Category: MIL-OSI

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Supporting South Cantabrians Into Work

Source: New Zealand Government

The Minister of Social Development and Employment Hon Louise Upston has kicked off the new year meeting with Timaru employers and encouraging them to hire jobseekers in the first instance. 

The Minister is reminding companies how the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) can support their businesses by helping them get staff with the right skills and who are the right fit.

MSD’s Timaru Business After 5 event was an opportunity to talk more about how MSD and local employers can work together to meet workforce needs.

Minister Upston said it was good to see a strong relationship between major employer Fonterra and MSD. The MSD team had worked at both a national and regional level to understand and meet Fonterra’s workforce needs. 

“I’ve been pleased to see MSD build trust and confidence with local employers by understanding their business, and their goals and workplace culture to find a match with local job seekers.”

“Every person and every business is different. MSD will take the time to learn what matters, connecting with local and ready-to-work talent, from the country’s largest pool of job seekers.”

“Recruitment isn’t just about filling a role — it’s about unlocking potential and creating lasting opportunities. Partnering with MSD helps businesses succeed while achieving employment goals.”

“In MSD’s Southern region, 81 percent of people receiving Jobseeker Support for less than a year have previous work experience, and around 47 percent have worked in moderately to highly skilled jobs. This shows MSD has people ready to start work now.

Employers of any size or industry are encouraged to get in touch with MSD. They’re available to connect you with the right people.” Louise Upston says. 

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WorkSafe tips for staying safe during storm recovery

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

With clean up and rescue efforts underway in storm-damaged parts of the country, WorkSafe is urging workers to be aware of the risks associated with the aftermath of extreme weather events.

Many areas of the country are grappling with flooding, slips, downed power lines, debris and waterlogged ground. 

WorkSafe’s Acting Northern Regional Manager Jason Gibson says workers need to be aware of how those changes can affect them.

“For floodwater, silt and debris there’s a high risk it’s contaminated with things like farm run-off, sewage and chemicals which can make you sick. For workers involved in the clean up, they need to take precautions like wearing appropriate PPE .”

He says there’s also an increased risk of outbreaks of the water-borne disease leptospirosis and if workers feel unsafe, they need to speak up.

There are also risks posed by households without power using portable generators and gas barbeques.

“These should be used in a well-ventilated place so exhaust gases can escape safely – we don’t want people breathing them in,” says Jason Gibson.

“The last thing we want is to have incidents and injuries in the aftermath of this serious weather event. We have a lot of guidance available on our website designed to keep people safe and get everyone home in one piece.”

For more information, see Natural events and emergencies

Some tips for staying safe during the clean up:

  • If the work is not necessary, postpone it until conditions improve.
  • Always assume that debris, flood water and silt is contaminated and stay away from it, or if you do need to work with it then wear appropriate PPE.
  • Minimise the risk of exposure to leptospirosis by washing your hands thoroughly and wearing PPE.
  • Never use portable LPG stoves in a confined space and allow good ventilation for generators.
  • Even if you know the land very well, waterlogged ground can be very unstable. Ensure you’re using the correct vehicle to move around, especially on farms.
  • Make a plan to check in if out on a job, in case you run into trouble.
  • If comms are down, have an alternative means of communication.
  • Always assume downed power lines are live – stay away from them.
  • If you notice things aren’t working when the power comes back on, get an electrician to check it out.
  • Ensure fatigue is managed – businesses should monitor how long employees work, the sort of jobs they carry out and the conditions they’re working in. 
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Search efforts continue as several people remain unaccounted for across Western Bay of Plenty

Source: New Zealand Police

Search efforts are ongoing across the Bay of Plenty as emergency services work to rescue people in slips the region.

Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Tim Anderson says two rescue operations are concurrently running at Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay Road.

“Police, alongside Fire and Emergency New Zealand are working to locate and rescue people trapped in a landslide that came down off Mount Maunganui at 9:30am today.

“Work is also continuing to locate two people that are unaccounted for after a slip came down towards properties on Welcome Bay Road overnight.”

Members of the Mount Maunganui campsite have been evacuated and directed to the nearby Surf Club.

Police are urging members of the public to avoid the Mount to allow emergency services to have the space to work safely.

“The last thing we need is rubberneckers in the area.”

A number of roads around the Bay of Plenty remain closed, people are advised to not travel unless it is absolutely necessary to.

Superintendent Anderson commends the bravery shown by staff responding to these events described as ‘one in 100 years events.’

“We have already seen countless examples over the last 24 hours of Police staff putting their lives at risk to protect members of the public through evacuations.

“A number of additional staff were rostered to work overnight to assist with evacuations and our emergency response.

“This community is a very tight-knit community, and now more than ever, we need to band together to support one another.

“Police are offering ongoing support to those impacted by the weather, and will continue to provide necessary support for the community.”

We’re asking people to reach out to anyone they know in the Bay of Plenty to ensure they are safe and well.

If you cannot get hold of somebody, or are worried about them, you can contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz

You can also visit the Police website here to make a report if you cannot get hold of somebody, or report yourself safe if you are in an impacted area.

If you or anybody else is in a life-threatening situation, please call 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Consultation opens on South Island speed limit changes

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Update: 22 January 2026 – Consultation opens on South Island speed limit changes

Public consultation is now open on proposed speed limit changes on sections of state highways in Canterbury, Southland and on the West Coast (see more in the December release below).

From today, people can view the various proposals and have their say in short surveys here:

Targeted speed limit reviews – Canterbury, West Coast, Southland

Feedback needs to be provided by 6 March 2026.

We encourage all those with an interest in these speed limits to have their say.

19 December 2025 – Speed limit changes proposed

Targeted speed limit changes are being proposed on state highways across the South Island after community concerns were raised about safety.

Next month, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will open public consultations for people to have their say on these proposed changes in Canterbury, on the West Coast and in Southland.

The proposed speed limit changes include the following:

  • State Highway 1 (SH1) at both ends of Temuka, South Canterbury – northern section 70km/h to 50km/h, southern section 80km/h to 60km/h.
  • SH1 south of Amberley (North Canterbury) – 80km/h to 60km/h.
  • SH1 south of Rolleston (near Christchurch) – 100km/h to 80km/h.
  • SH75 north of Halswell (Christchurch) – 60km/h to 50km/h.
  • SH73 Kirwee and Sheffield (Central Canterbury) – 70km/h to 50km/h.
  • SH67 and SH67A Westport south including Buller Bridge (West Coast) – 100km/h to 60km/h.
  • SH7 at Blacks Point (West Coast) – 70km/h to 60km/h.
  • Introduction of Intersection Speed Zones* on SH1 at Norwood and SH73 at Waddington (Central Canterbury), and SH6 at Five Rivers (Southland) – 100km/h to 100/60km/h variable.

*Intersection Speed Zones (ISZs) feature electronic signage that temporarily lower the speed limit when a vehicle approaches to turn from or onto a side road.

“These proposed changes are highly targeted, covering just 12 kilometres of the South Island’s 5000km state highway network, but they will make a real difference where it matters most,” says NZTA director of regional relationships for the central and lower South Island, James Caygill.

“We’re focused on saving lives and reducing serious injuries without adding unnecessary delays for drivers.”

Each proposal meets the requirements of the Government’s Setting of Speed Limits Rule 2024, which mandates six weeks of public consultation before decisions are finalised. New limits will become legally enforceable once signs are installed and uncovered.

NZTA’s targeted approach to state highway speed management under the 2024 Rule prioritises:

  • Schools Variable Speed Limits (VSLs)
  • ISZs for high-risk rural intersections
  • Speed changes and new speed limits needed for projects and seasonal speed limits
  • A small number of community requests that meet strict criteria.

Visit below for more information, including how to suggest a speed change. This website will be updated with full consultation details and feedback options for the proposed changes above, in late January 2026.

State highway speed management

An area of State Highway 1 below at the north end of Temuka, where a reduction to the speed limit is proposed.

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Warkworth search: Water levels still high, searching pauses for today

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Carl Fowlie, Waitematā North Police:

Police are winding down its presence near the Mahurangi River for the day, as part of the search for a man missing near Warkworth.

At 7.41am on 21 January, Police were advised the man had been swept away in water.

While the water level in the river has dropped about a metre today, conditions are still not suitable for further searching.

Police Search and Rescue have been in the area this afternoon.

Police have deployed drones to carry out aerial searches.

Unfortunately the man and his vehicle have yet to be located and remain missing.

Police will continue to monitor water levels moving into Friday, and we will reassess search efforts tomorrow.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

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Caution urged as DOC assesses weather damage

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  22 January 2026

DOC manages dozens of popular visitor sites across the Coromandel Peninsula, including numerous campsites, tracks and the world-renowned Mautohe Cathedral Cove.

It is unclear what impact this week’s weather event has had on DOC’s sites, and with significant transport network issues DOC staff have not been able to carry out inspections to determine the scale of damage.

DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly says the idyllic north Coromandel campsites at Port Jackson, Stony Bay, Fantail Bay, Fletcher Bay and Waikawau have been closed immediately until assessments can be carried out.

“Customers with bookings for those four sites will be refunded or rebooked,” Nick says.

“Kauaeranga, Broken Hills and Wentworth campsites and the Pinnacles Hut in southern Coromandel are also closed for tonight (22 January) and will be reassessed in the morning. Bookings for the hut for 22 January are being refunded or rebooked.”

DOC staff instructed visitors at Pinnacles Hut and Kauaeranga Valley to self-evacuate on Wednesday 21 January. The track to Pinnacles Hut will need to be assessed by DOC staff before the hut is reopened.

Nick acknowledges the decision to cancel bookings and close the campsites will disappoint and frustrate some customers, but it is the right thing to do as Coromandel response services and national agencies work on the clean-up.

The popular track to Mautohe Cathedral Cove was closed on Tuesday and will not reopen for Auckland Anniversary Weekend as DOC staff cannot safely access it to undertake inspections. Visitors should not use the track.

Nick says Mautohe Cathedral Cove’s geology means slips, landslides and rockfall can occur several days after a rain event – a risk DOC must manage to ensure visitor safety.

Although other DOC tracks across Coromandel are not formally closed, anyone planning a walk on a track should be alert to the possibility of landslides, washouts, or downed trees. Damage should be reported to DOC via 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

“The scale of damage across DOC’s wider network of tracks in Coromandel remains unknown,” Nick says. “We will likely need several days to undertake inspections, assess, and plan for any repairs needed.”

People visiting DOC sites are urged to exercise caution and reconsider their plans given the Peninsula has been saturated by rain and will need several days to clean up.

Visitors should check the DOC website for alerts on tracks or facilities – these alerts will publicise closures as needed following inspections. People are also urged to check websites and social media channels for Thames Coromandel District Council, Hauraki District Council and NZTA.

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Success as Feilding Police arrest burglars, locate ammunition, firearms, and drugs

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested 18 people as part of Operation Thor, a targeted operation focused on burglary, theft, vehicle crime, firearms offending and drug activity in the Feilding area.

Over the last two months, Police have carried out a series of search warrants and enquiries and as a result, several arrests have been made, stolen property recovered as well as firearms, ammunition and drugs seized.

The operation, led by Sergeant Mike Linton, was launched in response to a rise in offending and information from the community about repeat criminal behaviour across the Feilding area.

Sergeant Linton says Operation Thor is about preventing harm and targeting those causing harm in our town and wider community.

“Our focus as a team is on identifying offenders who are driving crime in Feilding and disrupting that behaviour,” he says.

“This operation shows what can be achieved when crime is reported and Police work closely with the community. This is just the beginning, and we will continue to target and focus on those causing harm and offending here.”

Several male and females aged between 18-30 are facing a range of charges including burglary, theft, unlawful possession of firearms, possession of drugs and further charges are likely as enquiries continue.”

Police will continue working on Operation Thor and hold those to account who offend in our community.

Police encourage anyone with information about crime in their area to contact Police on 105 or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

In an emergency, call 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

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Pharmac proposes funding lifechanging cystic fibrosis medication for all ages

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes public consultation on Pharmac’s proposal to fund Trikafta and Alyftrek for children with cystic fibrosis, regardless of their age. 

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

The proposal includes: 

  • funding access to Trikafta for all children with eligible diagnosis (currently only funded for children 6 years and older)
  • funding access to Kalydeco for everyone with eligible diagnosis
  • funding access to a new treatment, Alyftrek 

“Pharmac is now consulting the public on this proposal. It includes funding Trikafta and Alyftrek for children of all ages with cystic fibrosis. The proposal has had significant support from the cystic fibrosis community, so we are expecting positive feedback,” Mr Seymour says. 

“Trikafta and Alyftrek would be funded for all age groups. Doctors would be able to use their clinical judgement to prescribe either of these medicines to any patient who would benefit. 

“These treatments are lifechanging for Kiwis living with cystic fibrosis and their families. If approved, this proposal would give children access to these lifechanging treatments as soon as clinically appropriate. Cystic fibrosis can cause harm very early in life, so waiting to meet age-based eligibility criteria is not an option. 

“In 2023 Pharmac funded Trikafta for children with cystic fibrosis who were 6 years or older in 2023. This left out children under 6 years old with cystic fibrosis. Parents had to choose; wait until children were old enough, pay hundreds of thousands of dollars per year for treatment privately, or move overseas. 

“This has been made possible through Pharmac’s commitment to working with the cystic fibrosis community. It is a great example of what is possible when Pharmac works alongside patients. 

“We’re making the system work better for the people it serves. When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer. It also reduces pressure on other parts of the health system.

“Now Pharmac wants to hear from people with cystic fibrosis, their family, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and other interested people.”

Consultation closes at 5pm, Wednesday 11 February 2026. Have your say here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/2026-01-proposal-to-widen-access-to-trikafta-and-kalydeco-and-fund-alyftrek-for-the-treatment-of-cystic-fibrosis

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Gang funeral, Masterton

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Inspector Simon De Wit, Acting Wairarapa Area Commander:

Police will maintain a highly visible presence in Masterton on Friday in response to a gang-related funeral scheduled to occur in the area.

We anticipate an influx of gang members travelling into Masterton from across the Wairarapa and other regions to attend the event.

Police have been clear in communicating expectations, ensuring there is no threatening or intimidating behaviour, and that gang insignia is not worn or displayed in any public place in breach of current legislation.

Officers will be actively monitoring the situation and will respond swiftly to any issues that arise. Any reports of unlawful behaviour will be dealt with appropriately.

We encourage anyone who witnesses illegal activity to contact Police immediately on 111. Non urgent matters can be reported via 105, either online or by phone.
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

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Pharmac proposes to fund life‑changing treatments for people with cystic fibrosis

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac is proposing to fund new treatment options for people living with cystic fibrosis with eligible mutations, including young children, from 1 April 2026.

The proposal includes:

  • widening access to Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor) and Kalydeco (ivacaftor) for all people with eligible mutations,
  • funding a new treatment, Alyftrek (vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor).

Around 35 people are expected to benefit in the first year, increasing to 47 people after five years.

“Trikafta has already changed the lives of hundreds of New Zealanders with cystic fibrosis,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin.

“Since we funded it in 2023 for people aged 6 years and above, over 400 people have benefitted. We are now proposing to fund Trikafta for more people so it can be used as soon as clinically appropriate, regardless of age.”

Cystic fibrosis is a long‑term condition that affects around 500 New Zealanders, including children. There is no cure, and people with the condition often have shorter lives.

“Cystic fibrosis starts causing harm very early in life. Funding these medicines for all age groups would help more young children with Cystic fibrosis live longer, healthier lives,” says Martin. “It would also mean children could begin treatment as soon as clinically appropriate, giving families greater peace of mind.”

Currently, Trikafta has Medsafe regulatory approval for use in people aged two years and older, and Alyftrek for children aged six and older.

“Funding these treatments would also benefit the health system,” says Martin. “People wouldn’t need to visit the hospital as often and they’d need less treatment.”

Pharmac is seeking feedback on the proposal from people with cystic fibrosis, their whānau, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and other interested people.

“Your feedback will help us make sure the proposal is workable, and improves access to treatment,” says Martin.

Consultation closes at 5pm, Wednesday 11 February 2026. Feedback can be submitted through the online form. All feedback received before the closing date will be considered before a decision is made.