Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

With adverse weather forecast for the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay is urging farmers, foresters, and growers to prepare for potential challenges.

Two orange rain warnings have been issued for these regions, signalling the possibility of surface flooding and slips, particularly with upwards of 100mm of rain expected in the Bay of Plenty and the third rainfall event in the Top of the South in just six weeks.

“The compounding effect of these weather events on rural communities is significant, and we are committed to providing the necessary support.

“MPI staff are ready and available to assist, with additional staff deployed in the Top of the South and regional staff closely monitoring the Bay of Plenty. We have 15 MPI staff on the ground in the Nelson/Tasman area and people available across the Bay,” Mr McClay says.

Farmers are advised to move stock to higher ground ahead of the storm.

“We understand the pressure and uncertainty rural communities are facing right now, and we remain focused on ensuring they have the resources to manage this event and any challenges ahead.”

For more updates, farmers, foresters, and growers are encouraged to continue monitoring weather warnings.

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has announced targeted consultation with farmers and the wider agriculture sector to ensure health and safety regulations reflect the realities of farm life. 

“I’m consulting with rural Kiwis in the agriculture sector on changes that will ensure health and safety requirements are workable and practical,” says Ms van Velden.

“Farmers know their farms and the risks that come with farming life better than anyone. They’ve told me the law needs to recognise that the farm is often both their workplace and their home. That includes making space for children to safely learn and contribute to farm life in ways that are safe and age-appropriate.”

One proposed change is to amend the General Risk Regulations to make it clear that young people can safely take part in light chores on family farms. 

We’ll be consulting with farmers and the agriculture sector on the thresholds for light chores children can do on farms, like collecting eggs, feeding small animals and watering plants, while ensuring safety is not compromised. I expect higher-risk activities such as being near heavy machinery like a hay baler will remain off-limits. As children grow older, they’ll be able to undertake more complex tasks with supervision and training, such as driving a tractor. 

These changes will give confidence to farming families that their children can continue to be involved with the family business. 

“I have also heard that farmers and forestry operators want industry-led codes of practice that reflect real-world conditions. I have asked WorkSafe to develop two Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) in consultation with the agriculture sector.

While compliance with ACOPs is currently voluntary, as part of my health and safety reform, I am making a change to the ACOP model to reassure people that if they comply with an ACOP, they have done enough to meet their health and safety duties. 

WorkSafe will be developing an ACOP on roles and responsibilities in agriculture to help farmers navigate work activities. In particular, it will provide clearer guidance on overlapping duties and PCBU responsibilities in agriculture. 

“Farmers and other businesses coming on to the farm need to know what health and safety duties they are each responsible for and how they can best work together to manage the risks. For example, if a fencing contractor is working on a farm, both the contractor and the farmer will need to manage risks relating to their work, like moving vehicles or the use of agricultural sprays.

Another ACOP that will be developed will focus on the safe use of farm vehicles and machinery, ensuring guidance reflects how modern farms operate. It will cover the safe use of quad bikes, tractors, light utility vehicles such as side-by-sides, and two-wheel motorbikes, as well as farm machinery.

“Too many people are killed or seriously injured in quad-bike related incidents. However, I understand there are varying practices and views on what protections will best enhance safety and reduce harm. 

“It is important that the ACOP provides practical, workable advice on the safe use of quad bikes and light tractors in a variety of circumstances to help address the high rates of harm. 

“I expect WorkSafe to work closely with the agriculture sector when developing these ACOPs to ensure that any rules are sensible and workable. It is important that farmers who know their work best are able to help shape the rules that will help keep them safe,” says Ms van Velden 

“These changes will save time and costs for businesses and workers as we cut red-tape to make it easier to do business. When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will visit New Zealand this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced.

“Solomon Islands is an important partner for New Zealand, with which we share a historic connection,” Mr Luxon says. 

“I am looking forward to furthering our bilateral relationship when I meet Prime Minister Manele. It will also be good to hear about Solomon Islands’ plans for hosting the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September.”

More than 1,000 Solomon Islanders make New Zealand home, with 1,100 participating in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in the last year. 

New Zealand has a long-standing development cooperation partnership with Solomon Islands, which includes support for education, economic development, climate resilience, and peacebuilding.

While in New Zealand, Prime Minister Manele will attend various business and community events. He will also meet Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. Prime Minister Manele last visited New Zealand in his former capacity as Solomon Islands Foreign Minister in 2022.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is focused on growing the economy to create jobs, lift incomes and help Kiwis with the cost-of-living, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Finance Nicola Willis say.

“We know things are still tough for a lot of families and that’s why we are focused on growing the economy to help Kiwis get ahead,” Mr Luxon says.

“The economy is expected to grow on average 2.7 per cent per year creating 240,000 jobs over the next four years, but in the short term we are pulling every lever we can to help Kiwi families with the cost of living.

“Today we have announced that we are scrapping surcharges at the till. New Zealanders are paying up to $150 million in surcharges every year. That’s money that could be saved or spent elsewhere,” Mr Luxon says. 

“This week marks one year of tax relief meaning the average household is $1,560 better off,” Nicola Willis says.

“We have also introduced FamilyBoost, which with the latest expansion gives families up to 40 per cent off their childcare costs. We have removed the Auckland fuel tax, introduced 12-month prescriptions, increased the rates rebate for 66,000 seniors and increased Working for Families payments.

“Most importantly we have stopped wasteful government spending and got inflation under control. Inflation has dropped from a peak of 7.3 per cent under the previous government to 2.7 per cent under ours.

“This has meant lower interest rates, so a family re-fixing a $500,000 mortgage today will save around $320 per fortnight compared to September 2023. We have also driven rent inflation down.

“Long term, we know the most important thing we can do is to increase wages, and the way to do that is by growing the economy.

“That is why this Government is focusing on five key areas: developing talent, ensuring business settings are competitive, promoting global trade and investment, supporting innovation, technology and science; and providing a pipeline of infrastructure for growth.

“Ultimately, the way to grow people’s incomes is to grow the economy. That is why this Government is working so hard to do just that,” Nicola Willis says. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Members of a Judicial Conduct Panel have been appointed to inquire into and report on the alleged conduct of acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken, Acting Attorney-General Paul Goldsmith says.

“The Judicial Conduct Commissioner recommended a Panel be set up to inquire into Judge Aitken’s alleged conduct at the Northern Club on 22 November 2024. I accepted that recommendation.

“Following consultation with the Chief Justice, I have now appointed Panel members: the Honourable Brendan Brown KC, the Honourable Justice Jillian Mallon and the Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, KStJ.

“I have also appointed Tim Stephens KC as special counsel in the Panel’s inquiry.

“Following its inquiry, the Panel will provide me with a report, including its opinion as to whether consideration of Judge Aitken’s removal is justified.

“I won’t be making any further comment until then.”

Notes to editors

The Honourable Brendan Brown KC is a retired Judge of the Court of Appeal (2016–24) and High Court (2013–24). Earlier this year, he was appointed a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. Prior to judicial appointment, he was counsel assisting the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification, and appeared for the Crown in the Wai 262 claims regarding indigenous flora and fauna.
The Honourable Justice Jillian Mallon is a sitting Judge of the Court of Appeal (since 2023) and High Court (since 2006). She was Wellington High Court List Judge (2017–23), a member of that Court’s commercial panel, and managed that Court’s work under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.
The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, KStJ is a former Governor-General (2011–16), High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2017–20) and Chief of Defence Force (2006–11). He recently completed a United Nations appointment as the Bougainville External Moderator (2024–25) and chaired the Government Inquiry into the Response to the North Island Severe Weather Events (2023–24). He is currently a member of the Council of Massey University.
Tim Stephens KC is a barrister at Stout Street Chambers, Wellington. He has 30 years’ experience in commercial, regulatory, public law and Treaty of Waitangi matters. He is a former convenor of the New Zealand Law Society’s Law Reform Committee and current member of its Public Law Committee.

Source: BNZ Statements

The government’s announcement today that it will ban payment surcharges could save New Zealand consumers up to $150 million annually – and BNZ’s Payap app, launching to consumers next month, offers businesses a way to thrive under the changes by cutting their payment acceptance costs.

The ban, expected to be in place by May next year, will prohibit businesses from adding surcharges to instore card payments. This improves pricing transparency for consumers, but it means businesses will need to absorb payment processing costs that currently average 1% of transaction values, according to the Commerce Commission.

Payap provides a lower-cost alternative with transaction fees of just 0.39% or 0.59% and no monthly fixed fees. It is compatible with all major New Zealand banks and uses open banking technology to provide secure, direct account-to-account transfers.

“The surcharge ban gives New Zealanders transparent pricing for card payments, and Payap takes that further by offering them a free, convenient way to pay without needing to carry cards at all,” says BNZ Executive Customer Products and Services Karna Luke.

“But we’re going further – we’re helping businesses reduce their payment acceptance costs. When surcharges disappear, businesses using Payap will have a cost advantage.”

Payap works through QR codes dynamically generated on EFTPOS terminals, with customers scanning the codes through the app to make payments directly from their bank accounts. The technology works with leading terminal providers across New Zealand, requiring no new hardware for most merchants while offering bank-grade security.

“Smart businesses are already preparing for a surcharge-free future,” says Luke.

“Payap gives them a competitive advantage through lower costs and better customer experience.”

The consumer app launch follows a soft launch period focused on business onboarding, with thousands of businesses set to accept Payap payments when consumers gain access next month. Additional features including gift card support, loyalty programmes, and peer-to-peer payments will be rolled out progressively throughout 2026.

For more information, visit payap.com.

 

Notes

Payap has an in-store payment processing fee of 0.39% when a merchant processes less than $300,000 per annum in net sales through Payap or settles to a BNZ bank account. If a merchant processes $300,000 or more per annum in net sales through Payap and settles to a non-BNZ bank account, an in-store payment processing fee of 0.59% of the value of net sales will apply. Fees are subject to change.

To use Payap, merchants need to have a compatible terminal model and agree to Centrapay’s terms and conditions. 

Payap requires a New Zealand bank account that can be linked with Payap through open banking or through a Visa or Mastercard debit card. Mastercard is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Visa is a trademark owned by Visa International Service Association and used under license. 

The post Payap offers businesses a way forward as government moves to ban payment surcharges appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

Source: NZCTU

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff has said that today’s release of labour market data shows the continued economic pain that is being felt by workers.

“This new data shows that unemployment is rising, wages are not keeping up with rising costs, and young people are bearing the brunt of the Government’s failure to protect jobs and grow the economy,” said Wagstaff.

“According to Stats NZ, the number of filled jobs was down 27,850 from this time last year and is down by more than 30,000 over two years. There are 10% fewer 15–19-year-olds in work than this time last year. The Government doesn’t have a plan to tackle unemployment.

“Total wages grew 1.2% last year. Inflation is currently 2.7%. We have had two years in a row where the minimum wage was cut in real terms, and the Government has cut the living wage from government contracts. Working people’s pay isn’t keeping up with the cost of living, and there is no relief in sight.

“When we look at the data, there are 12,169 fewer people working in construction than this time last year, nearly 6,000 fewer in manufacturing and 5,000 fewer in professional, scientific, and technical services. It’s no wonder employment confidence is at near record lows.

“The government’s plan for the economy isn’t working and is only compounding the cost-of-living crisis for working people. They are delivering tax cuts for businesses and the wealthy, and spending cuts for everyone else.

“The longer that we leave unemployment to grow, the harder it will be to tackle.  It’s time we had policies like fair pay agreements to help deliver the strong working conditions needed right now, and social insurance to support workers in transition. It’s time we had a government that cared for working people and their families,” said Wagstaff.

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  28 July 2025

Te Anau Bird Sanctuary currently maintains an intensive 7-day operation, with a variety of taonga species cared for at the site, including the iconic takahē. However, DOC needs to redirect resources to higher priority conservation work, such as upgrading critical biosecurity infrastructure on predator-free islands.

John Lucas, Operations Manager for Te Anau, says a transitional model is in development to ensure the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary remains operational while options for the future are investigated.

“This decision has not been made lightly, but DOC needs to prioritise resources where we can be most effective,” says John. “Reduced hours and fewer birds will help us care for the site and its taonga species in a sustainable way, and ensure Te Anau Bird Sanctuary remains open to the public.”

The sanctuary will continue to care for takahē, with tours available on weekdays. Other birds, including four pāteke/brown teal, two kōwhiowhio/blue duck, and four Antipodes Island kakariki, will be moving to new homes in the coming months.

John says the team are committed to keeping the public informed as we move through this transition.

“We share the passion the Te Anau community has for the bird sanctuary, and know it holds a special place in the hearts of many. This is the best way to meet the needs of the region, while keeping the Sanctuary up and running.”

Visitors are encouraged to continue visiting the resident takahē on the shores of Lake Te Anau, and bring their children to enjoy the activities the sanctuary has to offer.

Contact

Source: New Zealand Government

 Surcharges will be axed to put money back in Kiwis’ pockets, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson.

 “Surcharges are a hassle and an unwelcome surprise when shoppers get to the till. That pesky note or sticker on the payment machine will become a thing of the past.

 “We’re banning surcharges so consumers can shop with confidence knowing how much they will pay for their purchases.  

 “New Zealanders are paying up to $150 million in surcharges every year, including excessive surcharges of up to $65 million. That’s money that could be saved or spent elsewhere.

 “By May 2026 at the latest, we will ban surcharges for in-store payments. Shoppers will no longer be penalised for their choice of payment method, whether that’s tapping, swiping or using their phone’s digital wallet.”

 The ban follows the Commerce Commission decision to reduce interchange fees paid by businesses to accept Visa and Mastercard payments, a move to save businesses around $90 million a year.

 “Surcharges cover the fees businesses pay for accepting contactless payments and credit cards, but we know these are often excessive.

 “In some cases, the retailer doesn’t even make it clear what the percentage is.

 “A ban on surcharges means no more surprises for people who currently feel like they’re being charged to use their own hard-earned money. It means they can make a purchase knowing exactly what they’ll pay, and how they’ll pay it.”

 

Source: NZCTU

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi President Richard Wagstaff has said the union movement is appalled by the Government’s proposed electoral law changes, which include the removal of same-day enrolments.

“As the largest democratic organisation in Aotearoa New Zealand, the NZCTU is unequivocally opposed to electoral law changes that are designed to prevent people from participating in the democratic process,” said Wagstaff.

“The Prime Minister is ignoring his own Attorney-General who advised the changes are in breach of the Bill of Rights Act and may disenfranchise up to 100,000 people. She noted that young people, Māori, Asian and Pasifika communities, are likely to be worst affected.

“Luxon and his government are engaging in outright voter suppression as they probably think it will benefit their electoral prospects to prevent large sections of the public from voting in the first place, especially as the groups most affected are disproportionately negatively impacted by the Government’s policies.

“The system should be designed to make it as easy as possible for people to vote. Setting up barriers to political participation is a fundamental breach of human rights and has no place in our democracy,” said Wagstaff.