Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

WorkSafe has updated its enforcement policies and processes to give businesses more clarity about how it makes enforcement decisions and allow them to address and remedy safety issues faster, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden announced today. 

“On my health and safety roadshow I heard concerns about WorkSafe’s approach to enforcement. In particular that WorkSafe can be heavy-handed in punishment when something does go wrong, but not always sufficiently supportive in providing advice on how to manage risks in the first place,” says Ms van Velden. 

The changes include a clear expectation that WorkSafe actively considers other enforcement options before recommending prosecution.  

“New options such as formal warnings and pre-charge enforceable undertakings allow businesses who show a willingness to remedy issues and improve workplace safety to do so quickly without lengthy court processes.” 

These alternatives are an option where a business accepts responsibility, demonstrates a commitment to remedying issues, and can deliver tangible improvements to prevent harm. This marks a shift from the previous approach, where there were fewer enforcement options and prosecution was a primary tool. Prosecution will remain an option for cases where there has clearly been significant or negligent disregard for health and safety law, repeated non-compliance, or where serious harm has occurred and deterrence is necessary. 

“In my Letter of Expectations in May 2025, I asked WorkSafe to improve the consistency of its enforcement decisions and ensure its policies focus on clear breaches and causation, while aligning with the Solicitor-General’s Prosecution Guidelines. I’m pleased to see the progress WorkSafe has made,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden. 

“I expect these changes will sharpen WorkSafe’s focus on prosecuting cases of genuine recklessness or negligent disregard of health and safety law. Additionally, I have set an expectation that WorkSafe improves its provision of guidance so that businesses and organisations understand what their obligations are in the first place.” 

Training for WorkSafe’s frontline staff will be rolled out to support the consistent application of these changes. 

“WorkSafe plays a critical role in keeping New Zealanders safe at work. These improvements strengthen trust in the regulator and ensure enforcement decisions are made fairly,” Minister van Velden says. 

Editor notes:

For more information, visit WorkSafe’s updated prosecution policy: https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/laws-and-regulations/operational-policy-framework/operational-policies…  

Source: New Zealand Police

Acting Waikato District Commander Inspector Will Loughrin will be available to speak to media about a critical incident in Whitiora, Hamilton this morning.

The stand-up will be held at 2pm.

Media area asked to RSVP to media@police.govt.nz for the specific location.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge the sentences handed down to three men linked to the Head Hunters gang for murdering a west Auckland teenager nearly three years ago.

Jayden Mamfredos-Nair was a 19-year-old that suddenly lost contact with his family one Friday night, 21 April 2023.

Operation Violin commenced into his disappearance, and as time drew on Police concerns only grew and his family’s fears were realised.

Jayden had been the victim of foul play.

A nine-month search would ensue, with Jayden’s body being located on a Dairy Flat property in January 2024.

Today, the three men were sentenced in the Auckland High Court to life imprisonment for Jayden’s murder.

– Prospect Matthew Snaylam received a minimum period of imprisonment of 17 years.
– Patched member Zak Kameta received a minimum period of imprisonment of 18 years.
– Associate Hassan Al Fadhli received a minimum period of imprisonment of 17 years.

Detective Inspector Callum McNeill, of Waitematā CIB, acknowledges all Police staff and specialists involved in the case.

“This team never gave up their work to locate Jayden and bring him home for his family,” he says.

“I’m incredibly proud of this team, for their absolute determination to see the investigation through to the end and seek justice on behalf of Jayden’s family.

“Jayden’s death has placed a heavy toll on his family, and I know they deeply feel his loss.

“They have been incredibly composed through four weeks of evidence.

“Nothing we could have done would have brought Jayden back, but I hope there is some closure for them in being able to find Jayden and lay him to rest.”  

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

• Statement on behalf of Maria, Jayden’s mum:

Today marks the end of a long legal journey, but for our family, the ongoing journey of grieving and healing continues.

While today brings a level of accountability, no sentence can fill the void left by the loss of Jayden or ease the weight of his absence in our lives.

My son was only 19-years-old, just beginning his life. Full of laughter, hope and dreams.

Like any young person, he made mistakes, but nothing he did deserved to end this way.

He was loving, kind and deeply caring. Family meant everything to him. He took his role as a big brother seriously and was always there when someone needed him. He was the heartbeat of our home, without him, there is silence.

This crime has had a devastating permanent impact on our entire family, his friends and the community who loved him. The grief, the heartbreak, the devastation – it will never go away. Our lives have been shattered, changed forever.

My son leaves behind a legacy of love, light and compassion. Even in death his light still shines, a light that can never be taken away.

Though our hearts remain heavy, and the pain of his absence will be with us for the rest of our lives, we will carry his memory in every step we take.

Honouring him by remembering the moments of love, laughter and hope he brought into our lives. We take comfort in knowing that this chapter is finally over, and he can finally be at peace.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our community who have stood by us through this unimaginable pain. Your love, prayers and unwavering support have carried us through our darkest days. To the Detectives, the entire police team and the prosecution. We are profoundly moved by the perseverance in seeking justice and the compassion you showed our family throughout this difficult time.

You refused to give up despite the challenges – and gave us the gift of closure and the chance to lay our boy to rest with dignity. To the Judge and jury who have carried the great responsibility of the trial with fairness and compassion. We sincerely thank you all.

Although we understand there is public interest in this case, we ask for the space to navigate this next chapter of our journey privately. We appreciate your respect for our silence as focus on our healing. Thank you.

Rest easy now, Jayden.

Gone too soon, but you will never be forgotten.

ENDS.

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown says World Cancer Day is a chance to highlight the progress made to strengthen cancer care across New Zealand, with patients at the heart of every decision. 

“Cancer affects every New Zealander, with thousands of Kiwis diagnosed every year. On World Cancer Day, we acknowledge everyone impacted by cancer – patients, families, clinicians, and communities,” Mr Brown says.

“Over the last two years, we have taken action to improve cancer outcomes for New Zealanders. We’ve focused on earlier detection, faster access to care, and ensuring patients can benefit from modern medicines and world-class treatment.

“Bringing care closer to home has been an important focus. The newly opened Taranaki Cancer Centre is a great example. Since opening late last year, it is now treating radiation oncology patients who previously had to travel to Palmerston North for weeks at a time. Since December, 460 treatments have been delivered locally, for cancers including lung, prostate, breast, and gynaecological diseases.”

Over the last two years, the Government has delivered a series of initiatives to strengthen cancer services and improve outcomes, including:

• Funding 33 new cancer medicines through a $604 million Pharmac investment, giving patients access to the latest and most effective treatments.
• Expanding breast screening to women aged 70–74, enabling thousands more women to benefit from early detection.
• Progressively lowering the bowel screening age to match Australia with 58 as the first step, improving early detection and saving lives.
• Establishing the Faster Cancer Treatment target, ensuring patients access specialist assessment and treatment sooner.
• Investing in critical cancer infrastructure, including new LINAC machines and upgraded treatment facilities.
• Expanding stem cell transplant services to improve access and reduce delays.
• Commencing work on New Zealand’s first Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy.
• Investing in the cancer workforce, supporting clinicians to deliver timely, quality care.
• Refreshing the Cancer Action Plan (2019–2029) to ensure the system is well-positioned for the future.

“These actions are about improving the experience and outcomes for people living with cancer – reducing wait times, improving access to treatment, and ensuring Kiwis receive the best care no matter where they live.

“We will continue to keep patients at the centre of everything we do, building on the progress of the past three years to deliver faster, fairer, and more effective cancer care for all New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is taking action to reduce the impacts of wild deer on privately owned production land, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard and Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager say. 

“Wild deer are valued for recreational purposes and as a food source but increasing numbers in some parts of the country are causing problems for farmers, growers and foresters,” Mr Hoggard says.

In 2026, MPI will establish a programme to help communities improve the management of wild deer.  The programme will include two trials based around catchment groups to develop and deliver management plans, one in the North Island in the Wairarapa and one in the Hurunui in the South Island. 

“Catchment groups are a good place to start because they involve landowners already working collaboratively on other issues. Wider community interests will have a role, especially hunters and regional councils.

“I’ve met with stakeholder groups such as New Zealand Deerstalkers Association and the Game Animal Council to discuss how hunters can be involved, and representatives of the hunting community will be included on an Oversight Group. I did take the opportunity to stress that despite some reports, no toxins, such as brodifacoum, would be used for deer control. 

“I also recognise the role of government policy in unlocking commercial opportunities for deer recovery, so the programme will also involve sense-checking the system and regulatory settings. I have asked officials to have a good look at the food safety controls currently on hunted meat to make sure they are justified. Any opportunity to open up more opportunities for hunters to get a financial return for their work will be looked at.”

Mr Meager says the hunting community will be part of the solution.

“Hunter-led conservation is an important part of managing wild deer in New Zealand. If we are to make real inroads in tackling the impacts of these wild animals, it will take a collaborative approach across government and stakeholders.”

Mr Hoggard says he expects that once the deer management programme was progressing, that MPI will work with partners to begin addressing other wild browsing animal problems on production land.

“There’s a lot of concern around wild pigs and Canada geese and we need a joined-up effort to address those too.”

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac’s proposal to widen access to brentuximab for people with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL). 

“World Cancer Day is an opportunity to recognise those impacted by cancer. I would like to acknowledge the hardships faced by thousands of Kiwis affected by cancer each year,” Mr Seymour says.

“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.

“Under today’s proposal, brentuximab could be used as a first treatment option for people newly diagnosed with sALCL. Previously patients had to wait until other options had been tried, and proven ineffective. This proposal is expected to improve both survival rate, and quality of life.

“Pharmac will now consult clinicians, the public, and Blood Cancer NZ to understand the practical impacts of funding this medicine. The proposal has had support from the blood cancer community.

“We have allocated Pharmac its largest ever budget of $6.294 billion over four years, and a $604 million uplift. Since then, Pharmac has made decisions to fund 43 new cancer treatments. In the first year of funding, Pharmac anticipates about 2,500 Kiwis will access the treatments they need that weren’t previously available to them. This makes a real difference in the lives of Kiwis. 

“We aren’t stopping there. I will continue to work towards securing more money for Pharmac to get on with what they do best – funding the medicines Kiwis need to live longer and more fulfilling lives.”  

Mr Brown says the Government is committed to improving treatment and care for New Zealanders with blood cancer.

“Last year, I announced a significant expansion of stem cell transplant services for patients with blood cancers and related conditions, helping more people access critical, life-saving treatment sooner. Too many Kiwis currently face distressing delays for these procedures, which is why boosting transplant capacity and reducing wait times is essential.

“The expansion will enable between 27 and 38 per cent more patients to receive allogeneic transplants when they need them, improving outcomes and giving people a better chance at recovery.

“This is about keeping people with cancer at the centre. Alongside investment in new medicines through Pharmac, our Faster Cancer Treatment target, and other initiatives to strengthen cancer services, we are focused on improving access, reducing delays, and ensuring people get the treatment they need, when they need it.”

Pharmac’s proposal, if feedback is positive, will be effective from 1 April 2026.

Source: PHARMAC

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  04 February 2026

The spike in peak summer trout fishery offences amounts to four times what it was for the same period last summer.

“There has been a concerning increase in people breaking the rules, which can have serious consequences for the fishery,” says Steve Doughty, Compliance Lead for DOC in the Taupō District.

“Anglers fishing without a valid licence was a common problem. Every angler must have a valid Taupō District fishing licence, which directly funds the ongoing management and protection of this special fishery.”

DOC manages the Taupō Fishing District as a sustainable wild trout fishery, attracting thousands of anglers each year. Fishing regulations are in place to protect the future of the fishery, with a team of DOC Fishery Rangers patrolling the fishery to ensure everyone follows the rules while fishing local lakes and rivers.

Steve says the Taupō trout fishery is well-known globally, and an entire section of the DOC website is dedicated to it – including information on the need for a valid licence, how to obtain one, and the fishery regulations.

“Other offences included using prohibited tackle, using more than one fishing rod per person, fishing within 200 m of a marker pole at a stream or river mouth, as well as more technical licence-based offences such as non-family members fishing on family licences.

“These offences were often due to people not familiarising themselves with the regulations, being in a rush to get on the water and go naturing through fishing, or just ignoring the regulations and hoping not to get caught.

“Those caught breaking the rules face formal warnings and fines of $400, and their fishing gear may also be seized,” Steve Doughty says.

During the holiday peak of December 2022 and January 2023, a total of 21 Taupō fishery offences were detected. There was a reduction for the same period in 2023-2024, with half that number of offences. But this season (summer 2025-2026) Fishery Rangers dealt with 40 offences – nearly four times the same period prior.

“The fishery is regulated for good reason,” says Steve. “DOC staff urge people to make sure they have a valid Taupō District fishing licence before they start fishing. Importantly, anglers should read and understand the fishing regulations.

“That way they can enjoy their fishing, secure in the knowledge they are supporting this magnificent wild trout fishery.”

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Cordons are in place along Ulster Street and Abbotsford Street in Whitiora while Police respond to an incident.

Members of the public are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

Further information will be issued when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Eastern Police District is pleased to invite media to the pōwhiri for the new Eastern District Commander, Superintendent Joel Lamb.

Date:          Thursday, 12 February 2026
Time:          11:00 am
Venue:        Pukemokimoki Marae
Address:    191 Riverbend Road, Napier

Please RSVP to media@police.govt.nz

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