Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Health – West Coast bed shortage shows aged care is health care and the system is broken

Source: Aged Care Association

The growing shortage of aged residential care beds on the West Coast is not just a community issue – it is a health system failure, reinforcing that aged care must be treated and funded as an essential part of New Zealand’s health system.
Over the past decade, the Buller District has lost 54 aged residential care beds following the withdrawal of Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) from service provision in Reefton and Westport. This has occurred in a region with one of the oldest populations in the country, where 26.3% of residents are aged over 65 – nearly double the national average.
The impact is now being felt across the entire health system.
O’Conor Home in Westport currently has 20 people on its waiting list, including eight who have already been assessed as requiring residential care but cannot access it locally. With no beds available, older people are either remaining in hospital unnecessarily or being forced to leave their communities to receive care.
In one recent case, an older person nearing the end of their life spent over a month in a hospital Assessment, Support and Rehabilitation Unit simply because there was no aged care bed available and they could not return home.
“This is what happens when aged care is not recognised as health care,” says Aged Care Association Chief Executive Tracey Martin. 
“These are people who have been clinically assessed as needing care. When there is no aged care bed available, they don’t stop needing care – they stay in hospital, or families are left to manage complex health needs at home.”
The consequences extend beyond individual families, placing additional pressure on already stretched hospital and emergency services.
Despite the clear need, providers ready to expand capacity are unable to do so due to a lack of capital funding support.
“We have providers who are shovel-ready to build and expand beds,” says Martin. 
“But unless aged care is treated as core health infrastructure, and funded accordingly, those beds will not be built and hospitals will continue to carry the cost.”
The Aged Care Association is calling on the Government to establish a dedicated Aged Residential Care Infrastructure Fund, recognising aged care as a critical component of the health system.
“If aged care is health care – and it is – then it must be planned, funded, and invested in as part of the health system,” says Martin. 
“Right now, we are seeing the consequences of not doing so. People are stuck in hospital beds, families are under pressure, and communities are losing the ability to care for their own.”
“This is not a future problem. It is happening now, and it is entirely fixable.”
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University Research – High school maths scores linked to adult success – UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

How cohorts of students perform in maths tests as teenagers is associated with how these groups fare later in life, according to new research.

The study, published in Economics of Education Review, finds stronger performance in two global assessments is associated with higher levels of education, stronger numeracy skills, and higher incomes in adulthood. (ref. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272775725001001 )

University of Auckland economist Dr Sam Stemper combined data on mathematics scores from two international standardised tests and analysed adult outcomes from 18 global surveys.

The assessments, which are both used around the world including in Australia and New Zealand, TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) and PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), are often regarded as the ‘gold standard’ for evaluating adolescent numeracy and literacy skills on a global scale.

Stemper compared PISA and TIMSS maths scores with later outcomes among groups of students who took both tests during high school.

“Maths skills play an important role in the academic and economic trajectory of individuals throughout their lives,” says Stemper, whose findings suggest PISA scores have a stronger relationship with education and income in adulthood compared to TIMSS scores.

He says this is significant for two reasons.

First, PISA and TIMSS exams test distinct skills, even within the same subject. TIMSS emphasises curriculum-based knowledge, focusing on material that students learn in school. However, PISA has a focus on measuring students’ ability to apply their knowledge in ‘real-world’ scenarios.

Second, since 2000, PISA and TIMSS scores have moved in opposite directions in many countries. While TIMSS math scores have generally increased, PISA scores have stagnated or declined for most participants.

Stemper says taken alone this is concerning; when considering his findings, it’s even more so.
“The divergence suggests we should pay attention to potential declines in ‘real-world’ problem-solving skills and what that may mean for students later in life,” he says.

“Students may become good at repeating information, but it is important to also focus on how well they can apply their knowledge. This may better support long-term educational and economic outcomes.”

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Health – Lung and heart patients face higher risks as flu season begins

Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation

People living with long-term lung and heart conditions are being urged to ensure their vaccinations are up to date ahead of the cooler months.
With autumn beginning and a recent wave of COVID-19, respiratory viruses are already circulating in the community. For people with conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, or cardiovascular disease, these infections can lead to much more serious illness.
Ms Letitia Harding, Chief Executive of the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ and Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa, says the recent COVID-19 wave is a reminder that respiratory viruses continue to pose a significant risk for people already living with lung and heart disease.
“Every winter brings increased circulation of respiratory viruses, and for people living with chronic conditions, the consequences can be much more serious.
“An infection that might be mild for someone else can quickly become dangerous for someone whose lungs or heart are already under strain.”
Ensuring vaccinations are up to date as we settle into the cooler months is one of the simplest and most effective ways people can protect themselves, Ms Harding says.
“Being prepared before the winter respiratory season begins can make a real difference in preventing severe illness and keeping people out of hospital.”
Late last year, the Foundation called for the reinstatement of the FluTracking programme ahead of the coming winter to help strengthen monitoring of respiratory illness in the community.
FluTracking has been an essential community surveillance tool since 2018, helping track influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses nationwide.
Foundation Medical Director and respiratory physician Professor Bob Hancox says surveillance of respiratory infections is important for giving us advance warning of outbreaks and preparing health services.
“The FluTracking programme gave us real-time information about influenza-like illnesses in the community and will be badly missed this winter.”
In addition to tracking, vaccinations play an important role in reducing the impact of respiratory illness each year, Professor Hancox says.
“People with chronic respiratory diseases are more vulnerable to complications from infections such as influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.
“Vaccination reduces the risk of severe disease, hospitalisation, and exacerbations of underlying lung conditions.”
Trust Medical Director and cardiologist Dr Sarah Fairley says respiratory infections can also place significant strain on the heart, particularly for people already living with cardiovascular disease.
“When someone with an existing heart condition gets a respiratory infection, the body is under much greater stress.
“Fever, inflammation and reduced oxygen levels mean the heart has to work harder, which can increase the risk of complications such as heart failure or other cardiac events,” she says.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective ways people with heart conditions can reduce their risk of serious illness during the winter respiratory season.”
People living with respiratory or cardiac conditions are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations ahead of winter.
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Employment and Law – Government settles for the bare minimum when it comes to workers – Unite Union

Source: Unite Union

Unite Union is describing the April 1st minimum wage increase as “the bare minimum,” at a time when working people need real relief.

The new rate of $23.95 remains significantly below the Living Wage, leaving workers struggling to keep up with the rising cost of rent, food, and basic necessities. 

“Cost of Living is the number one issue this election year, and this measly increase will be easily overtaken by inflation and the fuel crisis,” said  Shanna Olsen-Reeder, National Secretary of Unite Union.

“It's an underwhelming and disrespectful move by the outgoing Minister of Workplace Relations, who continues to aspire to a legacy of slashing the rights of regular working people,” 

“It shouldn't be a controversial idea that working people deserve wages they can actually live on.”

Christina Barwick, Fast Food worker and Unite Union Co-President, said this government is out of touch with the real issues facing regular working people.

“This is effectively a pay cut, which will not provide much needed relief. I want to see inflation met with a few extra dollars in our pockets, so that workers are not being forced into income poverty,” said Barwick.

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Universities – Significant rise in sepsis cases, research finds – Otago

Source: University of Otago, Wellington – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Pōneke

Hospital admissions for sepsis rose significantly between 2000 and 2019, with infants, people over 70, Māori and Pacific peoples and those living in areas of deprivation at much higher risk of developing the condition, researchers at the University of Otago, Wellington – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, Pōneke, have found.

The research, led by Sharla McTavish, a Tangata Tiriti PhD student from the Department of Public Health, found hospitalisation rates increased by 78 per cent over the 20-year study period, from 217 admissions per 100,000 people in 2000 to 386 admissions per 100,000 people in 2019.

Māori and Pacific peoples were 1.7 and 2.3 times, respectively, more likely to be hospitalised with sepsis than those of non-Māori, Pacific or Asian descent, and more than one-and-a-half times more likely to die of the condition. Patients living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation were twice as likely to die from the condition than those from the least deprived socioeconomic areas.

Sepsis is an acute, life-threatening condition that happens when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection, damaging the tissues and organs. Globally, sepsis is estimated to be responsible for one in three deaths, with more than 166 million cases reported in 2021.

The Otago study is the first to report long-term epidemiological trends for all public hospital admissions for sepsis in Aotearoa New Zealand. The findings are published in the international medical journal, The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific.

Sharla says sepsis has had a large impact on health and wellbeing in Aotearoa.

“There were approximately 260,000 hospitalisations for sepsis, and 27,400 deaths over the two decades. That’s almost five per cent of the total mortality in Aotearoa over that period, and if you compare it to motor vehicle fatalities, it’s almost four times as many deaths.”

She says that while the number of hospitalisations increased significantly in Aotearoa over the 20-year period, the number of deaths had remained comparatively stable, with survival rates improving markedly, particularly for those aged over 70.

Sharla says sepsis cases are likely to continue to rise as the population ages and the number of people living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, increases.

“People living with multiple long-term health conditions are at higher risk of developing sepsis, and where this is combined with inequalities, such as household overcrowding, the risk increases even more.”

Otago public health Professor Michael Baker, who is one of the study authors, says with sepsis responsible for almost five per cent of deaths in Aotearoa, taking action to prevent the condition should be high on the Government’s list of priorities.

“Many cases and deaths from sepsis are preventable, but we need to use all the public health measures we have to combat the toll it is taking on New Zealand families.”

A Public Health Expert Briefing published today summarises the main findings of the research and outlines the measures that Aotearoa could take to prevent and manage sepsis.

Sepsis Trust NZ Founding Trustee Dr Paul Huggan says the burden of sepsis in Aotearoa is significant.

“Around one in five sepsis patients require intensive or high dependency care, yet only half receive treatment within the recommended three-hour window, which is well below global best practice, and is putting lives at risk.

“We have strong international evidence which shows investing in early recognition and prevention will reduce hospital stays, ease pressure and costs on ICU and our ACC system, and deliver strong economic returns,” he says.

Sepsis Trust NZ CEO Ally Hossain says despite strong support from frontline clinicians, progress is being held back by a lack of coordinated action.

“We need to urgently address the growing and inequitable burden on our healthcare system and communities through a long-term, comprehensive National Sepsis Action Plan.

“This plan must address sepsis prevention, early recognition and treatment, the careful use of antibiotics and wider public health surveillance, as well as providing equitable and effective wraparound support for sepsis survivors, particularly in the first 12 months following hospital discharge.

“We are already falling behind comparable countries in recognising and treating sepsis and, as we can see from our news headlines, that failure to follow suit is costing lives,” she says.

Notes:

The research paper, ‘Temporal trends in sepsis hospitalisations and mortality in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2000-2019’ in published in The Lancet Regional Health – Western Pacific and can be read here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanwpc/article/PIIS2666-6065(25)00306-2/fulltext

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Exercise New Zealand Part of Global Call for Urgent Action on Obesity Medications: A World’s First

Source: Exercise NZ

“GLP-1 therapies can be a powerful tool in addressing obesity. However, without strength training and broader lifestyle support, we risk worse long-term health outcomes and increased pressure on the health system. This is our opportunity to build an approach that is safe, effective, and truly holistic.”

“Physical activity should not be an optional add-on, it is fundamental to long-term success,”

“We must act now to ensure these medications are implemented in a way that improves not only short-term weight-loss outcomes, but overall health and well-being.”

Exercise New Zealand has joined a landmark global collaboration of leading health and fitness organisations calling for urgent, evidence-based action on the rollout of obesity medications, including GLP-1 therapies.

The joint position statement, released in partnership with international organisations, including the World Obesity Federation, represents a world-first unified call from the global health and fitness sector to ensure these medications are implemented as part of a holistic, long-term approach to health.

With nearly three billion adults worldwide currently overweight or living with obesity, a number projected to rise significantly in the coming decade, the statement recognises the potential of GLP-1 therapies as a significant clinical advancement. However, it warns that medication alone is not enough.

Without integration with physical activity, nutrition, and ongoing lifestyle support, there is a risk of poorer long-term outcomes, including loss of muscle mass, reduced functional capacity, and increased pressure on already stretched health systems.

Exercise New Zealand CEO Richard Beddie says this moment presents a critical opportunity to get implementation right.

“GLP-1 therapies can be a powerful tool in addressing obesity. However, without strength training and broader lifestyle support, we risk worse long-term health outcomes and increased pressure on the health system. This is our opportunity to build an approach that is safe, effective, and truly holistic.”

The global statement calls on governments, policymakers, and health leaders to:

Embed obesity medications within integrated care models that include funded access to physical activity and nutrition support
Continue investing in prevention and community-based programmes
Ensure equitable access to both treatment and support services
Measure success beyond weight, including long-term health and functional outcomes

Exercise New Zealand says Aotearoa is uniquely positioned to lead in this space, with a strong network of exercise facilities, qualified exercise professionals, and community-based programmes already supporting New Zealanders across the country.

“Physical activity should not be an optional add-on, it is fundamental to long-term success,” says Beddie. “We must act now to ensure these medications are implemented in a way that improves not only short-term weight-loss outcomes, but overall health and well-being.”

As part of this global collaboration, Exercise New Zealand is committed to working alongside government, the health sector, and communities to ensure New Zealanders receive safe, effective, and holistic support.

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Politics and Environment – Empty promises from National-led govt as ‘ocean exploitation bill’ voted through – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace is slamming the decision by the coalition government today to vote through the Fisheries Amendment Bill, in the wake of mass public outcry against the legislation.
The controversial Fisheries Amendment Bill, which blocks public access to cameras on boats footage and incentivises the most destructive form of fishing, bottom trawling, passed its first reading in parliament today. It will go to Select Committee later this year.
Greenpeace Aotearoa oceans lead Ellie Hooper says the coalition has ignored the tens of thousands of New Zealanders who said the bill should be rejected.
“This bill is a dumpster fire that should have been voted down today. While opposition parties voted against the Bill, the coalition of National, Act and NZ First have voted it through – ignoring the New Zealanders they’ve all claimed to have listened to this past week. Clearly, the statements these politicians made on the Bill were just hot air.”
Greenpeace says New Zealanders have made their feelings about the bill, and the destructive fishing practices it will further enable, abundantly clear.
“We need political parties to step up and do what New Zealanders are overwhelmingly calling for – commitments to restrictions on destructive bottom trawling to protect the ocean and ensure abundance for the future,” says Hooper.
“People are wise to the fact that anything less is not going to address the real problems we have with commercial fishing in this country.
“Fisheries and ocean health are key election issues. Politicians must take note and commit to banning bottom trawling from where it does the most harm – starting with seamounts and features, and in the embattled Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.”Every year New Zealand trawlers rip up tonnes of coral, wiping out essential ocean habitats and also kill dolphins, fur seals and seabirds in trawl nets as ‘bycatch’ collateral.
“The cost of this destructive fishing method is too high – and voters know it,” says Hooper.
The Fisheries Amendment Bill reading follows public outrage that forced Minister Shane Jones to do a u-turn on part of the bill that would have allowed commercial fishers to land and sell undersized fish.
But environmentalists and recreational fishers alike assert too many problematic aspects of the bill remain. These include provisions which would block public access to cameras on boats footage, introducing a fine of up to $50,000 for anyone leaking the footage.
Groups also objected to catch limits moving to five year reviews instead of annually, more limited public consultation, and restrictions on the ability for legal challenges to be launched on fisheries decisions.
Hooper says that while New Zealanders will continue to oppose the bill through to the Select Committee stage – political parties need to recognise and act on the calls for real change with urgency.
“New Zealanders from across the political spectrum, and from many different walks of life care deeply about the ocean and want to cast their vote for politicians who will actually make meaningful changes to protect it.
“Over 100,000 people have signed petitions calling for end to bottom trawling on seamounts. Polling data shows that 84% of people living around the Hauraki Gulf, also want trawling banned in the Marine Park.
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Education – Open Polytechnic to lead future of Tai Poutini on the West Coast

Source: Open Polytechnic

Open Polytechnic of New Zealand (OPNZ) has today confirmed it will take responsibility for Tai Poutini Polytechnic from 1 January 2027, securing the future of vocational education and training on the West Coast.
Chief Executive Sharon Cooke said the transition marks an important step in ensuring continued access to tertiary education for learners, employers and communities across the region.
“Tai Poutini has a long and important history on the West Coast. This transition ensures that provision continues – but in a way that is sustainable, future-focused, and aligned to the needs of the region,” said Ms Cooke.
Under the new model, from 1 January 2027, Tai Poutini will operate as a regional campus within Open Polytechnic, combining local, face-to-face learning with OPNZ’s national online and blended delivery capability.
“This is about maintaining access for West Coast learners while strengthening the quality and range of provision through a modern delivery model,” Ms Cooke said.
The new approach will focus on programmes that are closely aligned to regional workforce needs, particularly in trades and applied learning, while leveraging Open Polytechnic’s national platform to deliver theory and flexible learning options.
“This model allows us to bring the best of both worlds – local delivery where it matters most, supported by national scale and expertise.”
The transition also supports a broader vision for a more connected and sustainable vocational education system.
Ms Cooke acknowledged the importance of working closely with the West Coast community.
“We recognise the deep connection the Coast has with Tai Poutini. Retaining that identity is important, and we are committed to working alongside iwi, employers, regional stakeholders, staff and learners to shape its future.”
OPNZ will now begin working with stakeholders to implement the transition, with a focus on clear communication, continuity for learners, and a positive pathway forward for staff.
“Our priority is to ensure a smooth transition that minimises disruption and builds confidence in the future of vocational education on the Coast,” Ms Cooke said.
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PSA – MBIE backs down at last minute over unlawful flexible work policy

Source: PSA

The PSA has won a last minute backdown from MBIE which has conceded its Flexible Work Policy, restricting working from home, was a breach of the collective agreement.
The concession means tomorrow’s two-day hearing before the Employment Relations Authority will now not go ahead and a consent determination will be issued by the Authority.
“This is great news for workers who argued all along that MBIE had no right to restrict their right to flexible work arrangements under the collective agreement,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
MBIE lodged a memorandum with the Authority this morning agreeing to the order the PSA was seeking at tomorrow’s hearing. The Authority has confirmed it will issue a consent determination of the remedy the PSA sought, which is that MBIE’s flexible work policy and procedures introduced last year are inconsistent with the collective agreement.
“This is a victory for MBIE workers and shows the power of a union to challenge an employer who threatens worker rights. ACC backed down too last year when it too backed from limiting working from home in the face of the concerns of workers and the PSA.
“This capitulation is a damning indictment of MBIE which had enforced the policy with some staff since last year. MBIE denied it was in breach, delaying the hearing at the Authority on numerous occasions. It refused to withdraw the policy. It refused to engage constructively. It went through three rounds of failed mediation. And then, on the eve of the hearing, it folded. Workers deserve an apology.
“The PSA will be raising personal grievances for any worker disadvantaged by the unlawful policy.”
But the backdown is incomplete. MBIE this week introduced a new version of its flexible working policy, and the PSA has already identified that it too is inconsistent with the collective agreement.
“This is just ridiculous. MBIE still fails to understand that the collective agreement enshrines the ‘flexible by default’ approach common across the public sector. ‘Flexible by default’ is an important right, it means employees have a right to flexible work arrangements which suit their individual circumstances unless there is a good business reason not to.
“The problem remains that the Coalition Government is trying to roll back working from home and flexible by default. But with petrol prices rising fast, that right has never mattered more. Employers should be encouraging flexible work, not restricting it and making the cost-of-living crisis worse for their own staff.
“We urge MBIE to work constructively, in good faith, with workers and use the upcoming collective bargaining to resolve this once and for all, surely more litigation is not needed? As the regulator, MBIE should be a model employer, and not play these games.
“Flexible work is a win-win, and the way of modern workplaces the world over. We can’t afford to go backwards.”
Recent statement:
Background:
The PSA filed ERA proceedings against MBIE in July 2025 after the first mediation failed. Two further rounds of ERA-ordered mediation, including in March 2026, also failed to resolve the dispute. The PSA is also challenging the Government’s broader flexible work restrictions through separate proceedings against Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission. Flexible work rights derive from the Gender Pay Principles (2018) and the Flexible Work by Default agreement (2020), both of which are embedded in the collective agreement.
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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Culture – The RNZRSA’s Poppy is changing for good

Source: RNZRSA

 

New Zealanders will notice something a little different when they donate during this year’s Poppy Appeal; the RNZRSA is introducing a new sustainable poppy.

 

For more than 50 years, the familiar red plastic-based poppy has been worn proudly by New Zealanders to honour the service and sacrifice of our veterans. Now the Royal New Zealand RSA is introducing a new poppy made entirely from biodegradable paper, marking an exciting step toward a more sustainable future for the Appeal.

 

RNZRSA National President Tony Hill says the new poppy reflects both the enduring importance of remembrance and the organisation’s commitment to responsible and ethical practices.

 

“The poppy is one of the most powerful symbols of remembrance we have. While its meaning will never change, the way we produce it needed to evolve. This new poppy allows us to continue the tradition New Zealanders know and love, while making sure it is more sustainable and responsibly sourced for the future.”

 

The new poppy is made from paper using a blend of renewable fibres from responsible sources, including material recovered from the waste generated in the production of coffee cups. Unlike the previous plastic-based poppy, the new design is completely biodegradable. 

 

The change follows the retirement of the specialised machinery used by volunteers to produce the original poppies in Christchurch, alongside growing concerns about the environmental impact of plastic poppies left at memorials and cemeteries.

 

In 2026, RSA collectors will be offering two types of poppies to the public: the traditional plastic poppy that New Zealanders have worn for decades as remaining stock is used up, and the new sustainable paper poppy.

Hill says both poppies carry the same meaning.

 

“Whether you receive the familiar plastic poppy or the new sustainable version, it represents the same thing; our collective gratitude for those who served and sacrificed for our country.”

 

The new poppy is produced by the Royal British Legion in a purpose-built facility in Kent, England. This ensures the RNZRSA has access to an ethical and reliable supply chain, while keeping production costs manageable so that more funds can go directly toward supporting New Zealand’s veterans. 

 

Hill says the RNZRSA is proud to bring the new poppy to New Zealand.

 

“The Poppy Appeal is about remembering the service and sacrifice of the past while supporting those who serve today. This new poppy helps ensure that tradition can continue for generations to come.”

 

The RNZRSA’s Poppy Appeal remains one of New Zealand’s most enduring fundraising campaigns and provides the donations needed for the RSA to continue providing support, advocacy and assistance for our veterans of military service and their whānau.

 

New Zealanders can pick up a poppy from collection boxes in their communities throughout April or during the Poppy Day street appeal on Friday 17 April.