Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s taking action to grow New Zealand’s ageing seafarer workforce and improve its supply-chain resilience, through a major investment in training opportunities for those entering the industry, Associate Transport Minister James Meager has announced.

“Our local seafaring industry is under significant pressure. Many experienced seafarers are nearing retirement, and strong competition from international shipping, combined with thin margins make it difficult for Kiwi operators to train replacements,” Mr Meager says.

“These ongoing issues are threatening the long-term resilience of our coastal freight services. That’s why we’ve committed $8.3 million from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund to trainee places on ships (known as training berths).

“This support will significantly ease financial pressures on domestic vessel operators training the workforce of tomorrow. It means they can cover things like trainees’ wages, food and travel, course costs and PPE equipment. 

“We’ve seen how recent storms and major events like Cyclone Gabrielle significantly impact communities. In many cases the only way to deliver essential supplies is by sea, due to road and rail links being cut off.

“However, those vessels can only operate if they have skilled, qualified seafarers, engineers and deck officers to staff them. Training capacity is being severely constrained by the number of berths available.

“Maritime schools can provide the required vocational training, but without training berths for sea time, trainees can’t enter the workforce. Time at sea is often a requirement for other roles in the maritime sector such as port pilots, tug operators, harbourmasters and ship surveyors.

“Building a home-grown supply of talent will not only support coastal shipping, but the wider maritime sector that underpins New Zealand’s local and national economy. It will ensure we can move our goods around the country, particularly in a time of crisis.

“This yet another example of our Government’s dedication to fixing the basics and building the future of New Zealand.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Sumner on 22 February.

A cyclist was transported to hospital following the Evans Pass Road crash.

They passed away in hospital yesterday, 4 March.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash remain ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Changes to the way first-year GP trainees are employed will make it easier for new doctors to choose general practice and help strengthen the primary care workforce, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Health New Zealand will directly employ all first-year GP trainees not already in private practice, removing barriers and making it easier for new doctors to begin their careers in general practice, with applications opening on Monday for 2027.

“Currently, doctors have to leave Health New Zealand employment when they move from hospital training into their first year of GP training and instead become employed by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners. That shift can affect leave entitlements and continuity of service, discouraging some from pursuing general practice.”

“Under the new model, doctors will remain employed by Health New Zealand during their first year of GP training, keeping the same employment conditions and continuity of benefits as their hospital-based colleagues.”

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners will continue to lead the training programme, including curriculum, standards, quality assurance, and clinical placements.

Currently, around 60 per cent of first-year GP trainees are employed by the College, with the remainder employed by private practices. In later years of training, most registrars are employed directly by general practices.

“We know primary care is the cornerstone of our health system. If we want New Zealanders to see a GP when they need one, we must make it simpler and more attractive for doctors to train in general practice.

“We are focused on strengthening the pipeline because every additional GP means better access to healthcare for patients and their families. Building a stronger workforce now will ensure New Zealanders can get the care they need, when they need it.”

The Government is also progressing a range of initiatives to strengthen the GP workforce, including:

• Increasing medical training places across Auckland and Otago by 100 per year over the course of this Government.
• Establishing the Waikato Medical School, which will train an additional 120 doctors each year from 2028.
• Funding 100 overseas-trained doctors already living in New Zealand to begin work in GP practices over the next two years.
• Funding up to 50 New Zealand-trained graduate doctors a year to train in primary care settings.
• Fully funding GP training fees for all three years of the programme, aligning it with other medical specialties.

Source: New Zealand Government

The launch of New Zealand’s second private Building Consent Authority (BCA) will add competition and capacity to the building consent system, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.

“Easing the paperwork burden and cutting red tape out of our famously unproductive building consent system is a key part of this Government’s efforts to make it easier, faster and more affordable to build the homes and infrastructure Kiwis need,” Mr Penk says.

“We’ve committed to changes that will take lower risk building work out of council hands and back into the hands of trusted tradies, including the introduction of self-certification schemes and a now effective consent exemption for granny flats.

“On top of this, it’s encouraging to see competition and capacity growing in the building consent system, with Farsight NZ Limited Partnership now approved as a private Building Consent Authority.

“Farsight is the second standalone private BCA to get the green light, following Building Consent Approvals Limited in May last year.

“Farsight will handle all key building control tasks for its client Summerset, including processing and approving consents, inspecting work during construction, issuing code compliance certificates, and taking enforcement action if required.

“Summerset is one of New Zealand’s largest residential builders, and having its own BCA will bring greater consistency and certainty in how the Building Code is applied across its developments nationwide, helping speed up the delivery of much-needed retirement homes for Kiwis.

“By covering a substantial number of building projects, Farsight will also take pressure off council Building Consent Authorities that would otherwise have undertaken the work, allowing them to focus on other projects, which over time can lead to faster approvals across the wider system. 

“Consumer protections remain strong because all BCAs, public or private, must meet the same legal requirements. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) only approves those that are fully accredited, run by ‘fit and proper’ persons, and able to manage the liabilities of their role.

“This Government is fixing the basics and building the future. Approving providers like Farsight strengthens the building consent system, giving New Zealanders more choice, better service, and faster, more efficient results.” 

Notes to editor:  

There are now 69 BCAs responsible for delivering building control functions in New Zealand: 66 territorial or regional authorities (councils), two private BCAs (BCAL Limited and Farsight) and an independent division of Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities (Consentium).  
To be registered as a standalone or private BCA an organisation must gain accreditation from International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) and be able to demonstrate to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) that it:

meets a ‘fit and proper person’ test (including requirements for impartiality and independence, conducting business responsibly, acting professionally etc), and
has adequate means to cover civil liabilities that may arise from their operation as a BCA and that effective consumer protection is provided by whatever arrangements are proposed.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s proposal to fund letermovir, which helps prevent serious infection following stem cell transplants. 

“Improving access to medicines in New Zealand is important to patients and their families. That’s why it has been a focus of this Government,” Mr Seymour says.

Pharmac is proposing to fund a medicine called letermovir from 1 May 2026.

Under this proposal, letermovir would be funded for the prevention of CMV infection in:

• people who have had a stem cell transplant, and
• a small number of other people with severe immunosuppression who cannot use other funded antiviral medicines.

“For many people, stem cell transplants are life‑saving, but recovery can be tough,” Mr Seymour says.

“Clinicians involved in stem cell transplants and Pharmac’s clinical advisors told Pharmac that letermovir will help people with very weak immune systems, particularly when it’s used early after a stem cell transplant.

“Stem cell transplants are only carried out in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. Many people must travel and stay away from home for long periods while their immune systems recover. Preventing a serious infection following a stem cell treatment could reduce hospital stays, take pressure off the health system, and could return patients who might have otherwise experienced complications home to their families faster.

“This proposal is about supporting the whole needs of the patient. Preventing complications means less disruption, fewer setbacks, and more time where people want to be – at home with their families. 

“This Government has committed to increasing our stem cell transplant capacity. Pharmac recognise that as that capacity increases, more people will need this medicine.” 

Mr Brown says improving cancer treatment and outcomes for New Zealanders is a key priority for the Government.

“Today’s announcement builds on last year’s funding boost to expand stem cell transplant services for patients with blood cancers and related conditions, enabling more people to access this critical, life-saving treatment sooner. Too many Kiwis have experienced distressing delays for these procedures, which is why boosting transplant capacity and reducing wait times is so important.

“This $27.1 million investment will strengthen the specialist workforce, increase hospital capacity, and upgrade infrastructure to support more timely stem cell transplants. It means between 27 and 38 per cent more patients will be able to receive allogeneic transplants when they need them, giving more people the best possible chance of recovery.

“This is about keeping people with cancer at the centre of our healthcare system. Alongside investment in new medicines through Pharmac and delivery of our Faster Cancer Treatment target, we’re focused on improving access, reducing delays, and ensuring patients get the care they need, when they need it.”

Pharmac is seeking feedback on this proposal from people who may be affected, including people who have had, or need, a stem cell transplant or who have severe immunosuppression, their families and carers, health professionals, and advocacy groups.

Consultation opens at 11am, Thursday 5 March and closes at 5pm, Thursday 19 March. Have your say here: Proposal to fund letermovir for prevention of Cytomegalovirus infection

Source: Green Party

The Green Party says scrapping the Clean Car Standard will mean New Zealanders end up paying more to run their cars,

“Less efficient cars burn more fuel and burning more fuel costs more money. Families will be paying the price every time they fill up,” says Julie Anne Genter, Green Party spokesperson for Transport.  

“With petrol prices spiking, the last thing the Government should be doing is removing the one standard that encourages importers to bring in vehicles that are cheaper to run.  

“This decision is not being made in the interests of New Zealand consumers. It is being made in the interests of the motor vehicle industry.  

“Australia introduced its own vehicle efficiency standard just six months ago. Two-thirds of car makers are meeting their targets and vehicle prices have fallen in real terms.  

“If New Zealand abandons its standard now, we become the market where high-emitting vehicles that can no longer be sold in Australia end up instead.  

“This Government scrapped the Clean Car Discount, gutted the Clean Car Standard in November, and is now considering abolishing it altogether.  

“The Clean Car Discount created the demand for low-emission vehicles that allowed importers to meet the Standard. Without it, EV purchases collapsed from one in five to one in 13.   

“Now the Government wants to go further by removing the only standard we have left.  

“Climate action and reducing the cost of living go hand in hand,” says Genter.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have impounded seven vehicles and summonsed four drivers to court with another three pending charges following a gang-related funeral procession.

A Police operation monitored the convoy that travelled between Ōtara and the Manukau Memorial Gardens in Wiri on 5 February.

Inspector Ann Wilkie, Counties Manukau East Area Prevention Manager, says Police observed reckless behaviour from some taking part in the procession.

“Police assigned to monitor the procession witnessed appalling actions by passengers of some of the vehicles,” Inspector Wilkie says.

“Adults and teenagers who were sitting on the edge of car windows; as well as several vehicles being driven dangerously.

“This behaviour continued for quite some time, putting other road users, and the people hanging out of the windows at real risk of harm.”

A checkpoint was established at the entrance to the Manukau Memorial Gardens, checking those leaving.

Traffic cameras, as well as Police staff on the ground, were able to capture images of drivers, passengers and registration plates of the vehicles involved.

“As a result, we have already caught up with a handful of people we have identified as committing these dangerous acts,” Inspector Wilkie says.

“Our enforcement phase is ongoing, and we expect to take further action.”

Inspector Wilkie says Police acknowledge the passing of a loved one and want to support a safe journey to their final resting place but cannot allow the sort of behaviours that put others at risk.       

“Police have made it clear to participants about what is acceptable behaviour,” she says.

“The behaviour by some of those involved in this was not good enough and they have been put before the Court.”

Four women aged between 27 and 37 have been summoned to appear in the Manukau District Court for dangerous driving, and had their vehicles impounded for 28 days.

Another three vehicles have also been impounded for 28 days as part of the same incident and Police are considering further charges.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: PHARMAC

People who have just had a stem cell transplant could be better protected from a serious viral infection under a new proposal from Pharmac to fund a preventive medicine. 

Pharmac is consulting on a proposal to fund letermovir, an antiviral medicine that helps prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. If approved, funding would begin on 1 May 2026. 

CMV is a very common virus and is usually harmless. Most people are exposed in childhood where it stays in their body for life without any problems. However, it can cause serious illness in people whose immune systems are not working properly, particularly those who have had a stem cell transplant. 

“For people recovering from a stem cell transplant, infections like CMV can mean long hospital stays and intensive treatment,” says Pharmac’s Manager of Pharmaceutical Funding, Claire Pouwels. “Preventing infection in the first place can help people avoid these outcomes.” 

Under the proposal, letermovir would be funded for people who have had a stem cell transplant, as well as a small number of other people with severe immunosuppression who cannot use other funded antiviral medicines. The medicine would be available in hospitals and through community pharmacies. 

“We’ve heard from clinicians and our clinical advisors that preventing CMV can make a real difference,” says Pouwels. “Letermovir works by helping prevent CMV from becoming active, rather than waiting until someone becomes unwell and needs more intensive treatment.” 

Stem cell transplants are only carried out in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, meaning many people must travel and stay away from home for long periods while their immune systems recover. If CMV infection develops, that time in hospital can be extended. 

“Preventing CMV infection could reduce the need for lengthy hospital stays, helping people get home sooner and spend more time with their whānau,” says Pouwels. 

Pharmac is seeking feedback on the proposal from people who may be affected, including patients, families and carers, health professionals, advocacy groups, and anyone else who is interested. 

Consultation is open until 5pm, Thursday 19 March. Feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz. All feedback received by the closing date will be considered before a final decision is made.

Source: New Zealand Police

Two people have been arrested and a firearm recovered following a shooting in Papakura on Saturday morning.

Police were conducting patrols in the Clevedon Road area at the time heard what they believed to be gun shots, and a short time later came across a man with a gunshot injury.

The man was transported to hospital in a moderate condition and has since been discharged.

Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, Counties Manukau CIB, says a 23-year-old man and 47-year-old woman have been charged jointly with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and unlawful possession of a restricted weapon.

“The male has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Papakura District Court on 26 March and the female will reappear on 16 March.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we ask that anyone with information which may assist our investigation contact us via 105, quoting file number 260228/8498.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says initial indications are that the victim and the offenders are known to each other and there is no risk to the wider community.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced the reappointment of Ms Morag McDowell as Health and Disability Commissioner.

“Ms McDowell brings extensive legal expertise and significant experience in the health sector. Her reappointment will support the organisation to continue delivering its work in a fair, timely, and effective manner,” Mr Brown says.

“This Government is committed to keeping patients at the centre of our health system. I look forward to working with the Commissioner to further improve services and ensure all New Zealanders receive safe, high-quality healthcare.”

Ms McDowell has been reappointed for a two-year term commencing 7 March 2026.