Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and Space Minister Judith Collins have today announced that in partnership with the US, the Government is investing $5.6 million to support five new joint NZ-NASA research projects in the field of Earth observation.

Researchers from New Zealand and NASA will work in partnership to tackle challenges such as disaster resilience and environmental management over the next three years.

“These projects will combine some of New Zealand’s best research talent with NASA’s world-leading scientific expertise and technology, driving innovation in space science and environmental monitoring,” Dr Reti says.

“Advancing Earth observation science helps us better understand our natural environment and enables us to manage our natural resources more effectively. For example, we can use satellite data and AI algorithms to accurately measure water movements, which helps manage freshwater and mitigate floods.

“These projects will create a more resilient economy and drive productivity in some of our most valuable export industries, such as forestry and agriculture. They will also grow our science and innovation sector by positioning us in global growth markets such as remote sensing,” Dr Reti says.

“The US is an indispensable space cooperation partner for New Zealand and our engagement with NASA is a key part of our bilateral relationship. These projects will further entrench our ongoing and positive relationship with NASA,” Ms Collins says.

“NASA will contribute Earth observation satellite data, access to advanced tools and technology, as well as approximately $1.9 million in direct staff time and expertise.

The projects are the second stage of the NZ–NASA research partnership through the Catalyst Fund, following an earlier round of feasibility studies. The selected projects span a range of high-impact areas:

• Te Mātai Pū o te Kea – High Altitude Coastal Remote Sensing – advances remote-sensing technology using Kea’s Atmos high-altitude uncrewed aircraft.
• Satellite Multi-Scale Hydrologic Framework for Te Hiku ō Te Ika Wairere Ngahere – develops tools to measure terrestrial water flux via satellite data.
• Monitoring Vegetation–Geothermal Interactions from Space and Airborne Platforms – Integrates multiple Earth observation data streams to measure chemical and physical changes via vegetation.
• Near Real-Time Fuel Moisture System for Wildfire and Drought – builds a predictive fire model using remote sensing.
• Integrating Machine Learning and Remote Sensing for Dynamic Forest Mapping – develops predictive forest mapping using satellite imagery.

Further information about the projects can be found on the MBIE website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/catalyst-strategic-new-zealand-nasa-joint-research-programme-in-earth-observation

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Catch limits and other management changes for nearly 30 fisheries across the country are included in proposals for the next regular fisheries sustainability review, says Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries management Emma Taylor.

The public consultation, which began today, includes proposed changes for 3 blue cod stocks, snapper on the west coast of the South Island, and blue mackerel on the west coast of the North Island.

“The blue cod fish stocks being reviewed are all highly-prized shared fisheries, important to recreational, customary, and commercial fishers alike,” says Emma Taylor. 

“Proposed cuts to commercial catch for 2 blue cod stocks are in response to latest abundance estimates, while the third had a commercial catch limit cut last year. Recreational daily catch limits are proposed to be reduced for all 3 fisheries, in line with the settings in place under the National Blue Cod Strategy.”

Emma Taylor says the latest assessment of blue mackerel on the west coast of the North and South Islands shows that the fish stock is above the target level, so the proposals include an increased catch for the fishery.

“These are just a small portion of the fish stocks included in the proposed changes. I encourage anyone with an interest in our fisheries to read the consultation material and provide feedback.

“The fisheries included in this review represent stocks that are of importance to New Zealand economically, socially, and culturally,” says Emma Taylor.

“We need to ensure that catch limits and other settings for our fisheries strike the right balance between getting value for all New Zealanders while ensuring they remain sustainable for future generations.

“Following consultation, we will prepare advice for Fisheries Minister Shanes Jones to make decisions on any changes, which would come into effect for the fishing year starting 1 October 2025,” says Emma Taylor.

Also included in the proposed changes are deemed value rate changes for 6 fish stocks. The consultation is open now and will run until 23 July 2025.

The full proposals, as well as more information about the consultation and how to make a submission can be found on Fisheries New Zealand’s website.

Proposals for changes to catch limits for orange roughy on the Chatham Rise are also being developed and will be available for consultation in the coming weeks.

Find out more

Review of sustainability measures for fisheries – October 2025 round

Review of sustainability measures for fisheries – October 2024 round

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: New Zealand Government

General practices are set to benefit from the largest funding boost in New Zealand’s history – because frontline care starts with your local GP, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“This Government is focused on real results. When you are able to see your doctor or nurse earlier, you stay healthier and out of hospital. That’s better for patients, better for the system, and exactly what we are here to deliver,” Mr Brown says.

“Too many New Zealanders have struggled to get care because their local GP isn’t taking new patients, or the next available appointment is weeks away. This funding boost is about turning things around. It’s part of our $1.37 billion investment in Health New Zealand through Budget 2025 – backing your local family doctor to see more patients, reduce wait times, and deliver care faster to those who need it most.

“The funding agreement reached with the sector yesterday reflects another significant step forward and will support GPs to continue to improve access to timely, quality healthcare.”

Under the agreement, GPs will receive a 13.89 per cent funding uplift this year. This brings the total Government funding increase for GP clinics this financial year to $175 million – more than double the highest annual increase seen since capitation was first rolled out.

“This reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthen and invest in frontline services to ensure New Zealanders can get access to the timely, quality healthcare they deserve.

“We have already announced major investments to boost the number of doctors and nurses working in primary care. This funding boost will enable GP clinics to recruit and retain the additional workers as they graduate.”

This funding increase provides: 
 

• $59 million capitation increase for the number of patients enrolled with individual general practices
• $60 million for improved patient access to appointments, and to encourage practices to provide more data to enable more performance-based funding
• $30 million performance-based funding for improved immunisation outcomes, specifically ensuring more babies receive their first vaccine doses at the six-week milestone
• $26 million in additional funding to help GPs keep fees capped for community service card holders and those on low incomes and to prevent fee increases for under-14s.

“Supporting GP clinics to deliver minor planned care procedures closer to patients in the community takes pressure directly off our hospitals.

“That’s why a further $5 million to expand access to minor planned care procedures in the community will be made available to the sector once implementation details are worked through. This will reduce wait time for procedures such as minor gynaecological procedures, skin excisions, iron infusions, and oncology infusions.

“Childhood immunisations are a key priority for this Government. We want to see 95 per cent of enrolled children fully immunised and we know GPs play a critical role in achieving that. That’s why this agreement includes performance payments for clinics that lift childhood immunisation rates by up to ten percentage points, or to 95 per cent of their enrolled population, with partial payment for partial achievement. 

“This agreement marks a significant and positive step forward for the primary care system. It responds directly to consistent feedback from the sector over the past year about the need for a more sustainable and responsive funding model.

“I expect this investment to deliver real results – including shorter wait times, easier access to care, and better health outcomes for patients.”

The collection of more primary care data will further support a more effective funding approach and ensure resources are targeted at improving patient outcomes. 

“This is part of the Government’s broader plan to rebuild and strengthen the foundations of our health system, with primary care at the centre, and to focus on performance and delivery.

“This is the largest investment in general practice in decades – but more importantly, it’s tied to better results. Shorter wait times. Higher immunisation rates. More patients getting the care they need in the community. 

“This is how you rebuild a health system – not with slogans, but with funding, focus, and delivery. 

“I would like to thank the primary care sector representatives, including GenPro, GPNZ and Kāhui Tautoko who have worked with Health New Zealand in good faith on this record uplift,” Mr Brown says.

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Familyr – Family Alert Smart Medical Alarms & GPS Safety Devices to Keep Kiwis Safe

A new generation of personal safety and medical alarms has officially launched in New Zealand, and it’s putting peace of mind in the palm of every Kiwi’s hand.

The post Familyr – Family Alert Smart Medical Alarms & GPS Safety Devices to Keep Kiwis Safe first appeared on PR.co.nz.

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Making First Aid Training More Accessible: MediTrain Launches New Manual

MediTrain is proud to announce the release of its new First Aid Manual, Edition 5, part of a wider commitment to making first aid training accessible, engaging and effective for all learners across New Zealand.

The post Making First Aid Training More Accessible: MediTrain Launches New Manual first appeared on PR.co.nz.

Source: New Zealand Government

Three solar projects in regional New Zealand will receive loans of up to $28.1 million combined from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to ensure security of local energy supply and community resilience, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Energy Minister Simon Watts say.

“The loans for these projects in Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Rakiura/Stewart Island will allow them to get under way this year, helping them to improve economic prosperity and resilience. They will also create up to 150 jobs during construction,” Mr Jones says.

“These projects support the Coalition Government’s objective of doubling renewable energy generation by 2050 and enabling a more reliable and affordable electricity supply for regional New Zealand,” Mr Watts says.

The three projects are:

• Rakiura/Stewart Island – a suspensory loan of up to $15.35m to Southland District Council to build the first stage of a solar farm, and network upgrades, replacing high-cost, diesel-generated electricity for the island’s 494 permanent electricity connections
• Ongaonga, Hawke’s Bay – a loan of up to $8m to local lines company Centralines Ltd to build a 35ha solar farm to generate 52GW annually and provide about 9000 electricity connections in Central Hawke’s Bay with a local source of generation
• Te Kaha, Bay of Plenty – a loan of up to $4.75m to Te Huata Charitable Trust to build an 804kW-peak solar farm to ensure reliable electricity supply to about 320 homes and businesses.

The Rakiura/Stewart Island project is expected to reduce diesel consumption by 200,000 litres within two years of beginning. During construction, about 40 high-skilled workers will be required.

When complete, more competitive energy costs will help business growth on the island including in aquaculture, tourism and hospitality.

The Ongaonga solar farm will improve electricity network resilience and support more competitive pricing for residents and commercial customers. Power could also be supplied to the national grid at peak generation. About 80-100 roles are expected to be needed during construction.

The Te Kaha project will provide more reliable, competitively priced power for a Māori community that regularly suffers electricity outages. The solar farm battery will have storage capacity for up to 72 hours which will protect the community from power outages. Reliable power will also help the Ōpōtiki region with its bid to be an aquaculture centre of national significance. During construction, up to 12 people will be employed.

“Solar power is playing an increasingly important role in increasing electricity generation in New Zealand. It will help us reach our renewable energy targets and bolster the security and affordability of our energy supply,” Mr Watts says.

“The Government has been making great progress on a series of exciting new solar and battery initiatives recently. I look forward to seeing these three projects make a real difference for these communities.”

Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson travelled to Rakiura for the announcement today. He said the project should lead to considerable savings for residents.

“The Regional infrastructure Fund is contributing to energy security where communities cannot gain investment from other sources, and there are wider benefits for the communities,” Mr Patterson says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged to see overseas investment decisions being made twice as fast following his Ministerial directive letter (the letter) to Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). 

“Last year I issued a Ministerial directive letter setting out my expectations for faster consent processing timeframes under the Overseas Investment Act (the Act),” Mr Seymour says. 

“The letter set my expectation that LINZ, the regulator for the Act, will process 80 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframes for decisions. 

“The financial year beginning 1 July 2024 is on track to meet my expectations. So far, LINZ has been processing 88 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframe. 

“Since this financial year began, processing times have reduced by 39 per cent faster than the previous financial year. The average timeframe has reduced from 71 working days in the last financial year, to 28 working days this financial year. 

“The improvements to processing times are largely owed to the new risk-based approach LINZ take to verifying information and streamlining consent processes. This recognises that the majority of consent applications are low-risk and should be processed more efficiently.

“1 July 2024 to 19 June 2025 saw 122 applications for overseas investment, decreasing from 146 in the financial year prior (both figures exclude ‘only home to live in’ applications). The decrease is explained by a significant drop in applications for residential land development due to poor property market conditions. I expect these numbers to bounce back with the rise of the property market.

“In order to have a strong growing economy New Zealand needs to be more welcoming to investment. Long waiting times for applications was creating uncertainty and impacting the attractiveness of investing in New Zealand. This affected New Zealand businesses that rely on overseas investment for capital or for liquidity.

“Since delegating most decision-making to LINZ and directing officials to focus on realising the benefits of overseas investment, there has been a significant improvement in processing times.

“Feedback from investors has been overwhelmingly positive, and they have welcomed the changes to make the application process more efficient, while still giving the right level of scrutiny to high-risk transactions.

“LINZ still has the full statutory timeframe to process 20 per cent of consent applications, which will allow them to manage complex and higher-risk applications.

“This week will see the first reading of thee Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill as well.

“The Bill will consolidate and simplify the screening process for less sensitive assets, introducing a modified national interest test that will enable the regulator to triage low-risk transactions, replacing the existing benefit to New Zealand test and investor test. If a national interest risk is identified, the regulator and relevant Minister will have a range of tools to manage this, including through imposing conditions or blocking the transaction. 

The current screening requirements will stay in place for investments in farmland and fishing quota.

“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. Having one of the most restrictive overseas investment regimes in the OECD means we’ve paid the price in lost opportunities, lower productivity, and stagnant wages. This Bill is about reversing that.   

“For all investments aside from residential land, farmland and fishing quota, decisions must be made in 15 days, unless the application could be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest. In contrast, the current timeframe in the Regulations for the benefit test is 70 days, and the average time taken for decisions to be made is 30 days for this test,” says Mr Seymour.

“International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.

The Bill can be read here: Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 171-1 (2025), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation

Source: New Zealand Police

A 33-year-old man has been arrested following an assault near a Sikh Temple in Takanini late yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred at a sports complex on the grounds at around 5pm.

Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Taylor, of Counties Manukau CIB, says the man presented on site and was taken into custody this afternoon.

“We have charged the man with two counts of assault with a weapon and one count of threats to kill,” he says.

“He will remain in custody overnight and will appear in the Papakura District Court tomorrow.”

Police will be opposing this man’s bail.

Police thank the community for their support in enquiries to-date.

“We reiterate that this incident is not being treated as a hate-motivated crime, and involves two parties known to each other,” Detective Senior Sergeant Taylor says.

Police are continuing to carry out reassurance patrols around the temple.

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have made two arrests following an aggravated robbery in New Lynn this morning.

At around 8.30am, Police attended a Parker Avenue convenience store.

Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, Waitematā CIB, says two offenders have entered the store, one armed with a knife.

“The offenders have jumped over the counter and stolen the till before leaving the store and fleeing in a stolen car.

“Fortunately, the shop keeper was uninjured.”

Police located the stolen vehicle a short distance away and the two occupants were taken into custody without incident.

Detective Senior Sergeant Goldie says two young people, aged 14 and 16, will appear in the Waitākere Youth Court, charged with aggravated robbery and unlawful taking a motor vehicle.

Enquires are ongoing to locate the stolen property.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  23 June 2025

DOC Senior Community Ranger James Barnett says the new platform will provide enhanced features at no extra cost to anglers.

“The old system served us well but was based on old technology and was becoming expensive to run and maintain. The new platform offers anglers an improved user experience with a more intuitive interface, increased stability and greater security.

“We’re delighted with the benefits of the new online-only system, particularly for those who purchase more than one licence or want a more convenient way to buy a season licence each year.”

James says the licence platform is catching up with the functionality people expect from online transactions.

“You can choose to set up a profile which shows, at a glance, all the licences you’ve bought, and stores your information to make your next licence purchase easier. A guest function is available for those who prefer not to save their information.”

Taupō Trout Fishery has an international reputation, offering excellent fishing experiences in a stunning volcanic landscape.

It’s also a significant contributor to the regional economy. A survey conducted in 2013 found the Taupō Trout Fishery supported nearly 300 jobs, created at least $29 million in business turnover and added $11 million to the size of the economy.

The new platform is considered customer-friendly, but a user guide is available online and at fishing retailers in the area.

“Although licenses are no longer available from local agents, they’re still great places to buy gear and pick up local knowledge about the fishery,” says James.

All season licences for the 2025/26 Taupō fishing season will be available to purchase online on 24 June 2025. Short-term licences will go on sale when the new season starts on 1 July 2025.

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