Author: MIL OSI Publisher

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New iron treatment funded for people who have experienced serious reactions

Source: PHARMAC

From 1 March 2026 Pharmac will fund ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) in hospitals for people who have experienced serious reactions after other iron infusions.

Pharmac consulted on a proposal to fund this medicine in January, following the discontinuation of iron as sucrose (Venofer) which is used by people who have experienced hypophosphataemia after other iron infusions.

Hypophosphataemia is a rare but serious side effect of some iron infusions. It means having low levels of phosphate in the blood, a mineral that is important for healthy bones, muscles, and energy.

“The consultation feedback Pharmac received was supportive, but strongly suggested widening the funding criteria further,” says Senior Therapeutic Group Manager/Team Leader, Josh Wiles.

“Clinicians told us that a small number of patients who experience adverse reactions to other funded iron transfusions would also benefit from this treatment.”

After considering this response Pharmac has decided to fund ferric derisomaltose (Monofer) in hospitals for all people who have experienced a serious reaction after other funded iron transfusions.

“Supplies of Venofer are expected to run out by March 2026. Funding ferric derisomaltose means people with hypophosphataemia will continue to have access to a safe iron infusion option,” says Wiles.

“Expanding the criteria means anyone who hasn’t been able to tolerate an iron infusion before can now get this treatment. This should reduce the number of infusions they need and cut down their time in hospital.”

Approximately 100 people are expected to benefit from this treatment each year.

Submissions on the proposal also called for Monofer to be funded for people with Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) who have an increased risk of experiencing hypophosphataemia after receiving some iron transfusions.

Pharmac is currently assessing an application to fund Monofer for people with HHT. Assessment of this application will include consideration of the feedback received in recent consultation.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/new-iron-treatment-funded-for-people-who-have-experienced-serious-reactions/

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Person killed by dogs in Kaihu, Northland

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow our live blog for updates above.

A person has been killed by dogs at a property in Kaihu, Northland.

Emergency services were called to the property on State Highway 12 at 11.25am.

Upon arrival, police found a dead person.

Kaipara District Council’s animal management team confirmed they are responding to and investigating an incident involving dogs and a person at a property earlier on Tuesday.

The dogs have been secured.

“At this stage we re unable to provide any further details or comment while a response and investigation is underway.”

Police, who are also carrying out a scene examination, said there is no risk to the public in relation to the incident.

St John confirmed an ambulance and helicopter were called to the scene at 11.22 this morning, but referred further queries to police.

The incident comes amid growing calls for an overhaul of dog control laws.

A resident of the Far North community of Ahipara last week told RNZ residents had been arming themselves with sticks to protect against roaming dogs.

Follow our live blog for updates at the top of this page.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/17/person-killed-by-dogs-in-kaihu-northland/

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Are $7 blocks now normal? What’s going on with the price of chocolate

Source: Radio New Zealand

Unsplash / Tetiana Bykovets

You weren’t imagining it – Valentine’s Day chocolate probably was more expensive this year.

Stats NZ data shows food prices up 4.6 percent in the year to January, after a 4 percent increase in the 12 months to December.

Grocery prices were up 4 percent.

Sirloin steak lifted 22.9 percent over the year, white bread 57.9 percent and takeaway coffee 6.6 percent, to an average $5.16 a cup.

Chocolate was up 20.5 percent to $6.89 per 250 grams.

Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen said there was usually a price increase for chocolate in either January or February in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.

“But chocolate prices have now increased 20 percent, that’s three months in a row of double digit annual price increases.”

He said it was the first time in Stats NZ data that chocolate prices had topped $6 on average for 250g and they were close to $7.

“I do suspect part of that as well is some of the pricing changes you’ve seen in recent times … part of that will be around specials that are offered or not, and also the fact that Whittaker’s has raised their chocolate prices as well in the last couple of months. That might well be filtering through into the numbers.”

He said there was international pressure on chocolate prices. Cocoa prices had eased a little from highs earlier in 2025 but New Zealand chocolate prices never lifted as much as cocoa did.

“Long story short, where international chocolate prices were at the end of last year up a good 37 percent from where international cocoa prices were two years ago. I suspect that the increase you’re seeing is a combination of pricing changes coming through in the system already, the usual Valentine’s Day spike, but being amplified by those international chocolate prices or cocoa prices going up, that have taken a while to filter their way through into the system.”

Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod said Valentine’s Day was probably not a major driver of the price change.

“Chocolate prices get heavily discounted in November and December in the run up to Christmas. They come off special in January and then get discounted again over February.”

Woolworths was this week selling 250g blocks of Whittaker’s chocolate for $7.49.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/17/are-7-blocks-now-normal-whats-going-on-with-the-price-of-chocolate/

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Arts – Global exhibitions coming to Tāmaki Makaurau: Auckland Museum announces 2026/2027 international exhibition programme

Source: Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum

Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum announces an exciting line-up of international touring exhibitions, including an exclusive new Triceratops exhibition, coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland over 2026 and 2027.

Auckland Museum Director of Audience Engagement Victoria Travers says the upcoming programme brings a diverse range of exhibitions from around the world.

“The next two years of our international exhibition programme reflects Auckland Museum’s commitment to presenting world-class touring exhibitions, with March of the Triceratops set to be a major highlight.”

“As the only Australasian venue on the exhibition’s international tour, Auckland Museum will give visitors the rare opportunity to come face-to-face with the world’s only known Triceratops herd, alongside other exceptional international exhibitions arriving in Tāmaki Makaurau,” says Travers.

Due to strong public interest, Sharks, created by the Australian Museum, has been extended through to Monday 1 June 2026. This exhibition explores the diversity and evolution of sharks, their significance within First Nations and Pasifika knowledge systems, and the latest global research into shark conservation, offering visitors a deeper understanding of these ancient and often misunderstood ocean predators.

Opening on Saturday 27 June 2026, Wildlife Photographer of the Year returns to Auckland Museum in its 61st year, presenting a breathtaking selection of images from the world’s most prestigious wildlife photography competition. The exhibition celebrates the beauty, complexity and fragility of the natural world, captured by photographers from across the globe.

Coming September 2026, families and dinosaur enthusiasts can step back into the prehistoric past with March of the Triceratops. This once-in-a-lifetime exhibition showcases the world’s only Triceratops herd, with a rare group of five recently excavated fossils. Through immersive displays, life-size models, animatronics and augmented reality, this exhibition brings the story of Triceratops to life, exploring their behaviour, biology, and the ancient environments they once roamed.

Opening in June 2027, Ming: The Golden Empire showcases the brilliance of China’s Ming dynasty. This exhibition explores revolutionary social change, artistic achievement, and cultural richness through treasures from the Nanjing Museum that rarely leave China.

Auckland Museum Membership, with three options to select from, provides unlimited free entry to all paid exhibitions, as well as discounted event tickets and exclusive Member-only events. Find out more at: aucklandmuseum.com/membership

Further details, and public programmes and events to be announced; sign up to our What’s On email for updates.

