Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Massey University

Each year New Zealand experiences mass strandings of long-finned pilot whales along its shoreline. Exactly why these whales strand remains unclear. However, new biological insights into these phenomenal events has just been published in an international peer reviewed journal.

New research which examined more than 1500 pilot whales post mortem over an 80-year period has now revealed unique characteristics of Southern Hemisphere long -finned pilot whales. Estimates of length-at-birth, maximum ages, and sexual shape dimorphism (differences between male and female form) all differ significantly to those previously reported for the North Atlantic subspecies, indicating important subspecies differences in morphology (branch of biology that deals with form and structure of animals), longevity, and sociality.

Maximum ages of 31 and 38 years were estimated for males and females, respectively. The study also reported pronounced sexual dimorphism with respect to shape, with males having proportionally longer pectoral fins, wider tail flukes, and taller dorsal fins compared to their female counterparts.

The study, published in the Journal of Mammalogy, was undertaken by a team of scientists based at Massey University, Auckland University of Technology, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Ireland and The Institute of Zoology, London.

Lead author Dr Emma Betty from Massey University’s Cetacean Ecology Research Group, says the value of long-term datasets and tissue archives collected during mass stranding events cannot be underestimated.

“Knowledge of population biological parameters can contribute to assessing the resilience of a population in the face of increasing anthropogenic [human induced] pressures,” she says.

Research Director for the Cetacean Ecology Research Group Professor Karen Stockin says the ongoing, long-term whale stranding research in New Zealand is really starting to bear fruit.

“New Zealand’s international reputation for mass whale strandings is globally recognised. However, it’s the decades of data and samples collected in partnership with iwi and the Department of Conservation that is most exceptional.”

Source: Massey University

Paora Ammunson confirmed as new Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori

Monday 28 July 2025

Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University is pleased to announce Paora Ammunson, Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne o Wairarapa, Te Arawa and Tainui, has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori.

Source: Massey University

When the role finished, Rhema and her husband moved around New Zealand for different jobs and experiences, but ever since her discovery of leadership studies, she knew she wanted her career to revolve around running leadership development programmes for women and helping women grow. In 2019, Rhema decided it was time to make that happen, so she committed to a PhD.

“My research learns from the experiences of women who grew up as ‘third culture kids’ to advance global leadership development by understanding the challenges that these children experience with each international move.

My research gives a voice to an underrepresented group because all my participants are women of colour, who have spent significant parts of their youth living in different countries.

They share their life stories, which are understood through a critical race feminist lens to appreciate the racist, sexist challenges they experienced from a young age and the coping strategies they used to adapt into their new socio-cultural contexts.”

Rhema feels blessed to have so many strong and influential women in her life, many of whom she has met along her Massey journey.

“My best friend is one of the first people I met at Massey. Ten years on, our friendship is stronger, and we have seen each other through every phase of our womanhood.

I believe that I can learn from every woman who is in my life and the beauty of being a woman is that we get to share our unique definition of womanhood and support each other.”

For Rhema, International Women’s Day is a universal reminder to recognise and celebrate women’s achievements and plights.

“It should be part of our everyday culture to celebrate diversity and provide platforms and opportunities to share. Our stories are our most valuable assets because they are unique to us, and we can only learn from one another through telling our stories.”

Source: Massey University

Sex worker rights organisations often focus on the idea that sex work is work, and this came through in some media coverage of sex work in Aotearoa New Zealand – although this was more likely to be the case if the women involved were cisgender, charged relatively higher prices, and worked indoors.

“When sex workers did have their work treated as a real job, this was often accompanied by an explicit or implicit comparison to other sex workers, suggesting the stigma of the job may just be shifted around rather than genuinely reduced.

“Sex workers who continued to be stigmatised in news media coverage were often those who were marginalised in other ways – transgender women, particularly those who do street-based sex work, and migrant sex workers, who are specifically excluded from the protections of the Prostitution Reform Act.

“The ways that they were stigmatised as sex workers were often linked to other groups which they were also a part of. This really highlights the importance of paying attention to the multifaceted nature of people’s identities, that is, taking an intersectional approach, to discussing sex work.”

Producing the Acceptable Sex Worker also discusses the persistent influence of stereotypes about sex work, which influence the sort of stories that are told about sex work, even when the stories are being refuted.

“One thing I found quite a lot in some of the older texts I analysed, dating from the earlier 2010s, was an emphasis on people not ‘looking like’ a sex worker. Well, what do you mean by that? What does a sex worker look like? And obviously the intention there is that the reader is going to understand this as a positive thing, but in doing that, you’re reinforcing the idea that ‘sex worker’ is this negative identity which people should distance themselves from. What you’re seeing there is the comparison between different kinds of sex workers, but also the issue where old stereotypes about the industry can be really limiting, shaping how it’s discussed, even in fairly positive coverage.” 

Producing the Acceptable Sex Worker, published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, is available on pre-order now from Amazon.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

EIT staff and students embraced the cold, plunging into an ice bath at the Hawke’s Bay campus as part of an initiative to raise awareness for mental health.

Held on Tuesday, the challenge saw Head of the School of Trades Todd Rogers, Dean Helen Ryan-Stewart, Mental Health Lecturer Chris Malcolm, and Ira White from Human Resources take turns submerging themselves in freezing water alongside three student volunteers.

The initiative was part of a global resurgence of cold-water challenges, revived in the United States nearly a decade after the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, using the hashtag #SpeakYourMIND to raise mental health awareness.

A crowd of supporters gathered with cheers, laughter, and plenty of encouragement as each “dipper” stepped up to the tub. The event combined light-hearted fun with a serious message, promoting open conversations around mental health and showing solidarity with those facing mental health challenges. Funds raised went to the Jolly Good Chaps Charitable Trust.

Ira showed particular resilience, taking a full bucket of ice-cold water over the head with a smile.

All four staff members embraced the challenge with good humour and were met with enthusiastic applause.

“Hopping into a bucket of ice is never easy,” Todd said.

Chris said mental health was an important focus. “One of the key things was resilience, so we wanted to test the resilience of some of these people hopping in the ice.”

Leanne Harkness, who helped coordinate the event, said the turnout and energy on the day reflected strong support for student mental health. “It’s been quite a warm day, so it was lucky for our dippers.”

Watch the video of the challenge here.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

EIT Bachelor of Accounting student Kārena Williams has been named one of just three recipients of a prestigious national award supporting the next generation of Māori accountants.

The BDO Sir Hēnare Ngata Scholarship, offered by BDO New Zealand, provides $7500 in financial support, an internship with a BDO firm, mentorship, and funded attendance at the Ngā Kaitatau Māori o Aotearoa hui. The scholarship is awarded each year to three Māori accounting students to help grow the next generation of Māori accountants

Kārena (Ngāti Kahungunu, Te Āti Haunui a Pāpārangi, Ngāi Tūhoe, Te Aitanga a Māhaki, Rongowhakaata and Ngāti Porou) says she carries the tohu with pride.

“Being awarded the Sir Hēnare Ngata Scholarship means a lot to me. It’s more than financial support, it’s a recognition of my whakapapa, my future, and the kaupapa,” she says.

“It reaffirms that there is space for Māori like me in the world of accounting, finance and law, especially those who are passionate about community, land and legacy.”

She also has whakapapa to Sir Hēnare Ngata, which she says made receiving the scholarship feel deeply personal.

“It felt like a call to carry on their legacy in a modern context. I wanted to honour him by stepping into spaces where our people are still underrepresented, and to be part of a movement that uplifts our whānau, whenua and future.”

The 33-year-old mother of three returned to EIT in 2022, this time to study a Bachelor of Accounting, after completing te reo Māori studies straight out of high school.

She says her interest in accounting was shaped by years of attending land trust hui with whānau, where she saw the power and complexity of financial documents.

“I wasn’t into maths when I was younger, but I was exposed to financial documents and saw the impact that knowledge can have. At hui, I noticed how many people didn’t understand the processes, legalities and professional side of decisions that affected them.

“I saw that by studying accounting, I could fulfil that professional aspect and take my tohu back to my people to lift our collective knowledge.”

After studying part-time for two semesters, personal challenges saw Kārena take a break to attend law school in Waikato for a semester.

She later returned to Hawke’s Bay to be closer to her tamariki and resumed her accounting degree.

Kārena says accounting has challenged her, but she is determined to succeed.

“It hasn’t come naturally. I’ve had to repeat a few papers, but I’ve grown through it. I go over things again and again until they click.”

She says the support at EIT has played a big role in helping her stay on track.

“You’re not just a number. The tutors know who you are, and they see your potential.”

Kārena will join BDO Hawke’s Bay as an intern this year alongside her studies.

She plans to return to law school once she finishes her degree and hopes to use both qualifications to support her people.

“It’s not about the money. I want to educate, uplift and inform our people so they can make better decisions. That’s what it is.”

Her greatest motivation is her tamariki.

“I want to be the best role model to my kids and show them that if you put your mind to something, you can do it. I’m carving the way so my mokopuna don’t have to struggle the way I did.”

Dr Gareth Allison, EIT Head of the School of Business, said: “I’m incredibly proud to see one of our tauira recognised with the BDO Sir Hēnare Ngata Scholarship”.

“This scholarship not only celebrates Kārena’s academic ability but also honours her dedication to uplifting Māori communities through financial literacy and leadership. Her success embodies the very spirit of EIT, where individual potential is nurtured, cultural identity is embraced, and future leaders are empowered to make a real difference. We look forward to supporting Kārena as she continues her studies and future internship. “

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:

A man has been taken into custody, and is assisting Police with further enquiries after a man was critically injured in Stokes Valley this morning.

Police have executed a number of search warrants in the area this morning, and will continue to have a visible presence in the Stokes Valley area while enquiries continue.

The victim of this morning’s incident remains in a critical condition in Wellington Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Police are continuing to call for the public’s assistance, and would like to speak to anyone with information.

We’d like to hear from anybody in or around the Sladden Street area in Naenae, as well as Poole Street in Taita, who may have CCTV or dashcam footage.

Residents in the vicinity of Hanson Grove and the main arterial routes of Stokes Valley are still urged to contact Police with any footage they may have available.

If you have any information that could assist Police, please call 105, or make a report online and quote file 250803/0624.

You can also share information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

A Masterton 3-month-old baby girl remains in a critical condition in Auckland’s Starship Hospital, seven days after receiving suspected non-accidental injuries.

Police were called about 2.50pm on Friday 25 July, after the injured 3-month-old had been taken to Wairarapa Hospital the night before and transferred to Wellington Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.

Police have launched an investigation to establish how the baby has sustained her injuries and hold those responsible accountable, says Detective Inspector Haley Ryan.

“We are working closely with Oranga Tamariki and Te Whatu Ora.  From the enquiries to date, we believe that the injuries the baby suffered weren’t an accident, but we are still at the early stages of the investigation.”

“We’re speaking with whānau to help progress our enquiries, but these cases are complex and take time.”

“Someone knows what happened, and we’re doing everything we can to get answers for a victim who has no way of speaking up for themselves.”

As Police work to unpick the events that led to the baby being injured, Wairarapa Area Commander Inspector Nick Thom says Police and other agencies were also providing support to the whānau, and friends of the family.

“It’s an emotional inquiry and we know the impact it will have on whānau and our community. While the investigative work is ongoing, we’re also focusing on providing reassurance and being visible.”

“We know people will be wanting to know how they can help. The best thing you can do is talk to us if you have any information that could help, even if it might seem insignificant at the time. Silence helps no-one.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Police online, or via 105. Please use the reference number 250725/1624.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Detective Inspector Haley Ryan:

An investigation has been launched after a man was allegedly shot and critically injured in Stokes Valley this morning.

Emergency services were called to Hanson Grove about 9am after a report of a firearm being discharged.

A 39-year-old man was found in critical condition and was airlifted to hospital.

Immediately after the incident, a dark-coloured vehicle was seen leaving the scene at speed.

Extensive area enquiries were carried out, however the vehicle has not yet been located.

Police are working to put together a full picture of what has occurred and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

CCTV will be vital in this investigation. We are urging anyone who has residential or commercial CCTV / dashcam in the Hanson Grove vicinity or the main arterial routes of Stokes Valley to contact us.

If you can help, please call 105 and quote file number 250803/0624.

You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police lights, sirens, ACTION!

What:     Unveiling of a decommissioned patrol car upcycled as a mini cinema for watching ‘Ride Along’.
Who:      Commissioner Richard Chambers, the cast of Ride Along Vlog and members of Police Recruitment
Why:      To recruit more police officers
Where:   The Roxy Cinema, 5 Park Road, Miramar, Wellington 6022
When:    Saturday 2 August from 10am.
• 10am -11.45am – Recruitment event and media opportunity
• 12.15pm – Fundraiser showing of ‘Fantastic Four’ movie.
How:      Big Buddy is fundraising and selling cinema tickets for a 12.15pm showing of Fantastic Four after the media event. Ticket holders will be invited to arrive from 11am to view and check out the car cinema. At 11.45am ticket holders will take their seats in the cinema. Buy tickets here:  https://event.auctria.com/e89a8c28-4700-4b8a-80fa-06f101ff1941/

Media RSVP: media@police.govt.nz (If you’re attending please arrive at the venue by 10am for photo and interview opportunities.)

Commissioner Richard Chambers will be hosting the event alongside Constables Jake, Sophia, Steven, and Jess – the four officers who feature in the New Zealand Police vlog, Ride Along.

Commissioner Chambers says “New Zealand Police relaunched popular vlog series, Ride Along, as part of the D500 recruitment campaign in March 2025.

The series is an entertaining but real insight into policing and follows four constables and their day-to-day lives on the job.

Many officers tell me they were inspired to apply because of the original series of Ride Along.  Since its re-launch, over 1.5M people have viewed it and our New Zealand Police YouTube followers have increased more than 5k.

We will continue to ramp up our recruitment efforts for this programme of work and applicant numbers remain strong,” says Commissioner Chambers.

All Ride Along cast will attend the launch and will be part of the recruitment campaign which runs from 10am. Come along and meet our ‘stars’.

The mini cinema will feature at other recruitment events across the country soon.

In June 2025 Police received 643 applications to become a constabulary officer. This is almost two thirds higher than the average levels over the same month in the preceding three years.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre