Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour has empowered Pharmac and Medsafe to explore the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up their processes. 

“Faster access to medicines has always been a priority of mine. For many New Zealanders, pharmaceuticals are life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour says.

“I believe that technology absorption greatly increases productivity and see Al playing a role in a more efficient Pharmac and Medsafe.

“Finding efficiencies in medicine assessment processes means patients can access the treatments they need faster.

“I wrote to Medsafe about the adoption of AI in their processes to speed up assessments. I wanted to see if the use of AI could mean spending less time on tedious, repetitive tasks that often slow down the assessment process.

“I am very encoUraged by Medsafe’s response (attached). This is something that they have welcomed and recognise could reduce assessment times. 

Some of the potential uses of AI in future within medicine regulation include: 

• streamlining our assessment report generation allowing Medsafe to more quickly provide information in the public domain;
• assisting with side effect profiles and trend assessments;
• assisting with large information dossier assessments as part of the analysis required for decision making on new medicine applications.

“I have also offered my support to Pharmac in empowering it to use Al in its work. I see this being a matter of priority in Pharmac’s new data and digital strategy. I have requested information on where some of the potential future uses of Al in Pharmac,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Pharmac have responded (attached) and will be exploring opportunities for AI to increase medicines access. I look forward to continuing this discussion with them. 

“We’re committed to ensuring that the regulatory system for pharmaceuticals is not unreasonably holding back access. It will lead to more Kiwis being able to access the medicines they need to live a fulfilling life.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the Government is delivering on its promise to give Kiwis access to more treatments, with Wegovy now available via prescription for weight loss.

Medsafe made the decision to approve Wegovy in April. Stock has now arrived and is ready to be sold to Kiwis who are prescribed the medicine for weight loss.

“More than two in three adults and nearly one-third of children in New Zealand live with obesity or are overweight. This puts a major strain on the health system and can lead to serious health problems down the track. We’re giving Kiwis access to another tool to deal with this problem,” says Mr Seymour. 

“The combined impact of these conditions is significant, with reports estimating the cost of excess weight in New Zealand as being between $4-9 billion per year. One of the common implications of obesity is cardiovascular disease, which costs the country approximately $3.3 billion per year.

“Treating obesity early reduces the risk of developing serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and liver disease.

Wegovy is currently unfunded so patients will pay for the treatment. Any future decisions around funding are for Pharmac and the supplier, and completely independent of the Minister.

“These drugs are making an enormous difference in other countries. I hope that they can be a game-changer for a lot of people in New Zealand now as well,” says Mr Seymour.

Source: New Zealand Government

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti says today marks a major milestone for New Zealand’s science and innovation sector with the launch of three new science organisations designed to unlock innovation, drive economic growth, and improve the lives of hardworking Kiwis. 
“Science, innovation and technology are the engine rooms of a productive economy and our Government is committed to powering up our scientists and innovators to deliver for New Zealanders,” says Dr Reti. 
“From today, six Crown Research Institutes will merge to form two new entities: the Bioeconomy Science Institute and the Earth Science Institute. Meanwhile, ESR will refocus its mission to become the Public Health and Forensic Science Institute.
“These changes are about sharpening our focus and lifting performance. By bringing together complementary research skills and infrastructure, we’re enabling greater collaboration, better alignment with Government priorities, and stronger commercial outcomes.
“These new organisations will be set up to deliver real-world value, creating jobs, boosting exports, and helping New Zealand compete globally.”
The new institutes will remain Crown companies, but with a renewed mandate to deliver economic benefits for New Zealand. 
“This reform is a practical step to ensure our science sector is agile, responsive, and focused on outcomes that matter – jobs, growth and innovation. We’re backing our scientists to turn ideas into impact, and to help New Zealand lead in areas like biotechnology, climate resilience, and public health,” says Dr Reti.
Dr Reti also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Chairs and Board members of the seven Crown Research Institutes, whose leadership has laid the groundwork for this new chapter. He extended thanks to the dedicated staff across the institutes, whose work continues to make a meaningful difference to New Zealand’s economy and communities.
“This Government is committed to building a science system that delivers results. These reforms are about unlocking the full potential of our research sector to fuel economic growth, drive innovation, and secure a more prosperous future for all New Zealanders,” Dr Reti says. 

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Conscious Integration: The Brian Berneman Story, launched globally 3rd July

The world premiere of Conscious Integration: The Brian Berneman Story, a heartfelt documentary that invites viewers into Brian’s inspiring journey from neuroscience to visionary wellness leadership. The film will launch globally with in-person screenings on July 3, 2025.

The post Conscious Integration: The Brian Berneman Story, launched globally 3rd July first appeared on PR.co.nz.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have now charged a man in relation to a homicide in Ōtāhuhu on Sunday night.

Emergency services were called to a Beatty Street property at about 8.30pm following a report of a person being seriously injured.

A man was transported to hospital but later died of his injuries.

Detective Inspector Karen Bright, of Counties Manukau CIB, says a man was taken into custody yesterday afternoon and Police are not seeking anyone else in relation to the investigation.

“A 31-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and will appear in Manukau District Court today.

“This is a great result and Police haven’t ruled out the possibility of further charges.”

Detective Inspector Bright says the investigation remains ongoing and thanked those who had come forward to speak with Police.

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

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders can now access trusted primary healthcare around the clock, no matter where they are in the country, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.  

“A new 24/7 digital health service, launched today, means people can have virtual consultations with New Zealand-registered doctors and nurses, anytime, anywhere,” Mr Brown says.  

“This is about making sure Kiwis can get the medical help they need when they need it, especially when they can’t get a timely appointment with their regular general practitioner (GP), or outside normal clinic hours.”  

The service connects patients to clinicians through trusted providers using secure digital technology. Doctors and nurse practitioners can assess symptoms, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and provide referrals – all from wherever the patient is. 

Since its pilot launch in May, nearly 4,500 New Zealanders have already accessed the digital service, which is now fully available to the public.

“This means people can receive professional medical advice and treatment when they need it – no matter where they are or what time it is, including: 

• A mother with a sick child in the middle of the night
• Someone waking up with a sudden rash on a public holiday
• A farmer in rural New Zealand needing help after hours
• A family on holiday in a different part of the country
• Someone not enrolled with a local GP. 

“It also helps ease pressure on emergency departments by treating non-urgent issues earlier and in the right setting. 

“This digital service is giving people greater access to the care they need, but does not replace the critical role of GPs, who are responsible for their patients’ continuity of care. It ensures care is available when and where it’s needed, helping bridge the gap when traditional access to a GP isn’t possible. 

“That’s why providers will be required to send clinical notes back to a patient’s GP after an appointment. This ensures safe, consistent treatment and strengthens follow-up care, and is about delivering connected care New Zealanders can trust. 

“At the same time, we’re backing GPs with a record up to 14 per cent funding boost this year to support the critical work they do in our communities. 

“Our Government is focused on ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare. That includes investing in digital solutions to make primary care more responsive and connected,” Mr Brown says.  

The 24/7 online GP service is now live at info.health.nz/onlinegp, with full details on pricing and how to access care through approved providers, including their operating hours. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police is celebrating the opening of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus.

The RNZPC Auckland Campus was formally opened this morning by Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Minister of Police Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the new facilities leased from Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University allow Police to hold senior training courses and have the added bonus of a recruit wing.

“I have made it clear my expectation is for high standards. That starts the moment a recruit walks into Police College and continues throughout their policing career.

“To ensure those expectations are met and our front line is supported, ongoing training is essential, and the Auckland Campus will be important for holding our senior courses.

“In recent years we have had to provide more senior courses online and in districts to improve efficiency and to free up space for recruit training at RNZPC in Wellington.

“However, that is not possible for some courses and bringing people together in person is an important opportunity for staff to learn from each other as well.”

Since signing the lease, a huge amount of planning and organisation has gone into making the space fit-for-purpose in time for courses to begin on 30 June. The first senior course at the Auckland Campus, a Leadership and Development group conference, has begun. 

The facility includes multiple classrooms, a locker room, storage space, offices, car parks and dorm rooms. Police also has access to other facilities including the gym and recreation centre.

RNZPC Auckland is also being used for recruit wing 390 which has 40 recruits.

The Patron for Wing 390 is former Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Sir John Key.

Commissioner Chambers says: “Being away from home for 20 weeks to attend recruit training in Wellington has been a deterrent for some people wanting to join Police.

“Offering training in Auckland is one of the things we can do to attract as many quality applications as possible.

“Aside from appealing to people who live in Auckland, Wing 390 has a large number of recruits from Northland who will be based in the dorms.

“Northland has been one of our priority districts for recruitment and offering training closer to home has been a real drawcard.”

The Auckland recruits will need to spend about five weeks in Porirua for elements of training we cannot do in Auckland, but being able to do the bulk of the course in Auckland gives them their chance at a career they wanted.

“We will consider the possibility of future recruit wings later in the year depending on demand and the schedule for senior courses,” Commissioner Chambers says.

“Having a Police College campus in our largest city is a significant opportunity for us to continue developing world-class police officers and growing our frontline police presence.

“New Zealand Police offers exciting career progression and more than 30 different career paths.

“Whether you’re taking your first steps into the workforce or considering a career change, the best time to apply is right now.”

If you are ready to start your training for one of the most rewarding careers there is, visit newcops.govt.nz to apply today.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray:

Police are formally releasing the name of the man who died in a fatal crash in Manurewa on Friday, 27 June.

Today, he can be named as Iu Toalua, aged 45, of Auckland.

Police extend our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.

A 56-year-old man has been charged with driving dangerously causing death, dangerous driving causing injury and driving while forbidden has been remanded in custody and will reappear in Manukau District Court on 18 July.

Police enquiries will continue, and further charges cannot be ruled out as we investigate further.

While matters are before the Court, we can advise that parties in both vehicles were known to each other.

Police are continuing to ask any witnesses with information or footage to come forward.

If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105.

Please use reference number 250627/8090 or cite ‘Operation Highbury’.

ENDS

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has today introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill to the House of Representatives.
“The Online Casino Gambling Bill will introduce a regulatory system for online gambling in New Zealand, which will prioritise harm minimisation, consumer protection, and tax collection,” says Ms van Velden.
Cabinet has previously agreed to introduce new legislation to regulate the online casino gambling market, which is currently unregulated in New Zealand. Key features of the Bill include:

Up to 15 licences for online casino gambling operators will be auctioned
Companies applying for a licence will need to provide detailed information to the regulator, including on their business plans for New Zealand
Licensed operators will be allowed to advertise, with restrictions
Unlicensed operators will be prohibited and fines up to $5 million may be applicable for breaking the law

Detailed regulations about advertising and harm minimisation standards are currently being developed and will set out the specific requirements that operators must abide by.
“The Bill will proceed to select committee later this year and New Zealanders will have the ability to have their say through the select committee process.”
The introduction of the Bill meets action 21 on the Coalition Government’s Quarter Two Action Plan. The Bill is publicly available here: https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0178/latest/LMS1449135.html

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is introducing specific coward punch offences to ensure perpetrators receive tougher sentences, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“A ‘coward punch’ gets its name for obvious reasons. These attacks affect everyday Kiwis and are often committed by cowardly attackers, who strike when the victim is distracted. 
“We know how dangerous they are. People can be killed or suffer lifelong brain injuries, yet perpetrators often receive lenient and insufficient sentences.
“This fulfils a commitment in the National/New Zealand First coalition agreement, to introduce legislation to create an offence for anyone who injures or kills someone with a coward punch.
“Specific offences will ensure the consequence reflects the gravity of the crime.
“It builds on our plan to restore law and order, which we know is working, and will help reduce the number of victims of violent crime.”
The charges and penalties are:

An assault offence for one punch attacks which cause grievous bodily harm with associated maximum penalties of:

Eight years imprisonment when the offender intended to cause injury or acted with reckless disregard for safety,
Fifteen years imprisonment when the offender intended to cause grievous bodily harm.

A culpable homicide offence for a one punch attack which results in death with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Both new offences will be added to the Three Strikes Regime.