Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Parliament –

The objective of the bill is to improve timeliness in New Zealand’s courts by maximising judicial resources. It aims to ensure that judicial time is focused on the most critical tasks and decisions.

The bill would amend the Senior Courts Act 2016, the Criminal Procedure Act 2011, and the Coroners Act 2006. It would:

• increase by two the number of High Court Judges that could be appointed, from 55 to 57
• make procedural amendments to minimise the volume of proceedings that abuse the process of the courts
• reduce duplication at the pre-trial stage and maximise the use of judicial and court resources
• allow appeals to the Court of Appeals relating to District Court decisions to be heard by a court at the appropriate level
• enable coroners to close an inquiry if it were no longer appropriate to conduct an inquiry because of new information or changed circumstances.

Tell the Justice Committee what you think

Make a submission on the bill by 1pm on Wednesday 25 June 2025.

 

For more details about the bill:

ENDS

For media enquiries contact:

Justice Committee staff

04 817 9520 / justice@parliament.govt.nz

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

 Our Board:

sets our strategic direction, makes decisions about funding allocations and provides guidance on our operations
monitors the performance of the Chief Executive and the organisation
oversees management of strategic risk.

Dr Alan Bollard CNZM, Chair

Alan Bollard is Chair of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. He is New Zealand Governor of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, a Director of China Construction Bank (NZ), and Chair of the New Zealand Pacific Economic Cooperation Council.
He has been Chair of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Professor of Pacific Region Business at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, and Chair of the Centres for Asia-Pacific Excellence.
Alan was the Director of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research from 1987 to 1994, Chair of the New Zealand Commerce Commission from 1994 to 1998, and the Secretary to the Treasury between 1998 and 2020. From 2002 to 2012, he was the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. He was the Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Singapore from 2012 to 2018.
Alan has published a number of economics and popular books. He is a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, a Fellow of Royal Society Te Apārangi, and has honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Auckland and Massey University.
Robin Hapi CNZM, Deputy Chair

Robin Hapi was a former Commissioner of the Tertiary Education Commission from 2007 to 2013 and joins TEC for a second time from February 2025. This follows a term of 12 years as Amokapua/Chair of Te Wānanga o Raukawa. He has served on several Boards and led a range of commercial and not-for-profit entities.
Robin is currently Chair of Tū Ātea Ltd and Co-Chair of the Pūhoro STEMM Academy. His previous service includes positions on the Boards of Te Mātāwai, Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities, WorkSafe NZ and the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency; he has also been Chair of the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board, Chair of BERL and Deputy Chair of Callaghan Innovation. 
Robin is an old boy of Hato Pāora College and an alumni of Massey University, where he graduated with a Master of Business Administration with Distinction. In December 2015 Robin was awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in recognition of his contribution to governance, community and Māori, and in 2022 he received the Dame Mira Szászy Lifetime award from the University of Auckland Business School for his contribution to governance. Robin is also a Distinguished Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors.
Robin is of Ngāti Kahungunu descent and affiliates to Kahurānaki Marae, Te Hauke.
Dr Alastair MacCormick, Commissioner, Chair Whatitata Whakau – Risk and Assurance Committee

TEC’s longest serving Commissioner, Alastair was first appointed to the TEC Board of Commissioners in May 2017, and appointed as Chair of the Whatitata Whakau – Risk and Assurance Committee in August 2017.
Alastair is an Emeritus Professor of the University of Auckland. He holds a Doctorate in Management Science from Yale University and an MCom in Economics and a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from Auckland. For a decade he was Dean of Business and Economics at the University of Auckland and subsequently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
Alastair also served over nine years on the Grants Committee of Callaghan Innovation for the Government support of Private Sector R&D and is a professional director with global experience in both public, private and listed companies.
Alastair’s generosity with his time and expertise is demonstrated in his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital (a voluntary role which Alastair has supported for almost 40 years) along with founding the New Zealand Education and Scholarship Trust in 1991. He has also spent 14 years on the Board of Trustees for Auckland Grammar School, serving as Chair of the Board for six years.
Alastair was awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in The Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours for services to tertiary education and the community.
Kirk Hope, Commissioner

“People are our greatest asset and the drivers of our economy.  Business needs a training and development system to ensure everyone can reach their potential and New Zealand continues to prosper”. 

Appointed in November 2019, Kirk brings strong current business sector knowledge to the TEC Board table. Kirk is the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Council. Previously, he was the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s largest business advocacy group with approximately 80,000 business connections.
It is not just his knowledge and understanding of business that Kirk brings to TEC. He has held the positions of CEO of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, Executive Director of the Financial Services Federation, along with several executive positions in both government and banking industries.
The pairing of business acumen with a strong financial base, a Master’s in Law, an honours degree in political science, easily makes Kirk a great fit for TEC.
Kirk’s passion is giving back, so sometime in the future we could see him sharing his wealth of knowledge and business expertise through teaching – perhaps that will be after he finishes PhD in economic history (a long term goal) or when he isn’t surfing.
Samuelu (Sam) Sefuiva, Commissioner, Chair Ohu Tangata – People and Culture Committee

Sam has over 30 years’ experience in public policy, strategic and business advice, cultural and economic development and executive leadership. He has a strong professional and personal interest in the Pacific region particularly in human rights, social enterprise and public policy. Sam joined the TEC Board in January 2023.
Sam has mentored, led and facilitated senior executives in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific in improving international, regional and domestic non-government and community enterprise environments. His strengths are in high level policy advice and relations, strategic thinking, business planning and facilitation.
Currently his leadership roles include: Mana Whakapai-AMPTI (consortium) Manager, Auckland Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Initiative; Trustee, Digital Wings Trust; and Trustee Black Grace (Dance) Trust. Previously, Sam was Chief Advisor to the Race Relations Commissioner at the NZ Human Rights Commission.
Sam enjoys spending time with his family and including grandchildren, his wider Samoan fanau and village (Salani, Falealili), as well as some passive recreational activities such as reading, surfing, fishing.
Deidre Shea, Commissioner

“Accessible, quality educational opportunities for all New Zealanders throughout their lives are key to the health and success of our communities and our nation. I am privileged to be able to contribute to this as a member of TEC’s board.”

Commissioned in 2023, Deidre received her Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday honours for services to Education.
Deidre held leadership roles with Ōnehunga High School (OHS) from 1995 and was Principal from 2007 until 2022. Her leadership extended to the Auckland Secondary School Principals’ Association from 2008 to 2015 and the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) 2014 to 2023. She became President of SPANZ from 2019 to 2021, leading through numerous challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deidre is committed to excellent, lifelong educational opportunities for all. She has overseen the establishment of a Construction School at OHS in 2005, followed by a Services Academy in 2007 and later a Health Science Academy. OHS operates the nation’s largest school-based Adult and Community Education programme.
Deidre has chaired Te Hikoi (formerly the AIMHI Alternative Education consortium) for the past decade. 
Bharat Guha, Commissioner

Bharat Guha is the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Invercargill Licensing Trust. He is a chartered accountant with extensive experience in the education and hospitality sector.
Bharat has held numerous senior positions as CEO, Deputy CEO and CFO in different New Zealand and overseas organisations. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharat was based in London, working as the Group CFO for an LSE-listed company with branches in the UK, Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal.
Bharat was recognised as a Fellow of the Australia New Zealand Chartered Accountants for his financial work on the Zero Fee Scheme for the Southern Institute of Technology. In addition, he has developed and led successful government–private tertiary institution partnerships for attracting international students to New Zealand.
Bharat is a graduate of the University of Otago, undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Information Systems) and a Master in Business Administration. He also completed the Executive Leadership Programme at Oxford University and the Southland Leadership Academy.
Bharat is committed and passionate about ensuring the future growth of tertiary education in New Zealand.
Sharon McGuire, Commissioner

Sharon McGuire has a strong commercial background and knowledge of the polytechnic and broader tertiary sector. She also has governance experience with several entities. Her tertiary experience includes being a director for regional economic development with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.
Sharon’s commercial experience includes working as a general manager in the hotels sector, as a director of a major sports franchise, work with Chambers of Commerce, and as a business owner specialising in project services and advising on business viability.
Sharon has held senior executive roles and is an experienced Director in the Not-for-Loss sector. Sharon is a great supporter of community organisations, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for services to Rotary and the wider community.
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Source: New Zealand Police

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers congratulated five patrol handlers and their dogs and one detector dog team at the Dog Training Centre (DTC) in Trentham today. 

The teams graduated and paraded out in number one uniforms and shiny shoes in front of whānau, friends and work colleagues alongside executives from the New Zealand Police.

Commissioner Chambers congratulated the newly trained dog teams, saying they would offer a valuable service on the front line.

“It is fantastic to see these six dog teams graduate today and head back out to districts. They will have an exciting career – our dog teams regularly deploy in tough situations and are remarkable at what they do.”

He also thanked the DTC staff. “You continue to produce the best handlers and teams that our organisation and country could hope for.”

Christchurch, Hawke’s Bay, Timaru, and Auckland welcome the new frontline patrol dogs and Wellington District acquires the new explosives detector dog.

Inspector Todd Southall, National Coordinator Police Dogs, says “Congratulations to all our graduating dog handlers.

“These frontline patrol dogs are incredible and work alongside our officers doing some of the most dangerous jobs in police.

Our amazing detector dogs are trained to detect drugs, firearms, cash, and explosives. Both our front line and detector dogs are worth their weight in gold.

It’s a proud day for all handlers, both experienced and new when they graduate. This ceremony marks the end of a demanding few weeks training to become an operational team. It takes patience and perseverance to complete and pass,” says Todd.

“I wish the teams all the very best as they begin their operational duties in their districts.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has quality checked and approved the 10 cent coin with the effigy of King Charles III, King of New Zealand (KCIII), for production and New Zealanders can expect to see it in their change around 2027.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can advise a woman missing in central Auckland has been located.

The 60-year-old had gone missing this morning, and has since been located in the Grafton area.

She is safe.

Police thank the public for sharing our appeal today.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Green Party

Today’s sweeping changes to environmental protections paint a damning picture of a government hellbent on profit at all costs, openly allowing more environmentally harmful activities under the guise of progress.

“Today is a dark day for rivers, lakes, streams, beaches, forests and all who enjoy and rely on these taonga across Aotearoa,” says the Green Party’s Environment Spokesperson, Lan Pham. 

“Taking freshwater as one example, ‘Te Mana o Te Wai’ offered us a clear legal framework that prioritised the health of our waterways and the health of our communities above corporate greed. 

“Instead, the actions of this Government will go down in history as the most anti-environment we have ever seen. Councils and communities could be stripped of their ability to control the harmful impacts of industries like forestry, intensive farming, and mining.

“Further, the Government is making changes to enable more mining on wetlands, significant natural areas, and in places where our most precious indigenous biodiversity is. 

“The Government has really shown their cards today. It could not be clearer that they are hellbent on pushing our natural environment to the brink, exploiting everything they can for any profit that can be squeezed out of it.

“If this feels like this is straight out of a deliberate playbook, it’s because it is. The language of ‘re-balancing’, ‘efficiency’, ‘cutting red tape’, and ‘enabling industry’ is often used, but what’s really happening here is a systematic and comprehensive erosion of environmental protections.

“Truly prosperous economic activity is only possible if our planet is also thriving. We depend on healthy nature and a stable climate for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat and the materials for life,” says Lan Pham.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are urging road users to put safety first this King’s Birthday weekend. Those who don’t should expect to see red and blue lights.

The number of road deaths so far this year has seen too many families losing loved ones in crashes, says Acting Director of Road Policing, Inspector Peter McKennie.

“There’s no excuse for anyone to drive dangerously or carelessly, endangering their lives or others regardless of day of the year.

“So many of the crashes we’ve attended this year have been preventable, and that’s a tragedy. It’s horrific for families, friends, and first responders.

“Preventing those tragedies is what we’re focused on, especially at long weekends when there are more people on the roads. If you’re breaking the rules on the road, you’ll get our attention and a ticket as well.

“Extra Police will be patrolling the roads across New Zealand, from highways to back roads, ‘anywhere, anytime’.

“The four biggest factors in crashes, deaths and serious injuries involve restraints, impairment through the likes of alcohol and drugs, distractions such as cell phones, and speed.

“Those are four areas we’re targeting because we know it can save lives. A split-second decision can be the difference between life and death.

“We want everyone travelling on the roads over the weekend to be safe, and to help keep others on the road safe.

“We’re doing our best, but need people to take greater responsibility on the road.”

Inspector McKennie urged motorists to take their time, drive to the conditions, and be patient.

“Just because you’re a good driver, it doesn’t mean the next person is.  Drive in a manner and at a speed that allows you to respond safely to the unexpected.

If you’re on the road, do everything you can to keep yourself and others safe this long weekend.”

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Background information

The official King’s Birthday weekend period covers from 4pm on Friday 30 May to 6am on the Tuesday 3 June.

The official road toll can be found here.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With a busy (and possibly wet) long holiday weekend ahead, motorists travelling on the West Coast are being encouraged to check weather forecasts, roading conditions and plan ahead for their journeys in case of delays.

“We’ve seen plenty of rain across the region over the last week and more rain is expected over the long weekend, which can bring challenges for the roading network,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the West Coast.

“It’s a good idea to do some planning in advance if you are travelling to and around the region over the long weekend, including checking for any closures or delays on NZTA’s Journey Planner.”

NZTA’s Journey Planner(external link)

Delays are still being experienced through the Lower Buller Gorge after a series of slips forced a closure earlier this week. Motorists should expect to allow up an hour of additional travel time when travelling through this part of State Highway 6 between Inangahua Junction and Westport.

Further south, motorists travelling on State Highway 6 between Haast and Lake Moeraki should be aware that because of retaining wall construction works at the Epitaph Site, traffic will be temporarily held up in both directions between 7am and 5pm. Traffic will be cleared from the site every hour, on the hour, and motorists should expect delays of up to an hour during work times.

“We want people to enjoy their long weekend and safely reach their destinations, wherever they are travelling,” Miss Whinham says.

“Doing that advance planning, taking care on the roads and showing patience for others makes a real difference. It’s also very much appreciated by those of us who are responsible for managing and maintaining the roading networks and keeping the traffic flowing.”

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Auckland Council

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Auckland councillors have approved the approach for the future use of around 1,200 properties bought out following the 2023 storms.  

The policy guiding future land use decisions was approved by the council’s Policy and Planning Committee. The 1,200 properties with high-risk homes are expected to be purchased by the end of 2025 – making this one of the largest land acquisition programmes undertaken in Auckland.  

Mayor Wayne Brown says the policy is an important step. 

“We have to think about the future and this policy allows the council to consider the different ways the land can be used, including, importantly, what we can do to recoup ratepayer money allocated to purchase the high-risk properties,” says Mayor Brown.  

“I’m committed to getting value for money for what is a significant investment for council, so it makes sense we carefully consider how we utilise land safely, sensibly, and economically to reduce the cost of the storm damage and return some of that investment, to Auckland ratepayers.” 

Committee chair, councillor Richard Hills says it’s important to remember that severely storm-affected land (Category 3) has inherent risks that must be considered for any future use.  

“To move people out of harm’s way – that’s why these properties were assessed and purchased in the buy-out scheme. While we want to use the land effectively to provide homes and maintain strong communities, safety will always be our top priority,” says Cr Hills. 

Under the policy, the council will retain a large number of properties for flood resilience projects, other council services or where hazards such as unstable land must be safely managed. The council will also consider opportunities to sell some properties that can be used safely for other purposes.   

Cr Hills stressed that with hundreds of pieces of land to assess, it will take several years before final decisions are made, a factor which he knows will be frustrating for affected communities. 

“We understand communities have a keen interest in the future of storm-affected land, but we have to carefully make the best decisions for the land and the community.” 

Director Policy, Planning and Governance Megan Tyler says the policy is all about finding safe and sensible options for the land, within the constraints of any hazard risks.  

“This policy will guide how we assess the potential for each property, so that safety, future resilience and value for Aucklanders are top of mind.” 

Aucklanders told the council through consultation in September 2023 they wanted to see the impact on rates from the buy-out programme minimised, which along with other recovery costs tallies to more than $1 billion. 

If you have suggestions for specific Category 3 sites, you can provide these in the expressions of interest register. 

The removal of storm-affected homes will continue until late 2027, and the council will maintain the vacant land until the future land use is determined. You can read the frequently asked questions on OurAuckland.