Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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PSA – Snap rally outside Birthright Hutt Valley tomorrow to save the service

Source: PSA

The PSA has organised a snap rally outside Birthright Hutt Valley tomorrow after last week's announcement of the service's proposed closure sparked an outpouring of public outcry.
Single mother, Sheyaine Sanson, who has been supported by Birthright for nearly 7 years said “I’ve gone through some pretty hard things in my life and Birthright has always been there for me. Finding out it is closing is not only sad, but it’s absolutely shattered a lot of people. Birthright is a pillar in our community and to lose this is absolutely devastating. There’s no other service like this.”
Birthright is the only specialist social service for single-caregiver whanau in the Hutt Valley. It has served the community for 60 years. Government cuts across the sector have forced more organisations to compete for a shrinking pool of philanthropic funding, pushing community services like Birthright to the wall.
“The response from the community since the announcement has been extraordinary and it tells you everything about what Birthright means to people,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary, PSA Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“When Birthright closes, there is no equivalent service for these families to go to. If the Government is serious about children and families doing well, it can’t let a service like this disappear,”
“Staff at Birthright are facing losing their jobs. But when you speak with them, they are actually more worried about the whānau they support. What happens to those families when the doors close,”
“Tomorrow’s rally will bring together staff, whānau, community members and supporters from across the Hutt Valley to urge the Government to provide the necessary funds to keep the service going,”
“Birthright is a small organisation with a big heart, and there’s still time to save it.”
Event details:
WHAT: Community rally outside Birthright Hutt Valley
WHERE: 101 Copeland Street, Epuni, Lower Hutt 5011
WHEN: 12pm, Wednesday 29 April 2026
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Cost Builder – Fuel pressure building as construction costs hold steady

Source: Quality Valuation – QV

Construction price rises remain relatively contained, despite significant fuel pressures.

The latest QV CostBuilder monthly update incorporates more than 11,000 of the latest material price movements across six main centres, offering a detailed view of how construction costs are responding to current market pressures.

It shows that overall construction cost inflation remains relatively modest, with elemental and trade rates both increasing by an average of 0.3% between March and April 2026.

However, rising diesel costs – up 37.6% in a month and 109.8% since February – are continuing to flow through, particularly in fuel-intensive areas of work.

In the trades, excavation recorded the most significant increase this month, rising by 7.9% since QV CostBuilder’s last update. Piling and demolition also increased by 1.6% and 1.3% respectively, largely due to higher diesel prices.

Diesel costs also fuelled rises in the elemental costs, including a 2.2% increase in site preparation and a 1.9% increase in substructure costs, with exterior works also climbing 1.9% over the month partly for the same reason.

QV CostBuilder spokesperson and quantity surveyor Martin Bisset said fuel had emerged as the most significant construction cost driver this year, amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“Fuel has really become the dominant cost driver in recent months. That’s where the most upward pressure on construction costs is coming from currently,” he said.

“What makes fuel different to other inputs is how broadly it feeds into the construction process – from machinery on site through to transport and materials – so the impact tends to build over time rather than show up all at once.”

“The key thing is that price pressure is building, even if it’s not fully reflected in headline cost increases just yet. Hopefully this will still be a short-term spike and price pressure will eventually ease,” he concluded.

CostBuilder is an online subscription-based building cost platform, powered by state-owned enterprise Quotable Value (QV).

It covers everything from the building costs per square metre for warehouses, schools, and office buildings, to the approximate retail supply cost of GIB and more than 8,000 other items, plus labour rates, labour constants, and more.

Visit QV CostBuilder at costbuilder.qv.co.nz.

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Asia NZ Foundation – Report highlights untapped Pacific role in New Zealand’s engagement with Asia

Source: Asia New Zealand Foundation

As Asia cements its status as a global hub of innovation and growth, new research shows Pacific New Zealanders have deep, and often underutilised, connections with the region.    
A survey of 348 Pacific New Zealanders found they are 26 percent more likely to be interested in Asian languages and 20 percent more likely to engage with Asian arts and festivals than non-Pacific New Zealanders.
More than half of Pacific New Zealanders surveyed identified cultural ties as their strongest connection to Asia, citing shared values such as respect for family and elders, and a strong emphasis on hospitality.
The findings come from Asia New Zealand Foundation’s latest report – Perceptions of Asia: Pacific New Zealanders’ Perspectives. It the first time Pacific New Zealanders’ views about Asia have been examined in depth, after nearly three decades of the Foundation surveying all New Zealanders about their attitudes to Asia.
Asia New Zealand Foundation chief executive Suzannah Jessep says the Asia-literacy and capability of Pacific New Zealanders is something New Zealand should be paying closer attention to and utilising more.
“Asia is home to seven of our top ten trading partners and represents more than 60 per cent of the world’s population. As we navigate an increasingly contested and unpredictable global order, it is vital that New Zealanders have the breadth of skills, perspectives, and cultural literacy needed to thrive in and across Asia.
“New Zealanders of Pacific heritage make up almost 10 percent of New Zealand’s population. Through this research, we can shape policies that support a more connected and resilient region.”
The research also examines views on the role of Asian countries in the Pacific region. While technology, development and investment are welcomed, eighty-five per cent of respondents expressed concern about Pacific Island countries’ debt burden and major-power rivalry in areas such as deep-sea mining.
More than three quarters of respondents want to see New Zealand play a bigger role in the Pacific.
Dr Ashalyna Noa, who co-wrote the report, believes the findings bring to light a “superpower” she always felt she had: growing up with Chinese and Samoan heritage in New Zealand.
“Many Pacific New Zealanders also have Asian ancestry, including many Samoans of Chinese descent. If harnessed effectively and appropriately, these connections could play a key role in shaping New Zealand’s future engagement with Asia.”
About the report
The report was commissioned by the Asia New Zealand Foundation, and research was conducted by Dr Ashalyna Noa, Fine Lavoni Koloamatangi and Caleb Uti-Kere.
The research involved a mini poll of 348 Pacific diaspora, four talanoa with Pacific New Zealanders living in Auckland, Wellington, Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago.
About the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono
Established in 1994, the Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading provider of Asia insights and experiences. Its mission is to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia, by providing research, insights and targeted opportunities to grow their knowledge, connections and experiences across the Asia region. The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through eight core programmes: arts, business, entrepreneurship, leadership, media, research, Track II diplomacy and sports. 
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Freight productivity measures will support jobs and economic growth – Transporting New Zealand

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand says that has welcomed the Government developing options to remove regulatory barriers to improve freight productivity and minimise diesel use, saying that urgent action is required to keep the economy moving and protect jobs.
Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that Transporting New Zealand has been working with officials on many of the measures outlined, including reforms to the Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Rule and improved access for over-dimension vehicles.
“These are practical productivity gains that will deliver immediate relief to businesses and consumers around the country. Modest increases in payloads and more efficient routes mean fewer trips, lower fuel use, and reduced vehicle operating costs across the supply chain,” Kalasih says.
“Heavier trucks use more diesel, but increased payloads reduce the diesel intensity per tonne of freight moved, that is clearly established from the data we’ve been able to provide officials. There are also associated vehicle cost savings including road user charges, wages, tyre wear, and reduced repair and maintenance requirements.”
“Transporting New Zealand called for urgent freight productivity relief back in March, and we’ve been impressed at the engagement we’ve had from the ministers and officials to get these regulatory options prepared and help reduce pressure on freight costs.”
Kalasih says the focus must now shift to prompt implementation.
“We have members with trucks parked up, as high diesel prices start to impact energy intensive activities such as construction and log harvesting, and customers who are able to warehouse stock delay transport. Unless we get some downward pressure on transport costs this is going to seriously impact economic growth and jobs.”
“Diesel prices have more than doubled, with the cost of fueling a linehaul truck increasing by over $500 per day. That’s a huge cost for transport companies and their customers to meet.”
“These freight productivity measures are common sense improvements that can deliver immediate benefits. We encourage the Government to move quickly to put them in place rather than waiting to see if the situation will get worse.”
Kalasih says he hopes there will be bipartisan support for the productivity relief measures, and is encouraging all political parties to engage constructively with the proposals.
Transporting New Zealand says it will continue working with the Ministry of Transport and New Zealand Transport Agency to support safe and timely implementation.
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Oxfam – Fossil fuel companies projected to earn almost $3,000 a second in 2026 while families struggle to afford energy bills worldwide

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Six of the biggest fossil fuel companies are projected to earn $2,967 a second in profits in 2026, new Oxfam research finds, ahead of the first global conference this week on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels in Santa Marta, Colombia.
This marks an increase of almost $37 million a day compared to the 2025 profits of these six corporations – Chevron, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, Exxon and TotalEnergies. Their total projected fossil fuel profits of 2026 are $94 billion: enough to provide solar power for the energy needs of almost 50 million people in Africa.
In the context of the global energy crisis, Oxfam commissioned new polling in seven countries. It found that three times as many citizens supported greater government investment in renewable energy compared to increasing fossil fuel extraction, and approximately two thirds (68 percent) supported increasing taxes on the profits of large oil and gas corporations to help fund the transition to renewables.
Currently, families around the world continue to be pushed into energy poverty as geopolitical instability, the impacts of escalating violence in the Middle East that has already taken many lives, and the sharp increase in the wealth of the super-rich in contrast to everyone else is leaving ordinary people struggling to make ends meet.
A huge proportion of the profits from fossil fuels are going straight into the pockets of the wealthiest 1%, based mainly in the Global North, who are profiting from the subsequent climate destruction these corporations cause while working to maintain global dependence on fossil fuels by monopolising wealth and political influence.
“A just transition away from fossil fuels must support people in poorer countries, who face the brunt of climate disasters while their governments are forced to spend more money on repaying debts than on education or health, let alone climate adaptation,” said Mariana Paoli, Climate Policy Lead at Oxfam. “Taxing the richest polluters who have no intention of investing in a clean future is central to a just transition. At Santa Marta, governments must end the pollutocrat era.”
Fossil fuel corporations and the super-rich that profit from them are entrenching inequality and turning their backs on the people most impacted by the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis. Just last month, ExxonMobil announced a significant reduction of a third of its planned investment in low-carbon energy projects and TotalEnergies refused to adopt a net zero transition plan aligned with 1.5 degrees.
At Santa Marta, Oxfam urges governments to:
  • Scale up public climate finance. Introduce measures to tax the corporations and the super-rich profiting from fossil fuels and the cost-of-living crisis, including through a Rich Polluter Profit Tax on fossil fuel corporations and an Excess Profit Tax across all sectors. They must tackle unsustainable sovereign debt through debt cancellation, fair restructuring, and by adopting a UN framework on sovereign debt.
  • Put justice at the heart of the energy transition through principles of responsible divestment. States and fossil fuel corporations must address the environmental damage and livelihood loss they’ve caused and centre the rights and participation of those communities most impacted by extractive industries.
  • Implement an equity-based roadmap to end fossil fuels that reflects the historical responsibility, financial capacity and fossil fuel dependence of different states.
Notes
The global poll, conducted by market research company Norstat in April 2026, gathered responses from people in seven countries (UK, France, Brazil, Turkey, Australia, the Netherlands and Colombia). The polling also showed that support for taxing oil and gas corporations to fund the renewable energy transition crossed party lines. In six of the countries, there were more far-right respondents who supported such a tax, than those who opposed it. Download the results: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1WVTJecotQD_RTDd-sjJPHPr-_AFlSarAKMo4m8h0DdU/edit?usp=sharing
Oxfam’s report “ Unjust Transition ” outlines how the richest 0.1 percent are undermining efforts at a just energy transition through overconsumption of the carbon budget and investing in fossil-intensive industries. If just one year’s energy consumption of the wealthiest 1 percent were redistributed, it could meet the modern energy needs of all the people in the world without electricity seven times over. The cost of the energy needs in different countries is in the report methodology note.
See Oxfam Aotearoa’s report “ Closing Time ” on why Aotearoa needs a just transition from fossil fuel production. (ref. https://www.oxfam.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Closing-Time-Report-Oxfam-Aotearoa.pdf )
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Awards – Nurse of the Year shines a light on leadership in aged care

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association (ACA) has named Bini Mathew, Clinical Nurse Manager at Brightwater Home, Enliven, as its 2026 Nurse of the Year.
Now in its second year, the award recognises outstanding nursing leadership in aged residential care. Bini follows 2025 inaugural recipient Riha Devendra.
Bini was recognised for her ability to turn insight into action, embedding culturally responsive care into everyday practice, including Tikanga Māori approaches and the use of the Oranga Kaumatua Wellness Map. She has also built a strong clinical team through practical, on-the-ground leadership that is improving outcomes for residents and strengthening relationships with whānau.
Judges described her nomination as “exceptionally strong”, highlighting clear evidence of impact across resident wellbeing, staff capability, and overall service delivery.
ACA Chief Executive Tracey Martin says Bini represents a standard of nursing that is often under-recognised.
“What stands out with Bini is that she doesn’t just talk about better care, she delivers it. She has taken ideas around culturally responsive practice and made them real for residents, whānau and her team.
“That kind of leadership changes the experience of care in a very tangible way.”
Martin says Bini’s work also reflects the clinical depth of aged residential care.
“There is a perception that aged care offers less variety or fewer opportunities than other parts of the health system. Bini’s leadership shows the opposite.
“In aged residential care, nurses are working at the top of their scope every day. They are managing complexity, leading teams, and making decisions that directly affect quality of life.”
She says that experience is increasingly important as New Zealand’s population ages.
“The reality is that more and more of our health system will be focused on caring for older people. Nurses who build their careers in aged care develop a breadth of experience that will serve them anywhere in the system.”
Martin says Bini’s recognition is also a reminder of the role aged residential care plays within the wider health system.
“When aged care is strong, it supports people to live with dignity and helps the rest of the system function as it should. That is what we are seeing in Bini’s work every day.”
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Local News – Mahi Rangatahi interns welcomed – Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council 

A group of young people from Porirua colleges are getting a taste of life in the workforce as part of the Mahi Rangatahi programme run by Porirua City Council.
Now in its fifth year, the programme provides real-world work experience. The students develop a CV, apply for a role at Council and have an interview – then get the hands-on experience once a week in their chosen position during term 2 of school.
Last week, 11 students from four Porirua colleges were welcomed by their mentors in Arena Fitness, Economic Development, Pacific Strategy, Māori Strategy, Waste Minimisation, Democratic Services, Policy & Strategy, Pātaka, and Communications & Marketing.
Mahi Rangatahi was introduced as a pilot programme in 2022 following feedback to Council from local schools on what would be most beneficial to help their students understand different career pathway options.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the continued success of the programme is one way we are contributing towards the Council priority of having children and young people at the heart of our decision-making.
“It’s fantastic to see these young faces around our Council teams, learning real skills and hopefully getting some genuine experience with their mentors. I wish them well,” Mayor Baker says.
When the programme wraps up, managers provide the student with a reference to help them into future roles. Council also receives feedback from the students, parents, managers, mentors, and career advisors so the programme can continue to improve.
For students or others thinking about potential career pathways, the Porirua Careers Expo is happening this on Tuesday 5 May, at Te Rauparaha Arena, 9.30am-3.30pm. Entry is free.
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ChildFund – Pacific drug trafficking surge puts children at risk

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Shocking new reports on the rise of sophisticated drug-smuggling vessels crossing the Pacific has highlighted a growing threat to vulnerable communities, with ChildFund New Zealand warning that children are increasingly exposed to the impacts of transnational crime.
“We work with local communities in some of the remotest islands in the Pacific, on water, food and education programmes, including in Solomons Islands where the latest drug boat was found,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund.
Investigations by ABC News revealed multiple “narco-subs” operating in Pacific waters, signalling the region is becoming a key transit route for global drug networks targeting Australia and New Zealand.
The issue goes far beyond border security.
“The Pacific is our home too. The problems we face, from poverty to drugs, are connected. For Pacific communities, this is happening in their villages. For kiwi families it's happening to their children as access to drugs gets easier,” says Josie Pagani.
The targeted use of remote island nations as staging points exposes communities to organised crime, with potential impacts including exploitation of young people, increased substance availability to children, and pressure on already stretched local services.
“When criminal networks move in, they target places where people are already under pressure, whether that’s from poverty, lack of opportunity, or climate impacts. Children are the ones who feel those pressures first and most deeply.”
ChildFund New Zealand is calling for a broader response that prioritises prevention and community resilience alongside enforcement.
“If we only focus on stopping drugs at the New Zealand border, we miss the bigger picture. Prevention starts in these Pacific communities. They need to be supported to deal with drugs turning up on their beaches, and to manage the risk to children and young people.”
Drug use among Pacific young people is growing at alarming rates, particularly amongst 15-34 year olds, with the rapid rise in methamphetamine, and international drug drops. In countries like Fiji, 50% of new HIV infections are linked to drug use.
Sustained investment in essential services, education, child protection, and local partnerships across the Pacific is critical to reducing vulnerability to exploitation.
“The Pacific is our neighbourhood, and for many New Zealanders, it’s also family,” says Josie Pagani.
“What happens there matters to New Zealand, and it matters for the future of children in the Pacific and here at home.”
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Lifestyle – ExerciseNZ Awards Return, Giving Kiwis Their Say Again

Source: Exercise New Zealand

Kiwis are being encouraged to recognise the people and places making a real difference to health and wellbeing in their communities, with nominations now open for the 2026 ExerciseNZ Awards.

Run by Exercise New Zealand, the annual awards celebrate the exercise professionals, gyms, and exercise facilities helping New Zealanders move more, feel better, and stay connected. This year, the nomination process has been made faster and more accessible than ever.

  • It takes under a minute to nominate
  • There is no cost to enter
  • There are even more categories – something for every role and facility type.

The Return of People's Choice

One of the most anticipated categories, the People's Choice Award, is also returning. The award gives the public across Aotearoa the opportunity to spotlight an exercise professional that has had a meaningful impact on their lives.

Exercise New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie says the updates reflect the depth and diversity of the sector.

“We know there is incredible work happening every day in communities across the country. These changes make it easier for that work to be recognised and celebrated, and for more New Zealanders to have their say.”

________________________________

More Awards, More Opportunities

This year's awards also expand recognition across the industry, with new and updated categories highlighting a wider range of roles, from recreation facilities, to front-of-house teams and sales professionals.

The former Up & Coming PT category has been renamed the Emerging Personal Trainer Award, reflecting the next generation of professionals shaping the future of the industry.

Early nominations are already rolling in from across the country, signalling strong public interest in celebrating those making a positive impact through exercise.

More than just awards, the ExerciseNZ Awards recognise the people and organisations helping New Zealanders lead healthier, more active lives. Finalists and winners are selected through an independent judging process, with being named a finalist widely regarded as a mark of excellence in the industry.

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Northland News – Provide contact details boaties urged

Source: Northland Regional Council

Boat owners in Northland are being reminded of a requirement to post contact details on their vessels at moorings to ensure they can be reached if their unattended vessel breaks free, starts taking on water or has other problems.
Northland Regional Council Deputy Harbourmaster Peter Thomas says the Harbourmaster’s office regularly receives reports from the public or boating community of issues with unattended vessels.
“Some have broken free from moorings or are already aground while others are still on their mooring but are slowly taking on water or are sinking.” Other issues include damaged headlines or unfurled sails.
Mr Thomas says problems often occur during, or immediately after, bouts of bad weather.
Under the council’s navigation safety bylaws every vessel occupying a swing or pile mooring is required to display contact phone number(s) and/or email addresses for the owner or owner's representative that can be used in case of emergency.
“Basically, we’re asking for a mobile phone number or email address displayed on the boat somewhere it can be easily seen from outside without anyone having to enter the vessel.”
Mr Thomas says there is currently a $50 fine for non-compliance.
He says despite the long-standing requirement to post contact details (the applicable bylaw provision was first introduced in 2017) too many boat owners are not doing so.
All too often council maritime staff struggle to find a vessel’s owner to alert them to problems so the owner can take the steps to remedy the situation.
“We probably encounter an issue like this a few times a month.”
If they can't get hold of an owner, maritime staff are forced to deal with the issue themselves, which is effectively a cost then borne by ratepayers.
Mr Thomas says boats are not a small investment and it makes sense for boaties to follow the bylaw and ensure they could be reached and their often-expensive assets protected.
Maritime officers are currently undertaking a survey of Northland mooring fields, and part of this work is to determine compliance with the bylaw. Letters reminding boaties of their obligations will also be sent to mooring owners on the council’s database.
Mr Thomas says in general, the council prefers education over enforcement but plans to step up enforcement of the applicable section of its bylaws over the next several months.