Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Women on the Kāpiti Coast now have easier access to breast screening with the opening of a new fixed site in Waikanae, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg announced today.

“This is a significant step forward for women in Kāpiti,” Mr Brown says.

“Until now, the Kāpiti Coast has been served by a mobile breast screening unit, which also covers the greater Wellington region, Hutt Valley, and Wairarapa.

“Now, women can book appointments and be screened closer to home in a purpose-built facility. The new fixed site will provide more consistent access and greater capacity to support the increased number of women eligible under the Government’s expanded national breast screening programme.

“The site is also more spacious than the mobile unit, offering a more comfortable environment for women attending screening.”

The facility includes a new mammography machine, a lead-lined x-ray room, and upgraded furnishings, fittings, and IT systems, all funded through the breast screening age extension project.

Ms Grigg says mammograms can detect breast cancer before any changes can be felt, giving women the best chance of successful treatment.

“October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this new site is a timely reminder of how important early detection is,” Ms Grigg says.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women, affecting one in nine over their lifetime, with around 3400 new cases each year. Sadly, around 650 mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends die from breast cancer every year.

“The good news is that 95 percent of women with breast cancer survive 10 years or more when detected through screening. With nine women learning today that they have breast cancer, making screening more accessible and convenient has never been more important.”

Mr Brown says the opening of the new site complements the Government’s phased expansion of the national breast screening programme, which now includes women aged 70 and 74 as the first step.

“This new site means women in Kāpiti can access the healthcare they need close to home. Early detection saves lives, and easy, reliable access to screening is a vital part of that,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

The first step of the nationwide breast screening age extension is underway, with women aged 70 and 74 now eligible for free screening, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg say.

“Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting New Zealand women,” Mr Brown says.

“Expanding free breast screening to include women aged 70 and 74 is the first step in a four-year rollout. Each October for the next three years, eligibility will extend to include women aged 71, 72, and 73.

“The extension means women will be eligible for an average of two to three extra mammograms once the programme is fully implemented, and around 130,000 additional women will be eligible for screening every two years. This phased approach ensures health services can expand in step with demand while maintaining quality care.

“Health New Zealand is also recruiting and training more staff, investing in mammography and ultrasound machines, opening new screening and assessment facilities, and building four new mobile screening units.”

Confirmation of the age extension was announced in April 2024 as part of the Government’s 100-Day Plan to deliver better public services. Until now, free screening was available to women aged 45 to 69 every two years. A pilot in Nelson and Marlborough, launched in October 2024, is helping guide the nationwide rollout.

Ms Grigg says early detection remains the most powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer.

“Each year, around 3,400 New Zealand women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Screening is one of the most effective ways to detect it early and improve survival rates,” Ms Grigg says.

“Women who participate in breast screening are less likely to die from breast cancer. Once the full age extension is in place, it’s expected to detect breast cancer earlier in about 60 more women annually – giving them a far better chance of successful treatment.

“That will make a real and lasting difference for women and their families across New Zealand.”

The extension will also help improve outcomes for Māori and Pacific women, who experience higher rates of breast cancer and lower screening participation.

Mr Brown says the rollout is being supported by a new digital platform that makes breast screening faster, simpler, and more accessible.

“The system automatically identifies eligible women, sends screening invitations, and enables secure online booking and management of appointments,” Mr Brown says.

“This technology is already helping more women get screened on time, ensuring more cancers are caught early. By extending free screening and harnessing smart digital tools, we’re making it easier for women to get the care they need, when they need it.

“This is an important step forward in catching cancer earlier, saving lives, and ensuring women across New Zealand have access to timely, quality, life-saving care.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Major roading improvements for Rolleston will drive jobs and economic growth in this growing part of Canterbury, says Transport Minister Chris Bishop.

“The State Highway 1 Rolleston Access Improvements project will provide safer, easier and more efficient transport connections for people and businesses in the Selwyn district, the fastest growing district in New Zealand and an important gateway to Christchurch,” Mr Bishop says.

“The Rolleston Access Improvements project is one of the government’s Roads of Regional Significance projects and construction is now underway. Fulton Hogan has been selected by NZTA to do the physical works for the first stage of this project.

“The Rolleston project is just one of many transport projects kicking off before Christmas this year, part of the government’s huge $7 billion of infrastructure projects announced in July.

“The first stage involves a new roundabout at the Dunns Crossing and Walkers Road intersection with State Highway 1,making it safer and easier to enter and exit Rolleston, and more efficient for freight accessing the industrial area from the south.

“Stage one also includes a pedestrian and cycle subway under SH1 at the new roundabout, realignment and widening of the SH1, Dunns Crossing Road, and Walkers Road carriageways, the removal of the existing rail level crossing to be replaced with a new one on Walkers Road, and efficiency improvements at the Weedons interchange. Stage one is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.

“Stage 2 is due to start in the final quarter of 2026 and includes:

a flyover connecting Rolleston township with business/industrial areas
improved safety at high-risk highway intersections
the removal of the two signalised intersections on SH1 (Hoskyns Rd and Rolleston Drive North)
the extension of the two southbound lanes on the motorway to just south of the proposed bridge at Rolleston
a southbound service lane to access businesses and Rolleston town centre;
and major safety improvements and upgrades to the rail level crossing at Hoskyns Road.

“This project is another example of the Government backing economic growth in the regions and helping fast-growing communities to thrive.  

“The full Rolleston Access Improvements project is expected to be completed in late 2028, at a current estimated cost of between $180 to $200 million.”

Notes to Editor: 

Design, property acquisition and consenting has been completed to enable construction of the first stage of the Rolleston Access Improvements to start this month.
Work continues on property acquisition and consenting for Stage 2, with this work to be tendered for next year, and an anticipated construction start date in the final quarter of 2026.
NZTA will aim to minimise impacts of construction and will communicate with road users and the community about the effects on traffic at different stages.
More about the project can be found at: https://nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-rolleston

 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are responding to the discovery of a body on the Te Atatū Peninsula inlet.

A member of the public reported seeing a body in the water between 500m to 1km north of the bridge on SH16, near the Te Atatū Peninsula off-ramp, about 7.35am.

The tide has since receded, and Police are asking residents to stay clear of the area.

Specialist Police teams are at the scene and  enquiries are continuing.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police  

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Social Development and Employment Louise Upston has welcomed significant progress in preparing Kiwi job seekers for work, with a big jump in targeted case management. 

“The Ministry for Social Development is very firmly focused on putting job seekers first, and matching them with prospective employers,” Louise Upston says.

“This is important because increasing regular contact and training opportunities now will help people get ready for jobs and reinforces to employers that MSD is the right place to find trained, enthusiastic staff who’re ready to go to work. 

“As a result, we are seeing:

• MSD case management places increasing from around 60,000 to 70,000 places, including phone-based case management for up to 10,000 clients.
• This is a one-to-one employment service dedicated to helping people get work-ready and find a job.
• MSD rolling out Individual Employment Plans for around 70,000 clients in 2025, developed by clients and their case managers together.

“The way a modern and fit for purpose MSD engages with its clients is ultimately geared to meeting the Government’s Jobseeker reduction target but equally, it’s about preparing people to support themselves and their families in being financially independent.

“We know economic times continue to be challenging, but the number of people receiving a benefit is forecast to peak from the end of the year. There are key Government projects coming onstream, and data from the Infrastructure Commission suggests each billion dollars of infrastructure investment per year equates to about 4,500 jobs.

“We want our people to be ready, so MSD is focused on preparing job seekers for positions available now as well as those expected as the economy continues to improve.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Dr Mark Hickford has been appointed as a member of the Law Commission for a five-year term and will serve as the President for the next six months, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“Dr Hickford has outstanding legal credentials and I am delighted to welcome him to the Commission.  

“Not only does he have the ability to work in complex legal environments, he has sound senior management experience and appreciates the issues involved in maintaining the capability of an organisation.

“Dr Hickford will initially work part-time with the Commission while completing a short-term contractual obligation with Te Puni Kōkiri.

“He will also serve as President of the Commission for a six-month term pending the confirmation of a new President in the New Year.

“I would like to thank the out-going President, Dr Kawharu for her able leadership, her work in the review of the Evidence Act 2006, and in reviewing the law relating to hate crime.”

Source: New Zealand Government

99 new social homes will be delivered in Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Our Government backs social housing, and we’re determined to deliver it better. That means building the right homes, in the right places, with the right support, for the people most in need,” Mr Bishop says. 

“Across New Zealand, CHPs and Kāinga Ora have delivered over 6,800 net new social homes since November 2023, with 170 of those places being in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions.

“On top of that, the Government has committed funding for more than 2,000 additional homes to be delivered by CHPs over the next two years. Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman are among the regions benefiting from this pipeline.”

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated social homes based on regional need, which has been assessed using a range of factors including the housing register and emergency housing use.  

In Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman, the CHP projects are expected to deliver:

99 new social homes, with most to be delivered by The Salvation Army
The new homes will be located in places including Nelson City, Blenheim and Richmond
At this stage all places are one or two-bedrooms, which will help address the greatest gap in social housing supply in these regions.

“Half of those waiting for a home nationally need a one-bedroom property, yet only 12 percent of Kāinga Ora’s stock meets that need. In Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman, 87 per cent of the housing register demand is for one- and two-bedroom places, so these new homes will make a real difference,” Mr Bishop says.

“Every set of keys handed over is another person or family in a warm, dry social home. We’re focused not just on delivering more homes, but on delivering the right homes that match the needs of people and communities.

“The Government’s wider reset of the social housing system is already showing results. Recently the Community Housing Funding Agency achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global, and recently we announced the introduction of a new loan guarantee scheme, reducing borrowing costs for CHPs and enabling them to deliver more homes.

“We’re simplifying the funding system so providers can get on with building homes, instead of navigating a confusing web of overlapping funds. These Nelson Marlborough projects are a good example of the progress being made.”

Four of these homes have already been delivered, with Christchurch Methodist Mission delivering these places in Blenheim. Over 80 homes further have been approved to be delivered by The Salvation Army working in conjunction with construction partners of their choice between now and 2027.

Source: New Zealand Government

The hospitality industry employs 145,000 people and is key for New Zealand’s economic growth. The Ministry for Regulation will conduct a sector review into the $15.7 billion industry to fix what matters for hospitality operators and their patrons, Regulation Minister David Seymour and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say. 

“The Ministry for Regulation is in a unique position to address regulatory costs that make it harder for Kiwis to get affordable services. Because these regulations are imposed by so many departments, it takes one ministry with a mandate for cutting red tape and fixing things,” Mr Seymour says. 

For the purposes of this Review, regulation that applies to restaurants, bars, cafes, food stalls at markets, food trucks, catering businesses, and hotels is in scope. The gambling regulatory system is out of scope.

“Hospitality is a sector which was hit hard by Covid. Red tape and dumb rules make it hard for the industry to bounce back. Every Kiwi has a café or bar they wish was still open,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Inconsistent requirements cost owners valuable time and money. For example, some business owners might be required to get resource consents on top of alcohol licenses, so that customers can enjoy a cold beer in sun. In other areas of the country just an alcohol license is required.

“In a hotel with an alcohol license, a guest can purchase a glass of wine in the bar but they cannot take the glass to their room. It just doesn’t make sense. That same guest can purchase a bottle of wine from the supermarket to drink in their room.

“Local councils put disproportionate costs on small food truck owners to operate at events. We heard frustration at extensive council paperwork requirements, inspections, and various fees totalling over $900, for one event.” 

“New Zealand’s hospitality industry has been facing many challenges and complex rules and unnecessary regulations are making it even more difficult for one of our biggest earning industries to reach its full potential,” Louise Upston says. 

“This review will improve hospitality rules so they’re working as they should – cutting red tape, keeping costs down, managing risks, and making compliance easier.

“We need to give our business owners the best chance at success. The current regulations act as a significant barrier for new businesses to open. Existing businesses are also struggling with these rules and regulations. 

“I look forward to working to get hospitality back on the table. 

“We want to hear about red tape getting in the way. I encourage anyone with a red tape issue in these areas to have their say here https://www.regulation.govt.nz/regulatory-reviews/hospitality-sector-review/” 

The review is expected to take six months and will report back to responsible Minister’s with recommendations. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Four Auckland properties valued at approximately $36 million have been restrained under the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 following a two-year investigation.

This week, the Commissioner of Police initiated civil proceedings pursuant to the Act against five people and one company connected to the Honey Bear methamphetamine laced beer manslaughter and drug importation investigation, also known as Operation Lavender.

The second phase of this operation, the civil asset recovery investigation, began after the death of Aiden Sagala in 2023.

Aiden, 21, had unwittingly consumed liquid methamphetamine, disguised as a can of Honey House Beer, and died on 7 March 2023.

Auckland City Police initiated Operation Lavender to investigate his tragic death and the wider shipment of methamphetamine, which had been imported from Canada.

Ultimately, the investigation seized more than 700 kilograms of methamphetamine, the largest ever single seizure of methamphetamine in this country.

As a result of that investigation, two people were charged.

Himatjit Singh Kahlon, 42, was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment for manslaughter and possession for supply of methamphetamine.

Another man, who has permanent name suppression, was sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment for multiple drugs offences including possession for supply of methamphetamine and importing methamphetamine.

Detective Inspector Chris Allan, of the Financial Crime Group, says the investigation subsequent to Aiden’s death led to the discovery of a clandestine laboratory and hundreds of kilos of stockpiled methamphetamine imports.

“Through extensive financial investigation and analysis our team has now restrained an estimated $36 million in real estate property alleged to be connected with the importation and supply of methamphetamine.

“These properties are a mix of residential and commercial rural properties across the Whitford, Totora Heights, Karaka and Bombay areas.”

Detective Inspector Allan says transnational organised crime groups are sophisticated business entities, not only for their criminal activities but also how they launder their funds.

“Police have been quietly focused on unpicking the financial activities of this group.

“Given the scale of this criminal enterprise, this proceeding is an indication of the determination New Zealand Police have to investigate, disrupt and dismantle organised crime.

“This restraint represents significant capital that otherwise would have been at the disposal of the group to carry out further drug imports and create further harm in the community, until now.”

Detective Inspector Allan says this is yet another example of the ongoing work of Police to strip criminals of their assets and profits through organised crime.

“This is a substantial restraint in terms of value but also work and I would like to acknowledge everyone from Financial Crime Group, Auckland City District Police, National Clan Lab Response Team, NZ Customs, and the financial sector who have spent time piecing this together.

“Police will investigate these instances and look to remove the unlawful benefits from those who engage in significant criminal activity.”

As the matter is before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

KiwiRail directors Rob Jager and Bruce Wattie will complete their service on 31 October 2025, and two new directors have been appointed from 1 November 2025, Minister for Rail Minister Winston Peters announced today.

“KiwiRail must deliver the goods, so it is pleasing the former acting chair Mr Jager and chair of the risk, audit and assurance committee Mr Wattie finished by signing off on the year-end operating surplus which exceeded their $110 million target,” Mr Peters says.

“Mr Jager led Shell New Zealand, was a nine-year director of Air New Zealand, has deep knowledge of health and safety systems, and stepped up as acting chair in 2024 – all of which is acknowledged today.

“Mr Wattie joined the KiwiRail board in 2020 and has been an accomplished director and committee chair, particularly driving better insurance arrangements for the company.

“Earlier this year, we appointed Sue Tindal as chair along with two new directors and strengthened our expectations of KiwiRail to reduce costs and lift earnings, volumes, reliability and safety.

“This week, Cabinet approved the appointment of chartered accountants Murray Harrington and Alastair Bell as new KiwiRail directors, each bringing strong public sector financial acumen, experience in infrastructure and network management, optimising balance sheets, and competence in core audit functions.

“When the taxpayer builds an asset like railways, we expect it to be made use of and not left to waste on the side of the road and that is why we are driving strong focus on turning KiwiRail into the successful business New Zealanders expect it to be,” Mr Peters says.

New director biographies:

Murray Harrington is a Chartered Accountant and former PwC partner with extensive expertise in assurance, infrastructure, and risk management. He is the Chair of Corde Limited, a Council-Controlled Organisation owned by Selwyn District Council and Methven Adventures Limited. Mr Harrington is also an Independent Member of the Risk and Assurance Committee for the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission. He is a Director for Airtech NZ Limited, Genesis Capital and IHC New Zealand.

Alastair Bell is a Principal at Alastair Bell & Associates at The Ruskin Group, a consultancy. He is a governance professional with a strong background in corporate services, organisational leadership, and strategic change. He brings over 15 years of governance experience across public, private and not-for-profit sectors. His board roles include NZ Post Limited and the NZX-listed Vector Limited. Mr Bell is also an elected Trustee of Entrust, chairing key committees focused on regulators, policy and dividends.