Category: MIL-OSI

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.

Source: New Zealand Government

Continuing to address cost of living pressures over the coming months is key as Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reveals a fresh set of targeted Government actions in the Q3 Action Plan.

“While it’s still tough out there for too many Kiwis, our Government’s focus on unlocking economic growth is starting to show some promise with key indicators up across the board. Exports are rising, wages are increasing faster than inflation, and growth overall has been strong to start the year. 

“Backing Kiwis to get on top of the cost of living is critical to that pro-growth agenda. It’s not enough for businesses to grow and invest – New Zealanders deserve an economy that works for them, with more competition and lower prices. 

“Whether it’s the cost of food, housing, banking, or energy, we’re taking action in the coming months to drive a better bargain for families across the country. 

“That includes the Government’s next steps to promote supermarket competition, ensuring more families have a shot at lower food prices and more choice. 

“The cost of housing is also a priority, with significant improvements to the RMA enabling more construction in our biggest cities expected to become law. 

“This quarter we’ll also set out rules to enable and unleash open banking in New Zealand which will increase competition, transparency, drive down fees, and help Kiwis get a better deal on their mortgage. 

“The cost of energy is also a focus. Kiwis are paying more for power because of the previous government’s disastrous oil and gas ban. 

“We’re repealing that ban to unleash the energy New Zealand needs to keep the lights on and prevent power prices from skyrocketing in the years to come.  

“Kiwis working hard deserve to be able to get ahead. Our Government is working at pace to make that a reality, with higher economic growth to create jobs and increase wages, and a plan to reduce the cost of living.”

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 15 July 2025
Last updated 15 July 2025

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The Ministry of Education (MoE) invites sector feedback on proposed variations to 2026 funding determinations.
The Ministry of Education (MoE) invites sector feedback on proposed variations to 2026 funding determinations.

Providers have been sent an invitation to participate through DXP Ngā Kete and have until Monday 11 August to provide feedback. 
Why is the Ministry of Education consulting the sector?
Section 423 of the Education and Training Act 2020 (the Act) requires Ministers to consult with any organisation that may be affected by proposed variations to funding determinations within their respective delegations issued under section 419 of the Act. 
The Minister for Vocational Education, Minister for Universities and Minister of Education will consider feedback from affected organisations before deciding whether to proceed with the proposed variations. Any variation to funding determinations following consultation will come into effect on 1 January 2026.
Variations to funding determinations
MoE is consulting on variations to the following nine funding determinations:

Adult and Community Education (ACE)
Delivery at Levels 1 and 2 on the NZQCF (DQ1-2)
Delivery at Levels 3 to 7 (non-degree) on the NZQCF and all industry training (DQ3-7) 
Delivery at Levels 7 (degree) to 10 on the NZQCF (DQ7-10)
English Language Teaching, including Refugee English (ELT) 
Gateway
Literacy and Numeracy Provision, including the Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Fund and the Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Fund (L&N)
Māori and Pasifika Trades Training (MPTT)
Youth Guarantee (YG)

For more information, please refer to the Ministry of Education website.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Coalition Government is seeking feedback on a draft Fuel Security Plan that provides a long-term strategy to ensure New Zealanders have reliable access to fuel in times of domestic and global disruption, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says.

“As a small and remote island nation that imports nearly all of its liquid fuels, New Zealand is vulnerable to supply chain shocks beyond its borders,” Mr Jones says.

“The Government is seeking to improve our fuel resilience and protect our economic wellbeing so our people and businesses can continue to move, work, and grow. New Zealanders are invited to have their say on the plan.”

The plan builds on findings of the 2025 Fuel Security Study by focusing on four key areas:

• Strengthening resilience against global supply disruptions
• Enhancing domestic fuel infrastructure and emergency preparedness
• Supporting the development of domestic low-carbon fuel alternatives
• Managing fuel security during the transition to new energy technologies

“Our recent decision to boost minimum fuel reserves and improve storage locations is prudent given the current global geopolitical environment.

“Fuel security is not just an energy issue — it’s an issue of economic and national resilience. The consequences of inaction are too great. The Fuel Security Plan was a key plank in the New Zealand First-National Coalition Agreement to safeguard our transport and logistics systems and emergency services from any international or domestic disruption,” Mr Jones says.

Public submissions are open from 15 July 2025 to 25 August 2025. Feedback can be provided via the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/draft-fuel-security-plan

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  15 July 2025

Trains Hut is a well-loved, six-bunk hut used regularly by trampers and hunters, reached by a 15 km tramp along the rugged Trains Track. This remote and rewarding backcountry track takes visitors through regenerating native forest, rugged ridgelines, and across several swing bridges.

DOC Ranger Rhydian Lewis, who led the project, says support from the Backcountry Trust allowed the DOC team to expand the scope of work beyond essential repairs.

“Alongside basic maintenance, a new wood burner has been installed, the deck extended, and an L-shaped veranda constructed, all improving comfort and shelter for visitors.”

“Working with the Trust, we were able to go beyond basic maintenance and give Trains Hut the attention it deserved. These upgrades make a big difference, especially for those staying in tough weather conditions,” says Rhydian.

The project is part of the Community Huts Programme, a collaboration between DOC and the Backcountry Trust to support volunteers to care for highly valued backcountry huts and tracks. Announced in January, the $4.2 million dollar boost comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

Renovations were completed in June by a team of five, with a helicopter used to transport materials to the remote location.

Backcountry Trust Manager Rob Brown says the partnership with DOC Whanganui has enabled important work on backcountry places valued by the community.

“As well as this work on Trains Hut, we collaborated to complete much needed maintenance on two of the huts on the Matemateonga Walkway.

“When we get teams of passionate people from DOC and BCT together, we get through a lot of field work in a short amount of time.”

Rhydian says Trains Hut is important to many backcountry explorers.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and expertise to ensuring the hut will continue to serve the next generation of outdoor adventurers. DOC can’t do it alone.”

Waitotara Conservation Area sits to the south-west of Whanganui National Park between Whanganui and Stratford, and features stunning mature rimu, tōtara and northern rātā. Occasional regenerating scrubland and forest is a lingering reminder of failed settlement attempts.

Trains Track is an advanced track which can be heavily impacted by wet conditions, visitors are reminded to carry appropriate gear and be ready for changeable weather. Always check track conditions and hut availability on the DOC website before heading into the backcountry.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s plan to refocus councils on core services, such as roading, core infrastructure, water, and rubbish, has taken a major step forward with the introduction of the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill to Parliament.

Local Government Minister Simon Watts says the Bill will help restore discipline, transparency and performance across the sector, to the benefit of ratepayers.

“Kiwis are frustrated with rising rates, expanding bureaucracy, and poor value for money. This Bill puts councils back to work on the basics, their core services, so ratepayers see real results for what they pay.”

The Bill is part of the Government’s System Improvements programme, first announced by the Prime Minister in August 2024, and responds directly to public frustration over deteriorating infrastructure, rising rates, and lack of financial focus.

Key reforms in the Bill include: 

• A renewed focus on core services in the statutory purpose of local government by removing the four ‘well-beings’
• A requirement to prioritise core services when managing finances and setting rates
• New financial performance measures for councils, with a requirement for regular public reporting
• Mandatory disclosure of contractor and consultant spending
• Stronger transparency and accountability requirements
• Regulatory relief to reduce unnecessary compliance burdens

“Local government has drifted from their core responsibilities. This Bill draws a line in the sand – focus on the essentials and deliver value for your community,” Mr Watts says.

“This refocusing of our councils will help to deliver better value for money, and ultimately help with addressing the number one issue people are dealing with right now, which is cost of living. 

“I have made it clear that the Government will not support new taxes and revenue tools for local authorities at a time when we believe there is scope for improvement in the value for money New Zealanders receive in return for their rates. 

“To that end, we are working at pace on a rates cap model, and I look forward to providing an update later this year.”

Mr Watts says the Bill is another major milestone in a significant period for local government reform.

Other key developments this week include the second reading of the Local Government (Water Services) Bill, and Ministerial attendance at the Local Government New Zealand conference, where Mr Watts will outline the vision for local government.  

In recent weeks, Mr Watts announced the first City and Regional Deal agreements which will boost local investment and development in three regions, and the establishment of the first water services entity, Selwyn Water Ltd. 

“These changes show we’re not just talking about reform – we’re delivering it. Stronger accountability, clear priorities, better infrastructure delivery – these are central to our vision for local government,” Mr Watts says.

The Government intends to pass the System Improvements Bill, the Local Government (Water Services) Bill, and have the first regional deal in place by the end of 2025. 

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries