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Honours – Fire and Emergency King’s Birthday Honours

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan congratulates six Fire and Emergency personnel from Arthur's Pass National Park, Auckland, Dunedin, Ōmokoroa, Richmond, and Whangamatā who have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List released today.
“These worthy recipients have provided years of contribution to help their communities become stronger, safer and more resilient both through their efforts for Fire and Emergency, and through all their other community contributions. It is a pleasure to see their efforts recognised.”
This year’s recipients of King’s Birthday Honours for services to Fire and Emergency are:
  • Mr Esitone (Leota Pauga
Esitone) PAUGA – appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
(MNZM)
  • Ms Michele Margot POOLE –
appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
  • Mr Ian John BLUNT – award of
the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
  • Mr Edward Keith (Ted) FORD –
award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
  • Mr Graeme Lawrence KATES –
award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
  • Mr Ralph Edward PITCHER – award
of the King’s Service Medal (KSM).
Fire and Emergency Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan says, “On behalf of Fire and Emergency and the people of New Zealand, thank you for your outstanding service, your communities are richer for your work.”
More information on recipients follows:
For appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Mr Esitone (Leota Pauga Esitone) PAUGA
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Leota Pauga Esitone Pauga has served for more than 40 years with Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the preceding New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS).
Mr Pauga became a career firefighter in 1981 and served until retirement in 2025. He was an operational firefighter for 32 years before attaining the role of Assistant Commander in 2013 and Area Commander in 2015, latterly holding roles with Fire and Emergency national headquarters. He co-founded Afi Pasefika (Pacific Fire) in 1996, an initiative which has become an important part of the People Led Network and Pacific representation and advocacy within Fire and Emergency. Under his guidance Afi Pasefika has grown into a national network of career and volunteer firefighters, support personnel, and executive officers. The network works closely with Pacific communities to deliver fire safety messages, foster recruitment, and provide career advice for Pacific personnel. He was the Fire and Emergency representative on the Te Kiwi Māia Advisory Group from 2021 to 2025. His leadership has enabled firefighters and their family to access specialised wellness and recovery support. He has strengthened the relationship between Fire and Emergency and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, establishing collaborative initiatives to enhance operational capability. Mr Pauga led a team of firefighters to Samoa as part of New Zealand’s contribution to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024.
Ms Michele Margot POOLE
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Ms Michele Poole has contributed to emergency responses across New Zealand for more than 30 years.
Ms Poole is currently a Senior Regional Communications and Engagement Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand. She is a member of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Emergency Management Assistance Team, the Fire and Emergency Urban Search and Rescue Command and Technical Support team, and the Maritime New Zealand National Oil Spill Response team. She represents Fire and Emergency on the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council Public Information and Warnings Group. She has developed and implemented Fire and Emergency’s Emergency Strategic Communications capability. She trains and supports Public Information Management around New Zealand and has built capability in emergency communication across the public communications sector and in local government. She was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand chapter of Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) and chaired the New Zealand EMPA Conference from 2014 to 2021. She has contributed to some of New Zealand’s most significant emergency responses including the 2011 Christchurch and 2016 Kaikōura earthquakes, Whakaari/White Island eruption in 2019, and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. She has been deployed to major emergency responses in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. For her contributions to emergency communications, Ms Poole was made a Fellow of EMPA.
For award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
Mr Ian John BLUNT
