Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Posted on

Advocacy – Foreign Minister Peters urged to put Palestine at the front of the agenda in Washington – PSNA

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa – PSNA

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa has just written to Foreign Minister Winston Peters, urging him to put Palestine front and centre in his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington this week.

“The escalating international crisis, which all stems from resistance to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, must be reined in, and pressure from New Zealand should be part of this” says PSNA Co-Chair Maher Nazzal.

“The US will want to recruit New Zealand into the US and Israel war on Iran, and try to get Peters to offer something crazy, like dispatching the New Zealand frigates Te Kaha and Te Mana to help force the Straits of Hormuz.”

‘But the open wound of Palestine remains the single greatest threat to peace and stability across the entire world.”

“We are urging Peters to press the US to demand equal rights for everyone living ‘between the river and the sea’”, says Nazzal.

“This means confronting the apartheid state of Israel head-on. The world can no longer tolerate a genocidal and racist state in West Asia, which is armed to the teeth by the US and hell-bent on attacking its neighbours to capture territory.”

“Israel continues to stoke the flames of hatred and eternal war by last week passing legislation to execute Palestinians convicted of what Israel calls ‘terrorism’.”

“This racist apartheid law does not apply to Jewish Israeli settlers who are killing Palestinians daily.  It exclusively applies in the Military Courts, which are only used to try Palestinians.  They have a conviction rate of over 96 percent.”

“Racist Israeli ministers and Knesset members celebrated the inflammatory racist law with champagne. There was barely a peep from Peters.”

“New Zealand has played an important role in helping resolve international conflicts in the past – we can be part of the solution now.”

Maher Nazzal
Co-Chair PSNA

Posted on

Tatauranga umanga Māori – Statistics on Māori businesses: December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

Posted on

National accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities): December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

Posted on

Fire Safety – Restricted fire season for Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand revoked the prohibited fire season on Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island at 8am yesterday (Wednesday 1 April).
These areas are now in a restricted fire season, until further notice.
During a restricted fire season, people wanting to light outdoor fires must apply to Fire and Emergency for a permit and have it approved.
District Commander Geoff Purcell says the cooler, wetter weather has significantly reduced the fire risk.
“Recent rainfall means the vegetation is less dry and the likelihood of a fire starting and spreading has reduced.
“This doesn’t mean there is no risk. People will still need to apply for a permit and visit www.checkitsalright.nz to check if the conditions are safe to light a fire.
“Moving these areas into a restricted fire season allows us to continue to maintain public safety and protect our beautiful whenua, while also enabling land management activities,” Geoff Purcell says.
No matter where you are, visit www.checkitsalright.nz to check what fire season you’re in, whether the conditions are safe to light, and access fire safety advice. 
Posted on

Environment and Politic s- Greenpeace challenges MPs to drink nitrate-contaminated water at Parliament

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace Aotearoa has installed a mobile bar serving nitrate-contaminated water on Parliament lawn, and is calling on MPs to lower the nitrate limit in drinking water.
Greenpeace Aotearoa Agriculture Campaigner Sinéad Deighton-O’Flynn says, “Today, we’ve brought nitrate-contaminated water from rural homes in Southland in Canterbury, directly to the people in government. We’re asking MPs if they’ll drink the same contaminated water that rural families are forced to drink because of outdated government policies.”
Greenpeace has installed a mobile bar offering samples of nitrate-contaminated water on parliament lawn. The bar is offering samples from parts of the country most impacted by nitrate contamination.
“We should all be able to trust that the water coming out of their kitchen tap is safe to drink. But right now, it’s perfectly legal for a town to supply its residents with water that could lead to an increased risk in bowel cancer, or pre-term birth. Only the people in Government can change that.”
Nitrate contamination at levels as low as 1 mg/L has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer. At levels of 5 mg/L, there is an increased risk of preterm birth for pregnant people drinking the water.
New Zealand’s legal limit (Maximum Allowable Value) for nitrate in drinking water is 11.3 mg/L – a level set in the 1950s in response to Blue Baby Syndrome. Increasingly, rural drinking water is exceeding this limit – which Greenpeace says is already too high.
“It’s simple, the current nitrate limit in New Zealand is dangerously high. It’s out of date and does not sufficiently protect families from the very serious risks associated with nitrate in drinking water.”
The leading cause of nitrate contamination in groundwater and drinking water is cow urine from the oversized dairy herd and synthetic nitrogen fertiliser used by the intensive dairy industry.
“Successive governments have facilitated pollution from the intensive dairy industry, but this has to stop. Peoples’ lives are at stake. The government must prioritise the health of all New Zealanders over dairy industry profits and lower the nitrate limit now.”
Posted on

