Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  30 June 2025

An Auckland-based woman purchased the whale baleen to sketch and was unaware she needed a permit from DOC. Baleen is the filter-feeding system of plates inside the mouths of large whales like humpbacks. The inside edge of each plate has a hairy fringe which acts like a sieve or filter, straining prey from the water.

Each baleen looks like a large solid feather and is a popular subject of artwork around the world. It is strong and flexible and made of the same protein that makes up human hair, and fingernails.

Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, anyone who possesses marine mammal part(s) must hold a permit or an exemption letter from DOC.

It is an offence to possess marine mammal parts without one of these two things.

The buyer, who asked not to be named, looks out for marine items for sale and loves to sketch objects like shells, bones and rocks.

“When I saw the baleen on Trade Me, I was super excited and bought it straight away,” the buyer says.

“I just assumed the seller had a permit for it, but they didn’t. They told me DOC had contacted them about the baleen. I rang DOC for advice and the permissions staff told me I could apply for a permit or surrender the whale baleen to a research institution or find out where it came from and offer it to local iwi.

“I wasn’t in a position to pay the processing costs for a permit, so I tried to find someone to take the baleen but it’s difficult, as you need to have what’s called provenance or a purpose for it, and everyone I contacted said no.”

DOC Permissions Advisor Max Clark says DOC gets about a dozen similar calls a year from people who have possession of a marine mammal part but don’t realise they need a permit.

“There are strict rules around how whale parts are acquired and that’s important as these taonga are very culturally significant to whānau, hapu and iwi,” Max says.

“People don’t realise this is a part of our job, and it’s to protect nature and the special taonga we have here. It can be a complex process in terms of how the parts have been acquired and that’s why people should always seek advice.”

With a bit of investigation, it was discovered the baleen had originally come from the Nelson area and with the help of DOC, the buyer sent it back to the local DOC office to the care of Barney Thomas who is the Pou Tairangahau, (a designated DOC staff member who leads strategic relationships with whānau, hapū and iwi in their allocated area of Aotearoa).

“These taonga have huge significance. I took delivery of it and gave it to Manuwhenua Ki Mohua who represent Ngati Tama, Ngati Rārua and Te Ātiawa within the Takaka area. They were very grateful to receive and will put it on display at the Onetahua Marae and use it for educational purposes in the local schools and community,” Mr Thomas says.

“Educating the young people about these taonga is very important, for empathy and understanding about the mauri of that whale.”

Trade Me Policy and Compliance Manager James Ryan says while the sale of marine animal parts is not a common occurrence onsite, this incident serves as a timely reminder for people to be aware of their responsibilities when trading.

“We never like to hear of anyone having a negative experience on Trade Me. While we are clear in our banned and restricted list that these items cannot be listed, in light of this we have updated content on our site covering the sale of marine mammal parts – what is and is not allowed and if permits are required. We would hate to see anyone else caught unaware,” Mr Ryan says.

The Auckland based woman who purchased the baleen on Trade Me says she is calling her experience the “saga” of the whale baleen and is speaking out to make others aware of the permit requirements.

“It’s been a long and stressful drama for me. I’m incredibly grateful for all the help DOC gave me in this process as it’s taken up a lot of their time. They’ve been very supportive in helping me navigate this. I’m a little embarrassed by the whole thing, buying it without knowing about the required permit and I don’t want others to be in the same position. People need to be aware about the permits you need. If it’s a part from a marine mammal in New Zealand, don’t buy or sell anything until you know the rules,” she says.

Background information

Bones, teeth, or ambergris that have already separated naturally from a marine mammal do not require a Permit to possess. However, DOC asks that people submit some details about their find via the following webpage:

Marine mammal parts notification form

Within 2 weeks of submitting a form, the applicant will receive an exemption letter confirming that you do not need a permit to possess those parts.

Note that we do not consider it culturally appropriate to intentionally acquire such “natural finds” from the site of a stranding, unless you have consent from the relevant Treaty partners that hold appropriate rights. If you wish to carve naturally separated whale parts, this will trigger the requirement for a permit.

Permits or exemption letters to possess marine mammal items most commonly arise in situations where someone is planning to export or import such items across the New Zealand border. Without the appropriate permitting, such items may be seized at the border (either at the New Zealand border, or at an overseas border). Whale bone entering or exiting the country will likely require CITES paperwork (in addition to authorisation under the Marine Mammal Protection Act). Permissions do not administer CITES permitting; there is more information at The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Permits, or via email: cites@doc.govt.nz 

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders will soon benefit from strengthened Whānau Ora support services with a renewed focus on those in greatest need, Whānau Ora Minister Tama Potaka says.

Four new Whānau Ora commissioning agencies – Rangitāmiro, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, Te Tauraki (a subsidiary of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu), and the Cause Collective (operating as The Tātou Collective) – will begin commissioning services from providers starting 1 July.

Mr Potaka attended the launch event for Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira’s Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency at Hongoeka Marae in Plimmerton this morning.

“Today, we acknowledge and celebrate the success of Whānau Ora and the great legacy of the late Kahurangi (Dame) Tariana Turia, which will be carried forward by the new commissioning agencies from tomorrow.

“Since National helped launch Whānau Ora in 2010, the model has become a trusted foundation for whanau-centred services. It’s now time to further strengthen that foundation with a focused plan to better meet whānau needs as well as a more robust data framework to support ongoing improvement.

“National backed a bright future for Whānau Ora in last year’s Budget by providing a $179 million investment for this 2025/26 year and out years. Starting tomorrow, funding for the four new commissioning agencies will be clearly allocated to regions of greatest need based on the Census 2023 Deprivation Index.

“These Iwi and agencies know the needs of their communities and are eager to get started supporting whānau aspirations. They are committed to:

• Expanding the reach of Whānau Ora to engage with more whānau most in need;
• Strengthening the evidence that Whānau Ora delivers for whānau;
• Introducing a data driven approach to strategic and investment planning, with Investment Boards to better ensure input from local communities drives investment decisions;
• Having improved transparency for the use of public funding for delivery outcomes;
• Developing and investing in the navigator workforce to develop the capability and retention of navigator kaimahi working with whānau; and
• Increasing capacity for identifying whānau in high-risk situations, and the ability to support whānau through these times.

“All four commissioning agencies have networks in place to ensure service providers and navigators – local kaimahi employed to work with whānau to identify services and support required to meet their goals, are delivering services on the ground.

“We know Whānau Ora services can have long-term, life-changing impacts. More consistent data collection will allow us to better measure these impacts and in time provide the foundation for greater, more targeted and evidence-based investment.

“As a part of our changes, anonymous Whānau Ora data will be further linked to the Stats NZ Integrated Data Infrastructure database, providing key information on the benefits of Whānau Ora.

“This is consistent with the Government’s broader social investment approach, delivering better outcomes for all New Zealanders.”

Overview of each incoming Commissioning Agency:

• National Hauora Coalition, Te Tiratū and Ngaa Pou Hauora o Taamaki Makaurau Consortium operating as Rangitāmiro, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the North Island, down to Taupō (Region 1).
• Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the North Island, south of Taupō and east to Bay of Plenty and the East Coast (Region 2).
• Te Tauraki Limited, a subsidiary of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, which will commission Whānau Ora services in the South Island (Region 3).
• The Cause Collective, operating as The Tātou Collective, which will commission Whānau Ora services across Aotearoa focussed on delivery methodologies that can deliver for Pacific peoples (Region 4). 

Source: New Zealand Police

It was pricey night for one dangerous driver who dented his pride and joy and landed himself in court.

Police in Papakura observed a vehicle travelling at speed on Clevedon Road just before 11pm.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Matt Hoyes, says officers signalled for the vehicle to stop.

“The driver has initially pulled over on Broadway, however, as officers began talking to him about his speed, he has accelerated away along Elliot Street.”

Inspector Hoyes says staff then located the vehicle crashed into a light pole on the corner of Elliot Street and observed the driver fleeing on foot.

“Officer have quickly pursued him and taken him into custody without further incident.

“Unfortunately this man has ended up with a costly repair bill and a trip to court, which could have been prevented if he had made different decisions.”

A 27-year-old man will appear in Papakura District Court today charged with dangerous driving, failing to remain stopped and driving with excess breath alcohol.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are at the scene of a crash that has blocked Cambridge Road in Waipa district.

The crash involves a car and a truck, and was reported about 11.25am.

One person is reported to be injured.

Cambridge Road is closed between Storey Road and Cox Road and motorists should expect delays while traffic management is arranged.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  30 June 2025

The historic Slaty Creek Hut, in the Grey Valley, was originally built as a winter project in 1952 by deer cullers. The hut was built with timber milled with hand tools using logs from the beech forest surrounding the site. It’s now used by recreational hunters, trampers and climbers.

Slab huts are a surviving form of the slab houses which European settlers built in 19th century New Zealand to accommodate themselves in a practical and cost-effective way, using a material found readily in many areas – trees.

Before the introduction of water and steam powered sawmills, trees were dissembled by splitting, sawing or hewing, and it is these techniques that were carried on into the 20th century in building slab huts for deer cullers, musterers and gold fossickers in rural areas of New Zealand.

Because of the impermanence of wood due to rot, and that slab houses were only seen by settlers as temporary housing until something more permanent could be built when resources allowed, very few slab houses or buildings remain, making slab huts like Slaty Creek Hut a real link to the past. There are 12 slab huts on public conservation land in the South Island.

Because so few people still have the skills to hew timber from logs with hand tools, maintaining historic huts like Slaty Creek is becoming more difficult -which is why rangers spent time learning about the techniques.

The rangers spent a day breaking down beech logs and hewing these into hand shaped timber, which was used to replace boards and framing on Slaty Creek Hut. While the rangers were at Slaty Creek they also replaced the hearth of the fire, installed a new sub floor structure, dug drainage channels around the hut and gave it a good spruce up.

Ranger Casey Rhodes, who has been on the team restoring the hut says, “We went in six months ago and scoped it out and worked out which boards needed to be replaced and made a list, so we’re only replacing the minimum to try and keep as much heritage factor as we can”.

Mike Gillies, a Senior Heritage Advisor who is sharing his skills in these historic building methods, says it’s important to maintain traditions of how huts and structures were built.

“We could use modern methods and materials on the hut, but you pretty soon lose authenticity, whereas doing it using the same tools and techniques ensures that craft and those traditions stay alive. So the guys are using axes and draw knifes and wedges and mauls, the same way people have been building for hundreds of years.

“It’s the best feeling in the world, compared to a modern building site where there are lots of power tools and you are working with treated timber. It’s very quiet, all you can hear are the axes and adzes hewing. It’s a real privilege to be able to continue this tradition and this craft that’s been passed down for a really long time.”

Background information

Slaty Creek Hut is a backcountry hut and there is no formed track leading to it. Anyone wanting to visit should be experienced and well equipped, with suitable route finding and navigational skills.

The hut is on the Amuri Pass tramping route, an advanced multi-day trip which follows a historic route between the West Coast and Canterbury which was once used to move stock.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are advised that Police will hold a media stand-up for the opening of the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) Auckland Campus.

Location: RNZPC Auckland, Student Central Level 2, Massey University, East Precinct, Albany Expressway, North Shore.

Time: 8:30am

Date: Tuesday 1 July

Who: Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, Minister of Police Mark Mitchell and Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello.

This will be followed by the pōwhiri for Auckland Recruit Wing 390 and a tour of the RNZPC Auckland Campus.

We ask those media interested in attending to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz.

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  30 June 2025

Sia says, “Jobs for Nature projects have had a positive impact on the environment, restoring over 6000 ha of wetland, which has improved wildlife habitat, water quality and flood control capability, and have worked toward restoring six priority waterways, such as the Rangitata and Whanganui Rivers, among many other amazing results for our land, water, and species.”

“As the Department’s work with Jobs for Nature comes to an end this month, the programme has been successful for the thousands who’ve gained valuable experience and achieved great things for nature.”

Launched to turbo-boost nature-based employment through COVID-19, the $1.2 billion multi-agency programme employed people whose livelihoods were impacted through the pandemic, enabling them to stay local and support their families and communities.

This support also benefitted regional economies reliant on tourism. In South Westland for example, the Jobs for Nature programme redeployed tourism workers from 40 businesses, keeping essential skills vital for economic recovery in the community.

Sia says, “We estimate Jobs for Nature projects will return more than $1.97 billion in environmental, social and economic benefits over 30 years.

“Jobs for Nature has stood up a new generation of conservationists who have upskilled and trained in critical ranger skills including pest control, planting, and landscape restoration.”

When surveyed, 91 project partners identified as being whānau, hapū or iwi, and a further 63 said they have strong engagement with whānau, hapū or iwi.

“Jobs for Nature supported Māori to work in their communities, contribute directly to improving the health of the whenua.”

While government funding ends on 30 June 2025, there is an ongoing legacy, with just over 20 percent of projects (46) intending to develop businesses and continue their mahi.

“We’ve seen tangible benefits for iwi, communities and nature. It’s demonstrated that when we take action for nature, it can bounce back,” Sia says.

Background information

Jobs for Nature (JFN) was a $1.2 billion programme set up in response to COVID-19 to create both nature-based employment opportunities and enduring environmental benefits.

It ran from July 2020 to June 2025 and was administered by five government agencies. The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) allocated $485.3 million over 225 projects across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Over five years, since 2020, the programme has improved biodiversity, increased environmental protection and supported better access to nature for future generations:

• 8.4 million hours of conservation work was enabled, including more than 2.3 million hectares of pest control (animal and plant) and 5 million plantings.
• Targeted support was provided for threatened species and ecosystems, including the Threatened – Nationally Critical kākāriki karaka/orange-fronted parakeet.
• Restoration of six priority freshwater waterways was accelerated to protect and improve their biodiversity.
• Over 6,000 hectares of wetland was restored, improving wildlife habitat, water quality, flood control and more.
• Over 1,000 cultural heritage and recreational sites were maintained and improved, retaining our connection to nature and identity.
• Local resilience to climate change impacts was increased.

