Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Labour market statistics released today highlight the importance of the Government’s ongoing work to rebuild the economy and deliver more job opportunities for Kiwis, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

The data released by Stats NZ shows unemployment increased from 5.2 per cent to 5.3 per cent in the September quarter and is broadly in line with pre-election and more recent forecasts.

“Our Government is determined that New Zealanders who are seeking work can find it. That‘s why we’re so focused on strengthening the foundations from which local businesses can grow and create new jobs.

“Since being elected we have worked hard to fix the damage done to our economy during a period of reckless government spending, sky-high inflation and rising interest rates. 

“We’ve successfully fixed the foundations. Taxes have been reduced. Inflation is back in band. Interest rates have fallen. Recovery is underway. 

“There is more to do to accelerate New Zealand’s economic recovery. We are working to ensure more Kiwi employers can be confident about starting, expanding and creating new jobs. That’s why we are driving our going for growth plan.  

“We’ve delivered the Investment Boost tax incentive for businesses, accelerated $7 billion of major public infrastructure projects pre-Christmas, fast-tracked consents for job-rich privately funded projects, opened new markets for our exporters, welcomed in new investment from around the world, reduced red tape for businesses and championed growth policies in sectors from agriculture through to our space industry and the film sector.

“New Zealanders have worked incredibly hard for economic recovery. Now is not the time for expansive new taxes, or a return to reckless fiscal management. Now is the time for our Government’s plan to back aspiration, effort and job-creation.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Puketaha Road and Taylor Road are closed near the intersection following a seirous crash this afternoon.

Police were called to the two-vehicle crash at around 1pm.

Initial indicators are that there has been critical injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit have been advised and the roads will remain blocked while emergecny services work at the scene.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible and expect delays.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will invest more than $80 million in research projects starting this year, for projects that have transformative potential for New Zealand’s economy, health, and environment, says Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti.

“107 Marsden Fund projects will be funded over the next three years, supporting both established research leaders and the next generation of emerging scientists,” Dr Reti says.

“The Marsden Fund invests in investigator-led, innovative research to foster breakthrough discoveries with the potential to deliver lasting benefits for our economy, environment, and wellbeing.

“The Government is committed to investing in blue skies research that sparks innovative thinking, drives the development of new skills, and generates transformative knowledge for New Zealand’s future.

“As we introduce a new science funding system to better support our scientists, industry, and economy, we will continue to champion a diverse portfolio of research activities – including blue skies, strategic, mission-led, applied, commercialisation, and industry-focused projects.”

The latest funding round includes 37 Fast-Start grants for emerging scientists, 68 Standard grants, and two Marsden Fund Council Awards supporting large interdisciplinary projects. 

Funded projects span from biomedical breakthroughs and climate resilience to mathematical innovation and advanced technology. Examples include:

Improving cancer treatment through advanced cell therapies (Malaghan Institute of Medical Research)
Turning geothermal waste heat into electricity for cleaner, more efficient industry (Earth Sciences New Zealand)
Tackling drug-resistant tuberculosis, especially in high risk Māori and Pasifika communities (University of Otago)
Harnessing native plant microbiomes to boost crop resilience (Bioeconomy Science Institute)

“These projects show the breadth and ambition of New Zealand’s research community, and the Government’s commitment to supporting ideas that will shape our future,” Dr Reti says. 

The full list of funded projects and further information is available on the Royal Society Te Apārangi website: https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/what-we-do/funds-and-opportunities/marsden/awarded-grants/marsden-fund-awards-2025

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Biosecurity New Zealand is asking Aucklanders to remain vigilant for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) on the North Shore.

“We’ve had a fantastic response so far from the public to our request for help with surveillance. To date, we’ve received more than 1,000 notifications via email and phone with no new confirmed finds since the weekend,” says Mike Inglis, North commissioner, Biosecurity New Zealand.

Since 17 October, Biosecurity New Zealand has found 4 confirmed queen hornets and safely removed their nests. Three were detected in Glenfield and one in Birkdale, about 1.3 km from the initial detection in Glenfield. 

“To support surveillance, Biosecurity New Zealand is laying traps in a measured way in areas where females have been found. By the end of today, we will have 120 traps in the field.

“This is the first time we’ve found yellow-legged hornets in New Zealand. We responded quickly to this threat, but we continue to need the public’s help to eliminate any further risk,” Mr Inglis says.

“Many countries throughout Europe and Asia have yellow-legged hornet and manage it. However, we don’t want it here and that is why we’re tracking it down.”

Yellow-legged hornets pose a biosecurity risk because of their potential impact on honeybee and wild bee populations.

Members of the public are asked to report any sightings of suspected hornets or nests, but only if they have a specimen, a clear photo of the suspected hornet, or have found a possible hornet nest.

Reports can be made through report.mpi.govt.nz or by calling Biosecurity New Zealand’s exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 809 966.

Report pests online

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328

Further information and images

Look out for hornets – Pamphlet [PDF, 637 KB]

Yellow-legged hornet sightings in Auckland in 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Crown has settled 14 years of negotiations with Ngāti Paoa following legislation passing its final reading in Parliament today, Treaty for Waitangi Negotiations Paul Goldsmith says. 

“This is a historic day for which Ngāti Pāoa has waited far too long. The Crown has acknowledged the cumulative effect of its actions and omissions, including raupatu, the operation and impact of the native land laws and continued Crown purchasing.

“These left Ngāti Pāoa virtually landless and undermined the economic, social and cultural development of the iwi, breaching the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles. 

“The Crown also acknowledged it breached the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles when it invaded the Waikato, attacked Ngāti Pāoa and shelled the unfortified village of Pūkorokoro in 1863 causing the death of iwi members.  

“Ngāti Pāoa have been very engaged in the legislative process for this Bill. Over 350 submissions were received by the Committee, the majority of which were from Ngāti Pāoa iwi members. Iwi representatives have also attended both the first and second readings. It was my pleasure to welcome Ngāti Pāoa back into the House today for the final reading.

“My hope is this settlement provides a platform to create a thriving future for Ngāti Pāoa and their generations to come, helping to renew and strengthen the relationship between Ngāti Paoa and the Crown.”

The Treaty settlement legislation provides:

• A Crown apology, including an agreed historical account.
• Crown acknowledgements of its historical breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Breaches of war and raupatu and promoting laws and policies that left Ngāti Pāoa virtually landless.
• Financial and commercial redress of $23.5 million.
• Cultural redress including 12 sites of traditional, historical and cultural significance to them.
• Agreements with a range of Crown agencies. 

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Government to act in response to new data released by Stats NZ today which shows unemployment has reached a nine year high.

“The labour market took another turn for the worse today, with unemployment growing, underemployment growing, fewer hours being worked, and wages are not keeping up with inflation. This data is another sign that the Government’s economic plan is not working,” said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.

“Unemployment is particularly acute for young people – with 15,500 more 15–24-year-olds unemployed than at the election.

“Māori unemployment is 10.5%, and Pasifika unemployment is 12.1%. A record 406,000 people are underutilised – meaning that they want more work, or access to work, but can’t get it.

“Wages increased at their lowest rate for 5 years, with the Labour Cost Index showing wage inflation of 2.1% – well below actual consumer price inflation of 3%. 44% of workers saw no pay increase at all this year and 68% saw a pay increase below inflation. Both public and private sector wages are growing at less than inflation.

“Unemployment in New Zealand is now well above the OECD average (4.9%) and comparable countries. 39,000 fewer people are in full-time work. 160,000 people are unemployed – the highest number since March 1994,” said Renney.

“This data should be a wake-up call. Youth unemployment is soaring at the same time the Government is removing benefits from 18- & 19-year-olds. Our future will be bleak if we fail to support young people into good work,” said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.

“Wages are falling behind the cost of living, and yet the Government’s response is to ask our essential workers including doctors, nurses, teachers, and fire fighters to take an effective pay cut.

“The Government is dangerously out of touch with the reality in the labour market right now. It promised to get the economy back on track and tackle the cost of living. On both of those measures it’s failing.

“Workers and their families are doing it tough. Poverty and homelessness are rising. Many workers are taking up multiple jobs just to make ends meet. We need a new approach,” said Grey.

Source: New Zealand Government

More services, made possible thanks to increased funding achieved under this government, have had a positive impact on the lives of high support needs young people and their families. 

Minister for Children Karen Chhour has confirmed that over the past year, Oranga Tamariki supported an extra 59 placements for children and young people with high support needs, including disability, across 11 accredited community care providers.

“The services provided to these young people include everyday support with routines like sleeping, eating, personal carers, communication, access to school and learning, and communication with peers, whānau, and community inclusion. 

They also include everyday activities, like attendance at sports and other extracurricular activities, and wider family contact are also included and are of huge benefit for these young people.

These service providers utilise trauma/healing informed care and many provide specialist disability related support, which may include visual timetables, social stories, and communication tools, to help the young person manage and avoid triggers.” 

Oranga Tamariki received $99.784 million over four years to fund services for children and young people with high support needs, including disability, through Budget 2024. 

“This funding has ensured that they and their families are able to receive the right support at the right time. It is just one example of my commitment to fixing what matters for these young people and their families,” says Minister Chhour.  

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

New Zealand is making progress in the fight against anti-microbial resistance, with sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics falling for the seventh consecutive year, says New Zealand Food Safety’s deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.  

“Antibiotics are essential for the treatment of bacterial infections in humans, animals and plants. If they are not used carefully, and in the prescribed amounts, we run the risk that bacteria will develop resistance to the drugs, which could have devastating effects on our health and economy.” 

The latest antibiotics sales figures for plants and animals, released today in New Zealand Food Safety’s annual Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis report, are a clear sign that antibiotics are being more carefully used, Mr Arbuckle says.

New Zealand Food Safety’s annual Antibiotic Agricultural Compound Sales Analysis report [PDF, 1.1 MB]

“The falling sales are a result of a concerted effort by veterinarians, farmers, industry and New Zealand Food Safety to ensure these life-saving medicines are used appropriately so they work as intended.”

The report evaluated 18 classes of antibiotics sold during 2024 for use for farm animals, pets, and horticulture. 

“Since a 2017 peak of 71,361kg, total antibiotic sales have dropped to 37,858kg in 2024. That’s an impressive 47% decrease,” says Mr Arbuckle. “Additionally, results show a 4% drop since 2023.”

As part of ongoing work to ensure the continued effectiveness of antibiotics, New Zealand Food Safety is reviewing the regulatory oversight of antibiotics used on plants and animals. 

“This extensive piece of work, which involves reassessing and reclassifying hundreds of antibiotic products, has been divided into 4 tranches. Tranche one has been completed with tranche 2 in progress.”

You can read about the tranche one results here:

Tranche One Changes to Cephalosporin, Macrolide, and Penicillin-Based Veterinary Medicines Post-Reassessment  [PDF, 462 KB]

“We also work closely with the Ministry of Health and international regulators in an effort to manage AMR,” says Mr Arbuckle.

For further information and general enquiries, call MPI on 0800 008 333 or email info@mpi.govt.nz

For media enquiries, contact the media team on 029 894 0328.

Find out more

Read more about the New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan which has been jointly developed by Ministry of Health, New Zealand Food Safety and representatives from across the human health, animal health and agriculture sectors. 

New Zealand Antimicrobial Resistance Action Plan – Ministry of Health

New Zealand Food Safety published the New Zealand Plant and Animal Sectors’ AMR Implementation Plan last year to underpin the national initiative. 

New Zealand Plant and Animal Sectors’ AMR Implementation Plan [PDF, 552 KB]

Read more about antimicrobial resistance: Controlling and preventing antimicrobial resistance

Total antibiotic sales quantities by class in kg – Infographic [PNG, 32 KB]

Source: New Zealand Government

People in Marlborough no longer need to make the long journey to Nelson for dialysis, with the opening of the region’s new dialysis unit in Blenheim, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“The opening of this unit is the result of years of dedication and advocacy from the Marlborough community,” Mr Brown says.

“This new dialysis unit in Blenheim is a great example of what can be achieved when local voices, iwi, and health providers work together to deliver patient-centred care. It’s about designing services with communities, not just for them, ensuring local perspectives are embedded in how care is delivered.”

Marlborough Primary Health has led the development of the unit in collaboration with Health New Zealand.

“Until now, Marlborough patients needing dialysis have had to travel to Nelson Hospital three times a week – a two-hour journey each way.

“This new four-chair facility will operate three days per week initially, with capacity to expand as demand grows. It’s designed for clinically stable patients and brings together wraparound services such as podiatry and social work.

“This will be life-changing for many people. It brings care closer to home, supports families, and ensures people can receive treatment in an environment that reflects their needs and their community.”

The facility also reflects outstanding community generosity, with funding support from the Care Foundation, the Marlborough Hospital Equipment Trust, and contributions from the Rātā Foundation, Churchill Trust, Lotteries, and the Marlborough District Council.

Mr Brown also acknowledged the strong advocacy of Kaikōura MP Stuart Smith in championing the project.

“With an ageing population and rising rates of chronic kidney disease, locally led, collaborative models like this are vital to ensuring services remain accessible and close to home.

“This is a great day for Marlborough – one that celebrates community determination and ensures patients can receive the care they need, right here at home in Blenheim.”

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The state highway summer maintenance season is picking up the pace in the top of the South Island, and road users can expect to see multiple chip sealing sites in the lead-up to Christmas.

It is essential to ensure the region’s highways are kept safe and resilient for road users.

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington/Top of the South, says after the recent spate of wet weather, the focus is on getting as much road resurfacing completed before Christmas and the busier holiday season.

“We know drivers commonly ask why there are more road works at this time of the year. The simple answer is permanent repairs need good weather to be effective and can’t be done during the wet and cold winter months.”

Mr Owen appreciates that road works cause delays and frustration for drivers, and that there is a lot of work underway in the region.

“It is a busy time. Not only do we have chip sealing underway, but we are also doing road rebuilds, recovery work following the recent weather events, and resilience improvements aimed at protecting critical transport links in the long term.”

“We are trying to minimise the impact of these works as much as possible. But, as the saying goes, you cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs; road works do affect traffic,” Mr Owen says.

He says it is a significant investment in infrastructure and helps keep our highways safe./p>

“All road users benefit from this work. The work we do now helps prevent costlier and more disruptive repairs in the future.”

Programme Update:

In Nelson/Tasman, all chip sealing sites will be completed before Christmas. Drivers can expect to see work on State Highway 60 in Motueka, State Highway 60 in Golden Bay and State Highway 6 near Murchison. 

In Marlborough, crews will be active on State Highway 1 from November until Christmas. They will then be at various sites on State Highway 6 in February 2026 including around Okaramio, Havelock, Canvastown, Pelorus and Rai Valley, as well as State Highway 1 in Riverlands and State Highway 63 near St Arnaud.

Road users travelling to the West Coast and further south over summer can also expect to come upon chip seal operations during their journeys.

Stop/go controls will be in place while chip seal work is underway. Temporary speed limits will apply day and night and remain in place until the new surface beds in. Crews will then sweep the new surface before re-applying road markings.

Mr Owen says 30 km/h limits are in place for good reason. 

“If people drive too fast, they will damage the road surface, meaning the work has to be redone – creating even more travel delays. Stone chips can also flick up and damage other vehicles.”

“Sticking to the posted speed limit also helps to keep everyone, including our road workers, safe,” Mr Owen says.

Summer Maintenance Season – Tips and Advice:

• Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance, resilience and recovery works are happening around the region.
• We recommend allowing an extra 40 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast and an extra 15 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim due to work on these state highway corridors.
• We recommend allowing an extra 40 minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
• Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where road works are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
• Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.
• State Highway Summer Maintenance – Top of the South Island(external link)
• State Highway maintenance – Frequently Asked Questions(external link)
• Tips for driving through worksites (video)(external link)