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Kiwi families face ‘ticking time bomb’ without funded heart drugs

Source: Kia Manawanui Trust | The Heart of Aotearoa New Zealand

Thousands of Kiwi heart patients are missing out on a proven, life-saving heart medication because it is not publicly funded.
Kia Manawanui Trust – The Heart of Aotearoa is calling on Pharmac to fund a class of medicines called PCSK9 inhibitors that reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol.
This medicine could transform the lives of an estimated 1 in 250 New Zealanders living with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – a genetic condition that causes dangerously high ‘bad’ cholesterol, putting them at risk of heart attack or stroke at an early age.
“I’m still young – I want to minimise deterioration as much as I can, because I want to be around for my son for a long time,” the 50-year-old says.
“I’ve got a lot more life to live and a lot more to give.”
Heart disease has already claimed his grandfather and uncle at a young age – and Matt worries he may be next.
“I just want to survive – and be there for my wife and our three young children as they grow up.”
PCSK9 medicines can dramatically lower levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol, offering patients like Korie and Matt a real chance at longer, healthier lives.
But in New Zealand, these treatments aren’t funded.
Patients must either pay thousands of dollars themselves or go without, leaving their cholesterol dangerously high.
Currently funded cholesterol medications aren’t enough to reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol to a safe level for patients living with FH.
Trust Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says the situation reflects a wider national failure.
“Unfortunately, their stories are not unique – it is the reality for thousands of New Zealand families living with FH, an inherited heart disease.
“They are living with a constant ticking time bomb inside their chest, while the treatments that could save their lives are sitting on the shelf, out of reach.”
The lack of funded treatment options for heart disease, in general, is appalling, Ms Harding says.
“We are decades behind other countries, including Australia, where these medications are already funded and changing lives.”
Pharmac needs to ring-fence a dedicated fund for cardiac drugs, she says.
“Heart disease is the number one killer in New Zealand, so it makes sense to do this.
“Every day we delay funding vital heart medications means more heart attacks and deaths that could be prevented.”
This World Heart Day (September 29), the Trust is encouraging Kiwis to 'Know Your Numbers' – a campaign aimed at understanding your cholesterol levels. An estimated 1 in 250 Kiwis have FH, but less than 2% are diagnosed.
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Defence News – NZ Army Colonel who spent childhood in Papua New Guinea oversees 50th anniversary celebration

Source: New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF)

Papua New Guinea (PNG) holds a special place in the heart of New Zealand Army Colonel Duncan George, who recently oversaw a successful Papua New Guinea Defence Force celebration of the country’s 50th anniversary of independence.

He was born in Christchurch and attended Riccarton High School, but for three formative years from the age of eight, Colonel George lived in PNG, learning the language and experiencing the nation’s rich culture.

His father, Squadron Leader (Rtd) Chris George was posted as one of the New Zealand Defence Force instructors to the local Defence Academy and the family lived in Igam Barracks in Lae.

In February this year, Colonel George was appointed the Joint Task Force Commander to plan and support the week-long anniversary celebrations.

This included a military tattoo attended by military bands from Australia, Fiji, France, India, Japan, New Zealand, Tonga, United Kingdom, United States and Vanuatu. There was also a fleet review of Navy vessels, an air show over Ela Beach and a static display of visiting and PNG aircraft.

The week also provided opportunities for visiting aircraft from Australia, France and New Zealand to deliver supplies such as medical equipment, books and mosquito netting, to remote areas around the country.

“I’m relieved that it went well, but also very proud of PNG, the PNG Defence Force and of course, the New Zealand and Australian Defence Forces that helped out,” Colonel George said.

“There were a whole bunch of countries that came over to help celebrate, which was fantastic and it was great the majority of them were from around the Pacific region.”

Colonel George has been embedded in the PNG Defence Force since December 2023 as the Deputy Chief of Staff, so has a unique insight into why this celebration was so significant for the country.

“PNG is the most populous nation in Oceania. From a strategic geographic point of view, it straddles Southeast Asia and the Pacific. It's a leading nation within the Pacific Islands Forum in terms of its size, geography and natural resources.”

It was important to reflect on the positive aspects of the country, because all too often governance, the economy and law and order were the focal point from international observers, he said.

“PNG is a proud nation with uninterrupted parliamentary democracy, a growing middle class, and it's a nation that has a big voice in the Pacific.”

Colonel George’s family ties to the area remain to this day. His father was known for his professional skills but also his ability to train, mentor and encourage young Papua New Guinean aviators. Last month Squadron Leader George was presented with a commendation by PNG Defence Force Deputy Chief Brigadier-General Lari Opa.

It was a proud moment for Colonel George, who reflected on their life there more than 30 years ago.

“The great memories I have of being in PNG during the 80s were so strong that I always wanted to come back, I just wasn’t sure when or how. Having three kids (two teenagers) meant that I was a little hesitant to do it so late in my career, but my wife told me that it was now or never, so we took the plunge.”

Colonel George is the sixth Deputy Chief of Staff to come from the NZDF since the appointment was created in 2009.

“PNG and the PNG Defence Force can be challenging places to live and work, but the people are the key to being here. They have different ways of doing things, but I’m lucky in the sense that I grew up here for a while, I’ve retained much of my Tok Pisin (Pidgin) and I feel comfortable and accepted here as one of the Defence Force’s own.

“My wife has taken to scuba diving and my children are having a great experience at their respective schools.”

Colonel George will finish his posting in December and said he sees PNG as becoming increasingly important for New Zealand in the coming years.

“I encourage anyone who is passionate about the Pacific and our place in it to consider a posting here. You need an adventurous spirit, but serving here will be a highlight in anyone’s career.”

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Northland Regional Council news briefs – 22 September 2025

Source: Northland Regional Council

TSUNAMI SIREN TESTING
Northland’s six-monthly outdoor tsunami siren test will take place at 10am on Sunday, 28 September, marking the start of daylight saving.
The recently upgraded network of more than 90 outdoor sirens is tested twice a year to ensure it remains ready to alert communities in the event of a tsunami. While it’s hoped such an emergency never occurs, regular testing helps ensure the system can respond effectively if needed and raises awareness of Northland’s tsunami risk.
During the test, sirens will sound for around two minutes, emitting the familiar siren tone followed by a voice message. Indoor sirens will not be tested, but should be checked manually.
Feedback on the test can be provided on the day using a feedback form available on the Northland Regional Council website.
To hear Northland’s new outdoor sirens online, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/tsunamisirens
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Announcements – Retirement Commissioner stepping down in 2026

Source: New Zealand Retirement Commission

New Zealand’s Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson has advised the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs that she will conclude her second term in early 2026 and not seek reappointment. 

Jane Wrightson has led the Retirement Commission for nearly six years, overseeing research, policy advice on retirement incomes and villages, and public education to support New Zealanders' financial wellbeing. 
Throughout her time as Retirement Commissioner she has successfully advocated for key policy changes which will see more New Zealanders enjoy a better retirement as a result.  
Key achievements:

  • Prompted the first substantive review of the Retirement Villages Act 2003 with a decision expected on legislative changes by the end of 2025. 
  • Recommended employer and employee KiwiSaver contributions increase to 4% and for 16-17-year-olds to be included, confirmed in Budget 2025. 
  • Championed the compulsory inclusion of financial education in schools, announced in April 2025.  
  • Rallied a diverse financial services sector around supporting the National Strategy for Financial Capability with three-year action plans.  
  • Ensured that Sorted keeps growing as a popular and appealing upskilling resource for the more than two million New Zealanders who use it each year.  

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson acknowledged the work of the Retirement Commissioner. 

