Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The Walter Peak fire has been fully contained, and firefighters have demobilized this evening.

Fire and Emergency District Commander Blair Kiely says that after an assessment of the conditions on the ground this afternoon and the expected weather, the fireground is being handed back to the landowners to manage. The exclusion zone for vessels near the Walter Peak shoreline has been lifted.

Some areas may continue to smoulder over the next few days and people may notice smoke. Flare-ups will be monitored and Fire and Emergency will respond if there are any indications that fire could spread outside the perimeter. A further aerial inspection of the fireground will be made on Monday.

Blair Kiely says a senior specialist fire investigator will undertake a formal investigation to determine the cause and origin of this week’s fire, in line with Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s standard procedures. That will include any connection with the controlled burn undertaken on the Walter Peak High Country Farm on 30 September.

This week’s fire has burned an estimated 1350 hectares of land, mostly on Walter Peak Station, Cecil Peak Station and adjoining Conservation Estate. Walter Peak High Country Farm and Walter Peak Station are separate properties, with different owners and management.

Blair Kiely thanked all the personnel involved in the fire response and acknowledged the importance of working together with the Department of Conservation, landowners and Iwi to bring the fire under control.

The cost of fighting the fire is being compiled.

Source: Social Democratic Liberal Party

SUVA, FIJI

— The Party Leader of the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA), Hon. Aseri Radrodro MP, has issued a firm statement calling for calm, mature, and responsible public discourse following recent inflammatory comments circulating on social media.

The statement responds to a public post made by Paula Manumanunitoga, which contained aggressive language, violent threats—including referencing “roasting” fellow citizens in earth ovens—and racially divisive rhetoric aimed at non-indigenous Fijians regarding the 1874 Deed of Cession.

“There comes a time when we must draw a clear line between standing up for our traditional leaders and resorting to hostility, vulgarity, and explicit threats against our fellow citizens,” stated Hon. Aseri Radrodro.

“Paula Manumanunitoga is entitled to his views, as is every Fijian. However, freedom of expression must be exercised with responsibility, maturity, and respect. Having a political opinion or defending our chiefs does not give anyone a licence to use abusive language, make violent threats, or issue rhetoric that risks creating deep ethnic divisions among our people.”

While SODELPA remains steadfastly committed to upholding the dignity of the vanua, protecting indigenous heritage, and honoring the role of traditional chiefs, the party firmly rejects the notion that respect for chiefs can be promoted through intimidation or hostility toward other communities.

“Let us be clear: our chiefs are integral to our history, identity, and the fabric of our nation, and they should not be subjected to personal attacks or contempt.

However, defending our chiefs does not require threatening others or telling our fellow citizens to 'shut up' and leave.

Any legitimate discussion surrounding our traditional institutions must be grounded in facts, reasoned argument, and mutual respect—not personal hostility or violent threats.”

Hon. Radrodro highlighted that Fiji's strength lies in peaceful coexistence, constitutional order, and mutual respect among all ethnic groups.

“The vanua represents our heritage, identity, genealogy, customary responsibilities, and relationships that have sustained our communities across generations.

It is a foundation of care and unity, not a tool for provocation or humiliation.

Those who speak out in defense of our institutions must lead by example, demonstrating tolerance, dignity, and restraint.

Threatening language and inflammatory rhetoric do not protect our chiefs; they only diminish the nobility of the causes we seek to uphold.”

“Respect for our chiefs does not mean enforcing silence through fear.

Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to intimidate.

As Fijians, we must never lose sight of the values that should guide our national conversation: respect for one another, appreciation of our shared history, fairness in our conduct, and responsibility in our words.”

SODELPA calls on all public figures, community advocates, and citizens to refrain from issuing statements that promote fear or ethnic division, and instead contribute to constructive dialogue that strengthens the unity, peace, and progress of Fiji.

Source: World Wellness Weekend

Mexico leads the world in wellness activities, Italy tops the venue count, while Jakarta’s iconic Monas turns blue for the milestone edition

September 28, 2026 — From 18–20 September 2026, communities around the world came together for the 10th World Wellness Weekend, celebrating a decade of making wellness more accessible, inclusive and meaningful for people everywhere.

The milestone edition demonstrated the continued global momentum of the movement, with countries and cities on all 5 continents recording significant participation through wellness activities and venues.

The Stats & Facts of the 10th edition place Mexico first for net activities, Italy first for net venues, and Cancún first among cities for net activities and venues.

A decade of wellness, celebrated around the world

The final country statistics show Mexico with 754 net activities, followed by Spain with 500, Vietnam with 469, the USA with 424 and the Dominican Republic at 5th position with 421. Other countries among the leading 10 were Italy, India, Japan, Indonesia and Argentina.

In terms of net venues with sessions, Italy led with 272, followed by Spain with 234, Japan with 210, Mexico with 170, and the USA with 163.

These figures reflect the official final methodology used for the 10th edition. Where applicable, the statistics exclude fitness clubs without classes or sessions and parks/public spaces that were not confirmed by the relevant authorities.

Country figures are based on the official final country statistics. City figures use a 25 km radius from the city centre.

MEXICO LEADS THE GLOBAL WELLNESS MOVEMENT

Mexico emerged as the leading country in the final activity statistics, recording 754 net activities across 170 net venues.

Its strong national performance was reinforced by several Mexican destinations appearing among the world's most active cities.

Cancún led the city statistics with 307 net activities and 58 net venues, followed by Tulum (5th place) with 94 activities and 25 venues, Playa del Carmen (8th place) with 50 activities and 11 venues, Los Cabos (9ex) with 48 activities and 14 venues, Merida (14th) with 42 activities and 12 venues.

This gives Mexico a particularly strong presence not only at national level but also among the leading individual wellness destinations.

ITALY LEADS IN WELLNESS VENUES

Italy recorded 272 net venues with sessions, the highest country figure in the official 10th-edition statistics. It also recorded 401 net activities.

Several Italian cities featured prominently in the city statistics, including:

• Casciana Terme Lari – 30 activities / 23 venues
• Rome – 28 activities / 17 venues
• Milan – 22 activities / 15 venues
• Florence – 18 activities / 8 venues

The results underline the breadth of participation across Italy, especially with the support of CIWAS (Confederazione Italiana de Wellness and Sport) and Fondazione SportCity with free activities nationwide.

SPAIN CONTINUES TO SHINE AS A WELLNESS DESTINATION

Spain stands as the 2nd most Active Country with 234 net venues with sessions, and 500 net activities.

Several Spanish cities featured prominently in the city statistics, including:

• Marbella (3rd) – 107 activities / 41 venues
• Malaga (9ex) – 48 activities / 30 venues
• Madrid (15) – 38 activities / 10 venues
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife (16) – 36 activities / 12 venues
• Barcelona (21) – 27 activities / 16 venues
• Las Palmas (29ex) – 17 activities / 8 venues

TOP 10 CITIES BY NET ACTIVITIES

Within a 25 km radius from the city centre, the official statistics recorded:

Rank	City	Country	Net Activities
1	Cancún	Mexico	307
2	Punta Cana	Dominican Republic	182
3	Marbella	Spain	107
4	Tulum	Mexico	94
5	Caracas	Venezuela	77
6	Singapore		76
7	Punta del Este	Uruguay	51
7	Playa del Carmen	Mexico	50
9=	Malaga	Spain	48
9=	Los Cabos	Mexico	48

PUNTA CANA: A GLOBAL WELLNESS HOTSPOT

Punta Cana was a standout city in the Caribbean of the 10th edition, recording 182 net activities and 16 net venues with sessions within the official 25-kilometre city radius with thousands of people taking part in a raceç

MONAS TURNS BLUE FOR WELLNESS 💙

In Jakarta, the 10th anniversary was marked by a particularly visual celebration.

On 18 September 2026, the iconic Monas (National Monument) lit up in blue as part of World Wellness Weekend.

The blue illumination symbolized the spirit of wellness and a shared commitment to creating healthier, more balanced and more meaningful lives.

The special moment brought the World Wellness Weekend message into one of Jakarta's most recognizable landmarks:

“Wellness for All – because wellness belongs to everyone.”

Residents and visitors were invited to witness and capture the rare sight of Monas illuminated in blue, creating a memorable visual symbol for the 10th anniversary.

Indonesia itself recorded 205 net activities across 86 net venues in the final country statistics, placing it at N°9 among 185 countries in the 2026 edition.

A GLOBAL MOVEMENT, ONE SHARED MESSAGE

From Mexico to Spain, Japan to Vietnam, Indonesia to Argentina, the 10th World Wellness Weekend demonstrated the diversity of the global wellness community.

The city statistics also demonstrate this geographic diversity: alongside the leading Mexican and Spanish destinations are cities including Caracas, Singapore, Punta Del Este, Santo Domingo, Ho Chi Minh City…

JEAN-GUY DE GABRIAC, FOUNDER OF WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND

“Ten years ago, we began with a simple idea: wellness should be something everyone can experience and share. Ten years later, seeing communities across the globe come together around wellness is incredibly meaningful. The 10th edition reminds us that wellness has no borders and that small local actions can contribute to a truly global movement turning free classes into food donations and blood donations.”

WELLNESS STARTS WITH “WE”

The statistics tell only part of the story.

Behind every activity is a person choosing to move, breathe, connect, learn, rest or simply take a moment for their wellbeing. Behind every venue is a community creating a space where wellness can be experienced and shared.

That is the essence of World Wellness Weekend after ten years:

Wellness is not a luxury reserved for a few.
Wellness is best when shared with family, friends, colleagues and wellness buddies.

ABOUT WORLD WELLNESS WEEKEND

World Wellness Weekend (WWW) is a global movement dedicated to encouraging people and communities to experience wellness through accessible activities and initiatives.

Held annually in September, World Wellness Weekend brings together wellness professionals, organizations, businesses, destinations, communities and individuals around the world.

The 10th World Wellness Weekend took place from 18–20 September 2026.

Official website: map.world-wellness-weekend.org

NOTE — OFFICIAL STATISTICS

All figures in this release are based on the final official Stats & Facts for the 10th World Wellness Weekend, dated 18 September 2026, supplied for this release.

Country rankings distinguish total registered activities/venues from net activities and net venues after the official exclusions specified in the statistics. City rankings are calculated within a 25 km radius from the city center, except where the official table specifies a different radius.

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters have made significant progress in suppressing the Walter Peak fire, with approximately 80 per cent of the fire perimeter now contained and the fire edge behind the homestead fully controlled.

District Commander Blair Kiely says favourable weather conditions have enabled crews to concentrate on extinguishing remaining hotspots and strengthening containment lines around the fire edge.

With good progress being made, Fire and Emergency plans to scale back operations on the fireground by the end of the day. Ongoing monitoring in the days ahead will provide confidence that the fire remains contained, and any flare-ups can be quickly addressed.

Seventeen firefighters and ten support personnel are working across the McKinlay's Catchment, supported by two helicopters. One helicopter is being used to transport crews and equipment, while a second remains available for targeted water drops in areas that cannot be safely accessed by firefighters on the ground.

While no homes, buildings or livestock have been lost, the fire has affected areas of tussock, scrub and tree cover, and it is expected that local biodiversity has been affected. Fire and Emergency recognises the significance of these environmental values and will continue working with the Department of Conservation, local iwi and landowners as assessments of the affected area are carried out.

Blair Kiely says that today’s progress reflects the dedication and collaboration of firefighters, helicopter crews, incident management personnel, landowners, Department of Conservation staff, iwi representatives, and partner agencies who have worked together in challenging conditions since Tuesday. “We are also very appreciative of the community’s support for the firefighting efforts in such a highly visible location.”

Fire and Emergency investigators will undertake a formal investigation to determine the cause of the fire, in line with standard procedures.

Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

National's plan to randomly drug test jobseekers is fundamentally wrong and unworkable and would put dangerous additional pressure on MSD staff who have already been cut back.

The policy says testing would be “integrated into MSD's work-readiness and employment planning”, starting with 10,000 tests in the first year “with the programme expanding”. It says this will be “funded from MSD baselines”.

“This is populist rhetoric targeting the most vulnerable and will pile more pressure onto MSD workers who are already facing unacceptable levels of aggression and violence,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“There is no thought for the impact on staff or how it would work in practice. MSD case managers are there to support people into work. This plan turns that into a punitive relationship. Ordering drug tests and handing out sanctions won't build trust, and it won't help anyone into a job.

“It means more work for staff who have already been cut back hard and under stress, with no new money to pay for it. Every hour spent policing drug tests is an hour taken away from helping people into work.

“Rushed policy is already causing mistakes at MSD. We saw it recently with the Winter Energy Payment. Stretched staff have been left to clean up the mess, and the people relying on those payments paid the price. Bolting on another poorly thought-out scheme will only make that worse.”

National's policy leaves many questions unanswered:

• What will 10,000 tests a year really cost? National says $1.5 million a year, about $150 a test, before second tests, assessments, admin and sanctions.
• What will be tested? Will it be urine, or hair follicle testing which costs more?
• Who will do the testing? Will it be contracted out, and is there the capacity?
• Will addiction support be available? Addiction services already have long waitlists, so who will carry out the “mandatory alcohol and drug assessments”?
• What will be cut to pay for it? “Funded from MSD baselines” means taking money from other services.

“This is bad policy that won't make a difference to outcomes, but like move on orders this is more of the same from National – slogans over policy that actually helps our most vulnerable,” said Fitzsimons.

Background on drug testing

Under current MSD rules, drug testing is done by employers, for jobs that require it, and jobseekers can be sanctioned if they fail or refuse. MSD does not record how many tests are carried out. National's policy would have MSD itself order random tests of jobseekers, whether or not they have been referred to a job.

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.

Source: Royal New Zealand Returned and Services’ Association

8 October 2026

The Royal New Zealand RSA (RNZRSA) has released the findings of a review into the governance and management of Poppy Trust funds by the Papanui Returned and Services Association.

The review found no evidence of fraud or misappropriation, but it did identify significant governance mistakes, failures and breaches of duty by successive Papanui RSA Executives and Charitable Trust trustees. These included a lack of separation between the Association and its Trust, inadequate management of conflicts of interest, insufficient documentation and oversight, and the use of Trust funds to support the Association’s operations.

The review was able to confirm that Papanui RSA’s Welfare Trust retained enough money to meet all approved support applications and found no evidence that any veterans who applied and met the criteria had been denied support.

The outstanding loan recorded as owing to the Trust was repaid following the sale of the Papanui RSA’s property.

RNZRSA Board Chair Rhys Jones said the review provided an important opportunity to learn and strengthen Poppy Fund management across the RSA network.

“New Zealanders give generously to the Poppy Appeal because they trust that their donations will be protected and used to support veterans and their whānau. We must honour that trust through strong governance, clear accountability and careful stewardship of every dollar,” Mr Jones said.

“The review identified serious shortcomings that must be addressed, but it also found these arose from a lack of knowledge, experience and understanding, not from deliberate wrongdoing.

“We will continue to work constructively with the Papanui RSA and its Charitable Trust as they consider the recommended corrective actions. Just as importantly, we will use the wider lessons from this review to help strengthen the governance and management of Poppy Funds nationally.”

The review made the following recommendations for the RNZRSA:

• undertaking a stocktake of Poppy Funds managed across the RSA network and the safeguards protecting them;
• updating and expanding RNZRSA’s Poppy Trust guidance;
• strengthening induction, training and ongoing support for Association executives and trustees;
• reinforcing the legal and operational separation required between Associations and their trusts;
• improving the identification and management of conflicts of interest; and
• exploring options for professional investment management and greater collaboration between local trusts and the National Poppy Trust.

“Our focus now is on working together to put these lessons into practice,” Mr Jones said.

“Local Associations and their trusts are largely governed by volunteers who give their time because they care deeply about their communities. The RNZRSA is committed to giving those volunteers clearer guidance and practical support so they can carry out their responsibilities confidently and protect the public’s trust in the RNZRSA and the Poppy Appeal.”

Source: Papanui Returned and Services Association

The newly elected Papanui RSA Executive Committee welcomes the audit report and recognises that a thorough investigation was necessary to identify mistakes and guide improvements. 

The findings provide valuable lessons and allow us to move forward. By reviewing and updating our Trust Deed and appointing trustees from professional and community organisations, we aim to ensure the Papanui RSA Poppy Trust is managed effectively and efficiently. 

The new trustees’ first task will be to review Trust policies. We will also continue to use available training and resources to strengthen the Trust’s performance. Implementing these changes enables us to better support our veterans and their whānau, both in our local area and potentially for RSAs without borders.

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Public warned to expect service delays during upcoming strike periods

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is calling on the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) to call off its twice-weekly strikes while its members are considering a settlement offer.

“There is no point for NZPFU’s leaders to put the public at risk while their members are going through a process of voting on a proposed settlement,” Acting National Commander Megan Stiffler says.

The next strike is due to occur on Friday (9 October) between midday and 1pm, with further strikes scheduled on subsequent Wednesdays and Fridays.

“We’ve consistently called on the NZPFU to call off these reckless strikes while both sides are engaged in talks. There is even less justification to continue striking while its members are considering an offer.”

A version of Fire and Emergency’s most recent offer was first tabled in December 2025, although NZPFU refused to put it to members, costing the average senior firefighter more than $2,600 in missed earnings.

The offer provides for two annual 2.2 percent salary increases, alongside new and increased allowances. When the new and increased allowances are included alongside salary and overtime increases, this will give an average increase in take-home pay of approximately 2.5 percent in the first year.

“This offer compares well to other public sector pay settlements, however, during the most recent bargaining exchange the NZPFU would not table a revised pay proposal or identify what pay outcome it would accept. That made it impossible for the parties to negotiate towards a different pay settlement.

“Every time Fire and Emergency has shifted its position to bring the parties together, the NZPFU has increased its claim. That has made reaching settlement impossible.

“We’ve participated in independent facilitation through the Employment Relations Authority, which recently asked both parties to put forward their best offer. Fire and Emergency agreed to do so, the NZPFU did not.

We also offered to discuss independent arbitration to bring the dispute to a conclusion, which the NZPFU declined.

The public is being warned that response times will be delayed in strike impacted areas as volunteer crews will be responding from the next closest location, although all 111 calls will be received and responded to during the stop work period.

“Fire and Emergency is focused on coming to a sustainable settlement so we can continue working to keep our communities safe,” Megan Stiffler says.

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

8 October 2026 (updated at 1.45pm with new link to Chief of Staff role)

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ) has commenced recruitment for the two new roles of Assistant Governor Monetary Policy and Assistant Governor Payments and Cash.

The new roles follow the departure of Assistant Governor Money Karen Silk, who will leave the bank in mid-December. Ms Silk's departure was announced on 16 September 2026.

Governor Anna Breman used the forthcoming vacancy to review the shape of the Executive Leadership Team. The new two new roles are being established to strengthen leadership capacity, clarify accountabilities and support closer coordination across the RBNZ core responsibilities.

“These will be two of the RBNZ's most senior and visible leadership roles, with responsibility for areas that are fundamental to New Zealand's economic and financial wellbeing,” Dr Breman says.

“Strong leadership in monetary policy, reserve management, payments and cash is critical to maintaining confidence in our financial system, supporting effective decision-making, and ensuring the RBNZ continues to deliver on its core responsibilities.”

Interest in the roles internally, domestically and internationally is expected. RBNZ has engaged executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles for the recruitment process and appointment of both roles.

A further announcement will be released once the recruitment processes are complete.

The RBNZ Board is expected to recommend the appointee to the Assistant Governor Monetary Policy role to the Minister of Finance for appointment to the Monetary Policy Committee.

In addition, recruitment has begun for a Chief of Staff role. This process will be managed directly by RBNZ.

The Chief of Staff role and the additional Assistant Governor role will be funded out of operational budget allowed for in the current Five-Year Funding Agreement (FYFA) 2025-2030.

More information

• Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Assistant Governor Monetary Policy
• Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Assistant Governor Payments and Cash
• Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Chief of Staff
• Reserve Bank announces leadership changes as Assistant Karen Silk prepares to depart

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua

8 October 2026

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ) has commenced recruitment for the two new roles of Assistant Governor Monetary Policy and Assistant Governor Payments and Cash.

The new roles follow the departure of Assistant Governor Money Karen Silk, who will leave the bank in mid-December. Ms Silk’s departure was announced on 16 September 2026.

Governor Anna Breman used the forthcoming vacancy to review the shape of the Executive Leadership Team. The new two new roles are being established to strengthen leadership capacity, clarify accountabilities and support closer coordination across the RBNZ core responsibilities.

“These will be two of the RBNZ’s most senior and visible leadership roles, with responsibility for areas that are fundamental to New Zealand’s economic and financial wellbeing,” Dr Breman says.

“Strong leadership in monetary policy, reserve management, payments and cash is critical to maintaining confidence in our financial system, supporting effective decision-making, and ensuring the RBNZ continues to deliver on its core responsibilities.”

Interest in the roles internally, domestically and internationally is expected. RBNZ has engaged executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles for the recruitment process and appointment of both roles.

A further announcement will be released once the recruitment processes are complete.

The RBNZ Board is expected to recommend the appointee to the Assistant Governor Monetary Policy role to the Minister of Finance for appointment to the Monetary Policy Committee.

In addition, recruitment has begun for a Chief of Staff role. This process will be managed directly by RBNZ.

The Chief of Staff role and the additional Assistant Governor role will be funded out of operational budget allowed for in the current Five-Year Funding Agreement (FYFA) 2025-2030.

More information

• Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Assistant Governor Monetary Policy
• Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Assistant Governor Payments and Cash
• Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Chief of Staff
• Reserve Bank announces leadership changes as Assistant Karen Silk prepares to depart