Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Fire and Emergency New Zealand specialist teams in Nelson to support community

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has deployed an eight-person specialist water rescue team from Christchurch to Nelson in advance of more heavy rain warnings.
Director Service Delivery Operations Brendan Nally says the team got into place early as Nelson has only two roads into the district, and they are prone to flooding and cutting the district off.
“Our specialist team is on the ground ready to support local brigades if needed when the rain comes,” Brendan Nally says.
We are warning people not to drive through any floodwater and to respect all “road closed” signs. “It’s impossible to judge the depth of water so when people become stranded, they are in danger of drowning.”
Fire and Emergency is also deploying a four- person wide area damage assessment team to Nelson this morning. These teams are part of Fire and Emergency’s urban search and rescue capability, and they assess whether buildings impacted by floods, landslips and earthquakes are safe to enter.  
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Education Events – School boards conference opens in Christchurch

Source: Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa (NZSTA)

More than 700 school board members, education leaders and sector experts are converging on Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre this weekend for the 35th Annual Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa – New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) Conference, the largest event of its kind dedicated to school governance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The conference opens today under the theme Creating a Difference, reflecting the crucial role that boards play in shaping the future of schools and student success across the country.
Over the next three days delegates will take part in a wide-ranging programme of keynote presentations, workshops and networking events designed to equip school board members with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to lead effectively. Highlights include keynote addresses by Minister of Education Hon Erica Stanford, education thought leader Professor Mere Berryman and renowned neuroscience educator Kathryn Berkett.
Alongside the learning programme, the conference also provides opportunities for connection and celebration, including the Gallagher Insurance Gala Dinner themed Once Upon a Change, which will bring delegates together to recognise the impact of governance done well.
NZSBA President Meredith Kennett says this year’s event comes at a pivotal moment for education governance.
“We’re seeing major shifts across the sector – from changing legislation to new technologies and increasing expectations of transparency and engagement. This conference is about supporting our boards to rise to these challenges and continue to make a positive difference in their communities.”
The conference runs from Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July.
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UNICEF – 70 per cent of children in Ukraine lack access to basic goods and services as material deprivation soars

Source: UNICEF

Urgent investment in critical services and systems for children is vital to protecting and building the country's future.

Around 70 per cent of children in Ukraine – or 3.5 million – now lack access to basic goods and services, including adequate food or shelter, according to new data published by UNICEF. This proportion of children experiencing 'material deprivation' increased from some 18 per cent in 2021, prior to the escalation of the war in February 2022.

Material deprivation is a stark indicator of poverty and includes a lack of access to nutritious food, appropriate clothing, heating at home, and educational materials, among other essentials. It deprives children of a minimum standard of living and affects their long-term development, education, health, and future opportunities.

“The war in Ukraine continues to devastate the country's children. Investing in them and the services they rely on, is the best way to secure Ukraine's future,” said UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell. 

“The ongoing humanitarian response is tailored to meet immediate needs while supporting lasting results. But it must not be at the expense of investing in Ukraine's long-term recovery that will benefit children today and generations to come.”

Some 2,786 children have been killed or maimed since February 2022. A third of Ukraine's children live in homes without functioning water supply and sewage and nearly half of children lack access to an area to play at home or outside. Continued and relentless attacks on critical water, sanitation, and energy infrastructure, children's homes, schools and healthcare facilities, combined with rising poverty, have caused an increase in material deprivation.

Ukraine is also facing serious demographic challenges, with a 35 per cent birthrate decline and millions of women and children having fled the country.  

Continuous access to quality and inclusive social services, education and health care for all children and their families is essential, especially for children living near the frontlines, children with disabilities, those in institutions and foster families, and children displaced from their homes.

“The opportunity to protect and nurture Ukraine's children and young people – from the early years through adolescence – is now. The country's future dep

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Security – Banking Ombudsman Scheme welcomes establishment of the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme welcomes the announcement of the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance, recognising it as a significant and timely step toward a more coordinated and proactive response to scams in Aotearoa.
“We have been calling for stronger, sector-wide action to prevent scams for some time,” says Nicola Sladden, Banking Ombudsman. “The establishment of the Anti-Scam Alliance reflects growing recognition of the need for collaboration, and we’re pleased to support its work.”
In addition, the Scheme welcomes an upcoming expansion of its jurisdiction to include complaints about receiving banks-those whose accounts are used to receive stolen funds. This change enables a more complete assessment of scam-related complaints and supports accountability across the banking system.
“Preventing scams requires a united approach across industry, government, and consumer groups,” says Sladden. “We remain committed to supporting the Alliance and continuing our work to protect New Zealanders from financial harm.”
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Banking and Security – ASB welcomes Anti-Scam Alliance

Source: ASB

ASB is welcoming the launch of a comprehensive Anti-Scam Alliance which it says is a positive move in the fight against fraud and scams.

Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt says while the banking sector has invested significantly in fraud and scam prevention, detection and awareness for many years, having a formal alliance between Government, police, consumer groups and a range of impacted industries will make a real difference.

“Banks and telcos have been working very hard, both individually and together, for some time, to tackle fraud and scams. We’ve partnered with others in the industry like consumer groups and police, but the real power comes in a true all of ecosystem approach, as Minister Simpson has announced today.

“We’re pleased to see digital and social media companies join the charge. Each member of the alliance brings unique skills and experience which will improve our collective ability to fight fraud and scams. The formal involvement of Government will also enable stronger collaboration and commitment and more resource and expertise so we can continue to work together to keep New Zealanders safe.”

ASB has spent around $140 million fighting fraud, scams, financial crime and cybercrime this financial year, and has invested in a number of customer initiatives. This includes tools such as Caller Check, which was launched in March and combats bank impersonation scams, and ASB’s 24/7 fraud line, which has received more than 21,000 calls outside of regular bank hours since it was launched in February.

The industry has also been working closely together on Confirmation of Payee and increasing information sharing to better target money mules as part of ongoing collaborative work.

“We know there is still more to be done, but today’s announcement is another step forward and we will continue to build on the work we’re already doing in this space,” says Shortt.

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ExerciseNZ – Thrive in Dry July – Why Exercise is the Perfect Partner for Sobriety

Source: ExerciseNZ

As thousands of New Zealanders take on Dry July, ExerciseNZ is encouraging exercise professionals and facilities to recognise the powerful role exercise plays in supporting alcohol-free living. Since landing in New Zealand in 2012, Dry July has inspired over 61,000 Kiwis to go alcohol-free while raising over $11 million to support people affected by various forms of cancer.

Mounting evidence shows that physical activity not only helps people reduce or abstain from alcohol but also improves mood, reduces cravings, and builds the resilience needed for long-term lifestyle change.

“Exercise is one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to support both mental health and behaviour change,” says ExerciseNZ CEO Richard Beddie. “Dry July is a great opportunity for our industry to step up and offer supportive environments for those choosing to go alcohol-free.”

Recent studies have shown:

  • Just 12 minutes of aerobic exercise can significantly reduce alcohol cravings and anxiety in adults with alcohol use disorder
  • Structured exercise programmes used alongside alcohol treatment are more effective than treatment alone, with over 75% of studies reporting reduced alcohol intake when exercise is included.
  • Campaigns like Dry July often lead to increased exercise levels among participants, as people swap drinking for more mindful habits.

These benefits are more than physical. Regular movement boosts endorphins, improves sleep, enhances emotional regulation, and builds routine. All are critical to the success of alcohol-free commitments.

ExerciseNZ is encouraging exercise professionals and facilities to support Dry July participants in ways that promote inclusiveness and wellbeing. This includes, but is not limited to the following support methods. 

  • Create welcoming spaces for new members or returning exercisers who may be seeking positive lifestyle change.
  • Offer Dry July promotions or challenges.
  • Encourage group training or classes that help replace social drinking with supportive, community-based activities.
Movement and exercise play a powerful role in helping people reconnect with themselves, often becoming a long-term replacement for unhealthy habits. As the leading voice of the exercise industry in Aotearoa, Exercise New Zealand is well placed to support and guide that positive shift. Dry July can be more than just a fundraiser for cancer support services; it also opens up important conversations about wellbeing, mental health, and reducing alcohol harm. These are all areas where the exercise industry has a crucial and growing role to play.
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Environment – EPA bans crop insecticide after reassessment

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is banning a crop insecticide, chlorpyrifos, after reassessing the chemical.
The ban will come into effect progressively during an 18-month phase-out period.
Chlorpyrifos is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide used to control pests in pasture and grain crops such as wheat and for biosecurity treatment of pests.
The chemical is banned in the European Union and Canada, and its use is heavily restricted in Australia. It is in the process of being phased out internationally via the Stockholm Convention, of which New Zealand is a signatory.
As part of the reassessment, the EPA considered new information, called for submissions, and held a public hearing. A decision-making committee found that risks to people and the environment of using the insecticide outweighed the benefits.
“Operators spraying the insecticide and bystanders are most at risk from immediate and long-term health issues,” says Dr Shaun Presow, Hazardous Substances Reassessments Manager. “New evidence shows that even full personal and respiratory protective equipment don’t fully mitigate the health risks.
“The health risks for children exposed to chlorpyrifos in particular are concerning, which is why we have put in place an immediate ban on using the chemical in public places,” says Dr Presow.
“Chlorpyrifos also has harmful effects on plants and animals on land and in waterways.”
An EPA decision-making committee set an extended phase-out period for the use of chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos-containing substances to allow users to transition to alternative products.
“We acknowledge the concerns of some farmers who will need to find alternatives to chlorpyrifos products to control New Zealand grass grub,” says Dr Presow. “This is why we have approved and extended the 18-month phase-out period for farmers to find other ways to manage native grass grub.
“We are equally mindful of the risks to human health and the environment, and that the phasing out of chlorpyrifos is supported by some industry groups. Furthermore, our international trade partners are already imposing restrictions on the use of chlorpyrifos on food crops.”
From 10 July 2025 the use of chlorpyrifos will be phased out:
– over 18 months for those using the active ingredient to control grass grub
– over six months for all other industries
– immediately in public places.
Notes:
– Chlorpyrifos is used only by professional users.
– Pronunciation guide for “chlorpyrifos”: clore-pir-ee-fos 
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BusinessNZ – Relevant skills in short supply

Source: BusinessNZ

Legislation aimed at improving NZ’s vocational education and training system needs to focus on delivering the right skills needed for business and employment growth, BusinessNZ says.
BusinessNZ says New Zealand’s new vocational education system should not be dominated by polytechnics to the detriment of work-based training and should focus on delivering better-skilled graduates who are more likely to get a job.
BusinessNZ’s submission to the Education & Workforce Select Committee on the Education and Training (Vocational Education and Training System) Amendment Bill says many of the skills that people currently get trained in are not the skills needed by business, and this is holding back graduates from successfully gaining employment – an industry-led, government-enabled vocational system for setting standards is required, to allow for more relevant, up-to-date skills to be taught.
The Bill also allows for a training levy to be imposed on businesses, however BusinessNZ says its members strongly oppose this provision, as they believe the system first requires significant improvement to achieve the business and employment outcomes required from vocational training. 
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Weather News – Tasman low brings another bout of severe weather – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 10th – Sunday 13th July 2025 – Yet again, heavy rain and severe gales are on the way. 

MetService has issued another boatload of Heavy Rain Watches and Warnings, as well as Strong Wind Watches and Warnings. 
Most of the impacts will be felt on Friday as a front moves in from the Tasman Sea. Heavy rain is expected to peak in Auckland during the hours of the afternoon commute.

Orange Heavy Rain Warnings have been issued for Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Nelson and Marlborough regions. Heavy Rain Watches are also in place for remaining parts of the upper North Island.  There is a moderate to high chance that warnings for the top of the South Island could be upgraded to a Red Warning – this represents the heightened potential for rain related impacts on Friday.

An Orange Strong Wind Warning has been issued for South Taranaki for severe gale northeasterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places. Strong Wind Watches are also in place for Taihape, Whanganui and Banks Peninsula.

MetService Meteorologist Michael Pawley adds, “Heavy rain will be falling in areas that have seen significant rainfall recently. Parts of Nelson have already received an average years’ worth of rain since January. The risk is that already saturated soil and damaged infrastructure will struggle to cope with an additional burst of rain.”

On Saturday morning, the front pushes off to the east.  Behind it, northwesterly winds drag in showers to western areas for the remainder of the weekend. The east of both islands will remain drier.

This comes at the end of the school holidays as families are returning to their hometowns. “Take it easy on the roads. Consider timing your journey for when the rain eases if you’re traveling though affected areas” advises Michael. “Keep up to date with the advice of local emergency management services and councils.”
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Research – Workers look at automation as an opportunity, not a threat – Robert Half

Source: Robert Half

  • 68% of employees believe automation will have a positive impact on their current job and career prospects.
  • 64% of employees will participate in training to reskill for a new role with their current employer if their job is partially automated, while 16% will look for a new job with a different employer.

Auckland, 10 July 2025 – As automation efforts are set to ramp up in the workplace, this continued transformation is not expected to result in widespread job losses. In fact, most workers believe automation will have a positive impact on their career, new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds.

“The broad embrace of automation in New Zealand businesses is an undeniable reality,” says Megan Alexander, Managing Director at Robert Half. “Automation is being rolled out to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and help bridge the skills gap in the current employment market. Crucially, this widespread adoption is viewed positively by Kiwi workers, who perceive automation not as a threat, but as a valuable opportunity to upskill and significantly enhance their career trajectories.”

Why workers are optimistic about automation

When employees were asked what impact they think automation would have on their job and career prospects, they were overwhelmingly positive.

More than two-thirds (68%) of workers state that automation would have a positive impact, as it would create greater demand for their skills and improve their career outlook. About a quarter (23%) believe automation would have no impact on their job or career prospects. Only 9% of workers say automation would negatively impact their career because it could make their role and skills obsolete.

Workers also expressed a willingness to adapt to the introduction of automated processes. When asked what they would do if their job became partially automated, and their employer asked them to change roles and learn new skills, workers said they would:

  • Participate in training to reskill into a new role with their current employer (64%) 
  • Look for a different role with their current employer (13%) 
  • Look for a new job at a different employer (16%) 
  • 7% are unsure.

“Employees today are motivated to collaborate with their employers in the transition towards greater automation,” Alexander says. “With this in mind, organisations need to invest in reskilling and upskilling initiatives to ensure their workforce is equipped to thrive in an automated environment. This is a win-win for companies, who will have the skilled workers they need, and a loyal and engaged workforce.” 

“Automation is about optimising resources, reducing errors, and freeing up employees to focus on more strategic and fulfilling work, not just about cost cutting,” concludes Alexander.

About the research

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in November 2024 by an independent research company among 500 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job tr