Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

More than 9,500 additional procedures have now been delivered as part of the Government’s elective boost, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“This is what putting patients first looks like. We are focused on increasing delivery of elective treatments – across both public and private hospitals – to reduce wait times for Kiwis needing procedures like hip replacements or cataract surgery,” Mr Brown says.

Through this initiative, Health New Zealand is partnering with private hospitals to expand surgical capacity across the country. The plan aims to deliver over 10,579 additional elective procedures by the end of June – a target now well within reach, with 9,696 procedures completed by the week ending 11 May. Of those, 8,631 were delivered through outsourcing.

Common procedures being delivered include:
 

• Hip and knee replacements
• Cataract surgeries
• Hernia repairs
• Tonsillectomies
• Ear operations

Mr Brown says the programme is targeting those who’ve faced the longest delays, with almost 60 per cent of patients having waited over four months for their surgery.

“Our goal is clear – 95 per cent of patients receiving elective treatment within four months by 2030. This is a key health target, and we’re getting on with the job of delivering it.

“We are investing a record $30 billion annually in health, with a strong focus on boosting frontline services, reducing waiting times, and ensuring better outcomes for patients.

“By unlocking capacity across the entire health system, we’re delivering faster treatment and shorter wait times – and that’s exactly what Kiwis deserve,” Mr Brown says. 

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand’s aquaculture sector has experienced double-digit growth in export revenue over the past year, sending a clear signal that more is to come from the enormously promising sector, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

The forecast export results were released today as part of the latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries (SOPI).

Aquaculture products are projected to bring in $650 million in export revenue for the year to 30 June 2025, up 13 percent on last year.

The increase has been driven by increased production of high-value products such as mussels and salmon.

“This is a sector with potential for massive growth over the next decade, supported by the hard work and innovation of thousands of New Zealanders who bring our sustainable products to the world,” Mr Jones says.

“The Coalition Government is super-charging the industry, with a goal of growing the aquaculture industry to $3 billion in annual revenue by 2035. 

“Growing our aquaculture industry will have huge benefits for the economic prosperity of New Zealand, with the potential to create thousands of jobs in the regions and contribute substantially to achieving a doubling exports over the next 10 years.

“These results show we are making great progress on the path identified in the New Zealand Aquaculture Development Plan I announced earlier this year. I expect to see even more substantial growth in coming years as the plan progresses,” Mr Jones says.

“We are removing unnecessary barriers for industry by extending marine consents, giving marine farmers the certainty they need to invest in their operations, including open-ocean aquaculture products in the Fast-track Approvals Act.

‘Innovation is another important factor in this growth. Government has invested $11.72m in a project to boost open-ocean aquaculture around the country.”

Exports for the seafood sector as a whole is forecast to rise 2 percent to $2.2 billion for the year to 30 June 2025, with a slight decrease in volume exported being offset by the highest per kilogram price for New Zealand seafood on record. 

“Demand for our seafood across a diverse range of international markets has meant that our seafood sector has performed strongly despite trade uncertainties over the year.

The SOPI is published on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

Source: New Zealand Government

A key milestone in the push for a more connected digital economy has been reached, with over one million businesses now registered with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says. 
 
“The NZBN is a simple idea with a big impact. It gives each business a unique identifier that makes it easier to work with government, other businesses and suppliers – saving time, cutting duplication and reducing admin. 
 
“The NZBN creates a single, trusted source of business data that government agencies can access in real time. Other businesses and individuals can also look up an NZBN to confirm the legitimacy of the company they’re dealing with. 
 
“The milestone includes nearly 200,000 sole traders and unincorporated businesses, which aren’t legally required to register but are choosing to. That shows they see real, practical value in it – especially smaller operators who may not have large digital systems and need tools that help them get on with the job. 
 
“Today’s achievement reflects a broader trend: businesses are increasingly embracing digital solutions that streamline operations and lift productivity. 
 
“Since its launch in 2016, the NZBN has become a cornerstone of New Zealand’s digital infrastructure, supporting everything from invoicing and procurement to compliance and emergency response. 
 
“As more businesses sign up and keep their information up to date, the NZBN becomes increasingly valuable – enabling smoother digital transactions and smarter use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. 
 
“With improved data sharing between agencies, government can also deliver faster, more tailored services for businesses. 
 
“This Government is committed to backing businesses and driving economic growth. Modernisation like this is key to helping Kiwi businesses thrive and compete globally. If you haven’t registered for a New Zealand Business Number yet, now is the time.”

Notes to editors: 

• The NZBN application is included in the process for registering with the Companies Office. Other businesses self-employed (Sole Trader), Partnerships or Trust have the option of applying for an NZBN.
• For more information and to sign up for an NZBN you can visit: https://www.nzbn.govt.nz/get-an-nzbn/applying-for-an-nzbn/ 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  12 June 2025

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has approved filming on Malte Brun Pass near the Tasman Glacier and near the Hochstetter Icefall on the eastern side of Aoraki/Mount Cook, which will ‘double’ as Everest base camp and the famous Hillary Step on the world’s highest peak.

“These sites have been used for filming Everest-related documentaries and films before,” says DOC Ranger Ray Bellringer.

“All filming activities are subject to strict environmental conditions to ensure the protection of the natural landscape. DOC staff will be onsite daily to monitor compliance. This is an incredibly special place and it’s our role to protect it,” he says.

Bellringer also noted the long-standing relationship between New Zealand and Nepal through the Himalayan Trust, and the involvement of Nepalese students in conservation and education programs, including through Lincoln University’s Parks and Recreation degree. Since 1953 around 70 Nepalese including many from the Sherpa community have come to Lincoln for study in nature-based tourism and community conservation.

“Sir Edmund Hillary dedicated much of his life after 1953 to supporting Nepalese communities,” Bellringer added. “It is fitting that this project recognises the life and contributions of Tenzing Norgay, and we are proud to provide a setting that supports this storytelling. It’s an iconic setting for an incredible story.”

Filming in New Zealand is scheduled to begin next month. The production, which has already completed scenes in Kathmandu, Nepal, will feature Tom Hiddleston as Sir Edmund Hillary, Genden Phuntsok as Tenzing Norgay, and Willem Dafoe as English expedition leader John Hunt.

The production is expected to bring a significant economic boost to the local area with a large production crew and cast staying in the village and surrounding area.

Set construction and logistical preparations are currently underway. DOC staff will continue to work closely with the production team to ensure minimal environmental impact. Ray Bellringer says he happy Tenzing Norgay’s story is getting recognition.

“We’re pleased to support this movie project and help showcase it to the world. For Aoraki and the staff here to play a small part in helping to make that happen is special,” he says.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive visit to Italy, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. 

Mr Peters and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met in Rome overnight and confirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship that New Zealand and Italy share.   

“New Zealand and Italy are long-standing partners,” Mr Peters says. “We have agreed to work more closely together, in order to expand strategic and trade and economic relations.

“We work closely in Antarctica and have shared interests in supporting the rules-based international order and multilateral system, including cooperation on human rights and UN reform,” Mr Peters says. 

Mr Peters signed an arts, science and sport arrangement with Minister Tajani, which supports cooperation between New Zealand and Italy in these areas. 

While in Rome, Mr Peters also met:

• a range of Italian businesses with investment and commercial interests in New Zealand; and
• Elizabeth Dibble, the Director-General of the Multinational Forces and Observers (MFO), the international peace monitoring organisation in the Sinai which New Zealand has supported since its inception in 1982. 

Mr Peters now travels to Jakarta, to attend the annual Indonesia-New Zealand Joint Ministerial Commission meeting.

Source: New Zealand Police

Missing US aviation student, William Henry Johnson, has been located and Police have confirmed they have no concern for his welfare.

24-year-old Johnson was reported missing by his family on 9 June, after not contacting them for several days.

Enquiries by Police have enabled them to make contact and confirm he is now safe and with his family.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

A person has died after their vehicle rolled on Bowicks Road, Cust this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the crash at about 1.25pm.

One person died at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination.

Police would like to thank the emergency response teams who assisted at the scene.

ENDS

Source: Green Party

A new report, ‘Outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori and their whānau in the oranga tamariki system 2023/24,’ has confirmed that Oranga Tamariki is severely failing our most vulnerable Māori youth. 

“The Government is setting our tamariki up to fail by throwing them into a system that harms instead of helps our kids who are most in need,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Children, Kahurangi Carter.

“Our tamariki and rangatahi deserve to be loved, nurtured and safe in whānau and communities that have what they need to support their wellbeing. 

“Today’s report confirms that tamariki and rangatahi Māori are significantly over-represented in the Oranga Tamariki system and significantly under-supported. Māori youth make up two-thirds of those in state care, and make up almost 50 per cent of reports of concern made to Oranga Tamariki.

“We cannot continue to repeat history and pave the way for another Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. We cannot let the Government give up on our most vulnerable kids by repeating cycles that have been continuing for generations.

“Minister Chhour has deliberately undermined Oranga Tamariki by scrapping 7AA and cutting $120m of funding for services contracted to support vulnerable youth. This resulted in Kōkiri Marae, a marae which runs education, health and social services in Pito-one, losing $1.5 million of funding overnight. This is unacceptable.

“A Green Government would create a system that centres tamariki Māori in all levels of government, with dedicated structures that ensure accountability to them. We will uphold the tino rangatiratanga of every tamaiti by centring whakapapa and te ao Māori, with whānau and hapū leading decisions affecting tamariki and rangatahi.

“The oranga of our tamariki and rangatahi must be at the heart of decision-making. It really is as simple as that,” says Kahurangi Carter.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Other key outcomes of the report are:

• Māori who have been in care are far more likely to face mental health issues and housing instability as adults. 
• Intergenerational cycles persist, with 70% of Māori parents who were in care now having children involved with OT.
• Despite some efforts, the below barriers persist:
  • High thresholds mean many reports of concern result in no action.
  • Whānau-led processes like Family Group Conferences are under-resourced and poorly implemented.
  • Early support is often missed, increasing the risk of deeper system involvement.
  • Funding decisions have undermined trust and reduced effective services, particularly for iwi and kaupapa Māori providers.
• There is insufficient prioritisation across agencies and siloed approaches worsening outcomes.

Source: NZCTU

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges has taken the pay equity fight to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conference in Geneva, Switzerland. The ILO is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice by setting international labour standards.

“I spoke about the recent pay equity changes at the ILO to highlight that Christopher Luxon’s Government has abandoned what was world-leading pay equity legislation,” said Ansell-Bridges.

“It was important to inform the 187 member states that despite not being signalled in the last election, reforms to severely undermine the legislation were passed under urgency without any consultation with workers or their unions.

“Overnight this world-leading system was gutted and what remained in its place is a series of roadblocks, impossible thresholds and obstacle courses masquerading as pay equity.

“180,000 workers, mostly women, many of whom are some of the most vulnerable and lowest paid workers in New Zealand, had their claims cancelled and years of work thrown away.

“Our response to massive undervaluation of pay in female-dominated industries must be how do we fix this, not how do we shirk these costs, having benefited so long from underpaying women.

“We could once be proud on the world stage for making progress towards correcting this blatant sexism – it is shameful that we now have a government that has such low regard for the right to be free from gender discrimination.

“I assured the conference that the union movement in Aotearoa New Zealand will continue to push for a genuine pay equity system and will not rest until women’s work is properly valued and workers everywhere are paid equitably regardless of their gender,” said Ansell-Bridges.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who was found deceased after a house fire in Trentham, Upper Hutt on Tuesday [10 June] morning.

He was 69 year old, John Louis.

Police extends our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.

The cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre