Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Health – GP pharmacist led support strengthens patient care and clinical confidence

Source: ProCare

In four months’ time, essential funding that is helping improve patient outcomes and freeing up GP time is set to end, despite outstanding results. ProCare has been supporting practices to integrate pharmacists, emergency care paramedics, physiotherapists, and care-coordinators into practices, through the Comprehensive Primary and Community Care Team (CPCT) initiative.

Grey Lynn Family Medical Centre, part of the ProCare Network, is praising the impact of CPCT and has outlined how it has significantly improved support for patients with complex medicine needs.

Dr Kavi Deo, GP and Clinic Director of Grey Lynn Family Medical, says: “Having pharmacists embedded in the team over the last 18 months has been transformative. Medication optimisation, reconciliation, and prescribing are safer and more accurate. Patients now book directly with pharmacists because they value and trust the help they receive.”

Dr Deo says the daily collaboration between pharmacists and GPs has strengthened clinical decision making and improved efficiency.

“Pharmacists bring expertise about medicines into the clinical conversation. That allows our GPs to focus on diagnosis and broader medical management, while also giving our less experienced clinicians more support and prescribing confidence. Overall, there has been great improvements in patient care, clinical workflow, and team-based practice.”

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare, says the model shows the opportunities for collaboration in primary care, and the kind of innovation and investment the health system needs more of.

“Programmes like CPCT show how we can design workforce models that truly complement the skills of a whole clinical team. When pharmacists and GPs work together in a structured, well supported way, it strengthens patient care and ensures each professional is working at the top of their scope. 

What we’re seeing at Grey Lynn is a good example of how collaboration can lift outcomes without adding pressure to general practice. It helps free up GP time for the complex care only they can provide, and it leads to safer medicine use and better patient understanding.”

Norwell adds that ProCare is committed to supporting practices to embed these roles sustainably.

“As more practices recognise the value of this model, we are looking ahead to how it can be maintained over the long term. This is exactly the kind of co-ordinated team based care our system needs, to ensure better outcomes for our communities.

The funding is set to end on 30 June 2026. ProCare is advocating to Health New Zealand to continue support for multidisciplinary teams.

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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Ukrainian children endure four years of war – longer than World War II – ChildFund NZ

Source: ChildFund New Zealand
Tomorrow will mark four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“That’s longer than the duration of their war against the Nazis,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund New Zealand.
“Charities like ChildFund have remained working in the country and the region since the start, through our local partners. We could not support the children we do, without the generosity of Kiwis who have kept supporting us since the war started.”
The latest statistics are shocking:
  • 4.6 million children entering their fourth consecutive year of disrupted schooling
  • 10% of school and educational facilities damaged (1,700 facilities)
  • 2,859,000 children displaced; one third of Ukraine's child population
  • 62.89% of these displaced children are now refugees
  • Bombs have killed or injured more than 3,200 children since February 2022.
  • 2025 saw a 10% increase over the year prior for child casualties
  • Nearly 200 medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged in 2025 alone.
Through its partner, We World, ChildFund New Zealand has also helped support 7,334 people (adults and children) across Ukraine with mental and psychosocial health sessions. Safe centres for children have been set up in protected and underground spaces, offering educational, psychosocial and recreational activities.
This winter, temperatures have already dropped to -20 degrees Celsius. The renewed attacks on energy infrastructure mean widespread blackouts, and no reliable access to heating and water.
“Ukrainian children and their families need us more than ever.” 
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Events – Swim with sharks in new live family theatre experience at Auckland Museum

Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

Swimming with Sharks is coming to Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum for a limited season across March and the April school holidays. Created in collaboration with internationally renowned puppet theatre company Erth, Swimming with Sharks is an immersive live theatre experience that allows visitors to get up close to an extraordinary array of sharks, from the prehistoric past to the oceans of today.

Through expressive puppetry and engaging storytelling, tamariki will discover the diversity of sharks that inhabit the seas around Aotearoa and beyond. Meet the kitefin shark, the largest bioluminescent animal on the planet; learn about “shaggy beard” sharks that dwell on the ocean floor; and encounter an impressive five-metre-long great white shark. Along the way, hear fascinating facts about these often-misunderstood ocean creatures and explore the essential role they play in the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems.

Jo Brookbanks, Public Programme Content Specialist at Auckland Museum, says Erth is internationally recognised for their extraordinary wildlife puppetry.

‘We’re excited to be working again with Erth to bring another engaging live experience to our audiences.’

‘Visitors may remember Erth’s previous shows at Auckland Museum, the much-loved Prehistoric Aquarium and Dinosaur Zoo. Swimming with Sharks continues that tradition of combining beautiful puppetry with real science in a way that’s accessible, educational and fun for tamariki and their whānau,’ says Brookbanks.

Scott Wright, Artistic Director at Erth, says the performance encourages children to see sharks in a new light.

‘Sharks have captured imaginations for generations. With Swimming with Sharks, we invite young explorers to step into an ocean world and discover the beauty, diversity and importance of these extraordinary animals,’ says Wright.

Each performance runs for approximately 20 minutes. Children are invited to sit up-close on floor cushions, while adults can join them or relax on sofas at the back. Relaxed sessions are available.

Tickets are offered on a ‘Pay What You Can’ basis. Children aged 0–4 are recommended free tickets, while children aged 5–15 and adults can choose their own ticket price. All attendees require a ticket.

Performances take place on 7–8, 14–15 and 21–22 March, and 3–19 April, with sessions at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Tickets are available now at aucklandmuseum.com.

While visiting, families can also explore the Museum’s special exhibition Sharks for an even deeper dive into the science and stories behind these iconic marine animals, on now until Monday 1 June. See aucklandmuseum.com/sharks for full details.

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Aged care sector reiterates commitment to equitable pay for care workforce

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association acknowledges the release today of the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity report.
Chief Executive Tracey Martin said the report reinforces an issue the sector has consistently raised: the women who overwhelmingly staff New Zealand’s aged residential care facilities perform work that requires skill, judgement, responsibility and resilience, and that work should be valued accordingly.
“Care and support workers in aged residential care undertake skilled and demanding roles. They provide hands-on personal care, support residents living with complex health conditions and dementia, monitor wellbeing and escalate concerns to registered nurses, assist with medication under delegation, support mobility and safe transfers, and contribute to palliative and end-of-life care within a multidisciplinary team.
“This work requires judgement, training, physical resilience and emotional intelligence. It is skilled work and work that deserves to be valued accordingly.
“Our long-held view is simple: work that requires comparable skills, responsibility and effort should be remunerated on an equitable basis, regardless of whether it is traditionally performed by women or men.”
Martin said aged residential care providers participated in the pay equity process in good faith.
“We engaged because we believe in fair recognition of the workforce. Providers gathered extensive data and worked constructively toward a sector-wide solution.
“At the same time, we have always been clear that pay equity in a government-funded sector must be matched by sustainable funding settings. Providers cannot absorb structural wage corrections without corresponding funding adjustments.”
She said the broader issue remains workforce sustainability.
“New Zealand has around 40,000 aged residential care beds, significantly more than the public hospital bed base, and demand will continue to grow as our population ages.
“To deliver safe, high-quality care, we must attract and retain a skilled workforce. Fair and equitable pay is part of that equation, alongside immigration settings, training pathways and a funding model that reflects the true cost of care.”
The Association will continue to engage constructively with Government on achieving a durable solution that supports residents, workers and providers alike.
“Our focus remains on ensuring older New Zealanders receive the care they deserve – delivered by a workforce that is respected and properly valued.”
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Successful Māori startup accelerator returns for another year

Source: Tapuwae Roa

Tapuwae Roa has announced today the return of its flagship Tupu Accelerator, an eight-week programme designed to propel Māori businesses from startups to investment-ready global ventures.
Developed by Tapuwae Roa in partnership with Sprout Agritech, and co-funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the programme will onboard ten aspiring Māori-founded startups, equipping them with the tools, mentorship and resources to scale quickly and sustainably on the world stage.
“We created Tupu for Māori entrepreneurs striving to make their big business dreams go global, scaling their innovations to reach international markets,” says Te Pūoho Kātene, Chief Executive of Tapuwae Roa. 
“We know Māori have the talent to compete globally; Tupu provides the mentorship, expertise and networks to help make that global vision a reality.”
Now entering its third year, Tupu continues to demonstrate measurable impact, with 87 percent of participating founders considering Tupu as a game-changer for their business.
“It [Tupu] has had a massive impact and will be forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in this kaupapa. It instilled in us belief and gave us the tools to take our business from a part-time mahi to a full-time business with export aspirations,” says Keela Atkinson, co-founder of Mauriora Kombucha.
Facilitated by experienced business coaches Saara Tawha and Brittany Teei (founder, KidsCoin), the accelerator focuses on key development areas for startup success, including customer validation, market analysis, intellectual property protection, and navigating the process of raising capital.
Featuring a hybrid blend of in-person wānanga, guest speakers, online sessions, and personalised coaching, Tupu equips founders with the skills to elevate their businesses from local operations to internationally competitive markets.
“We want to see our driven, innovative Māori founders shining on the world stage, and Tupu is here to help them to accomplish that global aspiration, says Kātene. 
Applications are now open and close on 23 March 2026. For more information or to apply, visit www.tupu.org.nz.
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Hāpai Te Hauora marks 30 years of Māori-led public health leadership

Source: Hapai Te Hauora

Hāpai Te Hauora is marking 30 years of Māori-led public health leadership, acknowledging its journey and partnerships. Established in 1996 as Hāpai Te Hauora Tapui Ltd, the organisation was formed to address a critical gap in public health, recognising Māori public health is holistic in nature and requires distinct approaches, leadership, and solutions. At a time of significant change within the health sector, Hāpai was created to strengthen Māori public health across the greater Auckland region.
Guided by the leadership and vision of Te Whānau o Waipareira, Raukura Hauora o Tainui, and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua, Hāpai was established to ensure Māori communities, voices, values, and aspirations are central to public health responses and decision-making.
From the outset, Hāpai was established to provide dedicated Māori public health leadership, grounded in kaupapa Māori and focused on improving outcomes for whānau.
Over time, Hāpai has grown from a regional organisation into a national Māori public health leader, working across Aotearoa to influence policy, strengthen the Māori public health workforce, and support kaupapa that address the wider determinants of health for whānau, hapū, and iwi.
This includes leadership in areas such as SUDI prevention, alcohol harm reduction, Smokefree advocacy, community-led activations, policy submission support, and accessible policy explainers that help whānau engage with systems that impact their lives.
Chief Executive Jacqui Harema says the milestone reflects both celebration and responsibility.
“It is a real privilege to acknowledge 30 years of kaupapa Māori public health leadership,” says Harema. “This milestone reflects the strength of our foundations and the responsibility we hold to continue this mahi for future generations.”
The milestone will be acknowledged through a formal anniversary celebration in Tāmaki Makaurau, bringing together former staff, whānau, partners, and leaders to reflect on Hāpai’s journey and look ahead to the future of Māori-led public health grounded in Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata. 
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Northland News – Get your pod squad ready

Source: Northland Regional Council

The Northland Regional Council has launched a new competition initiative aimed at reducing the spread of moth plant, a highly invasive pest plant throughout Taitokerau.
The competition encourages individuals or teams to collect moth plant pods, vines and seedlings, with cash prizes up for grabs.
Northland Regional Councillor and Chair of the Biodiversity and Biosecurity Working Party, Jack Craw says the point-based competition will help put the spotlight on this problematic pest and reduce its spread, helping to protect native species which often fall victim to the smothering vine.
“Not only do participants get the chance to win cash, they are also being environmental heros by helping us fight the war on weeds one pod or vine at a time.
Every pod collected will prevent up to 1000 seeds from being released and spread through the wind. Participants will also get extra points for pulling out moth plant seedlings and vines with the roots intact, preventing them from producing pods in future.”
The competition awards one point per pod collected and three points for every vine/seedling with roots intact. Cash prizes include $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place, plus several Prezzy Card spot prizes are also available.
Once registered, participants will be advised of the safety precautions to follow to protect their eyes, skin and clothes from the harmful moth plant sap, and how to dispose of the pods responsibly.
Local competitions of this nature have been previously organised by schools and community groups and NRC is excited to be part of a region-wide competition for Northland.
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Employment Trends – Modest salary growth leaves 42% of New Zealand professionals feeling underpaid as cost‑of‑living pressures persist

Source: Robert Walters

Auckland, New Zealand – 24 February 2026 – Salary growth across New Zealand remains minimal despite stabilising business conditions, with 42% of professionals reporting they feel underpaid, according to new research released by global talent solutions partner Robert Walters.

The findings come from the firm's latest Salary Guide, which surveyed over 5,500 white‑collar professionals in ANZ across 12 industries.

Pay rises failing to keep pace with living costs

While 57% of New Zealand professionals received a pay rise in 2025, most increases fell within a modest 2.5%-5% band. Against the backdrop of continued cost‑of‑living pressure, many workers say these increases have had limited real impact.

This is reinforced by a significant perception gap:

42% of employees feel underpaid yet 83% of employers believe salaries are keeping pace with rising costs

The result is a growing disconnect between nominal salary growth and financial wellbeing.

Cautious optimism ahead

Nearly 67% of employers intend to offer salary increases in 2026, while 56% of professionals expect to receive one.

Shay Peters, Robert Walters Australia and New Zealand CEO, said the stabilising market gives organisations an opportunity to revisit remuneration.

“As businesses come out of last year's restructures, organisations have an opportunity to reassess remuneration. Where salary increases are not feasible, employers must focus on career progression, flexibility, and skills development.

It's no secret the movement of New Zealand talent to Australia is well underway. Dissatisfaction around pay is a high retention risk, especially as overseas markets are actively targeting New Zealand talent.”

With 58% of New Zealand professionals open to relocating this year, retention needs to be a big focus for employers this year.  

Regional dissatisfaction highest in Canterbury

The research reveals significant regional variation in how employees perceive their pay:

Canterbury: 46% do not believe their salary matches the cost of living
Auckland: 42%
Wellington: 39%

These differences highlight how lifestyle costs and local economic conditions increasingly shape career decisions and relocation intent.

Certain industries still record strong salary momentum in 2026

Despite overall modest wage movement, several industries outpaced the broader market:

  • Accounting & Finance: 14% increase: Driven by strong uplift in senior commercial finance roles, including notable rises for General Manager Finance (+25%), Financial Controller (+13.9%).
  • Technology & Data: 12% increase: Fuelled by high demand for AI, data engineering and cyber capability, with standout growth for Senior Data Scientist (+14.7%), Senior Data Engineer (+13.8%), and Cyber Security Architect (+9.9%).
  • Legal: 7% increase: Experienced counsel continue to attract premium remuneration.
  • These pockets of growth highlight where competition for specialist talent remains most pronounced.

About the Salary Guide

The Robert Walters 2026 Salary Guide provides a comprehensive overview of hiring intentions, salary trends, skills shortages, and workforce mobility across New Zealand. With insights from over 2,300 respondents, the guide highlights how businesses and employees are navigating an evolving labour market shaped by cost-of-living pressures, technological adoption, and mobility opportunities.

About Robert Walters: 

With more than 3,100 people in 30 countries, Robert Walters delivers recruitment consultancy, staffing, recruitment process outsourcing and managed services across the globe. From traditional recruitment and staffing to end-to-end talent management, our consultants are experts at matching highly skilled people to permanent, contract and interim roles across all professional disciplines.

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PSA – Pay equity People’s Committee does what Govt refused to – and exposes its betrayal of women

Source: PSA

  • Constitutional vandalism laid bare
The report of the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity today is a damning indictment of the Government’s shameful actions in riding roughshod over the rule of law, bypassing democratic process and scrapping pay equity for more than 150,000 women.
“The fact that New Zealand women had to create their own select committee to be heard is a profound indictment of this government – they should be ashamed,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“This is a historic first for participatory democracy in Aotearoa and it only happened because the Government’s betrayal of women was so complete, so cynical, and so contemptuous of due process that workers had no other choice. New Zealand women will not forget that under the cover of darkness, with no prior signalling the Government cancelled pay equity claims and gutted the Equal Pay Act.
“The overwhelming response to this Committee, the volume and depth of submissions, tells you everything about the level of outrage and betrayal felt by women workers, their whānau and communities.
“The PSA represents members in 14 of the 33 cancelled claims, plus a further five claims due for review and two about to be raised. That’s more than 80,000 workers – people who show up every day to care for our most vulnerable. Their work affects every single New Zealander, and this Government is telling them their rights are expendable.
“The Committee has done what the Government should have done. It has listened. It has gathered evidence. It has produced a clear and damning record of this constitutional vandalism and it has confirmed what the PSA has said from the beginning: this was done in bad faith, to protect the Government from a future wage bill, and save its Budget, not in the interests of women or the public. We thank the former MP members of this Committee, they did the job this Government refused to do.
“The Government’s defence of its actions does not hold up to even basic scrutiny. The submissions prove it. The timeline proves it. The fact that union and employer groups were still meeting with the Minister of Health about the Care and Support Worker claim just days before the changes were announced proves it.
“Pay equity is not a privilege. It is a right. And this Government’s systematic attacks on working people, scrapping pay equity, suppressing minimum wage increases and now backing fire at will laws that make personal grievance claims far harder – will not be forgotten come the election in November.
“The PSA supports the Committee’s key recommendations and calls on the current Government and all opposition parties to commit to delivering genuine pay equity without delay. No more stalling. No more subterfuge. Women’s rights are not up for negotiation.”
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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Holiday spending contributes to 0.9 percent increase in retail sales – Retail trade survey: December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release