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Health Ministry Losing Count Of Euthanasia Deaths

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 27 May 2025

Family First is appalled to see that the Ministry of Health has once again erroneously reported euthanasia numbers in New Zealand including one quarter where the number of deaths nearly doubled.

“This raises significant concerns about the upcoming review of the law and whether it will be based on actual quantifiable and credible evidence,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First.

Reviewing recent quarterly reports from 2024, there are so far two instances where numbers have changed substantially – in one case, nearly doubling the numbers of those euthanised. In the third quarter of 2024 (01/07/2024 to 30/09/2024) the number of deaths leapt up from 73 to 129; an increase of 77%! In the quarter prior (01/04/2024 to 30/06/2024) the number of deaths was revised down from 126 deaths to 108 deaths.

“The Ministry appears to have no idea what is going on. Whether the number of deaths each quarter are being revised up or down, the system is failing to account for what is happening and consequently it is impossible for anyone to argue the system is operating safely.”

Family First has previously raised safety concerns around how the euthanasia system is working in New Zealand, including reported numbers not aligning. There were also concerns from whistleblowers within the End of Life Choice Review committee pointing out that they were being denied access to information and that doctors’ written accounts of deaths varied from what they described in voice.

“If the Ministry can’t even count the numbers correctly, how on earth can New Zealander have any confidence that the euthanasia system is working safely. Are they getting the criteria correct that patients must meet. What else are they missing?” asks Mr McCoskrie.

That the Ministry is also updating its reports quietly and with no public notification or acknowledgement of what has changed is also a red flag.

“The Ministry’s willingness to try and sweep such changes under the carpet indicates a system that is neither safe, transparent, or accountable,” said Mr McCoskrie.

Family First is calling on government to intervene immediately in the interest of public safety. In particular, the recent review of the End of Life Choice law clearly needs to be independently reviewed and revised. Not only is this review based on wrong numbers and trends, but also written by the same Ministry who continue to publish false data.

“Dead or alive, the Ministry seems to have no idea.”

Family First is also deeply concerned by comments by Associate Minister of Health David Seymour who is overseeing the review of the law. He stated in a media interview last year: “The statutory review is being the Ministry of Health right now. I believe, without pre-empting what it will say, that it will give a lot of weight to making change.”

If the Ministry can’t report the figures accurately and reliably, how can we trust the review of the law?

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Government Cuts – Govt funding squeeze sees DOC propose cutting 84 roles – PSA

Source: PSA

– More than 90% of those losing their livelihoods are women workers
Two weeks after their pay equity claim was cancelled, dozens of underpaid, mostly women frontline workers at the Department of Conservation (DOC) are now facing redundancy.
In a change proposal released today, DOC is looking at another round of job cuts, as the organisation consults on a proposal to lose 84 support roles by July 2026.
In total, 149 roles will be disestablished, with 65 with new roles being created (49 of which would be part-time). Only 18 of the 149 roles set to be disestablished are vacant.
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says more than 90 per cent of the staff facing redundancy are women, based on the PSA membership data, which includes 90 affected workers.
“This is a graphic example of how the burden of the Government’s squeeze on public service funding is falling disproportionally on women. At the same time as the Government is stopping pay equity claims for more than 150,000 underpaid, mainly female workers including claims that cover DOC workers. The attacks on women just keep coming from this Government,” Fitzsimons says.
The proposal has taken a sweeping look at support staff across the organisation. Staff at 38 locations from Invercargill to the far North will be affected.
Many of these staff hold critical health and safety responsibilities, which Fitzsimons says should be a concern for an organisation where so many team members work in remote locations.
“The current support staff have sizeable health and safety responsibilities, such as monitoring staff radio systems and helping to manage emergencies like fires. The loss of these team members will mean that these important duties will fall on others – and pose a significant health and safety risk.
“It doesn’t make sense – why would you put these kinds of tasks onto a specialist team member with a lot on their plate already? You can’t just absorb 84 disestablished roles into an organisation – it doesn’t work.”
The proposal will also see many of the affected workers, who are on DOC’s lowest pay bands, competing with their colleagues for part-time roles, Fitzsimons says.
“The support workers at DOC would have benefitted from a pay equity claim that was well underway before it was cruelly cancelled by the Government.
“Now, many of these women would have arrived at work to find their job was on the line – and that they might have to compete against their team members for the new positions being established.”
The continued squeeze on DOC funding ultimately puts its projects – and New Zealand’s natural environment – at risk, Fitzsimons says.
“Systematically under-funding DOC will unfortunately mean they’ll be unable to deliver as well as they could for New Zealand conservation. This Government’s spending priorities are clear: landlords and big corporates are in, but women and the environment are out.”
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‘Reverse waterslide’ at Allandale Stream helps fish swim upstream

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council

Limited fish before the ramp

Our central biodiversity advisor Martin Rutledge, who led the project and assisted the trust with resource consent, said before the ramp was built surveys showed only tuna/eel and one red finned bully was found upstream of the weir.

“There wasn’t the usual range of species that would be expected, such as inanga and banded kōkopu,” Martin said.

Schools of inanga found after ramp

After the ramp was built, November 2024 surveys showed an increasing number of native fish and freshwater shrimp getting past the weir. Two species that had not been found before, inanga and banded kōkopu, were also recorded upstream of the weir.

Living Springs manager Denis Aldridge said for the first time people were reporting seeing schools of whitebait upstream of the weir.

This confirmed that the ramp was doing its job.

“It’s really great to know that our stream will be supporting more fish, and we really appreciate Environment Canterbury’s help to make that happen,” Denis said.

Martin said he was amazed the ramp had worked so well.

“It’s been a rewarding project to be a part of and a great example of how we can improve our freshwater biodiversity.”

What’s next

With the ramp in good working order, the number and variety of native fish in the stream are expected to keep increasing. There will be regular checks of the ramp, especially after floods, to clear debris and adjust sandbags as needed.

A follow-up survey is planned in summer 2026 upstream, including areas further up in the catchment, to monitor the progress of species like banded kōkopu.

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Horeke homicide: Police seeking information to assist ongoing investigation

Source: New Zealand Police

Northland Police investigating the death of a Horeke man are seeking information from the public in the case.

Today, Police are also formally releasing the victim’s name.

Daniel Hepehi, also known as Danny Whiston, was found with critical injuries at a property in Waikerikeri Road in the early hours of May 22.

The 77-year-old sadly died at the scene.

Police are now appealing for sightings of Mr Hepehi on Wednesday May 21.

“Police have confirmed that Mr Hepehi shopped for groceries in Kaikohe around 10.30am on that morning,” Detective Inspector Rhys Johnston, Northland CIB, says.

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw Mr Hepehi or interacted with him over this time to assist in the investigation.”

“We are aware he frequently rode long distances on his bike around Horeke, Ōkaihau and Kaikohe,” Detective Inspector Johnston says.

Sightings in the area of a green and gold 4-wheel drive SUV vehicle with the number plate LCP129 are also being sought.

Northland Police launched homicide enquiry ‘Operation Dime’ after Mr Hepehi’s death on May 22.

Detective Inspector Johnston says: “As we have advised, we are not seeking anyone in connection with the homicide, but we are doing everything we can to find out what happened. Additional Police from other areas have joined the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105.

Please quote the reference number 250522/0155.

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

ENDS.

Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

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Delivering for farmers as they deliver for economy

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealand dairy farmers are ending the 2024/25 season on a high, with increased production and record milk prices delivering real gains to the rural economy and every Kiwi household, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says.
“Dairy exports are a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy, contributing $4,700 for every New Zealander. This season’s strong performance is set to add an additional $4.5 billion in farmgate revenue for 2024/25. This is good news for farmers, rural towns, and our economy as a whole,” Mr McClay says.
With the final milk price forecast tracking around $10 per kilogram of milk solids, farmers are seeing the highest returns since 2021/22—and all signs point to another strong season ahead.
“This is the result of hard work on-farm, smart investment, and a global market that continues to demand high-quality, grass-fed New Zealand dairy,” Mr McClay says.
The Government is doing its part to ensure more of that value returns to the farm gate by removing barriers, restoring confidence, and improving the regulatory environment for dairy. Already we have:

Started the process of replacing the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management
Moved to fundamentally reform the Resource Management Act
Halted unworkable winter grazing, stock exclusion, and Significant Natural Area (SNA) rules
Begun rebalancing Te Mana o te Wai to restore the rights of all water users
Removed agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme
Disbanded Labour’s He Waka Eke Noa initiative
Repealed the punitive Ute Tax
Commenced an inquiry into rural banking
Halted Labour’s costly Freshwater Farm Plans
Started and completed a number of Free Trade Agreements that offer farmers greater opportunity in new markets.

“Rural communities are the engine room of this economy. When farmers are doing well, it flows through to local businesses, regional jobs, and a growing economy for all New Zealanders,” Mr McClay says.

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Timber exports to Viet Nam set to grow

Source: New Zealand Government

Forestry and Trade Minister, Todd McClay has today announced a new Cooperation Arrangement between New Zealand and Viet Nam that will grow timber exports and remove potential trade barriers for our forestry sector.

The arrangement will see New Zealand’s radiata pine recognised under Viet Nam’s evolving timber construction standards, opening more opportunities in this growing market. 

“This will grow our $2.68 billion two-way trade and significantly bolster the $48 million worth of sawn timber we currently export into Viet Nam,” Mr McClay says. 

“Viet Nam’s economy has more than doubled in the past decade and is expected to see some of the fastest global income growth over the next. That means more construction, more demand for sustainable products—and more opportunity for New Zealand timber.

“This agreement adds value to New Zealand wood products and offers opportunities in addition to exporting logs. It boosts our export potential and helps double our exports by value in 10 years.”

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news section

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice

Headline: news section

News

See the latest updates on news and events around the Ministry. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, try our media release section or news archive.

  1. Budget 2025

    Budget 2025 contains significant investment in our core institutions – courts, the justice system, and the electoral system.

  3. Firearms reform – update

    The Ministry of Justice wants to thank the thousands of people who made submissions on the rewrite of the Arms Act 1983.

  6. Legal aid scheme review

    The Ministry of Justice is to lead a review of the legal aid system in 2025.

  11. The future of courts and justice services

    The Ministry of Justice is seeking public feedback on the future of courts & justice services as it looks to prepare its 2nd Long-Term Insights Briefing.

  14. Gang laws come into effect

    The Government is passing two new laws that aim to inhibit gang activity which will take effect from 21 November 2024.

  15. Abuse in Care apology

    The Prime Minister has apologised to survivors of abuse in state care.

  16. New Zealand Crime & Victims Survey (NZCVS)

    The Ministry of Justice’s New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey, conducted by Ipsos each year helps us understand crime and create safer communities.

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media release archive

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice

Headline: media release archive

Media release archive

This is the media release archive for releases 2017 and earlier. For current news, please see the main media release section.

  4. Wellington High Court reopened

    Ministry of Justice Chief Operating Officer Carl Crafar has welcomed the reopening of the Wellington High Court building at Molesworth St.

  7. Modern tools for Auckland’s busiest courts

    Lawyers, judges, media and other people working in Waitakere and Manukau district courts have access to Ministry-supported wifi from their mobile devices.

  13. Ministry reviews court cells

    We have almost completed a review of court custodial cells throughout NZ following a death of a defendant in a cell in the Papakura courthouse last year.

  15. Ōamaru Courthouse to be re-opened

    The Ministry of Justice has reached an agreement with Waitaki District Council that will see court services returned to Ōamaru’s historic courthouse.

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Nelson courthouse to reopen to public after seismic upgrade

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Justice

Headline: Nelson courthouse to reopen to public after seismic upgrade

Work to address a potentially critical seismic risk at Nelson courthouse is now complete, and the building is expected to reopen to the public on Wednesday, June 4.

The Ministry of Justice vacated the courthouse in February after an initial seismic
assessment recommended steel bracing be installed as a precautionary measure aimed at improving the building’s performance in an earthquake.

The remediation works meant Nelson’s court and tribunal operations have been run from several temporary sites and shared counters, including the Nelson Bridge Club. Some court appearances were also moved to Blenheim while works were carried out.

While acknowledging the disruption caused to normal operations over this time, the Ministry wishes to thank the judiciary, court users, its justice sector partners and the wider Nelson community for their ongoing support, acting Regional Services Manager, Robert Loo says.

Further strengthening works will be undertaken once a more detailed targeted seismic assessment is carried out. Engineers have advised that the building can be reoccupied while this work is done.

“The health and safety of all users of the courthouse remains a priority. Engineers confirm the building can be reoccupied while further seismic assessment is undertaken,” Mr Loo says.

Temporary arrangements will remain in place until next month’s reopening. Anyone
expected at court in the meantime can contact 0800 COURTS for assistance.

Media contact:

Katarina Fauvel
Senior Advisor, Media
Ministry of Justice
E: media@justice.govt.nz
M: 027 390 2703

← Back to the news

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Shift stock, not slop: minimise effluent spills this Moving Day

Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council




Shift stock, not slop: minimise effluent spills this Moving Day | Environment Canterbury















Date:

With this in mind, we recommend farmers follow the Ministry of Primary Industries’ Code of Welfare for transporting stock within New Zealand.

The code recommends that farmers:

  • stand animals off green feed for at least four hours (but no more than 12 hours) before transport
  • provide animals held off-pasture with water and an appropriate alternative feed source (like hay) during their stand-off period
  • use a dry, comfortable base, like woodchip or straw, to keep animals clean and supported, and;
  • inspect each animal before loading them to ensure they are fit and healthy for transport.

Shift stock, not slop this Moving Day

Truck drivers have a role to play keeping effluent off our roads

Everyone in the supply chain plays an important role in preventing effluent spillage on our roads.

Truck drivers need to continue to make good use of effluent disposal facilities as often as possible and keep in close communication with stock agents or farmers about any changes to pick up times.

There are several stock effluent disposal facilities available around the Waitaha/Canterbury region.

Effluent spillage prohibited

Under Section 15 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991, effluent spillage and unauthorised dumping of effluent into the environment is prohibited.

Our northern compliance team leader Brian Reeves said preventing effluent spillage meant avoiding fines and doing right by our environment.

“Just as we are urging farmers to do all they can to prepare their animals for transport, we are urging truck drivers to do everything they can too.

“As well as making use of the disposal facilities around the region, truck drivers should ensure their storage tanks are emptied before re-loading their trucks with stock.” 

Under the law, drivers who are found to have let effluent spill into the environment could receive a $750 fine.

“Everyone in the supply chain has a role to play when it comes to preventing spills. This is a timely reminder as we enter peak season for transporting animals between farms for winter grazing.”

Read more about effluent management on your farm and during transport.

We all win when effluent doesn’t reach our roads

Minimising effluent spillage protects water and soil quality by preventing contaminants from faecal bacteria and nitrate entering our soil and waterways. 

Less contamination means cleaner groundwater, rivers and streams for drinking and recreation. It also helps maintain healthier habitats for wildlife and aquatic life.

To read more about avoiding effluent spillage on our roads and keeping your cows healthy while they travel, visit Dairy NZ.

Report effluent spillage

If you see effluent spillage on our roads, report it as an environmental incident or phone us on 0800 765 588 (24/7). 

Environment Canterbury © 2025
Retrieved: 3:20pm, Tue 27 May 2025
ecan.govt.nz/get-involved/news-and-events/2025/shift-stock-not-slop-minimise-effluent-spills-this-moving-day/