Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

His Excellency Sugiono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, and Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, convened the 12th meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) on 13th June 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
The Ministers welcomed meeting in person, underscoring the importance of regular consultations between themselves, Leaders and other Cabinet colleagues to strengthen the relationship in ways that deliver real benefits and advance shared values.
The Ministers celebrated the cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand under the Comprehensive Partnership agreed by Leaders in 2018, and the achievements under the 2025-2029 Plan of Action. 
The Ministers committed to intensify cooperation across the seven pillars of the Comprehensive Partnership to strengthen bilateral ties and achieve the ambitious goals set out in the 2025-2029 Plan of Action.
 
Reviewing the implementation of the first year of the Plan of Action 2025-2029, and way forward 

“Friends for Good” Ties

The Ministers acknowledged intensive recent engagement between the two countries, including Minister Peters’ attendance at President Prabowo’s inauguration in October 2024, and meetings between our Prime Minister and President, and Foreign Ministers at APEC in November 2024, as well as increased engagements by senior officials. 
Both Ministers agreed to further increase two-way dialogue and acknowledged the importance of face-to-face engagement, and regular hosting of key relationship architecture meetings, in maintaining our “Friends for Good” ties.
The Ministers agreed to encourage relevant stakeholders to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation, including through bilateral defence talks and the annual Senior Officials Meeting on Trade and Investment Framework.
Both Ministers also noted the significant potential for promoting Parliamentary and civil society exchanges to further strengthen bilateral and people-to-people ties.
Enhancing Trade and Economic Partnerships to Advance Growth of Both Economies
The Ministers highlighted the importance of enhancing mutual prosperity and strengthening trade and economic connections. Ministers recalled the goal in the Plan of Action to grow two-way trade to NZ$6 billion by the end of 2029.  They highlighted the need for New Zealand and Indonesia to increase mutual cooperation in the face of global economic uncertainty.
Both Ministers highlighted the importance of resolving non-tariff trade barriers to ensure trade continuity and growth. Ministers welcomed agreement of the Cooperation Arrangement on Halal Standards.  The Arrangement will facilitate the convenience, security, safety and certainty of halal food traded between our countries. Ministers noted the intent for New Zealand and Indonesia to work together to further support the Indonesian national program of food resilience and the Nutritious Meal programme.

The Ministers noted the positive trend of New Zealand’s investment in Indonesia, and agreed to continue efforts to encourage investment flows.
Ministers welcomed the year-round direct flights between Auckland and Bali and committed to continue to work towards unlocking the full potential of enhanced air connectivity to facilitate increased people-to-people, business and trade flows.
Both Ministers reconfirmed the importance of a rules-based, free and open trade environment, with the World Trade Organisation at its core, as critical for the regional and global economy. The Ministers welcomed the implementation of the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), which entered into force in April 2025, and ongoing cooperation under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The Ministers acknowledged the process of Indonesia’s accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as an important step to foster economic integration, accelerate economic reform, and support mutual prosperity. 
Both Ministers reaffirmed their nations’ commitment to preventing illegal money laundering and other illegal financing activities to enhance financial integrity and transparency and to further promote economic growth and development.
 
Renewable Energy and Environment Cooperation 
The Ministers highlighted the importance of renewable energy, including geothermal cooperation, which has been a significant part of the relationship since the 1970s and welcomed the renewed Partnership Arrangement in renewable energy and energy conservation signed in September 2024. 
Ministers announced a further NZ$15 million investment in Phase 2 of the New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES 2.0) programme to continue to improve access to reliable, renewable electricity for remote and small islands while building local industry service capacity.
The Ministers acknowledged strong collaboration between the Indonesia and New Zealand geothermal industries, including under the Pūngao Ngawha (Panas Bumi) Indonesia-New Zealand Partnership Programme (PINZ), that provides access to New Zealand’s world-renowned technical and training capabilities, with the aim of assisting Indonesia to further accelerate the development of its geothermal energy sector and broader energy transition.
The Ministers emphasised their shared commitment to adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change under the Paris Agreement and expressed willingness to expand climate related and environmental cooperation through comprehensive climate change dialogue that includes both mitigation and adaptation strategies.
 

Education, Tourism, Science, Technology and Innovation, and People-to-People Cooperation

Ministers welcomed the significant increase in the annual allocation of tertiary scholarships under the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Programme (MNZSP), from 45 to 70, for Indonesia for this year and the next two years, reflecting their mutual dedication to deepening people-to-people connections, strengthening capacity in renewable energy and public governance, and developing disadvantaged regions. 
The Ministers welcomed the Arrangement on Education Cooperation to refresh areas of cooperation, including increased education and higher education policy dialogues to enhance education system development and resilience.
The Ministers underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people connections, particularly in education and tourism, as a bedrock of strong bilateral ties. Both Ministers welcomed the exchange of cultural missions and promotions to serve this purpose.
Ministers welcomed further exchanges of officials’ level visits to New Zealand focused on good governance, public sector performance and integrity and other sectors to advance bilateral relations.
The Ministers encouraged closer cooperation between Indonesia and New Zealand in supporting research collaboration as highlighted in the Arrangement on Education Cooperation.
 
Development Cooperation 
Both Ministers welcomed the past year’s implementation progress under the Statement of Partnership (SoP) 2025-2029 signed in July 2024 and reviewed in May 2025. The SoP has strengthened and elevated both the development relationship and mutual commitment to focus on development cooperation and other strategic issues and is strongly aligned with Indonesia’s national priorities in two areas: climate and economic resilience; and inclusive human development.
 
Defence, Security, Cyber and Maritime Cooperation

Ministers acknowledged New Zealand and Indonesia’s long-standing defence relationship and committed to continuing to strengthen these ties, including through regular Defence Ministers’ meetings. They welcomed the upcoming visit to Jakarta by New Zealand Navy ship HMNZS Te Kaha and the recent visit by the Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy.
The Ministers announced new funding towards ongoing cooperation on security issues through continued support for the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC). The funding provided by New Zealand will enable the continued delivery of high-quality capacity building initiatives and collaboration between law enforcement agencies to combat transnational organised crime in the region. 
The Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to the Bali Process and welcomed progress against the Adelaide Strategy for Cooperation, which sets out the priority areas of cooperation for the Bali Process Working Groups. This includes an upcoming Joint Tabletop Exercise co-hosted by New Zealand, Indonesia, Australia and Viet Nam, through the Working Group on Disruption of Criminal Networks Involved in People Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons from 23 to 26 June 2025. 
The Ministers agreed to continue to implement the refreshed cooperation arrangement on counter-terrorism, and identify opportunities for dialogue on preventing violent extremism. 
Ministers highlighted the importance of active participation by our militaries in training activities, annual defence talks and joint exercises, including Exercise Super Garuda Shield.
 

Regional and Multilateral Agenda

The Ministers emphasised ASEAN’s central role in the dynamic regional architecture and their shared commitment to ongoing dialogue and cooperation through ASEAN-led mechanisms and processes, particularly the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).
The Ministers welcomed the ASEAN-New Zealand Joint Statement on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific in 2023 to maintain regional stability and to serve as a framework to strengthen bilateral relations to advance economic relations and maritime governance under international law.
The Ministers welcomed the implementation of the ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (POA) (2021-2025) and its substantial progress achieved across the four themes outlined in the POA – Peace, Prosperity, People, and Planet. They further welcomed activity throughout 2025 to commemorate 50 years of dialogue relations between New Zealand and ASEAN, including preparations under way for a Commemorative Summit in Malaysia in October. Minister Sugiono confirmed Indonesia’s support for New Zealand’s proposal to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and noted the development of a new ASEAN-New Zealand Plan of Action (2026-2030) to guide future cooperation. 
Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining and promoting security and stability in the South China Sea. Ministers underscored their strong support for freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded trade, and their unwavering support for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ministers emphasised the need for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. In this regard, Ministers recalled the 2016 ruling of the South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal, constituted under UNCLOS. They underscored the importance of further progress towards an effective and substantive Code of Conduct that is consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
Ministers expressed concern about the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.  Ministers called on stakeholders and parties in Myanmar, in particular the armed forces and security forces concerned, to immediately cease violence, including the targeting of civilians, and to engage in inclusive dialogue. Ministers emphasised the importance of a peaceful, stable and unified Myanmar, affirmed their strong support for ASEAN-led efforts in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus and encouraged the international community to work together in a pragmatic and constructive way to support peace and stability in Myanmar.
The Ministers expressed concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated their calls for all parties to cease all hostilities; release all remaining hostages; facilitate the rapid, safe, unimpeded, and sustained delivery of humanitarian aid; adhere to international humanitarian law; and protect aid workers to enable their lifesaving work. Ministers reaffirmed their support for the implementation of a two-state solution consistent with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Ministers exchanged views on the war against Ukraine and reiterated support for efforts to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.  In that context, Ministers continued to reaffirm their respect for sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity, and reiterated their call for compliance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
The Ministers acknowledged the challenges to the multilateral system from shifting geopolitical dynamics, a tightly constrained financial environment and increasingly complex global risks. They reaffirmed their strong support for multilateralism and the international rules-based system, and acknowledged its important role in underpinning global stability, resilience and prosperity. The Ministers committed to collaborating on efforts to strengthen the multilateral system, increase inclusivity and transparency, and to safeguard and advance human rights, in order to support a system that is more responsive to today’s challenges. 

Conclusion

Ministers reviewed the implementation of the Plan of Action for 2025-2029 and discussed their common interest in advancing bilateral cooperation and delivering tangible outcomes.
Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to utilise and advance the implementation of existing cooperation frameworks to deliver our shared interests. 
Both Ministers were ready to explore more cooperation in the future to support both nations’ interests, as confirmation of their strong stance as Friends for Good.
Minister Peters expressed his sincere gratitude to Minister Sugiono and the Indonesian Government for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded to him during the visit, and looked forward to hosting Minister Sugiono at the 13th JMC in New Zealand in 2026.

Source: New Zealand Police

Road Closure. Lorna Street, New Plymouth.

Emergency services are reponding to an incident in Lorna Street, reported at 3.20pm.

There is not believed to be a risk to the wider community but Police request the public stay away from the area.

The road is closed from Devon St. West to David St.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Sergeant Carey Priest,

Two men are before the courts following two incidents in Marton.

At approximately 10pm on 10 May, Police were called to an alleged aggravated robbery at a commercial premises on Broadway.

After closing and securing the premises, the employee was confronted by the alleged offender who hid in the ceiling space of the property.

The offender threatened the employee with a weapon and demanded a large amount of cash before fleeing the area on foot.

Thankfully, the employee is not injured, however was understandably shaken by the incident.

After an investigation into the incident, Police identified the alleged offender, and found that the man had allegedly committed a burglary at the same premises in April.

This week, Police arrested and charged two men in relation to the two incidents.

Police are pleased to have made arrests in relation to this matter and hold the alleged offenders to account.

We recognise the significant impact this type of offending has on our community and that it can be incredibly distressing.

Police takes this offending seriously, and we hope these arrests reassure the community that we have absolutely no tolerance for incidents like these.

A 39-year-old Nelson man appeared in Porirua District Court on 12 June, charged with aggravated robbery and burglary. He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear on 17 June.

A 49-year-old Palmerston North man is due to appear in Palmerston North District Court on 17 June, charged with aggravated robbery and burglary.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

At least four new rapidly deployable relocatable inpatient units will be rolled out across the country to ensure hospitals can continue delivering care to patients while major infrastructure projects are underway, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“These new inpatient units – part of the Government’s $1 billion Budget 2025 investment in hospital infrastructure – will help ensure patients can receive their surgeries while permanent hospital redevelopments are progressed,” Mr Brown says.

“Each unit will provide between 28 and 32 beds, delivering a rapid uplift of at least 112 inpatient beds across the country. With a design life of up to 50 years, these relocatable units can be moved between sites depending on clinical need and demand, providing a flexible and future-proof solution.”

Mr Brown confirmed that the first of the new units will be delivered in Nelson, where it will support service delivery during the redevelopment of Nelson Hospital. One unit for Hawkes Bay announced earlier this year will also be part of this deployment.

“This is a smart, cost-effective, and adaptable approach that will enable Health New Zealand to maintain continuity of care while we invest in long-term hospital infrastructure. It’s another example of the Government delivering practical, results-focused solutions to improve access to healthcare.”

The relocatable inpatient units will be designed and built to meet relevant design standards, ensuring the same high standard of care as permanent hospital facilities.

“This approach has already proven effective at Wellington Regional Hospital, where a temporary inpatient ward was successfully deployed during the copper pipe remediation programme. A similar unit is currently being built at Hawke’s Bay Hospital.

“By expanding on these proven models, we can respond more quickly to population needs and relieve pressure on hospitals while long-term builds are underway.

“This Government is focused on delivering practical solutions that improve access to care and support our long-term plan to build a health system that works for all New Zealanders. 

