Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Social Security Amendment Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament today expanding the welfare Traffic Light System that launched in August 2024. 

“This bill brings new tools to ensure beneficiaries stay on track with their obligations to find or prepare for work if they are able”, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. 

From 26 May 2025, two new non-financial sanctions can be imposed. Rather than reducing a benefit, these non-financial sanctions are: 

• Money Management – where half of someone’s benefit is put onto an MSD payment card that can only be used in approved shops to buy essential items, such as groceries, transport, healthcare-related items, and education-related items. This will be for a four-week period.
   
• Community Work Experience – where someone will have up to two weeks to find suitable work experience and is required to participate in a placement at one or more community or voluntary organisations for at least five hours per week for four weeks.

From 20 October, two more non-financial sanctions will be implemented: 

• Upskilling – Jobseekers will be required to attend and participate, to MSD’s satisfaction, in one or more employment-related training courses or programmes for a minimum of five hours per week over a four-week period.
   
• Report Job Search – Jobseekers must undertake at least three job-search activities per week, to MSD’s satisfaction, and report on them weekly over a four-week period.

Also from 26 May 2025 new policy settings will be put in place: 

• Applicants for certain benefits, and their partners if relevant, will be required to have a completed Jobseeker Profile before they can be granted a benefit.
   
• New obligation failures will carry over for two years rather than one, increasing the likelihood that those who repeatedly refuse to comply with their obligations will have their benefit cancelled if they remain on it for more than a year.

From 1 July 2025, Jobseeker Support clients must reapply for their benefit every 26-weeks (currently 52-weeks). This will require clients to engage with MSD more frequently, allowing for more proactive support and a focus on moving people into employment where they can. 

“These changes will support more people into work and help achieve the Government’s target of having 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030, which is forecast to save the country over two billion dollars in welfare payments,” Louise Upston says. 

“Because we believe having a job is the best way for people to lift themselves and their families out of hardship, the Government is setting a clear expectation that those who can work, should work.

“Our economy is stronger when more people are in work, and as we look to unleash economic growth, it’s important that as many Kiwis as possible share in the benefits of work.” 

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Five Tairāwhiti marae impacted by the North Island weather events of early 2023, are moving to safer locations with support from the Crown,” said Mark Mitchell, Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery and Tama Potaka, Minister for Māori Development.

“The Marae Trustees of Puketawai, Hinemaurea ki Mangatuna, Okuri, Takipū, and Rangatira Marae – supported by their whānau and hapū – have made the difficult decision to relocate and re-establish their respective marae in new locations. 

“The local council designated these marae, as Category 3 – High Risk, and not safe to occupy because of unacceptable risk to life from future extreme weather. 

“Each of the marae have accepted the Crown’s support package and have acquired new sites to relocate to. The new sites are in close proximity within, or close to, their respective tribal boundaries,” says Mark Mitchell.

“The impact of the severe weather on the marae was devastating for the many whānau and hapū connected to these marae and their wider community.

“The decision to relocate is not an easy one and has come from the desire of the Marae Trustees to keep their marae, and their respective whānau, safe and secure, protecting the lives of those who might otherwise be at real risk from any future severe weather events.”

Minister for Māori Development, Tama Potaka says relocating the individual marae will take time.

“We expect the relocation works, including the rebuild of wharenui and whare kai where required due to the damage, will take place over the next two or so years.  For some of the marae, the project is a complete rebuild.

“Reaching this point is a significant milestone.  Most importantly, it will provide affected whanau and hapu peace of mind, and will have the added benefit of creating opportunities for SMEs and jobs.  This augments the growing construction capability on the East Coast as a result of the mahi at Toitū Tairāwhiti and others,” says Mr Potaka.

Of the five marae three are located in the Uawa – Tolaga Bay area and the other two are in Te Karaka. 

“The Crown is also working with two Kahungunu Marae, Tangoio and Petāne in Hawke’s Bay with support packages available to both marae so they too can reestablish in safer locations. These marae were also designated, by their local council, as having an unacceptable risk to life.” 

A total of $136.215m, allocated from Budgets 23 and 24 will fund the entire Whenua Māori and Marae relocation Programme after North Island weather events. It includes the costs to relocate owners of 24 whenua Māori properties to safety as well as demolition of residential structures and covers some assistance to support affected sites of cultural significance, principally urūpa.  

“The Crown recognises moving a marae requires careful navigation. This is not an easy journey, and we would like to thank the Marae Trustees for working with us to ensure the safety of people on marae,” Mr Potaka says. 

Note for Editors:

In all cases ownership of the whenua remains with the existing owners.  

The cost for each Marae relocation is commercially sensitive due to procurement undertakings. 

Geographic location of all Category 3 Marae in Tairāwhiti:

• Puketawai, Tolaga Bay
• Hinemaurea ki Mangatuna, Tolaga Bay
• Okuri, Tolaga Bay
• Takipū, Te Karaka
• Rangatira Marae, Te Karaka

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Te Tai Rāwhiti – East Coast whānau will enjoy greater access to modern housing thanks to a Government-Iwi partnership that will deliver 150 affordable homes, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.
The Government is partnering with East Coast Iwi collective Toitū Tairāwhiti in a $75 million development that will deliver 150 affordable rentals in Gisborne, providing warm, dry, sustainable homes in a high-needs region for housing. The Government is contributing $49 million, and the Iwi collective is contributing the rest.
“The Tūranga Tangata Rite development today contributes to the Government’s wider $200 million commitment, announced in February, to deliver at least 400 affordable rental homes for Māori across key regions,” Mr Potaka says.
“The new Te Tairāwhiti houses, as well as being affordable rentals, will be warm, dry, and sustainable, designed for whānau to live well. With multigenerational layouts, shared communal spaces, and energy-efficient materials, these homes reflect tikanga Māori and are built to support wellbeing. They will also help get people out of temporary accommodation and into homes.
Mr Potaka says the project will also support local workforce development, with a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for Māori tradespeople and apprentices, supporting long-term employment pathways and regional economic resilience.

“Many of the 150 homes we are announcing today will be constructed right here in Tairāwhiti, meaning local jobs with local businesses, and a growing local economy. These are homes for whānau, built by whānau.

“The development also tackles housing shortages in the region. Te Tairāwhiti has one of the highest levels of housing need in the country. Together with iwi, we are delivering the scale of housing that whānau deserve to address shortages and create opportunity.

“On top of this, partnering with land-owning Māori housing providers, and iwi collectives like Toitū Tairāwhiti, to build more affordable housing for Māori, makes sense. 

“Through these partnerships, the Māori entities bring land and a minimum of 50 percent funding on the house build costs, meaning the Government can optimise its spending to enable more homes to be delivered in areas with high housing deprivation for Māori like the East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, and Northland.”
Since November 2023, the Government has enabled the delivery of 1,000 homes through the Māori Housing programme. All the homes should be completed by mid-2027. The 150 homes in the Te Tairāwhiti development are scheduled to be completed by the end of December 2026.
 
Notes to editor:

Toitū Tairāwhiti Housing Ltd is a partnership between a collective of Ngai Tamanuhiri, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki and Ngati Porou, plus neighbouring iwi partners in the Bay of Plenty, Te Whanau-a-Apanui and Te Whakatōhea.

The Government will be contributing $48.75 million from the $200 million announced in February 2025 to enable 400 affordable rental homes targeted to supporting Māori land-owning entities to deliver more affordable rentals. Toitū Tairāwhiti will providing the remaining $26.25 million.

The homes will be manufactured off-site at two facilities, Builtsmart in Huntly and the other in Gisborne in a joint venture between Builtsmart and Toitū Tairāwhiti. This method allows the homes to be built quickly and then transported to site.

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 2 south of Pahiatua is closed following a serious crash.

It happened around 3pm and involved two vehicles.

Traffic is being diverted off State Highway 2 at Bridge Road to the south, and Mangahao Road to the north.

The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.

There are serious injuries involved.

ENDS

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Kōrero flowed about all things emergency management at a community forum in Tāmaki Makaurau on 29 March.

Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) hosted Auckland’s first Community Civil Defence Emergency Management Forum at Te Manawa Community Hub, Westgate. In attendance were iwi and marae, community groups and emergency service partners including NZ Police, Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ), Hato Hone St John, Neighbourhood Support NZ, Citizens Advice Bureau, New Zealand Response Teams, NZ Red Cross and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The forum was also attended by Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell and Councillor Sharon Stewart, chair of Auckland Council’s Civil Defence and Emergency Management Committee.

“It was pleasing to see a range of different groups represented at the forum, where attendees made new connections and engaged in robust discussion about emergency readiness,” says Councillor Stewart.

“Having these discussions and regularly connecting is essential for enhancing emergency readiness in Tāmaki Makaurau, from grass roots community organisations to official response agencies.”

Dr Angela Doherty, AEM’s Principal Science Advisor, talks at the forum.

Dr Angela Doherty, AEM’s Principal Science Advisor, facilitated a session on “Understanding hazards – community perspectives”. Dr Doherty emphasised that preparation is key no matter what the hazard or emergency Aucklanders may face and educating Aucklanders about risks is essential to give people the information they need to make informed choices about preparing for emergencies.

FENZ representatives spoke about fire seasons and why it is important to go to www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting outdoor fires. Attendees also heard from the Ministry for Primary Industries about biosecurity responses including the recent response to oriental fruit fly in Birkdale – a pest that could negatively affect New Zealand’s agricultural export sector.

This session allowed people from a range of community organisations and networks to highlight their neighbourhood emergency readiness planning. Speakers who began the session and people engaged in the discussion that followed represented resilience networks, churches and faith centres, marae, schools, advisory and advocacy groups,  neighbourhood groups and Auckland Council advisory panels. 

Greg Morgan, AEM’s Principal for Business and Partnerships.

Adam Maggs, General Manager for AEM says the forum was a success.

“This year’s inaugural Community Civil Defence Emergency Management forum was an essential event in Auckland Emergency Management’s calendar this year. It brought emergency management groups together to connect, share ideas, and ultimately enhance emergency readiness for both frontline organisations and the wider community.

“A big thank you to everyone who attended the forum. This was only possible because multiple groups stepped up to share their unique experiences and knowledge.

“Just as importantly, they were willing to listen to others and will be taking what they learnt to refine their emergency management plans and practices.”

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

The tree-filled linear park at the northern entrance to Te Waihorotiu Station has reached another big milestone on its journey to completion.

The eastern section of Te Hā Noa from Lorne Street to Albert Park is now open to the public, with widened footpaths, fewer traffic lanes, wooden seating, new trees and landscaped resting places, all reflecting its te reo Māori name.

Te Hā Noa is a name gifted by mana whenua. Te Hā is about life’s essence – to breathe – and Noa is about being free in the journey to experience your surroundings.

Four trees were crane-lifted from trucks into new street-side seating areas earlier this month, watched over by the ancient trees of Albert Park.

The new trees – pūriri, pōhutukawa, titoki and rewarewa – and around 600 new plants underneath are another milestone in the transformation of midtown’s station neighbourhood.

Auckland Council’s midtown regeneration programme is ensuring the area will be ready when the City Rail Link (CRL) and Te Waihorotiu Station open.

Jenny Larking, Auckland Council Head of City Centre Programmes, says the new streets and spaces are like a leafy ‘living room’ for people in midtown.

“Like any international city with an underground rail system, our streets and spaces need to  be tailormade to cater for an influx of people. The area had to undergo radical change to make sure the City Rail Link was optimised at street level. The fruits of that change are becoming really clear now,” she says.

Councillor Richard Hills recognises that trees provide shade and shelter, attract birdlife, counter the heat effects of an urban space like this, and absorb carbon.

“Recent urban heat assessments show our city is warming, especially in the city centre. These stunning native trees will not only help reduce those effects, but will contribute to the growing network of green infrastructure flourishing across the city centre and the region.

“Visitors, residents, workers and students will be able to walk or sit beneath these trees and amongst the new planting to enjoy a fresh perspective on the city centre, with no doubt many more native birds and insects enjoying their new habitats as well. It’s another big step forward in the development of Te Hā Noa,” he says.

In time, Te Hā Noa will form a green link across the city, linking two much-loved city parks – Rangipuke / Albert Park and Waikōkota / Victoria Park.

Victoria Street is one of three east-west streets purpose-designed for the station neighbourhood. In the regeneration, Wellesley Street is becoming an important central city bus interchange, and the upgraded Victoria Street is making the connection between walking, cycling, high frequency bus routes, and the train station easier and safer. Mayoral Drive will be the east-west route for the balance of vehicle movements.

This latest milestone follows the mid-section of Victoria Street’s Te Hā Noa, between Elliott Street and Queen Street, which opened in October 2024.

Read about the opening of the first section of Te Hā Noa at OurAuckland.

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Another big station milestone

As the linear park at the station’s Victoria Street entrance reaches this milestone, the station itself is gleaming with finishing touches.

Four thousand rods designed to mimic the stems of raupo (reeds) and the movement of water are now in place in the main entrance of Te Waihorotiu Station. Points of light among the reeds reflect a starlit sky and provide functional lighting at the gateway to the station.

A kauri carving at the centre was designed in collaboration with Paraone Luiten-Apirana ((Ngāti Hikairo, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Arawa) and the station’s main artist Graham Tipene (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Kahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Haua, Ngāti Manu).

The carving represents Horotiu, the kaitiaki or guardian looking after the people and supporting the abundance of life-giving energy in the area.

More on the station design here.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

A Bill that modernises and re-enacts the Valuers Act 1948 passed its first reading in Parliament today, Attorney-General Judith Collins and Minister for Land Information Chris Penk announced.   

“The Valuers Bill is on the Government’s revision programme for 2024-2026 as part of our ongoing work to keep legislation current and accessible,” Ms Collins says. 

“The Bill rewrites the 1948 Act in modern plain language and drafting style so the rules will be easier to understand and use.” 

The 1948 Act created the current scheme for the registration and discipline of land valuers and established the Valuers Registration Board and New Zealand Institute of Valuers.  

“We have also released an Amendment Paper to fix small issues in the 1948 Act that cannot be addressed in the Bill as introduced under the statutory revision powers,” Mr Penk says. 

“The changes include operational improvements consistent with other occupational regulation Acts, and amendments to promote consistency with legislation such as the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 and the Legislation Guidelines.” 

Releasing the Amendment Paper at the same time as introducing the Valuers Bill means the Primary Production Select Committee can call for public submissions on both the bill and the amendment paper, and consider them together.  

Read the Valuers Bill. 

Read the Amendment Paper.