Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says that the Ministry of Education are now consulting on changing, merging, or removing approximately three-quarters of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) licensing criteria. 
“Earlier this year the ECE Sector Review instigated 15 changes to modernise and simplify regulations,” Mr Seymour says. 
“The changes to the ECE regulations show the power of a sector review. The Ministry for Regulation went in and listened to the people who actually run, work at, and use early childhood education. They found people encircled by multiple regulators enforcing out of date rules, and proposed solutions. 
“The biggest complaint arises from the calcified, high stakes licencing criteria – 98 of them – that can each have a centre shut down with little to no notice. We are consulting on changing, merging, or removing approximately three-quarters of them. 
“Some of the proposals being consulted on include more digital information distribution, more clarity, and Removing duplication of regulations that are covered by other authorities.
New licensing criteria will be gazetted by the end of September. Consultation on changes to these is open until 24 July. You can have your say here: Have your say – Ministry of Education.
“By the end of next year ECE providers will be governed by a regulatory system which ensures regulations are focused on what matters – providing safe, high-quality care and education as the changes are rolled out over the coming year,” Mr Seymour says.
“ECE providers will no longer be burdened with 98 separate licensing criteria, many of which were arbitrary or outdated. 
“By mid next year, graduated enforcement tools will be used to respond to breaches of the remaining licensing criteria. The only enforcement tools previously available were too blunt a tool for managing minor breaches and allowing early intervention. There will no longer be high-stakes open-or-shut rules that create anxiety and strained relationships for regulators and centre operators alike.”
Graduated enforcement will give the regulator a range of enforcement measures. They will be able to respond proportionately to breaches, changing the sector’s culture from a punitive approach to promoting quality.
“The changes to the licensing criteria represents a major shakeup of the sector’s outdated system. Consultation will make the new licensing criteria great for children, parents and ECE service providers,” Mr Seymour says.
“There is huge demand for ECEs from families across New Zealand, however numbers show supply isn’t keeping up. That is why we are committed to making changes which will allow the industry to expand and provide more high-quality services for families and their children. 
“In the meantime, recent amendments to the pay parity opt-in scheme aim to provide some relief to ECE services.
“In a high-cost economy, regulation isn’t neutral. It’s a tax on growth. Every completed review makes it easier to do business, access services, and innovate in New Zealand. The ECE review is the first of many examples of what smarter regulation looks like in action.”

Source: New Zealand Government

A $750,000 investment into Iwi and community led biodiversity protection at Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park will benefit the environment and sustainable tourism, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says.

“We’re backing much-needed protection for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most unique conservation parks and southern-most kauri habitats through work to eradicate destructive wild goats, contributing to a healthier and scenic visitor experience near Tauranga,” Mr Potaka says.

“Browsing animals, like wild goats affect forest regeneration significantly, and are considered a potential spreader of kauri dieback through soil they carry. 

“This funding from the International Visitor Levy will enable contractors and Iwi/hapū professional pest animal control teams developed through the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project to carry out ground and aerial hunting over three years.

“We must protect the precious flora and fauna at this park. The park marks the northern limit of plants such as kāmahi, red and silver beech, and the southern limit of kauri, making the forest precious and unique for its diverse ecosystem. It is also home to various native species, including kōkako, pekapeka, and Hochstetter’s frog, kākā, kiwi, and kārearea.”

Mr Potaka says that in addition to conserving nature, the investment delivers tourism, recreation and economic benefits for the area.

“It’s a natural gateway between Auckland and Rotorua and has many tracks including family friendly walks, significant heritage sites, huts, camping, hunting and mountain biking.

“This work will also mean that visitors will be able experience the lush, thriving ecosystems that they expect to see in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“From the gold mining history of Karangahake Gorge in the north, down almost to tourism-hotspot Rotorua in the south, Kaimai Mamaku is steeped in history and culture. 

“It’s a great place for people to get outdoors, with over 360 kilometres of walking tracks and numerous hunting opportunities, and I encourage people to get to the park to enjoy the unique, beautiful nature that Aotearoa New Zealand is so loved for.”

Note to editor

The funding comes from the 2024/25 biodiversity portion of the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. Priorities for these investments are focused on restoring unique wildlife and supporting thriving landscapes in National Parks and visitor sites. 

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Recycling Week 2025: Identify Opportunities and Lead the Change

Recycling Week 2025 (20–26 October) is New Zealand’s largest waste minimisation and recycling education campaign. This year’s theme, “Identify Opportunities,” empowers businesses, schools, and councils to reduce waste, improve recycling habits, and take action toward a more sustainable New Zealand. Free resources available for all registered participants.

The post Recycling Week 2025: Identify Opportunities and Lead the Change first appeared on PR.co.nz.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

19 hours ago

Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management) student Emily Strong helped iwi identify remnants of the historic Seventy Mile Bush during a summer internship with Sustainable Hawke’s Bay.

The internship was part of her third year of study, delivered by EIT in partnership with Unitec.

During her internship, Emily worked under the guidance of EIT graduate Michael Strand, who works at Sustainable HB and secured a role as a geospatial analyst there before completing his studies. She contributed to a project focused on locating and assessing remaining areas of native bush in Southern Hawke’s Bay.

The project involved the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to overlay historical maps with satellite imagery, classify forest remnants, and assess vegetation health by calculating tree canopy height. Historical aerial imagery was also used to track vegetation change over time.

“The Seventy Mile Bush was a massive podocarp forest that once stretched from Southern Hawke’s Bay to Wairarapa. Being able to contribute to a project that connects iwi with the remaining fragments of that landscape has been really rewarding.”

Emily previously completed the Level 5 and 6 Diplomas in Environmental Management (Terrestrial strand) at EIT before progressing into the degree.

Her interest in GIS and conservation has grown throughout her studies. In 2024, she completed a level 6 project focused on revegetation at Cape Sanctuary, comparing aerial images from the 1950s, 2014 and 2024 to assess habitat restoration over time.

“I compared some aerial photography from the 1950s with current satellite images and then classified and analysed the difference. There was very much an increase in native vegetation. It was quite substantial actually and really cool to see.”

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Emily first enrolled at EIT in a teaching degree. After taking time off following the birth of her daughter, Eloise, she decided to return to study and pursue environmental management.

“I’ve always had an interest in the environment, and once I started the primary industries course, I really enjoyed it,” she says.

Balancing study and parenting hasn’t always been easy, but Emily says she’s had strong support around her.

“It’s been quite tough but again I do have a fair amount of family support so that’s definitely been very helpful.”

She credits her lecturers and tutors for being “really amazing”. “I’ve learned lots and lots and definitely improved from when I started in level 5.”

Now 22, Emily is also involved in a local bat monitoring project with environmental researcher Kay Griffiths and is exploring future career opportunities that combine her skills in conservation and GIS.

“There are so many different directions you can go with this degree, but I’d love to do something where I can use GIS to support conservation work.”

EIT Environmental Management Senior Lecturer Dinusha Jayathilake said she is especially proud of this achievement.

“This internship is a valuable opportunity for Emily’s professional growth and also benefits the Hawke’s Bay region, Sustainable HB, and EIT. In our Environmental Management programme, we always prefer community engagement. Through the GIS course, I am able to support the local community while introducing the latest  Geographic Information technologies to our region – something I am very proud of.”

Dinusha said internships give students valuable work experience before they finish their studies, which helps them continue to produce skilled and experienced local graduates who are ready to join the workforce.

Source: New Zealand Police

Christchurch Police are continuing to make enquiries after a woman was found with critical injuries in a Riccarton car park yesterday afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the car park at around 4.40pm.

Tragically the woman passed away while being transported to hospital.

Her death is currently being treated as unexplained and a scene guard is in place at the car park where she was found.

Police are aware of speculation in the community that this may be related to missing woman Elisabeth Nicholls – we can confirm that is not accurate. The search for Elisabeth remains ongoing.

ENDS

Please note: An earlier statement from Police advised the woman had been found deceased in the car park – this was incorrect and we apologise for the error.

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a crash on State Highway 1, Seddon last night.

The single vehicle crash was reported to Police at 9.30pm.

The driver was the sole occupant of the car.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.
 

ENDS
 

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The safety of New Zealanders in the Middle East is a pressing priority for the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. 

 “We do not want New Zealanders in harm’s way,” Mr Peters says. 

“While we face very serious practical constraints of a conflict zone and closed airspace, we will continue to do all we can to help,” Mr Peters says.

 “The New Zealand Government’s long-standing advice for New Zealanders has been ‘do not travel’ to Iran and the events we’re facing there now are exactly why that advice has been in place.

 “We continue to urge New Zealanders in Israel and Iran to leave if they can safely do so, and to shelter in place if they cannot,” Mr Peters says. 

 “The New Zealand Government is exploring options for evacuating New Zealanders once it is safe to do so. But the fact remains, though, that air space reopening could be weeks away and so New Zealanders should be doing everything they can to leave now if they can find a safe route.

 “We know consular partners are considering evacuation flights once air space opens again. As is always the case, we are in close coordination with Australia, and in discussions with them and others about their plans and how we can assist each other. 

 “MFAT has also approached airlines in the region to seek information on possible commercial options once air space reopens. 

 “In the meantime, MFAT has provided advice to registered New Zealanders on overland border exits and will continue to do so in the coming days.”

 Overnight, New Zealand’s Embassy in Tehran was temporarily closed, with two staff and their family members evacuated by land to Azerbaijan.

 “An opportunity arose overnight to get our Embassy staff out of Iran, as part of a convoy alongside government officials from other countries,” Mr Peters says. 

“The New Zealand Government has a duty of care to its staff posted overseas, so we did the responsible thing to get them out of harm’s way.

 “If and when opportunities arise to assist the departure of other New Zealanders in Iran and Israel, we will pursue them with urgency.

  “Any New Zealanders still in Iran should leave overland as soon as possible if they consider it safe to do so.”

 Those in need of urgent consular assistance should contact MFAT’s 24/7 Consular Emergency Call Centre (+64 99 20 20 20). The Ministry is continuing to provide support through the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye and the temporary deployment of a consular team to Azerbaijan. 

 A decision on the future of the New Zealand Embassy in Iran will be made at a later date. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is boosting tourism and trade by making it simpler, faster and cheaper for Chinese nationals to transit via New Zealand.
From November, Chinese passport holders will no longer need to obtain a Transit Visa before transiting through New Zealand airports. Instead, they will be able to get a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
“International connections are a crucial part of our plan to drive economic growth. We rely on robust and affordable air connectivity to bring people to our beautiful country, and to get our high-quality products out to the world. Alongside the announcement of a new route from China to South America via Auckland, we expect this will significantly boost the number of passengers that choose to transit through New Zealand.
“Instead of spending $235 and waiting four days, individuals can pay as little as $17 and can be processed in 24 hours,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.
An NZeTA is also valid for up to 2 years, meaning that someone can travel multiple times without needing to apply again.
“Our Government has taken action to enable another route to be opened from China via New Zealand. This will allow Auckland Airport to be a hub for further airline connections. Removing the cost and time barriers of a transit visa makes this route a more attractive option for both tourists and airlines,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“Every additional passenger transiting New Zealand on their way to South America or back to China will help to lower the cost of a plane ticket, which makes it cheaper for other waves of tourists to come and see what our country has to offer.
“More capacity from airlines will make it easier to visit New Zealand and adds cargo capacity, driving economic growth and supporting the Government’s goal to double the value of tourism exports by 2034.”
“This Government is focused on delivering smart, flexible responsive nuanced immigration solutions such as this to support New Zealand’s growing economy,” Ms Stanford says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson have welcomed a new certification scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in Shanghai today, that unlocks access to China’s $200 million cosmetics and skincare market — a move that will drive stronger returns for New Zealand exporters and boost the economy.

“This is a smart, practical step that removes a long-standing trade barrier and opens up valuable new channels for our exporters,” McClay says. 

“It means more high-quality, innovative New Zealand products on shelves in China – not just online, but in stores across one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.”

The scheme, developed with International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), provides exporters with a Government-issued Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificate that meets Chinese regulatory requirements.

“This certification allows Kiwi-made cosmetics to be sold through traditional retail channels in China, significantly expanding market reach beyond cross-border e-commerce and supporting our goal of doubling exports by value in 10 years,” Mr McClay says.

Minister Simpson says the scheme is a strong example of the Government’s commitment to backing New Zealand businesses and removing barriers to growth.

“With global demand for health and beauty products rising, this gives our exporters the confidence to grow and compete in China; quickly, credibly, and at scale,” Mr Simpson says.

“It’s another example of how we’re cutting red tape and aligning our standards with key trading partners to give Kiwi firms the certainty they need to succeed.”

How it works:

• Exporters complete an independent GMP assessment with IANZ.
• If successful, MBIE confirms compliance with a certificate signed on behalf of the Government.

New Zealand’s ban on animal testing for cosmetics remains in place, giving Chinese consumers assurance that Kiwi products are high-quality, safe, sustainable, and ethically produced.

More information and application details will be available online soon.

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has today announced three new board appointments to the Health Quality & Safety Commission.

The Health Quality & Safety Commission (HQSC) is a Crown entity responsible for improving quality and safety across the health and disability systems within New Zealand. 

“I am very pleased to welcome Dr Peter Watson, Taima Campbell, and Clare Perry to the HQSC board,” Mr Brown says.

Dr Peter Watson has been appointed as a member for a three-year term commencing 18 June 2025. Taima Campbell and Clare Perry have both been appointed as members for two-year terms commencing 18 June 2025.

“Dr Watson is a specialist youth health physician, a clinical leader with expertise in medical administration and paediatrics and currently contracted as Regional Strategic Clinical Advisor to Health New Zealand. His governance roles include serving as independent chair of the Clinical Governance Committee for Forte Health Ltd, and as a trustee for both Cancer Research Trust New Zealand and the Aotearoa Clinical Trials Trust. He is also a member of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal.”

“Ms Campbell is a registered nurse with over 35 years’ experience, specialising in system quality and patient safety within the health care sector. As Director of Hauraki Health Consulting Ltd, she has led numerous initiatives focused on clinical governance, quality improvement, and risk management.”

“Ms Perry is an experienced public servant with a strong background in health, regulatory services, and leadership. She has held senior roles, including Deputy Director-General at the Ministry of Health and other roles in regulatory services, health system improvement and innovation, and integrated service design, and has played a key role in implementing significant health initiatives”.

“I would like to thank outgoing members Dr Andrew Connolly for his services to the Board since 2018, and Dr Jennifer Parr for her services to the Board since 2019.”

“These members provided expertise and advice during their time on the Board. I thank them for their significant contribution and look forward to working with the new members as they begin their terms,” Mr Brown says.

For more information on the HQSC, see: https://www.hqsc.govt.nz/.