Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Adopt a kākāpō? Squawk yes!

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

A word from Sirocco.

Sirocco | 📷: Maddy Whittaker/DOC.

Skraaaaark! Kia ora, friends! Sirocco here, your favourite feathered conservation ambassador, and occasional internet sensation. I’m popping in (virtually, of course) to talk about something close to my heart: the kākāpō adoption programme.

Now, before you get too excited – no, I’m not up for adoption. I’m flattered, truly. But the great news is nine birds are including some of my fav friends, plus my granny and grandad! Symbolic adoptions are one of the coolest ways you can help my species thrive. 

What’s this adoption thing all about? 

When you symbolically ‘adopt’ a kākāpō, you’re not just getting a certificate or a cute soft toy version of one of us (though, we are very cuddly). You’re helping fund the incredible mahi of the Kākāpō Recovery team – the tireless humans who monitor us, protect our habitats, and ultimately help us thrive. 

There are three levels of support, and you can choose an email adoption (eco-friendly and available all year, with just a digital certificate of acknowledgement) or a postal adoption (which includes goodies like a plush toy, certificate, sticker, and bookmark – but these ones are only available until 25 November, so be quick!). 

Who can you adopt? 

I’m not on the list (I know, tragic), but let me introduce you to some of my fabulous friends and whānau up for adoption this year: 

Bluster-Murphy – attack survivor 

My mate Bluster-Murphy has two missing toes, is known for stealing food, and may become a first-time father this breeding season.  

Bluster-Murphy | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery/DOC.

Jem – feisty survivor 

Jem survived a soggy egg incident in her early days. She’s now a great mum and foster mum, known to lay the first ever recorded clutch of five eggs. She is also great at hiding from the rangers. 

Jem | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery/DOC.

Marama – little lady 

The smallest and most delicate female in the population. Wee Marama is a calm and caring foster mum who had three chicks of her own in 2019. 

Marama | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery/DOC.

Waikawa – special starter

The first chick to hatch from a fully artificially incubated egg, the youngest female to successfully breed and a 100% fertility record – Waikawa is making it look easy. 

Waikawa | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery/DOC.

Nora – marvellous matriarch 

The longest-known kākāpō alive, and my remarkable grandma – Nora! Granny was the first nesting female found on Rakiura. She has many descendants though I’m sure I’m her favourite. She once incubated a kumara, let’s not get into that – all you need to know is that my granny is a living legend.

Nora | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery/DOC.

Rangi – artful dodger 

Boy, does grandad Rangi have some stories to tell. He disappeared for 21 years before being rediscovered booming without a transmitter. Grandad is elusive, alert, and hard to catch but he also has more descendants than any other male. A true legend of the undergrowth. 

Rangi | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery/DOC.

Kuia – genetic genius 

The only daughter of the last Fiordland kākāpō Richard Henry. Precious Kuia carries rare genes and is known for eating the most food of all the mums during breeding seasons.  

Kuia | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery/DOC.

Rahotu – future promise 

Grandson of Richard Henry and fathered by Sinbad with the help of artificial insemination – some birds just hatch special. Rahotu overcame infection as a little one and has grown into a handsome bird with his father’s bright green plumage.  

Rahotu | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery/DOC.

Sinbad – Fiordland father 

Sinbad had a dramatic start, needing an oxygen mask on a flight as a chick. Now days, his efforts to pass on his precious Fiordland genes by artificial insemination make him a true conservation success story. 

Sinbad | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery/DOC.

How to adopt 

Boom boom boom! It’s kākāpō adoption time and it’s super easy. Choose your favourite bird from their online profiles, follow the prompts, and boom – you’re part of our conservation story. You will also receive an exclusive email update on your adopted bird later next year. 

Whether it’s a gift for someone special or a treat for yourself, your support helps keep our species alive and thriving.  

Nora plush toy | 📷: Kākāpō Recovery.

PS. Remember if you want the postage pack with the soft toy, order before 25 November. 

Ngā mihi nui, 
Sirocco

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Pharmac to fund five medicines for multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, eye conditions, and lung cancer

Source: PHARMAC

New Zealanders living with multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, eye conditions, and lung cancer will benefit from five medicines that Pharmac will fund from 1 December 2025.

The funding decision includes new treatments and faster-to-administer versions of existing medicines, secured through a multiproduct agreement with pharmaceutical supplier Roche. Around 1,700 people are expected to benefit in the first year, increasing to 4,000 people after five years.

“These changes are expected to improve access to treatment and ease pressure on hospital services,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals Adrienne Martin. “We estimate these changes will save up to 7,500 infusion hours in the first year, increasing to 12,800 hours by year five.”

“The benefits to the health system are significant, including financial savings. This decision is expected to save the health system nearly $11 million over five years, thanks to fewer infusion hours,” Martin says.

The five medicines funded are:

  • Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus SC) – a new injection (subcutaneous) version of an already funded intravenous (IV) infusion medicine for multiple sclerosis.
  • Pertuzumab with trastuzumab (Phesgo) – a new combined injection (subcutaneous) version of two already funded intravenous (IV) infusion medicines for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
  • Faricimab (Vabysmo) – a new injection treatment for people with diabetic macular oedema and wet age-related macular degeneration (eye conditions).
  • Entrectinib (Rozlytrek) – a new oral treatment for people with ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer.
  • Bevacizumab (Avastin) – secured ongoing access to this already funded injection treatment for people with certain eye conditions.

Pharmac consulted on the proposal in September.

“We received around 150 responses to our proposal, thank you to everyone who shared their opinions and experiences.”

“Most feedback supported the proposal, saying funding these medicines will improve quality of life, make treatment more convenient, and positively impact individuals, families, and the wider health system,” says Martin. “Some feedback called for funded access for more people and the ability to administer these medicines in more settings.”

In response to this feedback, we removed the Health New Zealand hospital-only restriction for faricimab (Vabysmo), allowing people to access treatment more easily, in the same way as other similar eye treatments.

Pharmac will also work with clinicians, professional and consumer groups, and the supplier (Roche) to gather more information about expanding access criteria and funding for faricimab (Vabysmo) and lung cancer treatments. It will use this information to get further clinical advice in 2026.

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National Iwi Chairs Forum files court proceedings over RMA reforms

Source: Radio New Zealand

Tukoroirangi Morgan at the Iwi Chairs Forum at Waitangi. RNZ / Ella Stewart

The National Iwi Chairs Forum has filed court proceedings seeking clarification on how the Crown must uphold Treaty of Waitangi settlements as it pushes ahead with major resource management reforms.

The action has been brought by forum member and Waikato Executive Chair Tukoroirangi Morgan, who said iwi leaders have lost confidence that the government understands or intends to protect the integrity of Treaty settlements.

“Treaty of Waitangi settlements are a solemn compact between iwi and hapū and the Crown, giving rise to a series of obligations on the Crown to uphold those settlements with honour and integrity,” Morgan said.

The move comes as the government prepares to introduce replacement Resource Management Act (RMA) legislation before the end of the year.

RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop said the legislation removes “handbrakes on New Zealanders’ lives,” helping to drive growth and job creation.

“The Resource Management Act has been holding New Zealand back for decades. It has let successive governments and councils say ‘no’ to progress, ‘no’ to development, and ‘no’ to building the houses, infrastructure, clean energy and other important projects that New Zealanders need to get ahead,” Bishop said.

Despite government assuring that they intend to uphold Treaty settlements, the National Iwi Chairs Forum and Morgan said iwi and hapū engagement to date suggests otherwise.

“The Government’s announcements about replacement RMA legislation show that decisions on the new regime have been substantively made, and iwi and hapu are being engaged on our settlements as an afterthought,” Morgan said.

The Forum, which represents over 80 iwi across Aotearoa, argues that Treaty settlements are deeply connected to existing resource management law – meaning any new framework must embed those commitments from the outset.

“The Crown cannot unilaterally change settlements in a manner that diminishes that compact,” Morgan said.

“That will give rise to fresh grievances and the need to re-negotiate all of our compacts. So we are going to Court to seek that confirmation, because this Government is not listening, so it needs to be told.”

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

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Netball: Silver Ferns beat Scotland Thistles in second test in Glasgow

Source: Radio New Zealand

Silver Ferns Jeremy Ward/ Photosport

The Silver Ferns have beaten Scotland 80-48 in the second and final test against the Thistles in Glasgow.

Grace Nweke, who sat out the first Test, started at GS and finished with 34 goals from her 30 minutes on court.

Maddy Gordon’s feeds into Nweke were almost unstoppable. Gordon clocked up a whopping 27 goal assists from wing attack in the first half.

The Silver Ferns led by six after the first quarter but really put their foot down in the second term to lead 44-27 at the main break.

Gordon and Nweke earned a well deserved break in the second half, which saw Martina Salmon come on at GS and Peta Toeava at WA.

Kelly Jackson and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan were not named in the game day 12 as interim coach Yvette McCausland-Durie took the opportunity to give less experienced players more court time.

Carys Stythe, who got her debut in the Silver Ferns 63-41 win over Scotland on Monday, played a full game at goal keep.

New Zealand won the third quarter by just two goals to lead 60-41 heading into the final term but the Silver Ferns ramped things up again in the last quarter to restrict Scotland to just seven goals.

The Silver Ferns will travel to London to complete the Northern Tour, where they will meet the England Roses on Sunday morning in the first of three Tests.

Here’s how it unfolded:

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

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Weather: Heavy rain warning for Bay of Plenty, wind, rain watches across North Island

Source: Radio New Zealand

MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Tokomaru Bay. Photo / 123RF

A low front is moving down the North Island, bringing heavy rain and gales to many areas.

MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tairawhiti north of Tokomaru Bay.

People there were to expect between 80 and 100mm of rain , with thunderstorms and localised downpours also a possibility, MetService said.

The warning would be in place from 4pm Wednesday, and will last until 9am Thursday.

It warned that streams in the area could rise rapidly, and that driving conditions may be difficult.

Heavy rain and wind watches were also issued for regions across Te Ika-a-Māui.

Heavy rain watches would be in place in Northland, Auckland and Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula.

The watch for Northland would last 12 hours from 10am Wednesday, while the other two would begin in the early afternoon and expire in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Strong wind watches were issued for those areas throughout Wednesday evening, starting from 4pm in Northland, 6pm in Auckland and Great Barrier Island, and 8pm for the Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato near the Kaimai Range, and Bay of Plenty west of Maketu.

Northland and Auckland’s would expire late Wednesday evening, while the Coromandel’s would expire early Thursday morning.

Strong wind watches were issued for Rotorua, Bay of Plenty east of Maketu, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taupō, Taihape, and Whanganui hill country, and for the whole region of Taranaki as well,

The watches would be in place from late Wednesday evening, and expire at 10am Thursday,

Wellington and Wairarapa were issued a similar watch from 7am to 3pm Thursday.

There were no warnings or watches issued for any regions of the South Island.

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

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Medical conference red tape cut, and NZ is open for business

Source: New Zealand Government

The passing on the Medicines Amendment Bill has ended New Zealand’s prohibition on advertising medicines at medical conferences and trade shows, and New Zealand is open for business, Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown say. 

“Thanks to the Red Tape Tipline local economies will receive a cash injection, and Kiwis will have more access to medicines they need,” Mr Seymour said. 

“Allowing medical conferences to advertise yet to be approved medicines is estimated to generate $90 million in associated revenue over the next few years.

“Two of Australasia’s largest medical conferences have already confirmed they are coming to New Zealand in 2026. A combined total of 3300 delegates are expected to attend, generating millions of dollars in economic activity.

“Prohibition was introduced in response to the perceived risk that pharmaceutical companies may attempt to circumvent formal medicine approval processes. The Ministry for Regulation investigated this. They found the overly cautious approach was out of step with other recognised jurisdictions. The Government acted fast to fix it.

“Allowing these products to be advertised will also increase medicines access. It provides medical professionals with more knowledge and skills to prescribe these treatments to Kiwis who need them.”

“This Government is committed to removing regulatory barriers so that we can drive economic growth. Removing the red tape around medical conferences has Mr Brown says the Government is committed to removing regulatory barriers to drive economic growth.

“Removing red tape around medical conferences makes New Zealand a more attractive destination for organisers, while also making it easier for our own healthcare professionals to keep up with the latest innovations in health products and medicines,” Mr Brown says.

“Current health regulations can be overly bureaucratic, slowing access to care, increasing costs, and making it harder for patients to get the services they need. Medical conferences are a great way to expand the collective knowledge and skill of the health workforce through the transfer of ideas and technologies.

“We look forward to welcoming more medical conferences to New Zealand, and we have excellent facilities to host them. With the International Convention Centre opening early next year in Auckland, these changes – together with this world-class new venue – will help attract more conferences and support our growing economy.”

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Costco announcement great news for shoppers

Source: New Zealand Government

News that US supermarket giant Costco is planning to open a second New Zealand store in South Auckland is great news for Kiwi shoppers, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says.

“Today’s announcement follows the introduction to Parliament last week of legislation creating a consenting express lane so that new supermarkets can be approved and built more quickly.

“The Government is working with Costco to ensure that we are doing everything possible to make consenting as quick and efficient as possible,” Nicola Willis says. 

Property company Kiwi Property announced this morning that it has reached conditional agreement to sell Costco 6.4 hectares of land next to its 53ha residential, commercial and retail development at Drury. 

The Kiwi Property development, which received Fast-track approval last week, is projected to inject over $1.45 billion into the Auckland’s economy over the next 11 years and deliver about 3420 full-time jobs in construction and related services.

“Costco’s planned expansion will add to that boost by creating more construction jobs,” Nicola Willis says. 

“It is also fantastic news for shoppers. More competition means more choice and lower prices.

“Costco’s West Auckland store has already improved competitive dynamics in that local area and created a new export pathway for several New Zealand food suppliers.

“Costco Westgate has 250,000 members who value the choice it offers. The store employs hundreds of staff. 

“The establishment of another store in South Auckland will give more Aucklanders – as well as people in Waikato access to the same choice.

