MIL Email Publisher (NZ)

27 August 2026

Niuean personnel who answered the call to serve during the First World War are being remembered with memorial headstones in honour of their service.

Thirty-nine memorial headstones were transported to Niue on a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130J Hercules and handed over to the Government of Niue and the Niue Returned Services Association (RSA) in a ceremony yesterday.

The memorial headstones will be placed in villages around Niue providing a place for the community and others to pay tribute to the Niuean men who joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force as part of the New Zealand Pioneer Battalion.

Head of Veterans' Affairs New Zealand (VANZ), Alexander Brunt, says Niue's sacrifice in the First World War was immense.

The 150 servicemen who volunteered represented around four per cent of Niue's population at the time.

Their journey was marked by hardship, including exposure to and death from illnesses and conditions they had never experienced at home, he said.

“We hope that these memorials will help the descendants of your veterans preserve the special places where they honour and remember the loved ones they lost, their courage, service and sacrifice.”

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was represented at the ceremony by Wing Commander Adam O'Rourke, who said it was a privilege to accompany the delivery and honour the legacy of the Niuean men who volunteered to serve with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.

“Their service forged an enduring bond between Niue and New Zealand, carried forward by the Niuean coastwatchers of the Second World War,” he said.

“This partnership between our countries is reflected to this day. Kiwis of Niuean heritage continue to serve in the NZDF and our defence relationship continues to evolve to meet the needs of a changing Pacific,” he said.

VANZ, the NZDF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade worked in partnership with the Government of Niue and the Niue RSA to see this important project realised. As part of this effort, the New Zealand High Commission will provide support for the installation of the service memorial headstones in villages throughout Niue, to ensure the legacy of those who served lives on in their communities.

Video footage of the ceremony

Background notes:

Initially New Zealand declined offers of troops from Niue but following losses during the Gallipoli campaign, men were recruited from Niue and the Cook Islands. They trained at Narrow Neck camp in Auckland before embarking for Suez in February 1916.

Many of the men succumbed to illnesses they had never been previously exposed to, often exacerbated by climate conditions they were also not used to. By late May 1916, over 80 per cent of the Niuean men had been hospitalised, and the decision was made to withdraw them.

The Niuean contingent saw combat service in France, experiencing artillery fire while digging trenches and establishing communications. None died from combat, but from the illnesses they were exposed to.

Source: Te Mātāwai

Media Release | 27 August 2026

Te Mātāwai is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruakiri Fairhall (Ngāti Tarāwhai, Te Arawa, Te Whakatōhea), as its new Co-Chair.

Current Co-Chair Mātai Smith says Ruakiri brings extensive experience in governance, te reo Māori revitalisation, haka, and iwi leadership, along with a strong commitment to advancing the reo Māori aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi.

“Ruakiri is a dedicated champion of te reo Māori who has supported a wide range of language initiatives within Te Arawa and internationally, particularly in London.”

“He has made an excellent contribution since joining the Board, and we are delighted to welcome him into this new leadership role,” says Co-Chair Mātai Smith.

Ruakiri joined the Te Mātāwai Board in May 2025, having served in an acting capacity since October 2024. He has represented Te Pae Motuhake o Te Arawa since 2021.

He offers a depth of governance expertise as a trustee of Ngāti Tarāwhai Iwi Trust, Te Reo Irirangi o Te Arawa and Ngā Kohinga Whakairo o Hinemihi Charitable Trust.

“I’m excited and humbled to be in this new role of Hoa-Toihau and I am driven by the goal of ensuring te reo Māori is alive, healthy, vibrant and safe for our future generations across Aotearoa, and the globe. Te reo Māori is a language for all,” says Ruakiri.

Photo caption: Photo of Te Mātāwai Board Co-Chair Ruakiri Fairhall (Ngāti Tarāwhai, Te Arawa, Te Whakatōhea) who was appointed to his leadership role yesterday.

Source: Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Members of the public are welcome to attend the national Merchant Navy Day commemoration at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington on Thursday 3 September.

“Merchant Navy Day is a time to recognise New Zealand's civilian seafarers and the part they played in supporting our country through war and conflict,” says Secretary for Culture and Heritage Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.

“Merchant ships were the lifeline between New Zealand and the rest of the world. Their crews transported people, equipment and supplies across oceans during some of the most dangerous periods of the twentieth century.”

This year's ceremony will highlight the contribution of women who worked aboard merchant vessels.

“Women made a valuable contribution to New Zealand's maritime workforce during the world wars. Working as stewardesses and in other shipboard roles, they helped keep vessels operating and passengers cared for, often in challenging circumstances.

“By bringing these stories into the spotlight, we gain a fuller picture of the people who contributed to New Zealand's wartime and maritime history.”

The commemoration will also acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the loss of the troopship Wahine in 1951.

“The Wahine was carrying New Zealand personnel destined for service in Korea when it was wrecked in the Arafura Sea, north of Australia. Although there was no loss of life, the incident underlines the risks associated with moving people and supplies across vast distances.

“The story of the Wahine is a reminder that military operations relied not only on those in uniform, but also on civilian ships and crews working behind the scenes.”

Merchant Navy Day also provides an opportunity to recognise the families who supported merchant seafarers throughout their service.

“Many merchant seafarers returned home with little public recognition. This commemoration helps ensure that their contribution, and the support of their families, remains part of our shared national story.

“I encourage everyone to join us at Pukeahu as we reflect on the sacrifices made at sea and honour those whose service helped keep New Zealand connected to the world.”

People attending this year’s commemoration are asked to arrive at the Hall of Memories at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park by 10.45am for an 11.00am start.

Further information

• Merchant Navy Day is marked annually on 3 September, the anniversary of the 1939 sinking of the British passenger liner Athenia, the first Allied merchant ship lost in the Second World War.
• Merchant ships carried troops, food, fuel, raw materials, and military supplies across dangerous sea routes during wartime.
• New Zealand relied heavily on sea transport to move exports, imports and personnel between Britain, the Pacific, Australia, and other destinations.
• Merchant seafarers included deck and engineer officers, seamen and engine room hands, radio operators, stewards, cooks, and other shipboard workers, including some women.
• More information on New Zealanders in the Merchant Marine and the Merchant Navy is available at:
  • New Zealanders in the Merchant Marine
  • The Merchant Navy

Caption: Second World War Merchant Navy propaganda poster (The National Archives, INF3/124/Wikimedia Commons)

Source: Cotality New Zealand

New Zealand property sales dropped for a seventh consecutive month in July, as some lifts in mortgage rates and broader economic uncertainty keep both buyers and sellers in a cautious mood.

Cotality’s Chart of the Month in the August Housing Chart Pack shows total property deals covering both private and estate agent sales fell -6.4% from the same month last year to 6,935.

This ongoing slowdown in activity has eased the 12-month running total of sales to 89,385, down from December’s mini-peak of 91,411.

However, first home buyers (FHBs) continue to stand out and take advantage of the conditions. This group pushed their market share to a new monthly high of 29% in July, with transaction volumes for FHBs also continuing to rise.

Cotality Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said the sustained pull-back in overall transactions has kept available listings high by historical standards, giving active buyers significant leverage on price, even as vendors hold firm against major discounting.

“Buyers aren't in any rush given the high level of available stock, but sellers aren't capitulating either, given that job losses have been relatively limited. That's keeping property values subdued, down -0.3% nationally in July, which FHBs are benefiting from,” he said.

Mr Davidson noted that other buyer groups are treading more carefully as cost and economic pressures mount.

“Relocating owner-occupiers, or 'movers', remain less active than normal as economic and job uncertainty weighs on sentiment. Meanwhile, mortgaged multiple property owners saw a slight uptick in market share in July, but this may be short-lived given the cashflow squeeze from flat rents, rising holding costs, and general election uncertainty,” he said.

“Adding to market headwinds, the Reserve Bank has commenced a tightening cycle for the official cash rate, with expectations building for another potential increase in September as they look to reduce future inflation risks.”

“Mortgage rates have already drifted higher in recent weeks. While many borrowers are attempting to hedge further rises by taking out longer-term fixed rates, those rolling off shorter fixed terms onto new two-year loans face higher rates.

“Looking ahead, sales volumes seem poised to keep trending largely sideways or slightly down in the coming months, with mortgage rates now drifting higher.”

“All in all, housing market activity remains subdued, and the second half of 2026 is likely to look quite similar for both sales volumes and property values,” concluded Mr Davidson.

Source: World Vision New Zealand

World Vision is deeply concerned for children in northern Nepal after a powerful flash flood washed away villages killing more than 100 people and leaving widespread devastation in its wake.

Hundreds are still missing after the wall of water, ice and rock swept through the Bhotekoshi Valley, north of Nepal's capital Kathmandu. Search and Rescue efforts are currently underway, but authorities say the death toll is expected to rise.

World Vision New Zealand National Director, TJ Grant, says the aid agency’s staff describe the devastation caused by the flash flood as “beyond imagination”.

“Our teams at the scene tell us that homes have been carried away by the raging floodwaters, bridges have collapsed, and entire communities have been cut off without electricity and road access.

“Many people remain unaccounted for, and rescue teams are struggling to reach affected areas due to the extensive damage and dangerous conditions.

“Children and families are homeless, frightened and in distress as they search for those that are missing and face an uncertain future. They need urgent support,” he says.

Grant says World Vision is ready to respond with emergency food assistance, shelter kits and other relief support.

“We’re deeply concerned for those affected and we’re working with government authorities and our local networks to assess needs and support response efforts.”

Grant says while the current focus is on the search and rescue operation, World Vision holds fears for the long-term impact on children.

“Displacement, disruption to education, psychosocial distress and protection risks can have lasting impacts on a child's wellbeing and development. World Vision is committed to working to protect, support and prioritise children throughout the emergency response and the recovery phase,” he says.

Grant says this latest disaster highlights the growing risks facing Himalayan communities.

Authorities are still working to determine the exact cause of the flash flood, but Grant says communities in Nepal’s mountain valleys are living with more frequent flooding events.

He says rising temperatures across the Himalayas are contributing to glacier melt and the expansion of unstable glacial lakes which increases concern about sudden and destructive flooding events.

“This disaster is a stark reminder of the growing vulnerability of mountain communities to multiple environmental hazards and the urgent need for emergency support when these disasters occur,” he says.

New Zealanders can support children and families affected by the flash flood in Nepal here: www.worldvision.org.nz

Source: Fish & Game New Zealand

A joint Fish & Game ranger-training and night-ranging operation at the Mackenzie hydro canals, over the weekend of 21-23 August, found all anglers bar one were compliant.

Ten Central South Island and Southland Fish & Game rangers were active across the Mackenzie Basin hydro canal fishery on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a focus on checking on night-time canal fishing and that closed waters were being respected.

Central South Island Fish & Game Compliance Coordinator Hamish Stevens says, “The canal fishery is one of the most popular trout and salmon fisheries in New Zealand, and licensing and regulations are in place to help manage and maintain sustainable fish populations.”

“A regular ranger presence helps reinforce the rules, detect offending when it occurs, and reassure compliant anglers that everyone is being held to the same standard.”

“It was great to have Southland rangers join our team and gain experience at the canals. The combined team gave us strong coverage across the fishery during the operation.”

The operation resulted in rangers completing 122 angler interviews and the detection of one individual offending.

The single offence detected involved a tourist angler from USA fishing with a bare hook intentionally separated from the lure, which is legal in some states of USA under specified regulations, but is not an authorised lure in New Zealand.

“Similar compliance operations in recent years have resulted in several offences being detected, so it was particularly pleasing to see the near 100% compliance rate including that all anglers held valid sports fishing licences,” Stevens said.

WHAT IS FISH & GAME?

Fish & Game manage trout, salmon and game birds to provide healthy recreation for Kiwis.

We work to protect the environment that anglers and hunters have enjoyed as a tradition for over 150 years.

Captions

“Rangers Nikki Dellaway and Brett Cairns check on a compliant angler at night on Ōhau B Canal, August 2026 — photo by Rhys Adams, Central South Island Fish & Game”

“Ranger Hamish Stevens checks compliant angler Andrew Stuart on the Ōhau A Canal — photo supplied”

Source: Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission

Pānui Special Edition
27 Here-turi-kōkā August 2026

Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has launched a new set of resources to support more inclusive emergency preparedness, response and recovery across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Developed in collaboration with disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori, the resources are designed to guide conversations among disabled people, whānau, communities, emergency management agencies, councils and service providers about what inclusive emergency management looks like in practice and how Te Tiriti and human rights help us get there.

The set of resources include:

• An animated video encouraging conversations about inclusive emergency management.
• A Call to Action Conversation Guide in English and te Reo Māori, which sets out how a Te Tiriti and human rights approach in emergency management leads to a stronger and fairer system we can all rely on.
• A Call to Action Evidence Guide, which provides specific recommendations and provides more detailed evidence about the effectiveness of an inclusive and participatory approach.
• A case study about the community of Whirinaki in Hokianga, which illustrates positive results of an inclusive, hapū-led approach.
• Accessible formats include Braille, large print, Easy Read, audio and NZSL.

Disability Rights Commissioner Prudence Walker says inclusive emergency management is a human rights issue and requires systems to recognise tangata whenua and disabled people as rights-holders, leaders, experts and decision-makers.

“Emergencies can expose and intensify barriers that already exist. These resources support communities and emergency management organisations to remove those barriers, uphold dignity and mana, and make sure disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori are actively involved in planning before, during and after emergencies,” said Walker.

The Commission is encouraging emergency management agencies, councils, community organisations and service providers to actively engage with disabled people and use the resources to guide preparedness conversations, hui, workshops, staff meetings and local planning processes and to share them in their networks.

Everyone can contribute to building a stronger emergency management system that considers, plans for and responds to our diverse needs.

Share the resources and let your local emergency management agencies and councils know that inclusive approaches are important to you.

Learn more and download resources

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Researchers are investigating how children are affected when a parent or caregiver is imprisoned, and how their rights and needs can be better understood and supported.

A new study is investigating what happens to tamariki and rangatahi before and after a parent or primary caregiver is sent to prison, and whether their rights and interests are adequately considered when courts make bail and sentencing decisions.

Previous research highlights a stark difference between what happens when mothers and fathers are imprisoned: when fathers are imprisoned, 79 percent of children continue living with their mothers and their living arrangements don’t change.

When mothers are imprisoned, most children’s care arrangements change, with only 21 percent remaining with their fathers.

Funded by the Borrin Foundation, the project brings together University of Auckland academics Professor Julia Tolmie (Auckland Law School), School of Māori Studies and Pacific Studies’ Professor Tracey McIntosh (Ngāi Tūhoe) and Professor Barry Milne (Arts and Education) with Auckland University of Technology’s Dean of Law Professor Khylee Quince (Ngāpuhi, Te Roroa, Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Kahungunu).

The research began in response to a request from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who saw a need for a New Zealand-based study into the sentencing of parents who are primary or sole caregivers, the impact on children, and gaps in the criminal justice response to female offending and offending that might result in imprisonment.

Women in prison are almost three times more likely than men to have dependent children and more than twice as likely to be single parents.

“If a child’s parent goes to prison it may mean that the person who’s most invested in them loses all capacity to care for them or to monitor the quality of their care and their well-being for a period of time,” says Tolmie, a criminal law and policy expert.

McIntosh, a sociologist and criminologist, says the intergenerational reach of incarcerating woman is significant, because the impact on children is so immediate.

“An arrest, subsequent conviction and sentence to prison increases the risk of children being put into care. For too many incarcerated wāhine, state care has been a part of their own histories. Their awareness of the dangers of state care means that the pains of imprisonment are increased by the recognition of the potential harm that their children may encounter.”

Quince says Māori children are more likely to be raised in single-parent households, most often headed by mothers, while 67 percent of women currently in prison are Māori.

“This means wāhine Māori continue to parent and manage whānau while behind the wire, often without the knowledge of important institutions in the lives of their tamariki, such as schools. The research will explore the impacts that dynamic has on both māmā and tamariki.”

Through interviews, population data and work with community groups and NGOs, the researchers will build a clearer and current picture of who is being imprisoned while caring for dependent children and the lived experiences of those children.

The study will examine how many children have parents who are facing imprisonment, their demographics, the offences for which their parents are convicted, what care arrangements are made for these children and how New Zealand judges currently approach these cases.

Milne, who directs the University of Auckland’s Centre of Methods and Policy Application in the Social Sciences (COMPASS), will work with senior research fellow Dr Lisa Underwood to analyse population data, including the offences parents are imprisoned for such as drug use or property offending, and the proportion serving short sentences.

The academics will also examine what happens in children’s lives before and after a caregiver is imprisoned, including changes in school attendance, where they live and health outcomes.

The study will look at approaches used overseas and initiatives already operating in New Zealand that could inform different ways of sentencing parents and caregivers.

Based on their findings, the researchers plan to develop recommendations for law reform and improved judicial practices. They also hope the project will increase public understanding and encourage more informed discussion about the impact of parental imprisonment on children and young people.