Category: MIL-OSI

Source: NZCTU

The Out@Work Council of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is deeply disappointed by the Government’s decision to not prioritise the Law Commission’s recommendations to explicitly protect transgender, non-binary, and intersex New Zealanders under the Human Rights Act 1993.

“The Government’s refusal to prioritise explicit human rights protections for trans and non-binary whānau is disgraceful,” said Out@Work Convenor Lester Briggs.

“Tens of thousands of New Zealanders, including more than 26,000 transgender adults and over 20,000 non-binary and gender diverse people, are left vulnerable because the law remains unclear.

“Once again, this Government has chosen a pathway that disproportionately impacts already-marginalised communities, compromising their safety, wellbeing, and dignity.

“The Law Commission made clear that current protections are legally ambiguous, untested in courts, and insufficient for safeguarding people against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and access to services.

“We are calling on the Government to reinstate the Law Commission’s recommendations, enshrine explicit protections for gender identity and sex characteristics in the Human Rights Act, and sit down and talk with rainbow communities to understand the lived impacts of ongoing legislative neglect,” said Briggs.

“The NZCTU stands firmly with our trans and non-binary whānau. We urge the Government to reconsider its decision and commit to upholding the human rights of all workers in Aotearoa,” said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.

Source: New Zealand Police

An alleged fraud offender’s numbers were up after he was caught up with by a late-night patrol.

The Auckland City Beat Team were assisting with mobile patrolling in the Mount Albert area this morning, when they came across a vehicle of interest.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ash Matthews, of Auckland City CIB, says the vehicle was travelling on St Lukes Road just before 1am.

“The vehicle’s registered owner was sought in connection with a fraud case, and so the unit carried out a traffic stop.

“Beat staff confirmed the driver’s identity was the same as the man sought by Police.”

In March last year, an elderly victim in the Far North had allegedly fallen victim to a phone scam, with the caller pertaining to be from a bank’s fraud team.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matthews says all up $15,600 had been taken from her account.

Police were contacted after the bank’s real fraud team had alerted the victim.

Initial enquiries began by Mid/Far North CIB into the case, later identifying a person of interest.

Meanwhile, nearly a year later, the 23-year-old west Auckland man was arrested on the roadside early this morning.

Beat staff handed him over to Auckland City detectives and he was subsequently charged with money laundering and receiving property over $1000.

He will appear in the Auckland District Court on 4 March 2026.

“It’s a great catch by our Beat Team patrolling on night shift, and we acknowledge all the groundwork carried out by our colleagues in the Mid/Far North CIB,” Detective Senior Sergeant Matthews says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

Thank you to LGNZ for the opportunity, and thank you to the mayors, chairs, and councilors for putting your names forward to serve your communities. It’s not meant to be glamorous, it’s often thankless, but it really matters because you can’t have representative democracy without representatives.

Just like democracy doesn’t work without representatives, it also needs informed voters. That brings me to the Regulatory Standards Act.

At its heart, it is an information device. It is a codified declaration of how a regulation affects citizens. It is designed to help political markets function, by letting voters understand the impact of their representatives’ regulations. 

We take a wide view of regulation. Some people mean a specific category of secondary legislation. We mean any instrument constraining the use and exchange of private property, including bylaws.

It will be law in a few months, by July 1 at the latest, and from that time it will require Consistency Accountability Statements by Councils making bylaws.

A Consistency Accountability Statement asks and answers basic questions about how a new law affects citizens liberties and property rights. What problem is the council trying to solve? What is the cost of the solution? What are the benefits? And who do those costs and benefits accrue to?

To make the Statements credible and meaningful, they can be reviewed by the Regulatory Standards Board, so there is an incentive to maintain quality.

Over time, the publication of Consistency Accountability Statements is designed to drive out poor regulation by making it easier for voters to identify it, and the people responsible.

The Regulatory Standards Act is designed to address New Zealand’s major problem with productivity. At the moment, after a period of inflation, productivity is appearing as affordability. Nonetheless, affordability and productivity are two sides of the same coin low productivity means less to buy and less income to buy it with. 

The average rates bill has increased 43 per cent since 2022. You lump that in with the things that are out of your control, like energy, food and petrol, and you can understand why people are so jaded. 

Councils are both the victim and the perpetrator of poor regulation. So many of the costs you face from earthquake strengthening to temporary traffic management are the result of regulation. You also place a lot of cost on ratepayers in your jurisdiction. Councils and ratepayers both have a vested interest in improving the standard of regulation.

Bad regulation doesn’t just cost money. It stops good things from happening. Property developers abandon proposals that would ease the housing crisis because of ballooning regulatory costs. Community parades disappear under the weight of compliance costs, even when nothing’s gone wrong before. The climbing wall at Sir Edmund Hillary’s old school has signs put up saying don’t climb. 

Here’s what we can do – less. Central Government and Local Government both have a shared responsibility to inflict fewer costs on people. Preventing bad regulation which sucks up time and money is one of the best places we can start.

Central Government isn’t shirking responsibility. We’re finally getting rid of overzealous earthquake laws, methane reduction targets are being halved so farmers can keep on farming, health and safety laws are being overhauled to focus on critical risks. Thanks to resource management reform the number of consents required is expected to half. Meanwhile, peer reviewed analysis estimates that work by the Ministry for Regulation in its first 18 months will deliver a net public benefit of $280 million.

Even small regulations that might seem inconsequential add up. For example, council dictates that Wellington public transport can’t advertise alcohol or food high in sugar and salt. Meanwhile, passengers walk past advertisements for vodka cruisers delivered by uber inside the station. Instead of raising fares or putting more costs on ratepayers, it could be that a needless ban on advertising is preventing the service from being efficient. 

I’m sure there are countless examples like this. The Regulatory Standards Act is going to be the mechanism which levels the playing field between the overzealous regulator, and the regulated party.

How does it work? The Regulatory Standards Act requires certain laws to be tested against long-standing legal principles and to have the benefits and costs assessed. As an information device, it doesn’t prevent a Council passing a law, it does require you to do it more transparently than ever before.

Once part 2 of the Act comes into force, councils will generally need to prepare and publish a Consistency Assessment Statement, a CAS, whenever they make or amend secondary legislation, unless the instrument is specifically excluded.

The Act also creates a pathway for classes of existing secondary legislation to be brought into scope later, by notice – but only where that notice is affirmed by Parliament. 

Councils won’t be expected to go back and write CASs for every existing bylaw by default. Existing secondary legislation only becomes a CAS obligation if it is captured through those mechanisms, or if a CAS already exists for it, or if councils later amend it in a way that triggers the requirements.

If a CAS identifies that a bylaw is inconsistent with one or more principles of responsible regulation, the Act doesn’t say “stop”. It says “explain”. The council must publish a brief statement explaining why the inconsistency exists. For example, because of a legitimate public safety objective. The point is transparency and discipline: if you depart from the principles, you do it consciously and you tell ratepayers why.

Councils will also need to get ahead of the curve by developing plans for regularly reviewing the secondary legislation that falls within scope. This is not meant to be a one-off compliance exercise, but an ongoing habit of keeping rules up to date, proportionate, and justified.

These requirements will start on a date set by Order in Council. And if anything hasn’t commenced before then, the Act provides a backstop: any remaining parts come into force by 1 July 2026.

A number of councils argued local government should be excluded and warned this will impose time and cost and make it harder to pass bylaws. Yes, that is the point, it will be harder to put costs onto ratepayers.

However, I don’t buy that councils don’t have the time to be transparent. Councils somehow find time to make declarations about foreign wars and climate change, invest in relationships with sister cities with no benefit to 99.9 per cent of their ratepayers, ban sugary advertising, and find time to reinvent themselves as Tiriti-centric organisations. Councils just aren’t in a position to argue they can’t file a Consistency Accountability Statement.

Let me offer a ratepayer’s perspective.

If your council can’t explain why a bylaw is necessary, can’t show it’s proportionate, and can’t justify the costs it imposes, then maybe it should be harder to pass.

The Ministry for Regulation is preparing support material to help councils implement the Act, including statutory guidance issued by the Minister for Regulation and the Attorney-General, and non-statutory guidance, such as templates, to make CASs easier and more consistent.

And one more practical point: there has sometimes been confusion about what counts as “secondary legislation”. The definition sits in the Legislation Act 2019. Bylaws are in scope, and so is any other instrument made by a local authority or council-controlled organisation that has significant legislative effect. If ratepayers are paying for it, and it materially affects their lives, they deserve clarity about it.

Now if all of that sounds boring, good. Responsible governance isn’t fun and doesn’t involve thinking up new bylaws and regulations to scratch an electoral itch when it arises. 

Let me put this into perspective with something topical that I’m sure many of you are dealing with. Dog attacks, there’s been a brutal uptick in dog attack incidents and I know there is a lot of fear out there right now, rightly so. The pressure comes on to “do something”.

With every salient issue there’s a desire to find a solution that’s easy and wrong, which is what we’re trying to avoid. 

Bluntly the dogs causing issues are likely owned by gangs and degenerates – people who already ignore the rules. Councils would be wise not to perform any kneejerk regulating that actually just puts more cost or burden on the good dog owners. 

That’s the kind of moment where the Regulatory Standards Act helps. It forces you to ask: will this actually work? Who pays? Who gets punished? What’s the evidence? Is there a smarter option that targets the actual problem rather than the compliant majority?

When central or local government gets it wrong it’s the public that pays. We owe it to taxpayers and ratepayers to deliver better value, better service and fewer unnecessary regulations. 

That’s my challenge to you. But I’ll also offer this, we will help you implement this properly. We’ll provide guidance, templates, and practical support, because the goal isn’t to trip councils up but to lift the quality of decision-making across the board.

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency Services are responding to a serious crash on Kamo Road, Whangārei.

The crash, involving a truck and a pedestrian, was reported to Police at 9.35am.

Initial reports indicate there are serious injuries.

Diversions are currently in place on Kamo Road between Mains Ave and Simons Street.

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance.

Police are asking motorists to be patient and expect delays as the road will closed for some time.

ENDS.

Amanda Wieneke/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

Police acknowledge the Independent Police Conduct Authority’s findings into an incident in 2023 where a man self-harmed while in Police custody.

The incident occurred on 6 October 2023 at the Auckland District Custody Unit, after a man in custody was found unconscious and unresponsive.

He was taken to Auckland Hospital and died three days later, as a result of suspected self-harm.

The IPCA’s investigation found there were Police failings in the care of the man.

The day before, Police had arrested the man in relation to a stabbing at an Auckland dairy.

He was taken to the Auckland District Custody Unit where he attempted to flee but was detained by staff.

The man was subsequently placed into a restraining chair due to his erratic behaviour, and a short time later an ambulance was called and the man was taken to hospital under sedation.

Later that day the man was discharged from hospital and returned to the custody unit.

The Authority’s report found the use of a restraint chair was justified, but that it was unreasonable to have him handcuffed.

After being returned to the custody unit, a Police doctor carried out a medical observation and advised the man could be placed on ‘frequent’ monitoring, which required him to be checked five times an hour.

Custody staff recorded that they completed 80 checks on the man overnight and a further 30 checks on him in the morning.

The IPCA noted that some of the checks were inconsistent with policy as the officer did not go to the cell.

At about 10.54am that day, an officer went to check on the man and found him unresponsive.

First aid was commenced, and he was transported to hospital where he died three days later.

Auckland City District Commander, Superintendent Sunny Patel, says Police acknowledge the Authority’s findings in this case.

“A critical incident investigation was commenced as well as a review into the prisoner checking system.

“As a result, Police have implemented several learnings including updating the national People in Police Custody Policy.”

“We would also like to again extend our condolences to the man’s family and friends.”

The matter remains with the Coroner.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  26 February 2026

Jewelled geckos are native to the southeast of the South Island and are generally a striking bright green with diamond-shaped patches or stripes although in some populations the males are grey or brown. Their bodies grow up to 8 cm in length, but their tail doubles their length. Their New Zealand threat classification is “At Risk, Declining”. If you’re out naturing in forests or shrublands in places like Canterbury, Otago or Southland, you might be fortunate to see one.

DOC’s Wildlife Crime Team Leader Dylan Swain says a group of 14 jewelled geckos were discovered by Dutch wildlife authorities as part of Operation Thunder in 2023. Operation Thunder is an international operation, involving several government organisations and Interpol, which focusses on the illegal trade in protected wildlife.

“Jewelled geckos have never legally been exported from New Zealand,” Dylan says.

“It’s likely the geckos found by our Dutch counterparts were in fact smuggled out of New Zealand or are the offspring of such animals.”

Dutch authorities are continuing investigations into the person who was found with the geckos.

The six geckos returned to New Zealand comprise two males and four females.  

They were returned to New Zealand in International Air Travel Association‑compliant individual containers with small ventilation holes and kept at a consistent temperature throughout their journey.

All geckos will receive close care and attention, and the entire group will spend a minimum of 60 days in quarantine as part of their return process.

Although some of the original group of animals have since died, DOC has worked closely with at The Netherlands NVWA (Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority), United for Wildlife (part of the Royal Foundation) and Korean Air to safely return the geckos all the way from Netherlands to New Zealand via Korea.

A Dutch inspector accompanied the geckos on their repatriation journey.

“We are delighted to be able to bring a small group of six of the geckos back to New Zealand,” Dylan says. “They’ll spend a quarantine period at Wellington Zoo before they’re shifted to a new permanent home.”

NVWA spokesperson Lex Benden says: “We are pleased our investigation has contributed to the geckos now being back where they belong.”

Dutch authorities are collaborating with DOC to share information on this matter and the wider trade in geckos across Europe.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Police

Three people are due in court today following a shooting incident in Te Kauwhata, north of Huntly.

Police received a call shortly before 7am on Saturday 21 February reporting that a man had presented at Waikato Hospital with a gunshot wound.

It was determined the man had been injured in Te Kauwhata, and Police attended the address to make further enquiries.

At the address, Police located and seized a firearm and ammunition, and two women and one man were arrested.

Both women, aged 27 and 59, are due to appear in Huntly District Court today, charged with two counts of unlawfully possessing a firearm, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The man, aged 56, is due to appear in Hamilton District Court on 20 March, charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm, and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Detective Sergeant Rahul Badri, of Waikato West CIB, says this is a good outcome for the victim and the Te Kauwhata community.

“Not only am I pleased to be able to hold these offenders to account – I am also happy to have removed a firearm from circulation in the community.

“I commend the Police staff for their quick actions, which was essential to making these arrests,” says Detective Sergeant Badri.

Police continue to support those affected by the incident and reassure the community that there is no ongoing risk.

ENDS

Source: New Zealand Government

Innovative Kiwi drones will be trialled by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to strengthen capability while growing local industry, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today.  

“We’re partnering with New Zealand businesses to ensure the Defence Force can protect our people into the future,” Ms Collins says.

“NZDF will buy and trial advanced uncrewed systems from New Zealand company Syos Aerospace, enabling access to mission-ready, combat proven technology.

“We’re further backing Kiwi businesses by bringing together Sysdoc for training support and Hirtenberger Defence Technology for advanced systems support.”

“This will inform future capability decisions on a technology that has rapidly become central to modern military operations.

Delivery of air, land, and sea drones will occur over the coming months, including the SG400 Uncrewed Ground Vehicle, the SM300 Uncrewed Surface Vessel, the SA2 ISR drone and the SA7 one way effector drone. 

The Army and Navy will conduct trials in a range of scenarios, such as transporting supplies, performing maritime patrols, and completing route reconnaissance.

“Last year we announced our Defence Industry Strategy, which details how Defence and industry will work together to deliver the Defence Capability Plan while building a strong, resilient industry that delivers economic growth and grows our export markets,” Ms Collins says.

“Having cutting-edge drone technology developed and supported by local businesses will reduce supply chain risk and strengthen our resilience – exactly what the strategy is designed for. 

“In an increasingly contested world, we’re building the future by equipping our Defence Force with innovative Kiwi products to keep our people safe.”

Notes to editor:

Syos Aerospace: Founded four years ago in Mount Maunganui and now a world-recognised innovator in uncrewed systems, Syos won the 2025 NZ Hi-Tech Company of the Year award. By partnering with Syos, the NZDF is plugging into a fast-moving technology company whose products are combat tested. For instance, Syos drones and USVs have already seen operational use in the conflict in Ukraine
Sysdoc: A New Zealand consulting firm specialising in learning development and digital training solutions. Sysdoc has a long track record with the NZDF (15+ years, 100+ projects) in modernising training and documentation. Sysdoc will design learning and training materials for the new systems.
Hirtenberger Defence Technology (HDT) Ltd: This company is known for things like advanced fire control systems, including mortar targeting software. The NZDF is exploring integration of the new drones with Hirtenberger’s Arcfire, a Fire Control System, designed and built in New Zealand, and the NZDF battle management system.

Source: New Zealand Government

A temporary bridge is expected to be in place on State Highway 39 by mid‑March, reconnecting the community south of Pirongia after the Mangati Bridge was destroyed in heavy floods, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Since the floods on 13 February, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) , its contractors and consultants have moved at pace to restore access for south of Pirongia.

“A plan is now in place to install a 40‑metre steel‑framed temporary bridge slightly upstream of the existing two‑lane bridge. The bridge will have a 50‑tonne weight limit, with traffic managed by temporary traffic lights.

“Crews have already cleared tonnes of debris from the site, allowing specialist teams to begin work on both the temporary bridge and the permanent replacement. Council partners and landowners have recognised the urgency of this work and supported it every step of the way.

“We expect the Acrow (Bailey‑style) temporary bridge to be operational by mid‑March, subject to fine weather. The approaches are currently under construction, and assembly of the bridge on site is expected to take around four days.

“Work is also underway on accelerated design and procurement so construction of the new permanent two‑lane bridge can begin later this year. 

“Restoring access safely and as quickly as possible is the priority, and I want to thank everyone involved for the extraordinary effort to reconnect this community.”

Notes to editor: 

Two pictures are attached of the Mangati Bridge damage. 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing $200,000 in the Waimate Trail as part of its ongoing commitment to grow local tourism, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced today.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering locally and investing in this trail that showcases the unique South Canterbury countryside. It will attract more visitors to the region, supporting local businesses, jobs and communities,” Louise Upston says.

This funding will complete stage one of the trail, a 13km stretch from Waimate to Waihao Forks and is part of the Government’s $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package. 

The local community has already raised around 80 per cent of the funding needed to complete stage one of the 67km trail, which traverses limestone rock formations, native forest, and scenic valleys.

“This trail will be popular with both locals and tourists celebrating South Canterbury’s rich history and stunning landscapes. 

“By backing local projects and encouraging tourism in the regions, we’re continuing to drive economic growth,” Louise Upston says. 

Notes to Editors

Once complete the Waimate Trail – Te Ara Waimatemate will be a 67 km loop trail that links with existing track networks.
Work has started on the cycle trail and stage one between Waimate and Waihao Forks is expected to be completed in late April/May