Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Legislation to bring New Zealand’s trusted weather forecasting agencies together has passed its first reading, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti and State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“The Meteorological Services (Acquisition and Policies) Legislation Amendment Bill will enable Earth Sciences New Zealand to formally acquire MetService, bringing together our key meteorological and climate expertise and infrastructure, strengthening New Zealand’s understanding and response to climate and natural hazards,” Dr Reti says.

“It also aims to remove the fragmentation that occurs through having two government-owned companies in weather forecasting,” Mr Brown says.

The Meteorological Services (Acquisition and Policies) Legislation Amendment Bill makes some technical changes to allow Earth Sciences NZ to take on MetService, including:

Removing MetService from the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986.
Amending the Crown Research Institutes Act 1992 to require Earth Sciences NZ to publish its observational weather data access policy.
Exempting the acquisition from Part 3 of the Commerce Act 1986 (Commerce Act) on public policy grounds, on the basis that the public benefits of integration outweigh any theoretical competition concerns. The Commerce Act will, however, continue to apply as normal post-acquisition.

“New Zealanders will continue to see MetService’s known and trusted brand reporting on the weather and MetService will remain the country’s internationally authorised meteorologist. This will ensure both continuity and a single, authorised voice for public safety messaging in times of severe weather,” Mr Brown says. 

“Bringing MetService and Earth Sciences New Zealand together means more Kiwis will be able to access clearer insights into our climate, more accurate long-term weather forecasting and faster warnings.

“Our scientists will be able to better collaborate and gain access to more infrastructure to collect and analyse weather data – from a broader network of weather stations to Earth Sciences’ new supercomputer.

“This Bill is another step in the Government’s wider work to develop a science system that’s more collaborative, more efficient and more future-focused, to support New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses to thrive,” says Dr Reti.

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Foodstuffs South Island Limited has been fined $39,000 for selling hummus products that were recalled due to the possible presence of Salmonella.

The company was today sentenced in the Christchurch District Court on one charge under the Food Act 2014, following a successful prosecution by New Zealand Food Safety, says deputy-director general Vincent Arbuckle.

“This was a major recall of nearly 83,000 units of hummus products. However, Foodstuffs South Island sold 39 of the affected units to consumers. These should have been removed from shelves to minimise risk.

“Food recalls are done to protect consumers from potential harm. People rightly expect food businesses to conduct them effectively and efficiently.

“On this occasion there was a significant failure in Foodstuffs South Island’s recall system and product subject to the recall was distributed to stores for sale to the public.”

In February 2023, Foodstuffs South Island was notified by a supplier that a batch of tahini used in hummus products returned a positive result for Salmonella. 

This led to a number of recalls of various products as any product made using that tahini was considered potentially contaminated. This involved a total of 82,740 units of affected hummus products.

“While there were no confirmed reports of associated illnesses, we are committed to holding food businesses to account to ensure food recalls go smoothly so that risk to consumers is minimised.”

The vast majority of food sold in New Zealand is safe, but sometimes problems can occur. Food businesses need to have in place robust recall systems and test them regularly.

Information for food businesses on how to do this is available on the New Zealand Food Safety page:

Food recalls

Help keep yourself and your family safe by subscribing to our recall alerts:

Information on how to subscribe

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz 

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Kayci Tapine, 27, who has a warrant for her arrest.

Police believe someone may have information on her whereabouts.

Tapine is known to have connections in the Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, and Waikato regions.

Anyone with information is urged to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250208/8621.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Government

This World Children’s Day we should celebrate our nation’s caregivers and encourage others to consider becoming a caregiver.

“Every child deserves to feel secure, to be nurtured, and to know they belong. Today, there are more than 2000 caregivers across New Zealand, including respite, emergency, transitional and family home caregivers,” says Minister for Children Karen Chhour.  

“These are people who have opened their homes and hearts to children and young people seeking care and stability. 

“We still have children and young people dreaming of that stability—a place where they can simply be kids, go to school, and thrive without fear. This is not just a government responsibility; it is a shared community obligation.

“There is no single type of person who can make a great caregiver. We need people from all walks of life—single, partnered, young, older, working, retired. 

“If you are patient, kind, and committed to making a difference, seriously consider becoming a caregiver.

“Oranga Tamariki provides comprehensive training, guidance, and ongoing support for all approved carers, ensuring they have the tools and resources necessary to meet the needs of the children placed with them.

“This year we have undertaken a survey of caregivers and implemented a number of improvements to the supports we provide.

“The need for caregivers is diverse, ranging from short-term respite care that offers essential breaks to existing carers, to transition care for older children, and permanent homes where a child can grow up feeling safe and loved,” says Minister Chhour. 

You can learn more on the Oranga Tamariki website – https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/caregiving/becoming-a-caregiver/

Source: New Zealand Police

To be attributed to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Field Crime Manager:

A homicide inquiry is ongoing after a man died in Waikanae yesterday afternoon.

Police were called to Kakariki Grove at around 3.15pm yesterday, where a man was located critically injured and subsequently passed away.

Three men – aged 20, 25 and 26 – have been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in relation to the incident that resulted in the man’s injuries. Further charges are currently being considered.

Police are also investigating an incident in Hadleigh Court, Waikanae at around 4.25pm yesterday, where a man was found with serious injuries. 

We believe the incidents in Kakariki Grove and Hadleigh Court are related, and we are working to establish exactly what has occurred, and to identify and locate anyone else who may have been involved.

A large number of officers from across Wellington District have been deployed to assist in this investigation, and Waikanae residents can expect to see a continued police presence in the Kakariki Grove and Hadleigh Court areas as we continue our enquiries.

If you have information regarding either of these incidents but have not yet spoken to us, please contact the investigation team via 105, quoting file number 251119/8049.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government passed legislation today to slash the Clean Vehicle Standard’s charges and keep additional costs from being passed on to consumers.

“We’ve acted quickly to put these temporary measures in place to avoid the risk of an estimated $264 million in net charges being passed on to New Zealand households and businesses”, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“The Standard sets targets on vehicle CO₂ emissions – imposing charges on high-emission vehicle imports, while awarding credits on imported low-emission vehicles. The emission targets progressively tighten every year, to continually lift fuel efficiency. 

“However, right now the system isn’t working, with 86 percent of importers unable to meet the Standard without incurring additional charges on the vehicles they’re bringing in. The danger is that these extra costs will be added to vehicle prices.”

The changes will come into effect 1 January 2026.

The changes, which were announced earlier this week, include: 

• Temporarily slashing charges by nearly 80 per cent – from a top rate of $67.50 to $15 per gram of CO₂ for new vehicles, and from a top rate of $33.75 to $7.50 for used vehicles, for 2026 and 2027.
• Protecting credits – ensuring none expire before 31 December 2028.
• Launching a full review – with recommendations to Cabinet by June 2026.

“These changes will mean that the import penalties applied to many popular vehicles will be significantly reduced. Depending on how much of the charge the importer can offset and how they price their vehicles, Kiwis could avoid thousands on the price of their vehicle.

“These changes mean Kiwis can still upgrade to cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars, while giving us the space to make sure the Standard is actually workable and delivers a long-term, sustainable path to lower emissions that fits New Zealand’s needs.”

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  20 November 2025

The new Seabird-Safe Fishing Toolkit is an online, interactive platform to help fishing companies understand how they can reduce their captures of seabirds on longline hooks set for tuna.

Included in the toolkit are maps showing where threatened seabirds occur, fishing practices to reduce the risk of fishers accidentally catching seabirds, and resources to help companies monitor and improve their seabird-safe fishing performance over time.

DOC’s Senior International Advisor Mandy Leathers is the project co-lead with Southern Seabirds Trust.

“We all have a responsibility to care for our vulnerable seabirds and address the pressures and dangers we put on them,” Mandy says.

“New Zealand is known as the seabird capital of the world, and many are taonga to Māori. They’re a part of our identity.

“But unfortunately, 90% of seabirds that breed in New Zealand are in trouble, with bycatch in high seas longline fisheries being a significant pressure. It’s estimated that 30,000-40,000 seabirds are caught every year in the Southern Hemisphere.

“The good news – there are proven ways to reduce seabird deaths in longline fishing, and these are included in the ‘one-stop-shop’ toolkit,” Mandy says.

Examples of seabird-safe practices include setting fishing lines at night, sinking baited hooks quickly using weights, using a bird scaring line or using a hookpod, which protects seabirds from getting hooked during line setting.

“New Zealand’s own surface longline fleet is now using these best practices and has digital monitoring. We are well placed to support international high seas fleets to follow suit.”

Mandy says the toolkit results from a truly collaborative effort with crucial input from the fishing industry and sustainability experts around the world.

The toolkit is a New Zealand-led project, developed through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Oceans and Fisheries Working Group.

Mandy says even people who don’t fish can help ease the pressure on seabirds while they’re out naturing.

“Pick up plastics on the beach and other rubbish, and take part in trapping, because invasive predators are a huge problem at breeding sites. While preventing bycatch is our greatest priority, anything we can do to relieve the pressure on our seabirds will help.”

Contact

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  20 November 2025

Drawing on his deep and extensive knowledge, Kelvin has increased understanding of ecosystems on a nationwide level, aided court decisions, and supported community conservation.

Penny Nelson says that Dr Kelvin Lloyd, epitomises the qualities of the prestigious conservation award, which recognises people who have made an outstanding contribution to conserving indigenous flora.

“Winning the Loder Cup is not merely about personal achievement; it is about demonstrating leadership, inspiring others, and leaving a legacy that benefits generations to come.

“It’s an honour to present this award to someone who has spent a lifetime defending the native plants and landscapes that make Aotearoa unique.”

Based in Dunedin, Kelvin studied at the University of Otago, completing a PhD in botany, and built a successful career in ecology and botany.

Kelvin’s extensive research on ecosystems across Southland and Otago has shaped the way wetlands are mapped and assessed wetlands nationally.

Over many years, he has helped to safeguard vulnerable habitats by reviewing resource consents for major infrastructure projects and appearing as an expert witness in the Environment Court, before Boards of Inquiry and in Tribunals.

“His expertise is widely recognised by colleagues and environmental groups,” says Penny.

Kelvin was lead author for a report for the Ministry for Primary Industries in 2019, which modelled the potential spread of wilding conifers across the country. From this work, $14 million was allocated to controlling wilding conifers. Kelvin was part of the small group that started the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, north of Dunedin, and as a trustee for 14 years he has been central to its success. This 307-hectare coastal forest, protected by a predator fence, is a significant community-led conservation project.

Kelvin has made a major contribution to the study of New Zealand’s native plants, especially his research comparing the ecology of rare and common species. Through the NZ Ecological Society, he has widely shared his knowledge of new taxa, species distribution and ecology with colleagues.

One of Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest conservation awards, the Loder Cup was donated by avid plant collector and enthusiast Gerald Loder in 1926 to encourage and honour New Zealanders who work to investigate, promote, retain and cherish New Zealand’s indigenous flora.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

A new funding arrangement to support the management and maintenance of New Zealand’s 23 iconic Great Rides will enable Kiwis and international visitors to get out to the regions, now and into the future, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.

“The Government is committing $7.5 million over three years from the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund to ensure our world-class trails continue to deliver economic, recreational, and environmental benefits to communities,” Louise Upston says.

“Each year more than 2 million people use the Great Rides of Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trails, and earlier this week, we saw new data that shows our Great Rides pump $1.28 billion a year into our local economies. This funding will only support this growth.”

“Preserving our Great Rides for the future is important. They create jobs, support businesses such as bike hire and tour companies, and attract hospitality and accommodation services to set up shop nearby.”

The new Trail Management funding has two key components:

• Maintenance: Funding to improve and maintain trail quality and address any trail audit findings as they arise.
• Management: Each Great Ride will receive funding for a dedicated trail manager.

“The Great Rides were set up by Sir John Key’s National-led Government in 2009 and have been an effective partnership between central and local government and the communities that host the trails for more than a decade,” Louise Upston says.

“The three years of funding provides certainty for our trail partners and enables better long-term planning.”

In addition to this new funding arrangement, our Government recently announced investments in cycle trail infrastructure in both Ruapehu and Dunedin, with more to come.

“We are committed to ensuring all our Great Rides remain well-maintained and managed for the future, continuing to attract visitors and deliver economic benefits,” Louise Upston says.

Source: New Zealand Police

A 41-year-old man has been charged with nine offences after a spate of thefts and burglaries in Feilding.

The offending goes back to 18 September, when the man is alleged to have broken into a vehicle and stolen personal possessions on Willowbank Crescent.

What followed was multiple instances of dishonesty offences around Feilding, including burglaries from commercial and residential premises and the theft of a vehicle and bank cards.

Operation Thor was created to reduce offending, and on 17 November the man was arrested, with the assistance of Palmerston North staff.

Officer in Charge Feilding, Sergeant Mike Linton, says Police are determined to hold people to account.

“My team and I remain committed to making sure anyone who commits crime in our town faces the consequences.

“This is a great result for the team and our community – we believe this will go some way in stemming the crime that has been occurring around the town.

“This is only the start of this operation.

“We continue to urge the public to report incidents through 111 if it’s happening now, or 105 for non-emergencies.”

The man appeared in the Palmerston North District Court on two charges of burglary, three charges of taking bank cards, two charges of taking items from a vehicle, one charge of taking a vehicle, and one charge of interfering with a motor vehicle.

The man was remanded in custody and is due to reappear on 25 November.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.