Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Politics and Employment – NZ government out of touch on employment rights – CTU

Source: NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi

The commitment at the 113th International Labour Organization conference to develop a binding Convention for securing decent work in the platform economy shows how disconnected and out of touch the New Zealand government is when it comes to employment rights.

“This decision is a huge step towards establishing internationally recognised labour rights for digital platform workers,” said NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges. 

“This is the mandate for much-needed regulation of digital labour platforms and by doing so, ensuring that innovation is not achieved at the expense of workers’ rights.

“It’s really telling, that while the international community comes together to support platform workers, Brooke van Velden has introduced a new Employment Relations Amendment Bill that will undermine the rights of those very workers in Aotearoa.

“Her Bill, which int

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1 in 10 young adults are LGBTIQ+ – Stats NZ media release and report: LGBTIQ+ population of Aotearoa New Zealand: 2023

1 in 10 young adults are LGBTIQ+ – media release

24 June 2025

The LGBTIQ+ population is comparatively young, with 1 in 10 people aged 15 to 29 years being LGBTIQ+ (10.2 percent) in the 2023 Census, compared with 1 in 20 adults in the overall adult population (4.9 percent), according to a report released by Stats NZ today.

LGBTIQ+ population of Aotearoa New Zealand: 2023 brings together information about the LGBTIQ+ population in the 2023 Census, as well as information on the LGBT+ population from the Household Economic Survey and the General Social Survey. The 2023 Census data has enabled detailed breakdowns of the LGBTIQ+ population and the groups within it, across age, ethnicity, and other census measures for the first time.  

Gender, sex, and LGBTIQ+ concepts in the 2023 Census has more information on the census concepts used for these breakdowns.

Visit our website to read this news story and report and to download CSV files:

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Improved groundwater quality indicator reveals a mixed picture of New Zealand’s aquifers – Stats NZ media release: Groundwater quality: Data to 2024

Improved groundwater quality indicator reveals a mixed picture of New Zealand’s aquifers – media release

24 June 2025

An improved groundwater quality indicator, with more comprehensive data, additional measures, and refined methodology, has been released by Stats NZ today.

“This release has greatly improved data coverage, helping us better understand the current state of groundwater and how it’s changing over time,” environment statistics spokesperson Tehseen Islam said.  

“It’s a step forward in how we assess and report on groundwater quality.”

Groundwater is water stored underground in aquifers – layers of water-bearing rock or sand. It is commonly accessed through wells and can also emerge naturally through springs.  

Groundwater plays a crucial role in supporting rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and supplies drinking water to nearly half of New Zealand’s population.

Visit our website to read this news story and the indicator page:

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Save the Children – Adventurers set off on 4,500km ‘Alpine Odyssey’ across Aotearoa New Zealand

Source: Save the Children

Australian adventurer Huw Kingston and former Kiwi representative cyclist Laurence Mote will set off on their 4500km human powered journey the length of New Zealand this week, in an effort to raise vital funds for climate-resilient classrooms in Vanuatu.
Dubbed ‘Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa’, the pair will begin their ambitious 90-day ski, hike, cycle and sail winter journey from Cape Reinga on Wednesday (25 June) to Slope Point. The route covers skiing at all 24 outdoor ski fields across the country, as well as Snowplanet in Auckland, along with extensive cycling, hiking trails, and sailing the Cook Strait.
For Mote, who is legally blind and continues to manage symptoms from a life-changing brain injury in 2013, caused by a bee sting, anaphylactic shock, and subsequent stroke, the expedition is expected to be exceptionally demanding.
Kingston completed a 700km ski and trek journey through the Australian Alps to raise funds for an Indigenous literacy project, Our Yarning in 2022. He says Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa is even more ambitious.
Says Kingston: “It’s good to be in New Zealand, to have met up with Laurence and to be sorting a mound of equipment for the next three months. Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa is an adventure, a celebration of New Zealand, of mountain life and a call to action. Our Pacific neighbours are living on the frontline of the climate crisis and it’s vital we all step up to make a difference.
“I arrived across the Tasman just in time to attend the celebrations for Matariki, the Māori New Year, an auspicious start to our journey across the landscapes of this stunning country.”
Mote added that over the weekend he was “blessed with a perfect view of Matariki” which left him with a “shiver of anticipation of what was to come”.
The pair is aiming to raise more than $75,000NZD to support Save the Children’s and the Vanuatu Government’s Ministry of Education and Training’s innovative climate classrooms pilot project in Vanuatu. Recent climate-related emergencies, including back-to-back and out of season cyclones, have caused widespread damage and destruction to schools across the country and disrupted children’s learning.
Save the Children Vanuatu Country Director Polly Banks says the forward-thinking shipping container classrooms will help children get back to learning and a sense of normality faster.
“In times of crisis, children returning to normal routines as soon as possible, including school, helps with their recovery.
“Our climate resilient classrooms will give children the chance to get back to school quickly, reconnect with fri

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Northland Regional Council News – 23 June 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARDS LIVESTREAM
Northland Regional Council’s Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards are happening this Thursday, 26 June, celebrating the incredible people and organisations making a real difference for Northland’s environment.
Their dedication and mahi are helping our environment thrive, and we deeply value their contributions.
Join the celebration live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15kgLhvKgU/
Learn more about the winners and their inspiring mahi after the event at: www.awards.nrc.govt.nz
THINKING ABOUT STANDING FOR COUNCIL?
Are you considering standing for the Far North District Council or Northland Regional Council?
Join us for a Candidate Information Session on Wednesday, 25 June at 6:00pm at Te Kona – Digital, Business and Learning Hub, 74 Guy Road, Kaikohe.
This is your opportunity to:
– Learn about the nomination and election process from our Electoral Officer and expert panel
– Gain insights about the role of an elected member from experienced elected officials
– Understand the functions of governance and operations and how they work together to achieve community aspirations.
No bookings required.
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Weather News – Rain and wind to mark the end to the school term – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Monday 23 – Thursday 26 June – A week that is starting dry and calm for most, is set to feature heavy rain and strong winds. This will bring a reprieve to the very cold and frosty mornings that many places have seen in the recent past.

Apart from a few showers mainly in the upper North Island and the northeastern areas of the South Island, MetService is forecasting fine weather and light southerly winds today (Monday) and tomorrow. This means that crispy overnight temperatures are still on the cards for today, after a past weekend that saw Christchurch reach its lowest temperature on record for the year, at -4.2℃.

However, this will change on Wednesday as a front accompanied by warmer and strong winds from the north is expected to move over New Zealand to mark the last week of school term.

Widespread rain is forecast to set in the western areas of the South Island early on Wednesday, gradually spreading to the east during the day. Heavy Rain Watches have been issued for Fiordland and the Westland District, especially about the ranges. Even away from areas of heavy rain, these wet and windy conditions will still be felt. A Strong Wind Watch have been issued for Queenstown Lakes District, Central Otago and Southland, with wind gusts expected to reach 100 km/h in exposed places.

On Thursday, these rainy and windy conditions are expected to move into the North Island, affecting the southern and the western areas during the first half of the day. Similar to the South Island, as the conditions become widespread, some places may get hit by heavy rain, and severe gale winds in exposed places. Warmer overnight temperatures will precede these conditions, where minimums of mid-teens are forecast across the Island.

While the rain and wind are set to ease for some, these adverse conditions are expected to last into the weekend in some parts of the country, with even a possibility of snowfall in Otago and Canterbury on Saturday. MetService is constantly monitoring the situation, and more weather warnings will be issued and updated through the period.
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Ombudsman – Increase in awareness of whistleblowing legislation – latest survey

Source: Office of the Ombudsman

Awareness is at an all-time high of the law that allows people to report serious wrongdoing in the workplace and provides protection to whistleblowers.
Today is World Whistleblowing Day and the Office of the Ombudsman has released an annual poll that shows 36 percent of people know about the Protected Disclosures Act. That’s an increase of 11 percent since 2024.
Chief Ombudsman John Allen says his office has also seen a significant rise in protected disclosures since the new Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act came into force in 2022.
“This survey reflects what my office is seeing when we are out and about in communities around New Zealand. There is very high interest in the Protected Disclosures Act and how to make a protected disclosure, particularly amongst Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities.
“People are using this Act more and more. My office has seen more than a 300 percent increase in protected disclosures matters since the amended Act came into force. This may be because the revised Act expands the definition of serious wrongdoing and offers more avenues for reporting and protection.
“Other factors could include an increase in news coverage of whistleblowing cases and it may be that changes in society have prompted workers to become more aware of their rights and protections.”
Thirty one percent of those surveyed said they had witnessed serious wrongdoing at work, and of those who had witnessed it 50 percent said they reported it. That’s an increase of nine percent on the previous year in people reporting serious wrongdoing that they had witnessed.
A solid majority – 84 percent – stated they would report it to their employer if they witnessed serious wrongdoing. However, just under half (48 percent) thought they would be safe to do so. Of those who would not feel safe, an increasing number of people said they were afraid of losing their job (61 percent). Almost half of those who would not feel safe (44 percent) also thought they would face retaliation.
Almost half of those surveyed (49 percent) said they would feel safer reporting serious wrongdoing if they were assured of anonymity and confidentiality. This demonstrates how important it is for workplaces to have effective processes in place to encourage employees to speak out, protect them from retaliation, and keep their identities confidential.
The Office of the Ombudsman has released new guidance aimed at businesses and workplaces that receive protected disclosures.
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Federated Farmers CEO Terry Copeland steps down

Source: Federated Farmers

Long-serving Federated Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland is stepping down from his role at the end of this month.
“Terry has been the leader we needed in a crisis. He was the man who kept us together through the toughest times, through the Mycoplasma Bovis incursion and then COVID, through droughts, fires and disastrous floods,” Federated Farmers national president Wayne Langford says.
“Terry's seven years with Feds has also been marked by unprecedented political and advocacy challenges for our members. His cool head in times of need was hugely beneficial for the organisation.”
There are a couple of key achievements to highlight during his time at Federated Farmers. Terry was responsible for setting up the highly successful Primary Industries NZ Summit and Awards, now into its seventh year, attracting over 600 delegates annually.
Continual business improvement is another legacy from Terry’s time leading the organisation.
“His championing and overseeing the investment into better processes and systems across finance, information technology, human resources and project management will ensure the great advocacy and policy work Federated Farmers does is supported by a well-functioning machine,” Wayne says.
Terry says it is time for a new person to lead the membership organisation, and he's proud to be leaving the influential association stronger than he found it.
“Federated Farmers is a terrific organisation to have been a part of. I have been able to contribute to the powerhouse of New Zealand's economy – the primary sector – and it has been an honour to work with some of New Zealand's best farmers,” Terry says.
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Local Government – Local authority elections coming – strong candidates needed – BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

With two weeks until nominations open for this year’s local authority elections, the Local Government Business Forum is encouraging strong candidates to stand for election.
“Given the importance of local government to New Zealand, it is essential that councils are well-governed,” Forum Chair Matt Cowley said.
“Council decisions on spending, rating and regulation are incredibly influential in determining the quality of the business environment. It is essential that mayors and councillors have a good understanding of the issues facing businesses and how councils can help rather than hinder them.”
The Local Government Business Forum is calling for council candidates who have a good mix of the following attributes:
1. Commercial and financial acumen with focus on efficient council operation
2. Focus on efficient and effective provision of core infrastructure and services
3. Pro-growth and pro-development mindset, understanding of local economic drivers
4. Evidence-based decision making, with respect for property rights and regulatory certainty
5. Collaborative and constructive leadership and engagement
6. Supportive of transparent, accountable governance
7. Solutions-based attitude to reforms to get the best results for their residents and ratepayers
“We need strong candidates to put their names forward. We also need the business community and residents to be informed and vote for candidates that can provide the leadership needed. Attention should be paid to the voting record and actions of current mayors and councillors.
“Local government touches every business and every member of society every day. We need good people governing them,” Mr Cowley said.
Candidate nomination forms for the 2025 local authority elections will be available from councils. Nominations open on 4 July and close on 1 August. Voting papers will be delivered to electors from 9 September and voting closes at 12 noon on Saturday 11 October.
About the Local Government Business Forum
The Local Government Business Forum comprises organisations that have a vital interest in the activities of local government. Its members include Business New Zealand, Federated Farmers of New Zealand, New Zealand Forest Owners Association, Infrastructure New Zealand, New Zealand Initiative, New Zealand Business Chamber, and the Retirement Villages Association of New Zealand. It was established in 1994 to promote greater efficiency in local government and to contribute to debate on policy issues affecting it.
The Forum's members are each significant representatives of ratepayers in their own right but the Forum's perspective is to advance community welfare through the advocacy of sound public policy. We believe that local government can best serve the interests of the community and ratepayers by focusing on the efficient provision of public goods at a local level.
The Local Government Forum advocates policies that create a positive economic environment. Recognising the significant role of local government in private investment decisions, the Forum regularly produces publications addressing crucial issues relating to the performance of local government and legislative developments in that sector.
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.
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Advocacy – Will Invercargill Join Councils Taking Ethical Stand on Illegal Israeli Settlements? – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) Invercargill

Invercargill City Council is set to vote on Tuesday on a change to its procurement policy to exclude companies linked to illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

The proposal was brought by local residents and members of Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa. If adopted, Invercargill would become the latest in a growing wave of local councils – including Christchurch, Nelson, and Environment Canterbury – aligning spending in this way.

“This is about responsible stewardship” said the group, “making sure ratepayer money isn't used in ways that contradict New Zealand's foreign policy or international law.”

A staff report released ahead of the vote supports adopting the change into the Council's Supplier Code of Conduct. It confirms the move aligns with UN Security Council Resolution 2334 – co-sponsored by New Zealand in 2016 under a National government — which called the settlements a “flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle” to peace.

“Western governments have failed for decades to hold Israel to account,” said the group. “Last year the International Court of Justice ruled Israel's 57 year long occupation breaches international law on apartheid and racial segregation. No council wants to fund companies complicit in that — this is the moment to act.”

The staff report noted that the proposal, which targets a narrow list of companies named by the UN as involved in illegal settlements, would add weight to government rules which allow companies to be excluded on human rights grounds. Councils, while not legally required, are encouraged by the Auditor-General to follow these to avoid stakeholder challenge.

“International law protects all of us – especially New Zealand as a small country,” the group added. “When we let powerful countries violate the rules with impunity, we all become more vulnerable.”

The initiative has drawn support from a wide range of national and local organisations, including trade unions, faith leaders, and businesses.

The group will present the same proposal to Environment Southland the following day.

S Palliser
Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) Invercargill