Category: MIL-OSI

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Release: Cuts to beds for seniors at Dunedin Hospital

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After failing to be upfront about cuts to intensive care beds, it’s now becoming clear that other downgrades to Dunedin Hospital are being concealed by the Minister of Health.

“National is reducing dementia and psychogeriatric beds capacity at the new Dunedin Hospital by almost half, with no alternative clinical option for older people,” Labour mental health and seniors spokesperson Ingrid Leary said.

“Psychogeriatric care is complex, requiring specialist services and care which are already very scarce in the community.

“Labour had a review underway to look at the best model of care for psychogeriatric services, but that work seems to have been shelved.

“Scaling back the hospital beds on the basis of an as-yet undefined model of care is at best magical thinking, at worst another way of concealing cuts.

“The lower South Island has an older population per capita than most parts of NZ and is already amongst the worst off when it comes to the postcode lottery for access to specialist mental health services.

“To make slash and burn decisions in this context is a slap in the face to our communities and renders Simeon Brown’s assurances earlier this year plain gaslighting,” Ingrid Leary said.

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Bupa under scrutiny for tax practices as workers face cuts – E tū

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A new report from E tū and international tax watchdog CICTAR has raised serious questions about whether aged care giant Bupa is shifting profits offshore to avoid paying its fair share of tax in Aotearoa.

E tū is calling for urgent reform and transparency in aged residential care funding, following the revelations that Bupa – the country’s second-largest provider – has paid just $12 million in income tax over the past decade, despite reporting nearly $300 million in profits.

“We spend billions of dollars each year on aged residential care, but there is very little transparency about whether that money supports decent jobs for workers, or simply subsidises corporate profits,” says Edward Miller, researcher with the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (CICTAR).

“Our research suggests that over the last decade, Bupa earned $3.3 billion in revenue and $293 million in profit, but only paid a total of $12 million in income tax – an effective tax rate of just four percent.

“In addition, a major intercompany loan appears to have reduced their taxable income by $150 million over the last decade. That could have cost Aotearoa up to $27 million in lost tax revenue over that period.”

E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh says the report reveals a disturbing pattern.

“At the same time as Bupa is sending tens of millions overseas in interest payments on questionable debts to other Bupa subsidiaries, they’re pushing through dangerous new rosters that cut hours and destabilise care,” Rachel says.

“Care workers are rightly asking whether Bupa is putting tax planning ahead of providing safe, decent care for residents. In 2023, for instance, Bupa made $12 million in pre-tax profit but paid just $11,000 in corporate tax – that’s about what a Level 4 care worker pays.”

Rachel says while more funding is urgently needed for the sector, companies must also be held to account.

“We need increased investment in aged care, but with it must come transparency. New Zealanders deserve to know their taxes are going to support quality care, not just boost overseas profits.

“It’s time to put the wellbeing of our elderly and those who care for them at the centre of this system.”

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Climate News: April very warm, and for north of both islands: wet – NIWA’s Climate Summary – April 2025

Source: NIWA

The month of April was very warm across New Zealand, with last month very wet for northern parts of both islands, according to NIWA’s Climate Summary for April 2025.
Temperatures were well above average throughout the country. It was the warmest April on record for 22 locations, with a further 52 locations observing near-record high April mean temperatures.
April was very wet for Northland, Tasman, and Canterbury. Rainfall was above normal or well above normal for northern parts of the North Island, Taranaki, western Wellington, northern parts of the South Island, eastern Canterbury, and Central Otago.
Auckland was the coolest of the six main centres, Christchurch the coolest, Dunedin the driest and sunniest, while Tauranga was the wettest and least sunny for April.
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Livestock numbers fall over the last 10 years while area planted in fruit increases – Stats NZ media and information release: Agricultural production statistics: Year to June 2024 (final)

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Livestock numbers fall over the last 10 years while area planted in fruit increases – 5 May 2025 – The total number of sheep was 23.6 million at June 2024, a fall of 6.2 million (21 percent) compared with 10 years ago, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

The total number of dairy cattle also fell by 861,000 (13 percent) over this period to 5.8 million.

“Bucking the trend of falling livestock, however, is beef cattle. There were 3.7 million beef cattle in 2024, similar to the total in 2014,” agricultural statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said.

Deer had the highest percentage fall of all livestock types, down 26 percent in the 10-year period. Numbers are down by 250,000 since 2014, bringing the total to 709,000 deer.

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Defence and Employment – PSA welcomes increased Defence spend on civilian salaries

Source: PSA

Union also seeks a commitment from the NZDF to retain civilian roles.
The PSA has welcomed the news from the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) that $33 million will be allocated to staff pay increases over the next four years as the result of last year’s industrial action.
“We’re very pleased to see increased funding for civilian personnel salaries in yesterday’s NZDF announcement,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says.
“This decision is a response to civilian staff’s strike action last year.”
Non-uniformed NZDF staff, which includes engineers, IT specialists, and other support staff, undertook weeks of industrial action from September to November, culminating in a strike.
The settlement of the strike action contains a specific clause on the union working together with the NZDF on the $33 million of funding allocated from the Budget.
“The NZDF have already been in touch with the PSA to work through the allocation of this funding,” Fitzsimons says.
The NZDF’s 3000-plus civilian workforce is currently undergoing a change proposal process which seeks to cut 374 roles.
“While this is good news, the NZDF has already lost 144 highly skilled, diligent personnel through the voluntary redundancy process.
“To ensure the remaining workers aren’t overwhelmed with large workloads and can continue to deliver this essential mahi, we will be seeking a commitment that there will be no more job cuts.”
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RSA – Hurricanes Donate Jerseys to Support New Zealand’s Veterans

Source: RSA

 

Following their hard-fought victory over the Brumbies in Canberra last month, the Hurricanes have demonstrated that their strength extends beyond the rugby pitch.

 

In a meaningful gesture, all 23 jerseys worn by Hurricanes players during the DHL Super Rugby Pacific’s Anzac Round have been donated to the RSA. The aim is to help generate funds in support of New Zealand’s military veterans and their whānau. Each jersey, featuring the RSA’s iconic red poppy, has been personally signed by the player who wore it.

 

RSA National President Sir Wayne Shelford expressed deep gratitude for the Hurricanes’ ongoing generosity.

 

“Time and again, the Hurricanes prove they’re not just fierce competitors but compassionate community leaders. Last year’s jersey auction raised more than $11,000 for our support services, and we’re truly thankful to have the chance to raise even more this year.”

 

Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the alignment between the two organizations’ values.

 

“We’re proud to support the RSA and the crucial work they do for our veterans,” said Lee. “Giving back is a big part of who we are as a club. Connection and humility are two values we hold dear, and the RSA’s Poppy—such a powerful national symbol—will always be worn with honour by our team.”

 

The jerseys are listed for sale on auction site Trade me and close on Thursday 8 May and can be viewed here:https://rnzrsa.info/TMstore

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Weather News – A settled start gives way to a wet finish across Aotearoa – MetService

Source: MetService
 
– Cold nights with widespread single-digit temperatures; frost risk for the central North Island.
– Monday morning saw some of the lowest temperatures recorded so far this year, including Christchurch: -0.5°C, Taumarunui: -1.7°C, Taupo: -1.8°C and Masterton: -0.5°C.
– Clear skies dominate early in the week under a ridge of high pressure.
– Rain and warmer, humid air arrive late week as a trough moves in from the Tasman.
– Strong northwesterlies develop over the lower South Island ahead of rain on Thursday.

MetService is forecasting a week of two halves, with frosty mornings, clear days and chilly nights to kick off the week, then wet weather looming toward the end.

Settled weather and cool overnight temperatures are expected for many, as a broad ridge of high pressure dominates Aotearoa New Zealand early this week. Single digit overnight temperatures will be felt by much of the country over the next few days, with the potential for central North Island areas to drop into the negatives on Tuesday morning.

The ridge will bring clear skies for most, but it does push some coastal cloud and a few showers onto the east of the North Island, and the west of the South Island. A return to more normal temperatures is expected heading into Wednesday and Thursday, as northerlies begin to build, drawing warmer air down from the tropics.

“Warmer doesn’t always mean better,” says MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden. “These relatively settled conditions aren’t expected to last. A band of rain is building in the Tasman, pulling warm, moist air from the tropics, resulting in some wet weather later this week.” As this system approaches, strong northwesterlies are expected to develop over the lower South Island late Wednesday, potentially bringing gusty conditions to exposed areas. This extends to the lower North Island on Friday.

The wet weather is set to move onto the south of Te Waipounamu/South Island early Thursday morning, and quickly move north, affecting much of the country come Friday.

“With a crisp, clear start to the week, and wet conditions approaching, don’t be caught off guard and keep up to date with the latest forecasts at metservice.com” says Lynden.

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Economy – Rise of the machines: How could artificial intelligence impact financial stability? – Reserve Bank of NZ

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

5 May 2025 – The rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in financial services presents both opportunities and risks to financial stability, according to the Reserve Bank of New Zealand in a special topic from the upcoming May 2025 Financial Stability Report.

As AI tools and models become increasingly sophisticated and widely integrated across the financial services sector, they offer significant potential benefits. These include improved productivity, greater modelling accuracy, enhanced risk assessment capabilities, and strengthened cyber resilience – helping financial institutions better detect and manage threats.

Alongside these opportunities lie potential vulnerabilities. Errors in AI systems, data privacy concerns and market distortions could amplify existing risks. The growing reliance on a small number of third-party AI providers may also contribute to market concentration, creating new channels for contagion and increasing the potential impact of cyber-attacks.

“There is still considerable uncertainty around how AI will shape the financial system,” said Kerry Watt, Director of Financial Stability Assessment & Strategy. “While its impact could be positive, especially in enhancing resilience, it could also introduce or amplify vulnerabilities.”

Regulated entities are expected to understand and manage AI-related risks as part of their existing obligations. The special topic notes that it is important that regulatory frameworks keep pace with technology developments to support effective risk management by industry.

We will continue to closely monitor developments in AI technology, adoption trends, and the evolving regulatory landscape, to ensure that the financial system remains well-positioned to manage emerging risks.

https://youtu.be/pkG81U95Pyk

More information

AI Special Topic (extract from Financial Stability Report, May 2025) https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=a6bc4d90d0&e=f3c68946f8
The May Financial Stability Report (FSR) will be released on Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 9:00am.

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Peace Action Wellington – Fund healthcare not warfare

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Sunday 4 May 2025 – The government has announced an additional $1 billion of military spending today on top of $12 billion of spending already announced over the next four years. These plans will take New Zealand’s annual military budget to approximately 2% of GDP.

“The budget will have the most severe cuts in decades, and yet there are billions to wage war with the United States. This is absolutely the wrong priority, and frankly I find it sickening,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“Clearly the money is there. It is a matter of priorities. Most New Zealanders would say their priority is a health system that is there for them if they get sick. Right now, that doesn’t exist.”

“Health NZ has just announced 1800 further job cuts. Our doctors, nurses and health care assistants are on strike demanding safe conditions in our hospitals. More than 180,000 people are waiting for their first specialist appointment, with 40% of these waiting more than 4 months. Our people are dying now. These are the real threats to life and security in this country.”

“Where is the multi-billion dollar funding to rebuild our health system? Where is the commitment to investing in broken health infrastructure and an adequate workforce? Instead what we see is a government intent on destroying the public health system, dismantling it to the point it does not function.”

“We firmly reject the entire basis of this $12 billion military spend-up. We keep getting told that the global situation is dangerous and that there are “rising tensions.” This is the US framing their agenda as our problem. It isn’t our problem. Instead, for a healthy and prosperous country, we must steer very clear of being involved with the US military and its murderous imperial adventures.”

“The US is scaremongering about China. It is in the US’s interest to pick a fight with China, to surround it and threaten it. This has absolutely nothing to do with New Zealand’s own defence and security.”

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Universities – Robinson Research Institute awarded $71 million to host advanced technology platform – Vic

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
 
Robinson Research Institute, a pioneer in high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) research, has received funding of $71million towards setting up and hosting an advanced technology platform in Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies.
 
The funding for the advanced technology platform was announced by Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Shane Reti at Robinson Research Institute’s facility in Lower Hutt, and will operate through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment-administered Strategic Science Investment Fund (SSIF) portfolio over a period of seven years.
 
In line with the objective to grow New Zealand’s hi-tech exports, the advanced technology platform will apply materials and engineering expertise across a range of sectoral themes including space, electric aviation, critical minerals and technologies for fusion energy. The platform will play a crucial role in lifting New Zealand’s innovation capacity, enabling companies to take technology to market, and in accelerating the growth of the domestic manufacturing sector.  
 
Professor Nick Long, director, Robinson Research Institute, said “It is an honour for the Institute to receive this strategic funding. At Robinson, our focus has always been on how applications of HTS can be leveraged to address real-world issues, ranging from propulsion in space to more accessible Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. With proven capabilities in emerging areas like space and advanced aviation, Robinson is well-placed to drive growth in this area. Initially leveraging our capability in magnetics, the Institute has also developed processing methods for critical minerals from New Zealand resources. This funding will enable us to solve some problems with scaling these methods to commercial levels.”
 
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Professor Magaret Hyland is excited by the possibilities that the funding offers. “Te Herenga Waka has a strong culture of research excellence and the work that our staff undertake has impact on national and international scales.  
 
“A valued part of the University community, Robinson Research Institute has a strong track record of projects evolving into pilot projects or commercial enterprises. This new platform is a significant opportunity for Robinson to strengthen collaborations with the wider research community, in a way that delivers stronger outcomes for Aotearoa New Zealand. With an established network of research and commercialisation partnerships, within New Zealand and abroad, I can see Robinson now playing an even bigger role in enhancing New Zealand’s capabilities in advanced technology.”
 
The objectives of the platform will include developing workforce capability through internships and postgraduate study, and encouraging early career researchers to take their research beyond the laboratory. Projects from the platform will also enhance local and international research and commercial partnerships, and encourage inward investment into the New Zealand research and development sector.