“Whether it’s through innovative builds like these relocatable units or progressing major redevelopments, we’re making sure the health system has the capacity it needs – not just for today, but for years to come,” Mr Brown says. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is tackling talent shortages in manufacturing and boosting New Zealand’s economic recovery by fast-tracking residency for skilled tradespeople.
“We know how important skilled workers are to the resilience of the manufacturing sector. When we don’t have enough people to fill these roles, productivity slows, business growth stalls and the economy feels the pressure. These changes will help bring in the talent we need to keep things moving,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. From 18 August 2025, ten new trades occupations will be added to the Green List’s Work to Residence pathway. This requires a migrant to have worked in a relevant occupation in New Zealand for an Accredited Employer for two years before applying for residence. The occupations being added are:

Metal Fabricator
Metal Machinist (First Class)
Fitter (General)
Fitter and Turner
Fitter-Welder
Pressure Welder
Welder
Panel Beater
Vehicle Painter
Paving Plant Operator

“Manufacturing is a powerhouse for the New Zealand economy, contributing about $21.8 billion annually. In recent years, however, the sector has faced pressure from a tougher economic climate,” Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says.“Business confidence is improving as inflation and living costs ease, but I’m hearing from manufacturers that some roles crucial to day-to-day operations are still proving difficult to fill.“We know these skill shortages must be addressed to support the sector’s recovery. Bringing in overseas talent will help lift productivity and ensure manufacturers across the country can seize opportunities to grow.“As these businesses unlock their potential they’ll be better positioned to expand, create new jobs and take on more local apprentices – driving prosperity and opportunity in communities across New Zealand.
“We’re committed to building the skilled workforce New Zealand needs to thrive, and there are more changes ahead to strengthen our skilled residence settings,” Ms Stanford says.

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Assistant Commissioner Deployment Tusha Penny

Police can today confirm preliminary findings of an audit into the application of recruitment standards for police officers.

The audit followed the discovery in April that discretion had been applied to some applicants who failed the Physical Appraisal Test (PAT) but were accepted into training at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC).

We looked at 1022 recruits from 14 wings which started training between January 2024 and April 2025.

There were eight individuals who did not meet all the requirements of the PAT and were allowed to begin training at the RNZPC.  A further nine passed individual components of the PAT on different dates, in breach of the policy, and were progressed. The policy requires all components be passed during one testing session.

All subsequently passed the Physical Competency Test (PCT) which is required before a recruit can graduate.

In the interests of transparency and to assess the full extent to which discretion was being used, the audit was expanded to include all other pre-employment testing over the same time period.

This included the psychometric test, the English literacy testing and typing.

Police must be proficient in English. Literacy testing is only required of applicants who do not have level 2 NCEA English or higher or comparable international qualifications.

Of the 1022 recruits, 267 were required to do the test and 128 did not pass.

All applicants passed psychometric testing before beginning at RNZPC but 36 that initially failed were allowed to re-sit without a six-month stand down period between tests.

This stand down period is considered good practice by the provider Police uses to administer this test.

One person did not pass the typing test, which requires a typing speed of 25 words a minute.

All recruits who were given discretion and have since graduated did pass all mandatory tests required to graduate.

In response to the findings, the Commissioner has made it clear that the use of discretion falls short of his expectations and standards.

He has instructed there is to be no further use of discretion to allow people to enter RNZPC without first meeting all mandatory recruitment standards.

There will be no exemptions and no circumstances where discretion is applied.

The findings also raised concerns about inconsistencies and confusion around the criteria and application of discretion in some cases.

While discretion has long been used in exceptional cases, the audit makes it apparent it has increasingly been accepted as common practise over recent years.

Any suggestion a tolerance had developed for accepting lower standards than those set for recruitment is of concern to the Commissioner.

The Police recruitment process is designed to be thorough and robust and there are good reasons for the standards required.

The literacy assessment is designed to be relevant to the work required of police staff.

The ability to communicate well under pressure is critical for an officer’s own safety and those of their colleagues, as well as the public.

Police is committed to serving our communities by having the best possible people in our organisation.

We have an incredible organisation of men and women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, who work hard in, and for their communities.

NZ Police officers are proud of the standards that are required to join.

We have many staff who have English as a second language.

These people add immense value to our organisation and to the communities they work in.

That is why ESOL support is available at RNZPC for recruits who need it, as well as other learning support for recruits.

However, all recruits must meet the required standard before they begin training with us.

Policing is a very rewarding career.

The findings from this audit will support our ongoing work to recruit and train world-class police officers.

There is guidance and support on preparing for the pre-entry tests on www.newcops.govt.nz for people who want to join.

That includes physical training plans to prepare for the PAT and guidance on how to upskill in areas required to meet the requirements.

The report on the preliminary findings is attached.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are responding to a crash on Stanley Road South, Te Aroha.

The two-vehicle crash was reported at around 1:40pm.

Initial indications are that there are serious injuries.

The road is closed and diversions are in place at McCabe Road and Waihou Road.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Steph McDaniel:

Police have arrested a 44-year-old Christchurch man who has evaded Police since August last year.

The man, a known gang associate, had made significant efforts to avoid arrest, including breaching his conditions, failing to appear in court and frequently changing vehicles and addresses.

Following an extensive investigation into his whereabouts, Police launched a targeted operation involving the newly formed Gang Disruption Unit, the Offender Prevention Team, and the Canterbury Rural Tactical Crime Unit.

Thanks to information provided by the public and swift action by Police, the man was successfully located and arrested yesterday.

His bail has been opposed, and he is appearing in Christchurch District Court today.

He now faces 15 charges, 11 of which relate to drive-offs from self-service petrol stations in the Waimakariri area.

Police remain committed to ensuring offenders are held to account and thank the public for their assistance in bringing this individual into custody.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have seized nearly 500 firearms from a property in Gore – a shocking discovery that is believed to be one of New Zealand’s largest seizures of weaponry.

Police are now piecing together exactly how the man came to be in possession of so many firearms, and have begun the process of logging each one into evidence.

Concerns about the man’s purchasing history led officers to his home in Gore on Friday 6 June to serve a notice of temporary suspension – an order allowing Police to retain a firearms licence holder’s licence and uplift any firearms in the person’s possession.

A total of 478 firearms of different descriptions were seized, including five pistols, some that may be prohibited firearms, and some that may be restricted weapons, for which the man was not licenced. Significant quantities of ammunition, and firearm parts were also recovered.

Only six of the 478 firearms were registered in the man’s name, and while some were locked in safes, a large number were unsecure.

“It’s shocking to see so many firearms unsecured… the scale of it is concerning,” said Southland Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman.

It was largest seizure of firearms ever seen in the Southern District “by far”.

No charges have been laid, but that may change, depending on the investigation, Inspector Bowman said. It will look at why the weapons weren’t registered or stored properly, and what was the purpose of such a vast collection.

Inspector Bowman said it was too soon to say if any of the firearms were destined to be sold to criminal groups. “A number of enquiries are being made into this discovery, but the sheer number of firearms involved means that will take some time.”

Unusual purchases

It was the man’s purchase history that caught the attention of officials.

“Through the Firearms Registry, the Firearms Safety Authority was able to establish the man had purchased multiple firearms since 2023, and not all were registered as they should have been after purchase,” Inspector Bowman said.

“In buying a firearm, the man was required to register older firearms already in his possession, and we allege that did not happen.”

Because of the number of firearms located, multiple Police vehicles were required to transport them from the property.

The firearms, ammo and parts will be held securely by Police until the investigation, and any legal action that may follow, is complete.

Their future is unclear: “It’s still early days in the investigation and we have a lot of work to do before we get to that point.”

Swift action after red flags raised

Firearms Safety Authority Executive Director Angela Brazier, said the case highlighted the value of the Firearms Registry, and of close co-operation between the Authority and frontline Police.

“Information shared by Police enabled us to quickly suspend the man’s licence for failing to comply with his Registry obligations. Once his licence was suspended, Police could rapidly respond to remove this considerable number of unlawfully held firearms.

“The majority of firearms licence holders are good law-abiding people. The review of the Firearms Registry released in May confirmed that diversion of firearms to the black market remains a threat to public safety and the Registry mitigates that risk.

“I acknowledge all licence holders who have filled in the Registry and are doing their bit to make it harder for criminals and other unlicensed people to access firearms.”

Two years into its five-year journey there are more than 86,000 active licence holders registered, or 38 per cent of active licence holders. Around 29 per cent of those registered did so proactively, without waiting for the legal requirement of an activating circumstance.

There are more than 425,000 firearms listed in the Registry.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Liz Gellert as an Associate Judge of the High Court. 
Associate Judge Gellert graduated from the University of Auckland in 2003 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts. She was a law clerk with David Williams KC before joining Russell McVeagh’s general commercial litigation team in 2004.
Associate Judge Gellert joined Simpson Grierson as an Associate in 2007, becoming a Senior Associate in 2008, specialising in banking and finance litigation.
She joined ASB Bank as head of disputes and corporate advisory in 2017, and spent time as the bank’s legal services acting general manager during 2020 and 2021.
Since 2021 Associate Judge Gellert has been a litigation partner with Lowndes Jordan in Auckland, with a general commercial litigation practice focusing on general commercial litigation, insolvency, debt recovery, enforcement, regulatory advice and maritime law.
Her appointment is effective from 21 July and she will sit in Auckland.