Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Employment and Health – Allied Health workers vote to strike – Govt must stop ignoring our concerns

Source: PSA

More than 11,500 Allied Health workers have voted overwhelmingly to strike after mediation on Monday failed to deliver a better deal that recognises the need for safe staffing levels and cost of living pressures.
Workers will stop work for four hours from 1pm to 4pm on 28 November. They will work to rule in the week before and after the strike by taking regular breaks and not working unpaid overtime.
“Allied Health workers are fed up with Health NZ Te Whatu Ora and the Government. They've been bargaining since June, they went on strike in October, they attended mediation on Monday – and they're still not being listened to,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“These are critical health workers – physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, scientists, anaesthetic technicians, Māori health specialists and many more – who often work long hours, through their breaks and beyond their normal working day caring for New Zealanders.”
At mediation on Monday there was no increase proposed to the 2% and 1.5% pay increases offered for 2025 and 2026. There was also no pay increase for 2027.
“The pay offer still doesn't keep pace with inflation – it's effectively a pay cut. Meanwhile, there are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need.
“They don't want to strike. They care deeply about their patients and will ensure life preserving services continue. But they feel they have no choice when their concerns keep falling on deaf ears.”
“These health workers need to once again send a strong message to the Government: value us, listen to us, and address the staffing crisis that's compromising patient care across the country.”
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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Oxfam – "Keep Up the Good Work" – Oxfam Aotearoa Calls on Government to Renew Climate Finance Commitment

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

As world leaders prepare to gather for global climate talks, Oxfam Aotearoa has launched a new report showing the positive difference that climate funding from New Zealand has made since the support was boosted from 2022.’
Oxfam in the Pacific’s Climate Justice Lead, Lote Rusaqoli, said:
“Aotearoa New Zealand has long been a leader on the global climate stage, setting the benchmark for other wealthy nations by providing all of its climate finance as grants and not loans – a move that has been incredibly beneficial for Pacific Islanders who continue to feel the worst of the climate crisis. As we approach 2026, we urge Aotearoa New Zealand to renew their climate finance commitments to help boost the Pacific’s resilience to disasters, tackle poverty, and reinforce its leadership on climate justice.”
Oxfam Aotearoa Executive Director, Jason Myers, said:
“In 2021, the New Zealand government announced its biggest climate finance contribution to date. This has enabled communities all over the Pacific to maintain resilience in the face of the climate crisis. With no further funding for climate finance announced in the 2024 or 2025 budgets, critical projects have had to begin closing out. Keeping our promise to fund climate action has become urgent and the New Zealand government must act now to renew funding. Pacific livelihoods depend on it.”
Report author, Oxfam Aotearoa’s Climate Justice Lead, Nick Henry, said:
“New Zealand’s funding for climate action has benefited tens of thousands of people across the Pacific, but runs out at the end of next month. Our message to Government is simple: we need to keep up the good work.
New Zealand must keep our promise to help our Pacific neighbours, who have done nothing to cause the climate crisis, but are already feeling the worst of the effects.
Our report shows how New Zealand’s climate funding has generated enormous goodwill and positive relationships with governments and communities in the Pacific and beyond. If we continue the trend of ramping up funding for climate action, New Zealand could be on track to meet our fair share of the assistance promised to lower-income countries, including here in the Pacific.”
NOTES:
  • Full report: Pacific Resilience: How funding for climate action strengthens our region link
  • The report includes new calculations, based on data published by MFAT, showing that New Zealand’s climate finance programme has exceeded its targets to deliver the majority of funding in the Pacific, with at least 50% supporting adaptation to climate\ change. The report analyses New Zealand’s climate finance since 2022 and shows that:
    • 59% of programme has been delivered in the Pacific.
    • 87% supports adaptation.
    • 57% has a significant gender-equality component.
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Climate News – October Climate Summary: wind, wind and more wind – Earth Sciences NZ

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

The October Climate Summary is out
Highlights:
– A sudden stratospheric warming over Antarctica drove much of October's weather
– it was a wet and unsettled month, with several severe gale wind events (including one particularly damaging storm on 23 October)
– Milford Sound, known for its wet weather, recorded its second highest October rainfall ever
– Multiple temperature records broken, including the second highest ever October temperature of 32.5°C, recorded at Kaikōura (Middle Creek)
– Conditions transitioned to La Niña.
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Business – EMA honours Alexander Topp with 2025 Patrick Seaman Award for Excellence in Health and Safety

Source: EMA

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) is proud to announce that Alexander Topp, Health and Safety Manager at Briscoe Group, has been awarded the prestigious Patrick Seaman Award for Excellence in Health and Safety.
The award was presented at a recent event celebrating a major milestone of 100 graduates of the EMA’s NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management Level 6.
According to Nick Sheppard, EMA’s Head of Learning & Development, Alexander was recognised for his exceptional commitment to the Diploma programme.
“Alex’s work set a new standard for excellence in the course. He didn’t just complete the assessments, he produced some of the most impressive submissions since the Diploma course was first established, combining practical application with real depth of understanding.”
About the EMA’s NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management Level 6
Since its registration at Level 6 in 2018, the EMA’s NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management has built a strong network of health and safety professionals across multiple industries throughout New Zealand. This year marks a significant milestone, with 100 graduates who have benefited from the programme’s unique approach to practical, workplace-focused learning.
The Diploma remains the only face-to-face Level 6 training course for health and safety professionals in New Zealand, offering participants peer relationships with senior practitioners nationwide and exposure to international best practice. The in-person learning fosters deeper engagement and leads to real-world impact, ultimately improving outcomes across organisations and contributing to better health and safety results for New Zealand.
About the Patrick Seaman Award for Excellence in Health and Safety
The Patrick Seaman Award for Excellence in Health and Safety is a prestigious recognition presented by the EMA to an outstanding student of the New Zealand Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management Level 6.
Established in honour of the late Patrick Seaman, a respected figure in New Zealand’s health and safety community and a long-standing contributor to the EMA’s learning programmes, the award celebrates excellence, dedication and impact in the field of workplace health and safety. Patrick’s legacy of leadership and influence continues through this award, which was created with the blessing of his family and first introduced in 2016.
The award recognises learners who demonstrate exceptional commitment, capability and contribution to health and safety practice, often going above and beyond the requirements of the Diploma. While academic excellence may be a factor, the award also honours those who exemplify the practical application of health and safety principles in their workplaces and communities.
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Local News – Porirua’s ChoctoberFest a sweet boost for local economy

Source: Porirua City Council

ChoctoberFest is once more in the rearview mirror, having poured more than $200,000 into Porirua’s economy.
With the festival complete for the year, businesses have crunched their numbers and reported back on the positive impact of the event. The decision to hold the Whittaker’s-backed festival in the recent school holidays proved a success, with businesses noting a significant increase in foot traffic and sales compared with the previous three outings. Many reported new customers as a result of the month-long event.
After a public vote, Sushil’s Musclechef Café’s (Aotea) Molten Embrace took out the bake off, while The Jetty’s (Plimmerton) Nutty Blend won the drink section.
The Jetty’s Angela Bendall said their victory was the result of creativity and teamwork.
“Between The Jetty and our other café, Get Fixed, we’re passionate about crafting experiences that make people smile and want to come back time and again,” she said.
Sushil Ravikumar, executive chef and owner of Sushil’s Musclechef, meanwhile, said ChoctoberFest was huge for his business.
“We welcomed a lot of new customers from outside the region too,” he said.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said ChoctoberFest’s dual goals of supporting local businesses and showing off the artistry and innovation in our community had easily been met.
“ChoctoberFest has a now well-embedded recipe for success and it showed off how Porirua can be a destination for hospitality, as well as being the home of Whittaker’s of course.
“I congratulate not only our winners and place-getters, but everyone who took part and showed so much imagination in the drinks and baking. I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with in 2026!”
Whittaker’s chief executive James Ardern said having the opportunity to engage with local businesses in the city where Whittaker’s chocolate is made was fantastic.
“Our team were also delighted to have over 300 Chocolate Lovers visit our pop-up at local food hub Kai Tahi on 26 September. We love the fact that ChoctoberFest just keeps growing because the community is so passionate about celebrating Porirua as the home of world class chocolate.”
By the numbers:
  • Participating businesses: 32
  • Drinks on offer: 28
  • Bakes on offer: 18
  • Drinks sold: 11,906
  • Bakes sold: 5652
  • Total spent on ChoctoberFest items alone: $201,909
  • 4901 people rated what they tasted and were in to win a Whittaker’s factory tour
  • Votes came from all over the Wellington region, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, Christchurch and Australia
The top three in each category:
Whittaker’s Bake Off
  • Winner – Sushil’s Musclechef Café | Molten Embrace
  • Second – Sweet & Co | Triple Chocolate Pistachio NYC Cookie
  • Third – Black Beauty Caravan | Raspberry Rhapsody Brownie
Top of the Chocs
  • Winner – The Jetty｜Jetty’s Nutty Blend
  • Second – The Coffee Cart Elsdon｜Chocolate Cold Foam Cloud
  • Third – The Regal Shortbread Co.｜Hok-ye & pok-ye.
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Health – ProCare launches immunisation drive and calls for urgent funding boost to fast-track protection for tamariki

Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider ProCare is helping to drive up the number of tamariki getting vaccinated in response to the measles outbreak with the launch of a new outreach service. This service aligns with Measles Immunisation Week, which has renewed urgency to protect our youngest — and highlights the need for targeted health investment to help general practices reach more children.

By partnering with trusted Pacific health provider The Fono, this free outreach focuses on children who are Māori, Pacific, or living in high-deprivation (Q5) areas and have not yet received their first MMR vaccination. ProCare is also mobilising its own Ara Hauora outreach team to support the effort. Registered vaccinators will visit families at home on behalf of practices to engage whānau and encourage immunisation — helping to ensure no child is left behind.

However, resources are limited. A funding boost would help to fast-track the outreach and immunisation efforts, especially for hard-to-reach patients. This includes funding for additional outreach staff, mobile vaccination clinics, and tailored communications to engage whānau who may be hesitant or face access barriers.

ProCare supports a network of more than 140 general practices caring for around 700,000 patients, including 150,000 Māori and Pacific people in Auckland.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says the current system places a heavy burden on already stretched practices, and without additional support, vulnerable children risk missing out.

“Last year we vaccinated more than 14,000 tamariki against preventable illnesses. We don’t want any child to miss out on the MMR vaccine which is why we’ve launched this new offering. However, we also can’t afford to pull resources away from other essential health services,” says Norwell.

“Behind the scenes, practices are investing time and effort to check health records, phone whānau, and have meaningful conversations about immunisation. This work needs to be recognised, resourced, and funded appropriately. We’re advocating for targeted funding boosts during outbreaks like this so we don’t need to compromise care elsewhere.”

ProCare is also providing tailored data tools to help identify tamariki who aren’t fully protected.

Dr Allan Moffitt, Clinical Director at ProCare, says the approach is about making immunisation accessible by taking the services to people, and empowering families to make informed decisions.

“We’re taking immunisation to the people. By meeting whānau where they are, we can help protect tamariki and their wider whānau from the serious risks of measles, especially those who might otherwise miss out.”

“Measles spreads easily and can affect family members who haven’t had their MMR immunisations. This outreach means we can connect with families who might otherwise miss out and give them the support they need to protect their tamariki.”

ProCare has also shared new resources with its network, including guidance on how to talk with vaccine-hesitant patients and navigate declined immunisations. A toolkit from Health New Zealand is also available to help practices raise awareness within their communities.

“This is about practical support,” says Norwell. “We know practices are under immense pressure, so it’s our role to step in and provide solutions. But we need the system to back us with targeted funding that enables outreach teams to scale up quickly, without pulling resources away from other essential services. It’s about protecting tamariki now — and building a more responsive immunisation system for the future.”

About ProCare

ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz

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Transporting New Zealand backs the introduction of average speed cameras

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Transporting New Zealand is welcoming news from the NZ Transport Agency that it will begin operating its first average speed camera in December, with another 16 sites to follow over the next year. The first site is located on Matakana Road in Warkworth, Auckland.
Average speed cameras (also known as point-to-point cameras) work by calculating a vehicle’s speed along the length of road between two cameras at either end. They measure the time a vehicle takes to travel between the two cameras and calculate the average speed. Drivers will only get a ticket in the mail if their average speed between the two cameras is over the posted speed limit.
The cameras can also distinguish between light and heavy vehicles, meaning that on 100km/h and 110km/h roads, trucks and buses will be measured against their maximum permitted limit of 90km/h.
“Average speed cameras are in operation in many other countries including Australia, and it makes sense that they be introduced here too as another tool to support speed compliance,” says Transporting New Zealand Policy & Advocacy Advisor Mark Stockdale.
“There’s also an element of fairness to average speed cameras, as drivers may inadvertently speed – such as when overtaking a truck – and could be caught by a single camera at that point. Whereas with average speed cameras, if they button off and moderate their speed over the rest of the road corridor, they should be within the average speed when you include slowing down for corners and not receive a ticket,” Stockdale says.
All of the sites destined for average speed cameras will have ‘average speed camera area’ signs posted before each camera to warn motorists to check their speed, while longer routes will have supplementary warning signs placed along the road corridor.
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4,700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion. 
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Christmas Season – Santa comes to Auckland Museum this Christmas

Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

Santa Claus is setting up his southern hemisphere study at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, bringing a touch of North Pole magic to Tāmaki Makaurau this holiday season.

From Saturday 22 November to Sunday 21 December, families can visit Santa’s Study at Auckland Museum to meet the man in red, take photos, and share their Christmas wishes. The cosy space, complete with festive décor and twinkling lights, will be open on weekends from 9.15AM to 4.30PM, offering an enchanting new way for Aucklanders to experience the season.

Because he’s travelling light, he doesn’t have his photographic gear, so make sure you bring your own phone or camera if you’d like to capture the moment. Santa’s chief elf will be on hand to help or take an ’elfie.

Beyond Santa’s Study, Auckland Museum will be alive with festive sights and sounds throughout November and December. The four-metre tall Grand Foyer Christmas Tree returns as a sparkling centrepiece to seasonal celebrations, alongside a North Pole Mailbox where children can post their wish lists straight to Santa himself.

Each weekend, families can take part in free Festive Whānau Weekends featuring Christmas crafts, choir performances, and holiday fun for all ages.

Victoria Travers, Director of Audience Engagement, Auckland Museum, says, ‘We’re giving Santa a home away from the North Pole, so he can meet his Auckland fans while he gets some important work done.’

‘Auckland Museum is already such a special place for families, and this gives our visitors a unique opportunity to make magical memories, all while exploring our galleries and enjoying the festive atmosphere with crafts and performances celebrating the holiday season.’

FESTIVE WHĀNAU WEEKENDS AT AUCKLAND MUSEUM

22 NOV – 21 DEC 2025

VISIT SANTA’S STUDY
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 9.15AM – 4.30PM, 22 NOV – 21 DEC

Exciting news for fans of the jolly white-bearded, red-suited man! For the first time, you can visit Santa Claus at Auckland Museum in his private study. For a limited time only, we'll be offering this affordable option to meet Father Christmas with your excited little ones. For more information and to book a special session with Santa Claus, click here.

FREE CHRISTMAS CRAFTS
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 10AM – 3PM, 22 NOV – 21 DEC
ORIENTATION SPACE, TE AO MĀRAMA SOUTH ATRIUM

Get your festive creativity flowing with our hands-on craft activity. Decorate your own wooden bauble to take home as a keepsake, or as a gift for someone special in your life.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
SATURDAYS, 12PM, 22 NOV – 21 DEC
GRAND FOYER

Join us at midday on Saturdays for a festive musical treat. Among the wonderful acoustics of the Museum’s Grand Foyer, an eclectic blend of local choirs from Tāmaki Makaurau will perform seasonal classics and favourites from their own songbooks.

Choir Performance Schedule:

Saturday 22 November, Auckland Korean Choir
Saturday 29 November, Vocālis
Saturday 6 December, Handel Consort & Quire
Saturday 13 December, All Together Now
Saturday 20 December, Stimmung Choir

MUSEUM CHRISTMAS TREE & SANTA’S MAILBOX
FROM 22 NOV, GRAND FOYER

From Saturday 22 November, our stunning four-metre tall decorated Christmas tree will be on display in the Grand Foyer.

It’s not too late for your little (or not so little) ones to write their Santa wish lists and post them into the Museum's dedicated North Pole mailbox by the Christmas tree.

For more information and bookings to visit Santa, click here: https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/visit/whats-on/kids-and-family/visit-santa-s-study?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MediaRelease%3ASantacomestoAucklandMuseum&utm_content=version_A

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Economy – Treasury’s 2025 Investment Statement published

Source: The Treasury

– Our balance sheet has more than doubled in size over the last decade
– The growth in size and complexity of the balance sheet means it is more important to manage it effectively.
– Over the next ten years, assets and liabilities are projected to increase at a slower rate.
– The strength of the balance sheet is likely to deteriorate if current policy settings do not change.
– We need to manage our assets better, ensure we’re investing in the right assets, and improve our understanding and management of risk we’re exposed to.
The Treasury has published its final stewardship report, He Puna Hao Pātiki Investment Statement 2025. It describes the current state and value of the Crown’s significant assets and liabilities, how they have changed, how they are expected to change, and any differences since the previous investment statement. It also explores how more effective management of the Crown balance sheet can help ease tough fiscal choices in the future.
Over the past decade, both assets and liabilities have doubled, and the composition of the balance sheet has changed. It has become more complex with more entities and asset types. It also faces ongoing risk with climate change and geopolitical tensions, reflecting the need for effective management of public resources.
“The balance sheet provides a clear picture of the country's resilience. As demands on public services and investment have changed, the balance sheet has become increasingly important, and challenging to manage,” said Secretary for the Treasury, Iain Rennie.
Without policy change, spending is projected to increase much faster than revenue over the next 40 years, which will put downward pressure on net worth. This could reduce the Crown’s ability to borrow to fund investments, provide adequate services to future generations, and maintain a buffer against adverse shocks. The Investment Statement looks at opportunities to help address these challenges by improving balance sheet management.
“The Investment Statement shows we need to improve our asset management – to get more value from existing investments, ensure we’re investing in the right assets, and improve our risk management and understanding,” said Iain Rennie.
The Treasury's stewardship documents collectively demonstrate the key fiscal challenges ahead. To navigate these challenges, a wide range of levers, including the balance sheet, will need to be utilized effectively. This involves making the most of government-owned assets to deliver policy objectives efficiently, investing wisely, actively recycling assets to maximize public benefits, and improving the Crown’s ability to absorb and respond to shocks when they occur.
Key figures and findings:
– Net worth is now $191 billion but projected to fall to $168 billion by 2027.
– Assets rose from 108% to 136% of GDP between 2014 and 2024.
– Liabilities rose from 74% to 90% of GDP between 2014 and 2024.
– The central government owns $571 billion in assets, and owes $380 billion of liabilities.
– Social assets provide important public services like transport, housing and education but we’re not managing these assets well.
o The average age of our hospitals is 45 years old but have a typical life of 50 years.
o A third of our schools are over 50 years old, and there is evidence of varying quality.
– Commercial assets are important but inconsistent performers. We think it would be prudent to clarify the purpose of government ownership for each commercial entity.
– The financial portfolio is well managed, and investment assets have exceeded the expected rate of return, but high rates of return are unlikely to be sustained as global stock market returns normalise.
– Our liabilities are growing rapidly as we continue to take on debt, while financial assets form a significant portion of total assets.
– With the rapid increase in the size of the financial portfolio we need a better understanding not only of the risks around parts of the portfolio, but to also understand our financial risk at a holistic level.
He Puna Hao Pātiki – Treasury’s 2025 Investment Statement can be found here: https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/investment-statement/he-puna-hao-patiki-investment-statement-2025
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Redundancy Issues – Economic vandalism exposed – $10.7m redundancy cost to axe Callaghan Innovation experts – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government has spent $10.7 million in redundancy payments to dismiss 209 workers at Callaghan Innovation, with more than half of these being scientists and researchers whose skills New Zealand desperately needs.
Details released to the PSA under the Official Information Act reveal the staggering cost to date of the Government’s reckless and short-sighted approach to cutting science funding.
Between November 2023 and September 2025, the Callaghan Innovation workforce has been slashed from 367 jobs to just 158 – a reduction of 57% in just two years with more workers to be laid off as the organisation eventually closes its doors next year.
“The Government talks big about investing for economic growth but is happy to spend $10.7 million to get rid of the very people we need to drive innovation and productivity – this is economic vandalism,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. “This is a waste of money.”
Of the 209 roles cut at Callaghan Innovation, 114 are scientists and researchers, including the Chief Scientist.
The job losses also include the 15 strong Frontier Ventures team of industry experts hired from the private sector who were helping young companies navigate the commercial world and prepare them to scale up and succeed. They were shown the door, just one day after this year’s so called ‘Growing the Economy’ Budget.
“This is an obscene waste of money from a government which claims to want to spend taxpayer money wisely. But more importantly, this is a critical loss of expert scientists and researchers who had more to give New Zealand. It will set New Zealand back for years.”
Former Callaghan Innovation scientist Ben Wylie-van Eerd who was made redundant this year said: “I don’t understand why the Government was so determined to shrink the science sector, that it thought spending $10m to get rid of these skilled people who still had so much to give made sense.
“These are talented scientists and engineers. Many of my colleagues have moved overseas and have been snapped up quickly by organisations in Europe and Australia where their skills are valued. Sadly, I don't think they'll be looking to come back any time soon.”
All up the Government’s cuts have cost the jobs of more than 650 scientists across the science system, on top of cuts to various science funds.
“Countries that succeed, invest in their scientists and researchers – the Government prefers to pay them to leave. This won’t help New Zealand get back on track. It’s a disgrace,” said Fitzsimons.
Summary
The redundancy payments breakdown (June years):
– 2023/24: $2.87m – net reduction of 36 roles
– 2024/25: $5.72m – net reduction of 162 roles
– 2025/26 to date: $2.10m – net reduction of 11 roles
Total redundancy cost: $10.69m
Total net reduction in roles since October 2023: 209
– Scientists and researchers lost: 114
Recent statements
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.