Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is increasing its financial contribution to support rural communities in the Nelson Tasman Region, with additional funding to help farmers, foresters, growers and rural contractors recover from recent severe weather events.

Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay speaking during a visit to the Tasman District today announced an additional $600,000 in Government and industry support, bringing the total Government financial contribution for the affected primary sector to $500,000.

“These regions have experienced significant damage to forests, farms and rural infrastructure. This funding will help meet immediate recovery needs and help rural businesses get back on their feet,” Mr McClay says. 

The support package includes:

• A $300,000 Government contribution to the Mayoral Relief Fund tagged to the rural sector.
• $100,000 contribution by the Government and Federated Farmers to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to support with the immediate recovery needs for the most impacted pastoral farmers in the Nelson Tasman region.
• $100,000 contribution by the Government and Horticulture New Zealand, to help the horticulture sector across the Top of the South.
• $100,000 announced by Government in June to support and coordinate recovery efforts, including $20,000 for the Top of the South Rural Support Trust.

“We continue to work with New Zealand Winegrowers to ensure appropriate support for affected vineyards, including the potential use of Enhanced Taskforce Green,” Mr McClay said.

“Many farmers and growers are facing their second clean-up in a fortnight from floods and storm damage. Rural communities are resilient, but the relentless wet weather conditions have taken a toll. This support is designed to provide meaningful and direct assistance quickly,” Mr McClay says.

MPI staff are on the ground working with the Rural Support Trust and industry groups assessing damage and coordinating assistance.

“Farmers, foresters and growers will face many, many months of work to repair damage to their land and get their businesses back on track. We will continue to assess what further assistance might be required.”

“Farmers and growers who need help or assistance should in the first instance contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254,” Mr McClay said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Families of Deaf children and teenagers are among those able to take part in 11 community projects being funded to boost sign language In New Zealand.

Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says together, the projects will receive a total of almost $250,000 to maintain and promote the use of New Zealand Sign Language.

“Each year, the NZSL Board distributes community grants to projects supporting and encouraging the use of NZSL,” Minister Upston says.

“This year, it’s fantastic to see a particularly wide range of funded initiatives including:

• NZSL classes for families of Deaf children and Deaf teenagers hosted by the Wellington Deaf Society
• community events at local Deaf and NZSL clubs in Hamilton, Cambridge, Dunedin and Alexandra
• a directory website providing a hub of information translated into NZSL
• a review of the NZSL interpreting code of ethics from a te ao Māori perspective and a mentoring programme for interpreters
• workshops, podcasts, and courses to develop the skills and tell the stories of the Deaf community

“I want to congratulate the NZSL and Deaf community organisations who have been successful,” Louise Upston says. 

“Many Deaf children are born into hearing families, so NZSL classes for these families are important to ensure these children get access to language from a young age. 

“I am also excited to see initiatives that strengthen our NZSL interpreter workforce, help the Deaf community to find information in NZSL all in one location, and provide NZSL-first spaces at Deaf clubs.”

NZSL is an official language used by almost 25,000 New Zealanders. The NZSL Board promotes the use of NZSL and provides expert advice to government and the community.

The Government, through the NZSL Board, invests about $1 million each year to support initiatives and projects that maintain and promote NZSL.

Notes for Editors

More information about the projects being funded can be found here: 

https://www.nzsl.govt.nz/nzsl-community-grants/previous-nzsl-community-grant-rounds/2025-recipients

An NZSL translation of this media release can be found here: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NCjZXW-bd8

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has welcomed the announcement by the Medical Council of New Zealand that will see doctors from Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia added to the Comparable Health System pathway, which will streamline the registration process and help strengthen New Zealand’s frontline health workforce, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This is a practical step that will help us get more doctors into hospitals and clinics across the country more quickly,” Mr Brown says.

“New Zealand is in an international contest to train, attract, and retain skilled medical professionals. The addition of Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia to the list of Comparable Health Systems will make it easier for qualified doctors from these countries to live and work in New Zealand.”

The Comparable Health System pathway enables international medical graduates from certain countries to fast-track their registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, provided their qualifications and training meet recognised standards. With this latest decision, there are now 29 countries on the list, following the inclusion of Japan and South Korea earlier this year in February.

“New Zealand has long benefited from the skills and expertise of international medical professionals. They play a vital role in supporting our domestically trained workforce and ensuring patients can access timely, quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says.

“This builds on other initiatives the Government has to boost New Zealand’s health workforce. Earlier this year I announced a two-year training programme to support up to 100 additional overseas-trained doctors into New Zealand’s primary care workforce.

