Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

NZ Currency – 10 cent coin with King Charles III image now in production – Reserve Bank

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

29 May 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua has quality checked and approved the 10 cent coin with the effigy of King Charles III, King of New Zealand (KCIII), for production and New Zealanders can expect to see it in their change around 2027.

Photos of the quality checking were released today giving people the first look at the actual coin.

“We received pre-production samples of the coin to check and approve before starting the full production run. We check the coins for quality, weight, size, security properties and that they match the design we ordered,” says Ian Woolford, Director of Money and Cash – Tari Moni Whai Take.

2024 is stamped on the coin which is the year RBNZ placed the order with the Royal Canadian Mint. New Zealand does not have a mint, so our coins are produced overseas.

The King's effigy was designed for the Royal Mint by illustrator and designer Dan Thorne to be used on all New Zealand's coins. The Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand provided advice on the 10 cent coin before it went into production. The King faces to the left in keeping with the convention that the direction changes between sovereigns.

“The reverse (or tails) side of the 10 cent coin still features an image of a koruru – the carved face on the gable of a meeting house – designed by James Berry as a part of the 1967 decimal coin series,” says Mr Woolford.

“All existing circulating coins, and $20 banknotes, bearing images of Queen Elizabeth II continue to be legal tender. We order notes and coins infrequently and do not plan to destroy stock or withdraw them early from circulation as this would be wasteful and poor environmental practice.”

Minting the 20 cent, 50 cent, $1 and $2 coins with the KCIII image is likely to be around 2027. Coins then typically enter circulation around two years after production.

“Updating our currency with the new sovereign takes several years because we always hold sufficient stock to deal with demand spikes or supply issues. We make enough coins and banknotes just in case – not just in time,” says Mr Woolford.

“We will let everyone know when the KCIII coins are due to enter circulation as the time nears.”

Banks, retailers, consumers and anyone using or handling cash will not need to do anything differently when we introduce the coins bearing the image of the King. We will work with the cash industry to make sure there are no glitches with cash handling machines like self-service checkouts, vending and change machines accepting and issuing the new and old coins.
 

More information

King Charles III coin: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=65f32a7e75&e=f3c68946f8

Posted on

Local News – Porirua City Council to launch pilot Waste Minimisation Grant scheme

Source: Porirua City Council

A pilot scheme offering grants to Porirua projects that enable waste minimisation in the city was approved at a full Porirua City Council meeting this morning.
Starting in the 2025/26 financial year, part of the funds received by Porirua City Council from the Waste Levy Subsidy will be used to provide community grants to groups with projects that will encourage reuse, repurposing and recycling capacity in the city.
The scheme will initially run as a 12-month pilot to gauge the level of demand and the types of projects sought.
There will be two levels of funding available for projects. The first will be grants of up to $30,000 that will become available in a single application round.
The second will be grants of up to $2000 which can be applied for year round.
Establishing this grant is part of the enacting Porirua City’s 2023-29 Waste Management and Minimisation Plan.
Porirua City Councillor Geoff Hayward, who represents Porirua City on the Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Joint Committee, says this scheme will empower communities in the city.
“It’s the kind of initiative that reflects the best of what local government can do. It’s backing communities to lead solutions using existing levers wisely.
“It will reduce pressure on rates and support our goal to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.”
Waste minimisation initiatives could include new projects that reduce waste at the source and encourage movement towards a circular economy.
Projects that focus on reduction, redesign, reuse, repair and repurpose will also be considered.
“We want to see initiatives that create new opportunities and encourage community participation in waste minimisation,” says Councillor Hayward.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says this is a positive move for waste reduction in Porirua.
“This is another way that we can work towards making our communities more healthy and encourage more people to get involved in positive outcomes.”
The grant scheme will now be developed with more information to come once the details have been finalised.
Posted on

Environment and Politics – Luxon Government to favour dairy pollution at the expense of drinking water

Source: Greenpeace

Luxon’s Government is once again putting corporate profits ahead of people’s health by proposing freshwater policies that will drive more dairy pollution at the expense of safe drinking water and swimmable rivers.
The proposed changes to the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, announced today, include giving more favour to corporate uses of water like intensive dairy. This fundamentally undermines Te Mana O Te Wai, the framework that prioritises the health of freshwater ecosystems and the health of community drinking water ahead of corporate uses of water.
Greenpeace Aotearoa freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says, “Safe drinking water requires healthy freshwater ecosystems, and that should always be the priority. But today’s decision will drive more water contamination, especially in rural communities.”
“Make no mistake, this will facilitate dairy expansion, and we know what that means for the country. More cows means more pollution from effluent and fertiliser, poisoning waterways with nitrate and nasty pathogens.”
“Just this year, several new dairy expansion consents have been approved in Canterbury, where many communities are facing a drinking water crisis as a result of nitrate contamination from intensive dairy.”
“The Government is meant to be protecting the health of communities, not lining the pockets of corporate polluters. We’ve already seen the influence the agriculture lobby has had over the rollback of freshwater protections last year, and this announcement today demonstrates how much of a hold lobbyists have over Luxon and his Cabinet.”
“But communities are ready to fight for clean drinking water and swimmable rivers, even if Luxon won’t. It's more important than ever that local governments – like Environment Canterbury, which has responsibility over the majority of New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems – step up and take real action to protect lakes, rivers, and drinking water.”
Posted on

BusinessNZ – National direction in support of growth

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ welcomes the Government’s proposed consultation on national direction under the Resource Management Act, as a step towards a better planning system.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the proposed updates in direction on infrastructure, renewable energy, housing, mining, and primary sector development, recognise New Zealand’s need both to grow the economy and protect the environment.
“This is the most comprehensive overhaul of national direction we’ve seen, and it reflects many of the changes BusinessNZ has advocated for. We’re encouraged by moves to simplify consenting for energy, housing and farming, and to replace overly complex freshwater rules that have frustrated producers without delivering better environmental outcomes,” Mrs Rich said.
BusinessNZ supports the intention of transitioning these changes into a new RMA framework based on clearer property rights and long-term certainty to encourage investment and growth.
“We look forward to engaging constructively during consultation to help ensure the final package delivers on its promise to reduce red tape, restore balance, and support economic recovery,” Katherine Rich said.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
Posted on

Federated Farmers welcomes freshwater regulations review

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers applauds the Government’s announcements today on a comprehensive review of freshwater regulations.
“We’re pleased to see all options are on the table and that consultation will be open until 27 July,” Federated Farmers freshwater spokesperson Colin Hurst says.
“The previous Government’s freshwater rules were completely unworkable for farmers. In some cases, even if you converted a whole catchment to native forest, you still wouldn’t have achieved the bottom lines.
“The current Government simply had to push pause on these rules – and now we’re seeing steps towards more sensible national direction to local authorities.”
Hurst says it’s particularly welcome that the Government wants a more balanced approach to Te Mana o Te Wai.
“That concept, as pursued by the previous Government, has been unworkable and highly problematic.
“It was unclear how councils should interpret and apply what was a vague concept of protecting the mana and mauri of water under Labour’s rules, and what that might mean for our farms and rural communities.”
Under Te Mana o te Wai, the health and wellbeing of water is put ahead of all other considerations, including human health, and social, cultural and economic wellbeing.
“That seems wildly imbalanced. The Government’s announcements today recognise such a strict hierarchy is flawed.”
The consultation document says: “Multiple objectives require councils to provide for multiple outcomes and can better reflect the interests of all water users.”
“Federated Farmers absolutely agrees with this. In fact, we believe it’s worth considering whether Te Mano o te Wai is a concept that should be scrapped altogether, which is one of the options now on the table,” Hurst says.
Another big question is whether it’s worth making these freshwater changes right now under the current Resource Management Act (RMA), or if this should wait until the Government has reformed the RMA, with the freshwater changes to follow.
“Federated Farmers will be reading through the detail of today’s announcement and going back to the Government with our position, on behalf of our members, in the next few weeks.” 
Posted on

Work and Education – Kiwi apprentice finds global opportunities through Plumbing apprenticeship

Source: Into Work

Hamilton apprentice Keegan Calkin has discovered that plumbing is more than just fixing pipes and drains—it's a global career with endless opportunities.

Now in his fourth year of a dual trade apprenticeship, Keegan has moved from his family business to international competitions and humanitarian projects, broadening his skills and perspectives in ways he never imagined.

The 20-year-old recently received an invitation to the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH) Plumbing Champions initiative in Frankfurt, Germany. “It was the right place, right time. I got an email asking if I wanted to go to Germany, and I thought, 'Absolutely, why not?'” Keegan said.

The initiative was not a competition but a platform for sharing and learning global plumbing practices. It brought together plumbers from around the world to exchange ideas and techniques. Keegan was particularly impressed by Germany's advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities. “Their technology is incredible. Everything is made there, and it's right at their fingertips. It made me realise how far behind New Zealand is in some areas,” he said.

Keegan's international experiences extend beyond Germany. He spent three weeks in Tonga, working on the construction of a Mormon temple. “We've built temples in Hamilton and Auckland, and our company runs the project in Tonga. It was a fantastic experience,” he said.

“I didn’t really expect I could work overseas especially just starting out in my apprenticeship but I’m keen to see where it goes.”

Keegan's journey into plumbing began as a family affair, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, father, and uncle. He now works for his father’s company, FB Hall & Co., one of the largest and most established plumbing firms in Hamilton with over a 100 year history, and a host business of ATT, part of the IntoWork Group.

His apprenticeship is a comprehensive 5-year course that includes plumbing, gas fitting, and drain laying. Despite being an apprentice, Keegan is given significant responsibility and independence. “ATT check in with me regularly to ensure I'm on top of my coursework, assessments, and assignments but I work for myself most of the time,” he said.

ATT Account Manager Kim Dunn highlighted the transformative impact of these international experiences. “Keegan wasn't overly excited at first, but once he got there, it was the best thing he ever did. It was an incredible experience that has broadened his horizons,” Kim said.

Keegan's exposure to global practices has inspired him to consider working overseas in the future.

Beyond his professional development, Keegan balances his apprenticeship with his passion for drum and bass music. “I play guitar, but I'm mainly a drum and bass DJ. I've been involved in the music scene for about a year,” he said.

Kim emphasised the importance of pursuing personal interests alongside professional growth. “It's crucial to remind our apprentices that the world is full of opportunities. We have a supportive team of 40 staff, and we encourage them to explore and grow both personally and professionally,” she said.

Keegan and his partner are planning a trip to Europe next year, and he hopes to reconnect with the international connections he made during his time in Frankfurt. “We're trying to save up for a trip to Europe next year. I'm excited to catch up with some of the guys I met in Germany,” he said.

Posted on

RMA Protections – Roadblocks removed for quarry sector

Source: Aggregate and Quarry Association of NZ

The quarry sector is pleased its concerns have been heard about existing RMA national directions stymying access to the rock and sand resources needed to build homes and roads.
Aggregate and Quarry Association (AQA) CEO Wayne Scott says he’s relieved to see today, the Government’s package of proposed amendments to RMA instruments include several targeted at the extractive sector.
“We have been saying to this and the previous Government that changes were needed to existing National Policy Statements on Highly Productive Land, Freshwater Management and Indigenous Biodiversity.
“While the changes were mostly minor, some existing wording was leading to bizarre outcomes such as quarries being told it could extract aggregate but not remove any of the overburden above it.”
Wayne Scott says what the Government is now proposing will also allow for net positive environment outcomes and deserves to be welcomed.
“Currently, quarries sometimes seek consent applications such as where a piece of bush is needed for an extension but they have to be declined even when offering to plant several times the amount of affected land.”
He says his sector has not sought to reduce environmental outcomes.
“Through the Fast-track Approvals legislation and these amendments, we have stressed we are after certainty and speed not environmental degradation.
“Our industry has worked for years to improve our environmental credentials and relations with our communities. We see these latest changes as helping both the environment and those communities who want the resources provided for their homes and roads.”
He says on average one kilogram an hour of aggregate, rock and sand is accessed for every New Zealander.
Posted on

Health Access – New data shows strain on addictions services – NZ Drug Foundation

Source: New Zealand Drug Foundation

New data shows a need for increased investment in addiction services, with long wait times and people being turned away from services despite increased need in the community, the NZ Drug Foundation says.

Data released today by the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission shows that out of all people using specialist mental health and addictions services, 25.4% were accessing addiction services – despite addictions only receiving 9.1% of total mental health and addiction funding.

NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm says it shows a sector punching above its weight but badly overdue for increased funding, especially in light of a recent surge in methamphetamine use.

“People working in our addictions sector are doing heroic work with the resources they have, but this data shows we need significant investment into services to make a difference for communities reeling from drug harm, particularly in light of a recent doubling of methamphetamine consumption,” she says.

The data shows that there is significant strain on services. Wait times are getting longer and declined referrals have risen from 4.7% in 2019/2020 to 8.6% in 2023/2024.

“There has been a long-term under-investment in addiction services. If we don’t address it, the issues we’re currently seeing with methamphetamine are only going to get worse,” says Helm.

“In the face of the extraordinary methamphetamine harm in the community, the professionals trying to address addiction need more than a hope and a prayer – they need investment and more people being trained into the sector.”

“Anyone whose drug use is becoming risky or difficult for them to manage needs to be able to access specialised treatment and harm reduction. That proportion of people is likely to be a lot higher than the 0.9% who are currently able to access addiction services,” she says.

Posted on

Weather News – Strong winds in store for the long weekend – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 29th May – Monday 2nd June – Strong winds in store for the long weekend.

Today (Thursday) the upper North Island sees squally thunderstorms with very gusty winds and hail as a low pressure system crosses quickly overhead. MetService has a Strong Wind Watch in place for Northland this afternoon and evening.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley adds, “Strong gusts are expected with these thunderstorms in this pocket of unstable air. The most significant activity will be in the second half of the day. Our experts are keeping a close eye on it.”

On Friday, strong southwesterly winds arrive as the low pressure system blows off to the east. For most, this means the arrival of clear skies and dry conditions, but rain will persist for Southland and Westland.

However, for the lower South Island, these winds drag cooler temperatures, showers, and even snow falling as low as 600m on Friday. This will be welcome news for avid skiers and snowboarders but is likely to affect alpine roads in the South Island including Milford Road, Crown Range and Lindis Pass. With the first day of meteorological winter on Sunday, we’ll be seeing more of this.

MetService has a Strong Wind Watch for Hawke’s Bay and the Tararua District, as well as Southland, including Southern Fiordland, Clutha, Dunedin and Stewart Island from Friday afternoon.  

Michael details “There is a high chance that these will be upgraded to Orange Warnings. Winds will peak on Saturday, so tie down your trampoline and drive carefully if you’re heading away for the long weekend.”

For those planning a beach getaway, these winds will build large southwest swells which will be felt throughout the weekend. The most exposed coastlines include the lower and western South Island, and the western North Island all the way up to Northland.  

Michael notes “Monday will be the pick of the long weekend. The winds look to calm so it’ll be the best day to head outdoors.”
Posted on

Government Cuts – Govt squeeze forces Waka Kotahi to cut women’s jobs – PSA

Source: PSA

Government cuts are forcing Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to severely undermine its own capabilities with a proposal to cut over 15% of its admin and support staff – the majority of whom are women.
The change proposal revealed today proposes a net loss of 18 out of 110 roles among team administrators, personal assistants, and office support people, with 85% of the affected roles filled by women.
“These staff book travel, support tender processes, arrange meetings, manage diaries, run reception, look after postage, and more tasks that are essential for keeping an office running,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
Affected PSA members fear the proposed cuts would make it impossible for the organisation to have clear and consistent internal processes. The workload of remaining support staff would increase, and other teams would be forced to do their own admin support on top of their current work.
“We’re already seeing this play out in the health sector: nurses and social workers picking up the work of cut admin staff. The same thing will happen here,” said Fitzsimons. “When you cut essential workers, someone else will have to pick up their work.”
This proposal is the latest example of Government cuts disproportionally affecting women. It comes days after the Department of Conservation’s proposal to cut 84 support roles, and two weeks after the Government cancelled 33 pay equity claims, including those for admin workers in the public service.
“The Government has overlooked and undervalued admin and support workers, disparaging their valuable mahi as inessential and unskilled ‘back office’ work. So, when the Government squeezes funding, their livelihoods are put at risk,” said Fitzsimons. “It’s this kind of sexist bias that created the need for pay equity claims in the first place.”
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.