Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Police

More than a third of all firearms licence holders have registered their firearms, with New Zealand’s Firearms Registry recording its 400,000th gun now linked to an individual licence holder.

Te Tari Pureke – Firearms Safety Authority says the 400,000th firearm was one of more than 1000 guns added to the Registry in one day, on 1 May. These firearms are held by 81,400 individual licence holders, or 36 percent of licenced gun owners in New Zealand.

Acting Executive Director, Superintendent Richard Wilson, says the Registry is part of a broad response to firearms harm in our communities, and delivers greater transparency and accountability when firearms are bought and sold, imported, and manufactured. This is helping mitigate the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.

The Registry was one of the reforms following the March 2019 terror attack in Christchurch.

“Only last month, Police arrested two unlicensed hunters in possession of a number of firearms after a complaint about illegal hunting. When the serial numbers of some of the guns were cross-checked with the Registry, it identified licence holders and investigations are continuing.

“This is a huge step forward, being able to trace firearms so quickly and easily. And remember, it’s still early days. Over time, as we get all licence holders in, the Registry will increasingly make it more difficult for firearms to move from lawful hands into the black market of unlicensed people, including gangs, extremists, or criminals.”

Licence holders must record their details in the Registry no later than August 2028. However, if they have an activating circumstance before that time, such as renewing their licence, buying a firearm, or changing address, they must register their licence details and all their firearms and parts, and keep that information up to date. Most registered firearms, almost 89 percent, are so-called A-Category firearms, the standard rifles and shotguns used by hunters and farmers.

Superintendent Wilson says the Registry is on track to have all licence holders in by the 2028 deadline.

“We acknowledge all the firearm licence holders who have filled in the Firearms Registry so far. To those yet to register their firearms, Te Tari Pūreke is here to help. Go to the MyFirearms web page or call us on 0800 844 431 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.”

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police, New Zealand Customs and Police’s National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) have made a significant dent in the supply of drugs into Christchurch, with the seizure of more than 25kg of cocaine.

On 29 March, Police and Customs received information about a significant importation of cocaine that had come through Lyttelton Port.

More than 25kg of the Class A Controlled Drug was seized, with a street value in excess of NZ$9 million.

Search warrants have since been executed across New Zealand, utilising specialist teams to support investigators with evidence gathering.

The investigation has been ongoing over the past six weeks and has led to the arrest of four men, aged 30-36, from Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland.

They will face multiple charges, including possession of cocaine for supply and burglary, and will appear in various district courts across a range of dates.

Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Sparks says this seizure equates to more than 250,000 doses of cocaine and $9 million of harm prevention.

“That is an enormous amount of damage and misery that had been heading into our communities that has now been halted through this investigation.

“Police and Customs continue to be committed to targeting those offenders causing the most harm, and are always looking for opportunities to disrupt the supply chain from organised criminal groups targeting New Zealanders.

“Part of the investigation’s success was also due to the target hardening of Customs Controlled Areas in Christchurch and the excellent partnership between Customs and Police.

“We continue to have a focus on engaging with businesses and supporting their legitimate services by keeping them safe with prevention advice to deter drug trafficking organisations’ attempts to exploit their people and premises.”

Customs Acting Investigations Manager Rachael Manning says this investigation was the result of quick action and close collaboration between Police and Customs as well as industry partners who are committed to working alongside law enforcement to help stop organised criminal groups from operating in our regions and ports.

“We know that transnational and serious organised crime groups are actively targeting New Zealand to drive up both demand and supply of illegal drugs such as cocaine for maximum profit. They’re using every method possible to exploit any vulnerabilities within international supply chains, whether that’s at seaports, in secure areas or on vessels themselves.

“This result highlights that we are determined to find them, and we will not let legitimate businesses falling victim to these criminals’ methods. Everyone has a role they can play in protecting our country and communities from harm. Customs urges our industry stakeholders and public to remain vigilant at all times. You can raise any suspicions about possible smuggling behaviour by calling 0800 WE PROTECT (0800 937 768) in confidence, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111,” Ms Manning says.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: Tairāwhiti Graduates Celebrate Success – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Dynabook Launches Ultra-Light Portégé Z40L-N Copilot+PC with Self-Replaceable Battery

Dynabook ANZ launches the ultra-light Portégé Z40L-N, a 14” AI-powered business laptop featuring Intel® Core™ Ultra processors, Microsoft Copilot+ tools, robust security, and a self-replaceable battery—designed for mobile professionals needing performance, security, and portability.

The post Dynabook Launches Ultra-Light Portégé Z40L-N Copilot+PC with Self-Replaceable Battery first appeared on PR.co.nz.

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Source: Argument for Lifting NZ Super Age

Improving the resilience of state highways in the top of the South Island continues, with State Highway 63 at Howard Narrows near St Arnaud the next in line for improvements.

Improving the resilience of state highways in the top of the South Island continues, with State Highway 63 at Howard Narrows near St Arnaud the next in line for improvements.

Contractors will be on-site on the St Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, from Monday 19 May until Friday 27 June to complete rock scaling and rock bolting.

Work will be underway on weekdays only between 7:30am and 5pm.  No work will be done on weekends

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman says contractors will be working on the top rock face about 30 metres above the highway, a section that hasn’t been strengthened before.

“Our team will use a 60-tonne crane with a cradle to provide abseilers access to the top of the rock face but due to the geography the loose rock and debris must be removed manually.” 

“Approximately 120 rock bolts will be drilled to stabilise the face before mesh rock-protection is installed,’ Mr Service says.

He says that, as the location’s name suggests, this section of State Highway 63 is incredibly narrow, which makes the work extremely challenging. 

“To ensure the safety of road users and our crew we must close the road while this work is completed.”

“Rock falls can pose a serious risk to road users and sometimes result in lengthy road closures. Reducing this risk is a priority.”

Mr Service says improving State Highway 63’s resilience is critical. 

“We have seen from past severe weather events how crucial it has been in providing an alternative route when State Highway 6 has been closed between Nelson and Blenheim.”

“It is critical we continue to invest in the highway to improve the resilience and reliability of the regional state highway network,” Mr Service says.

Because rock scaling can only be done safely during the day, the work requires daytime road closures. Measures will be in place to reduce delays and disruptions for drivers, with regular openings planned to let queued traffic through the work site. They will be scheduled for 10 am, 12 noon, and 3 pm, for 20 minutes.

While the project is underway, Mr Service says road users will have to detour via State Highway 63 St Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, Korere-Tophouse Road and State Highway 6 Kohatu-Kawatiri Highway.

“This is a significant detour and will require extra travel time. However, it is unavoidable as it is not safe to have traffic driving through the project site when rocks are being removed from the cliff face. We have to keep drivers safe from the risk of rockfalls.”

“Please bear with us. We know there will be disruptions and delays while the work is completed. But investing in these improvements now helps prevent bigger hassles in the future,” Mr Service says.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi is working with the freight industry, the local community to ensure those affected by this work can make arrangements in advance.

Works schedule

• Monday 19 May, to Friday 27 June, 7:30am – 5pm (weekdays only) full road closure of State Highway 63 between Howard Valley Road and Kawatiri Junction.
• During this time the road will reopen for 20 minutes at 10am, 12noon and 3pm to let queued traffic through.  These times will be dependent on the weather and safe passage through site.
• The road will operate under stop/go traffic lights and a reduced temporary speed limit outside of work hours.
• During work hours the detour route for all vehicles will be via State Highway 63 St Arnaud-Kawatiri Highway, Korere-Tophouse Road and State Highway 6 Kohatu-Kawatiri Highway.
• Allow an extra 30 minutes travel time when travelling on the detour route.
• Emergency services will be accommodated through the closure.

View larger map [PDF, 130 KB]

More information

• This work is funded by the Crown Resilience Programme – a $419 million investment package of resilience improvement activities that will reduce the impact of severe weather events on our national roading networks. The total crown resilience programme comprises $279 million for activities on State Highways, and $140 million for activities on Local Roads – Crown Resilience Programme (CRP)(external link)
• Other resilience works recently completed in the top of the South Island include rock scaling work on State Highway 65 at Higgins Bluff and flood prevention works on State Highway 1 at Dashwood in Marlborough, State Highway 6 at Dellows Bluff and State Highway 63 near the Wash Bridge in the Wairau Valley. Stage Two of the resilience work on State Highway 6 Whangamoa Saddle is also planned to begin in May.

Source:

Te Pāti Māori is demanding urgent changes to the draft Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) framework, calling it a dangerous step backwards for Takatāpui, trans, and rainbow rangatahi.

“This draft erases Takatāpui voices, ignores whānau diversity, and delays consent education. It’s not just inadequate, it’s unbelievably unsafe” said Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer.

The draft excludes Takatāpui or trans identities, frames gender in binaries and postpones meaningful consent teaching to later years. It also makes no effort to affirm our same-sex or gender-diverse whānau.

Te Pāti Māori is calling for:

• Takatāpui-led co-design of the curriculum

• Consent education from primary school

• Explicit inclusion of rainbow whānau

• Tikanga-based, inclusive sexuality education

• Funding for kaupapa-led teacher training

“We need education that reflects all our tamariki. Silence is not safety” said Ngarewa-Packer.

Submissions close Friday 9 May. Te Pāti Māori urges whānau and communities to speak out.

Click here to have your say. 

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has announced Pati Gagau as New Zealand’s next High Commissioner to Kiribati.

“Our diplomats play a critical role in advancing New Zealand’s interests overseas,” Mr Peters says.

“Nowhere is this truer than in the Pacific, where we strive to work with our Pacific partners to forge a more secure, more prosperous and more resilient future for our region.”

Mr Gagau has held a number of senior roles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, managing development programmes and working across many of New Zealand’s important bilateral relationships in the Pacific. 

Mr Gagau has previously served as New Zealand’s Deputy Head of Mission in Samoa. 

Source:

The Haps

David Seymour’s speech to the Tauranga Business Chamber has been widely praised. More would get done if the Government had fewer Ministers. Parliament comes out of a three-week recess into three weeks of sitting that will culminate in the Budget on May 22nd. For years ACT published Alternative Budgets showing how the Government could afford two per cent of GDP on Defence. Now two per cent is happening and the weekend’s helicopter announcement is just the beginning. Meanwhile a journalist wrongly accused Free Press of ‘misinformation’ while trying to defend media standards. We are not making this up.

Once were (AI) sceptics

The future’s always been a bit disappointing when we get to it, like for those of us who are STILL waiting for flying cars. (Nerdy) children of the ‘90s grew up watching Beyond 2000, a weekly program devoted to the technologies that would change our lives in the next millennium if we survived Y2K. The same program wouldn’t work today, people would roll their eyes at the earnestness of it all.

At Free Press, we’ve kept off the Artificial Intelligence bandwagon, maybe because we’ve lived long enough to be a little sceptical. We never lost hundreds of thousands of lives to COVID, and neither did countries with far more relaxed policies towards it. Climate change was supposed to bring apocalypse by 2010, and 2020 was too scary to think about, according to the usual suspects. Yet, here we all are.

Most of the people who go on endlessly about AI couldn’t even give you a short, sharp definition of what it is. They can’t explain why it is more than just another software development. The eighties gave us spreadsheets, the nineties email, and the noughties social networks. All of them had an effect, but they haven’t transformed life as we know it.

What’s more, it was kind of a toy, as recently as a year ago, the hype of ChatGPT had come and gone. People found it too often ‘hallucinated’ firing out such crazy solutions that you definitely wouldn’t use it for anything important. So, what’s changed?

In the last year the progress has been staggering, and it’s the rate of change itself that stands out. By now MPs could ask Chat GPT, Perplexity, or Grok for advice, on say, a briefing to a select committee from officials. It could produce a set of policy proposals according to different levels of political ambition while the officials are still speaking. The level of intelligence and nuance is extraordinary, and the rate of change more so.

For business, the opportunities are extraordinary. We don’t pretend to give businesspeople advice, too many people in the political world think they’re business experts. What we do know is that tasks such as interacting with customers can have massive labour savings. An online doctor consultation can be summarised with perfect notes produced before the patient is out the clinic door. It’s all very exciting.

What about education? Twelve-year-olds are saying their main source of information is ChatGPT or Perplexity. If they want to know something they don’t Google it, they don’t watch the news and they certainly don’t get a book from the library. They ask an AI program and talk to it like a virtual friend.

That sets off a lot of questions. Where is the ability to think for themselves? If they can get an answer to any question in seconds, do they need to know anything? If AI can solve all their problems, what space remains for humans? Is it schools’ jobs to prepare them to live in this world, and are schools remotely equipped to do so?

Where do the blunt bans on mobile phones and social media for young people fit in? Do they preserve a human sphere so kids can get to know themselves without dependence on machines, or do they leave kids even more naive and unprepared to live in that world?

If that’s education, how about the public service? They’ve always been slow to take on technology. They’re sclerotic thanks to fear of privacy laws. Yet at the same time the public sector has been eating money for too long and badly needs productivity growth.

We once were sceptics, but the last year of progress has changed our mind. AI is big. It’s at least as big as spreadsheets, emails, and online social networks. With the Chinese Government reported to be making AI a compulsory subject for six-year-olds this year, New Zealand policy will need to raise its sights from its usual debates and ask what our philosophy on AI is…

Source:

Responding to proposed legislation to ban under-16s from social media, ACT Leader David Seymour says:

“ACT shares the concern of many parents, teachers and experts: social media is doing enormous harm to young people. We also know what H.L. Menken meant in saying: For every problem there is a solution that is simple, neat—and wrong.

“ACT opposes National’s bill banning under-16s from social media because it is not workable. Instead, we ask the Education and Workforce Committee to hold an open, transparent inquiry. The inquiry should hear all voices to find a workable solution that respects parental responsibility.

“ACT is concerned about the practicalities of a ban. For example, requiring all social media users to provide government identification to social media companies would raise privacy issues.

“The Bill’s definition of ‘social media’ more or less includes the entire internet, for example the Bill says social media could be anything that ‘allow[s] end-users to link to, or interact with, some or all of the other end users.’ Such a poorly drafted definition is unworkable.

“Similar legislation has been passed in Australia, but hasn’t come into effect yet, and no-one yet knows how the ban will be implemented. We would be better to learn from the Aussies’ mistakes than make the same mistakes at the same time as them.”