Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Public reporting on key performance indicators for Oranga Tamariki show the Ministry is making strong progress on its most important goals. 
In its second public reporting on key performance indicators, Oranga Tamariki has made progress across all four key priority areas emphasised by Minister for Children, Karen Chhour.
“In 2024, I identified four key priority areas that would make immediate improvements to the wellbeing and safety of children. I then directed the chief executive of Oranga Tamariki and his leadership team to provide regular updates on their progress, ensuring they are focussed and achieving their core purpose,” says Mrs Chhour.
The four key priorities for Oranga Tamariki are: 
•         Ensuring the safety of children and young people
•         Supporting caregivers 
•         Addressing youth offending
•         Improving complaint management and practice.
“While there is always more we can aspire to provide for these young people, I am pleased by the clear improvements being made. 
“The percentage of children in care who have been visited by their social worker within the target time to ensure their ongoing safety and wellbeing has hit 96% compliance, putting Oranga Tamariki well on track to hit 100% in the near future.
The amount of young people in Oranga Tamariki care with a current caregiver support plan that sets out the actions that will be taken to meet caregiver needs, to enable them to provide quality care, has improved by 13% since I put these targets in place and is nearing our target already,” says Mrs Chhour.
Improving complaint management and practice ensures that both young people and their families are able to raise their concerns, and that these concerns will be addressed meaningfully. 
“According to our latest report, the proportion of complaints audited that were handled in a way that fully met our high standards has made an 11% improvement and has already achieved its target.
“I am particularly pleased with the dramatic improvement against the reduction in youth offending target. 
“Our goal is to ensure a 15% reduction in the total number of children and young people with serious and persistent offending behaviour by 2030. As of this month we’ve already achieved a 12% reduction in less than a year.
“There is still work to be done, not all targets are being achieved just yet, but the hard work of everyone from social workers and caregivers to Ministers across multiple portfolios is clearly getting results.
“I feel confident that Oranga Tamariki is focussed on its core purpose – the safety of children and young people in its care,” says Mrs Chhour.
The report is here: https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/about-us/performance-and-monitoring/ministerial-priorities  

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka today confirmed the appointment of Gerrard Albert of Whanganui, Ngā Paerangi, to the Waitangi Tribunal for a three-year term to fill a vacancy.
Mr. Albert is the former Chair of Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui, the post-settlement governance body for Te Awa Tupua. He has over 20 years of experience in Treaty settlement negotiations and more than 30 years in natural resource management, including his pivotal role in the Whanganui River Settlement. His expertise in these areas will make him a valuable addition to the Tribunal.
“With his extensive experience in Treaty matters, Gerrard will bring invaluable knowledge and leadership to the Tribunal,” Mr. Potaka says. “His appointment will ensure the Tribunal continues its important work in hearing and reporting Treaty claims in a timely manner.”
Mr. Potaka also expressed confidence that Mr. Albert’s appointment will support the progress of Treaty based Māori-Crown relationships.
“Having a diverse range of expertise on the Tribunal is key to ensuring we continue to deliver effective and timely outcomes for Māori and the Crown.” 
 
Kaiwhiri Hou kua Kopoua ki Te Rōpū Whakamana i te Tiriti o Waitangi
I whakamanatia e te Minita Whanaketanga Māori Tama Potaka i te rangi nei te kopounga o Gerrard Albert nō Whanganui, Ngā Paerangi, ki Te Rōpū Whakamana i te Tiriti o Waitangi mō te toru tau hei whakakī i tētahi tūranga wātea.
Ko Matua Albert te Heamana tawhito o Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui, te rōpū mana poari i muri i te whakataunga mō Te Awa Tupua. Kua 20 tau te roa e mahi ana ia i ngā whakaritenga whakataunga Tiriti, ā, kua 30 tau ia e mahi ana i ngā mahi whakahaere rawa māori, tae atu ki tōna tūranga nui i te Whakataunga mō te Awa o Whanganui. Nā tōna tohungatanga ki aua wāhi ka noho puiaki tana tāpiringa ki te Taraipiunara.
“Nā te nui o tōna wheako i ngā take Tiriti, ka mauria mai e Gerrard te mātauranga kāmehameha me te ārahitanga ki te Taraipiunara,” te kī a Minita Potaka. “Nā tana kopounga e mātua whakarite ka haere tonu ngā mahi nui a te Taraipiunara i te rongo me te whakatakoto pūrongo e pā ana ki ngā kerēme Tiriti i roto i te wā e tika ana.”
E māia ana hoki a Minita Potaka mā te kopounga o Matua Albert e tautoko i te kauneke o ngā hononga Māori-Karauna e ahu mai ana i te Tiriti.
“Mā te whai tohungatanga whānui e pā ana ki te Tiriti he mea nui ki te mātua whakarite he kaha tonu mātou ki te tuku i ngā putanga whai hua, arotau hoki mā te Māori me te Karauna.”

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is continuing to raise achievement and close the equity gap in schools across the country, so all Kiwi kids have the knowledge, skills and competencies they need to reach their full potential, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.  
The Governments’ ambitious changes reflect the responsibility we have to these children and young people, to ensure their experiences with our education system deliver consistent high-quality, services that set students up for future success.  As students start back at school this week for Term 2, they will benefit from:  

Cell phone use banned in schools so students can concentrate on their learning,
An hour a day of reading, writing, and maths in primary and intermediate classrooms,
A world-leading year-by-year, knowledge-rich, internationally comparable, evidence-based curriculum detailing what is taught and when in English and maths all the way from year 1 to year 13 with other subject areas underway.
Over 836,000 maths resources for students and teachers in primary and intermediates to support the new maths curriculum,
The mandated teaching of phonics and structured literacy so that every child gets the very best start when they learn to read,
A phonics checks after 20 and 40 weeks at school to ensure that children’s reading is on track and progressing,
$3.2 million over 2025/2026 for tier 2 teachers to support readers who need extra help using structured literacy approaches. 962 schools are benefitting from this investment,
$3 million to support 3,000 Year 7-8 students to accelerate their learning with 12 weeks of math tutoring,
20,000 teachers having received high quality professional development in structured literacy and 15,000 have received training in structured maths,
NCEA co-requisite literacy and numeracy supports reaching 9,100 kids.  

“I’ve asked the Education Review Office (ERO) to track closely how well our new approaches are working, and the emerging findings are encouraging.” Ms Stanford says.  
ERO has found: 

Almost two-thirds of teachers say structured literacy approaches have already changed their teaching practices a lot.
Half of teachers report that structured literacy approaches have improved student engagement a lot.
Three-quarters of teachers say structured literacy approaches have improved literacy for most students.
For maths, nearly 90 percent of monitored schools have appointed a lead for implementation. 

“After the first term of implementing structured literacy approaches through the new national curriculum, this is a testament to the incredible work of our teachers. We know how important it is for our schools to be supported, which is why I’ve asked ERO to keep me updated to ensure that schools receive the support they need.” 
“Everything we are doing in English medium schools we are providing in te reo Māori. No matter where you are in the country, parents can have confidence that this Government is putting the foundations in place for their child to reach their full potential at school,”  
“We want Kiwi kids to learn in safe, warm and dry classrooms. It is crucial school property is delivered effectively and efficiently across the country so more students, teachers and communities benefit from suitable learning environments,” 
“There has been a 35 percent increase in the number of standardised and repeatable designs, allowing us to reduce the price per classroom by 28 percent and built 137 more classrooms in 2024 than in 2023.” Ms Stanford says. 
Through the Government’s decisive action to improve efficiency and performance in school property delivery, $100 million has been freed up to deliver new schools and more classrooms across the country in areas that have growing populations. 
“Thank you to our amazing principals, teachers and support staff for your incredibly hard work in implementing this transformational system reform. Our plan is setting every child in New Zealand up for success and restoring ambition and achievement at the heart of the education system,” Ms Stanford says.  

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is taking action to better support unpaid and informal carers, Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment Penny Simmonds says.
Every morning across New Zealand, unpaid carers are helping loved ones get ready for the day — preparing meals, arranging medication, assisting with transport, and offering vital support, all while juggling jobs, study, and family life.
“Each day, around 500,000 unpaid carers provide essential support for New Zealanders with disabilities, illnesses, injuries, or addictions,” Ms Simmonds says.
“It’s critical work that often leads to better outcomes than clinical or residential care — and it eases the burden on our health and social services.
“But it’s tough work. Many carers are balancing these responsibilities with little formal recognition or support. They deserve better, and that’s exactly what this new Action Plan aims to deliver.”
Government agencies already provide targeted assistance for carers, including financial support, respite subsidies, and practical help. The Action Plan will build on this foundation and ensure carers’ needs are better understood and addressed.
The Ministry of Social Development is leading development of the Plan, working closely with the Carers Alliance, relevant government agencies, and a new Carers Advisory Group.
“The Advisory Group will include around 10 experienced members who reflect the breadth of the carer community — from young carers to those supporting disabled or older people,” Ms Simmonds says.
“There will also be opportunities for unpaid carers themselves to share their experiences and shape the plan.”
An interagency working group will oversee the development, with the final Action Plan expected by the end of the year.
“A lot has changed since the last Action Plan expired at the end of 2023. It’s time to listen again and deliver a plan that genuinely supports the people who care for our communities every day,” Ms Simmonds says.

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