Category: MIL-OSI

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac is making a change to ensure everyone who needs HIV medicines can access them more easily.

From 1 March 2026, all HIV medicines will be able to be dispensed in three-month amounts, rather than monthly, reducing pharmacy visits and making it easier for people to manage their treatment. This follows a public consultation which supported the change.

Pharmac’s Manager Pharmaceutical Funding, Claire Pouwels, says about 3,500 people will benefit from the switch to three-month dispensing.   

“People told us these changes would make HIV medicines more accessible and remove an unnecessary administrative burden on patients and healthcare providers.” 

Pharmac also consulted on the removal of Special Authority criteria for funded HIV medicines; as well as making two HIV medicines available on a Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO) for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). These changes were proposed to reduce barriers to treatment and allow prescribers to keep HIV medicines in their clinics.

After considering feedback, Pharmac has decided not to remove Special Authority criteria or enable access for HIV medicines on the PSO at this stage. An alternative proposal that takes on board the feedback will be developed and consulted on in 2026.

“It’s important to us that we listen to feedback so that our decisions work for everyone,” says Pouwels. “Our aim is to improve access to HIV medicines further, but we need to do that in a way that works for patients and the clinicians who care for them.”

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

A Southland calf rearer who failed to declare the movements of 753 cattle or register 52 other animals under the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Act, has been fined $35,000. 

Under the Act, all cattle or deer must be declared in movements to the NAIT organisation, OSPRI, within 48 hours. Additionally, all animals must be fitted with a NAIT tag and registered in the NAIT system by the time the animal is 180 days old, or before the animal is moved off farm. 

Mark Andrew Taylor (54) was yesterday (26 November 25) sentenced in the Gore District Court on 3 charges under the National Animal Identification and Tracing Act, following a successful prosecution by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 

“This was hundreds of animals, and it only takes one animal to potentially cause a biosecurity problem, as we have learned from our experience with Mycoplasma bovis,” says MPI manager animal welfare and NAIT compliance south, Peter Hyde. 

In February this year, MPI analysed Mr Taylor’s NAIT records and compared them with animal status declarations regarding animals moving onto or off farm. MPI found 52 tagged cattle had never been registered into the database. Another 197 cattle that came from various other properties were not declared as being moved onto Mr Taylor’s property and a further 556 cattle were sent to 5 different locations in the South Island without declaring any of these movements. 

“The NAIT tag and registration system is only as effective as the information that’s entered. If you are unsure about what you need to do, reach out to our partners at OSPRI. There is plenty of information, advice, and support available.” 

Find out more about OSPRI

“MPI takes non-compliance with NAIT seriously. The scheme provides a critical tool in the fight against biosecurity incursions. Put simply, when people in charge of animals disregard their NAIT obligations they put the whole agricultural sector at risk,” says Peter Hyde. 

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.

Source: New Zealand Police

State Highway 1 is blocked following a serious crash near Waipapa Bay, Kaikoura this morning.

Police were called to the single vehicle crash involving a motorcycle at around 10am. 

One person was located with serious injuries. 

The road is fully blocked and motorists are advised to follow diversions. 

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge and accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) into the deployment of tasers by three officers in Wellington in January 2025.

On 9 January, Police were responding to an urgent family harm incident on Cockayne Road, Wellington, where a man with a weapon was chasing a woman holding a baby in the street.

Acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Nick Thom says officers involved assessed the situation and responded accordingly, to ensure the safety of the public.

“Officers deployed their tasers to stop a dangerous situation evolving into something that could have been much worse.

“Our officers have made good decisions and the IPCA investigation supports that.

“Police are often working in fast paced, dynamic environments, and although it is the expectation, I am pleased with the decisions made by staff.”

The IPCA found all three officers were justified in using their tasers in defence of themselves and others.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Attorney-General Judith Collins has today announced a Public Inquiry will be held into the disappearance of the Phillips children. 

“The Inquiry will look into whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the safety and welfare of the Phillips children,” Ms Collins says.

“The decision to establish a Public Inquiry reflects the significant public interest and concern for the children’s welfare over the almost four years they were missing.

“It is important that we establish the facts and determine whether agencies could take steps to prevent or resolve similar situations more quickly and effectively in the future.” 

The Terms of Reference have been developed with the privacy and welfare of these especially vulnerable children in mind. The Inquiry will therefore be conducted in private and without public hearings.

It must also respect the independence of the courts and will not include findings on judicial decisions. 

The Honourable Justice Simon Moore KC has been appointed as the sole member of the Inquiry.

Mr Moore served as a Judge of the High Court for 11 years, including six years as the Executive Judge for Auckland. Following his retirement from the High Court in 2024, he was appointed Chair of the Electoral Commission Board.

The Inquiry will deliver a final report with recommendations by 21 July 2026.

Source: New Zealand Government

Former investment banker Rodger Finlay has been appointed Chair of the Reserve Bank and businesswoman Rhiannon McKinnon has been appointed to the Bank’s Board. 

“The appointments are the latest milestones in the refresh of the Reserve Bank, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“The Bank now has a new Chair, a new Governor who starts next week, new members of the Board and Monetary Policy Committee, a new Financial Policy Committee, and a new, more modest, funding agreement. In addition, it is operating under a fresh set of expectations from the Government that require it to place greater emphasis on banking competition.”

Nicola Willis says Rodger Finlay has been Deputy Chair of the Bank since February 2023 and has been exercising the functions of the Chair since August.

“I have confidence in him to lead the work to deliver on the Government’s expectations for increased accountability, transparency and fiscal discipline and to focus on the Bank’s statutory responsibilities. 

“He has experience governing large, complex organisations in both the private and public sectors. Past governance roles include chairing NZ Post, Kiwi Group Holdings, NZ Oil and Gas and PGG Wrightson.

Rhiannon McKinnon is a Chartered Financial Analyst and former chief executive of Kiwi Wealth where she managed $10 billion in funds. She coaches and advises CEOs and has had board roles with the NZ Film Commission, CFA Society of NZ and Dress for Success Wellington. 

Rodger Finlay’s appointment is for the remainder of his current term which is to 30 June 2027. Rhiannon McKinnon’s appointment is for five years to 30 November 2030.

Source: New Zealand Police

A crash involving a motorcycle and car has blocked the southbound lanes of State Highway 2 at Melling.

The crash happened on Western Hutt Road, just south of Melling Link Road, about 8am.

One person is being treated for serious injuries and there will be ongoing delays while emergency services work at the scene.

Police would like to thank motorists for their understanding.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have charged a man following a stabbing in Henderson on Wednesday afternoon.

Enquiries began after a man was located off Edsel Street at around 2.40pm with serious injuries after allegedly being stabbed.

Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie, of Waitematā CIB, says a person of interest known to the victim has been arrested.

“He presented to the front counter of Henderson Police Station last night and was taken into custody,” she says.

“Police have charged the 45-year-old man with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“I acknowledge our frontline and CIB staff who responded to this incident and worked to apprehend the offender as quickly as possible.”

He will be appearing in the Waitākere District Court today.

The victim remains in a stable condition at Auckland City Hospital.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 11 September 2025

Earlier this year the Minister for Vocational Education announced the government’s decision to introduce an industry-led independent work-based learning model.
Earlier this year the Minister for Vocational Education announced the government’s decision to introduce an industry-led independent work-based learning model.

Work-based learning will be able to be offered by institutes of technology and polytechnics (ITPs), private training establishments (PTEs) and wānanga. Providers will manage all aspects of an apprenticeship or traineeship, including pastoral care for learners.
During the transitional period (2026 and 2027) NZIST’s work-based learning divisions, including their existing apprentices and trainees, will transfer to an Industry Skills Board (ISB). The work-based learning divisions will continue to deliver courses and qualifications and every effort will be made to ensure that training is not disrupted. During 2026 and 2027 the work-based learning functions will move out of ISBs into polytechnics, wānanga and PTEs.
More information
Work-based learning information for industry and employers
Work-based learning information for tertiary education providers
Work-based learning provision funding

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 16 May 2023

[Lloyd Ma’ole – Workforce Central Dunedin] It’s pretty unusual for a capital build of this size to happen from scratch and particularly a hospital. It’s going to have ripple effects because this is a 10-year project.
[Andrew Franicevic – Southbase Construction] This project is currently sitting around 200 million dollar asset for the Dunedin community and that’s a raw build cost.
[Mike Collins – Business South] So it’s hugely exciting but presents a whole lot of challenges as well. We know that about 68 percent of businesses are really looking for a skilled workforce.
[Raymond Clark – Workforce Central Dunedin] And we have a massive skills shortage of qualified, skilled workers in New Zealand.
It is crucial to have those workers to deliver a world-class facility.
[Natasha Riches – Waihanga Ara Rau Workforce Development Council] The Workforce Development Council Waihanga Ara Rau was put together to be a voice from industry into the vocational education system, make sure they’ve got what they need from their vocational education.
[Mark Cartwright – Otago Polytechnic | NZIST] The reforms of vocational education in New Zealand has really allowed us to engage with industry,  with employers to really cater to their needs.
[Raymond] Cable laying is a massive need for the new Dunedin hospital because there are hundreds of kilometres of data and electric cabling which need to be laid so by linking the industry to the Workforce Development Council they came back to us with a qualification for cable laying which lights up that pathway so these qualifications will become national in the future.
[Lloyd] It’s really important for industry to input into skills training because they are vital, they’re the ones who are going to be employing these people at the end of the day.
[Mike] And that’s what we need at the moment to create a real vibrant infrastructure project.
[Raymond] So I think the reforms in vocational education has created a bit of innovation, a bit of energy and a bit of excitement for new things to be tried.
[music]