Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has introduced the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill to Parliament, taking the next step towards a fairer, simpler, and more modern transport funding system.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the Bill makes important changes across both the road user charges and tolling frameworks, ensuring New Zealand is ready for the next generation of road building.

“A core principle of our transport funding system is fairness: that all road users should contribute in proportion to their use of the roads,” Mr Bishop says.

A stronger, more flexible tolling system to deliver new roads

Mr Bishop says the Bill makes important improvements to tolling – a key tool for delivering the Government’s Roads of National Significance programme.

“Tolling helps us bring forward investment and build the roads New Zealand needs sooner. The Bill provides the flexibility required to support major projects, including our new Roads of National Significance.

“Key changes include enabling ‘corridor tolling’, which allows tolling on parts of an existing road where users receive clear, demonstrable benefits from a new project in the same corridor.

“The Bill also introduces new tools to manage diversion from toll roads, including the ability to restrict heavy vehicles from using unsuitable alternative routes, and allowing toll revenue to help fund maintenance of alternative roads when councils are unable to do so.

“To make tolling fairer and more predictable for users, the Bill mandates annual CPI adjustments instead of ad-hoc increases. And to improve collection efficiency, liability for paying a toll will shift from the driver to the registered person.

“These changes will give us a more consistent, more flexible tolling framework so that we can deliver big road upgrades faster and support regional economic growth.”

A modernised RUC system

“The Bill also provides improvements to the outdated RUC system. It was designed in the 1970s and still relies on manual paperwork and paper licences,” Mr Bishop says.

“Right now, drivers paying RUC have to track their odometer readings and stick paper labels to their windscreen. 

“This Bill enables new payment models like subscriptions or post-payment, and allows private companies to offer easy, set-and-forget billing options – similar to how many of us already pay for power or streaming services.

“It also future-proofs the system by allowing accurate in-vehicle technology to record distance, and separates NZTA’s regulatory role from its retail role so third-party providers compete on a level playing field.

“These changes are the first step towards replacing petrol tax with RUC for light petrol vehicles. We’ll assess the improved system in 2027 before deciding on next steps for transitioning the remaining 3.5 million vehicles.”

Next steps

Following its first reading, the Bill will be considered by the Transport and Infrastructure Select Committee. The legislation is expected to pass in 2026.

Notes to editor: 

A Request for Information (RFI) will be released on the GETS website later in November to test options with potential market providers on the design of new third-party RUC payment services.

The RUC system currently applies to all diesel vehicles, heavy vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes), and light electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids. These changes will improve the system for existing users and prepare it for the eventual transition of 3.5 million light petrol vehicles.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has accepted or partially accepted all the recommendations made by the Finance and Expenditure Committee’s inquiry into banking competition.  

The inquiry examined the state of banking competition with a focus on business and rural banking, as well as lending to Māori entities. 

Nicola Willis says the select committee’s findings echo many of the findings of the Commerce Commission’s report on personal banking services last year. 

“The inquiry’s findings highlighted concerns about the high levels of banking profitability and market concentration, barriers to entry for other players, and regulatory settings.

“The Government has been progressing all the recommendations in the Commerce Commission’s report. They include giving Kiwibank’s parent company the go-ahead to raise additional capital and requiring the Reserve Bank to place greater emphasis on banking competition across a range of policies and actions.” 

Scott Simpson says that in response to the select committee inquiry, he will be writing to banks encouraging them to:

standardise financial information and use digital technologies to help customers compare products and loan options across banks; and
disclose profitability on transaction, on-call and savings accounts.

“I will also be writing to the Financial Markets Authority asking it to consider broadening its regulatory sandbox trail which allows firms to test innovative products and services in a controlled environment. 

“Work is also underway on a single licensing model to cut red tape for innovative financial services. 

“This Government is committed to driving competition in the banking sector, encouraging innovation and delivering a better deal for consumers.

“Monitoring and reporting on the committee’s recommendations will be coordinated by the Treasury.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron Cameron Leslie MNZM congratulated the 55 graduating constables from Wing 389 this morning. 

Families and friends watched as the newly attested police officers marched out at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua.

They are a diverse group of people who have worked in roles such as a security guard, swim coach, builder and in customer service. Many in the wing have degrees, diplomas and trade qualifications.

Also attending the graduation and presenting the prize to the top award winner was Associate Minister of Police Hon Casey Costello.

Top of the wing, Constable Millie-Maree Sedgwick, is looking forward to returning to Canterbury District.

Millie-Maree is well acquainted with policing as she has worked for New Zealand Police since 2018 in the Police Vetting Service, National Command and Coordination Centre, and in several Intelligence roles in Wellington and Canterbury.

Moving into a constabulary role is a way to make even more of a contribution to the community, she says.

“My main reason is to be part of something bigger than myself. I believe I can give more back to the community by being on the frontline than from behind a computer.”

While she found the recruit course provided many challenges along the way, Millie-Maree says the wing members supported each other well and this helped her immensely.

“The support from my peers in the wing really helped me push through the 20 weeks of training.”

The Leadership Award Winner is Constable Jordan Bremner (Ngāti Maniapoto), posted to Central District.

Jordan’s father was a police officer for 10 years and even worked at the Police College for some of that time, so policing was always on the horizon for Jordan.

First though, he completed more than six years in the New Zealand Army, with a career highlight being a stint instructing youth at a military-style course.

“I really loved my time instructing on that course, seeing the trainees really grow. Now, as a police officer I want to take every opportunity to help the community, including preventing youth offending and helping them take better pathways.”

At the graduation Jordan spoke on behalf of the wing.

“As we move on from here to our districts, we do so with pride, wearing our uniform with honour, carrying the confidence of the public and upholding the standards of this organisation and the values we have gained during our time here.

“May we remember that to be a police officer is to be a leader in our community. May we never take that responsibility lightly.”

Joining Jordan in Central District is Constable Ashleigh Chapman, who was awarded the Patron’s Award for second in wing and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award.

Ashleigh worked in beauty therapy before joining Police, but wanted to move into a service-based role.

“I decided I wanted to serve the community and people, but at first I wasn’t sure how to do this. My Mum reminded me that as a kid of around 10 years old I really wanted to be a police officer, and this triggered my mindset towards joining. I hit ‘apply’ and it happened!”

Ashleigh found the most challenging aspect of the recruit course was the physical aspects.

“I only started the physical training like the running when I applied to join Police, but I have enjoyed those challenges and I’ve grown because of them. My sergeant and section have been incredibly supportive, I always felt like they had my back throughout the course, and my faith also played a huge role in getting me through the tough days.”

Deployment:

The new constables will start their first day of duty in their Police districts on the week beginning Monday 24 November 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.

Auckland City 1, Counties Manukau 4, Waikato 6, Bay of Plenty 11, Eastern 5, Central 8, Wellington 6, Tasman 1, Canterbury 8, Southern 5.

All Awards: 

• Minister’s Award recognising top student: Constable Millie-Maree Sedgwick, posted to Canterbury District.
• Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Jordan Bremner, posted to Central District.
• Patron’s Award for second top student and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Ashleigh Chapman, posted to Central District.
• Firearms Award: Constable George Lynch, posted to Tasman District.
• Driver Training and Road Policing Practice Award: Constable Andre Kleuskens, posted to Bay of Plenty District.

Demographics:

27.3 percent are female, 72.7 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 78.2 percent of the wing, with Māori 12.7 percent, Pasifika 1.8 percent, Asian 5.5 percent, LAAM 1.8 percent.

Wing Patron:

Cameron Leslie MNZM is a Kiwi Paralympian and Wheel Black from Whangārei. He has broken world records and won gold medals at Paralympic Games. Cameron was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2009 New Year’s Honours, for services to swimming.

In wheelchair rugby Cameron is known as a mid-point player. This means he carries the ball a lot and is one of the generals on court. Among some of Cameron’s proudest achievements are helping the Wheel Blacks qualify for the 2020 Summer Paralympics, which Cameron did not attend due to Covid and the birth of his second child, and being a finalist for the global sporting awards The Laureus Awards in 2023.

Currently Cameron lives in Whangārei with his wife and three children while working for Swimming New Zealand as the Disability and Para Swimming Participation Manager.

Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.

If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can now release the name of the person who died in the two-vehicle crash on Te Ngae Road, Rotorua, on Thursday 6 November.

She was Teleia Thompson, a 23-year-old from Rotorua.

Police extend their sympathies to her family and friends at this difficult time.

The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

A more than two-decade-long campaign to reclaim Lake Wānaka from an invasive aquatic weed has reached a major victory, with 40 kilometres of shoreline now successfully cleared.  

“This milestone marks a real triumph for the beautiful Lake Wānaka ecosystem and for everyone who treasures this iconic place,” Land Information Minister Chris Penk says.  

“For the first time since 2013, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) has been able to shift the lake’s containment line, the invisible boundary separating weed-free and infested waters, marking real progress in a long and determined fight to turn the tide in our favour.  

“Lagarosiphon grows extremely quickly and forms dense, thick mats. Left unchecked it can choke waterways, smother native plants, and ruin how we use and enjoy our lakes. 

“All it takes for a new invasion is a tiny fragment carried by a boat, a fishing line, and lake users moving between different bodies of water. 

“The clearing of lagarosiphon is a testament to the sustained commitment of LINZ, its partner agencies, local groups, and the wider community, who have shown the power of working together to protect our freshwater ecosystems.  

“Innovative control methods, particularly the use of hessian mats, have been vital on the frontlines, acting like underwater shields that suppress lagarosiphon while allowing native vegetation to regroup and reclaim ground.  

“Today’s good news and the shifting of the containment line prove we have won a key battle, but the war against this aquatic invader is not yet over.  

“Ultimately, the goal for LINZ is to keep pushing that containment line further south towards Roys Bay near the Wānaka township, and we will need every ally we can get.  

“I want to acknowledge the lake users who have been diligent in checking, cleaning, and drying their gear and to urge them to keep up the good work. 

“Their ongoing vigilance is crucial to preventing this aquatic enemy from regaining a foothold and to ensuring we maintain the progress we have made.” 

Notes to editor: 

This work is funded by LINZ, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Otago Regional Council (ORC), with support from the Lake Wānaka Aquatic Weed Management Committee. 
The committee includes LINZ, QLDC, ORC, Department of Conservation, Guardians of Lake Wānaka, Kāi Tahu, Wānaka Marina Limited, and Fish and Game Otago Region. It also includes representatives from LINZ’s biosecurity delivery partner Boffa Miskell Limited and Earth Sciences New Zealand, who provide scientific advice. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Construction has begun on the State Highway 2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway – one of the first new Roads of National Significance to reach the main works stage, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says. 

“This project is a major milestone for Hawke’s Bay and for our Government’s transport investment programme. It will improve resilience and productivity across the region, and is expected to create hundreds of jobs while under construction,” Mr Bishop says.

“Along with the Waikare Gorge realignment project, the Expressway is part of more than a billion dollars’ worth of road infrastructure being delivered across the Hawke’s Bay region in the coming years.

“The Roads of National Significance programme is about improving connections, improving productivity, and making daily life easier and more efficient. The Hawke’s Bay Expressway is a perfect example – it’s a lifeline route linking people to the regional hospital and airport, and a key part of the national freight corridor connecting central North Island with Napier Port.”

The Hawke’s Bay Expressway corridor includes: 

·     7km of four-laning between Links Road/Pākōwhai Road and Taradale Road

·     a duplicate two-lane overpass at Meeanee Road

·     a duplicate two-lane overpass at Kennedy Road

·     a duplicate two-lane bridge over Tutaekuri River

·     a four-lane grade separated interchange at Links Road/Pākōwhai Road

“Initial construction will focus on the section of road between Taradale Road and Tutaekuri River bridge, with four-laning expected to be completed in 2028,” Mr Bishop says.

“Work on the new Meeanee Road overpass is planned to start in January 2026, and work on the Kennedy Road overpass will follow in April 2026. Construction of the interchange at Links Road/Pākōwhai Road will follow in mid-2026 upon completion of detailed design.

“The Expressway is vital to Hawke’s Bay. It connects people between Napier and Hastings and is crucial for moving freight to and from the airport and the Napier Port.  

“But we also know the Expressway is congested and won’t be able to cope with the future predicted growth of the region. Hawke’s Bay is expected to be home to more than 200,000 people by the year 2048.  

“The start of construction today will unlock the Expressway’s future potential for the region, not only when the project is complete, but also during construction.”

The project is expected to be completed in December 2029.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  13 November 2025

The iconic Tunnel Beach walk reopens on Friday 14 November, having been closed since October 2024, after a heavy weather event caused multiple large slips which covered the track and made several sections unstable.

Department of Conservation Coastal Otago Operations Manager Gabe Davies says the first phase of repair work has focussed on ensuring the track is safe and accessible once more.

“Tunnel Beach is one of Dunedin’s best short walks providing access to spectacular coastal views within a short drive of the city centre.

“We’re pleased to have it safely reopened in time for summer, giving people another incredible place to go naturing along Dunedin’s epic coastline.”

The repair work is being completed in two phases. The first, which is now complete, focussed on removing large amount of slip material, stabilising slip areas above the track, clearing drains and improving the drainage and water management on the track. A mammoth resurfacing of the track was also completed, which involved more than 140 tonnes of gravel being spread and compacted.

The second phase will focus on further infrastructure improvements to manage water on the track as well as installing furniture and interpretation signs.

Along with having the track reopened, one of the most encouraging aspects of the repair work is seeing fragile coastal vegetation on the headland beginning to regenerate, says Gabe.

“This headland is cloaked in coastal turf – a community of low-growing plants that has evolved to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. This micro-sized habitat also supports a variety of invertebrates including beetles and species of moth that have evolved to jump because it’s too windy to fly.

“Prior to the track’s closure, repeated trampling by walkers going off-track was damaging this vulnerable ecosystem. The closure gave the turf and plants a great chance to revive; now the track is open again we’re encouraging people to keep to the paths and admire nature from behind the barriers.”

The Dunedin City Council supported the track repair work by managing carpark and road access.

DCC Group Manager Parks and Recreation Heath Ellis says: “We are delighted this popular Dunedin walking track will reopen in time for the busy summer visitor season. Many thanks to the Department of Conservation staff for all their work.”

The Green Hut Track group, a volunteer community group, also assisted by delivering 160 hours of work on other DOC tracks around the district, enabling the DOC team to focus on Tunnel Beach.

Gabe says having the support of the community and partner organisations has been integral in getting the track open once more.

“It’s been a team effort.”

DOC and DCC run a joint summer ranger programme to help provide education and information to visitors at key visitor sites around Dunedin. They will be on site at Tunnel Beach regularly to provide visitor information and education.

Contact

Source: NZCTU

Affiliate unions of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kamahi have passed a motion of solidarity with public sector workers who are who are fighting for fair pay, safe staffing, and effective services.

The motion, passed unanimously as the CTU Biennial Conference last month, sends a strong message to Government that all working people in Aotearoa stand with public sector workers.

“Workers from all walks of life love and support the public sector workers who work tirelessly to keep this country running,” said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.

“Nurses, doctors, teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers – these workers dedicate themselves to looking after our families and uplifting our communities. We owe them our support.

“Private sector unions stand with their public sector comrades. The entire union movement stands in solidarity. Together we are strong.

“The Prime Minister and his cabinet have a responsibility to urgently get around the table with public sector unions and work out a deal that guarantees safe services and fair pay for workers,” said Grey.

The motion reads as follows:

The working people of Aotearoa stand with all workers in our schools, hospitals, fire stations and the public sector today and always.

Their fight for safe staffing, appropriate resourcing and decent pay and conditions is our fight too.

All workers benefit from strong public services founded on Tiriti o Waitangi. We call on the Prime Minister and members of cabinet to get around the table with our public service unions and negotiate a better future for all workers and the sectors within which they work for a future where there is safe staffing well funded services and pay that ensures workers and their families thrive.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says a promising term of attendance was blown in the disrupted last week of the term, where strike action took precedence over learning.  

“With one week to go in Term 3 2025 regular attendance was 52.7 per cent, an improvement on 51.7 per cent last year. However, a very poor last week of term plunged the final rate to a 50.3 per cent,” Mr Seymour says.

“Strikes in the final week of term likely played a significant role in this disappointing finish. Even though students are not marked absent on strike days, we saw a clear drop-off in attendance, with the disruption of a mid-week day off prompting many to begin their holidays early.

“Almost 20,000 students were not regular attendees in Term 3, because they knocked off early. That is unacceptable. This shows that knocking off early does just as much damage as low attendance throughout the term. 

“Thanks to the daily attendance dashboard we can see that about 200,000 students were absent on the last day of Term. 

“PHF Science reported a late peak in seasonal respiratory illness during Term 3. In 2024 that same peak was during Term 2. Despite this difference, attendance rates would still have improved, if Kiwis took the last week of term seriously. 

“Students missed 7.2 per cent of the term due to medical-related reasons in Term 3 2025. More than any other reason. This was the highest rate of medical-related absence in any term since Term 2 2022, when nationwide attendance was only 39.9 per cent. 

“PHF Science reported the South Island was hit the hardest by illness. Canterbury and Chatham Islands region saw the largest drop of 7.6 percentage points from Term 3 2024, while the Otago, Southland region decreased by 3.1 percentage points. While this is useful to know, it is no excuse. 

“Daily attendance reporting, and the attendance data dashboard produce more accurate, complete, and timely information. The more we define the problems, the more effective interventions can be.

“Earlier this week the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No 2.) passed its third reading. Schools are now legally required to have an attendance management plan (AMP) in place by the start of next year. 

“The basic premise of the AMP means no child is left behind. Every student, parent, teacher and school has a role to play. Each school will develop their own AMP to suit their community and school. It means there are escalating responses for declining attendance.”

Some examples of how interventions could work are:

• 5 days absent: The school to get in touch with parents/guardians to determine reasons for absence and set expectations.
• 10 days absent: School leadership meets with parents/guardian and the student to identify barriers to attendance and develop plans to address this.
• 15 days absent: Escalating the response to the Ministry and steps to initiate prosecution of parents could be considered as a valid intervention.

“Missing the last week of school for an unjustified reason would result in a response under the AMP template,” Mr Seymour says. 

“At the start of next year frontline attendance services will also be more accountable, better at effectively managing cases, and data-driven in their responses. To achieve this, they will soon have access to a new case management system and better data monitoring, and their contracts will be more closely monitored. Budget 2025 included $140 million of additional funding package to improve attendance over the next four years.

“Attending school is the first step towards achieving positive educational outcomes. Positive educational outcomes lead to better health, higher incomes, better job stability and greater participation within communities. These are opportunities that every student deserves.”

The full data is available here: https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/statistics/attendance 

Source: New Zealand Government

Hundreds of extra young people, mums, and families across New Zealand will now get faster access to mental health support, following a boost of funding for multiple community organisations, says Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey.

“Five grassroots community organisations have received funding to ensure young people and families can access the support they need, when and where it’s needed,” Mr Doocey says.

“These initiatives will strengthen support for young people and expand maternal mental health services. They include:

• Ensure more children have someone to talk to. Barnardos will strengthen the 0800 What’s Up helpline, providing free, immediate support to more children and reducing wait times.
•  Help young people stay safe online. Netsafe will create a digital harm and mental health response network, strengthen its helpline, and train up to 1,000 workers to respond to youth distress linked to online harm.
• Build confidence and life skills. The Graeme Dingle Foundation will expand Project K, a strengths-based youth programme combining outdoor adventure, mentoring, and mental health support, helping 36 more young people across Waikato, Western Bay of Plenty, and Christchurch.
• Support young mothers. Ki Tua o Matariki will run 24 peer support groups for expectant mothers aged 15–25 in Auckland, helping at least 100 mothers connect, share experiences, and support their mental health.
• Reach families early. Whānau Āwhina Plunket will launch a new online maternal mental health service in Waikato, providing personalised care plans for up to 375 parents of children aged 0–5 years.

“We know the first 1,000 days of a child’s life lay the foundations for their future. That’s why we’re focused on early intervention and expanding maternal mental health support, so we can set our children up for success later in life. 

“Mental health is one of the biggest challenges facing our youth. Every young New Zealander deserves access to support when and where they need it. By expanding the help available, we can ensure that no one is left waiting on a waitlist.

“I am committed to reducing mental health and addiction wait times across New Zealand. By partnering with organisations such as Barnardos, Netsafe, Plunket, The Graeme Dingle Foundation, and Ki Tua o Matariki, we are making this a reality.

“These initiatives build on existing investments in youth and maternal mental health, including funding for Gumboot Friday, Youthline’s intervention programme, the Mitey programme in schools, the first ever prevalence survey in New Zealand and additional support for specialist maternal mental health services.

“When someone takes the brave step of reaching out, whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, we’re committed to ensuring the right support is always there to answer that call.”

Notes to editor

• The five projects are funded through the Mental Health Innovation Fund. For the second funding round, the matched funding threshold was lowered from $250,000 to $100,000 to allow a wider range of community-led initiatives.
• There will be further announcements from round two of the Innovation Fund shortly.