NZ Engine

Source: Radio New Zealand

Health authorities have confirmed one new measles case, linked to Wellington College, bringing the national total in the current outbreak to 19.

Health New Zealand said 18 of those cases were no longer infectious, while the newest case – a student connected to an earlier infection – had since travelled overseas to Asia, where they remain.

National clinical director of protection Dr Susan Jack said the person had followed public health instructions before leaving the country.

“The case had completed 14 days of quarantine and monitored themselves for symptoms for another seven days – a total of 21 days,” she said. “They developed illness within the expected timeframe for measles.”

Bus trips, airport terminals locations of interest

The latest case was infectious while catching Wellington school buses, and travelling through Wellington and Auckland airports.

Health New Zealand has listed the following locations of interest:

• Monday, 3 November – Metlink school bus No.736, Karori Mall to Wellington College (7.30-8.30am)
• Monday, 3 November – Metlink bus No. 2, Wellington College to Karori (11.30am-12.40pm)
• Tuesday, 4 November – Wellington Airport (11am-2pm)
• Tuesday, 4 November – Auckland Airport domestic terminal (2-3pm)
• Tuesday, 4 November – Auckland Airport international terminal (2-9.30pm)

The National Public Health Service is conducting contact tracing of household contacts, school bus passengers, students who attended an exam at Wellington College and passengers from the person’s international flights.

Jack said locations were listed where officials could not identify every individual present.

“We encourage anyone who believes they were at one of these locations to follow the instructions for close or casual contacts, and to monitor for symptoms.”

Outbreak continues across regions

The newest case comes days after a Nelson case with no links to previous infections raised concerns about undetected community transmission.

As of Friday, regional case numbers were:

• Northland 1
• Auckland 6
• Taranaki 1
• Manawatū 2
• Wellington 7
• Nelson 2

For more than a week, Health New Zealand has warned that more infections were likely, with the virus generating hundreds of exposure events. Earlier this month, officials said 3348 contacts had been identified, with dozens still being monitored.

Measles remains one of the most contagious viruses in the world.

“Anyone unwell should stay home and call Healthline on 0800 611 116,” Jack said.

Vaccination demand surges

The outbreak has triggered a sharp rise in demand for the MMR vaccine.

More than 8000 doses were administered earlier this month, including nearly 3000 in a single day – the highest number since the 2019 outbreak.

Health leaders continue to stress that vaccination is the strongest defence.

“Someone who is immune can walk through a room of people with measles and be effectively bulletproof,” public health director Dr Nick Chamberlain said last week.

“Someone who isn’t immune has a 90 percent chance of catching measles, even from one infected person.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Aged Care Association is calling on the government to temporarily help fund Alzheimers Otago, which says its services are on the brink of collapse.

Association chief executive and former MP Tracey Martin said the government would be “foolish” to lose any dementia support services, even for a short period of time.

“Ultimately, that will fall back onto our hospital system, that will fall back onto other services like police and search and rescue… because at the moment those branches of Alzheimers New Zealand are keeping people as safe as they can and as well supported as they can, really on the smell of an oily rag,” Martin said.

Failing to properly fund Alzheimers care could be costly, she said.

“I will guarantee you, it is not very much money that Alzheimers Otago requires to keep delivering the supports that they’re currently delivering.”

Martin called on the government to continue funding groups like Alzheimers Otago, at least temporarily, while a ministerial advisory group looked at how to redesign the aged-care funding model.

“We need to start at the beginning, which is actually ‘how can we better support those individuals to stay at home for as long as possible?’.

“That’s about Alzheimers New Zealand and their branches all across New Zealand being resourced to be able to care for the care partners, who are looking after the individual with dementia.”

The current lack of support was distressing those care partners who could not provide sufficient care to their loved one on their own, she said.

“Downstream, as the disease itself progresses, there is a percentage of those New Zealanders who will become violent or who will become unsafe for themselves,”

Major reform was needed to address the growing demand for dementia care, Martin said.

With New Zealand’s population rapidly ageing, the number of people entering residential care was only going to increase, as was the number of people with early-onset dementia, she said.

“People have always assumed that dementia is just going to affect you when you get old. We’re seeing more and more happening under the age of 65, so more and more of these services will be needed in community for younger and younger people.

“The system’s just not set up for younger individuals – people in their 50s, who get dementia.”

Seniors Minister Casey Costello has been approached for comment.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

A search is underway off the coast of Whangārei for an overdue fishing boat with two people on board.

Police said a 17-foot, single-engine boat failed to return to Pataua South last night.

The Coastguard, police, search and rescue volunteers and the police Eagle helicopter found no sign of the boat last night and stood down at around 4am this morning.

The search has now resumed, and vessels in the Pataua Harbour and Ngunguru Bay area are being asked to report any sightings of the vessel, which has been described as a “runabout”.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The nationwide recall of coloured play sands has widened again, after testing found asbestos in multiple Kmart Magic Sand products, prompting warnings that parents, schools and early learning centres should “stop using them immediately”.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said four products sold by Kmart New Zealand – including three Magic Sand colour sets and a sandcastle-building kit – tested positive for tremolite, a form of asbestos associated with higher cancer risks at low exposure levels.

The findings expand an already significant recall that began last week, when rainbow sand products used widely in schools and childcare centres were found to be contaminated.

MBIE product safety spokesperson Ian Caplin said he understood how alarming the discovery would be for families.

“We appreciate that the presence of asbestos in products that are used by children will be concerning to parents and caregivers,” Caplin said. “Stop using them immediately, secure them safely, and contact your local council for advice on where and how to dispose of the contaminated material safely.”

The contaminated Kmart products include:

• 14-piece Sandcastle Building Set
• Blue Magic Sand
• Green Magic Sand
• Pink Magic Sand

The newly identified products are in addition to the previously recalled sands from Educational Colours and Creatistics:

• EC Rainbow Sand (1.3kg)
• Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg)

Thousands of children potentially exposed as schools continue to close

The Ministry of Education had been fielding a rapidly growing number of calls from schools and early childhood services, with more than 120 facilities now reporting they have used one of the recalled sand products.

At least seven centres have closed classrooms so licensed asbestos specialists can assess potential contamination, with more likely as checks continue.

Head of operations and integration Sean Teddy said schools had been told not to vacuum, sweep or attempt to clean up any coloured sand themselves.

“If the sand is loose or in use, leave the area immediately and block it off,” he said. “We know this will be unsettling for parents, and we’re encouraging them to contact Healthline if they have concerns.”

Some schools used the products indoors for sensory play, raising the risk of sand becoming airborne. Kapakapanui School in Waikanae relocated six classes to the hall and library while specialists carried out testing. Two Auckland Kindergartens remain closed.

WorkSafe earlier confirmed tremolite is part of the amphibole family of asbestos – a type known for its straight, needle-like fibres and stronger association with cancer and autoimmune illness.

More Kmart products could test positive

Caplin said Kmart had “acted with urgency” in issuing its recall, but warned that more products across the market may yet be implicated.

“Proactive testing of similar products is underway,” he said. “We cannot say for certain whether these are the only contaminated items.”

Similar sand products in Australia have also tested positive for asbestos, raising concerns about shared international supply chains.

What households should do

MBIE has issued instructions for consumers:

• Stop using the product immediately and keep children away.
• Place the sand in an airtight container, then double-bag it in thick plastic and label it “Asbestos-Contaminated Material.”
• Do not put it in household rubbish, and do not vacuum or sweep any loose sand.
• Contact your local council for safe disposal.
• Once the product is secured, contact the retailer for a refund under the Consumer Guarantees Act.

People who have already handled the sand do not need urgent medical attention, MBIE said, but should call Healthline or speak with a GP if concerned.

Workplaces and schools urged to treat contamination seriously

Workplaces using coloured sands – including after-school programmes, arts centres and classrooms – have been told to immediately stop all use, evacuate any area where the sand is loose, and contact a licensed asbestos assessor.

Staff who were handling the product should remove themselves to a well-ventilated, sand-free area, and clothing worn during exposure must be disposed of as asbestos waste, MBIE said.

Education facilities must also notify the Ministry of Education if the sand has been used on-site.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Paid firefighters are heading back to the bargaining table next week after calling off a strike scheduled for Friday at the last minute.

The one hour strike, which would have taken place at 12pm, was part of a series of planned strikes stemming from an extended stalemate between Fire and Emergency (FENZ) and the unions over pay and conditions.

Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) vice president Martin Campbell said the strike was called off because FENZ provided “pivotal” infomation at the last minute.

Campbell said the union was positive about next week’s bargaining, and hopeful of a settlement it could put out to its membership.

“The last thing fire fighters want to be doing is going on strilke – we’re not here to not do our jobs, we want to make sure we are protecting New Zealanders, but at the end of the day, if we’re forced into the position, we’ll have to do what we have to do.”

FENZ deputy national commander Megan Stiffler said the NZPFU had “made the right decision” to withdraw the strike action.

“Every time the NZPFU strikes, they compromise public safety,” she said.

Stiffler urged the union to withdraw its strike notices for later in the month so as not to further disrupt communities.

FENZ has given staff two weeks to provide feedback on a 266 page change proposal – the biggest restructure since its establishment in 2017 – which would see 140 jobs go.

FENZ said the positions slated to go were not frontline firefighters.

Last week, RNZ revealed FENZ’s plans to cut $50 million a year in the proposed restructure.

There had been “zero consultation” between FENZ and the union on the restructuring, despite repeated requests by the union to the chief executive, Campbell said.

“FENZ is actually required to consult with the union as to whether any change is needed, let alone what sort of change is required, so it’s very disappointing that restructuring document was put out and didn’t involve the unions.”

Many of the jobs on the block were union members who were involved in the bargaining process, he said.

“Monday morning this restructure will certainly be a point of conversation as to how we go forward.”

The union was concerned at the removal of the regional structure and many of those who work within it as proposed.

“While they’re not frontline, they’re very important roles like planning and intelligence, data analysis and business support – those are all critical things those workers do for frontline firefighters, that enable us to do our jobs better. If they’re not doing that sort of job, who is going to be doing it?

“Does that mean firefighters are going to be doing more administration work instead of out there training and responding to emergencies?”

Another key issue was the safety of equipment, including training facilities andstations, and the vehicle fleet.

“A lot of our fire trucks are getting very old, they’re very worn, they’re breaking down on a regular basis now.”

Last week, firefighter Steve Devine challenged Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour on a statement he made to Parliament that there had only been one truck breakdown in recent months.

Devine claimed at least one fire truck breaks down every day, and invited Seymour to meet him at any station in the country so he could show him first hand.

FENZ has about 1800 paid firefighters, 12,000 volunteers and 1200 corporate and support staff.

Paid firefighters previously walked off the job last month amid stalled negotiations.

It followed a FENZ pay offer in June of 5.1 percent over three years, which NZPFU rejected.

The union said members had not had a pay increase since July 2023.

On Friday, the Employment Relations Authority heard an application for faciliation made by FENZ, adjourning it until after next week’s bargaining took place.

Strikes are still planned for 21 and 28 November.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The wife of a man accused of slavery has denied her husband took money from two young people and threatened them with being deported if they didn’t “follow the rules”.

Senia Tuai denied withholding one man’s passport or that she sent messages to him and his pregnant partner after they ran away, “effectively cursing the birth of the baby”.

Her husband Moeaia Tuai’s trial at the High Court in Auckland has heard one man recount how Tuai grabbed him by the neck and slammed him to the ground.

Senia Tuai said the man had been drunk and slid off a chair and was face-down on the ground.

Chris Howard, prosecuting, said Tuai put his weight on the man and his wife sat on him, alleging he could hardly breathe as a result. She denied that, but acknowledged he was taken to hospital afterwards.

Howard said Moeaia Tuai would threaten the male complainant with deportation or losing citizenship if he didn’t follow the rules – something his wife denied – and added she did not know why there was no money in the young man’s account when he regained access to it.

Court suppression orders prohibit the complainants being identified, as well as other aspects of the case.

Tuai, aged 63, has pleaded not guilty to two charges of dealing in slaves.

He also denies two rapes, assaults, eight charges of indecent assault, and six of sexual violation by unlawful connection.

Howard said the second complainant, a young woman, had worked seven days a week from May to July 2021. Senia Tuai, who faces no charges and was appearing as a defence witness, said the complainant wanted to work, and got to spend her own wages.

“She had a say in buying food, and whatever she wanted, it wasn’t as if we were in control of her money and she had no say,” she said.

She denied she beat her over a relationship with a man.

The jury has heard allegations the young woman was coerced into taking out a bank loan, and Howard said she too had been threatened with being deported.

“Did Moeaia ever threaten to have her citizenship cancelled and to have her deported?” Howard asked his wife.

“When [the woman] ran away or the day after, did you discuss having her citizenship cancelled and having her deported?”

She rejected the allegations, saying that a call to authorities the day after the woman ran away last year was not an attempt to have her deported.

“We wanted to have more information on conditions about the citizenship,” she said. “So it wasn’t to … we didn’t talk about deporting her, but it was just, we just wanted to know more about the conditions of being a citizen.”

When asked what conditions they might be, she said she did not know, but thought the woman could bring their name into disrepute.

The trial continues.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police can no longer be relied on to self-monitor and reform is needed, an organisation working to end sexual violence says.

The call follows this week’s damning report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority which found serious misconduct at the highest levels of police over how they handled accusations of sexual offending by the former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.

The allegations arose after an affair between McSkimming and a non-sworn police employee who was 20 years his junior.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said the woman was “ignored and badly let down”.

Russell Smith of Te Ohaakii a Hine, a national network of about 40 organisations, told Saturday Morning the way the case was handled by police would exacerbate the already low numbers of victims coming forward.

“It doesn’t leave victims with a lot of confidence that they will be heard,” he said.

It was important to acknowledge the officers that took action, but internal police mechanisms needed reform, Smith said.

“You can’t depend on the goodwill and mana of those officers that did act, because it should be the system that supports them to do their job effectively.”

It was not enough for police to self monitor, Independent community specialists should be introduced to work with police, he said.

“This team could also work alongside officers from the sexual assault teams within the police, the same police that are allocated to work externally on sexual violence.

“You need an external mechanism,” he said.

There should also be a dedicated help line for victims of state abuse, “specifically for those that have been harmed by police or within the police”, Smith said.

Sexual abuse was significantly underreported in the crime survey, he said.

“You can multiply those numbers by 10 to 20.

“We already know that there is a significant under-reporting, more so for Māori wāhine.”

A cultural review of state services was also needed, he added.

Following the release of the IPCA report, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said police would meet and develop a plan to address the recommendations made in the report.

“I have appointed an independent King’s Counsel to undertake employment investigations where required.

“I am currently undertaking an extensive refresh of the Police Executive and wider leadership, including the appointment of two statutory deputy commissioners and new assistant commissioners.”

Chambers said he had started revising the Police Code of Conduct, aimed at strengthening accountability.

“Over many years, Police has put a lot of resource and effort into developing and implementing very robust processes for dealing with sexual violence complaints.

“Our specialist adult sexual assault teams are highly trained and dedicated.”

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand