MIL-OSI – Page 98

July 18, 2025

Slaty hut gets an old school makeover

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

By Jose Watson

The refurbishment of Slaty Creek Hut in the Grey Valley has been a labour of love for rangers, and a great way to pass on age old woodworking skills.

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Photo: Brian Dobbie

The hut was built in the 1950’s by deer cullers, as a winter project. The timber used in the build was all hewn by hand from beech trees from the surrounding forest, giving the hut a charming look and a very distinctive character.

Slab huts are a surviving form of the slab houses which European settlers built in 19^th century New Zealand to accommodate themselves in a practical and cost-effective way, using a material found readily in many areas – trees.

Before the introduction of water and steam powered sawmills, trees were dissembled by splitting, sawing or hewing, and it is these techniques that were carried on into the 20^th century in building slab huts for deer cullers, musterers and gold fossickers in rural areas of New Zealand.

Because of the impermanence of wood due to rot, and that slab houses were only seen by settlers as temporary housing until something more permanent could be built when resources allowed, very few slab houses or buildings remain, making slab huts like Slaty Creek Hut a real link to the past. There are 12 slab huts on public conservation land in the South Island.

Because of its historic nature, and the difficulty of maintaining the hut when standard boards fundamentally change the look of the hut, it was decided that some training of rangers, to upskill people in the woodworking techniques used to make the boards, was needed.

Senior Heritage Advisor Mike Gillies, spent a couple of days with rangers going through the process of breaking down beech logs and creating boards and timbers that would be used in fixing up the hut. Here, Mike is explaining some hints and tricks to fashion the timbers to Rangers Casey Rhodes (holding a timber to repair a bunk bed), Miguel Dijkstra and Callum Nolan-Smith.

Photo: DOC

First, metal wedges are driven into a log to drive a split into it.

Photo: DOC

A crowbar is then used to break the log in two, then the process is repeated until suitable sized wedges are formed. These are then hewn with an adze into “slabs”, essentially weatherboards.

Photo: DOC

Mike Gillies says working in this way “is the best feeling in the world, compared to a modern building site where there are lots of power tools and you are working with treated timber. It’s very quiet, all you can hear are the axes and adzes hewing. It’s a real privilege to be able to continue this tradition and this craft that’s been passed down for a really long time.”

Photo: DOC

Once the boards were repaired, it was time to head to Slaty Creek Hut and start the refurbishment. You can see new boards here where replacements were required because of rot. Where possible, boards which were replaced were reused to repair smaller areas, thus keeping as many historic materials as possible.

Photo: Matt Ainge | DOC

Inside the hut, repairs were also required. The rangers carefully removed the floorboards which were sagging in places, laid new subfloor timbers, and re-laid the historic boards. The fire hearth was replaced and chimney repaired to ensure the fire can be used safely. Casey says that as they are working, they are making decisions all the time about what can be saved and reused in order to keep true to the character of the hut. The rangers report the fire heats the hut really well, which was essential for the wet couple of weeks they spent working there.

Photo: Matt Ainge | DOC

The area around the hut was prone to flooding, so the Rangers installed a drainage channel, which will ensure the foundations of the hut stay dry and protected from rot. It was muddy work. Here is Ranger Casey Rhodes partway through the job.

Photo: Matt Ainge | DOC

The refurbishment was finished and it was time to head out of the bush back to town. Rangers Casey Rhodes and Matt Ainge are pleased to see this work done for future adventurers, who will appreciate the charm and history of this rustic little slab hut.

Slaty Creek Hut is a four bunk backcountry hut and there is no formed track leading to it. Anyone wanting to visit should be experienced and well equipped, with suitable route finding and navigational skills.

The hut is on the Amuri Pass tramping route, an advanced multi-day trip which follows a historic route between the West Coast and Canterbury which was once used to move stock.

Photo: DOC

For more info: Slaty Creek Hut: Ahaura River & Lake Brunner catchments area, West Coast region

July 18, 2025

New Advanced Tech Institute backs science sector

Source: New Zealand Government

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced the establishment of a new institute to grow New Zealand’s advanced technology sector and boost high-value exports.

