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Advocacy – PSNA requests Prime Minister overrule Judith Collins and end BlackSky Technology satellite launches

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

After what PSNA calls the shocking TVNZ interview with Minister of Defence Judith Collins on Friday, it has written to the Prime Minister today.

 

PSNA has requested Luxon direct Collins to withdraw approval for forthcoming Rocket Lab satellite launches for BlackSky Technology from Mahia, which could be used by Israel in Gaza.

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co-chair John Minto says Collins ‘can’t be trusted to uphold New Zealanders’ values’.

 

“She went for any excuse to justify approving the launches, and the Prime Minister must rein her in.”

 

“She said the UN Security Council does not encourage sanctions, so she believes New Zealand has a free hand to be militarily complicit in Israel’s resumed genocide in Gaza.”

 

“But New Zealand has complained for decades about the veto powers of one country in the Security Council. Then, our government uses the very same US veto, which it opposes, to justify licencing the launch of spy satellites to target Gaza.”

 

“In particular, the New Zealand government is ignoring the International Court of Justice, which directs countries to do what they can to prevent Israel’s occupation from continuing.”

“Signing off on delivering the technology, which the IDF uses for its bombing runs on a civilian population, can hardly be interpreted as helping Israel end its occupation of Gaza.”

 

Minto says Collins’ alternative excuse, that New Zealand is not at war with Israel, so can’t sanction it, is equally nonsensical.

 

“It may come as news to the Defence Minister, but New Zealand is not at war with Iran or Russia either.  Yet the government routinely imposes sanctions on both of these countries, with putting new sanctions on Iran just a few days ago.”

 

“Luxon obviously thought, in the TVNZ interview, that the New Zealand Export Controls regime should apply to the satellite launches.”

 

“If the launches have not been tested against this legislation, then they should be, and Collins should be told to keep her pen in her pocket.”

 

The PSNA message to the PM says:

Tēnā koe e Christopher Luxon,

We were shocked at the interview with Minister of Defence Judith Collins on TVNZ last Friday where she justified approving satellite launches for BlackSky Technology from Mahia Peninsula despite human rights warnings from government officials.

BlackSky Technology has a lucrative contract with the Israeli Occupation Forces to provide high resolution images for use in Israel’s targeting of Palestinians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza.

Since the initial approvals by Ms Collins the situation in Gaza has become catastrophic for Palestinians. So bad that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is wanted by the International Criminal Court for trial on charges of using starvation as a method of warfare as well as the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution and other inhumane acts.

Collins’ approvals mean New Zealand is directly implicated in Israel’s Gaza genocide.

This is a moral outrage to the big majority of New Zealanders.

We are urging you as Prime Minister to direct Ms Collins to decline all future satellite launches for BlackSky Technology.

John Minto

Co-ChairPSNA.nz

 

John Minto

Co-ChairPSNA.nz

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Advocacy – Mount Roskill community hold MP accountable

Source: Roskill Community Group


Tuesday 28 October 2025 – The Puketāpapa / Mount Roskill Community Rally Together to Demand MP Dr. Carlos Cheung Support Sanctions on Israel


Residents from the Puketāpapa / Mount Roskill electorate will gather at Dr. Carlos Cheung’s electorate office at 4pm tomorrow (Wednesday 29 October) to deliver an open letter calling on him to support the proposed Unlawful Occupation of Palestine Sanctions Bill. 


Put forward by Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick in December 2024, the bill imposes targeted sanctions on Israel in response to their illegal occupation of Palestinian Territories. With the official backing from Labour, Te Pāti Māori, and Green MP’s, just six more Government MPs’ support is needed to progress the bill.


Signed by over 1835 constituents, the letter expresses concern of the systematic human rights abuses committed by Israel and calls on Dr. Cheung to publicly endorse the bill, advocate for its support within the National Party, and commit to voting in favour of the bill at all stages of its progression through Parliament. Notably, the number of signatories surpasses the 1564 vote-margin that won Cheung his seat in the 2023 election. 


“Israel has repeatedly broken international law, not only in the past two years but since its very establishment” states local resident and spokesperson, Youssef Sammour. “We have signed this letter as voters who expect our elected officials to reflect the values of the community and stand for human rights, international accountability, and justice.” 


Similar open letters are being circulated in electorates across the country, showing the growing frustration over the lack of meaningful action from the government in the wake of increased violations of international law and human rights by Israel since October 2023. Many human rights groups and genocide scholars have concluded Israel’s actions meet the legal definition of genocide and urge for stronger international efforts to protect Palestinians. 


Organisers have requested a formal response from Dr. Carlos Cheung within 10 days.

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Health – Focus on broken primary care funding system overdue – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Political debate on fixing Aotearoa New Zealand’s broken funding model for primary health care is an important first step but needs a bipartisan approach, NZNO says.
The Labour Party today announced a policy to provide all New Zealanders three free GP visits a year, funded through the introduction of a capital gains tax on property.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO primary care spokesperson Tracey Morgan says Labour’s policy acknowledges what all New Zealanders already know and Te Whatu Ora’s own review found around cost barriers and inequitable access to GPs.
“Funding for primary and community health care is completely broken. It can cost up to $100 to see a doctor and patients are likely to have to wait weeks for an appointment.
“Skyrocketing fees are pushing doctor visits out of reach for many whānau, the working poor and now – because of the cost of living crisis – even the middle class. New Zealanders are turning up sicker at our hospital Emergency Departments needing even greater care.
“For years GPs have had to absorb underfunding through the capitation system which leaves them no choice but to raise their fees to enable their practices to remain financially viable.
“It has also meant the wages of nurses have slipped further and further behind their hospital counterparts, leading many to leave the primary and community sector for better paid jobs or to work in Australia,” she says.
Tracey Morgan says Labour’s policy is a welcome first step in a national discussion around the funding of primary care.
“However, there needs to be a bipartisan conversation around the need for a sustainable funding model that addresses affordability and access issues in primary care. Otherwise the health outcomes of every day New Zealanders will continue to deteriorate while health policy remains a political football,” she says.
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Weather News – Classic Kiwi Weather Returns After a Tumultuous Labour Day = MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Tuesday 28th – Friday 31st October
 
An unstable showery and snowy south to southwest flow dominates Aotearoa New Zealand today (Tuesday), with thunderstorms set to spark up in the afternoon in some parts. Most of the unsettled weather will have passed by the end of today, with a mix of showers and sunshine through the rest of the week before more settled conditions arrive this weekend.

As of 10am on Tuesday morning, there were 18,782 lightning strikes reported across the country, many happening early in the morning as an active front passed over the North Island. Meanwhile in the South Island, snow has been reported to nearly sea level as far north as Christchurch, with Mount Cook Airport reporting at least 20cm of snow. Crown Range saw between 20 and 30cm, while the Milford Road saw 10cm of snow. As the day goes on, the Desert Road will see up to 4cm of snow at the summit, through to 4pm. Similarly, Arthur’s and Lewis Passes will see between 6 and 10cm of snow above 600 metres until 4pm.

MetService meteorologist Dom Barry says, “It’s looking like a chilly night ahead for many South Island areas with everyone seeing single digits. Lows of minus one degrees Celsius for Timaru and Wānaka, and zero degrees Celsius for Christchurch will see the woolly blankets out again for sure!”

A ridge of high pressure begins to take hold over the North Island tomorrow, with westerlies developing. This brings showers to western and southern parts of both islands throughout the day, which creep into the east and north of the North Island in the afternoon, while clearing in the west. It remains mainly fine elsewhere.

Heading into Thursday, rain persists in the south and west of the South Island, while showers linger in the western North Island. But the sun is out in most other areas.

Barry continues, “A complex low-pressure system sits to the north of the country and brings some showers to Northland. The ridge goes into battle with this low and wins, keeping it north of the country, with only the edges of it impacting the Far North. This pattern continues into Friday, with many of the showers clearing up just in time for trick-or-treating on the spookiest night of the year.” These showers remain confined to the mountains throughout the evening.

As for the weekend – it’s a taste of summer. Mainly fine for most, with some afternoon showers inland. Temperatures hit the late teens and early twenties for everyone. Quite the contrast to the Octoberfest of weather we have just had!

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System 

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings (Localised Red Warning) – take cover now:

  • This warning is a red warning for a localised area.
  • When extremely severe weather is occurring or will do within the hour.
  • Severe thunderstorms have the ability to have significant impacts for an area indicated in the warning. 
  • In the event of a Severe Thunderstorm Red Warning: Act now!

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

  • When extremely severe weather is imminent or is occurring
  • Issued when an event is expected to be among the worst that we get – it will have significant impact and it is possible that a lot of people will be affected
  • In the event of a Red Warning: Act now!

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

  • When severe weather is imminent or is occurring
  • Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather
  • In the event of an Orange Warning: Take action.

Thunderstorm Watch means thunderstorms are possible, be alert and consider action

  • Show the area that thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the validity period.
  • Although thunderstorms are often localised, the whole area is on watch as it is difficult to know exactly where the severe thunderstorm will occur within the mapped area.
  • During a thunderstorm Watch: Stay alert and take action if necessary.

Watches are about being alert:

  • When severe weather is possible, but not sufficiently imminent or certain for a warning to be issued
  • Typically issued 1 – 3 days in advance of potential severe weather.
  • During a Watch: Stay alert

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

  • To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
  • Issued routinely once or twice a day
  • Recommendation: Plan.
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University Research – Racial discrimination escalating in Aotearoa – report – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

A shadow report for the UN warns racial discrimination is worsening.

A significant, ideologically driven attack on Māori rights, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and racial equity is occurring in Aotearoa New Zealand, according to the co-authors of a shadow report for the UN.

The report, written by members of the Aotearoa Centre for Indigenous Peoples and the Law (Te Wai Ariki), will inform the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Te Wai Ariki co-director Professor Claire Charters (University of Auckland Law School) says the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has repeatedly found that constitutional transformation is needed in New Zealand to achieve equality for Māori.

She says the report will inform New Zealand’s 23rd and 24th periodic UN reviews, scheduled for November 2025.

The breaches of Māori rights by this Government are profound, says Charters:
“They include an egregious abuse of its power to deliberately, explicitly, and brazenly trample on our rights under Te Tiriti and international law. It will undoubtedly be of concern to the Committee that the Government can do so with impunity, given the lack of constitutional protections of Māori rights.”

Te Wai Ariki’s submission argues that the current Coalition Government’s policies negatively impact Māori rights and remove certain protections. It states: “the Government is actively and profoundly aggravating New Zealand’s constitutionally racist foundation in a way we have not seen for at least half a century.”
It calls for constitutional transformation, not incremental reform, “to protect Māori tino rangatiratanga and prevent further legislative breaches of human rights”.

The report warns that “without transformation, Parliament remains unchecked and continues to pass laws in breach of Indigenous peoples’ rights.”

It also says the Government has been openly hostile to UN oversight, pointing to Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour’s controversial response to the UN Special Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples in July 2025.

Two other reports – submitted by the People’s Action Plan Against Racism in Aotearoa (PAPARA), Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa (the Māori Law Society) will also inform the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

Across all three reports, the organisations highlight legislative and policy reforms by the Government that they say breach New Zealand’s obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

Te Hunga Rōia Māori describe the reforms as a “scorched-earth approach” to law and policy that has “systematically targeted Māori-specific policies, institutions and rights across health, justice, education, and the environment.”

In particular, their report cites the repeal of section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act (removing statutory obligations to support Māori children in state care), the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora (the Māori Health Authority), and the introduction of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Amendment Bill, which would alter legal recognition of customary marine title.

The People’s Action Plan Against Racism in Aotearoa, supported by the National Iwi Chairs Forum, describes the current situation as “a coordinated campaign of Treaty racism”.
Collectively, the reports ask the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to:

  • Record that the 54th Government’s reforms are racially discriminatory and in breach of ICERD;
  • Reaffirm the constitutional status of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Waitangi Tribunal;
  • Recommend an independent investigation into racial discrimination and legislative harm in Aotearoa;
  • Urge constitutional transformation consistent with Matike Mai Aotearoa; 
  • Establish enhanced UN monitoring and in-country consultations with Māori and affected communities.
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University Research – Modern Slavery in Aotearoa New Zealand – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Modern slavery isn’t a distant problem – it’s happening here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

It’s embedded in supply chains both domestically and internationally, exposing New Zealand companies to significant reputational and ethical risks. More than 250 New Zealand-headquartered companies appear on Australia’s Modern Slavery Register, but two private members’ bills proposing modern slavery legislation for New Zealand are still sitting in Parliament’s “biscuit tin”.

Introducing modern slavery legislation would align New Zealand with key trading partners—Australia and the United Kingdom—both of which have enacted modern slavery laws.

To explore the situation in Aotearoa and what needs to change, the University of Auckland Business School’s research centre, Juncture: Dialogues on Inclusive Capitalism, is hosting a panel event on Modern Slavery in Aotearoa New Zealand on Thursday, 30 October.

The discussion will examine the scope and complexity of modern slavery, review Australia’s legislative approach, consider the potential for similar laws in New Zealand, and discuss the practical implications for businesses and their supply chains.

Panellists include Professor John Dumay (Macquarie University, Sydney), Associate Professor Christina Stringer (University of Auckland), Rebekah Armstrong (Head of Advocacy and Justice at World Vision New Zealand), Sharleen Gargiulo (Sustainability Lead at Air New Zealand), and Oliver Christeller (Senior Human Rights Advisor, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission) with Professor Christine Woods (University of Auckland) facilitating the discussion.
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Government fee change hits NZ’s poorest citizens – IHC

Source: IHC

People with intellectual disability are facing yet another financial blow following changes to the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act that remove a government subsidy for court-mandated financial examinations.

From 3 October 2024, the Public Trust began charging $247.27 per hour to review property managers’ annual financial statements – a process that ensures a person’s money is being properly managed. Previously, those with less than $20,000 in assets were protected from these costs by a government subsidy. That protection has now been taken away.

“Removing the subsidy is effectively charging people for being poor and disabled. It’s not right,” said Tania Thomas, IHC Director of Advocacy. “These are not people with savings or assets – many live week to week.”

The new fee applies to the person under protection in many cases, an intellectually disabled person living on a benefit. Public Trust has confirmed that fees cannot be waived.

“These fees are being charged to people who often have nothing to spare,” said Tania. “They are some of the most financially vulnerable people in New Zealand – yet they’re now being asked to pay for a safeguard that exists to protect them. It’s deeply unfair.”

People with intellectual disability already experience some of the highest rates of hardship in the country:

They are twice as likely to live in hardship before age 40, and three times as likely between 40 and 64, compared to others.
Nearly half would not be able to pay an unavoidable bill within a month without borrowing.
They are four times more likely to go without a proper meal, and three times more likely to cut back on fruit and vegetables because of cost.
Many go cold in winter because they cannot afford heating, and almost half can’t afford a holiday.

IHC is urging the Government to reinstate the subsidy or introduce a hardship exemption so that people with intellectual disability are not left paying for a process that was designed to keep them safe.

About IHC New Zealand

IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.

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Tax Reform – Labour’s CGT welcomed, but ‘unambitious’ – Tax reform advocates

Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa (TJA)

Tax Justice Aotearoa (TJA) and the Better Taxes for a Better Future Campaign  have expressed their disappointment with the narrow Capital Gains Tax Labour announced this morning, describing it as 'unambitious' at a time that calls for more, but welcomed Labour's commitment to a CGT.

“Tax Justice Aotearoa  and the Better Taxes campaign, along with numerous public opinion polls and expert commentators, have supported a CGT because it has the promise to deliver real benefits for New Zealand”, says Glenn Barclay, Tax Justice Aotearoa and Better Taxes spokesperson. “But it really has to be as comprehensive as possible to deliver long-term and meaningful change. Labour's policy represents a first step, but it doesn't yet look like it will deliver on the potential benefits to New Zealanders of a comprehensive CGT.”

“We have a good understanding of the challenges facing the country and both the Treasury and Inland Revenue have recently produced reports that demonstrate that we will have trouble addressing these challenges unless we raise substantially more tax revenue,” says Glenn Barclay. “In light of all of this we can only describe Labour's policy as 'unambitious'.”

“Labour's policy should help provide some balance to the property market and it is good to see them prioritising GP visits with the limited funds that this tax is likely to generate, but much more is needed to address other issues in the health system, including staffing and capital investment. And while health is a major issue facing the country, we also need to better fund our education system, respond effectively to climate change, address poverty and inequality, and more to meet the needs of our ageing population”, says Glenn Barclay.

In 2023 IRD conducted research that demonstrated that the wealthiest 311 families in New Zealand had an effective tax rate of 9.4% compared to just over 20% for the average New Zealander. Untaxed income from capital gains was a big part of the ultra wealthy families' low tax rate This tax policy will have only the lightest impact on addressing that discrepancy.

“This policy will still leave us as an outlier internationally, where most countries in the OECD have a comprehensive CGT. A comprehensive CGT is a common sense way to gather resources we need, address inequality in our tax system and improve housing affordability.  We think that Labour should  go further so it can deliver for New Zealanders,” says Glenn Barclay.

“The policy does represent a small step towards a fairer tax system and give us something to build on, including  supplementing the CGT with other tax changes that would improve outcomes for New Zealanders,” says Glenn Barclay.

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Health – Aged Care Association welcomes cross-party commitment to aged care reform

Source: New Zealand Aged Care Association (ACA)

The New Zealand Aged Care Association (ACA) warmly welcomes today’s announcement by Health Minister Hon Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Hon Casey Costello of a Ministerial Advisory Group to design a sustainable, fit-for-purpose aged care system.

Chief Executive Hon Tracey Martin said the announcement marks an important moment of national cooperation on one of the most pressing social challenges facing New Zealand.

“This is a truly positive step — not just for the aged care sector, but for all New Zealanders who want to see a strong, fair and enduring system of care for our older population,” Ms Martin said.  “It signals a commitment to long-term, bipartisan reform — something the Association has been calling for over the past 18 months.  We are genuinely encouraged to see that call being answered.”

Ms Martin said the establishment of the Advisory Group provides an unprecedented opportunity for cross-party collaboration and evidence-based policy development.

“For the past 18 months, we’ve asked for the chance to genuinely participate in designing a system that is stable, sustainable, and investable — one that ensures we have the capacity to care for the rapidly growing number of older Kiwis who will need support in the very near future,” she said.  “We commend Ministers Brown and Costello for their leadership and welcome the Government’s intention to bring all parties together around lasting solutions. The ACA stands ready and willing to assist the Advisory Group in any way that will help deliver those outcomes.”

While the Advisory Group’s work will shape long-term reform, Ms Martin noted that its timeline means recommendations will not be available in time to inform the 2026/27 Budget.

“Ministers Brown and Costello understand what is needed to steady the sector in the short term while the Advisory Group develops its proposals,” she said. “We would urge Finance Minister Willis to invite them to bring forward a Budget bid that delivers the immediate support required to give providers confidence and continuity while the longer-term reforms are being developed.”

Practical short-term measures would enable providers to take a more active role in, for example, supporting older New Zealanders to recover after hospitalisation — particularly those aged over 65 who are well enough to leave acute care but not yet ready to return home. By funding short-stay recovery placements in aged residential care, hospitals could free up beds sooner while ensuring older people receive the right care and rehabilitation to regain their independence and safely return home. “Such initiatives would make a tangible difference while the Advisory Group undertakes its important work,” Ms Martin said.  “We are committed to working alongside Ministers, officials, and the Advisory Group to help design an aged care system that is equitable, sustainable, and truly built to last.”

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Banking – ASB doubles down on social and affordable housing commitment with $1billion Accelerated Housing Fund

Source: ASB

The Accelerated Housing Fund will now be on track to deliver thousands more homes with a doubled fund of $1 billion.

ASB is announcing an expansion of its Accelerated Housing Fund to $1 billion from $500 million. By doubling its commitment to accelerate housing delivery where it’s most needed, the change reinforces ASB’s position as a champion for social and affordable housing in New Zealand.

Since its inception in November 2023, the Fund has committed $420m of lending supporting the delivery of and long-term investment into over 1000 new homes, demonstrating the bank’s commitment to enabling a wide range of housing solutions across the country.

ASB is further reducing presale requirements for affordable housing, making the fund more accessible to a wider range of housing developments.

“We are intent on helping more New Zealanders into homes, and part of that is being an enabler of new housing development and investment through all stages of the economic cycle,” says Ben Speedy ASB’s General Manager of Commercial Banking and Business Strategy.

“We have a role to play in addressing housing supply by supporting Kiwi businesses and not-for-profits who have the solutions New Zealand needs. With the expanded fund we’ve evolved the way we lend, making it easier for social and affordable housing projects right across the continuum to get off the ground, sooner”

“The expansion of our Accelerated Housing Fund aligns with the Government’s recent announcement of the Community Housing Provider Loan Guarantee scheme. We see this as an important step in supporting the community housing sector to deliver more homes for New Zealanders.”  says Ben Speedy.