Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council has received more than 2,250 submissions on the proposed Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement following public consultation in April and May this year.

The proposed Deed – between Auckland Council, Te Kawerau ā Maki, and the Department of Conservation – would set out a framework for working together to better protect and care for the Waitākere Ranges, recognising the enduring relationship tangata whenua have with the area and the responsibilities shared under the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.

Council staff have completed a preliminary assessment of public feedback and are now workshopping advice and options with elected members to help shape decisions on next steps. Overall, more submitters supported the proposed Deed elements than opposed them.

Ngā Mātārae Director Māori Outcomes, Nicholas Turoa, says the feedback received during the submissions process reflects strong public interest in the future of the Waitākere Ranges.

“We’ve heard a wide range of views – from strong support to a range of concerns – but the common positive thread is that people care deeply about the Waitākere Ranges. The proposed Deed is about improving how we work together for the good of the Ranges, while remaining consistent with our responsibilities under the Treaty and ensuring positive outcomes for the community as well as the Waitākere Ranges.”

The proposed Deed of Acknowledgement would include:

• A shared strategic plan for the Heritage Area

• Coordinated work programmes to deliver that plan

• Joint monitoring of outcomes

• A proposed joint committee including Auckland Council, Te Kawerau ā Maki, and the Department of Conservation.

Final decisions are expected in August 2025, following further engagement with partners and elected members.

A full report and analysis of submissions will be released publicly as part of the formal decision-making process.

Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

New Zealand’s residential uptake of rooftop solar is lower than many other countries. In order to shift the tide, the Government is making changes to:

• Expand the permitted voltage range from +/- 6% +/- 10% – this will help manage the changing flow of electricity sent back to the grid from rooftop solar, as well as growing levels of electric vehicle (EV) charging.
• Clarify that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing residential buildings.
• Require councils to process building consents for new homes with solar panels within 10 working days, down from the standard 20 working days.

Expanding the voltage range allows the Government to future-proof New Zealand’s electricity networks in a cost-effective way by avoiding passing on significant costs of network upgrades needed to accommodate rooftop solar and EV charging on to consumers. Modelling suggests that this could boost solar investment and overall generation by 507 GWh through increased solar connections.

Meanwhile, changes to the Building Act to exempt rooftop solar installation from needing building consent aim to ensure consistent decision-making across the country and remove barriers for homeowners interesting in adopting solar. The shortened building consent process for new homes with solar panels will support Kiwis to incorporate solar into their build plans and make the most of the benefits of rooftop solar. 

You can read the Ministers’ announcement here:

Supercharging residential solar power generation(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

Source: New Zealand Government

• The Government is expanding the permitted voltage range for electricity networks, so Kiwis with solar panels can send more power back to the grid.
• Changes are being made to clarify that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing buildings. 
• Councils will be required to process building consents for new homes with solar panels within 10 working days, down from the standard 20 working days.  

Common sense changes in the energy and building consent systems will drive greater residential solar uptake in New Zealand, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say. 

“New Zealand’s residential uptake of rooftop solar is lower than many other countries. This Government wants to change that so more Kiwis can generate, store, and send their own electricity back to the market. This will allow them to save on their power bills and contribute to a more secure electricity system,” Mr Watts says. 

“Rooftop solar will play a crucial role in supporting energy security and reducing emissions. But our networks need to be able to better support the growing flow of electricity from consumers, while also dealing with growing demand for more electric vehicle charging. 

“That’s why we are expanding the voltage range from +/- 6 percent to +/- 10 percent to manage the changing flow of electricity from rooftop solar and EV charging. This will future proof our electricity system and help electrify the economy.  

“Modelling suggests this change could boost solar investment and overall generation by a whopping 507 GWh through increased solar connections. This is great for the security of our energy supply.” 

Mr Penk says the building consent system can help accelerate the shift towards renewable energy.   