Minister Reti says the new public research organisation, to be named the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT), will play a leading role in turning world-class science into commercial success.

“The Institute will focus on breakthrough technologies like AI, quantum computing, and synthetic biology – fields with the potential to transform industries, grow exports, and lift New Zealand’s global competitiveness,” Dr Reti says.

“It will be a cornerstone of our plan to grow a high-tech, high-value economy.”

The Government has committed an initial $231 million over four years to:

Invest in science and technology that supports industries with the potential to shape New Zealand’s future
Develop skills and grow expertise in new and promising technologies
Help boost New Zealand’s economy by innovating and commercialising new technologies into real-world businesses and products.

The Institute is intended to have a central base in Auckland, as an existing centre of innovation, and will invest in a broad network of smaller centres to conduct research in collaboration with universities, industry, and existing research institutions.

The first major investment, announced in May, is based at Wellington’s Robinson Research Institute, specialising in Future Magnetic and Materials Technologies.

Additional investments will be confirmed following advice from the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, which will meet for the first time today.

“New Zealand has made significant investments in areas of existing strength, like agri-tech, resulting in our global reputation for cutting-edge agricultural science,” says Dr Reti.

“This new Institute, supported by strategic advice from the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council, will build on existing strengths and capabilities, and break into new technologies to grow our global reputation as a centre of innovation.

“This is about delivering long-term value for New Zealanders – transforming research into growth, jobs, and global impact,” Dr Reti says.

July 18, 2025

Canada to honour dairy access under CPTPP dispute agreement

Source: New Zealand Government

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has announced agreement between Canada and New Zealand resolving a long running dairy dispute under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) saying that it will deliver up to $157m per year in export value for New Zealand dairy exporters.

“Canada had failed to meet its obligation to New Zealand in respect of dairy access, today’s agreement means they will now do so,” Mr McClay says.

New Zealand initiated formal dispute settlement proceedings in respect of restrictive access to the Canadian market for dairy exports under the CPTPP in 2022. A dispute panel found in New Zealand’s favour however Canada failed to fully comply with the panel’s ruling. New Zealand threatened further action last year including the imposition of retaliatory tariffs against Canadian exporters.

“We notified Canada of retaliatory action last year unless they met their obligations to us, Mr McClay said.

“The Government is pleased that this dispute has now been settled, and New Zealand exporters are guaranteed better access to the Canadian market,” Mr McClay says

Under the agreement, Canada has committed to making commercially meaningful changes to the way it administers its dairy quotas under CPTPP, including faster and more efficient access to quotas for New Zealand exporters, reallocation of underused quotas, and penalties for importers who misuse quotas.

“The CPTPP is a world leading agreement that unlocks significant opportunities for all parties, but its obligations must be upheld. Today’s agreement reinforces support for the rules-based trading system,” Mr McClay says.

“Canada is a close and long-standing friend and trading partner of New Zealand, and I want to thank them for their constructive engagement in reaching this resolution.”

For more information, go to https://www.mfat.govt.nz/CPTPPCanadaTRQ.

July 17, 2025

EIT launches environmental programme grounded in kaitiakitanga

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

12 seconds ago

A new programme at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) is equipping students with practical environmental skills while embedding the principles of kaitiakitanga (Māori environmental guardianship).

The NZ Certificate in Primary Industry Skills (Level 2) and Primary Industry Operational Skills (Level 3) are delivered as a 32-week conjoint programme, combining predator control, native planting, fencing, and machinery training with a kaupapa Māori approach.

Site coordinator Tania Basher said the course was designed to fill a gap in environmental education at these levels while offering a pathway into further study or work across the primary industries.

Programme tutor Tane Cruikshank said the programme aims to connect people with nature in a kaupapa Māori way, fostering a deeper relationship with the environment.

“Kaitiakitanga is woven through everything we do,” Tane said. “It’s not just a concept we talk about; it’s something the students practice every day through their work in the gully and their growing connection to the whenua.”

Students began with Level 2 in March and will move into Level 3 from late July.

