Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZCTU

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi has elected Sandra Grey as its new President and Aubrey Wilkinson as its new Māori Vice President, following the resignation of Richard Wagstaff and Syd Keepa.

“This is a challenging time for the union movement, but workers know their power. They continue to demonstrate this through large scale industrial action and inspiring protests over pay equity, workers’ rights, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.

“Life is incredibly hard for working people and their families, and this Government is only making it worse. Children are going hungry. People are living in their cars. Many workers have to take up multiple jobs just to make ends meet.

“Unions will always fight for workers, and we will continue to grow our movement by ensuring that everyone can join their union and see the benefits of collective action.

“We will not stay silent. We will not be bullied by governments or big corporations. We will be bold, and we will win,” said Grey.

“Māori workers bear the brunt of government policies that undermine workers’ rights and are disproportionately impacted by inaction on poverty and the cost of living,” said NZCTU Māori Vice President Aubrey Wilkinson.

“Māori unemployment is 10%, while Māori youth unemployment is at 20%. Our people have always been the first fired and the last hired, so we will push political parties to support dedicated Māori employment schemes.

“The CTU Rūnanga is working to deepen relationships with iwi, including through the nationwide Rā Whakamana actions this week. We will continue to work with iwi and Māori organisations in the spirit of kotahitanga.

“As the representatives of Māori workers in the union movement, it is our role to fight not just for their rights and conditions, but also for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tino rangatiratanga,” said Wilkinson.

Source: New Zealand Government

Tourism, New Zealand’s second-largest export, is set to benefit from more visitors per year with Chinese visitors now able to travel visa-free from Australia to New Zealand, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism & Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.

“The Government remains committed to growing the economy, and this change will help boost the number of tourists coming into New Zealand to support our regions and local businesses,” Ms Stanford says.

“China is New Zealand’s third-largest tourism market, with nearly 250,000 arrivals in the year ending July 2025. We anticipate that as many as 50,000 additional visitors may now come each year on holiday via Australia through these changes.

“This visa setting will make it far easier and cheaper than ever for Chinese visitors to get here for a holiday to experience what New Zealand has to offer.”

Ms Stanford says the decision complements other changes made over the last year to make the process easier for Chinese tourists travelling to New Zealand.

“Chinese visitors no longer need certified translations for visitor visa documents and visa processing is now faster, currently four days on average, so holidayers can plan their trips with confidence.”

Ms Upston says smoother, more seamless travel across the Tasman will encourage more Chinese tourists to make New Zealand part of their next holiday.

“This change is fantastic news for both Chinese visitors looking to include New Zealand in their travel plans and for our tourism sector right across the country.

“Overseas tourists coming to New Zealand remain a key driver of regional growth. We remain fully committed to supporting the regions to thrive, including by getting more travellers to New Zealand.

“Making it easier for Chinese travellers to hop across the Tasman helps grow the economy, reconnects family and friends, and strengthens trade and business ties. 

“We look forward to sharing our stunning landscapes, world-class experiences, and warm Kiwi hospitality with more Chinese tourists who want to experience the unique beauty and memories that we offer.” 

Source: New Zealand Police

Attributable to Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood of West Coast Police:

A woman has been found deceased over the weekend after failing to return from a tramping expedition.

Police were called to the Fox River about 6am on Saturday 1 November after the 27-year-old woman was reported overdue from her tramp, having left on Thursday.

Her vehicle was located at the Fox River car park.

Police Search and Rescue conducted a search of the area, along with a helicopter, a Land Search and Rescue dog team and local Surf Life Saving.

She was sighted nearby by a Police Search and Rescue member.

Work is ongoing to formally identify her, and her death will be referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

Health New Zealand is launching a major nationwide Measles Immunisation Week from 3–7 November, and the Government is urging all New Zealanders to check their immunisation status and make sure their families are protected, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Education Minister David Seymour says.

“Cases of measles continue to rise, and there’s never been a better time to act,” Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Measles is one of the most infectious viruses in the world – a single case can infect 12 to 18 unvaccinated people. If you’re not immunised and you’re exposed, there’s a 90 per cent chance you’ll get it. That’s why we’re encouraging people to use Measles Immunisation Week to get their MMR vaccine.”

The nationwide campaign is designed to:

• Raise public awareness about the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Encourage timely immunisation for people of all ages
• Support the efforts of the health sector to stop the spread of measles.

“Extra clinics are running throughout the week. If your child is 12 months or older and hasn’t yet had the MMR vaccine – don’t delay.

“And if you were born between 1969 and 2004, check if you’re fully immunised. We need 95 per cent of the population immune to prevent outbreaks.”

Everyone in New Zealand aged 12 months or over is currently able to receive free MMR immunisations. 

Associate Education Minister David Seymour reinforced the importance of keeping children in school, following updated advice from the Director-General of Health.

“If there hasn’t been a confirmed case of measles at a school, all students should continue attending – regardless of their vaccination status,” Mr Seymour says.

Where a case is confirmed, Health New Zealand’s National Public Health Service (NPHS) will match school rolls with the Aotearoa Immunisation Register. Students who have not received two doses of MMR may be asked to stay home only if they are identified as close contacts.

“Covid had a major impact on attendance rates, attendance culture, and what’s considered acceptable. We’re taking a balanced and rational approach. While measles is dangerous and we’re taking it seriously, school closures or blanket exclusions are not justified where there is no direct risk.

“An education crisis today becomes a crime crisis, a vulnerable children crisis, an inequality crisis tomorrow. That’s why we are restoring a culture that values attendance, responsibility, and long-term success.”

Measles cases have been confirmed across multiple regions, including Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, and Nelson. Health New Zealand has confirmed signs of community transmission – not just imported cases.

To find out more:

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Lee Underhill:

Wellington Police are appealing for information after a shotgun was fired at a residential complex on Sunday afternoon.

Police were called to the Brooklyn Road property about 3.30pm on 2 November. While nobody was hit, we believe the incident targeted a specific individual, who suffered moderate injuries fleeing to safety.

It is concerning that an offender has discharged a firearm in a highly populated apartment building and we are aggressively pursuing every lead in order to locate the offender. It is appalling violence that put a number of people at risk and could have had a very different outcome.

I recognise that the offending will be unsettling for the complex and nearby residents. There will be an increased Police presence in the area to provide reassurance and safety to the community.

There will be members of the public who saw the offender or know who they are. We urge anyone with information that could help the investigation to contact Police via 105 and use the reference number 251102/6491.

You can also report information anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are stepping up their presence on the North Shore with the launch of a dedicated suburban Beat Team, hitting the streets from today.

Building on the success of the Henderson Beat Team, which began patrolling in September, Police are expanding the initiative with a second suburban team to strengthen visibility and engagement across the North Shore.

The North Shore Beat Team will focus on Albany, Glenfield and Takapuna commercial centres.

By walking the beat and riding the Northern Busway routes, they’ll boost visibility, strengthen community ties, deter crime, and make public spaces safer.

Waitematā East Area Commander, Inspector Michael Rickards, says the Beat Team will be a visible and trusted presence, regularly patrolling busy shopping and transport hubs, engaging with local businesses and residents.

“When Police are visible and approachable, it not only helps prevent crime but builds confidence,” he says.

“If behaviour crosses the line – crime, intimidation, being antisocial – we’ll deal with it firmly and fairly.”

The new team will work closely with other community policing units to maximize coverage across the Shore.

New constables posted to the North Shore will spend time with the experienced Beat Team members, enhancing its presence and ensuring strong community engagement from day one.

“This is about making the North Shore a safe place to live, work, and play,” says Inspector Rickards.

“You’ll see us out there – and that’s the point.”

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling for public commitments from opposition parties to deliver Fair Pay Agreements, Automatic Union Membership, and contractor reform in the first 100 days of a new government.

With polling showing the election of a new government is a real prospect in 2026, unions are proposing A New Deal for Workers, a policy programme that political parties are expected to adopt if they want the support of working people.

“Over the past 35 years, attacks on labour rights and standards have suppressed wages, increased inequality, and left many New Zealanders working longer hours on lower pay and with less agency in the workplace,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“Since 2023, life is even harder for workers. The current Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety has wasted no time in dismantling workers’ rights. This Government is actively hostile to workers and their unions.

“A fundamental shift in employment relations policy is needed – an enduring framework that supports good work, high wages, and productivity,” said Wagstaff.

The NZCTU is prioritising three key employment relations priorities for the first 100 days.

Fair Pay Agreements

“The Government’s removal of Fair Pay Agreements has incentivised employers to compete on cost by driving down the terms and conditions of employment for workers, trapping entire industries in a low-wage spiral,” said Wagstaff.

“We need a mechanism to set minimum employment standards at the industry level. Fair Pay Agreements will ensure higher wages and better standards across low-wage industries.

Automatic Union Membership

“All newly employed workers whose job comes within the coverage of a collective agreement should be automatically covered by the collective and should automatically become members of the union, unless they opt out of doing so.

“Automatic Union Membership would protect workers from undue pressure from the employer regarding joining the union or accepting different conditions of employment.

Safeguarding the rights of employees and contractors

“Sham-contracting arrangements are being used to undercut wages and workers’ rights, and to force the cost of doing business onto workers. This is being encouraged by the Minister who is changing the law to suit the interests of multinational corporates like Uber.

“We must ensure that workers are not misclassified as contractors by clarifying in law how employees and contractors are defined. This will prevent employers from driving down conditions in precarious occupations, including in platform and gig economies.

“We are calling on political parties to deliver these policies as a matter of urgency. Anything less than full support will leave workers short of what they deserve,” said Wagstaff.

In the lead up to the election the NZCTU will release additional policies focused on equal pay, health and safety and reversing the ongoing attacks made by the current Government.

Source: New Zealand Police

A speedy response by Police in Northcote stopped a pair of alleged thieves in their tracks on Thursday morning.

Around 2.10am, Waitematā Police received a call from a member of the public about people breaking into cars on Clarence Road.

Waitematā East Area Prevention Manager, Acting Inspector Tim Williams, says units quickly responded and spotted a suspicious vehicle attempting to leave.

“This vehicle was stopped, and inside Police located two suspects that matched the description of the alleged offenders,” he says.

“A search of the vehicle uncovered property from cars that had been broken into in the area and other parts of Auckland.”

The Tactical Crime Unit is continuing the investigation, and it is likely more charges will be laid.

“Although several cars had already been broken into before Police arrived, we are very pleased with the rapid response by the night shift units,” says Acting Inspector Williams.

“Their actions prevented any further offences from occurring, and these alleged offenders will now have to answer for their actions in court.”

An 18-year-old man appeared in the North Shore District Court on 30 October, charged with theft-ex car.

A 20-year-old man also appeared in the North Shore District Court on 30 October, charged with theft-ex car and possessing instruments for car conversion.

Both will reappear on 20 November.

“This was a great result by our team who acted quickly to prevent these offenders committing any more offences,” Acting Inspector Williams says.

“We want to send a clear message that Police will not tolerate this type of offending and will hold those anyone who engages in this behaviour to account.”

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Thirty-one firearms have been seized, and six firearms licence holders have had their licences suspended, after a Police investigation following illegal hunting in North Canterbury.

Police from the National Organised Crime Group (NOCG) supported by the Firearms Safety Authority – Te Tari Pūreke uncovered a network of firearms licence holders who allegedly gave firearms to unlicensed hunters and then attempted to cover their tracks through further offences against the Firearms Registry.

NOCG Detective Inspector Albie Alexander says the operation began after concerns about illegal hunting and public safety when shots were fired near a house in rural Cheviot in April, waking the occupants. 

“Two men, who did not hold firearms licenses, pleaded guilty to charges including unlawful possession of firearms and discharging a firearm near a dwelling after the April incident,” says Detective Inspector Alexander.

“Of the six firearms located in their possession, four were registered to other people. Thanks to the Firearms Registry we were able to trace the licence holders who allegedly diverted their firearms.

“The investigation revealed alleged attempts to subsequently conceal the offending by providing misleading information about the true ownership of the firearms.

“Four men and two women now face a variety of charges including attempting to defeat the course of justice, intentionally failing to register firearms, knowingly providing false or misleading information to the Police for the Registry, and supplying a firearm to an unlicensed person.”

The Authority’s Executive Director Angela Brazier says the Firearms Registry has proved invaluable by linking the unlawful hunting in Cheviot with licence holders who allegedly diverted their firearms, and who are now being held to account.

“We know that illegal hunting is a serious public safety concern in our rural communities.

“The Firearms Registry links firearms to licence holders, improves traceability, and supports frontline Police. The majority of licence holders have no trouble complying with their Registry obligations and know the rules about keeping firearms out of the hands of unlicensed people who may go on to commit offences.”

To date more than 110,000 active individual licence holders have listed their details in the Firearms Registry, more than 49 per cent of all active licence holders. They have registered more than 538,000 firearms. Licence holders have until August 2028 to update the Registry unless they have an activating circumstance before that date, such as buying a firearm or ammunition.

Court appearances

• Two men aged 22 and 73 years, and two women aged 52 and 73 years, all of Kaikōura, are due to reappear at Kaikōura District Court on 12 December.
• A Hurunui man aged 38 years is due to reappear at Christchurch District Court on 13 November.
• A Hurunui man aged 47 years is due to appear at Christchurch District Court on 5 November.

N.B. The number of arrests and firearms in this operation were counted in figures released on 29 October about a transnational operation against illicit firearms.

Anyone with concerns about firearms offending can phone Police on 105, or 111 if life is in immediate danger. Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111.

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Issued by Police Media Centre 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is taking action to lift the quality of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) and restore trust and confidence in the governance of the education workforce.

“We are firmly committed to backing teachers to succeed in the classroom. Multiple reports show initial teacher education is not doing that. It’s letting teachers and students down,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“The latest report from the OECD’s Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2024 shows 62 per cent of graduate teachers were not confident in teaching content of all subjects they teach. 54 per cent weren’t confident in pedagogical approaches on how to teach them. Last year, the Education Review Office (ERO) found nearly two thirds of principals report their new teachers are unprepared.

“The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand oversees setting teacher standards and setting requirements for teacher training. This isn’t working. We’re progressing legislative changes to ensure stronger oversight and clearer policy direction in ITE. Teachers deserve better.”

All professional standard setting functions for ITE and the teaching workforce will be moved from the Council to the Ministry of Education.

The Council’s current requirements to provide direction for teachers, enhance the status of the profession, promote best practice, will also be removed from legislation as they sit with existing agencies.

The changes will come into force through legislation, to be progressed in mid-2026.

“With multiple investigations underway into the Teaching Council, we’re responding urgently by reconstituting the board so we can ensure good governance and better ensure the Council acts in the sector’s best interests. The teaching workforce deserves a regulator that they can trust.”

This involves:

1. Immediately providing for seven ministerially appointed members and six elected members, removing the requirement for a teacher educator-elected representative.
2. In future, reducing its size from 13 members to between seven and nine members to ensure stronger governance and professional capability. The requirement for representative electives will remain with one from each of the early childhood education sector, the primary education sector, and the secondary education sector.

The first proposal is a small addition to the Education and Training Amendment Bill (No.2) currently before Parliament and is expected to come into effect in November 2025. The second step is expected to be progressed in 2026. The proposed changes bring the Teaching Council’s governance model in line with other regulatory bodies, such as the Nursing Council of New Zealand.