““Today’s announcement is a vote of confidence in New Zealand and, hopefully, the first of several such announcements from Costco. 

“Developments like this benefit from the steps the Government has taken to make it easier to build supermarkets in New Zealand. They are:

  • explicitly allowing developments that improve grocery competition to access fast-track approvals, giving greater certainty of costs and timeframes
  • establishing a nationwide building consenting process for grocery developments so they only need to deal with a single, expert consenting authority; and 
  • changing the requirements for MultiProof to allow standardised designs for multiple supermarkets to be consented faster.”
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Further update: Wainoni shooting, Christchurch

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan:

Police are following strong lines of enquiry into the shooting in Wainoni, Christchurch, which occurred on Monday evening, 10 November.

Police would like to reassure the community this is believed to be an isolated incident with no increased risk to the public.

The victim sustained a single gunshot and is in a stable condition in hospital.

Police are concerned around the dangerous and violent act in public and have an increased presence in and around Christchurch as officers carry out reassurance patrols.

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 251110/6195.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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‘This is not a safe place for students’: ERO fires back at Wesley College

Source: Radio New Zealand

Staff and students at Wesley College did not not report assaults on junior students, the Education Review Office said in its report. RNZ / Shannon Haunui-Thompson

The Education Review Office is firing back at Wesley College, saying it strongly refutes claims about it made by its principal.

The school south of Auckland, one of the country’s oldest, on Tuesday released a a critical ERO report from September written ahead of moves to shutter its hostel.

After releasing it, principal Brian Evans said the ERO was “deeply disrespectful” and it had accused students of lying and covering up.

Evans claimed students said they were badgered about whether they felt safe at the school.

The report detailed more the 30 senior students leaving their hostel at night and going to a junior building.

A small group of senior boys either participated in or observed the bullying and assault of junior students, the ERO report said.

“The supervising staff and wider student body did not prevent the incident, nor was it reported immediately by either staff or students,” it detailed.

The ERO ended its report recommending the suspension of the hostel’s licence, saying it did not have confidence the five hostel buildings were safe.

Principal Brian Evans in his own statement said the ERO was dismissive of students and said they felt pressured to give negative answers.

The school is currently heading to court to try to stop the hostels shutting down much earlier than it wanted.

ERO responds

Responding to the principal’s comments about its report, the ERO said it made no apology for making sure student welfare was prioritised and protected.

“ERO is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of students who live at the Wesley College hostel,” ERO deputy chief executive Shelley Booysen said.

“This is not a safe place for students,” she said

Booysen said Wesley College has a long history of abuse and the ERO had made strong recommendations after finding significant issues.

“ERO strongly refutes the claims made by Brian Evans about our review team and approach to evaluating Wesley College’s hostels,” she said.

Booysen said ERO reviewers had a Code of Conduct and there were comprehensive quality assurance processes.

She said the review being questioned by the principal “meets all requirements”.

Wesley College ‘is much more than headlines’ – principal

Brian Evans has told parents and caregivers that media coverage of the ERO report, which the school itself released, had been challenging.

He said it had “understandably impacted” teachers, students and families.

“Please know this: Wesley College is much more than today’s headlines. We are a community built on faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to the growth and well-being of every student,” Evans wrote on the school’s Facebook account.

“While we don’t deny the truth, our own truth, happiness and love everyone feels for Wesley has largely been dismissed by the authorities. It is now our job to reclaim that and let our voice be heard,” he said.

Evans said safeguarding systems at Wesley College were among the best in the country.

“We have worked hard to move away from past cultures of silence to a school where every voice matters and is heard,” he said.

“This is not easy change, but it is real and happening.”

Wesley College signalled last month it would close its hostels at the end of the year over ongoing safety concerns.

But the Ministry of Education then suspended its licence, wanting the hostels shut by last week following what it said was a pattern of serious and ongoing concerns.

Wesley College has lodged an appeal in the Auckland District Court.

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

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Erica Stanford – New Secretary for Education appointed

Source: New Zealand Government

Education Minister Erica Stanford welcomes the appointment of Ellen MacGregor-Reid as the new Secretary for Education.

“Our reforms are about ambition, raising achievement and delivering better outcomes for our young people. Ms MacGregor-Reid has been acting in the role since October 2024 and has played a crucial role in driving the Government’s agenda to ensure New Zealand has a world-leading education system,” Ms Stanford says.

“Prior to this permanent appointment, she has held senior leadership roles at the Ministry of Education since 2015, including Deputy Secretary positions responsible for curriculum, early learning and policy. Prior to that, Ms MacGregor-Reid held senior roles at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Ministry of Social Development.

“Ms MacGregor-Reid has been appointed for 4½ years beginning 25 November. I look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure every student, regardless of background, has the chance to reach the potential at school,” Ms Stanford says.