Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has instigated an independent review of New Zealand’s monetary policy response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says the purpose of the review is to identify any lessons New Zealand could learn to improve the monetary policy response to future major events.

“An independent review means the conclusions found can be objective and constructive.

“The Reserve Bank of New Zealand took unprecedented action in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This included reducing the Official Cash Rate to 0.25 per cent, and the use of additional monetary policy tools, including a Large Scale Asset Purchase (LSAP) programme.

“These actions helped to preserve jobs and keep businesses afloat, but the indirect impacts included decades-high inflation, and losses of about $10.3 billion on the LSAP programme and a significant spike in asset values with house prices increasing 30 per cent in one year.

“The purpose of the review is to learn from experience. It will focus on decisions by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), and analysis provided by the Reserve Bank to support those decisions. This includes MPC decision making and communication, the use of additional monetary policy tools, and the coordination of monetary and fiscal policy.”

Monetary policy experts Athanasios Orphanides and David Archer have been appointed to conduct the independent review.

Dr Orphanides is a former governor of the Central Bank of Cyprus and member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank, and a professor of the Practice of Global Economics and Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

Mr Archer is a former Reserve Bank assistant governor and former head of the Central Banking Studies Unit at the Bank for International Settlements. 

The review is expected to be completed in August 2026 and publicly released in September 2026.

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction is underway to expand and upgrade Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“This redevelopment is a practical, front-line investment that will make a real difference for patients and staff, helping to reduce wait times while improving safety, privacy, and the overall flow of care,” Mr Brown says.

The $14.455 million project is part of the Government’s $100 million hospital infrastructure programme funded through Budget 2025, accelerating improvements across health facilities nationwide.

“The upgrade will increase emergency department capacity by around 40 percent, delivering 15 additional points of care, a new mental health assessment room, and redesigned spaces that support better patient flow, privacy, and safety.

“Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department was built 25 years ago, and demand now far exceeds what it was designed for. This redevelopment will deliver a modern, efficient, patient-centred environment that is better equipped to respond to growing demand and seasonal pressures, including winter.”

Palmerston North Hospital’s emergency department is the central hub for emergency care across the MidCentral district, supporting Whanganui Hospital, Dannevirke Community Hospital, and Horowhenua Health Centre.

“This investment strengthens the wider regional network and helps ensure people across region can access timely emergency care close to home.”

Mr Brown says the Government’s $100 million investment programme is delivering 21 local projects across the country to expand and upgrade clinical spaces, strengthen essential infrastructure, and reduce the risk of disruption to critical health services.

“Our Government is focused on practical improvements that strengthen hospital services and put patients at the centre, with targeted upgrades that lift capacity where it is needed most, including here at Palmerston North Hospital.”

The emergency department will remain open throughout the redevelopment, which is expected to be completed in June 2026.

“This work is being carried out while keeping services running, ensuring patients can continue to access care as we build the capacity Palmerston North needs for the future,” Mr Brown says.

Source: Auckland Council

One of Auckland’s most loved and historic waterbodies is getting a much-needed helping hand.

This week, Auckland Council’s Environmental Services and Healthy Waters and Flood Resilience teams will carry out a major pest fish removal operation at Te Wai Ōrea / Western Springs Lake, an important step toward improving water quality and protecting native freshwater species.

Western Springs is no ordinary lake. Known to mana whenua as Te Wai Ōrea, it is the original water source for Auckland and has long been a place of cultural, ecological and community significance. While the city has grown beyond relying on the springs for drinking water, the lake remains a treasured green space and an important freshwater ecosystem.

Over time, however, pest fish such as koi carp and brown bullhead catfish have taken a toll. These species feed by rooting around in the lakebed, stirring up sediment and nutrients that cloud the water and fuel algal blooms.

Matthew Bloxham, Auckland Council’s Senior Regional Advisor Freshwater says koi carp are well known for their negative effects on water quality.

“When left uncontrolled, their feeding disturbs lakebed sediments and harms freshwater habitats. Reducing pest fish numbers is a proven way to help lakes recover.”

Catfish add further pressure by preying on native fish and kōura (freshwater crayfish), and by competing with native species for food.

Western Springs is also home to a regionally significant tuna (eel) fishery, with three species of eel present. Because of this, there is a proposal to declare the lake an eel sanctuary, making protection of the ecosystem even more important.

“This is about looking after taonga species and restoring balance,” says Bloxham. 

“Cleaner water supports healthier eel populations and stronger native biodiversity overall and reduces the botulism risk.”

The operation will be led by a specialist team from the University of Waikato, using New Zealand’s only electrofishing boat of its kind. The technique uses a pulsed electrical current to temporarily stun fish, allowing pest species to be safely collected while native species, including eels, are returned unharmed.

“Electrofishing allows us to capture all sizes and species with minimal harm,” says Associate Professor Nick Ling from the University of Waikato.

“Unlike nets or traps, it’s highly effective while still being safe for native fish, which recover quickly and can be released back into the lake.”

Pest fish removed during the operation will be humanely euthanised and taken off-site to be turned into compost.

The work is scheduled for the week of 9–13 February. Water levels will be temporarily lowered from Sunday to improve the effectiveness of the operation, and parts of the lakebed, particularly at the western end, will be visible during this time.

Cultural monitoring will be carried out throughout the week by mana whenua (Te Ahiwaru).

Councillor Richard Hills says the project reflects a long-term commitment to protecting one of Auckland’s most iconic natural spaces.

“Western Springs is a place many Aucklanders have grown up with,” he says.

“This work shows we’re serious about restoring the lake, supporting native species, and doing the right thing for future generations. It’s good environmental stewardship and it’s the right thing to do.”

With no upstream source for reinvasion, ongoing management and community care, such as not releasing unwanted pet fish, gives Te Wai Ōrea a strong chance to remain a healthy, largely native freshwater ecosystem into the future.

Source: New Zealand Government

Thousands more plumbing and drainage products already used widely in Australia can now be accessed easily by Kiwi tradies and do-it-yourself homeowners.  
 
“The Government is focused on fixing the basics and building a better future for New Zealand, and that means making it easier and more affordable to deliver the homes and public buildings that will ease house prices and lift living standards,” Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.  
 
“It’s great to see the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) recognise a second tranche of overseas building products certified under the reputable Australian WaterMark scheme, issuing 54 recognition notices that cover around 38,274 products. 

“A first round in October made it easier to bring more than 90,000 WaterMark-approved products onto the market, including tapware, water service products, and sanitary and stormwater drainage products. 

“While these materials are already tried and tested in Australia and familiar to many tradies in New Zealand, Kiwi builders and designers previously had to individually demonstrate that each product met Building Code requirements when applying for consent to use it. 

“By amending the Building Act through the Overseas Building Products Amendment Bill, MBIE can now recognise building products already certified under overseas schemes in comparable countries in the tens of thousands, rather than one at a time.
 
“The granting of these recognition notices means Building Consent Authorities must accept the products as compliant, reducing unnecessary red tape, costs, and delays while allowing a more diverse range of materials to be used. 

“Supply chain shocks and shortages choke building productivity. Better access and greater choice provide industry with more resilience and increases market competition to put downwards pressure on prices for tradies and homeowners. 

“As MBIE continues to review overseas building products under the new law, tradies and homeowners can expect even better access to essential materials, including plasterboard, cladding, windows, and doors.”

Notes to editor:  

• “Recognition notice” is the official term for approval of an overseas building product or standard by MBIE. 
• Notices are not a blanket approval for all WaterMark certificates. Only products that have a valid, up‑to‑date certificate listed on a current notice can be used as meeting the required standards. 
• Recognition notices are now publicly available at www.building.govt.nz, along with a diagram showing how these overseas standards fit within New Zealand’s building regulatory framework. 

Source: Privacy Commissioner

This policy outlines the commitment of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) to equal employment opportunity, diversity and inclusion and to eliminating the barriers that cause or perpetuate inequalities in employment.

OPC aims to provide equal employment opportunities to make the most of the talents of all our people and attract top talent to the organisation. This policy applies to all OPC employees, including those on secondment to us.

Policy Statement

OPC is committed to upholding its responsibilities as an Equal Employment Opportunities employer and creating a workplace that attracts, retains and values a diverse workforce. 

2.2.    To achieve this OPC seeks to:  

a)    provide equal opportunities for recruitment, retention, development, and promotion of all its current and prospective employees, regardless of gender, sex, marital status, religious/ethical belief, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, or sexual orientation

b)    develop and maintain a workplace culture that values and supports diversity and inclusion

c)    ensure that it provides a safe, supportive, and healthy environment for all employees that is conducive to quality service delivery

d)    provide a workplace that welcomes, respects, and includes rainbow and takatāpui communities 

e)    identify and seek to eliminate all aspects of policies and procedures or other institutional barriers that cause or perpetuate inequality in respect of the employment of any person or group of persons

f)    ensure all staff appointments are made solely on the basis of merit, and that all promotions, advancements, salary reviews and professional/career development opportunities are based solely on merit

g)    seek to improve employment opportunities for groups who are traditionally under-represented in either occupational groups or levels of seniority, in particular women, Māori and Pacific people

h)    not tolerate any form of unfair discrimination in the workplace on any ground, including gender, sex, marital status, religious/ethical belief, ethnic or national origins, disability, age, political opinion, employment status, family status, or sexual orientation

i)    promote equal employment opportunities as an integral part of OPC workplace policies and practices

j)    monitor, review and evaluate progress towards achieving equal employment opportunities. This includes assessing and, if required, reducing identified gaps at all levels of the organisation.

Responsibilities 

General Manager	Framework development, implementation and compliance monitoring. Progression against OPC’s Kia Toipoto and DEI Action Plans.Supporting and training for OPC leaders and teams.
Managers	Creating an environment that promotes EEO/diversity. Understanding their obligations under applicable legislation and processes and ensuring compliance.Ensuring that all practices and procedures that apply to the staff for whom they are responsible are consistent with this policy.
All employees	Accountability for themselves and their activities to act in accordance with our EEO principles and OPC values.

References

Relevant Legislation

Persons/ Areas affected	All OPC employees and secondees
Contact	General Manager
Approval authority	Senior Leadership Team
Last review date	February 2026

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  11 February 2026

Pets are not permitted in New Zealand’s national parks or on DOC land where dogs are prohibited – even if the hounds are inside vehicles – and owners could face a $400 infringement fee.

DOC Principal Investigations Officer Marlous Heijs says staff at Aoraki/Mount Cook are seeing more canines in cars because they’re monitoring vehicles during the paid parking pilot running at Whitehorse Hill.

Staff have issued seven infringement notices in less than two months.

“We know this is an issue right around the country, but over the past couple of months our staff have seen it first hand at Aoraki, where they’ve spoken to people and gathered information and evidence,” she says.

“Some of the photos are quite classic. The dogs are clearly enjoying hanging out the windows and taking in the mountain air – but the issue of dogs in national parks is serious.”

“The rules are there to protect our precious native species. Dogs are loveable and popular pets, but they can have a massive impact on protected birds, plants and animals – and any pet can make a mistake and attack wildlife, defecate or dig something up,” she says.

A report compiled and released by DOC’s National Compliance Team in October 2025 revealed 75 recorded incidents of dogs attacking, killing, or harassing wildlife between 9 September 2020 and 12 August 2025.

“People sometimes plead ignorance of the rules or try and argue their pets staying in the vehicle don’t present an issue, but we’ve seen dogs being let out to have a run around and to toilet,” Marlous says.

“There is also an animal welfare issue, given how long it takes to drive to Aoraki and the amount of time people spend there,” she says.

Last December the SPCA issued a media release asking people to be more aware over summer about the risk of leaving their pets in cars during the hot December/January months.

SPCA receives hundreds of calls every summer about dogs left in hot cars – a preventable and heartbreaking welfare issue.

“You wouldn’t leave a child in a hot car,” says SPCA CEO Todd Westwood. “Please do the same for your furry family members.”

Todd says SPCA is reminding the public even on mild days, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly. On a 21°C day, a car parked in the shade with windows down can still reach more than 31°C in just 10 minutes, and more than 40°C in 30 minutes.

“Dogs cannot cool themselves effectively in enclosed spaces. Panting alone is not enough. Parking in the shade or lowering windows does little to reduce the risk.”

Marlous says she’s surprised at what some pet owners do and it’s not just dogs. People have brought in cats and even goats into various national parks around the country wanting to walk the tracks.

She says it’s a pet owners’ responsibility to do research before taking pets onto public conservation land.

Roads running through some national parks in New Zealand are administered by Waka Kotahi/NZTA and as public roads, you are permitted to drive through them with a pet in your car. Aoraki/Mount Cook is not one of them.

“Many of the roads within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park are administered by DOC and are known as a ‘park road’. This includes most of the roads within Mount Cook Village and the road to White Horse Hill Carpark where many short walks start. These roads are part of the National Park therefore the same rules apply (no dogs in vehicles). These are all well signposted, and there is plenty of information online about where you can (and can’t) take your dog.”

Marlous Heijs says the clear message for everyone is pet owners have a key role to play in looking after nature.

“Our message is ‘leave your dog at home if you’re going naturing in a national park’. There are plenty of other places to go with your dog, but this isn’t one of them.”

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

Defence Minister Judith Collins departs today for Germany to attend the international Munich Security Conference. 

“In a turbulent and unpredictable world, the Munich Security Conference is an important opportunity to debate key security issues that impact New Zealand,” Ms Collins says.

“This year the conference brings together global decision-makers and military leaders from more than 100 countries, working to bolster cooperation, collective security and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.”

During the three-day conference Ms Collins will hold bilateral meetings with a number of New Zealand’s long-standing defence partners, including the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Defence, John Healey, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte.

She will also speak at a session focused on the interconnected nature of security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.

“I look forward to sharing New Zealand’s perspectives on a range of international issues, particularly the interconnected security challenges facing both of our regions such as Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and escalating strategic competition. 

“As a small nation reliant on trade at the bottom of the southwest Pacific, we must take every opportunity to sit at the table and advocate for our interests and values.”

Ms Collins will return to New Zealand on 16 February.

Source: New Zealand Government

Around 98 per cent of potholes on state highways are now being fixed within 24 hours of being identified each month, showing the Government’s drive to fix the basics on New Zealand’s roads is paying off, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Lifting productivity to help rebuild our economy and build New Zealand’s future remains a major focus for this Government, and accelerating pothole repairs and preventative work is essential to maintaining a safe, reliable state highway network that underpins that growth.

“When New Zealanders made it clear they were frustrated with unprecedented numbers of potholes appearing across the country, we introduced new requirements for NZTA contractors: 95 per cent of potholes on main state highways and 85 per cent on regional state highways must be repaired within 24 hours of discovery.

“To get on top of the issue, we created a dedicated $3.9 billion Pothole Prevention Activity Class over three years, specifically for resealing, rehabilitation, and drainage maintenance. This ensures the funding is used solely for preventing potholes. With roughly $2 billion allocated to state highways, NZTA has been delivering an extensive programme of work, including consistently high volumes of road rehabilitation, a process that rebuilds full road sections rather than relying on resealing alone.

“Over the summer, the Government’s Pothole Prevention Fund is supporting 290 lane kilometres of rehabilitation work, similar to the substantial amount completed last year. Keeping rehabilitation levels this high will significantly reduce the likelihood of potholes forming.

“The improvements are clear. Since the targets came into effect, NZTA has consistently met them each month, supported by smarter repair techniques that make temporary fixes last longer until permanent work can be completed, instead of relying on simple cold-mix patches,” Mr Bishop says.

“Meeting these targets month after month shows how far we’ve come in addressing the pothole problem. New Zealanders can now travel more safely and smoothly, with fewer delays and hazards on the road.

“If you spot a pothole on the state highway network, please report it straight away by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49). With everyone’s help, potholes can be found and repaired as quickly as possible.”

Notes to Editor: 

• Due to reporting reconciliation, total pothole figures since July 2024 have been updated in the last quarter.
• NZTA has delivered on the Government’s 24 hour pothole repair targets each month since they were introduced, exceeding the targets set in July 2024.
• Potholes tend to be formed in wet conditions, which is why there are a higher number requiring repair in winter months.
• The Pothole Prevention Activity Class includes $2 billion of funding for State Highway Pothole Prevention over three years, and $1.9 billion for local road Pothole Prevention over three years.
• The summer maintenance programme began in October 2025 and will be completed by March 2026.

Month	Total Potholes Repaired	% Repaired Within 24 Hours
Jul-24	7112	95%
Aug-24	6360	98%
Sep-24	5122	98%
Oct-24	4850	98%
Nov-24	3234	99%
Dec-24	1758	97%
Jan-25	1840	98%
Feb-25	1157	97%
Mar-25	1449	98%
Apr-25	2648	99%
May-25	3877	98%
Jun-25	5250	99%
Jul-25	7041	98%
Aug-25	4697	98%
Sep-25	4882	97%
Oct-25	4691	98%
Nov-25	2445	98%
Dec-25	1711	98%

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has welcomed the official opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the country’s largest conference, exhibition and entertainment venue, describing it as a significant milestone.

“Today’s grand opening of this multi-purpose convention space is a game changer for New Zealand’s capacity to host world‑class events,” Louise Upston says.

“The opportunities this venue creates for New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality sector are enormous, whether it be hosting large international conferences, national ceremonies or local events.

“The NZICC strengthens our ability to attract major conventions and events, showcasing the very best of New Zealand to the world. With capacity for more than 4,000 attendees, the NZICC is an incredible space designed not only for business, but for a wide range of cultural events and activities.

“This is a huge moment for New Zealand, helping attract more international visitors to our shores and giving a significant boost to our economy.”

Located in the heart of Auckland, the NZICC has been designed to support large‑scale conventions and events, incorporating state‑of‑the‑art technology, flexible meeting spaces, and sustainable design features intended to serve both domestic and global audiences.

To date, more than 120 events have been confirmed for 2026, including two of Australasia’s largest association conferences – The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO).

“The strong pipeline of events NZICC already has confirmed means more job opportunities for our people in the tourism and hospitality sector,” Louise Upston says.

“I can’t wait to see the first conferences and concerts filling these spaces, putting New Zealand firmly on the map as a go-to-destination.

“New Zealand is open for business – and we’re ready to welcome many more visitors in 2026 and beyond.”

The New Zealand International Convention Centre is owned by SkyCity Entertainment Group, operating in partnership with the New Zealand Government.

Notes to Editor:

• The NZICC is the largest conference, exhibition, and entertainment venue in New Zealand, with capacity for more than 4,000 attendees. The NZICC theatre is the largest seated theatre in the country, seating 2,850 people, while the hall will be able to host 3,300 people for a banquet.
• In 2013, the Government and SkyCity agreed to build a new international convention centre for Auckland, including a 300-room hotel and 1,300 car parks. The Agreement was codified in law under the New Zealand International Convention Centre Act 2013 (the Act).

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

I’ll admit it: I’m addicted. Not to coffee (well, that too), but to naturing. It started small, a quick stroll outside, a sneaky breath of fresh air. Next thing I know, I’m knee-deep in bush tracks, whispering encouragement to kererū, and declaring “this counts as exercise” while holding a pie.

Let’s zoom in on a classic naturing move: the walk.

Walking might sound simple, but with these tips, you’ll be naturing like a pro.

Step 1: Dress the Part

The best thing about naturing is there’s no dress code. Depending on what you’re doing, you’ll see it all: people in activewear that look straight out of an ad campaign, gumboots from the farm, jandals and a sunhat at the beach. Basically, whatever you wear instantly becomes “naturing gear”. As long as it’s right for the activity and the conditions, you’re good to go.

Pro tip: pack an extra layer, because naturing weather loves a surprise.

Step 2: Embrace the Awkward Moments

Naturing isn’t all poetic bird song and Instagram sunsets. Sometimes it’s tripping over a tree root like you’re in a slapstick comedy. Sometimes it’s noticing a harmless-but-scary-looking insect crawling across your sleeve and giving you a mini heart attack. These moments? That’s peak naturing. Own it.

Step 3: Snack Like a Pro

Half the joy of naturing is snacks. The rule is simple: whatever food you bring outdoors instantly becomes gourmet. Warm squashed muesli bar at the bottom of your bag? Five-star cuisine. Banana bruised to oblivion? Still a delicacy.

Remember: calories consumed while naturing don’t count. (Probably.)

Step 4: Know When to Say “I’m Naturing”

Next time someone asks what you’re doing this weekend, skip the boring “oh, just going for a walk.” Look them straight in the eye and declare, “I’ll be naturing.” Watch as they nod respectfully, unsure what it means but too embarrassed to ask. That’s power.

Step 5: Keep Calm and Keep Naturing

Naturing isn’t a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. A calling. A spiritual obligation to trip over logs, get sand in weird places, and develop a deep appreciation for tui singing louder than your morning alarm. Once you start, you’ll never stop.

The best part? There are heaps of great spots for naturing all over Aotearoa, and the DOC website is your ultimate guide. From hidden walking tracks to iconic national parks, you can plan adventures, keep up to date on safety and weather advice, discover tips, and even learn about the native plants and wildlife you might meet along the way.

So grab your boots, pack your snacks, and keep embracing the art of naturing, whether it’s around the corner from your house or in the heart of a forest. Because life is just better when you’re always naturing.