Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says New Zealand is sending a seven-person specialist team to Manitoba on Wednesday 9 July to support Canada in its response to severe wildfires across the country.  

“Canada is dealing with an intense and escalating wildfire season, with fires raging across multiple provinces,” says Ms van Velden.  

“More than 20,000 people have been displaced from their homes.  

“The scale of these fires is hard to imagine, with just one of the fires having burnt 300,000 hectares. That is almost two Stewart Islands. 

“At the request of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s specialist team will support the firefighting effort by managing Canadian fire crews and overseeing safety and logistics.” 

This deployment will mark 330 personnel deployed to North American wildfires since the establishment of Fire and Emergency New Zealand in 2017.   

“Fire and Emergency remains in close contact with Canada, and I am advised that they expect to be sending a larger firefighting task force later this week.  

“I want to thank these firefighters who are offering their support to our Canadian counterparts at this time. Their efforts will make a real difference to the communities in Canada,” says Ms van Velden. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters will travel to Malaysia this week for regional engagement with Southeast Asian partners. 

 “The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) plays a central role in supporting a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region and has been a steadfast partner of New Zealand,” Mr Peters says. 

 “In our 50^th anniversary of Dialogue Relations with ASEAN, we will highlight the value of the deep partnership between New Zealand and South East Asia, and will engage on the strategic issues impacting the stability of our region. We will also discuss opportunities for enhancing our partnership and cooperation.” 

 While in Malaysia. Mr Peters will attend the annual ASEAN-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and ASEAN Regional Forum. 

The Minister attended the inaugural East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur in December 2005 and a further nine since.  Mr Peters will also hold several bilateral engagements with counterparts while in Kuala Lumpur. 

 “Since coming into government in 2023 we have significantly increased New Zealand’s focus and resources applied to South and South East Asia.”  

This visit to Malaysia is a further opportunity to strengthen New Zealand’s partnership with ASEAN and reiterate our support for Malaysia’s priorities as 2025 ASEAN Chair.”

The Minister departs on July 9 and returns July 12. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Dargaville Police have made arrests and seized firearms following a road rage incident in the Kaipara district.

An investigation has been underway since the incident occurred on the evening of 25 June in Mahuta.

“Residents encountered dirt bikes doing burnouts and being disruptive,” Whangārei-Kaipara Area Commander Inspector Maria Nordstrom says.

“A dispute occurred between some residents and riders when they were asked to leave the area and these requests were ignored.”

Initially both groups went their separate ways, however Inspector Nordstrom says the incident escalated when the group returned to the area.

“Two people arrived at the driveway of a property and were allegedly carrying firearms at the time.”

No firearms were discharged, but Police were contacted and attended the scene.

Inspector Nordstrom says enquiries resulted in five search warrants being carried out last week.

“Dargaville Police were assisted by their district colleagues, with members from the Offender Prevention Team, CIB and a detector dog assisting with the operation,” she says.

Four addresses and one vehicle were searched on Wednesday.

“Three people were arrested, with three firearms also being seized as part of our enquiries,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

“Those firearms included a shotgun and two rifles.”

A 36-year-old man has since appeared in the Whangārei District Court on a charge of intentional damage and a firearms offence.

He has been remanded in custody to reappear on 28 July.

A 32-year-old woman also appeared in court on a charge of behaving threateningly.

Meanwhile, a 43-year-old man is due to appear in the same court next week on two driving offences.

“Our investigation is continuing into the events of 25 June, so this is by no means over,” Inspector Nordstrom says.

“There is no place for violence or intimidation in our community, and if this does occur expect Police to be paying you a visit.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says the Government is continuing to cut through unnecessary bureaucracy with reforms to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act, which will make life easier for hard-working Kiwi families managing property through family trusts.
“For thousands of New Zealanders, setting up a family trust is part of securing their financial future, especially when it comes to their home. But under the current AML regime, selling a house held in a trust triggers a burdensome level of document verification and compliance checks that has little to do with actual risk,” Mrs McKee says.
“Families who’ve worked hard, paid off their mortgage, and saved for the future shouldn’t be treated like potential criminals just because they want to move house.
Take, for example, a couple who’ve spent 15 years in the same home, raising their children and gradually paying off their mortgage. Like many Kiwi families, they’ve placed their home in a Family Trust to help manage and protect their most valuable asset.
“If they decide to sell, real estate agents are currently required to collect an overwhelming amount of personal and legal information — including the names and addresses of all beneficiaries, even their children, trustees, and lawyers, along with a detailed explanation and documents to prove how the home was paid for.
“Under the new reforms, a real estate agent can apply simplified customer due diligence if the sale is clearly low risk. That could mean only:

Confirming the property’s ownership and trustee details match what’s on the certificate of title
Verifying the couple’s identity documents and their role as trustees
Retaining a copy of the trust deed.

“When there’s clearly nothing untoward going on, there’s no need for invasive investigations or repetitive paperwork.”
The Government has also directed the future AML/CFT supervisor to issue clear guidance so that real estate agents, lawyers, and accountants know exactly how to apply these simplified checks without fear of penalty.
“These changes are about recognising that not all customers carry the same risk and it’s time our laws reflected that,” Ms McKee says.
“New Zealanders who play by the rules, work hard, and save for their future should be supported by the system, not tied up in red tape.”
This is part of a wider programme of reform to make New Zealand’s AML/CFT regime smarter, more proportionate, and focused on genuine risks.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee is making changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act that will make it easier for parents to open bank accounts for their children.
“Opening a bank account for children should be a simple and positive step toward teaching them the value of saving. Unfortunately, regulations designed to prevent serious crimes can make the process unnecessarily difficult,” says Mrs McKee. 
“The Government is cutting red tape that can make it harder for parents to do the easy thing and open a bank account for their children. 
“According to the Act, a parent who wants to open an account for their eight-year-old child needs to gather and verify a long list of information, including their child’s address, date of birth, name, and their own authority to act on their child’s behalf. The Act also requires banks to obtain the nature and purpose of the business relationship, evaluate whether further due diligence is required, and monitoring the child’s transactions on an ongoing basis.
“Under the Government’s new reforms, banks will be allowed to apply a simplified processes when risk is low. This means that if a bank puts measures in place to make a child’s bank account low-risk (e.g. by setting appropriate transaction limits) all that could be required is a birth certificate to confirm the child’s name and date of birth, and prove the relationship to the parent. 
“They could also skip the intrusive and unnecessary questions about the “nature and purpose” of the account, and reduce or forego ongoing monitoring of a child’s banking activity, until the account’s settings are changed (e.g., removal of transaction limits when a child turns 18).
The Government has also directed the future AML/CFT supervisor to issue clear guidance so that businesses like banks know exactly how to apply these simplified checks without fear of penalty.
“This is a common-sense reform. Parents shouldn’t be asked to jump through bureaucratic hoops just to open a bank account for their kids. We’re streamlining the system so that New Zealanders can spend less time on paperwork and more time teaching their children the value of money.
“These changes reflect the Government’s wider commitment to smarter regulation, focusing on outcomes rather than ticking boxes, and trusting New Zealanders to make responsible decisions without being buried under red tape.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  08 July 2025

Think you’ve got a wild question? You’re not alone.

DOC’s Customer Service Centre has revealed the top wildlife-related queries flooding its inbox and phone lines this year. The answers might surprise you – and show just how much people care about our native species and wild places. 

So far in 2025, DOC’s Customer Service Centre has received more than 15,000 phone calls and 10,000 emails from members of the public. From curious kids asking about penguins to reports of stranded whales or pest sightings, the DOC Customer Service team handles a huge variety of enquiries every day – and they’ve already sent more than 14,000 replies to help people take action for nature. 

“It’s clear New Zealanders are passionate about our environment and want to do the right thing,” says Olivia Tooley, Customer Service Centre Lead.  

“Our job is to make that easier. Every call or email is a chance to connect someone with the right advice, the right support – and often, the right action.” 

Olivia says these are the top five wildlife-related questions people are asking DOC in 2025 so far – and how the team answers them in the Customer Service Centre: 

1. What should I do if I see a sick or injured bird? 
“This is our most common question – and the answer can vary. DOC can advise on native birds, but we’re not always able to help directly. The best thing you can do is not handle the bird. Instead, note the location, what the bird looks like, and take a photo if you can. We’ll let you know what to do next and can connect you with a local ranger, vet, or bird rescue if needed.” 

2. What should I do if I see a seal on the beach? 
“We get this one a lot! Most of the time, seals are just resting – it’s totally normal. Please keep at least 20 metres away from the seal, keep dogs well clear, and don’t touch or feed the seal. If it looks injured or in danger, let us know. We’ll follow up with our local team.” 

3. I’ve seen a lizard/bird/whale – who should I tell? 
“Thanks for letting us know! Sightings like this help us understand where species are living and how they’re doing. Who to contact depends on what you saw – but we can help figure that out. You can call, email, or report it through the DOC website. The more details you can provide – like photos and an exact location – the better. You can also upload the sighting to iNaturalist.nz if you’re unsure where to start” 

4. I have a pest – can you send a ranger? 
“We understand how frustrating pests can be, but DOC doesn’t provide a pest removal service. DOC focuses on pests on conservation land, but we’re happy to give advice, or direct you to your local council, a contractor, or a community group that may be able to help.” 

5. Where can I take my dog? 
“It depends on the area. Some conservation areas allow dogs, but others don’t to protect wildlife. Look for signs at the site, check the DOC website, or just give us a call. We’re happy to help you find a dog-friendly spot!” 

The centre also helps with everything from drone rules and camping bookings to fires, marine mammal protection and forest access – especially during busy holiday periods or major weather events. 

DOC’s Customer Service Centre is a vital part of DOC’s wider team and makes it easier for people to understand, appreciate, and actively care for the natural world. By sharing advice, logging reports, and connecting callers to local teams, they’re often the first step in someone taking positive action for conservation. 

“We might not be out in the field with boots and binoculars, but we’re playing our part,” Olivia says. “Helping someone understand what to do when they see a kekeno (fur seal), or how to protect native species in their own backyard, all helps build trust and connection with DOC’s work.” 

As conservation challenges grow, public support and understanding are more important than ever. Olivia encourages anyone with a question or concern about nature, native species, or recreation to reach out – no question is too small when it comes to protecting our wild places. 

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

The south bound lane of the Athol Five Rivers Highway, Lowther is closed following a bus crash.

Emergency services are attending.

There is reportedly black ice in the area.

Police ask drivers to avoid the area and take alternative routes where possible.

Police ask people to drive to the conditions and consider black ice during cold times of the day.

ENDS

Source: NZCTU

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is warning that the FamilyBoost changes announced today by Finance Minister Nicola Willis will fail to make early childhood education more affordable for the families who need it most and will instead widen inequities.

“The Government has missed an opportunity to reflect on the failure of the FamilyBoost scheme and pivot towards improving access and affordability through expanding universal free-fees entitlements and moving towards a quality public ECE system,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

“FamilyBoost puts an administrative burden on whānau and teachers while failing to deal with the key issues in early childhood education, which include low wages, systemic underfunding, and a private model that results in high profits for big corporates.

“The changes announced today disproportionately benefit high-income households, who are already much more likely to be able to afford to send their kids to ECE centres. This means the benefit of the scheme will be weighted against those who need it most.

“Access to quality early childhood education helps ensure that children have the best possible start in life, and no families should be denied that due to costs.

“The revised scheme does nothing to support the development of new centres or to help low-income groups into ECE provision. Instead, the Government has loaded up its support for higher-income groups, once again demonstrating their priorities,” said Ansell-Bridges.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey is in Gore today for the rural health roadshow happening across the country.

“The rural health roadshow is an opportunity for me to hear direct feedback from the public and those who are working in rural health about what’s working well and where the barriers may be. The roadshow is also a great opportunity to hear how well the Rural Health Strategy is being implemented,” Mr Doocey says.

“I started the roadshow in Levin and have since visited Wairoa, Wānaka, Oamaru and Hanmer Springs. I am excited to now be in Gore to hear from the community and people working in rural health.”

The roadshow builds on initiatives already in train to improve rural health care services.

“Budget 2025 delivered for Kiwis living in rural and remote communities. The Government is investing $164 million over four years to strengthen urgent and after hours care nationwide, meaning 98 per cent of Kiwis will be able to access these services within one hour’s drive of their home.

“We are also improving access to primary care including access to 24/7 digital care, training more new doctors and investing to increase the number of nurses in primary care. “I was pleased to hear from our hardworking farmers at Fieldays where I heard loud and clear that access to healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for people living in rural and remote communities.

“To improve access to mental health support I was pleased that the Government recently announced $3 million over four years, to help improve rural communities’ access to primary mental health services and specialised services. The Government is also doubling its investment in the Rural Wellbeing Fund to $4 million over the next four years.

“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health and mental health outcomes, including for the one in five living in our rural communities.

“It is important that the Government continues the conversation with rural communities on how rural health care services can be improved. I have been thrilled with the support the roadshow has received so far, and I look forward to continuing to hear from our rural communities.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister with responsibility for Rural Health and Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey will be coming to Hanmer Springs today as part of the rural health roadshow across the country.  

“The rural health roadshow is an opportunity for me to hear direct feedback from the public and those who are working in rural health about what’s working well and where the barriers may be. The roadshow is also a great opportunity to hear how well the Rural Health Strategy is being implemented,” Mr Doocey says.

“I started the roadshow in Levin and have since visited Wairoa, Wānaka and Oamaru. I am excited to now be in the beautiful Hanmer Springs to hear from the community and people working in rural health.”

The roadshow builds on initiatives already in train to improve rural health care services.  

“Budget 2025 delivered for Kiwis living in rural and remote communities. The Government is investing $164 million over four years to strengthen urgent and afterhours care nationwide, meaning 98 per cent of Kiwis will be able to access these services within one hour’s drive of their home.

“We are also improving access to primary care including access to 24/7 digital care, training more new doctors and investing to increase the number of nurses in primary care.  

“I was pleased to hear from our hardworking farmers at Fieldays where I heard loud and clear that access to healthcare is one of the biggest concerns for people living in rural and remote communities.  

“To improve access to mental health support I was pleased that the Government recently announced $3 million over four years, to help improve rural communities’ access to primary mental health services and specialised services. The Government is also doubling its investment in the Rural Wellbeing Fund to $4 million over the next four years. 

“All New Zealanders deserve timely access to quality health care and this Government is committed to improving health and mental health outcomes, including for the one in five living in our rural communities.

“It is important that the Government continues the conversation with rural communities on how rural health care services can be improved. I have been thrilled with the support the roadshow has received so far, and I look forward to continuing to hear from our rural communities.”