Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  31 July 2025

The popular Great Walk in the Abel Tasman National Park had been temporarily closed from Mārahau to Anchorage due to the damage.

DOC Motueka Operations Manager Chris Golding says staff have been out on the track since the heavy rain on Tuesday 29 July and it’s come through without any significant new damage.

“There are several areas with minor damage, which are all passable with care. Please make safe decisions for your ability level and if you have any doubts, don’t go ahead. We’ll get these tidied up in the coming weeks when we can,” says Chris.

“Some planned maintenance is happening between Bark Bay and Onetahuti for another month or so. There will be machines operating so please follow all instructions from the staff and contractors.”

Chris says access to the Kahurangi National Park from the Tasman District is still severely limited by road closures.

“We’re working out repair options for Graham Valley Rd, which is the gateway Flora Car Park and some of the region’s most popular alpine walks. Over the Takaka Hill, the Cobb Valley is also closed due to several slips,” Chris says.

“There’s no timeframe for when these will reopen, please check the DOC and Tasman District Council websites for the latest.

“The Wangapeka River Rd is open, but a four-wheel-drive is required as there has been some storm damage.”

The Top of the South has had several storms in the last month and anyone going into the outdoors should be prepared to potentially come across track damage. Make safe decisions and report issues to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

The DOC website will be kept up to date as things change. Anyone planning to head out should check for the latest before their trip.

Background information

To check for any road closures use Road Closures (Local and Highway).

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

The FBI’s upgrade of its Wellington office demonstrates the strength of the Five Eyes partnership and enhances the safety and security of New Zealanders, the Minister Responsible for the GCSB and NZSIS Judith Collins and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.

The Ministers met with FBI Director Kash Patel, who officially opened the new Wellington office at the US Embassy earlier today and installed a permanent Legat position. 

“We exchanged a range of insights on areas such as trans-national organised crime, counter-terrorism, cyber-security and espionage,” Ms Collins says.

“NZSIS and GCSB relationships with overseas partners like the FBI, as well as their support to New Zealand Police, are an important part of how the intelligence agencies deliver on their mission to keep New Zealand safe and secure.”   

Mr Mitchell says Director Patel’s visit should send a clear message to criminals whose offending causes harm in our communities, wherever they are, that they cannot hide behind an international border.

“New Zealand Police are continually working with their overseas counterparts like the FBI to catch those engaged in illegal, harmful activities such as drug smuggling and online child exploitation, as well disrupting and preventing this offending from happening in the first place,” he says.

“Police are part of a global effort on law enforcement. Director Patel’s visit was an excellent opportunity to share our common concerns while reinforcing the importance of New Zealand and the US working together to protect our citizens.”

Director Patel is the most senior member of the US administration to visit New Zealand since the start of President Trump’s second term in office.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

What do you think of the proposal to add a second toll point on the State Highway 2 (SH2) Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road?  NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) wants you to have your say.

Public consultation is now live and runs through to 5pm Thursday 28 August 2025.

NZTA is proposing an amendment be made to the toll scheme to allow for an additional toll point to be installed on the SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road. This enables motorists travelling between Domain Road Interchange and the Pāpāmoa East Interchange to be charged a toll price, contributing toward debt repayment for the construction of this state highway. 

“Tolling is an important tool in our kete to support accelerated growth and economic productivity in the region,” says Susan Collins, Regional Manager of System Design for NZTA.

“It’s already been used effectively in Tauranga to bring forward the construction of new roads such as the State Highway 2 Tauranga Eastern Link and State Highway 29 Takitimu Drive toll roads.

“It was the intention of the existing toll scheme to ensure all Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road users make a direct contribution to the road they’re using. The location of the current toll gantry means users travelling between the Domain Road Interchange and the new Pāpāmoa East Interchange are not currently able to be tolled.

By installing a new toll point, people travelling between the Domain Road Interchange and the new Pāpāmoa East Interchange would pay a lower toll price than the current toll, reflecting the shorter distance travelled. The proposed prices being consulted on are:

• • $1.10 for light vehicles 
  • $2.80 for heavy vehicles. 

Vehicles travelling the full length of the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, between Domain Road Interchange and Paengaroa Roundabout, would continue to pay current toll prices $2.30 for light vehicles and $5.60 for heavy vehicles.

The new toll point is expected to save $1.7 million in interest payments on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road loan and is estimated to bring the end date forward by 12 months.

If you’d like to make a submission go to: nzta.govt.nz/teltolling

Source: New Zealand Government

From 1 September, commonsense changes will see vintage light vehicles and private heavy motorhomes moving to annual vehicle inspections rather than six-monthly, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Everyone loves spotting a beautifully kept vintage car out for a Sunday drive, and cruising around our beautiful country in a motorhome is a classic Kiwi dream,” Mr Bishop says.

“There are about 128,000 vintage vehicles and 39,000 private motorhomes registered in New Zealand. Until now, their owners have had to front up for a Warrant or Certificate of Fitness inspection every six months – even though these vehicles are driven far less than your average modern car.

“Evidence shows that vintage vehicles and motorhomes are half as likely to have a contributing fault in a serious crash – even after adjusting for how many of them are on the road. And when it comes to passing a WoF inspection, vintage vehicles actually perform better than vehicles under 40 years old.

“In fact, once a vehicle hits 40, its pass rates go up – proof that hitting middle age isn’t all bad news.

“Earlier this year, the Government consulted on reducing the frequency of those inspections to six-monthly. Public support was overwhelmingly in favour of making this change.

“I’m pleased to confirm that from 1 September, vintage light vehicles and private heavy motorhomes will only require annual inspections instead of six-monthly.

“Owners of these vehicles can now spend less time on bureaucracy and queueing for a vehicle inspection, and more time where they’d rather be – under the bonnet or out on the road. 

“For drivers of modern cars, don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you. The Government will also be reviewing WOF/COF frequency and inspection requirements for other light vehicles as part of the Land Transport Rules Reform Programme. We’ll have more to say on this soon.”

Notes to Editor: 

Attached: Photo of Transport Minister Chris Bishop in a 1964 Austin Healey MkIII

From 1 September 2025:

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac is extending access to the meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero), with up to 77,000 more children able to benefit.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is taking decisive steps to modernise New Zealand’s import health system, with a new programme aimed at significantly reducing the time it takes to develop Import Health Standards (IHSs) while maintaining the country’s world-class biosecurity protections.

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says the current regulatory framework is over 30 years old and is struggling to adapt to today’s fast-moving global trade environment.

“The way we develop import health standards hasn’t kept pace with the demands of modern trade and innovation. We need a system that is faster, smarter, and more responsive, without compromising our biosecurity.”

A regulatory efficiency programme is now underway to transform the IHS development process.

“The programme will make IHSs easier to use and understand for industry, but also much faster to develop.”  

Mr Hoggard says one of the most promising innovations is the use of generative artificial intelligence to support pest risk analysis, standards drafting, and consultation materials.

“We’ve already seen successful proof-of-concept trials that show AI can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete key parts of the IHS process. This is about using smart tools to do the heavy lifting, so our experts can focus on the decisions that matter most.”

A key pilot project is the reform of the Plant Nursery Stock import system, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has started work reforming the plant import system in collaboration with importers and growers.

“Our plant-based industries need safe and efficient access to new plant material to stay competitive, improve productivity, adapt to climate change, and meet evolving consumer preferences. We’re working closely with industry to co-design a system that works for users, supports access to new plant genetics, and protects our environment.
These protections underpin the work of our farmers and growers, and the $59.9 billion primary sector.

Once fully delivered, this reform programme will mean faster approvals for imported goods that New Zealand businesses need and the removal of unnecessary restrictions to growth and productivity, while still maintaining strong biosecurity protections.”

We’re committed to building a system that supports growth, innovation, and resilience for the years ahead,” Mr Hoggard says.
 

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac’s decision to reduce the cost of some funded medicines to free up money for new medicines.

“For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” Mr Seymour says.  

“The annual tender helps us manage how much New Zealand spends on medicines by reducing the cost of those we already fund. This frees up money to fund new medicines.

Annual tender changes allow Pharmac to free up between $30 million and $50 million annually. 

“Each year, Pharmac invites suppliers to bid to be the main supplier of medicines that are no longer under patent,” Mr Seymour says.

“Medicine patents typically last for 20 years from the date of filing. Once a patent expires the doors are opened to generic competition. Other manufacturers can apply to produce and sell products containing the previously patented active ingredient. Generic market competition drives the price of medicines down significantly. 

“Where practicable, and once relevant groups are consulted on, Pharmac might change from some original brand-name product to generic alternatives. 

“My expectation is that Pharmac should have good processes to ensure that people with an illness, their carers and family, can provide input to decision-making processes. This is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement. 

“People should have the opportunity to share what the impact of brand changes would be for them, and what support would be required if there was a change to their current medicine. I expect all key groups to be involved in changes to funded medicine brands through the annual tender. 

“Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch. The community let Pharmac know that they weren’t consulted enough on the original decision. 

“Pharmac has learnt from this. They added an additional consultation step to the annual tender process to seek feedback when considering a medicine brand change. This patient-centric approach was taken in today’s decisions. 

“Pharmac asked for feedback from people who use the medicines in the list below, as well as from healthcare professionals and advocacy groups. The feedback has helped Pharmac shape its decisions.

“The decisions to add an additional consultation step on the annual tender process follows the appointment of Natalie McMurtry as the incoming Chief Executive, appointing a Consumer Working Group, publishing the Pharmac Consumer Engagement Workshop Report, and my letters of expectations, as positive steps towards a system which works for the people who rely on it.”

Information onthe annual tender process can be found here: https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/31-july-tender-notification

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour has introduced new legislation to set out the purpose of regulating early childhood education (ECE) and put the Education Review Office (ERO) in charge, instead of the Ministry of Education. 

“The Bill will increase clarity and certainty. It will ensure the sector and parents know their rights when being regulated, and that the regulator knows its purpose when making regulations,” Mr Seymour says.

“The new law’s first priority is child safety. It will also ensure that regulators should only put costs on parents if they’re necessary to achieve the goal. Critically, the purpose of regulating will be set out in law, as recommended by the Ministry for Regulation’s ECE Sector Review. 

“Too many ECE providers are bogged down by confusing, overlapping rules and having to deal with too many government agencies. We’re changing that, so providers can spend less time on paperwork and more time looking after children.

“The Ministry for Regulation went straight to the source and asked the sector what’s increasing costs and limiting competition. These changes are based on feedback from providers around the country who say they’ve been frustrated by unclear rules, conflicting advice from different agencies, and unnecessary red tape.   

“Some centres told us they were being told one thing by one agency, and the opposite by another. That kind of confusion costs time and money and drives up costs for parents.   

The Early Childhood Education Reform Bill will overhaul the current rules and regulations by: 

• Making regulations clearer and more consistent, so providers know exactly what’s expected of them.
• Creating a Director of Regulation to make sure the rules are applied fairly and consistently across the country. 

“The Government will also shift licensing and certification and enforcement responsibilities from the Ministry of Education to the Education Review Office (ERO). From next year ECE providers will only have to deal with one regulator. The Ministry and ERO are working together to ensure a smooth transfer. 

“The Director will be responsible for licensing, monitoring, and enforcing compliance in ECE, including investigating and prosecuting where necessary. They will handle complaints and incidents, while also providing support, information, and guidance to service providers, parents, and caregivers to help raise awareness of what quality early childhood education looks like. 

The bill also establishes the following principles, which the Director must have regard to when carrying out their role:

• the health, safety, and well-being of children receiving early childhood education is paramount:
• the learning and development of those children is essential and supports their readiness to transition to school:   
• the role of parents and caregivers in the early childhood education of their children is recognised and supported:   
• principles of good regulatory practice, including decision-making that—
• is risk-based, proportionate, fair, and transparent; and
• avoids imposing unnecessary costs on parents, caregivers, and service providers. 

“These reforms will make it easier to open and run high-quality centres, which means more choice and better access for parents. This is part of the Government’s wider commitment to smarter, more effective regulation that encourages growth,” says Mr Seymour. 

Source: PHARMAC

Pharmac has awarded contracts to a range of suppliers following its annual tender process, which will mean 19 medicines will be changing brands in the coming months.

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 30 July 2025

The $2.25m taxpayer-funded complaints centre set up by the Human Rights Commission for receiving complaints about ‘conversion therapy’ has struggled to obtain any formal complaints about the use of ‘conversion therapy’ in the three years since the new law was passed, and haven’t referred a single complaint to the Police since the law took effect.

According to an Official Information Act response, in the past 12 months, just two formal complaints were made and those related to “possible conversion practices happening to other people”, despite significant advertising about its services

“The taxpayer via the Human Rights Commission has wasted $2.2m looking for a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist. But what the politicians and activist groups have done is make it difficult for parents, counsellors and therapists to support troubled adolescents who identify as ‘trans’ and ‘gender diverse’, and difficult for individuals who are dealing with unwanted sexuality and gender issues to get support,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First NZ.

As an Australian family law and child protection expert warned during the debate three years ago, some mental health professionals will refuse to see young patients with sexual orientation or gender identity issues who have other serious mental health concerns. This could lead to an increase in the mental health burden on already very troubled young people and may lead to increased suicide attempts.

Parents who want to protect their children who are struggling with gender identity issues risk prosecution and jail sentences under the law. This is leading to huge distress for parents who are already experiencing very difficult circumstances. The recent NHS report by Dr Hillary Cass suggests that concerned parents have been right all along.

“This flawed law was all about shutting down any opposition to radical gender and sexuality ideology, and more specifically, Biblical teachings around sexuality and biology (male and female). But you can never ban Christian conversion or truth, no matter how hard the activists might like to.”

And despite claiming that they wanted to ensure that they “regularly hear from diverse lived experience voices”, the Human Rights Commission admitted, “The Commission has not knowingly had any engagement with individuals who made submissions against the new law and who had positive experiences of receiving counselling to deal with unwanted sexuality and gender confusion issues.”

Their rights aren’t important according to the ‘Human Rights’ Commission.

All New Zealanders should be protected from coercive, abusive or involuntary psychological or spiritual practices. However, participation in psychological assessments, counselling sessions, prayer meetings and other therapeutic practices is almost always an expression of voluntary behaviour and personal freedom. Under this new law, people are prevented from getting help to live the lifestyle they choose. And parents could be criminalised for encouraging their children to embrace their biological sex.

Ironically, while gender and sexuality is supposedly ‘fluid’, activists want the law to stipulate that it can only go in the direction they approve. ‘Conversion therapy’ is still legal. It’s practiced in schools by groups such as InsideOut and Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa (formerly Family Planning).