Tane said the programme is about more than environmental work, as students gain skills that can be applied across a variety of industries, opening doors to future career opportunities.

Throughout the programme, students carry out practical environmental work, including pest control, restoration planting, native tree propagation, and track maintenance. Most of the learning takes place in a large gully behind EIT below Otatara Pa that EIT students have been returning to native bush.

They build trap boxes, install DOC 200 traps, monitor wildlife using cameras, and have adopted a zone within the gully to manage and restore.

Tania said students have taken guardianship of the gully space and have achieved some great trapping results.

Level 3 introduces advanced tools and machinery, including scrub bars, chainsaws, light utility vehicles, and tractors. Students also develop skills in fencing and conservation infrastructure, such as building predator-proof enclosures.

Tane said the skills they gain can be used in conservation, horticulture, agriculture, or farming.

Alongside practical training, learners gain industry experience through partnerships with local organisation Te Wai Mauri, who run a native plant nursery and kaitiaki ranger team. This connection to local initiatives reinforces the kaupapa Māori foundation of the programme and provides students with valuable real-world experience.

Applications are open now for the July intake. Graduates can go on to entry-level roles in the primary industries or progress to further qualifications such as the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management.

“It’s about experiencing a connection with the whenua as a foundation for their learning,” Tania said.

July 17, 2025

Pasifika secondary students explore leadership and future pathways at EIT

Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

6 hours ago

Pasifika secondary students from across Hawke’s Bay came together at EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale for a new leadership event focused on identity, connection and pathways to tertiary education.

The HB Pasifika Secondary School Leadership Mini Conference brought together more than 100 students from 26 schools for a day of interactive workshops, cultural affirmation and future-focused kōrero.

Hosted by EIT’s Cultural and Learner Support, Liaison and MPTT teams in collaboration with the Pasifika Teachers Committee, the event aimed to inspire young Pasifika leaders and strengthen ties between schools and tertiary education.

Special guest speaker Danny Toala, a professional rugby player and old boy of Hastings Boys’ High School, shared his personal journey and reflections with students. Toala has played for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies and Moana Pasifika and now plays for French Pro D2 club Oyonnax.

Sharon Malaitai, EIT Pasifika Student Support Advisor, said the day was about giving students a sense of what learning in a tertiary environment feels like. It also helped them see themselves in that space.

“It’s been really engaging. The day was about helping our Pasifika learners see themselves in tertiary education, having the same confidence as their ancestors to navigate through any challenges.”

“Also allowing the students the experience of learning in a tertiary space, and that feeling of belonging and being here at EIT,” she said.

Workshops throughout the day focused on identity and leadership, understanding how the brain works, learning about student support services and exploring available courses.

“One workshop looked at understanding your identity, recognising the strengths and challenges that come with that and how they can help you through your educational journey,” said Sharon.

“Another was about understanding the brain, and how to overcome some of the challenges students might be dealing with. Others focused on practical support like scholarships and financial help, and understanding what courses are available.”

Sharon said the strength of the day lay in the connections. These included those among the students and those between the community and the institution.

“This all started with a community connection. It’s something the Pasifika Teachers Hawke’s Bay Committee was navigating and then reached out to me for support. It shows the strength and importance of relationships and just having the students here is powerful. It’s a way of re-acknowledging what our community values are.”

Pasifika Teachers Hawke’s Bay Committee board member Blossom Sale said the event was part of a wider effort to provide termly leadership and connection opportunities for Pasifika students across the region.

“The whole purpose is to connect young Pasifika leaders, not only within their schools but with other schools as well,” she said. “It’s about building relationships, giving them tools and resources, and promoting education within our Pasifika communities.”

She credited Sharon and the team at EIT for creating an experience that was not only informative but uplifting.

“It’s been awesome seeing the students engage and also hearing that there is real support here at EIT.”

Blossom said many Pasifika students face a difficult transition from high school to study or work.

“We’re just trying to stand in that gap. This is about helping them see their options, whether that’s study, trades or work. And journeying with them through that process.”

July 17, 2025

Industry Skills Boards

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

This page explains the establishment of new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), how to apply to become a board member, and the role of Establishment Advisory Groups in preparing for the ISBs’ launch in January 2026.
This page explains the establishment of new Industry Skills Boards (ISBs), how to apply to become a board member, and the role of Establishment Advisory Groups in preparing for the ISBs’ launch in January 2026.

On this page:

Overview of the ISBs’ coverage
In April and May 2025, the Government consulted on a proposed model for the number and coverage groupings of ISBs. The consultation included a proposal to move the coverage for some sectors (creative industries and IT) to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Thank you to the groups and individuals that made submissions on the proposals. Your views helped inform final decisions by the Government on the number and coverage of ISBs.
We received 521 submissions on the proposals. Following this consultation, the Government has agreed (subject to the passing of legislation) to establish eight ISBs.
The agreed ISBs will have the following broad coverage areas:

Automotive, transport and logistics
Construction and specialist trades
Food and fibre (including aquaculture)
Health and community
Infrastructure
Manufacturing and engineering
Services
Electrotechnology and information technology.

Industry Skills Board
Example sectors within industry coverage

Automotive, transport and logistics

Automotive mechanics, commercial road transport, logistics, maritime

Construction and specialist trades

Carpentry, flooring, plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying, roofing, scaffolding

Food and fibre (including aquaculture)

Agriculture, forestry, horticulture, aquaculture

Health and community

Aged care, community health and support, funeral services

Infrastructure

Electrical supply, road construction, telecommunications, water infrastructure, composites, energy, mining, quarrying

Manufacturing and engineering

Food and beverage manufacturing, mechanical engineering, textiles, rail operations, wood manufacturing

Services

Business services, creative arts, hairdressing and barbering, hospitality, recreation, retail, tourism

Electrotechnology and information technology

Electrotechnology, electronics, communications technology, computing

All industries will be covered by ISBs. NZQA will not initially take over any industry coverage.
In the next few months, Establishment Advisory Groups will consult with industry regarding the detailed coverage areas of each ISB. This will then be set out in the Order in Council that will formally establish each ISB.
Overview of the Establishment Advisory Groups
Prior to being established, each ISB will have a dedicated Establishment Advisory Group (EAG) that will be responsible for ensuring the ISB can successfully stand up, as an organisation, on day one.
There will be various decisions that the governing body of each new ISB will need to make on the day the organisation is established. Their ability to make the required decisions promptly will be essential to the success of their organisation and their ongoing accountability and performance.
Until the legislation is passed, there are limits on how much work can be done in advance.
The TEC has confirmed the appointment of members to the EAGs. These members were nominated by industry, ensuring that the system is responsive to industry needs.
The EAG members will attend an induction in late July. Following induction, each EAG will meet monthly to make key decisions to be ratified by its Industry Skills Board once it has been appointed, including:

appointing a chief executive-designate
preparing day one documentation including delegations
agreeing banking arrangements
developing key policies
determining an organisational structure and industry engagement model for making operational arrangements for day one, eg, shared services, lease of premises, systems etc.
agreeing processes with relevant organisations on the transfer of assets and staff
assisting the TEC with the consultation on key content for Orders in Council.

TEC will provide support to every EAG, including advice and administrative support.
Detailed coverage consultation
One area that EAGs will focus on in the next few months is working with industry to determine the detailed coverage areas of each ISB. The details of this consultation are not yet finalised but EAGs will communicate directly with industry on these matters.
This information will then be set out in the Order in Council (OIC) that will formally establish each ISB. The OICs will need to be approved by Cabinet after the legislation has been passed.
Apply to be a member of the first ISBs
We have confirmed the members of the EAGs who will work towards setting up Industry Skills Boards on 1 January 2026.
The TEC is now inviting industries to nominate representatives for appointment to the first ISBs. These boards will be in place from 1 January 2026.
Candidates will need strong governance and change management skills, an industry background, and an understanding of education and training.
On each ISB, industry-nominated members will work alongside two members appointed by the Minister.
What do nominees need?
Candidates are expected to have significant governance experience combined with strategic leadership experience. Collectively, the members of each ISB will need:

experience of strategic planning, including financial planning and sustainability
financial management experience, including capital asset management
a well-tuned understanding of risk
experience in maintaining high standards while managing large-scale change
experience of effectively monitoring organisational performance in a governance or senior management role
experience in industry leadership, and extensive knowledge of, and connections within, industry
an understanding of education and training.

Who can nominate a candidate?
Industry bodies can nominate candidates. This ensures candidates have the backing of industry. Industry bodies must obtain the permission of the candidate to be nominated.
How to nominate a candidate
To nominate a candidate, please complete the Industry Skills Board Member Nomination Form.
Nominations must be received before 29 August 2025.

July 17, 2025

Reinforcing commitment to disability community

Source: New Zealand Government

Information about steps the Government will take to improve the rights of disabled people in line with international obligations is now publicly available, Disability Minister Louise Upston has announced.

Reinforcing New Zealand’s strong commitment to human rights, Cabinet late last year agreed the Government’s approach to address the 63 concluding observations (recommendations) made by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Information about the recommendations, the actions that Government agencies have committed to, and how progress will be tracked, is now public on the Human Rights Monitor.

“Ensuring we make clear and demonstrable progress is important, for both the disability community and our Government,” Louise Upston says.

“Having this information publicly available shows our commitment to disability rights and being transparent about the work we are doing to deliver results.

“Multiple agencies are leading work on 30 of the recommendations we have committed to, while a further 17 are being considered as part of the work being done by the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha on the refreshed New Zealand Disability Strategy.”

An additional 16 recommendations were considered and noted, with the Government retaining flexibility to reconsider the response to these recommendations at any time.

“We are making good progress, but we know there is still plenty of work to do.

“As part of this, I recently re-established a Ministerial Disability Leadership Group to drive action for disabled people across government and to oversee the work to implement the UNCRPD recommendations.

“This is one of the ways we are delivering real results for the disabled community, alongside work such as the refreshed disability and sign language strategies.”

July 17, 2025

Parents to know more about child’s school progress

Source: New Zealand Government

Parents will know more about how their children are doing at school with the confirmation of a new assessment tool in Years 3-10 classrooms from 2026, the latest part of the Government’s plan to teach the basics brilliantly.

Janison Solution Pty Ltd will deliver the Student, Monitoring, Assessment and Report Tool (SMART) which will enable twice-yearly assessment of reading, writing and maths in schools nationwide.

“Last year the Auditor General found there was no consistent and comprehensive summary of student achievement and progress in New Zealand, and what information the Ministry of Education had was more detailed for some students than for others. This new tool changes that,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“The check-ins will be low stakes measures of student progress and provide teachers with information on next steps in learning. They’ll give parents confidence as to how their children are progressing so they can support learning at home. It will also provide crucial information to the Government to know where to invest more resource to help accelerate learning.”

SMART will be modern, flexible and curriculum aligned. It will also be bilingual to cover pānui, tuhituhi and pāngarau in kura. Years 9 and 10 have been included so parents and teachers know how ready students are for NCEA.

“This builds on our new suite of classroom tools that help parents and teachers understand more about student progress. The Phonics Checks undertaken at 20 weeks of schooling and repeated at 40 weeks identifies a child’s reading ability early and wrap around support if needed. A similar approach is being taken with maths, from 2026 every child will have their maths ability checked in Year 2.

“I am committed to helping parents clearly understand their child’s progress at school, because when parents are informed and involved, students are more likely to reach their full potential,” Ms Stanford says.

July 17, 2025

Government calls time on open-plan classrooms

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has put an end to building open-plan classrooms, ensuring all new classrooms are designed in a flexible way to ensure better student outcomes.

“Overwhelming feedback I’ve received from schools across New Zealand is open-plan classrooms aren’t meeting the needs of students. While open-plan designs were originally intended to foster collaboration, they have often created challenges for schools, particularly around noise and managing student behaviour,” Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“This Government is focused on raising achievement and closing the equity gap and an important part of our reform package is ensuring learning spaces are designed to improve student outcomes.

“In many cases, open-plan classrooms reduce flexibility, rather than enhance it. We have listened to the sector and new classrooms will no longer be open plan.”

The Government has not designed and built open plan classes since being in office other than classrooms that have been specifically requested.

All new classrooms will be built using standard designs that prioritise flexibility over open-plan layouts. For example, the use of glass sliding doors mean spaces can be open when classes collaborate but can also close for focused learning. This approach ensures schools have fit-for-purpose environments that support a range of teaching and learning styles.

“We are ensuring school property delivery is efficient and sustainable. We’ve lowered the average cost of a classroom by 28 per cent so we could deliver 30 per cent more classrooms last year compared to 2023. We’re continuing to drive down costs so more Kiwi kids can access them, faster. In 2025, new classrooms cost on average $620,000 compared to $1.2 million at the end of 2023.”

Wellington is the latest region to benefit from this, with a $25 million targeted investment into areas experiencing population growth.

The schools receiving new classrooms are:

Newlands Intermediate – 10 classrooms
Aotea College – 16 classrooms

“Aotea College is a prime example where existing open-plan classrooms did not support learning outcomes. The lack of functionality of the open design meant spaces could not be shared or multipurpose due to disruption and noise. This investment will deliver new, standard teaching spaces that better meet the needs of both students and staff.

“Delivering these classrooms through repeatable designs and offsite-manufactured buildings also ensures we are achieving maximum value for money. Planning is already underway for these projects, with construction expected to begin within the next 12 months,” Ms Stanford says.

July 17, 2025

Surge in NCEA numeracy & literacy results

Source: New Zealand Government

Thousands more high school students are passing the foundational literacy and numeracy assessments required for NCEA, clear evidence the Government’s relentless focus on the basics is delivering results, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

“The latest NCEA co-requisite assessment results show a marked improvement in student achievement in numeracy and reading, especially in Year 10 for those sitting the assessments for the first time. The Government’s $2.2 million investment in 2024 to provide targeted support to students in 141 lower decile schools has resulted in more students achieving assessments,” Ms Stanford says.

Numeracy:
- 57 per cent of students achieved the standard across all year levels – up from 45 per cent in May 2024.
- 68 per cent of Year 10 students passed the numeracy assessment, 95 per cent of whom were sitting it for the first time.
- 34 per cent of students in lower decile schools passed the numeracy assessment in May 2025 compared to 19.8 per cent in May 2024.
Reading:
- 61 per cent of students achieved the standard across all year levels – up from 58 per cent in May 2024.
- 72 per cent of Year 10 students passed the reading assessment, over 95 per cent of were first time participants.
- 41 per cent of students in lower decile schools passed the reading assessment in May 2025 compared to 34 per cent in May 2024.
Writing:
- 55 per cent of students achieved the standard across all year levels – holding steady from May last year.
- 66 per cent of Year 10 students passed the writing assessment, 95 per cent of whom were sitting it for the first time.
- 35 per cent of students in lower decile schools passed the reading assessment in compared to 34 per cent in May 2024.

More than half of this year’s Year 12 students who did not meet the co-requisite while in Year 11 last year have now achieved it — and around a third of these students will now be awarded NCEA Level 1. This takes the pass rate for NCEA level 1 in 2024 from 71.5 per cent to 79.6 per cent.

“These early improvements are the result of a comprehensive reform package focused on lifting academic achievement. We have introduced a new year-by-year, knowledge-rich and internationally benchmarked English and maths curriculum, restored a focus on structured literacy and structured maths, and provided schools with hundreds of thousands of high-quality resources — including over 830,000 maths textbooks, workbooks and teacher guides.

“We’re investing significantly in teacher professional development, mandated an hour a day of reading, writing and maths and banned the use of cell phones in schools to ensure every student gets the focused instruction they deserve.

“While these results are positive, there are still too many students who don’t have the fundamental literacy and numeracy skills they need to thrive. That’s why this Government is unapologetically reforming the education system to prioritise improving student outcomes. As our back-to-basics approach beds in, more children will be better equipped when taking these assessments in the future,” Ms Stanford says.

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