Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Politics – PM’s embrace of asset sales shows he’s learnt nothing from history, PSA vows to fight any attempted privatisation

Source: PSA

The Prime Minister's attempt to dress up asset sales as “capital recycling” doesn't change what it really is – selling off New Zealanders' assets and losing public control.
“The PM's claims today that governments should 'recycle' assets ignores history and will be opposed.
“History shows us what really happens – we lose ownership, we lose control, and taxpayers end up footing the bill when privatisation fails,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“To talk about ‘recycling’ assets is offensive to the public sector workers who work hard to add value to public assets every day. This is just more of the same from a government which has laid off thousands of public sector workers.
“Christopher Luxon wants a 'mature conversation' about asset sales – well here it is: New Zealanders rejected this failed ideology in a citizens-initiated referendum in 2013 where two-thirds voted against asset sales.
“Kiwi Rail, Air New Zealand, the Bank of New Zealand – all required expensive bailouts and buy-backs after failed privatisations. Have we learnt nothing?
“The PM says governments need to 'refresh their holdings' – what New Zealand needs is a government that properly invests in and maintains public assets instead of running them down to justify selling them off.
“Asset sales are just short-term thinking that leave New Zealanders worse off in the long run. This isn't 'recycling' – it's a loss of ownership and control that we'll regret.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Health – Call for swift action on new RSV protection for infants

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

A breakthrough treatment that could save babies from a deadly but preventable lung disease is sitting in the hands of Pharmac – and respiratory health experts say there’s no time to waste.
Last week, it was revealed that nirsevimab – a monoclonal antibody against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – is under consideration by both Medsafe and Pharmac for the prevention of RSV in infants.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ has long advocated for access to RSV protection, after years of high hospitalisation rates among infants – particularly in Māori and Pacific communities.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the potential approval of nirsevimab could be a game-changer.
“This is the progress we’ve been waiting for.
“RSV hospitalises thousands of children every year, and this treatment has the potential to prevent many of those admissions.”
However, Pharmac needs to act quickly to ensure it is ready for the 2026 season, Ms Harding says.
“We can’t afford delays if we want to save lives of some of our most vulnerable.
“We’re urging decision makers to prioritise funding so that New Zealand infants can benefit as soon as possible.”
Unlike the existing option, palivizumab, which requires monthly hospital visits for high-risk infants only, nirsevimab is a single injection that can be given by GPs, nurses, pharmacists or midwives. It provides protection for an entire RSV season and can be offered to a broader group of babies.
Foundation Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox says the opportunity to introduce a more effective and accessible RSV immunisation is a critical step for child health.
“RSV is one of the most common and serious respiratory infections in infants, and it places enormous strain on our hospitals every winter.
“This new treatment could dramatically reduce hospitalisations and health inequities,” he says.
“New Zealand must move quickly to make it available.”
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Aviation – CAA invites aviation sector to help shape the future of NZ’s aviation rules

Source: Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

Published date: 10 November 2025 – The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) will shortly begin a prioritised work programme to update the Civil Aviation Rules — an important step in keeping New Zealand’s aviation system safe, efficient, and fit for the future.

The Rules Update Programme will ensure that the rules remain responsive to technological change, evolving industry needs, and international standards — and the first step is to hear directly from those who work in and around the aviation system.

CAA has launched a short online survey, closing 21 November 2025, that asks the aviation sector to share their views and help shape how the Programme will be designed and which rule changes will be prioritised.

“It’s important that we listen to the sector first,” says Kane Patena, CAA Chief Executive and Director of Civil Aviation.

The Programme aligns with the Government’s Aviation Action Plan, which includes an action for the Ministry of Transport and CAA to develop a two-year, prioritised rolling rule-making programme that is tested with the sector and focused on implementing international standards, improving safety and security, and more effectively enabling innovation.

Kane Patena says the Rules Update Programme builds on the strong technical work that has long underpinned aviation rule-making, but will take a more agile and transparent approach.

“This is not about starting from scratch — it’s about augmenting how we do the work so we can reach our desired state more quickly. We want to make it easier for people to see what’s coming, how priorities are set, and how they can take part.”

