Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Employment – Skills Group Welcomes Government’s Focus on Vocational Pathways in NCEA Overhaul

Source:  Skills Group

Skills Group, New Zealand's largest private vocational training provider, welcomes the Government's renewed focus on strengthening vocational pathways as part of the proposed NCEA reform.

Today's announcement of a major overhaul of NCEA aims to create more robust and coherent vocational pathway options, ensuring that young people can pursue valued industry-related learning and develop the real-world skills demanded by industry.

Skills Group Chief Executive Rosanne Graham says this direction is timely and necessary.

“We strongly support the Government's intention to rebalance the focus of the secondary qualifications system and to work with industry to develop better vocational pathways. For far too long, vocational options have been viewed as a lesser option. It's time to recognise and elevate the value of vocational careers and better prepare all our young people for successful careers in essential industries,” says Rosanne.

A Skills Group nationwide learner outlook survey also revealed that school leavers are significantly less certain about their next steps in terms of career progression.

“This is an indicator that the youngest of our learners need more support than others to enter post-secondary education.”

Skills Group delivers hands-on, industry-led training to over 23,000 learners each year – from school leavers to apprentices, to career professionals. With 15 vocational locations across New Zealand the organisation offers a wide range of programmes, focussed on industries with strong employment prospects that support New Zealand's economic growth and success.

Rosanne says the plans for industry involvement in the development of standards and programmes will help create smooth transitions for young people and instil core employability skills.

“We know that structured, purposeful learning – especially when delivered through partnerships with industry – sets people up for long-term success.  Students are more engaged because their learning is relevant, and they are more employable through gaining real workplace knowledge and experience.

The reforms are also a step forward in addressing the long-standing gap in clear pathways for students who are not headed to university – only 30 percent of school leavers go on to study for a degree.1

Research shows that approximately 11% of students are becoming NEET (not in employment, education, or training) while 6% are going into apprenticeships straight from school.2 This highlights the pressing need for more structured vocational pathways to support a broader range of learners.

“For many young people, academic study isn't the immediate destination or goal but that doesn't mean they should leave school uncertain about their next step,” says Rosanne.

“All young people deserve clear and well supported pathways into meaningful careers, whether that's in the trades or service industries. Vocational education must be visible, valued, and seamlessly integrated as part of the senior secondary school journey.”

Skills Group is committed to working with government, secondary schools, and industries to ensure the new secondary qualification system strengthens the connection between secondary education and employment opportunities.

“This is a critical opportunity to reframe what success looks like in education. Our goal is to ensure that every learner experiences a clear, supported pathway to their working future.”

1 Indicator-School-leaver-destinations-2023-v2.pdf

2NZ Initiative research

https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/reports/trade-routes-charting-new-pathways-from-secondary-school-to-industry-training/

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Economy – Consultation on regulating the High Value Clearing System opens – Reserve Bank of NZ

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

4 August 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua is proposing that the Minister of Finance designates the High Value Clearing System (HVCS), allowing it to be regulated and supervised by RBNZ.

The HVCS is a pure payment system and is operated by Payments NZ. It plays an important role in New Zealand's financial system by making sure that large payments, such as house settlements, are cleared and able to be settled.

The HVCS cannot be easily substituted by another system and disruption to its activities could damage New Zealand's financial system, Director of Specialist Supervision Scott McKinnon says.

“Every month more than $420bn of transactions are cleared using HVCS, which is more than New Zealand's GDP – representing a significant value of payments in New Zealand.”  

The proposal is made under the Financial Market Infrastructure Act 2021. If designated, HVCS will be required to comply with the FMI Act and Standards. It will also receive greater legal protections.

“Designating HVCS will allow us to make sure that HVCS is operating soundly and efficiently. It would also allow us to look closely at the governance, access and crisis management of HVCS, while giving us powers that can help avoid significant damage to the financial system if there were problems with HVCS.”

Designating HVCS would also promote confident, informed, fair, efficient and transparent financial markets.

 “We really want to hear from all of the HVCS's participants on our proposal. This includes indirect participants and stakeholders.”

This proposal is open for consultation until 30 September.

Key information

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Putea Matua is proposing to recommend that the Minister of Finance designates the HVCS
The HVCS is a pure payment system operated by Payments NZ, and has not been regulated before.
This proposal is made under the FMI Act that came into force in 2021.
The Reserve Bank will decide whether to continue with its proposal to the Minister after it has considered submissions on the proposal. The Minister ultimately decides whether or not to designate HVCS.
Visit our consultation page for more information: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=b10454c964&e=f3c68946f8

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Economy – RBNZ Launches 2025 Cash Use in New Zealand Survey

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

04 August 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ) is again surveying New Zealanders to understand how people are using and thinking about cash and payments.

The RBNZ Cash Use in New Zealand survey is open from now until 10 October 2025 and is being undertaken by an independent research company, Rangahau Aotearoa Research New Zealand, through a postal survey.

Director of Money and Cash, Ian Woolford says that cash is important to New Zealanders.

“As the steward of money and cash for New Zealand, we need to ensure that New Zealanders can access, use, and bank cash. This survey enables the RBNZ to effectively monitor the cash system,” Mr Woolford says.

The survey asks: How people prefer to pay for things, how often people use cash and why, how often they withdraw cash, how easy or difficult it is to withdraw or deposit cash and if they keep or store cash and why.

Things are changing in the cash system, so we are also asking new questions this year, such as whether people may be experiencing any challenges in using cash.

The survey is based on a representative sample of New Zealanders randomly selected from the Electoral Rolls. People will be able to voluntarily respond by post (postage-paid return envelope) or online.

If people receive a letter to voluntarily participate in this survey, they can check it is legitimate by visiting our website, emailing us cashusesurvey@rbnz.govt.nz, or phoning the RBNZ main phone number on +64 4 472 2029.

The RBNZ has undertaken this survey every second year since 2017 and use the results to make sure New Zealand has a reliable and efficient cash system that supports inclusion.

“We are redesigning the cash system and need more up to date information about how people are using and accessing cash so from 2025 we will survey annually,” Mr Woolford says.

The results from the Cash Use in New Zealand survey will inform our work to redesign the cash system and ensure we continue to meet New Zealanders needs for banknotes and coins.

The RBNZ expects results from the survey to be available to the public in the first quarter of 2026.

More information

Future of money news and resources – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=a134a91812&e=f3c68946f8
Our data collections – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=fd80923ac4&e=f3c68946f8

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Tech – Fujitsu starts official development of plus-10,000 qubit superconducting quantum computer targeting completion in 2030 

Source: Fujitsu

Development activities to be carried in part under NEDO project to advance the development of quantum computers towards industrialisation  .
Sydney, Australia; Monday 4 August 2025 – Fujitsu has announced it has started research and development towards a superconducting quantum computer with a capacity exceeding 10,000 qubits. Construction is slated for completion in fiscal 2030.  
The new superconducting quantum computer will operate with 250 logical qubits and will use Fujitsu's innovative “STAR architecture,” an early-stage fault-tolerant quantum computing (early-FTQC) architecture also developed by the company. 
Fujitsu aims to make practical quantum computing possible, particularly in areas like materials science where complex simulations can unlock groundbreaking discoveries, and to this end will focus on advancing key scaling technologies across various technical domains.  
As part of this effort, Fujitsu has been selected as an implementing party for the “Research and Development Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems” [1], publicly solicited by the NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation). Fujitsu will be contributing to the thematic area of advancing the development of quantum computers towards industrialisation. The project will be promoted through joint research with Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) and RIKEN and will run until fiscal year 2027. 

Fujitsu is committed to driving forward the development of practical and industrialised quantum computing solutions. After this 10,000-qubit machine is built, Fujitsu will further pursue advanced research initiatives targeting the integration of superconducting and diamond spin-based qubits from fiscal 2030 and aims to realise a 1,000 logical qubit machine in fiscal 2035 while considering the possibility of multiple interconnected quantum bit-chips. 

Vivek Mahajan, Corporate Executive Officer, Corporate Vice President, CTO, in charge of System Platform, Fujitsu Limited, comments: 

“Fujitsu is already recognised as a world leader in quantum computing across a broad spectrum, from software to hardware. This project, led by NEDO, will contribute significantly to Fujitsu’s goal of further developing a Made-in-Japan fault tolerant superconducting quantum computer. We would also be aiming to combine superconducting quantum computing with diamond spin technology as part of our roadmap. By realizing 250 logical qubits in fiscal 2030 and 1,000 logical qubits in fiscal 2035, Fujitsu is committed to leading the path forward globally in the field of quantum computing. Additionally, Fujitsu will be developing the next generation of its HPC platform, using its FUJITSU-MONAKA processor line, which will also power FugakuNEXT. Fujitsu will further integrate its platforms for high-performance and quantum computing to offer a comprehensive computing platform to our customers.” 

Technology development focus areas 

Fujitsu’s research efforts will focus on developing the following scaling technologies.  

High-throughput, high-precision qubit manufacturing technology: Improvement of the manufacturing precision of Josephson Junctions, critical components of superconducting qubits which minimise frequency variations.  

Chip-to-chip interconnect technology: Development of wiring and packaging technologies to enable the interconnection of multiple qubit chips, facilitating the creation of larger quantum processors. 

High-density packaging and low-cost qubit control: Addressing the challenges associated with cryogenic cooling and control systems, including the development of techniques to reduce component count and heat dissipation. 

Decoding technology for quantum error correction: Development of algorithms and system designs for decoding measurement data and correcting errors in quantum computations. 

 Background 

The world faces increasingly complex challenges that demand computational power beyond the reach of traditional computers. Quantum computers offer the promise of tackling these previously intractable problems, driving significant advancements across numerous fields. While a fully fault-tolerant quantum computer with 1 million qubits of processing power is considered the ultimate goal, Fujitsu is focused on delivering practical solutions in the near term. 

Fujitsu's commitment to quantum computing is underscored by its ongoing R&D efforts. In August 2024, in collaboration with the University of Osaka, Fujitsu unveiled its STAR architecture, a highly efficient quantum computing architecture based on phase rotation gates. This architecture paves the way for early-FTQC systems capable of outperforming conventional computers with only 60,000 qubits [2]. On the hardware front, the RIKEN RQC-Fujitsu Collaboration Centre, established in 2021 with RIKEN, has already yielded a 64-qubit superconducting quantum computer in March 2023, followed by a world-leading [3] 256-qubit system in April 2025.  

Scaling to even larger systems requires overcoming challenges such as maintaining high fidelity across multiple interconnected qubit chips and achieving greater integration of components and wiring within dilution refrigerators. In addition to its superconducting approach, Fujitsu is also exploring the potential of diamond spin-based qubits, which use light for qubit connectivity. Fujitsu is conducting research in this area in collaboration with Delft University of Technology and QuTech, a leading quantum technology research institute, which has resulted in the successful creation of highly accurate and controllable qubits.  

Notes: 

“Research and Development Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems”: Research and Development Project of the Enhanced Infrastructures for Post-5G Information and Communication Systems 
Only 60,000 qubits: In simulations using 60,000 qubits, the STAR architecture can execute material energy estimation calculations which would take 5 years on conventional computers in about 10 hours. 

A world-leading: One of the world's largest superconducting quantum computers available to external users (as of April 2025, according to Fujitsu). 

 About Fujitsu 

Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. 
Find out more: global.fujitsu 
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Education – School leavers will benefit from greater industry involvement – EMA

Source: EMA

Creating qualifications that have buy-in from industry will set school leavers and the economy up for success, says the EMA.
Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Lead Joanna Hall says the proposed changes to replace the NCEA with new, internationally benchmarked qualifications are promising.
“The EMA is New Zealand’s largest employer association, representing thousands of businesses across sectors,” says Hall.
“We have consistent feedback from our members that school leavers are not work ready, citing low levels of communication, digital literacy, and fundamental reading and maths skills.
“The inability of some young people to follow instructions or communicate effectively in the workplace limits their prospects, and it’s limiting our productivity as a country.”
The government has proposed expanding the mandate of the Industry Skills Boards (ISBs) to shape vocational subjects for senior secondary qualifications.
“It’s great to see this cross-system approach linking secondary with tertiary learning, but the ISBs need to be fully funded for this work, and they also need to have genuine employer engagement with stronger governance and decision-making involvement from industry,” says Hall.
“In addition, we would like to see the government go further and develop a fully integrated workforce strategy across all industries and levels of education.”
The EMA is encouraging its members and the wider business community to engage in the government’s education consultation process to ensure the voices of industry are clearly heard.
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Northland News – Twenty-three put names forward for Northland Regional Council

Source: Northland Regional Council

Twenty-three people have put their names forward for nine seats on the Northland Regional Council at October’s local body elections.
Dale Ofsoske, the council’s Electoral Officer, says nominations opened on Friday 04 July and officially closed at noon Friday, 01 August.
Mr Ofsoske says 23 people have been nominated for the regional council, however, due to only one nomination being received for the Mid North General Constituency the sole candidate, Geoff Crawford, would be declared elected unopposed.
This leaves 22 people contesting the remaining eight seats on council; six general seats and two Māori seats.
The nominees are (alphabetically by surname):
Bay of Islands-Whangaroa General Constituency (one vacancy):
Lane Ayr; Karl Barkley (Independent); Murray Hosking (Independent); Colin Toss Kitchen; Nyze Manuel; Jane Wright.
Coastal Central General Constituency (one vacancy):
Greg Chalmers (Independent); Amy Macdonald (Independent).
Coastal South General Constituency (one vacancy):
Robert Goodhue; John Hunt (Independent); Rick Stolwerk.
Far North General Constituency (one vacancy):
Joe Carr (Independent); Reina Tuai Penney; Marty Yuretich (Independent).
Kaipara General Constituency (one vacancy):
John Blackwell; Lorraine (Nossi) Norris (Independent).
Mid North General Constituency (one vacancy):
Geoff Crawford (Independent)- -(elected unopposed).
Te Raki Māori Constituency (two vacancies):
Peter-Lucas Jones; Arama Morunga (Te Pāti Māori); Tui Shortland; Pita Tipene.
Whangarei Central General Constituency (one vacancy):
Jack Craw (independent); Caroline Davis.
Mr Ofsoske says formal nomination results will be announced by public notice on Wednesday 06 August 2025.
Voting documents will be sent out from Tuesday 09 September 2025 and must be received by the Electoral Officer by noon on election day, Saturday 11 October 2025.
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Heritage NZ – Ophir’s postmistress retires after 26 years

Source: Heritage New Zealand

Ophir’s postmistress retires after 26 years
A much loved heritage stalwart is retiring after more than two decades serving her community.
Val Butcher, the postmistress of the historic Ophir Post Office, is leaving her old stamping ground after 26 years working in the iconic building which is cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
But although her days of serving the public behind the counter may be over, she won’t be going far.
“I’ll probably still loiter at the Post Office to catch up with people – and I’ve still got to write my monthly community newsletter,” she says.
With its distinctive schist finish, the Ophir Post Office is one of the most photographed buildings in the South Island, drawing visitors from around the country and the world. Built in 1886, it also happens to be Aotearoa New Zealand’s longest running post office.
History aside, however, it’s the people that make the place so special according to Val.
“The community is very caring, and the visitors that come from all over the world all bring something in the way of knowledge,” she says.
“It’s amazing how many people who have helped me learn the histories, or have passed on their stories of the place, or their own family history of the place.”
Although Val won’t miss getting up on cold winter mornings – “the mail must get through regardless” – she will miss the daily interactions with the community she loves.
“Things happen everyday that are enjoyable – it’s these moments that are so lovely that rub off on me; people celebrating birthdays or having a new grandchild. The Post Office is such a hub for this community that the news is often delivered here too, and that makes it so enjoyable,” she says.
“There have been sad things that happen as well – but the community rallies around when they do.”
Val almost fell into the role by accident after doing some relieving work for the previous post mistress. Val was the obvious replacement when she left.
“I was just here at the right time and the right place, and it was the right job for me,” she says.
“I feel it has given me a lot of confidence – and it got me out of bed each day!”
Highlights over the years have included being profiled in Shepherdess magazine, and of course celebrating her grandson Finn Butcher’s gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics after he won the mens’ Kayak Cross event.
“People popped in to congratulate me all week,” she says.
Val believes the Post Office is a place that keeps the community together, and says the role has kept her connected with the community.
“I have never been lonely and have made so many fri

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Animal Welfare – Trapped in the past: NZ hens suffer in cages while world bans them

Source: SAFE For Animals

Slovenia has announced a total ban on caging hens by the end of 2028. The move follows Sweden’s announcement last month that is has officially ended the caging of hens without needing a legal ban, driven by overwhelming public opposition to animal cruelty.
SAFE’s Head of Campaigns, Jessica Chambers, says while these international shifts are worth celebrating, they highlight just how broken New Zealand’s animal welfare system has become.
“New Zealand’s Animal Welfare Act promises animals the right to express normal behaviours, yet over 1.2 million hens continue to suffer in dark, crowded cages, unable to move freely or spread their wings” says Chambers.
SAFE says hens will continue to languish in cages until the Government addresses its systemic failures and the outdated and compromised welfare codes allow the law to be undermined.
Public sentiment stands firmly on the side of hens. In 2023, more than 22,000 New Zealanders signed SAFE’s petition calling for a ban on cages. And in 2022, hundreds of veterinary professionals added their voices to an open letter urging the Government to end the use of cages – citing serious concerns for animal welfare.
“It’s indefensible. We have the knowledge, the law, and the public support to end this cruelty – yet the cages remain. That’s a failure of leadership.”
SAFE has sent a formal letter to the Minister for Animal Welfare, requesting an update on when the government will align hen farming practices with the Animal Welfare Act and implement a full ban on cages.
“Millions of hens have lived and died in cages while the Government turns a blind eye,” says Chambers. 
“It’s time for decisive action. New Zealand must uphold its commitment to animal welfare and free hens from cages.” 
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Local News – Central Wellington’s Kumutoto recognised as wāhi tūpuna

Source: Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga – Report by Niki Partsch

A river with rich connections to tangata whenua, and which nurtured the establishment of the city of Wellington, is part of a wāhi tūpuna newly listed by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

Kumutoto Pā was established at the mouth of the Kumutoto Awa (stream) when Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama, and Te Atiawa settled in the central Te Whanganui-a-Tara harbour in the early 1800s.
Over several decades, this fishing village and centre of early flax trade grew into a city that would later become the nation's capital.
A wāhi tūpuna is defined as ‘a place important to Māori for its ancestral significance and associated cultural and traditional values’. The extent of the Kumutoto wāhi tūpuna is a diminutive portion of a significant Māori occupation.
The old mouth of the river was located approximately where Woodward Street and Lambton Quay now meet. Taranaki tūpuna including notable ancestors Wiremu Piti Pomare (Ngāti Mutunga), Ngātata-i-te-rangi, and Wiremu Tako Ngātata (Ngāti Te Whiti, Te Atiawa) lived in the Kumutoto papakāinga and surrounding areas.
The Kumutoto Pā gardens and cultivations were located near the source of the Kumutoto Awa on Pukehinau Ridge, in the area now occupied by Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn Park and the Wellington Botanic Garden.
The urupā (burial grounds) of the people of Kumutoto Pā, Pipitea Pā and other settlements was situated where the Bolton Street Cemetery is today.
Located within Kumutoto Forest in Wellington’s Town Belt, the newly listed Kumutoto Wāhi Tūpuna features the only section of the original Kumutoto Awa, an important waterway for the ancestors of Ngāti Mutunga and Te Atiawa that still flows its natural course.
The name Kumutoto is linked to traditional birthing practices, and the awa played a central role in Māori life during their early settlement of Wellington, a tangible living link connecting the gardens, urupā and papakāinga.
Nothing remains of the cultivations and village today, but the Kumutoto Forest is part of the City to Sea walkway and the newly recognised Kumutoto Wāhi Tūpuna is just a few steps from busy Salamanca Road into the meditative hush of water, trees and birdlife.
Read the wāhi tūpuna List report by Dr Dennis Ngawhare Kaiwhakatere Kaupapa Māori at Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.
Read the story in Heritage this Month
Read the full report under ‘Recent listings and reviews’
Read more in Explore the List
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BusinessNZ – Education overhaul presents opportunity

Source: BusinessNZ

The announced overhaul of New Zealand’s education system is a chance to ensure school leavers are better equipped for the modern workforce, says BusinessNZ.
Chief Executive Katherine Rich says NCEA is failing students.
“The current system of NCEA is not delivering what students, parents, teachers, or employers need. Change is necessary to ensure young people are better prepared for further education, training, and the world of work.
“Whether a school-leaver is heading on to university, an apprenticeship, or directly into work, the education system must offer transparent, reliable guidance to build confidence and inform whatever choice they’re making.”
A consultation document has been released by the Government today, seeking input on the future of education. Rich says BusinessNZ encourages businesses to participate in the transformation of the education system in New Zealand.
“This is an opportunity to strengthen the connection between schools, training providers, and industry. By working closer together, we can better support learners with real-world pathways, ensure relevant skills are being learned, and deliver long-term benefits for communities and the economy alike.”
Notes:
– Today’s education announcement was made at a BusinessNZ education breakfast event
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.