NZ Engine

Source: NZ Ministry for Primary Industries

Source: New Zealand Privacy Commissioner – Blog

Two factor authentication (sometimes called multi-factor authentication) is a good way to keep your information safe and secure.

This security requires two separate forms of identification to access an account, device, or system. Often this involves entering a password then confirming a code by a second message to your phone or email. This is designed allow you safer access to your systems. It provides an additional step of verification and greater security.

We encourage all agencies (businesses and organisations) to use two-factor authentication to protect the information they hold. 

When a cyber security privacy breach occurs, the question compliance officers will ask is “have you taken reasonable cyber security steps to protect the personal data you hold?” Not taking reasonable steps is a breach of the Privacy Act and the trust that your customers or clients have placed in you to keep their information safe.

What is reasonable depends on the size of the organisation and the scale and sensitivity of the personal information they hold.  

Two factor authentication is like an extra wall between you and people who would steal your data.

Two-factor authentication is a bare minimum we would expect for small businesses or organisations that hold or share personal information digitally.  If you are a small business that has a cyber-related privacy breach and don’t have at least two factor-authentication in place expect to be found in breach of the Privacy Act.

The small business Insights Report showed agencies’ confidence that they understood what privacy meant didn’t translate into having relevant privacy policies and procedures in place.

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Source: Maritime New Zealand

Maritime NZ has been working with the commercial and recreational fishing sectors to develop safety information for recreational tuna fishers on the West Coast, where large commercial vessels fish for Hoki.

Source: Auckland Council

This June, Aucklanders are invited to roll up their sleeves and dig in by planting a free native seedling in their backyard, and be part of a region-wide movement to increase Auckland’s ngahere (forest) canopy, bringing birdsong back to our neighbourhoods, along with numerous other benefits.

Auckland Council’s Plant More Natives seedlings campaign is partnering with community nurseries across Tāmaki Makaurau to give away thousands of native seedlings throughout the month of June.

The goal?

To help achieve Auckland’s Ngahere Strategy of increasing the regions tree canopy cover from 18 to 30 per cent by enabling Aucklanders to plant a native in their own backyard.

Auckland Council’s General Manager of Environmental Services Samantha Hill says the work to increase Auckland’s canopy cover is already underway with thousands of natives being planted in the region’s parks and public spaces.

Now Aucklanders can help restore our city’s biodiversity and enjoy the birdsong native plants attract by picking up a free native plant during June and planting it on their property.

“By supporting the work of community nurseries and having native plants freely available for a period of time, we’re empowering Aucklanders to take action, connect with nature and make a difference,” says Ms Hill.

Native plants play a vital role in the health of our local ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for native birds, lizards and insects, help stabilise soil and filter rainwater before it reaches our waterways.

Studies show that increasing native vegetation also helps reduce urban heat, clean the air and makes cities more resilient in the face of climate change.

And beyond their environmental benefits, these plants bring beauty, quality and birdsong to the places we live; birds like tūī, kereru and piwakawaka are drawn to native plants.

“We want to make sure everyone has the chance to connect with nature, no matter where they live or how much space they have,” says Hill.

“Whether you have room to plant a kōwhai tree in your front yard or a native grass in a small patch, every plant counts.”

Councillor Richard Hills adds the Plant More Native seedlings campaign also aims to connect Aucklanders with their local community nurseries.

“Our community nurseries, funded by Auckland Council, do amazing work for the biodiversity of the Auckland region,” Councillor Hills says.

“These nurseries don’t just grow plants, they nurture knowledge, build relationships and drive local action for the environment.” 

This June, participating nurseries will open their doors to the public, offering not only free plants but also advice, inspiration and connection.

Many are hosting Saturday events where people can meet local experts, learn how to care for native seedlings and discover how native planting fits into broader nature restoration work in their area.

Planting more native plant species in your garden is a small action that can collectively have a big impact supporting native wildlife, improving environmental health, and building stronger connections to nature.

Aucklanders can find their nearest participating nursery using an online map at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/birdsong [link to come] and are encouraged to collect their free native plant in June, while stocks last.

Let’s get growing for a better future.

Source: Green Party

The Green Party echoes the call from health professionals, medical bodies, and community organisations for Te Whatu Ora to urgently release the guidelines for gender affirming care.

“It’s inexplicable that the release of these guidelines was abruptly halted without justification,” says Green Party spokesperson for Takatāpui and Rainbow Communities, Benjamin Doyle (they/them).

“Aotearoa can be a place where takatāpui, trans and non-binary whānau live with dignity, equity, and bodily integrity – where their mana is upheld.

“Right now, takatāpui, trans and non-binary people’s lives are at risk while this Government continues to erode fundamental rights to access safe, accessible, and evidence-based healthcare.

“Further delays in releasing these guidelines hold back much needed progress in improving healthcare and outcomes for takatāpui, trans and non-binary people. Young members of this community in particular experience some of the worst levels of mental health distress, which is worsened by a lack of access to effective healthcare.

“The Government must listen to the calls from those most affected by these decisions, as well as clinicians and experts, to immediately publish these guidelines.

“The Greens are committed to ensuring healthcare is tailored to the specific and unique needs of diverse communities. Our hauora for all policy means hauora for all, putting the health of takatāpui, trans and non-binary whānau front and centre,” says Benjamin Doyle.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund (the Fund) has been refreshed to better support New Zealand’s businesses in transitioning to a more resilient and efficient supply chain, Energy Minister Simon Watts says.
“Heavy freight represents a high-impact opportunity to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency on our roads.
“Globally, clean heavy freight is reshaping modern, competitive supply chains. We want to keep working on getting the market going here, so New Zealand businesses have more choices.
“Since we introduced the Fund, the landscape of clean heavy freight has evolved. In addition to battery electric trucks, which we see gaining traction in the market, hydrogen fuel cell trucks are now operating – particularly for heavier loads and longer distances. 
“Reducing emissions for heavy freight is part of the Government’s second Emissions Reduction Plan and this initiative will accelerate uptake.
“For New Zealand to keep pace, coordinated action between government, industry, and infrastructure providers is essential. We need to show speed, and smart execution.
“By embracing these clean technologies, we can ensure the seamless movement of goods across the country, securing a sustainable transport future for New Zealand.”
Key improvements include:

Expanded Vehicle Categories: the medium and heavy vehicle categories now start at 12 tonnes gross vehicle mass, allowing a broader range of vehicles to qualify for higher support levels.
Broadened Eligibility for Conversions: Vehicles registered in New Zealand within the past five years are now eligible for grants covering up to 25 percent of the cost to convert existing internal combustion engine vehicles to low or zero-emissions technologies.
Increased Grant Levels: To further encourage uptake, grant levels for zero-emission conversions, new hybrid vehicles, and hybrid conversions have been increased.

“In line with these changes to the Fund, the Government is also rewarding businesses who make new investments by reducing their tax bills in the year they purchase new assets. Investment Boost will support investment in projects and the uptake of low emissions technology – including hydrogen,” Mr Watts says.
The Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund is administered by EECA. The changes follow a planned review undertaken earlier this year to assess the fund’s performance against its original objectives. EECA made a range of recommendations which are now in place as part of the Fund’s refresh.  

Source: New Zealand Police

Police believe information from the public will help identify an offender involved in a violent assault in Papatoetoe.

An investigation has been underway this month into the incident where a woman suffered a head injury in the early hours of 9 May on Sutton Crescent.

Counties Manukau West CIB is releasing footage of a man sought in connection with the assault.

“At around midnight, the victim and the offender had been walking along Sutton Crescent when an argument broke out between them,” Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward says.

“We do not know why this argument began but it has continued as the pair moved towards Kolmar Road.”

The female victim attempted to walk away from the male offender but was assaulted.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward says: “The force of the assault has caused the victim to fall to the ground.

“The offender has continued the violent assault and used extreme force on the woman.”

Police have since obtained CCTV footage of the assault, which shows the male offender walking away from the scene a short time later.

The female victim was transported to Middlemore Hospital with serious injuries and is continuing to recover from her ordeal.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward says despite a thorough area canvass, no witnesses to the violent incident have been identified.

Police are now releasing images to the public.

“We have obtained good CCTV footage of the man we want to speak with in this investigation,” he says.

“There is no place for this extreme violence in the community, and I’m confident someone will know who this man is.

“We need to hear from you.”

If you have information, please update Police online now or call 105 using the reference number 250509/4414.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: Privacy Commissioner

28 May 2025, 07:00

A Compliance Notice has been issued to Oranga Tamariki for failing to comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act. The Privacy Commissioner has also taken the step of publicly releasing the Compliance Notice (opens to PDF, 531KB).

Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says while Oranga Tamariki has taken positive steps to improve its privacy practices, considerably more improvement is needed. 

“Oranga Tamariki has one of the most important roles in New Zealand – to help safeguard the wellbeing of our children, particularly those children in their care. Improving its privacy practices will contribute to the safety and wellbeing of children, their whānau, caregivers, and foster parents 

Transparency about the nature of the Compliance Notice requirements is in the public interest and is an important accountability mechanism. We all have a stake in ensuring Oranga Tamariki improves its privacy performance.” 

The notice has been issued in response to a series of privacy breaches reported to the Commissioner that have caused serious harm to whānau and tamariki. It relates to the storage and security of personal information, and its unauthorised disclosure.

Under the compliance notice, Oranga Tamariki will need to make privacy improvements including improving staff skills and capability, and strengthening three areas:

1. Information access settings.
2. Oversight of service providers.
3. Accountability and reporting of privacy incidents. 

These improvements will need to be completed by 31 March 2026. 

“I consider the notifiable privacy breaches reported to my Office and the systemic privacy issues identified in an independent review to be significant. This is because the sensitivity of the personal information involved and the vulnerability of the individuals the information relates to is at the high end of seriousness”, said Mr Webster.

“Oranga Tamariki currently doesn’t have sufficiently robust systems and practices in place to appropriately protect the personal information it holds, as required under the Privacy Act, and there is ongoing likelihood of further privacy breaches.”

OPC began an investigation into the privacy practices and culture at Oranga Tamariki in 2022, and in May 2023 recommended it commission an independent review of its privacy practice and culture.

“That report was completed in April 2024 and confirmed our concerns about systemic failures in protecting sensitive personal information that Oranga Tamariki holds.

“In response to that review, Oranga Tamariki has taken steps to improve their privacy practices, including undertaking a privacy improvement plan, and this is a positive move towards helping keep sensitive information about the children they care for safe”.

“This is a good step forward. However, there is still a considerable amount of work for Oranga Tamariki to do to improve their privacy practices that goes beyond this plan to address the ongoing risk of further serious privacy breaches resulting in harm to individuals.”  

Issuing a Compliance Notice, and publicly releasing it, will ensure Oranga Tamariki takes the steps necessary.

“We are all invested in the safety of the children in Oranga Tamariki’s care, and keeping sensitive information about children safe is critical.”

Further information

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Sergeant Mark Taylor

Whanganui Police are investigating a fatal crash in Castlecliff on Sunday, and are appealing to the public for any information.

About 4.10pm on Sunday 25 May, a motorcycle crashed into a parked car on Seafront Road. Sadly, the 25-year-old male rider died a short time later.

Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or saw any motorcycles in the Castlecliff area from 2pm to 6pm on 25 May.

Disappointingly, after the rider crashed and before emergency services arrived, a group of people on motorbikes took the crash victim’s bike. We need the public’s help and want to hear from anyone who can help us identify those individuals, or anyone who has descriptions, photos, or video of them.

We are also asking people in the Castlecliffe area to check their road-facing CCTV, or dashcams, and contact us if they have any footage that may help us.

If you know anything about the crash or where the motorcycle may have been taken, please get in touch.

You can contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105 and quoting file number 250525/2731.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Government

A combination of new talent and proven experience will leave the Transpower New Zealand Ltd Board well equipped to lead the company during a critical period of growth and development, State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown says.Mr Brown has announced the elevation of director Michele Embling from 1 June 2025 to Transpower Board Chair to succeed outgoing Chair Dr Keith Turner.“Ms Embling’s elevation reflects her exceptional leadership expertise, and deep understanding of critical issues,” Mr Brown says.“Ms Embling brings extensive financial expertise as a Chartered Accountant, Chair of Transpower’s Audit and Risk Committee, and former PwC Board Chair. Her strengths include sustainability knowledge, relationship-building, and holding management to account, alongside a commitment to ethical standards and stability during change.“The reappointment of director Parekawhia McLean from 1 June 2025 ensures stability and continuity for the Board. Her governance experience, public sector expertise, and knowledge of New Zealand’s energy sector, Te Ao Māori, and major infrastructure projects bring significant value.”Mr Brown also welcomed the range of strengths and experience that three new directors will bring to the Transpower Board.“Leon Grice’s appointment effective from 28 May 2025, enhances Transpower’s innovation and adaptability through expertise in real-time data, complex systems, and asset management. His focus on cost efficiency, resource utilisation, and financial oversight complements his proven and approachable governance style,” Mr Brown says.“Kevin Palmer’s appointment effective from 28 May 2025, strengthens the Transpower Board with his expertise in finance, strategy, and performance management.“As the new Audit and Risk Committee Chair, he will bring a focus on financial rigour, operational efficiency, and delivering for shareholding Ministers.“Bruce Parkes brings extensive leadership experience in telecommunications, energy, and resource management. His skills in stakeholder relations, advocacy, and political and sector knowledge will support Transpower’s capital expansion and strengthen its strategic leadership during this period of growth.”Mr Parkes will commence his term from 1 August 2025 following his retirement from his role at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.“I would like to thank outgoing board Chair and director Dr Keith Turner for his contributions to the Transpower Board over the past three and a half years. Dr Turner has developed and maintained a culture that has made the Board more focussed on performance and strategy.“I also want to extend my best wishes to departing Board member Vanessa Oakley. Her extensive background in corporate and public sector organisations in both New Zealand and the UK, as well as her considerable experience in infrastructure and utilities, have been a great asset to the Transpower Board. “Transpower plays a critical role in the electricity sector as both New Zealand’s national grid owner and electricity system operator. Their market updates and infrastructure programme help ensure electricity is supplied across New Zealand, now and into the future.”