Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

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Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has removed unnecessary consenting barriers to electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, making it faster and easier to build chargers where New Zealanders need them, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says. 

Amendments to the National Environmental Standards for Electricity Transmission Activities (NES-ETA) introduce new nationally consistent permitted activity standards for EV charging infrastructure, replacing fragmented and inconsistent district plan rules. The amendments will come into force on 7 May 2026.

“Under the current system, anyone wanting to install EV charging infrastructure has had to navigate a confusing patchwork of local rules, creating uncertainty, delays and unnecessary costs for infrastructure that is typically small-scale,” Mr Bishop says.

“These changes cut through that red tape. By setting clear national rules, we’re making it much quicker and easier to get chargers in the ground, while still managing effects appropriately.

“For the first time, the NES-ETA explicitly includes EV charging infrastructure, with permitted activity rules covering the full lifecycle from construction through to operation, upgrade and replacement.”

The amendments apply to four types of EV charging infrastructure:

• private EV chargers
• EV chargers in a transport corridor
• EV chargers associated with other infrastructure or buildings, such as service stations or supermarkets
• standalone EV charging facilities, including charging hubs

“Many New Zealanders have thought about getting an EV, even before the fuel challenges we’re currently facing. But a lack of public chargers is still holding people back,” Mr Bishop says.

“This Government is tackling that from both sides, by removing planning barriers and backing new investment to grow the network.”

The move complements the Government’s recent announcement of $52.7 million in zero-interest loans, alongside co-investment from ChargeNet and Meridian, which will see more than 2,500 additional public EV charging stations.

“At present, New Zealand has just over 1,800 public EV charging points nationwide. That puts us among the lower-ranked countries in the OECD for chargers relative to the number of EVs on the road.

“With chargers already in progress and the latest investment, the network is expected to more than double to around 4,550 charge points. Our goal is 10,000 by 2030, roughly one charger for every 40 EVs.

“Making it simpler to consent new chargers will help us get there faster.

“Many New Zealanders are already looking to switch to an EV when it’s time to upgrade their vehicle. Even before the current fuel pressures, running an EV was typically cheaper than petrol, and New Zealand’s electricity system is largely renewable.

“We’re also seeing that shift in the data, with EV registrations so far in 2026 up 96.4 per cent on the same period last year. Recent global events have likely accelerated that trend, as higher fuel prices drive more interest in EVs.

“In a world where international fuel markets are uncertain, that matters.

“We’re striking the right balance by enabling the charging infrastructure New Zealand needs, while keeping sensible safeguards in place.

“The new permitted activity standards include conditions to manage effects such as noise, earthworks, size and setbacks near residential areas, and traffic impacts for larger standalone facilities. Where those standards are not met, a restricted discretionary consent will still be required.”

The amendments apply directly once they come into effect on 7 May (28 days after Gazettal). Councils are not required to amend district plans, and more lenient plan rules will continue to apply where relevant.

“This is another example of how targeted national direction can make the resource management system work better in practice, while we transition to a more enabling, common-sense planning system,” Mr Bishop says.

The policy intent of the changes will be carried through into the new planning system established by the Planning and Natural Environment Bills.

Notes to editors: 

• The amendments to the NES-ETA are part of a suite of changes the Government has made to national direction under the Resource Management Act.
• These changes aim to boost infrastructure and urban development by making it easier to consent, enhance the primary sector by removing unworkable rules and replacing national direction, and deliver housing growth.
• The amendment to the NES-ETA follows the gazettal of 10 new or amended national direction instruments on 18 December 2025 which came into force on 15 January 2026, with amendments to several other national direction instruments expected in coming months. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction of a long-awaited, purpose-built specialised rehabilitation centre will proceed at Manukau Health Park, significantly improving care for people with spinal cord injuries, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“I’m pleased to confirm that a new 30-bed facility will be delivered, providing the certainty the community has been waiting for following earlier delays and cost pressures that began under the previous government,” Mr Brown says.

“The current Ōtara Spinal Unit is one of the most outdated and high‑risk facilities in the country, and limited rehabilitation capacity has been placing ongoing pressure on Middlemore Hospital’s acute services for many years.

“This $128.5 million investment addresses both challenges by replacing an ageing facility and expanding rehabilitation capacity, ensuring patients receive quality care in the right setting, at the right time.”

Once complete, the centre will replace the existing 20‑bed unit and increase spinal rehabilitation capacity to 30 beds. This expanded capacity will improve access for patients with complex rehabilitation needs and support faster transitions out of acute hospital care.

Rehabilitation services will be further strengthened through the refurbishment of Middlemore Hospital’s adult rehabilitation ward under Health New Zealand’s National Remediation Programme. This will allow the ward to continue operating safely as a 28‑bed adult general and neuro rehabilitation unit.

“Together, these facilities will deliver a total of 58 rehabilitation beds, supporting rising demand through to 2040 while easing pressure on acute services at Middlemore Hospital.

“This is about ensuring our health system has the capacity it needs, both now and into the future. Expanding rehabilitation services helps patients recover sooner and frees up acute beds for those who need them most.”

The new Manukau facility will feature modern therapy spaces, stronger integration with clinical services, and a design aligned with the new Model of Rehabilitation. Its direct connection to the Manukau Surgery Centre will support patient privacy and provide convenient access to radiology, outpatient clinics, and theatre services.

“This project has been a long time coming, and I know how much it matters to the community. I want to acknowledge the dedication of staff, clinicians, and community partners who helped shape this project and ensure rehabilitation services are modern, responsive, and centred on patients and their families,” Mr Brown says. 

Source: Auckland Council

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to fund two new combination therapies for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), a type of blood cancer. 

“Improving access to cancer medication in New Zealand is important to cancer patients, and their families. That’s why it has been a focus of this Government,” Mr Seymour says.

Pharmac has decided to fund two combination treatments and widen access to ibrutinib for people with CLL from 1 May 2026. Under this decision:

People with CLL will be able to receive venetoclax with ibrutinib or venetoclax with obinutuzumab as first‑line treatments, meaning they can be used as an initial treatment option rather than after other treatments have been tried.
Access to ibrutinib will be widened so it can be used on its own as a second line treatment for people whose CLL has not responded to a previous treatment, has come back, or where earlier treatment has caused intolerable side effects. 

“It’s important to the patient community that their voice is heard. That’s why Pharmac consult the community on funding proposals before a final decision is made,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Earlier this year Pharmac consulted the blood cancer community on a proposal to fund two new combination therapies for people with CLL. Pharmac heard from the community and from their clinical advisors that venetoclax with ibrutinib or obinutuzumab will make a big difference for people with CLL, especially when used at the beginning of treatment. 

“Venetoclax with ibrutinib or obinutuzumab will help patients achieve longer lasting remission and avoid the need for traditional chemotherapy. Two of these medicines will be available in pill form, which don’t require an IV drip and could mean fewer hospital visits. The use of these combination treatments is expected to save an estimated 3,700 infusion hours saved each year.

“Pharmac also received feedback highlighting the need for ibrutinib on its own as an option for people who can’t use other available medicines. So, Pharmac will fund ibrutinib on its own as a second-line treatment for people whose CLL has not responded to a previous treatment, has come back, or where earlier treatment has caused side effects.

“When Pharmac fund a new cancer treatment, people already paying for that treatment privately are forced to make a very difficult choice: spend their savings to continue private treatment undisrupted, or transfer to a public hospital. Patients told Pharmac the latter was hugely disruptive and caused significant stress during an immensely difficult period. Obinutuzumab will be another cancer medicine available in private clinics. 

“People currently paying privately for the combination treatments could receive funded treatment in a private hospital, provided they met the funding criteria at the time they began treatment.

“This funding decision is another example of the new culture at Pharmac. The patient community used to picket outside Pharmac. Now, they’re in the room with Pharmac making decisions.  

“Patients are reaping the benefits. Since this Government took over we’ve allocated Pharmac its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, and a $604 million uplift Pharmac. With that money, Pharmac has made 133 decisions to fund or widen access to medicines. This includes decisions on 46 cancer medicines. Over 200,000 patients have benefited.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The sale of Matahio Energy’s New Zealand assets to independent oil and gas explorer and producer Sunda Energy is good news for New Zealand’s petroleum sector and a further signal of growing international interest in the opportunities on offer, says Resources Minister Shane Jones.

The companies have today announced a sale and purchase agreement covering Matahio’s New Zealand assets, which include well‑established onshore oil and gas operations in Taranaki – the producing Cheal, Cheal East and Sidewinder fields – as well as the Puka exploration permit.

“This transaction is the kind of signal we want to see as we work to reinvigorate New Zealand’s petroleum sector,” Mr Jones says. 

“It shows there is still strong international interest in investing here, backing proven assets and bringing new capital, capability and ambition into our system.

“More than ever, a secure and productive petroleum sector matters for New Zealand’s economic resilience and energy security. The entry of a gas‑focused explorer and producer like Sunda Energy helps strengthen that foundation and supports regions like Taranaki that have powered the sector for decades.

“The assets involved are established operations with existing infrastructure and a skilled local workforce. That’s exactly where we want to see renewed investment and activity, particularly in the short-term to bolster our dwindling gas supply.”

Sunda Energy, a listed London Stock Exchange company, will now seek change of control approvals from regulator New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals for affected permits. 

“If those processes are satisfied, I see this as a positive signal of continued international confidence in New Zealand’s oil and gas sector and in the future of onshore energy development in regions like Taranaki,” Mr Jones says.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

We’re launching a new Predator Free 2050 and Always Be Naturing video – Predator Free 2050: Let Nature Go Wild – that features the Royal New Zealand Ballet dancing in native species costumes. Check out korimako twirls, kiwi leaps, spider spins, and learn more about this playful campaign…

Finally, the day has come where bird nerds, professional dancers, and a film crew unite for nature!

