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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.

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Health – Deepening inequities in the mental health system call for action

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Following the release of the Office of the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services: Regulatory Report today, Te Hiringa Mahara is renewing its call for improvements to address concerning trends for Māori and Pacific peoples.
The report shows Māori are 6.6 times, and Pacific peoples are 1.7 times, more likely to be placed in seclusion (solitary confinement) than non-Māori and non-Pacific peoples, which remains a stark indicator of entrenched inequities within the system.
“Today’s report provides an unprecedented level of detail, and clearly shows Māori continue to be disproportionately subjected to some of the most harmful practices in our mental health system,” says Director Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership, Sonya Russell.
“Māori account for 55 percent of all adults placed in seclusion, despite making up just 17 percent of the population. Māori are also more likely than any other group to be subject to compulsory assessment and treatment orders.
“Te Hiringa Mahara has consistently advocated for practices such as seclusion and compulsory treatment can cause harm and undermine dignity.
In its submission on the Mental Health Bill, Te Hiringa Mahara called for an end to seclusion in Aotearoa, and a significant reduction, and eventual phase-out, of compulsory community treatment orders.
“We must move away from coercive responses to mental distress and invest in approaches that are early, supportive, and, most importantly, grounded in dignity.
“Māori and Pacific peoples should not continue to be unfairly disadvantaged in a system that is not working for them.
“Te Hiringa Mahara is calling for commitment to ensure seclusion is eliminated within a specified timeframe under the Mental Health Act. We must ensure our services can provide culturally safe, trauma-informed care which upholds human rights.
“We need robust investment into community-based, peer-led, Kaupapa Māori services and social support and ensure access to safe and secure housing, meaningful social engagement, and employment,” says Ms Russell.
Notes:
– 5.8% of Māori accessed specialist mental health and addiction services, compared with 2.8% of non-Māori.
– In the 2023/24 financial year, Māori were more likely to undergo compulsory assessment than other ethnicities.
– Māori were 1.9 times more likely than Pacific peoples and 2.3 times more likely than other ethnicities to be subject to a community CTO (section 29)
– Māori were 1.6 times more likely than Pacific peoples and 2.1 times more likely than other ethnicities to be subject to an inpatient CTO (section 30).
– Māori were more likely than non-Māori to be secluded. They also had more seclusion events, on average, and had longer periods of seclusion.
– The rate of seclusion for Māori in adult inpatient services was 62.8 people per 100,000 people in the general population. Māori were 6.6 times more likely to be secluded than non-Māori, who had a rate of 9.6 people per 100,000. Notes: The data excludes forensic services and regional intellectual disability secure services. 
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Property Market – From boom to balance: NZ’s housing market six years on from lockdown – QV

Source: Quality Valuation (QV)

Six years on from the March 2020 lockdown, the story of New Zealand’s housing market has come full circle – from boom and gloom to a far more balanced and nuanced chapter today.

Our latest QV House Price Index, out now, shows national home values are now 21.6% higher than they were six years ago. However, growth has slowed significantly, with values reducing by just 0.4% over the past year, including a reduction of 0.1% over the three months to the end of March 2026.

On the six-year anniversary of NZ’s first lockdown, QV spokesperson Simon Petersen said the urgency that defined the market through 2020 and 2021 has long gone, replaced by much more cautious and measured decision-making these days.

“The past six years have really been a story of two extremes – incredibly rapid, unsustainable growth, followed by a sharp correction, and then a gradual return to normal,” he said.

“It’s now a much more stable and balanced housing market that’s behaving more like it used to, back before Covid-19. There’s less urgency, more negotiation, and a stronger focus on fundamentals like affordability and supply.

“The frenzy we saw through 2020 and 2021 may be long gone now, but values are still sitting above where they were before the pandemic for the most part, without adjusting for inflation.”

Across the main centres, Auckland’s average home value is still 9.6% higher than it was six years ago, despite modest declines of 3.8% in the past 12 months and 0.6% this quarter.

Christchurch continues to stand out, with the average home value now 55% above its March 2020 level. The city largely avoided the sharpest part of the downturn and has recorded modest growth of 3.1% over the past 12 months and 0.9% this quarter.

In contrast, Wellington’s average home value is now 0.2% less than it was at the end of March 2020. It has reduced by 5% in the past 12 months and by 0.8% this quarter.
 
“The higher-priced markets felt the boom and the correction more sharply,” Mr Petersen said. “But no part of the country was untouched. Regional and lifestyle areas also saw strong gains as buyers looked for more space and flexibility during the lockdown period.”

“While values remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, those gains are significantly smaller once inflation is taken into account,” he added.

Now, in 2026, the market looks markedly different from both the highs of 2020 and 2021 and the lows that followed. Growth has stabilised, activity levels are closer to longer-term averages, and differences between regions are being driven more by local conditions than a single national trend.

In practical terms, Mr Petersen said buyers are taking their time, vendors have adjusted their expectations to meet the market for the most part, and price movements are now much more modest as a result.

“The housing market of 2026 seems to be defined more by caution rather than urgency,” Mr Petersen said. “Buyers are more considered, vendors are more realistic, and overall activity is tracking closer to longer-term norms. Everything is more or less in balance right now.

“After several years of volatility, a more predictable housing market gives both buyers and sellers greater confidence and it reduces the risk of another sharp correction – even with ongoing global uncertainty still present,” Mr Petersen concluded.
Download a high resolution version of the latest QV value map here.
We're trying something new with the timing of this month's QV House Price Index. Please let us know if you have any feedback or suggestions.

Our regular nationwide report featuring the latest QV House Price Index figures will be available online at QV.co.nz on the morning of Thursday, 9 April 2026.

The QV HPI uses a rolling three month collection of sales data, based on sales agreement date. This has always been the case and ensures a large sample of sales data is used to measure value change over time. Having agent and non-agent sales included in the index provides a comprehensive measure of property value change over the longer term.

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NGOs – MSF and 18 other NGOs, challenge Israel’s ban on operating in Palestine

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

31 March, 2026: Following an initial hearing at Israel's High Court on 23 March, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and 18 other leading humanitarian organisations reaffirm our decision to proceed with the petition we filed in February 2026 before the High Court, challenging Israel's ban on 37 humanitarian organisations from operating in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). We have taken the unprecedented step of petitioning to the High Court with a coalition of humanitarian organisations, after Israeli authorities ordered us to cease operations in the OPT by the end of February under revised registration rules imposed by Israel, threatening to cut Palestinians off from essential humanitarian aid.

We have repeatedly raised serious concerns about Israel’s requests to provide personal information as part of the new registration process. In the OPT, medical and humanitarian workers have been intimidated, arbitrarily detained, attacked and killed by Israel. Therefore, without the necessary assurances that safeguard our staff, MSF will not share a list of its Palestinian staff with Israeli authorities. Since October 2023, following Hamas’ massacre on 7 October 2023, Israel has killed over 1,700 health workers in attacks on Gaza, as well as 15 of our own colleagues. The new registration requirements imposed by the Israeli authorities are a pretext to obstruct humanitarian assistance and violate humanitarian principles. They also violate our duty of care towards our staff, as well as international data protection standards.

Israel is forcing humanitarian organisations into an impossible position, designed to obstruct humanitarian assistance by banning principled, independent and experienced organisations, ergo cutting off life-saving care, with devastating consequences for people in the OPT.

What is needed now is a massive scale-up of unhindered humanitarian assistance which Israeli authorities, as the occupying power, are obliged to ensure. Since 1 January, Israel has entirely blocked MSF from bringing any supplies or international staff into Gaza. On 26 February, all international staff had to leave Gaza and the West Bank. MSF’s medical programmes are already facing shortages in Gaza. In the West Bank, we have had to significantly reduce some activities due to administrative and security barriers, while Palestinians face intensifying violence and movement restrictions. In the longer term, our activities may be impossible to maintain under such restrictive conditions.

While the High Court deliberates, MSF calls on governments of the international community to use all diplomatic, political, and legal leverage to demand that the Israeli government suspend these restrictions on life-saving aid and prevent further suffering for people in Gaza and the West Bank. We are committed to remaining in the OPT and providing assistance for as long as possible, as we have for nearly four decades.

Note to Editors

MSF is committed to remaining in Palestine and delivering life-saving medical care in Gaza and the West Bank. Our Palestinian colleagues, more than 1,400 in all, continue this vital work. Many of the services provided by MSF are largely unavailable elsewhere in Gaza due to the destruction of the health system. For 2026, MSF had planned to expand our programmes with a budget of 130 million euros.

 

MSF provides surgical care, wound management, maternity and paediatric services, mental health support, and water distribution across Gaza and the West Bank, supporting hospitals, field hospitals, and primary healthcare facilities.

 

MSF teams are continuing to provide medical care in 20 healthcare facilitates and medical points in Gaza. MSF plays a vital role in Gaza, supporting one in five hospital beds and assisting one in three mothers during childbirth, operating clinics for people with traumatic injuries and chronic illnesses, treating malnourished children and other patients, and distributed 700 million litres of water last year.

 

MSF is fully registered to work in Palestine, under our registration with the Palestinian Authority. We are working to preserve our humanitarian response in Gaza and the West Bank in an increasingly constrained environment. As an occupying power, the Israeli authorities are obliged to ensure humanitarian assistance is provided.

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation.  MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières  working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

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Defence News – NZ Army and Pacific soldiers dig deep in core soldiering skills competition

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

New Zealand Army soldiers and their Pacific counterparts have been pushed to their limits in a fiercely contested 1st (NZ) Brigade Skill at Arms competition at Waiouru in the central North Island.

Ten teams from across the brigade (including three Reserve Force teams) were last week joined by Australians, Fijians and, for the first time, a team from Tonga’s His Majesty’s Armed Forces.

The three-day competition is designed to push soldiers to their limits, testing core fighting skills, endurance, teamwork, and leadership in challenging conditions under pressure.

Jubilant soldiers from 5th/7th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment eventually scooped all three trophies; the Falling Plate trophy (a shooting competition testing both shooting accuracy and speed) and the Top Reserve Force trophy – winning bragging rights for one of the NZ Army’s most demanding and respected competitions.

The competition simulates a range of all-arms scenarios including close combat and open combat across a variety of environments and is set at a level that makes it accessible to all trades within the brigade whilst ensuring high standards and a combat focus.

The trades include mechanics, drivers, engineers and artillery competing against infantry soldiers and gunners.

Training Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Paul Buckley, says Skill at Arms is more than just a competition, it’s a snapshot of where the soldiers are excelling and what areas need more work.

“All soldiers – combat and combat support services – must display core soldering skills of weapon handling, fitness and combat shooting techniques,” he said.

The soldiers are challenged when they’re cold, tired, wet and under time pressure. They covered around 20km carrying packs weighing 30kg while tired and on minimal food and sleep.

“These tests identify their physical and mental strength, painting a picture as to how soldiers will perform in arduous and austere conditions in potential combat situations,” WO1 Buckley said.

“Specific challenges like the pond swim in cold conditions and driving rain test their resilience and teamwork. We want to see teams digging deep and encouraging each other when the going gets tough.

“That’s what soldiering is all about – world class combat skills, integrity, courage, commitment and comradeship.”

The competition also provides a vital opportunity to forge deeper relationships in the region.

Fiji’s Lance Corporal Timothy MacPherson says the weather was challenging but his team embraced the cold and rain.

“We chose not to wear wet weather gear so we could make the experience as hard as possible. This is what we may encounter overseas so we need to be able to perform.

“Everyone expected the pond swim to be our weakest point and when we got in, we couldn’t feel our legs. But our spirit got us through and we scored 1000 marks out of a 1000.

“When we heard that, we were shouting like it was the end of the competition.”

1st (NZ) Brigade Commander, Colonel Mike van Welie, says forging deeper relationships in the region is vital.

“The threats to our nations are too much to weather alone, but together we can harness our individual strengths and secure our region.

“There are a range of pressures that affect our region from climate change to strategic competition. Each of these things impacts our security as a nation and people's feelings of security and safety.

“Our military is the nation's insurance policy, and we must be ready at short notice for whatever might happen.

“Skill at Arms and other exercises where we work closely with our ally Australia and our Pacific friends builds mutual trust and collective capability.

“We know that we can respond together to challenges in our region. In short, we have each other’s backs.”

Observers from Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea observed the competition with a view to sending teams next year.

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April Fuels Day: Home support workers to rally across the country over fuel crisis

Source: PSA

Home support workers who are being slammed by rising fuel costs are taking to the streets across the country on 1 April to call on the Government to urgently increase the mileage allowance.
Workers will bring scooters, wheelbarrows, and toy cars to show the ridiculous lengths they’ll need to go to now they can no longer afford petrol to travel between clients.
“Home support workers use their own vehicles to travel to their clients. They fund their own vehicle cost and are paid an already inadequate mileage rate, and the rocketing cost of fuel means they are even worse off”, says Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“These workers are providing an essential public service. They are among the lowest-paid workers in the country and already had their pay equity claim cancelled.
“The fuel crisis is hitting these workers hard, the Health Minister has the power to get the rate increased immediately and he should,” Fitzsimons says.
Home support workers across the country who say they are having to choose between buying food for their whānau and putting fuel in the car for work, will be taking part in similar ‘April Fuels Day’ events at the same time.
The PSA and E tū have filed legal action in the Employment Relations Authority alleging Health NZ is unlawfully requiring home support workers to provide their own cars and pay associated costs when travelling to and between clients’ homes all over New Zealand.
“These workers have been let down at every turn. This legal action is about making clear that what is being asked of them is unlawful, not just unfair,” Fitzsimons says
Confirmed events (additional locations may be added to web page): https://www.psa.org.nz/campaigns/april-fuels-day):
Wellington: 12.30pm meet at Mobil 4 Johnsonville Road and race to Nicola Willis Office.
Christchurch: 1.30pm meet outside NPD Petrol Station, 392 Moorhouse Avenue.
Auckland: 1.30pm meet outside the Auckland War Memorial Museum for 'The Ridiculous Race'.
Hamilton: 1:30pm meet at PSA offices 489 Angelsea Street – walk to Tama Potaka’s office, 109 Rostrevor Street.
Cambridge: 1.30pm meet at Victoria Green (by the toilets), Cnr Victoria and Queen Street. 1:45pm walk down to Louise Upston office, 3 Anzac Street.
Nelson: 1.30pm meet outside the BP on Haven Road.
Timaru: 12pm meet cnr North St and Craigie Avenue, Timaru.
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.