A New Caledonian delegation will tour New Zealand next week to learn about aspects of our economic development, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.
“As New Caledonia seeks to recover economically from a challenging period in its history, New Zealand is pleased to be sharing our own lessons and experiences.
“When visiting New Caledonia twice in the past year, we heard from businesses, including Kanak entrepreneurs, significant interest in New Zealand’s economic development – including the Māori economy.
“We are therefore delighted to welcome this high-level delegation, which will be introduced to all aspects of our economic development – including the Māori economy and how Māori operate in key sectors like youth training, economic development, and technology.
“This study tour is an important element of New Zealand’s commitment to New Caledonia’s development through ongoing and constructive exchanges.”
The programme includes a meeting with Māori policymakers and engagement with a range of iwi on areas such as youth, tourism, services and private sector partnerships.
The study tour follows Mr Peters’ visits over the last six months to Paris, Nice and Nouméa, where he has met France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, and Overseas Territories Minister Manuel Valls, as well as the new President of the Government of New Caledonia, Alcide Ponga.
The 20-person study tour includes visits to Wellington, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Auckland.
“We have a shared interest in promoting economic development, good governance and regional security,” Mr Peters says.
The delegation arrives in New Zealand on Sunday 29 June, will meet Mr Peters on Friday 4 July, before returning to Nouméa the following day.
In 2021, a government agency mailed a client’s health information to the wrong address. The agency had the correct street but had misidentified the house number.
The agency had the incorrect address in its systems as the verified address for the client, because a staff member had misheard the street number they said and verified the incorrect address in the agency’s systems. The agency said it had taken steps to verify the address, and so it did not consider it had made a mistake.
The client was not satisfied with this response and complained to the agency. Further enquiries showed that the agency had the client’s correct address details at the time the information was sent to the wrong address but had not updated their file.
The client asked for compensation, but the agency said it did not consider the breach had caused significant emotional harm, because the information that had been sent was “relatively generic.”
However, the client said that their previous experiences meant that the harm of the information being sent to the wrong address was greater for them than it might have been for someone else. The client lodged an application for review of the agency’s decision. The agency was directed by the reviewer to obtain an external opinion on the emotional harm suffered by the client. This independent opinion said the breach had caused significant emotional harm and had exacerbated the client’s pre-existing conditions. Following this, the agency made a compensation offer to the client, however it miscommunicated how long the client had to consider and accept the offer. The client had lost trust in the agency by this point and was not willing to negotiate with the agency directly.
The client asked our Office to assist, advising that they would like to meet with the agency to discuss how the privacy breach had impacted them and to further attempt to resolve the complaint.
The Rules Applying to this case
This complaint raised issues under rules 5 and 8 of the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 (the Code).
Rule 5 requires agencies that hold health information to ensure that the information is protected by reasonable safeguards to protect against loss, misuse or unauthorised disclosure.
Rule 8 requires agencies to take reasonable steps to ensure that information is accurate, up to date, complete, relevant and not misleading before using or disclosing that information.
OPC’s approach
This was a case where the agency accepted it had breached its client’s privacy, but it didn’t fully understand the harm the breach had caused the client. Further, the relationship between the agency and its client had broken down, such that they weren’t able to resolve the matter between them directly.
We focus on resolving complaints where possible, and instead of investigating we decided to explore a settlement under section 77 of the Privacy Act.
Section 77 provides for the Commissioner to use best endeavours to settle the complaint without an investigation. An investigation may or may not follow if the Commissioner is unable to secure a settlement.
We facilitated a conciliation meeting between the agency, the client and the client’s psychologist, who attended as the client’s support person, and was able to help the client articulate the harm the privacy breach had caused them. It was clear that the breach had exacerbated pre-existing mental health conditions and caused a significant impact on the emotional state and the life of the client.
At the meeting, the agency did a good job of hearing the complainant’s concerns. Its representatives provided the client with a heartfelt apology. The client thanked the representatives and said it was the first time that they felt the agency had listened and understood how they felt. The conciliation meeting ended with both parties agreeing to settle the matter.
As part of this resolution, the agency agreed to pay financial compensation, which was more than twice the amount offered previously. The agency also agreed to pay for ongoing psychological treatment to help the client to recover from the interference with their privacy.
The matter was settled, and we closed our file.
Commentary
When agencies are considering whether harm has been suffered by a complainant, it is essential that it seeks to understand the actual impact on the client, not what they think the impact should be without having lived that individual’s life experiences. What might not affect one person, can have a significant impact on another.
Additionally, it is critical that agencies take responsibility for errors from the outset and put things right early. In this instance, the complaint could have been resolved far earlier if the agency had accepted what had gone wrong earlier, and if it had considered the information it already had, in the form of the independent opinion about the harm the client had experienced.
Instead, the agency’s management of the breach and the subsequent complaint led to a further breakdown in the relationship between the parties, and this meant the matter wasn’t able to be resolved without our Office’s assistance. However, when the parties came to the conciliation with a genuine desire to hear the other and with an intention to resolve the matter and move forward, we were able to facilitate a conversation that allowed that to happen, and both sides to get closure.
The government’s secure digital storage capability has been significantly boosted with the opening of the new all-of-government data centre, the Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins says.
“This facility will provide a safe, secure storage capability for New Zealand agencies to process and store some of the government’s most sensitive information for the next quarter of a century,” says Ms Collins.
“Today we conduct the vast majority of our business digitally, and the amount of government data that requires safe and secure storage is only going to increase. This is an essential piece of government infrastructure.”
The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) will operate the $326 million facility located at Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland (Whenuapai).
Minister Collins, who is also Minister Responsible for the NZSIS and Minister for Digitising Government, said the data centre will store information from a range of New Zealand agencies.
“We recognise the importance of data sovereignty which is why we have built this facility to process and store our most sensitive government information over other options such as cloud storage.
“Security has been a big feature of this project, which includes the facility being hosted on a New Zealand Defence Force base.”
Construction on the data centre began in September 2022. Careful planning and attention to detail has ensured that it was completed on schedule and within budget
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has appointed a new management agency responsible for implementing and enforcing the National American Foulbrood Pest Management Plan (AFB NPMP).
The New Zealand Bee Health and Biosecurity Trust (NZBB) will take over management of the NPMP from 1 July 2025.
“The NZBB will bring a lot of experience. It is a new registered Charitable Trust of the current AFB Management agency board. With the resignation of Apiculture NZ, which has managed the NPMP since 2016, a new management agency designated under the Biosecurity Act was needed if the Plan was to continue.
“The former AFB Management Agency board took steps to organise themselves in such a way that they were eligible for appointment under the Act. This appointment ensures a smooth transition, without the need to stand up a completely new organisation.”
Mr Hoggard says there will be no change for beekeepers.
“There will be a different name on the levies – otherwise there are no changes. All the obligations and rules in the AFB NPMP remain the same.
“I have confidence that the NZBB will manage the plan in a way that represents the interests of all beekeepers. I expect that the expansion of their role beyond just AFB management will be an opportunity for beekeepers to come together for the long-term success of the industry.
“I support NZBB establishing Advisory Groups to provide an opportunity for beekeepers and the wider industry to provide input into decision making.
“American foulbrood is a devastating bee disease, and while elimination of AFB may seem an impossible task, it is a disease that New Zealand beekeepers have worked hard to not only control, but to achieve some real reduction in cases.“I am confident the new management agency, along with beekeepers’ continued vigilance and compliance with the NPMP, that the industry will continue to see a reduction in this disease, for the benefit of all.”
Police are asking spectators to avoid the Motueka River area near Ngatimoti where emergency services have the road blocked off.
Police continue to urge motorists in the wider area to avoid non-essential travel, however if you cannot delay travel, please take care when travelling through water-damaged roads.
