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Police Association highly critical of coronial findings in death of Shargin Stephens

Source: NZ Police Association

The New Zealand Police Association rejects most of the coroner’s findings into the 2016 death of Shargin Stephens in Rotorua.
The entire process has been shambolic, with multiple coroners involved over more than nine years, Police Association president Chris Cahill says.
“The ruling of Coroner Michael Robb, released this morning, shows a complete lack of understanding of how both the human mind and memory work in volatile situations, and the level of risk an offender such as Mr Stephens presents,” Mr Cahill says.
“It is well established that if you have multiple witnesses to an event, there will be multiple differing accounts of that event. The prolonged nature of this coronial process has only amplified the existence of differing accounts.”
Mr Cahill says the coroner’s criticism of Officer L05’s recall of events fails to acknowledge that in critical, dangerous situations people under threat see only the direct threat posed, not what is around or behind them.
“It is common for witnesses in such situations to later attempt to account for the facts brought to their attention despite not being aware of them at the time. We are concerned today’s report has not taken this into consideration,” he says.
“Given the veracity of research into dealing with scenarios such as that in Rotorua in July 2016, it would seem vital that coroners were skilled in the science when they preside over such critical reviews.”
Mr Cahill also questions the inference that junior officers should not have access to M4 rifles.
“This shows an absolute lack of understanding of the risks regularly presented to the public – risks that officers are required to respond to in protection of their communities.”
Mr Stephens presented a very real and imminent threat to officers and members of the public, Mr Cahill says, and less-lethal options had failed to remove that threat.
“The association believes Officer L05 was justified in taking the actions he did. Looking through a distorted lens nine years later cannot change that fact.” 
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Advocates – Wellington rally to oppose genocide and protect protest

Source: Justice for Palestine and Peace Action Wellington

Justice for Palestine and Peace Action Wellington are hosting a joint rally and march on Friday 8 August at 12:30 starting at the UK High Commission on Hill Street going to Police National HQ to oppose the ongoing genocide in Gaza and to uphold our rights to protest.

“At the UK High Commission, we are gathering in solidarity with UK-based Palestine Action. The UK government has labelled the peaceful protest group Palestine Action as “terrorists” and are arresting anyone who says that they support them. They are determined to shut down opposition to Israel’s genocide using extreme repression. Police have already arrested over 100 ordinary people including elderly clergy, teachers and parents for doing nothing more than carrying a sign or holding a banner,” said Nadia Abu-Shanab, member of Justice for Palestine

At least 500 demonstrators are preparing to sit in London for 60 minutes or “until arrest” on August 9 while holding signs which state: “I oppose Genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

“Here in Aotearoa NZ the Ministry of Justice is engaged in a behind-the-scenes consultation of the Terrorism Suppression Act to significantly expand the law and to follow the UK approach. Their so-called ‘consultation’ closes on 8 August,” said Valerie Morse, member of Peace Action Wellington.

“On top of that, just last week, the government announced the US FBI will be opening an office here. FBI director Kash Patel indicated anti-terrorism is an area of key collaboration between the US and NZ. Taken together, these are both terrifying developments for freedom of speech and peaceful protest. Both the UK and US government have recently shown their willingness to use extreme repression to shut down dissenting opinions on Israel.”

“We will not sit by while preparations for attacks on our rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest are made. We are taking our message to Police HQ as they administer the Terrorism Suppression Act and are the most likely domestic partner for the FBI.”

Our actions will not cease until the people of Palestine are free.

Notes:

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Animal Welfare – First dog dies just days into final greyhound racing season – SAFE

Source: SAFE For Animals

A three-year-old dog named Hilton Hype has died after breaking his leg during a race at Addington Raceway on 2 August, just two days into the start of greyhound racing’s final season.
Despite plans for surgery, he couldn’t be stabilised in time and died shortly after.
SAFE Campaign Manager Emma Brodie says the death is a heartbreaking reminder that dogs will continue to suffer while the industry winds down.
“This was meant to be the beginning of the end – a final season before this cruel industry is shut down for good,” says Brodie.
“But Hilton Hype’s death shows that as long as races are still being run, dogs are in danger. The industry must not race them to death on the way out.”
This latest death follows a devastating 2024/25 season, which saw 17 dogs die – the deadliest year since 2021. The industry has faced years of criticism and multiple government reviews, ultimately leading to the Government’s decision to ban greyhound racing.
“The decision has been made. Greyhound racing is ending; there is nothing to be gained by dragging these dogs through another season of risk and injury,” says Brodie.
“No dog should lose their life for this industry’s final curtain call. The only finish line that matters now is a safe home for every greyhound.”
SAFE is calling on Greyhound Racing New Zealand to immediately begin the wind-down of all race meets and rehome the remaining dogs as swiftly and safely as possible.
SAFE is Aotearoa’s leading animal rights organisation.
We're creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
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Local News – Celebrating the local unsung heroes at the 2025 Volunteer Awards

