NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Police

Please attribute to Inspector Danny Meade:

Police have quickly arrested a man in central Auckland after being located carrying a samurai sword.

Just before 4pm, Police responded to information that a person was believed to be carrying a firearm on Upper Queen Street.

Armed units immediately responded to the area and made enquiries. Any presence of a firearm in the area was unable to be substantiated.

Thanks to the skilled work by Camera Operators, they have located the subject of the report and tracked him walking on Vincent Street a short time later.

Police units quickly approached this man and took him into custody.

Police have located and seized a samurai sword wrapped in a jacket, which this man was carrying.

This man is now in Police custody and will face charges relating to possessing an offensive weapon.

Police take any reports concerning firearms seriously.

There is no information to suggest that this samurai sword was presented at any member of the public.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Government

It has been another busy and productive year in the House as the Government continues to fix the basics and build the future, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. 

“We are continuing our mission to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living, in large part by the legislation we have progressed in the House,” Mr Bishop says.

“2025 has seen 81 Government Bills pass their third readings to become law. A further 91 Government Bills passed their first reading, and 79 Government Bills were reported back from select committee. 

“Important Government legislation passed this year has included:

• Budget 2025 legislation which included Investment Boost, a major new tax incentive to encourage businesses to invest, grow the economy, and lift wages;
• The United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill, which furthered New Zealand’s trading relationships with the UAE, a major win for Kiwi exporters;
• The Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill, which made consenting infrastructure projects easier;
• The Public Works (Critical Infrastructure) Amendment Bill, which streamlines the process for critical infrastructure being built in New Zealand, and;
• The Income Tax (FamilyBoost) Amendment Bill, which provides tens of thousands of families with additional help towards early childhood education costs. 

“I am particularly proud that the Parliament Bill passed into law unanimously this year. It was an important constitutional moment which modernises the legislation that governs Parliament and core parts of our democracy and has been in development for a decade. 

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the hard workers who make our Parliament run smoothly, including the House Office, the Parliamentary Counsel Office, the cleaners, and staff from the chamber, security, reception, the Parliamentary Library and Hansard, as well as my colleagues on the Business Committee and the Deputy Leader of the House Hon Louise Upston.

“Parliament will be back in January, and we’re looking forward to another successful year to round out the 54^th Parliament.”

2025 by the numbers:

• 55 Bill were introduced (35 Government, 1 Local, 1 Private and 18 Members’ Bills)
• 105 First Readings (91 Government, 1 Local, 1 Private and 12 Members’ Bills)
• 88 Bills reported back from Select Committee (79 Government, 2 Local, and 7 Members’ Bills)
• 89 Third Readings (81 Government, 2 Local, and 4 Members’ Bills)
• 1,516 papers have been presented to the House by Ministers
• 79 Question Times during which Ministers have answered 946 Oral Questions and thousands more supplementary questions
• And as of this morning, Ministers have been asked 58,938 written parliamentary questions.

Source: Family First

MEDIA RELEASE – 17 December 2025

Family First NZ says that a decision by a judge today in the Wellington High Court to pause the ban on puberty blockers could have been written by the radical activist transgender group PATHA.

The decision by Justice Wilkinson-Smith to grant an injunction on the government’s ban on puberty blockers until a judicial review takes place repeats all the talking points of the discredited ‘Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA)’ (which is aligned with WPATH*), and the Judge bases her decision on statements which are in direct conflict with the United Kingdom’s CASS Review, the Ministry of Health’s Evidence Brief, a recent significant Finnish study, and completely ignores the voices of those who have been negatively affected by the harmful “gender affirmation” model.

Furthermore, it flies in the face of the numerous other jurisdictions enacted the same bans including the United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, multiple US States, and with the likes of France and Italy exercising extreme caution.

“The Government is protecting vulnerable gender dysmorphic children and teenagers against the prescribing of puberty blockers that have no quality evidence of safety, efficacy or reversibility. How can a child and their parents’ consent to a treatment that itself is not understood nor has sufficient evidence to support its safety and effectiveness. It is shocking that an activist judge has bought the lies of a dangerous activist group and children are now at risk again,” says Bob McCoskrie, CEO of Family First.

The judge is also out of touch with public sentiment on this issue. A recent poll has found more than 2:1 support for the ban on puberty blockers announced recently by the Government, with only 23% opposing the ban. In the poll commissioned by Family First NZ and undertaken independently by Curia Market Research in the first week of December, respondents were asked “The Government has announced that there will be a ban on new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria or incongruence. Do you agree or disagree with this decision?”.  A majority of 50% support the ban, with only 23% opposed. A further 27% were unsure.

Some of the erroneous statements by Justice Wilkinson-Smith but which are talking points of PATHA include:

[18] “Puberty blockers are reversible…”

This statement is in direct contradiction to even the Ministry of Health who removed this statement from their website because there was no medical basis for it. As far back as September 2022, that advice was quietly changed by the Ministry. “Safe and fully reversible medicine” has been removed and replaced with “Blockers are sometimes used from early puberty through to later adolescence to allow time to fully explore gender health options.”

Ironically, the judgement is forced to later admit (para 136d) that “There is very little research examining the long-term impacts of puberty blockers on fertility when taken for gender-affirming care.” (evidence from the Ministry of Health)

“…There is no evidence that they affect fertility.” 

There is no evidence that it doesn’t. In fact the CASS Review said “There was insufficient/inconsistent evidence about the effects of puberty suppression on… fertility.” 

[19]  “The evidence relating to mental health outcomes suggests negative outcomes from a ban are a far more immediate concern.” 

Once again, the judge has failed to acknowledge the actual research. A recent Finnish study found that the suicide risk in a large group of adolescents was predicted by the psychiatric problems that often accompany gender distress, not by the gender distress itself. The Finnish study said: “Although the rate of suicide [in the Finnish study] is just over four times higher among trans young people than their peers, this is explained by their more serious psychiatric problems. When these psychiatric problems are taken into account, there is no evidence that transgender people have a higher rate of suicide.”  

The CASS Review clearly stated: “Young people facing gender-related distress had no significantly different levels of suicide risk to other young people with similar levels of complex presentations” and“No evidence that gender-affirming treatment reduces suicide risk.” 

[20]   “My conclusion is fortified by my finding that the timing of the regulations coupled with the lack of notice that a ban was contemplated had the effect of taking PATHA and the whole transgender community by surprise.”

The decision was released to all groups including medical professionals, counsellors, child protection groups such as Family First NZ at the same time. This statement by the judge is completely irrelevant and has absolutely nothing to do with a judicial review. Government decisions and regulations are often announced in this way.  This inclusion by the Judge only goes to highlight her bias and activism. PATHA had no greater right to being told than any other organisation, including Family First!

[23] “PATHA is as an interdisciplinary professional organisation that works to promote the health, wellbeing and rights of transgender people.  PATHA says that it represents the vast majority of health professionals engaged with transgender healthcare in New Zealand.”

This statement fails to acknowledge that PATHA is not exclusively a health organisation nor a professional one.  It is as much an activist organisation of interested individuals. The health professionals aligned with PATHA are activists on this issue – and they are very few. Even these activists have been prescribing puberty blockers at a lesser rate because they can no longer endorse the use of the chemicalisation of vulnerable children – a fact ignored by the judge.

[35] “It is not uncommon for medicines to be prescribed “off-label” in paediatrics.”

This is highly problematic – and is clearly a talking point from PATHA. If you prescribe a medication off-label, it is of upmost importance that the decision is based on sound scientific evidence – not lobbying from activist groups. The Minister of Health has recognised the overwhelming evidence that puberty blockers have not been proved safe or effective. They should not be experimented on children until a high standard has been reached.

[37] “There were strong concerns about an increase in adverse mental health impacts on young people with gender incongruence or gender dysphoria and their families, and wider harm to the transgender community though increased stigma and human rights implications.”

Medical health decisions are not based on ‘stigma’ and ‘human rights’. This is activism being used as a basis for harmful medical practices. And once again, this narrative ignores the research around accompanying complex presentations associated with gender dysphoria.

[54] “PATHA has filed affidavits from four witnesses, including two health professionals.”

 Two transgender activists from PATHA and just two unnamed doctors who we have no evidence of their motivation, skills, and specialty qualifications. Why the secrecy?

[170] “I agree that PATHA is an organisation well placed to advocate for both health practitioners practising in this area and transgender young people and their families.”

 A disturbing admission from the judge which fails to acknowledge PATHA’s deep bias and activism in this area and who ignore the medical science.  The Judge has also simply chosen to accept one group’s view, ignoring the voices of many other organisations including Family First.

[184] “As I have said, puberty blockers are reversible; they have no apparent adverse health effects in the short term.”

 A talking point from PATHA.

The judge needs to listen to the testimony of two New Zealand ‘detransitioners’ – Issy and Zara.  These are two young woman whose experiences speak directly to why GnHRa hormones (puberty blockers) and other cross-sex hormones are harmful, as too the current approach to gender dysphoria via WPATH, PATHA, and other activist groups.  Their testimonies can be found on our website – www.FamilyFirst.nz

 Disappointing, and worryingly, this Judge has not applied any judgement but instead adopted blind acceptance of radical trans activists. Any person weighing up the evidence would judge the risk unacceptable to children, and consequently hold up the government’s decisions.

ENDS

* WPATH

Early in 2024, internal files from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) prove that the practice of transgender medicine is neither scientific nor medical. Internal files from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), which purports to be a medical association that develops “standards” for transgender treatment, have shot to pieces the public line that its recommendations are governed by evidence and science. The “WPATH FILES” include emails and messages from an internal discussion forum by doctors, as well as statements from a video call of WPATH members which was leaked. The research group Environmental Progress analysed hundreds of pages of internal posts and videos.

Source: New Zealand Government

Legislation which improves court timeliness by updating procedures and adding more High Court Judges has passed in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Courts Minister Nicole McKee say. 

“Speeding up court processes is one of our three key priorities as we fix the basics in law and order,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Court delays affect everyone, the profession included. It just takes one thing to be out of place and everything grinds to a halt. Another adjournment. Justice delayed once more. 

We need to improve access to justice so New Zealanders can get on with their lives. Ensuring victims are at the heart of the justice system underpins all of our work.”

“This Bill is about delivering faster justice for victims, families, and businesses,” Mrs McKee says.

“By lifting the cap on High Court Judges from 55 to 60, we can hear the most serious cases sooner, so violent offenders are dealt with quickly and victims can get closure and move on with their lives.

“The improvements to court procedure are designed to ensure judges are focused on the most critical tasks and decisions such as dealing serious criminal matters.”

The Judicature (Timeliness) Legislation Amendment Bill will:

• Allow a new judge to take office up to three months before another judge retires.
• Provide a new process under the Senior Courts Act to efficiently deal with civil cases that are an abuse of court process in the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, and to restrain vexatious litigants from repeatedly bringing proceedings.
• Amend the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 to enable a District Court Judge to make an order to manage multiple charges against a single defendant in one District Court locations at the pre-trial stage.
• Amend the Criminal Procedure Act to enable a Court of Appeal Judge to remit first appeals relating to District Court criminal trials to the High Court where appropriate;
• Amend the Coroners Act 2006 to enable coroners to close inquiries when new information becomes available, or circumstances change. This will not apply to inquiries that are required to be opened by law, such as where a death appears to be self-inflicted, or has occurred in care or custody.

Source: NZCTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is condemning the National-led Government’s Electoral Amendment Bill, rushed through Parliament this week, which will disenfranchise tens of thousands of New Zealanders.

“Voter participation is essential for a healthy democracy. All Kiwis should be able to easily vote without restriction,” said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.

“This Bill undermines our democracy by restricting when people can register to vote. It will particularly disenfranchise low-income workers, Māori, Pasifika, Asian, and young people.

“This is voter suppression, and it is totally unacceptable. There is simply no justification.

“The Government parties don’t have a mandate for this Bill. They didn’t campaign on it and 80% of submitters opposed it at select committee, with only 0.5% supporting. The Government’s own Attorney-General has advised it unjustifiably restricts the right to vote.

“The NZCTU is deeply disturbed by this Bill, which creates the most restrictive voter enrolment timeframe we have had in decades. We call on opposition parties to commit to reversing this attack on democracy,” said Grey.

Source: New Zealand Government

A new biosecurity veterinary network will strengthen New Zealand’s ability to respond to a significant animal disease outbreak such as foot and mouth disease, says Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has contracted the Veterinary Council of New Zealand to establish and maintain a network of private veterinarians that can be rapidly mobilised to assist in the response to a significant animal disease outbreak, called VetNet-Biosecurity.

“An incursion of foot and mouth disease in New Zealand would have dramatic impacts, with an immediate halt to most exports of animal products, and a potential and ongoing drop in export values of around $14.3 billion a year.” 

Last year, Cabinet endorsed an approach of urgent eradication of foot and mouth disease. 

“Immediate and decisive action will be required if an outbreak occurs. If this disease gets to New Zealand, we will need the help of veterinarians in private practice who have the knowledge and training to provide support in the field.” 

The aim is to have 200 private veterinarians who can provide support in the field in the event of a significant outbreak. 

“The response from veterinary practices demonstrates a real willingness among vets to be involved in a largescale biosecurity response. 

Veterinarians perform key roles in biosecurity emergencies, such as clinical examinations, collecting samples, overseeing depopulation, and ensuring animal welfare standards are maintained. MPI employs a large number of veterinarians, but many more will be needed in the event of a significant disease outbreak.”

Veterinarians who are mobilised in a response will continue to be employed by their practice while they work full-time in a response for an agreed period. MPI will provide training and financial compensation to practices involved in the network.

“The great news is this training is also available free of charge to all New Zealand-registered veterinarians who want to increase their biosecurity knowledge and training, not just those who are part of VetNet-Biosecurity,” says Mr Hoggard.

“This is a great opportunity for veterinarians to further develop their understanding of biosecurity, including on-farm biosecurity protocols and exotic disease detection.”

More information is available on the Veterinary Council website vetcouncil.org.nz
.