Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Thank you to Foreign Minister Herath for the warm welcome to Sri Lanka. The New Zealand delegation is delighted to be here to further strengthen the warm relationship between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Relations between our countries are long-standing. Our trade dates from the 1860s and sporting connections to the 1920s. New Zealand was one of the first countries to recognise Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948.  

Our modern relationship is growing, thanks to investments by both countries. We are pleased the establishment of New Zealand’s High Commission in Colombo in 2021 was followed by the opening of a Sri Lankan High Commission in Wellington this year. These commitments will enable our trade, cultural and political engagements to grow for mutual benefit.

For nearly 75 years, education has been a pillar of the relationship, starting with the training of Sri Lankan dental nurses in New Zealand under the Colombo Plan. Now we can count over 200 Sri Lankan alumni of New Zealand scholarship programmes.  

We are delighted to note further strengthening of these links through cooperation on tourism research between New Zealand’s University of Otago and the University of Colombo.

For many years, the New Zealand-Sri Lanka relationship has also encompassed development cooperation aimed at strengthening resilience in vulnerable communities, increasing food security, and contributing to disaster response.  

We are proud today to announce another such link, the Sustainable Water and Livelihoods project which will support farming households to improve their health and income generation.

On security, we shared views on the increasingly challenging global environment and the interconnected challenges for development, trade and security in the Indo-Pacific region. We remain committed to our cooperation across immigration, customs, police and defence.

We discussed the growing number of New Zealand companies working with and investing in Sri Lanka or looking to work with Sri Lankan partners.  

Many of these collaborations will deliver benefits for Sri Lanka in the tourism, agriculture, and healthcare sectors.

We also discussed the key role government-to-government cooperation between our food safety and border agencies plays to improve food safety standards, reduce red tape at the border, and increase Sri Lanka’s market access capabilities.

We reiterated that Sri Lanka’s application to accede to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement is very welcome.  

We are pleased to confirm that places on short term training courses in trade policy will be offered to Sri Lanka officials under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme.  

Naturally we discussed our two nations’ shared passion for sport and noted the success of the recent tour by the New Zealand men’s under 85kg rugby team, playing against Sri Lanka’s Tuskers. We look forward to further future battles between New Zealand and Sri Lankan teams on the rugby pitch and the cricket field, both the men’s and women’s teams. 
 

Thank you once again to Foreign Minister Herath, the government, and the people of Sri Lanka for your warm hosting of our lucky delegation.

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

A record 277 hihi / stitchbirds fledged on Tiritiri Matangi Island this breeding season, allowing many birds to spread their wings and leave the flock.

Earlier this month, 40 hihi were relocated to the Auckland Council managed Shakespear Open Sanctuary. They join Shakespear’s small but thriving population translocated in 2024.

Environmental champion Councillor Mike Lee says the reintroduction of hihi to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula enables more people to see and hear them in their natural habitat.

The birds are carefully unloaded in boxes after travelling from Tiritiri Matangi Island, ahead of their release.

“Thirty years ago, I was present when the ancestors of these hihi birds were introduced to Tiritiri Matangi. To be able to help release their descendants on the mainland really is a conservation dream come true,” says Cr Lee.

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DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees the translocation from island to mainland shows great outcomes for nature are possible when iwi, DOC, council, and community band together.

“They are one of Aotearoa’s rarest and quirkiest birds. There is a total population of only around 2000 nationwide and they require a lot of special attention, so it takes a village!” says Nick.

“We work side by side with Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland Council, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society and conservation research institutions to care for these taonga.”

Auckland Council Northern’s Principal Ranger Jason Maguiness acknowledges all those who have helped bring hihi to the Shakespear Open Sanctuary, before 40 new birds are released.

John Ewen, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust Trustee and Professor of Conservation Science at Zoological Society of London says hihi are nationally threatened, with Te Hauturu-o-toi Little Barrier Island holding the only naturally-surviving population since the 1880s.

“Habitat loss, the introduction of predators such as cats and rats and specimen collection probably contributed to the decline of hihi on the mainland,” says John.

Thanks to significant recovery efforts, there are now small managed populations of hihi on Tiritiri Matangi and Kapiti islands, Zealandia in Wellington, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi near Wanganui, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Rotokare Scenic Reserve and Shakepear Open Sanctuary.

“This season has been superb on both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear, likely due to lots of natural food. Flax and cabbage trees, in particular, were abundant,” says John.

DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees that the translocation project from island to mainland is an example of the great outcomes for nature that can be achieved when iwi government, council, and community band together.

An initial translocation to Shakespear of 40 birds in May 2024 has been a resounding success, with at least 60 chicks fledging throughout the summer.

Open Sanctuary Senior Ranger Matt Maitland says invaluable volunteer support from the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated (SOSSI) has enabled the birds to flourish.

“It’s not an easy journey, being moved to a completely new site, but we are working together to give the birds a better chance. A second release to Shakespear brings genetic diversity to the hihi already present, and greater security and resilience for the species against any challenges they may face in the future.”

SOSSI chair Owen Johnston says Shakespear is the ideal setting to release more hihi, with around 350 hectares of native forest providing enough food and nesting opportunities.

“We are set up to keep a close eye on the new arrivals through ongoing monitoring and supplementary feeding, which will help them to get established.”

All hihi whakapapa to Te Hauturu-o-toi. Hihi are taonga to Ngāti Manuhiri, the iwi with an ancestral land connection to Hauturu, Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear. 

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust spokesperson Delma O’Kane says, “as kaitiaki, we acknowledge the dedication of all involved in this kaupapa, from rangers and conservationists to the local community.

“It is through their unwavering commitment to pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration that both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear Regional Park continue to thrive as a sanctuary for our native flora and fauna.”

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Date and time

Meeting name

Meeting location

17 May, 1pm-4pm

Making Visible Workshop

Browns Bay Presbyterian Church, 45 Anzac Road

18 May, 4pm-8pm

Ethnic Communities Festival

Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall, 15 May Road, Wesley

19 May, 10am-2pm

Sandringham and Balmoral drop in session

Sandringham Community Centre, 18/20 Kitchener Road, Sandringham

21 May, 6.30pm

Wairau Catchment flood resilience meeting

Kings Room, Eventfinda Stadium, Argus Place, Wairau Valley

23 May, 4pm-9pm

Road to recovery emergency workshop (youth) 4pm-6pm, followed by live gig

Roskill Youth Zone, 740 Sandringham Road, Mount Roskill

24 May, 1pm-4pm

Making Visible Workshop

RAFT Studios, 168 Deep Creek Road, Torbay

26 May, 10am-2pm

Sandringham and Balmoral drop in session

Sandringham Community Centre, 18/20 Kitchener Road, Sandringham

14-19 June

Making Visible Exhibition

Mairangi Arts Centre, 20 Hastings, Mairangi Bay

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is appearing in court today following an aggravated robbery at a Northcote liquor shop on Saturday night.

Police were called to the Pearn Crescent store just before 6pm on 24 May.

“A man allegedly entered the store and initially made demands and presented a weapon making further threats when the victim refused,” Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, acting Inspector Tim Williams says.

“The victim managed to flee to safety and locked the offender inside the store, calling 111.”

Police arrived on scene and attempted to engage with the man inside.

“After a period of time negotiating with this man, he emerged outside and was taken into custody without incident.”

The 42-year-old man has been charged with assault with intent to rob and wilful damage, acting Inspector Williams says.

“It’s pleasing that Police can bring this matter before the court and we will also be opposing this man’s bail.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the man who died following a crash on Kopu Road in Wairoa on 18 May.

He was Gene Hyrem Popata, 39, from Wairoa.

Police extend our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

Date:  26 May 2025 Source:  Department of Conservation and Auckland Council

Earlier this month, 40 hihi were relocated to the Auckland Council managed Shakespear Open Sanctuary. They join Shakespear’s small but thriving population translocated in 2024.

Environmental champion Councillor Mike Lee says the reintroduction of hihi to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula enables more people to see and hear them in their natural habitat.

“Thirty years ago, I was present when the ancestors of these hihi birds were introduced to Tiritiri Matangi. To be able to help release their descendants on the mainland is a conservation dream come true,” says Cr Lee.

DOC Tiritiri Matangi Ranger Nick Fisentzidis agrees the translocation from island to mainland shows great outcomes for nature are possible when iwi, DOC, council, and community band together.

“They are one of Aotearoa’s rarest and quirkiest birds. There is a total population of only around 2000 nationwide and they require a lot of special attention, so it takes a village!” says Nick.

“We work side by side with Ngāti Manuhiri, Auckland Council, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust, Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society and conservation research institutions to care for these taonga.”

John Ewen, Hihi Conservation Charitable Trust Trustee and Professor of Conservation Science at Zoological Society of London says hihi are nationally threatened, with Te Hauturu-o-toi Little Barrier Island holding the only naturally-surviving population since the 1880s.

“Habitat loss, the introduction of predators such as cats and rats and specimen collection probably contributed to the decline of hihi on the mainland,” says John.

Thanks to significant recovery efforts, there are now small managed populations of hihi on Tiritiri Matangi and Kapiti islands, Zealandia in Wellington, Bushy Park Tarapuruhi near Wanganui, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, Rotokare Scenic Reserve and Shakepear Open Sanctuary.

“This season has been superb on both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear, likely due to lots of natural food. Flax and cabbage trees, in particular, were abundant,” says John.

An initial translocation to Shakespear of 40 birds in May 2024 has been a resounding success, with at least 60 chicks fledging throughout the summer.

The council’s Open Sanctuary Senior Ranger, Matt Maitland, says the support from volunteers through the Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society (SOSSI) has helped to ensure the birds can flourish.

“It’s not an easy journey, being moved to a completely new site but we are working together to give the birds a better chance. A second release to Shakespear brings genetic diversity to the hihi already present, and greater security and resilience for the species against any challenges they may face in the future.”

SOSSI chair Owen Johnston says volunteers will provide nest boxes, ongoing monitoring and supplementary food to help the birds settle into their new home.

All hihi whakapapa to Hauturu o Toi. Hihi are taonga to Ngāti Manuhiri, the iwi with an ancestral land connection to Hauturu, Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear.

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust spokesperson Delma O’Kane says “as kaitiaki, we acknowledge the dedication of all involved in this kaupapa, from rangers and conservationists to the local community.

“It is through their unwavering commitment to pest control, monitoring, and habitat restoration that both Tiritiri Matangi and Shakespear Regional Park continue to thrive as a sanctuary for our native flora and fauna.”

Contact

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Nelson Hospital will get a major redevelopment as part of the Government’s $1 billion boost to hospital infrastructure and will be the first hospital in the country to receive a new temporary inpatient unit while construction is underway, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This is a significant investment in the future of healthcare for Nelson. It includes the construction of a new inpatient building by 2029, two years earlier than planned,” Mr Brown says.

“Nelson Hospital is under increasing pressure from a growing and ageing population. It has a shortage of beds, putting pressure on elective treatment. Surgeries are being cancelled, and operating theatres are not being fully utilised due to a lack of inpatient beds.”

To help address this while construction on the new building is underway, Nelson Hospital will be the first site to receive one of the Government’s new modular, transportable 28 to 32-bed inpatient units, designed to provide extra capacity quickly and support ongoing care during major infrastructure projects.

“These modular units are part of a broader Budget 2025 initiative to ensure hospitals can continue delivering for patients during redevelopment. They can be moved where needed, making them a flexible and fast solution to bed shortages. It is expected the unit for Nelson will be delivered within the next 12 months.”

The new inpatient building at Nelson Hospital will include 128 beds, adding 41 more beds to the current capacity, along with an acute assessment unit, a transit lounge, a pharmacy, a blood bank, and dedicated areas for assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation services.

The hospital’s two main buildings – the George Manson and Percy Brunette buildings – will be refurbished and seismically strengthened. A new Energy Centre will house critical hospital infrastructure, and there will be digital upgrades to support modern models of care.

“The Nelson Hospital redevelopment is moving at pace following Cabinet’s approval of the detailed business case.

“The Government’s staged approach to delivering major hospital projects is ensuring a well-planned and efficient build programme, with the $73 million in design and enabling works well underway, laying strong foundations for the next stage of construction.

“The $11 million emergency department expansion, part of the redevelopment to meet growing demand, is expected to be completed in early 2026.”

Health New Zealand is also planning for future workforce requirements, ensuring the right clinical teams are in place to deliver more healthcare for the Nelson community.

“Improving health infrastructure is a priority for the Government to ensure patients have access to timely, quality healthcare.

“Our Government is providing certainty to the people of Nelson by getting on with the project, which has been delayed for many years. In August 2023, decisions were made to rescope the project’s delivery. Since then, Health New Zealand has completed a Business Case, which was approved by Cabinet earlier this year – and has now been funded in Budget 2025.

“This investment – alongside the delivery of new inpatient capacity – will ensure that as the Nelson community grows, the health system’s infrastructure grows with it. It’s an investment in better care, better access, and better outcomes for patients,” Mr Brown says.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

New artificial intelligence (AI) training will increase the uptake of AI and boost productivity in the public service, Digitising Government and Public Service Minister Judith Collins says.

“Across the public sector, AI offers a real opportunity to improve decision-making and deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders,” says Ms Collins.

“I want public service leaders to embrace AI and support their teams to use it safely and effectively.

“That’s why the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) and the Public Service Commission’s Leadership Development Centre have partnered to develop two new AI training programmes. 

A three-part AI Masterclass series is now available to senior leaders to improve the understanding of and use of AI within agencies. These sessions will cover core AI concepts and key decision-making considerations. 

The all-of-government AI Foundational Development Programme starts this month for general public service users. 

Around 50 participants from 10 agencies will be upskilled in basic AI concepts and present their own ideas for the use of AI. This will create a pipeline of agency-specific AI applications to improve productivity, cost efficiency and customer experience.

The five-week online course will be piloted from 26 May to 30 June and be repeated throughout the year. Material from these sessions will be published on the LDC: Public Service Core Learning Hub.

“This initiative will enable greater use of AI in the public service, enhancing both the speed and quality of service delivery for Kiwis,” Ms Collins says.

“Government agencies are already seeing promising results and this training will build on them to transform the way our government serves New Zealanders.”