Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand

GenPro has today launched its election policy manifesto, Seven Steps to Restore General Practice, calling on all political parties to make the long-term sustainability of frontline general practice a priority at the 2026 General Election.

GenPro Chair Dr Angus Chambers says general practice is the foundation of a high-performing health system, but practices across New Zealand are under sustained financial and workforce pressure.

“General practice is the front door to our health system. When people can access the right care, at the right time, in their local community, they are more likely to stay well and less likely to need hospital care,” Dr Chambers says.

“But that depends on having a financially sustainable general practice sector with enough doctors, nurses and other health professionals to meet demand. Political parties have an opportunity at this election to put general practice on a sustainable footing for the long term.”

Generated from the frontline of general practice, GenPro’s manifesto sets out seven practical priorities, with three identified as immediate priorities:

1. Invest in frontline general practice

GenPro is calling for a 30 percent cumulative increase in general practice funding over three years, an independent mechanism to adjust funding for the true cost of delivering care, and a five-year funding pathway to provide certainty for practices. It also wants targeted funding for patients with complex health needs and for rural and remote practices.

1. Support long-term GP–patient relationships

GenPro wants continuity of care recognised as a core quality measure, with every enrolled patient having access to a named GP or Nurse Practitioner. Face-to-face consultations should remain the foundation of primary care, with telehealth used to complement rather than replace in-person care.

“Patients benefit when they can build a relationship with a clinician who knows them and their health history,” Dr Chambers says. “Continuity of care is not just about convenience. It contributes to better health outcomes and can reduce avoidable pressure on hospitals.”

1. Strengthen rural and urgent after-hours care

GenPro is calling for increased rural funding, stronger support for rural workforce recruitment and retention, and investment in infrastructure and digital connectivity. “Where someone lives should not determine whether they can access quality primary healthcare,” Dr Chambers says. “The challenges facing rural practices are different and require targeted solutions if we are going to provide equitable access across New Zealand.”

GenPro is also calling for:

1. Less bureaucracy and greater funding transparency – reducing unnecessary administration and ensuring more health funding reaches frontline patient care.

1. Support for independent, community-owned general practice – protecting the owner-operated model providing continuity of care and ensuring government policy supports a diverse, community-based primary care sector.

1. A stronger voice for general practice – ensuring GenPro is meaningfully consulted early on significant changes to funding, service design and primary healthcare policy.

1. A sustainable general practice workforce – improving funding so general practice can offer competitive employment conditions, supporting internationally qualified clinicians and helping the next generation of GPs buy into independent practices.

Dr Chambers says the manifesto is designed to provide political parties with a practical roadmap rather than simply identify problems.

“General practice needs certainty, sustainable funding and a workforce for the future,” he says.

“These seven steps would help strengthen access to care, reduce avoidable pressure on hospitals and deliver better value for taxpayers. We are calling on every political party to engage seriously with these proposals and make the future of general practice a priority in their 2026 election policies.”

GenPro is the General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand. We represent the owners of independent general practices and urgent care centres and advocate for policies that strengthen frontline primary healthcare, improve patient access, and ensure the long-term sustainability of community-based general practice.

Source: Workers First Union

WHAT:

Workers First will launch Gig Workers First, a new union group dedicated to organising rideshare and food delivery drivers who work for Uber, DiDi, Doordash, Bolt, DeliverEasy, Menulog and other app-based platforms.

The launch follows Workers First's pursuit of claims for more than 1,600 Uber drivers following a 2025 Supreme Court judgment, which resulted in the union securing offers of payouts for the drivers, and it comes with a renewed set of demands for fair treatment in the platform economy. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little will speak at the event in support of gig workers.

WHEN:

Tuesday 1 September, 11am – 12pm

WHERE:

Kilbirnie and Lyall Bay Community Centre, 56-58 Bay Road, Kilbirnie, Wellington

WHY:

“We beat Uber in court, and now we know the ins and outs of this industry better than anyone,” said Anita Rosentreter, Workers First Deputy Secretary. “We’re inviting all gig workers to join us and continue the movement for better pay, better treatment and a better working life.”

“Gig Workers First means every app-based rideshare and food delivery driver has somewhere to turn – for advice, for help in fighting an unfair deactivation, and for the organising strength that just won over 1,600 Uber drivers their payouts.”

“We are campaigning to repeal the changes to section 6 of the Employment Relations Act, which stripped gig workers of a fair test for employment status, and to initiate a legal presumption that platform workers are employees. Once that's won, we will negotiate collectively on behalf of rideshare and food delivery drivers, just as we do for all workers across the country.”

“New Zealand still hasn't ratified the ILO's convention on decent work in the platform economy, despite the growing number of workers relying on it for their livelihoods. We're calling on the next Government to close it and building a movement to power this change.” Rosentreter said.

App-based workers are invited to join Gig Workers First at workersfirst.nz/join-us, and more information on the project is available at the new website: gigworkersfirst.nz.

Source: Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission

27 Here-turi-kōkā August 2026

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has launched a new set of resources to support more inclusive emergency preparedness, response and recovery across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Developed in collaboration with disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori, the resources are designed to guide conversations among disabled people, whānau, communities, emergency management agencies, councils and service providers about what inclusive emergency management looks like in practice and how Te Tiriti and human rights help us get there.

The set of resources include:

• An animated video encouraging conversations about inclusive emergency management.
• A Call to Action Conversation Guide in English and te Reo Māori, which sets out how a Te Tiriti and human rights approach in emergency management leads to a stronger and fairer system we can all rely on.
• A Call to Action Evidence Guide, which provides specific recommendations and provides more detailed evidence about the effectiveness of an inclusive and participatory approach.
• A case study about the community of Whirinaki in Hokianga, which illustrates positive results of an inclusive, hapū-led approach.
• Accessible formats include Braille, large print, Easy Read, audio and NZSL.

Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker says inclusive emergency management is a human rights issue and requires systems to recognise tangata whenua and disabled people as rights-holders, leaders, experts and decision-makers.

“Emergencies can expose and intensify barriers that already exist. These resources support communities and emergency management organisations to remove those barriers, uphold dignity and mana, and make sure disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori are actively involved in planning before, during and after emergencies,” said Walker.

The Commission is encouraging emergency management agencies, councils, community organisations and service providers to actively engage with disabled people and use the resources to guide preparedness conversations, hui, workshops, staff meetings and local planning processes and to share them in their networks.

Everyone can contribute to building a stronger emergency management system that considers, plans for and responds to our diverse needs.

Share the resources and let your local emergency management agencies and councils know that inclusive approaches are important to you.

Learn more and download resources.

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission offers a free and confidential information and dispute resolution service.

Go to the Commission's information and dispute resolution service for more information.

Source: U.S. Department of State

Travel Advisory
August 28, 2026

Kuwait – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

There were no changes to the Travel Advisory Level or the risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes that family members 18 years of age or older may travel to Kuwait.

Reconsider Travel to Kuwait due to the threat of armed conflict, landmines, and crime.

Advisory summary

The U.S. government has limited ability to offer services to U.S. citizens in Kuwait due to safety risks.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

Due to safety risks, U.S. government employees need special authorization to travel to Kuwait. Only family members 18 years of age or older may join U.S. government employees working in Kuwait.

Armed conflict

Following the onset of hostilities between the United States and Iran on February 28, 2026, there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran. Commercial aviation has also been seriously disrupted.

Aviation safety

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) or a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR). This is due to risks to civil aviation operating within or nearby the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman region, including Kuwait. Consult the Federal Aviation Administration for the most up to date information on current FAA warnings.

Crime

• Exercise increased caution in the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh area in Kuwait City because of crime.
• The Kuwaiti police report that the neighborhood of Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh near the Kuwait International Airport is a high-crime area.

Landmines

• Landmines and unexploded ordnance exist in the desert area and some beaches north of the Mutla’a Ridge and near the border with Iraq.
• The locations of landmines and unexploded ordnance are not marked, so it can be hard to know where they are.
• There may be unexploded bombs, shells, and landmines left over from the 1990 Gulf War.
• Do not travel to areas that are “off the beaten path.” Do not touch or move objects in those areas as they could explode.

For U.S. citizens in Kuwait:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Review the Country Security Report for Kuwait.
• Visit the U.S. Department of State website for information on travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Develop a communication plan with family, your employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call).
• Keep travel documents up to date and easy to access.
• Review local laws and conditions before traveling. Kuwait has strict laws prohibiting the possession or trafficking of drugs (including marijuana) and alcohol. Do not bring drugs or alcohol in your luggage and do not attempt to purchase them in Kuwait.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Stay alert especially in places visited by large groups of people and travelers or tourists.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest Travel Health Information before you travel.
• We highly recommend that you buy insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Kuwait
Bayan, Block 13
Masjed Al-Aqsa Street
Kuwait City, Kuwait

Telephone: +(965) 2259-1001
Emergency: +(965) 2259-1001
Fax: +(965) 2259-1438
Email: KuwaitACS@state.gov
Website: https://kw.usembassy.gov/

Source link

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

The first contingent of New Zealanders deployed to North America to help manage wildfires has returned home today (Saturday).

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has sent three deployments totalling 68 people overseas in the last month. The first team of five left New Zealand for the United States on 24 July and has been working on fires in Oregon and Washington State, filling specialist roles in incident management teams.

Partner agencies have contributed to each of these deployments, with the forestry industry, Department of Conservation and New Zealand Defence Force each providing people alongside Fire and Emergency’s volunteers and paid personnel.

Fire and Emergency’s Deputy National Commander, Megan Stiffler, says that the team’s work has been greatly appreciated by the US firefighting authorities that requested New Zealand assistance with their challenging wildfire season.

“Our people have a well-earned reputation for being highly competent and totally committed to the job. The people we select for international deployment not only lend their skills and experience to the host country, they bring the flexibility to slot in easily to new teams and the willingness to give their utmost every day.”

Firefighting deployments to North America last five weeks, including travel. Each team has a period of induction and training in local procedures before beginning two fourteen-day rotations on duty, with a three-day rest period between rotations.

Megan Stiffler says that the experience of working on large-scale, complex wildfires will enhance New Zealand’s own readiness for the coming fire season, which is predicted to be longer, drier, hotter and windier than in recent years due to El Niño.

The second deployment, comprising six people, left New Zealand for Canada on 6 August and are been supporting Canada’s wildfire response in British Columbia. The third is made up of 57 firefighters and incident management specialists, who are currently working on fires in Utah and Washington State.

Source: Save the Children

Nine school children have been reunited with their families after being stranded at school for two days by the devastating flash floods in Northern Nepal, as rescue efforts continue to reach other students, Save the Children said.

The children arrived at an aid distribution point where Save the Children is working after walking from their school. Many children in the area travel long distances to their schools and were cut off in the aftermath of the massive surge of floodwater. With support from Save the Children, they were able to find their families.

At least 69 schools in flood-devastated districts in Northern Nepal have been destroyed or damaged, putting education at risk for nearly 19,000 children, Save the Children said [1].

The figures are based on an initial assessment and are likely to rise as rescue and response teams reach more areas and more information is available from affected communities [1]. Save the Children staff in Nuwakot said children in the devastated communities are holding onto the few belongings they have or searching for what they lost, including schoolbooks and uniforms.

Fears of further flooding are also causing new terror with families moving to higher ground. For many children, this is the first disaster of this scale they have experienced, and they are frightened, distressed and worried about their futures.

More than 500 people have died in Nepal in the disaster, and hundreds are still missing. Some families are camping in tents in front of their damaged homes as efforts continue to find survivors, while others are living with relatives or in community centres.

Tara Chettry, Country Director, Save the Children in Nepal said:

“Reuniting children with their families in the aftermath of a catastrophe is an urgent and immediate priority, so when disaster strikes, getting children back to school may not seem like the most urgent need. Education is vital. For children who have lost their homes, their belongings and their sense of security, a safe place to learn can be a lifeline.

“School gives children something that is desperately important after a disaster: safety, routine, stability. It can help children cope with what they have experienced, while connecting them with the support they need.

“Education cannot wait until the emergency is over – it needs to be part of the response from day one.”

Save the Children in Nepal’s emergency response team is working in the affected areas and delivering essential items, including household and cooking kits, mosquito nets and blankets to 1,000 households in the first phase of assistance.

The humanitarian and child rights organisation is coordinating with national and local authorities to establish the immediate and long-term needs of children and families and is ready to scale up its response.

Save the Children has worked in Nepal since 1976. The organisation runs programmes spanning child protection, child rights governance, education, climate change, gender equality, health and nutrition and child poverty.

Save the Children New Zealand has already committed $150,000 to the response in Nepal. New Zealanders wanting to donate to Save the Children's response in Nepal can do so through the Children's Emergency Fund.

Notes:

[1] Figures from the Education Cluster – a joint group of NGOs, UN and the Government of Nepal. The group is co-chaired by Save the Children. The 69 schools have 18,918 students enrolled (9,350 girls and 9,568 boys).

Source: Plan International

Students cut off from their families and entire communities remain isolated two days after a glacial landslide triggered devastating flash floods that hit parts of northern Nepal and the Chinese border linking Tibet, says Plan International.

More than 450 people have been confirmed dead and around 1,000 remain missing, although the full extent of the disaster is still emerging as assessments continue and search operations reach previously inaccessible areas.

More than 500 people have been rescued, but many communities remain stranded after roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure were destroyed, severely hampering rescue efforts.

Rajendra Paudel, from DEPROSC Nepal, a Plan International partner described the scene he is witnessing in Devighat Bazaar, one of the areas in Nuwakot district that has suffered extensive damage.

“There has been extensive human and physical damage across these areas. Just moments ago, a body was recovered from here and taken away. We still do not know how many people are missing. There are many people who have been affected. I have also been in contact with several affected families. They are particularly worried about students who left for school yesterday morning and those who are stranded across the Trishuli River,” he said.

Rajendra described the helicopters currently working to rescue people and cut off communities but says it has not yet been possible to reach everyone: with all concrete bridges washed away or damaged, there is no way to cross between the two sides of the Trishuli River, leaving many families and children stranded and staying in schools since the flood hit.

“The scale of destruction here is enormous…. What we are witnessing here is extremely painful. My relatives were unable to take anything out of their homes and have had to climb up the hillside on the other side to find safety. There is a deep sense of despair among everyone. People are worried about how they will rebuild their lives after this,” he said.

There are fears that a lake formed at the site where the floods occurred is rapidly rising and at risk of bursting.

“We are very concerned about the possibility of more flooding, along with the stress and trauma this disaster will have on children in particular. Our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of children and communities affected by this disaster,” said Plan International Nepal Acting Country Director Srijana Gurung.

“We are witnessing in real time the catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis. Climate events are becoming more intense and more frequent, and it is always the most vulnerable people who are disproportionately impacted; the people least responsible for causing climate change,” she added.

Plan International Nepal is working to support the Government’s emergency response and send urgently needed supplies to the impacted area’s including distribution of 300 shelter kits, 1,000 hygiene kits and 100 menstrual health management kits for girls and women who have lost their homes. Initial support is planned for around 1,000 affected households whilst the needs are fully assessed. Plan International Nepal is deploying two emergency response team members to support the joint assessment led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, coordinated through the field hub established by the Catholic Relief Service.

About Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, supporters, and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels using our reach, experience, and knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

26 August 2026

Two researchers from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and several from Cape Breton University (CBU) in Canada are co-leading a new global research network focused on Indigenous pathways for research.

The new five-year-long, funded project, is called ‘Our research futures: Indigenous pathways for research in higher education,’ and was recently awarded $499,993 CAD ($613,488 NZD) by Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council through the Insight Grant programme.

The project will explore how university systems internationally are adapting to fully support Indigenous ways of knowing. The global team of ‘Our research futures’ will work to create concrete frameworks to support the success, wellbeing, and sustainability of Indigenous scholars and researchers within academic environments, and across disciplines.

Over the next five years, with multilingual work in te reo Māori, Mi’kmaw, and Nahuatl, alongside English and French, the research will support international gatherings and multimedia productions and translations, youth and digital learning resources, mentorship, and new publications.

Dr Mike Ross from Te Kawa a Māui and Associate Professor Brian Diettrich from New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī will lead the project on behalf of Te Herenga Waka.

“I’m excited about learning from and working with other Indigenous peoples to build stronger and more resilient pathways for Māori researchers. Kāpuia te kākaho—our unity is our strength,” says Dr Mike Ross.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori and Kaitiakitanga) Professor Rawinia Higgins from Te Herenga Waka is proud to celebrate this collaboration between Indigenous researchers. “It is wonderful to see this joint research project emerge, the fruit of connection over the past few years. We look forward to working together to create a pipeline encouraging new Indigenous voices to join us and add to Indigenous-led research.”

The partnership connects researchers across Canada, Mexico, and Aotearoa, guided by a team of Indigenous leaders and allies. As well as Dr Ross and Associate Professor Diettrich, the Wellington team includes Canada’s High Commissioner to New Zealand, His excellency Keith Smith, who brings expertise in international diplomacy and Indigenous rights frameworks.

The Canadian team based in CBU is led by Professor Marcia Ostashweski, Director of the Centre for Sound Communities and Professor of Ethnomusicology, Laurianne Sylvester, Dean of Unama’ki College, and Starr Paul, Assistant Professor of Mi’kmaq Studies. Each of these academics has spent time at Te Herenga Waka and in Wellington over the past few years.

This partnership builds on the 2025 memorandum of understanding between Te Herenga Waka and CBU.

Associate Professor Brian Diettrich says, “This project centres responsibility to researchers, their stories and experiences, as key to reshaping the academic sector for the the future.

“This Canadian partnership offers a new pathway for funding for New Zealand scholars, including in the humanities and social sciences.”

Professor Sally McArthur, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) of Te Herenga Waka congratulates the team, and says, “I look forward very much to see the fruits of this collaboration. It is fantastic to see countries working together on getting funding and creating such valuable resources together.”

Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

More than 1200 home support workers are being left to worry about their jobs and their futures after Health New Zealand's decision to cut contracts held by Visionwest, Lifewise and Presbyterian Support Northern in Auckland.

The PSA is calling on Health New Zealand to transfer their jobs to the new providers on the same terms and conditions.

“Health New Zealand must guarantee that every one of these workers, both frontline carers and the nurses and coordinators who support them, transfers to whoever takes over these contracts, on the same pay, terms and conditions,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, PSA National Secretary. “We will not hesitate to take legal action to ensure that this occurs.

“Right now these workers are extremely worried about their futures and Health New Zealand owes them an explanation and reassurance.”

The group which lost the contracts is made up of not-for-profit providers Visionwest, Lifewise and Presbyterian Support Northern. They recently made a collective bid for Health New Zealand contracts to continue providing home and community support services across Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitematā.

The organisations have each been providing home-based services to people who live alone, and currently support about 4500 older and disabled people in the region to live in their own homes.

“These workers have built special, trusted relationships with the older and disabled people they support, often over many years. Taking that away puts continuity of care, and the wellbeing of thousands of vulnerable New Zealanders, directly at risk.

“Health NZ says continuity of care is its priority. If that's true, protecting the workforce that provides it is critical. The PSA calls on Health NZ to do the right thing by workers and the people they care for and comply with the clear provisions of Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act. We will not shy away from taking legal action to protect the interests of workers.”

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.

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua

28 August 2026

Please find details below of upcoming Reserve Bank of New Zealand speaking engagements.

KangaNews New Zealand Debt Capital Market Summit 2026

9 September 2026

Assistant Governor Money Karen Silk will deliver a keynote address at the KangaNews New Zealand Debt Capital Market Summit in Auckland. The speech will explore the growing role of the repo market in supporting liquidity, monetary policy implementation, and resilient capital markets.

The speech will be published on our website at 11.40am on 9 September 2026.

For more information about the event, see: 2026 New Zealand Debt Capital Market Summit

International Operational Risk Working Group (IORWG) Conference

17 September 2026

Chief Risk Officer Greg Nesbitt will speak on a panel about strategic risk and operational risk interdependency at the 20th Annual International Operational Risk Working Group (IORWG) Conference.

The panel will discuss how strategic risk is defined within their central banks and how it is integrated into their frameworks, how operational risks can become strategic threats, how risk functions can support better strategic decisions with strong governance, and how strategic decisions need to consider operational risk implications.

No speaking notes will be published.

For more information about IORWG, see: International Operational Risk Working Group

Institute of Financial Professionals New Zealand – The Future of Banking

17 September 2026

Angus McGregor, Assistant Governor Financial Stability, will deliver an evening speech on insights and observations from the Future of Banking study carried out by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

This will include trends and forces shaping the future of banking, and a range of plausible scenarios for how the sector could develop and what it might look like over the coming decade. The speech will explore the opportunities, challenges and risks these changes may create for the sector, consumers, policymakers, and the wider financial system.

The full study and a summary will be published on our website at 12pm on 17 September 2026. The speech will be published on our website at 8am on 18 September 2026.

For more details about the event, see: All Our Events | Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand Inc (INFINZ)

Speaking engagements recap

• A list of RBNZ speaking engagements undertaken in August 2026 is available through the Reserve Bank's speaking and engagement programme.

More information

• This list of speaking engagements may be updated. For an up-to-date list, please refer to: Reserve Bank speaking and engagement programme
• A list of September 2026 post-MPS media and speaking engagements will be published separately on our website on 31 August 2026.