Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is backing community housing providers to deliver more social homes for less cost, with the introduction of a new loan guarantee scheme.

The scheme will help give community housing providers – with whom the Government is delivering more than 2000 new social homes – better access to debt financing at a lower cost and on more flexible terms from banks.

“That means more access to capital to get building, and more roofs over Kiwis’ heads,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“The Government is dedicated to improving the way social housing is delivered. That means removing obstacles standing in the way of building homes, and inefficiencies that reduce the number built.”

Under the scheme, the Crown will guarantee 80 per cent of loans provided to eligible Community Housing Providers by participating banks.

“I want to acknowledge ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank and Westpac for working with the Government to turbocharge community housing growth through their enthusiastic participation in the scheme.”

Housing Minister Chris Bishop says because banks won’t need to hold as much capital to cover the loan’s debt, they can use the capital elsewhere.

“This initiative means banks can provide reduced interest rates to community housing providers. It may also allow banks to provide better lending terms. This will allow community housing providers to make decisions on their preferred financier based on the terms and pricing offered,” Mr Bishop says.

“This Government believes in social housing. We are working hard to deliver better housing to those who need support, including by assisting the community housing provider sector to expand and grow, with the government funding over 2000 new social homes in Budgets 2024 and 2025.

“Our ambition for the social housing system is for a level playing field between community housing providers and Kāinga Ora. The underlying ownership of a house – whether public or private – should be irrelevant. What matters is the provision of warm, dry homes to those who need them, along with social support if required.

“While Kainga Ora’s borrowing is done through the Crown, community housing providers currently access debt from the private market at higher rates and this has been identified by them as a real inhibitor to their growth.

“In March we signalled the Government was exploring new Crown lending facilities and a loan guarantee scheme to better support community housing providers.

“In September we established Crown lending facilities of up to $150 million for the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA), which has now achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global and issued their first $200m of social bonds. CHFA is already helping community housing providers achieve much lower costs of borrowing.

“Scheme supported loans are available until 30 June 2027, for a maximum of five years from the date of issue. Once the terms are agreed between the community housing provider and the bank, the scheme loan will act like any other loan with its own terms and conditions.

“The scheme can support up to $900 million in both new lending and the refinancing of up to 50 per cent of community housing providers’ existing lending. It can support up to $80 million in scheme loans for each community housing provider.

“The loan guarantee and the Government’s support for the Community Housing Funding Agency are short-term measures providing critical support while other changes are made to improve the system in the longer term, including simplifying the funding system.

“We know community housing providers are often the best placed to deliver housing solutions for people within their communities – and we’re backing them to get on with what they are good at.”

Notes to Editor: Community Housing Provider Loan Guarantee Scheme

Community Housing Providers (CHPs) may be eligible for a loan under the Scheme if:

• They are registered CHPs
• The loans are being used for social and affordable housing
• The loans are provided by a participating bank, and:
• They are not on the bank’s watchlist.

Banks will assess each CHP’s individual circumstances to determine whether its loans are eligible.

More information on the CHP Loan Guarantee Scheme is available here.

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A former commercial fisher, who illegally sold seaweed online, has been fined $50,000.

Seaweeds are critical to marine and coastal environments, providing habitats and food for a wide range of marine organisms. Any commercial harvest of seaweed is carefully managed through a permitting and reporting system. 

Ryan Campbell McManaway (36) was sentenced in his absence at the Invercargill District Court (26/9/2025) on 4 charges under the Fisheries Act, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries. He was also fined an additional $3,000 on 3 charges of failing to comply with a directive to attend an interview with a fishery officer.

In November 2022, fishery officers discovered an online post advertising liquid seaweed fertiliser in 1,000 litre containers for $500 or $20 for a 20-litre bucket. A search warrant of a property found 14 of these containers of liquid seaweed fertiliser. Analysis of the seaweed found it to be Macrocystis pyrifera which can be used for fertiliser and in some food products.

“Mr McManaway was not a commercial fisher at the time. He had no legitimate right to harvest and sell this seaweed as a fertiliser,” says Fisheries New Zealand regional manager (south), Garreth Jay.

During their investigation, fishery officers also found an industrial mincer with 6 implements that had seaweed on them along with various other pieces of seaweed at his property.

“Mr McManaway could’ve potentially earned several thousand dollars from this illegal operation. When we find evidence of people breaking the rules that are there to protect the sustainability of our fisheries resources and the livelihood of legitimate commercial operators, we will hold them to account,” says Garreth Jay.

People are encouraged to do their part in protecting our fisheries by reporting any suspicious fishing to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24) or poacher@mpi.govt.nz

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz 

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

Source: New Zealand Police

Media is invited to attend the Northland Law Enforcement Torch Run event to take photos and interview participants, including some of the local Special Olympics stars.

What: Law Enforcement Torch Run

Where: Meet at Whangārei Central Police station 9.45am then go to Whangārei Town Basin, 14 Quayside

When: Saturday 4 October 2025

Who: Northland District Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families and police

Police contact: Mark Harrison 021 1907 805

Special Olympics contact: Coen Lammers 021 730 239

Police will be part of something special: supporting Northland’s Special Olympics athletes to carry the Flame of Hope.

The first Law Enforcement Torch Run will happen on Saturday 4 October in Whangārei. It will start the countdown to the National Summer Special Olympics Games.

Known as Guardians of the Flame police members, along with Special Olympics athletes, will carry the Flame of Hope as it traverses the country to get local communities excited about the Games.

Athletes, supporters, Police and police dogs will assemble at Whangārei Central Police Station at 9.45am then head to the Whangārei Town Basin.

Police will assist athletes in carrying the torch over an identified route and back to the starting point.

The mayor will be on hand to greet the athletes as they complete the run.

“Lighting the Flame of Hope means that the games are just around the corner,” says Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey.

The New Zealand Law Enforcement Torch Run that starts in Northland on October 4 will travel all the way down to Southland, before it ends up in Christchurch in the week before the games start.

The countdown is on

The Special Olympics Games will be held at the new Wolfbrook Arena from Wednesday 10 until Sunday 14 of December.

Inspector Rupert Friend from New Zealand Police says, “We are proud to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run to help raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.

“The Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges. We held two plunges in Wellington and Christchurch this year where a total of $26,000 was raised for our New Zealand athletes.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a worldwide organisation and celebrated this year raising $1 billion to support the athletes of Special Olympics. We encourage all kiwis to come out and show their support at Torch Run events up and down the country from October to December leading up to the games.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Police

A Northland man who allegedly stole $600 worth of clothing from a Dargaville store came a cropper thanks to CCTV.

Police arrived at the Victoria Street store soon after being alerted to a theft at around 10.06am, on Monday, 22 September.

“A review of in-store CCTV provided Police with a clear picture of a person who’d made no attempt to pay for items of clothing he left the store with,” Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer says. 

“A short time later, Police located a vehicle of interest at a petrol station in Dargaville.” 

The driver was subsequently arrested and placed under arrest for shoplifting.

“He’d been identified on CCTV at the clothing store,” Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.  “Other items of clothing with the tags still on, a speaker and tool bag were also located inside the car.”

Police are investigating whether these items were stolen around the same time.

“It’s good to get such a quick result and really demonstrates the value of having CCTV installed,” Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer says.  “We encourage store-owners to consider such measures to protect their business and help identify offenders.”

A 34-year-old man will appear in Whangārei District Court this week on two charges of shoplifting. 

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Government

From today more Kiwi families can apply for more help with the cost of early childhood education (ECE) under the Government’s expanded FamilyBoost scheme.

Households are from today able to submit claims for their costs from July to September.

“The expansion of the scheme means more families are eligible for FamilyBoost, and the refunds are more generous,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“Now, households with combined incomes up to just under $230,000 are eligible – this was previously capped at $180,000.

“Meanwhile, the eligible households can now claim back 40 per cent of their ECE costs, up to a maximum of $300 a week. This was previously set at 25 per cent.”

Nicola Willis encouraged families with children in ECE to check their eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.

“It’s very easy to register and apply for FamilyBoost. Just head to the Inland Revenue website – ird.govt.nz/familyboost.”

“More than 68,000 households have already benefited from FamilyBoost, making life with a little one that much easier.

“The Government knows every little bit helps, and I encourage any family with children in ECE to check their eligibility and apply, so they have more money in their pockets, and can focus on the things that matter most.

Notes to editors:

The Income Tax (FamilyBoost) Amendment Act increased the proportion of ECE fees families can claim from 25 to 40 per cent.

