NZ Engine

Category: MIL-OSI

  • Addressing New Zealand’s infrastructure asset management challenge

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Government has launched a new work programme to improve public infrastructure asset management, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.

    “We need to be honest about the fact that we’ve done asset management poorly in the public sector for decades. We rank fourth to last in the OECD for asset management, with a number of government agencies reporting non-compliance with Cabinet expectations relating to depreciation funding, asset management plans and asset registers. The public sector performs poorly compared with the private sector.

    “Poor asset management results in expensive renewals and emergency works, poor infrastructure quality, asset failures, and less funding for new services. The Infrastructure Commission estimates that for every $40 spent on new infrastructure, we should be investing $60 in maintenance and renewals.

    “In practice, years of poor asset management means leaky hospitals and schools, mould in police stations and courthouses, service outages on commuter rail, and poor accommodation for Defence Force personnel and their families. It’s not good enough. New Zealanders deserve better.

    “To ensure we get the most out of every dollar we invest, Cabinet has agreed to an all-of-Government work programme that will improve central government asset management and performance, with a focus on infrastructure. 

    “The objective of the programme is to strengthen the infrastructure system to lift asset performance and service outcomes for New Zealanders, ensure there is adequate investment in planned asset maintenance and renewal activities, ensure new investment decisions can be made within the overall context of agencies’ asset management plans, and improve accountability, capability, and oversight of our infrastructure. 

    The work programme will be broken up into two phases: 

    Phase One (short term improvements), including:

    • Continued work to update to the Better Business Case (BBC) and Gateway frameworks.
    • Self-assessment of New Zealand policy and institutional settings against the IMF Public Investment Management Assessment framework.
    • Improved asset management and long-term planning performance indicators and guidance – providing more detailed guidance on expected asset management and long-term planning practice, including which indicators will provide Ministers, stakeholders and the public with confidence that agencies are delivering value for money.
    • Supporting the growth of a “Community of Practice” to build capability – the Infrastructure Commission is partnering with Āpōpō to build a ‘community of practice’ through collaborative events for public service asset management professionals.
    • A possible national Underground Asset Register – officials are providing advice on opportunities to scale the Wellington City Council underground asset register for use across New Zealand.

    Phase Two (beyond December 2025):

    Phase two will consider more fundamental changes to system settings to ensure that asset management outcomes improve, and will include:

    • The development of the 30-year National Infrastructure Plan (NIP) to ensure greater stability of infrastructure priorities that help New Zealand plan, fund and deliver important infrastructure. As part of their work developing this plan, the Infrastructure Commission will recommend system changes to strengthen investment and asset management outcomes.
    • Investigating legislative requirements for the development of ten-year investment plans by capital intensive agencies and performance reporting requirements.
    • A refresh of the Cabinet Office circular CO (23) 9, to give effect to broader changes across the IMS and restate Cabinet’s expectations on investment planning, assurance, and asset management practices. The refresh of the Circular will be undertaken in parallel with the NIP, to allow the refreshed Circular to take into account the NIP recommendations.

    “The draft 30-year National Infrastructure Plan is expected to be published in June this year and it will then go out for public consultation.

    “I intend to consider proposed recommendations from the Infrastructure Commission as part of the Government’s response to the Plan in 2026.

    “Making improvements to our investment management system will ensure New Zealanders’ infrastructure investments are well-managed. These improvements will enable greater economic growth and deliver efficient infrastructure which will have long-term impacts on the cost-of-living,” Mr Bishop says.

  • Tiny Titans: Dung beetles take on big job in South Canterbury

    Tiny Titans: Dung beetles take on big job in South Canterbury

    Source: PISA results continue to show more to be done for equity in education

    Date:

    An army of beetles has been released into South Canterbury pastures with a unique call of duty.

    Over the next decade, hundreds of dung beetles will spend their days living in manure in a bid to clean up waterways in the 34 sq. km Barkers Creek catchment.

    They’ll eat, bury and lay eggs in the dung to ensure contaminants don’t pile up in paddocks and risk running into waterways.

    The unexpected weapons for improving soil and water quality have been shipped from a breeding centre in Auckland to the South Canterbury area, which is largely rolling terrain with heavy clay soils.

    Since February last year, they’ve come in batches. The last batch of dung beetles is due to arrive in late May.

    The Barkers Creek Catchment Group Chair, Danette McKeown, said like most environmental mitigations, the dung beetles weren’t a quick fix but rather a long-term solution.

    “We probably won’t know if the beetles have established for a couple of years, and then it’s more like seven years before we’ll know how much impact they are having.”

    The Group was allocated funding by the Ōrāri Temuka Ōihi Pareora (OTOP) Water Zone Committee to purchase the dung beetles, which were being released at ten different farms.

    Danette said she expected farm owners should see a critical population of dung beetles in their paddocks in a few years, and by then, dung should start rapidly disappearing.

    “We’ve picked four species that would be suitable for our soils. We’ve picked the four seasons package, which means we have species of beetles that will be active in spring, summer, winter and autumn.”

    Dung beetles and their role in agriculture

    Each year, cattle, sheep, alpacas, deer and horses deposit more than 100 million tonnes of manure onto our pastures. The more dung piling up in paddocks, the higher the risk of it running into our waterways.

    The dung beetles offer a unique solution:

    • They dine on the manure of these grazing animals before tunnelling beneath it and filling their burrows with balls of dung, in which they lay their eggs.
    • The piles of dung quickly disappear, broken down into the soils below.
    • One dung beetle can bury 250 times its own weight in a night.

    Introduced dung beetles don’t harm native species

    In most parts of the world, the beetles are strongly connected to livestock, but not in New Zealand, as modern farming was only introduced 150 years ago.

    Although we have native beetles, they have adapted to a forest environment and don’t provide any support in processing manure in our pastoral system.

    To combat the gap in our ecosystem, a company in Auckland introduced different species of dung beetles from Africa and Europe to New Zealand for breeding in 2011.

    As our native beetles live in forests, the imported beetles won’t be competing for habitats.

  • Stats NZ information release: Electronic card transactions: April 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Electronic card transactions: April 2025 – 14 May 2025 – The electronic card transactions (ECT) series cover debit, credit, and charge card transactions with New Zealand-based merchants. The series can be used to indicate changes in consumer spending and economic activity.

    Key facts
    All figures are seasonally adjusted unless otherwise specified.

    Values are at the national level and are not adjusted for price changes.

    April 2025 month
    Changes in the value of electronic card transactions for the April 2025 month (compared with March 2025) were:

    • spending in the retail industries was unchanged
    • spending in the core retail industries increased 0.2 percent ($12 million).

    Files:

  • Environment – Greenpeace slams Govt for failure to commit to protecting rivers

    Source: Greenpeace

    Greenpeace Aotearoa is slamming the Government after Parliamentary Under-Secretary for RMA Reform, Simon Court, refused yesterday to commit to upholding Water Conservation Orders, which protect lakes and rivers.
    Speaking at the Environmental Defence Society’s annual conference, Simon Court refused to answer whether the Government would uphold existing Water Conservation Orders for rivers, as well as National Environmental Standards, under the Government’s RMA reforms.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “Everyone should be able to swim in and fish from New Zealand’s lakes and rivers without getting sick. But nearly half of New Zealand’s rivers are unsafe for swimming, and many are unsuitable for food gathering. Water conservation orders are meant to protect significant waterways – the ones that are still in a good state – and ensure that they aren’t also destroyed.
    “That’s why it is deeply concerning to hear a member of the government refuse to commit to upholding the very limited protections we have for fresh water in Aotearoa.
    “The primary polluter of fresh water in Aotearoa is the intensive dairy industry. It has polluted lakes, rivers, and drinking water with excess nitrate contamination, as a result of the overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. And their excessive water takes have sucked rivers dry in order to irrigate dairy paddocks.”
    “Now, the government wants to allow the intensive dairy industry to pollute the few waterways that have been identified for special protection. This is a government that is letting polluters write the policy, and going against the interests of everyday New Zealanders who just want to be able to swim in their local river.”
    “With a government that is overturning every freshwater protection that exists in order to please the dairy industry, it’s more important than ever that local governments – like Environment Canterbury, who have responsibility over the majority of New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems – step up and take real action to protect lakes, rivers, and drinking water.”
    “That means phasing out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, and not allowing any new dairy conversions or intensifications to take place.”
    “People across the country are standing up for better protection for lakes, rivers, and drinking water. If the politicians won’t take action, then they should expect resistance.”

  • PSA welcomes alternative Green Budget which restores funding to the public service

    Source: PSA

    The PSA is welcoming the Green Party alternative Budget which underlines the importance of properly funding the public service to support New Zealanders, in contrast to the Government’s destructive cuts.
    The Green Budget, released today, reinstates funding to the public service including areas the Government has sharply cut and underfunded – primary health care, Oranga Tamariki and public housing.
    “The Green Party has taken a principled position to restore funding to the public service after the Government’s damaging cuts and the principle of settling pay equity claims so women are paid fairly,” said Fleur Fitzsimons National Secretary for the Public Service Association for Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “This Budget makes the right choices in terms of supporting a public service that can deliver to the needs of New Zealanders today and tomorrow and acknowledging the role of women in the public service.”
    The PSA was consulted on the Budget unlike the Government’s rushed changes to pay equity.
    “As we have seen with cuts to the health workforce, to community organisations supporting vulnerable children, and the gutting of Kāinga Ora, to name a few examples, there have been significant impacts on frontline services.
    “Women have borne the brunt of these job cuts, making up 62% of the public service and now the dismantling of the pay equity framework will further disadvantage women.
    “This speaks to the Government’s priorities. It made a choice to cut taxes for landlords, big tobacco and others instead of properly funding the public service, and paying women fairly – the chickens are coming home to roost – the Green Budget would change that and the PSA welcomes its approach.”

  • New bait to control feral cats shows promise

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  14 May 2025

    Feral cats are widespread in New Zealand and have a major impact on our unique native wildlife (such as birds, lizards and bats), as well as spreading diseases like toxoplasmosis. Currently there are limited methods to control feral cats over the large areas where they roam.

    As part of the Predator Free 2050 programme, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has been working in partnership with pest control solutions manufacturer, Orillion, to develop a meat sausage bait for application by aircraft for more widespread control of feral cats. DOC is running field trials to test the bait’s effectiveness.

    In the first aerial trial last spring, DOC researchers sowed the baits by helicopter over 5000 ha in the St James Conservation Area in North Canterbury. Just one 18 gm sausage was used per hectare or rugby field-sized area.

    The results of this field trial are looking promising, says DOC National Eradication Team Manager Stephen Horn.

    “We monitored a sample of feral cats fitted with GPS-VHF collars and nine out of ten cats in the trial area quickly found the baits and were killed.

    “We also used a grid of 50 cameras to monitor the presence of feral cats before and after the baiting. We detected cats 63 times before the operation and just once after.”

    Monitoring through the St James trial also showed stoat and ferret activity declined to very low levels after the operation, most likely from eating baits.

    A second trial at Macraes Flat in Otago, which was recently completed, has shown similar results with 100 per cent (11 out of 11) of monitored cats dying, Stephen says.

    “It’s exciting – after several years of bait development these trials take us a step closer to being able to register the new bait for wider use.

    “A new tool to target feral cats will be a game changer for protecting our vulnerable wildlife, which is found nowhere else in the world.”

    The trials involved two applications of bait – the first without toxin to cue feral cats to the sausages and the second using sausages containing small amounts of 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate). They build on earlier research showing the sausage baits are highly attractive to feral cats and not attractive to most native species such as kiwi or to deer.

    DOC will carry out a further trial in forested habitat this year. The risk of baits to taonga species like tuna/eel and kea will also be assessed. The results of this work will inform DOC’s application to the Ministry for Primary Industries and Environmental Protection Authority to register the meat bait.

    Once registered, DOC plans to use the bait to help remove feral cats from Auckland Island as part of an ambitious plan to eradicate all pests, including feral pigs and mice from this large subantarctic nature reserve. These pests threaten hundreds of native species and have decimated albatross and other seabird populations on the island.

    DOC is also working on a second sausage bait using the registered toxin PAPP (para-aminopropiophenone) to directly control stoats. Initial hand-laid field trials show this bait is highly effective. Aerial trials will be carried out this year.

    The sausage baits are part of broader work to research and develop new tools and techniques to help achieve New Zealand’s ambitious goal of becoming predator free by 2050.

    Background information

    Feral cats are found throughout New Zealand in a range of habitats from the coast to alpine areas. They are opportunistic and skilled hunters and prey on native birds, bats and lizards. They have a significant impact on some threatened species such as kea, kakī/black stilt and pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

  • Net migration eases to under 30,000 – Stats NZ media and information release: International migration: March 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    Net migration eases to under 30,000 – 14 May 2025 – New Zealand had a net migration gain of 26,400 in the March 2025 year, according to provisional estimates published by Stats NZ today.

    “The net migration gain of 26,400 in the March 2025 year was well down from a gain of 100,400 in the March 2024 year,” international migration statistics spokesperson Sarah Drake said.

    “The fall in net migration in the March 2025 year was mainly due to fewer migrant arrivals, although departures also rose to a provisional annual record,” Drake said.

    Provisionally there were 149,600 migrant arrivals and 123,300 migrant departures in the March 2025 year, compared with 207,100 migrant arrivals and 106,700 migrant departures in the March 2024 year.

    Files:

  • New Zealanders take 3 million overseas trips – Stats NZ media and information release: International travel: March 2025

    Source: Statistics New Zealand

    New Zealanders take 3 million overseas trips – 14 May 2025 – New Zealand residents arrived back from 3.01 million short-term overseas trips (of less than 12 months) in the March 2025 year, according to data released by Stats NZ today.

    March 2025 is the first annual period to exceed 3 million arrivals by New Zealand-resident travellers since March 2020 (3.05 million), and was up from 2.84 million in the March 2024 year.

    “The number of short-term overseas trips by New Zealand residents climbed 6 percent in the March 2025 year, compared to the year before,” international travel spokesperson Sarah Drake said.

    “The increase was mainly driven by more trips to Australia, as well as Indonesia, China, and Japan.”

    Files:

  • Bold science reforms to fuel economic growth

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Government is moving swiftly to implement the most significant science reforms in three decades, with three new public research organisations to be formed by 1 July, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today.
    “These reforms are about unlocking the full potential of science to deliver stronger economic growth and greater resilience for New Zealand. We’re not wasting a moment,” says Dr Reti. 
    “Earlier this year, the Prime Minister unveiled a major overhaul of the science system, including the move from seven Crown Research Institutes to three new, future-focused entities. These new organisations will concentrate on key areas of national importance.”
    The new institutes will be:

    New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science – advancing innovation in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, biotechnology and manufacturing; protecting ecosystems from biosecurity threats and climate risks; and developing new bio-based technologies and products.
    New Zealand Institute for Earth Science – supporting energy security and sustainability; developing land, marine and mineral resources; and improving resilience to natural hazards and climate-related risks.
    New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science – strengthening public health through disease detection and response; and supporting public safety through forensic science services.

    “These institutes will ensure our world-class researchers are focused on delivering science that drives innovation, supports our industries, and improves the lives of everyday New Zealanders,” says Dr Reti.
    “Critically, the new research organisations will have a strong commercial focus, with a mandate to translate science into real-world outcomes and commercial success. 

    “It’s not enough to have great science — we need that science to power start-ups, lift productivity, and create jobs. This is about turning research into results for New Zealand’s economy.”
    To lead this transformation, Dr Reti today announced the appointment of Barry Harris as Chair of the Bioeconomy Science Institute, and David Smol as Chair of the Earth Science Institute.
    “Both Mr Harris and Mr Smol bring outstanding leadership and deep sector experience. They are well placed to guide these new organisations as they take shape and begin delivering on our vision for a stronger, more productive science system,” says Dr Reti.
    The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) will retain its current governance as it transitions to become the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Sciences.
    “These changes are about focus, outcomes, and value. We are investing in science that delivers for New Zealand — science that strengthens our economy, supports our environment, and builds resilience for the future,” Dr Reti says.
    “I’m confident these new leaders will help us deliver a science system that is more connected, more commercially focused, and better aligned with the needs of our nation.”

  • Diversions in place following Bay of Plenty crash

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Diversions are in place following a serious crash near the intersection of Hamurana Road and Tauranga Direct Road this morning.

    The crash, involving a truck and car, was reported to Police at 9.15am.

    One person is reported to have sustained critical injuries, and one person has serious injuries.

    The road is partially blocked and motorists are asked to follow the directions of emergency services staff.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre.