Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Tower joins Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards to celebrate Aotearoa

Source: New Zealander of the Year Awards Office

New Zealand’s Local Heroes

The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is proud to welcome Tower as the new naming rights sponsor of the New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau within Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa.

Tower’s sponsorship signals a powerful alignment of values. With a 155-year legacy of serving Aotearoa, Tower is deeply embedded in communities across the motu. Its long-standing commitment to care, connection, and backing everyday New Zealanders makes it a natural fit for an Award that honours those who quietly uplift the places and people around them.

“Tower has been supporting New Zealanders for 155 years. As a proud Kiwi business, we are thrilled to take over the stewardship of the New Zealand Local Hero Award,” said Tower CEO Paul Johnston.

“In line with our purpose to inspire, shape and protect the future for the good of our customers and communities, we are excited to join the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards in honouring local heroes across Aotearoa. Our people can’t wait to connect with our communities on this important work. To all past and future local hero nominees and finalists, thank you for your contributions to Aotearoa.”

Miriama Kamo, Te Koruru Patron of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa, said the partnership marks a meaningful step forward for one of the programme’s beloved Awards. “The Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award celebrates the quiet champions who uplift our people and places every day. It’s a treasured category in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards and we’re so pleased to welcome Tower as the new kaitiaki of this Award – helping us continue to honour the everyday heroes shaping their corner of Aotearoa for the better.”

Nominations for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa open on 24 July 2025 and can be made in one or more of the seven Awards by any member of the public over 15 years of age until Sunday 24 August 2025 at nzawards.org.nz.

For individuals:

• Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa

• Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau

• Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātapuputu o te Tau

• Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau

• New Zealand Innovator of the Year Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau

• New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau

For duos or groups:

• Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau

nzawards.org.nz

@nzeroftheyear

Posted on

Arts – Ringatoi Māori Lead the Way in New Match Funding Campaign

Source: E Tū Toi

Bold, diverse and unapologetically Māori kaupapa are being backed through E Tū Toi 2025 – a powerful new match funding campaign supporting ringatoi Māori across Toi Māori, film, music, theatre, literature, dance and digital innovation. Delivered in partnership with Boosted – Aotearoa’s dedicated arts crowdfunding platform run by The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi – and Creative New Zealand Māori Strategy & Partnerships team, the initiative puts mana motuhake into action.

“E Tū Toi is a way for wider Aotearoa to directly support ngā toi Māori and ringatoi to be visible everywhere, and highly valuable as part of the distinct identity of Aotearoa. Boosted demonstrates the power of community, and the importance of collaboration through crowdfunding,” says Justine Pepene-Hohaia, Senior Adviser, Māori Strategy & Partnerships – Kaiwhakamāhere Matua, Rautaki Māori me ngā Rangapu. “This kaupapa increases the visibility of ngā toi Māori, and ensures that through visibility and strengthening the waka, ngā toi Māori is highly valued as a taonga woven into the fabric of New Zealand's cultural identity, and admired by global audiences.”

Running from 1 July to 1 August 2025, each artist has one month to raise pūtea from their communities, Creative New Zealand Māori Strategy and Partnerships team matching every donation with $3,000 or $5,000 to help unlock each project’s full potential.

“These artists are visionaries. They are reclaiming space, uplifting whānau, and building a future where Māori stories are central to who we are as a nation,” says Chelsea Winstanley, Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Co-Chair. “Their courage, creativity and commitment deserve to be seen, celebrated, and supported.”

Spanning the motu and the spectrum of Māori creative expression, E Tū Toi empowers artists to fund their kaupapa on their own terms – backed by their people and amplified by matched funding.

“I’m really excited to be part of this new E Tū Toi initiative, which is all about amplifying Māori voices. As a mokopuna of Tūwharetoa, support like this means a lot. It’s not just about the pūtea – which goes straight back into our communities – it’s about knowing our stories are being heard, valued, and backed,” says Moss Patterson, 2020 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate and E Tū Toi project owner. “As a past Laureate, I understand the transformative impact recognition can have.

The E Tū Toi 2025 Projects include:

  • Te Ana o Hine: A Wahine-led Studio (Ngaroma Riley, $10,000 target) – Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. A wāhine-led carving studio in Pakuranga reclaiming space in whakairo and supporting Māori women artists.
  • The Nephilim (Awa Puna, $18,000 target) – Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. A daring queer horror film exploring identity and transformation through satire, faith and movement.
  • Welcome to the After Party (Faith Henare-Stewart, $6,000 target) – Waikato. A live band theatre experience about community, bullying, and resilience, premiering at the 2026 Fringe Festival.
  • Tama and Mahuika (Corey Le Vaillant, $6,000 target) – Waikato. A trilingual short film told in NZSL, Te Reo Māori and English exploring grief and reconnection.
  • Te Whatakai (Troy Ruhe, $6,000 target) – Otākou Otago. A docuseries exploring the connection between kai, whenua and mātauranga from a Te Ao Māori lens.
  • Taupō Hau Rau Short Film, (Moss Patterson, $6,000 target) – Waikato. A cinematic dance film honouring Ngāti Tūwharetoa kaumātua through ancestral storytelling and movement.
  • Whakapapa Quilt Wānanga (Ron Te Kawa, $10,000 target) – Manawatū-Whanganui. Textile art wānanga where wāhine Māori create heirloom quilts as vessels of healing and whakapapa.
  • Hau Kainga 2.0 (Fiona Collis, $6,000 target) – Tairāwhiti Gisborne. A large-scale woven installation honouring Te Tairāwhiti’s land, sea, and whakapapa through sculptural fibre pods.
  • Māori Toi Akoranga (Anthony-Quinn Cowley, $6,000 target) – Te Moana-a-Toi Bay of Plenty. A school-based programme nurturing tamariki through traditional toi Māori practices.

  • The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave (Oli Mathiesen, $6,000 target) – Te Ao International. A high-octane endurance dance work exploring queer identity and rave culture, set for Edinburgh Fringe 2025.
  • PŪNGAO – ENERGY (Tiaki Kerei, $7,000 target) – Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. A powerful dance theatre project by Whakamana Creatives that channels Te Ao Māori perspectives to inspire positive change.

Why crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding offers a vibrant alternative to traditional funding – building engaged communities and empowering Māori artists to lead their own funding journeys. With an 94% success rate on Boosted, it's proven to work.

What you can do:
Donate. Share. Tautoko. Every dollar counts – and every contribution helps unlock matched funding and bring these stories to life.

To donate or learn more, visit: https://www.thearts.co.nz/boosted/projects?query=&location=&discipline=&topic=e-tu-toi&range=&page=1&sortBy=
Campaign period: 1 July – 1 August 2025
Follow along: @boostedNZ on Instagram and Facebook

Posted on

Education – Ara post-grad business programmes ready to roll out

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury is proud to announce New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) approval for the delivery of a new suite of postgraduate programmes in Applied Management, with classes set to begin in Term 4 of 2025.
This exciting development marks a major milestone for business education in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.
Modelled on successful programmes elsewhere in the country, these study options are designed to meet the growing demand for applied postgraduate business study – particularly among international learners and local professionals looking to upskill.
The suite includes the Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, and Master of Applied Management, designed to suit diverse learners at different stages of their journey – from recent graduates to experienced professionals.
The 180-and 240-credit master’s degree options cater to both business and non-business bachelor’s degree holders.
The programme includes two weekly sessions: one offered in HyFlex mode (attending in person or online, with recordings available), and one in-person session focused on discussion and activities. The second session may move online in future but will begin on campus.
As Canterbury’s only applied business postgraduate qualification with this delivery model, it offers a unique blend of flexibility, community and access.
Learners will explore key topics in innovation, planning, sustainability, globalisation and technology management – backed by a teaching team with strong academic credentials and practical research expertise.
Graduates will be equipped for success in areas such as strategic management, entrepreneurship, consultancy and sustainable leadership.
Dr Jeremy Ainsworth, Academic Manager – Business Programmes at Ara, said the initiative makes postgraduate study much more accessible in New Zealand’s second-largest city. “The programme will also serve industry demands for graduates with advanced problem-solving, ethical decision-making and adaptability – all skills essential in an evolving workplace shaped by emerging technologies,” he said.
It will also offer opportunities for increased research outputs in a rapidly evolving sector.
“This has been a journey for Ara, and one that has involved the help and support of many colleagues,” Ainsworth said.
“Getting the tick from NZQA is a proud moment for our team. There’s more mahi to come but we’ll be well and truly ready to welcome our first cohort for these programmes in September.
With term-based intakes continuing from 2026 onwards, more information about postgraduate Applied Management options can be found here: Postgraduate Applied Management – Ara
Posted on

Awards – Five farmer advocates recognised for outstanding service

Source: Federated Farmers

Five grassroots champions for Kiwi farmers have been recognised for their massive contributions to agriculture, winning awards at the Federated Farmers national AGM last week.
Each year, the organisation’s national awards celebrate farmers who have gone above and beyond for their fellow farmers, rural communities, and the wider agricultural sector.
Outgoing Federated Farmers board member Richard McIntyre was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution – a fitting conclusion to his three-year term as national dairy chair.
“Richard has been an absolute titan of farmer advocacy and rural New Zealand is in a better place because of his work,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
“He’s relentlessly stood up for our members when it counted, pushing hard for a banking inquiry, better immigration settings, and KiwiSaver changes for young farmers.
“I don’t think there would have been a single week where we didn’t see him in the media, fighting hard to change the political landscape for farming families.
“There's no fight he hasn’t been willing to take on, his work rate has been phenomenal, and most importantly for our members, he's delivered tangible results.”
The Advocate of the Year award went to Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick, who has been a standout communicator on behalf of farmers.
“When it comes to emerging farming leaders, Jason Herrick is without a doubt one to watch. He’s got a huge contribution to make and a big future ahead of him,” Langford says.
“Whether it’s calling out Fish & Game’s antics or pushing back on unworkable, costly new farming rules, Jason’s exemplified what Federated Farmers is all about – fighting for farmers.
“I’ve been so impressed with not just his workload and ability to prosecute issues in the media, but also with his personal growth and development as a leader in his community.
“He’s been tenacious and articulate, and he’s shown a thick skin. You can’t stick your neck out for farmers without copping some heat back, but he’s taken it all in his stride.”
James (Jimmy) Emmett, who is contract milking on two farms just outside Geraldine, has been named Dairy Advocate of the Year.
“Jimmy has been an incredibly valuable member of our dairy council – he brings strong ideas and opinions, but always contributes in a collaborative, respectful way,” Langford says.
“He’s thoughtful and constructive in discussions about the challenges facing the dairy sector, offering practical solutions while genuinely listening to the perspectives of others.
“At a local level, as South Canterbury Federated Farmers dairy chair, Jimmy has been such a great advocate for farmers at the grassroots.
“He consistently goes out of his way to seek support and advice for those doing it tough and he puts in the work to make a real difference in their lives.”
This year's Meat & Wool Advocate of the Year is Matt Simpson, a third-generation sheep and beef farmer on a 4100ha high country station in South Canterbury.
Langford says Matt, who is South Canterbury Federated Farmers meat & wool co-chair, is a passionate and effective leader in his community.
“Matt’s been instrumental in the pest management space, especially on wallaby eradication, and has been a driving force in getting better coordination between farmers, landowners, recreational hunters and government.
“He’s also had a massive amount to do in South Canterbury on the court case around Outstanding National Landscapes (ONLs) being placed over farms.
“He and his wife Tory have put in a huge amount of time and effort on mediation, and the positive outcome of that will lay the groundwork for other provinces.
“In all of it, Matt’s just an absolute champion in his community, where he’s deeply respected for being such a pillar among farming families.”
The Arable Advocate of the Year award went to Southland Federated Farmers arable chair Sonia Dillon, who operates a mixed cropping and seed production business.
Langford says Sonia has been extremely strong on local advocacy.
“There are some issues in Southland that are quite specific for that area and she’s great at getting them airtime and discussion.
“That’s particularly true when it comes to transportation and logistics, with Southland being at the bottom of the country.
“She’s pointed out that if it costs $60 to get something from Christchurch to Southland, how come grain that comes from Canterbury can be cheaper than it’s priced in Southland? It’s a fair point. The price should be what it costs to buy, plus freight – that’s how it should work.”
Sonia is also a great asset for the Federated Farmers Arable Council, Langford says.
“She’s always happy to bring challenging issues to the forefront, so the council can look for solutions.” 
Posted on

Port Marlborough Ready to Progress New Cook Strait Ferry Infrastructure

Source: Port Marlborough

Port Marlborough welcomes the Government’s announcement today confirming agreement has been reached on the core infrastructure required to support the new Cook Strait ferry service. Today’s announcement by Minister for Rail, Winston Peters, sets the foundation for the delivery of key marine infrastructure in both Picton and Wellington. In Picton, this includes the construction of a new wharf and linkspan to accommodate the incoming ferries, alongside upgrades to terminal interfaces and the construction of the long-awaited Dublin Street overbridge.
Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn says this agreement is a critical step forward, enabling momentum to build following the Government’s earlier decision to proceed with the procurement of two new rail-enabled ferries.
“For more than a decade, we’ve worked to support a long-term solution for inter-island connectivity. The agreements confirmed today now give clarity to all parties and set the direction for progressing the infrastructure that will strengthen the vital transport link between the North and South Islands.” says Mr Welbourn.
The Minister was welcomed to Picton today and toured the project area with the Port Marlborough team, providing the opportunity to discuss progress and planning underway.
“We were pleased to host the Minister and show the work already happening on the ground. Port Marlborough is committed to delivering this infrastructure on behalf of our region and the country. We were able to show the Minister our proactive efforts to advance delivery while effectively navigating the constraints of a live port environment.”
Mr Welbourn says Port Marlborough is now focused on moving ahead at pace with design and commercial arrangements.
“We look forward to continuing close collaboration with our project partners as we deliver infrastructure that supports the future of ferry operations, enables our national supply chain and meets the needs of our communities for decades to come.”

Confirmed Scope for Picton Infrastructure:
Port Marlborough delivering
– Construction of a new wharf to accommodate the larger, rail-enabled ferries
– New linkspan to connect the ferries to the terminal and landside infrastructure
– Upgrades to the existing terminal interface, reusing passenger and commercial vehicle facilities
Other project information
– Newly built terminal building to be renovated for longer use
– Reuse of as much of the existing rail yard as possible
– Relocation and reuse of the existing passenger walkway
– Construction of a new overbridge at Dublin Street, separating road and rail to improve safety and efficiency
About Port Marlborough
Port Marlborough is the key maritime gateway for Te Tau Ihu, facilitating the SH1 inter-island link, and movement of South Island trade, providing critical logistics, marine, port, and marina services. Operating from Picton, Havelock, Waikawa and remote Marlborough Sounds Sites, Port Marlborough supports a diverse range of industries, including Inter- Island ferries, export cargo, tourism, cruise industry, aquaculture, forestry, and the marine sector. The port handles over 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually and operates one of the largest marina businesses in the Southern Hemisphere through its subsidiary Marlborough Sounds Marinas.
Additionally, the port manages pilotage, towage, berthing logistics for shipping throughout the Marlborough Sounds and delivers success to the region through its strategy of balancing the needs of People, Planet, Prosperity and Partnerships. The port is committed to delivering value to Marlborough’s industries while prioritising sustainability and long-term economic growth.
For more information see: https://www.portmarlborough.co.nz/
Posted on

Greenpeace – Government moves to further weaken freshwater protections as new report highlights poor state of New Zealand drinking water

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace says it is deeply disturbed by the findings of the latest Taumata Arowai report, which shows that seven registered water supplies exceeded levels of nitrate associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. The organisation says it is also concerning that this news comes while the Government is consulting on proposals that would further weaken freshwater protections in Aotearoa.
Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says, “This Government wants to weaken freshwater protections at the worst time, allowing polluting corporations like Fonterra to profit from the contamination of rural communities’ drinking water. This latest data from Taumata Arowai shows that, as we already know, water quality in New Zealand is poor. Now, Luxon’s Government wants to make it worse.”
“Everyone, no matter where they live, deserves to have access to clean, safe drinking water. We should all be able to take a dip in the local lake or river without getting sick. But these basic freedoms that all New Zealanders should be able to enjoy are being taken away for the sake of making a few individuals even more wealthy.”
During 2024, Taumata Arowai received 4 notifications of samples from registered supplies that exceeded the maximum allowable value of 11.3 mg/L for nitrate. Two were for Waimate District Council’s Lower Waihao supply, which supplies Glenavy, and two for Te Kowhai School, a rural school near Hamilton. Seven supplies exceeded 5.56 mg/L – the level of nitrate which international studies have shown is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
“Rural communities are most at risk of contaminated drinking water because of their proximity to intensive dairying – a major source of freshwater pollution in New Zealand,” says Appelbe.
“Right now, this Government is consulting on a host of Resource Management Act changes that will, in practice, put corporate interests ahead of the health of people and the environment, especially when it comes to freshwater.
“These changes will give more prioritisation to corporate uses of water, like intensive dairy. This would enable dairy expansion, which means more effluent, nitrate and pathogens like E. coli polluting New Zealand’s rivers and drinking water.
“People across the country want change. They want clean, healthy rivers and water that’s safe to drink. In Canterbury, one of the hotspots of Aotearoa’s freshwater crisis, water protection is set to be a key issue in the upcoming Environment Canterbury elections. Politicians who aim to pollute freshwater should expect resistance.”
Posted on

Universities – Selina Tusitala Marsh appointed inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Notable New Zealand poet and academic Selina Tusitala Marsh ONZM, FRSNZ has been announced as the first Commonwealth Poet Laureate.

The professor of English at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland is a former New Zealand Poet Laureate and award-winning writer, known for her three collections of poetry and most recently, her bestselling children’s graphic memoir series Mophead.

The appointment, the first in the 75-year history of the Commonwealth of Nations, will run until 31 May 2027 and involve Marsh crafting original poems for flagship Commonwealth events, including Commonwealth Day, the Commonwealth People's Forum and Ministerial and Heads of Government Meetings.

She will also advise on the Commonwealth Foundation’s creative programming – the principal agency for Commonwealth culture – and will appear in person at the Commonwealth People’s Forum and Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua & Barbuda in 2026.

Marsh, who is of Samoan, Tuvaluan, English, French and Scottish heritage, says she is “deeply honoured” to accept the role.

“In Samoan, we say, O le tele o sulu e maua ai figota. ‘The more torches we have, the more fish we can catch’. Poetry is our torch, illuminating paths between our diverse cultures and histories.

“The Māori proverb goes ‘He toi whakairo, he mana tangata’; ‘Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity.’ This profound truth guides my vision for this role. Through the elevation of our creative voices, we affirm our shared humanity across the Commonwealth.

“When we honour the artistry within our communities, whether it flows from Samoa, my mother's island, or New Zealand, where I was born and grew up, we recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every person whose story deserves to be told.”

She remembers back to the moment in 2016 when she recited one of her poems at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in front of the late Queen Elizabeth II and other dignitaries.

“Her Majesty charged me with fostering unity through verse, and I felt the weight and wonder of words that bridge worlds. Today, I accept this torch with alofa (love) and renewed commitment to amplify the voices that heal, challenge, and unite our Commonwealth family. Together, we will kindle more torches, casting light on the stories that connect us all, celebrating the artistic excellence that affirms our collective human dignity.”

University of Auckland Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater is delighted to see one of the University's staff honoured in such a significant way.

“Selina is an absolute treasure in the University of Auckland community. She gives so generously of her creativity and time, both on Campus and in the wider community. We are so lucky to work with her, and we're deeply proud she has been honoured in this way,” she says.

“She will do the University, Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific proud, as well as being a vital voice for the humanities. In times of global uncertainty, it's the humanities that help us make sense of complexity, preserve culture, and imagine better futures.”

Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation Dr Anne T. Gallagher, who made the inaugural appointment, says it places creative expression at the heart of the Commonwealth’s work.

“It is through poetry that we can learn best about ourselves and each other. Poetry helps us make sense of our fragile world. It is the language of love and dreams, the language of despair and desire, of protest and rebellion.”
Gallagher says that at the Commonwealth, they have come to understand that poetry – and creativity in all its forms – is not an embellishment of the Commonwealth story but a catalyst for justice, understanding, and hope.

“Selina Tusitala Marsh embodies that truth. Her poetry travels effortlessly from the smallest community to the global stage: illuminating the concerns and aspirations of our 2.7 billion citizens and challenging all of us to listen more closely. There could be no finer inaugural Commonwealth Poet Laureate.”

Selina Tusitala Marsh was the first Pacific person to earn a PhD in English from the University of Auckland. She lectures in Pacific poetry and creative writing in the University’s department of English and Drama and is the co-director of the University’s Centre for Arts and Social Transformation (CAST), which promotes arts-led approaches to justice, health and well-being.

Marsh’s three acclaimed poetry collections are Fast Talking PI, Dark Sparring and Tightrope, all published by Auckland University Press, as well as the multi-award-winning graphic memoir series Mophead, which she also illustrated.

In 2019, she was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand. She was New Zealand’s Poet Laureate from 2017 to 2019.

Posted on

Northland News – CityLink bus service to Matai St to be reinstated

Source: Northland Regional Council

CityLink Whangārei is to resume services to Matai St that were suspended in March after a series of rock throwing incidents that damaged buses and put drivers and passengers at risk.
The 16-bus CityLink network is operated by Ritchies Transport Whangarei under contract to the Northland Regional Council.
The council’s Transport Manager Chris Powell says the council and Ritchies had recently agreed to restart the Matai St service from Monday 07 July.
“Northland Regional Council remains committed to supporting the health and safety of drivers, passengers, and Ritchies staff.” “However, with winter now upon us, elderly residents in Matai Street are facing significant hardship having to walk to the next nearest bus stop.”
Mr Powell says the Route Four bus – which had been doing a loop around nearby William Jones Dr while the Matai St services were suspended – would return to its previous route encompassing Matai St from next week.
He says the council has a responsibility to both drivers and passengers to ensure the service is operating in a safe environment and would reexamine the decision to reinstate services to Matai St if more rock throwing incidents occurred. 
Posted on

Agriculture – OSPRI expects smooth transition to in-house TB testing

Source: OSPRI New Zealand

The move to bring bovine TB testing in-house at OSPRI officially starts today, as a team of 37 skilled and experienced technicians begin work with the disease eradication agency.
Another 10 seasonal field technicians start later in the year.
OSPRI took over the TBfree national eradication programme in 2013, and testing was done by AsureQuality.
OSPRI general manager disease control, planning and implementation, Simon Andrew, says it now makes sense for the testing to be done by OSPRI, and the transition should be smooth for farmers and the livestock industry.
“Testing in-house is a very important step for OSPRI, as an integrated disease control eradication agency,” he says.
“We’re looking forward to carrying out end-to-end control of TB.
“We’ve recruited a strong team of technicians. The expertise they bring will expand our capability and add value to our other programmes.
“Testing in-house will bring us closer to farmers, which means we can be more responsive to what farmers need from testing, and from OSPRI.”
In any one year, a large proportion of the national livestock population is skin tested for TB. The programme undertook about 1.7 million TB tests in the 2023-24 year.
“We know farmers and our funders, MPI and livestock industry bodies Beef+Lamb NZ, DairyNZ and the Deer Industry Association, want to see us make more efficient use of the levies paid for the TBfree programme,” Simon says.
“We are anticipating the cost savings we gain from doing testing in-house will allow us to increase the investment made into possum control, which is the key to achieving TB eradication.”
Farmers don’t need to change what they do. Routine testing will be scheduled when required and to go through normal channels to book a pre-movement test.
Along with TBfree, OSPRI also manages NAIT, the national system for tracing cattle and deer, and MBfree, the national eradication programme for Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis).
Posted on

Local News – Metropolitan Wellington councils confirm new water services delivery model

Source: Porirua City Council

Metropolitan Wellington councils confirm new water services delivery model
Five councils covering the Wellington metropolitan area – Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, Upper Hutt City Council, Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council – have all now confirmed they will establish a new, jointly-owned organisation to deliver water services to their communities.
The decision to move to this new model for water services delivery has been prompted by the Government’s Local Water Done Well policy, which has mandated that all councils must review how water services are delivered.
In March and April 2025 the councils publicly consulted on water service delivery options. Across all five councils, submissions showed solid support for the preferred option of a multi-council-owned water organisation, ranging from 69 to 84 percent of submissions in favour.
The five councils have now all voted to go ahead with the new organisation, which will take accountability for water services on 1 July 2026.
Mana whenua iwi Ngāti Toa Rangitira and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika support this decision and are partnering with councils on improving water services delivery.
The new organisation, with the interim name Metro Water, will own and operate public drinking water, wastewater and reticulated stormwater assets for a population of around 430,000 people.
Advisory Oversight Group chair Dame Kerry Prendergast says councils and mana whenua have been clear throughout the process that the intent is to provide better levels of service for communities through reduced leaks, outages and unplanned disruptions, while also enabling growth and delivering cleaner harbours and waterways.
“By establishing a council-owned organisation, we are ensuring assets are retained in public ownership and there is no privatisation. It also means councils, representing their communities, and mana whenua will have ongoing oversight.”
“Metro Water will have the resources, independence and region-wide perspective to effectively manage and improve three waters services for current and future communities,” says Dame Kerry.
The next steps are to finalise key foundation documents for the new organisation, finalise a Water Services Delivery Plan for submission to the Government, and appoint interim board directors and an interim Chief Executive.
For further information, see factsheet below.
Factsheet – what’s planned for water services in Metropolitan Wellington
New water organisation accountable for water services from 1 July 2026
  • There will be a new multi-council-owned water organisation that will take charge of drinking water, wastewater and reticulated stormwater services within the boundaries of Hutt City, Porirua City, Upper Hutt City and Wellington City, from 1 July 2026.
  • For planning purposes, a temporary, placeholder name of Metro Water is being used for the new organisation. This is not intended to be the permanent name.
  • Metro Water will have new governance and ownership arrangements, new leadership and new strategic direction that will distinguish it from Wellington Water.
  • To ensure ongoing service delivery and to retain expertise and experience, it is the intent of councils that Metro Water will absorb Wellington Water operational and support staff below senior management (known as tier 3 and below).
Governance and oversight
  • Metro Water will have an independent Board, appointed by a steering committee of representatives of the five council owners and representatives of Ngāti Toa Rangitira and Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.
  • Councils and mana whenua will set the framework for Metro Water through foundation documents (currently being developed) – Stakeholder Agreement, Constitution, Statement of Expectations and Consumer Charter. These will be in final draft by October 2025 and ratified by councils in late 2025.
  • Metro Water will operate in line with new water services legislation and regulatory oversight will be provided by the Commerce Commission (consumer protection and charging), the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai (water standards) and Greater Wellington Regional Council (environmental compliance).
Charging
  • Metro Water will charge directly for water services. Initially, interim billing arrangements are likely to be in place until Metro Water has established systems and processes. Regardless of billing arrangements, water charges will be clearly separate from rates.
  • Charges will have to increase over the next decade, as the backlog of long-overdue upgrades is tackled. Economic and financial modelling indicates that Metro Water will keep costs about a third lower than would be the case if the status quo continued. That’s because Metro Water will have greater ability to borrow money than councils currently do and costs can be spread over a longer period of time. It’s also expected to deliver economies of scale and efficiencies.
  • The exact amount of water charges will be influenced by a number of factors including how costs are shared between commercial water users and households, the scheduling of upgrade works and investment, and moving to consistent charges across the metropolitan area. Currently households and commercial water users pay different amounts through rates in each city.
Water services delivery plan
  • All councils are required to present a Water Services Delivery Plan to Government by 3 September 2025.
  • The Metropolitan Wellington Water Services Delivery Plan will set out how the five councils will meet requirements of the Government’s Local Water Done Well reforms, including statutory requirements under the Local Government (Water Services Preliminary Arrangements) Act 2024.
Implementation
  • Interim Board Directors will be appointed prior to October 2025 by the council representatives on the existing Advisory Oversight Group.
  • The interim board will appoint an interim Chief Executive and oversee establishment of Metro Water. In due course, the interim board will be replaced by an enduring board appointed by the Stakeholder Committee.
  • Some initial work is already underway on interim director recruitment and planning for IT and customer systems and processes for Metro Water.
  • Implementation is being jointly funded by the five councils.