MIL Email Publisher (NZ)

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Health and safety concerns arising from unsafe staffing levels have forced nurses at Gisborne Hospital’s emergency department (ED) to go on strike.

Around 34 Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO members will down tools for an hour from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on Wednesday (9 September).

NZNO delegate and ED nurse Clara Dolman-Tuhou says Gisborne ED has been understaffed since the end of last year and ongoing meetings with management have brought no significant change despite the ED going into code red multiple times.

“Unsafe staffing has significantly increased since then,” she says.

“This is because of severe staff shortages and unreasonable and unmanageable workloads that have made the ED critically unsafe, and led to increased sick leave, burn out and resignations.

“We’re at the point now where staff have had enough.”

Clara Dolman-Tuhou says unsafe staffing puts patients, health workers and the community at risk every day.

“Sustained understaffing and overcrowding in emergency departments could lead to more serious situations like patient deaths and violence against staff by frustrated people waiting longer than they should in ED.”

She says it’s a privilege caring for people when they are at their most vulnerable, and she’s proud of her mahi. However, immense work pressure comes at a cost.

“For me, that cost is my whānau and, most importantly, my child.

“The mental strain, exhaustion and anxiety that my colleagues and I are experiencing is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

“Health care workers cannot continually be expected to absorb the consequences of short staffing, increasing presentations and limited hospital capacity by simply working more hours.

“We cannot keep asking exhausted staff to carry an already overloaded system because eventually, something has to give.”

Gisborne ED staff were also bewildered by an email (seen by NZNO) from management on 9 July that the department was undergoing a staffing rollback which would have reduced nursing staff from 14 to 13 across the three shifts rostered each day.

This was paused following pressure from NZNO.

Source: Business Canterbury

Canterbury businesses are entering the final quarter of 2026 with confidence, strong investment intentions and growing capacity to back future growth, according to Business Canterbury's latest Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey released today.

The survey shows 72 percent of businesses expect the Canterbury economy to be stronger over the next 12 months, up 20 percentage points since May, while 72 percent also expect stronger financial performance. Investment intentions remain high, with 71 percent planning to invest in property, plant and equipment over the coming year, and 68 percent expecting to hire additional staff.

Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson says, “The results show a business community increasingly focused on long-term opportunity rather than short-term uncertainty.”

“When global conditions shifted following conflict in the Middle East, Canterbury businesses certainly felt the impact. What is encouraging is that they didn't put their plans on hold.

“While confidence fell earlier in the year, investment and hiring intentions remained remarkably resilient. Businesses have become used to planning for uncertainty rather than waiting for it to pass, and that is showing through in the decisions they are making today.”

The survey shows that confidence is being driven by tangible business activity rather than sentiment alone. Sales growth, customer demand and forward pipelines all came through as strong points for both the Canterbury economy and individual businesses.

“The story behind these results is that businesses can see work ahead of them.”

“Strong pipelines, committed projects and ongoing demand are giving businesses the confidence to invest, hire and grow. That provides a much more durable foundation for confidence than simply hoping conditions improve.”

The survey also points to a strong labour market here in Canterbury. Staff capability, retention and workforce quality came through as strengths in the economy again this quarter.

“After a prolonged period where workforce availability was one of the region's greatest constraints, many businesses are now telling us their people are becoming one of their best competitive advantages.”

“That reflects the work employers have done to attract, develop and retain talent, and it is helping position Canterbury businesses well for future growth.

“Canterbury is entering this period from a position of strength. Businesses are prepared to invest, create jobs and pursue growth opportunities, but they need confidence that the broader settings will support those decisions.

“That means accelerating enabling infrastructure, providing greater policy certainty and maintaining investment settings that encourage businesses to put capital to work.

“The opportunity for Canterbury is significant. The foundations are there, businesses have shown they are willing to back themselves, and with the right settings in place we have the potential to move into sustained long-term growth for the wider New Zealand economy – driven by the South”

• 72% expect the Canterbury economy to be stronger in 12 months, up 20 points from May.
• 72% expect stronger financial performance over the next 12 months, up 12 points.
• 71% expect to invest in property, plant and equipment within the next 12 months.
• 68% expect to hire new staff within the next 12 months.
• 77% are confident in their ability to deal with disruption.
• Top issues: consumer confidence and demand, inflation and interest rates, compliance costs, productivity and growth, international trade and geopolitical risks.

Visit the Business Canterbury website to download the summary report.

Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.

Source: Northland Regional Council

Northland’s six-monthly outdoor tsunami siren test will take place at 10 am on Sunday, 27 September, marking the start of daylight saving.

The network of more than 90 outdoor sirens in coastal communities across Taitokerau is tested twice annually to ensure it remains ready to alert communities in the event of a tsunami.

Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Chair Colin (Toss) Kitchen says 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.

He says during the test, sirens will sound for up to two minutes, emitting the familiar siren tone followed by a voice message: “Test only, test only. This is a test of the Northland tsunami siren network; no action is required.”

While the indoor siren network will not be activated during this test, residents with indoor sirens are encouraged to manually check their devices by pressing the test button, similar to testing a smoke alarm.

Chair Kitchen says community feedback is one of the most important parts of the tests.

“It helps us confirm the sirens are working properly, that people can actually hear them, and that everyone becomes more familiar with what they sound like and what to do when they activate.”

Residents can provide feedback on the day via forms available on the Northland Regional Council website and the Civil Defence Northland Facebook page.

“Could you hear it? Was the message clear? Let us know.”

Chair Kitchen also reminds Northlanders of the importance of recognising natural tsunami warning signs, especially in coastal areas where local-source tsunamis may arrive before any official alert.

“If you feel a strong earthquake that’s hard to stand in, one that lasts longer than a minute, or notice unusual sea behaviour, such as a sudden rise or fall or strange noises, don’t wait for an official warning, move inland or to higher ground immediately.”

To check if you live, work, or play in a tsunami evacuation zone, and to plan your safest route, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/evacuationzones

Northland’s outdoor tsunami sirens are funded and owned by the region’s four councils (Far North District, Whangarei District, Kaipara District, and Northland Regional Council).

To hear what the sirens sound like, visit: www.nrc.govt.nz/tsunamisirens

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

New social science research is helping strengthen tsunami safety messaging by showing how people understand evacuation maps, natural warnings and official alerts.

A study led by Earth Sciences NZ researchers and published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction explores how people understand common tsunami evacuation map designs. The team surveyed more than 1,100 people about tsunami risk, what they expect from warnings, and what they would do in response to a tsunami threat.

The findings show that public awareness of tsunami risk and evacuation zones is generally high. Around 3 in 4 people also understand that a long or strong earthquake can be a natural warning of a tsunami.

But the research also identified some important gaps. About a quarter of participants did not fully understand the need to evacuate immediately after recognising natural warning signs. Many expected an emergency mobile alert to warn them about a local-source tsunami (a tsunami that arrives within an hour), even though a tsunami generated close to the coast can arrive before an official warning can be issued.

The researchers say the results reinforce the importance of keeping tsunami safety messages clear, consistent and easy to remember.

“Kiwis are increasingly aware that a long or strong earthquake can be a warning of a tsunami, but there is still a critical moment when clear advice can make the difference between waiting and acting,” says Dr Mary Anne Clive, Earth Sciences NZ Social Scientist and lead author of the study.

“For a local-source tsunami, there is often not time for an official warning. People need to act immediately. That’s why messages like ‘Long or Strong, Get Gone’ are so important – they give people a simple action to remember when every second counts,” she says.

Tsunami safety depends not only on understanding the hazard, but also on how clearly that information is communicated before an emergency. By testing how people interpret maps and warnings, researchers can help agencies develop ways to communicate that are easy to understand and act on under pressure.

The study found that while map designs performed similarly on multiple measures, maps with a single evacuation zone were associated with higher risk perceptions. People shown a single evacuation zone reported higher levels of concern in a tsunami threat scenario than those shown maps with multiple zones. This suggests that simpler public-facing maps may help reinforce the seriousness of the hazard.

Dr Clive explains: “Effective map designs and risk communication can help reduce uncertainty when every minute matters. Our findings suggest that one big eye-catching tsunami evacuation zone could have cognitive benefits to help people act quickly.

“Evidence like this can help emergency managers give people the best possible chance of making safe decisions quickly,” she says.

Dr Clive adds: “Our research helps build an evidence base to support evacuation map design, public education and warning communication. It confirms an approach that combines simple, visible evacuation maps with repeated advice about natural warning signs and the importance of evacuating quickly.”

This and other social science research supported the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in updating their Tsunami Evacuation Director’s Guidelines in 2025. This guidance requests that all Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Groups and local authorities move to using one Blue Zone for tsunami evacuation zones, routes, maps and signs by mid 2031.

All of New Zealand’s coastline and large lakes are at risk from tsunamis. Knowing the warning signs and the right action to take can help save lives.

If you are near the coast or a lake and if you feel a Long (more than a minute) or Strong (hard to stand) earthquake, or receive an emergency mobile alert for a tsunami, Get Gone to higher ground, or as far inland as possible immediately. Do not wait for an official warning.

Know your local evacuation zone and route, practise how you would leave quickly, and plan how you would act if you are visiting an unfamiliar coastal area. Check out the National Emergency Management Agency’s website for more advice: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/tsunami.

Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

Almost 10,000 public servants across the country will strike for their respective collective agreements tomorrow, sending a clear message to their employers and the Government that they won’t back down in their bargaining for better pay and service delivery.

The striking public servants include those working at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD); the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE); and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities (MEC).

“These public servants are seeking an increase that keeps pace with the cost of living so their wages are not going backwards. They have rejected offers considerably below this. The Government came to power claiming to have a laser-like focus on the cost of living – it must stop its austerity drive and send a clear message to these employers to settle these disputes so public servants can be paid fairly,” said Duane Leo, National Secretary of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

“All these public servants want are fair deals for themselves and their families. That’s what these strikes are for, and we haven’t ruled out further industrial action if employers don’t bring that to the table,” said Leo.

Pickets and rallies will be held around the country – see the list at the bottom of this advisory for details.

Over 5,000 public servants at MSD will strike from 1pm-3pm. The bargaining covers roles across MSD, such as public servants who provide end-to-end income, housing, and employment support; process hardship grants, StudyLink loans, pension payments, and more; provide policy advice on changes to the welfare system; and support businesses with training pathways and recruitment.

Around 2,700 public servants at MBIE will strike from 1pm-5.30pm. The bargaining with MBIE covers immigration and visa officers, along with workers who operate New Zealand’s borders, advise on economic, business and regional investment; fund science and innovation; regulate building; manage the country’s energy system; and maintain consumer standards and market regulation. The largest group is Immigration Officers, most of whom earn around $70,000 a year.

More than 1,300 public servants at the DIA, NEMA, and MEC will strike from 1pm-6pm. DIA workers striking include those who process passports and documents recording our births, deaths, marriages and citizenship, National Library and Archives staff, gambling and anti-money laundering regulators, staff working on digital safety, child exploitation prevention, and violent extremism prevention, as well as community operations and emergency management roles.

List of strike pickets

• Northland– 1pm-3.30pm, BBQ/sausage sizzle at Laurie Hall Park, Whangārei
• Auckland CBD– 1.30pm-2.15pm, Te Komititanga Square (outside Waitematā Station, formerly Britomart)
• Auckland, Henderson– 1.30pm-2.15pm, Rotary Park, near the Corban Estate, Swanson Rd/Great North Rd/Lincoln Rd intersection
• Auckland, Manukau– 1.30pm-2.15pm, Manukau Plaza, cnr Osterley Way and Putney Way
• Mt Maunganui– 1.30pm-2.15pm, Truck bay across from Links Avenue Reserve, near Bayfair & driving range
• Hamilton– 1.30pm-2.15pm, 500 Victoria Street
• Ōpōtiki -1.30pm-2.15pm, 93 Church Street
• Rotorua -Leaving MSD's regional office at 1pm, walking down to Kuirau Park together, back at regional office by 3pm
• Gisborne– MSD members are marching from 1pm to the Southern Cross room at HB Williams Memorial Library by 1.20pm. Meet DIA and MBIE there at 1.30pm
• Hastings– 1pm-3pm, MSD (including Flaxmere office) – Hikoi – Start at office, head to the police station, then clock tower, meeting in the square, then back around up Nelson St and back to the office
• Napier– 1pm-3pm, MSD (Including Taradale office)- Hikoi to the Sound Shell, meeting then head back around to office. Offer sent out to DIA and MBIE members to join along the way.
• Palmerston North– 1.15pm-2.15pm, The Clocktower in The Square/Te Marae o Hine
• Porirua– 1.30pm-2.30pm, Corner of Lyttelton Ave and Titahi Bay Rd
• Lower Hutt– 1.30pm-2.15pm, 2 Queens Drive, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5010
• Wellington City– 1.30pm-2.15pm, Wellington Cenotaph, 1 Bowen Street (Wet weather backup: St Paul's Cathedral)
• Nelson– Meeting outside MSD on the Montgomery carpark side from 1pm. March to the bottom of Trafalgar Street – there from 1.15pm
• Christchurch– 1.30pm-2.30pm, Bridge of Remembrance
• Dunedin– 1.30pm-2.15pm, Exchange Square outside John Whitcliffe house/building for MSD, MBIE and DIA

Previous releases on these strikes

1 September: Govt should settle the industrial dispute not attack the workers raising it

1 September: 10,000 public servants to strike on 9 September

Previous industrial action leading up to these strikes

MSD stop-work meeting: Over 5,000 public servants at MSD the latest to hold stop-work meetings amid bargaining for better pay and service delivery

MBIE stop-work meeting: Thousands of MBIE workers hold stop-work meetings over pay dispute

DIA, NEMA, & MEC strike: PSA members at Department of Internal Affairs vote to strike as pay lags behind cost of living

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.

Source: Ngā Iwi o Taranaki

Tuesday 8 September, 2026 NZST

Just 60 days out from polling day, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki have launched ‘The Landline’, a campaign designed to entertain, educate and encourage Māori to enrol and vote in the upcoming election.

The campaign is entirely iwi funded and represents a collective response from the 8 Iwi of Taranaki. Coordinated through Te Tōpuni Ngārahu, the collective effort is applying the same unified approach that helped secure the Taranaki Mounga Treaty settlement, this time to voter enrolment and turnout.

Organisers say recent numbers underline why urgency matters. Around 54 percent of enrolled Māori voters now choose the Māori Roll, the highest proportion on record, but almost 3 in 10 enrolled Māori voters did not vote at the 2023 General Election.

Te Tōpuni Ngārahu Chief Executive, Wharehoka Wano, says the campaign is built around the kūmara vine, a long standing symbol of connection through the whenua.

“Just as the vine spreads and links whānau across the māra and beyond, this campaign is designed to reach our people wherever they live, in a light hearted and non confrontational way,” Wano says.

The creative itself leans into a fun, humorous and playful tone, steering away from anything heavy or preachy. Wano says the aim is for enrolling and voting to feel easy and even enjoyable, not like a chore.

“We're 60 days out until election day on 7 November. That's not a lot of time, and the roll closes even sooner, on 25 October. We want all uri to know this and act on it now.”

Ngāti Maru Pouwhakahaere and CEO, Anaru Marshall, says national reach is a deliberate focus, with a significant number of uri living outside Taranaki across the motu.

“Our goal is to reach uri on the kūmara vine wherever they live in the country and if we catch the attention of wider Māori that's a win for our collective aspirations. Getting enrolled takes minutes, and every enrolment adds to the strength of Māori representation nationally,” says Marshall.

Marshall says the campaign plays on a deliberate contrast with an old school piece of technology, the landline, to cut through to a digitally saturated generation and attract even more young Māori to register to vote.

“The use of a kūmura as the landline doubles down as a reminder of the connection between whānau and the whenua, and the reminder that voting can help Māori have a say over what happens on and to the land.”

“In our analysis of last year's local body elections; the Māori Ward seats weren't voted out, it was simply a case of not enough of our people turning out to vote them in.”

Marshall says the heart of the video campaign is an “own people” approach, pairing everyday Taranaki locals, a mix of young and old, with well known Māori faces from in and outside the region building authenticity and local pride.

Cameos of well known Māori include musician Stan Walker, Māori AI founder Dan Te Whenua Walker, comedian Joe Daymond and Māori lawyer, Riana Te Ngahue.

Stan Walker says he's enrolled for this year's election and is encouraging whānau across the motu to do the same.

“For someone like me who is impatient, I have no time for anything, but it was easy. It takes five minutes to get on the roll, to have a say in society and contribute to the decision making of our nation.”

Beyond the social and digital driven campaign, Ngā Iwi o Taranaki are also running an on the ground push, including iwi database engagement, education sessions on how to enrol, calling and texting uri to confirm enrolment, door to door visits to whānau, and vans on election day to help get people to the polls.

Enrolling to vote is free and takes a few minutes at vote.nz.

The Landline Key Links

Instagram | Facebook

About the Campaign

The Campaign is a collective initiative by the 8 Iwi of Taranaki, and coordinated by Te Tōpuni Ngārahu encouraging Māori enrolment and voter turnout ahead of the 2026 General Election. It has a digital and social media focus to target young Māori, the group that organisers say is hardest to reach through traditional media and least likely to already be enrolled. It will run from September 8 to November 7.

About Te Tōpuni Ngārahu

Te Tōpuni Ngārahu is a regional collective representing the 8 Iwi of Taranaki, working together on shared priorities and opportunities that strengthen outcomes for whānau and communities across the rohe. Established in 2023 as part of the iwi redress arrangements for Taranaki Mounga, the collective provides leadership on matters of importance to Ngā Iwi o Taranaki and the wider region.

Source: ProCare Fresh Minds

8 September 2026

For many New Zealanders, receiving an ADHD diagnosis can bring relief, validation, and a better understanding of years of challenges. But once the assessment is complete and a diagnosis has been made, many are left asking: what happens next?

Recognising the growing need for practical support beyond diagnosis, ProCare Fresh Minds has launched a new ADHD support service. Delivered by experienced clinicians, the service is designed to help people better understand how ADHD affects their lives and develop strategies that help them reach their potential. The service is available both to people with a formal ADHD diagnosis and to those who suspect ADHD may be affecting their daily lives and are seeking practical strategies to better manage everyday challenges.

As ADHD awareness continues to rise, so too does recognition that effective support often requires more than medication alone. While medication remains an important and highly effective tool for many people, behavioural approaches and practical coping strategies can play a critical role in helping people flourish in their daily lives.

Fresh Minds General Manager and Director of Psychological and Behavioural Health, Dr Tania Wilson said the conversation around ADHD is changing.

“For many people, receiving an ADHD diagnosis is an important first step. However, diagnosis alone does not automatically provide the strategies, skills, and support needed to navigate daily challenges and build on personal strengths.”

“We're seeing growing awareness of ADHD in adults as well as children. The next stage is ensuring people have access to practical support that helps them succeed in the workplace, in relationships, in parenting, and in everyday life,” continues Dr Wilson.

“Understanding ADHD is important, but meaningful change comes from learning how to work with it. Our clinicians help people develop practical strategies that build confidence, support wellbeing, and enable them to thrive in the areas of life that matter most.”

The Fresh Minds ADHD Support service focuses on evidence-informed behavioural strategies and personalised support, helping people better understand how ADHD affects their lives and identify an approach that works for them.

The service recognises that medication can play an important role in ADHD management for many people and may be highly effective when prescribed as part of an individual's treatment plan. However, behavioural support, coaching, and practical coping strategies can also be important tools in helping people achieve sustainable improvements in wellbeing and functioning.

Fresh Minds' ADHD support service aims to help individuals:

• Better understand their ADHD and how it affects their daily life
• Develop practical strategies to improve organisation, focus, and time management
• Build confidence and self-awareness
• Strengthen workplace performance and productivity
• Improve relationships and communication
• Create sustainable routines that support wellbeing.

The launch reflects Fresh Minds' commitment to providing accessible, person-centred mental health and wellbeing services that help people live well and reach their potential.

“ADHD presents challenges, but it can also bring unique strengths, creativity, and ways of thinking,” says Dr Wilson.

“Our goal is to help people better understand themselves, develop effective strategies, and feel empowered to make the most of those strengths.”

Notes

Fresh Minds ADHD Support is available to adults aged 18 years and over throughout New Zealand via in-person and virtual appointments. An ADHD diagnosis is not required to access the ADHD support service.

For more information, visit www.freshminds.co.nz/ADHD

About ProCare Fresh Minds

ProCare Fresh Minds is a leading provider of primary mental health and wellbeing support in Aotearoa New Zealand. Fresh Minds provides psychology support services for individuals in-person and online and in a variety of settings including Fresh Minds centres, schools, workplaces, the community, and in General Practice. Fresh Minds is supported by comprehensive clinical governance, expertise and rigorous systems to ensure the support is of the highest quality. www.freshminds.co.nz

Source: Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation

7 September 2026

The Guardians of NZ Superannuation, manager of the $95 billion NZ Super Fund, has appointed Sam Brodie to the role of Head of Strategic Tilting.

Mr Brodie has been with the Guardians for more than 13 years, working across both its Risk and Investment teams. Since 2017, he has served as a Portfolio Manager in the Strategic Tilting team, helping manage one of the Fund's most significant active investment programmes.

Guardians co-Chief Investment Officer Brad Dunstan said Mr Brodie's deep understanding of the Fund and extensive experience within Strategic Tilting made him an excellent choice to lead the team.

“Strategic Tilting is an important part of the Fund's investment approach and a significant source of active value-add.

“Sam brings a strong understanding of the Fund, our investment approach and our people, along with a structured and thoughtful approach to decision-making. He is a highly respected investor who has played an important role in the evolution of our Strategic Tilting programme over the past decade.”

The Strategic Tilting programme allows the NZ Super Fund to take advantage of its long investment horizon by adjusting portfolio exposures when market conditions create attractive investment opportunities.

Mr Brodie joined the Guardians in 2013 as a Portfolio Risk Analyst before moving to the Strategic Tilting team in 2015. He was appointed Portfolio Manager in 2017 and has spent almost a decade helping manage the programme.

Before joining the Guardians, Mr Brodie worked at Bloomberg in London as a Portfolio Risk & Performance Analytics Specialist and held previous roles at ANZ and NZX. He holds a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours from Massey University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder.

Source: Royal New Zealand RSA

7 September 2026

Imagine it's Christmas Day.

You're thousands of kilometres from home, away from your family and friends, doing a job that can be demanding, uncertain and, at times, dangerous.

For New Zealand Defence Force personnel serving overseas, that can be the reality of Christmas.

That's why, for 86 years, the Royal New Zealand RSA has sent Forces Christmas Parcels to New Zealand military personnel deployed overseas. Each parcel is a small reminder of home, packed with familiar Kiwi treats, handmade cards and the message that they have not been forgotten.

On Thursday 10 September, the RNZRSA and the New Zealand Defence Force will pack this year's parcels at Trentham Military Camp, and media are invited to come along.

The packing event is fast-moving, colourful and full of great visual opportunities, with NZDF personnel and RSA representatives working together on a production line to fill and prepare parcels for delivery around the world.

Date: Thursday 10 September 2026

Time: 10am

Location: Trentham Military Camp

Background

The RSA has been sending Christmas parcels to New Zealand military personnel serving overseas for 86 years. While the contents have changed over time, the purpose has remained the same – to send a little piece of home to those serving far from it.

Once again this year, we are grateful to PAMS who have donated the majority of the goodies going in to the parcels, and Packaging Products who have provided the boxes the treats are packed in to. Both companies will have representatives helping pack the parcels at the event.

Last year, 150 parcels were sent to NZDF personnel serving in locations including the Republic of Korea, South Sudan, Egypt, the Middle East and Antarctica.

Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

Wellington City Council’s decision today to cut 47 jobs across three departments is a short-sighted waste of worker talent and institutional knowledge, the union for council workers – the PSA – says.

Staff in the Planning and Development, Property and Capital Projects, and Economic Engagement & Creative Capital group units were handed down a final decision today that will see 141 roles disestablished and 94 created, for a net reduction of 47 jobs.

Workers affected include those working in climate change response and resilience, mana whenua engagement, administration, and resource consenting.

“These changes are a major disruption to council workers at a time when they are already stretched to the maximum working through amalgamation plans and navigating massive changes to resource management, as well as responding to increasingly damaging storms and other events due to climate change,” Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi national secretary, Duane Leo, says.

“It’s a sad waste to cut experienced staff working in areas critical to the short- and long-term wellbeing of the city.

“Especially when you consider that the council made these changes on account of budgetary restraints – in the same year that they spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on an AI-penned report that was based on incorrect and outdated information.

“These changes will undoubtedly affect Wellington communities not only in the short-term but in the decades to come.

“They will also profoundly affect the people who will be cut from the council, who will now have to look for work in the local job market, which has been devastated by government austerity. Many of them – especially those with valuable skills – may well be forced to leave Wellington.

“The PSA opposes the cuts and will be supporting staff members through the next steps of the council’s process.”

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.