“I would like to thank Jane Wrightson for her leadership and for the way she’s advocated for better financial capability and retirement outcomes for New Zealanders. I wish her all the very best for the future,” Mr Simpson says. 
“Recruitment for the next Retirement Commissioner will begin shortly.” 
Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson says she’s proud of what’s been achieved during her time in the role. 
“I can’t do anything without a great team, and while we might be small, over the years have achieved some big wins,” she says. 
“Our work on the National Strategy for Financial Capability actively encourages different parts of the sector, from the big end of town to NGOs, to pull together on projects that make a difference. 
“Our high-quality research and analysis provide evidence for considered policy change. We ensure it’s public so that people can rely on it to inform themselves and their ideas.  
“Years of championing for a stronger focus on financial education in schools has been heard, and it will be a game-changer for the next generation’s financial wellbeing.  

“It’s been a privilege to hold this position, and I’d like to thank my team, the Ministers I’ve worked with, and our sector partners and stakeholders that help us to improve the financial futures of New Zealanders so a better retirement can be enjoyed by all.”
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Transport Sector – Common-sense prevails on Brooklyn Road safety scheme

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand welcomes Wellington City Council’s decision to scrap all eight raised pedestrian crossings, the proposed speed bumps, and the in-lane bus stops from the Brooklyn Connections – Walk, Bike and Bus Improvements project.
Membership Manager Lindsay Calvi-Freeman attended a meeting in late August with Council officers alongside the Greater Brooklyn Residents Association. Following that meeting, Council announced that the vertical devices and in-lane bus stops would no longer proceed.
“This is great news,” says Lindsay Calvi-Freeman. “It is a pragmatic and common-sense decision that recognises both safety concerns and the vital role Brooklyn Road plays as the main route to the Southern Landfill.”
The original proposal included eight raised crossings, multiple speed bumps, and two in-lane bus stops, many of which were on the uphill side of Brooklyn Road. For heavy vehicles, particularly landfill trucks and large truck-and-trailer combinations, this would have caused repeated stop-start traffic, higher diesel burn, increased emissions, and unnecessary wear and tear. Buses and other road users would also have been delayed.
Transporting New Zealand says it is pleased that Wellington City Council has listened to industry, emergency services, and the community on this issue.
The Council’s new plan can be viewed here.
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Environment – Consent granted for SH1 expressway from Cambridge to Piarere – ERA

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

An independent panel has granted resource consent and confirmed notices of requirement, subject to conditions, for long-term improvements to State Highway 1 from Cambridge to Piarere, Waikato.
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi applied for resource consents and a notice of requirement under the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 to construct an expressway from the southern end of the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway to the intersection of State Highways 1 and 29 at Piarere.
It will include an interchange at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Karāpiro Road and pedestrian and cyclist access to Karāpiro School.
The resource consent conditions are in the decision report on the page linked below.
The decision comes 140 working days after the application was lodged with the Environmental Protection Authority.
The Environmental Protection Authority is not involved in the decision-making. We provide procedural advice and administrative support to the panel.
Note that this application was made under the now repealed Natural and Built Environment Act 2023 and not the more recent fast-track legislation.
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Education and Health – Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship Programme Launches at Whitireia and WelTec

Source: Whitireia and WelTec

A new partnership between Whitireia and WelTec and the Southern Cross Health Trust is offering nursing ākonga (students) in the Wellington region unparalleled support during their studies and clinical placements.
Launched on 22 September 2025, the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship is offering nine scholarships to Whitireia and WelTec ākonga for the 2026 academic year, as well as covering the cost of clinical uniforms and footwear for all first-year Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Māori, and Bachelor of Nursing Pacific ākonga.
Carmel Haggerty, Head of School of Health at Whitireia and WelTec, says the scholarship will help break down barriers for ākonga to enter and complete their nursing studies.
“The scholarship programme is an incredible opportunity for our nursing ākonga. Financial pressures are one of the biggest challenges they face, and with this support, they can focus on their education. We are very grateful to Southern Cross for providing our ākonga this amazing opportunity” says Haggerty.
Whitireia and WelTec is the only tertiary provider in Aotearoa New Zealand where the Southern Cross Nursing Scholarship is available across three distinct nursing degrees – the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Māori, and Bachelor of Nursing Pacific.
Of the nine scholarships Southern Cross Health Trust is funding at Whitireia and WelTec in 2026, three will be offered in each nursing programme. One scholarship will support a first-year ākonga for three years, one will support a second-year ākonga for two years, and one will support a third-year ākonga for their final year of study.
Each nursing programme at Whitireia and WelTec is grounded in its own cultural lens, preparing ākonga with both clinical expertise and the ability to deliver care in ways that resonate with their respective communities. Having scholarships available across all three programmes ensures the nursing workforce benefits from a rich diversity of perspectives and approaches to care.
Jeanette Grace, Dean Te Wānanga Māori at Whitireia and WelTec, says the scholarship support will have a powerful impact for ākonga Māori and their whānau.
“Our ākonga bring with them te ao Māori values, knowledge, and ways of caring that are vital for improving Māori health outcomes. These scholarships will help remove barriers so our ākonga can stay focused on their studies and graduate as confident nurses who are ready to serve their communities,” says Grace.
Anita, who is studying towards her Bachelor of Nursing Pacific at Whitireia and WelTec, says she is excited about the chance to apply for the scholarship.
“I think it’s exciting that Southern Cross are investing in nursing scholarships to support future nurses, and I’m looking forward to applying for the scholarship to support me in my final year next year. As a Pacific nursing ākonga, I’m fortunate to be part of a village that supports us and it’s great that Southern Cross are now part of that village,” says Anita.
Recipients will receive up to $500 per week while on clinical placement, a $5,000 contribution towards course fees each year, as well as $500 per year for general health and wellbeing. The Nursing Council of New Zealand state exam, taken to become registered nurses, will also be paid for in their final year of study.
In addition, all 2026 nursing ākonga at each of the partner nursing schools will also be eligible for a funded flu vaccine courtesy of Southern Cross Wellness Partners.
Beyond financial assistance, scholarship recipients will receive priority clinical placements in Southern Cross hospitals and a mentorship with a Southern Cross Healthcare nurse.
Southern Cross Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Monica Goldwater says the programme reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to New Zealand’s nurses.
“We know that highly skilled, supported nurses are at the heart of great healthcare,” she says.
“Through these scholarships, we’re investing in the ongoing education and development of our nurses, and in doing so, we’re helping ensure New Zealanders can continue to access exceptional care now and into the future.”
The Southern Cross Health Trust established the Nursing Scholarship Programme together with Auckland University of Technology (AUT), with 17 scholarships awarded in 2025. Now in its second year, funding has been increased to offer scholarships at a further five tertiary providers across Aotearoa New Zealand in 2026.
Overall, the Southern Cross Health Trust is investing more than a million dollars into supporting New Zealand nursing ākonga next year through the Nursing Scholarship Programme.
Southern Cross Health Trust and Southern Cross Healthcare CEO Chris White says the organisation is proud to be growing its investment in the Nursing Scholarship Programme.
“Increasing the number of scholarships and geographical spread of the programme reflects our commitment to supporting New Zealand’s future nursing workforce.”
Applications for the 2026 Nursing Scholarship Programme open 22 September 2025 and close on 28 November 2025 for Year One applicants, and 1 November 2025 for Year Two and Three applicants. Further details, including eligibility criteria and application forms, are available on the Whitireia and WelTec scholarship website page.
More information about studying nursing at Whitireia and WelTec
Launch your nursing career with Whitireia and WelTec. We have developed exceptional nursing graduates for over three decades. With a nursing qualification, a world of job opportunities in clinical health awaits.
Check out Whitireia and WelTec nursing programmes here.
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Environment – Samsung New Zealand to Host Free E-Waste Drive-Throughs, Tackling Growing Electronic Waste Challenge

Source: Samsung

AUCKLAND, New Zealand – 22 September, 2025 – Samsung Electronics New Zealand is launching two free drive-through e-waste collection events this October to help Aucklanders easily and responsibly clear out unwanted electronics and prevent them from ending up in landfills.

With electronic waste being one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, these events provide a simple, cost-free solution for the community. Residents can drop off everything from old computers and TVs to heat pumps and whiteware[1]—even items not made by Samsung—at Trusts Arena on Saturday October 11, and at Eden Park on Saturday October 18.

This initiative is a critical part of Samsung’s broader commitment to sustainability, which extends from product design to end-of-life solutions. The company is again partnering with Echo, New Zealand's largest e-waste disposal company[2], to ensure all items are handled and processed in an environmentally sound manner.

“We believe that our responsibility doesn't end when a product is sold; it extends to its entire lifecycle,” said Shannon Watts, Group Marketing Director at Samsung New Zealand. “These bi-annual collection events are a hands-on way for us to empower the community to make a real difference. We are committed to not only designing energy-efficient products but also providing accessible, free pathways for people to responsibly dispose of old tech and keep harmful materials out of our environment.”

Samsung’s e-waste collection events in May earlier this year were a major success, diverting an impressive 45,955 kg of e-waste from landfills, resulting in 13,179 kg of greenhouse gas emissions avoided. With its second round of events this year, Samsung continues to highlight the growing issue of electronic waste and promote responsible e-waste management through these initiatives.

The events are designed to be as convenient as possible, allowing participants to simply drive up and drop off their items without ever leaving their vehicle. Those wanting to attend can RSVP via the Facebook event pages (here for Trusts Arena or here for Eden Park) or simply drive to the designated drop-off points at either of the below locations from 9am – 3pm on Saturday, October 11th and 18th.  

Trusts Arena Lower Carpark
Saturday October 11th
Gate 3
65-67 Central Park Drive
Henderson
Auckland 0612

Eden Park Carpark
Saturday October 18th
Gate M, entry via Sandringham Road
Kingsland
Auckland 1024

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

About Echo Tech Limited

Echo Tech Limited is New Zealand’s largest e-waste recycler, offering end-to-end services for IT asset disposition, telecom decommissioning, and IT asset resale. Through innovative processes and a transparent revenue-share model, Echo helps clients maximise value while delivering measurable environmental outcomes.

[1] Not all old electronics will be accepted/collected on the day. We do not accept CDs & DVDs, Floppy discs, Household and LED lightbulbs, LPG gas bottles, Medical devices, Glass, Hazardous Waste (e.g., Paint, Garden Waste, General Chemicals), or Furniture (e.g., TV Cabinets).

[2] Participants are responsible for deleting (as applicable) any data on electronic appliances or devices. Samsung is not responsible for any data or loss of data in electronic appliances dropped off at this event.

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Weather Tech – New AI-Ready supercomputer set to transform environmental forecasting in New Zealand

Source: HPE

HPE Cray XD2000 system now powers Earth Sciences New Zealand's industry-leading 'Supercomputing System for Advanced Weather Forecasting and Research', accelerating environmental science and forecasting.

Auckland, New Zealand – 22 September 2025 – HPE (NYSE:HPE) today announced that Earth Sciences New Zealand (formally NIWA) of Aotearoa (New Zealand) selected HPE Cray XD2000, purpose-built for AI and simulation workloads, to accelerate the organisation's environmental science and precision of meteorological forecasting.

The new system, named Cascade, replaces Earth Sciences New Zealand's aging high performance computing (HPC) and delivers a threefold increase in computational power for researchers to run multiple AI-powered simulations simultaneously for more accurate weather predictions.  The new system supports Earth Sciences New Zealand's mission to strengthen the country's resilience against weather and climate-related hazards, such as wildfires and flooding from heavy rainfall.

Cascade is powered by AMD 4th Gen EPYC processors and tightly coupled with HPE GreenLake for File Storageto deliver a highly performant, simplified storage environment and enable 19 petabytes of data to accelerate local research, supporting faster decision-making and more informed crisis management.

The Cascade system features direct liquid cooling (DLC) technology that minimises energy use and water usage and efficiently cools the computational cluster, which was architected flexibly to allow future expansion. Furthermore, the electricity supplied to the CDC data centre, where Cascade is housed, is generated from 100% renewable sources.

“We're thrilled to partner with Earth Sciences New Zealand on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Chris Weber, Vice President and Managing Director, South Pacific at HPE. “By delivering advanced HPC and AI capabilities, we're empowering New Zealand's leading climate and environmental researchers with the tools they need to drive scientific discovery and tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Importantly, we're able to maximise energy efficiency through direct liquid cooling and leverage renewable energy. This collaboration showcases the true potential of technology to make a meaningful impact, both locally and globally.”

In another milestone, Earth Sciences New Zealand's Cascade is set to be the largest implementation in the Asia Pacific region of HPE GreenLake for File, across both HPC and traditional enterprise computing. For Earth Sciences New Zealand, it represents a significant commitment to future-proof the country against the impacts of climate change and ensuring public safety for generations to come.

Based in Auckland, Earth Sciences New Zealand is the country's leading provider of natural and environmental science services, internationally recognised for its cutting-edge research in climate, freshwater, geological resources, energy futures and marine science. As an island nation, New Zealand faces unique challenges from atmospheric rivers – narrow corridors in the atmosphere that carry large quantities of water vapour and are known to cause major rainfall events – which makes Earth Sciences New Zealand's role in forecasting weather even more vital to support its national climate resilience.

“This upgrade with HPE Cray XD2000 marks a huge leap forward in our ability to understand and predict the environment around us,” says Dr Jess Robertson, Chief Scientist – Advanced Technology at Earth Sciences New Zealand. “Enhancing scientific research with the advanced technology solutions gives us the tools to make smarter and safer decisions with confidence for New Zealand in a changing climate.”

Alongside its forecasting capabilities, Earth Sciences New Zealand also supports the country's low-carbon economy and biodiversity protection, improving water quality, social equity, and regional development.

Partnering with HPE, Earth Sciences New Zealand is able to achieve unprecedented performance for its workloads, supercharging research data, processing and forecasting capabilities. Leveraging HPE's extensive design and liquid cooling expertise, Cascade is purpose-built to operate at full capacity for longer, maximising scalability and up-time. Cascade will also use real-time data to unlock an advanced weather forecasting technique referred to as nowcasting. Nowcasting uses AI to predict short-term, highly-localised weather rapidly, supporting the inclusion of solar and wind in high-frequency energy markets as well as emergency response to fires and extreme weather.

 

About Hewlett Packard Enterprise 

HPE (NYSE: HPE) is a leader in essential enterprise technology, bringing together the power of AI, cloud and networking to help organisations achieve more. As pioneers of possibility, our innovation and expertise advance the way people live and work. We empower our customers across industries to optimise operational performance, transform data into foresight, and maximise their impact. Unlock your boldest ambitions with HPE. Discover more at www.hpe.com.

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Advocacy – Recognition of Palestine: Symbolic but Insufficient – PFNZ

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand

The anticipated recognition of a Palestinian state by additional governments this week marks an important symbolic step. However, recognition alone will not bring meaningful change, end the occupation, or deliver justice and peace.

For decades, the Palestinian people have endured dispossession, displacement, and a relentless campaign of violence. While symbolic gestures acknowledge Palestine’s right to statehood, they fall short of addressing the urgent realities on the ground: the ongoing genocide in Gaza, expanding settlements in the West Bank, and the denial of fundamental human rights to millions of Palestinians.

What is required is concrete international action:

  • Ending military, political, and economic support for Israel’s system of occupation and apartheid.

  • Demanding full accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including support for the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court processes.

  • Supporting Palestinian self-determination through practical measures, including sanctions, trade restrictions, and diplomatic pressure.

Recognition of Palestine is a necessary affirmation of legitimacy. But without enforcement of international law and tangible consequences for Israel’s violations, it risks being reduced to yet another symbolic milestone while Palestinians continue to suffer.

The Palestine Forum of New Zealand calls on the New Zealand Government to move beyond statements of concern and take real steps to support justice, accountability, and freedom for the Palestinian people.

Maher Nazzal

Palestine Forum of New Zealand