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Health and Govt Cuts – Chronic health care assistant short staffing harming vulnerable patients – NZNO

Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

Te Whatu Ora’s attempt to cut costs by requiring health care assistants to carry out cohort patient watches is harming vulnerable patients and staff, NZNO says.
Patient watches involve trained and experienced health care assistants monitoring patients deemed a threat to themselves or others. They often have confusion, delirium or dementia.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO delegate and Christchurch health care assistant Al Dietschin says cohort patient watches are occurring throughout the country.
“In Christchurch, health care assistants have written to local Te Whatu Ora leadership to raise our concerns that short-staffing and cohort patient watches are inherently unsafe and places both patients and staff at considerable risk.
“There have already been documented incidents of patient harm directly resulting from the use of these cohort watches. With winter approaching, the situation is now at a critical point. The letter warns: ‘the NZNO members are extremely concerned that without immediate and substantive change, further patient harm is not just possible, but inevitable’.
“The patients we watch are often highly agitated, have dementia or deliriums and can have mental health issues. They often have intravenous lines, drains, nasogastric tubes and catheters in which they can pull out, causing them further distress and trauma. They can hurt themselves in falls if they are not constantly watched.
“There has already been a warning from the Coroner about the link between short staffing and falls. Despite 18 months of raising concerns with Te Whatu Ora in bargaining about understaffing, the situation is getting worse,” Al Dietschin says.
NZNO delegate and Auckland health care assistant Anamei Graham says understaffing means health care assistants are constantly forced to prioritise their tasks.
“It is very difficult to watch several such patients at once if they are put into a cohort, especially if they are in different rooms. It is not safe for them, and it is not safe for the kaiāwhina watching them,” she says.
“A lot of us are feeling unsafe. Whānau are asked to help but they are not trained to provide patient supervision and monitor changes in behaviour. Often it is a spouse caregiver who really needs some respite from 24/7 care themselves.
“We are pulled in all sorts of directions at once and we are stressed out and burnt out. There’s not enough HCAs on the wards and patients and whānau can feel it,” Anamei Graham says. 
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Death by aid cuts: Oxfam reaction to OECD preliminary data on aid spending in 2025

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

In response to the publication today of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) preliminary data on Official Development Assistance (ODA) for 2025, Oxfam Aotearoa’s Advocacy and Policy Lead Nick Henry said:
“This report shows New Zealand aid fell by 12.8% in 2025. This is a huge problem for our Pacific neighbours who face an accelerating climate crisis.
Now more than ever, New Zealand should be standing with our Pacific neighbours with support for climate adaptation and sustainable development. But the New Zealand Government has not renewed our climate funding commitment for the Pacific and has not increased other aid enough to make up for the shortfall.
Unfortunately, this means New Zealand is now part of the problem.
Oxfam has previously praised the good work done through New Zealand’s support for climate action in the Pacific. We call on the New Zealand Government to restore and extend that support to our Pacific neighbours in this year’s budget.”
Meanwhile Oxfam’s Development Finance Lead Didier Jacobs said:
“Wealthy governments are turning their backs on the lives of millions of women, men and children in the Global South with these severe aid cuts. They collectively slashed aid by 23% in 2025. Based on aid’s crucial role in combating diseases like HIV-AIDS and malaria, the Institute of Global Health of Barcelona estimated that global aid cuts of such magnitude would kill hundreds of thousands of people in 2025 alone. If this trend continues, aid cuts could kill over 9 million people by 2030.
At a time where aid cuts are already driving instability and fostering greater inequality, government donors are cutting life-saving aid budgets while financing conflict and militarization. Cuts from donors including Germany, France and the UK will be felt by the world’s poorest. The United States shut down USAID and recklessly cut aid by $37 billion in 2025, and the Trump administration has been preparing to ask Congress for tens of billions in additional funding for bombs, ammunition, and other military equipment relating to its unlawful war against Iran.
Governments must restore their aid budgets and shore up the global humanitarian system that faces its most serious crisis in decades. There are other ways to find tens of billions of dollars, such as by taxing the $2.84 trillions of dollars that the super-rich hide in tax havens.”
Notes
The OECD preliminary data shows the DAC countries’ aid spending for 2025 was $174.3 billion, a cut of 23% from 2024.
The Institute of Global Health in Barcelona released a study in Lancet Journal (February 2026) that evaluated the impact of ODA on mortality rates around the world. It estimates that aid cuts in 2025 alone, assuming a 21% aid cut, would be responsible for 695,238 excess deaths, and that, if the aid cut trend continued, it could kill 9,416,417 by 2030.
The US Administration is reportedly planning to seek a war appropriation of $80-$100 billion from Congress.
Oxfam estimates that the top 0.1% richest people worldwide hide $2.84 trillion in tax havens. Even a small tax on that wealth would yield much more than the amount of aid cuts.
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Research – ACT and National dominate LinkedIn while Labour barely shows up — new report ranks every NZ MP