Education – Graduation a powerful moment for Whitireia and WelTec students, whānau and community

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Whitireia and WelTec has celebrated the achievements of over 350 ākonga (learners) who graduated this week at a vibrant ceremony at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
The event brought together graduates from Te Wānanga Māori, Health, Pacific Health and Social Practice, filling the Arena with proud whānau, friends and kaimahi (staff) as ākonga crossed the stage to mark the culmination of their study, dedication and hard work.
Dr Leanne Ivil, Operations Lead at Whitireia and WelTec, says the ceremony was a moving reminder of why whakapōtaetanga (graduation) is such a highlight of the year. “Seeing our ākonga cross the stage surrounded by whānau is incredibly special, and each graduate represents a unique journey of perseverance, commitment, and community support. The ceremony was filled with joy and many powerful moments.”
Guest speaker Dr Debbie Ryan – a long-standing advocate for improving primary healthcare for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa – highlighted the deep significance of the occasion. “Graduation is never just an individual achievement – it is a collective milestone. Each graduate carries the hopes, sacrifices, and dreams of their wider community. When one person walks across the stage, we all move forward,” she said. “This week’s graduation reminds us of the strength that comes from connection, culture, and shared purpose.”
Dr Ryan reinforced the importance of vocational pathways across Aotearoa. “Vocational education plays an essential role in building equity. It opens doors for learners who bring enormous potential but have not always had access to systems that recognise and nurture their strengths. When we invest in education that is shaped by ākonga and community needs, we invest in a future where more people can thrive, contribute, and lead in the sectors that matter most.”
This week’s celebration set the scene for Whitireia and WelTec’s remaining 2026 graduations. On 30 April, ākonga from Innovation, Design and Technology (Business, IT, Engineering), Creativity, and Hospitality will take the stage at the Lower Hutt Events Centre. Then on 10 September, another milestone moment arrives with the inaugural graduation of the Bachelor of Nursing Māori ‘Matariki’ cohort at Waiwhetu Marae.
As Whitireia and WelTec look ahead to the remaining ceremonies, Dr Ivil says the 2026 graduations are a powerful reminder of what vocational education makes possible – transforming lives, uplifting communities, and opening doors to new futures.
Posted on

Climate News – Earth Sciences New Zealand Seasonal Climate Outlook April-June 2026

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Earth Sciences New Zealand's Seasonal Climate Outlook for April to June 2026 is attached.
Highlights:
  • There is an elevated chance of heavy rain events/flooding during April. Otherwise rainfall totals are equally likely to be normal or above normal across the North Island and near or below normal in the South Island.
  • At the start of the outlook period, easterly winds increase the chance of heavy rain, especially from subtropical or tropical weather systems.
  • Seasonal air temperatures are expected to remain near average in most regions, with some cold snaps possible later in the outlook period.
  • El Niño conditions are looking increasingly likely (about 80% chance later in the year), with a gradual weakening of La Niña influences through this outlook period.
Posted on

Energy Sector – Minister Brown takes up energy portfolio at critical time

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Energy Resources Aotearoa welcomes the re-appointment of Hon Simeon Brown as Minister for Energy and acknowledges the significant contribution of the outgoing Minister, Hon Simon Watts.
Chief Executive John Carnegie said the incoming Minister takes on the portfolio at a critical time.
“Over the past year, the context has shifted. The Prime Minister says energy is the dominant issue for the remainder of this year – we could not agree more.”
Carnegie says New Zealand is now clearly in the middle of a generational energy challenge, with global pressures and domestic constraints combining to tighten supply and drive up costs.
“We thank Minister Watts for his action-focused leadership during a period where the importance of energy security and affordability is in sharp focus.
The priority for the portfolio going forward is clear: continuing on the trajectory toward secure, abundant, affordable energy for New Zealand homes and businesses.
Gas remains undersupplied, and electricity prices have not eased to levels that provide comfort to consumers or certainty for industry.
With the decline of key domestic supply, fuel sources and limited replacement capacity in the short term, the system is increasingly exposed.”
Looking ahead, Carnegie says the focus must be on enabling investment and building capacity across the system to deliver resilience.
“We need to move beyond managing scarcity crisis by crisis, and toward enabling the fuels required to keep our economy humming. 
That means reducing red tape while supporting new generation, increased firming capacity, and enabling the infrastructure and fuels required to bring it online.
Without using all domestic resources available to us, New Zealand will continue to experience high prices and deindustrialisation. This should not be acceptable to any government, or indeed any voter.
New Zealand needs an energy system approach that focuses on security and affordability as the foundations for long-term economic growth, and we look forward to working with the new Minister to drive progress toward this.”
Posted on

Energy Sector – ERGANZ welcomes Simeon Brown as Minister for Energy

Source: Electricity Retailers' and Generators' Association of New Zealand (ERGANZ)
 
The Electricity Retailers' and Generators' Association of New Zealand (ERGANZ) congratulates Minister Simeon Brown on his return to the role of Minister for Energy.
 
ERGANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says in an increasingly complex domestic and global environment, energy policy will continue to play a vital role in shaping New Zealand’s future.
 
“New Zealand’s journey to a more secure and renewable energy system is moving at pace, and we look forward to again working with Minister Brown to ensure electricity continues to benefit all New Zealanders.”
 
Abernethy underlined the need for pragmatic, long-term policies that enable investment in electricity generation and support a resilient, competitive market in the midst of the largest renewable energy boom New Zealand has seen.
 
“Our members plan to invest an additional $6 billion in new generation projects between now and 2030. This level of investment is only possible with long-term clarity on key energy policy.
 
We know that energy is at the front of people’s minds, and investing in more renewable energy will drive the best long-term outcomes for consumers.
 
We’re excited to work with Minister Brown to support the low-carbon, electrified future for New Zealand outlined in the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on electricity.”
 
Abernethy thanks Minister Watts and acknowledges his role in driving policies that enabled the industry to invest and build, such as resource management reforms and fast-track legislation.
 
“We want to thank Minister Watts for his engagement with the electricity sector, and look forward to continuing to work with him in his role as Minister for Climate Change.”
Posted on

Union win for home support workers – but mileage increase still falls short – PSA

Source: PSA

A temporary increase in the mileage allowance for home support workers is a welcome response to the fuel crisis but more is needed.
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced today a temporary 12 month increase in the allowance from 63.5 cents to 82.5 cents per kilometre.
“This is a positive step forward for home support workers who have been subsidising our public health system system with their own vehicles and their own wallets for too long,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“This is a win for these low paid workers doing essential life-preserving work in clients' homes all over New Zealand. They campaigned loud and strong for an increase, but this must be just the beginning of the support they need.
“These workers were already doing it tough after the Government cancelled pay equity, stripping away the prospect of fair pay for a workforce that is overwhelmingly female and chronically undervalued.
“The mileage rate has been frozen since March 2022. Fuel prices have surged, vehicle running costs have climbed, and these workers have worn every cent of that gap. A temporary fix does not cut it. It must be higher, it must be made permanent.”
The PSA is continuing legal action in the Employment Relations Authority, arguing that requiring home support workers to use their own vehicles as a tool of the trade breaches the Wages Protection Act 1983. That claim will proceed regardless of today's announcement.
“The mileage allowance must be set at an adequate level that properly reflects costs and we still need to see the annual statutory review of the In-Between Travel allowance result in further increases,” said Fitzsimons.
“Many home support workers cannot get enough guaranteed hours to earn a decent living. The additional hours that top up their incomes can change week to week, leaving them with precarious and unpredictable pay.”
The Government's Employment Leave Bill adds further pressure. Many home support workers are part-time, and the proposed changes to sick and annual leave entitlements will leave them worse off.
“The Government has taken away pay equity, offered a temporary mileage fix that does not go far enough, and is now moving to cut leave entitlements for part-time workers.
“Every one of these decisions hits the same workers: women, part-time, doing essential work for low pay – it speaks so much to this government’s priorities – workers won’t forget the $3 billion tax cut to landlords, money that could have helped make their lives better.
“The PSA will keep fighting for home support workers in the ERA, at the bargaining table, and wherever else it takes. These workers deserve a permanent, adequate mileage rate, secure hours, and the pay equity they were promised.”
Previous statement
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.