Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Peace Activists – NZDF plans upcoming training with Israel and US

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Date: 14 May 2026 – The NZDF is planning upcoming naval training alongside the Israeli Defence Force as part of the US-led Rim of the Pacific exercises (RIMPAC). The Rim of the Pacific Exercise is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise. It is held biennially during June and July around Honolulu, Hawaii.

“The NZDF is sending the largest contingent of troops and materiel in a decade to the this year's RIMPAC including three ships and 328 service personnel. This is while Israel continues its genocide in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and the US and Israel wage an illegal war on Iran,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“The US and Israel are the greatest threat to global peace and security. Both are involved in major war crimes and crimes against humanity. This situation should be a serious legal concern for the NZDF.”

“It is impossible to square the NZ Government's claims of care for international law with these plans for combat training with the US and Israel.”

“Prime Minister Luxon and new Minister of Defence Penk know that the global security situation is dangerous. Yet they continue to contribute to making that situation worse by failing to object to the wars and genocide these countries are committing, and instead sign up to help with the job.”

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Energy Sector – Lower reserves mean New Zealand needs to go all in on petroleum

Source: Energy Resources Aotearoa

Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) data published today shows estimates for New Zealand’s natural gas reserves continue to decline, and Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says it's time for government to go all in on supporting Kiwi petroleum production.
There has been a 23 per cent year-on-year reduction in natural gas reserves, dropping to 731 petajoules (PJ) as at 1 January 2026 (from 948 as at 1 January 2025), which is slightly less than the 27 per cent decrease in the previous year.
Carnegie says this reduction shows the hangover of ill-conceived policies that saw investor flight and strangled investment in new exploration.
“New Zealand has been left with a headache of market volatility, escalating prices and pressure on businesses and consumers that rely on natural gas.
Our energy system now faces critical shortages that threaten the security and affordability of gas and electricity and the viability of many gas users.
Yesterday, the Prime Minister said energy independence must be treated as an immediate national security interest – we couldn’t agree more.
Every PJ reduction is the equivalent of powering 40,000 average kiwi homes. The build-out of renewable alternatives, including biomethane, is great, but it can’t keep pace with this reduction.”
The reserves data show the urgency of now moving beyond simply reopening our petroleum basins to actively encouraging investors to explore, Carnegie says.
“In an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment, a vibrant petroleum sector under the right conditions can move New Zealand beyond a short-term focus on economic survival to underwriting our future economic prosperity in the same way countries like Norway have.”
The downward trend in reserves for the Big-6 fields, which together accounted for 98 per cent of 2025 gas supply, was predicted. Carnegie says this is a function of being mature late-life fields.
“Reductions in reserves were partly offset by an upward revision at the Mangahewa field, where successful drilling enabled some contingent resources to be promoted to reserves.
As Maui is approaching the end of its productive life, its future reserves are zero, but no final decisions have been made regarding the timing of its closure.”
Carnegie says that once myth-making is put aside, increased domestic natural gas supply is likely to be the best option to fill New Zealand’s energy gap, with LNG providing the necessary back-up.
“There are positive signs that the industry is reopening, with four new permit applications and proposed company acquisitions signalling a return of investor confidence.
The suite of Government policies designed to build confidence and promote investment in the sector, including the removal of the ban and the $200 million Gas Security Fund, is working – but revitalisation will take time and consistent policy settings.
Gas has a future in New Zealand, and New Zealand needs gas to have a future. It has been the backbone of our energy system for years, and will continue to have a critical role for many years to come if we back it.”
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Education – Critical care for future nurses: backing ākonga when it matters most

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

In recognition of International Nurses Day, Whitireia and WelTec is shining a spotlight on the journey of nursing ākonga (students), and the support helping them overcome barriers and stay focused on their future in healthcare.
Nursing study can be demanding, both academically and personally and we recognise that success depends on more than just classroom learning, says Dr Tania Mullane, Programme Manager for the Bachelor of Nursing Pacific. “Through strong pastoral and cultural care, and a wide range of learner support services, ākonga are backed every step of the way – from their first day through to graduation and into the workforce,” she says.
That support is being strengthened even further through a partnership with the Southern Cross Health Trust. In 2026, nine Southern Cross Nursing Scholarships have been awarded across the Whitireia and WelTec Bachelor of Nursing Māori, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific, and Bachelor of Nursing programmes. First-year ākonga also have their clinical uniforms and footwear covered, helping take some of the pressure off when starting out.
For many ākonga, the journey into nursing is shaped by a strong sense of purpose. Teresa Buddle, a second-year Bachelor of Nursing ākonga and single parent of three, returned to study after putting her dream on hold.
“It hasn’t been easy coming back to study while raising a family, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Support like this has taken a significant pressure off and helped me stay focused on becoming a nurse who can give back and care for others,” she says.
Second-year Bachelor of Nursing Pacific ākonga Alana Nia, who is Samoan, Tokelauan and Cook Islands Māori, is driven by her desire to serve her community. “Financial pressure can be tough, so this kind of support means I can focus more on my studies and on becoming someone who makes a real difference for my patients and the people around me,” she says.
For third-year Bachelor of Nursing Māori ākonga Maira-Lynn (Tomairangi) Davies, the journey reflects both personal transformation and hope for her whānau. After leaving school at 14, she is now on track to become the first in her whānau to graduate from tertiary study. “Getting to this point means everything – not just for me, but for my tamariki. I want to show them that it’s never too late to change your path and build a better future,” she says.
Her experiences have shaped the kind of nurse she intends to be. “I want to be someone who truly listens and stands up for people. Everyone deserves to feel heard, especially when it comes to their health.”
As Whitireia and WelTec, and the wider sector, marked International Nurses Day on 12 May, this partnership highlights the importance of investing in ākonga and ensuring the next generation of nurses is well supported and ready to step into the workforce.
Congratulations to the 2026 Whitireia and WelTec Southern Cross Scholarship recipients:
– Gina Parkinson | Year 1, Bachelor of Nursing Māori
– Tiffany Tapa | Year 2, Bachelor of Nursing Māori
– Maira-Lynn (Tomairangi) Davies | Year 3, Bachelor of Nursing Māori
– Malaea En | Year 1, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific
– Alana Nia | Year 2, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific
– Paige Raemaki | Year 3, Bachelor of Nursing Pacific
– Safaa Al Abdullah | Year 1, Bachelor of Nursing
– Teresa Buddle | Year 2, Bachelor of Nursing
– Chika Azolukwan | Year 3, Bachelor of Nursing
The Southern Cross Scholarships provide $5,000 fees contribution, $500 weekly stipend on clinical placement, $500 annual wellbeing allowance, mentor programme and priority placement at Southern Cross Healthcare. Further details, including eligibility criteria and application forms, are available here: https://www.whitireiaweltec.ac.nz/enrolment-information/funding-your-study/scholarships
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Greenpeace New study: nitrate in drinking water linked to stomach cancer risk

Source: Greenpeace

A new Danish study has linked elevated levels of nitrate in drinking water to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Greenpeace Aotearoa says it’s yet more reason to lower New Zealand’s nitrate limits, following studies that have linked low-level nitrate to risks of bowel cancer, dementia, and pre-term birth.
Greenpeace freshwater campaigner Will Appelbe says, “This adds to a mountain of scientific research that indicates potential health risks associated with nitrate levels much lower than New Zealand’s legal limits.
“From bowel cancer and preterm birth, to potential risks of dementia and now stomach cancer, it’s clear that this is a very real risk for New Zealanders, and the Coalition Government is failing to address it adequately.”
Greenpeace will be running free drinking water testing for nitrate contamination in Southland this weekend, as part of a long-standing programme to ensure that New Zealanders have access to information about what’s in their drinking water.
The organisation will be at the Mataura Community Centre from 10am-4pm on Friday; Ōtautau Primary School from 10am-4pm on Saturday; and Lumsden Hall from 10am-3pm on Sunday.
International studies have shown that levels of nitrate as low as 1 mg/L are associated with an increased risk of bowel cancerand potentially an increased dementia risk. At levels of 5 mg/L or higher, pregnant people are at an increased risk of preterm birth. New Zealand’s current legal health limit of 11.3mg/L was set in the 1950s to prevent blue baby syndrome, and has not been updated since.
Appelbe says that far too many New Zealanders are exposed to potentially unsafe levels of nitrate, with many not even knowing that there is a risk at all.
“We’re talking about people’s basic health and wellbeing here. Everybody, no matter where they live, should have access to clean, safe drinking water. Right now in New Zealand, that’s not the case, and it’s shameful that as a nation, we’ve let things get this bad.
“Rather than tackling nitrate at the source – the intensive dairy industry and the overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser – successive Governments have chosen to sit back and watch as this crisis gets worse. Now we must deal with the results of decades of inaction.”
Greenpeace is calling on the Government to lower the nitrate limit, and regulate the intensive dairy industry to prevent further nitrate contamination.
“The Government must act now to lower the nitrate limit in line with current health science, and prevent further nitrate contamination by phasing out synthetic nitrogen fertiliser use and reducing the size of the dairy herd.”
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Visitor arrivals up in March – International travel: March 2026 – Stats NZ news story and information release

This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com


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Net migration gain of 24,200 – International migration: March 2026 – Stats NZ news story and information release

This email was sent by Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington, CBD 6011, New Zealand to nz@enz.mil-osi.com


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Appointments – Aktive announces Board of Trustees changes

Source: Aktive

Aktive has today announced changes to its Board of Trustees, effective 1 July 2026 for a three-year period.
Tom Irvine (Ngāti Whātua and Ngā Puhi), and Jada MacFie (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Kauwhata and Ngāti Paoa) have been confirmed as new Trustees, with current Trustees Shelley Katae MNZM (Te Rarawa and Ngāti Porou) and Dr Mataroria Lyndon MBChB, MPH, PhD (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Wai and Waikato) concluding their terms.
Mr Irvine is Director – Strategic Projects with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. He has also served as Chief Executive Officer of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Whai Maia and more recently as Acting Director of the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Mr Irvine holds a range of governance roles spanning arts, civic, and community organisations, including Tangata Whenua Member on the Hauraki Gulf Forum and Trustee for Taumata Toi-a-Iwi.
Ms MacFie is the Chief Executive (Tumu Kaimahi) of Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, appointed in 2023 after several years in governance roles with the trust. She previously held senior executive positions at Tāmaki Regeneration Company, leading community connection, people experience, and equity-focused initiatives across major urban regeneration projects. Ms MacFie is also a Global Women Break Through Leadership Scholar.
“We are delighted to welcome Tom and Jada to the Board,” says Jason Shoebridge, Aktive Board Chair. “They bring significant experience which will strengthen the Board’s collective capability, further reinforcing our commitment to strong governance and meaningful connection with the communities we serve.”
Mr Irvine notes: “Aktive’s kaupapa strongly aligns with my focus on people, place, and purpose. I am pleased to join the Board and work alongside fellow Trustees, partners, and communities to help strengthen the system that supports wellbeing through physical activity and sport.”
Ms MacFie adds: “Aktive’s focus on equity and connection strongly aligns with my values, and I am honoured to join the Board to support Aktive’s important work across Tāmaki Makaurau.”
Mr Shoebridge also acknowledges departing Board Members Ms Katae and Dr Lyndon. “We are incredibly appreciative of both Shelley’s and Mataroria’s governance contribution which have helped to further advance Aktive’s vision and strategic priorities,” says Mr Shoebridge. “We thank them both for their significant contribution, expertise and valuable guidance through periods of growth and change, and we wish them every success for their future endeavours.” 
Ms Katae comments: “I am proud to be handing over the baton to two great mana-whenua leaders who will strengthen the insights and connections to whānau and communities in Tāmaki Makaurau and provide wise navigational advice at a governance level given their respective backgrounds. I would like to mihi to Jennah’s and Jason’s leadership over the years, in particular as they have led the organisation to a more impactful position during their tenure. It has been an absolute honour to serve the kaupapa of Aktive for more than seven years alongside my board colleagues.” 
Dr Lyndon says: “I’m grateful to have contributed to Aktive’s kaupapa and journey. I’ve valued the opportunity to progress equity and Māori outcomes, recognising the vital role physical activity plays in supporting hauora for whānau. I’m proud of the progress we've made to better support tamariki, rangatahi, whānau Māori, and underserved communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, and I wish the team all the very best as they continue this important mahi.”
The appointment of Mr Irvine and Ms MacFie was made by Aktive’s Selection and Performance Committee. In accordance with the composition requirements of Aktive’s Trust Deed, the Selection and Performance Committee comprised Jason Shoebridge, Aktive Chair; Mataroria Lyndon, Aktive Trustee; Kenneth Aiolupotea, Auckland Council representative; Bron Hall, Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa representative; and Amy Tea, Independent Governance Expert.
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Health – HIV diagnosis continue to decline but elimination will require bold action

Source: Burnett Foundation Aotearoa

New figures show HIV diagnoses in Aotearoa New Zealand continue to decline, marking real progress toward ending local HIV transmission – but health leaders warn this progress is not being shared equally, and that expanded testing is urgently needed to prevent new infections being missed.
Data released today by the University of Otago HIV Epidemiology Group shows 80 people were first diagnosed with HIV in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025, down from 99 the year before (19% decline), and continuing a long-term downward trend. Crucially, the number of people who both acquired and were diagnosed HIV in New Zealand decreased to 47, from 61 in 2024.
“This is real progress, and it shows that prevention, testing and treatment are working,” says Liz Gibbs, Chief Executive of Burnett Foundation Aotearoa. “Fewer diagnosis each year are a reflection of decades of science, advocacy, community leadership, and investment in testing, treatment and the wide availability of prevention tools like PrEP, working in concert towards a goal of HIV elimination.”
However, it’s not all good news, 47% of diagnosis are being diagnosed late, and Māori diagnoses continue to remain disproportionately high.
“In 2025 alone, one in three men who have sex with men (MSM) diagnosed with HIV were Māori,” says Gibbs. “And with almost half of all cases being diagnosed late, it shows that we need to step up our game to reach people earlier.”
“As HIV transmissions decrease, it becomes harder to find people with HIV without expanding testing” says Gibbs. “Early diagnosis protects individual health and prevents onward transmission. Testing earlier, more often and more people is essential.”
Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) remain the group most affected by HIV, making up 60 percent of diagnoses in 2025. While locally acquired HIV among MSM has fallen by around 50 percent since 2010, the University of Otago data shows this drop has occurred mostly among European MSM. Numbers among Māori and other ethnic groups of MSM have increased or remained the same.
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa is calling for greater investment in HIV testing, including expanded funding for community-led, culturally appropriate services and system-level changes such as opt-out HIV testing in Emergency Departments and other high-contact healthcare settings.
“Routine, opt-out testing makes HIV testing normal, not exceptional,” Gibbs says. “Emergency Departments are a critical touchpoint for people who may never otherwise be offered a test. Changes like these can add up to make a huge difference.”
Overall, locally acquired HIV infections have fallen by 45 percent since the 2010 baseline set by the National HIV Action Plan – a significant achievement, but still well short of the 90 percent reduction target by 2030.
“We’re heading in the right direction, but progress is fragile,” says Gibbs. “Now is not the time to step back. We need bold action on equity, stigma reduction, better outreach to all communities, and smarter testing so no one is left behind as we work towards an HIV-free Aotearoa.” 
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Employment Issues – Lakes and Whanganui nurses still waiting for Holiday Pay a decade on – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Nurses at Lakes and Whanganui districts are calling on Te Whatu Ora to explain why after a decade of redress, they still don’t know when they will receive their full Holiday Act remediation payments, NZNO says.
While current Te Whatu Ora workers at all other 18 districts have received their full and final remediation payments, those at Lakes and Whanganui will have to wait until August and October respectively for an interim payment up to 31 December 2025. In an update to staff last month, Te Whatu Ora said the balance would be paid in early to mid 2027.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Whanganui delegate and Whanganui Base Hospital nurse Eugene Kennelly says members understand Whanganui and Lakes were more difficult districts to remediate.
“Te Whatu Ora has explained that in our districts, historic paper-based timesheets need to be digitised before payments can be finalised.
“But it beggars belief it has taken more than a decade to do this. It is also baffling that we will get an interim payment up until the end of last year.
“Why is Te Whatu Ora still remediating Holiday Act payments for 2026? Shouldn't the payrolls for Whanganui and Lakes be compliant with the Holiday Act by now?”
Lakes delegate and Rotorua Hospital nurse Lyn Logan says Te Whatu Ora needs to prioritise this work so workers can get their payments faster.
“We have waited long enough. There are new staff at Lakes who are getting their payments as former workers from other districts and current workers haven’t received a red cent.
“This is effectively wage theft.
“Nurses have died waiting for these payments. It is disgraceful. Te Whatu Ora should treat their hardworking nurses better,” Lyn Logan says.
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Health Sector – Kiwis support stronger nicotine regulation, survey finds

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

A majority of New Zealanders support reinstating the very low nicotine cigarette policy, and more than two-thirds believe the tobacco industry influences government policy, a new national survey has found.
The Talbot Mills Research survey of 1,247 adults showed 68% believe the tobacco industry influences government policy, alongside 55% support for reintroducing very low nicotine cigarettes.
Support for expanding access to new nicotine products such as oral nicotine pouches is limited, with more New Zealanders opposing the retail sale of nicotine pouches than supporting it (46% vs 33%).
Concern about the impact of these products on young people is high, with 57% of respondents saying retail availability of nicotine pouches would increase youth uptake.
Health Coalition Aotearoa Smoking Expert Advisory Group co-chair Prof Chris Bullen said the findings sent a clear signal about the direction New Zealanders expected tobacco and nicotine policy to take.
“When two-thirds of New Zealanders believe the tobacco industry influences government regulation, that raises serious questions about public confidence,” Prof Bullen said.
“People expect decisions to be based on evidence and focused on long-term health outcomes, not commercial interests.”
The findings come at a time of significant change in New Zealand’s tobacco control settings, following the repeal of smokefree legislation, moves to expand access to oral nicotine products, and decisions to reduce excise on some tobacco products.
Health experts have also raised concerns about the limited evidence supporting these products and their potential impact on young people.
“New Zealanders are concerned about youth uptake and remain sceptical about the claimed benefits of these products,” Prof Bullen said.
“At the same time, there is strong public support for reinstating the very low nicotine cigarette policy, which would reduce nicotine in cigarettes to very low levels to help reduce addiction and support quitting, particularly for Māori and other communities disproportionately affected by tobacco-related harm.”
“Very low nicotine tobacco is one of the most effective population-level tools we have,” said Edward Cowley, co-chair of the Smoking Expert Advisory Group.
“Support for this measure it is evident across political groups.”
Health Coalition Aotearoa has released a policy brief (attached here) alongside the survey, calling for policies grounded in evidence and aligned with public expectations.
The brief recommends:
  • Not proceeding with retail legalisation of oral nicotine products without robust independent evidence
  • Reinstating the very low nicotine cigarette policy
  • Strengthening regulatory settings across nicotine products
  • Strengthening safeguards against tobacco industry influence
“There is no clear public mandate for expanding access to new nicotine products,” Cowley said. “New Zealanders want stronger protections, not expanded access to nicotine products.”
Notes
A nationally representative survey of 1,247 New Zealand adults, conducted by Talbot Mills Research in April 2026, found:
  • 68% believe the tobacco industry influences government policy
  • 55% support reintroducing very low nicotine cigarettes
  • 57% think retail nicotine pouches would increase youth uptake
  • More New Zealanders oppose than support retail sale of nicotine pouches (46% vs 33%)
Survey conducted by Talbot Mills Research, 1-14 April 2026
Nationally representative sample of 1,247 adults (18+)
Margin of error ±2.9%
Oral nicotine products include nicotine pouches such as Zyn and other smokeless nicotine products designed to be placed between the gum and lip.