Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: PHARMAC

Information on what the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC) will be considering at its upcoming meeting on 13 and 14 November 2025.

Source: New Zealand Government

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have launched the New Zealand-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in Auckland today.

“Singapore is one of our closest partners. As small states, it’s important we work side-by-side to keep trade open, strengthen security, and defend the rules-based order,” Mr Luxon says.

“The CSP we signed today is designed to back business, grow investment, and help more New Zealand firms scale from Singapore into Asia. 

“What this boils down to for Kiwis is more jobs and higher incomes. 

“Through the CSP, we have committed to tackling the next generation of challenges together, from supply chain resilience and digital trade, to climate change and maritime security,” Mr Luxon says. 

The CSP will drive deeper cooperation across six pillars: Trade and Economics; Defence and Security; Science and Innovation; People-to-People links; Climate and Green Economy; and Supply Chains and Connectivity.

“Prime Minister Wong’s visit has not only marked 60 years of diplomatic ties between our two countries – it has set the direction for the next chapter of our partnership.”

As part of today’s announcements, New Zealand and Singapore also concluded a first-of-its-kind Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies (AOTES) to help keep essential goods moving in times of crisis.

Prime Minister Wong departs New Zealand tomorrow.

Source: New Zealand Government

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced several High Court and Environment Court appointments.

The appointees will sit in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington. Those appointed are: 

Owen Paulsen 

Justice Paulsen, currently an Associate High Court Judge, becomes a High Court Judge. He graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Laws in and began his career at Harman & Co, where he was a partner from 1991-1998. 

From 2000-2001 Justice Paulsen was an adjudication and mediation member of the Employment Tribunal while also in sole practice as a litigation lawyer, and from 2001-2014 was a partner in Cavell Leitch Law. In 2011 he graduated from the University of Auckland with a Master of Laws (Commercial Law) (First Class Honours). 

From 2015-2019 Justice Paulsen was Lord Chief Justice of the Kingdom of Tonga, the professional head of the Tongan judiciary, the President of both the Court of Appeal and the Land Court, and an advisor to His Majesty King Tupou VI on the Privy Council in land cases. While in Tonga he was awarded an official Honour by the King of Tonga making him a member of The Most Devoted Royal Household Order of Tonga. 

Justice Paulsen was appointed an Associate Judge of the High Court in 2019. His appointment as a High Court Judge is effective from 15 November 2025 and he will sit in Christchurch. 

Helen Wild

Helen Wild has been appointed an Associate High Court Judge and will sit in Auckland from 16 February 2026.

Associate Judge Wild graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Laws in 1987. She worked at Simpson Grierson from 1988-1996, becoming a Senior Associate in 1992.  

In 1997 she joined the Auckland District Health Board as Legal Counsel. She became a Principal with Chapman Tripp in 2002, before returning to Simpson Grierson as a Special Counsel in 2005.

From 2007-2015 Associate Judge Wild was Senior Counsel with Television New Zealand. She joined Anderson Creagh Lai Limited as a Director in 2015.

Associate Judge Wild joined the Auckland Council as litigation and dispute resolution manager in 2016 and since 2020 has been the Council’s principal legal advisor and head of the legal team.

David Caldwell 

Judge Caldwell graduated from the University of Canterbury and was admitted to the bar in 1989. He was a partner at Lane Neave and then at Tavendale and Partners in Christchurch, before joining Bridgeside Chambers in 2016. 

He has extensive experience as a litigator and mediator in both employment and resource management law.   He has been appointed as an independent commissioner by territorial and regional councils for numerous consent and plan change applications.  

Judge Caldwell will be sworn in on 15 December 2025 and will sit in the Environment Court in Wellington. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested and charged a 19-year-old Gisborne man in relation to a series of death threats made against a Member of Parliament earlier this year.

The threats were received in March 2025 and were directed at the MP over a social media platform.

The man was arrested on Wednesday [8 October] and has been charged with causing harm by posting digital communication, and threatening to kill. He is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on 15 October.

Detective Inspector Warren Olsson says the nature and volume of the threats were such that this case met the threshold for investigation and subsequent prosecution.

“Threats of violence are unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated. The safety of all New Zealanders, including our elected representatives, is paramount, and nobody should be made to fear for their own safety,” he says.

“We want to reassure the public that Police take these matters seriously and will continue to hold offenders to account.”

The Police investigation into the online threats is continuing, with further arrests likely.

As this case is before the court, Police are unable to comment further.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will invest a further $3 million to extend the Active Me – Kia Tū Hardship Fund for another 12 months, Sport and Recreation Minister, Hon Mark Mitchell, says.

The Active Me – Kia Tū fund, delivered by Variety – The Children’s Charity, in partnership with Sport NZ, supports young New Zealanders facing financial hardship to access quality sport and recreation opportunities.

“Active Me – Kia Tū has made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of children,” says Mr Mitchell.  “This funding extension means we can maintain momentum while more sustainable, long-term funding options are explored.”

Since its launch in 2021, Active Me – Kia Tū has supported over 10,000 children and their whānau, providing grants of up to $300 per child annually to help them participate in sport and recreation. The initiative is designed to remove financial barriers and enable participation in physical activity, particularly in communities with high levels of deprivation.

An independent evaluation of the Active Me – Kia Tū fund in 2024 highlighted significant benefits for young people, including strengthened social skills, increased independence and confidence, as well as overall improvements in mental and physical wellbeing.

“The programme also supports the government target of reducing child and youth offending by 15%, as it takes a primary prevention approach, to address risk factors such as financial hardship and school disengagement. It helps to create positive, inclusive opportunities for connection and belonging, key preventative elements that can help create safer, more resilient communities,” says Mr Mitchell.

Sport NZ is currently undertaking further research into the affordability of sport and recreation. These insights will inform future strategies to reduce costs for participants and improve system-wide efficiencies, with the goal of developing a nationwide approach to supporting individual hardship.

Source: New Zealand Police

A cache of firearms has been seized following a search warrant at a Henderson property.

On Wednesday, Police received information about potential firearms at a property on Kingsdale Road and, with the help of the Armed Offenders Squad, a search warrant was executed.

Detective Senior Sergeant Josh Lautogo, Waitematā CIB, says quick work by Police took one person into custody and located a number of items of interest.

“Upon arrival Police have located a number of homemade and 3D printed firearms at the address.

“Subsequently, a 20-year-old man was arrested and will appear in Waitākere District Court on 13 October charged with seven counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Lautogo says ammunition was also located at the scene.

“This was a great result from our team who demonstrated outstanding capability in identifying a high-risk arms supplier.

“Their work continues to make a significant impact in disrupting organised criminal networks.”

As the matter is before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

A Christchurch Care and Protection Residence will be upgraded and re-opened for children with high and complex needs, with a focus on therapeutic, trauma-informed care. 

Admissions to Te Oranga were paused in 2021, due to staffing issues and chronic underinvestment in the care of vulnerable children. Before resuming operations late next year, the residence will undergo a significant infrastructure upgrade.

Minister for Children Karen Chhour says, “Today’s announcement reflects this Government’s commitment to improving the care experience for children and young people, and my commitment to fixing what matters. 

It also reflects the hard work undertaken to raise professional standards across Oranga Tamariki frontline staff.

Te Oranga Care and Protection Residence in Christchurch was not closed due to a lack of need, but because it had been allowed to become rundown and staff professionalism was not made a priority under the previous government.”

When complete, Te Oranga will provide up to 10 additional beds. 

“The re-building and re-opening of Te Oranga would not be possible without the significant improvements made by Oranga Tamariki over the past 18 months. 

Improved professionalisation, greater training, and long overdue investment in facilities has allowed Te Oranga to safely resume housing young people. 

This investment re-introduces much needed capacity across the residential network, ensuring that children and young people who are at risk and experiencing challenges in the community are safely supported in the most appropriate environment.

Once re-opened, Te Oranga will be a therapeutic environment for children with high and complex needs that will centre around safety, wellbeing and dignity, and supports young people to return home,” says Minister Chhour.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

2 days ago

More than 200 of the region’s finest wines were sampled in an intense two-day judging process at EIT ahead of the Hawke’s Bay A&P Bayleys Wine Awards.

Judging for the country’s longest running regional competition took place on the Hawke’s Bay Campus in Taradale last week (September 23-24), with the awards dinner to be held on October 22.

EIT’s School of Viticulture and Wine Science staff and students once again played a central role in stewarding the process and ensuring anonymity by carefully sorting and pouring each glass before it reached the judging table.

Lecturer Tim Creagh said hosting the judging was an important opportunity for students to experience the professionalism and rigour of a major wine competition.

“Wine shows are hugely important. Consumers will buy wine based on the results, so people trust the process. Having it here, with students involved, gives them invaluable insight into the industry and what’s expected at the highest level,” he said.

Among the stewards this year were first-year degree students Jenna Taffard and Jingyi Zhang, who both took on the role of panel leaders, ensuring judges received each flight of wines correctly and on time.

The judging panels were led by Chief Winemaker at Poulter Family Wines, Nick Picone, who served as Chair of Judges. He said the experience was both an honour and a privilege.

“This is a region I know well and feel very passionate about. Coming back to EIT in this role is a little surreal, because it was one of my first steps into the industry as a student here back in the 1990s. To return as Chair of Judges feels like a full-circle moment,” Nick said.

He added that the awards play a critical role in benchmarking Hawke’s Bay wines against the best.

“It’s a really rigorous process. Wines are tasted blind, discussed at length in panels, and put back through recall before we award gold medals. That makes sure the results are credible and meaningful for both producers and consumers.”

For students, the event also opens doors into wine judging itself. Last year’s A&P Young Vintners Scholarship winner, Tammy Madigan, took part as an associate judge, sitting alongside senior judges to taste, score and debate wines.

“It’s been amazing to try so many wines side by side and hear what experienced judges are looking for. I’ve learned a lot about how the whole process works, and it’s definitely something I’d like to keep doing,” she said.

Tim said the chance to step into associate roles, and eventually progress to full judging, was highly valuable.

“For students it can be the beginning of their pathway into judging. You start as a steward, move into an associate role, and one day you may become a senior judge. It’s exciting to see that cycle start right here at EIT.”

Head of School, Viticulture and Wine Science, Sue Blackmore, said: “It is a pleasure to welcome the Bayleys A&P Wine judging back to EIT after the disruption from Cyclone Gabrielle”.

“The team have still been assisting at other venues but to have the judging team back on EIT campus is very special.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey has welcomed the introduction of peer support workers in North Shore Hospital’s Emergency Department, completing the rollout of the service across all three major Auckland hospitals.

“With North Shore now on board, it’s great to see the whole Auckland region benefitting from peer support in EDs. This is about making sure people in mental distress have the right support at the right time,” Mr Doocey says.

“For anyone in mental health crisis, arriving at a busy emergency department can be overwhelming. Having a peer support specialist there, someone with lived experience who understands what they’re going through can bring real comfort and hope.”

Mr Doocey says the service is already making a meaningful impact around the country.

“People tell us they feel listened to, supported, and more connected to support because of this service. That’s why we’re moving quickly to expand it nationwide.

“Peer support specialists are available to listen, share their experience, and reassure people there is a way forward. They can also link people to community mental health services where needed, helping to set them up for better outcomes once they leave hospital.

“As New Zealand’s first Minister for Mental Health, I want to see us make better use of the expertise and empathy peer support workers bring. We’re embedding this workforce not only in EDs but also in new crisis cafés opening around the country, and in our refreshed eating disorders strategy.

“Peer support workers are a part of our mental health plan for faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.

“Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, reaching out for support, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says overseas investment decisions being made more than twice as fast is a vital ingredient for businesses seeking capital to create jobs and pay higher wages.

“New Zealanders are paying the price for having one of the most restrictive overseas investment laws in the developed world – it’s resulted in less growth, fewer jobs, lower productivity, and stagnant wages”, says Mr Seymour.

“We’re fixing that by changing the Overseas Investment Act and making sure businesses can get quicker access to desperately needed capital.

“Last year I issued a Ministerial directive letter setting out my expectations for faster consent processing timeframes under the Overseas Investment Act. The letter set my expectation that LINZ, the regulator for the Act, will process 80 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframes for decisions.”

In the 12 months to 31 August:

LINZ has processed almost 87 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframe
Processing times are 62 per cent faster than in financial year 2024. The average timeframe has reduced from 71 working days to less than 27 working days.

“The improvements to processing times are largely owed to the new risk-based approach LINZ take to verifying information and streamlining consent processes. This recognises that the majority of consent applications are low-risk and should be processed more efficiently,” says Mr Seymour.

“By making an important government service more efficient, we’re getting better outcomes for New Zealanders.

“Also in the 12 months to 31 August, there were 131 applications for overseas investment, up from 122 between 1 July 2024 to 19 June 2025 (both figures exclude ‘only home to live in’ applications). 

“Long waiting times for applications create uncertainty and reduce the attractiveness of investing in New Zealand. This impacts the New Zealand businesses that rely on overseas investment for capital.

“Since delegating most decision-making to LINZ and directing officials to focus on realising the benefits of overseas investment, there has been a significant improvement in processing times.

“Feedback from investors has been overwhelmingly positive, and they have welcomed the changes to make the application process more efficient, while still giving the right level of scrutiny to high-risk transactions.

“LINZ still has the full statutory timeframe to process 20 per cent of consent applications, which will allow them to manage complex and higher-risk applications.

“The Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, currently at select committee, will consolidate and simplify the screening process for less sensitive assets, introducing a modified national interest test that will enable the regulator to triage low-risk transactions, replacing the existing benefit to New Zealand test and investor test. If a national interest risk is identified, the regulator and relevant Minister will have a range of tools to manage this, including through imposing conditions or blocking the transaction.”

The current screening requirements will stay in place for investments in farmland and fishing quota.

“For all investments aside from residential land, farmland and fishing quota, decisions must be made in 15 days, unless the application could be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest. In contrast, the current timeframe in the Regulations for the benefit test is 70 days, and the average time taken for decisions to be made is 30 days for this test,” says Mr Seymour.

“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.”