Source: Hutt City Council

Lower Hutt’s dedicated volunteers took centre stage last night at a special event recognising their invaluable contributions.
The 2025 Volunteer Awards brought together recipients of this year’s Civic Honours and Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Mayor Campbell Barry said the evening was a chance to pause and shine a light on the years of service and selflessness the winners have given, often without ever expecting anything in return.
“These people have given their time, energy and heart to make life better for others.”
Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said the airport was proud to celebrate the outstanding work of community groups in Hutt City over the previous 12 months.
“These groups deserve recognition for the amazing and selfless work they do in the community,” he said.
“Congratulations to all finalists and winners, and best of luck for the Regional Community Awards finals later this year.”
Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards – Lower Hutt Winners:
  • Art & Culture – Arohanui Strings+
  • Education & Child/Youth Development – Tūhura Tech
  • Health & Wellbeing – Fri
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Events – WIPCE 2025 announces final line-up of keynote speakers as Auckland gets set to host thousands of Indigenous knowledge holders

Source: World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE)

The World Indigenous Peoples’ Conference on Education (WIPCE) has announced its final line-up of Indigenous leaders and trailblazers who will take the stage at one of the world’s largest and most significant Indigenous education gatherings in Tāmaki Makaurau this November.

WIPCE is a global movement to honour, preserve, and advance Indigenous education. As it returns to Aotearoa for the first time in 20 years it will be hosted by Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau – AUT, at Aotea Centre from 16-20 November, 2025.

WIPCE 2025 Co-Chair, Meihana Durie, notes the significance of Indigenous conversations taking place right now ahead of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on 9 August.

“With just 100 days to go until WIPCE 2025, and as the world celebrates Indigenous peoples tomorrow, what better time to spotlight a global stage that exists to elevate Indigenous voices,” says Durie.

The 12 world renowned academic speakers who will ignite ideas and action around areas of significance to Indigenous self determination are:

Keynote Speakers

  • Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith – Education Systems and Practices
  • Ani Mikaere – Politics, Self-Determination and Decolonisation
  • Eru Kapa-Kingi – Youth 
  • Mere Skerrett – Science and Technology
  • Teina Rongo – Environment and Climate
  • Jeffery Ansloos – Health and Wellbeing
  • Katie Wolfe – Creative Arts and Media
  • Leonie Pihama – Linguistic and Cultural Revitalisation
  • Raniera Procter – Linguistic and Cultural Revitalisation.

Guest Speakers:

  • Rosa Hibbert-Schooner
  • Dr Jon Osorio
  • Spero Manson.

The speakers will join thousands of Indigenous knowledge holders, educators, and leaders from across the globe at a near sold-out conference.

For those not attending the official activities but keen to get involved in the movement, the free Te Ao Pūtahi Festival is running alongside WIPCE 2025 in Aotea Square.

Durie, says the five-day Festival ensures the community gets a chance to join in celebrating indigeneity.

“WIPCE 2025 is for all to come and take part in one of the world's leading movements for Indigenous excellence in education. Te Ao Pūtahi Festival invites the wider public to experience the living culture and innovation of Indigenous peoples from all corners of the globe.”

Te Ao Pūtahi Festival will offer a vibrant and accessible experience for locals and manuhiri to share in Indigenous food stalls, artisan markets, cultural performances, hands-on creative workshops, and storytelling sessions that honour the mana and diversity of Indigenous cultures globally.

About WIPCE 2025

WIPCE is more than a conference every three years, it’s a global movement. Since its inception in 1987 WIPCE has united Indigenous educators, leaders and knowledge keepers in a shared vision – to honour, preserve and advance Indigenous education.

As WIPCE 2025 welcomes Indigenous peoples from across the world to the shores of Te Waitematā, it continues to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and formal education – ensuring Indigenous wisdom is both honoured and integrated.

The WIPCE 2025 programme launch event will be held at AUT City Campus, from 6pm – 9.30pm on 21 August.

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Union Appointments – Sandra Grey elected as new NZCTU President

Source: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi has announced that its affiliate unions have elected Sandra Grey as the new NZCTU President.

Grey is the National Secretary, and a former president, of the Tertiary Education Union – Te Hautū Kahurangi. She has a long history in the tertiary education sector and served as the spokesperson for the Campaign for MMP.

“We are thrilled that Sandra has been elected as the incoming president of the Council of Trade Unions and look forward to the experience and energy that she will bring to the role,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.

“Following on from Richard Wagstaff’s 10 years of dedicated service as president and lifelong commitment to the trade union movement, Sandra is well placed to continue to grow the movement and campaign for working people’s rights.

“Sandra wants to build union power and ensure unions are seen and present in workplaces across the country. This work has never been more important,” said Ansell-Bridges.

“Life is too hard for working people and their families right now. Children are going hungry. People are living in their cars. Many workers have to take up multiple jobs just to make

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Climate – Rain from tropical cyclones to increase under warmer climate

 Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

New high-resolution modelling predicts that rainfall from tropical cyclones will significantly increase under global warming. Earth Sciences New Zealand and the University of Waikato found that, under a high emissions scenario, extreme rainfall from cyclones could rise by up to 35% across the southwest Pacific, including for ex-tropical cyclones impacting Aotearoa New Zealand.
Researchers used the latest climate change projections released last year by Earth Sciences NZ (then NIWA) with the Ministry for the Environment.  Study lead and climate scientist Dr Peter Gibson says they simulated more than 1,800 years of data from different climate models and levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
“We wanted to assess how the frequency and severity of tropical cyclones in the southwest Pacific may change by the end of the century. Under the full range of climate scenarios examined there was an increase in tropical cyclone rainfall. This was proportional to the rate of emissions, with the most pronounced rise in extreme rainfall occurring under the highest emissions.
“If that scenario plays out, we can expect around 30 – 35% more extreme rainfall during tropical cyclones than we experience today. Even under the best-case scenario, we will still see an increase proportional to the warming experienced. 
Extreme windspeeds are also likely to increase, but not to the same extent.”

The more greenhouse gases that are emitted, the higher temperatures get, with a high emissions scenario representing around a 3°C increase by the end of the century. A warmer atmosphere holds more water, so when storms develop, they have access to more water vapour that can be released as heavier rainfall.

And while the model simulations didn't show an overall increase in the total number of cyclones by the end of the century, there is compelling evidence that the strongest (category 4 and above) will become more frequent.

“One or two ex-tropical cyclones typically effect New Zealand each year. However, it's the really big, much rarer events that cause the most damage. And the difference between a river flooding or not can often be small, so any increase in rainfall is significant and potentially very impactful.”

The February 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle, which at its peak reached category 3, and the Auckland Anniversary weekend event, resulted in total estimated costs of $14.5 billion, with the total insured losses for both events totalling $3.8 billion, with $1.8 billion from Cyclone Gabrielle claims, and $2 billion from the Auckland anniversary weekend event. Most the claims were because of widespread flooding.

Until now, most projections of tropical cyclones have relied on global climate models, which have a relatively low spatial resolution. This work refines those models to a regional scale that can zoom in closer and get a much more accurate picture.

“The eye of a cyclone is fairly compact, at only tens of kilometres across. Global climate models are coarse, with each pixel going down to around 100km, meaning they miss much of the crucial detail and small-scale physics of a storm. Our refined regional model goes down to around a 12km resolution, making it a state-of-the-art dataset for assessing ex-tropical cyclones that impact New Zealand.”

These findings, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, are consistent with other studies around the world, highlighting the potential for more intense tropical cyclones and heavier rainfall in the future, said Dr Gibson. This indicates increasing risks for vulnerable communities across the southwest Pacific and New Zealand.

“It's clear that if we reduce emissions, we reduce warming, and we mitigate the worst impacts of severe weather events. As computing capabilities improve, newer, high-resolution models will become available to create even more accurate and reliable long term climate projections of cyclones and their impacts. More research is being undertaken by Earth Sciences NZ into specific weather and climate hazards in the projections, to provide clarity on the future climate New Zealanders are likely to face in the decades to come.”

Notes

The latest climate projections for New Zealand, available on the Ministry for the Environment's website, provide detailed information for every 5-kilometre square across the country. They are based on refining the projections from six global climate models in the most recent report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
 
Development of these updated, high-resolution climate projections involved huge supercomputing power. The dataset is now helping New Zealanders – including councils, companies and communities – to better understand their specific climate-related risks. In turn, this will improve decision-making for climate adaptation and support people to build resilience to extreme weather events
 
More research is being undertaken by Earth Sciences NZ into specific weather and climate hazards in the projections, to provide clarity on the future climate New Zealanders are likely to face in the decades to come.
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Economic Insights – Te Ara Mokopuna – Treasury’s 2025 Long-term Insights Briefing published

Source: The Treasury

The Treasury has published its final 2025 Long-term Insights Briefing (LTIB), titled Te Ara Mokopuna, which explores the circumstances under which fiscal policy can be used to buffer the economy from shocks and cycles, and how to do so in a sustainable and effective way.
The briefing emphasises that monetary policy remains the primary tool for managing economic upturns and downturns. However, there may be circumstances in which fiscal policy has a role to play in responding to shocks and cycles, such as:
– Ensuring critical services and infrastructure are maintained or rebuilt.
– Addressing the distributional impacts of shocks on communities.
– Providing economic stabilisation when monetary policy has less room to move or is constrained by extremes (e.g., near-zero interest rates).
The briefing also underscores that when fiscal interventions are required, they should be timely, temporary and targeted, with clear exit strategies in place. The briefing provides an overview of effective and less effective tools, with lump-sum payments, wage subsidies, and targeted adjustments to benefits or fees seen as more effective; and tax changes, new infrastructure investments, and permanent public consumption increases due to timing and reversibility challenges as less effective.
Reflecting feedback from the consultation period, the LTIB notes that the involvement of other stakeholders, including private businesses, communities and local government is critical. Fiscal policy should not undermine the incentives for others to prepare for shocks.
“Feedback highlighted there may be an increasing frequency and complexity of shocks, particularly due to climate change, and the important roles of insurance and local authorities in responding to natural disasters,” Iain Rennie said.
“The Treasury agrees that maintaining the resilience of the private sector is important, and that responses to shocks requires the involvement of other stakeholders, including local government and private businesses, and encourages others to prepare for these events.”
Treasury Secretary Iain Rennie noted that the ability to use fiscal policy to respond to shocks highlighted the need for governments to keep debt at prudent levels.
“New Zealand’s economy is particularly vulnerable to ups and downs because of our small size, reliance on overseas markets, and high household debt.
“As a country, we need to have the capacity to respond to economic shocks when they occur. This will require successive governments to build a buffer – by setting sustainable medium-term fiscal intentions and running operating surpluses between shocks and downturns.
“Internationally we can see that governments tend to increase spending in a downturn or after a shock but fail to offset this with savings when times are good. This has also been the case in New Zealand, contributing to our rising level of public debt over time.
“The final 2025 Long-term Insights Briefing represents the Treasury's commitment to promoting fiscal sustainability and improving wellbeing for future generations of New Zealanders,” Iain Rennie said.
Te Ara Mokopuna reflects feedback received in a two-phase consultation process. The first phase (June-July 2024) sought input into the briefing’s scope, and the second phase (April-May 2025) focused on the draft briefing. This involved public submissions and targeted engagement including with macroeconomic and fiscal experts.
“I would like to thank everyone who made submissions and those who contributed during consultation on the briefing.
“The feedback has been valuable in helping to shape the final briefing. Contributions will also help to inform our future policy advice and development of the Treasury’s forthcoming stewardship reports,” Iain Rennie said.
Feedback reflected the critical role of our institutional arrangements in delivering sustainable and effective fiscal policy, and also focused on lessons learned from recent fiscal responses to shocks and cycles, the respective roles of monetary and fiscal policy in responding to the business cycle, and the role of the Crown’s balance sheet, including public investments, in managing our exposure and preparedness to shocks.
A summary of the consultation feedback and changes made to the briefing as a result of this feedback can be found at Te Ara Mokopuna 2025 – Submissions.
A  short version of Te Ara Mokopuna 2025 is also available.
The Treasury has two further stewardship reports due for publication which will build on the themes raised in the LTIB. The 2025 Long-term Fiscal Statement will consider long-term pressures on New Zealand’s fiscal position and the choices available to successive governments to return to a fiscally sustainable path. The Investment Statement will consider how governments’ management of the Crown balance sheet, including debt levels and investments, can support New Zealand’s living standards across generations. These are due to be published in the coming months.
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Govt Cuts – Cuts to Health NZ team likely spells end to innovative student placement programme – PSA

Source: PSA

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora has proposed cutting a project team responsible for removing one of the key obstacles in growing New Zealand’s health workforce: finding student placements.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi national secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, says that they’re extremely disappointed to hear that Health NZ has decided to cut another essential group of staff.
“The Health NZ Workforce Development team, who have been tasked with growing New Zealand’s health workforce, is one of the latest groups to be put up for disestablishment at the agency,” she says.
One of the Workforce Development group’s major projects, developing a new digital tool to centralise opportunities for student placements, is also set to close, despite receiving high praise from educators brought in to test it.
“Student placements has been identified as a long-standing, critical obstacle in growing the number of skilled health workforce in New Zealand that our population needs, and that this project was set up as a direct result of feedback from the health and education sectors. This decision will make fixing our health workforce shortages even harder.
“The team has seen from its testing stage that this digital tool could make the whole placement process much more efficient for both educators and clinicians.”
Currently, education providers must manually contact health providers (such as hospitals) to organise places for their students. As a result, student placements – which are a requirement for dozens of qualifications – can be highly competitive.
On the other side, the general administration of placing students at placement providers is pushed to already over-stretched clinical staff.
“It’s pretty clear that this is a short-sighted development. The Government has committed to a whole new medical school, with a whole new cohort of students who will need placements.
“By cutting this team, you might save a few dollars now – but as the country’s population ages and the need for health services increases, we’ll pay dearly for the under-investment.”
AUT Head of Department for Perioperative Practice, Megan Richardson, says the tool has been transformative for her team, who used a pilot version of it to place student anaesthetic technicians at medical providers around the country.
“It has successfully facilitated placements across more than 40 hospitals in Aotearoa New Zealand, opening access to both public and private providers, and significantly reducing the administrative burden on both the health sector and my clinical coordination team at AUT,” she says.
“As the only national provider for the qualification for anaesthetic technicians, the tool has helped AUT secure more placements each semester, ensure equitable distribution and allowed us to focus on workforce development rather than coordination.
“The tool has been well received, and the support and training from the workforce development team has been instrumental in delivering a solution that works for us.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Weather News – Rainy end to the week, followed by frosty mornings for many – MetService

Source: MetService

Covering period of Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th August

  •  A departing high-pressure system clears the way for incoming cold fronts.
  •  Heavy Rain Watches are in effect for several areas across the South Island.
  • Temperatures are expected to drop sharply over the weekend.
  • Snow is likely across many of the country’s mountain ranges.
  • Strong to gale-force winds and rough seas are forecast along the eastern coastline on Saturday.

Rain is expected in the far south today (Thursday), spreading to the upper South Island by evening with a few Heavy Rain Watches in place. This is brought about by a series of cold fronts.  
 
The upper half of the North Island is also likely to see a few afternoon and evening showers today but expect more widespread rain on Friday as the front crosses the North Island. High pressure moves in after the rain, bringing colder temperatures and widespread frosts to end the weekend.
 
On Friday, conditions remain unsettled across the South Island, while rain is expected to develop in more areas of the North Island throughout the day. Persistent rainfall over the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers, as well as in the Tasman region, has prompted MetService to issue Heavy Rain Watches, effective from 4pm Thursday to 3am Friday for Canterbury, and from 11pm Thursday to 5am Friday for Tasman. Rainfall in these areas may reach warning criteria.
 
As the fronts move across the country, snow may fall to 800 metres in the ranges of the North Island, and as low as 500 metres across the Canterbury High Country and Southern Lakes, delivering a fresh layer of snow for the ski fields. Some Southern Alpine passes have Road Snowfall Warnings in force for Friday morning, but more may be required as we head further into the weekend.
 
MetService meteorologist Kgolofelo Dube says, “Some relief is on the way Saturday, with clearer skies expected in western regions as another high-pressure system moves in. However, this new system will also bring a significant drop in temperatures, with widespread frosts returning across much of the country.”
 
While settled weather is expected to round out the weekend for many, a few showers may linger in the eastern North Island, driven by cooler southerly winds. Alongside these southerlies, strong to gale-force winds and rough seas are forecast to affect the eastern coastline. MetService will continue monitoring the evolving situation and provide updates to warnings and watches as needed.

Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at https://www.metservice.com/