“Over 180 expressions of interest were received for this programme, exceeding the number of places available. This strong response shows that there is untapped potential in New Zealand. Overseas trained doctors are eager to work where they are most needed, and this Government is opening the door for them to do so.

“Through our record $16.68 billion investment across three Budgets, we are making sure our health system is properly resourced to meet the growing demands placed on it. That funding is already delivering results, with record funding for general practice to increase capacity, upgraded urgent care services across the country, and a new 24/7 digital health service. This is how we are putting patients first. 

“The Medical Council’s announcement adds to the body of work the Government is undertaking to rebuild our health system around the needs of patients, so that all New Zealanders can receive the timely, quality healthcare they need.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Kiwi households and businesses will be able to save more on their electricity bills as a result of changes announced by the Electricity Authority (EA) today, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.

“The changes today are welcome developments for consumers who are not getting a fair deal at present from the energy market,” Mr Watts says.

“First, solar is getting another big boost – energy companies must now pay households with rooftop solar and battery who export their electricity to the grid at peak times a fair price for that electricity – this will help reduce power bills and encourage more solar installations and electricity generation.

“The large energy companies will also need to offer time of use plans by 30 June 2026 to provide better options for customers to save money by moving their electricity use from peak periods.”

Mr Watts says these simple solutions will help Kiwis with the cost-of-living impacts driven in part by rising electricity costs. 

“New Zealand needs more electricity generation to power our economy, and Kiwis rightly expect abundant and affordable energy, which this government is taking action to deliver.

“The Government is working on a review of the electricity sector, with a focus on ensuring Kiwis get a fair price and aren’t hit in their pockets, and on addressing energy shortages.”

“The new rules announced today will give New Zealanders more ways to reduce their costs and will incentivise uptake of solar and battery systems, as well as drive power prices down over the long term. Ensuring energy companies pay a fair price for consumers exporting electricity to the network is one of the single best ways to help boost solar uptake to date.

“I want to see more New Zealanders benefitting from the smarter use of electricity. For this to happen, the electricity sector must appropriately reward consumers for the benefits they provide when they shift their power use away from peak times. 

Mr Jones says that as our electricity market evolves, these small-scale systems will play an increasingly important role in enabling peak morning and evening demand to be met with local supply. 

“With new, fairer rebates in place, there will be better opportunities for people to receive income from solar electricity they sell back to the grid.” 

The Task Force was established by the Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission, with MBIE as an observer in August last year in response to the winter power crisis. 

The Task Force is focused on enabling new generators and independent retailers to enter, and fairly compete, in the market as well as providing more options for consumers.

“I thank the Task Force members and the Authority for their work in reaching these decisions. There is more work to do, and I look forward to further Task Force decisions in coming weeks,” Mr Watts says.

Source: Privacy Commissioner

16 Jul 2025, 09:00

Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says New Zealanders need to improve how they’re using passwords.

His warning comes because he’s concerned about the increased risk of privacy breaches caused by privacy spraying. That’s where hackers find one password and then try it on other accounts to see if it will work to open those as well. People recycling passwords for multiple accounts are falling victim. 

 “Our strong suggestion is for people to have a different password for each account they have. Making a password unique means if one account is hacked then there’s no chance it can also be used to open other accounts and create even more damage”, Mr Webster says.

“Having unique passwords is a great way to make a hacker’s job far harder.”

There are several other things people can do to help protect their personal information. Using a password manager to store all your passwords is a good fix and there are many different options, many of which are free. 

People can also use long and strong passwords and change them immediately if they’ve been hacked. Turning on two-factor identification is another good layer of protection. 

“Having your information breached on one account is bad enough, but by using a dedicated password and adding extra security steps you can help prevent hackers accessing other accounts and causing even more harm.

Personal information has value, so the more protection you have in place the better. Any step people can take to deter hackers is a good step to take and unique passwords are an excellent start.” 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  16 July 2025

A spotty kiwi was first sighted in March by a DOC-contracted tahr hunter in the remote Adams Wilderness Area, West Coast. DOC Biodiversity Ranger Iain Graham and his conservation dog Brew were flown in to locate the bird.

“I heard kiwi calling the first night – two of them duetting – and immediately knew they didn’t sound like other kiwi. It was exciting, but it took a few days to narrow down the area,” Iain says.