Auckland Museum exhibition programme for 2026/2027:

SHARKS
EXTENDED UNTIL MON 1 JUN 2026
ADULT $22, CHILD (5-15 YRS) $11, UNDER 5 YRS FREE, FAMILY (2 ADULT, 2 CHILD) $59, CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $20
FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS

Created by the Australian Museum, Sharks invites you to explore the fascinating, and often misunderstood, world of sharks. Come face-to-face with life-sized, scientifically accurate shark models, including one of the most famous and feared species of shark, the Great White Shark. Learn through artefacts and tactile displays; be immersed in a digital oceanarium; and see the world in a 360-degree view through the eyes of a Hammerhead Shark.

Sharks is produced and toured by the Australian Museum and proudly supported by Earth Sciences NZ.

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR 61
SAT 27 JUN – SUN 23 AUG 2026
FREE WITH MUSEUM ENTRY

Now in its sixty-first year, and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, Wildlife Photographer of the Year features some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.

The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Using photography’s unique emotive power to engage and inspire audiences, the images share stories and species from around the world, encouraging a future of advocating for the planet.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is developed and produced by the Natural History Museum, London.

MARCH OF THE TRICERATOPS
SEPT 2026 – APR 2027
ADULT $29.90, CHILD (5-15 YRS) $19.90, UNDER 5 YRS FREE, FAMILY (2 ADULT, 2 CHILD) $90, CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $27.90, FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS

March of the Triceratops brings to life one of the world’s most iconic dinosaurs, revealing how these extraordinary creatures lived, moved, and survived millions of years ago.

The exhibition features the only known Triceratops herd ever discovered, with a rare group of five recently excavated fossils. Alongside the fossils are life-size Triceratops models and animatronics, created using the latest scientific research, and hands-on interactives and animated experiences that offer fascinating insight into a prehistoric world.

Explore how fossils are formed, learn what palaeontologists do, and use augmented reality to step into the Triceratops’ natural environment and imagine a landscape shaped by dinosaurs.

March of the Triceratops is a collaboration between Naturalis Biodiversity Center, and MuseumsPartner, both based in Europe.

MING: THE GOLDEN EMPIRE
JUN 2027 – OCT 2027
ADULT $25, CHILD (5-15 YRS) $15, UNDER 5 YRS FREE, FAMILY (2 ADULT, 2 CHILD) $72, CONCESSIONS (STUDENTS & SENIORS) $23, FREE FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS

Discover the brilliance of the Ming dynasty in Ming: The Golden Empire. This stunning exhibition explores revolutionary social change, artistic achievement, and cultural richness through treasures from Nanjing Museum that rarely leave China. From imperial luxuries to everyday objects, journey through China’s Great Ming era, which spanned 1368-1644, all brought to life with striking visuals, films, and interactive displays.

Ming: The Golden Empire is produced by Nomad Exhibitions in association with Nanjing Museum.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/arts-global-exhibitions-coming-to-tamaki-makaurau-auckland-museum-announces-2026-2027-international-exhibition-programme/

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‘Roof tiles absolutely everywhere’: Wellingtonians confront damage after storm

Source: Radio New Zealand

Sarah Lyne says she returned home to find rooms in her Kingston flat open to the elements after Sunday night’s wild weather. Supplied

A Wellington woman says she returned home to find rooms in her Kingston flat open to the elements after Sunday night’s wild weather.

People in the lower North Island were confronting the damage to their neighbourhoods after heavy rain and high winds felled trees, flooded homes and closed schools yesterday.

More than 10,000 people were still without power in the lower North Island.

Powerco was reporting 8220 properties without power across Manawatū, Whanganui and Wairarapa.

While in Wellington, 2300 homes and businesses remained without power on Tuesday morning.

Wellington Electricity said it expected most customers to be back online by Tuesday evening but some in the hardest-hit areas could have to wait until the end of the week.

The Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office was warning people to take care when clearing fallen branches, and to be on the watch for slips and unstable ground.

The roof had torn off

Sarah Lyne – an RNZ employee – said she chose to spend the night at a friends knowing that her rented flat was in poor condition.

“I showed up the next day to find my roof tiles absolutely everywhere. Over my driveway, over my yard, getting onto the street. Went inside and found pink [insulation] bats everywhere. Basically the roof had torn off,” Lyne said.

Supplied

She said she fire crews called in to secure the roof soon spotted other damage from the vantage point on top of her home and had to move on to assist other people nearby.

Lyne said she was extremely grateful to her neighbours who acted quickly – putting tarpaulins in place to protect the building – despite the continued high winds.

“My neighbours immediately jumped into action. They grabbed a ladder – it was quite dangerous – jumped up, checked the damage, took a bunch of photos and grabbed some tarp and immediately covered as much as [they] could. My place would be in a lot worse state if it wasn’t for them,”

She said she had no idea how long it would be before her home would be habitable again.

‘Panic stations’ in the early morning

In Lower Hutt this morning, residents near the flooded Waiwhetu Stream were cleaning up debris washed across the neighbourhood.

On Monday morning people in nearby Heather Grove people were told to self evacuate if they felt unsafe.

BJ Rauhihi said it was “panic stations” – as the stream broke its banks and water began to swamp the area early in the morning.

“It just started getting worse and worse and then you could see it was starting to fill up the rest of the street but when you look down there, yeah it was like a raging torrent really.”

Rauhihi said it was nerve racking to realise he could no longer see the footpath or his street’s grass berms.

“We hit the panic stations and then we are started packing stuff up and getting ready,” Rauhihi said.

In the end Rauhihi said he was able to stay in his home. He said Civil Defence workers did a great job.

“The last time it flooded like this on Heather Grove was 20 years ago but this event was worse.

“It was terrible, you just don’t know what to do with yourself, I was probably in a little bit of shock,” Rauhihi said.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/roof-tiles-absolutely-everywhere-wellingtonians-confront-damage-after-storm/

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Minister welcomes settlement for pharmacists

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for pharmacists employed by Health New Zealand, following a vote by members of the Association of Professionals & Executive Employees (APEX).

“I’m pleased for the approximately 300 pharmacists nationwide who will benefit from this agreement. It recognises the valuable work they do and the high level of skill and care they provide to patients and their families each day,” Mr Brown says.

“Importantly, it also helps provide greater stability for the workforce and supports the essential role pharmacists play in delivering services across our health system.”

The agreement also includes uplifts to professional membership contributions and other improvements to the collective agreement.

“This is another step toward building a more stable and supported pharmacy workforce that can continue delivering timely, quality care for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/minister-welcomes-settlement-for-pharmacists/

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Person killed by dogs in Kaihu, Northland, RNZ understands

Source: Radio New Zealand

Follow our live blog for updates above.

RNZ understands a person has been killed by dogs in Northland.

St John confirmed an ambulance and helicopter were called to the scene around 11.22 this morning.

They referred further queries to police.

The incident comes amid growing calls for an overhaul of dog control laws.

A resident of the Far North community of Ahipara last week told RNZ residents had been arming themselves with sticks to protect against roaming dogs.

Follow our live blog for updates at the top of this page.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/person-killed-by-dogs-in-kaihu-northland-rnz-understands/

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Is ‘March Madness’ already hitting Auckland commuters?

Source: Radio New Zealand

A file photo of Auckland traffic in 2023. RNZ / Lucy Xia

Is traffic already worse than normal or are Aucklanders just dealing with the usual shock of congestion as everyone returns to work and school?

The spike in Auckland traffic congestion is known as ‘March Madness’, but travel times are already picking up.

Director of transport advocacy website, Greater Auckland, Matt Lowrie told Nine to Noon travel times appeared to be normal.

“One of the things that happens is that we get lulled into a false sense of security of how easy it is when the traffic is low and during those school holidays.

“The numbers seem to suggest that it’s probably similar to last year … but it’s that we’ve often forgotten how bad it was at this time last year because even throughout after April when March Madness normally runs through to about Easter, it does drop off for sort of the rest of the year.

“We forget how bad it is at this time of year and I think that’s part of what is driving the experience that people are having is that we just forget that it’s super busy at this time of year and that creates a lot of pressure on all forms of transport.”

Lowrie said while they didn’t have road data yet, travel on public transport seemed to be about the same as last year.

However, he said indications were that roads were not at its peak yet, with far more congestion still to come in March.

“It’s the busiest period of the year on the roads and on public transport and it’s basically the highest level of transport demand that exists,” he said.

“There’s a number of factors behind it and that is things like kids going back to school, people who no longer have taken their holidays so they’re back at work and even things like sickness.”

There were fewer people sick at this time of year than perhaps in winter, Lowrie said.

“They tend to be more in the office more and then there’s also just, for example, university students, they’re about to go back shortly and they’re also at the start of the year,” he said.

“They’re quite keen to get into it and all excitement and before some of them start to sort of drop off or work their way around when their lectures are and what have you.

“It’s when most people are on the roads and on public transport and everything, travelling around to get to destinations.”

Lowrie said constant disruptions meant that trains were only operating at 60-65 percent of what it was prior to Covid.

He said it would take time for commuters to trust the network.

“City Rail Link will absolutely help that, and I think there will be a lot of people who decide to give it a go … it’s particularly from the west of Auckland where the travel times will be significantly lower as a result of the city rail.”

That’s where people will start to see some behaviour change and giving the trains a try, he said.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/is-march-madness-already-hitting-auckland-commuters/

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New research on 1080 bait impact on Rakiura deer

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  17 February 2026

The study found Rakiura white-tailed deer are more susceptible to eating a lethal dose of 1080 bait pellets than other deer populations in New Zealand, and the use of deer repellent slightly reduced the impact.

The study was done by the Bioeconomy Science Institute (formerly Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research) during an aerial predator control operation in August last year to protect pukunui/Southern New Zealand dotterel from extinction.

The operation successfully reduced feral cats, rats and possums to very low levels across approximately 40,000 hectares of Rakiura National Park. The operational area included 4 of the 35 bookable hunting blocks on Rakiura.

The study was commissioned by Predator Free Rakiura in consultation with stakeholders, including experienced local hunters and national hunting groups to help inform future operations targeting feral cats, rats and possums on the island. White-tailed deer are not a target species for the project, and, prior to this study, there was limited research on the Rakiura herd.

Bait pellets containing deer repellent were used in the hunting blocks, while standard 1080 bait pellets were used elsewhere in the operational area. A network of 242 movement-activated trail cameras monitored deer before, during and after the predator control operation.

The report found there was on average a 75 per cent reduction in deer detections by cameras in the deer repellent area in contrast with a 97 per cent reduction in the wider operational area where standard 1080 bait pellets were used.

These reductions in deer activity are higher than have been observed in some deer monitoring studies elsewhere in the country. The report outlines some likely causes, including low natural food availability, meaning the deer were hungry and more likely to eat the bait pellets, and the small size of white-tailed deer making them more susceptible to eating a lethal dose of 1080.

Another probable factor is a lack of herd exposure to 1080 bait pellets previously, meaning the Rakiura white-tailed deer were less cautious of the baits than in areas where there have been multiple 1080 predator control operations.

Department of Conservation Director Biodiversity National Programmes Ben Reddiex says this is valuable research that is being discussed with the Rakiura community and national stakeholders.

“It was expected that there would be some by-kill of white-tailed deer as they are known to sometimes eat 1080 bait pellets, but it was unclear what the extent would be.

“The impact was higher than anticipated, however the large majority of the Rakiura white-tailed deer population was unaffected, and deer will gradually re-enter and repopulate the operational area.

“There has been robust engagement with hunters, hunting groups and other stakeholders, and this will continue as we work towards implementing Predator Free Rakiura.”

The president of the Rakiura Whitetail Trust, Adam Fairmaid, says this research shows a big challenge for Predator Free Rakiura going forward.

“Unfortunately, the operation resulted in a high mortality rate of white-tailed deer in the study area. Our bottom line is that we need a viable whitetail population on Rakiura. The Department of Conservation has assured us that they will work with us to find a solution.”

It is estimated that white-tailed deer will be widespread throughout the operational area in low numbers within one year, and back to pre-operational levels in three-four years. This is based on other studies of population recovery for white-tailed deer and red deer.

Ben Reddiex says Rakiura still has a widely distributed population of white-tailed deer.
“This is shown by the consistent deer detections in the adjacent monitoring area where 1080 wasn’t used, and the deer detected by cameras at the edge of the operational boundary.”

DOC will monitor white-tailed deer as they move back into the operational area, using an existing network of trail cameras that is also monitoring feral cats.

Meanwhile, with feral cats, rats and possums reduced to very low levels in the operational area, pukunui have been able to have a successful breeding season on the Rakiura mountain tops.

“We’ve counted 37 chicks and 80 eggs across 36 nests which is a huge result as the population was down to 105 birds last year, largely due to predation by feral cats.

“We won’t know the total pukunui population change until April when the team does the annual flock count, but all signs are pointing to a vital population boost for a species on the brink of extinction.”

There are no aerial 1080 predator control operations planned on Rakiura in 2026 following the successful predator control operation, and while Predator Free Rakiura considers the next steps for the project following a predator eradication trial last year.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/new-research-on-1080-bait-impact-on-rakiura-deer/

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Teaching Council fell short in managing conflicts of interest, investigation finds

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Public Service Commission has published its investigation into the Teaching Council’s procurement and conflicts of interest management. RNZ / Richard Tindiller

The Public Service Commission says the Teaching Council fell well short of public sector standards in its management of procurement and conflicts of interest.

The commission has published its investigation into procurement and conflict of interest management involving the advertising firm Clemenger, digital engagement services, and te reo Māori instruction, translation, and Māori cultural advice.

“Our investigation found that on multiple occasions between late 2018 and early 2025, the Teaching Council conducted procurement activities which did not comply with its internal policies and fell short of relevant system guidance. Some of these procurement activities also involved a conflict of interest which, in our view, was not appropriately identified or managed,” it said.

“This was not an issue of technical non-compliance. Key steps in the requisite processes did not occur, creating significant organisational and reputational risks. The Teaching Council’s management of these activities fell short (and sometimes well short) of the standards expected in the public sector. This has the potential to undermine public trust in the organisation.”

The report said the council’s chief executive, Lesley Hoskin, had a conflict of interest with regard to Clemenger because her husband is the company’s managing director and has shares in the company.

It said the council engaged Clemenger for three projects, and though Hoskin declared the conflict and was not involved in awarding the contracts there was “varying compliance” with the council’s procurement policy.

“Many of the contracts linked to these initiatives were not procured through competitive processes, and the grounds for exemption from this requirement in the Teaching

Council’s procurement policy were not thoroughly considered, documented or approved. We have particularly serious concerns about a contract related to the communications strategy initiative, which was finalised for a value of $570,000 (later varied to $530,000) following a Request for Proposal (RFP) indicating a value of $75,000. The description of services provided under this contract also differed significantly from the workstreams identified in the RFP.”

The report said the council engaged two contractors for “digital engagement” without a competitive process, creating a risk of perceived bias or favouritism, though there was no evidence of conflicts of interest.

It said multiple contracts for te reo Māori instruction, translation and cultural advice did not comply with internal procurement policy but there was no evidence that the deputy chief executive sponsoring the projects had a conflict of interest.

The report said the council had “low maturity” in conflict management because it relied on annual declarations of conflicts of interest rather than actively managing them.

“The Teaching Council’s sole approach to managing the Chief Executive’s conflict in relation to Clemenger was to exclude her from any procurement and contract management process. This was an overly simplistic approach and not sufficient to manage the Chief Executive’s conflict of interest. In particular, very little was done to manage the considerable perception risks arising from the conflict. To the contrary those risks were exacerbated markedly by poor procurement practices as

set out below,” the report said.

It said Hoskin did not declare her husband’s shareholding in Clemenger which created a financial interest in a company that benefited from contracts with the council.

“The Chief Executive did not disclose her husband’s shareholding to the Chair of the Governing Council, or to senior leaders managing contracts with Clemenger beyond the verbal declaration to Deputy Chief Executive A in 2018. While the Chief Executive reliably disclosed the conflict created by her husband’s position, her omission of the shareholding interest showed a lack of understanding of the nature of conflicts.”

RNZ has approached the Teaching Council for comment.

Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche said the report painted a concerning picture about the council.

“The Council is responsible for upholding high professional standards for teachers,” he said.

“It must also meet the highest standards itself. In this case, basic public sector expectations were not met, and in some areas the Council fell well short.

“These shortcomings created avoidable organisational and reputational risks and have the potential to undermine trust in the Teaching Council.”

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/17/teaching-council-fell-short-in-managing-conflicts-of-interest-investigation-finds/

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Police chase down bike after shoplifting

Source: New Zealand Police

Foot power triumphed over pedal power, as one offender in a shoplifting failed to give Police the slip.

Three people are facing a list of charges after the violent shoplifting unfolded in Rānui yesterday afternoon.

Inspector Jason Edwards, Relieving Waitematā West Area Commander, says two men and a woman entered the supermarket on Swanson Road at around 3.30pm.

“This group has walked around the supermarket allegedly stealing items and putting them into a bag,” he says.

“In the process they have allegedly threatened staff with an umbrella.

“On exiting, the woman has violently shoved a staff member as the group left the store.”

Police were contacted and a unit was soon on scene, locating the trio nearby.

Inspector Edwards says the woman and a man were quickly taken into custody.

“A third offender has jumped on a bike and attempted a two-wheel getaway, knocking over a member of the public” he says.

“Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, another unit had arrived on scene and engaged in a foot pursuit with the bike.

“The 33-year-old didn’t get far and was also arrested.”

He faces charges including shoplifting, assault and resisting Police.

Meanwhile, a 32-year-old woman faces charges of shoplifting and aggravated assault; and a 39-year-old man faces charges of shoplifting and behaving threateningly.

All three will appear in the Waitākere District Court today.

“There is no tolerance for the violent behaviour that this group exhibited towards supermarket staff, and they will all now be held accountable,” Inspector Edwards says.

ENDS.

Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/police-chase-down-bike-after-shoplifting/

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Teaching Council reviews highlight need for change

Source: New Zealand Government

Education Minister Erica Stanford is highlighting the clear, critical need for major change within the Teaching Council following the significant and serious findings of two recent, external reviews. 

“The findings of recent reports on issues within the Teaching Council are some of the most serious that I have seen. The reports make it abundantly clear that there are various, highly concerning failures and problems that need to be addressed,” Ms Stanford says.

“The issues identified are not just minor or technical in nature that require slight adjustments. We have recently seen significant revelations that highlight key issues which should not be understated. 

“While the reports identified numerous shortcomings, they identified above all that there has been an inadequate focus on ensuring child protection, a paramount function of the Council that should be their top priority. 

“Various issues have been identified with leadership, culture, purpose, and the priorities of the Council. The organisation has not appeared to see themselves as a regulator, and ultimately have not been supporting teachers sufficiently.

“Teachers have long questioned the use of the fees within the organisation and these reports show teachers were right to do so. Teachers should be well supported to succeed in their roles, and this is something I have confidence will be addressed.

“These and the other pressing issues raise serious questions concerning the capability of previous boards. A regulatory standards setting body should hold itself to the very highest level, enabling trust and confidence. These reports show previous boards have failed to do this. 

“Boards play a key role in organisational culture. As Minister, I have appointed new members to the board to restore sound governance and effectiveness of the Teaching Council. I have confidence in the new board’s ability to govern the Council, but note the organisation has a very long way to go to restore confidence.

“Ultimately, the Teaching Council needs to undertake their duties competently, ensuring within that child safety, that teachers are well supported to deliver a world-leading education system, and that parents, the public and the sector have confidence in their activities.”  

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/teaching-council-reviews-highlight-need-for-change/

Posted on

Members of Gas Security Fund panel named

Source: New Zealand Government

Gas and energy industry specialist Andy Knight has been named as chair of the expert panel appointed to advise the Government on projects applying to the $200 million Gas Security Fund, Resources and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

“Mr Knight’s depth and breadth of experience in gas industry regulation and energy production and supply makes him uniquely qualified to lead the panel that will provide expert advice on the technically and economically complex projects targeted by the fund,” Mr Jones says.

The $200m Gas Security Fund opened for applications on 12 January 2026. It was created to unlock opportunities to improve gas supply and storage by focusing on activities that have short- to long-term benefits, including from existing sites, in response to declining gas production.

“New Zealand’s history of affordable and secure domestic gas has underpinned major parts of our economy – and this Government wants that to continue by shoring up our domestic supply, supported by the import of LNG which can provide flex to supplement our gas requirements in the meantime,” Mr Jones says.

Two other members appointed to the panel are geophysicist Tim Allan, who has extensive international experience in the industry, and John Pagani who brings experience of working with boards and management of energy firms and industry associations in New Zealand and Australia. Officials continue to assess options for two more members to be appointed in due course.

Mr Jones as Resources Minister and Associate Finance Minister Chris Bishop are the decision-making ministers for applications to the fund. 

“The panel members’ direct commercial and technical oil and gas expertise, and experience of New Zealand’s complex gas exploration and market conditions, means they will be able to provide valuable independent advice,”

“These are high-calibre individuals with impressive technical and industry expertise. We look forward to working with them,” Mr Jones says.

The Gas Security Fund is administered Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. For more information, including how to apply, go to www.growregions.govt.nz/gas-security-fund. 

Biographies:

Andy Knight

Mr Knight is the former chief executive of The Gas Industry Co, one of the gas sector’s co-regulators. He is chair of Taranaki Iwi Holdings Management and a director of the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) as well as of related iwi entities and private investments. He was previously a director of Powerco, CEO of New Zealand Oil & Gas and has held executive roles with Vector Limited, the NGC Holdings Limited Group of Companies, The Australian Gas Light Company and Fletcher Challenge Energy.

Tim Allan

Mr Allan is a resources industry professional, with more than 30 years’ international experience. Most recently he was the exploration stakeholder lead and senior exploration geophysicist (Australasia) for OMV. His experience covers the full spectrum of oil and gas exploration, appraisal, development and production operations, in a wide range of land and marine environments.

John Pagani 

Mr Pagani is the external relations manager for the Gas Industry Company. He has been involved in the energy sector since 2012 and was previously general manager corporate services at New Zealand Oil & Gas. Mr Pagani has worked with boards and management of energy firms and industry associations in New Zealand and Australia. 

 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/members-of-gas-security-fund-panel-named/

Posted on

New Zealand’s first national infrastructure plan unveiled

Source: Radio New Zealand

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop. RNZ / Nathan McKinnon

  • The Infrastructure Commission has released the country’s first National Infrastructure Plan
  • Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop requested the plan and is pushing for cross-party buy-in
  • The plan sets out 16 recommendations, and 10 priorities for the next decade

The country’s first National Infrastructure Plan has landed, laying out an ‘affordable’ plan to tackle the country’s infrastructure woes.

The 226-page report discusses “formidable challenges” to New Zealand’s roads, water pipes, power lines, hospitals, schools and courts.

It said building and maintaining infrastructure was becoming more expensive as climate change was making the natural hazard risks more severe.

On top of this, much of what had been built in the past decades was wearing out and needed to be replaced, the report said.

Infrastructure Commission chief executive Geoff Cooper said the plan set out a practical, affordable pathway to deliver the infrastructure the country needed over the next 30 years.

Infrastructure Commission chief executive Geoff Cooper. Supplied / Infrastructure Commission

“While the plan looks at the long term, it’s clear that we need to take action now. Weather events and infrastructure failures make very clear the importance of investing to renew and build resilience into the networks that sustain our way of life.

“We can’t keep doing what we’ve always done. Each year we invest just over $20 billion on infrastructure, yet on a dollar-for-dollar basis we achieve less than many of our more efficient international peers.”

Cooper said the plan was “ambitous, but centred on affordability” to give decision makers a clear, system-wide picture of where pressures were emerging and where investment would deliver the greatest value.

The National Infrastructure Plan’s 16 recommendations (detailed version below)

1. Needs-based capital allowances

2. Land transport funding and oversight

3. Long-term investment planning

4. Predictable government funding signals

5. Multi-year budgeting

6. Asset management performance reporting

7. System-wide assurance

8. Asset management assurance

9. Investment readiness assurance

10. Project information coordination

11. Stable resource management framework

12. Integrated spatial planning

13. Optimised infrastructure use

14. Accelerated electricity investment

15. Coordinated workforce development

16. Public sector project leadership

Rockfall on a South Westland road. NZ Transport Agency / Waka Kotahi

Cooper said the plan charted an affordable way to meet a diverse set of infrastructure demands over time and identified how to best prioritise and sequence a large programme of significant investments such as roads, rapid transit, and hospitals.

“The plan demonstrates a fundable and affordable programme of works that futureproofs existing services, while incrementally building on the network as the country grows and develops,” he said.

“A plan by itself won’t change anything. The National Infrastructure Plan charts the course, but progress depends on how decision-makers, delivery agencies, industry, and communities use the plan to do things differently.

The National Infrastructure Plan’s 10 priorities for the next decade (detailed version below)

1. Lift hospital investment for an ageing population

2. Complete catch up on renewals in the water sector and restore affordability

3. Implement time of use charging and fleetwide road user charges

4. Prioritise and sequence major land transport projects

5. Manage assets on the downside

6. Prioritise adequate maintenance and renewals

7. Identify cost-effective flood risk infrastructure

8. Commit to a durable resource management framework

9. Commit to upzoning around key transport corridors

10. Take a predictable approach to electrify the economy

Responding to the release of the report, Bishop said delivering and maintaining better infrastructure was a key part of the coalition’s plan to fix the basics and build the future.

“The government has spent a lot of time in the last two years making a start on fixing the basics of our system, but there is a lot more to do.

“The Investment Management System has been strengthened, long-term investment plans are beginning to be developed, and ministers are demanding higher quality information from agencies.

“We have launched a comprehensive programme of work to improve asset management in the public sector.”

Bishop said the coalition would study each of the recommendations carefully and publish its response to the plan in June 2026.

The Dunedin Hospital build site in 2024. RNZ/Tess Brunton

“As part of our response to the National Infrastructure Plan I intend to engage with other political parties in Parliament.

“Infrastructure Commission officials will make briefings available to parties who wish to take a deeper dive into the detail behind the recommendations, and I will be writing to Parliament’s Business Committee seeking time for a special debate on the plan.

“Infrastructure lasts for generations. Where we can build durable consensus, we should.

“Fixing the basics and building the future of New Zealand infrastructure is central to lifting living standards and driving our prosperity. The National Infrastructure Plan is a great contribution to this shared agenda for everyone in New Zealand. Now it is up to all of us to do the hard work required to turn ambition into delivery.”

The commission consulted on a draft plan last year before giving the final report to Bishop on 22 December 2025.

The National Infrastructure Plan’s 16 recommendations (detailed version)

1. Needs-based capital allowances: Ensure fiscal strategy and capital allowances are informed by the commission’s independent assessment of long-term needs and agencies’ infrastructure asset management and investment plans.

2. Land transport funding and oversight: Reform the land transport funding and investment oversight system to ensure financial sustainability and enhance economic and social outcomes by aligning investment expectations with available revenue and strengthening efficiency and accountability in delivery.

3. Long-term investment planning: Introduce legislative requirements for capital-intensive central government agencies to prepare and publish longterm investment and asset management plans aligned with the government’s fiscal strategy.

4. Predictable government funding signals: Extend the horizon over which governments plan their infrastructure funding intentions and communicate these intentions to agencies and the public.

5. Multi-year budgeting: Adopt multi-year budgeting arrangements that leverage and reinforce high-quality infrastructure planning, delivery and asset management practices.

6. Asset management performance reporting: Require, through legislation, capital-intensive central government agencies to report on asset information and asset management performance, including progress against their investment and asset management plans.

7. System-wide assurance: Establish a consolidated assurance function that provides ministers with a system-wide view of infrastructure planning, delivery, and asset management performance and risk.

8. Asset management assurance: Establish an assurance function for capital-intensive central government agencies covering asset management and investment planning activities.

9. Investment readiness assurance: Strengthen investment assurance by applying a transparent, independent readiness assessment to major government-funde investment proposals.

10. Project information coordination: Require all infrastructure providers to maintain up-to-date data in the National Infrastructure Pipeline and strengthen arrangements for improving data quality over time.

11. Stable resource management framework: Commit to maintaining a stable legislative framework for resource management that enables infrastructure development while managing environmental impacts.

12. Integrated spatial planning: Ensure spatial planning within the resource management system aligns infrastructure investment with land-use planning and regulation.

13. Optimised infrastructure use: Set land-use policies to enable maximum efficient use of existing and new infrastructure.

14. Accelerated electricity investment: Establish clear, consistent, and coordinated government policies to accelerate electricity infrastructure investment that supports economic growth and emissions reduction.

15. Coordinated workforce development: Align workforce development planning and policy with infrastructure investment and asset management plans and the commission’s independent view of longterm needs.

16. Public sector project leadership: Strengthen public sector project leadership through a consistent, system-wide approach to appointing, developing, and supporting infrastructure leaders.

Discharge from pipes in Taharoa. Waikato Regional Council / Supplied

The National Infrastructure Plan’s 10 priorities for the next decade (detailed version)

1. Lift hospital investment for an ageing population: Increase investment as a share of GDP to address ageing population demands and maintenance backlogs through clear long-term planning.

2. Complete catch up on renewals in the water sector and restore affordability: Sector affordability can be restored through national guidance on demand management, resourcing the economic regulator and providing assurance over investment proposals.

3. Implement time of use charging and fleetwide road user charges: This is essential for improving the efficiency of our urban road networks, particularly in congested cities.

4. Prioritise and sequence major land transport projects: Restore affordability by timing major road and rapid transit investments based on demonstrated demand and cost benchmarking, while using low-cost and targeted improvements first to lift network performance.

5. Manage assets on the downside: Actively plan for declining demand scenarios arising from changing demographics, technology and climate change, and explore asset recycling opportunities within portfolios to maintain value and affordability.

6. Prioritise adequate maintenance and renewals: Central government agencies must prioritise adequate funding to prevent asset deterioration and costly reactive fixes.

7. Identify cost-effective flood risk infrastructure: Climate change will intensify flooding and impact infrastructure, requiring effective community risk management approaches.

8. Commit to a durable resource management framework: New Zealand needs a durable legislative framework with spatial planning and national standards that can evolve through incremental amendments.

9. Commit to upzoning around key transport corridors: This will lead to more efficient use of water and other networks and maximise the value of transport infrastructure investments.

10. Take a predictable approach to electrify the economy: Achieving electrification and net zero carbon targets requires predictable market rules and policy settings rather than non-commercial government investment in electricity supply.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/17/new-zealands-first-national-infrastructure-plan-unveiled/

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IHC – New Zealanders with intellectual disability marginalised and forgotten

Source: IHC New Zealand

Once again, new research delivers a stark reality check on the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders with intellectual disability.
IHC’s latest report From Data to Dignity 2026: Health and Wellbeing Indicators for New Zealanders with Intellectual Disability  uses government data to show how inequities for New Zealanders with intellectual disability remain largely unchanged or in some cases, worse.
IHC Director of Advocacy Tania Thomas says the latest research paints a shocking picture of people with intellectual disabilities being forgotten in government policy.
“The numbers are distressing, but sadly not new,” Tania says. “We began this work in 2023 to show how government data could and should be used to track outcomes for people with intellectual disability. IHC continues to provide government with evidence that shows they need to do better.”
The report commissioned by IHC was produced with research organisation Kōtātā Insight. It builds on IHC’s groundbreaking 2023 report, which was the first to use the government’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) to track outcomes for people with intellectual disability.
“This update is a reality check. The government’s Disability Strategy can be enhanced by including urgent action to address these persistent inequities,” Tania says.
Key issues emerging include:
  • Increasing injury rates, diabetes, and dementia
  • High emergency department use and injury-related hospitalisations particularly among women with intellectual disability
  • Evidence of barriers to ACC access, with lower claim rates despite higher injury prevalence
  • A concerning rise in young people leaving school without qualifications
  • Greater exposure to housing pressure with rising placement on social housing waiting lists, particularly for Māori and Pacific children with intellectual disability.
Alongside these trends, the data also highlights longstanding disparities that continue to persist. People with intellectual disability live on average 17 years less than the general population and are still significantly more likely to experience poor health, justice system involvement, and economic exclusion.
IHC is calling for urgent Government action, including:
  • Regular, public reporting on the health and wellbeing of people with intellectual disability
  • Targeted action to address inequities for Māori and Pacific people with intellectual disability
  • Improved health literacy, disability-aware health services, and better data collection to track outcomes.
  • The full report, interactive web application, and Easy Read version are available at: ihc.org.nz/advocacy.
The report can be found on IHC’s website, along with a link to the Visual Insights app, which visualises the data by location, demographics and prevalence. (ref. https://www.ihc.org.nz/get-involved/advocacy/from-data-to-dignity-2026 )
Notes
Report findings include:
People with intellectual disability:
  • Live 17 years less on average than the general population, with Māori men most disadvantaged, and this has not improved
  • Are 3.3 times more likely to be imprisoned
  • Are 1.6 times more likely to have diabetes
  • Are 3 times more likely to have a mood disorder
  • Are almost 7 times more likely to rely on a benefit
  • Are increasingly hospitalised for avoidable events and conditions
  • Only 21% of adults with intellectual disability in paid employment, compared with 78% of the general population
  • Children with intellectual disability are 7 times more likely to be placed in state care
  • Parents with intellectual disability are 16 times more likely to have children removed
  • School engagement remains low and there are higher suspension rates – 2.8 times more likely than other students
  • Young people aged 18-24 remain far more likely to leave school without qualifications.
  • Higher rates of crime victimisation and justice system involvement. 

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/16/ihc-new-zealanders-with-intellectual-disability-marginalised-and-forgotten/

Posted on

Greenpeace – 78% of NZers want bottom trawling banned as Govt pushes to catch more coral in South Pacific

Source: Greenpeace

New polling shows overwhelming support from New Zealanders for a ban on bottom trawling in the South Pacific high seas, says Greenpeace.
The Horizon polling, commissioned at the end of 2025, reveals that 78% of New Zealanders (representative of 3 million adults) want the ban in the high seas area – where New Zealand is the last country operating a bottom trawl fleet.
Juan Parada, an Oceans Campaigner at Greenpeace Aotearoa, says the new polling gives an undeniable mandate for action.
“There is no social license for the industrial fishing companies that profit from bulldozing ancient coral forests and wiping out fragile ecosystems.” says Parada. “New Zealanders want politicians to stop dragging their feet and protect the oceans.”
“Other nations, including those who take part in regional fisheries bodies in the South Pacific, have been advocating for stronger rules against bottom trawlers, but we see New Zealand consistently drag the chain. This polling shows how out of step our government has become with other nations and public sentiment.”
The New Zealand government is heading to the 2026 commission meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation, with an official position pushing to increase the amount of coral that can be caught before the area must be closed.
In response to questions on New Zealand’s SPRFMO position in Parliament last week, Prime Minister Luxon denied New Zealand was weakening the rules. Greenpeace and allies have written to Luxon asking that he withdraw New Zealand’s request for more coral destruction.
Other highlights of the Horizon poll included overwhelming support (79%) for a South Pacific ocean sanctuary – where all destructive activities are outlawed to allow for ecosystem recovery.
The Lord Howe Rise, South Tasman Sea region is being considered for one of the world’s first global ocean sanctuaries under the newly in force BBNJ agreement (Global Oceans Treaty.)
Last year the Australian government helped convene a science symposium looking at the environmental and cultural values of this area, helping to build the case for protection.
“What we’re seeing internationally, and here in New Zealand is that people want movement on ocean protection,” says Parada.
“Everyone wants a thriving ocean. The polling shows that whether you vote NZ First, National, Labour, Greens, Te Pāti Māori – people want the oceans better protected now. Internationally we’re seeing nation states step up and try to move things forward.”
Scientists recommend that at least 30% of the global oceans be put in fully protected sanctuaries to allow for recovery. Currently the amount of the global ocean in fully protected areas is less than 3%.
“The public understands the scale of the ocean crisis we face. They are ready for bold action to end bottom trawling and create the sanctuaries the ocean desperately needs. It’s time for the Government to listen to the people and act before it’s too late.”
ENDS
Notes

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/16/greenpeace-78-of-nzers-want-bottom-trawling-banned-as-govt-pushes-to-catch-more-coral-in-south-pacific/

Posted on

Insurance premiums soar, but big savings can still be made – Consumer NZ

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ says significant savings are on the table for some people as house insurance premiums rise sharply in a few cities and drop in others.

Consumer NZ’s latest house and contents premium survey found relief in insurance prices in Auckland, while prices in Wellington and Christchurch continue to rocket.

“Our research found the median premium for a large house in Auckland had dropped by around 11% compared with the previous year. Whereas, in Christchurch and Wellington, the median premium for a large house went up by about 10%,” said Rebecca Styles, Consumer’s research lead.

However, savings are available for those who can shop around.

“When we compared policies with the same excess and sum insured across the 6 centres, we found the median potential saving was about $550.”  

“More than 8 in ten people have had the same insurance provider for at least 3 years. When people decide to switch, it’s usually because of price, and with some of the savings available, we can see why.”

How the prices stack up

Wellington continues to be the most expensive city for house insurance. The median cost for house and contents insurance for a standard home was a whopping $3,824 in Consumer’s 2025 house and contents premium survey.

Dunedin has the cheapest home insurance options, with the median cost for house and contents insurance for a standard home coming in at $2,227.

The impact on consumers

According to Consumer’s latest insurance survey, around three-quarters of New Zealanders are at least somewhat concerned about the cost of house insurance. More recently, Consumer’s research has revealed that three in ten New Zealanders list the cost of insurance as a top financial concern.

Insurance retreat has been big news recently, and Consumer expects this will continue to impact more areas around the country because of the increasing number of floods, landslides and sea surges.  

“About 1% of over 3,000 survey respondents told us they couldn’t switch because no provider would offer them insurance. “

Insurance savings tips

Shop around – if you are offered a better price by another provider, you could use this offer to haggle with your current provider. Head to Consumer’s house and contents insurance webpage to compare prices and policy details.

If you’re struggling, opt for a higher excess so you can lower your premiums. Don’t set the excess so high you couldn’t scrape the money together if you needed to make a claim.

Ask your insurer if your premiums would be cheaper if you installed an alarm or security cameras – the savings might subsidise the installation costs.

If you can afford to, pay your premiums annually – you should get a discount.

If no insurer will cover your home, you can contact the Natural Hazards Commission and ask about its natural hazards cover (known as NHCover). It might be able to provide you with natural hazard insurance directly. You can contact NHCover on NHCover@naturalhazards.govt.nz.

 

Notes

Consumer gathered quotes for house and contents insurance premiums from nine insurers for homes in the six main centres in Aotearoa. We collected the quotes in November 2025, for policies starting on 1 December 2025.

Consumer NZ requested quotes for:  

a couple with a standard-sized house insured for $560,000 (which we increased from $550,000 after using a sum insured calculator) and contents for $90,000

a family of four with a large house insured for $840,000 (which we increased from $800,000 after using a sum insured calculator) and contents for $140,000.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/16/insurance-premiums-soar-but-big-savings-can-still-be-made-consumer-nz/

Posted on

Mining Council – Innovation must be allowed to build our future

Source: New Zealand Minerals Council

New planning and environmental law must leave room for innovation if we are to achieve change in New Zealand and build a country for the future, says New Zealand Minerals Council chief executive Josie Vidal.
“On the face of it, the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill are an improvement on the existing system which is too risk averse when it comes to approving projects,” Vidal says. “The new system needs to shift that balance to better allow developers to undertake projects to grow the economy and to manage any resulting environmental risks with science, engineering, and technology which will continue to improve.
“Planning and environmental law go hand in hand, but there must be balance and previously the scales have tipped heavily on the environmental side and not enough on the side of overall benefits to people and the economy.
“At the moment, what has been presented is like a half-finished house. The frame is there, but what fills it in will make it either work or it will be an eyesore. The major flaw is that national policies, standards, environmental limits and other directing rules that will make or break this law won’t be drafted until after the bills are passed, so submitters cannot be fully informed on many aspects of the proposed regime.
“We believe it is essential to stop the vexatious litigation from parties with no skin in the game that befalls many good projects and these laws set out to do that, which we support.
“Overall, the new laws as proposed tend to benefit smaller, urban projects and for that reason we want to maintain the existing case-by-case consideration for mining where assessment is on the merits of the specific project. Mines can’t fit into a cookie-cutter one size fits all approval approach that might work for a granny flat or suchlike.
“We support the concept of combined plans by local government – fewer plans will be easier for companies to navigate, and fewer resources (council and private sector) will be used in their creation relative to the status quo. Streamlining bureaucracy gives certainty to investors.
“We believe proposed zones within regional spatial plans must not preclude mining from occurring within zones not specifically designated for mining.
“Our concern is that zones are too prescriptive for mining when you are dealing with minerals that lie where they are formed and there needs to be scope for future prospecting and discovery.
“We don’t support environmental limits because they do not provide sufficient flexibility. An environmental management approach which allows mitigation, offsetting, and compensation can achieve better outcomes for both the environment and the economy than what is proposed with the prescriptive approach of environmental limits.
“Overall, we hope to see more explicit consideration of mining and its unique requirements to ensure we don’t sterilise any resources unintentionally.”
New Zealand Minerals Council’s submission on the Planning Bill and Natural Environment Bill is available here: https://mineralscouncil.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Submission-NEB-and-PB.pdf

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/02/16/mining-council-innovation-must-be-allowed-to-build-our-future/

Posted on

Pharmacists vote to accept Health NZ pay offer

Source: Radio New Zealand

The agreement covers pay and conditions for pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians. 123RF

Pharmacists and Health New Zealand have reached an agreement on pay and conditions, with members of the union voting to accept HNZ’s latest offer.

Pharmacy Association of Professionals and Executive Employees (APEX) members – which include pharmacists, pharmacy assistants and technicians – will receive a 2.5 percent salary increase from January 2026, and a two percent increase in 2027.

HNZ spokesperson Robyn Shearer said the health agency welcomed the decision, which would affect about 300 workers.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank APEX for its commitment to reaching this settlement.”

APEX represents pharmacy workers employed across Aotearoa, including those working for Te Whatu Ora and in private practice.

Senior advocate Denise Tairua told RNZ they began bargaining in mid-October, prior to their old agreement expiring in November.

“There’s a month between expiry and commencement,” she said. “It was an issue for the members, however, given some of the other things and improvements, it was a small timeframe not to receive back-dating.”

Other benefits included an increase in HNZ’s contribution to membership fees. It had been a longstanding practice for HNZ to cover less than the full cost of membership fees for various professional associations required for their work.

Those fees ranged from $200 to $500 annually, she said.

“There’s been a slight uplift in those, getting [HNZ’s contribution] nearer to that 80 percent.”

A pharmacy engagement group had also been formed, which would look at longstanding issues around safe staffing, monitoring the use of professional development funds, and the duration and frequency of on-call periods.

The bar for ratification was to exceed 50 percent. “We did have quite a good turnout, so a high percentage of members voted to ratify this agreement.”

“We’re quite pleased that this one didn’t drag on,” Tairua said. “What’s really important will be work we can do within the engagement group to look at longstanding issues.”

Earlier this month, the union also reached a settlement for its psychologists, with similar pay increases to the pharmacy agreement, affecting 670 workers.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.

– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/pharmacists-vote-to-accept-health-nz-pay-offer/

Posted on

Legislation – Plan sets path for New Zealand’s infrastructure over the next 30 years

Source: New Zealand Infrastructure Commission

The New Zealand Infrastructure Commission has released a National Infrastructure Plan setting out a practical, affordable pathway to deliver the infrastructure New Zealanders need to thrive over the next 30 years.
“While the Plan looks at the long term, it’s clear that we need to take action now. Weather events and infrastructure failures make very clear the importance of investing to renew and build resilience into the networks that sustain our way of life,” says Commission Chief Executive Geoff Cooper.
“We can’t keep doing what we’ve always done.
“Each year we invest just over $20 billion on infrastructure, yet on a dollar-for-dollar basis we achieve less than many of our more efficient international peers.”
The Plan includes 16 recommendations to improve the foundations of the infrastructure system and 10 priorities for the next decade. The priorities include identifying cost-effective flood risk infrastructure, completing catch-up on renewals in the water sector and restoring affordability, lifting hospital investment for an ageing population, and implementing time-of-use charging and road-user charges to get the most out of our urban road networks.
“The Plan is ambitious, but centred on affordability,” Cooper says.
The Plan also provides decision-makers with a clear, system-wide picture of where pressures are emerging and where investment will deliver the greatest value.”
Planning for today and tomorrow
“The Plan responds to a period of immense change facing New Zealand. Demographic changes, the impacts of climate change, and technological innovations are all reshaping the demands on the hospitals, schools, water systems and transport networks that New Zealanders depend on every day,” Cooper says.
“Some of the infrastructure issues we’re facing have been decades in the making – and they’ll take time to fix.
“But New Zealand also faces acute pressures that require attention now. Addressing the top 10 priority areas identified in the Plan will result in visible infrastructure gains and support our longer-term recommendations for the next 30 years.
“The Plan does this by charting an affordable way to meet a diverse set of infrastructure demands over time and identifying how a large programme of significant investments such as roads, rapid transit, and hospitals can be prioritised and sequenced. In doing so, the Plan demonstrates a fundable and affordable programme of works that futureproofs existing services, while incrementally building on the network as the country grows and develops,” Cooper says.
Feedback on the draft National Infrastructure Plan that the Commission released in June 2025 showed strong agreement on the need for greater certainty, better coordination, and a stronger focus on delivery and affordability. The final Plan has been informed by what we heard.
From plan to action
“A plan by itself won’t change anything. The National Infrastructure Plan charts the course, but progress depends on how decision-makers, delivery agencies, industry, and communities use the Plan to do things differently,” Cooper says.
The National Infrastructure Plan is available at www.tewaihanga.govt.nz [note that the National Infrastructure Plan will be available online from 17 February at 12.00pm].
Notes:
  • The National Infrastructure Plan was delivered to the Minister for Infrastructure on 22 December 2025.
  • On 17 February 2026 at 12.00pm, the Minister for Infrastructure will table the Plan in the House of Representatives.
  • After receiving the Plan, the Government has 180 days to respond.
  • Over 2,700 responses were received from individuals and organisations on the draft National Infrastructure Plan, comprising a representative online survey of 1,001 New Zealanders, 1,557 general public responses to an online survey, and 122 written submissions.
  • Along with the National Infrastructure Plan, the Commission will publish the written submissions made on the Plan and supporting technical reports.
  • Parts of the Plan will be updated regularly, and the Commission will monitor progress against its recommendations to support transparency and accountability over time.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/02/17/legislation-plan-sets-path-for-new-zealands-infrastructure-over-the-next-30-years/