Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Legislation – Govt’s Regional Councils proposal raises more questions than it answers – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government’s proposal to reform local government announced today (Tues 25 Nov) lacks detail and robust analysis of the problem it’s trying to address, the PSA says.
The PSA is concerned that these reforms could lead to significant disruption and expensive restructuring to the 5000 regional council workers across the country. PSA members working in regional councils perform vital roles around environment management, emergency preparedness and civil defence planning, regional transport, biodiversity and more.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Duane Leo says the proposal raises more questions than it answers.
“There is no clarity around the reform. The regional reorganisation plans create uncertainty at a time when we need to be focused on preparedness and protections in the face of increased extreme weather events,” Leo said.
“Whatever happens, there must be a fair and just transition for people working for councils, and strong engagement with their unions as this progresses.
“This proposal potentially undermines local democracy by shifting regional decision-making to people voters never chose to represent them. Mayors elected to serve their own districts would suddenly be making decisions for entire regions. We could see significant marginalisation of constituents in smaller districts,” Leo said.
“These reforms continue the Government’s ongoing focus on marginalising Māori in local decision making, as we have seen with the Māori ward referendums and attacks of te Tiriti o Waitangi.”
“People working for councils have deep knowledge of what’s needed and must be able to contribute to the process. We will be putting forward their views and representing their interests.”
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 care and community groups.
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Lifestyle – The Biggest Weekend of the Year for New Zealand’s Exercise Industry!

Source: Exercise NZ

The exercise industry in Aotearoa is gearing up for its biggest and most inspiring weekend of the year, as the Exercise New Zealand Conference and the Exercise New Zealand Industry Awards come together for a powerful celebration of movement, wellbeing, and industry-wide achievement.

Held across the same weekend, the 2025 Exercise New Zealand Conference and Industry Awards unite local professionals, practitioners, leaders, educators, and innovators, while also attracting an increasing number of international speakers. It is the one time each year that the entire exercise community gathers to learn, connect, share ideas, and honour those who elevate the industry and inspire more New Zealanders to move.

The Exercise New Zealand Conference will be officially opened by the Minister for Sport and Recreation, Hon. Mark Mitchell, acknowledging the critical role the exercise industry plays in improving the health and wellbeing of Kiwis through movement.

The Exercise New Zealand Industry Awards return on Saturday, 29 November 2025, bringing the sector together to celebrate the people, places, and organisations driving movement and wellbeing across Aotearoa. Now more than two decades strong, the Awards honour those who lift industry standards in professionalism, capability, innovation, and community impact, champions helping more New Zealanders get active and stay well.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of Auckland's waterfront, the ceremony at the Hilton Auckland begins at 6:00 pm, with a warm welcome at 6:30 pm.

Awards Categories at a Glance

This year's 23 award categories celebrate the full heartbeat of the exercise industry here in Aotearoa.

From the prestigious Supreme Facility Award to honours recognising grassroots community programmes, the night showcases excellence across every corner of the industry.

Individual awards highlight the passion and skill of personal trainers, yoga and Pilates teachers, group exercise instructors, exercise educators, and emerging professionals, while organisational categories acknowledge the innovation and leadership of facilities, programmes, and teams making a real difference in their communities.

Together, the Awards shine a light on the people and places that inspire movement, connection, and better wellbeing for all. To view all award categories and check out this year's finalists, please visit our Awards page.

Click here to view 2025 Finalists: https://reps.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bb3212365f&id=4752538ef0&e=911e6833f9

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Legislation – Local government reform discussion welcomed – Northland Mayoral Forum

Source: Northland Regional Council – ON BEHALF OF THE NORTHLAND MAYORAL FORUM

Northland’s Mayoral Forum acknowledges central government plans for a major review of the way the nation’s local government is structured – but says any eventual outcome must have what is best for Taitokerau at its heart.
The Government announced today a proposal that would eventually abolish regional councils, in a bid to streamline local government delivery.
The Northland Mayoral Forum comprises the region’s three district mayors and Northland Regional Council (NRC) Chair Pita Tipene.
The forum says it members collectively agree that it is timely to review the way local government is structured – both locally and nationally – given the current set up has effectively been in place for more than 35 years since the local government reforms of 1989.
Far North Kahika (Mayor) Moko Tepania says all four forum members are unanimous that whatever the outcome of any reform, “we want to make sure it’s in the best interests of Northland as a whole. We do not need a ‘one size fits all’ solution imposed by Wellington.”
“I support the Government’s drive for efficiencies across both local and central government,” says Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper.
“Today’s announcement is significant, and we will take time to carefully work through its implications. Our priority is ensuring that any changes deliver real benefits for our communities and our region. We look forward to working constructively with the Government and our fellow Northland councils throughout this process.”
“I am looking forward to working with the other Northland Council’s to get the best possible outcome for our ratepayers,” says Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen.
Regional council Chair Tipene says that all four Northland councils are united in working together proactively on solutions to better serve our communities and the region.
“All four councils want to work together with central government on the proposal but need time to look more closely at the detail of the proposal and says it is difficult to go into more specifics at this early stage,” says Chair Tipene. 
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Legislation – Shake-up of local government long overdue – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is cautiously welcoming signals from the Government that a major shake-up of local government is on its way.
“This discussion is long overdue and will be welcome news for farming families and rural ratepayers,” says Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner.
Localism must sit at the heart of local council reforms, Faulkner says.
“Federated Farmers strongly supports a single layer of local government based on communities of interest.
“That means exploring unitary councils that separate large cities from rural and regional areas where appropriate.
“This reflects the reality that those in urban areas have different needs, priorities, and interactions with local councils than those in rural areas.
“This would allow the efficiency of a single layer of local government while maintaining connection with the people and communities they serve.”
Faulkner is also staunch in her view that rural representation must be maintained under any new local government arrangements.
“Rural communities pay a significant share of rates under the current structure – and those rates bills just keep climbing.
“Yet at the same time, we’re increasingly seeing our rural representation around council tables diminished – particularly with councils that share large urban population centres.”
Regional councils currently undertake important functions that are critical for rural communities, including flood-protection schemes, pest management, and civil defence co-ordination.
“The reform process needs care and debate. Local government structures have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years as rates have skyrocketed and service levels have declined.
“With the rising cost of living top of mind for most households and businesses, there is a real need to strip out the inefficiencies and duplication that pull a handbrake on productivity.
“With that in mind, it’s clear why looking at better ways we could structure and run our local government has become a top priority for the Beehive.”
Faulkner says there is room for some of these functions to move to central government, but it is important that policy decisions relating to resource allocation remain local decisions rather than being centralised through Wellington.
“Federated Farmers will support reforms that streamline processes and create efficiencies while also maintaining local representation and communities of interest.” 
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Digital health transformation requires investment, not cuts to workforce and budgets – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government's 10-year digital health plan risks failure unless it changes course on its cuts to the workforce and funding needed to deliver it, says the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
Health Minister Simeon Brown has announced today plans to modernise healthcare and eliminate paper-based notes, but his Government has cut hundreds of IT roles at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand.
“The Minister is right that our health system needs digital transformation, but you can't deliver on that promise this while drastically cutting the workforce responsible for implementing it and not investing in the workers,” said PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
“Data and digital staff are currently in mediation because they're not being offered a fair cost of living increase. On Friday they'll be striking from 1-5pm because this Government refuses to properly value the workers it claims are critical to modernising our health system.
“The Government needs to invest in digital services, not slash budgets and cut hundreds of jobs. These cuts are dangerous – they threaten patient care and ignore the risks of sensitive patient information falling prey to cyber-attacks.
“Earlier this month there were revelations of severe IT problems at Wellington Regional Hospital – where clinicians are struggling with crashing systems and delayed patient care. And in March, it was confirmed that an IT security incident had resulted in unauthorised access to some staff information from 2020 to 2024 at Capital, Coast & Hutt Valley, and Wairarapa districts.
“The claims that AI can simply replace this skilled workforce are vastly overstated. These are complex systems that require expert staff who understand the unique needs of our health system. AI tools are only as good as the infrastructure and expertise supporting them.
“If this Government is serious about digital transformation, it needs to properly fund health IT systems, value and invest in the workforce, and back up its rhetoric with real resources. Without proper resourcing, promises of transformation ring hollow,” Fitzsimons said.
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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Legal Appointments – MinterEllisonRuddWatts appoints Aaron Hockly as new Chief Executive

Source: MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Leading New Zealand law firm, MinterEllisonRuddWatts is pleased to announce the appointment of Aaron Hockly as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Aaron will join MinterEllisonRuddWatts on 3 March 2026 to allow for a seamless transition from the firm’s current Chief Executive, Andrew Poole, who is stepping down in April 2026.
Aaron has almost 25 years of experience spanning corporate governance, financial services, property, and law including 5.5 years as CEO of the NZX-listed Vital Healthcare Property Trust, where he successfully led the $3.6 billion trans-Tasman healthcare landlord through a period of significant growth and improved stakeholder relationships.
Aaron’s career began in law, with roles at leading firms and in-house positions in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom before moving into senior executive roles, including nearly 10 years as COO and General Counsel at ASX-listed Growthpoint Properties Australia. Aaron has a Master of Applied Finance and governance qualifications. He is also a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors (NZ).
Aaron brings high energy leadership and strategic vision and will lead MinterEllisonRuddWatts into its next phase of growth and innovation.
On announcing the appointment, the firm’s Board Chair, Janine Stewart, said: “We are delighted to welcome Aaron to our firm. His leadership track record, understanding of legal services, and strong commercial market focus make him an excellent future leader for our firm.”
Commenting on his appointment, Aaron said: “I’m excited to join MinterEllisonRuddWatts at such a pivotal time for the firm. I look forward to working with the Board, partnership and management team to build on the firm’s strong market position and continue supporting our clients to realise their goals.”
Aaron succeeds Andrew Poole, who is stepping down after 7 years of dedicated service in April 2026. Under Andrew’s leadership, MinterEllisonRuddWatts has achieved excellent growth and lead the legal profession on important issues including sustainability, diversity and the introduction of AI.
The appointment follows a comprehensive search process led by the firm’s Board and supported by Johnson and Partners.
MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a top tier New Zealand law firm known for providing clients with technically excellent legal solutions and innovative advice. We are trusted advisors and work alongside our clients to ensure success. We are proud to be a New Zealand law firm offering a global outlook. Our offices in Auckland and Wellington can access an international network through our firm’s strategic alliance with MinterEllison, a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific. The firm supports numerous charitable endeavours and organisations through its pro bono and fundraising initiatives.
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Wellington News – PSA calls on WCC to reject slash-and-burn Deloitte report

Source: PSA

The PSA is calling on Wellington City Council Chief Executive Matt Prosser to reject the Deloitte report, which suggests eliminating up to 330 positions.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Duane Leo says the report is fundamentally flawed.
“This is a flimsy PowerPoint presentation that lacks any depth, rigour or even a basic understanding of what the Council’s role is. Hidden in the fine print, the report notes that its assumptions need to be validated and shouldn’t be relied upon for decision-making.
“The Chief Executive’s cautious response shows he recognises the report's flaws and he has acknowledged that some recommendations are at odds with community wishes. He's right to be sceptical – this report should be rejected.
“Deloitte is recommending cutting 330 positions – nearly one in five staff – based on crude benchmarking that ignores Wellington provides services many other councils don't, including social housing, city safety programmes, and addressing homelessness. It also ignores the fact an extra 22,000 people come into the city every day for work.
“This is slash-and-burn cost-cutting, not a serious analysis of how to improve the Council’s operations.
Leo said the recommendations would devastate public services.
“You cannot remove one in five positions without serious impacts. Building consent times will blow out. Libraries will have reduced hours. Parks will be less well maintained. Council has already removed 58 roles this year and staff are stretched thin.”
The PSA is particularly concerned about heavy reliance on automation and AI as a substitute for experienced staff, without any evidence it would work.
“Deloitte is assuming AI can deliver productivity gains of up to 50% but they haven't done the work to show replacing experienced staff with ChatGPT would actually deliver those results. They're asking Council to invest millions in unproven technology while cutting the people who actually serve our communities. This is a recipe for disaster, particularly for vulnerable residents who need face-to-face support.”
Leo said PSA members want to work constructively on genuine improvements.
“Our members deliver services to Wellingtonians every day. They know what works, what doesn't, and where real efficiencies can be found. But you don't get that knowledge by hiring consultants to produce PowerPoint presentations – you get it by sitting down with staff in good faith and listening to their expertise.
“We're calling on the Chief Executive to reject Deloitte's slash-and-burn agenda and work with staff and unions on realistic improvements that don't gut the organisation.”
Notes: The benefit assumptions the report sets out to justify savings have not been based on actual data – or in fact any data from WCC about its actual assets. Instead, they have made assumptions or used figures for savings taken from other councils around the world, many with little relevance to Wellington.
On page 32 there is a long disclaimer statement that says:
– Deloitte have assumed WCC can cut 5% from roading as that is what the UK Chartered Institute of Public Finance identified in a report for the Cumbria County Council’s Highway Asset Management plan.
– They’ve based their assumption of 10% savings on wastewater treatment plants on what the US Environmental Protection Agency’s guidance on value engineering.
– They’ve based their assumption of 15% savings on energy efficiency “as experienced in the Community of Madrid, Spain.”
– For plant and equipment asset types, they’ve based this “on the experience of multiple US municipal governments where implementing Asset Investment Planning has led to savings of between 10% and 30%…”
The relevance of these examples to Wellington City Council do not appear to have been tested.
The disclaimer goes on to note that the savings assumptions require rigorous verification before being relied upon for decision-making.
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 care and community groups.
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Earth Sciences – Award winning shots from scientists

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

An annual photography competition held by Earth Sciences New Zealand has put our exceptional natural environment in the spotlight.
A charismatic turtle and an intense struggle with an otherworldly sand dune were just some of the 300 competition entries submitted by Earth Sciences NZ's staff, whose scientific endeavour gives them a unique glimpse into our world.
Our Places winner:  Headwind, Eleanor Haigh
Moorings Technician Eleanor Haigh captured this otherworldly shot on a trip to Te Paki sand dunes, near Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua. It won the Our Places category.
Eleanor hadn’t planned to take her camera out of the car because the wind was so forceful, but once she saw the beautiful pattens and holidaymakers dwarfed by the dunes, she quickly changed her mind.
It was a high-risk exercise; she used her full body to shield the camera and was finding sand in her ears days later.
The judges chose this photo because of itslovely colour contrast and how effectively it captures the insignificance of the human presence in a vast, unforgiving landscape. 
Our Work winner:  Bull kelp, Simon Hayes
This unusual photo won the Our Work category. At first glance, this looks like long hair floating in the water. It is in fact bull kelp.
Hanging off a rock ledge on the Otago coast, Web Manager Simon Hayes was mesmerised watching it roll back and forth in the waves.
The judges loved this picture for its semi-abstract composition and beautiful simplicity.
Special Award winner:  Duuuuuuude,  why is it so cold?, Crispin Middleton
A regular photo competition winner, Principal Technician Crispin Middleton says hello to this green turtle at Poor Knights Island.
He got this photo, which won the Special Award category, during winter – despite the cold, some turtles hang around for the whole season.
The judges said that this is an amazing shot with great detail, excellent subject separation, strong central composition, and a lovely background.
Our People winner:  A quick breather, Rasool Porhemmat
Scientifically important environments are often challenging to get to. Hydrologist Rasool Porhemmat captures this perfectly in his winning Our People category shot, which shows his team climbing Mt Philistine in Arthur’s Pass for fieldwork on Rolleston Glacier.
The photo reflects Rasool’s love for his work, which the judges said shone through because of the “clearly happy” people in the shot. They also commented on the difficulty of showing slope steepness in a picture, which Rasool managed to do well thanks to his use of diagonals and receding perspective.
Data visualisation winner:   Waimakariri River gravel fan, Paul White
This striking infographic created by Principal Scientist Paul White won the Data Visualisation category. It shows abandoned river channels weaving their way around Christchurch Airport.
Paul used LiDAR and spatial filtering of 2D digital terrain models (DTMs) to identify features of braided river gravel. This gravel was sourced from the Waimakariri River and forms aquifers that are vitally important to the groundwater supply of Christchurch.
People's Choice winner:   Matches, Shannan Crow
Last but not least, the People’s Choice winner.
After hundreds of public votes, Shannan’s contrasting image of the 2024 Craigieburn Forest fire took first place.
Shannan was drawn to enter this photo because of its abstract nature, where the scorched trees are highlighted by recent snowfall.
Shannan leaned into the elements shown by cropping it into a square rather than the standard 3 x 2 size as a way of highlighting the symmetry and evenness.
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Lifestyle – From a Christchurch School Hall to Global Recognition: Chan’s Martial Arts Celebrates 50 Years

Source: Chan's Martial Arts

A sold-out gala dinner on Saturday November 29 will mark a special milestone for a local institution that has grown from humble beginnings to become a leading martial arts organisation nationally:

Chan’s Martial Arts is celebrating 50 years of teaching, training, and transformation.

Founded in 1975 by Grandmaster Chan Seng Chee, the school began with a small Tae Kwon Do class at the Christchurch YMCA. Half a century later, Chan’s Martial Arts (CMA) has grown into an internationally respected organisation which has shaped the lives of hundreds of people. CMA offers Shao Chi Chuan Kung Fu and Sing Ong Tai Chi Chuan, with schools across Aotearoa and connections around the globe.

“This year’s dinner is extra special,” says an organiser. “We hold a dinner after the annual Black Belt grading every year, but this is the first time we’ve gathered to celebrate five decades of legacy – and to formally launch a limited edition book telling the story of CMA’s journey.”

The event is at capacity with 220 guests attending, featuring Grandmaster Chan himself as well as his senior students, including Master Mike Kinney, Master Bruce Lord, Master Marcus Simons, and Master Paul Reid. The celebration will also honour the many Christchurch families who’ve trained together and reached Black Belt status across more than one generation.

Over the past 50 years, thousands of students have trained through CMA’s system, with hundreds of Black Belts earned. The style developed by Grandmaster Chan emphasises biomechanical efficiency, stress-free movement, and lifelong wellness — drawing on a unique synthesis of Eastern martial arts philosophy and modern health science.

“When I started teaching in 1975, I never imagined the impact this school would have,” says Grandmaster Chan. “It’s humbling to see so many students walk this path. Martial arts is not just about self-defence — it’s a way of growing strong minds, kind hearts, and resilient communities.”

The 50th Anniversary commemorative book, Chan’s Martial Arts: The First 50 Years, will be officially launched at the gala and is available in limited numbers via chansmartialarts.com.

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Fire and Emergency New Zealand – Statement on Application for Facilitation

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has applied to the Employment Relations Authority for independent facilitation to try and resolve its long-running industrial dispute with the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU). The parties will discuss the application at an investigation meeting today. 
Fire and Emergency and the NZPFU have been in bargaining talks for a collective employment agreement for paid firefighters since 16 July 2024. More than 16 months later, the NZPFU’s most recent settlement proposal is more than three times Fire and Emergency’s offer and is far outside our bargaining parameters. 
“We’re asking the Employment Relations Authority to provide facilitation to help bring the parties together because of the protracted nature of bargaining and the impact on public safety from prolonged and repeated strike action,” says Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler. 
“There’s a gulf between us at the moment. Moving to facilitated bargaining is the next logical step to resolve the dispute and keep our communities safe.” 
“We’ve approached bargaining in good faith with the goal of reaching a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement with the NZPFU.” 
Fire and Emergency’s recent offer amounts to a 6.2 percent average increase over three years and compares favourably with equivalent public sector agreements. 
“This proposal would have taken the average senior firefighter remuneration from a range of $80,682.82 – $87,364.25 to $85,789.14 – $92,893.43 at the end of the period, excluding overtime and allowances which currently adds an average of $38,823 to annual remuneration. We believe this represents a fair and sustainable increase for our people. 
“The NZPFU’s settlement proposal is three times more than our offer, which was fair, reasonable and in line with other settlements across the public service. It would represent a significant proportion of our current operational budget and is prohibitively uneconomic. 
“We value our people, which is why over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent, which is more than 10 percent above the average increase for all workers. 
“We want a fair outcome that recognises the incredible dedication and service of our people and delivers a modern and sustainable fire service. At the same time, approximately 95 percent of Fire and Emergency’s operations are funded by a levy on New Zealanders’ building, contents and vehicle insurance. With increasing insurance costs, we have to be mindful of cost-of-living pressures. 
“We’re working to deliver a modern and efficient service, which is why we’re also consulting on a restructure for the organisation to become a more effective and sustainable emergency service that can meet future requirements. 
“And while the proposed restructure doesn’t impact frontline fire fighters or communication centre employees, it is part of the balanced approach we’re taking to delivering sustainability and efficiency, fairness in remuneration and conditions, and affordability for the general public. 
“We hope the Employment Relations Authority accepts the referral to facilitation and the NZPFU withdraws its scheduled strikes. There is little to be gained by continuing to strike and putting the community at risk while this process plays out.”