Category: DJF

Posted on

Endangered kakī/black stilts gobble up hearts

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  25 March 2026

Alliance Group has signed a new two‑year contract to supply 5,000 kilograms of beef hearts per year to feed hungry chicks.

The hearts will feed juvenile kakī at the Department of Conservation’s captive breeding facility near Twizel in the Mackenzie basin until they are ready to be released at around eight or nine months old.

Department of Conservation Kakī Captive Breeding Project Lead Liz Brown says the chicks will also be fed the beef hearts for around six weeks after their release to supplement their diet and give them time to adjust to foraging for food in the wild.

“The hearts are a key component of the chicks’ diet and gives them the best chance of survival. They will be gobbled up with relish. The heart is a lean source of protein, and diet analysis has shown that with the addition of a few other mineral supplements, it’s an excellent replacement for their natural diet of freshwater invertebrates,” she says.

Alliance Group General Manager Safety and Processing Wayne Shaw says the company was pleased to be able to contribute to the recovery efforts for one of New Zealand’s most endangered birds.

“Feeding one of the world’s rarest birds is a long way from Alliance’s usual customers.

“Most of our beef, lamb and venison ends up on restaurant plates and family tables around the world, not in a breeding programme for endangered birds.

“These hearts go through a tightly controlled process to meet DOC’s exacting standards for the chicks. Knowing they’re helping lift kakī/black stilt numbers makes this work especially rewarding for the Alliance team.”

DOC’s Regional Partnerships and Investment Manager Christine Officer says the partnership with Alliance is an example of a business directly helping to save an endangered species.

“We love that Alliance is feeding these very special chicks. We are seeing more New Zealand businesses see the value of taking action for nature. Kiwis care about our endemic endangered species and really want them to survive,” she says.

The kakī were close to extinction with only 23 left in 1981. Their numbers have slowly increased to around 140 in the wild and they have the highest threat ranking of ‘nationally critical’. The distinctive wading bird used to be found throughout New Zealand, but now they are mainly found in the Mackenzie basin in the braided river systems.

There are currently 146 juvenile kakī spread between the DOC captive breeding facility in Twizel and at The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in Christchurch, with a planned release into the wild this August.

Liz Brown says one thing’s for sure, the chicks will be fighting fit for release with the beef hearts supplementing their diet.

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/endangered-kaki-black-stilts-gobble-up-hearts/

Posted on

Kiwis Ditch Spreadsheets and Compromised Password Sharing with Dashr

Source: Press Release Service

Headline: Kiwis Ditch Spreadsheets and Compromised Password Sharing with Dashr

Dashr is a New Zealand platform that uses open banking to securely streamline real-time financial data sharing, reducing paperwork and speeding up lending processes for borrowers and advisors.

The post Kiwis Ditch Spreadsheets and Compromised Password Sharing with Dashr first appeared on PR.co.nz.

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/kiwis-ditch-spreadsheets-and-compromised-password-sharing-with-dashr/

Posted on

Free public transport would protect bus drivers and incomes – Workers First Union

Source: Workers First Union

Workers First Union is supporting the call from the Green Party and others to immediately implement a free public transport fares system in response to rising fuel costs and continuing abuse and violence against bus drivers.
Anita Rosentreter, Workers First Deputy Secretary, said free public transport was a long-held goal of the bus drivers’ union but should be prioritised immediately in light of rising fuel prices due to the US/Israeli attacks on Iran. The union is also calling for a substantial increase to the minimum wage in 2027, and for more employers to back workers with living wage pay increases in the meantime.
“With high petrol costs stretching paycheques, now is the time to back a plan for free public transport and better wages,” said Ms Rosentreter.
“People need to get to work without spending a growing portion of their incomes on their cars, and that means both free public transport and ensuring workers are paid enough to actually live.”
“The Government needs to lift the minimum wage significantly to meet these rising costs after offering workers an effective wage cut in 2026, and private employers need to step up on living wages.”
“We also need to conserve fuel as a country – it’s an absolute no-brainer that we should do everything possible to encourage the use of public transport.”
“We’re already hitting a seven-year high for Auckland public transport use, and the Government should commit to free fares as a priority.”
“Not only would it reduce petrol use and increase public transport ridership, but it would significantly contribute to the reduction in assaults and abuse of bus drivers, which continues every day.”
“We know that fare payment and collection is a big contributor to attacks on bus drivers, and drivers are being sent mixed messages about whether to pursue non-payers for their fares.”
“Free fares are the solution to both problems right here and now, but also for the future in promoting public transport use and decarbonising our cities.”
She said the Government’s current ‘support package’ for families, announced yesterday, would not offer meaningful relief or peace of mind to the vast majority of New Zealand workers.
“It’s a drop in the bucket for working families, and it disadvantages welfare recipients who are actively out and looking for work in an austerity economy that this Government engineered,” said Ms Rosentreter.
“We need real solutions, not band-aids – we can deal with the here-and-now while positioning ourselves well for a better future. They are not mutually exclusive.”