There are still significant slips, detours and water hazards across the wider area so if possible, please stay home.
Please attribute to Counties Manukau District Commander, Superintendent Shanan Gray:
Police are continuing with a critical incident investigation surrounding the events leading up to a fatal crash in Manurewa overnight.
We are now in a position to release further information as our enquiries continue.
The driver of the Mitsubishi vehicle remains in a critical condition at Middlemore Hospital, and was due to undergo surgery today.
Police have spoken with the man taken into custody at the scene this morning.
At this stage, the 56-year-old man has been charged with driving dangerously causing death, dangerous driving causing injury and driving while forbidden.
He will appear in Manukau District Court today.
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.
Until the next of kin notifications have been carried out, further details regarding the deceased are unable to be released.
We would like to acknowledge the impact this event will have had on the community and our thoughts are with everyone involved.
There are now several investigations underway, including a critical incident investigation.
Police are still seeking information from any witnesses who may have been in the area at the time, or prior to this incident occurring.
If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105.
Please use reference number 250627/8090 or cite ‘Operation Highbury’.
A youth has been arrested and charged in relation to a burglary in Pukete on Wednesday.
The burglary happened at around 2:20am on Wednesday morning at a restaurant on Church Road.
Two youths in a stolen vehicle smashed a glass door and took around 35 bottles of alcohol and 17 electronic tablets before fleeing the scene.
Police were notified later that morning, and a scene examination was conducted. Upon receiving CCTV, fast working officers identified and arrested one of the offenders the following morning.
The stolen vehicle was recovered, and all the tablets have been returned to the victim.
A 16-year-old appeared in the Hamilton Youth Court Thursday afternoon charged with burglary and unlawfully using a motor vehicle.
Police continue to make enquiries to identify the second offender involved.
Broadcaster Paul Henry has been appointed to the TVNZ Board, Media and Communications Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Mr Henry has spent nearly his entire career involved in the broadcasting industry, producing news, current affairs, and entertainment programming both here in New Zealand and overseas.
“He was integral in the establishment of the successful multi-platform Paul Henry breakfast show, established and sold a radio station in the Wairarapa, and was heavily involved in the launch of the former radio network Today FM.
“He has a deep and passionate understanding of the sector and will enhance the board’s insight and strategic decision making.
“I am aware Mr Henry is set to host The Chase New Zealand. However, I am advised any perceived conflict can be effectively managed.
“I am also reappointing John Quirk, who has served on the TVNZ Board since 2023.
“Mr Quirk brings over 20 years of governance, strategic leadership, investment, and corporate advisory experience, with a particular focus on technology, digital transformation, and high-growth companies.”
Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour is today announcing it will no longer use the informal name of Te Puna Aonui and will adopt its legal name: the Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence.
“This decision reflects the reality that all people are potentially victims of Family Violence and Sexual Violence, as well as the wishes of disgruntled former advisory board members who have asked for the gifted Te Reo name to be returned,” says Mrs Chhour.
“They have raised their concerns with me around my decision to not extend their tenure as the Ministerial Advisory Board, as well as concerns around my decision to include other communities in a new, multi-cultural advisory board which will replace the current Māori-only one.
“I need an advisory board that can advise on all issues victim-survivors face, and one that reflects the diversity of our nation, not just the seventeen per cent of New Zealanders who identify as Māori.
“Yes, I am Māori, and proud of this. I am also a mother, a wife, and a survivor of both family and sexual violence. The idea that one part of my being is somehow more important than any other is something I don’t accept, and I don’t believe that the majority of New Zealanders would accept this either.
“It is also Government policy that Government departments, with the exception of those focused on Māori, will have their main names in English.
“By continuing with a Te Reo name I believe we risk potentially making non-Māori victim-survivors feel like their lived experiences do not matter. I can assure them that they do and will continue to.
“This is the right thing to do, it reflects our national values of equality.
“The important work of the agency will be strengthened by the incorporating Pasifika, Asian communities, and other groups who were deliberately excluded by the scope of the previous Ministerial Advisory Board for this portfolio.
“While Te Puna Aonui is an informal name, not a legal one, it will take time to update the agency’s branding and letterhead.
“This is a positive step forward for the Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence and for our national response to these hugely important issues.”
After a four-year wait, the Kākāpō Recovery team is thrilled that breeding will return in 2026. Together with our Treaty Partner Ngāi Tahu and National Partner Meridian Energy, we’re preparing for what could be the biggest boom in kākāpō chicks yet!
Kākāpō advocacy lead Andie Gentle breaks down the excitement, the science, the challenges, and how the measures of success for the recovery of this taonga species are changing.
Kākāpō chicks | DOC.
Why all the hype?
Admittedly, we always get super excited about breeding seasons – and for good reason.
Kākāpō are a taonga species to Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi of southern New Zealand. The world’s only, flightless, nocturnal parrot is critically endangered with just 242 alive today. The breeding populations are only found on three very remote, rugged predator-free islands in the deep south of Aotearoa New Zealand; Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, Pukenui/Anchor Island and Te Kāhaku/Chalky Island.
We estimate kākāpō can live between 60-90 years. Most don’t successfully breed until their teens (males) or tweens (females). Even then, they only breed when rimu trees mast (mass fruit) once every 2-4 years. Female kākāpō, who feed their chicks rimu fruit, lay between 1-5 eggs but will usually fledge one chick per season.
Alice and chick Rupi | Jake Osborne/DOC.
Once widespread across the country, kākāpō populations plummeted after humans arrived due to hunting, habitat loss, and introduced predators. Since 1995, we’ve worked to rebuild the population from just 51 birds – 31 males, 20 females; and we’ve supported them through 12 breeding seasons, reaching a top population in 2022 of 252.
Many of the earlier seasons produced fewer than a handful of chicks, but as the population has slowly grown, breeding seasons have grown too! In terms of numbers, 2019 has been our biggest breeding season yet, with management initiatives helping produce a record 73 fledglings.
So yes, we do get hyped – because the mahi is intensive and every chick is so precious!
The art of prediction
Using summer temperature patterns, we can predict rimu mast events (and therefore breeding seasons) up to two years in advance. Closer to the season, we collect sample rimu branches from the islands and count the tips to estimate fruiting levels.
Image 1: Kākāpō Recovery’s Technical Advisor Daryl Eason counting rimu tips | DOC. Images 2 & 3: rimu fruit | DOC.
We know some kākāpō will breed if more than 10 percent of rimu tips bear fruit and that a greater number of kākāpō breed as the percentage of fruit increases.
The latest data for 2026 shows record-high predictions of around 50–60 percent fruiting across all three breeding islands. If this happens there could be potential for nearly all of the 87 breeding-age females to nest in 2026.
What the lek?
Kākāpō are the only lek-breeding parrot in the world. A lek is a mating system where males gather in a communal area, called a lek, to display to females. Male kākāpō spend months preparing ‘track and bowl’ systems (networks of cleared paths and depressions that help resonate sound) where they perform booming and chinging courtship calls. These nightly displays to attract females from across the island can last for weeks or even months on end. Once mating is done, the female takes on all parenting duties – nesting, incubating, and raising the chick’s solo.
VIDEO: Kākāpō Sinbad booming | DOC. (Tip: headphones in to hear this one!)
Our mahi behind the scenes
Just like male kākāpō preparing for breeding season, we’ve been busy getting ready.
From recruiting and training staff, to ensuring island infrastructure and data networks are running smoothly, it’s all hands-on deck.
Our National Partner, Meridian Energy, plays a vital role in maintaining generators and power systems on the remote breeding islands to support the seasonal influx of people and power critical equipment like chick incubators.
Meridian Energy engineers Mark (left) and Joe (right), at work maintaining the power systems on the kākāpō breeding islands.
Ahead of each season, we strategically transferred some birds between islands, based on their history and genetics, to give them all the best chance of success. Around October we start providing supplementary food to help some birds reach optimal breeding condition.
Each kākāpō wears a radio transmitter that tracks their activity and location year-round. These allow us to learn remotely when matings occur (Dec-Jan), who mated with who, and when females are nesting.
During nesting and hatching (Jan–March), we locate nests, ensure their safety, and set up nearby camps to keep an eye on things. Vulnerable eggs or chicks may need incubators, hand-rearing or taken to the mainland for specialist care.
Through April and May, we continue to monitor chick growth and ensure they fledge safely.
Every breeding season is a chance to grow the kākāpō population, however success goes beyond numbers alone.
Image 1: Kākāpō Recovery Technical Advisor Daryl Eason weighing chick. Image 2: Operations Manager Deidre Vercoe assess fertility and development of kākāpō egg. Image 3: Kākāpō eating from feeding hopper | Jake Osborne/DOC
Redefining the measures of success
Kākāpō are among the most intensively managed species on Earth but as the population grows, the same level of on the ground management isn’t sustainable.
After 30 years of managing each bird individually, breeding season success is now less about fledging numbers, and more about working towards establishing self-sustaining populations.
When the population numbered less than 200 birds, it was essential that every single chick made it through. In recent seasons we’ve been stepping back, phasing out nightly nest checks by using genetic ranking to prioritise eggs and chicks, and trialling low-intervention on Te Kākahu / Chalky Island.
The population is still critically endangered, so we’ll keep working hard to increase numbers, but as the population grows, we need to shift the balance towards understanding and supporting a more natural level of survival.
This season, we’ll step back further with:
Fewer egg and chick checks
More eggs hatching in nests rather than the safety of incubators
Allowing mothers to raise multiple chicks
Reduced supplementary feeding in some areas
Expanding the low-management trial to parts of Pukenui / Anchor Island
Inevitably, this reduced management approach could result in a higher, more natural number of egg and chick deaths however this move toward minimal intervention is key to a more natural, efficient, and sustainable future for kākāpō recovery.
Mother Makorea and chick Willans together in a nest cavity | Jake Osborne/DOC.
The habitat challenge
While the potential of a record-breaking season is great news, kākāpō still face big challenges. Ongoing research on genetics and disease are helping us learn as much as possible to support a healthy population, but the most pressing challenge is finding more suitable habitat. We are trialling new small islands and a fenced sanctuary site, but what this species really needs is large scale habitat. As a former natural home to kākāpō, Rakiura/Stewart Island is the perfect contender, but introduced predators need to be removed to make it safer for kākāpō to return. You can learn more about why Predator Free Rakiura could be a game changer for kākāpō in this new blog post.
Solstice in nest | DOC.
Let’s make history, together
The 2026 breeding season could mark a significant turning point for kākāpō, not just in numbers, but in how we support the future of this taonga species.
You can support the mahi, and follow along as we bring kākāpō stories from the remote islands of Southern New Zealand to the world.
Volunteer: This breeding season there will only be a very limited number of volunteer roles available. These will be advertised here in August.
Donate or Adopt a kākāpō to support Kākāpō Recovery via the Mauri Ora Kākāpō Trust
Our mahi is achieved with our Treaty Partner Ngāi Tahu and National Partner Meridian Energy which provides funding as well as electrical infrastructure, technology and volunteering support to the programme.
Kākāpō receiving medical care at Dunedin Wildlife Hospital (left) and Auckland Zoo (right) | DOC.
Invaluable to the programme too, is the expertise from vet supporters Auckland Zoo and Dunedin Wildlife Hospital, and the transportation of threatened species through the DOC and Air New Zealand national partnership.
With 100 percent of our operational costs covered externally, work to help restore the mauri (lifeforce) of kākāpō is also made possible thanks to the generosity of hundreds of volunteers, supporters and donors.
The kākāpō are ready. We’re ready. Let’s make history, together!
