Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Health and Govt Funding – Funding hike shows benefit of collective voice for general practice

Source: GenPro

A potential 13 percent increase in funding for general practice shows the benefit of a strong collective voice that supports family doctors and face-to-face consultations in our communities, says GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers.

The government announced today a 6.4 percent increase for general practice funding to reflect increasing costs, an uplift additional to a previously announced $95 million boost.

“Combining these would contribute a nine percent uplift in base capitation funding (with conditions) and an up to 13 percent total funding increase in the year ending June 2026, a level that is welcome and will help ‘steady the ship’,” says Dr Chambers.

“While not all general practice can access the $95 million, the overall increase is a marked improvement from previous years.

“It shows the Government is listening to GenPro, which called before the Budget for a minimum 10 percent increase to stabilise the viability of family doctors so they could continue to operate.

“Hon Simeon Brown is the first health minister in successive governments to have delivered a much-needed increase in funding, and we thank him for it.”

However, after years of under investment by successive governments, general practice will need another 10 percent or more increase in investment next year for it to stay viable, warns Dr Chambers.

“While the increase announced today will aid retention it will do nothing to encourage recruitment of new general practitioners. This will require long-term solutions with greater support than that offered today
.
“To put the funding boost into context, general practice will receive about $1.5 billion or just five percent of the $31 billion health budget. A 10 percent uplift was urgently required for 2025/26 just to catch up and maintain existing services, and more investment will be needed in later years.”

Dr Chambers said the investment recognised the collective advocacy by GenPro members, who are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz

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Marine Environment – Latest trawl bycatch numbers "a grim wake-up call" – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

The latest fisheries bycatch data paints a grim picture, with trawlers hauling up thousands of kilograms of coral and killing hundreds of fur seals and seabirds over a 12 month period. The bycatch deaths include 108 Salvin’s albatross, which are at high risk of extinction.
The figures from the Ministry for Primary Industries reveal that from April 2024 to March 2025, the New Zealand bottom trawling fleet dragged up over 8,300kg of protected coral, which is crucial to deep sea habitats and supports a huge range of ocean life.Over the same one-year period, 1092 seabirds, including 395 albatross, were killed by trawlers. Of those, 108 were Salvin’s albatross, a middle-sized mollyhawk which are listed as “nationally critical,” meaning they face an immediate high risk of extinction. The primary threat to Salvin’s is industrial fishing.
Just over 270 mammals also died in trawl nets. This included 25 dolphins and 239 fur seals, which are already dying in unusual numbers due to starvation, as climate change and industrial fishing put pressure on their food supply.All these figures are self-reported interactions with protected species made by fishers to MPI.
Greenpeace oceans campaigner Juan Parada calls these figures “an urgent wake-up call”.
“The New Zealand bottom trawling industry is one of the greatest threats to ocean health. Year after year, the trawling fleet bulldozes ocean ecosystems, threatens already endangered species and smashes vital coral habitats which take centuries to form”, says Parada”And while the seafood industry keeps insisting that such destruction is rare, the data shows otherwise. From the corals of the deep to the dolphins, fur seals and albatross that die as collateral damage in trawl nets every year, the cost of bottom trawling is too high.
“The government can no longer be complicit in the devastation this industry is inflicting on the oceans. We need an immediate ban on bottom trawling on seamounts and vulnerable areas, as well as a commitment to establish marine sanctuaries on the high seas before it’s too late.” “New Zealanders care deeply about the ocean and want to see it thrive. Bottom trawling is a major threat to healthy oceans, and it is time New Zealand finally abandoned this indefensible, archaic practice.” Bottom trawling is a destructive and indiscriminate fishing method that involves dragging large, heavy nets along the seafloor and over seamounts to catch fish.
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BusinessNZ Planning Forecast: Improving forecast for some areas

Source: BusinessNZ

The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the June quarter indicates the NZ economy will likely grow at nearly 3% by 2027, however it is facing strong headwinds caused by international and domestic issues.
BusinessNZ economist John Pask says the uncertain, rapidly-changing international environment is affecting New Zealand’s trade and economic prospects.
“Not just war and threats of war, but also threats to trade and the international trade rules-based order are bringing uncertainty and caution.
“NZ is a trading nation, linked to the rest of the world by key markets, supply chains and global investment flows, and vulnerable to economic shocks and international tensions. Forecasts of future growth will be heavily conditional on world events,” Mr Pask said.
“Domestically, there is some good news, as statistics indicate GDP improvement, inflation is still contained, lower interest rates are reducing the pressure on businesses and households, dairy and meat prices are positive, and the Government’s moves to allow greater deductions on business purchases and address poor regulation are all positive.”
The BusinessNZ Economic Conditions Index (ECI), a measure of NZ’s major economic indicators, sits at 8 for the June 2025 quarter, an improvement of 2 on the previous quarter, and an improvement of 12 on a year ago.
An ECI reading above 0 indicates that economic conditions are generally improving overall; below 0 means economic conditions are generally declining.
The full BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the June quarter is on www.businessnz.org.nz.
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Local News – Business is buzzing in Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua’s commitment to business has meant a busy schedule of activities and events this year.
While the sold-out BizFest 2025: Kōpū i te pae – Light up the Horizon will be a great opportunity to learn, network and connect, there are a number of other events in Porirua to help boost businesses.
BizFest is at Te Rauparaha Arena on 1 July, with double Olympic gold winner, Dame Valerie Adams, and Black Grace founder and director Neil Ieremia among the speakers.
With an awesome lineup of sessions and kōrero, Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says it will be a fantastic day for the city’s business sector.
“Porirua is a great place to do business and with the events we have on the calendar now, it means our city is humming. We’re always looking to keep moving forward,” she says.
A new pop-up initiative – BizHub – will kick off at Kai Tahi from 1 August. BizHub aims to keep the momentum from BizFest going and bring the business community together every second Friday, as a hub for advice, connections and support.
“BizFest and BizHub are both collaborations between Porirua City Council and Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and it’s a partnership approach that’s focusing on uplifting and connecting Porirua businesses,” Mayor Baker says.
Earlier this month the Love Local Expo showcased the best of our local products, services, crafts and community services – with more than 130 stalls and thousands of people coming through the Arena on 7 June.
Other events coming up on the calendar are Visa Wellington on a Plate and the ever-popular ChoctoberFest.
Visa WOAP will be held from 1-31 August in Porirua and there’ll be outstanding burger creations to tempt your tastebuds from businesses across Porirua. It’s not to be missed.
ChoctoberFest is always a sweet spot with Porirua locals, visitors and businesses. In 2024, the third year of the festival, 20 cafes, eateries and bars took part. More than 13,000 baked treats and drinks were consumed in October, pumping $131,000 into the Porirua economy.
“What I love about the events that we host now for businesses is that they’re not just for residents, but they attract visitors to our city,” Mayor Baker says.
Also coming up is a three-day Bizezi Spark Programme on 30 and 31 July and 1 August. It’s a hands-on business incubator programme, for those thinking about starting a business or wanting to build stronger foundations. You’ll work with experts over three days to shape your business plan and set yourself up for success.
Later in the month, on 20 August, there’s a subsidised half-day workshop Business Growth and Resilience through the Circular Economy, where you can learn how the circular economy can unlock new revenue streams, reduce costs, and future-proof your business.
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Ngāti Pāoa health service Condemns Hate-Fuelled Actions at Destiny Church Protest

Source: Ngāti Pāoa Health

Ngāti Pāoa Health and social service, E Tipu E Rea (soon to be Ki Tua o Matariki) has publicly condemned the hate- fuelled actions at a recent Destiny Church protest. Over the weekend, on Saturday 21 June, disturbing scenes unfolded during a protest led by Brian Tāmaki and members of Destiny Church.

This protest, which publicly denounced non-Christian religions, saw individuals dressed in traditional Māori attire- maro, taiaha in hand, and adorned with stencil moko-perform a haka intended to intimidate and shame other belief systems. Twelve flags were stomped on and set alight, among them the rainbow flag representing our LGBTQIA+ whānau.
E Tipu E Rea, the health and social services arm of Ngāti Pāoa, firmly condemns these actions as a harmful and disgraceful misuse of cultural identity and a blatant act of hate speech.
“We continue to speak out about this as we are extremely concerned for safety and mental wellbeing of young parents in our service who are part of the Takatāpui community and others across the motu. Our tikanga teaches us to uplift, to manaaki, and to protect the dignity of all people. What we witnessed was not a reflection of our tikanga, but a weaponisation of our culture to spread hate” said E Tipu E Rea CEO Zoe Witika Hawke.
The health service offers a range of wrap around services in the first 2,000 days including midwifery, WCTO nursing, and mātauranga Māori to help whānau to connect with their reo, culture and whakapapa. However, the organisation disagrees with the use of Māori cultural expressions to target minority communities-including LGBTQIA+, Muslim, Buddhist, and other non-Christian groups and states that it is a gross distortion of what it means to be tangata whenua.
“We do not support the divisive rhetoric or actions of Brian Tāmaki and his followers. Their protest represents a direct attack on the values of inclusion, aroha, and whakapapa that bind our diverse communities together,” said Witika- Hawke.
E Tipu E Rea stands proudly alongside our LGBTQIA+ whānau, and in solidarity with Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh and all other faiths and belief systems that are part of the vibrant fabric of Aotearoa. Our kaupapa is to uplift the mana of all young parents-especially in the face of stigma and discrimination-and we reject any narrative that seeks to elevate one identity at the expense of another.
“We remind Aotearoa that Māori culture is not a tool of religious supremacy”.
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Local News – 4Paws Empire wins at Love Local – Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

This year’s Love Local was another popular event, with more than 100 local businesses filling Te Rauparaha Arena to sell their products and promote their services.
A big congratulations to the team at 4Paws Empire for taking out the People’s Choice Award for best booth or truck. The Mushroom House and Poi Creations were close runners-up.
One of the fantastic stores inside Kai Tahi, 4Paws Empire provides affordable, high-quality products for fellow dog lovers.
Run by Glenna and Damon, 4Paws offers a variety of items, from harnesses, leads and collars, to dog treats and ‘puppuccinos’. As Kai Tahi is a dog-friendly space, dog owners can bring their four-legged fri

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Emergency Management – New Partnership Unites Sectors to Strengthen New Zealand’s Disaster Resilience – NEMA

Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)

 

A Natural Hazards Resilience Partnership has been signed today to enhance New Zealand's response to and recovery from natural disasters.

 

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake (NHC), and the Insurance Council of New Zealand Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa (ICNZ) have formed the Natural Hazards Resilience Partnership (the Partnership) to lift the coordination and cooperation in responding to and recovering from major disasters in New Zealand.

 

The Partnership brings together key government and private sector organisations to improve national resilience by streamlining the sharing of information, aligning resources, and strengthening the overall response and recovery system following natural hazard events.

 

“The Partnership is a proactive step in ensuring that New Zealand is better prepared to respond to and recover from major natural disasters,” NEMA’s chief executive Dave Gawn said.

 

“Collaboration is crucial in emergency management, so we can support New Zealanders and their communities when they most need it. By working together, we can improve outcomes for affected communities and reduce recovery timeframes.”

 

“New Zealand is a country at high risk of natural hazards. Very few areas are without risk, and we know that after personal and whanau safety, the safety and security of your home very quickly becomes a key focus for people impacted by natural disasters. So insurance plays a critical role in helping communities to recover,” NHC Chief Executive Tina Mitchell said.

 

“Climate change makes it ever more important that we work together to prepare for and respond to natural hazard impacts. This Partnership leverages New Zealand’s unique public-private insurance system, which has been in place for 80 years, and strengthens how we’ll work together across the system to support community recovery.

 

“All the members of this Partnership share a commitment to learning the lessons from past events and building our ways of working, so that we’re better prepared for future major events, together,” she said. 

 

The Partnership will boost New Zealand's resilience including the opportunity to collaborate before an event occurs to improve the system’s readiness, ICNZ Chief Executive Kris Faafoi said.

 

“Insurance funds a sizeable portion of the recovery from most disaster events. Integrating insurers into the response and recovery allows for the best possible coordination of the entire system.

 

“The insurance sector can relieve a significant burden from the agencies leading response and recovery by looking after insurance customers and providing certainty to get Kiwis back on their feet as quickly as possible.”

 

Dave Gawn said this is one of several initiatives the Government is pursuing to lift the country’s emergency management system by investing in change.

 

“The Partnership is a great example of where opportunities for improvement have been identified, and the sector is collaborating to make these changes happen. 

 

“It helps ensure role clarity across the insurance and emergency management sectors, and it supports prosperity by ensuring that there is no daylight between response and effective recovery.

 

“The Partnership is a key example of how investing in building trusted relationships in quiet times, means we will benefit from the consequent increase in resilience in turbulent times.”

 

The Partnership will improve coordination across the insurance system and will allow the pursuit of shared goals across the 4Rs of emergency management (Risk Reduction, Readiness, Response, and Recovery).

 

The emergency management system is an integral part of the broader national resilience system. Other related work includes local government reform, resource management reform (including national direction on natural hazards) and National Adaptation Framework, science sector reforms, and Crown risk financing and incentives for pre-event risk reduction.

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Education – Whitireia Foundation scholarships enable study for nearly 900 students across 20+ years

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Since its inception in 2002, the Whitireia Foundation has awarded scholarships to nearly 900 ākonga (students), supporting their journeys through tertiary study and into careers that make a meaningful impact in their communities.
From nursing and paramedicine to construction, hospitality, IT and more, the Foundation’s impact spans a wide range of industries. More than half of all scholarship recipients have gone on to study in healthcare and social services, helping to fill essential roles in our communities.
The annual Whitireia Foundation Scholarship Awards ceremony took place this month, celebrating ākonga who have received scholarships to support their study at Whitireia and WelTec in 2025. The event brought together ākonga, whānau, sponsors, Foundation trustees, staff and community leaders including Porirua Mayor Anita Baker and Ngāti Toa Rangatira Dr Te Taku Parai to acknowledge the achievements of this year’s recipients.
Dr Leanne Ivil, Whitireia and WelTec Operations Lead and Director Teaching and Learning, says the Foundation plays a vital role in helping ākonga succeed.
“Not only do these scholarships provide financial assistance, but they also give ākonga a sense of belonging, of being seen and supported. For many, the moment they realise that others believe in their future is a significant turning point.”
Chair of the Whitireia Foundation, Kelvin Irvine, says the power of the scholarships lies in the connections they represent.
“Education isn’t a solo journey. These awards reflect a wider community of sponsors, staff, mentors and whānau who come together to champion our ākonga. We’reincredibly proud to have supported nearly 900 ākonga to date, and we look forward to continuing that legacy.”
Delia (Dee) Pahina-Kopa, a third-year Bachelor of Nursing Māori student, was awarded a Whitireia Foundation Scholarship sponsored by Tū Ora Compass Health for her second and third year of studies.
“This scholarship has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders,” she says. ” It's allowed me to focus fully on my learning and I'm incredibly grateful to the Whitireia Foundation and Tū Ora Compass Health for making that possible.”
The Whitireia Foundation relies on the strong relationship between its trustees and sponsors who work together each year to support ākonga in their studies. Kelvin Irvine says sponsors come from a wide range of industries and their ongoing support reflects a shared commitment to helping ākonga succeed.
“Many of our sponsors have supported the Foundation for years, while others have come on board more recently. What they all have in common is a belief in the value of education and a commitment to invest in the future of our young people and communities,” says Kelvin.
This year’s scholarships will support students across a range of programmes at Whitireia and WelTec, including nursing, social work, IT, business, construction, creativity, hospitality and trades.
The Whitireia Foundation, a volunteer-run Charity, aims to promote knowledge, interest and support for the educational activities of Whitireia and WelTec ākonga. The Whitireia Foundation would like to acknowledge the generous support of 2025 sponsors:
– Alpha NZ
– Aspiring Wallpaper Ltd
– Britton House Movers Ltd
– Dr Sally Hasell
– Focus Projects Ltd
– Ford Sumner Lawyers
– Foster + Melville Architects
– Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors
– Geraldine Lyndhurst
– Graduate Women Wellington
– J A Russell Ltd
– James and Janet Goggin
– Kirk-Burnnand Family
– Maude Legal
– Montage NZ
– Ngāti Toa Rangatira
– Nikau Foundation
– P & M Waite
– Porirua City Council
– Red Wolf  Security
– Tanya and Neil Macdonald
– The Y Foundation (YMCA)
– Tu Ora Compass Health
– Whitireia Foundation

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Health and Government – Recognition of the GP workforce’s value to communities welcomed in funding announcement

Source: Royal NZ College of General Practitioners

Health Minister Hon Simeon Brown’s funding announcement prioritising patients’ health and recognising the crucial role of our specialist general practice workforce has been welcomed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners.
College President Dr Samantha Murton says, “Healthcare starts, and often

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Animal Welfare – SAFE calls for investigation into sexually explicit dairy farm content

Source: SAFE For Animals

SAFE has been made aware of apparent dairy farm workers who are producing video content of a sexual nature directly involving cows at a New Zealand dairy farm for their social media platforms Instagram and Only Fans.
It is deeply concerning to see mother cows who are already being exploited for their reproductive systems being further victimised for the production of sexually explicit video content.
SAFE finds the actions of all individuals involved, whether directly or indirectly, to be reprehensible and entirely unacceptable. We demand full accountability from those responsible for the care of these animals for allowing such conduct to take place on the farm.
SAFE condemns the dairy industry's exploitation of mother cows and their calves, including the separation of all newborn calves from their mothers so their milk can be taken for human consumption, and the annual slaughter of around two million bobby calves who are regarded as waste products by the industry.
The public places a great deal of trust in those who work with animals. This trust is eroded when animals are treated as props for profit-driven content that degrades their dignity.
We have reported this matter to Ministry for Primary industries. As we both urge for and anticipate an investigation, we will not be making any further public comments at this time.