Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Health Research – Young people are missing out on access to mental health services

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Te Hiringa Mahara is calling for increased urgency to improve access to specialist mental health and addiction services for young people after new analysis shows a continued reduction in the number of young people accessing services.
Despite 15-to-24 year-olds reporting increasing levels of high psychological distress, our findings show fewer were seen by specialist services in the most recent year, and wait times show little sign of improvement.
“We are not alone in sounding the alarm, yet we continue to see too many young people missing out on vital specialist mental health and addiction care when they need it,” said Karen Orsborn, Chief Executive.
“We’ve got to ensure young people know where to seek help and when they do, there is capacity and workforce available to respond in a way that works for them and their circumstances. This means help is available early, with a range of options and is responsive.
“We have been told by young people about the challenges they face gaining access to support. Not being able to access services can have devastating consequences for them and their whānau. Ensuring support is available when it’s most needed can reduce the lifelong effects of mental health issues.
“The data we have gathered clearly shows that the system is less responsive to the high level of mental health need of Māori, Pacific and disabled people. Options need to be available that are tailored for these young people to enable better mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
“It's vitally important that we close this gap, and it is becoming more urgent. At a population level young people are reporting increasing levels of psychological distress. In our summary of NZ Health Survey 2024-25 data, the trend of increasing high levels of psychological distress is not slowing down.
“We need to see focused action and sustained leadership to ensure young people receive the care and support they need in a timely way,” said Ms Orsborn.
The Commission has recommended that Health NZ take action to improve access to specialist mental health and addiction services for young people, including youth-specific crisis responses, streamlined pathways into care as well as an increased range of effective acute community options tailored for young people.
It is positive to see an overall increase in access to specialist mental health and addiction services and the new primary and community services in the 2024/25 year.
“We are very pleased to see that over 6,000 more people accessed specialist mental health and addiction services, something that is largely due to an increase in the workforce. The Access and Choice programme saw close to 29,000 additional people, including young people, however it is still falling short of the aim of 325,000 per year,” Ms Orsborn said.
Notes – summary of key findings
More people were able to access services overall
– 183,356 people used specialist services in 2024/25, an increase of 6,072 (3.4% increase) compared with 2023-24
– In 2024-25 236,300 people used Access and Choice programme services, up from 207,000 in 2023-24 (a 14% increase)
Young people are the age group who experienced the largest decrease in access
–  Over the last five years almost 5,000 fewer 19-25 year olds (a 20% decrease), and 2,800 fewer 0-18 year olds (a 6% decrease) accessed services.
–  Between 2023/24 and 2024/25, 390 fewer rangatahi and young people aged 19-24 used specialist services (a 2% decrease). Over the last five years the proportion of this population using services has decreased from 6.1% in 2020/21 to 4.9% in 2024/25.
–  69.6 per cent of young people aged 0-18 years met the target of people accessing specialist services seen within three weeks (set at 80%)
NZ Health Survey 2024/25 shows almost 23% of young people experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in 2024/25.
–  The number 15-24 year olds who experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the past 4 weeks has increased from 7.7% in 2014/15 to 22.9% in 2024/25
–  Young people (aged 15 to 24 years old), Pacific, Māori and disabled adults have the highest levels of psychological distress
Get a copy of the data summaries: www.mhwc.govt.nz/mointoring-2026
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Health and Employment – Allied Health workers ratify new collective agreement – PSA

Source: PSA

More than 12,300 Allied Health workers who are members of the PSA have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective agreement with Te Whatu Ora Health NZ, in a result that underlines the power of workers standing together.
“This collective agreement was reached as a result of PSA Allied Health workers who showed up, stood strong and held the line in the face of unrealistic initial pay offers,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“We didn’t get everything we wanted with the settlement but members have ratified these agreements after the Allied Health bargaining team recommended that they support it on the basis that it is the best offer the union is able to achieve at this time.
“These workers went on strike during the Mega Strike on 23 October 2025 as well as a further strike late last year and their actions have made a difference. This outcome after seven months of bargaining shows what workers can achieve when they stand together.”
The Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical collective covers a wide range of health professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, Māori health specialists, anaesthetic technicians, and scientists.
Workers will receive a pay increase of 2.5 per cent in year one from December 2025 and a further 2 per cent from December 2026. The agreement also includes a $500 lump sum payment for staff, a new pay scale for Sterile Sciences Technicians, commitments to improve safe staffing, a contractual commitment to advertise vacancies, and a $400,000 national professional development fund.
“Allied Health workers deliver essential care to New Zealanders every day. This settlement is recognition of that contribution and a reminder that in a health system under significant strain, the workers who keep it running need fair terms and conditions.”
Voting is now underway on a union-supported settlement for two other collectives that cover more than 4,000 other PSA members, including mental health and public health nurses, policy, advisory, knowledge and specialist workers. The PSA represents more than 26,000 workers employed by Health NZ.
“This ratification result is a positive step forward but there are major problems in our health system caused by the Government imposing job losses on Health NZ and failing to fund our health system properly.
“All political parties must commit to a properly funded public health system that ensures safe staffing levels, and delivers quality care for all New Zealanders, as well as pay equity for under-valued health workers.
“We can’t afford to keep going backwards as we have done under the cuts imposed by this government.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Statistical area 2 and 3 population projections: 2023(base)–2053 – (second instalment) – Stats NZ information release

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Greenpeace – Seabed miners ‘trespassed’ from Taranaki waters, after Fast Track withdrawal

Source: Greenpeace

Iwi representatives from Taranaki have delivered a ‘trespass’ notice to seabed miners in Sydney today, warning the company against pursuing any future plans to pillage the seabed in Aotearoa.
Hand delivered by Rukutai Watene of Ngāti Ruanui, alongside Greenpeace Aotearoa, the notice was served peacefully at the headquarters of Manuka Resources – parent company of Trans Tasman Resources (TTR). Manuka Resources Co-Founder Haydn Lynch was on site but refused to engage with Watene or Greenpeace Aotearoa and shut himself in an office.
For over a decade TTR has been trying – and failing – to start an iron sand mining operation off the coast of Taranaki.
The notice “expels” the company from Taranaki, and comes after TTR withdrew from the Fast Track process after the panel issued a draft rejection of their seabed mining proposal earlier this month.
Rukutai Watene, who delivered the notice, says:
“We are here today to send a clear message that seabed mining is not wanted or needed in Aotearoa. We’ve fought Trans-Tasman Resources multiple times since 2014 and we’ve won every time, even at the Supreme Court. Article two of Te Tiriti o Waitangi guarantees Māori authority over our taonga. We will protect Papatūānuku, from the maunga to the moana. Seabed mining won’t ever take place on our watch.”
In February, the Fast Track Panel issued its draft decision denying TTR approval for its project. The decision was celebrated by the iwi, communities and environmentalists who have fought this mine every step of the way. Last week TTR announced they were withdrawing from the Fast Track process before the final decision was issued.
Juressa Lee, Greenpeace Aotearoa’s seabed mining campaigner says:
“This activity serves as a warning to Manuka and TTR: stay away, do not try to revive your plan, or expect resistance. The message from iwi, Taranaki locals, environmental groups and the New Zealand public has been united and clear for decades: no seabed mining is welcome in Aotearoa.”
“TTR has a habit of ditching official processes when they don’t go their way and exploring other “easier” avenues to resurrect their zombie project. We’re here to say any attempt to start seabed mining in Aotearoa – whatever avenues or workarounds mining companies try to use – will face strong resistance.”
In 2024, the company withdrew from the Environment Protection Authority consenting process right before the new Fast Track legislation was announced, providing TTR a new pathway.
Later that same year, Ngāti Ruanui and Greenpeace representatives interrupted Manuka’s AGM, calling for them to withdraw their seabed mining plans.
Lee says, “Even with pro-industry ministers desperate to help get seabed mining over the line, TTR has failed yet again to prove their project won’t destroy the ocean, violate indigenous rights or provide major economic benefits. They will never win against the people-powered movement who have staunchly resisted their ocean destruction.
“This company has been rejected numerous times, and it is time a line was drawn under this project. Political parties must commit to banning seabed mining in Aotearoa. Communities shouldn’t have to fight every single deluded miner that comes knocking.
“Across the Pacific, seabed mining companies are rushing to carve up the ocean for profit, including in the High Seas, and the domestic waters of nations such as the Cook Islands, Aotearoa and American Samoa.”
Lee adds that global powers including the Trump administration are also trying to make it easier for seabed mining companies to do this.
“The US is attempting to fast track mining permits, and pressuring states such as New Zealand to sign Critical Minerals deals. In response, the government has just announced a new minerals slush fund. It remains to be seen if TTR will try to use this to breathe life into their besieged project.
“Enough is enough. The courts have said no, iwi have said no, the community has said no, tens of thousands of New Zealanders have called for a ban.
“Now we need politicians to listen – commit to banning seabed mining and ensure that Aotearoa holds the line against this destructive industry from ever getting a foothold. The ocean is too precious to mine, and we must defend it.”
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Environment – EPA approves biological control agent to combat invasive Chilean flame creeper

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the release of a leaf-feeding beetle (Blaptea elguetai) as a biological control agent to combat Chilean flame creeper (Tropaeolum speciosum), an invasive weed in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Chilean flame creeper is an invasive pest plant that spreads quickly and smothers native plants. It is now a threat in many regions, especially Southland, Otago, and Canterbury. It can be found on Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. It is also becoming a problem plant in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Environment Southland, on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, applied to import the beetle as removing the weed by hand or using herbicides is not very effective, takes a lot of time, and can harm nearby plants.
EPA Acting Manager of New Organisms and International Applications, Peter Day, says the leaf-feeding beetle offers a low-maintenance solution that can reach areas that are hard to access.
“The decision to approve introduction of this organism was made by an independent decision-making committee, which follows a rigorous, evidence-based assessment.
“The risk assessment provided by the applicant showed that the Chilean flame creeper leaf beetle is highly unlikely to harm native plants or animals. It also does not bite or sting, so there is no health risk to people.”
Mr Day says the decision followed public consultation, engagement with mana whenua, and consideration of international best practice.
“New Zealand has a strong track record of using biological control agents to manage invasive weeds with minimal impact on native ecosystems.”
In recent years the EPA has approved other biocontrol agents for weeds such as Darwin’s barberry, purple loosestrife, old man’s beard, Sydney golden wattle, and moth plant.
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Health – GP pharmacist led support strengthens patient care and clinical confidence

Source: ProCare

In four months’ time, essential funding that is helping improve patient outcomes and freeing up GP time is set to end, despite outstanding results. ProCare has been supporting practices to integrate pharmacists, emergency care paramedics, physiotherapists, and care-coordinators into practices, through the Comprehensive Primary and Community Care Team (CPCT) initiative.

Grey Lynn Family Medical Centre, part of the ProCare Network, is praising the impact of CPCT and has outlined how it has significantly improved support for patients with complex medicine needs.

Dr Kavi Deo, GP and Clinic Director of Grey Lynn Family Medical, says: “Having pharmacists embedded in the team over the last 18 months has been transformative. Medication optimisation, reconciliation, and prescribing are safer and more accurate. Patients now book directly with pharmacists because they value and trust the help they receive.”

Dr Deo says the daily collaboration between pharmacists and GPs has strengthened clinical decision making and improved efficiency.

“Pharmacists bring expertise about medicines into the clinical conversation. That allows our GPs to focus on diagnosis and broader medical management, while also giving our less experienced clinicians more support and prescribing confidence. Overall, there has been great improvements in patient care, clinical workflow, and team-based practice.”

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare, says the model shows the opportunities for collaboration in primary care, and the kind of innovation and investment the health system needs more of.

“Programmes like CPCT show how we can design workforce models that truly complement the skills of a whole clinical team. When pharmacists and GPs work together in a structured, well supported way, it strengthens patient care and ensures each professional is working at the top of their scope. 

What we’re seeing at Grey Lynn is a good example of how collaboration can lift outcomes without adding pressure to general practice. It helps free up GP time for the complex care only they can provide, and it leads to safer medicine use and better patient understanding.”

Norwell adds that ProCare is committed to supporting practices to embed these roles sustainably.

“As more practices recognise the value of this model, we are looking ahead to how it can be maintained over the long term. This is exactly the kind of co-ordinated team based care our system needs, to ensure better outcomes for our communities.

The funding is set to end on 30 June 2026. ProCare is advocating to Health New Zealand to continue support for multidisciplinary teams.

About ProCare
ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland and Northland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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Ukrainian children endure four years of war – longer than World War II – ChildFund NZ

Source: ChildFund New Zealand
Tomorrow will mark four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“That’s longer than the duration of their war against the Nazis,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund New Zealand.
“Charities like ChildFund have remained working in the country and the region since the start, through our local partners. We could not support the children we do, without the generosity of Kiwis who have kept supporting us since the war started.”
The latest statistics are shocking:
  • 4.6 million children entering their fourth consecutive year of disrupted schooling
  • 10% of school and educational facilities damaged (1,700 facilities)
  • 2,859,000 children displaced; one third of Ukraine's child population
  • 62.89% of these displaced children are now refugees
  • Bombs have killed or injured more than 3,200 children since February 2022.
  • 2025 saw a 10% increase over the year prior for child casualties
  • Nearly 200 medical facilities have been destroyed or damaged in 2025 alone.
Through its partner, We World, ChildFund New Zealand has also helped support 7,334 people (adults and children) across Ukraine with mental and psychosocial health sessions. Safe centres for children have been set up in protected and underground spaces, offering educational, psychosocial and recreational activities.
This winter, temperatures have already dropped to -20 degrees Celsius. The renewed attacks on energy infrastructure mean widespread blackouts, and no reliable access to heating and water.
“Ukrainian children and their families need us more than ever.” 
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Events – Swim with sharks in new live family theatre experience at Auckland Museum

Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

Swimming with Sharks is coming to Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum for a limited season across March and the April school holidays. Created in collaboration with internationally renowned puppet theatre company Erth, Swimming with Sharks is an immersive live theatre experience that allows visitors to get up close to an extraordinary array of sharks, from the prehistoric past to the oceans of today.

Through expressive puppetry and engaging storytelling, tamariki will discover the diversity of sharks that inhabit the seas around Aotearoa and beyond. Meet the kitefin shark, the largest bioluminescent animal on the planet; learn about “shaggy beard” sharks that dwell on the ocean floor; and encounter an impressive five-metre-long great white shark. Along the way, hear fascinating facts about these often-misunderstood ocean creatures and explore the essential role they play in the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems.

Jo Brookbanks, Public Programme Content Specialist at Auckland Museum, says Erth is internationally recognised for their extraordinary wildlife puppetry.

‘We’re excited to be working again with Erth to bring another engaging live experience to our audiences.’

‘Visitors may remember Erth’s previous shows at Auckland Museum, the much-loved Prehistoric Aquarium and Dinosaur Zoo. Swimming with Sharks continues that tradition of combining beautiful puppetry with real science in a way that’s accessible, educational and fun for tamariki and their whānau,’ says Brookbanks.

Scott Wright, Artistic Director at Erth, says the performance encourages children to see sharks in a new light.

‘Sharks have captured imaginations for generations. With Swimming with Sharks, we invite young explorers to step into an ocean world and discover the beauty, diversity and importance of these extraordinary animals,’ says Wright.

Each performance runs for approximately 20 minutes. Children are invited to sit up-close on floor cushions, while adults can join them or relax on sofas at the back. Relaxed sessions are available.

Tickets are offered on a ‘Pay What You Can’ basis. Children aged 0–4 are recommended free tickets, while children aged 5–15 and adults can choose their own ticket price. All attendees require a ticket.

Performances take place on 7–8, 14–15 and 21–22 March, and 3–19 April, with sessions at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. Tickets are available now at aucklandmuseum.com.

While visiting, families can also explore the Museum’s special exhibition Sharks for an even deeper dive into the science and stories behind these iconic marine animals, on now until Monday 1 June. See aucklandmuseum.com/sharks for full details.

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Aged care sector reiterates commitment to equitable pay for care workforce

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association acknowledges the release today of the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity report.
Chief Executive Tracey Martin said the report reinforces an issue the sector has consistently raised: the women who overwhelmingly staff New Zealand’s aged residential care facilities perform work that requires skill, judgement, responsibility and resilience, and that work should be valued accordingly.
“Care and support workers in aged residential care undertake skilled and demanding roles. They provide hands-on personal care, support residents living with complex health conditions and dementia, monitor wellbeing and escalate concerns to registered nurses, assist with medication under delegation, support mobility and safe transfers, and contribute to palliative and end-of-life care within a multidisciplinary team.
“This work requires judgement, training, physical resilience and emotional intelligence. It is skilled work and work that deserves to be valued accordingly.
“Our long-held view is simple: work that requires comparable skills, responsibility and effort should be remunerated on an equitable basis, regardless of whether it is traditionally performed by women or men.”
Martin said aged residential care providers participated in the pay equity process in good faith.
“We engaged because we believe in fair recognition of the workforce. Providers gathered extensive data and worked constructively toward a sector-wide solution.
“At the same time, we have always been clear that pay equity in a government-funded sector must be matched by sustainable funding settings. Providers cannot absorb structural wage corrections without corresponding funding adjustments.”
She said the broader issue remains workforce sustainability.
“New Zealand has around 40,000 aged residential care beds, significantly more than the public hospital bed base, and demand will continue to grow as our population ages.
“To deliver safe, high-quality care, we must attract and retain a skilled workforce. Fair and equitable pay is part of that equation, alongside immigration settings, training pathways and a funding model that reflects the true cost of care.”
The Association will continue to engage constructively with Government on achieving a durable solution that supports residents, workers and providers alike.
“Our focus remains on ensuring older New Zealanders receive the care they deserve – delivered by a workforce that is respected and properly valued.”
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Successful Māori startup accelerator returns for another year

Source: Tapuwae Roa

Tapuwae Roa has announced today the return of its flagship Tupu Accelerator, an eight-week programme designed to propel Māori businesses from startups to investment-ready global ventures.
Developed by Tapuwae Roa in partnership with Sprout Agritech, and co-funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the programme will onboard ten aspiring Māori-founded startups, equipping them with the tools, mentorship and resources to scale quickly and sustainably on the world stage.
“We created Tupu for Māori entrepreneurs striving to make their big business dreams go global, scaling their innovations to reach international markets,” says Te Pūoho Kātene, Chief Executive of Tapuwae Roa. 
“We know Māori have the talent to compete globally; Tupu provides the mentorship, expertise and networks to help make that global vision a reality.”
Now entering its third year, Tupu continues to demonstrate measurable impact, with 87 percent of participating founders considering Tupu as a game-changer for their business.
“It [Tupu] has had a massive impact and will be forever grateful for the opportunity to participate in this kaupapa. It instilled in us belief and gave us the tools to take our business from a part-time mahi to a full-time business with export aspirations,” says Keela Atkinson, co-founder of Mauriora Kombucha.
Facilitated by experienced business coaches Saara Tawha and Brittany Teei (founder, KidsCoin), the accelerator focuses on key development areas for startup success, including customer validation, market analysis, intellectual property protection, and navigating the process of raising capital.
Featuring a hybrid blend of in-person wānanga, guest speakers, online sessions, and personalised coaching, Tupu equips founders with the skills to elevate their businesses from local operations to internationally competitive markets.
“We want to see our driven, innovative Māori founders shining on the world stage, and Tupu is here to help them to accomplish that global aspiration, says Kātene. 
Applications are now open and close on 23 March 2026. For more information or to apply, visit www.tupu.org.nz.