Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

Changes have now come into effect which mean homeowners building garden sheds, sleepouts, or garages face less red tape and fewer delays, Regulation Minister David Seymour and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk say.

The minimum required distance between single storey buildings under 10 square metres and a property boundary or other residential building (setback distance) has been removed. The setback distance has also been reduced to one metre for single storey buildings between 10 and 30 square metres in size. 

Previously, garden sheds and other single storey detached buildings like sleep outs or garages had to be as far from a boundary or residential building as they were tall. Anything closer than that often required building consent. 

“We heard the frustration about this regulation through the Red Tape Tipline. Section sizes are shrinking, and the cost of living rising. Forcing people to put sheds in the middle of their lawn or pay for a consent to store tools didn’t make sense. No homeowner wants that. So, we fixed it for them,” says Mr Seymour. 

“There was no justification for such onerous setback distances on private property.

“Today’s housing market means space is tight and building costs are high. These types of property developments are practical and affordable improvements. Now people can utilise them without hassle.

“We’re acting on the tips we get through the red tape tipline by removing regulation and making it easier for Kiwis to get things done. We want to hear about red tape like this which is getting in the way – I encourage anyone with a red tape issue to report it on the Ministry for Regulation website.”

Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says it’s fantastic that it’s now simpler for property owners to build practical structures such as garden sheds, sleepouts, garages, workshops, and hobby spaces.

“Boosting productivity in our building system means cutting red tape wherever we can – from major consenting reforms to small, everyday improvements like making it easier to put up a garden shed.

“National and ACT share the firm belief Kiwis shouldn’t be held back by unnecessary bureaucracy when making reasonable use of their backyards.

“These setback changes are part of our broader approach to making building easier and more affordable. 

“It’s a win not just for property owners, but also for builders and modular structure companies, who may now find it easier to undertake these projects or manufacture small structures like sheds.

“Frustration with the building consent system is one of the most common issues raised on the Red Tape Tipline, and when I’m talking to tradies and homeowners around the country.

“The Coalition Government is delivering concrete action that cuts delays and makes life easier for everyday Kiwis.”

Notes to editor: 

• Garden sheds and other small structures up to 30 square metres can be built without building consent, provided they meet certain criteria. 
• Previously, one of the criteria requires a garden shed be the same distance from any boundary or another building as its own height. If not, homeowners needed a building consent.
• Changes to the exemption conditions now:
  • Allow homeowners to build single storey detached buildings between 10 and 30 square metres in floor area one metre away from any boundary or another building without a building consent.  
  • Remove the current setback requirement for building consent exemption for single-storey structures under 10 square metres, meaning a shed can be built up to the boundary or another building without a building consent.  
• These changes were made by amending Schedule 1 of the Building Act.  

Homeowners will still need to ensure that all building work is compliant with the Building Code and local district plans.

Source: New Zealand Government

Dialysis patients in West Auckland and on the North Shore will benefit from improved access to life-saving treatment, with the installation of 35 upgraded dialysis machines and the introduction of evening dialysis services in Waitākere, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Upgrading health infrastructure and ensuring services are accessible, efficient, and patient-focused is a priority for the Government,” Mr Brown says.

“Dialysis is a critical service for thousands of New Zealanders. This investment will ensure more Aucklanders can receive treatment closer to home, at times that suit their lives.”

Of the 35 new machines, 14 have already been installed at the Waitākere Dialysis Unit, with the remaining 21 to be delivered to the Community Dialysis Centre in Albany. The new equipment replaces aging infrastructure and will support the launch of evening dialysis sessions at Waitākere.

“By extending operating hours, we’re not only reducing pressure on daytime capacity but offering greater flexibility for those juggling work, family, and other commitments.”

The expanded service means patients currently travelling to North Shore for dialysis will be able to transfer to Waitākere, significantly reducing travel time and improving convenience.

“In addition to the new machines, patients will have access to a new dialyser offering a “Haemodiafiltration-like” treatment. This advanced technology delivers more effective and better tolerated dialysis, with fewer hypotensive episodes and improved treatment stability.

“Improving dialysis access across West Auckland and the North Shore strengthens our health system where it matters most. It provides life-saving, flexible, and patient-centered care, allowing more New Zealanders to receive treatment closer to home,” Mr Brown says. 

Source: New Zealand Police

A man has died following injuries sustained in a serious crash on 18 October in the Waipa District.

Emergency services were notified of the crash on Te Pahu Road just after 11am that day.

The man was assessed by ambulance services to have serious injuries at the scene and was transported to hospital. Sadly, he died from his injuries on Wednesday.

Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this time.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, representatives from across the European Union and New Zealand – good morning and welcome to Auckland.

Can I begin by acknowledging our co-hosts and the remarkable efforts that have brought us together today.

Welcome and thanks to EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, EU Ambassador to New Zealand Lawrence Meredith, and of course representatives and business from 26 of 27 member states of the EU.

I want to acknowledge the extraordinary commitment by many of you who have travelled here from the other side of the planet.

Some of you have endured nearly 30 hours of travel time.

That’s enough to watch all three extended editions of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Twice. Thank you for being here today, we very much appreciate  it.

Today, we gather not to celebrate good intentions or future opportunities, but to mark something truly spectacular: the extraordinary success of the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in its first full year of operation.

This FTA has exceeded our most optimistic expectations.

We are now exporting NZ$2 billion more to the EU than we did prior to the FTA entering into force just 18 months ago.

That is real jobs and real benefits for businesses and consumers in New Zealand and in EU member states.

The numbers, as you heard from our Prime Minister, are compelling.

Goods exports from New Zealand to the EU have increased by one third under this FTA, and for me some pleasing and perhaps surprising standouts: machinery and equipment exports are up a significant 44 per cent and services exports from the EU up 12 per cent, led by a welcome boost to tourism.

Wine, seafood, cheese – the start of a good kiwi or European dinner – have materially benefited from better market access offering European and New Zealand citizens more choice.

Apart from greater volume and value of trade between our countries, both the EU and New Zealand benefit from greater resilience that comes from diversification of trade and investment.

This success hasn’t happened by accident.

It is built on our shared commitment to a rules-based approach.

Our FTA includes rights and obligations for both parties – not as constraints, but as enablers of confidence and certainty.

New Zealand is fully committed to upholding these rules and meeting our obligations.

In an era where international trade faces headwinds, and where uncertainty threatens the rules-based order, we stand firmly behind the principle that agreements should be honoured, standards maintained, and commitments kept.

We don’t just want others to join this rules-based approach – we need them to, for all our sakes, and particularly for the business community.

The benefits of credible commitments to rules are clear. Greater investment and competition means better choices for consumers.

When a family in Berlin can enjoy New Zealand lamb at a reasonable price, or when a New Zealand manufacturer can access cutting-edge European technology or a kiwi couple French, or Italian or Spanish wine without harmful tariffs, everyone wins.

At a time when the cost of living is top of mind for many citizens, free trade is more important than ever.

Lower prices, higher quality, greater choice, and more innovation – it all means improvement in the everyday lives of real people.

We also know trade can improve environmental outcomes where high-quality regulations enforce sustainable practices.

Put simply, trade amplifies the benefits of strong governance.

So, it is our shared commitment to fundamental values of democracy, human rights, environmental stewardship, and fair play that makes New Zealand and the EU natural partners in trade and investment.

New Zealand is a great place to do business. We are among the best-connected economies in the world.

Our comprehensive network of trade agreements offers unparalleled access to global markets for New Zealand-based businesses.

Alongside the EU, New Zealand has high-quality Free Trade Agreements with China, Australia, ASEAN, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, the Pacific Islands, Chile, the Gulf Cooperation Council soon to be signed, United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and through CPTPP and RCEP, major economies across the Asia-Pacific.

Combined, these Agreements cover one third of the world’s population.

We are, quite literally, a gateway to the world’s most dynamic markets.

Let me illustrate the opportunity with a couple of examples.

Some years ago, I spoke to the Chief Executive of a German company whilst speaking at a Hong Kong German trade summit, similar to this one. He talked about the importance of the Chinese market to his company.

I told him to bring production to New Zealand. Our FTA with China means he can make his products in New Zealand and export to China with the full benefit of our preferential trade agreement. He immediately began exploring partnership opportunities here.

Even more tellingly, German agricultural company BayWa acquired Turners & Growers in 2012 – one of New Zealand’s premier fresh fruit exporters. 

A key driver of their purchase was tariff-free access to Asian markets through New Zealand’s FTAs and to have a year-round market presence for apples as our growing seasons are complementary and do not compete.

These companies have recognised what many European businesses are now discovering. New Zealand isn’t just a market of 5 million people. It’s a gateway to 3 billion consumers across the Asia-Pacific.

New Zealand has a wealth of trade and investment opportunities.

To explore these opportunities, I would encourage you to speak to Invest NZ, our dedicated new agency established earlier this year to attract foreign direct investment into New Zealand. 

They will connect you with opportunities in high-growth sectors in New Zealand including renewable energy and technology.

For broader trade prospects, talk to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise which has international offices covering all EU member states. NZTE serves as a key gateway for partnering with Kiwi businesses and to expand your international footprint.

For infrastructure investment, the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Company is your premier point of contact to invest in our extensive pipeline of infrastructure projects. Private capital investments in vital public projects across the country is a priority for this Government.

But our connections run deeper than trade and investment.

We are thrilled that New Zealand is included in the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, the world’s largest research and innovation project.

This isn’t just about funding. It’s about being part of and contributing to a global community of innovators who are taking on humanity’s greatest challenges.

New Zealand’s contribution to Horizon has leveraged our strengths in digital innovation, environmental management and health research.

Research is a model of cooperation that sits alongside trade and investment and has the potential to be as important. 

History shows us the power of innovation through collaboration on big problems. 

Innovation brings the unexpected. It has a way of producing cascading benefits through society in ways that are impossible to predict.

Through Horizon Europe, we see a major opportunity together to make real progress on issues like climate change and food security.

I believe our shared commitment to investment in innovation to achieve the trifecta of lower food costs for consumers, increased food abundance, and lower emissions.

That means we can have our gâteau and eat it too.

Through science and technology, we can make sure future generations inherit both a world with food security and a healthy environment.

As successful as our partnership has already been, we must not rest on our laurels. 

We need to identify the next big opportunity to take the EU-New Zealand relationship even further.

From my perspective, the transformative possibility is to bring the European Union into dialogue with the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership.

CPTPP represents 15 percent of global GDP and includes some of the world’s most dynamic economies.

A formal dialogue with the EU would create an opportunity to talk about trade rules and trade parameters for an economic area covering nearly 40 percent of global GDP – a truly unprecedented platform for lasting growth and prosperity.

Imagine the innovations that could flow from connecting European excellence with the dynamism of Asia-Pacific through a common approach to trade.

Ladies and gentlemen, as I look around this room, I see not just business leaders and officials, but architects of a remarkable partnership.

In just over one year, we have proven that when Europe and New Zealand work together, extraordinary things happen.

This is only just the beginning. The pathways we’ve opened through our FTA, the innovations we’re pursuing through Horizon, the possibilities we’re exploring for deeper integration – these are the foundations for a partnership that will deliver prosperity for generations to come.

To our European friends who have travelled so far to be here: thank you for your commitment. Your presence demonstrates that you see what we see – that this relationship is special, valuable, and worth investing in.

To everyone here: let’s seize this moment. Let’s build on our spectacular start. Let’s show the world that distance is no barrier to partnership, that shared values and mutual benefit are the strongest foundations for success.

Commissioner, thank you for travelling here, you are so welcome to New Zealand and I look forward to the days ahead that we can find new ways to lift the ceiling and deliver great things, not only for the European Union and New Zealand but through leadership internationally. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery Mark Mitchell has terminated the state of local emergency for most parts of the Canterbury Region.

The state of local emergency for Waimakariri District, Christchurch City, Selwyn District, Ashburton District, Timaru District, Mackenzie District, Hurunui District and Waimate District ended at 5.40pm today.

“The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller has advised that a state of emergency is no longer required for these Districts,” Mr Mitchell says.

“The state of local emergency remains in place for the Kaikōura District as there are still some issues related to the recent fire. 

“These include ongoing welfare needs of people impacted by the fire, as well as the risk of fires flaring up again over the coming days.

“Keeping the state of local emergency in place for Kaikōura will ensure local civil defence continue to have access to the emergency powers needed to respond to these ongoing issues.

“States of local emergency also remain in place for the Southland Region and Clutha District.

“This weather event has impacted many parts of the country. My thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this event.

“Listen to advice provided by your local Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and emergency services and follow any instructions. Put safety first. Don’t take any chances.

“With further bad weather expected for some parts of the country early next week, people should stay up to date with the latest weather information from MetService.” 

For advice on how to prepare for dangerous winds and severe weather visit getready.govt.nz.

Notes to editors:

Under section 69 of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 the Minister can declare a state of local emergency in certain cases, including if it has not been or cannot be declared by an authorised person at a local level. This includes in times when an emergency arises following a local election but before elected representatives have been sworn in.

Only elected representatives of the members of the Civil Defence Emergency Management Group can declare a state of local emergency. Following a local election there may be no-one available to declare as members cannot act as an elected representative until they are sworn in (clause 14, Schedule 7 of the Local Government Act 2002).

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of Ross Hunt, 38, who has a warrant for his arrest.

Police believe someone may have information on his whereabouts.

Hunt is known to have connections in the Canterbury region.

Anyone with information is urged not to approach him and instead to call 111 immediately and quote file number 250929/0542.

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

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Waikato Police are already noticing significant congestion on roads across the district as people head away for the long weekend, prompting a reminder to people to be extra patient.

“We’re already seeing southbound traffic building up south of Cambridge as people get away for the long weekend,” says Senior Sergeant Andrew O’Reilly.

“Traffic though Waitakaruru and up to the Kopu bridge is also likely to become heavily congested.

“If you’re considering travelling this afternoon, please consider that roads are already very busy, and travel times will be longer,” he says.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre.

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have arrested and charged a man following an aggravated robbery at a park in Glen Eden earlier this week.

At about 1.45pm on 21 October, Police responded to a report of a person being assaulted and threatened with a knife at Ceramco Park.

The two alleged offenders have then taken the victim’s personal items before fleeing in a vehicle.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Bunting, Waitematā CIB, says Police yesterday executed a search warrant at a Glen Eden property.

“An 18-year-old man was located and arrested.

“Officers have also located a pistol, ammunition and cannabis at the address.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Bunting says the victim’s backpack and shoes were also recovered and returned.

“This was a terrifying ordeal for the victim and we’re pleased to put someone before the court.

“Police take this sort of offending very seriously and will continue to hold offenders to account.”

The man will appear in Waitākere District Court today charged with aggravated robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of cannabis.

Police are not ruling out further arrests or charges.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have today arrested and charged a man with two counts of murder in relation to an ongoing double homicide investigation.

A 38-year-old male will appear in the Manukau District Court today.

Counties Manukau CIB have been investigating a fatal fire on Murvale Drive, Bucklands Beach on 2 October.

Jung Sup Lee, 36, and his son Ha-il Lee, 11, both died as a result of the fire, which Police have confirmed was deliberately lit.

Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua says the information provided by the public and Police’s CCTV phase aided in the arrest.

“We acknowledge and appreciate the assistance provided by those members of the public whose information was vital to this investigation,” he says.

“At this stage our enquiries remain ongoing and further charges cannot be ruled out.”

Detective Inspector Va’aelua says Police remain in contact with the family of the deceased.

“As part of this, we are ensuring that they have support in place.”

Police will continue their investigation to determine if anyone else was involved or had knowledge.

“I’d also like to thank our team of detectives, who have worked tirelessly throughout this investigation to bring this case to a close.”

As the matter is now before the Court, Police are limited in providing further comment.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Universities and Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti will travel to Beijing this month to promote New Zealand’s high-quality education offering at the China Annual Conference and Expo for International Education (CACIE).

New Zealand is the Country of Honour at CACIE 2025, one of the largest international education events in China, drawing over 35,000 participants. Minister Reti will lead a delegation of New Zealand universities and tertiary education providers to highlight the strength of New Zealand’s education system and its close partnerships with China.

“Education is a key aspect of the New Zealand-China relationship, built on enduring partnerships that have grown over the years,” says Dr Reti. 

“I am delighted that New Zealand is the Country of Honour at this year’s CACIE. 

“This visit will build on the positive momentum of the Prime Minister’s visit in June. We’re deepening our education links through student exchanges, institutional partnerships, and joint research that benefit both countries, and I look forward to discussing what the future holds with my ministerial counterparts.”

The visit supports the Government’s Going for Growth agenda to grow the value of international education and unleash growth and innovation in New Zealand. China is New Zealand’s largest source of international students, with over 22,000 Chinese students enrolled for study in the first term of 2025. 

In the year ending June 2025, New Zealand earned $1.43 billion from Chinese students coming here to study, according to Statistics NZ. Education travel accounted for 47 per cent of all services New Zealand exported to China.

“New Zealand is committed to delivering a high-quality experience for international students,” says Dr Reti.

“We are proud that Chinese students consistently rate their time in New Zealand highly, especially the connections they make and the quality of their education experience.”

China is also New Zealand’s fourth largest partner in terms of scientific co-publications and one of our key research, science and innovation collaborators. While in China, the Minister will meet with his Chinese Science and Technology counterpart.

“This is a valuable opportunity to connect with existing partners and explore new opportunities for education and research cooperation between our countries,” Dr Reti says.

Dr Reti departs New Zealand on Monday 27 October and will return to New Zealand on Sunday 2 November.