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/free-public-transport-would-protect-bus-drivers-and-incomes-workers-first-union/

Posted on

Health Governance – Māori maternal mental health at greater risk as fuel support package falls short, warns Hine ki te Wheiao

Source: Ki tua o Matariki

At a time when suicide remains the leading cause of maternal death in Aotearoa, Hine ki te Wheiao, a Māori maternal mental health advocacy group, is warning that sustained cost-of-living pressure is likely to further harm the mental health of young parents. The group says this week’s Government fuel cost support package fails to account for the realities facing many low-income whānau and falls short for those most in need of support.
The Government announced an extra $50 a week from 7 April for about 143,000 working families with children through a temporary boost to the In-Work Tax Credit, which excludes many families receiving benefits. The group says the package will increase pressure on māmā already struggling with rising living costs, and that the cost of living crisis cannot be separated from worsening mental health distress, isolation, and suicide risk for young parents.
Katerina Te Tai, member of Hine ki te Wheiao and young māmā, said: “Young māmā trying to upskill themselves, secure and attend job interviews, get their kids to school and improve their mental health costs money. Sometimes it feels like the system asks us to do better, but then puts more barriers like this in front of us.”
Hine ki te Wheiao warns that as we approach Winter months, the impacts of this week’s announcement will be felt quickly by tamariki as transport costs increase to access doctors and emergency care. For some, higher fuel costs will mean skipped appointments, more loneliness and isolation, and more stress at home. For whānau living in cars, fuel is also part of keeping safe and sheltered. The rōpū is especially concerned about what this means for access to healthcare in pregnancy and early parenting.
Aroha Tutaki- Harris, midwife and member of Hine ki te Wheiao, said: “I’m seeing more hapū māmā delay or miss appointments. That can mean missing midwife appointments, scans, GP visits, counselling, or other support because they simply cannot afford to get there. Hapū māmā or parents with young tamariki do not stop needing healthcare just because they are not in paid work.”
Hine ki te Wheiao is calling on the Government to go back to the drawing board and deliver transport support that reflects the realities of all low-income whānau, including young parents receiving benefits.
“The cost of living crisis is the mental health crisis,” Katerina Te Tai says. “If the Government is serious about the wellbeing of all New Zealanders, then people with lived experience of the realities and harms of these policies need to be at the decision-making table.”
The group is calling for fuel and cost of living support to be extended beyond those in paid employment, for benefits to rise in line with the real cost of living, and for greater investment in kaupapa Māori solutions that strengthen whānau wellbeing, connection, and resilience.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/health-governance-maori-maternal-mental-health-at-greater-risk-as-fuel-support-package-falls-short-warns-hine-ki-te-wheiao/

Posted on

Health Governance – Progress on government’s mental health targets is positive, but challenges remain for young people

Source: Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission

Following the release of the Government’s latest targets data this morning, Te Hiringa Mahara – Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission is renewing its calls for increased urgency to improve access to services for young people.
“While we are encouraged by workforce growth and acknowledge the Government’s progress to improve access overall, there remains a long way to go when it comes to young people,” says Te Hiringa Mahara Director of Mental Health and Addiction Sector Leadership Sonya Russell.
“When young people need support, we must make sure they get the help they need before distress becomes overwhelming.
“We know that timely care is critical as the effects of mental distress can follow them through their lives, sometimes causing devastating effects for them and their whānau down the track.
“Our current data shows that across Aotearoa New Zealand, those under the age of 18 faced longer wait times than other age groups, and experienced higher rates of declined referrals. For 19-24 years olds, access continued to decrease.
“What is equally concerning is that young people are reporting higher levels of psychological distress.
“We are also seeing considerable regional variation by anyone seeking support, and this is taking too long to address. No matter where you live, you should have equitable access to services.
“Today, we are again calling for renewed efforts to improve access for rangatahi and young people. This must be a priority, with targeted action and sustained leadership embedded to ensure lasting, meaningful change,” says Ms Russell.
The Commission has recommended that Health NZ take action to improve access to specialist mental health and addiction services for young people, including youth-specific crisis responses, streamlined pathways into care as well as an increased range of effective acute community options tailored for young people.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/health-governance-progress-on-governments-mental-health-targets-is-positive-but-challenges-remain-for-young-people/

Posted on

Politics – Federated Farmers propose major shake-up of local government

Source: Federated Farmers

New Zealand’s local government structure has become an increasingly messy patchwork, and Federated Farmers says it’s time to clean it up.
“The way councils are currently organised is a major factor in how effectively they serve their communities,” Federated Farmers local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says.
“The number and type of councils – and the logic behind their boundaries – can really make or break their ability to deliver quality services at a reasonable cost.
“With dedicated water organisations being formed because of three waters reform, things are even more complicated and messy and the structure is failing ratepayers.
“We think the time is ripe to streamline and modernise the sector.”
Federated Farmers has just laid out its blueprint for local government reform in a white paper.
“Preserving a strong local say on council matters while driving better efficiency is at the heart of our proposal.
“Our model will likely also halve the current number of councils.”
Late last year the Government proposed abolishing the country’s 11 regional councils.
Mayors would take over the work of regional councillors and be tasked with putting together reorganisation plans in each region.
Federated Farmers, which has a long history of engaging with councils on rates, infrastructure investment and district plan red tape, stepped up with a simpler and less disruptive way forward, Faulkner says.
“City and provincial areas have different priorities, infrastructure and land use.
“We’re saying the most effective way to streamline local government is by separating provincial governance from governance of urban areas with populations of around 50,000-plus.”
The country already has six unitary authorities, which perform the functions of both district or city and regional councils.
“We’d like to see that model expanded across New Zealand,” Faulkner says.
Under Federated Farmers’ proposal, councils would take on responsibilities currently held by regional councils, which would no longer exist as separate entities.
Many district councils would amalgamate but to maintain strong local input, a second tier of properly empowered community boards and catchment committees could help bring decision-making closer to residents and draw on local knowledge.
“Councils consolidated along regional and city lines would be better able to focus on local, place-based decisions.
“It would also simplify relationships with central government on issues like roading, public transport, environmental management, and emergency management.”
Attracting and retaining high-quality elected councillors and paid council staff can be challenging under current settings, especially for smaller councils.
“We think the increased scale and clearer core responsibilities with our model could help tackle this.”
Faulkner says environmental and natural hazard workloads benefit from scale, with unitary authorities better able to plan and deliver flood management, drainage, and environmental infrastructure more consistently.
“Exposure to climate-driven extreme weather highlights the fragility of the current system,” she says.
The provincial/city-separated unitary council structure also makes sense in terms of geography, predominant land use, and the types of services residents and businesses want.
“It fits well with the ‘communities of interest’ concept that drives Local Government Commission (LGC) reorganisation decisions.
“Instead of substantial upheaval, re-writing legislation, and mayors taking over regional council responsibilities during a lengthy transition, our approach fits with the LGC’s existing way of managing and investigating amalgamations,” Faulkner says.
“During that tried and tested process, issues such as the service relationships between metropolitan and provincial councils, treatment of debt and assets, and crossover matters can be addressed.”
Fewer, more logically aligned councils would also make government co-funding arrangements for roads, bridges, public transport and urban growth simpler, with lower compliance costs.
City and regional deals with central government could be easily negotiated.
With new water organisations taking over storm, drinking and wastewater services, many district councils are left with local roads as their only major infrastructure task.
“That’s risky. Councils will have fewer cost centres to allocate overheads, and balance sheet downsizing as water assets are taken out may cause other disruptions,” Faulkner says.
“There’s a clear case for consolidation to achieve economies of scale and prevent local roads from deteriorating.”
Federated Farmers’ white paper also suggests shifting compliance and enforcement, and state-of-the-environment monitoring, from councils to government or centralised science and regulatory agencies.
“That would ensure consistency, objectivity and efficiency,” Faulkner says.
“Regulatory enforcement should not be political once policy is set.
“Its role is to enforce the rules and standards fairly, consistently and predictably.”
While the debate may unsettle current councils, Faulkner is struck by the broad agreement that reorganisation is now essential.  

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/politics-federated-farmers-propose-major-shake-up-of-local-government/

Posted on

Fire Safety – Restricted fire season for Manawatū-Whanganui coastal zone

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving the Manawatū-Whanganui coastal zone into a restricted fire season at 8am today, Wednesday 25 March, until further notice.
Levin, Foxton, Sanson and Bulls are excluded as they fall within inland zones.
A restricted fire season means a permit is required from Fire and Emergency to light an open-air fire.
Announcing the change, Acting Community Risk Manager Barry Madgwick says the coastal zone has been subject to a long dry spell in recent months.
“These conditions mean the fire risk is increased,” he says.
“The coastal zone has forestry plantations, scrub, pasture grassland, tussock and marram grasses – all of which are fuel for serious fires. We are now starting to see an increasing number of fires getting out of control, which can happen at this time of year.
“Having a restricted fire season gives us greater control of who can burn and when, and we can provide direct fire safety advice to those completing burns.”
“We are asking the public to take extra care during these conditions.
“The rest of the Manawatū-Whanganui district is also dry and further restrictions may follow if the current conditions continue,” Barry Madgwick says.
The public can apply for a permit at www.checkitsalright.nz
For fire safety tips and more information about the activities you can and can’t do in a restricted fire season, go to www.checkitsalright.nz.

LiveNews: https://enz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/24/fire-safety-restricted-fire-season-for-manawatu-whanganui-coastal-zone/

Posted on

Farmers urged to adopt fuel saving measures to cut costs

Source: Radio New Zealand

123RF

Farmers in the thick of harvest are being reminded there are small changes they can make to save on fuel.

In the regions farmers, growers and rural contractors are feeling the pain of rising fuel prices.

The rising cost of diesel is adding thousands of dollars to the bills of those running trucks, tractors and big machines like combine harvesters.

Chris Smith who is technology manager at the Foundation of Arable Research said there were small changes that could be made to save on fuel, like using auto-steer which is like cruise control.

“Manual driving inevitably means overlaps, often five to ten percent across a typical day’s work.

“Auto steer trims that down dramatically, usually to between one and three percent. This small adjustment in accuracy brings a surprisingly large payoff. Straighter passes don’t just look tidier, they reduce throttle variation, lower operator fatigue, and keep machinery working more efficiently.”

Smith said fertiliser prices were also increasing but there was technology that allowed farmers to put fertiliser only where it was needed which could result in big savings.

Even a basic guidance system typically knocked two to seven percent off chemical or fertiliser use.

“The real step change comes from variable rate application, across a set of typical New Zealand paddocks, nitrogen savings of five to 20 percent aren’t unusual, while phosphate and potash can drop by ten to 25 percent.

“Lime is often the standout, with well mapped paddocks showing reductions of 20 to 50 percent as oversupplied zones are corrected rather than blanket treated.”

Smith said another thing farmers and growers should keep in mind was that sometimes the biggest tractor didn’t need to be used.

“There’s very much a tendency when a job needs doing, people jump in the biggest tractor with the most gadgets. It’s the most comfortable but just remember the bigger tractors cost more to run – there are usually smaller machines that can do the job just as well and save you money.”

Smith said the key message was that small refinements, applied consistently, could deliver significant savings.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/farmers-urged-to-adopt-fuel-saving-measures-to-cut-costs/

Posted on

Crash, Makara Road, Wellington

Source: New Zealand Police

Police are at the scene of a single-vehicle crash in Makara this morning.

Police were called to Makara Road about 8:05am following reports of a vehicle upside down in a body of water.

Enquiries at the scene are ongoing and Makara Road is currently closed near South Makara Road.

Further information will be released when we are in a position to do so. 

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/crash-makara-road-wellington/

Posted on

National diabetes action plan launched

Source: New Zealand Government

The National Diabetes Roadmap has today been launched to improve care, strengthen prevention, and support better health outcomes for the hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders living with diabetes, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Diabetes is one of the fastest growing long-term health conditions in New Zealand, affecting an estimated 348,000 people and placing increasing pressure on individuals, families, communities, and our health system,” Mr Brown says.

“That growing impact is being felt most acutely through preventable complications, particularly within our Māori, Pacific, and South Asian communities. This roadmap is about changing that by acting earlier, supporting healthier living, and reducing the avoidable harm diabetes causes.”

To drive that change, the roadmap sets out a clear, coordinated direction for the health system over the next five to ten years, with a focus on:

  • Strong leadership
  • Earlier intervention
  • Improved access to care
  • A stronger workforce and better use of technology
  • Addressing the drivers of diabetes

The need for a coordinated approach was reinforced by a Health New Zealand review completed in November 2025, which highlighted both the scale of diabetes in New Zealand and its growing financial burden. Diabetes-related care cost $2.1 billion last year alone, and without change, is forecast to double by 2040.

“A key part of our plan is updating the diagnostic threshold for type 2 diabetes, allowing more people to be identified earlier. By July, around 34,500 New Zealanders previously classified as having prediabetes will meet the criteria for diabetes, aligning us with international standards and supporting earlier intervention to reduce complications and improve long‑term outcomes.

“Alongside this change, the roadmap includes a range of initiatives to strengthen how care is delivered, including growing and supporting the diabetes workforce, improving access to foot and retinal screening, expanding community-based support, and exploring the use of new technologies to better manage the condition.

“An oversight group chaired by Sir Jim Mann has also been established, bringing together experts in this field to champion the roadmap and drive its implementation.

“This is about system-level change. Diabetes cannot be managed by individual effort alone – it requires coordinated action across the health system and our communities.”

Mr Brown says Kiwis living with diabetes and their families are at the heart of the National Diabetes Roadmap. 

“This Government is focused on reducing diabetes-related harm by strengthening prevention, improving access to effective treatment, and ensuring people get the support they need to live healthier lives.

“The National Diabetes Roadmap lays the foundation for a more coordinated, consistent approach to prevention, care, and support – helping ensure New Zealanders living with diabetes can access the right care, at the right time, and achieve better health outcomes.”

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/national-diabetes-action-plan-launched/

Posted on

Man arrested after fleeing police, crashing and barricading himself in car

Source: Radio New Zealand

Police said officers saw live ammunition in the drivers lap after they crashed. RNZ / Marika Khabazi

A man with two handguns and a large amount of ammunition has been arrested after barricading himself in a vehicle following a crash in northern Waikato this morning.

Police spotted a vehicle – reported as being stolen at gun point – on Dominion Road about 11.40 pm on Tuesday night.

The Eagle helicopter tracked the vehicle after it evaded a police stop and drove at high speed – with lights off – through south Auckland.

The vehicle crashed into wire barriers shortly after being spiked further south near Te Kauwhata.

Inspector Grant Tetzlaff said officers saw live ammunition in the drivers lap after they crashed – following being spiked – further south near Te Kauwhata.

The man was tasered before being extracted and was transported to Waikato Hospital in a moderate condition after receiving injuries from a dog bite during his arrest.

A search of the vehicle located two handguns and a large amount of live ammunition.

The man will face charges of failing to stop, reckless driving, receiving, possession of firearms and resisting arrest.

Police said they would not rule out further charges.

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/man-arrested-after-fleeing-police-crashing-and-barricading-himself-in-car/

Posted on

Car flips upside down into stream in Wellington

Source: Radio New Zealand

Google Maps

Emergency services are at the scene of a crash that’s left a car upside down in a stream in rural Wellington.

Police, Fire and Emergency and Wellington Free Ambulance were called to the crash in Mākara just after 8am.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Alex Norris said crews arrived to find a car partially submerged in the stream on Mākara Beach Road – a narrow, winding road between Karori and Mākara Beach.

He said one truck was still at the scene but police were handling the response.

Wellington Free Ambulance also responded, but it has referred inquiries to police due to the nature of the incident.

The police could not yet say if people were injured.

Mākara Village cattery owner Cody Stephens said he saw police cars and a fire engine fly past his property this morning, heading towards the beach.

More to come…

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/car-flips-upside-down-into-stream-in-wellington/

Posted on

Appeal for information following Queenstown disorder

Source: New Zealand Police

Do you recognise these men?

Police making enquiries into a disorder at a store on Eleventh Avenue, Queenstown on 24 January 2026 would like to speak with the men pictured.

We believe they have information that could assist with our enquiries.

Nobody was physically injured, however the store worker is understandably extremely shaken.

If this is you, or you can help us identify those pictured, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 260128/1485.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/appeal-for-information-following-queenstown-disorder/

Posted on

Funding for Hamilton Airport runway extension

Source: New Zealand Government

A project to extend Hamilton Airport runway will receive a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, boosting resilience for Waikato and the national aviation network, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

“Extending the runway will increase Hamilton Airport’s capacity to support a broader range of aircraft. Its location and proximity to major highways and link roads also make it a key hub for moving people and freight domestically and internationally,” Mr Jones says. 

Waikato is home to several of New Zealand’s largest manufacturers and value-added primary sector exporters that depend on resilient freight infrastructure.

“In the event of disruptions at other North Island airports, Hamilton Airport is also an option to keep people and goods moving. Such incidents do occur from time to time. Last April, an international flight had to be diverted from Auckland to Hamilton due to bad weather.”

The work includes extending the runway by 255m to 2450m, expanding the runway apron and turning bay, and upgrading the approach and runway lights. The work will also enable any further future extension of the runway.

The construction work is expected to create up to 39 jobs, with local people hired where possible. 

Waikato Regional Airport Ltd, a council-controlled organisation owned by five local councils, will receive the loan. It will contribute $3.3m to the project.

“Extending Hamilton Airport supports the Coalition Government’s commitment to a stronger, more resilient national aviation network,” Mr Jones says. 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/funding-for-hamilton-airport-runway-extension/

Posted on

More recruitment leading to shorter wait times for mental health patients, govt says

Source: Radio New Zealand

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said 514 new mental health and addiction professionals trained over the past year. RNZ / Mark Papalii

More mental health and addiction workers are training and entering the workforce meaning shorter wait times for patients, according to the government’s latest data on targets.

The targets, set in 2025

  • 80 percent of people accessing specialist mental health and addiction services are seen within three weeks
  • 80 percent of people accessing primary mental health and addiction services through the Access and Choice programme are seen within one week
  • 95 percent of mental health and addiction related emergency department presentations are admitted, discharged, or transferred from an emergency department within six hours
  • Train 500 mental health and addiction professionals each year
  • 25 percent of mental health and addiction investment is allocated towards prevention and early intervention

    • Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said the workforce had increased more than 11 percent since he came into office.

    There were 514 new mental health and addiction professionals trained over the past year, exceeding the target of 500 and up from 457 when reporting started, he said.

    These roles included occupational therapists, social workers, registered nurses, clinical psychology interns, and Stage 1 psychiatry trainees.

    Seventy-four clinical psychology interns had been funded, exceeding the 2025 target of 60.

    “We are also seeing record uptake in psychiatry training, with 48 junior doctors entering Stage 1 training last year, up from 33 in 2024,” he said.

    Travelling around the country, Doocey said, the most common complaint he heard was that long wait times were preventing people accessing support – and those wait lists were long because of staff shortages, he said.

    Growing the workforce included attracting international talent, and retaining existing staff.

    Renumeration was one consideration, he said, but most of these workers were attracted to a profession in which they could make a difference.

    “Something I heard loud and clear when I first came into office is there was a lot of burnout. People were, quite frankly, covering too many vacant roles and that was leading people to leave. So now we’ve [been] able to greatly reduce our vacancy rates, more people are staying satisfied and staying in-role longer.”

    The effect for patients

    “A recent report from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission backs that wait times have decreased due to there being more specialist mental health workers compared to March 2023,” Doocey said.

    Nationally, 83 percent of people were being seen within one week for primary mental health support, and nearly 82 percent of people seeking specialist support were seen within three weeks – both exceeding the target of 80 percent.

    Funding

    For the first time, they had hit the target for 25 percent of mental health funding – about $2.8 billion – to be spent on prevention and early intervention.

    That guaranteed money was being spent on things like support in schools, or at the perinatal and postnatal stages for maternal mental health, Doocey said.

    “It’s vitally important,” he said. “Historically in mental health what we would do is wait for someone to get into a time of crisis before we provided them with a level of service, and that classically took someone who had lifelong and enduring mental illness to about the age of 35 or 40 before they’d first engage.”

    Early intervention could prevent issues from escalating later, he said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/more-recruitment-leading-to-shorter-wait-times-for-mental-health-patients-govt-says/

Posted on

Emergency services at scene of crash in Wellington

Source: Radio New Zealand

A police car seen behind a cordon as officers attend an incident. RNZ

Emergency services are at the scene of a crash in Mākara, a rural Wellington suburb near Karori.

The police say they were called just after 8am on Wednesday.

They can’t yet say how many vehicles were involved or if people are injured.

Wellington Free Ambulance says it’s responded, but it’s referred inquiries to police due to the nature of the incident.

Makara Village cattery owner Cody Stephens says he saw police cars and a fire engine fly past his property this morning, heading towards the beach.

Google Maps

More to come…

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/emergency-services-at-scene-of-crash-in-wellington/

Posted on

Higher diesel, shipping costs pile pressure on logging industry

Source: Radio New Zealand

RNZ / Nate McKinnon

The logging industry is warning some companies could be on the brink as the conflict in Iran pushes up the cost of diesel.

Logging operators say it’s increasingly difficult to get logs to port and if the situation drags on, export-reliant regions like South Canterbury and the west coast of the North Island could face shutdowns.

“The costs of shipping have risen dramatically, with rates going from roughly 33 US dollars per cubic metre into China for March, through to about 45 US dollars in April. It’s a perfect storm just right now.”

Forest Management group director Glenn Moir said that would put some companies on the brink.

“I can see that if it does continue we’re going to face some real pressure in the higher cost forests, so the ones that are further away from the market and have steeper country, just to make it economic.”

There had been some huge cost pressures going through the chain. The industry was diesel dependent, and it took 12 litres of diesel to produce one tonne of logs.

Higher diesel prices meant a 25 percent increase in costs across their operations for logging contractors.

“The industry can’t sustain that.”

Talks were continuing with everyone involved, including forest owners, to try and get some agreement on what could be done in the short-term.

The costs of shipping were also rising dramatically, Moir said.

“It’s a perfect storm right now.”

Moir said until the war in Iran started, 2026 had been looking like a fantastic year for the forestry industry, with export prices rising and domestic demand growing.

“All that turned on its head three weeks ago, and we’re struggling a little bit now with these rising costs.”

The government’s latest Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report showed forestry exports were forecast to rise 2 percent this year.

The industry employs 42,000 people around the country and is the sixth-largest export owner.

While the Chinese market was declining, there was growing demand for New Zealand logs from India, Moir said.

“… and the FTA towards the end of last year really helped that.”

The forestry industry were a resilient bunch.

“We’ll work together and get through this. It is going to be pretty tough, especially if we move to Level 2 under the National Fuel Plan.”

Impact on older New Zealanders

The head of Age Concern Auckland said soaring petrol prices were making the basics of life even more difficult for already vulnerable elderly people.

The government announced yesterday around 143,000 people would receive up to $50 per week through the in-work tax credit to help with fuel costs.

But beneficiaries and superannuitants would not qualify.

Age Concern Auckland chief executive Kevin Lamb said increases in superannuation, in response to the high cost of living, were not agile enough to meet the sudden rise in petrol prices.

Superannuitants would miss out as trips to the doctor or medication started to eat into basic budgets for food and essentials, he said.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/higher-diesel-shipping-costs-pile-pressure-on-logging-industry/

Posted on

Mental health workforce target exceeded

Source: New Zealand Government

The frontline mental health and addiction workforce has grown, with the latest target data showing the Government’s workforce target has been exceeded, giving more New Zealanders faster access to support, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“The Government’s mental health plan is delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response,” Mr Doocey says.

“This latest data clearly shows we have turned the corner on reducing wait times and growing the mental health workforce.

“One of the biggest barriers to timely support has been workforce shortages. That’s why I have prioritised growing the frontline Health NZ mental health and addiction workforce, which has increased by more than 11 per cent since we came into office.

“The latest results continue this momentum, with 514 new mental health and addiction professionals trained over the past year, exceeding our target of 500 and up from 457 when we first started reporting on this data. This result includes specialist frontline workers such as occupational therapists, social workers, registered nurses, clinical psychology interns, and Stage 1 psychiatry trainees.

“We have grown both the clinical psychology and psychiatry workforce. We funded 74 clinical psychology interns, exceeding the 2025 target of 60.

“We are also seeing record uptake in psychiatry training, with 48 junior doctors entering Stage 1 training last year, up from 33 in 2024.

“Prevention and early intervention are key priorities for this Government. That’s why we set a target for 25 per cent of mental health and addiction funding to be invested in prevention and early intervention.

“For the first time, that target has been met, with 25 per cent of ring-fenced mental health and addiction funding going toward prevention and early intervention.

“Early intervention makes a real difference. By identifying needs early and providing the right support, we can help prevent issues from escalating.

“Nationally, 83 per cent of people are being seen within one week for primary mental health support, and nearly 82 per cent are seen within three weeks for specialist support, both exceeding the target of 80 per cent.

“A recent report from the Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission backs that wait times have decreased due to there being more specialist mental health workers compared to March 2023.

“These results show that mental health outcomes have improved and continue to improve under this Government.”

Notes to editor:
•    The latest mental health and addiction target factsheets for quarter two 2025/26 can be found here 
 

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/mental-health-workforce-target-exceeded/

Posted on

A significant step forward: the 2026 Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code

Source: Maritime New Zealand

For more than two decades, the Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code (the Code) has been a cornerstone of safe navigation in Aotearoa’s busy commercial ports and harbours.

What began as a commitment to consistency has matured into a strong partnership between Maritime NZ, port operators, and regional councils – one that continues to evolve alongside our environment.

In 2025, the Code Steering Group undertook a full review of the Code to ensure the framework remains practical, relevant, and future focused.

Working with the sector and Code partners, this review ensured the Code remains fit for purpose, with a strong focus on lifting the maturity of our safety management systems. Together, we produced the 2026 edition of The Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code.

This new version represents a major step forward in response to technological change, updated legislation, and increasingly dynamic marine operations.

A key feature of the Code’s evolution is the formalisation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2016 – transforming collaboration into a structured commitment to shared learning and joint responsibility. Through this MoU, Code partners agree to complete annual self‑assessments and participate in peer reviews, forming a foundation of transparency and accountability across the country’s ports and harbours.

While the Code is available to anyone interested in navigation safety, its primary audience remains the Code partners who uphold it. Their dedication to maintaining strong safety practices continues to support safe communities, protect the marine environment, and contribute to the strength of New Zealand’s port‑driven supply chains.

The 2026 edition reflects the collective experience and expertise of this community, making it a practical, forward-looking resource. Most importantly, it continues to uphold the purpose that has guided the Code for 25 years: aligning our efforts, sharing knowledge, and ensuring safe, resilient operating environments across ports and harbours in Aotearoa.

Read The Port and Harbour Marine Safety Code

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/25/a-significant-step-forward-the-2026-port-and-harbour-marine-safety-code/

Posted on

Tough 10 days ahead as Phoenix strive for title

Source: Radio New Zealand

Lucía León of the Wellington Phoenix celebrates. Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz

The Wellington Phoenix women face a tough ten days ahead as they attempt to rewrite history.

The Phoenix will play their final three A-League regular season games in a week and a half, starting with their rescheduled fifth round fixture against the reigning champion Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Wednesday night.

They then play at home against Western Sydney before heading to Adelaide. Win all three and the Phoenix have a chance of being crowned premiers.

They qualified for the play-offs for the first time with the win over Sydney FC at the weekend.

Since joining the League in 2021 their best result was eighth in 2024.

Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman said her side is ready for the challenge.

“Mindset is everything at this point and that’s my job to really dial them into what we can be and what we need to be,” Priestman said.

“Let’s be real that third game in 10 days is not going to be the prettiest football match. We know that, but we have to be willing to do the dirty work (and) the stuff that some teams or players aren’t willing to do.

“When I look in the eyes of the players I’ve got in front of me I believe they want it and I think that’s what it’s going to come down to.

“I also think we have enough depth in the team. You’re going to call on an entire squad and that’s all we’ve done all season with the injuries that we’ve had, so the entire squad is going to be needed.”

Phoenix head coach Bev Priestman. Marty Melville / PHOTOSPORT

Of course Priestman and the players can’t think too far ahead.

“I’ve kept the players focused on the three points in front of us. I know everyone’s job is to talk about what could be, but ultimately we have to turn up for 90 minutes, do the game in front of us and deal with what comes next.

The Mariners have won all five of their previous meetings with the Nix, including a 2-1 victory at a weather-hit Porirua Park last month.

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://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/25/tough-10-days-ahead-as-phoenix-strive-for-title/