Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Crossroads: Business demands bold 2050 plan

Source: BusinessNZ

A new report by BusinessNZ calls for bold, long-term planning to enable a greater New Zealand by 2050.
The report titled New Zealand 2050: A Long-Term Vision, makes a case for a bipartisan national plan to redefine NZ’s competitiveness, social cohesion, and global standing by 2050.
Starting with NZ’s looming challenge of lower economic growth following from low population growth, the report argues for a managed approach to population and more expansive immigration.
The report outlines how the country is facing a labour shortage of at least a quarter of a million before 2050, and points to Statistics NZ’s estimate of a 1 in 4 chance that NZ will have no population growth at all by 2050 – a shrinking NZ, unable to pay for healthcare and pensions and unable to generate enough economic growth to sustain even a reduced population.
The report’s author, BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard, says there's still time to change course, but we need to act now.
“As a country, we have amazing ‘X factors’ that could be exploited to catapult our growth. Take for example New Zealand’s bountiful resource of renewable clean energy that could enable industries as diverse as green hydrogen production, data centres and digital infrastructure, steel, aluminium, energy-intensive food processing, to name a few.
“We also have enormous potential to build profitable niche clusters in specialty areas like food science and agri-tech, aerospace and autonomous systems, semiconductor materials and fusion science, digital exports, critical minerals and marine resources, and medical technology.
Beard says achieving such outcomes would require bold, long-term planning, led by bipartisan politicians, informed by public debate, and supported by public buy-in.
“In the first instance, it would require a certain level of bipartisan agreement on NZ’s current big decisions like superannuation, immigration, infrastructure provision, and long-term investment issues.
“It’s not a pipedream. We’ve already seen areas where there is broad support, including trade and Kaiwisaver.”
A recent survey of the BusinessNZ membership shows their number one concern was reversal of government policies following elections, affecting business certainty.
“We need to have a long-term plan for success because political flip-flops and U-turns mean that every time we have a change in government, New Zealand only goes sideways.”
Beard says the report is a call to action and an invitation to take part in a national discussion on shaping NZ’s future by 2050.
The report New Zealand 2050: A Long-Term Vision is available to read on the BusinessNZ website now: https://businessnz.org.nz/resources_category/reports-publications
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Fire Safety – Spate of avoidable fires linked to storm clean-up in Southland

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

A spate of hedge fires in Southland over the last 10 days has prompted Fire and Emergency to remind anyone wanting to burn to think carefully before lighting up debris piles from last month’s storm.
District Manager Julian Tohiariki says there are two common causes of fires getting out of control – both easily avoided.
“People have been setting fire to debris from the big winds at the end of October, without giving enough thought to where they have built their piles. They’re often much too close to hedges, shelterbelts and other vegetation.”
The second cause relates to people lighting up their burn piles without checking the weather forecast.
“At this time of year we do expect windy conditions and unsettled weather,” Julian Tohiariki says. 
“A fire that is not properly extinguished can reignite days later in windy conditions so we ask people to be aware of this and check that any fires they have lit are actually out. Wind will fan the flames, blow embers around and make it much harder to keep control of their fire.”
The outcome is frequently a 111 call that results in the local volunteer fire brigade having to put the fire out – often after significant damage to the property and sometimes affecting neighbours’ land as well.
Vegetation fires can burn for days if they become established and deep-seated. Extinguishing them often requires significant resources.
“This is putting a lot of pressure on our volunteer firefighters at a time when they are also really busy on their own properties,” Julian Tohiariki says. “Many of them are farmers themselves. They are also dealing with damage from the storm and doing their regular jobs at the same time.
“They always want to help their community but none of them want to be dealing with these completely avoidable fires.”
Anyone who uses fire as a land management tool needs to look at the weather forecast and go online to www.checkitsalright.nz for advice about safe burning.
Here are three tips to help avoid unwanted fires.
– Place the burn pile on the lee side (sheltered side) at least 30 metres away from trees, hedges, sheds or other structures, and Avoid powerlines.
– Create a five metre fire break to stop a creeping ground fire
– Always check www.checkitsalright.nz before burning, to be sure that it is safe to burn and understand any restrictions for your location, including if you need a fire permit.
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Climate Action – New Zealand sinks even further in global climate action rankings – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Fresh off its humiliating “ Fossil of the Day” award at COP30 in Brazil, New Zealand has again been called out on the world stage for backsliding on climate action.
The latest Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) – published annually by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and Climate Action Network – shows New Zealand dropping three more places, from 41st to 44th. Analysts say the slide is driven by the Government’s climate rollbacks, including repealing the oil and gas ban and weakening methane targets.
Greenpeace Aotearoa spokesperson Amanda Larsson says the fall is a stark warning.
“New Zealand was once seen as a climate leader. Now we’re scraping the bottom of the barrel thanks to this Government’s war on nature.
“We’re a country with a proud history of punching above our weight. It’s humiliating that our current crop of political leaders are trashing that legacy to let big polluters profit from wrecking our environment and our kids’ future.”
Since taking office, Christopher Luxon’s Government has paved the way for fast-tracking coal mines on conservation land, promised taxpayer subsidies for offshore oil and gas drilling, and bowed to livestock industry lobbyists by weakening rules for the country’s most polluting sector – intensive dairying.
CCPI analysts singled out the erosion of New Zealand’s previously bipartisan climate law, pointing specifically to the decision to weaken methane targets despite clear opposition from scientists, the Climate Change Commission and other political parties.
“Luxon’s Government has torched sensible climate policies – from cleaner cars to support for manufacturers to move off coal – and offered nothing credible in their place.
“Luxon and Simon Watts keep regurgitating the same old lines about being ‘committed to Paris’, even as they push policies that increase climate pollution. It’s a pretty transparent attempt to gloss over the fact that they’re letting polluters set the rules in their own interests – while ordinary people, including our kids and grandkids, bear the consequences.”
Denmark – which last year introduced a livestock emissions tax and has fostered a world-leading offshore wind industry – remains at the top of the index, followed by the UK and Morocco. Petrostates including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and the United States rank at the bottom.
As in previous years, the top three positions remain empty because no country is acting fast enough.
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Appointments – Fusion5 appoints Deepak Nangia as Group CEO

Source: FUSION5

19 November, Auckland, New Zealand: Australasian systems integrator Fusion5 has announced the appointment of Deepak Nangia as Group CEO.
Nangia is an experienced leader in IT and Professional Services businesses, having held senior leadership roles at Satyam (now Tech Mahindra), Capgemini, and, most recently, EY.
Rebecca Tohill, Executive Chair – Fusion5, says Nangia’s appointment will help lead the business into its next phase of growth and expansion. “We believe the market potential locally and further abroad is enormous, both in our traditional focus areas of business applications, and in our high growth areas of Managed Services, Data & Integration, AI, Commerce, and Transformation & Advisory. Deepak brings significant knowledge and experience in these growth areas, both locally and in Asia, which will be beneficial to us as we grow our structure to support a much larger business.”
“I’m truly delighted to join the Fusion5 family,” says Deepak Nangia, Group CEO for Fusion5 Australia and New Zealand. “Fusion5 has a remarkable reputation. It’s clear that the strong foundations it has built are the result of years of hard work, commitment, and high standards set by every member of the Fusion5 team. That foundation is exactly why I'm here and excited to lead Fusion5 into its next era of growth.”
Nangia officially joined Fusion5 in late October. He is based in Sydney but will share his time between Fusion5’s offices in New Zealand and Australia.
About Fusion5
Fusion5 helps organisations improve performance by connecting people, processes, and technology. With expertise spanning business applications, cloud, infrastructure, and AI, Fusion5 brings together the platforms and partnerships that power better decisions, stronger operations, and lasting growth.
With a team of more than 950 innovators, Fusion5 works alongside its clients to turn strategy into measurable results – driving productivity, performance, and competitive advantage in a constantly evolving digital world.
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More people identifying with Māori ethnicity – Māori population estimates: At 30 June 2025 – Stats NZ news story and information release


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


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Education – Open letter from Howick and Pakuranga Principals’ Association

Source: NZ Principals Federation

Open Letter follows:
He tono kia rongo, kia kōrero tahi, kia whakatika – A call for listening, dialogue, and action
Tēnā koe Minister,
On behalf of the Howick and Pakuranga Principals’ Association (HPPA), representing primary school leaders across Tāmaki Makaurau’s eastern suburbs, we write to express our collective concern regarding the current scale, pace, and direction of education policy reform.
The ongoing change overload facing schools is unsustainable and places at risk both the quality of education for our ākonga and the wellbeing of tumuaki and kaiako.
HPPA fully endorses the recent statements and positions of the New Zealand Principals’ Federation (NZPF), our regional colleagues and other peak bodies regarding the key areas of reform currently before the sector.
Howick and Pakuranga principals are deeply concerned about the continued revisions to the English and Mathematics/Statistics curricula, this being the third significant change within two years. These repeated adjustments have led to confusion, workload pressure, and uncertainty for schools already stretched by competing demands.
We strongly urge that the timeframe for implementation be extended until at least Term 3, 2026, to provide schools with adequate time to engage with, unpack, and meaningfully embed these changes through high-quality professional learning and development.
Regarding the broader curriculum areas and the move toward a knowledge-rich curriculum, the current implementation timelines are unworkable. Success requires authentic, on-the-ground engagement with those who know what works best for ākonga, principals, teachers, and leadership teams. While we acknowledge the resources provided, the pace and sequencing of reform are unrealistic.
In alignment with NZPF, HPPA supports the following actions for principals:
● Refrain from engaging with the Ministry of Education on the 19 October curriculum changes to English and Mathematics/Statistics until sector concerns are addressed.
● Call for the implementation of the Mathematics and Statistics curriculum to be extended to Term 3, 2026.
● Continue any existing PLD commitments linked to the 2024 draft English, Mathematics, and Statistics curricula for Years 0-10.
HPPA is deeply concerned by the amendment to the Education and Training Act that has removed Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities from school boards.
Our association and members are firmly committed to Te Tiriti. That commitment is reflected in our practice, policies, and community partnerships. Schools across the Howick and Pakuranga area have been intentional in embedding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in ways that strengthen relationships, inclusion, and outcomes for all learners.
Any move to weaken these responsibilities would be a significant step backward in our shared journey toward equity and partnership in education.
HPPA strongly opposes the proposed changes to the Teaching Council’s governance structure and role. Reducing elected representation or shifting professional regulation under direct Ministry control undermines the independence and credibility of our profession.
An independent, sector-led Teaching Council is essential to maintain trust, uphold professional standards, and ensure that decisions about teacher conduct, development, and registration remain in the hands of those who understand education best.
Minister, Howick and Pakuranga principals are not opposed to reform. Our concern lies with the pace, sequencing, and lack of authentic consultation that currently characterises education change. Sustainable, research-informed, and collaboratively developed reform is essential if it is to achieve lasting improvement for ākonga.
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Defence News – NZDF and researchers confirm 85 Cook Islands soldiers eligible for Second World War service medals

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

The families of 85 Cook Islanders who served in the local military but missed out on their medals due to being discharged prior to the end of the Second World War, are now able to apply for these medals.

The Cook Islands Local Defence Force (CILDF) was formed in April 1941 to provide for the local defence of the islands. It was demobilised and reverted to a Territorial Force in 1943.

Most of the 85 individuals are eligible for the War Medal 1939-1945 and the New Zealand War Service Medal.  Individuals who served for 18 months or more are also eligible for the Defence Medal.  Those who enlisted after the Force reverted to a Territorial Force in 1943 are eligible for the New Zealand War Service Medal.

While more than half the CILDF personnel were issued with medals in the early 1950s, others did not receive their medals as they were deemed ineligible for being discharged from service prior to the end of the war, often for minor disciplinary infractions.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) started looking into the situation at the request of the team of voluntary researchers at the Cook Islands Online Cenotaph.

NZDF Heritage, Commemorations and Protocol Director John McLeod said that after comparing how the CILDF medals were issued with the process used for the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2NZEF) servicemen, the NZDF supported issuing the medals to these veterans or their next of kin.

“In contrast, we are aware of several 2NZEF servicemen who were convicted of similar offenses or worse crimes.  These individuals were not discharged and still claimed their medals,” Mr McLeod said.

In modern times family members of New Zealand servicemen have also continued to receive medals regardless of offences that may have justified dismissal and forfeiture at the time.

“We are pleased that veterans or their families can now apply for their medals. This will help put right a situation that has persisted since the end of the War,” Mr McLeod said.

With the help of researchers Cate Walker and Bobby Nicholas, the NZDF has identified at least 85 members of the CILDF who are eligible for Second World War medals.

The NZDF is inviting any potentially surviving CILDF members who did not receive medals, or their family, to email their name to NZDF.PAM@nzdf.mil.nz to receive the application form.

Only one of each medal will be issued and family members are required to agree amongst themselves who will apply for and receive any unclaimed medals. Documentation will need to be provided, and a declaration form should be completed by the person who believes they have the best legal claim.

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Advocacy – UN Security Council Vote on the US Gaza Resolution: A Deeply Concerning and Risky Development for Palestinian Rights – PFNZ

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand expresses deep concern regarding the UN Security Council’s vote on the United States–backed resolution endorsing President Trump’s proposed “Gaza Plan.” While framed as a pathway toward stability, the resolution in its current form poses significant risks to Palestinian sovereignty, self-determination, and long-term justice.

Despite global recognition of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, this resolution fails to address core political realities and instead reinforces structures that have historically undermined Palestinian rights.

1. Foreign Control Over Gaza’s Future

The proposed international “stabilisation force” and the external governance body, termed the “Board of Peace,” effectively place Gaza under foreign administration. Such an arrangement sidelines Palestinian leadership, weakens national institutions, and risks entrenching a system where Palestinians have limited control over their own land and political destiny.

This approach repeats the mistakes of past interventions that imposed solutions rather than empowering the people most affected.

2. Forced Demilitarisation Without Addressing Root Causes

The resolution’s emphasis on “decommissioning weapons” and destroying Palestinian resistance infrastructure ignores the fundamental issue: Palestinians live under occupation and systematic oppression. Attempting to enforce demilitarisation without ending occupation or addressing ongoing Israeli violations creates an imbalanced and unjust framework.

Such measures risk criminalising legitimate resistance while offering no guarantees for Palestinian security or protection.

3. Undermining Genuine Self-Determination

Although the resolution mentions a “pathway to Palestinian self-determination,” its conditional and externally dictated nature raises serious doubts. A true political solution must be built on free, inclusive Palestinian participation—not imposed benchmarks tied to foreign interests.

The language of statehood in the resolution is symbolic at best and misleading at worst, given that the mechanisms proposed actively limit Palestinian political agency.

4. Exclusion of Palestinian Voices

Key Palestinian political actors, civil society organisations, and humanitarian bodies were not consulted in crafting this plan. Palestinian perspectives are central to any viable, just outcome, yet the resolution treats the people of Gaza as passive recipients rather than equal partners.

A plan that excludes Palestinians from decision-making cannot produce lasting peace or justice.

5. Political Motivations and Regional Consequences

The plan has already generated divisions among global powers and within Israel itself. Becoming entangled in these political agendas risks further destabilising Gaza and prolonging suffering. A resolution built on geopolitical convenience instead of international law and human rights cannot foster genuine peace.

Our Position

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand asserts that:

Solutions for Gaza must be grounded in international law, Palestinian sovereignty, and the right to self-determination.

Reconstruction and governance must empower Palestinian institutions, not bypass or replace them.

Security arrangements must protect Palestinian civilians, not entrench foreign control or occupation.

A just peace can only emerge through addressing root causes: occupation, blockade, displacement, and systematic violations of Palestinian rights.

We call on the New Zealand Government, civil society, and international partners to approach this resolution with caution, uphold principles of justice, and ensure that any framework for Gaza respects the dignity and rights of the Palestinian people.

Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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Will more approved consents be targeted by Greens?

Source: Aggregate and Quarry Association of NZ

The quarry industry fears it may be the next target of a Green Party pledge to over-turn fast-tracked resource consents for mining.
Aggregate and Quarry Association CEO Wayne Scott says the Greens announcement has all the hallmarks of a political PR stunt but it’s still unnerving for any party to threaten to revoke projects approved under New Zealand law.
“The Greens promise that in Government they would revoke any consents provided under the fast-track process for coal, hardrock gold and seabed mining.
“If they are prepared to threaten these consents, what security exists for consents for sand extracted from harbours and river mouths for concrete construction or shipping channel dredging which happens across New Zealand?
He says such activities can also be defined as seabed mining.
Scott says some quarries extract sand and gravel from river surrounds to provide foundation materials and reduce flood risk.
“The Green Party supports a 'room for rivers' approach to allow braided rivers to take their natural course. Are quarries operating on flood plains going to be next on a Green hit list which ends more legally approved resource consents as well as increasing flood risks?”
‘We also have more than 1,000 quarries sited around the country. All have resource consents or permits but sometimes they face vociferous opponents.
“Are these legally operating sites safe or might the Greens next pander to those opponents?
Wayne Scott says quarries provide the base materials for every home, building, road and other infrastructure. This sees an average of 1kg used every hour for every individual in New Zealand.
He says the Green Party knows its only likely role in a Government is with the Labour Party which has affirmed that it would not overturn any fast-track resource consents if it wins office.
“We can only hope the Green Party's announcement yesterday is simply the party playing to its base with no intention to make this a bottom line. If not, we could be on a slippery slope where anything the Greens deem inappropriate is in the firing line, even if it’s been approved under our laws.” 
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Finance Sector – Borrowers warned of lender loyalty tax despite improving credit climate

Source: Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand

November 18, 2025 – Borrowers are in the box seat to secure better loan deals amid signs of improving credit conditions yet many will still be paying more than they should, according to the Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ).

FAMNZ managing director Peter White AM said the encouraging credit outlook revealed in credit bureau Centrix’s October Credit Indicator was good reason for borrowers to scale up their ambition.

According to the report, new residential mortgage lending climbed 21.1 per cent year-on-year, with total new household lending up 20.2 per cent.

“Smart borrowers can leverage falling interest rates to help them get a better deal on their loan, provided they have the right plan,” he said.

However Mr White also warned borrowers not to fall into the “loyalty tax” trap, which sees lenders offer new customers lower rates than existing customers.

“Existing borrowers shouldn’t be penalised for years of loyalty by lenders who reward new customers with sweetheart details never offered to them.”

He said that with increased competition in the home loan and personal loan markets, borrowers may be in a stronger position than they realise to secure a better deal.

His advice was to, “regularly review your home loan and personal borrowings and contact your current lender to seek a better rate – and if they don’t deliver, see a mortgage adviser.”

“Don’t just accept what your bank tells you, as mortgage advisers have access to a far wider range of products best suited to your circumstances.”

“There is plenty of competition, and while banks can only sell you their products, a mortgage adviser can tailor a product suited to your unique circumstances.”