Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Health Coalition – New report shows communities need better policy support to combat growing food insecurity

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Health Coalition Aotearoa and Healthy Families South Auckland have released a new report highlighting key actions needed to improve access to affordable, nutritious food for communities across South Auckland.
Titled “He kai kei aku ringa – There is food in my hands”, the foundation report responds to rising levels of food poverty in the region and showcase innovative community-led initiatives that are improving access to healthy food.
Following a year-long research process and working with the Māngere community, the solutions needed to improve South Auckland’s food system have been identified in areas of planning and zoning reform, school and food protections, fiscal and regulatory levers, and economic system shift.
These include granting legislative tools to allow Auckland Council to unlock unused or underused public land for community kai initiatives, permanently funding and expanding Ka Ora Ka Ako – Healthy School Lunches Programme possibly through a sugary drinks tax, and giving communities a say in where and how many junk food outlets they want in their neighbourhoods.
Healthy Families South Auckland’s Matt Appleyard says the challenge is to ensure community-led solutions are inter-connected across sectors as these solutions can be platforms for wider change.
“The system analysis in He kai kei aku ringa reveals where we collectively need to strengthen the local food system to make the most impact for communities,” he says.
“Our conclusion is that a coordinated and systems-oriented approach, in combination with targeted national-level and regional-level regulation and policy changes, will rebalance the food system, so everyone thrives. It’s time we stopped looking past food choices as individuals, and instead see they are part of an economic system with shared responsibility.”
Professor Boyd Swinburn from University of Auckland and Health Coalition Aotearoa says New Zealand needs to recognise food insecurity is a major driver in our nation’s problems.
“Aotearoa is an export nation excellent at growing kai – enough to feed 40 million people, in fact. And yet we have 42% of children in South Auckland regularly going hungry, which clearly isn’t primarily caused by the 5% unemployment rate. We must debunk the narrative that our nation’s food issues are about parents not working hard enough.”
He is calling for collaborative action across local and central government to allow communities’ energy and innovation for local food systems to thrive, while also limiting the dominance of the industrial food system and its promotion of unhealthy food.
“Many of the solutions are well-known – like more community gardens on unused public land and removing junk food advertising from Auckland Council and Auckland Transport contracts, and within 500 metres of schools.”
Swinburn says He kai kei aku ringa provides the solutions, and Health Coalition Aotearoa is seeking partnership with organisations to progress the findings.
“What we’re seeking now is show of hands from those bold enough to tackle New Zealand’s food issues. The community has provided some feasible solutions. Now we want to implement change.”
The reports were commissioned by Health Coalition Aotearoa and Healthy Families South Auckland, and developed by Moana Connect, with support from Toi Tangata, Clare Foundation, the University of Auckland, JR McKenzie Trust, and MAS Foundation.
Read the foundation report at www.healthcoalition.org.nz/resources
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Energy Sector – Electricity Authority launches free power comparison and switching site ‘Billy’

Source: Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko

New publicly owned digital tool helps households check they’re on the right power plan

Thursday 26 March 2026 – New Zealanders can now compare and switch power plans with confidence using Billy, the new, free, publicly-owned comparison and switching site launched today by the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority).

Named as a nod to the power ‘bill’, Billy will make it easier for households to take control of their power costs.

“Billy gives people a simple way to check their plan and make sure they’re getting the best deal for them,” says Authority Chief Executive Sarah Gillies. “As Billy says, ‘there’s power in checking’

“We want people to be confident they’re getting good value for their power by providing clarity and choice.”

Gillies says Billy builds on other changes the Authority has made to strengthen competition and empower consumers with better bills and clearer information.

“Electricity is a lifeline not a luxury. It warms our homes, powers our lives and connects us to opportunity. But for too many people, it’s a source of stress. Heading into winter, many households will face an increase to their power bill. It’s more important than ever to check whether your plan is delivering good value for your household, and whether you could save money with a better deal.”

Owned and operated by the Authority, the interactive site uses real data from 27,000 Kiwi households to model how people use power and create personalised comparisons. The Authority does not receive commissions or promote any particular power company. Billy simply shows how different plans could work for each household.

“Electricity is one of the biggest regular costs for most New Zealanders,” says Gillies.

“Power bills rose by an average of about 10% in the first half of last year – around $17 per month for the average home.”

Research commissioned by the Authority in 2024 highlights why tools like Billy are needed. 

Of the households surveyed, half of those who switched power companies did so to save money.

Among those who hadn’t switched, the main barriers were:

• uncertainty whether savings would be real (50%)
• feeling the benefit might not be worth the hassle (37%)
• believing switching would be difficult (25%).

Billy makes it easy to see what you could save by either uploading a recent power bill, or answering a few simple questions. Within seconds, you will receive personalised comparisons based on your electricity use and guided through a simple process if you choose to switch.

“The Authority has no commercial interest in whether someone switches. For many people, the outcome may simply be reassurance that their current plan is working well.”

Gillies says trusted information makes a big difference. Billy will help people better understand their options and make informed choices.”

Minister for Energy Simon Watts says making energy affordable is a top priority for the Government: “Helping you save money is our priority. Billy is a simple tool that takes the guesswork out of power bills, making sure you’re on the best plan so you can keep more in your pocket without the hassle.”

Billy is live at www.billy.govt.nz

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Reserve Bank Advisory – "Keeping Cash Local" consultation extended to 31 July 2026

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

26 March 2026 – Due to strong interest from the public and key stakeholders, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Te Pūtea Matua has extended the closing date for responses to our Keeping Cash Local consultation.

The new closing date will be 31 July 2026.

The RBNZ has received requests for more information on the consultation, including requests under the Official Information Act. We will publish further material to support the consultation, including responses to OIA requests in early June.

Additionally, alternate formats of the consultation document – in NZSL, braille, easy read, audio and large print – will be made available in May to allow disabled people and their communities to have their say.

More information

Respond to our survey, make a submission or download consultation materials on CitizenSpace: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=9b34659441&e=f3c68946f8
Watch our video and learn more about the public consultation: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=364d75d716&e=f3c68946f8

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Providing false details, fishing without licence and fishing out of season lands angler in Court

Source: Fish and Game NZ

Central South Island Fish & Game have successfully prosecuted an angler who flouted the law while fishing at Loch Cameron near Twizel in October 2025.
Blake Thorman of Christchurch appeared in the Timaru District Court on 17 March and entered a guilty plea to three charges; providing false details, fishing without a sports fishing licence and fishing out of season.
Thorman was known to Fish & Game having previously been issued a warning for fishing outside of the family fishing licence provisions in 2020.
Judge Savage convicted Thorman on all three charges and ordered him to pay a total of $1,500 in fines and costs.
Central South Island Compliance Coordinator Hamish Stevens said, “It is disappointing this offender was detected just prior to the annual Kids’ Salmon Fishing Day. Hopefully this will prompt people to think twice before fishing without a licence or providing false details to a ranger.”
WHAT IS FISH & GAME?
Fish & Game manage trout, salmon and game birds to provide healthy recreation for Kiwis.
We work to protect the environment that anglers and hunters have enjoyed as a tradition for over 150 years.
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Love Their Game® – Momentum builds for Auckland-wide sideline behaviour initiative

Source: Aktive

Just over a year after eight Auckland Regional Sport Organisations partnered with Aktive to launch a collective push for positive sideline behaviour, the movement has surged to 18 Regional Sport Organisations, reaching more than 220,000 participants.
Love Their Game emphasises the importance of positive sideline support and its role in creating quality sport experiences and environments for all involved, particularly young people. Over the past 12 months, the initiative has grown significantly to include organisations from across the region.
Participating organisations are North Harbour Rugby Union, Counties Manukau Rugby Union, Auckland Rugby Union, Netball Northern Zone, Northern Region Football, Tennis Northern, Auckland Basketball Services, Auckland Water Polo, Counties Manukau Rugby League, Harbour Badminton, Harbour Hockey, Auckland Rugby League, Counties Manukau Badminton, Auckland Hockey, Counties Manukau Touch, Athletics Auckland, Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Auckland Golf.
Aktive Chief Executive Jennah Wootten explains why the initiative is going from strength to strength: “We know that poor sideline behaviour affects far more than just one or two sports. Love Their Game is a reminder to everyone, regardless of the code, to respect that the game belongs to those playing, refereeing, coaching and managing, and not those on the sideline.
“With more Regional Sport Organisations getting involved, the strength of consistent messages across codes and across Auckland is significant. It helps amplify the impact of our collective efforts, no matter which sport you support, what colour uniform you wear or which sideline you stand on.”
Mel Bennett, Community Manager, Auckland Basketball Services speaks to their experience:
“Through our alignment with Aktive and Love Their Game, Auckland Basketball Services has played an active role in bringing this kaupapa to life – supporting clubs and schools to create positive environments, building coach and volunteer capability, and prioritising wellbeing so tamariki and rangatahi can stay connected to the game for life.
“Our mahi has been intentional to safeguard the wellbeing of our participants – ensuring that environments are not only development-focused, but safe, inclusive, and grounded in positive experiences for all. We are proud to stand alongside other regional sporting organisations in this initiative, collectively strengthening the systems and support around our young people. From strengthening on-court delivery to shaping supportive spaces off the court, this work ensures that every young person not only participates but genuinely loves their game.”
Ms Bennett adds: “We look forward to continuing to grow our relationship and deepening our alignment, working together to create lasting impact across our communities.”
Auckland Golf is the most recent Auckland Regional Sport Organisation to come on board. Chief Executive Jacob Cameron says: “At Auckland Golf, we’ve always backed positive sideline behaviour, because the experience our young people have today shapes their love for sport tomorrow. The key is to create an environment that’s fun, welcoming, and supports parents to be aware of the impact they can have. That’s why we’re proud to join Love Their Game – it reinforces the values we already stand for and helps ensure every young golfer gets the chance to enjoy the game and stay in it for the long term.”
Love Their Game strengthens positive sideline behaviour messages that participating sports organisations can customise for their own codes and activate across their competitions and tournaments. The initiative is further supported through social media content, workforce development opportunities, and resources on CoachMate – the Kiwi coaching app designed to empower and educate the grassroots sporting community with worldclass coaching content, modern microlearning tools, and practical team management features.
Kicking off in late March, the latest Love Their Game social media content features Love Their Game Ambassador and international rugby referee Ben O’Keeffe; Broadcaster and Social Media Comedy Creator Ben Boyce; and five-sport international athlete and Olympian Tyla King.
Ms Wootten says: “Regional Sport Organisations and sports clubs, along with their many dedicated volunteers, work incredibly hard to deliver high quality sporting experiences for their communities. By working together, we can strengthen understanding of how adults can help create a positive, supportive environment that makes sport more enjoyable for everyone. Ultimately, we all want to support and protect our volunteers while ensuring young people have fun, feel encouraged, and develop a lifelong love of sport and activity.”
For more information visit www.lovetheirgame.org.nz
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Health Politics and Tech – Threats won’t fix Health NZ’s AI problem Investment will

Source: PSA

Health NZ is threatening health workers with disciplinary action for using AI tools like ChatGPT to write notes. But the PSA says the real question is why staff are turning to free tools in the first place.
A Health NZ senior manager has sent a memo to all Mental Health and Addiction Services staff in the Rotorua Lakes district, telling them they will face disciplinary action if they use free tools like ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini to write clinical notes on patients.
“Health workers are turning to AI tools because they are under enormous pressure and looking for ways to manage their workloads,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“A memo that opens by threatening formal disciplinary action is not a training programme. It’s a warning shot that will make staff afraid to ask questions or seek help.”
The PSA does not dispute that the use of AI in health settings must be carefully regulated. Patient privacy and data security are serious obligations. But proper regulation requires training, approved tools, and a culture where concerns can be raised without livelihoods being threatened.
“Health NZ needs to invest in proper training and approved tools, not threaten workers with Code of Conduct breaches,” said Fitzsimons.
“Let’s not forget that the Government has forced Health NZ to cut the very teams responsible for digital systems and IT support, cuts that have impacted every hospital in New Zealand. If staff are improvising with free tools, Health NZ needs to examine why that is the case.”
Threatening disciplinary action will not lead to honest conversations about AI use. It will simply drive the practice underground.
“The stakes are high for patients, for staff, and for the health system. The answer is clear guidance, proper resourcing, and supported professional development. Not threats.”
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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Workers First calls on finance sector to act on fuel crisis and support workers

Source: Workers First Union

Workers First – the union for finance workers – has written to financial institutions across Aotearoa, calling on them to support their staff amid rising petrol costs and warning that workers are spending an increasing proportion of their wages simply travelling to and from work.
Callum Francis, Workers First National Organiser for Finance, is asking institutions to suspend any attendance requirements, to offer improved working-from-home arrangements where possible, and to subsidise transport costs for staff required to be onsite.
Petrol prices in Auckland surged as much as 24 cents in a single weekend recently, with 91-grade fuel hitting a near four-year high. Industry forecasts suggest prices could reach $4 per litre, representing a near 50% increase in fuel costs for many workers.
“Finance workers offer care and consideration to customers every single day,” said Mr Francis.
“We're asking their employers to offer them the same. This is no longer a nice-to-have – it is becoming a necessity.”
Nick(*), a union member who works at a major financial institution, said that support from employers to work from home would be practical during an unprecedented economic crisis.
“We already do over half of our work from home anyway, and it would show good faith and care for us during a tough time for everyone,” he said.
“Colleagues sometimes have no option but to drive an hour or more into work but aren’t eligible for the Government support, and this would offer a sense of relief to our families.”
“This is a national emergency and we’re all supposed to help out – so why should workers be the ones taking the hit? Employers should do this for our country as well as their staff.”
Mr Francis drew a parallel with the Covid-19 pandemic, during which many financial institutions rapidly adapted their operations to support staff working from home, or if absolutely necessary, attending workplaces.
“Businesses showed during Covid that they could act quickly and pragmatically when workers needed them to. We're asking for that same approach now,” said Mr Francis.
“Billion-dollar institutions like banks and insurance providers can and should provide relief and convenience to their workers whenever it’s possible – especially during a crisis.”
Workers First Union is seeking meetings with financial institutions and expects responses in the coming weeks.
(*)Name changed due to employer restrictions on public speech.
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Universities – As AI races ahead, can the law keep up? UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

How can existing and emerging legal frameworks govern artificial intelligence without stifling innovation?

This question will be top of mind at a conference on AI regulation, governance, and public procurement at the University of Auckland this April.

The inaugural Law, Technology and Government Conference will see international legal scholars, judges, and practitioners descend on the Business School to dissect where we’re at when it comes to the governance and regulation of artificial intelligence. (ref. https://www.alter.auckland.ac.nz/inaugural-conference-2026/#1 )

Hosted by the Centre for Advancing Law and Technology Responsibly (ALTeR), the event comes at a time when governments around the world are moving quickly to adopt AI, while the legal and governance frameworks needed to guide its use lag.

Conference organisers Professor Alexandra Andhov and Associate Professor Marta Andhov, directors of ALTeR, say the legal profession can’t afford to treat AI governance as someone else’s problem.

“The frameworks we build, or fail to build, in the next few years will determine whether AI becomes a tool for justice or a gap in it,” says Alexandra Andhov.

As part of the conference, she will give her inaugural lecture, examining the growing power of major technology companies and the challenges they pose for regulators.

“I’m interested in what happens when ‘too big to fail’ meets ‘too powerful to regulate’?” she says.
The conference is hosting legal tech providers who will demonstrate their latest AI-enhanced tools and take part in a discussion about issues they rarely touch on, including security vulnerabilities, reliability concerns, and privacy implications.

Scholars from across the Asia-Pacific region will examine whether established legal principles, from equity and tort to internet law, can effectively govern emerging technologies, or whether new regulatory approaches are needed.

Ken Singer, director of the UC Berkeley Centre for Entrepreneurship, will share insights from Silicon Valley before joining Aotearoa’s innovation and legal leaders in a session on how the law can support innovation.

Alongside local entrepreneurs and investors, Singer will also examine how legal infrastructure can be a competitive advantage rather than a barrier, and how New Zealand can create frameworks that enable rather than hinder technological advancement.

There will be a keynote on law, technology and government by Professor Chris Marsden (Monash), who has been supporting drafting regulations and policies in the UK, EU and Australia.

A fireside conversation between Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Stephen Rainbow and entrepreneur Bowen Pan, who led the team that built Facebook Marketplace, will examine the tension between government caution and the pace of technological change.

Meanwhile, a panel co-organised with Netsafe will explore Aotearoa’s recent developments in online safety policy and practice, with a particular focus on protecting everyone, especially the most vulnerable, in an AI-amplified digital environment.

Another panel discussion will showcase AI-enhanced art while confronting its impact on artists, artistic expression, and the question of how we preserve humanity in increasingly AI-driven creative futures.

“Governments are racing to purchase AI systems, often without the frameworks to buy them responsibly or properly regulate them,” says Marta Andhov.

“This conference is designed to generate ideas that support smart innovation, procurement and regulation.”

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Storm News – Northland weather update 01 0830hrs 26 March

Source: Northland Regional Council

Advisory issued on behalf of Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
UPDATE 01; MARCH WEATHER EVENT
Hi all,
Just a quick update you on the weather situation as of 0830hrs today (Thursday 26 March).
We’ve seen consistent rain overnight, including some heavy falls across much of the region.
The heaviest rainfall so far has been along the East Coast around Kaeo and the Bay of Islands, and there is more to come today.
The Red and Orange Heavy Rain Warnings, as well as the Strong Wind Warning issued by MetService New Zealand, remain in place until the early hours of tomorrow morning.
These warnings will be reviewed later this morning, but the key period of concern is still today through to Friday morning.
The rainfall forecast is still likely to bring: dangerous river conditions, flooding, slips and landslides, Hazardous driving conditions, and road closures in some areas
This remains an evolving situation, so please continue to keep up to date with the latest information from MetService and your local and regional councils.
Overnight rainfall stats (4:00pm 25 March – 6:30am 26 March)
The highest rainfall totals have been recorded on the East Coast:
– Touwai at Weta: 152 mm
– Kerikeri at BOI Golf Club: 121 mm
– Waitangi at Wairoa Road: 100 mm
Many rivers in the Far North are running at high levels, with some still rising. (High tide on the east coast is early this afternoon.)
If you’re travelling through Kaeo or Waimate North this morning, please take extra care. The Kaeo River has reached a level where flooding on SH10 is possible.
NZTA’s page for the official status before heading out: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway…/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi – Northland
There are already a number of State Highway closures and there are likely to be more, as well as local road closures. Crews will work to clear these as quickly as possible, but please allow for delays.
If you come across any local roading issues or storm related damage on public property, please report it through to your local council:
There are a number of isolated power outages around the region. Northpowerand Top Energy NZ crews will be out today working to resolve these issues as soon as they can, but this may take some time.
Check the latest outages here:
Northland Civil Defence works across the councils to provide local welfare support. If centres or marae are open to provide support, they will be published on the district council websites.
If you need welfare support, please ring your local district council.
Whangarei District Council | Phone: 0800 932 463 | Website: www.wdc.govt.nz
Far North District Council | Phone: 0800 920 029 | Website: www.fndc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Website: www.kaipara.govt.nz
Finally, some key reminders for today:
  • Do not enter floodwaters: it only takes a small amount of moving water to knock you off your feet or sweep a vehicle away.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel over this period. Conditions may deteriorate quickly, and roads may close with little warning.
  • Be prepared to self evacuate if you see rising water, feel unsafe, or notice conditions worsening.
  • Be aware of landslide risks, and keep well away from areas that have recently been affected by slips or landslides. If you notice cracks in the ground, tilting trees or power poles, unusual noises, or rapid changes in stream levels, leave immediately.
  • If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111
Civil Defence will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates here as more information becomes available.
If you can, stay home today, and if you are travelling, please drive to the conditions.
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Awards – Entries now open for the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards

Source: EMA

Entries are now open for the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards 2026, encouraging local exporters to showcase their achievements on the world stage and be recognised among the region’s best.
The prestigious awards gala will be held on 7 August at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui, celebrating the exceptional achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses exporting goods and services to global markets.
The event, organised by the EMA and ExportNZ, in partnership with NZTE, is proudly supported by principal sponsor ASB, as well as Air NZ Cargo, Port of Tauranga, Zespri, Page Macrae and Sharp Tudhope.
Warwick Downing, Chair of the ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee, says the event is a platform to recognise outstanding businesses, and a prime opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing.
“These awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world,” says Downing.
“Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward.”
Greg Jarvis, Founder/Director of Bluelab and an awards judge, says the awards underscore the importance of recognising success in the region.
“The Bay of Plenty has a rich history of innovative and forward-thinking exporters who have built a reputation for excellence on the global stage,” says Jarvis.
“These awards are a chance to celebrate that success while also fostering a culture of learning, community and connection across the BOP export sector.”
Mike Atkins, Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank, says “We are delighted to once again partner with the ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards in 2026, building on the strong success of last year’s event. ASB is proud to support and celebrate the exporters who are driving growth, innovation, and international success for the region.
“At ASB we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital and debt capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, food and fibre.”
From its world-renowned kiwifruit and avocados to high-quality timber and dairy products, the Bay of Plenty showcases a diverse range of goods that reach international markets.
The awards are organised by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ. According to EMA Head of Membership & Export Simon Devoy, the awards highlight the dedication and skill of the people who drive this success.
“ExportNZ is proud to recognise the Bay of Plenty’s role in bolstering New Zealand’s export sector,” he says.
“The theme of the awards gala on 7 August at Mercury Baypark Stadium Lounge is ‘On the World Stage’. It promises to be a night of celebration and fun.”
The awards feature five categories, including the coveted Exporter of the Year, and are judged by a panel of experienced export specialists from ExportNZ, NZTE and ASB.
The award categories are:
  • Air NZ Cargo Best Emerging Business: Celebrating early-stage export success.
  • Port of Tauranga Excellence in  Innovation: Acknowledging businesses that have successfully commercialised innovation internationally.
  • Zespri Unsung Export Hero – Outstanding  Individual Contribution: Honouring an individual who has made a significant material contribution to export growth, often behind the scenes.
  • Page Macrae Services to Export: Recognising the significant and sustained contribution of an individual or organisation to exporting success.
  • Sharp Tudhope Exporter of the Year: Recognising established businesses with a strong track record in export markets.
Key dates for the 2026 awards:
  • March 26 – Launch & entries open; tickets go on sale
  • June 8 – Entries close
  • July 10 – Finalists announced
  • August 7 – Awards gala
Businesses looking to enter the awards or purchase tickets can visit www.bopexportawards.co.nz