Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Weather News – Sunshine, dry weather and rising temperatures – MetService

Source: MetService 

Covering period of Monday 5th – Friday 9th January

  • Summer sunshine 
  • Higher than average forecast temperatures 
  • Minimal risk of significant weather until Friday 

Typical summertime skies are forecast for many (until at least Friday) as high pressure stretched across the country is shielding us from significant weather. For this upcoming week expect a great deal of sunshine and dry weather, albeit the odd afternoon shower here and there. Winds will be light as well with sea breezes around the coast.  

That being said, a few fronts will occasionally move north-eastwards across the South Island, associated with rain at times for the southern and western coasts, but nothing is looking impactful at this stage.  

MetService meteorologist Alanna Burrows says, “For those who have had some very wet days in the northeast, such as Gisborne, the warmer and drier conditions forecast for this week will come as a bit of relief for recovery efforts, as well as for those wanting to spend some time at the beach.”

Warmer than average temperatures expected for Thursday and Friday for some eastern regions as a westerly flow establishes across the country, more information in the table attached.  

“It’s going to get hot for Blenheim on Friday with a forecast maximum temperature of 32°C, that’s 7.5°C above average,” advises Burrows.  

MetService issues Heat Alerts to warn people in New Zealand of unusually hot weather. Extreme heat during summer can be draining and have an impact on people’s daily lives – especially their health and wellbeing. If a heat alert is triggered it is recommended to take precautions such as keeping hydrated, seeking shade, checking in with vulnerable people/children and looking after your pets and livestock.

You can keep up to date with the latest forecast at metservice.com.
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Govt Cuts and Health – New data shows Govt axed thousands of critical health roles in middle of crisis – PSA

Source: PSA

PSA calls on political parties to pledge to reverse the cuts at election
Fresh analysis by the PSA reveals that nearly three thousand critical roles across the public health system were axed as a result of the many restructures forced on Health NZ Te Whatu Ora by the Government.
The analysis revealed for the first time today shows that the Government’s funding cuts forced Health NZ to run more than 30 restructures over the past two years. This resulted in around 2,100 full time equivalent roles being cut. In addition, some 640 health workers took voluntary redundancy.
The analysis has been undertaken by the PSA on the basis of the final decisions of change management processes that the PSA has been consulted on by Health NZ. It may underestimate the total full time equivalent roles lost to the public health system.
“These numbers are a damning indictment of the Government’s promise to New Zealanders that it would deliver better health outcomes for patients – this was irresponsible, only serving to deepen the health crisis,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The cuts must be reversed and we urge political parties this election to make that pledge.
“At a time of rising health needs from an ageing and growing population, when every day we see evidence of a public health system under strain, the Government just ignored the evidence, choosing to save money over saving lives.
“Behind these numbers are real human stories – the toll on families devastated by job losses, of lives turned upside down, of people forced to find work in other countries like Australia which better values health workers.
“At the same time, we know from evidence the PSA secured through the Official Information Act that Health NZ is failing to recruit people fast enough to fill vacancies – from medical imaging technologists to IT experts, all adding to a system under severe prressure.
“The people who lost their jobs were all critical to a well-functioning public health system – they provide the oil that drives the whole system.”
The job cuts and failure to fill vacancies fast enough have hit health workers across the system including:
– In-patient and community mental health workers facing increasing pressures, including from the phased withdrawal of police support
– IT experts updating old legacy systems and keeping critical service desks operating 24/7 that clinicians rely on. Contractors are now plugging some gaps.
– Audit experts and fraud investigators ensuring health funds are used appropriately
– Māori and Pacific health experts working with community groups on health promotion strategies
– The National Public Health Service with cuts to roles specialising in emergency management, pandemic preparedness and immunisation programmes
– Various health administration roles that book patients and send results to them
The impacts of these cuts have been laid out in the PSA’s survey of health workers in 2025.
“Health workers sent a strong message to the Government during the mega strike on 23 October that public health needs more investment to ensure patients get the care they need.
“In this election year voters will have a clear choice – make no mistake, the PSA will be campaigning hard to restore health to the health system.”
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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NZ foreign policy group calls for unflinching NZ govt condemnation of US aggression in Venezuela

Source: Te Kuaka

The Trump-led unilateral aggression by the US against Venezuela overnight (NZ time), including bombing of infrastructure and capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, must be unflinchingly condemned by the NZ government, says NZ foreign policy group Te Kuaka.

President Trump has openly spoken about securing Venezuela’s oil supplies through US companies.

“This is a brazen moment that unmasks US imperial aggression,” says Dylan Asafo, spokesperson for Te Kuaka. “The US has interfered militarily in Latin America before, but in recent years it has rarely done this so nakedly and with such open disregard for state sovereignty.”

The recent US National Security Strategy referred to a revival of the ‘Monroe Doctrine’, a nineteenth century doctrine about US control of the Americas as a hemisphere.

“This is not the time for mealy-mouthed fence-sitting,” adds Asafo. “If NZ does anything short of unflinchingly condemning this action, it’s another reminder that strategically aligning with the US – as this Government has done – draws us further into war-mongering and causing international instability.”

A number of countries have called for an urgent convening of the United Nations Security Council following this US act of aggression, and an emergency meeting of that Council will now be held on Monday.

“We support countries coming together to stand against this act of aggression,” says Dylan Asafo of Te Kuaka. “This is a critical moment where NZ must demonstrate that our independent foreign policy has not slipped away.”
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Nurses pay tribute to Dame Poutasi

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

The passing of Dame Karen Poutasi has seen Aotearoa lose one of its foremost health leaders and a woman of high integrity, Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says.
“Dame Karen was an extraordinary woman who led from the front. She was principled, devoted and deeply committed to the health and welfare of people and communities,” Ms Nuku says.
“Her decades-long devotion in trying to reduce the significant health inequalities gap that exists among different groups of New Zealanders, especially Māori and Pacific peoples, will always be acknowledged.
“It was her selflessness and deep care for others, no matter who they were, that made her such an amazing leader and person.
“During Dame Poutasi’s brief tenure as Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand chair from 2023 to 2024 at a difficult time, we found her to be very engaging and willing to listen to the nursing profession to make delivery of health services better,” Ms Nuku says.
Her mahi during the implementation of New Zealand’s early response to HIV/Aids and the governance of the Covid-19 vaccination programme will never be forgotten, Ms Nuku says.
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Health privacy breach exposes risk of Govt cutting IT experts in public health – PSA

Source: PSA

The cyber security breach at privately run Manage My Health is a chilling reminder of how the Government blundered in cutting the jobs of many IT experts safeguarding the public health system.
The sensitive personal information of more than 120,000 patients using Manage My Health may have been exposed in the latest ransomware attack on New Zealand’s health system.
“This privacy breach is a wakeup call for the entire health sector in New Zealand,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“We have seen it before in the public health system with the Waikato Hospital ransomware attack in 2021 and yet this government failed to heed that lesson in forcing Health NZ to cut the jobs of experts running digital services.
“The risks are too high to play fast and loose with data systems – it’s a ticking time bomb.
“Like Manage My Health, our hospitals are using outdated systems but have lost experts who understand their complexities and weaknesses.
“Last year the PSA asked the Privacy Commissioner to investigate the impact of cuts to Health NZ’s digital services workforce but he refused.
“We call on him to reconsider this given the Manage My Health data breach.
“Patient information is highly sensitive and private, and New Zealanders should expect it's safely stored and not at risk from cyber security attacks.”
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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Consumer NZ shares four simple ways to save in 2026

 Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ’s research has found the number of people concerned about the cost of living has doubled in 4 years.  

With some small adjustments to your spending habits, though, you could save thousands in 2026.  

Here are four simple and practical tips to help you keep more of your money where it belongs – in your pocket.

1. Save up to $1,680 by changing your car insurance
Switching your car insurance provider could save you as much as $1,680 a year.  

Our car insurance survey found the difference between the highest and lowest premiums for a family was $140 a month – or $1,680 a year.

“Car insurance premiums can vary wildly depending on the provider, it is worth taking some time to shop around,” says Jon Duffy, Consumer’s chief executive.

Consumer says other steps you can take to bring down your premiums include increasing your excess or paying an annual lump sum if you can afford to.

2. Save up to $600 by tweaking your power usage
Small changes in how you use power can lead to big savings.  

By adjusting the way you use your heat pump, switching off appliances at the wall and cutting down shower times, you can save hundreds each year.
 
“Get the most out of your heat pump by setting it between 19°C and 21°C, and regularly removing the filters for a gentle clean with a vacuum. Your room will be warm enough, and you will save about $90 over the year,” says Duffy.  
 
“Switching to cold water for washing your laundry could save you $50 a year, and reducing your shower length from 15 minutes to 5 minutes could save you up to $260 a person each year.

“Switching off appliances at the wall when they’re not in use can save up to $200 a year, too.”  

These small steps make a big difference to your bill.

3. Save $240 by dropping a streaming service
If you’re paying for multiple streaming services, it might be time to review your subscriptions.  

If you’re paying $20 a month for a service you don’t use much, unsubscribing could save you $240 a year.

“Streaming services are generally pretty easy to start and stop,” says Duffy.  
 
“Why not make a list of everything you want to watch on a particular service and rotate through different services a month at a time.”

4. Save up to $350 by changing your power company
In 2025, power prices soared. Switching to a cheaper plan could save you hundreds each year.  
 
Consumer’s free Powerswitch service helps you compare power plans and find the cheapest deal for your needs.
 
“Almost 95% of Powerswitch users find they can save money, with average savings of $350 a year.

“It’s a quick and easy way to ensure you’re not overpaying for electricity.”

Small savings tweaks can add up  
With a few simple changes, you could save thousands of dollars over the course of the year.

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Fire and Emergency NZ Statement – NZPFU members will strike today – be extra careful

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people and businesses in cities and towns to remain extra careful when members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) undertake a one-hour strike today.
“NZPFU members will walk off the job again between 12-1pm today,” Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says.
“We advise people, especially those in cities and towns served by paid firefighters, to be extra careful with fire safety today.
“We will continue to answer 111 calls during the one-hour strike and respond to fires in affected areas, but our responses will be delayed. Our dispatch system will direct volunteers from their own stations to help as they regularly do when there are multiple emergencies at one time, but it will take them longer.
“Businesses should take care with any work practices that could result in fire, and make sure their tenants understand their evacuation schemes and procedures,” Megan Stiffler says.
“We are advising everyone that, should there be a fire, they should evacuate early and, once out, stay out, and call 111.
“People should also check their smoke alarms and their escape plans.
“Community safety is of the utmost importance to us,” Megan Stiffler says.
“And, as we have done during the previous one-hour strikes, Fire and Emergency will prioritise emergencies and, as a result, may not respond to less serious incidents in cities and towns during the one-hour strike.
“For example, private fire alarms where there is no evidence of fire, small rubbish fires, assisting traffic management, and animal rescues. This will ensure our resources are focused where they are needed most,” Megan Stiffler says.
“We have notified Hato Hone St John and Wellington Free Ambulance that, for the one-hour strike, our volunteer crews won’t be able to respond to medical calls outside their patch.
“I want to reassure people that this strike action will not affect most of the country,” Megan Stiffler says.
“The vast majority of communities are served by our more than 11,800 volunteers in nearly 600 stations across New Zealand, who will respond as usual.
Bargaining
The Employment Relations Authority has referred Fire and Emergency and the NZPFU to facilitation to help make progress in ongoing negotiations for the NZPFU collective employment agreement.
Facilitation is ongoing.
“Attending independent facilitation with the Authority is the next logical step in coming to an agreement and we will participate in good faith with the NZPFU.
“We hope the facilitation process introduces some realism into discussions. The NZPFU’s most recent settlement proposal was more than three times higher than our last offer, which we believe was fair, sustainable, and reasonable, and in line with other settlements across the public service.
“The settlement offer we made prior to facilitation was a 6.2 percent increase over three years.
“This would have taken the average senior firefighter remuneration from a range of approximately $80,700-$87,400 to $85,800-$92,900 at the end of the period, excluding overtime and allowances which currently adds an average of $38,800 to annual remuneration. We believe this represents a fair and sustainable increase for our people.
“We value our people, which is why over the past decade average senior firefighter pay has cumulatively increased by 37 percent – more than 10 percent above the average increase for all workers.”
Notes
  • Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union have been in bargaining talks for a collective employment agreement for paid firefighters since 16 July 2024.
  • Fire and Emergency’s most recent offer made prior to facilitation was a 6.2 percent increase over three years and compares favourably with equivalent public sector agreements.
  • Fire and Emergency considers the offer is sustainable, balances cost of living pressures being faced by individuals alongside fiscal pressures faced by Fire and Emergency and is consistent with the Government Workforce Policy Statement.
  • The previous 2022 collective employment agreement settlement provided a cumulative wage increase of up to 24 percent over a three-year period for paid firefighters.
  • Fire and Emergency has also been investing in replacing our fleet. We’ve taken delivery of 317 new trucks since 2017 and have another 78 on order. We are currently spending over $20 million per year on replacement trucks. There is also a significant programme of station upgrades underway, as well as investment in training.
  • For the 2025/26 financial year, Fire and Emergency’s operating budget is $857.9 million. Of that operating budget, 59 percent will be spent directly on the frontline, while another 32 percent is spent on frontline enablers. This means that over 90 percent of Fire and Emergency’s budget is spent on the frontline and the people directly supporting the frontline. 
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PSA NEW YEAR WARNING – Fire at will is coming – job security of workers at risk like never before

Source: PSA

– New law will make it easy for bosses to fire workers at will
– Employment Relations Amendment Bill most anti-worker law in a generation
As 2026 dawns, working New Zealanders will soon face increased job insecurity with a new law coming into force that will give bosses the power to fire workers at will.
When the Employment Relations Amendment Bill becomes law within months it will herald an unprecedented power grab by employers, stripping away fundamental protections that have been the bedrock of fair employment for decades.
“Workers will be more vulnerable than ever before with employers able to undermine personal grievance protections and fire workers effectively at will,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The Government is again riding roughshod over the rights of workers showing who it really cares about. Increased job insecurity will pile more pressure on families at a time when they are already facing higher prices and a weak job market.”
Workers who want to take a personal grievance would lose the right to compensation if they contributed in any way to the situation – even a minor contribution means no remedy at all, and employers will have no trouble finding a contribution to avoid paying out a worker.
“The right to be reinstated in your job should win a personal grievance case is also being effectively axed. That is fundamentally unfair. Workers who are unjustly fired or mistreated should have the right to be reinstated and face proper remedies.
“This is all done in the name of so called ‘labour market flexibility.’ We all know what that is code for – driving down wages and eroding conditions.
“It’s a solution looking for a problem. Good employers don’t need these powers so all the new law will really do is embolden those employers who don’t value their employees as they should.”
In summary, the changes will:
– mean workers who are legally unfairly dismissed will have no proper remedies if they have contributed to the situation, however minor.
– allow employers to fire at will workers who are unjustifiably dismissed and earn more than $200,000 – they cannot access a personal grievance process for unjustified dismissal.
– remove the provision that automatically enrols new employees in collective agreements for 30 days. This means new workers will risk being exposed to 90-day fire-at-will trials before understanding the protections offered by collective agreements.
– allow employers to deem workers contractors removing their right to holiday and sick pay and means they can be fired at will – the law change written by multi-national ride share company Uber.
“This law speaks to who calls the shots in this government. At every step of the way these past two years, it’s sought to tilt the balance in favour of employers who already have the most power in any employment relationship.
“It’s never been more important for workers to be backed by a strong union.
“In 2026 the PSA will be campaigning loudly and clearly against this new law, reminding working New Zealanders how this government has bent over backwards to strip away their hard-won rights in favour of their business mates.
“This is an election year, and workers will have a clear choice.”
Reminder: the Coalition Government’s crackdown on workers included:
– Cancelling 33 pay equity claims for more than 150,000 women and severely restricted the ability of workers to make future claims
– Axing Fair Pay Agreements that would have boosted pay and improved conditions for low paid workers like supermarket workers and bus drivers
– Reinstating 90-day fire at will laws for all employers
– Plans to reduce sick leave entitlements for part-time workers
– Hitting the pay of low wage workers by consistently reducing the minimum wage in real terms
 o April 1, 2024: Increased from $22.70 to $23.15 per hour (45 cents increase, or 2%)
 o April 1, 2025: Increased from $23.15 to $23.50 per hour (35 cents increase, or 1.5%)
 o April 1, 2026: to increase from $23.50 to $23.90 (45 cents or 1.9%)
  This amounts to an increase of $1.25 per hour compared to $3.80 per hour over the last three years of the previous government.
– Ending worker representation on the board of WorkSafe – a practice that had existed since WorkSafe was established following the Pike River Mine disaster.
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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Fish & Game Seeks Feedback on Potential Sea Run Salmon Regulation Changes

Source: Fish and Game NZ

Sea-run salmon populations in Canterbury are at critically low levels, prompting Fish & Game to seek public feedback on potential regulatory changes designed to increase the relative size of the spawning population. The primary way Fish & Game can influence the sea-run salmon fishery is by changing the harvest rate through fishing regulations.
The Central South Island and North Canterbury Fish & Game Councils are jointly consulting salmon anglers and the wider public on a range of options that could be introduced when salmon populations are within the “severe” population management band which provides for a one salmon season bag limit. Regulation change options include:
– reducing the season length,
– limiting fishing areas,
– implementing a catch-and-release fishery (zero season bag limit),
– or introducing a temporary season closure.
The consultation process began on 1 December 2025. From 1 January 2026, sea-run salmon licence holders who have not yet participated will be emailed, and the survey will also be made publicly available on the Fish & Game website. Submissions close on 31 January 2026.
Steve McKnight, Chief Executive of Central South Island Fish & Game, emphasised the importance of collective action:
“We are at a critical moment for our sea-run salmon fishery. For future generations to experience the thrill of salmon angling, we must ensure enough salmon reach their spawning grounds. Regulation changes are not decisions we take lightly, but they may be necessary to give the fishery a chance to recover. Angler input is vital to provide a balance between conservation and the values of our fishing community.”
“Anglers are at the heart of this fishery, and their feedback will guide us in determining which measures are most pragmatic. We know regulation changes can impact fishing opportunities, but they remain our best option to give salmon populations a chance to recover. This consultation is about working together to protect a precious species and angling tradition and ensure the salmon remain viable as a wild species in New Zealand.”
Fish & Game encourages anglers and interested members of the public to participate in the survey and contribute their perspectives. An information pack outlining the proposed regulatory options is available on the Fish & Game website.
The Councils will review the submissions before making any recommendations on regulatory changes to the Minister for Hunting and Fishing. Any regulation change recommendations will be made with the goal of increasing spawning to provide a better chance for salmon populations to rebuild for the benefit of anglers and communities.
WHAT IS FISH & GAME?
Fish & Game manage trout, salmon and game birds to provide healthy recreation for Kiwis.
We work to protect the environment that anglers and hunters have enjoyed as a tradition for over 150 years.
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NZ Government urgently needs to join international condemnation of Israeli suspension of aid organisations in Gaza – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says the government urgently needs to join international condemnation of Israel’s suspension of dozens of humanitarian organisations, including Doctors Without Borders, which provide food, water and medical services for Palestinians in Gaza.

 

“This is a death sentence to thousands more Palestinian in Gaza,” says PSNA Co-Chair John Minto. 

 

“With western countries distracted by New Year celebrations, Israel has decided to dramatically tighten its stranglehold on aid to Gaza.”

 

“Only 20% of the aid agreed under the so-called ‘ceasefire agreement’ has been allowed in.”

 

“Israel’s aim is to deepen the humanitarian crisis to make it easier to expel Palestinians from Gaza.  It’s latest plan is to banish them to the rebel state of Somaliland – a country which is recognised only by Israel!”

 

“This is all the more reason for New Zealand to speak out now before the ban is due to take affect this Thursday.”

 

“There is a new government pattern, which started with a negative vote in the United Nations on recognition of Palestine earlier in the year,” Minto says.

 

“New Zealand has now abandoned standing with other western countries, who have condemned Israel’s refusal to allow full resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which Israel agreed to under the deal of October 10th”.

 

In a joint statement Britain, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Japan, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland have stated: “As winter draws in civilians in Gaza are facing appalling conditions with heavy rainfall and temperatures dropping” and demands Israel increase the flow of aid.

 

Minto asks “why did New Zealand not sign that letter?”

 

“New Zealand was also unmoved by appeals from the United Nations Office for the co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs earlier in December.”

 

“Israel has ignored these repeated UN appeals and New Zealand has conveniently looked the other way.”

 

“And while Trump has just said Israel is ‘100% compliant’ with the ceasefire terms, he, and our government too, have ignored the fact that Israeli forces have already directly killed more than 400 Palestinians during the ceasefire.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA