Universities Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced two new appointments to the University of Otago Council.
“Universities play a vital role in educating the workforce New Zealand needs and contributing to our country’s economic growth and wellbeing. Strong governance is essential to support that role,” says Dr Reti.
“I am pleased to appoint Chris Hopkins and Dr Peter Bramley as new members of the University of Otago Council.”
Chris Hopkins is a professional director and business mentor with extensive leadership experience as a chief executive and managing director, as well as strong financial management expertise. He is currently Chair of the Dunedin International Airport Board.
Dr Peter Bramley is a consultant and professional director with extensive experience in health management, including serving as chief executive of a former district health board. He has also lectured at both the University of Canterbury and the University of Otago.
“I thank both appointees for taking on these important governance roles and acknowledge outgoing members Malcolm Wong and Hon Clare Curran for their service. Their contributions to the Council are greatly appreciated,” says Dr Reti.
“Effective university councils play a key role in building the skills, knowledge, and leadership New Zealand needs for the future.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received calls for 10 incidents between 12pm and 1pm today, Monday, 2 March, the fifteenth time the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has taken strike action.
Of the 10 incidents, eight were in areas impacted by the strike.
Four of these were fire alarms which did not result in a fire.
One was a medical incident, to which Hato Hone St John responded as per existing contingency plans.
Two were small fires in a bin and a bush, and one was a motor vehicle crash.
Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper thanked Fire and Emergency’s 11,800 volunteers across the country, particularly those volunteers who were called to attend events in areas impacted by the strike.
“I would also like to thank our Operational Commanders and Communication Centre Managers who contributed to the response.”
Ken Cooper also thanked New Zealanders for their extra care during the strike hour.
“It is disappointing the NZPFU continues to escalate its industrial action while we are in facilitation.
“We’ve seen the devastating outcome of fires in Pakuranga and Northcote College in recent weeks during strikes by paid firefighters. The NZPFU continues to gamble with public safety each time they strike,” Ken Cooper says.
“Fire and Emergency has also been seeking an agreed process with NZPFU on how we can respond to emergency situations during these strikes. These NZPFU has rebuffed by these attempts.”
“Fire and Emergency and the NZPFU are currently in a process of facilitation with the Employment Relations Authority’s independent facilitator. We remain engaged with the process in good faith and believe it’s the best chance of coming to a positive sustainable outcome.
“Prior to facilitation, there was a huge gap between what we were offering and NZPFU’s expectations. Fire and Emergency’s offer at the time amounted to a 6.2 percent average increase over three years and compared favourably with equivalent recent public sector agreements, but this was three times less than the NZPFU’s settlement proposal.
“We believe our offer represented a fair and sustainable increase for our people. We continue to call on the NZPFU to call off its now twice-weekly strikes while the process of facilitation takes place. There is no point gambling with the public’s safety while we are engaged in this process,” Ken Cooper says.
“We remain committed to a fair, sustainable, and reasonable settlement with the NZPFU, so we can continue working to keep our communities safe.”
Transporting New Zealand says the road freight industry will be monitoring the risk of fuel supply issues and rising oil prices closely, as conflict in the Middle East pushes up the global price of crude.
Chief Executive Dom Kalasih said diesel is typically the second-largest cost for road freight operators after wages, meaning sustained increases put pressure on transport rates.
“With around 93 per cent of New Zealand’s freight moved by road, changes in diesel prices flow through the supply chain and can ultimately affect the cost of goods for businesses and consumers,” Kalasih said.
“Fuel is also the most volatile cost in our industry. Over recent years, price spikes have contributed to transport cost pressures rising well above CPI.”
Kalasih said it was too early to determine the full impact of the Middle East conflict on New Zealand diesel prices, but urged operators to closely monitor their costs.
“The road freight market is highly competitive, and many businesses operate on tight margins. That limits their ability to absorb cost increases.”
He said operators use a range of approaches to manage fuel volatility.
“Some companies apply a fuel adjustment factor, which allows rates to move up or down in line with fuel prices. Others will need to review their pricing manually.”
Kalasih also noted that the Government requires diesel importers to hold minimum fuel reserves to strengthen national resilience and reduce the risk of supply disruption. Under a decision announced last year, the minimum stockholding obligation for diesel will increase from 21 days to 28 days’ cover from 1 July 2028.
Editorial Notes
New Zealand imports approximately 3,700 million litres of diesel per year, compared to under 3,000 million litres of petrol (MBIE Fuel Security Study 2025).
Approximately 70 per cent of diesel is used by the transport sector. Around 11 per cent is used by industry, 10 per cent by agriculture and fishing, with the remainder consumed by commercial, retail and international shipping sectors (MBIE Fuel Security Study 2025).
A 2024 Commerce Commission analysis found that cost increases for Regular 91 and Premium 95 petrol were passed through to consumers more immediately than cost reductions. This asymmetry was not observed for diesel.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – GOD55 Sports has announced a three-year partnership with the Honda LCR Team, bringing fans across Southeast Asia closer to MotoGP. The collaboration features prominent branding on the bikes of Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira, special event liveries, and exclusive fan-focused content, reflecting a shared commitment to bold performance, precision, and teamwork on and off the track.
Honda LCR x GOD55 Sports Partnership
GOD55 Sports is proud to announce an official partnership with the Honda LCR Team, marking the beginning of an exciting three-year collaboration in MotoGP. This strategic alliance aims to bring fans across Southeast Asia closer to the sport through engaging content and exclusive fan-focused initiatives.
As part of the partnership, GOD55 Sports will provide key support to the Honda LCR Team across the 2026, 2027, and 2028 MotoGP seasons. The GOD55 Sports logo will be featured prominently on the Honda RC213V machines ridden by Johann Zarco and 2025 Moto2 World Champion Diogo Moreira, as well as across the team’s official apparel and assets.
To further celebrate the collaboration, a special GOD55 Sports livery will be unveiled on Johann Zarco’s bike at two marquee events: the Italian Grand Prix from May 29 to 31, and the Indonesian Grand Prix from October 9 to 11. These special liveries will highlight the partnership on some of MotoGP’s most iconic stages while strengthening GOD55 Sports’ presence within the global racing community.
Richard Green, CEO of GOD55 Sports, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating,
“We are truly honored to partner with Honda LCR Team, a team that embodies the spirit of daring, precision, and excellence in MotoGP. We congratulate Lucio Cecchinello on his recent appointment as Chairman of the International Road Racing Teams Association (IRTA), a testament to his leadership and vision in the sport. We are equally excited to welcome 2025 Moto2 World Champion Diogo Moreira at Honda LCR Team. Combined with the steady brilliance of Johann Zarco… (this) makes for a truly dynamic lineup. This team perfectly exemplifies our philosophy at GOD55 Sports: be bold, dare to win, and push the limits with trust and teamwork. We look forward to supporting Honda LCR with our belief in one simple approach for this fresh new season: make it fast, keep it safe, and win it big!”
Honda LCR Team Principal Lucio Cecchinello also welcomed the partnership, saying,
“We are very excited about this new partnership that will allow us to get closer and closer to the South-Asian motorsport enthusiasts. This is already a greatly passionate audience, and we can’t wait to work alongside GOD55 Sports in order to create contents and dedicated events for them. We would like to thank the Company for their support, and we’ll do our best to represent their colors in the 2026 MotoGP World Championship and beyond.”
Built to connect Southeast Asian fans with the global sporting stage, GOD55 Sports covers MotoGP, football, Formula 1, badminton, and basketball. Beyond delivering breaking news and in-depth analysis, the platform focuses on telling the stories behind the sport, offering trusted, timely, and locally relevant content with a global perspective.
This partnership with the Honda LCR Team represents another important step in GOD55 Sports’ mission to celebrate sport, bring fans closer to the action, and support world-class competition on the biggest stages.
LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 March 2026 – At this year’s British Academy Film Awards, the red carpet was illuminated with natural diamonds worn by some of the acting world’s most beloved stars, with Desert diamonds reigning supreme.
Desert diamond hues take centre stage on the red carpet at the 79th British Academy Film Awards. From top left to bottom right: Nathalie Emmanuel, Gillian Anderson, Archie Madekwe, Audrey Nuna, Regé-Jean Page
In evocative shades of champagne, honey, cognac, brown, and whiskey, these unique colours were seen on some of our most beloved actors and actresses- showcased in an exquisite array of cuts and designs, they blended timeless elegance with contemporary style.
Gillian Anderson, together with Nathalie Emmanuel, led the Desert diamond way with striking diamonds by Brazilian jeweller Ara Vartanian. Gillian woreasymmetric stone earrings featuring exceptional brown and white diamonds with complementing rings, whilst Nathalie wore an elongated drop earrings punctuated with brown diamonds, a bracelet and rings. K-Pop Demon Hunter star Audrey Nuna wore Desert diamond ear climbers from ANANYA.
Once reserved for jewellery boxes, brooches have become a go-to on the red carpet amongst the most decerning of wearers- Rising Star nomineeArchie Madekwe paired his custom Dior suit with Ara Vartanian white diamond brooch and Desert diamond vintage rings whilst Regé-Jean Page looked to fauna as his inspiration in a Desert diamond dragonfly brooch by Hirsh London.
Poppy Delevingne attended the British Vogue and GǪ Fashion and Film Party adorned in Desert diamonds by Ara Vartanian
Actress and Model Poppy Delevingne attended the British Vogue and GǪ Fashion and Film Party adorned in Desert diamonds by Ara Vartanian.
For the occasion, Poppy chose to wear a curated selection of pieces in Desert diamond hues, included a striking necklace from the new Empirea collection, set with 17.34 carats of brown diamonds.
These extraordinary moments on the red carpet remind us that natural diamonds are born of the wild, their enduring beauty and unique nature express both style and glamour, as well as timelessness and cultural legacy.
Headline: Wāhine Māori overrepresented in the criminal justice system
MEDIA RELEASE
24 February 2026
Māori women are disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system, and this increases the further they progress through the system, a new factsheet from the Ministry of Justice shows.
“While wāhine Māori make up 15 percent of women in Aotearoa New Zealand, they continue to be disproportionately represented at every stage of the criminal justice system,” says Rebecca Parish, the Ministry of Justice’s General Manager, Sector Insights.
“Our research shows that wāhine Māori are disproportionately represented at every point of the justice system, with a higher proportion (compared to the overall population of women) coming through courts, being remanded in custody and sentenced to imprisonment.”
The analysis shows that the disproportionality increases as wāhine Māori move through the system. Wāhine Māori made up 44 percent of all women who were proceeded against by police, 49 percent of women entering court, 66 percent of women remanded in custody, and 71 percent of women sentenced to imprisonment.
The factsheet provides early visibility on the work to understand where disproportionality – the over-representation of one group in relation to others – occurs and where change is likely to have the most impact.
While some of the disproportionality can be explained by factors such as seriousness and history of offending, a proportion remains unexplained, particularly at later stages in the system.
This indicates that the system’s response to wāhine Māori contributes to some of this disproportionality. Discretionary decisions made within the justice system, and therefore within the system’s control, contribute to this unexplained proportion.
Reducing disproportionality of Māori in the criminal justice system overall is a priority strategic goal for the Ministry. Wāhine Māori are the focus of the first stage of this work, with the justice sector exploring options to improve information provided to decision makers across the system, for system’s responses to be well informed and aligned to the needs and circumstances of wāhine Māori.
“This is partly because ensuring equitable outcomes for wāhine Māori have broader positive impacts on whānau and communities, including improved youth outcomes and reduced pressure on other government support systems,” Ms Parish says.
“Ongoing analysis will help us monitor the impact of this work, and how best to continue addressing the disproportionality of wāhine Māori in the criminal justice system.”
Key Findings:
In the year to June 2025, wāhine Māori made up 15 percent of women in Aotearoa New Zealand, yet they represent:
44 percent of women who were proceeded against by Police
49 percent of women who entered court
66 percent of women who were remanded in custody
71 percent of women who were sentenced to imprisonment.
Public consultation runs from 2–30 March 2026 following a review by DOC and Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū on the effectiveness of the current Sanctuary rules at protecting marine mammals, and how they could work better.
“We always intended to observe, learn and adapt when we created the Sanctuary in 2021,” says DOC Regional Director, Sue Reed-Thomas. “Now we have new science and monitoring data to guide us. This proposal is about refining our approach so our effort is focused where it will make the greatest difference for dolphins.”
The Sanctuary rules regulate how humans out naturing on the water interact with marine mammals, particularly bottlenose dolphins, to protect them from harmful disturbances.
The current rules are:
People must keep out of the water within 300 m of all marine mammals (dolphins, whales, seals)
Vessels must maintain a 300 m distance from all marine mammals and stop if the person in charge becomes aware of any marine mammal closer than 300 m. Vessels must remain stopped until any marine mammal is more than 300 m away; and
Vessels must observe a 5-knot speed limit in two marine mammal safe zones.
Recent surveys and scientific studies found dolphins in the Sanctuary were rarely present in the two safe zones. High-use areas are largely outside the safe zones but still within the Sanctuary. This suggests DOC focusing its efforts on other management measures will be a more effective way to support the recovery of dolphin populations.
The work also concluded that, except for commercial operators holding a marine mammal permit, compliance with the Sanctuary management measures is mixed, recording high levels of non-compliance with speed restrictions by powered vessels in the two safe zones.
“Removing the safe zones would allow us to focus protection where dolphins actually are – targeting education, compliance and enforcement around the measures that matter most,” says Sue.
“This is about smarter protection, informed by science and experience.”
DOC and Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū recommended the Minister of Conservation begin a statutory process to propose removing the safe zones, while maintaining the other management measures. The Minister has agreed to initiate the process.
“Together, we can take meaningful steps to ensure these taonga species are protected for generations to come,” says Kipa Munro, Chair of Ngā Hapū o Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Protection Advisory Committee Rōpū.
“Our Rōpū members have played an important role in safeguarding our taonga utilising methods and kōrero that have also been passed down from our tūpuna.”
Public consultation begins on Monday, 2 March 2026 and will run for 28 days, concluding midnight Monday, 30 March.
Submissions will be collated and presented to the Minister of Conservation to inform his decisions on the proposals.
Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s award-winning teaching and research facility Te Toka Tū Moana—Coastal Ecology Laboratory in Island Bay is hosting its annual open day on Saturday 7 March from 10 am–3 pm.
Part of Seaweek, Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual celebration of the sea, the annual open day provides a rare chance to explore the lab, as it is only open to the public once a year.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or are interested in marine biology as a potential field of study, this educational open day offers engaging activities for all.
Visitors will have the opportunity to discover aspects of Aotearoa’s marine world, with displays showcasing marine biology research conducted at Victoria University, live local marine organisms to look at close-up, and a virtual reality diving experience. Staff, researchers and students will be on hand to answer questions and run a free sausage sizzle.
The laboratory, which supports coastal ecology research within the University’s School of Biological Sciences, is known for its award-winning facilities and world-class research.
Laboratory director Dr Alice Rogers says, “Everyone at the Coastal Ecology Laboratory is excited about opening the doors on Saturday 7 March to reveal the nature of our work here. There is a lot for people of any age to discover, and it’s a great opportunity for our PhD students to showcase some of the innovative research projects that are made possible by the lab’s flow-through seawater system.
“This equipment allows our team to ask important questions—for example, about ocean warming or extreme temperature events, and their impacts on marine organisms.”
New research vessel Kauneke, which has been custom-built for the School of Biological Sciences’ unique teaching and research requirements in coastal ecology in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, will also be on display.
There is plenty of free street parking close by or take the No. 29 bus to stop 7156. The laboratory has wheelchair access and a mobility carpark.
From today, more people in Wānaka will be able to access routine diagnostic imaging closer to home, with publicly funded X-ray and ultrasound services now available locally, Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey say.
“Until now, patients in Wānaka who were referred by their GP or primary care provider for a funded X-ray or ultrasound have not been able to receive those services locally,” Mr Brown says.
“That has meant travelling outside of Wānaka for routine diagnostic tests, adding time, cost, and stress for patients and their families.
“From today, GPs and other primary care providers can refer patients for funded imaging right here in Wānaka. This will help people access the tests they need more quickly and begin treatment sooner.”
The new service is expected to provide around 1400 X-rays and 1500 ultrasounds over the next 18 months, significantly expanding access to essential diagnostic testing across the region.
“This expansion has been delivered through outsourcing arrangements that increase local capacity and make better use of available services, ensuring patients can receive timely diagnosis and treatment closer to home.”
Mr Doocey says the new service directly responds to feedback gathered during last year’s 13 Rural Health Roadshows.
“At the Wānaka roadshow, the community made it clear that access to diagnostic tests was a major barrier to care,” Mr Doocey says.
“We’ve listened to that feedback and taken practical action. This is about delivering real improvements that rural communities can see and feel.
“People living in Central Otago deserve timely, quality healthcare close to home. Changes like this reduce unnecessary travel and ensure patients can access reliable services in their own community.
“Where you live shouldn’t determine how quickly you can access the care you need. We are focused on practical solutions that strengthen rural health services and improve access for New Zealanders across the country.”
Note to editors:
Patients must be referred through the existing Community Referred Radiology Programme.
Urgent imaging will continue to be provided at Dunstan Hospital in Clyde.
The Aged Care Association welcomes the successful ratification of new collective agreements for Public Health and Mental Health nurses employed by Health New Zealand.
“We are pleased for these nurses and acknowledge the important role they play in supporting communities across New Zealand,” says Tracey Martin, Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association.
“At the same time, it is important that Government recognises that aged residential care nurses look after some of the most clinically complex and acute New Zealanders outside of hospital settings. They support residents with high levels of frailty, multiple co-morbidities, advanced dementia, and palliative care needs, and they do so while also supporting families at what is often one of the most distressing times in their lives.”
Aged residential care nurses are a critical part of New Zealand’s health continuum, providing 24/7 clinical care to approximately 40,000 older New Zealanders nationwide.
Ms Martin said that as the primary funder of aged residential care services, Government must ensure that funding settings reflect both the value of the workforce and the full cost of delivering care.
“We support pay recognition for nurses and care staff. However, it is important that workforce-related uplifts are additional to, not instead of, adjustments to the underlying bed-day rate,” she said.
“Many providers are currently operating below the true cost of care. When a general uplift is fully prescribed to wages, it leaves no capacity to address rising food, utilities, insurance, compliance and capital costs. That places ongoing pressure on service sustainability.”
Sustainable aged care funding requires both fair workforce remuneration and realistic contract pricing.
“Aged care is health care. If we are serious about preparing for a future with a significantly increased number of older New Zealanders, funding must reflect the real cost of delivering high-quality, 24-hour clinical care in residential settings.”
The Association is calling on Government to ensure that upcoming annual funding adjustments recognise both workforce requirements and the structural sustainability of the sector.
Pirongia was struck by intense rainfall on 13 and 14 February and several DOC tracks and assets on the maunga were flooded or damaged. Waipā District, where the popular forest park is located, remained under a State of Emergency until 28 February.
DOC’s Waikato Operations Manager Niwha Jones says his staff have completed the majority of the post-storm assessments across the forest park, with only sections of the Tirohanga and Hihikiwi tracks still to be checked due to road restrictions around the maunga.
“Early findings show several tracks appear to be less affected by that weather event, with mainly surface flooding, debris, and treefall to address,” Niwha says.
“Once our safety checks are completed, minor remediation work is expected to enable us to reopen some routes to the Kaniwhaniwha Campsite and Pahautea Hut, including the Ruapane Track and sections of the Tirohanga Track.
“We’re hopeful we can reopen those to the public in the next few weeks.”
Niwha says other parts of the Pirongia track network have suffered substantial damage. The Bell Track, Mahaukura Track, Mangakara Nature Walk, and Tahuanui Track have all been severely impacted, with multiple slips, destroyed structures, and areas where the track has been washed away.
These sites will require a more detailed geotechnical assessment and careful logistical planning and are likely to remain closed for some time. Some of the repair work will be undertaken by DOC staff. Where tracks are assessed as viable to repair and needing more complex repairs, experts will be contracted and specialist machinery is likely to be brought in.
Updates will be provided as further assessments are completed and reopening timeframes become clearer.
In the meantime, Niwha asked for public patience and understanding while Waikato DOC staff continue their response and assess each site to gain the full Pirongia recovery picture and put robust plans in place.
“Public safety is the number one priority for DOC, and we want to make the right decisions and to include the whakaaro of our hapuu,” Niwha says.
“Where tracks are closed, we are urging the public to respect those closures and explore other locations around the district to enjoy naturing.”
People can visit the DOC website pages for individual tracks for the latest updates. Website pages carry alerts on closures, detours or other information people need to be aware of.
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
Counties Manukau Police investigating the wilful damage of a number of Hato Hone St John Ambulances are appealing for any information to assist in our enquiries.
Senior Sergeant Roelof Burger says Police believe the offenders have unlawfully entered the gated yard of St John’s Manukau Station on the corner of Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Road on Saturday night.
“While in the yard the offenders have punctured five tyres on three vehicles using a sharp object, rendering them inoperable.”
Police are incredibly disappointed with the irresponsible behaviour shown by these individuals.
“These are destructive actions, and consequences of actions such as this can put people’s lives at risk.
“As the vehicles are inoperable for a period of time, this impacts St John’s ability to respond to those who are in need of medical attention within our community.”
Andy Everiss, Hato Hone St John, District Operations Manager – Auckland, says it’s disappointing individuals have vandalised the ambulances in an unwarranted attack.
“These ambulance vehicles are a vital part of how we continue to support and serve the local community.
“These actions show great disrespect to our people, who rely on these vehicles to do lifesaving work every day.
“Thankfully, this incident did not severely impact our emergency ambulance response, and we remain available to respond in an emergency.”
Police are conducting enquiries into the incident to identify and locate those responsible, and would like to hear from anyone who may have information in relation to the incident.
“We would also like to hear from anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in the wider Plunket Avenue and Wiri Station Road areas,” Senior Sergeant Burger says.
Information can be provided to Police online through 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number P065611930.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
Designated pharmacist prescribers have met specific requirements and are registered in an additional scope of practice by the Pharmacy Council. They work in collaborative multidisciplinary teams and only prescribe medicines within their specific area of practice, from a gazetted list of specified prescription medicines.
The Ministry of Health (the Ministry), on behalf of the Director-General of Health, working with the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand, is responsible for establishing and maintaining the gazetted specified prescription medicines list.
The specified prescription medicines list needs to be updated from time to time as additional medicines become available.
When updating the list of specified prescription medicines, the Director-General must consult with those organisations or bodies that appear to the Director-General to be representative of persons likely to be substantially affected by the publication of the list of specified prescription medicines.
The Ministry undertook a consultation on the Pharmacy Council’s proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines list from 18 September to 17 October 2025.
This publication provides the analysis of submissions on the proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines lists for designated pharmacist prescribers and Schedule 1B of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 consultation.
Designated registered nurse prescribers in primary health and speciality team have met specific training and practise requirements set by the Nursing Council of New Zealand (Nursing Council). They work in collaborative multidisciplinary teams and only prescribe medicines within their specific area of practice, from a gazetted list of specified prescription medicines.
The Ministry of Health (the Ministry), on behalf of the Director-General of Health, working with the Nursing Council, is responsible for establishing and maintaining the gazetted specified prescription medicines list.
The specified prescription medicines list needs to be updated from time to time as additional medicines become available.
When updating the list of specified prescription medicines, the Director-General must consult with those organisations or bodies that appear to the Director-General to be representative of persons likely to be substantially affected by the publication of the list of specified prescription medicines.
The Ministry undertook a consultation on the Nursing Council’s proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines list from 18 September to 17 October 2025.
This publication provides the analysis of submissions on the proposed amendments to the specified prescription medicines list for designated registered nurse prescribers and Schedule 1A of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1977 consultation.
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the successful ratification of two new collective agreements for members of the Public Service Association (PSA), covering Public Health Nurses and Mental Health Nurses in Auckland and the Rest of New Zealand.
“I am pleased for the approximately 3500 nurses employed by Health New Zealand who will benefit from these agreements. These nurses play a critical role in delivering public health services and supporting people with mental health needs in communities across the country,” Mr Brown says.
The 24-month agreements provide around 3500 nurses with a 2.5 per cent salary increase in year one and a 2 per cent increase in year two. Nurses will also receive a one-off lump sum payment of $800, and Enrolled Nurses will receive a $2,000 flat-rate increase on the top step of their pay scale.
The agreements include an increase to the professional development allowance for Nurse Practitioners, supporting ongoing training and career progression. There is also a commitment to recruit more than 550 additional nursing positions in this financial year to strengthen frontline services.
“Nurses are at the heart of our health system. They make a real difference for patients and families every day, often in complex and challenging environments. I want to thank them for the dedication and professionalism they bring to their work, and for always putting patients at the centre of what they do.”
This ratification follows the recent approval of collective agreements for APEX pharmacy members, APEX psychologists, PSA Allied Public Health, Scientific and Technical members, and APEX dietitians.
“I want to acknowledge Health New Zealand and the unions for their constructive engagement in reaching these agreements, which provide certainty for staff and help ensure New Zealanders can continue to receive the care they need.”
Every emergency department in the country now has access to an artificial intelligence scribe tool, marking a major milestone in reducing administrative burden and freeing up frontline clinicians to focus more on patient care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“AI scribe technology is now live in all emergency departments across New Zealand, with the rapid rollout to 1250 ED doctors and frontline staff complete – 250 more than originally announced following a successful pilot last year,” Mr Brown says.
“This places New Zealand among the fastest health systems in the world to move from pilot to nationwide frontline AI use in emergency departments, helping clinicians spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork.”
Results from the initial pilot highlighted the practical impact of the technology. Doctors using the AI tool were able to see, on average, one additional patient per shift as a result of time saved on documentation.
“That means faster care for patients and shorter waiting times in our emergency departments, while also reducing pressure and cognitive load on busy clinicians.”
Early feedback from the nationwide rollout has also been encouraging.
“After one month of use at Middlemore Emergency Department, 80 per cent of surveyed staff said the AI scribe improved productivity or efficiency, and 84 per cent said it had a positive impact on their overall experience and wellbeing during a shift.”
Following strong interest from clinicians, Health New Zealand is now progressing approval of more than 1000 additional licences, predominantly for use by mental health teams.
Mr Brown says delivering modern digital tools that make a real difference for patients and staff is a priority for the Government.
“AI will never replace clinical skill or judgement, but it will play an increasingly important role in supporting frontline healthcare staff and helping patients access care faster and more efficiently, now and into the future.
“We will continue investing in digital technology that puts patients at the centre of the healthcare system, improving access to care, and delivering better health outcomes for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.
More than 3,500 Mental Health Nurses, Public Health Nurses and Mental Health Assistants who are members of the PSA have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective agreement with Te Whatu Ora Health NZ.
The agreement was reached after eighteen months of bargaining involving 32 days of bargaining and mediation, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The new collective is a testament to the resolve and resilience of members in the face of an unnecessarily protracted bargaining process and unrealistic initial offers,” Fitzsimons said.
“To break the impasse these workers went on strike during the Mega Strike on 23 October 2025 as well as a further strike in November. This settlement is a result of these workers standing together to take collective action.”
Workers will receive a pay increase of 2.5 per cent in year one from December 2025 and a further 2 per cent from December 2026. The agreement also includes an $800 lump sum payment for staff, in recognition of the length of time it took to conclude bargaining.
The new collective started to address workers’ concerns about safe staffing levels, staff shortages and slow recruitment for vacancies.
Mental Health Nurses, Public Health Nurses, and Mental Health Assistants deliver essential care to New Zealanders every day, working in highly stressful environments. This settlement recognises the value of their work and the role they play keeping a health system, which is under significant strain, functioning as well as it does.”
“This ratification result is a step forward but major problems remain in our health system caused by the Government imposing job losses on Health New Zealand and failing to fund our health system properly,” Fitzsimons said.
“All political parties must commit to a properly funded public health system that ensures safe staffing levels, and delivers quality care for all New Zealanders, as well as pay equity for under-valued health workers,” Fitzsimons said.
This is the second significant health collective agreement that was settled last week, after the Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical covering over 12,000 allied health workers was ratified on Tuesday (Feb 24).
Voting is shortly to be held on a third health Collective for policy, advisory, knowledge and specialist workers.
The PSA represents more than 26,000 workers employed by Health NZ.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahiis Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, public health and community groups.
Most of us are online, a lot – but not all of us are having the same experience, new research from InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa shows.
Internet Insights is an annual survey commissioned by InternetNZ that acts as a pulse check on Aotearoa New Zealand’s Internet use and community.
The 2025 survey showed Māori, Pacific peoples and people with disabilities have different perceptions of and experiences of online life.
Respondents with a disability or an impairment were significantly more likely to have experienced online harm or harassment – 27 percent compared to the average of 15 percent. Māori were also more likely than average to have experienced online harm or harassment, at 20 percent.
Pacific peoples answering the survey were significantly more concerned than other ethnicities about online harm issues, including cyberbullying, the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messages and as a forum for hate speech.
InternetNZ chief executive Vivien Maidaborn said whether it’s online or offline, people’s experiences of the online world vary hugely.
“This is just a snapshot of Internet experiences in Aotearoa, but it very likely reflects the lived experiences of Māori, Pacific peoples and people with a disability. The Internet often mirrors society, which unfortunately means discrimination is as present online as it is offline.”
Pacific peoples and people with disabilities were also more likely to hold concerns about limited Internet access for those in low socio-economic groups, the cost of the Internet and access in remote areas.
“This concern bears out in other data too,” says Maidaborn. “We know around 400,000 households lack meaningful digital access, and the barrier is often the cost of devices and connections. There’s still quite significant digital inequity in this country, despite the ever-growing influence the digital world has on our lives.”
Forty-four percent of those surveyed felt they had some awareness and understanding of the digital divide. One in four New Zealanders believe that central government should have primary responsibility for ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can participate fully online, though one in five believe it’s a shared responsibility between government and community.
“Our vision at InternetNZ is for an Internet that benefits all New Zealanders. This report shows again that we still have some way to go and that it will take multiple stakeholders across government and community to achieve this.”
Key findings from Internet Insights 2025:
15 percent say they have experienced online harm or harassment – New Zealanders with a disability or impairment (27 percent compared to the average of 15 percent) and Māori (20 percent) are more likely to have experienced online harm or harassment.
Māori (64%) and Pacific peoples (80%) are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messaging. The average across all ethnicities was 61 percent.
44 percent of respondents had some awareness and understanding of the digital divide. The perceived barriers to digital participation were primarily the cost of Internet connections and data, and the costs of devices.
One in four New Zealanders believes the central government should have primary responsibility for ensuring everyone in Aotearoa can participate fully online. One in five say it’s a shared responsibility across multiple groups.
21 percent are not confident they could get support for a digital task.
Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.
The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns.
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa is the home and guardian of the .nz domain. We’re not government-funded – we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation that operates .nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders, reinvesting domain revenue back into the community. We provide grants, help to fund other organisations, and advocate for an accessible and safe Internet that benefits everyone in Aotearoa.
New Zealanders are still spending hours of their personal time online each day, despite a steady decline in positive sentiment about the Internet, new research shows.
The latest Internet Insights, annual research commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa, reveals that nearly half (47 percent) of New Zealanders spend four or more hours a day on the Internet.
Less than three-quarters (72 percent) of Internet users feel the positives of the Internet outweigh its negatives. This figure has been in steady decline since 2019, when 90 percent felt there were more positives than negatives.
Fewer people think the Internet has a positive impact on cultural beliefs and values now too – 32 percent think it has a positive impact, down five percentage points in two years.
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa chief executive Vivien Maidaborn says the research shows the increasingly complex relationship people have with the Internet.
“Love it or hate it, we’re all using the Internet a great deal in our work and personal lives. It’s become so integral to our day-to-day, I think most of us would struggle to get by without it. But that doesn’t mean it’s something we enjoy engaging with, and this complexity is increasing year on year.”
New Zealanders are concerned about a broad range of Internet issues, the research shows.
Seventy-one percent are extremely or very concerned about young children being able to access inappropriate content, 65 percent are concerned about the security of their personal data, and 64 percent are concerned about misinformation.
“This is the first time we have seen misinformation in the top three concerns,” says Maidaborn. “It shows increasing awareness of the critical eye and media literacy needed as an Internet user, which is a good thing, but it likely also reflects the increasing amount of misinformation online, including this new wave of unidentifiable AI-generated misinformation.”
Key Internet Insights 2025 findings:
47 percent of respondents spend four or more hours of their personal time a day on the Internet.
Internet users primarily spend this time on social media, emails and streaming TV & music.
Key concerns for Internet users are:
71 percent are concerned about young children being able to access inappropriate content.
65 percent are concerned about the security of their personal data.
64 percent are concerned about misinformation.
Some groups are more concerned about specific aspects of the Internet:
70% of Maori are extremely or very concerned about identity theft
87% of Pacific peoples are extremely or very concerned about young children accessing inappropriate content online.
Māori (64%) and Pacific peoples (80%) are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being used to share dangerous or discriminatory messaging.
48% of people aged 30-49 are extremely or very concerned about the Internet being distracting or a waste of time.
76% of people aged 70+ are extremely or very concerned about the security of personal data.
Less than a third of respondents say they know where to report concerning, harmful or dangerous content.
About the research
Internet Insights is an annual research report commissioned by InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa. The 2025 research was carried out by Verian, with interviews conducted between November 25 and December 8, 2025.
The sample size was 1003 and consisted of New Zealanders over the age of 18 sourced using online consumer panels. Results have a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percent.
The research covers a range of topics, including Internet use, social media use, and Internet-related concerns.
InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa is the home and guardian of the .nz domain. We’re not government-funded – we’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation that operates .nz for the benefit of all New Zealanders, reinvesting domain revenue back into the community. We provide grants, help to fund other organisations, and advocate for an accessible and safe Internet that benefits everyone in Aotearoa.