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Animal Welfare – VAWA releases world-first code of ethical conduct for virtual fencing

Source: Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa


VETERINARIANS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE AOTEAROA (VAWA) RELEASES WORLD-FIRST CODE OF ETHICAL CONDUCT FOR VIRTUAL FENCING
As global adoption of virtual fencing technology rapidly expands, VAWA publishes a landmark standard and calls for the industry to self-regulate.
Dunedin, New Zealand – Today, VAWA has released its Code of Ethical Conduct for Virtual Fencing Technology, a comprehensive framework addressing a significant animal welfare regulatory gap that exists across jurisdictions where virtual fencing technology (VFT) is in commercial use.
Virtual fencing uses GPS-enabled collars to manage animals without physical boundaries, delivering audio and vibration cues, and then electric shocks for non-compliance, to contain and move animals. Despite being applied to hundreds of thousands of animals worldwide, the development and use of VFT remains largely unregulated from an animal welfare perspective. The Code provides animal welfare Safeguarding Standards covering animal research, welfare and learning, application and training, and self-regulation. The Code is an interim solution aimed at protecting animal welfare given a pressing regulatory gap.
VAWA's key recommendation is the establishment of a Virtual Fencing Manufacturers' Association (VFMA) to drive meaningful industry self-regulation. Historically, a similar industry body was successfully involved in developing standards for electric fencing. The VFMA would develop best practice industry standards that set an acceptable baseline for existing manufacturers, and any newcomers to the market. A truncated, companion document, Critical Safeguarding Standards for the VFMA, has also been released as a proposed starting point for discussion amongst manufacturers via the VFMA.
Sarah Adams (general manager, Gallagher Animal Management) says, “We strongly support the development of clear, evidence-based standards and welcome initiatives that set a high bar for the industry. Ongoing collaboration, transparency and rigorous research will be critical to ensuring virtual fencing continues to deliver positive outcomes for animals, farmers and the environment. We look forward to working alongside researchers, regulators and industry to help shape best practice as this technology continues to develop.”
To generate social licence to operate, the Code also recommends establishing transparency requirements, including publication of how much and how often electricity is used, and how that is structured (that is, the details of what the industry calls the ‘pulse train’). “What we don’t want,” says Dr Helen Beattie, VAWA’s Managing Director, and co-author of the Code, “is for newcomers to start from below what we already know is the necessary baseline. That is not fair to animals. For example, unlike what has played out in recent history, all newcomers should have animal welfare expertise embedded in their development processes, and quality research to back their claims.”
VAWA consulted with SPCA, farmers, animal welfare scientists, and other experts in developing the Code, as well as manufacturers. While some manufacturers responded constructively and engaged with VAWA's concerns, others dismissed the initiative – a response VAWA says underscores the urgent need for the independent standards the Code proposes. “Batting away an ethical code that serves the animals wearing the devices, risks kicking a larger animal welfare can down the road – once commercialised, it becomes much harder to address any issues. We have the chance to embed a protective code now, near the start – doing it right and doing it once.” Dr Beattie says.
Notably, the Code acknowledges that innovation is already responding to welfare concerns. Drover, a virtual fencing startup has designed an ear-tag system using electrical muscle stimulation. Because this approach targets muscles rather than electricity in a conventional shock sense, VAWA sees this as a promising direction for the industry.
Mandi McLeod, who co-authored the Code, is an animal welfare and farm management consultant with a special interest in cattle behaviour. She says, “Done well, virtual fencing presents opportunities and benefits, including enabling a deeper understanding of cattle behaviour. At the moment, it is not known whether VFT influences social hierarchies or nodes that support collective herd behaviour and long-term welfare. These aspects of their use should be explored, as animals’ mental health matters to their overall welfare.”
The Code draws on international regulatory developments, including Australia's move to harmonise VFT regulation across states, the UK Animal Welfare Committee's 2022 opinion on VFT, and New Zealand's existing animal welfare legislation. This initiative underscores VAWA’s commitment to advancing ethical farming practices that prioritise animal welfare while supporting careful innovation in agriculture.The Code of Ethical Conduct and the Critical Safeguarding Standards are available at https://www.vawa.co.nz/post/vawa-virtual-fencing.
Dr Beattie is the Managing Director of Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa, a veterinary-led group of animal welfare advocates which aims to create better lives for animals. She was previously Chief Veterinary Officer at the NZ Veterinary Association.
NOTES:
VAWA’s vision is to create “A Good Life for All” by creating influence through advocacy, submissions, education, consultation, and collaboration. Led by veterinarians, and as the only group of animal welfare advocates using expertise in veterinary and animal welfare science that is not compromised by commercial or vested interests, VAWA provides a uniquely, independent perspective on animal welfare.
Full Statement from Gallagher Animal Management:
Gallagher eShepherd welcomes VAWA’s Code of Ethical Conduct for Virtual Fencing Technology and the ongoing focus on animal welfare as the technology evolves.
Animal welfare is fundamental to everything at Gallagher eShepherd. It underpins how we design, test and implement our technology, and reflects what we believe the future of farming should look like.
We strongly support the development of clear, evidence-based standards and welcome initiatives that set a high bar for the industry. Ongoing collaboration, transparency and rigorous research will be critical to ensuring virtual fencing continues to deliver positive outcomes for animals, farmers and the environment.
We look forward to working alongside researchers, regulators and industry to help shape best practice as this technology continues to develop.
Source: Sarah Adams, General Manager, Global Strategy and New Ventures, Gallagher Animal Management.
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Advocacy – Pickets at Fiji High Commission and Consulate – and around the world – Tuesday

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

PSNA is to picket the Fijian High Commission in Wellington and Consulate in Auckland tomorrow at 12.30pm (June 2) to protest at Israel opening its first Pacific Islands’ Embassy in Suva.

The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa says it is acting in solidarity with a call from the Fijians for Palestine Solidarity Network in Fiji.

 

Israeli Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar is scheduled to cut the ribbon to open the embassy at 5pm.

 

PSNA spokesperson Rinad Tamimi says while the rest of the world is distancing itself from Israel for its genocide in Gaza, illegal settlements on the West Bank and invasion of Lebanon, Fiji is deepening its ties with the Netanyahu regime.

 

“It’s partly personal.  Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka is grateful is for Israeli support for his coup in 1987, when the rest of the world were distancing themselves from the Rabuka led military junta,” Tamimi says.

 

“But it’s mostly the result of intense diplomatic activity by Israel throughout the Pacific, its determined attempts to reverse the trend around the world to isolate Israel and its institutions.”

“Israel is working with United States Christian Zionists to make the Pacific an Israeli pond, to deliver votes in the United Nations and embassies in Jerusalem.”

 

In the September 2024 landmark United Nations General Assembly resolution to order Israel out of the Palestinian Occupied Territory within 12 months, no fewer than seven Pacific countries, including Fiji, voted against, out of a world total of 14 votes against.

 

“It’s the same Pacific slant with embassies in illegally Occupied Jerusalem.  The world would locate all their embassies on in Tel Aviv, because they didn’t recognise Israeli sovereignty over East Jerusalem.  Then Trump opened a US embassy in Jerusalem in 2018.”

 

“Since then, only Kosovo, Honduras and Guatemala have joined the US.  That is, except for the Pacific – Papua New Guinea and Fiji are now in Jerusalem and they are soon to be joined by Samoa,” Tamimi says.

 

“It’ll be Samoa’s only country post outside the Pacific.  Is Israel paying for it?”

 

Rinad Tamimi

National Spokesperson

PSNA

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Fonterra – Chief Innovation and Brand Officer Komal Mistry-Mehta to leave Fonterra

Source: Fonterra
 
Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd today announced that Chief Innovation and Brand Officer, Komal Mistry-Mehta, has decided to leave the Co-op in October 2026, concluding a 15-year career with the business.
 
Fonterra CEO Richard Allen acknowledges Komal’s significant contribution to Fonterra.
 
“Komal has been central to driving Fonterra’s innovation, digital and brand agenda during her time as the Chief Innovation and Brand Officer.  She has led the transformation of the Co-operative’s innovation and digital performance, established the Ki Tua Fund, and accelerated the application of advanced technologies across the business. She also previously led Fonterra’s active living business.
 
“Her leadership has built a more connected innovation system for the Co-operative. We thank Komal for her considerable contribution and wish her every success for the future,” says Mr Allen.
 
Komal Mistry-Mehta says “Fonterra plays a vital part in the New Zealand economy and nourishing the world through dairy nutrition, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of this mission. It has been a privilege to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Co-operative, and I am proud of what the team has accomplished. I am excited to step into my next chapter of leadership impact, and I look forward to seeing Fonterra’s continued success over the coming years.”
 
About Fonterra  

As a global B2B dairy provider, we go to market through our global Ingredients brand NZMP and global Foodservice brandAnchor Food Professionals. We provide high-quality products, valued for our dairy innovation and science expertise and New Zealand provenance, to customers in more than 100 countries around the world.

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Economy – Cash consultation alternate formats and additional information published – Reserve Bank

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

2 June 2026 – Alternate formats of the Keeping Cash Local consultation document and survey – in NZSL, Braille, Easy Read, Audio and Large Print – are now available for disabled people and their communities to have their say.

We have also published additional information in response to questions asked in Official Information Act (OIA) requests. This is in addition to the proposal's legal basis information published last month.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua is responsible for ensuring that cash meets the needs of the public. The Keeping Cash Local consultation asks the public about local access to withdraw cash, deposit cash and swap cash for low-denomination banknotes and coins.

“Cash is still important in New Zealand, but cash can only remain useful if cash services are available and easy to access, which is why we want to hear people's views,” says Karen Silk, Assistant Governor Money.

There has been strong interest in the consultation with more than 5000 responses so far and the deadline was extended to 31 July 2026 to allow more time for people and industry to respond. No decisions have been made, and we welcome a range of views on the proposals outlined in the consultation.
 

More information

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Sudan braces for worsening child malnutrition as pre-harvest season starts – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

Sudan is bracing for a rise in child malnutrition as the lean or pre-harvest season starts with the prospects for crop production looking bleak after more than three years of war with conflict ongoing, warned Save the Children.
Agriculture accounts for up to 80% of food [1] and income in Sudan, but the conflict, combined with climate pressures, has decimated farming and further declines in cereal production are forecasted [2] ahead of planting starting this month.
Already about 19 million people – or two in every five Sudanese – are facing acute food insecurity, according to the World Food Programme [3]. The ongoing conflict has caused the world’s largest displacement crisis, forcing about 14 million people [4] from their homes, reducing access to farmland, damaging infrastructure and irrigation systems and causing shortages of seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
In the eastern state of Gedaref, once known as the breadbasket of Sudan, the impact is visible in overcrowded nutrition clinics treating growing numbers of malnourished children. Omer-, aged 12 months, is one of about 50 babies treated for severe acute malnutrition in the past month at a Save the Children nutrition clinic, where staff say numbers are rising and set to get worse.
Omer’s mother Reem-, 35, said her son had faced health issues since birth but his admission for severe acute malnutrition was due to the conflict, with less farming and more people to feed. Up to one million people arrived in Gedaref at its peak to escape violence in the capital Khartoum, adding a third to the population. The number of displaced people living there now is about 200,000.
” The war has made life harder for us all as there is less food due to less farming and more people,” said Reem, a mother of 10, who is feeding her son therapeutic milk every two hours.
Save the Children staff at the nutrition clinic said they treated more than 1,400 children for severe acute malnutrition last year, with 38 dying of hunger-related causes. So far this year they have treated about 200 children with 3 deaths, and they expect numbers to rise rapidly in the lean season before the harvest starts in October.
Meanwhile, the war has also crippled the health system, with 37% of health facilities [5] across Sudan’s 18 states non-functional, according the World Health Organization, and aid cuts forcing the closure of health centres across the country. On top of this, the crisis in the Middle East has disrupted shipments of urgently needed medicines [6] and therapeutic foods as well as leading to spike in prices for fuel and fertilizer needed in farming.
Save the Children’s Sudan Country Director, Mohamed Abdiladif said:
” The situation for children in Sudan is deteriorating even further as this conflict continues, with millions of children in the country impacted. What should be one of the country’s most productive agricultural regions is now struggling to feed its own people, with families pushed to the brink. Children are arriving at clinics dangerously malnourished, and without urgent support, many more will follow as the lean season sets in.
“The international community cannot look away. We urgently need increased funding and access to deliver life-saving nutrition and healthcare to children before this crisis spirals even further out of control.”
With only 22% of the $2.9b UN appeal for 2026 covered [7], Save the Children is urgently calling for increased funding to the humanitarian response in Sudan to continue providing vital services to the most vulnerable communities across the country.
Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and provides programming for children and families affected by conflict, displacement, extreme poverty and hunger. 
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Honours – Fire and Emergency King’s Birthday Honours

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan congratulates six Fire and Emergency personnel from Arthur's Pass National Park, Auckland, Dunedin, Ōmokoroa, Richmond, and Whangamatā who have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List released today.
“These worthy recipients have provided years of contribution to help their communities become stronger, safer and more resilient both through their efforts for Fire and Emergency, and through all their other community contributions. It is a pleasure to see their efforts recognised.”
This year’s recipients of King’s Birthday Honours for services to Fire and Emergency are:
  • Mr Esitone (Leota Pauga
Esitone) PAUGA – appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit
(MNZM)
  • Ms Michele Margot POOLE –
appointed as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
  • Mr Ian John BLUNT – award of
the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
  • Mr Edward Keith (Ted) FORD –
award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
  • Mr Graeme Lawrence KATES –
award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
  • Mr Ralph Edward PITCHER – award
of the King’s Service Medal (KSM).
Fire and Emergency Board Chair Rebecca Keoghan says, “On behalf of Fire and Emergency and the people of New Zealand, thank you for your outstanding service, your communities are richer for your work.”
More information on recipients follows:
For appointment as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Mr Esitone (Leota Pauga Esitone) PAUGA
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Leota Pauga Esitone Pauga has served for more than 40 years with Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the preceding New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS).
Mr Pauga became a career firefighter in 1981 and served until retirement in 2025. He was an operational firefighter for 32 years before attaining the role of Assistant Commander in 2013 and Area Commander in 2015, latterly holding roles with Fire and Emergency national headquarters. He co-founded Afi Pasefika (Pacific Fire) in 1996, an initiative which has become an important part of the People Led Network and Pacific representation and advocacy within Fire and Emergency. Under his guidance Afi Pasefika has grown into a national network of career and volunteer firefighters, support personnel, and executive officers. The network works closely with Pacific communities to deliver fire safety messages, foster recruitment, and provide career advice for Pacific personnel. He was the Fire and Emergency representative on the Te Kiwi Māia Advisory Group from 2021 to 2025. His leadership has enabled firefighters and their family to access specialised wellness and recovery support. He has strengthened the relationship between Fire and Emergency and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority, establishing collaborative initiatives to enhance operational capability. Mr Pauga led a team of firefighters to Samoa as part of New Zealand’s contribution to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2024.
Ms Michele Margot POOLE
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Ms Michele Poole has contributed to emergency responses across New Zealand for more than 30 years.
Ms Poole is currently a Senior Regional Communications and Engagement Advisor at Fire and Emergency New Zealand. She is a member of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Emergency Management Assistance Team, the Fire and Emergency Urban Search and Rescue Command and Technical Support team, and the Maritime New Zealand National Oil Spill Response team. She represents Fire and Emergency on the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council Public Information and Warnings Group. She has developed and implemented Fire and Emergency’s Emergency Strategic Communications capability. She trains and supports Public Information Management around New Zealand and has built capability in emergency communication across the public communications sector and in local government. She was instrumental in establishing the New Zealand chapter of Emergency Media and Public Affairs (EMPA) and chaired the New Zealand EMPA Conference from 2014 to 2021. She has contributed to some of New Zealand’s most significant emergency responses including the 2011 Christchurch and 2016 Kaikōura earthquakes, Whakaari/White Island eruption in 2019, and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. She has been deployed to major emergency responses in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. For her contributions to emergency communications, Ms Poole was made a Fellow of EMPA.
For award of the King’s Service Medal (KSM)
Mr Ian John BLUNT
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt has contributed more than 40 years to community service and leadership, primarily through Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Mr Blunt joined Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1984, progressing from Station Officer in 1988 to current Chief Fire Officer since 2002. He has played a key role in regional emergency preparedness and inter-agency cooperation by forging effective partnerships between Fire and Emergency New Zealand, St John, Coastguard, and local Bay of Plenty organisations. In 2015, he pioneered the establishment of New Zealand’s first dedicated Medical First Response Unit staffed solely by medical responders, separate from the firefighting team. This innovation now supports approximately 300 calls annually and is recognised nationally. He has ensured sustainable funding for the station through community and corporate partnerships, enabling the acquisition of vehicles and equipment without requiring members to fundraise. As a long-time member, Chair and Course Superintendent of the Ōmokoroa Golf Club, he has used his own equipment and time to improve the grounds and infrastructure. He has been involved with the Ōmokoroa Boat Club since the early 1980s, serving as Commodore and ensuring ongoing emergency response collaboration to enhance community safety. Mr Blunt has been involved in Ōmokoroa Point School fundraising activities as a member of the Parent Teacher Association and through the Fire Brigade.
Mr Edward Keith (Ted) FORD
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the dairy industry
Mr Ted Ford has served the Appleby community over 36 years as a volunteer firefighter and is a prominent member of the Jersey farming industry.
Mr Ford was an inaugural member of the Appleby Volunteer Rural Fire Force in 1988 and was instrumental in its transition to a Fire and Emergency New Zealand Volunteer Fire Brigade in 2017. He worked as a training coordinator and vehicle and equipment coordinator. He has had a long involvement with the Nelson Agricultural and Pastoral Association, becoming Vice President in 2018, and President from 2019 to 2021. He continues to serve as a committee member, focusing on the care and maintenance of the Association’s 100-acre park. He has volunteered with local and national Jersey groups and is a Jersey New Zealand Regional Ambassador for the Upper South Island. He was a committee member for the planning and presentation of the Top of the South New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. He was Chair for the Top of the South Agricultural Industry Training Organisation and offered training on his farm to develop cadets' practical and theoretical farming knowledge. Mr Ford was Chair of the Appleby School Committee from 1985 to 1987 and continues to support the school with educational farming visits.
Mr Graeme Lawrence KATES
For services to conservation and the community
Mr Graeme Kates has played a significant role in the protection of native biodiversity in the Arthur’s Pass region for more than 31 years.
In 2003, Mr Kates privately funded extensive stoat and rat traps within the Bealey Valley, a conservation initiative which led to the foundation of the Arthurs Pass Wildlife Trust (APWT). With the APWT, he undertook initial work to protect the Great Spotted Kiwi in the Arthur’s Pass National Park, where his subsequent research and data collection led to improved knowledge of the species. He helped install 106 kilometres of trap line and coordinates the volunteers that service them, resulting in over eight thousand predator species caught within the Arthur’s Pass National Park. He created and maintains a website that updates the public on track and mountain conditions, weather stations and webcams within Arthur’s Pass National Park. As an experienced mountaineer, he wrote 'Arthur’s Pass: A Guide for Mountaineers', published by the New Zealand Alpine Club. He voluntarily controls invasive weed species and is largely responsible for the eradication of lupins in the Bealey Valley. Mr Kates also volunteered for Arthur’s Pass LandSAR, and served for more than 29 years with the Arthur’s Pass Volunteer Fire Brigade, including five years as Fire Controller and 17 years as Deputy Fire Controller.
Mr Ralph Edward PITCHER
For services to Fire and Emergency New Zealand and the community
Mr Ralph Pitcher has served the Whangamatā community for more than 60 years.
Mr Pitcher has been a volunteer firefighter since 1965, still actively serving as part of the Whangamatā Fire Brigade. He assisted with major equipment and building changes to the Brigade and has mentored generations of firefighters. He is founding member, President, and committee member of the Moana House retirement home, where he was integral to the completion of the Wilson Wing Hospital, and five low-cost housing cottages for pensioners. He has served for more than 48 years with the Whangamatā Lions Club, including 15 years as President. He served on several committees and manages the Charitable Trust responsible for dispersing funds to community organisations. He is Trustee of Lions Investment Golf Club, committee member of the Williamson Golf Club and was involved in the establishment of Titoki Golf Club. He was a volunteer ambulance officer and later became Chair of St John’s Whangamatā Ambulance Service. He was a committee member of the Whangamatā Club for 15 years. He was President and was founding member of the Whangamatā Sports Centre and Squash Club, contributing significantly towards the Club’s redevelopment. Mr Pitcher volunteers as a Meals on Wheels driver. 
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Defence News – NZ Army engineer awarded DSD for emergency responses in Vanuatu

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

A New Zealand Army warrant officer who led emergency engineering responses to both a light aircraft crash and a deadly earthquake in Vanuatu has been awarded the New Zealand Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD).

Warrant Officer Class 2 Rob Allen’s DSD, for services to the New Zealand Defence Force, was announced in the King’s Birthday Honours List, where his leadership during both incidents helped save lives and reinforced the New Zealand Defence Force’s reputation in the Pacific nation.

An emergency responder with the Royal New Zealand Engineers, he has been seconded to the Vanuatu Mobile Force (VMF) Engineer Squadron since 2023.

In July 2024, a light plane crashed into a plantation near Port Vila Airport with five passengers aboard.

WO2 Allen assembled a team of VMF engineers to extend an access road for ambulances and rescue services to reach the scene, enabling the evacuation of the five injured occupants. One passenger died later in hospital.

Five months later, on 17 December, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck Port Vila, killing 14 people.

WO2 Allen’s team carried out a search and rescue mission in the collapsed three-storey Billabong building while he coordinated with Vanuatu’s first responders.

Over three days he coordinated recovery efforts, provided technical guidance and organised logistical support.

His leadership was critical in immediately rescuing two trapped victims, another four survivors subsequently, and the recovery of four deceased victims.

WO2 Allen said he was humbled by his decoration and paid tribute to his VMF team and the Vanuatu locals.

“Like most soldiers I am not great at receiving awards. I feel grateful to be nominated, that someone took the time to do that.

“The crash and the earthquake highlighted the ability of people from all walks of life and professions to work together to help people in their time of need.

“The people working on the Billabong building site had all experienced the earthquake and had damaged houses and frightened families. They stayed and worked through the days and nights to extricate fellow people from the rubble.”

WO2 Allen was born and raised in Nelson. He enlisted in 1993 and has served in Timor-Leste and Iraq.

His posting to Vanuatu involves improving the capacity of the VMF Engineers and Engineering Squadron.

There was also rewarding work in community projects where they are rebuilding a school classroom, a childcare classroom and a boys’ dormitory, he said.

“The childcare classroom and dormitory were severely damaged in a cyclone and the school classroom was three-quarters completed and ran out of funding,” WO2 Allen said.

All three were due to be completed last week.

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Legislation – Health Committee to consider anonymous submissions on Good Samaritan overdose bill

Source: NZ Drug Foundation Te Puna Whakaiti Pāmamae Kai Whakapiri

The committee considering a law change that would legally protect people calling for help in the event of an overdose says they will consider anonymous submissions on the Bill.

The Health Committee is considering the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill, which would protect people calling for help, and others at the scene, from low level drug offences such as drug use and possession.

NZ Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm welcomes the move to consider anonymous submissions and says that many of the people who would be most impacted by the Bill are the least likely to share their stories publicly.

“Amongst the grief in the heartbreaking stories we hear there is also shame, stigma and often legal risk,” she says.

“It’s really important that MPs hear from the people who this Bill would most impact, so we are thankful to the committee for considering anonymous submissions.”

The Health Committee amended its call for submissions to highlight that people can ask for their submission to be anonymous following a request from the Drug Foundation. Ordinarily, submissions are published on the Parliament website against the submitter’s name.

Helm says the Foundation has put together a submission builder to help guide people through turning their stories and experiences into a submission.

 

“Since submissions have opened I’ve heard from so many people whose lives have been affected by overdose, and whose story might have been different had this law been in place,” she says. “No one should fear calling for help.”

“As a mum myself, it's been other mothers' heart-wrenching stories of loss that have stuck in my mind.”

“I encourage anyone who has a stake in this to have their say. Parents who want to know their child wouldn't hesitate to call for help if something went wrong. People who use drugs who’ve had something go wrong. Whānau members who have loved ones they want to be able to look out for. MPs need to hear your stories.”

 

For more information on the Bill, visit drugfoundation.org.nz/goodsamaritan

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If Aged Care Fails, the Health System Fails – Aged Care Assn

Source: Aged Care Association

The Aged Care Association says Budget 2026 has missed a critical opportunity to stabilise aged residential care, warning that continued closures and mothballing of beds will place even greater pressure on hospitals, families and communities.
Chief Executive Hon. Tracey Martin says governments of all colours continue to make the same mistake. “They treat aged residential care as something separate from the health system when, in reality, aged care is health care.”
“New Zealand can build more hospital beds, employ more hospital staff and spend billions on hospital infrastructure, but if aged residential care continues to decline, hospitals will continue to struggle.”tin says aged residential care is an essential part of the health system, providing hospital-level care, dementia care, respite care, rehabilitation and end-of-life care to thousands of New Zealanders every day.
“When aged care works, hospitals work better. When aged care fails, the health system fails.”
The Association says the consequences are already being felt across the country.
“Across New Zealand, aged residential care facilities have been and are being mothballed because the funding model no longer covers the true cost of care. These are beds that communities need and providers want to operate, but the economics simply do not work.”
“Just a fortnight ago, one of New Zealand's leading charities announced the closure of another 40-bed facility. That closure was not driven by a lack of demand. It was driven by a lack of sustainable funding.”
Martin says every bed that disappears has a direct impact on older New Zealanders and their families.
“When a local care facility closes, the burden does not fall on government departments or officials in Wellington. It falls on husbands and wives who have spent a lifetime together. It falls on sons and daughters trying to support ageing parents. It falls on families who suddenly find that the care their loved one needs is no longer available in their community.”
“In some cases, older couples are separated because there is no suitable bed available close to home. Families who once visited daily find themselves travelling hours to see a parent or partner.”
“These are not statistics. These are real people and real families paying the price for a system that has been allowed to drift for too long.”
The Association welcomed the establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Aged Care but says waiting for long-term reform should not have prevented action in this year's Budget.
“The Government has acknowledged that reform is needed. The problem is that while we wait for reform, facilities continue to close and capacity continues to disappear.”
Martin says a targeted infrastructure grant fund focused on standard aged care beds could have helped stabilise capacity while broader reforms are developed.
“Just one percent of the infrastructure funding already set aside by Government, targeted at the communities most at risk, could have helped preserve and grow desperately needed care capacity.”
The Association says New Zealand must stop viewing aged care as separate from the rest of the health system.
“Aged care is not the end of the health system. It is a critical part of it.”
“If we want fewer people waiting in emergency departments, fewer delayed hospital discharges and a health system that works better for everyone, then we must invest in aged residential care.”
“The reality is simple. If aged care fails, the health system fails.”
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Comparing direct and indirect seasonal adjustment of gross domestic product (GDP) – Stats NZ methods paper