MIL-OSI – Page 87

March 12, 2026

Innovative digital labelling trial to progress

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will move ahead with a digital labelling trial, another step towards removing barriers to consumer choice and competition.

It follows consultation at the end of last year on the trial, a requirement under the Food Act.

“Food retailers have told us labelling products can be a costly barrier to entry or expansion into the New Zealand market.

This trial provides an opportunity to test innovative digital labelling technologies and allows more flexibility to potential new entrants,” Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says.

“For smaller players and new entrants in particular, these costs would often need to be passed on to customers, resulting in higher prices that make it harder for them to compete.

“The end goal is a better deal for Kiwi consumers. It’s with that front of mind that the Government has decided to proceed with the trial.”

An Expression-of-Interest process is now open, seeking participants for a 12-month digital labelling trial for approved retailers.

Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard says the trial will ensure robust food safety protections remain in place.

“A small number of approved retailers will temporarily be exempt from existing physical labelling requirements under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. It will only apply to lower-risk, pre-packaged imported foods.

“Products in the trial will have physical labels that comply with rules in countries with strong food regulatory systems, similar to New Zealand’s, and all the information that Kiwis are used to seeing on labels will be available digitally.”

All other retailers will continue to display the normal physical labels during the trial.

“Food safety and suitability remain non-negotiable during the trial, so all products must comply with the Food Act 2014, the compositional requirements of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and all other relevant legislation.”

To ensure regulatory oversight, New Zealand Food Safety will assess potential participants, run the trial, provide guidance and monitor performance.

“The world is moving toward using this sort of innovative technology. New Zealand’s trial of digital labelling will inform broader consideration of the role of digital labelling for food, by Food Standards Australia New Zealand” says Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard.

“The trial will help us understand how the system could work to ensure safety while providing business and consumers with more choice, without compromising the standards New Zealanders rightly expect.”

Locations of retail trial participants will be provided once they have been selected.

More information on the trial, including information for prospective trial participants, can be found here.

Submissions to the Expression of Interest process close on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

March 12, 2026

Arrests after attempted robbery

Source: New Zealand Police

A group fleeing the scene of an attempted robbery at a central Auckland superette have also failed to give Police the slip.

Just before 9pm, two males covering their faces with balaclavas entered the store on Karangahape Road.

“These offenders entered the store, verbally abusing the shopkeeper,” Auckland Central Area Commander, Inspector Grae Anderson says.

“One of these males has jumped onto the counter, resulting in both offenders being chased out of the store by the shopkeeper.”

Both males ran to a waiting stolen vehicle which fled from the area.

Police units were dispatched to the incident.

“This vehicle was later detected in the Western Springs area, with a Police camera operator tracking its movements until the Police Eagle helicopter got overhead,” Inspector Anderson says.

The vehicle was seen stopping near St Lukes, with two males exiting before it drove off again.

“The two 17-year-olds were soon located by Police units and arrested, one of which was carrying a machete,” Inspector Anderson says.

Meanwhile, Eagle continued to track the stolen vehicle heading west on the northwestern motorway (SH16).

Inspector Anderson says the vehicle was stopped by Police on Te Atatū Road a short time later and two males, aged 12 and 13, were taken into custody without further incident.

Following further enquiries by Police, the two males have been referred to Youth Aid.

The two 17-year-olds arrested in St Lukes have been jointly charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle.

One of the pair has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon. They will appear in the Auckland Youth Court today.

“I would like to acknowledge all the Police staff involved in responding to last night’s incident, resulting in these apprehensions,” Inspector Anderson says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

March 12, 2026

Ministerial group to oversee fuel security

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s newly established Ministerial Economic Security and Supply Chains Group met for the first time last night to discuss New Zealand’s situation and potential next steps on fuel security in response to the Middle East conflict.

The group of senior ministers has been convened to provide strategic oversight and co-ordinated leadership to agencies to ensure a quick and effective response to any potential disruptions to petrol, diesel, and jet fuel supplies, as well as other key supply chains.

The meeting brought together ministers responsible for energy, transport, trade, economic security and internal affairs, as well as well as agency chief executives.

“This group has been established with the purpose of strengthening whole-of-government co-ordination and providing clear direction during this period of heightened risk resulting from the Middle East conflict,” Minister for Finance and Economic Growth Nicola Willis, says.

“I have made the Government’s expectations to agencies very clear. This is a fast-moving situation and New Zealand needs to be prepared for all scenarios. Whether or not they come to pass, our economy depends on ministers having full, accurate facts in order to make significant decisions, if necessary.

“Having said this, I want to emphasise that New Zealand remains in a healthy position. We are actively monitoring domestic and international fuel supply conditions and assessing any impacts on New Zealand’s energy security.

“But the importance of fuel and the risk disruptions in supply can cause mean we need to be decisive, which is why we are are bringing together oversight of cross-agency planning and preparedness, ensuring government agencies and the fuel sector are aligned in our response options.

“Our role as a ministerial group is to provide strategic direction during any potential disruptions, enabling swift, evidence-based decisions to protect essential services, support industry, and maintain public confidence.”

As Associate Minister for Energy, Minister Shane Jones is responsible for fuel security. At last night’s meeting, ministers were briefed on a decision made to support the recommendation of the International Energy Agency (IEA) to release oil reserves.

New Zealand is a member of the IEA, along with 31 other countries, and is obliged to contribute to this release of strategic reserve, which is intended to bring down the price of oil globally and stabilise the market.

Members of the IEA are required to hold 90 days of oil stocks. New Zealand holds its stocks, in part, through oil tickets or contracts.

“New Zealand’s contribution is equivalent to about six days’ fuel supply here. It can make that contribution through measures such as terminating its tickets to make the oil available to the market.

“We have not yet determined how we will do this but the Government will ensure that the impact on Kiwis is minimised. We should not overlook the fact that we are making a small but significant contribution to protecting global economies and helping to ease the oil price and supply issues around the world,” Mr Jones says.

At last night’s meeting, ministers were advised that fuel companies in New Zealand are reporting no significant supply chain issues and that fuel stock levels, both onshore and in transit to New Zealand, remain strong.

“By establishing this ministerial group, the Government is taking proactive steps to safeguard fuel supplies, support economic continuity, and enhance New Zealand’s resilience in the face of global volatility,” Mr Jones says

“New Zealanders should be reassured that we are monitoring this very, very closely. When we receive information, we will share that information. If circumstances change, we will swiftly notify the public. There is no need for panic or over-reaction.”

Notes for editors:

MBIE’s latest update on fuel stocks can be found here: Middle East conflict and New Zealand’s fuel stocks | Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment

March 12, 2026

First MRI scanner for Wairarapa Hospital

Source: New Zealand Government

A new purpose-built facility at Wairarapa Hospital will house a new MRI scanner as part of a wider investment to strengthen diagnostic services, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Wairarapa is currently the only district in the lower North Island without its own MRI scanner. Once operational, this $3.7 million scanner will significantly improve access to diagnostic services for the Wairarapa community,” Mr Brown says.

“Improving access to timely radiology services across the lower North Island is a priority, and this scanner will help ease pressure on existing MRI services in surrounding areas.”

There are an estimated 1700 MRI scans undertaken each year for public patients who reside in the Wairarapa and southern Midcentral districts, with demand expected to grow by 6 to 7.5 per cent annually. Currently, however, those patients must travel to Hutt Valley, Wellington, Palmerston North, or private providers to receive those scans, and face waits of around 72 days.

“Having an MRI scanner on-site means patients will be able to access scans closer to home, while helping reduce wait times toward the 42-day target. Faster access to imaging will mean earlier diagnosis, quicker specialist decision making, and earlier access to treatment.”

Mr Brown says the Government is focused on delivering modern infrastructure that keeps patients at the centre of care.

“By expanding local diagnostic capacity, we’re supporting our targets for faster cancer treatment, shorter wait times for first specialist assessment, and shorter waits for elective procedures.

“Establishing MRI services in Wairarapa will make it easier for patients to get the scans they need, reduce unnecessary travel, and strengthen the resilience of health services across the region.”

March 12, 2026

Global Volatility Drives Surge in Demand for Financial Visibility Tool

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Global Volatility Drives Surge in Demand for Financial Visibility Tool

Global market volatility linked to geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices is prompting more people to seek clarity about their personal finances. New Zealand fintech startup Dashr reports a spike in signups as individuals look for tools that provide a consolidated view of their financial position across banks, investments, KiwiSaver and other accounts.

The post Global Volatility Drives Surge in Demand for Financial Visibility Tool first appeared on PR.co.nz.

March 12, 2026

The New Zealand Threat Classification Series hits 50

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

A milestone worth celebrating for Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity

The New Zealand Threat Classification Series has officially reached its 50th issue! That’s 50 deep dives into the state of our unique species, 50 scientifically robust contributions to conservation knowledge, and 50 reasons to feel proud of the mahi behind this nationally important series.

Lepidium rekohuense | Credit: CC-Y Peter de Lange

What is the Threat Classification Series?

Since 2013, the New Zealand Threat Classification Series (NZTCS) has served as a cornerstone of conservation science in Aotearoa. It’s a scientific series, but not the gathering dust on a shelf kind. These publications are all open access, living online on DOC’s Science Publications webpages, and widely used by researchers, conservationists, NGOs, and agencies here and overseas.

Each issue shares the most up-to-date conservation status of New Zealand’s wild species, from algae and spiders to birds, fungi, and everything in between. On average, three publications roll out every year, covering 23 different species groups. More than 16,000 species have been assessed to date.

Atrichopsis tenuirostris | Credit: Marley Ford

Flashback to issue #1

The very first issue, published in June 2013, was a whopper, compiling results from 21 peer-reviewed studies covering 12,223 species. It marked a major shift, moving NZTCS data from membership only journals to an open, freely available platform.

The second issue, also released June 2013, helped shape the series’ now-recognisable structure, though the look has evolved over the years (including the addition of the official NZTCS colour scheme in 2021).

We’ve actually come full circle – the series launched with a reptile assessment in 2013 and now issue #50 celebrates reptiles again.

Enjoy the photos in this blog. They’ve all featured on the cover of a report.

Awakopaka skink/Oligosoma awakopaka gravid female Homer Fiordland | Credit: James Reardon

It started with spreadsheets

In the early days, each issue came with an accompanying Excel spreadsheet packed with data. In 2018, this transformed with the creation of the NZTCS database, and supportive data is now accessed directly through digital links inside each publication.

A global audience

The NZTCS isn’t just for New Zealand audiences. In 2025, it had more than 2,500 reads, including readers in 68 countries. Outside Aotearoa, the biggest readership comes from the United States, Australia and China.

The most popular publication so far?

Issue 36 – Conservation Status of Birds in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021. The issue was a real milestone, announcing that North Island Brown Kiwi, while remaining conservation dependent, was no longer threatened or at risk of becoming threatened thanks to 30 years of community conservation.

A massive collaborative effort

Behind each issue lies a considerable cross-sector effort. More than 200 authors – from DOC, Crown Research Institutes, universities, museums, and consultancies – have contributed their expertise.

Why the NZTCS matters

The NZTCS provides evidence-based assessments of extinction risk for species across Aotearoa, including marine species. It complements the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but tailors its criteria to New Zealand’s unique natural environment such as island ecosystems, naturally small populations, and species with restricted ranges found nowhere else in the world.

Sperm whale in Kaikoura | Credit: Will Rayment/NZ Whale Dolphin Trust

Panels of experts reassess each species group roughly every five years, weighing abundance, distribution, and population trends. The result is a clear, nationally relevant picture of how our species are doing and where conservation energy is most needed.

Here’s to 50 issues, and many more to come

The NZTCS is more than a set of publications. It’s a living record of the state of Aotearoa’s biodiversity. It informs policy, recovery planning, advocacy, science and even national reporting.

Reaching 50 issues is a huge achievement. And as long as our taonga species need champions, the series will keep growing, evolving, and supporting the mahi to protect our natural heritage.

Aphis coprosmae

Aphis coprosmae | Credit: Bioeconomy Science Institute

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who has contributed, supported, read, shared, or relied on this work. Here’s to the next 50!

March 12, 2026

Sudden death, Tāmaki River

Source: New Zealand Police

Police have recovered a man’s body from the Tāmaki River in east Auckland.

Search efforts have been underway through the week after the man was reported missing near Waipuna on 6 March.

Police responded to the area just before 6pm last night, 11 March, after a member of the public had located the man in water.

Inspector Jim Wilson, Auckland City East Area Commander, says the man’s death will be referred to the Coroner.

“Searching has been underway involving the Police Maritime Unit and the Police National Dive Squad, with assistance from the Navy,” he says.

“I would like to acknowledge all of those experts involved in the search effort.

“Our thoughts are with the man’s family for their loss.”

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

March 12, 2026

New pay deal for primary teachers welcomed

Source: New Zealand Government

Education Minister Erica Stanford welcomes the decision by Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche to enable school boards to offer primary teachers new pay agreements. The move benefits around 10,000 primary teachers who are not bound by the NZEI Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement.

“From today, school boards will be able to offer primary teachers, who are not part of the union and employed on individual employment agreements (IEAs), new agreements, which will allow them to receive pay increases of up to 4.7 percent within 12 months. These increases are comparable to those accepted by their secondary counterparts last year,” Ms Stanford says.

“Teachers have right to a contract and is fair and reasonable that nearly a third of primary school teachers, who are not part of the NZEI, should be offered a contract so they can receive the pay increases that the Government has already offered.

“This would equate to approximately $50 to $76 each week and is pay that non-union teachers could already be receiving if not impacted by the NZEI’s ongoing approach to bargaining.

“I know the Commissioner did not come by this decision lightly. However, he has made his concerns on the delays in primary teacher bargaining very clear.

“New IEAs will be available today through school boards for the primary teachers who are not a member of the NZEI Te Riu Roa union or bound by the NZEI Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement.

“Sir Brian will continue to negotiate with the NZEI in good faith, and everyone is hopeful the bargaining process will result in a new collective agreement being ratified for teachers who are bound by the NZEI Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement. In the interim, the priority is to ensure that at least 30 percent of primary teachers can lock in pay increases without further delay.”

Media contact: Michael van der Kwast +64 21 875 347

Notes to editors: New Individual Employment Agreement for Primary Teachers

Pay increase of 4.5% – 4.7% within 12 months:
- Teachers on the top two steps of the scale receive a cumulative pay increase of 4.7% by January 2027. This is comprised of a 2.5% increase on 20 March 2026 and a further 2.1% increase on 28 January 2027.
- Teachers moving up the scale (on steps 1-8) will continue to receive annual step increases along with a 4.5-4.6% pay increase by 28 January 2027. This is comprised of a 2.5% increase on 20 March 2026, and a further 2% increase on 28 January 2027.
Management Units Increase to $5,250: All unit holders will receive an increase to the value of salary units from $4,500 to $5,250 (16.7% increase to the rates that units are paid).

All primary teachers who accept the new IEA will receive a cumulative pay increase of at least 4.5% on printed rates in the Base Salary Scale from the start of the 2027 school year.

This means teachers who are at the top of the pay scale will see their base salary increase to $107,886 per annum from the beginning of next school year, and this is before units and allowances are included. For the many teachers who hold one or more than units, this increase will be even higher.

Primary teachers who hold at least one unit will receive an overall 5.1% to 5.4% salary increase within 11 months of settlement.

Budget 2025 has already provided for teaching council certification costs to be met until 2028, saving teachers up to $550 per renewal.

March 11, 2026

Life Sciences Summit 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Thank you for the opportunity to speak here at the Life Sciences Summit today. As Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, I see the contribution our scientists, researchers and innovators make to New Zealand’s life sciences ecosystem. The work you do at the intersection of science, technology and markets matters to our future.

I also want to acknowledge the event organisers – BioTech NZ and NZTech. This summit comes at a pivotal moment. Around the world, advances in biology are converging with powerful new technologies such as AI and Quantum computing. These are reshaping healthcare, transforming food and agricultural systems, and opening new pathways to sustainable growth. For New Zealand, life sciences are important to our economic resilience, our health security and our ability to compete in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Why life sciences matter to New Zealand

New Zealand has long been recognised for the quality of its science and the ingenuity of its researchers. From medical breakthroughs that improve lives, to bio-based innovations that support high value exports, the life sciences sector already delivers real benefits for New Zealanders. It plays a critical role in the backbone of our economy and our living standards. Yet too often world class research has not translated into the scale of impact it should, with promising ideas struggling to move from the lab into the market. This is a challenge that this Government is determined to address.

Reforming and refocusing the science system

Over the past year, I have been undertaking the most significant reform of New Zealand’s science and technology system in more than 30 years to deliver greater focus, impact and long-term direction. These reforms are about ensuring public investment in science delivers outcomes that matter for New Zealand’s economy, our environment and our communities. In a similar structure to other small advanced economies, we have established the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, to provide one-place for strategic oversight and advice on national science priorities. This work will result in clear, actionable research priorities that give researchers and investors, confidence about the long-term direction of the system.

Strategic direction of the science system and streamlined funding

Alongside this strategic direction-setting, we are simplifying how science is funded. Research Funding New Zealand has been established as a single, independent decision maker for most government science, innovation and technology funding. For researchers, it means a clearer pathway to support. For government, it means investment decisions that are better aligned with national priorities and long-term impact.

Strengthening connection and boosting productivity through our PROs

Just as you have come together at this summit to share ideas and make connections, our new Public Research Organisations bring together talent, infrastructure, and capability across the system. The Bioeconomy Science Institute is a key part of this shift. By bringing together our strengths in agriculture, horticulture, food innovation, forestry, biomaterials and ecosystem resilience – the Institute is accelerating innovation across the bioeconomy, in what I am told is the second biggest bioeconomy institute in the world.

This work matters.

I am also committed to extending our science reach through new platforms. That is why we are investing in cutting‑edge science through the Biodiscovery Platform, supported by $42 million over seven years. This platform, hosted by the Bioeconomy Science Institute, will help transform New Zealand’s unique biological resources into high-value products and support innovative Kiwi businesses. New Zealand has 80,000 indigenous flora and fauna, of which only 30,000 are scientifically described. We’ve already seen the success stories, from mānuka in the honey sector to emerging bio-based materials, and nanocellulose from seaweed. I am convinced the next cancer drug and next nutraceutical will be bio-sourced. This platform also speaks to the head start that Māori and matauranga will have with biosourcing.

Health security and resilience

Life sciences are also important for our national resilience. I have newly committed $75 million over seven years to strengthen New Zealand’s preparedness for and resilience to infectious diseases and pandemics. The Infectious Diseases Research Platform, hosted by Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science), builds on the strong foundation of Te Niwha and reflects the lessons of recent global health challenges.

It is encouraging to see the capability of PHF Science recognised. Digital twin platform ALMA won the Trailblazer in AI Innovation award at the Aotearoa AI Awards 2025. This demonstrates how we can leverage advanced technologies to support better decision-making in complex and evolving situations.

Advanced technology and the future of science

The convergence of life sciences with advanced technologies such as AI, synthetic technologies and quantum is transforming how research is conducted – enhancing efficiency, improving decision-making and providing new tools to tackle existing and emerging challenges. To ensure New Zealand captures these benefits technologies, I have established the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology. Through initiatives such as the development of an AI platform, the Institute is building on New Zealand’s existing strengths and enabling cross-sector collaboration that drives productivity and innovation.

Achievements

A year ago, I was tasked as the new Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, to implement the biggest science reforms in 30 years. In the past year, these are 10 actions I have taken:

Amalgamated seven CRIs, including forming one of the biggest bioeconomy institutes in the world, to better serve the needs of industry and the community.
Created a multimillion dollar biodiscovery platform to discover the next generation of cancer drugs.
Funded a new emerging technology organisation for new research, including advanced materials, AI and quantum.
Created and published a national IP policy supporting inventors.
Created and published a national AI strategy to guide uptake.
Deployed a new applied doctorate programme, to better align PhDs with industry and entrepreneurship.
Created Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council as a one-stop national science strategy group, similar to those in other smaller advanced economies.
Created Research Funding New Zealand as a one stop science funding administrator to reduce bureaucracy.
Completed the first ever Memorandums of Co-operation between Antarctica NZ and the United States, and Antarctica NZ and the United Arab Emirates, and advanced new polar research projects to these agreements.
Completed the first reading merging NIWA and Metservice to improve meteorological reporting.

It has been a busy year!

Gene tech reforms

We also know that innovation requires modern, fit for purpose regulation. As part of the Government’s commitment to updating New Zealand’s outdated rules surrounding gene technology, we introduced the Gene Technology Bill to Parliament as a framework to deliver a more modern, risk-proportionate regime.

I have received the Select Committee’s report. It is a complex bill and that reflects that this is a complex issue. I am taking time to consider its recommendations to improve the proposed regime, because this a once-in-a-generation opportunity and it is important that we get it right. Fundamentally, we are 20 years behind the Australian legislation. In real terms, if we don’t change, our competitors will ‘eat our lunch’ by producing quicker and more resilient species. The next step will be for the Gene Technology Bill to proceed to its second reading, with the timing to be confirmed.

Closing remarks

The work represented at this summit reflects excellent New Zealand science. Your research, innovation and collaboration are helping to address some of the most significant challenges we face, while opening new opportunities for growth and prosperity. I wish you a productive summit and look forward to the ideas, partnerships and ambition that will emerge from your discussions.

March 11, 2026

NZ contributes changes to Pacific fisheries

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand has secured orange roughy catch limits in the South Pacific for another two years at a Pacific regional fisheries meeting, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

The proposal brought to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) by New Zealand and Australia, was adopted without opposition from other member countries.

“The adoption of New Zealand’s proposal to retain current levels of orange roughy catch in this fishery until 2028 is a vote of confidence in our commitment to commercially viable and sustainable South Pacific fisheries,” Mr Jones says.

“This decision, combined with last year’s agreement at SPRFMO to increase carry forward of unused annual catch, supports jobs in New Zealand and our economy, and makes a real difference for our fishing industry.”

A further proposal by New Zealand to increase the bycatch threshold for coral and sponge before fishers are required to move on from the area was not supported.

“While I’m disappointed there was not agreement on this proposal, New Zealand will be making the same proposal next year. I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure continued access to the South Pacific fishery.

“I reiterate that this proposal is based on the best available scientific information we have, and will ensure our commercial fishers in the South Pacific are not hampered by needlessly restrictive rules, while still preventing significant adverse effects on the marine ecosystem,” Mr Jones says.

New Zealand’s proposal to strengthen measures to protect seabirds in bottom longline and trawl fisheries was adopted at the meeting.

“Many of our taonga seabirds, including albatross and petrels, range across the Pacific. These measures are crucial for their protection. They align with international best practice, as well as the rules that apply for commercial fishers in New Zealand waters,” Mr Jones says.

New Zealand also made progress in the establishment of binding labour standards for crew on fishing vessels operated by member countries in the high seas of the South Pacific. The proposal from New Zealand and the United States recognises the unique work environment on board fishing vessels and the vulnerability of crew to exploitation.

“While no consensus was reached at this meeting, there was good progress on the text of the new rules which establish basic minimum conditions for crew on fishing vessels. “We will continue this important work with the aim of having these adopted in 2027 so fishing crews in the region are protected from exploitation and the same ethical standards apply to all fishers in the region.”

“I remain committed to ensuring New Zealand has access to commercially viable fisheries in the Pacific, and I will continue to advocate for fisheries management that strikes a balance between environmental protections and these economic benefits,” Mr Jones says.

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