Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Te Hiringa Mahara welcomes the findings and Government response to the independent review of mental health and addiction telehealth services.

“Telehealth services are an essential part of the full continuum of services that support young people and adults so we are pleased to see such a swift response to the recommendations in the review,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Chief Executive, Karen Orsborn.

“The Minister for Mental Health and Health New Zealand have moved quickly to introduce a raft of changes. This will make an immediate difference to people seeking support and their whānau. We know that the three providers delivering telehealth services will welcome the changes and are committed to building up their services.

“Ensuring highly effective telehealth services are available to people is a cornerstone of a well-functioning continuum of services for people to draw on when it’s most needed.

“There is a lot of work to do to implement the 16 recommendations, and we look forward to seeing concrete plans being put in place to ensure more people can access timely support.

“These services have increasingly become a gateway for people needing to access crisis or specialist services with more than 50 per cent of people accessing crisis services through telehealth services. Of significant concern is the finding that around 50% of people calling these lines do not get through, and many people experience long wait times.

“All three providers are under real pressure to meet the burgeoning demand for telehealth services and respond to a broader range of needs. While all providers are working hard to respond to the increasing number and complexity of callers, the review found that too many people who reach out to mental health and addiction telehealth services are not getting through they have not been designed or funded sufficiently well to do this.

“Telehealth services must have consistent processes for identifying high-risk situations, escalating care and ensuring people are supported beyond the initial contact. We support the findings of the Telehealth Review, for not only services to meet increasing demand and needs, but also for telehealth services to ensure better connection and collaboration across services and with other parts of the mental health and addiction system.

“The endorsement of a pilot to initiate follow-up calls to evaluate the outcome for callers will help inform future developments.

“The Review has set out clear recommendations that Te Hiringa Mahara fully supports.

“We are particularly pleased to see the focus on young people’s telehealth services and the challenge they face responding to demands. Many young callers present with complex and urgent needs. We agree wholeheartedly with the Review’s recommendations that young people need to have different service models that are developed with their input to more effectively meet needs.

“Through Te Hiringa Mahara’s independent monitoring of crisis services in 2025, we found that these services are hard to navigate, fragmented and patchy, which is why we have consistently called for a nationally cohesive crisis response system that includes nationwide access to 24/7 phone-based crisis support.

“As work implementing the recommendations gets underway, we will be paying particular attention to responsiveness of services to the communities that use them. This means delivering services that are culturally appropriate for Māori, Pacific peoples and other priority populations.”

“We will continue to monitor crisis responses as when people are in crisis, they need to be able to rely on an effective mental health response that can respond and escalate as needed. In 2025 we made recommendations to HealthNZ and are monitoring implementation to ensure we see the improvements that are needed,” says Ms Orsborn.

Notes:

See Te Hiringa Mahara's report defining what is needed to ensure services recognise and respond appropriately: Urupare mōrearea: Crisis responses monitoring report | Te Hiringa Mahara-Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

8 September 2026

A spate of tyre slashing and other attacks by Israeli supporters is concerning PSNA.

The most recent pro-Israel vandalism is in Christchurch and Wellington alongside a violent attack on a supporter in Auckland.

In Christchurch, a prominent Palestine supporter had a car tyre slashed in his driveway. In Wellington, another supporter of Palestinian rights had a solidarity sticker scraped off their car and a swastika scrawled on the vehicle.

Earlier in the year, a New Plymouth couple had their car tyres slashed outside their property and graffiti attacks on five separate occasions. Police could not find the perpetrator.

Other Palestine supporters had their tyres slashed in Raglan. In this case, the details of the offender, a prominent Auckland businessman in the pro-Israel lobby, were provided to police who refused to prosecute.

At the same time, Israelis, including serving Israeli Defence Force personnel, and former Israelis, have physically attacked people at demonstrations, including outside the Israeli embassy in Wellington.

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa spokesperson Rinad Tamimi says these violent acts would be described as terrorism, if they had been carried out against the Israeli lobby in this country.

“A flat tyre can lead to an accident and death or injury. Lives have been put at risk. There is no question who the targets are – it's the supporters of Palestinian rights protesting against a genocide.”

Tamimi says what she calls radicalised Zionists are to blame.

“They are likely to believe in the most extreme demands and threats made from within the Israeli government. They feel they are entitled to assault people who call out Israeli terror.”

Tamimi says she doesn't know if any of the 50 New Zealanders who serve in the IDF might be responsible for any of the attacks here.

“But we do know that threats are coming more frequently from New Zealand fans of Israel. It seems they are frustrated that Israel is at last being revealed for the genocidal and apartheid state that it is, and they want to take it out on someone.”

Tamimi says PSNA met with senior police earlier this year to express concerns.

“We wanted to raise these attacks and threats against us with the Human Rights Commissioner, Stephen Rainbow, as well.'

“But we have just been informed that Dr Rainbow is too busy and other commissioners are not available till late October”

There is a disturbing pattern of official disinterest – a sharp contrast with their energy and action when the pro-Israel lobby is attacked.

Source: Greenpeace

More than 30 organisations have united behind the upcoming March for Nature in Auckland, where thousands are expected to take to Queen Street in opposition to the Government’s plans to open up public conservation land to commercial exploitation.

The organisations backing the march span unions, environmental charities, scientific societies, ratepayer associations and outdoor recreation groups. They include the PSA, NZEI and Unite Unions, the NZ Botanical Society, Environmental Law Initiative, Mindful Money, and Athletes for Nature.

Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop says the breadth of support shows how deeply people across Aotearoa care about nature – and how united they are in opposing the Government’s Conservation Amendment Bill.

“Unions, scientists, environmental groups, outdoor organisations and local communities are united and are coming together to say enough is enough. Public conservation land must remain protected for nature and for future generations.”

“We may come from all walks of life, but we are united by a simple truth: people in Aotearoa care deeply about the ancient forests, wild landscapes and pristine waters of this country and we will stand together to protect them.”

Greenpeace is particularly concerned about proposed section 6A of the Conservation Amendment Bill, which would require the Conservation Act to enable commercial development on conservation land 'to the greatest extent practicable'.

“No one wants to see ancient trees felled to make way for carparks, or their favourite hunting area turned into an open-cast mine. No one wants to see wild and remote beaches ruined by tacky hotels. But that is the kind of exploitation this Bill could enable,” says Toop.

“We’re talking about some of the most spectacular places in Aotearoa – places like Rangitoto, Cathedral Cove, Mount Taranaki and Milford Sound. These places should be protected for nature, not opened up to greater commercial exploitation.

“This Government may have hoped that by moving fast enough, on enough fronts in its war on nature, people would become overwhelmed and give up. But the opposite is happening.”

“People understand what is at stake. Generations have fought to keep these places wild, for the wildlife that depends on them and for those who come after us. That’s why so many organisations from across society are coming together to march against this Bill.”

Toop says people in Aotearoa have fought a similar battle before – and won.

“In 2010, when the John Key Government proposed opening Schedule 4 conservation land to mining, 40,000 people marched down Queen Street. Faced with overwhelming public opposition, the Government backed down.

“Sixteen years later, we are having to come back to Queen Street to defend these places again. And once again, we are seeing people from all walks of life coming together again to say: hands off conservation land.”

The march – spearheaded by Greenpeace and Forest & Bird – begins at 1pm in Albert Park Auckland on Saturday the 19th of September. More information on the march can be found at marchfornature.nz.

Notes

March for Nature endorsing organisations

• Greenpeace Aotearoa
• Forest and Bird
• Public Servants Association (PSA)
• New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI)
• New Zealand Professional Firefighters’ Union (NZPFU)
• Unite Union Manatōpū
• Environmental Law Initiative
• WWF
• 350 Aotearoa
• Kiwis Against Seabed Mining (KASM)
• Mindful Money
• ActionStation
• NZ Botanical Society
• Athletes for Nature
• Endangered Species Foundation
• Climate Liberation Aotearoa
• Anti-War Aotearoa
• Ngā Haumi
• Environmental and Conservation Organisations (ECO)
• Common Grace Aotearoa
• Zero Waste Aotearoa
• Coromandel Watchdog of Hauraki
• Extinction Rebellion
• The Tree Council
• Coalition Against the Fast Track (CAFT)
• Titirangi Residents & Ratepayers
• Protect Our Winters Aotearoa
• Peace Movement Aotearoa
• Ora Taiao: Aotearoa NZ Climate and Health Council
• Aotearoa New Zealand Campaign on Military Spending
• Beautification Trust
• Maui & Hector's Dolphin Defenders
• Ekos

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Five Whitireia and WelTec ākonga have secured an impressive 17 finalist nominations at the 2026 New Zealand Hair Awards, highlighting the calibre of emerging talent coming through the institute's barbering and hairdressing programmes.

Leading the nominations is Manaia Seligman, who has earned six finalist places across the Editorial Barber of the Year, Editorial Barber Next Generation and Editorial Barber New Talent categories. For Manaia, the recognition marks the realisation of a childhood dream. “It means a lot to even be entering. A dream I've had since I was young is becoming a reality.” Manaia discovered his passion for barbering while still at school, cutting hair for friends and whānau. His award entries reimagine the classic mullet with bold geometric lines and a distinctive square silhouette.

Aliyah Davis has received five finalist nominations, including Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge Next Generation, Editorial Stylist Next Generation, Editorial Textured Artistry of the Year and the Derek Elvy Visionary Avant-Garde Award. “It's an amazing opportunity to be entering these awards alongside stylists I admire and look up to.” Aliyah is interested in curly and textured hair and creating experiences that leave clients feeling confident and celebrated.

Timothy Rempala has earned three finalist nominations, the Derek Elvy Visionary Avant-Garde Award and two places in Editorial Stylist Next Generation. Drawing on his background in oil painting and special-effects artistry, Timothy transformed ambitious creative concepts into striking competition work. “This experience has shown me that with determination, creativity and technique, even impossible ideas can become reality.”

Also recognised are Francesca D'Oriano, a finalist in both the Editorial Barber New Talent and Editorial Barber Next Generation categories, and Trelise Hood, a finalist in the Editorial Stylist New Talent category.

For Francesca, barbering is both a new beginning and a return to her roots. “My parents were both hairdressers, and I grew up in a busy salon, so hairdressing was my second home. It wasn't until I tried other paths that I learned to appreciate it as a career.”

For Trelise, making the finalist list is a reflection of the confidence she has gained through pushing herself creatively. “I challenged myself and stepped outside my comfort zone. Seeing how far that took me in the competition surprised me and made me genuinely proud of what I achieved.”

Whitireia and WelTec Hairdressing and Makeup kaiako Te Warena says the finalists represent the future of the industry. “These rangatahi have shown remarkable creativity, professionalism and dedication. They have the potential to become future leaders and innovators in hairdressing and barbering.”

The finalists' success reflects the strength of Whitireia and WelTec's industry-focused training and the dedication, skill and commitment of its emerging stylists and barbers. Winners of the 2026 New Zealand Hair Awards will be announced on Sunday 1 November 2026.

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Health and safety concerns arising from unsafe staffing levels have forced nurses at Gisborne Hospital’s emergency department (ED) to go on strike.

Around 34 Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO members will down tools for an hour from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday (9 September).

NZNO delegate and ED nurse Clara Dolman-Tuhou says Gisborne ED has been understaffed since the end of last year and ongoing meetings with management have brought no significant change despite the ED going into code red multiple times.

“Unsafe staffing has significantly increased since then,” she says.

“This is because of severe staff shortages and unreasonable and unmanageable workloads that have made the ED critically unsafe, and led to increased sick leave, burn out and resignations.

“We’re at the point now where staff have had enough.”

Clara Dolman-Tuhou says unsafe staffing puts patients, health workers and the community at risk every day.

“Sustained understaffing and overcrowding in emergency departments could lead to more serious situations like patient deaths and violence against staff by frustrated people waiting longer than they should in ED.”

She says it’s a privilege caring for people when they are at their most vulnerable, and she’s proud of her mahi. However, immense work pressure comes at a cost.

“For me, that cost is my whānau and, most importantly, my child.

“The mental strain, exhaustion and anxiety that my colleagues and I are experiencing is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

“Health care workers cannot continually be expected to absorb the consequences of short staffing, increasing presentations and limited hospital capacity by simply working more hours.

“We cannot keep asking exhausted staff to carry an already overloaded system because eventually, something has to give.”

Gisborne ED staff were also bewildered by an email (seen by NZNO) from management on 9 July that the department was undergoing a staffing rollback which would have reduced nursing staff from 14 to 13 across the three shifts rostered each day.

This was paused following pressure from NZNO.

Source: Business Canterbury

Canterbury businesses are entering the final quarter of 2026 with confidence, strong investment intentions and growing capacity to back future growth, according to Business Canterbury's latest Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey released today.

The survey shows 72 percent of businesses expect the Canterbury economy to be stronger over the next 12 months, up 20 percentage points since May, while 72 percent also expect stronger financial performance. Investment intentions remain high, with 71 percent planning to invest in property, plant and equipment over the coming year, and 68 percent expecting to hire additional staff.

Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “The results show a business community increasingly focused on long-term opportunity rather than short-term uncertainty.”

“When global conditions shifted following conflict in the Middle East, Canterbury businesses certainly felt the impact. What is encouraging is that they didn't put their plans on hold.

“While confidence fell earlier in the year, investment and hiring intentions remained remarkably resilient. Businesses have become used to planning for uncertainty rather than waiting for it to pass, and that is showing through in the decisions they are making today.”

The survey shows that confidence is being driven by tangible business activity rather than sentiment alone. Sales growth, customer demand and forward pipelines all came through as strong points for both the Canterbury economy and individual businesses.

“The story behind these results is that businesses can see work ahead of them.”

“Strong pipelines, committed projects and ongoing demand are giving businesses the confidence to invest, hire and grow. That provides a much more durable foundation for confidence than simply hoping conditions improve.”

The survey also points to a strong labour market here in Canterbury. Staff capability, retention and workforce quality came through as strengths in the economy again this quarter.

“After a prolonged period where workforce availability was one of the region's greatest constraints, many businesses are now telling us their people are becoming one of their best competitive advantages.”

“That reflects the work employers have done to attract, develop and retain talent, and it is helping position Canterbury businesses well for future growth.

“Canterbury is entering this period from a position of strength. Businesses are prepared to invest, create jobs and pursue growth opportunities, but they need confidence that the broader settings will support those decisions.

“That means accelerating enabling infrastructure, providing greater policy certainty and maintaining investment settings that encourage businesses to put capital to work.

“The opportunity for Canterbury is significant. The foundations are there, businesses have shown they are willing to back themselves, and with the right settings in place we have the potential to move into sustained long-term growth for the wider New Zealand economy – driven by the South”

• 72% expect the Canterbury economy to be stronger in 12 months, up 20 points from May.
• 72% expect stronger financial performance over the next 12 months, up 12 points.
• 71% expect to invest in property, plant and equipment within the next 12 months.
• 68% expect to hire new staff within the next 12 months.
• 77% are confident in their ability to deal with disruption.
• Top issues: consumer confidence and demand, inflation and interest rates, compliance costs, productivity and growth, international trade and geopolitical risks.

Visit the Business Canterbury website to download the summary report.

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

Source: Northland Regional Council

Northland’s six-monthly outdoor tsunami siren test will take place at 10 am on Sunday, 27 September, marking the start of daylight saving.

The network of more than 90 outdoor sirens in coastal communities across Taitokerau is tested twice annually to ensure it remains ready to alert communities in the event of a tsunami.

Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Chair Colin (Toss) Kitchen says while it’s hoped such an emergency never occurs, regular testing helps ensure the system can respond effectively if needed and raises awareness of Northland’s tsunami risk.

He says during the test, sirens will sound for up to two minutes, emitting the familiar siren tone followed by a voice message: “Test only, test only. This is a test of the Northland tsunami siren network; no action is required.”

While the indoor siren network will not be activated during this test, residents with indoor sirens are encouraged to manually check their devices by pressing the test button, similar to testing a smoke alarm.

Chair Kitchen says community feedback is one of the most important parts of the tests.

“It helps us confirm the sirens are working properly, that people can actually hear them, and that everyone becomes more familiar with what they sound like and what to do when they activate.”

Residents can provide feedback on the day via forms available on the Northland Regional Council website and the Civil Defence Northland Facebook page.

“Could you hear it? Was the message clear? Let us know.”

Chair Kitchen also reminds Northlanders of the importance of recognising natural tsunami warning signs, especially in coastal areas where local-source tsunamis may arrive before any official alert.

“If you feel a strong earthquake that’s hard to stand in, one that lasts longer than a minute, or notice unusual sea behaviour, such as a sudden rise or fall or strange noises, don’t wait for an official warning, move inland or to higher ground immediately.”

To check if you live, work, or play in a tsunami evacuation zone, and to plan your safest route, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/evacuationzones

Northland’s outdoor tsunami sirens are funded and owned by the region’s four councils (Far North District, Whangarei District, Kaipara District, and Northland Regional Council).

To hear what the sirens sound like, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/tsunamisirens