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Health – Health-focussed methamphetamine interventions welcome – NZ Drug Foundation

Source: NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri

Statement from Sarah Helm, Executive Director, NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri:

“We welcome the health-focussed interventions to reduce methamphetamine harm that were announced by the Government today.

“It is good to see an emphasis on health approaches in the Government’s announcement – it’s clear to everyone that we can’t arrest our way out of this issue.

“The announced funding for increased services and support is desperately needed. Methamphetamine use has surged to unprecedented levels over the last 18 months, and with it we’ve seen increased harm in the community. This has landed on a sector that has been significantly underfunded for many years.

“By helping people, communities and families to address substance use disorder, we can both reduce demand and make a dent in supply, because people with long-term addiction often have to turn to selling the drug to help them pay for their own.

“Spending on treatment and harm reduction is also a better investment of taxpayer money than criminalising people, because it results in savings downstream in health, justice and social costs.

“People need to be able to access help immediately when they are ready, because when someone has to wait the window of opportunity quickly closes. It is good to see more investment in community-level support because people shouldn’t have to wait until they are experiencing the worst harms before they can access support. We hope additional investment in community and peer support will mean people can access help earlier. Building the capacity of communities to support each other is essential.

“It can take someone who is using methamphetamine as long as ten years before they come forward to ask for help because of the stigma and fear of criminalisation. So, to be effective, the announced nationwide campaign will need to focus on destigmatising and promoting help-seeking. The communities experiencing the worst methamphetamine harms already know the negative impact it is having. A campaign that is grounded in what they’re experiencing and helps people get information and support quickly will be the most useful.”

Notes:

The NZ Drug Foundation co-ordinates Tūturu, which has received funding for expansion as part of the Government's announcement.

Tūturu is a programme developed specifically for New Zealand schools, focussed on keeping young people in school and building their critical thinking skills around issues like alcohol and other drugs, gambling, gaming, and energy drinks.

The Drug Foundation contracts local youth and health services who work with secondary schools to identify pastoral care support needs early and make use of a wide range of teaching resources.

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First Responders – Tongariro National Park Fire Update #6

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Precautionary evacuations of five facilities in the vicinity of the Tongariro fire are almost complete. They are the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre, the Maungatepopo School Camp, the Old Mill, the Taurewa Lodge and the Avondale College Lodge.
Fire and Emergency Assistant Commander Craig Gold says additional aircraft are being used to fight the fire, with five fixed wing and 12 helicopters being deployed. Most of these are already in action, with a small number still en route. One of the helicopters is being used to direct the air attack, while the others are waterbombing the fire.
Four fire crews are carrying out firefighting on the ground with additional crews supporting the aircraft operations.
“We are prioritising the air operations for safety reasons and because of their effectiveness in this terrain and over a large fire front,” Craig Gold says.
The fire is currently 1600 hectares and as yet not controlled.
Specialist fire investigators from Fire and Emergency and Police are working to establish the cause of the fire.
Fire and Emergency is working with Police, Iwi, DOC and local council civil defence staff to ensure the community is safe. Residents in the area should take stay alert to the fire, with information updated regularly by media and on Fire and Emergency’s Manawatu-Whanganui District Facebook page www.facebook.com/ManawatuWhanganuiFENZ/ . Local councils and DOC are also sharing information.
Anyone within the area affected by smoke should keep doors and windows shut to minimise exposure. Residents who feel unsafe or are vulnerable to smoke are encouraged to self-evacuate and stay with family or friends.
SH47 Waimarino to Tongariro remains closed between the intersections with SH48 and SH46 with no detours available.
DOC has closed the Tongariro Crossing and associated areas.
A no fly zone is in place covering the airspace over the fireground and surrounding area, so that firefighting aircraft are not endangered by other aircraft or drones.
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World Vision – New report finds Pacific countries need to do more to address child hunger in climate strategies

Source: World Vision

A new report from World Vision finds many Pacific countries are failing to adequately address climate-related child hunger and malnutrition in their climate strategies.
The Hungry Futures Index scores the climate strategies prepared under the Paris Climate Agreement of more than 80 nations and ranks countries according to how well their climate policies address hunger as a primary impact of climate change.
New Zealand ranks near the bottom of the list (82 out of 84) for climate policy which considers child hunger, child malnutrition, and outlines plans to act on either of these issues. Solomon Islands Papua New Guinea rank  53 rd, with Vanuatu coming in at 26.
World Vision’s Advocacy and Policy Research Advisor, Dr. Olivia Yates, says the findings show a serious gap in climate policies.
“Ahead of COP30 in Brazil this week, this report highlights the need for countries around the world to acknowledge the link between climate change and child hunger, and fund solutions.
“Countries such as Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea already experience extreme levels of food insecurity and we know that extreme weather events can dramatically lower food production, push prices up, and disrupt supply.
“In Vanuatu for instance, after Cyclones Kevin and Judy in 2023 hunger became a very real and pressing issue for much of the population.
“It’s imperative that climate policies recognise the impact the changing climate has on food security and that governments adapt to recognise and respond to this,” she says.
More than half the population in Papua New Guinea is considered food insecure, while a quarter of Vanuatu’s population does not get enough food each day.
“Globally the food system continues to fail billions of people, disproportionately affecting communities already living in poverty and Pacific nations which are on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” she says.
Dr Yates says while climate policies need to recognise the importance of hunger and malnutrition as a “side effect” of the climate crisis, they also need to prioritise children.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Paris Climate Agreement recognise children as “agents of change” and yet only 58% of climate plans reference children’s participation in climate decision-making.
“When children are invisible in data, budgets, and strategies, they become invisible in the solutions that will shape their lives.
“We are entering an age of hungry futures. Children will be the most impacted by the climate crisis and yet their needs and voices are almost invisible in the world’s climate blueprints. If governments fail to act now, hunger and malnutrition will rise dramatically, with devastating consequences for the next generation,” Dr Yates says.
She says 2024 was the hottest year on record, with global temperatures surpassing 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels [i] . Around one billion children are already living in areas at extremely high risk from climate-related threats, including air pollution, water scarcity, heat stress and disease [ii] .
World Vision is urging the New Zealand government, Pacific nations, and others attending COP30 to:
  • Update their climate policies and adaptation plans to recognise child hunger and nutrition as core climate risks, with targets and budgets
  • Prioritise nutrition-smart and climate resilient food systems in New Zealand and in the climate finance we provide to our Pacific neighbours
  • Ensure children can meaningfully participate in climate decision-making, with child-focused indicators and reporting.
Dr Yates says: “Without bold action, hunger and malnutrition could increase by 20% in the next 25 years due to climate change [iii] . COP30 in Brazil must be a turning point.”
Notes:
  • Countries climate policies were analysed through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which outline each country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions under the Paris Agreement, and their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) which detail how countries will adapt to the impacts of climate change and build resilience.
  • Child hunger is mentioned in just 18% of national climate plans, and child malnutrition in only 11%.
  • Most countries, (67 or 80% of those assessed) fail to properly consider hunger and malnutrition for children and adults alike.
  • Countries with high rates of food insecurity were more likely to include these issues in their climate plans.
  • The Paris Agreement specifically refers to children as agents of change in climate action, but only 58% (n=49) of NDCs mention how children were involved in their design and implementation processes.
  • Just two countries (Chad & Cambodia) made a full commitment to child participation
  • The full data set and methodology can be found at wvi.org/hungry-futures-index
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First Responders – Fire in the Tongariro Forest Park

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Firefighters supported by helicopters are tackling a large vegetation fire in the Tongariro Forest Park, which is covering an estimated 50 hectares.
Trampers in the Mangatepopo Hut are being advised to remain there.
State Highway 47 has been closed near the junction with SH48, with a large build-up of traffic reported. Please avoid the area or delay travel until information about detours is available from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
Crews from six fire brigades plus a command unit are at the scene or on their way, and three helicopters with monsoon buckets are working, with a fourth being used for aerial observation.
The fire was reported at 3.15pm. We have no information about how it started.
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Employment and Health – Allied Health workers vote to strike – Govt must stop ignoring our concerns

Source: PSA

More than 11,500 Allied Health workers have voted overwhelmingly to strike after mediation on Monday failed to deliver a better deal that recognises the need for safe staffing levels and cost of living pressures.
Workers will stop work for four hours from 1pm to 4pm on 28 November. They will work to rule in the week before and after the strike by taking regular breaks and not working unpaid overtime.
“Allied Health workers are fed up with Health NZ Te Whatu Ora and the Government. They've been bargaining since June, they went on strike in October, they attended mediation on Monday – and they're still not being listened to,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“These are critical health workers – physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, scientists, anaesthetic technicians, Māori health specialists and many more – who often work long hours, through their breaks and beyond their normal working day caring for New Zealanders.”
At mediation on Monday there was no increase proposed to the 2% and 1.5% pay increases offered for 2025 and 2026. There was also no pay increase for 2027.
“The pay offer still doesn't keep pace with inflation – it's effectively a pay cut. Meanwhile, there are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need.
“They don't want to strike. They care deeply about their patients and will ensure life preserving services continue. But they feel they have no choice when their concerns keep falling on deaf ears.”
“These health workers need to once again send a strong message to the Government: value us, listen to us, and address the staffing crisis that's compromising patient care across the country.”
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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Oxfam – "Keep Up the Good Work" – Oxfam Aotearoa Calls on Government to Renew Climate Finance Commitment

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

As world leaders prepare to gather for global climate talks, Oxfam Aotearoa has launched a new report showing the positive difference that climate funding from New Zealand has made since the support was boosted from 2022.’
Oxfam in the Pacific’s Climate Justice Lead, Lote Rusaqoli, said:
“Aotearoa New Zealand has long been a leader on the global climate stage, setting the benchmark for other wealthy nations by providing all of its climate finance as grants and not loans – a move that has been incredibly beneficial for Pacific Islanders who continue to feel the worst of the climate crisis. As we approach 2026, we urge Aotearoa New Zealand to renew their climate finance commitments to help boost the Pacific’s resilience to disasters, tackle poverty, and reinforce its leadership on climate justice.”
Oxfam Aotearoa Executive Director, Jason Myers, said:
“In 2021, the New Zealand government announced its biggest climate finance contribution to date. This has enabled communities all over the Pacific to maintain resilience in the face of the climate crisis. With no further funding for climate finance announced in the 2024 or 2025 budgets, critical projects have had to begin closing out. Keeping our promise to fund climate action has become urgent and the New Zealand government must act now to renew funding. Pacific livelihoods depend on it.”
Report author, Oxfam Aotearoa’s Climate Justice Lead, Nick Henry, said:
“New Zealand’s funding for climate action has benefited tens of thousands of people across the Pacific, but runs out at the end of next month. Our message to Government is simple: we need to keep up the good work.
New Zealand must keep our promise to help our Pacific neighbours, who have done nothing to cause the climate crisis, but are already feeling the worst of the effects.
Our report shows how New Zealand’s climate funding has generated enormous goodwill and positive relationships with governments and communities in the Pacific and beyond. If we continue the trend of ramping up funding for climate action, New Zealand could be on track to meet our fair share of the assistance promised to lower-income countries, including here in the Pacific.”
NOTES:
  • Full report: Pacific Resilience: How funding for climate action strengthens our region link
  • The report includes new calculations, based on data published by MFAT, showing that New Zealand’s climate finance programme has exceeded its targets to deliver the majority of funding in the Pacific, with at least 50% supporting adaptation to climate\ change. The report analyses New Zealand’s climate finance since 2022 and shows that:
    • 59% of programme has been delivered in the Pacific.
    • 87% supports adaptation.
    • 57% has a significant gender-equality component.
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Climate News – October Climate Summary: wind, wind and more wind – Earth Sciences NZ

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

The October Climate Summary is out
Highlights:
– A sudden stratospheric warming over Antarctica drove much of October's weather
– it was a wet and unsettled month, with several severe gale wind events (including one particularly damaging storm on 23 October)
– Milford Sound, known for its wet weather, recorded its second highest October rainfall ever
– Multiple temperature records broken, including the second highest ever October temperature of 32.5°C, recorded at Kaikōura (Middle Creek)
– Conditions transitioned to La Niña.
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Business – EMA honours Alexander Topp with 2025 Patrick Seaman Award for Excellence in Health and Safety

Source: EMA

The Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) is proud to announce that Alexander Topp, Health and Safety Manager at Briscoe Group, has been awarded the prestigious Patrick Seaman Award for Excellence in Health and Safety.
The award was presented at a recent event celebrating a major milestone of 100 graduates of the EMA’s NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management Level 6.
According to Nick Sheppard, EMA’s Head of Learning & Development, Alexander was recognised for his exceptional commitment to the Diploma programme.
“Alex’s work set a new standard for excellence in the course. He didn’t just complete the assessments, he produced some of the most impressive submissions since the Diploma course was first established, combining practical application with real depth of understanding.”
About the EMA’s NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management Level 6
Since its registration at Level 6 in 2018, the EMA’s NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management has built a strong network of health and safety professionals across multiple industries throughout New Zealand. This year marks a significant milestone, with 100 graduates who have benefited from the programme’s unique approach to practical, workplace-focused learning.
The Diploma remains the only face-to-face Level 6 training course for health and safety professionals in New Zealand, offering participants peer relationships with senior practitioners nationwide and exposure to international best practice. The in-person learning fosters deeper engagement and leads to real-world impact, ultimately improving outcomes across organisations and contributing to better health and safety results for New Zealand.
About the Patrick Seaman Award for Excellence in Health and Safety
The Patrick Seaman Award for Excellence in Health and Safety is a prestigious recognition presented by the EMA to an outstanding student of the New Zealand Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management Level 6.
Established in honour of the late Patrick Seaman, a respected figure in New Zealand’s health and safety community and a long-standing contributor to the EMA’s learning programmes, the award celebrates excellence, dedication and impact in the field of workplace health and safety. Patrick’s legacy of leadership and influence continues through this award, which was created with the blessing of his family and first introduced in 2016.
The award recognises learners who demonstrate exceptional commitment, capability and contribution to health and safety practice, often going above and beyond the requirements of the Diploma. While academic excellence may be a factor, the award also honours those who exemplify the practical application of health and safety principles in their workplaces and communities.
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Local News – Porirua’s ChoctoberFest a sweet boost for local economy

Source: Porirua City Council

ChoctoberFest is once more in the rearview mirror, having poured more than $200,000 into Porirua’s economy.
With the festival complete for the year, businesses have crunched their numbers and reported back on the positive impact of the event. The decision to hold the Whittaker’s-backed festival in the recent school holidays proved a success, with businesses noting a significant increase in foot traffic and sales compared with the previous three outings. Many reported new customers as a result of the month-long event.
After a public vote, Sushil’s Musclechef Café’s (Aotea) Molten Embrace took out the bake off, while The Jetty’s (Plimmerton) Nutty Blend won the drink section.
The Jetty’s Angela Bendall said their victory was the result of creativity and teamwork.
“Between The Jetty and our other café, Get Fixed, we’re passionate about crafting experiences that make people smile and want to come back time and again,” she said.
Sushil Ravikumar, executive chef and owner of Sushil’s Musclechef, meanwhile, said ChoctoberFest was huge for his business.
“We welcomed a lot of new customers from outside the region too,” he said.
Porirua Mayor Anita Baker said ChoctoberFest’s dual goals of supporting local businesses and showing off the artistry and innovation in our community had easily been met.
“ChoctoberFest has a now well-embedded recipe for success and it showed off how Porirua can be a destination for hospitality, as well as being the home of Whittaker’s of course.
“I congratulate not only our winners and place-getters, but everyone who took part and showed so much imagination in the drinks and baking. I can’t wait to see what everyone comes up with in 2026!”
Whittaker’s chief executive James Ardern said having the opportunity to engage with local businesses in the city where Whittaker’s chocolate is made was fantastic.
“Our team were also delighted to have over 300 Chocolate Lovers visit our pop-up at local food hub Kai Tahi on 26 September. We love the fact that ChoctoberFest just keeps growing because the community is so passionate about celebrating Porirua as the home of world class chocolate.”
By the numbers:
  • Participating businesses: 32
  • Drinks on offer: 28
  • Bakes on offer: 18
  • Drinks sold: 11,906
  • Bakes sold: 5652
  • Total spent on ChoctoberFest items alone: $201,909
  • 4901 people rated what they tasted and were in to win a Whittaker’s factory tour
  • Votes came from all over the Wellington region, Wanganui, New Plymouth, Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay, Auckland, Christchurch and Australia
The top three in each category:
Whittaker’s Bake Off
  • Winner – Sushil’s Musclechef Café | Molten Embrace
  • Second – Sweet & Co | Triple Chocolate Pistachio NYC Cookie
  • Third – Black Beauty Caravan | Raspberry Rhapsody Brownie
Top of the Chocs
  • Winner – The Jetty｜Jetty’s Nutty Blend
  • Second – The Coffee Cart Elsdon｜Chocolate Cold Foam Cloud
  • Third – The Regal Shortbread Co.｜Hok-ye & pok-ye.
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Health – ProCare launches immunisation drive and calls for urgent funding boost to fast-track protection for tamariki

Source: ProCare

Leading healthcare provider ProCare is helping to drive up the number of tamariki getting vaccinated in response to the measles outbreak with the launch of a new outreach service. This service aligns with Measles Immunisation Week, which has renewed urgency to protect our youngest — and highlights the need for targeted health investment to help general practices reach more children.

By partnering with trusted Pacific health provider The Fono, this free outreach focuses on children who are Māori, Pacific, or living in high-deprivation (Q5) areas and have not yet received their first MMR vaccination. ProCare is also mobilising its own Ara Hauora outreach team to support the effort. Registered vaccinators will visit families at home on behalf of practices to engage whānau and encourage immunisation — helping to ensure no child is left behind.

However, resources are limited. A funding boost would help to fast-track the outreach and immunisation efforts, especially for hard-to-reach patients. This includes funding for additional outreach staff, mobile vaccination clinics, and tailored communications to engage whānau who may be hesitant or face access barriers.

ProCare supports a network of more than 140 general practices caring for around 700,000 patients, including 150,000 Māori and Pacific people in Auckland.

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at ProCare says the current system places a heavy burden on already stretched practices, and without additional support, vulnerable children risk missing out.

“Last year we vaccinated more than 14,000 tamariki against preventable illnesses. We don’t want any child to miss out on the MMR vaccine which is why we’ve launched this new offering. However, we also can’t afford to pull resources away from other essential health services,” says Norwell.

“Behind the scenes, practices are investing time and effort to check health records, phone whānau, and have meaningful conversations about immunisation. This work needs to be recognised, resourced, and funded appropriately. We’re advocating for targeted funding boosts during outbreaks like this so we don’t need to compromise care elsewhere.”

ProCare is also providing tailored data tools to help identify tamariki who aren’t fully protected.

Dr Allan Moffitt, Clinical Director at ProCare, says the approach is about making immunisation accessible by taking the services to people, and empowering families to make informed decisions.

“We’re taking immunisation to the people. By meeting whānau where they are, we can help protect tamariki and their wider whānau from the serious risks of measles, especially those who might otherwise miss out.”

“Measles spreads easily and can affect family members who haven’t had their MMR immunisations. This outreach means we can connect with families who might otherwise miss out and give them the support they need to protect their tamariki.”

ProCare has also shared new resources with its network, including guidance on how to talk with vaccine-hesitant patients and navigate declined immunisations. A toolkit from Health New Zealand is also available to help practices raise awareness within their communities.

“This is about practical support,” says Norwell. “We know practices are under immense pressure, so it’s our role to step in and provide solutions. But we need the system to back us with targeted funding that enables outreach teams to scale up quickly, without pulling resources away from other essential services. It’s about protecting tamariki now — and building a more responsive immunisation system for the future.”

About ProCare

ProCare is a leading healthcare provider that aims to deliver the most progressive, pro-active and equitable health and wellbeing services in Aotearoa. We do this through our clinical support services, mental health and wellness services, virtual/tele health, mobile health, smoking cessation and by taking a population health and equity approach to our mahi.

As New Zealand’s largest Primary Health Organisation, we represent a network of general practice teams and healthcare professionals who provide care to nearly 700,000 patients across Auckland. These practices serve the largest Pacific and South Asian populations enrolled in general practice and the largest Māori population in Tāmaki Makaurau. For more information go to www.procare.co.nz