Source: Blackland PR

10 April 2026 – New Zealand's first comprehensive ranking of MP LinkedIn performance reveals a striking digital divide between the government and opposition benches.

A new report from Blackland PR and digital communications specialist Seamus Boyer has ranked every New Zealand MP on their LinkedIn performance, exposing wide gaps in how political parties are using the platform.

The MP LinkedIn Power List 2026 analysed the LinkedIn presence of all MPs with findable profiles across 2025, scoring each on profile quality, posting consistency, content impact, network size, content quality, and engagement behaviour. Content quality was weighted most heavily.

“LinkedIn has evolved well beyond a job-hunting or humble-brag platform. With an estimated 3.3 million New Zealand members and comment activity growing 24% in 2025, it has become a place where business leaders, public servants, industry stakeholders, and journalists spend significant time,” says Seamus Boyer.

“LinkedIn offers politicians a relatively high-trust environment to communicate directly with exactly the audiences that shape opinion and policy.”

ACT Deputy Leader Brooke van Velden and National's Ryan Hamilton shared the top ranking, with ACT punching well above its weight relative to its parliamentary size. National dominated the overall leaderboard, with 18 of the top 25 places. Green MP Francisco Hernández was the standout from the opposition benches, coming in fifth.

In contrast Labour's performance is strikingly weak. The party's first representative on the list, Duncan Webb, ranked 24th. Leader Chris Hipkins came in at 68th equal, with his most recent post being from February 2019.

“We understand that Labour has different audiences, but it does want to build its credibility with business. Yet it's almost completely absent from a key platform well suited to that goal. That's a significant missed opportunity,” says Nick Gowland from Blackland PR.

And surprisingly, while National has the largest audience on LinkedIn, the party could be doing more.

“Too much content remains reactive rather than using LinkedIn to seed ideas or shape conversations early on. National MPs have the reach. Their opportunity is to be more deliberate about leading discussions and showing up as thought leaders,” says Seamus Boyer.

“The MPs doing this well aren't just broadcasting announcements. They're showing up with personality, adding context, engaging in debate, and treating LinkedIn as a genuine conversation platform rather than a noticeboard. The audience rewards that approach,”

The most-engaged post of 2025 was from ACT list MP Laura McClure, whose post about deepfake legislation drew nearly 6,500 engagements.

“The post had a compelling hook, image, and a subject with genuine public interest,” says Seamus Boyer.

“In contrast, the dominant pattern across all parties was “post and ghost,” with MPs posting content but failing to engage with replies or join the conversation in comments. Only 16 MPs engaged consistently and meaningfully.”

Key stats

  • 91 MPs with a findable LinkedIn profile
  • 27 MPs who didn't post at all in 2025
  • 35 Average posts per MP across the year
  • 16 MPs engaging consistently in comments


The full report, including the complete ranking of all 91 MPs and party-by-party analysis, is available at blacklandpr.com and seamus.nz.

 

About Blackland PR

Blackland PR is a Wellington-based strategic communications consultancy specialising in persuasive communications with real New Zealanders. The firm works across public and private sector organisations on media strategy, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs.

About Seamus Boyer

Seamus Boyer is a digital communications consultant specialising in strategic storytelling and social media for the public sector, working with central and local government clients across New Zealand and Australia. He spent a decade in journalism before moving into communications.

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PSA – Govt cost cutting puts Ministry of Justice jobs supporting Māori-Crown relations at risk

Source: PSA

A proposal to cut 26 roles at the Ministry of Justice would undermine the Ministry’s ability to deliver on its Te Tiriti obligations, in the latest example the Government’s extreme anti-Māori agenda.
The proposal, released to staff yesterday, includes a net loss of 21 policy roles, including the entire Inquiries team. It also includes a net loss of five roles in the Ātea a Rangi team, which provides strategic and policy advice and leads partnerships with iwi and Māori.
The Inquiries team supports the Crown's participation in the Waitangi Tribunal's Justice and Constitutional kaupapa inquiries. They have a mandate to ensure that the Crown participates in and responds to these inquiries in good faith.
“These job cuts are a continuation of the Government’s relentless attacks on Māori and is yet another example of how Māori and Te Tiriti capabilities in the public service are being hollowed out,” said Jack McDonald, Te Kaihautū Māori for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Disestablishing the Inquiries team will further harm the Māori-Crown relationship, breaking the trust of claimants that the Crown is genuine in participating in these inquiries.
“The disproportionate impact of this country’s criminal justice system on Māori is extremely well documented. Cutting these workers will undermine the Ministry’s ability to meet its Te Tiriti obligations and work alongside Māori communities to reduce inequities in the justice system.
“The Government must stop its insidious, ideological drive to cut costs at the expense of Māori. It is undermining the job security of dedicated workers, and it is harming the public service’s ability to deliver Te Tiriti-consistent services for all New Zealanders,” McDonald said.
Some examples of Government cuts to Māori capability
StatsNZ disestablish its Tangata Tiriti Learning Capability Team: Statistics NZ proposes axing Māori Learning Capability team in latest cull
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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Events – Pay Equity Cancelled Cheque Presentation Event to Highlight Impact on Care and Support Workers

Source: PSA

Opposition MPs will present giant bank ‘cheques’ representing $20,644.45 in stolen pay equity wages to care and support workers at the Bridge of Remembrance this Sunday, 12 April.
The presentation will highlight what workers have lost, with the cancelled cheques representing the value of their pay equity claims cancelled last year.
Speakers at the event will include Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons, advocate Nancy McShane, Labour MPs Dr Tracey McLellan and Dan Rosewarne, and community supporters. Together, they will stand in solidarity with affected workers and call for renewed attention to pay equity issues.
“It is coming up a year on when the coalition betrayed New Zealand women by cancelling 33 pay equity claims and making future claims almost impossible,” Fitzsimons says.
“As the fuel crisis has come down hard on everyone, especially care and support workers who must use their cars to get to clients, their lack of pay equity has become starkly apparent.
“If these workers were valued properly in the first place, then they’d be better positioned to ride out this petrol crisis. Instead, we’re hearing workers are having to choose between putting petrol in their cars or food on the table.
“New Zealand women have not forgotten what was taken from them. Pay equity was won over decades by thousands of women organising together. We’re not giving up now.”
The cheques will be presented to mental health support worker Christie Frost and home support worker Theresa Parnell.
Frost says it’s “ridiculous” she and her colleagues are still having to fight for pay equity.
“The cancellation of the pay equity claims last year left us all feeling quite broken.
“The work we do is taxing, and carries a lot of risk and responsibility. I love my job – but I could go and work at Burger Fuel for the same money. Passion for my work doesn’t pay the bills.”
Members of the media and public are encouraged to attend, show their support, and make Kiwi workers voices heard. The event is open to all.
Attendees are advised to allow extra travel time due to Christchurch Marathon street closures earlier in the morning.
Event Details:
What: Pay Equity Cheque Presentation Event
When: Sunday, April 12 at 12:00pm
Where: Bridge of Remembrance, Christchurch.
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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Auckland City Deal Sets Direction – Now Progress Must Follow, says EMA

Source: EMA

Momentum and progress will mark the success of today’s landmark city deal agreed between Auckland City and the Government, says the EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association).
“This is the first of the city deals to be announced and it won’t just be Aucklanders watching its progress, but also the other cities and regions wanting to make similar deals with the Government,” says EMA’s Head of Advocacy, Alan McDonald.
“They have succeeded overseas and now we get to try one here. There are encouraging elements to the announced deal – with Auckland’s economy lagging, we need a shot in the arm to get things moving again.
“The announcement rightly notes just how important Auckland’s success is to the national economy and, as a national organisation founded in Auckland 140 years ago, we and our members really want to see the city grow and contribute more to the economy.
“Similar measures in the past, such as the Auckland Transport Alignment Plan (ATAP), brought some successes but this is a much broader agreement in scope. It’s an agreement that should prevent large-scale fantastical plans being foisted on the city, and lead to more pragmatic options that demonstrate real growth and progress.”
McDonald says key elements of the deal will all contribute to momentum and growth. These include the Council/Government partnership approach, the focus on developing precincts, a joint approach to a large-scale events programme, and gaining further efficiencies from existing infrastructure and transport networks
“The new Crown uplift funding tool should encourage Council to think more strategically about how it uses its existing assets, while recognising the important role the private sector can play in prioritising the Drury development and easing congestion at the critical airport hub. Auckland Airport is also one of the region’s largest roading authorities, controlling much of the road network around the airport.
“Getting the most out of the CRL (City Rail Link) by prioritising level crossing improvements just makes good sense, and there is recognition we should take a similar approach to maximising the flow of our roading and public transport networks, not just on the motorways.
“The intent behind the deal looks great. Now we need to see the results flow from the agreement – and quickly.”
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Greenhouse gas emissions (industry and household): December 2025 quarter – Stats NZ information release

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New Zealand’s environmental reporting series: Our freshwater 2026 – Stats NZ information release

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Activist Sector – Wellington March against the War

Source: Peace Action Wellington

Peace Action Wellington is hosting a march against the war on Saturday, 11 April at 11am from Civic Square to Parliament.

“The US and Israeli war on Iran is illegal, immoral and completely without justification,” said Valerie Morse from Peace Action Wellington.

“We call on the NZ government to condemn this war. To call out the US and Israel for their war crimes and to demand an end to this now – for good. This isn’t hard.”

“All of the Coalition is equally responsible for their utter cowardice – NZ First, National and ACT. They have utterly failed to have even the most basic moral compass. They can’t even condemn an illegal war. It is remarkable what utter sycophants they have all been to US power.”

“We should hardly be surprised since they have been so silent and complicit as thousands upon thousands of Palestinian men, women and children have been massacred.”

 “Now we demand that NZ get out of the blood-soaked alliance with the US and its task-master Israel. We say no troops, no SAS, no frigates, no joint training, no business, and out of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.”

“We demand an independent and principled foreign policy that puts human need, human dignity and human rights at the very forefront.”

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Oxfam: Peace talks only successful if ceasefire encompasses the region, as Israel launches deadliest strikes yet on Lebanon

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

Reacting to news today of a two-week ceasefire between US/Israel and Iran, Oxfam International Executive Director Amitabh Behar said:
“We share in the widespread relief that the world has avoided the atrocities President Trump threatened yesterday and that the war between the US and Iran has paused while diplomatic talks commence. The ceasefire comes after weeks of escalating threats and unlawful attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, as well as retaliation from Iran, that have killed, injured, and displaced civilians across the region. However, until there is an end to all hostilities, across the entire region, no one will feel truly safe.
“This pause must become a stepping stone for wider peace. Israel’s ongoing invasion in Lebanon, its destructive occupation of Palestinian Territory, ground incursion and airstrikes in Syria, its continued attacks in Gaza, and violent attacks and territorial expansion in the West Bank are still continuing despite the provisional cessation of violence with Iran. This deadly toll across the Middle East is intolerable and must stop.
“Israel’s attacks on Lebanon continued with huge strikes today, reportedly killing at least 80 people. Another 1,500 people have been killed and 4,500 injured since last month. Israeli massive forced displacement orders cover more than 20 per cent of the population and humanitarian agencies cannot access critical projects to assist people in the most need.
“Any peace agreement must include the unconditional withdrawal of Israel’s forces in Lebanon and Syria, an end to its unlawful occupation of Gaza and the Syria Golan, and its annexation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”