Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The new Better Later Life Action Plan is designed to provide practical support to help older New Zealanders live well and maintain their connections and independence, Minister for Seniors Casey Costello announced today.

“The Action Plan consists of a range of practical improvements and is built around a simple goal – helping every New Zealander to live well for longer,” Ms Costello says.

“It focuses on three key areas that matter to older people. We want people to stay well and independent for as long as possible and to support social connection. We need to increase access to the right types of housing in the places people want to live. And we need to help older people remain financially secure and keep control over their lives.

“The plan builds on the wide range of existing government services for our over-65s. Before the plan was developed, we did a stocktake of what was currently provided by government agencies. 

“The stocktake found there are more than 50 services targeted for older people delivered by 23 agencies, and apart from NZ Superannuation, the most used service is the SuperGold card. In the last financial year the Government spent over $28 billion on these services, with around 80 per cent of this on NZ Super.

“The Action Plan supplements these core services with specific new initiatives that respond directly to what older New Zealanders have told us matters most, including:

working to increase the range of suitable housing options
reviewing driver licensing and medical assessment rules to support people to stay driving safely for as long as possible
supporting existing local networks to expand their services, with digital training through libraries
providing tools and guidance to allow people to plan for later life
strengthening protections against elder abuse, and
modernising the SuperGold Card and exploring whether it can be used as a primary form of identification so that it remains as useful as possible.” 

The Action Plan takes a cross-government approach, bringing Ministers and key agencies together to drive coordinated, practical action, Ms Costello says.

“Across government, we want to improve access to information about government services so people can more easily find the help that’s available and the support that they need. 

“This plan drives practical change to make life easier for older New Zealanders.” 

The Better Later Life Action Plan 2025–2028 is available on the Office for Seniors website: officeforseniors.govt.nz.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is strengthening New Zealand’s Emergency Responder capability by creating a new entity, and expanding the mandate of Next Generation Critical Communications, announced Emergency Management and Recovery Minster Mark Mitchell. 

“Around 25,000 frontline responders already use the Public Safety Network cellular services, improving coverage and reliability during emergencies. Cabinet has now given Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC) the mandate to expand these services to the wider emergency management sector.” says Mr. Mitchell.  

“Our first responders and those who work in public safety, are simply outstanding. They go willingly into situations and places that most New Zealanders do not have to go. This change will support them in operational situations, and enable them to keep themselves and the public safe.”

Since 2020 NGCC been working on behalf of Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Hato Hone St John, and Wellington Free Ambulance to deliver the $1.4b Public Safety Network. NGCC will now support a larger eligible customer group of central and local government entities, not-for-profit organisations and infrastructure and lifelines companies.

“With top-tier emergency communications in place, New Zealand will be better prepared to respond to the variety of disasters we have seen over the past few years, such as Cyclones Gabrielle or Tam”. 

The new limited liability company will be listed in Schedule 4A of the Public Finance Act 1989. 

Shareholding Ministers of the new company will be the Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery and the Minister of Finance. 

Note to editors:

NGCC will offer the Public Safety Network’s Cellular Services on a user-pays basis to eligible organisations from mid-2026.  

About Next Generation Critical Communications | Poutama Whai Tikanga Pāpāho

Next Generation Critical Communications (NGCC) is the only government entity exclusively focussed on critical communications for public safety in New Zealand. NGCC’s mission is to modernise the communications capability of New Zealand’s emergency services to deliver more information, to more places in real time. It is responsible for delivering the new Public Safety Network solutions and cellular Location Information Services

About the Public Safety Network | Te Kupenga Marutau

The Public Safety Network (PSN) is a significant infrastructure project, investing $1.4 billion over 10 years to build and operate the networks and services, and roll out new devices to emergency services staff, stations and vehicles. The PSN consists of three complementary elements: a digital Land Mobile Radio network under construction, live Cellular Roaming, Priority and Network Visibility Services, and the ongoing provision of personal alerting

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Reece Durston:

Waikato Police investigating a firearms incident overnight are seeking information from the public where a man was left with serious injuries.

At about 11.50pm on Thursday 27 November, Police were called to a property on Sapphire Place in Chartwell after reports a man had been shot.

A 37-year-old was located with gunshot wounds and taken to Waikato Hospital in a serious condition.

He remains in hospital in a stable state. At this stage, Police believe the incident was targeted.

Police are asking the public for information of the incident or CCTV footage that may capture the area in and around Sapphire Place from last night.

The investigation team are currently looking for two motor vehicles – one red and one white – that were in the area at the time of the incident. We believe they may have been travelling in convoy in the area and can assist us in our enquiries.

Please contact Police with information either online or over the phone on 105 and quote file number 251128/8530.

A scene examination is underway, and the community can expect to see officers in the area today as enquiries are made.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are laying nearly 200 criminal charges against gang associates, who are allegedly facilitators in a criminal syndicate smuggling illicit drugs aboard international flights.

This week’s enforcement activity is the latest phase in a joint Police-Customs investigation, which has targeted a syndicate allegedly smuggling class A drugs through unattended baggage, primarily through Auckland Airport.

It comes as part of a significant operation to protect New Zealand’s borders from the threats posed by transnational, serious and organised crime.

Twenty search warrants were carried out across the Auckland region yesterday by the National Organised Crime Group and Customs, with eight associates from the Brotherhood 28 MC arrested.

Amongst those arrested was the gang’s president.

Those arrested will face 170 charges between them including:

-Participating in an organised criminal group
-Importing class A controlled drugs (methamphetamine and cocaine)
-Conspiracy to import
-Possession for supply
-Supplying methamphetamine
-Supplying cocaine
-Offer to supply cocaine
-Money laundering

During yesterday’s warrants Police have also seized NZ$50,000 in cash, multiple rounds of ammunition, jewellery and electronic devices.

This is the fifth phase of Operation Matata, targeting people employed by airline baggage handling agencies, and other associates from the criminal syndicate working within the air border.

Detective Inspector Tom Gollan says 43 people have been arrested since the investigation began in February 2025.

Twenty consignments of methamphetamine and cocaine have been seized, weighing 630 kilograms and 112 kilograms respectively.

“Since Operation Selena in 2021, Police and Customs have worked with Auckland Airport to disrupt the flow of drugs being imported through the air border, facilitated by the corruption of baggage handlers,” Detective Inspector Tom Gollan says.

“This operation has routed out the organisers, facilitators and baggage handlers involved in this illegal operation.

“Police and Customs investigators have exposed their networks, while establishing how they are evading systems and controls.”

Both agencies are working closely with Auckland International Airport and other supply chain partners at the border to alert staff to the dangers of transnational, serious and organised crime.

Detective Inspector Gollan says, “alarm bells should be going off when they are offered cash payments in exchange for them committing serious offending”.

“Twenty of those arrested in Operation Matata were baggage handlers. None of those arrested in this week’s search warrants were baggage handlers, instead they were facilitators and controllers sitting over the top of the syndicate.”

Support from a variety of international law enforcement agencies and companies has assisted in the success in Operation Matata, while in turn has led to enforcement activity in offshore countries.

Customs Investigations Manager Dominic Adams says the operation sends a strong message that attempts to exploit positions of privilege will be targeted and stopped.

“Customs, Police and industry partners are working across our air and maritime borders to combat these criminal groups intent on smuggling illicit drugs into New Zealand.”

“New Zealand’s high volume of legitimate trade and travel creates opportunities for criminal infiltration.

“This is not a new method used by transnational syndicates – it has been an issue around the world for several years – we are not immune to it. We are countering this through partnerships, intelligence, and increased frontline presence.

“Every day, our teams work nationally and internationally to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen New Zealand’s border. These arrests reflect coordinated action across multiple agencies and the power of collaboration to safeguard our communities.

“Those arrested have abused positions of trust to smuggle harmful drugs into our communities. Customs and Police will not tolerate this and will continue to pursue anyone who compromises the safety of our country and people.”

Auckland Airport’s Head of Terminal Operations Richard Deihl says: “These latest arrests demonstrate the strong and effective collaboration between Police, Customs and the airport community to disrupt the global drugs trade and prevent harmful substances from reaching our community.

“Everyone in the airport system, from airlines to ground handlers and the airport company itself, is united in our commitment to stamp out drug trafficking at the border.”

• Operation Matata – by the numbers:

5 – phases of the investigation

43 – arrests made

347 – charges laid

72 – warrants executed

630 – kilograms of methamphetamine seized

NZ$220.8m – retail value of methamphetamine seized

NZ$699.3m – estimated social harm figure

112 – kilograms of cocaine seized

NZ$50.4 – retail value of cocaine seized

NZ$33.6m – estimated social harm figure

NZ$800,000 – cash seized

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: NZCTU

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi President, Sandra Grey, is calling on the Prime Minister to uphold democratic values and ensure his MPs refrain from making false and inflammatory accusations about unions. Claims of bullying tactics from Sam Uffindell on social media yesterday are not only untrue, they undermine the integrity of the thousands of parents who serve on school boards across the country.

“The Prime Minister must stop his MPs from making false and inflammatory accusations about unions employing bullying tactics. This rhetoric is an insult to the democratically elected school boards, composed of parents, who are independently choosing to take a stand,” Grey said.

“These parents are independently choosing to stand up for what they believe is right for their tamariki. To dismiss their decisions as the result of union pressure is both disrespectful and out of step with the values of fairness, participation, and community leadership that New Zealanders expect.”

More than 1,300 school communities have expressed clear support for honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations in law. Their voices reflect a deep commitment to partnership, respect, and the wellbeing of all learners.

“We urge the Prime Minister to listen to these communities and acknowledge the strength of their mandate. The Government has misread public sentiment on this issue. Rather than compounding that error with anti-union misinformation, it should change course and engage constructively with the people it serves,” Grey said.

Source: New Zealand Government

Health New Zealand’s announcement that around 1800 graduate registered nurses will begin hospital-based roles represents a significant boost for the health system, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“A sustainable health system relies on a steady pipeline of skilled New Zealand-trained nurses entering the workforce,” Mr Brown says.

“I welcome Health New Zealand’s decision to offer around 1400 hospital-based roles to the 2025 end of year cohort of nursing graduates, which means more than 80 percent of those who pass their exams are expected to secure positions.”

“When combined with the more than 400 mid-year graduate roles it has already offered, Health New Zealand expects to support around 1800 graduate nurses into the workforce in the current financial year.

“This is a significant step in strengthening our workforce and ensuring locally trained nurses are supported into frontline roles. These positions will help hospitals across the country maintain the staff needed to deliver timely, quality care.”

Graduate nurses will start receiving offers from Health New Zealand from 1 December.

The remaining graduates will be supported into roles outside of Health New Zealand, including in primary care.

“Alongside hospital-based positions, the Government is investing in supporting graduate nurses into primary care. Funding is available for primary care employers to take on up to 400 graduate nurses each year, with $20,000 provided for each graduate employed by rural primary and community providers, and $15,000 for those employed by urban providers.”

Mr Brown says expanding graduate opportunities is essential to building a sustainable, long-term workforce.

“Importantly, these roles provide new graduates with structured support, professional development, and a clear pathway into clinical practice. That is how we build a workforce that is resilient, well supported, and prepared for the future.

“Since coming to Government, around 2000 additional nurses have joined the health system. We remain focused on continuing to grow the workforce so New Zealanders can access timely, quality care – and supporting locally trained nurses is key to delivering on that commitment,”

“I want to congratulate all nurses on completing their studies and look forward to welcoming them to the health workforce in the coming months as they begin their careers caring for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Transport Minister James Meager has confirmed a significant Government investment into new container-handling equipment for Gisborne’s Eastland Port, which will unlock fresh economic opportunities for the Tairāwhiti region.

Mr Meager announced the $5 million investment while visiting the Port, as part of his two-day visit to the region.

“This funding will directly benefit local businesses, exporters, and industries, by enabling the ability to ship containers out of Gisborne,” Mr Meager says.

“In addition to supporting regional prosperity, the investment will secure Tairāwhiti’s connectivity, as it creates an avenue for essential supplies to be brought in by sea if the region is cut off by road, as we saw in Cyclone Gabrielle.”

Eastland Port is the first confirmed recipient of funding from the Coastal Shipping Resilience Fund, which was established through the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024. The $30 million fund invests in projects which enhance the sector’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from events that could disrupt New Zealand’s freight system.

“Supporting freight movements in and out of Gisborne is vital for the region’s economic growth and supports our Government’s plan to double the value of exports in the next 10 years,” Mr Meager says.

“By providing efficient container handling capabilities, Gisborne can attract new trade, stimulate investment, and support job creation in the region. This investment will help local producers access wider markets, strengthen supply chains, and increase the region’s competitiveness.

“I would like to acknowledge local MP Dana Kirkpatrick for her advocacy for the Gisborne community and investment in Eastland Port.”

Source: New Zealand Government

The nationwide Top Up campaign, launched in August to encourage Kiwis to take everyday actions that boost mental wellbeing, has reached 3,283,076 people and achieved a milestone of 115,000 website visitors in its first four months, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“The response to the Top Up campaign has been phenomenal and shows there’s a real appetite for simple, evidence-based ways to look after our mental health,” Mr Doocey says.

“A perfect example of what success looks like is if you’ve had a challenging day on the farm or stress from work is building up, we want New Zealanders to automatically think which of the five actions they can do to top up.

“Seeing this level of engagement in the first few months gives me real confidence that more Kiwis are taking positive steps to top up their wellbeing.”

Launched in August, Top Up promotes the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Connect, Give, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Be Active which are proven to support better mental health. The campaign has reached millions through TV, radio, and digital channels, driving strong engagement across all communities.

“This campaign is about shifting the conversation from crisis to prevention. Applying the Five Ways to Wellbeing has been shown to aid recovery from tough times and the management of long-term mental health issues.” Mr Doocey says.

“By encouraging everyday actions, we’re helping New Zealanders take proactive steps to maintain their mental wellbeing and prevent small problems growing into big issues.”

Developed by VML in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, Top Up aligns with the Government’s Mental Health Targets focused on prevention and early intervention. It is complemented by a new Top Up Community Grants Scheme, which offers $250,000 annually for two years to support grassroots wellbeing initiatives, particularly in hard-to-reach communities.

“I’m delighted with the success of this campaign, already exceeding expectations, I hope to see it further break down the stigma around mental health over the next two years.”

Notes to editor

The Top Up website which includes the promotion campaign video can be found here.
The campaign aimed to reach up to 2.6 million New Zealanders each year through a range of multimedia channels such as TV, radio, social media and other online platforms. But it’s performing better than hoped.
 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Auckland Transport (AT) and NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are advising drivers to expect significant delays on Auckland’s roads when IKEA opens its first New Zealand store at Sylvia Park next Thursday (4 December).

Road users are being encouraged to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.

“We expect the opening day, and subsequent weeks or even months to draw big crowds to the Sylvia Park area, and for this to have a substantial effect on the transport network both locally and across Auckland,” says Auckland Transport Operations Centre (ATOC) Manager Claire Howard.

“Travel times across the wider Auckland  transport network are likely to be substantially longer than usual, and our traffic modelling shows that in a worst-case scenario, there could be 40-minute-plus queues to exit the motorway at Mt Wellington and wait times of up to an hour to get into car parks at IKEA,” Howard says.

“Surrounding streets in Mt Wellington will also be busy, with forecast delays of up to 40 minutes on Mt Wellington Highway in peak traffic.”

ATOC, which is a joint venture between AT and NZTA for managing the transport network in real time, has been working with IKEA to ensure their traffic management plan minimises the traffic impact as much as possible, and will be actively managing traffic light signals and diverting traffic where possible as congestion levels increase. 

“We know people are excited about IKEA opening, but like any popular event or destination that attracts a large crowd, it’s going to put pressure on the transport network,” Howard says.

“The best thing you can do is allow plenty of extra time, check routes and travel times on navigation apps and travel outside of peak times if you can.

“We expect congestion will be at its worst during evening peak traffic on weekdays and on Saturdays from 1-4pm, particularly heading Northbound from South Auckland toward Mt Wellington.”

Multiple channels for informing Aucklanders of travel delays

There will be multiple channels used for keeping Aucklanders and people travelling from other regions informed about disruptions and delays on Auckland’s transport network during this busy period.

These will include real-time updates on the NZTA Journey Planner website, AT website and AT Mobile app notifications, electronic signs on the highway network and local roads, and NZTA/AT social media channels.

“When the store opens on 4 December, staff at ATOC will be monitoring and responding around the clock to keep traffic moving as best we can and we will provide real-time updates for road users and public transport users,” Howard says.

“Our focus is on minimising disruption as much as possible and ensuring people can make informed travel choices.”

Travel advice for IKEA shoppers – taking the train may be your best bet

To avoid the longest queues, people should consider visiting the store outside of peak traffic times.

For those who aren’t planning to buy large furniture, catching the train on the Eastern Line will be the fastest way to get to and from the store.

ATOC Manager Claire Howard says people should consider travelling by train if they are able to.

“It’s a 19-minute train ride from Waitematā Station to Sylvia Park Station compared with expected travel times of more than an hour for the same journey by car, especially if you’re just window shopping or able to get your purchases delivered.” Howard says.

Staff will be on the ground at Sylvia Park Station to help direct people to the store who are travelling by train.

Travel advice for people travelling through Auckland

Drivers coming from out of Auckland to either visit the store or drive through this part of SH1 through Mount Wellington should plan for potential delays and check traffic levels before departing.

Drivers can explore other routes, for example the Western Ring Route (State Highway 20, 18 and 16) through Māngere, Mt Roskill and Massey to avoid State Highway 1.

We recommend using navigation apps to check traffic levels and find the best route before you travel.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has today announced the completion of the ECE licensing criteria reform. 

“Families need access to affordable and quality early learning services. When families have access to good options, children build foundations for future learning and social interactions,” Mr Seymour says. 

“As an electorate MP I’ve had countless parents raise the issue of affordability of Early Childhood Education (ECE). Local ECE services told me that red tape puts unnecessary costs on parents and services, and takes the focus away from children. 

“That’s why I asked for this delegation. That’s why the Government conducted a Sector Review; to reduce compliance costs but keep children’s safety at the forefront.

“Earlier this year, the ECE Sector Review instigated 15 changes to make it easier to open and run high-quality centres. This leads to more choice and better access for parents. 

“The Review included a recommendation to reform the 98 ECE licensing criteria. Most of which were outdated or unnecessary. We consulted the public on changing, merging, or removing approximately three-quarters of them. We are listening to the sector. For example, people said they wanted the frequency of checks for sleeping children to stay the same, so they are.  

“We have reduced the number of licensing criteria by almost 20 per cent, and simplified 58 of them. The changes reduce unnecessary compliance for services and give them greater flexibility. These changes also remove duplication and make the rules clearer. 

“For example, we have removed the requirement for services to document laundry, because it’s a waste of time. Centres will be able to provide parents with information digitally, because it’s 2025. We have also removed requirements for tempering valves, because it’s already dealt with in other health and safety requirements.

“The Ministry for Regulation went straight to the source and asked the sector what’s increasing costs and limiting competition. These changes are based on feedback from providers around the country who say they’ve been frustrated by unclear rules, conflicting advice from different agencies, and unnecessary red tape.

“This is just one part of our wider reform of the ECE sector. The new ECE licensing criteria will be administered by the newly established Director of Regulation. 

“The Director will be responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance in ECE, including investigating and prosecuting where necessary. They will handle complaints and incidents, while also providing support, information, and guidance to service providers, parents, and caregivers. This raises awareness of what quality early childhood education looks like.

“By mid next year, graduated enforcement tools will be used to respond to breaches of the new licensing criteria. The only enforcement tools previously available couldn’t manage minor breaches and didn’t facilitate early intervention. There will no longer be high-stakes open-or-shut rules that create anxiety, and strain relationships between regulators and centre operators. 

“Instead, the relationship will be collaborative, focused on the common goals of ensuring child safety and keeping costs down.”

The updated licensing criteria changes will be used from April 2026. More information and guidance for early learning services will be provided by the Ministry of Education in early 2026. 

“These reforms will make it easier to open and run high-quality centres, which means more choice and better access for parents. This is part of the Government’s wider commitment to smarter, more effective regulation that encourages growth,” says Mr Seymour.