Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the number of people waiting for an outcome of their Citizenship by Grant application is at the lowest level since August 2020. 

“Finding efficiencies within the Department of Internal Affairs, including by reducing wait times for citizenship applications, has been a priority for me, and I’m pleased to see the real progress being made,” says Ms van Velden.

“In the past, I’ve heard about the impact citizenship delays have had on people and their families. Becoming a New Zealand citizen is a milestone moment that deserves to be celebrated, not overshadowed by lengthy wait times.”  

“Currently, just over 13,700 people are waiting for citizenship decisions, down from a high point of 37,690 in April 2022.” 

A sustained focus on performance and improved processing flows implemented in March this year have made a hugely positive impact on citizenship processing and has delivered real results. 

“These are not just numbers, these are people who are contributing to our economy and communities. From teachers and nurses to engineers and small business owners, these people are building lives here while waiting on citizenship.” 

“Focusing on performance and reducing the backlog continues while new applications continue to be made, however I’m proud of the hard work in the citizenship office to date.” 

Currently the oldest applications being picked up are just over two months old, compared to October 2023 when the oldest applications were from September 2022.  

This represents an 11-month improvement in how quickly the Department starts work on applications.  

“Congratulations to the Department for the results and a larger congratulations to all the new Kiwi citizens.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

Cabinet has agreed to a series of policy proposals following public consultation for a new Emergency Management Bill, says Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell. 

As part of its response to the Government Inquiry into the Response to the North Island Severe Weather Events, the Government intends to pass a new Emergency Management Bill during this term of Parliament. The Bill will replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002. 

“The Government released a discussion document in April this year seeking feedback on options to strengthen New Zealand’s overarching emergency management legislation,” Mr Mitchell says. 

“The 324 submissions received were from individuals and organisations ranging from councils, Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups, iwi groups, volunteer organisations, businesses, interest groups such as animal welfare, and groups representing parts of the community such as disabled people, older people, and rural communities.  

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences and perspectives which have informed Cabinet’s decisions on which proposals to progress through the Bill.”  

The Cabinet paper provides details on the 21 proposals, but in summary the Bill will: 

clarify who is in control during emergencies (particularly when undeclared) and clarify accountabilities at the local level
improve how Civil Defence Emergency Management Group plans are developed and with whose input, given they drive change on the ground
provide for representation of iwi Māori, rural communities and the wider community on Coordinating Executive Groups
expand the tools available to improve assurance of the system, e.g. through rules or Compliance Orders
expand the lifeline utilities/essential infrastructure providers that can be recognised under the legislation (e.g. certain digital services and solid waste).  

“Alongside new legislation the Government will deliver operational improvements through the initiatives outlined in the Strengthening Emergency Management Roadmap for Investment and Implementation. This includes initiatives that will address, over time, the resourcing and training issues identified by some submitters,” says Mr Mitchell.

The Government intends to introduce and pass the new Emergency Management Bill during this term of Parliament. The public will have another opportunity to make submissions during the Select Committee process. 

The Cabinet Paper is available at: https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/proactive-release-eco-25-sub-0117-strengthening-emergency-management-legislative-reform

The submissions on the discussion document will be published soon at www.civildefence.govt.nz/emergency-management-bill  

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Defence Judith Collins today opened the new headquarters of the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 5 Squadron at Ohakea and its four P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

“This 20,000 sq m facility, Te Whare Toroa – The Home of the Albatross, provides essential, state-of-the-art infrastructure to support the RNZAF’s work in maritime surveillance, resource protection and disaster response,” Ms Collins says.

“The Government knows Defence personnel must have modern and fit-for-purpose equipment and infrastructure to be interoperable, combat-capable, and to deter actions that are adverse to our interests.

“The work they do safeguards New Zealand, its interests and our way of life.”

The new facility can train, sustain and support up to 320 personnel with its two hangars, maintenance and support facilities, spare parts warehouse, full flight simulator and mission support centre. For the first time, it brings together a range of training and support tools for aircrew, maintenance and mission support personnel. 

“There will be more projects like this as the Government’s Defence Capability Plan, which outlines planned commitments worth $12 billion over the next four years and doubles our Defence spending by 2032, is implemented,” Ms Collins says.

“The project has also provided significant employment and up-skilling opportunities for the local workforce, which the delivery of the Defence Capability Plan will continue to generate into regional economies in the coming years.”

Images from the event will be uploaded here: http://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdfmedia

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  14 August 2025

There are only two populations of black robins in the world – on two reserve islands in the Chatham archipelago, 800 km offshore from mainland New Zealand.

This iconic species’ recovery from the brink of extinction is an internationally renowned success story. There were only five black robins left in 1980, with just one breeding pair – Old Blue and Old Yellow – remaining. Following intensive conservation efforts, the population has increased to 445 birds, with approximately 45 birds on Mangere Island and another 400 birds on Rangatira.

Dave Houston, Department of Conservation Technical Advisor, says the upward trend for black robin on Rangatira is heartening, but the species risks becoming a victim of its own success.

“There’s a limit to how much food and habitat is available for these birds on Rangatira,” says Dave. “Native bush on the island is slowly regenerating, but the black robin population is growing faster than the bush.”

A second population of black robin, on Mangere/Maung’ Rē Island, is not faring as well as its neighbours.

“A decade ago, there was a population of around 50 birds, but this has dropped to 45 as female survival over winter has been low, and there are genetic problems stemming from the extremely small gene pool. Habitat and food availability on Mangere are also problems because, even though planting has been ongoing since the 1970s, there are still only very small, forested areas suitable for black robins.”