The survey is open until 21 November 2025 and can be accessed here:

Have your say: Help shape the future of New Zealand’s aviation rules: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XFVGTGG

For more information about the Civil Aviation Rules, visit the CAA website rules section: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/rules/

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Property Values – New rating valuations show a decrease in property values across the Manawatu District – QV

Source: Quotable Value

Manawatu District property owners will soon receive a Notice of Rating Valuation in the post, containing an updated rating value for their property.
The new rating valuations have been prepared for 15,697 properties on behalf of the Manawatu District Council by Quotable Value (QV). They show the total rateable value for the district is now $15.5 billion, with the land value of those properties now $8.9 billion.
Rating valuations are usually carried out on all New Zealand properties every three years to help local councils set rates for the following three-year period. They reflect the likely selling price of a property (excluding chattels) at the effective revaluation date, which is 1 August 2025.
On average, the value of residential housing in the Manawatu District has decreased by 7.6% since the previous effective revaluation date of 1 August 2022. The average home value is now $618,000, while the corresponding average land value decreased by 12.3% to $279,000.
QV Lead Valuer Jason Hockly said, “While values have reduced, most markets in the Manawatu District have been stable since the middle of 2023.”
“The reduction in values primarily occurred from the middle of 2022 to the middle of 2023”, he said.
“The Feilding residential market had variable value changes, with the lower valued residential properties showing slight increases from 2022 compared higher valued properties showing moderate decreases since 2022,” he said.
“Some larger residential land parcels, primarily within the northern area of Feilding have shown some large decreases in the land values.”
“The commercial and industrial markets have been mostly stable since 2022 with any upward or downward variations being property specific.”
Hockly added. “Overall, commercial properties have increased in capital value by 1.6%, and industrial properties have increased by 6.4%.”
In the rural sector, on average hill country properties have seen a 20% decrease on average in capital values since the last rating revaluation. Easier contoured and finishing land has shown a slight reduction. Most of the dairy land has largely held its values.
District wide averages show that dairy farms have decreased in capital value by 3.2%, pastoral properties have decreased 10.5%, horticultural properties have decreased by 8.0%, and forestry properties have decreased 19.3%.
The lifestyle market has experienced moderate decreases of 10-15% since 2022. Land values have also decreased 10-25%, with the larger drops occurring in the southern and middle of the district.
Overall, the lifestyle category has decreased 11.1% in capital value and 16.7% in land value.
The effective rating revaluation date of 1 August 2025 has now passed, and any changes in the market since then will not be included in the new rating valuations. In many cases, this means a sale price achieved in the market today may differ from the new rating valuation set as at 1 August 2025
The updated rating valuations are independently audited by the Office of the Valuer-General and must meet rigorous quality standards before the new rating valuations are certified. They are not designed to be used as market valuations for raising finance with banks or as insurance valuations.
New rating values were posted to property owners from 5 November 2025. If owners do not agree with their rating valuation, they have the right to object by 12 December 2025. For more information on rating valuations, visit www.qv.co.nz/about/about-rating-valuations/# or, to object to a new rating valuation, visit www.qv.co.nz/services/rating-valuations/object-rating/.
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Health – Tobacco Control Leaders Unite to Shape Aotearoa’s Vision Beyond Smokefree 2025

Source: Hapai Te Hauora

Aotearoa’s tobacco control sector will come together across two days in Tāmaki Makaurau to celebrate decades of progress, share research, and shape a collective vision for what comes next beyond the Smokefree 2025 goal.
Hosted at the Crowne Plaza and culminating at the Auckland Museum, the two-day programme will feature the Tala Pasifika Fono, Te Rōpū Tupeka Kore Hui, the National Tobacco Control Summit 2025, and Te Whakanui i a Auahi Kore – a landmark celebration recognising those who have paved the way toward a Smokefree Aotearoa.
Day One – Wednesday 12 November
The Tala Pasifika Fono (10am-2pm) will unite Pacific advocates, researchers, and health leaders to reflect on tobacco control through a Pacific lens, explore new research, and discuss how technology like AI can strengthen future health mahi.
Later that day, Te Rōpū Tupeka Kore (4pm-8pm) the Māori Tobacco Control Network, will gather to wānanga on Māori leadership and collective strategy moving forward.
Day Two – Thursday 13 November
The National Tobacco Control Summit 2025 (8:30am-3pm) will bring together the sector to share insights and explore challenges ahead, with keynote sessions on hauora Māori, Pacific wellbeing, addiction psychology, and tobacco research. The Summit will also outline proposed next steps for Aotearoa’s Smokefree agenda post-2025.
That evening, Te Whakanui i a Auahi Kore (6:15pm-10pm) under the Dome at the Auckland Museum will acknowledge the people, organisations, and communities who have led the smokefree movement since its beginnings. Awards will celebrate lifetime contributions and innovation in tobacco control and public health.
“This week is about reflection and renewal – celebrating the many people who have contributed to the Smokefree kaupapa and working collectively to protect this momentum for future generations,” says Jasmine Graham, General Manager at Hāpai te Hauora.
The sector now looks beyond 2025 with renewed purpose, united in creating a future where every whānau, hapori, and generation can thrive in a truly smokefree Aotearoa.
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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Update #10

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Conditions are misty in the Tongariro National Park this morning, which has helped limit the growth of the fire overnight.
All aircraft are grounded because of the mist, but firefighters will be on the ground this morning and air operations will resume once the mist clears.
Fire and Emergency District Commander Nigel Dravitzki says that the fire size is likely to have increased a little from the estimated 2500 hectares. A more detailed reconnaissance will be carried out when the weather improves.
Eight crews of Fire and Emergency firefighters from Wellington and Hawkes Bay will be boosting the ground attack today, alongside seven crews from the Department of Conservation, and additional volunteer firefighters from the Central Plateau brigades.
“Many of the local volunteer firefighters have come forward to help today, as they did over the weekend. It’s their whenua and they have a stake in protecting it,” Nigel Dravitzki says.
There are 15 helicopters and five fixed wing planes on standby to resume operations when the weather clears.
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First Responders – Evacuation of Whakapapa Village – Tongariro Fire update #8

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Whakapapa Village is being evacuated as a precaution due to the fire in the Tongariro National Park.
Thirty six people who live in the village were warned earlier today that they might need to evacuate, and that the signal to leave would be the use of the town’s lahar warning system.
Those evacuating will make their way to the Central Plateau Emergency Management Centre in National Park and register so that everyone is accounted for. Those who then need assistance with finding accommodation will be supported by Civil Defence.
Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Craig Gold says that the decision to evacuate the village was made based on the fire’s behaviour today.
“We are erring on the side of caution and getting people out in daylight, after plenty of warning. This way we have time to make sure that everyone is accounted for during daylight.”
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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire Update #7

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The air attack on the Tongariro National Park fire will continue until twilight, when aircraft will be grounded for the night.
Fire and Emergency NZ has 12 helicopters and five fixed wing aircraft waterbombing the fire. Another helicopter is being used to coordinate all of the aircraft's movements.
Assistant Commander Craig Gold says that the fire now covers an estimated 1800 hectares, and is 20 percent contained.
Five facilities in the vicinity of the fireground were evacuated as a precaution earlier today (the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre, Maungatepopo School Camp, the Old Mill, the Taurewa Lodge and the Avondale College Lodge). A further targeted evacuation of two DOC staff lodges is also being carried out. No members of the public are understood to be affected by that evacuation.
Fire and Emergency is working with Police, Iwi, DOC and local council civil defence staff to ensure the community is safe.
Residents in the area should stay alert to the fire, with information updated regularly by media and on Fire and Emergency’s District Facebook page www.facebook.com/ManawatuWhanganuiFENZ/ . The Manawatu-Whanganui Emergency Management Group is providing support for people in the community who are affected by the fire. Call 06 3528750 to reach their Horizons Welfare Line for advice and support.
Anyone within the area affected by smoke should keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure. Residents who feel unsafe or are vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to self-evacuate and stay with family or friends.
Specialist fire investigators from Fire and Emergency and Police are working to establish the cause of the fire. We appreciate the assistance from members of the public who have come forward with photographs and eye witness accounts to assist the investigation.
SH47 Waimarino to Tongariro remains closed between the intersections with SH 48 and SH46 with no detours available.
DOC has closed the Tongariro Crossing and associated areas.
A no fly zone is in place covering the airspace over the fireground and surrounding area, so that firefighting aircraft are not endangered by other aircraft or drones.
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Health – Health-focussed methamphetamine interventions welcome – NZ Drug Foundation

Source: NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri

Statement from Sarah Helm, Executive Director, NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri:

“We welcome the health-focussed interventions to reduce methamphetamine harm that were announced by the Government today.

“It is good to see an emphasis on health approaches in the Government’s announcement – it’s clear to everyone that we can’t arrest our way out of this issue.

“The announced funding for increased services and support is desperately needed. Methamphetamine use has surged to unprecedented levels over the last 18 months, and with it we’ve seen increased harm in the community. This has landed on a sector that has been significantly underfunded for many years.

“By helping people, communities and families to address substance use disorder, we can both reduce demand and make a dent in supply, because people with long-term addiction often have to turn to selling the drug to help them pay for their own.

“Spending on treatment and harm reduction is also a better investment of taxpayer money than criminalising people, because it results in savings downstream in health, justice and social costs.

“People need to be able to access help immediately when they are ready, because when someone has to wait the window of opportunity quickly closes. It is good to see more investment in community-level support because people shouldn’t have to wait until they are experiencing the worst harms before they can access support. We hope additional investment in community and peer support will mean people can access help earlier. Building the capacity of communities to support each other is essential.

“It can take someone who is using methamphetamine as long as ten years before they come forward to ask for help because of the stigma and fear of criminalisation. So, to be effective, the announced nationwide campaign will need to focus on destigmatising and promoting help-seeking. The communities experiencing the worst methamphetamine harms already know the negative impact it is having. A campaign that is grounded in what they’re experiencing and helps people get information and support quickly will be the most useful.”

Notes:

The NZ Drug Foundation co-ordinates Tūturu, which has received funding for expansion as part of the Government's announcement.

Tūturu is a programme developed specifically for New Zealand schools, focussed on keeping young people in school and building their critical thinking skills around issues like alcohol and other drugs, gambling, gaming, and energy drinks.

The Drug Foundation contracts local youth and health services who work with secondary schools to identify pastoral care support needs early and make use of a wide range of teaching resources.

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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire Update #6

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Precautionary evacuations of five facilities in the vicinity of the Tongariro fire are almost complete. They are the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre, the Maungatepopo School Camp, the Old Mill, the Taurewa Lodge and the Avondale College Lodge.
Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Craig Gold says additional aircraft are being used to fight the fire, with five fixed wing and 12 helicopters being deployed. Most of these are already in action, with a small number still en route. One of the helicopters is being used to direct the air attack, while the others are waterbombing the fire.
Four fire crews are carrying out firefighting on the ground with additional crews supporting the aircraft operations.
“We are prioritising the air operations for safety reasons and because of their effectiveness in this terrain and over a large fire front,” Craig Gold says.
The fire is currently 1600 hectares and as yet not controlled.
Specialist fire investigators from Fire and Emergency and Police are working to establish the cause of the fire.
Fire and Emergency is working with Police, Iwi, DOC and local council civil defence staff to ensure the community is safe. Residents in the area should take stay alert to the fire, with information updated regularly by media and on Fire and Emergency’s Manawatu-Whanganui District Facebook page www.facebook.com/ManawatuWhanganuiFENZ/ . Local councils and DOC are also sharing information.
Anyone within the area affected by smoke should keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure. Residents who feel unsafe or are vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to self-evacuate and stay with family or friends.
SH47 Waimarino to Tongariro remains closed between the intersections with SH48 and SH46 with no detours available.
DOC has closed the Tongariro Crossing and associated areas.
A no fly zone is in place covering the airspace over the fireground and surrounding area, so that firefighting aircraft are not endangered by other aircraft or drones.