Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Employment and Law – PSA legal action prompts ACC’s change of heart on flexible work

Source: PSA

The PSA welcomes ACC's decision to pause its planned changes to remote working policies and properly consult with staff.
ACC had planned to require staff to work in the office a minimum of three days per week from 1 December, up from two days tirggering legal action from the PSA. But it told staff today that it had decided to put that on hold and will begin a two-week consultation process from Wednesday.
“This is the right call in response to the PSA's recent litigation. We're pleased ACC has acknowledged that workers deserve a genuine opportunity to have their say on changes that affect their working lives,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Flexible working arrangements are vitally important for many workers who balance caring responsibilities, health conditions, and other personal circumstances. A proper consultation process will allow staff to explain why these arrangements matter for their wellbeing and productivity.
“The original decision upset many workers, particularly some who had made decisions to join ACC based on its approach to working flexibly. That’s why the PSA lodged action with the Employment Relations Authority to force ACC to pause the new policy and talk to workers.
“We expect ACC to genuinely listen to the views of workers and uphold existing arrangements. The PSA will consider its legal options from here, but the litigation remains filed with the ERA at this stage.
“Remote working is a win-win for employers and workers, but they should be developed with workers, not imposed on them. We hope this change of heart marks a new beginning for an organisation where morale has been at rock bottom following a recent culture review.”
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.
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NZ Pacific – The inaugural Fiji Business Awards NZ 2025

Source: Fiji Business Awards NZ

Celebrating Excellence and Resilience in the NZ Fijian Diaspora the inaugural Fiji Business Awards NZ 2025

Event Overview

The inaugural Fiji Business Awards NZ 2025 will take place on 19 November 2025 at the Remuera Club in Auckland.

This landmark event, supported by Bunnings Trade and other generous sponsor partners, aims to unite innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in honour of the outstanding achievements of the New Zealand Fijian Diaspora.

Honouring Journeys and Contributions

Atesh Bhej, Chair of the Fiji Business Network NZ, highlights the significance of the occasion: “Many in the Fiji business community started from humble beginnings, facing and overcoming immense challenges on their journey to business and success.”

The awards not only recognise business accomplishments but also the meaningful investments made by Fijian New Zealanders in both their local communities and enterprises – here in Aotearoa New Zealand, in Fiji, and across the Pacific.

Celebrating Excellence and Resilience

Secretary Nik Naidu emphasises, “It is the perfect occasion to celebrate not only business excellence, but also the resilience and perseverance that defines our Fiji community.”

The awards night will also be a vibrant celebration featuring Fijian hospitality, food, and music.

About the Organisers

The Awards are hosted by the Fiji Business Network (NZ) Inc, a not-for-profit organisation.

The Network is dedicated to supporting start-ups, creating opportunities for its Members, and reinvesting in Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji, and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire Update #12

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

A Fire and Emergency observation flight this afternoon has found no visible signs of fire following today’s rainfall.
District Commander Nigel Dravitzki says the rain has had a significant impact in helping to suppress the fire, while ground crews have been working on the flanks of the fire to strengthen the containment lines.
“This is very good news,” he says. “Tonight, Fire and Emergency’s specialist drone crew will be using thermal imaging to detect where the hotspots are around the perimeter of the fireground, and tomorrow we will be able to position our ground crews to target those areas.”
Iwi, the Department of Conservation and councils are all involved in the discussions about the next steps in the management of the fire.
“We are very mindful that another change in the weather could alter the situation and lead to a resurgence of fire activity, so we are planning for all contingencies,” Nigel Dravitzki says.
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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire Update #11

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Conditions on the fireground in the Tongariro National Park have improved significantly today.
Fire and Emergency District Commander Nigel Dravitzki says that steady rain and minimal wind have been a huge help to firefighters, who are working hard to take advantage of the situation.
Ground crews are concentrating on reinforcing the containment lines on the flanks of the fire. Aircraft are still on standby and will be used when needed to support the firefighters.
As a result of the improved situation, residents who were evacuated yesterday from Whakapapa Village and five other properties are able to return home, with a caution that they need to stay alert and be ready to move out again if the situation changes.
People who run businesses from their properties will not be able to have clients or customers on site for now, but that will be reassessed again tomorrow.
“I am very aware of the impact that the fire is having on those who draw on the Tongariro National Park for their livelihood,” Nigel Dravitzki says. “We are putting safety first with this decision, and people can be assured that as soon as it is safe to do so, we will restore full access to the public.”
Fire and Emergency also acknowledges the impact that the fire is having on iwi and the conservation estate, as well as the community and visitors.
We are working very closely with manawhenua, the Department of Conservation and both the Ruapehu District Council and Horizons to make sure that local voices are involved in all the big decisions we make about how the fire is managed.
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Tongariro fire: Respiratory health warning for people living, travelling nearby

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

Kiwis living with a respiratory condition near the Tongariro National Park fire are being urged to take precautions to protect themselves from exposure to the smoke.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is advising residents near the blaze – and in the wider region – to close all windows and doors if staying inside, or wear a N95 or KN95 mask if going outside.
The fire, which is about 2800 hectares, has been burning since Saturday afternoon.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says people staying indoors should keep all windows and doors closed, while anyone going outside should wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask.
“Bush fire smoke contains tiny particles that can irritate the lungs and airways, posing risks for everyone, especially children, older people, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
“For people with asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions, smoke exposure can trigger flare-ups, which in serious cases may require hospitalisation,” she says.
“It’s important to limit exposure and keep medications like reliever inhalers on hand.”
For people travelling near the smoky area, keep your car windows closed and set your vehicle’s ventilation system to recirculate air, Ms Harding says.
“This will greatly reduce smoke entering the cabin.”
The Foundation encourages everyone in affected regions to stay informed about smoke conditions, plan activities carefully, and take practical steps to protect their lung health.
“Understanding the risks, reducing exposure, and using effective protective measures are the best ways to safeguard your lungs during this fire,” Ms Harding says.
One in five Kiwis are affected by respiratory disease in New Zealand, and it is the third leading cause of death in the country.
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Transporting New Zealand warns of freight cost pressures

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Transporting New Zealand says that consumers and businesses can expect continued upward pressure on freight costs, as Port of Auckland emphasised its commitment to port access charge increases at an industry update today.
Road freight companies and their customers currently pay Port of Auckland a fee of $130 per container at peak times (between 5am and 6pm) that will increase to $180 in 2026. Port of Auckland has indicated that this fee will be rise to $350 by January 2027. Port of Auckland handles over 800,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) containers per year and up to 27,000 truck movements per month.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says that Port of Auckland’s owner, Auckland Council, should be carefully considering the impacts of time-of-use charging on freight costs.
“Port of Auckland is already using time-of-use charging at its container terminal. More significantly, legislation to allow city-wide time-of-use or congestion charging is currently progressing through Parliament. The draft legislation doesn’t currently permit any freight exemptions or discounts.”
“What we’ve seen, both with Port of Auckland’s time-of-use-charges, and city-wide schemes overseas, is that freight time demands are relatively inflexible.”
“Freight customers generally only have capacity-to-receive during business hours. When peak-time charges get introduced, rather than moving freight demand to off-peak times, you simply get additional charges piled onto road freight businesses and their customers without improving congestion.”
“When you combine time-of-use charges with the fuel excise duty and road user charge increases proceeding in 2027, subject to the move to universal road user charges, there’s going to be considerable pressure on freight costs. 93 per cent of New Zealand’s domestic freight moves via road, so cost pressures have a real impact on all businesses and consumers.”
Transporting New Zealand is encouraging all freight operators to carefully monitor their costs, and calling on central and local government to carefully consider freight impacts when considering time of use pricing.
Port and container depot tariffs can be found on the Transporting New Zealand website.
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Weather News – A warm, wet, and thundery start to the week – MetService

Source: MetService

A warm, wet, and thundery start to the week – Covering period of Monday 10 – Thursday 13 November.
 
– Summer-like temperatures today (Monday)

– Possible thunderstorms this afternoon and during the week.

– Wet weather on Wednesday and Thursday, warnings and watches will likely be issued closer to the time.

MetService is forecasting a warm, cloudy, and wet summer-like day across the country, with maximum temperatures today (Monday) exceeding November averages in some areas. Hastings to reach 31°C. Similarly, Napier to hit 29°C, Ashburton and Timaru to reach 26°C, while Christchurch is expected to see around 25°C. All these temperatures are higher than their usual November averages.

MetService meteorologist Samkelo Magwala said, “These warm temperatures will enhance the occurrence of showers this afternoon, which may impact the T20 Cricket BLACKCAPS vs. West Indies match happening in Nelson today (Monday). However, conditions are looking better for Cup Day in Canterbury tomorrow (Tuesday), as showers are expected to clear before dawn.”

Active weather returns on Wednesday as a low-pressure system moves onto the North Island, bringing possible heavy rain, with embedded thunderstorms. There is a possibility of heavy rain for some parts of the North Island, such as Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and northern Gisborne. Northland may also see very strong winds. However, the distribution and timing of any significant weather will depend on the exact movement of the low-pressure system. MetService will continue to monitor the situation and provide the necessary updates and people, especially North Islanders, are encouraged to keep an eye on the forecast.  

Magwala said, “Wet weather continues into Thursday and extends to the South Island. The latter part of the day into Friday is looking better for outdoor activities in the North Island and eastern South Island, before the next front moves north from the lower South Island on Friday morning.”

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Northland Regional media brief – 10 November 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

BREAM BAY ‘EXPLORE AND RESTORE’ ROAD TRIP
All aboard! The Northland Regional Council Coastcare team is holding a Bream Bay ‘explore and restore’ road trip on Wednesday 19 November 2025 from 9am-3pm.
A bus will depart Whangarei at 8am with passengers from town and will stop at Ruakaka Surf Club carpark at 8.40am to pick up passengers from the Bream Bay area before heading to Langs Beach for 9am. The interactive road trip will visit key dune restoration sites at Langs Beach, Waipū Cove, Uretiti, and Ruakākā sharing inspiring coastal restoration stories and practical activities along the way.
Whether you’re a volunteer, landowner, student, or simply curious about caring for the coast, this trip offers something for everyone.
It’s free to attend (including the bus ride) but registration is essential as bookings are limited.
Visit www.nrc.govt.nz/BreamBayWorkshop to view details and register. 
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Politics – PM’s embrace of asset sales shows he’s learnt nothing from history, PSA vows to fight any attempted privatisation

Source: PSA

The Prime Minister's attempt to dress up asset sales as “capital recycling” doesn't change what it really is – selling off New Zealanders' assets and losing public control.
“The PM's claims today that governments should 'recycle' assets ignores history and will be opposed.
“History shows us what really happens – we lose ownership, we lose control, and taxpayers end up footing the bill when privatisation fails,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“To talk about ‘recycling’ assets is offensive to the public sector workers who work hard to add value to public assets every day. This is just more of the same from a government which has laid off thousands of public sector workers.
“Christopher Luxon wants a 'mature conversation' about asset sales – well here it is: New Zealanders rejected this failed ideology in a citizens-initiated referendum in 2013 where two-thirds voted against asset sales.
“Kiwi Rail, Air New Zealand, the Bank of New Zealand – all required expensive bailouts and buy-backs after failed privatisations. Have we learnt nothing?
“The PM says governments need to 'refresh their holdings' – what New Zealand needs is a government that properly invests in and maintains public assets instead of running them down to justify selling them off.
“Asset sales are just short-term thinking that leave New Zealanders worse off in the long run. This isn't 'recycling' – it's a loss of ownership and control that we'll regret.”
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.
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Health – Call for swift action on new RSV protection for infants

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

A breakthrough treatment that could save babies from a deadly but preventable lung disease is sitting in the hands of Pharmac – and respiratory health experts say there’s no time to waste.
Last week, it was revealed that nirsevimab – a monoclonal antibody against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – is under consideration by both Medsafe and Pharmac for the prevention of RSV in infants.
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ has long advocated for access to RSV protection, after years of high hospitalisation rates among infants – particularly in Māori and Pacific communities.
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the potential approval of nirsevimab could be a game-changer.
“This is the progress we’ve been waiting for.
“RSV hospitalises thousands of children every year, and this treatment has the potential to prevent many of those admissions.”
However, Pharmac needs to act quickly to ensure it is ready for the 2026 season, Ms Harding says.
“We can’t afford delays if we want to save lives of some of our most vulnerable.
“We’re urging decision makers to prioritise funding so that New Zealand infants can benefit as soon as possible.”
Unlike the existing option, palivizumab, which requires monthly hospital visits for high-risk infants only, nirsevimab is a single injection that can be given by GPs, nurses, pharmacists or midwives. It provides protection for an entire RSV season and can be offered to a broader group of babies.
Foundation Medical Director Professor Bob Hancox says the opportunity to introduce a more effective and accessible RSV immunisation is a critical step for child health.
“RSV is one of the most common and serious respiratory infections in infants, and it places enormous strain on our hospitals every winter.
“This new treatment could dramatically reduce hospitalisations and health inequities,” he says.
“New Zealand must move quickly to make it available.”