Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Activist Sector – AOTEAROA FOR PALESTINE CONDEMNS FOREIGN MINISTER WINSTON PETERS’ UN ADDRESS, ANNOUNCES AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE PROTEST TO DEMAND SANCTIONS

Source: Aotearoa for Palestine

27 September 2025 – Aotearoa for Palestine condemns Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ address to the UN General Assembly in New York this morning, in which Peters failed to announce any measures to prevent or punish Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

“This government is an embarrassment to the people of New Zealand who have demanded for two years that Israel be sanctioned for their war crimes. This government has failed to take action to end the genocide, so we will take action. We will lead the biggest protest for Palestine in NZ history across the Auckland Harbour Bridge to demand sanctions on Israel. The date has been agreed and will be released soon,” stated group spokesperson Heba Mortaja.

In the lead up to Peters’ address, there had been much speculation over whether New Zealand would announce recognition of the ‘state’ of Palestine. Other states such as the UK and Australia have been criticised for symbolically recognising Palestinian statehood while continuing their arms trade with Israel.

“By failing to take symbolic or material action, this New Zealand government has continued its complicity in genocide, and has betrayed the New Zealand people who overwhelmingly support sanctions on Israel,” said Mortaja.

About Aotearoa for Palestine: Aotearoa for Palestine is a Palestinian- and Māori-led group, committed to the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity in their own land.

Posted on

Advocacy – Peters rewards Israel for Genocide – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

PSNA says Foreign Minister Winston Peters has issued what it calls a gold-plated reward to appease Israel for its genocide against the Palestinian people, with the decision not to announce sanctions, or even to recognise a state of Palestine, at the United Nations today.

PSNA Co-chair Maher Nazzal, says that the rest of the world recoils in horror at Israel’s cruel and depraved war crimes against the Palestinian people, but Winston Peters has washed his hands and walked away.

“Peters says the lesson he has learned over the past week, as other countries have joined together to recognise Palestine, was that this just provokes Israel to more violence.”

“That is not the way aggression should be rewarded.  That attitude in the 1930s by Britain led to WW2.”

“Peters told UN delegates their governments were failing to provide leadership to solve vital world issues.  He then revealed his own greatest failure of New Zealand leadership in decades.”

“He had nothing to say about Israel breaching multiple international laws.  The word ‘occupation’ never passed his lips.  He ascribed Palestinian resistance to Israel as due to ‘hate’, but no hint of concern came from him of the decades of Israel breaking peace agreements, and of dispossession and mass expulsion of Palestinians.”

“Palestinians have a right of return to their homes, which the UN has reiterated every year since 1948.  He said nothing about that.  Just nonsense about recognising Palestine after the issues are all solved.”

“He must know that unless the world takes real action, those issues will never be solved and Israel will make sure there is nothing of a Palestinian state, or people, to recognise.”

“He just ticked off a list of talking points published this week from the New Zealand Israel Institute.”

“New Zealand has been appeasing Israel for 77 years, and Winston Peters continues New Zealand on the same well-worn path, based on anti-Palestinian racism and mis-identified New Zealand self-interest,” Nazzal says. 

“He has stood on the wrong side of history all his political career and today decided to close the gap between New Zealand and the US and the racist apartheid state of Israel.”

“A deeply shameful day for New Zealand.  I’m sure war criminal Netanyahu has already sent him a message of gratitude,” Nazzal says.

“The way forward is for sanctions against Israel to end the genocide – Peters isn’t even at the start line.”

Maher Nazzal
Co-Chair PSNA

Posted on

Advocacy – On World Tourism Day: Palestine’s Beauty, Culture, and Right to be Free – PFNZ

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

Today, on World Tourism Day, the Palestine Forum of New Zealand joins the global community in celebrating the values of travel, cultural exchange, and the right of all peoples to share their heritage with the world.

Palestine is home to some of the world’s most cherished cultural treasures and countless historic villages and holy places. For generations, people of all faiths and nations visited Palestine to walk its ancient streets, taste its cuisine, and meet its warm and resilient people.

Yet, for millions of Palestinians, tourism is not possible. The ongoing military occupation, the siege of Gaza, the annexation of land, and the denial of the Right of Return to Palestinian refugees mean that the simple act of welcoming visitors or travelling freely is denied. Instead of open skies and pathways of exchange, Palestinians face walls, checkpoints, and borders closed by force.

World Tourism Day affirms that tourism should foster peace, dignity, and solidarity among peoples. The Palestinian story reminds us that true tourism is not only about landscapes and monuments, but about justice, freedom, and human connection.

On this day, we call on the international community to recognise and support the Palestinian people’s right to live in freedom, to welcome the world as hosts in their own land, and to share their history, culture, and future with all.

Palestine is more than a destination – it is a people, a heritage, and a homeland that must be free.

Posted on

Household net worth increases, wealth distribution remains unchanged – Household net worth statistics: Year ended June 2024 – Stats NZ news story and information release


This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com


Unsubscribe

Posted on

Greenpeace Statement: Activists convicted and discharged over seabed mining action

Source: Greenpeace

Four ocean advocates have been sentenced in court in Wellington today, after locking down the Wellington headquarters of the mining industry lobbying firm Straterra (since renamed the New Zealand Minerals Council) in September 2024.
They were found guilty of trespass, convicted and discharged.
Greenpeace Aotearoa programme director Niamh O’Flynn, who was one of the activists, says:
“I’m proud to wear this conviction. We never take such action lightly but if standing up for the oceans is a crime then that’s what we have to do. If business as usual isn’t going to stop the people who most want to profit from the destruction of our environment, then this is the kind of action that we have to take.
“The NZ Minerals Council lobbied the Luxon government behind the scenes on behalf of Australian-owned wannabe seabed mining company Trans-Tasman Resources (TTR), and we wanted to disrupt that influence,” O’Flynn continued.
“The Luxon government’s Fast Track process opened up the South Taranaki Bight for seabed mining by enabling TTR and its Australian owners, Manuka Resources, to revive its zombie seabed mining plans. This was after being turned down repeatedly , even by the Supreme Court, because they were unable to alleviate concerns that seabed mining would cause harm to marine life.”
“TTR pulled out of the Environmental Protection Authority hearings last year and is banking on the Luxon government’s Fast Track Process. But even here TTR is failing to convince the Fast Track Panel of their credibility. A new report to the panel describes TTR’s application as containing “outdated information, internal inconsistencies and unproven technology”.
Activist Kate Paris, of Pātea says: “Taranaki communities – including iwi, environmentalists, fisher people, boaties and surfers are united in our opposition to seabed mining. We will continue to take action until we know Tangaroa is protected.”
Trans-Tasman Resources is planning to extract 50 million tonnes of iron sand from the South Taranaki Bight every year for decades and dump 45 million tonnes a year back into the ocean.
Seabed mining in the South Taranaki Bight would damage rich ecosystems and threaten precious marine life such as the pygmy blue whale, Māui and Hector’s dolphins and kororā.
“The opposition to seabed mining is immense and people will continue to stand up and fight against Trans-Tasman Resources’ seabed mining project. Just as thousands of New Zealanders united to fend off international oil companies through unrelenting peaceful protest and iwi-led opposition, we will make sure seabed mining never starts in Aotearoa,” said O’Flynn.
Posted on

Health – We’re making it easier to get same-day appointments at Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa

Source: Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa

At Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa, we’re always looking for more ways to improve equity, access, and choice for our clients. Open access scheduling is our next step to make it easier for clients to get the appointments they need, when they need them.
Earlier this year, we launched our online booking system. This was a game-changer, as it let our clients book, reschedule, and cancel appointments from the Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa website at their convenience.
Now, we’re rolling out open access scheduling across all our clinics. This means a portion of all our clinicians’ schedules are left open for same-day appointments. This includes doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners.
Open access scheduling is designed to reduce the time it takes for clients to get an appointment, improve same-day appointment availability, and minimise appointment backlogs. This will be especially helpful for clients who need urgent services such as symptomatic STI testing.
Before rolling out open access scheduling nationwide, we ran trials in our Gisborne, Manukau, Henderson, and Lower Hutt clinics. We saw a significant reduction in the time it took for clients to get all appointment types, with the vast majority able to get same-day appointments or book for a time and date that suited them.
For clients who need regular appointments or prefer to book ahead, this option is still available. Open access scheduling sits alongside our regular booking service, allowing clients to more easily access appointments when they need them most.
This also means we’re moving away from drop-in times at most of our clinics. Instead of dropping into a clinic and waiting around for an appointment, clients can now use our online booking system or call our contact centre in the morning to get a same-day appointment, freeing up more of their time for the rest of their day. To see if your clinic still offers drop-in appointments, please check the clinic page on our website. 
Posted on

Local News – Wellington Region in Strong Shape for Summer Water Supply

Source: Hutt City Council

Wellington residents are heading into summer with greater water security as investment in leak repairs and treatment upgrades begin to pay off.
Two summers ago there was a 33 percent chance of Level 4 restrictions being triggered. This summer, that risk is now below one percent under normal conditions.
Lower Hutt Mayor and Wellington Water Committee Chair Campbell Barry says the shift is thanks to a concerted effort over the past two years.
“We’ve made real progress. Thanks to major investment from Councils, Wellington Water has exceeded its annual savings target, cutting losses by 11 million litres a day. That’s a big win for the region,” Mayor Barry said.
Open leaks are down 30 percent from this time last year, and 79 percent lower than they were at the height of summer in January 2024. The fully upgraded Te Mārua Water Treatment Plant is now adding 20 million litres a day of treatment capacity to help meet peak demand.
From 28 September, Level 1 restrictions will return across the region. These are light-touch rules like limiting sprinkler use to certain times of the day.
“Our water use is still high – about 25 percent more than in Auckland. But small changes at home still make a difference. We all have a part to play in protecting our water supply,” Mayor Barry said.
Wellington Water’s long-term work continues, with a goal to cut water loss by another two million litres a day each year through to 2035.
Posted on

Lifestyle – World Heart Day: Couples Who Move Together, Thrive Together

Source: Exercise NZ

“…couples-based exercise programs significantly improved exercise adherence, self-efficacy, functional capacity, and mental wellbeing, compared to those doing rehab alone.”

“…romantic partner involvement boosts sustained engagement and reduces cardio-metabolic risk.”

“On World Heart Day, we're not just promoting physical health, we're strengthening relationships, too.”

“When we move together, we keep our hearts, and each other, stronger.”

The 29th September marks World Heart Day, and Exercise New Zealand is shining a spotlight on heart health while offering a fresh twist: those who exercise together tend to stay healthier, happier, and more consistent.

Exercise: Your Heart's Best Ally

It is no mystery that physical activity remains one of the most powerful defences against cardiovascular disease (CVD). Engaging in regular aerobic or combined workouts (like walking, cycling, resistance training) can reduce your relative risk of cardiovascular mortality by about 27%

Even small boosts in activity matter: just 75 minutes of moderate exercise per week (equivalent to only 11 minutes a day) can slash CVD risk by 17%, lower cancer risk, and reduce premature death by 23%. For those tracking steps, reaching 7,000 daily steps delivers a 25% drop in cardiovascular disease risk, far beyond the benefits of inactivity. But lowering CVD risk is only part of the story. Increasingly, research shows that exercising with a romantic partner doesn't just improve health, it strengthens relationships too.

One study highlighted in BMC Cardiovascular Disorders found that couples who joined exercise programmes after coronary interventions had significantly higher adherence, greater self-confidence, improved fitness, and better mental wellbeing compared to those who trained alone.

Similarly, other pilot studies reported in BMC Public Health show that romantic partner involvement boosts sustained engagement and reduces cardio-metabolic risk. Qualitative feedback also underscores improved mood and relationship satisfaction on days people exercised together.

Exercise activates the brain's reward pathways by releasing endorphins and oxytocin, neurochemicals linked to bonding, trust, and affection. Those who engage in physical activity may often experience what research coined  “arousal transfer,” where the excitement and energy from physical activity spill over into their relationship, strengthening feelings of closeness and attraction. In essence, moving together not only improves health but also deepens intimacy and enhances relationship quality.

Why This Matters in Aotearoa

Heart disease remains our leading cause of death. According to the New Zealand Heart Foundation, Heart disease is responsible for nearly one in three deaths in New Zealand. Each year around 11,900 Kiwis die from cardiovascular disease, equating to one life lost every 90 minutes. The impact is not just mortality: Cardiovascular disease doesn't just cut lives short, it causes years of illness and lost quality of life, making up around 15% of all health loss in New Zealand while costing our health system an estimated NZ$3.3 billion every year.

Yet cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. Worryingly, fewer than half (46.5%) of New Zealand adults currently meet national physical activity guidelines, while about 14% report doing little to no weekly exercise. Compounding this risk, 32.6% of adults are obese, a major driver of heart disease. These numbers show the scale of the problem, but also the enormous opportunity. Even small changes, like just 11 minutes of movement a day whether its bike rides, dance classes, gym sessions or hitting 7,000 steps, can dramatically cut risk.

On World Heart Day, ExerciseNZ is not just promoting prevention, but highlighting a simple, powerful solution: move together. Exercising with a partner makes it easier to build habits, sustain activity, and protect heart health, while strengthening relationships at the same time. And if you or a loved one need an extra push, this is the perfect time to take advantage of Exercise New Zealand's subsidised gym membership programme, designed to remove cost barriers and help more Kiwis improve their health, together.

“On World Heart Day, we're not just promoting physical health, we're strengthening relationships, too,” says Richard Beddie, Chief Executive of Exercise New Zealand. “When we move together, we keep our hearts, and each other, stronger.”

Posted on

International Law – Israeli attacks kill Oxfam partner colleague, destroy clinics in Gaza

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Oxfam is deeply appalled and mourns the killing of Tasneem, 27, and her two children, Sham (5), and Suleiman (3), in an Israeli airstrike on 20 September. Tasneem was a psychologist at Oxfam's partner organization, Juzoor for Health and Community Development.
“Tasneem was a courageous and devoted humanitarian. Despite constant danger, she served those in desperate need to the end. Her death, along with her children, is a heartbreaking tragedy. This violence is destroying those who are trying to help. It is incomprehensible and it must end. Enough is enough,” said Dr Umiayeh Khammash, Director of Juzoor.
Tasneem was pregnant when she died and had already lost her son Muslam in a previous attack last year. Tasneem’s husband remains critically injured from the recent attack.
In the last three days, two other Oxfam partners also had their premises destroyed in indiscriminate attacks by Israel. On Monday, the offices of Oxfam partners, Al Ataa, a women's association which works to empower and protect vulnerable groups, and a Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) clinic were destroyed. On Wednesday, the PMRS administrative headquarters/ main medical centre building was destroyed by Israel, bringing the total number of PMRS centres destroyed to ten: nine in northern Gaza and one in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
PMRS had been treating thousands of people in northern Gaza every day, providing primary healthcare, services for pregnant women and other vulnerable people, women’s health services, malnutrition clinics, psychosocial support, and specialist care in cardiology, endocrinology, pulmonology, nephrology, nutrition, and ophthalmology. The destruction of their final two centres in northern Gaza this week, along with the forced displacement of staff and patients, is a devastating blow to the communities already struggling with very few health services and living in genocide.
“We are overwhelmed with grief, sorrow, and a deep sense of injustice,” said Dr Bassam Zaquot, PMRS Gaza Strip Manager. “In a single moment, the sacred and noble work carried out by our doctors and humanitarian workers was destroyed, our facilities completely wiped out. At the same time, we are forced to suspend the work of our mobile medical teams in Gaza out of fear for their lives. The deliberate destruction of the services we provide is a message of extermination that endangers everyone,” Zaquot said.
Jason Myers, Executive Director at Oxfam Aotearoa said: “As we continue to bear witness to the ongoing horror in Gaza, the killing of a partner colleague and her family brings the reality of the situation just that bit closer. I find it almost impossible to comprehend the situation from afar. Oxfam staff and their partners in Gaza continue to work in unimaginable circumstances, their lives literally on the line on a daily basis. Among the tens of thousands of confirmed killings since the war began, almost 1600 have been aid and healthcare workers. The international community must take urgent steps to end the genocide in Gaza and allow critical aid in.”
Ruth James, Oxfam MENA’s regional humanitarian coordinator in Gaza, said: “These are just some of the hundreds of attacks on aid workers killed in their homes or while doing their jobs during Israel’s almost two-year onslaught on Gaza, each carried out with impunity.
“Our partners take incredible risks to deliver life-saving aid to Palestinians in Gaza whose suffering is unimaginable. The killing of aid workers and the destruction of vital humanitarian infrastructure, like clinics, are senseless and brutal, and ultimately mean thousands of Palestinians are less likely to get the support they desperately need,” said James.
Several Oxfam partners have been attacked by Israel since the beginning of the war, killing partner colleagues or destroying critical humanitarian infrastructure. These incidents reflect a deeply disturbing pattern of attacks on aid workers and humanitarian facilities, reported with increasing regularity by humanitarian organizations in Gaza.
Intensified Israeli military operations in Gaza City threaten almost one million people with forced displacement into overcrowded and ill-equipped so-called ‘humanitarian areas.’ Aid workers must be able to respond to the unimaginable needs of Palestinians in Gaza without the constant threat of Israeli attacks.
“The international community must take urgent steps to end the genocide in Gaza by demanding a ceasefire, lifting the siege to allow critical aid into Gaza and ensuring all aid workers are protected so they can carry out their vital work without fear,” said James.
Notes:
Palestinians make up almost one fifth of aid workers killed since records began: 
Posted on

Privacy Commissioner – Exercise your right to know

Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

Right to Know Day on 28 September is a good reminder to New Zealanders of their right to access and correct their own information, the Privacy Commissioner says.
International Right to Know Day recognises the right to request access to information. The Privacy Act reinforces the importance of transparency and building trust in organisations.
“Organisations make decisions about people based on the information they hold, but these details and circumstances can frequently change, so it’s important people can access their personal information and check it’s accurate, Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says.”
“All New Zealanders can ask what personal information organisations and businesses hold about them, and they can also ask to have this information corrected if it’s wrong.
“You can ask small and large businesses, government departments, schools, sports clubs, charities, and community groups and they must respond to your request within 20 working days.
“An incorrect date of birth, address or name could affect a person’s ability to access services, funding or support, so it’s important people are able to check their details and make sure they’re accurate.”
Access to personal information is an important provision under the Privacy Act as people should be able to see what information agencies hold about them, while the correction of personal information gives people the right to ask agencies to correct information they think is wrong.
Background notes
This information from our website may also help you to build your story: