Category: MIL-OSI

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Mechanical fail lands driver in Court

Source: New Zealand Police

A driver who attempted to evade Police in a stolen vehicle will now face court.

At about 3.35am, a Police unit observed a stolen Honda Fit travelling at high speed on Fir Street, Waterview.

Auckland City West Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Wayne Kitcher, says a short time later the vehicle stopped on Daventry Street and two Police units attempted to block the vehicle in.

“The vehicle has stopped briefly before mounting the curb and taking off at high speed.”

He says Police did not pursue the vehicle and instead it was monitored by cameras as it entered the Northwestern Motorway.

“The vehicle has then taken the Southern Motorway, where it exited at Market Road and continued through Greenlane and Onehunga before coming to a stop on Manukau Road, Epsom, where it appeared to suffer a mechanical issue.

“Officers have blocked the vehicle in and taken the driver into custody without incident,” Inspector Kitcher says.

“This is a great example of frontline Police resources working together to respond to any events that occur.”

A 39-year-old man will appear in Auckland District Court on 17 July charged with failing to remain, receiving property and possession of methamphetamine.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Fatal crash, Kaitaia

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a single vehicle crash in Kaitaia overnight.

Emergency services were called to the crash on Allen Bell Drive at around 2.10am.

Sadly, the passenger of the vehicle died at the scene.

Two others were transported to hospital with moderate to serious injuries.

Police are providing support to the next of kin.

The Serious Crash Unit have completed a scene examination and enquiries into the cause of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

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Funding to Māori Health Providers 2019/20 to 2023/24

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

This report shows information on funding to Māori health providers by the Ministry of Health, Health New Zealand, and the disestablished Māori Health Authority for the period 2019/20 to 2023/24. This report follows on from our reports in 2017 and every year from 2021, on the same topic. These reports are part of our monitoring of Whakamaua: Māori Health Action Plan 2020-2053 and the proposed Māori Health Strategy.

Highlights include:

  • funding to Māori health providers increased from $529.8 million in 2019/20 to $999.8 million in 2023/24, an increase of $469.9 million or 88.7% (see Table 3)
  • although funding to Māori health providers is increasing, it remains a small but increasing part of Vote Health. It has increased from 3.0% in 2019/20 to 4.4% in 2023/24.
  • This report differs from previous reports as it now includes data broken down by major service groups. This enables us to see in which areas funding has increased. The top five of 33 major service groups are reported on. These five groups accounted for 81.7% of total funding to Māori health providers in 2023/24.

The top five major service groups reported on are: mental health, Hauora Māori, Primary Health Organisations (PHOs), Public health, and Other community services.

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Consultation on the Code of Practice for Sealed Radioactive Material: ORS C12 2020

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

The Director for Radiation Safety (the Director) intends to review the Code of Practice for Sealed Radioactive Material: ORS C12 2020 (ORS C12 2020). The review will be conducted in accordance with section 90 of the Radiation Safety Act 2016 (the Act).  

The Director is appointed under section 76 of the Act.

About the review 

The purpose of the review is to enable the Director to decide whether changes are required to improve ORS C12 2020. The review will consider information on the operation, technical accuracy and clarity of the code of practice.

Call for public submissions 

Before reviewing the code of practice, the Director invites public submissions on the review question: 
‘Are changes required to improve the Code of Practice for Sealed Radioactive Material: ORS C12 2020’?

To make a submission, please email ors.codes@health.govt.nz by 5pm, Friday 25 July 2025. It will be helpful if you use the subject line: Submission on the review of ORS C12 2020.

About ORS C12 2020

ORS C12 2020 was issued under section 86 of the Act. The purpose of the code of practice is to specify the technical requirements that a person who deals with a radiation source that is subject to the scope of the code of practice must comply with in order to comply with the fundamental requirements of the Act (see sections 9-12 of the Act). The code of practice was also issued to be appropriate to the level of risk posed by the radiation sources and their use.

The scope of the code of practice is set out in the Code of Practice for Sealed Radioactive Material: ORS C12 2020.

After the review is complete 

If the review indicates that changes are required to improve ORS C12 2020, a further public consultation on the proposed changes will be conducted. Information on the review’s findings will be published on this webpage following the completion of the review and this information will indicate the ‘next steps’.

For further information, please contact ors.codes@health.govt.nz.  
 

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Maximum Contribution Applying in Each Region From 1 July 2025

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

Background

Under section 53 of the Residential Care and Disability Support Services Act 2018, the Director-General of Health has determined the maximum contribution that applies in each region for long-term aged residential care.

The maximum contribution is the maximum weekly amount (inclusive of GST) that a resident assessed as requiring long-term residential care (through a needs assessment and service coordination agency) is required to pay for contracted care services provided to them in the region in which their rest home or continuing care hospital is located.

The maximum contribution is the same for all residents regardless of the type of contracted care services they receive. It is equivalent to the rest home contract price applying to residential care facilities in each region.

The maximum contribution set by this notice applies from 1 July 2025 and replaces the previous maximum contribution notice published in the New Zealand Gazette, 1 September 2024, Notice No. 2024-go4265.

Description of Regions

The appendix of this notice sets out the maximum contribution rates. The appendix contains two parts:

  • Part 1, which sets out the rates that apply within Territorial Local Authority (TLA) boundaries; and
  • Part 2, which sets out the rates that apply within specific Statistical Areas, which are smaller subregions within the TLA boundaries specified in Part 1.

The rate specified for the relevant region in Part 1 applies unless the facility is in a statistical area region set out in Part 2, in which case the rate specified in Part 2 applies. This reflects that a higher maximum contribution rate applies in the isolated rural localities represented by the Statistical Area Regions in Part 2 of the Table.

Statistics New Zealand has a geographic boundary viewer that displays the TLA areas and statistical areas in the appendix on a map of New Zealand. See here for more information: Geographic Boundary Viewer.

Health New Zealand will notify residences of the maximum contribution rate that applies to their facility. The facility will inform residents.

Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) Agencies, Specialised Processing Services, the Ministry of Social Development and residential care providers will also be able to advise the maximum contribution rate for a facility.

Dated at Wellington this 18th day of June 2025.

Audrey Sonerson, Director-General of Health.

Appendix: 2025-26 Maximum Contribution rates

Part 1: Territorial Local Authority Region Maximum Contribution Weekly $ (GST Inclusive)
Far North District $1,460.27
Whangarei District $1,491.84
Kaipara District $1,502.48
Rodney District $1,527.33
North Shore City $1,566.32
Waitakere City $1,535.24
Auckland City $1,571.57
Manukau City $1,555.96
Papakura District $1,527.33
Franklin District $1,487.85
Thames-Coromandel District $1,508.08
Hauraki District $1,465.87
Waikato District $1,465.87
Matamata-Piako District $1,465.87
Hamilton City $1,502.55
Waipa District $1,465.87
Otorohanga District $1,497.37
South Waikato District $1,455.16
Waitomo District $1,502.55
Taupo District $1,491.84
Western Bay of Plenty District $1,487.85
Tauranga City $1,509.97
Rotorua District $1,491.84
Whakatane District $1,481.34
Kawerau District $1,502.48
Opotiki District $1,502.48
Gisborne District $1,463.28
Wairoa District $1,528.73
Hastings District $1,486.52
Napier City $1,486.52
Central Hawke’s Bay District $1,486.52
New Plymouth District $1,486.52
Stratford District $1,460.27
South Taranaki District $1,465.87
Ruapehu District $1,502.55
Wanganui District $1,465.87
Rangitikei District $1,502.48
Manawatu District $1,460.27
Palmerston North City $1,481.34
Tararua District $1,460.27
Horowhenua District $1,460.27
Kapiti Coast District $1,491.84
Porirua City $1,491.84
Upper Hutt City $1,481.34
Lower Hutt City $1,512.28
Wellington City $1,535.66
Masterton District $1,463.28
Carterton District $1,460.27
South Wairarapa District $1,460.27
Tasman District $1,517.95
Nelson City $1,517.95
Marlborough District $1,481.34
Kaikoura District $1,487.85
Buller District $1,497.37
Grey District $1,455.16
Westland District $1,497.37
Hurunui District $1,508.08
Waimakariri District $1,487.85
Christchurch City $1,496.88
Banks Peninsula District $1,539.09
Selwyn District $1,530.06
Ashburton District $1,470.98
Timaru District $1,465.87
Waimate District $1,455.16
Waitaki District $1,455.16
Central Otago District $1,460.27
Queenstown-Lakes District $1,512.91
Dunedin City $1,481.34
Clutha District $1,455.16
Southland District $1,497.37
Gore District $1,455.16
Invercargill City $1,460.27
Part 2: Statistical Area Region Statistical Area code 2 2023 Maximum Contribution Weekly $ (GST Inclusive)
Kaeo 101900 $1,502.48
Kaitaia 100800 $1,502.48
Hokianga South 102100 $1,502.48
Kaikohe 103501 $1,502.48
Wellsford 110501 $1,569.54
Cape Rodney 110400 $1,569.54
Glenbrook 162400 $1,530.06
Te Kauwhata East 171101 $1,508.08
Raglan 171601 $1,508.08
Matarawa 186400 $1,497.37
Athenree 190400 $1,530.06
Tokomaru 205000 $1,505.49
Opunake 220700 $1,508.08
Te Roti-Moeroa 221201 $1,508.08
Pātea 222201 $1,508.08
Pahiatua 233600 $1,502.48
Tākaka 300500 $1,560.09
Waitohi (Marlborough District) 306801 $1,523.48
Oxford 313200 $1,530.06
Methven 336901 $1,513.12
Danseys Pass 343300 $1,497.37
Palmerston 344700 $1,497.37
Alexandra North 345500 $1,502.48
Teviot Valley 345800 $1,502.48
Lindis-Nevis Valleys 344800 $1,502.48
Cromwell West 344900 $1,502.48
Wānaka West 346800 $1,555.12
Wānaka Central 347000 $1,555.12
Balclutha South 356500 $1,497.37
Balclutha North 356600 $1,497.37
West Otago 355800 $1,497.37
Milton 356400 $1,497.37

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Consultation on the Code of Practice for Irradiating Apparatus: ORS C10 2020

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

The Director for Radiation Safety (the Director) intends to review the Code of Practice for Irradiating Apparatus: ORS C10 2020 (ORS C10 2020).  The review will be conducted in accordance with section 90 of the Radiation Safety Act 2016 (the Act).  

The Director is appointed under section 76 of the Act.

About the review

The purpose of the review is to enable the Director to decide whether changes are required to improve ORS C10 2020. The review will consider information on the operation, technical accuracy and clarity of the code of practice.

Call for public submissions

Before reviewing the code of practice, the Director invites public submissions on the review question: 
‘Are changes required to improve the Code of Practice for Irradiating Apparatus: ORS C10 2020’?

To make a submission, please email ors.codes@health.govt.nz by 5pm, Friday 18 July 2025. It will be helpful if you use the subject line: Submission on the review of ORS C10 2020.

About ORS C10 2020

ORS C10 2020 was issued under section 86 of the Act. The purpose of the code of practice is to specify the technical requirements that a person who deals with a radiation source that is subject to the scope of the code of practice must comply with in order to comply with the fundamental requirements of the Act (see sections 9-12 of the Act). The code of practice was also issued to be appropriate to the level of risk posed by the radiation sources and their use.

The scope of the code of practice is set out in the Code of Practice for Irradiating Apparatus: ORS C10 2020. 

After the review is complete

If the review indicates that changes are required to improve ORS C10 2020, a further public consultation on the proposed changes will be conducted. Information on the review’s findings will be published on this webpage following the completion of the review and this information will indicate the ‘next steps’.

For further information, please contact ors.codes@health.govt.nz.  
 

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Consultation on the Code of Practice for Unsealed Radioactive Material: ORS C11 2020

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Publication date:

The Director for Radiation Safety (the Director) intends to review the Code of Practice for Unsealed Radioactive Material: ORS C11 2020 (ORS C11 2020). The review will be conducted in accordance with section 90 of the Radiation Safety Act 2016 (the Act).  

The Director is appointed under section 76 of the Act.

About the review

The purpose of the review is to enable the Director to decide whether changes are required to improve ORS C11 2020. The review will consider information on the operation, technical accuracy and clarity of the code of practice.

Call for public submissions

Before reviewing the code of practice, the Director invites public submissions on the review question: 
‘Are changes required to improve the Code of Practice for Unsealed Radioactive Material: ORS C11 2020’?

To make a submission, please email ors.codes@health.govt.nz by 5pm, Tuesday 22 July 2025. It will be helpful if you use the subject line: Submission on the review of ORS C11 2020.

About ORS C11 2020

ORS C11 2020 was issued under section 86 of the Act. The purpose of the code of practice is to specify the technical requirements that a person who deals with a radiation source that is subject to the scope of the code of practice must comply with in order to comply with the fundamental requirements of the Act (see sections 9-12 of the Act). The code of practice was also issued to be appropriate to the level of risk posed by the radiation sources and their use.

The scope of the code of practice is set out in the Code of Practice for Unsealed Radioactive Material: ORS C11 2020. 

After the review is complete

If the review indicates that changes are required to improve ORS C11 2020, a further public consultation on the proposed changes will be conducted. Information on the review’s findings will be published on this webpage following the completion of the review and this information will indicate the ‘next steps’.

For further information, please contact ors.codes@health.govt.nz.  

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New Zealand launches Anti-Scam Alliance

Source: New Zealand Government

Important progress in the fight against online financial scams has been made with the launch of a new initiative between government, industry and consumer groups, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson says. 
“It is unacceptable that so many Kiwis are swindled by scammers every day,” Mr Simpson says. 
“Some reports suggest scams cost the economy up to $2 billion annually, and it is crucial we get on top of the problem. 
“That is why I’m pleased to announce the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance – a new national effort that seeks to reduce the number of Kiwis falling victim to online financial scams.
“Up until this point New Zealand’s anti-scam efforts have developed in an ad-hoc way and suffered from a lack of coordination. We frequently hear that real-time information on scams is sourced from different areas across government and the private sector, making for a fragmented, and often, slow response.
“The Alliance addresses this by establishing a formal structure for government agencies, banks, telecommunications companies, digital platforms sectors, and consumer groups to share data about scams and shut them down in real-time. 
“By better coordinating our efforts across industry and government, we should be able to seal up the cracks that scammers are slipping through.
“The Alliance has also agreed to take coordinated action to update industry codes, strengthen consumer protections and educate Kiwis about how to protect themselves from scams.
“The Anti Scam Alliance represents a significant step forward and is the first in a series of actions that will strengthen New Zealand’s scam defences. However, there is more work to do.
“The Government is also exploring other initiatives to support this work, including amending the Fair Trading Act so that government and industry can have the confidence to proactively share scam-related intelligence and collaborate on disruption initiatives without breaching competition or privacy laws.
“There is no silver bullet to address scams, but by working together across sectors to disrupt scams, we can significantly shift the dial.”
 

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Japan, NZ working on defence logistics agreement

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and Japan are developing a logistics agreement to support ongoing defence cooperation between our two countries, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Defence Minister Judith Collins have announced.

“Japan is a crucial partner for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says following a meeting with Japanese counterpart Iwaya Takeshi at the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur today.

“We are both committed to the international rules-based system, and to maintaining security and prosperity in our region.” 

Ms Collins says the Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement will detail how our militaries can better support one another when undertaking exercises, training and other activities together.

“Our militaries are already doing more together, and the agreement will provide practical support to help enable this cooperation,” Ms Collins says.

“This is an important step as New Zealand pulls its weight on the world stage as it will ultimately strengthen our interoperability and ability to work closely with our partners.”

The agreement will set out how logistical support, including the provision of supplies and services, will be managed when the New Zealand Defence Force and the Self-Defense Forces of Japan operate together.

Examples include refuelling activities at sea using HMNZS Aotearoa, or the reciprocal provision of food or medical supplies during joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities.

New Zealand and Japan are also working on an Information Security Agreement which will provide a legal framework for sharing more classified information.

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Encouraging signs for mental health workforce

Source: New Zealand Government

When someone is making the brave step of reaching out for help whether it’s you, your child, a friend or family member, this Government is committed to ensuring we have the right support in place to answer that call, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says.

“It is promising to see reports showing New Zealand’s mental health and addiction workforce is growing. This will help us ensure that people are getting the support they need, when they need it and no one’s call is going unanswered,” Mr Doocey says.

“Over the past two years, there has been substantial progress in building up the mental health and addiction workforce. We have more mental health nurses, psychologists, support workers and addiction counsellors working on the ground, and overall vacancy rates are starting to ease.

“Behind every one of those new psychologists, nurses, support workers or counsellors are hundreds of people at what can be the lowest time of their life, now able to be seen, heard and supported.  

“I’ve been very clear that increasing access to support is a top priority. The Auditor General called for a specific mental health workforce plan in response to wait-times and vacancy rates increasing under the previous Government. We treated this as a priority and delivered the first dedicated mental health workforce plan in New Zealand within the first year.

“It’s pleasing to see HNZ payroll data shows total full-time staff employed in mental health grew by more than 9 per cent year-on-year between Quarter 3 in 2023 and Quarter 1 2025.”

While challenges remain, particularly in psychiatry vacancies, HNZ Payroll data also shows there has been 9.5 percent growth in the number of full-time staff employed as Senior Medical Officers – Psychiatry between Quarter 1 2024 and Quarter 1 2025.

“We know we need more psychiatrists in New Zealand. That’s why we’ve increased training places and funding to support more people into the field. We’ve lifted the number of funded registrar positions from 33 in 2024 to 54 a year after Budget 2025,” Mr Doocey says.

“I’ve also written to both Health New Zealand and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry to encourage them to do everything they can to remove any additional barriers to grow the psychiatry workforce.

“It is heartening to see that the Government’s focus on growing the workforce and our commitment to addressing long-standing workforce gaps is starting to pay off because at the end of the day, when someone is making the brave step of reaching out to get well, workforce should never be a barrier.” 

Note to editors: 
•    The Health Workforce Information Programme shows the overall Mental Health and Addiction FTE employed by Health NZ in the two years to December 2024 have increased and vacancies are down. Growth has been recorded in a number of key professions within Health NZ including:
o    Registered Mental Health Nurses grew by 21 per cent
o    Nursing Support Workers increased by 20 per cent
o    Clinical Psychologists and Drug and Alcohol Counsellors both saw 6 per cent increases 
•    The general trend is also supported in the recent Te Pou report on Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora adult mental health & addiction workforce estimates, 2024. This report shows that between 31 March 2023 and 31 March 2024 The total number of employed roles increased by 404 FTEs and vacant roles decreased by 60 FTEs. The overall estimated vacancy rate for the adult Mental Health and Addiction workforce has decreased from 11 per cent to just under 10 per cent.