Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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GAZA: 20,000 children killed in 23 months of war – more than one child killed every hour

Source: Save the Children

At least one Palestinian child has been killed every hour on average by Israeli forces in Gaza over nearly 23 months of war, with the number of children killed now surpassing 20,000, Save the Children said.  
The latest data released by the Government Media Office in Gaza showed at least 20,000 children – about 2% of Gaza’s child population – have been killed since October 2023.
At least 1,009 of the children killed were under age one, with nearly half (450) of these babies born and killed during the war. At least 42,011 children have been injured, according to the Ministry of Health, with the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities reporting at least 21,000 children left permanently disabled. Thousands more are missing or presumed buried under rubble. 
After 23 months of war, the lives of surviving children are at risk daily. The famine in Gaza Governorate is likely to spread in the coming weeks with over a million people, about half of whom are children, already facing catastrophic hunger, the worst-case IPC Phase 5. At least 132,000 children aged under five face risk of death from acute malnutrition, and at least 135 children have already starved to death, 20 of them since famine was declared on 22 August, according to the Ministry of Health. 
Israeli forces have intensified their bombardment across the Gaza Strip, damaging 97% of schools [1], 94% of hospitals and killing children who are seven times more likely to die from blast injuries than adults [2]. Their bodies are more vulnerable to trauma, and they often suffer distinct types of injuries that require specialist treatment tailored to their physiology and development. 
Our Mental Health and Psychosocial Support team in Gaza shared stories of parents we are supporting, specifically those whose children have been killed in this war. They said:  
” Parents are in deep pain. They are unable to cope with their feelings. This pain is an unbearable grief to them. These parents are surviving malnutrition, displacement and constant bombardment while also mourning their slaughtered babies. “Parents whose children were torn to pieces speak of a pain more than anyone should be made to bear, of not being able to give their children one last hug, of being deprived of a goodbye.  
” They speak of the lost embraces, laughter, cries and even the mischievousness. To them, every breath is pain coming in.”  
Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, Ahmad Alhendawi, said:  
” This is a shameful statistic – a horrific new low in a war characterised by a constant stream of them. Worst of all, we saw this coming. Systematic attacks on children’s homes, playgrounds, schools and hospitals, starvation by design – the world is doing nothing to stop it. 
“This war is a cruel, depraved and deliberate war on the children of Gaza and their future, a generation stolen. If the international community does not step up, we are facing the very real risk of the total annihilation of future Palestinian communities. 
“Atrocity crimes, including crimes against humanity and war crimes, have been committed in this conflict. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is now considering whether a genocide is taking place. The plausible risk of a genocide is enough to trigger urgent action. All states have a legal obligation to prevent the crime of genocide. All states must act decisively before it is too late.” 
Save the Children calls for an immediate and definitive ceasefire and immediate, unfettered access to deliver life-saving aid for children and families across Gaza. Children have additional and enhanced protections under international humanitarian law because of the disproportionate impact and accelerated harm conflict has on them – both directly and indirectly, physically and mentally. Compliance with these rules is compliance with humanity – and is not optional. 
All States must immediately halt the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition used against children and civilians. 
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Consumer NZ – Get plugged into the best power plan

 Source: Consumer NZ

While hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders struggle to keep the lights turned on, a little-known protection could save people money. Just ask: Am I on the best plan?

Consumer NZ’s annual Energy Retailer Survey has revealed one in five households (around 400,000 households) struggled to pay their power bill in the past year. And that was before prices increased by an annual average of 11%.

“Our Consumer Sentiment Tracker shows that financial concerns about the cost of energy are now top of mind for almost half of New Zealanders,” said Jessica Walker, Consumer’s acting head of research and advocacy.

According to the advocacy organisation, these financial struggles create a ripple effect in the form of late fees, people turning elsewhere to find the funds to keep the lights on, and in the worst cases, disconnection from power.

“About 300,000 households had overdue fees added to their bill because they couldn’t afford to pay their power bills on time last year.

“Around 150,000 households had to take out a loan to cover their power. That doesn’t include people who borrowed from family or friends.

“Most concerning of all, our April 2025 survey shows that about 50,000 households had their power disconnected due to unpaid bills in the previous 12 months,” Walker said.

A ray of light

A key change that took effect in April was the Electricity Authority’s introduction of the consumer care obligations (CCOs). The CCOs are mandatory rules that govern how electricity retailers communicate with and support their customers. They outline that disconnection should be a last resort and set out the steps that must be taken before, during and after disconnection.

Consumer found only one-quarter of New Zealanders were aware of these protections.

“The introduction of the CCOs is a win for consumers, but people can’t exercise their rights if they don’t know they exist,” said Walker.

Just ask: Am I on the best plan?

On average, people who use Powerswitch to compare energy providers find they could save around $400 a year by switching. But not everyone wants to or can switch power provider.

Consumer’s energy retailer survey found that about 155,000 people had been turned down as a customer by an electricity provider because of previously missed payments.

“There’s a significant number of people who can’t switch because of a poor credit record. That means they either have to stick with their existing provider, or switch to a prepay plan, which carries a greater risk of disconnection,” said Walker.

Under the CCOs, an electricity retailer must tell their customers, when asked, about any plans it has that would be better for them.  

There are only two occasions when an electricity retailer must voluntarily tell a customer about a plan it offers – when the customer is signing up or if the retailer knows the customer is finding it hard to pay their bill.

“Unless you’re signing up with a retailer or your retailer knows you’re struggling, then you could be stuck paying more than you need to with that retailer. So, ask your retailer, ‘Do you offer any other plans that would be better for me?’”

Consumer says there are many people who choose to remain loyal to their electricity retailer.

“Many loyal customers assume, wrongly, that their retailer will ensure they’re on the best possible plan. But that’s not how it works.

“We urge people who don’t want to switch, or can’t, to ask their retailer if it has any plans that are better suited to their needs.  

“We have created a template to make this process as easy as possible. And we are confident that a few seconds work could lead to savings for many.”  (https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fuunut-ijjdkdttjk-y/ )

 

Notes

Disclaimer: Household figures are approximate estimates based on a nationally representative survey of New Zealanders (n=1,985), conducted from 12 March to 7 April 2025. The results have a margin of error of ±2.2% at the 95% confidence level. Household counts are based on data from Stats NZ’s Dwelling and household estimates, June 2025.

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Local authority statistics: June 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

Local authority statistics: June 2025 quarter – information release

8 September 2025

Local authority statistics provides information on the performance of core non-trading activities of New Zealand’s territorial and regional councils.

Visit our website to read this information release and to download CSV files:

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Solomon Islands – first Pacific country to scrap tax on period products – ChildFund

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

In a landmark step the Solomon Islands Government has become the first Pacific country to remove all taxes on menstrual products.
The historic win comes after a year of work by a voluntary team, including ChildFund’s Country Representative Hika Joseph Gone.
The group presented a formal submission to the Solomon Islands' Ministry of Finance in 2024, calling for the removal of nearly 30% in taxes on menstrual products.
Although not officially a ChildFund project, this initiative reflects the organization's broader commitment to promoting the rights of girls and young women, especially in areas often overlooked – like menstrual health, which often carry stigma or systemic barriers.
“It aligns with our mission to ensure every child, including every girl, has the chance to grow up safe, healthy, and empowered” says Josie Pagani, ChildFund NZ CEO.
“This is more than a policy change – it's a declaration that menstrual health matters, and that equity, dignity, and access are values worth fighting for,” said Hika Joseph Gone, and the team.
Menstrual hygiene remains a critical but often overlooked issue in the Solomon Islands.
Stigma, lack of access to sanitary products, and poor facilities in schools have led to ongoing challenges for girls’ attendance and performance in education. The removal of taxes is expected to directly improve affordability, school participation, and health outcomes for thousands of girls and women.
ChildFund New Zealand applauds this movement and commends those advocating for it, and the Solomon Islands Government, for taking decisive action. “The Solomon Islands is setting a powerful example for the Pacific.” said Josie Pagani. “We’re incredibly proud of Hika and the team – and we hope to see other Pacific nations follow this example.”
Learn more about ChildFund’s work here: Our Focus Areas | ChildFund
The voluntary team included:
– Gladys Bartlett – UNICEF Ambassador and Team Leader
– Hika Joseph Gone – Country Representative for ChildFund Solomon Islands
– Mary Ramosaea
– Joel Fangalasu
– Catherine Chan.
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Employment Law – Minister’s intervention in ASMS’ bargaining unlawful – Union says

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon must give assurances the Minister of Health will stop breaching employment law by undermining the collective bargaining process.
Simeon Brown’s actions yesterday represent an unlawful intervention in the bargaining between Te Whatu Ora and ASMS.
Bargaining has not “broken down”. Just last week ASMS met with Health New Zealand and the Public Service Commission to discuss next steps. The day before the Minister’s letter arrived Dale Bramley spoke with ASMS to discuss further steps for bargaining.
ASMS says Brown does not understand employment law and should have received advice before making comments.
As well as being misinformed, the Minister’s proposal is disingenuous. The fundamental barrier to a settlement between Health New Zealand and the senior doctors is the failure of his government to allocate adequate funds for the safe staffing of our public health system.
If Health New Zealand had appropriate funding and staffing levels this dispute would not be happening.
The Minister’s actions are highly unusual and a direct intervention in bargaining, which is unlawful.
Collective bargaining is a process governed by law and the parties to collective bargaining have specific rights and responsibilities. The Minister seems unaware of this fact.
The Minister does not appear to understand the law. His actions in combination with the response of Health NZ Chair Lester Levy could be interpreted as undermining the bargaining process.
ASMS takes issue with the minister’s misinformation about disruptions to patient care. “In his letter the Minister claims more than 4,000 surgeries, appointments and treatments were cancelled due to the May 1 strike,” ASMS Executive Director Sarah Dalton says. “An Official Information Act Request revealed this figure to be a quarter of that at 1,037.
“A further request to discover how many appointments were made on a typical day, and cancelled, for comparison is months overdue because Health New Zealand cannot locate the data. If that is the case, where is the Minister getting his advice about cancellations from?
“It screams of recent cover up attempts we saw by HNZ to withhold data from the New Zealand Nurses Organisation about safe-staffing.”
The biggest impediment to patients accessing health care is the Government’s failure to safely staff our hospitals on a day-to-day basis. “Every day theatres and clinics are cancelled due to staffing gaps.
“At the same time Health NZ has paid out more than $200M in the past 12 months on temporary staff (locums) and additional duties payments for existing staff to cover the work of missing colleagues.
“It makes no sense to pay ever increasing locum rates while clamping down on improved terms and conditions that will attract and retain desperately needed specialist doctors and dentists – especially in smaller and rural hospitals.”
ASMS lodged a revised claim with Health New Zealand during facilitated bargaining with a view to reach a compromise.
“We are happy to get back around the table with HNZ,” Dalton says. “They tell us they have a shared commitment to see improved staffing levels around the country. We need to see evidence of that.”
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Federated Farmers push for national pest strategy

Source: Federated Farmers

With rising numbers of feral animals hammering farm pasture, fences and native bush, Federated Farmers is calling for a national pest strategy.
“Farmers are constantly reporting bigger mobs of feral deer, wild pigs eating lambs, and huge flocks of Canada geese and ducks fouling farmland and waterways,” Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Richard Dawkins says.
Federated Farmers has asked Parliament’s Primary Production Committee to set up a joint agency briefing to clarify the scale of New Zealand’s pest problem, what it means for climate change, and where the current governance framework is falling short.
“We need action that covers all pest species, all land tenures, and brings every stakeholder into one coordinated effort.”
Dawkins says the current fragmented approach, with responsibility divided by land tenure and function, is holding back progress.
“One example – the Department of Conservation (DOC) is tasked to manage pests on public conservation land, but its statutory responsibilities don’t extend to private land.
“This leads to pests moving freely across public estate boundaries and imposing massive costs on farmers.”
Regional councils, Biosecurity New Zealand (MPI), the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and OSPRI (targeting TB vectors – mainly possums), all have roles.
“Responsibility is split across these multiple agencies, with no central leadership or clear lines of accountability,” Dawkins says.
“The result is gaps, inefficiencies, and inconsistent coverage – and productive land pays the price.”
He says farmers are particularly angry that some forestry companies and investors – particularly carbon forestry speculators who blanket the land in pines and walk away – leave it to farmer neighbours to suffer the pest consequences.
“It is hugely damaging and only appears to be getting worse.”
There’s also uncertainty about which agency and Minister are responsible for pest pressures that primarily affect the productive sector, especially outside of conservation land.
Similar to DOC's different priorities, forest owners often invest in pest control until trees are no longer vulnerable to browsing damage.
“The forests become habitat for pest species. These then travel across boundaries and wreak havoc.”
Last year’s inaugural Federated Farmers National Pest Survey of more than 700 farmers left no room for doubt on the scale of the problem.
One finding was that, at a conservative estimate, farmers are spending almost $74 million on pest control each year, and shouldering another $139 million a year in costs from damaged fencing, pasture consumed and loss of trees.
“Our survey was a great start, but it’s past time that agencies worked together to build a national pest inventory for an accurate picture of where we’re at,” Dawkins says.
“There’s no consolidated national dataset to confirm or quantify just how fast pest animal populations are rising, and what regions are worst affected.
“There’s truth in the saying ‘you can’t manage what you don’t measure’.
“While there's no doubt that is important, we also need action. We need lead in the air, we need to eradicate these problem species.
“It's not overly productive spending most of our resources on monitoring and planning. It's also up to every landowner to play their part.”
Climate change and emissions factors are another reason Federated Farmers wants action.
“Our food producing sector is being asked to make big cuts in emissions, but what about the methane and nitrous oxide coming from pests like deer, goats and pigs?
“That’s surely having a serious impact on New Zealand’s greenhouse gas inventory, especially when you consider that feral animals are also smashing our native forests, regenerating scrub and grasslands.
“We need data on how pests are affecting the carbon dioxide sequestration ability of this vegetation.”
The potential for greater sequestration across DOC-managed native bush is considerable.
“Instead of replacing productive sheep and beef farms in monoculture carbon forestry, we should be looking at other opportunities.
“The eight million hectare DOC estate surely presents better opportunities for improving and measuring carbon capture.”
Wilding pines and other weeds also need to be part of cross-agency campaigns, Dawkins says.
“Federated Farmers has consistently warned that we’re losing the battle on wilding pines – an ecological crisis is unfolding on that front alone.
“We have presented cost-effective alternatives such as streamlining the grazing consent process, reintroducing crown pastoral leases, tactical burning and the use of new technology and techniques for wilding control.
“We need a pest animal and weed strategy, and cross-party support for long-term action.
“As time goes on, these issues only become larger and more expensive. The time for action is now.” 
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Advocacy – Protests in 30+ centres across the country for Global Day of Action for Gaza tomorrow – Saturday 6 September

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

In more than 30 centres across Aotearoa New Zealand tomorrow Palestine solidarity protests will support the Global Day of Action for Gaza with demands for sanctions against Israel.

“Sanctions are the issue – and the only issue – which can stop the genocide in Gaza” says PSNA Co-Chair John Minto. “Israel ignores appeals and condemnations, but sanctions are its Achilles heel”

 

“The public are already on side with sanctions. An opinion poll released by PSNA last month showed that of people who gave an opinion, 60 percent supported sanctions against Israel. That number will have increased as Israel’s mass starvation has turned to an Israeli-created famine.”

 

“The shocking images of starving children from Gaza are an affront to humanity”

 

But our government is unmoved.

 

“Winston Peters is dangling the prospect of recognising a Palestinian state.  It's his distraction from any sanctions and accountabilities which he refuses to apply to Israel.

 

New Zealand voted for a Palestinian state in the UN back in 1947.  But then, as well as the rest of the western countries, New Zealand did nothing to support it and let Israel take over.

 

The priority now is to end the mass starvation, bombing and ethnic cleansing in Gaza – recognising a Palestinian state won’t do this – sanctions and accountabilities on Israel will.

 

“Our government has failed Palestinians and failed us all – tomorrow, across the country, New Zealanders will demand our government step up with sanctions”

 

Details of the protests across the country tomorrow are on our PSNA events page here.

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Defence News – NZDF supports PNG’s independence celebrations

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has been alongside Papua New Guinea’s Defence Force as the country celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence this week.

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) C-130J Hercules, a Boeing B757, two NH90 helicopters and more than 40 NZ Army and Air Force personnel have deployed alongside 10 militaries from the Pacific region and around the world to participate in a number of ceremonial and public events.

The NZ Army Band was among those performing in a military tattoo alongside other international military bands.

As well as participating in the anniversary events, the Hercules and NH90 helicopters have been involved in a multinational air logistics support operation, transporting stores and equipment across the country and to outlying islands.

The Hercules has been delivering a range of medical, building and humanitarian supplies around Papua New Guinea, in support of the country’s government and a range of non-governmental organisations.

The NH90s delivered 2000kg of mosquito nets to remote villages, where fixed wing aircraft are unable to land. They also transported an 800kg mini excavator to rural farmland by an underslung load.

The No. 3 Squadron aircrew also notched up a milestone in the helicopters, travelling for the first time from one country to another, flying more than 450 nautical miles from Australia to Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresby.

Chief of Army Major General Rose King, in Papua New Guinea for the celebrations, said it had been a busy period for the Kiwi contingent.

“We are pleased to be here, not only celebrating Papua New Guinea’s independence with our Pacific neighbours, but also working with them in a significant air logistics support operation that has moved cargo to hard-to-reach areas.  

“We are proud to stand alongside our partners, reinforcing our partnerships, helping out where we can and celebrating this important milestone.”

The celebrations also include an air show with RNZAF aircraft performing flypasts and a winching display by an NH90; and a static air display featuring the NH90s.

The NZDF contingent also includes two Royal New Zealand Navy catering support staff, a chef and a steward, working on board Australia’s HMAS Choules.

The NZDF’s Papua New Guinea Defence Advisor Lieutenant Colonel Haden Dempsey said it was impressive to see the NZDF and other militaries taking part in the celebrations and working together flying equipment and aid to remote areas of the country.

“The Pacific is our neighbourhood, and we aim to make a valued contribution to the region and Pacific communities.”

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Advocacy – Major Unions, NGOs Endorse March for Humanity, Demand Sanctions on Israel

Source: March for Humanity

Pressure on the NZ government to sanction Israel for its war crimes is mounting.

With just over a week to go before The March for Humanity, organisers have already received over 50 endorsements from major unions, NGOs, faith groups, and community organisations, including The Council of Trade Unions, PSA, Amnesty, Greenpeace, Oxfam, FIANZ, Dayenu, and Christians for Peace Aotearoa, along with major Palestine solidarity groups such as PSNA, Justice for Palestine, and SJP branches.

“The overwhelming support for the March for Humanity clearly demonstrates that the people of this country will not accept and will not allow the New Zealand government’s ongoing complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza” said March for Humanity spokesperson Nadine Mortaja.

Māori political leaders are also backing The March for Humanity, with endorsements received from the Pou Tikanga of The National Iwi Chairs Forum, and from Toitū Te Tiriti who led the Hīkoi mō Te Tiriti – the largest protest in the nation’s history – in 2024.

“Māori stand with Indigenous Palestinians against the genocidal violence of the Israeli settler state, and call on the New Zealand government to impose economic sanctions on Israel,” said March for Humanity Māori spokesperson, Dr Arama Rata.

The March for Humanity is expected to be the largest Palestine protest in New Zealand history, with many groups planning to travel to the march from outside of Auckland.

March organisers are also encouraging politicians who are opposed to the genocide to join the march to demand sanctions on Israel.

“We’re more than disappointed that so few political parties have shown themselves to be anti-genocide, but we extend this opportunity to politicians to listen to the people and demonstrate their commitment to humanity” stated Mortaja.

Organisations who would like to give their endorsement to the March for Humanity are encouraged to contact Aotearoa for Palestine via Facebook, Instagram or email at marchforhumanity@proton.me

Event Details:
Who: Aotearoa for Palestine
What: March for Humanity
When: 9:30 AM, Saturday, 13 September 2025
Where: Assemble at Stafford Park, march across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, finish at Victoria Park
Why: Demanding sanctions on Israel for genocide in Gaza.

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Health Sector – New campaign shines light on gambling’s silent harm

Source: Hapai Te Hauora

Hāpai Te Hauora, in collaboration with Te Rangihaeata Oranga Trust and Poutiri Charitable Trust, has launched a bold new campaign and digital platform to tackle gambling harm in Aotearoa.
The campaign features two ads – Their House Always Wins and The Game is Rigged, Don’t Get Played – highlighting how the gambling industry is designed to keep people hooked. Alongside the ads, the new digital platform Pātea provides a first-of-its-kind tool to help whānau pause, reflect on gambling behaviours, and connect with support.
Speakers at the launch described gambling as a silent harm – often hidden from view but deeply felt by whānau. The kaupapa is already gaining traction online, with comments calling it “super important kaupapa,” “powerful, creative, relatable,” and “hard truth.”
Jason Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Hāpai Te Hauora, said both the campaign and the app are about rebalancing power towards whānau.
“These two things are both important to help shift the balance back towards whānau. Firstly, a campaign to help whānau understand the harm from gambling – it’s not just harmless fun. And then the Pātea, our digital app to give them some tools to help them get through any harms they’re suffering from.”
Jessikha Makoare, General Manager of Hāpai Te Hauora, said the campaign comes at a critical time as gambling exposure for tamariki and whānau is set to increase.
“Our tamariki and whānau are already exposed to gambling harms, and with new regulations allowing advertising and up to 15 more online casino licences, this will only get worse. The new normal we need to see is a collective understanding that gambling is harmful – and that the industry is operating exactly as it was intended to.”
The campaign was created by Mahitahi Agency in partnership with Hāpai Te Hauora, Te Rangihaeata Oranga Trust, and Poutiri Charitable Trust.
With gambling losses in Aotearoa sitting at over $2.6 billion each year, Māori and Pasifika continue to be disproportionately affected. Hāpai Te Hauora says the campaign is about reframing the conversation away from individual blame and toward system-level accountability, while equipping communities with tools to resist and reclaim control. For more information, to view the campaign videos or to try the Pātea app, visit: https://hapai.co.nz/gamblingharm/