Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has joined the international Minerals Security Partnership to attract investment in our critical mineral sector, Resources Minister Shane Jones and Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters say.

“Joining the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) aligns with New Zealand’s ambitious Minerals Strategy which aims to double the value of minerals exports by 2035 and contribute to resilient and sustainable global minerals supply chains,” Mr Jones says. 

“Critical minerals are essential for technologies that power the modern world, from renewable energy systems to digital devices. 

“New Zealand is blessed with natural resources and talented firms creating cutting-edge technologies that are of great value to the world. Joining the MSP puts New Zealand alongside the world’s largest economies and will help to attract funding to realise the potential of our minerals sector,” Mr Jones says.  

“Joining the MSP is of significant importance for New Zealand’s international relationships,” Mr Peters says. 

“This partnership will leverage our natural resource potential and innovative technologies to create high-paying regional jobs which will have a global impact on secure and sustainable international supply chains.”

“New Zealand’s first Critical Minerals List, released in January, identifies 37 minerals vital to the economy and susceptible to supply chain risks. Many of these minerals are in high demand globally for use in clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing,” Mr Jones says. 

“Several countries have already seen significant benefits from MSP membership, including financing commitments for major projects. We expect similar opportunities for New Zealand as we continue to back our minerals sector.”

Editors’ note

The Minerals Security Partnership currently includes Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders seeking mental health support will soon have a better understanding of what services are available to them, thanks to government funding for Whakarongorau to develop a mental health AI navigation platform, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey says. 

“Not knowing where to go or who to talk to has been reported as the reason for unmet mental health needs in one third of children and more than a quarter of adults. This new platform will help remove those barriers and guide people to the right support,” Mr Doocey says. 

“People will be able to see what support is available in their area and in some instances, even book with them directly. Online tools will also be available to those reaching out on the platform, allowing us to intervene early and prevent problems from escalating. 

“The platform will enhance visibility of the current range of telehealth services as well as in-person options, such as mental health practitioners in GP practices or Gumboot Friday councillors making it clear that support is available no matter where you are in New Zealand. 

“Often, the first step in seeking support is the hardest. Many people don’t know where to start, and it can feel overwhelming. With a digital front door, Kiwis can access a tool that helps triage and guide them where to go and what to do. 

“As I’ve said previously, the mental health system is too fragmented and needs to be more joined up. Most people would be surprised by how much support exists. Which is why this platform aims to increase New Zealanders knowledge of what support is available. 

“This initiative is a good example of the answers to the issues we have in mental health are already in the sector but just need the opportunity to be backed. 

“We are clear that access to support should never be a barrier. Digital tools provide faster, 24/7 access, when and where people need it.

 “We are focused on delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response, digital tools can help make this happen.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Media is invited to attend the Southern Law Enforcement Torch Runs to take photos and interview participants, including some of the local Special Olympics stars. 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is in Dunedin on Saturday and Invercargill on Sunday. 

DUNEDIN

Where: Meeting outside the Dunedin Central Police station at 12pm. Departing at 12.15pm, and finishing in the Octagon for games with the athletes. 

When: Saturday 29 November 2025.

Who: South Canterbury, Otago, South Otago Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police.

INVERCARGILL

Where: Meet outside Stadium Southland, 18 Surrey Park Road at 12pm. Departing at 12.15pm, for a walk around the athletics track.

When: Sunday 30 November 2025.

Who: Southland Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police.

Police will be part of something special this weekend supporting Southern District’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run will happen this Saturday 29 November in Dunedin, and Sunday 30 November in Invercargill, and marks the countdown to the National Summer Special Olympics Games. 

Known as Guardians of the Flame, Police members, along with Special Olympics athletes from South Canterbury, Otago, South Otago, and Southland, will carry the Flame of Hope to get local communities excited about the Games.

In Dunedin on Saturday, athletes, supporters, and Police will assemble at 12pm outside Dunedin Central Station, and start moving at around 12.15pm. The route will take us up to the Octagon for a series of games with the athletes. 

In Invercargill on Sunday, athletes, supporters, and Police will assemble at Stadium Southland on Surrey Park Road at midday and start moving at 12.15pm. We will walk around the athletics track, then have speeches and a lighting of the torch afterwards.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey. 

The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run which started in Northland on October 4 is working its way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start. 

The countdown is on: 

The Special Olympics Games will be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December. 

Inspector Rupert Friend from New Zealand Police says, “We are proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement. 

“The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges. 

We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes. 

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics. 

We encourage all kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.” 

Police contact: Rupert Friend 021 1911263

Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police, with the assistance of Department of Conservation and the Rescue Coordination Centre, have recovered the bodies of two climbers on Aoraki Mount Cook.

“We can now begin the process of returning these men to their families,” says Canterbury Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker.

“I want to thank all of those involved in the rescue and recovery, it has been a difficult period, most of all for the families of the two climbers and the wider community.

“We can confirm one of the climbers is from the United States of America, and we continue to work with the US consulate.”

The climbers were part of a group of four, made up of two New Zealand guides and two clients.

About 10.45pm on Monday, the group were climbing to the summit of Aoraki Mt Cook from Empress Hut when two members fell from a ridge onto the west side of the mountain.

Police were notified about 11.20pm.

“A helicopter from Queenstown uplifted staff from the Department of Conservation Aoraki Search and Rescue team, while a helicopter from Dunedin flew straight to the mountain and began searching.

“The helicopter from Dunedin located two climbers in the group, who were airlifted from the mountain about 2.15am on Tuesday.

“Both helicopters searched throughout the night.

“About 7am yesterday, the two missing climbers were located deceased, and they were recovered around midday. Our thoughts are with their families and friends at this time.”

The matter is now with the Coroner and a formal identification process has begun.

ENDS

Note to media: Earlier releases on this incident stated the involvement of the Wanaka Alpine Cliff Rescue Team, Police have since been made aware that this is not correct. We apologise for any confusion.

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

At the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), we gather a range of information about common issues through our monitoring work. We’re committed to partnering with tertiary education organisations (TEOs) and sharing learnings from our monitoring work to help the sector build capability. That way, we can all achieve better outcomes for learners.
On this page:

Gateway funding compliance
Recently we have conducted a review of secondary schools that receive Gateway funding. The review identified that a number of schools had not sent/were not sending their students on work placements, and instead were enrolling them in standalone courses/programmes with tertiary education organisations (TEOs).
Purpose of Gateway funding
Gateway funding is designed to support senior secondary learners by providing access to quality, structured workplace learning that complements their school-based education.
This means:

Learners must be placed in real workplaces
Learning must be integrated with their wider course of study
Workplace learning must be assessed and credited towards NCEA or other New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) qualifications.

Gateway programmes cannot be completed in simulated or replica environments, or through standalone TEO courses that lack a workplace component.
What schools must do to stay compliant
For schools to be compliant with Gateway funding condition 4.1(b), schools must not use Gateway funding to fund learner enrolment in standalone courses/programmes offered by TEOs, unless the course:

is to equip learners with specific skills required for the work placement; and
is required by the work placement employer; and
is included in the learner’s individualised learning plan; and
does not exceed three days in duration.

These conditions are not optional, and the school must take every step to ensure compliance.
An important reminder to TEOs
Some TEOs appear to be marketing standalone “Gateway” courses directly to schools.  If these courses do not support a genuine work placement, they breach funding conditions.  Examples like basic food hygiene, first aid, or ATV training are only valid if they are required for a subsequent work placement.
If your organisation offers courses to schools under the Gateway banner, please ensure they meet all funding conditions.  TEOs are expected to understand these requirements and should not promote offerings that risk schools’ non-compliance with their Gateway funding conditions.
If you have any questions, please contact your relationship manager or customerservice@tec.govt.nz.
Final-year Fees Free Update
Inland Revenue supports learners with final-year Fees Free
Inland Revenue (IRD) is now responsible for supporting tertiary learners with final-year Fees Free information following a successful transition on 6 October.
Final-year Fees Free information is now available on the Inland Revenue website and information has been removed from the Fees Free website, with redirects in place.
Fees Free – Inland Revenue
Please update any links on your website and any marketing or communication material as soon as possible. We also ask that you remove the Fees Free logo from your material and check that you have made changes to align with the final-year policy. For more information on the actions you need to take, see the guidance on our website:
Learner support moves to Inland Revenue on 6 October – final-year Fees Free.
TEC will continue to manage the relationship with TEOs regarding final-year Fees Free, so your point of contact will not change.
First-year Fees Free
First-year Fees Free is not transitioning to IRD and the TEC will continue to administer this, including providing learner support.
Submission deadline for first-year Fees Free statutory declarations is 31 December 2025
Learners have until 31 December 2025 to submit statutory declarations, or any appeals, for first-year Fees Free. We will not process any statutory declarations or appeals received after this date.
We’ve updated our website information to include this deadline, and we’re encouraging those who have generated a statutory declaration but not yet submitted it to return it to us as soon as possible. If you have learners enrolled with your organisation who want to check their first-year Fees Free eligibility for 2024 or previous years, please encourage them to visit the Fees Free website.
Final submission deadline for first-year Fees Free reporting changes is 30 April 2026
We’d like to remind you to address any issues or missing data in your first-year Fees Free reporting for 2025 or previous years.  It’s important your data is as error-free as possible so that TEC can accurately cover the fees of your eligible learners.
You’ll be able to update your first-year Fees Free data until 30 April 2026, after which we’ll do a last wash-up to finalise the first-year Fees Free funding for all years.  Any changes after this date will not be covered, and TEO’s will not be able to charge learners for fees that would have been eligible for Fees Free.
We’ll be reaching out to those with a high volume of errors or missing data to offer support should you need it. Reporting guides are available on the TEC website if you’d like assistance working through any errors, see Guidance – first-year Fees Free.
If you have any questions, please contact your relationship manager or customerservice@tec.govt.nz.
Accurate reporting of delivery sites
The TEC uses information reported through the Single Data Return (SDR) to make informed investment decisions, including where delivery has taken place.  For this reason, it is important that the correct delivery site is recorded against the respective learners.  
The delivery site refers to the location in which most of the teaching, instruction or learning occurs for a particular course. The campus or site must be a recognised center of learning by the TEO that is geographically separate from other sites or campuses.
If you require assistance with updating your delivery site in DXP Nga Kete, please contact the TEC on 0800 601 301 or customerservice@tec.govt.nz.

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash at the intersection of Hinds Arundel Road and Gills Road, Ashburton, this evening.

Police were notified of the two-vehicle crash, involving a car and a motorcycle, around 6pm.

Sadly, the motorcyclist was found deceased at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit are in attendance and the road is expected to remain closed for some time.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Auckland Central Police are seeking a man in connection with an alleged indecent assault at the weekend.

Police have obtained a warrant to arrest 34-year-old Graeme Dylan Shuter over offending that occurred on the morning of 22 November.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, Auckland Central Area Investigations Manager, says two women were approached in a short space of time on Mayoral Drive.

“At around 9.20am, the first victim was approached by Shuter, and he allegedly attempt to grab her and subject her to an indecent assault.

“Fortunately, she was able to hurry away from Shuter and crossed Mayoral Drive.”

Minutes later he approached a second woman from behind waiting at a bus stop.

“There he has subjected the woman to an alleged indecent assault before a passing member of the public was alerted to what was occurring.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Friend praises the actions of a passerby, who disturbed the offending taking place.

“Their actions have stopped any further offending from occurring.”

Shuter was last seen running on foot on Mayoral Drive towards Albert Park.

Police have now obtained two warrants to arrest Shuter for indecent assaults.

“This is abhorrent offending and it’s a priority that we locate this man and take him into custody to prevent any further harm to the community,” Detective Senior Sergeant Friend says.

“Shuter’s details have also been relayed to our frontline staff and Beat Team working across the CBD.

“Anyone who sees Shuter should contact Police immediately.”

Please call 111.

Alternatively, if you further information you can update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 251122/7757.

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

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police investigating the death of Jock Grant Davies, who died in a hunting incident near Lords River, Stewart Island, have arrested one person.

A 39-year-old Ashburton man is to appear in the Invercargill District Court on 16 December 2025 on a charge of careless use of a firearm causing death.

Police were notified of the hunting incident around midday Saturday 5 July. A Search and Rescue team was deployed to the island via helicopter, and located the man deceased.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are attending a serious crash in Glen Innes this afternoon.

Just after 4pm, Police were advised of the crash on Apirana Avenue involving a car and motorbike.

The motorbike rider has sustained serious injuries in the crash and will be transported to hospital.

Apirana Avenue has been closed between the intersections with Taniwha Street and Eastview Road.

Police expect this will cause some disruption in the area with diversions in place.

We ask motorists to take alternative routes if possible.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and will be attending the scene.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has announced proposals that would fundamentally simplify how we plan our cities and regions and make it far easier to build the future New Zealanders deserve.

“These reforms would deliver the most significant changes to local government since 1989,” Mr Bishop says.

“Councils and their elected members shape the places we live, the local services we rely on, and makes decisions that affect our everyday lives.

“But local government is meant to serve communities, not confuse them. But right now, the system is tangled in duplication, disagreements, and decisions that defy common sense.

“The government does not think local government is serving New Zealanders well and the time has come for reform.

“In a couple of weeks, we will introduce our resource management reforms to Parliament.

“Our new planning system is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set New Zealand on the path to economic growth that lifts our living standards and protects the environment.

“Our reforms will strip out duplication in the system, standardise processes, and drive down complexity and compliance costs. 

“Under the new planning system there will be fewer plans, fewer consent categories, and fewer consents overall. Regional councils will have a significantly reduced role as part of this new planning system. 

“The government is therefore proposing two changes to our existing system of local government.”

Proposal 1 – Abolishing Regional Councillors

This would replace elected regional councillors with new Combined Territories Boards made up of mayors from the region’s city and district councils.

“When citizens vote for their Mayor, they are choosing who they want to lead local representation for the next three years. Most people know their Mayor. Few could name the chair of their Regional Council, or even a regional councillor,” Mr Watts says.

“Combined Territories Boards would empower Mayors from the same region to work together to govern their regions through genuine regional collaboration.

“It would streamline regional decision-making across planning, infrastructure, and regulation, reduce duplication, and strengthen accountability. It would also remove an unnecessary, confusing, and expensive structure.

“Most decisions would be made through a population-based voting system that ensures smaller communities’ voices are heard. For resource management decisions, a dual threshold would apply requiring both a majority of population-weighted votes and a majority of Board members.

“This ensures both urban and rural interests are represented in decisions on land, water, and catchment management.

“Ratepayers deserve a system that works for them, not one bogged down by unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. 

“By removing regional councils, we can cut duplication, reduce costs, and streamline decision-making. This means more efficient services, greater accountability, and better value for every dollar spend. It’s about delivering a leaner, more efficient local government that puts communities first.” 

“We’re also seeking feedback on what role and powers the Crown has on these boards.”

Proposal 2 – Locally-led Regional Reorganisation

“This would see the new Combined Territories Boards (CTB) lead regional reorganisation plans. 

“Each CTB would be asked to prepare a regional reorganisation plan within two years of establishment,” Mr Watts says.

“These plans would assess how councils across a region can best work together to deliver efficient and effective local infrastructure, public services, and regulatory functions.

“Options could include shared services, council-owned companies, reallocating functions, or merging territorial authorities to form new unitary councils.

“Regional reorganisation plans would be tested against clear criteria. They must support national priorities like housing and infrastructure, offer financially responsible arrangements that keep rates manageable, and deliver better services at lower cost. 

“Plans would need to set out clear leadership and accountability, ensure decisions are made at the right local level, and uphold all Treaty settlement commitments. They must also include a practical pathway for implementation so changes can be delivered smoothly and on time.

“Final plans would be approved by the Minister of Local Government, rather than through polls or referenda.”

Consultation on these proposals is open now until Friday 20 February 2026 through the Department of Internal Affairs website. A final proposal will be confirmed by March so legislation can be drafted. 

“This is a once-in-a-generation chance to build a simpler, clearer, and more efficient local government system for New Zealanders,” Mr Bishop says.

Notes to Editor:

More information on the proposals is available on the Department of Internal Affairs’ website.

Proposed criteria for regional reorganisation plans

Each regional reorganisation plan must demonstrate how the proposed changes meet the criteria set out in the table below. These criteria will guide assessment by the Local Government Commission and the Minister of Local Government. Further guidance for councils could be published to support understanding of these criteria. 

Regional reorganisation plan criteria
Criterion	Does the plan…	Example
Big-picture fit	…supports national priorities, strategies and goals (like housing, infrastructure, and competitive business settings)?	All councils in the region agree to establish a ‘one-stop-shop’ for consents that support infrastructure and housing.
Affordable now and in the future	…provide a financially responsible arrangement that will manage rates increases and support them to manage assets well (e.g., replace pipes before they burst)?	Two very small councils combine into one, which means they have a bigger balance sheet and larger economies of scale. This may allow them to borrow money at a lower cost to replace an unsafe bridge which would otherwise be unaffordable.
Better services	…reorganise local services so they work better and cost less?	All councils in the region establish a single regional roading agency that has more power to bargain with big national roading companies when agreeing contracts.
Clear leadership	…set out who does what and who is responsible across councils?	Combining two very small district councils into one so that one mayor has a stronger voice representing the area to central government.
Local say	…let decisions happen at the right local level?  Does the plan provide fair and effective representation of communities of interest?	Two very small councils join together but agree to establish neighbourhood assemblies that have their own budget for parks, libraries, and events.
Treaty arrangements	…show how all Treaty settlement commitments that involve councils and other agreements with iwi/Māori will be given effect to and/or improved?	Keeping arrangements for rivers as agreed in Treaty settlements.
Can it be done	…include a realistic plan for putting the plan into action (e.g., how council staff might be moved)?	A step-by-step timeline for establishing the new regional roading agency.