Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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WEL Networks extends partnership with Downer and Ventia

Source: WEL Networks

WEL Networks has extended its partnership with Tier 1 contractors Downer and Ventia for a further three years, reinforcing our commitment to delivering safe, reliable and efficient services for our customers.
From 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, Downer and Ventia will continue to play a central role in strengthening and supporting WEL’s network. Their teams deliver the full spectrum of work required to keep our infrastructure operating safely and reliably, from day-to-day customer projects through to major upgrades and rapid response during storms and faults.
“Strong partnerships are essential to maintaining a resilient network. Downer and Ventia share our focus on safety, quality and customer service. This extension reflects the confidence we have in their ability to support our community,” says Dan Coffey, WEL Networks General Manager Works Programme.
Over the past three years, WEL has seen a steady lift in Customer Initiated Works (CIW) satisfaction scores thanks to our Tier 1 delivery partners, whose strong communication, high-quality service and timely delivery across CIW and wider programmes have enhanced the customer experience and supported safe, efficient delivery.
This renewed partnership builds on the successful delivery of two major infrastructure projects in 2025 – WEL’s Te Uku and Kohia substations – led by Ventia and Downer respectively.
The Te Uku Substation upgrade has been successfully delivered by Ventia, replacing ageing outdoor equipment with a modern indoor system. The upgraded substation now provides a safer, more resilient and more reliable electricity supply for the Te Uku and Raglan communities, supporting current demand and enabling future regional growth.
“We are proud to continue supporting WEL Networks in delivering reliable, essential electricity services to communities across the Waikato. Our ongoing partnership is built on a shared commitment to safety, quality and trusted service, and we look forward to strengthening the strong foundations already in place,” says Karen Boyes, Project Director North, Ventia New Zealand.
The Kohia Substation has been successfully delivered by Downer, who oversaw the construction and commissioning of the new site to support strong growth across the Horotiu and Pukete industrial areas, as well as new residential development in Horotiu. The substation is now supplying customers with a more resilient and reliable electricity supply while providing capacity for future expansion.
“Downer is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with WEL Networks, strengthening the essential energy infrastructure that supports communities across the Waikato. Enabling our communities to thrive is at the heart of what we do. This extension reinforces our commitment to keeping our people safe, building strong relationships, and delivering high-quality, innovative solutions for our customers,” says John Batchelor, Downer General Manager Energy.
Together, these projects mark significant milestones in strengthening the Waikato’s electricity infrastructure. WEL’s continued investment in network upgrades, supported by delivery partners Ventia and Downer, underscores our commitment to providing a safe, secure and reliable power supply for both current and future customers.
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Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Department of Conservation renew their Service Agreement

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have signed a new three-year Operational Service Agreement.
The Agreement covers how the two organisations work together. It includes the fire control services provided by DOC including services such as advice, research, and personnel for deployments. It covers the designated services provided by Fire and Emergency including training of DOC personnel, wildfire risk analysis, data sharing and advice, and fire investigation reports.
Fire and Emergency Chief Executive and National Commander Kerry Gregory says the Agreement reflects the shared commitment to protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s public conservation land, including fire prevention, research, and raising public awareness.
“It refreshes and strengthens our already strong partnership, with clearer roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for both organisations,” he says.
Department of Conservation Director-General Penny Nelson says the renewed Agreement shows the strong ongoing relationship between DOC and Fire and Emergency, which is vital to protect special places and unique threatened species.
“Wildfire is a significant threat to biodiversity values, tracks and huts, and public safety, and the risk is only increasing due to climate change. Recent examples like the Tongariro National Park fire show how devastating wildfire can be and the importance of an effective, coordinated response,” Penny Nelson says.
“The refreshed Agreement gives us greater clarity and confidence in how we work together,and strengthens our ability to protect our people, our places, and our taonga.”
Kerry Gregory says the Agreement recognises that fire is a growing risk driven by climate change,and it acknowledges the shared focus on prevention, mitigation, and reducing risk.
“The Agreement also recognises the importance of working with Māori as tangata whenua and reinforces both agencies’ commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Kerry Gregory says.
“Ngā mihi nui to the people in the joint project group involved in the review.”
The associated Schedules (which detail the supporting operational, service specification, and financial processes) will be jointly developed and finalised within 12 months of signing of the Operational Services Agreement. The existing 2021 Schedules will be retained in the interim. 
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Advocacy – Gaza-based Humanitarian organisations petition Israeli High Court as closure deadline approaches – Oxfam

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

The clock is ticking on a large part of the humanitarian response sustaining civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Thirty-seven international aid organisations have been ordered by Israeli authorities to cease operations in the occupied Palestinian territory by the end of February under revised Israeli registration rules. With efforts to force closures imminent, a group of leading humanitarian organisations have taken the unprecedented step of jointly petitioning the Israeli High Court to suspend the measures before irreparable harm is done to civilians who rely on their assistance.
On 30 December 2025, the affected organisations were formally notified that their Israeli registrations would expire the following day and that they would have 60 days to wind down activities in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The notification letter stated that the decision could only be overturned if organisations completed the full registration process, with which they cannot legally or ethically comply.
Efforts to force closures could begin as early as 28 February 2026. The effect would be immediate, extending well beyond individual organisations to the wider humanitarian system. In Gaza, families remain dependent on external assistance amid continuing restrictions on aid entry and renewed strikes in densely populated areas. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, military incursions, demolitions, displacement, settlement expansion and settler violence are driving rising humanitarian needs.
Palestinian Authority registration provides the lawful basis for international NGOs to operate in Palestinian territory. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, an occupying power must facilitate relief for civilians under its control. Conditioning humanitarian presence on sweeping administrative demands, including the transfer of comprehensive national staff lists, alongside vague and politicised grounds for denial, risks disrupting life-saving services and eroding the obligation to ensure civilian welfare under occupation.
The demand to transfer personal data raises acute security and legal risks. It exposes national staff to potential retaliation and undermines established data protection and confidentiality safeguards. For European organisations in particular, compliance would create serious legal and contractual liabilities. More broadly, such requirements set a precedent that could chill principled humanitarian engagement in highly politicised contexts.
International NGOs have proposed practical alternatives, including independent sanctions screening and donor-audited vetting systems, that preserve both compliance and staff protection without disclosing personal data. No substantive response has been provided. Enforcement has meanwhile begun in practice, including blocked supplies and denial of visas and access for foreign staff.
Alongside UN agencies and Palestinian partners, international NGOs support or implement the delivery of more than half of all food assistance in Gaza, 60 per cent of field hospitals’ operations, nearly three quarters of shelter and non-food item activities, all inpatient treatment for children suffering severe acute malnutrition and 30 per cent of emergency education services, in addition to funding over half of explosive hazard clearance.
The petition seeks an urgent Interim Injunction to suspend expiry of registrations and prevent further enforcement pending judicial review. The petitioning organisations contend that these administrative measures constitute an effort to curtail established humanitarian operations in a manner incompatible with the obligations of an occupying power under international humanitarian law.
Governments must act urgently to prevent implementation of these measures and to ensure that humanitarian relief remains principled, independent, and unhindered. If these measures take effect, aid will be impeded not because needs have eased, but because it has been rendered optional, conditional, or politicised. At a moment when civilians depend on assistance to survive, that outcome would carry immediate and irreversible human consequences.
Petitioners and supporting organizations
1. All We Can
2. ActionAid Australia
3. Alianza Por La Solidaridad
4. Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA)
5. Bystanders No More
6. CADUS e.V.
7. Choose Love
8. Christian Aid
9. Churches for Middle East Peace
10. DanChurchAid
11. Danish Refugee Council
12. Diakonia, Sweden
13. Humanity & Inclusion – Handicap International
14. medico international
15. Middle East Children's Alliance
16. Movimiento por la Paz, Desarme y Libertad – MPDL
17. Muslim Aid
18. Nonviolent Peaceforce
19. Norwegian Church Aid
20. Norwegian Refugee Council
21. Oxfam
22. Pax Christi International
23. Première Urgence Internationale (PUI)
24. Pro Peace
25. Refugees International
26. Start Network
27. Tearfund
28. Terre des hommes Italy
29. Terre des hommes Lausanne (Tdh)
30. United Against Inhumanity
31. Weltfriedensdienst e.V. (WFD; World Peace Service)
Notes:
Executive Summary – Joint Petition against the Inter-Ministerial Team:
1. Introduction
This Petition is filed by 17 leading international humanitarian aid organizations (INGOs) and the Association of International Development Agencies (AIDA) which form the critical infrastructure for providing medical services, food, and water to the civilian population in the West Bank and Gaza. The Petitioners challenge the Respondents' December 2025 decision, which orders the “termination of their activities” due to their refusal to provide personal contact details (Nominal Lists) of thousands of local employees. The Petition presents an unprecedented “legal deadlock” in which the demands of the Israeli administration directly contradict international privacy laws and the fundamental principles of humanitarian neutrality.
2. Urgent Request for an Interim Injunction
The Petitioners seek an interim Injunction to preserve the status quo and prevent the expiration of their registration, the deportation of foreign staff and cessation of all activities until a final ruling is reached. It is argued that the “Balance of Convenience” clearly favors the Petitioners: while the Respondents will suffer no harm by maintaining the current situation, the cessation of the organizations' activities will lead to a humanitarian collapse and irreparable harm to the right to life and health of hundreds of thousands of individuals in need.
3. Legal Arguments
A. Breach of the Inter-Ministerial Team's Basic Obligations as an Administrative Authority
The Respondents' conduct is tainted by administrative laches (undue delay) and a lack of good faith. The Respondents delayed their response to registration requests for many months while creating a false representation that the applications were under review. These draconian requirements were imposed without granting a Right to be Heard and without meaningful dialogue, violating the heightened duty of fairness applicable to the authority.
B. The Requirement for Employees' Personal Details (Nominal Lists)
– B.1 GDPR Regulation and the “Adequacy” Issue: The Petitioners, who are bound by European law, demonstrate that transferring employee data from the Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt) to Israeli security authorities constitutes a criminal and administrative offense. Since the European Union's “Adequacy” decision regarding Israel does not apply to the territories, the organizations are exposed to heavy fines and tort claims. The Petition relies on the Schrems II precedent of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which prohibits data transfer to jurisdictions lacking independent judicial oversight over security agencies.
– B.2 The Demand for Employee Details and Violation of International Law: The requirement to provide personal phone numbers and contact details of the entire staff violates the principle of “Data Minimization” and endangers the personal safety of the employees. Turning humanitarian organizations into an information-gathering arm for a party to the conflict stands in total contradiction to the principle of neutrality.
C. The Decision for a Sweeping Cessation of Activity is Void Due to Illegality
– C.1 Decision Lacking Authority (Ultra Vires): The Team’s government mandate is limited to technical registration and visas. Assuming the authority to order the termination of an international organization's activities is an extreme deviation from authority without an explicit legal source.
– C.2 Deviation from Israel’s Sovereignty (Oslo Accords): Pursuant to the Civil Annex of the Oslo Accords, the authority to register and manage NGOs operating in Palestinian Authority territories was transferred to the Palestinians. Israel lacks the authority to order the closure of these entities.
D. Regulation Article 8.4 – Voidness due to Lack of Authority and Breach of International LawThe Petitioners challenge the article in the regulation that allows for the suspension of registration based on vague “security considerations” without a duty of specification or reasoning.
– D.1 Applicability of Article 63 of the Fourth Geneva Convention: This article imposes an obligation on the Occupying Power to allow relief societies to continue their work. The Petition relies on expert legal opinions establishing that this provision fully applies to International NGOs (INGOs) performing essential humanitarian functions.
E. Extreme Unreasonableness and Lack of Proportionality
The decision fails the “Proportionality Stricto Sensu” test: the limited administrative-security benefit of collecting phone numbers is dwarfed by the catastrophic human damage caused by withholding aid from the population. The Respondents refused to consider “less restrictive means,” such as cross-referencing names against public global terror lists.
F. Violation of Israel’s Obligations to Facilitate Humanitarian Aid
As an Occupying Power, Israel bears positive obligations (Articles 55, 56, and 59 of the Convention) to ensure the supply of food and medical services. Arbitrary and bureaucratic interference with organizations fulfilling these duties constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the directives of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
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Energy Sector – Meridian rebounds off back of near-record inflows

Source: Meridian Energy

25 February 2026 – Meridian Energy has reported operating cash flows of $336 million for the six months ending 31 December 2025. This compares to $50 million in the same period last year when the company’s financial performance was impacted by the cost of hedge and demand response contracts required to support customers and electricity security through the record drought of Winter 2024.

The company recorded a net profit after tax (NPAT) of $227 million, compared to a net loss after tax of $121 million for the first half of FY25. EBITDAF was $506 million, up from $257 million, while underlying NPAT increased from -$5 million to $143 million. The latter two are both non-GAAP measures.

Meridian’s results for 1H FY26 were fuelled by a $264m (59%) year-on-year increase in energy margin – the result of record wind generation and the second-best lake inflows on record. These conditions put downward pressure on wholesale electricity prices, with daily spot prices averaging $84 per MWh over the six months to 31 December and falling to an average of $12 per MWh in December. The company also achieved record retail sales volumes, up 12% on last year.

Meridian Chief Executive Mike Roan says this is a strong result and a welcome change from the hit the company took last year after committing significant funds to help support Aotearoa’s security of supply through Winter 2024.

“A core part of our business is to manage weather variability, so we were pleased Mother Nature came to the party in the first half of the year. These conditions helped deliver a strong financial result and a period of extremely low wholesale prices. This is a sign of a market that continues to function well.”

“At the same time, the job is not done. That’s why we continue to work hard to improve the electricity system and what it offers consumers. Over the past six months we have advanced our development pipeline, enhanced the performance of existing assets, maintained our pursuit of contingent storage and taken steps towards making electricity more affordable for Kiwi homes and businesses. These remain our top priorities and this strong result will help us deliver them more quickly,” says Mike Roan.

The Meridian Board has declared an interim ordinary dividend of 6.40 cents per share, up from 6.15 cents per share in the first half of FY25. The dividend reinvestment plan will apply to this interim dividend at a 2% discount.

Half-Year Highlights

Meridian has continued to move at pace towards its goal of having seven projects in construction ready between 2023 and 2030. With Harapaki Wind Farm and the Ruakākā BESS completed and operational, construction is progressing on the Ruakākā and Te Rahui solar farms. Ruakākā is on schedule for first power in November and the first stage of Te Rahui – a 50/50 joint venture with Nova, who is leading construction – is scheduled for final power by mid-2027.

The company is targeting final investment decisions on three other projects this calendar year: Mt Munro Wind Farm in the Wairarapa and the repowering of the Te Rere Hau Wind Farm in the Manawatū and the second stage of the Te Rahui solar farm. Meridian also expects four consenting outcomes by mid-2026: Swannanoa Solar (200 MW), Waikato Solar (100 MW), Manawatu Solar (100 MW) and the reconsenting of the Waitaki Power Scheme.

“Meridian is committed to doing its share of the heavy lifting required to give Kiwis cheaper power and fuel the growth of our economy. Our team has done an excellent job of building momentum in our pipeline. We now hold 8.0 TWh of secured development options and a further 7.3 TWh of advanced prospects – more than a third of New Zealand’s current electricity demand.”

“While we have made significant progress in advancing generation developments to offset the reduction of domestic gas, we need more firming capacity to restore the energy balance that New Zealand has historically enjoyed. Meridian has adjusted elements of our strategy to reflect and prioritise this, such as exploring hydro development options for the first time in decades.”

Meridian achieved record retail sales volumes, boosted by the acquisition of Flick customers last August, increasing its residential market share from 17.5% to 19.5%. The migration of residential and commercial customers to Meridian’s new Kraken platform has also made progress. More than 75,000 customers have now been migrated and the company is on track to complete all mass-market customer migrations in the middle of the calendar year and the remaining corporate and industrial customer accounts by late 2026.

“New Zealand has a highly competitive retail electricity market, and it’s vital that we invest in technology that will enable us to innovate for all customers. People want more affordable energy and an increasing range of options for how and when they use it. We’re already ramping up the rollout of our Smart Hot Water product, which gives discounts to customers for allowing us to control when their cylinder heats so we can take pressure off the grid in peak periods. Our competitive solar buyback rates and EV plans are also helping Kiwis reduce their overall energy bills,” says Mike Roan.

The Generation team has excelled in the first half of FY26, maximising plant availability to enable the company to manage high inflows and wind speeds while also carrying out significant maintenance projects. These include a rotor replacement at Ōhau C and multiple large-scale projects at Manapōuri. We’re lucky to have a world class generation team who are passionate about the role our assets play in supporting Kiwi homes and businesses. The team is making increasing use of AI and other technologies to maximise plant availability. This is something we believe has huge potential.”

Meridian has received further endorsement of its sustainability performance. In February, the company secured its best result to date in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, achieving an S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 distinction – Top 10% score globally in our sector, with a score of 83 out of 100. The CSA is used to determine Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices inclusion, due in April 2026.  “It’s currently our tenth successive year in this Index and the placement is hard won. The Index provides customers, communities and investors independent validation that Meridian meets globally relevant environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards right across our business operations. Ultimately that translates into good outcomes for people and planet and is a core element of Meridian’s competitive advantage,” says Mike Roan.

MERIDIAN FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR SIX MONTHS ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2025

Segment Earnings Statement ($m)

2025

2024

Energy margin

708

444

Other revenue

24

26

Hosting expense

(1)

(2)

Energy transmission expense

(45)

(37)

Electricity metering expenses

(27)

(26)

Employee and other operating expenses

(153)

(148)

EBITDAF

506

257

Depreciation and amortisation

(261)

(225)

Asset related adjustments

(3)

(8)

Unrealised changes in fair value of energy hedges

124

(143)

Net finance costs

(45)

(38)

Net change in fair value of treasury hedges

(4)

(11)

Net profit before tax

317

(168)

Income tax expense

(90)

47

Net profit after tax

227

(121)

 

Underlying net profit after tax

2025

2024

Net profit after tax

227

(121)

Underlying adjustments

Hedging instruments

Unrealised changes in fair value of energy hedges

(124)

143

Net change in fair value of treasury hedges

4

11

Premiums paid on electricity options net of interest

(3)

(4)

Assets

Asset related adjustments

3

8

Total adjustments before tax

(120)

158

Taxation

Tax effect of above adjustments

36

(42)

Underlying net profit after tax

143

(5)


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Energy Sector – Ara Ake reopens National Flex Discovery Fund with renewed focus on digital connectivity

Source: Ara Ake

Ara Ake, New Zealand’s energy innovation centre, has reopened its National Flex Discovery Fund after a successful first round in 2025, continuing its support for smarter ways to manage electricity demand.
The Fund helps flexibility service providers connect devices such as batteries, electric vehicles and smart appliances to open-access platforms, so their energy-saving and grid-supporting potential can be seen and used by potential buyers. Much of the flexibility from these devices remains underutilised because it has not yet been made visible or connected to existing systems.
“There’s a huge amount of untapped flexibility already sitting in homes and businesses. By making that energy visible and usable, we can strengthen New Zealand’s energy resilience in a more affordable and sustainable way,” says Sophie Braggins, acting Chief Executive at Ara Ake.
The first round of the Fund enabled nine new connections to flexibility platforms and supported five projects to improve system performance and the reliability of flexibility services. Funding recipients included SUPA Energy, Lastmyle, Octopus Energy, PowerHub, EWI Energy, Cortexo, Counties Energy, Gridsmart, Ecotricity, Evnex, Simply Energy, and Flex-Able.
“With this support, Flex-Able has been able to make our assets discoverable through the Flexviz platform, bringing visibility to New Zealand’s wider energy ecosystem. Our technology optimises thermal storage like hot water and refrigeration, shifting energy use, reducing grid demand and saving money,” says Josh Benjamin, General Manager at Flex-Able. “The connection to the Flexviz platform positions our systems to fully engage as the country moves toward a mature flexibility market. It’s exciting to be part of the shift to a more resilient, lower-emissions grid.”
This round has a renewed focus on digital tools and software that make it easier for flexible energy resources to become visible and to work together seamlessly on open, shared systems. Applications for the reopened Fund are now open and close on 31 March 2026. A webinar will be held for potential applicants. 
For more details on eligibility, how to apply and sign up to the webinar, visit: www.araake.co.nz/project/ara-ake-national-flex-discovery-fund
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Health Research – Young people are missing out on access to mental health services

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Te Hiringa Mahara is calling for increased urgency to improve access to specialist mental health and addiction services for young people after new analysis shows a continued reduction in the number of young people accessing services.
Despite 15-to-24 year-olds reporting increasing levels of high psychological distress, our findings show fewer were seen by specialist services in the most recent year, and wait times show little sign of improvement.
“We are not alone in sounding the alarm, yet we continue to see too many young people missing out on vital specialist mental health and addiction care when they need it,” said Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive.
“We’ve got to ensure young people know where to seek help and when they do, there is capacity and workforce available to respond in a way that works for them and their circumstances. This means help is available early, with a range of options and is responsive.
“We have been told by young people about the challenges they face gaining access to support. Not being able to access services can have devastating consequences for them and their whānau. Ensuring support is available when it’s most needed can reduce the lifelong effects of mental health issues.
“The data we have gathered clearly shows that the system is less responsive to the high level of mental health need of Māori, Pacific and disabled people. Options need to be available that are tailored for these young people to enable better mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
“It's vitally important that we close this gap, and it is becoming more urgent. At a population level young people are reporting increasing levels of psychological distress. In our summary of NZ Health Survey 2024-25 data, the trend of increasing high levels of psychological distress is not slowing down.
“We need to see focused action and sustained leadership to ensure young people receive the care and support they need in a timely way,” said Ms Orsborn.
The Commission has recommended that Health NZ take action to improve access to specialist mental health and addiction services for young people, including youth-specific crisis responses, streamlined pathways into care as well as an increased range of effective acute community options tailored for young people.
It is positive to see an overall increase in access to specialist mental health and addiction services and the new primary and community services in the 2024/25 year.
“We are very pleased to see that over 6,000 more people accessed specialist mental health and addiction services, something that is largely due to an increase in the workforce. The Access and Choice programme saw close to 29,000 additional people, including young people, however it is still falling short of the aim of 325,000 per year,” Ms Orsborn said.
Notes – summary of key findings
More people were able to access services overall
– 183,356 people used specialist services in 2024/25, an increase of 6,072 (3.4% increase) compared with 2023-24
– In 2024-25 236,300 people used Access and Choice programme services, up from 207,000 in 2023-24 (a 14% increase)
Young people are the age group who experienced the largest decrease in access
–  Over the last five years almost 5,000 fewer 19-25 year olds (a 20% decrease), and 2,800 fewer 0-18 year olds (a 6% decrease) accessed services.
–  Between 2023/24 and 2024/25, 390 fewer rangatahi and young people aged 19-24 used specialist services (a 2% decrease). Over the last five years the proportion of this population using services has decreased from 6.1% in 2020/21 to 4.9% in 2024/25.
–  69.6 per cent of young people aged 0-18 years met the target of people accessing specialist services seen within three weeks (set at 80%)
NZ Health Survey 2024/25 shows almost 23% of young people experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in 2024/25.
–  The number 15-24 year olds who experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the past 4 weeks has increased from 7.7% in 2014/15 to 22.9% in 2024/25
–  Young people (aged 15 to 24 years old), Pacific, Māori and disabled adults have the highest levels of psychological distress
Get a copy of the data summaries: www.mhwc.govt.nz/mointoring-2026
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Health and Employment – Allied Health workers ratify new collective agreement – PSA

Source: PSA

More than 12,300 Allied Health workers who are members of the PSA have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective agreement with Te Whatu Ora Health NZ, in a result that underlines the power of workers standing together.
“This collective agreement was reached as a result of PSA Allied Health workers who showed up, stood strong and held the line in the face of unrealistic initial pay offers,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“We didn’t get everything we wanted with the settlement but members have ratified these agreements after the Allied Health bargaining team recommended that they support it on the basis that it is the best offer the union is able to achieve at this time.
“These workers went on strike during the Mega Strike on 23 October 2025 as well as a further strike late last year and their actions have made a difference. This outcome after seven months of bargaining shows what workers can achieve when they stand together.”
The Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical collective covers a wide range of health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, Māori health specialists, anaesthetic technicians, and scientists.
Workers will receive a pay increase of 2.5 per cent in year one from December 2025 and a further 2 per cent from December 2026. The agreement also includes a $500 lump sum payment for staff, a new pay scale for Sterile Sciences Technicians, commitments to improve safe staffing, a contractual commitment to advertise vacancies, and a $400,000 national professional development fund.
“Allied Health workers deliver essential care to New Zealanders every day. This settlement is recognition of that contribution and a reminder that in a health system under significant strain, the workers who keep it running need fair terms and conditions.”
Voting is now underway on a union-supported settlement for two other collectives that cover more than 4,000 other PSA members, including mental health and public health nurses, policy, advisory, knowledge and specialist workers. The PSA represents more than 26,000 workers employed by Health NZ.
“This ratification result is a positive step forward but there are major problems in our health system caused by the Government imposing job losses on Health NZ and failing to fund our health system properly.
“All political parties must commit to a properly funded public health system that ensures safe staffing levels, and delivers quality care for all New Zealanders, as well as pay equity for under-valued health workers.
“We can’t afford to keep going backwards as we have done under the cuts imposed by this government.”
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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Statistical area 2 and 3 population projections: 2023(base)–2053 – (second instalment) – Stats NZ information release

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Greenpeace – Seabed miners ‘trespassed’ from Taranaki waters, after Fast Track withdrawal

Source: Greenpeace

Iwi representatives from Taranaki have delivered a ‘trespass’ notice to seabed miners in Sydney today, warning the company against pursuing any future plans to pillage the seabed in Aotearoa.
Hand delivered by Rukutai Watene of Ngāti Ruanui, alongside Greenpeace Aotearoa, the notice was served peacefully at the headquarters of Manuka Resources – parent company of Trans Tasman Resources (TTR). Manuka Resources Co-Founder Haydn Lynch was on site but refused to engage with Watene or Greenpeace Aotearoa and shut himself in an office.
For over a decade TTR has been trying – and failing – to start an iron sand mining operation off the coast of Taranaki.
The notice “expels” the company from Taranaki, and comes after TTR withdrew from the Fast Track process after the panel issued a draft rejection of their seabed mining proposal earlier this month.
Rukutai Watene, who delivered the notice, says:
“We are here today to send a clear message that seabed mining is not wanted or needed in Aotearoa. We’ve fought Trans-Tasman Resources multiple times since 2014 and we’ve won every time, even at the Supreme Court. Article two of Te Tiriti o Waitangi guarantees Māori authority over our taonga. We will protect Papatūānuku, from the maunga to the moana. Seabed mining won’t ever take place on our watch.”
In February, the Fast Track Panel issued its draft decision denying TTR approval for its project. The decision was celebrated by the iwi, communities and environmentalists who have fought this mine every step of the way. Last week TTR announced they were withdrawing from the Fast Track process before the final decision was issued.
Juressa Lee, Greenpeace Aotearoa’s seabed mining campaigner says:
“This activity serves as a warning to Manuka and TTR: stay away, do not try to revive your plan, or expect resistance. The message from iwi, Taranaki locals, environmental groups and the New Zealand public has been united and clear for decades: no seabed mining is welcome in Aotearoa.”
“TTR has a habit of ditching official processes when they don’t go their way and exploring other “easier” avenues to resurrect their zombie project. We’re here to say any attempt to start seabed mining in Aotearoa – whatever avenues or workarounds mining companies try to use – will face strong resistance.”
In 2024, the company withdrew from the Environment Protection Authority consenting process right before the new Fast Track legislation was announced, providing TTR a new pathway.
Later that same year, Ngāti Ruanui and Greenpeace representatives interrupted Manuka’s AGM, calling for them to withdraw their seabed mining plans.
Lee says, “Even with pro-industry ministers desperate to help get seabed mining over the line, TTR has failed yet again to prove their project won’t destroy the ocean, violate indigenous rights or provide major economic benefits. They will never win against the people-powered movement who have staunchly resisted their ocean destruction.
“This company has been rejected numerous times, and it is time a line was drawn under this project. Political parties must commit to banning seabed mining in Aotearoa. Communities shouldn’t have to fight every single deluded miner that comes knocking.
“Across the Pacific, seabed mining companies are rushing to carve up the ocean for profit, including in the High Seas, and the domestic waters of nations such as the Cook Islands, Aotearoa and American Samoa.”
Lee adds that global powers including the Trump administration are also trying to make it easier for seabed mining companies to do this.
“The US is attempting to fast track mining permits, and pressuring states such as New Zealand to sign Critical Minerals deals. In response, the government has just announced a new minerals slush fund. It remains to be seen if TTR will try to use this to breathe life into their besieged project.
“Enough is enough. The courts have said no, iwi have said no, the community has said no, tens of thousands of New Zealanders have called for a ban.
“Now we need politicians to listen – commit to banning seabed mining and ensure that Aotearoa holds the line against this destructive industry from ever getting a foothold. The ocean is too precious to mine, and we must defend it.”
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Environment – EPA approves biological control agent to combat invasive Chilean flame creeper

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the release of a leaf-feeding beetle (Blaptea elguetai) as a biological control agent to combat Chilean flame creeper (Tropaeolum speciosum), an invasive weed in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Chilean flame creeper is an invasive pest plant that spreads quickly and smothers native plants. It is now a threat in many regions, especially Southland, Otago, and Canterbury. It can be found on Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. It is also becoming a problem plant in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Environment Southland, on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, applied to import the beetle as removing the weed by hand or using herbicides is not very effective, takes a lot of time, and can harm nearby plants.
EPA Acting Manager of New Organisms and International Applications, Peter Day, says the leaf-feeding beetle offers a low-maintenance solution that can reach areas that are hard to access.
“The decision to approve introduction of this organism was made by an independent decision-making committee, which follows a rigorous, evidence-based assessment.
“The risk assessment provided by the applicant showed that the Chilean flame creeper leaf beetle is highly unlikely to harm native plants or animals. It also does not bite or sting, so there is no health risk to people.”
Mr Day says the decision followed public consultation, engagement with mana whenua, and consideration of international best practice.
“New Zealand has a strong track record of using biological control agents to manage invasive weeds with minimal impact on native ecosystems.”
In recent years the EPA has approved other biocontrol agents for weeds such as Darwin’s barberry, purple loosestrife, old man’s beard, Sydney golden wattle, and moth plant.