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Advocacy – PSNA condemns the New Zealand government’s silence over US sanctions against United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 The Palestine Solidarity Network has just demanded that the government speak out against the US sanctions imposed on United Nations Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese.

Albanese released a damning report identifying companies complicit in Israel’s mass killing and mass starvation of civilians in Gaza, provoking the US to sanction her.

 

PSNA Co-Chair Maher Nazzal says it is unacceptable for the US to bully the UN and for New Zealand to stay silent.

 

“Anyone who stands up for Palestinians is attacked and menaced by the US.  New Zealand claims to support the United Nations and the so-called ‘rules-based international order’ but we stay cowardly mute when the Trump administration does Israel's bidding and attacks United Nations representatives and UN agencies such as the United Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).”

“New Zealand’s silence is eerily reminiscent of western silence as the Nazi regime in 1930s Germany targeted Jews, socialists, communists, gays, and gypsies, and took over country by country through Europe.” 

“New Zealanders are calling on the government to sanction Israel, but our government remains cowardly complicit” says Nazzal. “Our silence represents the weakest and worst of human nature.”


“Silence is what empowers racism, genocide and imperial thuggery as personified in US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio’s attack on Albanese.

 

PSNA, last week, referred four New Zealand government ministers and two business leaders to the International Criminal Court for investigation over their criminal support for Israeli war crimes in Gaza.


Maher Nazzal

Co-Chair 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

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Road Transport Workforce Report released

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

National road freight association Transporting New Zealand has released the landmark 2025 Road Transport Workforce Report, in collaboration with Teletrac Navman.
The report explores how the demographic makeup of New Zealand’s road freight industry evolved between 2013 and 2023, drawing from previously unreleased census data.
The detailed snapshot of New Zealand’s trucking workforce revealed key insights around age, gender, nationality and ethnicity.
Drivers aged over 65 made up more than 10 per cent of the workforce in 2023. This finding echoed that of the recent 2025 National Road Freight Survey, in which almost half of industry respondents (47 per cent) indicated that “up to 25 per cent” or more of their staff would retire or leave the industry in the next five years.
The workforce report also found that the number of female truck drivers increased by 240 per cent between 2013 and 2023. Female drivers made up six per cent of the truck driving workforce in 2023.
Migrant workers are also playing an increasingly important role with almost 25 per cent of drivers being born overseas as of 2023.
Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive Dom Kalasih says the report provides a valuable insight into the truck driving workforce.
“Truck drivers make up 1.2% of New Zealand’s total workforce, making it the 11th most common occupation in the country.”
“With nearly 93% of New Zealand’s total freight tonnage moved by road, the demand for road freight services will only increase as our population continues to grow. Ensuring that the sector is staffed with skilled, capable drivers is more important than ever.”
“As the workforce gets older, more truck drivers will reduce their hours or retire, leaving severe skill shortages. The road freight industry and the government must work together to ensure new entrants are supported through the driver development pipeline”.
“The report sets out how Transporting New Zealand has been responding to these challenges, and how the road freight industry can develop, recruit and retain a diverse and resilient workforce.”
“We’re very grateful to Teletrac Navman for supporting the Road Transport Workforce Report, as part of the multi-year Te ara ki tua Road to Success workforce development programme.”
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion. 
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Weather News – MetService issues Red Warning for the Tasman District

Source: MetService

Covering period of Friday 11 July – At 9:59am MetService escalated the severe weather warnings in the Tasman District to a Red Warning for Heavy Rain, in consultation with the Tasman District Council. MetService Red Warnings are reserved for the most extreme weather events where significant impact and disruption is expected.

The Red Rain Warning is valid until 11pm tonight (Friday) and covers the Tasman District about and southeast of Motueka and north of Lake Rotoroa, excluding Nelson City. The escalation to a Red Warning comes on the back of three weeks of heavy rain events that have led to very saturated conditions and high river levels, with further rainfall expected with the current weather system. The region has already seen more than 50 mm of rain so far today, with a further 80 to 120 mm expected.

MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says, “Dangerous river conditions, flooding, slips, and dangerous road conditions are expected.”

“A Red Warning signifies that people need to act now as immediate action is required to protect people, animals and property from the impact of the weather. People should also be prepared to follow the advice of official authorities and emergency services.”

This is the second Red Warning MetService has issued this year, and it’s the 17th Red Warning weather event since the highest alert level was introduced back in May 2019.

A Watch for Strong Winds is also in place for the Tasman District for northerlies and northeasterlies approaching severe gale. The wet ground may act together with the strong winds to increase the chances of trees falling.

It’s not just the top of the South Island which is lined up for severe weather. Many parts of the North Island are under a blanket of Warnings and Watches for Heavy Rain and Strong Winds. Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, and Bay of Plenty may see a period of downpours as the weather system moves across this afternoon and evening.

Keep up to date with weather and warnings via metservice.com or our free MetService weather app.

MetService also now provides push notifications for Red Severe Weather Warnings via our app. More information can be found here about enabling them.

Understanding MetService Severe Weather Warning System

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

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

Red Warnings are about taking immediate action:

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

Orange Warnings are about taking action:

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

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

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

Watches are about being alert:

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

Outlooks are about looking ahead:

To provide advanced information on possible future Watches and/or Warnings
Issued routinely once or twice a day
Recommendation: Plan.
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Arts – New work by talented writers win NZSA manuscript assessments

Source: New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc

The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi O Aotearoa (PEN NZ) Inc announce the writers who will receive manuscript guidance through this year's CompleteMS programme.

Powerful manuscripts crafted by these accomplished writers, have been chosen to be part of this year's programme. Writers spend months polishing their stories for entry into this competitive and successful programme (open to NZSA members). 

The thirteen successful writers receive a detailed assessment of their manuscript from one of Aotearoa / New Zealand's leading writers and approved assessors, followed by a Q+A session with follow-up support.
Our congratulations to the NZSA CompleteMS 2025 recipients: Anna Zam (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Annabel Wilson (Swannanoa), Lisa Slavich (Whangārei), Barbara Scrivens (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Tōrea Scott-Fyfe (Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington), Sarah Pratt (Ōtautahi Christchurch), Gráinne Patterson (Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt), Bede Ngaruko (Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland), Shelly McNee (Hokitika), Kaye McLaren (Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington), Jacqui Gregory (Turangi), Denise Harrison Flett (Quebec, Canada), and Virginia Green(Whakatū Nelson).

Always fiercely contested, this year's CompleteMS programme received a record number of applications with 98 advanced and completed manuscripts submitted for the programme. 

The highly skilled judging panel of convenor Harriet Allan (independent editor and ex-senior Penguin Random House editor), Lee Murray (multi award-winning speculative fiction writer and poet) and Melinda Szymanik(multi award-winning writer of picture books, short stories and novels for children and young adults) had a complex judging task to complete and commented: 'The huge number of applications was daunting, the selection challenging but cheering, for so many people are keen to hone their manuscripts and develop their skills. 
And so many of the manuscripts showed such promise that there was a lot of jostling for the thirteen places available. 
The judging panel would have loved to have had the capacity to award more assessments. Those who missed out should feel confident that their works are still close to completion, as the quality of manuscripts submitted was high.' – Harriet Allan.

NZSA would also like to congratulate shortlisted writers: Penelope Scott, Keryn Powell, Nikki Crutchley, Janine Williams and Carolyn Cossey.

Many past recipients have produced final manuscripts that have achieved publication and acclaim.

CompleteMS Manuscript Assessments are offered by The NZ Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa (Pen NZ) Inc every year with the intent of fostering and developing emerging talent with the support of established practitioners.

The NZSA has run highly successful manuscript assessment and mentoring programmes for writers since 1999 and our programmes are supported by funding from Creative New Zealand.

The New Zealand Society of Authors Te Puni Kaituhi o Aotearoa PEN NZ Inc is the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa.

Founded in 1934, it advocates for the right to fair reward and creative rights, administers prizes and awards, works closely with the literary sector, and runs professional development programmes for writers.    
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Health and Employment – Mental health worker numbers don’t tell full story of service under stress and strain – PSA

Source: PSA

The Government’s trumpeting of a rise in numbers of mental health and addiction service workers contrasts the everyday experiences of PSA members at the frontline.
The Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey today said Health NZ payroll data showed total full-time staff employed in mental health growing by more than 9 per cent year on year between Quarter 3 in 2023 and Quarter 1 2025.
But PSA members tell a different story.
“Any increase in numbers is long overdue but this only scratches the surface and vacancies and roster shortages remain. With demand for services growing, partly due to a rise in drug use, we need far more mental health workers,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The Minster’s own officials are also telling him something else.”
In May 3 News obtained a draft report showing the scale of the workforce crisis, but the official report to the Minister removed the numbers. The draft report said 1,485 more frontline mental health and addiction workers were needed right now, including 470 specialist nurses, 145 psychiatrists and 145 clinical psychologists.
“Conditions and pay must improve or more workers will face assaults, burn-out and depart for Australia where pay and resources are far better.
“Our members tell alarming stories of the pressure they are under including:
– Long delays filling vacancies, sometimes more than a year
– Constant threats to safety from patients at EDs and in patient clinics
– Concerns falling on deaf ears of managers
The Government is also relying on data that is more than a year out of date to trumpet a minor fall in the vacancy rate from 11% to 10%.
“These problems have been exacerbated by the phased police withdrawal of support, which is happening without an increase in resources at the frontline. This needs to be paused immediately.
“The Minister needs to take his rose-tinted glasses off and properly invest in this critically important health service. New Zealanders deserve better.”
The PSA represents mental health workers including mental health nurses, community mental health workers, psychologists, social workers, and child and adolescent specialists.
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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Fire and Emergency New Zealand specialist teams in Nelson to support community

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has deployed an eight-person specialist water rescue team from Christchurch to Nelson in advance of more heavy rain warnings.
Director Service Delivery Operations Brendan Nally says the team got into place early as Nelson has only two roads into the district, and they are prone to flooding and cutting the district off.
“Our specialist team is on the ground ready to support local brigades if needed when the rain comes,” Brendan Nally says.
We are warning people not to drive through any floodwater and to respect all “road closed” signs. “It’s impossible to judge the depth of water so when people become stranded, they are in danger of drowning.”
Fire and Emergency is also deploying a four- person wide area damage assessment team to Nelson this morning. These teams are part of Fire and Emergency’s urban search and rescue capability, and they assess whether buildings impacted by floods, landslips and earthquakes are safe to enter.  
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Education Events – School boards conference opens in Christchurch

Source: Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa (NZSTA)

More than 700 school board members, education leaders and sector experts are converging on Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre this weekend for the 35th Annual Te Whakarōputanga Kaitiaki Kura o Aotearoa – New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) Conference, the largest event of its kind dedicated to school governance in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The conference opens today under the theme Creating a Difference, reflecting the crucial role that boards play in shaping the future of schools and student success across the country.
Over the next three days delegates will take part in a wide-ranging programme of keynote presentations, workshops and networking events designed to equip school board members with the knowledge, tools and inspiration to lead effectively. Highlights include keynote addresses by Minister of Education Hon Erica Stanford, education thought leader Professor Mere Berryman and renowned neuroscience educator Kathryn Berkett.
Alongside the learning programme, the conference also provides opportunities for connection and celebration, including the Gallagher Insurance Gala Dinner themed Once Upon a Change, which will bring delegates together to recognise the impact of governance done well.
NZSBA President Meredith Kennett says this year’s event comes at a pivotal moment for education governance.
“We’re seeing major shifts across the sector – from changing legislation to new technologies and increasing expectations of transparency and engagement. This conference is about supporting our boards to rise to these challenges and continue to make a positive difference in their communities.”
The conference runs from Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July.
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UNICEF – 70 per cent of children in Ukraine lack access to basic goods and services as material deprivation soars

Source: UNICEF

Urgent investment in critical services and systems for children is vital to protecting and building the country's future.

Around 70 per cent of children in Ukraine – or 3.5 million – now lack access to basic goods and services, including adequate food or shelter, according to new data published by UNICEF. This proportion of children experiencing 'material deprivation' increased from some 18 per cent in 2021, prior to the escalation of the war in February 2022.

Material deprivation is a stark indicator of poverty and includes a lack of access to nutritious food, appropriate clothing, heating at home, and educational materials, among other essentials. It deprives children of a minimum standard of living and affects their long-term development, education, health, and future opportunities.

“The war in Ukraine continues to devastate the country's children. Investing in them and the services they rely on, is the best way to secure Ukraine's future,” said UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell. 

“The ongoing humanitarian response is tailored to meet immediate needs while supporting lasting results. But it must not be at the expense of investing in Ukraine's long-term recovery that will benefit children today and generations to come.”

Some 2,786 children have been killed or maimed since February 2022. A third of Ukraine's children live in homes without functioning water supply and sewage and nearly half of children lack access to an area to play at home or outside. Continued and relentless attacks on critical water, sanitation, and energy infrastructure, children's homes, schools and healthcare facilities, combined with rising poverty, have caused an increase in material deprivation.

Ukraine is also facing serious demographic challenges, with a 35 per cent birthrate decline and millions of women and children having fled the country.  

Continuous access to quality and inclusive social services, education and health care for all children and their families is essential, especially for children living near the frontlines, children with disabilities, those in institutions and foster families, and children displaced from their homes.

“The opportunity to protect and nurture Ukraine's children and young people – from the early years through adolescence – is now. The country's future dep

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Security – Banking Ombudsman Scheme welcomes establishment of the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme welcomes the announcement of the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance, recognising it as a significant and timely step toward a more coordinated and proactive response to scams in Aotearoa.
“We have been calling for stronger, sector-wide action to prevent scams for some time,” says Nicola Sladden, Banking Ombudsman. “The establishment of the Anti-Scam Alliance reflects growing recognition of the need for collaboration, and we’re pleased to support its work.”
In addition, the Scheme welcomes an upcoming expansion of its jurisdiction to include complaints about receiving banks-those whose accounts are used to receive stolen funds. This change enables a more complete assessment of scam-related complaints and supports accountability across the banking system.
“Preventing scams requires a united approach across industry, government, and consumer groups,” says Sladden. “We remain committed to supporting the Alliance and continuing our work to protect New Zealanders from financial harm.”
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Banking and Security – ASB welcomes Anti-Scam Alliance

Source: ASB

ASB is welcoming the launch of a comprehensive Anti-Scam Alliance which it says is a positive move in the fight against fraud and scams.

Chief Executive Vittoria Shortt says while the banking sector has invested significantly in fraud and scam prevention, detection and awareness for many years, having a formal alliance between Government, police, consumer groups and a range of impacted industries will make a real difference.

“Banks and telcos have been working very hard, both individually and together, for some time, to tackle fraud and scams. We’ve partnered with others in the industry like consumer groups and police, but the real power comes in a true all of ecosystem approach, as Minister Simpson has announced today.

“We’re pleased to see digital and social media companies join the charge. Each member of the alliance brings unique skills and experience which will improve our collective ability to fight fraud and scams. The formal involvement of Government will also enable stronger collaboration and commitment and more resource and expertise so we can continue to work together to keep New Zealanders safe.”

ASB has spent around $140 million fighting fraud, scams, financial crime and cybercrime this financial year, and has invested in a number of customer initiatives. This includes tools such as Caller Check, which was launched in March and combats bank impersonation scams, and ASB’s 24/7 fraud line, which has received more than 21,000 calls outside of regular bank hours since it was launched in February.

The industry has also been working closely together on Confirmation of Payee and increasing information sharing to better target money mules as part of ongoing collaborative work.

“We know there is still more to be done, but today’s announcement is another step forward and we will continue to build on the work we’re already doing in this space,” says Shortt.