“We need the right incentives in place to make rooftop solar a realistic option for Kiwis. 

“The Government is focused on getting people into safe, affordable homes faster – and we want those homes to be sustainable and future-ready. 
 
“With the energy system preparing for a surge in residential solar, the consenting process needs to play its part to support the transition.  
 
“We are proposing changes to the Building Act, that will make it clear that a building consent is not needed to install rooftop solar panels on existing buildings.  

“Right now, decision-making is inconsistent between councils – creating unnecessary barriers for homeowners who want to take responsibility for their environmental impact and make sustainable choices. 
 
“As a further incentive, we are also proposing that Kiwis who choose to include solar panels in the design of new homes will have their entire building consent fast-tracked and processed in 10 working days instead of the standard 20 working days, saving Kiwis around $400 a day in time and consenting costs.” 
 
“Delivering the best outcomes for New Zealanders is incredibly important to Minister Penk and me. Expanding the voltage range could help avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure upgrade costs to accommodate rooftop solar and EV charging being passed on to Kiwi households,” Mr Watts says.

“Combined, these common-sense and cost-effective changes will boost the resilience of New Zealand’s electricity supply, make it easier and cheaper for Kiwis to build sustainable homes, and spur New Zealand’s residential solar market into the future.” 

Notes to editors:

• New Zealand appliance standards have aligned with international +/-10% voltage requirements since the 1980s, meaning compliant appliances should already operate safely within the new voltage range.
• Consumers using older devices that don’t meet New Zealand or international appliance standards may use a surge protector, but consistent high-end voltage delivery is unlikely.
• The expert modelling referred to in this release was prepared by grid connection specialists, ASNA. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The return of wool carpets to state homes has been welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson. 
State housing agency Kāinga Ora announced today that from next month, a new supplier agreement will deliver woollen carpets for the fit-out of new state homes. 
“The decision is great news for sheep farmers, and all the New Zealanders whose jobs and incomes are tied to the fortunes of our world-leading wool industry. 
“The Government wants wool producers to have more opportunities like this, which is why in March we issued a directive to 130 Government agencies requiring them to purchase woollen products for building construction and refurbishment, wherever practical and appropriate.
“Kāinga Ora’s new supplier agreement was made possible because the agency chose to re-open an initially nylon-only carpet tender and give wool a chance to compete.
“I’m told woollen carpet manufacturers responded very strongly to that opportunity and that the new carpet supply agreements come with no additional cost. 
“The message is clear: When wool was put back on the table it more than held its own, delivering value for taxpayers and a win for sheep farmers.
“This proves the value of the Government’s moves to give wool a fair shot in publicly funded procurement decisions. 
“We have directed that from 1 July all public entities must use woollen fibres, where practical and appropriate, in government buildings. The new policy, announced in April, directs agencies to identify opportunities to use woollen products, and to properly consider a range of factors in procurement including whole-of-life cost, sustainability and health benefits. 
“We’re leveraging government spending to back the wool industry and the New Zealand economy. I hope private businesses will follow our lead.”
Mark Patterson says the move continues to deliver on a New Zealand First and National Party coalition agreement to prefer the use of woollen fibres in government buildings.
“Woollen fibres create safer, healthier and more sustainable living environments for families. 
“We know farmers will share our enthusiasm about this announcement. It is another example of us doing our bit. The Government is determined to help lift the fortunes of the strong wool sector in supporting our sheep farmers” Mr Patterson says.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is delivering 32 more safe, warm and dry classrooms and a major school redevelopment for Kiwi kids living in the Central North Island.

“As communities continue to grow, we remain committed to future-proofing our education system so parents have certainty about where to send their child to school. We’re not only building more classrooms, but we are also building more opportunities for children to thrive.

“This package is about making sure our schools can keep up with the needs of their communities so more students have access to fit-for-purpose learning environments,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

It includes:

4 classrooms at Hamilton East School in Hamilton,
2 classrooms at Waipawa School in Hawke’s Bay,
3 classrooms at Maungatapu School in Tauranga,
2 classrooms at Te Kauwhata Primary School in Waikato, and
2 Classrooms at Kawerau South School in the Bay of Plenty.

Further to this, Taihape Area School will benefit from a major redevelopment, getting 19 new classrooms, including a hard technology classroom, and the multipurpose hall and gym space will be strengthened to improve its seismic performance. This project will meet the needs of the school, taking a standardised and value for money approach to address long-overdue seismic and weathertightness issues.

“The Taihape community has been loud and clear for almost a decade that their school property is not fit-for-purpose. Students and staff have been teaching and learning in sub-standard classrooms for too long. This investment will make sure children are set up for success in the classroom.”

“Construction on these projects will begin over the next 12 months, which means schools, families, and communities can start experiencing the benefits as soon as possible,” said Ms. Stanford.
“We are powering up efficiencies in school property delivery so more schools, communities and children benefit sooner. The use of standardised building designs, offsite manufacturing, and streamlining procurement have lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28%, allowing 30% more classrooms to be delivered last year compared to 2023. We will continue to drive this down so more Kiwi kids can thrive,” Ms Stanford says.

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Auckland’s Fairy Tree Trails the Field in National Voting

Auckland’s own Fairy Tree, nestled in the heart of the Domain, is currently languishing in last place in the 2025 New Zealand Tree of the Year competition—but there’s still time for a fairy-tale comeback.

The post Auckland’s Fairy Tree Trails the Field in National Voting first appeared on PR.co.nz.

Source: New Zealand Government

A successful programme to help Māori health providers lift childhood immunisation rates will be renewed, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The Immunising our Tamariki programme, originally launched in 2023 by Hon Dr Shane Reti, invested $50 million in Māori health providers to deliver targeted, community-based immunisation outreach. It aims to lift childhood immunisation rates for babies and children who may not be reached through traditional health channels such as GPs or pharmacies.”

“Since March 2024, the programme has delivered 41,719 scheduled childhood immunisations for children under 24 months, including 3,301 in May – the highest monthly total since it began,” Mr Brown says.

“In total, more than 132,000 vaccinations have been administered through the programme, with a record 18,555 given in April 2025 alone as part of preparations for winter – including influenza and other immunisations. It’s a clear example of how backing local health providers and frontline workers delivers better outcomes for the communities they know best.

“The Immunising our Tamariki programme focuses on reaching children and families who are yet to receive their immunisation through traditional pathways such as GP practices, particularly in communities with historically low immunisation rates.

“We know we need to significantly lift immunisation rates for Māori to meet the Government’s target of 95 per cent of children being fully immunised by 24 months of age. Targeted, localised outreach services are critical to achieving that goal. 

“About 40 per cent of people immunised through the programme are also non-Māori, reflecting the essential role that community providers play in delivering low-cost, trusted health services for all New Zealanders.”

As part of the programme’s renewal to 30 June 2026, Health New Zealand will implement several changes to maximise its impact:
 

• All funding will go directly to frontline service delivery and qualified immunisation staff.
• Newly commissioned services must include clinical capacity to vaccinate – such as authorised vaccinators and cold chain infrastructure – so new providers can begin immunising immediately.
• Support will continue for Māori health providers to build trust and momentum in communities with high-needs, building on the groundwork laid during the COVID-19 response.

“These improvements will help deliver tens of thousands more immunisations in the year ahead, while relieving pressure on GPs and hospitals.

“One of the most important things we can do to protect children and families is to stay up to date with immunisations. This programme is a smart, targeted way of doing just that,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Phase Two of the Police Mental Health Response Change Programme is set to be extended with implementation across a third and final group of districts from Monday.

This includes:

•        Health NZ districts: Northland, Taranaki, Whanganui, and MidCentral

•        Police districts: Northland, Central

•        Health NZ specific areas: Tokoroa and Taumarunui (Waikato), Taupō (Lakes), Wairoa (Hawke’s Bay), and Waitaki and Southern Lakes (Southern)

•        Police specific areas within districts: Taupo and Tokoroa (Bay of Plenty), Wairoa (Eastern), and Central Lakes and Waitaki (Southern)

Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says we remain committed to our joint efforts towards making sure people have access to the right help at the right time, which works best for them.

“Police have always, and will always, respond when there is an immediate risk to life or safety.  The change is about an increased health-led response, enabling our staff more time to get back into our communities do the work that only Police can.

Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says a range of mental health support is available for those who need it.

“This change is about ensuring people requiring mental health support receive the right care at the right time, while maintaining the safety and wellbeing of patients and our staff.

“I’d like to assure the public there is a range of services to help people in mental distress or those who are concerned about the mental health of whānau.

“If a person is in serious mental distress or crisis, support is available from their local crisis team. If it’s a life-threatening situation or someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, contact emergency services on 111.”

Karla added, “I’d like to acknowledge all our teams for their work to prepare for and implement these changes across the motu. It has been positive to hear from our districts that there are strong local partnerships between police and health to support Phase Two implementation, which has generally gone well.”

Notes to media:

Phase Two of the mental health response changes began on 14 April and have been implemented in stages.

Phase two changes include:

60-minute handover of detained persons in EDs – Police who have detained a person under section 109 of the Mental Health Act and transported them for an assessment, or are responding at the request of health staff for an assessment under section 41 or 110c, will remain in the ED for a maximum of one hour before departing – unless there is an immediate risk to life or safety.

Changes to mental health assessments in custody will ensure people in distress are assessed appropriately, preferably in a health setting. If someone is placed under the Mental Health Act while in a Police custody suite, they will need to be taken to a health facility within 30 minutes.

NZ Police and Health NZ districts are not the same (Police has 12, Health has 20), so there are some parts of a Police district which are not included in the comparable Health NZ district or vice versa.

Contact numbers for local crisis teams are available online at: info.health.nz/mental-health/crisis-assessment-teams

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Forestry, Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay, today announced at the Fieldays Forestry Hub, both inbound and outbound forestry trade missions with India this year, aimed at strengthening trade links, deepening industry ties, and unlocking greater value for both countries’ forestry and wood processing sectors.

“India is one of the fastest-growing markets for our forestry exports – and we’re focused on turning that growth into long-term opportunity for New Zealand exporters,” Mr McClay says.

New Zealand’s wood exports to India have surged from $9.5 million in 2023 to an estimated $76.5 million this year. Pulp exports have more than doubled, from $20 million to $45.6 million.

“Increased engagement with India is already delivering results. We’re now building on that momentum with a targeted sector focus — including hosting an Indian delegation in New Zealand and planning a Minister-led mission to India later this year.”

The inbound visit, supported by industry partners, will showcase New Zealand’s world-class forestry systems and sustainable management practices. While the outbound mission will continue to open doors for deeper commercial and government partnerships.

“Our relationship with India is a priority, and forestry is a key part of that. The goal is clear: to grow the market, remove barriers, and drive better returns back to New Zealand’s foresters and processors.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A controlled training exercise will be conducted in the Tangihua Ranges, Waiotira from Friday 13 through to Sunday 14 June.

The multi-agency exercise is being led by Police, with support from Land Search and Rescue and will simulate a land-based search and rescue scenario.

Police, along with other agency personnel, will be in the area during the course of the weekend.

Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe, who is leading the search exercise, says: “Training is part of a controlled, routine training exercise and is not an emergency event.

“These exercises enable Police and partner agencies to test our response and systems should an emergency ever arise and there is no immediate risk to the public.

“We will aim to cause as little disturbance as possible and hope people will understand the importance of us carrying out these types of exercises.”

ENDS.

Issued by Police Media Centre