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44 Fire and Emergency New Zealand personnel recognised with international award

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The New South Wales State Emergency Service has announced that 44 Fire and Emergency New Zealand and 7 National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) personnel will be recognised with the Commissioner’s Unit Citation for their actions during the 2022 Flood Response.

In November 2022, Fire and Emergency and NEMA personnel deployed to New South Wales to support the widespread flooding response in the Central West and Rivierina regions.
Personnel assisted in a variety of support roles including operations, planning, public information, logistics, resources, and air support.
This award is in recognition of the utmost professionalism and unwavering dedication in Incident Management support that our people provided to the affected communities in New South Wales.
Congratulations to those personnel, past and present, who are receiving this award. This citation recognises your hard work, dedication and willingness to support our international colleagues in their time of need.
Details of the Fire and Emergency recipients can be found below:

  • Kaye Ahsam, National Manager, Women’s Development – Northland
  • Kim Boyce, Advisor Community Readiness and Recovery – Northland
  • Stephen Corin, Volunteer Support Officer, Senior Firefighter & Rural Crew Leader – Northland
  • Dave Woon, Group Manager – Auckland
  • Scott Marchant, Group Manager – Waitemata
  • Tarah Jones, Deputy Chief Fire Officer – Waitemata
  • Rochelle Martin, District Manager – Waitemata
  • Emma Jane Goldsworthy, Advisor Community Readiness and Recovery – Counties Manukau
  • David McKeown, Group Manager – Counties Manukau
  • Chris Lane, Station Officer – Counties Manukau
  • Jessica Chaplin (former employee), Senior Media Advisor – National Headquarters
  • Rosie Rattray (former employee), Senior Media Advisor – National Headquarters
  • Liam Hyslop, Senior Media Advisor – National Headquarters
  • Nick Bryant, Principal Advisor Board and Ministerial Services – National Headquarters
  • Cullum Peni-Wesche, National Advisor Reports and Data – National Headquarters
  • Craig Monrad (former employee), USAR Operations Manager – National Headquarters
  • Blair Kiely, Chief Advisor to Service Delivery DCEs – National Headquarters
  • Sonya Porteous, Rural Crew Leader – Otago
  • Barbara Olah, Station Officer – Otago
  • Hamish Angus, Group Manager – Southland
  • Damian Daly, Volunteer Support Officer & Senior Station Officer – Southland
  • Philip MacDonald, Operational Support – Tairāwhiti
  • Nicole Dobson (former member), Qualified Firefighter – Bay of Plenty
  • John Sutton (former employee), Community Risk Manager – Bay of Plenty
  • Brendon Grylls, Group Manager – Bay of Plenty
  • Jarron McInnes, Operational Support – Bay of Plenty
  • Mark Tinworth, Community Risk Manager – Waikato
  • Alan Doherty, Group Manager – Waikato
  • John Goddard (former employee), Advisor Risk Reduction – Waikato
  • Dean Carr, Senior Firefighter – Mid-South Canterbury
  • Phillip Mackay, Timaru District Council
  • Chris Hayles, Group Manager – Nelson Marlborough
  • Paul Manson (former employee), Group Manager – Nelson Marlborough
  • Gordon Munn, Volunteer Support Officer & Station Officer – Nelson Marlborough
  • Kerri Pring, Advisor Community Readiness and Recovery & Senior Firefighter – Canterbury
  • Atila de Oliveira, Group Manager – West Coast
  • Chris Faithfull, Station Officer – Manawatū Whanganui
  • Aaron Summerhays, Senior Station Officer – Manawatū Whanganui
  • Harry Howard, Station Officer – Wellington
  • Craig Cottrill, Group Manager – Wellington
  • Gareth Hughes, Group Manager – Wellington
  • Sue Stewart, Business Services Coordinator – Wellington
  • Jason Hill, Group Manager – Hawke’s Bay
  • Kylan McKeen (former employee), Advisor Risk Reduction – Hawke’s Bay.
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Government Cuts – Disestablishing IR’s Māori research team will disadvantage whānau – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is criticising Inland Revenue’s move to shut down its dedicated kaupapa Māori research domain, Te Mana Rangahau.
“It’s regressive, short-sighted, and a gutting blow to the Māori-Crown relationship. A clear signal that Inland Revenue is turning its back on meaningful engagement with whānau Māori,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi acting Kaihautū Māori, Marcia Puru, says.
Inland Revenue plans to shut down Te Mana Rangahau and push the work to a broader Customer Interventions group from 1 September, without first building the cultural capability needed to do it effectively.
“Instead of following its own research to embed Tiriti based, values-driven change, it’s reverting to a transactional, compliance-heavy model that prioritises punitive debt collection over the holistic, intergenerational wellbeing of whānau Māori.
“This is not just a reshuffle, it’s a dismantling of kaupapa Māori leadership inside Inland Revenue,” Puru says.
“Te Mana Rangahau is part of a wider Kaupapa Māori ecosystem within Inland Revenue focused on supporting Māori aspirations and carrying Māori voices right into the heart of strategic decision-making. Scrapping the team sends a loud message that those voices don’t matter. Let’s be clear: this is a cultural rollback and the team feels disrespected and aggrieved.
“The years of hard work done gave Inland Revenue the tools to make better, fairer strategic decisions. Now they’re throwing that progress out the window clearly prioritising more Western-led approaches.”
The PSA says this move reflects a wider political agenda that ignores evidence, guts kaupapa Māori leadership, and leaves whānau Māori further behind, many of whom are already facing economic hardship.
“The PSA is very concerned that Inland Revenue is not protecting its dedicated kaupapa Māori space. We’d like to see them recommit to working with Māori and not against them.
“Above all, Inland Revenue must stay focused on work that produces Tiriti based, values-drive change, and continue uplifting the cultural capability of its entire organisation.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health care and community groups.
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Advocacy – International Day of Charity: Solidarity with Palestine

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand joins the international community in marking the International Day of Charity.

Charity is not only about financial assistance – it is about compassion, solidarity, and standing with those most in need. Around the world, individuals and organisations dedicate themselves to uplifting vulnerable communities, easing suffering, and building a more just and humane society.

Today, as we reflect on the meaning of charity, our hearts turn to Palestine, where generations of families live under occupation and blockade. In Gaza and the West Bank, shortages of food, medicine, shelter, and clean water have become daily realities. More than half the population are children, and they carry the heaviest burden of this ongoing humanitarian crisis.

On this International Day of Charity, the Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on New Zealanders to:

  • Show solidarity with the Palestinian people through charitable giving and humanitarian support.
  • Raise awareness of the urgent and ongoing needs in Palestine.
  • Advocate for justice and dignity, recognising that true charity includes striving to remove the root causes of suffering.

As the UN reminds us, charity brings people together, strengthens bonds of solidarity, and creates inclusive communities. This spirit of compassion must extend to the people of Palestine, who deserve peace, security, and a future of hope.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand stands committed to ensuring that New Zealand’s voice for justice and humanity continues to echo strongly, especially on this International Day of Charity.

Maher Nazzal
Palestine Forum of New Zealand
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Advocacy – Dental Advocacy Group "Seeing Significant Unmet Need" on Dental in Nationwide Roadshow, Begins Second Part of National Tour

Source: Action Station

A dental advocacy group is reporting soaring unmet need for dental care as it begins the second part of a national roadshow on dental challenges in New Zealand.
Dental for All will travel to the Far North next week, alongside events in Auckland through the week, before travelling to Tauranga, Whakatāne, the East Coast, Gisborne, Napier, and Flaxmere.
The group has just completed a trip from Wellington to Rotorua, which included seven town hall discussions.
“What we've been seeing and hearing is significant unmet need among adults who are locked out of getting dental care,” says Hana Pilkinton-Ching, spokesperson for the Dental for All coalition.
The coalition includes Te Ao Mārama (the Māori Dental Association), dentists and oral health therapists, unions (including E tū, ASMS, and Workers FIRST Union), and poverty action groups.
“The adult dental system is in crisis, with costs continuing to rise, and during this prolonged cost of living crisis we want to see all political parties commit to bring dental into the public healthcare system to ease the pressure on families,” adds Pilkinton-Ching.
Dental for All is calling for free, universal, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-consistent dental. It has commissioned research showing that the existing dental system costs the country $2.5bn in lost productivity and $3.1bn in reduced quality of life, while it would cost $1-2bn to bring dental into the public healthcare system.
The group supports the establishment of an adult community dental service, which could consist of a network of community clinics with salaried dentists and oral health therapists, along with tino rangatiranga for Māori over oral health.
“Working in South Auckland, we’re witnessing a growing oral health crisis. It’s time our health system took urgent, equity-focused action that is grounded in accountability and community partnership and ensures everyone has access to the care they need,” says Chanae Ihimaera, Senior Lecturer/Kaiwhaako in Oral Health at Auckland University of Technology.
The second leg of the roadshow includes a free dental day at Auckland University of Technology's south campus on Sunday 7 September, involving 9 volunteer dentists and 4 volunteer oral health therapists.
The roadshow continues with a major event at the Auckland City Mission on Thursday 11 September, where City Missioner Helen Robinson will speak, as well as visits to marae, Māori oral health providers, and community venues.
  • More details on the major events on the second leg of the Dental for All roadshow (running 7-17 September 2025) are available here.
  • FrankAdvice's research, showing (on a conservative estimate, using the CBAx tool) that the current dental system is costing the country $2.5bn in lost productivity and $3.1bn in reduced quality of life, is available online here.
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Value of building work put in place: June 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release


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Activist Sector – Protest this Saturday: No FBI cops, No US troops in Aotearoa From: Peace Action Wellington

Source: Peace Action Wellington

An alliance of Wellington groups will march from Midland Park to the US
Embassy on Saturday, 6 September at 1pm with a clear demand: No FBI cops
and no US troops stationed in Aotearoa NZ.

The Director of the USA’s Federal Bureau of Investigation recently
visited Aotearoa NZ, welcomed by New Zealand’s far-right government,
with plans to establish an FBI office here. At the same time, the New
Zealand Army announced the likelihood of American troops training
regularly on Kiwi soil.

“The FBI is a US domestic police force. It has no role in protecting
ordinary New Zealanders. Instead it has a very clear reputation as a
political police force targeting left wing activists,” said Valerie
Morse from Peace Action Wellington.

“We see this cooperation as the strengthening of authoritarianism of
both governments, and a threat to safety and community for all of us.
This isn’t just about NZ and US police and military working together.
This is really about the very deep and dangerous US influence on our
government that will pull us into a war – and will result in the
criminalisation of those who oppose it.”

The FBI Director said the establishment of this office “would counter
China's influence in the Pacific” – clearly indicating that this office
is considered a part of the USA’s Pacific strategy.

“We are deeply alarmed at the US push to war with China. This is not
just talk, but is in the planning stages within the Pentagon and Defence
House here in Wellington. The US is creating the conditions where war
with China is inevitable.”

“All of this is in the context of the US’s continued support of a
genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, a crackdown on protest and the New
Zealand government’s closed-door revision of anti-terror laws here which
may well tighten restrictions on solidarity protest.”

“We want to be really clear that we believe that it is US imperialism
that is driving global insecurity, genocide and massive increases in
weapons sales. The NZ government’s decision to side with the US against
our largest trading partner is a lose-lose strategy.”

“At the same time, anti-imperialism and anti-authoritarianism doesn’t
mean supporting one imperialism or authoritarian government over
another. We do not endorse Chinese military growth or its brutal
domestic actions.”

“We believe a different approach is not only possible, but desirable and
necessary. We have global challenges to face – and we need to do that
together, united by our common humanity and desire for all people to
live in dignity with the things they need. We do not believe that the
world’s only superpower should dictate the conditions for the planet’s
eight billion people.”

“We continue to operate under Te Kahu o Te Raukura, the cloak of peace
laid down by Mana Whenua. This rally will honour that kaupapa. We invite
all who value peace, justice and self-determination to join us.”

This event is jointly organised by Peace Action Wellington, Poneke
Anti-Fascist Coalition, People Against Prisons Aotearoa, the
International Socialist Organisation, and Te Tai Tētēkura.

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Federated Farmers – University’s inaction on Joy’s violent comments a disgrace

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is slamming Victoria University of Wellington’s response to violent comments made by prominent academic Mike Joy, describing it as weak and shameful.
Karl Dean, Federated Farmers dairy chair, says a letter today from the university’s vice-chancellor Nic Smith lacks substance given the serious nature of the complaint.
“For a senior academic at Victoria University of Wellington to publicly insinuate anyone in New Zealand should be hanged is totally unacceptable.
“It’s extremely disappointing – and frankly surprising – that the vice-chancellor hasn’t taken disciplinary action against Dr Joy.
“By failing to do so, his response is little more than a slap on the wrist with the wettest of bus tickets, and is a tacit endorsement of Dr Joy’s atrocious comments.
“Yesterday our main concern was Dr Joy’s deplorable comments, but now we’re even more concerned about the university’s decision not to take action.”
Dean has swiftly written back to Nic Smith today, calling for a formal meeting to discuss the matter.
Dr Joy made the comments in a LinkedIn post last month, suggesting the dairy industry is currently putting babies (and adults) at risk with nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater.
His proposed solution: “How about we bring back hanging for industry CEOs?”
Dean says Dr Joy’s apology today is clearly insincere.
“Yesterday he told Stuff he hadn’t gone too far with his comments about dairy leaders being hanged, and that he was comfortable with the way he had phrased it.
“But then, lo and behold, out comes the public apology today, completely at odds with what he was saying in the media only hours earlier.
“The public isn’t stupid – everyone knows full well that Dr Joy has issued his public apology today at the request of his employer, not because of any genuine remorse.
“On behalf of New Zealand farmers, I utterly reject this hollow apology.”
Dean says Joy’s extreme, violent and dangerous views are totally unacceptable from a well-known and senior academic.
“If one of Victoria University’s students made a similar comment calling for an academic or lecturer to be hanged, there would be swift and severe consequences.
“Similarly, if a dairy industry leader publicly made comments calling for an academic or environmental activist to be hanged, there would quite rightly be severe public outcry and condemnation.
“What we have here is a clear double-standard. The university should be deeply ashamed of this lack of action.”
In requesting a meeting with Smith, Dean said he’d like to discuss how Joy’s conduct aligns with the university’s Code of Conduct, and its Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression policy.
“I’d also like to better understand what steps the university will be taking to ensure students from dairy farming backgrounds, or whose parents are dairy industry CEOs, feel safe on your campus.”
A copy of the letter has been sent to Hon. Shane Reti, Minister for Universities.  
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Education – Whitireia and WelTec students interning at prestigious World of WearableArt Show

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Whitireia and WelTec hairdressing and makeup artistry ākonga (students) are set to play a hands-on role in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic events, the 2025 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show: RISE.
WOW has an internship programme designed to provide ākonga with tailored and diverse professional experience. For 2025, 12 level 4 makeup artistry and nine level 3 hairdressing ākonga from Whitireia and WelTec have been appointed for internships. These interns will work under the guidance of WOW’s Heads of Department in the lead-up to and during the world-renowned show.
During the internship, ākonga will join WOW’s backstage hair and makeup teams, creating performance-ready looks for dancers, models, aerialists and more. The fast-paced, large-scale production offers invaluable experience working to professional standards, collaborating with industry experts and contributing directly to a show seen by tens of thousands.
Ākonga are required to demonstrate a high level of commitment, motivation, professionalism and technical ability. For makeup, students submitted portfolio work; for hair, applicants completed a timed ‘WOW look’ to showcase both skill and speed.
Julie Vaughan, Programme Manager for Cosmetology at Whitireia and WelTec, says the internship reflects both the calibre of the students and the strength of the institution’s industry connections.
“WOW is one of the most significant creative events in Aotearoa New Zealand and is recognised internationally for its scale, artistry and innovation. For our ākonga to gain real-world experience backstage at such an event is extraordinary and will be a highlight of their training and career pathways.”
Annabel Brown, who is studying the New Zealand Certificate in Makeup Artistry, says the opportunity feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“Being part of WOW is an incredible chance to work alongside professionals at the very top of their field and to see how a world-class show comes together behind the scenes. I know the experience will push me to grow as an artist and give me confidence for my future career.”
Joining the students behind the scenes will be Whitireia and WelTec tutors Michelle (Shelly) McAuley and Amanda Kisona, who are both taking on key creative roles for the 2025 WOW Show. Shelly will take on the role of Hair Supervisor, directing the styling for all performers, while Amanda returns for her eighth year at WOW in the Makeup Artist team, bringing her expertise in makeup and special effects to the production. Together, they will work alongside WOW’s industry professionals and guide student interns as they help bring the performers’ looks to life.
Since its inception in 1987, World of WearableArt has grown into a globally celebrated event that combines art, fashion, performance, and spectacle. The 2025 World of WearableArt Show: RISE will run in Wellington from 18 September to 5 October, attracting some 60,000 people to experience the internationally acclaimed celebration of art, fashion, and performance.
For the students of Whitireia and WelTec, contributing behind the scenes to this internationally acclaimed event marks a unique step into the professional creative industries.
More information about studying Makeup Artistry and Hairdressing at Whitireia and WelTec
Gain hands-on experience and learn practical skills in skincare routines, maintenance, and both classic and trending makeup techniques. Learn to develop client consultation skills and product knowledge recommendations through an introduction to basic beauty services, as well as other key skills in communication, professionalism, and sales strategies.
Learn essential skills such as shampooing, applying treatments or colours under supervision, styling and reception duties. You’ll also be introduced to cutting. Develop experience working as a team member in our salon. Take the opportunity to work on productions and fashion events.
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Gaza Advocacy – Gemma New – don’t conduct in Tel Aviv! – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is calling on the NZ Symphony Orchestra conductor, Gemma New to cancel her engagement with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra next January.

 

PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says New should know that going to conduct the IPO can only be seen as endorsement of Israeli genocide in Gaza.

 

“The ISO plays concerts with Israeli soldiers in full uniform and puts them on YouTube.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLjucRUyd4Y

 

“These soldiers are in a military which is conducting mass starvation and ethnic cleansing in Gaza.  There is no scope for neutrality, or nonsense slogans like ‘keep politics out of art.”

 

Minto says PSNA has written to New, but has received no reply.

 

“We’ve supplied her with details on the Israeli atrocities, even though she would have to be living under a rock to claim she doesn’t know about them.”

 

“But we have to give her the benefit of the doubt at the moment that she is not aware of the plea from Palestinian civil society for a Boycott, Divest and Sanction campaign against collaboration with Israel in all its forms.”

 

“Some leading artists, such as Kneecap, Lowkey and Roger Waters, are not only boycotting Israel, but they are actively campaigning to have governments sanction Israel, as the only effective means to achieve peace and justice for the Palestinian people.”

 

“No amounts of pleading, setting red lines or even recognition of Palestine are going to stop the Israeli war machine,” Minto says.

 

“We’ve noticed that some New on-line schedules don’t feature her Tel Aviv and Haifa performances.  That might mean she has cancelled, or to be less charitable, she is trying to keep her engagements secret. However she is still listed to perform here ”

 

“We’d love to hear from her, that she’s taken the principled action which Lorde took in 2017, and refused to play Tel Aviv.”

 

“If not, she, and by extension the NZ Symphony Orchestra, will always be forever tainted by supporting the worst atrocity of the 21st Century.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Time for urgent action on ACC culture problems – much needs to be fixed – PSA

Source: PSA

The PSA is urging ACC to settle its current industrial dispute if it’s serious about fixing long standing culture problems at the organisation following the release of a damning internal report.
The report identifies serious problems with a lack of trust – workers don’t trust current complaint processes should they have concerns.
The PSA says it’s also alarming that, ‘ACC’s policies, systems and procedures relating to inappropriate conduct and behaviour are not fully in line with public service good practice.’
“This is not good enough. Now is the time for urgent action, not just an apology to staff and it should start with making a fair offer to staff to settle the dispute over the current collective negotiations,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The review is a damning indictment of a long-standing failure of its senior leadership to hear the concerns of workers.
“It’s no surprise to the PSA and our members that ACC management is struggling to build a supportive culture that respects the needs of all workers and welcomes input from them.
“It should not have taken a review for ACC to treat staff with respect.
“The report only touches on a multitude of issues – now is the time for ACC to take its health and safety obligations seriously – that means working closely with staff and the PSA to ensure it builds a positive, safe and inclusive culture that encourages the voice of workers to be heard.
“Workers need to be empowered to do their best for a critical organisation that touches the lives of thousands of New Zealanders every day. We urge ACC CEO Megan Main to lead from the front to heal the wounds this report exposes.
“Members voted to strike in July because of a failure to bring a meaningful increase for poorly paid predominantly female workers to the table. Many staff are still not earning the living wage. This is all symptomatic of the deep-seated culture problems at ACC the report identifies.
“We hope in the light of this ACC takes a more constructive attitude to renewing the collective agreement and doing the right thing by staff.”
The PSA has sought facilitation over the dispute at the ERA and is awaiting ACC’s response.
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.