Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Regulation Minister David Seymour welcomes the passing of a Bill for transparent and principled lawmaking, with the Regulatory Standards Bill passing its first reading in Parliament today.
“New Zealand’s low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation. To raise productivity, we must allow people to spend more time on productive activities and less time on compliance,” says Mr Seymour.  
The Regulatory Standards Bill:

provides a benchmark for good legislation through a set of principles of responsible regulation
enables transparent assessment of the consistency of proposed and existing legislation with the principles
establishes a Regulatory Standards Board to independently consider the consistency of proposed and existing legislation, and
strengthens regulatory quality by supporting the Ministry for Regulation in its regulatory oversight role.

“In a nutshell: If red tape is holding us back, because politicians find regulating politically rewarding, then we need to make regulating less rewarding for politicians with more sunlight on their activities. That is how the Regulatory Standards Bill will help New Zealand get its mojo back. It will finally ensure regulatory decisions are based on principles of good law-making and economic efficiency,” Mr Seymour says. 
“Ultimately, this Bill will help the Government achieve its goal of improving New Zealand’s productivity by ensuring that regulated parties are regulated by a system which is transparent, has a mechanism for recourse, and holds regulators accountable to the people.
“The law doesn’t stop politicians or their officials making bad laws, but it makes it transparent that they’re doing it. It makes it easier for voters to identify those responsible for making bad rules. Over time, it will improve the quality of rules we all have to live under by changing how politicians behave.
“In a high-cost economy, regulation isn’t neutral – it’s a tax on growth. This Government is committed to clearing the path of needless regulations by improving how laws are made.”
Notes to editors: The Regulatory Standards Bill can be found here: Regulatory Standards Bill 155-1 (2025), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested a man committing a string of burglaries this morning in Napier, in what a local officer is calling great back-to-basics Police work.

Senior Sergeant Su Robinson, Napier Response Manager, says: “At around 8am, a male was seen trying to open a person’s garage door, before leaving in a vehicle of interest.

“Officers had seen the vehicle acting suspiciously earlier and quickly identified the driver as a person of interest, also.

“Police were able to track the man to an industrial area where it is believed he was going to dispose of property stolen from another address.

Senior Sergeant Robinson says the quick actions of Police meant officers were able to stop the vehicle and arrest the male without incident.

“Using the knowledge we have around local people of interest, acting quickly, and using the technology we have available has led to an excellent result.

“The community can be assured, their homes and property are safer due to actions taken,” Senior Sergeant Robinson says.

The 51-year-old man is now facing two charges of burglary, one charge of possessing instruments for burglary, and one of receiving stolen property.

The man was due to appear in Napier District Court today.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are actively pursuing positive leads to locate the person involved in an incident in Tauranga, during which a driver allegedly brandished a knife at another motorist.

Western Bay of Plenty Relieving Area Commander Inspector Logan Marsh said Police are taking the incident seriously and are conscious of information suggesting it may not be a one-off event.

“We are working to locate the person involved in the incident with urgency. This incident is absolutely concerning, and quite frankly it won’t be tolerated,” Inspector Marsh said.

“We are aware of the social media comments suggesting this is not an isolated event, and it’s important that we hear from anyone who has experienced a similar incident on the road so we can put a stop to it.”

Inspector Marsh encouraged anyone who has information or footage of this incident, or any similar incidents in the area, to report it Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 250520/5191.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Coalition Government is seeking feedback on proposed regulatory options for the development of naturally occurring and orange hydrogen, an overlooked resource that could drive economic growth, energy resilience and innovation.

A discussion document launched for consultation today rules out a blanket approach to Crown ownership of all hydrogen in its natural state and presents high-level proposals for how the development of the resource could be managed under existing or new legislation.

“Natural and orange hydrogen could be game-changers for New Zealand’s energy sector, particularly for our hard-to-electrify industries and in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels,” Resources Minister Shane Jones says.

“The development of this resource has largely been overlooked due to misconceptions that accumulations are rare. Recent discoveries, including one of the world’s few documented hydrogen seeps in Fiordland, tell us more about how it forms in different geologies.

“We are also a prospective destination for the development of orange hydrogen which is created with intervention utilising certain minerals below ground. While these technologies are still emerging, global interest in exploring New Zealand’s potential is growing. To realise the opportunity, we need a clear and certain regulatory framework that sets us up for success.”

Developing a regulatory regime advances a coalition commitment between New Zealand First and the National Party to ensure the Government’s energy settings allow for the exploration of natural hydrogen to maximise future energy resilience.

“My officials have explored how the Crown Minerals Act 1991 (CMA) in its current form could be used to develop naturally occurring hydrogen and have determined that the status quo would not provide the clear and certain regulatory pathway operators would need to make investment decisions,” Mr Jones says.

“I am now seeking feedback on proposals that include regulating natural and orange hydrogen as a mineral through an amendment to the CMA; treating it as a natural resource under the Resource Management Act 1991; or a new allocation regime that could be developed.

“Alternative ideas and regulatory options that may be better suited for this emerging sector are also welcome. I will be very clear, however, that the Crown is not considering the nationalisation of all hydrogen in its natural state.

“My objective here is to get the right settings in place to enable New Zealand to be a world leader in realising the potential of natural and orange hydrogen. We recognise the varied interests in this space, particularly those of Māori, and want to work collaboratively and productively on a pathway forward.”

Consultation closes on 4 July 2025. To see the consultation document and for more information on how to make a submission go to the MBIE website.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are issuing a reminder to the Rodney community to be vigilant with items being stolen from building sites and new builds.

Waitematā North Police have seen an increase in Gas califonts being stolen recently.

Area Prevention Manager Senior Sergeant Roger Small says they are simple to remove and easy to on sell in places such as Facebook Marketplace.

“We are seeing an increase in the theft of these units, predominately from homes that are currently under construction.

“These homes are often easy to access as they are not yet properly secured, giving would be thieves an easy entrance.”

Potential prevention measures include but are not limited to:

-Installing a security bracket, which can be fitted into the back of the califonts and make it much harder to be removed. Such brackets can be purchased with the unit, or from most hardware shops for a small cost. “These brackets would significantly slow down offenders, making your property a less attractive target,” Senior Sergeant Small says.

– Install the califont as late in the building process as possible as an occupied dwelling is far less appealing to offenders.

– CCTV is a fantastic deterrent and investigative tool.

Top tips:
• Record serial numbers (either write it down or take a photo) – as we recover stolen property regularly.
• Is it too good to be true? Items sold online at a cheap price may be stolen property!
• Report offending to Police online
• Be vigilant – if you see suspicious activity call Police on 111

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

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is backing the grassroots work of Rural Women New Zealand – the people who support and connect rural families, communities, and businesses across the country.

Budget 2025 includes a $250,000 investment for the 2025/26 financial year to help the organisation expand its reach during its centenary year and continue its vital role supporting rural families and communities.

“If agriculture is the backbone of the New Zealand economy, then rural women are its beating heart,” Associate Agriculture Minister Nicola Grigg says.

“Rural women are at the heart of our rural economy – they lead businesses, care for families, and hold communities together.

“By backing Rural Women New Zealand, we’re investing in the strength and resilience of the rural sector itself. This is about ensuring women have the resources and support they need to lead their communities into the next century.”

Founded in 1925, the organisation has stood the test of time by adapting to the evolving needs of rural women and their communities.

“Rural Women New Zealand has been a backbone of rural life for 100 years,” Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson says.

“This funding will support the important work they do every day – helping connect people to services, building strong local networks, and advocating for rural voices to be heard.”

Source: NZSA

Applications are now open for the CLNZ | NZSA Research Grants to help writers research a fiction or non-fiction writing project.

Kua tuwhera ināianei ngā tono mō ngā Karāti Rangahau o te CLNZ | NZSA hei āwhina atu māu e rangahau tō hinonga, tō kōrero paki, tō kōrero pono rānei.

Four grants valued at $5,000 each are available to New Zealand writers.

One of the grants targets diverse writers and topics, including writers from, and writing about, parts of Aotearoa that are not broadly represented in writing and publishing, and projects on issues or subjects that are topical in present day Aotearoa.

E whā ngā karāti, e $5,000 te wāriu o ia karāti, ā, e wātea ana aua mea ki ngā kaituhi o Aotearoa.

E aro pū ana tētahi o ngā karāti ki ngā kaituhi kanorau me ngā kaupapa kanorau, tae ana ki ngā kaituhi i ahu mai ai i, e tuhi nei hoki mō ngā wāhi o Aotearoa me uaua ka kitea i roto i ngā tuhinga, i roto hoki i te ao tā pukapuka, ā, tae ana ki ngā hinonga e pā ana ki ngā take o te wā, ki ngā kaupapa o te wā rānei nō roto mai o Aotearoa onāianei.

These are brought to you by Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) and the New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ Inc) as part of the CLNZ Cultural Fund.

Previous recipients comment on how the grant has helped them
Kerry Sunderland received a recent grant for her book project: Deathwalker’s Guide to Life: how exploring death can help you live life more fully.

“The CLNZ|NZSA Research Grant has proved to be invaluable in the writing of a book inspired by my radio show and podcast, Deathwalker’s Guide to Life. The grant has not only enabled me to dive back into the 31 episodes I’ve already produced (by generating transcripts from my audio files), it’s also helped me identify where there are gaps, so I can conduct more interviews. In the book, I am weaving together the stories, wisdom, and practical advice my interviewees have shared, while reckoning with the repercussions of my own death denial in the past. Part memoir, part personal essay and part people profiles, readers will be encouraged to face their fears, empowered to embrace their own mortality, and supported to communicate more openly and honestly with their loved ones.”
Lauren Keenan (Te Ātiawa ki Taranaki) was a recent grant recipient for her project Rākau: The Lost Tree.

“This Grant enabled me to spend more time visiting the historical sites I write about in my book and do high-quality research. This has, in turn, greatly enriched my manuscript.”

Rākau: The Lost Tree is a middle-grade novel about the New Zealand wars and will be the sequel to Lauren’s children’s book Amorangi and Millie’s Trip Through Time, about Taranaki’s history.

Want to Apply?

While a broad range of fiction and non-fiction writing projects are eligible for these grants, some works and projects are excluded so please check the guidelines carefully.

First: 

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is tackling the spread of wilding pines and backing rural resilience with a 20 per cent increase in funding this year – taking the total direct investment this coming year to $12 million. 
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay, and Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the Government is focused on protecting the productive heart of New Zealand’s economy. 
“Wilding pines cost the rural community significantly and are often the bane of farmers lives, we have an obligation to work with them to control their spread, and reduce on farm burden,” Mr McClay says.
“This additional $2 million funding ensures those working to contain wildings over the next year can stay ahead of the spread. It’s a smart investment in rural productivity, land management, and our long-term rural resilience.”
More than two million hectares are affected by wilding infestations, with untreated areas expanding by an estimated five per cent each year. Left unchecked, the economic impact could reach $3.6 billion over 50 years.
Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says wilding pines threaten our farmland, water catchments, native biodiversity, and increase the risk of wildfires. They take over productive land, drain vital groundwater, and choke out native species.
“Since 2016, the Government has invested more than $150 million into the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, alongside more than $33 million contributed by partners and communities,” Mr Hoggard says.
“This year’s investment continues to support the people doing the work – regional councils, iwi, farmers, researchers, and volunteers – who are making a real difference across ten priority regions.
“We’ve pushed back some of the worst infestations and protected key landscapes. This funding keeps that momentum going and gives landowners the tools to protect and restore productive land.”
The programme is led by Biosecurity New Zealand and delivered in partnership with councils, landowners, iwi, industry, and community groups.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is backing farmers to lift on-farm productivity and improve land management through investment in catchment groups that support practical, locally-led solutions.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Associate Environment and Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says Budget 2025 commits $36 million over four years through MPI’s On Farm Support team—including $4.3 million for long-standing groups and new regional projects.
“This funding supports farmer-led groups that are already delivering real results on the ground—improving water quality and land management, and helping farmers adapt to changing conditions,” Mr McClay says.
“It includes $2.8 million in 2025/26 to extend funding for six established groups and the New Zealand Landcare Trust, giving them certainty to keep delivering trusted programmes in their communities.”
The groups receiving continued support include Thriving Southland, Rangitīkei Rivers Catchment Collective, Wai Wānaka, Hurunui District Landcare Group, Eastern Plains, and King Country River Care.
Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard says the Government is also investing in two new regional projects to expand reach and impact.
“We’re putting $900,000 into the Karamu River Catchment Collective to support sub-catchment groups across the Heretaunga Plains, and $670,000 into the Piako Waihou Catchment Trust, which will deliver five demonstration sites focused on wetland restoration, waterway management, and the retirement of unproductive land,” Mr Hoggard says.
“Catchment groups are a practical way to empower farmers to collaborate, innovate, and share knowledge. Farmers know their land best—this investment gives them the tools and support to manage it in a way that boosts productivity and delivers long-term environmental gains.”

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is securing the backbone of rural New Zealand by supporting the volunteers and communities that bring A&P shows to life, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.Budget 2025 delivers $400,000 over four years to support more than 90 A&P shows across the country, providing each with a direct grant of $1,000 a year to help keep these iconic events running.
“A&P shows are a cornerstone of rural life — they help bridge the urban rural divide, celebrate farming success, showcase our world best food and fibre, and are powered almost entirely by local volunteers,” Mr McClay says.
“This is about backing the people behind the scenes who put in the hours to make these shows happen. Their work keeps communities connected and our rural culture alive.“When rural communities thrive, our whole country benefits. This is a practical investment in regional pride, rural resilience, and the communities that make our most productive sector stronger year after year,” Mr McClay says.