Previously, an eligible household with fees of $100 a week could claim $25. Now, it’s $40 – an increase of $780 over the year. The amount they receive will depend on their household income.

FamilyBoost is paid on fees up to $300 a week so the maximum a family can now claim increases from $75 to $120 a week.

The Act also increased the household income limit for FamilyBoost from $180,000 a year to just under $230,000, making about another 21,000 households eligible for help with ECE costs.

Legislation supporting the changes – which expanded access to the scheme –passed into law at the end of September, with all parliamentary parties in favour except the Green Party.

For more information go to ird.govt.nz/familyboost.

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for ACC Scott Simpson has appointed Jan Dawson as Chair of the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Board.

“Jan Dawson is a highly respected leader with deep governance experience. Her appointment brings the kind of proven leadership that will be essential to ACC,” Mr Simpson says.

“In recent years, ACC has fallen short of the standard New Zealanders should expect. Turning this around will require strong leadership and a clear focus on outcomes. 

“The ACC scheme must return to its founding promise of putting clients first. The social contract underpinning the Scheme promised a fast and efficient return to work or independence for injured New Zealanders. Yet today, too many clients are languishing on the scheme, with poor rehabilitation outcomes leaving them worse off,” Mr Simpson says. 

“Jan brings exactly the kind of leadership needed to drive the turnaround of ACC. She has a proven record of guiding large organisations through periods of change and restoring trust, accountability, and performance.”

Ms Dawson has been a member of the ACC Board since June 2024. She is currently Chair of Port of Auckland, Chair of the Audit, Risk, and Sustainability Committee at Serko, and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at Mitre 10. Previously, she held both the Chair and Chief Executive positions at KPMG New Zealand, following a 30-year career in audit, consulting, and accounting services in the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand.

In 2024, Ms Dawson was named Deloitte Top 200 Chairperson of the Year.

“Jan’s governance experience and reputation for driving results will be invaluable. As Chair, Jan will oversee changes to get more New Zealanders rehabilitated and back to independence faster. I am confident in her ability to ensure better outcomes for clients,” Mr Simpson says.

Mr Simpson also acknowledged the service of interim ACC Board Chair David Hunt. 

“I want to thank David Hunt for his steady leadership. I’m pleased he will continue as a member of the Board,” Mr Simpson says.

Ms Dawson takes up her role with immediate effect.

“I will shortly be announcing my plans for a Turnaround of ACC. This will set a new direction to restore the Scheme to its founding promise – putting clients first and delivering the fast, efficient rehabilitation New Zealanders expect and deserve,” Mr Simpson says.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Most takahē chicks hatch between October and December, but we celebrate the hatch-day for every takahē on 1 October. This shared hatch-day helps us track the population consistently, with last season’s chicks being officially added to the tally when they turn one. Last year, this brought the population to an estimated total of 529 takahē.  

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A new approach 

This year, we’re going to do things a little differently when it comes to counting our flightless feathered friends. 

With more wild manu, fewer transmitters and greater natural dispersal, reporting an estimated population number has become more difficult, and less meaningful. Moving forward, the takahē population will be reported as an estimated range, similar to many other native species.

Making progress 

Since their rediscovery in 1948, takahē recovery efforts have focused on increasing population numbers to ensure the species’ survival. Now, after decades of dedicated mahi, the focus has broadened. Success is no longer measured solely by how many birds there are, but also by the genetic and physical health of the birds, and the ecosystems they call home.  

For many years, Fiordland’s Murchison Mountains were the only wild site for takahē. The total population there was revised annually as a single, estimated number. With 50,000 hectares to cover, tracking every wild takahē is never possible. Instead, we conduct extensive ground surveys to monitor a subset of birds, and that data is modelled to estimate the wild population. These surveys, once conducted twice a year, have become less frequent and now utilise novel, more efficient, methods and technologies.  

Making it count 

As well as the wild takahē estimates, the population numbers charted below include known takahē at 18 sanctuary sites across the country. These sites support our core breeding programme, which contributes to the wild populations, and ultimately our goal restoring takahē to their former natural ranges as a functioning element of natural ecosystems. 

Going wild 

The establishment of three new wild sites in Kahurangi and Whakatipu over the past seven years has brought exciting progress. One key change is that not every takahē is tracked anymore. While transmitters still provide valuable insights, it’s a sign of success that not every bird needs one. 

We’re also seeing increased natural dispersal – some takahē have roamed up to 40 km from their release sites. It’s wild to think that centuries after they were widespread across Aotearoa, people are again spotting takahē while camping or even playing a round of golf. 

The new population range 

Armed with 77 years of takahē recovery history, robust data, and new technology, our scientists and technical advisors are currently calculating the first estimated population range for takahē. We hope to share it with you soon, and when we do, it will mark another milestone in the long journey to restore this once-thought-extinct taonga. 

We achieve our mahi together with our Treaty partner Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and national partner Fulton Hogan. 

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

1 October 2025

After the call for nominations in July, three existing board members have been reappointed to the New Zealand Mining Board of Examiners.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are responding to a sudden death on Mount Taranaki.

One person was reported missing in the area on 30 September at 1pm, and sadly, was found deceased just after 5pm. 

The public can expect a visible Police presence in the area today and possibly tomorrow as Land Search and Rescue work to retrieve the body.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

As State Highway 2 recovery work nears completion in and around Devil’s Elbow, a stretch of the road will close overnight later this year for culvert (large pipe) repairs.

As State Highway 2 recovery work nears completion in and around Devil’s Elbow, a stretch of the road will close overnight later this year for culvert (large pipe) repairs.

The work will be carried out nightly, over a 3-week period, from Sunday 16 November to Friday 5 December, on SH2 between Waikoau Hill and Aropaoanui Road at Tangoio.

The road will be closed in both directions during that time from 9pm to 5am Sunday to Thursday nights (five nights each week, reopening 5am Friday). The road will remain open Friday and Saturday nights.

There will be no viable detours, and people are asked to plan their journeys around the closures.

Emergency vehicles will be assisted through the closure as required.

There will be road closure signs at Tutira Store north of the closure and at Whirinaki. Vehicles, including HPMV, will be able to turnaround at the closure points at Pan Pac Whirinaki (Napier side) and Mitchell Road (Wairoa side). 

The work

During the closure period, work will be carried out to replace approximately 10 culverts and repair others to help better manage stormwater runoff.

Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) is carrying out the work, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

TREC project manager Richard Bayley says the culverts were damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle.

“Keeping water away from the road is one of the most important ways we can boost the resilience of our state highway network. These new and repaired culverts will do that.

“Full closures are required because crews and machinery will be working across both lanes of the road to complete resilience works and rebuilds. The narrow nature of this section of highway means traffic can’t safely travel around these worksites. By doing this work at night, we can minimise the disruption as much as possible.

The final push on SH2

As crews get ready to install and repair culverts, other work continues on SH2. Nightworks will be underway on Devil’s Elbow from 12 October for 3 weeks to repair culvert inlets and will be down to one lane in the sections we’re working on – expect a delay of 5-10 minutes.

Other work includes:

• Continuing to build the 12m high MSE (mechanically stabilized earth) wall at Devil’s Corner – Project I
• Repairing 2 underslips at Lake Tūtira underway until November
• Repairing an underslip and drainage at White Pine Bush from mid-October until late November
• Clearing culverts at Waikare Gorge until mid-October 
• Resealing at Waikoau Hill and White Pine Bush

In addition to this work, crews will also use the upcoming closures in November and December to deliver road rebuilds at Sandy Creek, Tangoio Falls and Te Ngarue. The existing road surface and underlying road structure (pavement) will be removed and replaced with new materials.

 “The end is in sight; it’s been a long time coming and we truly do appreciate the support we’ve received over the years from all road users and local communities. This is the final push towards a more resilient and ultimately safer journey for all,” says Mr Bayley.

“Our crews will return in January (between 18 and 30 January), once the culvert repairs have settled, to rebuild the entire stretch of SH2 through Devil’s Elbow. Asphalting this area will be the final piece of the puzzle, providing a smoother road for travellers and a more resilient road too,” says Mr Bayley.

More information on the January closures will be communicated closer to the time.

This work is contingent on the weather. Contingency nights are Sunday 7 December to Thursday 11 December (5 nights), 9pm to 5am each night for the November-December works.

The contingency nights for the January closures are Sunday 1 February to Wednesday 4 February (4 nights), 9pm to 5am each night.