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt has contributed more than 40 years to community service and leadership, primarily through Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Mr Blunt joined Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1984, progressing from Station Officer in 1988 to current Chief Fire Officer since 2002. He has played a key role in regional emergency preparedness and inter-agency cooperation by forging effective partnerships between Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John, Coastguard, and local Bay of Plenty organisations. In 2015, he pioneered the establishment of New Zealand’s first dedicated Medical First Response Unit staffed solely by medical responders, separate from the firefighting team. This innovation now supports approximately 300 calls annually and is recognised nationally. He has ensured sustainable funding for the station through community and corporate partnerships, enabling the acquisition of vehicles and equipment without requiring members to fundraise. As a long-time member, Chair and Course Superintendent of the Ōmokoroa Golf Club, he has used his own equipment and time to improve the grounds and infrastructure. He has been involved with the Ōmokoroa Boat Club since the early 1980s, serving as Commodore and ensuring ongoing emergency response collaboration to enhance community safety. Mr Blunt has been involved in Ōmokoroa Point School fundraising activities as a member of the Parent Teacher Association and through the Fire Brigade.
Mr Edward Keith (Ted) FORD
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the dairy industry
Mr Ted Ford has served the Appleby community over 36 years as a volunteer firefighter and is a prominent member of the Jersey farming industry.
Mr Ford was an inaugural member of the Appleby Volunteer Rural Fire Force in 1988 and was instrumental in its transition to a Fire and Emergency New Zealand Volunteer Fire Brigade in 2017. He worked as a training coordinator and vehicle and equipment coordinator. He has had a long involvement with the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Association, becoming Vice President in 2018, and President from 2019 to 2021. He continues to serve as a committee member, focusing on the care and maintenance of the Association’s 100-acre park. He has volunteered with local and national Jersey groups and is a Jersey New Zealand Regional Ambassador for the Upper South Island. He was a committee member for the planning and presentation of the Top of the South New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. He was Chair for the Top of the South Agricultural Industry Training Organisation and offered training on his farm to develop cadets' practical and theoretical farming knowledge. Mr Ford was Chair of the Appleby School Committee from 1985 to 1987 and continues to support the school with educational farming visits.
Mr Graeme Lawrence KATES
For services to conservation and the community
Mr Graeme Kates has played a significant role in the protection of native biodiversity in the Arthur’s Pass region for more than 31 years.
In 2003, Mr Kates privately funded extensive stoat and rat traps within the Bealey Valley, a conservation initiative which led to the foundation of the Arthurs Pass Wildlife Trust (APWT). With the APWT, he undertook initial work to protect the Great Spotted Kiwi in the Arthur’s Pass National Park, where his subsequent research and data collection led to improved knowledge of the species. He helped install 106 kilometres of trap line and coordinates the volunteers that service them, resulting in over eight thousand predator species caught within the Arthur’s Pass National Park. He created and maintains a website that updates the public on track and mountain conditions, weather stations and webcams within Arthur’s Pass National Park. As an experienced mountaineer, he wrote 'Arthur’s Pass: A Guide for Mountaineers', published by the New Zealand Alpine Club. He voluntarily controls invasive weed species and is largely responsible for the eradication of lupins in the Bealey Valley. Mr Kates also volunteered for Arthur’s Pass LandSAR, and served for more than 29 years with the Arthur’s Pass Volunteer Fire Brigade, including five years as Fire Controller and 17 years as Deputy Fire Controller.
Mr Ralph Edward PITCHER
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Ralph Pitcher has served the Whangamatā community for more than 60 years.
Mr Pitcher has been a volunteer firefighter since 1965, still actively serving as part of the Whangamatā Fire Brigade. He assisted with major equipment and building changes to the Brigade and has mentored generations of firefighters. He is founding member, President, and committee member of the Moana House retirement home, where he was integral to the completion of the Wilson Wing Hospital, and five low-cost housing cottages for pensioners. He has served for more than 48 years with the Whangamatā Lions Club, including 15 years as President. He served on several committees and manages the Charitable Trust responsible for dispersing funds to community organisations. He is Trustee of Lions Investment Golf Club, committee member of the Williamson Golf Club and was involved in the establishment of Titoki Golf Club. He was a volunteer ambulance officer and later became Chair of St John’s Whangamatā Ambulance Service. He was a committee member of the Whangamatā Club for 15 years. He was President and was founding member of the Whangamatā Sports Centre and Squash Club, contributing significantly towards the Club’s redevelopment. Mr Pitcher volunteers as a Meals on Wheels driver. 
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Defence News – NZ Army engineer awarded DSD for emergency responses in Vanuatu

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

A New Zealand Army warrant officer who led emergency engineering responses to both a light aircraft crash and a deadly earthquake in Vanuatu has been awarded the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD).

Warrant Officer Class 2 Rob Allen’s DSD, for services to the New Zealand Defence Force, was announced in the King’s Birthday Honours List, where his leadership during both incidents helped save lives and reinforced the New Zealand Defence Force’s reputation in the Pacific nation.

An emergency responder with the Royal New Zealand Engineers, he has been seconded to the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) Engineer Squadron since 2023.

In July 2024, a light plane crashed into a plantation near Port Vila Airport with five passengers aboard.

WO2 Allen assembled a team of VMF engineers to extend an access road for ambulances and rescue services to reach the scene, enabling the evacuation of the five injured occupants. One passenger died later in hospital.

Five months later, on 17 December, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, killing 14 people.

WO2 Allen’s team carried out a search and rescue mission in the collapsed three-storey Billabong building while he coordinated with Vanuatu’s first responders.

Over three days he coordinated recovery efforts, provided technical guidance and organised logistical support.

His leadership was critical in immediately rescuing two trapped victims, another four survivors subsequently, and the recovery of four deceased victims.

WO2 Allen said he was humbled by his decoration and paid tribute to his VMF team and the Vanuatu locals.

“Like most soldiers I am not great at receiving awards. I feel grateful to be nominated, that someone took the time to do that.

“The crash and the earthquake highlighted the ability of people from all walks of life and professions to work together to help people in their time of need.

“The people working on the Billabong building site had all experienced the earthquake and had damaged houses and frightened families. They stayed and worked through the days and nights to extricate fellow people from the rubble.”

WO2 Allen was born and raised in Nelson. He enlisted in 1993 and has served in Timor-Leste and Iraq.

His posting to Vanuatu involves improving the capacity of the VMF Engineers and Engineering Squadron.

There was also rewarding work in community projects where they are rebuilding a school classroom, a childcare classroom and a boys’ dormitory, he said.

“The childcare classroom and dormitory were severely damaged in a cyclone and the school classroom was three-quarters completed and ran out of funding,” WO2 Allen said.

All three were due to be completed last week.

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Legislation – Health Committee to consider anonymous submissions on Good Samaritan overdose bill

Source: NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri

The committee considering a law change that would legally protect people calling for help in the event of an overdose says they will consider anonymous submissions on the Bill.

The Health Committee is considering the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill, which would protect people calling for help, and others at the scene, from low level drug offences such as drug use and possession.

NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm welcomes the move to consider anonymous submissions and says that many of the people who would be most impacted by the Bill are the least likely to share their stories publicly.

“Amongst the grief in the heartbreaking stories we hear there is also shame, stigma and often legal risk,” she says.

“It’s really important that MPs hear from the people who this Bill would most impact, so we are thankful to the committee for considering anonymous submissions.”

The Health Committee amended its call for submissions to highlight that people can ask for their submission to be anonymous following a request from the Drug Foundation. Ordinarily, submissions are published on the Parliament website against the submitter’s name.

Helm says the Foundation has put together a submission builder to help guide people through turning their stories and experiences into a submission.

 

“Since submissions have opened I’ve heard from so many people whose lives have been affected by overdose, and whose story might have been different had this law been in place,” she says. “No one should fear calling for help.”

“As a mum myself, it's been other mothers' heart-wrenching stories of loss that have stuck in my mind.”

“I encourage anyone who has a stake in this to have their say. Parents who want to know their child wouldn't hesitate to call for help if something went wrong. People who use drugs who’ve had something go wrong. Whānau members who have loved ones they want to be able to look out for. MPs need to hear your stories.”

 

For more information on the Bill, visit drugfoundation.org.nz/goodsamaritan

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If Aged Care Fails, the Health System Fails – Aged Care Assn

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association says Budget 2026 has missed a critical opportunity to stabilise aged residential care, warning that continued closures and mothballing of beds will place even greater pressure on hospitals, families and communities.
Chief Executive Hon. Tracey Martin says governments of all colours continue to make the same mistake. “They treat aged residential care as something separate from the health system when, in reality, aged care is health care.”
“New Zealand can build more hospital beds, employ more hospital staff and spend billions on hospital infrastructure, but if aged residential care continues to decline, hospitals will continue to struggle.”tin says aged residential care is an essential part of the health system, providing hospital-level care, dementia care, respite care, rehabilitation and end-of-life care to thousands of New Zealanders every day.
“When aged care works, hospitals work better. When aged care fails, the health system fails.”
The Association says the consequences are already being felt across the country.
“Across New Zealand, aged residential care facilities have been and are being mothballed because the funding model no longer covers the true cost of care. These are beds that communities need and providers want to operate, but the economics simply do not work.”
“Just a fortnight ago, one of New Zealand's leading charities announced the closure of another 40-bed facility. That closure was not driven by a lack of demand. It was driven by a lack of sustainable funding.”
Martin says every bed that disappears has a direct impact on older New Zealanders and their families.
“When a local care facility closes, the burden does not fall on government departments or officials in Wellington. It falls on husbands and wives who have spent a lifetime together. It falls on sons and daughters trying to support ageing parents. It falls on families who suddenly find that the care their loved one needs is no longer available in their community.”
“In some cases, older couples are separated because there is no suitable bed available close to home. Families who once visited daily find themselves travelling hours to see a parent or partner.”
“These are not statistics. These are real people and real families paying the price for a system that has been allowed to drift for too long.”
The Association welcomed the establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Aged Care but says waiting for long-term reform should not have prevented action in this year's Budget.
“The Government has acknowledged that reform is needed. The problem is that while we wait for reform, facilities continue to close and capacity continues to disappear.”
Martin says a targeted infrastructure grant fund focused on standard aged care beds could have helped stabilise capacity while broader reforms are developed.
“Just one percent of the infrastructure funding already set aside by Government, targeted at the communities most at risk, could have helped preserve and grow desperately needed care capacity.”
The Association says New Zealand must stop viewing aged care as separate from the rest of the health system.
“Aged care is not the end of the health system. It is a critical part of it.”
“If we want fewer people waiting in emergency departments, fewer delayed hospital discharges and a health system that works better for everyone, then we must invest in aged residential care.”
“The reality is simple. If aged care fails, the health system fails.”
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Comparing direct and indirect seasonal adjustment of gross domestic product (GDP) – Stats NZ methods paper

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Monthly consumers price index – updates on progress

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Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): Year ended 2024 – Stats NZ information release

 

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More New Zealanders turning to Quitline for help to quit vaping

Source: Whakarongorau Aotearoa

Every day could be a smokefree day
World Smokefree Day might fall on 31 May – but for thousands of New Zealanders, every day is a chance to quit.
That’s the message from Whakarongorau Aotearoa, New Zealand’s national telehealth provider which runs Quitline.
Last year, Quitline supported close to 16,000 people across phone, text, online chat and web. The data shows a clear shift: more people are seeking support to quit vaping – including people who have never smoked.
  • 10,900 e nrolments (66%) in Quit Smoking
  • 4,000  enrolments (25%) in Quit Vaping
  • 1,500  enrolments (9%) in Vape to Quit programmes
Demand for Quitline remains strong, with over 100 contacts every day. Importantly, the service is reaching communities most impacted by smoking harm:
– Māori make up 23% of enrolments (versus 17.8% of the population), reflecting strong engagement and the impact of Quitline’s culturally responsive support
“Quitting isn’t just about willpower – it’s about managing a habit,” says Quitline Advisor Dave Lowe. “And the reality is, you’re way more likely to succeed if you get support. Approximately a third of people who enrol in a Quit Smoking programme with Quitline, are smokefree at 4 weeks.”
Quitline provides free, non-judgemental support for people at every stage of their journey – whether they’re:
– ready to quit smoking
– using vaping to move away from tobacco
– or wanting to quit vaping altogether
“No judgement. No pressure. Just support that works,” says Dave Lowe.
For many, the motivation to quit comes back to one thing: whānau. Whether it’s for family, health, money or control – or all four – the decision to quit is deeply personal.
But staying quit takes more than motivation. Dave Lowe’s top advice? “Plan for your cravings before they hit.”
“Cravings come and go quickly, but they can feel intense in the moment. Having a plan – what you’ll do instead of smoking or vaping – makes all the difference.”
This World Smokefree Day, the message is simple: you don’t have to do it alone. You don’t have to do it today either. When you’re ready – text 4006, call 0800 778 778, or visit www.quit.org.nz to connect with Quitline. 
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Economy – RBNZ Governor connects with Hawke’s Bay on Monetary Policy

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

29 May 2026 – On Friday 29 May, Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor, Dr Anna Breman, spoke to rural and primary sector leaders in the Hawke's Bay discussing insights from the May 2026 Monetary Policy Statement.

The lunchtime event was hosted by Grasshoppers Hawke's Bay, an organisation representing a diverse network of farmers, growers, processors, and rural professionals across the region.

Speaking to key themes from the May 2026 Monetary Policy Statement, Dr Breman discussed the Monetary Policy Committee's decision to hold the OCR at 2.25 percent in the May 2026 MPS.

“The global economic backdrop remains uncertain, with supply chain disruptions and higher input costs weighing on the outlook,” Dr Breman said.

“Overall, New Zealand and our trading partners are likely to see weaker growth alongside higher near-term inflation in response to the Middle East conflict.”

She said domestic conditions reflect subdued confidence and uneven performance across sectors with some business, such as those within the primary sector, still performing well while other sectors are struggling.

“Business feedback and survey data point to overall weaker confidence and spending, with rising costs continuing to squeeze margins and weigh on investment and hiring decisions.”

Dr Breman highlighted ongoing uncertainty around inflation pressures.

“Expectations of higher costs could keep inflation elevated, but weaker demand and higher unemployment are expected to dampen pressures over time,” she said.

“The Committee remains focused on ensuring inflation returns to target while avoiding unnecessary volatility in the economy. On balance, the OCR is likely to increase sooner and by more than previously signalled.”

This visit marked Dr Breman's third regional engagement, following earlier visits to Christchurch and the Waikato. During her time in the Hawke's Bay, Dr Breman met with local council leaders and agencies involved in Cyclone Gabrielle recovery efforts, along with iwi representatives, horticulture producers, industry bodies, and rural advocacy groups.

Discussions from these engagements provided practical, on-the-ground insights into regional challenges, including recovery and resilience as communities continue to navigate the impacts of severe weather events, and how organisations are responding to current economic conditions.

These perspectives support the RBNZ's mandate by providing a clearer understanding of how economic disruptions and regional differences influence the broader economy and financial system stability, helping to inform well‑grounded monetary and financial policy decisions.
 

More information

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Acquisitions – Completion of TYCO New Zealand and Red Wolf Acquisitions

Source: Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited (“Intelligent Monitoring”, “IMG” or “the Company”) (ASX: IMB)

COMPLETION OF BLUESKY HOLDCO ACQUISITION

On 11 December 2025, Intelligent Monitoring Group announced it had entered into a binding agreement to acquire all shares in BlueSky Holdco Limited from Johnson Control Luxembourg European Finance S.a.r.l, a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International plc (Acquisition).  The Acquisition includes the purchase of Tyco NZ and Red Wolf Security, two of New Zealand's leading fire protection service and high-end security providers. The Acquisition adds more than 300 staff and 12 branch locations to the Company's portfolio, extending its footprint across New Zealand, now with more than 500 local staff.

IMG is pleased to advise that completion of the Acquisition will occur in New Zealand today. The purchase price is NZD45m plus customary adjustments for working capital and cash on hand, funded through the proceeds of an Acquisition Facility via the Company's NAB banking arrangements, and cash flow.

MANAGING DIRECTOR COMMENTS

At the time, Managing Director Dennison Hambling commented:

“This acquisition represents a highly strategic opportunity for IMG to materially expand its commercial footprint and service capability across New Zealand through the acquisition of two established, market-leading service providers with strong recurring revenue profiles, long-standing customer relationships and exposure to critical infrastructure markets.

The transaction significantly enhances IMG's scale and customer reach in New Zealand, while also providing a strong platform to support future organic growth initiatives, including the progressive expansion of IMG's Video Guard and advanced video monitoring solutions into the commercial market.

Given the businesses' historic alignment within the JCI ecosystem alongside ADT, IMG expects a low-risk integration process with minimal operational disruption. This acquisition is another significant, accretive step forward in building IMG into a serious industrial company with significant profitability, a strong balance sheet and material growth prospects across Australasia”.

About Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited

Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited (ASX: IMB) helps provide monitored security and IOT solutions that ensure the safety and protection of Australian businesses, homes, and individuals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Company operates with the highest security accreditation from its two-significant monitoring centres.

For more information please visit: https://intelligentmonitoringgroup.com