Iain and Brew are part of DOC’s Air New Zealand supported Conservation Dogs programme. This programme mentors, certifies and supports dog-handler teams to detect New Zealand’s protected species or unwanted pests. 

Iain says the trip was a bit of a rollercoaster.

“We were in rough terrain, in typical West Coast weather, and I was running out of dry clothes. Brew would find a burrow, but I couldn’t get to the bird. We were so frustratingly close.

“I was stoked when we finally caught up with the female on our final night, the absolute last chance before getting flown out.”

Tiny feathers were collected from the small spotted kiwi to confirm what Iain suspected – the bird was a kiwi pukupuku.

The smallest of the kiwi species, kiwi pukupuku are extremely vulnerable to introduced predators. Until now it was believed they only survived in offshore islands and fenced predator-free sites. An estimated 2000 of the threatened birds remain, though the population is increasing thanks to the conservation efforts of community groups, agencies, and tangata whenua.

Kara Edwards of Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio says the find is an opportunity for hapū to connect with what had been considered a lost taonga.

“Knowing kiwi pukupuku have survived this whole time in our takiwā is incredible. We are extremely excited and looking forward to working with DOC to secure the future of kiwi pukupuku.”

Kiwi Recovery Group leader Emily King says the discovery of kiwi pukupuku on the mainland after all this time is almost miraculous.

“The last known sighting of a kiwi pukupuku on the mainland was in 1978. Despite years of targeted searching, we hadn’t found them – until now.

“We’re grateful to the hunter for reporting this and capturing evidence. It was like finding a needle in a haystack, but he pointed us to the right patch to start searching.

“Kiwi pukupuku are one of those unique species which make Aotearoa New Zealand so special. I’m not sure how to express how thrilling this rediscovery is for the conservation world!”

Since the initial find, Iain and his dog have returned to the area and successfully captured a male.

“We’ll wait for genetic analysis to confirm, but the measurements look right for a kiwi pukupuku,” Iain says.

“We are gathering information so we can work with Kāti Māhaki ki Makaawhio to explore the future protection and management of these birds.”

Background information

Kiwi pukupuku were thought to be extinct from the wild on mainland New Zealand. It was believed all remaining kiwi pukupuku were in predator free fenced sanctuaries and offshore islands, all of which were descendants of an insurance population of just 5 birds translocated to Kapiti Island from South Westland in 1912.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) contractors are hard at work at several state highway sites across the top of the South Island, as the massive clean-up and repair job in the region continues.

The summary below outlines the current status of the region’s state highway network.

SH6 Rocks Road – CLOSED
State Highway 6 Rocks Road remains CLOSED between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street, while work continues to assess the slip and rockfall, and to remove loose material and vegetation.

“Areas at the top of the cliff have been destabilised by the heavy rain. We’re working to remove  the loose material and vegetation from the top of the cliff so that the road can be safely reopened as soon as possible,” says Rob Service, NZTA System Manager Nelson/Tasman.

The route remains closed to all traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians until further notice. NZTA is reminding everyone not to go beyond the closure points on Rocks Road, as there is serious danger from potential falling debris, while contractors work to remove material from the cliff face.

To allow people to access businesses and shops on Rocks Road, there is a ‘soft closure’ in place at the intersection of Russell Street, but no travel is permitted between Bisley Avenue and Richardson Street.

NZTA will provide updates as further information is available.

SH60 Takaka Hill – OPEN
State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill is OPEN to light and heavy vehicles, but the road has suffered slip and washout damage and extra care and time is needed when travelling this route. The road remains vulnerable to further disruptions and possible closure.

There are active worksites on Takaka Hill which are under temporary speed restrictions and single lane sections, both operating 24/7. Please be careful and patient when driving over the hill and adhere to the temporary speed limits.

SH6 Belgrove to Kohatu – OPEN
State Highway 6 is OPEN between Belgrove and Kohatu. Extra care and time is needed when travelling this route. There are three active worksites in this section of road under temporary speed restrictions 24/7 and one single lane section controlled by traffic lights.

SH63 – OPEN to residents and essential travel only
SH63 between Waihopai Valley Road and Korere-Tophouse Road is open for residents and those with essential travel needs only.  

General advice

All other state highways are open, but it is not business as usual on the roads or for driving.

Across the network, because of weather damage, drivers must drive to the conditions and take extreme care when travelling. There remains an ongoing risk of slips, rock and tree falls, and the potential for further road closures. These may happen at short notice.

Road users can expect to encounter multiple road work and repair sites across the region and must allow extra time for their journeys.

Please follow all traffic management and temporary speed limits in place. They are there to keep the public and work crews safe.

More information

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden welcomes the successful first reading of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, calling it a major milestone in helping businesses employ and contract with confidence.  

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill will now be considered by the Education and Workforce Select Committee where people can have their say on the proposed changes.   

“This Bill reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting New Zealand businesses and creating more and better opportunities for workers.”  

The legislation delivers on key commitments from the ACT–National Coalition Agreement, including: 

• Clarifying the distinction between employment and contracting arrangements, giving greater certainty to both businesses and workers.
• Simplifying the personal grievance process, including the introduction of an income threshold of $180,000, above which unjustified dismissal claims cannot be pursued. 

 This Bill also proposes removing the 30-day rule, allowing employers and employees to negotiate mutually beneficial terms from the start of employment, reducing compliance burden and increasing flexibility. 

“I encourage all interested New Zealanders to have their say on the Bill, and I see the Select Committee process as an important way of strengthening the final Bill and making sure it works for a wide variety of working relationships and situations. 

“I am particularly interested in hearing feedback on whether the gateway test criteria are workable and whether the test covers a variety of genuine contracting relationships. I am also interested in hearing feedback on the high-income threshold for personal grievances, both from those who may use it as an employer and those who would be affected as a worker. 

“I am looking forward to hearing what New Zealanders have to say about the Bill during the Select Committee process,” says Ms van Velden. 

Editor notes: 

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden’s Bill seeking to protect players who gamble online by introducing safeguards to the currently unregulated online gambling market in New Zealand, passed its first reading in Parliament today.   

“Currently, New Zealanders can legally access thousands of offshore gambling websites. But the market is unregulated, so there are no player safety standards or oversight of harm minimisation,” says Ms van Velden. 

“My intention with this Bill is to ensure that online gambling is safer for New Zealanders who wish to gamble online to do so. In addition, that companies providing this service contribute to tax revenue and funding the services that treat gambling harm in New Zealand.”  

The Bill allows for up to 15 online gambling licences to be auctioned, with companies applying for a licence needing to meet strict criteria, including having a harm prevention strategy and providing information on their compliance history. 

The Department of Internal Affairs will enforce the new regulatory system, with all costs recovered from fees on licensed gambling companies. Fines of up to $5 million can be applied to companies for breaking the rules. 

“The most important part of this Bill is protecting New Zealanders who enjoy gambling online by introducing robust safety measures for licensed operators. 

“The Bill will now proceed to select committee, and I would encourage interested New Zealanders to have their say when public submissions open,” says Ms van Velden.  

Note to Editors: 

Conditions of holding an online casino licence will include (but are not limited to): 

• A suitable age verification system to prevent gambling by anyone under 18 years
• Contributing 1.24 percent of profits to the Problem Gambling Levy which is used to fund problem gambling support services
• Abiding by strict restrictions on advertising, including not advertising to children. The detailed rules on advertising will be set out in regulations that are currently being developed. 

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A Queenstown hotel has been fined $22,000 for illegally selling recreationally caught crayfish and failing to keep records.

The Rees Management Limited which trades as The Rees Hotel was sentenced in the Queenstown District Court yesterday for charges under the Fisheries Act 1996 and Fisheries (Recordkeeping) Regulations 1990 following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries. 

The hotel had been offering a premium experience to guests called The Rees Ultimate Heli Crayfish dining experience which included the illegal sale of recreationally caught crayfish. Guests were invoiced between $4,650 and $7,750 for the total day???s experience. 

Under the Fisheries Act, a commercial fishing permit is required to take any fish for sale.??? Any use of seafood as part of a business??? commercial activities is considered sale under the Act, says Fisheries New Zealand regional manager South Garreth Jay.

“The rules are there for a reason ??? to safeguard the resource for current and future generations, protect the integrity of the fisheries management system, and ensure a level playing field for businesses using seafood as part of their commercial activities. Where we find evidence of people breaking the rules we will investigate and take appropriate action. 

“In this case it is our view the offending persisted despite clear advice being given to the operators involved that the helicopter experience package did not comply with the Fisheries Act.”

The hotel also did not keep required records of the crayfish, making it difficult to quantify the scale of the offending, Mr Jay said.

“We all have a role to play in ensuring the ongoing sustainability of our fisheries. We encourage people to report suspected illegal activity through our free-calling 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 476 224).”

Fisheries New Zealand is also prosecuting another business in relation to the offending. The matter is still before the courts. 

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.