Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Person rushed to hospital after medical event at BestStart in Christchurch

Source: Radio New Zealand

ST JOHN NZ

A person was taken to hospital in a serious condition after a medical event at a Christchurch childcare centre this morning.

St John says it sent an ambulance, a rapid response unit and an operations manager to a St Martins address at 11am on Monday.

A BestStart spokesperson confirmed an ambulance had been at its Huntsbury childcare centre due to a medical event.

One patient was taken to hospital in a serious condition.

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

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Crane driver flagged power line danger before his death

Source: Radio New Zealand

The crane truck near the power lines in Greenhithe in August 2023. Supplied/WorkSafe

A crane operator who was killed as he delivered timber had earlier raised concerns with his employer about how close the power lines were.

Wesley Talakai, 38, struck live lines with his truck-mounted crane outside a house building site in Greenhithe, northwest Auckland, in August 2023.

Worksafe says the crane was just 2.5m from the lines, when the legal minimum is four.

“Mr Talakai raised concerns with his employer, NZ Solid, about limited space at the site and proximity to overhead power lines, however the company gave him a gate code to access the site and continue the work,” said the agency on its website. https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/about-us/news-and-media/delivery-death-underscores-power-line-hazards/

“NZ Solid did not obtain consent from the line owner to work within that distance.”

Worksafe quoted from a victim impact statement, in which Natasha Talakai told the court that the time since her husband’s death had been “excruciatingly difficult, exhausting, painful, and lonely”.

Its investigation found serious failures including relying on verbal instructions, an inadequate lifting plan and failing to properly assess the risks.

Planning a job and “never assuming it’ll be fine” were important, said regional manager Brad Duggan.

Judge Fitzgibbon suppressed the amount of reparations ordered.

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

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Services sector struggling to gain forward momentum

Source: Radio New Zealand

BusinessNZ says it is still tough times for the services sector. File photo. 123rf

  • Services sector PSI rises for second month, but still in contraction territory
  • Sales and employment rise, while new orders fall
  • Proportion of negative comments falls for third consecutive month

The services sector is still contracting – but at a slower pace.

BNZ – BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI) for October rose 0.4 points to 48.7, which is still below the long-term average of 53.

A reading below 50 points indicates the services sector – which makes up about three-quarters of the economy – was contracting.

The October result was also still well below the survey’s historical average of 52.8.

BusinessNZ chief executive Katherine Rich said despite the level of activity rising for the second consecutive month, the fact that no sub-index results got above 50.0 during meant it was still tough times for the sector.

Activity/Sales (48.9) recorded its highest value since January 2025, new orders/business (49.5) slipped slightly from September, and employment (48.8) rose 0.9 points from September, its highest value since March 2025.

The proportion of negative comments for October (54.1 percent) was down from September (58.0 percent) and August (59.6 percent).

Service sector business continued to report weak demand and reduced customer spending due to the economic downturn, cost-of-living pressures, and low confidence.

Other concerns included rising operating costs, delays, competition, and project cancellations which reduced sales.

BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said the better-looking Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) last week might have started thoughts of a quick economic recovery, but Monday’s PSI result pushed against that.

Steel said the news was not all bad, as combined activity showed small improvement.

“It is getting closer to a level that would be consistent with the modest economic growth rates we are forecasting,” he said.

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

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Govt must respect Supreme Court ruling and abandon pro-Uber bill

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Prime Minister to respect the ruling of the Supreme Court and abandon Brooke van Velden’s Employment Relations Bill. The Bill would enshrine in law the ability of employers like Uber to misclassify platform workers as contractors.

“The Uber drivers winning in the Supreme Court is a tremendous victory for workers and the union movement – the Government needs to respect the ruling and uphold the rights of platform and gig economy workers,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

“The ruling proves that these workers are employees, not contractors. It highlights the widespread problem of misclassification in the platform economy where workers are being deprived of their employment rights and need better protection.

“This win shows what can be achieved when workers stand together and organise – the four drivers who took first went to court in 2021, with the support of Workers First and E tū unions, have won against a powerful multinational corporation.

“Uber has consistently lost in the courts, so they have lobbied Brooke van Velden to rewrite the law and enshrine the ability of employers to misclassify platform workers as contractors.

“The Employment Relations Bill currently before parliament would create a system that incentivises companies to exploit the contractor loophole, eroding standard employment conditions across industries and the entire economy.

“Mislabelling employees as independent contractors exposes workers to exploitation, denying them many of their basic protections and entitlements, such as sick and annual leave, minimum wage, protection of hours and protection from unjustifiable dismissal.

“The Prime Minister needs to respect the Court’s ruling and immediately halt the passage of the Employment Relations Bill,” said Ansell-Bridges.

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Labour leader Chris Hipkins announces engagement to partner Toni Grace

Source: Radio New Zealand

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has announced his engagement to partner Toni Grace. Instagram/Chris Hipkins MP

Labour leader Chris Hipkins has announced his engagement to partner Toni Grace, saying he feels like he has hit the jackpot.

Hipkins first confirmed the relationship during his concession speech on the evening of the 2023 election.

Announcing the engagement on Instagram, Hipkins said “I didn’t win the Powerball over the weekend but I did hit the jackpot.”

Hipkins, who has often been reluctant to talk about his personal life, said Grace had remained calm, optimistic, and caring through the ups and downs of politics, parenthood, and life.

“You’re my rock, and I’m so excited about our life together. There simply aren’t enough words to express how much I love you and how lucky I am you’ve agreed to marry me,” he said.

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

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Sudden death – Riversdale Beach, Wairarapa

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has died after getting into trouble in the water at Riversdale on Thursday afternoon, 13 November.

Police were called to Riversdale Beach at about 4pm when a man, in his 50s, was seen struggling in the water.

He was brought to shore where CPR was performed.

Despite best efforts by members of the public, the local surf club, and emergency services, sadly he was unable to be revived.

His death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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NZ golfer Steven Alker falls just shy of a third Charles Schwab Cup

Source: Radio New Zealand

New Zealand golfer Steven Alker. JONATHAN BACHMAN

A second place finish at the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Phoenix, Arizona has cost New Zealand golfer Steven Alker the overall season-long prize.

The Kiwi entered the week No. 1 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings and a win at the tournament would have seen him win the Cup for a second year in a row.

The 54-year old was aiming to become the fourth three-time winner of the 2025 season on PGA TOUR Champions. Alker also won the ultimate prize in 2022.

Alker started the final round with a one shot lead but a mid-round collapse handed the tournament and season prize for the Charles Schwab Cup to American Stewart Cink.

Alker fired a one-under 70 to get to 18-under while Cink carded a bogey-free four-under 67 to finish two clear at 20-under.

In 23 starts this season, Alker won the Cologuard Classic in March, and the Simmons Bank Championship in October this year.

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

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Watch: Police discuss murder-suicide of three children and father in Sanson fire

Source: Radio New Zealand

Warning: This story discusses suicide.

Police are revealing more information about the deaths of three children and their father after a house fire being investigated as a murder-suicide.

Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham is speaking to media in Palmerston North at 2.30pm.

The three children killed on Saturday, were identified on a page set up by the loved ones of their mother as August, Hugo and Goldie, aged 7, 5 and 1.

The Givealittle page has since raised more than $158,000 for their mother as she dealt with the “unimaginable loss”.

“They were the light and love of her life, and her entire world has been shattered,” the Givealittle page said.

“In the midst of this unimaginable grief, she also lost her home and everything she owned. She is facing the hardest journey possible, stripped of her physical security, while navigating the deepest emotional pain.”

August, Hugo, and Goldie died in a house fire in Sanson on Saturday. GIVEALITTLE / SUPPLIED

The search for the body of one of the children is still ongoing, police said.

The bodies of two children were recovered on Sunday night and were blessed by the family with karakia.

The body of the adult was removed earlier. Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham confirmed to Morning Report it was the children’s father, which RNZ understood was Dean Field.

He said it was too early to tell yet if the fire was deliberately started.

“It’s pretty risky with the part of the structure still there and the the dust that’s generated from the fire, so it will take us some time just to go through and establish what’s happened.”

Grantham said police were not seeking information from the public at this stage, but if anyone knew anything, they could “reach out”.

He said it was “unusual” for a house fire to begin in the afternoon.

Where to get help:

  • Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
  • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357.
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
  • Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202.
  • Samaritans: 0800 726 666.
  • Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
  • What’s Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds.
  • Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.
  • Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254.
  • Healthline: 0800 611 116.
  • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155.
  • OUTLine: 0800 688 5463.

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.

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

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Navy joins search for missing fisherman in Northland

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Coastguard had also aided in the search. NZ Coastguard

The Navy has joined the search for a missing fisherman in Northland.

A boat with two people on board at Pataua South was reported overdue on Friday night and found adrift the next morning with nobody on it.

The body of one fisherman was found a short time later.

There has been a large-scale search by sea and by air for the second fisherman.

Police, the National Dive Squad, Search and Rescue and Navy crews were back on the water on Monday morning.

The public is being urged to call 111 if they see anything unusual in the water.

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

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Phase Three of Mental Health Response Change Programme begins

Source: New Zealand Police

NZ Police and Health New Zealand have commenced implementation of Phase Three of the Mental Health Response Change Programme, following the successful rollout of Phases One and Two.

The change programme aims to see an increased health-led response to mental health, enabling Police more time to do the work that only Police can and which the community expects them to do.  

Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says Health NZ and Police are committed to working together to safely introduce the changes in a way that ensures those in mental distress receive appropriate care, and staff delivering it are kept safe.

“We are determined to get this right and have been taking the time to ensure the plan for Phase Three and its implementation will be safe and clear. The Phase Three changes are being rolled out nationally across all Police and Health NZ districts.”

Police and Health NZ have taken on feedback from district teams and worked together to create a more streamlined process for submitting and processing non-emergency requests from Health NZ and updated the Police response threshold for managing them, Assistant Commissioner Johnson says.     

“Under Phase Three, any non-emergency requests for assistance and missing person reports from mental health services will be assessed against updated guidance that considers the immediate safety risk and if there is a risk of significant future harm that Police powers or capabilities are required to prevent.”

Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says the safety and well-being of patients and staff delivering their care is paramount.

“The detailed planning work for Phase Three identified a range of scenarios which cannot be managed by health practitioners alone, or where there may be a need for Police assistance in a coordinated, planned way.

“We therefore needed to take these situations into account to ensure the changes could be implemented in a safe way that works for both agencies, so have developed new procedures with clinical input and created training materials for staff to support them through this change.”

Assistant Commissioner Johnson says the updated threshold and new procedures ensure compliance with the agencies’ respective legislative responsibilities, while still aligning with the goal to free up Police to be redeployed to do work only they can do.

“Police will continue to be involved if there is offending, of a level that we would normally attend, or an immediate risk to life or safety – as has always been the case.” 

Ms Bergquist says the changes are aimed at creating a system that supports everyone’s mental wellbeing, so people are supported to stay well, and have access to help that works for them.

“The public can be assured there is a range of services to help people in mental distress or those who are concerned about the mental health of whānau.”

If a person is in serious mental distress or crisis, support is available from their local crisis team. If it’s a life-threatening situation or someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, emergency services should be called on 111.

ENDS

Note to editors

The Phase Three changes are:

  • Requests for assistance from health practitioners – Non-emergency mental health-related requests will be assessed against updated guidance to determine if Police assistance is required. This includes requests for assistance under legislation, requests for assistance in inpatient mental health units, and other requests from mental health services to Police.   
  • Missing persons from health facilities and services – Reports of missing persons with mental health concerns will be assessed against updated guidance to determine the appropriate police involvement. This covers people missing from Health NZ mental health facilities and services, and people with mental health concerns missing from emergency departments.

Contact numbers for local crisis teams are available online via the following link. Please consider including it in online articles: info.health.nz/mental-health/crisis-assessment-teams

Police media contact: media@police.govt.nz

Health NZ media contact: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz