Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has joined Australia, Canada, the UK and Norway in placing travel bans on two extremist Israeli politicians, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.

 The bans will prevent Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir from travelling to New Zealand.

 “Our action today is not against the Israeli people, who suffered immeasurably on October 7 and who have continued to suffer through Hamas’ ongoing refusal to release all hostages.  Nor is it designed to sanction the wider Israeli government.

 “Rather, the travel bans are targeted at two individuals who are using their leadership positions to actively undermine peace and security and remove prospects for a two-state solution.

 “New Zealand is a long-standing supporter of the two-state solution. Ministers Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have severely and deliberately undermined that by personally advocating for the annexation of Palestinian land and the expansion of illegal settlements, while inciting violence and forced displacement.

“New Zealand’s consistent and historic position has been that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are a violation of international law. Settlements and associated violence undermine the prospects for a viable two-state solution.”

 Today’s targeted sanctions are consistent with New Zealand’s approach to other foreign policy issues, Mr Peters says.

 “New Zealand has also targeted travel bans on politicians and military leaders advocating violence or undermining democracy in other countries in the past, including Russia, Belarus and Myanmar.”

 The international community is overwhelmingly in favour of a future Palestinian state as part of a negotiated two-state solution, Mr Peters says.

 “The crisis in Gaza has made returning to a meaningful political process all the more urgent. New Zealand will continue to advocate for an end to the current conflict and an urgent restart of the Middle East Peace Process.”

Source: New Zealand Government

6th Pacific-France Summit
Intervention by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters
Nice, France, Tuesday 10 June 2025
Thank you, President Macron, for convening this meeting today, the sixth Pacific-France Summit. We were privileged to have also been at the second Pacific-France Summit, during the Presidency of Jacques Chirac, in Paris in 2006. Many of the issues raised two decades ago have been raised again today. 
Our region faces unique threats to its security and stability. Humanitarian and environmental challenges and increasing geostrategic competition are bringing heightened complexity and risk. In this environment, it is important that we come together to share experiences and perspectives, and to find the best way forward as a region. 
Working alongside likeminded partners like France is important and we recognise France’s long-standing commitment to the Pacific and the contribution it makes to regional stability. This includes the unique role France plays supporting the economic development and security of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. 
We value working with France on humanitarian assistance and disaster response through the FRANZ mechanism, most recently used after the Vanuatu earthquake. We also welcome France joining New Zealand and Australia in supporting the Pacific Humanitarian Warehouse Programme, an important Pacific priority.   
It is important that partners’ engagement with our region advances our region’s priorities, is consistent with established regional practices, and supports Pacific institutions – including the Forum as the preeminent regional body. This is the best way to support regional stability in the Pacific. 
Over 60 percent of New Zealand’s development support goes toward Pacific priorities. This includes a pledge of NZ$20 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF). This initiative is a clear priority for Pacific leaders. We encourage France to support the PRF and our officials would be entirely happy to share our thinking. 
We welcome the important steps we, as a Forum, have taken this year to improve how our region engages with Forum Dialogue Partners. We hope these reforms, which will tier Partners according to their support for Pacific priorities, will be in place by the time leaders meet in Honiara, leading to even more productive exchanges with important partners such as France. 
As partners engage with our region, it is important that they do so in a manner that is transparent and supportive of good governance. Not all partners take this approach. Some ask Pacific partners not to publish agreements or avoid the Forum Secretariat when organising regional engagements.  
As we face external pushes into our region to coerce, cajole and constrain, we must stand together as a region – always remembering that we are strongest when we act collectively to confront security and strategic challenges.  
The Forum plays a critical role in helping us to form a cohesive approach, resolve differences, bolster regional development and security, and use our collective voice to hold bigger countries to account.  
We welcome France’s efforts to engage with the full Forum and Secretariat. Notwithstanding the longstanding Forum membership agreement that we engage as a complete group, not all partners have followed this model in recent meetings.  We encourage all to follow France’s example.  
Our ability to come together in our uniquely Pacific way is one of our greatest assets. We welcome France’s engagement with the Forum Secretariat to organise this important meeting today.
Thank you.
 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are responding to a crash involving several cars on the Southwestern motorway, Wesley, this evening.

The crash was reported to Police at 6.35pm.

There are no reports of any injuries, but the crash is causing significant traffic congestion.

Motorists are asked to take alternative routes where possible, or delay travel.

Motorists are also urged to watch their speed and following distances in the current wet weather.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing for information after an unattended kayak was found on Lake Te Anau late Tuesday afternoon (10 June).

The red and white kayak was located floating upside down, with paddle, a stainless-steel flask and some fishing tackle nearby.

Police hope the kayaker made it ashore and returned home without alerting anyone of their mishap.

Police urge anyone who recognises the kayak or has failed to return home from fishing on Lake Te Anau today to contact Police, quote event number P062824240.

ENDS

Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

This includes investing more than $19 million in international marketing across core and emerging tourism markets plus $8 million on attracting business and major events to New Zealand.

The Government is also investing $4 million towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor.

This is the first stage of the Tourism Growth Roadmap, which sets out steps the Government is taking to grow the value of tourism, which is currently New Zealand’s second largest export. As visitor numbers increase, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on the supply side of tourism to support this growth.

Funding comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

Find out more on the MBIE website:

Tourism Growth Roadmap

Read the Minister’s release:

More funding to grow international tourism(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are attending a fatal single vehicle crash in Northcote this evening.

The crash occurred just after 4.30pm, where a vehicle left Onewa Road and collided with a power pole on Seaview Avenue.

Despite medical assistance being provided at the scene, sadly we can confirm the sole occupant has died.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and carried out an examination.

Enquiries will be carried out on behalf of the Coroner.

ENDS

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to MEETINGS 2025.

First, I would like to acknowledge Mayor Wayne Brown attending MEETINGS 2025 today and a special acknowledgment to Ngāti Whatua Orakei for their pōwhiri and welcome. 

I would also like to recognise Tataki Auckland Unlimited and in particular the Auckland Convention Bureau for their dedication and hard work advocating for Auckland as a world-class visitor destination.

Last but not the least, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to some incredible individuals who make events like this possible, a huge thank you again to BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins and Board Chair Martin Snedden.

Your leadership across the business events in New Zealand and creating such vibrant and energetic gatherings like MEETINGS 2025 are truly appreciated and make a difference to New Zealand.

To our local and international buyers, exhibitors and media – thank you for making the journey from around the world to join us in Auckland. 

Events like MEETINGS are so important for bringing incredible opportunities to our regions, building valuable connections with our offshore markets and strengthening our business events sector.

There is no doubt that New Zealand’s business events industry is on the rise – and that’s thanks to the fantastic organisations and individuals like you in this room today. 

You are the driving force behind a growing pipeline of high-value deals across sectors. These opportunities are helping boost productivity, support local communities, and grow our regions.

Together, we are putting New Zealand as a top place to do business – and the conversations and connections you make over the next few days will help us even further.

Events like this are a powerful reminder of what it takes to deliver world-class experiences – whether its state-of-the-art venues, exceptional food and catering, smooth logistics, or engaging content. 

Beyond their direct economic benefits, business events connect us, foster new ideas and drive innovation across industries. I want to acknowledge the vital role you all play – not just as the professionals of tourism and hospitality, but as ambassadors of New Zealand.

Your commitment lay the foundation for successful events and help position our country as a world leader in the excellence we are known for.

Increasing tourism and creating a strong economy is a key focus for the next few years, and the economic contribution of the business events sector is a critical element to success. 

Business events punch well above their weight in attracting high-value international conferences to our regions and main centres throughout the year, and MEETINGS is a prime example of this. 

I hope you enjoy your Auckland experience and participate in the amazing visitor experience while you are here. 

As Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, I have two priorities for the portfolio. 

My first priority is to grow international tourism by both increasing the number of international visitors to New Zealand in the short term, and doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034.

My second priority is to grow the number of Kiwis in tourism and hospitality jobs which will further support our wider economic growth objectives.

Our business events sector plays a huge role in showcasing New Zealand as a progressive, entrepreneurial destination and will play a significant role in achieving our goal of doubling tourism exports. 

Business event participants spend an average of $175 more per day than other visitors, and importantly, often visit in the off-peak period between March and November, boosting tourism and economic activity year-round. This is exactly why we are making positive changes to support its growth.

In April, alongside the Minister of Health and the Minister for Regulation, I was thrilled to announce a change to the Medicines Act. The change will allow for medicines to be advertised that have not yet been consented by Medsafe at medical conferences in New Zealand. 

This shift removes a long-standing barrier and opens the door to hosting more international medical conferences and trade shows, unlocking an estimated $90 million in future revenue. 

On top of that, we’re continuously working to attract high-value incentive business to New Zealand. It’s all part of our effort to make our country a go-to place for significant business events.

As part of my Tourism Boost package, I provided $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to make an additional 15-20 bids for business events in 2026 and beyond through its existing Conference Assistance Programme. 

This investment has already supported Tourism New Zealand to win three bids valued at $7.5 million.

Our message is clear, New Zealand is open for business. We are looking forward to welcoming more business events and conferences to New Zealand and hosting them in our great facilities.

Tourism is our second largest export earner and a crucial component of our workforce, and we cannot understate the benefits it provides to our country.

We’re committed to continue growing the sector, which is why today, I am announcing the launch of the Tourism Growth Roadmap. The Roadmap follows my recent Tourism Boost package and is the second step towards doubling our tourism export value by 2034.

The final Roadmap has been carefully developed based on the conversations I have had with industry leaders since taking over the portfolio and reflects what I’ve heard is important to you. 

The first package of investment will continue to prioritise increasing international visitor volumes, with around 80 per cent of the investment going towards demand initiatives and 20 per cent towards supply initiatives.

I am also announcing a $35 million investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister and I announced $13.5 million in new funding to Tourism New Zealand to uplift marketing activity in our core markets of Australia, the United States and China. 

This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending and deliver an extra 72,000 international visitors to our shores.

These are big numbers, but this is only part of the full $35 million package we’re unveiling today.

I am also committing a further $6 million in new funding to uplift marketing activity in our emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia. 

We know that Tourism New Zealand does an important job of marketing our country internationally, acting as the primary influence for approximately 14 per cent of international holiday visitors. I expect these investments to result in almost $360 million in incremental visitor spend in the economy.

As I have been saying today, I see the business events sector as an incredibly valuable visitor market for supporting tourism growth.

That is why I’m thrilled to announce I am committing an additional $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to boost business events attraction for a further year. This reinforces the important role that all of you play, and I am excited to see the positive outcomes from this investment. 

I am also providing a $5 million boost for major events attraction. Major events drive economic benefits to New Zealand through international visitation and additional direct spend in the host region. 

To complement these demand initiatives, I am investing in specific regional tourism infrastructure projects. 

Last week, alongside Minister Potaka, I announced $4 million to improve visitor experiences along the Milford Road corridor. This investment is co-funded and will be delivered by the Department of Conservation.

As you all know, Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of our most iconic destinations and a huge drawcard for international visitors. This investment will support improved visitor experiences, infrastructure and reduced congestion. 

We have an enormous opportunity on our hands. 

Tourism has the potential to become our biggest export earner – we’ve done it before, and I believe we can do it again. It will take significant effort from us all, and the industry is united with shared purpose, aspirations, and enthusiasm.

Achieving this will require action on the supply-side and I have asked my officials to begin a review of our tourism system to support this. This includes looking at issues surrounding our workforce:

• data
• infrastructure
• funding
• our regions and communities
• aviation and cruise connectivity
• and the overall visitor experience that we offer.

We’re looking at what is working well and what do we need to change to ensure we are fit for the future.

The key to our success will be working together.

There is plenty of work to do and I am excited to continue working alongside the tourism and hospitality sector to build on the incredible foundations already in place. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, the next few days are packed with opportunities. 

New Zealand is open for business, and we welcome the opportunity to attract more business, exhibition and incentive travellers to New Zealand and grow our economy. Together, let’s maximise the value tourism brings to our beautiful country!

Thank you again.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“We’re investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Government’s plan to double the value of tourism,” Louise Upston says.
“International visitors bring billions of dollars into New Zealand, from big ticket spends to everyday purchases in local cafes and accommodation. 
“We want to welcome more visitors to New Zealand, and we want our regional communities to improve their capacity to look after those visitors.
“The Government must work with industry to unlock the full potential of our tourism sector, and the Roadmap lays out initiatives and investments to ensure our infrastructure, workforce and communities can support further growth.
“For the 2025/26 financial year, we’re investing $6 million in international marketing across emerging tourism markets, $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, and an additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund.
“These commitments follow the recent announcements of $13.5 million invested in international tourism marketing and $4 million of investment towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor.
“Recent tourism funding has been about boosting visitor numbers. As those higher numbers become established, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on supporting communities to look after them well,” Louise Upston says. 
This investment comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. This levy is charged to most international visitors, and ensures they are contributing to the public services, facilities and natural environment they will enjoy while in New Zealand.
More information can be found on the MBIE website.
Notes to editor: 
The Tourism Growth Roadmap is attached as a separate document.
New tourism investments for the 2025/26 financial year include:

$6 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in the emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia,
$3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, as part of Tourism New Zealand’s collaboration with Business Events Industry Aotearoa,
An additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund,
$13.5 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in core markets of Australia, the United States and China,
$4 million towards a wider package of work to improve visitor experiences and reduce congestion along the Milford Road corridor. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Real Police officers are warning Kiwis to be vigilant of cold callers posing as Police officers, as a pesky scam rears its head.

In the past year, Police have worked quickly to warn the public as these scam calls emerged.

Waitematā CIB’s acting Detective Senior Sergeant Ben Bergin says, “unsuspecting victims are essentially being called out of the blue under a ruse”.

“The story changes slightly, but it will usually involve some sort of investigation and this ‘officer’ will report having located a valuable item of yours, such as a passport.

“He will need your help or ask for your personal information. 

“The caller speaks with an English accent and provides a bogus ID number to the victim.”

If you receive a phone call such as this, Police advise the public to be extremely cautious.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bergin says previous iterations of this scam has involved scammers asking people to withdraw cash as part of ‘an investigation’ or handing over bank details.

Police made several arrests last year over the scam.

“We strongly advise that you hang up,” he says.

“From time-to-time, Police officers may contact you as part of their genuine duties.

“It can be a bit surprising to receive a call unexpectantly, so stop and think if you get a far-fetched story shared down the telephone line.”

In the past week, Police have received reports from Kiwis on both islands, including: Warkworth, Riverhead, Royal Oak, Ngaruawahia and in the Clutha and Queenstown-Lakes districts.

“Fortunately, at this stage we are not aware of any victims losing money,” acting Detective Senior Sergeant Bergin says.

“Those recipients have done the right thing and ended the call and reported it to the real Police.”

If you have received a similar call, please report this to Police online now or call 105.

Important advice from New Zealand Police:

– Police will never ask for your bank details, pin numbers or banking log in.
– Police do not offer prize money
– Police will never ask you to go to a bank and withdraw your own cash
– Stop and think: If the call seems off, hang up and call 105 to verify the officer’s identity, or request a callback.

ENDS. 

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Auckland Council

Auckland Council Libraries are leading the way lifting literacy across Tāmaki Makaurau with a stack of activities, support and smart technology.

With 56 local libraries across the Auckland region, a fleet of mobile libraries on the road and borrowing available online, Aucklanders have access to the largest public library network in Australasia.

Auckland Council Libraries carry a whopping 3.4 million items available to borrow or view for free. Anyone with a library card can access the collection, thanks to a network of specialist teams and technology constantly moving items around the region on request. 

Head of Library and Learning Services Catherine Leonard says customer demand for requests across the collection is strong, with between 12,000 to 15,000 items moving through the central book sorting system each day.

“On top of that, we’ve had an incredible 14 million items borrowed in total over 12 months and our visitor numbers have climbed to 6.75 million so far this financial year, which is well above our expectations,” Catherine says.

E-books continue to gain popularity with 5 million checkouts in 2024, which places Auckland Council Libraries in the top ten eLending libraries worldwide.

On top of the borrowing figures, Catherine says a key indicator that things are going well for regional library services is the customer feedback they receive. Over the past two years, customer satisfaction has consistently hit 90 per cent or higher and is currently sitting at 93 per cent.

To keep the momentum going, Auckland Council Libraries team has adopted a new three-year service plan (2025-2028), which includes key priorities to inspire creativity, learning and discovery.

This ensures our region-wide focus consistently supports those aspects of community wellbeing that libraries uniquely hold, says Catherine.

Every day, Auckland Council librarians support literacy by encouraging reading. They work hard to make sure everyone has access to the safe and inclusive environments of libraries and the wide array of resources they hold.

Other priorities include improving participation, championing Mātauranga Māori and celebrating cultural identity.

An innovative content-creation and publishing programme launched in 2000 has led to the creation of 20 bilingual books to fill a gap in the collection for Māori and Pacific readers, 16 documentary films, 10 podcasts and a range of other material including virtual reality content.

Catherine says demand for free digital equipment and library programmes continues to grow. All Aucklanders have unlimited access to public computers, internet, printing and Wi-Fi when visiting their local libraries.

For researchers, Auckland Central City Library contains a treasure trove of resources with one of the largest collections of heritage and research materials in the country. Access to rare and precious taonga (manuscripts, historical maps, photographs, rare books) can be easily arranged.

“Our staff are always looking for new ideas and developments in libraries to improve and engage new customers. Responding to feedback continues to be a priority for us, and the hugely-popular Bestie collection celebrating local authors is an example of this. We have just launched a new board game collection and plans for a Bestie collection for children are on track with the collection set to be launched towards the end of the year,” she adds.