Introducing a new Predator Free 2050 video – Let Nature Go Wild 

The Royal New Zealand Ballet recently volunteered their time, native species costumes, and exceptional talent to help us spread the Predator Free 2050 message.

This 30 second playful and funny video features a young woman daydreaming in a park while listening to dance music. She spots a community trapper and it inspires her to envisage a predator-free future.

The tagline of the campaign is “Predator Free 2050: Let nature go wild”, with the core message of “when predators are gone, nature throws a party”.

Sharing our predator-free vision with new audiences

We’re launching this video and digital campaign to grow awareness for those who haven’t heard of Predator Free 2050 before.

We want to achieve our goal of having 1 in 2 New Zealanders be aware of our nationwide goal to eradicate introduced predators so that nature and people can thrive.

Introduced predators are one of the key threats to native species.

But many Kiwis don’t realise how bad the situation is – 80% think nature is in good shape.

Why we need Predator Free 2050 

Many of our native species are found nowhere else in the world. They evolved for millions of years without mammal predators or defences against them. 

We’ve got cheeky parrots, ancient frogs, army-crawling bats and ground foraging birds. But many of them are living on the edge of extinction due to threats like introduced predators.

Rats, possums, feral cats and mustelids (stoats, ferrets, weasels) kill an estimated 25 million native birds each year.

Predator Free 2050 aims to remove these harmful predators once and for all so that our unique plants and animals can thrive alongside us.

And everyone has a role to play.  

You can get involved in the predator free movement by learning to trap, visiting your local sanctuary, or donating a trap to a predator-free group.

Special thanks to the Royal New Zealand Ballet and Zealandia

We also wanted to share a special thank you to the ballet for supporting the Let Nature Go Wild campaign by choreographing native species dance moves and sharing their talent with us. We also wanted to thank Zealandia for offering their predator-free sanctuary as the filming location.

Source: PHARMAC

From 1 May 2026, people living with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) will be able to access two new funded treatment options, alongside wider access to another – changes that could mean fewer hospital visits and more time spent living their lives.

The decision includes:

• funding venetoclax with ibrutinib and venetoclax with obinutuzumab as first treatment options
• widening access to ibrutinib on its own as a second-line treatment
• changing the access criteria so that people who have been self‑funding venetoclax or ibrutinib can switch to the funded combination treatment

“This decision gives people with CLL more options that can fit better around their lives,” says Pharmac’s Manager of Pharmaceutical Funding, Claire Pouwels. “For some people, that could mean fewer hospital visits and less time planning their lives around .”

Venetoclax, ibrutinib and obinutuzumab are already used to treat blood cancers, but these combinations are not currently funded together as a first treatment option for CLL. The medicines work in different and complementary ways to target CLL cells, and evidence suggests the combinations can help people achieve longer periods of remission while avoiding traditional chemotherapy for many people.

Importantly, venetoclax and ibrutinib are oral medicines that people can take at home, rather than needing regular hospital infusions.

“For many people, this can mean fewer hospital visits, less time spent at appointments, and more flexibility to fit treatment around everyday life,” says Pouwels. “For the health system, wider use of these combination treatments is expected to reduce pressure on infusion services, with an estimated 3,700 infusion hours saved each year.”

CLL is a slow‑growing blood cancer. While it can’t be cured, many people can live well for long periods with the right treatment. Pharmac estimates around 110 people each year will benefit from the new combination treatments, and around 30 people each year will benefit from widened access to ibrutinib.

The decision follows consultation with people with CLL, their families, clinicians, and consumer advocacy groups.

“Most people supported the decision,” says Pouwels. “People told us these options could mean more time living their lives and less time planning around treatment, travel, and hospital visits.

“aren’t suitable. This change wasn’t part of the original proposal.”

“While we weren’t able to make every change suggested, we listened carefully,” says Pouwels. “The feedback shaped this decision and will continue to inform our future work.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

An offender’s attempt to steal a scooter in Mt Wellington this morning has failed to gain momentum.

Auckland City East Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Tony Ngau Chun says around 12.20am Police received a report of a man seen entering a property on Mount Wellington Highway.

“This man approached a scooter parked within the property, and began to push it towards the road,” he says.

“He has initially moved the Honda scooter to the end of the driveway for a few minutes but then came back and pushed it away again.”

Police were alerted and were quickly in the area.

“Upon hearing the sirens from Police cars, the alleged offender has become spooked and dumped the scooter in a bush a short distance down the road,” Senior Sergeant Ngau Chun says.

“He has then fled on foot towards Waipuna Road.”

CCTV cameras in the area located the male and were able to guide a dog handler to his location.

“A Police dog team then found the alleged offender attempting to hide inside an address on Waipuna Road,” Senior Sergeant Ngau Chun says.

“This was a great result, offending like this is not acceptable and we are pleased he will face the consequences of his actions in court.”

A 40-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court today charged with burglary by night and possessing instruments for conversion.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police