Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Firefighters test their driving skills at UFBA driving competition

Source: United Fire Brigades' Association

Firefighters from around the country will be in Fielding at Chris Eamon Circuit, Manfeild Park on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August for the United Fire Brigades’ Association (UFBA) National Drivers Challenge.
The United Fire Brigades’ Association Drivers Challenge brings together over 100 firefighters from all around the country to compete and upskill in a challenging driving competition using fire appliances (fire engines/trucks).
The competition comprises a pre-drive, theory test and 11 individual exercises, in which drivers are judged on overall ability, efficiency, aptitude and smoothness of operation of fire appliances.
The exercises are designed to test critical spatial awareness and judgment decisions that reflect the real-life challenges when driving on New Zealand roads. Challenges include bay and parallel parking, straight-line driving, lane changes, braking, estimating clearance, and negotiating serpentine and shrinking chicanes – all of which are crucial driving and parking skills needed to strategically and safely get the truck where it needs to be for any kind of emergency.
This event also helps with re-validation for brigade drivers completing Emergency Response Driver certificates. UFBA CEO Bill Butzbach says, ” Most of our competitors are volunteer firefighters, who make up 86% of Fire and Emergency’s frontline workforce, and this challenge provides them with an opportunity to practice and perfect their driving skills to ensure the safety of their crew on board and other road users, while responding to an emergency.
This event is a vital opportunity for sharing, upskilling, testing against compliance and simple camaraderie for firefighters to network in a competitive and safe environment.”
Spectators are welcome to come along and gain insight into the world of firefighters. Understand and appreciate the incredible skill it takes to control and maneuver a 12-ton fire truck with precision and patience.
About the UFBA – for over 140 years the United Fire Brigades’ Association has been the leading association representing firefighters in New Zealand. Today our services support c.14,000 firefighters throughout the fire and emergency services sector by providing advocacy, skills-based challenges, workshops, and service honours.
For more information visit www.ufba.org.nz
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Zero Waste – Anxiety rises as decision on incinerator due

Source: Zero Waste Aotearoa

Zero Waste Aotearoa is more worried than ever about the waste-to-energy incinerator proposed for Te Awamutu. That’s because so many concerns have emerged about the track record of the company behind the proposal: scrap metal dealer Global Metal Solutions (GMS).

The Board of Inquiry decision on resource consent for the proposal is due next week.

“It has flouted environmental laws at all of its three sites, operated without consent and used lawyers to push back against local councils and the Court – at high cost to ratepayers. It would be exceedingly risky to allow such people to own or operate a highly complex, novel-to-New Zealand technology next to residential areas and five schools representing all ages of children. Waste-to-energy incinerators can create and release some of the world’s worst contaminants, and skilled and careful operation is vital,” said Sue Coutts, spokesperson for Zero Waste Aotearoa.

Auckland: Illegal operations, council and landlord want it gone

The company has operated at its Auckland site for five years without resource consent to release contaminants to air and water, which it routinely does as part of its operations. It dug up a large area of contaminated land without consent. Auckland Council let it operate under an abatement notice for the past three years, but told it to cease operations after a major fire at the site in March this year. In response, GMS’s lawyers wrote to the Council, blaming the Council for not providing the right advice about resource consents and hinting strongly that it could be liable for GMS’s financial losses if operations must cease. GMS’s landlord in Auckland has long sought to end its lease.

New Plymouth: Holds no resource consents

GMS also has a scrap metal site in New Plymouth, where it’s operated since 2018 – again without resource consent. Scrap metal yards are known to produce contaminated wastewater, and air pollution if they process/shred vehicles, and therefore require consents. Other scrap metal yards that previously operated in the vicinity held consents to discharge contaminants to land and water.  GMS’s site is directly next to the Waitaha Stream, which Taranaki Regional Council is investigating for the source of high metal levels.

Zero Waste Aotearoa is awaiting further information from Taranaki Regional Council via a July 18th official information request on the resource consents GMS should have and on the stream’s water quality.

Hamilton: Indifferent to its Environment Court obligations

GMS’s third site is in Hamilton. It was taken to the Environment Court by Hamilton City Council for repeatedly breaking noise limit rules. The Court issued it with an enforcement order in 2020. In 2021, it was finally forced to move the noisy equipment, and the Judge wrote that: “We conclude the company is indifferent to its obligations under the Court order and the directions and seeks to continue its activity in breach of the plan for the pursuit of profit” (emphasis added). It had to pay costs of $134,900 and the Judge wrote that ‘We find that a higher-than-normal award of costs is appropriate …. GMS's arguments were advanced without substance.’

The Environment Court’s written decisions and GMS’s lawyer’s letter to Auckland Council reveal similarities: GMS claiming to misunderstand what rules applied, its attempts to fix the problems being exceedingly drawn-out, saying employee’s jobs are threatened, and blaming the Council.

It is not GMS that has applied for consent to build and operate a waste-to-energy incinerator at Te Awamutu, but Global Contracting Solutions, which is owned by the same people as GMS. Its plan is to incinerate 400 tonnes of waste or more each day, including plastic and tyres, and non-metal vehicle parts such as dashboards and upholstery shredded at the unconsented Auckland site.

“It is not simply that these people own an unrelated business that is not operating with appropriate consents. Rather, it is that this scrap metal business is intimately connected with the incinerator. It was the reason the owner wanted to build it in the first place, to get rid of the waste left over from the scrapping process.”

A decision on whether the incinerator will be granted resource consent is being considered by a Board of Inquiry following a hearing that concluded in July. The Zero Waste Network – recently rebranded as Zero Waste Aotearoa – teamed up with the Environmental Defense Society to oppose the incinerator at the hearing. The evidence and submissions at the hearing included information on the Hamilton and Auckland failings but not the absence of consents at the New Plymouth site.

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Greenpeace turns on NZ First over its support for corporate land grab bill

Source: Greenpeace

During today’s public submission hearings on the ACT Party’s Overseas Investment Amendment Bill, Greenpeace took direct aim at NZ First, highlighting the hypocrisy of NZ First’s support for the Bill at first reading – despite its long-standing opposition to foreign ownership. The party’s sole representative was notably absent for most of the hearing.
Greenpeace accused the party of abandoning its values and backing a law that would see some of the country’s most ecologically sensitive land sold to multinational corporations, even if those corporations have a criminal history and have broken environmental laws in other jurisdictions.
“If NZ First does bend the knee to another of ACT’s ideological policies then so be it,” said Toop. “The voters’ cards will fall as they may, and they may very well fall under 5%, but that will be the bed that NZ First makes for itself by signing up to a Bill that would see New Zealand being sold off to the highest bidding foreign corporation.”
The organisation opposed the bill on several grounds including that it removes the requirement that the Government check whether a foreign buyer of sensitive land has committed serious crimes abroad, such as breaking environmental or labour laws, or evading paying taxes.
Sensitive land is outlined in Schedule 1 of the Bill and includes the conservation estate, offshore islands, lake beds, the marine and coastal zone, wāhi tapu and other culturally significant sites, and land adjoining these areas.
“The Bill makes it harder for the government to decline the sale of lake beds, offshore islands and the conservation estate to multinational corporate cowboys,” says Toop.
“If this Bill is enacted the Government will no longer be able to impose the bare minimum of environmental conditions on the sale, things like biodiversity protection, heritage preservation, and allowing ongoing public access to public lands.”
The organisation also condemned the move to scrap the special tests for foreign forestry investment, pointing out that much of the devastation caused by the forestry slash and erosion, such as during Cyclone Gabrielle, is caused by foreign-owned forestry companies.
Toop pointed out that Global Forest Partners, the 8th largest landowner in New Zealand in 2019 was registered in the Cayman Islands and asked whether the committee thought the forest industry had paid their fair share to rebuild bridges and roads destroyed by their industry.
She suggested they hadn't and “were instead metaphorically – or literally – bathing in the Cayman Islands’ warm, tax-free waters while New Zealand taxpayers footed the clean-up bill.”
“Greenpeace believes that all corporations, whether New Zealand owned or overseas owned, should be regulated to ensure that they don’t harm the environment, but the Overseas Investment Act currently provides an additional tool that enables the Government to regulate overseas corporations, in particular, to achieve better environmental and community outcomes.”
“It is simply not reasonable to pass an amendment bill that says offshore forestry investments – which have already brought such demonstrable harm to the country – will receive less scrutiny and have fewer conditions imposed on them,” Toop said.
In a pointed moment during the hearing, Toop held up a placard reading NO, referencing Winston Peters’ infamous “NO” placard and stated: “If the NZ First member of the committee had shown up he might recall that sign. Or perhaps it's been forgotten – as NZ First does seem to have forgotten a few things lately, like what it is they purportedly stand for.”
“This ACT party bill literally removes the benefit to New Zealand test so that it is easier to sell off New Zealand to multinational corporations. You’ll have to forgive me for failing to see how that, by any stretch of the imagination, puts NZ First.”
Toop also criticised the Government’s rushed consultation process – with the Government only allowing five hours of oral submissions on the Bill, all via Zoom.
“It is undemocratic, but it's not surprising – especially from a Government who recently engaged in voter suppression. Add to that the new FBI office in our capital city, and you'd be forgiven for thinking you hadn't woken up in Aotearoa – you’d woken up in Trump's America.”
Greenpeace urged the Committee to reject David Seymour's Bill and Toop ended by asking:
“Is it really too much to ask that this Government start governing for New Zealanders, not governing in service of foreign corporations and their offshore shareholders?”
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Local News – New dashboard tracks progress on streamside planting – Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

A new online dashboard is now live, providing a window into collective efforts to restore the health of Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour.
The Riparian Management Programme, a five-year initiative that began in 2021, aims to plant 630,000 native plants to restore the streamside and prevent erosion within the Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour catchment. It’s a joint commitment by Porirua City Council and the Ministry for the Environment, in partnership with Ngāti Toa Rangatira, councils, landowners and community.
Porirua City Parks Manager Julian Emeny says the dashboard helps tell the story of the mahi taking place across the harbour catchment.
“This is about more than planting trees,” says Julian. “We’re restoring the mauri of our streams and harbour – improving water quality, stabilising erosion-prone land, and creating habitats where native wildlife can thrive. The dashboard lets people see this progress almost in real time.”
Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour has endured decades of environmental degradation – from urban development and intensified land use to increased runoff and pollution. But change is underway.
Key strategies in the riparian programme include replanting with native species, targeted weed control, and, with the help of Greater Wellington Regional Council, fencing off waterways from livestock. These actions help reduce sediment and nutrients entering the harbour, protecting its social, cultural and ecological values for future generations.
The new dashboard uses ArcGIS mapping to display planting progress across the harbour’s sub-catchments. It shows updates on plant numbers, fencing lengths, and restoration areas -making the scale of work visible and transparent to all.
This work is part of Porirua City’s broader restoration programme, and a commitment to Te Wai Ora o Parirua – The Porirua Harbour Accord. This project also engages schools and supports volunteers in improving the health of our harbour for future generations.
“We all have a role to play in restoring the wellbeing of our harbour,” says Julian. “This is what it looks like when community, councils and iwi work together for our waterways and harbour.”The dashboard, which is best viewed on a desktop, can be found here [https://pcc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/b0d060a816894333a3a9c0662b6021d4]
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Tech Security – Norton Adds Audio and Visual Deepfake Protection on Mobile

Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners

Analysis of AI-generated audio and facial manipulation techniques now available in early access phase through Norton Genie Scam Protection for users in New Zealand.

Auckland, 5 August 2025 – Norton, a leader in Cyber Safety and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), has launched AI-powered deepfake protection in the Norton Genie AI Assistant on Norton 360 mobile apps. Currently in early access phase, Norton Deepfake Protection enables people to defend themselves from malicious AI-generated audio and video content. Initially available on select Microsoft Copilot+ PCs, people can now protect themselves not only from everyday scams, but also AI scams even if they don’t have an AI PC.

Norton Deepfake Protection in the Genie AI Assistant includes the ability to analyse audio and visual content for signs of manipulation. Beyond detecting AI-generated voices used in fraudulent schemes, the feature provides an added layer of contextual protection by spotting inconsistencies or faint deformations in the physical features of people appearing in videos. If a harmful deepfake is detected, the Genie AI Assistant will provide conversational Cyber Safety guidance and suggestions on what to do next.

“As AI-generated voices and faces become harder to distinguish from the real thing, trust is rapidly becoming one of the most fragile elements of our digital lives,” said Leena Elias, Chief Product Officer at Gen. “The line between truth and deception is blurring, especially when malicious actors can abuse AI to create scams that replicate voices and imagery with startling realism. This is why we’ve made our deepfake protection accessible to people who don’t have AI hardware, so they can confidently navigate and consume digital content without second-guessing what they see or hear.”

Currently, Norton Deepfake Protection in Genie Scam Protection supports English-language YouTube videos with plans to expand platform and language support in future updates. To check for signs of scams in video content, people can upload YouTube links to Norton Genie AI Assistant and receive real-time guidance on the authenticity of a video. If malicious AI-generated content is found, the Genie AI Assistant will flag it and provide advice on what to do next.

The early access version of Norton Deepfake Protection is currently available in Norton 360 mobile products in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand, across Android and iOS devices with desktop support coming soon. The focus at Norton on AI-powered scam protection won’t stop here. Later in the year, deepfake protection for AI PCs will extend to devices powered by Intel chipsets, and more advanced detection capabilities will be available on both desktop and mobile platforms. For more information, visit https://us.norton.com/feature/ai-scam-protection.

About Norton

Norton is a leader in Cyber Safety, and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Norton empowers millions of individuals and families with award-winning protection for their devices, online privacy, and identity. Norton products and services are certified by independent testing organisations including AV-TEST, AV-Comparatives, and SE Labs. Norton is a founding member of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance North America Chapter and the Coalition Against Stalkerware. Learn more at Norton.com and GenDigital.com.
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Local News – Volunteers needed for Papakōwhai community planting day

Source: Porirua City Council

A community planting event on Papakōwhai Rd in August will add to the work that has already been done along that road as part of the shared pathway project.
The planting event, planned for Saturday 16 August, 10.30am – 1pm, will focus on planting at the Papakōwhai Lagoon, located across the road from Papakōwhai Reserve.
“We have 2500 native plants to get in the ground on this day, and we would love the support of the community to help with this important piece of work,” says Porirua City Manager Parks Julian Emeny.
“We will be planting native shrubs, trees and intertidal rushes, which will further help improve the water quality and biodiversity of our streams and harbour.”
The work is part of Porirua City’s wider streamside planting programme, which, in partnership with Ngāti Toa Rangatira, aims to restore the mauri (life force) of Te Awarua-o-Porirua Harbour and create healthy waterways for future generations.
“We have a big planting programme this year, with the aim to get 165,000 plants in the ground,” says Julian.
“This is being done by Council staff, contractors, volunteers and school groups, showing that it takes many hands to get this important mahi done.”
The planting on Papakōwhai Rd follows on from two years of planting done by contractors and local kura along the shared pathway.
If you are keen to come along, please email your name and the number of people attending to: streamside.planting@poriruacity.govt.nz
Find out more about Council’s streamside planting programme here.
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Rural News – More funding welcome – but not enough to stop wildings – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers says another $3 million for wilding pines control is very welcome – but falls well short of what’s needed.
“New Zealand’s iconic landscapes are under threat, and the battle against wilding conifers is being lost,” Feds pest animal and weed spokesperson Richard Dawkins says.
“It’s not an exaggeration to call this an ecological crisis. It’s a ticking time bomb that’s about to blow.”
The Government collects $100 each from most international visitors arriving in New Zealand.
Last week it was announced $3 million over three years of this International Visitor Levy (IVL) revenue will go to the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, in particular for work in the Molesworth and Mackenzie Basin areas.
This boost comes on top of $3.35 million of IVL revenue over three years dedicated earlier this year to wilding control work in Canterbury, Marlborough, Otago and on Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf.
“We’re grateful for the support, but let’s be clear: this level of funding won’t shift the dial. We need enduring, cross-party funding but also a smarter, more strategic response,” Dawkins says.
“Tourists come here for our iconic scenery, yet in too many districts wilding conifers are overrunning productive land and native biodiversity.”
Community-led groups like the South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust and Mackenzie Wilding Trust do exceptional work. However, the scale of the challenge far exceeds the current funding available.
New tactics are required, Dawkins says.
Crown pastoral leases lost through tenure review have seen large areas completely overrun with weeds and pests.
At the same time, grazing concessions on public conservation land are difficult and expensive to obtain.
“Without active land use, these areas turn into breeding grounds for wilding pines and TB-carrying pests, threatening neighbouring farms and conservation efforts,” Dawkins says.
“Putting farmers back on the land means those with the most at stake are managing weeds and pests, while also supporting export revenue and local jobs.”
Dawkins says one of the most significant wilding conifer seed sources in the country, in Marlborough’s Branch and Leatham river catchments, is expected to cost more than $150 million to control.
“That’s just one site, and it’s a seed source for the wider south Marlborough region.
“The area was originally aerially seeded with conifers by the Crown for soil management, with a promise to address any unintended consequences.
“Some funding has been allocated over the years, but it’s been patchy and nowhere near enough to tackle the problem properly.”
Since 2016, governments have spent $150 million on wilding pine control, with another $33 million from landowners and communities.
“But without sustained effort and fresh thinking, we risk all that going backwards.” Dawkins says.
“We’re not trying to sound ungrateful, but the current approach – small, ad hoc funding rounds outside normal budgeting – feels like a lolly scramble.
“It makes long-term planning and prioritisation incredibly difficult.”
Two-thirds of critical work has been deferred since the 2023/24 financial year because of a big drop in funding for the national programme.
“This means we’re quickly losing ground across the country in areas affected by wilding pines, and control costs are increasing exponentially,” Dawkins says.
Base funding for the national control programme is $10 million yearly.
Wilding Pine Network chair Richard Bowman estimates $25 million a year for the next decade is needed to reduce wilding pines enough to a level where private and Crown landowners can get on top of the rest.
Dawkins says the wilding pine problem sits squarely within Federated Farmers’ Save Our Sheep campaign, which calls for urgent action on weed and pest control, and expanded access to high-country grazing.
“We also welcomed the announcement in June of $7.45 million for invasive coastal weed control and weed detection software.
“That’s good news, but we also need to boost council biosecurity teams. They’re under-resourced and fighting on too many fronts,” Dawkins says.
“If we’re serious about protecting our environment and rural economy, we need long-term thinking and practical policy – not just short-term funding rounds.” 
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Local News – Grants opening to support young people and waste minimisation in Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua City has two rounds of grant funding opening in August – one supporting young people and the other supporting projects to reduce waste in the city.
The Waste Minimisation Grants scheme is a new government-funded programme that will initially run for 12 months to gauge the level of demand and the types of waste minimisation projects available.
The Young People’s Fund has its Tier 2 funding opening for applications this year, supporting projects that will have a significant impact on tamariki and rangatahi living in Porirua.
Applications for both types of grants open on 18 August. Applicants are welcome to apply for grants from both funds so long as they meet the criteria.
Waste Minimisation Grants scheme
The Waste Minimisation Grants scheme has two levels of funding available for projects.
Tier 1 grants of up to $30,000 will be allocated on an annual basis. The application period for Tier 1 grants is 18 August – 19 September. Tier 2 grants of up to $2000 will be allocated monthly and can be applied for year-round.
The waste minimisation grants are funded by payments from the Waste Levy. These payments are made to councils from the Ministry for the Environment to support work on waste minimisation.
“This grants scheme will encourage more people to work towards Porirua becoming a low-waste city,” says Porirua City Manager Waste David Down.
“The more work done to reduce waste will mean less waste going to the landfill.”
David says they are keen to see initiatives that create new opportunities and encourage community participation in waste minimisation.
Projects that focus on reduction, redesign, reuse, repair and repurposing will be prioritised.
Young People’s Fund
Up to six grants of $6000 can be applied for this year as part of the Young People’s Fund.
The fund is designed to support initiatives in diversity and inclusion, the environment, and health and wellbeing.
Projects that have been successful in the past were focused on supporting our city’s young people to take on new challenges and learn new skills.
Recipients of the $6000 grants last year were for initiatives including a school garden project, health and wellbeing workshops, workshops about identity and culture, and the creation of short-run radio shows/podcasts.
Applications for the Young People’s Fund close on 19 September.
For more information, visit the Community Support page on our website and click on either ‘Young People’s Fund’ or ‘Waste Minimisation Grants’.
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Real Estate Appointments – Raine & Horne names new leadership team to power growth in New Zealand

Source: Raine & Horne

The leading Australasian real estate firm has appointed James Shepherd as General Manager and James Barclay as General Manager of Finance, bolstering the senior team driving growth across its New Zealand operation

Highlights

Raine & Horne has appointed James Shepherd as General Manager and James Barclay as General Manager of Finance, strengthening its senior leadership team in New Zealand.

The appointments reflect each leader’s strengths and proven collaboration, with both executives having worked closely together over the past six months.
The leadership structure supports Raine & Horne’s strategic vision, with a strong focus on office growth and network expansion across New Zealand.

Christchurch, NZ (5 August 2025): Leading Australian real estate network Raine & Horne is pleased to announce the appointments of James Shepherd as General Manager and James Barclay as General Manager of Finance.

The dual appointments mark a significant step in reinforcing the leadership team in New Zealand, with both executives having worked closely together over the past six months to deliver strong outcomes for the business.

Chris Nicholl, CEO of Raine & Horne, said the appointments reflect the natural alignment of each leader’s strengths and experience with their respective roles.

“I’m confident that James Shepherd and James Barclay are ideally placed to drive our growth,” Mr Nicholl said.

“They are an extremely experienced duo who have already demonstrated a highly effective working relationship, and this new structure allows them play to their natural strengths and experience, and at the same will deliver further positive impact for the network.”

Reflecting on his new role, Mr Shepherd, who brings extensive experience in real estate leadership, compliance, training, and business development—said he is both energised and humbled.

Previously serving as Raine & Horne’s Supervision and Compliance Manager, he was responsible for overseeing and guiding franchise owners and sales teams across the national network.

“Energised is probably the best way to put it. I feel genuinely motivated by the opportunity and what lies ahead,” Mr Shepherd said.

“Honestly, I’m humbled. This promotion reflects the values and commitment I’ve brought to my career, and I’m honoured I’ve been selected for this role.

“I’ve grown a lot over the years, always striving to take the next step. This appointment is a real acknowledgment of that journey.”

A Chartered Accountant, Mr Barclay joined Raine & Horne in August 2024, bringing a wealth of finance experience across ports and logistics, food manufacturing, and agribusiness. His expertise includes treasury, cost analysis, budgeting and forecasting, as well as tax and financial reporting.

Mr Barclay has for the past few months been Acting General Manager.

“James has set the platform for us to put in place a new structure to capitalise on the fantastic market opportunity available to Raine & Horne,” Mr Shepherd said.

Office growth is a major priority

In the immediate term, Mr Shepherd and Mr Barclay are focused on supporting the brand’s 60+ office network across New Zealand and helping franchisees realise their full potential.

“Many of our business owners are ready to grow, and we’re excited to work alongside them to take that next step,” he said.

“James and I will continue working closely together. As GM of Finance, he brings valuable insight, and we’ve already built a strong working relationship. Together, we’re focused on driving growth across the network,” Mr Shepherd said.

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Speech – Governor-General’s address at the Cook Islands 60th Constitution Day Ceremony

Source: Government House

Tēnā koutou, kia orana tātou katoatoa – and my very warmest Pacific greetings to you all.
I’d like to specifically acknowledge: Sir Tom Marsters, King’s Representative to the Cook Islands, and Lady Tuaine Marsters; Prime Minister Mark Brown and Mrs Daphne Brown, and all Members of Parliament of the Cook Islands; Tou Travel Ariki, President of the House of Ariki, and Tou Ariki Vaine, and all other Ariki, mataiapo, and rangatira; Bishop Tutai Pere, Chair of the Religious Advisory Council, and all orometua and religious leaders; Your Excellency Ms Catherine Graham, New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands; distinguished foreign dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps.
And to all honoured guests, many of whom I know have travelled great distances to be here – tēnā koutou katoa.
As Governor-General of the Realm of New Zealand, representing His Majesty King Charles III, and the Government and people of New Zealand, I am honoured to be here for this deeply significant celebration of Te Maeva Nui – marking 60 years of Cook Islands self-governance, and the very special relationship between our two countries.
This is my second visit to the Cook Islands during my term as Governor-General – and on both occasions, I have been so struck, and so moved, by the warmth and generosity with which my husband Dr Davies and I have been received.
The bond between Aotearoa and the Cook Islands ext