Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Rough sleepers need homes, not handcuffs – Amnesty International

Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand
23 February 2026 – Public spaces are vital to how we collectively live together and govern ourselves. They are where we connect, where we participate in society, where we ask decision-makers to take action, where we catch up, or shop or take our daily walk. They are spaces we all have a right to.
Amnesty International is deeply concerned by the Government granting “move on” powers, which enable Police to force people to leave a public space, without evidence of criminal activity, on pain of fine or imprisonment. This effectively criminalises poverty and erodes fundamental civil liberties protected under New Zealand law.
The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act (NZBORA) guarantees the Freedom of Movement.
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand’s Kaiwhakahaere Executive Director Jacqui Dillon said, “We are concerned that this proposal is discriminatory, targeting a certain group of people and their status rather than harmful behaviour – human rights are universal and must remain treated as such.
“When a person is forced to move, particularly one who may have no other place to go to, you remove their right to exist within the community. Freedom of movement is not a privilege for a few, it is a fundamental human right for us all.
“Given the ongoing effects of colonisation, we’re concerned that these “move-on” powers will have disproportionate impacts on Māori communities.”
Section 5 of the NZBORA allows for rights to be limited in some circumstances: “The rights and freedoms contained in this Bill of Rights may be subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.”
Amnesty International fails to see how this change in Police power could meet this test. Firstly, it has been reported that public order, health and safety offence proceedings in Auckland City were at a 10-year low in 2025. Secondly, we already have laws to deal with disorderly behaviour.
We believe most New Zealanders would agree that criminalising and imprisoning a person who has no home, or who may have mental health or addiction issues, but has not broken the law, is abhorrent. It does not solve the issue of homelessness and appears a deeply worrying, disproportionate use of State power.
The new Police “move-on” powers run counter to international guidance that says States should not use criminalisation to deal with social issues.
“At a time when we’re seeing, for example, England and Wales repealing the Vagrancy Act, Aotearoa appears to be leaning back towards the Victorian era,” said Dillon.
What’s more, it could have far reaching implications.
“This is a chilling policy. While the Government has said it won’t impact people protesting, we are concerned that in practice such a law could be used to limit the rights of people across a range of scenarios,” said Dillon.
At a time when the international rules-based order is being undermined, it is essential that New Zealand stand strong in upholding international human rights standards. Freedom of movement, freedom of expression, the rights of children, the right to adequate housing and more – New Zealanders value these rights.
“The Government needs to change tack and work with people impacted and those in the sector to come up with solutions that will be effective and uphold human rights,” said Dillon.
Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand's Kaiwhakahere Executive Director Jacqui Dillon is available for comment. Jacqui previously held Senior Leadership roles at Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai.
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Landscape restoration trust committed to addressing South Island’s "worst man-made environmental disaster"

Source: Rata Foundation
Ten years ago, South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust was established to help mitigate the spread of wilding conifers in the region. These invasive trees are now threatening a large area across the top of the South and spreading at an unprecedented rate, with significant environmental and economic implications.
The threat centres on a 50,000-hectare catchment at the head of the Wairau Valley, where there are approximately 20,000 hectares of dense conifers, spreading at roughly 400 hectares annually. Beyond the catchment boundaries, seed dispersal from the Branch Leatham has affected an estimated 180,000 hectares, including 50,000 hectares in the Awatere sector and another 50,000 hectares on Molesworth Station.
“The Branch Leatham has always been at the heart of this concern because it’s a ticking time bomb of compounding seed-rain dispersal,” says Mr Oswald, Chair of the Trust. “I sincerely believe it is the worst manmade environmental disaster that New Zealand has ever faced.”
Unlike previous environmental challenges such as rabbit or deer introductions, which have been successfully managed, the conifer invasion threatens permanent landscape change. One of the primary invasive species, Douglas fir, is shade-tolerant and capable of eliminating native beech forests while establishing above the native bush tree line at elevations approaching 3,000 metres.
Mr Oswald says the invasion has significant implications for tourism, agriculture, and biodiversity. “The Marlborough tramping club has been up there with chainsaws to open up tracks that are no longer passable; you can't push your way through the dense swards of contorta pine trees,” says Mr Oswald. “As well as tourism, the economic impact extends to Marlborough's wine industry, due to reduced water yield, and the merino fine wool industry, due to loss of grazing areas.”
South Marlborough is also one of five centres in New Zealand where unique species, plants, or animals are found only in that specific geographic area and nowhere else in the world. Trust Coordinator Ket Bradshaw says many of these face habitat elimination as the invasive conifers take over the environment.
“At least 29 nationally threatened or at-risk plants species occur in the Branch Leatham, of which nine are endemic to South Marlborough,” says Ms Bradshaw. “If we continue the way we are, these trees will replace the indigenous biodiversity and tussock in the mountain landscapes of South Marlborough, all the way to Kaikōura.”
The Trust is supported by over 60 volunteers. To date, the volunteer programme has eliminated 50,000 trees from remote alpine basins, including the Lost Valley, which has no road access and requires a seven-hour walk to reach. The Trust also organises volunteer days and educational presentations to school and community groups.
Much of what the Trust has achieved over the last three years has been supported by funding of $450,000 from Rātā Foundation. The funding enabled the Trust to develop the plan to understand how the issue could be addressed, aerial control across 10,000 hectares in the western Branch Leatham sector called the Raglan Range, and the volunteer work in the Lost Valley demonstrating the feasibility of large-scale intervention.
Rātā Foundation Head of Community Investment Kate Sclater says: “The South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust’s mission aligns closely with our aim to support environmental resilience through collaborative approaches at a landscape-scale.
“We have seen firsthand the positive impact that investment in empowering local people to find solutions is having. The efforts of volunteers to eradicate wilding pines has resulted in the return of native plants in some areas, but this is only the beginning of the long-term approach that is required to protect the indigenous biodiversity of the area. With a peer-reviewed plan now in place, there is a course of action on tackling this challenge.”
The 10-year feasibility plan shows that $10 million annually could address the issue, says Mr Oswald. “We have an opportunity now with the 10-year plan that shows that for $10 million a year for the next 10 years we can control the worst area in New Zealand. If we do that, the rest of it will fall into place. The Sapere Report, commissioned by MPI, shows that controlling wilding conifers returns $38 for every dollar spent – the highest return of any biosecurity issue in New Zealand. If we act now, we can help preserve the top of the South for future generations.
“We're indebted to Rātā Foundation for giving this funding in the last three years because it has allowed us to upscale what we were doing. Without Rātā, we would never have got to this level.”
About Rātā Foundation: Rātā Foundation is the South Island's most significant community investment fund, managing a pūtea (fund) of around $700 million. This enables Rātā to invest around $25 million per annum into its funding regions of Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough and the Chatham Islands. Since its inception in 1988, Rātā has invested over $600 million through community investment programmes to empower people to thrive.
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Northland News – Free goat pies for field days

Source: Northland Regional Council

Free mini goat pies will be on the menu at the Northland Regional Council (NRC) marquee at the upcoming Northland Field Days.
About 20kg of goat meat sourced from Premium Game in Blenheim will be used by Whangārei’s Charlies Bakery to create pies which will be made available to visitors at the February 26-28 Dargaville event.
The council expects to give away about 1500 pies over the three days of field days from its usual site – I1 and I2.
Council Kaipara constituency representative John Blackwell says over the years the council has transformed a variety of pest animals, plants and even insects into an array of edible field day treats all designed as a fun way to spark added public interest in its broader work. Last year the council gave away Tex-Mex wallaby quesadillas with parmesan mayonnaise.
Councillor Blackwell says for anyone keen to try the goat pies, the best time to visit is around 11:30am and 1.30pm each day.
He says the pies are a fun way to draw attention to the problems posed by feral goats which are a significant environmental and economic issue in New Zealand, including here in Northland.
“They cause substantial damage to native ecosystems by browsing forest understorey, contribute to soil erosion, and can impact agriculture and forestry.”
Councillor Blackwell says both NRC and DOC consider feral goats a major pest, and both agencies are actively involved in efforts to manage and reduce their populations.
Meanwhile he says the council will have a strong field days focus on current biosecurity threats including Madagascar ragwort and the invasive freshwater clam.
“Our marquee will also feature pest plants, pest animals, biodiversity, climate action, and land management.”
“We look forward to welcoming visitors to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this iconic Northland event.”
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SUDAN: Children killed on first day of Ramadan must spur urgent action to protect every child – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

As families across Sudan marked the first day of Ramadan, children were reportedly among those killed in renewed violence, underscoring the urgent need for international action to protect children after nearly three years of war, Save the Children said.
At least 18 people, including children, were killed on Wednesday when a drone strike hit a water collection point in Umm Rusum village, located in Al-Sunut locality of West Kordofan State, according to local media .The latest deaths came as a United Nations fact-finding mission said that atrocities committed in El-Fasher in Darfur bore the hallmarks of genocide, with the report documenting widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, including women and children.
Save the Children said urgent action is needed to protect civilians especially children, with Sudan’s children remain trapped in a relentless war that has shattered communities, caused the world's largest displacement crisis impacting 15 million people, and pushed families to the brink of famine.
Francesco Lanino, Deputy Country Director of Programmes and Operations for Save the Children in Sudan, said: “Ramadan should be a time of peace, reflection and family. Instead, children in Sudan are being killed in their homes and in places where they should be safe. No child should ever pay the price for a conflict they did not create.
“Reports from the UN about the scale of atrocities in El Fasher should shock the conscience of the world. Children are not only caught in the crossfire but in many cases, they are directly targeted or suffer the long-term consequences of displacement, hunger and trauma. At the very least parties to the conflict must commit to an immediate ceasefire during the holy month of Ramdan, allowing families to observe this sacred period in safety and dignity. This should serve as first step toward a sustained and meaningful cessation of hostilities.
“Sudan’s children cannot wait. The international community must move beyond statements of concern and take concrete action to protect children’s lives, uphold international law and ensure those responsible for atrocities are held to account.”
Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support. 
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.
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Employment Trends – Employers anticipate salary growth with renewed economic confidence – Robert Half

Source: Robert Half
 

  • 84% of Kiwi employers say the economic outlook in New Zealand will positively impact their approach to setting salaries for staff in the next 12 months. 
  • The top 3 factors that affect a company's willingness to increase a salary offer during candidate negotiations: people management responsibilities (38%), the candidate possesses highly specialised skills (37%), and filling an urgent hiring need (36%). 
  • If they are unable to offer a candidate a salary within their expected range, the perks and benefits they do not currently offer but would be willing to offer to secure the candidate are (higher) performance bonus (53%), (more) professional development opportunities (50%), and (more) flexible work arrangements (48%). 

 

Auckland, 23 February 2026 – Optimism in New Zealand's economic outlook is translating into intentions for salary growth among employers in 2026, the newly released 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide reveals. 

New independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half also reveals that all surveyed businesses (100%) are open to engage in salary negotiations this year and willing to offer alternative perks and benefits if salary expectations cannot be met.  

Potential pay rises loom 

Renewed economic confidence is driving pay optimism among Kiwi businesses as 84% say the economic outlook in New Zealand will positively impact their approach to setting salaries for staff in the next 12 months, likely leading to salary increases. Only 12% say the economic outlook will have a negative impact on salaries for staff, while 3% say there will be no impact and 1% are unsure.  

“After several years in which salary conversations were deprioritised, pay rises and offering higher starting salaries are firmly back on the agenda for many organisations. Businesses recognise that remaining competitive for top talent requires intentional investment in their workforce,” says Megan Alexander, Managing Director at Robert Half. 

The traits that tip the scales in salary talks 

With competition for skilled professionals intensifying, employers are becoming more strategic about which candidate qualities justify premium pay. When asked about the top factors that affect their willingness to increase a salary offer during candidate negotiations, employers cited several key areas: 

 

Factor 

% of employers 

People management responsibilities 

38% 

The candidate possesses highly specialised skills 

37% 

Fill an urgent hiring need 

36% 

Years' experience 

33% 

Scarcity of qualified talent in the market 

33% 

The seniority of the role 

32% 

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 250 employers in New Zealand. 

The priorities for Australian employers, besides the need for specialised skills, are slightly different from Kiwi employers. The top three factors that affect employers' willingness to increase a salary offer during negotiations in Australia were the candidate possessing highly specialised skills (52%), years of experience (44%), and available budget (40%). 

“We're seeing a consistent trend in how employers assess value during salary negotiations. Companies consider a range of factors, with technical expertise, specialised skills, and strong soft skills often carrying the most weight. 

“While many employers were cautious about stretching offers last year, the combination of a tightening skills market and a shifting economy is creating a more optimistic outlook for 2026. Even with organisations continuing to remain mindful of budget constraints, we are seeing greater flexibility and a growing willingness to offer more for the right talent,” says Alexander. 

Plan B when salaries fall short 

If a candidate's salary expectations cannot be met, all (100%) surveyed employers indicate they would offer alternative benefits to secure the hire, including: 

 

  • (Higher) performance bonus (53%) 
  • (More) professional development opportunities (50%) 
  • (More) flexible work arrangements (48%) 
  • (More) stock options (40%) 
  • Insurance program (36%) 
  • More paid time off (34%) 
  • A one-time signing bonus (25%) 

 

“While competitive pay remains a cornerstone of talent attraction, non‑financial incentives can be equally influential in negotiations. Employers are embracing more creative and flexible options to meet candidate expectations, particularly when hiring pressures are high and salary budgets are tight,” concludes Alexander. 

In-demand roles for 2026 

Robert Half's 2026 Salary Guide reveals the permanent roles that are in highest demand in finance and accounting, and IT and technology this year, along with their starting salaries. 

 

Finance and accounting 

Role 

25th percentile 

50th percentile 

75th percentile 

Head of Finance 

$200,000 

$235,000 

$270,000 

Financial Controller 

$180,000 

$215,000 

$250,000 

Management Accountant 

$120,000 

$140,000 

$160,000 

Finance Business Partner 

$120,000 

$130,000 

$150,000 

Financial Accountant 

$105,000 

$115,000 

$130,000 

Accounts Assistant 

$75,000 

$80,000 

$85,000 

Accounts Payable Officer 

$65,000 

$75,000 

$85,000 

 

IT and technology 

Role 

25th percentile 

50th percentile 

75th percentile 

AI Tech Lead 

$180,000 

$200,000 

$220,000 

Senior Software Developer 

$125,000 

$140,000 

$150,000 

Data Engineer 

$125,000 

$135,000 

$150,000 

Security Engineer 

$120,000 

$135,000 

$150,000 

Systems Engineer 

$110,000 

$120,000 

$130,000 

IT Support 

$72,000 

$75,000 

$80,000 

 

Notes

About the Robert Half Salary Guide 

The Robert Half Salary Guide is the most comprehensive and authoritative resource on starting salaries and recruitment trends in finance and accounting and IT and technology. The results and insights of the Robert Half Salary Guide are based on comprehensive analyses, local job placements, local expertise and independent research of industry executives. 

 

Starting salaries are not a one-size-fits-all, which is why they are separated into three percentiles. The percentiles account for differences in experience, skills, professional certifications, demand for the role and the size/complexity of the company that's hiring.  

 

25th percentile 

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills. 

 

50th percentile 

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications. 

 

75th percentile 

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications. 

 

Note: The 25th percentile is not the lowest end of the salary range, and the 75th percentile is not the highest or a cap. Robert Half provides these percentiles because they are the ones most commonly used. Salaries outside of this range occur far less frequently and, as a result, are not included in the Robert Half Salary Guide.  

 

About the research 

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in October 2025 by an independent research company of 250 finance, accounting, and IT and technology hiring managers. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed, and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.   

 

About Robert Half 

Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland. More information on roberthalf.com/nz. 

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Northland Regional Council media briefs 23/02/26

Source: Northland Regional Council

POPLAR AND WILLOW ORDERING AND FIELD DAYS
Northland Regional Council’s (NRC’s) poplar and willow ordering season is now open. A contestable fund is available to subsidise the planting of poplars and willows for erosion control on highly erodible grazed land.
Poplars and willows provide an effective solution to erosion. They are rapid growers and their root systems stabilise slopes, protecting vulnerable hill country. They also provide on-farm benefits, offering shade and fodder for stock during dry periods and can be planted as poles directly into pasture without losing productive paddock.
The best time of year to plant poplar and willow poles is during the winter months of June, July, and early August, but time is needed in advance for ordering, delivery and creating a site plan. Poles can be ordered through NRC from now until the end of May.
NRC’s Land Management team will be at Northland Field Days in Dargaville from 26-28 February. Meet the team on the NRC stand to find out more or contact them on 0800 002 002 or landadmin@nrc.govt.nz.
HIKURANGI LINK AND SUPERGOLD CARD
Hikurangi and Whangārei residents are reminded that the Hikurangi Link public bus service now accepts SuperGold cards.
The Hikurangi Link, one of Northland Regional Council’s regional BusLink services, runs from Whangārei to Hikurangi, via Te Kamo, and back every Tuesday and Thursday.
The morning service departs Whangārei Rose Street bus hub at 9.15am, calling at Te Kamo and Hikurangi before returning to Rose Street at 10.25am. The afternoon service departs Rose Street at 1.30pm.
SuperGold card and Community Service card concessions are available on this service. SuperGold card holders travel for free during off-peak hours 9am-3pm on weekdays. Community Service card holders get a 50% discount off the adult fare, at all times.
This is a cash only service, a single fare is $3.50. Please try to have correct change for the driver
Timetables and route information are at buslink.co.nz 
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NZ-funded chatbot to support Ukrainian children’s mental health after four years of war – World Vision

Source: World Vision

This week as Ukraine marks the grim anniversary of four years of war and a growing mental health crisis, World Vision New Zealand is funding a digital chatbot to help caregivers support children living through conflict.

Four years of armed combat, bombings, and death have scarred children and nearly 85% of households report psychosocial distress among children, with nearly one-third of under-fives showing visible signs of anxiety and trauma [i]

World Vision New Zealand Acting Head of Fragile and Developing Contexts, Andy Robinson, says the impact of the war on children will last generations.

“Children in Ukraine are growing up feeling unsafe and scared.  Many have been separated from their fathers, and many will have witnessed death and violence at close quarters.

“We’re seeing high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.  Professional mental health services are limited and families are overwhelmed.   World Vision hopes that this digital chatbot will give parents practical ways to support their children’s mental health and wellbeing right now,” he says.

The Parenting in Crisis Chatbot, locally named Batkivska Opora, is a digital tool that provides Ukrainian caregivers with evidence-based guidance on child protection, psychosocial support, and positive parenting amid the ongoing war.

In partnership with Parenting for Lifelong Health, it delivers practical, culturally-adapted guidance via messaging platforms using text, audio, illustrations, and short videos, and provides strategies for stress management, positive parenting, and child protection.

Its flexible, low-bandwidth format ensures access, even in remote or low-connectivity areas.

“This is not a replacement for professional care, but it will help parents who are already struggling with displacement, lost jobs, reduced income, and ongoing security concerns who tell us that they don’t have the resources to support their children effectively,” Robinson says.

A recent World Vision report found that access to protection and mental health services was extremely limited in Ukraine with only 28% of households reporting that they are able to access services from NGOs or UN agencies, leaving 72% without child protection or mental health support at a time of heightened vulnerability.[ii]

The chatbot will initially be trialled with around 500 parents before being scaled-up to reach thousands and complements World Vision’s other work to support children and families in Ukraine. 

World Vision’s Ukraine Response Director, Arman Grigoryan, says children and families are currently suffering not only the perils of war, but of an extremely cold winter.

“Winter intensified the risk facing children.  It compounds learning loss, emotional distress, and protection concerns all at once.  When power cuts disrupt schooling and displacement interrupts in-person education, children suffer and lose stability.  Children and families in Ukraine need extra support in winter – it is a life-saving intervention,” he says.

More than half of families report disruption to their children’s education. A quarter of children are unable to attend school due to unsafe conditions, and a third cannot access online learning because of power outages.[iii]

As Ukraine enters another winter at war, World Vision New Zealand is calling on New Zealanders to help expand support for children and families facing prolonged trauma.

To help support Ukrainian children, visit www.wvnz.org.nz/CHR

Notes:  

World Vision New Zealand is a children’s charity working to overcome poverty and injustice so that children can build a brighter future.  World Vision works to support the most vulnerable children in more than 100 countries around the world.

World Vision has been working in Ukraine since the war began in 2022 and in that time has supported more than 2.3 million people, including more than one million children.  World Vision has provided food, non-food items, cash assistance, protection, education, livelihoods, and mental health support.  We operate in 22 of Ukraine’s 24 regions and continue to deliver both immediate relief and long-term recovery programmes.

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PSA Statement – Unions say Winston Peters has breached Cabinet rules in attacking them over his failure to block Fire at Will / Uber Bill

Source: PSA

PSA and Workers First Union write to PM urging him to investigate Winston Peters over false claims about unions
The PSA and Workers First Union have today written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon alleging that New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has made false claims in breach of the Cabinet Office Manual that the unions failed to consult with his party earlier enough in their efforts to get his party to vote against the Fire at Will / Uber Bill.
The unions have released their letter to the Prime Minister (attached) which sets out the facts of the lengthy attempts they made from 2024 to just days before the Bill was passed last week to persuade NZ First to vote against the most anti-worker Bill in decades.
Last week Winston Peters told RNZ NZ First could have stopped the Fire at Will / Uber Bill if unions had approached him earlier. The party failed to vote against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill or put forward any amendments to the Bill, which passed its Third Reading on Tuesday despite his party indicating ‘tweaks’ were coming during the Second Reading debate.
“Winston Peters and New Zealand First betrayed workers by voting for the most anti worker legislation in over 50 years and he had the gall to falsely blame unions for not engaging with him earlier. The facts are clear, as laid out in our letter to the Prime Minister – we had several constructive engagements with NZ First,” said PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
“We remain adamant that the facts were laid out to the party clearly, and early, but NZ First chose to side with ACT and National despite its claims to be a party that cares about workers,” said Fitzsimons.
“Uber drivers and our union had many constructive meetings with New Zealand First over the last 18 months, and we warned them repeatedly of the damage that Brooke van Velden’s law change would wreak on New Zealand. Winston Peters' false claims to the contrary show that he is full of hot air and should apologise for his untrue statements or front up to Uber drivers and explain himself,” said Dennis Maga, General Secretary Workers First Union.
The unions say Mr Peters has clearly breached the Conduct of Ministers provisions in the Cabinet Manual, as set out in paragraph 2.56, which states that Ministers, at all times, including in their political capacity must uphold the ‘highest ethical and behavioural standards’.
“As we say in the letter to the Prime Minister, 'we cannot accept that any reasonable interpretation of paragraph 2.56 would find that it is acceptable conduct for a Minister to wilfully misrepresent the facts in order to show others in an unfavourable light’. When Hon Judith Collins made inaccurate comments about teacher salaries, she appropriately corrected herself and apologised which is needed here too,” said Fitzsimons.
“Unions need to have constructive relationships with all parties, no matter their colours, and at times we will disagree as we do over the Employment Relations Amendment Bill. But we can’t abide a party leader, a senior Minister, and one as experienced as Mr Peters, deliberately misrepresenting the facts,” said Dennis Maga.
“NZ First put the business interests of their coalition partners over the interests of workers in voting for this draconian Bill, despite our best efforts over many months to persuade NZ First to back workers, not the ACT Party.
“NZ First were more than capable of drafting their own amendments to the Bill since its introduction, and they have a taxpayer-funded Parliamentary office and policy unt and under their coalition agreements they could have and should have simply voted this exploitative law down,” said Maga.
“We urge Christopher Luxon to take this matter seriously, meet with us and investigate Mr Peters over this clear breach of Cabinet rules. Truth must be the gold standard in modern politics,” said Fleur Fitzsimons.
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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Government Cuts – Govt wastes $58m forcing out 2,800 health workers during funding crisis – PSA

Source: PSA

Taxpayers have shelled out $58 million in redundancy payments to let go 2,800 health workers after the Government forced Te Whatu Ora Health NZ to slash its workforce to save money.
In data just released to the PSA under the Official Information Act Health NZ has confirmed it paid out $57.91 million to cover voluntary redundancies and early exits for non-clinical staff between 1 November 2023 and 31 December 2025. This did not include payments made in January of this year (see attached response).
During that period the PSA estimates Health NZ let go nearly 2,800 workers through cuts and voluntary redundancies ( see detail in 5 January statement).
“This is a shameful indictment of the Government’s reckless approach to cost cutting coming at a time of a health funding crisis – all this has done is deepen the crisis,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The jobs axed were not just numbers, they included experienced administrators who kept hospitals running, public health analysts preparing us for the next pandemic and IT experts who kept vital clinical systems running 24/7. They all had more to give our public health system.”
The PSA represents some 17,000 health workers including clerical and administration staff and IT experts.
“At a time of rising health needs, the Government just turned a blind eye. It claims it’s pushing resources into hospitals – Kiwis don’t see that evidence, but they do see long wait times at EDs and see clinicians forced to use paper and whiteboards when ageing IT systems break down.
“There is a high price to pay for losing these public health workers and it will include more IT failures, longer wait times and clinicians doing more administrative tasks.
“Bottom line, the Government forced Health NZ to spend money it didn’t have to axe workers it needed to keep the system functioning well for all New Zealanders.”
The $58 million health bill comes on top of the $10.2 million Callaghan Innovation paid out in axing 189 workers over a similar period including 85 scientists and researchers.
“The pattern is clear across government; spending millions to lose the expertise we desperately need.
“The downsizing of the public sector has left the Government less capable of providing the services critical to the health and well-being of New Zealanders and less able to do the work on the challenges we face from adapting to climate change, an ageing population and a dangerous infrastructure deficit.
“Come the election in November the PSA will be urging voters to choose a government that supports a public service that makes safeguarding our future a priority.”
Previous statements
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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Advocacy News – Death of Palestine solidarity stalwart Roger Fowler

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

22 February 2026 – PSNA is deeply saddened by the death of Palestine stalwart Roger Fowler last night.

Roger has been a legend of the solidarity movement for many decades as the founder and co-ordinator of Kia Ora Gaza which delivered humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza strip by land and by sea.

In particular Roger co-ordinated New Zealand participation in many of the “flotillas to Gaza” which aimed to break Israel’s illegal siege. He was a leader of the overland convoy in 2012 which brought 14 ambulances into Gaza, three of which were paid for and stocked by donations from New Zealanders, to the service of the people of Gaza.

Most recently Roger was heavily involved in co-ordinating New Zealand support for the Global March to Gaza and the Sumud Flotilla to Gaza.

Roger was a man of great integrity and character with a passion for justice. He will remain a guiding light for the solidarity movement here.

Roger wrote the song “We are all Palestinians” which is performed by Unity Pacific at this link and is an anthem for the solidarity movement here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBIU55_oPk

John Minto
Co-Chair PSNA.