The programme also enabled iwi, hapū and whānau to realise their aspirations for the environment:

• 90 Māori collective entities received funding totalling nearly $135 million, allowing them to have a greater influence in local decision making and delivery.
• When surveyed, 91 project partners identified as being whānau, hapū or iwi, and a further 63 said they have strong engagement with whānau, hapū or iwi.
• 93 projects included work on Māori land, improving the whenua for the future.

*Data as at March, 2025.

Contact

Source: BNZ Statements

From the bathroom to the boardroom, New Zealanders are responding to notifications and messages in some pretty awkward places – and it reveals just how distracted and hurried we’ve become, a new survey from BNZ shows.

The nationwide study found that most New Zealanders have responded to an email, text or notification while doing something else, with 35% admitting they’ve done so in the bathroom, 41% in the middle of a face-to-face conversation, and 28% while in a meeting or webinar.

“And when we’re rushed or distracted like this, we make mistakes,” says BNZ Head of Fraud Operations, Margaret Miller.

Nearly a quarter (24%) confess to clicking through to a “great deal” without checking if the link was legitimate, while 19% have hit a link in a text before reading it properly.

“Scammers prey on the fact that when we’re rushed, distracted, or juggling multiple things we’re more likely to click first and think later,” Miller says.

The study found that New Zealanders are generally aware of when they’re most vulnerable, with 78% recognising that being distracted, rushed, multitasking, stressed or on autopilot makes them more likely to be scammed or make a mistake with online banking.

Yet scammers are still succeeding. According to the survey, while 61% of Kiwis spotted a scam in the past year and avoided it, 12% weren’t so lucky.

Strategic design to slow scams down

While individual vigilance remains the best defence and the banking sector continues to invest tens of millions in security each year, BNZ is also exploring a different approach through strategic design features that work with how people actually behave.

“While we all expect seamless digital experiences, we’ve learned that introducing small elements of friction at critical moments helps with focus and ultimately, keeps customers and their money safer,” says BNZ Head of Design, Donal Devlin.

“In practice, this means things like swapping button locations, adding brief pause notifications, or showing “pause and think” alerts to help customers stay focused when making higher risk transactions or actions in their accounts.

“It’s about finding the right balance between convenience and security – adding just enough of a moment to think when the stakes are highest.”

BNZ is also strengthening security in other ways, including being one of only two major banks to offer app-based authentication rather than text messages, which can be intercepted by scammers.

The bank has also introduced online banking lock, which gives customers the ability to quickly disable all online banking activity and lock access to their online banking if they suspect a scammer has gained access to their accounts.

It’s all about working with human nature, not against it, Miller says.

“We know people are busy, we know they multi-task, and we know they sometimes rush.

“So, while customers should remain vigilant, we’re also designing smart security features that give you a moment to double-check when it matters most.”

Tips for improving your digital safety and security

• Pause before clicking – especially if you’re doing something else at the same time
• Never click on links or attachments sent by someone you don’t know or that seem out of character for someone you do know
• Keep your computer and phone security software up to date
• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed

Red flags to watch for – BNZ will never:

• Email or text you links to online banking and ask you to log in
• Send you a text message with a link to a website, or link to call us
• Ask you for your PIN number or password
• Ask you to share the authentication codes sent to you by text or email, even with a BNZ staff member
• Ask you to transfer money to help catch a scammer or a bank employee who is scamming customers
• Send you a text message about account issues with a link to log in
• Ask you to download software to access your Internet Banking remotely
• Use international phone numbers to call or send you notifications

The BNZ Safe and Secure Survey was conducted by Insights HQ in May 2025, with sample sizes ranging from n=235 to n=478 depending on the question. Overall survey results were weighted to be nationally representative by age (15+ years), gender, and region based on Census 2020.

The post The awkward places NZers admit to using their devices – and why scammers love it appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

Source: New Zealand Police

A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Ōtāhuhu last night.

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

Detective Inspector Karen Bright, Counties Manukau CIB, says upon arrival, Police found a man in a critical condition.

He was transported to hospital, however he died of his injuries overnight.

“Police are continuing to gather information from the scene and enquiries into the exact circumstances surrounding what happened remain ongoing.

“We are also making enquiries to locate a person of interest.

“Those involved are believed to be known to each other and we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community.”

Detective Inspector Bright says a scene examination is under way at the address and there will be an increased Police presence in the area while the investigation continues.

“Our teams are working hard to identify and locate the person responsible and are asking anyone who saw what happened, who has not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch.”

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the file number 250629/6502 and quote ‘Operation Tell’.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org(link is external)

Further information will be provided when we are in a position to do so.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 30 June 2025
Last updated 30 June 2025

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We produce a range of publications, resources and reports for the tertiary sector to keep you abreast of important issues.
We produce a range of publications, resources and reports for the tertiary sector to keep you abreast of important issues.