Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

More than 7,000 disabled New Zealanders will receive improved residential care, thanks to a $240 million four-year funding boost in today’s Budget. 
This is on top of more than $1 billion already funded annually for Disability Support Services. It means 89 residential providers across the country, and the people they care for, are better supported.
Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston says today’s announcement reinforces the Government’s commitment to stabilise the disability support system so it’s more consistent, transparent, sustainable and fair.
“As part of Budget 2025, the Government will increase Disability Support Services (DSS) funding for residential care by $60 million each year over the next four years, starting from 1 July 2025,” Louise Upston says. 
“DSS provides essential services and supports to more than 52,000 disabled people, including about 7,200 people in residential care facilities. 
“About half the DSS operating budget is allocated to residential care. It’s vitally important public money going to providers ultimately benefits the disabled people it’s intended for.
“Previously, funding for carers was unpredictable, subject to change or interruption, and varied across regions. The new funding will remove that uncertainty.
“These are very significant sums. Government contracts with providers must be robust, fair, and sustainable right across New Zealand.
“A new residential care pricing model will give providers, disabled people, and their families more confidence in the funding available. 
“It will allow for more flexibility and means that from 1 July, we are beginning to lift the funding constraints we had to implement last year. 
“Last year’s independent review was vitally important in responding to serious concerns about the state of disability support services. It found that the cost of residential care services was growing, without the settings in place to manage current or future needs. 
“Compounding those problems, the system DSS uses to pay residential providers hadn’t been significantly updated since 2016, leading to thousands of one-off, inconsistent rates.
“This new funding model sets a nationally consistent approach while also recognising regional variations in costs such as housing prices.
“Importantly, it also enables DSS to forecast expenditure, which will support the Government to make informed future budget decisions.
“My absolute priority is to ensure continuity of care to disabled people, and to support providers to transition to this new model,” Louise Upston says.
 

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is investing more in core police services to continue its good progress in restoring law and order and improving the safety of all New Zealanders, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says.
“This year’s Budget package continues to support Police’s frontline to deliver the policing services our communities need. Our frontline officers do an outstanding job, and this funding will help make sure they can continue doing that.
“We are investing $480 million over four years to support the Police frontline. Much of this remedies an under-funded increase to Police numbers inherited from the previous Government. It funded the salaries of 1800 extra Police, but not the associated infrastructure, equipment and other costs,” Mr Mitchell says. 
“There is also new funding of $60 million over four years for the Police Prosecutions Uplift Programme (PUP), and funding to update the out-dated Police payroll, human resources, and workforce management systems. 
“PUP is a programme of targeted interventions, including improving prosecutions to support court efficiencies and more timely case resolutions. It has the added benefit of freeing up frontline Police from administrative overhead. 
“The programme started in July 2023 in Auckland, and its success there means it will now be rolled out nationally. 
“Upgrading the Enterprise Resource Management technology will enable a modern, reliable system that ensures Police’s 10,000-plus staff get paid on time and deliver improved rostering and scheduling data to better inform frontline deployment decisions.   
“We’re supporting Police to crack down on crime and ensure there are real consequences for offenders.
“We’ve brought in new laws to go after gangs, we’re tackling youth offending and retail crime, and we funded beat teams to get more officers back on the beat as part of delivering 500 new officers. 
“We’re demonstrating our commitment to 20,000 fewer victims of violent crime and cutting youth offending by 15 per cent across our Government’s term. We want Kiwis to be safer at home and in their communities. We recognise there is more work to do, and this Budget contributes to that.”

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government will boost its investment in chasing tax evaders, Revenue Minister Simon Watts says. 
“Hard-working Kiwis who pay their taxes are being ripped off by tax cheats who deliberately evade their obligations,” he says.
“New Zealand’s tax debt rose to $8.5 billion by the end of 2024. At a time when the Government is carefully managing every dollar to fund the essential frontline services Kiwis rely on, it’s essential we crack down on those who are not paying their share of tax.
“Every dollar we recover is another dollar we can devote to funding schools, hospitals, and law and order. Investment in tax compliance delivers real results for Kiwis.”
Budget 2025 provides new funding of $35 million a year for Inland Revenue to carry out tax compliance and collection activities. It also continues funding of $27 million a year provided in Budget 2022 that was due to cease in June 2025.
“We are already seeing returns from the compliance funding in Budget 2024. This increased investment will accelerate that,” Mr Watts says.
“In the year to March 2025, Inland Revenue collected almost $3 billion of overdue debt and is on track to collect more than $4 billion by 30 June. 
“The return on investment from compliance activities is increasing. The Budget’s compliance investment has an expected return of four dollars for every dollar spent in 2025/26, rising to eight dollars per dollar spent in 2026/27 and beyond. 
“We want to know that the funds we allocate are a prudent use of taxpayer dollars. That’s why a small portion of the funding will be used to develop internal capability to assess the indirect effects of audit activity, based on international best practice,” Mr Watts says.

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

North Island communities still building back after the 2023 weather events will get extra funding to complete recovery works on local roads, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
 
“Last year’s Budget invested nearly $1 billion into recovery and resilience projects in regions hit by Cyclone Gabrielle and the Auckland Anniversary weekend floods.
“The Government remains committed to the communities working to rebuild lives and neighbourhoods. This Budget provides $219 million additional funding to help get these local roads repaired as quickly as possible.
“The NZ Transport Agency will distribute the funds to local councils to complete recovery works across affected local roads. This work is vital to restoring access to goods, services and employment opportunities to impacted communities in the North Island.”
Five councils will likely receive a share of the $219 million, across a three-year period from 2026/27:

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council
Gisborne District Council
Hastings District Council
Napier City Council
Wairoa District Council 

“This initiative provides certainty for councils that the Crown has made funding available to complete recovery works that allow them to budget appropriately for 2026/27 onwards.
“The Government remains committed to supporting people in affected communities to move on with their lives and look to the future.
“A resilient transport network in the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay regions will help deliver the infrastructure communities need to grow their businesses, get their kids to school, and ensure goods get from A to B efficiently.”

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is backing the tertiary system with new investment in study that delivers the greatest value for students and for New Zealand, Minister for Universities Dr Shane Reti and Minister for Vocational Education Penny Simmonds announced today. 
“Budget 2025 invests an extra $398 million in tertiary education over the next four years. We need to grow our domestic pipeline of skilled workers to support the growing economy,” Dr Reti says.
Ms Simmonds says, “When considering subsidies, we focused on workforce demand areas where study adds the greatest value – both for students planning their futures, and for the wider economy that relies on their skills.
“These subjects often lead to rewarding careers and contribute to productivity and growth in sectors like health, energy, infrastructure and digital technology,” she says.
The Budget tertiary system investment includes:

$213 million to provide a 3 per cent increase in tuition and training subsidies in many subjects across all levels of tertiary study. The extra funding will be ongoing from 2026.
$64 million for an additional 1.75 per cent lift in tertiary education subsidies at degree level and above in high demand “STEM” subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), along with Initial Teacher Education and other priority health workforce areas. This is on top of the broader 3 per cent increase, meaning that, in total, the STEM and other higher-priority subjects will attract a 4.75 per cent tuition cost subsidy increase at degree level and above.
$111 million to fund forecast enrolment in 2025 and 2026. This includes ongoing funding for another 175 Youth Guarantee students a year – this scheme provides fees-free tertiary tuition at Levels 1–3 to help young people move to higher-level study or work.

Budget 2025 proposes an annual maximum fee rise of 6 per cent for 2026 to further help providers manage cost pressures and maintain quality delivery. 
“The proposed maximum rate reflects that fees have lagged behind inflation in recent years, making it harder for providers to maintain course quality. I will consult on the proposed fee increase later in 2025 through a notice published in the New Zealand Gazette,” Mr Reti says.
“Together, the targeted funding rate increases and the proposed fee increase will support tertiary education and training providers to sustain the quality of provision and further invest in priority areas,” the ministers say. 
Changes to funding for vocational education and training will provide some additional support during the transition away from Te Pūkenga to the redesigned system. The new Industry Skills Boards will receive ongoing funding of $30 million a year for industry-led standards-setting alongside Budget funding for a one-off $10 million in 2025/26 towards establishment costs. 
“Provider-based delivery in priority areas, including engineering, trades and primary industries will receive a boost to funding rates. There will also be funding available for two years from 2026 for institutes of technology and polytechnics during their transition to greater independence,” Ms Simmonds says. 
“In developing the Budget package, we have reprioritised funding to focus on core activities and to further support frontline tertiary education services.
“Taken together, these initiatives support a sustainable tertiary education and training sector that will lift student achievement and contribute to growing the New Zealand economy.”

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government is backing modern, commercially-focused science and innovation to fully realise the contribution it can make to economic growth and the wellbeing of New Zealanders, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced today. 
“Budget 2025 reprioritises existing funding towards new growth-promoting investments in science and innovation. The changes will enable safe use of gene technology and secure the long-term success of the science and innovation system,” Dr Reti says. 
“New Zealand has some of the best researchers in the world, but our publicly funded research institutes have lacked incentives and clear pathways to commercialise their research. 
“We need publicly funded research to focus on economic growth. We want researchers to use cutting-edge science to solve real-world problems that can be commercialised or help us to prepare for the impacts of natural hazards or climate change. 
“Through Budget 2025, we are providing funding to support the establishment of three new public research organisations focused on bio-economy, earth sciences and health and forensic sciences. They will be charged with seizing new opportunities and translating ideas into successful commercial enterprise.”
Budget 2025 also funds a new gene technology regulator to support safe and effective use of gene technology from 2026, following the passing of legislation.
“Gene technology has enormous potential to improve healthcare, help communities adapt to climate change, boost exports and lift agricultural productivity. 
“But New Zealand has been held back by some of the most stringent regulations on gene technology in the world. Our competitive advantage is being eaten away by other countries where gene technology is permitted,” Dr Reti says. 
Budget 2025 also invests in the long-term success of the science system by funding the newly established Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council. 
“We must have an eye on emerging opportunities to make sure we keep growing the role of science and innovation – we must always be asking, what’s next?” Dr Reti says. 
“This council will advise the Government on investment priorities and areas where funding can be better targeted.
“These investments are about ensuring that our science and innovation system is fit-for-purpose, fosters high-value job creation, boosts productivity, and delivers real-world benefits to New Zealanders.”
Specific initiatives through this Budget include:

$20 million over two years to support the establishment of the Bioeconomy, Earth Sciences and Health and Forensic Public Research Organisations. 
$23 million over the forecast period to establish the dedicated gene technology regulator, as well as compliance, monitoring and enforcement of the new regime.
$5.8 million over the forecast period to establish and operate the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council. This funding will support reporting and monitoring, as well as a secretariat provided by MBIE. 

These initiatives are being funded by reprioritising existing funding from the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio.

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

Auckland Council is in the process of delivering its three-yearly property revaluations, ahead of the 2025/2026 rating year.

Ensuring there is a robust and consistent process for determining property valuations used to set rates is vital to ensure rates are fairly shared between property owners.   

The council, alongside our independent property valuers, are committed to ratepayers receiving values that reflect the market as at 1 May 2024.

Auckland Council head of rates, revaluations and data management Rhonwen Heath said the council and its valuation providers have undertaken a rigorous process, revaluing 630,000 properties to update all capital values by analysing data, such as local sales, location and other property factors.

“The Valuer-General has requested targeted areas for final review and, as a result, we now have a high degree of confidence that final certification will be achieved in time for valuations to be publicly released to Auckland ratepayers in the week of 9-13 June 2025,” says Rhonwen.

“We believe the thoroughness of this work will give Aucklanders confidence that the revaluation process is robust. It means ratepayers receive rates that are fairly calculated.”

The council has signalled a 5.8 per cent rates increase for the average residential property this coming year – and property owners with a valuation change in line with the average change, will likely have a rates increase generally in line with the 5.8 per cent from 1 July 2025.

Revaluation does not change the total amount of rates revenue council collects, but helps to distribute rates fairly between ratepayers. 

“Alongside our property partners, we’re working to complete this process so the new CVs can be applied from 1 July 2025.”

For more information on Revaluation 2024, visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/revaluation

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Budget 2025 is about growing the economy to create jobs and help Kiwis get ahead, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says.
“The Government’s economic plan is working. By stopping wasteful spending, inflation is down from 7.3 per cent to 2.5 per cent and mortgage interest rates are falling.
“Treasury’s latest forecasts show economic growth averaging 2.7 per cent per year, 240,000 new jobs created, and wages growing faster than inflation every year. This is on top of the real average wage growing nearly $1100 since the election, and tax relief in Budget 2024.
“But we cannot take an economic recovery for granted. It requires careful management. That’s why Budget 2025 is firmly focused on growing the economy to help Kiwis get ahead.
“Investment Boost will allow hard working tradies, farmers, and small business owners to immediately deduct 20 per cent of the cost of new machinery, tools and equipment from their taxable income – encouraging investment in assets that increase productivity and help lift wages.
“Other growth initiatives include lifting KiwiSaver balances with higher employer and employee contributions, investment in new infrastructure such as roads, schools and hospitals, growing tourism, attracting foreign investment, and new support for start-up tech businesses.
“Targeted support for Kiwis dealing with the cost of living is another focus, including increasing Working for Families for 142,000 families, rates rebates for up to 66,000 SuperGold Card holders, and extending prescriptions to 12 months, meaning less time and money spent visiting the doctor.
“The Budget also sees significant investment in frontline services, including more support for children with additional learning needs, more maths teachers, $1 billion for hospital upgrades, increased access to urgent medical care, and more support for Police.
“Just like Kiwi households, we’ve had to make tough choices about what we spend money on. We are confident we have put Kiwis hard-earned taxes where they will have the most impact.
“This Budget is focused on economic growth to help Kiwis get ahead. It is only through a strong economy that we can create jobs, deal with the cost of living and afford the schools, hospitals, and Police Kiwis deserve. This is a responsible Budget that secures New Zealand’s future.”

Source: New Zealand Police

A 26-year-old Northland man has been charged with the murder of Geoffrey Ware on May 9.

Police upgraded an enquiry into the 55-year-old’s death to a homicide investigation on May 12.

Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, of Whangārei CIB, says Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with Mr Ware’s death.

Police are still appealing for information and sightings on May 9 of a man and vehicle in the Parakao area between 8am-6.15pm.

A photo of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 is being released today.

“We are also interested in sightings of a man reportedly seen walking along SH14 that afternoon and evening,” Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says.

“We are encouraging people to report on the portal link set up by the Operation Cossar enquiry team.”

That portal link is https://cossar.nc3.govt.nz/

“The enquiry is ongoing and we appreciate all the help we’ve received from members of the public,” Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says. 

“We’re appealing to anyone who hasn’t come forward to please contact us.”

The man charged is currently remanded in custody, and will appear in the Whangārei High Court on May 26.

ENDS

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

Source: New Zealand Police

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