Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Advocacy – Welcoming home the best of New Zealand – Will Alexander – Christchurch Airport 2.45pm today – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa

Palestine solidarity supporters will be welcoming home Will Alexander this afternoon at 2.45pm at Christchurch airport. Will and his partner Ava Mulla were part of the latest flotilla to try to break the Israeli siege of Gaza.

Will and Ava were aboard the “Conscience” which, along with eight smaller boats, was illegally intercepted by Israel on Wednesday last week in international waters while on its way to deliver desperately needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The New Zealand government has not protested this seizure of New Zealand citizens in international waters.

Will and Ava were taken to the “terrorist” prison of Ketziot and with the others were subjected to harsh detention conditions and degrading treatment until flown to Istanbul, Turkiye. Will is flying on to New Zealand and Ava to Germany. 

Will and Ava represent the best of New Zealand values of compassion and caring and being prepared to uphold those values for all human beings. Our government represents something else.

We invite media representatives to report on Will’s mission and his welcome home.

John Minto
Co-Chair PSNA

Posted on

Civil Defence – Prioritising prevention: Building a resilient New Zealand

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

 

Key government and private sector organisations are calling for stronger action to reduce risk before disaster strikes.

 

Marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC), and the Insurance Council of New Zealand | Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ) are urging more coordinated resilience-building to help protect people, property and communities across Aotearoa.

 

“On a personal level, it’s crucial to build your own resilience first, and that of your whānau and community,” John Price, NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management says.

 

“If we invest in our resilience now, we’ll be more prepared when we’re tested later.”

 

NHC invests in resilience projects that reduce natural hazard impacts through research, education, and information and advice on risk reduction.

“In a country at high risk of natural hazards, it is important that we all make evidence-based decisions for safer buildings and land use planning,” says Tina Mitchell, Chief Executive of NHC.

 

NHC also works to ensure high-quality data on natural hazards is available to decision-makers.

 

“A key priority for NHC is establishing a national view of risk so it guides resilience efforts in all its forms,” Tina Mitchell says.

 

ICNZ Chief Executive Kris Faafoi says the best time to act is before disaster strikes.

 

“The likelihood of more intense and severe weather events is rising, and New Zealand must prioritise risk reduction to protect communities and maintain insurance accessibility for all Kiwis,” he says.

 

Kris Faafoi is also calling for accelerated progress on New Zealand’s Climate Adaptation Framework and continued cooperation across all sectors to ensure the nation is better prepared for future challenges.

 

“Avoiding high-risk areas and investing in resilient infrastructure isn’t just the right thing to do, it makes economic sense. Research shows every $1 invested in flood risk reduction can save up to $4 in future response and recovery costs.”

 

NEMA, NHC and ICNZ recently signed a partnership to strengthen New Zealand’s disaster resilience through closer collaboration and knowledge sharing.

 

“We have significant expertise available in New Zealand – if we build on existing partnerships and co-ordinate effort, it will take us a long way,” says Tina Mitchell.

 

Mr Price says everyone can play a part.

 

“Get to know your neighbours and people in your community now, so that when an emergency happens, first responders can focus on those who need it most.

 

“Closely knit communities are more resilient because they’re more likely to look out for each other and help rebuild afterwards.”

 

New Zealanders can also take part in ShakeOut, the national earthquake drill, on 16 October. Visit shakeout.govt.nzto sign up and learn how to be better prepared.

Posted on

Luxon "goes full Trump" with climate-denying methane backdown – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace
The Government has confirmed it will rewrite New Zealand’s once bipartisan climate change law to water down methane targets and permanently exclude agriculture from the Emissions Trading Scheme – a move Greenpeace says amounts to full-blown climate denial.
“This is truly astounding,” says Greenpeace Aotearoa climate campaigner, Amanda Larsson. “Luxon has gone full-on Trump. He’s choosing climate denial and corporate profits over our kids’ future.”
The decision will weaken targets for biogenic methane – mostly from livestock – despite strong warnings from climate scientists that doing so could derail the global fight against climate change.
“New Zealand is the world’s biggest dairy exporter. If we back down on cutting emissions from our most polluting industry, you can bet other big livestock-producing countries will jump on the bandwagon. That could be game over for the climate,” says Larsson.
“As if it wasn’t bad enough that people can’t afford butter while Fonterra banks huge profits – now Luxon’s handing big dairy a free pass to keep polluting, at the expense of a liveable future for our kids.
“This is about profits for a few, at the expense of climate catastrophe for millions.”
At the heart of the move to reduce methane targets is a controversial accounting trick called “no additional warming”, designed to justify continued high levels of agricultural methane emissions – even as science shows they must fall fast.
“It’s a political trick dressed up as science,” says Larsson. “It pretends current methane emissions are fine – when in reality, they’re fuelling the climate crisis.”
The decision comes after heavy lobbying from the meat and dairy industries – sectors now directly represented in government, with former Federated Farmers lobbyist Andrew Hoggard holding key ministerial roles. Even today, Federated Farmers’ response to the new methane targets was released before the Government decision was publicly available, highlighting close links between industry lobbyists and Government.
Larsson says, “Luxon might think he’s doing the livestock industry a solid but, really, he is throwing farmers under the bus. Today’s announcement is a signal to our climate-concerned trading partners to start looking elsewhere.”
Earlier this year, dozens of climate scientists wrote an open letter, featured on the front page of the Financial Times, urging Prime Minister Christopher Luxon not to weaken New Zealand’s methane target. They called instead for stronger ambition, in line with advice from the independent Climate Change Commission.
Today’s announcement follows other major climate U-turns – including lifting the offshore oil and gas exploration ban and pledging $200 million in fossil fuel subsidies.
Both moves conflict with international climate law and trade agreements, and could carry legal consequences under the recent International Court of Justice advisory opinion and clauses in New Zealand’s trade deals with the EU and UK.
Notes:
Methane is responsible for nearly a third of today’s global warming. It’s a short-lived but super-potent gas – over 80 times more powerful than CO₂ over 20 years. Slashing methane, particularly from livestock, is seen by scientists as the fastest way to slow warming in our lifetimes – a vital “emergency brake”.
Posted on

Federated Farmers – Government ends methane madness

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is welcoming major changes to New Zealand’s climate policy as a long overdue and practical step that will be well received by farmers.
“Kiwi farmers have been bogged down in completely unscientific, unaffordable and unrealistic climate policy for far too long,” says Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford.
“At times it’s felt like absolute madness that we’d even be talking about policies that would shut down farms, send production offshore, and completely undermine New Zealand’s economy.
“Unfortunately, that’s exactly where we found ourselves as a country, losing sight of the fact our farmers are the most climate-friendly producers of milk and meat in the world.
“The impact on farmer confidence can’t be overstated. Farming families have been under huge pressure for a long time now – but it looks like that’s finally coming to an end.”
Today the Government has announced the current 2050 methane target of 24-47% will be significantly reduced to a much more realistic target of 14-24%.
Langford says the target of 24-47% has lacked any credible science to underpin it and left farmers scratching their heads wondering where those numbers came from.
“It was an entirely political and ideologically driven decision that placed an unfair burden on farmers and rural communities, while pulling the handbrake on the economy at the same time.
“This new target brings New Zealand’s climate policy in line with what the research tells us is actually required to stop Kiwi farmers contributing to further warming.”
Federated Farmers made reviewing New Zealand’s methane reduction targets one of its 12 top policy priorities to help restore farmer confidence before the 2023 General Election.
“Today the Government has also categorically ruled out unfairly putting a price on agricultural emissions like methane,” Langford says.
“This is a major step forward and will be a huge relief for farming families who have had the threat of a massive tax hanging over our heads threatening the viability of our businesses.
“A methane tax would have achieved the opposite of its intent – forcing the closure of Kiwi farms, driving production to less efficient countries, and increasing global emissions.”
Federated Farmers is also welcoming news that New Zealand’s climate laws will be rewritten to align with the wording of the Paris Agreement and ensure food production is protected.
“The world’s growing population is desperate for healthy, nutritious and affordable food. New Zealand can play a significant role in meeting that need,” Langford says.
“It makes absolutely no sense to add unnecessary costs to food production, or unfairly punish farmers, when that was never the intention of the Paris Agreement.”
As part of its policy reset on methane the Government has also committed to investigate setting a split-gas target for all future international climate change commitments.
“New Zealand has recognised the short-lived nature and different warming impact of methane in our domestic targets since 2019,” Langford says.
“It’s only logical that we would take the same approach with our international targets. Why would we take one approach here at home and then another on the world stage?
“Federated Farmers has long campaigned for the Government to take this approach to international targets, so we’ll keep pushing hard to make sure this happens.” 
Posted on

Local Govt Elections – Progress results – Porirua City Elections 2025

Source: Porirua City Council

Progress results in the Porirua City local body elections are now available, including all votes cast up until midday Friday, other than special votes.
Still to be counted are 2844 votes received between midday Friday and midday Saturday, and 797 special votes.
Based on the progress results, current Mayor Anita Baker has been re-elected receiving 6741 votes. Kathleen finished second, with 5367 votes, followed by Ura Wilson-Pokoati with 1139 votes.
Elected in the Onepoto General Ward are Kathleen Filo (1234 votes), Geoff Hayward (1002 votes), Mike Duncan (914 votes), Izzy Ford (900 votes) and Hemi Fermanis (852 votes).
In the Pāuatahanui General Ward the successful candidates are Josh Trlin (1380 votes), Nathan Waddle (1320 votes), Moira Lawler (1228 votes) and Ross Leggett (1225).
In the Parirua Māori Ward, Kylie Wihapi has received 790 votes, ahead of Jess Te Huia on 731 votes, Raniera Albert on 253 votes, and Rawinia Rimene on 164 votes.
Voters have opted to keep the Māori Ward. There were 8897 votes to keep and 4150 to remove.
In response to the non-binding poll, voters were in favour of working with other councils in the Wellington region to explore the possibility of creating one single council (7404 votes for and 5622 against).
Preliminary results will be released once the votes from Friday and Saturday are counted. This will likely be Sunday 12 October 2025. These results will include the 2844 votes received between midday Friday and midday Saturday, but not the 797 special votes.
Final results will be released once the special votes are counted and these are expected on 16 October, though this may change.
For more details of the progress results visit poriruacity.govt.nz/elections
Posted on

Save the Children – Girls Pay the Price As Aid Cuts Hit Countries with Deepest Gender Inequality

Source: Save the Children

About 167 million adolescent girls growing up in countries with the widest gender equality gaps are among those worst hit by this years’ aid cuts, with the massive fall in global aid having a disproportionate impact on countries where it is hardest to be a girl, according to Save the Children analysis.
The analysis, released on International Day of the Girl, found that 17 of the 20 countries most severely affected by global aid cuts this year were ranked as having ‘poor’ (4) or ‘very poor’ (13) gender equality on the global SDG Gender Index .
Girls living in Jamaica, Eswatini and Namibia are among the worst impacted – with the highest nexus of reduction in per capita country programmable aid and gender inequality – but around 167 million adolescent girls now have fewer opportunities to achieve their basic rights such as go to school, and face greater risks of violence and exclusion [1].
The aid cuts come in a year already devastating for girls living in crisis-affected countries, with more than 3.5 million adolescent girls affected by natural disasters and their aftermath since the beginning of this year and 122 million living with the uncertainty, fear and tragedy that come with life in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
Despite these emergencies, global aid has fallen about 14%, with US$22 billion lost in essential programmes and humanitarian support [2].
For many girls this translates directly into lost dreams, with no single country on track to achieve gender equality by 2030, a global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target agreed by world leaders to help achieve more peaceful and prosperous societies.
Maria-, 16, lives in a refugee camp in Tanzania, one of the countries with low levels of gender equality and where girls have been worst impacted by 2025 aid cuts. She dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon. However, recent reductions in school services have made it difficult for her to continue her education. She told Save the Children:
“I want to study, I want to be a doctor, but without the right materials, it feels like I'm losing the fight. When we are given tests, only a few of us can do them because many don’t have notebooks. It feels unfair, but what can we do?”
Isack, Maria’s teacher, said attendance rates, dropouts and academic performance at the school have worsened because funding cuts mean children no longer receive free notebooks and girls cannot receive the sanitary pads they need to attend school.
Inger Ashing, Save the Children International CEO, said:
“Girls growing up in countries impacted by massive aid cuts were already facing disproportionate barriers to realising their rights. Now, with programmes halted and essential services reduced, these girls are facing increasing risks of violence, inequality and conflict with even less support.
“Hope lies with girls. They are organising in their communities, fighting for climate justice, demanding an end to violence and reimagining their futures. Girls are asking to be seen not only for the challenges they face, but for who they are and the solutions they bring.
“Not a single country on earth is on track to achieve gender equality by 2030, and at current rates a girl born today will have to wait until her 97th birthday – beyond her expected lifespan – to celebrate an equal society.
“Global governments, corporates and leaders must invest and re-invest in girls. Gender equality is a critical foundation for peace, economic and social development. Girls have a crucial stake in the future of gender equality and of global development cooperation, and we have a responsibility to support them.”
As a child rights organisation dedicated to ensuring all children have an equal opportunity to survive, learn, and live free from violence, Save the Children works around the world to support girls’ empowerment and gender equality.
This includes supporting the meaningful participation of girls in decision-making, providing improved and inclusive gender-responsive access to services, conducting research and budget analysis to inform good practice programming, laws and policies, and advocating to ensure decision-makers are accountable to girls.
Content
NOTES:
Posted on

Tatauranga umanga Māori – Statistics on Māori businesses: June 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release


This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com


Unsubscribe

Posted on

Civil Defence – Are New Zealanders overconfident about emergency readiness? New survey suggests we’re “working backwards”

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

New Zealanders know more and more about the hazards they live alongside – but the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)’s Annual Preparedness survey (attached) suggests they’re not taking steps to prepare themselves and their whānau.

NEMA’s annual survey monitors how prepared New Zealanders are for emergencies, and how they respond during and after an emergency event.

This year’s survey found that although 91% of New Zealanders thought it was quite or very important to be prepared for an emergency, only 40% had taken steps to prepare themselves or their household for an emergency in the past 12 months.

Despite this, 51% of respondents felt they were very or quite well prepared for an emergency (up from 46% in 2024), and 64% believe they know a lot or a fair amount about preparing for one (a 10% increase since 2022).

“When it comes to household preparedness, confidence levels may have increased, but the number of people taking the real steps to prepare themselves has stayed the same,” John Price, NEMA’s Director of Civil Defence Emergency Management, says.

“This gap between perception and action leaves many New Zealanders vulnerable during emergencies. Your safety is your responsibility, because there may not be a cavalry on the way when you need it.

“In an emergency, professional first responders like Police, Fire and Emergency and Civil Defence staff have to focus on rescues and helping the people who are most at risk – they can’t waste valuable time helping people who haven’t done their bit.

“If you haven’t prepared, you could be putting other people at risk. Being prepared will prevent harm to you and those you care about.”

NEMA has been surveying New Zealanders about emergency readiness since 2006, and the results show that preparedness increases by 10-15% after major events like the Canterbury quakes or Cyclone Gabrielle, but decreases after that.

“If you’re waiting for an emergency to happen before you start preparing for one, you’re working backwards,” Price says. “It can feel overwhelming at first, but creating a plan doesn’t have to happen all at once.

““Making a plan is easy, quick, costs nothing, and will make a huge difference in an emergency. Just ask some simple questions – like where to go, who needs our help, and who can help us.

“You can start small and build it up gradually – every step you take makes a difference for you and your community.”

John Price encouraged New Zealanders to join over 700,000 others in signing up to next week’s ShakeOut earthquake drill and tsunami hikoi – and to take the opportunity to make a plan for your household.

The survey also highlighted the role of public education campaigns, and how they prompt New Zealanders to take action. Nearly half of New Zealanders recall NEMA’s “Long Strong, Get Gone” advertising campaign, and 42% of those who saw it took action or spoke to someone about preparedness.

The “Flood Waters are Deep Trouble” campaign – heavily-targeted ads that run during severe weather events – also prompted action among 64% of those who saw it.

To learn more about how to prepare your household for an emergency, visit NEMA’s Get Ready site atgetready.govt.nz.

Posted on

Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa – Outdoor Access Commission Announces New Chief Executive

Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission

The Board of Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Wildy as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr Wildy will succeed Ric Cullinane, who has retired after a tenure as a long-serving and highly respected leader of the organisation.
Herenga ā Nuku is the Crown agency responsible for enhancing free, certain, enduring, and practical public access to the outdoors. The Commission works to protect and extend access to the outdoors for walking, biking, horse riding, fishing, hunting, and other forms of recreation, ensuring that New Zealanders can enjoy the outdoors.
Dr Wildy brings over 27 years of public sector leadership experience, with a strong background in governance, strategic transformation, and operational delivery. He is currently serving as Director: National Intelligence at New Zealand Police, where he has led significant national initiatives in intelligence and public safety.
Dr Wildy began his career in the New Zealand Army, serving in various roles both nationally and overseas. He is a graduate of the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (History)-awarded with placement on the Dean’s List-as well as a Master of Strategic Studies with Merit.
Dr Wildy is also a tramper, hunter, angler and advocate for the outdoors. His connection to the land and outdoor recreation aligns with the values of Herenga ā Nuku.
The Board is confident that Dr Wildy’s strategic leadership, collaborative approach, and appreciation for nature will guide the organisation into an exciting new chapter. We look forward to working with him to continue strengthening public access to the outdoors.
Posted on

Māori Unity, Focus, and a Progressive Path Forward – Mike Smith

Source: Mike Smith: Keep the Journey Moving — Māori Unity, Focus, and a Progressive Path Forward

Veteran Māori activist Mike Smith is urging Te Pāti Māori and the Toitū te Tiriti group to move swiftly into the next phase of their political journey, saying now is not the time to stall or look backwards.

“There are always potholes along the road,” said Smith. “We try to avoid them, but sometimes we hit one. When that happens, we shouldn’t stop and drive back and forward over it. If you get a flat tyre, don’t keep driving on the rim—change the tyre and keep going. This is not about the potholes or the tyres. It’s about the journey and the destination—and most importantly, it’s about the whānau in the back seat.”

Smith said he’s encouraged to see Te Pāti Māori refocusing and repositioning as the year draws to a close.

“It’s good to see and hear that Te Pāti Māori is refocusing—it’s perfect timing to carry that energy into the new year. The kaupapa of Māori advancement is bigger than any single organisation. This is the moment to strengthen our collective resolve, not lose momentum.”

As part of this renewed push, Smith is calling for cross-party collaboration among Māori Members of Parliament from Te Pāti Māori, the Greens, and Labour, to deliver a solid, unified campaign agenda heading into next year’s elections.

“We need to start talking and working together now to shape a campaign platform that reflects the shared priorities of our people—tino rangatiratanga, justice, and a fair future for our mokopuna,” he said.

At the same time, Smith is calling on the Māori movement itself—including community organisations, hapū networks, and advocacy groups—to tighten its organisation and deliver a coherent, progressive development agenda capable of being enacted both inside and outside of government.

“Our strength lies not just in who we elect, but in how we organise. The movement must stay focused on building solutions—economic, social, and cultural—that can be delivered whether we’re in government or not. The next phase of our journey must be grounded in unity, discipline, and purpose.”

Smith emphasised that the political road ahead will not be smooth, but the focus must remain on the destination and the wellbeing of the whānau who depend on the movement’s leadership and courage.

“The road will always have bumps, but if we stay united and keep our eyes on the horizon, we’ll reach the destination our ancestors dreamed of. The most important thing is that we keep driving—together.”

Mike Smith
Veteran Activist and Climate Leader
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu