Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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BusinessNZ – New residency pathways hammer home value of trades

Source: BusinessNZ

Two new immigration pathways for skilled trades and technicians reinforces the value of trades as part of New Zealand’s economy, BusinessNZ says.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says immigration works alongside local workforce development to better our economy.
“By bringing in experienced trade and technical people, businesses can expand their capacity to take on more apprentices and provide high-quality training opportunities for New Zealanders entering the trades.
“Today, the Government has reaffirmed the value of trade skills and experience to the New Zealand economy and better aligned immigration settings to the realities of the labour market.
“These changes will enable a business to find the right people with the right skills for the job. International expertise brings fresh perspectives and ways of working that strengthen New Zealand companies, helping them innovate and compete more effectively.
“Businesses should now have confidence to invest and plan long-term with more stable workforce settings on the horizon.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Education – Literacy Takes Centre Stage with Tukuoha Funds

Source: Tapuwae Roa

Literacy emerged as a key theme in Tapuwae Roa’s latest Tukuoha funding round, with $60,000 awarded to nine kaupapa Māori aimed at strengthening whānau through financial, health, cultural, and environmental knowledge.
Now in its fourth year, distributed funds included the return of the Pou Herenga Tangata Award, supporting rangatahi-led initiatives in the community, and the Tonganui Scholarship, advancing tikanga and mātauranga in the oceans space. This year also saw the inclusion of Te Ngake o Te Kūpenga, a discretionary fund designed to encourage Māori into ocean-based careers by strengthening connections to Tangaroa.
Several recipients in this year’s cohort are directing their funding toward advancing literacy in applied, community-based contexts. Among them are Pou Herenga Tangata Awardees Maioha Haimona-Ngawharau (Ngāti Ranginui) and Māia Lockyer (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Porou, Rongomaiwahine) who intend to develop a series of free health literacy resources designed to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and patient understanding.
“As fourth-year Māori medical students, we recognised that many patients leave clinical encounters feeling confused or overwhelmed by complex medical terminology,” says Haimona-Ngawharau.
“By producing and releasing free health literacy resources, we aim to break down the physiology and pathology of common conditions, demystify clinical language, and provide practical tools for navigating the healthcare system.”
Another project advancing literacy through storytelling is led by Te Ngake o Te Kūpenga recipient Kelly Klink (Ngāti Wai), who plans to publish a series of bilingual children’s books that impart stories about the moana and connections to whakapapa.
“I’m currently writing children’s books giving tamariki stories that remind them: the ocean is not just water. It’s whakapapa. Our ancestor. Our teacher,” says Klink.
“By publishing these pūrākau, we give tamariki stories that anchor them to the moana, to their whakapapa, and to the responsibilities of kaitiakitanga. These are the kinds of lessons I want our tamariki to inherit.”
Also focused on improving financial literacy is Pou Herenga Tangata Awardee and bestselling author of Māori Millionaire, Te Kahukura Boynton (Tūhoe, Whakatōhea), who aims to educate rangatahi on building better money habits through a series of wānanga as part of the Māori Millionaire book tour.
“My moemoeā is to host a rangatahi specific kaupapa to inspire and impact our rangatahi to dream big, take radical action, and connect with like-minded Māori,” says Boynton.
“Without funding like this, these events are unsustainable.”
All successful recipients of Tapuwae Roa funding join Ngā Auahitūroa; an alumni network of over 300 diverse Māori change-makers, including academic scholars, community leaders, creatives, and researchers.
Tonganui Scholars 2025 
Te Rangimarie Ririnui
Delivering through the freediving programme Waitā, Te Rangimarie will support six aspiring kairuku to complete training and lead the next wave of safe, sustainable diving practices.
Te Taiawatea Moko-Painting
Exploring the impact of land-based impacts on the health of pāua (Haliotis iris) in Aotearoa and pā'ua (Tridacna maxima) in Rarotonga, Te Taiawatea’s PhD will also examine the shared whakapapa and reo between both nations to inform climate-resilient futures.
Haimona Brown
Through Ngā Niao o te Kaituna, Haimona will restore a 16-person waka tētē as a living vessel for rangatahi to learn traditional navigation, reconnect with moana, and deepen their understanding of kaitiakitanga.
Pou Herenga Tangata Awardees 2025
Youth Cultural Development
Through their kaupapa Māori Taiohi Leadership Programme, Youth Cultural Development hope to nurture confident, culturally grounded, and compassionate young leaders in low decile kura across Ōtautahi to strengthen their cultural identity and positively contribute to their kura and communities.
Huia Max
Emerging theatre practitioner Huia Max is utilising funding to produce a devised theatre show, TUAKIRITEA, centring honest and courageous kōrero around what it means to be Māori in modern-day Aotearoa. The production weaves personal and fictional elements to explore and deconstruct the often complicated and challenging experiences that shape contemporary Māori identity.
Te Kahukura Boynton
Published author and founder of Māori Millionaire, Te Kahukura Boynton, plans to utilise her funding to deliver a rangatahi-focussed book tour to help whānau build better money habits and intergenerational wealth.
Maioha Haimona-Ngawharau and Māia Lockyer
Through their collective kaupapa, Haumanu Hauora, Maioha and Māia hope to utilise their funding to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and patient understanding through a series of health literacy resources to improve adherence to treatment and empower whānau to take charge of their health.
Tanenuiarangi Larkins-Tareha
Delivered through kaupapa-Māori Muay Thai programme, Te Tapa Toa, Tanenuiarangi plans to support rangatahi Māori to strengthen their tinana, hinengaro, wairua, and whānau – while reconnecting with identity, whakapapa, and their potential as future leaders.
Te Ngake o te Kupenga Awardee 2025
Te Ngake o Te Kupenga is a discretionary fund that aims to encourage Māori towards oceans-based careers by strengthening their connections to Tangaroa.
Kelly Klink
Kelly will publish a series of bilingual children’s books that centre pūrākau of the moana, anchoring tamariki in whakapapa, kaitiakitanga, and the knowledge that the ocean is not just water – it’s our ancestor and our teacher. 
ABOUT TAPUWAE ROA
Tapuwae Roa (formally, Te Pūtea Whakatupu Trust) was established under the Māori Fisheries Act 2004 as part of the settlement of Māori fishing rights claims. As an independent charitable trust, its role is to provide strategic leadership in education, training, and workforce development for Māori, and to manage the Trust’s fund made available for these purposes. Tapuwae Roa has a particular obligation to ensure benefits are made available to all Māori and give regard to Māori who do not associate with their iwi and/or do not receive benefits from a Mandated Iwi Organisation. 
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Business Confidence – It’s not all doom and gloom according to Business Canterbury survey

Source: Business Canterbury

Business Canterbury has today released its August Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey, which shows a business community remaining positive despite the ongoing wait for the light at the end of the tunnel to get closer.
Despite ongoing economic pressures, 64% of Canterbury Businesses expect the economy to strengthen over the next year. More than half (55%) plan to hire, and nearly two-thirds (59%) intend to invest in property, plant or equipment over the next 12 months.
Survey Highlights:
  • 64% expect the Canterbury economy to strengthen over the next year
  • 55% plan to hire staff (vs. 61% long-term average)
  • 59% intend to invest in property, plant or equipment (vs. 63% long-term average)
  • 79% confident in their ability to manage disruption
  • Top issues (In order): Consumer confidence and demand, Productivity and growth, Inflation and interest rates, Compliance costs and Cashflow and account receivable/payable.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson says, “While still just below long-term averages for key business confidence metrics, overall positivity reflects how Canterbury operates – we don’t ride the booms and busts like other main centres, and right now that stability is our not-so-secret weapon.
“In Canterbury, businesses are being established at twice the national rate. Our regional GDP is slightly positive, while the rest of the country faces nearly 1% retraction. Right now, we are the most attractive place in New Zealand for people to live and work.
“But we know confidence alone won’t carry us forever, and it’s certainly still very tough out there for many.
“While intent to grow is strong, businesses can’t do it alone. We need growth-ready conditions shaped by both central and local government, and with local elections underway and a general election quickly approaching, now is the time to prioritise settings that enable investment, hiring and innovation.”
“Business Canterbury has recently sent a to-do list to council candidates, which clearly lays out how the business community see councils’ roles in championing business growth in our region.”
For a copy of the council candidate to-do list, please visit our website here: https://www.cecc.org.nz/latest-news-from-business-canterbury/local-government-elections-document-2025
About Business Canterbury
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business support agency in the South Island and advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.
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NZ Super Fund – NEW ZEALAND’S CLIMATE TRANSITION AN OPPORTUNITY WAITING TO BE SEIZED

Source: New Zealand Super Fund

New Zealand has the chance to attract significant global investment into its climate transition – but only if it can create investible opportunities at scale, says Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation co-Chief Investment Officer Will Goodwin.

In a speech to the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia's Conference Aotearoa NZ 2025, Goodwin said sustainable investment is now central to how the world’s largest asset owners manage risk and deliver returns – with climate change presenting both risks and opportunities.

“The question is how we position our portfolios – and our economy – to take advantage of these opportunities.”  

With global investors mobilising trillions of dollars into the transition, Goodwin said New Zealand has to act fast to secure its share.

“Capital is mobile. It moves quickly, across borders and markets, chasing scale, clarity, and certainty. If other countries create conditions that are more attractive to investors, that’s where the capital will go.”

Citing the NZ Super Fund's successful investments in renewable energy infrastructure in the US and Europe, Goodwin said the Fund has seen first-hand what works when the right conditions give investors the confidence to commit.

“Ultimately, New Zealand needs to be creating investible opportunities at sufficient scale, and making it all simple and easy – which includes making it straightforward for capital to come in and to exit,” Goodwin said.

“Despite the noise of shifting politics, the global tide is still moving in one direction. Long-term asset owners, global regulators, and markets recognise that climate change is a material risk. Investors don’t mistake surface changes for the deeper currents – the direction of travel is clear, and it isn’t reversing.”

Read Will Goodwin's speech in full here

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Advocacy – Understanding NZ’s role in space-based support for genocide – Peace Action Wellington

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Join Peace Action Wellington for an important webinar exploring how
Rocket Lab in NZ is contributing space-based assistance to the Israeli
Occupation Forces (IOF). 

Speakers are:
  • Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa lawyer Sam Vincent,
  • Rocket Lab Monitor’s Sonya Smith and 
  • Peace Action Ōtautahi’s Aurora Garner-Randolph. 
This webinar is in preparation for action at the annual Aerospace Summit in Ōtautahi/Christchurch where Rocket Lab is a key sponsor.

The webinar is Tuesday 23 September at 7:30pm. Registration is here:
https://tinyurl.com/4tbbbz88

Government ministers have approved NZ military and intelligence support for Israeli war crimes.

Judith Collins approved recent Rocket Lab launches of geospatial intelligence satellites for BlackSky launched from Måhia.

The satellites provide high resolution images to the IOF used to strike civilians and infrastructure in Gaza.

Collins allowed these launches in full knowledge of these circumstances.

Now her actions, and those of her fellow Ministers Luxon, Seymour and Peters are all the subject of a complaint to the international Criminal Court for war crimes.

The full International Criminal Court referral documents can be found here: https://www.psna.nz/icc-referral

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Weather News – Can’t decide what to do this school break? Neither can the weather! – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 22nd – Thursday 25th September – It’s set to be a weather rollercoaster of a first week of the school holidays this spring. 

A number of fronts are lining up to the south and west of Aotearoa New Zealand this week, each taking their turn in delivering rain to southern, western and northern parts of both islands.

MetService meteorologist Dom Barry says, “This is not the greatest news for parents and caregivers who may be wanting their kids outside to burn energy. However, it is not all bad news – there will be gaps between periods of rain where the little bundles of energy can get outside.”

Eastern parts of both islands won’t get away unscathed but will see more fine spells than their western counterparts. Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua can expect rain to be the main theme until the end of Wednesday. 

Heavy rain is possible so keep an eye out for any potential watches or warnings there, going forwards. 
For the remainder of the west of the North Island, rain turns to showers through to tomorrow (Tuesday), with Heavy Rain Watches in place for Wellington and Warnings for Taranaki Maunga and the Tararua Range until Tuesday afternoon.

Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne may see some rain on Wednesday, but come Thursday, mainly fine weather dominates here. Showers dominate the west and north of the North Island.

As for the South Island, a series of rain bands move northwards bringing showers to the east and periods of rain to the south and west through to tomorrow evening. 

This weather feature weakens in the east by tomorrow evening, meaning mainly fine weather for north of Christchurch, until midday Thursday.

Yet another front begins to impact Fiordland and Southland on Wednesday morning, gradually spreading its rain northwards, into southern Westland and Otago. 

Meanwhile, the remains of the previous weather feature brings rain to northern Westland and Buller.

Barry continues, “Temperatures will be a bit warmer than average for the likes of Napier and Gisborne, hitting early twenties today and tomorrow. Tomorrow is the spring equinox so our days will noticeably start to get longer from now on, before we switch the clocks forwards for the start of Daylight Saving this Sunday.”

A bit of a mixed bag to start off the school holidays – but it’s classic springtime weather. Make the most of the gaps in the rain while you can!
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Kiwi families face ‘ticking time bomb’ without funded heart drugs

Source: Kia Manawanui Trust | The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand

Thousands of Kiwi heart patients are missing out on a proven, life-saving heart medication because it is not publicly funded.
Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa is calling on Pharmac to fund a class of medicines called PCSK9 inhibitors that reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol.
This medicine could transform the lives of an estimated 1 in 250 New Zealanders living with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – a genetic condition that causes dangerously high ‘bad’ cholesterol, putting them at risk of heart attack or stroke at an early age.
“I’m still young – I want to minimise deterioration as much as I can, because I want to be around for my son for a long time,” the 50-year-old says.
“I’ve got a lot more life to live and a lot more to give.”
Heart disease has already claimed his grandfather and uncle at a young age – and Matt worries he may be next.
“I just want to survive – and be there for my wife and our three young children as they grow up.”
PCSK9 medicines can dramatically lower levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol, offering patients like Korie and Matt a real chance at longer, healthier lives.
But in New Zealand, these treatments aren’t funded.
Patients must either pay thousands of dollars themselves or go without, leaving their cholesterol dangerously high.
Currently funded cholesterol medications aren’t enough to reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol to a safe level for patients living with FH.
Trust Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the situation reflects a wider national failure.
“Unfortunately, their stories are not unique – it is the reality for thousands of New Zealand families living with FH, an inherited heart disease.
“They are living with a constant ticking time bomb inside their chest, while the treatments that could save their lives are sitting on the shelf, out of reach.”
The lack of funded treatment options for heart disease, in general, is appalling, Ms Harding says.
“We are decades behind other countries, including Australia, where these medications are already funded and changing lives.”
Pharmac needs to ring-fence a dedicated fund for cardiac drugs, she says.
“Heart disease is the number one killer in New Zealand, so it makes sense to do this.
“Every day we delay funding vital heart medications means more heart attacks and deaths that could be prevented.”
This World Heart Day (September 29), the Trust is encouraging Kiwis to 'Know Your Numbers' – a campaign aimed at understanding your cholesterol levels. An estimated 1 in 250 Kiwis have FH, but less than 2% are diagnosed.
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Defence News – NZ Army Colonel who spent childhood in Papua New Guinea oversees 50th anniversary celebration

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

Papua New Guinea (PNG) holds a special place in the heart of New Zealand Army Colonel Duncan George, who recently oversaw a successful Papua New Guinea Defence Force celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.

He was born in Christchurch and attended Riccarton High School, but for three formative years from the age of eight, Colonel George lived in PNG, learning the language and experiencing the nation’s rich culture.

His father, Squadron Leader (Rtd) Chris George was posted as one of the New Zealand Defence Force instructors to the local Defence Academy and the family lived in Igam Barracks in Lae.

In February this year, Colonel George was appointed the Joint Task Force Commander to plan and support the week-long anniversary celebrations.

This included a military tattoo attended by military bands from Australia, Fiji, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, Tonga, United Kingdom, United States and Vanuatu. There was also a fleet review of Navy vessels, an air show over Ela Beach and a static display of visiting and PNG aircraft.

The week also provided opportunities for visiting aircraft from Australia, France and New Zealand to deliver supplies such as medical equipment, books and mosquito netting, to remote areas around the country.

“I’m relieved that it went well, but also very proud of PNG, the PNG Defence Force and of course, the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces that helped out,” Colonel George said.

“There were a whole bunch of countries that came over to help celebrate, which was fantastic and it was great the majority of them were from around the Pacific region.”

Colonel George has been embedded in the PNG Defence Force since December 2023 as the Deputy Chief of Staff, so has a unique insight into why this celebration was so significant for the country.

“PNG is the most populous nation in Oceania. From a strategic geographic point of view, it straddles Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It's a leading nation within the Pacific Islands Forum in terms of its size, geography and natural resources.”

It was important to reflect on the positive aspects of the country, because all too often governance, the economy and law and order were the focal point from international observers, he said.

“PNG is a proud nation with uninterrupted parliamentary democracy, a growing middle class, and it's a nation that has a big voice in the Pacific.”

Colonel George’s family ties to the area remain to this day. His father was known for his professional skills but also his ability to train, mentor and encourage young Papua New Guinean aviators. Last month Squadron Leader George was presented with a commendation by PNG Defence Force Deputy Chief Brigadier-General Lari Opa.

It was a proud moment for Colonel George, who reflected on their life there more than 30 years ago.

“The great memories I have of being in PNG during the 80s were so strong that I always wanted to come back, I just wasn’t sure when or how. Having three kids (two teenagers) meant that I was a little hesitant to do it so late in my career, but my wife told me that it was now or never, so we took the plunge.”

Colonel George is the sixth Deputy Chief of Staff to come from the NZDF since the appointment was created in 2009.

“PNG and the PNG Defence Force can be challenging places to live and work, but the people are the key to being here. They have different ways of doing things, but I’m lucky in the sense that I grew up here for a while, I’ve retained much of my Tok Pisin (Pidgin) and I feel comfortable and accepted here as one of the Defence Force’s own.

“My wife has taken to scuba diving and my children are having a great experience at their respective schools.”

Colonel George will finish his posting in December and said he sees PNG as becoming increasingly important for New Zealand in the coming years.

“I encourage anyone who is passionate about the Pacific and our place in it to consider a posting here. You need an adventurous spirit, but serving here will be a highlight in anyone’s career.”

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Northland Regional Council news briefs – 22 September 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

TSUNAMI SIREN TESTING
Northland’s six-monthly outdoor tsunami siren test will take place at 10am on Sunday, 28 September, marking the start of daylight saving.
The recently upgraded network of more than 90 outdoor sirens is tested twice a year to ensure it remains ready to alert communities in the event of a tsunami. While it’s hoped such an emergency never occurs, regular testing helps ensure the system can respond effectively if needed and raises awareness of Northland’s tsunami risk.
During the test, sirens will sound for around two minutes, emitting the familiar siren tone followed by a voice message. Indoor sirens will not be tested, but should be checked manually.
Feedback on the test can be provided on the day using a feedback form available on the Northland Regional Council website.
To hear Northland’s new outdoor sirens online, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/tsunamisirens
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Announcements – Retirement Commissioner stepping down in 2026

Source: New Zealand Retirement Commission

New Zealand’s Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson has advised the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs that she will conclude her second term in early 2026 and not seek reappointment. 

Jane Wrightson has led the Retirement Commission for nearly six years, overseeing research, policy advice on retirement incomes and villages, and public education to support New Zealanders' financial wellbeing. 
Throughout her time as Retirement Commissioner she has successfully advocated for key policy changes which will see more New Zealanders enjoy a better retirement as a result.  
Key achievements:

  • Prompted the first substantive review of the Retirement Villages Act 2003 with a decision expected on legislative changes by the end of 2025. 
  • Recommended employer and employee KiwiSaver contributions increase to 4% and for 16-17-year-olds to be included, confirmed in Budget 2025. 
  • Championed the compulsory inclusion of financial education in schools, announced in April 2025.  
  • Rallied a diverse financial services sector around supporting the National Strategy for Financial Capability with three-year action plans.  
  • Ensured that Sorted keeps growing as a popular and appealing upskilling resource for the more than two million New Zealanders who use it each year.  

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson acknowledged the work of the Retirement Commissioner. 

“I would like to thank Jane Wrightson for her leadership and for the way she’s advocated for better financial capability and retirement outcomes for New Zealanders. I wish her all the very best for the future,” Mr Simpson says. 
“Recruitment for the next Retirement Commissioner will begin shortly.” 
Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says she’s proud of what’s been achieved during her time in the role. 
“I can’t do anything without a great team, and while we might be small, over the years have achieved some big wins,” she says. 
“Our work on the National Strategy for Financial Capability actively encourages different parts of the sector, from the big end of town to NGOs, to pull together on projects that make a difference. 
“Our high-quality research and analysis provide evidence for considered policy change. We ensure it’s public so that people can rely on it to inform themselves and their ideas.  
“Years of championing for a stronger focus on financial education in schools has been heard, and it will be a game-changer for the next generation’s financial wellbeing.  

“It’s been a privilege to hold this position, and I’d like to thank my team, the Ministers I’ve worked with, and our sector partners and stakeholders that help us to improve the financial futures of New Zealanders so a better retirement can be enjoyed by all.”