit card transaction fees.

The companies said sole traders would be able to generate a QR code in the Hnry app for clients, who would then scan and approve payments in their bank app.

“It cuts both admin time and costs,” said Hnry co-founder James Fuller, noting strong demand for an option like the service provided by Volley.

“Personal trainers, for example, don’t want to carry a card terminal, pay high fees, send invoices or chase payments,” Fuller said. “Now they can get paid on the spot, with no charge to their customer and just a small flat fee for them.”

The funds would be transferred for a flat fee of 35 cents per transaction.

Volley is a New Zealand-built payment method, launched by Jack Callister and James McCann.

It uses open banking technology to enable what they say is secure, account-to-account payments without sharing bank or card details.

Volley co-founder James McCann, who previously worked at Hnry, said New Zealand’s open banking infrastructure has caught up with the world.

“We’ve worked with open banking systems overseas, so we know what great looks like,” McCann said.

Hnry said it would gradually roll out Scan to Pay to all its customers over the next few weeks.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Coalition pushes go on fresh tourism campaigns to promote regions

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. RNZ / Angus Dreaver

The government has announced five new tourism campaigns to lure more visitors from the United States, Canada and Australia.

It’s part of a sustained push to promote a wider range of holiday destinations through the $10 million Regional Tourism Boost.

Today’s second tranche of campaigns includes a $1.2 million project targeting Americans and Canadians, coordinated by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

A $1 million campaign to attract Australians from the eastern seaboard to alpine and coastal regions within the central South Island will be led by ChristchurchNZ.

Further north, a $600,000 cycling initiative to attract more Australian holidaymakers to the country’s bike trails will be led by Destination Great Lake Taupō.

Two separate $459,000 projects will be run to draw Australians from the Gold Coast and Sydney to both the lower South Island and heart of the North Island.

These campaigns will be led by Great South and seven associated Regional Tourism Organisations, and Hamilton & Waikato Tourism respectively.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the coalition wanted visitors to experience more of what New Zealand had to offer.

This included helping the regions shine by supporting local businesses and encouraging tourists to explore beyond the usual hotspots, she said.

“Whether it’s cycling the Great Lake Trails in Taupō, tasting pinot noir in Waipara Valley, enjoying speciality cheese in Ōamaru or admiring Southland’s fiords, our visitors really can do it all,” she said.

“By highlighting time-limited travel and accommodation deals, and regionally distinctive hospitality experiences, we’re making it easier for international travellers to enjoy New Zealand during the quieter autumn and early winter months.”

The campaigns announced today mean all of the $10 million Regional Tourism Boost funding has now been allocated.

The fund has supported a total nine campaigns, the first four of which were announced last November.

The Regional Tourism Boost is part of the government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, set up to support recovery and growth in the tourism sector.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Kaipara council’s CEO resigns

Source: Radio New Zealand

Jason Marris’s tenure also spanned Cyclone Gabrielle, the Mangawhai tornado and significant government reform. Supplied

The Kaipara District’s chief executive has resigned after three-and-a-half years at the helm of the controversial council.

Jason Marris’s time in the top job spanned Cyclone Gabrielle, the Mangawhai tornado and significant government reform – as well as the three-year term of outspoken former mayor Craig Jepson and a flurry of headlines about a karakia ban, the abolition of Māori wards, and complaints about last year’s election.

New Mayor Jonathan Larsen said he accepted Marris’s resignation earlier this week.

Marris was the council’s general manager for three and a half years before becoming interim chief executive in October 2022, then taking on the permanent role in February 2023.

Larsen thanked Marris for his work for the Kaipara District, and said the council would now start the process of recruiting a new chief executive.

He said Marris brought roading services back in-house, navigated a Long Term Plan focused on recovery from extreme weather events, and oversaw key programmes including hundreds of millions of dollars in capital works across the district.

Marris said the decision to leave was extremely difficult but he believed the time was right for a change.

“It’s been my absolute privilege to lead an organisation of so many highly skilled people who care so deeply about the community. I feel incredibly proud of the work that’s been achieved in my time here. Kaipara will always have a special place in my heart.”

His last day at the council will be 10 April.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Election 2026: Labour proposes ‘game-changing’ streaming levy to fund local productions

Source: Radio New Zealand

The revenue from the levy would be reinvested into local productions. 123RF

The Producers’ Guild says a levy on the big content streaming companies would be a “game changer” for the country’s screen production industry.

Labour has proposed implementing a streaming levy should it win the election, with the revenue reinvested into local productions.

Its broadcasting and media spokesperson Reuben Davidson said local content had strong economic and cultural value.

“A levy on streamers would ensure big international streaming operators fairly invest directly in local content,” he said.

Reuben Davidson, Labour’s broadcasting and media spokesperson. RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Irene Gardiner, president of the Screen Production and Development Association (Spada), said as little as five percent of the big streamers’ New Zealand revenue would be worth $25 million a year.

“It can be quite a game changer,” she said.

“The problem that has been caused by the arrival of the streamers on local production everywhere in the world is that it’s massively taken out the advertising revenue which paid for a lot of local content.”

Gardiner, who is also on the RNZ board of governors, said two years ago there were “massive local production cutbacks” at the major New Zealand networks.

“A lot of industries are contracting, and it’s tough. We’re no different in that sense. But the sense where we are different is that it’s the New Zealand voice, and I think that’s at the heart of it,” she said.

“If the streamers just go on and on and on, unregulated all around the world, yes sure we here in New Zealand, we will have all the content in the world, and how wonderful will that be? Except that you could have a situation where there’s almost no local New Zealand content within that, which is such a loss, in terms of national identity and all that side of life.”

Australia also has local production quotas, which requires platforms to invest a minimum amount of money in local content.

However, Gardiner said this would be difficult to impose in New Zealand due to international trade agreements.

“A levy may work better in New Zealand, but look it could even be a hybrid where we invite people to do x number of commissions a year, but if they don’t want to, they pay the levy,” she suggested.

RNZ has contacted Paul Goldsmith, the Minister for Media and Communications, for comment.

Last year, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage released a series of proposals to modernise regulation and content funding arrangements.

They included requiring TV manufacturers to prominently display local media services, and requiring streaming platforms to invest in local content and make it ‘discoverable’ on their platforms.

In October, the government passed legislation to scrap advertising restrictions for broadcasters on Sundays and public holidays.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Sensitive info possibly made public as 1000 police cases affected by tech problem

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ earlier revealed an investigation was under way into the extent of the issue and the Police Minister and Office of the Privacy Commissioner had been notified. RNZ / Richard Tindiller

More than 1000 cases were affected by a “technical issue” with police’s investigation management tool that led to sensitive information that was supposed to be redacted during disclosure potentially being made visible.

RNZ earlier revealed an investigation was under way into the extent of the issue and the Police Minister and Office of the Privacy Commissioner had been notified.

On Thursday Acting Assistant Commissioner Investigations, Serious and Organised Crime Keith Borrell told RNZ that the technical issue with the disclosure functionality of Police’s Investigation Management tool (IMT) was connected to a software update.

“As a result of this issue Police have reverted to an earlier iteration of the disclosure platform that has been thoroughly tested by both Police ICT and the software supplier.

  • Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

“As a result of the investigations into the extent of the issue, Police have established that 1527 disclosure packages from 1037 cases have been affected. Police are working with justice sector partners to determine if there have been any privacy breaches as a result of the issue, and to date have identified 46 occasions where private information has been shared unintentionally.”

Police were working closely with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner and were assessing each case carefully to ensure individuals were informed and safety measures put in place where required. Borrell said that the majority of the information released was already known by the person who received it.

RNZ earlier reported police had contacted lawyers of defendants advising them of the issue.

An email seen by RNZ says a technical issue with police’s Investigation Management Tool (IMT) had been discovered that resulted in some redacted documents produced since 4 December not being correctly processed by the system.

This meant that information that was supposed to be redacted could become visible.

The lawyers were advised to retrieve the disclosure packages from their clients or request deletion of the email.

They were also told to advise them that they must comply with the Lawyers and Conveyances Act which included not disclosing information that would be likely to place a person’s health or safety at risk.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell earlier said it was “disappointing and concerning this error has occurred”.

“I expect Police to take all necessary steps to understand what happened, and to ensure it cannot happen again.”

Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money earlier told RNZ she had contacted police asking for information on what had happened and what actions police were taking regarding both at risk victims and victims and witnesses in general who have been affected.

A spokesperson for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner earlier confirmed to RNZ police notified them of a privacy breach on 16 December 2025.

“The Privacy Act sets out that agencies are required to notify the Office of the Privacy Commissioner as soon as they are aware of breaches that they have assessed as ‘serious harm.’

“As with any breach, Police will need to investigate so they can fully understand the size and scope of the breach and its impact on New Zealanders. It’s possible that further investigation of a breach could result in an initial assessment of serious harm being downgraded.”

The commissioner’s initial focus was to “support agencies who have experienced a breach with advice on how to minimise the harm to any people affected.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Disposable Razor: All Blacks coach Scott Robertson expected to get the sack – reports

Source: Radio New Zealand

Scott Robertson. Paul Thomas / Photosport

Scott “Razor” Robertson, only a few years ago hailed as the future of All Black rugby after taking the Crusaders to multiple Super Rugby championships, could be about to be dumped as All Black coach, according to several media.

1News is reporting NZ Rugby is expected to confirm today that Robertson will be dropped two years into his four year term.

The Irish Independent is reporting that the All Blacks will be plunged into “unprecedented turmoil” with Robertson about to depart his job.

The speculation is so far unconfirmed.

RNZ is contacting NZ Rugby about the rumours but has yet to receive a response.

There has been mounting speculation after an internal report into the 2025 All Black games found dissatisfaction among senior players.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

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Loaded firearm found during search

Source: New Zealand Police

Eagle-eyed Police who spotted a vehicle of interest in the Manukau area yesterday afternoon have taken a fully loaded firearm off the streets.

At about 5.40pm, Police observed a vehicle of interest travelling through Manukau on Puhunui Road.

Counties Manukau West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Mohammed Atiq, says upon seeing Police the vehicle fled but was not pursued.

“Eagle was then able to locate the vehicle on Redoubt Road and units cordoned the address.

“The Police Dog Unit tracked a person to a room underneath a house and a search of the property found a fully loaded semi-automatic AK-47 style firearm in a cupboard as well as several parts of a shotgun.”

Inspector Atiq says another person at the address was also taken into custody.

“A 27-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman are now facing a number of charges, including unlawful possession of a prohibited firearm.

“We are committed to holding offenders to account and delivering on our intent to keep the community safe.

“This is another good result for our team, who continue to be actively engaged in their area.”

The pair will appear in Manukau District Court today.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Making it easier to consent coastal activities, quarries and mines

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s important changes to make it easier to consent the mines and quarries we need to enable more infrastructure become law today, say RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop, Resources Minister Shane Jones, and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.

The Government has amended five major National Direction instruments to make it easier to quarry, mine, and do more in the coastal marine area:

  • The National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity 2023
  • The National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020
  • The National Environmental Standards for Freshwater Regulations 2020
  • The National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land 2022
  • The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010

“It is an unavoidable fact that to build more infrastructure and grow our economy, we need quarries and mines. The RMA makes it far too difficult for these types of projects to get consent, which is why we are fixing it.” Mr Bishop says.

“These changes are part of the Government’s focus on creating jobs and growing the economy by ensuring the essential materials for infrastructure can actually be produced.

“These changes reduce duplication, remove conflicting and confusing language between these instruments, enabling the planning system to function more efficiently.

“Making these changes now mean that New Zealanders can see some of the benefits from a more enabling, simpler planning system now, rather than waiting until our new planning system fully takes effect. 

“After extensive public consultation last year, it is exciting to see these much-needed changes finalised following feedback from New Zealanders. 

“These new and updated National Policy Statements will form the first tranche of revised National Direction under the new planning system and have been designed to integrate into the new system as cleanly as possible.”

Mr Jones says the changes recognise that developing New Zealand’s natural resources is about much more than extraction.

“We are ensuring that during consenting quarrying and mining are consistently treated as strategic activities that help meet our national and regional mineral needs, drives economic growth, and supports development, while being carried out responsibly.

“Developing our resources doesn’t begin and end with extraction and shouldn’t be considered as such; it’s about securing supply chains, boosting exports, and delivering lasting benefits for all New Zealanders,” Mr Jones says. 

“The changes that come into effect today also include coastal policy changes to make it easier to consent activities such as renewable electricity generation and electricity transmission, aquaculture activities, and resource use,” says Mr Potaka.

“By streamlining the consenting process for these vital sectors, we’re enabling New Zealand to unlock new potential in sustainable energy and coastal industries, while maintaining strong environmental safeguards.”

Mr Jones says the Government has committed to growing aquaculture to generate $3 billion in annual revenue by 2035.

“The changes to the NZCPS announced today are an important step toward making that happen.

“The NZCPS changes will better support aquaculture growth and strengthen how councils provide for settlement space under the Māori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act. This will support greater Māori participation in the aquaculture sector and enable marine farmers to focus on producing world-class kaimoana,” Mr Jones says.

Notes to editor: 

  • National Direction refers to the set of rules and policies under the Resource Management Act (RMA) that guide councils in developing plans and making consent decisions.
  • Ten new or amended national direction instruments come into force today, forming the first tranche of significant reform after being consulted on in 2025.
  • The new and amended instruments were formally gazetted on 18 December 2025 and take legal effect on 15 January 2026.
  • More guidance and information about the changes can be found here RMA National Direction updated | Ministry for the Environment 
  • A second tranche of RMA national direction instruments, including five further National Environmental Standards, will be considered by Cabinet in the coming months.

Integration With the New Planning System

  • All amended and new RMA national direction instruments will continue to operate under the RMA and will be integrated into the new planning system.
  • The Planning Bill and the Natural Environment Bill, introduced in December 2025, will establish a modern framework for national direction, ensuring councils, iwi, and applicants experience a smooth transition and continued clarity.
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Reminder of upcoming nightworks to improve SH30A

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A reminder that overnight work to rebuild SH30A Amohau Street between Hinemaru Street and Te Ngae Road, begins next Monday 19 January.

The road will be closed from 7pm to 6am, Sunday to Thursday (open Friday and Saturday nights). The attached flier has more details about the work and includes a map showing the detour routes.

All 4 lanes will be open to traffic during the day, with access to the footpath maintained for pedestrians and cyclists. Please drive with care as the road surface will be uneven and have steep ramps with speed restrictions in place. 

NZTA thanks Rotorua motorists in advance for their patience and cooperation ahead of these nightworks. 

Please allow extra time for your journeys and plan ahead during the works.

19 December 2025 – Nightworks to improve SH30A, Rotorua from mid-January:

The work will start on the eastbound lanes of SH30A between Te Ngae Road and Hinemaru Street, before moving to the westbound lanes. The work is expected to take up to three months, depending on weather conditions.

“We’ve listened to feedback and adjusted our plans to keep Rotorua moving while we complete these vital repairs,” says Sandra King, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager for the Bay of Plenty.

“Starting in mid-January and focusing first on the eastbound lanes helps reduce impacts on morning commuters and gives the community time to get used to the works before the school year starts.”

During the day, the road will remain open with a temporary speed limit. Drivers should expect an uneven surface with ramps at each end of the worksite. Overnight closures will run from 7pm to 6am, allowing crews to work safely while minimising delays to people’s daily travel.

The pavement on SH30A has been patched for many years now and requires a full asphalt rebuild. As a key urban route, these repairs are a priority to prevent pavement failures next winter.

This approach, using partial closures from 7pm until 6am will mean the overall timeframe will take longer but does minimise delays to people’s daily travel.

The road also sits within an active geothermal zone, which affects the foundations and adds complexity to the job. Before work begins, the team will carry out investigations to identify any potential issues, such as tomos, so these can be addressed before digging out the road.

“We acknowledge that our earlier plan to deliver these works using a full road closure didn’t fully consider the impact on traffic flows and the people of Rotorua.

“Over the past 3 weeks our team has worked closely with our contractor Higgins and Rotorua Lakes Council to develop a new approach that balances keeping traffic moving while completing the work safely and efficiently,” says Ms King.

NZTA thanks Rotorua motorists in advance for their patience and cooperation ahead of these nightworks.

Please allow extra time for your journeys and plan ahead during the works.

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Blockage on Mangawhero Road, Matamata, Waikato

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are currently at the scene of a traffic incident involving a truck which has spilled its load on SH24, east of Matamata.

The truck has spilled contents onto Mangawhero Road and the road surface is now slippery.

The road is not closed, however it is partially blocked.

Motorists are asked to avoid the area until the road has been cleared.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre