Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Health and Tech – Health Accelerator secures national partnership with Heidi to support smarter, AI-enabled healthcare

Source: Health Accelerator

Health Accelerator has today announced a new national partnership with Heidi (formerly known as Heidi Health), bringing AI-powered medical scribe technology to general practices across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Heidi uses artificial intelligence to generate real-time consultation notes, referral letters, and patient summaries – enabling clinicians to spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork.

This partnership offers practices access to tools that streamline clinical documentation, reduce administrative burden, and improve the quality of patient care.

Paul Roseman, Chief Executive at Health Accelerator, says: “This partnership is about enabling smarter care. By equipping practices with technology that enhances the quality of patient interactions and reduces administrative burden, we’re helping teams deliver better care to their communities.”

The deal was made possible through the collective strength of the Health Accelerator network, which brings together hundreds of practices committed to innovation and improvement. By negotiating at scale, Health Accelerator has secured exclusive pricing that delivers significant savings for practices — ensuring better value and broader access to transformative tools.

Two flexible pricing options are available, allowing practices to choose a model that suits their structure and needs. Practices can opt for a discounted per-user rate or an ESU-based model that covers all staff. Early adopters who sign up before 31 March 2026 will benefit from the most competitive rates.

“This is a great example of how Health Accelerator is using its platform to drive innovation and deliver tangible value to the sector. We’re focused on supporting smarter, tech-enabled care that improves outcomes for patients and makes life easier for clinicians,” concludes Roseman.

This offer is only available to general practices that sign up through the Health Accelerator/Heidi website.

For more information visit www.healthaccelerator.co.nz

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Transport – Driven for Community: Orange Sky on the Road with Isuzu

Source: Isuzu

October 14, 2025 – Red earth and shimmering blue horizons; these are the vistas that greet many of the drivers from Orange Sky, as they roll into remote communities across the country with something a little different.  

The not-for-profit is well known around Australia for its free mobile laundries that assist people doing it tough, whether that be rough sleepers, folks in community housing with no access to laundry facilities, or those picking up the pieces following natural disasters.  

Launched by 20-year-old mates Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett out of a suburban garage in Brisbane in 2014, the service offers more than just laundry facilities on the go.  

They noticed that there was more they could be doing to assist people in the time it took for the laundry cycle to run, so the friends, come co-founders, began striking-up conversations with those accessing the service, to start meaningful chats and build community connections.

In 2017, Orange Sky had an opportunity to be part of a young leaders’ program that took them into regional and remote communities across Queensland to strategise ways to take their mobile service and apply it to the specific needs of those communities.

Judith Meiklejohn, Senior Impact Manager, First Nations Communities

Fresh approach

Off the back of that program, it became clear that there were two critical factors that demanded a different approach.  

Orange Sky required a more robust and reliable transport solution than their two-wheel drive delivery vans that typically service the metropolitan areas. Specifying the right vehicle would in theory offer more payload, while still being drivable on a standard car licence.  

While Orange Sky services operating in metro Australia relies on a dedicated roster of volunteers, for their remote operations, the teams are sourced from the First Nations candidates residing there and employed by Orange Sky to drive the Isuzu trucks and operate the laundry services.

“In our discussions, there was a strong desire for meaningful employment in these areas, so we trialled an employment program in both the Lockhart River region and on Palm Island and had great success, said Orange Sky’s Senior Impact Manager, First Nations Communities, Judith Meiklejohn.

“People love the work, they love that it’s a meaningful, impactful job that helps their communities practically. Importantly, there’s a real sense of ownership. Owning what the service looks like in their community and the impact it has.”

Before the washing machines can be filled with suds and soap, a research period gives the staff time to assess the lay of the land−sometimes quite literally−to figure out with the community the best locations to add to the roster and connect with the First Nations people living on Country.

“Owning a washing machine in remote communities can be a significant challenge due to the difficulties of having them delivered as well as environmental factors that make them wear out faster,” said Judith.

“It takes time to understand each individual remote community, how they operate, who are the influential people and what is the best strategy to deliver the service.  This is why partnering with community-controlled organisations is key to our success. We also connect with other organisations that provide public health and wellbeing programs and services for the remote communities, and it takes time to establish those relationships.

“We then spend a few weeks working in the community, training new staff and working out the schedule so we can reach as many people as possible. We provide ongoing training for our staff in remote communities and support them from our Brisbane head office,” she said.

Meet the fleet

Working alongside Brisbane Isuzu Archerfield, Orange Sky began creating a vehicle fleet that would be robust and reliable for the unique conditions in remote Australia.  

Orange Sky’s model mix for its remote operations is predominantly built upon the robust foundation of the Isuzu NNR 45-150 model, a chassis specifically chosen to operate under the critical 4, 500-kilogram Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) threshold. This strategic specification ensures the vehicles remain accessible to a wide pool of potential operators by requiring only a standard car license to operate—a crucial logistical factor.

Powering these mobile hubs is Isuzu’s dependable 4JJ1-TCS engine, a 3.0L turbo-diesel intercooled powerplant delivering 110kW (150PS) and 375Nm of torque.  

This proven powerplant provides ample performance for both highway transit to remote locations and the low-speed, high-torque demands of community work, paired with the user-friendly operation of Isuzu’s 6-speed automated manual transmission (AMT).  

The NNR’s payload capacity is the unsung hero, providing the necessary thresholds to carry the weight of the custom rear fit-out, which includes six commercial appliances, a comprehensive hot water system, and a heavy-duty off-grid power solution.

Beyond the driveline, the inherent safety features of the Isuzu NNR platform are another key asset.  

Equipped with some crucial systems for the operating environment, including Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), operators have confidence and security when navigating diverse and often challenging outback roads.  

The partnership between Isuzu’s dependable, well-specified NNR platform and Orange Sky’s purpose-driven engineering creates a vehicle that is far more than the sum of its parts.  

Combining commercial-grade specifications with innovative modifications to deliver comfort, safety and ultimately, connection to communities in need, has been a winning one.

“There’s been a really strong connection and familiarity with the Orange Sky Isuzu trucks…they look beautiful and they’re certainly eye-catching on the road,” Judith said.

“The on-road visibility is fantastic, which is an important factor for the locations in which they operate. The layout in the cab is super accessible and easy to operate whether that is figuring out the wind screen wipers or the indicators or the headlights.  

“The trucks are robust and don't have any issues with the payload for the laundry facilities out the back.”

 

Asset Operations Specialist, Anthony Parke.

Part of the package

The ongoing support from Brisbane Isuzu Archerfield and Fleet Sales Manager, David Gibson, has meant that no matter where an Orange Sky truck is, aftersales support is available. This comes in the form of timely access to Isuzu genuine parts anywhere in the country,  

“Ordering Isuzu parts, whether it is a replacement side mirror or window glass that has been damaged, has always been straight forward with Brisbane Isuzu Archerfield, they go over and above to assist us,” said Orange Sky’s Asset Operations Specialist, Anthony Parke.

“We had a passenger window that got broken on the road and the team at Brisbane Isuzu Archerfield packaged up the replacement window in timber so it could be shipped to the remote community without damage – to be installed there!

“The whole team go above and beyond to get these parts in these remote communities.”

Supported by the National Parts Distribution Centre in Melbourne—Isuzu Genuine Parts are available on demand to dealerships and Authorised Service Provider Outlets (ASPOs) helping to minimise vehicle downtime for Orange Sky so that their fleet are able to continue delivering the vital support to communities.

Happy trails

The team at Orange Sky said they couldn’t be prouder of the success of the Isuzu fleet, which has enabled the business to launch their 18th remote service this year.  

“The mobility with the Isuzu trucks is a high value point of what we do because we need to travel throughout the community. Many people don't have a car in these communities, which prevents them from getting loads of washing into more central areas,” said Judith.

“While we don't know anyone when we arrive, people always wave and come over and have a yarn and ask when we can come to their place!

“There's a really positive reaction to Orange Sky and our Isuzu trucks.”

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Arts – $25,000 CLNZ NZSA Writers’ Award has been awarded to writer Vincent O’Malley

Source: New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc

Vincent O'Malley has been awarded the 2025 Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) and The New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc, CLNZ | NZSA $25,000 Writers’ Award for his project, with the working title, ‘Whenua: Māori Land Loss Since 1840’.

Vincent O’Malley says “Māori land ownership went from 100% of the country in 1840 to a little over 5% by the time of the 1975 Māori Land March. There has been a vast body of research into how and why this happened but much of it is unpublished and inaccessible to the general public.

Drawing on 30 years involvement in the Treaty claims process, I aim to provide a much-needed resource for New Zealanders seeking to understand and explore the history behind these figures in an open, honest and accessible way. The CLNZ/NZSA Writers’ Award makes that possible and I am very thankful to be given this opportunity”

The CLNZ | NZSA Writers’ Award is one of the annual investments made through the CLNZ Cultural Fund and is open to writers of any genre of non-fiction, including writers of education material. The award enables the successful applicant to devote time to a specific writing project. This year's winner, Vincent O’Malley is a Wellington-based writer and historian whose work focuses on the history of how relationships between Māori, European settlers (Pākehā) and colonial governments shapes the development of New Zealand as a nation.

Judging panel convenor Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeod said, “The variety of non-fiction projects writers are undertaking is breathtaking and makes a task such as judging this award a joyful difficulty. How to compare a biography with a self-help guided journal, or the collection of narratives about a lived experience with a mixed-genre work?
The ultimate winner Vincent O'Malley's aim to pull together the vast amount of research that iwi and others have undertaken on land loss and present it in an accessible book for a wide audience, has the opportunity to unlock and untangle this topic for a whole generation of readers. He has a proven track record and as a panel we have faith in his ability to deliver this project.”

Judging panellist Jade Kake said of Vincent O'Malley's project, “A timely and important work by a highly respected historian, the project is of huge importance to Māori, who continue to experience the ongoing impacts of colonisation and alienation from whenua, but also to Pākehā and tauiwi seeking a better understanding of the history of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

While Iona Winter, the third judge on the panel, said “A vital project for Māori, Pākehā and tauiwi, exploring the alienation surrounding Māori land loss. This project asks for a historical reappraisal and will produce an engaging and accessible work for diverse audiences, contributing significantly to the shared history of Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Vincent O’Malley’s winning project was chosen from a shortlist of three that included Jessica 'Coco' Hansell’s project Pretty Buzzy and Jane Simpson’s project – Alistair Te Ariki Campbell and the landscapes of melancholy: a biography.

The judging panel also highly commended the following applicants: James Borrowdale, Michelle Elvy, Melanie Nelson, Sara O'Neil, Hazel Phillips, and Pania Tahau-Hodges.

________________________________
The New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc was proud to administer the award this year. CLNZ and NZSA would like to thank all the writers who took the time to apply and to this year’s judging panel of Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeod, Jade Kake and Iona Winter.

Copyright Licensing New Zealand (CLNZ) plays a key role in making creative rights valuable assets for all New Zealanders, be they rightsholders like writers, publishers and artists, or users of creative works such as educators, students and businesses. CLNZ manages the Cultural Fund, which derives its revenue from licensing income.

The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc (NZSA)is the principal organisation representing over 1800 writers in Aotearoa. Founded in 1934, it advocates for the right to fair reward and creative rights, administers prizes and awards, works across the literary sector to make Aotearoa New Zealand writers and books more visible, and runs professional development programmes for writers. authors.org.nz
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Education – ERO finds that students are doing better in English and maths as changes start to have an impact, but there is further to go

Source: Education Review Office

Education Review Office’s (ERO) independent review has found that changes to how English and maths are taught in primary school are showing promising results for both English and maths.
“English and maths are critical for our students’ futures and for a long time we’ve been concerned that too many students are not where they need to be,” says Ruth Shinoda, Head of ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre.
“The good news is there are promising signs this is changing. Not only are tests of new entrants’ English showing rapid progress from Term 1 to Term 3 this year, but also most primary school teachers report students’ English and maths have both improved compared to last year. Parents also agree, with three-quarters reporting improved progress in their child’s English and maths,” Ms Shinoda says.
Encouragingly, teachers also report students are now more engaged in learning English and maths, and nine out of ten students report enjoying learning English and maths. Teachers told ERO that the new approaches are improving attention and behaviour in the classroom.
“ERO has found these promising signs are due to the hard work schools across the country to change whatthey teach, how they teach, and how much they teach English and maths,” Ms Shinoda says. ERO found that more than 8 out of 10 teachers have already changed how they are teaching English and maths.
“School leaders and teachers have put in a lot of time and effort,” says Ms Shinoda. “Encouragingly, a third of teachers report they have increased the time spent on reading, writing and maths and this is even greater in schools in lower socio-economic communities, where we’re finding almost half of teachers have increased the class time spent on maths.”
Parents have also been key to the improvement. “What has also been great to see is how parents are also supporting their children, with nine out of ten parents helping their child at home with reading and writing” says Ms Shinoda.
ERO has found teachers have been well supported to make these changes with training and resources that make a difference. For example, when teachers have accessed resources for maths they’re nearly four times more likely to change their practice.
There is further to go. ERO is recommending three things that need addressing. There needs to be more support for teaching the more complex maths, including for parents to help their children at home. There needs to also be more support for small and isolated schools that find making the changes harder. And finally, we need to support to teachers be able to help students catch up and extend them.
NOTES
– The Education Review Office (ERO) has completed this research over three terms, with a large evidence base. This includes: Ministry of Education responses from almost every school in the country, Phonics check results from over 400 schools, evaluation visits to over 400 schools, and in-depth visits at 36 different schools observing more than 50 maths or English lessons, and talked to hundreds of teachers, leaders, students, and parents and whānau.
– ERO has also collected and analysed over 6,000 survey responses, from leaders, teachers and students across nearly 700 schools, and parents and whānau across more than 1,000 schools, across the full spread of schools with students in Years 0-8.
– Since the start of 2024, primary schools have been required to teach an hour each day of each of reading, writing and maths – so three hours a day on literacy and numeracy.
– At the start of this year, schools were required to start using the refreshed curriculum to teach English for students in Years 0-6, and maths for students in Years 0-8.
– ERO is the New Zealand government’s external evaluation agency for the education system. ERO’s Education Evaluation Centre carries out independent, in-depth research of different aspects of New Zealand's schools, early learning services, and Kaupapa Māori education settings.
– The full report, A new chapter: How well are the changes to English and maths going? will be available from 5am on 15 October at www.evidence.ero.govt.nz/. 
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Chief Ombudsman finds ACC acted unreasonably after investigating whistle-blower claims data was manipulated in OIA responses

Source: Office of the Ombudsman

The Chief Ombudsman John Allen has released his findings into a whistle-blower’s claim that senior managers at the Accident Compensation Corporation manipulated figures in official information responses to avoid negative repercussions.
“We found that the way ACC approached its response to this was wrong. It was not the approach that I would expect from a key government agency subject to this important Act,” says Mr Allen.
In August 2023, ACC received two Official Information Act requests from journalists for details of any events that cost more than $10,000. Around the same time, ACC was preparing advice for the then ACC Minister to respond to a written parliamentary question for similar information from ACT leader David Seymour.
ACC advised the requesters that it hadn’t identified any events that were in scope and refused to provide the information on the basis that it didn’t exist.
However, the whistle-blower alleged ACC deliberately left out relevant information to bring the cost below $10,000 and reduce the chance of the agency being criticised.
When ACC’s documentation was reviewed by the Office of the Ombudsman, it showed there was one event where ACC spent around $18,000 to fly staff to Wellington for a farewell function for a Deputy Chief Executive.
“ACC told me that some of those staff members were also there for other work and, on that basis, decided not to include their travel costs when they prepared the response to the requests,” Mr Allen says.
“This took the final figure for the farewell to under $10,000 which meant ACC could tell the requesters that they had not identified any events in scope of the requests.
“I asked ACC for evidence that those staff members were there for other work, but ACC couldn’t show that approximately $9,000 of the farewell costs could be attributed to work they would have done in Wellington anyway if the farewell hadn’t been held.
“My opinion is that ACC was wrong not to include the full amount in its response and as a consequence I found that ACC has acted unreasonably in the way it responded to the requests.”
The investigation also uncovered messages in TEAMS chats that showed some staff members dealing with the information requests had concerns.
One wrote: “other work…this is wrong. Fundamentally wrong”.
Mr Allen says he is satisfied that ACC has learned from its mistakes and has committed to dealing with official information requests more appropriately in future.
“The whistleblower’s actions brought a serious issue to light and will hopefully act as a deterrent to other agencies which may be considering ‘gaming’ the OIA. My message is ‘just don’t do it’.”
Mr Allen says that given the improvements ACC has already made including placing strict controls around spending and improving its record keeping, his only recommendation was that ACC apologised to the requesters and corrected the information that was provided which he understands has now been done.
“This is a case where the actions of a whistle-blower have sharpened up practice for everyone in the Corporation,” Mr Allen says.
The Ombudsman has an independent role under the Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act.
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Appointments – World Vision New Zealand appoints TJ Grant as new National Director

Source: World Vision

World Vision is pleased to announce the appointment of TJ Grant as the new National Director of World Vision New Zealand.
He succeeds Grant Bayldon, who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer for World Vision Australia.
Chair of the World Vision New Zealand Board, Matt Prichard, says both appointments mark an important moment of leadership continuity and shared purpose across the World Vision partnership.
“This is a moment of celebration for both Grant and TJ – two outstanding leaders who have served World Vision with humility, wisdom, and heart.
“TJ’s appointment brings continuity, capability, and vision at a crucial time for our organisation. His leadership will put World Vision New Zealand in a strong position to face the future.”
TJ Grant comes to the National Director role with more than 18 years of leadership experience in humanitarian organisations across New Zealand, Africa, and North America.
He has been a senior leader at World Vision New Zealand for the past eight years, including roles as Associate National Director and International Partnerships Director. In that time, he has strengthened international partnerships, helped lead the development of World Vision New Zealand’s strategy, and is Chair of the New Zealand Council for International Development.
TJ says it is an honour to lead World Vision New Zealand into its next chapter.
“World Vision New Zealand has a strong foundation and a passionate team. I’m constantly inspired by the generosity of New Zealanders who care deeply for children living in the world’s toughest places.
“As we look to the future, we remain committed to building belief – that every child is precious, that everyone is our neighbour, and that together we can make a difference.”
Grant Bayldon has served as National Director of World Vision New Zealand since 2017. Under his leadership, World Vision New Zealand has strengthened its financial sustainability, launched an award-winning advocacy programme, and shaped its approach to growing child sponsorship and expanding humanitarian impact.
His appointment as CEO of World Vision Australia reflects his proven leadership, deep faith, and commitment to serving the world’s most vulnerable children.
TJ Grant begins as National Director of World Vision New Zealand effective 20 October 2025. Grant Bayldon will serve as interim CEO of World Vision Australia until January 2026, when he assumes the role permanently.
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Transport – Shona Robertson is the newest face on Transporting New Zealand’s Board

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Shona Robertson of Road Transport Logistics has been elected to Transporting New Zealand’s Board at the road freight association’s annual meeting.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shona to the Board. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, particularly in the livestock transport sector,” says Dom Kalasih, CEO of Transporting New Zealand.
“At both a local and national level Shona has consistently advocated for the sector, with her expertise being requested several times by Government.”
Last year Shona was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the industry with the Women in Road Freight Transport Award.
Brett Hamilton of Southern Milk Transport was also re-elected for his fifth year at the meeting.
“The transport world is a fantastic industry filled with dedicated people delivering essential services for New Zealand communities. I remain committed to continuing this governance role to ensure the association delivers outcomes that genuinely support operators in their day-to-day work,” Hamilton said.
Outgoing Board member, Warwick Wilshier has retired after five years as a Board member, and four of those as Chair.
In 2020, Warwick was inducted into the New Zealand Road Transport Hall of Fame in recognition of outstanding service to the industry. In 2024 he also received the VTNZ Supreme Contribution to Road Transport Award.
“Warwick’s leadership in trying to unite this industry has been extraordinary. If he couldn’t do it, no one could,” said Kalasih.
Warwick continues to Chair the Log Transport Safety Council and has done so for over 20 years.
“Transporting New Zealand is very grateful for the quality of nominees that were put forward for the Board,” said Kalasih.
“It just shows the passion and commitment people have for this industry, and for strengthening Transporting New Zealand’s role in it.”
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter-regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.
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Northland News – Kaeo dig day ahead of river realignment

Source: Northland Regional Council

A $1.5 million project to re-route a 500-metre section of the Kaeo River to better protect Kaeo township from flooding has got underway with a preliminary dig along the proposed alignment.
Group Manager Community Resilience Louisa Gritt says project staff from Northland Regional Council (NRC), tangata whenua representatives, archaeologists, local contractors and engineers gathered at Kaeo recently (subs: Friday 26 Sept) to excavate 10 test pits along a forgotten river path – a paleo channel – that the re-directed river will soon occupy again.
The dig served as both a geotechnical Investigation to gain a clearer understanding of the soil structure and composition in the area, as well as an exploratory archaeological dig.
Ms Gritt says the Kaeo River – Whangaroa Catchment Working Group had last year approved the construction of further flood protection works for Kaeo township and adjacent portions of State Highway 10 for resilience to home and business owners and main roading routes.
The project will see the junction of the Waikara Stream and Kaeo River shifted 500 metres downstream and a new 500-metre long deflection bank constructed alongside Kaeo township.
Once complete, the project is expected to reduce the depth of floodwaters in Kaeo during a one in a hundred year flood event by up to half a metre.
Ms Gritt says regional councils play a critical role in flood risk management.
“The Kaeo scheme is one of several flood management schemes in place in Northland to reduce risk to life, property and infrastructure.”
She says the Kaeo project has many opportunities in addition to the flood reduction benefits, such as wetland and channel enhancement, habitat restoration, and planting schemes.”
This project is funded through a combination of targeted and regionwide flood infrastructure rates and central government funding from National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (formerly Crown Infrastructure Partners).
Ms Gritt says the project has been allocated $1.5 million for completion and is eligible for further funding relating to environmental and community enhancement aspects of the wider project.
Earthworks will be carried out from next month and are expected to take two months, with planting and landscape work to continue into the 2026 work season.
She says during the recent work, test pits up to three metres deep were dug.
There had been no notable archaeological finds, but the survey had confirmed the suitability of excavated material for use in the construction of a new deflection bank that will help protect Kaeo township.
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Universities – Otago signs historic agreement to support Fijian scholars

Source: University of Otago

The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka and a Fijian Government agency have signed a landmark agreement opening the door to sponsored opportunities for Fijian students to study in Aotearoa New Zealand in field’s critical to Fiji’s development.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed between the University and Fiji’s Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Services (TSLS) in Dunedin recently, new pathways will be established for Fijians to pursue academic programmes at Otago that directly align with Fiji’s national human capital priorities.

These programmes include Exercise, Sport & Nutrition Science; Aquaculture and Fisheries; Biotechnology; Microbiology; Geographic Information Systems; Software Engineering; Forensic Analytical Science; Rehabilitation and Medical Technology.

The formal signing of the MOU represents the first time Otago has entered an agreement with a Fijian government agency to directly support students to study in Dunedin.

Dean of Te Tumu – the University’s School of Māori, Pacific and Indigenous Studies Professor Patrick Vakaoti says the partnership is a milestone in Pacific regional education cooperation.

“The agreement reflects the value the Fijian Government places on educational qualifications offered at Otago,” he says.

“It also demonstrates their trust in us, that Fijian students will be adequately supported with their pastoral and wellbeing needs via the Pacific Islands Centre and other related Student Support Services at Otago.”

TSLS plays a crucial role in administering Fiji Government scholarships and is central to supporting the country’s vision of developing a knowledge-based economy.

A TSLS delegation visited Otago’s Dunedin campus for the MOU signing, led by Executive Chair Ro Teimumu Kepa, signalling a new chapter in regional collaboration between Fiji and Otago, and strengthening academic and cultural ties across the Pacific.

For Honourable Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa the partnership is about creating opportunities that align with national development goals while nurturing global citizens who will return home ready to lead.

The TSLS delegation to Dunedin also included Selveen Deo (Head of Finance and Corporate Services), Marica Vereakula (Manager Legal), and Shivon Singh (Coordinator Scholarships, Higher Education).

They were welcomed with a mihi, an occasion that acknowledged shared indigenous values and the deepening relationship between Otago and its Pacific partners.

Following the ceremony, the delegation met with University leaders to discuss alignment between Otago’s academic programmes and Fiji’s national human capital priorities.

Otago Director International Jason Cushen says the agreement represents a deepening of Pacific partnerships that go beyond student numbers.

“Fiji has always been an important and valued partner for Otago, one in which student and staff mobility and research collaboration has resulted in positive benefits for all parties.

“Given this historical context we look forward to working closely with Fiji’s Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service to provide life changing opportunities for a new group of young Fijians.”

The visit also provided opportunities to explore Otago’s postgraduate programmes, including Masters and PhD pathways, and to discuss ways to strengthen Pacific-led research and innovation.

As Otago continues to implement its Pacific Strategic Framework, this partnership with TSLS reinforces the University’s commitment to Pacific success in higher education. The Framework serves to ensure that Pacific values and priorities are embedded in all areas of university life and this MOU reflects a tangible step in realising that vision, deepening Otago’s role as a university of choice for Pacific learners and communities.

Both parties are confident this collaboration will pave the way for a stronger Pacific presence at Otago – one that honours academic excellence, cultural connection, and shared aspirations.

The MOU will remain in effect until September 2030, with an option to renew for a further five years.

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Health – General practice less pessimistic but recruitment problem persists – survey

Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

General practices are struggling to recruit enough doctors and nine out of 10 are increasing patient fees to stay afloat, according to a survey by the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro).

However the survey also suggests the veil of gloom over general practice has partially lifted, with fewer making a loss and more maintaining their service levels than in previous years.
“General practice is out of intensive care but is still in the recovery room,” says Dr Angus Chambers, chair of GenPro.

The GenPro Annual Pulse Survey 2025 was carried out in August and had 226 respondents, about a quarter of all general practices in New Zealand.

Chambers said the results show general practice is feeling slightly better after some horrendous years when many closed down, merged or reduced services to their patients.
“We are finally seeing some improvement,” Chambers says.

“The key reason is that the government has acknowledged the crisis in general practice – it allocated more funding in Budget 2025 and improved the way that funding is allocated.”
The survey showed that:

One out of five general practices made a loss last year, fewer than in previous years;
One out of four general practices said their financial position had worsened, a significant improvement from the four out of five figure of two years ago;
Two out of three practices were charging patients for what used to be free, similar to previous years;
Four out of five general practices were taking new patients, a slight improvement.

“While the results are more positive than in previous years, we expected to see an improvement from what had been a desperate situation.”

Some 85 percent of respondents had recently increased, or were about to increase, their fees, and 23 percent were in a worse financial position than a year ago.

“With almost a quarter of practices in a worse financial position, there is a risk of communities losing their general practices unless more is done to improve their financial viability.

“While there were improving trends in the survey, the situation for patients is still sub-optimal. More than half of practices have doctor vacancies, and nearly one in four are still looking for nurses.”

“One bright spot is that only 29 percent of general practices had reduced their services, a sharp reduction from 54 percent two years ago. This shows the situation for general practice is stabilising, and it would improve even further if we could do better at recruiting medical professionals,” Chambers said.

While the results were encouraging, much more improvement was needed.

“We appreciate that government has increased its support of primary healthcare and is overhauling the current out-of-date funding model, but neither step has increased the supply of medical professionals into primary healthcare, meaning family doctors remain overworked and too many patients still cannot easily access a GP.”

Dr Angus Chambers 027 658 5143

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz