Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

From 1 February 2026, New Zealanders will be able to receive 12-month prescriptions for their medicines, delivering savings and greater convenience for people on long-term treatments, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour say.

“We are focused on reducing costs and making it simpler and more convenient for patients to access the medicines they need,” Mr Brown says.

“This common-sense change, announced in Budget 2025, will allow people with long-term, stable conditions to receive prescriptions of up to 12 months from their prescriber. It gives patients greater certainty and frees up GPs’ time by reducing the number of appointments needed to renew routine prescriptions.”

Patients will continue to collect their repeats from the pharmacy as usual but will no longer need to return to their doctor each time for a new script. This could save patients up to $105 per year in reduced GP fees.

“This will make a real difference for people managing long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure. It will also free up valuable time for GPs, pharmacists, and other health professionals to focus on patients with more complex needs.”

Health New Zealand is working with the primary care and community pharmacy sectors to support implementation.

The Government is also progressing practical changes to strengthen the pharmacy workforce by removing ownership restrictions that may limit pharmacists from becoming prescribers.

“Current legislation prevents any prescriber from owning or holding an interest in a pharmacy without an exemption. This is an unnecessary barrier for pharmacists who want to take on prescribing responsibilities.

“The Medicines Amendment Bill, which passed today, will remove this restriction so pharmacists can become prescribers while continuing to invest in or own pharmacies. This will support more flexible models of care, encourage innovation, and make better use of skilled professionals.”

Around 100 pharmacist prescribers currently work in GP clinics, hospices, and hospitals, but none in community pharmacies due to these limits.

“Pharmacists are a highly skilled and accessible workforce, and we want to enable them to do more for their communities. Allowing pharmacist prescribers to work in community pharmacies will mean patients have more access to some prescription medicines.”

Mr Seymour says the changes are about cutting red tape so New Zealanders can get timely access to the medicines they need.

“Extending prescription lengths and removing ownership barriers for pharmacists makes life easier for patients. It’s a common-sense approach that makes getting healthcare easier and more affordable,” Mr Seymour says.

“When people can access their medicines easily, they stay healthier for longer. This means they can live more fulfilling lives. It also reduces pressure on other parts of the health system.

“We’re making the system work better for the people it serves. This is another step in our plan to ensure can New Zealanders get the right care, in the right place, when they need it.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Acting Detective Inspector James Keene:

Police investigating the murder of Bill Maangi in Gisborne are seeking the public’s help in identifying two people believed to be directly linked to the incident. 

Police reviewing CCTV from around the area at the time show two men wearing sweatshirts with their hoodies on. One was seen running from Forrester House over the Ormond Road bridge onto Riperata Street. Another was captured walking from Forrester House on Ormond Road towards town, across Mary Street and continued on Ormond Road.

The two people sought are also believed to be involved with the theft of a Hyundai Sonata vehicle reported missing from Forrester House, Ormond Road sometime between 7:30pm and midnight on 28 September, recovered by Police on 20 October.

If anyone recognises these people or knows who they could be, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online. Please reference Operation Bushman, or the file number 250929/9035.

Police have also set up an online portal to submit information Operation Bushman (link is external).

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Sadly, Mr Maangi died after being shot in the early hours of Monday 29 September, and the investigation team continue to piece together the events that led up to the death.

Police have previously asked the public for assistance for dashcam footage, witnesses to the incident and movements of a vehicle of interest.

Police are grateful for community’s help and thank the members of the public that have helped so far. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac will fund silver diamine fluoride for the treatment and prevention of tooth decay from 1 December 2025 for people accessing dental services through public hospitals, and Health New Zealand’s Community Oral Health Service for children and some adolescents. This follows public consultation and is expected to children, and those who may find some traditional dental procedures challenging.

Silver diamine fluoride is a treatment that halts the progression of tooth decay and reduces tooth sensitivity. It comes in a liquid form that is applied to the tooth, making it less painful and invasive than a filling.

Adrienne Martin, Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals says feedback from the public was supportive of Pharmac’s proposal to fund this medicine.

“People told us that the proposal would help improve oral health and reduce pain and suffering from dental disease for some of our most vulnerable people. We also heard that this would be helpful for some neurodiverse people who find traditional dental procedures challenging.” 

Some respondents also commented that silver diamine fluoride should be funded for private dental use. The part of the application relating to listing on the Community Schedule has been declined as funding of medicines via private community dental clinics sits outside of Pharmac’s responsibility.

Funded silver diamine fluoride treatment will be available for people of all ages accessing dental services through public hospitals, and Health New Zealand’s Community Oral Health Service for children (school year 8 and under) and some adolescents.

Pharmac would like to thank everyone who provided feedback to our consultation.

“Your input is really important to us and helps us shape our decisions,” says Martin. “Silver diamine fluoride may help prevent the need for more invasive dental treatments and relieve some of the anxiety some children and others who are eligible feel about going to the dentist.” 

Learn more:

Source: New Zealand Police

Southland Police are teaming up with Department of Conservation (DOC) and farmers to target illegal hunting and trespassing in the Mid Dome Conservation Area.

‘The Mid Dome Poaching Project’ brings puts poachers in the spotlight and focuses on educating hunters, in order to protect private property, and ensure the safety of hunters and farmers.

The Mid Dome area has seen a rise in illegal hunting activity since 2022, with hunters breaching DOC permit conditions and trespassing onto privately owned farmland.

Senior Sergeant Peter Graham says farmers bordering the Mid Dome Conservation Area have reported repeated incidents of poaching and safety concerns.

“This project is about working together to educate hunters, enforce the law, and protect Southland’s rural communities,” says Senior Sergeant Peter Graham.

Department of Conservation Ranger, Jono Airey says hunting permits are issued for public conservation land only.

“Hunters must respect boundaries and seek permission before crossing private property, were committed to working with police and landowners to ensure responsible hunting practices,” says Jono Airey.

Local farmer Maurice King whose property borders the conservation area is supportive of the project.

“We’re not anti-hunting—we’re anti-illegal hunting; Illegal hunters need to know spotlighting from roads is illegal and they will be held to account”.

The Mid Dome Poaching Project will run throughout the summer hunting season and into the April ROAR period.

To help Police identify and hold poachers accountable, we ask anybody to report suspicious behaviour to us, including suspicious vehicles or people in your local area.

If it is happening now, call 111. If you are reporting information after the fact, call 105 or go online.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  12 November 2025

DOC Director of Heritage and Visitors Catherine Wilson says the prices are similar to those set for sites at Punakaiki and Franz Josef/Waiau where carpark charging is also being trialled.

“The prices were decided on once we reviewed all the submissions from locals, tourism operators and businesses. They’ve been set in response to submitters’ calls for an initial free period, special consideration for locals, free parking for concessionaires, and a reasonable price for both regular users and occasional visitors,” she says.

The details of the car park fees are:

• A free parking period for 20 minutes to allow for drop-offs/pick-ups or for staying a short time.
• An hourly rate of $5 per hour
• A daily rate of $25 per day
• An annual pass for locals (within Mackenzie district boundaries) of $10 per vehicle per year, which allows for unlimited access during the year
• An annual pass for other regular visitors for $60 per vehicle per year
• Commercial tourism operators who hold a valid concession will be granted a parking fee exemption for the duration of the pilot.

Payment machines will be installed, and cameras will record the entry and exit of vehicles. Non-payment of parking fees will incur breach notices, which will be enforced by Stellar Projects, who have been appointed to install the paid parking hardware.

DOC’s estimated combined revenue from the three pilot sites of Punakaiki, Franz Josef and Aoraki Mt Cook is expected to be approximately $1.5 million over the 7-month pilot period (December 2025 to June 2026 inclusive).

Once the pilot is completed and the outcomes have been reviewed, a decision will be made whether to continue with paid parking at the three sites, and if it should be extended to other busy sites.

Catherine Wilson says the introduction of a paid parking programme enables visitors to contribute to the conservation facilities and naturing experiences they enjoy.

“This is standard practice at many national parks overseas, and most international visitors accept this as a necessary contribution to support amazing nature sites.”

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

 
Please attribute the following to Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown:

Police investigating the murder of Tristan Oakes in Te Puke on 25 October 2025 have today arrested a 24-year-old Te Puke man and charged him with murder.

This brings the total number of people charged with murder to three.

In addition, Police have charged three further men, aged 29, 30, and 33, all from Te Puke, with burglary.

All six men are scheduled to appear in Tauranga District Court this afternoon, Wednesday 12 November 2025.

Police would like to thank the community for their assistance and will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Government

Vocational Education Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced four new member appointments to the Board of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). 

“I am pleased to appoint and welcome Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM, Dr Uluomato’otua (Ulu) Saulaulu Aiono ONZM, Mr Simon Flood and Mr Michael (Mike) Chapman as new members of the TEC Board,” Ms Simmonds says.

“These appointments will strengthen the TEC Board and ensure it has the skills and focus to drive the implementation of the Government’s priorities for the tertiary education and training system. 

“The new members will help ensure the Board provides the expert oversight needed to guide the TEC through re-establishing regional polytechnics, focusing investment on the skills employers need, and ensuring New Zealand’s universities remain at the forefront of research and innovation.”

Dr Alan Bollard CNZM will continue as Chair of the TEC Board, with Robin Hapi CNZM continuing as Deputy Chair. 

“I would like to acknowledge and thank the four departing TEC Board members for their service: Emeritus Professor Alastair MacCormick CNZM, Deidre Shea MNZM, Kirk Hope, and Samuela (Sam) Sefuiva.

“Each has contributed meaningfully to the tertiary education system during their tenure. I especially wish to recognise the longstanding service of Emeritus Professor MacCormick, who has been a member of the Board since May 2017.”

The new Board members have been appointed for a three-year term.

“I look forward to working with the refreshed Board as we head into 2026 with a clear focus on the TEC’s delivery and investment priorities,” Ms Simmonds says.

Notes for editors:

• Emeritus Professor Sally Davenport MNZM has had a career working and leading at the forefront of research and innovation. She has held leadership roles with Victoria University of Wellington, the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology and as the Director of a National Science Challenge. She was also a member of Board of the Productivity Commission from 2011 to 2020 and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to science in the 2018 New Year’s Honours.
• Dr Uluomato’otua (Ulu) Saulaulu Aiono ONZM is an innovator with a deep commitment to improving outcomes for South Auckland communities. He was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and a member of the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame for his achievements in software development and business leadership and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Otago earlier this year. Dr Aiono is Chair of The Cause Collective, a large primary healthcare organisation and Whanau Ora commissioning agency. He has also previously served as a member of the councils of the Manukau Institute of Technology and Auckland University of Technology.
• Mr Simon Flood is the Chair of Queenstown Airport and serves as Chair or director for a range of companies and trusts in the South Island, with these roles following an offshore career in investment management with Merrill Lynch.
• Mr Michael (Mike) Chapman is the former Chief Executive of Horticulture New Zealand and Kiwifruit New Zealand, and a former director of the industry training organisation for primary industries. Prior to his roles in the horticultural sector, Mr Chapman held leadership roles with the Commerce Commission and the Auckland District Law Society. He has also been a Commander and Solicitor in the Royal New Zealand Navy. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A major flood resilience milestone has been reached near Te Karaka – the Hakanui Stream is now flowing through a newly built channel and large culvert.

Work is continuing at the project site on State Highway 2 north of Gisborne, to raise a stretch of flood-prone highway by 3 metres.

When completed, the 850 metre stretch of road will also have new drainage, a new culvert and safety barriers included.

The work is being delivered by Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) and local contractors, and is one of two projects which have been added to the recovery programme funded by savings found during other projects. The other project is Rototahe on SH35.

TREC Project Manager Richard Bayley says making these improvements will reduce the risk of future flooding, making the road safer, stronger and more reliable for everyday travel.

Traffic impact

Mr Bayley says crews are powering ahead, with a major traffic switch planned that will reopen two lanes to traffic.

“SH2 has been down to one lane while we installed culverts and built up the area alongside the highway.

“From Friday 21 November, traffic will shift onto a newly raised section so crews can start lifting the level of the existing highway, which is an exciting milestone. We’re a step closer to improving the resilience of this route.”

The traffic switch will see two lanes open to traffic, with a 30km/h speed limit in place.  This work is weather dependent, and the dates may change if needed.

From next week (Monday 17 November), the road will be down to one lane 24/7 while crews prepare for the change. Traffic management is in place. 

As the project progresses, drivers can expect further traffic switches and changes to traffic management. These will allow crews to install culverts, improve drainage, and carry out other resilience work.

Hakanui Stream realignment and new culvert in place

Hakanui stream had been diverted to allow crews to install the new 1.8 metre culvert. Before water entered its new path, Morehu Pewhairangi of Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki led a karakia to honour the mauri of the awa and acknowledge the significance of the shift.

Students from Te Karaka Area School visited the site to observe progress and take part in the blessing. Stones from the nearby Mangatū and Waikohu rivers were blessed and gifted to each crew member and local kura, who placed them at the base of the new Hakanui Stream.

“In te ao Māori, waterways are ancestors, living carriers of whakapapa and life force,” says Mr Pewhairangi.

“The karakia ensured the transition was made with cultural respect. It reflects the heart of this project: resilience built not just with rock and machinery, but with tikanga, partnership, and deep respect for the land.”

Hakanui Straight Flood Resilience

Source: New Zealand Police

Media are invited to attend the graduation ceremonies of recruit wings 389 in Wellington and 390 in Auckland this week.

The ceremonies mark the recruits’ completion of their initial training course and attestation as Police Officers.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and Associate Minister of Police Hon Casey Costello will attend both ceremonies, alongside the respective wing patrons.

Graduation of the New Zealand Police Cameron Leslie 389 Recruit Wing will take place at Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua at 10am tomorrow, Thursday 13 November.

Graduation of the New Zealand Police Sir John Key 390 Recruit Wing will be held at the Barfoot and Thompson Stadium in Auckland at 11am on Friday 14 November.

Details about statistics, prize winners and other recruits will be shared after graduation.

Media are requested to confirm their attendance at either ceremony by emailing the Police Media Centre: media@police.govt.nz

389 Wing Patron:

Cameron Leslie MNZM is a Kiwi Paralympian and Wheel Black from Whangārei.

He has broken world records and won gold medals at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games.

He debuted for New Zealand in 2006, and after having spent most of his career as a medley swimmer he switched to becoming a sprinter before the recent Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. At those Games, Cameron’s best finishes were two 4th placings where

he missed the podium by 0.13 and 0.24 of a second.

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. Recently he competed in Adelaide for the Wheel Blacks against teams from all over the world.

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.

390 Wing Patron:

The Right Honourable Sir John Key was the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 2008 to December 2016, successfully leading the National Party to three election victories before retiring from politics at the end of 2016.

He led the country through the aftermath of the global financial crisis and a series of devastating earthquakes in Christchurch.

Sir John entered politics after a successful career in investment banking including nearly a decade in New Zealand, primarily with Bankers Trust, and a decade offshore with investment bank Merrill Lynch in London, Singapore and Sydney.

Sir John is married to Bronagh and has two adult children, Stephie and Max. He loves to cook, watch rugby, travel and play golf. He also has his helicopter pilot licence.

In 2017 he was made a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, which brings with it the title of Sir John.

He was also recognised by the Australian Government and has been appointed an Honorary Companion in the Order of Australia.

The University of Canterbury awarded Sir John an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce in 2017. He graduated from the university in 1983 with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accountancy.

Sir John keeps busy by contributing to several boards, he chairs the Board of Oritain Global (NZ) and the Advisory Board for Bolt Group (Australia), and he is an advisor to a range of organisations. He also engages in public speaking events throughout New Zealand, Australia and the world.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

The intersection of State Highway 25 and Moewai Road in Whitianga is completely blocked following a serious crash.

Police were called to the incident just after 10am. Two people are reported to be injured, one with serious injuries, and another with minor injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit have been notified.

All traffic are advised to avoid the area or delay travel as there are no diversions in place. Those that require urgent travel in and out of Whitianga must take significantly longer reroutes towards Coromandel or Thames. 

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre