Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Family First

The new proposed version of the relationship and sexuality education (RSE) curriculum has just been released.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education developed a draft framework in preparation for the refresh of the Health and Physical Education curriculum.

Thanks to your feedback to the Ministry, more than half of the responses sent a clear message about RSE – “Less or later RSE”: This group emphasised the role of parents and family values. A much smaller group (approximately 25%) wanted “more or earlier RSE”.

THANK YOU to the many of you who sent this simple clear message – and who were concerned about the extreme and age-inappropriate content being dumped on children as young as primary school that we had highlighted to you.

In the Ministry’s InfoSheet announcing this new draft curriculum, there is this key statement:

Parents will still be able to have their children exempted from taking part in sexuality education. Clearer information about what is being taught helps parents, teachers and leaders to navigate these conversations. Sex education is now clearly set out in the teaching sequence. Parent-friendly information about relationships and sexuality education is available on the Parent Portal.”

[If you are not aware of the Parent Portal at your school, please ask your school about it. It is one of your biggest friends in monitoring what is being taught in schools.]

THE BIG WINS

* there is a notable absence of the words “sex”, “gender” & “preferences” in any of the primary school material, and “gender” in the secondary school material!

Remember the Relationships and Sexuality Education Guidelines(or RSE for short) which were released by the Ministry of Education in September 2020 under the Ardern Government?
In the curriculum for primary-age children, requirements included:
* students should be addressed by their preferred name and pronouns
* schools need to ensure that students can access toilets and changing rooms that align with their gender identification… trans students should not be required to use the gender-neutral toilet rather than male or female toilets of their choice
* teachers should challenge sex norms – for example, the assumption that sex characteristics at birth are always male or female
* teachers should challenge homophobia, transphobia, sexism, gender binaries… even interrogate the ongoing effects of colonisation [our emphasis added]
They wanted seven- and eight-year-old children “..able to identify gender stereotypes, understand the difference between gender and sex, and know that there are diverse gender and sexual identities in society.”
They wanted this ideology – this indoctrination – in all primary-school lessons and within virtually all subjects.
The year 7/8 guidelines wanted pre-teens to, “know about pubertal change (including hormonal changes, menstruation, body development, and the development of gender identities).” [our emphasis added]

This removal of the indoctrination of gender ideology & sexual ‘identities’ is a noticeable change – and a major win.

Credit should be given to both the Minister of Education & National MP Erika Stanford and also NZ First’s Winston Peters for listening to the concerns of parents & families.

* sex education is not introduced until year 8 – and in a very refreshing & welcome move, the curriculum starts by saying:
“In New Zealand, the legal age of consent for sexual activity is 16 years. Engaging in sexual activity with people below this age is considered unlawful under statutory provisions designed to protect young people from harm and exploitation.”
This has not been stated in previous curriculum material that we have seen.
This statement is also the leading statement in years 9 & 10 also.

* In year 10, students are rightly warned: “Engagement in harmful sexual behaviours, including non-consensual distribution of intimate content and unsolicited sexual advances, can result in significant psychological, social, and legal consequences for all involved.”

* at year 6 (primary) there is the first introduction of the harms of drugs – and a very clear message of “say no to drugs”, how to set boundaries and resist peer pressure. This continues through to year 10 with warnings about the negative effects of substance abuse, and strategies on how to say no or seek help! The harms of vaping are giving special emphasis also. (Some parents may feel that Primary school and perhaps even Intermediate school is too early to introduce specifics around these topics.)
However, the overall messaging is a very welcome change to the dangerous ‘harm minimisation’ messages (how to use drugs ‘safely’) that radical groups like the Drug Foundation and the Green Party constantly push.

* there is a notable emphasis on staying safe online – highlighting privacy, password & harmful content online to primary age, and then highlighting to intermediate and secondary students the online dangers & harms of cyberbullying, unrealistic body images, sexualised & pornographic content, and other exaggerated behaviours.

* there is an emphasis on “boundaries and staying safe” starting in year 2, and then consent about “personal belongings, space and bodies” & respecting others. In intermediate school, consent around sharing digital content is covered

THE RED FLAGS

* parents may still be concerned about the content of the sex education which begins in year 8. Despite the explicit opening message that sexual activity under the age of 16 is illegal, the curriculum then discusses “Communication and respect create safe and positive experiences within intimate and sexual relationships” and “there are a range of sexual activities in which consenting adults experience and express their sexuality.” Why is this being taught to underage children aged 12-13 years old?

* the year 9 (13-14 y/o) curriculum says: “Sexual development includes forming values, understanding consent, and knowing how to access confidential advice and support for sexual health when needed.” Note the age of the child and the secrecy. What is the role of parents in all of this? Interestingly, the module on the myth of “safer sex practices” has been delayed to year 10.

* the year 10 (14-15 y/o) curriculum says “Various forms of contraception (including abstinence, barrier methods, and hormonal options) can prevent unplanned pregnancies. Barrier methods can also reduce the risk of sexually transmissible infections (STIs). STIs can be transmitted through sexual contact and can affect multiple body systems. Access to confidential sexual health services (including testing, treatment, and counselling) can help to maintain personal health and relationships.” Secrecy continues to be encouraged.

* there is a notable absence around discussion of commitment, marriage, faithfulness etc. The word family is mentioned only once in each age bracket. In fact, the only use of the word abstinence (which the overwhelming (and growing) majority of the students will be choosing, according to all the surveys) is only mentioned once – to year 10 – in the context of being a form of contraception!

* most notably, there is still this Guide to LGBTQIA+ Students on a Ministry of Education-affiliated site. This is the site which, amongst other things, tells teachers to keep a child’s gender identity issues secret from his or her parents, by allowing the child to adopt a new persona whilst at school – including the use of preferred “pronouns”. There is no requirement to inform the parents that there are identity issues/gender dysphoria. They specifically advise teachers to ask young people: “Check with the student about the name and/or pronouns they want to be used in the records that parents or caregivers may see, as they might be different to the ones they use at school.” [our emphasis added]. They also have a page titled “Plan sexuality and gender education years 1-8 (i.e. primary and intermediate schools).

READ THE CURRICULUM CONTENT 

Be sure to check the age groups that your children are in, and ask yourself whether you want teachers and even outside groups to be talking to your children about these subjects. The Ministry needs to hear from you – the parent – because you can be sure that radical groups like InsideOut and Family Planning will be trying to push this framework to its radical extreme.

Years 0–3 (Young Primary) Phase 1 https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/new-zealand-curriculum-online/nzc—health-and-pe-phase-1/5637293082.p

Years 4–6 (Older Primary) Phase 2 https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/new-zealand-curriculum-online/nzc—health-and-pe-phase-2/5637293089.p

Years 7–8 (Intermedia) Phase 3 https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/new-zealand-curriculum-online/nzc—health-and-pe-phase-3/5637293090.p

Years 9–10 (Jumior Secondary) Phase 4 https://newzealandcurriculum.tahurangi.education.govt.nz/new-zealand-curriculum-online/nzc—health-and-pe-phase-4/5637293085.p

THEY WANT YOUR FEEDBACK

https://education.surveymonkey.com/r/NWCBTPH

The consultation period ends Friday, 24 April 2026. You will be asked to give feedback on each of the “Phases 1-4” as shown above. This is where you can say whether its age appropriate or not, and emphasise the role of parents and values of the family.

Following consultation the draft content will be finalised, with formal release of the updated curriculum content planned for mid-2026. Years 0–10 Health and Physical Education will become required teaching from the start of 2027.

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We will continue to update you on this material, and send you a reminder about the consultation period when it is getting close to cut-off date.

But progress has been made – thanks to your voice!

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PS: Bob McCoskrie and Simon O’Connor discussed the new proposed curriculum along with a few other breaking news stories on social media yesterday. You can watch the discussion here (starts at the 14’50” mark).

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) says Immigration Minister Erica Stanford’s tough talk on employers prioritizing migrants over Kiwi workers must be backed up by her Government in the case of loss of 32 seafarer jobs on the MV Buffalo.

Minister Stanford stated this week that employers will be stripped of accreditation for not genuinely trying to hire New Zealanders.

Ms. Stanford noted that “we have New Zealanders who are desperate for jobs and need to be given the first opportunity for those,” and that this applies to sectors including transportation and logistics.

Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says despite this, the Government is dithering while New Zealand seafarer jobs are on the chopping block.

He says the Maritime Union is currently in a struggle to retain experienced, qualified New Zealand seafarers on the cement vessel MV Buffalo.

“This is the exact scenario Minister Stanford is talking about – skilled New Zealand workers fighting to keep their jobs in the transport sector.”

The vessel’s charterer, global cement corporate Holcim, is seeking an exemption from the Government under the Maritime Transport Act to replace the New Zealand crewed MV Buffalo with a foreign-flagged vessel using a non-NZ crew, who will receive lower wages and inferior conditions.

“This is a blatant attempt to replace skilled Kiwi workers with a cheaper, foreign crew. It is the very definition of what Minister Stanford is supposedly cracking down on,” says Mr Findlay.

The Maritime Union is calling on Associate Transport Minister James Meager to reject Holcim’s application for exemption.

“Minister Meager needs to listen to his colleague, apply her logic to his own portfolio, and put New Zealand workers first. He must intervene and cancel any exemption that would allow Holcim to dump its New Zealand crew and undermine our domestic shipping industry.”

“The government can’t talk tough on Kiwi jobs out of one side of its mouth while signing off on Kiwi jobs being axed. Minister Meager must act now to save these seafarer jobs on the MV Buffalo and protect New Zealand’s shipping capability.”

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died following a serious crash on Great South Road, Epsom last night.

Emergency services were called to the single vehicle crash at around 6.45pm.

Sadly, despite best efforts, one person died at the scene.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand and the five Nordic countries will deepen and intensify their cooperation, driven by common strategic assessments, values and national development aspirations, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. 

“New Zealand and the Nordic countries are separated by vast oceans, but united by how we see the world, the values we wish to uphold and defend, and our desire to cooperate for mutual economic benefit,” Mr Peters says, at the conclusion of his visit to the Nordic region. 

As well as undertaking bilateral visits to all five Nordic countries of Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, Mr Peters also attended the inaugural Nordic 5-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Stockholm. 

“Like New Zealand, the Nordic countries face their most challenging strategic environment in decades, as they unite to support Ukraine in repelling Russia’s illegal invasion,” Mr Peters says. “As we heard repeatedly, if Russia is not stopped in Ukraine, it will keep pushing further and they are already seeking to cause disruption in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

“In this context, the Nordic countries are deeply appreciative of New Zealand’s tangible contributions to help defend Ukraine. They drew comfort from New Zealand – acknowledging our great distance from the conflict – providing significant support in the common fight against Russia’s naked aggression. We also discussed the direct and indirect support that Russia’s war effort receives from certain actors in the Indo-Pacific – underlining the interconnected nature of our respective strategic environments.

“Just as New Zealand supports a stable and peaceful Europe underpinned by the international rules-based system, the Nordic countries have an interest in contributing to the Indo-Pacific being a free, open and democratic region. In this context, we also discussed how Pacific Island countries can continue to benefit from Nordic development assistance, including through multilateral and regional organisations.”       

National economic development strategies were another important theme of Mr Peters’ Nordic tour. 

“For 20 years now across three terms as Foreign Minister, we have championed the idea that the economic development stories of the Nordic countries have many seriously important lessons for New Zealand,” Mr Peters says. 

“That’s why we opened a New Zealand Embassy in Stockholm in 2008, and then re-opened it in 2018 after John Key’s Government misguidedly opted to close it.

“This visit has underlined the many areas New Zealand’s development could benefit from cooperating more closely with Nordic countries and their very successful companies – from fisheries management and renewable energy infrastructure to port operations, and from geothermal exploration to sovereign wealth management. 

“If New Zealand is to become a more productive economy and more attractive for foreign direct investment, we need to apply practical lessons from other, small countries that have had success – and the Nordic region is a great source of them.

“There was shared agreement that there is no limit to what we might achieve together. To that end, we will be ensuring that relevant parts of the New Zealand Government and companies connect with Nordic counterparts, to start realising this still untapped potential,” Mr Peters says.   

Mr Peters returns to New Zealand on Saturday 1 November. 

Related links:

Joint Statement, Nordic 5-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/joint-statement-foreign-ministers-nordic-countries-denmark-finland-iceland-norway-sweden__;!!Asq5-8xVch3Reg!ohosFz237Z-F25Mr5ITDFknL3qjdhxfi3-aAz0IlXVi7HNdAXSm9F7JoLOYmQWTfZBtcnDLVPEw6IJ51TvH7TsGcjr-LwA6c0RtsvEQj$ 

Speech, Swedish Institute for International Affairs:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.beehive.govt.nz/speech/**B-europe-indo-pacific-new-zealand-perspectives-shared-challenges**B__;4oCY4oCZ!!Asq5-8xVch3Reg!ohosFz237Z-F25Mr5ITDFknL3qjdhxfi3-aAz0IlXVi7HNdAXSm9F7JoLOYmQWTfZBtcnDLVPEw6IJ51TvH7TsGcjr-LwA6c0bXUTgI1$ 

Press release, Sanctions on Russia’s oil industry and shadow fleet:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/new-zealand-expands-sanctions-russia**Bs-oil-industry-and-shadow-fleet__;4oCZ!!Asq5-8xVch3Reg!ohosFz237Z-F25Mr5ITDFknL3qjdhxfi3-aAz0IlXVi7HNdAXSm9F7JoLOYmQWTfZBtcnDLVPEw6IJ51TvH7TsGcjr-LwA6c0ReTG1Ba$ 

 

Press release, Iceland and New Zealand enhance cooperation https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/iceland-and-new-zealand-enhance-practical-cooperation__;!!Asq5-8xVch3Reg!ohosFz237Z-F25Mr5ITDFknL3qjdhxfi3-aAz0IlXVi7HNdAXSm9F7JoLOYmQWTfZBtcnDLVPEw6IJ51TvH7TsGcjr-LwA6c0dyHHiCT$ 

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

27 seconds ago

Access to primary healthcare has returned to EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale, with local provider Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri delivering nurse-led services to staff, students and children attending the Ōtatara Children’s Centre.

After initially operating from a mobile clinic outside J Block in July, the Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri team moved into the Health Centre in K Block in August.

The service now works in partnership with EIT’s student wellbeing and counselling services to provide integrated health and wellbeing support on campus.

Executive Director, Student and Academic Services, Ondene van Dulm, says re-establishing on-campus health services is “a really exciting milestone in our post-cyclone recovery”.

“The vision is to provide comprehensive support for our students’ wellbeing, with accessible and affordable care that responds to diverse needs.

The whānau-led services provided by Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri will complement the support delivered by our Student Wellbeing Advisor and Counsellor. This is indeed a partnership to celebrate as we continue to rebuild our campus.”

Health Coach Katherine MacDonald (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Registered Nurse Katrina Witton (Ngāti Porou) from Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri say the response to the service has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Within our first week, we had around 50 people come through just to get a health check or find out what’s available,” Katherine says.

Katherine says being on campus helps break down barriers to healthcare by providing a familiar, welcoming environment. She says awareness continues to grow as staff and students become more familiar with the service.

“It’s all about access,” she says. “Having somewhere close, affordable and easy to walk into makes a huge difference for people who might otherwise put off seeing someone.”

Both staff and students have already benefited from the service.

“We’ve had people come back and say, ‘I went to see my GP after you suggested it, and now I’m feeling great’. Even small checks like blood pressure can make a big difference,” Katrina says.

For Katrina, who completed her Bachelor of Nursing at EIT last year alongside her sister Jessica, returning to campus in a professional role has been especially meaningful.

A former forklift supervisor and dispatch coordinator, she was inspired to study nursing during the COVID-19 lockdown and has since become an advocate for accessible, community-based care.

“I studied here before the cyclone, so it’s quite special to come back and be part of bringing this service to life again,” she says.

Te Kupenga Hauora – Ahuriri offers nurse-led care, health checks, vaccinations, referrals and health education to support students and staff in managing their wellbeing.

The service operates Monday to Wednesday, 9am to 3pm during teaching weeks, and is open to students and staff on a walk-in basis.

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

1 day ago

EIT graduate Josephine O’Halloran is charting her own course in the global tourism industry, working aboard luxury superyachts in the Mediterranean.

The 21-year-old completed the NZ Certificate in Tourism (Level 4) and the NZ Diploma in Tourism and Travel (Level 5) during 2023-2024.

She has since moved to Europe, recently finishing her first season as a second stewardess, where her duties included luxury service, high-end housekeeping, organising inventory and provisioning for charters, and maintaining the interior to an exceptional standard.

“It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve been able to work, travel, and meet amazing people. The skills and knowledge I gained at EIT have definitely helped me transition into this career, especially in professionalism, communication, and customer service.”

She is now set to work later this year as a stewardess on a 74-metre motor yacht based in Dubai, with trips to the Maldives over the winter season.

Originally from Dunedin, Josephine moved to Hawke’s Bay after high school and began working in hospitality at Rosewood Cape Kidnappers.

That experience sparked her interest in expanding into the wider tourism sector, and she says EIT offered the perfect opportunity to study in person while continuing to work.

“EIT was the perfect choice because I preferred to study in person rather than online, and the course structure and timetable fit really well with my work schedule. It also has a great reputation and felt like a supportive, community-focused environment.”

The diploma also covered a wide range of topics she was interested in, rather than focusing on just one specific area.

“At the time, I wasn’t completely sure which path I wanted to take, so I liked that the diploma gave me the chance to explore different aspects of the tourism industry. It helped me figure out what I do and don’t enjoy, without committing too early.

Josephine says she “really enjoyed” her time at EIT.

“The teachers were supportive, the subjects were interesting, and the assignments were a great mix of practical and theoretical work. I liked that the course gave us the opportunity to gain skills that were transferable to other industries and areas of life.

“Meeting people through classes and placements was another highlight, and the facilities at EIT were fantastic. Overall, I found it a really positive and worthwhile experience.”

She says she would “absolutely” recommend EIT to others.

“I would recommend EIT because of its small class sizes, supportive staff, and hands-on learning environment. The courses are interactive and engaging, with plenty of opportunities to learn through field trips, placements, and group activities. The EIT team genuinely cares about student success, and there’s a great balance between academic learning and real-world experience.”

Looking back, Josephine credits EIT for giving her the confidence to take her skills overseas.

“Studying at EIT gave me a strong foundation and the confidence to explore different career paths in tourism and hospitality,” she says. “It opened up opportunities I never expected, and I’m really grateful for the experience and the people I met along the way.”

Nikki Lloyd, EIT Assistant Head of School Tourism and Hospitality, says: “Studying tourism opens the door to a wide range of exciting opportunities. You’re not limited to just one type of job; there are many career paths with many possibilities.”

“What makes tourism especially exciting is its global nature, it opens up a world of opportunities, as Jo has shown. EIT offers tourism programmes from level 3 through to level 5, providing valuable skills that can take you anywhere in the world.”

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a crash in Matamata this afternoon.

At around 4.40pm, Police were alerted to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road.

Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination and the road is now open.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Senior Sergeant Brent Cook, West Coast Police:

Police executed two search warrants in Greymouth and South Westland early this morning in relation to an ongoing nationwide operation to target organised crime, drug dealing and illegal possession of firearms.

The search warrants were executed with the assistance of the Armed Offenders Squad and involved staff from across the West Coast area and the wider Tasman district.

A 35-year-old man was taken into custody and will be appearing in the Greymouth District Court tomorrow on charges of possession of methamphetamine for supply, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, and possession of a class B drug.

Police located:

• Two firearms and ammunition
• Methamphetamine along with evidence for its supply, and utensils for its use
• $1850 in cash
• MDMA, a class B controlled drug.

This latest raid follows a weeklong transnational targeted crackdown known as Operation Black Onyx on illicit firearms which resulted in 43 arrests and 96 firearms being seized.

Officers working on the search warrants are not ruling out further arrests or charges.

Police will continue to actively target organised criminal behaviour on the West Coast and ask the public for assistance in locating these offenders.

If you know of illegal firearms, drugs, or any unlawful behaviour, call Police. Call 111 if it is an emergency, or 105 after the fact.

You can always report information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are in attendance at a serious crash in Matamata this afternoon.

At around 4.40pm, Police were alerted to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Waharoa Road East and Pohlen Road.

Initial indications suggest there are serious injuries.

The road is blocked while emergency services are in attendance.

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

ENDS