Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Awards – Nurse of the Year shines a light on leadership in aged care

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association (ACA) has named Bini Mathew, Clinical Nurse Manager at Brightwater Home, Enliven, as its 2026 Nurse of the Year.
Now in its second year, the award recognises outstanding nursing leadership in aged residential care. Bini follows 2025 inaugural recipient Riha Devendra.
Bini was recognised for her ability to turn insight into action, embedding culturally responsive care into everyday practice, including Tikanga Māori approaches and the use of the Oranga Kaumatua Wellness Map. She has also built a strong clinical team through practical, on-the-ground leadership that is improving outcomes for residents and strengthening relationships with whānau.
Judges described her nomination as “exceptionally strong”, highlighting clear evidence of impact across resident wellbeing, staff capability, and overall service delivery.
ACA Chief Executive Tracey Martin says Bini represents a standard of nursing that is often under-recognised.
“What stands out with Bini is that she doesn’t just talk about better care, she delivers it. She has taken ideas around culturally responsive practice and made them real for residents, whānau and her team.
“That kind of leadership changes the experience of care in a very tangible way.”
Martin says Bini’s work also reflects the clinical depth of aged residential care.
“There is a perception that aged care offers less variety or fewer opportunities than other parts of the health system. Bini’s leadership shows the opposite.
“In aged residential care, nurses are working at the top of their scope every day. They are managing complexity, leading teams, and making decisions that directly affect quality of life.”
She says that experience is increasingly important as New Zealand’s population ages.
“The reality is that more and more of our health system will be focused on caring for older people. Nurses who build their careers in aged care develop a breadth of experience that will serve them anywhere in the system.”
Martin says Bini’s recognition is also a reminder of the role aged residential care plays within the wider health system.
“When aged care is strong, it supports people to live with dignity and helps the rest of the system function as it should. That is what we are seeing in Bini’s work every day.”
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Local News – Mahi Rangatahi interns welcomed – Porirua

Source: Porirua City Council 

A group of young people from Porirua colleges are getting a taste of life in the workforce as part of the Mahi Rangatahi programme run by Porirua City Council.
Now in its fifth year, the programme provides real-world work experience. The students develop a CV, apply for a role at Council and have an interview – then get the hands-on experience once a week in their chosen position during term 2 of school.
Last week, 11 students from four Porirua colleges were welcomed by their mentors in Arena Fitness, Economic Development, Pacific Strategy, Māori Strategy, Waste Minimisation, Democratic Services, Policy & Strategy, Pātaka, and Communications & Marketing.
Mahi Rangatahi was introduced as a pilot programme in 2022 following feedback to Council from local schools on what would be most beneficial to help their students understand different career pathway options.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the continued success of the programme is one way we are contributing towards the Council priority of having children and young people at the heart of our decision-making.
“It’s fantastic to see these young faces around our Council teams, learning real skills and hopefully getting some genuine experience with their mentors. I wish them well,” Mayor Baker says.
When the programme wraps up, managers provide the student with a reference to help them into future roles. Council also receives feedback from the students, parents, managers, mentors, and career advisors so the programme can continue to improve.
For students or others thinking about potential career pathways, the Porirua Careers Expo is happening this on Tuesday 5 May, at Te Rauparaha Arena, 9.30am-3.30pm. Entry is free.
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ChildFund – Pacific drug trafficking surge puts children at risk

Source: ChildFund New Zealand

Shocking new reports on the rise of sophisticated drug-smuggling vessels crossing the Pacific has highlighted a growing threat to vulnerable communities, with ChildFund New Zealand warning that children are increasingly exposed to the impacts of transnational crime.
“We work with local communities in some of the remotest islands in the Pacific, on water, food and education programmes, including in Solomons Islands where the latest drug boat was found,” says Josie Pagani, CEO of ChildFund.
Investigations by ABC News revealed multiple “narco-subs” operating in Pacific waters, signalling the region is becoming a key transit route for global drug networks targeting Australia and New Zealand.
The issue goes far beyond border security.
“The Pacific is our home too. The problems we face, from poverty to drugs, are connected. For Pacific communities, this is happening in their villages. For kiwi families it's happening to their children as access to drugs gets easier,” says Josie Pagani.
The targeted use of remote island nations as staging points exposes communities to organised crime, with potential impacts including exploitation of young people, increased substance availability to children, and pressure on already stretched local services.
“When criminal networks move in, they target places where people are already under pressure, whether that’s from poverty, lack of opportunity, or climate impacts. Children are the ones who feel those pressures first and most deeply.”
ChildFund New Zealand is calling for a broader response that prioritises prevention and community resilience alongside enforcement.
“If we only focus on stopping drugs at the New Zealand border, we miss the bigger picture. Prevention starts in these Pacific communities. They need to be supported to deal with drugs turning up on their beaches, and to manage the risk to children and young people.”
Drug use among Pacific young people is growing at alarming rates, particularly amongst 15-34 year olds, with the rapid rise in methamphetamine, and international drug drops. In countries like Fiji, 50% of new HIV infections are linked to drug use.
Sustained investment in essential services, education, child protection, and local partnerships across the Pacific is critical to reducing vulnerability to exploitation.
“The Pacific is our neighbourhood, and for many New Zealanders, it’s also family,” says Josie Pagani.
“What happens there matters to New Zealand, and it matters for the future of children in the Pacific and here at home.”
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Lifestyle – ExerciseNZ Awards Return, Giving Kiwis Their Say Again

Source: Exercise New Zealand

Kiwis are being encouraged to recognise the people and places making a real difference to health and wellbeing in their communities, with nominations now open for the 2026 ExerciseNZ Awards.

Run by Exercise New Zealand, the annual awards celebrate the exercise professionals, gyms, and exercise facilities helping New Zealanders move more, feel better, and stay connected. This year, the nomination process has been made faster and more accessible than ever.

  • It takes under a minute to nominate
  • There is no cost to enter
  • There are even more categories – something for every role and facility type.

The Return of People's Choice

One of the most anticipated categories, the People's Choice Award, is also returning. The award gives the public across Aotearoa the opportunity to spotlight an exercise professional that has had a meaningful impact on their lives.

Exercise New Zealand Chief Executive Richard Beddie says the updates reflect the depth and diversity of the sector.

“We know there is incredible work happening every day in communities across the country. These changes make it easier for that work to be recognised and celebrated, and for more New Zealanders to have their say.”

________________________________

More Awards, More Opportunities

This year's awards also expand recognition across the industry, with new and updated categories highlighting a wider range of roles, from recreation facilities, to front-of-house teams and sales professionals.

The former Up & Coming PT category has been renamed the Emerging Personal Trainer Award, reflecting the next generation of professionals shaping the future of the industry.

Early nominations are already rolling in from across the country, signalling strong public interest in celebrating those making a positive impact through exercise.

More than just awards, the ExerciseNZ Awards recognise the people and organisations helping New Zealanders lead healthier, more active lives. Finalists and winners are selected through an independent judging process, with being named a finalist widely regarded as a mark of excellence in the industry.

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Northland News – Provide contact details boaties urged

Source: Northland Regional Council

Boat owners in Northland are being reminded of a requirement to post contact details on their vessels at moorings to ensure they can be reached if their unattended vessel breaks free, starts taking on water or has other problems.
Northland Regional Council Deputy Harbourmaster Peter Thomas says the Harbourmaster’s office regularly receives reports from the public or boating community of issues with unattended vessels.
“Some have broken free from moorings or are already aground while others are still on their mooring but are slowly taking on water or are sinking.” Other issues include damaged headlines or unfurled sails.
Mr Thomas says problems often occur during, or immediately after, bouts of bad weather.
Under the council’s navigation safety bylaws every vessel occupying a swing or pile mooring is required to display contact phone number(s) and/or email addresses for the owner or owner's representative that can be used in case of emergency.
“Basically, we’re asking for a mobile phone number or email address displayed on the boat somewhere it can be easily seen from outside without anyone having to enter the vessel.”
Mr Thomas says there is currently a $50 fine for non-compliance.
He says despite the long-standing requirement to post contact details (the applicable bylaw provision was first introduced in 2017) too many boat owners are not doing so.
All too often council maritime staff struggle to find a vessel’s owner to alert them to problems so the owner can take the steps to remedy the situation.
“We probably encounter an issue like this a few times a month.”
If they can't get hold of an owner, maritime staff are forced to deal with the issue themselves, which is effectively a cost then borne by ratepayers.
Mr Thomas says boats are not a small investment and it makes sense for boaties to follow the bylaw and ensure they could be reached and their often-expensive assets protected.
Maritime officers are currently undertaking a survey of Northland mooring fields, and part of this work is to determine compliance with the bylaw. Letters reminding boaties of their obligations will also be sent to mooring owners on the council’s database.
Mr Thomas says in general, the council prefers education over enforcement but plans to step up enforcement of the applicable section of its bylaws over the next several months.
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Amnesty International – We can create an Aotearoa where everyone can thrive

Source: Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand

The Helen Clark Foundation’s second annual report on social cohesion has found that cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand has slipped across every dimension measured.
“Social cohesion is important to human rights because rights aren’t just about what’s in the law, it’s how we interact with each other, our ability to come together and support each other,” said Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand's Advocacy Director, Lisa Woods. 
The report provides insights into a number of areas as they relate to social cohesion, including recognising the significance of social media. The report states 55% think it's bad for society, but that its use is widespread. 
“Many, including Amnesty, have been saying for a long time that online harm is hurting community wellbeing – its role in issues such as violent extremism, discrimination and prejudice is well known. Research has shown the catastrophic impacts online harm can have on communities and entire countries. However, online platforms like social media are now an important part of daily life for most people. We use it to stay connected with friends and family, to trade, work and to learn.
“As a core part of daily life, we need online platforms to be safer by design. This goes to the heart of the issue where platform design is driving harm. Many search engines and social media platforms are designed to promote content that drives engagement, regardless of its harmful effects. This allows harmful material to spread widely.
“We know the Government is considering action to address online harm. Given the extent of harm occurring and the enormous risk it poses to a healthy thriving society, we need action to address the root causes of harm – platform design. Standards are needed that set transparency and accountability requirements, along with an independent regulator, similar to what the Select Committee on young people and online harm recently recommended,” said Woods.
The Foundation's report considers a number of other areas, including addressing financial stress which the report names as a dominant driver. It also talks about sharing authority and agency: “Communities that hold budgets and set priorities themselves form meaning by being situated in living relationships with accountability and consequences.” 
“It's important to keep at the forefront that we can create an Aotearoa where everyone can thrive.
“This starts with upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. In doing so we can build a strong foundation that provides a place for us all to belong, for respectful relationships to flourish and a just foundation for how we can make decisions together.
“When our systems are designed so we can all make a meaningful contribution, it can provide more well-rounded and informed decision-making, stronger communities, and feelings of belonging and connection,” said Woods.
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Tech – Getac redefines rugged mobility with launch of G140 Copilot+ PC, powered by AMD Technology in Australia and New Zealand

Source: Getac

The new G140 tablet blends AI-powered performance with MIL-STD fully rugged protection in a lightweight, field friendly design.

News in brief:

• Getac today launches the new G140 tablet, its first AMD-powered fully rugged tablet as a Copilot+ PC in Australia and New Zealand.  

• The G140 provides Australia and New Zealand's public safety, automotive and manufacturing industries with versatile rugged devices that can run demanding edge AI applications in the field.

• The G140 further expands Getac’s industry-leading portfolio of rugged Copilot+ PCs, which also includes the next generation UX10, F120, B360 Plus, and S510AD in the region.

SYDNEY, 24 April 2026: Getac Technology Corporation (Getac), a leading provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions and a manufacturer with advanced in-house capabilities, today announced the launch of the new G140 tablet, a fully rugged Copilot+ PC1in Australia and New Zealand.  

Powered by AMD RyzenTM technology, the G140 is designed for professionals working in industries such as public safety, automotive, and manufacturing, who require versatile field-ready devices that can run demanding edge AI applications in a wide range of operational environments.

Supporting the growing demand for architectural continuity

As organisations across Australia and New Zealand continue to invest in digital transformation IT decision-makers are increasingly prioritising seamless compatibility and platform consistency with their existing infrastructure. In response to this growing demand for architectural continuity, Getac has expanded its portfolio to include AMD-powered rugged solutions, beginning with the recently launched S510AD Copilot+ PC and now with the G140 Copilot+ PC. These additions provide greater deployment flexibility for customers with specific integration requirements, while ensuring their IT environments remain unified and efficient.

Real-time AI-powered performance

The G140 is engineered for optimal productivity in the field. Featuring an AMD RyzenTM AI 5 340 / 7 350 CPU, AMD RadeonTM 840M / 860M GPU, and AMD XDNATM 2 NPU (up to 50 TOPS), it delivers seamless AI-powered processing performance and high-quality visuals directly at the point of work. This advanced AMD architecture is specifically optimized for efficiency, providing exceptional battery endurance to support long shifts between charges without compromising power.

The G140 excels at multitasking, handling demanding field applications with high levels of responsiveness. Its integrated graphics capabilities allow professionals to view high-resolution maps and complex schematics with superb clarity, eliminating the need for a separate GPU. Extensive communication options, including Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 4G LTE (optional), 5G Sub-6 (optional), and dual-SIM (optional) keep users connected in even remote locations, while two USB 4 ports as standard support high-speed data transfer, high-resolution video output, and power delivery.

Field friendly design

At the heart of the G140 is a 14-inch LumiBond screen with 1,000 nits of brightness and sunlight readable display, supporting usability in outdoor and variable weather conditions common across Australia and New Zealand's harsh climatic environments. Usability is further enhanced by Getac’s Smart Touch auto-sensing technology, which automatically adapts to inputs from a finger, stylus or glove without the need for manual mode switching, while a new dual-speaker design makes it well suited to noisy indoor and outdoor environments.

The G140 also features Getac’s hot-swappable battery technology and can accommodate high-capacity batteries (optional) for long periods of uninterrupted use. A robust suite of security features including TPM 2.0, Windows Hello face-authentication camera, AMD PRO (optional), HF RFID reader (optional), fingerprint reader (optional) and smart card reader (optional), keep sensitive data safe at all times.

A wide range of carrying and mounting options offer enhanced mobility in the field. These include a hard handle, and a rotating hand strap, magnetic mount and kickstand – the latter three made possible via an integrated VESA mount that is part of the G140 chassis. These options allow the G140 to be conveniently carried and/or mounted onto nearby surfaces for easy hands-free operation. Vehicle docks from Havis and Gamber-Johnson also support secure in-vehicle charging and operation.

Fully rugged protection in a portable and lightweight form factor

Like all Getac devices, the G140 is built to thrive where other devices or equipment may fail. MIL-STD-810H and IP66 certifications, 4 ft (1.2m) drop resistance and an operating temperature range of -29°C to 63°C / -20°F to 145°F ensure high levels of reliability in challenging work environments, helping to minimise unplanned downtime and reduce capital/operating costs.

Despite its fully rugged credentials, the G140 is also incredibly light. At just 1.79kg/3.95lbs, it is easy to carry and operate for extended periods of time.

A versatile digital solution for field professionals

The G140’s powerful specification and lightweight form factor make it well suited to several critical use cases across the public safety, automotive and manufacturing industries:

• Public safety: First responders in Australia and New Zealand can now seamlessly detach the G140 from their response vehicles as they arrive at the scene of an incident and use it to gather evidence, gain situational awareness, and share critical information with other response teams directly from the field.

• Automotive: Mechanics and technicians can harness the G140’s powerful processing capabilities to run diagnostics, manage tasks, check inventory levels, and solve emergency issues at the roadside or in a service center.

• Manufacturing: Factory operators can use the G140 to capture and support timely sharing of asset data across the facility, enabling predictive planning and maintenance initiatives that reduce unplanned downtime and boost operational efficiency.

Part of Getac’s comprehensive multi-platform portfolio

The G140 is the latest addition to Getac’s industry-leading portfolio of rugged Copilot+ PCs, bringing AI-powered performance to customers via their choice of platform. The full range now includes:

• The UX10 fully rugged tablet (Intel)

• The F120 fully rugged tablet (Intel)

• The B360 Plus fully rugged laptop (Intel)

• The S510AD rugged laptop (AMD)

• The G140 fully rugged tablet (AMD)

James Hwang, president of Getac Technology Corporation, said, “As organisations in Australia and New Zealand and globally increasingly harness the power of AI within their operations, demand for rugged digital devices capable of running powerful edge AI applications is growing at an exponential rate.

“With the launch of the G140 we are redefining what’s possible at the edge, putting real-time analytical power directly into the hands of field professionals and empowering them to complete mission-critical activities without compromise, no matter how harsh the conditions.”

G140 will be available in Australia and New Zealand in June 2026.

For more information, please visit www.getac.com

1 To qualify as a Copilot+ PC, a device must include an NPU (Neural Processor Unit) capable of 40+ TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second), have a minimum of 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage, and support at least one form of biometric security authentication.

About Getac

Getac Technology Corporation is a global leader in AI-capable rugged mobile technology and intelligent video solutions, including laptops, tablets, software, body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, digital evidence management and enterprise video analytics solutions. Getac’s solutions and services are designed to enable extraordinary experiences for frontline workers in challenging environments. Today, Getac serves customers in over 100 countries spanning defence, public safety, ambulance, fire & rescue, utilities, automotive, natural resources, manufacturing, transport, and logistics. Getac was recently recognized as one of Newsweek’s “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” for 2024. For more information, visit: https://www.getac.com . Participate in the Getac Industry blog or follow the company on LinkedIn and YouTube .

Getac and Getac logo are trademarks of Getac Holdings Corporation or its affiliates. Other brands or trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2025 Getac Technology Corporation.

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Property Market – Commercial Land Shortage Drives Property Prices to Record High – Data

Source: Distributed on behalf of Realestate.co.nz by Impact PR

A shortage of suitably-zoned commercial and industrial land is pushing Auckland’s property market to record-high levels, as competition for development-ready sites intensifies.

Industry experts warn the constraints will increase the cost of establishing and expanding businesses in the region, with higher land prices flowing through to development, logistics and ultimately consumers.

New data from realestate.co.nz shows Auckland’s industrial and commercial land values have reached an average of $1,190 per square metre in the 12 months to March 2026, the highest level recorded in at least a decade and up more than 600 percent from ten years ago.

The pressure is also being felt in other parts of the sector, with the average asking price for industrial buildings in Auckland now at over $3.5 million for the first time, reflecting the lack of availability of well-located sites in the country’s largest market.

At the same time, the average land area of industrial properties available for sale has fallen to a record low of 1,864 sqm, from 5,212 sqm a decade ago, a decline of more than 64%, signalling a shift toward smaller, more constrained site offerings.

Search data indicates demand is being driven primarily by domestic investors, with international activity easing over the past year.

While macroeconomic factors have slowed transaction volumes in recent years, particularly for land, the underlying shortage of development-ready sites continues to place upward pressure on pricing when assets do come to market.

Sarah Wood, CEO of realestate.co.nz, says the data highlights a long-term imbalance in the Auckland market, where limited land supply is driving prices.

She says the region remains the primary hub of the New Zealand economy, contributing 38% to national GDP, with shifts in land supply and pricing feeding directly into business costs, investment decisions and economic activity across the rest of the country.

“What we’re seeing is a structural shortage of commercial and industrial land, particularly in Auckland. There simply isn’t enough development-ready land coming to market to meet demand, and that is now being reflected clearly in pricing.

“The step-change in land prices over the past two years in particular isn’t a typical movement. It reflects a situation where supply is no longer keeping pace with demand.

“This is shifting development patterns, with access to suitable sites increasingly dictating how and where projects can occur, particularly for larger-scale industrial users.

“Over time, that affects where businesses locate, how supply chains are structured, and the cost of operating across the wider economy, including the competitiveness of New Zealand’s exports,” she says.

Stephen Hughes, CEO of Drury South Crossing, the country’s largest mixed-use development, says the same constraints are playing out on the ground, with limited availability of large, serviced industrial sites across the wider Auckland region.

“Businesses are placing a premium on land that is build-ready and well connected to transport modes, power and fibre. In a constrained market, those locations are becoming harder to secure and that is flowing directly into pricing.”

He says developments such as Drury South Crossing are becoming increasingly rare, with only a small number of large, industrial-zoned sites still available for purchase.

“We have sold more than 100 hectares of land at Drury South over the past five years, and with just 30 hectares remaining, we won’t be able to accommodate every requirement. Early movers can still secure a site, but the supply of greenfield industrial land at this scale across the region is becoming increasingly limited.”

Hughes says rising electricity demand is also reshaping site requirements, with many existing industrial locations unable to support modern business needs.

“It’s not just data centres, it’s everyday businesses needing more power for automation, machinery and electric vehicle fleets, and many older sites simply can’t support that without significant upgrades.”

Wood says there has been a noticeable shift in the commercial property market, where constrained land supply is dictating pricing, development patterns and business costs, with supply continuing to tighten.

“We’re seeing a move toward a land-constrained market, where site availability is becoming more important than the buildings themselves.

“Our data shows new commercial and industrial land listings have fallen 4 percent over the past year, from 211 to 203, reflecting the limited supply conditions.

“Higher land costs don’t stay in the property market, they affect businesses, logistics and ultimately consumers.

“Addressing this will require faster zoning, better infrastructure and a more proactive approach to planning commercial land supply,” she says.

Wood says buyer activity on the platform is strengthening, with commercial search volumes up 12 percent over the past year, while active users in the sector have increased 21 percent over the same period.

“Commercial for sale property searches increased 12 percent in the 12 months to March 2026, with a lift in engagement from domestic investors and occupiers.

“According to our search data, international interest has softened, suggesting the current upswing is being driven primarily by local capital.”

Wood says the alignment of rising land values and increased buyer activity suggests a more active period ahead.

“When we see more people searching, more activity in the market, and rising values, it typically indicates momentum is building.

“If these trends continue, we would expect stronger transaction volumes through the rest of 2026.

“Over time, this risks pushing industrial activity further from key centres, increasing transport costs and reducing supply chain efficiency,” she says.

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Economy – Cash consultation legal basis and ongoing industry engagement – Reserve Bank

Source: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ)

24 April 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ) is today releasing additional information about the legal basis of the Keeping Cash Local consultation proposal to help people respond to the consultation.

RBNZ is responsible for ensuring that cash meets the needs of the public. The consultation asks the public about local access to withdraw cash, deposit cash and swap cash for low-denomination banknotes and coins.

“There has been strong interest in the consultation with more than 4700 responses so far. We've extended the consultation deadline to 31 July 2026 to allow more time for people and industry to respond. No decisions have been made and we welcome a range of views on the proposals outlined in the consultation,” says Assistant Governor Money Karen Silk.

“We received detailed questions about the proposal's legal basis, so we're publishing additional information to explain it. We expect this will support stakeholders in making well-informed submissions,” says Karen Silk.

“We welcome views from the public, banking and cash industry on the consultation, and further engagement with banks and other cash industry participants will be important when working through how to best implement any proposal. This will be a subsequent conversation, informed by what we hear through the public consultation, alongside our research, analysis and engagement over the past five years to understand the cash needs of the public and if these needs are being met,” says Karen Silk.

Alternate formats of the consultation document – in NZSL, braille, easy read, audio and large print – will be made available in May to allow disabled people and their communities to have their say.

RBNZ will respond to other OIA requests on the Keeping Cash Local consultation by 2 June 2026.

More information

Legal basis for the proposal
About the consultation Access to cash – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=27344579c6&e=f3c68946f8
Respond to our survey, make a submission or download consultation materials on CitizenSpace: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=6e1345855f&e=f3c68946f8

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Local News – Porirua Pacific Language weeks to start next month

Source: Porirua City Council

Winter might be coming, but the Pacific greetings will be warm as we approach the start of Pacific Language weeks in Porirua for 2026.
The first country to be celebrated is Rotuma, from 10-15 May, where an event will take place at Pātaka on Monday morning, 11 May. Themes of the different Pacific nations have always been based on sustainability of people, culture, identity and language, which is something we support in Porirua, as the United Nations warns at least 40 per cent of the world’s 7000 languages are in danger of being lost.
With Bislama, the official language of Vanuatu, added in 2025, there are now 12 language weeks to commemorate, along with Māori Language Week (the latter in September).
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says raising the flag at the Peace Memorial on the edge of Te Rauparaha Park, or having a celebration at Pātaka, is one small way we can honour and recognise the vibrancy of the nearly 27 per cent of Porirua’s population that nominates themselves as Pacific.
“We have one of the most culturally diverse populations in the country and I love that we highlight it wherever we can,” Mayor Baker says.
“At Council we have a Pacific Strategy, which we adopted in 2023, which has an aim of making people of all nations that live in our city feel welcome and being able to celebrate where they’ve come from, and their culture and heritage.
“I watch our residents, young and old, developing relationships and reveling in what makes their language so unique – we need to continue to support and applaud that pride.”
Individual language week themes will be announced closer to the time so keep an eye on Council’s social media pages as we highlight flag-raising and other Pacific Language Week activities. There is also information at mpp.govt.nz.
Pacific Language Week dates for 2026:
Rotuma: 10-16 May
Samoa: 31 May-6 June
Kiribati: 5-11 July
Vanuatu: 26 July-1 August
Cook Islands Māori: 2-8 August
Tonga: 16-22 August
Papua New Guinea Pidgin: 6-12 September
Tuvalu: 27 September-3 October
Fiji: 4-10 October
Niue: 18-24 October
Tokelau: 25-31 October
Solomon Islands Pidgin: 22-28 November
Note that Māori Language Week is 20-26 September.