Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on political parties to adopt their new policy to lower energy bills and protect manufacturing by bringing the electricity gentailers back into public ownership.

The plan would involve government using the dividends from its shares in the gentailers to purchase the remaining shares until it reaches full public ownership.

“Aotearoa needs an electricity system that produces affordable renewable energy to support a thriving economy and lower household living costs,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“The partial privatisation of our electricity system has prevented growth in our generation capacity. A state of manufactured scarcity has delivered rising energy bills for households and businesses and huge dividends to gentailer shareholders.

“Many workers are making difficult decisions about what to sacrifice so that they can keep the heating on. We are also seeing worksites across the country closing due to rising energy bills.

“Treating the electricity market as a source of profit has led to us this point. We must instead treat the market as a public utility that serves the interests of working people,” said Wagstaff.

“We need to fundamentally change our approach to delivering electricity. Electricity supply and demand should be managed as an economic development and industrial policy problem – not a revenue maximising concern for shareholders,” said NZCTU Economist and Policy Director Craig Renney.

“The NZCTU proposes that government should use its dividends to progressively bring the gentailers back into full public ownership. It should also use its power as a major shareholder to direct the gentailers to support the wider economy and network resiliency. Bringing on new generation and delivering the green energy transition need to be priorities.

“If we don’t tackle this problem, New Zealand will continue to deindustrialise at pace, meaning the loss of good jobs and incomes for many workers. New Zealanders will also face ever rising electricity bills, deepening the cost-of-living crisis.

“The choice now rests with political parties. They need to deliver bold change to lift our economic performance and make energy more affordable. The alternative is to continue with a system that is driving deindustrialisation and energy poverty,” said Renney.

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Acting Detective Sergeant Richard How:

Prompt action by Palmerston North Police led to the arrest of a brazen daylight robber in the central city.

Police responded to a report of a chase and robbery occurring in Downtown Plaza around 1pm yesterday.

A person had been robbed of jewellery that they were wearing, under the threat of violence.

Officers used reports and CCTV to locate the suspected robber.

A man was arrested an hour later without incident.

The stolen jewellery was recovered, in a vehicle nearby, and returned to the victim.

A 29-year-old man is to appear in the Palmerston North District Court on 2 October on a charge of non aggravated robbery.

Acting Detective Sergeant Richard How says, “The victim in this matter was understandably shaken but was not injured. It is great to get such a quick arrest for them and members of the public”.

“Police want to remind people that their safety is our priority. Anyone that creates danger in the community will be held to account,” he says.

Remember, if you see any unlawful activity, call 111 if its happening now, and 105 if it’s after the fact.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

The newly deployed Henderson Beat Team has hit the ground running in its first few weeks, with 17 arrests already under their belts.

Senior Sergeant Greg Wilson, Waitematā West Area Communities Manager, says since hitting the streets earlier this month, the team have made an immediate impact.

“While getting to know their new area and connecting with the people of Henderson, this team has sent a clear message,” he says.

“We will be holding anyone who engages in offending of any kind to account.”

Last week, in one example of sharp instincts and teamwork, a male wearing a backpack and acting suspiciously in a local car park caught the team’s attention.

“After a brief game of cat and mouse, during which this male attempted to make a getaway, he was swiftly arrested,” Senior Sergeant Wilson says.

“This man was wanted for multiple theft and dishonestly offences and was breaching his bail conditions.”

A search of his backpack uncovered a stash of tools commonly used to break and enter premises.

“Further enquiries revealed he had allegedly broken into a nearby security office, stealing several items, including a staff members mountain bike,” Senior Sergeant Wilson says.

A 41-year-old man appeared in the Waitakere District Court charged with burglary, obtains by deception, possess instruments for burglary, possess utensils and breaching bail. His bail was opposed.

During the weekend, the team made a further four arrests for shoplifting around the Henderson Town Centre.

“In two separate incidents four people were held to account after helping themselves to items from different stores,” he says.

“On both occasions officers were nearby and able to respond quickly.”

Senior Sergeant Wilson says he is pleased by how much of an impact the team has made.

“Their proactive approach and instincts are already paying off and making a big difference in the community.”

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Patients in Wellington, the Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay, and Wairarapa are benefiting from faster treatment and shorter waits, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“Healthcare performance in the Central region is improving steadily. Our focus remains on putting patients first and making sure more people get access to timely, quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says. 

These quarterly results mark the first annual milestone toward our 2030 targets. Key improvements in the Central region from April to June include: 

Faster cancer treatment: 86% of cancer patients starting treatment within 31 days, with Wairarapa up 6.4 percentage points and Hutt Valley up 4.9 from the previous quarter.
Childhood immunisations: 83.9% of children fully immunised by age two, with Wairarapa up 1.8 percentage points and Hutt Valley up 7.5 from the previous quarter.
Shorter stays in emergency departments: 65.3% of patients admitted, transferred, or discharged from emergency departments within six hours, with Whanganui up 1.6 percentage points, Hawke’s Bay up 1.9, MidCentral up 3.2, Wairarapa up 16.2, Hutt Valley up 7.2, and Capital and Coast up 4.4 from the same time last year, despite increased attendances. 

Progress is also being made in reducing waitlists for elective procedures and first specialist assessments (FSAs). 

“In the last quarter alone, thousands more patients across the Central region received the care they needed – from hip and knee replacements to cardiology and cataract surgeries, Mr Brown says. 

The latest figures show that in several districts, more patients are being seen within four months for FSAs and elective procedures compared to the previous quarter: 

“These improvements mean people are getting back to work and everyday life faster. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible,” Mr Brown says. 

“While progress is being made, too many people are still waiting too long. Our focus is on continuing to reduce waitlists so more patients get the care they need. 

“Backed by a record $30 billion annual investment into health, our Government is rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable for performance, and driving better outcomes.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

Patients across Canterbury, Otago, Southland, Nelson Marlborough, and the West Coast are seeing faster access to care, the latest health results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“Healthcare performance in the South Island is turning a corner. Our focus remains on putting patients first and making sure more people get access to timely, quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says. 

These quarterly results mark the first annual milestone toward our 2030 targets. Key improvements in the South Island from April to June include: 

Faster cancer treatment: 83.7% of cancer patients starting treatment within 31 days, with Nelson Marlborough up 4.9 percentage points, West Coast up 8, and Southern up 1.5 from the previous quarter.
Childhood immunisations: 87.4% of children fully immunised by age two, with West Coast up 4.6 percentage points and Southern up 1.6 from the previous quarter.
Shorter stays in emergency departments: 78.9% of patients admitted, transferred, or discharged from emergency departments within six hours, with Canterbury up 8 percentage points and West Coast up 17.7 from the same time last year, despite increased attendances. 

Waitlists for elective procedures and first specialist assessments (FSAs) are also improving. 

“In the last quarter alone, thousands more South Islanders received the care they needed – from hip and knee replacements to cardiology and cataract surgeries,” Mr Brown says. 

The latest figures show that in several districts, more patients are being seen within four months for FSAs and elective procedures compared to the previous quarter: 

“These improvements mean more patients getting back to work, returning to everyday activities, and regaining their quality of life. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible. 

“While progress is being made, too many people are still waiting too long. Our focus is on continuing to reduce waitlists, so more patients get the care they need. 

“Backed by a record $30 billion annual investment into health, our Government is rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable for performance, and driving better outcomes.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are seeking the public’s help to identify the men pictured in these images.

We believe they may be able to assist us with our enquiries into a serious assault on Onehunga Mall Road, Onehunga on 7 July  at about 1am.

If this is you, or you know who these men are, please update us online now or call 105.

Please use the reference number 250714/2979.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Communities in Gisborne, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Lakes, and Taranaki are seeing shorter waits and faster treatment, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“Healthcare performance in the Midland region is turning a corner. We are continuing to put patients first to ensure more patients can access timely, quality care close to home,” Mr Brown says. 

These quarterly results mark the first annual milestone toward our 2030 targets. Key improvements in the Midland region from April to June include: 

Faster cancer treatment: 92.4% of cancer patients starting treatment within 31 days, with Waikato up 12.6 percentage points and Bay of Plenty up 5.1 from the previous quarter.
Childhood immunisations: 75.1% of children fully immunised by age two, with Waikato up 3.8 percentage points, Lakes up 1.3, Bay of Plenty up 7.7, Taranaki up 2.2, and Gisborne up 6.4 from the previous quarter.
Shorter stays in emergency departments: 76.8% of patients admitted, transferred, or discharged from emergency departments within six hours, with Waikato up 6.3 percentage points, Lakes up 1.4, Bay of Plenty up 5.7, and Taranaki up 5.9 from the same time last year, despite increased attendances. 

Waitlists for elective procedures and first specialist assessments (FSAs) are also improving. 

“In the last quarter alone, thousands more patients across the North Island received hip and knee replacements, cardiology appointments, and cataract surgery,” Mr Brown says. 

The latest figures show that in several districts, more patients are being seen within four months for FSAs and elective procedures compared to the previous quarter: 

“These results mean more people are returning to their daily lives sooner. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible. 

“While progress is being made, too many people are still waiting too long. Our focus is on continuing to reduce waitlists so more patients get the care they need. 

“Backed by a record $30 billion annual investment into health, our Government is rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable for performance, and driving better outcomes.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

Patients across Northland and Auckland are benefiting from shorter waits and faster access to care, the latest health target results show, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“Healthcare performance in the Northern region is improving steadily. We are putting patients first and ensuring Aucklanders and Northlanders can access timely, quality healthcare when they need it,” Mr Brown says. 

These quarterly results mark the first annual milestone toward our 2030 targets. Key improvements in the Northern region from April to June include: 

• Faster cancer treatment: 85.1% of patients started treatment within 31 days, with Northland up 4.6 percentage points and Waitematā up 3.2 from the previous quarter.
• Childhood immunisations: 82.2% of children fully immunised by age two, with Waitematā up 4.2 percentage points, Auckland up 2.9, and Counties Manukau up 4.8 from the previous quarter.
• Shorter stays in emergency departments: 72.5% of patients were admitted, transferred, or discharged within six hours, with Northland up 1.7 percentage points and Waitematā up 2.7 from the same time last year, despite increased attendances.

Progress is also being made in reducing waitlists for elective procedures and first specialist assessments (FSAs). 

“In the last quarter alone, thousands more patients across Auckland and Northland received the care they needed – from hip and knee replacements to cardiology and cataract surgeries,” Mr Brown says. 

The latest figures show that in several districts, more patients are being seen within four months for FSAs and elective procedures compared to the previous quarter: 

“These improvements mean more patients getting back to work, returning to everyday activities, and regaining their quality of life. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible,” Mr Brown says. 

“Too many people are still waiting too long for care. We will keep working to reduce wait times and make sure more Aucklanders and Northlanders get the treatment they need, faster. 

“Backed by a record $30 billion annual investment into health, our Government is rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable for performance, and driving better outcomes.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

Shorter waits, faster treatment, and more timely access to care are benefiting patients across New Zealand, with the latest quarterly results for April to June showing clear improvements, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“After years of decline, healthcare is improving steadily under this Government. We are putting patients first and refocusing our health system to ensure all New Zealanders can access timely, quality healthcare when they need it, but we know there is also still more work to do,” Mr Brown says. 

These quarterly results mark the first annual milestone toward our 2030 targets. Key improvements from April to June include: 

• Faster cancer treatment: 86.3 per cent of patients started treatment within 31 days, up from 83.5% last year, supported by the Government’s $604m Pharmac boost delivering 33 new cancer medicines.
• Childhood immunisations: 82 per cent of children fully immunised by age two, up from 76.5 per cent last year – the largest annual gain across all targets.
• Shorter stays in emergency departments: 73.9 per cent of patients admitted, treated or discharged within six hours, up from 71.2 per cent last year, despite increased attendances – meaning our doctors and nurses are delivering more care than ever and still getting patients seen faster.  
• Shorter waits for elective treatment and first specialist assessments (FSAs): Patients waiting less than four months increased by 6.6 percentage points for elective treatment and 3.8 for FSAs – the largest quarterly improvements across all health targets.  

“Our Government’s Elective Boost added more than 16,000 procedures, including hips, knees, and cataracts, from February to June through partnering with the private sector, helping to reduce waiting times for elective treatments. FSAs were delivered at 104 per cent of plan to June, meaning more patients are being seen than planned.”

Mr Brown says the latest figures show encouraging progress in ensuring more patients receive their FSA and elective procedure within four months. 

• In Whanganui, patients waiting less than four months for an FSA increased by 18 percentage points compared to the last quarter, with Bay of Plenty up 10.1 and South Canterbury up 4.6.
• In West Coast, patients waiting less than four months for elective procedures increased by 17.9 percentage points compared to the last quarter, with Whanganui up 12.2, Wairarapa up 11.5, Hutt Valley up 11.5, Gisborne up 11.4, Northland up 11.1, Lakes up 10.9, Waitematā up 10.6, Taranaki up 10.4, South Canterbury up 6.1, and Nelson Marlborough up 6.1.  

“These gains mean more patients are being seen sooner, receiving faster diagnoses, better outcomes, and timely access to the surgery they need. 

“The latest results show the health system is turning a corner after the sharp decline that followed the removal of health targets by the previous government. We thank our doctors, nurses, and other frontline staff whose daily commitment makes this improvement possible.

“Waitlists are falling, cancer patients are being treated faster with more medicines available, and more children are being protected from preventable disease. Every improvement means more Kiwis getting back to work, returning to everyday life, and regaining their quality of life.

“There is still more work to do. Too many people are still waiting too long, and we will not stop until every New Zealander has timely access to care. With a record $30 billion annual investment, we are rebuilding the system around patients, holding it accountable, and driving better outcomes.” 

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  30 September 2025 Source:  Department of Conservation and Ministry for Primary Industries

The public are being encouraged to have their say on protections in place to preserve the nationally important Kaikōura coastal and marine area.

“The Kaikōura coast and marine area is a significant marine ecosystem that supports important reef species like blue cod and pāua, and a globally recognised hotspot for marine mammals including whales, dolphins and fur seals, alongside native seabirds and fish species,” says Siobhan Quayle, Director Regulatory Systems Performance, Department of Conservation.

In 2014, the Kaikōura (Te Tai o Marokura) Marine Management Act was put in place, establishing protections for the area between Clarence Point and Gore Bay, with the goal of managing the coast and marine life sustainably.

“The Kaikōura Marine Management Act established a marine reserve, marine mammal sanctuaries, and customary fishing areas, and put in place the Kaikōura Marine Guardians as an official advisory committee for Ministers and government agencies on the coastal and marine environment of the area.”

The Department of Conservation and Fisheries New Zealand is now seeking public feedback as part of a review of the performance of the Act over the past ten years, and how successful the measures it put in place have been at protecting the unique environment at Kaikōura.

“Protecting New Zealand’s marine environment relies on everyone playing their part. Providing feedback is a way people can tell us what’s working and what could be improved for marine protection in the Kaikōura area,” Siobhan says.

The measures included in the consultation are:

• The Kaikōura Marine Guardians
• Hikurangi Marine Reserve
• Te Rohe o te Whānau Puha Whale Sanctuary
• Ōhau New Zealand Fur Seal Sanctuary
• Customary Management Measures:
  • Mangamaunu Mātaitai
  • Oaro Mātaitai
  • Te Waha o te Marangai Mātaitai
  • Te Taumanu o Te Waka a Māui Taiāpure
  • Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure

“It’s important we get feedback from a wide range of people, including tangata whenua, recreational fishers, tourism operators, and the local community,” says Emma Taylor, Director Fisheries Management, Fisheries New Zealand.

“Your submission will be used in a report for the Ministers of Conservation and Oceans and Fisheries, which will inform their decisions on whether changes are needed for the Kaikōura coastal and marine area, and if so, what changes are made.”

The consultation begins on 30 September and will be open until 5 pm on 28 October 2025.

For more information, and to make a submission, go to: Kaikōura marine review.

Contact