DOC’s focus over the past five years has been on site restoration and monitoring. Teams are sent to monitor the birds on each island during pre-breeding and post-breeding seasons, capturing and banding juveniles to determine survival rates after winter.

DOC is exploring options suitable for black robin populations on both Rangiura/Pitt Island and main Chatham Island, but the presence of predators such as mice means there is no easy solution.

As it stands, says Dave, a rat incursion or natural disaster on Rangatira or Mangere could devastate those populations.

“Our eggs are quite literally all in two baskets,” says Dave. “We really need to establish some more populations to safeguard the species, but we need sustainable, predator-free habitat first.

“Rangatira and Mangere are free of predators, which is why they work so well. One really bad week could wipe out hundreds of birds found nowhere else in the world, and erase decades of hard work. After how far we’ve come, we just can’t let that happen.”

Background information

South East Island/Rangatira/Hokorereoro and Mangere Island/Maung’ Rē are both predator free islands, home to a range of rare plant and animal species.

All of today’s black robins are descended from the last breeding female, Old Blue. She was one of the longest-lived robins known, reaching 14 years old.

The fostering programme used to save the black robin was such a fantastic success that it has been used as a case study on how to save endangered birds around the world.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are advised that Police will hold a stand-up today regarding the fatal Police shooting in Bryndwr.

Canterbury District Commander, Superintendent Tony Hill will speak to media at 12:15pm in central Christchurch.

We ask those media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz. Further details will be provided to registered media.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the person who died in the two-vehicle crash on Dansey Road, Ngongotahā Valley on Wednesday 22 May.

She was Sakura Hall, 2, of Mamaku.

Police extend their sympathies to her family and friends at this difficult time.

The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: New Zealand Police

A man is facing charges after an airgun was allegedly presented at Police staff in Manurewa overnight.

Frontline staff on duty in Manurewa observed an unregistered quad bike travelling onto Sharland Avenue at around 11.40pm.

Detective Inspector Shaun Vickers, of Counties Manukau CIB, says the unit followed the bike to an address.

“Staff were attempting to engage with the rider, given the concerns in the community surrounding unregistered bikes.

“Instead, the staff encountered aggressive individuals that were hanging around the address.

“During this interaction, one of the men allegedly pulled what appeared to be a revolver from his pocket.”

Attending units pulled back, with assistance requested from other Police staff.

Detective Inspector Vickers says armed staff arrived and moved forward to clear the address.

“The man allegedly involved was located inside the property and was promptly taken into custody.”

Police have since recovered an airgun from the property.

The 26-year-old man faces charges of unlawfully carrying an airgun and assault with an airgun.

He will appear in the Manukau District Court today.

“It’s fortunate no one was injured as a result of the man’s actions last night, and we will put him before the courts so he is held accountable,” Detective Inspector Vickers says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand Food Safety is supporting PNP Farms’ Butchery in its recall of its Pure Angus Beef Sausage as the product may contain glass.

PNP Farms’ Butchery brand Pure Angus Beef Sausage (various weights), with a Best Before: 17.08.25 is affected by this recall.

“If you have any affected product, don’t eat it. You can return it to the place of purchase for a refund. If that’s not possible, throw it out.”

The affected products are sold at:

• PNP Farms’ Butchery – 84 High Street, Rangiora
• PNP Farms’ Butchery – Bush Inn Centre, Christchurch.

The products have been removed from store shelves and have not been exported.

Visit New Zealand Food Safety’s recall page for up-to-date information and photographs of the affected product.

Food recall: PNP Farms’ Butchery brand Pure Angus Beef Sausage

New Zealand Food Safety is aware of one unconfirmed report of associated injury.

“As is our usual practice, New Zealand Food Safety will work with PNP Farms’ Butchery to understand how this happened and prevent its recurrence,” says Mr Arbuckle.

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts. Information on how to subscribe is on the food recall page. 

Recalled food products list

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

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

Source: New Zealand Government

Replacement of the earthquake-damaged Pages Road bridge in Christchurch will proceed, with Government funding of $38.5 million approved by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board, Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed.

“I’m pleased that the NZTA Board have endorsed the business case for the $75.4 million Pages Road bridge renewal project and approved co-funding from the National Land Transport Fund,” Mr Meager says.

“Carrying more than 13,000 vehicles per day, the nearly 100-year-old bridge is approaching the end of its life. As the main point of access between the New Brighton and Southshore communities, and the rest of Christchurch, there has been increasing urgency to replace it.”

The bridge was last strengthened in 2015 to extend its lifespan. As a critical evacuation route, the importance of the Pages Road bridge renewal project was recognised by this Government with its inclusion in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme. It is currently the highest priority capital improvement project for Christchurch City Council, but until now had no taxpayer funding allocated to it.

“The existing roads either side of the Pages Road bridge are also prone to flooding and erosion. This funding will also allow these roads to be raised and upgraded at the same time as the bridge replacement work,” Mr Meager says.

“With the business case and co-funding now approved, Christchurch City Council expects the project to move into construction once consenting is completed.

“I know how important this project is to the people of New Brighton, Southshore, and greater Christchurch, and I want to thank them for their continued advocacy to get this major infrastructure project across the line.

“It’s promising to see progress being made, and I look forward to seeing shovels in the ground as soon as possible.”

Replacement of the earthquake-damaged Pages Road bridge in Christchurch will proceed, with Government funding of $38.5 million approved by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board, Minister for the South Island and Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed.

“I’m pleased that the NZTA Board have endorsed the business case for the $75.4 million Pages Road bridge renewal project and approved co-funding from the National Land Transport Fund,” Mr Meager says.